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wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
wicklowvoice
20,000 NEWSPAPERS! 5,000 web visitors! 3,000 app downloads! online, offline - we’ve got you covered !
inside: FREE
20,000 copies
Local businesses are owned and operated by local people, while even the chain stores are managed and run by people who live in our community. They work here, coach the local sports teams, eat in local restaurants and live just down the street - when you buy in local shops, you’re supporting your neighbours. Customer service of the kind you thought had disappeared can still be found in the smallest of local businesses. And while all the indications are that the country is beginning to re-emerge after the worst recession in living memory, we must remember one thing - we are more than just an economy. We are a society of vibrant people and that cannot be measured in shillings and pence alone. And as we head into 2016, the centeneray celebrations of the birth of our nation, let’s remember that buying locally is a gift for us all.
Santa Claus gets a visit from Harry Nolan, Max O’Neill and Adam Bailey at the St Andrews National School Christmas Fair - and well done to the volunteers on the day! » Lots more pictures from around the county inside
May 28, 2015, 01 901 5556/7, December 17, t:2015, t: 01 901 5556/7, e: info@wicklowvoice.ie e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
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Why we should all shop local this year Comment
AS we count down the days, hours and minutes to Christmas, we at the Wicklow Voice would like to make one suggestion before the festivities get into full swing. Shop here at home in County Wicklow. Local retailers play a massive part in making Christmas such a special time so they really deserve our support. For every €1 you spend with a local independent business, between 50c-70c circulates back into the locality, while shopping online or out-of-town sees only 5c trickle back. Local businesses not only keep the economy humming, but they also add to the quality of life in our community in other ways. Seeing local businesses thrive also gives you the feeling that you’re living in a vibrant, growing community, a desirable place to live, work and raise a family.
FREE
Unit 8, Radio Centre , Killarney Road, Bray
AT BOOK NOW! Call (01)2862935 or email sales@royalhotel.ie.
BRAY
04| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
Ancient East loses its way as we receive no funds
news in brief Wish bauble Purple House Cancer Support are offering you the chance to remember a loved one or make a special wish with their Christmas Wish Baubles. Simply pick up a Purple bauble from Purple House, Parnell Road, Bray for just €3, write the name of a loved one on it, or make a wish and hang on your tree at home.
Charity swim Start the new year off right and join the Bray Charity Sea Swim on New Year’s Day at noon. Pick up your sponsorship card by contacting 086 8561888 or brayswim@gmail.com. In its 33rd year, 100% of all money raised this year will go to Marino Community Special School, Open Door Day Centre, Lincara Day Care Centre and Bray Lions Carer’s Fund.
Tidy Towns Arklow Tidy Towns would like to thank everyone in the community for helping make 2015 the most successful year to date. Call 086 0274884 if you are interested in joining.
Eva goes Global ... but locals upset over TV show
There was good news this week for Penny Dreadful actress Eva Green as she has been nominated for a Golden Globe. Eva has been nominated for Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama and will go head to head with Irish actress Catriona Balfe who was nominated for Outlander. The Hollywood Foreign Press might be fans of Eva but it seems that some Dubliners don’t feel the same about the show which is based in Bray’s Ardmore Studios. Residence of Henrietta Street (above) in Dublin’s north city centre have complained about their street being used to film the series. As a result of these complaints, it has been announced that filming will be curtailed for the next six months. Those who live on the Georgian terrace have said that the street has become a permanent film set rather than a residential area with access to homes and the street itself sometimes being restricted. The objections to the gothic horror series taking up residence at the city location came following 18 days of continuous filming by the crew. Penny Dreadful, which stars Eva and Josh Hartnett (above) also films throughout the Garden County. Local residents and Wicklow County Council have welcomed the show and made any necessary arrangements to accommodate filming of the hit Sky Atlantic show which is produced by Wicklow-resident Morgan O’Sullivan.
By Michelle McGlynn
Top marks for local school By Michelle McGlynn
Presentation College Bray has been commended by the Inspectorate for their dedication to promoting the wellbeing of students. The school took part in a joint research project with the division of the Department of Education on how schools provide for pupils’ wellbeing. The research project examined how the participating schools create a sense of community, provide for the safety of students, how they help to build their self-esteem and selfefficacy. It recognises that wellbeing in schools is determined by the environment, and the inter-personal relationships within that environment; by teaching and learning; and by personal fulfilment. Presentation College received positive feedback in each area of the study which consulted with staff, parents and pupils. “Students, including those from the migrant and gay communities, spoke about their confidence that they were fully valued and included in all aspects of school life.”
Despite over €1 million being invested in the Ireland’s Ancient East initiative, Wicklow will not receive any funding. The second phase of capital investment for the east coast tourism initiative was announced this week with money going to “key attractions” along the route. Counties Laois, Wexford, Cork, Tipperary, Carlow, Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Waterford have all receive funds. “Of course we are disappointed not to have been included in this round of funding,” Noel Keyes, Chairman of Wicklow Tourism, told the Wicklow Voice. “We have attended numerous meetings in relation to the intiative but we are still unclear about what it is Fáilte Ireland are doing and what this initiative is about.” A lack of clear communication between Fáilte Ireland and the county boards has been noted as a major issue. It is unknown how many funding applications were submitted to Fáilte Ireland from the county in total. Wicklow Tourism made applications for two projects - a shillelagh stick monument and interpretive panels to be placed at attractions around the county. “From our point of view, it appears that the only thing Ireland’s Ancient East is providing for Wicklow is some
signs and walkways. This is not what the county needs,” said Mr Keyes. “In 2012, Fáilte Ireland launched The Grand Tour driving route across Wicklow and Kildare. “This followed a similar pattern where meetings took place with little progress in between. “The route was abandoned some months later. We weren’t even informed of this at the time. “It is frustrating to think that we could be going through a similar scenario now with Ireland’s Ancient East.” TD Billy Timmins has also questioned the decision. “It appears that the project is demand led and doesn’t appear to have any vision,” Mr Timmins told the Wicklow Voice. “County Wicklow is home to a rich vein of Neolithic Tombs and hill forts and such an area should be central to the Ancient East idea.” Of the €2.26m that has been allocated as part of the initiative, which was launched in April, Wicklow has received €80,000. This was awarded to the redevelopment of Powerscourt Visitor Interpretation Experience. Three Cork attractions have been allocated a total of €288,000 in the second round of funds, this is in addition to €210,000 given to the county in initial investment. A further phase for capital funding is expected in 2016.
Important numbers
As we come together to celebrate Christmas, it is important to remember that this can be a difficult time of year for many. Wicklow residents are encouraged to take some time over the festive season to check in on elderly friends or neighbours as well as those who find themselves on their own.
For anyone who finds themselves struggling at this time they are encouraged to reach out to loved ones or avail of the many services available. • Pieta House - 087-9368633 • Samaritans - 116 123 • SVP - 01 838 6990 • Age Action - 1890 369369 • Childline - 1800 666 666 • Women’s Aid - 1800 341 900
NEWS |05
December 17 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Anabel Sweeney (14) from Wicklow Town performed at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) “High Achiever Awards” Gala in the Concert Hall of the RIAM, Dublin recently. Pictured at the Gala (l-r) Diane Owens, Jackie Curran Olohan (Anabel’s musical theatre teacher), Anabel Sweeney and Ms. Jane Carty, Member of the RIAM Board of Governors
Andrew Minion, Julieann Farrell from an Tairseach Organic farm shop, Wicklow Town getting you ready for an organic Christmas dinner. Pic: Ceaneacht O Hoctun
Wicklow student Maciej Goszczycki won 3rd place senior category in the finals of the Google Call to Code competition 2015 held at Google’s EMEA Headquarters, Dublin. Pictured (l-r) Google Education Manager Claire Conneely, Minister for Education Jan O Sullivan, Maciej Goszczycki, Colaiste Chraobh Abhann Wicklow and Niall Murray Google Engineering
Pictured at the Lidl Wicklow Trolley Dash was Claudia Whelan. who managed to grab €709.29 worth of groceries in just two minutes. Pic: Mark Harrison
Bray Area Partnership recently held a community lunch in the Little Flower Hall to inform people about Jigsaw Youth Mental Health projects. Pictured (l-r) Stephen Donnelly TD, Jeff Moore (Headstrong), Jennifer D’Arcy (Bray Area Partnership), Eugene Waters (Wicklow Co Childcare Committee), Sinéad Tuite (MSD, Chair BAP Youth Mental Health Sub-group).
Helina Hemahaeu from Ash animal rescue and Dante the dog at the Christmas market at the Dominican Convent Wicklow Town. Pic: Ceaneacht O Hoctun
Avril O’Toole, Denise Brennan, Karla Tracey, Yvonne Kenny and Robert Donnelly at the launch of the Christmas from St.Mary’s, Arklow CD in St.Mary’s Concert Hall, Arklow. (PicYvette O’Beirne)
06| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
Two held over Eva (89) attack
news in brief Tir na nOg Folk Rock duo, Tir na nOg with Sonny Condell and Leo O’ Kelly are returning to Hot Spot Music Club, Greystones for their annual Christmas performance on December 18 at 9pm. The pair will be joined by some special guests from Old Hannah. Tickets are €10/12, available from thehotspot.ie
By Michelle McGlynn
OMG disco OMG will be having its Christmas Jumper Disco on December 22 in St Brigids Hall, Rathnew. Junior disco age 4-8 is from 6pm-7.30pm and senior disco age 8-13 from 8pm. Prize for best jumper and all the usual fun and games.
Serendipity Serendipity, the Bray-based women’s barbershop chorus, are recruiting new singers of all ages and abilities. There will be free workshops for new singers held in January and February. Join them in the new year on Wednesdays from 8pm10pm in St Andrew’s Church Hall. Contact 086 3039732 for details.
Pictured at the Family Fun Day in the KBC Hub in Greystones was Alannah Lynch(6). Pic by Naoise Culhane Photography
Killruddery named top market Killruddery’s annual Christmas farm market has been named among the best in the country. The Bray market was listed along with ten other festive markets as one of the top spots to visit this December. The Irish Independent highlighted the award-winning cheese selection, Christmas turkeys, Killruddery lamb and hand-crafted jewellery as items to pick up. Killruddery Christmas farm market offers free admission
and parking which is another appeal for visitors. With a suitably picturesque venue for your Christmas shopping, the market boasts a range of unique items from a range of stall holders. If you still have some gifts to pick up then you can find photography, silversmiths and ceramic artists, as well as jewellery and clothes for ladies and children, you’ll find no shortage of expertlycrafted gifts. While you browse the stalls,
you can try some of the delicious food available including free-range pork burgers from Craiggslaney Farm, Lebanese cuisine, pancakes, pizza and festive treats like Christmas cake. With a huge range of gifts and tempting treats, Christmas shopping will be no problem. The Christmas farm market will run from December 1922 from 10am until 4pm at Killruddery on the Southern Cross Road in Bray.
Two men have been arrested in relation to the horrific attack on 89-year-old Eva Sutton in Bray in September. Gardai in Bray arrested two men on December 15, a 23-year-old and a 21-yearold, in connection with the aggravated burglary at Eva’s home on Dublin Road, Bray in the early hours of September 10. The men were arrested and detained in Bray Garda Station where they were interviewed before being released. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Eva was “subjected to brutal treatment by thugs of the worst possible kind” according to Garda Declan Lynch. “Hopefully further action will result from this development,” he added. Eva was left with a punctured lung, a broken nose and broken ribs following the assault which lasted over 30 minutes. Family members have said that the pensioner has been left “shattered and broken” and that she has been left suffering “serious mental injuries”.
Unable to return to her home in Bray where she spent most of her life, Eva’s family put the house up for sale in October. “My mother keeps waking up in her hospital bed in the middle of the night screaming, thinking that somebody is trying to break into her room,” daughter Amanda Sutton told the Irish Independent. “The worst part is that this bright, outgoing woman who was able to fend for herself has been left shattered and broken from this incident.” Eva and her family experienced an outpouring of support from the local community with collections made to help pay for damages and offers to clean up the house.
The couple are €93,041 in arrears on their mortgage on the home they have shared for over 20 years. They had been paying €200 a month to Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank and had recently increased this to €400. Monthly repayments should be €738.17, the court heard. Their solicitor told the court that the mortgage was not unsustainable if one of them was working. The wife suffers from pulmonary disease and the husband, a builder, has been out of work due to illness in recent years. “They are just looking for one final opportunity to get back on their feet,” the solicitor told the court. “Yes, if Santy comes and the tooth fairy too,” responded Ms Delahanty.
She went on to say that the court had made many decisions reluctantly and granted the order with a stay for 12 months. “Rather than waste money appealing, look at the reality,” urged Ms Delahanty. “They could go and be free of all this, and live in an atmosphere without all this financial stress and pressure.” Meanwhile, the third quarter of this year has seen a 64% increase in planning permissions granted for new units in the county. According to figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) planning permissions were granted for 92 new units between July and September this year. This is up from 56 new units receiving permission in the same quarter in 2014.
Seven families facing home repossession By Michelle McGlynn
Seven families in Wicklow are to have their homes repossessed following decisions made at Wicklow Circuit Court this week. County registrar Mary Delahanty granted stays of between three and 12 months to allow families to find alternative accommodation or “explore the possibility of an alternative resolution”. A total of 63 cases were listed for the court on December 14, 46 of these were adjourned, eight were struck out and seven repossession orders were granted for family home with another two for vacant dwellings. One of the seven repossessions involves a couple in their 50s both of whom have suffered ill-health in recent years.
December 17 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING|07
08| NEWS news in brief Singer’s Circle Bray Singer’s Circle invite you to join them for their Farewell to The Strand session on December 19 in Strand Lounge at 9pm. They will be singing by the firelight with some nibbles on offer. From January they will move to Wickow Lawn Tennis Club, Vevay Road.
Coral Leisure Coral Leisure will remain closed for up to eight weeks following the damage caused to the roof by recent storms. Wicklow County Council and Coral Leisure wishes to thank the public and members for their patience during this time.
Camera club Bray Camera Club opened a photographic essay commemorating the 1916 Rising - “1916 Wicklow Then, Now and to Come”. The event was launched at The Bray Library on December 1 and was officially opened by local historian and former founding Club member Brian Whyte. The project is sponsored by Wicklow County Council.
wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
Another gong for Hozier Yasmin scoops top essay award
By Michelle McGlynn
Hozier has capped off an incredible year with yet another top award. The Bray singer took home the Song of the Year award for Take Me To Church at last week’s BBC Music Awards. Hozier beat off fierce competition in a category that included Ellie Goulding’s Love Me Like You Do, The Weeknd’s Can’t Feel My Face and summer hit Uptown Funk from Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. The humble star said that he had not been expecting to win as he was up against “absolute juggernauts” with “amazing songs”. He went on to say that to be nominated alongside them was an honour and called the win “a complete shock”. The Someone New singer, who performed at the ceremony in Bermingham, lost out on the International Artist of the Year gong to pal Taylor Swift. This latest award is just the icing on a spectacular year for Andrew HozierByrne who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom this year. Hozier has already taken home Billboard, Teen Choice and European Border Breakers awards and received
Grammy, MTV and American Music nominations. We can only imagine what 2016 has in store for the Garden County’s resident rock star.
By Michelle McGlynn
Wicklow pupil Yasmin Phibbs O’Connor has won a prestigious award for an essay she penned on positive attitudes towards disability. Yasmin, a sixth class student in Newtownmountkennedy NS, won a county award as part of a national essay competition hosted by the Department of Justice and Equality. The award ceremony was held in Farmleigh House where Minister of State for New Communities, Culture, Equality and Drugs Strategy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin presented Yasmin with her award. “Yasmin is a thoroughly inspiring winner and her entry was excellent,” Minister Ó Ríordáin said at the ceremony. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges including rugby analyst and children’s book author Brent Pope who commented that he “absolutely loved Yasmin’s entry”. The essays were all based around a theme of celebration with many students showcasing their own disabilities or those of a friend or family member. Yasmin’s winning entry was
based on one of her classmates who has a disability. She wanted to show that even though everyone might be different, they are “still the same as you or me”. The essay, entitled Someone Like Me, was about promoting promoting positive attitudes towards disability among primary schools. Yasmin’s teacher Mrs Chivers and the whole school have expressed how proud they are of her wonderful achievement in the competition.
13 Berkeley civil cases to be heard at the same time By Michelle McGlynn
The civil action taken by the families of the 13 students who were killed and injured in the Berkeley balcony tragedy will be heard together. Among those who were killed were East Coast FM intern Olivia Burke and former Bray Hockey club member Lorcán Miller, both 21. Olivia had just finished a fivemonth internship with East Coast FM before she travelled to the US for the summer. Lorcán lived in Foxrock but was a member of Bray Hockey Club until he left to focus on his studies in UCD. In the first preliminary hearing, which took place on December 14 in Oakland, California, Judge George C Hernandez agreed to combine all 13 lawsuits. “It makes sense for one judge to hear all of them,”
said Judge Hernandez. Rich Schoeenberger, one of the three plaintiff attorneys, said the decision would save time and avoid confusion. “This will avoid unnecessary hardship on the litigants and it will avoid conflicting decisions in the case,” added Mr Schoeenberger. The hearing was assigned to Judge Brad Seligman who will hear all preliminary motions prior to the commencement of the trials. The next hearing date has been set for January 8, 2016. The 13 plaintiffs have lodged multiple claims, with 35 named defendants including Library Gardens LLC, the original developer, Segue Construction, the primary builder and Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, which manages the property. Preliminary estimates of the damages suggest that it could reach €100 million. Six students lost their lives in
the horrific tragedy and seven others were injured when the fourth floor balcony they were standing on plunged 40 feet on to the pavement below. According to the complaint filed by the plaintiffs, fungal blooms and other biological growth indicating the presence of dry rot were evident on the balcony almost as soon as construction was completed in 2005. By 2014, the balcony had begun to slant downwards which is a sure sign that the joists had been compromised, according to the complaint. Despite this, no action was taken to correct the structural problem by the building owners or the property management company, read the complaint. An investigation undertaken by the city of Berkeley determined that the cause of the balcony collapse was dry rot in eight balcony support beams.
ADVERTISING|09
December 17 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
I am a first time General Election Candidate for Fianna Fáil for our constituency. I want to use my business know-how in creating and sustaining jobs, together with my eleven years as a County Councillor to give Wicklow the strong and louder voice it needs - and is not currently getting My priorities in working for a Positive Future for Wicklow are:
• Abolish the farce that is Irish Water • New and sustainable jobs We need to maximise the opportunities that exist in our county such as film production, tourism and agribusiness
• Crime prevention Restore the Garda strength with a real recruitment drive and not a spin on numbers
• Care for the Elderly Roll back the savage cuts to give the elderly their deserved respect and rightful dues
• Improve health services Reverse the devastating cuts and the scandal of waiting lists
to
• Affordable housing Building of Social Housing as a vital necessity, priority for the homeless and end rent profiteering Working with Cllr. Jennifer Cuffe
local
services
10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
We need to tackle climate change now
W
hen I first came to Ireland in the summer of 2010, it was to volunteer on an organic vegetable farm/ sustainable living project in county Wicklow. I was about to finish my Msc in Communication Studies (option Film) at Ghent University (Belgium) and was tired of theories and in the mood for some practical life experience. Together with seven other international volunteers I had one of the best summers of my life. Everyone had certain tasks (cooking, gardening, etc.) and we felt connected to each other and our surroundings. In college I had studied extra psychology classes and had my fair share of philosophy, law, sociology, politics etc. but I felt there were two crucial things missing. I wanted to learn about how people could stay sane and healthy (rather than focus on what can go wrong) and how to live in harmony with nature rather than being part of a throw-away society. That summer, I discovered that these two things go hand in hand. The key word of a healthy and harmonious life is connection. Connection to the people around you and the natural world you live in. After finishing my Msc I decided to move to the beautiful county Wicklow. That I started to love an Irish man definitely had a lot to do with it. But I also came back to discover more about my two main interests: mental health and sustainable living. I started volunteering in a mental health social club, took part in a few Lakers activities, participated in a permaculture skill share and did a lot of yoga before starting an MA in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. At the moment I am full-time caring for my children aged one and three. Last year a group of concerned citizens started a climate court case (Klimaatzaak) against the governments in Belgium because of the lack of sufficient action taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the Netherlands, a group of citizens won a climate court case against its own government and a faster transition to a carbon free economy will now be necessary. It is understood that we need to stay well under a two-degree celsius temperature rise at all cost if we want to avoid to lose coastal assests and more and bigger floods in Ireland. There are other advantages to shift to renewables: safeguarding our water, the air and health of our children as well as ending our dependency on oil from conflicted areas. As individuals we all have a responsibility
to reduce our carbon footprint, but a political framework is necessary to take efficient and sufficient measures. A faster transition to a sustainable lifestyle should be a priority for Ireland. In the end, it will cost us less than dealing with ever more severe weather and we will all benefit from a cleaner, greener Ireland. A big group of scientists from all over the world have sent letters to point out the risks and possibilities of climate change. Now is the time to act. The Irish government does not have an ambitious programme to make the transition to a fossil fuel free economy. A court case, like the ones in the Netherlands and Belgium and many other countries and states, can urge the government to take sufficient action to safeguard the habitability of Ireland for our future generations. I want to treat the cause (reduce greenhouse gas emissions) and not just the symptoms (flooding). That’s why I started a crowd-funding website. The money will go entirely to legal costs necessary to bring this case to court. If you are interested in getting involved or contributing to this cause, please join the Facebook group Climate court case Ireland or donate to the Climate court case . Every donation, no matter how small, would make a difference. You can donate to the case by logging on to www. gofundme/aeaed3ak
Mieke Vanfleteren is a Belgian full-time mother of two small children with a heart for climate solutions. She has a background in political and social sciences, communication and film studies. Mieke started an MA in Psychoanalytic psychotherapy in Dublin Business School in 2013 and has been living with her Irish partner in Newtownmountkennedy for five years now.
The government does not have an ambitious programme to make the transition
with Mieke Vanfleteren with Ian O’Maonaigh
“A Quote of the week: Sincerity if you can fake that, you’ve got it made
George Burns
Tweets of the week
#rachelsyme @rachsyme “Might I suggest that you give your friends the Christmas gift of going back 200 days in their Insta and liking all the photos from that day” Colm O’Regan @colmoregan “We all know where we were the time the fella spun the wheel on Winning Streak and it didn’t go around three times #unprecedented” Aisling Bea @WeeMissBea “A man told me that he makes his own nut milk. I don’t know if I felt sadder for him before or after he told me it wasn’t a euphemism” Stacy @SilverStGroud “‘Luke, I am your father’ Oscar Isaac to my son Luke in 9 months cause his promo pics just got me pregnant #StarWarsspoilers”
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
Why should we care about the refugees? distant land so far away, remote from the comfort of our personal safety. Feeling compassion is one thing; acting on it is another. When we encounter people in need and distress, we can often imagine what their experiences are like. Taking the perspective of another is one of the most important aspects of human moral judgment. Empathic state of concern motivates us to address needs and enhance the person’s welfare, sometimes even at our own expense. People can communicate compassion in so many ways. When experienced, compassion overwhelms selfish concerns and motivates altruistic behaviour. Families are struggling to survive inside Syria, or make a new home in neighbouring countries. Others are risking their lives on the way to Europe, hoping to find acceptance and opportunity. And the onset of harsh winter weather makes life as a refugee even more difficult. At times, the effects of the conflict can seem overwhelming. The United Nations (UN) estimates that in Syria 7.6m people are internally displaced. When you also consider refugees, more than half of the country’s pre-war population of 23m is in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, whether they still remain in the country or have escaped across the borders. The lack of clean water and sanitation in crowded, makeshift settlements is an urgent concern. Diseases like cholera and polio can easily spread — even more life-threatening without enough medical services. Children affected by the Syrian conflict are at risk of becoming ill, malnourished abused or exploited. 51% of all migrants making dangerous attempts to reach Europe are from Syria, according to the UN Refugee Agency. 700,000 Syrian refugees and other migrants risked their lives to travel to Europe. 12million Syrians, half of them children, have been forced from their homes. The extreme trauma faced by Syrian children has resulted in many suffering from psychological and behavioural disorders. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) symptoms (depression, anxiety, fear, anger, aggression, self-destructive behaviour) have been found in many children in Syria. Adding to that, studies conducted on individuals in various war zones around the world have shown that people who have experienced severe emotional trauma are much more prone to drug addiction, alcoholism, and sex-
ual promiscuity or prostitution, as these seem to provide a way of coping with intense stress and confusion. Traumatic experiences can often result in a tendency to act violently and with aggression. Up to 12 million Syrians have been forced from their homes, half of them children. Ireland has agreed to take in 5,000 refugees. The Syrian Appeal Gala Concert fundraiser in Christchurch Cathedral on December 3 was a conduit for those wanting to not just to feel compassion, but to act upon it. To attend, raise awareness and funds for medical and psychological support for those so distant but yet so dear to our hearts. Through music and performance we showed our solidarity, care and humanity. This was a way to garner support, feel less powerless and truly express our compassion for a fellow human being. The concert was organised by a group of volunteers and the proceeds went to Médicines San Frontiers/Doctors Without Borders/MSF who are providing psychological support and valuable medical treatment on the ground to Syrian families. The event had a fabulous line-up of artists who are gave their time free of charge. Drumcondra and Cabra Village Counselling Services provide a range of counselling and psychological services to the community. Through this work the Managing Director of services felt the wisdom of compassion and connected with Médicines San Frontiers/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to raise funds for charity. In addition to the Fingal Youth Choir other performers included The Humanitarian Orchestra, Opera singers, Aisling Williams and Kevin Neville, The Dublin Ballet Academy, Pine The Pilcrow and traditional Irish Musicians. We must all make room for our compassionate impulses to flourish. Events such as the Syrian Appeal Gala Christchurch Cathedral Concert and all the volunteers participating do more than make us reconsider our assumptions about human nature. They offer us a blueprint for a more compassionate world.
Ian O’Maonaigh is Director of Drumcondra & Cabra Village Counselling Services and was Managing Director of the Syrian Appeal Charity Concert
OPINION| 11
December 17 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
anyotherbusiness
All past pupils should have a place reserved for their kids
T
he recent news that plans to change the rules on school admissions are not going to go ahead came as welcome news to many families. The proposed initiative, an element of which involved forcing second-level schools to abolish the practice of reserving places for children of past pupils, was hugely controversial and deeply unpopular with many people. It was being driven primarily by The Labour Party in government, who through Ruairi Quinn and then Jan O’Sullivan have held the Education portfolio throughout the lifetime of the current administration. Initially the proposal was to abolish the reserving of places for children of past pupils completely; this was later revised to allowing them retain 25% of places inthis manner, with a further change reducing this back to 10% being mooted before the plans were dropped. I’ll lay my cards on the table at the outset. I’m a past pupil of Presentation College in Bray and have recently been honoured by being elected as President of the school’s Past Pupils Union for 2016. I’d like my son to have the chance to go to secondary school there (he’s only just started primary school) when he reaches that stage in his education. Under the current system, which thankfully is not now going to be forcibly dismantled by Labour, my son would have a better chance of getting into the school, which is oversubscribed, by virtue of being the son of a past pupil. I don’t see this as a right or a privilige, but as a continuation of a tradition in my family, a chance for my son and I to have the
Brian Quigley shared bond of our second-level education for the rest of our lives. This rule isn’t exclusive to a set of elite, fee-paying, rugby schools as some politicians in Labour said by way of justification for proposing to abolish the rule. It is a rule favoured by schools fee-paying and non fee-paying alike (Presentation College Bray is non fee-paying). It is a rule operated not just by schools with a rugby tradition but by schools with a GAA tradition and soccer tradition, amongst others. I wonder what politicians would think if a change was to be forced on them disallowing their sons or daughters or brothers or sisters from entering public life, lest those relatives should gain an unfair advantage by being able to trade on the family name? They wouldn’t like it, to put it mildly. There would be uproar. There would be protests. The change would probably be shot down. Perhaps this analogy can make Labour see how unpopular their proposal on school admissions was seen by many across the length and breadth of the nation. I think the status quo in this country in terms of school and college admissions is worth maintaining. By and large primary school places are allocated to children in the local parish and geographical neighbourhood, which is how it should be for small children
starting their education, to minimise travel. By the time students get to college age they have many options and choices and are ready to move away from home if their college place necessitates this. Second-level education is between these two, in that families will sometimes prefer for their child to travel a short distance if it means being able to attend a preferred school. Not all schools that reserve some places for children of past pupils have active past pupils unions, but such unions, together with parents associations, do a huge amount of excellent work for the schools. This involves not just fundraising but various other supporting functions. In the recession years, where cuts to school budgets and education services have been enforced by Labour and Fine Gael, the monetary and other assistance provided to schools by past pupils unions and parents associations has been a muchneeded lifeline for the schools. This emphasises the importance of the link between former and current pupils of a school, and the folly of Labour wanting to tamper with that link as a tickoff item on a liberal agenda. I’ve written in this column before in praise of some of the things Labour have done with education in the current government. They have initiated necessary and long-overdue reforms to cirriculums which will assist with job-creation and help ensure we have the right graduates in the right numbers for the jobs we need to fill, going forward. But there was never any need to go after a longstanding tradition that is part of the fabric of families, schools and the wider community. Sometimes you just need to leave the status quo alone.
Have you got a story? Then email info@wicklowvoice.ie
Here’s to you Mrs Robinson’s as it marks fourth birthday
Pictured at Mrs Robinson’s fourth birthday bash in Greystones were (l-r) Jen Malloy, Helen Froggatt, Rachel Flynn and Michelle Tarter. Pics: Alan Rowlette
Adam O’Byrne and Fiona Doherty
Joanne O’ Brien and Andrea McLaughlin
Ciara Hamilton, Sophie Kennedy, Leah Ennis McLoughlin and Laura Glennon
1 2 3 4 5
12 | WHAT’S HOT
WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory
Mistletoe and wine Ah yes, we are all familiar with the Christmas song (one of the many!) made famous by Sir Cliff, but why is mistletoe associated with Christmas? And what exactly is mistletoe? The Mistletoe (Viscum album), is a much forked, semi-parasitic shrub. It contains chlorophyll but relies on other plants for water and nutrients which are extracted by sending suckers into the host stem. It grows on a wide variety of deciduous trees and thus is much more conspicuous in winter, with its tangle of evergreen leaves and poisonous, white berries forming balls up to 1m across high up in trees. This is probably to avoid being eaten by animals and to be closer to the light, although early Christians believed that mistletoe was banished to the tops of trees when Jesus was crucified on a cross made from an apple tree on which it was growing. The name mistletoe comes from the Anglo-Saxon words “mistel” meaning dung and “tan” meaning twig. This most likely comes from the fact that birds eat the white berries and the sticky seeds are expelled through the birds’ faeces onto the host tree branches/ twigs where they begin to grow. Mistletoe has separate male and female plants. The male has golden flowers in the spring and the female white berries in the winter. Given that the white berries form between inverted V-shaped sprigs, it is not hard to see where the associations of mistletoe with fertility came from. Women would tie a sprig of mistletoe around their wrist or waist to improve their chances of bearing a child! As for kissing under the mistletoe - Norse myth has it that when Loki killed her son Baldur with a dart made from mistletoe, the goddess Frigg shed tears that became the white berries and decreed she would place a kiss on all passing underneath it.
wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
Fundraiser of the week Give a Gift East Coast FM radio centre, Killarney Road, Bray, until December 22 East Coast FM and St Vincent de Paul are asking Wicklow residents to dig deep this year and help to bring some joy to families who are struggling at this time. This Christmas, donate a present to the Give a Gift campaign and bring some magic to Wicklow families in need. 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. If you cannot make your way to the East Coast studios there are other locations willing to accept the donations. 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. Gifts for boys and girls as well as men and women are needed. Be sure to donate before December 22. For more information or to donate online, visit eastcoast.fm/giveagift. Pictured are Deirdre Collins, Freshly Squeezed Producer and Claire Darmody Founder/Co-ordinator East Coast FM Give a Gift Campaign.
salon of the week Studio LR 26 Willow Brook, Main Street, Kilcoole, 01 2011545, studiolr.ie Julie Davis and Serka Kinsella would like to welcome you to a new experience in beauty. The pair have opened up a brand new salon in Kilcoole and they’re ready and waiting to pamper you and help you to feel your most beautiful. Serka specialises in make up and will help you achieve that wow factor for any occasion. From head to toe, Studio LR have got you covered. Their new stylists can tame your mane offering upstyling, a curly blowdry, GHD curls and more. The salon offers tailor-made facials, waxing, eye treatments, manicures and pedicures including gel nails and nail art. Give your skin a healthy glow in the dedicated spray tan room with a choice of five different tans to suit your skin tone. Studio LR is open six days a week with late appointments on Thursdays and Fridays until 8pm. To get you Christmas ready, they are open until 2pm on Christmas Eve. They will also be open on December 29, 30 and 31 from 9.30am until 6pm.
book of the week Boy, Interrupted By Dale Hibbert There was Stu Sutcliffe with The Beatles. And David Marks with The Beach Boys. Nearly-men who left before the ship took off into the stratosphere. Dale Hibbert belongs in that bracket, having been a member of The Smiths until just before they became mega. His enthralling autobiography, ‘’Boy, Interrupted’’, published by Pomona Books, is a must-read not just for fans of The Smiths but for fans of music or indeed students of the human condition in general. Hibbert hasn’t had an easy ride in life. His mother passed away tragically when he was only eight days old. Life has dealt him a tough hand at times, but he has kept going in the face of adversity and lived to tell the tale, many tales in fact. An ideal Christmas present for anyone interested in triumph over challenge and an appreciation of life as an adventure. - By Brian Quigley
TV SHOW of the week Downton Abbey ITV, December 25, 8.45pm After six seasons, it is time to bid adieu to Downton Abbey with a two hour Christmas special. The final episode of the overall series offers all the love and loss, happiness and heartbreak of Downton Abbey. As the family and servants prepare to welcome the year of 1926, they celebrate an unforgettable New Year’s Eve
christmas Event of the week Ardmore Rovers Xmas Draw Hollands Bar, Main Street, Bray, December 17, 8.30pm Ardmore Rovers are inviting all parents, relatives and friends to join them in their Christmas celebrations. The annual Christmas night out and raffle will be held in Hollands and promises to be a great night for all. There will be a great raffle draw with dozens of exclusive prizes as well as many more great spot prizes throughout the night. Last year, two lucky winners walked away with a flat screen tv each so you don’t want to miss this. All are welcome to join in the festive fun and so why not enjoy some craic while supporting your local club.
together at the great house. Mary endeavours to build bridges with her sister while Edith’s secret continues to pose a threat, despite having nothing left to lose. As Henry settles into the role of husband and stepfather, finding his place at Downton proves more difficult. Below stairs, Carson faces some personal challenges, which prove that even he is not invulnerable to change.
6 7 8 9 10
WHAT’S HOT| 13
December 17 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week Star Wars: The Force Awakens Gaiety Cinema, Arklow With the new Star Wars storming cinemas there’s really no other film we could have chosen this week. The seventh Star Wars film kicks off a brilliant new trilogy with new characters and old favourites. It’s three decades on from the events of Return of the Jedi. On the desert planet Jakku, tough loner Rey (Daisy Ridley) plies her trade as a scavenger. Meanwhile, a stormtrooper names Finn (John Boyega) finds himself in great danger, the villainous Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) wields a cool cross-form lightsabre, and an X-Wing pilot name Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) is sent on a mission by “a certain princess”. Star Trek director JJ Abrams brings these intriguing plot strands together with consummate skill to launch a spectacular trilogy. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher are among the returning cast members. Meanwhile, if Star Wars isn’t your thing - or if you just can’t get a ticket - be sure to check out hilarious new comedy, Sisters, starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
HOROSCOPES
Event of the week Coppélia Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray, December 20, 7pm Young lovers create comic chaos in this witty ballet. Franz and his financée Hildy are curious about the beautiful girl, Coppélia. Jealous of Franz’s infatuation with Coppélia, Hildy begins to suspect things are not all that they seem. She and her friends decide to follow the perfect starlet home, eventually arriving
at Dr Copplius laboratories. Inside, they stumble upon a magical and strange world, uncovering secrets that will change them forever!Setting the much-loved story at a County Fair choreographer Morgann Runacre-Temple (Carmen, Romeo and Juliet), with writer Stella Feehily, have created a witty and pertinent ballet inspired by our own obsession with youthful perfection. Tickets €22/20 or get a family ticket (4) for €75.
Castle Furniture 8 Castle Street, Bray, 01 2813616, December 26, 10am
Virgo- This week is a 6 Talk about what you want to create together. Invent exciting possibilities. To build a reputation for trustworthiness, keep your promises.
GIG of the week
Hobby of the week Serendipity Barbershop Chorus St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Quinsborough Road, Bray, Wednesdays, 8pm-10pm Serendipity, the Bray-based women’s Barbershop Chorus, are currently recruiting new singers, and welcome women of all ages and voice ranges to join them in the new year. They are offering a series of free singing workshops for new members, on January 13, 20 and 27 as well as on February 3 and 10. So if you’ve watched The Naked Choir and you want to find a local group and a relaxed environment where you can learn singing skills or indeed to return to something you’ve enjoyed before, here’s your chance. You don’t need musical training or to be able to read music, to sing Barbershop; you just need to enjoy singing in a group, and learning CDs are provided. Serendipity can be contacted on 086 3039732, on serendipityacapella.net or you can find them on Facebook. Make singing your new hobby for a new year!
Gemini- This week is a 9 Get down to practical work. Sift through the data to find the missing clues. Set up structures to build and maintain your advantage.
Leo- This week is a 7 Find the expertise you need through recommendations. Your networks have the resources you seek. Talk about what you’re creating
Castle Furniture will be launching their sale on St Stephen’s day at 10am. Furniture starts from an incredible €1. This mega clearance event will have up to 90% off. Everywhere you look there are outstanding bargains to be had on beds, dining and sofas. These offers are only available instore so be sure to get down early as these top bargains are sure to fly out the door. Castle Furniture have over 20 years experience in the industry and deal exclusively with Irish suppliers. They promise to offer extremely competitive prices all year round. Their furniture range is constantly changing as they aim to keep up with the very latest styles. Don’t miss this amazing sale. Terms and conditions apply.
Over the course of four stunning and original albums, Ann Scott has been steadily establishing herself as one of the most courageous songwriters on the Irish scene. Her latest studio offering, Venus to the Sky, comprises ten songs recorded over several instalments between Chicago’s Electrical Audio and Sun Studios in Dublin. Twice nominated in the best female category for the Irish Meteor Awards, Ann
Taurus- This week is a 7 Meet with important and interesting people. Take action for a cause near to your heart. Family comes first.
Cancer- This week is an 8 Talk about financial goals, and how to reach them. Avoid risky business and distractions. Stick to solid, detailed plans.
Sale of the week
Ann Scott The Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, December 18, 8pm
Aries- This week is a 7 Interesting and influential conversations arise over the next three weeks. Schedule actions beyond just talk. Test theories before committing.
Scott has carved her own niche as an independent and firebrand songwriter. Her debut album Poor Horse was voted into the Hotpress musicians’ poll of Ireland’s top 100 albums, while follow ups, We’re Smiling and Flo have received hearty critical acclaim and a growing number of converts, with Tony Clayton Lea including We’re Smiling in his 2011 novel of 101 Irish Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Expect some surprise early repertoire mixed with plenty from the latest record when she drops by the Harbour Bar this week.
Libra- This week is a 9 Enjoy time at home with family and friends. Social graces serve you well. Talk about dreams and desires. Reconnect with someone you love. Scorpio- This week is an 8 Start fresh with a friend. Communications are wide open. Accept advice from loved ones. Be willing to compromise. Express yourself. Sagittarius- This week is a 6 It’s a good time to ask for money. Research, study and find clever solutions. Provide increasing value. Be quick, but not impetuous. Capricorn- This week is a 7 The puzzle pieces are coming together, but not as you imagined. Abandon expectations. Go with the flow. Notice what wants to happen. Aquarius- This week is a 6 Dress up and share nostalgic moments. Glamour enhances the romance. Dreams could seem prophetic. Pisces- This week is an 8 Coordinate efforts and delegate tasks. Talk about what’s wanted and needed. Don’t press a controversial point. Heed constructive criticism.
14 | lifestyle
my favourite things
Between the pleats The pleated mini skirt is making its way back into everyone’s hearts this season and we can see why. Not only does the cut elongate your legs, the shape pairs well with button downs, crop tops, and as temperatures drop, turtlenecks, v-neck sweaters, and opaque tights. Whether you’re on the preppier side of the style spectrum or are a downtown woman, don’t stand on the style sidelines with this trend. The mini skirt is easy to master. If you are going for a colourful/bright skirt make sure your top has only one colour going through it. I love this Cath Kidson Oxford Rose Pleated Skirt (right) for only €54. It goes really well with this denim shirt from Monsoon (top far right) for €40. As the skirt has floral print I would recommend a nude or white shoes. If you go for a softer colour like a blue make sure you either have a leather jacket or a cute leather top as a counterpoint. This ELVI Reptile black top (bottom far right) which can be bought at elviwholesale.com, compliments the Astrid blue scuba skirt for only €20 pretty well. Don’t you agree? These New Look Chelsea Boots (right) are the perfect addition to any pleated skirt collection for only €40.
wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
WHAT’s HOT
with Aoife Connolly info@wicklowvoice.ie
December 17 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING | 15
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wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
SPECIAL REPORT|17
December 17 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Are you planning your wedding? Before you do anything else, pay a visit to the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey - the ideal wedding venue for you. The staff at the Ashdown Park Hotel know your wedding is the most important day for both the bride and groom This December, you can
drop in to the hotel to see where you could be spending your special day. Currently transformed into a festive wonderland, now is the perfect time to view the venue in all its splendour. On December 28, they will have the magnificent Leinster Suite set up for viewings with no appointment necessary. It is your time to relax, view
Weddings at the Ashdown Park and secure your date. The dedicated team at the Ashdown Park will ensure that all your plans are carried out precisely. Start planning your dream wedding today with the Ashdown Park Hotel. Contact Susan on 053 9480500 or email sales@ ashdownparkhotel.com
18 | ADVERTISING wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTﾃ！N
MOTOR TAX OFFICES WICKLOW, BRAY & BLESSINGTON Wicklow Motor Tax Office will close to the public on Thursday, 31st December 2015 at 12.30pm and re-open on Monday 4th January 2016 at 9.00am. This closure is necessary to facilitate the completion of End of Year Financial Reports on the National Vehicle Driver File System. Bray Motor Tax Office will close to the public on Thursday, 31st December 2015 at 12.30pm and re-open on Tuesday, 5th January 2016 at 10.30am. Blessington Motor Tax Office will close to the public on Tuesday, 22nd December, 2015 at 3.30pm and re-open on Tuesday, 5th January 2016 at 9.00am. Wicklow County Council regrets any inconvenience caused.
REVENUE SECTION The Revenue Section of Wicklow County Council will close to the public on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 31st December 2015 at 3.30 pm. This closure is necessary to facilitate the completion of the End of Year Financial Reports. Normal office hours will resume on Monday 4th January 2016. Wicklow County Council regrets any inconvenience caused.
LIFESTYLE| 19
December 17 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
food in wicklow
Plum trifle INGREDIENTS: 50 grams sponge 4 ripe plums 75 ml port 75 ml sugar
Custard: 2 Vanilla pod 600ml whipping cream 10 yolks 240g sugar 20g corn flour For the cream: 125g crème fraiche 125ml double cream 40g castor sugar 2 tblsp sherry Juice 1/2 lemon Pinch fresh grated nutmeg
Put the plums in pan with sugar and port. Cook for 5 – 10 minutes until they start to break down & liquid has thickened. Remove & cool. Dice sponge 2 cm & drop into bottom of serving glass. Cover with a little of plum mixture & set in fridge for 2 hours. Whisk cream ingredients together & put in fridge in piping bag. Spoon the custard over the plums & leave to set for at least one hour. Pipe on the cream & decorate with grated chocolate.
20| ADVERTISING
wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
ADVERTISING |21
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22 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie December 17 2015
sport in brief
Wicklow and District Lions Club raised €1,000 for the local branch of St Vincent de Paul (SVP). Pictured are Sean Olohan presenting the cheque to May and Jimmy Kavanagh from SVP
Arklow Geraldines The next meeting of the Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney Club Executive is scheduled for January 6 at 8pm in the County GAA Board. Congratulations to the AGB Dance Troupe who have gone through to the Leinster Final of Scór na nÓg which will be held in Ballymore, Co. Westmeath on January 3. Well done girls and well done to all the competitors. You couldn’t hear a pin drop through any of the performances such was the talent on show. Thanks to all the fantastic people who helped out for the competition in St. Mary’s Hall. Teamwork doesn’t stay on the pitch. AGB Club gear is available at great prices. See gear and prices at Club Gear on Facebook. Contact Kerry on 087 3287881 to order.
Bray Wanderers There was no jackpot winner on December 13. Numbers drawn were 1, 4, 21 and 27. €30 lucky dip winners were Ryan Leahy c/o Frank Slevin, Davie Fitchet c/o Bray Lakers, Daisy Harvey c/o Bray Lakers, Colin Hand c/o Bray Wanderers online, John Doyle c/o V.
Walsh. Next draw is December 20 when the jackpot is €11,225. There will be no draw on December 27. Draw will resume as normal on January 3. You can play the Bray Wanderers Lotto on line at braywanderers.com Bray Wanderers 2016 Season ticket details - Early bird season tickets available until 5pm December 24: Adult: €130, Concession (OAP and 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 off’s 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.
Cumann na mBunscol
The Cumann na mBunscol Cornmarket Annual Awards will take place on March 11 in the Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig, Cork. The categories are as follows: Pat Trainor Hall of Fame Award, Public Relations, County Publication, Promotion of Gaelic Games and Culture, 1916 in my locality, School of the Year and Merit Award Level 2 Roll Out.
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Cill Mhantáin wish all children, parents, teachers and all who support our work during the year a happy and peaceful Christmas. We look forward to 2016 where our events will be taking place again. Nollaig shona agus ath bhliain faoi mhaise daoibh.
Shankill GAA Congratulations to our U12 boys football team league winners, who received their medals at a function in Shankill last Monday night. Well done to all concerned
with the team. Men’s adult football team is taking a break before training resumes in preparation for the new season. New players always welcome contact Kevin 086 8449902. The club AGM will be held on February 1 at 8pm in St Anne’s Resource Center, Shankill. Juvenile Academy sponsored by O’Donnell’s Pharmacy Shankill and all our teams is taking a break for the Christmas season and will return to action on January 23. If you would like your child to join the Academy or any of our teams just contact us at the email address below there are no trials, no selection processes and no annual subscription. The cost is only €2 for each child.
St Patrick’s GAA St. Patrick’s GAA, Wicklow Town are among the 25 winners of Carroll’s jersey competition, which attracted hundreds of entries from across the country. The competition, which was created to celebrate 25 years of Carroll’s supporting Offaly GAA asked clubs/schools to simply describe why they deserve to win a set of jerseys. Alan Lawlor from Wicklow entered a great story into the competition which got the attention of the judges and resulted in the team being awarded a free set of jerseys from Carroll’s.
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sport| 23
December 17 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Would you Adam and Eve it? On December 11 Bray Boxing Club’s Adam Nolan won his Elite Final in the Men 69Kg division at the National Stadium. The win marks another achievement in Adam’s illustrious career and also brings further glory to Bray Boxing Club. Bray Boxing Club, the only club in the world who qualified two boxers for London 2012 (Adam and Katie Taylor) and the only boxing club in history to qualify a male and a female boxer for the same Olympics, added Adam’s 2015 Elite Final success to that of Katie Taylor who won the Women 60Kg division on November 27 by defeating Shauna O’Keefe of Clonmel 3-0. On a night of quality performances across all the divisions, Adam’s triumph was never in doubt as he beat Martin Stokes (of the Holy Family Drogheda boxing club) 3-0. A week before on December 4 Adam had beaten Michael Bustard (of the Monkstown Antrim boxing club) 3-0 in his Elite semi-final. The same weekend Arklow’s Sean Allen had gone down to John Paul Delaney (of the Emerald Antrim boxing club) 3-0 in the semifinal of the 81Kg division, no disgrace for Sean as Delaney went on to win the final on December 11 by triumphing over Christopher Blaney of Navan. Adam, who now has five Elite belts to his name, dedicated Friday’ win to his nan who passed away just the day before.
Pictured at the Family Fun Day in the KBC Hub in Greystones were Alesha and Gary McDarby, with rugby legend Shane Horgan (centre). Pic: Naoise Culhane Fionnuala leads Irish ladies to team bronze Kilcoole AC’s Fionnuala McCormack finished fourth in the European Cross Country Senior Womens race in Hyeres, France on December 13, just out of the individual medals. However, her fine performance helped Ireland’s women to a team bronze, behind the UK and France. Ireland’s other scorers were Lizzie Lee, Caroline Crowley and Ciara Durkan. Darren knows his fate The draw for next summer’s UEFA European Championship Finals has placed the Republic of Ireland in a tough group, with Belgium, Sweden and Italy our opponents. So Bray’s Darren Randolph, who looks
to be a strong contender to hang onto the goalkeeper spot he won in the recent qualifiers, will be trying to stop the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Graziano Pelle next summer! Super Seagulls soar up to second When the weather doesn’t play ball and turn up then no ball gets played, whether it’s GAA, soccer, rugby, hockey or indeed any outdoor field sport. There’s been a plethora of cancellations and postponements in the county in tandem with us enduring the ravages of Desmond and Barney. However, one team to have beaten the weather (as well as most of their opponents!) are
Greystones Rugby Club. The Seagulls beat Bective Rangers 23-13 at Donnybrook on Saturday 12 December and finished the year on a high. The
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win took them up to second in the table and was the second triumph over Bective in a week. Indeed, the two teams are the only sides in Division 2B of the All Ireland Rugby League to have played all 10 scheduled fixtures so far. I’d rather be in Greystones’ position and have points on the board rather than games in hand. Greystones, Wicklow’s premier rugby side, have been playing superb rugby recently and their season is coming together nicely. Excellent ball retention and game management makes for exciting and entertaining rugby football. A visit to Dr Hickey Park should be on the list of all rugby fans in the county in the new year. Well done to Greystones and enjoy the break! Scoil Chonglais make it to Fr Godfrey Cup With the Leinster Schools Junior and Senior Cup fixtures
announced last week (we mentioned last week that Presentation College Bray drew Gonzaga College in the Junior Cup, while St Gerards will play St Michaels in the Junior Cup and CBC Monkstown in the Senior Cup) the fixtures for the Fr Godfrey and Vinnie Murray Cups were also announced (the finalists from these competitions can make it into the first round proper of the Junior and Senior Cups respectively) and Wicklow has representation in both, with Presentation College Bray drawing Catholic University School in the Vinnie Murray and Scoil Chonglais of Baltinglass paired with Dundalk Grammar School in the Fr Godfrey. The Baltinglass side had to overcome St Marys CBS of Enniscorthy in a qualifier on December 8 to make it into the draw, so really well done to them. Good luck to all the schools flying the flag for Wicklow in the Junior and Senior competitions.
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