Yearly Archives: 2016

ticket

hickey
mallon

From top: Rio 2016 Closing Ceremony ticket; Irish Olympic chief Pat Hickey and ID for Kevin Mallon

Irishman Kevin James Mallon, one of the heads at hospitality provider THG Sports, was arrested with tickets for the Rio Games..

Mallon is accused of conspiracy and helping sell tickets illegally.

The then-CEO of the same company, James Sinton, was arrested in 2014 as part of the investigation into the alleged World Cup ticket scam, police said.

Stephen Hickey, the son of OCI president Pat Hickey, worked as a manager for THG Sports during the 2012 games. There is no suggestion that the Hickeys are involved in this current investigation.

Meanwhile…

THG Sports chief executive James Sinton was arrested during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and accused by police of heading up a “ticketing mafia”. He was later freed after paying a fine and left the country.

In 2012, former footballer Romário, now a Brazilian senator, accused Pat Hickey of being involved in ticket touting for the 2012 Summer Games and the 2014 Winter Games. He said Pat Hickey was the link between the IOC and firms selling tickets on the black market. Pat Hickey dismissed the accusations.

Face of Irish executive arrested over alleged sale of €3m official tickets at Rio Olympics (Independent.ie)

Inquiry into alleged sale of Irish tickets for Olympics (Irish Times)

‘Immediate investigation’ into alleged fraudulent selling of Irish tickets (RTÉ)

Previously: OCI Appoint Ticketing Agency For 2012 Games (OC!)

Pics: AFP

puckfair

puck

Ahead of tomorrow’s Puck Fair in Kilorglin, Co Kerry where a goat will spends the duration of the fair atop this scaffold erected in the centre of town (above).

John Carmody, of Animal Rights Network (ARAN), writes:

“We are delighted the Puck Fair is still taking place but saddened that a real animal must remain as part of this tradition.

People’s opinions on using animals for entertainment is changing fast in this day and age, and to that end, we urge the organisers to commit to taking the live animal out and replacing him with something more artistic and humane that reflects the spirit and beauty of the animal, that way everyone can have fun in what is otherwise a brilliant event.

What is wrong with the Puck Fair? ARAN has stated our concerns about the welfare of the wild-caught goat to authorities in the past.

The animal will be paraded through the packed streets of Killorglin and then hoisted roughly 60ft into the air for a couple of days in varying weather conditions, where he is then confined to a tiny cage, terrified and confused among thousands of party-goers and drunken revellers.

ARAN points out that no veterinary inspections will ease the psychological problems this animal will endure and we feel that part of the Five Freedoms in the Animal Health and Welfare Act may be violated.

Puck Fair (Facebook)

Animal Rights Network

image

Whimsical post-hipster fantasy or capitalist booze hub in the sky?

Hospitality Ireland reports:

Plans submitted by OCS Properties to Dublin City Council are proposing the addition of a new ‘rooftop destination’ to Clery’s department store, which will see it host a series of bars, restaurants and entertainment spaces, as well as the creation of a new boutique hotel on Earl Place.

This new rooftop destination will be available for day and night-time use according to the developers. Other changes will see the department stores facade adding a number of ‘Juliette’ balconies to sit about street level, the staircase being restored to its original condition and the renovation of its famous tea rooms.

The store will see its ground, lower ground and first floors used for retail and its upper office floors being available for letting.

It’s no KaDeWe, in fairness.

Hospitality Ireland (Plan For Clery’s To Become Rooftop Destination With Bars And Restaurants)

21

Friday August 12th – Sunday August 14: Out To Lunch Weekender @ Yamamori Sushi, Great Strand Street, Dublin 1

Nialler9 writes:

Taking over the entire venue on the quays including the restaurant, Out To Lunch is hosting three days of live electronic acts and DJ sets in four different rooms.

Guest selectors include snooker champion turned DJ Steve Davis, Ben UFO, DJ Sprinkles, Laurel Halo, Mark Ernestus, Call Super, Kenny Hanlon, Damien Lynch, Lolz and Cáit Dip. There’s also a record fair and Firehouse Skank in the courtyard.

Nialler9’s Gig Guide August 9-15 (Nialler9)