Wicklow Voice April 23 2015

wicklowvoice

20,000 NEWSPAPERS! 5,000 web visitors! 3,000 app downloads! online, offline - we’ve got you covered !

.ie

April 23, 2015, t: 01 901 5556/7, e: info@wicklowvoice.ie

FREE

20,000 copies

FREE

Unit 8, Radio Centre , Killarney Road, Bray

Food served daily from 12.30pm-9.00pm

Exclusive use of The Powerscourt Suite Professional DJ Private bar Mirror centre pieces, balloons and tealight candles on tables

€56 per guest Sparkling Wine Drinks Reception on Arrival 5 Course Meal - Choice of Main Courses One Glass of Wine Evening Finger Food

Finger food for 80 guests

Wedding Car

Suitable for all occasions

€799

Terms & conditions apply

Photographer

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT TICKETS AVAILABLE AT RECEPTION RECEPTION

DJ & Uplighting Package based on minimum numbers of 100 guests

Get Fit For Summer

Only €99.

Available through May, June and July.

Terms & Conditions Apply

The Royal Hotel & Merrill Leisure Club, Bray, Co. Wicklow The Royal Hotel & Merrill Leisure Club, Main Street Bray, Co. Wicklow T: (01) 2862935 E: sales@royalhotel.ie www.royalhotel.ie T: (01) 2862935 E: sales@royalhotel.ie www.royalhotel.ie

wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

Book your wedding on the evening and receive a sparkling wine reception on your wedding day.

For more information contact our wedding team on T: (01)2862935 E: sales@royalhotel.ie www.royalhotel.ie

wicklowvoice

20,000 NEWSPAPERS! 5,000 web visitors! 3,000 app downloads! online, offline - we’ve got you covered !

April 23, 2015, t: 01 901 5556/7, e: info@wicklowvoice.ie

inside: FREE

.ie

20,000 copies

Sting in the tale

Talk of giant jellyfish is all hype, says expert

By Michelle McGlynn Tales of giant jellyfish invading the coast off Wicklow is just hype, a local marine expert has told the Wicklow Voice.

According to several reports earlier this week, a swarm of Barrell Jellyfish, which can weigh up to 30kg, were spotted around Wicklow Harbour.

But Pat Ó Súilleabháin, General Manager of SeaLife Bray, has said that the talk is “exaggerated” .

“There is insufficient scientific and research data to determine the level of jellyfish in our waters,” Mr Ó Súilleabháin said.

“Increased reports of sightings may be connected to an increase in the use of social media to communicate the unusual things we see.”

In fact, the reports emerged after footage of hundreds of

jellyfish off the west coast of England was shared on YouTube.

It was thought that the apparent increase in the number of jellyfish in our waters was as a result of the warm Spring weather we have been experiencing.

“Jellyfish reproduce more as temperature rises but there are a number of factors that could contribute to a growth in the jellyfish population - many of them man-induced.

“Pollution, over-fishing and bycatch has impacted the population of natural predators and so less jellyfish are being eaten.

“Increased agricultural runoffs lead to a nutrient-rich and oxygen poorer marine environment to create better conditions for thriving jellyfish blooms.”

Continued on page 8

Six-year-old Harry Kane from Bray who was crowned the Doodle 4 Google Champion 2015 (full story page 6). Pic: Marc O’Sullivan » Lots more pictures from around the county inside

FREE

Unit 8, Radio Centre , Killarney Road, Bray

04| NEWS news in brief Comp winners C o n g r a t u l a ti o n s to the winners of our 2015 Irish Jump Racing Festival competition: Johanna O’Mahoney and Paul Murray from Bray and Marion Brennan from Wicklow Town.

We hope you enjoy your day at the races!

Flower club Greystones Flower Club are holding a demonstration on April 28 at 8pm, admission €7.

Joan Codrye and Maura Morahan will hold the demonstration at the Evangelical Church, Greystones.

Business seminar County Wicklow Chamber of Commerce are holding a Social Media for Business seminar with guest speaker Noel Davidson.

The seminar will be held in the Glenview Hotel on April 28 at 5.30pm.

The event is free for County Wicklow Chamber of Commerce members and €25 for non-members.

Places are limited so please book your place early on 0404 66433.

wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

Eva looks Dreadful ... €150m plan but Josh is just fine to build

It’s almost time to delve back into the dark, gothic world of Penny Dreadful.

The horror period drama is set to return to our screens on May 5 when the second season premieres on Sky Atlantic.

The show is set in Victorian London but films right here at Ardmore Studios.

Among the cast members taking a stroll on the dark side are Josh Hartnett, Eva Green, Timothy Dalton, Billie Piper and Rory Kinnear.

Green told last week how she enjoys nothing more than walking the Wicklow Hills between takes than hanging out in a Dublin nightclub The show was quickly picked up for a second season and it is no surprise as the show has a huge following after just one season.

Creator of Penny Dreadful, John Logan - who also wrote the script for Bond film, Skyfall - says he has been thinking about the story and characters for over 13 years.

The thought that has been

THE HARBOUR BAR

EVENTS GUIDE f: /theharbourbarbray t: @theharbour_bar

new homes as sales fall by 13%

By Michelle McGlynn

By Michelle McGlynn

Eva Green as Vanessa Ives gets a hug from Josh Hartnett’s Ethan Chandler in Penny Dreadful put into the series is evident as Logan seamlessly brings together legendary characters such as Dorian Gray, Victor Frankenstein and his creature as well as Abraham Van Helsing.

The second season will see

some members form closer bonds as they unite to banish the evil forces that threaten to destroy them.

Meanwhile, Dorian Gray, the Creature and Brona are all waging battles of their own.

news in brief WEDNESDAY 22ND — ROCK

THE MIGHTY STEF THURSDAY 23 — ACOUSTIC/VOCAL CARRON FRIDAY 24 — REGGAE/SKA THE DODGY FEW SATURDAY 25 — FOLK ROCK AMAZING APPLES SUNDAY 26 — IRISH COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS THE WRANGLERS RD

TH

TH

TH

THURSDAY 30TH — DIXIELAND JAZZ

BRAY JAZZ — THE GERRY O’CONNOR TRIO

Endeavour awards Bray’s 2015 Endeavour Awards are looking for nominations of people who have made a difference in the lives of others.

To nominate someone email info@braychamber.ie or post to 10 Prince of Wales Terrace, Bray by April 30.

The awards will take place on May 22 in the Royal Hotel, Bray.

New playground An agreement to build a children’s playground on Sea Road, Kilcoole has been agreed.

Councillor Derek Mitchell has welcomed the news and has said that it is hoped to be completed in 2015.

Got the blues Some of Ireland’s best blues singers including Flo McSweney, Bree Harris and Mia Parsons will be performing at the Hot Spot Music Club, Greystones.

The night will tell the story of women’s role in the progression of the blues, featuring artists such as Etta James and Janis Joplin will take place on May 16.

As Sherry Fitzgerald announce a €150 million plan to build hundreds of new houses in N e w t o w n m o u n t k e n n e d y, figures have shown that transactions in Wicklow are down 13.4%.

Wicklow is the only county in Leinster to experience this decline in transactions in the first quarter compared to figures from 2014.

Agents have claimed that a lack of stock and new housing developments have distorted these figures.

Last week, Wicklow County Council voted in favour of expanding the population of Bray (8,000 houses), Greystones (5,000) houses as well as Arklow and Wicklow Town.

The move will increase the population in the four towns by approx. 31,000 people (43%).

While the amount of transactions in the county may be down, the value of the sales that have occurred.

Wicklow managed to avoid the dramatic price fluctuations experienced by other counties and remains the second most expensive county to buy a home in Ireland.

Only two properties are listed on the Property Price Register are listed as having achieved more than €1 million so far this year.

Tavistock House in Greystones sold for €1.32 million in February and Boystown House

went for €6.35 million in the same month having appeared on the Register in January 2014 for €4.925 million - which didn’t reflect the full sale price for the estate.

To date, the county has had sales in excess of €60 million.

Currently in north Wicklow, agents are beginning to feel the effects of the new Central Bank regulations.

“The new Central Bank rules are having an effect on first-time buyers, but the fourbedroom detached market is very buoyant,” said Eugene Dooley of Dooley Poynton.

“The doer-upper market has fallen from its height in 2013, when there was great value to be found.”

Sherry Fitzgerald will be hopeful that the new regulations won’t act as a deterrent for firsttime buyers as they launch the Wicklow Hills development by Tower Homes.

The developers plan to build at least 80 homes each year at the Newtownmountkennedy site.

The architects for the overall scheme are local Delgany based firm BBA and the planned facilities include 30 acres of central parkland, a fitness trail, community football pitches, fishing lake, wild flower meadows, creche and childcare facilities.

Tower Homes’ most recent development was Delgany Hills in the heart of Delgany village.

The showhouses in Wicklow Hills will be on view on April 25 and 26 from 2pm-5pm.

Firefighters come out tops

By Michelle McGlynn

Wicklow firefighters Brian Galligan and Fearghal Murphy came out on top in the National Trauma Challenge recently.

The hotly contested challenge in Ballyvolane, Co Cork saw 18 teams deal with road traffic accident scenarios and were judged on their trauma skills by a team of assessors.

Brian and Fearghal are based in Greystones and represented Wicklow Fire Service in the challenge. The pair will now represent Ireland at the World Championships in Lisbon, Portugal on October 16-18.

Speaking to the Wicklow Voice, Greystones Station Chief said, “It is very prestigious for us to have members of our team representing Ireland.”

NEWS |05

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

wicklow people in pictures

Councillor John Brady with his children Croía (2) and Oisín (10) at the revamped playground in Ballywaltrim in Bray

Ali Burke (8), Jane Power and Sam Burke (7) are all smiles in Wicklow Town.

Sudhir Roodurmun, Deirdre Hegarty and Paul O’Kavagnagh at the Royal Hotel in Bray for the launch of the new bar menu

Charlotte Godkin and Fabian (11) out and about in Wicklow Town

Lisa and Mason McShane (20 months), and Heather Finnegan out and about in Mount Usher

Manager Ally Scott in the new GameStop premises on Bray Main Street

Hellen and Alex Callan (4) out and about in Greystones

Sean and Maryann Doyle in Bray

06| NEWS news in brief Yes Equality

wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

Did you ogle Harry’s doodle? Google it!

Yes Equality Wicklow are olding their launch in the Arklow Bay Hotel on April 23 at 8pm.

At the launch people will share their own personal stories and they will screen videos that were filmed recently.

By Michelle McGlynn

Tidy Towns NEWTOWN Tidy Towns would like to thank Jack Synott who stepped down as chairman at their recent AGM for all of his work.

Michael Purcell is the new chairman, Annick Bishop is secretary, Marie Kavanagh is treasurer and Pamela Burke is PRO.

Schools quiz St Cronan’s, Bray came fourth in the All-Ireland final of the Credit Union Schools Quiz 2015. Well done to all who were involved.

Pub quiz The final of the Great Bray Pub Quiz in Duffs pub, Bray at 8.30pm. The quiz is organised by Bray Lions Club in aid of Autism awareness group, ASIAM.

Harbour Bar gets its Groove on for festival

By Michelle McGlynn It was just a perfect day in Bray for one particular sixyear-old ...

Harry Kane from St Gerard’s, Bray beat off 74 other finalists to be crowned overall winner of the Doodle 4 Google competition.

Millions of people will see Harry’s doodle when it appears on the Google Ireland homepage on April 24.

The theme of this year’s competition was My Perfect Day. Describing his winning doodle, Harry said, “My perfect day is on my summer holidays. I love to swim in the sea, eat yummy ice cream,

sail on a boat, fly my kite and build sandcastles.”

Harry, along with the other finalists, enjoyed a special fun-filled day and prize giving to celebrate where they took part in arts and crafts activities, lego art, cardboard demonstrations as well as creating their own Android personality with Androidify.

At the ceremony at Google’s EMEA headquarters in Dublin, Harry received prizes including a Chromebook and a €5,000 scholarship towards his further studies.

Harry’s school, St Gerard’s, will receive a €10,000 technology grant from Google and his teacher, Mr Dwyer, will also receive a Chromebook.

This year saw a record number of entries from across the country with 5,085 doodles in total received.

A panel of judges including Irish and Leinster rugby star, Jamie Heaslip; legendary artist and TV presenter, Don Conroy; artist and IADT Dun Laoghaire lecturer, Cora Cummins and Niamh Sharkey, author and creator of Disney series, Henry Hugglemonster, chose 75 finalists.

These 75 went on to the public vote and 140,000 votes later, five group winners were announced.

Finally, the Google Doodle team in Mountain View, California had the unenviable task of deciding the overall

winner. Ronan Harris, VP Sales and Operations, said, “The level of creativity shown by this year’s doodles was extremely impressive.

“This year’s theme of My Perfect Day really captured the imagination of the doodlers and allowed them to create something that was important to them.

“This is what was particularly special about Harry’s doodle.”

Harry now has his prizewinning doodle framed where it will no doubt take pride of place in his home and he can wear the t-shirt emblazoned with his art work this summer as he enjoys another perfect day at the beach.

The Harbour Bar crew have announced an unmissable lineup for their stage at Groove Festival.

Following the success of The Harbour Bar Stage at the Bray music festival last year, the stage is back with a bang for its second visit.

Their line-up covers a variety of genres so there is something to suit everyone.

Saturday will see Toasted Special, Bunoscionn, Mark Geary, Corner Boy and The Cujo Family taking Killruddery by storm.

They will be followed by the equally talented Stomptown Brass, The Bionic Rats, Maud in Cahoots, Tucan and The Eskies. It’s no surprise that The Harbour Bar have put together such a superb line-up as they offer Irish acts the opportunity to showcase their talents yearround in their venue.

Conor Duggan from The Harbour Bar said, “We’re delighted to have been asked back to Groove Festival again for 2015.”

We did it!

East Coast FM Coffee Morning beats €250,000 fundraising target

By Michelle McGlynn

East Coast FM’s Wicklow Wide Coffee Morning has smashed their €250,000 target after their most successful event to date.

The 2015 Coffee Morning raised a record breaking €53,790 much to the delight and surprise of founder and organiser, the Morning Show’s Claire Darmody.

The Wicklow wide event fundraises for the five cancer support centres in the county as well as the Wicklow Hospice Foundation.

After seven years of organising the Coffee Morning, Claire is in no doubt that the people of Wicklow are generous but she never thought that they would raise €11,790 over her €42,000 target.

Speaking to the Wicklow Voice, Morning Show producer Claire said, “It’s overwhelming that people will do this - they

donate their time, talent, prizes, money, whatever they can.”

As we spoke, Claire received calls about money raised from various smaller events which took place alongside the eleven main coffee mornings and the total continued to surge.

“The smaller events, what they have done is incredible,” Claire says. “They’re the reason we make that extra €10-€15,000.”

“I just want to say thank you to everybody who took part or donated in any way.

“It is because of your generosity that we have raised €262,222 for these worthy causes in just seven years.”

If you missed out on attending any of the events yourself, you no doubt saw the photos and updates that flooded social media - each one boasting about the great fun being had.

As the hosts check in with Claire, there is already excitement as they talk about next year.

This was the biggest Coffee Morning to date with over 50 held over the course of the weekend.

People basked in the sunshine and enjoyed performances from acts such as Luan Parle, Kim Hayden and Mary Byrne.

When one of the acts fell ill and couldn’t make it local star Chris de Burgh graciously stepped in to perform at The Martello, Bray. The Lady in Red singer had only intended to play a couple of songs as he was days away from beginning a 40date tour, but he decided to stick around and play a few more.

If you missed out on the day but would still like to donate, you can go online to www. eastcoast.fm/coffee.

There is also one last event taking place on April 24 at Wicklow Dental, Wicklow Town where all proceeds from teeth cleanings will be donated to the cause.

See pictures on page 20

NEWS |07

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

Clearwater Landscapes Ltd provides a professional and skilled landscaping team with many years’ experience in all areas. We have the experience to suit all your needs in all aspects of landscaping, whether it is commercial, domestic, construction of sports fields or maintenance.

Commercial PREMIER CONSTRUCTION ADVERT FOR PROOF READING Complete Landscaping Service Instant & Seeded Lawns

To: CATHAL MCLOUGHLIN IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: Tree, Scrubbing & Hedge Planting Mature Treereceived Planting & Maintenance are Clearwater Landscapes Ltd... Striving to be the best! If no corrections or amendments Groundwork

17-6-u0088 4 / 5 / 2012

Advert Ref: Date:

No. of pages:

1

Cost of Advert (excluding VAT):

Size:

1/4

£350.00

Clearwater Landscapes Limited.

24 back from yourself within 24 hours ROMA will assume you are happy with HRS Publications the advert and it will go to print.

Stonework Motorway Maintenance & Landscaping Roadoccur infrastructure We will not accept any liability for costs that may Car Parks Public Parks &719972 playgrounds For all enquiries please contact the artwork team on 01706

or email artwork@romauk.net

T: 045 403 324 E: info@clearwaterlandscapes.ie www.clearwaterlandscapes.ie

Sports Pitch Fields Specialist sports pitch contractor for new fields & upgrading existing sports fields.

08| NEWS news in brief Choral society Wicklow Choral Society will hold a concert in St Patrick’s Church, Wicklow Town on May 3 at 8pm.

Tickets are €15/€12.50 and can be bought from Earls newsagents in Wicklow Town, the post office in Newtown, Mooney’s in Greystones or on the door.

Car boot sale There will be a car boot sale at St Patrick’s Church car park, Greystones on April 25 from 9am to 1pm. The cost is €12 for cars and €20 for vans/ trailers and refreshments will be available.

Wanderers event Due to unforeseen circumstances the Stand Up for the Seagulls event with PJ Gallagher and Barry Murphy has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon and tickets will be valid on the new date. Those wishing for a refund should contact The Royal Hotel, Bray.

Job opportunities Killruddery House and Gardens are hiring. See www. killruddery.com for details.

wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

Ship ahoy!

Crew to row around Ireland for Cystic Fibrosis

John Hayes, Gillian Mangan, Ronan Whelan, Ger Crowley and Joey the Golden Labrador as they prepare to row around Ireland to raise funds for cystic fibrosis A group of brave Bray rowers are headed off on a voyage around Ireland in an effort to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

Ger Crowley is heading up a team of family and friends - and one one loyal Labrador named Joey - on a 1,000 mile paddle around the Emerald

The Secret’s out

By Michelle McGlynn

The sun is out and that means festival season.

The Secret Garden Festival returns to Wicklow for its second year and they have just revealed the stellar line-up.

The first round of acts to be announced are Damien Dempsey, O Emperor, Interskalactic, Columbia Mills, The Eskies,

East Coast Jazz Band, The Cujo Family and Tell No Foxx.

The one-day festival takes place at the Wicklow Polo Arena, Kilpoole Hill in Wicklow Town on June 27.

More acts will be announced in the coming weeks but tickets are available to be snapped up right now for just €35 plus booking fee.

See www.eventbrite.ie.

Isle. Pairs of rowers will average 20 miles a day in a skiff made by the 60-yearold before swapping over to another crew.

The 20 rowers who are taking part have been hard at work training four times a week since February.

Setting off from Bray

Jellyfish: Sting in the tale

Continued from front page The Barrell Jellyfish can measure between 30cm and 70cm in diameter and are often descirbed as being white, large and meaty.

It looks quite intimidating although it doesn’t actual have tentacles so it is relatively harmless and its sting would be less painful than other species.

As we head down to the beach in this sunny weather, it is important to be careful of jellyfish.

“The sting or nematocyst of a jellyfish is found on the tentacles and is still capable of causing injury after the death of the jellyfish,” warned Mr Ó Súilleabháin.

If you do have the misfortune of being stung this summer, urine is not a miracle cure despite what many of us learned from the tv show Friends.

NUI Galway’s Dr Tom Doyle has rubbished this as an urban myth. “We’re revising our protocol at the moment but one thing is for sure: peeing isn’t going to work,” said Dr Doyle.

“The best thing to do if you are stung is to wash it away with salt water and remove all the tentacles you can.”

Harbour on May 30, the group’s mission is to raise €10,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s transplant support section.

A number of cystic fibrosis sufferers will be taking part in the challenge, either rowing or as part of the support crews.

“The courage of these people with cystic fibrosis is just fantastic,” says Ger, who has a relation who suffers from the condition.

“They get up, get on and say nothing about it even though they are suffering constantly with their breathing.

“They’re an inspiration

to all of us.” Ger is hoping that people will turn out and support the group as they undertake this feat by either visiting or rowing with them on sections of the trip.

To donate and to find out more about the cause, see www.rowaroundireland.com.

By Michelle McGlynn

Wicklow Voice in March that approximately 200m of the face of the tip has been exposed.

Waste that has already been swept away is visible at the foot of the eroded cliffs.

This has resulted in decades of materials including rusted metal, heavy plastics, bricks and bags being washed away with the tide.

Enquiries made by the Wicklow Voice at the time found that Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council have responsibility for the disused dump.

When contacted a representative for the Council said that they were unable to comment on the matter at that time. The identified bathing waters in the report are monitored, managed and assessed under the requirements of the 2008 bathing water quality regulations.

These water must now standards almost twice as strict

as those which had applied previously.

“Overall, the quality of Ireland’s bathing water continues to be very good and new standards introduced in 2014 provide a much higher level of protection for bathers,” said Dr Matt Crowe, director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Assessment.

Seven bathing waters in Ireland were assessed as being of “poor” quality.

These were Front Strand Youghal, Cork; Rush, Dublin; Ballyloughane, Galway; Clifden, Galway; Ardmore, Waterford; Lilliput, Westmeath and Duncannon, Wexford.

The source of pollution appeared to be mainly linked to wastewater discharges, the agency found.

Three-quarters of Irish bathing waters qualified for “excellent” quality with another 11% classified as being of “good” quality.

Life’s a beach as Wicklow’s water given thumbs up Wicklow’s bathing water quality has been deemed excellent according a report that was published this week.

All six of Wicklow’s beaches have met the stricter EU standards, the Environmental Protection Agency Bathing Water Quality Report has revealed.

Brittas Bay South, Greystones South, Clogga and Silver Strand are among Ireland’s top beaches achieving “excellent” standards.

Brittas Bay North and Bray South Promenade were deemed to have a “good” standard of bathing water.

There had been concerns regarding the quality of the water around Bray after it emerged that a disused landfill north of the town which holds 200,000 tonnes of waste is being washed into the sea.

Environmental group Coastwatch informed the

ADVERTISING |09

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

world war ii tours Krakow & Auschwitz

Berlin Insiders Tour

 Return flights Dublin to Krakow  Return transfers to and from the hotel / airport  3 nights in 3* centrally located hotel based on 2 sharing  Buffet breakfast each morning  Tours to Auschwitz and Birkenau Camps Access to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II museums  Taxes, charges & 1 check-in bag of 15kgs per room inc.

 Return flights Dublin to Berlin  Return transfers to and from the hotel / airport  3 nights in the 4* Park Inn Hotel based on 2 sharing  Buffet breakfast each morning  Insiders walking tour of Berlin; visiting Reichstag Parliament, Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Hitler’s Bunker, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin Wall and much more.  Taxes, charges & 1 check-in bag of 15kgs per room inc.

3 Nights From only €379pp

Departure Dates & Prices 13 May 05 Sept 16 Sept 01 Nov

€449 €429 €429 €379

08 Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 29 Nov 06 Dec

€379 €379 €379 €379 €379

3 Nights From only €419pp

Departure Dates & Prices 28 Sept 02 Nov 09 Nov 16 Nov

€469 €419 €419 €419

23 Nov 30 Nov 07 Dec 14 Dec

€419 €469 €469 €419

“I want to say how much we enjoyed our recent trip to Krakow & Auschwitz and thank you again. We found the transport always on time and the tour guides were excellent in their knowledge.”

“The Berlin city break has left a lasting impression of culture and satisfaction that is rare in my foreign experience. The hotel was the most centrally convenient of all my trips abroad. The guides were superb.”

Joe & Sinead.

Krakow & Auschwitz March ‘15

Gerald.

Berlin Insider’s Tour Dec ‘14

Booking Remarks: • Prices based on 2 sharing • Single supplements available (Krakow from €45 - Berlin €90) • Krakow 5* hotel options available on selected dates • Optional insurance available of €15 (conditions apply) • Holidays subject to availability • Non-refundable deposit of €100 required at time of booking • Licensed by Commission for Aviation Regulation (0348)

book@travelescapes.ie

www.travelescapes.ie

Visit us at Travelescapes, Suite 30, The Hyde Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18

Call: 01 294 1000

10 | OPINION

opinion&comment

Why ICTU is urging you to vote Yes

T

he Irish Congress of Trade Unions is supporting the calling for a Yes Vote on May 22 in the referendum on civil marriage equality.

For me, as newly appointed General Secretary, it has been inspiring to see so many trade union members and their families taking part in the ‘Yes Campaign’. This is a grassroots movement and many of those knocking on doors have never canvassed before.

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, I attended a function in Liberty Hall to mark the launch of our own campaign, ‘Trade Unionists for Civil Marriage Equality’.

Liberty Hall looked resplendent in the rainbow colours.

On arrival I was warmly greeted by a young man who, in typical Irish fashion, greeted me by saying “You know my mother”. And I did. She had been a SIPTU stalwart in her workplace and one of the most loyal union members I have known.

I was proud to meet her son. Proud too that he was standing strong with trade union colleagues and supported by a loving family. Throughout the country families are coming together to stand with their gay sons, daughters, nephews, nieces, brothers, sisters and aunts.

The Marriage Referendum is deeply personal for many men and women. Within the trade union family we have a proud tradition of campaigning for equality and so our support for Civil Marriage Equality is part of our mission for a fair and just Ireland.

We are being asked to make civil marriage available to all loving couples who wish to make a permanent commitment to one another. If the referendum is passed, gay and lesbian people will be able to get married. It’s a straightforward proposition and it is regrettable that attempts have been made to muddy the waters by some of those opposed to the amendment.

The amendment is only about civil marriage.

The strong support in this county for the Yes Equality Campaign comes as no great surprise. As a nation we pride ourselves on our commitment to justice, our strong ethical values and our sense of fair play.

Much of the commentary in the referendum debate has unfortunately caused hurt to single or widowed parents and to others who fall outside of what some deem as the traditional model of family.

Marriage Equality poses no threat to those who are already married. Rights will not be denied to anyone.

What has not changed is the enduring desire of many people to belong in a loving relationship, recognised and appreciated within their own society.

Making Civil Marriage available to same sex couples would mark another milestone on the road to equality. It would make it easier for young gay men and lesbian women to develop as full citizens. It would end discrimination under our Constitution for older gay and lesbian people, many of whom have been waiting for years for the full validation of their relationship.

This year we in the ICTU will mark May Day, May 1, with fundraising coffee mornings in support of the Yes Equality Campaign.

We also want to continue our conversation about full equality for all citizens of this Republic. .

“S

Nobody does sleeping better than the comatose inhabitants of Seanad Eireann

Patricia King is ICTU General Secretary and a native of Wicklow

The Marriage Referendum is deeply personal for many men and women.

Within the trade union family we have a proud tradition of campaigning for equality

have you got something to say? if you would like to write on this page, then contact us e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie

with Patricia King with Michael Wolsey

If you want a vote in Ireland, then pay the tax eanad Eireann, in its present form, was the brainchild of Eamon de Valera who thought the original senate of the Irish Free State was getting ideas above its station and interfering with the affairs of government.

There wasn’t much danger of interference from the body Dev enshrined in his 1937 Constitution. He allowed it hardly any powers and lumbered it with an electoral system that was not only undemocratic but virtually incomprehensible.

Sean Lemass agreed entirely with his leader’s approach. “If there is to be a second house, let it be a second house under our thumb,” he declared.

Since then the Seanad has really only had three functions. It is a kindergarten for aspiring politicians, a waiting room for TDs who have lost their seats but hope to regain them, and a retirement home for those who have no hope of regaining their seats but who have become too institutionalised to survive outside the environs of Leinster House.

By putting the Seanad’s limited powers into the Constitution, Dev made it extremely hard for future governments to extend them or to change the upper house in any significant way - not that any of them have tried very hard.

Until last week there had been 11 different reports on reform of the Seanad.

None has been implemented entirely and some have not been implemented at all.

I will be surprised if the twelfth report - from a group headed by Maurice Manning - enjoys any happier fate.

And that is just as well, for the report from the Working Group on Seanad Reform suggests measures which would set a dangerous precedent, namely that the electoral franchise be extended to Irish citizens in Northern Ireland (which is just about everybody in Northern Ireland who might want to vote) and to the diaspora around the world.

I have no problem with extending voting rights outside this State providing a tax form is enclosed with every ballot paper. When you pay your dues - income tax, USC, the whole shebang - then you have earned the right to elect the people who impose these taxes and make our laws. In truth, since the Seanad is such a toothless body, it probably doesn’t matter who elects it. It has no power to impose taxes or anything else and we could extend the franchise to Northern Korea, along with Northern Ireland, and see no change. But if that opened the way to similar voting for the Dail it would be a very different matter. We would then have people voting for measures without

any need to worry about the country’s ability to pay for them.

They might vote for more hospitals, more doctors, more nurses, better schools, and more teachers - for who would not wish for these things if expense were no object? They could vote for a train system to rival France’s TGV, a motorway network to put Germany’s autobahns in the shade and the world’s most expensive power grid.

And they would probably vote for Sinn Fein since Sinn Fein is the party that promises all things to all people regardless of the country’s ability to pay.

But Sinn Fein is a party of pragmatists and I have no doubt that, should they obtain power here, they will look at the books and cut their coats according to their cloth. Non-taxpaying nationals, settled in Australia or Canada, would have no reason for such restraint. They might vote for beer and circuses - more likely they would vote for what is good and right and proper ... and way beyond our means.

It is often pointed out that other countries - the United States is the most frequently quoted example - have generous postal voting arrangements. But these are for people who are working or travelling abroad with every intention of returning, not for a huge emigrant community, some of whom have no plans ever to come back. Depending on how the diaspora is defined we could end up in the ludicrous position of having more voters outside the country than in it.

We could avoid this problem by allowing emigrants to vote for just one constituency - New Londonshire East, let’s say - and therefore elect no more than four or five TDs. This is pretty much what the Seanad working group has in mind. But, again, such a move would be safe only because the Seanad is powerless.

In the Dail, those four or five TDs could decide the future of a government.

So if Enda Kenny is wise he will make the right noises and then put this Seanad report on the shelf alongside the other 11. The Taoiseach wanted to abolish the Seanad in 2013. I agreed with him and voted accordingly along with 48.3 per cent who those who cast a ballot.

I hope I may get another chance to vote for its closure one day. Until then we should let sleeping dogs lie. And nobody does sleeping better than the comatose inhabitants of Seanad Eireann.

Michael Wolsey is a former deputy editor of the Irish Independent, and sat on the judging panel for the National Newspaper of Ireland Journalism Awards.

OPINION| 11

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

anyotherbusiness

Have you got a story?

Then email info@wicklowvoice.ie

Be heard - register to vote!

Shay Fitzmaurice, President of Bray Chamber of Commerce Rory Benville, General Manager of the Royal Hotel Declan Bowe and Joe Maguire at the Royal Hotel for the launch of their new bar menu last week

Naming bridge after Fran is a great idea

I

was delighted to read recently that Fran O’Toole is to have Bray’s bridge over the River Dargle named in his honour. This will be a fitting tribute to Fran and the members of Bray Municipal District of Wicklow County Council are to be commended for making this decision.

It is 40 years this summer since Fran and two of his colleagues in The Miami Showband were brutally gunned down at a bogus British Army checkpoint (the checkpoint was actually manned by loyalist paramilitaries) when returning through Northern Ireland after a gig.

In an act that summed up the wanton lunacy of the times, one of Fran’s bandmates who was also murdered that night (Brian McCoy) was actually a Protestant from Northern Ireland whose father was the Orange Order Grand Master for County Tyrone.

Fran was hugely popular, not just in Bray but all over the country.

Brian Quigley He’d worked his way up through the ranks to become lead singer in The Miami Showband, a position held for many years by Dickie Rock.

With his good looks and warm personality Fran was really set for stardom and could have made it really big as a solo artist like Johnny Logan did shortly afterwards.

I remember vividly the mood of sadness in the town of Bray when Fran was murdered, even though I was only six at the time.

He had grown up on the same street as my mother and it really hit the town hard.

Footage of Fran’s burial in St Peter’s cemetery in Little Bray

can still be seen on the 1975 episode of Reeling In The Years on RTE. Looking back at a remove of 40 years doesn’t make it any easier to cope with the idea of a bright young life being snuffed out in brutal fashion.

Unfortunately this kind of callous, senseless waste is an everyday occurance somewhere in the world, and the family of Cork student Karen Buckley are having to cope this week with the grim realistion that they will never see their bright, beautiful daughter again.

Karen’s loss has been felt by everybody in Ireland and indeed the world over since news came through last week that firstly she was missing and later that sadly she had been found dead, four days after having disappeared from a nightclub where she had been out with friends.

Her parents John and Marian had flown over to Glasgow in the aftermath of her disappearance.

News of the search for Karen relegated the British general election down the news rosters.

Unfortunately the worst pos-

sible news awaited when the Glasgow Caledonian University Occupational Health student’s mutilated body was discovered on a farm in the north of the city.

The ending of a human life by evil means is always difficult to fathom.

It shouldn’t happen but it does.

We think of our own children and want to protect them even more, but at some point we have to let them fly the nest and join a showband or go away to study nursing or whatever.

We trust that there is enough good in the world to carry them along safely, and in general there is.

Occasionally though tragedy strikes and somebody is in the wrong place at the wrong time, by a rotten twist of fate.

Fran O’Toole and Karen Buckley are two examples of this and although they are no longer with us they will never be forgotten and the bright, beautiful people they were and the positivity they embodied will always be remembered and celebrated.

Wicklow residents must make their voices heard in the upcoming referendums.

Whether you are voting yes or no, it is important to have your say when it comes to the future of our country.

To be eligible to vote in the Marriage Referendum and the Age of Presidential Candidates Referendum on May 22, you must be registered by May 5.

The independent Referendum Commission and CheckTheRegister.ie have made it very easy for you to ensure that you are all set to vote.

If you are not certain whether you are registered or you need to update your details, then simply check your local register at www.checktheregister.ie.

If you find that you are not registered or are registered at the wrong address then simply download the RFA2 or RFA3Change of Address form from the website and return the completed form to Wicklow County Council offices.

The Marriage Referendum proposes to add a new clause about marriage in the Constitution which provides that two people may marry each other regardless of their sex.

The second referendum that you will vote on come May 22 proposes to reduce the age at which candidates are eligible for election to the office of President from 35 to 21.

Yes Equality, the nationwide campaign working to secure a Yes vote in the Marriage Referendum, have been running a voter registration campaign to encourage people to exercise their right to vote.

Local campaign co-ordinator, Ian McGahon said, “I would strongly encourage the people of Wicklow to review the checktheregister.ie website and ensure they are registered to vote prior to the May 5 deadline.

“Voting yes in the Marriage Equality Referendum will be saying yes to marriage, yes to equality and yes to strengthening Irish society.”

McGahon has also encouraged Wicklow voters to plan ahead and know where they will be on May 22.

Often people get caught up in their busy day and can forget to take the time to vote, this is why it is important to plan in advance.

A previous voter registration drive undertaken by Yes Equality last October saw 40,000 new voters registering.

Although the majority of polls have the Yes vote ahead by a rather substantial amount, campaigners are eager to ensure that people do not take it for granted that the referendum will pass.

Campaigners on both sides feel strongly about their positions but the need for people to come out and vote is something that everyone can agree on.

1 2 3 4 5

12 | WHAT’S HOT WILDLIFE

with Justin Ivory

Hoopoe in Greystones last week (Photo courtesy of Dick Coombes)

Hoopoe Invasion For the last 3 weeks Ireland has been the subject of an invasion!

The invader in question is an unmistakeable and instantly recognisable bird called the Hoopoe (Upupa epops).

A more exotic or stranger looking creature you are unlikely to encounter on our shores.

This fabulous looking, thrush sized bird has a unique combination of orangey-pink plumage, black and white “zebra” wings, relatively long, decurved bill and a crest.

The crest when down gives the bird a “hammerhead” appearance and when raised is like some Mohican coxcomb!

In flight it resembles a huge butterfly.

The Hoopoe is a very scarce, but regular visitor to our shores particularly during the spring migration.

The Hoopoe winters in Africa and during the spring moves northwards to its breeding grounds in continental Europe.

Annually approx. 10 individuals will overshoot their intended destination or get blown off course and end up in Ireland.

This year is a little bit different though.

In the last three weeks there have been reports of Hoopoes flooding in from Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and last week Greystones, Co. Wickow!

For three days there were reports of a Hoopoe from the Burnaby Park/Rugby Club area of the town.

So far this spring there have been between 35 and 45 individuals reported.

The last time there was a “fall” of Hoopoes like this in Ireland was fifty years ago in 1965 when 65 individuals were recorded.

Birdwatch Ireland would like you to report any sightings of this superb bird, along with date and location, to them at info@birdwatchireland.ie or on 01-2819878.

wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

Wedding event of the week Wedding Evening The Royal Hotel and Merrill Leisure Club, Bray, April 30, 6pm-9pm Share the most important day of your life with The Royal Hotel & Merrill Leisure Club, the perfect Wicklow wedding venue to create joyous memories that will last a life time. Visit their wedding evening and see all that they have to offer you on the happiest day of your life. Book your wedding reception on the evening and you will receive a sparkling wine reception on your wedding day. As Wicklow’s premier wedding reception venue, they pride themselves on offering guests personal attention and work with each couple to ensure that every aspect of their wedding is attended to. Their dedicated Wedding Coordinator has a wealth of experience in event management and wedding planning and will be on hand to advise and assist you with the planning of every detail for your perfect day. The hotel is licensed to host civil partnership and civil ceremonies.

Blog of the week How to be an adult www.howtobeanadult.net How To Be An Adult is a blog founded by three friends from Bray with one goal in mind, to share. They are a ‘lifestyley’ blog that encourages readers to get involved. They recently launched their ‘Business Class’ section, a one stop shop for inspirational and motivational stories from the boardroom to the world of online retailing and lots in between. While the stories and careers will vary the one common thread here is that these people are doing the job they love.

How To Be An Adult are also running a series of Q&As from ex pats living all over the world, it’s a way for them to share their stories outside of the confines of Facebook. With reviews of some of their favourite things (beauty products, Instagram accounts, cocktail bars, holidays etc) there is bound to be something that appeals to everyone. The ladies are looking forward to finally learning, How To Be An Adult. Check them out on their blog, Facebook and Instagram.

book of the week The Secrets We Share

By Emma Hannigan Local bestselling author has released her tenth book and it is already receiving rave reviews. In The Secrets We Share we meet Clara Conway - a woman with secrets. Consequently, Clara’s family is falling apart. Her son Max emigrated to the US years ago and she has yet to meet her teenage granddaughter, Nathalie.

This is because Max and his mother no longer speak. Meanwhile, Clara’s daughter Ava is fighting for a piece of happiness. When Clara unexpectedly reaches out to Nathalie and her niece comes to visit, Ava’s thoughts turn to Max. The brother whose abrupt disappearance left the Conway family heartbroken.

When Nathalie finds a pile of torn, faded letters, she unlocks the door to Clara’s past. Can Nathalie’s time with her grandmother start to right some very old wrongs? And can Clara find a way to reach out to Max and thereby begin to heal the whole family once more? After all, some secrets are meant to be shared.

TV SHOW of the week Empire

E4, Tuesdays, 9pm The smash hit show that has had everybody talking is finally hitting this side of the Atlantic. From Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels, Empire is set within the world of hip-hop and centres on a family dynasty. When Lucious Lyon, CEO of Empire Entertainment, gets a medical diagnosis that predicts he will be incapacitated in three years. As news spreads the sharks

EDUCATION IDEA of the week Bray Grinds Institute The Royal Hotel, Main Street, Bray, 01 2016365/087 9292593 It’s only a few weeks from the Leaving and Junior Cert exams but there’s no need to panic! It can all seem a bit daunting as you enter the home stretch but a little bit of guidance goes a long way. Bray Grinds Institute is the ideal place to go if you feel you need some additional help with your subjects. There are weekly grinds for students from first to sixth year. For those in exam years, they are currently enrolling for the intensive Easter revision courses. If you book now, when you buy your first course you will get your second course for free.

Bray Grinds Institute was established by primary school teacher, Claire Ryan who puts an emphasis on maintaining a low student to teacher ratio. This ensures that each student receives the time and attention that they require in order to achieve their goals. Students are provided with superb, up-to-date and insightful notes that provide exclusive and practical tips for each subjects.

begin to circle and so Lucious must choose one of his three sons to take over the business. His favourite son, Hakeem, is a talented musician but values fame over hard work. Middle son, Jamal is talented but shy and Lucious has not yet come to terms with the fact that Jamal is gay.

His eldest son, Andre, is businessminded but lacks charisma. Add to this, the return of his ex-wife Cookie and the situation spells major drama for Lucious. The series features music from Timbaland.

6 7 8 9 10

WHAT’S HOT| 13

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

MOVIE of the week Far From the Madding Crowd Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Carey Mulligan leads the cast of this sumptuous new take on Thomas Hardy’s classic novel. Bathsheba Everdene (Mulligan) is an independent, headstrong young woman keen to make her own way in the maledominated environment of late 19th century Dorset. Having inherited her uncle’s farm, Bathsheba gains a measure of social status, only to find herself being courted by three very different men. Sheep farmer Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts) is a man of relatively low social status but possessed of strong moral fibre. Repressed landowner Boldwood (Michael Sheen) is wealthy and can promise Bathsheba lasting financial security. While soldier Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge) is dashingly charismatic. Can she find lasting happiness with any of them? Directed

by Thomas Vinterburg, a leading figure of the Danish realist movement, this is a visually rich, emotional take on this beloved novel.

HOROSCOPES

Event of the week International Dance Day Bray area, April 29 Keep your eyes peeled and expect the unexpected on April 29. In celebration of International Dance Day, dance artists in residence at the Mermaid Arts Centre, Nick Bryson, Karen Gleeson and Aisling O’Coineen (pictured) will collaborate with the students of

Bray Institute of Further Education dance department to bring dance to the streets of Bray. They will be bringing the performance to the audience outside the context of a theatre. The hope is to inspire more people to feel comfortable enough to dance whenever and wherever they are. So if you happen upon one of their performances - don’t be shy, let your inner dancer out.

Summer fashion shows and style workshop Fishers, The Old Schoolhouse, Newtownmountkennedy, April 24, May 8 and 15, 11am

Virgo- This week is an 8 Don’t show critics unfinished work. Creating beauty may require making a mess first.

Make a professional move.

GIG of the week

Fair of the week Blessington Home Enterprise Fair St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington, April 25, 2pm-4pm The Blessington Home Enterprise Fair is a great opportunity for people who are looking to buy or sell handmade arts, crafts, jewellery, cards, candles, knitting, sewing, baking, home grown produce or photography. It is also a chance to sell products and promote your business.

The cost of a stall is fixed at €12 each and this is to cover the cost of the hall hire and the yearly insurance. The fair is a monthly event. The first event in February of this year proved to be a huge success.

If you are interested in having a space at the fair, please contact Paula O’Sullivan on 086 0848398 or paulaosullivan1@gmail.com.

Gemini- This week is a 9 Express your love with your favorite media. Use your own particular art or science.

Abandon a self-imposed limitation.

Leo- This week is an 8 Parties, meetings, conferences and gatherings go well. Work in a team to make something happen. Idle chatter makes no difference. Don’t waste time on gossip.

Each season Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy host a series of fashion shows and style workshops at their store. On April 24 they are joined by designer and stylist Jill Blanc who will bring you through this season’s wonderful collections worn by models of real shapes, sizes and ages - all looking stunning! She will also offer invaluable advice on how to make the look your own.

Kicking off at 11am with complimentary coffee and nibbles – what a perfect morning out with friends! All welcome.

Next dates are May 8 and 15. More info can be found on www.fishers.ie or find them on Facebook.

Bray Jazz Festival is back again and there are plenty of gigs in The Harbour Bar that you will not want to miss. The Gerry O’Connor Trio will kick everything off with some Dixieland Jazz on April 30 followed by BUNK, an instrumental funk soul quartet, on May 1. Next up is Butter (featuring a special guest), a live neo-soul/free improv collective, renowned for their hypnotic,

Taurus- This week is a 9 Practical efforts reap abundant rewards. Don’t get distracted by talk that goes nowhere. Get moving! Convince others by showing them.

Cancer- This week is a 7 Action you take now has longlasting consequences. Save your money. Stick with what’s real.

Get your body moving.

Fashion event of the week

Bray Jazz Festival The Harbour Bar, Strand Road, Bray, April 30-May 4

Aries- This week is an 8 Keep quiet and take action. Push for what you believe. Conditions are changing. Don’t splurge. All turns out even better than you’d hoped, if you’ve been gentle.

groove-based performances, on May 2. On May 3 Stomptown Brass (pictured) will bring their New Orleans-style Street Funk to The Harbour Bar. Ending it all with a bang on May 4 will be The Square Pegs paying homage to the sound of Chicago Blues, 50′s R&B and New Orleans Blues.

The Bray Jazz Festival has been described by The Irish Times as ‘the connoisseur’s jazz festival’, and by All About Jazz as ‘one of the best little jazz festivals in Europe’ so make sure to check it out for your self.

Libra- This week is a 9 Don’t talk about it ... just go.

You have what you need. Study your subject in person. Follow your passion. Communication breakdowns get resolved later.

Scorpio- This week is an 8 Don’t make loans today.

Financial discussions can morph into arguments. Is it about money or power?

Sagittarius- This week is a 9 Shake things up. Don’t just talk about playing with your partner; get out and do it.

You’re inspired to take action, and together you can generate amazing results.

Capricorn- This week is a 9 An unexpected development at work requires all hands on deck.

Postpone a trip. Don’t waste time talking ... get moving!

Aquarius- This week is an 8 The game is getting good. The gears begin to turn on a new project. Don’t stop to natter about it. Throw your full weight into the action.

Pisces- This week is a 7 You’ve been talking about it long enough. Take action on a home project. It’s amazing what a coat of paint will do. Get your family involved for increased results.

14 | LIFESTYLE

wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

my favourite things Striped cotton t-shirts, H&M, €12.99

Denim shirt, Zara, €22.90

WHAT’s HOT

with Sinead McCourt info@wicklowvoice.ie

Here comes the sun

Pocket denim dress, Mango, €39.95

Chino shorts, H&M, €19.99 Wide legged jeans, H&M, €29.99 Sandals, Zara, €59.95

Fringed shoulder bag, H&M, €24.99

As we are approaching the May Bank Holiday, it’s safe to say we can start delayering. Let’s embrace the bright, the bold and the floral prints that are coming with it. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what’s on trend for the summer and what key pieces do we need in our closet.

Mellow Yellow Yellow is dominating in the shops - team it up with white or blue jeans.

Boho Chic Boho style is back to visit for the summer (Who can resist a bit of fringing?!)

Double Denim I am loving the denim dresses, they can be teamed with flat sandals for day wear or high wedges for night-time. Jeans wise, we are moving away from the ripped denims to

flared jeans. Are you brave enough to pull off the double denim? If you have an old denim jacket at the back of the closet good time to rejuvenate it.

Brighten up, Boys Are you stuck in rut? Need to funk up the summer wardrobe and not break the bank?

Move away from the check skirts and embrace stripes and denim. H&M have a great range of t-shirts to offer at very attractive prices. Perfect to brighten up the wardrobe. They can be worn with shorts, denim or chinos.

Style Dollies If you have any style questions, are looking for the perfect outfit or accessories or any fashion related question please email me styledollies@ gmail.com. Until next time fashionistas, keep it white and bright for the summer ladies and gents. Lots more exciting stuff to come!

LIFESTYLE| 15

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

Peter Byrne

food

Stir crazy

Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel

Saffron and cauliflower soup Ingredients

4 servings 500ml chicken (or vegetable) stock 500ml milk 2 pinches of saffron strands sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets 25g butter olive oil, to drizzle 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Wicklow’s wild for woks

PREPARATION:

Pour the stock and milk into a large saucepan and add a pinch of saffron and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, add the cauliflower florets and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5–8 minutes until the cauliflower is just tender when pierced with a skewer. Using a slotted spoon, take out a quarter of the cauliflower florets and set aside for the garnish. Put the rest into a blender, add enough of the poaching liquid to half-fill the blender and whiz to a very smooth purée. (Do this in two batches if you need to).

Return the cauliflower purée to the pan and add enough of the remaining poaching liquid to obtain a soup consistency. Add another pinch of saffron and reheat gently, seasoning to taste

with salt and pepper. Stir in more liquid if the soup is too thick.

Melt the butter in a pan until it begins to foam, then add the reserved cauliflower and sauté for a few minutes until golden brown.

Toss in half the chopped parsley and fry until crisp.

Place the cauliflower florets and parsley in the centre of four soup bowls, then pour in the soup, to one side. Serve immediately, topped with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkling of parsley and a grinding of black pepper. on the top.

Bake in the oven at 180oc for 20 -25 minutes.

€10 OFF* colour with cutting ALL week

Wicklow has gone wild for stir fries according to a new survey.

One quarter of Wicklow adults surveyed (29%) said that a stir fry was their favourite dish and cook the dish at least once a week.

And 76% of adults in Wicklow believe that the stir fry is one of the healthiest options when it comes to dinner choices, with eight out of ten adults opting for a stir fry as the most convenient dish to cook.

The survey also gives an insight into Wicklow’s eating styles. Eating a meal without thinking or planning is how a third of Wicklow adults (32%) admit to eating their plate of food, while just over one fifth of are more passionate

about their food as they save the best piece till last, according to the survey from Florette, carried out by Empathy Research1.

The Florette survey also reveals Wicklow’s sense of humour.

When asked which personality they would most like to cook a meal for, 24% of overall respondents said they would like to cook up a storm in the kitchen for Mrs Brown, though interestingly more females opted for Mrs Brown (30%) than males 21%.

President Michael D Higgins was the second most popular person that respondents (17%) would like to cook for, voted equally by males and female respondents.

Bridgewater S/C. Tel: 0402 41189.

Late Nights Thursday and Friday. Open Sundays 12 - 5pm. *Offer excludes floodlights, masking and pop colour.

See salon for offer end date.

16 |SPECIAL REPORT

wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

Stars shine fo

Anne Sexton talks about how her business got started

Vincent Browne with teacher Barbara Rocks

SPECIAL REPORT| 17

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

or anne sexton Molly Kelleher tries out some of the equipment

Vincent Browne at the launch with Patrick Kelleher, Naomi Rowley, Ben Rowley, Anne Sexton, Molly Kelleher and Martina Rowley Anne Sexton was joined by TV stars Vincent Browne and Glenda Gilson at the recent launch of her new Pilates studio in Bray Bowl.

The studio was packed with wellwishers checking out the facilities and, of course, grabbing a quick selfie with Vincent.

Even though Vincent didn’t give Pilates a whirl while he was there, you definitely should.

The new studio is dedicated to the use of Pilates Reformer, mat and body vibration training.

Anne’s second studio has been

launched following the success of her studio in Roundwood where she has a loyal, and growing, clientele.

The Bray studio is currently offering beginners Pilates mat and Reformer classes.

Classes on offer will become more specific over time as people get to grips with the basics.

The classes are scheduled to fit everyone’s timetable as they offer early riser and mid-morning classes, lunchtime express classes as well as evening classes.

If you find these don’t suit, Anne and

wishes Anne the very best of luck

Glenda Gilson with Anne her team will always try their best to accomodate.

Anne Sexton Pilates can cater for clients of any age and of any ability, from elite athletes to people who are looking to get fitter.

Pilates is extremely beneficial for the body and it works every part of the body.

It strengthens muscles, develops flexibility, increases co-ordination and improves health and well being.

Start your summer off right and sign up for some classes - your body will thank you for it.

18 | ADVERTISEMENT wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

Buying?

Selling?

Contact one of our team today e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565

NEWS| 19

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

Battle to save Summerfest ORGANISERS are battling to save Bray’s Summerfest and Air Display.

Intensive efforts have been ongoing behind the scenes between the Bray Summerfest committee and Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, John Brady to plug a hole in the funding for the event.

At the time this paper went to press, the Committee were due to meet management of the Funfair which runs on Bray seafront during the festival.

However, according to sources

close to the festival, there is no guarantee that Summerfest will go ahead this year or in the future.

At this stage, the future of the hugely popular Air Display is also uncertain.

Speaking earlier this week, Marketing Director of Summerfest Paul Carney said, “The Cathaoirleach and the majority of the Councillors have now moved the original funfair debate onto their perception of transparency in our organisation rather than sorting out the core

issue of funding one of the most successful community festivals in the country.

“It is really regrettable that it now has become nothing more than a political football between councillors. We supplied all the Councillors with a detailed presentation of the festival, the funfair tendering process and four years of accounts.

“Up to this point we have never received any request for any information or accounts from any Councillor,” concluded Paul Carney. For his part, Cllr Brady

stated that he would persevere to find a way to ensure that Summerfest will go ahead while also addressing any concerns raised by Councillors or residents.

“I am certainly not questioning anyone involved in the executive of Summerfest regarding funding, but there needs to be full accountability,” said Brady.

“I fully support and commend the volunteers who have done and will continue to do fantastic work to promote Bray in a festival that is estimated by them to be worth up to €8m to the local economy.

“I look forward to hosting representatives from the Summerfest when they address the next meeting of the council and to working with them and others in finding a solution to continue to promote Bray in a positive fashion,” Brady concluded.

The future of Summerfest has been uncertain following vote by the Council of the Municipal District of Bray to reduce the number of days that the funfair is permitted to run at the seafront from 24 days to 15 days.

20 | NEWS/SPECIAL REPORT wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

East Coast Wicklow wide Coffee Morning

John Duggan and Conor O’Leary at The Martello on Bray Seafront last week

Local Arklow singer Sean Fox pictured with Luan Parle at The Riverbank Cafe, Arklow at their East Coast FM Coffee Morning event. (pic Yvette O Beirne)

Charlotte Wolohan takes away one of the top prizes in the raffle at the East Coast FM Coffee Morning at the Riverside Cafe in Arklow (Pic. Yvette O’Beirne)

Mick Humby Snr, Karen Doyle, Emily Humby and Mick Humby Jnr at the East Coast FM Coffee Morning in the Grand Hotel, Wicklow (Pic.Yvette O’Beirne)

Bake Local pe

Rhona Baker MSCSI and Nicola Vance Assoc. SCSI graduated from Bolton Street DIT in the early 90’s and have both worked in some of the largest agencies in Dublin over the years.

They have extensive knowledge and experience in residential, commercial and management agency.

Since opening Baker Vance Estate Agents six months ago in their hometown of Bray, they have quickly gained numerous instructions and their stylish and distinctive boards can now

Offers in the region of €275,000 Charming detached one bedroom mews with an attic conversion in excellent condition throughout in an idyllic location yet only minutes from the M50 and everything Bray has to offer.

The property could also be extended subject to planning permission.

If you are looking for a unique property with character and style we guarantee that you will fall in love with Giltspur Mews!

SPECIAL REPORT| 21

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

er vance ople, local knowledge

11 Brennans Parade, Bray Offers in the region of €399,000 Don’t judge a book by it’s cover...Behind this red brick terraced facade lies a surprisingly spacious house in turn-key condition.

The current owners have transformed this 1860’s home into a modern and tastefully decorated home while retaining it’s period features. The old and the new

sit happily together to create a charming house full of character. Brennans Parade is a hidden gem of houses in the most convenient of locations. It is within minutes stroll of Bray Seafront with all it has to offer; cafes, restaurants, bars as well as the picturesque Cliff Walk to Greystones. The DART station is also a couple of minutes walk away - super convenient for commuters into the city.

Best wishes to

be seen around Bray and the North Wicklow areas.

They offer a boutique service with an emphasis on establishing relationships with their clients and buyers. They make time to get to know each viewer and take pride in giving informative feedback to their clients after each viewing.

‘We treat each sale with the respect it deserves. After all, selling and buying a home is one of the biggest investments most of us make in our lives.

Our aim is to make the process as easy as possible by offering

honest and reliable advice every step of the way.’

Baker Vance are delighted to be a part of the Bray landscape.

Rhona and Nicola are passionate about Bray and promoting it as an enviable place to live.

They note with interest the increase in potential purchasers who are discovering that Bray is an ideal town in which to live.

The seafront, the schools and the close proximity to Dublin and the beautiful Wicklow countryside makes Bray difficult to beat as a home town.

It’s not difficult to see why Wicklow has had the second highest increase in house prices for the last quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015. This is a trend we anticipate will continue.

We are qualified and insured to carry out valuations on both residential and commercial property.

Our fresh approach to selling homes has already won us an enviable market share.

If you are thinking of selling just give us a call for free expert advice.

Baker Vance for the future We’re RV International The print management company.

We look after your print, so you can look after your business.

Contact Rory or Ciaran on 01-272 4877 today.

Giltspur Mews, Giltspur Lane, Bray

wishes Rhona and Nicola the very best of luck

22 | SPORT

wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

Sponsors named Leinster camp on way for Shay Elliott Memorial race

Bray Wheelers Cycling Club have received a major boost ahead of the 58th Shay Elliott Memorial race in May. Club La Santa and Sports Tours International have been confirmed as sponsors for the one-day race.

A field of 200 riders are expected to compete in the prestigious event on Sunday, May 10 with a 140km race for A1 and A2 riders and a 90km race for A3 and Junior riders, with both routes including the decisive climb over Glenmalure.”

“We are delighted that Club La Santa and Sports Tours International are supporting our ambition to continually develop the race which now caters for the top A1 and A2 riders in the country and those coming up through the A3 and Junior ranks,” said John Spain, Chairman of Bray Wheelers CC. Over 100 volunteers from Bray Wheelers are involved in organising the two races and the return of the race to the traditional Sunday slot is also expected to have a significant bearing on the number of riders and spectators

turning out on the day. The Shay Elliott was first organised by Bray Wheelers in 1958 having been devised by Joe Loughman.

It was known as the Route de Chill Mhantáin at the time but later changed its name to celebrate the memory of Elliott, a prolific one-day rider, renowned for becoming the first Irishman to wear the Tour de France race leader’s yellow jersey.

While Sean Kelly remains the only rider to have won the race as a junior, the performance of Eddie Dunbar in finishing second to Damien Shaw in 2014 and his impressive performances for his new NFTO team is already a talking point among those who have set their sights on winning this year’s race.

With the race boasting an illustrious list of previous winners including Peter Crinnion, Peter Doyle, Pat McQuaid, Sean Kelly, Martin Early, Philip Cassidy, David McCann, Ciaran Power, Malcom Elliott, Dan Craven, Tim Barry, Philip Lavery and Damien Shaw, it is clear that it takes an exceptional rider to secure victory.

Leinster Rugby stars Rob Kearney, Ian Madigan and Fergus McFadden were joined by, from left, Sophie Lynam, Chloe Court, Christopher Bailey, all from Stepaside, and Sam Lynch, from Shankill in Old Wesley Rugby Club recently to mark the launch of the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Summer Camps which will run in Greystones Rugby club from July 13 to July 17 IF there’s any young rugby players in your house looking for something to do this summer, then check out the Leinster Rugby summer camps.

The camps will take place in 22 venues throughout the province in June, July and August. Greystones RFC will play host to a camp from July 13 to 17. The camps run Monday to Friday from

9.30am to 1.30pm.

An early bird rate of €75 is available for children who enrol before the June 5. After this date, the cost of attending the camp will be €90 per child. You can book a second camp for your child for just €60. Recently, Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden and Ian Madigan took time out from their busy training schedule to help launch

sport in brief Arklow Lions The Arklow and District Lions Club Golf Classic takes place on June 19 at Arklow Golf Club. €100 per team of four. Refreshments will be provided on the 9th tee and the presentation of prizes will take place at 10pm in the golf club. Contact Arklow Golf Club for registration and timesheet.

Cumann na mBunscol The will be a Sports Day meeting on May 28 at 8pm in Newtownmountkennedy Primary School.

It is imperative that any school participating in Sports Day 2015 is represented at this meeting.

All primary schools in Wicklow have been contacted by email by Allianz Cumann na mBunscol about the school visits in May. If the schools in your area would like to take part in the schools visits please make contact with the school early next week and let Bridget Kenny know on 087 7606765 before April 17.

Arklow Geraldines The next meeting of the Executive Committee will

the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Summer Camps in Old Wesley Rugby Club in Dublin.

These camps, which will take place in locations all across the province will offer kids the chance to learn to play the Leinster way whilst having plenty of fun! The camps are run by fully accredited IRFU coaches.

As well as learning new

skills, meeting Leinster players, making new friends and having lots of fun, each child will receive a Canterbury of New Zealand pack including a t-shirt, a thrillseeker rugby ball and a Leinster draw string bag. They will also get one free junior ticket to a selected Leinster game.

For more information log on to www.leinsterrugby.ie/ camps

take place on May 13 at 8pm in the County GAA Board Rooms.

County Draw tickets are now available. Please contact any Committee member to get yours, or email arklowgaa@ gmail.com. The Junior men had their first match of the season against Avoca on April 16. Final score AGB 2-9 to Avoca 1-13. Well done to the AGB Minor Men who came out on top against Rathnew in the Group 1 Spring League.

Final score 2-9 to 1-3.

minor team later on Saturday.

An Tochar Mens Junior team manager Des Fanning has Manager of the Year award already in the bag as his charges made a fantastic start to the league campaign with a narrow win over Newcastle last Thursday.

Well done to all involved.

The Ladies Junior team lost to Enniskerry in the Cup on Saturday last. They take on Coolkenno in the league next weekend.

The Men’s Intermediate team will return to competitive action on April 24 at home to Aughrim at 8pm.

Hard luck to the Wicklow Minor Boys team, featuring our own Stephen Connor and Mark Keenan, that lost to Longford last Saturday. Next up is Laois in two weeks. Well done to both lads who made a quick dash to play for our club

Bray Emmets The lotto numbers drawn were 23, 18, 4, 24. The next jackpot will be €12,700.

The annual club dinner dance takes place on April 24 in the Royal Hotel, Bray. To reserve tickets text Ann Healy at 087 2556193. They can be collected between 8.30pm and 9pm on Wednesday at the clubhouse. Tickets will not be for sale at the door on the night.

Congratulations to the U14 Camogie team who made their own little piece of Bray Emmets history, by being the first Camogie team to qualify through Wicklow for the National Camogie Féile on April 18.

The Skoda Cycle Series Tour of Wicklow will take place on April 25 at 9am. Challenge yourself riding 100km or 45km in the scenic Wicklow Mountains.

Request a sponsorship card by emailing info@purplehouse.ie or create your own fundraising page on www.mycharity.ie.

The men’s Junior football team are back training on Wednesday evenings at 7.15 pm and Sunday mornings at 10am in Old Conna. Anyone interested in playing is welcome to come to training or contact Ian Smith 086 85157232 for further details.

sport| 23

April 23 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

insideback

with Brian Quigley

Seagulls wings clipped

Although Bray Wanderers’ mini-revival came to an end on Monday last April 20 when the Seagulls went down 0-3 at home to high-flying Shamrock Rovers, they can hold their heads high having turned in an impressive display of grit and endeavour.

Coming off the back of two wins and an excellent draw away to Derry City on Friday April 17, Maciej Tarnogrodzki’s charges started the game brightly and matched Rovers, Ireland’s most decorated football club, during the opening half hour of exchanges.

Rovers broke the deadlock against the run of play at that point, but at 0-1 at half time Bray were still well in it.

A couple of excellentlyworked set-piece moves in the second period sealed the points for Rovers.

The game was played in front

usually with David Cassidy involved somewhere.

They created plenty of chances and forced some sharp saves from the Rovers keeper at times.

With a second home game this week on Saturday April 25 against Galway, Bray have a chance to get back to winning ways straight away.

I’ve no doubt they will give it their best shot.

They are still above Galway, Limerick and Sligo in the table after Monday’s fixtures, so there is incentive to put some daylight between themselves and Galway at the very least.

Members of the Hurling and Camogie Group North East, Allianz Cumann na mBunscol of a large crowd at the Carlisle Grounds, with Rovers bringing big support and contributing to the great atmosphere at the

game. My son and father came to the game with me and the three generations of Quigleys enjoyed the match experience

despite our team losing.

Bray’s heads never dropped despite being behind and they played some neat football,

In praise of the volunteers …

For the first time in ten years of running competitively I had the misfortune of being sidelined with injury last week.

It wasn’t even a running injury – I managed to hurt my chest in

a fall off my shed roof – which made having to miss a race all the more difficult to take.

Unable to run my regular Saturday morning parkrun race, I took the opportunity to volunteer and was given marshalling duty at a designated part of the course.

I was expecting everyone to run past without noticing my presence, but ended up amazed and pleasantly surprised at the amount of runners who thanked me and the other marshals for volunteering as they went by.

It got me thinking about all the unsung heroes in sport, especially at amateur levels.

The people who give of their time selflessly to ensure others can have their exercise and enjoy their sport.

In general they don’t get the recognition they deserve but they’ll certainly get mine from here on in.

24| ADVERTISING

wicklowvoice.ie April 23 2015

Fantastic Cruise Holidays Turkey, Israel, Egypt & Greece - 22nd October Visiting Venice, Athens, Izmir, Haifa, Limassol, Alexandria & Dubrovnik

12 Nights From only €999pp

Price Includes

 Return flights Dublin to Venice  Return transfers to and from the hotel / airport  12 nights on board the 4* MSC Opera based on 2 sharing an Inside Cabin  Fine dining on a full board basis  Variety of spectacular entertainment on board  Taxes, charges & 1 check-in bag of 15kgs per room inc.

Symphony of the Black Sea - 17th September Visiting Athens, Odessa, Constanta, Istanbul & Rome

12 Nights From only €1,099pp

Price Includes

 Return flights Dublin to Milan / Nice to Dublin  Return transfers to and from the hotel / airport  12 nights on board the 4* MSC Sinfonia based on 2 sharing an Inside Cabin  Fine dining on a full board basis  Variety of spectacular entertainment on board  Taxes, charges & 1 check-in bag of 15kgs per room inc.

Fantastic Greek Isles & Israel - January 2016 Visiting Rome, Katakolon, Alexandria, Haifa, & Athens

11 Nights From only €859pp

Price Includes

 Return flights Dublin to Civitavecchia (Rome)  Return transfers to and from the hotel / airport  11 nights on board the 4* MSC Fantasia based on 2 sharing an Inside Cabin  Fine dining on a full board basis  Variety of spectacular entertainment on board  Taxes, charges & 1 check-in bag of 15kgs per room inc.

Perfect Winter Mediterannean - 06th December 2015 Visiting Rome, Palermo (Sicily), La Goulette (Tunisia), Barcelona & Marseille

7 Nights From only €669pp

Price Includes

 Return flights Dublin to Milan or Rome  Return transfers to and from the hotel / airport  7 nights on board the 4* MSC Preziosa based on 2 sharing an Inside Cabin  Fine dining on a full board basis  Variety of spectacular entertainment on board  Taxes, charges & 1 check-in bag of 15kgs per room inc.

Booking Remarks:

• Prices based on 2 sharing • Single supplements available on request • Optional insurance available (conditions apply) • Holidays subject to availability • Non-refundable deposit of €200 required at time of booking • Licensed by Commission for Aviation Regulation (0348)

book@cruisescapes.ie

www.cruisescapes.ie

Visit us at Cruisescapes, Suite 30, The Hyde Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18

Call: 01 294 1000