The Northside News 28.12.2022

Goats recover after vicious dog attack

FOUR goats who suffered what were described as “puncture wounds” and “significant” bite injuries following a dog attack in Howth before Christmas should make a full recovery, according to The Old Irish Goat Society.

Gardaí launched an investigation after a number of Howth’s well-loved goat herd were attacked by a dog in the area.

The incident was followed up by the dog warden and three fines, totalling €300, were

issued under the Control of Dogs Act following the attack.

The goat herder of the Howth herd has warned that the dog attack could have put the whole project at risk.

According to the society’s spokesperson, the dog’s owner had been walking with the dog when it attacked the goats without warning.

The dog owner told the society that the dog is known to other pet owners in the area “as being the gentle older dog, friendly and sometimes a bit

goofy who puts other dogs at ease.”

The owner said: “I didn’t think there was anything to be concerned about. Nothing prepared me for what happened – the dog was gone in an instant.”

The society said the attack not only left four animals injured and requiring treatment but some animals missing as the terrified herd ran off .

“Thankfully these animals were relocated and returned to the herd and those injured are

expected to recover,” the society said.

The dog owner has also made a plea in the aftermath of the attack on the local goats:

“Two things I’d like to say to dog walkers in Howth. Remember the space is now being shared with native Irish goats, our dogs can pick up the scent from way ahead so don’t depend on seeing a sign.

“The safer choice for everyone is to have your dog on a lead. It was a desperate experience that has left us shaken.”

Jude Dennis enjoying the St Michael’s House Christmas bowling day in Leisureplex in Coolock and Charlestown.

Bohemian FC seeks budding musicians

B OHEMIAN Football Club has teamed up with BIMM Institute Dublin to launch a new thirdlevel scholarship for those currently or formerly housed in Direct Provision.

The music scholarship was made possible by recent sales of the club’s Bob Marley 2022 away shirt. The BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music is

Ireland’s first third-level degree course in contemporary music and is open to those who wish to study drums, guitar, bass, vocals and songwriting.

It is a practical and vocational, full time degree course validated by Technological University Dublin (TUD).

Applications will be open to all current or former residents

of Ireland’ss Direct Provision system including mature students.

Applicants interested in applying for this scholarship should first apply via the CAO at www.cao.ie, using the course code TU 961, before the deadline of February 1st, 2023. See: www.bohemianfc.com for more details.

Minister full of praise for Darndale plan

THE work of a Darndale programme which aims to tackle complex economic and social problems by developing leaders within communities, has been praised by a Government minister who visited the area before the Christmas break.

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien, said he had been very happy to provide funding to Northside Partnership’s PlacedBased Leadership Development Programme in Darndale.

The programme promotes collaborative working between the community and voluntary and statutory organisations by developing leaders and empowering them with the skills, competencies and behaviours to address various social challenges.

Northside Partnership is a not-for-profit organisation that works to address poverty and social exclusion by working with local people, community groups and statutory organisations such as Dublin City Council, the HSE

and An Garda Síochána.

There are currently 24 participants halfway through Northside Partnership’s PlacedBased Leadership Programme and the Minster visited for a mid-term review. Already, participants are working on a community action plan.

Participant Sue Hanlon said the programme had given her insight and hope for the future of the area.

“As a resident, working alongside organisations in the community, it has given me insight into issues and recognition that we all want the same outcomes,” said Ms Hanlon.

“It gives me great hope to see people from all backgrounds coming together and upskilling so they can become positive leaders, not only in their community work, but in everyday life.”

Mr O’Brien said he was delighted to be in the area to note its substantial progress.

“This programme supports participants working to improve

the lives of people in Darndale and creates opportunities to work together to design, implement and review solutions to complex social challenges,” said Mr O’Brien.

“I am very happy that my Department was able to provide funding and support for this very important and meaningful programme.

“And I am confident the learnings from this great initiative can be built upon and expanded to other communities in Ireland going forward.”

Northside Partnership CEO, Paul Rogers, said the Minister had given incredible support to the project.

“Minister O’Brien, and the staff in his department, have given incredible support to this initiative, which aims to build the leadership capacity of those living and working in our community and create a strong coalition of organisations committed to making things better for individuals and families across Darndale,” he said.

Marty Morrissey got the party started at the annual Dublin Simon Community ‘Carolathon’ on Grafton Street and O’Connell Street. Pic: Andres Poveda

Hartstown students ask

‘What has EU done for us?’

A collaboration between Europe Direct (ED), Blanchardstown Library and Transition Year Students at Hartstown Community School, in Dublin 15, resulted in the premiere of the film, ‘What has the EU ever done for us?’ at Europe Direct Centre, Blanchardstown Library, recently.

The students from Hartstown Community School re-wrote a script produced by the Europe Direct Centre several years ago and adapted it for a younger audience. The script is based on the famous scene from the film, The Life of Brian, “What have the Romans ever done for us?”.

The short film was filmed by videographer Adam O’Connor at Blanchardstown Library in May 2022.

The objective of the film is to showcase the benefits to Ireland of European Union membership since 1973.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Irish accession to the then European Economic Community. Europe Direct Blanchardstown plans to promote this film throughout

this

ALONE appeal to share the warmth

ALONE is asking people in Dublin to be aware of older people in their communities over the Christmas season and into the new year.

A simple call or knock on the door to say hello might make a huge difference to some people who are isolated, particularly as the weather is still wintry.

Sean Moynihan ALONE, CEO said: “We are looking for people to engage the community spirit and just stay in touch with older and more vulnerable people in the communities across Ireland.

Keeping warm during cold weather is not just an issue of comfort, but a health issue for older people and people with health difficulties.

“While we know energy costs are high, we and other organisations will provide to support to older people who may be concerned about their bills this winter, and we would urge that everyone stays warm and safe in the coming week.

“We are asking members of the general public to share the warmth this winter. People should consider the needs of older people that they know and just like they did during the pandemic.”

You can call ALONE on 0818 222 024, seven days a week.

EU50 year. The premiere was attended by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Howard Mahony and County Librarian Betty Boardman.

Video addresses by MEPs Frances Fitzgerald, Clare Daly

and Ciaran Cuffe were also shown on the night. Hartstown Community School Transition Year Coordinator Noel Wade, the students involved in making the film and their parents were also in attendance. Cllr Howard

Mahony said: “Congratulations to the students of Hartstown Community School and to the Europe Direct Centre at Blanchardstown Library on the production of this short film. With the 50th anniversary

of Ireland’s accession to the European Economic Community happening in 2023, this film provides a timely reminder of how Ireland has benefited from participation in the European project.”

Members of Fingal County Council gather at Blanchardstown Library for the premiere of ‘What has the EU ever done for us?, which was written and produced by students of Harstown Community School.

Airport to scrap the 100ml liquid rule Runway receives award despite battle with locals

PASSENGERS will no longer have to take liquids and laptops out of their bags at security when passing through Dublin airports by this time next year.

The Department of Transport has said the cumbersome rules where you have to separate liquids and electronics at security are set to be scrapped by 2024.

And the limit on the size of liquids and gels you can carry through onto a plane in your hand luggage (just 100mls) is also set to be ditched.

A spokeswoman said the rules are already being relaxed at the country’s smaller airports, while she added that Dublin will have the new system in place before 2024.

The DAA is currently trialling new enhanced x-ray technology at Dublin Airport which passengers will have noticed as they travelled through the airport this Christmas.

Dublin Airport has over 30 x-ray machines, across two terminals, so it will be a complex process to replace them all.

Rules on liquids were introduced after a British man, Richard Reid, tried to blow up a transatlantic jet in December 2001 using homemade explosives hidden in his shoes.

THE Dublin Airport North Runway, the first international runway in Ireland in over 30 years, has been awarded the prestigious title of Engineering Endeavour of 2022 by Engineers Ireland.

It comes as protests have been ramped up outside Fingal County Council in recent weeks, with people carrying placards with messages such as: “All I want for Christmas is a silent night’s sleep.”

Ever since North Runway opened last August, many residents of St Margaret’s, The Ward, Kilsallaghan and surrounding areas have been shocked by how low some transatlantic jets are flying over them.

Dublin Airport North Runway was chosen by the public and members of Engineers Ireland as the top engineering project of 2022 having featured in Engineers Ireland’s Engineering Excellence Digital Series, held in association with ESB, and following an online vote. But that might not impress local residents.

Under the original planning permission, restrictions were placed on North Runway’s night flights with only 65 aircraft movements allowed between 11pm and 7am.

Fingal County Council also created a body called the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) to investigate any complaints.

Most importantly, the official flight paths suggested that airplanes leaving North Runway would avoid built-up areas by maintaining a straight course

for five nautical miles until they reached 3,000 feet. Last July, DAA successfully applied to have them replaced with a “noise quota system”, which rations flights throughout the year instead.

Fingal County Council agreed to this, on condition that DAA offers a €20,000 grant to

almost 300 house owners for noise insulation. However, the problem seems to be that flight paths are not being followed properly.

Using an app called Flight Tracker, residents have found planes taking a sharp right turn over Ballyboughal village and beyond while still well

under 1,000 feet. The Dublin Fingal Green Party TD made a submission to ANCA last March, warning that nighttime noise is also “a significant hazard to human health”.

He cited research from the World Health Organisation which suggests broken sleep creates “an excess risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease and acute cardiovascular mortality”.

DAA has offered a “sincere apology” to local communities who are being “unexpectedly overflown”. It needs to carry out “regulatory reviews” and will report their findings in the first quarter of 2023.

Until then, DAA promises that flights from North Runway will be restricted to between 9am and 6pm. It has also pledged that a small number of houses which missed out on the €20,000 grant will receive “noise mitigation measures”.

Meanwhile, North Runway will play an important role in Dublin’s growing position as a hub for travel between Europe and North America, with the potential to increase connectivity across all regions. According to DAA, the runway will also support the creation of 31,200 new jobs and €2.2bn in additional economic activity.

Hannah O’Brien (8) pictured at the illuminated walking trail at Cabinteely Park. Pic: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

€1.1m bill to revamp centre’s Garda station

THE revamp of the new garda station on O’Connell Street will cost the taxpayer over €1m, new figures show.

Work on the building — near the Savoy cinema — began on October 10 and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year.

The total cost of the upgrade will be €1.1m, jointly funded by the OPW and An Garda Síochána.

This information was released on foot of a question posed by Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Office of Public Works confirmed that the refurbishment of the new station will include a public reception and interview rooms for members of the public or victims of crime, including

a separate office for use by the Irish Tourism Assistance Service.

The capital’s main thoroughfare has been plagued by issues in recent years. In April, it was announced that the new garda station would be used as the base for Operations Spire and Citizen, aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.

Warning to wear masks as Covid returns

THE Chief Medical Officer has appealed to people to stay at home if they have flu-like symptoms and to return to wearing masks on public transport once more.

Professor Breda Smyth said this advice includes not going to a Christmas party or meeting family on Christmas Eve if they have new Covid-like symptoms.

It comes as concerns grow over a recent rise in coronavirus hospital admissions, and the medical chief has asked people to make a concerted effort over the next four to six weeks to reduce transmission.

She also asked that people get the flu or Covid vaccine if they have not already.

Prof Smyth, who succeeded Dr Tony Holohan in October, said she is “very worried” about a recent surge in Covid over the Christmas period.

She said that despite Covid being “very much” in the environment it had plateaued at a certain level up to now.

In the seven days before Christmas, Covid cases in

hospital had increased by 50pc. She said admissions can be avoided by using antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid, if it is administered early and if a person is found to be suitable to take them.

Those who are immunocompromised, those who are not fully vaccinated and aged over 65, and those who are vaccinated and aged over 75 are among those who may be suitable for antiviral treatment.

Prof Smyth said: “I am concerned because even though we have a certain level of protection within our population because of the success of our vaccination programme, it is still circulating, and we still have vulnerable populations within our community.

“It’s fantastic to see everybody out and about and to see a normal Christmas and to see people having their Christmas parties - and that’s normal. And that’s the way we want our society to be an open, freemoving society.

“That is very important that we realise that Covid is still there, it’s still giving rise to significant illness.”

She said she was advising people to stay at home if they have symptoms and to return to wearing masks on public transport.

“One thing I think we can improve on is wearing masks on public transport. Currently, the compliance is very low, and I do think that we are actually in the peak of our season, so now is the time to wear them.”

Meanwhile, the Health Service Executive (HSE) head Stephen Mulvany said significant pressures are expected over the next 14 weeks, particularly on Emergency Departments (EDs). The health service is preparing for a surge in hospital admissions in January following an increase in Covid-19 and flu cases. The trajectory of Covid and flu cases are increasing, he said, and the health service is “moving to a higher state of an alert for the period postChristmas and into January.

Students Isobel, Abbie and Erin with Minister of State for Sport, Jack Chambers as . Newpark Comprehensive School was awarded a Special Recognition Award from the Irish Heart Foundation’s CPR 4 Schools programme. Pic: Justin Farrelly

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These Fingal ladies really mean business

mingle with like-minded entrepreneurs, build their network of business contacts, and enjoy a festive Christmas lunch.

The

Friendship circles was the topic of the day, with two special guests, Helen Creegan-Walsh and John Murray sharing their tips and knowledge as well as emphasising the importance of building reliable

friendships with fellow female entrepreneurs in the local business community to seek and source advice.

Friendship Tables were a key staple of the Christmas event which helped to get conversations flowing among those in attendance. Through friendship tables, guests were presented with a great opportunity to network . . . and make new friends.

Plans to scrap free workplace parking by 2030

AN end to free workplace parking under new government plans has sparked an outburst among the many commuters who rely on using their cars to get into the city centre to work.

The Climate Action Plan, which seeks to curb carbon emissions by a 51% target by 2030, has been revised to include new recommendations.

These include reducing car use within the city centre, introducing congestion charges and creating more car free spaces across cities and towns.

Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town, spoke on RTE’s Morning Ireland recently about the proposed changes.

He welcomed measures that would effectively tackle climate change, including restrictions on free workplace parking, but said that all people should be given careful consideration when drawing up plans.

He admitted to RTE listeners: “We do need to reduce the number of vehicles in the city centre and we’ve called on a levy for free car parking spaces on

employees. There would have been as many car parking spaces for public servants free of charge as there was for other members of the public — however, within all of this, we do need to consider people with mobility issues, such as the elderly.”

Data acquired by Dublin Town indicates that city centre car parks are less full than usual for this time of year, supporting the argument they should be curtailed.

Mr Guiney added that there is a discrepancy between the lower levels of congestion witnessed in the city and growing traffic jams in suburban areas.

He said that although previous efforts to abolish free workplace parking hadn’t worked, officials are more determined now to tackle climate change and introduce more effective policies.

However, he was critical of other suggestions made in the plans, including proposed congestion charges.

Fewer on street car parking spaces and a 20% reduction in

car journeys are other targets set out in the new Climate Action Plan.

Meanwhile, the CEO added that he would like to see more car free spaces across the capital — and society in general — following the successful pedestrianisation of Capel Street.

He told RTE that problems experienced while making the city centre street traffic free should serve as learning curves for future projects that curtail car usage.

Mr Guiney explained: “There were issues with the pedestrianisation of Capel St — issues with deliveries, waste collections, access for plumbers to premises with issues. All these things need to be taken into account.”

Plans to introduce more paid parking in Dublin have faced criticism in recent times.

The introduction of car parking charges in the suburban area of Liffey Valley this autumn prompted widespread outrage amongst staff and shoppers.

OVER 120 businesswomen congregated at the last Fingal Enterprising Women Network event of the year in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, before the holiday season.

December networking event, hosted by Local Enterprise Office Fingal, proved to be a big hit with businesswomen who turned out in large numbers to

Louise Langton Ella Szumlas, Natasha Dowd and Penny Pu at the Fingal Women’s Networking event. Pic Orla Murray/Coalesce

Over 3,000 queue for food hampers at charity centre

GARDAI had to intervene to control a crowd of some 3,000 people who were queuing for Christmas hampers at the Capuchin Centre in Dublin, as the demand for help reached a peak before the holiday season.

Queues began to form in freezing temperatures outside the centre on Bow Street as early as 4.15am on one day before the Christmas break, according to sources.

The centre distributes food hampers every week to those in need, however, the centre was also handing out tickets for its Christmas hamper on the day the unprecedented queues began to form.

Alan Bailey, manager of the Capuchin Day Centre said: “On a few occasions throughout the morning gardaí had advised us to stop giving out the tickets so they could re-align the queue.

“The queues were that heavy and big, they feared for the safety of people in the queue.

“It’s a very narrow street, with traffic going up and down and hoards of people queuing on the footpath. I think they were afraid there could be an

accident.”

The centre would normally distribute around 1,100 food

Last

started

centre at 4.15am. We had a huge number of people that normally wouldn’t be there,” said Mr Bailey. Staff arrive at the centre around 6am to pack the food

parcels, however, the centre opened an hour early to begin distributing to people standing in the cold.

“We started giving out the parcels at 7am because we could see the queue was building up at that stage. We would normally start at 8, but it was building up that much.

“We don’t ask who, what or why, if you are queuing at four in the morning you do need help,” Mr Bailey added.

By 8.30am the centre had distributed the 1,300 parcels, and by 11am the 3,000 parcels were gone, as well as the 3,000 tickets for Christmas hampers.

“We will always have something to give, we will never let anyone walk away hungry or without. That’s our ethos, always,” said Mr Bailey.

The homeless centre is experiencing a higher demand for its services this year.

Each day it serves a threecourse lunch from 12.30pm until 3pm.

“We served 644 lunches yesterday, so that will give you an idea of the demand,” said Mr Bailey.

91 people sleeping rough in capital

THE Official Winter Count of people sleeping rough in the Dublin Region was carried out over the week of 7th to 13th November, 2022.

A total of 91 unique individuals were confirmed as rough sleeping across the Dublin region over the week of the count.

This represents a reduction of three persons (3%) on the same period last year, with 94 individuals found to be rough sleeping during the week-long Winter Rough Sleeper count on the week of October 25th to October 31st 2021.

It is the same number as the Spring Count 2022, when 91 people were also found to be rough sleeping.

The count was arranged by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) and carried out by the Dublin Simon Community Outreach Team and supported by the Peter McVerry Trust Housing First Intake Team.

Of the 91 people met rough sleeping, 87 had previously been assessed by the DRHE for homeless services, and the remaining four persons were being actively engaged with by the Outreach team be assessed by homeless services.

In a statement, gardaí confirmed they were present at the centre “in a crowd management capacity”.

parcels, but due to the demand for Christmas hamper tickets, it distributed 3,000 food parcels.

Christmas, it distributed 2,600 tickets for Christmas hampers. “The queue

outside the

Gardai were called to monitor queues at the Capuchin Centre before Christmas

Yes it’s crackers, but that’s the spirit of Christmas

MICHAEL WOLSEY

I HAVE a neighbour who built a magnificent tree house for his children in their back garden.

When Christmas came he decorated it with red lights. The next year he added a multicoloured string and a light-up Santa. A Rudolf and a star later joined the display which became a feature of festivities in the neighbourhood.

His children are all grown-up now and even the grandchildren, when they visit, are too old for tree houses. But every December this now quite elderly man carries lights and other adornments up a ricketylooking ladder to decorate his construction.

Why does he bother? Well, he says, it’s tradition. I know what he means. We do things at Christmas which we started without a second thought and now hold dear as part of the family festivities.

At Christmas we all go a little crackers. And that’s a mad tradition I maintained this week when I bought two boxes of them.

Inflation has taken its toll and they have become ridiculously expensive . But I can’t do

without them. For I know that, at the end of a massive dinner, when we are sitting back, ready to chat and exchange family fictions, they are just what is required to make the meal a

true success.

Ah yes, what we really need is an odd-shaped piece of paper which, when I tug on it, is meant to explode but probably won’t. In it I will find a paper

hat that will make me look ridiculous, although that won’t be a problem for long because it will quickly fall to bits. I will also find a joke that wasn’t funny when I first

read it ten years ago and hasn’t improved in the nine subsequent Christmases when it has fallen out of crackers.

If I have invested in a deluxe set of crackers I may also receive nail clippers that will break in half if I ever try them or a miniature screwdriver, too small to be of use anywhere but Lilliput. But, sure, it’s tradition. Which also dictates that the main component of the meal that precedes the crackers will have been dry and rather tasteless meat from a bird we breed in thousands specially for the occasion.

To make it palatable we cover it in a sauce made from red berries we would treat with grave suspicion at any other time of the year, or possibly from a combination of bread, parsley, onions and milk, that would be condemned by the health authorities in January but is claimed as a culinary delight in late December.

Attempts have been made to popularise turkey for other holiday meals, Easter in particular. They have not been successful because it is only at Christmas we drink alcohol over much of the day, knocking our taste buds out of action by

the time the turkey arrives on our plates.

A large part of what we drink may be wine and, sadly, some of it will have been mulled. I have lost count of the Christmas gatherings where I arrived expecting a nice glass of chilled Chablis but ended up clutching a plastic cup of warm, sweet water.

When it is freshly served, mulled wine gives off a nice smell of cinnamon, cloves and fruit and the container will warm your hands on a winter’s evening.

Then it cools down. Dear lord, is there any sorrier sight than a cup of lukewarm, watery red wine with soggy fruit floating in it? If nobody’s looking, you could pour it into the Poinsettia pot, but the plant might die instantly. leaving you at the scene of the murder with the weapon in your hand. So you either have to keep hold of the damn thing or, what is worse, drink it.

Bah! Humbug!

But I’ve a confession to make. In truth, I love Christmas and all its mad traditions. So sing out the carols, I say. And bring on the mince pies while the kids delight in Santa’s bounty. Pop the Cava corks and hiss at Scrooge. Throw on a few more sprouts because they go so well with turkey. And, yes, I will have a slice of spiced beef along with the ham. Lash some more brandy on the Christmas pudding and set the whole thing on fire. And round off the night with Baileys and Come Out Ye Black and Tans.

Just don’t give me any warm wine. Clearly, I’ve had enough to drink already.

“O’Connell Bridge and Sackville Street, Dublin.” A Valentine’s ‘Moonlight’ Series postcard which was sent to Cork in 1903. It is actually a black and white photograph which has been hand-coloured. Dublin Corporation tried to change the name of the street in the 1880s but it was not until 1924 that O’Connell Street became the official title. The postcard comes from the collections of the Old Dublin Society (olddublinsociety.ie/). If you would like a free digital copy just send an email to olddublinsociety@gmail.com.

Donabate is ‘Little Argentina’ as MacAllister family cement links

WHILE claims have come in from the good people of Fife, Scotland, the Argentinian footballer Alexis Mac Allister, who plays for Brighton, is actually Irish, according to sources this side of the water.

Not only is he Irish, but his roots are firmly grounded in Dublin.

And not only are his ancestors from Dublin — you can see where this is going — but he can trace his ancestry back to the Northside. Donabate, to be precise.

Mac Allister (23) was born in Santa Rosa, La Pampa but his older brothers Francis and Kevin are the sons of “Red” Carlos Mac Allister and nephews of Patricio Mac Allister, both retired footballers.

Mac Allister is indeed a family name originating from Scotland, although Mac Allister’s more recent ancestry is actually of Irish descent.

In a previous interview, he confirmed some of his ancestors arrived in Argentina from Ireland, and stated that he is aware of links to Scotland but his ancestors can be linked to Donabate.

And Donabate was transformed into ‘Little Argentina’ recently after the country won the World Cup in a thrilling clash against France, bringing local Noel Mac Allister

to tears as he told the Irish Independent: “The Mac Allister blood was in this game.”

“I just want Alexis to come to Donabate now and it would be great if he brought the World Cup with him,” said Noel (79).

The Mac Allister family gathered at Beaverstown Golf Club with friends to watch their cousin battle the French for the title.

“I’ve never seen a match like it in my life,” said Noel.

“And to know Alexis helped Argentina win this World Cup final, is just incredible.

“I’m delighted. To be here for this with my family is really special. He’s a great player and this is a great team.”

“If there was anywhere to watch this World Cup final but the Lusail Stadium, it has to

be in Donabate. This, was, for the village, the closest thing to watching Ireland in the finals. “I’m really proud,” Noel said. “I can’t believe Alexis is doing so well. He set up the second goal. It’s just amazing — I wouldn’t want to be anywhere but here today, watching this game. “Alexis is a real attacking player. He wasn’t on for the game against Saudi Arabia and

he’s doing great now for the team.

“We are trying to arrange for Alexis and his father, Carlos, to visit Donabate and that would be some day.

“I’ve been watching him play for Brighton and he’s been improving all the time. I want to go over there to meet him too, as it’s so near.

“This is a proud day for us,

it’s almost like watching Ireland play but not quite because at the end of the day, I’m Irish, so that’s extra special,” Noel added proudly.

Noel said he found out about the connection over 20 years ago. Alexis’s father, Carlos, had played for Argentina alongside Maradona. And the Mac Allister family spotted a photo of former foreign affairs minister Dick Spring with Dickie Mac Allister, the president of the Buenos Aires hurling club, in the Irish Times.

The family started to ask if there could be a connection and soon after Noel wrote a letter to the club. A short time later, Dickie sent back detailed information linking the Mac Allister name back to Donabate.

“The Mac Allisters have been in Donabate since 1860,” Noel said. “In 1865, my greatgranddad’s brother, Joseph, boarded a boat for Argentina. His two nephews, John and William, who were eight-yearsold and 12, went over later.

Noel and his wife, Catherine, and other family members have visited Argentina.

And a steady stream of Mac Allisters from Argentina have been visiting Donabate over the years.

It is hoped the next visitors will be Alexis and Carlos, who is now a politician.

‘Summer in Dublin’ stars for New Year tribute

WHILE the band themselves hail from Bray, their biggest hit is undoubtedly remembered by Dubs of all ages — ‘Summer in Dublin’, written by Liam Reilly of Bagatelle.

The music and songs of the well-loved band will be celebrated in a special screening, on New Year’s Eve on TG4, filmed in the beautiful surroundings of Kilruddery House, in Bray.

The show, ‘Bagatelle — Ómós do Liam Reilly’ features a host of performances by Irish artists of the songs of the late, great Liam Reilly and his band Bagatelle.

The interpretation of iconic songs, that continue to mean so much to so many around the world, will lift the

spirits as we welcome 2023, with performers including Camillle O’Sullivan, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lucia Evans, Tommy Fleming, The High Kings, Ryan McMullan, Brian Kennedy & Greenshine.

The band began their career in the Mississippi Rooms in Bray and grew to become a global success for Liam and the band.

Liam was a gifted songwriter and performer and wrote numerous iconic hits such as ‘Summer in Dublin’, ‘Streets of New York’, ‘Second Violin’ and many more.

Liam’s untimely death at the height of the Covid pandemic on January 1, 2021, aged 65, devastated his many friends, the music industry in Ireland and countless fans around the

world. This programme from Four Quadrant Films for TG4, is seen as the first opportunity to celebrate one of Ireland’s foremost songwriters giving him the musical send-off he so richly deserves.

While Bagatelle will be forever linked to Bray — and the town is known far and wide from the group’s association with the north county Wicklow town — the band provided the soundtrack to many peoples’ lives who grew up in the 1970s, 1980s and on.

In 1978, Reilly joined the recently formed Bagatelle with guitarist John O’Brien, bass player Ken Doyle and drummer Wally McConville. Bagatelle went on to enjoy considerable success in

Ireland in the 1980s and were one of the biggest bands in the business during this period.

U2’s Larry Mullen jokingly called them ‘Bagamoney’ –such was their popularity, and for a time they were bigger than U2.

The group’s best-known song ‘Summer in Dublin’ became an anthem for young Irish people emigrating to the UK, Europe and the United States at that time.

The famous lyrics, “I remember that summer in Dublin and the Liffey as it stank like hell” still resonate with many from that generation.

Bagatelle — Ómós do Liam Reilly’, a feature-length special, aire on TG4, New Year’s Eve, at 9.30pm.

Noel Mac Allister, the Irish relative of World Cup star Alexis Mac Allister, is surrounded by family members in Beaverstown Golf Club, Donabate, as Argentina beat France in the World Cup. Photo: Fergal Phillips/Irish Indepen dent

Tommy Fleming performs at Kilruddery House, Bray, for the Bagatelle New Year’s Eve tribute on TG4

A ‘NEW ME’ FOR 2023

January is famous for New Year’s resolutions – there’s something so motivating about pressing the ‘reset’ button and starting a New Year with a fresh set of goals – a brand-new year for a brand-new you. And this year that feeling’s likely to be stronger than ever, as we emerge from the worst of the pandemic.

For new consultant, Mandy Doolan, 2 years of lockdown, eating takeaways and drinking most nights saw her at her heaviest including during three pregnancies but all that was about to change when she rejoined her Slimming World group with a new mindset. For many of us, becoming slimmer, fitter and healthier will be at the top of the list of our New Year’s resolutions for 2023. Spending so much time indoors, often coupled with more indulgent food choices and disrupted routines, saw many healthy habits fell by the wayside during the pandemic. And let’s not forget, getting into great shape is the very best thing that we can do for our long-term health.

If you’re ready to make 2023 the year that you take control, lose weight, get fitter and find your confidence, read on. Here are Mandy’s seven top tips to help you taste the freedom, succeed in reaching your goals and make 2023 your healthiest and happiest.

Don’t go hungry To lose weight you have to eat less, right? Well, not always. The kind of

food you’re eating is much more important than the volume. Swapping high calorie, unsatisfying foods (think chocolate, alcohol, pastries) for foods that are lower in calories and more bulky, so they fill you up for longer, is key to losing weight in a way that’s easy to live with. Research shows that by basing your diet on foods relatively low in calories, like fruit and veg, and foods that are most filling – or satiating – like lean meat, fish, eggs, pasta and potatoes, you can actually eat a larger amount of food and feel more satisfied while losing weight. Some quick and easy changes include using less fat when you cook, so you boil or dry fry instead of frying in oil, swapping full fat dairy products for low fat or fat free, ditching sugary drinks. It’s OK to walk before you run! If it’s your goal to get fitter, remember you don’t have to become a professional athlete to get active - just making a commitment to moving more all adds up. Many people make the mistake of joining a gym, overdoing it in week one and quickly giving up, thinking ‘exercise isn’t for me’. Finding an enjoyable, achievable, and sustainable way of building new active habits into your routine is key – anything that gets you moving more, from heavy gardening or vigorous housework to brisk walking, dancing, cycling, or playing frisbee in the park, counts. What’s most important is making

it a regular habit – as natural to your day as brushing your teeth.

Slimming World groups are packed with motivation and ideas on how to get more active, and there’s a brand-new library of more than 50 on-demand activity videos to do at home. There’s everything from a gentle introduction to getting started with moving more to cardio workouts and dance routines.

Be kind to yourself We all start January with great intentions, but it’s all too easy to go off track. It’s what you do next that matters most – and the most important thing is not to beat yourself up about it. A Slimming World survey of 1,700

slimmers showed that when they did have a slip up, being self critical was more likely to lead to comfort eating and giving up completely, whereas when they were kinder to be kind to themselves (imagine how you’d talk to a friend who’s had a setback), they more quickly got back to healthy eating, lost weight and they kept it off. So, cut yourself some slack!

Set a goal It’s hard to achieve a goal if you don’t clearly set it out in the first place! When thinking about your dream weight, don’t be afraid to be ambitious. In fact, Slimming World research found that slimmers who set ambitious

targets lose twice as much weight as those who try to be ‘realistic’. At Slimming World groups, as well as setting an overall weight loss target, members set weekly mini goals, whether it’s to lose weight, get more active, or plan ahead, because setting goals is more likely to lead to success.

Don’t opt for a quick fix

It’s no secret that many people find losing weight far easier than keeping it off long-term. To avoid becoming trapped in a yo-yo diet cycle, it’s important to approach weight loss as a permanent change to your lifestyle – and focus on developing new healthy habits that are sustainable for life, as well as getting support to make those changes. Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World’s Head of Research, says: ‘A group support approach is tried and tested - research shows that the more groups Slimming World members attend, the more successful they are. Based on their weight-loss over a year, the top 10,000 slimmers who attended their weekly weight-loss group regularly lost 30% of their body weight – around 5st each. In our groups, members are equipped with all the tools they need to stay slim for life, so that they can be confident that the changes they’re making are sustainable forever.’

Strike a balance An allor-nothing approach is rarely effective when it comes to weight loss. Restricting yourself when it

comes to food and drink might work in the short-term, but pretty soon you’ll be fed up, hungry and giving up completely. A little bit of what you fancy is key! That might be a Saturday night glass of wine, or a bit of chocolate in the evenings. Whatever it is for you, having a flexible approach and a balanced mindset is much more likely to deliver long-term success.

You don’t have to go it alone

The principles of losing weight are quite simple, yet if it was that easy – we’d all be doing it! Studies show that embarking on your weight loss journey alongside other slimmers brings more success than going it alone – sharing tips and advice, as well as the ups and downs, and celebrating success together. In fact, recent research with members found that people who are supported to lose weight in a group increase their mental toughness –developing control, commitment, take on challenges and grow in confidence -- more than those who choose to lose weight on their ownand go on to lose more weight than those who don’t have the support of a Slimming World group.

Having lost 3 stone 12.5lbs with Slimming World and training at the Slimming World Academy, Mandy is now ready to help everyone with a weight loss goal and is looking forward to welcoming new members to her group when it opens on Wednesday, January 4th.

Smithfield Market ‘should

‘celebrate local events’ Famous harbour pub faces demolition

Plans to reopen the smithfield Market will celebrate “arts, culture, nightlife and local events”, according to a Green Party councillor.

Janet Horner believes the conservation and renovation will make a huge difference to the northside community, but there are several steps between here and a full reopening, she told the Irish Independent recently.

Dublin City Council plans to spend around €7.4m over the next two years on conservation and renovation works on the old Victorian fruit and vegetable market on Mary’s lane.

The council has selected an architecture firm to do the designs but has not yet signed the contracts. In the meantime, the market building should be used for regular cultural events.

“The ideal scenario with this market is that it’ll provide a lot of space and opportunity for growing businesses and startups to come down, display and sell their products.

“I primarily want this market to serve the community and the local area, that should be our main ambition,” Ms Horner said.

“But if you’ve somewhere that local Irish businesses provide

a food product or a cultural offering, I think it will become an attraction for people to explore that part of the city.

“It was a huge part of people who lived in that area and it’s really sad for people to see it shut.

“Bringing it back to life, people will be delighted to see something on offer there and

it’ll hopefully be a benefit for the local community.”

If all goes to plan, the smithfield Market will reopen in 2026 and be an “extraordinary facility” for businesses and local people.

“It’s on schedule to open as a market again in 2026. It’s being split into two projects, one is to conserve the building, and

the second is to bring it up to standard as a market,” Ms Horner said.

“They have €15m funding for the project, that’ll just about cover the conservation works and then the next stage will be to do it up as a market. There’s a lot of potential for the building.

“a lot of people pass that building and haven’t been

inside. Having events there means people can have a chance to go in, which is fantastic.

“They had an event for Halloween and there are opportunities to use it temporarily for arts, culture, nightlife, and local events.

“We should be doing as many of them as possible at the moment. If we got that market back it would be phenomenal for the area.

“It’s a very deserted part of town, but is adjacent to the busiest parts like Henry street and Capel street. It’s about trying to bring people into that area.

“For businesses and local people, it’s an extraordinary facility bang in the middle of the community.”

The council’s capital programme 2023 to 2025 – which lays out its big infrastructure projects in the coming years – says the council plans to move into phase two of its markets project, and spend €7.4m on the Victorian market in 2023 and 2024. The building has huge potential and could be used as a market by day and for events in the evening, she says.

Ms Horner says she understands that the produce on sale will be similar to the English Market in Cork.

PLANNING permission has been lodged to demolish the famous Harbourmaster pub in Dublin’s IFSC — which is a protected structure — to build an 11-storey hotel.

The proposed development for the new hotel will consist of 96 bedrooms and a rooftop bar.

Plans lodged with Dublin City Council consist of the demolition of an existing two-storey over basement extension to the rear of the pub.

The protected structure on Custom House Dock dates back to the 1830s and was rebuilt from the shell of the old harbour master’s office.

Plans for the hotel itself consist of 96 bedrooms. There will also be an open terrace on the 10th floor rooftop bar.

The ground floor will have a reception area, a bar, restaurant, cycle storage and luggage space. Access to the hotel will be provided via George’s Dock Road. The last day for observations is January 20.

Smithfield Market is earmarked for a significant €7.4m makeover.

He bangs the drum!

Balbriggan’s little star

Accent ‘still a big problem’ for many Dubliners

DISCRIMINATION in Dublin is worse than it’s ever been, according to podcaster Calvin O’Brien.

The co-host of the ‘Talking Bollox’ podcast has said he finds it difficult to get into nightclubs and other places in the capital because of his inner-city accent.

And he told Newstalk Breakfast this happens all the time. “It’s definitely still there, and I think it’s worse than it’s ever been,” he said.

and said: ‘What are you still doing here? I said you have to leave’, and that was that.” Calvin believes that he was refused entry “100%” because of his accent.

The popular podcaster added: “Trying to go out in Dublin you’ve few options as it is, and it’s getting worse,” he said, “When it comes to us going out we’ve actually fewer options because we know we’re not going to get in anywhere.”

even giving those kind of people a second look.

“You’re standing there and you’re kind of pleading with him so you can get in,” he added.

A young Ukrainian drummer was the star attraction at the recent series of ‘Reclaiming the Arts’ event in Balbriggan.

Mark Kosinsky (9, pictured), from Berdyansk in southeastern Ukraine, brought the house down during an earthshattering drum solo on the Late Late Toy Show recently. He and his family fled

Ukraine in February following the Russian invasion.

Mark, his father Dmitry (guitar) and Maciej Blizinski (bass), known collectively as the ‘Mark Kosinsky Trio’ played to a packed gig at The Warehouse, in Vauxhall Street before Christmas.

Since arriving in Ireland, Mark has played the Liberties

Festival, the Letterkenny Blues and Roots Festival, and gigs in Sligo and Mullingar.

He has his own YouTube channel, is learning to play bass, and says he would love to be part of a punk or pop band when he is older.

To see Mark in action, go to: https://www.facebook.com/ ourbalbriggan/

Calvin explained one recent incident over the summer when he and two pals went into the city centre for a night out and decided to try go to a nightclub. He said they went somewhere where his friend knew the bouncer on the door but they were still refused entry.

Calvin explained: “The lads weren’t rowdy, we weren’t making loads of noise, didn’t bring any attention to ourselves and the bouncer came over and said, ‘Sorry lads, the boss said you’re going to have to leave’.”

“With that we were asking for a reason why, we didn’t do anything wrong, and with that the boss actually came over

He said he felt “belittled and embarrassed” by the incident. He said lying to doormen is one possible option, but he’d rather not have to.

“When you walk up and the bouncer says ‘Where are you coming from?’ you shouldn’t have to lie about that, you should be honest with them,” he said,

“It’ll benefit you to lie and say you’re coming from — I don’t know — Clontarf, rather than say you’re coming from town, you’ve a better chance of getting in. You’re kind of justifying yourself to the bouncer when there’s people falling in and falling out past him, and he’s not

From starting the conversation at a kitchen table in 2020 to becoming the voices of a community in the heart of Dublin’s inner city, Calvin O’Brien and Terence Power believed they had a lot to say –and it’s nothing short of ‘Talking Bollox’.

O’Brien and Power thought at first they would only reach family and friends as listeners. The hopes for the podcast were “to give two young fellas like us a voice, to show other young fellas like us, you can do more than just be a criminal, an addict, or be a product of your environment,” Calvin said.

Calvin, from Lourdes flats, studied computer science at NCI and became a father to his (now) 7-year-old daughter Harper. He said it was a difficult time for him, and he struggled heavily with his mental health at the time. The podcast won gold at this year’s awards.

Rugby ace backs

€5k fund for clubs

FORMER Irish rugby international Donncha O’Callaghan has issued a call to sports clubs across Dublin reminding members not to overlook 31 January next, the closing date by which application for a €5,000 award under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative must be submitted.

Noting the benefit to be gained by the award, the popular broadcaster and adjudicator  confirmed that “entry is open to all clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal, or gender, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.”

Held annually, the scheme has already seen funding of €260,000 distributed to clubs across the 26 counties, of which €10,000 has already come to Co Dublin with successful applicants including Cliffhangers Youth Climbing Club, Finglas (2021) and Glasnevin’s St Vincent’s Basketball Club (2022) receiving €5,000 in each case. The programme sets aside a €130,000 fund to be divided on a county-by-county basis. To apply, go to: www. texacosupportforsport.com

Victims lose €300k in Christmas taxi scam

NEW YEAR revellers have been warned to be on the lookout in Dublin following reports of a sophisticated taxi scam which has left nearly 100 victims out of pocket for thousands of euro.

The scam, which is led by a crime gang based in Dublin, involves targeting victims on a night out, finding out their phone pin, and then giving them a lift home in a bogus taxi.

The fake taxi driver then steals their phone before criminals use the pin to clear the victims’ bank accounts. Reports suggest they have already stolen more than €300,000 over the course of the Christmas break.

According to the Irish Independent, detectives at Pearse Street Garda station have opened an investigation into the crime organisation.

“In what is probably going to be the busiest fortnight for people going out to pubs and clubs in Dublin, there are major concerns that there will be even more victims in the coming nights,” a source said.

Reports say the scam starts with gang members picking a target on a night out in a busy pub or club.

They follow the target for the night and “shoulder surf” them — which means looking over

someone’s shoulder — to try see what their phone passcode or pin is.

As soon as they have this information, the criminals arrange for a bogus taxi, which has taxi plates and looks legitimate, to pick up the victim

as they leave the pub or club. Then on the journey home, the fake taxi driver tries to steal the phone.

The source continued: “The ‘taxi’ will arrive to attempt to pick up the victim and offer to bring them home.

Investigations have established that the criminals are very CCTV aware in relation to their movements in the bogus taxis.

“If the phone has facial recognition, the criminals reset the face ID to themselves using the passcode, which can also

enable them to gain access to online banking apps.

“The apps on the phone use the phone’s face ID so that enables the gang to get them into bank apps.

“Some bank apps require the app passcode if the face ID has been changed. But most people have the same passcode for their phone and their banking apps.

Gardai who have been investigating the criminals say that on average, between €3,000 to €4,000 has been stolen from each victim’s account and transferred using Revolut.

“The money is then normally transferred to a money mule account, and cleared out of that immediately. In some cases the criminals have even transferred the stolen money to another victim’s bank account, which makes it even more difficult to trace the funds.”

The gang has also used Google Maps in an attempt to fleece their victims.

One of the victims of the gang recently spoke out on RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline show.

He stated that his phone was stolen and €1,300 was taken from his bank account. “It was an absolute nightmare,” he said.

“Up to about €1,300 was gone. This is an experienced scam.”

Alex Whittaker from East Wall and her British Bulldog Koda (2) at Three Locks Square for ‘Santa Paws’. Pic: Maxwells

your stars

AriesYou’re especially popular for the next month Group activities go well. Get out in public. Social activities benefit your career.

TAurusTake on more responsibility. Watch for opportunities to advance your career. Assume authority. It’s easier to advance your agenda.

GeminiTravel entices over the coming month. It’s easier to venture forth now. Set study goals. Explore and discover fresh terrain.

FORMULA One World Champions Oracle Red Bull Racing will take to North Wall Quay for the thrilling Red Bull Showrun. This event will feature former Formula One driver David Coulthard as he demonstrates the roaring power, speed, and sound of Sebastian Vettel’s Championship winning RB7 car live. Red Bull Motorsports Athletes Conor Shanahan and Mike Jensen will join Coulthard for the Showrun. The 2023 Red Bull Showrun takes place from 16:30-18:00, along the North Wall Quay. Fans will also be able to view the RB7 on Saturday, 14th January from 13:0017:00 at the Paddock (opposite Central Bank) FREE. Go to link above for all tickets.

SENIOR Detective Terry Seattle (Will Arnett) is back and this time, the case is critical. Along with his two celebrity guest stars, Jason Bateman and Maya Rudolph, he is on a mission to figure out...who killed Santa? But here’s the catch: Jason Bateman and Maya Rudolph aren’t being given the script. So the holidayhating detective is forced to solve a murder — and save Christmas — with help from famous trainees who must improv their way through the case. So it’s totally goofy and silly, but it’s still great fun for a family Christmas movie.

C A n C er-

Feed the family kitty. This month is good for saving money. Review numbers. Increase your assets with organization and attention.

LeoYou love learning. You’re especially clever and creative with communications. Write, record and express your views.

Vir G oThings could get lucrative. Your health, work and fitness blossom. Energize your performance. Infuse love into your labors.

Libr A -

You’re especially lucky in love with Venus in Aquarius. Artistic efforts sparkle. Practice skills, talents and hobbies. Give in to romance.

sCorpioMake your home your love nest. Enjoy domestic arts, crafts and projects. Focus on home and family. Make household improvements.

sAG i TTA riusCommunication is key. Partnerships flower. Compromise comes easier. Share your heart, passions and commitments.

C A pri CornHarvest windfall apples. Gather new income. Enjoy a profitable phase. Discover a professional high-performance zone.

AquA riusYou’re in the love light with Venus in your sign. Your charm and charisma shine. Upgrade your personal presentation. Get stylish. Step onstage and smile.

p is C esSavor peaceful privacy. Pursue your own thoughts and dreams with Venus in Aquarius. Nature soothes your spirit. Connect with your passion and compassion.

Anton O’Toole - Finscéal de Shaol GAA is a fastpaced one-hour bilingual documentary filled with nostalgia, rare archive footage and legendary songs. It tells the fascinating story of the muchloved ‘Blue Panther’ from his schoolboy career at Synge Street CBS to a giant of Croke Park and a legend in the game. Its strong emotional stories will capture the hearts of all viewers, in a journey that spans generations. Anton O’Toole was one of the superstar players of the iconic Dublin football team of the 1970s and this is a must-see for fans.

MANESKIN — aka the rock band who won the Eurovision in 2021 and manage to remain cool — have shared the new single La Fine from their eagerly-awaited third studio album, Rush, which is out January 20, 2023. The full track-listing has also been unveiled, revealing a feature from Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello — so you can expect some serious guitar noodling going on. The band have also revealed they were inspired by Radiohead for their latest work. Which is an interesting combination

What’s Hot this week

For more recipes, go to: www.avoca. com/en/recipe THIS festive winter warmer is the perfect comfort drink with sweet notes of Avoca Apple Juice, vanilla, citrus and spice. Using Avoca Apple Juice; ½ Vanilla pod; 1 orange; 1 cinnamon quill; 25g of ginger; 5 cloves; 1g of all spice and water. Peel what needs to be peeled (ginger and orange, using only the orange peel) and put all the ingredients into a pot and simmer for about 20 minutes. A wonderful, drink, free from booze, for the late afternoon after a brisk stroll.

ne W ye A r’s eve W ith dáithí A nd d oire A nn New Year’s Eve, 11.30pm, TG4

JOIN Dáithí Ó Sé and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin to ring in the New Year on TG4 with the finest of Ireland’s musicians and singers from the Mills Inn in Baile Bhúirne in Co Cork where there will be a full house with John Spillane, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, David Geaney, The Raw Bar Collective and many more. Áine Ní Bhreisleáin will join in with the craic from the Pipers Corner in Dublin with Daoiri Farrell and Sibéal Ní Chasaide and friends. And Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seán Óg Graham will be on board from the Crane in Galway along with Pádraig Jack and the Kane Sisters with John Blake hosted by Máire Treasa Ní Dubhghaill.

IT has been 11 years, and now living among the Na’vi in his avatar body, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) have raised three children together (Jamie Flatters, Britain Dalton, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss) and adopted a human child (Jake Champion). Their peace is shattered when humans return with the intent to colonise the planet. Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), whose human body was killed, is regenerated into a Na’vi avatar, and is sent out with a team of mercenaries to kill Jake and the Na’vi insurgency. You needed to have been there first time round . . .

D ID you ever wonder why there seems to be so many Robins about this time of year and why they are always singing?

Well they are Santa’s little messengers and they are singing all the information back to him about how well (or otherwise!) the boys and girls are behaving. About two weeks ago my daughter was reminiscing about all this, how when she was younger and the magic of Santa was still working for her and how she had to be on her best behaviour as the robins seemed

sA ntA’s l ittle m essen G ers

Wildlife with Justin Ivory

to be everywhere watching her and her brother!

The association of Robins with Christmas really goes back to Victorian times when

the sending of Christmas cards started in 1843, the brainchild of a civil servant, Sir Henry Cole. The postmen of the day wore bright red coats and became

k A rl spA in Liberty Hall, Friday March 3

KARL Spain has long been established as one of Ireland’s most popular comedians, from his own tours and touring with others, and has appeared at festivals all over the world. Karl has worked with some of the world’s greatest comedians. Karl has spent most of 2022 touring with Kevin Bridges and brings his tour to Liberty Hall next year. Karl has written for lots of comedians over the last decade or so, so you have been laughing at his jokes even when you didn’t realise it. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster if you fancy a laugh in 2023!

known as ‘Robins’ or ‘Redbreasts’. In no time at all Christmas cards started depicting Robins delivering the post to houses!

There are also many traditions and stories linking Robins to the Christian faith.

It is said a small brown bird tried to keep the baby Jesus warm as he lay in a manger by fanning the flames of a fire with its wings.

Some embers from the fire scorched the breast of the bird turning it red for evermore, and thus Robins as we know them

were created! Another story tells how a Robin went to comfort Jesus on the cross by singing gently in his ear.

He cut himself on a thorn on Jesus’ head and his breast got stained red.

As a reminder of that good deed all Robins since have had a red breast.

Another variation of this is that the Robin plucked a thorn out of Jesus’ head and got stained with his blood. Whatever your beliefs or traditions, I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.

AvAtA r: t he WAy of WAter Cinemas Nationwide

Anton o’ toole - f inscé A l de s h Aol GAA TG4, Thursday 29th December, 9.20pm

Avoc A A pple WA rmer

Who k illed sA ntA? A m urderville m urder m ystery Netflix

rush! Maneskin

red bull sho W run dublin

Sunday, January 15, North Wall: RedBull.ie/F1Dublin

A Christmas card from 1934 (National Museums Liverpool, accession number 1976.561)