Solution to Ensure Safety of Schoolgoers?

n Eoin Meegan the devil will be in the detail

T
raffic congestion has gencies) at the Sandford
long been a nightmare Road end of the street. This
on Belmont Avenue, means that all of Belmont
Donnybrook, a source of Avenue would remain two-
great frustration to the resi- way, but access would be
dents there. This is espe- limited to walking, cycling
cially acute at peak hours, and emergency access at
and when children are being the Sandford Road end.
dropped off and collected
from school; St Mary’s Pri- The council report said: “The
mary School is located on preferred option to be im-
the avenue. To circumvent plemented for a six month
traffic coming in the opposite trial appears to be Option 2
direction motorists regularly Filtered Permeability. This
mount the pavement, thus received the highest level
putting the lives of those chil- of support (44% of all re-
dren in immediate danger. spondents; rising to 57% of
respondents for those liv-
Earlier this year parents with ing in Belmont Avenue).”
children attending St Mary’s
held a ‘pavement protest’, However, this option was
which saw them line the not chosen, it would seem
footpath blocking cars from after objections by some
mounting, while carrying residents of the aforemen-
modate the two-way traffic. er the most obvious solution short section of Belmont Ave-
placards demanding “pave- tioned adjacent roads; their
would be to create a one-way nue, from the Sandford Road
ments are for pedestrians.” concerns, that access traf-
Councillor Deirdre Conroy system with one of the two end of the street to Belmont
fic would spill over to their
said in a motion to the coun- adjacent streets running par- Gardens be one-way for mo-
One protestor said: “The is- streets. The council Traffic
cil that “there have been a allel with Belmont, Egling- torists, with a contra-flow cy-
sue is that the footpath is Section then recommended
number of near misses with ton Road or Marlborough cle lane for people cycling.
very narrow and I can’t get Option 1 – Restricted Access
pedestrians including small Road. However, apparently (see diagram) on page 2.
my double buggy down it at for safety reasons – for a trial
children,” and warned “it is there have been some ob-
particular points because the period. And at a meeting of
only a matter of time before jections from these quarters. Option 2 includes filtered
lampposts are too close.” the Area Committee of Dub-
something worse happens.” permeability (a system
The narrow, tortuous av- lin City Council last month
During a recent Public Con- which filters out through
enue which runs from Don- this option was passed, to
This issue has been ongoing sultation the following two traffic while maintaining ac-
nybrook village to Sandford take effect from June 1 for
for the best part of two dec- options were proposed: cessibility for local inhabit-
Road, has parking on one a trial period of six months.
ades. To the outside onlook- Option 1 proposed that a ants, deliveries and emer-
side, and can barely accom-

IN THIS IS S U E …
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Page 2 www.newsfour.ie April/ May 2022

This will allow traffic to go up or otherwise will not be ap-

the full length of Belmont Av- parent until the second half
enue from Donnybrook Road of the trial period, when the
and exit onto Sandford Road. schools open again in Sep-
NewsFour Newspaper It will allow two-way traffic tember. In any event it allevi-
is part of a DEASP internally from Belmont Gar- ates the situation somewhat
Community Employment dens (and the new houses) by restricting the two-way
Programme down. The committee also traffic to anyone living on
agreed to meet every two Belmont Avenue, or visiting
NewsFour months during the trial to re-
view the project and analyse
there, cuts back on ‘rat run-
ning’, and makes it safer for
the impact. And to continue, the children going to school.
Editor
where possible, to seek inter-
Eoin Meegan
ventions on the parallel roads It’s hard to find a solution
and any other viable options. that accommodates every-
Online Editor one in cases like these, but
Geneva Pattison Local Councillor Dermot the safety of our children
Lacey told NewsFour: “As should be the first priority.
Journalists a Councillor for the area for Let’s see how this trial pe-
Peter McNamara many years I have been try- riod works out, and then,
David Prendeville ing to find a solution that if needs be a more perma-
Dermot Carmody works – let’s see how this nent solution must be found.
Brian Quinn impacts – my commitment
Louise Whelan is and always has been to
work with everyone on solv-
Contributors ing problems. I know this is
Gavan Bergin not perfect but to be honest
Teresa Weafer I don’t know what else is.”
Ken Richardson
Theresa Doyle While it may not be the per-
Christy Doyle fect solution, the fact that the
Carol Coulter long-running issue is being Images: centre picture courtesy
Ruth O’ Leary addressed at all must be wel- IrishCycle.com; others courte-
comed. However, its success sy Karen Morgan, Dublin Live.
Crossword
Gemma Byrne
The Editor’s Corner
Design and Layout

T
Gary Burke here is only one topic viting them into their homes Leaving Certs can be a time (9), and Barretstown House
dominating the news like they were family. Trucks of great anxiety for many (17), and acknowledge the
Ad Design now, the war in Ukraine. loaded with food and other young people, seen almost outstanding work they, and
Dara O Riordain The idea of one nation invad- goods have left these shores as an initiation rite to enter others do. And we salute the
ing another is something we in recent weeks, and despite the world of adulthood. The Royal National Lifeboat In-
Photo Diary Design thought we left behind in the our own domestic problems, governments latest plans stitute, and the Irish Under-
Gary Burke Middle Ages. Sadly we were the welcome the Ukrainian for this years Leaving Cert water Search & Recovery,
wrong. Putin’s fragile ego people have received in this comes under scrutiny on two organisations that save
Sandymount has caused untold suffering country has been second to page (6), while elsewhere lives at sea, upon receiving
Community Services, to hundreds of thousands of none. Here the government we weigh up the merits awards (25). So even in this
13A Fitzwilliam Street, people; most unforgiving is is talking about fast-tracking of same-sex versus coed hellish nightmare the world
Ringsend, Dublin 4. his callous disregard for chil- the building of new homes to schools; both models hav- has been plunged into we still
dren. To see hospitals and deal with the expected influx ing a lot to offer. (32-3) And find so much good, so many
Telephone: (01)6673317 health centres being bombed, of refugees. For this they are to complement that theme, people making a difference.
and the look of perpetual ter- to be lauded, it’s just a pity our fiction section takes a There is much kindness
E-mail: ror in innocent young eyes such innovative thinking, fol- compassionate look at that and goodness in humanity,
newsfour@gmail.com is heart-wrenching. Children lowing by swift action couldn’t ritual in a family setting. (23) and much to be proud of.
deserve to grow up in a hap- also be evident in peace
Website:
py carefree world. To play times. We stand in silent vigil And turning to mental health, So, however you celebrate
and laugh and be children, at the immense bravery and we look at an exciting project Easter, if at all, we at News-
www.newsfour.ie
not have cruise missiles rain courage of the Ukrainian from Walk In My Shoes, along Four would like to extend
down on them. This is simply people, in the face of such with a new initiative from warm holiday greetings to
Opinions expressed in NewsFour
unacceptable and will remain unprovoked aggression. And Mental Health Ireland, (4) all you. We are all refugees in
do not necessarily represent
forever a blight on Russia. let us not forget the coura- about saying Hello. One sim- one way or another. And to
the views of Sandymount
geous Afghan girls too who ple word that can make such those of you who find your
Community Services.
And yet the response from are now being denied the a difference to people. Else- way to our shores I know you
ordinary people to this butch- basic right of an education. where we welcome the return will be greeted with that re-
Printed by ery has been awe-inspiring. in physical form of perennials nowned Irish welcome, and
Webprint, All across Europe people are And education is a theme in such as Darkness into Light hope that at last you rec-
Mahon, Co. Cork reaching out to strangers, in- this issue. The Junior and (15), the Women’s Marathon ognise you’ve found some-
where you can call home.
www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 Page 3
 Page 4 WELLBEING www.newsfour.ie April/ May 2022

Hello, How Are You?

We are delighted to introduce our You could pick up the phone
national mental health promotion and call a family member or
campaign: Hello, How Are You? friend, or meet someone for
coffee. You may also want to
support a Hello, How Are You?
How often do you say it, how of-
ten are you asked? What if we
We have great resources and
really asked and really listened!
information to give you the
confidence to signpost some-
one to further supports & ser-
Rolling out nationwide on vices, should you need them.
April 7th we are inviting you to
say Hello, ask someone how
they are, and really mean it. Download the FREE Hello, How
Are You? resources at https://
hellohowareyou.info/
Start by following these sim-
ple steps: H.E.L.L.O.
Help us spread the word to get
everyone talking by following
us on Social Media and us-
Get Involved
ing the #HelloHowAreYou now
We are inviting community and right up until Hello, How
There are lots of ways you
groups, workplaces and organi- Are You? Day April 7th (Click
can get involved in the Hello,
sations across the county to the social icons to follow us).
How are You? Day, April 7th.
get involved and host an event
like a coffee morning, a work
shop or a walk. No event is too
small to start conversations and
to say Hello, How Are You?

Walk in my Shoes Launches Ways to Wellbeing Initiative Shoes School Portal, and we
were delighted to see all the
lin 8, and at a time when it
was really needed. The Ways
n David Prendeville

A
incredible connections that to Wellbeing project was a
s part of its Ways to to the Walk in My Shoes’ Older Persons in October were built between students focal point of our Wellbeing
Wellbeing initiative, School Portal. An exhibi- 2021, with students ranging and their elders in the com- Week, and throughout the
Walk in My Shoes, the tion of a selection of these from Junior Infants to Tran- munity, as well as to see what week, our school garden be-
flagship awareness-raising projects was on display in sition Year classes taking students had learned about came a daily haven for laugh-
campaign of St Patrick’s the Art Space of St Patrick’s part. Participants were based mental health and wellbeing.” ter, advice and wisdom.”
Mental Health Services, re- University Hospital in Dublin in one secondary school
cently launched an art exhi- 8 for service users and staff and three primary schools Students were encouraged Teacher Jennifer Dolan from
bition showcasing projects of St Patrick’s, from 2 Feb- in Dublin 8: Scoil Treasa to actively engage with older Scoil Treasa Naofa added:
that focused on building con- ruary to 16 March. Due to Naofa,St Enda’s Primary people in their area, such as “The gentle wisdom of our
nections between nearly 300 visiting restrictions at St Pat- School, Scoil Mhuire Gan by interviewing family mem- guest left a lasting impression
school students in Dublin 8 rick’s, the exhibition was not Smal, Presentation Second- bers or writing letters to peo- on myself and the children.
and older people in their com- open to the public, however, ary School, Warrenmount. ple in local nursing homes Her valuable life lessons
munity, with an aim of pro- photos, videos and more are or day centres. For exam- are still regularly referenced
moting positive mental health available on the Walk in my Speaking about the cam- ple, students from the Well- in our classroom. The Walk
among both age groups. Shoes website and across paign, Amanda McArdle, being Committee in Scoil in My Shoes project was an
their social media platforms. Campaign Manager, Walk in Treasa Naofa connected unmissable learning experi-
The Ways to Wellbeing pro- My Shoes, said: “The past with residents in the Bell- ence for all who took part.”
ject saw 279 students team- Ways to Wellbeing is a col- two years have been incred- villa nursing home to build
ing up with an older person in laboration between Walk in ibly challenging for so many new relationships, bridge Established in 2012, Walk
their community to learn tips My Shoes and Smart D8, of us, with loneliness and age gaps between younger in My Shoes runs initiatives
for living a mentally healthy an initiative which aims to isolation exacerbated by the and older generations, and throughout the year to pro-
life, how to build resilience improve the health and well- pandemic restrictions. The have open discussions about mote positive mental health
and to hear important life les- being of citizens in Dublin 8 Ways to Wellbeing project wellbeing and resilience. in schools and communi-
sons from the older people through partnership and in- aimed to combat the isola- ties around Ireland, includ-
they were linked with. Using novation. The objective of the tion felt by young and old by Speaking about the Ways to ing the Mission Possible
this information, the students Ways to Wellbeing project encouraging young people to Wellbeing campaign and how school achievement awards,
then created engaging pro- is to promote wellbeing by learn from their elders, while it impacted students, Lor- the Frame of Mind short
jects through different medi- fostering local connections at the same time fostering raine Spillane, a teacher from film competition, #MindY-
ums to share these learnings. and kick-starting reward- connections in the communi- Scoil Treasa Naofa in Dublin ourSelfie free eBooks and
ing conversations between ty to promote positive mental 8, said: “Human connection School Resources, and the
During the initiative, some 30 young and elderly people. health. The Ways to Wellbe- is now more important than Transition Year Programme.
projects, including posters, ing initiative saw a fantas- ever and this project present-
films, podcasts and pres- It launched its pilot phase tic range of projects being ed such a fantastic opportu- For more, please visit www.
entations, were uploaded on the International Day of uploaded to the Walk in My nity for young and all in Dub- walkinmyshoes.ie
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 Page 5

Dublin Waste to Energy Community

Gain Projects Grant Scheme 2021

T
he Dublin Waste to En- only benefit the local com- challenging task and
ergy Community Gain munities of Irishtown, Ring- unfortunately the Com-
Fund Committee are send and Sandymount but mittee could not pro-
delighted to announce the 26 also enhance their local area vide grant assistance to
approved grant applications and in doing so will provide each worthy applicant
in respect of the Dublin Waste the maximum opportunity to and therefore had to de-
to Energy Community Gain advance community, edu- cline many commend-
Projects Grant Scheme 2021. cational, recreational and able applications sub-
environmental initiatives mitted for consideration
Approximately €500K was within the catchment area.
allocated to a diverse range The Committee would
of projects representing a The Committee received 45 like to sincerely thank
broad range of sectors in- grant applications request- all those who sub-
cluding sports and recrea- ing grant assistance totalling mitted an application
tion, arts, education and circa €1.6 million. Selecting to the Dublin Waste
training and community. The grant recipients from an out- to Energy Commu-
Committee are confident the standing and varied group of nity Gain Projects
projects selected will not applicants was an extremely Grant Scheme 2021
 Page 6 EDUCATION www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

Government Announces Leaving Cert Adjustments for 2022

n David Prendeville

T
and will provide the best pos- Foley went on to confirm also be run in 2022, shortly On 8 February, The State
his summer will see sible pathway for this year’s there would be “extensive following the main set of ex- Examinations Commission
the return of exam-only Leaving Certificate students. changes to the written paper aminations. These examina- released the timetables for
Leaving Certificate ex- in acknowledgement of the tions will be limited to certain the 2022 certificate examina-
aminations. Education Minis- The students had a number challenges our students have categories of students, such tions which will commence
ter Norma Foley announced of concerns. They wanted faced.” Saying the chang- as those who experience a on Wednesday 8 June. The
that extensive adjustments clarity and certainty. I have es build on those: “already close family bereavement, Leaving Certificate examina-
would be made to this year’s answered both of those valid made to the papers and noti- COVID-19 illness and certain tions will run until Tuesday
Leaving Cert written exams concerns by making this an- fied to students last August. other categories of serious 28 June, the Leaving Cer-
as she ruled out a ‘hybrid nouncement earlier than last These combined changes illness, during the first exami- tificate Applied examinations
model’. This year’s exams year. Students also raised mean that students need not nation period. There will be will conclude on Thursday
are set to offer students more concerns over the potential be concerned that they will strict eligibility criteria apply- 16 June and the Junior Cy-
choice and less questions. disadvantage the class of be disadvantaged compared ing to this contingency sitting. cle examinations will con-
This is similar to changes 2022 would face when com- to their peers. The exams clude on Monday 20 June.
that were implemented in last pared to the class of 2021 in will be structured in a famil-
year’s exams and reflect the terms of grade inflation. To iar way, but with more choice
disruption caused by the pan- alleviate this concern, I have and a reduction in the number
demic for students through- asked the SEC to put in place of questions to be answered.
out the academic year. measures to ensure that the This will not be the traditional
overall set of results in the Leaving Certificate exam.”
Minister Foley said: “The aggregate for this year will
Leaving Certificate class of be no lower than last year.” On the adjustments the State
2022 has experienced signifi- Examinations Commision
cant disruption to their learn- said that “The adjustments will
ing and their school experi- provide the fairest pathway to
ence. In light of this, following successfully completing their
extensive engagement with post-primary education and
the advisory group on plan- enabling them to progress
ning for state examinations, I to further and higher educa-
can confirm this plan for sig- tion and training, apprentice-
nificant changes to the exam- ships, and the world of work.”
inations, which takes account Junior Cycle examinations The Leaving Certificate time-
of the experiences of stu- An alternative set of Leaving will also take place this sum- table follows the familiar for-
dents during the pandemic Certificate examinations will mer. Adjustments to the as- mat with the examinations
sessment arrangements in new Leaving Certificate
for Junior Cycle have been Curricular subjects of Pol-
made and advised in August ish, Lithuanian, Portuguese
2021, including a reduction and Mandarin Chinese
Derek Buckley, Lord Mayor of Ringsend presenting a cake to in the number of Classroom
Based Assessments to be
scheduled to run in conjunc-
tion with the examinations
Johnny Byrne, Lord Mayor of Sandymount on the occasion of completed, the removal of the in the non-Curricular lan-
guages on Monday 20 June.
his recent 70th birthday in O’Reilly’s pub, Sandymount. requirement to complete As-
sessment Tasks and adjust-
ments to the requirements More information on timeta-
in coursework and practical bles and changes to the ex-
performance tests. These aminations can be found at
adjustments provide for more www.examinations.ie.
teaching time in schools.
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 Page 7

Over the past 10 to 15 years, perience overseen by him. an unwritten rule about dat-
A Spotlight on… John Loughran as new businesses opened As a family, we are proud to ing staff, and plucked up the
and young families moved in, it have faced many challenges courage to ask out a beautiful
Growing up in the hotel, did has been great to see a resur- and survive in the same own- young receptionist. 45 years
you and your siblings get up to gence in the local community. ership for almost 70 years, later Audrey and I are blessed
any mischief? longer than any other (includ- with four super children, their
Why do you think the green ing big-name) Dublin hotel. wonderful partners and five
We all had our jobs to do and agenda is important for Sand- beautiful grandchildren. Break-
at busy times five of us shared ymount Hotel? What is your favourite dish ing that rule was the most
a room as ours would be on the Whitty’s Restaurant defining moment in my life.
given to paying guests. Like Corporately owned hotels are Menu?
many local kids we robbed primarily focussed on profit Do you have a motto or saying
apples from nearby orchards. and share price. A family busi- Whitty’s is named as a trib- that has significance to you?
ness places greater impor- ute to Mary Whitty who was
Has Sandymount changed tance on long-term sustaina- a domestic servant at 7 Her- My parents came from hum-
during your time here? bility. I have five grandchildren bert Road to Sir Thomas W. ble beginnings and taught me:
Can you tell me a bit about living in Sandymount and their Robinson in 1911. I hope
Sandymount Hotel’s history? Growing up in the 1950’s and future is very important to me. she would approve of my “Our position in life is mere
60’s Sandymount had a strong favourite - Fish & Chips! good fortune and does not of
In 1955 my parents, George, community. Small shops itself merit respect. This can
and Rosaleen Loughran, thrived as did other business- Why did you choose to get into only be earned by recogniz-
lived in a bedsit on Tritonville es such as Ritz Cinema, John- the hotel business? ing in our treatment of oth-
Road. George serviced cars ny Duffy barber, and Jacksons ers how differently the cards
in nearby Lansdowne Lane. Garage. Locals went to Tara After leaving Castleknock of fate could have fallen.”
Against the odds they got a Street baths on the single- College in 1973, I gradu-
bank loan to buy 7 Herbert decker 52 bus which travelled ated TCD with BBS (Hons), If you were on Graham Nor-
Road and opened a small along Claremont Road, Her- John & Gerard Loughran qualified as a Chartered Ac- ton’s Red Chair, what story
B&B. My mother was heavily bert Road, and Newbridge Av- countant with PwC and was would you tell?
pregnant with me when they enue. With no mobile phones How do you find working with partner for ten years in an in-
moved in on May 2nd. I was or social media, kids were out family every day? dependent accountancy prac- 20 years ago when Big Broth-
born three weeks later. In the playing until called in at night. tice. In 1989 I sold my share er first aired on Channel 4, an
early years she cooked, made Many of the roads had a foot- I am extremely fortunate to of the practice and joined irate American couple com-
curtains, knitted our clothes ball team and challenged each have my son, Gerard, work- my brother Paul in the ho- plained at reception. They
etc., while my father adapted other. I was a “guest” player ing with me. He has done a tel. In 1999 I purchased his were appalled at the intru-
the building to accommodate for Serpentine Road/Park. fantastic job of remodelling share to become sole owner. sion of privacy and demand-
guests. In the years that fol- the front façade and refurbish- ed to know if they also were
lowed a further eleven proper- In the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s ing the interior. Our Tripadvi- What is one of your most de- being filmed in their room.
ties were acquired to establish businesses and schools sor ranking, above 85% of fining moments in life?
what is now the 187-bedroom closed, families moved on and Dublin hotels, is a testament Was I quick enough to
Luxury 4* Sandymount Hotel. there was a different dynamic. to the excellent customer ex- In December 1976 I broke beat the lever??
 Page 8 MEMORIAL www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

Donnybrook Marks the Passing of Local Legend

enjoyment breeding them

also. However, as Tommy’s
flock of pigeons grew it got
to a point where the local
housewives could take no
more as they were unable to
hang out their washing due to
Tommy’s flock of birds doing
what came natural to them.
Needless to say the local
shops selling washing pow-
der were disappointed at this.

Since his passing a great

number of people have ap-
proached the family, not just
n Theresa Doyle & Christy Doyle with messages of sympathy

O
ment houses at Bolton Street of Ireland teams of the day. gan to spend most of his day but to convey how well loved
n January 2nd last and Fenian Street collapsed. For many years Tommy going to Herbert Park to feed Tommy was in Herbert Park,
Donnybrook mourned Tommy and Eileen lived very worked in the Bottle House the pigeons,walking his dog and indeed in the greater dis-
the passing of one close to the building where an (IGB) as well as in the Gas and talking to neighbours and trict. So, it was a fitting trib-
of its oldest and most loved elderly couple and two young Company. Later he went on old friends. During his trips to ute to him that on the day of
residents, Thomas (known girls died. Corporation offi- to work in the ESB where his the park he met a variety of his funeral his son Christy
affectionately as Tommy) cials were frantically trying to brother Phil got him a job in interesting people of all ages arranged for his hearse to
Doyle. Tommy sadly passed find alternative accommoda- one of the labour gangs. This and backgrounds, including pass through the park. It was
away in Vincent’s Hospi- tion for hundreds of families saw Tommy travelling all over the late broadcaster Gay By- a lovely send-off, with family,
tal only nine months after occupying the condemned the country digging roads rne who on occasion could friends, and neighbours all
his beloved wife Eileen. and dangerous houses. and trenches. Another job he be seen walking around coming out to clap in appre-
did was to paint tar on the the park. One woman, who ciation as the hearse passed
His father Philip Doyle was a Tommy and Eileen were one wooden poles to preserve wrote a book asked Tommy by. And Tommy had one last
sergeant in the British Army of the families that was of- them against the weather. It if it was okay to mention him glance at his beloved park.
and fought in the Second fered a house. However, it was tough work, which re- in it. When it was published Further, in memory of Tom-
World War in North Africa, was located on the north side quired being out in all types she gave him a signed copy. my’s love of birds, doves were
whilst his mother Katherine of the city, and Tommy was of weather. He had to climb released at his graveside
reared Tommy’s six broth- adamant that he wanted to ESB poles that were up to 30ft In his later years as he got in Shanganagh Cemetery.
ers and five sisters. They live on the south side and be high preparing them for elec- too old to walk long distances
lived in Milltown, but as a close to his family. He stuck tric cables to be connected, he would sit on the benches May Tommy and Eileen
boy Tommy was reared by to his guns and was eventu- thus enabling electricity to be with people he knew from both rest in peace.
his granny in Pearse Court. ally offered a house in Donny- brought across to the most Donnybrook and feed the
It wasn’t unusual in those brook, in Home Villas. Whilst remote areas of the coun- pigeons. The birds got to
days to live with close rela- living in Donnybrook their try. Some of Tommy’s poles know Tommy and would ac-
tives, especially large fami- family became eight,with the are still standing to this day. cumulate around him when
lies. In later years he looked arrival of two more daughters. he arrived waiting to be fed.
after his granny who we all Unfortunately while doing In fact some would even fol-
knew as ‘Granny Crothers’. Living in Donnybrook, Tom- this work Tommy had a bad low him home always know-
my became involved in accident when a safety har- ing that Tommy would have
Tommy met his future wife Ei- many community activities, ness snapped and he fell more food for them. Indeed
leen, who lived in Townsend including joining the foot- from a height whilst working it was not uncommon for
Street and they got married ball teams in the local pubs. on an electricity pole. This a pigeon to follow Tommy
at a young age, again, not There were a number of lo- resulted in a back injury that into the house if he had for-
uncommon in those days. cal competitions, and the left him in hospital for a num- gotten to close the door.
They lived in Fenian Street pub teams in Donnybrook ber of months. When he re-
in a one-room tenement would play against teams in turned home he had to wear Tommy never went out of his
house and had six children RIngsend, Ballsbridge and a back brace for six months. house without having bags
in the early ‘50s. At the time Sandymount. In those com- On his recovery Tommy of bird seed in his pockets
living conditions were appall- petitions Tommy would have was unable to work and ready to feed the pigeons. In
ing and life was a struggle to played alongside players had to take early retirement. the early ‘70s Tommy had a
rear and feed six children. In from Shelbourne, Shamrock pigeon loft in his backyard.
June 1963, a number of tene- Rovers and other League It was at this point that he be- He raced them and got great
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 SOCIAL Page 9

n Carol Coulter Group set up to Sponsor Refugee Family in South Dublin Area sors will be named on its
literature and website.
Aoife Kearney had always “The community sponsorship ing from the IRC in January. awaiting the arrival of the
wanted to do something to programme helps people in- family becomes even more Other support that may be
help refugees, but, with the tegrate much quicker,” said Before a family is allocated to of a potential expense. needed includes help with
pressure of work and fam- Trevor Keppel, who coordi- an area serviced by a spon- The other main task is finding English, access to sports
ily responsibilities, it never nates this work for the IRC. sorship group, they must be appropriate accommodation clubs and other recreational
seemed to be the right time. “It has two roles, it builds assured of accommodation for a family, at a minimum a facilities for both adults and
This changed when she empathetic communities lo- and initial financial support to two-bedroom house or apart- children and help in nego-
saw the footage from Af- cally and also helps families ensure the rent and to meet ment. The group is contact- tiating schools, social wel-
ghanistan as the Taliban integrate when they arrive.” immediate expenses. The ing estate agents in the area, fare and other services. “We
took over. “I decided I had to IRC does not consider allo- and also appealing on so- won’t know what their needs
help in some way,” she said. One of the main functions of cating a family until the group cial media to anyone who will be until very shortly be-
the community sponsorship has raised €10,000, to cov- may have a property to let fore they arrive,” Aoife said.
She contacted the Irish Refu- groups is to obtain accom- er immediate expenses and for a minimum of two years. “We will be led by the fam-
gee Council, and was told the modation for the families, rent before the family comes ily. Above all we need to
best thing was to be involved according to Rory O’Neill, (it is covered by HAP from There are advantages for a make them feel welcome.”
in a community sponsorship the IRC’s integration projects when they arrive), so the first potential landlord, Aideen
group. Aideen Waters had manager. “It’s mainly benev- task of the group was fund- pointed out. The family has The group will also raise
been in touch with the IRC as olent landlords who buy into raising, and the group set up been pre-selected by the awareness of the plight of
well, they met and began to the programme, we are usu- a GoFundMe page and be- UN and is vouched for by refugees and those seek-
canvass support for setting up ally not going into the open gan to organise fund-raising the Irish Government, the ing to flee from regimes like
a group in the Terenure-Rath- marketplace.” The whole activities, which were limited rent would be guaranteed that of the Taliban in Afghani-
farnham Churchtown area. ethos of the programme, he by the pandemic restrictions. for two years, and the fam- stan. Aideen remembers
said, is about finding sup- ily would be supported by the impact of the image of
The community sponsorship port for the refugee fami- They have raised about the group. “We can ensure the body of the small boy
system is overseen by the lies in the local community, €9,000 so far, but Aoife said the property would be looked washed up on the Greek
Irish Refugee Council on be- including accommodation. that the target is €20,000, as after,” she said. She added shore as his family fled the
half of the Irish Government’s the group may have to cover that if someone in the area war in Syria. “We need to
programme for refugees rec- Using social media, Aoife and rent for a considerable peri- had a property that needed take action. We are an ex-
ognised by the UN, most of Aideen assembled a group od before the family comes, some attention in order to ample of complete strangers
whom are in camps in Leba- within six weeks and applied given that the collapse of be suitable, the group would coming together in a com-
non and Jordan. It also liais- for approval to the Irish Ref- institutions in Lebanon is help bring it up to standard. mon purpose. Every commu-
es with the Charities Regula- ugee Protection Programme likely to delay the move of nity should be able to do it.”
tor to ensure that all sponsor (IRPP). They were officially families from refugee camps She also appealed for
ship groups meet its stand- HomefromHome Dodder can be
recognised in December there. This means that the businesses in the area to
contacted by email at home-
ards in their fund-raising. 2021 and received train- issue of paying rent while sponsor the group. Spon fromhomedodder@gmail.com

The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon Returns

The first physical event since 2019 takes place on
Sunday 5th June 2022 in Dublin City Centre

T
he 2022 Vhi Women’s alongside other inspirational well as this, everyone who
Mini Marathon is the partners to help you pre- registers will receive a 20%
40th year of the event pare for the Vhi Women’s discount code for Intersport
and will be a celebration of to- Mini Marathon in a manage- Elverys, and those who reg-
getherness, and whether you able way. Between now and ister before Monday April
participate with friends, fam- June 5th, follow @VhiWMM 18th will automatically be
ily or do it solo, you’ll be part on social media or visit vhi- entered into a draw to win a
of a special community. The womensminimarathon.ie fantastic holiday for two to
event has also been instru- for training plans tailored to Lake Garda from Topflight.
mental in helping hundreds all fitness levels, nutrition,
of charities raise money for support and much more. This year, for the first time,
their causes. It is estimated the Vhi Women’s Mini Mar-
that over €226 million has This year the event cele- athon will take place as a
been raised for charities since brates 40 years of #Women- hybrid event, meaning the
the event began in 1983. MakingMagic and is inviting event is offering both physical
women to share the magic and virtual options for partici-
Roz Purcell will take part to mark this significant mile- pants who wish to take part
in the Vhi Women’s Mini stone in the event’s history. in the 10km from anywhere
Marathon along with thou- in the country (or world!). A
sands of other women, all Registration for the event is limited number of entries for
of whom will get to expe- now open on www.vhiwom- the virtual event will open
rience that special “finish ensminimarathon.ie. Every after Easter. Well done to
line feeling” on June 5th. participant will receive a Vhi all involved and great to see
Women’s Mini Marathon this amazing event back on
Vhi understands how dif- 40th anniversary medal, a our streets again in June.
ficult it can be to fit training Vhi commemorative finisher Register now on www.vhi-
into a hectic lifestyle and t-shirt and exclusive access
womensminimarathon.ie
has teamed up with Roz to the Official Event App. As
 Page 10 MOVEMENT www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

DANSPIRE - T

Danspire - To inspire through dance

n Louise Whelan

D
anspire is a fun, en- and unique, with Danielle able to do more with regards when it is done in the right
ergetic, non competi- simply adapting it to benefit to different dance styles like format it is really powerful -
tive kids dance class each child. Danspire live up salsa and jive. Still, the same not just for physical health
for ages 3 - 11. The classes to their ethos that there’s no method is used in each class - but it also does wonders
combine dance, dance fit- need for the kids to feel they so all the children get the for your mental wellbeing.
ness and games that are have to perform or to be on same level of care and atten-
designed to provide children top form every week, and they tion. Here the music is fast- Danspire are also warming
with a safe space to express are all made to feel welcome. er, the pace is quicker and up the Ringsend junior park
themselves through dance the energy levels are off the run every Sunday morning
which helps improve their Each class contains a mix chart. They have the space from 9.30am in Ringsend
physical and mental wellbe- of boys and girls and is tai- to move around and the rou- Park, which is a series of 2k
ing, improve their cognitive lored to the needs of the chil- tines are really fun as these runs for children between 4
and motor skills, develop so- dren. They can move up to seniors can retain more infor- and 14. The run is open to
cial skills and builds up their the next class or stay where mation. This class also incor- all, it’s free and is safe and Shauna Tilley
confidence. All of this while they are comfortable if they porates TikTox which the kids easy to take part in. Shauna
having fun and learning the wish, whatever suits them. are fanatical about. Shauna and Danielle are so passion-
latest dance routines and age The kids class is for ages had toyed with the idea of ate about building the kids’
appropriate Tik Tok trends. 3-6 and that focuses on fun using TikTok during the last confidence and self belief
games, dance and learn- lockdown and as she tried it and feel incredibly lucky to
The classes are run by Shau- ing new dance routines.This out herself, she realised that be able to share their pas-
na Tilley (featured before in helps them to express them- it could be something that sion for dance, dance fitness
NF as Fitsteps instructor) selves and have fun while she could use in her classes. and games with the kids.
and Danielle Doolin every being active. The social ele- She decided to run a TikTok
Monday from 3pm until 6pm ment of making new friends two hour masterclass during You can find Danspire on
in the CYMS in Ringsend and is also an added bonus. lockdown outdoors and the Facebook and Instagram.
each class is one hour long. response was phenomenal,
This is the start of a new term The next class is for ages she sold out the first class in
indoors as during Covid the 7-8 so these juniors have a half an hour. These have
classes were outdoors. Shau- high energy, lots of rhythm gone down a huge hit with Shauna & Danielle
na is a qualified and licenced and their rosy cheeks show everyone on social media
dance teacher, a dance fit- that they are clearly lov- especially with the adults jive
ness instructor with over 20 ing the environment. They as that has had an astound-
years experience. Having use props like pom poms ing 1.6 million views so it’s
competed as a child, her and play games such as the really amazing to see the
passion now lies in the non- number game and musical whole process of learning
competitive side of dance. chairs. They know all the the dance routine and putting
She wanted to create a safe words to the upbeat music that into a TikTok. The kids
space for children to be able and when Shauna puts on a also get to have their own
to express themselves and song they love, they explode spin on it too and put their
experience the joy of dance, into happy squeals hugging own sass into the moves.
while still learning. Danielle each other. In addition they
is a Special Needs Assis- learn mindfulness as they Danspire has also collabo-
tant (SNA) with a passion for must watch Shauna closely rated with a lot of commu-
working with children. Dan- as she teaches them the new nity groups in the area in-
Danspire Group
ielle creates fun and interac- dance moves so they have cluding the Dockers and
tive games in the classes, to concentrate and be in the Demons Halloween festival
all of which have additional moment in order to show her which runs every year and
educational and learning that they can do it too. These it was a fantastic experience
elements. Her passion lies are so much more than just for Shauna and Danielle.
in helping each child on their dance classes: they contain Now that the restrictions have
individual journey to reach elements of positive think- eased the next plan for Dan-
their full potential. Shauna ing, self love, self image, spire is to get people back
(who met Danielle in a pre- and esteem building. Plus it out socialising and dancing,
vious dance fitness class) gets those endorphins run- keep it going. They also want
knew Danielle was the per- ning which in turn helps keep to retain the older age group
fect match when she hit on the happy levels up. This of 11 and over and get some
the idea of teaching dance to empowers children to be the teenagers in the classes.
children. With her expertise best versions of themselves
and qualifications as a SNA, and they finish their class af- Shauna and Danielle are
plus her vast knowledge of ter a cooldown stretch with starting a course on coaching
children’s needs Danielle is a saying “I love me”, while teenage girls in sport so that it
great asset. The classes help giving themselves a hug. can be included into a brand
children to learn things like new class. The goal is to
spacial awareness, without The seniors are aged be- have the community in dance
them even realising it. All the tween 9-11 and they are fitness classes that cater to
dance classes are inclusive more advanced so they are every generation, because
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 Page 11

I
f a straighter smile is top of on the treatment best suited ing traditional metal braces. established, family den-
your bucket list, there are a to your individual needs. tal practices nationwide.
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are custom-made for your it can be as short as 3-6 replacing aligners, as food terford. For further informa- About the Author
mouth. Dr Jennifer Collins, months. As the aligners are particles can stop your teeth tion, visit dentalcareireland.ie Dr Jennifer Collins is Lead
our lead general dentist, built from a 3D scan of your from moving to the desired General Dentist at North-
shares four facts to know be- teeth in a lab, progress visits position. Trapped food can For media queries, please umberland Dental Care in
fore choosing Invisalign Go. are kept to a minimum, ap- also put you at increased risk contact: Dublin 4 and Clinical Direc-
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#1 Suitability Michelle Downey, Marketing and group. She qualified in
#3 Comfort and aesthetics Dr Jennifer Collins is lead Manager. michelle.downey@ dentistry at the University of
Invisalign Go is an ideal general dentist at Northum- dentalcareireland.ie Wales, College of Medicine
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overcrowding, gaps or align- the retainers are virtually in- Ireland group. For further keting Executive. kieran.han- lin for over twelve years. Dr
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 Page 12 CULTURE www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

Dublin Wizard Con 2022

A convention celebrating all things Potter is coming to the capital

n B.J. Quinn

C
ties all housed in Dublin’s fa- is. “Hold on tight, and win a
alling all Wizards! Are mous RDS venue. The third point for your house in flight!”
you a Dumbledork or a edition of the event takes Tickets cost €35 for an adult vised to arrive early in or-
Grindelwally? Do you place on Saturday and Sun- This year’s special guests and €25 for a child. Tick- der to have time to experi-
know your Pepper Imps from day, May 21 and 22, with include Durmstrang Triwiz- ets are available online only ence as much as you can.
your Cauldron Cakes, your profits going to Barnardos, ard heartthrob and Bulgar- and must be pre-booked in
Hippogriffs from your Glum- Dogs Trust and Pieta House. ian Seeker extraordinaire advance – they will not be Speaking to Dublin Live,
bumbles? Ever take those Stan Yanevski, best known available on the door. Tickets Founder of Wizard Con
online surveys that aim to tell There’s plenty to do: bingo, for playing Viktor Krum in are available via dublinwiz- Melissa Hayward noted, “a
you which Hogwarts house game shows, spectacular set Harry Potter and the Goblet ardcon.ie. Fans of any age lot of people say it’s like arriv-
you belong to? – Raven- pieces for photo ops, cosplay of Fire. Also speaking at this are welcome to attend Wiz- ing in Hogwarts. We’ve had
claw!? As if! Well, look no fur- competitions, treasure hunts, year’s event is Paul Warren. ard Con; it is a family friendly people cry because it’s over-
ther: Dublin’s annual Wizard actor Q&As, a carnival, tat- Although now known for his show with lots to do for all whelming. When you walk
Con is set to return to the RDS toos and live entertainment. creature performing work, ages. A child ticket covers in the door, we have all the
to celebrate all things Potter. And, yes, before you ask, Warren began his film career ages 5-16 and tiny wizards sets from the films.” So what
there will be Wand Workshops as a body double for Daniel under 5 get in free, huzzah! are you waiting for, folks?
Run by a team of volunteers, available, so get memorising Radcliffe on the film Harry Have your broomsticks and
Dublin Wizard Con is a fan those spells. My favourite Potter & the Order of the Doors open at 11am and wands at the ready, join
focused event geared to activity on offer, though, has Phoenix. Additional guests close at 7pm each day. You the fun, make magic, make
connecting wizards through to be Broom Rodeo, which are still to be announced. can come and go as much friends and help us raise
magical, interactive activi- is exactly what you think it as you’d like, but are ad- some money for charity.

n David Prendeville
IMMA Announces 2022 Programme

A
each one explores the past ages, voices, sonic images, From May the Museum will
major exhibition by The three decades through dif- sounds and performances be turned inside out as the
Otolith Group called ferent thematic approaches which work to create forms of vibrant IMMA Outdoors pro-
Xenogenesis and the - Queer Embodiment; The life that announce a devotion gramme activates the 48
accompanying Department Anthropocene; Social Fab- to an aesthetic of discrepant acres of the museum’s site,
of Xenogenesis is part of a ric and Protest and Conflict. abstraction, post-cinematic the Royal Hospital Kilmain- the theme of Self-Determina-
rich and diverse programme This exhibition showcases blackness and post-lens ham, with artist commis- tion. Titled 100 years of Self-
taking place at IMMA (Irish the significance of the IMMA based platformalisms. The sions, performances, talks, Determination and taking
Museum of Modern Art) in Collection, presenting more Otolith Group’s pioneering workshops and tours. This place from 10 to 12 Novem-
2022. IMMA’s 30th Birthday than 200 artworks across artworks which include post- year IMMA Outdoors will fo- ber, this conference will delve
exhibition, The Narrow Gate four exhibitions. An extensive cinematic essay films, videos cus on the environment and in how this rhetorical term
of the Here-and-Now, con- programme of talks, perfor- and multiple screen installa- includes a new site-specific dominated the discourse of
tinues throughout the year mances and events delves tions, address contemporary installation by British artist emergent democracies and
in four themed exhibitions deeper into the themes social and planetary issues, Navine G. Khan-Dossos and freedom movements begin-
that explore the past three arising from each chapter. the disruption of neo-colonial- an immersive sensory instal- ning in the interwar period of
decades. Other significant ism, the way in which humans lation by Cameroonian artist the early 20th-century and
highlights include the return In July, The Otolith Group: have impacted the earth, and Em’kal Eyongakpa, a com- how it resonated both nation-
of IMMA Outdoors present- Xenogenesis, brings togeth- the influence of new tech- mission by IMMA and Eva ally and internationally. It will
ing new artist commissions er a significant selection of nology on consciousness. International. A new series focus on the role of art and
by Navine G. Khan-Dossos works by The Otolith Group, of IMMA late nights will be- visual culture in formulat-
and Em’kal Eyongakpa; the London-based artist col- The Otolith Collective, The gin in May and run through- ing the imagery of the Irish
a four-day Eco Event cel- lective founded in London Otolith Group’s long-stand- out the summer. There will state that emerged in the
ebrating people, place and in 2002 by Anjalika Sagar ing curatorial and research also be the return of IMMA’s aftermath of the First World
planet; and an international and Kodow Eshun. Curated platform, will also enact the much loved Summer Party War. It will situate this work
research conference, exam- by Annie Fletcher, Director Department of Xenogen- in July. This outdoor sum- within a global context of ar-
ining the thematic of Self- of IMMA, this exhibition is esis (DXG) at IMMA, DXG mer programme will culmi- tistic responses to emerging
Determination, presented the final venue of its inter- is a time space for conven- nate in a four-day Eco Event nation states and independ-
as part of Ireland’s Decade national tour and features a ing public online and offline celebrating people, place ence movements in this pe-
of Centenaries Programme. cross-section of key works discussions, performance, and planet in September. riod. This conference is sup-
produced between 2011 and screenings and exhibitions ported by the Department of
The Narrow Gate of the 2018. The exhibition reflects with artists, filmmakers, In the Autumn IMMA is host- Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gael-
Here-and-Now is a major the artists’ ongoing commit- theorists and musicians. ing an international research tacht, Sport and Media un-
museum-wide exhibition that ment to creating what they The DXG builds upon the conference to mark a century der the Decade of Centenar-
celebrates 30 years of IMMA. think of as ‘a science fiction exhibition and has devel- since the formation of the Irish ies Programme 2012-2023.
Presented in four Chapters, of the present’ through im- oped throughout the tour. Free State centered around
www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 Page 13
 Page 14 ART www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

The National Gallery of Ireland Launches Digitised Collections

n David Prendeville

T
ships in the lives of people art practice to the effects of
he National Gallery of who contributed to the de- World War Two. It focuses
Ireland – together with velopment of art in Ireland. primarily, however, on his in-
Minister Catherine Mar- terest in and experience of
tin T.D. – recently launched Some of the interesting life on the Aran Islands, illus-
Source, a new online re- stories which can be found trated by 11 drawings scat-
source providing access to on Source include: tered throughout the letter.
digitised collections. Explor-
ing the story of Irish art, the Featuring letters, sketch-
A Letter to Pap:
platform provides access to books, photographs, docu-
the collections held in the ments and publications,
A letter from Irish artist Wal-
ESB Centre for the Study of Source allows the public to
ter Osborne to his father Wil-
Irish art and Yeats Archive at step inside the lives of some
liam Osborne, written during
the Gallery. Source has been of Ireland’s best known and
a painting trip in the south
in development since 2017 most-loved artists, including
of England, when Osborne Andrea Lydon, Head of Library, Archives at the National
with the support of fund- William Orpen and Jack B.
was 25-years old. In this in- Gallery of Ireland
ing from the Department of Yeats. Source provides ac-
tensely personal letter to his
Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gael- cess to 16,670 catalogue re-
‘pap’, Osborne describes his
tacht, Sport and Media, and cords relating to Irish art and
experience; his relationship
is free and accessible to all. over 6,000 associated digi-
with the local people; and a
painting he is currently work- tal images. This number will
The Irish art archives at the continue to grow as catalogu-
ing on. The letter gives a rare
National Gallery of Ireland ing and digitisation contin-
insight into the life of a cele-
are an important and rich ues. Many of the images are
brated artist at an early stage
body of material document- available for reuse and can
of his career.
ing the development and be downloaded for research
history of Irish art and art- and educational purposes.
ists. Celebrated artists such
as Daniel Maclise, Frederic Minister for Tourism, Culture,
William Burton, Sarah Purs- Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and
er and Roderic O’Conor are Media, Catherine Martin T.D.
represented in the collec- commented, “It is wonderful
tions. These historically and to see Source come to life fol-
culturally important archives lowing funding of €300,000
have now been catalogued, Aisling Irwin of the Library,Archives team at the National Gallery
The Serious Occupation of allocated by my Department of Ireland
preserved and digitised to to the National Gallery of Ire-
the highest standards and Painting:
land in 2017 under the Cul-
are available online for the tural Digitisation Scheme.
first time for visitors to ac- A letter from the influential
This funding has supported
cess, research and enjoy. artist and educator Dermod
the development of systems
O’Brien to Betty Webb, a
and technical infrastructure
talented student who aban-
required for digital collections
doned art after completing
management and discov-
her studies. O’Brien, the
ery. Thousands of records
head of the RHA art school,
are now accessible to every
highlights Webb’s talent but
person in Ireland and this is
concludes that she is “certain
a landmark moment in Irish
to abandon the serious oc-
art.”
Catherine Sheridan of the Li- cupation of painting for the
brary mere frivolity of marriage:
Andrea Lydon, Head of Li-
that is the sad penalty at-
brary & Archives at the Na-
Moving beyond the online tached to most pretty girls.”
tional Gallery of Ireland,
catalogue and traditional Webb’s story was one com-
added, “We are delighted to
search interface, the plat- mon to many women who
be launching Source today Donna Rose - Grace O_Boyle of the Library,Archives team at
form also facilitates new studied art and reveals the
which not only allows you to the National Gallery of Ireland
ways of engaging with the narrow expectations of the
search the Gallery’s Irish art
collections through storytell- art establishment.
archives but also to explore
ing. Source presents a range stories from the collections.
of curated stories about or A Glorious Holiday: Images: Courtesy of National Gallery
This important development
inspired by items from the will open up our collections to
collections. Authored by peo- A 15-page letter from the art-
a much wider audience and
ple with different interests in ist Gerard Dillon to Madge To find out more and to explore Source, visit
will encourage and support
the field of Irish art history, Campbell. Written in two sit- www.sourcenationalgallery.ie
research and engagement in
Source stories interpret and tings, before and after Dil-
Ireland’s visual heritage for
offer new insights into these lon’s visit to the Aran Islands
years to come.”
unique collections, high- in 1944, the letter spans di-
lighting events and relation- verse subjects from Dillon’s
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 COMMUNITY Page 15

Darkness Into Light Returns

F
rom Salthill to Sydney, Seoige, musician Tolu Ma- minding participants that by
Donegal to Dubai, Tip- kay and former Dublin GAA signing up to the event, they
With Organised Events Taking perary to Toronto, Dark-
ness into Light, the annual
player Philly McMahon. are making a valuable contri-
bution to helping raise funds
Place Around The World fundraising event organised
by Pieta, who provide life-
Speaking at the launch,
Darkness Into Light ambas-
for Pieta’s life-saving work in
therapy and support services
saving support services for sador, Grainne Seoige said: for those impacted by suicide.
those in suicidal distress and “This is the first year in a
who have been bereaved long time that I have been In 2021 alone, the 24/7 Pi-
through suicide, is back. home in Ireland for Dark- eta Helpline received almost
Proudly supported by Elec- ness Into Light, so I am 100,000 calls and texts and
tric Ireland, the event will honoured to be able to sup- close to 2,000 crisis calls
take place as the sun rises port and take part in person, and texts each week. In re-
on Saturday May 7th, 2022. especially as the popular sponse, each month, the
walks return and people team at Pieta provides over
As the world continues to can come together again.” 4,000 hours of suicide and
reopen, Darkness Into Light self-harm crisis therapy.
will return with its organised She continued, “Up to Each day, seven addition-
walks in over 17 countries 200,000 people gathered al teenagers come to Pi-
across 5 continents, begin- around the globe in previ- eta for one-to-one support.
ning in darkness at sunrise ous years to walk in solidar-
and continuing through to ity with those experiencing Speaking on the importance
dawn, symbolising the jour- dark times and this year we of the event in supporting the
ney from despair to hope. want to encourage people ongoing work that Pieta un-
to get their groups together dertake across Ireland, Sine-
A number of well-known once again and sign up to ad Price, Fundraising and
faces from the worlds of make a real difference.” Marketing Director for the or-
sport, music and entertain- ganisation said, “Every day,
ment have come together to Calling on people to sign up seven additional teenagers
launch the 2022 event, in- at www.darknessintolight. come to Pieta for one-to-one
cluding broadcaster Grainne ie, the ambassadors are re- support. Darkness into Light

is vital for fundraising, for rais- across the country and to be a light against the dark.
ing awareness and for bring- raise much needed funds for
ing people together across the vital service provided by To avail of Pieta services, visit
the globe in the spirit of soli- Pieta. This is really important www.pieta.ie or call 0818 111
darity, comfort and compas- to so many people as is evi- 126. Pieta provides 24/7 sup-
sion. Social connection is the dent by the thousands who port via the Freephone crisis
heartbeat of Pieta so we are participate each year, and helpline on 1800 247 247, or
delighted to have our organ- our entire organisation is be- text HELP to 51444 (stand-
ised events back this May.” hind the event again this year ard message rates apply).
and delighted with the return
Electric Ireland has been a of the organised events.” Sign up now at : www.dark-
proud supporter of the event nessintolight.ie.
since 2013, and speaking at Darkness into Light is a glob-
the launch, Head of Brand, al movement dedicated to Well-known faces join Pi-
PR and Sponsorship, Sarah raising vital funds for Pieta’s eta & Electric Ireland for
Sharkey reflected on the im- life-saving services. Whether 2022 launch as the suicide
portance of the event, saying it’s walking, running, hiking, prevention charity reveals
that, “We have worked with or sharing their sunrise over almost 100,000 calls &
Pieta for the past ten years a hot cuppa with family and texts were received in 2021.
in helping to raise awareness friends, this is a great oppor-
and understanding of the im- tunity for people all around Images: DIL Ambassadors;
pact of suicide. The power the world to come togeth- Grainne Seoige; courtesy
of Darkness into Light is in er with a renewed energy of Darkness Into Light.
its ability to bring hope and and a sense of purpose; to
consolation to communities make a big difference and to
 Page 16 FILM www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

On the Rise - Dublin’s Clare Dunne selected for European Shooting Stars 2022
Having graduated from the ‘Women Saving Them- already made a name for career so for me I just hope
Royal Welsh College of selves,’ and the Discovery themselves in their home that I follow in the same foot-
Music and Drama in 2009, Award (Clare Dunne) and countries and are looking to steps. The actor now joins
Dunne was cast in the lead- the Human Rights Film breakthrough to a global au- previous Irish recipients
ing role of Pegeen Mike in Award at the Dublin Interna- dience. A jury of industry pro- such as IFTA winners Fionn
Druid Theatre Company’s ac- tional Film Festival in 2020. fessionals then selects the O’Shea, Aisling Franciosi
claimed production of Play- ten most interesting and in- and Domhnall Gleeson, as
boy of the Western World Over the past 25 years, Eu- ternationally versatile talents well as, Oscar nominee and
directed by Garry Hynes for ropean Shooting Stars – to be introduced to the press, Independent Spirit Award
a national UK tour. From one of the European Film industry and public at the winner Ruth Negga and
there, the Dublin native went Promotion’s (EFP) flagship Berlin International Film Fes- BAFTA winner Andrew Scott.
on to build an impressive programmes – has placed tival. As a European Shoot-
career on stage, highlights some of the most promising ing Star, the actors attend
including The Cripple of In- young actors from all over an exclusive programme, in-
ishmaan (2011), Juno and Europe onto the world stage cluding meetings with casting
n B.J. Quinn

W
the Paycock (2016), and The and have proven to be an directors, journalists, talent
riter/actor Clare Gate Theatre’s production of essential stepping stone for agents and producers, which
Dunne is best Look Back In Anger in 2018. launching their international broadens and strengthens
known for writ- careers. The most prominent their international industry
ing and starring in Phyllida In addition to winning the names in recent years in- alliances and networks. All
Lloyd’s Herself (2020), for IFTA for Best Script, Dunne clude Carey Mulligan (Prom- this leads to the European
which she scooped Best was also nominated for ising Young Woman), Alicia Shooting Stars Awards cere-
Script at the IFTAs, and for Best Actress Lead Role at Vikander (Ex Machina), Riz mony at the Berlinale Palast.
her role as Amanda in RTÉ’s the 2021 Award Ceremony. Ahmed (Sound of Metal),
hit series Kin. Adding to her and George MacKay (True Speaking about being select-
achievements, this past Feb- Other nominations include History of the Kelly Gang). ed as a Shooting Star, Dunne
ruary Dunne was named one a British Independent Film said: “It feels amazing. It
of ten emerging European Award (2021) for Best Ac- Each year, actors from across feels absolutely incredible.
talents for this year’s 25th tress, a CSA Award (2021) the continent are nominat- It is a huge milestone in my
anniversary edition of Euro- for Outstanding Achieve- ed by the EFP member or- career. Any Irish actor that
pean Shooting Stars as part ment in Casting, Herself ganisations to take part in has ever gotten this award,
of the 72nd Berlinale Inter- won the Women Film Critic the prestigious programme. they have gone on to have a
national Film Festival Berlin. Circle Award for 2021 for These are actors who have very flourishing and diverse

The Souvenir Part 2. Review - One of the monumental achievements in modern cinema
ond works as a deconstruc- Calvi, Hogg does an immac- much of the scenes he is in.
tion as to why she made the ulate job of capturing the era
first film. While the film plays of the late 80s. As well as This is vital film-making, ut-
some metatextual games, ul- those sounds though, this is terly singular, cerebral, mov-
timately this is a very sincere a film that is filled with ech- ing and captivating. An ab-
film about the therapeutic oes, the echoes of a past one solute must-see for film fans.
power of art, the nature of can’t quite shake, for good or
cinematic reality versus an for bad. The film was shot by
‘objective reality’, and also David Raedeker on a variety
the relationship between of different formats - much
memory and cinema. The two of it on film, which adds not
films taken together is one only to evocation of the time
of the monumental achieve- period but also to the feel-
ments in modern cinema. ing of finiteness, of fragility
in the images put before us.
n David Prendeville Images: Joanna Hogg, Tilda

D
While the sequel is prob-
ublin 4-based compa- in cinemas here recently. It Swinton, and Honor Swinton
ably a more hopeful film than The film is once again su-
ny Element Pictures’ will be arriving on VOD and Byrne, courtesy indiewire.
the original, it still retains a perbly acted by Honor Swin-
oeuvre continues to Blu-Ray in the coming weeks. com; Richard Ayoade, cour-
profoundly haunting qual- ton Byrne and her real-life
go from strength to strength. tesy NME.
ity; a sense that what we mother Tilda Swinton, also
Their recent collaboration The first film followed the are watching are memories playing mother and daughter
with BBC Films and the BFI doomed romance between played out, of something no here. While the brilliant Tom
on Joanna Hogg’s sumptu- a film student Julie (Honor longer quite tangible.The Burke is missing this time
ous drama The Souvenir Part Swinton Byrne) and the film evokes the feeling of a around, there is excellent
2, might be their finest work older, mysterious Anthony subjective reality and has support from Ariane Labed,
to date. The film is Hogg’s (Tom Burke) in 1980s Eng- profound things to say about Harris Dickinson, Joe Alwyn
follow-up to her 2019 master- land. The second finds Julie the thorny relationship be- and, most notably, Richard
piece The Souvenir. It won the trying to make sense of this tween cinema and notions Ayoade. Ayoade reprises his
title of Best Film of the Year tumultuous, ultimately tragic of ‘realism’. Punctuated by role of a conceited film direc-
from the hugely prestigious, relationship through the art a wonderful soundtrack that tor from the first but whereas
iconic film magazine/journal of film. The first film drew features Annie Lennox, The he had one scene in the first
Sight and Sound for 2021, upon real incidents in Joanna Jesus and Mary Chain and a film, his role is greatly ex-
despite only being released Hogg’s life, while the sec- superb original song by Anna panded here and he steals
www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 Page 17

Get fit this spring with Crusaders Couch

Barretstown Dublin
to Docklands 5K See flyer, and former
Mountains Challenge
participants below - Starts April 7th
Irish Rugby star Tadhg Beirne calls on walkers and hikers across Ireland to join the Barretstown
Dublin Mountains Challenge on May 29th and help raise vital funds

I
rish Rugby star Tadhg The annual Barretstown be involved in the Dublin
Beirne is calling on walk- Dublin Mountains Chal- Mountains Challenge as it is
ers and hikers across Ire- lenge is a 30-kilometre spon- such an important fundraiser.
land to ‘Walk this Way’ and sored hike along the beauti-
sign-up for the Barretstown ful Dublin Mountains Way. This event is being run to
Dublin Mountains Challenge help raise essential funds so
on May 29th and help raise Speaking about the vital more children living with seri-
vital funds for Barretstown - fundraising event, new Bar- ous illnesses can experience
the children’s charity that of- retstown Ambassador, Mun- Barretstown’s life-changing
fers free, specially designed ster and Ireland rugby star, therapeutic programmes. So,
camps and programmes for Tadhg Beirne said, “I am I am calling on both individu-
children and their families delighted to come on board als and teams to sign-up and
living with serious illness. as an ambassador for Bar- participate, and support this
retstown, and was keen to amazing charity. And you
never know who you might
meet on the Challenge?”
Images: Inpho Photography
 Page 18 VIRGIN FILM FEST www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

The Best of The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival 2022
Dublin International Film Festival celebrates 20 years on the big screen
Other international highlights
Suzanna Son in Red Rocket were Cannes winners The
Worst Person in the World,
Murina and Nitram, Venice
winner Happening, and Berg-
man Island starring Tim Roth
and Vicky Krieps. Legendary
German actor Udo Kier re-
ceived the Best Actor award
for his turn as an ageing
hairdresser who embarks on
an odyssey across his small
town in Todd Stephens’s
Swan song. “We felt hon-
oured to watch an irresistible
performance from Udo Kier,”
said DFCC Chair Tara Brady

n B.J. Quinn

A
ema on the map in a unique Hazel Doupe – one of the na- to spend April Fool’s Day.
fter staging a fully on- and individual way, using our tion’s best young actors – as
line event in 2021, this native language to tell stories a teenager who notices that Among the other Irish films
year, running from Feb with sensitivity and cinemat- her mother, returned after screening are: the one-shot
23rd to March 6th, The Virgin ic craft that moved us all.” some time missing, appears Belfast thriller Nightride
Media Dublin International strangely altered. The picture starring Moe Dunford; the
Film Festival (VMDIFF) was Róise & Frank, directed by blends Irish folklore and fa- mystery-drama Wolf starring A fan favourite, VMDIFF’s
back where it belongs: on the Rachael Moriarty and Pe- milial dysfunction to winning George MacKay and Lily- Surprise Film continued to
big screen! This time around, ter Murphy and produced and terrifying effect. Dolan Rose Depp, telling the story be one of the most popular
audiences enjoyed a host of by Cúán Mac Conghail of was one of three directors, of a boy who believes he’s events of the festival pro-
domestic and international Macalla Teo, was another alongside Colm Bairéad and a wolf trapped in a human gramme. Until screening, the
feature films, short films, homegrown production to Rioghnach Ní Ghrioghair, to body; the world premiere of film’s identity remains a tight-
documentaries, premieres be recognised on awards have been selected as re- The Cry of Granuaile; and the ly-guarded secret known only
and galas in person. And if night, winning Best Ensem- cipients of the Aer Lingus documentaries North Circu- to the Festival Director – not
that wasn’t enough cause ble. Starring Bríd Ní Neach- Discovery Award which aims lar, Young Plato, The Peculiar even the projectionist knows
for celebration, this year the tain, the film follows Róise, to champion, support and Sensation of Pat Ingoldsby the film’s title. Highlights from
Festival celebrated its 20th who lost the love of her life, encourage new and emerg- and Vicky, a portrait of can- previous years include An-
anniversary – hip hip hooray! partner Frank, two years ing talent from both in front cer campaigner Vicky Phelan other Round (2021) and Get
previously but begins to be- and behind the camera. which scooped the award Out (2017), so expectations
The festival kicked things off lieve that he may have come for Best Irish Documentary. were high heading into this
with a bang, screening Colm back to life when a mysteri- You Are Not My Mother year’s showing. Predictions
Bairéad’s much lauded An ous dog arrives and seems wasn’t the only Irish horror Turning our attention abroad, ranged from Colin Farrell’s
Cailín Ciúin. The coming- intent on connecting with making a hometown pre- the festival’s selection of in- low-key After Yang to Viking
of-age drama, which stars her. Both Róise & Frank and miere; Conor McMahon, ternational films was the best extravaganza The Northman
newcomer Catherine Clinch, An Cailín Ciúin were made best known for his 2012 in recent memory. Top of that directed by horror wunder-
Andrew Bennett and Car- under the TG4, Screen Ire- feature film Stitches, tickled list was Vortex, French pro- kind Robert Eggers. In the
rie Crowley, debuted at the land and BAI scheme CINE4 audiences with his vampire vocateur Gaspar Noé’s most end, The Outfit, a film about
Berlinale Film Festival in and are due to be released comedy Let the Wrong One intimate film to date. Miles an English tailor who used to
February, becoming the first in cinemas later this year. In. Hilarity ensues when a away from the psychedelic craft suits on London’s world-
Irish Language feature film to young supermarket worker trips of Climax and Enter the famous Savile Row, proved a
feature at Berlinale, and was Matt discovers that his older, Void, Noé’s latest directorial bit of a let down, truth be told.
awarded the Grand Prix of estranged brother Deco has effort follows a retired psy-
the Generation K plus Inter- turned into a vampire. He’s chiatrist with dementia and Far from a disappointment,
national Jury for Best Film – faced with a dilemma: will a struggling author with a though, was the Irish pre-
an historic achievement. Add- he risk his own life to help heart condition as they live miere of The Batman star-
ing to its accomplishments, his sibling – after all, blood their final days together in a ring Robert Pattinson, Zoë
An Cailín Ciúin even took If all that sounds a bit cheesy, being thicker than water? Or Paris apartment, I could think Kravitz and Colin Farrell.
home the VMDIFF award for then Kate Dolan’s feature de- will he stake him before he of worse places to shuffle off Four days before the film’s
Best Irish Feature along with but, You Are Not My Mother, spreads the infection further? this mortal coil. Last year, general release, festival-go-
the Virgin Media Audience is just the thing for you. Re- The film stars upcoming Irish Noe’s low-key masterpiece ers were given a rare oppor-
Award. The judging panel ceiving its Irish premiere at talent Karl Rice and Eoin shocked Cannes audiences tunity to see easily the most
were full of praise: “Colm the Dublin Festival after its Duffy along with Buffy the for its change of pace, and the eagerly awaited movie of the
Bairéad’s debut feature, An successful debut at the To- Vampire Slayer and Ted Las- Dublin Critic Circle (DFCC) year. “We have worked with
Cailín Ciúin, is a master- ronto International Film Fes- so star Anthony Head. Let were equally enamoured, Warner Bros. for many years
ful character study that has tival, You Are Not My Mother the Wrong One was released crowning Vortex the out-and- and we recognise their sup-
rightly won international rec- thrilled Dublin audiences on nationwide on April 1st – I out Best Film of the festival. port for our festival by adding
ognition is putting Irish cin- the night. The horror stars couldn’t think of a better way this film to our line-up,” said
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 VIRGIN FILM FEST Page 19

Festival Director Gráinne Vicky Phelan and George

Humphreys. “A huge thank MacKay alongside filmmak-
you to Matt Reeves and the er Neil Brand attended the
Warner Bros. team in Dub- red carpet. The festival also
lin for working with us to al- welcomed actor Alan Cum-
low us to present the film.” ming along with fellow Scot
director Jono McLeod. Their
A special mention must go to film, My Old School, which
Sean Baker’s Red Rocket: a recounts one of the strangest
tale of a charismatic con man and most notorious impost-
and washed-up porn star (Si- er cases of modern times,
mon Rex, who won a Screen closed out the Festival and
Acting Guild award for his a marvellous 12 day celebra-
efforts this past March) who tion of Irish and world cinema.
returns to his hometown to
erase his past and start over And just like that, the 2022
– the American dream. Fol- Virgin Media Dublin Inter-
lowing the worldwide suc- national Film Festival came
cess of Tangerine and Florida to an end! Speaking about
Project, Baker shows no sign this year’s festival, Gráinne
of slowing down; Red Rocket Humphreys reflected: “there
is a bold and brilliant explo- has been an extra special
ration of toxic masculinity, as intensity to the audience re-
well as being the funniest film sponses to the screenings
I’ve seen in a long time. And in this year’s festival. From
as if Red Rocket wasn’t racy the tears flowing after our
enough, Dutch maestro Paul Opening Night film An Cailín
Verhoeven’s new film, Bene- Ciúin to the laughter of our
Anamaria Vartolomei in Happening
detta, got everyone hot under comedy strand to the emo-
the collar when it screened tional drain of Gasper Noe’s Images: all supplied, with thanks, from the VMDIFF press team
at Dublin’s Lighthouse Cin- Vortex to the nerve shred-
ema. I dont think I’m giving ding horrors You Are Not My
too much away by describ- Mother. It has been a roller
ing Benedetta as a saucy coaster!” Too true, a roller
nun romance featuring sex coaster we can’t wait to ride
and satire in equal measure. again – roll on VMDIFF2023!

Unfortunately, Verhoeven
wasn’t present to see our fac-
es turn seven shades of red,
a sight he would surely rel-
ish, but the festival did have
plenty of guests lined up for
the week, nonetheless. The
most notable guest this year
was American director Adam
Mckay, who was honoured
with the prestigious Volta
Award for his contribution to
film, including the Oscar-win-
ning The Big Short, the ever-
quotable Anchorman and
ever-forgettable Don’t Look
Up. On receiving the award,
McKay said: “I could not be
more thrilled to have made it
back to Ireland to join Minister

Martin and Festival Direc-

tor Gráinne Humphreys in
person. The passion for film
and the arts at Virgin Me-
dia Dublin International Film
Festival and here in Ire-
land never mind the incred-
ible Irish warmth and hos-
pitality is second to none.”

Some guests didn’t have

to make such a long jour-
ney; talent including Car- An Cailín Ciúin starring newcomer Catherine Clinch
rie Crowley, Moe Dunford,
 Page 20 GOOGLE www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

Google is proudly supporting the Maritime Skills

programme to enhance employment opportunities

See details for access

 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 GOOGLE Page 21

Hospitality Skills Course at the Fairplay Cafe

THE COURSE IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AND IS FUNDED
THROUGH GOOGLE. PLACES WILL BE LIMITED AND THE DATES
WILL BE ANNOUNCED THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS.

INTERESTED IN THE HOSPITALITY SKILLS COURSE AND YOU

WOULD LIKE TO AVAIL OF A FREE PLACE PLEASE CONTACT
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“Every day in Google I use the same
skillset that I learned working with my
Dad in the hospitality industry and
also while working in bars and res-
taurants during my college years.”

Terry O’ Faolain - Google Performance Manager

Google Local Education Task Force from the Student Ambassa-

dors that completed the Saf-
ing in the Google supported
on-site digital training. Over-
er Internet Training, Teachers all it was a day to celebrate
engaged with parents in On- and wonderful to see so
line Safety Programme and many groups and services
parent workshops, Principals from the wider community.
from the Schools participat-

Congratulations to the Train the

Trainer graduates 2022

Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications &

Finn Burke of Marian College, Kevin Humphreys, Chairperson of the Education TaskForce, Leader of the Green Party, Eamon Ryan T.D. presented the
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris,
ris, Abbie Cassidy of Ringsend College and Shane graduation certificates to the final cohort of 50 Google.Org
Nolan, Google. funded community leaders who have benefited from the

A
Irish Congress Trade Union-validated ‘Train the Trainer’ pro-
fter a long difficult ported by Google at Ringsend partnership between Google, gramme (QQI level 6 special award), hosted by RCSF & The
year of working in the College. Twelve students National College of Ireland, Anchorage project based in the Fair Play Cafe. The gradu-
shadows of COVID, from Ringsend College and WebWise, Kinia, Barnardos ates were joined by Chris Andrews SF T.D., Cllr Claire Byrne
the start of February we wit- Marian College completed and Principals from the local GP, Cllr Danny Byrne FG, Teresa Weafer, Google Commu-
nessed a sign of better times. the Student Ambassador Pro- schools, the Education Task nity Engagement, Julie Dilger, External Communications,
Minister for Higher Education gramme hosted by WebWise Force enjoyed the opportuni- and Terry O’Faolain, Sales Google, along with a large at-
Simon Harris T.D. launched a and received their certificates ty to showcase some of their tendance of local community leaders from Pearse Street,
new education taskforce sup- on the day. As a result of a work. On the day we heard Ringsend, and East Wall communities.
Page 22 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

We’re All About The Fish - New Tasty Recipes From Donegal Catch
Donegal Catch Fish Pasta Donegal Catch Easy Peasy Fish Cakes
Ingredients Ingredients
400g spaghetti 2 Donegal Catch frozen haddock fillets (de-
6 tbsp olive oil frosted)
1 medium white onion 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic crushed 1 small white onion finely diced
Juice 1/2 lemon 8-10 basil leaves finely chopped
2 Donegal Catch Haddock Fillets 1 tsp garlic powder
200g sun blush tomatoes finely chopped 1 egg
3 large handfuls of fresh spinach leaves (finely Olive oil
chopped) To serve
4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (leave out for Greek yogurt
smaller babies) Sprinkle smoked paprika
Handful basil leaves 1 spring onion
Sprinkle fresh coriander
Method
Cook spaghetti in water according to packaging Method
directions until al dente. Drain then coat with a Preheat oven to 180oC.
little splash of olive oil and leave aside until ready Finely dice the haddock into small pieces then
to use. add to a bowl along with 3/4 of the bread-
Heat the olive pan in a pan, then add the onions crumbs, onion, basil and garlic powder then
and cook until soft and translucent. Add the garlic stir.
to the pan and cook for a few moments until soft, Make a well in the centre then crack the egg
then add the lemon juice and reduce the heat to a in and whisk through the mixture until fully
simmer. combined.
Cut the haddock fillets into bite sized chunks Use an ice cream scoop to divide the mixture
and add to the pan stirring gently. Cook for around onto a baking tray lined with lightly oiled parch-
8-10 minutes or until the fish starts to turn white ment paper.
and is cooked through. Use a teaspoon to shape and press down
Add the sun blush tomatoes, spinach leaves and slightly. Drizzle over a very light amount of
cooked spaghetti, then gently toss in the sauce olive oil and sprinkle over the remaining bread-
ensuring you don’t stir too much as this will break crumbs. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden
up the fish pieces. brown.
To serve top with grated Parmesan and freshly To serve mix together the yogurt and paprika
chopped basil leaves. then sprinkle over spring onion and chopped
coriander.

The winner of our Feb / March 2022 crossword competition is Wendy Smyth, Ringsend.
Apr May 2022
Crossword Clues April / May 2022
April / May Crossword 2022
ACROSS: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1) Tricky, difficult (11)

6) Hope or the builder? (3)
8) Small dark soft fruit (9) 8 9

9) Pic (5)
10) Appear, come into view (6)
11) Low dam across a river (4) 10 11

12) A tiny bit (3) 12

13) Singular Oscar-winning Irish musical (4)
14) Wander (4) 13 14

15) Tests (5) 15

17) Full of oneself (4)
18) Decipher (6) 16 17

19) Small irritating fly (4) 18

21) Swedish super troupers (4)
22) Soluble crystals used to relax tired muscles (5, 5) 19 20 21

25) Microorganism that can make you sick (4)

26) Breaking down/going wrong (equipment or machinery) (14)
22 23 24 25

DOWN:
1) Triangular treat you might buy in the airport (9)
2) Luxury (8)
26

3) Test to detect for fibs (3, 8)

Solutions to the Feb / March 2022 Crossword
4) This tool is a tasty cocktail (11)
5) Scientific test of a hypothesis (10) ACROSS:
6) Capable of breaking down/decomposing (13) 1) Openhearted, 6) Yam, 8) Tutorials, 10) Adorn, 12) Gargantuam, 13) Crude, 14)
7) Dire Straits hit 80s album (8, 2, 4) Dim, 16) Gaf, 17) Ado, 18) Pic, 20) Rungs, 21) Rib, 22) Tweed, 23) Ores,
16) Rapid stream of liquid or an aircraft (3) 25) Molotovcocktail, 28) Hydrogen, 29) Egg Cup
18) This young woman is often in distress (6)
19) Shine brightly (5) DOWN:
20) A ropey bit of cowboy kit (5) 1) Octagon, 2) Eatery, 3) Hard and Fast, 4) Adapt, 5) Drab, 7) Monumental,
9) Starboard Bow, 11) Obfuscate, 13) Copybook, 15) Manoeuvre, 16) Genial,
23) Religious transgression (3)
19) Triumph, 24) Clap, 26) Oar, 27) Arc
24) Ignited (3)
Prize of €25 book token. Post entries to NewsFour, 13A Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4 by 20th May 2022.
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 LITERATURE Page 23

Poetry Is The Soul In Words

YOU’RE THE OTHER PERSON’S CHAMPION COUNTRYSIDE EASTER SUNDAY

You stand by them with encouragement and support. It is Spring again thank God This then is my magic place
You knock gently so they do not hear you enter their He lets the wild flowers With glinting water and willows a weeping,
soul grow profusely in the Glens of Ireland. While blossom trees are a wedding of
And still their fears! white
Take a walk in the open air, On this my miracle day,
You defend them, when hard hearted people attack Travel by foot and I’ll meet you there, When my namesake gave me my jab
them Oh the wonder of it all! Miracle of miracles,
And catch them unawares. A gentle walk is as good as sleep. Christ is risen, He is risen indeed,
And my moment with nature
They will rise to the highest level with you by their A tear in your eye, will swell for joy. Is enhanced to-day with the sight again
side I’ll meet you there below the sky. Of Old Man Heron
Your compassion is about living with an open heart. On a rock, in the river
The sun is shining and so are you. A wonderful Easter of Hope.
Siobhan Walsh The sky is blue, the day is new.
Smile, it’s the new day. Margaret Boles

Siobhan Walsh

Continuing our NewsFour Short Story

LEAVING
Ruth O’Leary
Mary tiptoed down the stairs in her dress- How did it all go by so quickly?
ing gown and slippers and shuffled into the
kitchen. She switched on the radio and filled Today was the first day of the Leav-
the kettle. ing Cert state exams. After this week
Martin would be finished school
She and her husband Pat had moved into for good and was heading off for
this mid-terrace house as newlyweds twenty a month around Europe with his
years ago. Their only child, Martin, was born friends.
one year later and had filled their little home Mary and Pat would be alone in the
with love, laughter and joy every day since. house again.

Mary filled the kitchen sink with warm water When he stood up to leave, Mary
and squirted some washing up liquid in. hugged her son extra tight and in-
haled his scent.
The June sun was coming up over the back
hedge, its fingers of light and heat slowly “Love you mum,” he said as he went
creeping up the lawn. out the door.

Mary was woken from her daydream by Mar- “Love you too son,” Mary tried to say
tin’s loud footsteps running down the stairs. cheerfully. “Good Luck!”

“Morning Mum,” He said full of energy. Then he was gone. The house was
silent again.
Mary looked at Martin. She could clearly
remember cradling him as an infant, in the Mary felt her heart ache. She turned
crook of her arm in this very kitchen while back to the kitchen window and
making his early morning bottles. Now she gazed out at the lawn again as her
was making him a man-sized breakfast for tears flowed down her face and
his big day. joined the bubbles in the sink.
THE END
 Page 24 DCC NOTES www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

Concern Over Barrow Street Future, and A Window on DCC Past

Proposed Revamping of Barrow Street beginning to look more like a first Monday of every month, side story of Dublin and its
Google complex in San Jose. with meetings now streamed government can be read by
He described Google as hav- and the minutes available on- people all over the world.”
ing taken over the area by line. It was very different on
stealth and, while welcoming Monday 1st November 1841 The 40 years of minutes cov-
some of the improvements when the Council met at the er the development of Dublin
involved, questioned for City Assembly House in South City Council as it gradually
whose benefit the changes William Street and Daniel took over the functions and
were being made and asked O’Connell was elected as property of other organi-
“Who’s leading this project?” the first Roman Catholic Lord sations, such as the Wide
Cllr Flynn ended by saying Mayor. O’Connell’s election Streets Commission and the
he would hate to see Part 8 as Lord Mayor in 1841 was Paving Board. These tell the
Planning used to facilitate made possible by the grant- story of the many changes
corporate entities, “particu- ing of the vote to all ratepay- which took place over the pe-
larly the likes of Google.” ers with a property valuation riod, including the establish-
of £10, and not just members ment of Dublin Fire Brigade in
Cllr Tara Deasy shared of the Church of Ireland. 1862; the improvement of the
n Dermot Carmody some of Cllr. Flynn’s con- City’s water supply with the

A
architecture firm Gustafson, cerns, questioning if this Speaking about the min- opening of the Vartry Reser-
t the March meet- Porter and Bowman were en- was part of a Local Area utes, Dublin City Librarian voir at Roundwood, in 1868,
ing of the DCC South gaged by DCC and Google plan and asking when it Mairead Owens remarked: and the building of social
East Area Committee to come up with a plan to was initiated and by whom. “We in Dublin City Libraries housing from 1875 onwards.
(SEAC), councillors were improve the planting on the are proud custodians of the In addition to making this
given a presentation by DCC street, described by Dixon as In response Derek Dixon records of Dublin Corpora- manuscript collection ac-
engineer Derek Dixon outlin- “non-existent” at the moment, said this was a DCC project tion going right back to the cessible through digitisation,
ing the proposed extensive and to incorporate sustain- with Google contributing to middle ages. When you see members of the public can
works on Barrow Street, able urban drainage into the the cost. The actual cost the handwritten minutes of take part in a project to tran-
the costs of which would scheme. Planting, including of the scheme would not these meetings, with Daniel scribe the minutes as part
jointly be met by the coun- up to 20 trees, will be done be known until the job was O’Connell’s very own sig- of Transcription Week, from
cil and Google, which owns using innovative methods of eventually tendered and ne- nature at the bottom of the 28th March to 1st April 2022.
many buildings on the street. over-planting over the exist- gotiations over the portion page, the history of the City
ing combined sewer. The funding to be provided by comes to life before your The documents can be
The proposal relates to plan also includes extensive Google was ongoing. Google eyes. We are delighted to viewed online at https://
the entire length of Barrow lower level planting with the paid for the design consul- be making these important repository.dri.ie/catalog/
Street, which runs between planters designed to absorb tancies used to this point. documents freely available kk91v9531.
Ringsend Road and Grand surface water at most nor- via the DRI, so that the in-
Canal Street Upper. Dixon mal rainfall levels, leading to The plan goes to public con-
told councillors that the cur- an easing of pressure on the sultation on Wednesday 23rd A page from the first meeting of Dublin City Council with
rent proposals arise from existing drainage systems. March until May 6th. The the signature of the Lord Mayor, Daniel O’Connell.
an extension of a previously idea is to enhance the pub-
approved Part 8 planning There was a mixed response lic realm for both residents
permission for a third of the to the plans from council- and users of the street. Dix-
street from 2012. The street lors. Green Party Councillor on said that if this was suc-
has changed greatly in the Clare Byrne enthusiastically cessful it could become a
intervening years, with the welcomed the scheme, not- way of expanding enhance-
Bolans Mill project nearing ing that usage of the street ment of the public realm in
completion meaning the for- would increase greatly when other cases in the future.
merly industrial west side of the Bolands Mill project was
Barrow Street will now be complete and welcoming the Minutes from First Meetings
office/residential and retail extensive greenery and sus- of DCC Digitised
space in buildings most- tainable drainage elements.
ly owned by Google. The Cllr. Byrne thought the design For those with a very keen
budget for the joint proposal was great and would give interest in the workings of
from DCC and Google to a “modern feel” to the area. Dublin City Council, or in
“enhance the Public Realm” She welcomed the increased the history of the city itself
along the entire street is bike parking and proposed there is now the opportunity
estimated at €8 million. new lighting and seating to read the original handwrit-
which would make the space ten minutes of all its meet-
Under the proposal the more inviting and usable. ings from 1841-1881. The
main vehicular carriageway notes were bound in large
would be reduced with the There was, however, unease volumes and are curated by
footpaths being extensively from some others about the Dublin City Archives. They’ve
widened with extensive use joint nature of the proposal now been digitised in a joint
of modular stone materi- with Google. Independent project by Dublin City Library
als, pedestrian crossways, Councillor Mannix Flynn and the Digital Repository
increased pay and display said he had been concerned of Ireland and are available
parking, charging points for about what he called “the ero- free to anyone to view online
electric vehicles, 40 bike sion of the neighbourhood”
parking stands and 26 Dub since Google arrived in the For over 150 years, Dublin
lin Bike stands. Landscape area. He said the area was City Council has met on the
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 MARITIME Page 25

ALLINAROW
n Louise Whelan
2021
T
he Poolbeg Yacht and Underwater Search & Res- The RNLI is the charity that to donate, there was also a 2021 event was a huge suc-
Boat Club in Ringsend cue Unit (IUSRU). These saves lives at sea. The char- monster raffle held with an cess. Ringsend is so lucky
were the hosts for the elite group of rowers expe- ity is driven by their values of array of spot prizes galore. having two rowing clubs in
handover of two cheques rienced the thrill of rowing selflessness, courage, de- our area, St Patrick’s Row-
of €10,000 each on March under Dublin’s iconic bridg- pendability and trustworthi- Among a packed attendance ing Club and Stella Maris
4th, which was wonderfully es which started at the Tom ness with 95% of volunteers on the night, was the Lord Rowing Club and their skills
donated by the All in a Row - Clarke Bridge (East Link), making up the organisation. Mayor of Ringsend and Irish- and knowledge combined,
For Charity fundraising event under the Samuel Beckett town, Derek Buckley who make for a powerhouse of
that smashed a 1,000 km bridge, past the Jeanie John- The IUSRU provides a pro- congratulated the heroes of expertise that really pushes
target in the Liffey challenge ston Famine Ship, under the fessional, dedicated and this event, emphasising “not the boat out when it comes
back in December. This is Sean O’ Casey bridge, the highly trained service that can all heroes wear capes” add- to fundraising for charities
an annual challenge with an Talbot Memorial Bridge, Butt carry out the task of recov- ing, “it was great to see the that need a helping hand so
armada of rowing boats, cur- Bridge, the Rosie Hackett ering missing persons with brilliant community spirit out a big thank you to both clubs
rachs, sea skiffs, kayakers, Bridge, the 50 metre wide compassion and sensitivity. in full force in raising money and well done to all involved.
motor boats, river outriggers O’Connell Bridge and the for two amazing charities,
and the Dublin Viking Dragon Ha’penny Bridge before All in a Row was estab- and we will look forward in You can find All in a
boat, all competing on the rowing back downstream. lished by the rowing and hosting this event in our com- Row- For Charity on Fa-
river for a fun day out, while boating community along munity again in December.” cebook and their web-
raising funds for the charities. This year 2021, the chari- the east coast of Ireland in site is www.allinarow.ie
ties were the Royal National 2016, in an effort to raise The All in a Row crew mem- Images courtesy of Ivan Tonge
The historic Old Liffey Ferry Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and much needed funds for lo- bers thanked all the clubs, & Alan Betson
was also on hand as well as the Irish Underwater Search cal charities. Alongside a Go rowers, supporters and spon-
Rescue Ribs from the Irish & Recovery Unit (IUSRU) Fund Me page for people sors who ensured that the

Thanks For Everything Mr Tilly

n Louise Whelan

Mr Tilly’s Christmas
lights and Christmas
cards raised a mas-
sive €20,000 in 2021
for Our Lady’s Hospice
and Care Services in
Harold’s Cross and
. Samuel Beckett bridge, courtesy Alan Betson he would love to give
a huge thank you to
everyone who sup-
ported him: The Bath
pub and manage-
ment, Brian, Stephen
and Brendan for their
contribution in paying
toward the electricity
for the lights; Graham
Clinton and Patrick
Walsh for organising the hospice, and to eve- Mr Tilly, you legend, we all
the Christmas cards; ryone involved. A big big thank you so much for all
and Barry and Dave thank you to each and every your amazing charity work
from Paceprint, Bath one of you. On a personal throughout the years and your
Avenue, for printing. note Mr Tilly would also like acts of kindness and gener-
to give a shout out to his osity to enhance the comfort
Also big thanks to all grandson Dean Tilly for all and care to all who need it.
The Irish Search and Recovery Team receiving their cheque the local businesses his wonderful help with the You are truly inspiring and
with Ringsend and Irishtown Lord Mayor Derek Buckley, with that sold the cards on lights and all his hard work. have made such a difference
Philip Murphy and Dave Cox of St Patrick’s Rowing Club. behalf of Mr Tilly and to so many people’s lives.
 Page 26 LIVE MUSIC www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

Music Current at the PROJECT ARTS CENTRE

I
reland’s most ambitious freely juxtaposes multiple clarinet, and baritone voice. J.S. Bach, György Kurtág and creativity, highlight-
and adventurous contem- styles and aesthetics in their Their unique lung-powered and Barry, the Homburger/ ing some of the extended
porary music festival Music programming in order to en- instrumentation has pro- Guy Duo creates a con- techniques on bass and
Current returns from its Cov- thusiastically share adventur- voked diverse responses duit through which music violin with which they cre-
id slumber and moves into a ous new music with the wid- from composers, resulting in from the 17th century and ate unique sound worlds.
brand new home at Project est possible audience. The a repertoire comprising an in- earlier can flow effortlessly
Arts Centre for 2022. With quintet has worked closely clusive picture of composition into contemporary compo- Music Current’s closing con-
many new concerts over five with such composers as Eric today. They have premiered sitions and improvisations. cert of the 2022 festival (Sat
days, as well as participa- Wubbels, Sky Macklay, Paula more than 400 works, written 23 Apr), Invisible Hand, wel-
tion workshops and panel Matthusen, Marc Mellits, and by members of the ensemble, This performance will take comes German band En-
discussions, this year’s con- Ken Ueno, while presenting emerging artists, and today’s place within a special loud- semble Garage to Ireland
certs showcase some of the North American premieres leading composers. Their speaker system designed for the first time. They will
most adventurous groups in by European-based com- repertoire includes works by originally by a Stanford Uni- present a true multimedia
Irish and international con- posers Dai Fujikura, Mat- Pulitzer Prize winners David versity team of Professor concert of works combining
temporary and electronic thew Shlomowitz, and Yannis Lang and Charles Wuorinen; Jonathan Abel, Dr Eoin Call- choreographed movement,
music today, many perform- Kyriakides, among others. Rome Prize winners Andy ery, and Dr Elliot Canfield- video, instrumental prac-
ing in Ireland for the very first Akiho and Paula Matthusen; Dafilou, which immerses tice and cynical play to cre-
time, at this unique event Music Current’s Thursday and Guggenheim Fellows both the audience and the ate a uniquely curious and
which runs from 19 – 23 April. (21 Apr) concert features Chaya Czernowin, George performers in virtual acoustic disconcerting performance.
New York music chamber Lewis, and Alex Mincek. spaces. This system imposes Ensemble Garage’s pro-
In their first concert of the group LOADBANG, who will a new alternative acoustic on grammes are at once play-
2022 festival (Tue 19 Apr), perform a programme called Friday’s (22 Apr) concert the performance space and ful and politically engaged.
Currents, Dublin Sound Lab IRRATIONAL, which show- brings us Maya Homburg- can render a transparent and This concert mixes dark
present four new works that cases the breadth of their er and Barry Guy who join realistic sensation of listen- comedy with the absurdity of
have been developed in close creative work in the past dec- forces to present a pro- ing (or performing) within en- life, love and politics. While
and extended collaboration ade. Ranging from off-kilter gramme called DUO, com- tirely different spaces, such maintaining a foothold in the
between the composers and grooves to apocalyptic sound- bining new compositions, as: historic buildings, natu- abstract, their work is con-
performers throughout 2021; scapes, the programme masterful improvisations ral spaces or even synthetic ceived as an attempt to re-
including premieres of new features works by some of and Baroque masterpieces. spaces. This new sound tech- veal the connection between
works by Paul Scully, Jane their favourite collaborators Barry Guy is renowned as nology continues to be devel- art and the experience of life.
Deasy and Gráinne Mulvey. including Eve Beglarian, Tay- one of the most virtuosic oped at Stanford University
With a second performance lor Brook, Chaya Czernowin, and imaginative improvis- and at the Irish World Acad- Further info including
Elis Czerniak’s and the Ac- George Lewis, Alex Mincek, ers and Maya Homburger’s emy of Music And Dance in Workshops, Masterclass,
ceptance of Death, as well and Angélica Negrón as well interpretations of solo violin the University of Limerick. Lecture Recital, and Panel
as new works by Panayiotis as a world premiere by Irish sonatas are inspired by the Discussion at: http://www.
Kokoras (Greece/USA) and composer Fergal Dowling. duo’s freedom and creativity. The concert will be preced- musiccurrent.ie
Brona Martin (Ire/UK), com- ed by a lecture-recital on
missioned as part of their an- The group relish in a new kind In this programme for Mu- the Duo’s concept of “musi- Box Office / Tel: +353 1
nual commissioning scheme. of music for mixed ensemble sic Current 2022, they fea- cal stretching”, and will give 8819 613 / projectartscen-
of trumpet, trombone, bass ture works by H.I.F. Biber, insight into their approach tre.ie
On Wednesday (20 Apr)
Splinter Reeds from San
Francisco’s East Bay Area,
comprise of five virtuoso
musicians. They present a
concert entitled Hypotheti-
cal Islands, an adventurous
programme of acoustic and
electroacoustic works for
reed quintet that highlight
a range of extended tech-
niques and vibrant sound
worlds. The programme
comprises entirely of Irish
and world premieres that
are a result of in-depth col-
laborations, and reveal the
unique musical vocabulary of
the individuals within the en-
semble, as well as three new
works written especially for
the group by Irish compos-
ers Siobhán Clear, Gráinne
Mulvey and Fergal Dowling.

Explicitly committed to the

cutting edge of contemporary
composition, Splinter Reeds Garage Ensemble
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 LIVE MUSIC Page 27

Longitude Festival Returns - Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler,

The Creator and A$AP Rocky among the headliners
n B.J. Quinn

L
ife during Lockdown 4th the tickets were released loved single Goldie. The al-
wasn’t without its music. for sale. Longitude favourite bum A.L.L.A. (At Long Last
First, cooped-up sailors Dave returns to headline the A$AP) followed in 2015 and
became Tik-Tok superstars Friday night of the festival. debuted at number one. His
by belting out delightful sea Last summer Dave released third album,Testing – for
shanties for all to enjoy. Then his critically acclaimed UK #1 which The Guardian noted
we saw Italians singing from sophomore album We’re All takes the American rapper to
their balconies – opera! How Alone In This Together, which “some glorious heights” – ar-
classy! And then, never one had the biggest first week rived in May 2018, opening
to miss a trend, celebrities sales in the UK since Octo- at #4 on the Billboard 200.
crashed the party. Rockstars ber 2019. Pop sensation and
told us to wash our hands – multi Grammy nominated In addition to the festival’s
well-intentioned but patronis- superstar Doja Cat will also glitzy headliners, Longitude
ing. But taking the whole kit perform on Friday. She’s cur- is expecting standout per-
and caboodle, Gal Gadot, rently promoting her third stu- formances from Jack Har-
just six days into isolation, dio album, Planet Her. But it low, Baby Keem, Polo G,
began feeling “philosophi- was Hot Pink, the record fea- Ski Mask the Slump God,
cal”. Her philosophy, it turned turing TikTok viral hits such not to mention Irish stars
out, was the act of gathering as Say So, Juicy and Like Denise Chaila and Offica.
celebrity friends to join her That, which catapulted her to D-Block Europe, Aitch, Cen-
in a sing-song of John Len- international superstardom. tral Cee, M Huncho, Digga
non’s Imagine – a perfor- D, ArrDee, Pa Salieu, CKay,
mance which even she has Tyler, The Creator leads the Knucks, Enny, Ivorian Doll
since labelled “in poor taste”. Saturday line-up. The rapper and Sello round out the first
surfaced as a founding mem- slate of artists announced
Thank god, then, that music ber of Odd Future, a brash for the summer festival.
festivals have come back. and outlandish hip hop crew
For the first time since the that gradually permeated the More artists are expected to
Covid-19 pandemic began, mainstream circa 2011. His be announced in the com-
Electric Picnic, the largest most recent album, Call Me If ing months. Day pass tickets
music festival in Ireland, will You Get Lost – one of my fa- start at €99.50, while week-
welcome the likes of Der- vourite records of last year – end passes start at €239.50.
mot Kennedy, Tame Impala has been met with universal
and the Arctic Monkeys to critical acclaim. Debuting at Tickets are available from
the open fields of Stradbally #1 on the US Billboard 200, Ticketmaster outlets na-
in Co. Laois. But closer to NME called it “a kaleidoscop- tionwide and online at
home – and boasting a su- ic record that reaffirms his www.ticketmaster.ie
perior line-up, in my opin- greatness.” But it gets better,
ion – Dublin’s Longitude folks, as joining Tyler on the
Festival is set to return to Saturday bill is arguably the
Marley Park this summer. biggest star of the Covid era:
Megan Thee Stallion, who
Since 2013, the festival has will be finally making her Irish
been proving a hot ticket festival debut. Since 2020,
among music fans. 9,500 the rapper hasn’t missed,
revellers attended during dishing out anthem tracks as
its first year, a number that if for fun. Thanks to bangers
has been steadily growing like Savage, Body, and suc-
ever since. In 2019, the last cessful collaborations with
time the event took place, performers Cardi B (W.A.P)
it reached full capacity at and Dua Lipa (Sweetest
40,000. Of course, there Pie), the Texas native has
were plans for 2020 and 2021 become one of the hottest
Longitudes too, but Covid got female acts on the planet.
in the way. Thankfully, this
year, with restrictions pared After a last minute cancel-
back, Longitude is back in lation of his planned 2019
business. After three years headline appearance, A$AP
of silence, the hills are alive Rocky is set to close out the
with the sound of pop music. Longitude Festival on Sun-
day night alongside Austral-
The three-day outdoor event ian up-and-comer Kid Laroi.
(July 1st-3rd) announced A$AP’s debut album, Long.
its 2022 lineup at the end of Live.A$AP, landed in 2013
January, and on February and featured the much be-
 Page 28 RETROSPECTION 1987 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

The Dodder, still a popular spot for dog walkers, Ringsend Village looking well. Sandymount and Merrion Com-
joggers and kids feeding the ducks. munity Week sounded brilliant!

Ringsend Library still going strong

in 2022! Looks amazing with all the
Sandymount strand gets a new motorway.
beautiful plants outside now too.

Ringsend Intercity Triathlon - what a great idea -

Bring it back.

Did Sandymount have a special Equine Can we please get another Ball-
Ringsend G.N.S. - There’s a lot of local familiar faces. path then. room of Romance going! Be so
much fun!.
www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 RETROSPECTION 1987 Page 29

Community week.
Wonderful community spirit as always for anyone in need.

Shamrock Rovers Football Team 1935 - 36.

Bernie Ward’s fashion shop was the place to be in 1987. Also can anyone
name the cut out and keep Pin Up.

Definitely a CYMS top fan! How many locals went to the AnCO Centre?
 Page 30 COMMUNITY www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

SEAN MOORE AWARDS

W
orking with our with distinction for so long. presented by Alison Gilli- had never worn a face mask sentative Kevin Humphreys.
sponsor, the Aviva land, Lord Mayor of Dublin. and we were not aware of
Stadium, and our The 2020 awards, which had the importance in challenging We would also like to thank
media partner NewsFour, to be postponed, were pre- In her presentation Sand- times of sourdough loaves Pat Kane (Clanna Gael)
we were delighted to host sented in March this year ymount native (who now de- and banana bread. It’s been and Joe Donnelly (Fair
the Sean Moore Commu- at a ceremony in Clanna scribes herself as a refugee a time of great loss, of great Play Cafe) for food on the
nity Awards – after a hiatus Gael Fontenoy, GAA Club. on the Northside), and daugh- sacrifice but also a time when night, and to Kevin Mor-
of two years. It was really ter of Ann Ingle, who also we stood together in solidari- row for providing the music.
great to be back. The Sean Michael Murphy, Aviva Sta- has a long association with ty and that’s what community
Moore Awards for “excep- dium Community Fund, and NewsFour, Roisin Ingle said: is about, it’s what the Sean There were 12 awards in all,
tional community service” John Mitchel, Clanna Gael Moore awards are about.” including the Jack Torpey.
were inaugurated during the Chairman got proceed- “When we gathered here former Independent Coun-
1988 Dublin Millennium to ings underway with open- back in March 2019 we had Among those in attend- cillor and member of SAM-
honour the memory of the ing speeches. The event no clue what was in store ance on the night were TDs RA (Sandymount & Merrion
late Sean Moore, former Dáil itself was hosted by Cllr for all of us. We didn’t know Jim O’Callaghan, Chris An- Residents Association set
Deputy, Minister of State Dermot Lacey and author about social distancing, we drews, and Ivana Bacik; up in 1962) Award. All re-
and Lord Mayor of Dublin, and Irish Times journalist thought zoom was the noise Cllrs Danny Byrne, Claire cipients are pictured below.
who represented the area Roisin Ingle, and the awards a fast car made, most of us Byrne, and former local repre

1st Award - Paula O Brien 2nd Award - Christine Deevey (Nee Byrne) accept- 3rd Award - Dolores Mc Carthy, also in the photo
ed by Mary Thompson Suzanne Whelan (President of Landsdowne Tennis
club)

4th Award - Sinead Curran (in the photo) Francis 5th Award - Joe Gavigan 6th Award - Damien Murphy
Galvin who could not be present
on the night
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 COMMUNITY Page 31

9th Award - David Doyle Stella Maris Rowing Club

7th Award - Margaret Shaw 8th Award - Maxine Pilkington (not in attendance) Award accepted by Barry Sain-
ders & Catherine Bolton

10th Award - Erick Rankin (not in attendeance) 11th Award - Joan Mc Arthur Jack Torpey Award - presented by Joan Mc
accepted by Ross Hinds Arthur to Maxine Pilkington - (Sandymount Tidy
Towns)

Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland, some winners on the night, and hosts Roisin Ingle & Cllr Dermot Lacey
 Page 32 EDUCATION/SOCIAL www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

Same-Sex Schools: A Thing of the Past?

n Peter McNamara

D
id you attend a same- cation spokesperson, and
sex school? Reflect- himself a former principal of
ing on those days, you an all-girls primary school,
might carry warm memories believes his party’s bill is key
of semi-cloistered sisterhood to moving with the times.
and brotherhood. Perhaps
you thrived in an atmos- According to the senator,
phere of focus, fun, and pri- efforts to promote consent
vacy, among your own kind. and tackle “toxic masculin-
On the other hand, all these ity” made more sense when
years later, you might still find boys and girls were edu-
yourself dismayed by the op- cated together. In response
posite sex, those inscrutable to those who say there are
others that you never mixed pros and cons to the same-
with in your formative years. sex approach to education,
It begs the question: would O’Riordan states that argu-
you choose to give a child the ments made that girls tend other ‘welfare’ institutions, Ireland was not unique when meant that Victorian morality
same sort of experience to- to do better when educated like laundries, mother and it came to sexual prudery. It remained dominant here until
day? Would you send them to separately from boys baby homes, and industrial was part of a Victorian men- late in the twentieth century.
a same-sex school in 2022? “don’t stand up to modern schools. The nation traded tality that had also spread And we’re still untangling ves-
one overlord for another. through Protestant Britain tiges of its once-monolithic
and America. According to position. Hence the position
Although deValera was a that writer, however, what we find ourselves in today.
devout Catholic, with strong set Ireland apart was how
views on the role of women deeply Victorian attitudes Now for Science – What
in the home, his decisions and practices penetrated Modern Studies Show
can be seen as the continua- into the Irish body and soul,
tion of a trend in Irish society. and how long these atti- One of the arguments in
According to Irish academic tudes and practices lasted. favour of retaining single-
Tom Inglis, beliefs about sex schools has been their
the differences between the The obsession with sexual superior academic perfor-
sexes, the fair female and purity was connected to both mance. However, speaking
mighty male, spread into cultural and material inter- to The Irish Times, Prof Emer
Irish society in the aftermath ests. For one thing, Catho- Smyth of the Economic and
of the famine. In pre-famine lics were trying to attain a Social Research Institute
Sex Education Symbol Ireland, there was less dis- symbolic victory over their (ESRI) said the most recent
tinction between a man’s Protestant English colonisers reviews of Irish research
With all that in mind, it might analysis” and have been and a woman’s proper work by demonstrating their moral have shown “very little con-
relieve or alarm you to know “debunked” by the ESRI – many women worked the superiority. Added to this, sensus” on whether single-
that this February the Irish a number of years ago. land as hard as men. In the people promoted new views sex education leads to better
Labour Party tabled a bill aftermath of the Great Hun- around sexual purity to help outcomes for girls or boys.
to end single-sex schools Time for a History Lesson ger, things changed quickly. maintain the living stand-
in the Republic of Ireland. Boys and girls were soon ards of farmers. Inheritance According to Professsor
They aim to make every pri- Ireland’s high proportion of believed to be fundamentally was the key issue – instead Smyth, far from being dis-
mary school co-education single-sex schools, when at odds – and a moral and of parcelling the land to their tracted or discouraged by the
within 10 years, and to do the compared with other coun- sexual hazard to each other. various children, girls and opposite sex, the main thing
same at second-level within tries, is a legacy of the de- boys, fathers gave it all to affecting the performance
15. The party says the bill is nominational control of the This new value system was the most eligible male. It was of children in schools is
needed amid “the wider dis- education system. Having a strategy of a new class of because these struggles for their economic background.
cussion about gender equal- won an independent Ire- tenant farmers that emerged symbolic and economic pow-
ity” and argues it is already land, but one that was al- in the social space between er took place in and through On average, she said, “single-
“de facto” policy because the most bankrupt, then leader the peasantry and the Prot- the Catholic church that this sex schools are more middle-
Department of Education has Eamon deValera looked estant ascendancy class. institution developed its mo- class in intake and tend to
not sanctioned a new sin- to the Catholic Church for The notion that Ireland was nopoly position in the fields draw students of higher initial
gle-sex school since 1998. moral support and – even a country of virtuous virgins, of family life, health, edu- ability. When we adjusted for
more crucially – for money. chaste mothers, and abste- cation, and social welfare. social class and prior ability
Ireland has one of the highest mious fathers was mythical. we found no significant dif-
rates of single-sex education The fledgling Irish State But the myth became cen- In Britain and America, op- ferent in the academic out-
outside the Arab world, with needed to establish its own tral to the dominant ideol- position to Victorian prudery comes of students from sin-
17% of our primary school institutions, differently and ogy of the new class, and emerged as soon as it be- gle-sex and co-ed schools, in
children attending single- separately from the former this “imagined community” came dominant. In Ireland’s either the Junior or Leaving
sex education, and one-third British colonisers. As such, served to perpetuate the case, however, the crucial Cert. There was far greater
of secondary schools being deValera gave the men- interests of its members. role of the Catholic church in variation between schools
single-sex. Senator Aoidhain in-black a remit to estab- the establishment and mod- of different levels of advan-
Ó Ríordáin, Labour’s edu- lish schools, hospitals, and Inglis points out that Catholic ernization of the Irish state tage – that’s the real issue.”
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 EDUCATION/SOCIAL Page 33

sex creches, we don’t have

Australia is another coun- single-sex universities.”
try with a high proportion
of same-sex schools. But “I think if we’re trying to tackle
changes there are already some of the issues in our so-
having positive results. Armi- ciety that affect women quite
dale School has a 120 year profoundly, we are probably
tradition of teaching boys ex- going to be more success-
clusively on its grounds in the ful doing that in the multi-
New England tablelands of gendered scenario,” he adds.
New South Wales – or it did,
until 2016. According to The School Debate – Using Girls
Guardian it was a financial to Improve Boys?
imperative that prompted the
move; the school wanted to Although momentum ap-
grow. When consulting par- pears to be behind a move
ents and community, head- to end single-sex schools
master Murray Guest and in Ireland, it can be instruc-
the school insisted it would tive to listen to oppos-
be introducing co-education ing views on the matter.
without undermining culture
and tradition. But they were Speaking to The Guard-
wrong: culture did change. ian, Loren Bridge, the chief
executive of the Alliance
“The social environment is a of Girls Schools Australia,
better one now than it was says that there is plenty of
before,” says the headmas- evidence to show academic,
ter. In 2016 he did not expect social and emotional ben-
to see the strength of ben- efits of single-sex school-
efits of changing to co-ed as ing, particularly for girls.
he has. “The interaction be- ing gender and education robustly defend their choice Still, feelings appear to be
tween boys and girls isolates She says the trend of single- for 30 years. She says that and the experience of their strong in favour of a change.
some of the less desirable sex schools, like the Armi- she has yet to discover or children in those same insti- Sarah McKenny Barry, a jour-
aspects of both. So the very dale School of New South conduct definitive research tutions.” But the former head- nalist for her.ie, put the mat-
macho is downplayed, while Wales, becoming co-ed is in which shows either school master added: “no one should ter quite simply: “life is co-ed,
at the same time girls are fact the movement of boys structure as more effective. be frightened of a debate.” so why aren’t our schools?”
encouraged to be interacting schools to co-ed. “It’s basi-
with boys and breaking out of cally a boys school with girls “I’m inclined to take the po-
the girls being girls mould.” in it. And the girls are there sition that it may not be
to help socialise the boys.” the most important fea-
Back at home, opinion is ture of the school,” she
divided among school prin- A recent study from the Uni- says. “It’s the easiest one
cipals over whether single versity of Queensland found to tell. It becomes a defin-
or mixed-gender schools that girls leaving single-sex ing characteristic, but per-
are best for students. schools were on average haps it shouldn’t. There are
more confident than those good schools and ordinary
Speaking to The Irish Times, leaving co-ed schools. Ac- schools in both categories.”
Barbara Ennis, principal of cordingly, in a girls’ school,
Alexandra College, an all- Loren Bridge argues, “there’s The debate about which
girls secondary school in not the social pressure to be school system is better is of-
south Co Dublin, said sin- quiet in class. The conversa- ten dominated by academic
gle-sex girls schools allow tion becomes about learn- performance measures. The
students to have a “safe ing, not being liked. They’re Atar and system of univer-
space” in which to express not putting on make-up to go sity admissions promotes
themselves through drama, to school. Their school time the ascendance of academic
Aoidhain Ó Ríordán is one of the main cheerleaders for the
speech or music. However, is about learning and hav- achievement, says Gill. “It
new co-ed school bill.
Aaron Wolfe, principal of Co- ing that confidence. It ends encourages a very, very nar-
láiste Éamann Rís – which in a better life outcome.” row idea of what education
is about. We’re now realising Images: Aoidhain Ó Ríordán, Courtesy of the Irish La-
switched from boy-only to
that social education, what bour Party; all others Wiki Commons
co-ed in 2019 – said it has She says teachers, like
been the best move they everyone else, have im- some people call emotional
ever made. “Boys and girls plicit gender biases, and education, is just as impor-
have a better understanding may, for instance, subcon- tant as academic education.”
of each other. It’s how col- sciously think that boys are
lege is; it’s how society is.” better at maths, or encour- In a previous article for Jour-
age boys to take higher lev- nal.ie, Senator Ó Ríordáin
Aoidhain Ó Ríordáin, the els of STEM subjects than noted that there would be
Labour Senator and former a girl of the same ability. many who would disagree
principal, says that schools with his party’s proposal.
should be “reflective of University of South Aus- “There are thousands of par-
wider society” and argues tralia associate professor ents of pupils in single sex
that “we don’t have single- Judith Gill has been study- schools,” he said, “who will
 Page 34 COMMUNITY www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

RICC Radio Relaunches in Ringsend

R
ingsend and Irishtown be Spotify links to all their
Community Centre’s podcasts, along with news,
(RICC) online radio events and a list of the ser-
station was relaunched back vices and activities provided
in February and has been go- by the centre. RICC Man-
ing strong ever since Top Irish ager, Lorraine Barry, excit-
comedian Danny O’Brien pro- edly exclaimed, “I am over
vided the laughs in the build the moon with the develop-
up to the first weekly commu- ment of RICC Radio and
nity news podcast. The pod- very proud of the team we
cast goes out every Monday have culminated. Along with
at 12pm - not to be missed. our new website, it will help
us to further our fabulous
RICC Radio are delighted community, both here and
to welcome on board Mick abroad, especially after a
Hanley to the team. Mick turbulent couple of years.”
spent many years on the air-
waves at Dublin City FM and NewsFour wishes both ven-
has big plans going forward. tures the very best of luck.
Along with Dylan Clayton
and Jennifer Gannon, RICC Here are some pictures of
Radio will develop with pride the launch, which include
and passion and most im- Ringsend and Irishtown Lord
portantly, keep our listeners Mayor Derek Buckley, lo-
informed and entertained. cal TD Chris Andrews, and
Cllr. Dermot Lacey. Pho-
On the same day RICC tos supplied by RICC and
launched their new website NewsFour’s Louise Whelan.
www.ricc.ie where there will
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 SPORT Page 35

FAI Announce Euro 2028 Bid ing legacy across our com-
munities. We believe the
coaches Dean Kiely, Ste-
phen Rice and Damien Doyle
importance of the passion-
ate Irish fans both home
Republic of Ireland and the also signed extensions. How- and away. Finally, I want to
n David Prendeville

T
UK can offer UEFA and Eu- ever a big blow to Kenny and express my appreciation to
he Football Associa- “On balance, the five asso- ropean football something Ireland has been the recent Jonathan and the Board of
tion of Ireland recently ciations have decided to fo- special in 2028 – a compact departure of highly-rated the FAI for sharing our belief
announced that they, cus solely on an official bid to and unique five-way host- Chelsea coach Anthony in the International Squad.”
along with their counterparts host UEFA EURO 2028, and ing collaboration that will Barry who has left to join the
in England, Northern Ire- have agreed not to bid for provide a great experience Belgium national side. Ironi- We wish Stephen and the
land, Scotland and Wales the 2030 FIFA World Cup.” for the teams and the fans.” cally, Ireland play against Irish team the very best of
will make a bid to host Euro the Belgians in a friendly luck for the next two years.
2028. This comes after Dub- Their reasons for opting for at the Aviva on March 26th. It would also be great if the
lin was scheduled to play the Euro tournament rather FAI’s bid to host the 2028
host to some games in Euro than the World Cup of two Kenny said on the new con- Euros comes to fruition, par-
2020 before being scup- years later is because the tract: “I consider it the ulti- ticularly after the disappoint-
pered by Covid. That tourna- European Championship mate honour to manage my ment of Euro 2020 falling
ment was, of course, initially offers a similar return on country and I am delighted through. Let’s also hope that
postponed to 2021, where investment, with the Euro- to extend my contract. The by 2028 Irish soccer will be in
Dublin were one of the cities pean tournament carrying a players are incredibly proud a much healthier place than
that had to drop out of host- far lower delivery cost and to play for Ireland and in re- it has been in recent times.
ing games due to restrictions the potential of the ben- cent performances we have
on crowds that were still pre- efits being realised sooner. witnessed a powerful con-
sent in Ireland at the time. nection between the team
The FAI went on to say: “It and the Irish supporters.
The FAI said, in a statement, would be an honour and a The attitude of the players
that the decision to pursue privilege to collectively host has been exceptional, we
hosting the 2028 came after UEFA EURO 2028 and to have seen the team grow
conducting a feasibility study welcome all of Europe. It and develop and I, together
that included “an analysis of would also be a wonderful Meanwhile Stephen Kenny with Keith Andrews and all
the economic impact, the po- opportunity to demonstrate has signed a new contract of the staff, look forward to
litical football landscape and the true impact of hosting that will see him stay on as seeing the team fulfill its po-
likely costs of hosting major a world-class football tour- Ireland manager until the tential. With the recent return
international tournaments.” nament by driving positive end of Euro 2024. Assistant of supporters to stadiums,
They went on to say that: change and leaving a last- manager Keith Andrews and I want to acknowledge the

Bash of the Titans : Katie Taylor looks to cement her legacy in biggest fight in female boxing history
n B.J. Quinn

I
took place December 11nd, opponent since the Irish su- career without fighting in Ire-
reland’s own Katie Taylor Taylor defended her many perstar turned professional land.” For his part, Hearn has
is set to defend her WBA, boxing titles against deter- in 2016. The Puerto Rican claimed to be always open
WBC, IBF, WBO and The mined challenger Firuza is a seven-division world to the idea of staging a bout
Ring lightweight titles against Sharipova in a well earned champion, having held gold on Irish soil, telling the Irish
Amanda Serrano on April 30 victory. The Bray legend in the super-featherweight, Independent last year, “I re-
in what is being described steadily outpointed the Ka- junior-featherweight, feath- ally believe that the fight in
as the “biggest fight ever in zakhstani via unanimous erweight, lightweight, ban- champion, that is my goal Ireland is inevitable. She is
women’s boxing.” The pound- decision (98-92, 97-92, 96- tamweight, light-welterweight come April 30 – to become the absolute boss and I’m
for-pound #1 and #2 are set 93) to preserve her unbeat- and junior-bantamweight di- the undisputed champion.” petrified of her. So, basically,
to trade blows at the Madison en record, but it was by no visions. Serrano is currently I do whatever she says, and
Square Garden – the first fe- means a walk in the park. “I on a 28-fight win streak since At the same press confer- I know she wants to do it.”
male main event to ever be wouldn’t say it was a mas- suffering the only loss of her ence, Taylor admitted that
staged at the iconic arena. terclass by any means, but career in 2012. Her last fight the fight will probably top her But let’s not get ahead of our-
a win is a win at the end of was in December: a unani- triumph at the London 2012 selves just yet. A homecom-
Making history at every turn, the day,” Taylor told The mous decision win against Olympic Games in terms of ing fight would be a fitting end
both Taylor and Serrano will MMA Hour. “It sets up a huge Spaniard Miriam Gutierrez, a the magnitude of the achieve- to storied career, not to men-
receive seven-figure payouts year for me next year and former opponent of Taylor’s. ment. “The Olympic gold is tion a chance for Irish fans
for their efforts, a sum un- I’m actually excited to go into always very special, but I to finally see the uncrowned
heard of in the female fight the new year with these big think this moment will be the queen of Ireland do what
game. Co-promoters Eddie fights ahead. I think it could biggest moment of my career she does best. However,
Hearn and YouTuber-turned- be possibly the biggest year so far.” Along with overcom- come April 30, New York will
prizefighter Jake Paul have in female boxing history.” ing Serrano, another long have no issue bringing out
already shared the pre-sale standing ambition of Taylor’s the Irish diaspora to cheer
ticket success, which be- Flash forward a few months, Speaking at their London is to fight in Dublin before on Taylor. And, who knows,
came the second-fastest and all seems to be going to press conference in Febru- hanging up her gloves. “I perhaps a Serrano trilogy is
in the history of Madison plan. Katie Taylor vs. Aman- ary, it’s clear Serrano has hope so, but that’s unfortu- on the cards, and I couldn’t
Square Garden. Only one da Serrano was made official plenty of admiration for Tay- nately not down to me,” she think of a better place than
fight has garnered more on January 27th. A bonafide lor, saying, “I don’t want to told the media, “that’s down Dublin to see out that rivalry.
pre-sale interest and that superfight if there ever was disrespect the Irish fans, but to the likes of Eddie Hearn
was the meeting of Gen- one; both women are leaps Katie Taylor is a great cham- (chairman of Matchroom,
nady “GGG” Golovkin and and bounds ahead of the pion and she’s been a great which has promoted Taylor
David Lemieux back in 2015. pack, masters of their craft. champion for a while. But since she turned profession-
Serrano is Taylor’s most one of my goals is to become al in 2016.) It’ll be a shame
In her previous fight, which recognised and decorated undisputed (lightweight) if I went through my whole
 Page 36 SPORTING HISTORY www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

n Gavan Bergin Reg Ryan The Schemer - Part 2

R
eg continued to play at There were more rave no- season wasn’t over yet.... to clear, but it was sent right
left-half for West Brom tices to come for Reg and back at them, and when they
until he was moved to West Brom at the start of the West Brom and Reg had a panicked and dithered on
the inside-forward position 1952/53 season. On August fine time of it in the 1953/54 the ball, the Albion forwards
midway through the 1949/50 30th 1952, the Argus reported FA Cup. They dispatched charged them down and the
season. That change worked that “West Bromwich Albion Chelsea 1-0 in the Third ball bounced to Lee on the
well for West Brom, who had have soared to the heights; Round, then destroyed left, who squared the ball for
been in relegation trouble. they have beaten two giants Rotherham United 4-0 in the Allen to knock past the right
They started scoring again of the game, Newcastle Unit- Fourth Round. According post, and the goalkeeper, for
and winning matches, and Then, in the 87th minute,
ed, and the slick-passing Tot- to the Wolverhampton Ex- the first goal of the match.
they eventually finished 14th Reg broke free on the right
tenham Hotspur, to become press Reg then “continued
in the First Division - not bad wing and chipped an inch-
the most talked of team in the in his best form” in Albion’s Preston were quick to re-
for a newly promoted side. perfect pass into the corner
country.” The Coventry Even- 3-2 win against Newcastle spond, with splendid right
of the box for Griffin, who
ing Telegraph report on the in the Fifth Round. That re- wing play by Docherty, who
When the 1950/51 season played in Thompson to shoot
Newcastle match said: “No sult put West Brom into the played a perfect cross in for
began West Brom’s manager and score the third goal for
one did more to ensure a vic- Quarter-Final, against Tot- Morrison to make it 1-1. West
changed the team’s forma- Albion. With three minutes
tory for Albion than Reg Ryan. tenham at the Hawthorns Brom were rattled, but they
tion, “adopting a four-forward to go, they led 3-2. They
This dark-haired inside-for- on March 13th 1954. Spurs soon calmed down and start-
attack, with Reg Ryan lying had one hand on the Cup.
ward worked like a trojan.” didn’t put up much of a fight ed to go on a run of attacks.
back as the schemer-in-chief They surely couldn’t let it
that day and they lost, 3-0. The London Daily News re-
at inside-left, with his on the slip again, they had to hold
He kept up his hard work port said “In the 38th minute
carpet passes and intelligent on. Through the first minute,
and skillful play from then West Brom marched on Preston were almost un-
positioning,” according to the they held on, and through the
on, and his great form was to the FA Cup Semi-Final hinged by the searing pace of
Birmingham Daily Gazette. second minute as well. Then
crucial in helping West Brom against Port Vale at Villa Reg Ryan who played a one-
West Brom scored 17 goals it came down to one minute;
to their highest league posi- Park on March 27th 1954. two with Allen, then took the
in their first 10 league match- sixty little seconds to keep
tion so far. They finished the Port Vale gave West Brom a return pass, burst into the box
es, and Reg played brilliantly their lead intact, with the
‘52/’53 season in 4th place. hard match and they scored and was only denied a goal
in his new position, help- whole team, from goalkeeper
the first goal to go 1-0 up in by a superb covering tackle
ing West Brom finish out of to centre-forward, playing
Going into the 1953/54 the 40th minute. They held by Preston’s Joe Walton.
the relegation places again as defenders. And one by
season, everything looked their lead until the 60th min- Then, two minutes later Ryan
that season. Afterwards,the one, second by second, the
good for Reg and West ute, when West Brom scored played a raking pass through
Daily Gazette paid tribute to end came closer, until at last
Brom. They won seven the equaliser. The Daily to Griffin who crossed into
him, saying: “Reg Ryan the and drew two of their first News said: “with the indus- the box for Allen to shoot.” the final whistle sounded.
Schemer, that grand club- nine matches, and went top try of their powerful, hard-
man, who although prefer- of the league after beating working inside-right, Reg Preston did have a couple The match was won. The FA
ring to play in the midfield, Manchester United 2-0 on Ryan, the West Bromwich Al- of good chances towards Cup was won. West Brom
gives his all anywhere. Sup- September 2nd 1953. SIx bion attack was menacing.” the end of the first half, but were champions, and when
plying the experience in the months later they were still in Ten minutes after equalis- it was still 1-1 at the break. they took the Cup home to
Albion attack, he was out- first place. Reg was central ing they won a penalty kick West Bromwich, there were
standing and always a bother to their fine form that season, and scored, taking the lead. In the second half, Preston 150,000 people to welcome
to defences.” And from then making and scoring goals 2-1, and that was the final were on top and they scored them. Many in that crowd
on, he was an essential aplenty and keeping West score. West Brom were on again to make it 2-1 in the cheered for Reg. The York-
player in the forward line. Brom going strong in their their way to the FA Cup final. 51st minute. West Brom shire Post said: “Reg Ryan,
battle for the championship looked totally down and out the strong, two-footed Irish-
In the 1951/52 season Reg against their closest rivals in On May 1st 1954, at Wemb- and they didn’t seem to have man, is a grand grafter who
played in every match West the league, Wolverhampton ley Stadium, the FA Cup Fi- the energy required to mount earned his medal by indus-
Brom played: 42 in the Wanderers. From the start nal took place between West a comeback. For a while, they try. He has gained recog-
league plus three in the FA of the season, the two Black Bromwich Albion and Pres- looked more likely to con- nition as one of the most
Cup. He excelled in his role Country clubs fought it out. ton North End. Some of the cede a goal than score one. capable players ever to
as ‘the schemer’: playing West Brom spent most of the newspapers quoted Pres- What happened next was re- wear the Albion colours.”
just behind the main strikers time in top spot - that was un- ton as odds on favourites at ported in The People: “Little
he created chances galore, til they played Wolves at the 4/5. But West Brom made a chunky Reg Ryan, the gam- There it was: Reg Ryan, out
and scored important goals start of April 1954. Wolves bright start to the Cup Final, est trier of them all, somehow of Marino. FA Cup Champion.
too, including vital strikes in won that match 1-0. There almost scoring in the first few found a new superhuman
the victories against Arsenal were still five matches left for seconds. However Preston store of energy for Albion.” Don’t miss the final part of
and Newcastle in the last West Brom to get back to the recovered quickly and they “Reg Ryan - the Schemer”
week of the season that se- top, but they were struck by had much the better of the That energy spread through when we examine his in-
cured West Brom 13th place injuries to important players, play in the early stages of the team, and when Pres- ternational career - News-
in the league, their highest including Reg. As the Daily the match. In the 20th minute ton went forward in the 62nd Four June/July issue.
finish yet. Reg had played Mirror reported “West Brom they launched another attack minute, West Brom’s goalie,
his 130th League match that missed Ryan, their power- but Reg had tracked back to Sanders, made a dandy of
season, an achievement ful, hard-working inside-right. intercept - he won the ball, a save to keep the ball out,
that Warwickshire Sports He is a rare worker with the nicking it away with his right and from his kickout West
Argus marked by saying: capacity to bring out good foot, then, in one smooth Brom won a penalty kick. Al-
“Cheers for Reg Ryan, that in others.” Without him the skillful move, turning and len took the kick, and scored.
hard-boiled inside-forward. forward line didn’t function, switching, he hit a long left With less than half an hour to
His strong, forceful play was and West Brom finished foot pass upfield that caused play, it was 2-2 and the Cup
a great asset to Albion.” four points behind Wolves, mayhem in the Preston back was still for either side to win.
and in second place. But the line. They made an attempt
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 SPORT Page 37

CLANNA GAEL
Proud of our Girls in Blue
Clanna Gael Fontenoy is The Dublin U16s got their
proud of each and every one 2022 Leinster Championship
of our players - juveniles, off to a fantastic start with a
adults, boys, girls, mens and 4-09 to 2-09 win over Meath.
ladies. However, we do need And if that wasn’t enough we
to recognise when our play- get to celebrate another fan-
ers achieve truly outstanding tastic player, Sarah Rooney,
performances. Three of our for making it onto the Dub-
U14 girls, Lauren Kennedy, lin Minor Panel. These are
Sophie Gallagher and Car- outstanding achievements
rie Whelan, were selected by the girls given the com-
to join the Dublin County petition for places and it is a
U14 panel. Another of our credit to their commitment, to
girls, Izzy Dowling, was also their coaches and families.
selected to play for Dublin We wish all of the girls con-
U16s in their match against tinued success for the county
Meath on Saturday 5 March. in their ongoing competitions.
Dubs under 14 Panel, Sarah Rooney in action, under 14 &
Bake Sale for Ukraine under 16 GIRLSINBLUE.
We are all shocked and deep-
ly concerned for Ukraine and
the impact that war is hav-
ing on the country and its
citizens. We hope that it will
end soon. In the interim, we
will do what we can to help
and support those affected.
A family in the club has been
taking its relatives out of the
war torn region. We are very
grateful for all the support of
the club members and the
wider community. A bake sale
will take place in the Club on
Sat 26th March from 9am till
noon in support of this fam-
ily. We will ask that members
bring their cakes, buns etc
to the club on that morn-
ing to support our member’s
extended families who are
impacted by these events.
Bake Sale for Ukraine was a huge success Locals supporting Bake Sale for Ukraine

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Clanna Gael Fontenoy con- Centre (RICC) on Thorncas-
tinues to grow – serving tle Street which has been
an increasingly large com- serving the local commu-
munity which extends from nity for over 30 years. The
Irishtown, Ringsend and CNGF was delighted to
Sandymount to Pearse St, support this important and
Blackrock and Booterstown valued service within our
– something which the Club community. Grand Marshal
is delighted about and very Alice Foley has played an
proud of. And its inaugu- important role in the Club
ral St Patrick’s day parade, for many years, supporting
which attracted over 1,000 many of young players as
participants, celebrated the they developed a passion
club’s heritage within its lo- for playing GAA and CNGF
cal community. The parade was delighted that she led
raised money for Ringsend the parade and celebration.
and Irishtown Community
 Page 38 SPORT www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022

All Ireland League – Old Wesley 29 Naas 19

n Ken Richardson

M
who crossed in the corner was able to collect a loose to be over again only to be There is now a 3-week
atches between these for the first try of the match. ball and run in unopposed for held up. But shortly after break before the final
two sides have always a try under the posts. Cas- Osborne crossed and con- round of matches in the
been keenly fought, Naas responded with a pen- sidy converted with ease verted his own try to cut the competition, starting with
and this one was no different. alty kick to the Wesley 22 but for a 22-7 half time lead. Wesley lead to 10 points. An- an away trip to Navan.
were unable to capitalise. other penalty had Naas back
Apart from an early Ian Cas- Wesley then got down the Old Wesley started the sec- inside the Wesley 22. But the
sidy penalty goal from 37 pitch again and O’Callaghan ond half where they left off threat of a try was lifted af-
metres the first 15 minutes of was nearly in for his second maintaining a spell of con- ter they conceded a penalty.
the match showed no differ- try. Molloy was then on hand tinuous pressure and after 6
ence between the two sides again taking a pass and scyth- minutes James O’Donovan Wesley needed to steady the
with play kept within the two ing through the opposition took a pass 20 metres out ship, and this they did, weath-
22s. But after that Old Wes- defence to score under the and with Naas defence short, ering the remainder of the
Image: Alex Molloy of Old
ley started to make inroads. posts. Ian Cassidy convert- had an easy run in for the Naas storm. A penalty kick to
Wesley tears open the Naas
An Alex Molloy break brought ed for a healthy 15 nil lead. fourth and bonus point try. touch had Naas back inside
defence, supported by JJ
play inside the Naas 22 but Wesley continued the pres- their own 22, and whilst they
O’Dea and Harry Noonan,
Wesley conceded a penalty With 35 minutes gone a spec- sure and looked to have had much of the possession
photo by Ken Richardson.
allowing the opposition to ulative Naas kick down the Naas on the back foot. How- for the final few minutes they
escape. Five minutes later pitch was chased and kicked ever suddenly the Kildare could not break out of their Old Wesley Team: Alex Mol-
Wesley were back up to the ahead by Fionn Higgins, who men broke away and ended own half. With the final whistle loy; Tommy O’Callaghan,
Naas 5 metre line but again went on to win the race to up securing a line out 10 me- Old Wesley had claimed their Eoin Deegan, James
denied a score due to a pen- ground the ball for the op- tres from the Wesley line. Off third bonus point win in a row. O’Donovan, David Poff; Ian
alty. Another Molloy break position’s first try, converted the line out they went over for Cassidy, Ben Murphy; Harry
had Naas on the back foot, by Peter Osborne. Minutes their second try, by Tolofua. After the match Old Wes- Noonan, Ben Burns, Sam
and this time they were pe- later a high tackle by Paulie ley captain Iain McGann Kenny, JJ O’Dea, Iain Mc-
nalised and shown a yellow Tolofua saw Naas dealt a This spurred on the visi- was presented with the Ste- Gann (capt), Will Fay, Josh
card for cynical play. Wes- second yellow card. Wesley tors and Wesley, with their phen Mooney memorial tro- Pim, Reuben Pim. Replace-
ley opted for a kick to touch kicked down the line for a line bench now virtually emp- phy. The win also means ments: Robert Byrne, Rob
and after a number of good out 10 metres from the goal tied, seemed to lose a bit that Old Wesley are guar- O’Donovan, Alastair Hoban,
forward carries the ball went line. It wasn’t the best of line of concentration. With 20 anteed a home semi-final Brendan Monahan, Paddy
wide to Tommy O’Callaghan outs however Reuben Pim minutes to go Naas looked in the promotion play offs. McKenzie, Charlie O’Regan.

Back to Hockey at Muckross less transition and that the

children continued to devel-
squad competed in the Mc-
Cann Indoor Cup over two
Some key points to note
about the raffle:
op their hockey skills in a fun weekends in February which
and positive environment. was kindly hosted by Por- Tickets are €10 each. Buy
trane Hockey Club. The team 5 get one free or buy 10 get
On the competitive front, finished third which was an 2 free!
the season is drawing to a incredible achievement since
conclusion and at the time this was their first experience The draw will take place
of writing the Minor and 6th of indoor hockey. Credit to on Saturday 9th April 2022.
Class teams have complet- their coach Eoin Brennan
ed their respective leagues. who has firmly instilled a love A 10% donation from the
Five out of the six teams of “the boards” into the girls! raffle proceeds will be made
in the Minor and 6th class to the club’s charity partner
group have topped their re- Muckross Hockey Club CRY Ireland (Cry – Cardiac
spective league and will be would also like to acknowl- Risk in the Young) with all
soon in semi final action. edge the achievement of remaining proceeds rein-
This is a wonderful achieve- many of the Minor squad who vested back into the club.
ment and testament to the were part of the Muckross
hard work and enthusiasm Park College school team This Raffle is vital for the
that the children bring to that won the Schools Minor Club and we call on all in the
each training session and Cup against Loreto Foxrock local community to support it
match. They have formed a in what was a thrilling fi- as best you can. We ask that
close bond with the respec- nal in Three Rock Rovers. once you have purchased
tive coaching teams headed your tickets that you circulate
up by Adam Clayton and So- Finally, Muckross Hockey the link to family, friends and
phie Barnwell and it is truly Club has just launched work colleagues and encour-
amazing to see their sporting its major fundraising ini- age them to purchase tickets.
and social development over tiative for the season - The

A
the last number of months. Muckross Spring Raffle. If we all pull together, we
fter a well-deserved phie Hjselth who started We have a fabulous list of can ensure that the Raffle is
Christmas break it was a six-month Erasmus. We Our First Year and Inter prizes that will appeal to all a massive success and we
back to hockey for all were delighted to call on Orla teams are still in league ac- with tickets purchased as can continue to provide our
in Muckross in early January. O’Donnell and Aimee Wyse, tion with some pivotal fixtures per the secure link below. children with a positive and
two experienced coaches to ahead which will determine Muckross Hockey Club Raf- fun environment in which to
We temporarily said good- fill the void left by Sophie until final league places and hope- fle 2022 - Muckross Hock- develop their hockey skills.
bye to the Head Coach of her return. Both coaches en- fully some semi final action to ey Club (clubforce.com)
our Sunday Academy So- sured that there was a seam- look forward to. Our Minor
www.newsfour.ie April / May 2022 Page 39

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