Press Book

from 01.05.2014 to 31.05.2014

Copyright Material. This may only be copied under the terms of a Newspaper Licensing Ireland agreement (www.newspaperlicensing.ie) or written publisher permission. -2-

Table of Contents

01/05/2014 Hot Press - Best of Ireland: 20 of the Best Venues...... 3 29/04/2014 Mayo News: 'Acoustic Yard' sessions up and running in Westport...... 6 24/05/2014 Irish Farmers Journal Country Living: Heard on the Grapevine...... 7 01/06/2014 Irish Music Magazine: IMRO Music Master - Class With Frankie Gavin...... 8 06/05/2014 Waterford News & Star-Well: Our pubs are dying...... 9 12/05/2014 Donegal News-Monday: Pub trade turning the corner?...... 11 13/05/2014 Irish Independent Tabloid: Pubs can't be let wither like post offices and garda stations...... 13

Copyright Material. This may only be copied under the terms of a Newspaper Licensing Ireland agreement (www.newspaperlicensing.ie) or written publisher permission. -3- Hot Press - Best of Ireland Circulation: 17725 Thursday, 1 May 2014 Area of Clip: 177800mm² Page: 104,105,106 Page 1 of 3

VENUES

Irelandhosts more exciting live 5TH ON TEELING events such as OFFSET. It was the venue chosen 5 TeelingSt., Sligo showsper capita than any other to host Electric Burma, a concert held Tel:+353 (0)71 914 6842, 5thonteeling.com in honour of Nobel Peace Prize laureate nationon Earth. The range Since opening in May 2012, Sligo's 5th Aung San Suu Kyi and featuring , On Teeling has proved to be a terrific of roomsis impressive,from Bob Geldof and more. Meanwhile, there's location for a gig in the North-West. no better place for lovers of a good intimateplaces for somelowkey Homegrown artists such as Mark Geary musical. acousticmagic to arenas and Damien Dempsey have delivered tailor-madefor international storming sets in recent times, and it CORK OPERA HOUSE also plays host to eclectic DJ sets and a EmmetPlace, Cork, Co. Cork superstars.Here are the 20 monthly comedy club. With a late bar, Tel: +353 (0)21 427 0022, corkoperahouse.ie plenty of free shows and some fantastic finest venuesin the country... A real institution in the People's Republic, bookings for the summer (Damien the Cork Opera House has legendary Dempsey's back, whilst the likes of Fake status down South as a superlative No More and Miles Graham & Vinyl venue and has been even better since an Record Band are also confirmed to play), impressive renovation over a decade ago. 5th On Teeling is a must-visit for any With incredible acoustics, they welcome music lover that finds themselves in Sligo. accomplished performers of every ilk. THE ACADEMY From ballets and (naturally) operas, to the world's biggest stand-up comedians 57 MiddleAbbev St., Dublin I and rock acts, there really is something Tel:+353 1 877 9999, theacademydublin.com for everyone. It boasts a 1000-seater With a capacity of just over 800, The auditorium with orchestral pit, one of Academy is a larger venue that makes the country's largest stages and was the you feel like you're really getting up-closeand-personal first venue to use digital sound desks in with the act on stage. Ireland. They consistently bring some of the most critically adored and commercially CRANE LANE successful acts to Dublin. Over the last PhoenixSt., Cork,Co. Cork 12 months alone, they've played host to Tel:+353 (0)21 427 8487. cranelanetheatre.ie rising stars like The Strypes, Heathers, Rising from the ashes of the former Club AlunaGeorge and John Newman. The One, this Phoenix Street venue is a key Academy is also the home of live hiphop part of the brilliant music scene making in the capital, with Danny Brown Cork rock in 2014. With a 350-standing and Earl Sweatshirt being just two recent capacity, the intimate theatre is located rappers that have played incendiary shows on the remains of an old gentleman's there. With three venues in one building, club and is filled with history. Crane the Green Room is perfect for clubs and Lane prides itself in putting on the best DJ sets, whilst the underground Academy of Irish, with And So I Watch You From 2 is the perfect spot to catch those on the Afar and FoxJaw being just a couple of cusp of the big time. bands that have wowed Cork crowds over BORD GAIS ENERGY the past 12 months or so. Music aside, THEATRE it takes its aesthetic inspiration from the music of Tom Waits. Decked out in '20s GrandCanal Square,Docklands, Dublin 2 and '30s decor, Crane Lane has the best Tel:+353 (0)1 677 7999, kind of character. bordgaisenergytheatre.ie Opened four years ago at the Docklands, THOMAS HOUSE Dubliners instantly developed huge 86 ThomasSt.., Dublin8 affection for the Bord Gais Energy Tel:+353 (0)1 677 2619.facebook.com/ Theatre. It is, quite simply,one of the thomashousedublin most magnificent rooms you'll find The Thomas House is a sanctuary (with a anywhere, perfect for everything from a great soundtrack) for all manner of goodnatured theatrical production to a performance miscreants. Proudly proclaiming from the world's most exciting artists. itself to be "the finest dive bar in Dublin There isn't a bad seat in the house and City", if you are a punk, rockabilly you'll be safe in the knowledge that you or reggae lover, ska head or skinhead, can experience the show in total comfort. metaller or plain old indie type, you'll The likes of Elvis Costello and Bon Iver 11'ORDS: have a thoroughly enjoyable time here. CraigFitzpatrick have graced its stage, and the theatre has In terms of music venue credentials, The also played host to major international Thomas House hosts DJs every night of -4- Hot Press - Best of Ireland Circulation: 17725 Thursday, 1 May 2014 Area of Clip: 177800mm² Page: 104,105,106 Page 2 of 3

••• VENUES the week, with suitably diverse sounds retractable roof for those sunny summer have packed out the award-winning spot coming from the speakers. Sundays are days. The owners are supporters of are Mumford & Sons, Texas, Keywest, all about The Hangover Sessions,which independent music and it shows in their Kodaline, Matt Cardie, O.R.B and Ryan means live bluegrass, blues and good fantastic bookings. Internationally, Primal Sheridan. The staff"at Monroe's Live old-fashioned rock '11'roll. Independently Scream and Jake Bugg have both rocked pride themselves on giving their patrons owned and run by two local promoters the room in recent times. Its reputation the ultimate Galway going-out experience and DJs, it opens from 5pm and carries a is such that when rising stars like O.R.B and are happy to cater for large groups great range of gargle. want to do something special for fans and and parties, with a tasty cocktail menu on mark an album release, their first thought offer. is to put on a Grand Social show. DOLAN'S THE 02 DockRoad, Limerick City INEC NorthmallQuay, Dublin 1 Tel:+353 (0)61 314 483, dolans.ie MuckrossRoad, Killarney, Co. Kerry Tel:+353 (0)1 819 8888, theo2.ie Celebrating two decades in business this Tel:+ 353 (0)64 667 1555, inec.ie Launched in December 2008, people year, Dolan's picked up a Special Award The largest multi-purpose national still marvel at how the 02 Arena can at the IMRO Live Music Venue Awards events centre in Ireland, the INEC is an pull off the trick of seeming completely in February. adaptable place that can switch effortlessly intimate and immersive while being a It was more than deserved. A fine midwest from the intimate to the arena-sized (it 14,000-seat amphitheatre. Offering a establishment, Dolan's reputation can accommodate between 200 and concert experience like no other venue continues to grow and grow as the 3,000 people). Morrissey, Mick Flannery in the country, it is a ultramodern facility acts they book get bigger and bigger. and Kodaline are just a handful of the with world-class acoustics. A constant It now comprises three venues, two big names that have played the INEC in the top five list of 'world's busiest outdoor areas, a traditional Irish pub over the last few years, whilst Riverdance venues', you can instantly see why when and restaurant. Bell XI, Villagers and performed a couple of typically successful you step inside, especially when you're Mmoths are just three homegrown names seasons there. The INEC also welcomes seeing massive international acts gracing who have played memorable sets there, first rate comedians and theatrical its stage - Beyonce, The National and with a large international contingent, productions, whilst it is a popular stopover Ellie Goulding are just a trio of names including Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand and for children's characters such as Barney, that have recently put on storming shows Mumford And Sons, also visiting. Expect Dora, Mickey Mouse and Peppa Pig. there. live music almost every night and the endless hospitality of owners Mick and MONROE'S LIVE THE OLYMPIA Valerie, helped by the whole family. 14 DominickSt. Upper,Galway 72 DameSt., Dublin2 THE GRAND SOCIAL Tel:+353 (0)91 58 3397, monroes.ie Tel:+353 (0)1 679 3323, olympia.k Often called "the best in the West" when One of the oldest and most beloved 35 LowerLiffey St., Dublin 1 it comes to live music, Monroe's Live was venues in the capital city, the Olympia Tel:+353 (0)1 874 0076, thegrandsocial.ie voted the 2013 'Live Venue Of The Year' resembles "aclassic Victorian Music Hall Just a few paces from the iconic Ha'penny at the IMRO Awards. Boasting two stages and plays host to some of the greatest Bridge, the 300-capacity Grand Social has and a top-end sound and lighting set-up, modern musical acts around. Built established itself as one of the best places it is a major presence in Galway's West in 1879 and operating in its current to catch a memorable gig in the capital. End. Its welcoming vibe and easy charm incarnation for 116 years, every week The main music venue is upstairs and is incomparable, whilst their regular trad it seems another world-beating band or has a funky and alternative vibe, with the nights come in for particular praise. Of up-and-coming act is hitting its hallowed intimate stage surrounded by fairy lights a course, you'll find more than trad being stage. Radiohead, Sufjan Stevens and particularly beautiful sight. Right outside played on its stages. Among the acts to David Bowie have all trodden its boards, is a great, enclosed smoking space, with while Disclosure, Tom Odell and Wild Beasts are some more recent guests. Every performer seems as enamoured with their surroundings as the adoring audience. A room with that something extra special.

THE ROISIN DUBH LowerDominick St., Galway Tel:+353 (0)91 586 540, roisindubh.net Very few venues can beat Galway's Roisin Dubh when it comes to hosting the cream of the comedy and musical crop. With Gugai as the man doing the booking, his incredible eye and ear for talent has made it the place to catch an act before they go interstellar. From class Irish acts like Toby Kaar and Heathers to A-list international artists like Ryan Adams and Franz Ferdinand, the bill is often eclectic, always great. Over two decades'into its existence, it is still one of the best loved venues in the country. The City of the Tribes is often considered the centre of Ireland in HotPress Jagermeister Freezer Session, Crane Lane. Cork 105 -5- Hot Press - Best of Ireland Circulation: 17725 Thursday, 1 May 2014 Area of Clip: 177800mm² Page: 104,105,106 Page 3 of 3

with special guest Japanese and Korean soloists, and 30 piece orchestra, will open on October 24. Tickets priced 25/34/40 euro are available from thetlt.ie. The theatre includes a school of music and rehearsal rooms.

VICAR ST. 58 - 59 ThomasSt., Dublin8 Tel: +353 (0)1 775 5800, vicarstreet.ie Vicar St. has a warm place in the hearts of artists and fans alike. Despite being one of Dublin's bigger venues with a seated capacity of over 1,000, its beautiful lay-out means an evening there feels like an intimate gathering. Easy to navigate, equipped with classy bars and never feeling too packed, it is a superlative spot to see everyone from and Glen Hansard to Spiritualized and Kendrick Lamar. It is also quite literally at the centre of the Irish music industry, playing host to the Choice Music Prize.

WHELAN'S 25 WexfordSt., Dublin2 Tel: +353 (0)1 478 0766, whelanslive.com Celebrating its quarter century anniversary this year, Whelan's has never been in better health. Combining TameImpala performing at TheOlympia world-class programmes with a warm and friendly pub atmosphere, it is at the cultural terms, and the Roisin Dubh is THE SPIRIT STORE heart of Dublin's - and the country's right at its heart. George'sQuay, Dundalk, Co. Louth music scene. Its reputation has travelled THE SET THEATRE Tel: +353 (0)42 935 2697, spiritstore.ie around the globe, attracting the likes of The go-to music venue in Louth, ,Nick Cave and a fresh-faced LangdonHouse Hotel, 69 John St., Kilkenny The Spirit Store is proof that there's Arctic Monkeys in their formative years. Tel:+353 (0)56 772 1728, set.ie plenty going oh culturally between the Over the past 12 months alone, Kacey Now half a decade into its existence, the cities of Dublin and Belfast. A major Musgraves, Tokyo Police Club, Roisin O, Set is one of the country's most state-ofthe-art redevelopment was undertaken recendy Parquet Courts and Poliga have added venues. A beautiful 350-capacity to ensure it gives punters the best possible their names to that impressive list. An room, it's capable of holding conferences, experience and remains extremely illustrious establishment that still delivers films, music and comedy. The winner of an competitive - the new look was unveiled the goods on a weekly basis. IMRO Live Music Award in the Rest Of in March 2013 and has, been extremely Ireland category last year, The Set Theatre well-received. Some things, however, WORKAAAN'S CLUB have in no way rested on their laurels, with remain the same: namely, the calibre of 10 WellingtonQuay, Dublin 2 the past 12 months spent welcoming the acts gracing its stage. The Quayside venue Tel:+353 (0)1 6706 692, f exciting likes of James Vincent McMorrow, has recently played host to Therapy?, theworkmansclub.com Le Galaxie, David Holmes and more, Mark Geary, Lisa O'Neill and Steve A much-loved musical fixture on Dublin's ensuring they are a venue at the cutting Craddock, as well as the comedic likes of quays for four years now, the Workman's edge of music and entertainment. Des Bishop and Foil, Arms & Hog. Club might just be the hippest spot THE STIFF KITTEN around. Its live room continues to thrive THOMAS LEDDY THEATRE and was previously used by Villagers in 1 BankmoreSquare, Dublin Road, Belfast East CoastBusiness Park, MatthewsLane, the recording of an album. Reeve Carney, Tel-+44 (0) 28 9023 8700, shine.net Drogheda,Co. Louth Royal Blood, Lucius and Overhead, Belfast's live music scene is currendy Tel: +353 (0)41 987 8560, thetlt.ie The Albatross are a few names that have experiencing a real renaissance and The A 900 capacity state of the art theatre, put on memorable performances in the Stiff Kitten is the jewel in its crown. the TLT has one of the largest stages in Workman's recently, whilst the upstairs Regularly hosting some of the biggest the country. One of the most important Vintage Room and western-style Bison international DJs and bands, as well as venues in the North East, it is Drogheda's Bar have added strings to their bow. weekly sell-out club nights, it opened in first privately owned concert hall and Add in the cool decor and a clued-in, 2005 and is named after Joy Division's theatre. The venue hosts every type of extremely friendly staff and you have one original moniker - so you know they have event from local groups to international of the best music venues and clubs in the exquisite taste. A place where rock, dance, touring companies. The TLT will offer electronica and everything else you can country. a Sound and Lighting Engineer course think of comes together, it's a hip joint that this summer. A much anticipated Ellen For more entertainment suggestions go to pages pretty much guarantees you a good time. Kent production of Madame Butterfly, 8 and 16 -6- Mayo News Circulation: 10229 Tuesday, 29 April 2014 Area of Clip: 24700mm² Page: 18 Page 1 of 1

'AcousticYard' sessions up and running in Westport "THE Acoustic Yard' is a new singer/ songwriters session in Westport hosted by recording artist David 'Dee' Moore and supported by IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation) and its latest outing is tonight (Tuesday) at 8.30pm in Matt Molloy's Bar in Westport. It is also being filmed by Irishtv.ie as part of their new music schedule and the first session was shown recently on 'Out and about in Ireland'. The monthly event features some of the finest songwriters from around the world and has been set up not only as a concert but as an educational workshop for audience and player alike. Each month three songwriters will showcase and talk about their songs in the relaxed environment in the surrounds of the yard bar * ON STAGE David 'Dee' Moore will be appearing as part of the 'Acoustic in Matt Molloy's. Yard' tonight in Matt Molloy's. Tonight's show will feature former Eurovision Song Contest winner Charlie lie pursued a solo career. He has worked stars...and other moving objects'. The McGettigan, Mississippi-born Americanawith artists like Maura O Connell and CD is a collection of country folk songs songstress Kelley McRae and Belfast Eleanor Shanley who both recorded that have recently received a lot of airplay multi-instrumentalist and host for many of Charlie's songs. in Ireland and the UK culminating the evening David 'Dee' Moore. Kelley McRae is touring Europe for in recent appearances at the Westport Twenty years ago Charlie McGettigan the first time and is playing only a handful Arts Festival and the Belfast Nashville won the Eurovision Song Contest when of gigs in Ireland. 'The Acoustic Yard' singer/songwriters festival. His discography joining forces with Paul Harrington and is her only west of Ireland show/ Songs includes two successful albums Brendan Graham with the song 'Rock like 'Johnny Cash' and the title track of on the USA label 'Green Linnet' with and Roll kids' and was catapulted into her new CD 'Brighter than the blues' Niamh Parsons with whom he toured Irish Music folklore. In 1973 he formed sets Kelley apart as one of the finest and played at some of the biggest folk the highly successful Jargon group, who 'New Country' songwriters to come out festivals in the world. won the prestigious Letterkenny Folk of the USA. The doors open 8.30pm and please Festival and led to a recording contract The host of the evening David 'Dee' come early to avoid disappointment. with Polygram records. The band went Moore recently released his critically Anyone wishing more informationplease on to record three singles before Char- acclaimed CD 'The sun, the moon, the contact [email protected]. -7- Irish Farmers Journal Country Living Circulation: 70496 Saturday, 24 May 2014 Area of Clip: 2100mm² Page: 40 Page 1 of 1

Heard onjhe grapevine

When it comes to IMRO workshops, Brendan Graham is in a league of his own. Brendan commands huge respect among the songwriting fraternity and his workshop in Dublin last weekend reflected that. -8- Irish Music Magazine Circulation: 10100 Sunday, 1 June 2014 Area of Clip: 56800mm² Page: 48 Page 1 of 1

48 LIVE REVIEWS IMROMUSIC MASTER-CLASS

WITHTemple Bar Trad FRANKIE Fest, Saturday, January 25th,GAVIN 2014.

A fiddle master-class? Great idea. But at 11 o'clock on a the instrument,having the sound-post correctlypositioned, checking if Saturday morning, and during the Trad Music weekend in the strings are in tune, and then checking if the fingers are hitting Dublin? Didn't seem such a great idea at all. A certain the strings in tune. And at the end of it all, you might succeed in amount of previous experience would indicate that anything before getting a bit of music. noon on a Saturday is attended with risk. What came across all the time was the good-natured courtesy and Not this time.They were all lined-up, neat and clean and welladvised,humour from both master and pupil alike. "Where's that voice from? as the song says, but wide awake and eager too, with Wisconsin. Lovelycountry." It's such a contrast from having a narky fiddle cases slung over the shoulders, and fiddles in them too. No Herr Professor (who actually hates kids) laying down the law pseuds or shape-throwers with empty cases round here. according to Sevcia or Willhelmj. No wonder that some of the Outside in the cobbled street, there's a festival air with pens of players had classical training, but had seen sense, even though they sheep, hens and ducks, and a pair of gundogs on display. A pop-up still had the tunes written out in front of them. farm. And there's the sound of a blacksmith's hammer as a horse Which led Frankie to remark that the dots on paper can never be gets shod. more than an semi-accurate way of remembering the notes. He Inside the LittleTheatre there are five chairs on stage. The middle himself does not bother with the dots (and considering that Paul "The main lesson was that it is the individual player who has to take full responsibility for the sound that's coming out of the instrument, and to lose no opportunity to improve it"

one is for FrankieGavin and the other four are for those braveenough to McCarney refused to learn in case it would get in the way of the want to play for him and probably improve, or at least get a few music, who would dare to say he's wrong/).But the received wisdom pointers. is that the tune cannot come aliveuntil it's secure inside the auralmemory. Frankiewasted no time in getting down to business. He recalled It was VirginiaWoolf who said that every writer needed a room of players who had started by holding the fiddle very flat, and using their own. Frankie several times said that a player should organise the pads of the fingersto stop the strings. Sooner or later an expert the space for themselvesto deal with their instrument,without comment would come along and correct or alter everything, and ensure that from others, however well intentioned. the stringswere hit with the tips of the fingers. Hard graft and no fun. And when Frankie went on to relate his own experiences, he But it was the bow that was his main concern. Frankie uses quite a recalled his fathersaying to him, when he was about 15 and lookingto tight grip and plays with the middle of the bow, using a fair bit of a career in music: "It's a great hobby and it will last you a lifetime, bite. No room for loose grip if you want to play with authority. No and you meet lovely people, but don't even think of making a living chance for the bow to bounce or wander. He explained that it was out of it." Orchestral conductor Colman Pearce, who was in the best to concentrate on wrist action rather than elbow. audience was among those who were grateful that this advice had With several players who were using one bow for several notes, been disregarded. Which, led Frankie to question the social status he stopped the tune and recommended one note per bow-stroke. accorded to traditional players, and their value in the community. And it worked, and the players were grateful for it. Under-rated, we are. This style works best for the dance tunes: slow air may need long As regards older recordings, Frankie's lode star is firmly fixed on flowing bows, but Frankie admitted that he was not a fan of slow James Morrison of Sligo, though he also loves the Donegal tradition airs, though later on he did relent and played for us She lived beside as heard in John Doherty's recordings. the Anner at the foot of Sliabh na mBan. Frankie ended up with a few tips for us on warming up the fingers The main lesson was that it is the individual player who has to take before playing. When you've that many tunes waiting to get out, full responsibilityfor the sound that's coming out of the instrument, they need all the help they can get. and to lose no opportunity to improve it. That includes maintaining John Brophy -9- Waterford News & Star-Well Circulation: 6128 Tuesday, 6 May 2014 Area of Clip: 40900mm² Page: 4 Page 1 of 2

Viewfrom theBlue Ourpubs are dying IT should go without saying that I am totally kets. litde bit more respect wouldn't you? aware of the dangers of alcohol and how Right now, all the publican has to sell is The reason I ask if the pub is dying will be it has broken up too many families and drink, and the Government take most of pretty obvious to most of you. Just have a ruined too many Irish lives. Ireland has the money that comes in for that. Supermarkets think about some of the pubs that used to become well known for its abuse of drink don't care about losing the odd be around 10 and 15 years ago, but are but I'm almost certain that a huge proportion few bob on the price of drink because they gone now. Just off the top of my head, of that abuse, particularly among can get it back with the other few thousand here's a list (not including pubs that have younger people, is down to the ease at products that they sell. In a country that is been replaced by new ones) - Shefflins, which people can pick it up cheaply from known for its pubs I don't think that this is Harveys, Masons, The Old Stand, City supermarkets. very fair at all. Arms, Egans, T&Hs, McLougblins, The When you're drinking in a pub, you are Here are some facts for you. Presently, Bank Bar, The Bull Post.. .and that's to doing it in the public eye. And unlike a there are 8,298 pubs and bars in Ireland. name but a few. bookies, where the girl behind the counter To me, in the current state of affairs, that's The truth about the decline in so many of is not allowed to tell you if she thinks you're 8,298 owners that should probably have Waterford's pubs is that its clientele is actually betting too much, a bar man will tell you their heads examined. With the competition getting old and dying. I spoke to a publican when it's time to call it a day. If he doesn't, from the supermarkets and the huge this week who told me that two of his there's a good chance someone else will. cut that the government take from their regulars had died recendy and another two My point is, when you're drinking in a pub, profits (and thaf s not including rates etc) had strokes. Now, he told me that he was you're amongst friends (usually) and not they deserve some credit for having the very sad to see the men pass on, as they sitting in a room on your own. balls to give it a go. There are 63,000 full or were good friends of him and the bar, but The increase in supermarkets (at last count part-time jobs provided by pubs and bars in speaking from a business point of view, he there were approximately one million Ireland and the total amount of wages paid told me that each of those men used to put Tescos in Waterford) has led to more and by the drinks industry (including off around €200 behind the bar each week. more people getting their drink in bulk and licences and breweries) is €885 million. In That's approximately €40,000 a year (give choosing to stay at home for their libations total, there are 92,000jobs that are supported or take a few grand obviously), that won't instead of heading to their local. I'm not by the drinks industry. In Waterford, be in that publican's till anymore. suggesting that we ban the sale of cheaper there are 2,196 jobs provided by the Now, you can pass judgements on the alcohol, but I would like to see a level playing 248 bars and pubs that we have in our lifestyle of these men, but we don't really field where the publican can actually county. You'd think, with figures that high, have the right to do that do we? These particular engage in a fair fight with the supermar¬ that the Government would treat it with a gentlemen were widows whose -10- Waterford News & Star-Well Circulation: 6128 Tuesday, 6 May 2014 Area of Clip: 40900mm² Page: 4 Page 2 of 2

families had all grown up and moved on. the way the suicide rate in this country has Their life was their local. Whether it was a sky rocketed in recent years? How many of large bottle and a whiskey chaser, this was those people do you think got drunk at just the life that they had known and loved. home before they decided to take their They were men of a different time and the lives? That's not something that you're ever pubs meant as much to them as the tourists going to read about and it's certainly not think it means to us all. something you will see any stats on but I I asked the publican if he was doing well, believe it's a massive factor in someone and all he could do was laugh at me. "listen going over . Darren," he said. "After I pay my rates, The same can be said about domestic violence. my VAT,my rent, my ESB, my SKY,my When people have drinks in a pub, IMRO, my staff, my insurance and my like I said before, they are out in public entertainment, I'm very lucky if I have view and in many cases there are security something left to give myself. The truth is, I personnel and bar-staff to keep an eye on rarely do. We just get by from week to. them. When they're at home, there is no week." Most people don't know this but policing and nobody to step in and prevent when a barman sells you a pint of beer for something nasty from happening. €4.50, only €1 (approx) will actually go to As I said, I understand both sides of the him. argument and I'm not asking for people to Now, I'm not asking anyone to feel sorry for cry for our publicans, but I see people publicans, especially the ones who knowingly lamenting for our old pubs all the time, got involved in the business after the especially places like Egans and the Old recession hit, but I do believe that they Stand.. .but remember people, the reason deserve our respect and some credit. People they closed in the first place was that people like nothing more than to complain were frequenting them less and less. about the price of drink and say things like We can think about heading to the local for "Sure why would I go to the pub when I get a couple of sociable ones instead of bringing the drink cheaper in Tesco and enjoy them a slab of supermarket beer back to the in my own house?" house but really it's the Government who Well here's the harsh reality lads, you see need to make the game fairer for everyone. -11- Donegal News-Monday Circulation: 4044 Monday, 12 May 2014 Area of Clip: 31800mm² Page: 26 Page 1 of 2

Pub trade turning t the corner? Thereare some signs the pub trade is startingto turn a cornerwith some green shoots appearing writes Gerry Gallagher, chairmanof the Donegal branch of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland ahead of their AGM which is onin Mayothis week.

AS I sit down and put pen to paper pub trade to recover, the economy ing legislation is also acutely felt in on this piece, I can't help but feel will have to recover first. Consumersthis regard. High costs also continue cautiously optimistic by what has need to feel confident and to hamper publicans with Sky, been an improved spell for some of start spending again. IMRO and commercial rates continually the pub industry along with the Make no mistake about it; most rising. hope of a brighter future. pubs are still facing significant challenges. There are issues on a wider level Unfortunately, this does not include which concern our industry which all pubs and there are in fact The main factors effecting sustainabilityneed to be urgently addressed. areas in rural Ireland that are not are the lack of disposable The Government's failure to implement experiencing this uplift. income and the emigration of many health codes deeply disappoints No doubt, we have experienced a of our younger generation. us. As an entity, the VFI tough period with 1,300 pubs closing The situation is compounded would urge the Government to address their doors since 2005 being evidencewhen you consider that some pubs, the sale of cheap alcohol, introduce of this. Jobs have been lost particularly rural establishments the ban on price based advertising and this had had a deep impact. serve smaller catchment areas and and bring in the statutory Thankfully this rate of closures is have access to very poor transport code of practice in respect of segregation. slowing. However the general outlook services. This is a massive social and still seems to be that for the The impact of tighter drink driv¬ health issue which cannot be ig- -12- Donegal News-Monday Circulation: 4044 Monday, 12 May 2014 Area of Clip: 31800mm² Page: 26 Page 2 of 2

puts dependent on the drinks industry. The pub is still central to much of what happens in local communities and no one is going to tell me any different. Communal activities such as clubs and sports teams have originated and continue to do as a result of the pub. The pub is a key player in Ireland's tourism sector. But don't take my word for it alone, recent research shows that over 80% of tourists use the pub for food and/or entertainment. Furthermore in a recent Bord Failte survey of 1,514 visitors to Ireland, 83% of those surveyed said they had listened to live Irish music in a pub while a further Gerry Gallagher, Donegal Vintners President. 79% remarked they had tasted a Guinness.

Let's not forget as well that the Irish nored any longer. Pub has previously been voted as the As well as that, this industry needs relief number one tourist destination by the from the current penal rate of excise. Lonely Planet. At a time when we are enticing more A growing tourism business will be tourists, our country already has one of good for the trade. The recent launch of the highest levels of excise in the EU 'The Wild Atlantic Way' is a case in with current government take on excise point. The pub will be central to almost and VAT on alcohol at €2bn. all of the offerings along this way. The last thing the consumer needs is Overall, our publicans are very much more tax and I would encourage people aware of the changing marketing opportunities to remember that excise is not a tax on available and many are already the publican but rather a tax on the public. embracing social media channels and events as a way of communicating with Notwithstanding all that, as an industry, their customers and driving their business. publicans are united and very resilient. Publicans are focusing on As other services like Post Offices, changed offerings with an increased emphasisTourist Offices and Garda Stations are on events. being closed there will be a further reliance The pub industry creates jobs in areas on pubs in many areas for essential where there is not much else in terms of services. employment. The Irish pub needs to recognise the Current stats indicate 92,000 are dependentniche they want to fill and fill it well into on the drinks industry for employment.the future. Many are well on the road to In this county alone, 3,817 jobs doing that and turning a corner in the rely upon the drinks industry. Additionally, process. there is €l.lbillion worth of Irish in¬ -13- Irish Independent Tabloid Circulation: 117361 Tuesday, 13 May 2014 Area of Clip: 29700mm² Page: 27 Page 1 of 1

Pubscan't EN beI take uplet the wither like post offices and garda stations Support Your Local. The drinks in the communities they serve and role of president industry supports 92,000 jobs, buys support local sports clubs and teams ofOf the Vintners €l.lbn of Irish inputs and our pubs to the tune of €3.5m every year. Federation of offer a unique hospitality Importantly, the pub is a key Ws Ireland (VFI) I experience, renowned player in Ireland's tourism sector willsw be the first internationally. Take the case of Co which is seen as a major player in female to hold this position. For Mayo - where our AGM is being held any recovery. Some 80pc of tourists decades women have played a today - where 3,718jobs are use the pub for food and crucial role in the Irish pub, working supported by the drinks industry entertainment. In a recent Failte behind the bar and managing contributing €84m in payroll per Ireland survey of over 1,500 visitors premises. annum. to Ireland, 83pc of those surveyed It is a symbolic breakthrough that There are issues on a wider level said they had listened to live Irish the Irish pub trade now has a female which concern our industry that music in a pub - the number one at the helm. But symbolism alone need to be urgently addressed and attraction. will not address the issues we face. It the Government's failure to Let us not forget as well that the does not matter what gender the implement health codes deeply Irish pub has previously been voted president is if they don't work hard disappoints us. I urge the the number one tourist destination to fight for those we represent. Government to address the sale and by the 'Lonely Planet Guide'. I run a pub in Nenagh called promotion of cheap alcohol, As other services like post offices, Rocky O'Sullivan's, along with my introduce the ban on price-based tourist offices and garda stations are husband Jim, and it has been in the advertising and bring in the being closed there will be a further family for four generations. Ours, statutory code of practice in respect reliance on pubs in many areas for like 90pc of all Irish pubs, is very of the sale of alcohol in a segregation essential services. much a famiiy-run pub, facing the area in supermarkets and The pub is of vital economic and same business challenges as every convenience stores. This is a massive social importance and through other small business owner. Nenagh social and health issue which cannot innovation, hard work and meeting is a town that has experienced its be ignored any longer. The new consumer demands we will economic troughs and peaks over Government has promised to ensure that we not alone survive but the last decade. introduce such measures but has yet thrive. There is no doubt the last couple to put action to its words. of years have proved difficult for The industry also needs relief Noreen O'Sullivan will be elected the many and the publican is no from the current penal rate of excise. first female president of the exception with many pub closures At a time when we are enticing more Vintners Federations of Ireland and job losses. tourists, we already have one of the (VFI) today. highest levels of excise in the EU. Noreen The difference in excise and VATon O'Sullivan a bottle of Irish whiskey in Ireland, compared to Spain, is €16.53. The last thing the consumer needs is more tax and I would encourage people to remember that excise is a Some 1,300 pubs have closed since tax on the public not on the 2005. Make no mistake about it, publican. many pubs are still facing significant Publicans remain united and challenges. resilient and are focusing on The main factors effecting changed sustainability are the lack of Thpnnfc offerings with an disposable income and the 1 oe puo increased emigration of many of our young IS Ot vita; emphasis on people. The situation is economic events. Pubs are compounded when you consider and social embracing the that some pubs, particularly rural digital era, many establishments, serve smaller irnpoi lance are a]rea(jy catchment areas and have very poor for Ireland embracing social transport services. The impact of media channels tighter drink driving legislation is as a way of acutely felt in this regard. High costs communicating with their continue to hamper publicans with customers and driving their Sky TV,IMRO and commercial rates business. continually rising. Publicans remain at the forefront However, we must not sit back of organising and supporting local and sulk. We cannot expect others to festivals and are hosting events from come to our rescue. We must extol comedy clubs to card clubs. They the virtues of the great institution have diversified their offering to that is the Irish pub. embrace the latest trends in food We have been to the forefront in and drink from craft beers to gastro the launch of a recent campaign - pubs. Publicans are deeply entrenched