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DUB 8 MAGAZINE

Contents FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE 16

News Local Government Plans to Regenerate St. Teresa Gardens Liberties Scheme Challenges Local Businesses Amid Redevelopment

Community More Than Just Work — Putting Creativity into Co-working Cracking the Code at Tog Hackerspace A Growing Voice in Dublin

History Irish Museum of Modern Art Battles Against Isolation of the Elderly Meet Anna Livia, the Staue That Loves to Bathe Their Name Liveth For Evermore

Food L

A God Send to the Community Adapt or Die

F

A Story About Olive Oil, Black Bread and Mezza

Art The Rainbow Makers of Rialto Avenue Heating up the Dublin 8 Music Scene The Man Behind the Portobello Swan

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Local Government Plans to Regenerate St. Teresa Gardens Dublin City Council finally answers the pleas of Liberties’ residents

by EMMET PHELAN

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he Liberties is an area renowned for its authenticity as a cultural hub at the heart of Dublin City. However, with the recent rise of gentrification in the area, this status has been jeopardised.

It is now very easy to walk straight from a shiny corporate office block to an abandoned factory or a set of run-down flats. This reality isn’t just a fact in The Liberties, but in all of Dublin 8. One thing that the area has been heavily lacking has been a pitch, fit for organised sports. It is for that reason everyone should be behind the regeneration of St. Teresa Gardens.

The board of St. Teresa Gardens Regeneration have gone against the grain with this development, having a far more conscientious approach than most developments we see in Dublin City. Along with the construction of 54 new units of accommodation in the area, the board looks to regenerate the social and cultural aspects of the community. There have been several programmes made available for the locals to engage themselves in. The board has also stood by its residents through the Covid-19 pandemic, providing essential resources like hygiene packs and shopping assistance. They have also organised Zoom bingo nights and outdoor exercise sessions.

The Targeted Response Youth (TRY) Trust Group, has been implemented by the board to assist disadvantaged youths. This programme reaches out to

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Deserted buildings are a signal of the gentrification as well as a blemish on the scenery of Dublin 8 Photo courtesy of Cathal Luddy

children, teens and young adults with the aim of self-improvement, to begin a constructive life path. I spoke to Rea Lavelle, the board coordinator of the regeneration of St. Teresa Gardens who spoke about the organisation stating, “TRY was established because this kind of targeted intervention was required for this cohort.”

Rea emphasised the importance of sports clubs for children in their teens and early adulthood, by giving them a good grounding. She also mentioned that young people in the area engage in anti-social behaviour due to “pure boredom.”

Gates that have been closed since 2007. Set to be the location of the sports pitch according to the report by Dublin City Council.

Photo courtesy of Berta Martinez

In the development, there will be multiple grassy areas, not including the pitch itself. Rea told me the need for green space in urban centres stating that “green areas, especially with trees, combat climate change, improve air quality and have a calming effect on the environment and people. This promotes better mental health.”

While they are non-profitable, open spaces play a crucial role in the community. Kids growing up in the city need to have a place where they can enjoy themselves and escape the streets of industrial Dublin. Streets full to the brim with tourists and swaying buses make for terrible play areas, giving the children who grow up in the city centre area little to no freedom.

The consensus is that this is exactly what Dublin 8 needs. Dublin 8 has seen the closure of its favourite bars and nightclubs, The Bernard Shaw and Tivoli Theatre - which in both cases are to be replaced by hotels. These projects join the excess of hotels and student accommodation which already exist in the city. This privatisation process severely harms the working class who live in Dublin and can cause them to be pushed out of the area.

Stephen Rourke, the board’s chairperson, told me the reason for the delay of the provision of a sports pitch in The Liberties was mainly due to a lack of prioritisation for sports facilities. This lack of attention to the cultural needs of the area have only contributed to its downfall. While there is huge revenue to be made investing in apartments, hotels and student accommodation, this area is renowned for its cultural standing, which these facilities are destroying.

“Small changes to plans can mean years of delays. This means that no one wins, not in a hurry, anyway.”

People Before Profit are a political party which has long been supporting this development, with Labour councillors condemning it for its inefficiency during a housing crisis.

With this development, there is hope that with the regeneration of St. Teresa Gardens, the Dublin City Council has begun a developmental trend of prioritising its people’s needs over how much money a hotel can make.

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Liberties Scheme Challenges Local Businesses Amid Redevelopment The development of Newmarket Square leaves the community divided

by SHANE BROCK

The huge redevelopment of the historic area of The Liberties, aimed at rejuvenating the local area, has been criticised for failing to protect established businesses and community spaces.

Some existing business owners in the square are crying out, stating that the redevelopment master plan has put them in troubled waters. Niall Dunne is a representative of On-The-One Studios, Headcase Marketing and Funked Up Fixies.

These three businesses occupied one of the units that are due to be demolished in the coming months. The businesses employed 13 permanent staff members and offered training and internships to students from both secondary and higher education.

The businesses were set up in the square more than 10 years ago, when three college friends began renting the premises. Niall alleged that at one point they even offered to buy the unit from the landlord, but he refused. “We suspected that he was holding out”, Niall told me.

The business owners fought hard to keep their businesses active at the site,

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Construction has begun at Newmarket Square. Photo courtesy of Cathal Luddy

“The square will become an empty, soulless vessel when the development is complete. All it does is intrude. It does nothing for the locals.”

but in recent weeks their businesses have been stripped bare. “All of our studio equipment had to be removed last week”. Niall spoke about how it took an entire week for his colleague to clear out a mountain of bike parts from the premises. According to Niall, the closure of the studio has left himself and the other the employees “bullied, extremely disappointed and forgotten about”.

Niall seemed upset when the future of Newmarket was mentioned, “the square will become an empty, soulless vessel when the development is complete. All it does is intrude. It does nothing for the locals.”

Reddy Architecture and CS Consulting group were approached to lead the redevelopment project.

Together they drafted the Newmarket Square masterplan, which is now underway.

They plan on fulfilling the Dublin City Council’s aspirations of reinventing the area as an economic, commercial and social hub.

CS Consulting has provided full civil, structural and traffic engineering services for the planning application.

On their website, they outline the plan for the area. The project will cover an

area totalling 36,725 sq.m. Buildings on three sites of the square will be demolished, and office complexes will be erected in their place. The largest of which will total 17,400 sq.m.

At the ground level of each of the sites, there will be a vast array of commercial enterprises. A micro-brewery, retail units and an indoor market area will be built. One of the sites will feature a hotel and residential apartments above a ground floor retail unit, drawing new faces to the historic square.

The redevelopment of Newmarket Square is only a small segment of the overall development planned for the Dublin 8 area. In August 2019, a ‘Docklands-style makeover’ was proposed. Numerous sites within The Liberties were targeted for redevelopment.

Other locations include Diageo’s plans to develop part of St. James’ Gate into a new urban quarter.

Developer, Harry Crosbie, is building a 185-bedroom hotel on Thomas Street, and the Player Wills site on South Circular Road is to become another urban quarter, where 1,400 apartments are to be built in the coming months.

No Need to be Quiet: Marsh’s Library Goes Online Marsh’s Library looks to the future as they push towards more online content

by CONOR ALDWELL

Library bookshelves. Photo courtesy of Phillis Berger, MD, USA

M

arsh’s Library, established in 1707 and located adjacent to St. Patrick’s Cathedral had begun to move many of their exhibitions online in the wake of further lockdown restrictions in late October 2020, told a spokesperson from the library.

With a growing emphasis for online content in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the library began to focus more on both online exhibitions and interactive content for younger audiences. They were more accustomed to the library’s previous activities such as mini-figure hunts, Easter egg hunts, and jigsaw puzzles. ‘‘The online afternoon.’’

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hunt

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With foot traffic of a maximum 8-15% of their normal figures over the summer and September periods of

that year, the library experienced a quiet reopening prior to the enforcement of Level 5 restrictions in October.

On the run-up to Halloween 2020, exhibitions such as Bram Stoker and the Haunting of Marsh’s Library had a great impact on online viewers to the library’s website. The library itself coded its own open-source software to be able to create the same mixture of content and functionality as is necessary for their exhibitions.

The library also plans to continue with the development of the website with further exhibitions and hopes to digitise many priceless manuscripts and their one-of-a-kind books. The library’s team aim to have everything available before 2022 in order to mark the 100th anniversary of the destruction of the Irish Public Record Office.

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More Than Just Work — Putting Creativity into Coworking Ireland’s only non-profit coworking space talks about collaboration

by AOIFE O’MARA

A

s the working population moves away from the idea of traditional office space and embraces the opportunity of working remotely, collaboration is becoming increasingly important. Creating an environment that encourages personal and community growth while nurturing creative and innovative minds, lie at the heart of the solution.

A coworking revolution has taken the global economy by storm, with over two million people operating in coworking spaces worldwide. Dublin is no stranger to coworking, having upwards of 114 enterprise and coworking spaces in Dublin City and County.

One such space is the Fumbally Exchange, a collaborative movement of creatives and innovators.

Nestled in the heart of The Liberties, this cluster attracts freelancers, sole traders and small enterprises from a variety of disciplines.

When first established in 2010, the concept of a coworking space was a relatively new one, especially in Ireland. As Ireland’s only non-profit coworking space, it is run by members on a collaborative basis.

The Fumbally Exchange’s belief in the power of creative businesses to bring about positive change is visible in all aspects of the space. They pride themselves in being more than just a coworking space, instead, they are a culture and a movement.

Within a year of starting, the Fumbally Exchange had 40 businesses working there, one of which being Wabi-Sabi. This furniture manufacturer is niching in specialised joinery. Patrick McKenna is the founder, lead designer and managing director of the company.

Patrick was also one of the founding members of the Dublin based coworking space.

Creating a welcoming office space whereby people from the same industry could exchange contacts and information were among the foundations for the Fumbally Exchange. By being part of a community

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The Fumbally Exchange with the plants propagated by a past member.

Photo courtesy of Kate Hogan of Bespoke-Book.ie

where collectively they had a “bit of pull within the industry.” Patrick and the other founding members found that it was great for continuing their professional development. The members become an integral part of a networking web where fellow members link them to their contacts for collaborations.

In 2014, Kate Horgan joined the Fumbally Exchange as she started her new business venture, Bespoke Books. As a maker of bespoke books, Kate helps people make books with pictures in them, usually for private circulation or personal projects. Attracted by the warm, organised and welcoming atmosphere of the coworking space, Kate believed it to be a suitable place to set up her business.

“The guiding thread of being here is that it’s a community, it’s not just somewhere you have a desk,” she said.

The collaborative spirit of the organisation is evident here, with members often working with one another to complete projects or tasks. Offering advice is commonplace due to the diverse range of businesses utilising the space. From legal advice to dealing with website issues, software and design, the quality of

Kate Horgan of Bespoke-Book.ie with a rough draft of a double-page spread.

Photo courtesy of Kate Horgan

expertise and resources available are incredible.

This plays into the idea that the Fumbally Exchange look for members “who are willing to give something back.”

For many people, working from home entails a lack of productivity and increased distraction. The Fumbally Exchange is very helpful for members as a space dedicated to work where one can be productive.

Kate said, “I would say you get all the benefits of an office without the bad parts. In other words, there’s no hierarchy, there’s no office politics. You can come and go as you want, but you can talk to people.”

there is a “sort of randomness to who comes into the Fumbally Exchange.” This blend allows for greater diversity within the space, creating a dynamic spark where members can become aware of each other’s attributes and qualities. The variety adds to the already healthy coworking environment.

The space is special in that the members have the opportunity to add to the uniqueness of it. Wabi-Sabi was one of the businesses that contributed to the design and layout of the space. However, in the years since, members have continued to have an input in the look and feel of the Fumbally Exchange. One such member was a huge plant-lover, she used this passion for propagating “It [the Fumbally and growing plants, Exchange] has all the adding her personality right ingredients for me. “It’s a community, it’s not just to the space. Now there Life is more important are over 120 plants than just sitting at a desk somewhere you have a desk” scattered about which and plugging away at each member takes turns in looking after. your work — it’s about the in-between,” says Patrick.

Although a place committed to promoting creativity and innovation, the Fumbally Exchange is a “fun little workspace.” Members are encouraged to utilise the ping pong table to take a break from work and have a choice of multiple social groups to take part in.

These include a book club, coffee morning group, productivity group and poker group.

“The more you interact with the people in the Fumbally Exchange, the more you kind of get out of it yourself,” said Patrick.

While there are distinct industries which utilise the coworking space, like design, creative and business

“I can take responsibility in part for the look and feel of it [the Fumbally Exchange]. From the perspective of the furniture and the layout, but then somebody else comes along, and they add their bit. This adds another layer of amazing design and quirkiness to the place,” Patrick said.

The collegiality of the Fumbally Exchange oozes from everything they do. Summed up perfectly by President Michael D. Higgins at the official launch of the Fumbally Exchange HQ in 2014, “the heart of the concept of the Fumbally is the desire for the pooling of the imagination and a sense of collaboration and generosity.”

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Cracking the Code at Tog Hackerspace Tog is at the heart of Dublin’s creative scene TOG’s technological logo

by CONOR PIERCE

T

he Tog Hackerspace is a comfortable technological haven for the creative minds of Dublin. Situated at 22 Blackpitts, Tog is a member-funded shared space, with 24-hour access for members. The Hackerspace provides a physical medium for an otherwise virtual community, allowing members to take inspiration from one another and collaborate to create their projects.

They use professional equipment, such as 3D printers, which are often donated or paid for by members and their membership fees. Non-members are allowed to visit the space and take part in the regular free events hosted by the diverse and accepting community, including events such as the bi-weekly coding nights and craft nights.

The 550sq.m location holds several different crafting areas and a wide variety of essential equipment for the creation of projects, equipped with a classroom, an electronics lab, brewing area, server rack and 3D printers, to name but a few.

The communal aspect of the space encourages collaboration, and the different types of creatives who attend can help troubleshoot various issues, and cause unexpected inspiration.

I recently attended one of the coding nights, and despite my complete lack of experience, I was supplied with a large repository and a few ideas to get me started on a beginner project,

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making a text-based adventure game.

I reached out to Jeffrey Roe, CEO of Tog and a member of the Dublin Maker team, who spoke of the intrinsic relationship between the space’s community and creative events in Dublin.

“The objects of the organisation are the promotion of innovation in science, technology, modern culture and creative arts. We can’t do this on our own in our space, so we take part in lots of events outside of our space and partner with different organisations to do science outreach classes and workshops.”

“The community is the most important aspect of Tog.” The Dublin Maker event is the most significant event that Tog takes part in, which typically draws 10,000 visitors to Merrion Square over the day. They also participate in other science-based events, such as Coolest Projects, Dublin Science Week and even the St.Patrick’s Day festival.

When asked about the community that Tog has fostered, Mr Roe said, “I feel the community is the most important

aspect of Tog. It’s what keeps our members around for years. We are a hive of talented and interesting people who are open to learning and sharing skills.”

Tog’s community knowledge is expansive, covering a wide variety of topics from lockpicking to robotics, and the members that take part in the community events are a wealth of information. While taking part in the coding evening and reading through some of the space’s previous achievements, I found that there’s always something new to learn.

Tog provides more than just a workspace and equipment; it provides a valuable social outlet for like-minded people to exchange skills and learn from one another.

Physical meeting places are rare for virtual communities, and Tog’s flourishing shows the value of the space to its members and all it represents.

To find out more, visit TOG’s website at www.tog.ie

Online Educational Learning in the Wake of a Pandemic Colleges around Ireland face some new learning environments as lockdown continues

by CONOR ALDWELL

Studying wherever you can at home. Photo courtesy of Sarah Navan

A

s the world faced the turmoil of a widespread pandemic last year, society had a big decision to make: how best to provide third level education while keeping everyone safe in these troubling times.

Dublin City University (DCU) and the National University of Ireland Galway moved towards a hybrid learning system at the beginning of the year, with many alterations depending on how the college saw fit.

“In March 2020, we responded to a sudden decision, by the then government, to go into our first lockdown.

All other colleges, universities and higher education institutions were in the same position.

Griffith College was as prepared as we could be, as we had been discussing it and planning for it over a number of preceding weeks, as well as monitoring the international developments, in Asia, and closer to home in the near east,” a Griffith College spokesperson began.

“Hybrid is challenging, as it combines both in-class learners and learners joining remotely, and both live. Up until this year, we had very clearly delineated modes of education:Full time, Part time, or blended (which is a sequence of online and physical attendance, but very consciously structured in that way)”, a Griffith College spokesperson outlined.

“I think learners and staff adapted incredibly well to the emergency move to fully online. It was a steep learning curve for some - and those coming to the college for the first time. The whole culture of campus life is so important to the overall learning experience, and friendships we have.”

Many third level institutions such as Griffith College, Trinity College (TCD),

In NUI Galway, some academics are providing podcasts of lectures. While others are recording lectures to be shared on other platforms. Some ask students to watch a lecture ahead of interactive Q&As, and others are setting weekly tasks like quizzes to support students in building knowledge and sharing views.

Some institutions, such as TCD and NUI Galway have deemed some of their courses to have essential elements, especially those of the sciences,

as a spokesperson for NUI Galway explained: “Some of our University activity and education is designated as essential, insofar as on-site presence is required.

These include scientific research and development, as well as lab-based and practical tuition. These are continuing under the Level 5 measures and in line with public health advice.”

While a spokesperson for TCD outlined their approach to essential in college work: “In health sciences, regular lab and clinical work is essential and has continued. However, under Level 5 restrictions, many other classes that can be delivered online are being delivered online. Additional spaces have been created for safe and socially distanced student use on campus - Online Class Spaces and Student Breakout Spaces.”

Colleges have implemented a range of safety measures to protect students and staff. Such measures include hand sanitisers; both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and limiting numbers in lecture rooms and elevators.

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Online Studying during lockdown. Photo courtesy of Sarah Navan

Colleges have implemented social distancing limits for those attending in class with a strict adherence to the upkeep of mask-wearing on campus.

The cleaning of any surfaces that people may have come into contact with is enforced.

However, this differs depending on the college: Griffith College uses disinfectant wipes in lecture rooms for desks and seats before and after a lecture, while TCD specify that they use water and detergent rather than any use of a disinfectant. Trinity also applies a waterproof covering to their computer keyboards to facilitate the cleaning before and after use.

NUI Galway put a 24/7 dedicated Crisis Text Line in place which is run by the University on a free and confidential basis. Replies are made within 5 minutes, day or night, with highly trained support volunteers able to help find local supports and services.

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DCU has launched the “DCU Covid-19 Emergency Fund” in response to the challenges and financial hardship facing students due to the Covid-19 global pandemic.

This fund was established by DCU Educational Trust, the University’s registered charity, to enable DCU to support its students. The fund provides technology to students so that they can pursue their online learning.

In some cases, it also provides emergency once-off payments to students with serious financial difficulties. The emergency fund maintains access scholarships for over 1,100 students. Depending on the lockdown restrictions in the coming weeks or months, there is a general preference from the institutions themselves to move back towards inclass lectures, which will be up for debate as the pandemic continues.

When the academic year commenced,

students and lecturers had to adjust to the steep learning curve. The majority of which have adapted well to these new conditions, especially as the need for hybrid or online learning systems were necessary at an extremely late stage.

Whether this learning environment situation continues into the future is yet to be seen or announced. This last twelve months have been like no other, indicated by the signs of co-operation and advancement into the use and need for technology in our society and the adaptability that we need to overcome when necessary.

The support that both lecturers and students have given to one another, along with the assistance from institutions is monumental. With many of us locked indoors, staring at screens and studying across the world, there is a wealth of support available in this time of need.

Na Gael Aeracha Challenging GAA Prejudices An interview with the secretary and co-founder of Na Gael Aeracha (The Rainbow Gaels), Caoimhe Baxter

by CONOR BIGGINS So Caoimhe, for the people in the back, what is Na Gael Aeracha exactly?

“Na Gael Aeracha is going to be Ireland’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive GAA team. There are a lot of sports teams in Ireland and the world that are LGBTQ+ inclusive, but so far, we are the first GAA team that is going to be registered with the explicit ideas of inclusion from the outset.”

How did Na Gael Aeracha come to be formed? Was there a demand for this club?

“So, at the minute, we are the founding committee because we’re still waiting to be officially registered and the idea came to Luke (the P.R.O.) and Carl (the chairperson), two of our founding committee members. They are two gay men who were talking about how much they loved the GAA and playing the sport but felt pushed out of it due to bullying.”

Who is the club for? Is it open to everyone?

“This club is open to absolutely everyone. Already on our committee, we have gay men, gay women, we have straight men, straight women, and we have transgender people. But we are explicitly against any bullying, homophobia or transphobia. Also, one of our distinct features is that you don’t need to have played the sport ever in your life, so it’s going to be a really interesting mix of levels.”

I’ve noticed a lot of discourse in the comment sections of Na Gael

Aeracha’s social media pages. How have you been feeling seeing this?

“Well, from the outset, when the idea began to form, we all knew what we were getting into. The GAA is historically very traditional, so any change is going to cause a bit of hubbub. The fact that in 2020, we are still receiving comments that are homophobic, that are transphobic, means that there’s still a lot more work to do and there really is a need for us.

Hopefully, this, along with the GAA’s new stance of inclusion, will lead to more education and more tolerance.”

On the flip side, you’ve received an outpouring of love and support.

“Yes! We’ve gotten so much support.

We’ve had people reach out to us from all over Ireland, county players, high-profile sports stars and some celebrities along with countless news stations and radio stations all reaching out in support and wanting to help us. I’m very positive about the future because there’s clearly a big want for us and what we’re doing.”

What’s the story with the kit?

“We have a stunning kit that is being made lovingly by McKeever’s Sport, using some of our designs. Our jerseys are going to be black and pink with the inclusive pride flag emblazoned on the back of them.”

When do you hope to be up and running?

“All going well, we’re hoping to be up and running with teams out on the pitch by early 2021. At the minute, we’re still

Caoimhe Baxter: Secretary and co-founder of Na Gaeil Aeracha.

Photo courtesy of Conor Biggins

in talks with the GAA about officially registering. Due to Covid-19 and all the government guidelines, gameplay has been suspended, apart from the elite athletes, so that gives up a bit of time to get the registration process going, meaning no one’s really missing out on gameplay. “

So, what grounds are you looking at for your home pitch?

“Right now, we’re still in talks with a couple of different places. We’re hoping to make our home grounds very central in Dublin, so it’s easy for everyone to get to, be it public transport.”

You can follow Na Gael Aeracha to keep up to date on the latest news, events and updates on their Instagram: @rainbowgaels and Twitter: @GaelsRainbow. To register to the club, send an email to dublinlgbtqgaa@gmail. com with the subject: Registration.

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A Growing Voice In Dublin AMAL Women’s Association and their fight for the Muslim community and its women

by FLORE LAURENT

I

n the past few years, the Muslim community in Ireland has expanded in numbers, mostly because of favourable Irish immigration policies. According to the Central Statistics Office, of the 63,443 members of the Muslim community, 50% live in Dublin.

Dublin 8 is an incredibly welcoming area for the Muslim community, mainly due to the Dublin Mosque’s presence on South Circular Road, allowing for a significant amount of cultural diversity in the neighbourhood.

However, with this amount of diversity comes a great amount of discrimination, specifically towards Muslim women. According to a 2016 report published by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, most Muslims living in Dublin have experienced verbal abuse, such as being called racist names or having anti-Muslim slurs said towards them.

Many physical attacks have also been reported, specifically towards women.

As the hijab is a visible indicator of those of the Islamic faith, many women have reported having them snatched from their head, often in public areas.

The report says that “Muslim women are twice as likely to experience antiMuslim hostility compared to Muslim men.”

In 2013, the AMAL Women’s Association, based on South Circular Road near the

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AMAL Women’s Association’s Youth camp. Photo courtesy of AMAL Women Association

Dublin Mosque, was created by Hanan Amer, an Egyptian woman who saw the growing need for support among women in her community.

The association has since remained led

by Muslim women. The association’s mission statement is “to advance the human rights, health, safety, participation, and dignity of Muslim and non-Muslim women in Ireland”.

The association provides many services and leads various projects, working mostly with three different social groups: the youth, women and immigrants. They provide support, such as dealing with administrative issues or mental health, and they help create a safer and more welcoming environment for any individual who needs it.

When sitting down with Basma Hassan, the AMAL Women’s Association’s project coordinator since the beginning of 2020, we discussed why associations like AMAL are so important in cities like Dublin, where the immigration rate is relatively high.

Muslim women and immigrants face many barriers when accessing mainstream services like housing, social welfare, school support or mental health services. The association also helps build women’s confidence and increase their capacity to participate fully in society.

Language barriers are among the issues that can, sometimes, make it quite difficult for them. Building their confidence also means helping them socialise outside of their own households.

AMAL International Women’s Day event with Sabrina Higgins at the South Circular Road Mosque, Dublin.

Photo courtesy of AMAL Women’s Association

Christmas holidays, usually for two days, with day trips and activities.

One of their most recent initiatives, the Yellow Sticker initiative, which was inspired by a similar project in Scotland, started in 2019 in collaboration with Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána.

The idea is that shops and cafes may put a yellow sticker on their front window, indicating that this is a safe area where anyone can go and ask for help with anything, from medical emergencies to shelter from an attack.

This initiative started in response to a growing amount of attacks on Muslim

“These women need friends here, and through this association, they can meet other women.

We help women get integrated into society.”

The AMAL Women’s Association has also created many projects and events over the years, like their yearly International Women’s Day event. In 2018 this event was attended by the First Lady, Sabrina Higgins. Another project is the distribution of Ramadan packs funded through donations and sent to emergency and refugee centres all over Dublin.

They also organise camps for young girls in the summer and during the

women; however, it is inclusive to anyone.

The Covid-19 crisis is a difficult time for the population, but for women of the Muslim community, not working or going out as often is especially hard. The loss of income, increase in domestic violence cases, and the increasing dependency on the internet and technology, which many people in the community do not have access to, is a barrier.

This creates an increase in the feeling of isolation and makes it almost impossible to ask for help, especially in terms of mental health or domestic violence. Many Muslim women now feel more isolated than ever. “In other times,” says Basma, “they just pop into the Mosque and have a chat with other ladies. To have communications [outside of their household] can be enough for them, but now they are completely isolated.”

The association continues to operate remotely and keeps its helplines open because these women’s mental health, and sometimes their safety, may be at risk.

As of the association’s project for the future, it seems that everything has been slowed down because of the Covid-19 crisis. At the moment, their main priority is to help women in their community to get back on their feet, and to find more volunteers to help.

AMAL is also looking to expand their project outside of Dublin, and offer support to Muslim women all over Ireland.

If you are looking to volunteer for the AMAL women’s association, you can find more information on their website: www.amalwomenirl.com AMAL’s helpline: 089 612 2893

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Vista from the grounds of the Kilmainham Royal Hospital Photo Courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

More Than A Football Club St. Pats gives back to the community as Richmond Park becomes a charitable hub

by DAVID O’NEILL

I

f this turbulent year has shown us anything about the world of sports, it is that football is nothing without the fans. All clubs love their fans, but not all clubs give love back. That is not the case for St. Patrick’s Athletic, a football club in Inchicore, Dublin 8, who have shown the importance of taking care of the community through the uncertain times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The previously loud and atmospheric Richmond Park has been transformed into a storage centre full of donated non-perishable food for families-inneed in the area, with over 1000 food parcels delivered in the months April to June alone.

Football can be a source of collected happiness, and with the pandemic bringing the sport to a halt, St. Pat’s have continued to show their support to its local area during these challenging times, even when facing their own financial difficulties.

Speaking about the sense of community they foster, the club’s director of football, Ger O’Brien, spoke to the Irish Times about the community, admitting that football is not the biggest problem, but he is missing seeing the fans. He also expressed how football clubs are special in communities like

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this. In the early days of the pandemic, the club’s community officer, David Morrissey, approached the board and owner of St. Patrick’s Athletic, Garrett Kelleher, about using Richmond Park as a community hub.

David realised the work they were doing was not going to end all the world’s problems, but understood how much these little things mean to people who are struggling as it helps them get through the week.

After the opening of the food bank at the stadium, the club was approached

by Frontline Make Change and Dublin South City Partnership in order to collaborate to provide food supplies for the local area.

Dublin South City Partnership distributes around 190 food parcels a week - their packages include: tinned food, cereal, pasta and everyday essential items. These deliveries also serve as a way to check in on the community.

The Partnership’s volunteers carry out the deliveries, but that hasn’t stopped Pat’s fans from lending a hand or two.

This isn’t the first time St. Patrick’s football club has worked with organisations to provide help to their local community - they continue to do great work with Kilmainham Inchicore Network.

Speaking about the scheme in a press release, David Morrissey said that the club had been in “constant communication with other community groups” to understand as a football club how they can help the people of Inchicore to the best of their abilities.

“Our local area means everything to us; the club’s very foundation and its growth could not have happened without the unwavering support of the people living in Inchicore.

When Frontline approached the club, it became clear that the provision of food parcels locally was necessary.

David called it “a no-brainer” to start doing business with the Inchicore based organisation.

We are committed to ensuring that the football club is a positive force for the local area – contributing far more than just a live football game every second week. We want people to identify with St Pat’s and to consider us as a club that cares about the area in which they grow up in.”

The famous mural outside Richmond Park. Photo courtesy of David O’Neill

It’s not only St. Patrick’s current members that are giving back to the community, but club legend Conan Byrne is also doing his bit to help people out during the pandemic.

Conan joined the club in 2013 with two simple goals, playing football and giving back to the fans, and he’s certainly accomplished both.

Having spent six years at the club, he won the league in his first season and the FAI Cup the following year. “That kind of love in terms of the fans for me and my love for them only evolved over the six years I was there.”

He walked into St. Pat’s just wanting to play football. Six years later, in his final game against Derry, he left to a standing ovation and his name cemented as a Pat’s legend.

The walk back to the dressing room was both the longest and shortest walk he’s had, because he was trying to hold back all the emotions, but also, he just wanted to get out of there because he was so overwhelmed. “It was an absolutely amazing six years, and I’ll never forget them.”

The pandemic hasn’t stopped Conan from helping out people in need. His 42-kilometre marathon walk back in March raised €14, 920 for the Irish Cancer Society with a further €1,560 being raised afterwards through an auction of the jerseys he wore on the walk.

“It’s nice to give back, and if I can, I will.”

Conan’s latest work has been ItsGoodToTalkLOI, where he has teamed up with over 200 current and past League of Ireland players and managers to spend time talking to people who are feeling lonely. So far, he has helped over 100 people and hopefully plenty more in the future.

This idea came about from him watching former GAA player, David Brady, explaining how he was talking to people isolating in Mayo. He sent a message to all his contacts, and within minutes, his phone was blowing up with people wanting to get involved.

“If there’s something good you want to do just do it” , that’s what Conan

goes by, “I don’t think about things, and that’s probably a good thing if I started thinking about them, I probably wouldn’t do them. If something comes into your head, just do it.”

Conan decided to share these calls to show how much a simple phone call can mean to a person and to get more people involved if they know somebody who would love to speak to these players or managers.

“To see some of the conversations that took place and the interactions between the players and the supporters was really good. Conan has plans for another fundraiser in the future, but he’s not giving any information away for now.”

From a young age, he learnt how important it is to give back, “I like trying to help people and see people smile.

It’s nice to give back, and if I can, I will and if I can’t well, that’s it.”

In times like these, there’s nothing more important than looking after the ones we care about the most, so as they say at St. Pat’s, “Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chéile.”

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No Holidays? No Problem Some of Dublin’s most beautiful churches are right here in Dublin 8

by RACHEL DIGNAM

Christchurch Cathedral Also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, it is arguably the most iconic church in Ireland. The original timber church on the site was founded in 1030 by the Bishop of Dublin and Sitriuc, the Norse King of Dublin. The crypt underneath the building dates back to 1188 and is the largest cathedral crypt in Ireland and Britain. The oldest bells still in use here date from 1738.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Dignam

St. Patrick’s Cathedral This church was founded in 1191 and was built in the Gothic style. It is extremely unusual for one city to have two cathedrals, therefore in 1300 Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral had to sign an agreement called Pacis Composito.

The original church tower was blown down in a storm, and the building was also damaged by fire. The new tower now stands at 147 feet tall. This cathedral is famous for its choir school, founded in 1432, making it the oldest school in Ireland.

Photo courtesy of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

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John’s Lane Church This church was built in 1874 on the site of St. John’s Hospital. It is served by the Augustinian Order who are still serving this church today.

Aelred the Palmer, a Norman, living in Dublin, who was grateful to God for his safe passage to Jerusalem and back, created this monastery of Crossed Friars under the Rule of St. Augustine.

The steeple is the highest in the city, standing at over 200 feet.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Dignam

Photo courtesy of Rachel Dignam

St. Audoen’s Church This parish is in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. The church was built in 1841 to the neoclassical design.

It is now home to the Polish chaplaincy in Ireland. The church has experienced a resurgence of attendance due to the influx of Polish immigrants who regularly celebrate mass in their native language.

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Irish Museum of Modern Art Battles Against Isolation of the Elderly IMMA expands programme for older people to combat social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic

by CHLOE NADALIN

Armchair Azure zoom session, participants explore an artwork Photos courtesy of IMMA

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atherine Martin T.D., Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, announced the launch of a new partnership between the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and Creative Ireland in September. This partnership aims at expanding the museum’s programme for older people to combat the social isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This new partnership seeks to address some of the challenges around cocooning and social distancing by extending IMMA’s Art and Ageing programme beyond the walls of the gallery. They have enabled access to a series of resources and programmes through the museum’s website and collaborations with nursing home activity coordinators.

Commenting on the need for creative activity for older people, Minister Catherine Martin T.D. said: “The effect of the pandemic on our older citizens has been devastating. Programmes such as this are urgently required to counteract the social side effects of Covid-19. It is heartening that organisations such as IMMA can respond with such energy and sensitivity to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.”

The programme offers a range of free, inclusive art-based activities and a variety of creative

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events, workshops, and resources. The material can be accessed either through the IMMA’s partners, the museum website, or the post, and include reproductions of selected artworks and a series of conversational prompts to give participants a framework to explore the artworks.

With IMMA’s galleries closed to the public, the museum has moved much of its usual programmes online. The Azure programme, for instance, which aims to make art museums around Ireland more dementia-friendly, will now be delivered via Zoom by trained facilitators. Kevin, a participant in the programme, spoke fondly of the experience, stating: “[It] was something different, something totally new - I can’t believe an hour has passed!”

Bairbre Ann Harkin, a curator of the Art and Ageing programme, spoke about how this funding presents IMMA with an opportunity to extend their existing Art and Ageing programme and reimagine ways to reach their audience during this difficult time.

“By developing a range of options, we are confident that older people will be able to access stimulating, enjoyable experiences connecting them with IMMA and its collection, with our staff and with other artlovers and burgeoning enthusiasts.”

Meet Anna Livia, the Statue Who Loves to Bathe The Floozy in the Jacuzzi makes it into the spotlight once again

by MATEUS CAUS

The Anna Livia Statue. Photo courtesy of Shane Brock

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nna Livia Plurabelle, also known as the ‘Floozy in the Jacuzzi’ or in short, just Anna Livia, is a monument located in the Croppies Memorial Park.

Originally located on O’Connell street, the Anna Livia monument was designed by the sculptor Éamonn O’Doherty and named after a character in James Joyce’s Finnegan’s Wake novel.

In James Joyce’s novel, Anna Livia represents the eternal and universal women, however, the monument in Dublin represents the personification of the River Liffey.

The Anna Livia monument was first revealed to the public on 17th of June,

1988, securing her position under a fountain in the centre of O’Connell street. The monument’s inaugural event caused quite a commotion with the people of Dublin, anti-extradition protesters decided to cause quite a fuss during its reveal event, but were quickly stopped by the Gardaí.

Anna Livia became the centre piece of O’Connell street over the years, until she was removed back in 2001 to allow for the renewal of the area.

The monument was kept in storage for over ten years until it was placed at the Croppies Memorial Park, where it stands to this day.

“In the novel, Anna Livia represents the eternal and universal women, however, Dublin’s monument represents the personification of the River Liffey.”

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“Their Name Liveth For Evermore” A look at the history behind the Irish National War Memorial Gardens and the story behind its construction

by AARON MURPHY

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fficially opened in 1980, the Irish National War Memorial Gardens have a long and politically complicated history. Situated in Islandbridge, the memorial stands in recognition of the 49,435 Irish soldiers that gave their lives serving the British Army in the First World War. Britain declared war on Germany on the 4th of August 1914. The Great War, as it has come to be known, raged on until the 11th of November 1918. Twenty million people lost their lives in the conflict, more than half of them being civilians.

“The Irish attitude towards the First World War was a complicated one,” says historian, Rúairí Murphy, “the principal goal of Irish nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was to achieve Home Rule. The Irish Parliamentary Party, led by John Redmond from 1900, had campaigned for the establishment of a parliament in Dublin since its inception.”

In 1914 the Third Home Rule Bill was passed by way of the Parliament Act, 1911, allowing for a greater degree of Irish independence from Britain. The start of World War I derailed this plan.

On the 18th of November 1914, the British Government signed the Suspensory Act. This Act had the effect of postponing Home Rule in Ireland until the war was over. At the time, many believed the war would be a short one.

John Redmond called on Irish men to join the Irish regiments of the British Army,

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having the opinion that a quick victory would lead to the implementation of Home Rule. In total, 210,000 Irish men volunteered.

Following the 1916 Easter Rising and the execution of most of its leadership, the Irish attitude towards Britain and the introduction of Home Rule drastically changed. The Irish people now demanded complete independence from Britain. The Irish Parliamentary Party lost 78 of its 84 seats in Westminster, seeing themselves replaced by the more radical and nationalist Sinn Féin.

“The Irish soldiers returning from the war found themselves shunned and looked down upon as traitors. You had to keep it quiet if you had served, a lot of people would have questioned why you went. Was the King’s shilling worth betraying your country? It wouldn’t have been a nice environment to come back to whatsoever.”

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, an accomplished English architect and memorialist, work began in Islandbridge for the War Memorial in 1931. The National War Memorial Committee divided the workforce, with 50% of employees being ex British Army soldiers. In comparison, the other 50% were ex Irish Army.

The workers used manual tools to maximise the numbers employed.

In 1919 the National War Memorial Committee was founded by over 100 men. By 1931, they had raised roughly €50,000 towards the memorial through public donations.

“War Sonnett II: Safety”

by Rupert Brooke Dear! of all happy in the hour, most blest He who has found our hid security, Assured in the dark tides of the world that rest, And heard our word, ‘Who is so safe as we?’

We have found safety with all things undying, The winds, and morning, tears of men and mirth, The deep night, and birds singing, and clouds flying, And sleep, and freedom, and the autumnal earth.

We have built a house that is not for Time’s throwing.

We have gained a peace unshaken by pain for ever.

War knows no power. Safe shall be my going, Secretly armed against all death’s endeavour; Safe though all safety’s lost; safe where men fall; And if these poor limbs die, safest of all.

The Sunken Rose Garden. Photo courtesy of Osion (Public Domain)

“By 1932 there was very little support from the Irish Government towards memorialisation. De Valera and Fianna Fáil came into power in 1932, and from then on you begin to see the state distancing itself from remembering these soldiers.”

“The gardens started to fall into disrepair.”

From 1933 the Government no longer took part in Armistice Day. At home and abroad, only Unionists came together to remember the fallen soldiers. In Ireland, restrictions began to come into place around the selling of poppies and the flying of Union Jacks.

By the late 1930s, the Memorial Committee wished to use the gardens for Armistice Day celebrations. The Government denied the committee’s request for the use of the gardens in 1937. They then decided that the summer of 1939 would see the formal opening of the gardens.

“It had been advertised that they would open the gardens, but then all the signs of Britain going to war again with Germany started rearing their heads, and the opening was scrapped.

The Government would have worried that if there was announced conscription to the British Army for the North that the memorial could become a target.”

From 1940 onwards, though the committee had not formally opened the gardens, they were used for Armistice Day celebrations, without government intervention. In 1949, the committee suffered another blow when the Office of Public Works made demands such as the requirements of gates, seats, and fencing. The Dublin Drainage Scheme also substantially delayed plans.

Celebrations still took place in the gardens, however, until 1969.

“The gardens started to fall into disrepair in the sixties, without the Armistice Day people didn’t go as much. Then you see the original committee members start to die and not get replaced.

The gardens were in a bad way for nearly 20 years; you had a lot of damage, vandalism, graffiti etc. And then, of course, you have fewer people working on it to look after the place, money was tighter back then, it wasn’t as easy to get the staff needed. It’s a big job looking after a garden like that.”

In 1985 the Memorial Committee reconvened and began to plan repairs and refurbishments for the gardens. Over the next three years, the committee carried out several projects, the most prominent of them being the inscription on the remembrance stone, “Their Name Liveth For Evermore.”

The committee carried out extensive work on providing convenient access to the site, particularly with the construction of a nearby carpark.

The gardens were formally opened to the public on the 10th of September 1988. The event was attended by ambassadors and religious leaders from all around the world. No representative of the Irish Government participated in the event.

“There had been fears of attacks from the IRA, but on the day, the only problems were a few people outside shouting,” added Murphy.

Today the Irish National War Memorial Gardens are still in the immaculate condition that they were in when they were first formally opened. The committee is still active with plans for a bridge between the garden and the Phoenix Park in the works. It is a hidden gem and free for all to access.

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A Godsend for the Community The Little Flower has been serving The Liberties for over 100 years

by SHANE BROCK

The Liberties’ Little Flower. Photo courtesy of Shane Brock

T

he Little Flower is a well-known charitable organisation on Meath Street, Dublin 8. Established in 1912, its goal was to combat the rampant poverty and hunger amongst the impoverished Irish population. Since its foundation, The Little Flower’s central tenet was to combat the stigma surrounding accepting food from a charity.

As a principle, they were asked to give a small donation of a single penny; if the small fee could not be donated, they were not turned away. They still maintain this policy to this very day.

Throughout its 108 year history, The

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Little Flower has persevered through thick and thin.

Flower dear to his heart, as he married into a family from The Liberties.

They survived the 1970s and 2008 financial crises and continued to serve the community with their heads held high. Today, they face their biggest challenge yet; the Covid-19 pandemic, and all the ramifications it has brought along with it. I met with Ray Juthan, the head chef and operational manager of The Little Flower.

It is especially important to him as Ray’s mother-in-law was fed at The Little Flower during times of misfortune in her past. The Little Flower’s services were massively overhauled between 2004 and 2005. During this time the 100-year-old building had its foundations renovated.

Having previously worked as the head chef of Croke Park, he offers a lifetime of experience in the hotel and hospitality sector. He holds The Little

The kitchen was upgraded from a domestic kitchen to a state-of-theart industrial kitchen. From here, they prepare and serve meals to the elderly, families, and the homeless. Their

historic senior dining room has recently been closed to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.

Adapting to the changing circumstances, they began to provide services at their door for the homeless and those in need. Every day, they provide hot soup and a hamper of essentials for a small fee. Regardless of whether they can afford to pay, everyone is welcome to use this service.

as Argentinian beef cuts, duck, fish and racks of lamb. The Little Flower promotes an all-round, more varied and diverse diet, with chicken curry or fish offered every Friday.

They cater to all specific dietary needs; with coeliac, vegetarian and vegan options available to those who request them. Additionally, they’ve also adapted Dublin 8’s multiculturalism

especially younger people. However, they estimate that only 35% of The Little Flower’s services are used by the homeless.

The majority who utilise the services are the elderly and families who find it hard to make ends meet. However, in recent months there have been increasing numbers of children getting breakfast there before school.

They also have a clothes bank, where the community gives donations. These are then redistributed to the homeless, and those in need can request clothes at any time.

Essentials like socks, gloves and rain jackets are available on demand. A laundromat service is open to anyone who needs it, ensuring that anyone in the community can have their clothes cleaned and dried cheaply.

Ray Juthan, HeadChef of The Little Flower. Photo courtesy of Shane Brock

Only a small amount of The Little Flower’s funding comes from the government, the majority of their funds are raised from individual donations within the larger community. None of their food services would be possible without the partnership of local suppliers and larger social enterprises, like FoodCloud.

into their menu. With many Eastern European and Muslim people using the service, The Little Flower ensures that their dietary preferences and religious needs are met.

FoodCloud gathers large volumes of surplus food stock from across the food industry, before redistributing it to their network of charities and community groups across the country.

Halal meat is provided by Kepak, one of the biggest Irish beef exporters, who process halal meat in their state-ofthe-art plant in Clonee in North Dublin.

Meat processing plants are steadily adapting to the higher demand for halal meat in Ireland, many of which have even changed exclusively to halal processing.

Relying on these partnerships means The Little Flower utilises the food they receive and adapts their menu accordingly. Keeping up to date with all modern cooking techniques, they treat their customers with exciting new recipes.

The Little Flower has seen a much higher demand for their services recently, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The demand for their services is even greater now than during the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent recession.

They’re supplied with various types of meat cuts from the local butchers, such

Ray noticed an increase in the number of homeless people using the service,

The Little Flower’s food rescue service is an essential asset to the community. They put together hampers of essentials like bread, teabags, milk, cereals, butter, and eggs and deliver it to those in the community who are most in need.

The demand for this service has drastically increased in recent months due to elderly care centres in the area being shut down.

With The Little Flower at the heart and soul of The Liberties, this essential community hub has continued to provide for those in need for over a century.

While services like The Little Flower have recently been struggling to stay afloat, the value of community is changing rapidly in The Liberties. Ray says, “I believe the concept of The Liberties is changing, but I have hope that it won’t deter us.”

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Adapt or Die How the Fumbally Café has adapted to change

by RACHEL DIGNAM

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row of people sit outside perched on the window ledge, cuddling their coffee, basking in the slight warmth of the winter sun.

Their chatting and laughing are reminiscent of old times in a pre-Covid world. The Fumbally was once a café full of tables with mismatched chairs, crammed with people eating falafel and drinking kimchi, food whizzing out of the kitchen leaving a wake of tantalising aromas behind. Now, The Fumbally has been transformed into something different.

“You can now take a bit of Fumbally home to create something delicious yourself” Anna, who works at The Fumbally, explains how Covid-19 has affected the business.

“It completely flipped our business from being a café to a shop. We already had a Saturday market going in the Stables, and within a week, we were able to start offering produce in the café.”

Now there are tables all pushed against the walls, covered in boxes full of fruit and vegetables of every variety.

Jars of sauerkraut and bottles of olive oil line the shelves. Fresh bread lies on wooden chopping blocks, and the smell of fresh coffee lingers in the air.

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“We work with several farms that we buy produce from. Large ones like McNally’s who are very well established, to small urban farm projects like Elmhurst who are just getting started. We are proud to be offering a large selection of organic veg from Ireland and hope to be able to keep expanding. We have also set up a rotation system where our kitchen is able to use leftover produce, which reduces our waste considerably.”

This last year has also opened up new business opportunities for The Fumbally, who have begun making products as a direct response to Covid-19.

“At the start of lockdown, back in March, we worked with the Dublin Herb Bike to come up with a hand sanitiser which we have been using and selling all year long. We use apple cider vinegar made in the Stables for a winter immune booster to offer along with the ferments.”

The Fumbally has not disregarded its roots as a café, however; they still produce delicious food for takeaway twice a week, with Wednesday dinners and Friday lasagne. They continue to bake bread and sweet treats which can be bought with tea or coffee for takeaway.

“We have been very lucky with our customer base changing with us and really embracing the new Fumbally.”

The future of The Fumbally looks bright,

The stacked shelves of The Fumbally.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Dignam

and they are prepared to face the uncertainty of the future with their current business model.

“The shop has taken hold, and it now looks like this will be The Fumbally for the foreseeable future. With the uncertainty of the next few years ahead of us, it is helpful to have something that can stay open under any restrictions and can function while keeping staff and customers safe and comfortable.”

The Fumbally Cafe located on Patrick’s Street .

Photo courtesy of Rachel Dignam

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Little Bird Blends Coffee and Yoga The great story that lies behind this stunning neighbourhood café

by AUDREY NICOLE KURNIAWAN

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he stunning pastel blue walls along with the colourful outdoor chairs are what stood out most from this café located on the South Circular Road. The name ‘Little Bird’ originates from when the owner, Eileen, saw a little bird outside her window. Eileen said that “he looked happy, free and colourful, and so it became the name”.

They have a vision of empowering a “sense of community,” as well as to create a warm and friendly atmosphere for everyone.

It all started when the architect couple, Eileen and her husband, wanted to transform a neglected building into something enticing.

They thought that constructing a café would be a brilliant idea. However, it was too big, so when a friend of

Front view of Little Bird Café Photo courtesy of Cathal Luddy

theirs wanted to rent a yoga space, that’s when the café and yoga studio concept emerged.

The modest space that was transformed into the yoga studio was simple and elegant; it is naturally lit by day, accompanied by a long skylight and a massive window. This gives people a sense of both wellness and warmth.

Eileen said, “I would like to develop a genuinely supportive yoga community for classes, workshops, discussion groups, holidays and retreats.”

There are multiple classes available, from adult to elderly classes. Another great thing about Little Bird is that all their income that came from missed or late-cancelled classes will go directly to the Children in Crossfire charity.

Little Bird’s Yoga Studio. Photo courtesy of Carl Czanik

“The reason why I chose Children in Crossfire is that they are a small, effective charity. The vast majority of the money goes directly to charitable causes rather than admin,” she said.

This is such an amazing example of how they truly care about the community.

The café underneath has the same values about creating a space for everyone, where people can drop by, greeted with great coffee and a warm smile. The café offers an entirely vegetarian food menu for health and environmental reasons.

There are an array of food choices, from breakfast and lunch options to cakes, pastries and ice cream.

The menu changes according to the season, but due to the pandemic, it varies according to whether it’s a sit-in or takeaway order.

There has been quite the change for Little Bird regarding the yoga studio, café, staffing and procedures. The yoga studio is closed temporarily, and the classes have been carried out online via Zoom. The café is still open, outdoors and takeaways only, complying to social distancing rules.

“Create a good place, and good people will come.”

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A Story About Olive Oil, Black Bread and Mezza How Dublin 8 makes people from all over the world feel at home

by NURIA CHUDZINSKI

K

nown as one of Dublin’s most historical neighbourhoods with lots of old buildings, the history of Dublin 8 begins in the 12th century. At that time, the area was a suburb of the walled city. In the past, it was a place for traditional industries such as tanning or brewing. But besides all the powerful industries, poverty was always prevalent. Significantly, the housing conditions of the working class at that time were in part, disturbing. However, it also gave rise to the atmosphere and community that characterises the present neighbourhood.

Nowadays tourists from all over the world are coming to Dublin 8 to visit the famous churches, the Guinness Storehouse or one of the distilleries.

In recent years, the cityscape of the neighbourhood has changed significantly. New buildings are being constructed in many places in the district. This also means that many new people are moving into the community.

This quarter is becoming a popular residential area due to numerous new student residences. Each student brings a little bit of their own culture with them.

I am one of those students. Coming from Germany, I began to miss some of the food from my home country. And I am not the only one. Asking around, I realised everyone is missing something from home. Still, walking through the neighbourhood streets, you will notice that there are numerous small shops

The Fayrouz offers delicious and lovingly prepared food for everyone who wants to try the Lebanese cuisine. Photo courtesy of Fayrouz Restaurant

and restaurants offering specialities from all over the world.

If one asked me what I miss here in Ireland, I would answer grain bread and my mother’s classic home cooking.

Sitting with red cabbage in the dining room and sharing a wonderful moment with my family is what I miss most.

Luckily, I found a way to miss home a little bit less. A Polish store, To Tu, located just a few metres down the street offers many products that I can find in Germany. Within the last week, I became a regular guest there. Buying red cabbage, black bread, or to bake a Donauwelle.

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I also asked a few other international students living in Dublin 8 what they miss most about their countries. One of them is Joan from Spain.

“In my case, I miss the olive oil from my hometown. We are farmers, and all the oil we consume in my house is from my fields. I suppose that this is something attached to my culture. And I miss Pan Tumaca, something Catalan.” I also asked Basile, who comes from France. He especially misses the French pastries, like the croissant or a pain au chocolat. There are numerous shops offering specialities from both countries in the area. Dublin 8 is perfect for allowing internationals to enjoy foods from their native countries.

You will come across them if you let yourself drift through the district.

You can find food from all over the world in many shops in Dublin.

Photo courtesy of Nuria Chudzinski

I also asked Hossein, who is originally from Lebanon.

Besides the hikes through the Raouche Rocks and his family, he misses the typical Lebanese food. Usually, he goes to the mountains around Beirut to eat Mezza or Machewe, or he visits a farm to eat Baalback Sfiha. Luckily, there is a Lebanese restaurant right next to our student residence, The Fayrouz.

You can try many Lebanese specialities such as a Mezza plate here. The restaurant has also recently reorganised its ordering service so that you can try the delicious food at home.

With its low prices and tasty food, it is my absolute secret tip. There is also a Mediterranean shop on Thomas Street, which offers many spices and ingredients that are needed in a Lebanese kitchen.

The selection of different spices in the quarter is huge, enough to make a connoisseurs’ heart beat faster. Photo courtesy of Nuria Chudzinski

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The area offers the possibility to find specialities from many other countries.

For example, I was able to try Indian sweets on Diwali and thus gain further cultural insights. I am sure everyone coming to the neighbourhood to live here will share similar experiences.

This neighbourhood is offering everyone the opportunity to enjoy cultural diversity and multiculturalism.

Recipes from all over the world Now it’s your turn

by NURIA CHUDZINSKI

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n the previous article, I outlined Dublin 8’s vast cultural shopping and dining options. Now I turn to you, dear reader.

If you were inspired by my article and wish to go on a culinary journey, I have four recipes that are just right for you.

Have fun cooking!

Donauwelle cake. Photo courtesy of Nuria Chudzinski

Donauwelle (Germany) The Donauwelle is a popular cake from Germany and Austria, it takes its name from the Danube river. The wavy chocolate decoration and the mixture of black and white dough resemble the waves of the river.

Ingredients

Preparation:

Dough:

Buttercream:

250g margarine

750 ml of milk

250g sugar

150 g sugar

350g plain flour

2 packages of custard powder (vanilla)

1 sachet of baking powder

Prepare the dough by mixing all the ingredients together, except the cherries and cocoa. Spread one half on the baking sheet. The dough should only be a few millimetres high. Mix the other half with the cocoa and spread it on the light-coloured dough. Then drain the cherries and place them on the dough.

Bake at 160°C (fan oven) for about 35 minutes. Let it cool.

In the meantime, cook the pudding and let it cool down with a lid so that no skin develops. Then mix with soft butter and spread it on the cooled cake.

250 g unsalted butter Insider tip: You can also cook the pudding in the morning and let it cool down covered with a pot lid.

6 eggs 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder

Glaze: 200g dark chocolate

2 glasses of cherries (stoned)

For the glaze, melt coconut oil and the chocolate together and spread it on the cold buttercream. Then store the cake in a cool and dry place. It can take a few hours for the icing to set completely, but you can also enjoy the cake before that.

2 teaspoons coconut oil

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Pan Tumaca (Spain) The Pan Tumaca is a Catalonian snack eaten with freshly-picked tomatoes.

Ingredients Bunch of tomatoes

The Pan Tumaca is a typical Catalan dish. Photo courtesy of Nuria Chudzinski

2-3 garlic cloves

Preparation: Olive oil 1 baguette Mixed herbs

The preparation is very simple. Cut the baguette into individual slices and roast in the oven until crispy and lightly browned. In the meantime, cut the tomatoes and garlic cloves in half. Then, place the toasted bread on a tray or plate. Now all you have to do is sprinkle the slices with olive oil, rub them first with garlic and then tomatoes. Finally, spread a few herbs on the bread and enjoy.

Gratin Dauphinois (France) Inspired by Thomas Sixt, this delicious French dish requires few ingredients and is easy to prepare. The special feature: no cheese goes on this gratin.

If you want to cook a simple but delicious French dish, this gratin is just the thing!

Photo courtesy of Nuria Chudzinski

Peel the garlic and cook it along with the bay leaf and cream in a saucepan for about 5 minutes, then add nutmeg, salt, stock and pepper.

Ingredients: 750g potatoes

Salt

25 g butter

Pepper

500 ml cream

Nutmeg

1 garlic clove

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon of vegetable stock

Herbs

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Preparation:

Cut the potato into thin slices. Grease the casserole dish lightly with butter.

Spread the potatoes in a dish. Remove the bay leaf and the clove of garlic from the cream and spread over the potatoes. Place the gratin in the oven at 175°C and let it cook for at least 50 minutes.

Sfiha (Lebanon) Shifa are small dumplings from Lebanon. You can go vegetarian or use minced meat, making them a delight for everyone who loves Arabic cuisine.

You can eat them as a starter, a snack or as a main course.

The Lebanese dish sfiha stands out because of the numerous spices used.

Photo courtesy of Nuria Chudzinski

Ingredients: Dough: 1 cup warm water 1 packet dry yeast 3 cups flour 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation: First, prepare the dough. Mix the yeast with the water in a glass. Then, in a large bowl, fill the water with yeast and carefully add flour and olive oil. Mix the ingredients and add salt.

1 teaspoon of salt Topping: Olive oil 250g minced meat or a vegetarian alternative 1 red pepper 1 small onion 2 garlic cloves 2 tablespoons tomato paste Harissa Salt & Pepper

Then, form the ingredients into a dough. When all the ingredients are well mixed, take the dough out of the bowl and knead it for about 4-7 minutes on a floured surface. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and leave it to rest in a warm place for at least 75 minutes.

For the topping, fry the onion, garlic, and paprika in a pan with a little oil. Add the minced meat and let it cook until it is slightly cooked through on all sides. Add tomato paste and season everything with harissa, salt, and pepper.

After the dough has settled, take it out of the bowl and knead it briefly on a floured surface.

Then divide into 8 - 10 portions, and roll out thinly.

Place the flat cakes on a baking tray and spread the topping. Bake them in the oven at about 230°C for 10-15 minutes.

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A self portrait by Rachel Dignam @racheldignam_makeup

The Rainbow Makers of Rialto Avenue An avenue in Rialto brightens up the neighbourhood

by NIMISH KC

John and Catherine with their beautiful creations. Photo courtesy of Nimish KC

C

hildren spend just over four hours per week playing outdoors according to a 2016 survey. It is expected to drop even lower in the coming years.

While adults spend a bit more time outdoors, it is nowhere near the amount of time people spent outdoors just a generation ago.

How does this affect our neighbourhoods and social relations? A trip down Rialto Avenue might give us a look at what we’re missing.

As you turn into the street, pots of plants sit on the brick wall to greet you. They’re dressed for the Christmas season, the containers clothed with crochet covers in a patchwork of red, green, and yellow. Like mini Christmas trees, a tinsel scarf is wrapped around

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them, with frosted pine cones and red baubles decorating the leaves.

The further you walk, the more you can see, hanging from the houses and on the arms of lamposts, each with their own handmade jumper adorned with small red and orange crochet flowers.

The colour is not limited to the space above our heads. A pack of traffic cones have been turned into lighthouses and windmills, painted a stripy black and white, blue, green, and pink. They form a miniature neighbourhood of their own.

If you bend down and look closely enough, you may see a tiny person sitting inside, waving hello from their little balconies. However, the biggest gathering is at the very back of the avenue

in the garden. At the gate sits a pot, shaped and painted as a swan, and she holds a crop of grassy plants.

Past the gate, you can’t help but notice the magnificent reindeer, standing as tall as the humble tree beside her.

Another reindeer sits beneath, much smaller but just as mighty.

They’re both decked out in what seems to be the neighbourhood’s signature crochet squares. Not to be looked past, the little tree is coiled in fairy lights.

Speaking of fairies, they’ve emerged from their toadstool houses constructed of wood with a woollen top.

They’re dotted around the garden patio, sitting comfortably in the soil amongst the succulents, conversing

with the gnome gentleman to lift their spirits in the cold winter.

The whimsical creations have undoubtedly warmed up this avenue. However, the avenue has not always been like this. It was not until John and Catherine moved here, a couple who bought a house in this avenue in 1970, that it began taking shape.

“These houses were built for the Guinness workers. The garden was just a raised ground with railings around it. It was very basic when we came here,” says Catherine O’Rourke (74). She used to knit and make clothes as a housewife at that time. Not limiting herself to just her house, she opened a flower shop which is now a flower school in Dublin 8.

“I retired about 12 years ago and started spending my time working on the avenue. I started doing the flowers and the pots, and rather than have these unsightly builder’s cones in this avenue, I decorated them all up into lighthouses and windmills,” John (77) told me as he gave me a tour of the avenue.

With time, John and Catherine started working on the garden, and people started joining in. According to John, the avenue was built bit by bit with everyone contributing to making it the beautiful neighbourhood it is today.

As a result, they have managed to win the award for the most beautiful neighbourhood in their voting area consecutively, since they began competing in the Dublin City Council’s City Neighbourhood Awards six years ago.

In 2016 and 2019 they won the prize for the whole of Dublin City, winning €1,500, which they spent on decorating

“It’s a conversation starter. During the evening’s people come to the garden, sit on the chairs and enjoy their cup of tea as they socialise with their neighbourhood friends.”

As much as I agree with the fact that there should be more efforts from the authorities to keep our neighbourhoods welcoming, I also think that a lack of public action often hinders such projects.

Rather than building model neighbourhoods, cities should incentivise people to develop and decorate their own streets and homes. After all, who doesn’t love the things they’ve built themselves. Maybe then we’ll have neighbourhoods like the colourful little avenue in Rialto.

and maintaining the beauty of the avenue. The result of this was an avenue which, along with its beauty, has character. It has a charm that accompanies its patrons and turns the heads of onlookers in admiration.

As time progressed and the avenue developed, so did the relationships between the patrons of this neighbourhood. According to Catherine, everyone knows each other and tries to take care of their neighbours.

“People from different walks of life live here and what brings us together is this avenue we have built together.”

When asked about the rareness of such neighbourhoods these days, John says, “I think there are not a lot of kids outside anymore. One of the main reasons we built this avenue was to keep our children safe when they played outside.”

With fewer children playing outside, people have less incentive to build safe and welcoming neighbourhoods.

Leaving the streets unsafe for children to play in, which makes more parents keep their kids home. Resulting in deserted streets with less social activity and limiting children to stay indoors.

Traffic Cones decorated to look like Windmills Photo courtesy of Nimish KC

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The Irish Museum of Modern Art Finds New Ways to Keep Art Alive The museum may be closed, but art remains resilient

by CHLOE NADALIN

I

t has been a disastrous year for art museums.

Throughout Europe, the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to close their doors to the public. Then, a bit of light, the summer allowed art to have a small yet welcomed return. However, as cultural life was learning to adapt to social distancing, small audiences, and the need to wear face masks, the new lockdowns came along.

Rarely in living memory has so much art been out of view for so long.

Signs of resilience are everywhere, as art is being forced to adapt to new forms of display. Right in the heart of Dublin 8, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is a prime example of the online revolution making waves in the art world.

While the IMMA’s galleries have shut their doors, the grounds of the museum remain open.Photo courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

“When we closed suddenly on the 12th of March, we immediately began to think of ways to allow the public to access our Exhibitions, Collections and Engagement and Learning programmes,” said Patrice Molloy, a spokesperson for IMMA’s Communications & Marketing Department.

With an eye on the future, the museum demonstrates how many of these online innovations may stick around post-pandemic, too, with its ever-expanding online IMMA Collection. The museum’s online revolution allowed it to extend its audience on an international scale. Their summer school marked their first truly global experience with participations from all over the world taking part.

The museum’s staff went to work, putting an extensive series of material and activities online to access from home. These included a vast online collection of over 3,500 artworks to live talks, exhibition videos, and Zoom seminars.

To preserve the museum’s interactive atmosphere, the team initiated an online project called ‘IMMA Inside Out’ on their various social channels. This project allowed people to share their artwork with the museum’s online gallery using the #IMMAInsideOut. Additionally, the museum worked to expand the family programme ‘Explorer at Home’. This program encourages both children and adults to make art inspired by the IMMA Collection at home and shared using #ExploreratHome.

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“We have found that using online platforms to connect gives an opportunity to look at exploring artists work in ways we haven’t before and to connect with an overseas audience as well as people based here in Ireland,” said Patrice Molloy.

While the IMMA’s galleries have temporarily shut their doors to the public, the grounds of the museum and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham remain open, with a new café in the courtyard for visitors to have a place safe to gather and have a coffee outdoors. Taking advantage of the closed galleries, the museum’s team used the time off to do a lot of behind-thescenes work on the artworks in the collection and the outdoor sculptures.

In addition to putting more programmes online, IMMA’s staff has used the downtime to work on their reopening plans to ensure a safe visitor experience, as well as some new and innovative socially distanced programmes.

Closures have put enormous strain on budgets, and to mitigate its effects, the museum has had to adapt to the new pandemic reality.

“In 2021, we will have longer running exhibitions and more outdoor programming, which will relieve the budget especially in relation to the cost of transporting artworks and insurance,” said a spokesperson for IMMA’s Communications & Marketing Department.

In the meantime, a group of loyal IMMA members has continued to support the museum by renewing and buying new IMMA memberships, while the shop continues to operate online.

The government has also stepped in to revitalise the crumbling world of art museums. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D announced in October, a €600,000 fund that allows IMMA to acquire new works for artists working in Ireland. This new fund aims to support artists during Covid-19, while also expanding the National Collection of contemporary art.

In a press release, Minister Martin stated, “arts and culture are a core part of who we are. They have been the source of so much support over the last few months. I am pleased to be able to make this allocation to enhance the national collection.

By doing so, this will provide vital support to our Irish artists during this unprecedented time.”

At a time when exhibition opportunities are limited, the fund allows IMMA to continue to promote artists and their work. When acquiring new works as part of the fund, IMMA wants to emphasise artworks that they say activate impactful conversations about contemporary society and reflect on society’s urgencies in a time of dramatic social change.

Annie Fletcher, the director of IMMA, said, “with the multiple crises facing the world – climate, health, economic; IMMA works with artists to create spaces where the cultural imagination that the world needs right now is given space and is accelerated. We are lucky to have such a wealth of incredible artists in this country, and we are very proud to be in a position to invest in artworks and develop IMMA’s Collection at this critical time.”

With the museum’s 30th anniversary approaching, IMMA plans to use the government’s fund to create a major exhibition to celebrate its collection which investigates Ireland’s history and its journey towards the future.

“As we approach IMMA’s 30th birthday in 2021, we are reflecting on its history and how we want to shape its future. As a dynamic modern and contemporary collecting institution in Ireland.

IMMA is a collaborative civic space, a hub where our audiences come together to explore visions, thoughts, ideas and the future,” said Mrs Fletcher.

“We have found that using online platforms to connect gives an opportunity to look at exploring artists work in ways we haven’t before.”

The museum plans to do more outdoor programming in 2021. Photo courtesy of Marina Dmitik

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Finding Paintings in Dublin Rescuing art in the depths of lockdown

by FLORE LAURENT

“People genuinely seem to love finding free art for them to take home.”

P

aintings that were available for anyone to take were placed by artist James Kirwan all around Dublin City Centre during the month of November, with a note attached on the back of each one for people to contact him when they were found.

This project was done as part of the Arts Council’s Covid-19 Crisis Response Award, meant to support artists during these difficult times by asking them to create a project that would benefit the public.

The largest grant is €3,000 and is aimed at individual artists. James Kirwan, a visual artist, currently based in Dublin 8, did a similar project in Porto, Portugal back in 2016 and decided to take the opportunity to leave paintings in random places around his apartment on Meath Street.

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Some of the paintings left on the street by James.

Both photos courtesy of James Kirwan

James made his start in the art world in fine art painting after going to the National College of Art and Design from 1999 to 2005 to study printmaking.

Afterwards, he experimented with his style for a while, “I was doing more humorous, illustrative work back then, but I started taking it more seriously around 2013.”

His current style is a little difficult to define, as it is so varied. A lot of his work is “intuitive, abstract work”, as well as ”elements of realism combined with abstractions” and, “for the most part, quite colourful and vibrant but sometimes a darker, anxious side can be found in my work.”

James attached a note to the back of all his paintings in case people wanted to let him know they found the piece. All the responses he got were

extremely positive, “people genuinely seem to love finding free art for them to take home. All pieces were found and people usually sent me a message with a photo within a few hours. One piece was in the same spot for a whole day and night though!”

Taking part in the project turned out to be quite therapeutic, in a time where the lockdown has hampered his creative flow.

“This project certainly helped me get back into making work again but was also very slow in the process because my mental health dipped so low it was nearly impossible to make anything for a very long period of time.”

To see more of James’ work, you can support his shop on Shopify or follow him on Instagram @jameskirwanshop.

Heating Up the Dublin 8 Music Scene Shining the light on Dublin’s newest rock band

by SAM KENNY

From left to right: Murish Waugh, Conor Mcloughlin, Zak Coglan, Rob Talbot. Photo courtesy of Tadhg Robins

D

ublin 8 has always had a strong reputation for being a cultural hub for music in Dublin. It’s easy to see why, with Vicar Street, a music venue in The Liberties, hosting many famous bands and performers from around the world. Europe’s leading music institute, British and Irish Modern Music (BIMM), is also located in the area.

BIMM has produced many successful musicians, including notable alumni Craig Fitzgerald, current frontman of The Academic and Fontaines D.C. who were recently nominated for their first Grammy award for Best Rock Album.

The newest band to originate from BIMM, hoping they can replicate previous alumni’s success, is Sunburn.

Sunburn is a Dublin based alternative rock group, consisting of Zak Coghlan (lead singer and songwriter), Rob

Talbot (drums), Muirish Waugh (bass) and Conor McLoughlin (lead guitarist).

They formed in late 2019 while attending BIMM in The Liberties. They have been writing and performing music together ever since. The band has played at many different venues around the country, Fred Zeppelin’s, The Button Factory, Fibber Magee’s and Roisin Dubh, performing covers of popular songs and also debuting new material before releasing it online.

So far the band have released two singles, Jump the Gun and All I’m Missin’. Jump the Gun, which was their first single, was released on the 27th of March this year and has amassed over 100,000 streams on Spotify since its release. Their next single, All I’m Missin’, premiered on RTE 2FM with Dan Hegarty on 27th of August, before being released at midnight that day.

“I would say for me our biggest achievement so far would have to be the success of our debut single Jump the Gun and getting it to 100,000 streams on Spotify.”

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Speaking about the band’s biggest achievement so far, the band’s frontman, Zak Coghlan said, “I would say for me our biggest achievement so far would have to be the success of our debut single Jump the Gun and getting it to 100,000 streams on Spotify. It really felt amazing that we were able to get this far in releasing our debut single after lockdown began, given we were unable to gig or promote the song and ourselves properly, and as well that we are nearly nine months from release and are still consistently getting 500+ streams a day from all over the world, it’s a really special feeling.”

He went on to talk about what his hopes for the band in the future are, “we’re ready to hit 2021 as soon as we can, we are in talks with a studio over in Liverpool that are looking to work with us for our next single which we are hoping to record in January which would be an unreal experience, I think given the history of the music scene over there. We’re also planning to release an EP before summer next year and hopefully be able to get gigging as soon as possible.”

“It’s very exciting to be a part of the Irish music scene at the moment... It really is a privilege to be a part of, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

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Sunburn looking forward to new horizons.

Photo courtesy of Tadhg Robins

About the biggest influences on his music, Zak said, “I find it hard to pinpoint any particular band or artist that has influenced me in the way I write and listen to music, I guess it’s just the music that was playing at home while I was growing up. My parents would be playing anything from Arcade Fire and The Killers back to Joy Division and The Beatles. I feel like I’ve had a very comprehensive upbringing through many different generations.”

Sunburn has not let the Covid-19 pandemic stop them from producing new music, however, “we were able to get our last single done during the first lockdown as we’re all still in Dublin, but the lads are all dotted around Ireland at the moment which means we’ve had to focus mainly on writing. I usually send a rough demo of something I’ve been working on into our Dropbox, and then the lads will add all their ideas and parts, and we build the song up from there.”

Finally, on the current music scene in Dublin, Zak was very positive, saying, “it’s very exciting to be a part of the Irish music scene at the moment, I feel like we had been lacking an identity for a few years and bands have been popping up everywhere with huge potential and great sounds, it’s really crazy to see someone like, Fontaines D.C. going from being a name on the Irish circuit to being nominated for a Grammy less than two years after their debut album. There are so many more exciting bands coming up at the moment, The Murder Capital, Inhaler, Bricknasty, the list goes on. It really is a privilege to be a part of, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

You can find Sunburn’s music on Apple Music and Spotify or follow the band on Instagram @abandcalledsunburn, on Facebook @Sunburn, and on Twitter @sunburn_dublin to keep up with their latest events and updates.

Barry Flanagan’s ‘The Drummer’.

Photo courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

The Man Behind the Portobello Swan Shane Sutton is a renowned, compassionate and award-winning artist hailing from Dublin.

An artist who has honed his multi-disciplinary talents over decades of self-directed learning and countless hours of practice. I recently met with him to discuss his new commission; the repainting of the swan mural at Portobello Square and learned about his various ventures.

by SHANE BROCK

Shane Sutton. Photo courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

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To

Shane adding the finishing touches to his Portobello Square ‘Swan’ Mural. Photo courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

W

hen I first met with Shane, he had just completed the new swan mural at Portobello Square. A small crowd had gathered in the square, to take aim with digital cameras and mobile phones. Even the swans themselves had left the water, and a gang of seagulls lingered overhead.

After a short burst of excitement, the crowd dispersed, and we were free to have a chat.

ools of the trade. Photo Courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

Shane told me how the Dublin City Council (DCC) had commissioned the new mural at the square to engage with their residents and invest in the area’s character. DCC has been a fan of Sutton’s work since his awardwinning work with the European Space Agency.

This newest piece is to be a defining feature of Portobello Square, at least until the completion of the construction of the new Jurys owned Nyx Hotel. According to DCC Administrative Officer, Brian Kirk, “the mural was funded by Jurys hotel who are proposing to develop the site on the western side of the square.”

In 2010, he made a documentary called Digging for Gold, which detailed the changing attitudes to adrenaline sports in Ireland, such as skateboarding, BMX and mountain biking. This documentary

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wanted to take young people who were considered to be ‘delinquents’ on bikes and skateboards in Ireland and transform them into athletes. The goal was to get these young people to compete on a professional level and build the extreme sports industry in Ireland.

I was astounded to learn that every skill Shane has attained throughout his career has been entirely self-taught.

He mastered oil painting, illustration, filmmaking, app making and 3D design by exploration, without the need for third-level education. Having left school at 17, he completed an art portfolio course in Sallynoggin College of Further Education. For the following four years, he attempted to get a place at Dun Laoghaire Art College but was rejected.

He told me that his mother had been a massive inspiration to him. She always encouraged him to follow his creative interests, as well as his own intuition.

She helped to grow and maintain the passion that he displayed from a young age. He believes that the development of cognitive skills and pursuing interests during childhood are more valuable in learning how to draw.

Last year, Shane went to Iraq to teach art therapy classes as part of the SCOOP Foundation. He helped teach a group of 16-year-old Kurdish refugees to gain new skills. Up until this point these children had never encountered creativity, and Shane gave them the confidence they needed in their creative talents.

Shane spoke of his shift in focus towards AR (augmented reality) and

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Top: Shane Sutton’s Spaceman. Bottom: Shane Sutton’s TEDDYBOTS Photos Courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

VR (virtual reality) technologies. He is focusing on them more than any other medium at the moment, feeling that the new technologies help to accelerate and better his workflow. He wants to create characters for his toy company, TEDDYBOTS, using a 3D VR workspace.

The aim of TEDDYBOTS is to make toys for the children of today’s generation, by teaching kids that phones are tools, not toys.

Each toy comes with an accompanying app that gets the children to engage in cognitive exercises like drawing, music and writing. The app also teaches the dangers of technology to kids and parents. The app comes with an agreement box, where parents must sit down and write the rules of phone use with their children. The parents are encouraged to play with them on the phone, allowing them to have ownership over the discussion. The app has the capability for a timer to be set before bedtime and encourages breaks from technology throughout the day.

Shane believes that kids should be taught about technology from day one, stating that there is a huge disparity with people using technology in today’s digital world. It’s beginning to ruin peoples lives, and many children are under threat of overstimulation with the amount of content and data they consume.

Shane told me a story of how when he tried to get funding for TEDDYBOTS. The toy companies he pitched to couldn’t understand that his toys didn’t have the technology ingrained within them.

Shane tried to stress the importance of keeping the technology separate from

Shane Sutton’s Space-AR App in Action.

Photo Courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

the toy. During the day, the child plays on the toy with the app. At night, they play with the toy and not the app. This ensures that two completely different spaces are identified by the child, it safeguards them from overstimulation at a young age.

Shane delved deeper into his interest in technology, in particular his interest in the psychology of technology. He believes that as technology continues to develop at such a rapid pace, it’s crucial that we learn how to utilise it ethically and sensibly. Shane believes that we are only seeing the quiet emergence of AR and VR technologies in 2020, whereas by 2030 they will have become ubiquitous. He foresees them becoming an industry standard and versatile tool. They’ll be utilised in building, engineering and cabling systems.

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Shane Sutton is truly the most fascinating, multi-faceted and passionate artist I’ve ever come across. He has a forward-looking vision of the future, while still holding on to his morality, ambition and intuition.

from the painting in full 3D, filling the entire lane with the colourful villains.

Shane explained to me in layman’s terms how Space-AR works. It uses a mixture of software, with data similar to QR and motion capture in film. The app tracks reference points on the artwork, like how a Snapchat filter will track a human face. Shane believes that the AR space is very interesting. Unlike the VR space, which is totally immersive, AR becomes a space between you and the technology.

Shane Sutton’s ‘50FT Heroes’. Photo courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

As we wandered around Dublin exploring Shane’s art, we headed onto an abandoned Dame Lane. As we reached the back of Berlin D2, I saw Shane’s recent Covid-themed piece, entitled 50 FT HEROES. A gigantic nurse towered above a city plagued with Pacman ghosts, shooting lasers from her eyes to vanquish them.

Pulling a phone from his pocket, Shane showed me an AR app that he’s been working on, Space-AR. He pointed the phone at his piece, and it immediately came to life. My jaw dropped, as suddenly the Pacman ghosts surged

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Almost like a space in-between the real and the digital. I asked Shane what projects we can expect to see of him in the future. He told me his next venture is to design a sculpture within a 3D VR workspace. Using new techniques, he plans on using a 3D printer to create a glass cast for the sculpture.

When completed, he plans on having a bronze version of the sculpture cast from the prefabricated model. He says that he is extremely excited, as he has not yet worked with bronze, and he looks forward to collaborating with other artists using the new technologies.

When the work is done. Photo courtesy of Marina Dmitrik

CREDITS This magazine was only made possible due to the huge amount of work and dedication of numerous people. Huge thanks to all of the people who made this issue possible. We are proud to present you with issue 16 of Dub8.

Editors

Designers

Rachel Dignam

Audrey Nicole Kurniawan

Aoife O’Mara

Flore Laurent

Nuria Chudzinski

Mateus Caus David O’Neill

Sub Editors

Photo Editor

Chloe Nadalin

Shane Brock

Conor Pierce

Social Media Manager

Emmet Phelan

Nimish KC

Conor Aldwell

Advertising Manager

Aaron Murphy

Sam Kenny

Disclaimer 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 management of Griffith College or any of its employees.

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FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE 16