The Irish World

THE VOICE OF THE IRISH COMMUNITY IN BRITAIN

No. 1158

PRICE £1.20

SUMMER SIZZLERS IRL €1.75

PLUS!

BREAKING NEWS www.theirishworld.com

23 May 2009

GALWAY V LONDON FIVE-PAGE PREVIEW

IRELAND ‘IN SAFE HANDS’

IRISH VENUES WITH MENUS PAGE 20-21

LIAM BRADY

RICKY TOMLINSON Interview p26-27

Bankers approve Minister’s recovery plans

BY CIARAN FARRELL IRELAND’S Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has received generous and welcome praise for his grip on the nation’s economic recovery plans after a private briefing with major investors in London.

They gave a firm seal of approval to Mr Lenihan’s command of the current economic situation in Ireland prompting

him to tell journalists later that he was satisfied that perceptions of Ireland as potentially the weakest link in a weak eurozone were “a thing of the past”.

The Minister was in London on Friday on the latest leg of his European tour to build and sustain confidence in the Irish Government’s recovery plans. He attended a private briefing with bankers in the City organised by the

National Treasury Management Agency.

Mr Lenihan found agreement among bankers with his view that Ireland’s long-term strength and potential is firmly rooted in the euro.

One such banker, Eric Busnel of Dresdner Kleinwort said he thought Mr Lenihan had given “a very convincing” and “polished” presentation on the Irish economic situation and outlook that would

prove reassuring to investors.

Another, Nicolas Walewfki of Alkan Asset Management said he too was impressed with what Mr Lenihan had to say.

“I think particularly the reduction in labour unit costs is very impressive, and there are very few countries who do that,” Mr Walewfki said.

A third, Scott Rankin from Davy Research said he

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Just dial the number below + your destination number.

SAME RATES 24/7

INSTANT

3p - 084 4988 4046 15p - 091 1553 4046

Interview p34-35 Talking is Cheap!

Helpline: 084 4545 3555 T&C’s: Ask bill payer’s permission. All prices are per minute & include VAT. Calls billed per minute. Charges apply from the moment of connection. Minimum call charge 5p by BT. Cost of calls from non BT operators & mobiles may vary. Check with your operator. This service is provided by Auracall Ltd. Agents required, please call 084 4545 3788.

2 NEWS

The Irish World

www.theirishworld.com

IN THIS WEEK

23 May, 2009

Irish victims of bomb recalled

THIS SECTION

• Green Party European election candidate Dr Joseph Healy (P4) • Brent’s new Irish Mayor (P5) • Galway prepares for Volvo Ocean Boat Race (P6) • CHC welcomed in House of Commons (P7)

GUIDE

• Meet the patriarch of the Royle Family (Ps 34-35) • Blues/soul band Big Mamma’s Door (P 16) • Showbiz gossip, (Ps12-13) •Our picks for going out this week, Seven Days (Ps 36-37)

BY FRANK MURPHY

THE 34 victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings were remembered in Dublin at the weekend.

Relatives of those killed 35 years ago, along with some of those who were injured in the attacks, laid wreaths at the memorial in Talbot Street, followed by Mass in the city’s Pro-Cathedral.

The memorial was organised by Justice For The Forgotten, which formed in 1996 to campaign for truth and justice for the victims of the atrocity on May 17, 1974.

Chairman Bernie McNally said the group welcomed the recent EamesBradley proposals that a Legacy Commission be established to deal with the past.

“At this stage of our campaign, we believe this to be the best way to access information and to resolve the outstanding questions in relation, not only to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, but also to all cross-border bombings of the 1970s,” said Ms McNally.

However, Ms McNally stressed that, contrary to what is proposed, there is an absolute need for such a commission to be set up by both the British and Irish governments in equal partnership.

“The bilateral approach was cru-

SPORT

• Interview with Liam Brady (P26-7) • London v Galway preview (P28-32) • Report from Guinness Premiership Final (P54-55) • Gael Og feature (P24-33) • Coverage of GAA, racing and golf action in Ireland and Britain

READ THE IRISH WORLD WHEREVER YOU ARE

THE IRISH WORLD ELECTRONIC EDITION

■ MEMORIAL: In Talbot Street, Dublin, to the Irish bomb dead

cial to ensuring the success of the peace process and, as so many atrocities have occurred on both sides of the Border, it will again be vital to ensure the success of any truth process,” she added.

“Justice For The Forgotten will be urging the Irish Government to actively engage with the British government on this issue prior to the final decisions being taken in September.”

Gaels get on bikes for charity

50p

JOIN US ON

ONLY

PER ISSUE* *when you take out an annual subscription priced £26

Anywhere

THEIRISHWORLD.COM Tel:

email:

00 353 94 90 48620 After 18.00 please call 087 2839377 info@caseycars.ie www.caseycar.com

FOUR members of Tir Chonaill Gaels are taking part in charity cycles this June. Clare native Frank Glynn is doing the London to Paris cycle on June 3 for his chosen charity Amnesty International. This will be Frank’s first charity cycle at the ripe old age of 55 years. He has clocked up 2,500 miles in his training programme and showing no signs of stopping.

On June 7 Stevie Keane (Breast Cancer), Stephen McLoughlin (Alzheimer’s Society) and Maurice Carr (Cancer Research) head to Paris to tackle the Alps in the Paris to Geneva charity cycle along with Tara MaGuire (Heart Foundation) and Geraldine Leonard (Stroke Association).

This trip is a 350 mile journey with the final day being part of the Tour de France stage with a ■ FREE-WHEELERS: Members of the Tir Chonaill Gaels saddling up for charity 75 mile hike over the Alps.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

On-line booking now available KNOCK • CASTLEBAR • SHANNON • DUBLIN

BEST PRICES GUARANTEED

thought Mr Lenihan impressive: “I’ve heard him speak once before, but never to this type of audience,” he said.

“He spoke off the cuff and got his point across very well. Getting the message across that the adjustment is under way and is happening quickly is very important.” Mr Lenihan said he was pleased with the positive response

to his presentation: “I think what’s very clear is that the outside world recognises that the steps being taken by the Irish Government to repair the banking system are seen as the correct steps externally. But of course they’re very difficult steps.

“And in the domestic political debate, clearly the Government has suffered a loss of support because of that. But we certainly won’t be deterred

from taking whatever action we have to take.

“I think we’re very fortunate that we have a mandate from Dáil Éireann until 2012. I think a lot of the commentators inside made the point that one of the difficulties in Britain and Germany is that the elections are so imminent that they believe the governments are not able to take the steps that have to be taken,” Mr Lenihan said.

934 NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD, LONDON NW2 7JR TEL: 020 8453 7800 FAX: 020 8208 1103 M A N A G I N G DI R E C T O R : Paddy Cowan

E D IT O R : Frank Murphy

A RT S & E N T E RTA I N M E N T: Shelley Marsden

paddy@theirishworld.com

frank.murphy@ theirishworld.com

shelley@theirishworld.com

G R APH I C D ES I G N / S U B E D I TO R : Noel Mullen

M A N A G I N G E DI T O R : Mary McNulty

N E WS E D I T OR: Angela Sammon

SP O RT: Damian Dolan

mary@theirishworld.com

angela@theirishworld.com

iwsport@theirishworld.com

G R AP H I C D E S I G N: Ibrahim Sadikovic

iwproduction@theirishworld.com

iwproduction@theirishworld.com

S A LE S M AN AG E R : Anne Geaghan

S A L E S E X E CU T I V E : Olive Melvin

sales@theirishworld.com

olive@theirishworld.com

patdodd@theirishworld.com

S A LE S E X E C UT I V E : Trisha O’Driscoll

ADMINISTRATOR: Maura Clancy

CIRCULATION & MARKETING: Adam Long

trish@theirishworld.com

maura@theirishworld.com

adam@theirishworld.com

ACCOUNTS MANAGER: Pat Dodd

The Irish World

NEWS 3

www.theirishworld.com

23 May, 2009

First Famine Memorial Day held in Cork HUGE crowds turned out in Skibbereen on Sunday as victims of the Famine of 1845-1848 were remembered at a special ceremony.

The West Cork town was especially affected by the greatest social calamity Ireland has ever experienced, losing up to 28,000 of its inhabitants. It was for this reason that it was chosen as the place for Ireland’s first National Famine Memorial Day commemoration. A second ceremony followed at nearby Abbeystrewery Cemetery, the final resting place of thousands who perished in the Famine.

The catastrophic failure of the potato crop during the 1840s was a transforming event in Ireland. The population, which exceeded eight million in the census of 1841, was reduced by approximately 1.5 million through death and emigration.

Ireland’s Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív said Skibbereen was at the epicentre of the national tragedy that was the Famine.

He said: “The Skibbereen area was one of the worst affected, and the mass graves of between 8,000 and 10,000 famine victims at Abbeystrewery Cemetery are testament to this.

“Today let us remember and honour all those who died or suffered loss during the Famine, which is one of the greatest tragedies in our country’s history.”

Prayers were read by representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church and the Society of Friends.

The Rev Moba Mwanzele of the

Methodist Church said the memory of the Famine taught Irish people to share with the starving in developing countries.

He said not only did the Famine kill people, but it led millions far from their homelands to foreign countries with “all the complex feelings of living far from home”.

There were readings by the Mayor of Skibbereen, Catherine O’Keeffe, and Jerry O’Sullivan, secretary of the Skibbereen Famine Commemoration Committee.

Ms O’Keeffe’s reading was an extract from An Gorta Mór by Peadar Ó Laoire, while Mr O’Sullivan delivered an extract from an open letter to the Duke of Wellington by Nicholas Cummins, a Cork magistrate, published in The Times on Christmas Eve, 1846.

Cummins had visited the coastal district of Skibbereen and wrote of the “horrible images” that were fixed upon his brain. He said in his letter to the Duke of Wellington that the scenes which presented themselves in the hovels of Skibbereen were such as “no tongue or pen can convey the slightest idea of”.

Mr Ó CuÍv said the planting of a rowan tree was particularly symbolic as he spotted a number of trees of this type growing near the quarantine site at Grosse Ile in Canada when he visited the country this month for a Famine commemoration ceremony.

Many thousands of Irish people emigrated to Canada during the Famine years.

Mr Ó Cuív also unveiled a commemorative plaque on behalf of the Government.

Photos: Martin Mannering

BY FRANK MURPHY

Liverpool finds its Rose

IRELAND’S Cliffs of Moher are in the running to be one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature in a new online poll.

The Co Clare site, Ireland’s most visited natural attraction which attracts close to one million people each year, is competing with 261 other places worldwide to reach a spot in the Top Seven places. It faces stiff competition from places like the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea.

A new visitor centre was opened

by Clare County Council at the Cliffs in 2007. It comprises an eco-friendly underground building housing visitor facilities and an award-winning exhibition called Atlantic Edge.

“We’re excited by this global poll and really thrilled that the Cliffs of Moher are flying the flag for Ireland” said Katherine Webster – Director of the Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience.

“Online polls are very much part of popular culture these days and

■ Maeve Gallagher Liverpool Rose

COUNTY Tyrone girl Maeve Gallagher was selected as Liverpool's representative for this year’s Rose of Tralee. Maeve who comes from Omagh is studying for a Masters degree in Occupational Psychology at Liverpool University having previously studied at the University of Ulster

although Ireland is a small country the fact that so many people from across the globe have visited the Cliffs and recognise them as an iconic Irish landscape must mean that we have a good chance to progress to the next stage.”

Guinness, Riverdance and Irish Mist have all used images of the Cliffs in global advertising. Even Oxford University used the iconic view to promote their business school in The Economist magazine in 2007. A number of already released movies have shot scenes at the cliffs including

1 MILLION SEATS

Anger at medical cut-backs

The west coast’s sole dedicated arthritis treatment unit is to be closed as part of cutbacks by the HSE. Consultants, medical staff and local politicians have expressed anger at the move to shut down the 34bed rheumatology and medical unit at Merlin Park Hospital.

The unit treats over 6,000 people annually.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people protested in Waterford at the weekend against the HSE’s plans to close a ward at the city’s only geriatric hospital.

Ireland ruined by boom

in Coleraine where she was also Chairperson of the University Ladies GAA club.

Maeve now plays her football with John Mitchels in Liverpool where she is also a member of Comhaltas and is an accomplished Tin Whistle player.

Cliffs compete for Wonders of Nature title

BY FRANK MURPHY

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ryan’s Daughter, Into the West, Mackintosh Man and the Princess Bride where the Cliffs of Moher appeared as the Cliffs of Insanity.

Chart topping boyband Westlife set the video to their November 2000 number one hit single “My Love” atop the Cliffs of Moher.

On May 2 2007 NBC’s Today Show broadcast live from the Cliffs of Moher to over six million viewers of the US breakfast TV programme.

To vote for the Cliffs of Moher, go to www.New7Wonders.com.

The “development of the Irish countryside in the recent building boom was an act of “national folly”, but was really perpetrated at local level, the Irish Wildlife Trust has said.

The trust said Ireland has lost woodland, wetland and wildlife-rich grassland in the construction of often unsuitable and unwanted housing estates and retails sites in the building boom.

MacCurtains player laid to rest

A FORMER member of the Thomas MacCurtains hurling team was laid to rest this week in Cork.

Johnny Jordan (57) died in a work accident when he slipped and fell. A Mass was held in Ilford last Friday before his remains were returned to his native Dromina, near Charleville in north Cork.

Mr Jordan was recently resident in Ponders End, Enfield but was also well know around the Seven Kings, Ilford area where he lived for many years.

8

£

TRAVEL JUNE-JULY Book until midnight 21.05.09. Subject to availability, terms & conditions. See Ryanair.com for details.

ONE WAY

4 NEWS

THE VOICE OF THE

A DISTINCT LACK OF TALENT The Irish World Newspaper, Irish World House, 934 North Circular Road, London NW2 7JR

TV judge Piers Morgan was full of praise for Neil Horan doing his Irish jig on Britain's Got Talent at the weekend.

Then the dancer hit the headlines when it was revealed he was a defrocked priest who disrupted a Grand Prix race in Britain and the men’s Olympic marathon in 2004.

How could journalist Piers and his colleagues Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell not have known the background to the troubled former priest?

Of course, Piers Morgan and his fellow judges must have known about Fr Horan’s past. And it was no doubt with that in mind and the fact his TV appearance would provoke newspaper headlines that they allowed him onto the programme and voted him through to the next round.

As a result of this behaviour, the Archdiocese of Southwark suspended Fr Horan from his priestly duties and it has since disowned and defrocked him.

What will Queen Elizabeth make of Fr Horan if he goes on to win the competition and his prize of performing his jig before her?

Perhaps she’ll ponder on how a man who gave his best years in the service of God and the Church could have been reduced to this sorry state. And how, instead of helping him in some way, the powers that be – and now television celebrity judges – just treat him as a national joke.

A MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCE

www.dan-dooley.ie

AMATEUR golfer Shane Lowry certainly raised Irish spirits with his magnificent performance in winning the Irish Open Golf Championship.

We remember how Ronnie Delany lifted the gloom in 1956 by winning a gold medal at the Melbourne Olympics, and how Stephen Roche lifted spirits during the dark days of the 1980s with his cycling exploits on the Continent, especially in the Tour de France.

Shane Lowry’s achievement - to become only the second winner of a European tour event ever as an amateur - ranks among the greatest ever by an Irish sportsman. His performance can be summed up in a word – magnificent!

Head Office: DAN DOOLEY LTD., Knocklong Cross, Co. Limerick.

Tel: 00-353 62 53103.

Fax: 00-353 62 53392

OVER 30 YEARS’ SERVICE TO THE IRISH COMMUNITY IN BRITAIN Our reputation means you can book with confidence!

FREEPHONE FROM BRITAIN:

0800 282189 All credit cards and Switch accepted.

E-mail: info@dan-dooley.ie Web Site: www.dan-dooley.ie

A GREEN VIEW ON BRUSSELS www.theirishworld.com

The Irish World 23 May, 2009

Campaigns for Europe

Next month’s European elections in Britain see Dr Joseph Healy standing for the Green Party

am standing in this election to the European Parliament as a candidate for the Green Party in the London constituency and am, as far as I am aware, the only Irish candidate standing. Originally from Dublin I came to London in the mid 1980s when the Irish were far less welcome than they are now. Anti-Irish prejudice and comments were rife, but the Irish community was strong and rode out the storm.

I think the experience of being an emigrant and an immigrant has helped me to understand the reality of the European Union and the fact that London is now its most international city. The role of the European Union in the development of modern Ireland was central and it was only by entering the EU and ending the total trade domination of the UK, as well as by gaining vital European subsidies that Ireland was able to turn its economy and its position in Europe around.

Many laws, particularly those concerning the environment, have their origin in the EU. London, for example, has some of the worst air pollution in Europe and it is EU law that is demanding that the problem is dealt with in a city where 1,031 people died in 2005 because of this problem.

The EU also allows the free movement of labour and has opened Europe up to young Irish people who wish to study and work abroad.

The Greens in Europe are the main political grouping which is seeking to protect the health and welfare rights of migrant workers and their families, as well as to allow EU citizens to take advantage of health and other systems which are open to them.

But there is a dark spectre over Europe and that is Fascism. Parties such as the BNP are intent on driving a wedge between people and are now even trying to appeal to Irish voters after having hated us for years – this is just part of the classic ‘divide and rule’ tactic.

The Greens on the other hand, want to raise our voices in Europe to help those who are disadvantaged and need assistance as well as having a policy of a Green New Deal for Europe, where millions of new jobs will be created through policies such as the free insulation of homes. I am a modern Irish person and a European and I hope that Irish people will use their votes in this election and not let decisions be made by a handful of people.

The sort of failed economic policies of neo-liberalism, where the get rich quick ideology led to privatisation and a massive feasting of the fat cats on the public finances have always been opposed by the Greens. It is the fallout from such policies that are now causing such havoc in Ireland and will also lead to similar problems in this country.

In such a situation Europe can play a leading role. The European Parliament is the only democratic structure in the EU and it is where vital decisions can be taken on economic and social policies. One

I

■ STANDING: Dr Joseph Healy

“Europe can play a large part in bringing about an end to wars and divisions on our Continent”

example is the Working Time Directive – which tries to limit the number of hours which workers are obliged to work. The Green Members of the European Parliament were centrally involved in trying to ensure that the UK did not opt out of this, which the Labour government here wanted.

Europe also can play a large part in bringing about an end to wars and divisions on our continent. The former Yugoslav states are now applying for membership of the European Union and the EU can play an active role in trying to bring about peace in areas such as the Middle East, being an active player along with the US. We are in a larger and interconnected world now and our relations with our European neighbours are vital. A small country like Ireland or Belgium often understands this better than a larger country like the UK, which often dwells too

much on its imperial history.

But in order for the European Parliament to play a positive role it must have representatives who support social justice and who will take a long term vision on issues such as climate change and rising sea levels which are going to have a huge impact on our children and their children.

As an Irish person I have an instinctive feeling of support for those people who are the victims of war and great power politics such as the Palestinians and others. Green Members of the European Parliament have been to visit Gaza and the West Bank and voted to freeze the IsraelEU Trade Agreement (which would give Israel privileged access to EU markets) until such time as the rights of the Palestinians were properly addressed and Israel began meaningful peace talks. I will be marching in this weekend’s national demonstration for Gaza organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, CND and many other organisations.

At a time when spending on vital services such as the NHS and Social Care for the elderly is being called into question, it is simply immoral that vast sums are going to be spent on arms and further adventures abroad. Britain is no longer an imperial power but a medium sized European country and it is about time that it began to act like one rather than the ‘policeman of the world’.

Green Members of the European Parliament are opposed to NATO and want the defence of Europe to be carried out by European states themselves, and not as an appendage to US foreign policy, which is increasingly drawing us into major wars in the Middle East and Central Asia. I think this is also much closer to the wishes of Irish people who do not want us to be part of a large military power block.

Many members of the Irish community who came over here in the 1950s and in the 1980s are in receipt of social care and dependant on the services of the NHS and Social Services. The EU plays a role in this also and monitors the level of services provided by various member states as well as ensuring that citizens have fair access to services. There have been several high profile cases in recent years where people have sought redress via the European Court of Justice.

Finally in the area of human rights, the UK, under New Labour, is rapidly heading down the road of becoming a police state.

There are more CCTV cameras here than anywhere else in Europe and now databases where the details of innocent people questioned by the police can be stored for years.

The European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights have recently ordered the UK government to back down. These increases in police powers and miscarriages of justice are areas which the Irish community here are only too familiar with. I hope that Irish people will turn out and vote on June 4 for a fair and progressive Europe and one that we will want to be citizens of.

The Irish World 23 May, 2009

vote 2009

Cork man elected as Mayor of Brent

BY ANGELA SAMMON

■ STANDING: Paschal Mooney

Paschal Mooney in running for Europe

NEWS 5

www.theirishworld.com

CORK native Jim O’Sullivan is the new Mayor of Brent.

The Conservative councillor received his chain of office at a ceremony attended by friends and family at Brent Town Hall last week. He has named the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) as his chosen charity for his year in office.

Cllr O’Sullivan, who hails from Skibbereen, first became a councillor in 1998 and currently represents the ward of Barnhill.

During his time as a councillor, he has been actively involved in Chalkhill, supporting the residents in achieving their objective for a facility to accommodate all of the people from Chalkhill.

This came to fruition with the completion of the new Combined Facilities Building on Chalkhill Road which will be officially opened later this year.

When he was first elected in 1998, Cllr O'Sullivan was heavily involved in saving the plant nursery facility and the Field Education

Centre adjacent to the Welsh Harp.

Both are fantastic and unique facilities for the children of Brent and beyond to enjoy and is something of which Cllr O'Sullivan is rightly proud to have played a little part in saving.

During his time on the Council, Cllr O'Sullivan has also served on numerous committees and was an integral member of the Executive for two years from 2006 2008, serving as Lead Member for Policy and

Regeneration.

He served on Innisfree Housing Association Board for ten years, Fortunegate Housing Board for a year and is still an active board member for both Brent Housing Partnership and Willow Housing.

Cllr O’Sullivan emigrated to England in 1956.

Shortly after, he met his wife and they have three sons and six grandchildren. The couple reside in Wembley and will be married for fifty years this October.

Irish recovery dependent on world

ECONOMIC think tank, the ESRI, has said the Irish economy could return to an average annual economic growth rate of five per cent between 2011 and 2015 - but only if the world economy recovers quickly.

In new research outlining economic recovery scenarios, the Economic and Social Research Institute also warns that even after recovery happens, the Irish economy is facing into a permanent 10 per cent drop in economic output.

The ESRI says that by the end of next year, output will have fallen back to 2001 levels.

Fuel shortages affect Chad ■ The Mayor and Mayoress of Brent, Cllr Jim and Mrs Mary O’Sullivan

BY ANGELA SAMMON

FORMER Senator Paschal Mooney, who was an avid supporter of the Irish in Britain during his term in office, will be a candidate in the European elections on June 5.

Mr Mooney was known as the “Voice of the Irish Diaspora” in Seanad Eireann and has been welcomed to many Irish centres around the country during the recording of “The Irish Experience” for RTE. He also became a leading campaigner for the undocumented Irish in the USA. Mr Mooney is now calling on the Irish community to ask their families and friends back home to vote for him in the upcoming European elections.

He has been selected to contest the election for the North West constituency which covers 11 counties – Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Donegal, Westmeath, Longford, Cavan and Monaghan.

Mr Mooney, a native of Drumshanbo in Leitrim, said he had “a strong personal commitment to the North West region”.

“I understand the specific challenges faced by more rural and farming communities.

“I need as much help as I can to win a seat in Europe and I am calling on the families and friends back home to give me their No. 1 vote in the European elections on June 5.

“I believe there is a lot I can achieve in Europe and I will continue to highlight the challenges faced by the Irish community in Britain. This is an issue which has been close to my heart for many years and I will strive to keep it on top of the political agenda” he said.

A former Councillor and Senator, Paschal Mooney has served on a number of European bodies including the Council of Europe and the WEU Parliamentary Assembly.

He was the first Irishman to be elected Chairman of the Council of Europe Human Rights Committee and has also served on the Joint House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Forum on Europe.

NEWS IN BRIEF

■ Friends and supporters congratulate the new Mayor

■ The newly-elected Mayor of Brent, Cllr Jim O’Sullivan with his wife Mary and family

SECURITY and surveillance patrols by Irish troops serving in the region of Eastern Chad have been curtailed because the United Nations have been unable to provide sufficient levels of fuel needed for full operations.

The shortage of fuel has become so acute since the UN assumed responsibility for the mission in midMarch that a rationing system has been introduced.

The shortages have not only affected vehicle-based activities.

All services powered by generators are also being restricted in the Irish Camp Ciara base in Goz Beida.

Poll shows support for Lisbon

THE latest opinion poll on the Lisbon Treaty shows a dramatic fall in support for the No side.

The tns/MRBI poll showed that just 29 per cent of respondents would vote No in a referendum, while 52 per cent would vote Yes. Over 53 per cent of voters voted against the treaty last June.

There remains a substantial Don't Know vote at 19 per cent. If this is excluded, support for the treaty stands at 64.5 per cent with 35.5 per cent opposed to it.

While the Yes side is furthest ahead in Dublin with a 31 point lead, it is also ahead in all other regions.

The lowest support is in Munster with a 19 point lead.

6

NEWS

COUNTY SCENE

The Irish World

www.theirishworld.com

23 May, 2009

WITH

ANGELA SAMMON

Harbour under threat from sewage Jobs boost KINSALE harbour could turn from a tourist destination to an open sewage dump if €2 million is not found to build a treatment plant in the area.

That’s according to Fine Gael councillor Kevin Murphy, who said that while €23m had been allocated to help a "Rolls Royce" pipe work system, an extra €2m needed to build the treatment plant was not being made available. As a result, he said,

raw sewage could be pumped directly into the inner Kinsale harbour.

"We already have €23m for the plant for Kinsale town. The pipeline is in place, everything has been done but we don’t cork have the treatment plant.

It is madness," said Mr Murphy. "Right now we are in breach of EU and EPA water safety regulations because in a worst case scenario sewage is going to be

pumped into the sea. We have a Rolls Royce pipe work system, but we don’t have a treatment plant at the end of it."

The opposition councillor said Kinsale should be treated as a priority case because of its tourist destination status.

However, while the relatively small additional funding would not cause significant problems financially for Cork County Council, the authority has been told by the Department of the Environment that

City cleans up for boats’ arrival It is not the first time the beach clean-up has been carried out by volunteers, however. The Galway aquarium has been running annual beach clean-ups for a number of years, along with other Irish organisations such as Coastwatch and the Irish Surfing

Further clean-ups took place at Ballyloughnane, Renmore, Claddagh, Salthill, Silverstrand and Grattan beaches.

The Irish Surfing Association urged its members to tackle their local beaches all around the country.

■ ON THEIR WAY: The Volvo Ocean Race is due to arrive in Ireland this weekend

World famous healer now in London!

THE 7TH SON OF A 7TH

SON

DANNY GALLAGHER See TV host Chris Tarrant’s interview with Danny at:

www.danny-gallagher.com

Twin girls from Westport, Mayo. Born blind, regain sight

Association. The clean-ups first started as part of the British Marine Conservation Society initiative.

The first clean-up for the Volvo Ocean Race took place last Friday at Rinville beach outside Oranmore, Co Galway.

GALWAY

PHOTO: David Branigan/Oceansport

A THREE-DAY beach clean-op has taken place around Galway Bay in preparation for the arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race this weekend.

Locals were invited to spend an hour picking up debris as part of the voluntary effort at designated times during the weekend.

The initiative was organised by Galway Atlantaquaria.

Up to 140,000 people are expected to visit Galway during the two-week Ocean Race stopover. The fleet is expected to arrive in the city this Friday, the first time the international event has ever come to an Irish port.

The fleet departed Boston for the Atlantic crossing on Saturday evening.

Liam Twomey of Galway Atlantaquaria last week appealed for everyone to make a special effort to prepare for the fleet’s arrival. He said the effort would make a “silent, but effective and measurable improvement” to Galway’s shore environment.

Members of the Galway Dive Club also volunteered to carry out an underwater clean-up in Rinville on the south of the bay and Salthill to the north.

no extra funding can be made available as it would affect the country’s already perilous borrowing levels.

"It would be a catastrophe if the pipeline wasn’t built. This is one of the elite tourist posts in the southwest, and I am calling on the Government to make sure this plant is in place before the end of autumn.

It is absolutely vital for Munster – Cork Co Council must be allowed to borrow sufficient funding now to be able to complete the plant,” he added.

Danny visits wounded US troops in Iraq at their request

Fo r a p rivat e & con fi d en t i a l a p p oi n t m en t w it h Dan ny

Tel: 028 7964 2660 or 00353 49 8547707

Litter fines for officers Two PSNI officers were fined last week when they were convicted of throwing litter from their staff car into a Co Antrim parking area.

One was also found guilty of flouting smoking laws by lighting up in a work vehicle before tossing his cigarette butt out of the window.

District Judge Amanda Henderson imposed fines on Constables Kim McKee and Donal Adams in relation to the incident, which took place at Sixmilewater car park, Ballyclare, in May 2008. The Judge said she was “aware of the consequences” the convictions would have on their professional lives.

The pair, whose ages were not disclosed and with addresses given care of Newtownabbey PSNI station, accepted

drinking coffee and eating food in the patrol car during a break while on duty. But they denied allegations that a steaming tea bag and milk carton was ANTRIM thrown from the police car.

Mr Adams, a smoker, also rejected witness claims that he took a puff from a cigarette before discarding it out the driver’s side window.

The case against them was based on evidence supplied by a litter warden and worker for Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Mr Adams was given an extra £100 penalty for smoking in a smoke-free place, namely a work vehicle.

The pair were ordered to pay £100 in costs after it was claimed they had “vigorously contested” the charges.

for the West

A bio-processing joint venture between two Irish companies is to create 140 new jobs in Claremorris, Co Mayo.

BioSpark is to invest €40m in developing a bio-processing research and manufacturmayo ing centre in the town. It says the project has the 'realistic potential' to increase the number of jobs to 300 within three years.

BioSpark is a joint venture between Maynooth-based renewable energy company Imperative Energy and Sustainable Biopolymers, which is based in Claremorris.

Tanaiste meets workers The Tánaiste met with a delegation of protestors in Waterford on Friday.

The meeting took place after Minister Mary Coughlan attended a business conference in a hotel in the city centre.

Around 70 former employees of Waterford waterford C r y s t a l and supporters from the UNITE trade union had gathered outside the hotel in a protest about pensions and non payment of redundancy monies for Crystal workers.

Gang raid on bingo gathering Three men, armed with hammers and knives, stole cash and handbags from a bingo hall in Armagh.

The thieves entered the armagh C a s c a d e bingo hall on Old Portadown Road in Lurgan last Thursday evening.

One "heavily built" man wore dark gloves, another wore a balaclava and the third wore dark clothes.

The armed thieves escaped with a sum of money from the bingo hall and four handbags which belonged to frightened staff and customers.

The Irish World

NEWS

23 May, 2009

7

Salford radio wins top community award

NEWS IN BRIEF

BY SHELLEY MARSDEN

Irish Life chair stands firm

GALWAY man Cllr Jim King and his Salford City Radio station has won first prize in the community category at an awards ceremony in Manchester.

The former Mayor of Salford, who launched the radio station in 2007, was presented

with the prize by Felicity Goodey, former BBC presenter and Chair of Central Salford Urban Generation Company, at Salford’s Lowry Hotel.

Jim said: “It’s an excellent achievement for a voluntary organisation. We are only on air for less than two years and we are recognised by the Business Community as a significant player in the city.”

Presented by volunteers,

Salford City Radio is a not-forprofit community radio station, offering Salford a local radio service that promotes local events and focuses on local news and sport and music.

To tune in to the station, you can log on to www.salfordcityradio.org. If you would like to publicise an event in Salford, email the details to info@salfordcityradio.org.

■ Jim King pictured with his award

Homeless charity gets invite to Commons Brent East MP Sarah Teather welcomed CHC – Cricklewood Homeless Concern to the House of Commons last week to toast the success of the charity’s clients.

The event was attended by staff and clients of the charity, along with supporters from Ireland and Britain.

Ms Teather said CHC was leading the way in providing value for money services to vulnerable people in the community and was a great example of a charity working with local residents to make sure that Brent is a place of opportunity and healthy living.

CHC Director Danny Maher told the guests that it was important to promote what was good about homeless people, their successes and their capacity to turn their lives around.

“For too long we have been focusing on the negatives,” he said. “This evening we see clear evidence that people can overcome barriers to success e.g. drug and alcohol addiction or homelessness and unemployment.”

Mr Maher went on to say that the new CHC had been made possible due to the generosity of people in Ireland including Irish individuals, Irish Government, the Ireland Fund of Great Britain and the Irish Construction industry and that this had the effect of motivating the UK

PHOTOS:Validphoto.com

BY STAFF REPORTER

■ David Jamilly (Themetraders), Paul Barry (Qnective), Colm Donlan (Morgan Stanley) , Bill Durkan (Durkan

Homes), Sarah Teather (MP Brent East) and Danny Maher (CEO Cricklewood Homeless Concern) central government to respond in kind.

Now that CHC has the physical environment and partners in place it has ambitious plans for the future.

Plans include creating a new benchmark for the way support services are designed and delivered to vulnerable people.

Mr Maher is keenly aware of the need to offer value for money but also enable vulnerable people to get back to a normal and productive life as

quickly as possible.

CHC also plans to develop a comprehensive service to its increasing number of older Irish clients with a particular focus on identifying people who are not engaging in mainstream services.

Funding from the Irish Government and the Ireland Fund of Great Britain has been central to moving this plan forward but more support needs to come from local and UK central government.

A delighted Bill Durkan of Durkan Homes, CHC patron and leading Irish property developer added:“It is fitting that statutory agencies are working alongside CHC to make sure clients receive the best possible service. All of us in the business, community and government sectors need to work together to make sure that vulnerable people are supported to resolve their problems. CHC is paving the way in this respect”

Irish memories on display at art exhibition

BY SHELLEY MARSDEN

■ LAUNCH: Councillor John Commons from the Mayo Association, Lord Mayor

Alison Firth and Andrew Fox at “From Manchester to Mayo”

THE NEW Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Alison Firth joined forces with Manchester's Irish community to launch an Irish exhibition at the city’s Royal Exchange Theatre.

This was one of the first official engagements for Councillor Alison Firth, who attended the exhibition with her consort Andrew Fox. She said: “I was delighted to be asked to be asked to open the event.

I have wonderful memories of a family holiday in the magical county of Mayo and here in Manchester we have a strong and vibrant Irish community.

"To open an exhibition that reflects these connections so early in my year of office and that also accompanies a world premier is very exciting. I'm extremely hon-

oured to have been invited."

The private view was to launch the photographic exhibition ‘From Manchester to Mayo’ by Tony Hennigan the Head of Technology at St Bede’s College.

The exhibition had been commissioned by the Gallery to launch the world premiere of a new Irish play called ‘Haunted’ by Edna O’Brien. It was held in the Mezzanine Gallery in the theatre and the play and exhibition runs until June 13.

The exhibition by the photographer whose Irish roots stem from Attymass in County Mayo features photographs taken at this years Manchester Irish Festival and photos taken in and around Attymass Parish in Mayo.

For more information, go to: www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk

IRISH Life & Permanent chairperson Gillian Bowler has refused demands from shareholders that she stand down and hand back her salary.

Shareholders at the company's AGM in Dublin today were critical of the €8 billion deposits with Anglo Irish Bank which allowed Anglo to dress up its accounts.

Ms Bowler described the deposits as 'misguided'.

She said the transactions were never disclosed to the board. Ms Bowler apologised and said that, from any perspective, the deposits were absolutely wrong and should never happened.

But she turned down demands to stand down, saying she felt an obligation to lead the bank in a time of crisis.

City looks North for advice

LIMERICK is seeking advice from Belfast in how to transform divided neighbourhoods in a bid to clean up its crime-ridden streets.

A delegation from Limerick’s Regeneration Agencies last week spent two days in Northern Ireland visiting communities previously divided by sectarian hatred and warfare.

The regeneration agencies have been charged with the social and physical redevelopment of four crime-ridden suburbs and neighbourhoods in Limerick city – Moyross, Southill, BallinacurraWeston and St. Mary’s Park.

Ceili fails to break record

AN attempt to break the world record for the largest ceili was scuppered on Sunday by torrential downpours. The “Riverdance”style event in Ennis failed to attract the 10,000 people organisers hoped for as many stayed away because of the rain.

Around 6,000 people took to the streets to dance but it was not enough to beat the 8,400 who danced with Michael Flatley in Cork in 2005. The event was organised to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Organisers say another attempt will be made next year.

FINANCIAL ADVICE

8 NEWS

THE IMPORTANCE OF A WILL

A

WITH KEVIN CLANCY

s soon as anyone gets married, enters a permanent relationship, has children, buys a house or accumulates any personal wealth, they should make a Will.

If you do not draw up a proper will you risk depriving your spouse or partner of their home, increasing the amount of Inheritance Tax payable by your dependants and leaving part of your estate to those that you do not want to.

Recently the Government has made some improvements to ‘Intestate Rules’ which specify how an estate is distributed in the event of no will being in place.

The new rules now award €450,000 to a spouse without children. After this amount the remainder of the estate is halved between your spouse and parents if they are still living. If not then the remainder is divided between brothers and A Will sisters and the spouse.

If you do have children should be then the spouse is only entitled to €250,000 before the the first remainder divided between the building children. It is important to note that the children are entitled to block in an their share from the age of 18. individuals The spouse should inherit the house in total if there is joint personal tenancy and half the house if the financial property is tenancy in common.

Some may think that as the planning law has changed and is now more generous then there is no need to make a will. Here are some important reasons why that may not be the case.

• Step children and live in partners will not be covered with the potential that they could be made homeless and destitute.

• Leaving no will could result in unnecessary expense against the estate by legal action being taken by those who feel they have a right to a share.

• You may not wish your children to inherit what could be a considerable sum at age 18. You may wish to delay payments to them until they are more mature.

• It is the Government that is deciding who gets what and not you.

• Proper planning for Inheritance Tax mitigation will not be available.

• Specific gifts to charities and individuals will not be made.

• Guardianship of children could be determined by others.

• As nearly half of marriages end in divorce, new relationships often involve step children and children from the new relationship.

“

“

In a recent survey conducted by Standard Life, only a third of individuals between the ages of 35-44 had made a will. Much more worrying is the fact that one in five of those age 65 and over had not.

Making a will is a simple process that every one should do. It enables you to determine who gets what from your estate. It also enables you to put conditions on any inheritance that children might be entitled to. Money could be put into trusts for children to inherit at a later date.

Once a Will is made it then needs to be reviewed every few years in order to ensure that its terms are still relevant to your wishes. A Will should be the first building block in an individuals personal financial planning.

Finally, it is important to let family members know where to locate your Will. It is no good writing a Will if it can not be located after your death. Ensure also that the Kevin Clancy is Will is signed and witnessed an independent correctly. All this can be guaranteed if you use the services financial advisor of a Solicitor or a recognised Will 0208 908 0590 Writer.

07956 363447

IN-TERMINAL IN ALL AIRPORTS ● The most competitive rates ● Wide choice of new, low mileage vehicles ● Special weekend and holiday deals ● Luxury and sports cars

BUSINESS IN FOCUS www.theirishworld.com

John Judge, founder and managing director of Judge 3D has 19 years experience in commercial management and tells MARY MCNULTY how he has yet to lose money on a project.

JOHN JUDGE grew up on the border counties of Ireland and developed as he puts it “a head for difficult environments”. It was this ability to survive in difficult circumstances that stood him in good stead when he worked through a civil war in Sri Lanka, and enabled him to live and work in Nigeria for three years, surviving a coup and attacks whilst delivering on water and Liquid Petroleum Gas projects.

Judge 3D Ltd is a leading commercial management organisation that oversees

PROFILE

WHO IS HE? John Judge is the founder and managing director of Judge 3D. WHAT DOES JUDGE 3D DO? Judge 3D Ltd is a leading commercial management organisation that oversees multimillion pound contracts for clients including WS Atkins, TfL, LUL, Lockheed Martin and Railtrack.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE AND DREAM FOR YOUR COMPANY? I hope to see Judge 3D continue to grow as a recognised name that delivers real returns for its clients.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY? My family, because every day I feel blessed to have them.

FREEPHONE

0800 973 159

WHAT, IF ANYTHING, DO YOU MISS ABOUT IRELAND? The quality of life and the feeling of

www.budget.ie

23 May, 2009

KEEPING THINGS ON TRACK

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I was an apprentice Joiner to a private firm in Virginia, Co Cavan.

IRELAND DIRECT

The Irish World

multimillion pound contracts for clients including WS Atkins, TfL, LUL, Lockheed Martin and Railtrack. Founded in 2005, Judge 3D has swiftly become a highly trusted name in contract management, and works in negotiations, dispute avoidance, contract administration, strategic management, financial control and reporting and commercial assurance on a UK and international basis.

Current projects include advising on the redevelopment of Farringdon station, East

London Line, Atkins’ work in Schools for the future and TFL’s underground telecommunications system for the emergency services.

Where did all this steely grit come from?

“I was born to Irish parents in Hackney, London. I was educated in Enfield and returned to Ireland in 1979 where I continued my secondary and third level education.”

He has been instilled, he claims, with the Irish attitude to hard work and hard

having a home with friends and the odd pint of Guinness.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF LONDON? I saw London as a massive building site, which provided a perfect start for a 20 year old in construction.

IF YOU WEREN’T RUNNING THIS COMPANY WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I would probably still be a director with the Mott MacDonald Group.

WHAT ADVICE COULD YOU OFFER A COMPANY ON HOW TO BE A GOOD EMPLOYER? It is important to treat your staff like adults and avoid patronising, corporate behaviour.

HAS THE RECESSION HAD ANY NOTABLE EFFECT ON YOUR BUSINESS? It has a marginal effect as a number of clients have slowed down in the decision making process.

HOW CAN COMPANIES COMBAT THE RECESSION? Sell positively, reduce costs and remain confident.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? I measure success in terms of the increased profits we deliver to our clients.

ANY ADVICE FOR GORDON BROWN AND BRIAN COWEN? Pray that George Soros is right and that both England and Ireland will start coming out of the recession at the end of 2009/early 2010.

The Irish World

www.theirishworld.com

23 May, 2009

“

OUR GUIDE TO YOUR POCKET

play, and “the spirit of get up and go”.

Judge’s family upbringing provided the foundations for him to start Judge 3D in 2005.

So far the greatest challenge he’s faced professionally has been brokering a €50m reduction on a major high speed railway in 3 days in Italy.

Other projects have included railway systems, monorails, high-speed rail links within UK and Europe and on nearly every aspect of the UK train delivery system.

According to the Judge 3D PR, he has never lost money on a project in his 19 years of experience. I wonder how he has achieved this and if he thinks he’ll be able to maintain that record?

“I am the product of working within an excellent delivery team and the combination of my trade, technical and economic background,” he replies. “I have an ability to see the problems coming and avoid them or if not, minimise their impact. I believe I will be able to improve on the scale of margins as the very best teams stand head and shoulders about their competitors.”

What projects are you currently working on?

“Today we deliver the Commercial Management of the specialist Station Design Team, the resignalling of the North London line and adhoc commissions in Nuclear and Highways.

We recently completed the successful commercial management in support of the LUL Airwave installation programme for Police radios on the underground.”

I know construction in nearly every aspect and I never settle for second best in delivering the profits

a rare down-time

With such multi-million pound projects on the go I wonder how he fits it all in?

“I rise between 5:30 and 6:00am. Spend 3040 minutes dealing with any business issues I need to deal with. Catch the news and business, say my goodbyes then I take my scooter to the train station a mile away.

“Arrive with my clients around 8:30am and usually all hell breaks loose. Phone calls, texts, e-mails interjected between 3 - 6 meetings during the course of the day. I try to wrap up for 6pm.

“On the way home I download/respond to any issues I need to catch up on. Some evenings I attend functions in London and try to make the 10.20pm train.”

Motivation for such hard work is providing for his family, winning and making money.

“I know construction in nearly every aspect and I never settle for second best in delivering the profits.”

When I ask who he admires it’s his father and grandfather, “as they are the people who influenced me when I was younger”, “Michael O'Leary for his 'I don't give a damn’ persona in business.” And “Individuals who really excel at something they have made their own, whether in business or simply an interest.”

Judge is clearly a man who thrives in this high pressure world. “I enjoy working with people I genuinely get on with and hate the corporate bureaucracy that bedevils most UK government and quasi-government organisations.”

It’s still relatively early days for Judge 3D, does he have any advice or tips for someone starting their own business?

“Stick to what you know and not what you think you know. Plan, plan and then plan again, then go for it.”

Building a reputation for insurance.

Hire a car* from Ireland’s largest award winning independent car rental company, with pick-up locations at all major airports from UK£10 per day

SUPPORT IRISH BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 52-53

“

■ Judge during

NEWS 9

Freephone UK 00800 4747 4227 Book online now at:

www.irishcarrentals.com Airport locations: Dublin. Cork. Shannon. Kerry.

City locations: Dublin City North. Limerick.

find your own road

Kerry London has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading construction and commercial insurance specialists, employing over 200 staff and generating premium income in excess of £150 million. With competitive premiums and long-term insurance solutions being so important to businesses, now could be the right time to see how we can help you.

Construction Property & Commercial Sport & Leisure Professional Risks Private Clients

Direct Enquiries: Maria Jones on 0208 225 1093 Email: mariajones@kerrylondon.co.uk Kerry London, Clare House, Worton Court, Worton Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6ER

[ *We have cars to suit all adventures! ]

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Office: 7 Birchin Lane, London EC3V 9BW. Registered No. 2006558.

GUTEN

NEWS

MORGAN!

WITH DON MORGAN

An eggstraordinary week in banking

L

ast week was the week the bank executives got to sit in front of hundreds of angry investors, many pensioners, who have lost everything. Irish Nationwide got to play out a surreal farce, where members got to debate such merits as why they threw all their money away during the property bubble (because everyone did!) and what to do about retiring chief executive Michael Fingelton’s multi million Euro pension pay off.

It was clear people were annoyed, and maybe with some justification. The bubble was fuelled, grew and popped spectacularly in the space of ten years. In fairness, the only thing they’re really guilty of is an investment strategy as sophisticated as pigeons running after scraps of sliced pan on Trafalgar Square.

The latter instance is a little The more grave. Fingleton ran the troubled building society for chairman over thirty years. He allegedly got a bit on sailed close to a stiff ethical his suit and wind when loans to Sean Fitzpatrick by Anglo-Irish Bank the rest were concealed in his went to the institution. A KPMG representative described this as wall - a bit creating certain ‘credibility issues’ like the Irish for the building society. banking Maybe he expected to leave his post without rebuke and with sector a lot of money. A pension amounting to €28million seems a little generous for someone who presided over a financial institution as it ran spectacularly into the ground. His acting successor apparently won’t take Fingleton’s hot seat because of the pay, which is still more than what Gordon Brown or Barack Obama get.

I’ll let you draw your own conclusion over what motivates these men. It ain’t the virtue of charity anyway.

Nor is it the desire to atone for their incompetence and avarice, which has brought us within a decade back to being the laughing stock of the developed world, as we were in the fifties.

Irish Nationwide will have to wait to fill Fingleton’s seat, which the TV cameras noticed was already empty at the meeting.

There is real anger out there, as we saw again, when Allied Irish Banks had their EGM to discuss the government bail-out plan. AIB used to be a byword for outstanding banking practice as part of one of the most cautious and careful banking cultures in the western world.

It’s the reason why they were able to trade so successfully during what some see as being the good old days. Except the good old days have clearly proven to be a disgraceful aberration, when bankers behaved with as much care and abandon as Galway undergraduates during Rag Week.

AIB execs got to see that when you want to make an omelette, or in this case, refinance an ailing bank, you have to break a few eggs. Preferably on the chief executive’s head!

A 65 year old investor, who lost his pension in the dive in AIB’s share value, expressed what many people tried to express in words during a heated morning session. Gary Keogh clearly couldn’t take it anymore and lobbed eggs at the board, who were already looking fairly glum before he expressed himself with medieval eloquence. The chairman, Dermot Gleeson, got a bit on his suit, and the rest went to the wall. A bit like the Irish banking sector.

If Irish bankers were blinded by greed and incompetence, at least there are still some good people in this country of ours. Take for example the ophthalmic surgeons at Dublin’s Eye and Ear Hospital. They managed to use their expertise in eye surgery to restore the sight of Dun Laoghaire lady, Jenny O’Connell, who lost her sight 46 years ago due to a rare condition, Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Mrs O’ Connell can now for the first time in nearly half a century read letters and identify images. And in good time too – she’s due to become a grandmother!

I’d be a liar if I said it wasn’t heart warming that this brave woman will finally get to see her first grandchild.

Bittersweet, though, given that her husband lost his sight a number of years ago to diabetes.

Nevertheless, with people like the doctors who cared for O’Connell there is hope. They do work which is for good, which is purely for improving the lives of ordinary people.

They work in a ‘system’ which is breaking down in all the key areas. Nevertheless, they persevere.

But for how much longer can good people keep going?

■ The British Association of Irish Studies (BAIS) held its

23 May, 2009

P HOTOS: ANNE M ULLEN

graduate bursary awards presentation at the Irish Embassy recently. Our photo shows Irish Ambassador Bobby McDonagh with Anna Hoare of University College London and Christy Evans of BAIS

■ Gemma Clark of Queen’s College Oxford

■ Ivone Bristol, Niall Carson and Professor Marianne Elliott,

■ Professor Shaun Richards with Patrick

■ Patrick Wadden, Ambassador Bobby McDonagh, and John-Paul

■ Frank Murphy (The Irish World) and

and Erika Hanna of Hertford College,Oxford

“

“

FOCUS ON LONDON

The Irish World

www.theirishworld.com

g at Check out Don’s blo ot.com sp log n.b ga or donnchadhm

Director of the Institute of Irish Studies at Liverpool University

McCarty

■ Professor Shaun Richards and Gemma Clark of Queen’s College, Oxford

Wadden of Exeter Brookes University

Ambassador Bobby McDonagh

■ Richard and Theresa Wray with Ambassador Bobby McDonagh

Photos: Anne Mullen

10

GUIDE

THE IRISH WORLD

23 MAY 2009

FIONA MCELROY Meet the woman putting the Irish into the blues!

SEE PAGE 16

MEET LIVERPOOL ROYALTY

RICKY TOMLINSON LIFESTYLECOUNTRYTRAVELREVIEWSTRAD

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

BOYIS BACK IN TOWN FORDE’S Freehouse 108 High St, Wealdstone, Harrow, Middx HA3 7AH. • Tel 020 8427 6651 L AT E L IC ENC E : 1. 30 AM F R I & S AT & MID NIG HT O N S UND AY

PARTIES CATERED FOR ALL OCCASIONS

SLIM ATTRACTION HAPPY MURPHYS Sun 24th IAN RITCHIE Mon 25th SLIM ATTRACTION 9-Close Fri 22nd Sat 23rd

TEXAS HOLDEM POKER E V E R Y W E D N E S D A Y A LL M A J OR S P ORT O N THE B I G S C RE E N

The

George gets an early release for being a good Boy...

563 Holloway Rd, London, N19 4DQ 020 7272 4388

Sat 23rd MARY O’ROURKE Sun 24th SHAM

The Shanakee T

ALL PINTS DRAUGHT BEER £2 MON - FRI ALL MAJOR SPORTS ON BIG SCREENS

253 Edgware Road, Colindale, NW9 Tel 020 8200 8066

424/426 ALEXANDRA AVE, RAYNERS LANE, HA2 9TW TEL: 020 8868 1584/07709 068305. OPPOSITE RAYNERS LANE STATION

Live Music Fri/Sat/Sun • All G.A.A. Games Live Premiership Football, Rugby, Racing Shown On Plasma T.V.

Sat 23rd

BILLY HENEGHAN

SETANTA/SKY SPORTS....LATE LICENCE

Shanakee 91 High St, Wealdstone,

CEAD MILE FAILTE TO THE GALWAY FOOTBALL TEAM, MANAGEMENT & SUPPORTERS.

Middlesex HA3 5DL Tel: 0208 427 5210

F ri 2 2n d M A RT I N R U D D Y S a t 2 3 r d S L I M AT T R A C T I O N Sun 2 4t h B A R R Y O WE N M on 2 5t h T H E R E E L S 6-8 pm

SETANTA/SKY SPORTS...ALL GAA GAMES SHOWN LIVE

GOOD LUCK TO LONDON & GALWAY

AMBROSE GORDON FROM KILLIMOR WELCOMES YOU TO THE BEST GALWAY PUB IN TOWN ALL GAELS WELCOME HEADQUARTERS OF ST GABRIELS HURLING CLUB

Jameson’s Bar

34 South Parade, Mollison Way, Queensbury, Edgware Tel: 07956 883897

A WA R M W E L C O M E A N D F R I E N D LY S TA F F

S at 23rd May JO HN J OE S H I E L DS S a t 2 4 th M a y & S a t 3 0 th M a y

IR ISH D ISCO WITH DJ DAMIAN

JIMMY RYTHMS Sun 24th S A O I R S E

Sat 23rd

L AT E L I C E N C E - THURSDAYS & SUNDAYS UNTIL 12 MIDNIGHT

1AM ON FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS ALL PARTIES CATERED FOR

Fri 22nd DJ ROB Sat 23rd DOMINIC ROWE Sun 26th MAL GALLAGHER 6pm ALL LIVE GAA GAMES SHOWN HERE SKY SPORTS, SETANTA, POOL & DARTS LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND

Molly s Bar

Doyle s

380 Bowes Road, Arnos Grove, London N11 1AH Tel 020 8361 4551

379 Caledonian Rd, London N7 9DA

(nearees t tub e sta tio n: A r no s G ro ve )

( Ne a r e st t u b e s t a t i o n : C a l e d o n i a n Ro a d )

DISCO WITH

SCATTY MARY

12 GUIDE

23 MAY 2009

Can we write lyrics for your next song, George?

he boy is back in town – Boy George, that is.

Released early for good behaviour, the former pop star left Edmunds Hill Prison, Suffolk after serving only four months of a fifteen month term for attacking and imprisoning a male escort.

Sporting a trendy beard and a shaved head as he left the prison to greet friends and

members of the press, he purportedly celebrated his freedom by heading out for a slap-up meal that included cakes and pastries.

I wouldn’t pig out too much if I were George, though – the 47-year-old is looking much slimmer than he did on his way into the slammer.

Whatever the singer was up to (or not up to!), he has certainly shed the pounds…

ROOMUCH INFORMATION Coleen talks about having a natural birth...thanks Coleen

127-129 Harlesden High Street NW10 4TR

ALL MAJOR SPORT ON PLASMA & BIG SCREEN

Sat 23rd THE BRAD Sun 24th 7 - 10 pm

■ George O’Dowd salutes the crowd. Hey, that rhymed!

Tel 020 7607 1857

TAKEYOUR PICK + LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY

Sat 23rd

M U S TA N G

www.theirishworld.com

■ Coleen looks forward to shopping for two

oleen Rooney, who is expecting a baby to hubby Wayne Rooney, has stressed that she’s not one of those lady’s that’s “too posh to push”.

She has dismissed rumours that she is planning to have a Caesarean, maintaing that she wants a natural birth.

The WAG and TV presenter, who broke the news of her pregnancy last month, was believed to be thinking about a C-section to make sure her footy-playing husband didn’t have to miss

C

an important match to, er, see their baby being born.

Writing in her OK! column, she said: "'There have been a lot of reports in the papers that I'm going to have a Caesarean.

"However, I'm planning on a natural birth if it all goes well, so therefore the baby will arrive when it's ready."

According to reports, the Rooney’s yet-to-be-born babby is already worth in the region of £1 million, following alleged offers for magazine deals, fitness videos and a high street baby clothing range. The world’s gone mad.

The Irish World

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Liam warning to bandmates...

With Shelley Marsden

SHE’S ANADDY’SGIRL...

UH-OHASIS N

Nadine getting spoilt in LA since parents moved over

iam Gallagher reckons solo projects could end up splitting Oasis. The singer has hinted that the band might not be able to go on if its various members embark on solo careers.

Liam told Canal Multishow that his bro’ Noel's plans for a solo record could lead to the band’s demise.

He said: "I could do that, but I don't want to do that. I'm in Oasis, you know what I mean. If everyone starts going off doing solo records then you might as well just f**king split the band up.

"I'm not about that. I don't need to be told that I'm the greatest [and say] 'Look at me, I do everything'. That's for small people. I'm part of a band and that's the way it is."

He added: "If everyone's going to go off doing solo records then there's no Oasis.

Someone's gotta be here keeping it together."

Liam also said (in what’s possibly the least surprising and most repeated piece of information on his part of the last century) that the worst part of touring was "being in a band with your f**king brother".

adine Coyle has been gushing about how much her mum and dad spoil her in their new home in LA. The Girls Aloud singer said she was enjoying spending time with the family for the first time since she was a teenager.

Nadine told Hello! that she feels it is too early into her relationship to move in with her American football playing man, Jason Bell.

L

T

The Irish World

CARRYEOGHANCAMPING Talent show stars at each other’s throats, and Butlins step in osses at holiday camp Butlins are hoping to unite scrapping reality stars Eoghan Quigg and George Sampson this summer.

Feuding between the two lads went public last month, when X Factor finalist Quigg, from Derry, accused Sampson of posting abusive comments about him on the net.

In response to the jibes,

B

GRAINNE MAGUIRE

he celeb business is a lot like the porn industry: women rule the roost. It’s very rare to come across any story with a male celeb as its lead. Sure, we have famous male actors and singers, but we’re not interested in their private life, and to express one seems shallow and demeaning to everybody involved. Take, for example, Westlife. I couldn’t care less about them, a feeling shared by most of the population. I know so little about their private life that, for all I know, they may not actually exist. They may be slightly realistic holograms, or ghosts that died one hundred years ago. If a member of Westlife got run over in a forest, would anyone notice or care?

Yet Girls Aloud, their nearest female alternative, I know almost better than my own family. The nights I have tossed and turned over poor Cheryl’s

Coyle said: "I'm so happy being back with my mummy and daddy when I'm in Los Angeles. I haven't done that since I was 16 and I'm getting so spoilt.

"My mummy does all my washing and cooking and puts lavender oil on my pillow to help me sleep. I'm so pampered."

The Derry girl added that Bell was shocked at the attention she got from the press when he visited her in London.

■ Liam fancied a lollipop

latest heartache, the grey dawn that has spread through my window to find me huddled over a cup of coffee wondering whether Sarah was partying too hard, well I don’t care to mention. If you were to show the same attention to male celebs, people would think you were mad.

Paris Hilton, it’s OK to ‘camply’ love. Calum Best? People would genuinely question your ability to cross roads.

When we do show some interest in the male of the species, it’s usually only in relation to the female he has wronged Jude Law, or Brad Pitt they’re the supporting actors, never the lead. We love “celebs” be cause they’re messed up and vulnerable; but those adjectives only seem to work on women. That’s why we cared about Kerry Katona and not Brian Harvey; why there are no male Jades and, unfortunately for Peter

young Quigg described the Britain's Got Talent breakdancer as a "jealous flop" and predicted his

vows as often as most people checked their Facebook. Maybe the camera and TV production crew that followed their every movement had something to do with their demise. Like a small Andre, no male Jordan.

Tudor court, the couple Where were you when were followed and you heard the news? I recorded from first date was tidying my bedroom to last slammed door. when the fairytale ended, I’m fascinated by what the dream died, the the last episode of their Swarovski crystal shatnever-ending TV series tered. To the newsreader, will be. Pete, perhaps it was just the divorce of pottering round the Katie Price and Peter house on his own to Andre, but for a million awkward silence? Newly OK readers, it was the single Katie’s first end of Camelot. Call me a desperate night out with romantic, but their sheer the girls? Who will gain awfulness as a couple custody of the camera made me root for them crew? Will they divide even more. So they met the kingdoms of “OK” on a reality TV show and and “Hello” between sold the story of their them? Like the end of relationship before they any relationship, it’s the had even met each others unanswered questions parents, but, well, you that sting. never know!

Unfortunately, it was There were the the weird and wacky matching tans, the world of “celeb” that did matching day-glow teeth, them in the end. Peter their shared love of was a brave pioneer, baring their chests; they ahead of his time in so had so much in common. many ways. Without any Why couldn’t they make music career or prospect it work? It was great, of one, he swam in the every minor anniversary female-dominated river had at least an OK pullof the ‘famous for being out special and they famous’. He could never seemed to renew their out-Jordan Jordan – she

www.theirishworld.com

isers at the holiday camp would like to see the teens extend an olive branch and work together for a run of shows later this year.

Quigg confirmed: "[George] does seem to have a problem with me but I don't know why. I mean, I am a singer not a dancer." days in the limelight would A holiday camp insider soon be over. added: "We are hoping to According to the Daily make it work."

Star, entertainment organ-

I genuinely feel sorry for Katie, she’s another victim of the “Barbara Streisand Syndrome”, where men love the idea of a strong woman but quickly grow weary of real relationships with them

OUR SHOWBI COLUMNIZS T

Backcomb struggled through her set before abandoning it halfway through. Looking fierce in high heels and a killer dress, the vulnerable star would always be the star, put the aborted gig down he always her “and to technical difficulties Peter”. and the weather. I think Reports say it was this by that she means she living in her shadow that technically can’t stop derailed their marriage. If pouring alcohol down it’s true, I genuinely feel her throat. sorry for Katie, she’s Amy’s ex-husband, another victim of the however, is getting over “Barbara Streisand the break-up by getting a Syndrome”, where men fellow resident at his love the idea of strong rehab facility pregnant. women but quickly grow Blake Fielder-Civil, weary of real relationfamous for marrying ships with them. Peter Amy and a variety of had to choose between assault charges, is now his ego and love and, sober and an expectant unfortunately, his ego in Dad while Amy, responall its orange glory won. sible for probably the Maybe he should go greatest soul record of her out with ‘Whinehouse’ generation, is destroying next. While Katie runs herself with booze. Sod marathons and raises a Peter; I want Katie and disabled son, poor Amy Amy together. I think can’t even stand up and mean this is as the straight. At her semi-offi- highest form of cial “come back” gig compliment to them both recently in St Lucia, Ms. – they deserve each other.

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 13

TRADITIONAL Young traditional musicians in Nottingham...

FLUTES FIDDLES & FAMILY ■ Roisin O'Callaghan, Heather Williams, Anne Marie Williams

and Helen Fitzmaurice

The Comhaltas Branch of traditional Irish music is long established in Nottingham and in recent years there has been a great increase in the number of young musicians joining the group.

When our photographer Douglas MacDonald dropped in to hear a few tunes, it was a special evening for family, with everyone joining in – and the music went well into the night!

■ The whole group joins in for a session!

■ Colm Harrison, Roisin Hickey and Bridget McNulty

■ Enjoying the music-making

IRISH DANCING CLASSES BEDFORD • Irish Dancing Classes held every Monday & Wednesday - 6pm-8pm at Bedford Civic Theatre (Town Centre). Tel: Stanley Carroll School of Irish Dancing on 01234 351036 B RIS TOL • The Sean Eireann McMahon Academy of Irish Dancing hold Irish dance classes at The Foundation Centre, Brittania Rd, Kingswood, Bristol on Saturdays from 9am. All age groups . Tel Rose Ellis 07976 914686

BLACKBURN • Herring-Clarke School of Irish Dancing, Cheshire & Blackburn. Beginners & Advanced Classes Every:Monday eve at Golborne High School, Golborne, Warrington. Tuesday eve at Brian Boru Irish Club, Wigan. Wednesday eve and Sat morning at West End Youth Centre, Blackburn.

Saturday morning at West End Youth Centre. Call Siobhan Clarke (TCRG) on 07775 684490 or email herringclarke@hotmail.com.

GLOUCESTER • Crowley-O'Shea School of Irish Dancing every Saturday at St Peters Social

14 GUIDE

Club. Beginners through intermediate. Please note we are a wig free zone!Adult Classes Held every Monday at the same venue, 7pm-9pm any age or fitness! Teacher - Rachel O'Shea TCRG. Call 0797 56 56 055

DERBY • Glendarragh Irish Dance Academy Classes take place every Tuesday from 6pm to 7.30pm and Saturday from 10.30am to 12 noon at the Derby Irish Centre. Tel: 0115 977 1517.

HALIFAX • Step Dancing 7-9pm, call 07801/790065) at the Irish Centre

HERTFORDSHIRE • St Alban's Irish Association, London Colney.

Tuesday: Murray Irish Dancing Class. Tel: Kevin or Rebecca 01727 822251 HUDDERSFIELD • Huddersfield Irish Centre, 86 Fitzwilliam Street.

Friday 4pm-7pm and Sun morning 11.30-1pm Irish dancing classes KENT • Irish dancing classes held in Bexley, Dartford and West Malling areas of Kent,

23 MAY 2009

all ages, from 4 years to adult, beginners to open standard. Tel: Linda 01732 840028 or 07919 418204.

LONDON • Tanya Dirrane School of Irish Dancing at Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Thursdays 4.30 pm and Saturdays10.30 am); Our Lady of The Rosary, Blackfen, Kent (Friday 4pm); Holy Innocent School, Orpington, Kent (Saturdays 1.30pm); St. Thomas More Hall, East Dulwich (Sundays 12pm).

For More Information Call, Tanya 07775943723 or Aisling 07957128769

• McCarthy School of Irish Dancing, Beginners classes every Saturday and Tuesday in West Hendon and Neasden. For more information please contact Lisa McCarthy TCRG on 07966 841 141 email: lisa@mccarthyirishdance.fs net.co.uk. Registered with An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha.

• Irish Dancing classes take place at The South London Irish Club, 140 Hartfield Rd, Wimbledon, every Thursday @ 5.45pm. Boys and girls welcome, ages 4 upwards, any level from

beginner to advanced. Tel: Monica 07929 237 102: Kay 0208 785 7974, mon_coleman@hotmail.com

• The Claddagh Academy holds dancing classes in Greenwich, Charlton, Eltham, Wanstead, Woodford and Chigwell.

Ccontact Pauline Shaw ADCRG or Donna Crouch TCRG on 020 8502 6294/07816 491070. School registered with An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha.

• Irish Dance lessons every Monday at 6pm at the London Irish Centre with Leora. Details from 0796 618 6922

MILTON KEYNES • The Mc Gill School Of Dancing hold classes in the Irish Centre Milton Keynes every Thursday evening from 6pm, For boy's & girl's aged 4 upwards. for info call 07974282991.

NOTTINGHAM • Greyfriars Social Club: Caroline McManus holds Irish dancing clases every Wednesday from 6.30p.m until 7.30p.m Visit www.stpatrickandstgeorge.org

www.theirishworld.com

• Glendarragh Irish Dance Academy classes take place every Thursday from 6pm to 7.30 pm and Saturday from 2pm to 3.30pm at the Nottingham Irish Centre. For further information contact 0115 977 1517.

• Irish dancing classes, under the banner of the Doherty Academy of Irish Dance, take place every Tuesday from 4.30 to 6.30pm at the Holy Spirit Church Hall, West Bridgford. Contact Joanna Sikora on 0115 8598491 for details.

PETERBOROUGH • Irish Dancing Classes held every Saturday 1011.30am - Nene Valley Primary School Peterborough (contact Declan Carroll - 01234 351036) Stanley Carroll School of Irish Dancing

ST ALBANS • Classes are held in St. Albans, Hertfordshire on Tuesdays 7pm-8.15pm. The classes will suit beginners through to adults who have danced before.

Contact Laura on 07807 586649 or email irishadults@hotmail.co.uk for more details.

SOUTHERN REGION • Róisín Mullins Dance Academy - Irish Dancing Classes in Surrey and Hampshire, and across the South Coast.Traditional and show-style classes for children and adults.

Registered with An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha. Please call 07832271809 or visit www.roisinmullins.com for further details.

SWINDON • The Moloney School of Irish Dancing hold classes every Wednesday and Friday, between 5pm and 7pml every Saturday between 10am and 12 noon at Saint Luke’s Church Hall, Broad Street. Boys and Girls from 4 years upwards. £4 per session. To join, contact Sarah on 01793 642368.

T ROW B R I D G E • The Celtic Academy of Irish Dancing holds dance classes every Saturday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at Clarendon School, Trowbridge. Boys and girls 4yrs + catered for.

Tel/Fax Sarah Moloney on 01793 642368.

The Irish World

With Shelley Marsden

All Britain Fleadh returns from June 27th in Twickenham

IT’SFLEADH TIMEINUK T he crème de la crème of traditional competitions for singers and musicians, the All Britain Fleadh will again be held at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham this year.

From June 27th-June 29th, competitors of all ages from England, Scotland and Wales will descend on Twickenham to take part in the huge

festival.

With over 350 musicians of all ages taking part in competitions catering for over 18 instruments in solo and group competitions, and not forgetting singing in the English and Irish languages.

Visitors and supporters are welcome but the music and its performance belongs to the competitors. The Saturday night is a different kettle of fish, however. With

MANNION’S FREEHOUSE 313 Harrow Rd, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 6BA

Sat 23rd

APPLEJACK

For enquiries Tel:0208 7954515 (Mary Burke)

Sun 24th JOHNNY LONESTAR Sat 30th

the stress of competition lifted at 8pm the musicians, singers and dancers let go and do what comes naturally…to play, dance and sing for pure enjoyment.

Admission will be £6 for adults £3 for children, while a family admission costs £18.

This covers both Saturday and Sunday.

The very first Fleadh Cheoil took place in 1951, attracting only a few hundred

GUIDE

THE IRISH WORLD

23 AUGUST 2008

enthusiastic patrons. Soon, however, the annual gathering became what we know today - a major event in the trad calendar, attended by thousands of fans.

■ For more information,

including for potential sponsors, contact Marian Brogan, Tel: 01375 380355, email comhaltassec@aol.com or visit www.allbritainfleadh.com.

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE Country’s new cowboy doesn’t need his daddy SEE PAGE 19

HOLD THE PHONE, IT’S...

CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN LIFESTYLECOUNTRYTRAVELREVIEWSNEWS

DAVE SHANNON

ADAM&EVE LIVE GAA GAMES ON SETANTA SPORTS

THE

Tel:020 8569 0791

830 UXBRIDGE RD, HAYES-MIDDLESEX, UB4 0RR

Fri 22nd

TOM JENNINGS Sat 23rd

STATELINE Sun 24th

THE DOCTORS 6pm THE JOHNSTONS 9pm

GUIDE EVERY WEDNESDAY IN THE IRISH WORLD

Mon 25th

SEAN BRADY & KIERAN KIELY 6pm

LARGE FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE ALL MAJOR SPORTS SHOWN LIVE TRADITIONAL SEISIÚN EVERY SUNDAY

The Irish World

TO ADVERTISE CALL

020-8453-7800 www.theirishworld.com

GUIDE 23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 15

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

aois-born Fiona McElroy is thing is gorgeous. I don’t really have a ‘look’ testament to what happens normally though, I’m quite lazy about what I wear! I do enjoy when you hang round a blues putting on my bar long enough. Her storming dresses while blues/soul outfit, Big Mamma’s I’m singing.

Door, took its first steps at a There’s a huge well-known Soho venue she retro scene in would hang out at, and it’s London at the where she hooked up with guitarist Mal moment – we Barclay (guitar), keyboardist Joe Glossop do gigs at the (keys), and drummer Rob Pokorny. Big Ladyluck Mamma's Door was thus open for Club, a real business. Unsurprisingly for an Irish girl, vintage, McElroy has been singing for as long as rockabilly she’d care to remember, but was sidevenue. tracked with a stint in theatre before, in 2004, moving to London and welcoming back her biggest passion in life – music.

L

Remind me how Big Mamma’s Door came into existence?

Me going to The Blues Bar in Soho and whoring about for about a year, singing for free!

There’s a jam session there every Sunday and Monday, and I would get to know people. I hooked up with fellow musicians who were interested in similar stuff.

Eventually I met my guitarist and keyboardist and finally our drummer there! We still play twice a month there.

Where does the name come from?

It’s a blues song from a guy called Alvin Youngblood Heart, and I was introduced to him by a friend of mine about four years ago now. As soon as I saw the song I said to myself, that’s it; when I get my band that’s what we’ll be called. I just had to wait another couple of years till that happened! Now the ‘Big Mamma’ part is one I have to grow into, but I’m working on it!

You’re the only lady in the band - is that good or bad?

It has its advantages and disadvantages! I grew up with four brothers you see, so I’ve always been used to that kind of dynamic. But it’s great, I love playing with the guys in the band. Every time we get up on stage I know they have my back; I never feel I have to worry about anything – off stage it’s maybe a little different!

Has blues always been the genre you were drawn to?

Blues and soul – there’s a lot of soul in what we do. I love all sorts of music though, anything that gets me going, I don’t mind where it comes from. I love The Kings of Leon, for instance; one of my favourite bands is The Pixies, so it hasn’t always been the blues. But as soon as I heard Miss Billie Holiday singing I thought “Christ, that’s what it’s about!” I love the really strong female singers like Billie, or Janis Joplin, then you start looking at other women like Big Mamma Thornton.

Billie expressed what she wanted to say – she didn’t have the best voice in the world, but you knew exactly what she was talking about.

Have you always been singing in some form or another?

I jokingly tell people I’d be dragged out of bed at 2 in the morning to sing for the neighbours – and it’s not totally a joke! There’d be a party downstairs, a bit of a singsong, we’d wake up and they’d be like, come down and sing us a song! But that’s the Irish for you. Even if you can’t sing, you should be able to sing something, if that makes sense. I only came back to music recently though, maybe five years ago. I trained at the Gaiety School of Acting and worked as an actor until then.

It was just a detour, you know? My thing has always been singing, but it was confidence. I still don’t think I have the best voice or give the best performance in the world, but now I really believe in what I do. I always wanted to perform but I just needed to find my niche, so I got into acting. It does all feed into having the confidence now to do what I’m doing – there are a lot of performance skills involved in singing in front of an audience.

How did that happen?

You then moved into theatre production, right?

Yes, I produced a show which actually turned out to be a sell-out, called ‘The Memory of All That’. It was my first attempt to sing and I nearly killed myself with stage fright! There was this nagging thing in my head telling me ‘You should be singing’, and I loved Gershwin, so I decided I’d put on a Gershwin For me it’s always going to be show and be lead singer in it. If people hadn’t female singers, so if you want a responded so positively to that, I might not be really good rhythm and blues singing now. singer, Big Mable is my favourite at the moment. There ■ For a copy of the CD ‘Open For Business’ are so many great blues and by Big Mamma’s Door, email: soul artists. I love Beyonce, fmcelroy@ireland.com. actually. But I’d probably go For live dates and a sample of their music, for Aretha Franklin in the visit www.myspace.com/bigmammasdoor. end.

What would be your recommended listening for a blues/soul music virgin?

Not at all! You look great on stage, very retro…

I’ve always felt like I was kind of born in the wrong era...

That Hollywood, 40s/50s

Photos: chrisrees.net.

NOTHING BUT the blues

16 GUIDE

23 MAY 2009

www.theirishworld.com

SHELLEY MARSDEN meets Fiona McElroy, the smoky-voiced singer in blues band Big Mamma’s Door…

The Irish World

REVIEWS URBAN ADVENTURES he Walker ’s The Frontline is back at The Globe after last year’s successful run, and to be honest, it’s what I’d read about it the first time – a somewhat tough piece to get your head round.

Set outside a London tube station, across from a neon-lit lapdancing joint, it tells the myriad stories of the many characters that pass through; from the effete Welsh actor who must kick a junkie out of his phone-box bed to convince a lady friend to see his play, to the lap-dancer with a soft spot for the

T

bouncer who has never hit a man, to the Scottish philosopher who observes the scene and offers up pearls of wisdom with his hotdogs and onions.

To get the most out of Walker’s play, you really need to concentrate.

There is so much going on at any given point, so many crossconversations taking place at once, so many stories being told, that it’s inevitable some of the content will pass you by. Scenes interweave, voices overlap, and it’s full-on, buzzing energy.

This play has violence a-plenty (one of the characters, we are told,

‘will die before the end of tonight’) and there’s also a liberal dose of expletives but, as the creator himself says in the programme notes, the Shakespeare plays more often shown in the Globe abound with that same gritty, urban language.

Sitting under an open sky behind a throng of people on their feet (the groundlings) you realise what a great setting this is – a mish-mash of Londoners here to watch a complete hotch-potch of one little corner of London share their crazy, messed-up, vibrant lives. At a points, members of the cast walk through the crowd and

the illusion that we’re all one big jumble feels complete.

In the second half, the vibe turns moodier as we move towards the inevitably bloody finale, and the humour that pulses through this play simultaneously turns darker. I loved the boisterous, fast-moving tactility of Frontline – but it’s absolutely what you make of it.

You’ll have to keep your wits about you to make the most of it (the acoustics meant I missed snatches of dialogue); Walker doesn’t spoon-feed us anything.

■ SHELLEY MARSDEN

SHE GOT A

BOOM-BOOM melda May was at Belfast’s Black Box on 8th May, and what can I say… Well, quite a lot, actually. The singer, who won an Irish World award last year amongst other accolades, has the ability to vocally outgun Amy Winehouse, with a group sound that has its roots in 50’s-style rockabilly with shades of soul and jazz thrown in.

Wearing her trademark leopardskin and perfect quaff, May fronted the band that followed suit with musical chops reminiscent of the great classic bands such as Gene Vincent’s Blue Caps.

I

May’s superb band, Dave Priseman on trumpet and horn, Al Gare on double and electric bass and Steve Rushton on drums produced a solid fusion of sound, with Imelda’s hubby Darrel Higham on guitar keeping alive the musical spirit of Cliff Gallup –Vincent’s great guitarist.

Enough of the history and back to the Black Box – where we were greeted with ‘Sold Out’ signs on the doors that testified to this young lady’s popularity.

After the Dubliner’s electrifying performance on ‘Later with Jools Holland’ late last year, she has been selling out venues the

length and breadth of the country.

Writing most of her own material, ‘Johnny got a Boom Boom’ and ‘Sneaky Freak’ stand out as live classics. She can then lower the temperature with the beautiful ‘Falling in Love With You Again’ reminding you of a Billie Holiday at her most seductive.

Throwing in her own take on Patsy Cline’s ‘Walking After Midnight’ and a vital interpretation of the Beatles ‘Oh Darling’ the audience had a hard time keeping up with her energy. This is one girl who has the world as her stage...

■ JOHN MCKEOWN

FOOTBALL & FAME

DAZZLING DUSTY

I

B

n ‘Down Memory Lane', a fan's-eye view of life as a Spurs supporter for the last 50 years, journalist Harry Harris gives a unique insight into players, managers and personalities gleaned through his unique inside track on events within a football club with his unrivaled access.

Harry has been so influential within White Hart Lane that he has advised and influenced many a Spurs chairman, including Sir Alan Sugar, Irving Scholar and Daniel Levy. Harry also reveals the remarkable and sensational behind the scenes secrets of takeovers and player transfers.

This book is a must for all

The Irish World

United, Arsenal and Portsmouth.

Harry has rubbed shoulders with Pelé, Maradona, Johan Cruyff and George Best, but also includes Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Gascoigne, Gary Lineker and Steve Perryman, among his all time favourite footballers and personal friends with interesting stories and insights from someone who was there!

'Down Memory Lane' reads like a personal diary and memoir. What sets this apart from other football books is the behind-thescenes knowledge of players, directors and owners – a real page-turner…

football fans (not just Spurs fans!) who have followed football since the 1960's.

What I found riveting was reading about the power struggles that went on at Spurs, that are today being mirrored at clubs like Manchester City, Manchester ■ MARGARET SHEA

urt Bacharach said of her: “You could hear three notes and you knew it was Dusty. It was such a rare and beautiful voice.” Elton John called her “the greatest white singer that there has ever been.” Now the inimitable soul singer Dusty Springfield is being honoured by Universal Music TV with the release of ‘Just Dusty’, a glittering collection featuring all her greatest solo tracks.

This album contains all Dusty’s best-known tracks, "I Only Want To Be With You", "Stay Awhile", "I Just Don’t Know What Do To With Myself”, "The Look Of Love", "Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart" and

www.theirishworld.com

"Son Of A Preacher Man".

As a solo artist, Dusty attained phenomenal success throughout her career. In the six year period between 1963 and 1969 she had 17 UK chart entries of which 10 were Top Ten singles. Cited as one of the leading female British pop artists of all time, Dusty also made a huge impression on the US mar-

ket. She was accredited (alongside The Beatles and The Dave Clark Five) in the early to mid-60s as spearheading the so-called "British Invasion" of the American pop charts.

Influenced by artists such as Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and the sounds of Motown, Dusty became one of the most significant stars of the British Pop Scene and still influences popular artists today – most notably Amy Winehouse and Duffy. This starstudded collection, released to commemorate what would have been the singer’s 70th birthday (she unfortunately died in 1999 after a long illness) is a timely reminder of a great British talent.

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 17

COUNTRY ROOTS

HERE’S JOHNNY!

McEvoy’s London show

D I C E Y ’ S NIGHTCLUB

295 Neasden Lane, London NW10 1QR TEL: 07904 098413

f you’re in London on Saturday 30 May, then you have the chance to hear – and meet – legendary Irish ballad singer Johnny McEvoy, who is headlining the ‘Celtic Strands’ Gala Irish Variety Concert at the Salvatorian College, Harrow Weald. No stranger to London, Johnny has entertained the Irish abroad for years at dances and concerts with his unique balladeer style.

Joining him on the night will be the London based Saoirse, made up of Edward

I

and Jamie Connors, both accomplished musicians who entertain with powerful harmonies on some classic Irish songs. Also on the bill is young Edward Gaughan, a student at Salvatorian College and an active member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, who will be playing the concertina and harmonica.

This full variety show is produced by Gerry Molumby and London-Irish Comedian Patrick O’Connell, who will also be in the role of compére for the evening of top Irish

SKY SPORTS LIVE ON 2 BIG SCREENS

w w w. d i c e y s . c o . u k

FRI 22ND FRI 29TH

SLIM ATTRACTION BARRY OWEN & SARAH

• DISCO OPEN •

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 25TH

■ Johnny McEvoy will be raising fund for CAFOD

entertainment. On the night, there will be refreshments available at a Licensed Bar, sponsored by The Friends of Salvatorian School.

The concert is to raise funds for CAFOD, the official overseas development and relief agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

POITIN STIL FRI 5TH JUNE SAT 13TH JUNE TRALEE SOUNDS

EVERY SAT - GALWAY HOOKER THE VIBE- 9.45-12 CONC ESSION TI C KETS

AVAILABLE DOWSTAIRS 1/2 PRICE BEFORE 12.30AM

SWAN

OPEN FRI, SAT & SUN TIL 3.30AM £5 TIL 12- £8 AFTER

THE

NEAREST TUBE: SUDBURY TOWN •BUS ROUTE 18, 182, 245

789 Harrow Rd Sudbury Town, Middx.HA0 2LP • Tel 020 8904 6024

Late Licence Til 1am. Free Pool Table On Monday’s Large Beer Garden Now Open

Fri 22nd OFFALY SPICE Fri 23rd MADI BLACK PA RT I E S C AT E R E D F O R -

O ’ G R A DY ’ S

TONY’S BAR 356 - 360 Willesden High Rd, London NW10

T e l : 02 0 8 4 5 1 7 93 6

L AT E B A R T I L 2 A M

Sat 23rd S TE VI E M AC Sun 24t h 8.30 - 11.30

H E LE N & N O H A S S L E Kitchen open Mon - Fri 12 - 8pm Sat 12 - 4pm Serving the best roast in Willesden on Sundays from 12 - 5pm

IRISH BAR

699 High Rd, Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex.

Tel. 020 8599 0008

43 - 47 London Road, Morden, Surrey

SM4 5HP

(Opposite Morden Tube)

Tel: 0208 685 0481

(Five minutes from Seven Kings BR)

www.ogradysirishbar.com

EVERY THURSDAY KARAOKE Fri 22nd PETE BYTE Sat 23rd TRAVIS Sun 24th & Mon 25th

DAVE SHANNON 6-9pm

O’Grady’s Irish Bar is the HQ of Thomas McCurtains Hurling & Football Club

18 GUIDE

23 MAY 2009

Fri 22nd

THE JOHNSTONS

Sat 23rd PADDY

FIELDS

Sun 24th STANDING

ROOM

GANLEY’S STEAKHOUSE OPEN TUE-SUN 6-10pm Award-winning Chef (ex Claridges) ALL SPORTS SHOWN LIVE ON 9 PLASMA SCREENS

FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED

www.ganleysirishbar.co.uk

www.theirishworld.com

Underpinning their work is a deeply held set of values that are central to their ethos and identity.

■ ‘Celtic Strands’ featuring Johnny

McEvoy and full support, Saturday 30 May, Salvatorian College Harrow Weald. Tickets £10 7.30pm - Box Office 0208 8630059.

ROCK TO THE PETE

Irish Country in Petersborough he relatively new Irish and Country Music Weekend in Petersborough is being held in the heart of the Fens at the Plough Event Field, Ramsey Road.

Last year was the very first Festival of Music in Petersborough, and it was a one-day event which went very well – apart from the weather!

This time it’s a three-day extravaganza, which starts on Friday 10th July, and Sean Wilson and Tony Mac will be kicking off what will be three days of great music from some of Ireland`s top entertainers.

On Saturday 11th of July in the Marquee and Outside Stage, there will be music from Kenny Paul, O`Hare and Chambers , The Tom Healy Band, Telstar, Tony Carney, Cairde Ceili Band, the Shebeen Folk Band, T.R.Dallas and Susan McCann and her band.

On the Saturday there will also be side stalls, Irish

T

■ TR Dallas

dance displays and much more. On Sunday 12th July in the Marquee, you can check out Blake and Brazil and Declan Gaynor.

There are spaces for caravans, camping and car and coach parking which will be £1 per vehicle, proceeds of which will go to McMillan Cancer Care.

■ For general enquiries about

the festival, or for any stall holders who would like a pitch, please contact Mickey Murray on 01733 755490.

The Irish World

COUNTRY ROOTS

With Shelley Marsden

A return to Joan Baez’s classic album ‘Gone From Danger’

BACKTO HERBAEZ F ollowing on from the success of Ring Them Bells as a Collectors Edition, Joan Baez 1997 album Gone From Danger has been given a welcome re-issue.

Gone From Danger, rather than relying on her own songwriting, sees Baez select work by younger folk and rock artists to perform.

Around the time of the album's release, Baez confessed that she no longer felt able to write songs, and felt more comfortable reverting to her original role as an interpreter.

The first of the two CDs

features Baez interpreting songs by Sinead Lohan, Dar Williams, Betty Elders and Richard Shindell along with a co-write of her own (‘Lili’, originally a poem, about a childhood friend).

The bonus CD features live performances from Mountain Stage with the same songwriters, many tracks from the then new release album and a previously unreleased duet, with Sinead Lohan, on Dylan’s ‘To Ramona’.

Baez has always had the rare talent of drawing equally talented singers, musicians and poets to her with the power of a lightning rod.

This quality came to the folk icon at the start of her career and has never really left her.

This album serves to remind the listener of the incredibly complex and varied musical paths she has taken over the last couple of decades, and the massively talented artists she has mentored on their own journeys.

The performances on this release, from Proper Records, are terrific, some of the best from Baez since her commercial heyday. In fact, this album gave Baez’ career a much needed boost when it was originally released.

The re-release comes with a 20-page book and many

additional photographs.

The singer-songwriter’s friend Dar Williams wrote of her pal: “She turned round the corner with music around her. She gave me the language that keeps me alive‌â€?

â– Joan Baez will be touring

the UK this October. For more info visit www.joanbaez.com.

â– Joan Baez and (INSET) with Bob Dylan

The Mother

Redcap

THE SHIP 499, Tottenham High Road, London N17.

The Mother

Redcap

Tel: 020 8808 1645 Fri 22nd:

Te l 02 0 7 26 3 7 08 2

THE DOCTORS Sun 24th: JACKIE & JOE

Fr i 22 nd

10 -12

THE D OC T O R S

The Spinning Wheel

6 6 5 Ho ll o w a y R d Lo n d o n N 1 9 5 S E

S at 23 rd

H A L F S ET Su n 2 4th

T H E S H O RT T E MP ER S AL L MAJ OR SPORTS SHOW N L IVE N r Tu b e : A r ch w a y

SPORT E IRISH WORLD

23 AUGUST 2008

www

GAA IRELAND PREVIEW

BY PATRICK DOYLE

ork and Kerry are familiar foe’s even in the leanest of years for the pair and they meet again in what has become almost an inevitable feature in any summer of football.

Will it be 2006 all over again? Cork have a Munster title in the bag and come up against a resurgent Kerry still reeling from the indignity of losing the Munster final. Kerry’s second-half collapse will be banished from the memory after a hard won victory over Monaghan, and a mesmerising display against Galway in one of the games of the year.

Cork meanwhile, barring a fantastic achievement in the second-half of the Munster final, have stuttered into an All-Ireland semi-final. Even the most staunch Cork football fan will find it hard to believe they deserved to beat Limerick on their first day out in the Gaelic grounds.

Against Kildare, Cork did a good job of trying to lose a match after racing into a nine-point lead. They let the Lilywhites right back into it, and yet again were extremely lucky to walk away from Croke Park without a bloody nose.

Cork seemed to have caught the blasĂŠ virus off Kerry from the Munster final, whlst Kerry are returning to their prime with military precision as they set about bringing down Cork again.

Kerry will rightly start favourites for this game irrelevant of the Munster final on 6 July. Kerry have once again revealed players of spectacular talent, Tommy Walsh has shown an ability to wreak havoc wherever he wishes and Aidan O’Mahoney gave an indomitable display at centre back against Galway. Already these two players are well in contention for player of the year.

When looking at Cork, it is hard to see what eternal well they will draw their inspiration from. Beating Kerry any year for Cork is a physical and emotional drain, beating them twice seems beyond them, if recent track records are anything to go by. The qualifier system seems a cruel stroke of fate for Cork, and indeed the rest of Ireland, which allows Kerry back into the All-Ireland race despite the Rebels best efforts.

However, Cork has proved they can overcome Kerry and despite the Kingdom’s prolific scoring against Galway, they have shown their defence to be susceptible to leaks conceding 1-16 against both Galway and Cork.

Cork do have capable forwards if they could get them all to click on the same day. John Hayes, Daniel Goulding, Michael Cussen and James Masters are all very capable of inflicting damage, should the Kerry backs have another bad day at the office. But the chances are, Marc O’Se will not be made a fool of twice in a year, particularly not against Cork.

The Leesiders won the Munster final by stifling Kerry attacks at midfield and in the half back line during the second-half. Cork will need to adopt this policy again, although if Kerry field Walsh at half forward it will make things slightly more difficult as is he is a brilliant ball winner.

Brian O’Regan and Derek Kavanagh represent Cork’s best chance of stopping the Kerry march on Alan Quirke’s goal. The full back and centre back will be instrumental in preventing direct scoring opportunities.

And inspirational performances from these two men normally mean the rest of the defensive sextet will tow the line with solid displays.

It will be close, as the Kerry jersey should bring out the best in Cork. It is impossible to tell if Kerry will play as bad and Cork function as well as they did in the Munster final. Cork’s other two games have left a lot to be desired, while Kerry have busied themselves ironing out deficiencies in their game against Monaghan and Galway. Kerry look ready, Cork look nervous.

C

BEEN THERE, WEDNESDAYS M IN THE IRISH WORLD The Irish World

227-229, Northfield Avenue, Ealing, London, W13 9QU (Next to Northfields Tube Station) Email: spinningwheel@mail.com T: 020 8840 7356

Management: Rory Hanrahan & Team

OPEN TILL 2AM FRI & SAT NO COVER CHARGE

THUR: Naughty Nurses Night: Special Offers Weekly FRI: DJ Steve playing the best of 80’s 90’s & 0’s SAT LIVE BAND 10.30 – 1AM followed by DJ Steve playing the best of 80’s 90’s & 0’s

May 23rd : COPYCATS

6 Ă’ghi XaVhh ("c^\]i 6 Ă’gh i XaVhh ("c^\]i

>g^h] Bjh^X >g^h] B jh^X LZZ`ZcY L ZZ`ZcY ZZ` ZcY

BJH>8 L::@:C9

Vi Cdg[da`Éh EgZb^Zg AZ^hjgZ GZhdgi V i Cdg[da`Éh EgZb^Zg AZ^hjgZ GZhdgi EdiiZgh ^h i]Z J@Éh dcan ;^kZ HiVg =da^YVn K^aaV\Z! EdiiZgh ^h i]Z J@Éh dcan ;^kZ HiVg =da^YVn K^aaV\Z! hhZi Wn i]Z XdVhi dc i]Z WdgYZg WZilZZc Cdg[da` Zi Wn i]Z XdVhi dc i]Z WdgYZg WZilZZc Cdg[da` VcY Hj[[da`# VcY Hj[[ VcY Hj[ [da`#

Our popular designed for adults Ir Irish ish Music Weekend W eekend is suppor supported ted bbyy F Fun un Irish Irish S Set/Ceilidh et/Ceilidh Dance W Workshops orkshops with Breffni O’Brien O’Brien aand nd ffeatures eatures tthe he ffollowing ollowing top top Irish Ir ish Music Music aacts cts w which hich aare re ssure ure to kkeep eep yyou ou enter entertained tained during dur ing yyour our stay: stay: H]Vlc 8jYYn 7VcY H]Vlc 8jYYn 7VcY 7Vggn 9dnaZ 9jd 7 Vggn 9dnaZ 9jd ;^cVa IdjX] ;^cVa I djX] HZVc L^ahdc Idcn BVX HZ Vc L^ahdc Idc Vc L^ahdc I dcn BVX BZgk B Vg^V BZgk BVg^V

I]dbVh BV\j^g I]dbVh BV\j^gZ V\j^gZ Z ;]^dcV :cc^h 7VcY ;]^dcV :cc^h 7 VcY CVi]Vc 8VgiZg 7VcY CV i]Vc 8VgiZg 7VcY ;;VgbZg 9Vc VgbZg 9Vc 88Zai^X 7ZVi 9VcXZgh Zai^X 7ZVi 9VcXZgh

This 3-night Br Break eak is INCLUSIVE of:

™ 688DBBD96I>DC ™ ;JAA 7D6G9

Â&#x2122; :CI:GI6>CB:CI :K:GN C><=I

Â&#x2122; HEDGIH 6C9 A:>HJG: ;68>A>I>:H 6C9 6AA ;DG DC: <G:6I K6AJ: EG>8:

Â&#x2122;

;g^YVn '+ ?jcZ

( C><=IH Ă&#x201E; Â&#x2014;'() YZh^\cZY [dg VYjaih

SUN: Live Trad Session with Mise from 4pm 1st Monday Every Month Battle of The Bands GRAND PRIZE: ÂŁ50

ALL SPORTING EVENTS SHOWN INCLUDING GAA MATCHES Private Parties & Special Occasions Catered For

www.theirishworld.com

Id 7dd` i]^h \gZVi LZZ`ZcY 7gZV` dg Id 7dd` i]^h \gZVi LZZ`ZcY 7gZV` dg iid dgYZg djg ;G:: 7gdX]jgZ! d dgYZg djg ;G:: 7gdX]jgZ! XVaa djg [g^ZcYan HVaZh IZVb dc/ XVa a djg [g^ZcYan HVaZh IZVb dc/

lll#ediiZgh]da^YVnh#Xdb lll#ed lll #ediiZgh]da^YVnh#Xdb

IIRNS])RKPERH GSQ RNS])RKPERH GSQ

,30-(%= :-00%+) , 30-(%= :-00 %+)

EdiiZgh AZ^hjgZ GZhdgi 8dVhi GdVY =deidc"dc"HZV Cdg[da` CG(& .7M

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 19

SIZZLERS Summer

Step away from the stove this summer and embrace the BBQ or your local Irish restaurant...

543-545 K I NGSB URY R OA D K I NGSB URY LONDON NW 9 9EG

NO CHAHRIRE GE

1 MINUTE WALK FROM KINGSBURY JUBILEE LINE STATION TEL: 0208 204 3377

email: hennessypubgroup@btconnect.com

AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR ALL OCCASIONS FROM 18TH TO 80TH BIRTHDAYS ,

COMMUNIONS CONFIRMATIONS, CHRISTENING ETC.

Gerry Taylor Tel 0 1 5 8 2 5 7 2 8 1 0

B u t c h e r a n d Gr o c e r 5 4 C a l v er t o n R o a d , Li m b u r y Lu t o n

A s u pe r b c h o i c e o f q u a l i t y m e a ts I r i s h & S c o t c h B e e f , La m b , P o r k , Ch i c k e n , R o a s t i n g j o i n t s e t c O p en 7 d ay s 7 .3 0 a m – 6 .3 0 p m W e d n e s d a y 7 a m – 4 p m Su n d a y 8 . 3 0 a m – 1 . 3 0 p m

Irish Hams, Sausages & Bacon I R I S H N E W S PA PE R S - IR I S H P O TAT O E S - S O DA B R E A D F R I E N D LY S E R V I C E - Q UA L I T Y P R O D U C E

MORE VENUES WITH MENUS Flynn’s Bar & Diner 128 The Boradway, West Ealing, London W13 0SY Tel 020 8840 9430 The Bel Air Ricksmansworth Rd, Northwood, Middx Tel 01923 822 206 www.belairrestaurant.co.uk The Crown Moran 142-152 Cricklewood Bdy, London NW2 3ED Tel 002 8452 4175 www.crownmoranhotel.co.uk The Florya 128 Cricklewood Bdy, London NW2 3EE Tel: 020 8450 5545 The Hope & Anchor 126 Tottenam Lane, Hornsey, London N8 7EL Tel 020 8340 0051 Railway Tavern 3 East Barnet Rd, New Barnet, Herts EN4 8RR Tel 020 8449 2917

www.claddagh-ring.co.uk

20 GUIDE

23 MAY 2009

The weather may not have made up its mind yet, but the summer season is almost upon us, so it’s time to enjoy some great food, indoors and al fresco!

There are some excellent ‘venues with menus’ around where you can sample some hearty Irish cooking and tear yourself away from the stove on a Sunday (or any day of the week, for that matter!). While away an afternoon with family and friends, or simply enjoy a post-work pint, a nibble and catch the last rays of the day…

■ The Claddagh Ring Group looks after four superb modern venues across London, all of which can always be relied upon for good grub and a great atmosphere. With top sports and live music, they also serve up delicious traditional fayre every night of the week. The Spanish Arch, The Claddagh Ring and The Quays all have outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy the good weather as you eat! Visit www.claddaghring.co.uk for more.

■ In the north London area, The Gallery in Hendon (www.galleryhendon.com) continues to prove popular with its Irish British food “with an undeniably French flair”, and The Weavers in Barnet (Tel 020 8449 9292) offers a tasty Sunday Roast with a choice of four meats and a vegetarian option to please all diners.

■ If you fancy adding a hearty feed of a Sunday to your dose of Irish culture, then both the Birmingham Irish Centre in Digbeth and the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester (0161 205 4007) serve up great quality dinners each weekend, at credit crunch-busting prices, too!

■ Over in Luton, O’Sheas Pub (115 Castle St, Tel: 01582 414061) is a great choice for good nosh in cosy surroundings. Rumour has it O’Sheas does one of the best Sunday roasts in the town.

Washed down with a pint of Guinness Extra Cold, what more could you want of an afternoon?

■ Family-run establishment Ganley’s Irish Bar in Morden, Surrey (www.ganleysirishbar.co.uk, Tel: 0208 685 0481) is a good bet any time of the year. Choose between the bar food and the steakhouse menu next door, where you can enjoy traditional Irish food from soda bread to black pudding, as well as Mediterranean offerings (moules mariniere, calamari).

■ If you fancy something a little different, Brazilian-inspired restaurant The Amber Grill (Tel: 020 8963 1588) is a great place to satisfy the carnivore in you, with seasoned cuts of meat cooked over an open-flamed grill – just like the South Brazilian cowboys do.

■ Keep checking your Irish World for more great ideas on where to dine out this summer! If you know of a great venue you’d like to share with us, just email us at admin@theirishworld..com or give us a call on 0208 453 7800.

KEEP IT SIMPLE FOR

SUMMER

Outdoor eating should be fun for everyone - even the cook - and if you’re cooking at home, with these simple recipes from Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, you’ll spend minimum time preparing and cooking and maximum time enjoying good food and company.

For those who may have wheat or gluten intolerances or, if you simply fancy a change, champ (mashed potatoes prepared to your personal taste and mixed with chopped raw onions or chopped spring onions) is a nutritious and tasty alternative to bread, with kebabs. Irish beef is widely available in the UK at leading stores such as ASDA and Sainsbury’s or ask for it at your local butcher.

BEEF KEBABS IN AN IRISH HONEY MUSTARD GLAZE

You can cook these kebabs under a very hot grill or on the barbecue in the summer months.

Serves 4

750g Irish sirloin or fillet steak 4 rashers unsmoked streaky bacon, halved 1 small red onion, cut into wedges through the root 8 small fresh bay leaves Thyme sprigs, to garnish

For the glaze: 4 tbsp clear Irish honey ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 2 tsp lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black pepper Serve with champ.

1. Trim any fat from the steak and cut the meat into 4cm chunks. Roll up each pieces of bacon.

2. Mix the ingredients for the glaze together in a bowl with ½ teaspoon each of salt and some black pepper.

Stir in the steak and leave to marinate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile light your barbecue if using a charcoal one. Light your gas barbecue or grill 10 minutes before cooking.

3. Thread 4 cubes of beef, 2 bacon rolls, 2 bay leaves and 2 onion wedges onto each 25cm metal skewer. Place them on the barbecue or the rack of the grill pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning once or twice until the steak is nicely browned on the outside and medium-rare in the centre. Serve immediately with the champ, garnished with the thyme sprigs.

For more Irish themed recipes visit the Bord Bia website:

www.bordbia.ie www.theirishworld.com

The Irish World

Flynn’s

Bar & Diner

128 The Broadway, West Ealing, London W13 0SY

T: 020 8840 9430 Email: flynns@mail.com

Management: PJ Duffy & Team

SAT NIGHT:

SA row HA3 8 ircle, Har C t n o m el Pde, B 7 Warwick

LIVE BANDS 10 - LATE

Sat 23rd May: BACK OF BEYOND

IPA, Carlsberg & Many more £1.99

SUNDAY CARVERY 12-8pm ALL SPORTING EVENTS SHOWN INCLUDING GAA GAMES ON OUR BIG SCREENS

LONDONS FINEST HEATED SMOKING AREAS & OUTSIDE DINING AREA

Private Parties & Special Occasions Catered For 115 Castle St Luton, LU1 3AL

Tel 01582 414061 Email

osheasbar@hotmail.com

• Bar & Grill • Sunday Roast a Speciality BOOKINGS TAKEN FOR ALL S PECIAL OCCASIONS

Celebrating 18 Years May 1991 - May 2009 Fri 22nd JIM O’LEARY Sat 23rd THE WANDERERS Sun 24th THE BRAD

Bank Holiday Mon 25th: BBQ T h u r s 2 8 t h • Ti c k e t s £ 5 O’SHEA’S 18th BIRTHDAY PARTY

T: 0208 340 3051

FRI/SAT: LIVE BANDS: 9 TIL LATE

SPECIAL OFFERS

7 Daily Freshly Cooked Specials

126 Tottenham Lane, Hornsey, London, N8 7EL

Management: Craig & Yvonne

23rd May: David Shannon 30th May: RICKY PURCELL

NEW MENU: 12-9pm

Hope & Anchor Fri 29th May: TERRY C

FOOD SERVED DAILY 12-8pm

Fri 22nd

D J SLAMMIN’ DUNCAN

Sat 23rd D J DEE Sun 24th TWILIGHT UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

ALL SPORTING EVENTS SHOWN ON BIG SCREENS

LIVE BANDS AND DJ ALL WEEKEND LIVE GAA & PREMIERSHIP MATCHES Come and have the Life of Reilly!

WEAVERS

Bar & Diner

27 Greenhill Parade, Great North Rd, Barnet, EN5 1EU – Adjacent to Barnet Odeon Tel 020 8449 9292

Quiz Nights: Thursday Pool Competition: Tuesday OUTSIDE SMOKING AREA / BEER GARDEN

The Kilkenny

Private Parties & Special Occasions Catered For

131 Merton High St, London SW19 1DE

Home cooked food daily • Sunday Roast

Every Thursday

Choice of 4 meats & vegetarian option

KARAOKE

LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY Sunday 31st May: The ever popular

LIVE MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Saturday 6th June: Elvis

TRAD SIT-DOWN SEISIÚN IN “THE STABLE” ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS

John Sullivan

Tribute Night

BED & B REAKFAST AC COMMO DATION AVAIL ABL E WITH ENSUITE • AL L FUNCTIO NS CATERED FOR WITH CA PA CITY FOR 100 OR 50 PEO PL E BOOK INGS TAK EN FOR H OLY CO MMUNIO N PARTIES

Seisiún every Tuesday night

WITH THE FABULOUS

BIBLE CODE SUNDAYS 19-21 Chapel Road, Ilford Tel: 020 8478 2161 Every Thursday KARAOKE COMPETITION

Ocak Basi Mangal Restaurant 128, Cricklewood Broadway, London NW2 3EE Tel: 020 8450 5545 Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs 12pm – 1am Fri – Sun 12pm – 4am 1 FREE bottle of house wine Reservations for for 3 people when ordering a parties available. three course meal each.

SPECIAL

OFFER:

Takeaway is also available.

Please call above number for orders.

FRIDAYS KARAOKE 8.30-11.30 DISCO 11.30 - 3AM Thursday 21st

KARAOKE COMPETITION

Friday 22nd

LIVE MUSIC + DISCO

Saturday 23rd

FINBAR BLACK

The

Copper Jug

1 0 T h e B r o a d w a y, P r e s t o n R d , W e m b l e y, M i d d x Tel 020 8357 6629

NADIA KEATING Sat 30th MARY O’ROURKE Sat 23rd

E V E R Y F R I N I G H T “ K I L LE R P O O L N IG H T”

Sunday 24th

AL SO SUN DAY AFTERNOON

GENAS LIVE MUSIC + KARAOKE SHOW HOME OF THE BHOYS OF ILFORD CELTIC SUPPORTERS CLUB GAA GAMES & ALL MAJOR SPORT LIVE LUNCHES SERVED DAILY 12-4 BREAKFAST 9-12 MON-FRI

L AT E B A R

DANCING

• LATE LICENCE •

Visit our website www.theirishworld.com

S U N DA Y RO A S T S

LIVE MUSIC

WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK DISCO

bar & restaurant 1 2 5 SLOUGH LA NE, K I NGSB URY, L ONDON NW 9 8 TG TEL : 0 2 0 8 2 0 4 1 0 2 0 The Irish World

EVERY FRIDAY THE LEGENDARY MICHAEL ST PETERS

12 - 6pm

SATURDAY 23rd SCARY MARY www.theirishworld.com

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 21

THIS WEEK...

Photos: Anne Mullen

SOUTH LONDON IRISH CENTRE 140, Hartfield Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 3TG

■ Bridie Bowden, Mary Blanc & Paddy Hayes

■ Kevin & Peggy Bohan & John Lynch

South London Irish Club Is a vibrant club, run under the the management of Longford man Danny Whelan and his Roscommon born wife Bernie ably assisted by the club Committee, headed by Chairman Mick Gleeson who hails from Tipperary.

The busy venue hosts set dancing classes every Thursday for children at 6pm and adults at 8pm.

Line dancing classes start at 9.30am on Fridays.

The club is open until 11pm Mondays, Thursdays & Sundays, and until

■

midnight on Friday and Saturday. There is always a great selection of dance bands at the weekends with forthcoming attractions including an afternoon of set dancing with Matt Cunningham on Sunday 19 July, and comedy night on Fri 7th August. Celtic band Charlie & The Bhoys will appear on Sept 18th tickets £10.

For a great night out, why not try this popular venue, located in the heart of SW London. For further information please call 020 8543 0068

■ Committe members including Chairman Mick Gleeson and Danny & Bernie Whelan who run the club

Tom & Maureen Finnegan

■ PatrIcia Brady, Bridie Connelly,Noreen Kelly, Kathleen & Joe O’Halloran, Con McLoughlin, Frank Connell, Noel Brady, Martin Kelly

■

Patricia Smith, Mick Gormley, Kathy & Jim Coyle

■ Tom, Nora, Esable & Tony Hoare with Elmed Gossinger, visitors from Denver

IRISH LANGUAGE CLASSES CARDIFF • Irish language course for complete beginners 20 weekly meetings Wednesdays from 7- 9pm Starting 23rd September 2009. Humanities Building, Colum Drive, Cardiff 20 Credits, Level 1 IRI09A2377A To enrol, please contact the Centre nearer the time on 029 2087 0000 or visit our website www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn.

CHESHIRE • The Irish Club, 83 Orford Lane, Warrington Irish Language group with Bingo twice weekly. Live entertainment every Saturday and Sunday night. Family event Sunday afternoons.

Open everyday from 12 noon for TV, sport and the craic. Tel: 01925 630 682 or irishclub1@aol.com COVENTRY • Irish language classes take place every Monday at St Osburg's Club, Hill Street. The classes run

22 GUIDE

from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and cater for beginners and more experienced speakers CRAWLEY • The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society are now offering Irish classes at The Emerald Club, Southgate Ave. The classes will be held fortnightly on Wednesday evenings.

Further details from Shannon on 07815 055281 or visit the website, www.celtic-irish.co.uk.

DERBY • Irish language classes at the Irish Centre in Becket Street every Tuesday from 8.00pm to 10.00pm. The centre also hosts traditional Irish music sessions every Tuesday from 9.00pm and set-dancing every Wednesday from 8.00pm.

There are salsa dancing classes every Thursday night. Special guest stars provide entertainment every Friday and Saturday.

The centre also holds pensioners' failte group meet-

23 MAY 2009

ings every second Thursday.

Tel: 01332 332842.

ESSEX • Fortnightly classes in Chelmsford. For more information phone 01277 249274 or email donal.kelleher@yahoo.co.uk HERTFORDSHIRE • An Irish language group meets every Thursday in Letchworth, Hertfordshire.

Tel: Pat Barrett 01462 623961.

HUDDERSFIELD • Irish language classes Thursday 8pm-10pm at Huddersfield Irish Centre.

LONDON • Irish Language Classes are at Lewisham Irish Community Centre on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.

• Mixed ability Irish language classes at Islington Providence Court every Wed evening from 7.30pm Tel: Maura on 020 8341 2822 or Michael on

020 8888 6786 or email: mairerobinson@yahoo.co.uk • Irish language classes are held at the London Irish Centre Camden Town.

Beginners - Wednesday 6.30pm; Intermediate Monday 6.30pm; Advanced - Thursday 6.30pm; Donnacha McSweeney. T: 020 3232 4008 / 0790 223 7339 E: culture@irishcentre.org • Irish language classes are being held every Thursday from 6.00pm to 8.00pm at St Thomas More Hall, 116a Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London SE22. Tel: Marie on 020 7737 5244 or Anne on 020 7564 6089.

The classes are under the aegis of the Southwark Irish Cultural and Arts Development Centre.

• Irish classes for children.

Tel: Laoise (Lucy) de Paor on 020 7267 7100 or Mary Aylward on 020 7281 7424.

MANCHESTER

www.theirishworld.com

•Free Irish language classes for adults at all levels on Tuesdays from 8.00 until 9.00 p.m. at St.Kentigern’s Social Club in Fallowfield.

Further details from Pat McGuinness on 0161 225 0645, Tom Togher on 07970 745462 or at www.milg.org.uk

• Conradh na Gaelige will be holding classes every Wednesday night between 8-9 pm at the Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd Cheetham Hill Manchester M8 8UF. All enquiries to the chairman Patrick Hoswell on 01613686185 or phoswell42@aol.com or the secretary Niall Murphy on 07815067857 or ngwmurphy@gmail.com.

MANSFIELD • Irish Language lessons on Tuesdays at 7.30pm until 9pm at Boothys Club.

Everyone welcome. Please visit www.mansfieldirish.org.uk for more details.

• Irish Language lessons at Mansfield each Tuesday at 7.30pm until 9pm at Boothys Club.The first 4 lessons will be free of charge. A small charge to cover expenses will be made from week 5 onwards.

Everyone is welcome.

Please visit www.mansfieldirish.org.uk for more details.

MILTON KEYNES

• Ranganna Gaeilge Irish language classes for beginners and improvers. Every Tuesday 7pm-9pm, at the Irish Centre. £30 for full course of 10 lessons. Tel: Tom Bolton on 01908 506666 or Dan Crowley on 01908 372024 WOLVERHAMPTON • Irish language classes for beginners and advanced pupils are being held each Monday at the Paget Road site of the City of Wolve

The Irish World

OUT ABOUT

Photos: Brendan Moyles

School disco time Captain Morgans pub in Greenford was the venue recently for a School Disco.

■ Ann Marie O’Reilly from Kildare and Joanna Lehane from Kilkenny

and friends ■ Emma Daly, Catherine Byrne,

■ Bar staff Saminas Momozovas, Tommy Donellan (manager), Charlene Ferre

■ Jenny Quirke from Galway, Sheena Chambers from Mayo, Jayne Court from Donegal

■ Landlord Darren Nolan (left) with Brendan O’Malley and friends

SPECIAL EVENTS CARDIFF

• Irish for Beginners 20 weekly meetings Wednesdays 7 - 9pm starting 23 September 2009 Humanities Building, Colum Drive, Cardiff. To enrol, or to find out more please contact the Centre on 029 2087 0000

LONDON

• The Tyrone Association are holding their AGM on Thursday 21st May at 8pm @ The Carlton Tavern, Carlton Vale NW6. Info Paddy McGorman: 07714262387/ Ann 0208 9044639. All new members welcome.

• Fundraiser for Catholic

The Irish World

Association of Doctors Medical Mission to the Philippines, will be held on Friday the 29th May at Mazenod Social Club, Kilburn, NW6. Tickets £5. For more info contact Tara Dennehy 07985573115.

• Limerick Ass. will hold a Benefit Fundraising Night at The Wheatsheaf Public House Tooting Bec on Saturday May 30th starting 8pm.All invited, further info can be obtained from Assn secretary John Giltenan on 07956 855957 or at www.treatygaels.com.

• On Saturday 13th June there is a meeting of London Irish Network - a social Club for

■ Jacqui Nolan from Cork, Megan Kelly from Donegal, Mary Lane from Kerry, Jacqui Griffin from Kerry

those interested in all things Irish. New Members & Club Night Second Saturday of the month at The Market Tavern,7 Shepherd St., Shepherds Market, W1J 7HR New Members Welcome! Full details call Audrey Hackett pm 020 88649577 wwwlondonirish.org.uk.

• The London Wexford Association will hold their AGM at the DOB Club, Maygrove Road, Kilburn NW6 on Friday, June 19 starting at 8.30pm.

The next function is the summer BBQ at the Rising Sun, Harlesden Rd, Willesden on Sunday, September 13. Tickets £5 (booked in advance).

Information Michael Sills (8452

3443); Phil Roche (8830 4158); Carmel Ryan (8205 8558); Siobhan Talbott (01753 693770).

YOUR EVEN T N O LIST T ED?

door. For info contact Tony Murphy on 01582752480.

• Southwark Irish festi• The Southend Irish val takes place on Sat Association Presents a 4th & Sun 5th July at Night of Traditional Peckham Rye Park, Irish on Friday the London SE15. Sites Email d 29th of May, The available for stalls for etails o l i s t i n f g y Function Room, The clubs, county associas@thei Thursd rishwoour event to Grange Social Club, tions, charities, voluna r y l d e . v c e ing a tary organisations and o by Grainger Close, Off be in n ext wn nd them Stanfield Road, Southend business groups. To book e e k ’s S imple a call chairman Ben Cahill on listingsy’ll on Sea, SS2 5DD. Entry is . s that. £3.00 on the door, from 07958 903410.

8:30pm. Call Ann-Marie on 07734 350187 for more details, LUTON dance or visit on Saturday 30th May, 2009 at www.southendirish.com.

• The Luton Irish Forum Pipe The Holy Ghost Parish Centre, Band are holding a fundraising Luton. ickets £2-50, at the

www.theirishworld.com

SOUTHEND

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 23

■ Tara A

■ Tir Chonaill Gaels A & B Teams

TARA UNDER 10 BLITZ Photos from the recent Tara U10 Blitz held at Kenton. PICTURES: BRENDAN VAUGHAN

■ The newly formed Harlesden Harps Team

Granuaile Presentation Night Photos from the Granuaile Hurling Underage Presentation held recently at TCG Club, Greenford. Granuaile would like to thank their sponsors and supporters for their commitment over the season. PICTURES: BRENDAN VAUGHAN

■ U16's London Championship Winners

24SPORT

23 MAY 2009

■ U18's London and British Champions

www.theirishworld.com

■

THE IRISH WORLD

SPORT

THE IRISH WORLD

23 MAY 2009

LONDON V GALWAY PREVIEW

GAA ULSTER SHC ROUND 2

BY DAMIAN DOLAN

hile Brendan Bolger admits that Ulster Championship opponents Fermanagh will be something of an unknown quantity, the London coach has no problem with the Exiles being labelled as favourites.

London’s National League ■ London coach winning exploits have increased Brendan Bolger is in expectations in the capital, and confident mood especially around Ruislip, that the ahead of the Exiles’ Exiles can take their title winning Ulster Championship Division 3B form into the Ulster clash with Fermanagh Championship and at least match last years semi-final appearance.

Bolger is aware, however, that the Exiles need to rediscover their focus after coming down from the high of edging out Roscommon to lift silverware and make it seven straight wins in 2009, or risk a potential banana skin at Ruislip on Saturday.

“We’re not going to take Fermanagh for granted; we’ll be expected to win but we’ve had a bit of a break so we need to be mentally right for this game,” Bolger told The Irish World.

“There is no game where someone is 100 per cent sure to win; if we don’t go out and hurl then Fermanagh could beat us, and that would be the end of our championship campaign which would be a huge setback after Ulster Senior Hurling the progress we have made.”

London should have too Championship: Rnd 2 much for Fermanagh, who secured a trip to Ruislip by edging out Cavan 0-13 to 1-9 at Brewster Park, having failed to make it beyond the Saturday 23rd May first round stage of last years Ruislip Ulster Championship, losing Throw in: TBC to Tyrone.

And while the Exiles were embarking on a run in Division 3B that would eventually see them lift the league title, the Ernesiders finished fourth in Division 4 with only wins over Sligo and Cavan to their name. Despite all that, however, Bolger will be taking nothing for granted.

“They are very much an unknown quantity; I know they’ve been hurling a division lower than us and with the greatest of respect to the weaker counties they won’t have the natural hurling ability of some of our players,” said Bolger who can call upon players from hurling strongholds such as Kilkenny, Cork, Tipperary, Clare and Galway.

“But I’m sure that whatever they may be lacking in experience they’ll make up for in tenacity and effort. Success is 1 per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration. I fancy we will beat them, but I’ve fancied us to beat every team

W

LONDON V FERMANAGH

MIND GAMES 8

PAGES 28-32

we’ve met this year, if we go out and hurl properly. If we don’t take them seriously, or think that we only have to turn up, there is always a banana skin around the corner, just look at Munster in the rugby,” said Bolger.

As well as ensuring that the Exiles have their heads switched on for Saturday’s championship clash, Bolger has a few selection issues to resolve. Brian McCormack and Sean McLoughlin have returned to Ireland having played their last games for London in the win over Roscommon, while John McCarthy broke his foot in training and Fergus McMahon is a doubt having picked up an ankle injury playing for London’s footballers against Wexford.

When the Exiles run out at Ruislip on Saturday it will be three weeks since their league triumph. A challenge match against Robert Emmetts shook away a few of the cobwebs and Bolger is confident that some fine tuning is all that is needed to get London back in the groove.

“We sat down afterwards [the Robert Emmetts match] and we had a talk; we had to get refocused again and I think after that talk the guys were much more focused and much more positive about what is ahead of us,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of getting the touch right and getting the head right. Our shooting was a little bit wayward at times against Roscommon; we need to make sure we put away a higher percentage of our opportunities .

Physically we’re in good condition.”

Should London see off Fermanagh then a quarter-final with Derry awaits at Casement Park, with Bolger using that to ensure his players have their game heads on come Saturday.

“Casement Park is one of the finest hurling fields in the whole of Ireland and that’s where you want to be hurling. Derry have hurled at a higher grade than us and were very unlucky not to beat Down in the Christy Ring,” he said.

“Derry will be favourites going in to play us, but it’s a scalp we could take and it’s a scalp we are looking to take. We’ll not be going over there to fulfil a fixture and hopefully we’ll do alright, we’ll be going with the intention of beating Derry. That’s our plan; we’re going to beat Fermanagh and then we’re going to set our sights on Derry.”

PAGE PULLOUT OF THE BEST IN IRISH SPORT!

RESULTS LONDON GAA

TIPPERARY CUP Fulham Irish 1-11 Tara 0-10

Neasden Gaels 0-8 Round Towers 1-16 Kingdom Kerry Gaels 1-5 St Brendans 0-10

MURPHY CUP Heston Gaels 3-10 Fulham Irish B 3-4

Harlesden Harps 1-1 St Kiernanʼs 5-11

Tara B 0-7 Thomas McCurtains 3-8 DIV 1 HURLING Robert Emmetts 3-17 Thomas McCurtains 2-4 MCARDLE CUP Tir Chonaill Gaels 4-13 Garryowen 3-4 Round Towers 1-7 Bros Pearse 1-6 RONAN CUP Cuchulainns 3-7 St Gabriels B 4-8

Fullen Gaels 2-8 Robert Emmetts B 2-7 DIV 3 FOOTBALL St Anthonys 0-2 St Josephs 3-16

LANCASHIRE GAA JUNIOR LEAGUE Oisin1-08 St Peters 0-03

John Mitchells 2-07 St Lawrences 0-06 St Brendans 1-17 St Annʼs 0-02

Pennine League Oisin 5-18 St Benedicts 0-04 J Mitchells 7-15 Bros Pearse 1-02

WARWICKSHIRE GAA J.F.L. St. Brendans 3-4 Sons of Erin 3-17 O'Rahaillys 1-5 St. Chadsl 1-13

I.F.L. John Mitchells 4-6 Naomh Padraig 4-9 St.Marys 1.07 St. Barnabas 1-9

S.F.L. Roger Casements 2-8 Sean Mc Dermotts 2-11 Four Masters 3-8 Erin Go Bragh 0-6 GAA RESULTS IRELAND

Christy Ring Cup (SH) Rnd 2 Mayo 2-20 Westmeath 0-15 Derry 2-15 Wicklow 0-9

Carlow 1-16 Kildare 1-13 Down 3-11 Kerry 2-10

ULSTER SHC Monaghan 1-7 Fermanagh 0-10

SFC Ardfert 1-11 Dr Crokes 1-9

Kilcummin 0-12 St Michaels/Foilmore 17

CONNACHT MFC Galway 1-5 Sligo 0-7

Laune Rangers 0-9 Dingle 1-10

LEINSTER MHC Laois 1-9 Dublin 1-6

KILKENNY GAA

Westmeath 1-10 Offaly 1-7

SFC Mooncoin 0-8 Loughlin Gaels 0-4

ANTRIM GAA

Mullinavat 2-7 Carrickshock 0-5

SHL DIV 1 Ballycastle 1-10 Dunloy 0-14

James Stephens 1-7 Erinʼs Own 1-4

SHL Div 2 Gort na Mona 0-17 St Galls 1-12

SFL Final Railyard 1-16 Muckalee 1-12 (AET)

S Paulʼs 0-6 Rossa 2-16

LIMERICK GAA

Randalstown 0-10 Glenariffe 1-12

SFC Dromcollogher/Broadfoo t 2-12 Newcastlewest 0-8

CORK GAA

SFC Na Piarsaigh 2-4 Ilen Rovers 0-6

SFL Div 1A Newcastlewest 2-11 Ballysteen 1-9

St Nicholas 0-11 OʼDonovan Rossa 1-6

St Kiernans 1-10 Athea 0-5

Ballincollig 0-7 Carberry Rangers 0-7

SHL Div 1A Bruree 3-14 Bruff 0-14

SHC St Finbarrs 2-14 Midleton 2-13

Adare 1-11 Granagh/Ballingarry 111

UCC 2-22 Seandon 0-16

MAYO GAA

CIT 1-20 Duhallo 1-0

Div 1A Ballaghadereen 1-8 Bohola Moy-Davitts 1-8

DONEGAL GAA

Burrishoole 0-4 Ballina Stephenites 1-6

JFCA Convoy 0-14 Naomh Colmcille 2-7

Breaffy 1-7 Ballinrobe 0-1

St Eunans 1-9 Naomh Ultan 0-2

Charlestown 0-10 Shrule-Glencorrib 0-10

Red Hughs 0-6 Downings 1-11

MEATH GAA

SFC Res Play-Off Malin 1-7 Gaoth Dobhair 0-16

SHC Rathmolyon 2-10 Navan OʼMahonys 2-10

SHL F Masters 3-12 Buncrana 2-13

St Peters Dunboyne 312 Kiltile 2-5

IFC Naomh Brid 0-6 Carndonagh 0-10

Kilmessan 2-13 Clann na Gael 1-16 OFFALY GAA

IFC Play-Off St Nauls 3-13 Urris 3-8

SHC Kinnitty 2-11 St Rymaghs 0-11

GALWAY GAA

Lusmagh 1-10 Tullamore 0-13

SHC St Thomas 3-14 Craughwell 0-13

Shinrone 1-30 Ballyskenagh 2-7

Turloughmore 2-9 Beagh 0-12

Kilcormac/Killoughey 111 Shamrock 1-11

Gort 1-12 Mullagh 0-13

SLIGO GAA

Portumna 3-15 Tommy Larkins 1-6

SFL DIV 1 Eastern Harps 0-10 Tourlestrane 1-4

Kinvara 0-16 Kiltormer 1-11

Castleconnor 1-9 Tubbercurry 1-9

SFL Killanin 2-8 Lettermore 0-7

An Cheathru Rua 1-11 Barna 1-3

Kilconly 1-10 Cortoon Shamrocks 1-7

ST BRENDAN’S.......................0-11 KERRY KINGDOM GAELS....1-05

n a very windy day down in Ruislip the final round of games in the group stages of the Tipperary Cup were played out to settle who would qualify for the semi

finals.

Group B was tightly contested at the top, as before the start of play

26 SPORT

KERRY GAA

ULSTER MFC Down 1-12 Fermanagh 0-4

GAA LONDON TIPPERARY CUP

BY PATRICK O’BRIEN

O

Kilkerrin/Clonberne 0-16 St Brendans 1-4

Geevagh 1-6 Coolera-Strandhill 1-12 Curry 0-14 Ballymote 0-7

SPECTATOR SOCCER Ghosts of I L Championships past THE

OUR CONTROVERSIAL COLUMNIST t’s that time of year again when we allow our heads to rule our hearts and we all look for omens, no matter how small, that this might just be the year that London secures only its second ever Connacht Championship win.

History shows, however, that it is better to be realistic about London’s chances and with Galway the Exiles’ opponents this year, a large dash of realism is definitely needed. For this year not only has Exiles boss Noel Dunning had to contend with the usual effects of London’s ever revolving door and with players dropping out, but an unfortunate spate of injuries threatens to undermine the Exiles’ chances of ruffling Galway’s feathers.

With Tara’s Enda Gallagher and St Brendan’s Killian Phair already ruled out, Chris Donnellan and Fergus McMahon remain a doubt, with the latter also having hoped to line up for London’s hurlers the previous day in the Ulster Championship against Fermanagh.

It remains to be seen whether Donnellan (hamstring) and McMahon (ankle) will be available for selection, but if they are not it will obviously be a huge blow to London’s hopes. But hopes of what? Staging an upset or simply producing a performance over 70 minutes that lets Galway know they’ve been in a game.

We’ve all being here before and it would be churlish to think or expect London to beat a side of the pedigree of Galway, but we can dream can’t we. In reality, what we want to see is a London side go out there and compete for the full 70 minutes, and give it their all for the jersey and their team-mates. If they do that then the final outcome on the scoreboard will not matter one jot.

One need only look back to last year and how it all turned sour against Sligo, not because London lost but because By the time throw in arrives on Sunday, London’s hurlers will hopefully have booked an Ulster Championship quarterfinal clash with Derry at Casement Park. London’s hurlers have been an inspiration this year, winning the Division 3B title by beating Roscommon after going through their league campaign unbeaten.

All credit to coach Brendan Bolger, his selectors and the players for the work they’ve put in, and here’s hoping

E XCLUSIV E

DAMIAN DOLAN

when they missed a first half penalty, the Exiles lost their way with Sligo able to ease to a far too comfortable win.

Galway’s last visit in 2004 saw the Exiles on the end of an eight goal hammering but that London team was badly affected by an exodus of players just before the championship match. This Exiles team, after an encouraging National League campaign, can take heart from a more than creditable performance recently against All-Ireland semi-finalists Wexford.

A performance of similar character is required on Sunday when hopefully Ruislip will be packed to the rafters and the Exiles will get the backing they need and deserve. The Exiles’ 1977 win over Leitrim has hung like a cloud over every subsequent London side that has taken to the field to try and match that feat, and give the Exiles what would be only their second Connacht Championship win.

This year is no different, but London must find it within them to play their own game and not their opponents and certainly not the occasion. While realism will reign, anything is possible, but it will take a monumental effort from Dunning’s charges. But at the very least, let’s make sure Galway know they’ve been in a game.

they can get their championship campaign off to a winning start with victory over Fermanagh.

The Exiles reached the semi-finals last year only to have their championship dream ended by their 2008 nemesis, Down. But with confidence on a high no side will fancy playing the Exiles at the moment and there is every reason to be optimistic that London can go on to at least emulate last years achievement.

One of the refreshing aspects of 2009 and the

hurlers success has been the attitude of Bolger; not for the London coach the playing down of his teams prospects when asked to assess their chances, but rather a total confidence in his players ability to win, should they hurl to their potential.

While taking nothing for granted, Bolger fully expects London to beat Fermanagh on Saturday and is more than happy to pass that expectation on to his players. A refreshing attitude indeed.

the Spectator know what YOU GOT A Let an email to iwsport@theirishworld.com with RESPONSE?the subject line “The Spectator”

you think by sending

iam Brady believes Nigeria will provide the perfect opposition for the Republic of Ireland ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier away to Bulgaria on June 6.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s side take on Nigeria at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground on May 29 with Ireland’s assistant manager warning that the side ranked 23rd in the FIFA rankings will provide a stern and timely test before Ireland travel to Sofia to face Bulgaria.

“Although they [Nigeria and Bulgaria] are probably worlds apart, they’ve got a common denominator called technique,” Brady told The Irish World. “Both teams are blessed with a lot of technical players and that’s the one thing we’ve got to be wary of when we go to Bulgaria. We’ve got to be able to handle that and for that reason playing against Nigeria will be a good preparation.”

“It gets everybody together in sufficient time to prepare well for such a big match against Bulgaria. We have a situation where we’ve almost got the best part of ten days to prepare and that’s very, very useful, although we have a couple of players (Darron Gibson and John O’Shea) who we won’t have till later on that week.

“If the manager was going to pick his best team, certainly O’Shea would be one of his first choices, and Darron Gibson has figured a lot since the start of the campaign and he’s become more and more influential.

Ireland find themselves well placed in Group 8 just two points behind leaders Italy with four games remaining.

The group is finely poised after Robbie Keane’s late goal gave Ireland a share of the spoils in Italy to keep Trapattoni’s side in contention for top spot, while two points dropped at Croke Park against Bulgaria ensures that Ireland can illafford to come away from Sofia empty handed.

“Without any doubt, we would have taken that at the start; we probably left a couple of points out there, particularly against Bulgaria at home, but we went to some difficult places, Montenegro and Italy and came away unbeaten and got two very good results at home to Georgia and Cyprus in difficult matches,” said Brady.

“They were results that the Irish team weren’t getting 18 months ago, so I think we’ve

Brendan’s fire but still miss out Neasden Gaels were top with four points, whilst St Brendan’s and Round Towers were level with two points and Kerry Kingdom Gaels were bottom of the group with no points.

In the first game St Brendan’s took on the Kingdom in Group B in a bid to secure their place in the last four. Brendan’s had to fight back from

23 MAY 2009

four points down to win the game 011 to 1-5, after the Kingdom went into the lead early in the second half with a goal from Denis McNamara.

The first half went well for Brendan’s as they soaked up the pressure from the Kingdom. At times Brendan’s were able to breeze through the Kingdom, however, the Kingdom’s defence was

www.theirishworld.com

well able to respond and kept the score down to a respectable level, but their forward counterparts were not able to convert this into key possession play. At half time the scores were level at 0-3 to 0-3.

The strong cross wind was making life difficult for all and particularly for Brendan’s as they hit a total of 12 wides. Kingdom’s

keeper Sean Howard performed well between the sticks as Brendan’s went on the hunt for a goal that never came.

As the Kingdom snuck into the lead, Brendan’s started the fight back which began with good play from Jarlaith Harte with a fine point that set up the rest of the half for Brendan’s. Soon enough they

THE IRISH WORLD

FIXTURES

REPUBLICOFIRELAND

LANCASHIRE GAA

Wednesday 20th May

DISCIPLINE IS KEY FOR IRISH

tingent of fans.”

Trapattoni will trim his 25-man squad down to 22 for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia on June 6 after the game against Nigeria. Reading striker Kevin Doyle has been included in the squad despite being described by Trapattoni as having only an “outside chance” of being likely to face Bulgaria, after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury, although the Italian is keen to give Doyle as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

IRELAND SQUAD TO FACE NIGERIA AND BULGARIA

International Friendly

REP OF IRELAND V NIGERIA Friday 29th May Craven Cottage, Fulham FC Kick-off 8pm

made steady progress since Giovanni took over and we’ve given ourselves a great chance to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa, either as group winners or through the play-offs.

What we mustn’t do now is slip up and ruin the good work that we’ve put in place…by not picking up some points away against Bulgaria and Cyprus.

“We’ll go out with the idea of winning the game [v Bulgaria] but we also know that a draw doesn’t do Nigeria any favours, so we are not going to be gung-ho, it’s not all or nothing against Bulgaria.

“We can approach the match in

were into lead with substitute Adrian Brett scoring three vital points. In the final few moments of the game a series of mistakes from the Kingdom saw Paul Moyne receive the ball in a dangerous position and bisect the uprights to see Brendan’s win the game, but it would soon prove all in vain.

The second game of the afternoon saw Round Towers ease to a 12 point win over top of the table Neasden Gaels. Having just seen St Brendan’s win their game, the Towers knew what was needed to be done to stand any chance of

THE IRISH WORLD

the same way we’ve approached all the other games – we will try and win the game but we’ll do it in a disciplined fashion, and so far that’s paid dividends.”

Ireland are back at Craven Cottage after their friendly international against Columbia last year proved a huge success, and Brady, who spent much of playing career in the London with Arsenal and West Ham, is very much in favour of the national side taking games away from Ireland.

“I think the odd game every year or every second year in a place, it could be Glasgow or the north of progressing, and what was required was a comprehensive victory over Neasden as points difference would ultimately have to be called in to decide the final standings.

And that was just what the Towers did in a very impressive performance that saw them run out as 1-16 to 0-7 winners over a lack lustre Neasden side. It did not take long for Towers to race into the lead as after just 15 minutes they were up on a score of 106 to 0-03. Darren Horan was the man that placed the ball into net for Towers.

England where there is a lot of Irish people, is a very good idea. I remember one of my first internationals was against England at Wembley around 1976 and there was a huge Irish contingent at that match, simply because it was a chance not to travel so far because so many of them were living over in England,” he said.

“There was a tremendous atmosphere at the Colombia game among the two sets of fans, and I think our fellas really enjoyed it. There’s a huge Nigerian population in London and the surrounding areas, they’re a good team with some great players and I think they’ll be a huge Nigerian con-

At half time the Towers were beginning to run away with the lead as they were 1-9 to 0-4. For Neasden Stephen Lynch played well but was unable to stem the tide as the Towers were freely putting over points.

The Towers defended well, not allowing Neasden too much space, and as the final whistle blew the Towers won the game 116 to 0-7, to take their place in the last four along with Neasden, as St Brendan’s missed out.

In Group A Fulham Irish beat Tara 1-11 to 0-10 to secure their place at the top of the table and

www.theirishworld.com

Shay Given (Man City) Dean Kiely (West Brom) Kieren Westwood (Coventry) Eddie Nolan (Preston NE), Sean St Ledger (Preston NE) John O'Shea (Man Utd) Kevin Foley (Wolves) Paul McShane (Sunderland) Richard Dunne (Man City) Stephen Kelly (Birmingham City) Kevin Kilbane (Hull City) Aiden McGeady (Celtic) Damien Duff (Newcastle Utd) Darron Gibson (Man Utd) Glenn Whelan (Stoke City) Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers) Liam Miller (QPR) Stephen Hunt (Reading) Andy Keogh (Wolves) Liam Lawrence (Stoke City) Caleb Folan (Hull City) Kevin Doyle (Reading) Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur) Shane Long (Reading) Leon Best Coventry)

Tickets are available to buy online at www.fulhamfc.com/ireland or by calling the ticket office on 0870-442-1234 (option 3)

into the semi-finals.Parnells will face Tir Chonaill Gaels on Thursday to settle the group.

Teams&Scorers:

ST BRENDAN’S: Rory Cullen; Shane O’Hara, Barry Gallagher, Cian Higgins; Joe Corscadden (0-1) Fergal Gangnvan, Ritchie Ormsby (0-1); David O’Riordan, Sean McAlinden (0-1); Graham Power (0-1), David McShane (0-1f), Paul Moyne (0-2); Jarlaith Harte (0-1), Paddy Bowes (0-1), Simon Cullen. Subs: Adrian Brett (0-3) for McAlinden.

KERRY KINGDOM GAELS: Sean Howard; Colm Walsh, Andrew Shanaghy, Karl Scanlon; Daniel Downey, Ryan McStraverick, Eoin Costello; Denis McNamara (1-0), Chris Hamill; Patrick Bleakey, John Murphy, John Holly (0-3f); Thomas Caprice, Colm Foody (0-2), Allan

ALL FIXTURES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS

PENNINE LEAGUE J F Kennedyʼs v Young Irelanders 7.30pm, Scott Hall Road Thursday 21st May

St Annʼs v St Peters 7:30pm, Turn Moss St Brendanʼs v St Patricks 7.30, Hough End Oisin v St Lawrences 7.30pm, Old Bedians J Mitchells v St Patricks 7.30pm, Liverpool Sunday 24th May

JUNIOR LEAGUE St Lawrences v St Patricks 1pm, Turn Moss Oisin v St Annʼs 1pm, Old Bedians PENNINE LEAGUE Young Irelanders v St Brendans 1pm, Scott Hal LONDON GAA

Thursday 21st May Northwick Park

TIPPERARY CUP Parnells v Tir Chonaill Gaels, Northwick Park 7pm Saturday 23rd May Ruislip

ULSTER HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP London v Fermanagh OVER 40'S FOOTBALL (FRIENDLY) London v Galway, 6pm – Venue most likely Greenford Sunday 24th May

CONNAUGHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP London v Galway, 3:30pm WARWICKSHIRE GAA Thursday 21st May Paric Na hEireann

Warwickshire Selection v Sean McDermotts 7:15pm Saturday 23rd May

LEINSTER SHIELD HURLING (AUGHRIM) Wicklow v Warwickshire Sunday 24th May

Pairc Na hEireann

J.F.L. Sean Mc Dermotts v OʼRahaillys 2pm Challenge St.Chads v Four Masters 3:15pm Coventry

J.F.L. Roger Casements v Erin Go Bragh 2:30pm

I.F.L. St.Finbarrs v Erin Go Bragh 3:45pm Nottingham

I.F.L. St. Barnabas v Rugby Gaels 3pm Wolverhampton

I.F.L. St.Marys v John Mitchells 3pm Leicester

I.F.L. Naomh Padraig v St.Brendans 3pm

Kenny. Subs: Michael O’Brien for Thomas Caprice, Mark Cooke for Karl Scanlon.

ROUND TOWERS: Andy Smith; Michael English, Michael Maher, Denis Shalvery; John Paul English, Jim Devin (0-1), Oliver Bennett (0-1); Darren Horan (1-1), Garry McGovern (0-1); David Henry (0-4), Michael McMartin (0-4, 2f), Sean Lacey (0-1); Timmy O’Donovan, Craig Mullen (0-2), Daniel O’Donvon (0-1). Subs: Sean Hickey for Mullen, Cathal Cuinnea for O’Donovan.

NEASDEN GAELS: Frank Kane; Michael Greene, John Feeny, Daniel Gablin; Dermot Burke, John McAteer, Adrain Dunne; John Raftery, David Donnellen; David Carty (0-1), Kevin McHugh (0-1) Seamus Cummins; Rory O’Loan, Stephen Lynch (0-4, 1f), Brian Óg Hughes. Subs: Kevin Moore for Cummins, Colm Cassidy for O’Loan, Fergal Cunningham (0-1) for McHugh.

23 MAY 2009

SPORT 27

GAA CONNACHT CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

DAMIAN DOLAN

aul Geraghty has a warm welcome in store for his former Galway team-mates when the Tribesmen visit Ruislip on Sunday.

The Exiles captain, represented Galway at every level from U16 up to senior, winning an U21 AllIreland in 2002 as well picking up a Connacht Championship winners medal in 2005, before arriving in London in February last year.

Injuries had hampered Geraghty’s progression with Galway but since making the jump to join his cousins Alan and Peter Raftery at Neasden Gaels, the Glenamaddy native hasn’t looked back, including taking on the London captaincy earlier this year.

“To be captain of any team is a great honour, so I didn’t turn it down when I was asked. I would be pretty vocal anyway as a player but the one thing that it’s definitely brought to my game is to give the personal touch, to try and talk to every player and give everyone as much help as I can,” Geraghty told The Irish World.

Enjoying his football, not to mention revelling in the added responsibility of the captains armband, Geraghty is now looking forward to meeting up in the middle of Ruislip with a few familiar faces, although he’s all too aware of the size of the challenge that London face.

P

WELCOMING HIS OLD TRIBE

“Knowing all the Galway lads as well as I do, they wouldn’t be complacent about it,” he said. “They’ll be quietly confident but we’ll be looking to upset a few of them and get a couple of good hard hits into a few fellas that I know deserve them!

“That’s my big plan for the day anyway; we definitely don’t want to be sold short. If I ever do go back to play with Galway, I look upon May 24 as a big shop window for me to show that I’m good enough to play inter-county no matter where I am.”

May 24 will be almost a year to the day that Geraghty first togged out for London having made his debut

for the county in the Connacht Championship defeat at the hands of Sligo.

For Geraghty, it may have seemed a slightly surreal moment, for having arrived in London to join his cousins at Neasden, a club he had grown familiar with through visits to the capital, he admits that joining up with the Exiles could not have been further from his mind.

“I came back to London because football in Galway wasn’t going that well for me, so I made the decision to take a jump and come to London and play over here. When I did come over, I didn’t really have any intention of

playing for London but I did intend playing with Neasden,” said Geraghty.

“When Noel [Dunning] first called me I told him I had no interest in playing for London and that I just wanted to have a rest for a while, but through getting to know lads I decided to give it a shot.”

Geraghty would join up with the panel in the build up to the Sligo match, but while others might have possessed a sense of trepidation about the prospect of making their debut in London’s biggest game of the year, Geraghty took it all in his stride.

“Having played against Sligo a

good bit over the years I definitel wouldn’t have feared them. I though we had a chance of beating them to b honest and I was fairly confident tha we could. It fell apart a bit when we los Kevin Waldron at the start because h was a very important part of our gam plan, but I think Sligo’s fitness also tol that day,” said Geraghty.

An early penalty miss knocked th stuffing out of the Exiles that day wit Sligo going on to win comfortably i the end. But there would be mor memorable days ahead for Geraghty a the Tommy Murphy Cup brought th chance of revenge against Sligo. A chance London gleefully accepted wit

THE CLADDAGH RING GROUP THE CLADDAGH RING The Claddagh Ring, 10 Church Rd, Hendon, London NW4 Tel 020 8203 2600 Fax 020 8203 3368

www.claddagh-ring.co.uk Fri 22nd May:

LIVE BROADCAST FROM 8pm WITH GALWAY BAY RADIO Presented by Ollie Turner Music by

RODNEY’S GLORY

(on tour from Galway)

Come and send a request!

Sat 23rd May: AUDIO GIANTS Sun 24th BIBLE CODE SUNDAYS Trad and Celtic Rock +

D J Terry – Open til 2am ★ Disco in function room ★ ★ SKY SPORTS SHOWN LIVE 9 SCREEN VIDEO WALL 7 PLASMA SCREENS 1 10FT. BIG SCREEN ★ Function room available for First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings etc.

THE QUAYS

CORRIB REST

76 - 82 Salusbury Rd, Queenʼs Park, London

471 Holloway Road N7 6LE Tel: 020 7272 3634 • Fax 020 7263 9064

NW6 6PA • Tel 020 7625 9585 Fax 0207372 8843

Fri 22nd May D J TERRY playing all latest sounds til 4am Sat 23rd TOUCAN-CHU

Fundraising and Presentation Night.

Music by RODNEY’S GLORY

www.thequaysbar.co.uk

+ D J Terry til 4am

www.corrib-rest.co.uk Sat 23rd 9pm Skehana (Galway)

ON TOUR FROM GALWAY. OPEN TIL LATE 2 Function rooms for hire for First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings

Sky & Setanta Sports shown on one 10’ screen & 7 plasma screens

NOW OPEN TIL 4AM EVERY SATURDAY Function room available for hire for First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings etc.

FOOD SERVED ALL VENUES

✪ MON - FRI11AM -10PM ✪ SATURDAY 11AM-7PM ✪ SUNDAY 12:30PM-7PM

SPANISH ARCH 28 Belmont Circle, Kenton Lane, Harrow HA3 8RF Tel: 020 8909 3269 Fax 020 8907 7973 www.spanish-arch.co.uk

Fri 22nd BARBEQUE & KARAOKE Sat 23rd EMERALD DOGS Sun 24th 7.30-9.30pm: THE REELS from 9pm In House DJ 11pm NIGHT TRIP BREAKFAST MON-SAT FROM 9.30AM SUNDAY FROM 11AM - OPEN TIL 2AM FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE FOR FIRST COMMUNIONS, CONFIRMATIONS, WEDDINGS ETC.

FINBAR, ALL THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF ALL THE PUBS WOULD LIKE TO WISH GALWAY & LONDON SENIOR FOOTBALLERS A GREAT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH IN LONDON

28 SPORT

23 MAY 2009

www.theirishworld.com

THE IRISH WORLD

LONDON V GALWAY

y ht be at st he me d

he th in re as he A th

■ Captain Paul Geraghty is looking forward to facing his native Galway

SUNDAY 24TH MAY RUISLIP THROW IN 3PM a thrilling extra-time win.

“Sligo probably weren’t taking us that seriously going into that game, so we caught them on the hop. We’d done a lot of training in the run in to that game so we were pretty fit, and we were quietly confident,” said Geraghty.

And “quietly confident” is how the London and Neasden Gaels midfielder would describe the Exiles’ mood as they prepare for Galway’s visit. A topsy-turvy National League campaign saw Noel Dunning’s side produce an encouraging opening round performance against Leitrim and end with wins to their name over Waterford and Kilkenny. But after an encouraging start, culminating in beating Waterford at Ruislip, the Exiles lost their way somewhat.

“We thought we played well that day [v Leitrim] even though we lost, so we felt we had something to build on and for the first couple of games and we were pretty confident,” he said.

“We should have beaten Carlow; we were probably just missing that small bit of fitness but after we beat Waterford I think we thought we had a divine right to win the rest of our games, and we got a bit complacent.”

An honest assessment from Geraghty, but with the league behind them the Exiles’ confidence was rebuilt with an encouraging recent performance against All Ireland semi-finalists Wexford at Ruislip. Leaving Geraghty to believe that while Galway will undoubtedly be firm favourites on May 24, there is room for optimism in the London camp.

“We all had a good feeling in training leading up to the match with Wexford and we were fairly confident. We spoke a lot about what way we wanted to play and we wanted to use our most valuable players and get the most out of them,” he said.

“Obviously Galway are in the top five teams in Ireland so we have to be realistic for our hopes for the game. We’ll obviously be going out there to try and win the game but it’s maybe a bit too much for us to expect to beat them. But we’re still going to go out with that mentality because we have to believe that, otherwise we’re wasting our time.

“If we get a good performance, put up a good challenge and put up a good score, and just leave the pitch feeling good about ourselves, maybe on the off chance we could beat them.”

Referee: Maurice Condon (Waterford)

LONDON V GALWAY 1999

LONDON V GALWAY PREVIEW

CONTINUES

PAGES 30-31

The day London rattled the All-Ireland Champs

■ Finbar Downey can only watch as Galway’s Padraic Joyce lets fly GAA CONNACHT SFC

BY DAMIAN DOLAN

LONDON.......................1-08 GALWAY........................1-18

I

t’s ten years since Galway rolled up at Ruislip as reigning All-Ireland Champions, only to escape with their crown in tact, if slightly dented, after a gusty London display.

The ten point winning margin flattered the Tribesmen who got off to a quick start, racking up 1-2 in the opening ten minutes thanks to the prolific boot of Padraic Joyce.

When further scores followed, courtesy of Niall Finnegan and Jarlath Fallon, the champions seemed poised to run riot with London looking set for a torrid afternoon.

But Julian Grimes got the Exiles on the board in the 18th minute after good work by Tom Feehan and Tony Murphy, and that was followed for London by an excellent finish by Terry McGivern.

Derek Savage responded quickly to London’s mini revival and a great strike from distance from Tommy Joyce restored Galway’s seven point lead. With ten minutes remaining in the half, the Tribesmen added further points from Fallon, Padraig Joyce and Clancy and the All-Ireland champions were in cruise control.

Murphy and Fallon traded late scores to see Galway take a 1-10 to 0-3 lead into the break, but with nothing to lose London came out fired up for the second half. Tommy Maguire punched over a point but the Exiles would later rue a number of squandered chances

in this period as their wide tally began to climb.

But when Grimes then blasted the ball into the back of the Galway net, after Feehan’s 45’ into the square had cannoned back off the woodwork, thoughts of a memorable upset rippled around Ruislip.

On the back foot, Galway would have to weather a storm from the Exiles and a further ten minutes would pass before Padraig Joyce pointed from a tight angle. But London had their tails up and the champions worried as Gormley and McGivern fired over scores.

When Grimes was fouled

by McNamara, McGivern slotted over the resulting free to leave the score 1-11 to 1-7 with 19 minutes still to play. Sean Og De Paor set off on a charge up field that would end with a point and the Tribesmen appeared to have turned the tide as Savage also quickly pointed.

But London weren’t done yet and Gormley sent Feehan through to goal, only for the referee to controversially rule that Gormley had over carried.

Maguire’s fisted effort then hit a post and London’s chance had gone with Galway stretching the winning margin to ten points to give the scoreline a more falttering look.

Teams & Scorers:

LONDON: D Kelly; B McDonagh, P Rafter, F Downey; C Wilson, D Gordon, B Bolger; J Murphy, J Gormley (0-1); T Feehan, T McGivern (0-3, 1f), D Deering; J Grimes (1-1), M Galvin, T Maguire (0-1). Subs: S O’Brien for T Murphy (0-1) (57 mins), P Coggins (0-1) for D Deering (69 mins).

GALWAY: M McNamara; R Doyle, D Mitchell, T Meehan; R Silke, J Divilly, S Og De Paor (0-1f); S O’Domhnaill, S Walsh; P Clancy (0-1f), J Fallon (0-4, 2f), T Joyce (0-1f); D Savage (0-3), P Joyce (1-4, 3f), N Finnegan (0-4, 2f).

Subs: G Fahey for J Divilly (53 mins), F Gavin for S Walsh (60 mins), D Meehan for T Meehan (66 mins).

Wishing the best of luck to both the Galway and London teams

Field Survey and Data Collection Services to the Utilities www.pjkeary.co.uk Tel: 020 8205 2678

THE IRISH WORLD

www.theirishworld.com

23 MAY 2009

SPORT 29

Association London

Welcomes the Galway Senior Footballers to London and wish the team every success in the Connacht Championship on Sunday.

The Association will be hosting a reunion for members and friends in The Bentley Suite, The Crown Moran Hotel, 142 Cricklewood Bdy, London NW2 3ED on Sun 24th May from 8pm-12. Music by Rodneyʼs Glory on tour from Galway.

Members of the Galway team will be attending.

The Association meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 8.30pm in the London Irish Centre, 50/52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB. New members always welcome Tel 01932 785466 or 01895 622899

Joe Morrissey Plant & Groundworks 45 Betham Road, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 8SA Tel. 0208578 6624 Mobile 07831 632142 Best wishes to Galway Senior Footballers

GAA CONNACHT CHAMPIONSHIP DAMIAN DOLAN

ondon manager Noel Dunning believes the Exiles will be better prepared to face Galway having learnt much from last years defeat at the hands of Sligo.

Twelve months ago, London were rocked by an early penalty miss and the simultaneous loss of the influential Kevin Waldron. Unable to recover, Sligo were able to pull away on the scoreboard and ease to a comfortable victory.

However, the Exiles boss, preparing for his fifth crack at securing what would be only London’s second Connacht Championship win, is confident that the Exiles are mentally far stronger to deal with any early set-backs this time around.

“I think they’ve learned a lot from last year and especially from the league this year,” Dunning told The Irish World.

“The first four or five league games this year we learnt that we are well able to compete at that level.

“Compared to this time last year, we’re a lot wiser and for a change we have a lot of the players available to us that played against Sligo last year. We’ll have learned from that so hopefully the same thing won’t happen again. If we get off to a good start we’ll be looking to sustain it for the full 70 minutes.”

A good start will be essential for London if they are to keep pace with last

L

1 2 5 SLOUGH L A NE, K I NGSBURY, L O N D ON N W 9 8 T G 0 2 0 8 2 0 4 1 0 2 0

Sean, Nick & all the Staff at The Green Man would like to wish Liam Sammon and the Galway team, an enjoyable and sucessful weekend.

• LATE BAR • DANCING • • LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY • • SUNDAY LUNCH 12 - 6PM •

MAN ON TH E E TH MOON

1 12, H E D LE Y D R IV E , N E W A D D I N G TO N T E L: 016 89 - 84 24 46 SKY SPORTS ON BIG SCREEN

LY FAMILY P D N E I R UB AF

YOUR HOSTS JOE & CARMEL STONE WISH GALWAY SENIOR FOOTBALLERS

EVERY SUCCESS ON SUNDAY

30 SPORT

23 MAY 2009

years All-Ireland quarter-finalists and even contemplate pulling off what would be one of Gaelic footballs greatest upsets. Dunning, however, is far too long in the tooth to get carried away by ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ preferring to focus on coaxing a performance from his London panel.

“You look for a performance first, that has to be right before you can even think about a result. Performance is the key; a lot of different ingredients go into

a performance but if you get all those ingredients right on the day then you can start looking towards the result, but not until then,” said Dunning.

“It’s much the same as the year we played Mayo – nothing is expected from us and there’s no real pressure on us, other than the pressure to perform and we can live with that. People can have their own expectations but we know what we are capable of and it’s just a

Can Galway go all the way?

L

BY PATRICK O’BRIEN

bar & restaurant

LONDON’S MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB

ondon welcome the Tribesmen to Ruislip on Sunday for a Connacht Football Championship clash that will pit last years AllIreland quarter finalists against the Exiles, with a semi final tie against Sligo in Markieviez Park awaiting the victors.

Galway enjoyed a good National League campaign this year coming third in Division 1 just behind even-

tual League champions Derry. Both teams finished on the same points and all that separated them was Derry’s six point greater points difference. When the two met in March the game ended honours even.

Galway lost to rivals Mayo by a point before losing to Kerry, but apart from those two poor results games they played well in the league and gave an impressive display that will surely see them come high in the list of favourites to capture Sam

Safety Communication Quality Integrity TeamSpirit Caring Trust Pride

Best of luck to Galway and London from all at Barhale Barhale Construction plc Barhale House, Bescot Crescent Walsall WS1 4NN Tel: 01922 707700 www.barhale.co.uk

www.theirishworld.com

Maguire, along with usual suspects Kerry, Derry, Cork and Tyrone.

Last year, Galway won the Connacht Football championship after a dramatic final with Mayo that saw the Tribesmen seal the game by a point. However, from there they could not continue on with their success as they went on to loose in the AllIreland quarter final to Kerry.

In that game Michael Meehan did his best to take his side through to the last four, scoring a tally of 10

points, but even this was not enough to stop Kerry from running out winners.

In a recent challenge match, Galway put Meath to the sword by 2-19 to 1-14 at Ballinasloe. The star of the game was none other than Meehan, who led the scoring charts with a tally of 2-5 with all but one of his points coming from open play.

However, this match highlighted what has become something of a problem for Galway. The Tribesmen’s midfield and defence is too

DOLLIS HILL GARAGE BMW AND MERCEDES SPECIALISTS

72 - 76 Burnley Road, Dollis Hill, London NW10 Tel. 0208 450 8633

Best wishes to Galway and London from John and Staff THE IRISH WORLD

LONDON V GALWAY

PREVIEW

Wexford was a nice shot in the arm for us so it’s onwards and upwards all the time.

We trained well last Tuesday and despite having the injuries the fellas are still optimistic,” said Dunning.

“We’re going into it as no hopers and outsiders, much as New York were against Mayo, but New York got off to a good start against Mayo and I’d be hoping that we could do the same but maybe we can sustain it.

“Galway are one of the top three or fours team in Ireland on current form and taking last years form forward, so it’s a nice platform for fellas to pit their wits against one of the best teams in the country. That’s what players in London train all year for, for the opportunity to play in games like this.”

■ London manager Noel

Dunning gets his point across to his panel

matter of producing it on the day.”

A narrow 1-11 to 0-9 defeat to AllIreland semi-finalists Wexford gave the Exiles a timely boost, although it was a confidence booster which may have come at a heavy price. Key men Chris Donnellan and Fergus McMahon both limped off with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively, although Dunning, while not optimistic that either will be fit to face Galway, is not ruling the pair com-

weak and they are allowing too many scores past. Galway could have won that game by a greater margin, and it was their poor defensive record that saw them loose out on a place in the final of the National League.

To add insult to injury Galway may well be missing their left wing back Darren Mullahy, as he suffered an injury to his hamstring in a recent challenge match against Cavan. However, in the same game which Galway won by 2-11 to 0-13 they welcomed back Nicky Joyce who due to injury missed out on a large chunk of the National League. He soon showed Galway just what they’d been missing,

pletely out just yet.

“Both look highly unlikely at the moment; barring a miracle it’s not looking good for them, but at the same time we’ll give them every opportunity,” said Dunning who saw his side face Waterford last weekend in their final challenge match before the arrival of Galway.

“The players are relaxed and very confident; the performance against

notching up 1-4.

Galway have not contested the All Ireland Final since 2001 when they beat Meath by nine points to take Sam Maguire west of the Shannon, having fallen short the previous year. Since then Galway have made the quarter final stages of the championship four times, in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2008.

If Galway are to break this sequence then they will have to learn to perform at Croke Park. Under manager Liam Sammon Galway play an open game which is a delight to watch for many fans across the country.

But Galway need to look at their defence and midfield as they have been repeatedly

outplayed in this area of the park when it gets into the serious part of the championship. Against teams such as Kerry, Tyrone and Cork, all of whom enjoy success in Croke Park, Galway fall away at that hurdle.

To win the Connacht Championship would set Galway in good stead for the rest of the summer, however, even the Connacht championship may prove hard to come by. They will have to look to their starlets such as the 32-year-old captain Pádraic Joyce for inspiration from the front, as well as Meehan who last year scored an impressive tally 0-22 during Galway’s All Ireland campaign.

V E RY B E S T W S H E S T O T H E G A LWAY & L O N D O N S E N I O R F O OT B A L L T E A M S F R O M M I C H A E L M U R P H Y, M A N A G E M E N T & S TA F F The

The Bodhrán 3/5 Vivian Ave, London NW4 3UT

Gate LODGE 6 2 2 F i n c h l e y R o a d , NW 1 1 7 R R

Tel: 020 8458 6258

HOME COOKED FOOD

Tel: 020 8201 5736 MON-FRI 12-3PM & 5-10PM

SUNDAY ROAST 12-6PM

ALL GAELIC AND MAJOR SPORTS SHOWN LIVE ON SKY & SETANTA THE IRISH WORLD

LONDON V GALWAY PREVIEW

PEN PICS

PAGES 32

3 NIGHTS OUT FOR GALWAY’S IN LONDON

T

hree nights of specially arranged entertainment add an exciting dimension to the weekend visit of Galway footballers to London for the first round of the Connacht Senior Championship, against the Exiles, at Ruislip on Sunday afternoon.

The very enterprising committee members of the Galway Association in London have got together to promote the social side of the weekend, in conjunction with wellknown publican Finbarr Holian (nephew of the late, great Mattie McDonagh of Ballygar and Galway, the only Connacht footballer in the history of the game to win four All-Ireland S.F.C. medals).

On Friday night (May 22nd) Finbarr Holian hosts the visit of top Co. Galway traditional music group Rodney's Glory, starring fiddle virtuoso and singer Kevin Rohan, at the Claddagh Ring in Hendon: 10 Church Road NW44EA, and on Saturday night Rodney's Glory will play at another popular Holian venue, the Corrib Rest in Queen's Park: 76-80 Salisbury Road, NW66PA. The action switches to The Crown Moran Hotel, 142-152 Cricklewood Broadway, NW23ED, on Sunday night, again to the music of Rodney's Hotel, with a visit expected by the Galway football team manager Liam Sammon and some of his players.

Nora Connelly, secretary of the London Galways, says: “All are welcome to join the Association for this eagerly awaited weekend, which we are confident everybody will enjoy, and which will also serve as a very special way to make our Galway visitors to London welcome here.”

www.theirishworld.com

Galway Association Golf Society OUTINGS SUMMER 2009

THIS FRIDAY 22ND MAY: Ealing Golf Course, Perivale Lane, Greenford Middx UB6 8TS

Hendon Golf Club Mill Hill, London NW7 1DG Fri 5 June Galway Association Fundraising Day Fri 3rd July Captains Day

For more information please tel. P J Connolly on 07796 564571

Wishing the Galway Senior Football Team every success at Ruislip on Sunday

ACICL

REGULATED

BY THE F.S.A

ANGLO CELTIC INSURANCE CONSULTANTS LTD 47 SALISBURY ROAD PINNER MIDDLESEX, HA5 2NJ

Specialists in:

Commercial Property ● Contractors All Risks ● Motor Fleet & Plant ●

TEL: 01895-622899 FAX: 01895-622866 EMAIL: acicl@globalnet.co.uk

Professional Indemnity Import/Export ● Performance Bonds ● Buildings & Contents ● ●

Nora Connelly and Pat Hoare wish the Galway & London Senior Football teams all the best at Ruislip on Sunday

ON LINE OFFICE FURNITURE CENTRE

NEW AND RECONDITIONED OFFICE FURNITURE 49 Church Road, Hendon, London NW4 4DU

www.onlineofc.co.uk Tel 020 8203 0440 020 8202 7535 E-Mail: Sales@onlineofc.co.uk

Wishing the Galway & London Senior Football teams every success on Sunday 54 Dudden Hill Lane, Neasden, London NW10 1DG Tel 020 8459 4400 / 020 8459 4488 Fax 020 8459 1333 Email: rattiganplant@aol.com 23 MAY 2009

SPORT 31

LONDON V GALWAY

GAA LONDON PEN PICS David O’Sullivan Age: 25 Club: Parnells, Home Club, Parnells, London Occupation: Banker

Barry Comer Age: 24 Club: Neasden Gaels Home Club: Dunboyne, Meath Occupation: Site Manger

Alan Murray Age: 23 Club: Parnells Home Club: Saul, Down.

Occupation: Quantity Surveyor

Adrian Moyles Age:23 Club: St Kiernans Home Club: St Kiernans, London Occupation: Law Student

COACHING STAFF

Noel Dunning Manager Age: 32 Club Kingdom Kerry Gaels Home Club: St Aidans, Roscommon

Paul Malone Age: 25 Cub: St Brendans Home Club: Ardee St Marys, Louth.

Occupation: Teacher

Padraig Duffy Age: 26 Club: Neasden Gaels Home Club: Pearse Óg, Armagh Occupation: Carpenter

Brian McBrearty Age:34 Club: TCG Home Club: St Eurans, Donegal Occupation: Construction operations manager

Éammon Ó Cuív Age: 25 Club: Fulham Irish Home Club: Naomh Padraig, Galway.

Occupation: Solictor

Martin McGrath Head Coach Age: 41 Club: N/A Home Club Ballina Stephenites, Mayo

James O’Connell Age:28 Club:TC Gaels Home Club: Aghada, Cork Occupation: Quantity Surveyor

Ciaran McCallion Age: 24 Club: Kingdom Kerry Gaels Home Club: Greenlough, Derry

Donal Conlon Age: 28 Cub: Fulham Irish Home Club: Mountbellew/Moyl ough, Galway Occupation: Teacher

Martin Hughes Age:25 Club: Fulham Irish Home Club: Cill Íseal, Tyrone Occupation: Plastering Contracter

Liam Brennan Selector Age: Unknown Club: St Josephs Home Club: Co. Laois

Kevin Downes Age: 25 Club: Tir Chonaill Gaels Home Club: Cavan Gaels, Cavan.

Occupation: Safety Engineer

Conor Beirne Age: 30 Club: Tir Chonaill Gaels Home Club: Elphin, Roscommon Occupation: Carpenter

Ciaran McBreen Age:26 Club: St Joesphs Home Club: Cootehill, Cavan Occupation: PE Teacher

David Hogan Age: 21 Club: Moindearg Home Club: Mountbellew/ Moylough, Galway Occupation: Construction Worker

Maurice Carr Selector Age: 48 Club: Tir Chonaill Gaels Home Club: Kilcar, Donegal

Mark Daly Age: 28 Club: Fulham Irish Home Club: Trim, Meath Occupation: Investment Banker

Adrian Casey Age: 24 Club: Kingdom Kerry Gaels Home Club: Skellig Rangers, Kerry.

Occupation: Carpenter

Jonny Hughes Age: 26 Club: Tir Chonaill Gaels Home Club: Saval, Down.

Occupation: Quantity Surveyor

Diarmuid Keating Age: 29 Club: Garryowen Home Club: Renard, Kerry.

Occupation: Surveyor

Phill Roach Equipment Director Age: 62 Club Fr Murphys Home Club: Glynn Barntown, Wexford

Brendan Sweeney Age: 26 Club: St Kiernans, Home Club: Belmullet, Mayo Occupation: Carpenter

Chris Donnellan Age: 30 Club: Tara Home Club: Dunmore McHales, Galway Occupation: Construction Manager

Killan Phair Age: 23 Club: St Brendans Home Club: Cavan Gaels, Cavan Occupation: PE Teacher

Fergus McMahon Age: 31 Club: Tir Chonaill Gaels Home Club: Ballivor, Meath Occupation: Carpenter

Colm Fuller Physio Age: 26 Club: Parnells Home Club: Dr Crokes, Kerry

Tickets available from Tir Chonaill Gaels Clubhouse, Emerald Grounds Ruislip, Mandy’s in Wealdstone or available to pay on the gate. Priced £10

32 SPORT

23 MAY 2009

www.theirishworld.com

Paul Geraghty Age: 25 Club: Neasden Gaels Home Club: Glenamaddy, Galway

Danny McBride Age: 22: Club: Moindearg Home Club: Dowings, Donegal Occupation: Ground Works

Peader Friel Age: 27 Club: Neasden Gaels Home Club: Barna, Galway Occupaton: Self Employed

Enda Gallagher Age: 23 Club: Tara Home Club: Fr Manning Gaels, Longford.

Occupaton: Quantity Surveyor

Brian Conneely Age: 27 Club: Neasden Gales Home Club: Barna, Galway Occupation: Engineer

Jack Cott Age:25 Club: Cu Chullains Home Club: Mallow, Cork Occupation: Teacher

Mark Alcorn Age: 25 Club: Tir Chonaill Gaels Home Club: Renvyle, Donegal Occupation: Engineer

Ollie Coffey Age: 31 Club: Tara Home Club: John Mitchels, Kerry Occupation: unknown

Kevin McMenamin Age: 27 Club: Tir Chonaill Gaels Home Club: Termon, Donegal Occupation: Doctor

Conor Conneely Age: 22 Club: Moindearg Home Club: Renvyle, Galway Occupation: Site Logistics Manager

THE IRISH WORLD

gael og ■ Tara B

promoting youth gaa around the country

■ Heston Gaels

■ Bridgeen Carr and her daughter Erin (of

Jono's Bar)

■ The Tara Helpers on the day - Gemma and Tina Treacy, Margaret O'Connell, Alison

Gartlind, Anne Quigg, Hannah and Patrick Treacy, Brenda and Aiden Harte

■ U12's - League and Championship Winners

THE IRISH WORLD

■ League Winners and Winners of the Kilburn Gaels 7's

www.theirishworld.com

23 MAY 2009

SPORT

33

INTERVIEW SHELLEY MARSDEN meets Liverpool’s finest; actor, comedian and political activist Ricky Tomlinson…

34 GUIDE

23 MAY 2009

www.theirishworld.com

The Irish World

catch up with Ricky Tomlinson to have a chat, amongst other things, about his Laughter Show 2009.

A variety show in the old style (fans of Russell Brand look elsewhere), it sees the comedian strides on stage, resplendent in a holy string vest, as his well-loved character Jim Royle, introducing other comedians and a comedy show band called Black Onyx, as well as offering up his own slices of comedy gold.

Tomlisons’ Royle Family character was always going to loom large. The 69-year-old has appeared in TV shows and films by the dozen, but it’s his grumpy couch-potato patriarch Jim, watching TV, occasionally passing wind and imparting the odd nugget of wisdom that has seen him embraced by the nation.

Of course, the award-winning performer talks about the famous people he’s met over the years (such as Robert de Niro, who he got to know in the 80s at a birthday party for film director Roland Joffe). And he still gets as hotunder-the-collar as he ever did about life’s miscarriages of justice, and anyone who he’s reading about in the paper’s that day is fair game for his show that night.

A man not only of great wit but great integrity, Tomlison also regales his audience with tales of his life off-screen, including his unexpected stay in Her Majesty’s Prison service (Tomlinson was one of the ‘flying pickets’ in a building workers dispute, and served two years of a six year sentence after he was found guilty of 'conspiracy to intimidate' as one of the so-called Shrewsbury Two).

I

So who is on board for this year’s show?

We’ve got a lad called Tony Barton, a lovely comedian who’s a bit of a foil. But he’s also a good jobbing actor. For years and years he was with Michael Angelus doing all the Stones Bitter adverts; he was recently in Coronation Street playing the builder, and he also plays the drunk in Last of the Summer Wine. Then we have a guy who’s a pretty slick, American-style comic called Eddie Archer. He’s excellent.

of work with him, plus I go to dinner with him four times a year – we have these little private dinners just for people in showbusiness, and we have a great time. Doddy’s brilliant, he’s a great ambassador for Liverpool.

I think the kids are getting kidded – they’re being brainwashed into watching someone go on stage and f**ing and blinding for 45 minutes gags, but mostly I tell anecdotes, true stories, about some of the famous people I’ve met, like Samuel L Jackson, and Pele, Ken Loach, Robbie Carlisle, Ken Dodd. It makes a nice contrast, then in the second half there’s a bit more patter and then do a little routine about when I had my heart operation. I had a four-way bypass last year, so I do a few jokes about that. We have an old-fashioned show band as well, you know.

Yeah, they sounds great…

There used to be hundreds of them years ago, but now there’s very few left. These guys are called the Black Onyx – they’ve been together for thirty years; they sing, they dance, they do impressions – it’s a good old-fashioned night out. It’s different to what the kids are getting now. I think the kids are getting kidded – they’re being brainwashed into watching someone go on stage and f**ing and blinding for 45 minutes.

I just think it’s sad. I’m not knocking them all, some of them are sensational, like Lee Evans and Peter Kay, but I think a lot of them are just getting away with murder.

Does The Royle Family still have a special place in your heart?

What gives you the biggest kick these days?

To be honest, queen, I’ve turned a lot of TV and film work down this year. I’ve been very lucky and I’ve done well, and it sounds awful conceited but I don’t need to work again ever. I do the stand-up because I love it. I’ve come across a female friend – I’ll not tell you the name yet – but if I can get a venue for her, I’m going to sponsor her and take her to the Edinburgh Festival because I think she’s the best of the lot. I love Jo Brand, Jenny Éclair, know them all – but this kid is superb..

good to me. I love Caroline Ahern – she’s the most generous person I’ve ever worked with, she’s great.

As Jim Royle is it all scripted, or do you ad-lib a lot?

We do a bit of ad-libbing. If there’s anything in the paper, we’ll have a go about that.

I’m doing stuff right now about football, about Kenny Dalglish, but if I was working tonight, I’d be doing stuff about those MPs and their expenses. I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

They should be prosecuted – it’s fraud, and it’s robbery. Hazel Blare ‘flipping’ the house three times in twelve months – she had £20,000 of work done to the house, sold it and made the profit. Why doesn’t somebody come and repair my house, eh?!

Yeah, it’s terrible.

But why do we put up with it, kid? Why do we put up with it? Unfortunately, the North of Ireland hasn’t come out of it too well either, with Sinn Fein and all their carry-on. I have to be quite careful though, because basically it’s a laughter show and I tend to get quite upset when I talk about politics! Then I talk about when they locked me up; I was a political prisoner for two years.

You mentioned Ken Loach earlier – you appeared years ago in his films Raining Stones and Riff Raff…

Oh yeah, he’s great; and he did that Irish one recently The Wind That Shakes the Barley. I haven’t got to see it yet, but there were good friends of mine in that, including Liam Cunningham. Liam and myself did two series of Roughnecks together, with that other Irish lad, Lorcan Cranitch. You know, for that part Lorcan did in Cracker, where he was going insane just before he threw himself off the tower block – he should have got a BAFTA; he was incredible. Anyway, Liam said to me once, “Where does the impression, ‘A stitch in time saves nine’ come from?” and I said, “Well, Liam it goes back to the war, when Drake and all the rest were fighting, and all the lads got killed on the ship… they used to have to sew them into sacks before they threw them overboard. But they put the last stitch through the person’s nose - in case they were alive.” And he believed it, he told everybody this story!

If I dropped you on a desert island, what four things would you bring?

A Thesaurus and a dictionary, because I love language - that’s why I’ve started writing books. And I’d like a banjo, because I love playing the banjo and… this is going to sound awful rude, love but I have one hemorrhoid that gives me a bit of trouble, so I’d love an endless supply of hemorrhoid cream!

GUY

You host the show as the inimitable Jim Royle, no?

Yeah, I go on dressed as Jim and do a few

Oh yeah, that’s hilarious. We’d take two weeks to shoot it you know, the reason being we’d lose a week laughing. Honestly, kid, I have seen Craig Cash who plays Dave being made to leave the studio and stand in the corner like a naughty boy until he can control himself. We fall about laughing. I miss Liz Smith, I really miss Liz, she was wonderful.

But yeah, The Royle Family, kid.. it’s been so

Which anecdotes get the biggest laughs?

They like Samuel Jackson; they love hearing about Norman Wisdom, Robert De Niro – they’re just nice little stories about people I’ve met. Then if I get time I’ll talk about Ken Dodd – I know Doddy very well and I do quite a lot

■ The All New Laughter Show is on tour, stopping off at Croydon’s Fairfield Hall on June 3rd. For a full list of tour dates, visit www.ents24.com/web/artist/13545/Ricky_Tomlins on.html.

STANDUP The Irish World

www.theirishworld.com

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 35

SEVEN DAYS WED 20 THUR 21 THEATRE

INDIE

THEATRO TECHNIS, LONDON, 7:45PM

BLACK BOX, BELFAST, 8:00PM

amlet is possibly the most famous play ever written. It is certainly the most quoted, and is among the most powerful and influential tragedies in the English language. This exciting new production in Camden by The Tower Theatre Company (directed by Martin Mulgrew), focuses strongly on the human drama at the centre of the story, and the decadence and corruption of the House of Denmark. It is believed that Shakespeare wrote the role of Hamlet for Richard Burbage. It has been played by numerous actors (both men and women) since, including Edmund Kean, Sarah Bernhardt, John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Ralph Fiennes, Kenneth Branagh and, recently, David Tennant.

Famous Ophelias include Sarah Siddons, Jean Simmons and – more recently – Helena Bonham Carter and Kate Winslet. Runs to Sat 23rd May (matinee at 3pm Sat 23 May). Tickets priced at £11 (concs £9) available from Box Office on 020 7353 1700 Or book online at: www.towertheatre.org.uk/boxo.htm.

merican band Deerhunter may have a combined age that is less than most people’s grandfathers, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deliver in the song department.

A four-piece from Atlanta, Georgia (REMland), they have described themselves as "ambient punk," though they incorporate a wide range of genres including noise rock, art rock, ambient, and post-punk. To me, their ethereal songs touch the weird heights of Flaming Lips and Pavement. However, if that’s all sounding a bit vahue thus far, lead singer Cox has said himself the group’s"defining influences" are Echo & The Bunnymen, Brian Eno, David Bowie and My Bloody Valentine.

Another interesting point is that Deerhunter have garnered a fierce reputation for, well, fierce shows. In the past, Cox has worn sundresses and performed with fake blood smeared over his face and hands. Describing his female dress to one mag, he said: "I don't like the idea of going around stage in just jeans and a t-shirt. It seems anticlimactic.” See www.myspace.com/deerhunter. Support from Sian Alice Group + The Jane Bradfords.

Tickets £10, call: 028 9024 4400.

DEERHUNTER

HAMLET

H

POP

LADY GAGA ON TOUR

T

he “21st Century Madonna” (according to Q anyway), Lady Gaga annoys and delights music fans in equal measure. Whatever you feel about her, she was by far this year’s hottest new pop star – and she has announced her first major UK headline shows this summer, playing Manchester Academy on 29 June, and O2 Academy Brixton, London on 14th July.

Lady Gaga wrote her first

36 GUIDE

23 MAY 2009

A

FRI 22

SAT 23

THEATRE

THEATRE

THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET, LONDON

BIRM. REP. THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM

ith a cast that includes renowned Shakespearian actors Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, Samuel Beckett’s classic play, this is one of the theatre events of 2009. When Godot exploded on to the London stage 50 years ago, it shocked as many people as it delighted. There had never been a play like it. Two tramps clowning around, joking and arguing, repeating themselves, as they wait through one day and then another, waiting for the mysterious Godot. The combination of music hall, poetry and tension redefined what is possible in theatre, so that these days WAITING FOR GODOT is accepted as one of the most significant plays of the 20th century. Beckett’s characters have lost none of their power to fascinate and amuse and this production, directed by acclaimed theatre/film director, Sean Mathias, has attracted the sort of great actors that the play deserves. www.waitingforgodottheplay.com, Box Office 0845 481 1870.

ast night of this run of Caryl Churchill’s play Serious Money, which takes a look at the ruthless world of corporate finance and City greed. The Big Bang has changed the City. The square mile has been invaded by white knights and corporate raiders. Hot-shot dealer Billy Corman is plotting to take over the unsuspecting company Albion, aided and abetted by the new breed of yuppie traders. But their plans go awry when trader Jake Todd is found dead and the Department of Trade and Industry is brought in to investigate... Full of satire and humour, Serious Money conveys the hectic excitement and the moral danger of financial risk bringing to life the swaggering, foul mouthed yuppies of the '80s. Churchill is one of the greatest and most celebrated playwrights of her generation. Serious Money received its World Premiere at the Royal Court Theatre in 1987 after which it enjoyed runs in the West End and on Broadway.

Tickets £10-£32, call 0121 236 4455.

WAITING FOR GODOT

W

SERIOUS MONEY

L

G N I M CO .. .

N O O S song aged 13 and now, a decade later, her compositions are worldwide chart-toppers and she’s in demand.

Debut single, Just Dance, simultaneously became the first new number one of 2009 in

on 22 March, it has sold in excess of 500,000 copies to date. It reached the summit of the Billboard Hot 100 on 1 April, making Lady Gaga the first artist in nearly ten years to reach the top of the US chart with their first two track entries. Just Dance and Poker Face both feature on Lady Gaga's debut album The Fame, which entered the UK top three on its release in January and climbed to the top spot on 5 April; it has now been certified Platinum. the UK and US, was nominated than 600,000 copies sold. for a Grammy, and is this Its successor Poker Face is country’s biggest selling single hot on its heels: climbing to of the year so far with more the top of the UK single charts

www.theirishworld.com

Tickets for both shows, priced at £25.00 are available from Ticketmaster (08444 775775).

Visit www.ladygaga.co.uk.

The Irish World

SUN 24 MON 25 TUES 26 DOT TO DOT LIGABUE FORUM, FESTIVAL 2009 HMV LONDON, 9:00PM VARIOUS VENUES, NOTTINGHAM his indie rock festival brings some of the best names on the scene to a variety of venues around Nottingham City, and with a line-up that includes Friendly Fires, Ladyhawke, Annie Mac, Patrick Wolf, Cage The Elephant, Little Boots (pictured) and many, many more – indie fans should be spoilt for choice. Friendly Fires lie somewhere between the poppiness of Snap!, the funkiness of Prince, and the electronic dance-iness of Daft Punk, and Ladyhawke, New Zealand's Pip Brown peddles an eighties electro pop sound has made her name as one of the hottest new talents on the scene. Dublin’s Annie Mac needs little introduction; Radio 1 DJ and presenter is renowned for her variety of musical tastes playing an array of genres from drum and bass, hip hop, disco and electro house. London lad Patrick Wolf makes dark and twisted avant-garde electro-folk. His music is weird and wonderful, epic yet simple.

See www.dottodotfestival.co.uk for further info and tickets (£35).

T

EN

FOLK

ROCK

INDIE/POP/ROCK

7 S EV

SEVEN DAY ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

year on from his last sell-out show, Italian rock star Ligabue is back for a European tour.

You may well be going ‘Er, who?’, but he’s already sold out in Barcelona and the rocker’s London date is quickly going the same way! Ligabue’s gig last year was in Koko, but this time a bigger venue was required due to the huge demand for tickets. The singer has announced on his website (www.ligachannel.com) that he intends to bring an no-frills show to the capital: no big screens, no special effects, just rock'n'roll. One of the bestloved artists for both fans and critics in Italy, Ligabue’s career began in 1990, and he’s since released 12 albums. In 2005, his gig in Reggio Emilia, to celebrate his first 15 years in music attracted a record audience for a single artist concert in Europe, with a crowd of 180,000. Ligabue is also author of three books and two films – the talented chappy. Advanced Tickets £26.00 (£30.00 on door), www.kentishtownforum.com, www.wegottickets.com.

A

CHRISTY MOORE & DECLAN SINNOTT ROYAL FEST.HALL, LONDON econd night in London as part of the folk singer’s UK tour. Christy Moore has been a key figure in Irish roots music for more than four decades, whether with traditional supergroup Planxty, the folk, jazz and rock fusion outfit Moving Hearts, or as a compelling solo performer. The archetypal Irish poet and protest singer, Christy's stature and influence in folk music is unparalleled, and his music has influenced a wide range of musicians, including Bono, Elvis Costello, Billy Bragg, Sinead O'Connor and The Pogues. In 2007 he was named as Ireland's greatest living musician in Radio Telefis' Eireann's People of the Year Awards. He returns to Royal Festival Hall performing with Declan Sinnott – expect some samples from ‘Listen’, his first studio album in four

S

BAR

years. Check out www.theirishworld.com for our recent interview with the legendary performer.

Tickets £35-£25 from website, www.southbankcentre.co.uk, or call 0871 663 2500.

RESTAURANT

CLUB

MAY OFFERS

EARLY BIRD SET MENU WEEKENDER

FOR TABLES SEATED BY 7PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY

2 COURSES - ONLY £14.00 3 COURSES - ONLY £17.50

THEATRE

BY THE BOG OF CATS CRESCENT THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM he Crescent Theatre in Brindleyplace, Birmingham presents Marina Carr’s By The Bog Of Cats, in which Carr transplants Greek tragedy into the mysterious landscape of the bogs of the Irish midlands, and tells a timeless tale of abandonment and shocking self-sacrifice. Hester Swaine, (Katie Edwards) is a traveller, a woman born of gypsies and tied to the bleak landscape where she has lived her whole life.

Tormented by the memory of a mother who deserted her, Hester is betrayed

T

The Irish World

again, this time by the man she loves and who is the father of her child.

Her lover, Carthage Kilbride (Simon King), is about to be married to another woman who will bring him land, wealth and respect.

Discarded and ignored and on the brink of despair, Hester embarks on a terrible journey of vengeance...

Fri 22nd – Sat 30th May 2009 at 2.45pm & 7.45pm in The Ron Barber Studio Theatre.

After Dark Talk – Fri 29th May, Tickets: £11.50 (Concs £10.50). Call box office on 0121 643 5858 or log on to www.crescent-theatre.co.uk.

30% OFF FOOD MIDWEEK INCLUDES ONE BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE FOR TABLES OF 4 OR MORE TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST 2 COURSES - ONLY £10.00 3 COURSES - ONLY £14.00 RESERVE YOUR TABLE NOW 020 8202 4000 www.galleryhendon.com 407-411 Hendon Way, Hendon Central, London, NW4 3LH Tel: 020 8202 4000 Fax: 020 8202 4433 Web: www.galleryhendon.com

www.theirishworld.com

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 37

OUT ABOUT Happy 70th Tom!

Dulwich Harps stalwart and Cavan native Tom Denning was treated to a surprise 70th birthday party at The White Horse, Peckham.

The party was organised by his friends at Southwark Irish Cultural & Arts.

Photos: Anne Mullen

■ Rita Curry, Mary and Joe Fryday, Mary and Martin Keane

■ Maureen and Steven

Kelligher and Eileen Connolly

■ Dan Mc Cusker, Michael Donnelly, Dan McLoone, Tara McLoone,

Jim Colohan, Con McLoone, and little Cadhla McCann

IRISHMUSICCLASSES BRADFORD • The Bradford Branch of Comhaltas weekly session and classes every Wed eve at the East Bowling Unity Club, Leicester Street, Wakefield Road, Bradford. Classes also in step dancing, set dancing and the Irish language.Tel: Margaret McNulty on 01274 786896 or e-mail: craobh@comhaltasbradford.c om CAMBRIDGE • The Cambridge branch of C.C.E. meets every Wednesday evening in term time at the Rathmore Club, Cherry Hinton Rd. www.cambridgecomhaltas.co

38 GUIDE

m /01638 552953.

HERTFORDSHIRE • St Alban's Irish Association, London Colney Thursday: Traditional Music Tuition.

Sessions every Sunday from 6pm at O'Neills Bar, 13 Hatfield Rd, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3RR. Tel No: 01727 859000. All musicians welcome.

LEEDS • Trad Irish music sessions every Tuesday evening 9.30pm, The Skyrack, Headingley; every Sunday evening 8.45pm, The New Inn, Otley Road, Leeds; first Saturday of the month, Leeds Irish Centre, York Road, Leeds.

• Leeds branch of Comhaltas at Leeds Irish Centre hold music lessons every Tuesday evening from 6.00pm until 8.30pm followed by a session in the lounge. A Ceili night is also held the first Saturday of

23 MAY 2009

■ McCann family from Co Fermanagh

■ Johnny McGovern, Peader and Maureen McConnell, Maggie George, Michael Donnelly and Anthony McKenna

■ Presenting Tom with his birthday present are: Ben Cahill (ChairmanSICAD), Pat Winston (Head Teacher at St Paul’s School, South London), Anne McLoone (Secretary, Dulwich Harps), Martin Keane (Dulwich Harps), Christina Cahill and Niall McCann (Deputy Head at St Paul’s)

BERKSHIRE • Weekly FREE Trad Irish Music Session every Wednesday (9pm-11.30pm) The Highlander, 7 Church Lane, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PA (01753 864257) with Mick O'Connor,Dave Brown, Mick Bailey.

■ Irish World Award winner Tom Denning with his birthday cake; featuring a picture of Tom collecting his award

every month.Tel: Peggy Sarsfield 0113 263 7600.

• Irish music classes are held on Wednesdays at the Immaculate Heart Church Hall, Harrogate Road, between 3.45 and 4.45pm, and at The Wheel, Dewsbury Road, between 6.15 and 7.15pm. Tel: Rod Taylor 0113 2170841

LEICESTER The Leicester Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann have music classes every Monday evening from 7pm at The Sacred Heart Club, Mere Road, Leicester LE5 3HS with tuition by Carmel and John Burke. Music sessions are held on the first Friday of the month at the same venue from 8.30pm. Pat Henderson (PRO) tel: 0116 2775984, or visit www.comhaltas.ie/leicester LONDON • Irish Music Lessons (every

Monday from 6pm) at the London Irish Centre. Contact - Karen Ryan 07813 700845 or Kathy Walton 0207 7607 6046 • Traditional Irish Music classes for children and adults are taking place at The South London Irish Club, 140 Hartfield Rd, Wimbledon, every Friday from 6.30pm.

Tel: Claire 07877538636 or claireviolin@hotmail.co.uk

• Irish Music classes for children from age 5 available Saturday mornings at the Angel Traditional Music School, St. Mary's Church, Upper St. starting September 2006. Phone Sinead on 07719691833 or check out the website at www.angetrad.net • Irish music classes held every Thursday from 6.00 to 9.00pm at St Thomas More Hall, 116a Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London SE22.

Tel: Marie on 020 7737 5244 or Anne on 020 7564 6089.

www.theirishworld.com

Visit www.southwarkirish.com for more details.

• All session lovers are invited to The Old Eagle, Royal College Street, NW1 for regular monthly sessions. Free Admission.

• Providents Row, Upper Street offers Irish Music classes (including Sean Nos singing) for all levels. Wed 7pm - 9pm Tel: Maire on 020 8341 2822 • The Irish Trad Music Association meets every Tuesday, 9pm till late at The Kilkenny Tavern near South Wimbledon Tube Station. Open session - all welcome. No charge. Tel: Nick Walker 020 8669 6542

• Traditional Irish music classes take place every Saturday, from 12.00 noon at the Oliver Goldsmith School, Coniston Gardens, Kingsbury, London NW9. All

children aged seven and over are welcome.

• Traditional Irish music classes are held every Tuesday at 7.30pm at the Haringey Irish Centre, Pretoria Road. Tel: Maureen/Sinead 020 8443 2232.

• Irish music classes are being held at the parish hall of St Peter and Paul, Leybourne Avenue, off Northfields Avenue, Ealing, London W13, on Tuesday evenings from 6.30 to 8.30.

Beginners at 6.30, progress group at 7.30. All welcome.

LUTON • Irish Music Lessons taught on most instruments at St Joseph's Parish Centre on Tuesdays at 4pm. Also a session every fourth Friday of the month at St Joseph's Parish Centre from 8pm.

Free admission.

The Irish World

St Joseph’s

LIVE SPORT• GAA• SKY• SETANTA

Sat 23rd

KEVIN KEYS

Social Club EMPIRE WAY WEMBLEY

MAZENOD

M a z e n o d A v e n u e , o f f Q u e x R o a d , K i l b u r n , Lo n d o n N W 6 4L S. Tel : 0 2 0 7 6 2 4 5 51 7 OP EN 7 DAY S

Friday 22nd

FUNDRAISER FOR ROBERT EMMETS

Sat 30th

WITH

DELTA COUNTRY

FINBAR & BERNIE Saturday 23rd

M A RY & N E W C O U N T I E S Sunday 24th F I N A L T O U C H SKY & SETANTA SPORTS • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

SOCIAL CLUB

Sat 23rd

LINE DANCING IN HALL MIKE GABRIEL IN LOUNGE Sun 24th Sat 30th

McGINTY IN LOUNGE

PODG & RODG IN LOUNGE

M ON : M EN S DA RTS • T UES BI N GO 7 P M I N HA LL TUES ( LOUN GE) 2 5 CA R D DR I V E • W ED: LA DI ES DA RT S

SET DANCING TUESDAYS • LINE DANCING WEDNESDAYS BINGO THURSDAYS • CAR PARK • TEL 020 8902 8476

SYDENHAM CATHOLIC CLUB

C ROY DO N I RI SH CL U B

IRISH SPECTRUM RADIO 558AM/MW The Irish Spectrum Radio 558 AM/MW • Sky Channel 0185 • DAB digital radio and worldwide @ www.irishradio.org Presented by GER RY BYRNE Sat 1-2pm Sun night 12 Midnight-1am Requests & dedications only during above times 020 7627 8383

Fri 22nd ST AUGUSTINE’S 55 FULHAM PALACE RD, HAMMERSMITH Sat 23rd S T G A B R I E L’ S 388 NORTHOLT RD, SOUTH HARROW HA2 8EX Sun 24th 1-3pm THE WELLINGTON

Wa t l i n g t o n G r o v e , S y d e n h a m , L o n d o n , S E 2 6 5 R R • Te l . 0 2 0 8 7 7 8 3 0 7 3

Broadcoombe, Monkshill Estate, Selsdon, Surrey. CR2 8HX Tel: 020 8657 1099

Sat 23rd

FINAL TOUCH Sat 30th

PAT JORDAN & FINIANS RAINBOW

56 HALDANE RD, FULHAM, SW6 + WINNER TAKES ALL NIGHT: H O LY

G H O S T WESTBOURNE RD, LUTON LU4 8JT Mon 25th 3pm W H I T E H O R S E 20 PECKHAM RYE, SE15 4JR

Sat 23rd May Sat 30th May

C lu b & L a r g e H a ll a v a i la b le f o r h ir e f o r a ll o c c a s i o n s

S T M AR Y & S T A N D R EW ’S

Tuesdays: Set dancing Saturday mornings: Irish Dancing classes

Tune in to Gerry Byrne on BBC Three Counties every Wednesday evening 7-8pm on 630 & 1161 am/mw Enquiries/Advertising: 01707 377077

SLOUGH IRISH CLUB

Wednesdays: Traditional Music lessons

BENEFIT FUNDRAISING RACE NIGHT at

Sat 23rd

ROUGH DIAMONDS

Sun 24th FAMILY

FUN DAY BARBEQUE evening BARRY COYLE Sat 30th

on Saturday May 30th 8pm.

2pm

For further information, Call John Giltenan on 07956 855957

visit www.treatygaels.com.

Uxbridge Rd, HANWELL, London W7 3SU Tel 020 8567 8252

Fri 22nd May TEA DANCE 1-430PM WITH JOE FALLON

MICK LEE FINBAR & BERNIE

Sat 23rd May

Sat 6th June

SEAN & WESTSIDERS

Sat 13th June

SADIE HOWE

Falcarragh Reunion County Donegal

& WILDFLOWERS

25 CARD DRIVE EVERY FRI NIGHT AT 8PM

ST.FRANCIS OF ASSISI Every Wednesday: Party night with IRENE & TOM

Sat 23rd

all the people of the Falcarragh area are invited to a weekend of fun and entertainment and a chance to meet and get together with old friends.

For more information visit: www.anfalcarraghlecheile.com or call: 00353 86222 2303

FUNDRAISING DANCE FOR LOURDES WITH DILLON

THE GISSANE DUO

Dubliner Sun 24th

From 29th of May 2009 to 1st of June 2009

Sat 20th June

THE FERRY MEN PADDY FLYNN WELCOMES YOU TO

5 7 Hi g h S t Di g b et h B i r m i n g ha m B 5 6 DA Tel : 0 1 21 6 22 -57 8 9

Sun & Mon night: FREE & EASY with FAIR CITY

Fri & Sat – RES DJ 9PM-LATE

FULL MENU SERVED EVERY DAY

Sat & Sun CARVERY BETWEEN 12-6pm A c c o m m o d a t i o n a v a i l a bl e f r o m £2 0 p p pn Op en M o n -S a t 1 1 -la t e S un 1 2 no o n -l a te

GUIDE

RUSKIN HALL Vi ct o r i a Ro a d , A st o n , Bi r mi n g h a m

Te l : 0 1 2 1 3 2 7 0 9 8 0

Sun 24th INNIS

EVERY WEDNESDAY IN

THE IRISH WORLD TO ADVERTISE CALL 0208537813 The Irish World

Sat 23rd THE “NEW” BENNS Sat 6th June: THERESA RODGERS

Wretham Road, Handsworth Tel 0121 554 6708

McGINTY

ST JOSEPH’S SOCIAL CLUB

Sat 30th May

The Wheatsheaf Public House Tooting Bec, London SW 17

CHURCH SOCIAL CLUB

Dollis Hill Lane, London, NW2

THE

Sheehy Way, Wexham, Slough, SL2 5SS For Info & Tickets call us now - 01753528600

Limerick Association London

J O H N J O E S H I E LD S

S ky S ports on la rge pl asm a sc reen w ww.syd cat hclu b.c o.uk

For ticket bookings, Tel 020 8656 8676

Website: www.irishradio.org - e-mail: gerry@irishradio.org

TONY KEARNEY

www.theirishworld.com

3 Sun 31st DUOS

Celtic’s No.1 Supporters Club.

All Celtic matches on the big screen Room available for functions. Ring for details.

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 39

OUT ABOUT Fundraiser at The Misty Moon

The Misty Moon in Harlesden was the venue recently for a fundraiser in aid of the Thomasadam Charity, which enables children and young people to travel to Medugorje on pilgrimage.

Our photos shows a selection of supporters enjoying the event.

REGULAR EVENTS • Irish Centre. Tues Step Dancing 7-9pm, call 07801/790065); Thur - Trad Music Teaching 7-8.30pm call Bernie 01535/671274 or 07789/6503); Jnr Football call Jim 01422/364900) Snr Football Call John 01422/354356); Jnr and Snr Rugby call John 07970/478214.

HALIFAX

• Live Irish music on 1st Tues of month at The Skyrack, Headingley; trad music every Wed at the Pointer Inn, Sheepscar; & music from Leeds CCE on the 1st Sat of month at Leeds Irish Centre

LEEDS

• Leicester Dublin Assoc social group affiliated to Leicester Irish Forum. Membership is free to Dubliners, the 32 counties and Leicester City.

Our committee are all over50s call Bobby 212-1671 or Mary 273-5810.

LEICESTER

Lively traditional Irish music session every Friday from nine fifteen onwards at the Magnet pub 23 Archway road, London N19, musicians and listeners welcome, great craic and atmosphere, nearest tube Archway, details tel: 07906013104.

LONDON

• Free Trad sessions at The Adelaide Pub, 143 Adelaide Road, NW3, every Wednesday from 8.30pm. Tel 0207 722 3777. All musicians welcome.

40 GUIDE

• Free Trad sessions at The Sir Colin Campbell, 264,Kilburn High Road, NW6 2BY, from 9pm every Saturday.

Tel. No. 0207 624 7553. All musicians welcome.

• The Social committee at London Irish Centre Camden London NW1 hold social in the Douglas Hyde Hall on the 1st Fri of month. Live Band + Take your Pick Adm £3. Call 020 7485 9324 • Ceili night will return on Sept 7 after summer break to London Irish Centre Camden Live music, all ages & nationalities. Tuition for beginners at 8pm. Bar open.

Cost £4. Call Anton 020 7272 5815.

• "The C.I.C.A. (London) hold their Council meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the month and their Executive meetings on 2nd Thursday of the month at The London Irish Centre, Murray Street, Camden Town N.W.1.starting at 8.30pm.

Details call Michael on 020 8961 0874"

• Cara Irish hold tea dance regularly at Haringey Irish Centre, London. Call 020 8801 1739

• London Wexford Assoc welcomes new members. Call Phil Roche, 020 830 4158 or Michael Sills, 020 8452 3443.

• Co.Carlow Assoc. London welcomes new members to

23 MAY 2009

monthly meetings at London Irish Centre, Camden. Call Claire 020 7609 4650, Catherina 020 8574 9192.

Email: carlowlondon@yahoo.co.uk

• Co Sligo Assoc. London welcome new members to their meetings on the 1st Thurs of every month at St Augustines Club, Fulham Palace Rd, Hammersmith. Call Kathleen 01895 237289.

• Irish U N Veteran Assoc Post 22 London would like to hear from Irish ex forces members who served on UN peace keeping duties since 1960 and would be interested in membership of our group.

We also welcome associate members.call John Cooke on 0207 602 2533 or email to jciunvapost22@aol.com • London Irish Women’s Centre, 59 Stoke Newington Church Street have ‘Drop in’ sessions every Tues and Thurs 10-12.30pm offering Advice, Counselling and Information services. Tel Advice Line on Thurs 1-2pm. Tel 020 7249 7318 email: info@liwc.co.uk • The Irish in Greenwich Thurs lunch club at Progress Hall, Admiral Seymour Road, Eltham will be held 12.30pm3pm.for bingo, raffle, music and exercise. Lunch is £2.50.

• Players required for TUG OF WAR TEAM based out of Willesden.Train on Sun 11am in Gladstone Park.

Tel: Kevin 07930 283086 or Chris 07984 184003.

• Music & Sessions at The Constitution, Camden Town every other Thurs

• The Emmet Dalton London Branch of Irish Ex-Services Association (ONET) like to hear from former members with a view to making them members of a progressive London branch. Tel: 020 8772 0562 or 01462 433272.

• The London Cork Assoc 1st Tues of month 8.30pm Irish Centre, Camden Town.

Call Denis on 07949221236 or 020 7209 2164 or Mary 020 8803 8339.

• The Maya Centre offers free individual counselling for Irish Women and of Irish descent to those living or working in Islington and Barnet for women living on benefits,low income, have not had counselling before and have not completed a degree level education. We also run groups for women affected by violence, an older women's and a group for mothers of teenagers. Tel: 0207 281 2673 or www.mayacentre.org.uk

• Befrienders wanted for Cricklewood Homeless Centre. to visit an Irish homeless person at the Centre in 60 Ashford Road, NW2 6TU. We are looking for someone who is able to give one hour a week for a minimum of 12 weeks to one Irish homeless person. You should be a good listener, non-

www.theirishworld.com

judgemental and considerate.

Tel: Bernadette or Danny 020 8208 1608 or leave a message and we will get back to you.

As a befriender at CHC, you will be offered support and guidance to carry out your role.

Brent). If you would like to know more about your local Hospice or wish to discuss volunteering opportunities, contact Hazel Thomson (Human Resources Assistant) on 020 8382 8000 or visit the website on www.stlukes-hospice.org.

• London Irish Centre Camden social committee invites old & new friends to join them on 1st Sunday of each month 2.30-5.30pm - Live Band. Call Mary 0207 485 9324.

• Conradh na Gaeilge holds meetings on 1st Friday of month at London Irish Centre Camden at 8.30pm.

• The Kerry Assoc. of London welcomes all new members.

Tel: John 07977 922 242; or Tara 07939 017 022

• Free Irish Legal Advice Service 1st Wed of month 6-8pm Brent Irish Advisory Service The Old Library Building, Willesden Grn Library Centre, 95 High Rd Willesden NW10 2st The service provides advice on Irish legal matters primarily. Phone 020 8459 6655 Fax 020 8459 6699 Email: bias.brent@btconenct.com Web: www.biasbrent.co.uk

• The Meath Assoc. of London welcomes new members. contact Padraic Lynch or Mary Lynch on 020 8961 0235, or Michael Kearney on 020 8961 0874. Ten meetings a year, normally held on the 2nd Mon of month at the Gwalia Working Mans Club, Manor Park Rd, NW10 commencing at 8.30pm.

• St Luke's Hospice (Harrow &

• Watercolour classes at Irish Centre, Hammersmith.

Beginners welcome. Tutor: Bernard Canavan Thurs 35pm. Tel: 020 8519 9913.

• London Irish Network: Want to increase your circle of friends? Events organised monthly. For contact 020 8204 8552 (24 hours) or e-mail whatsonlondonirish.org.uk or check www.londonirish.org.uk.

• The Monaghan Assoc. Beds & Herts. Monthly meeting on 1st Wed of month at 8.30pm at St.Joseph's Parish Centre, Gardenia Ave, Luton. New members welcome.

LUTON

• Irish Community Care Social & Activity Groups: I.W.H.C Social Group, Cheetham Hill, Wed 12.30-3pm, St.Mary's Arts & Crafts Group, Levenshulme, Mon 12.303pm, St.Richard's Social Group, Longsight, Tues 12.30 to 3pm, Sacred Heart Men's Group & over 55's Social

MANCHESTER

The Irish World

OUT ABOUT

Sam arrives in Birmingham NIGHT OUT! PHOTO: BFB

The Tyrone Association Birmingham welcomed the Sam Maguire Cup and representatives of the Tyrone Senior Football team to its annual association buffet at The Irish Club. Our picture shows Chairman of the association, Pat McCourt with committee members and friends. Also pictured are Tyrone player Brian Dooher and Tyrone GAA Co-ordinator Cuthbert Donnolly. There will be more photos of the event next week.

What’s on down your way?

Check out our round-up for events in your area...

FOOTIE FUNDRAISER Fri 22nd Fundraiser for Robert Emmets with Finbar & Bernie at St Joseph’s Social Club, Empire Way Wembley

PICK

FRIDAY, MAY 22ND

■ The Fabulous Feedback Band at the Swan 215 Clapham Road, Stockwell, London SW9 ■ Stevie Mac at The Shamrock Club The Ridgeway, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 2AD ■ Pete Byte at O’Grady’s Irish Bar 699 High Rd, Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex.

NEWCASTLE NIGHT Sun 24th Quigley’s point from Glasgow at The Tyneside Irish Centre 43 Gallowgate, Newcastle on Tyne, NE1 4SG

PICK

SATURDAY, MAY 23TH

REGULAR EVENTS

Group, Gorton, Thurs, 12.00 3pm, Marlborough Craft Group, Higher Broughton, 10.30-12.30pm, Arts & Craft, bingo, raffles, music, dancing and outings.Tea & sandwiches served Call0161 205 9105 • The Irish World Heritage Centre Cheetham Hill.

Mon Eve 9-11pm Adult Set Dancing Call Barbara 0161 740 4675 or 0793 081 0710 Adult Step Dancing 7-9pm Call Anita 0161 308 4373 or Julie 0161 308 4585 Wed over-50s activity group bingo, dancing and refreshments 12.30-3pm Call Janet 0161 205 9105

• Irish language Class, social,singing, poetry or short talk, 8-10pm Irish Dancing Beginners 5.45pm Advanced 7pm Call Stella Moore 0161 336 2288 Thurs Irish Music lessons for children St Wilfred's branch of Comhaltas. Call Michelle 0796 010 1100. The Manchester Irish Writers poetry & creative writing group meet 2nd & 4th Thurs of month. Call Rose 0161 202 1200 Sat Club Irish Language Classes 11.30am-1pm call Pairic Hoswell For further information on Educational Workshops call Margot 0161 2021200

• St Kentigern's Social Club,, Fallowfield, Mon 25 card drive; Tues set dancing and Irish lang.classes Wed, Fri Sat morn. Irish dance lessons;

The Irish World

Thurs Set Dancing and Irish Music lessons. Live GAA. • St Richard's Parish Centre, Longsight. holds line-dancing every Thurs Eve No partner needed. Beginners' tuition at 7.45. 0161 224 1405/1498.

• St Ann's SociaClub,Stretford, every Wed quiz night. now open every Sun night

• Mansfield & Dukeries Irish Assoc,meet last Fri of month at Boothys Club at 7.30pm www.mansfieldirish.org.uk or 01623 427126.

MANSFIELD

• 'Kanes Irish Foods are able to supply Irish food products at our socials in Boothys Club, Barrys Tea, Red Lemonade, Cidona, Black & White Pudding, Irish rashers etc

• Weekly FREE Traditional Irish Music Session Every Mon 9-11pm Duke of York Hanwell, 020 8567 2319 Hanwell rail, Bus 83 207 607 E3 E8.

MIDDLESEX

• Live music Fri & Sat at St Claret's Social Club, Botwell Social Centre, Botwell Lane, Hayes. Tel 020 8573 7886.

• Irish Centre events include live music, darts, dancing classes & Irish lang classes.

The is one hall available for hire. call 01908 375978.

MILTON KEYNES

• Greyfriars Social Club: Caroline McManus Irish dance classes Wed 6.30-7.30p.m The Brother Walfrid memorial flute and drum band meet every Wed 7.30-8.30p.m Check out www.greyfriarssocialclub.picz o.com or call01159111491

NOTTINGHAM

• The Triskellion Theatre Company hold drama classes every Tues at the Irish Club, Wilford Street, Nottingham. contact Gerry 01773 863217 or on fmolumby@aol.com

• The Greyfriars Pipe Band meets every Sun morning 10.00-12.00 noon at the Greyfriars Catholic Social Club. Call Paul Reddington on 0115 9585243.

• The Irish Society holds tea dances 3rd Mon at Cowley Conservative Club, Between Towns Rd, 2pm-4.30pm.Call Bernie on 01865 711885 or Rosemary on 01865 247926.

OXFORD

• The Oxford Irish Society retirees meet for music & chat every 1st Fri of month at Morris Motors Social Club, Crescent Rd, 8.00pm.

Adm £2.00. Call Marjorie on 01865-766863 or Mick on 01865-779815.

• The Irish Corner in Peterborough, hold regular dances, top bands, bingo, Take Your Pick. Tel 01733 755490.

PETERBOROUGH

• The following events take place at The Irish Centre, Tue :live music sessions, just bring your own instruments and join in. Fri Irish performer sings mainly Irish Every other Saturday: live Irish entertainment.

CallThe Irish 0114 270 0635.Interested in joining a quiz league or a pool team contact 0114 270 0635.

SHEFFIELD

• The Irish Club, St.Albans, London Colney. Music every Sat Night. Sun Live GAA Setanta & Sky in the Lounge.

Mon night Bingo. Tues Football & Hurling Training, Darts. Wed Set Dancing & Irish Lang class. Thurs Trad Music Tuition, Darts, Pool.

Friday family night. We also have a Golf Society Club Hall available for hire Tel: 01727 822251.

ST ALBANS

•Informal trad Irish music session every Fri 8.30 pm at the Nelson, Beach Rd Bangor, North Wales. All musicians welcome.

WALES

• The Emerald Social Club, Wolverhampton for line dancing, set dancing, Irish step dance lessons, live music every Saturday and Sunday, Gaelic Games on the big screen. Further info from 01902 351419

WOLVERHAMPTON

www.theirishworld.com

■ Billy Heneghan at the Shanakee 253 Edgware Road, Colindale, NW9.

■ Final Touch at Croyden Irish Club, Broadcoombe, Monkshill Estate, Selsdon, Surrey.

CR2 8HX ■ Kevin Keys at St Augustine’s Catholic social club, 55 Fulham Palace Rd, Hammersmith, London W6 8AU ■ Neil Diamond Tribute Band at The Misty Moon, Manor Park Rd, Harlesden, NW10 4JJ

MEDICAL FUNDRAISER PICK

Friday 29th. Fundraiser for Catholic Association of Doctors Medical Mission to the Philippines with DJ Bob James at The Mazenod Social Club Kilburn, London NW6.Tickets £5. Contact Tara for more info 07985573115

SUNDAY, MAY 24TH

■ Martin Ruddy Erin’s Hope 189 Edgware Rd, Colindale, London NW9 ■ Sham at The Floirin 563 Holloway Rd, London, N19 4DQ. ■ Standing Room at Ganley’s 47 London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5HP

MONDAY, MAY 25TH

■ Dicey’s Disco Open Bank Holiday Monday 295 Neasden Lane, London NW10 1QR ■ The Reels at The Man of Aran 426 Alexandra Ave, Rayners Lane, HA2 9TW ■ Slim Attraction at Forde’s Freehouse 108 High St, Wealdstone, Harrow, Middx HA3 7AH.

It’s FREE!

Want to publicise your event?

Email the venue, date and band to listings@theirishworld.com and we’ll include them 23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 41

e m e r a l d e n c ou n t e r s

Place an ad

By phone Call FREE on 0800 839 140

Advertiser message retrieval FREE once per week on 0800 839 140•

By mobile Text EMDate

followed by a space followed by your ad & send to 86122*

eg EMDate STAGE AN ENTRANCE F, 29, loves amateur dramatics. Seeks caring M, 30-45, for fun+.

Note: You will receive a request by SMS to record a voice greeting which is essential for your ad to appear in print. You also receive alerts to voicemail messages.

Replying to ads By phone Just call

)

)

ON THE WILD SIDE Slim brunette, 35 , 5’10”, n/s, likes wild nights out, cosy nights in, cooking & walks. Seeks tall white M for settling down. Mancs/Bury. Box 883665 ONE KIND HEART WANTED F, 52 , 5’2”, medium build, seeks M to be that special someone in her life. Birmingham. Box 303768 SOUNDS GOOD Divorced mum, 42 , bubbly & outgoing, likes walks, eating out, pubs, clubs & most music. Seeks M for friendship, maybe more. Birmingham. Box 446541 WHEN WILL I FIND LOVE? F, 58 , 5’2”, smoker, loving, caring, honest & reliable, enjoys music, cinema, telly, walking & meals in/out. Seeks M, 54-63, for long-term relationship.

Birmingham. Box 421572 EM 421572 NEW BEGINNINGS I am a good catch, are you? If so, call me! Black F, 46 , seeks M for new relationship. Birmingham.

Box 981063

)

)

0905 211 0199* & enter the Box number

By mobile (to ads with)symbols)

Text EM followed by a space the Box number followed by a space your message & send to 85122* eg EM 227045 Hi, saw your ad, fancy going to the theatre?

Your mobile number remains confidential. The advertiser receives your reply direct to their mobile.

•Pick messages up Call 0906 753 4443*

To pick messages up at any time or browse through a selection of the newest advertisers.

Calls to 09052 numbers cost £1.20 per minute at all times, calls to 09067 numbers cost 75p per minute at all times (BT Premium Rate). Calls to 0871 numbers charged at 10p per minute. Please note Payphones & non BT network providers may charge higher rates. For text pricing see below.

Wo m e n Seeking men IN GOOD COMPANY Petite, attractive F, 63 , cheery personality, likes music, travel & good company. WLTM genuine, similar-minded M for friendship & possibly more.

Northants. Box 275065 TALL, DARK & HANDSOME? Blue-eyed blonde, 47, likes days out, shopping, the gym & music. WLTM tall, slim, dark-haired M, 4047, for company+. Mancs. Box 652528 QUITE A FIND Attractive F, 63 , 5’6”, GSOH, likes music, having a drink, films, holidays, historic buildings & antiques. WLTM M, 54-59, with GSOH. Mancs.

Box 913393 THE REAL THING Bubbly, romantic, sincere F, 61, 5’6”, green eyes, seeks M to be the love of her life. Bolton.

Box 988460 PICK UP THE PHONE Fair-haired F, 63, 5’6”, medium build, attractive, GSOH, likes drinks, nights out, films & holidays.

Seeks nice, smart M, 50s, for relationship. Mancs.

Box 899900 LET’S ENJOY OURSE LVES Honest black F, 47 , seeks kind, loving profess M, similar age, for good relationship. Mancs.

EM 922446 Box 922446 TO LOVE & BE LOVED Auburn-haired F, 56 , genuine, easy-going & caring, likes drives out, live music, dining in/out & motorbikes. WLTM tall, stocky guy. Telford. Box 859870 TALL ORDER Tall F, 67, n/s, brown hair & eyes, likes country music, dining out & country walks. Seeks tall M, 60-72, n/s, for friendship & company. Birmingham.

Box 374078 NO NONSENSE F, 39 , WLTM M for fun. Rickmansworth.

Box 170486

)

COUNTRY GIRL Caring & easy-going F, 55, loves animals & the countryside. WLTM like-minded M for friendship & hopefully more. Rickmansworth. Box 168237 YOUTHFUL GAL Attractive F, youthful 52 , divorced, WLTM sensitive, romantic & sincere medium-built M, n/s, for good company & maybe more. Harrow. Box 203174 YOUTHFUL BLONDE Blue-eyed F, young 46 , grandma, attractive, kind, caring, affectionate & romantic, likes cinema & theatre, pubs & walks. WLTM M, 40-50 for TLC & to EM 697721 share life. Box 697721 BRIGHT BRUNETTE Petite, young-looking 53, likes dancing, reading, socialising & cinema, currently studying for honours degree, WLTM similar-minded M. Potters Bar. Box 592184 GONNA RUN TO YOU Honest F, 43 , 5’5”, slim build, trendy, profess, likes the gym & running. Seeks black or mixed-race M, 35-43, for relationship. Oldham. Box 919486 EM 919486 A F FABLE LIVEWIRE Genuine F, 28, 5’11”, seeks tall, intelligent livewire who likes socialising & the arts. Mancs.

Box 889147 SHORT BUT SWEET Black F, 27 , seeks white M. Stockport. Box 566754 EM 566754 I AM STILL LOOKING Genuine Ismaili F, 37 , enjoys music & travel. WLTM tall, slim, kind, caring, honest, genuine, reliable Ismaili M, 37-42, n/s, non-drinker, for friendship & relationship. Willesden. Box 167332 NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH Profess black lady lawyer, 40 , 5’8”, size 14, easygoing personality, seeks well-groomed profess M, race immaterial, for friendship & long-term relationship. London. Box 347747 LE T’S GET AQUAINT ED F, 50s, likes cinema, theatre, current affairs, conversation & cooking. WLTM middle-aged gentleman for friendship & companionship. Greater London. Box 592489 EM 592489 LIGHT UP MY LIFE Laid-back, slim F, 63, nice smile, nurse, smoker, likes socialising & horror movies. WLTM confident, shaved-headed, tattooed M, strong build, for friendship, maybe more. London. Box 576502 EM 576502 BUBBLY & CUDDLY Widow, 52, n/s, GSOH, likes meals in/out, country walks & pubs. Seeks M for romantic times, maybe relationship & lots of TLC. Mancs. Box 459022 OUT OF THIS WORLD F, young 57 , 5’3”, n/s, slimish blonde, likes days out, garden centres, drives, walks, the countryside/coast & Sci-fi. Seeks M for a happy relationship. Bolton. Box 615557 READY FOR ROMANCE Loving lady, 61, looking for true romance. Very outgoing & bubbly blonde, 5’6”, hoping to find her special man. Bolton. Box 398941 FUN, LOVE , PASSION & LAUGHTER Slim brunette, 40, 5’3”, brown eyes, likes cinema, meals out, music, reading & enjoying time with friends & family. Seeks loyal, passionate, caring M. Mancs. Box 107068 LOVE & BE LOVED Genuine black F, 33, 5’5”, WLTM honest, loyal, n/s M, 30-42, for real, loving, lasting relationship.

Mancs. Box 690655 EM 690655 IT MIGHT BE YOU Slim, attractive Asian F, 32 , 5’4”, seeks white M, 38+, for friendship, maybe more. Wolvs.

Box 326010 A MAGICAL TALE Warm, kind, caring, unique Asian gem, 32, just waiting to be discovered by strong Asian M who will provide plenty of TLC, keep her safe & secure.

EM 107055 Birmingham. Box 107055 FRIENDS FOR L IFE Happy, loving, caring, genuine black F, 55 , medium build, enjoys dancing, cinema, travel, cooking & swimming. Seeks similar M. Enfield. Box 898771 EM 898771 THE SMART CHOICE Extremely kind, smart, attractive, separated Asian mum, 46 , GSOH, seeks smart M for friendship & outings. Herts. Box 571708 EM 571708 PART NER FOR LIFE Single Greek F, 33, London born, non-drinker, n/s, seeks single, no ties Greek or Italian M, 36-42, n/s, for friendship leading to commitment. Serious replies only. N Ldn. Box 855440 FIEL DS OF GOLD Asian F, 28 , GSOH, curvy size 12, enjoys country walks, socialising, cooking, eating out & the gym.

Seeks blue-eyed M, 29-35, for long-term relationship. Birmingham. Box 449972 KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU Friendly F, 63, likes evenings out, wining, dining & music. WLTM M companion who enjoys the same.

Birmingham. Box 843499

)

)

)

)

)

)

JUST TOUCHING BAIZE Romantic, passionate M, 55 , divorced, likes snooker & DIY. Seeks black or mixed-race F for special relationship. Mancs. Box 617329 CHILLED TOGETHER Caring M, 25 , 5’11”, slim build, trendy, likes working, fitness & dogs. Seeks relaxed white F, 39-50, for relationship.

Mancs.

Box 392770 EM 392770 BE WITH ME Passionate, romantic M, 61 , 5’10”, medium build, retired teacher, likes theatre & meals out. Seeks F for days out & nights in. Mancs. Box 632880 RECIPE FOR ROMANCE Genuine mixed-race M, 43 , 6’2”, slim build, chef, varied interests, WLTM sincere F for close times & lasting relationship. Mancs. Box 779397 EM 779397 NEED ENTERTAINING? Tall, dark, handsome profess M, 41, seeks intelligent, stylish, gorgeous F, any age, for fun & maybe more. Mancs. Box 388359 EM 388359 GOD IS LOVE Wacky Christian M, 50 , 6’, cuddly build, moustache, conservationist, WLTM similar F, 55-75, for fun, friendship & more. Mancs. Box 739159 LET’S SEE WHAT HAPPENS Loyal, caring chap, 54 , likes cinema, eating out & cosy nights in. Seeks attractive F to share life & everything. Mancs. Box 935255 EM 935255 PERHAPS EVERYTHING? Genuine M, 29 , 6’, average build, blue eyes, seeks bubbly, outgoing F, GSOH, for friendship & perhaps more. Stalybridge. Box 162484 EM 162484 SOME GIRLS ARE BIGGER THAN OTHERS Tall, slim M, 44, WLTM fuller-figured, mature F, 60+, for fun times. Mancs. Box 789766 FAMILY MAN Divorced M, 45 , 6’1”, slim/medium build, solvent, trustworthy, likes walking, cycling, swimming, music, cooking & family. WLTM F, 35-47.

Warrington. Box 226075 GET SOCIAL Honest M, 31 , likes socialising, nights out & holidays. Seeks nice F for good times & possible relationship. Mancs. Box 481789 THE UPS & THE DOWNS Honest guy, 59, seeks honest, affectionate lady for life, love & happiness. Mancs. Box 724018 PUBLIC HOUSE, PRIVATE HEART Self-employed construction worker, 35 , 5’5”, slim/medium build, tanned, pretty good-looking, likes pubs, clubs, cinema & eating out. Seeks F, 2142, for friendship & relationship. Mancs.

Box 560525 EM 560525 THE ONE FOR YOU Attractive, fit white M, 34 , 6’, athletic build, dark hair, profess job, likes nights out/in & weekends away. WLTM F, 30-40, with GSOH. Kingswinford.

Box 512813 EM 512813 GOING PLACES Blue-eyed M, 37 , likes music, pubs, clubs, country walks & travel. WLTM F, 18-50, for friendship & shared interests+. Birmingham. Box 135107 YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED Tall, fit, attractive Asian profess M, young 40, seeks F for occasional fun & friendship. Birmingham.

Box 630497 HONESTY COUNTS Tall, dark-haired M, 35 , seeks honest, reliable, slim F for friendship, possible relationship. Birmingham.

Box 272794 EM 272794 FRIENDS & MORE M, 37, WLTM honest F, 18-50, GSOH, for friendship & relationship. Bridgnorth. Box 197136 EM 197136 SOUL SENSATION Loving, kind, down-to-earth single dad, 40 , GSOH, likes cinema, theatre & reading. Seeks F, 25-35, GSOH, to be his soulmate. Wednesbury.

Box 276348 GENUINE GUY Genuine & loyal M, 27, slim & n/s, honest, loving, caring & attractive, enjoys music, pubs, clubs, cinema & socialising. WLTM attractive, intelligent n/s F. High Wycombe. Box 390945 EM 390945 HEART’S AN OPEN BOOK Romantic & tactile M, 65 , 5’10”, slim, open, WLTM warm, mature & attractive F, with GSOH, for romance & more. Rickmansworth. Box 617604 EM 617604 TRY THE ALTERNATIVE Modern-thinking M, 52 , vegetarian, likes music, gigs, boot sales, markets & pubs. WLTM modern hippy chick, 30-50, for friendship & more.

Wanstead. Box 482702 THE HOUNDS OF LOVE ARE CALLING! Dark-haired M, 43 , 6’42, blue eyes, medium build, likes dogs, gigs, walks & cinema. WLTM easygoing F, 30-50. Enfield. Box 112383 FRE E FOR FUN Black M, 38 , WLTM F for fun & friendship.

Colindale. Box 467045 EM 467045

)

)

)

)

)

To browse a selec tion of ads

0906 753 4443 Listen t o r ecent adver t isers.

R eply only if you like what you hear.

I t’s always easy to jump to t he next ad .

Also check online

www.theirishworld.com and click lifestyle THEN A HERO COMES ALONG Curvaceous, bubbly, outgoing single mum, 38, n/s, seeks genuine, romantic, kind-hearted, white profess M, n/s, for friendship & relationship.

Birmingham. Box 363538 EM 363538 ARE YOU OUT THERE? Petite, easy-going blonde, 53 , GSOH, into music & salsa dancing. Seeks honest, loyal, easy-going M, 45-58, for fun times, possibly more. Watford.

Box 572995 EM 572995 NO BORING BLOKES F, 30, enjoys clubbing, pubbing & having a laugh with her friends. Seeks M for fun times. Bucks.

Box 950558 GAME FOR A LAUGH F, early 60s , enjoys country walks, holidays, socialising with friends & having a laugh. Seeks M to share fun times. High Wycombe. Box 639619 MAKE THE WRITE MOVE Petite F, 50s, enjoys ceroc dancing, reading, writing, cinema & eating out. WLTM intellectual M for companionship & friendship. Potters Bar. Box 905382 LOVE IS IN THE AIR Loving, caring black single mum, 39, seeks loving, caring n/s M. Ilford. Box 392778

)

)

Me n S e e k i n g Wo m e n I’LL RUN TO YOU Loving, kind M, 26 , 5’7”, likes football, walking, snooker, holidays, pool, keep fit, running & cooking. Seeks F for long-term relationship. Mancs.

Box 673246 TAKE STOCK WITH THE SCOT Stocky Scottish M, 52, 6’, likes nights in/out, country walks & pubs. Seeks mature F for fun & friendship. Mancs. Box 292575 TO BALDLY GO...

Slim, bald, blue-eyed M, 44, 6’6”, enjoys music, sport & travel. Seeks fuller-figured, mature F, 5560, for fun & friendship+. Mancs. Box 536257 LONG LIVE ROMANCE Romantic, passionate, slim, solvent M, 55 , divorced, likes snooker & DIY. Seeks black or mixed-race F for special relationship. Tameside.

Box 718661

) )

)

)

)

)

)

TEXT SERVICE: To place an ad costs 25p (by return message) + usual network charges. Advertisers are charged 50p per text message received from, & returned to, respondents and for each SMS alert to voicemail. Cost of replying to an ad by text is £1.50 per text (by return message). All messages will be charged for, including any error messages. Texts sent are charged at normal network rates. All text messages sent must be no more than 160 characters. SMS shortcodes are reverse-bill charged at the following rates: 86122 - 25p; 88122 - 50p; 85122 - £1.50. Available on O2, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange, Virgin & 3.

LET’S MAKE THE FEELING MUT UAL White M, 47, n/s, looking for F for mutual fun times, any age or nationality. Watford. Box 993520 EM 993520 LET ’S SHARE LIFE Genuine, honest M, 35 , single dad, witty, loyal & caring, WLTM F for fun & relationship. Watford.

Box 739777 LOOKING FORWARD Divorced M, 51, likes cooking, gardening, eating out & nights in. WLTM kind & honest F, 45-60.

EM 799437 Borehamwood. Box 799437 WE COULD GO FAR Slim M, 41, WLTM F, 30-45, into cinema & travel, for friendship & hopefully more. High Wycombe.

Box 995444 EM 995444 WARM HEART IN HERTS Fit, blue-eyed M, 36 , 5’8”, slim/medium build, genuine & warm-hearted, WLTM F for serious relationEM 598844 ship. Watford. Box 598844 LET PASSION FLOWER Educated Gudjurati M, 44, lively & attractive, GSOH, fit & healthy, passionate & sensual, WLTM similar F for sincere friendship & hopefully relationship. Harrow. Box 459769 BLUE-EYED GUY Blue-eyed M, 45 , 5’10”, nice-looking with black hair, teetotal, WLTM local F, age unimportant, for friendship, cuddles & relationship. Edgware.

Box 132371 IN GOOD COMPANY M, 47 , likes sports, eating in/out, pubs & days out.

WLTM F, 35-50, for good company & hopefully a long-term relationship.

High Wycombe.

EM 568159 Box 568159

)

)

)

)

)

Men Seeking men CAMP IT UP Genuine gay M, 58, non-scene, medium build, likes country walks & holiday camping. Seeks M. Mancs. Box 559883 GAME ON Bi M, 72 , WLTM younger M, 30-65 for fun & games & potentially, a loving relationship. Mancs.

Box 497734 FANCY SOME FUN? M, 42 , seeks M for fun times. Can travel & accommodate. Solihull. Box 465178 FUN & EXPE RIENCE Tall white M, 43, short dark hair, down-to-earth, likes cinema, theatre & walks. WLTM experienced gent, 50-65, for friendship & more. Enfield.

EM 311392 Box 311392

)

Wo m e n Seeking women TESSA CALL MICHELLE She really enjoyed your meeting. Thanks.

EM 657560 Box 657560 CURIOSITY PLEASED THE CAT Bi-curious F, 38 , 5’4”, medium build, dark hair, green eyes, n/s, profess, seeks F for exploration & fun times. Altrincham. Box 667035 SEE KING FEMME-TASTIC Boyish F, 31 , GSOH, large build, seeks feminine F for relationship.

Mancs.

Box 359567 EM 359567

)

)

Ju st f ri e n d s SINCERE FRIENDS F, 63 , GSOH, likes music, nights in/out, days out, stately homes & antiques. Seeks sincere Ms or Fs for friendship. Mancs. Box 513440 SOCIAL CALL Honest F, 63 , GSOH, likes drinks, nights out & holidays. WLTM Ms & Fs for socialising & friendship.

Mancs. Box 706129 EXTRA HOLIDAY COMPANION SOUGHT Two F friends, 60s , WLTM one or two Fs with GSOH, 55-65, to share beach apartment on holiday close to Venice in June. Must be able to get to Gatwick. Box 789512

Customer Service 0871 220 2891

Mon-Fri 9-5pm (Calls cost 10p per minute at all times)

Email: customerservice@advancedtele.co.uk

GUIDELINES Arrange meetings in public places, eg, restaurants, pubs, etc, not in your home. Don’t give your address until you are sure that you want to continue the relationship. u Trust your instincts and don’t meet again if you have any doubt. u On your first meeting it is best to make your own way to and from the venue. u It is best not to accept an offer of transport. u Leave details of your meeting with family or friends when seeing a respondent for the first time. These points may seem over cautious, but if the person you meet is genuine, they will understand. Participating advertisers must be 18 years or over. Adverts will run for a minimum of 2 weeks. We reserve the right to publish, refuse or edit any advert at our discretion. u This is a UK only service. Service supplied by Advanced Telecom Services, PO Box 788, London EC1V 7ZA. DISCLAIMER: Irish World assumes no liability for the content of, or reply to, any personal advertisement. The advertiser assumes complete liability for the content of all replies to any advertisement or recorded message and for any claims made against Irish World as a result thereof. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold Irish World harmless from all costs, expenses (including our solicitor’s fees), liabilities and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to such advertisement. By using Irish World, the advertiser agrees not to leave his/her telephone number, last name, or address in his/her voice greeting message.

42 GUIDE

23 MAY 2009

www.theirishworld.com

The Irish World

BERNIEO’BRIEN

OUT ABOUT

Our North West photographer is eager to cover your event.

Call 07962 100872

Fundraiser at St. Kentigern’s

This charity night was held at St. Kentigern’s Club in aid of the British Heart Foundation and to help Lauren Wrinn, who needs a heart and lung transplant. Over £8,000 was raised on the night taking the total collected for various charities at St Kents to over £400,000 since 2002. Congratulations to Kevin Fitzpatrick and the team.

■ The Wrinn family

■ Ladies enjoying the evening ■ Christine Flynn with family & friends ■ Kevin Fitzpatrick from St Kentigern’s with Lauren and her mum Fiona and dad David

■ Kevin McKenna, Tina Beirne, Noreen

& Catherine McKenna, Bernadette & Christopher Devine

Children’s fundraiser

■ Also at St. Kentigern’s was the fundraiser for Fr. Pat Clarke’s

City of Angels project in Brazil. Our photo shows Danny Sullivan (second right) and friends supporting the event.

The Irish World

Galways in Manchester

■ Tom and Celia Miskell from Watford with friends pictured at the

Galway Association, Manchester dinner dance. There will be more photos next week.

www.theirishworld.com

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 43

TRAVEL

THE PARTY’S ON

In Ireland it’s the JUNE season of summer schools and festivals that promise something for everyone nationwide, writes PAT HOLLAND

■ DUBLIN WRITERS’ FESTIVAL, JUNE 2-7

“The power of the word” is the theme for this yearʼs festival, and programme director Liam Browne has assembled a powerful line-up of visiting writers, including Notes on a Scandal author Zoë Heller, historian Simon Schama, Orange Prize winner Anne Michaels, Impac winner Colm Tóibín and broadcaster and novelist Melvyn Bragg. Now in its 11th year, the festival will feature a special appearance by Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney. www.dublinwritersfestival.com

■ SPRÉACHA, JUNE 8-14

Rates from €350 to €495 per week heating & electricity extra

Failte Ireland High Approval ★★★★

SE U Onny H E CARBINE BRIDGo. Kilke Mo n, C anmore , Calla

Self Catering Holiday Home to rent fully furnished, near the town of Callan Set in a rural area 4 bedrooms - sleeps 7 Close to Kilkenny, Waterford, Cashel

Call 00 353 52 91 53489 or 00 353 87 6249506 email:carbinebridge@gmail.com www.ireland-kilkenny.com

44 GUIDE

23 MAY 2009

Fingalʼs sixth festival of international puppetry, storytelling, dance and theatre brings companies from Canada, Scotland, Denmark and Spain to Dublin. Enter a world of spinning dresses, twirling ties, waltzing suits and runaway shoes, where washing lines skip away and mischievous hats fly into the sky – and thatʼs just one of the shows on offer!

Tel: 00 353 1-8852622; www.draiocht.ie

■ BLOOMSDAY, JUNE 10-16

Dublinʼs city centre goes James Joyce mad for the annual commemoration of the wanderings of Leopold Bloom. Itʼs an occasion rather than a festival, so thereʼs no official programme as such, with events arranged by a number of different bodies around the city. www.jamesjoyce.ie

■ AIB STREET PERFORMANCE CHAMPIONSHIP, JUNE 13-14 AND 18-19

Fitzgerald Park in Cork and Merrion Square in Dublin will become performance spaces for two consecutive weekends in June as contortionists, piano jugglers, magicians, breakdancers, comedians and assorted world-class professional jesters battle it out for the title of AIB Street Performance World Champion. www.spwc.ie

■ ÉIGSE CARLOW, JUNE 13-21

For 30 years this festival has played a central role in Carlowʼs community and artistic life.

Entertainment includes Eamon Morrissey presenting The Brother at the Townhall Theatre,

or something more exotic, such as an evening of bhangra with The Pritam Rhythm Tribe. The Saw Doctors, comedian PJ Gallagher and singer-songwriter Mick Hanly are also on the programme.

Tel: 00 353 59 9140491; www.eigsecarlow.ie

■ TEMPLE BAR MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL, JUNE 20-21

Highlights include fire entertainment from Brightspark Fire Performers on Saturday night in Meeting House Square, followed by an outdoor screening of Dead Poets Society (1989).

The following day the square will be “grassed” for a picnic, with magic shows, music, Punch Judy, games, and Maypole dancing with the Drumreilly Active Age group from Co Leitrim.

Tel 00 353 1 8883610; www.templebar.ie

■ CORK MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL, JUNE 13-28

The best of Corkʼs theatrical talent will be on display when the site-specific theatre company Corcadorca premieres its new production, MedEia, an unconventional retelling of the Greek tragedy Medea. Further local talent will be evident in Hammergrinʼs Hollander, the follow-up to last yearʼs K: The Iowa Project, while a season of contemporary Scottish plays includes the aptly-named Midsummer, a quirky love story by David Greig. Tel: 00 353 21 4215131; www.corkmidsummer.com

■ BLAS SUMMER SCHOOL OF IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE, JUNE 22-JULY 3

for Flower Power, the largest flowerbed ever built in Waterford; and Levity II, a monumental inflatable universe from Architects of Air. Tel: 00 353 51-841808; www.spraoi.com

■ KILLARNEY SUMMERFEST JULY 3 - 18

Killarney Summerfest 2009 is bursting with an eclectic range of activities to appeal to all ages and tastes.

The Pussycat Dolls are the main attraction this year – and what an attraction! The supersassy ladies take to the stage at Fitzgerald Stadium on July 18, bringing to a close a fabulous month of entertainment.

Enjoy fantastic days and nights out including Outdoor Theatre, Hot Air ballooning, Outdoor Concerts, Art exhibitions and a packed programme of childrenʼs events. www.killarneysummerfest.com

■ WILLIE CLANCY SUMMER SCHOOL, JULY 4-12

A packed week of workshops, classes, ceilis and recitals, held annually at Miltown Malbay, Co Clare, this gathering attracts traditional musicians from every nook and cranny. This yearʼs Breandán Breathnach memorial lecture, Desire and Duty: The Collecting of Irish Traditional Music, will be given by Nicholas Carolan, director of the Irish Traditional Music Archive. www.setdancingnews.net/wcss

■ CLONMEL JUNCTION FESTIVAL, The cream of Irelandʼs traditional musicians JULY 4-12 can be found at this series of workshops, masterclasses, sessions and lectures at the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick.

True to its name the school offers a taste of different music styles, with master classes given by leading experts and performers on specific instruments. Tel 00 353 61 213431; www.blas.ie

JULY

■ SPRAOI IN THE PARK, JULY 2-5

Not content with spreading mischief and mayhem over the August Bank Holiday weekend, those fabulous folk from Spraoi are planning to transform the Peopleʼs Park in Waterford into a cavern of possibilities for four days in this brand-new event in early July. Watch out

www.theirishworld.com

As a response to the growing number of empty shop units in the Co Tipperary town, the festival has commissioned Cafe Carte Blanche, in which five diverse artists will transform these disused spaces into artistic cafes with a range of free and interactive activities, workshops and crafts. There will be a hip-hop and dance cafe, a canine and video cafe, a jewellery and photography cafe, a story and conversation cafe and a writing and reading cafe.

Tel: 00 353 52 6129339; www.junctionfestival.com

■ EARAGAIL ARTS FESTIVAL, JULY 4-19

The iconic arts festival of the northwest celebrates its 21st birthday this year with a programme which takes it back to its roots. It features some of the performers from the very first event alongside an array of international names, including Bassekou Kouyate,

The Irish World

Mary Black and Waterson Carthy.

The centrepiece of the fortnight will be a carnival day in Letterkenny on July 12th, with a parade led by the New Orleans Hot8 Brass Band. Tel: 00 353 74 9168800; www.eaf.ie

■ THE JAMES JOYCE SUMMER SCHOOL, JULY 5-11

This academic gathering meets in Newman House, where Joyce attended university, and Boston College Ireland on St Stephenʼs Green to reflect on Joyceʼs work and assess his continuing influence. www.joycesummerschool.ie

newly-refurbished Druid Theatre. And Australian company Circa return to the festival with their new show. Meanwhile, David Gray and the Glastonbury headliners Bon Iver are among those playing in the Festival Big Top on the banks of the River Corrib. The full programme is announced on June 2nd. Tel: 00 353 91 509700; www.galwayartsfestival.com

■ KINSALE ARTS WEEK, JULY 11-19

Kinsale is a terrific location for a celebration at any time of year, but the fifth annual arts week will see the Cork

■ BOYLE ARTS FESTIVAL, JULY 23-31

■ WEST CORK LITERARY FESTIVAL, JULY 5-11

Books come to Bantry for this weeklong immersion in all things literary, including readings by Annie Proulx, Jennifer Johnston, Claire Kilroy, Roger McGough and Louis de Bernières. The workshop programme offers The Novel for Beginners with Martina Devlin, Travel Writing with Manchán Magan, Writing for the Stage with Billy Roche and Song Writing with Jack L. Tel: 00 353 27-55987, www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie

■ CAIRDE SUMMER FESTIVAL, JULY 6-12

A week-long celebration of diversity and multiculturalism: thatʼs the aim of Sligoʼs Cairde festival. Highlights this year range from the Korean Cho In Theatre Company to Indian classical dance troupe Dance Ihayami; from Balkan troubadours Lazik and Di Grine Kuzine to The Fawlty Towers Dining Experience. Tel: 00 353 71-9170431; www.cairdefestival.com

The Irish World

town mutate into a living gallery and art space, with music, dance, visual art, comedy, literature and film events crammed into just about every nook and cranny. Some of those “nooks” are pretty spectacular – not least the stunning Charles Fort, where this yearʼs concert programme includes gigs

by Imelda May, Terrafolk and Paul Brady.

Tel: 00 353 21-4700010; www.kinsaleartsweek.com

■ GALWAY ARTS FESTIVAL, JULY 13-26

Dance, theatre, spectacle, visual art and music from around the world will, as usual, be on offer in Galway this summer.

Top of the treats list is an exhibition of etchings illustrating Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm by David Hockney, one of the biggest names in 20th-century British art. One of the biggest names in Irish theatre will also feature, with Tom Murphyʼs The Gigli Concert, directed by Garry Hynes, opening the

Boyle Arts Festival is well known for its visual art exhibition, which includes established and emerging artists and is held in the magnificent surroundings of King House in Boyle. It is complemented by a music programme which this year includes the pianist Ivan Ilic and a performance by the winner of the 2009 AXA Dublin piano competition. Also appearing will be The Sawdoctors, The Dublin Shakespeare Theatre Company, authors Mary OʼMalley and John F Deane, and the comedian Eleanor Tiernan. Tel: 071-9663085; www.boylearts.com

■ ÉIGSE EATHARLAÍ, JULY 24-26

This traditional music, song and dance summer school in the Glen of Aherlow, Tipperary, includes workshops by Catherine McEvoy (flute), Cormac de Barra (harp), Máire Breathnach (fiddle) and Áine Uí Cheallaigh (voice), and others, plus concerts at the cultural centre Tigh Roy, outside Galbally village in the foothills of the Galtee Mountains.

www.theirishworld.com

Tel: 00 353 62 37032; www.eatharlai.ie

■ YEATS INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL, JULY 25-AUG 7

The Yeats summer school is celebrating its 50th birthday this year, and a stellar cast of poets and scholars, including Roy Foster, Denis Donoghue, Terence Brown and Declan Kiely, will assemble in Sligo for its comprehensive series of lectures and seminars. There will be readings by Seamus Heaney, Michael Longley, Eavan Boland, Bernard OʼDonoghue, Dennis OʼDriscoll, Vona Groarke and Peter Fallon, among others. Tel: 00 353 71 9142693; www.yeats-sligo.com

■ JOHN HEWITT INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL, JULY 27-31

The theme of the 22nd John Hewitt summer school is Unfettered Thought: Belief in the Future? Held at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh in honour of the eponymous poet, the school features lectures, readings, discussions, talks, theatre and live music. www.johnhewittsociety.org

■ SPRAOI FESTIVAL, JULY 31-AUGUST 2

The second blossoming of Spraoi this summer will see the city of Waterford host three days of street theatre and world music, including the German band 17 Hippies and the 40-piece French brass outfit In Vito Veritas Banda. Thereʼll be vertical aerial dance from the Spanish company Circo Delizia, and Le Tennis from the French company Acolytes.

Tel: 00 353 51 841808; www.spraoi.com

23 MAY 2009

GUIDE 45

CONWAYS PHONE 07910167352 Join

SEAMUS MOORE

at London’s newest dancing venue • Kay’s Kitchen serving mouth watering food daily - M on - S at 12 - 8p m Su n d a y lu n c h s p ec i al s 12 - 6p m • Hou s e s p ec ia ls ev er y d ay • S mal l p a rt ies c at er ed f or

2-3 HOLMESTALL PARADE, BURNT OAK, EDGWARE, MIDDX HA8 5HX

FRI 22

SEAN McMONAGLE & FINAL TOUCH

NATHAN CARTER

COME AND DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY ON OUR NEW DANCEFLOOR WITH TOP BANDS EVERY WEEKEND!

Irish Club WATFORD

COVER CHARGE £5

PHIL MACK Tel: 01923 462332

w w w . w a t fo r d i r i s h c l u b . c o . u k

IRISH/COUNTRY FAVOURITE SONGS AND LYRICS FEATURING STUNNING SCENES OF IRELAND

JONO’S BAR CURRENTLY ONE OF THE MOST VISITED IRISH WEBSITES!

Visit www.philmack.com

13 Station Pde, Uxbridge Rd, London W5 3LD

Tel 020 8993 8919

HARD TO HANDLE Fri 22nd Sat 23

Heineken Cup Final live

COMING SOON

6-8.30 PM

FRI 29 MAY MARTIN RUDDY

MCGINTY & THE DIDDYMEN

& TRALEE SOUNDS

9PM-12

FINBAR & BERNIE

9-12 PM

+

SLIM ATTRACTION

TAKE YOUR PICK AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS

NO COVER CHARGE

THE INDIANS FRI 19 JUNE MICK FLAVIN

Sun 24th Double Bill

Mon 25th 2pm

MARTIN CUFFE AMARILLO

CHILDRENS FUN DAY

+

Sat 30th May TOMMY CHRISTY Sat 6th June MARK TAGGART

COMING SOON SHAUN CUDDY

SUNDAYS L iv e M us i c 4 -6 p m

TUESDAYS L i n e D a n ci n g

WEDNESDAYS Tr a d mus ic c l a ss e s 7 - 9 p m

CELTIC SUPPORTERS CLUB

ALL MATCHES SHOWN LIVE

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

fo Garden Fete & Grand Raffle ce an od D With Cash prizes S m h t p s a i fa 2 Ir e l l p Monday 25th May 1pm – 4pm s G yre u tr o

al

or & St Peter’s Residence, 2A Meadow Road, London SW8 1QH e

Admission: Adults 50p Children Free!

Nearest tube: Oval, or Vauxhall a short walk away. Buses 36, 436, 185, 159.

Joe & Liz welcome you to the newly refurbished venue...

FAMILY RUN PUB LIVE SPORT LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND POOL TABLE TEXAS HOLD EM EVERY WED 8PM FAMILY FUN DAY EVERY SAT PM

FORMERLY ʻTHE NORTH 1ʼ

6 Cloudesley Road, Angel, London N1 0EQ Tel: 07979 626740/ 07752 109027

FOOD AVAILABLE EVERY MONDAY BACON & CABBAGE 5-8PM VARIED IRISH MENU

FRI 22 SEAN BRADY 9 PM SAT 23 DELTA LADIES 9 PM SUN 24 DONEGAL DANNY 4 PM THURS 28 8pm ANN SUMMERS NIGHT

OFFALY

Erin’s Hope 189 E D GW A R E R D , CO L I N D A L E , L O N D O N N W 9 6L P

T E L : 020 8205 8594

Sat 23rd

TWO SOUND MEN Sun 24th May

MARTIN RUDDY COMING SOON

APPLEJACK JACKIE & JOE

Sat 30th

Sun 24th TRIM THE VELVET

ON SALE

ALL GAA GAMES & MAJOR SPORTS LIVE

WEDNESDAY

Best wishes to Galway and London from all the staff at Jono’s

SAT 30 MAY

Sat 23rd SADIE HOWE & PETER REILLY

W i g g e n h a l l R d , W a t fo r d W D1 8 0 HS H a l l f o r hi r e 0 7 77 90 56 7 6

MON 25

6-8.30 PM

MAURICE REILLY

SAT 23

L AT E L I C E N C E AT W E E K E N D S

SUN 24

EVERY THE JESTER CEAD MÍLE FAILTE 150 Mount Pleasant Rd, New Barnet,Herts Tel: 020 8449 8379

Sun 31st

LIVE MUSIC & LATE BAR EVERY WEEKEND

THE CASTLE

452 Finchley Road, Finchley, Greater London, NW11 8DG (On the Junction of Childs Hill & Finchley Road) T: 0208 455 3501

Management: Tom O’Donoghue & Team

THUR & FRI: DJ & KARAOKE DJ JAY IS BACK! 8 TIL LATE

SAT & SUN: LIVE BANDS 9 TIL LATE SUN: Forget The Bulge, Come & Indulge!

Mon - Sun Fine Home Cooked Food & Served 12-8pm

ALL SPORTING EVENTS SHOWN INCLUDING GAA GAMES

OUTSIDE SMOKING AREA / BEER GARDEN Private Parties & Special Occasions Catered For

ON CAMERA The Irish World 23 May, 2009

www.theirishworld.com

■ Overall Winner

Mary Cummins, receives her prize from Kathleen Crossan, with Tom Duffy and Ben Cahill. At the back is Assoc Chairman Peter Brady.

Cavan Association Golf Day The Cavan Association London held a golf day recently at West Middlesex Golf Club.

PHOTOS: BRENDAN MOYLES

■ Winning team, Mick Halpin and Mick Crossan from Powerday.

Unavoidably absent were Brendan Reynolds and Tony McNicholas. Also in picture is Ben Cahill and Tommy Duffy.

■ 2nd placed individual is

Tony Utton with Ben Cahill.

■ Runners Up team, John O’Connor, Peter Nash and Tony Utton.

Cavans in Luton celebrate

Rose Coyle was the special guest at a Cavan Association event in the Holy Ghost Parish Centre, Luton recently. Rose celebrated her 80th birthday on the night and was introduced by Joe Ward, who was celebrating his 71st.

The evening also saw the launch of the association’s charity event, a walk on June 7 around the village of Ireland, near Shefford in Bedfordshire.

Photo:Vince Shuel

TEANGA GAN TEORAINN NEWS

A

47

Tuairisc an Choimisinéara seolta

With Peadar Mac Fhlannchadha

g seoladh a thuarascáil bhliantúil dúirt an Coimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, gurbh ábhar imní dó go raibh gné amháin d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla nach raibh á cur chun cinn chomh réidh is a rabhthas ag súil leis.

Ní raibh “scéimeanna” teanga nua nó pleananna teanga reachtúla nua daingnithe faoi dheireadh 2008 i gcás aon cheann den 22 eagraíocht stáit a raibh a gcéad scéim teanga trí bliana imithe in éag.

Chuir an Coimisinéir Teanga in iúl don Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta gur chreid sé go raibh folús á chruthú nach raibh ag teacht le forálacha an Achta ná leis na rialacháin reachtúla a rinneadh faoin Acht.

Faoin reachtaíocht, caithfidh comhlachtaí poiblí leanúint orthu ag soláthar seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge de réir na ngealltanas atá tugtha acu ina gcéad scéim teanga ach níl aon dualgas orthu na seirbhísí sin a fhorbairt in aon slí in éagmais scéim teanga úr.

“Chuir mé in iúl don Roinn go raibh imní orm go raibh an baol ann go bhféadfadh sé go gcaillfeadh an tionscnamh ina iomláine an luas a bhí faoi, rud a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ina bhuille an-mhór,” a dúirt an Coimisinéir Teanga.

I bhfreagra atá foilsithe sa tuarascáil bhliantúil, dúirt an tAire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta go raibh sé féin agus a Roinn chomh tiomanta is a bhí riamh maidir le forálacha an Achta a chur i bhfeidhm agus na spriocanna a bhain leis a bhaint amach.

Scoláireachtaí do Mheánscoileanna Oileáin Árann Tá Coláiste Eoin, Meánscoil Inis Meáin, ar cheann de na meánscoileanna ar na hOileáin Árann atá ag tairiscint scoláireachtaí do dhaltaí atá ag lorg oideachais meánscoile lánGhaeilge. Múintear réimse leathan ábhar i gColáiste Eoin go leibhéal na hardteistiméireachta.

Tá na scoláireachtaí oscailte do dhaltaí ar mhian leo a oideachas meánscoile iomlán a fháil ar an oileán nó iad siúd a bheadh spéis acu cuid den chúrsa dara leibhéal a dhéanamh.

Cuirfear lóistín agus beilte saor in aisce ar fáil do bhuaiteoirí na scoláireachtaí agus beidh siad ina chónaí le mná tí ar an oileán ó Luan go hAoine agus rachaidh

siad abhaile gach deireadh seachtaine. Ní mór go mbeadh caighdeán Gaeilge réasúnta maith ag iarrthóirí.

Diúltú Aitheantas do Ghaelscoileanna

Cuireadh na rialach seasta ar leataobh ag Ard Fheis Chonradh na Gaeilge agus glacadh d’aon ghuth le rún éigeandála ag cáineadh cinneadh an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta aitheantas a dhiúltú do seacht nGaelscoil nua agus Gaelcholáiste amháin a bhí le hoscailt i 2009.

Cháin GAELSCOILEANNA TEO, freisin cinneadh na Roinne Oideachais agus Eolaíochta gan aitheantas a thabhairt do na scoileanna seo.

I ráiteas a d’eisigh an tAire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta i Meán Fómhair 2008, d’fhógair sé tús le próiseas athbhreithnithe ar an bpróiseas aitheantais bunscoile a mhairfeadh dhá bhliain. Le linn an phróisis, níl sé i gceist go n-osclóidh aon scoil seachas scoileanna atá lonnaithe i gceantair fhorbartha aitheanta agus a bhfuil riachtanas soiléir léirithe dóibh, de réir teilgean daonáirimh. In idirbheartaíochtaí leis an eagraíocht le déanaí d’admhaigh ionadaithe na Roinne go dtiteann na seacht Gaelscoil nuabheartaithe laistigh de cheantair fhorbartha, ach nach bhfuil sé d’acmhainn ag an Roinn freastal ar an éileamh atá léirithe dóibh.

Léiríonn seasamh na Roinne ar an gceist seo go bhfuil cearta bunreachtúla an tuismitheora, oideachas oiriúnach a roghnú dá bpáistí, curtha ar leataobh.

Séanann sé cearta na dtuismitheoirí ar na coistí bunaithe atá ag treabhadh ar aghaidh go díograiseach chun go mbeidh an ghaelscolaíocht ag a gcuid páistí mar rogha oideachais den scoth.

Foclóir: imní worry, reachtúil statutory, daingnithe confirmed, folús vacuum, forálacha provisions, reachtaíocht legislation, geallantanais promises, dualgas duty, baol danger, tiomanta dedicated, ag tairiscint offering, caighdeán standard, leataobh aside, rún éigeandála emergency motion, cinneadh decision, aitheantas recognition, seachas except, lonnaithe based, riachtanas soiléir clear need, teilgean daonáirimh census projection, acmhainn resource, rogha choice

Conradh na Gaeilge, Peadar Mac Fhlannchadha, 00 353 91 567824, Fón . limh Gail ic, min Doi 45 Sr. om.net. www.cnag.ie eirc ge@ aeil nag adh onr darc pea

48

CELTIC ON CAMERA Fundraiser for London Homeless SCRIBE www.theirishworld.com

NEWS

The Irish World 23 May, 2009

OUR LITERARY COLUMNIST

T

BY RAY CAVANAUGH

imothy Leary was born in 1920 in Springfield, Massachusetts. His father was an IrishAmerican dentist who abruptly skipped town before his only son’s thirteenth birthday. Upon graduating from high school, Leary received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama.

A Masters and Doctoral degree in the Psych field followed.

Having held positions as assistant professor and research director, Leary was then able to land a coveted faculty seat at Harvard University. During a 1960 sabbatical to Mexico, the professor ingested what would become the most influential mushroom in western culture; it was a psilocybin mushroom, the same sort which, many moons ago, had been consumed by indigenous peoples in their quest for enhanced religious ceremony.

For Leary, the encounter was mind-blowing; he later proclaimed that the psychedelic snack had, in several hours’ time, enabled him to “learn more about [his] brain and its possibilities than fifteen years of doing research in Psychology”.

Wanting to share the enlightenment, Leary established the Harvard Psilocybin Project and invited participants to try his special mushrooms, which were legal at the time. Along with the purported mind-expansion, Leary’s mushrooms supposedly carried the potential to curb addictions and antisocial impulses. Following an extended experiment at nearby Concord State Prison, Leary claimed that mushroom-fed parolees experienced a lower rate of recidivism.

Subsequent studies have disputed this claim.

Around Harvard, there had blossomed a psychedelic black market; people were chasing a whole kaleidoscope of hallucinated stimuli. At Harvard dorms, some visiting parents observed that their little scholars were chewing the carpet; it soon seemed uncertain if all pupils were receiving a solid liberal arts core. During this time, Leary’s position at Harvard was terminated, officially for the neglect of lecturing obligations, though many decided the termination was for Leary’s role in diffusing psychedelics.

In the mid-1960s, legal troubles began for Leary, who had emerged as a counterculture icon. He faced multiple charges for marijuana possession; one case even reached the Supreme Court, which ultimately decided to overturn his drug conviction.

Leary celebrated such triumph by announcing his entry into California’s gubernatorial race, led at the time by future president Ronald Reagan.

Not every court decision went Leary’s way, however; for possessing a half-ounce of marijuana, he received a lengthy sen-

PROFILE

■ Frank Gill presenting a cheque to Ciaran Casey and Tommy James from Acton Homeless. Also pictured are MC Nick Gough and Secretary of West Mid GC Renu Khanna

TIMOTHY LEARY

tence. Upon arriving at prison, he was given a psychological test geared to assigning each inmate a suitable work detail. With his extensive Psych background (which even included the design of prison-administered psychological tests), Leary answered the questions in such a way so as to obtain a cushy gardening job in a section with comparatively lax security. He got the job he wanted, and soon escaped.

Having reunited with his wife, Leary fled to Algeria, then to Switzerland, where he ended his marriage and dabbled in heroin, before teaming up with an immensely wealthy socialite.

Together, they went to Austria, Lebanon, and even Afghanistan, where Leary was intercepted by U.S. federal agents, much to the delight of then president Richard Nixon, who had previously called Leary “the most dangerous man in America”.

America’s “most dangerous man” was returned to his homecountry and cast into the infernal bowels of California’s Folsom State Prison, where he inhabited a solitary cell immediately adjacent to that of counterculture devil Charles Manson.

According to federal authorities, Leary became an informant, sharing secret information about other radicals he had known.

There was dispute over how much inmate Leary actually did reveal; many contended that he never supplied any significant information, and that his “cooperation” was merely a pretense used to gain early release from prison. At any rate, he was soon granted his freedom.

Out of prison, Leary divided his time between lecture tours, drug trips, and writing. In all, he authored over twenty books, mainly memoirs and social philosophy. This philosopher, however, was not one for Aristotelian ethics; he instead urged us all to “turn on, tune in, and drop out”.

Leary was also an ardent early supporter of the internet, which he considered “the LSD of the 1990s”.

In 1995, Leary was diagnosed with inoperable prostrate cancer.

Ray Cavanaugh’s columns, poems, and short fiction have appeared in a number of international publications.

A golf day was held recently in aid of Acton Homeless Concern at West Middlesex Golf Club.

This was the chosen charity of the club captain Frank Gill, Chairman of the Longford Golf Association. £18,500 was raised for the charity on the day. They would like to thank all the supporters of the event. Photos: Brendan Moyles ■ Fr Fenton from Our Lady of Lourdes in Acton and friends

■ Lynn and Eamon

O’Loughlin

■ 2nd Place team: Sean Hearmon, Eddie McKinnon and Uri Rittens. Also pictured are Ciaran Casey and Tommy James, standing in for Liam Clarke

■ Winning team: Peter and John Reynolds,

Paul Haugh and Aaron Keaney

Happy 80th Congratulations to Lillian Armstrong of the Longford Association who celebrated her 80th birthday recently.

She is pictured with husband John and grandchildren Harley, Caitlin and JessieRae.

The Irish World 23 May, 2009

YOUR LETTERS www.theirishworld.com

BOO TO SWINE FLU

I WOULD have to agree with the sentiments expressed in your editorial comment in recent weeks about the swine flu outbreak.

It seems that, despite the apocalyptic stories we were hearing everywhere that we were on the verge of a pandemic of the new strain of flu, it has all fizzled out to pretty much nothing.

Yes, cases of swine flu seem to be growing world-wide, but they don’t seem to be growing at an exponential rate

LAST WEEK’S ISSUE

and very few seem to be serious, or indeed fatal.

I think the general reaction to swine flu says more about us as a nation than the nature of viruses and disease control.

Bored of our everyday lives and fuelled by world-is-nigh films such as 28 Days Later (great film, by the way) it’s simply a way of injecting a little excitement into our daily existence.

Ciara Gallagher, Manchester.

CHARITY EVENT MPS... AND GREAT SUCCESS EXPENSES

THE ULSTER Province Association would like to thank everyone who supported the recent charity dance in aid of the new hospital for children in Manchester.

A considerable sum was raised for this very worth-while cause. The function was made even

more enjoyable by the crowning on the night of the May Queen.

Thank you again for your help and your continued support.

Pat J.Morgan Chair of the Ulster Province and Down Associations

SINN FEIN A LET-DOWN I AM writing in regard to the recent upsurge in true Republicanism in Ireland.

And Britain.

It’s good that these people are now making their voices heard, but these tend to be individual voices.

It seems to me that the only group who are bravely putting themselves forward are the 32-county sovereignty movement over in Ireland.

However, Republican Sinn Fein are a big let-down. Their attitude to any would be supporter that happens not to have an Irish surname, accent is disappointing.

They need to take a look at their own history, and they would find many Republican heroes, that were not ‘totally’ Irish.

YOUR LETTERS Stephen Aldridge, N.London.

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten letters for legal or other reasons. Anonymous letters will not be used and a name and address must be supplied. These can be withheld in certain circumstances and at the Editor’s discretion.

MPs – Liberal, Labour or Conservative, seem to be having some major problems coping with their already considerable wages and expenses.

Most ‘normal’ people are struggling with their mortgages and meagre salaries, and these MPs all seem to all have second homes!

They’re not in the real world.

It seems David Cameron now wants his Tory members to pay the money they received back, but I am not sure how many will listen to him.

All of us voters, in the meantime, will remember these things when election time comes around – interesting developments indeed, irrespective of what party you support.

F. Sheehan, By email.

LEINSTER TO VICTORY

I HOPE that all Irish rugby followers will this weekend get behind Leinster and hopefully cheer them to Heineken Cup victory over Leicester Tigers this weekend.

Although a native Dubliner myself, I have supported Munster in their previous Heineken Cup finals and hope that Munster men both here and at home in Ireland will now lend their support to Leinster this weekend.

Munster’s successes in Europe in 2006 and 2008 have gone a long way to putting Irish rugby on the map, and following the wonderful scenes in Cardiff in March how fantastic would it be for an Irish team to lift the Heineken Cup to add to our first Grand Slam since 1948.

It would also cap a brilliant few months for Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll, who was outstanding during the Six Nations. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful servant to Irish rugby and while he has a Lions Tour to come, he is thoroughly worthy of ending his career with a Heineken Cup winning medal. So let’s all get behind Leinster and cheer them to victory.

Brendan Boyle, Devon

LETTERS

WRITE TO US AT

49

Irish World Newspaper 934 North Circular Road, London, NW2 7JR Fax us on 020 8208 1103 or email us at: editorial@theirishworld.com

STILL WAITING FOR A NEW BEGINNING WHEN the British government agreed to the planned transfer of powers for policing and justice from Westminster to locally-elected political institutions, they did a little 'housekeeping'.

Republicans would be part of those locally-elected institutions – so the British government ensured that responsibility for intelligence gathering was removed from the PSNI and transferred to its security service MI5.

For the first time, this unaccountable British security service now has the lead role in 'national security' intelligence gathering in the North, without having to adhere to the safeguards recommended in the 1999 Patten Report on policing.

Transferring policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly will see the PSNI and MI5 operating as 'distinct and entirely separate bodies' – so the PSNI set up a new unit to work directly with MI5.

The Crime Liaison Intelligence

Office is now responsible for ensuring that secret information and intelligence flows smoothly between the PSNI and MI5 under new 'national security' arrangements. More detailed service level agreements remain secret. .

The PSNI still retain plastic bullets and, with Sinn Féin now sitting on the board, have subsequently added the 50,000 volt TASER electro-shock gun to their weapons arsenal.

Add to all this the British Government's Terrorism Act 2006, under which the PSNI can detain a person for up to 28 days without charge, and it is clear that we are still waiting for the new beginning to policing and justice that was promised in the Good Friday Agreement – an internationallybinding agreement, the spirit of which the British government has clearly subverted.

Seán Mac Conmara, Troops Out Movement Birmingham

A COCK-EYED HISTORY? IF YOU are socialist, Irish and with nationalist inclinations you may have missed the May issue of the Socialist Standard. I am not urging you to go out and buy it, just make up your own mind.

On page 12 of this publication it describes the IRA as an array of workers fighting for the defined interests of their bosses. On page 13 there is a caption of "Greatness perceived and real" on a photograph of Lloyd George and Hitler.

The heading which leads this particular article is: "The 'Great' are only great because rulingclass historians tell us they are".

The undetected contradiction – laughable doesn't do it justice – sails smoothly by since the name of the party which publishes this rubbish is The Socialist Party of Great Britain. This is what you learn if you read page 2. Blindness does not begin to cover it.

In the interests of brevity I must end with something that demonstrates an appalling level of ignorance in a supposedly 'informed' periodical. It occurs in

the article on page 12. The author is keen to display his knowledge but links into the pathetic Irish need for bloodthirstiness. So he refers to probably Sean Casey's darkest title: "The Shadow of a Gunman".

Since, however, he wants to personalise and to accurately represent the horror of what he describes he gets the name wrong and writes: "The Shadow of the Gunman" so he can lash into the stupid and easily-led Irish. That particular paragraph has this (abbreviated) section:"... the gunman has been legal and illegal, protestant and catholic ..."

Unsurprisingly no mention of armed men from outside the island running rampant through the Six Counties. Should anyone wish to have a sick-making read, check it out. To save time, let me offer a quick summary: it's a case of cock-eyed history on a shoestring.

Kevin McCarthy, By email.

S SERVICE

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

MALBAY

Irish removals

HOUSEHOLD REMOVALS STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION

Local or long distance single items • Weekly service to and from Northern & Southern Ireland • Packing material supplied • Fully insured • Home Delivery Service • Commercial Enquiries Welcome • Packing Service provided

WASTE DISPOSAL LTD

5 Staffa Road, Leyton, London E10 7PY • SKIP HIRE • WAIT AND LOAD SERVICE • ROLONOFF CONTAINERS • WHEELY BIN SERVICE • GRAB LOADERS

The Irish World

www.theirishworld.com

www.irishremoval.com enquiries@irishremoval.com In removal business 25 years Tel 020 8361 7493 020 8361 7262 Fax 020 8368 9590 184-186 Oakleigh Rd, North London London N20 0UA

Tel:

Ireland

020 8599 2030 020 8988 2900 Fax: 020 8988 2911 Mob: 07860 595794 Email: john@malbay.co.uk

23 May, 2009

A M THOMPSON MAN & VAN

R EF ER ENC E S AVAIL A B L E NO J O B TOO S MAL L

Call our sales team for a quote on 020 8453 7811 or 020 8453 7806

HOLIDAYS

PERSONAL

MUSIC

IR ISH LA DY 50 S living in Herts. Likes dancing, country music and travel.

Non smoker, social drinker.

WLTM similar male for friendship. Box 1379

H E N RY H E N N E S S Y

AUTOCARE GNP AUTOCARE OF ACTON.

3 S T RI N GS TO M Y B O W The totally original Irish & Country Super Roadshow.

Available for all occasions.

Tel 07964308777

Servicing- Repairs- TuningAccident Repairs End of vehicle life facilities available also breakdown Recovery Service 41 Birkbeck Road, Acton London W3 6BQ Tel: 020 8992 5031or call Steve 07989 504290 for recovery service

live music for pubs, clubs, tea dances, first communion, christenings, funerals, wedding package “Live plus Disco” Tel 07939189551 or 07727494321

LOV E T RA IL RIDIN G HOLIDAYS

in the West of Ireland. Great fun and Craic!

Contact Willie Daly, Ennistymion, Co Clare.

Tel 00353 65 70 71385 or 00353 87 671 2155 Email:williedaly@yahoo.ie

FIN A NC IA L

Irish Independent Financial Adviser Qualified and regulated by the FSA to advise on Investments, Pensions, Protection & Mortgages

Call Susan Crowdy 01684 574138 07771 905633

susan.crowdy@ lighthousetemple.co.uk

KILBURN-BASED CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS. First meeting free.

Most services including new construction industry scheme.

Richard Goldman & Co. Email: richardgoldman@mailbox.co.uk

Tel 020 7644 0478

IR ISH A CCOUNTAN T. Accounts, taxation, VAT, bookkeeping, payroll.

From Sole Trader to Limited Companies. Friendly personal service. Free visits.

5 mins from the M25. M ay f i e l d A s s oc i a t e s Tel: 01883 730314 mob: 07766 953705 (7 days) Email: pgobrien2000@yahoo.co.uk info@mayfieldasssociates.net

KEVIN CLANCY INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISOR CALL 0208 908 0590 or 07956363447

CIS, PAYE REFUNDS Cash in 48 hrs possible Fines, lost 6 yrs sorted,

08004580976 or 07745937872

Accountancy, book keeping sage, tax, VAT done efficently

Country & Irish Roadshow, Londons finest.

A good night guaranteed.

Available for pubs, clubs, parties, weddings etc.

Tel: 07939 009346

ENTERTAINMENT

www.adventremovals.com email: info@adventremovals.com

f er co l @ fs m a i l . n e t

Visit our website www.theirishworld.com

Place Your Ad in 4 Simple Steps

FREE ESTIMATES

VISUALISE YOUR ADVERT HERE

Tel 020 8801 3331 or 07813 800660

0 20 82 05 86 40 M ob 07 90 5 5 59 951

FULL OR PART LOADS. ALL RISKS INSURANCE OPTION

info@amcremovals.ie 10% OFF MOVE CHARGE WITH THIS COUPON

Full/Part loads To/From Ireland Free Estimates/advice Fully insured Packaging supplied Professional service Single items House Clearances

JOHN’S MAINTENANCE

Fully Licensed and EU Certified

www.amcremovals.ie

IRELAND & GT BRITAIN NATIONWIDE

CO U R I E R , L I G H T H A U L A G E A ND S MA L L RE MOVA L S w ww. a ndy tho m pso n. c o.u k T EL : 0 781 2 985 060

Weekly UK to all parts of Ireland

Tel: 00 353 45 874498 Mob UK: UK 0800 011 2549

ADVENT REMOVALS

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT ORDER FORM LINEAGE ONLY ■ Minimum cost per insertion for 20 words - £16.10 including VAT ■ Additional words - 70p each ■ All classified adverts must be paid for prior to insertion ■ Box number £2.50 ■ All adverts must reach us no later than 12 noon friday to be included in the following week’s issue

FOR DISPLAY (BOXED) ADVERTS RING

020 8453 7811 OR 020 8453 7806 ■ Minimum size available - 5cm x 1 column (4 cm) ■ All classified display charged at £10 SCC (Plus VAT)

1 Fill out the information below THIS WILL NOT APPEAR IN YOUR AD. NAME:

ADDRESS:

POSTCODE: TEL:

FAX:

EMAIL:

2 Choose your classification ❏ Accommodation ❏ Car hire ❏ Employment ❏ Financial ❏ For sale ❏ Health

❏ Holiday accommodation ❏ Music/Disco ❏ Personal ❏ Property (for sale/to let) ❏ Religious ❏ Bricklayers

3 Write your ad

❏ Carpenters & joiners ❏ Gardening ❏ Painters & decorators ❏ Plastering ❏ Plumbing ❏ Removals

❏ Roofing services ❏ Skip hire ❏ Loft conversions ❏ Others (Please specify)

Don’t forget to include contact information such as phone number, e-mail and Web site.

(Each counts as one word). Do not abbreviate.

BOX NUMBERS

To reply to a Box No. Please send your letter marked with Box No To: The Irish World 934 North Circular Rd London NW2 7JR Your reply will then be sent confidentially to the advertiser.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT EXCHANGE PAOLU S OPR AN O A C COR DION key BC available a s ex cha nge for similar in key C sharp and D. Tel 07941 290721

GREEN VALLEY VIDEO

4 Select your method of payment ❏ Cheque Enclosed

❏ Visa

❏ MasterCard

❏ Postal Order

(Please specify)

❏ Other PLEASE PUT MY AD IN THE IRISH WORLD CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECTION ❏ Once ❏ Twice ❏ Four times ❏ Until further notice

Number of Words: Number of Insertions: Box Number Required: ❏ NO

❏ YES ( If YES please add £2.50)

TOTAL COST: £ I enclose cash/pos/cheque (made payable to THE IRISH WORLD) for £ OR Please debit my CREDIT/DEBIT CARD for £

AUTOCARE GNP AUTOCARE OF ACTON. Servicing- Repairs- TuningAccident Repairs End of vehicle life facilities available also breakdown Recovery Service 41 Birkbeck Road, Acton London W3 6BQ Tel: 020 8992 5031or call Steve 07989 504290 for recovery service

W E D D I N G S, CH R I ST E N I N G S, Special Occasions etc.

All Recordings done on DV edited out to DVD & VHS tapes.

Also old videos transferred to DVD. ========

Distance no object Ring Tom on 01923 245108 • mob 07850 106471 email: greenvalleyvideo@btopenworld.com

www.greenvalleyvideo.com

Card No:

Last 3 digits from reverse of card:

Expiry Date:

(mth)

(yr) Name on Card:

Signature: Cardholder’s Address (if different from above):

Please send compleated form to: THE IRISH WORLD 934 North Circular Road, London NW2 7JR Tel: 020 8453 7800 Fax: 020 8208 1103 sales@theirishworld.com

✂

50

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID. SEND CHEQUE, POSTAL ORDER OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION WITH THIS FORM. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH

www.theirishworld.com

The Irish World 23 May, 2009

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 51

RECRUITMENT EXPERIENCED IRISH LADY SEEKS WORK

D u e t o E x p a n si o n L arg e i nd ep en de nt L on do n I r i s h P ub C o

assisting with house cleaning duties, home help, mother’s help, office cleaning etc. Also available for house sitting to cover holidays & evening/overnight respite care etc. Available 4 mornings Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri & evenings by arrangement.

London NW2 & surrounding areas.

Reliable & honest person. Excellent references available.

REQUIRES MANAGERS

Due to continued expansion the IRISH WORLD is looking for regional PHOTOGRAPHERS and STRINGERS. If this is something THE NEWS EDITOR: that would interest The Irish World, 934 North you, please contact. Circular Road, London, NW2 7JR Alternatively for an informal chat about the post call

0208 453 7800

Property MS DOUBLE ROO R FO FROM £120

2 SHARING

AVAILAB LE

NOW !

CLEAN ACCOMODATION • NO DSS N W LONDON .2 WEEKS DEPOSIT

PHONE 07745 703539 4 BEDROOM HOUSE

PROPERY EXCHANGE ENNIS ROAD, LIMERICK available for sale or exchange for one bedroom flat in Central London.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT MARINA ON:

07815 467036 FOR SALE O L D C R E A M E RY

3 Acres, Barn, Large pond, Polytunnel, Chalet, In River Valley 6 miles Bantry, Co Cork.

All Services. Suit small Business, Studio. www.youbuyfromme.ie £175k +353 2752674

For within the M25 & Home Counties Proven Operators Needed Must Hold A Personal License A hands on approach with Entertainment & Food are a distinctive advantage An attractive package is offered to the successful candidates. The positions are Live In. FOR IMMEDIATE INTERVIEW & START PLEASE CALL 07967 963 797 And or send your CV to

Email: londonirishpubgroup@mail.com Fax: 0800 0141 699

Paying for your ad is easy... when you use one of the following methods

CHEQUE

H A NW E L L Room to let £500 per month Hanwell, 5mins to central line all bills included, No DSS, I month deposit CR I C KL E WO O D Large room for 2/3 person close to Kilburn station £120 per week call 07745 703539 D AG E N H AM Room to let in Dagenham all facilities including Internet £65 per week Tel Tom on 07971631262 N E A SD E N /B L AC K B I R D H I L L STUDIO FLAT £170 p/w.

Close to transport Available now. Separate kitchen and bathroom 2 weeks Deposit, Tel: 07745 703539 N E A SD E N /B L AC K B I R D H I L L Rooms to let (£90/130) to let in Neasden area. Shared clean accommodation. Available now. No DSS. 2 weeks deposit. Tel: 07745 703539 N E A SD E N Double room £120 for 2 to let Shared clean Accommodation.

Available now. No DSS. 2 weeks deposit.

Tel: 07745 703539 L I V E R P O O L S TR E E T Nice room to let suit single person near Liverpool Street Station, could suit student £55 per week Phone 02085198795

TURN YOUR SPARE ROOM INTO CASH

The Irish World is offering our readers the chance to advertise Rooms to let - in the classifieds section free of charge. You can tell our thousands of other readers: ● About a room or property you have available for rent ● Alternatively, that you are looking for accommodation to rent in a specific area

Please note that there is a 16 word limit on all adverts to accommodate as many of our readers as we can. Simply fill out the form below and send it to The Irish World Classifieds Section, 934 North Circular Road, London NW2 7JR Alternatively you can email your adverts to olive@theirishworld.com. You must still provide the information in the form below (16 word advert, contact details etc) WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED ADVERT IN THE BOXES BELOW, ONE WORD PER BOX:

✂

Te l 020 845 0 58 76

(Singles & Couples)

NAME:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE NUMBER: Classified adverts must be in by WEDNESDAY, for the following week’s newspaper.

52

The Irish World

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

23 May, 2009

A N N I V E R S A R I E S & FA M I LY N O T I C E S FI R ST A NNI V E R S A R Y

F I R S T A N N I V E R SA R Y

HE L E N K E A N E

N A U G H TON

TENTH ANNIVERSARY McCORMACK

ANNIVERSARY CLANCY

Remember your loved ones with an

ANNIVERSARY NOTICE

F I R ST A N N I V E R SA R Y

HAY ES

To place an Anniversary or other Family Notice please telephone

020 8453 7811/00.

Fax 020 8208 1106 email sales@theirishworld.com olive@theirishworld.com

In loving memory of Helen, who died 23rd May 2008

“We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain we speak your name with love and pride And smile through tears we try to hide You always had a smile to share Time to give and time to care Someone to talk to, kind and true One in a million, that was you So rest in peace dear loved one For you are always in our thoughts no matter what we do” Sadly missed by your husband Michael, sons Colin, Michael, Declan, daughters Nicola, Jacinta, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren and all the Mallon and Keane families.

Anniversary mass in Botwell Church, Hayes on Saturday 23rd May at 6.30pm

GR ATEFUL T HA NK S TO THE BLESS ED V I R GI N M A RY

In Loving memory of my beloved husband and our dear father Gerry Naughton, late of Kingsbury NW9 and formerly of Crossmolina Co. Mayo. Who passed away on 29 May 2008

“If only I could see you, just for a little while, to tell you how much I love you and once more to see you smile.

I would put my arms around you and kiss your smiling face, and then this broken heart of mine would fall back into place.

We never knew that morning the sorrow that the day would bring, when a loving heart stopped beating and we could not do a thing.

Your parting was so sudden we often wonder why, but the saddest part of all was you never said goodbye.”

Always in the thoughts of your wife Barbara, son Michael, daughters Caroline and Anne and grandchildren.

Anniversary mass will be held at the church of the English Martyrs , corner of Chalkhill Road, Blackbird Hill, London NW9 On Saturday 30 May at 6pm

M a y he R es t in P ea c e.

Barry & Murray

for favours received. Publication promised. O Mary conceived without sin, pay for us who have recourse to Thee. A n o n.

www.theirishworld.com

Funeral Directors & Monumental Masons

In loving memory of Eddie, late of Winchmore Hill, London and formerly of Red Barns Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, who died on 20th May, 1999.

“Someone still misses you Someone still cares Someone still whispers Your name in their prayers; Some may forget you Now you are gone, But we will remember No matter how long.”

Always remembered by your loving wife Sheila and daughter Catherine.

R.I.P.

THANKSGIVING M A N Y T HA N K S to the blessed virgin for prayer answered. M .B

Remembering PERSONALISED MEMORIAM

CARDS, BOOKMARKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, NOTELETS ALL STYLES

Samples / Information KENNEDY PRINTERS BANTRY, CO. CORK, IRELAND Tel. 00 353 27 50102

In loving memory of William Clancy formerly of Dublin, who died on 18th May 1988, aged 71 years.

“There is no night without a dawning No Winter without a Spring And beyond death's dark horizon Our hearts once more will sing For those who leave us for a while Have only gone away Out of a restless careworn world Into a Brighter Day.”

Fondly remembered by his sons Kevin, Peter, Brian & MIchael, daughters Margaret & Patsy, daughters in law, sons in law and grandchildren.

May he Rest In Peace.

✞

www.kennedyprinters.ie

We will be happy to help with wording.

Official Deadline is noon on Friday before publlcation but in emergency 3pm on Monday.

Est. over 30 years

•Memorial Cards •Bookmarks •Acknowledgment cards Fast, friendly efficient personal service.

Call for a brochure

020 8444 9721 0845 260 9721 (local rate) or visit our website

www. memorialcards. co.uk

MEMORIAM CARDS FOND MEMORIES Top quality gold bordered laminated memoriam acknowledgement cards.

Call for free colour brochure 020 8302 9743 email:

sharon.rooney@btinternet.com

email: info@kennedyprinters.ie

PROVIDENCE CONVENT PRAYER LINE

Friendly, personal and caring service from our long-established local company. Repatriation to all parts of Ireland

020 8447 8982

Lines are open on Tuesday and Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm

• 24 Hour attendance • • Home Visits by request • Pre-paid arrangement plans available Members of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors

■ FULHA M 317, Lillie Rd, SW6 7UZ. 020 7381 4549 ■ GREENF ORD 488, Lady Margaret Rd, Greenford. UB1 2NP. 020 8575 0020

HA N W ELL 3, Greenford Avenue, Hanwell. W7 1LD. ■H 020 8840 8991

At all other times requests can be left for prayers on the answer phone and they will be prayed for daily in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

In loving memory of Joe Hayes late of Finsbury Park, London and formerly of Doonbeg Co. Clare originally from Lissycasey, Co. Clare who died on 22nd April 2008.

Don’t grieve for me now I’m free I’m following the path God laid for me I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all; I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at close of day.

If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow My life has been full I savoured much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your hearts and share with me God wanted me now He set me free.

Always loved and remembered by his family and friends.

Memorial Mass on Saturday 23rd May at 6.30pm at St Mellitus Church, Tollington Park, London N4.

✟ M a y h e r es t i n P ea c e

THE WORLD IS YOUR WORLD THE VOICE OF THE IRISH COMMUNITY IN BRITAIN

✄

DEAR NEWSAGENT PLEASE RESERVE ME A COPY OF THE IRISH WORLD

Y ONL

0p 2 .

1 Order your copy from your £

www.theirishworld.com

newsagent TODAY THE IRISH WORLD - OF THE COMMUNITY AND FOR THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

NAME: ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ STARTING FROM:_______________________________

The Irish World

www.theirishworld.com

23 May, 2009

SPORT

53

CLUB NOTICE BOARD HARLESDEN HARPS MINORS Harlesden Harps took part in their second U10 blitz hosted by Round Towers on Saturday. The Harps sent two U10 and one U8 team to take part and played a total of six games during the day. Seamus Fox managed one U10 team and played three games, in their 1st game they lost narrowly to Round Towers.

They won their second game quite easily against St Kiernans and drew their last game with TCG. The players involved were as follows; James Lynch, Connie Lynch, Roisin Lynch, Aaron Rusk, Colm Christain, Sean O Brien, Lucy O Brien, and Alkomber,. The other U10 team managed by Tony O Halloran played two games losing one to Round Towers and beating St Kiernans in a very close game.

The players involved were Zack Moran, John Gleeson, Jack Coughlan, Roisin McCloskey, Katherine O Brien, Fionan Gallen, Seamus Curry and Paul Brady. An U8 match was played between St Kiernans and Harlesden with st Kiernans winning. The players involved were Lucy O Brien, Fionan Gallen, Seamus Curry, Paul Brady. Training continues this Sat at the Shamrock club, Horn Lane, Acton from 12 until two, any boys and girls interested please contact Tony O Halloran on 07977 935135 KINGDOM KERRY GAELS Training takes place every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm at the first class facilities of Hendon Rugby Club (part of Barnet Copthall), Greenlands Lane NW 4 1RL. New players always welcome. Nearest tube Hendon Central (15 mins) but lifts available from the tube or directly with players or management over much of Harrow, Brent and Barnet. Please contact Muiris O’Mahony (Chairman) 07957 362849 or Tom Roche (Secretary) 07866 835282.

MICHAEL CUSACKS GAA, WEST LONDON Training for London's newest Hurling Club; every Wednesday evening: 7pm Shamrock Leisure Centre, 307a Horn Lane, London W3 0BP www.michaelcusacks.co.uk Call Manager Denis Costello: 07980 846153 MOINDEARG Training takes place every Wednesday at Willesden sports centre at 7:30pm sharp.

Any Player wishes to join our club please contact Mattie on: 07747 894217 / 07713 793258 or Contac Mick Gannon: 07956 214672, or Peadar Boyle: 07704 552576 or Mick Mc Manus:07966 632870.

PARNELLS MINORS Parnell's U14 team met the Round Towers in the Quarter finals of the championship.

Both teams gave their all in a very sporting and competitive match. Parnell's eventually gained the upper hand winning 6-6 to 2-8. However, the score line doe not reflect the pressure that The Round Towers put the Parnell's under.

This level of competition made for an exciting and challenging game for all. A special mention should be given to Chris Weller whose goal keeping skills were tested to the maximum and Charlie Furlong who gave his all to midfield and assisted greatly in this Parnell Victory.

Training continues this week at Northwick Park playing fields (Off The Fairway) U8 & U10: Wed 6.45- 7.45pm U10 & U12: Tues 6.30-7.45pm U14: Tuesday 6.30 -8.00pm U16: Tuesday 6.30 -8.00pm U18: Thursday 6.30- 8.00pm ROUND TOWERS MINORS The U10 Blitz held at Poulter Park Mitcham last Saturday was a great success. The weather was kind to us and the threatening rain did not visit. Our invited and very welcome visitors, however, hailed from St Kiernans, Tir Chonaill Gaels and Harlesden Harps who travelled over to Mitcham to participate in a fun afternoon. All the clubs came armed with at least two eager and competent teams each. It made for a very competitive afternoon where all the boys and girls relished a bit of competition and the chance to

ST PAUL’S ACADEMY

St Paul’s Academy head to Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, this week on Tour - the home place of Director of Sport and Assistant Principal, Niall McCann.

Michael Donnelly, Director of show their polished skills.

Many thanks to Dave Clarke, who as always does a sterling job, along with his helpers - not forgetting Maggie Dulley who, time and again, is keen to lend a hand. The Blitz could not take place without all the managers of the visiting teams giving up their time along with the many dedicated parents, without whom these events simply could not take place.

Collectively, you will keep Gaelic football alive and well and pass it on to another generation and for that you should be very proud of your endeavours.

We are hoping that we may feature this forthcoming Saturday on BBC Breakfast in Mike Bushell’s weekly out and about slot. All panel members will be sent a text later in the week with confirmation if it is going out this weekend.

We are now starting to seriously look ahead to our annual Race Night so do keep 26th June free please. ROUND TOWERS NEEDS YOU! Any sponsors or donations for the raffle will be gratefully received. Further details in the forthcoming weeks.

We welcome any boys or girls who wish to join The Towers and start training with us. All ages from 7-16 are most welcome.

Any new enquiries please call either Michael Maher 07886 471626 or Declan Egan 07742 804405.

ST JOSEPHS For details on all fixtures and results, log on to the London GAA website www.londongaa.co.uk - Best of luck to our club player Kieron McBreen and the London panel v Galway in the Connaught Championship this weekend in Ruislip.

New players arriving in London: The Team continues training on Wednesday’s @ 7.30pm sharp.

New players are very welcome to join our club, we are based in West London, close to Ealing, Acton, Northolt, Greenford, Perivale, Harrow, Hanwell & Hayes, we can arrange for transport to and from our training ground & pick up from stations if required.

For further information about the club please contact Joe on 07743 698279, Damien on 07789 726001 or Declan on

Gaelic Football, and Head Teacher, Patrick Winston, whose family hails from County Roscommon, will also be travelling with the party, along with tour organisers Anne McLoone and 07736 009080 - Visit our website www.stjoesgaa.com You can also keep up with the Club on both face-book & Bebo or email stjosephsgaaclublondon@hotmail.co.uk.

TARA CAMOGIE CLUB Training continues for Junior and Senior players every Monday and Wednesday at Tir Chonail Gaels grounds at 7.30pm sharp. All welcome. Next match, Senior Championship, Saturday 30th May 2009 in TCG Greenford at 12.30pm against Fr Murphys. Good luck to all Junior players participating in a friendly against Oxford this Saturday 23rd May.

TARA GFC Senior Training: Training for the Men’s senior and reserve teams this week will be Monday and Wednesday 7.30pm in Greenford.

Anyone unabale to attend or requiring directions please ring Joe Harte on 07958 306195.

Fixtures/Results: Last week both the seniors and reserves lost. The seniors went down 1-11 to 0-10 to Fulham Irish whilst the reserves lost 308 to 0-08 against Thomas McCurtains.

There are no fixtures for this bank holiday weekend and Tara GFC wish London the best of luck against Galway in the Connacht championship.

Ladies News: The Tara Junior team showed a fantastic display of team work ethic to defeat Clonbony 2-9 to 0-3 on Sunday. In very windy conditions, the games was very much a story of two halves. Clonbony did all their the scoring in the first half, however the very strong Tara defense, lead by Sarah McLaughlin, contained them to just three points. In the second half, the forwards stepped up the pace and used the wind to their advantage to pile on 2-9 whilst the defence kept Clonbony scoreless.

A big congratulations to Rebecca Schmidt on an outstanding debut in defence and the Tracey sisters Gemma and Hannah along with match day captain Marie Scanlon on some great scoring. All players should be proud of their performance and this shows that Tara Junior will be a

Pupils from St Robert Southwell School, Kingsbury, who took part in the recent schools Blitz at Ruislip as part of the GAA’s 125 year Anniversary celebrations

Tom Denning.

The party stay in Irvinestown and be accommodated by local families that are closely associated with the GAA in the area.

St Paul’s will play their first game force to be reckoned with this year.

Up and coming Tara Ladies matches: Snr Champ v Parnells – Sun 31st May 11.00am, Greenford. Tom O’Connor Junior Cup v Fulham Irish – Sun 31st 12.30pm, Greenford. 6th-7th June Weekend in Manchester – Snr Champ v John Mitchells & Prov Jnr Champ v Oisins.

Tara Ladies would also like to express condolences to Caroline Murphy on the sad passing of her father John Murphy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

Minor Training: Has commenced for all the age groups Thursday for the Under 16’s and the Friday for 4–14 year olds so we hope to see all their whether it be a Thursday or a Friday.

If you have any queries regarding training please contact the relevant underage manager. Under 8 - Alison Gartlan (07950 255962), Under 10 - Brenda Harte (07515 366942), Under 12 – Grainne O’Sullivan (07748 651798), Under 14 – Peter Gartlan (07958 679613), Under 16/18, James O’Sullivan (07730 985022), Girls 8 and upwards Louise Money (07720 290169).

Minor Results/Fixtures: The Under 10’s traveled to Goodmayes on Saturday to participate in the Thomas McCurtain’s Blitz which seen the Tara’s fielding two teams on the day which was a well run event. The Tara players succeeded in winning a few games each on day on the A and B pitches.

The Tara’s would like to wish the Under 14s good luck at the weekend in the Under 14s Semi Final Championship all players and supporters are urged to come along for the day out and support the club.

Minor Memberships: The forms need to be completed by all players along with the monies that need to be paid; you are able to find out more information every night out at training where there is a table outside the club house with all the details available.

Tara Minor GFC Gaelic Football Camp: The Tara's will be hosting a Gaelic Football Camp Over the Half-Term Week, Tuesday 26th to Friday 29th May. The Camp is open to all boys and girls aged 4 to 14 Years (Must be 4 Years Old) Camp Times: 10:00am to 3:00pm Venue: Harrow Rugby Club Warren Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4LF Camp Activities will include: SKILLS / DRILLS / FUNDAMENTALS / MINI-TOURNAMENTS / GO-GAMES Contact Details: Tara are actively seeking players for our Senior, Reserve, Underage and Ladies teams for 2009. Anyone interested in getting involved with Tara can email the club info@taragfc.co.uk, check out the website www.taragfc.co.uk, or ring one of the following: Men - Sean Faughran 07850 307058 or Andy Redican 07800 930388 Ladies – Gerarldine Leonard 07958 322943 Underage - Grainne O’Sullivan 07748 651798 THOMAS MCCURTAINS McCurtains 3-8 v Tara's B 0-7 Murphy Cup McCurtains continued on their winning streak with a good win over Tara's second string in a windy Greenford on Sunday. This was a very good performance considering the absence of some key players with a number of players tak-

on Friday 22nd May in Tyrone against Peter Canavan's Under 14 Holy Trinity Cookstown team, while the following day will see them visit County Donegal to play a fixture in Ardara.

On Sunday 24th May, they will be back in Irvinestown for 11:30am mass at St Molaises's Parish Church. After mass, the party will travel to see the Derry v Monaghan Senior Football Championship match at Celtic Park.

On Monday 25th May, they will be travelling to Newry, County Down for a fixture at Ballyholland Harps GFC, with the schools final game being played on Tuesday 26th May at Niall McCann’s local GAA club in Irvinestown.

It is a very exciting time at St Paul's Academy as in January 2010, the school will be moving to a new building which will boast a brand new GAA pitch and state of the art indoor facilities. With this in mind, we have a vision to become the first-ever 'Gaelic Football Academy'.

If this vision comes to fruition, St Paul’s will be able to make the Gaelic football tour an annual event, providing more of our students with the opportunity to play Gaelic football and assisting the GAA to develop the game on an international level. With the help of the GAA, this vision can, and will, be realised.

If anyone is interested to find out more, please contact Michael Donnelly, Director of Gaelic Football on 07749 120338. ing their chances to impress management.

Playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half McCurtains raced into a first half lead of 2-4 to 0-3, but the lead should have been greater as they hit numerous wides. As expected Tara's began the second half with an onslaught but were repelled by the McCurtains full back line.

Once the storm had been weathered McCurtains took control of the game with their short passing game and in the end ran out easy winners. Best for McCurtains were Martin Gergathy, Don McDonald, John Martin, Eoin McHugh and Cahir McHugh. The team would like to wish a speedy recovery to Gerard Marron who suffered a serious injury in training last week.

McCurtains 2-4 Robert Emmets 3-17 Hurling Senior League Despite the heavy defeat McCurtains will take a number of positives from Sundays result, this was a much improved performance form their previous defeat to Gabriels. Playing with the strong wind behind them in the first half they were able to holding the county champions to 1-3 apiece at half time. At the start of the second half it very briefly looked as if the unimaginable may be possible when McCurtains struck a goal to take a three point lead.

But the dream was soon over as Robert Emmetts began to move through the gears and ran out easy winners.

McCurtains will have been boosted by the return of a number of their experienced players and will be looking to improve as they get more training and games under their belt. Best of the day were Joe Mullins, Ray Maher, Enda Hackett and Neil Ryan.

Training continues on Tues and Thurs, any new players interested in joining should contact Finnian on 07966 806011

TIR CHONAILL GAELS McArdle Cup: The McArdle cup team are on course to make history after last Sunday’s impressive semi final win over Garryowen at Greenford.

In only their second season in competition the all English born men’s team are making great strides with their fourth straight victory with only the Round Towers standing in their way, and who are also are trying to make their mark in this junior competition.

Fielding a young but experienced team the Gaels always applied the pressure with some great displays from the evergreen Noel Burke at full back, Ben O’Mahony and Gavin McEvoy at midfield and up front Liam Mullan, Chris Maroney, Liam Gavaghan and Clive Mills all showed their quality.

Final Score TCG 4-13 Garryowen 3-7 The final is to be played in two weeks and the club ask all of its members to turn out in force for this important occasion.

Wedding Belles The club would like to wish senior star Paddy Callaghan best wishes as he ties the knot this weekend with Parnells ladies legend Sharon Lynch.

Over 40s: On Saturday London over 40s take on their Galway counterparts at Greenford in a friendly for the build up to the big match on Sunday.

Maurice Carr and Bernie Mc Memamin take charge of the team with many past

stars from yester year from both sides dusting off the boots for the exhibition!

Connaught Championship: Best of luck to all of the Gaels lads who represent London on Sunday against Galway in the Connaught championship at Ruislip.

Best Wishes of club Treasurer Dennis Boyle who celebrated a milestone birthday last week and ever since has been keeping a low profile.

TIR CHONAILL GAELS MINOR BOARD May Summer Camp: The May Summer Camp is almost upon us taking place from Tues 26th to Fri 29th May (inclusive) and running from 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. Registration is available from 9 a.m. each day with latest pick-up at 3.00 p.m. The Summer Camp presentation will take place at 2.30 p.m. on Friday 29th May, to which parents/carers are invited to attend. Application Forms are available to download on the TCG Website - www.tirchonaillgaels.com - or are available for collection during Fridays' training session at Greenford.

Registration: A reminder to any players that have yet to register - Registration continues on Friday nights from 7.30 p.m. onwards at the clubhouse. New Players are required to bring two passport sized photographs plus their original birth certificate.

Parents Meeting: Thank you to all those parents who attended the Parents Meeting on Friday night. A follow-up meeting will be arranged in due course.

U10: Well done to the Under 10's who took part in the Round Towers Blitz at Mitcham on Saturday. Many thanks to James McFadden for stepping in and taking the team on the day.

Our home TCG U10 blitz will be at 11.00 on Sunday, June 7th. We also hope to have an Under 8 section on the day.

Please let the coaches know if you would like to play.

There will be no training on Friday, May 29th (Half term and Summer Camp week).

U14: Well done to the U14 team, and Manager Phil Butler, on beating Thomas McCurtains on Saturday. The team now go through to the Shield Final which will be held in June.

U14 London Training - Wednesdays – Greenford: London U14 Training continues at Greenford on Wednesday with Girls Training commencing at 6.30 p.m. and Boys at 7.00 p.m.

TCG Girls: The TCG Girls will play a friendly match against the Tara Girls on Friday 22nd May, 7.30 p.m. at Greenford.

Latest news from the club can be found at www.tirchonaillgaels.com

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SOCCER SUPPORTERS CLUB (LONDON) Special Presentation - The Aviva Stadium The Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club (London) is pleased to announce that Project Director Adrian Mooney, together with co-ordinator Lisa Tyrell, will give a special presentation relating to the new home of Irish football, The Aviva Stadium, at the club meeting scheduled for 7.45pm in the Crown Moran Hotel on Friday 22 May 2009. The dual-track visual display will provide an illumination of what is set to be a truly innovative venue.

Guest attendees will be very welcome and will have the opportunity to discuss all aspects of the new arena with the presentation team.

LOTTO RESULTS

ROUND TOWERS Results for Week 5 - Jackpot £700 Numbers Drawn: 10, 13, 22 & 23 Result - No Winner Lucky Dip Winners: £25 Charlie Cuinnea £15 Frankie Roach (Feeleys) £10 Margaret (Gladstone) Next week Jackpot £750

TIR CHONAILL GAELS Results for 14/05/09 - Jackpot £1,900 Numbers Drawn: 1, 12, 20 & 22 - No Jackpot Winner £25 Lucky Dip Winners: Gloria, c/o The British Queen pub John Cunningham, Killybegs Owen McGlynn, c/o The British queen pub P. Docherty, c/o The British queen pub Next draw 21/05/09, Jackpot £1,950 Play online @ www.tirchonaillgaels.com ST JOSEPHS Results for 17/5/09 Numbers Drawn: 4, 5, 12 & 22 - No Jackpot Winner Lucky Dip Winners: £20 each Eileen Kelly – Hennessey’s, Greenford Josie Keenan - Greenford Kathy McFadden – Visitation, Greenford Des McDermot - Moindearg GFC Danny Lynch – Greenford Next Draw 31/5/09 - Venue Bar2be Greenford Jackpot - £1,250

ALL NOTICES MUST BE EMAILED BY NOON MONDAY TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PAPER EMAIL IWSPORT@THEIRISHWORLD.COM

Can Leinster tame Tigers?

RUGBY HEINEKEN CUP FINAL PREVIEW

BY DAMIAN DOLAN

eating Munster at in a far more exerting clash Croke Park will with London Irish, having count for nothing already overcome Bath in unless Leinster the semi-finals. Saturday now go on and lift will be the Tigers fourth the Heineken Cup, huge game in a row. according to winger Simon “You can look at it in Keogh. two ways; you can say Usually at this time of they’re getting practice in year, Leinster ’s players the big games or you can have long since dispersed say it’s difficult for them on their summer holidays, playing four big games in a but this Saturday will see row. But either way you Irish rugby’s perpetual look at it, the biggest tourunderachievers grace their nament in Europe is the first European Cup final.

Heineken Cup and you Having turned the want to be champions of tables on Munster at Croke Europe, so I’m sure they’ll Park, Leinster must now be massively focused on overcome the sizable obsta- the Heineken Cup,” said cle of Leicester at Keogh.

Murrayfield on Saturday “They do have a very with the Tigers looking to big squad and a lot of qualcomplete part two of the ity players; they have Lions double having seen off on the bench. They can London Irish last weekend rotate their team and it will at Twickenham to be be just as strong as the crowned Guinness week before, just different Premiership champions for personalities in there, so a second time. they can take each game as It was the Tigers fifth it comes.” s u c c e s s i v e Having left Premiership final Harlequins last sumand Saturday mer to rejoin Heineken Cup Final will be the fifth Leinster, Keogh time they have LEICESTER was an unused appeared in TIGERS V replacement in the Heineken LEINSTER the quarter-final Cup final, havwin over his old Saturday 23rd May Murrayfield ing won the side at the Stoop Kick-off 5pm tournament in and again against 2001 and 2002, while Munster at Croke ending as runners up in Park.

1997 and 2007 – a cup final “It was almost like a pedigree that Leinster can home game for me; I’d only dream of emulating. been there for five years “Now it’s all about and I lived just over the focusing on Leicester and back of the stand, so it was the challenge that comes frustrating but it was one with them. It was great to of those games that as a win but it counts for noth- sub you understand when ing unless we win in the they don’t make any final,” Keogh told The changes,” he said.

Irish World.

“I was obviously frus“All the talk afterwards trated with the Munster [beating Munster] was that game but at the same time we had done a job. We it was for the best. I was knew it was going to be dif- covering scrm half and ficult but we thought if we Chris Whitaker was going win this and then turn well so there was no need around and lose in the for any shake up. I can be final, no one will remem- frustrated as an individual ber that game against but I’m very happy that Munster.” we are in the final and “Experience is very there are opportunities important; it took Munster there now.” three attempts to win the Keogh would spend Heineken Cup and it’s very five eventful years at difficult to get that experi- Harlequins, a spell that ence unless you are in the would encompass relegafinal. You can almost tion, promotion and regard the Munster game European Challenge Cup as a final type situation - success in 2004, before that was a massive game returning last summer to that we overcame. the province where he Experience is massive but spent his early career it’s not everything.” before embarking for west In 2006 Munster beat London. A Heineken Cup Leinster on their way to winners medal on lifting the Heineken Cup Saturday for Keogh would in Cardiff and Leinster will make it all worth while. take any omen they can get “I’m Irish and I wanttheir hands on, as the chal- ed to play in Ireland; I lenge they face on Saturday wasn’t happy with my could hardly be greater. first stint at Leinster, I didBut the two sides arrive n’t make the impression I in Edinburgh on the back wanted to so I returned to of contrasting build ups. Ireland to correct what I While Leinster ’s Croke thought were wrongs in the Park heroes were afforded first place. It would be a a weekend off as they com- massive reward if at the pleted their domestic cam- end of it there was a paign against the Dragons, Heineken Cup winners Leicester were embroiled medal,” he said.

B

The Irish World

SPORT

23 May, 2009

RUGBY GUINNESSPREMIERSHIPFINAL

ALEAP

DAMIAN DOLAN AT TWICKENHAM

LEICESTERTIGERS.......................10 LONDONIRISH..................................9

CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE or Irish, the harsh realisation that their season is over - a season to which they contributed so much, but have ultimately ended empty handed. Head coach Toby Booth vowed that the Exiles, having tasted the Premiership’s showpiece final for the first time, will be back next season, but with Irish back in the Heineken Cup, returning to Twickenham in 12 months time will be a monumental ask.

“You have to take the limited opportunities you get and be clinical, but we didn’t do that enough” said Booth. “It’s the streetwise factor; if you want to beat Leicester and the top sides you have to be streetwise, and it was a point at the end of the day. The boys in the huddle at the end were saying ‘right, get used to it because we’re coming back here next year and we’re going to win it’ – that shows me a side with ambition.”

The harsh truth for London Irish to face is that they may never get a better chance to be crowned Guinness Premiership champions. Leicester were out of sorts while the Exiles, 33/1 shots at the start of the season, had their chances but simply couldn’t take them.

Irish needed a good start and they were given the perfect one when Sam Vesty’s clearance only found Peter Hewat and the Exiles full back sent a wobbly drop goal attempt between the uprights.

The Tigers would respond but their usual clinical edge was missing as errors allowed the Exiles to escape unscathed as Leicester dominated the opening ten minutes. Johne Murphy was enjoying a mixed start, and it was his slip which allowed Mike Catt’s kick to find touch and give Irish some breathing space.

Johne Murphy then sliced through Irish and found the dangerous New Zealander Scott Hamilton, only for crossing in midfield to again allow the Exiles to escape and keep their lead in tact.

But it wasn’t just with the ball in hand that the Exiles would spurn chances as Delon Armitage missed a penalty chance to extend the lead, while at the other end the Irish full backs early tackle on George Chuter allowed scrum half Julien Dupuy to level the scores.

But the Tigers were having their own problems in front of goal as Dupuy missed the chance to edge the Tigers ahead, while Johne Murphy, who had rolled his ankle in the warm up, was forced to admit defeat and leave the fray.

Irish had been unable to impose any of their usual pace in to their game, but that changed when Paul Hodgson’s quick tap penalty got the Exiles in behind the Tigers.

It would signal the beginning of a 15 minutes spell up to half time which would see the Exiles probe and test the Tigers defence.

Catt’s chip for Delon Armitage was cleaned up by Geordan Murphy but with the Tigers midfield offside Hewat had a shot at the uprights, only to see his effort come back off a post.

James Hudson, a try scoring hero for Irish in their semi final win over Harlequins, was sent screaming into Tigers 22 while Chris Hala’ufia was also making yards as Irish began to tick.

Great work at the breakdown by Steffon Armitage gave brother Delon

F

PICTURES: BRENDAN VAUGHAN

54

another crack at the posts, only for another chance to go a begging. Catt’s up and under was inexplicably allowed to bounce

by Leicester with Steffon Arimtage gobbling it up to set up an Irish siege on the Tigers line.

A succession of scrums would see Crane despatched to the bin but yield no points for Irish, as the Tigers raced down the tunnel as referee Wayne Barnes blew for half-time knowing that they had wriggled off the hook.

Delon Armitage landed a second half penalty to edge Irish back in front, but with Crane back on the field Leicester began to take control. It was the Tiger’s turn to inject some pace in to the game and a flat pass released Hamilton, as Steffon Armitage went for the intercept but missed, with the underrated Dan Hipkiss threatening to slalom his way over the line.

Irish needed a great tackle from Tom Homer to wrap up Hipkiss when the Tigers had men over, but the pressure was growing on the Exiles and it finally told when Ayoola Erinle shrugged off the tackles before Matt Smith jinxed inside and Crane stretched for the line. Crucially Dupuy added the extras and Irish trailed

■ Bob Casey secures clean lineout ball for Irish with a little help from Richard Skuse and James Hudson

by four.

Delon Armitage landed a fantastic penalty from half way to bring the Exiles within drop goal range, but Leicester were far too streetwise to again let Irish within range of their posts.

“To have the added responsibility to lead the team out was a huge honour and I was absolutely delighted,” said Leicester stand in captain Geordan Murphy, in the absence of Martin Corry. “We didn’t play as well as we could today and we’ll definitely have to improve next week - Leinster are a fantastic side with threats right across the board.”

Teams&Scorers:

LEICESTER TIGERS: Tries: Crane; Cons: Dupuy; Pens: Dupuy.

LONDON IRISH: Pens: D Armitage (2); Drop Goals: Hewat.

LEICESTER TIGERS: G Murphy, S Hamilton, A Erinle, D Hipkiss, J Murphy (M Smith 21min), S Vesty, J Dupuy, M Ayerza, G Chuter (B Kayser 57min), J White (D Cole 75min), T Croft, B Kay, C Newby, B Woods (L Moody 59min), J Crane. Sin Bin: Crane (40min) LONDON IRISH: P Hewat (E Seveali’I 63min), A Thompstone (T Homer 41min), D Armitage, S Mapusua, M Tagicakibau, M Catt, P Hodgson, C Dermody (G Johnson 72min), D Coetzee (J Buckland 72min), R Skuse (A Corbisiero 63min), J Hudson, B Casey, D Danaher (R Thorpe 41min), S Armitage, C Hala’Ufia.

■ Pe

The Irish World

www.theirishworld.com

23 May, 2009

TOOFAR ■ A dejected Bob Casey leads his London Irish team-mates off the Twickenham pitch

GREEN DAY

■ The Irish turned out in force to cheer on the Exiles, only for the Tigers to spoil the party

eter Hewat tries to escape the clutches of Ayoola Erinle

■ Geordan and Johne Murphy has plenty to smile about on the day

COLM MURRAY SPORT

55

IRELAND’S NO1 RACING PUNDIT

O’Brien weighs up his options

T

he international Classic bandwagon rolls on to the Curragh this weekend where the 2009 Boylesports Irish 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas will be the two big centrepiece events on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Ballydoyle-based trainer, Aidan O’Brien, has won the last eight classics staged in Ireland, but he could be up against it in a few days time as he’s being opposed in the market in both of the big events.

As far as we can judge at the moment, he plans to run Mastercraftsman, Grand Ducal, and Malibu Bay in the colts classic on Saturday, while just 24 hours later, the talented Heart Shaped will fly the flag for him in the fillies equivalent.

According to the sponsors, the 2,000 Guineas market is being headed by the Brian Meehan-trained Delegator, who ran a blinder in the English 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket when he finished second to John Oxx’s colt, Sea The Stars.

Brian Meehan is said to be very pleased about the manner in which his horse has come out of that Newmarket test, and it looks almost certain now that he’ll take his place in the Curragh line-up. Mastercraftsman finished fifth behind him in that event, and, according to the sponsors, he has been introduced into their betting list at odds of 9/2, which puts him second-favourite behind Delegator, who's on offer at 9/4.

After that Intense Focus gets a quote of 7’s, while both Recharge and Soul City are 16/1 shots. Richard Hannon is looking forward to bringing Soul City back to the Curragh for the Guineas, and given that he showed a real liking for the track last year, he could be a real good value each-way option at a decent price. At this stage of the build-up to the big race, that is the way I find myself leaning!

Jim Bolger supplies the favourite for the 1,000 Guineas in the shape of the talented filly Cuis Ghaire following her very good run at Newmarket just over two weeks ago. She gets a quote of 7/4 which puts her in pole position in the betting ahead of Heart Shaped, who’s on offer at 3/1 with Again next in line in the betting at 11/2.

Mick Channon supplies the leading British contender in the shape of Lahaleeb, who proved a disappointment at Newmarket when the ground was said to be totally against her. According to stable connections, she

was rolling all over the place in the course of the race, but that the one-mile test had not taken much out of her.

They’re very happy with her now, and feel that she travels over to the Curragh with every chance. Another possibility for the 1,000 Guineas line-up could very well be John Oxx’s Baliyana, who proved a surprise winner of the 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown last Sunday week. She could very well be supplemented, but she would require good ground.

Given the rain that we’ve had here in Ireland for the past few days, and checking out the forecast for the remainder of the week, it's unlikely that she'll get the sort of ground she really likes. From a punting point of view it's going to be difficult to back the winner of this one.

Cuis Ghaire is definitely the one they've all got to beat, but with conditions likely to be quite testing on the day, it might pay to look for a bit of decent each-way value further down the line.

Also down for decision at the Curragh on Sunday will be the Tattersalls Gold Cup, a race that has seen some really top-class horses appear at the course en route to greater glory later on in the season.

This race will be eagerly looked forward to this time round as it will see the seasonal re-appearance of Jim Bolger’s now four-year-old filly, Lush Lashes, who won three Group 1 races last year.

She has not been seen out for five months now, since she finished down the field in Hong Kong in December.

If she has come through her break very well, and is able to return to the very top of her form at the first time of asking, she should give a very good account of herself.

The race is likely to attract, as is customary, a strong challenge from across the Irish Sea, with Sir Michael Stoute likely to dispatch Tartan Bearer across the water in quest of big-race spoils.

Fans of this fellow will have been greatly heartened by the manner in which the 2009 Epsom Derby runnerup made a good return to the track this season when he impressed many observers by capturing the Gordon Richards Stakes in emphatic fashion.

As far as Ballydoyle is concerned, it would appear right now that the one they'll be relying on is Thewayyouare, but this fellow could really be up against it in what's likely to be a very hot renewal of the great Curragh race!

IRISH WORLD SPORT THE BEST FOR IRISH SPORT SPORT HE’S ONE IN A (HALF) MILLION LONDON V GALWAY

THE IRISH WORLD

PREVIEW

23 MAY 2009

hile Brendan Bolger admits that Ulster Championship opponents Fermanagh will be something of an unknown quantity, the London coach has no problem with the Exiles being labelled as favourites.

London’s National League winning exploits have increased expectations in the capital, and especially around Ruislip, that the Exiles can take their title winning Division 3B form into the Ulster Championship and at least match last years semi-final appearance.

Bolger is aware, however, that the Exiles need to rediscover their focus after coming down from the high of edging out Roscommon to lift silverware and make it seven straight wins in 2009, or risk a potential banana skin at Ruislip on Saturday.

“We’re not going to take Fermanagh for granted; we’ll be expected to win but we’ve had a bit of a break so we need to be mentally right for this game,” Bolger told The Irish World.

“There is no game where someone is 100 per cent sure to win; if we don’t go out and hurl then Fermanagh could beat us, and that would be the end of our championship campaign which be a huge setback after Ulster GAA Hurling would the progress we have made.”

Senior Championship: London should have too much for Fermanagh, who Round 2 secured a trip to Ruislip by edging out Cavan 0-13 to 1-9 at Brewster Park, having failed to make it beyond the Saturday 23rd May first round stage of last years Ruislip Ulster Championship, losing to Tyrone.

Throw in: TBC And while the Exiles were embarking on a run in Division 3B that would eventually see them lift the league title, the Ernesiders finished fourth in Division 4 with only wins over Sligo and Cavan to their name. Despite all that, however, Bolger will be taking nothing for granted.

“They are very much an unknown quantity; I know they’ve been hurling a division lower than us and with the greatest of respect to the weaker counties they won’t have the natural hurling ability of some of our players,” said Bolger who can call upon players from hurling strongholds such as Kilkenny, Cork, Tipperary, Clare and Galway.

“But I’m sure that whatever they may be lacking in experience they’ll make up for in tenacity and effort. Success is 1 per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration. I fancy we will beat them, but I’ve fancied us to beat every team

W

PAGES 28-32

GAA ULSTER SHC ROUND 2

BY DAMIAN DOLAN

I London coach

Brendan Bolger is in confident mood ahead of the Exiles Ulster Championship clash with Fermanagh

LONDON V FERMANAGH

MIND GAMES 8 EIGHT PAGE

we’ve met this year, if we go out and hurl properly. If we don’t take them seriously, or think that we only have to turn up, there is always a banana skin around the corner, just look at Munster in the rugby,” said Bolger.

As well as ensuring that the Exiles have their heads switched on for Saturday’s championship clash, Bolger has a few selection issues to resolve. Brian McCormack and Sean McLoughlin have returned to Ireland having played their last games for London in the win over Roscommon, while John McCarthy broke his foot in training and Fergus McMahon is a doubt having picked up an ankle injury playing for London’s footballers against Wexford.

When the Exiles run out at Ruislip on Saturday it will be three weeks since their league triumph. A challenge match against Robert Emmetts shook away a few of the cobwebs and Bolger is confident that some fine tuning is all that is needed to get London back in the groove.

“We sat down afterwards [the Robert Emmetts match] and we had a talk; we had to get refocused again and I think after that talk the guys were much more focused and much more positive about what is ahead of us,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of getting the touch right and getting the head right. Our shooting was a little bit wayward at times against Roscommon; we need to make sure we put away a higher percentage of our opportunities.

Physically we’re in good condition.”

Should London see off Fermanagh then a quarter-final with Derry awaits at Casement Park, with Bolger using that to ensure his players have their game heads on come Saturday.

“Casement Park is one of the finest hurling fields in the whole of Ireland and that’s where you want to be hurling. Derry have hurled at a higher grade than us and were very unlucky not to beat Down in the Christy Ring,” he said.

“Derry will be favourites going in to play us, but it’s a scalp we could take and it’s a scalp we are looking to take. We’ll not be going over there to fulfil a fixture and hopefully we’ll do alright, we’ll be going with the intention of beating Derry. That’s our plan; we’re going to beat Fermanagh and then we’re going to set our sights on Derry.”

IRELANDS’ newest golfing hero, Shane Lowry, will now have to decide whether to turn professional after sinking a six-foot putt to win the Irish Open and become just the third amateur to win a European Tour event.

Lowry, 22, beat Robert Rock at the third play-off hole at the Irish

Open at Baltray last Sunday evening, having earlier spurned the chance to win in regulation play when he missed a four-foot putt on 18.

“Rory (McIlroy) was at the back of the green and he said a few words to me as I left the 18th green,” said Lowry. “He just told

PAGE PULLOUT OF THE BEST IN IRISH SPORT!

t may have been defeat by the narrowest of margins but that was small consolation for London Irish as their season ended in tears while the fireworks were reserved for Leicester Tigers.

The Exiles paid the price for not taking their chances against an out of sorts but Geordan Murphy inspired Tigers team that still possessed enough know-how to make it over the line, leaving Irish to rue their inability to convert a sustained period of pressure just before half time on the Leicester line in to points.

The Tigers would sacrifice eventual match winner Jordan Crane to the sin-bin in that spell of Irish dominance, but they would escape back to the dressing room with the scores locked at 3-3. Delon Armitage would add a second half penalty as Leicester negotiated the remainder of Crane’s sinbinning without too many alarms, but Irish’s chance had gone.

The Exiles had finished the regular season as the Guinness Premiership’s top try scorers but on the

I

PAGES 28-32

The Irish World is published every Wednesday by Irish World Publications, 934 North Circular Road, London NW2 7JR. The newspaper aims to provide the Irish in Britain with a comprehensive coverage of all Irish issues in Britain - news, entertainment, features and sport. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publishers. Newsagent distribution by Odyssey, 7 St Andrews Way, Devons Road, Bromley by Bow, London E3 3PA. Printed by Newsfax International, Bow Industrial Estate, Carpenters Road, London E15 2DZ.

PICTURES: BRENDAN VAUGHAN

CAN LONDON TOPPLE TRIBE?

LONDON V GALWAY PREVIEW

RUBGY GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP FINAL

BY DAMIAN DOLAN

LEICESTER TIGERS......10 LONDON IRISH.................9

FULL COLOUR PULLOUT INSIDE

GALWAY visit Ruislip next Sunday in the Connacht Championship with London captain Paul Geraghty promising his former Galway team-mates a warm welcome.

As the Exiles go in search of what would be only their second Connacht Championship win since they stunned Leitrim in 1977, Geraghty speaks to The Irish World about his hopes for the game and on taking over the captains armband.

me that I was still in it and I had to keep going. This is lifechanging stuff and I think I will have a busy week ahead.”

But with Lowry being an amataur, Rock did have the consolation of walking away with Lowry's winner's cheque for €500,000 (just under £500,000).

day when it mattered most they were unable to conjure a try against a streetwise Tigers team that while far from their best still had the know-how to grind out a win.

With the break down resembling a battle zone, it was a final that is unlikely to live long in the memory of either side, but if Irish had managed to sneak it at the end, it’s fair to say they would have worried not one jot.

Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill was a relieved man, admitting that the pressure had been lifted ahead of their Heineken Cup final meeting with Leinster at Murrayfield. Cockerill knows that Leicester will need to raise their game substantially if they are to complete part two of the double, but likewise Leinster will need to find someway of breaking down a Tigers defence that was impenetrable against Irish. For while at times it buckled, it never broke.

FULL STORY PAGES 54-55

■ Martin Corry

and Geordan Murphy lead the Leicester celebrations while Bob Casey (inset) rues what might have been

HEARTACHE