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Big push needed for Give A Gift By Michelle McGlynn
Those who are without this Christmas need you now more than ever. Despite reports of an economic upsurge, the East Coast FM and St Vincent de Paul Gift a Gift campaign want to remind the people of Wicklow that there are still countless families around the county, and indeed the country, who are struggling to make ends meet. This is why the Give a Gift campaign are asking Wicklow residents to dig deep this year and help to bring some joy to families who are struggling at this time. “This is the eighth year of the campaign and it has continued to be a bigger success every year,” Claire Darmody, producer of the Morning Show on East Coast FM and organiser of the campaign, told the Wicklow Voice. “We really hope the people of Wicklow can help as much
again this year, as unfortunately the need is even greater.” Those who wish to donate are asked to drop a new, unwrapped gift worth a minumum of €10 in to the East Coast FM studios in the Radio Centre on Killarney Road, Bray. They require presents for boys and girls of all ages and people can attach a gift tag specifying who it is meant for if they wish, ie. age, gender. The Christmas season puts enormous pressure on parents who are finding it difficult to provide for their families and may not have anybody to think of them this Christmas. All gifts that are donated will be distributed to families in the Garden County by St Vincent de Paul. If you cannot make your way to the East Coast studios there are other locations willing to accept the donations. Continued on next page
Dennis McGettigan with Katie Taylor at the opening of the new McGettigans bar in Bray. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall » Lots more pictures from around the county inside
Menswear Ladies Boutique free gif wrappingt Designer Gowns Bedding Beds Gifts Gallery Craft Café Enjoy a relaxed, friendly shopping experience with plenty of free parking and a welcoming smile! •
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04| NEWS news in brief Tree lighting
wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015
Students hoping for sea of change
Join the annual tree lighting ceremony in Ashford on December 13 at 5pm at Ashford Church Grounds. There will be carol singing from Ashford NS students and Christmas treats such as hot chocolate and mince pies.
Shane Horgan Ireland and Leinster rugby legend Shane Horgan will be in Greystones on December 12 at 11am for the official opening of KBC Bank Ireland’s Greystones hub. Shane will be signing autographs and taking part in a Q&A with RTÉ Radio’s Brenda Donohue. There will be complimentary refreshments, a colouring competition and Santa himself will be in his grotto for kids to come and visit.
Ben Reel Band Armagh band Ben Reel is coming to the Hot Spot Music Club, Greystones on December 11. Ben’s music draws from the well of different styles of musical influence including rock, soul, blues and reggae to create a great sound.
Daniel Jacob, Liam Conroy, Lance Carcallas, Tony Daly, Conor Smith, Conor Conway, Sam Leahy, Ciara Regan, Clifton Rooney and James Carvill. Bottom row: Matthew Booth, Jack Ryan and Diarmuid Moran; and, below, one of the ships created by the pupils. By Michelle McGlynn Transition year students from Presentation College Bray have had a unique response to the current refugee crisis. Faced with horrific headlines and feeling helpless in the face of the mounting crisis, the students used their creative talents to make their voices heard. The boys created an art installation that represented both the ongoing crisis and the reaction to events by the rest of the world. This was
then brought to the Youth Summit in the RDS where over 400 participants actively got involved and the project received a fantastic reception. Using the art of origami the team created 2,800 people to represent the number of Syrian refugees who had lost
their lives while fleeing the conflict. They made boats and the sea from articles relating to the crisis that they dyed orange and blue respectively. As people entered the summit they were presented with orange cards with articles printed on them. They were invited to go to where the team had set up and write a reflection on what they had read. The students then showed them how to turn their thoughts into a boat which would ferry the origami people across the sea.
Donate to gift campaign
Continued from previous page Gifts can be dropped to Kidzone in Wicklow Town, Arklow Bridgewater Centre, Londis in Aughrim, Dunnes in Blessington Town Centre and Newtownmountkennedy, Shoreline Leisure Centre Greystones or Avondale Sports in Rathdrum. The presents will be distributed locally from the venue where the gift was dropped off. The demand on the services provided by St Vincent de Paul are at incredibly high at this time so they welcome donations of money in place of a gift. If you donate through the East Coast FM website, the money will go directly to families in Wicklow who are in need. Help to bring a much-needed smile to someone’s face this Christmas and donate to the East Coast FM and St. Vincent de Paul Give a Gift campaign before December 22. For more information or to donate online, visit eastcoast.fm/giveagift. To contact St Vincent de Paul confidentially call 087 1738235.
Locals left reeling after death of popular pupil Jack By Michelle McGlynn
The Bray community is in mourning following the tragic death of 17-year-old Jack Harvey. The teen passed away on Sunday night in tragic circumstances. Family and friends are trying to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss while the community rallies around them to offer support and condolences. The athletic teen was very popular among his friends and teachers in St Brendan’s College where he was in sixth year. “The entire school community at St Brendan’s College are united in shock and sadness at the sudden and tragic death of Jack,” said school principal John Taylor, speaking to the Wicklow Voice. “Jack was a very popular, friendly and much liked member of our sixth year group and everyone here are devastated by his untimely death. “We offer our deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friend and offer them our full support in whatever way we can.” Support measures have been put in place for students in the school following the tragedy. A Liverpool fan, Jack was a skilled footballer and represented his school as well as playing at club level. Bray Wanderers offered their condolences, posting a photo from a recent charity match that
Jack has participated in to their Facebook page. The club wrote of their sadness on learning of Jack’s passing. “Jack who was a very talented footballer regularly came to the Carlisle Grounds. “Bray Wanderers extends its sympathy to Jack’s family, friends and teammates.” St Cronan’s National School, where Jack was a student until 2011, have also offered their sympathies. “He was a magnificent young man who has left this world far too soon,” a statement from the school read. “Our thoughts and most sincere condolences are with his family at this time.” The outpouring of support from the community is a testament to how popular Jack was among friends, peers and neighbours. Reposing at his home, Jack will be brought to the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Main Street, Bray for Requiem mass at 10am on December 11. Following the mass, Jack will be laid to rest in Springfield Cemetery, Killarney Road, Bray.
Text alerts launched
Wicklow County Council have launched a text alert which will warn residents of emergency situations in the county as they occur. Texts will be sent in the event of severe weather alerts, emergency road works and closures, instances of flooding and planned water disruptions. The public are invited to
sign up for the alerts based on their geographic location to ensure that they receive timely warnings relevent to them. To sign up for the alerts, simply log on to wicklow.ie and submit the requested information. The initiative is designed to improve to improve the quality and reach of information from the Council to the public.
NEWS |05
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
TV Presenter Anna Nolan and Conor Spenser from Tinakilly House Rathnew during a Christmas filming of a production for TV3 due to air over the festive period. Pic: Ceaneacht O Hoctun
Joyce Lee from Kilquade with Ken Gibson, CEO leprosy.ie at the recent Neil Diamond fundraiser in the Parkview Hotel in Newtownmountkennedy
Anita Gunne, Operations Manager Bray Credit Union Ltd, Phyllis Murphy winner a brand new Ford Fiesta Titanium and Charlie Hadden, Fitzpatrick Motors. Pic by Charlie Sharkey
Jake Kenny O’Leary and Conor Short during the recent Conor McCabe memorial race which took place recently in Arklow. Pic: Yvette O Beirne
Pictured at the Burke Oil 2016 Calendar launch at Ernie’s Bar, Wicklow Town are (l-r): Pascal Burke President of Wicklow and District Chamber, Yvonne Windsor from Burke Oil, Edward Wolohan overall 2016 winner and Vincent Kirrane Managing Director of Burke Oil
Jenny Grant, Mandie Delahunt, Aoibheann Delahunt. Daniel Grant and Aine Delahunt at the SADD fundraiser at the Grand Hotel Wicklow. Pic: Ceaneacht O Hoctun
The Historic Racing Car Association held their annual awards dinner on December 5 in the Glen of The Downs Golf Club. Class founder Edmund Cassidy, pictured with his family, was honoured by the association on the night for his contribution to Historic Motorsport in Ireland
06| NEWS news in brief Development plan The people of Wicklow are being invited to have their say on the draft Wicklow County Development Plan. There will be several Public Information Days in early January when Council planning staff will be available to answer questions and assist those wishing to make a submission. View the draft plan on the council website or in County Buildings, Station Road from 9am-5pm on weekdays.
wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015
McGettigan’s creates 25 jobs By Michelle McGlynn
Francis Brennan After having to postpone his book signing tour dates due to Storm Desmond, Francis Brennan has rescheduled his Wicklow date. Francis will bring his memoir, Count Your Blessings: Francis Brennan’s Guide to Happiness, to Bridge Street, Wicklow on December 19 at 12pm.
Craft fair St Patrick’s Parish will hold their Christmas craft fair on December 12 in Temple Carrig School, Greystones from 11am until 5pm. All are welcome to attend.
Clockwise from top left: Catherine Murphy and Denise Harvey; Eoin Heffernan and Nancy O Connor; Robert Baker and Carol Casey; and Lorriane and Martin Galvin at the McGettigan’s opening. All pictures Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
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Not even Storm Desmond could rain on McGettigan’s parade at their grand opening.. Bray’s hottest new bar introduced themselves to the neighbourhood with a night to remember. Despite the stormy weather, people donned their glad rags and came out to celebrate McGettigan’s latest location in the Royal Hotel. Olympic champion Katie Taylor was on hand to cut the green ribbon and officially open the bar. With 25 new jobs being created for the local area, there is plenty to celebrate. The McGettigan family are no strangers to the town and are delighted to be back in Bray. “Our family has had a long association with Bray through The Royal Hotel,” Denis McGettigan, CEO of the McGettigan Group told the Wicklow Voice. “In 2016 we are aiming to upgrade the hotel to a four-star and with the opening of McGettigan’s it will bring to over 100 the number of people employed, with 80 in the hotel and a further 25 in the bar. “McGettigan’s represents an investment by our family in Bray and we are thrilled that one of Bray’s most famous residents Katie Taylor is joining our family to officially open the bar tonight.” The bar and restaurant enjoyed a successful opening weekend and are looking forward to the festive season in their latest venue. The venue includes an area referred to as The Library as well as The Log Room where all the wood originates from Co Monaghan. McGettigan’s have a late licence for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This is the 11th McGettigan’s bar with Maureen venues around the world O’Connor including Dubai and and Lorr New York. McGettiga aine After 35 years as Anita Gun n; and ne B owners of the Royal ernie Rob and inson Hotel, McGettigan’s have brought their bar home.
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING|07
08| NEWS news in brief Don’t die in Autumn To coincide with the launch of new book, Don’t Die In Autumn – a memoir, author Eric Dempsey will present a talk on Ireland’s varied birdlife. The talk will be held in Greystones Library, on December 15 at 7pm. Admission is free.
wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015
Our jack tipped to play han solo
Transport hub A final design plan for the development of a transport hub for Bray is set to be completed by end of February 2016. The National Transport Authority is supporting the preparation of detailed proposals for the development of Bray Station, especially the forecourt area.
Poetry Aloud Nuala Whittle from St. Kevin’s Community College, Dunlavin claimed first place in her category in this year’s national Poetry Aloud competition. Congratualtions to Nuala who won €300 in book tokens for St Kevin’s to contribute towards adding new stock to the school library.
By Michelle McGlynn We are just days away from the opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, one of the most anticipated films of recent times. As fans anticipate what is in store for their favourite characters, rumours are circulating that our own Jack Reynor (above centre) is tipped to take on the role of a young Han Solo in an upcoming Star Wars spin-off. If this is true, Reynor will have a daunting task ahead as he tries to fill the shoes of legendary actor Harrison Ford who made the role famous in the original films (above left) and is set to reprise
his role in the latest instalment (above right). Of course, Reynor is no stranger to stepping into an action franchise having taken a role in Transformers: Age of Extinction in 2013. Reynor will have time to get in touch with the force as the Han Solo spin-off is not set for release until May 2018. In the meantime, Star Wars fans are waiting with bated breath for the December 17 release of The Force Awakens which is set 30 years after Return of the Jedi. Kylo Ren (main pic), played by Adam Driver, will take over for Darth Vader in the villain department in this latest film.
Over 1,300 sign petition against Dart changes By Michelle McGlynn
Greystones commuters are set for longer journeys as part of a timetable overhaul by Irish Rail. The news has sparked outrage among some north Wicklow commuters with over 1,300 people signing a petition opposing the move. The proposed changes have been announced as a way to improve the daily commute for DART passengers but Greystones will not be reaping any benefits. There will be a number of drawbacks for Greystones passengers if these changes are approved. Irish Rail have said that the timetable overhaul will result in more frequent trains and an earlier service. However, the journey to Greystones will take five to ten
minutes longer. There will be an increase in the number of trains from all stations except the Greystones Station and there will be no increase in a weekend service for the town. Trains will depart from Greystones later than they currently do, departing at 8.04am rather than 8am which will see passengers arriving to the city centre ten minutes later. A public consultation was launched by Irish Rail and closed on December 8. In response to Irish Rail’s proposed changes Stephen Donnelly, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow and East Carlow launched a petition which had been signed by over 1,300 local residents when it was submitted. “The proposed changes to the DART service which would result in more Darts for all should be welcomed, but the current schedule means that Greystones
commuters will be left with a longer commute, one less Dart in effect as a result of arrival times for those who need to get to town before 9am, and no improvements in service,” Stephen Donnelly told the Wicklow Voice. “The response from commuters from Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole and Newcastle has been overwhelming and united in its opposition to the proposed changes. “They are unacceptable and we have made a submission to that effect. “Service users already pay a premium for the service they currently receive.” Those interested in learning more about the proposed timetables can view them online. The proposed changes are all routes that serve Connolly station and new timetables are due to commence in 2016.
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING|09
10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Families should make their own foetal choices
S
ome of the saddest stories I heard from constituents over the past five years were from the parents who had to cope with fatal foetal abnormality pregnancies. These families were awaiting the much wanted birth of a baby only to discover at an early stage in the pregnancy that the foetus could not survive childbirth. Suddenly, for those families, everything changes. Some people think that the only right course of action in such a situation is to proceed with the pregnancy to full term. There are many cases where mothers have done just this and say they have benefited emotionally from being able to continue with the pregnancy even when knowing absolutely that there would be no live birth. I would not deny any family that choice within what is a deeply personal decision-making process. In situations where a family decides to continue with a fatal foetal pregnancy to the stage of natural birth, that is a decision I respect completely and an option which must always be available for those that it suits. However different individuals and families cope differently with traumatic events. Some parents I spoke with said very simply that they couldn’t put their other young children through the experience of a growing pregnancy that would end in death. As parents they took a decision that ending the fatal foetal pregnancy at an early stage was important to safeguard the emotional wellbeing of the other children. I’ve met women who tearfully explained that they wanted a child so much that they could not cope with nine months of knowing that there would be no life. Some parents had been told by medical professionals that their foetus was so deformed that carry it to full term would cause the foetus great pain. There are a range of reasons why couples and mothers decide that their only realistic option is the early termination of such a pregnancy. But no hospital in Ireland will terminate a pregnancy for these reasons. An Irish woman seeking a termination under such tragic circumstances must travel to England, even if the procedure is medically advised by a doctor here. Earlier this year I lost the Labour Party Whip for refusing to vote against an opposition Bill to legislate for limited access to abortion where the medical advice was that there would be no life after birth. Clare Daly’s Bill was by no means a perfectly worded piece of legislation but my position was that it should have been allowed to proceed to Committee stage where the wording could have been analysed in greater depth with the assistance of medical and legal professionals.
I disagree with the argument that the constitutional provision granting equal rights to life to a woman and her unborn foetus somehow prevents the legislature from making laws to deal with the tragic circumstances of fatal foetal pregnancies. I don’t accept that the Irish People when adopting the 8th Amendment to the Constitution back in 1983, considered the type of life that extends to birth and not beyond to be ‘equal’ to the life of a grown woman or indeed the constitutional rights of the rest of the family. However I do accept that the only way of knowing for sure what modern Irish people think about this issue is to hold a referendum. Last week the High Court in Northern Ireland found that legislation in that jurisdiction preventing access to abortion by pregnant victims of incest and rape and families affected by fatal foetal abnormality pregnancies was contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights and therefore illegal. We have been told that the Northern Ireland ruling will have very little consequence in this State because of the wording of the 8th Amendment to the Constitution. But what does it say about international Human Rights law if a pregnant woman in Dundalk has less rights than a pregnant woman a few miles up the road in Newry? In his judgment, Mr Justice Horner of the High Court of Northern Ireland suggested that the only way of knowing the views of the Northern Ireland public about allowing access to abortion in the most tragic circumstances was to conduct a Referendum. My wish for this jurisdiction is that there will be a referendum here also, asking the people in the Republic of Ireland to repeal the 8th Amendment and replace it with carefully worded legislation allowing abortion in strictly medically defined circumstances. That legislation has already been drafted by the Labour Party. Given the problems that other parties, including Sinn Fein, seem to have in convincing their followers to address the abortion issue, in my view the only way to ensure this level of protection for women and families is to vote to ensure that Labour is part of the next government. That way, whilst a minority coalition partner couldn’t guarantee an overall majority in the Dail in support of abortion legislation for fatal foetal pregnancies, we could insist on a referendum so that the people could decide.
Anne Ferris is the Labour TD for Wicklow and East Carlow. She is also vice chair of the Oireachtas Committee for Justice, Defence and Equality.
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The County Development Plan sets out Wicklow County Council’s planning and land use framework for the period 2016-2022
Tweets of the week
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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 Anne Ferris with John Ryan
We need the public’s help he Wicklow Development Plan is one of the most important documents which Wicklow County Council produces over the period of a Council’s lifetime. It literally charts how the county will develop and grow over a six-year period to 2022. It is a major responsibility of Wicklow County Council to make it the best Plan possible but we also need the public’s help. That is why we are inviting the citizens of Wicklow to have their say about how their county will look and grow in the years ahead. The County Development Plan sets out Wicklow County Council’s planning and land use framework for the period 20162022, but is framed with a longer term outlook to 2028. It sets out the settlement hierarchy for the county as well as population and housing targets for each town and area. The principal growth towns are Bray, Wicklow Town, Arklow and Greystones–Delgany, followed by Newtownmountkennedy and Blesssington. In particular, the county is targeted to grow from a population of 136,640 people in 2011 to 158,000 in 2022. This will require the delivery of approximately 15,500 housing units between 2011 and 2022. However, as only 1,000 units were provided in the county in recent years housing construction will need to ramp up from 2016 to the order of 2,500 completions per annum. Much of this land is still unserviced (there is only enough serviced land for approximately 12,500 units) and a concerted effort will be required from both the Council and providers to ensure a lack of services does not stall development or result in development occurring in the wrong places. In particular, enhanced road and public transport infrastructure is vital for the growth towns, especially Bray where the designated expansion zone is in Fassaroe, west of the M11. Improvements to the M11/N11 road and its interchanges, as well as the extension of the Luas to Fassaroe, will be vital to unlock the potential of this land. In Arklow and Blesssington, the provision of new/enhanced wastewater treatment plants will be required before any further development can happen. Greystones and Wicklow town have recently seen enhancements to water infrastructure, but transport improvements, particularly to public transport, are now essential in these towns. A key challenge is to support the creation of new, long term employment in the county. The Development Plan is “employment friendly”, and coupled with other strategies, will aim to boost
employment opportunities in Wicklow. Key growth areas include indigenous and small businesses, the retail sector, the film industry, the marine and tourism sectors, and the transport, storage and logistics industry, given Wicklow’s location between the ports of Dublin and Rosslare. Community development (such as new schools, community centres, playgrounds, sports grounds) is also supported by the Plan. Supporting the retail industry is vital to Wicklow, as there is a substantial drain of spending from Wicklow to retail locations outside the county, particularly to Dublin City Centre, Dundrum and Carrickmines, estimated to be in the region of €350m in 2015. The Retail Strategy element of the Plan aims to reverse this flow by supporting the development of substantial new retail space in the county, particularly in the larger towns where development will be focussed in town centres. Wicklow is endowed with beautiful landscapes, natural resources and built heritage and the Plan aims to protect these assets from inappropriate development but also to allow their use in a sustainable manner. The Council has also agreed to include a provision that no wind farm be allowed within 1,000m of any residence. This would have the effect of reducing significantly the number of locations where wind turbines might be permitted. A provision is also being included that fast food outlets should not be allowed within 400m of the gates or site boundary of schools, parks or playgrounds, excluding areas zoned town centre. The draft County Development Plan and associated documents are on display on the Council’s website www.wicklow. ie and at County Buildings, Station Road, Wicklow (9am-5pm). There will be several Public Information Days when Council planning staff will be available to answer questions people may have and to assist anyone who wants to make a submission. These will be held in early January 2016 and details will be publicised later. Prior to those local meetings, planning staff will be available to deal with any queries and can be contacted at the Planning Department in County Buildings by telephone on 0404-20148 or by email on planreview@wicklowcoco.ie. People can also go their local libraries where staff will facilitate access to the Plan online.My wish for 2016 is that he does it.
Cllr John Ryan is Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council and a member of Fine Gael
OPINION| 11
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
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One bad apple does not make the whole council corrupt
29-year-old James Keogh (left) of Rathwood in Wicklow has won the ‘Best Established Business’ award at the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur’ competition, winning a €30,000 investment fund for his business through Local Enterprise Office Wicklow. The Minister for Jobs, Richard Bruton (centre) made the announcement in front of 360 guests at the IBYE national final, held at Google’s European Headquarters in Dublin on December 6. Also pictured is Sheelagh Daly of Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Wicklow.
Wicklow needs a young, female voice in the Dail
B
orn and raised in Dunlavin in West Wicklow, and living here all my life, I am passionate about my county and have great pride in my home town. I am 29 years of age. I was educated at St Nicholas’ of Myra NS, St Kevin’s Community College, Dunlavin; University of Limerick, with a degree in Politics and Public Administration, and the Dublin Institute of Technology, from which I hold a Masters in Public Affairs and Political Communications. I have been working in politics as a Parliamentary Assistant in Leinster House since graduating with my Masters, and previously as an intern in the Oireachtas where I worked to broaden my knowledge of the political arena. I am a former employee of Kildare Council Council, which gave me great insight into Local Government and I have also worked with Kildare West Wicklow Community Addiction Services, which provides support services for its clients and their families. During my time there, I saw first hand the social issues that arise in communities across Kildare and Wicklow. I have been actively involved in Fine Gael in Wicklow for a
Avril Cronin number of years, am currently secretary of my local branch in Dunlavin, and I am proud and honoured to be a General Election Candidate for the Party. Fine Gael should be commended for seeking out a fresh and young female voice, while at the same time opening the door to new candidates. This also opens the door to a new conversation in Irish politics, where gender is equally and fairly represented on the election ticket. I am proud to represent a party that encourages change, equality and empowerment of those who genuinely want to make a difference within their communities. Growing up in Wicklow, my family have always been actively involved in the local community, whether it be the GAA, the local Comhaltas Group, the Credit Union or Schools, I have become passionate about where I live.
As one of the younger candidates, I understand the struggles of younger people, especially those who are seeking work. We can see a huge improvement in the jobs situation, but it must continue. Jobs are key to the recovery. Fine Gael has a long term plan for keeping the recovery going. We are seeing economic progress, with over 135,000 more people at work, but we cannot take for granted that stability and recovery will continue. The country is going in the right direction and this is evident across Wicklow. If elected it will be my job to ensure that the fruits of the recovery are spread all across the county of Wicklow. I want to be the voice of Wicklow in the next Government. I want to ensure that every household in Wicklow benefits. More people working creates the resources to cut taxes for working people and invest in better services. Local services will benefit from this, such as schools, our health system, transport and roads. It will improve living standards. The people of Wicklow have worked hard to get to where we are today and we cannot fall back. Work must be rewarded and we must ensure that jobs pay more than welfare. This will also improve services for young people. The
youth are the future of this country and we must ensure that they also benefit from the recovery. We have seen the success of services such as breakfast clubs, youth cafes and after school clubs in many parts of the county. Rolling out these services across the entire county will give the best possible start in life.. Early intervention and support improves younger people’s chances of success as they get older. I am committed to protecting our elderly across Wicklow. In the past five years Fine Gael in Government has prioritised the elderly. The Government has increase the pension which will benefit the 15,014 people who are in receipt of it across Wicklow. Increase in the carer’s Support Grant by €325 per annum will assist persons requiring full-time care and attention and there is no requirement for a means test. This will benefit hundreds of families across the county. I am proud of Wicklow and my local community. I am committed to the people of Wicklow and I want to ensure that Wicklow continues to benefit from the economic recovery. It would be a huge honour for me to represent Wicklow and be the voice of Wicklow in the next Government.
With more than 300 employees in the county, Wicklow County Council does a fine job for its citizens and has a team of people on its staff, from top to bottom, that are overwhelmingly hard-working and honest. Without them the workings of the county, both on an administrative and practical level, would grind to a halt. Occasionally, when things go wrong, as with any organisation, you make the headlines for the wrong reasons and this puts an unwanted spotlight on everybody involved in the team. Such was the case last week when matters relating to the planning application to the former Wicklow Town Council Frank O’Toole for a development at The Glebe, Wicklow a decade ago came before Wicklow Circuit Court and made the national newspapers. The innocence or guilt of the people involved when such stories break becomes secondary in a way to the reputation of the body or organisation as a whole. The people involved in this particular case are still involved in a legal process and deserve the space to work through this, to persue all legal avenues open to them. They deserve to be thought of in the best possible light until the whole story has been evaluated and gone through full process. But regardless of eventual outcome when things like this happen the reporting of events can put a county, organisation or business and its workings in the spotlight. There has always been and will always be imperfections in our laws as a society, and this applies to the country as a whole and not just Wicklow Town Council, Bray Town Council, Greystones Town Council or the new structures of Wicklow County Council all of these former entities have been subsumed into. The imperfections are not just around planning but around all aspects of business and administration. You have to learn from mistakes made and abuses perpetrated, if any, and try to put catches and safeguards in place so that the same issues don’t arise again. In this way a society continues to evolve and becomes a more open and transparent entity. Politicians, business people and civil servants are like three sides of a triangle. Interaction between any combination of these groups is at times necessary, at other times inappropriate, with many grey areas in between. The right thing to do isn’t always readily available in an instruction manual to us. Sometimes discretion needs to be used, but with human beings judgement can be flawed and the wrong call can be made, whether deliberately or inadvertently. Some of us are lucky enough to work in jobs where things are black and white, cut and dried, with no scope for straying into the grey. Others among us have to continually operate in the grey zone given the nature of our work. So long as we all have in common a desire to do our jobs to the best of our abilities with honour and dignity we are doing our best as a society. Individuals and organisations deserve a chance to learn from mistakes made. Where would any of us be if we weren’t allowed a chance to overcome setbacks or issues encountered, to educate others who may find themselves in a similar situation as to how to possibly handle things differently and for the better. Don’t get me wrong, criminal activity and wrongdoing, when proven in a society, needs to be punished but people and organisations deserve to be let learn from mistakes and win back public confidence. Such justice is a basic foundation stone of our democracy. - Brian Quigley
1 2 3 4 5
12 | WHAT’S HOT WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory
Holly and the Ivy “The holly and the ivy, Now both are full well grown. Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown.” We are familiar with the Christmas Carol but maybe less so with the association of these plants, in particular the holly with winter festivals and especially with Christmas. Holly, ivy and other evergreen plants such as mistletoe were used in preChristian times by druids to help celebrate the Winter Solstice. The holly was believed to represent masculine power and is the King of the winter months, ivy representing feminine power, is the Queen. One old tradition maintains that whichever of the two plants is brought into the house first over winter would determine whether the man or woman of the house would rule that year. But another tradition says it is unlucky to bring either into the house before Christmas Eve. Given that the holly is so verdant during the austerity of winter and appears impervious to harsh weather, disease or infestation, it is not surprising that the Ancient Romans believed holly could repel all kinds of malice such as natural disasters, dark magic and vicious animals. Druids believed holly attracted good spirits and offered protection against evil spirits, and so, often wore it in their hair during religious rituals. Now back to the association of holly and ivy with Christmas. In the carol holly (male) represents Jesus while ivy (female) represents Mary. The prickly leaves of the holly represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified and the red berries represent the drops of blood that he shed. In Scandinavia holly is known as the Christ Thorn. In Germany it was believed that tying a piece of ivy to the outside of a church would protect it from lightning!
wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015
Panto of the week Jack and the Beanstalk The Helix, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, until January 10 Set in Ballybrutal, a town on its uppers, The Helix Beanstalk takes a rollicking contemporary twist on the magical fairytale and boasts a cast of pantomime favourites. Come and join that loveable rogue Jack (Niall Sheehy) on his journey as he encounters Golden Eggs and Beanstalks and Giants, oh my! Panto favourites Eoin Cannon and Aidan Mannion return as Professor Ploncouer and his gormless son Howaya to keep our Jack on his toes. The ever endearing and hilarious Buddy (Colin Hughes) will team up with the daddy-cool Mayor (Adam Lynch) to help our hero along the way. Dame Lola is back too in the form of Liam Butler who will be donning the lashes once again. The beautiful and very talented Orla Jennings joins the cast for the first time as Jill with Danielle Williamson completing the lineup as the magical Fairy Lily Rose. Be sure to make a date with our Jack and pals this Christmas for some Fee-Fi-Fo-Fun and a whole lot of happily ever after. Pictured are Dame Lola (Liam Butler), Daisy and Jack (Niall Sheehy).
salon of the week Doe Eyes Convent Road, Delgany, 087 6225170 Doe Eyes have opened their doors in Delgany, just in time to help you get glam for the festive season and all the parties that it brings. The salon specialise in luxurious mink eyelash extensions that open, define and enhance your most wonderful assets, your eyes. Owner Jessica Keating and her staff are trained to the highest standard ensuring that you get the very best results every time. Just one visit and your eyes will be transformed. You will never want to be without your high quality eyelash extensions again. But don’t take our word for it, make your appointment today. But hurry because this new salon is booking up fast.
book of the week A Fly Never Lit By PJ Cunningham A Fly Never Lit is the third in a trilogy of short stories about the highs and lows of growing up in rural Ireland. The stories in this instalment are formed from the events and characters of the author’s youth and are supported by a simple but often poignant and incisive narrative and dialogue. The tales are evocative of their time as the collection shines a sometimes harsh, sometimes soft light on family and community relationships as they juggle with legacies of loyalty and feuds handed down through generations. In this third book, there is greater emphasis placed on observation of older people filling out their days in sometimes mad, sometimes sad ways as they interacted with their neighbours. Underpinning the collection is a humour that expands and contracts as the occasion demands.
TV SHOW of the week Luther BBC One, December 15, 9pm Luther’s back. Pitted against his most chilling adversary yet, haunted by the ghosts of his past and hell-bent on retribution, he’s drawn into a terrifyingly complex case that pushes him closer to the edge than he’s ever been. Golden Globe winning actor Idris Elba reprises his iconic role as DCI John Luther as the series returns for a two-part special. The new episodes will see Ruth Wilson returning as the
Event of the week Tube Nightclub Reunion Porterhouse Back Bar, Bray Seafront, December 28, tubenightclub.com, €10 Do you remember The Tube nightclub? The 20th Anniversary is coming up, and it’s a chance to remember the music and the nights –to rekindle that feeling of being young and indestructible. The Tube was The place to go for a boogie after a good night out just before the obligatory kebab on the way to the inevitable house party. The Tube wasn’t just some disco with flashing lights and cheesy tunes. They had a great light show with a cracking music selection that ranged across the spectrum. It was always packed to the rafters with various shapes being thrown with abandon on and off the dance floor. This December the Back Bar at the Porterhouse will proudly become The Tube for one night only so come along and get your rocks off. DJs already confirmed to join us on the night include Dean Sherry, Micky G, Damian Farrelly, Dave Purnell and many more to be announced.
mysterious killer Alice Morgan, Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie as Detective Sergeant Emma Lane and Darren Boyd taking on the role of Detective Chief Inspector Theo Bloom. The special will also star Laura Haddock, John Heffernan and Patrick Malahide, while Michael Smiley and Dermot Crowley returning as Benny Silver and DSU Martin Schenk respectively. The episodes will address unanswered questions from the end of series three and has been tipped as a sort of pilot for a Luther feature film.
6 7 8 9 10
WHAT’S HOT| 13
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week By the Sea December 11 With the imminent release of Star Wars The Force Awakens, you may notice a hush falling over the box office. Unusual for this time of year, it appears many distributors have brought forward or pushed back their cinematic offerings rather than go head-to-head with Skywalker etc. One of the few new offerings this week is By The Sea which sees Angelina Jolie directing herself and husband. Brad Pitt in an intense relationship drama. In picturesque, 1970s seaside France, married couple Roland (Pitt) and his wife Vanessa (Jolie) arrive to soak up the sea and sand. However, it soon becomes clear their marriage is in desperate crisis and the couple realise they must confront the situation head on. An engrossing story of marriage that gains added emotional impact from the prescence of Hollywood’s premier power couple both in front and behind the camera, this is an intimate, honest and raw look at the nature of relationships.
HOROSCOPES
business of the week Flemings Church Road, Greystones, 01 2016334 As craft butchers, Flemings work with the best local meat suppliers available, so that they can supply the best quality to their customers. Grass-fed beef is sourced from throughout Leinster and free-range pork and organic chickens from Co Wexford. Beef cattle are grassfed, sourced locally and matured in a traditional way in our dry-aging room. They ‘age’ the beef for a minimum of 21 days, which makes it more succulent,
tender and tastier for you to enjoy. All lambs are sourced from farms that observe the highest standards of animal welfare .Our cuts are prepared in-store by our master butchers producing superb tasting quality lamb - all year round. Flemings pork is sourced locally from rare breed pigs. Flemings can guarantee that their free-range poultry have been fed on additive-free natural diet and have been reared unconfined. For top quality meats, be sure to visit Flemings Greystones. Don’t forget to order your Christmas turkey and ham.
Fashion idea of the week Smock Boutique Main Street, Enniskerry, 01 2861899, smockboutique.com
Bray Choral Society Christmas concert Most Holy Redeemer Church, Main Street, Bray, December 12, 8pm The Bray Choral Society in its 30th anniversary season is proud to present Faure’s Requiem as part of their Christmas concert. The concert will feature the talents of Soprano Leah Redmond, Mezzo-Soprano Carla Snow, Counter-Tenor Kevin O’Sullivan, Tenor
Soprano - Leah Redmond Fundraiser of the week Mezzo-Soprano - Carla Snow St Stephen’sCounter-Tenor Day Swim - Kevin O’Sullivan South Beach, Arklow, December 26 Tenor - Eoin Hynes Arklow Lions are lookingBass for people volunteer for their annual St Stephen’s - BentoRussell
Day charity swim. The swim has a dedicated number of swimmers that turn out every year, rain or shine. This year the Lions Club are urging new participants of all ages to come along and enjoy the experience. All swimmers receive - David Leigh sponsorship cards andOrganist the proceeds benefit local charities, such as the local Lifeboat. After taking a dip in the chilly South Beach sea, swimmers and Degani Sinfonia, Leader - Alan Smale their families and friends are asked to join the Lions Club in the Old Ship for complimentary soup and sandwiches. This year’s event will be extra special, with a giant magnum bottle of Prosecco up for grabs for one lucky swimmer. The th 2015 Saturday winner will be chosen from a12 drawDecember after the swim. Sponsor cards are available from Lion President Joanne Byrne 087 2533619 and Gerard DeCourcy 086 at 8pm 3360999. Pictured are Lions Club members Bernie Tyrrell and Ailish Bain.
Church of the Most Holy Redeemer Bray, County Wicklow
Gemini- This week is an 8 Don’t get overwhelmed. There’s plenty of work and it could seem intense. Postpone what you can. Relax in peaceful privacy to celebrate. Cancer- This week is a 7 Get creative and playful. Practice your arts. Generate sparks with someone hot. Focus on your heartbeat. Love is the answer.
Virgo- This week is an 8 Music is a wise investment. Finalise the design. Use and grow your skills and artistry. Realise a vision. Someone finds this charming.
GIG of the week
Fauré: Requiem Saint-Saëns: Christmas Oratorio
Taurus- This week is a 7 Determine who is the best for the job. Work together for a common goal. It’s a good time to get messages across.
Leo- This week is a 6 The gentle approach works best. Spend sweet time with family. Share the load. Do something nice for someone. Dive into domestic projects.
Smock Boutique is a brand new venture in retail, offering exceptional customer service, in-depth fashion knowledge and personalised styling advice from renowned image consultant and personal stylist Mairead Vickers. Providing casual and smart clothing for the style conscious lady, as well as occasion and work wear, from the best of Irish and International brands such as Corona Silver Jewellery, Palles Millinery, Sandwich, InWear, Yaya Women and Brakeburn. Now offering gift vouchers and custom-made packages, Smock Boutique is a one-stop shop for your seasonal style needs. Smock Boutique is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-6pm and on Sundays from 2pm6pm. For more information on Mairead’s styling services see maireadvickers.com.
Musical Director - Frank Kelly Presents
Aries- This week is an 8 New income is possible, or a delightful discovery. Attend to finances. Put your money where your heart is. Count blessings.
Eoin Hynes and Bass Ben Russell. They will be accompanied by organist David Leigh and Degani Sinfonia, Leader Alan Smale. The concert will be led by musical director, Frank Kelly. Choruses from Handel’s Messiah will also be performed on the night. Tickets will be available at the door for €15. All are welcome to attend what will be a night of beautiful music.
Libra- This week is a 9 Show your appreciation to those who share. Harmony is a necessity. The impossible seems accessible. Accept an invitation. Schedule carefully. Scorpio- This week is an 8 Step into a leadership position. Listen to what others want. You’re confident and strong. Get help building your dream. Meditation is useful. Sagittarius- This week is a 5 Peace and quiet soothe your spirit. Listen to your creative intuition. A loved one or sibling inspires you. Clean, sort and organise. Capricorn- This week is a 7 Prepare to launch your next adventure. Confer with friends and allies. Committees are especially effective. Leave nothing to chance. Aquarius- This week is a 7 Someone’s watching your performance, so smile and put on a good show. Friends can help. Stick to what you’ve practiced. Pisces- This week is a 7 New opportunities present themselves. Conditions are good for travel. Your next adventure reveals new perspectives. Plan for the territory ahead.
14 | lifestyle
wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015
my favourite things We’ve been expecting you
Mr Bond
WHAT’s HOT
with Aoife Connolly info@wicklowvoice.ie
It’s party time!
Over four decades, seven men and 24 movies we have watched James Bond go through more costume changes than a pop star on stage. Here are some bond looks that you can add to your wardrobe today. The Daytime Suit From 1962 to 1971, Sean Connery proved that a suit should be worn everyday of a man’s life, no matter the weather. The grey pin stripe three- piece suit is the king of the daytime suits. Right: Burton Menswear, €120 The Dinner Jacket Through Roger Moore’s 12-year venture as 007 he went beyond the usual tuexdo and introduced the dinner jacket. Pair a dinner with black pants and a loose tie for effortless Bond style. Top: Penneys, €30 A Good Coat No, a suit will not keep you warm. During Pierce Brosnan’s tenure as the secret agent he killed it in the outerwear department. This twisted bomber jacket will definitely keep you warm. Centre: Officersclub.com, €60 The Daniel Craig Effect In these modern times, Daniel proved that you can wear sportswear and still look sharp. It’s all about the power of fit sobe sure to keep lines clean.
IT’S PARTY TIME and our calendars are already filling up, right up to New Year’s Eve. And given that most of them are festive parties of some kind, all of which will involve Instagram posts galore, we need outfit options. Now, as we’re just at the cusp of the season’s change, the shops are packed with the best stuff, all of which is sure to majorly dwindle, once party season really kicks off. We’re talking, statement jumpsuits, velvet shift dresses, killer heels and more. Winter is our favourite time of year when it comes to luxurious colours and textures.
We’re all about the blacks, reds, wines, dark greens and if we could dress up like a Quality Street sweet come Christmas day, we would. Here are bits and pieces I’ll be running out to grab the minute our bank accounts allow us. Never mind presents for other people, treat yo self! Main: Playsuit, Penneys, €16. Clockwise from top left: Teal lace dress, €18; Bustier midi dress, €45; Sandals, €40, Box clutch, €18, all from New Look.
lifestyle | 15
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Peter Byrne
food in wicklow
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
Prep as much as possible as you can the day before eg. Braise the red cabbage a couple of days before. Peel vegetables and potato the day before Choose a bronze turkey, it has the best flavour. Rooster potatoes are best for roasting. Boil for 10 minutes. Before roasting shake for fluffy edges. Don’t forget the pan juices from the turkey roasting tray – they make the stock dark and full of flavour If cooking sprouts boil them in stock and then toss with chestnuts, pancetta and chopped shallots For something different with the Christmas pudding slice into portions, dust with plenty of sugar and caramelise in a pan of foaming butter Red cabbage: 1 kg red cabbage sliced 150grms red onion 1 orange zest and juice
out and about with oisin
Claire McKiernan, Aisling Gorman, Patricia Gibbons and Veronica O’Leary from Purple House Cancer support centre. Pic: Oisin McFarland Smith
Rita Forte from Brooke and Shoals
Marian Moran from Azur in Greystones
Tips for
Christmas 10 grms salt 100 grms red wine vinegar 500mls port and red wine 1 star anise 4 juniper berries 1 cinnamon stick 3 apples
Sweat the red onions. Add the juice and zest of orange and the vinegar. Reduce. Add the cabbage, salt and spices tied in a muslin cloth and sweat again. Add the alcohol and bring to a boil. Put into a deep tray and grate the apples on top. Cook at 140 for approx 1 and a half hours. Strain the juice and reduce. Mix back with the cabbage. I love this recipe for the red cabbage as it is rich and
dinner
full of flavour. Also you can make this a few days in advance as the flavour will develop over a couple of days BAKED HAM: 2 kg Ham Glaze: 100 grams maple syrup 50 grams Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C Place ham in a roasting pan, and press whole cloves
into the top at one to two inch intervals. Pour enough water into the bottom of the roasting pan to come to a one inch depth. Cover the pan tightly with aluminium foil or a lid. Bake for around three hours in the preheated oven , or until the internal temperature of the ham has reached 75 degrees C. Take the foil off and rub with the glaze. Put back in the oven and let it caramelise. Let stand for about 20 minutes before carving.
16| SPECIAL REPORT
wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015
Welcome Mouthwatering, authentic Italian pizza has arrived in Wicklow in the form of Pizza Shack. The take-away recently opened its doors on Kilcoole’s Main Street and dining hasn’t been the same since. The team strive to bring you the very best Neapolitan artisan pizza, offering a mix of classic and contemporary variations. Chef Francesco, who hails from Naples aka the home of woodfired pizza, works alongside partner Valeria to create pizzas that will transport you to Italy with a single bite. Every dish is made with the freshest and
finest ingredients which can all be traced back to their source. Using local ingredients wherever possible, everything is prepared fresh each day by the team of fully accredited Pizzaiolis. The dough is handmade using a recipe which follows the guidelines of Verace Pizza Napoletana, ensuring the perfect pizza base every time - all you need to worry about is deciding what to put on it. Their selection of sides and salads are as scrumptious as their pizzas and don’t forget to leave room for dessert. Offering up decadent Italian treats such as Dolce Calzone, a traditional Italian
Main St., KILCOOLE
VERY BEST OF LUCK TO MICHEÁL, IAN, FRANCESCO & VALERIA AT PIZZA SHACK Lunch Times Wed - Sat 12.00pm - 3.30pm
Dinner Menu Served Wed - Sun until late
calzone made with Nutella and marshmallows, these desserts are not to be missed. Pizza Shack provides a fine dining experience in the comfort of your own home currently available for in-store collection, their delivery service will be launched soon. The service provided by the staff is excellent and the team are always ready to go the extra mile to ensure that your meal is perfect. If you haven’t sampled the food at Pizza Shack then you are missing out. Why not remedy that and enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience tonight?
SPECIAL REPORT|17
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
to Pizza shack At Pizza Shack we provide an authentic Italian experience by taking our customers on an adventure through the flavorsome and sumptuous ingredients combined in our wood fired pizza oven! Authentic Italian Pizza has arrived.... Drop in and see “Big Red�!
congratulations to all at the Pizza Shack and best of luck for the future
18 | ADVERTISING wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015 WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTÁIN
RAMPERE LANDFILL - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND WORKS GRANT SCHEME 2016 Wicklow County Council invite applications from community groups and organisations towards grants for the development of Environmental Community Projects and Works in the locality of the Rampere Landfill. Printed application forms and guidelines for scheme are available from: Water & Environmental Services, Waste Management Section, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow. Tel: 0404/20100. Email: wastemanagement@wicklowcoco.ie Printed copies of Application form will also be available at site offices of Rampere Landfill and Recycling Centre Or on the Council’s website – wicklow.ie Completed application forms should be returned to Water & Environmental Services, Waste Management Section the not later than 12 noon on 22nd January 2016 Helena Dennehy, Senior Executive Officer Wicklow Co Co, County Buildings Wicklow
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTÁIN
FRANCHISE OPERATIONS Tenders are invited for the following for the period 1st May 2016 to 30th September 2016:(A) SOUTH BEACH CAR PARK, BRITTAS BAY. – Beach or Water Sport Type Activities (B) NORTH BEACH CAR PARK, BRITTAS BAY. – Beach or Water Sport Type Activities (C) NORTH BEACH CAR PARK, BRITTAS BAY. – Food / Ice Cream (D) SOUTH BEACH CAR PARK, BRITTAS BAY. – Food / Ice Cream A & B – Single operator will be permitted to set up a mobile unit and trade from car park in supply of Beach Activity type lessons e.g surfing, board sailing, kayaking etc. Operator will have exclusive rights in provision of lessons at designated Beach activity area on Brittas Bay North & South beach. Separate Operator Licences will apply for each beach car-park. C - Operator will be permitted to set up a mobile unit and trade from North Beach car park in supply of foodstuffs / ice-cream. Tenders must indicate particulars of foodstuffs to be sold. D - Operator will be permitted to set up a mobile unit and trade from North Beach car park in supply of foodstuffs / ice-cream. Tenders must indicate particulars of foodstuffs to be sold. In each case operators should quote the Registration Number and Type of Van to be used. The facilities above are subject to Licensing under the Casual Trading Act, 1995 and an additional fee to the tender price will be required. Tenders in sealed envelopes marked a) Tender for Parking of Mobile Unit and Beach Activity type Lessons at South Beach Car Park, Brittas Bay b) Tender for Parking of Mobile Unit and Beach Activity type Lessons at North Beach Car Park, Brittas Bay c) Tender for Parking of Food Van\Ice Cream Van at North Beach Car Park, Brittas Bay d) Tender for Parking of Food Van\Ice Cream Van at South Beach Car Park, Brittas Bay should be lodged with the undersigned not later than 12 noon on Thursday 14th January 2016.
TENDERS are invited for the following for the period 1st March, 2016 to 28th February, 2017:-
TENDERS are invited for the following for the period 1st March, 2016 to 28th February, 2017:-
TENDER FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF OVERALL CARPARK OPERATION, INCLUDING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BARRIER AND OPENING, CLOSING AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC TOILETS AT NORTH & SOUTH BEACH CARPARKS, BRITTAS BAY
(1) TENDER FOR PARKING OF FOOD VAN/ICE CREAM VAN AT UPPER CAR PARK, GLENDALOUGH
Applicant shall be responsible for opening/closing/ maintaining the car park barrier, maintenance of car park in a clean condition including emptying of all litter bins within the car park and disposal of the waste, during the term of this Franchise. Applicant shall be responsible for opening/closing/ maintaining the public toilets situated in the car park during the term of this Franchise and shall ensure that the said toilets are maintained in a clean and hygienic condition and kept properly supplied with toilet requisites. All tenders may include an option to extend for a further period of 3 years. Tender in sealed envelopes marked: TENDER FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF OVERALL CARPARK OPERATION, INCLUDING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BARRIER, AND OPENING, CLOSING AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC TOILETS AT NORTH & SOUTH BEACH CARPARKS, BRITTAS BAY should be lodged with the undersigned not later than 12 P.M. on THURSDAY, 14TH JANUARY, 2016.
The Tender for the parking of the food van/ice cream van must indicate particulars of food stuffs to be sold and should give the registration number and type of van to be parked. (2.) TENDER FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF OVERALL CARPARK OPERATION, INCLUDING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BARRIER AND OPENING, CLOSING AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC TOILETS Applicant shall be responsible for opening/closing/ maintaining the car park barrier, maintenance of car park in a clean condition including emptying of all litter bins within the car park and disposal of the waste, during the term of this Franchise. Applicant shall be responsible for opening/closing/ maintaining the public toilets situated in the car park during the term of this Franchise and shall ensure that the said toilets are maintained in a clean and hygienic condition and kept properly supplied with toilet requisites. All tenders may include an option to extend for a further period of 3 years. Individual Tenders for each section, in sealed envelopes marked 1. TENDERS FOR PARKING OF FOOD VAN/ICE CREAM VAN, GLENDALOUGH 2. TENDER FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF OVERALL CARPARK OPERATION, INCLUDING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BARRIER, GLENDALOUGH AND OPENING, CLOSING AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC TOILETS should be lodged with the undersigned not later than 12 P.M. on THURSDAY, 14TH JANUARY, 2016.
Successful applicants will be required to meet the requirements set out in the Waste Management Acts, 1996 to 2005, i.e. Waste Collection Permit, Packaging Regulations etc. Wicklow County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information FOI Act. If you consider that any of the information supplied by you is either commercially sensitive or confidential in nature this should be highlighted and the reason for its sensitivity specified. In such cases the relevant materials will in response to FOI requests, be examined in the light of the exemptions provided for in the FOI Act. Further particulars and requirements of these franchises are available from Senior Executive Officer, Water & Environmental Services – env@wicklowcoco.ie 0404 20236 and on website WICKLOW.ie Helena Dennehy, Senior Executive Officer, Water & Environmental Services, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Phone: 0404 20236 Email: env@wicklowcoco.ie
SPECIAL REPORT | 19
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Christmas in Kilcoole and Newtown
Kilcoole, meaning Church of Comhghall, is three kilometres south of Greystones, 14 kilometres north of Wicklow, and about 25 kilometres south of Dublin. It was used as the set for the Irish television series Glenroe, which ran through the 1980s and 1990s. The village has a large industrial estate to the south. An area of marshland runs along the coast from Kilcoole south to Wicklow town, called the Murragh. This area is home to many endangered species of plant and animal. The beach in Kilcoole is the summertime home of the little tern, one of the few places in Ireland where these birds nest. Within the vil-
lage, is an area of flora known as the Rock which is a huge rock/ hill that predates the Cambrian Period. Colรกiste Chraobh Abhann is the community secondary college, located on the southern outskirts of the village of Kilcoole. It currently numbers
600 students from Kilcoole, N e w t o w n m o u n t k e n n e d y, Delgany and Greystones. Opened in September 2003, the college held its first state examinations in June 2006. Kilcoole Primary School formerly consisted of Saint Anthony's Boys' National
School and Saint Brigids Girls' National School, which were amalgamated in 2010. Junior students are now taught in the building formerly occupied by Saint Brigid's and the Saint Anthony's building accommodates pupils in the latter half of primary schooling. Next to the railway station is a monument commemorating an event of national significance. This was the landing of 600 rifles and ammunition for the Irish Volunteers on board the Chotah by Sir Thomas Myles in August 1914. It is frequently eclipsed by accounts of the contemporary landing of Volunteer's arms at Howth on board the Asgard.
20| SPECIAL REPORT
Hundreds of hardy women braved Storm Desmond last week to turn out for Ladies Night Out Greystones. Pictured above are Tara Murray, Carol Kemp, Joan Farrar and Stephanie Kinsella
Hazel Williams, Heather Finnegan and Lisa McShane
Lucy Toomey, Michelle Lee and Nikki Shearer
Orlagh and Caoimhe Ryan
wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015
SPECIAL REPORT|21
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Bray’s Top Of The Town!
Often described as a wonderful place to escape for a great day out, Killruddery has been home to the Brabazon Family (the Earls of Meath) since 1618. Conveniently located on the outskirts of the capital where Dublin meets Wicklow, here’s
your opportunity to discover a hidden gem in our midst. There’s so much to see and explore. Nature has never been more relaxing with leisurely walks in one of Ireland’s most renowned gardens, filled with beautiful planting and wooded areas,
water features and distinctive outdoor “rooms”. Delightful Tea Rooms and guided tours of one of Ireland’s Great Historic Houses are just some of the other treats on offer. Killruddery Garden is open on weekends in April
and October and seven days a week from May to September, from 9.30 am to 6 pm with late night opening on Thursday until 10pm. Last admission is an hour before closing time and last orders in the Tea Room are half an hour before closing.
22 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015
sport in brief
Leinster’s Jamie Heaslip and Noel Reid as they selected the schools for the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Cup Draws in House of Lords, College Green, Dublin. Pic: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile
Leinster Schools Cup The draw for the senior and junior Leinster Schools Cup draw for the 2016 season took place on December 7 at the House of Lords, Dublin. St Gerard’s Bray were drawn against St Michael’s College, Dublin in the Junior Cup and CBC Monkstown in the Senior Cup. Meanwhile, Presentation College Bray will face Gonzaga College, Dublin in the Junior Cup.
An Tochar The U13 Boys had a resounding victory in the final of the Daniels Cup when they defeated Michael Dwyers on December 6 in Pairc an Tóchar. Well done lads. Juvenile secretary John Byrne is finalising team managements for next season. As always, each age group would welcome extra help, no matter how small. Please email John at john8yrne@gmail.com, if you can lend a hand.
Arklow Geraldines The next meeting of the Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney Club Executive is scheduled for January 6 at 8pm in the County
GAA Board. AGB Dance Troupe will be heading along to the Scór na n-Óg Leinster Semifinals in St Mary’s Hall, Arklow on December 13. Please come along and show your support. The Christmas jumper table quiz was a great success. Thanks to all for your support on the night. A group of AGB girls have set up a St Mary’s TY Mini Company selling personalised GAA gloves. For more info see them on Facebook at Gloves Going Global or Twitter @ clubgaagloves.
Bray Wanderers There was no jackpot winner on December 6. Numbers drawn were 16, 21, 22 and 29. €30 lucky dip winners were John Keating c/o John Keating, John Purdy c/o Bray Lakers, Mary Byrne c/o D. Crinion, M. Duffy c/o Bray Wanderers on line, J.C. Doyle c/o V. Walsh. Next week’s jackpot is €11,150. You can play the Bray Wanderers Lotto online at braywanderers.com. Bray Wanderers 2016 season ticket details: Early bird season tickets available until December 18. Adult: €130, Concession
(OAP & Student): €60, Child (u12): €20. Bray Wanderers Season tickets purchased after December 18 will be priced as follows: Adult: €160, Concession (OAP & Student): €80, Children (u12): €20, 2015-12-03. Season tickets are on sale in the Carlisle Grounds. Last season saw Bray Wanderers switch to Saturday evening kick offs at 5.45pm. The clubs aim for the 2016 season is to see the average attendance rise, over 2,000 people attended the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup semi-final against Cork City. Having spoken
to local organisations and supporters it has been decided that Saturday nights will remain the day of choice for home matches, however kick off will move to the later time of 7.30pm to accommodate those who travel to Bray for matches. Bray Wanderers are pleased to announce the signings of Dean Kelly (Longford Town), Karl Moore (Bohemians), Conor Kenna & Ryan Brennan from Shamrock Rovers, Ger Pender and Jason Marks (Drogheda United). Alan McNally has re-signed for the 2016 season. Read the full story on the next page.
Sli Cualann AC Sli Cualann Athletics Club had one of their top results of the year on December 6 at the Irish Cross Country Championships in Dungarvan. In the aftermath of Storm Desmond, the underfoot conditions proved tricky for some, but the Sli Cualann men ploughed through the muck to finish as the sixth best novice team in the nation. Middle distance specialist Richard Owens made his first appearance for a Sli Cualann team in some time and his presence was crucial in Sli Cualann securing sixth place. Tim Grummell also had a strong showing, making it to the finish with only thirty one athletes ahead of him. Neil Wiktorski has been making a name for himself on the road racing scene and he made a good transition to cross country terrain to place 59th and score valuable points for the team.
Women’s Cricket Ireland Congratulations to Greystones residents Isobel Joyce and sister Cecelia who were part of the national team who won the International Cricket Council World T20 qualifiers. Isobel captained the victorious team who are now looking ahead to the World T20 that will be held in March.
sport| 23
December 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Greystones bounce back
Greystones RFC got back to winning ways after the recent defeat to MU Barnhall, defeating Bective Rangers 36-8 in difficult conditions at Dr Hickey Park on December 5 in Division 2B of the All Ireland Rugby League. The sides meet again this December 12 in the reverse fixture before signing off for the Christmas break. The victory lifted Greystones from fifth to third in the table, still very much in the promotion mix.
Leinster Senior League It may be the off-season for Bray Wanderers but Wicklow’s representatives in the Leinster Senior League (LSL) play a winter season. Greystones United AFC are the highestranked Wicklow side, playing in the top division of the LSL (Senior Division Sunday) and they recorded a 0-0 draw with UCD AFC on December 4 at home, a result that avenged the 6-1 defeat they suffered in the away fixture at UCD in October. Greystones remain in 12th position in the 14 team league, with eight points from 10 games, and are on an unbeaten three game run in the league (they beat Home Farm 2-0 and St Patricks CYFC 3-2 prior to the UCD game). Arklow Town are a league further down, in Senior Division 1 Sunday, and lie in sixth place in the 14 team division with 16 points from 10 games. Wicklow Rovers and Bray outfit Shamrock Bhoys play in Senior
Division 1B Sunday. Bhoys are flying high in third spot in this division while Rovers are rooted to the foot of the table, although the only Rovers victory so far this season was against Bhoys.
A busy week for Wanderers … Despite it being out of season last week was a busy one for Bray Wanderers AFC, with more new signings announced as well as season ticket sales launched for the 2016 campaign. Dean Kelly (from Longford Town), Karl Moore (from Bohemians), Ger Pender and Jason Markey (both from Drogheda United) have all signed for Mick Cooke and the manager now has more than a dozen players in place for the new campaign, quite a good situation to be in considering most clubs only firm up their squads after Christmas. Cooke isn’t finished yet with several more names to come in and possibly more of the 2015 squad to re-sign. The intention is to play more friendlies and play them earlier in the New Year, in advance of the season proper kicking off. Off the field Wanderers announced an early-bird option for purchasing season tickets. Until December 18 an adult ticket will be €130 and a concession ticket will be €60, after that these will cost €160 and €80 respectively; child tickets will cost €20 regardless of when purchased. These should make an ideal Christmas present for the soccer fan in the
Pictured are the Sli Cualann’s Men’s Team at the Irish Cross Country in Dungarvan which took place on December 6. See previous page for details.
town and county. Wanderers plan to kick-off their home games at the Carlisle Grounds at 19:30 next season, a move that comes after feedback from fans this season who found the 2015 kick-off time of 17:45 too tight for finishing work and travelling to Bray. In other news this week at the Carlisle Grounds Wanderers goalkeeper Corey Chambers played for the Republic of Ireland Under 18 side that lost 3-1 to their Czech Republic counterparts at Whitehall on Monday 30 November, and in a deal signed by the FAI with TRACKCHAMP, livestreaming of all SSE Airtricity Premier League games (including Bray Wanderers matches) will be possible next season.
Jessica Hunt, the 2015 winner of the Katie Taylor Bursary receiving her award from the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr John Ryan, watched by the Chief Executive, Bryan Doyle. Pic: Michael Kelly
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wicklowvoice.ie December 10 2015