Dub8 Issue15 January 2020

Issue 15

as m t s i m Chr s fro ipe he c t e d R un Aro orld W

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DUB 8

Long Live The Liberties

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Hidden History of Dublin 8 Dub8 Magazine master Final.indd 1

Eco Shopping in Charity Shops

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Leonard’s Corner Cafe Bar 117 South Circular Road Dublin 8 01 4542332

All Major Sporting Events shown live on Television

Table Quiz held every Friday Night

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Mr IPhone is your one stop shop for Services Include: Phone Repair all your repair needs!

2 Upper Clanbrassil Street, Dublin 8 Call: (01) 441 1211 (089) 200 0005

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iPad Repair Laptop Repair PhoneScreen Repair PC Repair

Opening Hours Mon: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Tue: 10:00 AM - 8:00 Pm Wed: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Thur: 10: 00 AM - 8:00 PM Fri: 10: 00 AM - 8:00 PM Sat: 11: 00 AM - 7:00 PM Sun: 12:00 AM - 5:00 PM 12/12/2019 19:02

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Editorial

At the end of production we sat down to write this editorial, reflecting on the past several months of hard work. The creators of this magazine have worked tirelessly to get this magazine into your hands, bringing the untold stories of Dublin 8 to life.

Covering a diverse range of topics to appeal to every reader, we have created a magazine for the people of Dublin 8 and beyond.

Creating and producing a magazine is no easy feat in itself. This task is especially difficult to produce whilst full time in college and not yet having a complete knowledge of how the media world works.

Polite disagreements and stern conversations were had. Needless to say, it wasn’t entirely an easy process. Although as difficult as it may have been, the invaluable real-world experience that this process has offered to us, the students of Communications at Griffith College, is something that cannot be traded or learned in any weekly lectures over the course of a semester. You take from it what you put into it and the group of journalists that created this intriguing magazine poured their all into it.

The editorial team would like to thank everyone who contributed to this magazine, from the team itself to our lecturer Ryan Brennan and the people who allowed us to share their stories, it would not have been possible without you and your valuable contributions. Lastly we would like to thank you the reader for taking the time to read this. We hope that this magazine is an enjoying read for you, as it was definitely an unforgettable experience worth all the effort.

Editors:

Adam Thibault Rubina Freiberg Jordan Charnley

Designers:

Subeditors:

Photo Editor:

Photographers:

Cover Image

William Swales

Rory Bentley

Ash Potter

Peter Bjoerk

by Gerado López

Pauline Guillemin

Luke Jennings

Advertising:

Thomas Hall

Jordan Charnley

Lindi Masinga

Ronan Gargan

Joshua Teoh

Olawoye Olarinre

Karl May

Social Media:

Gerado López

Eric O’Callaghan

Colin Jones

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CONTENTS

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BERNARD SHAW-IT’S BEEN NICE KNOWING YOU

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INCREASE IN REPORTED SEXUAL OFFENCES

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STUDENT UNION CALLS TO TAKE CARE ON NIGHTS OUT

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SUSTAINABLE FASHION - CLOTHING OF THE FUTURE

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THE NATIONAL STADIUM - THE IRISH BOXING CAPITAL

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THE ANGELS OF MERCHANTS QUAY

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LONG LIVE THE LIBERTIES

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THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORY IN DUBLIN 8

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OLD PLAYER WILL FACTORY SITE

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THE VAPING DILEMMA

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AFRICAN WOMEN STRUGGLING WITH THE HAIR INDUSTRY IN DUBLIN 8

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DEER CULLING IN PHOENIX PARK

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CONTENTS 28.

AN ALTERNATIVE LUNCH - THE HOT MEALS SCHEME

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NOEL’S DELI THROUGH THE AGES

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DUBLIN 8 EATERIES

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ST. PATRICKS - A CLUB FOR THE COMMUNITY

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IRISH LIFE-LONG LEARNERS

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THE SOUTH INNER-CITY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

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LESS IS MORE THIS CHRISTMAS

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LONELY CHRISTMAS: A FAMILY EVENT CELEBRATED ALONE

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DIVERSE GROCERY CULTURE IN DUBLIN 8

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CHRISTMAS FM GIVES BACK THIS FESTIVE SEASON

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CHRISTMAS RECIPES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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This magazine was produced by journalism students in Griffith College Dublin. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of the editorial team or the management of Griffith College or any of its employees.

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It’s Been Nice Knowing You The Bernard Shaw closure highlights the changing landscape in Dublin The first time I went to the Shaw, persuaded by my hipster, doc-marten wearing friends who gasped at the fact that I’d never drank or spent an evening there. We hopped aboard the fabulous, ‘big blue bus’ and ate delicious goat’s cheese pizza.

After 13 years since opening, the charming, hipster-haven pub, art installation venue, outdoor eatery, The Bernard Shaw and connected neighbour EatYard, has closed and relocated.

Local residents had complained about noise levels from the outdoor smoking area and anti-social behaviour leading to difficulties renewing the lease. Often Dubliners who had been to The Bernard Shaw expressed a liberal opinion when it came to noisiness, but local councillor Mannix Flynn expressed bitter distaste towards the venue in The Journal. Flynn said, “A bunch of cool hipsters can think it’s an amazing place. But the level of anti-social behaviour that goes on is incredible, and the noise is appalling.”

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Andrew Lane Theatre, that housed the underground base music club ‘Hangar’ and the Tivoli Theatre, which ran the popular, techno night ‘District 8’ were also shut down with new hotels erected. A chain hotel, which is completely opposite to what The Bernard Shaw represents, is being speculated to replace this local venue as the area is becoming an office and hotel playground.

Emma Conlon, who lives close by,

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thinks the noise complaints are absolutely ludicrous.

“I’ve left here many late nights and it’s definitely not a loud, noisy environment whatsoever when you’re leaving. To put a hotel here is counter-intuitive to what Dublin should be.”

The George Bernard Shaw is unique, Dubliners like this place due to it’s vintage, traditional, clouded pub in the front which transforms into a graffiti sprayed, chilled, art-space in the back. It became a reliable night-out where you’d always bump into familiar faces.

On a recent evening out to the Shaw, Fran was enjoying a well-deserved drink with a friend. The Bernard Shaw gave him a free pizza on his birthday last year as they regularly chose different names to receive complimentary pizza, which they advertised on social media. Fran felt extremely sad about the pub closing as it was a rare place that served the tonic wine, Buckfast.

Ciara CH, who goes to the Shaw regularly, remarked how it feels like a family. “It’s almost like sitting in your sitting room,” she gleamed brightly looking at her friends, who were enjoying a few after-work pints in the smoking area, “I just live down the road. It’s definitely going to be that there’s less fun places to go that I feel most chilled out to be in.”

All around Dublin on construction sights where new development is undergoing, posters of cranes (the bird, not the metal cranes) are being hung up with an anti-hotel mes-

sage. While pacing in the smoking area of the Shaw, a dystopian artpiece depicting tourists along the River Liffey with high-rise hotels towering behind them, homeless people beneath them, posing with their leprechaun memorabilia can be noticed. This dystopia could be already too present.

“To put a hotel here is counter-intuitive to what Dublin should be,” Finn O’Neill voiced to me beside the legendary double-decker bus.

He and others are aware that it’s moving to a new location, but few of those I spoke to thought it would be the same.

”To put a hotel here is counter intuitive to what Dublin should be” We’re left to question, where do Dublin’s collective of energetic, creative artists, D.J.’s and people who don’t drink at Diceys or Weatherspoons go to unwind on the weekend? Bodytonic, who manages The Bernard Shaw, released a statement on The Bernard Shaw’s official website: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the end of our Bernard Shaw adventure.”

“We’ve tried really hard over the last few months to renew the lease, stay on longer, or buy the place. A lot of things didn’t go our way over the last 12 months either, but it’s out of our hands now unfortunately.”

They thanked various staff members, neighbours and artists who

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contributed to the Shaw over the years. The news though met with pity, has been looked at positively

by The Shaws owners. They ended their statement with a bold underdog message: “Dublin is changing, we can all see and feel it but we are going nowhere we won’t go down without a fight. We’ll start something else, somewhere else plans are afoot, and keep fighting the good fight.”

The Bernard Shaw expressed to me that they were taking this time to focus on making their last few weeks full of happy memories instead of talking to press.

This locality was designed for broad-minded, unprejudiced people by broad-minded, unprejudiced people much like Alan Monaghan, who wasn’t impressed by Dublin’s

unpopular development boom.

“There’s so many corporate buildings. The likes of District 8, the Central Bank where all the goths use to hang out. All of them little cultural spots have disappeared one by one so another spot gone down the drain…”

Photograph by Thomas Hall ‘NO More Hotels art piece outside The Bernard Shaw’

The Bernard Shaw has relocated to The Porterhouse Whitworth, at Cross Guns Bridge in Glasnevin, Drumcondra. The new venue is equipped with a beer garden, gallery and mural space, enough room for Eatyard and the Big Blue Bus. It’s even alongside the canal.

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Slán to the Dublin we knew but at least the tourist industry is booming…

By Ash Potter

Photograph by Thomas Hall ‘The Popular Bernard Shaw’

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Sexual Offences Increased by 10% in Last Year South Dublin area is the second highest for sexual offences

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rime reports for the second quarter of 2019, show that sexual offence reports have increased by 9.2% in Ireland over a 12-month period. This is more than 3,000 incidents according to The Central Statistics Office (CSO) Less than 32 percent of sexual offences committed are reported to Gardai, according to The Rape Crisis National Network Statistics.

This suggests that the number of actual sexual offences committed are significantly higher.

The CSO also provides data linked to crime rates in 2018. This report is assessed by the number of crimes within a certain area. The information collected shows that the South Dublin area, which includes Dublin 8, is the second highest for sexual offences in all of Ireland.

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The south Dublin area is the second highest for not only sexual offences, but for all crimes in Ireland.

The North Dublin area remains the highest with 15.7 percent of all sexual offences been linked to this area.

Clíona Saidléar, Executive Director of Rape Crisis Network Ireland explained: “ The increase in numbers of reported sexual offences means that people are now coming forward to report these offences, but the majority of these cases will not even make it to court”.

“1 in 5 girls or 1 in 6 boys will experience rape in a lifetime according to the Sexual Assault and Violence in Ireland Report by Prof. Hannah McGee” said Saidléar. The CSO shows in 2018 that 82 percent of recorded victims of sexual violence were women, with men making up 18%.

A common misconception is that men are less likely to report a sexual offence, Saidléar stated this is not the case. “The statement that men are less likely to report a sexual offence has no evidence behind it, I am not even sure if that statement is true.”

When it comes to reporting a sexual offence, Saidléar explains that every person is different. “At The Rape Crisis Network, we do not

apply pressure or try to convince a victim to report the offence to the guards. We find the victim makes a choice on whether they want to report it or not and we respect their decision.”

Other crimes that have increased drastically in the second quarter report include fraud and drug offences. Fraud offences rose by a staggering 34.4% and drug offences increased by 16.5%. There was also an increase in kidnapping related offences which has seen them rise by an extra 24 occurrences.

The number of reported homicides fell by 38 and murder incidents fell by 9. The number of burglary related offences has also decreased by 9.8% in the last year. This has seen burglary cases drop from 18,416 to 16,617.

Preparation is continuing for the quarter 3, 2019 crime report to be released according to An Garda Síochána. After quarter 3 and quarter 4 are released, this will give an overall insight into the exact crime difference between 2018 and 2019.

ByEric O’Callaghan

‘Image courtsey of CSO’

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Call for Students to Take Care on Nights Out

Vulnerable students targeted for robbery and theft at night in Dublin

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Griffith College students union representative has called on students to be vigilant following a spate of attacks in the area.

The Central Statistics Office has released its figures for the second quarter of 2019. The figures showed that robbery and extortion offenses had increased by 2.2% in Ireland within 12 months.

However, these figures only covered reported robbery and extortion offenses, many people do not report these incidents and so the actual figures could be much higher.

Griffith College Student Union President, Alisa Reich, has asked students to take care of their nights out by traveling in groups and keeping their personal belongings on them at all times.

“Travelling as a group is always the best idea,” said Reich. Being a student herself, she said, “the only advice I can give is to put your personal belongings inside your jacket so that a robbery is more difficult.”

On the night of Wednesday 2nd October 2019, student *Courtney McAllister had her phone stolen at Everleigh nightclub in Dublin. Using the phone locator app ‘Find my iPhone’, she located her phone to an alleyway with her friend *Rebecca Jarvis. She was then threatened and robbed at knifepoint.

McAllister and Jarvis were approached by three men in the alleyway who produced a phone which was not the correct phone.

McAllister then ran back to Everleigh thinking that she had left her phone there, and a man seeing Jarvis alone and vulnerable, held her at knifepoint and told her to hand over her money. *Jarvis threw her money to the man and as he picked

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Photograph by Jordan Charnley ‘Foster Place, Temple Bar’

it up off the floor she ran away.

“I remember reaching for my phone and my heart dropped when I couldn’t find it. My adrenaline kicked in and I was so determined to find it. Looking back now I shouldn’t have gone into that alley, it was one of the worst nights, nothing like that has ever happened to me before and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone,” said McAllister.

“It was so scary. A man came up to us and said that if we didn’t leave in the next five minutes one of us would end up dead. Next thing I knew I had a knife against my neck with a man telling me to give him all my money,” said Jarvis.

McAllister reported her stolen phone the next day to her local Gardai station who are still investigating. McAllister and Jarvis now travel in groups on a night out and take a taxi home if it is too late.

Another student *Frank Matthews was mugged on a weekend in early October. He was on his way home from Harcourt Street after a night out when he was attacked and beaten up by a group of young men.

“Being a first-year student I was unaware of the potential danger of walking alone in the early hours of the morning. I was on my way home when I was suddenly struck over the ear by a single individual, I immediately retaliated and in a matter of seconds I found myself on the ground with several individuals kicking at my ribs. A minute or two passed and I was alone again making my way back home,” said Matthews.

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The An Garda Síochána Crime Prevention Information Sheet provides safety advice including personal safety and how to get ‘streetwise’. To avoid becoming a victim of crime students should inform themselves on how to stay safe, especially on a night out. * Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of those interviewed.

By Jordan Charnley

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Clothing of the Future Sustainable Fashion and Clothes Recycling Friday morning is buzzing with customers browsing through books, clothes and household items at St. Vincent De Paul (SVP) on Meath Street. Anita Csazar runs frantically around the shop attending to customers. Although she is on her feet all day, Anita loves her job and helping the community.

Statistics show many youths globally are actively trying to reduce their environmental footprint with the onset of climate change. Shopping at charity shops is one way to achieve this as they are a central clothing outlet to carry out sustainable shopping through their recycling of garments. Shopping second-hand is a popular recent trend with the idea that it is a more eco-friendly way of acquiring new clothes.

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Store manager of Vincent’s, Anita Csazar, believes that sustainable shopping is the way forward in tackling climate change by doing our bit for the environment through our fashion decisions. She explained how she was

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raised in the spirit of ‘waste not, want not’ and taught to appreciate and take good care of the things that she had. She did this so she could use them for the longest time possible- only throwing away items if they cannot be repurposed.

“These days we hear about sustainable fashion quite a lot, but in my personal opinion, it should apply to all aspects of our life. When it comes to clothing, I prefer to choose non-mixed fabrics, as those can be recycled properly. I donate or recycle when I don’t need them anymore.”

Starre Vartan’s article from Mother Nature Network explains the difference between textiles and fabrics as to which clothes can be recycled properly.

Upon visiting Vincent’s charity shop, Anita emphasized that “we do not waste.” She then went on to explain that any donations they receive and are unable to sell, go through an efficient recycling process which in turn brings

additional funds towards their cause in dealing with poverty and homelessness around Ireland.

St Vincent De Paul’s National Retail Development Manager, Dermot McGilloway, says “we are very aware of the environmental and social issues that arise from the fashion industry. At SVP we keep 97% of donated garments out of a landfill and are committed to the concept of ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’.”

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland charity shop (NCBI) also follows this sustainable fashion ethos. Ruairi McGinley a spokesperson of NCBI explains how their charity operates with their active recycling process and their policies on sustainable shopping.

“Unsaleable or unsold items are collected weekly from our shops by a textile recycler based in Northern Ireland. They ship clothes to Africa, Pakistan and East Europe as well as providing insulation material for the motor industry.”

Photographs by Jordan Charnley ‘Customers eye out garments in Vincent’s on Meath Street’

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99% of NCBI’s sales are donated items of furniture, clothes, shoes, and accessories. They collect their stock from NCBI clothing banks and school collections. Good stock is sold at the shop level and other stock goes to their textile recycler.

NCBI processes their clothes through washing and drying in addition to segregating. Ruari says “only a small proportion of donations go to the bin, a vast majority is recycled for reuse and re-wear.”

NCBI uses their Instagram page to highlight the environmental benefits of charity donating and shopping. “The benefits of sustainable fashion are becoming ever more apparent” as “charity shops provide affordable good quality clothing to a significant number of people in Ireland and elsewhere,” noted Ruari.

“These days we hear about sustainable fashion quite a lot, but in my personal opinion, it should apply to all aspects of our life” Sustainable shopping through charity shops has many positive impacts on the environment, NCBI’s Instagram posts of figures and statistics reveal this. Every year across NCBI stores 6.36 million kilograms of C02 is saved by the reselling of ladies and gents clothing, 2.37 million kilograms of clothing is saved from landfill and 2.9 billion litres of water is saved.

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Charity shops are also frequently known for their vintage hidden gems, garments can often be found at a fraction of their original price.

I asked Anita at Vincent’s if they ever had any big branded garments being donated to Vincent’s and her response was a resounding “yes.”

“Designer garments, handbags and shoes are available in our store which are donated by our customers, and therefore can be any brand available on the market. We have items from DKNY, Karen Millen, Monsoon, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and many more designers available for purchase.”

According to Sam Schipani’s article from Hello Homestead, the manufacturing of clothes as well as their improper disposal greatly contributes to resource and waste pollution.

A regular charity shop donator, Rubina Freiberg, voiced her opinion on our environmental impact as consumers as well as what she does personally with her clothes.

“I am very aware of the waste that I am producing, and I think we are

living in a society that consumes a lot, certainly clothes is a good example of that. People buy so many clothes, wear them for a year and then get rid of it, but where does it end up? I think that is a question consumers should consider more.”

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She went on to explain her reasoning for donating her old clothes to charity. “I donate my clothes to charity shops because I want to give my clothes a longer ‘life’ and many people are in need of necessities such as clothing, so there is no reason for me not to act in a way which is good for the environment and other people.”

Charity shops are at the forefront of reducing our individual pollution as sustainable fashion and proper clothes recycling have increasing environmental benefits. Not only do charity shops provide high-quality clothes at bargain prices, but the money you spend at charity shops also goes to a good cause, helping people and organizations in need.

By Jordan Charnley

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The Irish Boxing Capital The Dublin 8 stadium that packs a punch

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s I sat down with the manager of the stadium, David McCartney, I was in awe of the simplistic beauty of the ringside area. Despite seating only 2,000 spectators, the boxing ring and surrounding seats made me feel like I was in an arena where incredible things happen.

Crowds from all over the world gather here to witness fun yet impactful shows. The National Stadium, located on South Circular Road in Dublin 8, hosts many different shows and events. It is also the home of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) who train and hold competitions at the venue.

The National Stadium was built in 1939 by members of the IABA who fundraised the construction by holding garden parties and church gate collections. The site was given to them by the Department of Defence and they built the stadium entirely on the funds they raised.

McCartney said that the stadium is still the only purpose-built boxing stadium in the world.

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When it comes to setting up the events, McCartney says it’s mostly a business-to-business type relationship. McCartney manages all of the events that take place in the stadium and generally knows everything that goes on around the stadium.

The board of directors discusses the types of events that they would consider renting the building out to, as well as the specific criteria and usage terms. The crowd profile is also taken into account.

McCartney says that there are very few shows that they wouldn’t take.

However, McCartney said that “if the event is deemed to be too hard and heavy for the stadium, for example, heavy rap, then we wouldn’t take it.” The stadium also works with several independent promoters. For music events, they usually team up with MCD or Aiken Promotions.

Boxing is a big part of the stadium.

“We’re all about boxing” says McCartney. They spend 35 weekends of the year with the IABA. “It isn’t just the big meaty boys who partic-

ipate in boxing,” there is a diverse range of people that take part, which includes children, teenagers, intermediates and senior boxers.

All national level competitions take place in the stadium. The Dublin School Boy League and other local boxing clubs in Dublin also compete there. One huge competition held in the stadium is between the senior elite boxers, where they can qualify to go to Abbotstown. If they make it there, they will receive elite squad training and will even compete at a European and worldwide stage.

Another big event held in the National Stadium is the professional wrestling promotion called Over The Top Wrestling (OTT). The promotion is owned and operated

by Joe Cabray, a former wrestler who had a developmental contract with WWE. OTT began putting on shows in the National Stadium several years ago. The shows are well-attended and attract many wrestling fans.

A lot of work goes on in the back-

The stadium hosts a number of events including bingo, which has been held there for 20 years.

A Christian church has also performed Sunday mass there for the past three years. Additionally, Canadian author Naomi Klein recently held a talk on climate change at the stadium. Other events that have been held in the stadium include music, debates, live football, and dance competitions. McCartney also said that “the building can be adapted for any type of event, in fact when it first opened there was an ice rink where people could iceskate.”

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Photographs by Karl May ‘The National Stadium is home to the Irish Athletic Boxing Association’ ground when organizing a big event such as OTT. A plan needs to be drawn up in the weeks leading up to the event. On the day itself, the ring is set-up and there is a bit of rehearsal time in the afternoon.

Other than wrestling, there are a lot of other elements to consider such as sound, lighting and special effects. McCartney then added, “obviously when you have many different shows and events going on you’re going to get a diverse range of people coming to see them.” These crowds can bring something new and different to the stadium just from their personalities and preferences.

As well as sports and musical events, the National Stadium has held three events with the Fringe Festival. These included: Club Comfort and We Are Lightning.

The festival encourages people to

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accept and support the LGBTQ+ community. “We welcome everyone, we’re all-inclusive, we include everybody and we don’t exclude anyone,” says McCartney.

“The National stadium is still the only purpose-built boxing stadium in the world” In regards to the local residents, McCartney presumes that they have a good relationship. Events held in the stadium are over by 11 o’clock and the National Stadium is also in contact with the local Guards in case anything bad occurs. “We don’t get many complaints and we are mindful that we’re in a residential area.”

McCartney believes that the National Stadium benefits from local businesses such as shops, pubs and

hotels. Many people who travel to Dublin for boxing have accommodation needs. People from all over Ireland attend the events in the National Stadium which gives the local area a boost.

McCartney believes that there is no threat or competition from anyone else in Ireland. The National Stadium works with Aiken and MCD, who also put on events in Vicar Street, the Gaiety Theatre, the Ambassador and the Academy.

Smaller venues such as the Nativity Theatre on Francis Street, are closing down which means space is becoming more valuable and this will increase bookings. “We don’t feel threatened, we do what we do here and that’s it.” See the Nation Stadium website for more details.

By Karl May

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Photograph by Adam Tibault

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The Angels of Merchants Quay An array of services available to those in need

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erchants Quay Ireland (MQI) is a national voluntary organisation that helps people who are homeless and those dealing with addiction. We provide frontline services, practical supports, pathways towards recovery and innovative responses to the issues of drug use and homelessness in Ireland – MQI.

“The problems of homelessness and drug addiction will not simply go away on its own” With over 63,000 cases presented for problem drug use in Ireland between 2011 and 2017 according to The Health Research Board, the staff at MQI are certainly kept busy.

MQI are one of the very small few that offer a needle exchange service to drug users that inject.

Christine Leddy is the manager at MQI. She never sees a decrease in drug addiction or homelessness.

“The problems of homelessness and drug addiction will not simply go away on its own. To make a change it needs to be managed realistically.” The needle exchange programme was setup to provide clean needles in exchange for contaminated needles. The goal here is to reduce the negative effects of drug use, if the level of drug use itself cannot be reduced. This service prevents, or at least decreases, diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis from spreading. Before needle exchange programmes were in place, more than 60% of injecting drug users were HIV positive, according to The National Drugs Strategy Team.

Figures on HIV Ireland show that today, only 5% of new diagnoses are among those who inject. Other services provided by MQI include a drop-in service for homeless people. This service offers both break-

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Photograph by Colin Jones ‘The Merchants Quay project was set up in 1989’

fast and lunch, six days a week to our friends on the street. Some addicts that attend MQI have the security of a safe environment to go home to, but those caught in the clasp of homelessness cannot afford that luxury.

Christine explained to me about a service they offer called The Night Café. “After the death of Jonathan Corrie in December 2014 we opened the Night Cafe. We offer what we can. We provide yoga mats and some pillows to sleep. People can also avail of counselling on addiction or take a hot shower and have a cup of tea.” This service provides emergency accommodation for those with no access to a bed for the night. MQI provided statistics which show that this service was attended by over 2000 people in 2016. Jonathan Corrie was a homeless man who died sleeping in a doorway just 50 yards from Leinster House. In December 2014 his death sparked outrage in Dublin as it showed the severity of the homelessness crisis and how it is only increasing.

According to Focus Ireland, over 10,000 people were homeless in Ireland within the month of August 2019. The Night Cafe was opened as a temporary solution to what seems to be a permanent problem.

The café was setup with the intention of helping rough sleepers over the Christmas period, but it is 5 years later, and The Night Café is

still in full operation. I met with a young girl named *Rebecca who currently sleeps in a tent. “It can be cold, but it is better than sharing a room.Sometimes I would have to share with men. You don’t know if the men are there because they’re homeless, addicted to drugs or if they’ve been kicked out of their community because they’ve raped someone. It’s a scary place and if you’re female it’s even scarier.”

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It is a common misconception that people who sleep on the streets are there because of drugs. Christine said “We have clients who willingly choose to sleep in tents and sleeping bags because they do not want to share a room with drug users. It can be hard for these people to avoid and sometimes that means turning down a bed to stay away from it.” *Marie is an recovering addict who got help through MQI.“ You never think you will be that person, until you are that person; and you never think you’ll need them services, until you really do need them.”

Marie has been clean for 12 years now and strongly emphasised that without the people who provide these services, she would have been dead by now. * Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of those interviewed.

By Eric O’Callaghan

12/12/2019 19:02

Long Live the Liberties

Dublin culture is slowly disintegrating

Trying to navigate my way through a sea of people, there was not a lot I could see. Stuck between the crowds, as a young boy I could mostly see trolleys and kneecaps as we walked up Thomas Street.

As the people began to disperse my view became clearer and I remember seeing stalls on every corner.

As we turned down Meath Street it was like the streets themselves were alive. There was a natural buzz in the air that consumed everyone.

I remember the friendly faces of the traders smiling at me as they tried to garner their next sale. My grandmother would stop and speak to almost every person. It was almost as if she knew them her whole life. I guess in a way she did or at least half of her life.

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The Liberty Markets are an authentic slice of old Dublin.

The doors opened in 1973 and the market began to flourish within

‘Lots on offer at the Liberty Markets’

its first days. Between 1970 to 2000, the markets were bustling with people and business was thriving.

Now, however, the markets are not as popular as they once were and the streets are no longer as alive.

With such a historic area that is full of different characters, I wanted to look into why the markets have decreased in popularity over the years.

Every Saturday morning, my grandmother would get up at the crack of dawn to make her journey into The Liberty Markets. Pulling her trolley around the streets of Dublin, she was a woman on a mission. My grandmother began attending the markets when they opened back in 1973 and continued to attend until she passed away in 2009.

Taking a trip down memory lane, I paid a visit to the markets recently. I met with Larry who has worked on the wool stall for over 44 years. Larry said: “I still remem-

ber my first day. When I set up this stall with my brother there was nothing but walls and a few tables here. We didn’t even have electricity, just a couple of candles.” The Liberty Markets grew from this into one of Ireland’s busiest and most successful markets ever. The area itself is soaked in history. The people who work within the walls of the markets could paint you a beautifully vivid picture of a different Dublin with their stories.

While there I met with Michael, who is the manager of The Liberty Markets. When I asked about the popularity of the markets, he explained: “There weren’t many shops around when the market was set-up. You had one major department store which was Frawley’s, so there was a huge vacant hole in the supply of goods at cheap prices for ordinary people to buy and that is why we opened.”

Michael had also reminded me that during the 1950s and early 60s, there were times of great austerity in Ireland. The National Museum of Ireland states that wealth during these times was rare, but the majority of friends and neighbours were in similar economic conditions. My grandmother had seven children to feed and her first child was born during the 1950s.

Families were a lot larger then and money was a lot less frivolous.

Some children would be lucky to own a pair of shoes.

These types of families were not uncommon in Ireland during the 1950s as birth control was not an option for women, but during the 1970s people had more disposable

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income and Ireland began to experience a new era of consumerism. The Liberty Markets were born and business was booming.

Speaking to a number of people that still attend the markets, they advised me that if this were 20 years ago, you would have to queue to get in.

Curious to figure out as to why there are no longer queues, I spoke with some of the traders. Afterwards I began to notice a common denominator between them which was online shopping. The shift to the digital market was thought to be one of the main contributing factors among the traders to its decreasing popularity.

According to an article from The Irish Independent, companies are spending millions on upgrading their businesses to meet the fast changing demands of consumers.

Although businesses are investing a lot of time and money into online shopping, the in-store experience still remains the most popular according to the Irish Retail Consumer Report 2019.

“A lot of the older generation that would shop here have passed away and it’s been taken over by a younger generation” The report does state that mobile shopping has grown in the last 12 months, but it also states that consumers are still looking for engagement with other people. I spoke with Sinead who is one of the traders in The Liberty Markets. Sinead believes that the problem may be linked to the generation of today. Sinead said: “The markets have completely

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Photographs by Pauline Guillemin ‘The Liberty Market has been running since 1973’ changed. A lot of the older generation that would shop here have passed away and it’s been taken over by a younger generation who don’t come here to shop.”

The Liberty Markets are not just a place to conduct business. It is a community for those who attended, a social hub for people such as my grandmother. After these weekly visit’s relationships began to form, ones in which we do not see any more today. It was no longer about consumers buying from suppliers, it was about friends supporting friends.

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Looking around Dublin today it seems that the Dublin that was, may be dying in front of us.

With places such as The Bernard Shaw closing down and the constant need for hotels to be built, it makes you wonder what Dublin will look like in 10 years and what cultural hotspots will be left.

As a generation of remakes, we are constantly seeking to revive everything. Some of the biggest box office hits recently have been remade movies. We cannot remake Dublin culture; our generation should embrace what we have left by starting with The Liberty Markets.

By Eric O’Callaghan

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Community Banding Together for History’s Sake Preservation of history and new development collide in Dublin’s Oldest Village

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hile walking along Donore Avenue, only moments away from popular tourist attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse and the Teelings Whiskey Distillery, at a glance one might not notice the true history that lies beneath the tarmac. Surrounded by the blaring noise of lorries entering the site of some much needed, updated social housing, the landscape is entirely different compared to even a few decades ago.

This has become a regular occurrence in Dublin city in recent years, in particular in Dublin 8.

Dublin 8 has long been known as the city’s oldest village. The area which is rich in history dates back to the medieval period and beyond. While the area now may seem to be changing day after day and with the number of cranes in the sky only growing, the question of whether or not the rich history of the area is being preserved correctly, can come to mind. Cathy Scuffil, a local historian for the south inner city, noted “As little as three years ago there was an effort being made to completely change the area.” Scuffil is part of a Dublin City Council lead team known as Historians in Residence, providing detailed history of specific areas in Dublin City. Although while many who visit the area may note the never-ending construction sites, Scuffil says that there is an effort now being made by Local residents to preserve what remains.

are finding under threat? In short, it’s things that might not seem of great significance to the average passerby, tourist, large corporation, or property developer.

Photograph by Joshua Teoh ‘St. Audeon’s Church near the Old Gate’

When developers moved into the area of Donore Avenue there was a planning application lodged with promise to keep access to the River Poddle (located to the rear of St. Teresa’s Church and down into the Tenters, through to Mill Street) with additional landscaping in the surrounding area. However, this entrance was blocked by a gate, thus denying access to Local residents. Scuffil said with a slight sound of defeat, “It really upset the local community and it has soured them very much with new developers… they don’t trust builders anymore.” Simply denying access to a local waterway is only one reason on a growing list as to why residents in the area of the Liberties and Dublin 8 feel their heritage is under threat.

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“30,000 people live here, they’re losing out on a local basis and are trying to get their voice heard” Most recently, The Liberties Cultural Association in partnership with UCD have set up a folklore collection with a launch date set for the 8th of December. Scuffil noted that “this is a classic example of how local residents are using the engines of the state, to gather things together and lobby for things like heritage and cultural centres.” In recent times community and residents’ groups have been linking together, according to Scuffil. The Tenters Residence and another similar group in Rialto, along with the group from the Liberties all share one thing in common - the threat that they will lose their history, although as Scuffil put it, “there’s strength in numbers.” What is it that the locals

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Photograph by Joshua Teoh ‘The Old City Walls at Lamb Alley’ In terms of what remains of pre-existing buildings, there has been a major loss with some of the area’s most iconic; it was hoped that the Carman’s Hall Community Centre, a staple meeting place for the locality, would be handed back over to the community upon its closure. A tremendous amount of time and effort had been invested in over the years. Although as is the case with many similar facilities in Dublin right now, it was handed over for the purpose of homeless facilities.

Then there was the demolition of the Tivoli Theatre, a well-known landmark which was once located on Francis Street.

The site which currently looks like the site of a newbuild, with cranes over-head, shows no sign of what once stood proudly on its grounds. Scuffil described it’s demolition as “a hurt, especially with efforts around culture and getting people to engage with the arts and things like that, then they took away the only theatre in the area,” this is an example of what Dublin, or Ireland for that matter, has now become.

Demolition of historical structures have become the norm in boom-time Ireland. The people who live in an area aren’t always factored into the equation. Scuffil added, “national decisions are made but the community is still here, nearly 30,000 people live here, they’re losing out on a local basis and are trying to get their voice heard, they’re trying to preserve what they need as much as any area.”

The area of Dublin 8 is home to some of Dublin’s oldest history and while many major historical landmarks might be facing the wrecking ball of property developers, certain things have managed to last the test of time and have avoided being reduced on a mission to make a quick profit. For example, the outer walls of what once was Dublin.

There are sections of the walls that remain standing today amongst the concrete jungle, they date back to medieval Dublin

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(c. 1240). While the original purpose of the walls, to protect the inhabitants of the city from intrusion (the city has also long outgrown its medieval boundaries), is no longer needed, remaining sections are standing at Lamb Alley and at Cook Street just behind St. Audoen’s Church.

The Old City gate and walls can be seen as a reminder to us that some things cannot be torn down or modernised with a new facade, they should be left as is for as long as they will stand as a reminder of how locals lived life long ago. While there might be negativity around new developments, Cathy remains optimistic for the future preservation of history in the south inner city, “the archaeology is under your feet, it’s not very far, you wouldn’t have to scratch the surface very far to find it.”

This thought-provoking statement highlights just how important it is to know our history and protect it when or if it comes under threat.

ByAdam Thibault

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Old Player Wills Factory Site

Residents have concerns over planning application for the now a derelict site

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outh Circular Road residents are worried about the new proposed plans for the Player Wills Factory on the South Circular Road. The plans that are with Dublin City Council are for 1400 apartments and other facilities on the large derelict site.

The residents are extremely worried about the knock-on effect that 1400 apartments could have on the traffic flow that is already very heavy at rush hour times in the area. The planning permission is currently being sought by USbased property group Hines, which includes 1400 apartments, as well as new streets, parks, and amenities.

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“I agree with them being used for homes especially with so many student accommodation buildings being built in the area and we don’t want to see this happening to this site.

It should have a more community

“Student accommodation buildings are being built in the area and we don’t want to see this happening to this site” feel where we would see facilities in place for all the people that would make the Player Wills Factory site their home and some use of amenities for us in this area too,” says one local resident.

The planning application that is with An Bord Pleanala includes underground parking, but with heavy traffic congestion in the area already, it’s difficult to see what having a car would do for getting around. A huge lack of green space in the area is also a real worry and

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Photograph by Joshua Teoh ‘The Old Player Factory in Dublin 8’ the planning for this site potentially wont meet the needs of the new residents.

The site size is on 10.67 acres and is among the largest available sites for redevelopment in Central Dublin.

The factory has remained empty since 2005 when the tobacco company shut its doors during European restructuring of the cigarette industry, the factory moved abroad.

Now this substantial building lays empty with wooden hoarding preventing anyone from entering. One of the original clocks can still be seen near the building’s front door.

Hines the group that owns the site confirmed that it was going to retain the entire original factory building, refurbishing and repurposing it in its entirety. They have also said that they have a small teleporter (crane) operating on-site currently and say truck movements are very limited, only during non-school and nonpeak hours. The works that are

currently on-going have sparked what neighbours have called “an increase in the amount in rodent activity,” since work started on the site. Hines confirmed that Rentokil, a pest control company, have been appointed to deal with this issue and hope that this will control the situation.

There are also other plans to build on other derelict sites in the area that will help with the housing needs and housing regeneration.

Public transport there will need to be more frequent for the area.

There will be a need for more bicycle lanes and also more car parking spaces would be required to deal with the influx of more people in the area.

A decision on the planning application is due back in December to see if the 1400 apartments are given the green light.

By Ronan Gargan

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Vaping, a healthy alternative?

The potential effects that vaping can have on your health

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ver since the first death occurred in America in August 2019, there has been a worldwide scare with countries such as India banning the use of e-cigarettes.

With multiple states in America doing the same. Why has Ireland not followed suit? The reason why Europe and Ireland, is not banning the use of e-cigarettes, can be explained by looking at how the European Union (EU) has embraced vaping, to get people to stop smoking cigarettes.

“You’re terrifying people who are benefiting from vaping by not smoking,” said Clive Bates, a former chief of the UK charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and a strong defender of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. Clive Bates has also been working with ASH in other countries such as New Zealand, and has a wide range of knowledge on the topic.

Research has found that the cause of deaths in America was from people smoking unregistered tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main active ingredient in cannabis, where more than 78% of the cases had THC oil in the liquids.

Thankfully this is not the case in Ireland, as Ireland has regulations.

All liquids sold in registered shops are put through the Health Service Executive as well as the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Since people know the dangers that smoking cigarettes can do to the body, such as lung cancer, heart damage and cataracts, people now look to e-cigarettes to stop their addiction to normal cigarettes in the hopes that they can continue to smoke and have a lower risk of damaging themselves. Vaping is

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seen as the lesser evil. Though it is still harmful to your health.

So as long as people buy liquid products from registered sellers and don’t try THC cannabis oils, those who were once cigarette smokers will see improvements to themselves over time.

Alex Pescar, the owner of Ecirette, a vape distributor, who has been in the vaping industry for more than ten years, talked on vaping and the reason why people in America were dying and getting badly ill.

“The cannabis products: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), products purchased in the USA black market, these products are completely illegal in Ireland and not one person died in any country apart from the USA.”

Michael Blaha, director of clinical research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, says that vaping is less harmful than traditional smoking.

“There’s almost no doubt that they expose you to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes”

Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic. While we don’t know exactly what chemicals are in e-cigarettes, Blaha says “there’s almost no doubt that they expose you to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes.”

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Alex added that, “all the e-liquids containing nicotine sold in Ireland have to be emission tested and registered through EU portal and HSE six months in advance before they reach the market. As an IVVA (Irish Vape Vendors Association) founding member I can say our members’ e-liquids are registered in Ireland.

This is regarding the registration of liquids here in Ireland.”

And finally talking on the recent legislation banning all people under the age of 18 from buying any vaping products, “We welcome the legislation to ban the sales for under 18 and in our associations’ code of conduct that was one of the first rules.” This shows that vaping is a risk, however, due to the strict rules in Ireland, it is safer to use over cigarettes without having to worry with-what is occurring in America.

will have gotten rid of all of the residual carbon monoxide in your system. But your lungs, too, will begin to detoxify as they work on removing toxic debris and mucus that had accumulated while you were smoking. More improvement is seen as time goes on.

Photograph by Jordan Charnley ‘Local vaper enjoying his break’

However, Michael Blaha states that vaping is still bad for your health. If you still remain worried about what occured in America happening to you, there is little reason to worry. Ireland is safe and registered. People must be aware that vaping is still unhealthy and should not be abused by people under the age of 18.

By William Swales

For people who quit smoking, and move onto vaping, it shows improvement to their bodies. Within 24 hours of quitting smoking and starting vaping, your body

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Photograph by Peter Bjoerk

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The Struggles African Women Face with Hair Care in Dublin Black women spend more on their hair than other ethnic groups

Despite the ethnic hair industry being valued at billions of dollars in the United States and the United Kingdom, black women living in Dublin 8 are having difficulties finding salons to get their hair done or find stores that stock hair products suitable for their hair. After being in Dublin 8 for just over three months and speaking to fellow African nationals, I realised that there were quite a few women who were struggling to find salons that could do afro-textured hair.

This came as a surprise because of the number of Africans that can be seen on the streets of Dublin 8. According to PR News Wire, the global hair wigs and extension market was estimated to reach revenues of more than $10 billion by 2023, growing at a Compound annual growth rate of approximately 9% between 2017-2023.

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“Mintel found that black women were estimated to spend around six times more on hair care than other women” After speaking to fellow Africans who have moved to Dublin 8 to study, I stumbled upon an ethnic hair product supplier and salon in Rialto. Originally from Nigeria in Oyo State, which is one of the largest states in West Africa, Grace Ogbe said she moved to Ireland nineteen years ago as a diplomatic.

“I decided to stay back in Ireland

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for my children’s education”; said Ogbe, Peace of MindHair Salon owner. Ogbe said, she had always been in business while growing up as a child in Nigeria and continued into her adulthood. “I have business knowledge from my youth, even before I got married. It has given me freedom to go out and take care of my children.” The business owner said her nine to five job assisted her with being able to save funds to start her business. “I started from scratch, I didn’t go to the bank to get money. I used my salary from work because when I started the business was not booming and I had to keep the business alive and to make sure that it always has stock.”

noticed the number of Africans that were in the area as well as the lack of salons that catered for their needs.

The report said that in 2017, the USA market was valued at USD 615 million, followed by Europe and the Asia Pacific.

Ogbe said, her clientele was currently mostly Africans because other races who came into her salon had the impression that she only catered for ethnic hair.

Peace of Mind Hair Salon has a wide range of human and synthetic hair extensions and wigs, hair relaxers, which assists with chemically straightening tough hair, conditioners, hair extensions as well as other products that cannot be found at local pharmacies.

The Global Human Hair Extension Market 2019 Industry Research Report said the hair extension sales industry was developing fast in Europe, Africa, and South America, while the United States was the world’s largest consumer area.

Ogbe said she strategically opened her salon in Dublin 8 because she

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Ogbe said, that she was purchasing the extensions and products in her salon from London, China, and

‘Black women were estimated to spend around six times more on hair care than other women, typically changed their hairstyle far more often and spent hundreds of hours in hair salons’

Africa. “The time in which I get my order is dependent on the size of the order that I have made, how it is paid for and what time of the month the order is made.” The sa-

lon owner said, that other ethnicities were coming into her salon to get their hair done or buy wigs but not in the numbers that she would have wished. I have had women coming in saying that they are actresses and need wigs that are different from their own hair. I have also had women who want to add length and volume to their own hair. Ogbe advised anyone who wanted to start a business in Ireland needed to study and research the business regulations of the country.

“You need to know the rules and regulations of this country, when you have a business course proving your knowledge of running a business it is easier for the government to allow you to start your business.” As someone who has owned a business in Nigeria and Ireland, Ogbe said that running a business was not the same in each country.

“The game is not the same, some things you can ignore in Africa but you cannot here. Ireland is stricter than Nigeria, if you are running a

wholesale or retail shop in Ireland you need to have receipts while in Nigeria it is not necessary.”

African women in Dublin 8 who havent yet discovered Peace of Mind Hair Salon or haven’t found what they need in the shop have opted to buying their hair products, extensions, and wigs online. Some have even resorted to doing their hair themselves or getting assistance from fellow classmates who have the skills of braiding hair.

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“I started studying at Griffith College last year and I couldn’t find a place to buy products or to get my hair braided” Omolara Oladipo, a Nigerian business student said.

“Luckily I know how to do my own hair although it takes longer than if I was doing it at a salon. I have also started helping other girls on campus with doing their hair on weekends.”

By Lindi Masinga

Photographs by Joshua Teoh ‘Peace of Mind Hair Salon in Dublin 8, which is currently the only salon catering mostly for African women living in the area’

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Beware of the Cull

An insight into deer culling in Phoenix Park

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he fallow deer have inhabited the Phoenix Park for over 300 years when the Duke of Ormond James Butler was given the Phoenix Park as a gift from King Charles the Second. Butler decided to bring the fallow deer over to Ireland from England as he intended to use the park as his hunting ground.

Although in the end James Butler never visited the phoenix park. However, the deer have remained there ever since where they have become synonymous with the park, and since the park was opened to the public in 1747, they have continued to attract many people to the Phoenix Park daily.

However, in January a report in the Irish Times revealed that the Office of Public Works (OPW) cull 60 deer annually to prevent overpopulation of the deer. This has caused widespread criticism from many animal rights activist groups such as Alliance For Animal Rights (AFAR) who claim “no animal is safe when there is money involved,” while a spokesperson for the group also described the culling as “inhumane.”

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An article in the Irish Journal revealed that the first of two yearly culls occurred in March of this year, where an estimated 34 deer were killed as a result. I met with zoologist and guide for the Phoenix Park, Jamie Newman, to get her thoughts on the issue. She defended the culling stating that “the most important thing when it comes to the deer is population management and balance.” Newman went on to say, “we work with experts and their studies show that there are no realistic alternatives to the culling.”

‘Baby fawn lying in the grass’

In February, Minister Paschal Donohue also defended the culling stating that, “deer culling is of course, an activity that OPW would prefer not to have to carry out.” He continued to say that other alternatives such as contraceptives via dart “would only be suitable for heavily managed deer," and that “not only are these methods dangerous to the deer but because these darts often get lost, this then poses danger to the general public.”

“In Ireland, deer have no natural predator ever since the grey wolf became extinct back in 1786”

Another method that was considered was interfering with the male gene pools, however, Newman said that, “a small number of male deer father different fawns so interfering with the gene pools won’t work both in the short term and the long term.” American environmentalist Aldo Leopold also stated that “if a sensible strategy is not put in place, not only will they endanger the forests they will also endanger themselves.” Although there have been many suggestions for alternatives to culling, these alternatives will have equal or more of a negative impact on the deer.

In a story on the Dublin live website, it was revealed that the OPW was considering different alternatives to the deer culling after concerns were raised in the Dail. A spokesperson for the OPW said, “we are not out to kill the deer our main concern is the welfare of the deer.”

Newman also added that “the deer culling is not something we are trying to hide, we are very open and honest to the fact that this takes place.” The OPW has said that “they would consider non-lethal population control methods if they provide enough evidence that it would work.” The organisation said, with technology advancing quickly, it might not be too far into the future when culling would no longer be necessary.

According to Newman, the main difference between the deer living in Ireland compared to the deer living in other parts of the world is “deer in other parts of the world have a natural predator so culling is not necessary when it comes to population management.” She said that “in Ireland deer have no natural predator ever since the grey wolf became extinct back in 1786” and that the closest thing to a predator that they had was the fox, that usually preyed on young fawns. As a result,

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Photographs courtesy of the Phoenix Park Visitor Center ‘Mating season begins in the Phoenix Park’ the deer have no natural predator. If the cull did not take place, the population of the deer will continue to grow and grow until it is uncontrollable.

Although the public perspective of culling the deer seems very negative, the consequences of it not taking place would be even more negative. Newman said, “an increase in the fallow deer population in the Park would lead to a build-up of parasites and other pathogens causing different diseases to spread rapidly.” She added, if there was an overpopulation of deer in the park, it could have a detrimental effect on the different flora and fauna that are in the Phoenix Park.

The process of deer culling can also have a negative impact financially. According to an article in the Irish Times, the OPW spent an estimated 6,000 Euro on the two deer culls that occurred in 2018. However, the same

report also stated the agency recouped some of this cost by selling the carcasses of the deer to meat suppliers around Ireland. Over the last three years, there has been a total of ten culls which has brought a revenue price of over 22,000 Euro. Although the public’s perception that the government is intentionally culling the deer as an act of evil. However, the money that the government is spending on the culling shows that culling is a necessity.

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After doing my research and my interview with Newman, I have realised that culling may be the only realistic way of preventing overpopulation of the deer in the Phoenix Park. However, this may change in the future as more realistic alternatives could be developed with the fast advancement of technology. Who knows, in the future deer culling may not need to happen as a result of this.

By Rory Bentley

‘A close up of a menil fawn’

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Reaping the Benefits of the Hot Meal Scheme Hot Meals scheme a real winner in Inchicore

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hicken or vegetable curry with brown rice, turkey meatballs with potatoes or penne bolognese and tomato pasta. This looks like a menu you’d see in a restaurant, but in fact, it is the lunch menu available in Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Goldenbridge in Inchicore.

The Goldenbridge School was the first school to pilot the scheme in January 2019. Nine months later and now another 35 schools have been given the go-ahead to offer students a healthy menu at no charge to the parents. A year has almost passed since Goldenbridge were able to offer these nourishing lunches to their students, but what benefits, if any have been seen?

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At the time the pilot scheme was launched, local TD for the area, Joan Collins, welcomed the idea of hot meals being supplied to the children at the Goldenbridge School when the scheme started in January. She said, “Research shows us the value of the provision of adequate and nutritious meals for a child’s health, learning, attention and educational achievement”. She added, “I call on the government to introduce free hot meals to pupils right around the country.”

Speaking to TD Collins to discuss how the scheme has worked since it began in January 2019, she said, “the hot meals scheme has been great for the pupils of this school especially for the children that would be living in emergency accommodation along with their families. A hot meal would be crucial for them

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in that situation.”

TD Collins was one of the representatives to call on the government to have this scheme implemented right across the country.

Furthermore, Collins added, “every child should have a full belly when absorbing education and I will be keeping a close idea and putting pressure on the government to roll the hot meal scheme through lots of other schools.”

Tonya Hanly is the school principal at Our Lady of Lourdes school in Inchicore and she believes the children are a source of hope, “some of my pupils would live in emergency accommodation with their families having no access to cooking facilities, remember this might be the only meal these children might get, the lives of these children can be tough. They can’t even go outside to play so it’s good that we can supply

our school, so the menu caters for everyone’s requirements. We are the proof of concept school so we would be very disappointed if we didn’t have it next year.”

Food poverty and high rents are a problem in the Dublin 8 area, the same goes for all of the inner- city, “children get into a routine so it’s great that they know when they come into school that they will get a hot meal.”

A food company called Carambola delivers the food at 12 o’clock every day and within 7/8 minutes they are all on the children’s desk. All the pots that the food comes in are bi-

“It’s been a great success, the children love it and we can really see the benefits” them with a hot meal and we have noticed in our school that one of the benefits of having these meals supplied is the children have lots more energy when it comes to the afternoon.”

Tonya added, “They have learned about healthy eating because let’s remember there is a whole side of benefits from it than just the nutritional aspect of it too. We have 29 different nationalities here at

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Photograph by Josh Teoh ‘The main building of Our Lady of Lourdes primary school and Pupils with Principal Tonya Hanly’

odegradable and all the food waste goes in the brown food waste bin. It may be 2019 but with starving children in our classrooms, over 10,000 homeless people in the country, we have a real problem in our society so we have to make sure our children are at least given food while they educate themselves.

On a national level as part of Budget 2019, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, announced in September that hot dinners will be provided on a pilot basis to 35 other schools to help some 7,200 children back in September 2019 at a cost of €1m for

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2019 and €2.5m in a full school year.

The pilot will initially be rolled out at primary schools that do not currently avail of the dinner option under the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s School Meals Programme. Schools that do not have a canteen or kitchen facilities for the preparation of the hot dinners on site will also be prioritised over other schools throughout the country.

A Central Statistics Office’s survey of income and living conditions in 2018 estimated that one in 11 people in Ireland experience food poverty and that the access to food need-

ed to make up a healthy diet was very restricted. 470 schools right across the country applied for the hot meal scheme, while there were only 35 places up for grabs. This is a ratio of 14 school places to 1 ratio.

Out of the 470 schools that applied it was found that more than 300 of the schools said they have no cooking facilities, while more than 50 said they had no running water for cooking.

By Ronan Gargan

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Spirit and Community Live on in The Liberties with Noel’s Deli Noel Fleming gives an insight into one of Meath Street’s most well known shops

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n a quick Friday morning visit to Noel’s Deli, located on Meath Street in the beating heart of the Liberties, you might just about get to say hello to the man himself.

Noel Fleming is the definition of a hard-working, self-made businessman. Although for Noel not everything is business. It’s his love of talking and getting to know the people, or as he put it, “It’s the reason I get out of bed every morning.”

Though he’s quite the busy deli owner, Noel isn’t alone in his venture, he has the help of family to keep both the shop and deli afloat.

As is the case with many Irish corner shops and delis the owners tend to have a wealth of knowledge of the surrounding locality, which is very much the case with Noel.

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For less than five minutes, to pull him aside for an interview, no less than 5 different people walked up to get in a quick “hiya, how’s it going?”

On the other hand, Noel seems to be able to reciprocate, he was also able to point the local paper man, Paddy Kelly, who happens to be 87 years old and still works a fulltime job. Noel noted it’s people like Mr Kelly that make the Liberties what they are, even after years of change.

Fleming has owned Noel’s Deli in one form or another since 1977.

Nonetheless, it’s not the great wealth of knowledge or the deli food he sells to the rear of his shop that makes the man special, it’s his authentic, outgoing personality and enthusiasm he has for his shop and the locality that stands out. Many may find this in common with their own local newsagents or deli, across all four proud provinces of Ireland.

What makes Noel’s shop stand out

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from the crowd in the bustling Liberties? Noel is unique in the sense that he has managed to stay standing proudly as one of the last remaining independent shops and deli of its kind on Meath Street, an area of Dublin facing a current plight of boarded shop windows unable to compete with large multinational chains and new hotel development in the area. The man truly has an obvious passion for the job.

Photograph by Joshua Teoh

Businesses like Noel’s Deli need no advertising or publicity, it’s growth over generations of people ‘just popping down’ for the paper, or a loaf of bread that make it what it is. The shop is one that sells ‘a little bit of everything and anything.’ Relationships like Noel has with the community around him aren’t something that can be formed in a day. They take time, effort, energy and most of all the art of general chit-chat. It’s the chit- chat that keeps the man around, or more importantly will keep him around into the future, he added,

“I know the people so well, they come in and chat, I have no plans on retiring anytime soon” Although it hasn’t always been chats and trade for one of Meath Street’s most well-known. The past recession (2008) almost bankrupt the shop, Noel expressed nostalgically “the last recession we had nearly went bankrupt but we stuck through it, we came through it on the other side the good will of the people is what helped us.” He went on to further express gratitude for the people of the locality who helped him get through it.

Apart from economic struggles that much of the nation felt through the period of recessionthere has been other instances where Noel has felt the brute struggles of being a small business owner in an increasingly difficult market. Multinational supermarket chains put the heat on the independent business owner, “Tesco opened around the corner on Thomas Street, briefly Iceland did too, as well as Lidl but the biggest [hit] was when The Square in Tallaght opened. What happened was people who lived in the area for years went to The Square where they had lots of choice and cheaper prices, it made it tough.” The people of the Liberties sticking to their local business even when prices may be higher has helped keep businesses like Noel’s open, even through tough times. To Noel- the premises makes no difference, it’s the people of the area that make the difference.

In addition, he isn’t just known as one of the area’s leading business men, he’s also known to be heavily involved with the Liberties Cultural Association and aids their efforts to continue with the ongoing preservation of the area’s history, another passion which further involves him in the vibrant community. As Noel has no plans to retire any time soon and has the support of his family behind him, who knows if or when the legendary Meath Street figure will cease trading.

By Adam Thibault

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The Eateries of Dublin 8 Noshington Café

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he first time I heard about Noshington Café was when the devastating fire occurred there last September. Ever since then, it has reopened earlier this year and I have heard nothing but positive feedback, so when I decided that I was going to do recommendations for places to eat in Dublin 8, Noshington Café was on the top of my list of places to try. As I walked in the door, there was an instant vibrancy about the place. I was surprised with how big it was inside compared to the outside, as it looked quite small. Being coeliac, I was delighted to find out that they had gluten-free options available.

For food, I had a honey glazed ham sandwich with coleslaw and chil-

li sauce, this was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. Not only was the gluten-free bread delicious but the ham, coleslaw and chilli sauce was a good combination. I’m not the biggest fan of coleslaw, but this coleslaw was insanely good. I also had a warm gluten-free chocolate brownie with whipped cream, this topped it off for me. The brownie was delicious and melted in my mouth. The brownie was also not too heavy and wasn’t overly sweet which made it even better. Although it is not the cheapest place it was certainly worth it. So if you’re looking for somewhere to have lunch or a meet up with friends for a cup of coffee I could not recommend Noshington Café enough, and I will certainly be going back in the future.

‘Honey glazed ham sandwich with coleslaw from Noshington Café’

Brother Hubbard South If you are looking for somewhere to have dinner in the Dublin 8 area, Brother Hubbard on Harrington street is an amazing place to go. I was surprised with how busy it was when I first walked in as it was packed with people having lunch. I had a pork belly sandwich with lettuce, coleslaw and caramelized onions which was exquisite.

I am a huge fan of pork belly and this didn’t disappoint. The crackling was delicious and the pork was extremely tender which made it even better. The bread was also satisfying, and caramelized onions paired nicely with the pork belly. The only thing I would change is that I would have less lettuce and coleslaw and more pork belly, nonetheless I really enjoyed it. I would strongly recommend it. They also offer an array of cakes, however, I was too full to try any of them. Brother Hubbard also has a breakfast menu, so if you are looking for somewhere different to grab a bite to eat, look no further than this charming café.

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By Rory Bentley Little Bird Café As the cold weather has begun to set in, many people will be looking for hot drinks, with the hope of keeping warm. The Little Bird café in Portobello is the perfect place to have a hot chocolate. This was a delicious hot chocolate. It wasn’t piping hot and it wasn’t too sweet either. The price was also very appealing, coming in at €2.50.

The café also has a large variety of gluten-free cakes, which was a bonus. The first time I went to the Little Bird Café, I had gluten-free

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chocolate cake. This cake was lovely, the only critique I had is that it was a bit too sweet. Overall I enjoyed it and it was a pleasant experience. The second time I went there I had a poppy seed lemon citrus cake, which was something I have never had before. I enjoyed it and would definitely order it again.

It was served with natural yogurt which was a great compliment to the cake. If you are looking for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate on the go, I would highly recommend the Little Bird Café.

Photographs by Rory Bentley ‘Lemon and poppy seed cake with natural yogurt’

12/12/2019 19:03

St. Patrick’s Athletic A Club for the Community

The steps St. Pat’s takes to engage themselves among residents of Dublin 8

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ommunity officer David Morrissey highlights the steps St. Patrick’s Athletic have taken to engage themselves amongst the residents of Dublin 8.

are five primary schools within the Inchicore area, which have over one thousand students. Morrisey said, “we can reach people in the area through football.”

The Inchicore club has been based in Dublin 8 since they were established in 1929. Since then, St. Patrick’s Athletics support has always been predominantly local. Richmond Park, the home of St. Pats, is based in the heart of Inchicore. The people of Inchicore share pride in their club as St Pat’s take honour in being part of the South Dublin suburb. Community Officer David Morrissey’s role involves visiting schools every week.

These visits help inform students that St. Pat’s is a doorstep club and wants to help promote the idea of live football on a weekly basis. St. Pat’s is a vibrant club founded by local workers for the community.

When Mr. Morrissey arrives at these primary schools, he provides a ten-week maths and football programme. These schools include Our Lady of Lourdes primary school and Oblates primary school. By using a St. Pat’s themed workbook, students are seeing maths as identifiable by relating season tickets and jersey prices. Player statistics and Europa league away trips are also used in mathematical capacity.

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The Inchicore area is changing regularly. David Morrissey’s role is to make sure “the club itself remains active at the heart of the area.” There

David is a lifelong St. Patricks Athletic supporter and feels the more students St. Pat’s reach, the better it can be for the future of the club and the Inchicore area. “I try to bring it back to what I would have liked if I was in school now, because I grew up a Pat’s fan. If someone came in and did the work that we do, it would have had a huge positive impact on me.”

Morrissey took up the role in April 2018, and since then match attend-

ances have been on the rise. St. Pat’s are currently in transition on the pitch, but that isn’t stopping Mr. Morrissey from shining the light on the Inchicore outfit to the rest of the community.

“ St. Pat’s is a vibrant club founded by local workers for the community” On the 13th of September 2019, St. Patricks Athletic hosted University College Dublin (UCD) in Richmond Park. As an incentive, David Morrissey and his colleagues decided to give out special tickets for the game to local schools. This meant if the child was accompanied by an adult, the child would get in for free. More than two hundred school children attended the scoreless draw versus UCD. It wasn’t the scoreline that mattered but the matchday experience as a whole. David added, “after the game, the kids go home and Pat’s Photographs by Joshua Teoh ‘St. Pat’s reaches out to local schools by relating maths to Jersey prices and season tickets’

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‘The exterior of St. Pats Atheletic club, adorned with grafittiw’

are being spoken about for the first time, you can’t put a value on that.”

In a league where attendances are low and not much coverage takes place, St. Pat’s are planting a seed for the next generation of football supporters to arise within their community.

The overall feeling around the club is that football is positive for the community. It gives Inchicore a platform on a Friday evening for families to attend games and embrace the matchday experience. Anti-social issues can be minimised by football programmes to give minors a focus. “We can reach people in the area through football.” St. Pat’s are not only looking to help youngsters but also focus on attracting elderly citizens to Richmond Park.

Morrissey highlighted the significance of giving those who live on their own something to look forward to every week. This season the club sold OAP season tickets at the same price of 3rd level student tickets as an added incentive for the elderly to go to the games regularly and become a part of the club.

five hundred more students within the community. The primary aim for Morrissey now is to “help the schools most local to us.” The programme has been running for nearly two years now and from the club’s perspective, it can only have a positive impact on the club and community. “It’s not just about getting a player in, signing a few autographs and getting some photographs. It’s actually about making a real difference.”

Overall, I think the ten-week programmes which are taking place in local primary schools are outstanding, the workbooks that are in use in the primary schools are very informative to the kids, it educates

them about the running of the club as well as different aspects which the club has to offer. Having the goalkeeper and lifelong supporter Brendan Clarke on the cover is very slick advertising for what they are trying to achieve, a club that represents the community. Inchicore and the greater Dublin 8 area is blessed to have such an engaging club on their doorstep. I’d encourage anybody local to Richmond Park to pop down on a Friday evening to see St. Patrick’s Athletic in action.

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By Luke Jennings

‘There are five primary schools within St. Pats vicinity’

David touched on the topic of social inclusion among the community, and how important involvement is.

“I think it’s vital that we show people how much of an asset they are to the area.” The maths and football programme will continue into 2020, with St. Pat’s hoping to reach

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Life-Long Learning and Keeping up with the Digital Age Lacking digital skills creates boundaries but support is provided

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iving in a developed European country, most of us are constantly learning while growing up. We go to school and learn how to read and write. We generally have the opportunity to go to college to achieve a job in the profession we are dreaming of pursuing. Once settled in life, there can be several reasons why learning may no longer be a constant part of someone’s life.

Although, learning should not automatically stop as soon as we have reached a profession or a certain age. Life-long learning is vital in the ever-changing world we are living in. The European Union has set a 10% target for those aged 25-64 to engage in life-long learning by 2020 and an objective of reaching 15% by 2025. According to Eurostat, the EU’s statistical agency, 12.5% of Irish adults aged 25-64 were already involved in life-long learning in 2018.

However, Ireland is still only ranked 10th in the European Union.

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Adult education services are provided nationwide for instance by educational institutions and community services. Nearly 25 years ago the Warrenmount Community Education Centre was set up in Dublin 8. Funded by SOLAS and The City of Dublin Education and Training Board, a wide range of free education classes such as gardening, well-being, and computer skills are offered.

Centre manager Lia Clarkson recognizes that “a centre like this certainly appears to be needed in the area.” Stressing that they “look at the needs of the area”, she also states that “generally speaking, people who come here have less upper second level education.”

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‘A learner focusing on the task at hand’

Clarkson explains that the aim of the Education Centre would be “to give people a bit of a start and maybe they will progress on to higher levels of studies or work-related as well.”

Furthermore, the manager added that “sometimes it is filling gaps for people, they might have lots of work experience but have never really learned how to use a computer.”

In a rapidly changing world, in which advancing technology is inev-

itable, learning and the ability to adapt has become essential. The momentous invention of the internet creates infinite possibilities, but only for the ones able to use it.

Digital skills seem crucial nowadays in many aspects of life. Providing computer and internet classes at different levels, the community centre in Warrenmount equips its learners with digital knowledge for their daily lives.

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“We are learning how to send emails, receive emails, how to book flights and hotels, things we all need to know about. Basic things, going on to order something, your shopping if you were not well, I would have never been able to do that” as a young woman told me who was attending the Basic Internet Skills course.

Photographs by Rublina Freiberg ‘A volunteer helping learners in the computer class’

This years’ Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) report by the European Commission indicates that, Ireland was ranked 6th in 2017, with 52% of its population having no basic digital skills, which is exceeding the EU average by 10%.

However, there has been a 4% decrease within one year, from previously holding a 56% rate in 2016.

Having low digital skills in a digital world is a tremendous risk, notably when it comes to employ-

“I am 78. Like I say you are never too old for anything in life. I certainly will not give up, try, try, try, all the time” ment. “Lacking computer skills has definitely stopped me for the last couple of years,” admits another course participant. She continues, “at the moment I am a job seeker. I would maybe like to work with children or in hotels, but I lack in computer criteria. Internet skills for a job nowadays is a big requirement.”

In 2017, 45% of the Irish labour force had less than basic digital skills compared to the EU average of 37%.

However, Ireland has improved by 5% within one year, from having a 50% rate in 2016. Getting back to ed-

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35 ucation can be a significant burden, certainly in today’s society in which it is required to be familiar with using a laptop and accessing the world wide web.

Joining a Basic Internet Skills class one of the learners shared her experience with me. “I have done two classes but they only lasted a day.

When I came in they handed me a laptop and I just could not use it. I just felt really stupid. I was embarrassed and everyone else was typing away, so I left and I came back to the computer class.”

Insufficient computer skills might be a difficulty that seems hard to overcome, especially at any particular age. However, it shall not stop people from being a life-long learner and thus disconnect them from the world.

One of the elderly learners divulged that he used to get on computers, but finds it much more difficult to get on them now. He stated with confidence, “I just have to try and pick up as much as I can. I am 78. Like I say you are never too old for anything in life. I certainly will not give up, try, try, try, all the time.”

Life-long learning is a privilege that is not guaranteed for everyone around the globe. Even within the European Union, some countries have an adult education rate below 5%, such as Romania and Greece.

Education makes life worth living and does not stop after any graduation. Lia Clarkson believes “these kinds of centres give people the tools to adapt, to understand the world a bit better and to make most of themselves.”

By Rubina Freiberg

12/12/2019 19:03

The South Inner-City Community Development Association Tackling social issues in The Liberties Regeneration is very important as it is a change that’s radically needed, and the main aim is to improve the area and the people that live there.

The South Inner-City Community Development Association (SICCDA) ethos is that regeneration in people must start from within.

The Liberties area is steeped in history, with its traditional bars, weekend markets and other wellknown landmarks like Vicar Street, Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Brewery. This area faces lots of issues they include: high unemployment, drug problems, homelessness, quality of accommodation, and lack of education to get people into the workforce make up the social issues that the area faces. Back in 1982, some residents in the area decided they wanted to help others in their community, they all had the same goal, the one idea and that was creating a better community all round in the Liberties.

Community Development Coordinator at SICCDA Kathleen White said, “Our programs are focussed on promoting and contributing to

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the rejuvenation of the area to enhance the quality of individuals lives and families living in the Liberties will have into the future.”

“We support increasing access to community services and continuing the development of a strong vibrant community voice.”

SICCDA provides education and training, community employment opportunities, programs for children, young people, gender-based groups, and activities for elderly members. White said that “our work is enhanced by building connections with community partners such as the health and well-being team in St. Theresa’s Gardens, local drug treatment, and mental health services.”

From chatting with Kathleen I found out about the different programs they run from their Meath Street premises, they include The Over 55s Group which invites individuals from within the community, who are over the age of fifty-five years, to meet weekly for social, cultural, educational and wellness activities. White added that “activi-

Photograph by Joshua Teoh Kathleen White, The Community Development Coordinator at SICCDA

ties for this group have included bingo, quizzes and social outings”. SICCDA’s Men’s Shed creates spaces for men to socialize, focus on their emotional wellbeing and promote good health. In addition to cultural and historical outings around Dublin, White stated that " the focus of our men’s group has been centred on environmental education and gardening at our allotment in the St. Thomas Abbey Community Garden.

SICCDA’s Youth Group and Programmes for Young People offers programmes for young adults and older people in the community. SICCDA has traditionally provided a wide variety of programmes targeted towards the youth that are at risk. They engage in social, educational, and community clean up events in collaboration with Dublin City Council. Additionally, they run a youth club that meets weekly for social, educational and wellness activities.

SICCDA has an average of 39 employees across all their programs that they offer with about 250-300 people using our services annually. SICCDA participants are made up of local people living and working in the Liberties and take great pride in their community. In April 2019, SICCDA commissioned an independent researcher, to conduct a needs analysis of the Liberties and surrounding areas in the South Inner City of Dublin through statistical data, desk research, interviews, and community surveys. This analysis will be available in the coming months and will give an overview of the needs of the liberties, the changing landscape and how that impacts the area, as well as recommendations for positive change.

General findings demonstrate the Liberties and surrounding area while recognizing the issues that must be addressed such as the high levels of drug-taking, lack of green spaces, lack of community centres and lack of accessible and affordable housing. But with groups like The South Inner-City Community Development Association working with the community and being a part of the Liberties community, the future is bright for the people living in these areas even with some worrying social issues. Community wins out and the people living in the area are stronger for being part of a community network group like this one.

ByRonan Gargan

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Less is More This Christmas Some people live with less than 15 material possessions we never wear, but people living a zero-waste and minimalist lifestyle are editing out excess materialism and waste.

Laura may not be that extreme as others. However, if I gave her 30 minutes, she could write down everything her and her family own.

She describes herself as never really becoming a minimalist but instead being born a minimalist.

“I remember sitting in front of the Christmas tree and I felt like crying.

I was really, really overwhelmed with everything that I got and I told my parents as well. I didn’t need

Using a reusable water bottle and cycling to work is a small help but not quite the same as throwing out almost every possession, unless it’s a necessity. Necessity is something that Laura values now but she used to feel societal pressure to accumulate things. When Laura was in university, she showed the financial success she thought she should have had, through her material posessions.

Photograph by Thomas Hall ‘Some live their life with little possesions’

anything apart from the shoes.”

Obviously, Laura was delighted that she had received her yellow Adidas running shoes but she didn’t expect all of the other gifts. Even then she hated clutter but didn’t know the word ‘minimalism.’ We leave a substantial amount of waste behind. We buy bananas wrapped in unnecessary packaging and clothes

‘‘The average child has 450 toys but only plays with 12’’

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“I bought stuff just to display. Just to please other people.” Three women shared the bathroom when she was a university student and all Laura had was soap and shampoo. Laura bought toiletries in Boots that she never used, just to display to the other bathroom users. “Just because I don’t display things doesn’t mean I’m unhappy.” This is quite the opposite, as many minimalists reveal feelings of wholeness and decreased anxiety after switching to a zero-waste life change.

Scientists have researched how much happiness we recieve from financial wealth. Financial success may improve your mood shortterm, however, you’ll eventually return to your normal mood before you become rich.

There is an interesting link between low self-esteem and materialism.

Spending money on other people can have more of a positive impact on your mood than buying something for yourself. With the rise of professional organising and decluttering, Japan’s Marie Kondo is taking the world by storm. Although, this is not minimalism.

“You can keep everything if it sparks joy in your life,” Vera Keohane reassured me. Vera is a Konmari Consultant; thats the name given to individuals who have been personally trained by Marie Kondo, known for her best-selling book and current Netflix series.

Based in Kinsale, County Cork, although operating country-wide, Vera is the person you call when you know you have to do something about the chaos in your home and you know you need help to do it.

Vera was always the person called on by family members and friends when their hoarding got too much.

She had decades of decluttering experience before undertaking training in New York with Marie Kondo.

“The average child has 450 toys but only plays with 12.” It seems like an unbelievable statement but in a consumeristic society (especially leading up to Christmas), we may think showering children with more toys brings happiness but it only brings more clutter which leads to stress.

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You might ask, if you’re a natural at de-cluttering, why would you train in this method? It is different it requires a shift in your mind-set, it’s a process rather than a once-off task, and above all, the Konmari method produces results that last.

Whatever sparks joy in you is what you hold onto and things that don’t get thrown away.

Vera guarantees that it’s not about living in a pristine environment as she has parties and her children’s friends come over to play but it’s manageable to tidy up afterward.

The children in families she has helped usually tidy up without being asked when introduced to the KonMari method. Vera believes that tidying up helps you lead a joyful, meaningful life.

By Ash Potter

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Lonely Christmas A Family Event Celebrated Alone How social isolation and loneliness affect the most vulnerable

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rom buying gifts for loved ones and decorating the tree, to planning and preparing a festive dinner, Christmas is commonly known as an event celebrated with family in a warm and welcoming environment.

Coming together and the joy of receiving unexpected presents, creates excitement and is looked forward to by many.

However, not all of us celebrate Christmas in a loving surrounding.

“Christmas is a bitter-sweet time of the year. Most people who have family, are busy and yet there are people sitting there that don’t have anybody for Christmas dinner,” stated Deborah Castello, Fundraising Manager of Friends of the Elderly.

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Though this is a serious issue faced by many in our society, especially this time of the year, elderly living in isolation are the ones affected the most, but are also least able to deal with it.

Friends of the Elderly is an Irish volunteer-based charity providing support to elderly people living alone or feeling lonely. Since their

er reason children move on and parents are left behind. Or even people who never had a family.”

establishment in 1980, they have been non-funded and are fully reliant on donations. With the support of 150 volunteers, they have brought friendship and companionship to up to 500 members last year.

It is estimated that about 400,000 people in Ireland suffer from loneliness, according to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

Additionally, it has been reported that more than 37% of people aged 50 and over felt lonely often or some of the time. Concerning elderlies aged 74 and older, this figure rose significantly to 45%.

Since the feeling of loneliness can occur based on different motives and affect people of all age groups, “there is no distinction of people being lonelier in rural areas than urban area, that is a myth” said Deborah.

“Some of the only communication they would have would be through the sound of their television”

Often older people living in isolation face days without a single human encounter, especially when their mobility vanishes. “Some of the only communication they would have would be through the sound of their television” explained Castello.

Reaching out to the whole nation, Friends of the Elderly offers a friendly call service. Volunteers take time to call members at least once a week to have a chat or simply listen.

Last year a total of 25,480 calls to elders were recorded. “The way I see it is, we put 25.480 smiles on peoples’ faces” believes Costello. She added that, “what gets me the most is when you hear ‘yes, I know it is your birthday, that is why I am ringing, to wish you a happy birthday.”

Being left alone and therefore living in isolation, can be the result of various different circumstances. Castello described that, “one of the reasons could be that they never married, or widowhood. Family relationships can be very difficult and for whatevPhotographs by Rubina Freiberg ‘Two lovely ladies enjoying good conversation and having fun’

Additionally, members have the opportunity to be visited by a volunteer on a regular basis. Time can then be spent together doing various things, such as outings for coffee, cinema visits, walks or shopping. In 2018 volunteers accomplished a magnificent total of 5.096 visits to the elderly within the Greater Dublin region.

“Generally, what you find is that the relationship starts as member and volunteer, but very quickly becomes a very good friendship. We hear our volunteers saying that I am actually getting more out of this than I am giving,” stated Deborah.

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Every Wednesday members come together on Bolton Street for a social club. They enjoy themselves having their afternoon tea, chatting, singing and dancing along to the music played by the resident band.

Program Manager Rachel shared a member’s story with me: “He sings some songs in our residential band, and he got to know a lady that comes in on a weekly basis and they became friends and then got into a relationship with each other. Now they come together every week and she sits at the front and admires him singing.”

Rachel added that, “every Wednesday I go back home with a smile on my face because you see so many people that did not know each other interacting and having a purpose in life now.”

Friends of the Elderly have three Christmas parties arranged this year. Fundraising Manager Debo-

rah believes, “whilst the parties take only 3 hours, it is the buildup to the party, choosing the clothes, maybe getting their hair done. It is the excitement. It is really important; this could be the only social occasion but more importantly it might be the only time to have a Christmas dinner.”

‘Part of the resident band playing for the elders on Bolton Street’

To support ‘Friends of the Elderly’ alleviating isolation and loneliness among older people, please donate here: https://friendsoftheelderly.ie/donate-now/ or get in touch: +353 (0)1 873 1855 ; 25 Bolton Street, Dublin 1

By Rubina Freiberg

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The Corner Butchers 112 South Circular Road Dublin Ireland

Buisness Hours Mon: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Tue: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Wed: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Thur: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Fri: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sun: 10:00 AM - 4: 00 PM

Serving Quality Meat Since 1928

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The Thriving Culture of Ethnic Shops Pork is viewed as forbidden in other cultures

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n ethnic food shop owner said that owning a store that provides ethnic food was beneficial due to the increase of different nationalities in Dublin 8. Jack* owner of Halal Grocery Store on Clanbrassil Street said, “in Dublin 8, I noticed there are a lot of international people, students from other countries and that is why I have decided to open another branch of my shop here in Dublin 8. Along this street I have two of my grocery stores to serve people not only of the international community and also the indigene [Irish].”

In Dublin 8, there are currently different kinds of stores that provide and sell food that is not usually found in local grocery stores. “I have a lot of stores, not only in Dublin 8 and also all over Dublin, because I can see the increase of different national-

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ities all over the place.” Samuel Oluwatobi, an African student from Nigeria who studies at Griffith College Dublin said, “I have been in Dublin for ten months and anytime I feel like having my homemade country’s food if I can’t go to town [Dublin City] to buy or get the cooked food so I go to the nearby stores to buy my foodstuff.”

“Selling pork meat is against my religion” Furthermore he said, getting food from those stores is very expensive.

That was the reason his parents packed a lot of food for him before coming to Ireland. Jack, the shop owner, says, “It is a store whereby anybody can walk in to get what they need.” Jack added that the store not only sells Halal food, aimed primarily at a Muslim consumer basis

Photograph by Joshua Teoh ‘Fruit and vegetables for sale in the Halal grocery’

but also sells food for the general population. Although, the store does not sell any pork or pork related products. A Dublin Business School (DBS) student, Lovely, who is from India, said, “I used to hear that [Muslims don’t consume pork] but I dont believe that because I eat pork too [it’s not against my religion].”

Halal Grocery Store sell a variety of goods from across the globe. Spain, England, Pakistan and India are the most popular sources of import.

Jack said the goods usually take 5-7 days to arrive from Spain, England and India while from Pakistan it is monthly. The store opened in 1999 and celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. The store has faced many challenges over its 20 year lifespan.

It experienced more profitable periods of time and then periods of economic hardship. Indians do consume pork, although a small minority do not. Those of the Muslim faith do not eat pork, as it it against their religious beliefs. There’s about 150 million Muslims in India which makes up about 12% of the total population. It’s more popular in the Northeast of India, as they have a culture similar to South East Asia, where pork is popular. A majority of people from India do in fact eat pork in a state in India called Goa. Pork is a major part of their diet and eaten during celebration. The majority of Indians consist of Hindus and they do not eat pork or beef.

By Olajumoke Olawoye

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Christmas FM aims to give back to the children The radio station is fundraising to help children in need this festive season It’s that time of the year again when everyone is in the festive spirit, planning their vacations or doing their Christmas shopping.

Every year Christmas FM goes on air across Ireland from November 28th to December 27th to get people into the Christmas spirit. Christmas FM is a family of Christmas Radio Stations and Festive Content Publisher. “We create and curate a unique mix of content centered around the Magic of Christmas and deliver it on the radio and digitally via our website, player, apps and social networks. We serve a worldwide community who want to connect to that Christmas feeling,” the station said.

“Every year we need to raise €5.8 million to run our therapeutic programmes to serve children who suffer from serious illness, and their families” Each year Christmas FM partners with a charity who becomes their official charity partner for that year. To date, Christmas FM have raised over €1.25M for Irish charities. “Christmas FM Ireland is a quasi-national FM radio station serving Ireland for 30 days each Christmas period. We operate a unique temporary radio service funded by commercial sponsorship and activities and have a strong focus on fundraising for charity.”

In 2017 Christmas FM, along with their charity partner Sightsavers, gave 5000 people the gift of sight.

“Our transmission network grew with the addition of Tralee/Killarney, Letterkenny and Clare, and we raised €214,000 for Sightsavers. Vogue Williams launched the station which was sponsored by Dunnes Stores and Cadbury, in the year that Aisling and Maeve won the Song Contest with ‘This Christmas’.”

will go directly towards Barretstown’s mission of rebuilding the lives of seriously ill children and their families. They plan to do thisby offering life- changing Therapeutic Programmes in a safe, fun and supportive environment. The station said that all the services that were provided to the children and families who attended Barretstown were entirely free of charge, so donations and fundraising efforts were vital for the charity.

Co-founder of Christmas FM, Garvan Rigby said, “Barretstown is a very special organisation and we are delighted to be partnering with them for Christmas FM this year. The radio station creates a feel-good festive factor that is unrivalled anywhere else, and we look forward to sharing that with everyone at Barretstown, including: campers, parents, staff and volunteers, as well as our listeners. As sponsorship pays the running costs of the radio station, this means that all money raised on air through donations can go directly to Barretstown and we look forward to raising as much as possible this year for such a worthycause.”

To mark its 25th anniversary, Barretstown unveiled a nationwide Press Play campaign. The aim of the campaign was to achieve their vision by 2024.

Every child with a serious illness in Ireland would have the opportunity to benefit from one of Barretstown’s therapeutic programmes. “We are so thrilled to be chosen as Christmas FM’s charity partner for 2019 and it really will be the perfect end to what has been a hugely exciting year for us as we celebrate our 25 th anniversary. Every year we need to raise €5.8 million to run our therapeutic programmes to serve children who suffer from serious illness, and their families.” CEO of Barretstown, Dee Ahearn, said on the partnership with Christmas FM.

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Photograph Courtesy of Christmas FM ‘Christmas FM is an annual radio program run by volunteers’

ByLindi Masinga

This year Christmas FM’s chosen charity is Barretstown. Barretstown was founded by Hollywood actor and philanthropist Paul Newman in 1994 and is modelled on his renowned Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut, USA. It serves children affected by serious illnesses - primarily cancer and serious blood diseases - and their families. Since 1994 it has served over 50,000 campers. 2019 is a hugely important year for Barretstown as it marks its 25th Anniversary.

Christmas FM is aiming to raise over €250,000, which

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Three Course Christmas Recipes

W

ant to spice up the traditional Christmas dinner with a little more pizzazz? Here are three sumptuous recipes that will surely get your taste buds tingling this festive season.

Start off light with a taste of home and a new spin on an old classic, a warm Irish goat’s cheese and black pudding salad.

Prep Time 10 minutes Cooking Time 10 minutes

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For your main course take a trip to South Africa with a traditional lamb and couscous dish that will truly be a different taste from the standard turkey and mash. Finally, finish off your trip abroad with a German tradition known as Spekulatius (Spiced Biscuits) Christmas Cake. Wow your guests this Christmas with a taste of home and abroad.

Winter Warmer: Black Pudding and Rasher Salad

Ingredients

- Rashers 2 unsmoked, thick cut - Black Pudding 5 pieces, 1cm thick - Rocket Lettuce 1 handful (more if desired) - Spinach Lettuce 1 handful (more if desired) - Spring Onion 3, not the green tips, split and finely chopped - Cucumber ⅓, de-seeded, finely cut - Pine Nuts 2 & ½ Tbsp, lightly toasted - Goats cheese 10 Tsp - (Optional) Olives 5-10 chopped For the dressing: - Balsamic 2 Tbsp - Olive Oil 3 Tbsp - Lime - Juice of 2 Zest of 1 - Salt & Pepper To taste - Whole Grain mustard 1 Tsp - Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly until combined.

South African Couscous and Lamb

Ingredients

Lamb 300g Stewing lamb 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3 large onions, thinly sliced 8 large tomatoes, peeled, quartered, and seeded 4 cups canned tomato sauce 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon chilli pepper 1 teaspoon mixed herbs

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Steps: 1. Coat the bottom of a medium sized frying pan with olive oil and apply a medium heat.

2. Add black pudding, rotating frequently, fry until golden brown. Once cooked set aside on grease absorbent cloth to cool.

3. Fry rashers, rotating frequently, until golden brown.

Once cooked, set aside on grease absorbent cloth to cool.

4. Toss spinach and rocket together lightly in a bowl.

5. Place cucumber, spring onion, and olives over the lettuce.

6. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts liberally over the top.

7. Cut rashers into 5cm thick strips and cut the black pudding into ¼ pieces.

8. Place over salad evenly.

9. Add goats cheese and mix together.

10. Plate into small bowls or platters and dress as needed.

By Lindi Masinga

3 carrots chopped 3 red or green bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2inch cubes Couscous 4 cups of water 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon salt 2 boxes quick-cooking couscous (3 1/2 cups)

By AdamThibault

Preperation

Begin with making the lamb stew Remove cubed lamb from carton and place it into a medium sized pot over medium heat, with vegetable oil. Allow the lamb to brown for three minutes then take it out of the pot and place it on a plate. Adding chopped onion and mixed herb spice, stir occasionally and allow the onion to caramelise for about 10 minutes.

Add lamb from the plate, tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, mixed herbs, black pepper, and chilli pepper into the pot that has caramelised onions. Stir ingredients together with the lamb.

Cover the pot and allow lamb mixture to simmer for 2 hours or until lamb is tender. Add in carrots, bell peppers, and pumpkin and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Cook couscous. Bring water to a boil with butter and salt in a saucepan. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes, then gently mix with a fork.

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Spekulatius (Spiced Biscuits) Christmas Cake Prep Time 1.5 hours

Baking Time 40 mins

Ingredients Hazelnut Sponge 4 medium eggs 200g sugar 1 pinch of salt 0,5 tsp vanilla extract 200 ml oil (sunflower/raps) 200 ml buttermilk 300g flour 100g ground hazelnuts 3 tsp baking powder Spekulatius creme 200g Spekulatius biscuits (Spiced Biscuits) 500g mascarpone 500g fresh cream 5g Galantine

ByRubina Freiberg

Cooling Time 5 hours

Pomegranate ďŹ lling 1 Pomegranate 150 ml berry juice (Cherry, Cranberry etc.)

5g Galantine 1 rosemary 1 tsp vanilla extract 0,25 tsp cinnamon Decoration 200g Dark Chocolate Edible Glitter (Ingredients listed refer to a 24cm round baking tin/tin used in the image was 18cm)

Hazelnut Sponge Prepare tin with baking paper and preheat the oven to 170 degrees. Mix the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla until white and thick. Slowly add the oil and the buttermilk.

Mix baking powder and flour, then sieve into the egg mixture. Also, add the ground hazelnuts. Carefully combine everything until a smooth batter. Put batter into tin and bake for 40 minutes. Once baked, let fully cool down and cut into three equal sponges.

Pomegranate Filling Remove the pomegranate seeds. Put the juice in a saucepan, add the rosemary, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Mix and let boil for around 2 minutes. Remove the rosemary and take the pan off the heat. Put some warm water in a glass, add the galantine and mix until the powder has vanished. When the juice has cooled down a bit down, add the galantine. Mix and then add the pomegranate seeds. Prepare two plates, which are a bit smaller than your cake, with foil then distribute the juice mixture. Place in the fridge to make sure that the galantine has worked, and then in the freezer for about 45 minutes.

Spekulatius Cream Break up the biscuits until fine, put in a large bowl and add the mascarpone. Mix until combined. Slowly add the fresh cream. Mix until smooth. Do not mix too quickly or too long, otherwise, it turns into butter. Prepare the galantine as for the pomegranate filling. Add to the cream, mix carefully and store in the fridge until very thick.

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43 Putting Cake Together Put the first sponge on a plate or whatever you want to serve your cake on. Put the first frozen fruit filling on top, and then spread 1/3 of the cream over it. Place second sponge above, then fruit filling, cream, and end with the last sponge. Make sure you have enough cream left for the decoration. Leave the cake in the fridge overnight.

Chocolate Decoration Grind the chocolate and put 2/3 in a large heat-resistant bowl and place above a saucepan with hot water.

Stir until fully melted. Take off the heat and add the left chocolate. Fully melted put in a bag, cut in a small hole and create a pattern on baking paper. Place in the fridge until hard and then cut in pieces with a warm knife, preventing breakage.

Decorating Cake Get the cake out of the fridge and distribute almost the rest of the cream on top and on the sides. Place Spekulatius biscuits around the cake. Put the rest in a piping bag and create little roses on the top. Now place your chocolate decoration and some glitter on the cake.

Store cake in the fridge.

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@harkinsbar_d8

Harkins Bar & Bistro, Dublin 8

THE OLD HARBOUR, 6 ECHLIN STREET, DUBLIN 8

Evening Menu for 2 People Offer: Starters, 2 x Mains, & 2 x Selected Drinks All for just €35.00!!

Offer Available from Sunday to Thursday 5pm – 8pm only!

1: Choose Your Starters:

2: Choose your Mains:

3: Choose your Drink:

Harkin’s Famous Beef and Guinness Stew Chicken Caesar Salad

Chefs Homemade Soup of the Day (V) (2 Portions) Served with Fresh Bread

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Chicken Wings (Sharing Portion)

100% Irish Chicken Wings, House Seasoned & Oven Baked Choice of Franks Hot Sauce, BBQ, or Sweet Chilli Sauce.

Served with Celery & Blue Cheese Dip

Oven Baked Nachos (V) (Sharing Portion) Nachos Served with House Salsa & Jalapenos

Crispy Chicken Sandwich Harkin’s Bangers & Mash Homemade Chicken Tenders Fish of The Day (€3 Supp) Any Burger from our Selection:

Draught Beer (Pint 568ml) Guinness, Beamish, Smithwicks, Budweiser, Heineken, Coors Light, Bulmers, Dublin Blue, Carling, Carlsberg, Orchard Thieves, Five Lamps, Rockshore

Bottled Drinks (330ml) Coors Light, Corona, Heineken, Budweiser, Miller

(All served with Twice Cooked Fries & House Garnish)

Portobello Mushroom Burger (V) Rib-Eye Beef Burger Cheese Burger Any Pizza from our Selection: Margherita (V) Pepperoni Pizza Vegetarian Pizza (V)

Glass of House Red/White Wine

Soft Drinks (Pint 568ml) Coke, Diet Coke, 7up, Diet 7up

Cocktails Mojito, Strawberry Daiquiri, Bistro Special, Frozen Mango Daquiri, Green Dragon

HARKIN’S BAR, THE OLD HARBOUR, 6 ECHLIN STREET, DUBLIN 8 WWW.HARKINSBAR.IE INFO@HARKINSBAR.IE 01-9023578

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