The Gathering is a tourism initiative calling itself “the perfect excuse to reach out to those who have moved away, their relatives, friends and descendants, and invite them home”.
Gabriel Byrne, who was Irish ambassador for culture in the US, came under fire recently when he called it “a scam” because he feels people who left Ireland have been abandoned by the Government. Thecity.ie asked Dubliners and visitors to Dublin what they felt about The Gathering.
by Martha Gberevbie
How does a whistle-stop journey around Dublin sound, say from Bull Island to Irishtown Nature Park? Trinity College have recently launched 11 podcasts to help you along the way.
The free audio guide called DBAT(Dublin Biodiversity Audio Tour) includes undiscovered gems like Serenity community gardens and firm favourite Dublin Zoo. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on earth. The initiative is sure to prove popular with tourists and nature lovers alike.
Overall, the podcasts are perfectly compiled. They are short, sweet and most importantly exciting. There is also an educational element to the podcasts, as they include the history of each area. Go on, have a listen. I promise you’ll be impressed!
The podcasts can be found at: Irish biodiversity guides
by Martha Gberevbie and Patrick Gormley
Almost everyday of 2012 there have been reports of murders and crime in the capital. The majority of these have been gangland related but there have been numerous other incidences of violence too.
RTÉ crime drama Love/Hate has tapped into this reality and has been a huge hit with viewers. Thecity.ie interviewed some people living in Dublin about their real-life experiences. We also asked a counsellor to contribute some helpful information.
By Gill Stedman and Lynne Swan
The ‘Ort’ of Ross O’ Carroll-Kelly is like no other art exhibition that you’ve ever been to. The exhibition features images from the world of Paul Howard’s ‘Southsoide’-based creation, Ross O’ Carroll Kelly. Ross was first introduced to all of our lives in January 1998 in the Sunday Tribune when journalist, Paul Howard, decided to start writing a column about a fictional amalgamation of the southside youth that the Celtic Tiger seemed to have spawned. This ‘affluent’ young generation made for hilarious reading and was soon turned into a book series. Now on an impressive fourteen books, two plays and a CD not forgetting the numerous newspaper columns where it all began! Ross’ creator has decided to open an art exhibition displaying the very humorous artwork and never before seen memorabilia by illustrator, Alan Clarke, featured throughout the book series.
The City took a trip to Powerscourt townhouse to see what it was all about! As well as the images featured above, which are just a taster of what’s on display, the exhibition also gives its visitors an opportunity to purchase Ross-emblazoned gift such as mugs, badges and posters. The exhibition opens at 10am daily, is entirely free and will be on display until December 24th.
By Fionnuala Holohan
2013 is fast becoming the year of everything Irish. The diaspora abroad are being invited back to Ireland as part of The Gathering 2013 and also, closer to home, organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish as a living language are rowing in behind Bliain na Gaelige 2013 – the Year of the Irish Language.
Over 80 organizations have signed up to-date – universities, teacher groups, student groups from all levels, radio, television and print media, local and national community groups, training organizations, governmental supports and the usual list of national agencies that promote the language, such as Conradh na Gaeilge (CnaG).
Síne Nic an Ailí, a development officer in CnaG, spoke to theCity.ie about the plans for the year, and theCity.ie reporters Fionnuala Holohan and Patrick Gormley went in search on the streets of Dublin of some of the reported 1.7 million Irish residents who say they can speak the language:
Le haighaidh níos mó eolais, téigh go dtí http://gaeilge2013.ie/
The City reporters Patrick Gormley and Andy Nally talk to Eimear Chamhanach of First Thursdays Dublin about the event in Temple Bar.
by Martha Gberevbie
The Royal College of Surgeons(RCSI) hosted the penultimate event in the Dublin City of Science 2012 festival, on Thursday 29th November.
The public event was a huge success and throngs of curious school children attended. Interactivity was the order of the day and many live experiments were conducted.Interesting topics discussed included the trial of new antibiotics, lupus treatments and new technology for patients.
TheCity asked Dubliners their opinion on assisted suicide last week.
A case is currently ongoing in the High Court where a terminally ill patient is petitioning for lawful assistance in ending her own life. The plaintiff is suffering from the final stages of multiple sclerosis.
The Irish Human Rights Commission has offered to act as “amicus curiae” (someone who is not a party to the litigation, but who believes that the court’s decision may affect its interest) for this case.
The commission has asked the court to consider whether the absolute ban in Irish law on assisted suicide is justified having regard to the extent of interference with the personal rights of a terminally ill, disabled and mentally competent person.
This is what a number of people interviewed in Dublin think in general about the issue of assisted suicide.
By Blaithin Henehan and Brendan Kelly
Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas so TheCity decided to test run a 12 pubs of christmas route. Those of you out there in the blogosphere who are considering kicking off the holiday season with this pub crawl why not try out our route!
The 12 pubs have been a festive institution in Ireland for the past 10 years or so. This annual event has become so popular that its now done all over the world and I have to say its one of my favourite traditions.
Wrap up warm when you’re going from pub to pub because ‘baby its cold outside’.
Here is how you do the 12 pubs this Christmas with thecity.ie, warning this yuletide ritual is not for the faint hearted and also not for those who don’t like The Pogues because you will be singing fairy tale of New York all night long.
Penalties for breaking the rules for each pub is one shot!
Pub 1 – Mulligans on Poolbeg street, one of Ireland oldest pubs and the perfect place to have our first pint.
Pub 2 – Doyles on College street was our next stop.
Pub 3 – The Palace bar on Fleet street.
Pub 4 – The Auld Dubliner had some live music.
Pub 5 – The Foggy Dew was really busy and full of other 12 pub attempters.
Pub 6 – The Stags Head on Dame court.
Pub 7 – The Exchequer – gastro pub
Pub 8 – The Old Stand traditional sports bar.
Pub 9 – Grogan’s pub on South William street.
Pub 10 – Peters Pub on South William Street
Pub 11 – Ryans of Camden street, Almost there!
Pub 12 – Coppers
Click on the map below for an interactive version.
Rock around the christmas tree in every pub as its the most wonderful time of the year, merry christmas everyone.
Dont forget to tweet us your attempt of this mighty challenge!
This pub crawl was responsibly undertaken by Blaithin Henehan and Aidan Knowles.
All over Ireland, candles on Church Advent Wreaths are being lit as the weeks advance throughout December, stirring excitement in the hearts of parishioners.
Thecity.ie reporter Sarah Reilly chatted with two Dublin Priests about the season of Advent and all that is Christmas.
According to Fr. Ó Cochláin from St. Canices Church in Finglas, many people love the period of preparation and waiting that Advent brings. “The number of people attending daily Mass rises, as Advent is a great preparation for our celebration of Christmas. The Scripture readings at Mass are woven beautifully and form a programme to prepare our hearts and souls for the coming of Jesus. Sundays too see a small rise in attendance, particularly with young parents and their families. They often make an extra effort coming up to Christmas to stop, get off the hurtling whirlwind of spending that is so stressful, and to find the true well of happiness”, he said.
Fr. Cahill from the Church of the Annunciation in Finglas, explained that while people are drawn into the spirit of Advent, he does not see an increase in attendance just yet. “I have not noticed any significant increase in attendance…but I am aware that young people will take-part in a carol service in our Church before Christmas so that might help to increase the numbers”.
When asked why Christmas attracts more people to Church, Fr. O Cochláin said, “That is hard to call. Some come because of personal worry or anxiety. Some come just to be there. Some are not satisfied that the contemporary world contains meaningful values and they wish to find the source of deeper meaning. Some might be conscious that they should make a greater effort in the run up to Christmas and put Jesus Christ first”.
According to Fr. Cahill, there is something about Christmas that touches the hearts of us all. “It seems easy to relate to the birth of a little baby, to the wonder of new life, to the difficulties of a struggling family and to the excitement of sharing”, he said.
Prior to the beginning of Advent, the final Sunday in November is the Feast of Christ the King. Masses on this day draw upon the four final things that await us after we die – Heaven, Hell, Purgatory and Judgement. Despite the poignant symbolism, Fr. Ó Cochláin said, “The theme attracts a number of people to Mass as it mirrors their experiences of losing loved ones and invites them to consider what happens after they die”.
However, he describes Advent as ‘a new ball game’. “It’s a fresh start, a time of waiting for the coming of the Lord. Advent is about things being made new. Two important touchstones appear in the liturgy of the Church – the Advent Wreath and the Jesse Tree. They add a newness and an expectation to the Mass and remind us that just as the people of Israel waited for their first coming of the Messiah, the Church throughout Advent waits for his second coming when Jesus will judge the people with fairness”, he added.
Fr. Cahill describes the Church of the Annunciation’s liturgical decor as “reflecting the spirit of the advent season”. The Advent colour of purple is used extensively around the Church and an empty stable is placed in the sanctuary. According to Fr. Cahill, the stable’s emptiness deepens our longing for Christ. Each week, an additional candle on the Advent Wreath is lit by a member of the congregation and is said to be a symbol of the light of Christ growing stronger in our hearts. “There is a deliberate starkness present on the wreath to draw us into a spirit of waiting”, said Fr. Cahill. The Church of the Annunciation also has a Christmas Tree but it will not be lit up until Christmas Eve.
The Church of the Annunciation will host five Masses in celebration of Christmas – two on Christmas Eve and three on Christmas Day, and according to Fr. Cahill, attendance at the five Masses is expected to reach 5,000.
Meanwhile, hundreds of parishioners are drawn to St. Canices Church every Christmas Eve for their special children’s Mass. According to Fr O’Cochláin, “People come from everywhere, out of the woodwork, out of the nooks and crannies of our parish. Why do they come in such numbers? Where are they for the remainder of the year? Do they come selfishly? Do they come to salve their conscience? Why do they not give Jesus pride of place every weekend by joining the parish at Sunday Mass? Only God knows!”
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