30th May, 2002
Notice
Board
ARE YOU FESTIVAL FIT?
By Aoife Barry
Aah, the Heineken Weekender festival, four days of extremes
extremely loud music, extremely large amounts of alcohol and
extremely talented bands. This year, it appeared that Dublin was
the town that received all the good bands, The Hives, The Revs,
Ikara Colt, Turn, to name but a few, but it looks as though they
didn't abandon Cork completely, as one look at this weekend's
line-up will show. Live favourites (and a favourite band of mine)
the Frames will be kicking off the weekend, supported by none
other by Damien Rice and the American troubadour Josh Ritter.
Then it's onto acts such as Ireland's favourite bad-guy-with-great-talent,
Van Morrison, eighties legend Bryan Ferry and US hip-hoppers De
La Soul, accompanied by the aptly named Lo-Fidelity Allstars.
Something for all ages then! Tickets are selling out fast, so if
I were you I'd head down to my nearest Ticketmaster straight away!
Ozzy Rules! Well, that's what the whole world seems to be saying
following the showing of the fly on the wall MTV documentary
about the former Black Sabbath and Blizzard of Oz frontman with
the long hair and foulest mouth ever seen on television.
Apparently, the potty-mouthed family cursed nearly 60 times in
the first episode, so if you're of a delicate disposition, then
steer well clear! Personally, I have a soft spot for the mad
Brummie and his mad family after watching only one episode, even
if I can't understand most of what Ozzy says (or should that be
mumbles?). Catch The Osbournes on MTV at 10pm on Sunday nights
and you'll see your delinquent family in a completely new light!
If, like, me you're sick of watching rap or garage videos
featuring nothing but thong-wearing buxom women and homies
hollering and toking, then the UK's latest export, the fiery Miss
Dynamite will be like a breath of fresh air. Her debut single,
'It Takes More' is out about now, and in a refreshing change of
theme, she denounces sexist and obscene musical artists, poking
fun at their immature lyrics and videos, and adding a moral edge
to an otherwise soulless musical world. Not one to ignore,
perhaps Miss Dynamite will be the face of the future. Let's hope
that other musicians follow her lead.
Gemma Hayes isn't Ireland's answer to Miss Dynamite, but she's
already making waves not just country but worldwide. Her new
album, 'Night On My Side', was released on Friday, to immediate
critical acclaim. Her three preceding eps, '4.35am', 'Work to a
Calm', and 'Hanging Around', were a good taste of what was to
come from the talented young lass from Ballyporeen, with their
acoustic sentiment and rock influences. Buy it before it sells
out and you will not be disappointed. But that's not all Gemma is
coming down to Cork on the 2nd of June, to play in the Half Moon
Club. If the hype surrounding her is to be taken seriously, then
this is going to be one of the essential gigs of the year.
If you're in the mood for even more gigs this week, then catch
Cork band The Shades and Dublin band Eightball in the Half Moon
Club tonight, and try to catch the Anti-Pop Consortium in the
same venue on Monday.
That leaves me just enough time to mention a new e.p that is to
be launched by the wonderful Pete Courtney tonight in Dublin, and
he assures me he'll be launching it in Cork soon. Can't wait!
FAITH
HEALER COMES TO CORK
International healer and clairvoyant, 46 year old, Tom Flynn has
been a natural physic for the past sixteen years. He lost his
father at the age of 3 and his mother when he was 13. Tom
believes his parents are giving him back the love to give to
others in need.
Tom’s work has taken him to many different countries, even
far away Australia, to help those who are sick and suffering in
so many different ways. His work takes him to different hospitals
in Ireland.
Tom says he is just an instrument to do the good work as a healer
to help others whenever he is asked.
Tom is also a clairvoyant and has been on TV and Radio. He will
be in the Victoria Hotel on Tuesday 4th June from 8.30 p m to 10pm.
The doors open at 7.30.
Tom will be contacting our loved ones who we have lost to the
spirit world. The evening will consist of prayer, healing medium-ship
and clairvoyance. You can contact Tom at 087 9832160
The History of Douglas by Con Foley
Part 87 THE GAELIC LEAGUE IN DOUGLAS
In the first edition of this book, p.129, there is mention of the
Establishment of a branch of Connradh na Gaeilge in Douglas. In
the mid-thirties there was another attempt to revive the language.
A simple unpretentious building was erected on the field (then a
soccer pitch) by the Pond Bank. It was built and supervised by Mr.
Jack Dennehy with the help of local voluntary workers. The site
was almost opposite the present I.C.A. Hall. Mr. Whooley from the
School of Commerce was the teacher. I was given the names of
local enthusiasts who helped financially and otherwise Messrs.
O'Driscoll, Dwane, Desmond and Foley (again, no relation)
Unfortunately the response was very poor and the attempt at
reviving the language was short lived. I am told there is a
picture of the building still hanging in Mrs. Dennehy's house.
"Go mairidh a'rnGaoluinn slan."
Traffic problems continue to afflict Douglas.
By Maurice Fitzgerald
Traffic problems in Douglas area continue to be a major
infrastructure problem, causing difficulties for the region. The
South-Link road was designed in part to relieve traffic entering
Douglas; however, the effectiveness of this is highly debatable.
Slip roads from the South-Link road have allowed more traffic
back on to the old roads. It seems that we've shot ourselves in
the foot with this idea, if one was to look at rush hour traffic
in the mornings and evenings. School children are at greater risk
with added volumes of traffic; any area close to a school should
be fully protected with rails. There are many areas where
pedestrian safety may need to be reviewed. The South Douglas road
may need to be railed on the footpath, to shield people from any
possible collision with walkers- a wrong foot in this area of
town could spell disaster. Protective 'bollards' have also been
used in the city centre to offer greater protection to walkers.
Parking still remains a hot issue for people shopping and living
in Douglas. High-rise car parks are not works of eye-pleasing
architecture and some would claim add to the problem. The lack of
parking spaces has caused fury among parents with children,
trying to find a parking space relatively close to the entrance
of shopping centres. Reserved 'parent and child spaces' need to
be made available in shopping areas as a matter of urgency; some
shopping markets have tried this initiative with excellent
results. Disabled zones take parking priority-immediately outside
the doors of shopping centres, for those people who especially
need it. The increasing range of businesses and services in
Douglas has produced greater volumes of traffic and added to
congestion. Lunchtime traffic has increased dramatically,
becoming the third rush hour, causing tailbacks and frustration
for many road users. It would seem that Douglas has reached
'bottleneck status' requiring immediate infrastructure review to
tackle a growing problem. Locally, residents in Douglas can help
the situation themselves by assessing the need to use cars for
Cork City. People living in Douglas who work in the city, may
consider taking the bus; instead of the car if the journey time
remains the same. This principal can also apply to anyone, living
anywhere. There's a temptation to build more roads to improve our
transport infrastructure problems; however, public transport can
be a viable and cost-affective alternative if plans are well
worked out. One can contrast a weekly return ticket- with fuel
costs, parking fees, and the stress that comes with driving a car.
Is it worth it...?
SAVE YOUR HARBOUR - PUBLIC MEETING
The newly-formed Cork Harbour Environment Protection Association (CHEPA) is holding a public meeting on Monday June 10th at 8pm at Monkstown Golf Club in opposition to The Port of Cork’s plans to develop Port facilities at Monkstown Creek and Oyster Bank, Ringaskiddy. An interim committee was established last month when word of The Port of Cork’s development plans emerged. The interim committee organised over a thousand letters of submission to Cork County Council objecting to the inclusion of the Port’s plans in the County Development Plan. The purpose of the forthcoming public meeting is to outline to local residents the Port’s development plans, the consequences for the harbour area and to elect a permanent committee to effect a vigorous campaign opposing the plans going forward.
Festica Annouces exciting line-up for the Midsummer
On Monday, May 27, 2002-The newly
renamed Woodford Bourne Cork Midsummer Festival, officially
launched its programme today at a reception in Cork. The Festival
kicks oft on June 18 with an all-day Cultural Tourism Symposium
at City Hall, and runs until June 29 Encompassing all artistic
forms - dance, theatre, literature, music, visual art - the
Festival promises some exciting and innovative performances and
exhibits in the more than 20 participating indoor and outdoor
venues across the city.
'Fifteen separate visual arts events and exhibitions are waiting
to be discovered, while there are seven theatre shows - including
Irish premieres and dramas with a real Cork flavour - for both
adults and children', said Ted Turton, Artistic Director. 'This
year's festival will be even bigger than last year and we are
very pleased to have Woodford Bourne, a national distributor of
fine wines, come on board with a 3 year title sponsorship
commitment,' stated Ted.
'With Cork being named European City of Culture for 2005, this
year's Festival holds great significance,' said ClIr. Jim Corr,
Festival Chairman and Founder 'The Cultural Tourism Symposium
which is taking place on the opening day of the Festival at City
Hall, will provide an excellent forum to discuss some of the very
important issues facing both the cultural and tourist
industries,' continued Jim.
Guests in attendance included: Dan Linehan, Chief Executive,
Evening Echo, Nicole Walsh from 96 FM, members of the National
Chamber Choir, Cork Music Works, cast from Mick an Cnoic, Mind
That Tis My Brother cast, members of Corcadorca, performers from
Boomerang, a number of the amateur Cork actors performing in The
Wedding, entertainment by Jandemann and Friends, and Pat Austin,
Director, Communicaions, Woodford Bourne Ltd, Robt. Roberts Ltd.,
KP Nuts, Lemons Confectionary
Our company was founded in Cork in 1750,' said Pat Austin, 'and
we are very happy to be able to participate in such a diversified
and eclectic arts festival in the city. I'm planning to see as
many shows and exhibits as possible and any free time will be
spent in our Woodford Bourne VIP Pavilion at the Everyman Palace
Bar, enjoying a glass of Francis Ford Coppola's wine'.
Other not-to-be missed events include: The Wedding, a production
by the Belgrade Theatre and Shaskeen Theatre Company from
Coventry, set against the 1990 World Cup, at the Opera House
incorporating 70 local amateur actors in the show; an audio art
piece by Susan Phillipsz involving the sounds of the buildings of
Cork; The Car is the Star at Tig Fili Gallery, a visual art
display with the 'car' as the subject; Compania Vicente Saez
presents Ruah, a multi-media dance production at Firkin Crane;
visually stunning outdoor performances of The Lament for Arthur
O'Leary, by Boomerang with Italian, Spanish and London companies
performing; world premier from Meridian Theatre, rehearsed
readings from Corcadorca; closing event Carnival of Animals, by
the National Youth Orchestra; and many, many more.
The Festival thanked the continued support of the Evening Echo
and 96 Fm as media partners. Additionally, the event would not be
possible without the ongoing support from the Arts Council, Cork
City Council, Cork County Council, Bus Eireann, UCC Castlewhite
Apartments and all the patrons of the Festival.
