Nikki Walsh talks to Dubliner continue their family traditions in business. Addition research by Kevin Bronk published April 2009
Portion of text by Kevin Bronk below
Kennedy & McSharry Menswear
For nearly 120 years the McSharry family has worked in menswear. (The eponymous Kennedy, who co-founded the company, retired in the 1920s without leaving an heir.) As Dublin transforms, brothers Tony and Neil don’t intend to lose what they hold dear in their shops. “We have moved forward and into the next century, but we hold onto the look and the personalized trade, the middle-of-the-road policy,” says Tony.
Brereton Jewellers
Everybody has their favourite local, family-run businesses, but they are increasingly rare these days. “People my age saw their parents work unbelievably hard through the last recession,” says Paul Brereton. “Kids were kind of reluctant, in my opinion, to then take over from their parents.” Paul is a fourth-generation jeweller and, with a child on the way, hopes to see Brereton Jewellers stay in the family.
Cavistons
Peter Caviston has worked hard in his southside food emporium for 50 years, and now his offspring help to keep it in motion: David in fruit ‘n veg, Mark in cheese and Lorraine up in the office. The siblings all worked there in their teens and, after going through college, gravitated back. “You get sucked in and don’t want to go away for long,” says David.
John Kavanagh’s (Gravediggers)
The dream is to find a job that puts a smile on your face, but for Eugene Kavanagh, running the Gravediggers pub is more than work. “It’s not my job – it’s my life and it’s what I love.” Just shy of 70, fifth-generation publican Eugene has an immovable charm and brings an unvarnished attitude and energy to the pub. “To be successful, you have to be different – I think we’re different.”
Sam’s Barbers
In the 1980s, Stanley Donnelly offered a haircut for a pound on Monday and Tuesdays. Lots of barber shops slagged my dad and pulled us down, saying they wouldn’t lift their scissors for that price,” says Sam, one of Stanley’s two sons currently running their five branches. “Now, all of those barber shops are doing the Monday and Tuesday special.”
Fox Cigars
The Foxs have had a family member working in their cigar store since the 1860s. For over a century, the business has remained strong, while many around have failed. “If it wasn’t a family business, we likely wouldn’t have survived the cycles of booms and recessions. The family gives it longevity,” says Rob Fox, a fifth-generation cigar connoisseur.
Morrissey & Daughters & Sons Family Butchers
Hugh Morrissey’s Wexford Street butcher shop proudly, and distinctively, includes ‘daughter’ in its title; inside, there’s a big banner celebrating Sarah’s crowning as Miss Ireland 2006. Hugh and his son Anthony work every day in this quaint, welcoming butchery. “People get used to us, especially the locals,” says Hugh.
Leo Burdock
Burdock’s flagship chip shop in Christchurch has a queue outside it practically from opening to closing – a queue made up, in equal parts, of Dubs and tourists, with the odd celeb. “BB King once came in with two other guys. He ordered three fish ‘n’ chips and three large bottles of Coke. We assumed it was one for each of them, but he took the whole lot,” laughs Denis Burdock, current general manager. Burdocks is set to franchise, so expect many more branches around Dublin from June.
 Click to view full size. This story was publish in April 2009 for the Dubliner Magazine.
A Dublin institution has found a new home. Kevin Bronk was here to see it happen
It’s an hour before kick-off in the first game at Tallaght Stadium, and already more than 2,000 eager Shamrock Rovers fans have taken their seats. Most of them are still clutching the stubs as if they were golden tickets to WillyWonka’s factory. “Walking in here was like heaven,” long-time Rovers fan Tadhg O’Driscoll shouts at me, as the chanting begins amongst the crowd. If this is heaven, these Dublin football fans have earned it – they’ve spent 22 years in purgatory.
The most successful team in Irish football history has been without a proper home since 1987. The last time they had a stadium to call their own, Charlie Haughey was duking it out with Garret FitzGerald in the Dáil, and we were all dancing the Locomotion with Kylie. That was the year when Rovers’ beloved Glenmalure Park, a stadium which the supporters physically helped to build, was sold off to property developers. Since then, the Rovers have endured 22 years as nomads, playing in a number of venues and trying hard to keep up with their great tradition.
In 1997, South Dublin County Council passed a resolution to allow Shamrock Rovers build a ground in Tallaght, but only in 2000 did that construction begin. Since then there’s been headache after headache. Everything from the size of the car park to the colours the team would wear had to be thrashed out in painstaking detail. But here’s the beauty of it: the fans stayed loyal.
“It’s been a tough stroll,” admits Mark Lynch, who sits on the board of directors with nine other fans, “but it’s been well worth it. It’s been a fantastic culmination of a lot of effort and time to see it come to Phase One, which was the opening for the Sligo game.”
Phase Two is due to be completed this summer, and will see the capacity double to 7,000. So back to the game. Things were destined to start one way: with Rovers scoring. They did, and the place erupted, the celebrations enough to make you think an earthquake was passing through Dublin 24. Sligo battled back into the game though and levelled things. But this was where fate got involved again – local lad Dessie Baker scored for the Hoops to give them the win.
“I’ve scored a lot of goals, but nothing like this. I said to myself all week I would love to score one in this game, and I’m glad I did,” said Baker. “It was fantastic, but the night was just about the fans.They are the ones who put in the work, and they really deserve it.”
Rovers already have the record for the most Irish league titles and FAI Cup wins, and now they also have a place they can truly call home. And that means a lot to everyone involved in the club. “It gives us an opportunity to establish our roots,” says Lynch. “We can now be part of the community and do what a football club is meant to do.”
“It wasn’t easy, but we’ve done it,” said Martin O’Neill, a Rovers fan since 1976 who has been at every game the team has played. His weathered green Rovers jacket, covered with team badges, is testament to his devotion. “We survived 22 years without a home. This is everything. It’s like getting married or having a kid!”
 Click to enlarge. 1. Paddy K
Best for when you need a friend
There are plenty of reasons to think this might be the best bench in Dublin. The peace and beauty of the canal surroundings can’t be beat, and you’ll never eel too lonely with Paddy K plonked beside you. Sure, he doesn’t say much, but he’s a bloody good listener. Born in Monaghan, the poet was a culchie who found his home in Dublin, and has inspired everyone from Van Morrison to Russell Crowe – in fact Kavanagh is so well-loved, there’s even a statue of him in Disney World. It’s not as good as this one. Or as comfortable to sit beside.
2. Iveagh Gardens
Best for surveying all that you own
It’s a park fi t for a king, and here’s the throne a monarch deserves, hoisted up on top of six steps and immersed in shrubbery. The back is set in a permanent recline, meaning you can slouch comfortably...to hell with your chiropractor! Soak up the view of the rose gardens while dog-walkers parade past. Sure, you can still hear the traffic buzzing outside, but that’s a small price to pay to be the king.
3. Northside Boardwalk
Best for a post-shopping suigh-sios
Just west of the Ha’penny Bridge, this wooden gem along the boardwalk is a holy place to rest your rump. The seat is rounded oh-soperfectly to the contours of your lower back, making this the La-Z-Boy of benches. The Liffey’s (normally) peaceful fl ow is a nice distraction, even with the rowdy banter of the drunks just down the way. The tree branches overhead and plants dotted down the boardwalk are a nice addition, and plenty of bins mean it’s a tidy one too.
4. Trinity College
Best for hanging with the young ‘uns
The campus has plenty of great places to sit, but right in front of the Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine (catchy title, lads) is one of the best. Just to the left of the Pav, this solid piece of wood is a great spot for a sit-down while you eavesdrop on college students chatting about the weekend’s antics. It’s also far enough away from the other benches and the playing fi eld to let you zone out. Bins conveniently plonked on either side, so you can stay green while still staying lazy.
5. Grand Canal Square
Best for admiring the modern world
Forget wood – Grand Canal Square offers plenty of firm, supportive and terribly modern metal to sit on, all painted a lustful lime green. The back support is a bit low, so this is not the perfect bench for lounging, but it’s long enough to gather on with your mates, and with the arty architecture about, a great spot to grab an ice cream when the summer arrives. Downsides? The National Theatre is still being built, meaning the sounds of construction will linger on until July.
6. Wolfe Tone Park
Best for free entertainment
Save a few pennies by picking up a takeaway lunch on Henry Street, and head for this urban playground to the side of the Jervis Shopping Centre. Not the most comfortable bench on our list, but there’s plenty of entertainment around, from the very amateur skateboarders to the kids offering to sell you a no-questionsasked bike. There are often lively events in the park too – ferris wheels, gourmet food markets, Chinese New Year celebrations.
7. Merrion Square
Best for quiet contemplation
Situated off the footpath and near the Eire sculpture, the trees and birds around this bench manage to muffl e the sound of traffi c and politicians shouting at each other. The bench won’t seem the most comfortable at first, but give it a chance and it’ll soon prove cozy. No bikes for sale or crazy musicians here, just a seat, pure and simple and true. The slue of green benches in the main circle of the park can’t compare to this. Just a pity the bin’s so far away.
8. Temple Bar Steps
Best for people watching
Not strictly a bench, but still one of Dublin’s best spots for people-watching, all soundtracked by George, the Romanian accordian player who’s nearby most days. Loads of other street entertainment around too, and on weekends you can pick up a good read at the book market and give the first few pages a fl ick here. Great food options, like the Heavenly Food Company, Di Fontaine’s and Haagen-Dazs. Not the most comfortable free seat in Dublin, but the energy of Temple Bar more than makes up for that.
9. Stephen’s Green
Best for lunch breaks
The Green is full of places to chill out, but it can be a struggle to fi nd some peace during busy lunch hours. Over at this bench on the southwest of the park though, you’ll still catch the chatter of the crowds, but enjoy a bit more tranquility too. With your bum on the stone, you can admire the Yeats statue, or just the general beauty of the area. Hit it at the right hour and you’ll catch the sun glowing through the trees - wow.
10. St. Patrick’s Park
Best for all the senses
Maybe the most soothing location on our list, and with a top view of the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral and the park’s fountain. The curves of the bench seem to mould nicely around you, while the flowers of the International Peace Garden don’t just look great, but also provide a fragrance that’s a little joy on a nice day. And they’re far enough away from the bench that you can read your newspaper without having to worry about a bee sting. The park is well-maintained, and popular with tourists – witness their far-toogoofy Oirish hats and the kids chasing the birds. Not a bad way to spend a day.
 Click to view full size. Only a few hours after arriving in Dublin from the US, I found myself in one of the traditional pubs that make this city famous. I know, I know - what was I doing waiting a few hours? But as well these institutions, there are many other great places aimed at out-of-towners. Here’s your guide to some of the best, whether you’re new to Dublin or just looking to find some exotic-looking members of the opposite sex. We don’t blame you.
ITALIANS
QUARTIER BLOOMItalians might not savour Guinness as much as we’d hope, but damn we have to
appreciate their wine. For light eats and al fresco drinks, head to Mick Wallace’s Italian Quarter – it’s just like Rome, except for the rain and the drunks. Enoteca Delle Langhe is where the expats head for food; La Taverna Di Bacco for late-night drinks and a generally good atmosphere.
Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
AUSTRALIA
DOWN UNDER
The basement of St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre is apparently far enough south for Dublin’s Aussie population to call this pub their own. Casual, fun and laid back, they have DJs seven nights a week and service is fast. Even better, they offer a ruddy good line in juggling and tossing the bottles about as they mix your drinks. If the sunshine and beaches don’t make you ache for Australia, then a night here just might.
South King Street, Dublin 2. 478 3266,
majortoms.com
POLISH
THE CZECH INN
On the edge of Temple Bar, the Czech Inn is good fun for Slavic folk out on the town. The DJs blasting the beats give a flashy club feel downstairs, but upstairs it’s more relaxed – the foosball tables are a nice touch. It also helps that there’s no cover charge, and that the doormen aren’t too fussed about what you’re wearing.
Essex Gate, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
671 1561, czech-inn.org
AMERICANS
THUNDER ROAD CAFÉ
With Heinz ketchup on every table, wooden statues of American Indians and Harleys hanging from the roof, this bar and restaurant has a pungent Yankee punch. The menu features burgers, steak and pastas and the bar staff offer the warmest welcome this side of the South Park tavern in my beloved Denver, Colorado.
Fleet Street, Dublin 2. 679 4057,
thunderroadcafe.com
BRAZILANS
THE WOOL SHED
The self-proclaimed ‘Best Baaa of the Southern Hemisphere’, the Wool Shed is stacked with big screens showing sporting events from across the globe. Although it’s ostensibly aimed at Aussies, it also hosts a weekly Brazilian party (Wednesdays) that packs in the South Americans. The pub keeps the fun alive on other nights too, with Wii Bowling on Mondays and karaoke on Thursdays.
Parnell Centre, Parnell Street, Dublin 1. 872 4325,
woolshedbaa.com
FRENCH
THE FRENCH PARADOX
Again with the wine! But now it’s delicious French stuff. Every bit of drink here is imported from family-owned wineries and while you won’t get a full meal, munching on what the French call ‘assiettes’ (otherwise known as snacks – combinations of cheese, bread, salami, etc) allows you to keep your palate fresh while sipping French spirits.
53 Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4. 660 4068,
thefrenchparadox.com
 Click to view full size. Kevin Bronk listens to some studes complain about fees their parents are probably paying, while banging through the cheap beer
The threat of being forced to cough up money is enough to get a student out of bed, and last month lots of them turned out to protest the possible reintroduction of third-level fees. Ten thousand took over the streets of Dublin to let Minister of Education, Batt O’Keefe, know that they weren’t too chuffed at the idea.
The Dubliner was invited along to join an open debate after the march, and hell, if anyone can sort out this mess, maybe we were the ones to do it. So we headed to Dun Laoghatre Institute of Art, Design and Technology to get stuck into this hot topic.
Sadly, a massive, smoky tent full of tipsy art students might not be the best place to do that. With Blink 182 tracks barking out of the speakers and hordes of eager yoofs proudly wearing their “Fight The Fees” t-shirts, it was up to MC David McWilliams to ensure some hush.
The idea behind the even was to get a bit stewed – oh, and to discuss how responsible the older generations are for the state of the economy, and whether student fees being brought back would help ease public spending.
The debate never quite made it there. Instead, it ventured into interpretations of the present state of local and national politics, with some global analysis chucked in for good measure. With beer cans and kindled ashtrays littering the crammed-together picnic tables, the stages was set for everyone to get involved.
Our own Managing Editor, Paul Trainer, represented The Dubliner on the panel, leading the debate beside UCD economics professor, Moore McDowell, Margeret E. Ward of the Irish Times, and the People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd Barett. Also at the top table was the infuriated – and broke – Trinity economics undergrad Daire Hickey.
“I think we’re absolutely fucked,” screamed Hicky, sitting in one of the black couches on stage with a Bavaria in hand. “I think this is the worst state the county has ever been in. There are no jobs out there for anyone!” The crowd howled and raised their Bavarias in solidarity.
“You need to stop whining and meaning,” argued Ward. “This generation has a huge opportunity. You are more community-minded and socially adept than any generation before, and if you blow this, it’s your fault.” The crowd didn’t quite unite in response, but rather engaged in side conversation. Maybe it was time to figure out whose round it was.
As everyone started to lash out at politicians, another student stepped up to the audience microphone. “Politicians don’t go into it, for the most part, except to make money. It’s a career move to a warm job inside with no heavy lifting,” he said. “I think the flaw is not the people we elect, but the system we elect them into.” Through the smoke and dim light, the browed and panel agreed with applause.
It was an engaging night, but then the college environment rarely surrenders to dryness, in any sense of the word. The creative young people who spoke are naturally fired up, and the debate encouraged them to focus their energy.
But as discussions gave way to rock ‘n’ roll karaoke, we had to wonder, where would this nigh of introspection take them? To the forefront of political activism? Or to a raging house party?
 Click to view full size. Your City, Your Magazine advert photograph.
 Click to view full size. As Dublin nightclubs scramble to get punters in the door and - more importantly - spending lots of cash, Copper Face Jacks reports profits of more than 6 million for 2008. What’s the secret? Kevin Bronk asks around.
The nightclub industry has been hit with three simultaneous punches of late: the crash of the economy, a doubling of the cost of annual licences, and the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, which technically forces clubs to shove the scantily-clad and boogie-fevered out into the cold an hour earlier. Surprisingly, though, Copper Face Jacks has managed to keep the floodgates open, profiting more in 2008 than ever before.
The Jackson Court Hotel on Harcourt Street, home to the club, recorded €6.6 million in pre-tax profits for 2008, a 44 per cent increase from 2007. Of a total revenue of €13 million, about 70 per cent (€9 million) came from licenced trade and 19 per cent (€2.5 million) from Coppers’ door receipts. And, believe it or not, they made a whopping €251,000 from the cloakroom alone!
“It is a bit of an anomaly,” says Barry O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Irish Nightclub Industry Association. “Per square foot, I would say it would be the most profitable club in Europe.”
So how does Coppers pull off such business? According to O’Sullivan, Cathal Jackson, the former garda who owns the club with his wife Paula, takes a handson approach; he’s there most nights and many of the club’s punters call him by his first name.
It’s within stumbling distance of all the city-centre pubs, making it a tempting option for the elusive ‘one last pint.’ And let’s face it, it’s damn good fun: five bars over two levels, cheesy chart music,dancing, an up-for-it crowd – and a kiss is practically guaranteed. As one publican admitted to us, when it comes to midweek partying, Coppers pretty much has the market sewn up.An enthusiastic patron sums it up well on dublinpupscene.com: “The best club
I have ever been to…great for meeting posh Dublin girls and given them a good Schnoggin!!!. Jeysus I can’t wait til I go to Coppers again…”
While Coppers seems to be raking in the dough, some other Dublin clubs have had to reevaluate. Overall traffic on offnights has gone down – this, in addition to the decreasing amount patrons are willing to fork over at the bar in these cash-strapped times, is quite painful for business.
“The broad feedback we’re getting from our members is that people are coming in the door, but spending far less on drinks,” explains Barry O’Sullivan.
Temple Bar’s Club M has had to decrease its nights of operation from seven to only four. Spy is just open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday, as is the Button Factory, although it does run early gigs on other nights of the week.
“The city, and the country for that matter, has really slowed down during the week,” says Robbie Fox, the owner of Renards. “In the nightclub business, we really only have four to six hours of time for business in the week, so it’s tough to make adjustments.”
The earlier closing times have also made a difference to business at Renards: “People have gotten used to staying out later, and now they can’t.”
Tripod, best known for its live music, is located in the same neighbourhood as Coppers, but is finding it difficult to bring in the same numbers on a nightly basis.
“It’s becoming hard to get people through the door,” says Linda Monahan, the general manager. “People used to go to gigs two or three nights but now it’s only one. And once they are here, spend per head is down. People are just being more choosy with their money.”
Owning a successful club certainly pays the bills; Cathal and Paula Jackson shared a reported €481,400 in pay last year. Other nightclub owners may be looking towards the success of Coppers for profitable hints. But maybe, just maybe, Coppers’prosperity is simpler than it seems: “The way for people to be successful is to give your customers value for money and that’s going to be with good, quality entertainment,” says O’Sullivan.
 Click to view full size published February 2009
Born-Again Brad
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ★★★★
Getting it backwards
The end is the beginning in director David Fincher’s (Fight Club, Se7en) theatrical version of F Scott Fitzgerald’s short story about a man who ages backwards. Born an old man in 1918, Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) grows physically younger until his death as a newborn baby in 2003. Benjamin is born a miracle as America celebrates the end of World War One. His mother dies in childbirth and his father, horrified at the sight of an old and wrinkled baby and broken from the loss of his wife, leaves Benjamin at the doorstep of a nursing home. The loving caretaker at the home, despite being taken back by his odd appearance, takes Benjamin in and raises him as her own. As the youngest elderly resident in the home, he begins to grow into youth, surrounded by individuals approaching the end of their lives. Still just a child, Benjamin falls in love with the granddaughter of one of the residents in the home. He adores Daisy (Cate Blanchett) from the first moment he sees her – from then on they chase each other’s love until the time is right and their physical ages align. Pitt’s performance as an old man with the curiosity of a child, and a teenager backed by the wisdom of a long life, is refreshing. The film is just under three hours, so be prepared for the long haul. It is, nonetheless, an inquisitive journey and exploration of life in reverse. Out February 6th
Vicky Cristina Barcelona ★★★
A love...square
Woody Allen brings on the wit in this seductive dissection of commitment and love. Two friends from New York travel to Barcelona for the summer. Vicky (Rebecca Hall) is due to be married upon her return to the States. She is emotionally stable and has a logical approach to life. Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), on the contrary, is a recently single, free-spirited young woman. She hasn’t the slightest idea of what she wants, only a sincere knowledge of what she doesn’t. Within their first couple of nights in Spain, the two friends meet the ever-so-charming Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), a local painter, recently divorced. Juan casually suggests that the two girls fly to a poetic town called Oviedo with him for the weekend to drink excellent wine and visit an inspirational statue. (What a line.) From the moment the threesome meets, tension and sexuality flair and things get complicated. When Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz), Juan’s beautiful, insane ex- shows up, this already thorny triangle gains a fourth side. The characters are a bit predictable and almost shamefully stereotypical, but Woody Allen manages the film well and litters it with quip and light humour. Despite its flaws, it’s damn sexy to watch. Guys, it’s not a bad one to get dragged along to. Out February 13th
The East Hits the West
The Good, The Bad, The Weird ★★★
It’s dueling time!
Considered an Asian Western, The Good, The Bad, The Weird is a fiery, visually enthralling, action-packed gunfight from beginning to end. The opening scene features a thrilling shootout around the cabins, rooftops and tracks of a moving train. The energy continues through a cross-country, blood-spattering search for buried treasure. Awardwinning Korean director, Kim Jee-woon, brings three of Korea’s biggest stars, Byung-hun Lee as the ruthless bandit, Kang-ho Song as the deceptive and comedic train robber, and Woo-sung Jung as the skilled bounty hunter, together to break into the Western genre with style and originality. This movie is incredibly over-the-top, but honestly, that’s half its appeal. Filled with bandits, drug dealers and armies, the lawless and ever-so-vast Machurian desert in the 1930s is a perfect setting for this Kung fu Western, which is unlike anything you’ve seen before. It’s a bit too long and the plot is slightly dumb, but the quick camera work, daring fight sequences and honest wit make a viewing time well spent. Oh, and we should mention that the title is dangerously appropriate – the movie features more than its fair share of the good, the bad and most certainly, the weird. Out February 6th
Must-see DVD
Appaloosa
You ready to die?
Set in the dusty 1880s, Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) and his fearless partner Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) are the hired guns who must restore order to the town of Appaloosa from the lawless rancher Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons) and his gang of hoodlums. The story is a bit slow and it doesn’t break the Western mould, but Appaloosa’s characters are rich and play well off each other. Harris dug his hands deep into this film, as the star, screenplay writer and songwriter/performer. Out February 2nd
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 Click to view full size. Part of a campaign I designed as Vice President of Marketing and PR for the University of Oregon IFC (Interfraternity Council), this advertisement was designed for a Game Day special edition of the Oregon Daily Emerald. This particular issue was distributed before and at an Oregon Duck's football game. The aim was to market students to better understand Greek Life at the University of Oregon.
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