Metro Herald, Thursday, February 20, 2014

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Your Metro Herald packed with news, sport and features

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

24 Feb—02 Mar 2014 www.dineindublin.ie

Ireland’s cricketers beat West Indies

»p24

Cold comfort for fridge fans »p6

‘Deadly dossier of policing failures’

AN Garda Síochána has been accused of bad policing in dozens of investigations.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin yesterday gave Taoiseach Enda Kenny a dossier claiming scores of serious crimes weren’t properly investigated over several years.

Mr Martin made the claims in the Dáil after seeing a sample of ten cases and meeting Garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

The opposition chief said: ‘There’s a whole series of events there and omissions that need to be investigated… not with a view to go after people… to assure public confidence.’

Mr Martin said the documents he had seen involved inadequate policing and failures to fulfil duties which led to murder, abduction and assaults.

Sgt McCabe has been pursuing allegations of corruption among some officers in the Cavan-Monaghan region for a number of

by eD carTy

years and claims none of his reports have been properly investigated, despite going through the Garda confidential recipient.

The recipient Oliver Connolly was sacked by Justice Minister Alan Shatter yesterday after a transcript of a conversation he had with Sgt McCabe was leaked showing him warning the whistleblower not to pursue cases against the minister.

A spokesman for An Garda said it was not in a position to comment as it had not been furnished with the document.

The controversy is the latest to hit the Gardaí following allegations the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission HQ was bugged.

Mr Martin said he no longer believes Mr Shatter’s position is tenable.

Keep Dublin tidy – Please recycle this Metro Herald when you are finished with it

JUST ANOTHER DAY IN THE LIFE OF PUSSY RIOT: Pussy Riot members hold up their hands in self-defence as Cossack militia men in Sochi, Russia, horsewhip them in the street. The band were trying to perform songs under a sign for the Olympics, a day after several of them were temporarily detained and then released

METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

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Thursday 20/02/14 How to contact us Email:

news@metroherald.ie sports@metroherald.ie features@metroherald.ie sales@metroherald.ie Text: ‘Mail’ to 53131 (30c plus usual text charge) Visit: www.e-metroherald.ie Editorial: 01 705 5088 Advertising: 01 705 5010 Distribution: 01 705 5007

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34 Where Dublin

came in a ranking of 223 cities in order of quality of living, according to consultants Mercer.

Vienna topped the list.

Ireland’s rate of newsprint recycling is now up to 79%. Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you.

Today is...

International Love Your Pet Day Today is the day when our furry, feathery and scaly companions around the world are to be spoiled rotten and forgiven for eating homework, scratching upholstery or begging at the kitchen table.

From the archives (2012):

Man stuck in car for two months

A man was dug out alive after he was snowed into his car on a forest track for two months with no food. The 45-year-old from southern Sweden was found emaciated and too weak to utter more than a few words.

Today’s birthdays

Sidney Poitier, US film icon, 87; Ian Brown, Stone Roses frontman, 51; Cindy Crawford (pictured), US supermodel, 48; Rihanna, Barbadian pop singer, 26.

CLOCkwORD

The solutions from 1 to 12 are all six-letter words ending with the letter D in the centre. Moving clockwise from 1, the letters in the outer circle will spell out the name of a Nobel-Prize-winning novelist.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Sluggish Exotic flower Biblical hunter Congenital Gruesome University city 7. Disc

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

D

Salacious Eyot Disgusting Insult Sea nymph

Yesterday’s solution: John Humphrys

Weather Weather Today

Max: 9°c

Starting out rather wet with widespread heavy rain in the early morning. The rain will gradually clear away and it will brighten up, with bright spells developing later, followed by occasional showers. Temperatures between 5°C to 9°C in a fresh southwest to west wind.

Derry

6�C

Donegal

7�C

5�C

Cavan

Galway

7�C

Athlone

Dublin

9�C

9�C

Tipperary Waterford

Tralee

Cork

Tonight

Belfast

8�C

9�C Sunrise: 7.33am Sunset: 5.45pm

Min: 0°c

Showers will continue to affect areas near west coasts tonight, some wintry on hills, but most other areas will be dry with sharp ground frost forming.

Temperatures between 0°C to 4°C in westerly winds.

Dine in Dublin is the perfect week to enjoy delicious food in Dublin City Centre. See participating restaurants, bars and cafés offering special menus, events and activities throughout the week. Watch out for brand new features such as, our on street food pavilion, with top chefs and food tastings.

Check out www.dineindublin.ie for delicious daily giveaways from participating restaurants

/dineindublin #DineinDublin / @dineindublin

EUROPE today

Tomorrow A cold bright and blustery day with a mix of cloudy and sunny breaks with occasional passing showers. The showers will be frequent near Atlantic coasts.

Temperatures between 7°C to 9°C in moderate westerly winds.

Barcelona

18 °c 15 °c

Berlin

10 °c

Brussels

10 °c 11 °c

Athens

7�C 7�C 7�C 7�C

8�C

7�C 8�C 9�C Max: 9°c

London

Paris

10 °c 13 °c 12 °c

Rome

16 °c

Geneva Madrid

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Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

Doll fan has hypnotherapy to make her ‘brainless’ like her icon

Human? No thanks, I’d rather be Barbie

by DOMINIc yEATMAN

Plastic fantastic: Blondie Bennett has regular lip fillers to perfect her doll-like appearance

ANYONE who feels that feminism has already taken a few too many knocks, look away now.

Barbie wannabe Blondie Bennett is making her fantasy of becoming plastic a reality – by using hypnotherapy to make her more stupid.

In the latest addition to a strict regime of spray tans, Botox and lip fillers, the 38-year-old has up to three sessions a week to make her more vacant.

And it appears to be working, as the Californian admits to getting lost on the way to her mother’s home – the house she grew up in.

She said: ‘When people ask why I want to be Barbie, I think, “Who wouldn’t want to be?”

‘She has the best life. All she does is shop and make herself look pretty – she doesn’t worry about anything.

‘I’ve had 20 sessions and I’m already starting to feel ditzy and confused all the time.

‘Recently, I went to pick up a friend at the airport and couldn’t remember if I needed to go to departures or arrivals.’

Ms Bennett – who has spent €30,000 on five boob jobs, taking her to a 32JJ – says her obsession began when she played with the doll as a child.

In her teens, she bleached her hair and drove a Corvette – and at 18, she took on promotional jobs at toy shops pretending to be her heroine.

She said: ‘People thought it was just a phase but I thought to myself, “As soon as I move out of home, I’m going to turn myself into Barbie”.

‘I was forced to live a double life until about eight years ago when I decided to become Barbie for real and ignore what other people said.’

She changed her name 18 months ago and had liposuction on her chin in December to perfect her similarity to the toy.

Her surgery has been funded by online sugar daddies, who also pay the unemployed former size zero model’s rent in exchange for pictures of her dressed up as Barbie.

She said: ‘I want people to see me as a plastic sex doll – and being brainless is a big part of that.’

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Supersized: The former size zero model has had five boob jobs to take her chest up to a 32JJ Pictures: barcroft usa

METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

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Cyclist dropped bike with baby and attacked cabbie

A CYCLIST threw his bicycle with a baby in its back seat to the ground and beat a taxi driver with a bike chain in an argument.

Robert Garwe, 41, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, assaulted Dermot Geraghty in a north Dublin supermarket carpark after the pair started arguing.

The men had a disagreement, a garda told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, after Garwe – on his bike – cut behind Mr Geraghty’s Jeep, which he was parking, at SuperValu, Sillogue Road, Ballymun, on November 22, 2011.

Gda Kevin Kennedy said 36-yearold Mr Geraghty suffered a skull fracture and scalp lacerations in the physical attack which followed.

Mr Geraghty told gardaí his confidence ‘was shattered’ and that the incident has exacerbated existing stress-related conditions.

But James Dwyer, defending Garwe, submitted a psychologist’s report to Judge Mary Ellen Ring on his client, revealing he suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder due to the backdrop of civil war

by AOifE niC ARDgHAiL

in Zimbabwe during his childhood.

The report found Garwe experienced what is known as a ‘limbic hijacking’ during his attack on the taxi driver, in which his thinking and judgment had been clouded.

Garwe, who has previous convictions including assault, possession of a knife, drugs and theft charges, initially opted for a trial, claiming he acted in self-defence. However, he eventually changed his plea to guilty.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring, who said the assault could have been ‘fatal’, had remanded Garwe in custody after a hearing last November.

Judge Ring accepted that Garwe is now on medication for his condition and sentenced him to three-and-a-half years in prison.

She backdated the sentence to when Garwe, of College View Apartments, Ballymun, entered custody last November and suspended the final 18 months on condition he remains under Probation Service supervision post release.

Dublin in European social issue contest DUBLIN is to go headto-head with other European cities in an international social issues competition.

The 155 Euro-locations will tackle problems like unemployment, energy efficiency and obesity in the lucrative contest launched by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s foundation yesterday.

Dublin is one of 19 national capitals vying for a €5million grand prize and four smaller €1m prizes.

The Bloomberg Foundation said the response ‘exceeded even our own high expectations’.

Nearly 2,000 jobs pledged over 3yrs FRONT RUNNER: Hurricane Fly (front) is cooled down after a gallop during a visit to Willie Mullins stables in Bagenalstown, Co Carlow yesterday

Attacker suffered a ‘limbic hijack’

Picture: PA

SOME 1,850 jobs will be created by 122 high-potential start-up companies over the next three years, Jobs Minister Richard Bruton has announced.

Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU programme helped 103 new companies gain investment last year, the most it has in any year.

The firms qualified for HPSU because of their tech innovation, and growth and job possibilities.

Head of HPSU and Scaling, Lisa Vaughan said: ‘The push now must be to help these young companies realise their potential.’

ON THE BU S (Cos the n et b e t t e r t h w o r k 's an ever)

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LauraLynn ‘so grateful’ to site donor

by sAM wiLLiAMsOn

A DUBLIN woman has decided to donate a site to the LauraLynn children’s hospice after seeing an item about the facility on TV. Catherine Harold’s 0.6acre site in Kiltegan, Co Wicklow will go under the hammer at the Allsop Space auction later this month, with a reserve price of €10,000.

Speaking about her decision, Ms Harold, who is from the Howth Road, said: ‘I was watching television one night and saw the All Black rugby players visiting LauraLynn and I was astonished that it was the only children’s hospice in Ireland.

‘I decided there and then to donate the site to LauraLynn to help in the wonderful work they do for children and families.’ She finalised the plan after discussing it with her daughters.

She said: ‘I decided to ask Allsop Space to auction the site as I feel they will get a better price and be of greater

Charity: Ellie who attends LauraLynn and her mum at the children’s hospice benefit for LauraLynn.’

Robert Hoban of Allsop Space said the site is suitable for a family home and while €10,000 is the reserve, he hopes it will achieve a higher price at auction on February 25 in the RDS. He said: ‘I hope it goes for a lot more. It will be one of the highlights in our auction of more than 190 properties to go under the hammer.’

He added, Allsop Space will not charge a fee for the transaction.

CEO of LauraLynn Philomena Dunne said: ‘We are overwhelmed by Ms Harold’s generosity. This is an unusual donation for us and we are just so grateful that she has chosen to support LauraLynn.’

Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

House sales in capital up by a third

Adam Cowzer, from Dublin, is one of more Some appy than 100 children who received a free iPad in the last year thanks to Down’s Syndrome times ahead Ireland’s mobile phone recycle appeal

SOME €3.6billion was spent on property transactions in Dublin last year – up 34 per cent on 2012.

A myhome.ie study based on analysis of the Property Price Register showed house sales were up 17 per cent in the capital.

And myhome.ie managing director Angela Keegan expressed concern about a supply shortage in some areas in Dublin.

She said: ‘Right now there are less than 3,000 properties available for sale in Dublin. This compares to 6,000 this time two years ago.

‘To maintain affordability and meet growing demands the State needs to move quickly to ensure an adequate supply of properties is available across the city.’

More than a third of the houses sold in the country last year were sold in Dublin – some 10,000.

And there were 246 sales in the city of houses for more than €1million – the most expensive being Walford, Shrewsbury Road, which sold in March for €14m.

But the cheapest was number 15, St Aidan’s Park, Dublin 3, which sold for €6,000 in June.

House sales outside the capital increased 17 per cent last year.

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METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

wholly

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A pill could help thursday body kill tumours

King of cool kEn ROgAn takes a look at that most humble of kitchen appliances, the fridge, to find out what it reveals about us

by SHAROn MARRIS

I

in other people’s fridges, isn’t it? hate science. take fridges.

Getting all judgy. tut-tutting at the Someone once told me that fast food, going green about their fridges actually make rooms gourmet ready meals, turning green warmer, and I said ovens, at the jar of pickles. It’s like a little surely, but he insisted it was window into their stomachs. and fridges, and I had to back off and their pockets. and their priorities. change the subject to big words that Which is why an empty fridge don’t mean what I think they mean. freaks me out. It’s like a blank, Like ‘exothermic’ reaction, which demented stare, a shell-shocked sounded awesome but was way off, Sarajevo of an appliance, all naked I gathered. If you Wikipedia the light and grim bare walls. What science of refrigeration, it’s all kinds of people have nothing in ‘condense this’ and ‘Faraday’ that, their fridge? What tragedy or and ‘Faraday’ is a word that recalls addiction or affliction made them a time when I used to fail things to not care about having food? an extent that made people whistle. that wasn’t good for my selfWork fridges are horrific for the esteem, so I dropped physics, which opposite reason. Overcrowded and smelly. Unpleasant but necessary. a made me glad, but also a little public space that must be shared, ashamed. food squashed in beside something I don’t think it affected me strange on its journey to anyway, apart from this recurring consumption – like a commuter. dream I have where the fate of Food commutes too, you know, humanity rests on the application of much more than you do. and all basic scientific principles I happen not to know. thoughts like these because of the fridge. It made fresh meat possible. It made continue to occur when I america five per cent open fridges. they make me feel taller. It made Las Vegas. I kid you stupid because I Work fridges are not. No fridges – don’t understand no Las Vegas (and how they work, horrific… no time for so I tend to look Overcrowded and explanations). at them the way ewoks look at Of course, this smelly. Unpleasant means that you’re C3PO, while but necessary killing the world – making roughly the and all because of the same noises: fridge. It was the Numma-nummablueberries from Israel in NYOM-NYOM-nummaNovember. that’s right – we’re numma. the fridge has me by the soul you engaged in a deadly global game of food-Cluedo and you are the see, much like that briefcase in tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, which murderer. Not me! I’m down in FXB’s mainlining cholesterol. Sure, emits that same enchanting golden I’ll be dead in no time, leaving you glare. But you also have to share fridges, and that’s tricky. there is to face the all-too palatable truth – that all those luxury imports and the nothing worse than people stealing unending traffic-light-themed your food, even loved ones. especially loved ones. storms lashing the country are intimately connected. and what if Most couples manage this by you said: ‘Prove it’? and what if I being adult about it, but I prefer to find things my wife doesn’t like and said ‘No’. Or what if I said Pay attention class! stock up on them. By amazing good ‘tenuously’? P turns out the big word I was fortune this includes most fried foods. Rashers, looking for was ‘endothermic’ sausages. White pudding reaction, which is less cool ‘exothermic’, but still from FXB’s on Moore Street than ‘e ewok-ish. and it kind of ew that’s so good it deserves Unesco protection. anyy more stuff states this: Condensed stuf leaves cold in fry-ups than that and you’ll creates heat and lea wake and abracadabra: need a separate oven and its w fridges. this all relies on a grill, which only rich people secret, sometime ozonehave in the kind of kitchen that features oceans of shredding ingredient called marble, various islands and a the ‘refrigerant’ which smacks of answering grand, obsidian fridge that like ‘how does it questions lik opens like the front door of fly?’ with: ‘By flying’.

Dracula’s castle. was a dick.

See? I told you science w Still, it’ss good craic nosing about

“

Hockey fail too much to bear The exit of the home nation’s ice hockey team was just too much for the Olympics’ Sochi Bear mascot who was left hanging his massive head in his paws after Russia suffered a shock quarter-final defeat. The cuddly chap was described as ‘inconsolable’ on the Games’ official Twitter feed as his heroes went down 3-1 to Finland

a PILL that allows the body’s immune system to fight the spread of cancer could become a reality thanks to a new chemical. the molecule, known as a taM kinase inhibitor, effectively removes the brakes from natural killer cells so they can fight the killer.

It slowed the spread of breast cancer and melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Prof Josef Penninger, of the austrian academy of Sciences in Vienna, said it could open the door to the ‘holy Grail’ of cancer therapy – but warned more research and testing was needed. a major problem with progressing cancer is that it develops ways to ‘turn off’ killer cells so they no longer recognise their enemy.

Metastasis (cancer spreading) is the chief cause of death in sufferers.

Prof Penninger’s results say ‘it might be possible to develop inhibitors to empower the innate immune system to kill cancer metastases’.

Researcher Magdalena Paolino said administering the drug as a pill ‘markedly reduced metastatic spreading’. Prof Caetano Reis e Sousa, of Cancer Research UK, called it ‘a tantalising finding’, that needed further study. he said: ‘the immune system can kill tumours but be held back by molecular ‘brakes’. ‘the authors of this study have been able to take the foot off one of these brakes, potentially giving the green light to the immune system to kill the tumour cells.’

A glow-in-dark deer you just can’t moose Dublin Bus Prepaid Tickets Dublin Bus is simplifying its range of ticket options for customers.

On Friday, 21st February, 3 Day Rambler Adult and 5 Day Rambler Child tickets will no longer be available for purchase.

Customers can now avail of reduced fares on Leap Card with expenditure being capped daily and weekly for adults and children.

Adult cap levels Daily €6.90 Weekly

Child cap levels Daily €2.50 €8.20

5 and 30 Day Rambler Adult products are also available on Leap Card. These products can be loaded on to your card at your local Payzone agent.

For more details please visit www.dublinbus.ie.

Help and contact customercomment@dublinbus.ie

fluorescent dyes to see how the animals react and whether the paints are resistant to the harsh Arctic climate.

The beasts tore reflectors off their antlers, she said.

If successful, the shiny happy creatures will be free to roam Lapland in the country’s north – a vast area home to some 200,000 reindeer.

Food packaging is ‘a possible danger’

€27.50

Weekly

RUDOLPH and his pals are getting a glittering antler makeover – the latest attempt to halt some of the thousands of road deaths of the roaming caribou in the wilds of Finland.

Anne Ollila, of the Finnish Reindeer Herders’ Association, said the antlers of 20 reindeer have been painted with various

(01) 873 4222

#dublinbusnews Social media monitored from 08:00 – 18:00 Mon-Fri and out of hours during periods of severe disruption. Phone lines open 08:30 - 18:00 hrs Mon-Sat (Excluding Public Holidays).

CheMICaLS used in food packaging, storing and processing could damage your health, say experts.

Cancer-causing substances and hormone disruptors are among thousands of chemicals leaching into food, a ‘chronic’ exposure over a lifetime, they said. the environmental scientists warned more needs to be done to fill gaps in knowledge about the effects of food contact materials (FCMs) and said ‘acknowledged toxicants’ are legally used the world over. however, speaking about the research article, published in the Journal of epidemiology and Community health, environmental professor Jon ayres called it ‘alarmist’ and said: ‘a call for a different approach to these substances does not help.’

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Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

Mystery call in Gsoc spy saga ‘may never have happened’

Anger: Garda whistleblower John Wilson at a Justice 4 All protest against Garda malpractice yesterday outside Leinster House, Dublin Picture: PA

A LATE night mystery phone call to the Garda Ombudsman headquarters at the centre of a spy scare may never have happened, Justice Minister Alan Shatter has claimed.

A UK-based counter-surveillance firm Verrimus recorded an unexplained call-back at a speaker-phone in the offices when it sent a test signal down the line during a security sweep last year.

It was one of three ‘anomalies’ identified which has provoked a massive controversy over suspected bugging at the watchdog’s headquarters in Dublin.

In fresh revelations, Mr Shatter said an Irish IT security company Rits – which he called in to investigate the UK firm’s findings – has a ‘theory’ that the

by bRiAn HuTTOn mystery ring-back never happened.

Before a parliamentary committee on the bugging allegations – the Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions – the minister said a telecoms firm which controls lines in the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) offices could not track any external call at the time it was recorded.

Rits – which counts a number of Irish government departments among its clients – told Mr Shatter the ring-back may have been a signal bouncing back from a phone in reception, used to distribute calls throughout the office.

Mr Shatter confirmed that a ring-back

did not happen on follow-up tests.

In a further twist, the justice minister said there was also doubt over another feared security breach, where a suspected hi-tech eavesdropping device capable of intercepting calls from UKbased mobile phones was discovered.

The IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) technology – alleged to be Government-level equipment – could actually be bought on the internet for €5,000, he said.

Also, he said Rits concluded it may not have been an IMSI device that was detected, but technology used to boost mobile phone signals.

The minister has launched an inquiry, to be headed by a High Court judge.

Sacking of Garda go-between is ‘disturbing’ twist A GARDA whistleblower has described the sacking of the force’s confidential recipient as disturbing.

Retired officer John Wilson called for an independent investigation into the dismissal of Oliver Connolly, a lawyer appointed to hear complaints of malpractice from serving gardaí.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny revealed Mr Connolly was ‘relieved of his duties’ in the latest twist in a deepening saga affecting the Garda, its official watchdog and Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

The sacking – announced in the Dáil by the Taoiseach – follows reports Mr Connolly told another whistleblower he was ‘finished’ if Mr Shatter thought he was being ‘screwed’ over claims of rogue policing.

Father-of-three Mr Wilson, who was central to exposing the penalty points scandal, said Mr Connolly was being scapegoated.

‘I met Mr Connolly on a number of occasions and I found him in all occasions to be a decent and honourable man,’ he said.

‘I am very disturbed at the manner of his dismissal.

‘As confidential recipient, he couldn’t investigate the allegations that members of the Garda Síochána had made. He was purely the postman.’

Mr Wilson added: ‘I believe there is a very unhealthy relationship that exists between Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and Mr Shatter.’

Mr Connolly was appointed in 2011.

His dismissal is the latest in a long line of controversies dogging the Garda and Mr Shatter.

The office of the confidential recipient was set up in the wake of the Morris Tribunal into garda corruption in Donegal.

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald said that the Taoiseach should now ‘relieve Minister Shatter of his duties’.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin said it was his opinion that Mr Shatter’s position ‘is not tenable’.

There was also a protest outside Leinster House yesterday calling for Mr Shatter to go.

‘Decent and honourable’

Designed around family life The Volvo Open Weekend 21st – 23rd February 2014

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Come along to your local Volvo dealer and choose the right Volvo for you and yours. All weekend, we’ll be showing off the Volvo range along with the latest in family-friendly car accessories, while also offering entertainment for the kids. Don’t miss this great weekend for all the family.

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METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

★

★

★★ ★ ★

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Rita lights up Brits

R

ita Ora has confessed she is so loved-up with Calvin Harris it is having an impact on her music. the star said falling in love has helped her find a ‘happy groove’ – and said fans would hear her new material this weekend. ‘it’s music to make you happy. it’s a good groove because i am honestly in a happy place right now,’ the 23-yearold beamed. ‘the Rimmel campaign comes out and i have my new single on the campaign – it’s basically time to blast you guys from all angles with my music,’ she added. and the blonde beauty confirmed at the Brit

by SEAMUS DUFF awards last night she would lend her vocals to the Fifty Shades Of Grey soundtrack after landing a part in the film, which is out next Valentine’s Day. Speaking to Guilty Pleasures on the red carpet at last night’s Brit awards in London, she explained: ‘there is such a different vision for the movie to my own music, so there is a specific kind of vision for that soundtrack.’

Meanwhile, beau Harris said he hoped to surprise the singer on her next visit to Las Vegas,

where he has a club residency. ‘i want to see Britney! and, in fact, my missus would really want to see that. i haven’t been already but i’m trying to sort it out,’ said the Scottish superstar DJ. ‘i have shows every week and i’m recording out there.’ and the 30-year-old admitted he was looking forward to a night of celebrations regardless of whether he won a Brit or not as he was free to live it up at the after-parties. ‘i’m not DJing tonight – i made that mistake last year,’ he laughed.

Loved-up: Ora says the happiness she has found with Calvin Harris has influenced her songs

Hipsters: (L-r)_ Jessie J, Lily Allen llen and Iggy Azalea strike similar poses on the red carpet at last nigh night’s Brit Awards in London PICTUREs: KaRwaI Tang/Pa

Back in black: Kylie Minogue wears a black knee-length rubber dress with a huge bow detail as the pop star turned Voice coach, 45, arrives at the Brit Awards with sister Dannii, 42

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Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

★

Legendary rocker David Bowie, 67, became the oldest recipient of a Brit award last night after beating Jake Bugg, Tom Odell, John Newman and Mercury Prize winner James Blake for the best Male gong.

Pharrell says new LP is for ‘Girl family’ P

harrell Williams is so infatuated with the ladies that he has dedicated his new album entirely to them.

The happy star admitted at last night’s Brit awards in london that his career would be nowhere without his army of female admirers.

‘The music has had an incredible fanbase, or what some would call family, and support system which has been women,’ said the 40-year-old, who performed at the awards show.

‘That’s kind of the reason why my new album is called Girls.’ he said that he wanted to give a bit of warning to his fans about his new record – which is out on March 3 – as opposed to doing a shock release like fellow Brit award performer Beyoncé.

‘She didn’t give anyone any warning. She tweeted something and then took over the world!’ he told

by SEAMUS DUFF

Metro. Williams described the album as ‘festive’, ‘celebratory’, ‘urgent’ and ‘visceral’.

The mega-producer revealed that he was inspired by all of the women who had joined him in the studio during the recording process.

‘I can tell you that me and all of the ladies that were all a part of the process and coming around to the studio listening to things, we all had a ball and we just want to share that with the rest of the world,’ he said.

‘I am just ready to go.

We appreciate it and work really hard on it.’

It was a busy night for The Neptunes music maker, who was on hand to give the best international male solo gong to Bruno Mars.

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Ladies’ man: Pharrell Williams with wife Helen Lasichanh

Beyoncé shuns Jay-Z’s fizz for healthy cuppa She may be queen Bey of the pop scene but Beyoncé Knowles isn’t too rock’n’roll when it comes to her backstage demands.

The Brits headliner swapped Dutch courage for tea when she and her Bey army bowled up at London’s O2 Arena yesterday afternoon for a last-minute stage showstopper.

Despite hubby Jay-Z having his own champagne range on tap, his missus made sure she was as sober as a judge before hitting the stage.

My backstage spy revealed: ‘All Bey was ordering to her dressing room was cups of peppermint tea.’

The 32-year-old ensured she could enter the zone without disturbance

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after bagging an area away from the bustle of her 20-strong entourage that accompanied her to the Brits.

The star’s backing dancers landed a party space of their own.

Fans were expecting to see Bey finally let her hair down late last night as the post Brits celebrations got under way. her hubby’s label Roc Nation staged one of the most exclusive parties going in Fitzrovia, central London at posh restaurant hakkasan. Awaiting the US superstar at the cocktail and DJ bash to congratulate her on her performance was fellow US star Will.i.am and singer emeli Sandé.

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Ziggy lets prince sprinkle stardust as he beats youngsters on pop’s big night

bowie’ss still a Rebel R Rebel Carry on Cleo: Katy Perry, left, and Ellie Goulding

A Purple pain over Prince’s jazz gigs

pictureS: Karwai tang

French President Francois Hollande (R) reaches to take away the crutches used by German Chancellor Angelaa Merkel as she arrives for a joint Franco-German cabinet meeting at the Elysee S/Benoit Tessier Palace in Paris February 19, 2014. REUTERS/Benoit PRINCE’S surprise Brits spectacle was overshadowed by a furious backlash from jazz fans who have complained he has been treading on their turf while in London.

The Purple One came under fire for taking over Ronnie Scott’s jazz venue, forcing a weekly night at the club to be cancelled. Stars such as Adele, 25, Kate Moss, 40, and Cara Delevingne, 21, all turned up to watch the 55-year-old play – but not everyone was happy to see A-listers at the club.

Musician Allison Neale complained: ‘I am a UK jazz musician who regularly plays and attends the Late Show at Ronnie Scott’s. Last night the band on the Late Show was cancelled to make way for Prince and a bunch of celebs.’

Prince’s problems didn’t end there as he was also criticised for charging too much for tickets. Fan Anthony Kenealy wrote online: ‘His press conference promised cheap tickets at £10 and after a couple of shows he abandoned it for £70!’ Prince has been playing a number of ‘intimate’ gigs in the capital this month to promote his new music.

World

DAVID Bowie showed pop’s young whippersnappers he’s still boss when he landed the best male gong at the Brits last night.

But the prospect of adding the accolade to his trophy cabinet failed to entice the 67-year-old to grace the event with his presence.

The Ziggy Stardust singer left it to rock’ royalty and Prince to represent rock’s he presented Ellie Goulding, 27, with the best female solo artist prize.

Gobsmacked Goulding gasped ‘Prince’ as he gave her the award before she took to the stage to perform.

Bowie’s comeback record The Next Day lost out in the best album category to AM, by the Arctic Monkeys, who opened the show with a performance and won best British group. enjo One Direction also enjoyed a glorious evening as they took the Brit for global success. troph from unThey picked up the trophy derwear model Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley, after becoming the first band in history to claim the US No.1 spot with their first three alb albums.

A high-octane performance on the night by US star Katy Perry could not prevent her losing to 17-year-old New Zealand sensation Lorde, who was named best international female solo artist.

But Bruno Mars, 28, kept

By AnDREI HARMsWORTH America’s end up by winning the best international male gong, presented to him by pop princess Kylie Minogue and Pharrell Williams, 40.

Get Lucky hitmakers Daft Punk were named best international group, while Bastille were best British breakthrough act.

The Arctics got proceedings off to a rollicking start at London’s O2 Arena, with a pyrotechnic inferno erupting as they played R U Mine?

And Perry, 29, was not to be outdone, dressing as a multi-coloured Cleopatra to sing her hit Dark Horse to the accompaniment of a dramatic laser display.

But it was Beyoncé, 32, who stopped the show after adding herself to the line-up at the last minute.

The stars were vying to outdo each other in the fashion stakes, as well as at the microphone, with some bold looks unveiled.

Huntington-Whiteley, 26, wore a shimmering cap-sleeved red mini dress with a tiger print. And kinky Kylie, 45, turned up in a black kneelength rubber dress with a huge bow.

Jessie J, 25, displayed a striking mane of long black hair to replace the crop she has sported since shaving her head last year for charity.

And the winners are...

Breakthrough act: Bastille Female solo artist: Ellie Goulding Group: Arctic Monkeys Male solo artist: David Bowie Single: Rudimental ft Ella Eyre – Waiting All Night Critics’ choice: Sam Smith Intrnl female solo artist: Lorde

International group: Daft Punk International male solo artist: Bruno Mars MasterCard British album of the year: Arctic Monkeys AM Video: One Direction Best Song Ever

digest

castaway’s tall tale ‘is true’ Pizza Hut shut for wee issue

EL sALvADOR: A fisherman lost at sea for more than a year told the truth about eating fish and bird blood to survive, experts said as he left hospital yesterday. José Salvador Alvarenga (pictured) denied resorting to cannibalism when his companion died.

AMERIcA: Health officials in Kermit, West Virginia, have temporarily shut down a pizza restaurant after a district manager was caught on surveillance video urinating into a sink. The Pizza Hut manager was fired and the chain released a statement saying it was ‘embarrassed’ by their employee’s actions.

Twin suicide blasts kill 4 vase smash ‘Wei out of line’

LEbAnOn: Suicide bombers driving a BMW and a Mercedes killed at least four people and injured more than 100 yesterday. The duo from the Abdullah Azzam Brigades blew themselves up near Beirut’s Iranian cultural centre. The attack was said to be in retaliation for Iranbacked Hezbollah’s role in Syria’s civil war.

cHInA: Ai Weiwei has criticised a disgruntled artist who smashed one of his $1million vases at a Miami museum. The dissident, who has broken urns in the name of art, fRAncE: François Hollande helps German chancellor Angela said Maximo Caminero’s protest over the lack Merkel with her crutches at the Élysée Palace, Paris picture: reuterS of local art on display ‘made no sense’.

and finally...

AMERIcA: An intruder was arrested after a woman heard him snoring on her sofa. The burglar had helped himself to a beer from the fridge and covered himself in a blanket before falling asleep. He was holding a knife when police woke him at the property in Mount Dora, Florida.

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Nun jailed for breaking into nuclear plant

by TARiq TAHiR A NUN has been jailed for breaking into a nuclear weapons plant and daubing it with biblical messages.

Sister Megan Rice, 84, and two other defendants also splashed human blood on the most highly restricted area of the complex.

She said the break-in was a ‘miracle’ and asked for a life sentence.

The court heard Rice, Greg BoertjeObed and Michael Walli spent two hours inside the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee before being caught.

The plant, regarded as one of the most secure in the world holds America’s main supply of bomb-grade uranium.

Guards found the three activists singing and offering to break bread with them.

The protesters also offered to share a Bible, candles and white roses with

the security staff.

Officials said there was no danger of the three defendants getting hold of materials that could be detonated or made into a dirty Blood splash: Rice bomb.

However, the trio’s protest in July 2012 led to the nuclear plant being shut down to overhaul security systems. Rice told the judge in Knoxville: ‘Please have no leniency with me. To remain in prison for the rest of my life would be the greatest gift you could give me.’

She was jailed for three years for sabotaging the plant and damaging federal property while Walli, 64, and Boertje-Obed, 58 each received fiveyear terms because of their past records of civil disobedience.

Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

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850,000 Somalis ‘desperate to eat’ MORE than 850,000 people in Somalia are living in emergency conditions and are desperately short of food, the UN has warned. Drought and famine have created a ‘very grave’ humanitarian crisis with another 2million said to be ‘food insecure’. UN operations chief John Ging told a conference after a visit to the country: ‘These figures are very large. They tell us a simple message which is that the situation for Somalis is fragile.’

Drug smuggler’s eau de regret...

DIY demonstrator: A protester wears a gas mask made out of bottles at a rally in Caracas, Venezuela. It came after opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was accused of inciting violence during anti-government protests Picture: AP

A DRUG smuggler was caught with 3kg (6.6lb) of cannabis after he tried to mask the smell with perfume. Jibril Sarraf, 21, was worried sniffer dogs would uncover his stash so he bought a bottle of dutyfree perfume and doused himself with a strong fragrance. However, the stench aroused the suspicions of customs officers at the Greek port of Piraeus and the man’s luggage was searched and a €50,000 drugs haul seized.

12 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

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Can you see me at the back? The leader of the Catholic church wrestles with his mantle Pictures: reuters

Turin Shroud? No, it’s his blow-liness Pope Francis WARDROBE malfunctions can happen to the best of us... as Pope Francis found out yesterday.

His Holiness was addressing the faithful outside the Vatican when his garments whipped around his face.

Not one to get in a flap, the pontiff ignored the gale, rearranged his mantle and delivered his message during the weekly general audience.

When the wind blew his skull cap clear off his head, the leader of the Catholic church stuck to the task in hand, in Saint Peter’s Square.

Perhaps he was comforted by lines from John’s Gospel: ‘The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes.’

His garments often fascinate young churchgoers.

To cap it all: Despite his travails, Pope Francis shows patience of a saint

In December, a child removed his headwear and patted the holy pate. The youngster’s curiosity was rewarded with a smile, and then the pope calmly replaced his hat.

His predecessor, Pope Benedict, also lost his cap as he crossed Bells Arch in the Vatican City for the general audience at St Peter’s Square in May 2006.

Francis is known for his informality and during the audience yesterday he asked the crowd when they had last been to confession.

‘Don’t say it in a loud voice!’ he said. ‘When was the last time you went to confession?... Two days? Two weeks? Two years?

Twenty years? Forty years?...

‘And if a lot of time has passed, don’t lose a day! Go ahead, the priest will be good! Jesus is there, right?

‘And Jesus is better than the priest, it is Jesus who receives you.’

Blair: Take pills, Rebekah TONY BLAIR told Rebekah Brooks to ‘tough up’ as he offered to act as her advisor at the height of the phone hacking crisis, a court heard yesterday.

The former British prime minister allegedly advised the former News Of The World editor to take sleeping pills and reassured her ‘it will pass’ days before she was arrested.

He made the suggestions in an hour-long phone conversation the day after the tabloid’s final edition was printed, the Old Bailey heard.

Brooks summarised the alleged exchange to her ex-News Corp boss James Murdoch in an email, which was read to the jury trying phone hacking allegations yesterday.

In the message sent on July 11, 2011 the 45-year-old outlined five recommendations she said Mr Blair

had given after she sought his guidance which were said to have included: ‘Keep strong and definitely sleeping pills.’

The court heard Brooks further described how the ex-premier had also recommended forming an ‘independent unit’ to investigate her ‘and others’.

On the Friday after the exchange she resigned and she was arrested two days after that.

In a statement a spokesman for Mr Blair said last night: ‘This was Mr Blair simply giving informal advice over the phone.’

The prosecution case has now concluded and Brooks’s defence is expected to begin today.

She and six other defendants deny all charges in the trial, which continues.

Truce called by president as 25 die on Kiev’s streets EMBATTLED Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych last night said he had agreed a truce with opposition leaders.

He said negotiations would be taking place ‘aimed at stabilisation’.

Mr Yanukovych met opposition leaders, including former world heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko.

A statement on the presidential website said they also agreed to try to stabilise ‘the situation in the state in the interests of social peace’.

The apparent breakthrough happened after two days of increasingly bloody violence on the streets of the capital, Kiev.

Protesters yesterday hurled fire bombs and rocks at riot police as pitched battles between the two sides continued.

The bloodshed has sparked concern across the globe and EU leaders will

by DOMinic yEATMAn meet today to consider urgent sanctions against Ukraine in a bid to stop the violence. After 25 people died in clashes in the capital on Tuesday, president Yanukovych earlier announced the launch of an ‘anti-terror’ operation which could see the military deployed on to the streets for the first time.

He also sacked his army chief Col Gen Volodymyr Zamana, without explanation. Sanctions to be considered by the EU include banning Ukraine officials from entering its 28 member countries and freezing their foreign assets.

British prime minister David Cameron said: ‘President Yanukovych has a responsibility to pull back forces and deescalate the situation.’

Taking aim: A protester uses a catapult to fire rocks at police Picture: ePA

The story behind the clashes in Kiev n Why are people protesting?

Because the president abandoned talks with the EU, instead forging closer ties with Russia in November n Why is that a big deal?

Opponents say EU membership will improve Ukraine’s prosperity n Who is protesting?

The 46million nation is split down the middle. Ukrainian speakers in the west want to join the EU, while the east wants ties with Russia n Who are the personalities?

The president, Viktor Yanukovych, Acted informally: Blair to Brooks

is being challenged by high-profile opponents including former world heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko, and the jailed former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko n Haven’t we been here before?

Massive nationwide protests led to the so-called Orange Revolution in 2004, after president Yanukovych was accused of stealing the election and poisoning his opponent, Viktor Yushchenko.

Yanukovych was swept from power, only to return in the election of 2010

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Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

Stand off: Riot police wait for the next wave of violence in Kiev’s Independence Square Picture: ePA

€15 off your first online grocery shop

when you spend €60 or more by 5th March 2014 Enter RXXF4R6 at the checkout

Bookextra time withyour family.

Another reason to shop online eCoupon Terms and Conditions: Just enter the eCoupon code RXXF4R6 at the online grocery checkout to have €15 deducted from your bill. Valid on your first single grocery order delivered on or before 5th March 2014. You must spend and have delivered €60 or more of groceries from tesco.ie. €60 minimum spend excludes purchases of tobacco products, infant milk formulae and the delivery charge. Valid on purchases from tesco.ie/groceries website only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other eCoupon. Offer only applies to recipients of this publication and may be redeemed only once per customer. This eCoupon is and shall remain the property of Tesco Stores Limited and is not for resale or publication.

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14 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

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Email: mail@metroherald.ie Text: Twitter: @metrohnews and Facebook: #metromailbox

‘Mail’ to 53131* Facebook.com/ metroherald

*Please include a name and location. Texts cost €0.30 per message + standard network charges. SP. Oxygen8 Communications, 4th Floor, Malt House North, Grand Canal Quay, D2. Customer service number 0818286606

Websites spreading da ngerous trends are responsible

S

ir, Mark, Dublin, is wrong to say that the internet site which promulgated it around the world has no responsibility for ‘the idiotic Neknomination craze’ and its tragic consequences.

He attributes the blame to the existence of ‘idiots’. it goes much deeper than that.

The fact that vast amounts of money are made as a result of what happened tells us where the responsibility lies. The bigger the outrage, more tragic the consequences, the more publicity there is for the site. internet sites cultivate our sense of entitlement to the level of the moronic.

Their owners are billionaires as a result.

Contrary to Mark’s assertion, the selfobsessed, self-indulgent sense of entitlement cultivated by internet mass media is the responsibility of those benefiting from it – not the so-called ‘idiots’ who are its victims.

A Leavy ■ i accept that, because of the long holidays and short working day, irish teachers have to give out far more homework than their counterparts in other European countries. Fair enough, we all like to get time off, and teachers are human after all.

However, i was amazed to learn that

teachers in ireland are allowed to tell children they are stupid if the homework is too onerous. Teachers, a bit of humanity would not go astray. Some children come from dysfunctional homes.

Lyndon ■ i don’t think Uganda will worry too much about the loss of €21m in irish aid. recently, the country bought nine Su30MK2 jet fighters, which cost at least €225m.

Brendan ■ Law Abiding Citizen, why are we so lenient on criminals? Because liberal leftwingers have taken over the country and care more about the criminal than the victim. The victim is only a statistic to them.

Mr Rayzor Sharp ■ regarding Lysteria, apart from the completely idiotic premise of the article, this is the silliest description of the Easter rising and WWi that i have ever heard!

Elias ■ Stephen, the coffee joke with the coffin article was hilarious. i think the lady herself would have enjoyed that!

Catherine ■ i agree with Stephen about Tuesday’s coffin cartoon c*ck-up. The article was certainly unusual, but to add the cartoon was just tasteless and insensitive.

Anne

Quick pic

KEEPING AN EYE OUT FOR SPRING: Reader Colin Byford sent us this picture of a robin redbreast taken at Dublin Zoo last Sunday morning Send your photos to pictures@ metroherald.ie with ‘Quick pic’ as the subject and we will print the best each day in the paper

gOOD On yA

yEH big RiDE

● Huge thanks to the person who handed in my Unlimited card to Cineworld on Monday. I didn’t even realise I had lost it!

Sending good karma your way.

C.Chaplin

● A big shout out to the Metro Herald girl who hands out the paper at Heuston Station… your smile is radiant. Commuter Joy

● To the man who picked up my Leap card on Dawson street on Monday and left it in Davey Stockbrokers for me, thanks!

Susie

● To the guy wearing the light blue, polka dotted cap, worn backwa rds on your head gangsta stylee – I still think you’re cute, in spite of your shocking dress sense! Smitten

RAnDOM AcTS Of kinDnESS

yOuR RuSH-HOuR cRuSH

TREnDing

#PussyRiot

@metrohnews #metromailbox

● #SochiProblems: Pussy Riot attacked, whipped by Cossacks in #Sochi.

● Pussy riot manage to stage brief protest in #Sochi despite cops attacking them with whips & pepper spray @andrewflood

● These images of Pussy Riot being whipped are truly shocking! #sickening

● I wanna make a song about freeing pussy riot even though they are free.

● Cossacks attack Pussy Riot members with whips… this is the Olympics right?

● So who’s more at risk for execution in Sochi now? The Sochi strays? Pussy Riot? Or the Russian hockey team? @jwodell11

@deepgreendesign

@Britannium

@aesthetic_speed

@gravedweller

Cant tihnk of what two wright aboute?

L.IE.CC.01.2014.0204

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Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

London Fashion Week

Irish designers are hot property in London, writes Lorna Weightman Irish highs: From left, Simone Rocha AW14, Orla Kiely AW14, John Rocha AW14

come & see © 2014 Lyons Partnership, L.P. All rights reserved.

&

© 2014 Hit Entertainment and Keith Chapman.

SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY FROM 1PM, AT LIFFEY Y VALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE

Share the adventure and see the world’s favourite purple dinosaur, Barney, in his sing-along mini show at 1pm, 2pm & 3pm!

Can we make your Liffey Valley experience fantastic?

Yes we can! Bob the Builder will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day

www.liffeyvalley.ie

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16 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

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style

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editorial@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010

here is no doubt that the Irish fashion crew are hot property in London right now; the place where designers are fleeing to conquer the UK fashion market.

It’s natural considering our close proximity to London Fashion Week – the catwalk that gives birth to the next big things in fashion. And it’s quite a proud moment to see our indigenous talent succeed in this competitive global arena.

One such label that is taking fashion week by storm is Lennon Courtney, founded by duo Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon.

The Autumn Winter 2014 collection has attracted global acclaim, and rightly so given the attention to detail and consideration for the female form this collection embodies.

‘Autumn Winter is a big evolution for us again. We’ve used the same core silhouettes but we’ve really defined what the collection does for a woman, so we have split it into four

“irish designers are in a powerful position” pillars,’ explains Sonya.

‘The first is separates, a really good development on basic pieces. The second pillar is our Irish-made knitwear, and we’ve really pushed what we are doing with that, challenging the parameters of knitwear.

‘The third is our hero dress collection; we have six hero dresses in the collection.

‘And then finally, we have a drama section which is still simple and pared back but there is a fluid jersey strapless sheath gown to the floor, a catsuit, some wide neck dresses and the companion pieces for that are the capelets and cropped shirting tops.’

New line: Models wait to take to the catwalk at the Orla Kiely show, above. Danielle Romeril , left At Somerset house, John rocha launched yet another magnificent collection.

Staying close to his love of the colour black, yet adding hints of midnight green and garnet, the collection was beautifully crafted. Fabrics were luxurious with velvet, leather and handmade lace all fusing together in a crescendo of textures.

The same praise can also be bestowed on his daughter Simone, who had the honour of having Anna Wintour sit in the front row of her show.

Simone has certainly made her mark on the fashion industry through her association with the Topshop NeWGeN programme, which this year has invited yet another Irish designer, Danielle romeril, into the family.

O

N being associated with Topshop, Danielle told me that this initiative helps your international profile.

‘It’s a seal of approval from the British Fashion Council, so the top stores and the top journalists in the world pay you more attention,’ she said.

Danielle follows the footsteps of Simone and JW Anderson, both of whom benefited from the support of the high street’s initiative to support emerging designers.

Danielle introduces lenticular prints to her collection for next season, which are images that change in front of your eyes as you view them from different angles.

Off the catwalk, Orla Kiely, con-

sistent in her approach to her collections each season, brought us into her world via a live presentation with the images of raindrops projected on the floor. The collection was inspired by the musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and 1960s icons Petula Clark and Sandie Shaw.

But the key piece for me was the pussy bow dress, styled beautifully with shoes from her latest collaboration with Clarks.

From observing everything from shows to presentations, Irish designers are in a powerful position in the UK and are attracting buyers from across the globe. As we emerge from a period where economically we consistently heard bad news, the fashion story travelling from Ireland is nothing but inspiring.

pOpcORn, cOckTAiLs AnD wET sOcks by amy Dawson It’s 8am, I’m moderately hungover and I’m attempting to ‘clean’ a leather skirt using a squeezy bottle of shoe polish. What the hell am I going to wear to my first-ever fashion week?

I ring my designer friend, Maria, for advice,.

‘Neoprene,’ she says. ‘It sucks you right in. Oh and wear sensible shoes, there’s a lot of walking.’

Unsure what neoprene is, I Google it to be met by pages and pages of wetsuits. I know it’s been raining a lot, but really?

When asked if I would be interested in losing my fashion week virginity, I instantly said yes. ‘I am sooooo getting a picture with David Gandy,’ I squeal. ‘Er, Amz,’ Life&Style’s fashion guru Naomi Mdudu explains, ‘he’s unlikely to be there, given it’s womenswear.’ What a bummer. But I can’t back out now.

As I race into the beautiful courtyard of Somerset House, late for my first show, the rain is lashing. I find Naomi and head for Jean-Pierre Braganza, whoever he

might be, where I’m excited to discover we’re on the ‘frow’. A hot guy in a beanie hands out free gourmet popcorn. Popcorn, it will transpire, is the principal form of fashion week sustenance.

Apart from Myleene Klass, Vanessa from The Saturdays and that girl from Made In Chelsea who always looks po-faced and in pain, I don’t recognise anyone famous. When the music starts pumping and the models are striding, it’s really quite a thrill – though I’d somehow expected more flamboyance.

A day spent scurrying from show to show, with my socks getting steadily soggier inside my boots, finishes with PPQ at the Sanderson Hotel.

There’s a champagne reception, then they serve ve cocktails to those on the front row. Despite my espresso martini, I’m pretty knackered.

Fashion week is not for the faint-hearted and unless you have a particular penchant for popcorn, always carry snacks.

Until next time, Mr Gandy, next time.

Celeb spotting... Myleene Klass with Vanessa White from The Saturdays and ‘that girl from Made In Chelsea’ (Rosie Fortescue) with Henry Conway

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On OuR RADAR Style sistas

Opsh.com is on the lookout for Ireland’s best-dressed best friends. The site is looking for people to nominate friends who ‘deserve some credit for cutting a dash’, from the best dressed in the office to top Saturday night style. All you have to do is register on Opsh.com and tag your stylish friend, using the #OpshFashTag, on a Twitter, Facebook or Instagram pic – and if she wins, you’ll be in for a share of the spoils too.

Stylist Courtney Smith, designer Emma Manley, fashion journalist Rosemary MacCabe and blogger Erika Fox make up the judging panel. At stake, a night for two at Kelly’s Hotel in Dublin, a photoshoot with U Magazine and outfits and bracelets from Alex and Ani – so log on to opsh.com and get nominating.

Handy favourite

We are loving this new hands and nail cream from Roger and Gallet (pictured, €6.50). Light and moisturising, this non-greasy formula makes our hands feel soft and pampered. Our favourite is the Rose formula, which Roger and Gallet says protects against irritation. The handbag friendly tube is available from pharmacies and Marks and Spencer Beauty Halls.

Bringing sexy backpack

Kitchen sink hoarders, good news! The backpack is back.

Debenhams has reported a 114 per cent increase in the sale of the humble rucksack, with the likes of model of the moment Cara Delevingne, Alexa Chung and Rihanna championing it. But remember, size matters – too small and you’ll look like a ‘90s

In da house Warehouse SS14

Ethnic print dress €60, black hat €30, print bag, €43 and bracelets €16. Navy coat €120, green skirt €90, stripy lace tee €39, clear sunglasses €21 and green bag €36

Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

throwback, too big and you’ll be taken for an actual backpacker. We think the Butterfly Bu by Matthew Williamson (€85) is just right.

Luxurious scents

Give your bathroom a luxury feel with a silver-look hand and body wash and lotion dispenser from Max Benjamin.

The natural paraben-free range is available in four signature fragrances – Dodici, White Pomegranate, Grapefruit & Pomelo and Lemongrass & Ginger. We like the very fruity Grapefruit & Pomelo (€14.95).

Available from Arnotts, Kilkenny, Carraig Donn, House of Fraser, Meadows and Byrne, and Brown Thomas, as well as gift shops nationwide.

Spring bouquet

The Ultra Soft Cream from L’Occitane has arrived in store. Available in Vanilla Bouquet, Zesty Lime or Rose Heart, it combines ten per cent shea butter with ‘three delicious scents of spring’. We like the deliciously warm and captivating Vanilla Bouquet (pictured, €22)

Metro Life is taking style advice from the people who really know their stuff, with a panel of bloggers giving their top style tips. This week, Whisty talks about the new typography

R

emember slogan Tshirts? They were popular around the time French Connection did its FCUK re-brand and everyone you passed in the street had a ‘joke’ written on their chest. ‘If found please return to the bar’ and other less than elegant instructions – meant to suggest the wearer was a hilarious character you wanted to hang out with – were so utterly commonplace you’d actually leave a bar if you saw someone in there wearing one.

For Spring/Summer 2014, the slogan is back. From Alexander Wang’s ‘Parental Advisory explicit Content’ sheer top; to Christopher Kane’s pastelcoloured ‘Petal’ and ‘Flower’ sweaters, to Dior’s ‘Primrose Path’ dress, designers have added typography (not slogans, dear) to everything. my gut instinct was to Just try and dismiss it. Words printed on tops, en masse – it’s a bit steer clear of moronic isn’t it? Surely we anything with could all think of something exciting of our own to say French words or which is much more clever? smutty jokes reading on, literally, I saw that the typography trend is in fact nothing like the tacky blokey T-shirts of the early noughties. It is all about soft sweaters decorated with simple brand names and pretty, poetic words. Absolutely, definitely wearable words.

The key is not typography on t-shirts, but

“

Floral jumpsuit €78, sunglasses €21, bag €34 and belt €26 PICTURES: ANTHONY WOODS

17

sweatshirts – in this season’s monochrome or pastel shades – which in no way suggest you are trying to be witty.

Penneys have launched a capsule collection of typography sweaters including this pale yellow ‘California’ one (pictured €14). At brown Thomas, this pastel pink Isabel marant ‘Good morning Tokyo’ jumper (pictured €240) and the grey marl Carven, ‘Carven’ (pictured €270) sweaters enable you to justify the price tag by being so chic and versatile.

It looks like typography will continue into next Autumn/Winter too. If you’ve seen any coverage of London Fashion Week recently, you’ll have seen the Anya Hindmarch bags, decorated with iconic groceries’ branding. but for now it’s all about the humble jumper; just try and steer clear of anything with French words or smutty jokes; come to mention it, that Wang top’s a bit suspect too. whisty.wordpress.com

18 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

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Life television

Monday

the smoke sky1, 9pm

Tuesday

Wednesday

This new firefighter drama gets off to a pulse-racing start as White Watch leader Kev (Jamie Bamber, pictured) puts his life on the line to save a young family trapped in a council-block blaze. It’s a traumatic experience for all concerned and, when we catch up with Kev nine months later, it’s his first bumpy day back on the job. This emotionally fraught drama from the makers of Spooks mixes the cocky banter at the station with Kev’s struggles to cope. How far can he lean on loyal girlfriend Trish (Jodie Whittaker) and best mate Mal (Rhashan Stone) before they all come tumbling down?

Thursday

film of the day Brazil film4, 11.15pm

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Terry Gilliam’s brilliant cult dystopian fantasy is a triumph of imagination, not only over budget and studio indifference but over the drudgery of life itself.

Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce, pictured) is a lowly office drone in a huge Orwellian government machine – but in his dreams he flies free through rosy clouds, seeking his dream girl (Kim Greist). One day he meets a girl who looks exactly like her in real life – trouble is, she wants nothing to do with him and may even be nothing but a whole lot of trouble to Sam. Tom Stoppard gets a co-writer credit to a story that Gilliam (who visits the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival tomorrow night) has said was inspired by Orwell’s 1984, even though he’d never actually read it.

Hilarious, chilling and utterly awe-inspiring to look at, it co-stars Gilliam’s Python pal, Michael Palin.

Pioneers and aviators – a century of irish aviation RTÉ1, 10.25pm irish aviation has come a long way since John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown successfully flew non-stop across the Atlantic before coming down in the townland of Ballyconneelly in Connemara. This affectionate new two-part documentary finds director Alan Gilsenan telling the story of what we have managed ever since that historic achievement, looking at ireland’s geographical use to aviation, the first airports and finally the establishment of Aer lingus.

the White slums: reggie yates’s extreme south africa BBC3, 9pm a squatter camp on the outskirts of Johannesburg consists almost entirely of a white underclass that’s found itself marginalised since South africa’s first democratic elections 20 years ago. From there, reggie Yates opens this three-part report on the state of a modern South africa that is still divided.

ÉagÓir TG4, 10pm

Depicted with startling power by director Jim Sheridan and Daniel Day-lewis in in The Name Of The Father, the story of Belfast man Gerry Conlon is the focus of tonight’s Éagóir.

Conlon was in the wrong place at the wrong time when UK police were looking to arrest someone for the Guildford bombings. The result was 15 years in jail and a shocking miscarriage of justice.

www.berocca.ie

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books

Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

19

features@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010

Bidding war and peace

THE BIG INTERVIEW Audrey Magee’s debut novel manages to say new things about the Battle of Stalingrad, Daragh Reddin finds

A

s most first-time novelists will attest, the act of writing a novel – onerous as that might be – is nothing compared to the dispiriting battle to have it published. Far from languishing indefinitely in the slush pile, however, Audrey Magee’s fiercely accomplished debut, The Undertaking, prompted a heated bidding war in the UK only moments after the ink had dried on the manuscript.

‘My agent put it out to tender on a Tuesday,’ the Wicklow native and former freelance journalist recalls, ‘and by the Thursday morning there was a pre-emptive bid. The following Monday, I was flying over to London to visit a number of publishing houses. It was a whirlwind.’

That the action in Magee’s novel takes place against the backdrop of the Battle of stalingrad makes the excitement all the more unusual. After all, is there really much left to be said about a subject that’s already been so extensively mined in both fiction and film? In Magee’s capable hands, it turns out there is.

The Undertaking hones in on two German lovers caught up in the maelstrom of the second World War. Katherine spinell is a young Berliner of modest means who decides on a marriage of convenience to a soldier, Peter Faber, whom she has never met. It’s a pragmatic arrangement that has benefits for both parties: Peter will be granted three weeks’ honeymoon leave (no small privilege given the horrors of life on the front) and, in the event he’s killed in action, Katherine will receive a widow’s pension. such marriages were not uncommon at the time; Magee even met someone – in the most unlikely of places – who’d entered into such a pact. ‘In the late 1990s, I was having dinner in a restaurant in West Cork and I got talking to the owner who happened to be German. He told me he’d been a soldier fighting on the Russian front during the second World War and that he’d married a woman he didn’t know so that he’d get a temporary reprieve from fighting and she’d get a pension if he died.’

While this encounter was clearly a major influence on the plot of The Undertaking, the

subject had already been percolating for some time. ‘When I was 18, I landed in Germany for the first time,’ Magee says. ‘What struck me was the normality of life. People who’d lived through the war were now grandparents.

It was about 40 years after the war had ended so everything was still quite raw, yet shrouded in silence. I was fascinated by that silence.

‘Later, I found myself trying to understand how many of those grandfathers, who were clearly very nice men, had come to commit such terrible crimes. What in God’s name had happened to them that that ordinary niceness had been eroded?’

‘Much later, I visited Dachau with an American-Jewish man who had lost family there and we met a woman who had lived outside the camp all her life – she kept saying “we knew nothing, we knew nothing”. My companion just couldn’t grasp how she, and people like her, had failed to act. It’s something that simmered within my head for a very long time.’

M

AGee is audacious in choosing protagonists closely allied to Nazism and therefore responsible, either directly or indirectly, for wanton acts of violence.

Yet, this decision lends the book its complexity. The spinells, for instance, are only too happy to capitalise on anti-semitic policies if it means they can move in to the home of a Jewish family; yet Katherine’s stoicism after Russian soldiers lay siege to Berlin inspires sympathy.

Meanwhile, Peter’s behaviour on the front, though grotesque, makes sense when viewed through the unforgiving prism of warfare.

‘I know it’s a difficult novel,’ Magee says, ‘but it’s also a difficult subject. Using the simple boy-meets-girls-arc, I wanted to explore the grey areas that war creates.

Admittedly, some people behave bravely and magnificently within a terrible regime but most do not. I was interested in the gradual inurement of characters to their situation and the way violence has a habit of creeping up on people in those extraordinary circumstances. How does that happen?’ In her debut, Magee explores that very question.

The Undertaking (Atlantic Books) is out now

‘I was fascinated by that silence’: Wicklow author Audrey Magee

sHELfsPAcE AlSO OUT The Days Of Anna Madrigal

by Armistead Maupin **** Doubleday, €23 Some cities define a novel as much as its central characters.

Armistead Maupin’s muchloved Tales Of The City series is a case in point, with the San Francisco location being the only possible setting for his endearing, gender-fluid characters. In his new book, as well as charting developments in the San Francisco scene, he takes his characters on a journey not just to the way-out-there Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert but

back in time to a 1930s Nevada whorehouse. It is, as Maupin fans would expect, a lovely, gently comic book whose comfortable, almost cosy characters defy any fears their colourful, sexually adventurous lifestyles might render them two-dimensional.

As ever, the pivotal character is transgender landlady Anna Madrigal, who at 92 retains all her power to beguile as she sets out on a road trip to make peace with the events in the life of a young man that set her on the path to becoming her own gloriously self-defined Siobhan Murphy creation.

The Almost Nearly Perfect People: The Truth About The Nordic Miracle

by Michael Booth ** Jonathan Cape, €16 The problem with this patchy book only becomes apparent in the last few pages of the epilogue. Despite spending 380-plus pages taking aim at the Nordic way of life, Michael Booth, it transpires, is hopelessly in love with the region. If the mooted Nordic Union should ever come to pass, ‘the rest of us would not stand a chance’, says Booth,

imploring the famously egalitarian, happy quintet of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland to stay independent of each other.

It’s a jarring note after Booth has denounced the Danes as boring, the Swedes undemocratic, the Norwegians xenophobic, the Icelanders incestuous and the Finns drunk. He offers no compelling argument as to why the region has become a paragon of fairness, industry and creativity.

Paul Connolly

20 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

puzzles

D

METROSCOPE

by Patrick Arundell

NEMI by Lise

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20

An amicable link between the Moon and the Sun suggests you could be more in harmony with yourself.

Energies seem to flow with less resistance and life may be easier as a consequence. The Scorpio Moon highlights desire and its fulfilment.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 70

Taurus Apr 21 – May 21

Your dreams could be very refreshing to the spirit. A Moon-Neptune link is enhanced by the presence of the Sun, hinting you may feel like withdrawing from the real world in order to dip into a treasure trove of thoughts.

METROKU Easy, Moderate and Challenging. For solutions, visit Metro.co.uk/metroku

For your forecast, call 15609 114 71

Gemini May 22 – Jun 21

With Mercury challenged by Saturn, weighty issues could give you food for thought. But getting to the heart of the problem shouldn’t be too much trouble, as the Scorpio Moon can enhance your decision-making abilities.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 72

Cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23

A sense of well-being could permeate your bones, as a positive MoonJupiter connection brings feelings of happiness into the mix. And intensity of feeling could highlight a romantic opportunity that you’re keen to see played out.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 73

Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23

Impatience with restrictions imposed on you suggests you’ll want to throw them off in an instant. But doing so could prove disruptive. If you can maintain restraint and make crucial changes slowly, harmony could replace feelings of insecurity.

PEARLs BEFORE swINE

For your forecast, call 15609 114 74

Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23

You could be looking for profound encounters, as anything too superficial may leave you looking for an escape route. Yet, the current lineup also encourages emotional selfanalysis, which can work as long as honesty is your watchword.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 75

Libra Sep 24 – Oct 23

ACROSS 1 Asylum (6) 4 Recommend (6) 9 Letter-writer(13) 10 Obliquely (7) 11 Upper air (5) 12 Ethical (5) 14 Thick sweet liquid (5) 18 Guide (5) 19 Fascinate (7) 21 Necessary (13) 22 Cricket team (6) 23 Guard (6)

DOWN 1 Ethnic (6) 2 Prescience (13) 3 Inexperienced (5) 5 Thickly (7) 6 Unfailing (13) 7 Wring out (6) 8 Rapidity (5) 13 Public performer (7) 15 Elf (6) 16 Monastic church (5) 17 Sagacious (6) 20 Squander (5)

Yesterday’s Solutions Across: 1 Confidential; 7 Allow; 8 Blear; 9 Tot; 10 Charlatan; 11 Recent; 12 Stream; 15 Adjourned; 17 Ass; 18 Drift; 19 Tacit; 21 Reprehension.

Down: 1 Countermands; 2 Ill; 3 Enwrap; 4 Tabulated; 5 Avert; 6 Transmission; 7 Antic; 10 Conductor; 13 Exact; 14 Snatch; 16 Juice; 20 Can.

scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22

A wave of compassion could wash over you. This can be down to a SunNeptune connection, which places your focus on other people’s needs rather than your own. Try not to exhaust yourself in the process. A sense of perspective may well be key.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 77

sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21

Fired up yet uncertain of the direction you’re travelling in? Perhaps, as there’s a restless and choppy energy around that could be firing you up. At this stage, though, it might help to approach things in a more formal way.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 78

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20

You may need your friends to give you support and help you make decisions. You can have more trouble than usual analysing details and adding up the facts. Getting crucial feedback from those you trust may be a lifeline.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 79

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19

Today’s continued Mercury-Saturn square can highlight the difference between cutting-edge and traditional ideas. Perhaps you need to make a compromise, as your approach could conflict with someone else’s more entrenched stance.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 80

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20

Your dreams can prove very empowering. If they seem more vivid than usual, you might want to reflect on them to extract their meaning. Yet, the converse can be true, especially if you are less clear-minded about what you want.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 81

For a live one-to-one consultation with one of my gifted psychics, call 15809 113 68 or 1800 719 688 to book using credit card Astrology calls cost 1.27 euros per min from a BT landline. Live Services cost 2.40 euros per minute. Calls from mobiles/other networks may cost more. Callers must be 18 or over to use this service and have the bill payers permission. For entertainment purposes only. All calls are recorded. PhonePayPlus regulated(ComReg in ROI) UK SP: StreamLive Ltd, NR7 0HR, 08700 234 567. ROI SP:Moveda, 1 Courtyard Business Park, Orchard Lane, Blackrock, Co Dublin, 0818 241 398

Quiz

Crossword No. 918 See next edition for solutions

For your forecast, call 15609 114 76

ENiGMA Do this when you’re in a bate On the toes of those you hate?

Put one on a letter to Guarantee is will get through.

WHO AM i?

An author and charity worker, I was born in Cheshire in 1939 with the first names Terence Hardy. I joined the Archbishop of Canterbury’s staff in 1980.

I was held hostage for 1,763 days after being kidnapped

in Lebanon.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? WHO… made the golden calf?

WHAT… disorder is also called word blindness?

WHERE… was the official residence of the N. Ireland prime minister until 1972?

WHEN… did Carlos Menem become president of Argentina?

QUIZ ANSWERS: ENIGMA: Stamp. WHO AM I? Terry Waite. WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? Aaron; Dyslexia; Stormont; 1989.

QUICK CROsswORd

Does change seem to offer the only

way ahead?

Freedom could be important to you at this time, so you’ll want to make it a priority. Yet consider the practical side of your situation where necessary.

Avoid making any bold moves without a plan.

L.IE.CC.01.2014.0204

Puzzled? www.berocca.ie Your daily high performance vitamin

rugby six nations

D

Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD

Records give Robshaw hope of taming fierce Irish Chris robshaw has warned Grand slam-chasing ireland that recent meetings between the title rivals prevents England from being intimidated. a host of ireland’s lauded british and irish Lions go to Twickenham on saturday as rbs 6 Nations favourites following comprehensive victories over scotland and reigning champions wales. it is a showdown pivotal to the Championship, but three successive victories in the fixture points to red rose supremacy.

Lions brian o’Driscoll, Paul o’Connell and Jamie heaslip

have made 29 appearances against England alone, accumulating 18 wins, but robshaw has reminded them of events over the last two years. ‘a lot has been spoken about the experience of their players – the o’Driscolls, the o’Connells, the heaslips – but we need to look at the experience we have got,’ the

captain (pictured) said. ‘on the last two occasions we have beaten them home and away. one was a good scoreline here (winning 309) the other a great performance in very tough conditions to win in Dublin (winning 12-6). ‘ireland have come a long way since then, but we are confident. it is our home pitch.’

The visit of ireland is the first match of the

2014 six Nations to be staged at Twickenham after they were edged by France in Paris and routed scotland at Murrayfield.

‘Twickenham is our home and the world Cup is here in 18 months’ time. we have to make sure it’s a hard place to come. robshaw describes ireland’s ‘fierce’ pack as a ‘well-oiled machine’, but has faith in the try-scoring England backline. ‘our backs have been outstanding in this tournament so far,’ he said.

‘The attitude of everyone to go and play at the right times has come on massively.’

Murray taking Care to avoid England ambush

by DAnny HOgAn Danny Care will wreck Ireland’s Triple Crown bid in a flash if Joe Schmidt’s men hand him free rein, according to Conor Murray.

Ireland scrum-half Murray, who will come up against Care at Twickenham on Saturday, rates his england counterpart among the world’s best attacking half-backs.

Ireland have yet to concede a try in the rBS 6 nations after impressive victories over Scotland and Wales, but Murray is wary of Care’s sniping ability to split defences at the fringes.

‘He’s as dangerous as any in the world with the ball in hand,’ said the 24-year-old.

‘I played against him last year and in the Heineken as well, and leading into that game we had a good look at him.

‘He’s a threat from anywhere, he’ll try anything from anywhere and he has the ability to pull off some really spectacular plays.

Leg-ends: O’Driscoll and O’Connell going through a training warm-up

Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell have been crowned as Ireland’s greatest back and greatest forward of all-time, according to a survey released yesterday by Ulster Bank. O’Driscoll got 75 per cent of the vote, fending off Ronan O’Gara (second place with 8 per cent), Mike Gibson (third with 4 per cent). O’Connell received 45 per cent of the vote, ahead of Keith Wood (23 per cent) and Lions legend Willie John McBride (15 per cent). For further info on Ulster Bank’s rugby initiatives, go to ulsterbank.com/rugby

‘It’s definitely our toughest test so far’ ‘So he’s definitely a player we’ll have to keep an eye on.’

Ireland will chase their first Triple Crown since the 2009 Grand Slam at Twickenham, with stalwart centre Brian O’Driscoll expected to match George Gregan’s world record 139 Test caps, including British and Irish Lions honours.

Murray’s tactical kicking and precise distribution should prove a contrast to Care’s high-octane approach in West London.

The 24-cap half-back admitted he must employ all his defensive nous to shut Care down this weekend.

‘Quick taps, little snipes, he’s going to go from everywhere,’ said Murray.

‘Whoever’s in the line of defence, whoever’s closest to the ruck will have to watch him closely; he likes to snipe in and around there.

‘He’ll try little dinks, he’ll throw offloads, and whoever’s in that

Bod and Poc the greatest

front line has got to be switched on.

‘I’ll obviously hope to be in behind that looking for those little chips, but whoever’s up in the front line I’ll just be talking to them, making sure we keep an eye on him at all times.’

Unfazed by the Triple Crown pressure, Murray said head coach Schmidt has forced the focus away from the silverware this week.

Owen Farrell has established himself as england’s first-choice fly-half in the last two years, even touring australia with the Lions last summer.

Murray said working closely with Farrell on Lions duty showed him just why the Saracens playmaker is lauded so

highly in so many quarters.

‘I got to know him very well on tour, and he’s excellent,’ said Murray.

‘He’s the focal point of their attack and he’s taken a lot of leadership for what they do.

‘He’s a great kicker of the ball, and his passing game, people might not know too much about it, but on the Lions we got to see it up close and personal, and he has a really wide range of passes and his length of pass is huge so we have to be aware of that as well.

‘It’s our first away game and it’s against a side that’s going really well, a side that has experience and is extremely powerful. ‘yes there is inexperience in the back line in places, but with that comes a bit of fearlessness.

‘There are threats all over the park and it’s definitely our toughest test so far.

leinster

Luke elsewhere: Fitzgerald

FuTuRE sTARs READy TO sHinE in CARDiFF TRip

ForGET the whole ‘is he, isn’t he?’ fitness saga surrounding Luke Fitzgerald because there are at least three reasons to tune into rTÉ2 tonight for Leinster’s trip to Cardiff and take a glimpse at the future. in the starting line-up, Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan are ones to watch closely while on the bench Ed byrne is an intriguing prospect. of the trio, Conan is the one we are most excited about as the No.8 has been crushing it in the Ulster bank League for old belvedere this season and is already attracting attention from other professional clubs despite only making his Leinster debut tonight. a former irish Under 20, Conan has been waiting for his opportunity and will be eager to make an impression given the plethora of back-row talent available to Leinster.

Physically, he shares a similar chasis to Jamie heaslip and is every inch a footballing back row. he can free his hands in contact and that is mainly due in part to his footwork. although Furlong and byrne are both tightheads (hardly exotic positions) they are both in the bullocking ball-carrier mould and it will be interesting to see how they fare. on the bench, Luke McGrath should get an opportunity to see if he can bring his particular nous and spark to the scrum-half position but like many of these occasions during the six Nations, the disruption to both teams will have an effect on this game. with so many players coming in to both teams you will find that younger guys are aiming to play mistake-free rugby rather than anything too daring.

The good news is Cardiff’s artificial surface will lend itself to a good game if Leinster can hold possession. with Jimmy Gopperth and Eoin reddan providing experience at half back, Leinster need to make the most of whatever ball they have as richardt strauss and Kevin McLaughlin are the only regulars in the pack. in the backline, keep tabs on Noel reid, who is looking more assured in these outings but needs to eradicate his habit of making mental errors. a night to watch individual performances rather than the collective.

21

22 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

football champions league D

fifa chief hits back at pellegrini over ref rant city are not

Taking the positives: Zabaleta

by jAMEs bOyLAn

Nou-hopers to progress, insists pablo

FiFa’s referees chief has dismissed Manuel Pellegrini’s stinging criticism of swedish official Jonas Eriksson as ‘absolute nonsense’.

The Manchester City boss described Eriksson’s performance in Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 game against Barcelona as ‘not impartial’ and went on to pinpoint the referee’s nationality as a reason for his perceived ineptitude.

However, Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce said: ‘it is absolute nonsense to say a referee should not be chosen for an important match because he comes from a smaller country. ‘if the referee has proved himself at the top level it should not matter what country they come from.’

Eriksson, 39, has been selected for the World Cup finals in Brazil and Boyce added: ‘all the referees who have been chosen for the World Cup have been assessed by experienced

Pablo Zabaleta believes all is not lost for Manchester City in their Champions league last-16 tie with barcelona.

City’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals look slim to none after barca claimed a 2-0 first-leg win at the etihad on tuesday. enjoying 68 per cent possession, it was vintage barca at times as they mesmerised with their famous tika-taka patterns.

However, after Martin Demichelis’ 54th-minute red card, City still managed to create

THEy sAiD iT

‘It doesn’t matter where the referee comes from’

‘0-2, qualification guaranteed’

officials who have been involved at Fifa and Uefa level.’

Pellegrini, usually the epitome of calm and reason, fumed after the game: ‘it was not a good idea to put a referee from sweden in charge of such an important match. ‘[it’s] more important football in Europe than sweden. a big game with two important teams.

‘That kind of game needs a referee with more experience.’

Boyce added: ‘i saw the game and my personal opinion is the referee had a good game. He is a very experienced referee who has been chosen for the World Cup because of excellent reports of his performances.’

Uefa is likely to take a dim view of Pellegrini’s comments. in 2011 it banned Jose Mourinho for five games, reduced on appeal to three, for a similar rant when he was at Real Madrid.

Headline on Barcelona’s website. The story said Barca have never lost a European tie after winning the first leg 2-0

Fuming: Pellegrini was furious with referee Jonas Eriksson following his side’s defeat on Tuesday night picture: epa

a few openings and defended well enough to give defender Zabaleta hope for the second leg.

He said: ‘Nothing is impossible in football. We must be happy with what we did with ten men.

‘Maybe barcelona had more possession but they didn’t create too many chances because we were very solid defending. ‘also we had chances to score and [barcelona goalkeeper Victor] Valdes made a few saves.

‘We must be a little bit disappointed but now we need to have belief and try to do well in Camp Nou.’

spORT DigEsT Vettel: No quick fix for Red Bull Belgian cyclist Kristof Poulter suffers another early exit fORMuLA OnE Sebastian

Vettel has admitted there is no quick fix to Red Bull’s woes after more pre-season problems at the start of the second test in Bahrain. Just 21 laps were completed over the four days in the first test in Jerez last month because of issues with both the packaging of the car and the Renault power unit. At the Sakhir circuit the RB10 managed only 14 laps before catching fire on track due to a rear-brake glitch. ‘We are

Car trouble: Vettel working flat out to get on top of the issues but it’s clear there is no such thing as a quick fix,’ said the four-times world champion. ‘We are in a phase where you fix one problem and another pops up.’

Goddaert has died while training, his team IAM Cycling have announced.

Reports suggested the 27year-old fell while crossing a train track and was run over by a bus. Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish wrote on Twitter: ‘Such a nice guy who loved racing his bike. RIP Kristof.’

gOLf Ryder Cup star

First and last: Poulter

Ian Poulter suffered his third first-round exit in four years from the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship after a 2&1 defeat to Rickie Fowler. The American, who led from the fourth hole onwards at Dove Mountain, will now face compatriot Jimmy Walker in the second round. Poulter later took

to Twitter, saying: ‘Disappointed with my performance, did not deserve to move on, congrats to Rickie Fowler.’ Finland’s Mikko Ilonen had looked like creating a shock when he led Bubba Watson by two holes with six to play, but lost the next three as the 2012 Masters champion sealed a 2&1 win.

football champions league

D

Arsenal Mes up their big chance – and pay the price LAsT 16, fiRsT LEg

Switch: Morrison

Ravel Hoops move leads to World Cup Ravel MoRRison believes he can still make a claim for a place in england boss Roy Hodgson’s World Cup plans despite dropping down to the Championship with QPR. The West Ham midfielder has agreed a 93-day emergency loan deal to help the Hoops in their push for promotion.

The 21-year-old’s performances for the Hammers earlier in the season saw Hodgson reveal he had ‘enormous admiration’ for his ability. asked if he thought he could still make the plane to Brazil, Morrison said: ‘Hopefully. it is a bigger step than it was but hopefully it can happen. all i want to do is play football. i just want to show everyone what i can do week in, week out.’

behind to earn a vital point at Nottingham Forest. Riyad Mahrez’s late strike moved the Foxes eight points clear at the top of the Championship table

by jAMEs bOyLAn

Then there were ten: Szczesny was sent off for this challenge on Robben PiCTURe: HUW evans

in the 37th minute when he conceded the game’s second penalty for clattering into Arjen Robben.

Lukasz Fabianski entered the fray to face David Alaba’s spot-

kick, which clipped the post and went wide. Arsenal put up a brave resistance in the second half but Kroos broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when he curled in a

beauty after being teed up by Philipp Lahm. And the latter was again the provider as Muller nodded in two minutes from time to deliver a potentially killer blow.

Go-ahead for Tottenham despite Kiev troubles

ToTTenham’s europa League clash with Dnipro is still scheduled to go ahead despite plans for a day of mourning in Ukraine following the political unrest in Kiev. spurs’ hosts play in the city of Dnipropetrosk, 220 miles from Kiev where scenes of death and bloodshed continue to be seen around the world as police clash with anti-government protesters.

Ukraine’s president Viktor Yanukovych has declared a day of

fOOTbALL DigEsT

2-2 Leicester came from

aRsenal.......................0 BayeRn MUniCH ........ 2

ARSENAL could not recover from a Mesut Ozil penalty miss and Wojciech Szczesny’s sending-off as Bayern Munich seized an iron grip on this last-16 tie.

Ozil’s tentatively hit spot-kick let a ragged Bayern off the hook early on and, despite missing a penalty of their own, the Germans capitalised on their numerical advantage through goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will remind his team how close they came to overturning a twogoal deficit in last term’s second leg in Munich.

However, it looks like curtains for Wenger’s men, who will rue the wasted penalty which should have rewarded their great start.

Ozil was slipped in on goal by Jack Wilshere in the eighth minute but, after being upended by Jerome Boateng, saw his weak effort from the spot easily saved by Manuel Neuer. Szczensy saw red

Thursday, February 20, 2014 METRO HERALD 23

Game on: Sherwood’s Spurs are in Ukraine mourning for the victims of the clashes but Uefa insists today’s match is unaffected. a spokesman for said: ‘The

team is there, they have had their conference. There is no indication it would not go ahead.’ spurs boss Tim sherwood wants his players to focus and said: ‘We are just concentrating on playing football and getting the game out of the way. It is never great to see scenes of violence in any country at any time.’ sherwood is taking the often derided competition seriously as he believes silverware is vital for any manager. asked when he

would prefer Champions League qualification via a top-four finish in the league or a europa League winners’ medal, he said: ‘on the CV of a manager? It is about winning. a lot of managers have won this and gone on to bigger and better things.

‘It is the priority to win both – the place in the Champions League and the europa League.’ he added: ‘It is the only cup we are left in and we have enough players in our squad to compete.’

Latics hero Watson suffers leg break Wigan’s Fa Cup final hero Ben Watson has suffered a double leg fracture which will rule him out for the rest of the season. Watson, who headed the winning goal against Manchester City at Wembley in May, suffered the injury during Wigan’s 2-0 win over Barnsley on Tuesday. The midfielder (pictured above) broke the same leg in a match against liverpool in november 2012. latics boss Uwe Rosler said: ‘Ben is a terrific professional and a fighter, and i am sure he will return from this setback like he did a year ago.’

The Magath touch

leWis HolTBy has backed new boss Felix Magath to keep bottom-of-thetable Fulham in the Premier league.

Midfielder Holtby played under disciplinarian Magath at schalke, and said: ‘We’re going to get the full german experience from him and i definitely think he’ll help us achieve our goal of staying up. Training’s been good, although it’s definitely been a new experience for the english players.’

24 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 20, 2014

D

Three players to watch as Leinster aim to cause Blue murder in Cardiff

«see page 21

Gunners rue red card as Bayern go a Robben

by ADAM HYLAND ArsenAl manager Arsene Wenger claimed his side should have been at least three goals up in the first half of their Champion’s league tie, but felt Ozil’s penalty miss was a blow as it negatively affected the atmosphere.

‘Tonight everything went against us, because I think we should have been three up before they got a sniff of a chance in the game but we made some big mistakes,’ he said.

‘I think the penalty we missed killed a little bit the crowd and the positive vibes and after we were down to ten men and one player injured. ‘so overall it’s a very difficult night but as well a night the team has shown some quality and some class.

But at the end of the day we lost the game.’

Asked if he was Big mistakes: Arsene critical of Ozil’s languid penalty style, with the German playmaker’s spot-kick being comfortably saved by Manuel neuer, the Frenchman said: ‘I prefer people to run properly at the ball. ‘everyone has his own style and you have to respect it. There’s not one way of penalty taking, if he’s comfortable taking it like that...It’s his style.’

On goalkeeper szczesny’s red card, Wenger said: ‘I don’t know, I haven’t seen it again. If there’s contact I think it’s a penalty. Is it a red card? I dispute that many times but if it’s a rule it’s a rule, we have to accept it.’

«

Shut out: Ozil closes his eyes in disbelief after seeing his penalty saved last night

arsenal Mes up chance p-23

England’s prop shortage is Cole comfort for Ross

England’s lack of depth at tighthead will not damage their scrummaging on saturday, says Ireland’s Mike Ross.

Head coach stuart lancaster has admitted England need to foster cover for dan Cole and davey Wilson. leicester tighthead Cole has a bulging disc in his neck, and may not play again this season.

Wilson, meanwhile, has just returned from injury in the nick of time to solve a potential tighthead shortage.

Former Harlequin Ross admitted surprise that England are scratching around for prop

depth, but rejected any notion of an easy ride at the set-piece this weekend.

‘Their problem is the loss of a few guys to injury, that has taxed their resources a bit, but it is a small bit surprising,’ said the 34-

‘Not as big a loss as it could have been’: Mike Ross

year-old leinster tighthead.

‘They do have 12 clubs around different options although some of those are foreigners starting, others where lads are injured.’

Ireland’s scrum proved a potent weapon in opening six nations victories over scotland and Wales, but Ross expects a far greater test against England.

‘If you look at (Wilson’s) form

during the autumn internationals he is probably pushing Cole pretty hard. ‘so we are not really seeing it as big a loss as it could have been.’

On hooker dylan Hartley, Ross warned: ‘He brings an aggressive edge to it and he’s always chirping away in the middle of it, you know, nothing offensive.

‘He really attacks the joint between the tighthead and the hooker to fracture that.

‘Once that’s done it’s open season on you and the loosehead coming across on you.’

« Murray cauTious p-21

Ireland stun Windies in T20 clash IREland earned a famous win over the mighty West Indies in their first of two Twenty20 internationals at sabina Park.

The hosts were restricted to 116 for eight, Chris gayle topscoring with just 18 as Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien and alex Cusack took two wickets.

From eight for two, Ireland powered to 117 for four to win with five balls to spare as Ed Joyce scored with 40 not out.

Windies captain darren sammy and gayle put on 31 before falling in successive overs and wickets continued to fall.

Marlon samuels and lendl simmons made 16 apiece and andre Russell hit 15, with the ten batsmen required all scoring between three not out and 18.

Irish captain William Porterfield hit the third ball of their innings for four but was dismissed by the next and opening partner Paul stirling followed in the next over.

But Joyce put on a steady 29 with gary Wilson before the crucial partnership, 58 with andrew Poynter.

Poynter hit six fours in an innings of 32 from 30 balls before being bowled by sunil narine.

Ireland still needed 22 at that stage but Joyce, whose watchful 49-ball innings contained just two boundaries, was joined by O’Brien (15no) to see them home.

The teams meet again over 20 overs on Friday before a one-off one-day international on sunday.

Ed start: Top scorer Joyce

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