The Southside News 08032023

Gardaí praised for saving pair from house fire

Man and woman pulled from blaze

TWO gardaí have been praised for their “immense bravery” after rescuing a man in his 70s and a young woman from a housefire in Dublin. The large fire broke out at a house in the De Vesci Terrace area of Monkstown in south Dublin in the early afternoon recently.

Garda Dean Gahan and Garda Steven Carton, both based in Dun Laoghaire, arrived shortly after to find the house in flames, with thick smoke emanating from the property. They became aware of a person in the basement and forced open a hall door to enter the building and move the woman, aged in her 20s,

to safety. They then went back inside to search for others, before locating the man in his 70s at the back of the house and brought him to safety. He was brought to St Vincent’s University Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, and is expected to make a full recovery.

Gardai say the occupants of neighbouring properties were also moved to safety as a precaution. The fire caused “extensive” structural damage to the property, before it was brought under control by three units of the Dublin Fire Brigade.

Garda Chief Superintendent Matthew Nyland praised

the two gardaí, saying it was “extremely fortunate” that no one was seriously injured or lost their life.

“I have no doubt that this is primarily a result of the quick thinking and actions of all first responders, particularly Garda Dean Gahan and Garda Steven Carton”, he said.

He added: “Gardai Gahan and Carton showed immense bravery entering a very dangerous situation and putting fears for their own personal safety aside to assist others.”

Gardai said that it appears early investigations show the cause of the fire may have been accidental, and that foul play is not suspected at this time.

Miria M ’s the belle of the ball

Miriam O’Callaghan at the 2023 LauraLynn Heroes Ball in The Mansion House. Pic: Andres Poveda

Iconic bar on market for €2.5m

tHe hugely popular Mulligan’s Bar & Lounge, in sandymount, is up for sale with a price tag of €2.5m.

The iconic boozer, which was frequented by irish rugby greats and fans alike due to being just a five minute walk from the aviva stadium, is located in one of south Dublin’s most soughtafter residential areas.

John Ryan of licensed property specialists, Bagnall Doyle MacMahon is offering the property to the market at a guide price of €2.5 million.

Mulligan’s Bar & Lounge is laid out in a traditional style with feature terrazzo flooring, walnut bar and back bar and a glazed snug area. The pub also benefits from full planning permission for a new shop front which opens onto the street seating area.

Gastropub goes whole nine yards for punters

one of south Dublin’s favourite gastropubs, ‘Brickyard’ has just reopened after a complete revamp and an eye-watering €300,000 owner investment.

The Dublin 16 gastropub has long been positioned as the much-loved local favourite, due to their stellar food and drink offering and personal service.

Brickyard first opened in 2016 by veteran hospitality duo simon Moore and erwin Pollard. after six years waiting to be able to make the significant structural, design and workflow alterations, the best pals turned business partners are thrilled to reopen their doors, to loyal locals and new patrons.

The venue now boasts 25 beers on draught and a new menu featuring a diverse selection of international cuisine with Mexican, indian, Thai, and italian influences.

“We think Brickyard is unique in south Dublin because there is nowhere else that does the quality food, craft beer, cocktails, and wine that we do in such a space,” simon said.

“You can come with the lads to watch rugby and have a few pints, you can bring the girls for brunch and cocktails, or the family for dinner. We simply wanted to create a place where we ourselves wanted to go.

“There was nowhere this

side of the suburbs with a combination of a wide selection of craft beer, proper cocktails using homemade ingredients, great gastropub food, and a comfortable, stylish atmosphere to enjoy it in,” he added.

Brickyard is located directly above the Balally Luas stop on the green Line in Dundrum.

“We work with some amazing irish artisan producers and suppliers including Pigs on The green, McLoughlin’s Butchers, Firehouse Bakery and ocean

Dundrum Centre hikes car park fees

THE price of parking at Dundrum Town Centre has now increased for its customers.

The centre announced that parking charges went up by 30c from March 1 due to “increased costs”.

The shopping facility currently offers 2,371 car parking spaces.

Parking at the centre will now cost €3.30 for the first three hours, while the daily rate will increase to €9.30 for the day.

The centre said it will still offer half price parking up to 10am on weekdays.

Marine seafood,” simon said. “We are a part of the community and are very proud to act as a social hub in Dublin 16. We are also the official sponsors of the Dundrum FC senior team, and we do a lot of charity work,” simon added.

Food is served from 12pm on weekdays and from 11am at the weekend. starters begin at €5.95, mains from €15.95 and desserts start at €6.50. Bespoke cocktails begin at €11 and craft beers from €6.

“We have maintained the current tariff since 2016 despite the increased costs over that period. While our costs have risen significantly, we have capped the increase at 30c for 2023,” it added. Meanwhile, Nike is to open a new store in Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin. The new ‘Nike Live’ outlet, the first of its kind in Ireland, will move into the space previously occupied by BT2.

National Spring Clean ‘23 needs you

RegistRations are now open for the national spring Clean 2023 and an taisce is calling on communities in County Dublin to tackle the problem of litter in local areas and to see the benefits of a litter-free environment.

environment Minister eamon Ryan said:

“an taisce’s national spring Clean continues to showcase the dedication of volunteers all over the country.

“The commitment of volunteers in continuing to organise local clean-ups each year is a testament to the spirit in irish communities and i would urge as many people as possible to get involved in the campaign.”

in 2022, over 460 groups registered for the initiative in County Dublin. some 35% of all waste collected was recycled, thanks to recyclable waste bags provided to groups and volunteers.

With the support of people all around ireland, the national spring is hoping to have an even bigger campaign this year. to register to be part of ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign, people can visit www.nationalspringclean.org.

The Coombe Hospital welcomed back two-month-old Nicolas Urban, the first baby born in the hospital in 2023, and his siblings, Liam (10), Emilia (15) and Liliana (5), to receive the Master’s Medal, which celebrates the first baby born at the hospital each year. Pic: Jason Clarke

Dublin Fire Brigade help deliver another baby

DUBLIN Fire Brigade and paramedics were on hand to help deliver a baby in Rathfarnham recently.

Taking to Twitter to congratulate the new parents, the service celebrated the event and praised the first responders.

“Fire and ambulance crews from Rathfarnham Fire Station assisted with the delivery of a baby,” a statement said.

“Congratulations to the family on your new arrival.”

The service used the hashtag “#DFBBaby” to add to the number of babies crew members have helped deliver. In 2018, there were 29 ‘Dublin Fire Brigade Baby’ deliveries, with the service often taking to Twitter to share the good news. Last month, 98fm newsreader Emma Tyrell praised crew members for assisting with her own baby’s birth.

“Congratulations to baby Laoise who was in a big hurry [this morning]. Firefighter/ paramedics Barry and Mark from Rathfarnham Fire Station assisted Mammy with the delivery at home. All doing well,” said Dublin Fire Brigade. Emma replied: “I hadn’t actually planned a home birth but the lads arrived with literal seconds to spare [this morning]

—less than 15 minutes after we realised we weren’t going to make it to the National Maternity Hospital. A huge thanks to Mark and Barry from our shell shocked little family,” she said.

Delighted followers congratulated the new parents and also praised the work of crew members.

“You are the news instead of writing it!” one said.

“Congratulations and welcome

little Laoise,” another wrote. Meanwhile, a Dublin firefighter has successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of a paralysed man he only met recently.

Alan Sexton, from Tallaght,

Petition to save music store

always had the goal of climbing the dormant volcano in Tanzania, Africa, but he needed a reason to do it. Then one day, a stranger inspired him.

“The lads in the station found out about Eoghan Gorman, they went into the square one day and did a bucket collection to raise a few bob,” Mr Sexton said.

Mr Gorman was in an accident just over a year ago while mountain biking on Ticknock mountain in Dublin. He fractured his C3 vertabrae and was left paralysed from the neck down.

“I already had Kilimanjaro booked and I wanted to do it for a charity. So, I thought I’d do it for him. I went down to his house thinking I’d be there for about 30 minutes, but I was there for nearly four hours.

“I was impressed by Eoghan, the stuff he was telling me, what he went through and what’s in store for him. We hit it off straight away. The paralysis is irreversible, and he spends a lot of time at the rehabilitation centre in Dun Laoghaire,” he added.

You can donate to the fundraiser in aid of Eoghan here: www.gofundme.com/f/fightwith-eoghan

A petition has been launched to save the iconic Dublin music shop, McCullough Pigott, after it announced its closure.

McCullough Pigott has been part of Dublin’s music scene since 1823 and was the go-to store for musicians, dealing with brass and woodwind instruments as well as pianos.

Denis McCullough was a trained luthier and piano tuner from Belfast. After a fire in his Dublin music store in the 1960s, the two companies merged and became McCullough Pigott.

But the historic store on South William Street is now set to close in a few weeks.

The shop posted on Facebook:

“Dear Customers, it is with deep regret that we inform you, on Monday, February 20, Musicroom/Hal Leonard Europe announced their plans to restructure their Musicroom consumer business in the UK and Ireland.

“This involves the closure of seven Musicroom retail stores, including Musicroom at McCullough Pigott Dublin. Please bear with us and we will post further updates when available.

The petition can be viewed on change.org and has a target of 5,000 signatories.

Keri Merriman, Goda Satikauskiate and Dominique Daly pictured at the 2023 LauraLynn Heroes Ball in The Mansion House. Pic: Andres Poveda

Hotels charging €1500 for parade weekend

SOME hotels and hostels in Dublin are charging over €1,500 for a weekend stay for the St Patrick’s Day festivities.

Most accommodation in the capital is booked up for March 17 and beyond, and the prices for available rooms on offer have been ramped up — but it’s the hostels that are really milking it.

At the time of writing, we searched for availability for two adults in one room over two nights from Friday, March 17, to Sunday, March 19, and while Abigail’s Hostel, in Temple Bar, was charging €646 for a bunk bed in a sixbed dormitory, Leevin Hostel, in Mountjoy Square, was charging €1,825 for a bunk in an eight-bed dormitory! You’d need to fork out just over €4,000 to stay at the The Conrad, in St Stephen’s Green, while the Zanzibar Locke was expecting you to part with €2,659 for a onebed suite. Commenting on the exorbitant prices, The Irish Hotels Federation said: “unprecedented demand” has left the capital “sold out”. But consumer champ Dermot Jewell said it was an “absolute disgrace”. He said: “The level of profiteering, it beggars belief.”

Ceol, craic and don’t forget the food and drink

THERE is a jam-packed programme of events to enjoy over the St Patrick’s weekend, including the very best in music, dance, circus, spectacles, food and drink.

Céií Mór

On Friday 17th, after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, head to the Céilí Mór, a large-scale outdoor, participative event that will celebrate traditional Irish dance, language, and music. Learn the steps, enjoy the live music from the main stage, and soak up the atmosphere.

Me Auld Flower Festival

This new Irish food and drink festival is taking place in the historic fruit & veg market building in the heart of Dublin.

Me Auld Flower Festival will bring the best of Ireland’s contemporary food and drink scene together in the old marketplace building.

Pillow Queens at Festival Quarter

The Festival Quarter in the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks will see the iconic site transformed into a unique urban Festival with live

music acts across 4 stages, live DJs, the best in Irish food and drinks, art installations, pop-up performances, and much more.

Headliners on the night of Saturday 18th March are Dublin based 4-piece indie rock band Pillow Queens.

The Big Day After

On Saturday 18th March, the day after the night before, our packed programme of free family events returns, with something for absolutely everybody.

For families, there is a host of activities including street theatre, interactive games, circus and science shows, talks, and loads more fun in between. Sit back and enjoy film screenings at the Disney Cinema Yurt, enjoy the thrills of the circus with Tumble Circus, Curious State, Professor Plunger, Guido Fanzini, Mark the Science Guy, or get gaming with Actual Reality Arcade!

The Festival’s song and storytelling series, Abair continues across the day in the Palatine Room.

There is loads of live music and DJ sets happening all throughout the day to help knock those cobwebs off, including performances across 4 stages from Mo Cultivation & Friends Alice, Celaviedmai, Code of Behaviour, plus the GOAL Global Citizen Stage featuring performances from international community groups, Adam Mohamed, Curiosity Music Group, Blaq Apollo + Mimmi & many more.

If you are looking for some excellent outdoor adventure at this St. Patrick’s Festival, then consider The Big Little Treasure Hunt, an adventure through time and space… without leaving St Stephen’s Green.

Sign in at The Little Museum of Dublin to get a map of the square with clues throughout. Your challenge is to complete the treasure hunt by finding the answers at the places indicated on the map. You can race around the Green or make the journey at a leisurely Victorian pace.

www.stpatricksfestival.com

Kenzie Kearney Grace and Frankie Kearney Grace at the announcement that Carrolls Irish Gifts will be the official merchandise retailer of this year’s St.Patrick’s Day Festival. Pic: Julien Behal

And the gold medal for hypocrisy goes to ...

MICHAEL WOLSEY

IF there was a gold medal for hypocrisy it would be a close contest between Rishi Sunak and the Democratic Unionist Party.

The DUP insists that Northern Ireland should operate under the same laws and regulations as Britain but its policies down the years have been aimed at ensuring that is not the case.

If the party had its way, Northern Ireland would have very different laws on abortion, same-sex marriage and LGBT rights.

Its founder, Ian Paisley, wanted to “save Ulster from sodomy”. He launched the campaign in 1977 because the UK government, which had decriminalised homosexualtiy a decade earlier, wanted to extend that rule to Northern Ireland .

Paisley said Westminster had legislated for “perversion and immorality” and claimed Britain was not committed to the same moral values as Northern Ireland.

It’s a blast from the dim and distant past. But in 2004 the

DUP was making the same argument when it forced the postponement of a vote in Westminster to allow samesex civil partnerships. All the DUP’s MPs threatened to vote against the measure which did eventually get passed and was introduced in Northern Ireland against the wishes of the party.

The DUP was singing the same hymn in 2019 when it opposed moves to extend the civil partnership law and allow for same-sex marriage. Being out of step with Britain did not worry its new leader, Arlene Foster.

And the party was not worried about loss of Britishness when,

in 2021, it tried to prevent Britain’s relatively liberal abortion law being extended to Northern Ireland. When that failed, the DUP continued to fight the measure, striving, through legal challenges and general obstruction, to ensure that Northern Ireland would be different from Britain.

And Northern Ireland is different in many ways.

It is the only part of the United Kingdom where a large number of citizens (about 700,000) hold an Irish passport.

It is the only part of the UK that restricts the imports of live animals and animal products from England, Scotland and Wales. And that’s not some devilish rule imposed by Brussels, but a long-standing Stormont regulation to protect farming, a much more important industry in Northern Ireland than in Britain.

Northern Ireland shares Britain’s currency but uses its own notes, issued by local banks. Its most popular sport, Gaelic football, is hardly played in Britain. It has a public holiday on July 12 to mark a battle fought more than 300 years ago that few people in Britain know anything about.

None of Britain’s political parties has serious representation in Northern Ireland; the main opposition party doesn’t even have a presence there.

The DUP does not believe any of these vagaries threatens the

North’s constitutional position within the UK, yet it sees a major affront in some Customs regulations, introduced as a result of Brexit.

The party is now trying to decide whether it will approve the deal struck between the EU and the UK which allows the North to enjoy the benefits of the Single Market while sharing the isolation chosen by Britain when it voted for Brexit.

The deal gives Northern Ireland “an unbelievable special position:’’ according to that other arch hypocrite, Rishi Sunak.

Britain’s latest prime minister told people in Northern Ireland they now had “a unique position in the entire world in having privileged access not just to the UK market but also to the EU Single Market.”

In other words, they can have the same terms everyone in the UK enjoyed before Brexit. And where did Mr Sunak stand on Brexit, the move that denied Britain this privileged access? He supported it and voted for it.

The deal he is now lauding is quite similar to one negotiated by Theresa May when she was Britain’s prime minister.

Except that Ms May’s agreement would have left the entire UK in the Customs Union and, so, would have ensured there was no trade border between Britain and Northern Ireland.

That deal was voted down in parliament by, among others, Rishi Sunak and all the Democratic Unionist MPs. They deserve each other. Sadly, the rest of us have to live with the consequences of their hypocrisy.

South City Market Buildings, South Great Georges Street, Dublin. A D&D postcard. It was postally used in August 1905. Now known as George’s Street Arcade, the South City Markets opened in 1881, burned down in 1892, and re-opened in 1894. The postcard comes from the collections of the Old Dublin Society. If you would like a free digital copy just send an email to olddublinsociety@gmail.com

ethical obligation. Retail quantities only Limits apply. ^Free Gifts subject to availability while stocks last. **This product may not be right for you. Always read the label, warnings and directions for use, before purchase. Only use as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional. Vitamin and Mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

Sale Ends: 29th MARCH 2023

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Council revamp cuts energy bills for 10,000 homes

A total of 9,186 social homes have been upgraded in a bid to reduce energy consumption, Dublin City Council has said. This has resulted in an estimated 677,184 MWh of energy savings, worth an estimated €73.6m saved in energy bills for tenants.

The retrofitting programme, which began in 2013, is being rolled out in two phases and is designed to reduce unnecessary energy consumption, greenhouse gasses and meet demands for non-renewable resources in the council’s housing stock.

Once complete, a stock of almost 12,000 Dublin City Council homes will be retrofitted with a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2. Phase one of the programme was completed in 2018 with more than 8,000 social homes upgraded and retrofitted.

This phase targeted insulating the cavity walls of Dublin City Council homes dating back to the 1970s, providing tenants with improved living conditions and significant savings in heating costs.

It also involved insulating attics, pipes and tanks, roof and wall ventilation, draught proofing and installing cylinder lagging jackets.

Phase two of the programme has been ongoing since 2018 and has seen 1,129 social houses upgraded to date, with a further 2,488 houses to be upgraded under this phase of the programme.

This phase of the programme targets Dublin City Council houses of solid wall construction dating back to the 1930s.

The external walls of the older houses will be insulated, as well as installing heat pumps where possible, which facilitates migrating the energy use away from fossil fuels and gas boilers.

Phase two also includes replacing doors and windows, roof and wall ventilation, draught proofing and installing hot water cylinders.

The upgrades have improved the Building Energy Rating (BER) rating from an F to a C2 rating to date. Phase two upgrades aim to achieve a minimum BER rating of a B2.

The upgrades are part of the local authority’s plan to achieve a 40pc reduction in green houses gas emissions by 2030.

Coilín O’Reilly, assistant chief executive in the housing department, said: “The significant energy efficiency improvements being undertaken across the council’s housing stock will contribute towards reducing CO2 emissions, improving the quality of housing for tenants and importantly, enabling them to minimise their heating bills.” Meanwhile, Dublin authorities have received a combined 148 notifications of intention to convert vacant commercial buildings into what could be a total of 382 homes. The figures were published by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien. Covering the period since 2018, they relate to regulations which provide those planning on converting commercial properties into homes with an exemption from requiring planning permission. The scheme’s aim is to increase housing supply and renewing towns and communities.

‘I’ll return to Ukraine when we win the war’

PEOPLE are no longer fleeing to bomb shelters in Ukraine because air raid sirens have just become a part of life, a Dublinbased war refugee has said.

Oleksandra Hromova (23), was rescued and flown here by Salvation Army officers last March, shortly after the Russian invasion.

She thought this country would provide a safe haven for a few weeks but recently joined fellow Ukrainians at an event in Dublin to mark the grim, first anniversary of the conflict.

“At this stage, they are so used to the situation, many people are not going to the bomb shelters anymore,” said Alex.

“There is no fear but they are still angry and upset. War is part of their lives now,” she added.

Salvation Army Ireland officers brought her and her mum Yuliia to safety following a 30-hour journey from their home city of Dnipro to the Polish border.

Their intervention came three years after Alex completed a volunteer programme with the Christian church and charity, during which she worked at its homeless family hubs in Dublin.

Since last March, mother and

daughter have lived in church accommodation, while Alex also works full-time at its café on King’s Inns Street. Her grandmother, two uncles and several friends remain in Dnipro.

“Physically, they are all fine,

they have not been hurt, thank God, but in mid-January, there was a massive attack on my city and they (Russia) bombed a house 15 minutes from where I live,” Alex said. Although safe from the horrors, her family and friends

are constantly on her mind. An app providing real-time information on the activation of emergency sirens in Ukraine, often keeps her awake at night. Conflicting emotions also surface when she shares aspects of her life with her friends back

Parades ‘could be snowed under’

home. “Last week, I bought a beautiful dress and said” ‘I have to send a picture to my friends’. Then I thought” ‘Oh no, it’s not a good time for that’. I felt guilty.

“My friends have told me: ‘Don’t worry, you shouldn’t feel like this, you are allowed to be happy’. So I have this conflict with myself quite often.”

As the war in her homeland rages on, it pauses any plans Alex has to return — but she is determined to travel home “when we win”.

She was involved in the recent Ukrainian Action in Ireland event, Fighting for Europe – One Year of Russian war against Ukraine, which took place at the GPO.

“It was simply to show people we are still here and doing everything we can to support the Ukrainian community in Ireland and back home,” said Alex.

“We are also hoping to fundraise for people who need it right now. For me, it’s great to have the spiritual community of The Salvation Army around, I can feel and see their support every day. “They are there, no matter what. They have given me everything I have right now.”

YOU would have to think back to 2018 and that ‘Beast from the East’ which put St Patrick’s Day celebrations on ice with wintry blasts and falls of snow. But this year could bring a similar weather event, which means a lot of Irish dancing will be needed to keep warm at the parades. Irish punters at least are betting on snow fall on St Patrick’s Day this year, as BoyleSports has slashed the odds in half.

While Met Eireann has poured cold water on anything as extreme as ‘Beast from the East Part 2’ invading Ireland, it hasn’t put punters off predicting a flurry on March 17th. It’s now 5/1 from 10/1 for a white St Patrick’s Day after the latest weather forecasts indicated a chance of snowy conditions in mid-March.

The chances of snow falling in Dublin on Easter Sunday, on April 9th, are a 20/1 shot, from 33/1 earlier.

Sarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “Met Eireann have said there is a good chance of snow falling this month, but we’ll be the ones feeling the heat because a growing number of punters are bracing themselves for a payday on March 17th.”

Oleksandra Hromova was rescued from Ukraine by the Salvation Army last year and brought to Dublin with her mother

LauraLynnHeroesBaLL

Fiona McElligott and John Maguire

Fionnuala Doherty and Cathal Campbell at the 2023 LauraLynn Heroes Ball in The Round Room at The Mansion House. Pix: Andres Poveda

Kerry McLaverty

Alan Shortt and Colette Shortt

Lisa Woods and Niall Woods

your stars

home instead guide to ageing well www.homeinstead.ie/Guidebook2023

HOME Instead has launched its annual ‘Essential Guide to Ageing Well’. The Guidebook has been developed through years of experience in the home care industry. The Essential Guide to Ageing Well 2023 is a comprehensive resource for ageing in Ireland and covers a range of important topics to help people prepare and plan for the future now whether as older people, carers or family members. Featuring contributions from Mary Butler TD, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People; Professor Ian Robertson, Founding Director of the Global Brain Health Institute and author of How Confidence Works. The guidebook is available free-of-charge.

AriesFollow your heart. Wait for better conditions to advance a personal project. Notice a way around a barrier. Make repairs and upgrades.

TAurusRest and wait for developments before making your move. Consider potential barriers and plan alternative routes.

GeminiDon’t get frustrated by a team challenge. An obstacle blocks progress. Proceed with caution. Avoid extra expense or hassle.

C A n C erReaffirm commitments and connections. Weigh the pros and cons of a strategic decision. Build bridges for rising influence.

LeoConsider potential problems with the itinerary. Monitor traffic and conditions. Adjust your route as you go. Adapt to breaking news.

Vir G oDon’t let an unexpected expense throw you off your stride. Keep your momentum. Recharge patiently.

Libr AYou and your partner can navigate an obstacle. Check internal gauges. Work through changes together. Abandon a worn-out perspective.

sCorpio-

Your health and physical energy benefit from deep rest, regular routines and good food. Mitigate the effects of a disruption.

sAG i TTA riusA romantic challenge takes a new twist. Stay graceful under pressure. Maintain a mystery. Stifle rebellious tendencies. Keep your cool despite rising heat.

C A pri CornHome could get chaotic. Make repairs or improvements to handle a blockage. Planning pays off.

AquA riusDon’t make assumptions. Do the homework and reassess the situation. Take time to clarify misunderstandings or crossed wires.

p is C esStay in communication to navigate a financial challenge. Profitable efforts benefit from clarification. Stick to simple measures. Don’t overextend. Stay in action.

drink tea for mnd www.imnda.ie for more information

LILY Chen (pictured) is the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association’s (IMNDA) ambasador for the fundraising campaign this year, called Drink Tea for MND. The charity is looking for support by asking Dubliners to organise tea events in their local community this month to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). You can also make a tea donation by texting MND to 50300 and donate €2. Lily was diagnosed with MND three years ago. Lily shares her story about life with MND to gain increased support for those living with this degenerative and debilitating condition. Registration for Tea Day above.

e ndless s ummer vacation

Miley Cyrus

SINCE turning rock chick, Miley has abandoned all the swinging balls and the like and seems to be all the better for it. The Hannah Montana star unveiled her new era when she teased a short video of her strutting through a garden in her underwear, with the caption: “New Year, New Miley, New Single.” Oh. Still, the latest single, Flowers, broke several records, including the most streamed song on Spotify, on its release.

bear Cinemas Nationwide

WHEN a shipment of cocaine is dumped over a national park in Georgia (filmed in Wicklow!). A wild black bear discovers said shipment and begins to ingest it, becoming hyper-aggressive and attacking hapless hikers. Daveed (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) and Eddie (Alden Ehrenreich) are sent by their boss Syd (Ray Liotta) to recover the cocaine before a local detective (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) finds it first. Meanwhile, a nurse (Keri Russell) enters the national park in search of her daughter, who’s gone missing with her friend. Well, it is original.

What’s Hot this week

we have a ghost Netflix

SEEKING a fresh start in Chicago, the Presley family moves into a dusty gaff they soon realise comes with a catch: a ghost in the attic named Ernest (David Harbour). Despite Ernest’s attempts at scaring teenage son Kevin (Jahi Winston), the detached, music-obsessed teen soon finds a kindred spirit in this trapped soul from the ‘70s and commits to helping him. Meanwhile, Kevin’s father Frank (Anthony Mackie) looks to cash in on Ernest by turning him into a social media sensation. Then Frank’s video of Ernest goes viral and captures the world’s attention. As a family yarn, this will do just fine on a Saturday night.

outed: george michael

Available to stream on demand on All4

Outed tells of the scandal surrounding George Michael’s arrest in Los Angeles in 1998 for “engaging in a lewd act” in a public toilet. It was a sting operation involving a policeman called Marcelo Rodríguez who pretended to be gay to ensnare Michael. The incident led to the star coming out as gay and the documentary celebrates how George was a trailblazer for the gay community. Gripping telling of a story that just doesn’t seem right, and is a tragic warning for those who cherish the limelight.

tackle your feelings podcast www.tackleyourfeelings.com

Rugby Players Ireland in partnership with the Zurich foundation are launching their new ‘Tackle Your Feelings Podcast’ alongside two of their Podcast guests; Irish international rugby players, James Lowe and Laura Feely (pictured). Comprising seven episodes, the ‘Tackle Your Feelings Podcast’ encourages listeners to rethink their approach to positive mental well-being by hearing from some of Ireland’s best-known rugby players who will share their methods on maintaining positive mental health. Listeners can hear a range of insights, including tips for managing stress, coping with setbacks and injury, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

short story competition

www. irishbookawards.ie/sponsors/specsavers/ SPECSAVERS is delighted to announce nine-year-olds

Oisín Jones and Jake Coulter as well as 10-year-old Elsa Ryan (pictured) as runner ups in the national Specsavers Irish Book short story competition. The short story competition celebrates Specsavers’ sponsorship of the Junior and Senior Irish Children’s Book of the Year categories at this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards 2022. This year’s short story theme was ‘Looking into the crystal ball, the fortune teller was excited about the future…’ and Elsa’s story titled ‘The Mist’ really impressed the judges.

Diners get plateful of awards

THERE were celebrations at many of our finest eateries recently, as seven Dublin restaurants took home top prizes in eight separate categories at the ninth annual Just Eat Awards.

New kids on the block, Bo Bainne, at The Square, Tallaght, was awarded Gold in the Best Newcomer category, for its variety of delicious treats, from mouth-watering brownie and

cookie trays to milkshakes and waffles.

Summer Inn, Swords, was announced as the GOLD winner in the Best Chinese category. Established in 2014, Summer Inn has been an integral part of North Dublin culture for many years now and is known for its constant innovation and creativity. It went viral on TikTok for its famous ‘Chicken Wrappo’,

Crime thriller wins over city’s sleuths

The Coroner’s Daughter by Andrew Hughes has been officially unveiled for this year’s One Dublin, One Book initiative.

The annual Dublin City Council initiative, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, encourages everyone in Dublin to read a designated book connected with the capital city during the month of April.

Set in Dublin in 1816, The Coroner’s Daughter is the tale of a young lady sleuth operating at the dawn of forensic science; the book was nominated for the CWA Historical Dagger award, an annual prize given by the British Crime Writers’

Association to the author of the best historical crime novel of the year. Free events are planned throughout the month including discussions, talks, walks, readings, music performances and book club events. There will also be One Dublin One Book online events with the Irish Embassy in Warsaw and Vancouver.

Andrew Hughes said: “I’m so thrilled that The Coroner’s Daughter has been chosen for One Dublin One Book. The city has always been a huge source of inspiration, providing me with a setting and a cast of characters, and I love uncovering stories hidden in Dublin’s old houses.”

which uses ‘3 in 1’ ingredients in a deep-fried-wrap.

Thindi, in Northern Cross, was bestowed with the GOLD award in the Best Indian category. Highly commended for its delicious Indian cuisine, the menu is beautifully curated by a team of experienced Indian chefs.

The Best Burger category saw Hot Chix, on George’s Dock, scoop the top prize for its

delicious Buttermilk Chicken burger.

Firehouse Pizza, in Ballymun, was on fire, winning GOLD in both the Best of Leinster award, and the Best Pizza award; while Winning GOLD in the Best Thai category was Dublin favourite, Saba to Go; while wrapping up the top Dublin winners was YumGrub, who received the GOLD award in the Best Veggie category.

Cancer breakthrough at Tallaght Hospital

RESEARCHERS at Tallaght Hospital have discovered that a breakthrough drug, named Rucaparib, which is effective in the treatment of certain prostate cancers.

The hospital took part in a clinical trial of the new drug starting in 2017, which trial focused on patients with prostate cancer which had spread over time, testing how they responded to Rucaparib in place of other more commonly known treatments.

“Medical researchers at Tallaght University Hospital

(TUH) have taken part in a ground-breaking Clinical Trial which has discovered that the drug Rucaparib is successful in the treatment of certain prostate cancers. The trial which began in TUH in 2017, was called TRITON 3,” a statement from the hospital read.

“The purpose of the study was to determine how patients with prostate cancer (which had spread) responded to treatment with the drug Rucaparib versus treatment with other drugs (such as Abiraterone Acetate, Enzalutamide or Docetaxel).”

Meanwhile, Ashley Bazin, who is Team Leader on the Oncology & Haematology Clinical Trials at Tallaght Hospital has won the Irish Cancer Society Support Staff of the Year Award for 2023, in recognition of her contribution to driving forward Clinical Trials in TUH.

Ashley is an experienced research nurse and has been the Team Leader of the Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials Unit at Tallaght University Hospital for over 16 years.

Ashley says her main focus is “on ensuring patients have

access to the best treatment options as well as engaging with Cancer Trials Ireland and pharmaceutical companies to bring promising new treatments to patients.”

Colleagues say Ashley is integral to the operation of the unit and plays multiple roles, research nurse, team leader, manager and teacher, while being a strong advocate for the patients taking part in the trials. She was nominated by Cancer Trials Ireland and is the first time their nominee has become the overall winner.

Jordan Bedford, Jennifer Wild, Lauren McCann and Megan Brady from Hot Chix in Tallaght.

New plan to help ‘city’s lungs’

THE Dublin Mountain Partnership (DMP) has launched a new five-year strategic plan, which aims to boost recreation, protect the environment and raise awareness of the many benefits the Dublin Mountains provide for those who live there and visitors.

Referred to as ‘the city’s lungs’ the strategy sets out a new vision for the Dublin Mountains as an area of outstanding beauty and a place for sustainable outdoor recreation, where people can enjoy the hills, learn about and care for their environment and culture whilst respecting resident communities, neighbouring landowners and other recreation users.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said: “The Dublin Mountains are hugely important as a recreational outlet for the citizens of Dublin City as well as visitors to the city. The mountains are one of the city’s ‘green lungs’ and they will become increasingly important for biodiversity with the phased re-planting of native woodlands to replace former coniferous forest.”

Former health chief to chair drug assembly Gardai identify skeletal remains

THE former boss of the Health Service Executive has been appointed as the independent chairperson of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use.

Paul Reid — who was also Fingal County Council chief from 2014-2019 and CEO of the HSE through the Covid-19 pandemic — said he was “delighted” to have been appointed to the position.

“The problems associated with drugs use in Ireland affect us all, directly or indirectly,” he said.

“Previous Assemblies have shown that members of the general public have an important contribution to make to tackling complex societal problems, and I expect that the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use will be no different,” Mr Reid added.

The announcement was made by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

“Paul has vast leadership experience and a successful track record as CEO of the Health Services Executive and Fingal County Council. I am confident he will be an excellent choice as Chairperson of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use,” Mr Varadkar said.

The Assembly was established last month, following resolutions in the Dáil and Seanad, with the

Terms of Reference calling on the body to examine and make recommendations on the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families,

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communities and across wider society.

Mr Reid will be joined by 99 members of the general public for the Assembly selected at random.

Up to 20,000 households will soon be receiving letters from

Schools ‘running out of space’

EDUCATE Together, which operates more than 100 multi-denominational schools, expressed “serious concern” after being informed by the Department of Education, that some building projects in the South Dublin areas have been placed on hold, the Irish Times reports.

Educate Together said its schools impacted by the delay in Dublin include a primary and secondary school at Harold’s Cross, a national school at Shellybanks in Dublin 4 and a secondary school in Sandymount Park in Dublin 4.

The Harold’s Cross and Sandymount schools are currently in temporary accommodation on their permanent sites.

They were opened to cater for growing population in their areas and Education Together said they will “simply run out of space” if construction does not commence as soon as possible.

Department officials said the past year has been a “difficult” construction environment in which to work due to construction inflation and supply chain issues linked to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and “challenging market conditions”.

GARDAI have discovered the skeletal remains of a man in his 50s, who had been missing from the Sandyford area of Dublin for almost four years.

The search for Gerard Taylor has been stood down by gardai following the discovery, which was made in Rathfarnham.

Following extensive examinations, a positive identification was made in recent days and An Garda Siochana confirmed the remains are those of Gerard Taylor, who was 55 years old when he went missing from Sandyford in May 2019.

Gerard had last been seen near Ballinteer, Dublin 16 on the morning of Saturday, May 25 2019.

Mr Varadkar, inviting someone chosen from the household to apply to join the Citizens’ Assembly.

The first meeting is scheduled for 14 April and it is expected to complete its report by the end of the year.

A missing person’s appeal was then launched, while several renewed appeals have been launched in the years since.

Gardai thanked the public for their assistance in the search, which has now been stood down.

Someone to ‘Turn2’ when things go bad

A nATIOnAL mental health charity, is encouraging Dubliners who find themselves struggling with their mental health to use its free services, emphasising that they have no waiting lists and require no GP referral.

Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions to adults, and unlimited free support groups on anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues which run most weekdays at 6pm.

In addition, unlimited paid counselling sessions are available.

“We hear of waiting lists of up to 18 months for some mental health services,” Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said. “Eighteen days is a long time to wait for mental health services, never mind 18 months,” she added.

Turn2Me releases its available counselling slots at the start of every week on its website.

The free support groups run most evenings at 6pm. You

could book a slot in any of the support groups and attend that support group on the same day. The services are available all year round.”

Turn2Me was funded by the national Office for Suicide Prevention (nOSP). The charity was founded in 2009 stemming from the very personal experiences of Oisin and Diarmuid Scollard, who sadly lost their brother, Cormac, to suicide in 2003. Turn2Me has helped over 120,000 people since it was set up in 2009. In 2019, turn2me joined forces with ReachOut Ireland to create a space for young people to find information to support their mental health online.

As of September 2021, turn2me offers adult counselling and peer support services to adults and young people aged 12 plus.

Turn2Me is encouraging the public to avail of its free, professional mental health services which are available on its website: www.turn2me.ie

Stephen O’Brien and the team from Firehouse Pizza, gold winners in the ‘Best of Leinster’ and the ‘Best Pizza’ categories at the Just Eat awards in the Mansion House. Pic: Allen Kiely Photography

We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by

Freemans Jrn 29/03/1865

Freemans Journal 18/3/1859

Freemans Jrn 15/03/1867