The Original Rudeboys - This Life

Finally the day is upon us that the three inner city boys from the heart of town make it big. The Original Rudeboys first came to many peoples attention through a Youtube clip of the three lads performing their now hit single, Stars In My Eyes, from the comforts of a humble living room. The performance was set in a serene atmosphere immediately connecting with the audience, albeit through a computer screen. Like it or not, this is modern music. This is how you become recognised. Indeed, social networking was pivotal in the success of The ORB’s.  

The band, consisting of guitar playing vocalist Rob Burch, Sean ‘Neddy’ Arkins who raps with a unique Dublin twang and Sean Walsh who adds underlying melodies in the form of haunting ukulele rhythms must be extremely thankful for the popularity of Facebook, Myspace and Twitter, in their journey to finally achieving a chart hit debut album.

The ORB’s started off by shamelessly flogging their videos on Facebook via Youtube and as more people shared their videos their dream gathered momentum and has now culminated with the release of their debut album, This Life. As the three Dublin natives became more popular they embarked on a mission. A mission to gain notoriety nationwide. 

They managed to blag their way onto TV3, featuring on The Morning Show presented by Sybil Mulcahy and Martin King. Next up was featuring on RTE 1 with Brendan O'Connor during The Saturday Night Show. On top of their television appearances they tirelessly travelled Ireland advertising themselves on hit radio stations with Spin 103.8 awarding them their first big break when Stars In My Eyes was given airtime. 

Their lyrics include lines such as, “we didn't wanna be another band blazing in bars, were gazing at charts, hoping one day to be a part of it”, which shows the infinite ambition and passion which Walshy, Neddy And Burch possess. They have had the chance to play at the world renowned music festival Oxegen, as well as having the opportunity of playing at the Leeds/Reading festival in England and countless other events across Ireland. They even had the honour of supporting both Sinead O’Connor and Damien Dempsey, on their respective nationwide tours. 

Not only have The ORB’s taken these chances of live gigs, they subsequently have gained cult status among the younger generation of Irish music fans. As teenagers flock to meet their new music idols, it is hopeful that through their debut album, This Life, that the music world in it’s entirety will stand up and take notice of these travelling men with stars in their eyes. An edition of Hotpress Magazine earlier this year featured a cover photograph of The ORB’s, this is evidence of just how far the three lads have come in the last year. 
They are, of course, still at a very tender stage of their career, only performing together for barely a year. However, with supporting performances for Snoop Dogg and Swedish House Mafia this summer among many other sold out gigs, who knows what heights The ORB's may reach. 

They officially launched their debut album on Saturday 31st March 2012 at the Grand Social venue. However, if you were not lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket they will be performing many gigs throughout the year. All information needed can be found on their website, http://www.theoriginalrudeboys.com/?page_id=101. With many music festival performances and Phoenix Park shows, it's a long way from seeing the band perform one of their maiden gigs in The Pint bar on Eden Quay where a tightly packed crowd stood to watch a lively performance in a venue reminiscent of The Cavern Club, a Liverpool venue famously associated with The Beatles.

The album itself shows the talent of lyricist Neddy Arkins whom many years ago I first discovered when I came across a free downloadable album of his entitled, The Boy In The Sky. It showed his potential, it was far from record breaking but I always knew there was talent there waiting to be discovered. Now it has finally been given a chance to shine and succeed nationwide and perhaps someday appeal to an even vaster worldwide audience. 

I think The ORB’s lyrics of, “And these labels say we were just too different, Dublin hip hop would never work there's something missing in, the accent is too deep, it's too strong, but now most of them are singing along”, unfortunately described my opinion back then. I never thought the music world would accept the uniqueness of Arkins’ voice, no matter how hard he worked . Has his unique style finally been accepted? In my opinion, 'chea'.

With the addition of Walshy and Burch, a whole new genre of acoustic Irish hip-hop mixed with electric beats and catchy choruses and of course the unmissable ukulele not only comes together but it bounces off each sub-genre perfectly. The trio have somehow managed to combine all of their individual talents and create a force to be reckoned with on the Irish music scene.

While trying to give a balanced and unbiased opinion of their album, I must admit I am a fan of The Original Rudeboys. Their album focuses on quality not quantity with a ten song playlist. Their more recognised songs take precedence in order of play, albeit more professionally produced versions. This does not necessarily make them better versions, but none the less they are enchanting lyrics accompanied with key guitar melodies and the mellifluous sound of a ukulele echoing in the background. In my opinion, there are two hidden gems on this album, namely, Blue Eyes and more so, Written Songs, the latter possibly having potential of being another hit single. 

The album can be purchased from all Golden Disc and HMV outlets as well as Tower Records. You can also download it via iTunes which is the more preferred option of music purchase in the modern times we live in. Having said all that, I don't claim to be a musical guru. You don't have to be the biggest fan of Irish hip-hop whatsoever, but I urge you all to still give this record a chance and purchase the album for as little as €9.99. It’s about time you took notice and a shine to these kids in their prime and create your own opinion on The Original Rudeboys, a band sure to loom large on the horizon of Irish music for many years to come. 

S.DAWSON 28/03/12

Away Days - The trials and tribulations of the real football fan

(The following was printed in The Shelbourne Fanzine, issue no.50, in March 2012, entitled - 117 years vs. 117 weeks, published by Red Inc.)

Finally the Real Reds, Shelbourne F.C, are big-time once more. Promotion to the Premier Division brings along with it more glamorous league outings against the likes of last years Europa League qualifiers Shamrock Rovers and last years FAI Cup champions Sligo Rovers. Old rivalries will be renewed with Dublin derbies against St.Patricks Athletic and Bohemians, and of course there will be a short trip up north on the M1 to Dundalk, a great rival since beating Shels to the title on the last day of the 1998 season. Of course with the return of these more high profile matches Tolka Park attendances will rise in numbers once more. Many lapsed Reds will return to their Friday night routine of making a date in their diary to be in Drumcondra no later than 8pm.

It is however, heartening to see a hardcore element of Shelbourne fans who have stuck with the club over the past five years in the graveyard league that is the Airtricity Division One. With the first division somehow now only consisting of eight teams and the foregone conclusion that Limerick will prevail as eventual champions after a monotonous season, it makes it all the sweeter knowing the Reds won't have to endure these fixtures anymore. There were many joyous memories encountered in Tolka Park and further afield over the past five years entwined in an abundance of both frustrating and heartbreaking moments too.

In typical Shels tradition, it culminated in a bittersweet finish by clinching promotion but yet still losing out on, a not so coveted, title of Division One champions, which went to the newly formed club from Cork. There were very few Reds who were disheartened by the eventual score that night as all that mattered was after five gruelling years travelling the length and breadth of Ireland, promotion was finally achieved. 

It doesn’t seem all that long ago that the club were on the brink of collapse. To see a Shelbourne team enter onto the pitch in Tolka Park against a Waterford XI, for a friendly match in February of 2007, evoked so many emotions within Shelbourne fans when they knew there was still a club to follow, after the well documented financial problems. Supporting the Reds is a way of life. You can experience extreme highs and almost instantaneous lows throughout the course of a season. 

The first league match after demotion to Division One on Friday the 9th of March 2007 against the now defunct Kildare County seems like an eternity away now. Finishing in a 2-2 draw with goals from Brian Gartland and an 88th minute equaliser from Darren McKenna after Philly Gorman, a man who is now apparently good enough to line out for the Reds in the top flight of league of Ireland football, put Kildare ahead from the penalty spot. However, the final score was quietly irrelevant that day, at least we still had a team to follow both home and away. 

Shelbourne have always been associated with bringing a sizable away support wherever they travel. Even in Europe during the glory days, Shelbourne had a respectable following, regards numbers that travelled. Evidence of this is the fact that when they played Spanish giants, Deportivo La Coruna in the 2004 Champions League qualifying rounds, they were the only team to fill the away section of the Riazor Stadium that year, even though Deportivo made it to the semi-finals of the competition. 

In terms of away days over the past five years there have been some very memorable encounters. In May of the ‘08 season thanks to a Bisto Flood brace, Shels cut Dundalk’s lead at the top to just two points in an enthralling 1-3 victory in Oriel Park. In early September of the same year James Keddy scored twice in an unforgettable trip to Limerick in what was one of the highlights of the discover Ireland division. Keddy curled a free kick inch perfect into the net on the 86th minute mark to put the Reds into the lead. However just as Shelbourne fans began to think that three points were secured, Limerick dealt Shels a cruel blow equalising only a matter of minutes later. What followed will stick in the memory of many Reds for years to come. The sheer ecstasy of Keddy somehow managing to repeat his heroics and guide another free kick into the goal of Limerick ‘keeper Dave Ryan, in front of a few hundred strong band of travelling Shelbourne men and women. Shels eventually won 1-2 in what was an emotional roller coaster last five minutes of the match. The adulation and utter pandemonium can only be experienced from attending the match itself, albeit in the desolate surroundings of Jackman Park. 

The second last game of that season was a proverbial six-pointer in the R.S.C. against Waterford United. Shels came out on top with a 0-1 victory after David McAllister, a player now settled in an ambitious Sheffield United side, neatly slotted home a penalty. The match saw Shelbourne cult hero, Dean Delany, put in a near perfect performance in goal in front of 500+ travelling Shels fans in full voice, which set up a do or die finish against Limerick, ultimately ending in the most cruel of circumstances. That was the night many Reds fans started to believe, started to think maybe this was the victory that would eventually see the Reds back where they belong in the Premier Division. That hope silently echoed through the away section where the strong away following were in full voice cordoned in by stewards in the Valhalla of over zealous stewarding that is, coincidentally John Delaney’s hometown club, Waterford United.

I must mention the unpaid work ShelsTV puts in for fans abroad to keep up to date on how the Reds are progressing, by putting together a weekly highlights package of an extremely high standard. However, nothing will ever match the passion, the tension, the adrenaline fuelled chants and celebrations, the relief and general experience of a Shelbourne away day. Although ShelsTV is a great way to view match highlights it should never be used as an excuse to not attend an away match itself.

The following year, again in the despair of the first division, saw some very memorable away fixtures. In April of 2009 the 100 or so fans, outnumbering the home support, who made the journey to Terryland Park to see Shels overcome Mervue United were treated to a heroic performance from a Shelbourne legend Kevin Doherty. Doherty bravely headed home a Dave Crawley corner with only two minutes of regulation time left to play. Doherty proceeded to celebrate in front of the away contingent almost scaling the waist-high wall separating the terrace from the pitch. The determination and gut shown by Doherty was epitomised by his Terry Butcher-esque bloody head bandage which is nearly as memorable as the winning goal itself. 

In the same season of ‘09, another trip to Limerick was the fixture which had Shels fans making summer travel arrangements. The hero of the hour this time was, the now cult hero, David Cassidy, making his mark on our beloved club by slotting home an injury time winner. The skilful, solo, last minute effort came after an excellent 70th minute penalty save from Dean Delany which saw the confidence of the Reds increase in what was a fiery encounter which saw a plethora of yellow cards and both teams finishing with ten men. 

Again, the celebrations can be witnessed on ShelsTV but this still will never compare to the feeling you will get when your team scores a last minute winner, particularly against a side who broke the dream of promotion the previous season. Clambering across bodies, bouncing up and down and trying to grab hold of the petite figure of David Cassidy, who immersed himself in the travelling support, playing the majority of the match with a broken nose! Grabbing hold of strangers who you now feel as if they are family as you both engulf yourself in the feelings of victory, pride and passion for the Reds.

These handful of away trips are only some of the many memories encountered over the past five years travelling Ireland supporting the Reds. Summer trips to the sunny south east to play Wexford Youths were always enjoyable, sampling the Pinot Grigio or the Chianti at halftime which were always reviewed as being too sweet or a bit woody by the masquerading suave Shelbourne following. Trips to the ever hospitable Gortakeegan, home of Monaghan United, were always quaint affairs, although on the football pitch it was never a happy hunting ground for the Reds. 

Five years of travelling many miles to rural locations in all four provinces of Ireland with a group of like-minded fans of course had it's lower ebbs. One example of this was ‘gravelgate’, when a match in Ballybofey was called off while fans were en route to Donegal. This was due to Finn Harps scattering too many pebbles on the playing surface in an attempt to prevent a waterlogged pitch. However, it must be said there were certainly a lot more positives than negatives in the pursuit of promotion for the Reds in terms of away days.

An away trip in the latter part of last year’s promotion clinching season came in the form of a semi-final cup replay. This away fixture was just across the River Liffey in Inchicore and subsequently a large number of Reds made the trip across to the south side of Dublin. The Reds came away with a 1-3 victory in what will be etched in the memories of fans both young and old for the foreseeable future. The atmospheric passion, the mass hunger for victory over Dublin rivals St.Pats and the indescribable feeling of enchantment throughout the match are highs real football fans live for. It is this feeling that so many Shels fans felt on leaving Inchicore that night, I hope might ignite their want to travel to away matches more often with Shels.

Although my previous descriptions of away games over the past five seasons might be inane ramblings, just words to many fans, to a select few it will be so much more. To a select few who make the effort of organising half days from work, working around college timetables and perhaps saving a nights drinking money in order to be able to afford an away trip, this will remind them of the joyous occasions. It is looking back on the trouncing received at the hands of Cork in Turners Cross last season and the monsoon like conditions in Drom, county Galway, the same year that make promotion into the premier division all the more satisfying. Friendships have formed over the years between the band of travelling supporters, as you get to recognise the same faces in stadia across the country. 

So as the Reds are big-time once more, it is notable that the amount of away trips lessen. Eight teams, including Shelbourne, are all within the Pale. If you include Monaghan too as Gortakeegan is within reasonable cycling distance, that means there is only three sides who away day status remains, namely, Sligo Rovers, the newly formed Cork City and another club in it's early stages of life Derry City. So taking the geography of our opponents into consideration, it's never been easier for the Shelbourne faithful to attend away games. All matches are within reasonable driving distance, with the Bohs match even within walking distance from Tolka Park. The Carlisle Grounds of Bray is located adjacent to the DART station, so there’s no reason why away crowds should not greatly increase this year.

This year, the first away match the club will be running a bus to will be Dundalk away, which falls on Good Friday. With many pubs and clubs closing on this Holy Day what better way is there to spend a dull Friday than to sample a Shels match up in Oriel Park? After five years exiled in the first division with little to cheer about, not forgetting about a Leinster Senior Cup champions title, it is of paramount importance to show other clubs of the league the Reds are back. With the resurrection to top flight football, hopefully will come a strong following both home and away, particularly for the more wanderlust of Redsmen. The good times are back, so make the most of it while it lasts and revel in the vivacious experience of a Shelbourne away trip. 

S.DAWSON 08/03/12

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