Jim Gavin has announced he will be stepping down from his role as Dublin football manager in shocking news today.

In a statement given by Dublin GAA, it was announced that “Jim Gavin has this morning informed the County Officers, his management team and players that he was handing back the reins of the Dublin senior football team to the County Committee.”

Gavin has stepped back from his role after 7 years during which he has experienced unprecedented success. His tenure as Dublin manager he has seen the county win 6 All-Ireland Championships, 5 league titles and 7 province titles.

2019 has been seen as a particularly successful year for Gavin on both a sporting and a personal level. Aside from completing the incredible 5- in-a-row feat of All Ireland Championships, Gavin has also been nominated by Dublin City Council to receive the Freedom of the City award in honour of his contributions to the County.

“There is always something to go after, there is always something to improve upon.”

Speaking at an awards ceremony just days before his resignation Gavin said that the key advice he gives to players is to “burn your trophies because past success doesn’t guarantee you will win again.”

“In the Dublin football team, we have never achieved perfection in any of the games. There is always something to go after, there is always something to improve upon.”

Chairman of the County Committee Seán Shanley has issued a statement in which he said
“I regret his departure but appreciate the huge sacrifices he has made over this period. The committee will commence the process of considering suitable candidates to replace Jim and his management team shortly.”

The race is now on for the County Committee to announce Gavin’s replacement.

“He knows the committee, he knows the players and most of all he knows how to win.”

Na Fianna manager Dessie Farrell is the front runner for the position having managed Dublin to one minor and two U21 championships in the past. Farrell is credited for bringing through Dublin stars such as Paul Mannion and Con O’Callaghan, both of whom received All-Stars following their performances in the 2019 season.

Long-time Na Fianna member Eamon Murphy has said: “Dessie is without a doubt the man for the job, he knows the committee, he knows the players and most of all he knows how to win.”

“Dessie has won minor championships with a good number of the younger players in that Dublin team now. Without a doubt, he’s the man to bring the County forward with a new generation.”

 

Appearances and lifestyles alternative to the norm are becoming more commonplace in Ireland every day. As the country begins to shake off the strict guidelines imposed on it by the Catholic Church, people are beginning to be themselves and challenge the status quo more and more every day.

Bright hair, bright clothes, piercings and tattoos are some of the badges of this alternative scene. Kayleigh Nangle and Andrew Monaghan stick out like a sore thumb in an unassuming and ill-lit Dublin café. Surrounded by others in cold blacks and khaki greens, they strike a pleasant contrast with the miserable March weather outside. 
“I’ve always been interested in funky clothes,” Andrew says, his voice timid and quiet in comparison to his bold and loud appearance. He wears an eye-catching blue, red and yellow jacket splattered with Tommy Hilfiger branding. His hair is dyed down the middle, one side blond and one side black and his face is covered in piercings.
“I think a lot of it depends on the kind of music or films you’re into. If everyone was still going around wearing shirts and ties, I’d probably be doing the same but there are lots of different styles out there now. I listen to a lot of the new wave of rap in America and they’ve all got their own looks. Lil Peep was the big one for me.” 

Lil Peep, whose real name was Gustav Åhr tragically passed away in late 2017 but left a lasting impression on fans. A pioneer of the new ‘mumble’ rap scene in America, Åhr had a dramatic appearance, being heavily tattooed and having unique fashion. 
“I was really into his music and I suppose when you’re into the music you get invested in the artist. I’d see the clothes he was wearing and the way he lived his life and think that that could be me. I suppose when I dye my own hair, I’m kind of trying to get closer to that, says Andrew”
Kayleigh cites music as an important influence on her style also. 

“I agree that the music you listen to plays a big part in it. I listen to a lot of music from the ’80s and ’90s and that’s really where I get my style from. I made friends with a lot of people into the same music as me and they wore a lot of retro clothing. Vintage tracksuit jackets from the ’80s are really popular now, the ones with all the mad colours and patterns.” She wears one such jacket now, a bright blue and purple one that almost hurts the eyes. Her thick red cargo pants almost glow from underneath the table.
“People feel a lot freer to do their own thing these days and that’s reflected everywhere.”
That is certainly the case. Megastars such as Billie Eilish are well known for their outlandish and eye-catching fashion. 
“If Billie came around 20 years ago, I don’t think she’d be half as popular” Kayleigh states. 
“People would have looked at her like she’s some edgy freak with the bright hair and bright clothes. She’d probably be playing in some underground clubs.”

“You can see her influence everywhere” adds Andrew. 
“All the bright neon clothes and blue and green hair you see on the girls these days all came from her. I do believe herself dabbled in all that for a while” he says gesturing towards Kayleigh. Her hair is far from neon green now, instead, it is styled in a sleek black bob reminiscent of Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. 

“If you like them, get them”

 The topic of tattoos and their increasing popularity comes up, something that Kayleigh knows all about as she is a tattoo artist herself.
“Lots of young people are getting tattoos nowadays, I think the old taboo surrounding them is starting to fade away,” she says with an accomplished looking smile on her face. 
“That being said, I don’t have many myself, he’s got more than me” she adds pointing at Andrew’s arms. His arms are adorned with various designs though he wouldn’t say any of them have any great meaning or resonance.

“They don’t particularly mean anything, I just thought they looked cool. Conor McGregor said something funny about that before.”
The quote Andrew is talking about comes from an interview Conor McGregor took part in in 2015. He mocked the idea of people associating tattoos of animals and objects with random meanings, using an example of someone with a tattoo of a goldfish who said it represents hope.

“People come up with the most hilarious meanings for their tattoos” adds Kayleigh.
“If you like them, get them, I wouldn’t worry too much about what they mean. It’s just great to see that people are interested in them and accept them. Soon enough granny’s will be coming in to get them instead of crossing the road to hide from people who have them” she adds with a laugh.

Though all this liberalisation of appearances is happening around Ireland, many teens feel they are being held back by strict dress codes being maintained in schools around the country.
“It’s ridiculous,” Kayleigh says on the subject of the school dress codes. 
“When I was in school, we couldn’t do anything. No hair dye, no piercings, we weren’t even allowed to paint our nails. Schools are always on about promoting kids expressing themselves and being creative, but God forbid someone comes in with a piercing in their nose” she says whilst shaking her head.

“I couldn’t tell you the number of petitions I’ve signed set up by teens around the country wanting to be allowed do what they want with their own bodies” adds Andrew. 
“Fair enough they don’t want someone showing up looking like Marilyn Manson but there is no way they can convince me that having a piercing in your ear is affecting your classmate’s ability to get an education.  

Many schools in Ireland, particularly those funded by the Catholic Church place strict rules on what students can or can’t look like. As the years go by this is becoming an outdated practice and one that is in stark contrast with the liberalisation of the country. 
“It’ll change eventually I’m sure when the Nuns lose their footing,” says Kayleigh.

In the immortal words of Liam Gallagher,
You’ve got to be yourself, you can’t be no one else.

The Workman’s Club in Dublin. For anyone who has been there knows how important a venue it is for live music in Dublin. Falling out of an underwhelming nightclub and suggesting a trip to Workman’s for one last pint is a regular occurrence in Dublin City. Never too packed but never too quiet, it’s always just right for that last triumphant pint. But why has it turned into such a well-known spot? The people in the know tell us why. 

Situated next door to the Clarence Hotel, on Dublin’s Wellington Quay, Workman’s has benefitted from being in a prime location. Several buildings on Wellington Quay were purchased by Bono and the Edge of U2 in 1992, with the help of a handy tax exemption, in a bid to revitalise Temple Bar. Workman’s was opened in 2010 and has become a spot well known for its rock and roll vibe. In its place was originally the City of Dublin Workingmen’s Club. The workingmen, however, did not lose their establishment in the takeover. A new club, identical to the previous one was built for them just off Capel Street in 2003. 

 

The multi-floor venue caters for a lot of different musical tastes. If you like rock and roll you may find yourself hanging around upstairs but if dance music is your thing then downstairs is where you ought to be. Downstairs, most of the old school décor remains. Old fashioned booths or seats give you a blast from the past. Perhaps one of its most famous features can be found in its upstairs smoking area. On the walls hang several doors all painted in an assortment of bright colours and “decorated” by its patrons. No doubt many a man or woman have written something on a Workman’s door at one time or another

“It’s like art has fallen to the side and now it’s all about commerce”

 

Since Workman’s was opened in 2010 it has been a popular haunt for people of all ages. Its reputation has grown as a hub for emerging Irish musical talent. Áine O’Hara explains why it has become an important establishment in the music scene.  

“Anybody can play there; you don’t have to be some well-known act. They allow for lots of variation as well, it’s not like only one sound comes out of the place.” 

The venue prides itself in being a Mecca for new artists. Almost every day of the week there will be at least one act on, if not more.  

“There are people playing here still charging a fiver for a gig. Not many places still have acts that are that new getting a shot.” 

This is a remarkably fresh mindset in a city that many have argued has struggled with gentrification in the last few years.  

“There’ll be nowhere for artists soon enough if the government get their way, they’re too busy caring about making hotels instead of making people happy,” Aoife says passionately. 

 

Dublin has seen many important cultural and artistic establishments fall by the wayside to be replaced by hotels. Perhaps the most famous of these developments was the closure of the Bernard Shaw in October 2019. Though it was moved onto Dublin’s Northside in Phibsborough, many would argue that Portobello, its original location has lost out.  

“It’s like art has fallen to the side and now it’s all about commerce,” says Jack O’Riordan, a young part-time painter from Portobello. 

“Any time you get rid of somewhere people can come and socialise and take in the music and expand their views, it just kills the area. The whole city’s getting like that. Developers are throwing cash at the government and the council and they’re loving it. There will be more hotels than people.” 

 
“There’s something fake about it when you only put it on for guests”

 

“They’re building all these hotels for tourists but keep knocking down venues to build them,” says Jack.  

“Even the red squirrel mural was removed to make way for a hotel. They’re stripping anything that makes Dublin Irish and makes Dublin unique away.” 

A common argument that gets made is that you could put Dublin in any country in the world as its lost much of what makes Dublin. Tourists come to Dublin expecting men with beards strumming away on a banjo in a pub but will struggle to find it. 

“It’s all gone to Temple Bar now, it’s all for the tourists, there’s something fake about it when you only put it on for guests. That’s why it’s so important that you keep a venue like Workman’s ’cause you’re keeping something alive, says Jack.    

 

Music and cultural significance aside, it is the people who frequent Workman’s that make it special. Chloe Reilly is a woman you could find inside on any given day of the week.  

“It’s easy to spot a Workman’s regular about the place,” she says. 

She may indeed be true. Workman’s is known for attracting “artsy” and “hip” young folk as a place where they can be around their peers who share the same interests and music taste. 

“Doc Martens, bright clothes, and fringes are some of the essentials,” she says, almost describing herself. 

“If you’re an artsy kind of person you’ll like it here, everyone likes being around people who they can relate to. I think that’s definitely the main strength of the place.”   

The Workman’s smoking area is legendary in Ireland for hosting some of the most extravagantly dressed people in the city. Many memes have been made of some of the characters you will find in there. 

“Come down and see for yourself,” she says. 

 

“It’s an oasis in a desert.”

 

Bohemian FC has always been about the fans. Since its foundation in 1890, the club has always stood for representing those around it. Despite falling on hard times results-wise; the club is still drawing in record crowds, selling out season tickets and match tickets alike. Some would argue they are more than a football team. With a fan culture centred around not just football, but music and tolerance, lifelong fans explain why the Bohs are the people’s club.

Luke Sheehan is a lifelong fan. Having grown up following the club in the ‘60s, the club has been a constant fixture in his life. Nestled in one of the corners of the Phibsborough House pub, he strikes an unassuming but welcoming figure. The pub is a classic Dublin establishment; moodily lit and inhabited by a small number of regular patrons dotted about the place and keeping to themselves. 
“This would be a regular stop-off for the fans before they head up to the ground,” he says, breaking the silence in a husky Dublin tone.
“They’re well used to us by now” he adds, pointing to a tap on the bar for a beer named ‘Bohs Light’.

Due to its proximity to Dalymount Park, the home ground of the club, the pub is regularly visited by Bohs fans before and after the game.
“I’ve been going to the games since I was a young fella with me Da, I’ve seen it all, good times and bad times. I remember when we could actually win something, but we’ll get there, Luke adds”
Indeed, the team have been going through a rough patch, having failed to win the League of Ireland since 2009. Like most Irish soccer teams, players come and go frequently with few sticking to the one club for a long time. Teams often struggle to build strong squads as often money is not there to afford to sign many players.
“I think it’s more than the results on the pitch that makes the club though, there are young lads at all the games who’ve never seen us win anything, but they still show up.”

“Love Football, Hate Racism”

Bohemian FC can certainly be noted amongst its peers for its fan culture. In the last few years, the club has built up a strong fanbase, regularly selling out matches. Many supporters are teenagers and young adults whose die-hard devotion to their club can only spur the team on. One such young fan is William Loughlin. At 19 years old, ‘Willie’ was only a child when the Bohs last won the league.
“It means everything to me,” he says convincingly, in a way only Northside Dubliners can.
“It’s about what happens in the bar after the game and the house parties after the bar. Nothing beats coming down on a Friday with your mates and just having it out.”
Despite having a capacity of just over 3,500, Dalymount Park is home to three bars, all situated in the Jodi Stand.
“It’s good craic in here, I’ve made loads of mates coming to the games, everyone is sound there are no egos. When I started coming down, I thought it would be hard to get involved but they were all welcoming.”

The club and its supporters pride themselves on being welcoming and inclusive. The teams away jersey will be sponsored by Amnesty International for the 2020 season. A white kit with the words “Refugees Welcome” emblazoned around an image of a family fleeing to safety, it sends a clear message about what the club stands for. 
“I think its class looking,” says Willie holding a picture of it on his phone. The back of the jersey bears the quote “love football, hate racism”.
“It’s different, but it makes a good statement about what we’re about. There are people from all over that come to the games, a Venezuelan lad and all.”
He is certainly not wrong, a Venezuelan flag with the words “Venezuelan Bohs” is a common site on top of the Jodi Stand. The club aims to be accessible to all, regardless of race or creed.

“The Fashion is very ‘90s”

“There are only two kinds of people I don’t like,” says club member James Butler,
“Rovers fans and Shelbourne fans”. The Bohs are known for their heated rivalry with fellow North Dublin side Shelbourne FC who play out of Drumcondra, but it is their rivalry with the Tallaght side Shamrock Rovers that is the most visceral. An intense rivalry, more often or not highlighted by ugly scenes that follow the games off the pitch. The league opener between Bohs and Rovers in February led to ugly scenes in the streets of Phibsborough as fans brawled after the game. 
“It is what it is, at least nobody got hurt,” says Butler with an air of indifference about the incident. 

Butler is a perfect representation of the fashion and music scene that goes along with being a seasoned Bohs supporter. 
“The fashion is very ‘90s, like the Britpop thing in England, Adidas runners, parka jackets, that sort of thing.” Looking at the Bohemians fans is like opening a time capsule. Almost every one of the hardcore fans on matchday will be seen wearing a pair of Adidas runners and popular ‘90s brands such as Stone Island. 
“There are a few Paul Weller haircuts floating about as well, but I wouldn’t recommend getting them.”
As well as fashion, music is another important part of the Bohs fans identity.
“A lot of the older tunes are popular; The Jam, Stone Roses, Oasis, those kinds of bands. A lot of the lads would be into the Reggae as well.” 

Reggae is commonly associated with Bohemian FC. In 2019 the club attempted to feature an image of Bob Marley on their away jersey. Bob Marley played a famous concert in Dalymount Park in 1980 so the jersey aimed to honour the club’s musical history. An issue arose with Bob Marley’s representatives who had not granted permission to sell the rights to the legendary artist’s image. This forced the club into having to redesign the away jersey at short notice. The image of Marley was changed to an image of a clenched fist. In a statement the club said:
“The clenched, raised fist, is a symbol of solidarity and support used to express unity, strength and resistance.” 10% of funds raised by the jersey was donated to people living in Direct Provision in Ireland, once again highlighting the club’s dedication to supporting those around them in need. 

In the 2020s the club aims to become title-contenders and build on the strong foundation laid down in previous seasons.
“It’s a long time coming but we’re going to do it sooner rather than later,” says Butler.

“We’ve come a long, long way together, I have to praise you like I should.”

INTIMACY, held in Trinity College’s science gallery explores human intimacy in the modern world.

“Please touch” is the message that greets you upon entering this brand new exhibition opens to the public until the 24th of February. Held to show how human intimacy has evolved in the 21st century the exhibitions display how people have innovated to feel closeness no matter how separated you are.

Upon visiting, the first exhibit which caught my interest was one entitled “Missed Connections”. The exhibit is comprised of a board on which visitors can pin notes detailing what they seek in future relationships.

My initial opinion on the exhibit was that it made me feel kind of sad and lonely. People are posting notes detailing what they want from other people in their lives but don’t have.

On the other hand, this exhibit can also offer hope. By allowing people to write down what they are looking for and allowing them to leave contact information such as their Instagram handle, visitors are given the opportunity to use this exhibit themselves to forge potential new relationships.

The idea of forging relationships with strangers was further played upon with the exhibition entitled “Hello Machine”. It is simple, a dial-up telephone used to ring a stranger from around the world in the hope of making conversation.

The idea of not having to see someone alleviates the initial awkwardness that can be involved with meeting someone for the first time. The phone helps the visitor really think about what it is to meet someone and start a relationship and the difference in boundaries between meeting someone face to face and over the phone.

Similar to the phone, another exhibition called “Companion Cat” offers a look into companionship and how technology can be used to enhance someone’s life and prevent them from being lonely.

“Companion Cat” is designed to replicate a cat as closely a possible and is aimed towards elderly people who would otherwise be lonely. It provides comfort whilst having the bonus of not having to be fed and looked after meaning elderly people can relax in its presence.

Whilst “Companion Cat” offers comfort an exhibit which particularly piqued my interest was an unnerving one. Entitled “Hugs” the exhibit displays photographs of suicide bombers hugging their fellow Jihadists before going to their death’s.

The exhibit is polarizing because many who view these images will see evil men embracing each other but it challenges the visitor to change their perspective and see things from the eyes of the terrorist. They believe they are doing is a good deed and to them, this final embrace is a warm but bittersweet moment.

This polarizing idea is something that is played upon by a lot of the exhibits. They challenge the visitor and want them to step out of their comfort zone and make them think about what their relationships mean and what role these relationships play in their lives.

In conclusion, I would definitely recommend “INTIMACY” as it challenges the visitor to look a little deeper into themselves and their relationships in the modern world and see how they would last through separation or be accentuated through technology. It really makes you think.

Alfonso Cuarón’s family-focused drama is an often uncomfortable but heartwarming tale.

Roma is a semi-autobiographical story about the director Alfonso Cuaróns life growing up in Mexico City. This personal touch is felt all throughout with Roma delivering an intimate story about love, loss and family. The film is dedicated to Liborio Rodríguez, a 74-year-old former nanny from whom the main character Cleo played by Yalitza Aparicio draws inspiration from. The impact Rodríguez had on Cuarón is palpable here as Cleo is depicted as a silent yet strong character and someone who manages to hold a family together even though it is not her own.

The film is shot through a black and white lens which allows Cuarón to not just perfectly capture the time in which the film is set but to also balance against the emotions of the main character Cleo. The black and white lens helps to create a cold and polarizing atmosphere where Cleo’s character often feels the love from the family who employs here yet still feels alone as she has no family of her own. This choice in cinematography also helps to create a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere that is best shown in the home of the family. It is intricately detailed which is further emphasized by Cuaróns long, panning shots which do well to make the home feel warm and lived in. The way the home changes following the loss of the father figure is subtle enough to go unnoticed by most viewers but to the eagle-eyed people watching this film will further emphasize how loss and loneliness can affect people.

The theme of loneliness is one that is found throughout. Cleo can only watch as she sees her employer Sofia’s (played by Marina De Tavira) marriage collapse around her. This in tandem with Cleo’s own relationship as she is abandoned by martial arts enthusiast Fermín (Jorge Antonio Guerrero) upon discovery that she is pregnant. After she has come to the realization that her marriage has collapsed a drunken Sofia stumbles into Cleo’s arms to deliver perhaps the most powerful quote of the film; “No matter what they tell you-women, we are always alone). This sentiment is felt throughout the film as the women depicted must often find strength in themselves and in each other to rise up to their problems.

In many ways, the film is an ode to the women who raised us. Though they struggle, the two women depicted always find something inside themselves to keep going. If not for themselves then for the children. These ideas of care, love and nurture are found throughout. The children love Cleo like she is their own mother and although at the beginning Sofia can be impatient and quick-tempered with Cleo she eventually learns to love her and see her as family. The growth the two women go on throughout the film is breathtaking. The beginning of the film literally sees Cleo cleaning up excrement and being underappreciated by Sofia but by the end due to her actions we see Sofia realize that without Cleo she would have nothing. How these women create their own family dynamic after the loss of the men in their lives in a genuinely heartwarming thing to behold.

Though she doesn’t speak much the cinematography does a great job at creating Cleo’s character and helping the viewer understand her feelings and story. Throughout the film, the camera often focuses on Cleo’s face and expression. You can see the pain in her face but also a growing quiet strength as she begins to find herself. She often sits and ponders and thinks deeply about the life she is living in. We see her both prosper and struggle and go with her on her journey from just being a nanny to someone who is valued and respected and more to the family than the role she inhabits.

In conclusion, I would definitely recommend Roma. Cleo’s journey is a special one and is the type of story not often portrayed in cinema. We go with her through her highs and lows and see a woman who comes from nothing and often finds herself dreaming of escaping looking at the planes that fly above her to someone who is a loved and cherished member of a family to which she now belongs. The work of director Alfonso Cuarón is excellent and integral in recreating the world in which he grew up, one where a simple nanny can be so much more.

Jorge Masvidal silenced the O2 Arena with a stunning second-round victory against heavy favourite Darren Till.

Coming into the event, the spotlight was firmly placed on England’s Darren Till who was looking to bounce back from his first career loss against then world champion Tyron Woodley in September. American veteran Masvidal was seen as an afterthought, perhaps pitted against Till as an almost sacrifice to show the Englishman still has it and to relaunch him back into title contention.

Entering the cage to the tune of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” Till had all the makings of a star. With the crowd firmly behind him, it seemed the Liverpool fighter was well on his way back to the top. On paper, the both younger and larger fighter seemed like he would be too much to handle for Masvidal.

The fight was almost over as soon as it began. Following an almost instantaneous illegal groin strike from Masvidal which forced a pause in the action, Till recovered and dropped Masvidal to the mat with a thunderous left hand that would have been enough to finish most competitors. Only seconds into the fight the roars of the home crowd became deafening urging on Till to finish the fight.

Owing to his experience and skillful ground game Masvidal survived the opening barrage and wrestled his way back to his feet. The rest of the round was more closely contested as Masvidal soon found his rhythm and proved himself as a match for Till, finding counters to the Englishman’s powerful punches.

Both men came out of their corners aggressive at the start of the second round. Till, who was becoming predictable in his approach to finding a home for his left hand was beginning to be easily countered by Masvidal. His frequent stance switching, the same tactic used by Tyron Woodley to bewilder Till and halt his offence was becoming a problem for the Englishman who was struggling to prevent the American from closing the distance.

Just past the mid-point of the second round, Masvidal found a home for his left counter, leaping in with a devastating left hook over the top which saw Till brutally rendered unconscious. Referee Marc Goddard was quick to step in to stop the fight recognizing that Till was not going to recover. The stunning knockout left an eerie feeling in the arena which was now almost devoid of sound, the polar opposite to the atmosphere of moments ago.

As Masvidal celebrated, doctor’s rushed into the octagon to attend to Till, who took a few minutes to regain consciousness. Having gone from an unstoppable force in the welterweight division to now having two consecutive losses on his record the London fans were looking to each other for answers as to where the Liverpool fighter now stands in contention for a top spot in the division.

As Masvidal was formally declared the victor the London crowd were receptive to the American veteran whose brashness and willingness to fight any man has always placed him as a favourite among the fans. Meanwhile, Till sat across from him propped up on a stool, head hung in disappointment as Masvidal delivered his post-fight speech. Masvidal was respectful in throughout, urging the London crowd to get behind Till before calling for a title shot for himself.

This fight has now completely rearranged the UFC welterweight division with Till’s stock no doubt dropping but allowing for Masvidal to come in and establish himself as a top competitor. As Till exited the cage to warm cheers from his supporters he now finds himself adrift in a talent-rich division with no clear path back to the top. Although he called for a title shot the most likely move from the UFC will be to pit him against their new acquisition Ben Askren, a world champion in two different promotions whose ability to irk other fighters just as badly as he is able to maul them in the octagon looks to set him as a top contender. On a jam-packed night of action, Masvidal proved he lives up to his nickname “Gamebred” and showed the world he always comes to fight.

Sex, money and the seedy underbelly of Godless Dublin, a conversation with “Mr Big” the man intending to launch Irelands very own porn industry.

“I hope you don’t mind me not using my real name,” says Mr Big upon arriving at a quiet little pub on the outskirts of Dublin. “I’ve always wanted an alter ego”.

I’m initially shocked by his appearance. I’d expected a perhaps middle-aged man in a white business shirt with a spray tan but instead was met with a young lad in his early twenties. I immediately get the impression that Mr Big has set his eyes on this industry to make a fortune. He doesn’t seem interested in getting up to other nefarious deeds as one might suspect. We order drinks and sit down to discuss his business plan. “So what do you want to know?”

Ireland is one of the few European countries that does not have its own porn industry. Whether this is due to the conservative nature of the Irish public or for fear that given Ireland’s small population that someone you know might see you on one of these sites, the porn business is something few Irish people have ventured in to.

“I don’t see why it is something people are so afraid of, its worth a fortune”. Indeed it is, though estimates vary widely the porn industry has been valued at earning figures between $6 billion to $97 billion a year. Though it is nearly impossible to quantify how much this industry is worth to the global economy due to its nature it is clear to see that it is generating huge amounts of income. Some have suggested that the porn industry could have a bigger economic impact on the United States economy than Netflix.

So just how does this industry generate its income?

“There are many ways of going about it,” says Mr Big, leaning forward in his chair to be closer to me, almost as if he doesn’t want people to hear him divulge his masterplan. “There’s production, subscription and of course the big tube sites, that’s where the real money is at”.

He is certainly right in that statement. PornHub, the worlds largest porn streaming site had 33.5 billion visits throughout 2018 with an average of 64000 visitors and two hours of footage being uploaded to the site every minute. “These tube sites post ads on the side for subscription services and then take a cut of every subscription these other sites get. People who want to see the more hardcore shit have to pay for it cause the girls have to get paid more.”

I ask him where he comes into all this. “I want to get into the production side of things. I’ll produce the videos and then sell to the subscription services who’ll be advertising on the tube sites. I’m the first to get paid but eventually, everyone sees the money.”

Mr Big is definitely confident in his plan. He talks openly and honestly, opposite to the typical hushed tone one might have whenever mentioning the “p-word”. Given that he says he wants to get into the production side of the business I ask him how he plans on going about doing that.

“I don’t think I’m going to struggle to get lads to do it, especially when they’re being paid. The girls might be harder but you only have to look at these sugar daddy sites to see what some girls will do when you flash the cash.” He has a point, SeekingArrangement, the worlds largest sugar baby and sugar daddy dating site currently has 2.6 million active sugar babies.

Hearing this does make me think about the dark underbelly associated with this line of business but Mr Big assures me he’s only in it for a quick fortune and the laugh. “I’m thinking outside the box, can you blame me?”. After hearing about the absurd amount of money the industry generates I can’t really.

“I only want to sell a product, like any other businessman,” I ask him does he ever wonder about what’s going on in the lives of the people in these films and what has driven them to this industry. “I’ve never had a boss that gave a shit about my personal life, people dig into it cause sex is such a taboo subject but I’d wager that most people in this industry just want to get paid”.

The pay is certainly good though quite imbalanced. Women performers usually earn between $800 to $2000 while male performers only earn around $150 for a film. Mr Big doesn’t see himself trying to change that though he does have other ambitions. “I’d eventually want to set up my own subscription service and sell directly to the tube sights myself, I just have to get off the ground first.”

Mr Big has certainly thought this through. From what he says it almost sounds easy to make a fortune. “That’s my plan, I hope you haven’t found any holes in it,” he says while laughing into a pint glass. He is certainly confident in succeeding in a business that is quite alien to the mainstream media.

I suppose you have to respect it.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton