George Humphries Senior formerly of Ennis Grove, died over Christmas. Our condolences to his son George and his other family members.

NEW HARDWARE SHOP OPENS

The new hardware shop, Murtaghs, opened in Sandymount Village on Valentine’s Day. It may be new to Sandymount but the company was formed in 1887 by Stephen Murtagh. Stephen Murtagh & Sons has been trading as grain, hardware and stable equipment merchants since that time.

The company began as millers and grain merchants making up feed for poultry and dry food for beasts. They were particularly well known in the 1920s for their chicken and hen feed.

They began trading in Middle Abbey Street, moving to Smithfield in the 1930s and because of the redevelopment in Smithfield they moved to a purpose-built facility in Ashbourne in 1956.
Colin Murtagh, pictured left, the great-great-grandson of the founder, says that the company traded in grain predominantly until the 1960s. “In the 1960s our product mix was 85% grain 15% hardware, and today it is 85% hardware 15% grain.”

Murtaghs are the sole distributors for specialized wire for fence contractors (Keepsafe wire) throughout the country and they also supply stable equipment to stud farms.

The new shop is like a revitalized Aladdin’s Cave. Colin Murtagh is very happy to be in the area and says that he is delighted to have been able to take the opportunity to open the shop in Sandymount. “From our opening on St Valentine’s Day we have received huge encouragement from the local people,” he says.

Emma Doolin who recently received her Bachelor of Science (Management) Business Studies.

JOE EGAN'S BOOK WINNERS

The answer to our question who was the youngest boxer to win the heavyweight boxing champion was answered correctly by John Caffrey of Ballsbridge and Paschal Joyce of Townsend Street. It was, of course, Mike Tyson. Joe Egan’s book ‘Big Joe Egan The Toughest White Man on the Planet’ is in the post to both of them.

CARE AND REPAIR PROGRAMME

Age Action Ireland is delighted to announce with the generous help of Irish Life this new programme of handyperson and home visiting services to help older people to stay in their own homes for as long as they wish.

Age Action is the national advocacy body on ageing and older people. Our vision is to make Ireland the best place in which to grow older. We are committed to fighting discrimination and promoting positive ageing and securing high quality services for all older people.

We are looking for volunteers, starting in the Dublin Docklands area and Galway City but later in all parts of the country. The only qualifications required are a positive, caring attitude, some spare time and the ability to help older people with small tasks around the home.

DIY or basic joinery skills would help, but a willing pair of hands is the only real requirement. We will provide training, insurance and out-of pocket expenses.

Are you interested in volunteering for this very worthwhile programme? Do you have relatives or friends who may also be interested in volunteering? If so, please contact Jennifer Connolly on:
Tel: 01 4756989
Email: jennifer.connolly@ageaction.ie

MR TILLEY'S CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Mr Tilly and family would like to thank everyone for their donations for the different charities over the Christmas period amounting to €4,700. Thanks to the local boys and girls who raised €200 from carol singing. Thanks are also due to those who took the reindeer and the bucket of money. The following is a list of the charities that benefited:
Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross €3,200
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin €1,000
Dublin Simon Community €500
Happy New Year to everyone.

DOOLAN APPOINTED

Sinn Féin’s Cllr. Doolan appointed to Docklands Authority

Sinn Féin Dublin South East Representative, Cllr. Daithi Doolan has been appointed by Dublin City Council (DCC) to the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA).

Cllr. Doolan, a resident of the docklands, joins a number of local Councillors, community members, DDC delegates and members of the business sector.
Cllr. Doolan said “I am delighted that Dublin City Council has decided to appoint me to the DDDA Council and I intend using my new position to advance the cause of sustainable community development that addresses the social needs of all our inner-city citizens.”

OLD DUBLIN SOCIETY RESUMING

Meetings of the Old Dublin Society resumed at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday February 7th in the Conference Room of the Dublin City Library and Archive, 138 to 144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, at which the new ‘Index to the Dublin Historical Record’ was launched.

Membership of the Old Dublin Society is €30 per year and includes the mailing of the Spring and Autumn issues of the 110-page ‘Dublin Historical Record’. The Society meets in the Conference Room of the Dublin City Library in Pearse Street on Wednesday nights at 7.30 p.m. where the Autumn and Spring Programmes of weekly lectures are held. There is also a Summer Programme of afternoon visits to places of interest in addition to a one-day coach trip to a location outside Dublin. Membership application forms can be obtained from James Scannell, PRO, Old Dublin Society, 19 Hazelwood, Shankill, Dublin 18– SAE appreciated.

The contents of the Autumn 2006 issue are as follows:
A Dun Laoghaire Firefighter and the 1941 Belfast Blitz– James Scannell
Martello Tower No. 10, Shenick’s Island, Skerries, Co.Dublin– Peter F.Whearity
Glasnevin Village in the 18th Century: The Parish Alms House and the Parish School– Tony O’Doherty
Producing a Historical Journal or Newsletter– Theo Mortimer
St. Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown: Form Workhouse Infirmary to General Hospital– James Scannell
A Casualty of Progress– Brian McCabe
Baymount Castle, Clontarf– Bernadine Ruddy
John Rennie’s Documents Relating to the Planning of Dun Leary Harbour 1815 to 1816– Arnold Horner
Look Out Post 6 at Howth Summit– Anthony Kinsella

Book Reviews
Individual copies of the Autumn issue of the ‘Dublin Historical Record’ are available at the post paid price of €22.50 from James Scannell , Hon PRO, Old Dublin Society, 19 Hazelwood, Shankill, Dublin 18.

Pictured are cricketers Niall O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien and Kenny Carroll. The three members of Railway Union were selected for the Irish team heading off to the Cricket World Cup in Jamaica in March. There was a special ‘Send-off’ night on February 22nd in Railway Union.

FAIRTRAID FORTNIGHT
By John Cavendish

Every year Fairtrade Mark Ireland promote Fairtrade products with a series of events around Ireland. Dublin City Council donated City Hall for a launch of the fortnight on Sunday 25th February and there are information displays in each of the 13 City Council offices across Dublin, with a newsletter and leaflet on where to buy Fairtrade goods in your area.

The Dublin City Fairtrade Steering Group, with a mission to make Dublin a ‘Fairtrade City’ marked the fortnight, beginning with the erection of flags and Banners along the Liffey bridges at O’Connell Street, Ha’penny Bridge and Capel Street from Monday 19th February, where they will remain for three weeks.

The Ringsend and Irishtown Youth Project, (RIYP) hosted a Fairtrade evening at 7pm on Monday 26th February at 7pm in the Community Centre at Thorncastle Street Ringsend with a display of products and a speech from a Ugandan coffee producer. RIYP have two youth groups for 10 to 12 year olds comprising 25 young people.

An important part of the programme they enjoyed is ‘Cooking Around the World’. Through the main activity of cooking they were introduced not only to the food from different countries, but also to the language, customs, music and art. A guest speaker, Oliva Kishero of Café Direct, was invited to RIYP to present information about the concept of Fair Trade and about Uganda.

NEW COMMUNITY CHOIR IN RINGSEND

A new choir has been established in Ringsend, under the direction of Ray Ryan (pictured left) retired teacher, and well-known for his involvement in the Marian College Musical Society for over 30 years.

The choir rehearses every Wednesday morning from 10.15 am to 12.15 in Ringsend Technical Institute, Cambridge Road, in a very informal and relaxed atmosphere, and is ideally suited to retired people, stay-at-home mothers or fathers whose children are in school, people on flexi-time, or indeed anyone who is free on a Wednesday morning.

The choir made its debut before Christmas, singing carols in Grafton Street, with some of Ray’s other choirs, and helping to raise over €7000 for the St Vincent de Paul Society. Plans are afoot for concerts in May and/ or June. All singers are welcome, and you don’t have to read music. Just turn up any Wednesday morning.

TRY SAILING INSTEAD OF FLYING
By Eadaoin Ashe

In the wake of recent increase in baggage charges that have been introduced by airlines, and the heightened security that goes hand and hand with flying, sailing has become a more appealing option. A journey by sea can be a relaxing and comfortable one, with the added bonus of restaurants, bars and somewhere for the kids to run around, not to mention your car parked safely beneath you.

Probably the most valuable reason for travelling by sea is the advantage of being able to drive. You can load the car up with children, baggage or both, drive from your door and a few hours later, arrive at your chosen destination. This leaves you with more choices, you are independent, you don’t have to rely on tour agents or guides and you go where you want.
Whether you are after a relaxing break away from the stress of everyday living, or a fun-filled adventure holiday with the kids, Irish Ferries has you included, and they don’t just take you to the destination anymore.

The Irish company has joined in partnership with Haven and British Holidays, and now offers a range of great value package deals to both Britain and France this summer.

If you are travelling closer to home and would prefer not to be burdened with the car, Irish Ferries SailRail deal is the option you are looking for. This cheap and ozone friendly-deal entitles you to travel from any rail station in Ireland to over 2,400 stations is Britain.
For more information on the great deals offered by Irish Ferries log on to www.irishferries.com or drop in to your nearest travel agent.

RINGSEND AND IRISHTOWN YOUTH PROJECT - PROGRAMMES AND GROUPS JANUARY TO APRIL 2007

Monday: Legends of Ringer Group (Art and Crafts). Time: 3:00pm- 4:30pm. Age: 10-13. Where: RIYP. Activities include: clay modelling, glass & stone painting, batik.
Little Saints Hip Hop. Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm. Age: 13-18. Where: Community Centre Hall. Activities include: Hip hop, Performance Skills. The group have their own committee and are gearing up to take part in a hip hop dance show in May.

Tuesday: D 4 Rascals Group 1 (Cooking Around the World))
Time: 4:00pm- 5:30pm. Age: 10-14. Where: Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre Kitchen. Activities: Learning about different countries and cultures through cooking, games and quizzes.

Wednesday: Outdoor Pursuits. Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm. Age: 12-17. Activities: Rock Climbing, Orienteering, Gorge Walking, Team Activities, Life Skills.
Boxing Group. Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm. Age: 13-16. Where: Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre. Activities: Training and learning new skills from the best coaches.

Thursday: D.J Group. Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm. Age: 13-18. Where: RIYP. Activities: A range of DJ techniques.

D 4 Rascals Group 2. (Cooking Around the World). Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm. Age: 10-14. Where: Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre Kitchen. Activities: Learning about different countries through cooking, games and quizzes.

If you are interested in any of these groups please call in to Ringsend and Irishtown Youth Project office or phone us at 6608875