PJ Gallagher Aine Hynes sits down for some Q&A with the funnyman behind Naked Camera page 8
Cassie Stokes The former BCFE student talks to The Bulletin about what it’s like to have her own show on 3e page 6
Edition #2 March 2010
OSCARS ON THE CARDS Four BCFE graduates set their sights on Academy Awards after Baneham’s BAFTA triumph By Evan Broderick
News Editor
You may not think it to look at it but the amazing world of Pandora from the Oscar nominated film Avatar has deep ties to BCFE. It’s also just one of an amazing
three nominations that four college graduates have received from the prestigious American Academy of Film who give out the famous statuette. Richard Baneham, who graduated from BCFE in 1994, was one of the principal people involved in bringing the world and characters of Avatar to life. He and his team have received a nomination for Best Visual Ef-
Produced in association with
fects at this month’s ceremony for their efforts. “My parents are originally from Ballyfermot and my mother had an awareness of what was going on in the college and signed me up for the animation course,” says Baneham. He entered the college in 1990 and began studying animation. He says that it was in BCFE where he made life long con-
& Evelyn Hone Beacon
nections that still last to this day. “Those are the same people we see today. We’ve been to their weddings and them to ours. It’s the foundation of a lot of the friendships we hold very dear today.” Baneham says that he entered animation because it afforded him the chance to “tell stories and communicate with a large group of people, animation is
definitely the route to take if this is what you want”. He also credits his experience at the college with giving him much of the knowledge he uses to create films such as Avatar or Gollum from the Lord of the Rings films. “The biggest thing for us was learning from each other,” he explains. Oscars coverage continued on page 3
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
News
March 2010
Legal highs go up in smoke By Evan Broderick Increased attention has been put on Head Shops across the country as Minister for Health Mary Harney has promised to bring in sweeping new legislation to clamp down on the availability of so-called legal highs. The laws, which are similar to ones implemented in England last year, seek to take legal substitutes for illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and speed off the high streets of the country. Campaigns have been started across the country to close down Head Shops due to concerns over the chemicals used in production of products such as “Charge”, which claims to induce a high similar to cocaine. Many commentators claim that the ingredients of these legal substitutes are untested and as such could pose a far higher risk than the illegal version of the substances. There is also very little information on the possible addictive property of the substances available in Head Shops. Veronica Mahon, who is a senior project worker on the Bal-
lyfermot Advance Project community drugs team in favour of the measures which look set to be put in place. “I consider all mood altering drugs to be dangerous to all people; the young in particular are obviously at risk,” she says. Minister Harney promised that the new legislation would be in force by June in time for the country’s biggest and most high profile music festival Oxegen, which last year generated more than €100,000 in donations to the court poor box as a result of revellers being caught with illegal drugs. The temptation is obvious for festival-goers to take advantage of the legal status of the substances and avoid the risk of having to appear in court on charges related to illegal drugs. Minister Harney enacted a law banning the sale of “magic mushrooms” in 2006 following the death of a man from suicide after ingesting several tubs of the powerful hallucinogenic. The substances on sale are not the only controversy that Head Shops have faced recently, however. Two head shops in the Dublin area have recently come
UNDER THREAT: Head Shops such as this one could soon be shut down under attack by suspected drug dealing gangs. One of the shops, Nirvana, which is located on Capel Street
in Dublin’s city centre stays open until 4 a.m. on weekends and saw crowds of late night partygoers queuing up to pur-
chase legal highs. Gardaí believe that the shop was targeted by the dealers of illegal drugs as many who have
previously used illegal substances have recently turned to Head Shops to buy legal products they feel offer a better high.
New staff reopen Resource Room By Barbara Spain BCFE’s students have recently welcomed the reopening of the Resource Room in the main building. The room had been closed until recently due to the difficulty of finding volunteers to oversee the running of it. A vital facility for in-college study and research, it houses magazines on specialised subjects such as Billboard, Harvard Business Review, The Economist and Animation Magazine. The availability of these publications to students of the related courses is essential, as otherwise, they would have to pay expensive subscription fees to obtain them. “We’re very happy with the way the participants on the Fas Work Placement Scheme have contributed already, their enthusiasm and willingness to learn is providing a valuable service to our students,” said Kevin Devine, Deputy Principal. “While scheme has worked very well in the short term it is difficult to see it sustainable longer term, and the best solution has to be a new structure for Plc colleges,” adds Devine. The library also has books on
LOVELY BOOKS: Two of the new full time employees relevant areas such as Social Care, Business and Journalism, while the new staff are in the process of updating the catalogues. There will also be two new computers for student use in the near future but in the meantime students are welcome to bring in laptops provided the
sound is not used. “I’m a graduate from UCD and Maynooth and I understand the needs of students in the library,” says Peter Fleming, who is one of the new employees along with Jennifer Swan and Gratiela Lobo. There is no lending facility but
students on MPM, ADAZ and SHND2 are able to take books out at the weekend, which are to be returned on the following Monday. “The Resource Room is great to study in between classes though I would prefer if the books were available on loan,”
Photographs: Ian Goode says Clodagh Irwin, a Hotel and Office Reception student in the college. As is a facility that has been missing from the college campus since the Ballyfermot public library recently moved to its new location in the Civic Centre, the Resource Room offers
an adequate place for students to study and do research. It is located adjacent to the student canteen and is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday and till 4.30pm on Tuesdays.
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
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News
Baneham bags BAFTA By Evan Broderick
continued from front After graduation, Baneham entered into the world of animation by going through what he calls the “studio route” which gave him the opportunity to “be involved and affect scenes”. He has worked on major films such as Space Jam, The Iron Giant and the final two instalments of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Avatar seamlessly blends footage of real life actors and incredible computer generated landscape, wildlife and characters to tell the story of a conflict between humans and the inhabitants of a lush, mineral rich moon called Pandora in the year 2154. These natives, the Na’ Vi, are one of the most visually impressive elements of the film. Using a variety of ground breaking techniques, Baneham was able to create convincing characters
out of eight foot tall, blue skinned aliens. He says that he was often frustrated in the past because “not enough consideration was given to computer generated characters that were not there.” This problem was solved using a technique known as simul-cam, which as Baneham explains means “that a camera man can see live action and computer generated characters integrated through a special eye piece”. It is innovations such as this and the sheer scale and realism of Pandora that have stunned audiences, critics and awards bodies around the globe. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) recently handed Avatar an award for visual effects – the same category Baneham is nominated for in next month’s Oscars. When asked was he surprised about the Oscar nomination, he says: “In some ways we were told all along but its something you try to put out of your head, at the end of the day you still have to deliver and impress your peers”.
The film has certainly done that and more besides as it recently smashed the box office records previously set by James Cameron’s (the film’s director) previous blockbuster, which was also heavily represented at the Oscars. “The past few weeks have been surreal for me, I’m more used to be being on the other side of the camera so it’s strange but good to be more vocal in the press and be in front of the camera for a change,” he says. Avatar is nominated for a total of nine Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director and is one of three films with links to BCFE that may receive the prestigious award in March. Baneham is looking forward to the event but says “you don’t make movies for trophies, you do it to tell stories.” When asked if he had any advice for BCFE animation students about to graduate into an uncertain future he says that “as long as you’re honest about the work, hopefully people will connect with what you’re trying to do.”
OLD FRIENDS: (l-r) Darragh O’Connell, Richard Baneham, Tomm Moore and Nicky Phelan back at the college last week
“I wasn’t surprised about the nomination at all” By Evan Broderick
BLOCKBUSTER: Avatar has grossed almost $2.5 billion at the box office
Granny O’ Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty is another of the three films nominated for Oscars that were created by graduates of BCFE’s animation school. The film is nominated in the Best Short Animated Feature category ahead of this Sunday’s awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The film’s creators will be looking to add one more award to the eleven others they have clocked up at film festivals around the word so far, including the Audience Choice Award for Best Short at Cinegal Montreal. Directed by BCFE graduate Nicky Phelan, it was worked on
by a team including dozens of the college’s graduates including Jean Herlihy, an animator who left BCFE in 2002. “I wasn’t surprised about the nomination at all,” he says confidently. “I had an expectation all along that we’d be nominated.” Herlihy studied both classical animation and later 3D animation at BCFE, a decision she credits as being “the best move I ever made”. She was hired by British computer game giants Codemasters before moving back to Ireland to work for Granny studio Brown Bag in 2004. The film is a six-minute long short that follows an eccentric old woman telling her own version of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale to her terrified granddaughter and took the team at Brown Bag almost six months to bring it to the screen.
Herlihy personally animated about forty seconds of the film with eight other animators doing various other parts. “I personally spent about two months on Granny, and had to stay behind late many evenings to get the film finished,” she says. When asked about the competition Granny will face Herilihy says: “I’ve seen some of them but I don’t even want to think about it. None of us do, so we’re just keeping our heads down until we head over for the ceremony.” “I'm not surprised by the (BCFE’s three other) nominations at all, it’s a really good school with great teachers and amazing talent,” she adds. Granny O’ Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty is available to watch in full online at www.grannyogrimm.com.
Moore awards for Tomm By Evan Broderick
“Disbelief, I had to fill out a load of forms for the Academy to say I wouldn’t sell the award if I got it!” Tomm Moore, BCFE graduate and director of The Secret of Kells describes his reaction to receiving an Oscar nomination for the film earlier this month. The film is produced by Cartoon Saloon, which Tomm set up with other BCFE students during his final year studying classical animation, back in 1999. “A load of my graduating class were the people who
worked on it with me,” he says. Nora Twomey (co-director) and Paul Young are two other former graduates of the college who worked on The Secret of Kells and the animated series Skunk Fu!.
“
face his greatest fears, his uncle and a horde of rampaging Vikings. The Secret of Kells won the Audience Award at the Edinburgh Film Festival and the Annecy International Animated
It wasn’t exactly the snazziest building and I know that we were stuck for equipment but I met some of my best friends there The film tells the story of 12year-old Brendan, who escapes from the grip of his domineering uncle Abbot to fulfil his dream of completing the Book of Kells and getting it to the people. Along the way he must
Film Festival as well as being nominated for Best Feature at the prestigious Annie Awards, which Moore says he thought “would be the highlight of the film’s run in terms of awards”. That was until it was nominated
in the Best Animated Feature category where it faces stiff competition from Pixar and Disney productions Up and The Princess and the Frog. The Oscar nod was a bolt out of the blue for the Kilkenny-based studio, as Moore explains: “We weren’t watching the nominations online because it wasn’t even in our minds that we could get nominated but it’s great that we did”. “The project had been something that I was working on when I was in college,” he says. However, development was halted until 2005 due to financial difficulties before its eventual release in 2009. With fond memories of his time doing animation in BCFE,
Peek-a-boo: A scene from The Secret of Kells Moore recalls: “It wasn’t exactly the snazziest building and I know that we were stuck for equipment but I met some of my best friends there.” His great hope is that the nomination “will convince people to
take Irish animation seriously enough that they’ll actually go and see it in the cinema”. Moore and Cartoon Saloon are currently working a new feature film entitled Song of the Sea.
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
News
March 2010
Liffey Valley set to expand By John McCormack
The local area could receive a massive boost in employment if plans are approved for a €500 million expansion at Liffey Valley shopping centre. The developers, Barkhill Limited, say that the proposed new expansion would transform Liffey Valley, which is a short distance from the college campus, from Shopping Centre to Town Centre status – creating 4,000 new jobs by 2013. The new Town Centre would also provide a wide variety of civic amenities and major retail outlets. BCFE students in search of part-time work would hope to benefit as the proposed new venture would include a large supermarket chain, two anchor department stores and 60 retail units. Retail outlets such as these could offer a ray of light for students looking for temporary work during the recession. Two thousand jobs would also be created in the badly hit construction sector during the build-
ing of the 62,000 sq. ft. extension. Along with the new retail outlets there would be public amenities including a multi-use civic centre, a public library, a FÁS office and a Citizens Advice Bureau. Manager of the Liffey Valley shopping centre, Denis O’Connell, believes the civic element of the Town Centre would be a great addition to the local communities. “The Civic Square will form a focus for the community where they can avail of excellent facilities and enjoy dining, leisure, entertainment, outdoor and cultural events,” he said. The inclusion of a library in the new development is of particular interest to BCFE students following the reduction in services of the library in the Ballyfermot area. Barkhill Limited, a venture involving the property tycoon Owen O’Callaghan and the Duke of Westminster’s Grosvenor Estates are behind the venture and plans were submitted to South Dublin County Council in April 2009. The plans have since been approved by the council but have been appealed to An Bord Pleanala and commencement of
ZONING: The proposed plans to upgrade the shopping centre to a town centre the project is subject to this appeal. A planning application for €110 million worth of new homes was not submitted but the developers say that they have not been shelved. They are expected to make a further application to build 500 duplex
homes, along with apartments and offices at a later date. The shopping centre, which opened in 1998, currently attracts about 10 million shoppers a year. The centre is due to be served by a Luas extension and Metro West.
Staff Editor: Ben Blake Deputy Editor: Eimear Duignan News Editor: Evan Broderick Features Editor: Emma Habington Entertainment Editor: Lucy Watts Sports Editor: Brendan White Assistant Sports Editor: Darragh Farrelly Section Editor: David King Production Editor: Ian Goode Design team: Ian Goode Alan Murphy Sub Editor: Lani Wilson Marketing team: Jovita Finnegan Laura Hannigan
It’s snow joke
Contributors: Aine Hynes Barbara Spain Barry Montgomery Brian Fox David King Jodi Kilfeather John McCormack Email: bcfe.bulletin@campus.ie
By Evan Broderick
Students were given a late Christmas present in the form of an extended break due to the blizzard like conditions that welcomed the New Year. And a decision taken by Minister for Education Batt O’ Keefe to close all education facilities. Classes were originally scheduled to recommence on the Sixth of January but a com-
bination of severe freezing and snow that blanketed the Dublin area since New Years Eve public transport chaos made roads across the capital treacherous and halted some trains and buses from running. Temperatures plunged to as low as minus ten degrees during what has been called “the big freeze”. Snow and freezing fog also added to the woes of road users as students attempting to reach the college. Students were informed of the closure of the college through the text messaging system, col-
lege website and through the Students Union facebook profile. An attempt was made to open the college on both the Thursday and Friday with the Students Union advising students to avoid coming in if it was dangerous for them to do so. The decision was taken out of the hands of BCFE when, on the 9th of January Education Minister Batt O’ Keefe issued a statement detailing his decision to direct all educational institutions to remain closed until the 14th of January.
The decisions was widely criticised by the opposition and some educational facilities alike. It was then reconsidered and the choice to open or close was returned to the management of individual schools and colleges. BCFE reopened on the 6th of January much to the surprise of some students who had planned to use their ministerially appointed break to finish assignments or just try and get their sleeping pattern back in shape after a hectic festive period.
Facebook: bcfebulletin
Clarification The BCFE Bulletin carried a story entitled “VEC offers little mental health aid” in the December issue, in which we stated that “The City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee provides one psychologist who visits BCFE for a number of hours each week, and two staff guidance counsellors.” We would like to clarify that these figures are incorrect and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
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News
If you found out that your other half had sent naked pictures of themselves to someone else would you take them back?
Kieron Pierson MND1
Joey Rock PMC1
April Gallagher SCC1
Natasha Carberry SCC1
Oisin O'Connell BAMBM
Emma Long BAMBM
“I'd just say “blow it out your hole.” Not a chance I'd take them back.”
“Definitely not. I'd ask them why first because I'd be curious, but I know I wouldn't take them back.”
“No, I'd kill them. I'd go mad. I'd send some to someone else!”
“I'd be very, very angry. I wouldn't take them back. It's just disgusting.”
“No, why would you? No trust. I'd dump them.”
“No....but then, if I loved them enough I might give them another chance.”
Student’s Union in perfect game By Brian Fox
Within all colleges there is a Students Union (SU) and it is their job to organize activities and events for the students of the college. The BCFE Students Union is no different. At present, the Students Union is run by Darren Carey (President) and Steven Caswell (Vice President). The latest activity being organized by the SU is a Bowlarama Competition at the Leisure Plex
in Tallaght and a drinks promotion in the Metro Bar along with a live DJ in the shape of the Union Entertainment Officer. The event promises spot prizes which have been donated by the manager of the Leisure Plex. The manager also suggests bringing your own off-licence bought beer. “We bought three cases of beer”, says President Darren Carey. The entire event is highly cost effective for students. For just ten euro you are offered a game of Quasar, Bowling and a bottle of beer. “It’s a great deal considering you normally pay 15 to 20
quid for just one game of bowling” said both Darren and Steven. President Carey said that, in general, they mainly use the Leisure Plex in Tallaght as it is much easier to get to and from and is only two minutes walk from the Metro bar after the Bowlarama. The promotion arranged at the Metro bar is for a Saturday night and will have pints of beer for just three euro each as well as providing a DJ for entertainment. If you are interested in any of the events being organized by
the Students Union just follow Steven Caswell’s advice. “If you want to get in touch with us and we’re not in the office, just leave in your name and your class number under the door and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. There’s no set times that we are going to be in because we all have our own classes to go to.” The Students Union is currently formulating a plan to start an appeal for the earthquake stricken people of Haiti by organizing a pay-in table quiz. A possible busking session in the canteen is also in the works.
Why not have your say, on BCFE’s only student discussion forum?
Simply log on to
www.boards.ie Now ye’re talkin’
CAO applications up 10% from 2009 By Barry Montgomery
COMPETITION: Points for popular courses look set to increase
Another cruel blow has been dealt to young school leavers and college students with the announcement of an increase in Central Application Office (CAO) points for college courses throughout Ireland. For those who were hoping to seek sanctuary by means of an education during the economic storm have had their hopes dashed with the latest news of a dramatic increase in CAO points for courses. The reasoning behind the increase is due to the record number of students applying for college places this year. The CAO has estimated that, by their deadline of 1st February, 72,500 had applied for places in the 2010/11 academic year, their highest figure on record. Compared to 66,500 for this time last year, there has been a 10 per cent increase on applicants.
Career experts say 2010 could see a reversal of a decadelong pattern where points for most courses slumped dramatically. After years of declining points, it is thought wide-ranging Arts degrees could see a significant increase in points requirements. According to USI, those studying Arts far outnumber any other discipline, accounting for 25 per cent of all students. Broad-ranging business degrees – which currently require about 430 points – could also see a surge in demand. Whereas points for courses linked to the building industry are likely to fall due to lack of demand, those for law and architecture courses could also see a drop due to limited employment opportunities in these areas. The record number of applications will also impose further pressure on facilities and resources at higher-level colleges. Not only has CAO applicants
soared in Irish colleges and universities, but figures released by UCAS, the UK’s applications service, shows that the number of Irish students applying for university places in Britain and Northern Ireland has rocketed by 50 per cent this year. Official figures released show that, as of January 22, there were more than 7,000 applications from students in the Republic for places in the UK, compared with more than 4,600 at the same time last year. A spokesman for Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe has said that the “gap between supply and demand would narrow in the months ahead because some applicants will not get the required points. Others will decide to repeat, defer, apply for places in Northern Ireland or the UK, or enter post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) or apprenticeship programmes”.
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
Features
March 2010
Cassie making good ground on rise to stardom By Laura Hannigan
W
e media students don’t usually expect to get up on a respectable rung of the career ladder straight out of college, let alone have our own TV slot. Not the case for former BCFE student Cassie Stokes, who is now hosting her own segment on 3e’s flagship news show FYI. . Originally hailing from Dublin, Cassie’s family emigrated to To r o n t o , Canada when she was young. “I moved to Toronto when I was one and half and spent most my childhood there. When I was ten, we moved back to Dublin, where I attended two years of primary school and then went to secondary school,” she explains. From school, Cassie successfully made it to third level, but she didn’t find what she was looking for on this first tentative step into college. “I was studying in DIT and had no interest in the course, but then I was told by my cousin’s friends about BCFE which I’d never heard of before. She told me the college was great, and about the courses so I got in touch and was given an interview.” Spurred on by her friend’s positive comments, Cassie applied to BCFE, and subsequently studied on the presentation and performance course, up until May of this year. In term of preparing for the daunting world of full-time employment, Cassie’s experiences at the college served only to help her along the road towards a career in Media. “I got so much experience in BCFE,” she tells. “I did very practical work. It was so helpful. When I wanted to get into presenting I was used to the cameras. “I knew from an early age I wanted to be in front of the camera but I never new how to find a way in. Ballyfermot was perfect for helping me do just that.”
Having been lucky enough to land a slot as a promotions assistant for TV3, after two years the powers that be decided to give Cassie her first big break. Out of the blue, she was asked to do a screen test for the new 3e news programme, FYI. . “It happened so quickly. I was asked to do a screen test and I got the job and started rehearsals straight away!” Cassie successfully scored the position of “cyber reporter” for 3e News, which launched last November. FYI. is a fresh, innovative, fast-paced show that offers a new style of news for Ireland. Its aim: to be the most interactive news programme on Irish television. “It all happened so fast, it was all so sudden. I didn’t k n o w m u c h about 3e news and then I got the gig,” She says excitedly. FYI. features web and internet stories, top downloads, Bebo, Twitter and Facebook updates as well as showbiz, sport and international news, along with the best of Irish content “The show is on Monday to Friday at 6pm. Its aimed at young viewers. It’s cool – the news you want to hear presented by young presenters, which makes new fun.” Cassie will be working along side Caroline Twohig, who will anchor the show and Paul Walsh, a sports journalist who also attended Ballyfermot College. “My bit is called the buzz. I talk about all the things going on online. Internet companies, what is happening on Twitter, Facebook etc. I look for what’s hot and what’s not on the internet at the moment.” When asked about her time in BCFE, Cassie responds with warm nostalgia. “It was great, like a little community, I loved it. The teachers were great support, and it felt like a home for students,” she laughs. Highly ambitious
It all happened “so fast, it was all so sudden
but with her tongue in cheek a little, Cassie reveals her future careers plans. “I eventually hope to host a huge show and be the main presenter. Maybe something like the X factor.” She brakes into a fit of laughter. “So hopefully one day that will happen, but for now I’m so happy for getting FYI. and I look forward to go into work everyday. I’m so
lucky, I’m really happy,” she confesses. Any advice for budding television presenters before you go, Cassie? “Never give up, keep pursuing it and know what you want. Go for it no matter what and if you want it, you’ll get there in the end. Never look at the competition and focus on yourself and you will succeed.”
From left to right: Cassie with her FYI. co-presenters Caroline Twohig and Paul Walsh
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
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Features
Haiti finds strength in hope By Ben Blake
Editor
S
even weeks have passed since an earthquake measuring 7.0 demolished Haiti. The reverberations of the aftermath were felt worldwide in one of the most destructive natural disasters in history. With our thoughts and sympathies firmly with the 9 million inhabitants of the Caribbean state, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, we paid our respects in cash. We dug deep into those pockets, rooted past the phone and keys and shoveled up a fistful of change. And it wasn’t just the coppers reserved for the Trocaire box either. As per usual, the US set the tone and the rest of us swiftly followed suit. They were first on the scene with resources, man power and hundreds of millions of dollars in aid. Our generosity knew no limits
or boundaries. Donations, fundraisers, charity gigs, auctions and not one, but two obligatory singles released in aid of the cause by music’s biggest stars. But while the unprecedented financial support that the former French colony has received will undoubtedly go a long way to helping rebuild it, there is no getting away from the brutal facts which we are left to mourn over. An estimated 230,000 people dead with the same number lucky enough to have survived with mere injuries. One million Haitians left homeless, and according to the UN, only 30 per cent of them have so much as a tent to shelter their families in. For a country that has suffered the tyrannous reign of Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier (between 1957-1971), civil war, and immense poverty, this was another horrific kicking when they were down on hands and knees with no place to go. In June 2007, I travelled to Port Au Prince via New York with 26 other members of the UCD Volunteers Overseas for a
five-week stay. The phrase ‘you won’t believe it until you see it’ has never felt more appropriate than when we touched down in the capital. Upon leaving the airport, the sight of several hun-
“The energy and thirst for life shown by the children was unbelieveable
dred locals swarmed around the arrivals gate staring at evidently uncomfortable outsiders was a frightening experience. We had heard the stories of kidnappings and murder and were warned to stick together and be on high alert, as white visitors were prime targets.
Those few minutes waiting for our bus to arrive were nervewracking but I would soon come to learn that the people of Haiti are the most warm and welcoming I have ever met. Based in a village called Gros Morne, which is situated 80 miles north-west of PAP, we obtained instant celebrity status. Walking to and from our projects each morning and evening, we were greeted by groups of women and children who had come out to wave us along the journey. Kids would shout “Blanc, Blanc!” at these oddcoloured beings who had arrived on their doorstep, while we would always send onlookers into a fit of hysterical laughter when we performed the Gipi – a Haitian dance which involves imitating being searched by the police. The work we partook in ranged from running a camp for children whose parents couldn’t afford to send them to school, to digging a road viable for vehicles to drive on to nearby Biget and the reconstruction of a school and the town’s poor
house. Having raised the funds to travel over ourselves, we had the added aid of donations made to the charity by Denis O’Brien, whose Caribbean-based mobile phone network Digicel sponsored our projects. The energy and thirst for life shown by the children was unbelievable. I would spend countless hours with 30-odd boys chasing a football around the dirt pitch at the back of the industrial school (which in fact was just a one-room shed). The native language is Haitian Creole but with my limited grasp of French and a huge amount of hand signaling we got on like a house on fire. I even managed to teach one group the entire lyrics to Bob Marley – No Woman, No Cry! The aid given to Gros Morne goes through a pair of elderly American nuns named Sister Jackie and Sister Pat. They oversee the distribution of any funding or charity donations which come their way and dedicate their lives to trying to improve those of the locals. While PAP bore the brunt of
the destruction, it seems Gros Morne was more fortunate. On the day of the earthquake, Sr Pat posted this on her blog: “I’m here with Brittany and Jackie. We felt the earthquake here and so did our sisters in Jean Rabel but we are OK. I don’t know about town yet because all the digicel phones are down even though we have a signal. Digicel headquarters in Port au Prince is a nine story building. Pat.” Coincidently, a group of 12 UCDVO members also left PAP to fly back to Dublin the day before it struck. However, it would be terribly naïve of me to believe that every one of the truly genuine people I encountered during my visit escaped the earthquake’s wrath with their lives. If there is light at the end of the tunnel for Haiti it is that the rebuilding process which it is now underway will see it become a better place for the future. Sadly though, all the money in the world won’t bring back the tragic victims of January 12th
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
Features
March 2010
GET YOUR SWOP ON By Emma Habington
Features Editor
W
e all know the pain of glumly traipsing about high-end shops, mournfully gushing over extortionately priced designer garments and weighing up the
pros and cons of just slapping them on the ‘ol credit card. In November, the fashion Gods beamed down upon us, and begat us our coveted Jimmy Choo at H&M. Suddenly, designer didn’t seem so out of our reach. What’s more, H&M were hardly the innovators here. A new trend has grown out of recession inspired cost cutting. A
new twist on the charity shop, designer and fashion swap shops have begun to appear around Dublin. We look at two Dublin favourites that have been getting attention of late, and we also get some top advice from Independent.ie style writer Angela Scanlon. A “good place to dip you feet”, Angela notes that the swap shop gives a taste of designer, without getting you into serious hock. However, the appeal of the label can be overpowering, and can turn the most sensible shopper into an impulse buyer, spending for the sake of it and possibly ending up with a dodgy pair of leather pants, never to be worn. Following Angela’s advice, have a look at SWOPSHOP in Temple Bar, Dublin. Located in the cool Crow Street Bazaar, this little haven offers not only designer pieces, but immaculate high street fashion. The store’s philosophy “allows you to upgrade the wardrobe you have grown tired of... with even greater value on designer and higher end labels”. Angela tells us about her SWOPSHOP experience:
PJ bares all By Aine Hynes
Who are your comedy heroes/influences?? I only really have one comedy hero to be honest and that’s Richard Pryor. Not only was he the funniest comedian ever but he was doing what he did before anyone else even dreamed of it. Everyone copied him after that and if it wasn’t for him, there would never have been Chris Rock, who is the greatest comedian working today, in my opinion.
At what point did you first realise you were funny? I don’t know to be honest. I suppose I don’t really think I am funny. I think I know how to make people laugh but I don't think I’m a funny guy. Off stage I’m a very quiet person and quite shy and it takes a lot of effort for me to think of jokes or to learn how to tell a funny story. Nearly everyone I know is a lot funnier than I am.
When did you realise that you might be able to make a career out of it? Jason Byrne and me worked in a warehouse together after we left school and he always wanted to be a comedian. He was always hilarious and he kept telling me to give it a try. I did it once and I enjoyed it but I was trying it for nearly five years before I had the confi-
“I’ve...got a great black blazer, really oversized & a pair of Topshop jeans that fit perfectly. They’ve got some cute accessories too, so if you’ve got stuff you don’t love or use anymore, definitely take a look.” Transactions are largely based on swapping, so bring along high quality pieces (provided they are in immaculate condition), and swap them for items of similar value. It’s fun, and it’s cheap, but be prepared to pay a small service charge. Check out their site www.swopshop.ie for more information. If you are unsure what you should bring, Angela advises “Anything that you wouldn’t give to a friend, leave at home”. Next up, relative newcomer Wear It Again, located on Lower Baggot St. Offering designer pieces exclusively. Wear It Again keeps their stock fresh and varied by rotating high quality items every 30 days. This means that no item will remain on the rack for any longer than this. Owner Sharon Smurfit also thoughtfully selects every single piece, so quality, individuality and style are certain. While clothing pieces at Wear
dence to go full time. Even now though I still don’t know if I have a career, it’s a scary business. Even though it’s the best job in the world you never know when it’s all just going to blow up in your face. I’m just enjoying it all while I can and taking lots of mental photos.
How did you first get started? I was doing stand up for nearly 10 years before Naked Camera finished. I used to work as a motorcycle courier in Dublin which was perfect as you kind of worked for yourself. I would deliver messages on the bike all day and then try to book gigs and write jokes at night. When I managed to book a few gigs together I’d leave one courier job, go to the gigs and then when they dried up I would start the courier work again. It was tough going as a comedy gig then would sometimes only pay around €40.
How did you meet up with the rest of the Naked Camera team? I met Patrick (McDonnell) through the club circuit so I had
Photographs by Rachael Hegarty It Again may reach beyond the budget of the average student, the store is a great spot to pick up a pair of designer heels, likely to stay with you for a long time. If you do wish to invest in a pair of Louboutins, Jimmy Choos or beautiful Chanel sandals, the knockdown prices at Wear It Again will result in heart palpitations and gasps all round. More information and some pretty nice examples of their wares available at: www.wearitagain.ie If this all sounds too good to be true, well maybe it is. While swap shops are undoubtedly a fantastic idea, in practise it dosen’t always work out for the best. “I think swopshops in Ireland have a long way to go...The problem is that most people value labels too much & aren’t willing to give them
up...so the selection of high end stock tends to be minimal.” However, there are gems out there, as Angela continues to point out “charity shops can be just as good if not better. I got a vintage Valentino jumper for €6 before!” So while swap shops have given us a cheap alternative way of shopping while “keeping the debt collector from the door”, keep in mind that you will probably need to dig. Angela has this final piece of advice to offer: “Be brutal. Anything you haven’t worn in the past yearget rid of. Don’t swap for the sake if it; some stores will give you credits so you can wait for something you love to arrive!” Check out Angela’s own site: www.angelascanlon.com for more swapping, shopping and style advice.
known him for years. We weren’t friends but we had done a few gigs together. Maeve (Higgins) just landed on the scene like a bomb. One day she wasn’t there and the next day she was everywhere. She was kind of amazing really. She only did two days filming for the first series of Naked Camera and she was in every episode. Our producer Tony introduced me to her.
more a hobby or do you think you could make a career out of it?
Have you any plans to revive Jake Stevens? (Interviewer whistles and swings her arms about!) No, Jake is dead I’m afraid. I still really like the Jake character and I owe him a lot but if I do it anymore I think I’ll ruin it. I have no idea what to do next but we have loads of offers. The important thing now is to pick something suitable and not to just do TV for the sake of being on TV.
You also did Back In The Saddle... how’s the motorbike racing going for you? Is that
I love bikes and now racing more than anything, it has always been the number one passion in my life and I’m throwing myself at it as much as I can. Unfortunately, I’ll never be good enough to be a pro and I’m too old to start that dream but who knows, maybe one day I’ll be a national rider. That really would be a dream come true.
You’ve been in a couple of motorbike accidents, haven’t you? Yeah, I’ve broken my collar bone in one accident and damaged my ankle in another fall so badly that I needed surgery. The most recent one happened on St Valentine’s Day, when I crashed into a tyre wall on a Honda 50. My hand is a bit battered, but it’s all good. They have all happened up in Mondello Park in Naas. I have a pretty bad reputation up there! Tickets for PJ Gallagher at Vicar St, Dublin on April 1st & 15th are currently on sale.
Two nations
One publication Produced in association with
& Evelyn Hone Beacon
10
The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
Two nations, one publication
March 2010
Photographs by DCI
By David King
Section Editor
I
rish Aid is the government of Ireland's programme of assistance to developing countries. With a current Overseas Development Assistance budget of €674.1 million, it offers much needed aid to some of the world's poorest nations. Officially operational since 1974 it currently offers priority development aid to six different subSaharan countries. One of these countries chosen for funding is Zambia. Ireland has long been linked with Zambia due to the strong presence of Irish missionaries there since it's time as a British protectorate otherwise known as Northern Rhodesia. These strong humanitarian links are solidified with the assistance of the Zambian government. From its association with major charities working there (Goal, Trocaire) to the governments ongoing teacher enhancement programmes, Irish Aid is also directly involved with smaller projects in both countries. As part of Irish Aid's ongoing educational work, The BCFE Bulletin has collaborated with Evelyn Hone College in Lusaka, Zambia's capital city.
This is the second successive year of the partnership which will see a cross border publication produced here in Ballyfermot as well as a collaboration between Music students in both colleges. Our goal is to give student's here at BCFE a stronger impression of a different way of life on the African continent. It also offers students here the chance to have their work seen in a different country and society while exchanging cultural values and ideas through the power of print. Many of Zambia's most powerful citizens have received their education at schools run by Irish Christian Brothers, ensuring our connection will now be felt at ground level as well as the corridors of government. Irish Aid's other major focus lies in the battle against the spread of HIV and Aids, tackling poverty and social inequality as well as the encouragement of participation in governance. However, under the Joint Assistance Strategy for Zambia, Irish Aid harmonised aid efforts through a 2007 Country Strategy Paper, which put an increased focus on Education. Despite subsequent cutbacks in the health sector, Irish Aid's expertise in teaching has enhanced Zambia's underdeveloped educational sector. A 2007 govern-
ment report showed plans for a steady annual increase in funding from €22 million in 2007 to €40.2 million in 2010. However, due to the current economic climate cuts have been made across the board with up to 25% being withdrawn in some areas. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Michael Martin said that in 2009 Irish aid spent €198 million under the bilateral aid programme, €23.21 million of which went directly to Zambia. This represents a significant decrease to the original amount proposed. Charities and humanitarian organisations may offer much needed assistance on the ground but Irish Aid aims to build a better local knowledge base. By addressing problems and working with local authorities Irish Aid aims to gradually withdraw from Zambia within a decade. This type of development ensures the long term future of troubled communities is guaranteed through local solutions by local experts. Priority areas such as the Copper Belt and Northern Province have been targeted by Irish Aid. Their overall aim in these locations is “to contribute to the reduction of chronic poverty and inequality in Zambia in partnership with government and other donors.”
VISIT: Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin TD, meets children from the Mama Monastic School Image courtesy of Embassy of Ireland, Lusaka
Irish Aid in Zambia
50% 25% 50 €23.7m
figures from 2008
improvement in primary school enrolment since 2002 reduction in child mortality rates under the age of five since 2001 times more people are receiving antiretroviral treatment for HIV and AIDS than in 2003 was the total amount of Irish Aid’s Zambian budget in 2008
Photography by Gareth Bently
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
11
e spirit of Twaambo is still alive in Ballyfermot Local man Dermot Skelly founded a small charity which is making a big impact to the lives of Zambia’s poor By David King
In Zambia’s native Tonga dialect the name ‘Twaambo’ simply means Spirit. The name belongs to a young Zambian girl who died of Aids at the age of eight. Twaambo’s spirit now carries as far as Ballyfermot, which serves as the home for a small charity which bears the name of the kind-hearted child. With the help of local man Dermot Skelly, links from Lusaka to Dublin have been strengthened under the name through ongoing charity work. Ballyfermot native Skelly is founder of this charity with direct links to Lusaka and the wider Zambian community. Along with his small team of workers, William Byrne and Ann O’ Reilly, his charity Twaambo has dedicated much needed time and effort to providing underprivileged areas and communities with aid, funding and direct donations. Without receiving any support from either government or separate organisations, Twaambo has survived for five years through the dedication of its members and those who donate. Recognised as a registered charity for the past two years, Dermot personally funds two trips per year to the Copper Nation so as to offer his own assistance in various ways. Initially founded to fund the building of a hospice for the combat of HIV, Aids and other diseases which plague sub Saharan Africa, Twaambo’s work often takes on a more direct role in local communities. Although the hospice remains a serious ambition, the unpredictable nature of the work ensures that any set plan may change on arrival in Zambia. However, this unorthodox nature seems to be something Dermot thrives on and he has overcome plenty of personal obstacles before getting to this point. The links with Zambia initially came about purely by chance, even if the urge to help others may had always been there. Dermot is long associated with local adult training classes
which focus on community development and youth outreach. While attending a course on Human Development Studies in Kimmage he came in contact with a much wider range of personalities and nationalities. Amongst eighty different nationalities, Dermot formed different friendships and contacts through group interaction and project work. “One group I continuously worked with had three or four Zambians in it,” he explained. “It began as one of those things you say to friends; you know I’ll visit your country as you are in mine... so I eventually went to Zambia with some of these friends.” Originally planned as a six week visit, Dermot only lasted three, citing the huge cultural difference he encountered as a major reason for his early return. Three weeks after he touched down in Lusaka, Dermot Skelly prematurely returned home to Ballyfermot. To Dermot though, the shock to his system would not act as a deterrent but instead serve as a stimulant for his new venture. “I didn’t think I’d go back to be honest. But I got home and something just stuck with me.” Dermot went on to explain one encounter which had a profound impact on him during that first visit and clearly affects him to this day. In an outlying province, Dermot and his driver came across an old pick up t r u c k parked on the side of the dirt road which linked the neighbouring districts. In it sat “about ten street children, both boys and girls”. The Irishman’s vehicle pulled up alongside the truck containing the precious cargo which would have most likely been on its way from a local school. Skelly had a cake in his possession and without hesitating, presented it to the children who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the road weary stranger. “They looked totally surprised, these kids. Almost like they didn’t know what this
cake was,” he said, adding “it was just a good gesture.” With a rueful look down to his coffee and puff of the cheeks, the emotion of the day was still obvious in the mannerisms of Dermot Skelly as he sat opposite me in the canteen of BCFE. In his dealings with local authorities within Zambia, Dermot has had first hand experience of some of the infrastructural problems within the country. Recalling the experience of suffering three tyre blowouts on the main interstate road from Lusaka to Livingston makes our own complaints towards Irish motorways somewhat obsolete. Another factor which is of bigger concern is the current state of the healthcare system and severe shortage of medical equipment and doctors as well as questionable sanitary conditions in many of Zambia’s hospitals. A visit to the hospital is not always possible for some of the continent’s poorest people. When news of a “mugua” (native for white man) staying nearby reached a local family, their desperation led them on a gruelling journey in search of an anti- rabies shot. A four hour journey on foot found Skelly, who was asked to provide the life saving injection. Though not a doctor, his connections allowed for the shot to be administered. This scenario is just another day’s work for somebody who has taken it upon
sity Hospitals had just two wheelchairs available for patients. One was a makeshift effort made with an old sun chair and wheels that had no tyres,” Dermot revealed before stating the need for “quality over quantity” in the donations Twaambo receive. For example, the cost of a forty-foot container filled with clothing or furniture to be shipped from Dublin to Lusaka is €6,000, although the contents of such a donation would quickly be put to use. The taught of filling such a vessel with medical equipment and supplies may be far fetched for a small charity like Twaambo but is not impossible for other larger charities worldwide.
totally surprised, “theseTheykids.looked Almost like they didn’t know what this cake was himself to care enough. An amputee who lost the use of one of his legs, Dermot concedes that any advantage to help the impoverished is taken. Due to his own disability the option to travel in a wheelchair is taken during each visit to Zambia. Although perfectly capable to make the journey without the use of a wheelchair, it is a much sought after addition to any hospital and is freely donated by Twaambo. “One of the Univer-
However, this solution comes with a great risk with many organisations worried about the uneven distribution of aid which is unfortunately commonplace in many third world countries. Skelly will return to Lusaka in May. The duration of his stay? “Well, that depends on the wife,” he says with a smile. But he knows the routine by now and will no doubt continue in overdrive until then, selling his goods at the market and collecting unwanted items from all over Dublin and beyond. “Just now I came from a house in Glasnevin, emptied it of anything valuable and that will all help towards the visit,” he says adding, “each time you go over, it’s all about helping. It means so much.” I ask does he enjoy the task which he has taken upon himself. “I look forward to going, but just hate the idea of coming back. Each time I’m trying to sneak over excess luggage, luckily with the disability
I get away with more than most.” A shrug of his shoulders signals the natural end to our conversation. He leaves me with the hope that drives him on each day. In this job which he has taken on full time it is the hope that each time he returns, “somebody will take notice and give a little more.” He drains his cup of the last drops of coffee and I escort him out of the college. Sure enough, there is his car full to the point of exploding with all sorts of furniture and household items. “Lucky I’ve nowhere else to go, I can hardly fit in myself.” Twaambo is a registered charity which depends solely on donations from the public. Any unwanted household items can make a difference and clear some space at home for the donor. From old DVD players to old furniture or even cutlery, any donation is welcomed and gratefully collected.
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The BCFE Bulletin
Two nations, one publication
Edition 2
March 2010
Left: A dirt road in Zambia Right: Traffic in Lusaka
Government on the right road By Chamba Zangose and Mwittah Ndangwa
Irish Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey may be cutting government spending on regional and local roads by €200 million this year, but here in Zambia it’s a different story. The Government says it will seek to complete construction of several major roads throughout the country in 2010. Minister of Works and Supply Mike Mulongoti stated that the projects are
on Government’s priority list. He said construction of most roads has not been completed despite their potential to stimulate the country’s economic growth. In a statement issued in Lusaka, Mulongoti said “some of these prioritised roads are part of the regional corridors that the Zambian Government is committed to improving as part of the agreed goal to integrate the region through effective and efficient road connectivity.” He also said Government is in the process of seeking additional funds to upgrade some major roads across the country. Over a dozen roads have been earmarked for an upgrade na-
We’re on the road to nowhere By Noah Kangali
The Lusaka city council (LCC) and the road transport and safety agency (RTSA) have tried tirelessly to reduce traffic congestion in Lusaka. The central business district which attracts thousands of drivers every month from different parts of the country is an example of an area in desperate need of development Import of motor vehicles has increased to about 25 per cent since last year and 65 per cent of Zambians employed and unemployed, own motor vehicles. Due to this increase the capital city Lusaka is plagued by traffic congestion which has made movement from one place to another difficult and extremely slow. The Lusaka city council and other road transport stake holders like the road development agency (RDA) should first and foremost asses how many road-
worthy vehicles are on the streets of Lusaka. This move will help reduce accidents which are a number one cause of traffic jams especially on roads like great east and mumbwa roads in Lusaka. One innovation needed in the traffic reduction programme is the introduction of zone laws. These are laws that drivers are supposed to follow in certain zones or areas due to their general nature and environmental setup. Zoning can also come in form of paying for access to certain locations as a form of permit to drive into those areas. An example of a place requiring a zone driving law is Lusaka’s great east road which is known to be one the busiest roads in Lusaka, made worse by its direct link to the main international airport. A simple step like implementing a law that prohibits certain driving activities, such as stopping in the middle of the road for no good reason, will result in a fine or charge.
tionwide. “Government’s intention is to deliver a national road network that reduces the cost of doing business and achieves national and regional goals for the benefit of the Zambian people,” Mr Mulongoti said adding that although the road sector underwent difficulties last year, the Road Development Agency (RDA) met the targets of the Road Sector Investment Programme for the year. Meanwhile, Government says it attaches importance to the functions of the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) in its efforts to improve the road network in rural areas. Ministry of Works and Supply
Deputy Minister Christopher Kalila said there is a strong need to improve the rural road network to ease the marketing of crops. Dr Kalila spoke as he officiated at a recent workshop organised by RRU in Lusaka. The workshop was aimed at discussing the successful usage and operations of the earthmoving equipment that was procured from China. “The Government of President Banda is making sure that the equipment is put to good use by rehabilitating bad rural roads so that small-scale farmers can be easily accessed by the Food Reserve Agency. Vehicles taking drugs to health centers in the remotest parts of
the country can easily reach those areas and vehicles taking school requisites to rural schools can travel safely as well," he said. He confirmed that each province has received a number of construction vehicles and heavy duty equipment. “The focus of RRU has been to work on rural and feeder roads outside the Road Development Agency annual work-plan. The unit does the planning together with councils for all the works being undertaken in a given year. “This entails that the RRU engineers in the provinces, in consultation with the local authorities and the RDA re-
gional engineers, have the task of planning for which roads to work on,” Kalila said. Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Works and Supply acting permanent secretary Whytone Ngulube urged the RRU to work closely with the provincial offices. “You must also make sure that this equipment is maintained and well looked after. There should not be any stories of breakdowns and make sure that it is regularly serviced,” he said. Provincial roads engineer Ernest Nshindano commended Government for establishing the RRU and increasing funding to it.
Kaunda pays tribute to South African freedom By Noah Kangali
First republican president Kenneth Kaunda has described the late South African freedom fighter Johnstone Makatini as a courageous man, who contributed immensely to the liberation of his country from the yoke of apartheid. Dr. Kaunda said the late Makatini was a patriot who spent his whole life in pursuit of freedom not only for South Africa, but the southern African region as a whole. He told Zambian News and Information Service (ZANIS) in Lusaka that since southern African was now free, it was time for countries in the region to concentrate on fostering unity and economic development. Dr. Kaunda said the Southern Africa Development Community (SADN) should work on
translating the political freedom into economic prosperity for the region. The former head of state observed with concern that Africa has abundant natural resources like copper and gold but these are still benefiting countries which colonized the continent. The South African government sanctioned the return of the remains of the late Makatini as an honour for the man who, like other compatriots, sacrificed so much for the freedom of South Africa. The exhumation of the remains from Lusaka's Leopards Hill cemetery for reburial in his home country South Africa took place in late January of this year. Meanwhile, South Africa has paid glowing tribute to Zambia for her support during the struggle against apartheid. South African high commissioner to Zambia, Moses Chikane said his country will remain forever grateful for the support it received from Zambia in disman-
tling the structures of apartheid, which led to today's free and democratic South Africa. A monument will be erected in memory of Johnstone Makatini as a reminder of the road the country has traveled to where it is today. And retired politician Grey Zulu, who held several high ranking positions in Dr Kaunda's government, commended the South African government for honouring the late Makatini, who he said was truly a hero in the freedom struggle. The late Johnstone Mfanafuthi Makatini was director of the ANC department of International Affairs and a long standing member of the party's National Executive Committee at the height of the struggle against apartheid. He died in December 1988 at Lusaka's University Teaching Hospital (UTH) after an illness.
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
13
Fees dispute comes to an end istry of science and vocational training and secured an agreement. Mr Lumpa said with intervention of the permanent secretary, the lodging fees were successfully reduced to k500, 000 (€78). This represents a k50, 000 increase as opposed to the earlier k150, 000 (€23), from the initial k450, 000 (€69). Mr Lumpa further stated that he was delighted that the ministry gave the union an ear regarding the negotiations with management. The newly revised increment will apply to both first year and returning students. The Student Union of Evelyn Hone earlier gave management their stance regarding their k150, 000 increment, labeling it an unrealistic move considering the harsh economic conditions. The publicity secretary also highlighted that the union will not object with any student mobilization concerning the 50%+1 clause and he believes it’s a very contentious issue which students will play a very critical role in. Mr Lumpa also said Ehcosu feels the clause will not only benefit those in power but the youth of the college at large.
By Noah Kangali
While college tuition fees remain a contentious issue over in Ireland, Zambian students at Evelyn Hone in Lusaka recently moved to secure an acceptable rate for the coming academic year. While I believe fees at BCFE are relatively affordable when compared to rival colleges around your country, the wider issue has been strongly contested by Student Unions here. Collectively they have made no secret of their distain at government officials – organising rallies and protests in response to the unrealistic price of third level education. In a recent decision, Evelyn Hone College Management board has revised its lodging fees for the 2010 academic year after a directive from the ministry of science and vocational training on the matter. The student’s union publicity secretary Kalumbu Lumpa said after failing to reach a consensus with management on the earlier k600, 000 (€94) increment, they approached the min-
Life on the edge By John McCormack
Zambia is home to one the seven natural wonders of the world. The Victoria Falls are situated in the south of the country on the Zambezi River which runs along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The waterfall is 1,708 meters wide making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic metres of water plummet over the edge every minute. On first encountering the Falls in 1855 the Scottish explorer, David Livingstone, was moved to record: “No one can imagine the beauty of the view from
anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” Then, as was the way of British explorers, he promptly set about naming it after his queen. The local name, Mosi-oaTunya (the Smoke that Thunders), is far more imaginative. The ‘smoke’ refers to the effect that occurs as the water impacts over a hundred metres below and kicks up in a fine mist spreading an incandescent rainbow across the surrounding valley. Traditionally Zambians believed that the Zambezi’s water would wash away your stress and illness. Tourists to the area used to access the Falls from the Zimbabwe side but the recent political upheavals in that coun-
try has seen a large rise in visitors to the Zambian side. Tourist companies describe the region as Africa’s undisputed adventure playground with a whole host of exhilarating pursuits for visitor’s participation. These include, bungee jumping, white watering rafting, body boarding and helicopter flips, whatever they are! The more sedate tourist can take gentle cruises on the upper Zambezi, play golf and fish. A wide range of wildlife can also be seen at the Mosi-oaTunya National Park. The Falls are at their most spectacular from February to April, when the Zambezi River is at its most powerful. South African Airlines fly from London, via Johannesburg, to the nearby town of Livingstone and the area is serviced daily by trains from Lusaka.
IMPRESSIVE: The view from the top of Victoria Falls
14
The BCFE Bulletin
Two nations, one publication
The tragedy of ‘93: A real sporting disaster
A sad end: Dozens of coffins line the playing field at the Stadium of Independance in Zambia.
By David King
The world of football there are two types of tragedy. One happens in the heat of battle when a team is left disappointed after a crushing defeat on the pitch. The other happens away from the glamorous stadiums of world football and are tragedies, in the deepest sense of the word. The gulf between the two is immense, there is no doubting that. However, in the fickle world of
football the line between each scenario can be lost in a haze of hype and an air of absurdity. As the Irish nation continued to feel sorry for itself following the now infamous handball by Thierry Henry in Paris which ended our simple World Cup dream, the Zambian national team prepared to line out against Nigeria in the quarter finals of the 2010 African Nations Cup. One game disappointed a nation who had hoped for a party and maybe a nice sun holiday this coming June. The other brought with it a timely reminder of one of the games
Redknapp gives hot Spur Mbola ten day trial with Tottenham
most devastating disasters which well and truly deserves the title; tragedy. The game, held in Lubango
Zambia not only lost innocent citizens but the “football world lost one of the most promising African teams of all time
Angola, was a repeat of the 1994 African Nations Cup final. The tragedy that day was not Zambia's narrow 2-1 defeat to a star studded Nigerian team, but the catastrophic plane crash
Zambia's young starlet Emmanuel Mbola has been brought to London by Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp on a ten day trial. The sixteen year old left back who has amassed an astonishing 20 caps in his international career makes the move on the back of eye catching performances at this year's African Nations Cup in Angola. In a move with a view to a permanent deal, Spurs are looking to pip London rivals West Ham and at least one other Premier League team to Mbola's signature. The youngster currently plies his trade at Armenian side Yerevan and has impressed for their first team in his brief time there. Due to Zambia's current standing outside of the top 70 in the Fifa world rankings, the teenager would not automati-
cally qualify for a British work permit. This will heighten the possibility that if a deal is struck he may continue his development in France or Portugal until securing the work permit. Mbola, who turned in a man of the match performance in Zambia's quarter final defeat to Nigeria confirmed the move revealing “yes, I have arrived in London. Everything is fine and I am looking forward to start training.”
ers. The plane, bound for Senegal to contest an African World Cup qualification match went down shortly after take off from Gabon’s capital Libreville. The evening of April 27th is a foot-
crash were received at the Stadium of Independence as national heroes. Needing just a point from their final qualification game against Morocco, Zambia were sadly
All in green By David King
By David King
which befell the Zambian team a year earlier. The disaster killed all thirty passengers and crew which included eighteen play-
balling tragedy in the saddest sense of the word. Zambia not only lost innocent citizens but the football world lost one of the most promising African teams of all time. Following a convincing 3-0 victory over Mauritius the military jet chosen to carry the team on the two legged journey crashed into the sea off the coast of Gabon. The pilot who had flown the first leg from Mauritius to Gabon was reportedly in a state of exhaustion when he shut down the wrong engine shortly after take off from Libreville, following a fire in one of the planes other engines. The team was built around PSV Eindhoven winger Kalusha Bywala, who was one of only five of the squad members to survive after they took alternative routes to Senegal for the game. Kalusha quickly took control of the team and assembled a makeshift side of local players to carry on the job started by the talented squad. Following an immense outpouring of emotion by the Zambian nation, the Copper Bullets and staff who had perished in the
The Chipolopolo have gone Green. The Zambian national team have unveiled their new strip for the coming season with the national Flag serving as inspiration. The all green jersey is similar to the FAI's latest effort which is modelled on the kit worn by Irish teams in the 1950's and 1960's. The vintage design has been met with a mixed reaction in Ireland, although the FAI maintain it has received great feedback from a public desperate for a lift following Ireland's scandalous exit from the World Cup at the hands of Les Bleus. The Nike produced Zambian kit is expected to be more generously received. Football legend and Football Association of Zambia President Kalusha Bwalya proudly proclaimed that “The National team from now will be clad in true Zambian colours.” On the field, The Copper Bullets can afford to be a little disappointed themselves. A cruel exit to Nigeria's Super Eagles via penalties in the quarter fi-
Edition 2
March 2010
beaten by a solitary goal, ending their unlikely World Cup dream. Team captain Kalusha reflected: “We were so close yet so far away, I think about the people at home and our friends who died. We are all very disappointed. After five months of hard work, we didn’t deserve to go out like this.” Although World Cup qualification would be step too far for the newly assembled side led by Kalusha, their efforts in the 1994 African Nations Cup are looked upon as nothing short of miraculous. Despite taking the lead after only three minutes of play, the gods were once again to conspire against the heroic Chipolopolo. Nigeria’s Super Eagles ran out eventual winners by two goals to one but the Zambian team and had shown the world that against real adversity and real tragedy, there was light at the end of even the darkest of tunnels. So, while we here in Ireland continue to feel sorry for ourselves, now is as good a time as any to take a step back and realise the full scale of what a sporting tragedy can be. The current Zambian team have done their country proud in recently resurrecting the memory of the fallen heroes of 1993. In Kalusha Bywala they still have a living legend who now acts as president of the Zambian Football Association.
Launch: The new Irish and Zambian kits have similarities
nals of the African Nations Cup will have hurt Herve Renard's men. However, the performance of the Zambian team was seen as an over achievement by many in the football world. As the lowest seeded team in the final eight, free scoring Zambia proved to be the surprise packet of the tournament. Their impressive performances finally broke their curse of having not advanced past the first round in their previous five attempts. Their exploits in front of goal thrilled fans at home and ensured the Chipolopolo finished top of
their group. Ireland's cotton finish strip will debut in the upcoming friendly against Brazil in a glamour tie set in the unfamiliar surroundings of North London. Arsenal's Emirates stadium will host the clash where Ireland will look to begin healing old wounds against the planets most illustrious opponents. The darker shade of green dubbed “St Patrick's Green” is resoundingly similar to the Zambian colours and may just reflect the feeling of envy in both countries by the time the World Cup kicks off in June. The new kits may prove to be a massive hit with fans and players alike, but regrettably neither will be affectionately remembered as the “World Cup 2010” kit.
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
15
African Cup of Nations Copper Bullets give tournament much needed shot of excitement By David King
The 2010 African Cup of Nations served as a wonderful addition to the football calendar for the new decade. The 27th biennial tournament was this year held in Angola as reigning champions Egypt looked to secure a record smashing third consecutive championship. As ever the colour and passion would be on show for the world to see as Africa began preparations for the biggest year in their proud footballing history. Meanwhile, hosts Angola hoped that home field advantage would propel them to their first crown. Other African heavyweights Cameroon and bookies
favourites Cote d'Ivoire had realistic ambitions for the trophy while a youthful Ghanaian side and outsiders Mali also had eyes on the big prize. Two time winners Nigeria as ever would be challenging in the knockout stages but with the head coach job in severe doubt before a ball was even kicked, their ability to shake off home-grown pressure would be in doubt. However, it was the tragic events off the field which initially made the front and back pages of the worlds newspapers. An attack on the Togo team bus ended with three fatalities and injuries to a number of players. The incident occurred inside the northern province of Cabinda. The grief stricken Togo team withdrew from the tournament before expressing the desire to play in memory
Tunisia Zambia began their African Cup of Nations campaign in Lubango against a youthful Tunisian side. With Gabon setting the early pace in the group following a shock one goal victory over Cameroon earlier in the day, both sides were aware that a win would present a fantastic chance of making the knockout stages. It was Zambia who started the game the brighter, dominating the first half hour of play. Captain Christopher Katongo led the midfield which included younger brother Felix and midfield revelation Rainford Kalaba. Together their style of play magnifi-
cently supported the front pair of James Chamanga and Jacob Mulenga. And it was the two strikers who combined to open the scoring after 18 minutes of play. With the Tunisian defence paniced, Chamanga picked up a lose ball before sliding a pass to Mulenga who, despite the best efforts of the goalkeeper, finished confidently. It should have been the platform from which Renard's charges excelled, but after the half hour mark Zambia stopped playing their expansive game and offered a subpar Tunisian team a way back into the tie.
And they were to continue their dominance into the second half until China based James Chamanga bagged his first goal of the tournament shortly after the hour mark. As it stood Zambia would qualify for the last eight but Renard's men again made hard work of defending their precious lead. Substitute Fabrice Do Marcolino grabbed a goal back for The Panthers after 82 minutes setting up a nervous finish in Benguela. But the Copper Bullets managed to hang on to the win despite pressure from their opponents and book their place in the knockout stages.
didate for a quarter final place, something outspoken Renard promised to a hopeful Zambian nation in the lead up to the big kick off in Lubango on January 13th. Impressive performances which included a draw in Cairo against The Pharaohs and well deserved wins against World Cup hopefuls North and South Korea had raised expectation around the Chipolopolo. It is widely believed that the team is now at its best in fourteen years with one of their finest ever managers at the helm. Much would be made of Renard's cockiness in openly admitting Zambia provided him as a stepping stone to a 'big' African job but nobody can deny the improvements made during his reign.
Cameroon It took a piece of individual class for the Carthage Eagles to obtain the equaliser four minutes before the interval. Msakni Youssef picked up the ball and charged at the Zambian rearguard beating two players and squaring beautifully for Zouheir Dhaouadi who finished well. After the break the game petered out with chances at either end few and far between. Despite a purposeful start, the Chipolopolo became their own worst enemy as they failed to regain the lead they had deserved.
Gabon Lying bottom of the group going into the final game, Zambia knew that qualification was still a possibility, albeit an outside one. Only a win would suffice and Zambia once more set their stall out for the victory. Again the influential Rainford Kalaba controlled the tempo of the game from the start and it was the Braga player, currently on loan to Egypt giants Zamalak who opened the scoring. On 28 minutes Chintu Kampamba fed Kalaba who finished expertly as the Chipolopolo took the lead for the third successive game.
of those lost in the attack. However, the Togolese government ordered the players home for three days of national mourning, effectively ending their championship hopes. But amid such tragic circumstances the tournament went ahead as planned. Zambia had shown plenty of promise during their unsuccessful World Cup campaign where they eventually lost out to Algeria and Egypt in arguably Africa's most difficult qualifying group. Much hyped manager Herve Renard had built a solid and determined team, many of whom had come up through the youth ranks under the tutelage of his inspirational but often overlooked assistant, George Lwandamina. His experience and Renard's enthusiasm combined to make Zambia a realistic can-
Four time African Nation champions Cameroon contributed to a hectic and at times ludicrous encounter that proved highly entertaining for fans worldwide. Jacob Mulenga was in the right place at the right time inside 15 minutes when Rigobert Songs attempted clearance hit his own upright before striking goalkeeper Idriss Kameni's back and rolling to Mulenga three yards out. Despite controlling the game, Zambia gifted The Lions an equaliser on 68 minutes. Former Chelsea star Geremi Nijtap was awarded the goal but one would wonder whether he
even saw his effort trickle over the line. While attempting to keep the ball in play a full forty yards from Mweene's goal, Geremi succeeded in preventing the throw in and somehow equalised. When the ball bounced harmlessly into the Chipolopolo penalty area, experienced net minder Mweene made a mess of his collection and averted the goal into his own net. With the Copper Bullets shell shocked, the Lions reloaded to fire in a quick second goal. A cross from the right found African Cup of Nations record scorer Samuel Eto'o in-
side the box and the Inter Milan striker made no mistake with a powerful finish. Herve Renard's men soon made it two apiece from the penalty spot. After Utrecht forward Mulenga outpaced veteran defender Song, he was hacked down by goalkeeper Kameni inside the area. Captain Christopher Katongo made no mistake from the spot for an 82nd minute leveller. However, the always impressive Idrissou rose highest in the area just moments later to head in Geremi's deep cross and hand all three points to a somewhat fortunate Cameroon.
Nigeria Despite going into the game bottom of the group Herve Renard's posturing would continue into the quarters as the Copper Bullets ran out group winners due to Zambia's potency in front of goal and Tunisia's failure to defeat Cameroon. It also managed to end a baron run in the competition as they advanced from their group for the first time since 1996, a stretch which took in five tournament appearances. The win also set up a mouth watering tie with old rivals Nigeria.
After a series of exciting games throughout the quarter finals, the Zambia Nigeria clash eventually failed to live up to the hype. With Egypt, Ghana and Algeria all safely through to the semi's, the winners of this game would be pitted against Ghana's Black Stars in Luanda. In an ultimately negative game, both goalkeepers were rarely tested as each team aired on the side of caution rather than replicate the thrilling pace of the other quarter finalists. Having picked up two bookings in the group stages, defensive stalwart Chintu Kampamba and
midfield maestro Rainford Kalaba were missing for the underdogs of Zambia. Under pressure Nigerian Coach Shaibu Amodou in his third stint as national team coach was able to pick the same side which beat Mozambique 3-0 in the final game of the group stages. In an uneventful first half in front of goal, the game did not lack a certain bite with three Zambian players picking up bookings for crunching tackles. The Egyptian referee was again busy on the whistle after the break as the Chipolopolo began to exert much needed pressure on the
Nigerian defence. Yusuf Mohammed came to the rescue for Nigeria when he cleared off the line but ultimately, after two hours of cagey football, the game was to be decided on penalty kicks. Despite being relatively untested during the drab encounter the shootout was to become the battle of the goalkeepers that saw Nigeria win. The Chipolopolo can be very proud of their performances during the tournament but will undoubtedly look back at this campaign as a great chance missed.
Two nations
One publication
Produced in association with
& Evelyn Hone Beacon
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
17
Features
Hypnosis therapy: Why it’s worth a go By Eimear Duignan
Deputy Editor
F
or as long as I can remember, claustrophobia has plighted me, resulting in embarrassment more than anything else. At countless job interviews I’ve stammered the words “Do you mind if we take the stairs? You see, I’m scared of the lift...” This is usually met with an understandably inquisitive look, which I try to red-facedly ignore, as my brain sweats with embarrassment, and let’s face it, I’m sure ‘scarlet eejit’ might as well be tattooed across my forehead. I then spend the next however many flights of stairs waffling about an irrational fear to whatever poor so and so has had the displeasure of greeting me as they huff up the stairs beside me, undoubtedly thinking I’m clearly not all there. You can imagine how successful I was in the working world. I have returned to education. The effects are not confined to my professional life either. I can admit that when in a public bathroom I will not lock the cubicle door if there is not adequate space above or below it that I reckon I could fit out of should the door jam. (Would I really slide along the floor of a public bathroom? Probably.) This results in a wonderful balancing act of toilet hovering and door holding, which on more than one occasion has ended with another patron, of the perfectly sane variety, walking in on my circus act. Lovely. And, ah yes, there was the time when I was in Bangkok, and I beseeched a hotel porter to accompany me up the stairs as I would not use the lift. I was staying on the 26th floor and everybody else used the lifts. The stairs were so null and void that they had no lighting, and so me and my new friend set off with our flash light for a muggy journey that took a good 25 minutes as we had to stop for breaks. He spoke no English, I spoke no Thai, and so we filled these pit stops with cigarettes, which I’m sure was wonderful for our further climbing exploits. So, after 25 minutes, 5 ciggies, gallons of sweat, and somebody else signing up to the 'Eimear is a lunatic' club, I made
it to my room. Just a minor obstacle in the life of a claustrophobic. This had to stop. It was getting ridiculous. I would try anything. So when a relative suggested hypnosis, I jumped on it. This was it. I was finally going to be rid of my selfnamed ' debilitating disease'. It was going to change my life. Excellent. I tracked down a city centre hypnosis clinic via the wonder that is Google and locked in an appoint-
to me that hypnosis was a “state of total awareness that I would be able to control,” I was ready to rock. The therapist then asked me to follow his fingers with my eyes, saying that when he clicked them, my eyes would
could not help but think that this was all pretty ridiculous, and that I was not asleep, I was merely playing his game. It was not until he told me that my eyes could not be opened but to try to open them, that I started to think there w a s
take me. I said things like “I’m on a swing, it’s fun.” “I’m two and I’m in my cot”, and when we delved into the scary stuff “I’m seven and I’m locked in a room and I can’t get out.” Now come on. This was all I could think of as these ridiculous scenarios spewed from my lips and I cringed on the inside. What the hell was I talking about? But I went with it, and together, myself and my therapist journeyed through my childhood and I spoke to m y self
and ment. Bring it on. When I arrived at the plush clinic, which is located on the up market Pembroke Street, my racing mind began to settle; the place looked nice and respectable, surely they couldn’t mess me up too much? Or leave me stuck on some permanent hypnosis trip, as I had been telling all my friends was sure to happen. After being greeted and asked a few background questions by my therapist (a young, cleanshaven, suit-clad, man) I settled back into the oversized brown leather chair to listen to a tape which would give me a rundown of how hypnosis would work. My apprehensiveness was beginning to fade, and as the voice on the tape explained
close and I would be in a “deep physical sleep but my mind power would be totally enhanced”. I followed his fingers, he clicked them, and I closed my eyes. Did I do this because he made me? Or because it was expected of me? I was not sure. He then preformed a number of other mumbo jumbo drills like lifting my arm and letting it flop back down, or tapping my forehead, while muttering things like “Very good, you are in a deep sleep.” Throughout, I
something in this hypnosis lark. As I tried to lift my lids though, the thought of ‘am I just playing along?’ still persisted. I am not sure of the answer, but one thing I do know for sure is that I quite dramatically twitched my eyelids and scrunched up my forehead in a fight to open those peepers...and to no avail. His doing or mine? Who knows. He then took me on a journey through my childhood, telling me that my mind was totally switched on and knew where to
hugged myself every time I was scared. Sure. Of course I did. I felt like I was at one of those retreats they used to make you do in school when you had to lie on the ground and pretend you were in a field, and all you wanted to do was laugh your ass off with your friends and make oh so cool comments about the ongoing holey moley crap. When all the self hugging was complete, my hippy in disguise brought me out of my state of hypnosis and told me how well I had done. He then asked me to go upstairs and lock myself in his bathroom. As I turned the lock, the familiar feeling of dread was absent, and I rationally thought to myself, ‘If I get
stuck, then someone will just come and let me out.’ How sensible and realistic of me. Although, part of me thinks that the ridiculousness that I had just partaken in had caused me to denounce all silly ponderings and just get real. But who knows? Maybe the mind messer downstairs could do what he claimed. When I returned with my tale of success, the therapist congratulated me, gave me a CD to listen to “every day for 21 days” (Which is yet to enter my stereo), told me that one further session would definitely be needed to totally erase my problem and slapped me with a bill for €150. As I left, I was itching to try out a lift. After countless coffees and in dept discussions regarding the power of the mind and the validity of hypnosis, myself and two friends set off for the Brown Thomas car park lift (a nice plush one to ease me in; none of this creaking doors, scraping lift shafts business for me on my maiden voyage, thank you.). And so we took the lift up and down a few floors a number of times, as my legs trembled and I squeezed every hand available. But this was progress for me. Progress because I was on my way to being cured or progress because I was determined not to have wasted 150 blips? I don’t know. I have used lifts a number of times since my session, always in a state of fear, and always with someone. Every time I pass the lift doors when entering my apartment block on my own, I dare myself to enter. However, I never succeed and end up running up the stairs, for fear that I will be sucked through the metal doors by some unstoppable, evil, lift imprisoning force. Maybe I should go back to Pembroke Street for another shot in the big leather chair? Part of me thinks that I will, because whether hypnosis or my own disguised determination, shrouded in cynicism, has led to my small achievements, the fact is, is that they have happened. And if I need to trick myself into erasing my claustrophobia all together, or someone can manipulate my mind to do so, then I am game, whatever the process is.
18
The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
Features
March 2010
e alternative holiday option By Jodie Kilfeather
I
eling around and throwing a few quid their way. There is a level of commitment, both emotionally and physically to the job.Not only will you be a tourist – you’ll be a member of the community, living and working alongside local people on projects that will improve their lives. It’s a chance to gain as much as you give and to really become involved, instead of simply being a spectator. Whether you choose to volunteer for two weeks or two years, you’re sure to come away with a new perspective on yourself and the world. Voluntouring could also pave the way for new career opportunities and open up your eyes to a job you never thought would tickle your fancy before. Friendships can be developed and it can really make you see a side of life and the world that could never have been seen in a dayto-day job back here on the Emerald Isle. On top of all that, it’s a chance to have fun. You’ll meet locals and likeminded volunteers, make friends you’ll never forget, have adventures you’ve never imagined, and return home with a travel story like no other. So if there’s one trend you want to get drawn into in 2010, it is definitely and undoubtedly this. All the information about voluntouring can be found on www.usit.ie/volunteer/volunteer-home or www.voluntourism.org.
t is true to say that with the ever-changing constant flow of new and growing trends; we’ve all become either victims or fans of them. Whether it’s the latest rabbitfood diet, pair of skinny jeans, new teen culture flick, social networking site or underdog band, we all get sucked in eventually. A couple of notable examples of this include the eruption onto the music scene of such indiepop bands like Florence and the Machine, the hype of Twitter, the skinny jeans and Converse combination and the Twilight phenomenon (which has since spurred on a whole series of teen vampire shows and cultlike obsessions). There is something in each of these culture births that draws us all shamelessly in, whether it is a celebrity endorsing it, widespread unexplainable curiosity or simply the idea of following the crowd. As it is yet another new year, a whole host of new jargon also manifests with it; “tweeting” which is the act of posting up your actions each day on Twitter and “exergaming” which is the idea of working out virtually through such video games as the Wii Fit. The latest buzz to crop up is that of – voluntourism or voluntouring. There is a vast choice of definitions of voluntourism
out there, however in a nutshell it’s travelling – but with a purpose. Voluntouring to travel abroad for worthy reasons like housing projects and charity work and has began and will proceed to reach major popularity through masses of people worldwide. Of course there is the celebrity factor of voluntouring, with
high-profile stars such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and David Beckham constantly being snapped abroad doing their bit for impoverished families. Another term for voluntouring is simply volunteer vacations. During the 1990s the travel industry developed niche products and firms to provide volunteer vacations to people who had no
TOP
Galway
Belfast
Travel: Train from Heuston
Travel: Train from Connolly
Bus €24.80 return from Busaras.
Travel:
€28 return. Bus €20 return.
Travel: Train from Heuston €19.80 return. Bus €13.50 return
Travel:
€31 return. Bus €16.20 return
Accommodation: €23.50
Accommodation:
Accommodation: €143 per double room (second night free) at The Agenda Hotel Tel: 00 44 131 316 466
5 IRISH BUDGET BREAKS
By Eimear Duignan
BENEFICIAL: Voluntouring in developing countries has become incredibly popular
previous experience with a cause and to cater to the increasing number of young people taking gap years. At the same time, the first edition of Volunteer Vacations by Bill McMillan was published, featuring nearly 200 non-profit organisations which facilitated such service opportunities. To really prove the timeless attrac-
tion of voluntouring, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, more than 55 million Americans have participated in a volunteer vacation, and about 100 million more are considering taking one. However voluntourism is not as glamorous as the celebrities may portray it; there’s more to it than simply going over, shov-
Kilkenny Bundoran Waterford Train from Heuston €25.50 return. Bus €13.80
€20 per double room at The Linen House Hostel, Kent Street Tel: +44 2890586
Accommodation: €17.50
Accommodation: €20
per person per night at MacGabhainns Hostel, Vicar Street Tel: 0567770970
per person per night at Donegal Turfnsurf Lodge Tel: 0719841091
€63.20
€60
€48.50
€64.80
€156.80
Galway is Ireland’s hub of culture and cool. The bohemian city boasts a strong student population which makes for some serious craic and banter. While Galway is technically a ‘city’ it is geographically small, making it easily negotiated on foot. It is a Mecca of pubs and clubs ranging from the traditional, bodhran beating, sean nos singing style (like Tigh Coili and Taffes) to the uber trendy kind (such as Halo and The Living Room) If partying is not your desire, nearby Strandhill has some picturesque walks, making Galway a destination for all!
Belfast has long been labelled as a ‘danger spot’ but if you delve beneath these archaic opinions you will find a city with mountains to offer. If history is your thing, a stroll around the streets will uncover surroundings steeped in political record, and for the more hardcore, a ‘black cab’ ride will bring you through many of the old trouble spots with your own personal cabbie tour guide. For the trendies, Belfast is home to a massive number of thrift shops and boutiques. Belfast has a heaving nightlife, and the price of poison is a hell of a lot cheaper than here in the South.
Kilkenny is a good spot to visit if you’re looking for a busy city where everything you need is within walking distance. There are plenty of fine eateries to choose from down any of a number of side streets off Ormonde St. If you’re into authentic Italian food, The Bulletin highly recommends paying the simple little pizzeria on Lower John St a visit – the bruschetta and the pizza are just the way mama used to make ‘em! Bar-wise, the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel is decent, but Langton’s is a must.
Renowned for its sea and surf, Bundoran is a must visit for the laid back, outdoorsy type. Having previously hosted the European Surfing Championships and the Quiksilver World Masters, Bundoran has seen the likes of Kelly Slater and Tom Curran surf some serious pipe. However, the Turfnsurf lodge and school will provide the virgin surfer with lessons on how to get started in the game, making this hippy hotspot relevant to surfers of all abilities. After a day in the surf, Beautiful Bundoran has a number of laid back and chilled out bars where you can grab a beer and relive that perfect wave…
The sunny southeast has long been a popular Irish destination. For the student, it is ideal; Waterford is pretty, bustling and has a booming pub scene. In the way of culture, the city has a huge variety on offer. The Waterford Museum of Treasures houses a massive collection of artefacts. The Waterford Municipal Art Gallery is home to over 200 paintings, many by renowned artists such as Jack B Yeats and Louis Le Brocquy. In the way of nightlife, Waterford has an endless plethora of bars and clubs. So, if you are out to see some new faces, Waterford nightlife will cater for you.
per double room at Galway Barnacles, Quay Street Tel: 091568644
Total weekend cost:
Total weekend cost:
Total weekend cost:
Total weekend cost:
Total weekend cost:
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
19
Features
BCFE’s favourite porter takes time out to answer your queries on everything from dinosaur politicians to swimming with goldfish As a connosieur of the nose rug, who has the better moustache, Magnum PI or Ned Flanders? I'd say Magnum PI. Who do you think would win in a fight, Dog the Bounty Hunter or Hulk Hogan? I'd say Hulk Hogan. He's always able to come out winning, even when he looks like he's losing. I used to enjoy watching him on the wrestling, and lately on MTV. It's a disfunctional family like the Osbournes or the Simpsons. I think the Simpsons are more normal than they are. Team Cheryl or team Ashley? Team Cheryl. He's a love rat, no girl deserves him. You couldn't trust him. He's been playing around with five or six different girls, even when he was just going with her, no matter what he says. I find that synonymous with all the Chelsea players, John Terry and all, there's none of them I'd trust with their wives or girlfriends.
ASK JEROME
What do you think of all the recent resignations in the Government? Well I think there wasn't enough. I think the whole lot should resign because to me they are all just political gangsters that ruined the nation and
they should be made pay for it. Particularly the Greens, they swallowed their principles just to stay in power. I think they are going to be exterminated in the next election like the dinosaur. How do you remember all the students' names? Do you have a trick? No, I just have a great memory. From when I was young I had a great memory for faces. People would always say 'You see that person over there? I've seen him somewhere before.' And I'd be able to say who they were. Some people say I should be a detective, that I'm wasting my time here as a porter! You get to know people, coming in and out, and dealing with them every day, talking to them. A lot of the students are here one to five years and it gets like a family really, and then when you're dealing with them every day and saying hello and goodbye you get to know their names. Even the teachers often come to me to ask a name of a student in their own class! That's how good I am! What's your favourite film? My favourite film would have to be The OK Corral with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas. I'm mad into westerns.
Did you watch Eastenders live? No, I'm not into soaps. I know a lot of people like them, but they're not my cup of tea at all. Are you good at trivia and table quizzes? Yeah, I would be good at quizes. We have a quiz here at Christmas with the teachers and usually I'm on the team that comes second or third. What do you think of the Irish bobsleigh team? They made a great effort but I don't think they were going anywhere except down hill! Would you try bobsleighing? No, I've gone past that stage now. What's your favourite war? The second world war. My late father fought in it with the paratroopers so I sort of have a first hand account from talking to him about it. He went through all the horrors, from bringing prisoners from Auschwitz to going behind enemy lines. He was only 19 when he was in the pararoopers. He left the Irish Army and got moved in six weeks before the war. He's been there, done that, got the t shirt and that's why I'm very interested in it.
Would you ever swim with a whale? No, because I can't swim, and after what happened to that poor lady in Seaworld, I wouldn't even swim with a goldfish. O'Gara or Sexton? Sexton. I think O'Gara has gone past his sell by date. What's your ideal Saturday night? My ideal Saturday night would be to go out with Lady Gaga! Did you ever get in a fight in school? Loads of times, particularly in primary school. But I always came out on top because I was a boxer. They were just ordinary fights, then we would be friends afterwards. Do you have any tattoos? No, i think the only tattoo i have is my face! Have your question answered by Jerome and be in with a chance of winning a custom made Boats and Hoes t-shirt! To enter, send your question along with your name and class to: bcfe.bulletin@campus.ie Congratulations to last edition’s winner Karl Mangan from PMC! Get in touch
Long Meadows
Pitch and Putt Club
Free game voucher
Offer valid Mon - Fri only, expires in May. Normal entry €5. St. Laurence's Road, Ballyfermot Dublin 10. Phone: (01) 630-4380
20
The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
Entertainment
March 2010
Music sounds better with you; e DJ craft By Lucy Watts
Entertainment Editor
W
hether you believe it is to the detriment or to the benefit of music, one thing is for certain: DJs are here to stay. Not in the original ‘Disc Jockey’ sense, but in a more modern context, where using a selection of other songs they become music-makers and, potentially, superstars in their own right. The craft of DJing, as it is now recognised, is one of the primary forces in the modern music industry. This is partly because it presents a more workable and achievable opportunity for people to play music when previously, unless they achieved some level of instrument-playing prowess, they would not be able to. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people have been tempted to try their hand at working a crowd into a frenzy using only the songs they choose to play, two turntables and a mixer. As a college containing some of the most highly respected music and media based courses in the country, it seems only nat-
ural that many of these aspiring mix-masters converge upon BCFE. In the Music Production class, there are two of the best recognised names on the Dublin DJ circuit: ‘Handsome’ Paddy O’Halpin and Orlando Fitzgerald. Paddy acquired his first set of decks about eight years ago. “I got a fake ID and was able to get into ‘Switch’ [now called ‘Think Tank’ on Dublin’s Eustace Street] to go to the Drum n’ Bass night they had on and became interested in DJing myself.” Orlando began about three and a half years ago “because I wanted to play the music I was interested in on turntables. There was a guy who DJed down in Waterford who very kindly agreed to show me how to.” One positive result to emerge from the quagmire of Ireland’s national finances during this time of ‘economic downturn’ is that of a more entrepreneurial streak coming to the fore in many of the country’s young people. As a nation of socialites, one sure-fire way for a young person to line their own pockets is to establish and run a successful club night.
SUPERSTARS: Skilled DJs like Tiesto can become worldwide cult heroes Both Paddy and Orlando have weekly slots playing at night so DJing remains their primary source of income. However, both lament the ‘state’ of nightlife in Dublin, though Paddy concedes: “It’s getting healthier. Everyone was doing the trendy electro thing for ages so at least now there’s more variety.” Orlando is less optimistic: “I think it’s crap. There’s nothing particularly interesting happening; everyone’s a DJ now so it’s not particularly skilful. Of course there are a few who are exceptional, but after that there’s a flat line.” Paddy is fully aware that the
onset of new technology has meant that already, a DJ as it was ten years ago has evolved into something else: “Even when I started, in order to call yourself a DJ meant that you had to be a serious collector of music. Now there are people turning up to play DJ slots who don’t even own a set of decks; they have a playlist on a laptop. There’s no respect for the craft anymore.” Both cite older-style DJs as major influences, the type of DJ that emerged first in the 1960’s in Jamaica and quickly spread to the UK through rapidly popularizing reggae and ska scenes. This further developed follow-
ing the birth of hip-hop in early 1980s New York. For Orlando, it was English DJ legend David Rodigan, who was a key figure in cultivating the role of the DJ both in a musical sense and in a popular culture sense. He says he is truly excellent due to him being “So enthusiastic about music. He looks like an accountant or something, but he comes from a time when it was about more than looking good.” Somewhat similarly, Paddy considers Irish DJ Tu-Ki to be “one of the best out there.” He too is more along the lines of an old hip-hop “scratch” DJ and is a true music enthusiast.
Paddy and Orlando are both fully aware that “making it as a DJ other than in a local sense is extremely difficult, so with the production course you come out with more realistic employment opportunities still involving music.” However with the level of dedication and effort involved, you can only hope that technology does not get so progressed that a wonderful and highly adaptable skill is lost. Orlando runs True Stories every Tuesday evening in The Bernard Shaw. Paddy plays at The Beatdown every Thursday night in Pygmalion.
Francis Bacon - A Terrible Beauty By Lucy Watts
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ever has an exhibition exposed such intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the mind of such a successful artist as that which is displayed in this exhibition about Francis Bacon. It is a re-
markable, insightful and thoroughly enjoyable collection of various aspects of his life as an artist, which paint a vivid picture of the man himself. Bacon appears a fascinating character; born in 1909 into a family of the protestant landed gentry class in Ireland; he left Ireland permanently at the age of 16 following a huge fight with his father, Eddy. The fight is rumoured to have been sparked by Eddy walking in on his son dressing up in his mother’s clothes. Despite having received no formal art training, Bacon went on to become one of the leading figurative painters of the twentieth century. Following stints in which he lived an utterly bohemian life in 1920s Berlin and Paris, he returned to London working for a time as a furniture designer. In the gallery, after a brief introduction and a selection of photographic prints depicting his early life, there is a filmviewing room playing a selection of films either featuring the artist himself or ones which he cited as influences in his work.
The rest of the exhibition has been built around his studio, which was painstakingly and meticulously transported from the mews house in London in which he lived. It includes the walls, ceiling and thousands of items haphazardly thrown about inside the room so that one can see the environment in which he created some of his most famous paintings. Bacon said, “I believe in deeply ordered chaos,” and his studio certainly proves this conviction. Every item, including yellow newspaper pages and innocuous looking scraps of paper have been logged and the records are available to scroll through on touch-screen computers situated just beside the studio within the gallery. It lends an interactive quality to what is already an innovative exhibition. Rooms in the gallery are also given over to two of Bacon’s primary influences: The pioneering photographer Eadweard Muybridge and the Vogue magazine photographer John Deakin. Muybridge’s images were the
first to capture human and animal muscle movement in a series of split-second shutter release experiments while Bacon commissioned Deakin to photograph some of his best friends and lovers, which were later used to form the basis of some of the artist’s most famous portraits. Bacon never painted from real life, which is why photographs, other paintings and illustrations played such a large role in his work. Despite two rooms full of wonderful, completed paintings, the selection of slashed canvases that were recovered from his studio reveal more about Bacon, both as an artist and as a person. He was renowned for claiming that he did not know what he was going to paint until he began working on a piece. “I am always hoping that chance is going to work in my favour.” However, the canvases that he partially destroyed tell a different story. For anyone with even a fleeting interest in art or painting, this is certainly one exhibition not to be missed.
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
21
Entertainment
W.D. HOGAN in
WITNESS TO
WAR
.D. Hogan was a commercial photographer with his offices on Dublin’s Henry Street from 1920 till 1935. He was certainly a man who could claim to be in the right place at the right time when it came to capturing, through his camera lens, all the horrors and nuances of war as it unfolded just a stone’s throw from where he was based. He was present for both the War of Independence and the Civil War, which took place between 1920 and 1923. The 167 black and white photographs displayed in this exhibition capture seminal moments in the course of Irish history, while also presenting an era of
life in Ireland that has long since changed. Yet the humanity and individual emotion that comes forth in many of the snapshots is what makes the exhibition truly worthwhile. However, the exhibition also poses a very interesting question: As a professional photographer, how many of the pictures were taken because Hogan knew they would be bought by the newspapers and make him money? There are a couple that everyone can identify as blatant pro-Treaty propaganda shots, but as such a talented photographer, it is entirely possible that several more images are better executed and more natural-looking posed shots. The prints are all taken from the personal collection of Reverend Denis Wilson, chaplain to the National Army, ardent Re-
publican and then pro-Treaty supporter. In a very astute choice by the exhibition curator, they chose to keep all of the original (and very biased) captions as written by the Reverend. The photographs taken are of groups of the Black and Tans (a raggle-taggle group of English mercenaries who mercilessly fought the Republican forces in a vicious guerrilla war) always depict them as haphazardly posing with their weapons, standing on street corners and not really doing very much. However, the series of photos of the burnt-out Balbriggan, Co. Dublin – which at the time, was nothing more than a small fishing village containing white, thatch-roofed cottages – and the utter devastation of Cork city following retaliation attacks by the Black n’ Tans show a very
real and horrific side of civilian suffering during wartime, whether it is a guerrilla war or otherwise. There are also a truly poignant selection of pictures taken, first of Michael Collins attending the funeral of President Arthur Griffith following his sudden death as a result of a brain haemorrhage, and then of mourners attending Collins’ own funeral which took place eleven days later. The only criticism is that, in parts, the photographic displays appear a small bit cluttered, as though they are too close together on the wall. This could have been avoided somewhat if better use were made of the upstairs space. However, the content and the photographic and personal interest elements they provide create a truly extraordinary historical document.
By Lucy Watts
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Music Review
Music Review
Music Review
Music Review
Music Review
Film Review
Heidi Montag Superficial
Los Campesinos! - Romance is Boring
e Knife - Tomorrow, in a Year
Maria and the Diamonds
Massive Attack - Heligoland
Crazy Heart
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istening to Heidi Montag's debut album 'Superficial' is exactly what I would imagine hammering screwdrivers simultaneously into my ears would feel like; excruciating, disgusting, mindnumbingly painful...bloody awful. This 12 track Heidi horror is absolute torture from start to finish. Despite the very heavy production and busy backing tracks, which sound fresh from a 1990s Santa Ponsa dance floor, Montag's vocals are undeniably flat throughout. Particular bum notes feature on the likes of 'More is More', Heidi's attempt at a sassy floor filler which features the bad ass (yeah right) lyrics “it's f**king chaos in here”. Once you get past Heidi's woeful crooning, the ridiculously cringe worthy lyrics that she is spurting grind their way into your brain. In 'One More Drink' she embarrassingly pleads “Come on baby/ I'll take you home/ You don't gotta worry baby/ I'm grown.” 'I'll Do It' ups the anti with “Put the key in my ignition baby.” Nice Heidi, real nice. In a nutshell, 'Superficial' is exactly that; a self-indulgent, delusional individual's ode to themselves. Heidi Montag, take a bow. The only possible success I can anticipate for this album is if the US military can David Gray and blare Heidi during their interrogation/torture practices. Now that would see results.
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009 was a quite year for Welsh indie group Los Campesinos! With only one festival played and the departure of front woman Aleksandra from the band, everyone thought it was the beginning of the end for them. But everyone was wrong. The launch of their third studio album Romance Is Boring earlier this year has given them a new lease of life due to its global success. With the newly appointed Kim Campesinos! filling the shoes of Aleks the album has kick-started a national tour due to massive demand. Dates in Dublin are expected to be set in April and the prospect of playing Oxegen again isn’t all that unreal. The 15 track album is musically like no other. The collaboration of strings and synths have been perfected throughout the entire album. Like the two previous LC! albums, Romance Is Boring contains some very personal songs written by Garreth Campesinos!. Tracks like In Media Res and The Sea is a Good Place to Think of the Future go into great detail of morbidity, but at the same time keep an upbeat tune. It won’t be long at all before Los Campesinos! attempt to establish themselves as a force in Ireland.
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wedish brother/sister duo The Knife are not known for being ordinary, whether it be with their intense, inventive, enjoyable past musical releases or their enigmatic refusal to reveal their physical identities. Their latest studio release, Tomorrow, In a Year, pushes the experimental envelope further than any of their past work, with ‘experimental’ being the operative word as well as a recurrent theme. Composed as a soundtrack to an upcoming ‘experimental opera’ based on Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species this latest album sees the Dreijer siblings collaborate with Berlin dance-rock act Mt. Sims (who is simply labeled as ‘experimental’) and Planningtorock who is an actual ‘chamber experimentalist’. The work is certainly massively ambitious, and for anyone expecting any resemblance to their most commercially successful release - 2006’s Silent Shout – let me end your delusion right now. It could not be more different; ‘experimental’ is truly the most appropriate adjective to describe it. This composition contains vast amounts of subtleties and very complex musicality, with tracks varying in length from one minute to over twelve, as well as numerous recorded sounds from nature including birds and water and featuring an opera singer, to sounds less pleasant on the ear.
alf-Greek, half-Welsh Marina Diamandis is being touted as the next Kate Bush. This is an unfair comparison to make; Kate Bush is a living legend who has an ever-growing musical legacy to back up any claims made about her talent. She is also a genuine pioneer within the genre of pop music. Marina, on the other hand, appears to be the latest singer to emerge from the Mika school of pop music. When it seems you have exhausted every other route of trying to become a famous celebrity you turn to ‘quirky’. Mika was famously rejected numerous times by Simon Cowell and every other record label; while Marina was so desperate to get famous she dressed up as a boy to attend an audition for a boy band. While it is nice to see someone not styled to within an inch of their life, not slathered in fake tan and not singing a generic XFactor style belter, Marina is pushing the ‘quirkiness’ much too far. She can undoubtedly compose a catchy pop song, has genuine vocal talent and there are certainly flashes of brilliance. However, the overwhelming feeling is one of insincerity whether it is through her numerous ‘crazy/funny’ impersonations (ranging from robots to animals to Americans), or her over-emphasis on staccato vocals. Marina needs to stop trying so hard to be different.
he last album Massive Attack released was both disappointing and lifeless. And it was seven years ago. Heligoland is their long overdue return to musical genius. The tone of the ten track album is set by the moody, intense, and beautiful Pray For Rain. Chilling drum rolls are supplemented with the rich voice of TV On The Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe. Trip-hop and reggae are infused throughout the remainder of the album in tracks such as Splitting the Atom and Saturday Come Slow. Paradise Circus is a dreamy, melancholy tune that just misses the mark of the perfection that was Teardrop. It features the crooning guest vocals of Mazzy Star and Hope Sandoval. In the electronic jungle that is Heligoland, subtlety is key. Drums, guitars and bass lines all begin minimally and build slowly to crescendos. The highpoint of the album is definitely the voice of special guest, Martina Topley-Bird. Her vocal performances in Psyche and Babel are deep, sexy and dark. I doubt Massive Attack will ever fully return to the glory days of 1999’s Mezzanine but they are sure as hell trying. Described in two words, Heligoland is both haunting and hypnotic. Just the way Massive Attack should be.
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eff Bridges’ latest incarnation is as a hard-drinking, chain-smoking, washed-up country and western singer/songwriter named Bad Blake. It is his most entertaining and accomplished performance since that of The Dude in the Coen brothers’ fantastic The Big Lebowski in 1998. Crazy Heart is based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb and was adapted for the screen. It opens following Bad Blake as he makes his way from motel to motel in his ever-reliable ’78 Suburban, playing small-time shows across the southern states of America. His life has long been revolving in a downward spiral; however a meeting with an aspiring music journalist (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal) changes everything. At this point, the story could easily descend into melodrama or bittersweet romantic clichés. However, the definition of the characters and the equally strong performances ensure this does not happen. The performances include a wonderful Robert Duvall as Bad’s longsuffering best friend, Wayne, and a rather curious but successful turn by Colin Farrell. The film depicts characters straight out of Americana each with their own demons to battle. It simultaneously manages to describe a very real and poignant development of love between two people and all of the trials and tribulations that come about as a result.
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The BCFE Bulletin
Edition 2
Sport
March 2010
Mullins has racing in his blood By Darragh Farrelly With the showpiece of National Hunt season Cheltenham just a few short weeks away, the BCFE Bulletin caught up with Ireland’s top trainer Willie Mullins during his preparations for the festival. “Preparations for this year’s festival have been a lot different than years gone by. We’ve had numerous injuries to deal with and a flu in the yard, but all systems are go with our build up,” With such a successful Cheltenham last year, which saw Mullins saddle four winners during the course of the week, expectations are once again high going into the Mecca of horseracing. “We are hopeful that we can do as well as we did last year. I’m confident that our team of horses will all be ready to go well.” While it is truly difficult to predict winners during Cheltenham, Philip Fenton-trained Dunguib looks like the Irish banker. Mullins is wary of the tag when going into battle with such an array of talented horses backfiring, however. “Cousin Vinny won at long odds in 2008 at Cheltenham in the Champion Bumper. He was tipped last year as a banker to win that race again but failed to do so. “Our charge Blackstairmountain has slipped under the radar with so much
MASTER OF HIS TRADE: Mullins is focused on the upcoming Cheltenham festival talk of Dunguib’s previous exploits. There’s no doubting Dunguib’s a class act, but we’re fairly confident he’ll go well.” With thousands of avid Irish race followers making the journey across the pond every year, Mullins is hoping for more Irish successes. “It’s great to see Irish-trained horses doing well and winning some of the big races. It makes it even sweeter when they are yours of course,” he grins.
The week’s main event is Cheltenham’s famous Gold Cup, a race which Mullins has yet to win. The race has been dominated by trainer Paul Nicholls for the past three years and that trend seems good to continue going by market prices for the blue riband event. “Denman (winner in 2008) and Kauto Star (winner in 2007 &2009) again look the two to beat. They are exceptional horses but Cooldine has been in tip-top shape all year
and he has been primed for this race. We go in hope rather than in expectation though.” So from a punter’s point of view, which of his team is worth a flutter during the Festival? “I don’t like picking out any horses in particular, it doesn’t seem fair. I like Quel Esprit’s chances in the novices’ hurdle on the Friday. If the going suits him, he will be very difficult to beat.” Horse Racing was always an integral
part of Mullins’ life while growing up. He began training in 1988 having worked as assistant to both his father, Paddy, and to Jim Bolger. Mullins was also a six-time amateur champion jockey in Ireland. “I rate my father as my biggest influence on my career,” he says. “He went through everything in such fine detail.” Brother to the highly successful trainers Tom and Tony Mullins and father to amateur jockey Paddy, this is a family with a fine pedigree in the sport of kings. “We were always brought up to appreciate horses and their uniqueness. I think that’s why we turned our hands at training, to understand the patience and dedication that is required to be successful in this game. I don’t think I ever envisaged myself doing anything other than being in and around horses day in day out.” A master of his trade, Willie Mullins is undoubtedly one of this country’s top sportsmen. With his horses continuing to remain so consistent and dominate, it is a mark of the man’s hard work and dedication to his profession that he is held in such high esteem by his fellow trainers. The champion trainer still has a multitude of top-class horses that have yet to run this season and with his lead in the trainer’s championship already looking insurmountable, the championship is his to lose.
Gypsies will be up for the fight By Brendan White
Sports Editor
Premier Division champions Bohemians kick off the new season this Friday night with a curtain raiser against new boys Sporting Fingal. Bohs fought off a stern challenge from bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers to do the double – having also won the EA Sports Cup – and have their sights firmly set on retaining their title. The top two have reinforced their squads considerably and look set to continue their dominance this time around. Rafael Cretaro, Barry Murphy and Mark Quigley have all arrived in Phibsboro, while Rovers have snapped up Chris Turner, James Chambers and Billy Dennehy. Sligo Rovers and Dundalk look most likely to push for third place and a European spot. Drogheda United, having lost star players James Chambers and Conor Kenna, and Bray Wanderers, will surely be fighting to avoid the drop. UCD and Sporting Fingal make up the Premier Division following promotion, with Fingal’s heavy investment allowing them high profile signings including Glen Crowe, Darren Quigley and
Shane Barrett. The Students, on the other hand, will be praying their excellent scouting policy will see them through to survival in what is sure to be a long season. Cork City’s demise and Derry City’s expulsion from the top tier pits them against Shelbourne and Waterford United for an extremely competitive First Division title race. Ahead of the season’s commence, The BCFE Bulletin caught up with St Patrick’s Athletic captain Damien Lynch and new signing Shane Guthrie. About to embark upon his third campaign with the Inchicore club, Pat’s skipper Damien Lynch is demanding his side are given the necessary time to gel together as a team. “I think it will take time,” said Lynch. “Any manager or coach will tell you that it takes about 3 or 4 months to get any team together.” “There are lot of young players as well so it will take us a good five to six games to get into it, get used to positions and hopefully we can crack on from there. It’s all about clean sheets, being defensively strong first, then building on that.” Having been pulled into a relegation battle last season, Lynch believes that is not a position the Richmond Park club should be in this year. “Going into the last game of the season worrying about relegation is not good enough for St Patrick’s Athletic and we know that”, he said. “This year hopefully
we’ll be going into the last game looking for a European spot.” Lynch remains hopeful of lifting a trophy with the Saints and sees a cup competition as their best chance. “You look at some of the great players who have played for the club and if I could be in the same bracket as them, whether its lifting the League Cup, Setanta Cup, FAI Cup or the League, it would be fantastic.” “With the young side we have, we really need all the supporters on board”, Lynch added. “I think the supporters know it’s a young group, we need them to create a very good atmosphere, to make the place a fortress.” Guthrie, who joins from Galway United, admits it was a no-brainer. “After talking to Pete (Mahon) and John (Gill) about their ambitions for the club, the players they were bringing in and the players that they kept, my mind was made up”, Guthrie said. Speaking of Mahon, the Pat’s manager is content with the squad he’s got as his disposal. “We’d always have liked to have one or two more but I think we’ve had to work within the constraints of the budget and overall we’ve got value for money”, Mahon said. “We have some good experienced players, some who’ve done really well in the First Division last year and a couple who have a point to prove so we have a good mix here.”
A FRESH START: The Pat’s team and (below) their new sponsor
Edition 2
March 2010
The BCFE Bulletin
23
Sport
Nothing in this life’s a dead cert By John McCormack
Funny how reason can desert you at midnight on a Saturday. You can be swept along with the crowd and do things that normally (or soberly) you wouldn’t dream of. When my friend informed me at a house party that George Washington was a cast-iron certainty to win the Breeders Cup I momentarily forgot my “never bet drunk” rule. Gorgeous George, as he called him repeatedly, would show those yanks that the best horses in the world are Irish and at 8/1 we could all benefit handsomely. When I remarked that Gorgeous George was unaware that he was Irish my patriotism and, a little unnecessarily, my parentage were called into question. The race was to be run at Monmouth Park, New Jersey and as my friend got on the phone to his bookie we settled around the TV to witness the merry dance our horse would lead. Gorgeous George started badly and things got worse after that. So much
worse, in fact, that 100 yards from the line he fell to the ground and was later put down. My friend was distraught that his favourite horse was dead, and became somewhat abusive when I enquired whether this meant I got my €50 back. There’s no such thing as a sure thing he told me, even though an hour before he had assured me there was. Why the episode sticks in my mind, apart from losing the money, was how easy it was sitting in a suburban living room in the early hours to fritter away my hard earned over the phone. The proliferation of online betting sites has meant you no longer needed to go to the track, or even walk to the nearest bookie office to place a bet. All you need is an internet connection and a credit card and you’re good to go. The bookmaking chain, Paddy Power, regularly pepper my phone with texts enticing me with promises of free bets that I’d be mad not avail of. A recent edition of Joe Duffy’s Liveline heard the redoubtable Paddy try gamely to explain to an outraged listenership why he had cut off one of his customer’s accounts. The customer’s crime? He had simply been too good at predicting the outcome of matches in the All-Ireland
Odds on: A punter fancies her chances championship and taken too much money off the beleaguered bookie. The recession has struck many businesses hard but our belief that we know more than the odds fixers remains as firm as ever. It is estimated that there are twice as many betting offices in Ireland than there was 6 years ago. The building entrepreneur, Mick Wallace, commented that he was inundated with requests by
betting firms to open shops in his Little Italy development in Dublin’s city centre. The Celtic Tiger led to a massive increase in the amount of credit people could access and some unfortunate gamblers used this credit to bet with money they didn’t have. Organisations, such as Gamblers Anonymous, have reported a large increase in people, particularly young
Photograph: Alan Murphy men, contacting them as their addiction spirals out of control. As with all things when done in moderation putting a bet on can add to a sporting occasion and it’s a great feeling when you do put one over on the bookies. But remember, there’s no such thing as a sure thing. Oh, except Dunguib in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham. Get on now.
Colton’s a star in the making Know your sport Compiled by Brendan White
The rise of Cherry Orchard as a club has hit global heights after the exploits of two of their players on Sky One’s hit television show Football’s Next Star. The programme, which saw competitors battle it out for the chance to win a contract with Inter Milan, gave Orchard lads Craig Walsh and Gavin Colton the opportunity to put their talents to the test. Speaking to the BCFE Bulletin, Gavin Colton talked of his time in Italy and how it has fuelled his desire to pursue his dream. “Italy was easily the best experience of my life so far, there wasn’t a minute I didn’t enjoy over there. I’d go back in a heartbeat,” Gavin said. While the Italian lifestyle may have been a daunting prospect for some, Gavin flourished in the sun-lavished chic of Milan. “Everything about the city I loved, their laid-back attitude, the intensity of the football. While some of the lads were a bit homesick at times, I didn’t feel like them. Hopefully I’ll end up back there one day,” he said. While participating in the reality show, Gavin was fortunate enough to meet former Portugal star Luis Figo and even train with the Inter Milan first-team, which included players like Patrick Vieira and Samuel Eto’o, an experience which he relished. “Meeting players like Figo and Vieira only encouraged me to be the best I could be. Looking at their lifestyles and their daily routine only made me more determined to one day hopefully be like them.” Compared to a gladiator by Inter’s coaches for his no-nonsense hard tackling, missing out on the grand final was a dose of reality that was unfamiliar to
LEGEND: Colton with former World Player of the Year Luis Figo Gavin. “Everything went so well, but I was devastated to see my dream come to an end so prematurely and being so close to the final three. I was in no way disappointed with how I had done in the competition though,” Gavin said. Following the conclusion of the show, offers have been plenty for Gavin. “While I’m still connected to Cherry Orchard, I’ve had plenty of interest from clubs like Hull City, Cardiff City, Sunderland and Portsmouth and I’m
“
with Inter Primavera. But I did think that Craig was hands down the best player out of the ten and I have a feeling his stint of homesickness at the beginning put a doubt in the coaches’ minds about whether he would stick it over there.” His appearance on the show has also brought about some welcome distractions from the mundane. “I do find myself being noticed in a lot of places I go. Some people even ask for pictures and
Meeting players like Figo and Vieira only encouraged me to be the best I could be.
hoping something works out somewhere. Jamie (Redknapp, who mentored him during the show) has been very decent about the whole thing in recommending Craig and me to clubs.” The show culminated with Ben Greenhalgh being crowned the winner, however Gavin suggests another of the contestants deserved the title of Football’s Next Star. “I think Ben is a very special player and plays with a lot of confidence and flair, and will fit in well
autographs. My phone is always ringing with radio stations and newspaper asking to hear my Italian story. It’s a great buzz for people to be interested in you!” With fellow Cherry Orchard man Craig Walsh now moving on to Shamrock Rovers, we are sure to hear plenty more of these two up-and-coming footballers who were nurtured just a stone’s throw away in the Lawns here in Ballyfermot.
1 Who scored the third goal for France in the 1998 World Cup Final?
14 Which Irish rugby player is nicknamed ‘The Bull’?
2 On a dart board, what number is directly opposite No. 1? 3 Who is the current men’s Australian Open tennis champion?
15 How many goals has Robbie Keane scored for Ireland?
4 Who won the 2008/09 Coca-Cola Championship?
16 Who did Kilkenny beat in the 2009 All-Ireland Hurling Final?
5 Where are the 2010 Winter Olympics being held?
17 In what year did Ronnie Delaney win a gold medal in the Olympic Games 1,500 metre?
6 Which club did Shay Given begin his professional career with?
18 Which team has won the most League of Ireland Premier Division titles?
7 What country is golfer Ernie Els from?
19 What is the first event in a Decathlon?
8 How long is a marathon?
20 Who won the first Champions League?
9 Who did Leinster defeat in the 2009 Heineken Cup final? 10 In which city will the 2010 Champions League Final be held? 11 In cricket, what does LBW mean? 12 What team will current Formula 1 champion Jenson Button drive for next season? 13 With what score must a game of darts finish with?
Answers: 1.Emmanuel Petit, 2.No.19, 3.Roger Federer, 4.Wolves, 5.Vancouver, 6.Blackburn, Rovers, 7.South Africa, 8.26.2 miles, 9.Leicester Tigers, 10.Madrid, 11.Leg Before Wicket, 12.McLaren Mercedes, 13.Bullseye or a double score, 14.John Hayes, 15.41, 16.Tipperary, 17.1956, 18.Shamrock Rovers, 19.100m, 20.Marseille.
By Darragh Farrelly
Sport Longmeadows a joy to be-holed By David King It’s that time of the year again. The snow and freezing temperatures will soon be a thing of the past as the spring returns to offer sports enthusiasts their annual lease of life all over again. For diehard golf fans, the winter may have deprived them of a few too many free Saturday mornings. The idea of spending half a day lugging a golf bag around a full eighteen holes will arouse the senses of many but for others who enjoy their sport on a smaller scale; a shorter version of the great game will suffice. Situated just minutes away from BCFE, the newly-revamped Longmeadows Pitch and Putt course offers students of the college and Ballyfermot locals an affordable, easy going and thoroughly enjoyable round of golf. Re-opened in June 2009, Longmeadows and its impressive new facility are once again attracting local players, both old and new, to Ballyfermot’s primary golf course. Situated on the St Lawerence road in Lower Ballyfermot the old land fill site has been upgraded and given a new lease of life within the community. The municipal course is managed by Brian Carroll who said of the upgrade, “the opportunity to apply for a grant came up and we went for it. In fact it was one of the last of the sports grants that came through.” The new building is a change from the old club-
house which was previously hidden off the main Ballyfermot road. “It’s much better than them steel containers we had before,” said John, pointing out how much more is now on offer at the new building. “There’s a veranda for players to relax on a summers day and have a tea or a soft drink.” Staff at Longmeadows also hope to re-introduce the selling of pies and soup when the season kicks fully into gear again. Membership is also available from just €25 per year. This entitles new members to green fees for €3.50 per round and exclusive entry into society tournaments. There is also the option to join the Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland for an additional €5, granting players access to national competitions. For juvenile members the fee is also €25 with free rounds after that solitary payment. “We were looking to move on as a club and our young members are central to that” John insists, adding that it is about more than just sport. “It’s their course and we want them to have that sense of ownership. Sport is also the obvious alternative to drugs so it’s certainly a community driven project.” The course itself is impressive and will offer a challenge to the keenest golf enthusiast. Well kept greens are complimented by challenging approach shots which are made better by the undulating hills which are a feature on the course. The natural feel to each hole belies the urban surroundings and offers an escape for golfers of any level.
HE’S SHANKED IT: Our man David King tees off at Longmeadows Pitch and Putt
Willie Mullins Interview Page 22
We chat to Gavin Colton Page 23