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ROADMAP THE GYM DUBLIN FILM CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD
WINNERS Irish artist Brian Teeling announces The Gym, a new limited-edition t-shirt that tributes the legendary gay sauna The Gym, established on Dame Lane in 1980 and carried on until 1998. In the time of sex between men being criminalized, The Gym provided one of the most famous safe spaces for men who fancied other men to connect, experiment and experience a sense of community in the heart of Dublin. The Gym collection features original graphics from the time designed by designer and activist Oliver Stanley. These focus on the beauty of bold display of muscular men in swimwear, embracing the fiercely erotic side of the establishment. The shirts are available to be ordered online now, available in the sizes XS – 5 XL. Available to order online via mscltr.bigcartel.com Just in time for Christmas, The Dublin Film Critics Circle has announced the winners of this year’s cycle. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners especially stands out, winning not one, not two, but five of the categories. This epic blend of horror, music and social history, not only won best screenplay, but also best actor, best cinematography and best film in general. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is close behind in most categories and Christy topped the Irish Film of The Year category with Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story, Fréwaka, Beat the Lotto and Testimony making up the top five. Brendan Canty, pictured in Christy also picked up the Breakthrough award. NCH’S JAN – FEB PROGRAMME BUS CONNECTS FIASCO Great to see the residents of Chapelizod out on the streets protesting at the shambles that is the new Bus Connects Transport Initiative. Stories of packed buses and no shows are rife around the city, not just in Chapelizod, as the recent route changes play havoc with commuters getting into work. The old ‘if it aint broke dont fix it’ saying comes to mind. We’ll be investigating this debacle in more detail in 2026. 10 We don’t realistically know when the NCH will close for its massive refurb but apropos of that they’ve announced another killer program of events for 2026. Next year’s schedule kicks off with a New Years Gala featuring conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh and soprano Ava Dodd performing Strauss, Lehár, Korngold and more. Soon after, on 13 February, Alexander Shelley’s debuts as Principal Conductor Designate for Schumann’s Paradise and The Peri. The Four Seasons Chamber Music Series begins, including eleven Sunday afternoon shows inspired by nature and time as themes, starting off with Solas agus Scáth, featuring Max Richter, Amanda Feery, as well as Rheinberger and Brahms. For those looking for a bit of heat during the cold months, there is the Valentine’s Cabaret Love, Loss and Lipstick on 14 February as a romantic highlight. Go to www.nch.ie for full listings. CARGOROO LAUNCH IN DUN LAOGHAIRE The Bike Hub is a social enterprise in Dun Laoghaire promoting cycling as public transport powered by Dutch e-bike rental company Cargoroo. Whenever you need it, you can pick up an electric bicycle from one of the two locations in Dun Laoghaire and Dublin city. No traffic, no parking, no hassle. Ireland’s first Cargoroo launch includes twenty bicycles, available in moderate and premium pricing for the luxurious models. Even though the rental prices aren’t fully decided yet, it’ll be an hourly rate. Each bike has its designated home location to which it must be returned to in order to end the rental. Location 1, Dun Laoghaire: across from the RNLI, Queen’s Rd, Dún Laoghaire, Harbour, Co. Dublin, A96 W6DT, Ireland Location 2, Dublin City: Eamonn Ceannt Park, Clogher Rd, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland