Wicklow Voice December 18 2014

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wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

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Larry Murphy ‘is on his way home’

Wicklow criminal has lived abroad since release Convicted rapist Larry Murphy is planning to return home to Ireland.

The so-called ‘Beast of Baltinglass’ has been living abroad since his release from in 2010 following his 10-year stint for a brutal sex attack on a woman in the Wicklow mountains .

The Wicklow-native has been referred as a “person of interest”

by Gardai investigating a string of women who have disappeared in the Leinster area in the last 20 years.

“It appears that he intends coming back,” retired detective sergeant Alan Bailey, former national co-ordinator of Operation Trace, told the Wicklow Voice.

“He is engaging with the Garda Sex Offenders Management and Intelligence Unit.

“He would be a person of interest to Gardai. These matters

Six-week-old Harley Waldron was the youngest member of the Santa fun run/walk in Arklow at the weekend. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside would have to be put to him if he does return.”

According to reports earlier this week, Murphy’s family

want nothing to do with his plans to return to Ireland.

A source close to his brother Thomas allegedly said the

family made it clear he cannot stay with them in the Baltinglass area of Wicklow.

Meanwhile, Garda Declan Lynch told the Wicklow Voice: “We would not comment on any individual but we would say that anyone in this country is subject to the law of the land.”

The rapist has been driven out of three separate addresses in the UK but is keen to return to live here.

Murphy said that he is willing to co-operate with the Garda Sex Offenders Management and Intelligence Unit (SOMIU) and has contacted them to arrange his return.

Under Irish law, he does not have to inform Gardai of his movements but it’s understood that Murphy has told Gardai that he wants to be reintegrated into Irish society without causing mass hysteria.

Continued on page 12

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4 | NEWS

wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

news in brief Adult learning

Gordon is just the business

By Peter Murphy

Baltinglass Adult Learning Centre provide the opportunity to take the first steps back into education with tuition available morning, afternoon and evening. Their wide range of classes are friendly, social and flexible and they are funded by KWETB so they are free.

Contact Annette or Maeve on 059 6482642 or baltinglass@ wicklowlearners.ie

Gingerbread Man On January 3 there’s an opportunity to see Miriam Lambert’s rendition of the ageold tale The Gingerbreadman at Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray. Performances are at 2pm and 4pm, tickets are €8 per person or €30 for a family ticket.

Gift of tennis Why treat yourself to a membership with Bray Tennis Club as all members who join before the end of 2014 don’t have to pay a penny until January 31. This includes free coaching for January and if you wish to continue membership, you pay your subscription in February.

You may not recognise the name but if you travel around the Dublin area by train you will probably recognise the face.

Gordon Cochran from Greystones is a well-known character around many of the stations along the DART line and beyond, and now his story has been told in a book by his sister Ruth Chipperfield, Gordon: Business As Usual.

Gordon, now 61, has travelled on public transport for more than 30 years and was well known by the workers who tooted at him as they passed by, despite his intellectual disability which means he has almost no speech.

Gordon is also a big fan of buses and is a good friend of the drivers at Donnybrook Bus Garage who have always appreciated his help in keeping the place in order by directing the parking of the buses.

His family believe that he has had adventures they could never have dreamed of.

After Gordon himself went to live in the Peacehaven home, now called Lydia House, he went with a group of Peacehaven residents to visit Disneyland Paris and

By Michelle McGlynn

to Florida Disneyworld, and to other worldly and exotic destinations.

“Gordon’s life has been full of challenges, and inevitably there have been sorrows,” says Ruth.

“There have been many, many joyful times, and occasions of high comedy, coupled

with exasperation.

“He has been gravely ill, and his care in Lydia House has been beyond praise. He is greatly blessed.”

Gordon: Business as Usual is published by Ballpoint Press and is available from Amazon or by contacting rchipperfield@hotmail.com.

Brrrrrrr ... details of New Year charity dip

By Michelle McGlynn

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Mystery as Aldi to open 10 stores but none of them here

New Year’s Day brings with it one of the most enjoyable events of the season, the Bray Charities Sea Swim.

Now in its 32nd year, the swim takes on the dual purpose of providing some festive community fun and raising funds for local charities - to date realised €304,804 (year 2014 €10,320) for a long list of worthy local causes.

The chosen charities for this year are Hi Rez Youth Club, Bray Cardiac First Responders, Lincara Day Care Centre, Bray Lions’ Senior Citizens Fund and the Five Loaves.

Join Simon Harris TD and Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, John Brady at noon on New Year’s Day and brave the icy waters for charity.

For further details and sponsorship cards contact John McEvoy on 086 8561888, brayswim@gmail.com or call in to Suite 3, Market Court in Bray.

Mystery surrounds the fate of the rumoured new Aldi in Bray after the supermarket giant announced that they are opening 10 new stores in 2015 and creating over 250 jobs ... but none of them in Wicklow.

The new stores are spread throughout the country but Wicklow is absent from the German discount supermarket’s plans despite rumours that they are opening a new store on Castle Street in Bray.

Wicklow would have appeared to be a likely choice as the company purchased a site in Bray back in 2011.

Aldi bought the former Heiton Buckley site on Castle Street almost four years ago for over €5 million.

Despite the purchase, no store has been opened on the 1.5 acre site and it would appear that there are currently no plans to open one in the new year.

When contacted by the Wicklow Voice Aldi had no comment regarding future plans for the Castle Street site.

The supermarket chain opened its fourth Wicklow store in Greystones in January of this year.

The Mill Road supermarket created 15 new jobs in the area.

The latest store joined existing ones in Bray, Arklow and Blessington.

Aldi are proud supporters of Irish produce and local suppliers include Glenhaven Foods in

Arklow who supply frozen poultry products and Kerry Foods based in Shillelagh who supply a number of products in Aldi’s own-brand Brannans sliced ham range.

The 10 new stores will be located in Galway, Mayo, Kilkenny, Wexford, Limerick, Waterford and then two each in Tipperary and Cork.

The retailer insists that their growth is not overly aggressive but would be driven by demand in specific regions.

The German company recently opened their 113th Irish store in Cork city centre.

Despite the company’s incredible growth the discount supermarket rejects the notion that the future is bleak for independent retailers.

The growth spells good news on the job front as the new stores follow on from stronger than expected recruitment in 2014.

In May, they announced that they were seeking to recruit 450 new employees but have already taken on in excess of 520, including 17 area managers.

Aldi’s growth is also borne out by its latest set of accounts which incorporates its UK and Ireland business and shows a 65% rise in pre-tax profits to €327 million while revenues totalled €6.6 billion - an increase of 36%.

There is still the possibility that Aldi will open in the Castle Street location as they reportedly plan to continue their expansion with eight to 12 new stores each year over the coming years.

Knight Bill set to retire

By Michelle McGlynn

Local man Bill Burke is retiring after 21 years of organising, preparing and cooking Christmas day dinners for the elderly and needy in the Bray area in conjunction with the Knights of St Columbanus.

Bill, with help from his wife Marie and his sons, spend Christmas Eve and morning preparing 130 delicious full dinners and beverages.

“I am very happy that this project will continue on into the

future as my fellow Knights will ensure that deserving people receive their dinner and a visitor on Christmas day,” says Bill.

The Knights of St Columbanus also wish to acknowledge the generosity of the people of Bray who donate to the various collections for Christmas dinners.

Thanks are also due to the Meals On Wheels committee for the use of their premises over the years and to the members of the Lions Club and others who lend a hand to help deliver the dinners on Christmas Day.

NEWS |5

December 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

wicklow people in pictures

Patricia Mackay, Kilcroney Furniture, Clodagh Doyle, PlaceLift and Ruth Donnelly, Alpha CC. At the Glenview Hotel where entrepreneurs from local businesses received their certificates having completed the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow’s ‘Management Development Programme (MDP)’. Pic: Joe Keogh

Melanie (2) and Sebastian Gawlik at the Kilruddery Christmas Market

Ann McCoy, Sinead Cahill and Teresa Connolly out and about in Wicklow town.

Bobby Kerr and Leigh Williams at the opening of the new brewery and bistro at Micky Finns pub in Redcross

Pictured at the Christmas Trolley Dash in Lidl Greystones is Melitine Murray with Lidl Greystones Store Manager Olga Roman and Lidl Sales Operations Executive Darren Devine.

Melitine Murray was one of the lucky 141 winners of the nationwide Lidl Trolley Dash who won her Christmas shopping for free and each winner also contributed to the €135,438 which was raised from ticket sales for Barretstown. A total of €3,991 was raised in Wicklow alone.

Anna Lucia (2) and Frank Gunter in Bray.

Little Kate Ford from Arklow paused from telling Santa what was on her list to give a little wave to the camera (pic Yvette O Beirne)

6| NEWS

wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

Special branch take to the skies to tackle tree thefts

By Michelle McGlynn

If you see some strange lights flying through the sky this Christmas season, it might not be Santa.

In an effort to reduce Christmas tree theft, Gardaí have launched regular air patrols around Co Wicklow.

The Garden County is home to one of the highest concentration of Christmas tree farms in the country.

Extra security measures have been introduced by growers in recent years as raids have been carried out by criminal gangs looking to capitalise on the expanding market for real trees.

Dermot Page, the chairman of the Irish Tree Growers Association, said, “The Gardaí have the GPS co-ordinates of all plantations and are patrolling.”

Award-winning grower, Christy Kavanagh, who has a farm in Newtownmountkennedy has praised the efforts by Gardaí.

Speaking to the Wicklow Voice, Christy said, “The added

Champion Christmas tree grower, Christy Kavanagh from Wicklow with Jonathan Irwin CEO and Founder of Jack & Jill along with young Jack & Jill volunteer helpers (L-R front row) Ava Lennon, Rose Martin, Aisling Connolly and Luke O’Donoghue patrols by the Gardaí have definitely made a difference, especially over the past two years.

“I know that I sleep better knowing that they are out there doing regular patrols.

“In previous years there were upwards of 2, 000 trees stolen

per annum. At an average of €50 per tree you’re looking at losses of €100, 000.”

Christy added that it is not just growers who are losing out as there is no VAT paid on these stolen trees, the State is losing money as well.

Irish growers like Christy are enjoying a bumper crop following the warm summer and this is boosting Ireland’s reputation as a high-quality producer of Christmas trees.

Over 300, 000 trees are expected to be sold here at home

with another 200, 000 shipped to the UK and strong demand from France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

If you haven’t found your perfect tree yet then check out Kavanagh Christmas Trees who have been named Christmas Tree Grower Supreme Champion 2014.

This year, Christy has teamed up with The Jack and Jill Foundation and has committed to making a donation of approx. €7 per tree sold.

They have already donated €3, 000 which will fund 188 hours of home nursing care for children from birth to four years old and with your help they can donate a lot more.

“We are a small, family run operation and we are just looking to help out this great cause as much as we can,” Christy told the Wicklow Voice.

You can get your top quality, locally-grown tree from Kilcroney Furniture and Kilruddery both in Bray and also at the Leopardstown Racecourse.

news in brief Potter Panto Curtain Call Academy’s Showstoppers will be performing The Potter Panto on December 19 at 7:30pm, December 20 and 21 at 3pm in The Rooks Tower, Castle Inn, Newcastle. Tickets are €15 for adults and €10 for child, student and O.A.P. Email info@curtaincallacademy.ie.

Sleep outs The St Vincent de Paul youth sleep out in Greystones will take place on Church Road from December 21 at 3pm until 3pm the following day.

A sleep out will also take place on Bray Main Street outside Holy Redeemer Church on December 20 from 5pm until noon the next day. A homeless shoe box appeal will also take place on the night and boxes can be dropped off at Little Bray Family Resource Centre, Mrs. McGuire’s Sweet Shop or In The Groove on Quinsboro Road.

Dolly’s letters Lynne Reece Loftus’s book Auntie Dolly’s Letters will be launched at the Hot Spot, above the Beach House in Greystones on December 20 at 5pm.

December 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

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8 | NEWS wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

Siobhan named top carer

Julie Roberts, Regional Manager. Siobhán O’Connor, Regional Winner and Bríd Gould, Managing Director of Comfort Keepers Siobhan O’Connor has been crowned Comfort Keepers’ top care giver in the entire Wicklow region.

The award was made in recognition of her work with older people in Wicklow and saw her ranked highest among Comfort Keepers in the region.

This is the second year of the Comfort Keepers Home Care Awards which was started to recognise the extraordinary work of carers.

“I decided to work as a carer having cared for my own mother for many years,” says Siobhan, who is from Wicklow Town.

“I love being able to help other people and I think caring is a great way to do that.

I’m delighted to have been chosen as regional winner and one of the four finalists for the Carer of the Year award. But I also want to say it’s a team effort. I work with a fantastic group of people

in Comfort Keepers so I feel these awards are recognition for all of our work together as a team.”

Comfort Keepers has been helping older people and people with disabilities to live their lives as fully at home for as long possible in Wicklow since 2010.

“We congratulate Siobhan and wish her all the best for the coming year,” said said Brid Gould, Managing Director.

O’Brien sentence is too lenient, says appeal court THE COURT OF Appeal has ruled that a Wicklow man’s sentence for raping his daughter repeatedly was too lenient.

Patrick O’Brien (pictured) had been given a 12-year sentence with nine years suspended for the serial rape of his daughter Fiona Doyle over the period of a decade, meaning that he would have effectively served a threeyear jail sentence.

A new sentence is to be handed down on January 26 following this week’s decision by the court.

O’Brien of Old Court Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to 16 charges of the rape and indecent assault of his daughter from 1973 to 1982 but walked free from court in January 2013 despite pleading guilty to 16 counts of rape and sexual assault pending an appeal against the severity of his sentence.

He was initially granted bail,

but this was rescinded three days later following a public outcry.

The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentence handed down to 74-year-

old O’Brien, arguing that it was unduly lenient. In court, counsel for the DPP Brendan Grehan said that O’Brien’s age and illness were factors to consider in the sentence, but cited the case of a 96-year-old former Nazi guard who was put on trial for his role in concentration camps in World War II. Grehan argued that although O’Brien suffers from several ailments, he is not terminally ill and can be given sufficient medical care in prison.

In her book published last year, Fiona Doyle wrote that Judge Paul Carney had told the court at the time of sentencing that he had tried to strike a balance with the sentence between imposing a long sentence and suspending part of it and how that would appear to the public, and imposing a full heavy sentence and being branded as a judge who ‘substituted one injustice for another’.

December 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

ADVERTISING | 9

10 | OPINION

opinion&comment

A busy but productive year in office

T

his year began with politics at the back of my mind as I was in the middle of a large development on the family farm with the construction of a new milking parlour followed by the busy calving season. Before I knew it the election campaign had arrived.

Indeed I went into the campaign with a degree of apprehension as a large part of the electoral area which included Roundwood village and a large rural area went to the east electoral and with it a lot of people who voted for me in the past.

My loyal campaign team came to the fore as usual and when votes were cast and the boxes opened it transpired the people of Enniskerry and Kilmac elected me on the first count with pockets of support from Bray.

Kilmac turned out at around 80% and as always stood by me. Its always a privilege to get elected. The result around the county was a clear swing towards independents.

It was Cllr Joe Behan who first suggested I should consider running for chairman of WCC and I got further encouragement from Cllr Daire Nolan and Cllr Jim Ruttle.

Jim and myself have always had a close working relationship and I threw my hat in the ring.

In June, I was elected Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Councila position my late father held in 1991 and something I consider a huge honour.

It does of course bring huge responsibility and even chairing the council meetings can be a challenge given the strict formalities of a meeting and keeping the elected members within the standing orders set down to ensure we maximise the time available to us.

One of my first tasks was to establish all the new policy committees including Economic development, Roads/Environment, Housing, Planning and Community and Social Development.

There was also a host of smaller committees ranging from Education to tourism to policing and we now have these committees all up and running.

There was 14 new members elected which was something I had to be mindful of and I have to ensure they get all the help needed to enable them to find their feet something that will take a little time.

Its safe to say the single biggest issue facing the new council is the housing crisis and the housing chairman Cllr John Snell and myself have met our TDs to try get our fair share of money allocated for social house construction.

I welcomed President Higgins to Wicklow in September to open a homeless centre and I’m a strong advocate of rule changes to the rental market as our housing list lengthens.

Economic development is another key area which is something I wish to push forward and measures that ensure that Wicklow truly is open for business.

My official functions have kept me busy and included launching heritage week, declaring Wicklow an age-friendly county, opening a new extension to the Shoreline leisure centre in Bray, to being part of the WW1 memorial unveiling by the Woodenbridge committee to name but a few.

All of these have been most rewarding but certainly the most enjoyable part of the job is going around the county meeting all the groups/organisations and volunteers from the tidy towns committees to the UN veterans, to the children singing in the Blue Bottle production, to the civil defence awards and that’s the tip of the iceberg of all the wonderful things happening in our county.

Now that December has arrived, we have passed our budget for 2015 which included a 15% reduction in the property tax and I believe it was a prudent one which brought our deficit under control yet putting an additional €1m expenditure into the county.

All of this completed a busy schedule of meetings which covered topics including Waste Management, Libraries, Irish Water, Recycling, Fire Service and may more.

It would be remiss of me not to give special mention to the council staff who have given me huge support in my role and sometimes they are an easy target for criticism but in my 11 years on the council I just could not have carried out my functions without their hard work and dedication.

Away from politics I continued to play football and hurling (time to get sense!) as well as coaching the U10 football and hurling teams.

I’m also heavily involved in farm politics - I am on the Glanbia advisory board in Wexford and the ICMSA national council in Limerick, so I am looking forward to some downtime over Christmas to spend time with the family and catch up on some farm work and ready myself for the new year.

Christopher Fox is a dairy farmer from Kilmacanogue and has been an elected member of WCC for 11 years and is the current Cathaoirleach.

“T

I must admit that the man who told it to me is prone to exaggeration.

But so, I suspect, were Matthew and Luke who gave us the original with its manger and donkey, shepherds and wise men, evil king and kindly inn-keeper

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 Christopher Fox with Michael Wolsey

Even angels can’t fly without wings his is a Nativity story, for the season that’s in it. It is not my story and I must admit that the man who told it to me is prone to exaggeration.

But so, I suspect, were Matthew and Luke who gave us the original with its manger and donkey, shepherds and wise men, evil king and kindly inn-keeper. No doubt there’s a core of truth to all their tales.

Since I would like my friend to remain my friend, I will change a few names.

Let us call him Jack; so his wife must be Jill. In the interests of symmetry I will name their daughter Hill – you know, as in Bill and Hill. Her school I will call Downhill College, because my friend insists it has been all downhill there since the events in question.

It is a very good school and Jack and Jill had to pull a lot of strings to get their daughter on its books. They also have to behave as good Downhill parents do by helping with fund-raisers, turning up for school events and so on. Which explains why Jack was now seated two in from the right, three rows from the front, at the junior Nativity play, the nearest he has come to a religious experience in many a long year.

He was a bit surprised to find both Mary and Joseph dressed in jeans and t-shirts and to discover they were heading for Bethlehem in a car with engine problems. He was more surprised still to learn that the cause of their journey was broadband failure which had prevented them from paying their taxes online and forced them to the Revenue office instead.

Even with his limited recollection of the story, Jack sensed this was not entirely orthodox. He checked in a whisper with Jill but got no answer. She was in a bad mood because of the disgraceful treatment that had been meted out to their daughter.

Hill had been in the running for the role of Mary but had got into a vicious argument with the other main contender.

Their teacher, let’s call her Miss Herod, had demoted them both to the ranks of the angels. Not the Angel of the Lord but the junior angels, the Nativity equivalent of the chorus line.

Hill had been distraught and her despair was not eased by the news that the other girl’s parents had bought their daughter an iPad in a pink case as consolation for missing out on the leading role, an act of generosity Jack and Jill had neither the cash nor the desire to replicate.

The season of goodwill was off to a

very poor start. But Hill had brightened up considerably on learning that the angels were the only members of the cast not confined to jeans and t-shirts. They were allowed wings, and Jill, seizing the opportunity to snatch triumph from disaster –-and get one up on Little Miss iPad -- had made Hill a magnificent pair from silk cloth and gold foil.

She had sewed on ornamentation and added sequins at the wing tips. If the Archangel Gabriel had been hovering over Ireland he would have swooped down and claimed them without delay.

They would have been much admired in Paradise.

But the play’s the thing, so back to it.

Mary and Joseph had reached Bethlehem to find there was no room at the inn –- the Premier Inn, that is. Joseph had no luck either with Travelodge or any of the other budget hotels he had checked on his smart phone app.

The couple looked set for a night in a cheap B&B but Jack never found out what happened there because a fight broke out backstage between the two would-be leading ladies.

The other angels joined in and the row spilled onto the stage.

A horrified Miss Herod rushed to break it up but succeeded only in breaking off one of Hill’s beautiful silk and golden wings.

The child burst into tears, jumped down from the stage and ran towards her parents. Jill, sharing the anguish, made to embrace her daughter but the hug missed its target and she broke off the other wing.

Hill, both wings clipped, stood aghast and issued an oath as inappropriate to an eight-year-old as it was to an Angel out of Heaven..

“Hush!’’ said Jill. “Shush!’’ said Miss Herod. “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!’’ said Jack. “Well at least we know where she gets it from,’’ hissed Jill, as they beat a hasty retreat from the hall.

“The flight into Egypt,’’ I said, and, for the first time in all the telling of this wondrous winter’s tale, Jack looked truly puzzled.

“What’s Egypt got to do with it?’’ he asked. “Things are complicated enough without bringing Egypt into it.’’

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

OPINION| 11

December 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

anyotherbusiness

Have you got a story?

Then email thecaptain@wicklowvoice.ie

focus on faces David Butler, author How’s life?

2014 has been some year! ‘Twas the Night Before Xmas, which won the 2013 SCDA Award, will be premiered as part of the Bray One Act Festival. Taylor Keith won the lucrative Fish Short Story Award, while a Bray poem Raithín an Chloig claimed the Phibsboro Phizfest Prize. And I’m going out with a fellow writer, the lovely Tanya Farrelly. Happy times!

You have just released your latest novel, City of Dis. Tell us a bit about it.

Both City of Dis and The Judas Kiss (New Island, 2012) have had long and intricate gestations. Much like The Judas Kiss, City of Dis is a Dublin noir; a tale of descent into the city’s underworld, narrated with wry humour. The hero is Will Regan, a hapless ‘innocent’ who is given a first taste of freedom at 35 upon the death of his mother. The novel traces his progress through a city caught in the grip of corruption as he negotiates a series of doomed relationships…

What was it that initially inspired you to write?

I’ve always felt compelled rather than inspired to write.

The word ‘vocation’, if it means anything at all, means the nagging guilt one is prone to even when all else is going great guns. From 2005 to 2010, I lectured literature, which I loved doing, but it could do little to assuage that guilt. And I’m a compulsive bibliophile. That helps!

Wicklow County Chairman Christopher Fox and Chief Executive Eddie Sheehy with Jimmy O’Shaughnessy, Nicky Kelly, George Jones, Mick Glynn and John Byrne at a presentation to former councillors at Council Buildings in Wicklow Town recently

Numbers can be greater than the sum of their parts

I

t shouldn’t be hard to put a number on things these days. Yet I didn’t know who to believe recently when there were wildly differing reports as to how many people had attended the marches against the water charges on December 10.

Somewhere north of 10,000 and south of 100,000 was too much of a margin of error for my scientific mind to accept.

Normally a 10% error is all that is tolerated. The best information suggests that the actual number was closer to the higher end of the range mentioned above.

Perhaps there is something else going on here. It was suggested by various people that some media were, at the behest of the establishment, deliberately underestimating the numbers that marched in order to give the protesters less coverage and importance.

It would be sad to think that this kind of thing happens in our country, it’s all a bit too Truman

Brian Quigley Show, too Monty Python. But I wouldn’t entirely disbelieve it possible.

In a week where it came out that Gardai can quash their own penalty points obtained while driving to work under special ‘discetionary powers’, I was in the mood to believe anything possible.

A similar debate is doing the rounds about the numbers who have actually signed up with Irish Water. Are people who have simply returned the forms unfilled being counted as having signed up? Surely a bit of sharp practice and false accounting if so!

Or have you tried to book an NCT for your car recently? It’s impossible. Yet the government insist there is no problem and that the absence of slots on the NCT website isn’t a true reflection of the picture in practice. It doesn’t add up.

If there are more slots, why aren’t they on the website?! It’s 2014, surely the ability to keep an accurate website is taken as a given these days?

What next? If I was to put on my conspiracy theorist hat, perhaps half of all roadworks are not real.

They are just set up to cause traffic disruption and stress to motorists so that people are so relieved to eventually get by the blockage that they have no energy left to question any moreimportant issues that are going down. There’s a secret department that plans these every day.

And the weather forecasts?

They are spun so that the worst possible picture is given to people.

Get them worried and stressed so that, as above, they lose fo-

cus on the real issues?!

It’s easy to get cynical when you don’t know what to believe.

When Enda took a turn for a few ours one night recently visiting the homeless on Dublin’s streets, my initial thoughts were ‘Good man, Enda’.

I said as much to friends who just pointed out that if he really cared he’d of made a rota for all his TD’s to do similar shifts in the run-up to Christmas, so that all their eyes would be opened.

Now I’m thinking perhaps it was just a publicity stunt because the issue was hot news.

Politicians are human like everyone else. But it is disheartening to hear all the time that they are ‘looking into’ any issues that come up.

A catch-all phrase that gives the impression of action that may or may not be followed-up on in reality.

If I was in a position to give them all a present for Christmas I’d buy 166 magnifying glasses and send them in to Leinster House to aid the ‘looking into’ initiative.

You write novels, short stories and poetry. Which one is your first love?

Drama, too! Another one act, ‘Blue Love’, is to be premiered in the Cork Arts Theatre in February. I’ve been heavily involved with Bray’s wonderful Square One Group. Poetry I love for its precision, its economy, its invention and its ability to surprise. But for me, fiction is supreme in its ability to explore the subtleties, contradictions, whims, flights, and ‘figaries’ of the human mind.

You have done a lot of travelling in your life. Do you think that it is important for a writer to expand their horizons?

Writing in the absence of life experience would be like painting with one’s eyes shut. But expanding one’s horizons need not entail travel. Reading is a great way to do it.

Talking, or more importantly, listening! Learning a new language can be like seeing the world in 3D for the first time.

Do you have any advice for all the aspiring writers out there?

Yes! Read. Read widely. Read deeply. Read more than once.

Read your own work. Then put it away. Next time you read it, be your own harshest critic. Then repeat the above.

What books really stood out for you in 2014?

Eimear McBride’s A Girl is a Half-formed Thing, for the complexity of the brother-sister relationship it explores. Hans Fallada’s Iron Gustav, a solid, old-fashioned saga with vivid characters.

What are your plans for the new year?

Two novels are threatening, a short story collection is beginning to accrete, and I’m knocking a second body of poems into shape. So plenty of irons in the fire there, for when the flashing cursor strikes! Also, a few bits of drama are echoing through my insomnia. But my New Year’s resolution for 2015 has to be, get an energetic agent. Any offers?

Since returning to Ireland after ten years wandering, David Butler has worked as Education Officer at the James Joyce Centre, and has lectured in Spanish Literature at TCD, Essex University, Carlow College and UCD. He lives in Bray.

12 | NEWS

wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

The ex-Garda who spent 13 years searching

Alan Bailey spent 13 years as National Coordinator for the specialist Garda taskforce Operation Trace which was created following the disappearances of six Irish women.

These women, aged between 18 and 38, went missing between 1993 and 1998. Subsequently, the search was expanded to include two more women (see graphic).

To date none of these women have been located and there have been no convictions made.

Operation Trace was set up in the hope of finding some connection between the six cases, something they were unable to do.

After some years the taskforce were able to establish that there was no serial killer involved as some had suspected.

“In the end we could name viable, independent suspects in five of the cases,” said Bailey.

Convicted rapist Larry Murphy has been reported to be a person of interest in more than one case.

When the Wicklow Voice asked Bailey about this, he said, “It is dangerous to name him as a ‘suspect’.

“If we say that Larry Murphy did this or that then people tend to exclude other possibilities.

“We cannot afford to take a narrowminded view like that. We have to think that maybe he is a person of interest in an investigation but that’s not to say that he is the guilty person.”

When discussing recent speculation that Murphy may return to the country, Bailey recalled that Operation Trace found “palpable fear in communities” when Murphy was released from Arbour Hill prison in 2010.

Bailey noted that the notoriety of the crime he was convicted of has singled him out as a person to fear.

Although there have been no convictions at this time, Bailey – now retired and working at a centre for homeless people in Dublin – has not lost hope that the cases can be solved.

“The problem is that we don’t have the normal crime scene that we can depend on and we have alibi evidence for these suspects.” Bailey explained that the fates of the missing women are “undoubtedly, known to persons other than the culprits but who, through either their evidence or their silence, to this day continue to hamper the investigations.”

But Bailey believes that those who do often do so out of either fear or love and knows that these are emotions that can change over time.

“The influence exerted on another either through fear or love can wane over the years.

“What seemed so right years earlier can, in the cool light of day not stand up to scrutiny,” explained Bailey.

In recent weeks, new information has surfaced in relation to two missing women – teenager Ciara Breen (17) who disappeared in February 1997 and Offaly woman Fiona Pender (25) who went missing in August 1996.

Fiona was seven months pregnant when she disappeared.

Fresh intelligence in Fiona’s case has led to a new forensic search in a wooded area in Co Laois which commenced on December 5.

Bailey has said that this new intelligence stems from an alibi which has changed over the course of time as the person is now stating that they were told by the suspect where the body had been buried.

Meanwhile, Gardai made an appeal on Crimecall this week asking the author of an anonymous letter sent they received about Ciara Breen. to come forward Two people have come forward with information about the missing teen in recent weeks as well as the anonymous letter.

Former Detective Sergeant Bailey dedicated a chapter to each disappeared woman’s story in his book, Missing, Presumed.

Each chapter details the timeline of events leading to that woman’s disappearance, beginning on the day she went missing through to the ensuing investigation.

‘It appears he intends coming back .

Continued from page 1

If SOMIU agrees to assist Murphy (pictured right), he will have to keep them informed at all times of his whereabouts.

Since his release, Murphy has lived in Amsterdam, Barcelona and London.

Murphy was released from Arbour Hill prison in 2010 after serving 10 years of a 15-year jail sentence for the brutal sex attack of a woman in the Wicklow mountains.

He repeatedly raped the young victim, badly beat her, then tried to smother her with a plastic bag.

Murphy had stalked the 28-year-

old for a month and was only put off killing her when he was scared away by two hunters, who recognised him and later identified him to Gardai.

During questioning about the woman’s injuries, it was reported that Murphy commented: “Well, she’s alive isn’t she?”, calmly stated that “she was lucky”, and showed no sign of remorse or guilt.

Since his release from prison, Murphy has spent time in Barcelona, Amsterdam, northern France and London.

He had been picking up transient work as a carpenter while drinking in local pubs.

However, despite the fact he has not been living in Ireland since shortly after getting out of prison, there has still been mass hysteria concerning his whereabouts.

Social networking sites are still jammed with sightings of him in particular towns or localities, a Larry Murphy tracker site is still running on Facebook and Gardai constantly receive calls from terrified residents demanding to know if he is living in their communities.

The Wicklow native has been at the centre of the Operation Trace investigation probing the disappearance of a number of women in the Leinster area in

the 1990s. Murphy talk to Gardai abou women, but is a su disappearance of s although the disapp other women have added to Ireland’s ‘Vanishing Triangl They are Eva Bre disappeared in 199 Imelda Keenan wh on January 3, 1994 Waterford.

And while gardai suspects for three o women, Murphy re chief suspect in the of Annie McCarric Dollard (21) and D

NEWS | 13

December 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

Wicklow lakes may hold the answer to disappearance

... he would be a person of interest’

y refuses to ut the missing uspect in the six women, pearance two e since been so-called le’. ennan (40) who 93 in Dublin, and ho disappeared 4 in

i also have other of the original emains the e disappearance ck (26), Jo Jo Deirdre Jacob

(19). The other three missing women are Ciara Breen (18) who went missing in 1998 from the Dundalk area; Fiona Pender (25), went missing from her flat at Church Street in Tullamore in August 1996; and Fiona Sinnott, who was last seen leaving a pub in Broadway, County Wexford. In 1998.

Murphy’s latest planned move is likely to increase the concerns of the Irish public.

He is believed to have been living in the UK for the last two years.

In June, one woman told how she fell for Larry Murphy without knowing about his sinister past.

She said she met the ‘Beast of Baltinglass’ in a London pub, a chance encounter that sparked a four-month relationship.

The middle-class artist said: “I was so shocked when I found out.

“He was so tender and gentle to me.

“I couldn’t believe he was what they said he was. I had loved him and felt like a victim.”

The woman continued to see Murphy two months after she found out about his past.

After Murphy was quizzed by a newspaper about his sickening past, and his links to missing women, he said: “No, I didn’t kill anyone.”

Wicklow’s lakes might hold the key to the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Deirdre Jacob in 1998.

Searches took place in 2012 and 2013 around the Wicklow countryside and in an isolated lake in an effort to locate the missing teen’s body.

The searches were prompted when a convicted murderer informed Gardaí that Murphy had confessed to killing the then 18-year-old.

Murphy is alleged to have confessed in to his fellow inmate during a drinking session in Arbour Hill prison.

The prisoner, who is serving a life sentence for murder, claimed that Murphy admitted to killing Deirdre before dumping her body in a lake.

The confession is said to have taken place in 2010 shortly before Murphy finished serving 10 of his 15-year sentence for the rape and attempted murder of a businesswoman in 2000.

According to the inmate, Murphy spoke of how he had scattered toys on the backseat of his car in order to make his victim feel more comfortable talking to him.

The prisoner also claimed that Murphy knocked Deirdre out and dragged her into the vehicle after he had asked her for directions.

He then purportedly drove up into the Wicklow mountains and when she put up a struggle, he reached for a hammer and killed her before dumping her body in a lake.

The claims made by Murphy’s fellow inmate were taken extremely seriously by investigating Gardaí.

Search teams, garda divers and detectives from the Garda Cold Case Unit scoured areas, including a lake, in the west of the county over the course of several weeks in 2012 and 2013.

Murphy has been a person of interest in the disappearance of Deirdre for some time.

Deirdre was last seen on the afternoon of July 28, 1998 as she walked towards her home in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

She had walked into the town from her home in Roseberry and gone to the post office, the bank and to visit her grandmother before heading home again.

Murphy, a professional carpenter, had been doing work from Deirdre’s grandmother in her sweetshop.

Deirdre visited the shop, where Murphy was working, just hours before she went missing. Murphy was also very familiar with the area when Deirdre lived and disappeared.

He had worked in the stables just a half a mile from Deirdre’s home. He had also visited Newbridge in the weeks before her disappearance planning to do some work on a local pub. He returned to the village two months after her disappear-

ance to carry out this work.

Earlier this year, on the 16th anniversary of Deirdre’s disappearance, her father renewed the family’s appeal for information.

“We are always hopeful that anyone who might have any information, even after all these years, might let Gardaí know about it so we can find Deirdre,” said Michael Jacob.

“Nobody need fear getting into trouble if they held onto information or didn’t pass it on earlier. Information can also be passed on anonymously.”

When asked whether he believes his daughter is alive or not, he replied, “You always have hope.”

Deirdre is not the only woman whose disappearance that has been linked to Murphy.

Josephine Dullard, known as Jo Jo, has been missing since 11.30pm on November 9, 1995.

Jo Jo, who was 21 when she disappeared, had phoned her friend from a phonebox in Moone, Co Kildare and told her that she was hitching a lift to her home in Callan, Co Kilkenny. This was the last anybody heard from her and when she did not reach her home, her parents reported Jo Jo as missing.

Gardaí received reports from the first two drivers who gave Jo Jo a lift that night - one from Naas to Kilcullen and the next from Kilcullen to Moone.

Whn Murphy kidnapped the young businesswoman in 2000, he drove her to a field near the spot where Jo Jo was last seen.

Jo Jo’s older sister, Mary Phelan, is reported to have said that she does not believe he was involved in her sister’s disappearance.

However, she was quoted as saying his early release was a “disgrace” adding that “he should never have seen the daylight again”.

Murphy has also been linked with missing American student Annie McCarrick who has not been seen since she left Johnnie Fox’s pub in Glencullen, Co Dublin in March 1993. Although, it has been revealed this week that a member of the Provisional IRA whom she reportedly met at the pub is a person of interest in the ongoing case.

Retired dectective sergeant Alan Bailey (see full story on p12) said that this information is from a “very reliable source” and was something that “needs to be checked out”.

Murphy insists that he knows nothing about the disappearance of any of these women.

If you have any information that may assist in locating any missing persons, contact your local Garda station or the National Missing Persons Helpline on 1890 442 552.

1 2 3 4 5

topten

14 | WHAT’S HOT

with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie

wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

food idea of the week Holland’s of Bray Main street, Bray, 01 2862448, open seven days Holland’s is the ideal venue to enjoy a mix of traditional atmosphere with friendly, Homely service and right up to the minute products. Food is served seven days a week, including weekend brunch. If you haven’t had a meal in Holland’s before, you’re in for treat. All their ingredients are natural & organic and locally sourced. That means no artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners, preservatives or heart-clogging trans fats. Head Chef, Simon Boland, cares about every process involved before it gets to your plate.

The charm and style of this local bar is what makes it such a popular spot. Local customers always extend a warm welcome to visitors, helping to create a unique experience for anyone stopping in.

fundraiser of the week Burke Oil Streets of Wicklow fun run East Glendalough School, Station Road, Wicklow, December 26, 11am This year will mark the 10th Annual Streets of Wicklow 5k Road Race and Charity Fun Run/Walk. The race will take place around Wicklow Town on St. Stephen’s Day. You can run, walk or crawl the 5k which is organised by Inbhear Dee Athletic Club and is sponsored by Burke Oil. This year’s race will include a €1, 500 prize fund for winners in several age categories. There will also be chip timing and the first 500 entered online will receive a free technical tshirt. There will be a one mile children’s fun run held at 11am. The race is suited to all levels of ability so come along and enjoy the fun. You can start working off that big Christmas dinner while raising funds for your favourite charity, sports club or community project. Registration for adults is €15 online/€20 on the day, while under 20’s for the fun run will be €8 online/€10 on the day. Online entries can be submitted at www.inbheardee.com and those looking for sponsorship cards can contact Yvonne on 1850 711 117.

book of the week Missing, presumed

By Alan Bailey

Between 1993 and 1998, six Irish women, ranging in age from eighteen to twenty eight, disappeared. These six unsolved cases resulted in the creation of the specialist Garda task force ‘Operation Trace’, set up in the hope of finding a connection between the missing women. Alan Bailey served as the National Coordinator for the task force for thirteen years, and the revealing stories in Missing, Presumed all come from his personal experiences in this role. Missing, Presumed details the Garda investigations into the case studies of fifteen women who disappeared over an incredulous time span of twenty years. In almost half of the cases, the women’s badly mutilated bodies were recovered, buried in shallow graves. Each chapter focuses on one woman’s story, detailing the timeline of events that led to her disappearance, beginning on the day of her disappearance through to the ensuing investigation, and up to –when lucky – a conviction. These stories are haunting, terrifying, and true.

TV SHOW of the week Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special

RTE 1, Christmas Day, 10pm

It’s the usual chaos for Agnes as Christmas descends on the Brown household. The arrival of a large box for Cathy has Agnes intrigued. and she’s even more intrigued when she realises that she’s the only family member who doesn’t know what’s inside it! Agnes reacts badly when Rory announces that husband Dino is buying him plastic surgery for

Christmas Treat of the week The Beach House The Harbour, Greystones, 01 2874623, open every day, 11am-late This December, The Beach House have everything you could want for some festive fun. Try their exciting new dinner menu and enjoy some time out from all the chaos. Catch up with old friends over a meal or a drink or sit back and enjoy the live entertainment. In Dann’s bar there are trad sessions every Tuesday from 9.30pm while Gerry Doyle is on hand every Thurday from 10pm. The Baskervilles will be performing in the bar on December 19. If the Lounge is more your scene you can enjoy performances from Telephone Bill (December 20), Take It Easy (December 27) and The Wild Colonials will be helping you to ring in the New Year on December 31. Event and party bookings are available. Don’t let the Christmas season pass you by, take some time to enjoy it with friends and family at The Beach House. You deserve it.

Christmas. And things go from bad to worse when Agnes gets the wrong end of the stick about exactly what sort of nips and tucks Rory will be having. Winnie receives some bad news when Jacko’s brother Willie passes away, prompting her to make a life-changing decision. Could Winnie’s announcement spell the end of her and Agnes’s lifelong friendship?

Meanwhile, Buster Brady has delivered Agnes a magical new Christmas Tree which is sure to restore Agnes’s festive spirit. If only it would co-operate.

6 7 8 9 10

WHAT’S HOT| 15

December 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

MOVIE of the week Dumb and Dumber To Gaiety Cinema, Arklow After 20 years, the long awaited sequel to the classic comedy Dumb and Dumber has arrived. You may be surprised to learn that Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) haven’t spoken since we last saw them. But don’t panic, they haven’t fallen out. It’s just that Lloyd has been playing an absurd prank with a very drawn-out idiotic punchline. Now that the dimwit duo are back together,they are embarking on a very important quest. It turns out that Harry has a long-lost daughter by Fraida Felcher (Kathleen Turner). It just so happens that Harry needs a new kidney - so that gives him another good reason for tracking her down.

Trouble is that as soon as Lloyd sees a photo of his daughter, he falls in love. Prepare for a fantastic feast of hilarious numbskullery, not to mention the return of the amazing doggy-shaped Mutt Cutts van.

HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan

Aries-7,10,18,26,37,40 The new year brings you a surge in confidence and your contributions are valued.Your love life takes off so hang in there!

Business of the week Dargle Tyre Service Fairgreen Terrace, Green Park Road, Bray, 01 2860483 Dargle Tyre Service is a long established business in the Wicklow area. The staff are fully qualified to look after you no matter what the problem. You can rest assured knowing that all of their work is fully guaranteed and they are fully insured. Dargle Tyres are dedicated to providing a quality, individual service at competitive prices. They are main suppliers of all major tyre brands

including: Dunlop, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Uniroyal, Semperit, Michelin and many more. They specialise in the sale and repair of tyres, the refurbishment of Alloy wheels, wheel balancing, wheel adjustment, battery supply and fitting.

A vehicle collection and delivery service is provided. Dargle Tyres are an approved service for fleet cars eg. lease plans. Do you need your car serviced for NCT or DOE? That service can be provided at Dargle Tyres. They offer a full diagnostic service as well as a free NCT tyre check and a free battery check.

250Kal The Coffee Shop and Halpins Bridge Café, Wicklow town

Libra-2,7,11,18,28,40 New year, new start: an excellent year to branch out an finally fulfill your dreams. Stop thinking small Libra!

GIG of the week Bray Vista The Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, December 27 It’s been a long time coming but acclaimed country music legends Bray Vista are making a much anticipated return to their favourite pub, The Harbour Bar in Bray.

Don’t miss this rare chance to catch up with one of Ireland’s

Now in its seventh year, this campaign aims to bring some Christmas cheer to those who need it most. Wicklow residents 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. Those involved in the campaign have reminded people to consider purchasing a present for an adult. If you can’t make your way to the East Coast studios there are other locations willing to accept the donations, see www.eastcoast.fm for details. Unlike other campaigns, your donation will be kept in Wicklow and distributed locally from the venue where you dropped it off. Donations of money are welcome and can be donated online at www.eastcoast.fm/giveagift. Help to bring a much-needed smile to someone’s face this Christmas and donate a gift before December 21. Pictured are Gareth Farrell and Claire Darmody.

Cancer-1,2,13,23,29,,41 Take time to do something nice for yourself; you deserve a treat.

Business will fly this year and prosperity on its way.

Virgo-4,16,19,29,31,35 This year is about success however you will have to wedge out all of the distractions.

Head out on your own and face challenges without fear.

Treat yourself to something delicious without any of the guilt with the 250Kal range. All products are low-calorie and low-sugar – driven by trend towards reducing these items in our diet. 250KAL products contain only natural alternatives to sugar, no artificial ingredients are ever used. Sugar is fast becoming public-enemy number one in the food ingredients list, as there is too much added sugar in the average diet. The range was created by brother and sister duo, Robert and Denise Hallam. Robert was diagnosed with diabetes in 2007 and following his diagnosis he began to search for treats that he could enjoy without spiking his sugars. He worked with Denise, a keen amateur baker, and they soon realised that any product that looks, tastes and costs the same as the mainstream equivalent but contains less sugar and calories would have universal appeal. Their products are also available in Insomnia coffee shops in Dun Laoghaire, Dundrum, Churchtown, Chatham Row and Stepehen’s Green

East coast fm/St Vincent de paul give a gift appeal Radio Centre, Killarney Road, Bray and various locations

Gemini- 2,8,12,16,18,39 This year brings a new opportunity which focuses on movement and forward thinking and changes regarding your living arrangements.

Leo-9,18,21,28,33,39 Travel is in your cards for the new year and meeting old and new friends. A year for Leo in pursuit of pleasure and knowledge.

Treat of the week

fundraiser of the week

Taurus-5,13,21,25,33,42 2015 opens new doors so don’t hesitate to move forward if you want to turn your life around.

greatest country music acts. Bray Vista’s lively brand of country music is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, a spring in your step or maybe even a tear in your eye. Meanwhile the staff at the Harbour Bar will put a drink in your hand ... the perfect night’s entertainment awaits.

Scorpio-9,12,18,25,28,42 Positivity and confidence are your two words for 2015 Scorpio. Follow your ambitions and your dreams, believe in yourself.

Sagittarius-15,23,24,17,31 The New Year brings you the balance you’ve been looking for in your life. Always the voice of reason; time to let your hair down and have fun.

Capricorn-5,8,15,18,30,38 This year is all about relationships and love. If you’re in a committed relationship, engagement is imminent. If married, a welcome adventure.

Aquarius-9,10,18,24,22,41 The new year brings you waves of new ideas and commit to that plan. Be brave, grab life with both hands and you will not regret it.

Pisces-1,2,9,24,29,37 A huge big change coming your way; no more inner chatterbox time. Live your desires, needs and hopes Horoscopes with Siobhan Moore Whelan - Live Psychic & Medium ring 1580997207.

Over 18’s with bill payers permission - entertainment purposes. Calls cost €2.44 per minute and may vary on other networks.

16 | NEWS news in brief

wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

Here’s to you Mrs Robinson’s celebrates third birthday

Youth cafe A new community centre which will contain meeting rooms, tea stations and toilet facilities is set to open its doors in Kilcoole in January. It will have a youth café to provide a safe environment for young people.

Tender service Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Simon Harris has announced a new Tender Advisory Service will be operational from February 1. The service aims to better communicate with suppliers, particularly SMEs, and exact a more consistent approach to the procurement processes across the public service.

Daga Colhoun, Kiera Dowdell, Vicky James and Ola Farrar

Tax changes Andrew Doyle TD is encouraging the people of Wicklow to use the recently launched Fine Gael tax calculator to see how they benefit from tax cuts introduced in Budget 2015.

“The purpose of the tax calculator is that anyone can log on to the Fine Gael website, enter their details, and see how they benefit from the tax cuts,”said Doyle.

Pictured at Mrs Robinson’s bar’s third birthday bash in Greystones were Penny O’Toole, Caroline O’Grady and Jade Kenny. Pix: Joe Keogh

Mikey Browne and Zoe Kelly How’s life?

Life is great, I’m expecting my first child in January What first got you interested in cooking?

When I was 15 my neighbour asked if I was interested in doing some work as a kitchen porter. Two weeks later I was a commis chef, I was hooked.

I loved the buzz and pace of kitchen life. I then worked on weekends and through the summer holidays while in school. When I finished school I knew catering college was what I wanted to do, at that stage I knew I wanted to own my own restaurant.

Where do you get your inspiration for new dishes?

I try to keep with the seasons where possible and work with local suppliers always keeping in touch and visiting them to see what’s new.

Valerie Erie and John O’Keefe

focus on faces

Brain Walsh, Chef and owner of Pigeon House Cafe

At the restaurant we pickle them in beetroot juice, worlds apart from what I remember in a jar as a child!

How’s everything at the Pigeon House Café?

We’re nearly three months into it now and all is going well.

Like any new business we have encountered difficulties along the way. But the good times outweigh the hard times and I’m very lucky to have a strong passionate team with me that has gelled together like a family.

Do you cook at home much?

How often? And what kind of stuff?

Not very often, my wife loves when I do though! Usually simple stuff that’s quick like fish in a bag with couscous and veg, baked in the oven.

Favourite ingredient?

This time of year it’s beetroots.

Who is your food hero?

My Mum, she is always

cooking for the whole family, her house is the hub for our extended family also.

People are always popping in unannounced and as a result she regularly cooks for ten or more people impromptu, whipping things up from nowhere About you Brian Walsh 32 from Enniskerry, head chef and owner of the Pigeon House Cafe, Delgany, Co Wicklow

December 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

ADVERTISING | 17

18 | LIFESTYLE

wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

my favourite things Regardless of whether you’re the type of Christmas shopper that likes to live on the edge, leaving everything until the last minute, or maybe you’re the super organised type, already way ahead of the chaotic crowds, the chances are you’re probably still looking for some last minute little tokens for the leading lady in your life. Take a gander at my top stockingfiller finds and spark your imagination with a selection of seasonal items and great gift ideas guaranteed to wow on the big day.

BEAUTIFY

It’s hard to resist the appeal of a great gift set and this mini lip collection from Clarins is no exception. The ideal gift for the glamorous girl on the go, this cute and compact collection features four products in neutral colours, is ideal for Christmas nights out and will complement any festive ensemble.

Clarins Lip Collection* €26

*Collection contains – 1 x 1.4g Lipstick #13 1 x 2.5ml Lip gloss #4 2 x 5ml Lip perfector #1, #6

DECORATE

Spoil her with a versatile, elegant and classic accessory this Christmas. Kill two birds with one stone and tap into a major trend at a minor price with this sweet and snuggly faux fur collar from New Look. The ideal add-on gift, this

with Mairead Vickers info@wicklowvoice.ie

chic black trim is the perfect piece to instantly transform and complete a seasonal outfit.

Faux fur collar New Look €9.99

ADORN

A time-honoured classic Christmas gift option and always a delight to receive; treasure, trinkets and festive finery are a traditional and welcome gift for any lucky lady this season! This year pick up something a little bit different and pop one (or more!) of these Lucky Number chain bracelets in her stocking for that extra special personal touch.

18K Gold plated chain bracelet Chupi €119 each Selected stockists

WHAT’s HOT

TREAT

A standard item on most ladies’ Christmas wish lists; choose to indulge her soft side with a little piece of lounge wear luxury this year. These pure cashmere

bed socks make for a fantastic gift and are guaranteed to go down a treat on Christmas morning.

Ladies cashmere socks Lucy Nagle €45 available at Brown Thomas

SURPRISE

Impress her with your creative and thoughtful side by giving the gift of perfect personal style, now and forever!

Covering a wide range of styling services at extremely reasonable rates, including customised style advice and personal shopping services at home or on the go, Mairéad Vickers Styling offers a unique gift experience and a one-stop shop for her complete wardrobe needs.

Further info at www.maireadvickers.com

The robin at Christmas Wildlife

with Justin Ivory

(info@wicklowvoice.ie) If asked to list three symbols from nature associated with Christmas the ones that spring immediately to mind are Holly, Mistletoe and of course the Robin.

It would be hard to imagine Christmas without the Robin.

Images of our favourite, cheeky little bird are everywhere this time of year - cards, cake decorations, tree decorations, ornaments, wrapping paper – the list goes on. How did the Robin come to be associated so much with Christmas?

Well, the answer, believe it or not, is to do with postmen delivering Christmas cards.

The sending of Christmas cards really started in Victorian times in the mid-18th century, 1843 to be precise, and was the brainchild of a civil servant called Sir Henry Cole.

The postmen who delivered the cards wore bright red coats and became known as “robins” or “redbreasts”.

As Christmas cards became more popular, Nativity scenes gave way to snow scenes with Robins on them. The snow scenes, initially, were

a reminder of the very bad winter of 1836 and the robins represented the postmen who deliver the cards.

In our household we have always held that the Robins help collect the letters for Santa and deliver messages back to the children from Santa – so maybe the story should be the other way around Victorian postmen wore red to represent the Robin – the original postman!

We must not forget the association between the Robin

and Jesus at this time of year.

The Robin went to comfort Jesus on the cross by singing gently in his ear.

He cut himself on a thorn on Jesus’ head and his breast got stained red. As a reminder of that good deed all Robins since have had a red breast.

On that note I would like to wish all the readers of this column a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (and don’t forget to feed the Robins – and the other birds!)

LIFESTYLE| 19

December 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

Fisher’s favourites Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy and the five businesses on site are all set to help you find gifts for even the most difficult person on your list this Christmas.

From snuggly knitwear, accessories and gadgets at Fishers to down filled socks and silk gloves at Beds of a Feather,

Sterling Silver Feather Pendant €75 Sterling Silver Tree of Life Pendant €145.

All handmade

by Charlie Harrison award winning jewellery designer based here in Co Wicklow

with Becci Birchill from Fisher’s of Newtownmountkennedy paintings, jewellery and crafts at The Creation Room and Decadent Desserts at Food Cafe.

They are open seven days so pop in any time that suits for hassle free shopping, free parking and free gift wrapping and the most gorgeous luxury hot chocolate in Food Cafe!

Painting of Sandycove by Gina McKenna Burns €80

Led Lender Keyring torch from €12.50

Gionni Navy Handbag €65

Seasalt Floral Feet Socks gift pack €29

Derek Lyons Hook Head Painting from €35

Seasalt Hebredies Hat €29 and Scarf €49

Emu suede gloves €99

Sterling Silver Daisy Ring €95

recipes

CRAB BISQUE

wine choice Saint Victorie, Syrah Grenache €12.99 per bottle (on offer), La Touche Wines Greystones

Peter Byrne

Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel Ingredients

• Seasoning

• 1kg crushed crab shells • 500g mirepoix (chopped carrot, onion and celery) • Thyme • 1 bay leaf • Basil stalks • 100g mushroom trimmings • 4 tomatoes chopped • 2 dsp tomato puree • 20mls brandy • 250ml white wine • 2 grams fennel seed • 2 grams Star anise • 2 grams coriander seed • 2 grams crushed black pepper • Chicken stock and water to cover

method

Roast off the crab shells, add the mirepoix and continue to roast. Add the tomato puree and cook out, deglaze the pan with the brandy.

Add the herbs, spices, white wine, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Cover with the chicken stock and the water, bring to the boil, skim well and cook out for 1 hr.

Blitz using stick blender and pass through a fine chinois.

Finish with some cream and sprinkle with chopped spring onion and coriander.

Soft and supple with spicy fruit of blueberry and blackcurrant.

Smooth and juicy with just the right balance of tannin to make it generous and lasting on the palate.

Keep your hands warm and dry with these wonderful Silk Glove Liners for that little bit extra.

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Victorinox Penknives from €22

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20 | SERVICES

wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

Niall and Sandra Kelly from Greystones enjoy a stroll on Bray seafront

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22 | SPORT

wicklowvoice.ie December 18 2014

Katie’s win is a knockout with Irish sport fans

By Michelle McGlynn

Katie Taylor can add one more achievement to her list for 2014 as her record-equalling fifth world title has been named the greatest Irish sporting moment of the year.

According to a survey conducted by PSG Sponsorship Taylor’s victory over Azerbaijan’s Yana Allekseevana was the country’s sporting moment of 2014 receiving 30% of the vote.

The Bray boxer equalled Indian great Mary Kom’s record of five consecutive world titles last month in Jeju, South Korea.

Taylor’s incredible achievement faced tough competition from the Irish Rugby Team’s Six Nations victory but the lads came in second place with 18%.

The Olympic winner came out on top in several categories in the PSG survey, including the

sport in brief Wicklow Garden County Academy Wicklow GAA’s Garden County Academy has exciting news in the form of a new commercial partnership with MSL Grange Motors to be launched early in the New Year.

The multi-year arrangement will cover sponsorship of monthly and annual Player Skill Test Awards and support of the Wicklow Senior Schools team.

MSL Grange Motors’ support will kick off on December 20 as Wicklow Senior Schools take on Wexford Schools in Ballinakill at 1pm.

Looking ahead to the game, team manager Hugh Kenny said, “The Leinster ‘A’ Schools Championship is the elite competition for schools teams in our province.

“Last year’s performances in our debut season were very encouraging and we will be hoping to build on that again in this year’s competition.

In a new development, MSL Grange Motors MercedesBenz will also sponsor skills

most iconic sporting moment of the year. Brian O’Driscoll’s final game in the Irish jersey came second to the five-time champion’s world title.

Taylor’s victory received 20% of the vote while O’Driscoll’s last international match, which sealed Ireland’s Six Nations title, got 15%. Taylor knocked O’Driscoll into second place once more as she was named the most admired Irish sports star.

She was the only female to feature in the top ten with 34% of those polled voting for the Wicklow boxer. Commenting on being crowned as Ireland’s most admired sports star, Taylor said, “I’m so proud and honoured to even be recognised amongst such great Irish sporting talent like Paul O’Connell, Rory McIlroy, Brian O’Driscoll and Robbie Keane who are all great stars in their own right.

“It is always humbling to be recognised by Irish people and great for all women who play sport.”

Stephanie Roche was the only other individual female to feature in the top of the polls.

Roche’s nomination for FIFA Goal of the Year was voted the fourth greatest Irish sporting achievement in 2014.

The Shankill soccer player made it onto the three-person shortlist along with James Rodriguez and Robin van Persie. Roche is the first female player to be nominated and the winner will be announced on January 12 at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala dinner.

The PSG Sponsorship Sport Sentiment Index 2014 (SSI) is a comprehensive 1, 000 person nationally representative survey with quotas imposed on gender, region, age and social class.

competitions for GCA players throughout 2015.

To be launched in early January, this initiative will feature monthly award winners qualifying for the chance to become winner of overall Skills Player Award at the end of the season.

“This kind of support is vital to the GCA and enables us to continuously develop our underage football squads in the county,” explained Brendan Smyth, Chairman of the GCA. All the squads have finished activities for the 2014 season and the club would like to wish all players and coaches a Merry Christmas.

Juke to work in Mondello Park where he is a Motor Racing Experience and Supercar Experience instructor.

He describes the Juke as “great, sporty and fun”.

Seán recently secured a new deal with Kylemore Karting, to use their Indoor Karting facilities a few times a week.

He believes that karting is a great way to keep fit in the off season and to keep his reactions sharp over the winter.

Seán was one of six nominations for the Dunlop Motorsport Ireland Young Racing Driver Of The Year award this year and was one of the finalists.

He is hoping to make the move to further his career in motorsport, racing in GT’s, and for this he will have to raise sponsorship of up to €100,000.

“It will be a huge opportunity to for me to race in England and get noticed and move up the racing ladder aiming to race in Le Mans 24 hour race and Daytona 24 hour race,” said Seán.

If you know of anyone interested in being a part of Seán’s career you can contact him through his site http:// seandoyleracing.com/contactus.

Seán Doyle Racing Seán Doyle has issued a fresh appeal for sponsorship in order to further his career in motorsport.

This past season Seán was racing in FF1600 in Mondello Park and in Kirkistown in Northern Ireland.

He was run by FF1600 MCP team based in Mullingar and they had a very strong season with many podium finishes.

Seán is a Nissan ‘Generation Next’ ambassador and as part of this he drives a 1.6 Nissan

Want to give your club a voice? email your notes to info@wicklowvoice.ie

sport| 23

December 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

insideback

with Brian Quigley

Fionnuala leads Ireland to bronze Kilcoole AC’s Fionnuala Britton added another achievement to her long and distinguished list when she led Ireland’s Senior Women to an unexpected and highly creditable team bronze in the European Cross Country Championships in Somokov, Bulgaria, on Sunday, December 14.

Fionnuala finished in sixth place individually, just run out of the medals by the British pair of Gemma Steel and Kate Avery, Meraf Bahta of Sweden, Belgian Almenesch Belete and defending champion Sophie Duarte of France.

Fionnuala was in fourth place at the bell and this would have equalled her placing from Belgrade last year, but Belete and Bahta came out of nowhere to overtake Fionnuala on the last lap.

Fionnuala was hoping for an individual medal, and had been touted as one of the race favourites over the tough undulating

course in the mountain resort of Borovets, but disappointment very quickly turned to jubilation for Fionnuala when she realsised that her high individual place, coupled with her team-mates bunching strongly in the pack, had shaded a bronze team medal for the Irish senior women, behind the British and Spanish.

The other members of the medal-winning Irish senior women’s team were Sarah Treacy, Michelle Finn, Ann Marie McGlynn, Siobhan O’Doherty and Laura Crowe.

Fionnuala had further cause to cheer as she was claiming Ireland cap number 31 and is now joint-third on the all-time list of women’s senior international appearances for her country (with Anne Keenan Buckley), just one behind Derval O’Rourke and three behind the legendary Sonia O’Sullivan.

Competition at the European

Cross Country Championships is fierce, to put it mildly.

In the 21 versions of the event that have been run since 1994, Ireland have now won five individual and seven team medals, which is very respectable.

Fionnuala is one of only two Irish senior athletes (with Catherina McKiernan) to have won individual medals at the event, when she claimed gold in 2011 and 2012.

It was great to be able to watch Fionnuala live on television on Sunday last, and coming not long after Katie Taylor’s latest triumph really puts Wicklow on the sporting map across a range of sports.

Fionnuala was rounding off a highly-successful year which saw her debut in the marathon, and at still only 30 she surely has Rio 2016 in her sights, by which time she may well have beaten Sonia’s record and become the most-capped Irish woman ever.

Monday Bray The Wilton Hotel, Southern Cross, Bray 7.30pm Call Rob 086 0251100 Tuesday Greystones Greystones Lawn Tennis Club, Mill Road (Beside Aldi) 9.30am; 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Lesley 086 2337984 Wednesday Bray The Wilton Hotel Southern Cross, Bray 9.30am; 3.30; 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Gráinne 086 4661566 Thursday Bray, Marino School, Church Road, Bray 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Lesley 086 2337984

Adam (9), Susan and Harry Tighe (5) out and about in Mount Usher

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