Infomatique

THE BLACK CHURCH IS WHERE IT BEGINS

March 9, 2024 by infomatique

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 2024

Dublin boasts a fascinating landmark – St. Mary’s Chapel of Ease, affectionately known as the Black Church. Its unique appearance and historic connection to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade makes it a must-know spot for visitors.

The Black Church: A Unique Landmark

The Name’s Origin: Don’t be fooled by the name! The Black Church earns its nickname from dark-colored local limestone used in its construction. This stone takes on a dramatically deeper hue when wet.

Architectural Style: Built in 1830, the Black Church showcases Gothic Revival architecture. Its striking curved interior walls and decorative exterior elements create a one-of-a-kind design.

Today: While no longer a functioning church, the Black Church remains an intriguing part of Dublin’s cityscape. Though not widely open to the public, keep an eye out – you might catch a glimpse inside.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Connection

Each year, the vibrant St. Patrick’s Day Parade assembles in the area surrounding the Black Church, transforming it into a bustling hub of anticipation.

The Magic of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

A Global Celebration: Immerse yourself in the heart of Ireland’s cultural extravaganza! Join half a million spectators as the parade takes over Dublin’s streets with its global cast of marching bands, costumed performers, and dazzling floats.

Spirit of Ireland: Witness the creativity, joy, and community spirit that make Irish culture renowned worldwide. The parade fosters values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, showcasing Ireland’s best through dynamic pageantry.

Exciting Collaborations: Don’t miss this year’s incredible additions, including a pageant celebrating Dublin’s North East Inner City community and a preview of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games alongside Ireland’s own Olympic legacy.

2024 Parade Participants

Clondalkin Youth Band
From: Dublin
Director: Mr Neal Christopher
Numbers: 77

Homewood High School Patriot Band
From: Alabama, USA
Director: Chris Cooper
Numbers: 307

The Pride of Clover Marching Band
From: Clover, South Carolina, USA
Director: Rick Langdale Jnr
Numbers: 155

University of Missouri – Marching Mizzou
From: Colombia, Missouri, USA
Director: Dr. Amy Knopps
Numbers: 300

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Fighting Irish Marching Band
From: Ohio USA
Director: Brian Campbell
Numbers: 71

Science Hill High School Hilltopper Marching Band
From: Tennessee,USA
Director: Dr. Carson Vermillion
Numbers: 100

Youngsville High School Marching Eagles
From: Pennsylvania, USA
Director: Cynthia Scheid
Numbers: 23

John F. Kennedy High School Shamrock Regiment
From: California, USA
Director: Dr. Joshua Parsons
Numbers: 67

Bagad Kemper
From: Brittany, France
Director: Gwendal Poder
Numbers: 35

Olentangy Orange High School Marching Pioneers
From: Ohio
Director: Josh Boyer
Numbers: 175

Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland
From: Northern Ireland
Director: Gillian Bryson
Numbers: 30

Lakeville South Marching Cougars
From: Minnesota, USA
Director: Chad Bienik & Nick Castonguay
Numbers: 110

Noblesville High School Marching Millers
From: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Director: Eric Thornbury
Numbers: 110

Western Carolina University Pride of the Mountains Marching Band
From: North Carolina, USA
Director: Dr. Jack A. Eaddy, Jr
Numbers: 265

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ORGANISER

Here’s where it gets exciting:

The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade really is the centre of the world on St. Patrick’s Day – a genuinely bucket-list worthy adventure in Ireland’s capital city, which lies at the heart of the global celebration of our Irish culture, heritage and people.

Join half a million spectators who gather each March to witness over 4,000 Parade participants including marching bands from all across the globe in a thunderous display of music and pageantry, extravagantly dressed performers, troupes of colourful, cascading dancers and a spectacular display of extravagant floats as they wind their way through the historic streets of Dublin.

With a bursting sense of raucous celebration firmly at its core, the Parade proudly showcases the spark of creativity, imagination, laughter and joy that our wonderful people are so widely known for.

Driven by the values of community, diversity and inclusion, joy and sustainability, the Festival continues to work with Ireland’s foremost creative pageant companies including Bui Bolg, Spraoi, Inishowen Carnival, The Outing Queer Arts Collective, and Artastic.

A fantastic new pageant has been commissioned featuring a collaboration between the St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin City Council and the North East Inner City Initiative. With over 180 participants putting their best foot forward , the pageant will honour and celebrate the energy, resilience and talent that make up the community of the NEIC, shining a light of positivity on the Talent, Strength, Hope, Diversity and Joy in this community

Bui Bolg once again partners with Kia for an exciting new pageant exploring the link between Spréach, electric vehicle technology, and the circular economy; while the Olympic Federation of Ireland will look forward to Paris 2024, while also celebrating 100 years of Irish participation in the Olympic Games. With half a million spectators expected to line this year’s route, the Parade will feature 6 large scale pageants, 11 showpieces and 14 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and France and over 4,000 participants in what is shaping up to be the largest ever National St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The theme of this year’s Festival and Parade is ‘Spréach’, the Irish word for Spark, which represents the unique essence of Ireland and of Irish People. It’s what sets us apart and what brings us together, and oftentimes it’s the reason that people from all over the world have a special place in their hearts for Irish people, place and culture.

The Festival has worked with pageant companies and partners to explore the different interpretations of Spréach – whether that’s the glint of craic in the eye that is so familiar to Irish people, or whether that’s the light of innovation and discovery so present throughout our history. Whether that’s the fire in our bellies, so evident in our sporting heritage, or about the flame of creativity that is so rightly celebrated throughout the world through our writers, poets, musicians, artists, actors and all our amazing creatives. Spréach is about celebrating that uniquely Irish spark of life.

A QUICK VISIT TO FRANCIS STREET

March 7, 2024 by infomatique

WOULD YOU RECOMMENDED IT TO AN AMERICAN VISITOR WITH FOUR YOUNG CHILDREN

Someone asked the following question online

[Question] I am an American and I plan to attend the Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin I am bringing four young children, and my husband. Some friends recommended that I stay at a hotel on Francis Street but others told me that it is not safe at night. What is your recommendation

Here is the response: While Francis Street in Dublin has a rich history and is known for its antique shops, there are some valid concerns about staying in the area with young children, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. [Note: I am not sure about some of the alternatives that were suggested]

Concerns about Francis Street:

Reputation: Parts of Francis Street and the surrounding Liberties area have a historical reputation for social problems like drug use and petty crime. While the area has undergone changes, these elements can still be present.

Nighttime activity: The area can get lively at night, especially during events like St. Patrick’s Day, which may not be the most suitable atmosphere for young children.

Limited amenities: Depending on the specific hotel, you may find fewer child-friendly amenities and attractions in the immediate vicinity.

Why you might consider staying elsewhere for St. Patrick’s Day

Crowds and noise: The parade route passes through the city centre, and areas surrounding it will be extremely crowded and noisy, which can be difficult to manage with young children.

Safety concerns: While direct risk may be low, large crowds and celebrations can increase the chance of minor issues like getting separated from children.

Alternative Areas to Consider:

Here are some more family-friendly areas of Dublin, still within a reasonable distance of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities:

Temple Bar: Lively, but with lots of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. A bit closer to the parade route.
Ballsbridge: A more upscale area with parks and a calmer atmosphere. Good public transport connections to the city center.
Smithfield/Stoneybatter: These neighborhoods on the north side of the River Liffey offer a mix of historic charm and trendy spots, with a bit more space than the city center.

About Francis Street:

Francis Street is a historic street in the Liberties area of Dublin. It’s known for its antique shops and its proximity to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. While it’s an interesting area to visit during the daytime, it may not be the most suitable for a family stay during a major festival.

Overall Recommendation

For a comfortable and safe family experience during St. Patrick’s Day, I’d recommend opting for a hotel in one of the alternative areas mentioned above. This gives you better access to the festivities while providing a more suitable environment for your young children.

WHY DO I USE AN OLD CANON 5DIII

March 7, 2024 by infomatique

ARE MY SONY CAMERAS NOT BETTER

I was asked by a follower why do I use a Canon 5DMKIII considering I am, in general, a Sony user.

A few years ago my local camera dealer, who knew tat I had a collection of Canon Lenses, phoned me to ask me if I was interested in an unused Canon 5DIII at a good price. Apparently someone won a a 5DIII in a competition but as they had not real interest in photography the stored in on a shelf and forgot about it. I accepted the opportunity to borrow it for a week and really liked it. I indicated that I would purchase it if I could get a GPS unit and as luck would have it there was one available immediately.

Before I continue I should mention that I recently came across the following claim – “Battery life for the 5DMkIII isn’t as good as newer mirrorless cameras”. As my experience is the complete opposite I decided to fact check this claim and I received the following response:

You’re right! Generally, DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark III tend to have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras due to their optical viewfinders. The CIPA ratings support this:

Canon 5D Mark III: Approximately 950 shots per charge.
Sony a7 III: Approximately 610 shots (viewfinder) or 710 shots (LCD).
This demonstrates the Canon 5D Mark III’s battery advantage in this specific comparison. It’s important to note that Sony has made significant advancements in battery technology, and newer Sony mirrorless models might offer CIPA ratings closer to, or even exceeding, DSLRs.

Key Points:

DSLRs often boast longer battery life due to their optical viewfinders.
CIPA ratings provide the most reliable comparison for battery lifespan.
Always consider your specific shooting habits as heavy live view or video use will reduce battery life regardless of camera type.

While the Canon 5D Mark III is an older camera model (released in 2012), there are still several reasons why it might be a worthwhile purchase, especially if you can find it used at a good price:

Pros

Image Quality: The full-frame sensor delivers excellent image quality with great dynamic range, good low-light performance, and pleasing colors.
Build Quality: It has a rugged, weather-sealed body, ideal for demanding environments.
Reliable Autofocus: The 61-point autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for its time.
Value: The used market offers significant savings compared to its original price, making it a great value proposition.
Battery Life: Battery life is better than many newer mirrorless cameras.
Legacy Lens Compatibility: Seamless compatibility with Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses.

Considerations

Before buying a Canon 5D Mark III, here’s what you should consider:

Outdated Features: It lacks modern features like 4K video, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and a high-resolution tilting screen.
Lower Resolution: The 22.3-megapixel sensor might be limiting if you need to crop heavily or make large format prints.

Used Market: If buying used, carefully inspect the camera for wear and tear, and check the shutter count (the number of photos it has taken).

Who Is it Right For?

The Canon 5D Mark III is a great option if you:

Are budget-conscious: You can find excellent deals in the used market.
Need a workhorse camera: It’s robust and reliable for various shooting situations.
Value DSLR benefits: It offers great optical viewfinder experience and excellent battery life.
Don’t need the latest technology: If you don’t require the newest bells and whistles, the 5D Mark III delivers fantastic image quality at a reasonable price.

CONNECTING CAPEL STREET TO EAST ARRAN STREET

March 5, 2024 by infomatique

LITTLE STRAND STREET

Little Strand Street, a little known lane in Dublin, bears witness to a tale of ambition and stalled development. It connects the bustling Capel Street to East Arran Street, but the promise of transformation embodied in two vacant sites lingers unrealised. Here, potential hotels stand as phantoms, their absence casting a long shadow over the street’s history and future.

The larger of the voids was once the location of the Ormond Hotel, a grand establishment that played host to literary luminaries like James Joyce. Time and economic forces took their toll, and the hotel was demolished, leaving only a derelict site where a gleaming new structure should now stand. The reasons for the stalled development are complex. Some cite financial difficulties, while others highlight planning hurdles and disagreements over the project’s scale. This delay leaves a gaping wound in the streetscape, echoing an uncertain future.

On the corner of Capel Street and Little Strand Street, another vacant lot tells a similar story. Once intended for a hotel, this promise has withered, the causes equally shrouded in speculation. Whether the blame lies with economic downturns or unforeseen complications, the vacant plot serves as a stark reminder of ambitions yet to be fulfilled.

The name “Little Strand Street” itself hints at a bygone era. It references the nearby River Liffey, where this lane likely reached the shoreline centuries ago before land reclamation pushed the waters further back. This historical connection lends a bittersweet charm to the street, where the past echoes in the very ground beneath one’s feet.

Yet, the future of Little Strand Street need not be defined by these stalled projects. There’s a palpable sense of potential within its narrow confines. The architectural character, from old Georgian facades to more contemporary additions, hints at a dynamic streetscape waiting to be fully realised. Perhaps a revised vision for the hotel sites, one that better integrates with the existing fabric of the area, could finally break the deadlock.

Little Strand Street may be small, but its current state speaks volumes about the complexities of urban development. While the reasons for the delayed projects remain somewhat opaque, the street itself stands as a microcosm of Dublin, where echoes of the past mingle with unfulfilled aspirations, leaving ample room for a revitalised future to emerge.

NCAD GRACE CLIFFORD HOUSE

March 4, 2024 by infomatique

A MODERN ADDITION TO A HISTORIC AREA

RELATED: I SEE HIS BLOOD UPON THE ROSE

Despite frequenting the area, I’m unfamiliar with the Grace Gifford House on John’s Lane West. While the building itself is new, I’m interested in learning more about its construction and the history of the site it occupies. Today, the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) uses the structure for student accommodation and exhibitions.

Regrettably, concerns about drug activity around Grace Gifford House exist. This highlights a problem that can sadly deter people from exploring this historic area near John’s Lane church and sections of or off Thomas Street.

Grace Gifford Plunkett (1888-1955): A Connection to History

Grace Gifford Plunkett was a renowned Irish cartoonist, caricaturist, and illustrator deeply involved in the Republican movement. Her marriage to Joseph Plunkett, a leader of the 1916 Rising, mere hours before his execution is immortalised in the moving Republican ballad “Grace.” Tragically, she died alone in her apartment at 52 South Richmond Street, Dublin, on December 13th, 1955.

NCAD’s Architectural Legacy

For much of its existence, NCAD was situated on Kildare Street, adjacent to the Dáil (Parliament) and the National Library of Ireland. Growing space requirements prompted a relocation to the Liberties in the early 1980s. The College now occupies the former Power’s Whiskey Distillery at 100 Thomas Street, adding modern buildings like Grace Gifford House to a site steeped in history.

This six-acre campus stands beside the iconic Church of St Augustine and St John, designed by Gothic revivalist Edward Welby Pugin. The church boasts beautiful stained glass works by NCAD graduates Michael Healy and Harry Clarke.

The campus blends 19th, 20th, and 21st-century architecture. The imposing five-story Granary, built in 1817, is the most prominent original distillery structure. Other notable repurposed buildings include the Counting House and Offices (housing College Administration), the Clock Building, and the Distiller’s Residence. Remnants of the whiskey-making process, such as giant pot stills and engine houses, lend the area a unique character.

In 1998, NCAD expanded further by acquiring Dublin’s first motorised fire station, now called the Harry Clarke House. In 2009, the modernist NCAD Gallery opened its doors. Since 2017, the College campus has been a key stop on the Dubline (Dublin Discovery Trail), inviting visitors to explore its fascinating past and present.