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wicklowvoice.ie December 31 2014
wicklowvoice
20,000 NEWSPAPERS! 5,000 web visitors! 3,000 app downloads! online, offline - we’ve got you covered !
inside: FREE
December 31, 2014, t: 01 901 5556/7, e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
.ie
20,000 copies
Home for Christmas after 23 years away
Lucky Leo flies in with daughter after winning flights
By Michelle McGlynn
Christmas came early for Wicklow-native Leo McDonnell when he was chosen from thousands of entrants to win a return trip home from Auckland, New Zealand for Christmas. Leo was a most deserving winner of the competition by RTÉ’s Today show and Emirates airline as he has not spent a Christmas with his family for 23 years. His 12-year-old daughter, Sinead, who joined him on the trip has never been to Ireland and has never met her grandparents, Stephen and Emily from the Boghall Road in Bray, cousins or uncles. The timing of the trip could not be better for Leo as his father, Stephen, was recently diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. At a tough time, Leo’s return no doubt brought a little extra magic to their Christmas. Leo’s dad had just undergone
From left, Julian, Leo and his daughter Sinead (12), and Sid McDonnell at Dublin Airport. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside his first round of chemotherapy in the days before the trip was announced. When he entered the competition after older brother Sid sent a link to him on Facebook, Leo never dreamed he would actually win.
“I just thought it was a long shot because there would be thousands of people entering from all over the world but I just went on to the competition page and started typing,” Leo told the Wicklow Voice. “I told
them how long it had been since I last spent a Christmas with my family, about Sinead never having met the family and about my dad’s diagnosis.” Continued on next page
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4 | NEWS news in brief Oddsocks play The Harbour Bar Oddsocks are a Dublin based Sligo four-piece who aspire to remember the importance of the elements that make for great music: melody, harmony and groove. They have developed their sound over the past four years to create a music style that is rich in vocal harmonies which they describe as Rhythm and Groove. These boys are as dedicated to the craft of songwriting as they are to playing a dynamite live show. See them live on January 10 at The Harbour Bar.
Lego club to begin in January
A group for children aged from five to 12 years where they can use their imagination, make friends and build collaboratively as they play will begin on January 13. Sessions take place in Presbyterian Church Hall, Trafalgar Road, Greystones are facilitated by a speech and language therapist and cost €10 per session. To reserve a place contact legobuildingclub@gmail.com or 086 2337950.
wicklowvoice.ie December 31 2014
Alex the hero raises €10,000
Annette Kinne with son Alex Kinne Coyle and husband Declan Coyle (far right in picture), all from Bray presenting cheque to Jonathan Irwin CEO of Jack & Jill Foundation By Michelle McGlynn Medical card warrior Alex Kinne Coyle and his family have made special donations totalling €10,000 to St Catherine’s School and Jack and Jill Foundation. Alex (10) was born with a rare genetic disorder, Mowat Wilson syndrome, and requires constant care. Alex and his parents have donated €5, 000 each to Jack and Jill who supported Alex and his current school St Catherine’s in Newcastle.
The money is from the sales of the book, The Green Platform, which was written by Alex’s father, Declan Coyle. The book has a chapter called Alex the Greatest where Declan describes his son as “unconditional love”. Mowat Wilson syndrome means that Alex does not speak, is tube fed, suffers seizures, can only take a few steps and is doubly incontinent. Alex featured prominently in the media during the medical card battle earlier in the year when his
family shared their story following the removal of Alex’s discretionary medical card. Jonathan Irwin, CEO of Jack and Jill Foundation, said “Alex and his family were true warriors in the medical card battle this year. “It was only through their courage in sharing their story, and others like them, that we were able to convince the Government and the HSE that they’d made a big mistake in removing discretionary medical cards from children like Alex.”
Home for Christmas
Continued from previous page
JANUARY LIVE LOUNGE Thur 1: Fri 2: Sat 3: Sun 4:
Toasted Special Covers Ben Prevo Blues Early House Soul, Funk, Disco The Song Room Presents Emerging Talent
f: /theharbourbarbray
t:@theharbour_bar
Wed 7: Thur 8: Fri 9: Sat 10: Sun 11:
Samuel Vas-y Acoustic/Flamenco East Coast Jazz Band Dixieland The Outsiders Reggae The Oddsocks Rhythm & Groove The Annulments Roots
When they had made it down to the final three, the possibility of a family Christmas was beginning to seem real. Leo and his daughter were waiting nervously on Skype as Maura Derrane and Daithí Ó Sé chose the winner. “We were on stand-by on Skype as they pulled the winning name out. We were praying we would get it. We were holding on to each other so tight and when they said we’d won we could not believe it. It was incredible,” recalled Leo. There were tears shed as they hugged each other and Leo gave his daughter a kiss. Sinead was speechless and could only nod when Maura asked if she was excited to finally be able to meet her grandparents. In his excitement, Leo did not forget about the other finalists who were no doubt disappointed and he expressed his sympathy that they would not be spending Christmas at home. “The whole thing is an absolute dream,” Leo said of the three-week trip. Leo and Sinead will travel down to Cork to join Maura and Daithí on the Today show on January 7.
Bray is big in New York as top writer gives it a rave review By Michelle McGlynn
Bray would appear to be a huge hit with the New York Times after it published and article raving about the Wicklow town. In a recent article that appeared in the famous publication, travel writer Ratha Tep waxed lyrical about the seaside resort. Ratha took a trip to Bray in October and praised the calming atmosphere as she strolled the beachfront. She enjoyed the popular Cliff Walk which runs from Bray to “the quaint town of Greystones”. The walk offers some incredible views and they were not lost on Ratha, who found the colours so striking that “it was as if they had been passed through a saturation filter”. The natural beauty found on the walk includes “slate cliffs and Dublin Bay’s thousand shades of blue while winding past stretches of shoulder-height fern and patches of flowering yellow gorse”. Nature aside, Ratha also gave the food and drinks that are on offer on the seafront the thumbs up. Platform Pizza was her first port of call as she refuelled and relaxed after the Cliff Walk. It was the unique style of the restaurant which first caught her attention as it is “easily the most stylish - and eye-catching -
restaurant in town”. Coincidently, in a separate article that appeared in the last Sunday Business Post before Christmas, Platform Pizza was tipped as one of the top ten dining experiences of 2014 by Gillian Nelis. Ratha then went on to check out the beer scene on offer and there was no better place to start than the Porterhouse. Nestled in front of the cosy fireplace, she enjoyed some of the wide range of beers available from the brewpub. Next stop on the beer-scene was the Harbour Bar whose reputation preceded it as it was voted the best bar in the world by Lonely Planet in 2010. Ratha was well informed of the 150-year-old pubs history as a favourite haunt of several actors who have filmed in the county. Sitting in one of the “cozy rooms brimming with bric-a-brac large and small”, Ratha rounded off her day trip by sampling some local beer. She sipped the “beautifully nuanced amber ale” from local brewery, Wicklow Wolf and relaxed in the friendly atmosphere. The article noted Bray as a top choice for a day trip for tourists who may be staying in Dublin but would like to see the “staggeringly scenic” sites that Ireland has to offer.
Drink driving drops By Michelle McGlynn
Figures have revealed that the number of arrests in relation to drink driving in the county are on the decrease. The statistics which are based on data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) cover the past 10 years and show that drink driving in Wicklow has been steadily decreasing since 2007. In 2007, there were 604 arrests made for drunk driving compared to 165 in 2013. The year 2013 had the lowest number of drink driving arrests in the county over the past decade. In the first six months
of 2014, there were 66 arrests made. Meanwhile, driving while under the influence of drugs is also decreasing in the county following high arrest rates between 2007 and 2010. For the past three years, arrests for drug-driving have been in the single digits with only two arrests in the first six months of 2014. Bray has had the highest arrest rates in both alcohol and drug arrests but the population should be taken into account. Almost 1,000 people in Bray have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol over the past decade.
NEWS |5
December 31 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Aisling O’Connor and Alison Jordan at the St Andrews National School Christmas Fair in Bray
Jessica Barbour (13) and David Barbour out and about in Mount Usher
Taking time out from watching a rugby game little Faye and Olivia Burke from Arklow were only too happy to sample the hot chocolate that was available (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Delgany man Seamus Fitzpatrick, recently appointed 2015 President of Delgany Golf Club, is pictured at the Club House with his grandchildren Hazel and Hugh Donohoe from Kilcoole
Mary Waldron and Amanda Wade from Toastboxes at the Kilruddery Christmas market in Bray
Ken and Abi Doyle (10) out and about in Wicklow Town
Tommy Nolan from RNLI Fundraising Branch was at the Bridgewater Shopping Centre Arklow during the week to help raise much needed funds for the RNLI (pic Yvette O Beirne)
6| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie December 31 2014
Give A Gift campaign hailed as ‘the most successful year yet’ By Michelle McGlynn
The East Coast FM/St Vincent de Paul annual Give a Gift campaign has seen its most successful year yet with donations at least doubling - possibly tripling - that of last year. The seventh year of the appeal was an incredible success thanks to the generosity of the people of Wicklow. This year saw a huge demand from the services of St Vincent de Paul as people continue to struggle. Thankfully the response increased alongside the demand. Claire Darmody who organises the campaign each year has hailed this year’s appeal a “stunning success”. “This was the best year we’ve had all across the county,” Claire told the Wicklow Voice. “From all of us here at East Coast and the the volunteers at St Vincent de Paul Wicklow we would just like to thank all of those who contributed and made it such a success.
“All of the collection points who opened their doors for us and made room for the donations. “There were the people who talked about their experiences for the promos which we ran on the radio which I believe made a big difference. “And of course we’d like to thank those who donated and who volunteered with the collections.” Several organisations and businesses made a special effort this year. Staff, parents and children at Naíonra Chill Mhantáin in Wicklow Town, Greystones and Bray collected some fantastic presents. Avoca Handweavers decided to buy presents for the Give a Gift campaign rather than do the traditional Secret Santa which was a fantastic idea. Staff at the Aviva Stadium collected enough presents to fill several large bin bags and also donated six tours of the stadium to the cause.
These are just a few of the heartwarming acts of generosity and kindness from those who took part. “Anyone that donated should know that they have made an incredible difference to so many families around the county of Wicklow. “There are people who may not have gotten anything for Christmas but because of your kindness had something to enjoy on Christmas morning,” Claire said. Unlike other campaigns, the presents that were donated stayed local and were distributed in the area that the donation was made. Despite the volume of gifts donated, Claire assured that they were all distributed by Christmas and there was not one present left over. People are asked to remember that the St Vincent de Paul need donations all year round and any assistance whether it be money or your time is greatly appreciated.
Claire Darmody and Ryan O’Neill of East Coast FM with some of the gifts received at the station
December 31 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
wicklowvoice.ie December 31 2014
festival of the week First Fortnight Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray, January 13-17 First Fortnight is a charity-based organisation with the express aim of challenging mental health prejudice through creative arts. They believe that the arts allow us to create a space where people can talk about mental health issues. They hope this will then change people’s perception about an issue that affects everyone as one in four of us set to experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. The festival is held over the first two weeks of the year as people can feel quite emotionally raw following Christmas and the New Year celebrations. Mermaid Arts Centre will host events during the festival. Eleanor Tiernan’s National Therapy Project is a clever comedy show that seeks to cleanse the Irish psyche by satarising the nation’s woes. Comfortable clothes are recommended. There will be a screening of Lenny Abrahamson’s offbeat comedy, Frank which stars Michael Fassbender on January 13 at 8pm. A Shadow That Leans, a site-specific dance performance consisting of four short works and spontaneous happenings, will take place on January 14. There will be a Q&A session following the performances.
fundraiser of the week Lollipop Day County-wide, February 27 and 28 The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) need your help next February. They have begun recruiting volunteers for the Wicklow area for Lollipop Day. The day involves thousands of people across the country selling lollipops (€2). Lollipop Day raises vital funds for oesophageal cancer and relies on volunteers to help them raise this money. Lollipop Day involves thousands of people across the country selling lollipops (€2). Without the generosity of volunteers, the OCF would not be able to provide the vital role it does in terms of awareness, research and better outcomes for patients and their families. If you have a few hours to spare on February 27 and 28, pop down on your own or with some friends and have some fun while helping the OCF. If you are interested in volunteering or if you would like further information please contact www.lollipopday.ie.
book of the week Russborough: A Great Irish House, Its Families and Collections
By William Laffan and Kevin V. Mulligan
This book tells the remarkable story of one of Ireland’s truly great houses. The magnificent Wicklow house was built in the 1740s by Joseph Leeson - later 1st Earl of Milltown. The Milltowns remained at Russborough until the early 20th century. The house and its important collection were passed to the Alfred Beit Foundation. Russborough is now open to the public. Through the story of Russborough and its families over three centuries, this book explores the histories of Irish architecture, interior design, collecting, sociability and display, exploiting much previously unpublished and newly discovered material. The work is a major contribution to the study of the Irish country house. It offers a compelling cast of characters from the idiot 2nd earl of Milltown, to the dysfunctional 4th earl, who spends almost the entire family fortune at the racetrack and the consumptive poetess – all human life contributes to the story of Russborough, as told in this magisterial study of the Irish country house.
TV SHOW of the week Charlie
RTÉ, January 4, 9.30pm This three-part series will be aired over three successive Sundays and each 90 minute episode will cover a distinctive period in Charlie Haughey’s political life. In Rise (1979-1981) Haughey confounds his critics and succeeds in his bid to become Taoiseach, championed by a close circle of allies. In GUBU (1982) Haughey seizes his opportunity
exhibition of the week Stations Signal Arts Centre, 1 Albert Avenue, Bray, January 5-18 The Signal Arts Centre are kicking off 2015 with something a little different from the norm. The title of the exhibition comes from the familiar proximity of the historical railway-line, running north and south along the Wicklow shore lands. The exhibition is about diversity, accessibility and much more. Using the title, ‘Stations’ as a point of departure together with a uniform format (two sizes in two dimensions), the artists have taken the essence of the subject and travelled onwards, in wildly different tangible and intangible directions. This reflects the very diverse artistic and life interests of each participant. Materially, we have held to the experience of travelling, creating all the works in postcard and poster sizes; such as you might find at a sea-side station at the end of the railway line. The ‘postcards’, while maintaining artistic standards, will all be priced at €20. The ‘posters’ will be individually priced. The opening reception will take place on January 11 from 3pm-5pm.
to regain power and to lead Ireland onto the stage of world politics. Finally, in Fall (19891992) a bid for absolute power and a fitting legacy leaves him exposed as his enemies circle. The highly anticipated series stars Aidan Gillen in the title role. Love/ Hate’s Tom Vaughan Lawlor also stars as PJ Mara. The supporting cast includes Peter O’Meara as Brian Lenihan, Risteard Copper as Dermot Nally and Marcus Lamb as Des O’Malley.
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December 31 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week Birdman Gaiety Cinema, Arklow This film which features an all-star cast is already leading the nominations as we head into award season. Michael Keaton plays a washed-up superhero actor in this breathtakingly original showbiz satire. Riggan Thompson (Keaton) was flying high as the star of the Birdman superhero trilogy but now he’s desperate to gain some credibility with a make-or-break theatre adaptation of a Raymond Carver short story. The show is produced by his long-suffering friend Jake (Zach Galifianakis). To add to Riggan’s woes, he’s hired his embittered, recovering addict daughter Sam (Emma Stone) as his assistant. As things go from bad to worse, he’s even mocked by Birdman himself. Among the cast are his girlfriend Laura (Andrea Riseborough), film star Leslie (Naomi Watts) and insufferably egotistical method actor Mike (Edward Norton). Former Batman star Keaton gives a vanity-free, self-referential performance in director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s pitch black comedy of desperation. Brilliant cinematography makes it appear as though the film is one continuous shot.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
Business of the week Kidd insurances 40 Main Street, Bray, 01 2829730 It might be a bit difficult to get excited about insurance but as the new year begins now is a great time to review your own insurance details. For expert advice there is no better place to turn to than Kidd Insurances, Bray. They offer a range of insurance including home, motor, life, commercial, pet, gadget and travel insurance. As part of the Alan B Kidd group,
they are able to negotiate the best deal for you, due to the groups buying power with the Insurance Providers. Their professional team understand the needs of local people and know how to get the best cover for you, at a price that’s right. Kidd Insurances have agreed an annual charitable fundraiser with Bray Cancer Support. If you place a household policy with them before the end of February this year, €30 will be donated to the charity.
sale of the week
Aries-1,14,18,21,43,45 Profitable period ahead; excellent for intellectual work, discussions or negotiations. 2015 highlights love. Taurus-7,19,25,23,27,37 2015 is to be a very lively and effervescent year. You will be busy all the time. Vitality and power is the main focus in the new year. Gemini- 2,9,28,36,40,42 The new year is all about belief and optimism. Time for a new start Gemini, go with confidence and make your dreams come true. Cancer-1,9,13,26,39,40 Health and prosperity awaits you in the new year. With this you regain your equilibrium and harmony. Leo-4,24,28,31,35,42 The new year is all about new accomplishments Leo. New starts, family joy and perhaps a marriage.
Flanagan Kerins Unit 3, Bray Retail Park, Southern Cross, Bray With head turning discounts in every department you would be crazy to miss the Flanagan Kerins furniture sale. Have a look through their kaleidoscopic range of ever-changing stock which is sourced from all over the world. Flanagan Kerins is filled with stylish and unique pieces for your home. There’s an interesting selection of chandeliers, antiques spanning two centuries and even pianos, new and old. The carpet and flooring showroom makes this a one stop shop for all your household needs. The team are always on hand to help with three generations of expert knowledge. Ask about your free delivery, assembly and disposal of replaced bed/mattress.
Virgo-10,15,18,25,38,44 The new year brings your social life into focus Virgo with new opportunities in the business world and expansion. Libra-2,11,19,21,37,43 New opportunities fall from the skies Libra and keep your energy high in 2015 as you will need it.
GIG of the week Samuel Vas-Y The Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, January 7, 8pm Self proclaimed singer-songscribbler, Samuel, brings something utterly different to the Irish music scene. A truly unique style paired with quirky lyrics and charming wholesome subjects. Growing up in France, he began creating music before ever having learnt a chord. Samuel Vas-Y mixes the innovative genres of freakfolk, alternative and tropicália,
event of the week bray charities sea swim Bray Seafront, January 1, 12pm 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. The chosen charities for this year are Carers for Carers Bray, Bray Stroke Club, Bray Poor Relief Fund, Bray Lions’ Senior Citizens Fund, Enable Ireland Bray and Wicklow. 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. Photo by Vaidotas Maneikis Photography.
with the story-telling qualities of traditional Irish music. Featuring a healthy balance of the serious and the silly, his songs deal with the seemingly banal and overlooked things in life. While Samuel’s voice and guitar are the foundation of his songs, a healthy diversity of other musicians are involved including percussion, bass, electric guitar and trumpet. However no piece ever becomes cluttered. Melodies are trusted to speak for themselves and simplicity is key.
Scorpio-6,14,28,36,38,40 A rollercoaster of a year for Scorpio; new locations, new friends and a lot of big decisions in 2015. Sagittarius-2,5,16,29,32,34 The new year is all about financial matters and closure. New opportunities ahead Sagittarius. Capricorn-3,6,13,20,26,39 A harmonious 2015 with a new start is waiting for you! New doors open in every area of your life. Aquarius-5,9,21,29,38,42 The new year offers travel and work combined. Family life settles down and no more money worries. Pisces-2,4,26,36,37,38 Great new year for you Pisces. Let the past go and begin again! You will not regret this decision. 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.
10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Rather than buy a dog why not rehome one?
W
e all know the saying that dogs are for life and not just for Christmas and at this time of the year people should remember that when thinking about buying a puppy for children. Many dogs are abandoned in the New Year and, for many dogs, this can mean that they end up in a pound where if they are not rescued they might be put down. Chance Wicklow was formed in April 2012 when a group of individuals and rescues came together because of concerns about the high kill rate of dogs in Wicklow Pound. We believed we could help. Chance is an animal advocacy group run solely by volunteers who work to try and achieve the best possible outcome for the dogs in Wicklow pound. To this end, we aim to visit the pound twice weekly to photograph and meet with the dogs - this we must do through two layers of wire fencing as we are denied direct access to them. We then build a profile of each dog (gender, age, location found, how reacted to volunteers eg shy, friendly, etc) and circulate photographs and profiles via social media. This helps to reunite dogs with owners and helps others to be rehomed if the owners do not come forward. Although Wicklow pound now post details of some dogs in their care on a dedicated Facebook page, not all dogs in the pound are shown. Chance believes that all dogs going through the pound should be offered the opportunity of being re-united with their owners or have a chance for a new life with a new family.
We continue to have concerns for the dogs not made available for public viewing, either on the dedicated Facebook page or at the pound itself. Dogs that are surrendered to the pound (as opposed to being picked up as strays) are not listed in the register and are often not made available for rehoming. This is contrary to the Control of Dogs Act 1986 Section 14 (4) (4) ”Every register maintained under this section shall be open for inspection at all reasonable times by any interested person.”) We are also concerned that assessments of temperament are made by staff unqualified to do so and this is often to the detriment of the dog. Chance has been innovative in organising several ‘chip and tag’ days, working with a local vet and pet shop to offer subsidised identity tags and microchipping to
dog owners in Wicklow. We wish to encourage dog owners ensure their pet can be easily identified and returned to them as quickly as possible in the event the dog is found when straying, lost or stolen. In addition to our work photographing and profiling dogs in the pound, Chance seeks to bring about positive change, with an animal welfare approach, to the operation of Wicklow and all Irish pounds by raising awareness and pushing for change at local level with the county council and elected Councillors as well as at national level with our TD’s and government ministers. The emphasis of the current legislation (The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992), as the name suggests, is on dog control, not welfare. By law, a local authority is only required to keep a stray dog in the pound for five days. If the owner cannot be identified by microchip or other means and has not come forward to claim it within that time or has not paid in full any costs relating to its seizure and detention, the local authority can rehome or kill the dog, as they see fit. Dogs surrendered to the pound by their owners have no such grace period and can be legally rehomed or killed as soon as they are handed over. The pound is under no obligation to rehome unclaimed or surrendered dogs. On the other hand, they are not obliged to kill them either. The law does not set out any criteria by which such life and death decisions should be made. Chance will continue to act as advocates for dogs in Wicklow pound and beyond until an enlightened, animal welfare-centric approach is introduced at a legislative level. Standards in pounds across the country vary hugely in terms of kill rate, rehoming, basic standards of care, transparency and cost. We wish to see a set of standards put in place nationally so the fate of a dog does not depend on which county or city pound it ends up in or who the current operator is. Photographs and profiles of dogs in Wicklow pound can be seen on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ Chance.Wicklow
Maura Rawson is a founder and existing member of Chance. She has been involved in rescue for many years and works towards transparency and accountability for all pound dogs. She has a special interest in old and bold dogs and lives in South Wicklow.
“O
I am a strong upholder of Christmas traditions and an opponent of artificial Christmas trees, sending cards by email, and Santas who hit the shops in November.
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 Maura Rawson with Michael Wolsey
Taking the icy plunge in spirit of Christmas n Christmas Day, and St Stephen’s Day, hundreds of people will gather at towns and villages around our coasts to raise money for charities by swimming in the sea. They are hardy, brave and generous. They are also stark, raving bonkers. I was persuaded some years ago to take the plunge -- in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, if I remember correctly. Or maybe that was who came to my rescue. Thankfully, time has cast a protective veil over the worst of the experience. The so-called friend who encouraged this act of festive folly assured me I would find the water much warmer than expected. In a way this was true, mainly because my expectations were as far below zero as sea temperatures off Ireland are ever likely to get. And also because, although the water’s temperature was at a level only polar bears could possibly enjoy, it still seemed warmer than hanging around in swimming togs on a freezing pier. They dragged our frozen remains from the sea and revived us with Bovril. A fine drink, I do not doubt. But for me the cure was worse than the disease. When I am dying of hypothermia, what I do not need is someone force-feeding me liquidised beef. However, I lived to tell the tale and to recover properly with the help of a better cure that had hot water, lemon and cloves in its ingredients. So I won’t be including an icy dip among my Christmas activities, although I certainly applaud the crazy folk who do take the plunge. I am a strong upholder of Christmas traditions and an opponent of artificial Christmas trees, sending cards by email, and Santas who hit the shops in November. I love to see carol singers in the streets and I welcome attempts to revive the great old tradition of the Wren Boys, or Straw Boys, as they say in some parts of the country. It’s a tradition closely related to mumming which has its Irish origins in the South East in general and Wexford in paerticular. There are records of mumming in these parts as far back as the twelfth century. Mumming troops then consisted of 12 men accompanied by musicians. In early records, they are shown dressed as jesters, bringing their entertainment to the homes of the gentry. Later they took to dressing as historical figures – Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Nelson – and plied their trade from door to door. They performed between Halloween and Shrove Tuesday but, although
their ‘season’ obviously included Christmas, they were not much in evidence at this time of year. St Patrick’s Day was their high point. The practice of hunting the wren – or the ‘wran, king of all birds’ – was an offshoot of mumming. Until relatively recently, the unfortunate little bird really was hunted and carried door to door by the revellers. Despite a history of mumming, the Wren Boys were never that big in the South East and the tradition has not been widespread for many a decade. A group in Baltinglass led by Jim Griffin paraded through most of West Wicklow’s prominent towns and villages and a few in Kildare up to 2006, while another group revived the tradition in Dublin’s Sandymount almost a decade ago. No wrens were hurt in the making of these festivities, I hasten to add, and a lot of fun was had. But, sadly, the custom seems to have died again. Some pubs and hotels are now staging Wren Boy revels on Stephen’s Day but if you want to be sure of seeing the real thing you’ll have to head for Kerry or Mayo. The tradition is also going strong in parts of Tyrone and Fermanagh. I was up there a few years back and was fortunate enough to witness the celebrations. It was a wonderful show, with the ‘boys’ moving from house to house, dressed in rags and ribbons, and going by such names as the Green Knight, Brian Boru, Beelzebub and the Devil Doubt. Each character introduced the next with the line, “and if you don’t believe what I say ...’’ I watched them execute a very strange version of the Battle of Clontarf with one character declaring: “I’m bonny Brian Boru/ on Clontarf’s plain I slew/ Norsemen and Swedes/ Vikings of all breeds/ Their battles they did rue/ And if you don’t believe what I say/ Here’s Fionn McCool/ So clear the way.’’ After Fionn came the devil himself. “Here comes Beelzebub/ In my hand I carry a club/ And over my shoulder a frying pan/ Sure amn’t I a terrible man/ And if you don’t believe what I say/ enter the Green Knight/ He’ll soon clear the way.’’ And then the pay-off line: “Sure we hope you’ll prove kind/ With your coins and strong beer/ For we’ll not be back here/ Until the next year.’’ The money went to charity – a more pleasant way of raising funds than freezing in the sea. But each to their own. And whatever you do, I hope you have a great Christmas. 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 31 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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Let’s keep Wicklow beautiful!
W
icklow is known as the Garden County and it is up to us to ensure that it always looks beautiful. What a shame it is when taking in the stunning landscape of the Wicklow Uplands to see rubbish thrown by the side of the road or in rivers. Thanks to the hard work of communities, individuals and organisations such as PURE Project, Wicklow is fighting back against illegal dumping. The PURE project is the first of its kind in Ireland and was established to combat illegal dumping /fly-tipping in Wicklow/Dublin Uplands. The project was officially launched in September 2006. Since its establishment the PURE project have received 6, 600 reports of illegal dumping resulting in the collection of over 6, 400 individual dumping sites and the removal of approximately 2, 188 tonnes of rubbish from the landscape. To put this into context, if you were to put all of this rubbish into standard household rubbish bags you would fill over 311, 000 bags. If you lined up the bags that
Ian Davis PURE has removed from the uplands they would stretch over 300km in length, which is longer than a journey from Glendalough to Cork City. The project has worked on a number of initiatives to create awareness of illegal dumping. You may have heard of the PURE Mile competition which encourages communities in Wicklow to keep a stretch of road, approx. 1.6km, and the immediate environment rubbish/litter free. At present, there are 24 rural communities who have joined our efforts and are extremely busy cleaning up their areas. This is achieved in a number of ways such as taking part in regular litter picks and clean ups, researching information about their local wild flowers, plants, trees, animals, built heritage, history and the folklore associated with their area.
Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Youth Sleep Out in Greystones in aid of homelessness who slept out on Church Road, Greystones; from December 21 to December 22 A number of communities go the extra mile by repairing and painting old traditional gates, rebuilding stone walls, improving stiles, maintaining bridges, cleaning up farmlands and entrances, erecting bird and bat houses and holding information nights. This year is the fifth year of the PURE Mile competition and we now have over 70 communities and groups taking part. What makes the PURE Mile special is that each of the Miles has something unique to offer. The competition has seen a variety of discoveries from megalithic tombs, standing stones, ogham stones, mass rocks, freshly painted gates, newly erected fences, Celt-
ic calendars, forgotten milk stands, recorded field names and local stories. Finding edible plants results in the discovery of culinary recipes both old and new. You can find information on forgotten archaeological features and cultural heritage of areas. Most importantly you will find litter free roads, ditches, rivers and fields when you visit any of the PURE Miles. This year the Pure Mile awards night will be held in Brooklodge Hotel in Macreddin in October. At the awards members of all 24 groups will attend and receive a certification of participation and the announcement
of the award winners. The night will also include the first screening of The Pure Mile Film. This film features all of the Pure Mile groups capturing the beauty and uniqueness of each of the Pure Miles and the Wicklow landscape in general. In addition to these initiatives PURE runs two extremely successful secondary school environmental awareness training programmes. The two programmes are Pure Animation and Pure Music. These training programmes introduce teenagers to important environmental issues that are related to the PURE Project including illegal dumping, flytipping, recycling and pollu-
die with dignity but the medical team treating their daughter wasn’t able to accede to their wishes as they felt duty-bound under current law to do all in their power to protect the life of the unborn. The case was the latest tragic circumstance thrown up by the current abortion laws in this country. In 2012 Savita Halappanavar died in University Hospital Galway while undergoing a miscarriage. She had been refused an abortion because her unborn child had a heartbeart. Minister for Health Leo Varadkar (who is a medical doctor as well as being a politician) became embroiled in controversy when, aware of the latest case, he made a statement to the effect that the current unsatisfactory state of the country’s abortion laws needed to be addressed.
Taoisaech Enda Kenny sought to distance himself from his minister and said Mr Varadkar had been speaking in a ‘personal capacity’. The impression was that Mr Varadkar had gone on a solo run with his statement. The last thing the Taoiseach wants at the moment is a reopening of this debate, with his party already in serious danger of losing the 2016 general election. Some opinion polls published the Sunday before Christmas now have Sinn Fein ahead of Fine Gael as the most popular party. Abortion debates are divisive and emotive and he’d prefer if any debate on the matter was kicked down the road for a later date, preferably early-term in the next administration. The Minister for Health seemed more in touch with the wishes of ordinary people,
who would prefer if the matter was addressed properly so that women and their families caught up in these difficult situations can be treated with more dignity and compassion. Perhaps this is a sign of Mr Varadkar displaying leadership qualities that might see him depose Enda if any heave were to be mounted. Addressing the shortcomings in the current legislation would also provide more clarity and direction to the medical teams involved in these situations. Politicians should be dutybound to reform the laws and institutions of the State, to make them efficient, humane, caring and responsive to the needs of the citizens. Mr Varadkar seems to realise this more than anyone else at Cabinet. Since the 1983 amendment,
tion. This is achieved through the medium of animation and music. At the end of each training programme students produce animations of music tracks relevant to the themes of PURE. To date Pure Animation has produced 16 short animation films screening at both national and international film festivals, including Cork, Limerick, Dublin, California, Corfu, Croatia, London, New York, Poland with many of the shorts winning numerous awards along the way. MC Tra$h: Transformation Revelation recently won the Best Animation at the First Cut Youth Film Festival. It is important to educate young people about the importance of keeping Wicklow clean and tidy and to look after the environment. PURE encourage more groups, communities and individuals to get involved in the PURE Mile. Let’s keep Wicklow beautiful. Ian Davis is Project Manager with Pure Project. If you would like to learn more visit www.pureproject.ie. If you have information about illegal dumping in Wicklow call the lo-call phone line on 1850 365 121 or email info@pureproject.ie
A hard case and a bad law
H
ard cases make bad laws, or is it bad laws make hard cases? This maxim can work both ways, especially when it applies to something as sensitive as the abortion issue, with its ethical and legal dilemmas and complexities. The tragic news that broke before Christmas about a pregnant woman who was clinically dead but being kept alive by machine in a HSE hospital because she was in the early stages of pregnancy threw the issue of the Eight Amendment to the Constitution (1983’s amendment which gives equal status to the right to life of the mother and the unborn) back into the spotlight.
Brian Quigley The matter ended up in the High Court on the Tuesday before Christmas in order to provide legal clarification to the medical team involved. Unfortunately real people are always caught up in these situations. The parents of the braindead woman were in the role of next-of-kin. Their wish was that the lifesupport systems be switched off so that their daughter could
we have had many high-profile cases thrown up by the shortcomings of our current law. The ‘X’ case in the early 1990’s involved a 14-year-old rape victim who was prevented from having an abortion despite travelling to another jurisdiction to have the procedure. Then there was the ‘C’ case in 1997, which involved a 13 year old who had become pregnant after being sexually attacked while in care. We’ve also had the ‘D’ case (which involved a fatal foetal abnormality), the ‘Y’ case (where a suicidal asylum seeker eventually delivered a child despite seeking an abortion) and also an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ case. Do we have to have cases associated with every letter of the alphabet before we do the decent thing as a nation and sort this issue out?
12| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie December 31 2014
Roisin named top curvy model By Michelle McGlynn
Wicklow model Roisin Jackman is taking the industry by storm after being named Curvy Model of the Year by Every Model magazine. Roisin, sister of former Ireland and Leinster rugby player Bernard Jackman, beat out thousands of other models vying for the title in the competition by one of the industry’s most respected publications. Already represented by the Andrea Roche Model Agency, she has just been signed to London agency Hughes Models - the leading agency for plus-sized models in Europe. The New Year will see her strutting her stuff on international catwalks and no doubt she will be doing a lot more work here at home. The blonde bombshell, from Coolkenno in in West Wicklow on the border Carlow, is already recognisable as she has graced the fashion pages of numerous Irish newspapers and magazines. The youngest of five children, her family are incredibly proud of the success the Trinity graduate has found
in the industry. According to Roisin, her mother has been living vicariously through her as she has always had a passion for fashion. Although it is actually her brother Bernard who is credited with getting her into modelling. “I wanted to play rugby when I was younger, but he didn’t want me to get hurt and put me off the idea. So I got interested in all the girly stuff - fashion and beauty.” Despite her burgeoning fashion career, Roisin has not quit her day job just yet.
After graduating last year, she began working as an occupational therapist in Naas, Kildare and says that the residents of the nursing home are her biggest fans. No doubt they will be cheering Roisin on every step of the way as her career goes from strength to strength. With two top agencies representing her next year is going to be hectic for the model but she seems to be prepared for it. As she recently posted on her Instagram “2014 was the warm up. 2015 is game time”.
NEWS |13
December 31 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
news in brief
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL
New Year message
COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTÁIN
The Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough, Dr Michael Jackson has sent out his New Year message for 2015. “New Year’s Eve is one of those special midnights. “Perhaps one of the most useful things that a New Year can show us is our need to learn to embrace the future. It carries us forward with it. “It introduces us to new possibilities, new people, new perspectives. “We remember the loved ones who are ill and those whom we have lost from our sight in the course of the year past. “We remember the points of celebration that have brought communities together during the past year – the opening of Temple Carrig School in Greystones, the institution of the Revd Brian O’Reilly as Rector of Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy, the opening of new parish centres in Newcastle and Arklow, the dedication of restoration work at Nun’s Cross Church in Ashford and the celebration of the 150th anniversary of St Patrick’s Church in Greystones. “I wish all of you everything that is best for 2015.”
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL RECYCLING CENTRES BRAY, WICKLOW, ARKLOW, AVOCA & RAMPERE RECYCLING CENTRES All centres will be open as normal up to & including Tuesday 23rd December 2014. Centres will be closed for Christmas from Wednesday 24th to Sunday 28th December 2014 and re-open for Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th December 2014. Centres will close again for New Year’s from Wednesday 31st December to Thursday 1st January 2015. NORMAL OPENING HOURS RESUME FROM 2ND JANUARY 2015.
Stop Food Waste this Christmas and for the New Year Make 2015 a waste free zone in the kitchen! Food waste increases by a massive 80% during the Christmas and most of it ends up in landfill. Add to this all the energy used to produce, package, transport and deliver the food to our homes and we have a very, very wasteful Christmas. While some food waste is composted, most ends up in the bin. About ⅓ of all the food we buy gets thrown out!! On average, wasted food costs each Irish household €700 a year. For some households this can be over €1000! You can save money and the planet all in one go!
For our ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ Cookbook, using leftovers to extend your Christmas Cheer check our website: www.wicklow.ie or email us at eao@wicklowcoco.ie Phone 1890 22 22 76 Go to www.StopFoodWaste.ie and check out how to...... √ Buy Better √ Get Savvy with Storage √ And Start some Canny Cooking with their Recipes You can also get this information from the Environment Awareness Office, Wicklow County Council Phone 1890 22 22 76 Christmas leftover recipes and a clever menu planner is available on www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
And why not decide to compost in the new year!............
And while you are doing something to save on food waste...get going on composting the kitchen and garden waste as well. Composting is easy! Composter’s and information is available through the Wicklow County Council Recycling Centres or call 1890 22 22 76 Email eao@wicklowcoco.ie
Blue Dolphins The National Lottery has agreed to fund Blue Dolphins Special Olympics Club in Wicklow. A grant of €8, 000 will be used to maintain and expand services at the club. The club was established 11 years ago and provides invaluable training and support to Special Olympics athletes.
Christmas Tree Recycling
Bring your Christmas Tree to any of the collection points below. They will be shredded, composted and used again! No wreaths, plastic trees or decorations please.
Doodle 4 Google Children across Wicklow are being reminded to get doodling as the deadline for entries to this year’s Doodle 4 Google competition is January 8. This year’s theme is My Perfect Day and the winning doodler will win a €5, 000 scholarship towards their third-level studies and have their doodle featured on the Google.ie homepage. The overall winner and their teacher will be presented with a Chromebook laptop and their school will receive a €10, 000 technology grant. Schools can enter the competition by logging on to www.google.ie/doodle4google/
6
Arklow
Arklow Recycling Centre, Croghan Industrial Estate
5th to 17th Jan
Mon-Fri: 9.30am-3pm Sat: 9.30am-1pm
Aughrim
Tidy Towns Pavillion
5th to 17th Jan
Mon-Sat:9am-4pm
Avoca
Avoca Recycling Centre
6th to 17th Jan
Tues-Fri: 10am-1, 2-4pm Sat: 9.30am-1pm Donations taken for Avoca Scouts
Baltinglass
Rampere Recycling Centre,
5th to 17th Jan
Mon-Fri: 8.30am-3pm Sat: 8.30am - 12pm
Blessington
County Council Yard, Naas Rd
5th to 17th Jan
10am-4pm
Bray
Bray Recycling Centre, Beechwood Close, Boghall Rd
5th to 17th Jan
Mon-Fri:9.30am-3pm Sat:9.30am-1pm
Bray
Festina Lente Foundation, Old Connaught Road
5th to 17th Jan
10am-4pm Daily
Bray
St. Cronan’s N.S.
10th January
11am-3pm Charge in aid of School
Greystones
Carpark in front of the Wicklow County Council Offices on Mill Road opposite the bottle banks
5th to 17th Jan
Glen of the Downs
Horkan's Garden & Lifestyle Centre
5th to 17th Jan
10am – 4pm daily
Hollywood
Church Carpark, Hollywood
10th Jan
10am -3pm Donations in aid of Tidy Towns owns
Wicklow
The Murrough Recycling Centre
5th to 17th Jan
Mon-Fri: 9.30am-3pm Sat: 9.30am -1pm
Wicklow
Green King, Coolbeg
5th to 17th Jan
Mon-Fri: 8am-5.30pm Sat: 9am-1pm
Bray Recycling Centre Beechwood Close, Boghall Road Opening Hours: Mon - Fri - 9am - 4pm Sat - 9.30am - 2pm
Arklow Recycling Centre Croghan Industrial Estate,, Emoclew Road Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs - 9am - 4.30pm Fri - 9am - 3.30pm Sat - 9am - 1:45pm
Avoca Recycling Centre
Ballymurtagh Opening Hours: Tues - Thurs - 9am - 4.30pm Fri - 9am - 3.30pm Sat - 9am - 1:45pm Closed for lunch everyday 1-2
The Murrough Recycling Centre
The Murrough, Wicklow Town Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs - 9:00am - 4.30pm Fri - 9:00am - 3.30pm Sat - 9:00am - 1:45pm Closed for lunch everyday 1-2
Rampere Recycling Centre
Baltinglass Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs - 8:30am - 4pm Fri - 8.30am - 3pm Sat - 8:30am - 1pm
14 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie December 31 2014
classifieds
Buying? Selling? Contact one of our team today
e: info@wicklowvoice.ie w: www.wicklowvoice.ie
Buying? Selling? Contact one of our team today
e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5556 or 01 901 5557
sport| 15
December 31 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
New era for Wanderers Bray Wanderers received an early Christmas present with the news that the McGettigan’s Group will purchase a majority shareholding in the club in the coming weeks, and also come on board with the club as main sponsor through The Royal Hotel (which they are also acquiring). The McGettigan’s Group owns hotels and bars in Ireland and abroad and will be opening more McGettigans bars in 2015 – including one in The Royal Hotel next September. McGettigan’s Group CEO Dennis McGettigan explained to a packed press conference in The Royal Hotel on December 22 that “the emphasis is 100% focused on forging a relationship between The Royal Hotel with the new McGettigan’s Bar and Bray Wanderers Football Club. “We will be able to give full access of our facilities to the club. The team can now use our boardrooms for meetings, they can use our Merrill Leisure Club at the hotel for fitness training sessions, and they can use any of our hotels around Ireland to stay in for away fixtures.” Bray Wanderers and McGettigan Group Brand Director Declan Pierce, and Bray Wanderers Chairman Denis O’Connor (who came on board with the club late this season) gave some further details about how the partnership will function in practice. In a similar way to the community-owned football club
The new Bray Wanderers strip established by the previous Wanderers ownership, the new club set-up will function through community support and partnership. Representatives of Ardmore Rovers, Pheonix Youth and Bray Wanderers Supporters Club have already been working with the new owners. They see the club now being run on a voluntary basis by a Board of Management. It is hoped that the link-up with Ardmore Rovers will help Wanderers establish a conveyor belt of local talent feeding through from schoolboy football to the U19 and senior Bray sides. It will also position the Seagulls well when an U17 League of Ireland division is
established in the next couple of years. Some changes have already taken place. The club crest has been stylishly re-designed for the 1985-2015 30-year anniversary season, and the new logo has been receiving rave reviews on social media. Nike have come on board as suppliers of team and replica kits. The club’s new jersey was unveiled at the press conference and it is a superb garment, definitely one that will be a hit with fans. Season tickets have gone on sale (at the Carlisle Grounds, Royal Hotel and Costello Opticians in Bray) for 2015 and kick-off times for the new season will be on Saturdays at 5.45 pm (a move which it is hoped
Pictured during South East Road Club annual bag packing event at Dunnes Stores in Arklow are Willie Murphy and Matthew O Gorman (pic Yvette O Beirne)
will boost attendances as it is an easier time for home and away fans to get to the ground than Friday nights). All of this is great news, a real shot in the arm for the club. The financial and infrastructural support offered by the new owners will allow the club to push on upwards. Director of Football and Manager Alan Matthews has already started to assemble his squad for the new season. At the December 22 press conference he announced that eight players have been signed already for the new season, including current player of the year Stephen McGuinness, fan favourites Dean Zambra, David Scully, Adam Hanlon and David Cassidy. Meanwhile, the fixtures for the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division were published recently, and Bray Wanderers kick off their 30-year anniversary season in the League of Ireland
(and 11th consecutive season in the top flight) on March 7 at home to Drogheda United. The Seagulls travel to St Patrick’s Athletic the following week before hosting further home games in March at the Carlisle Grounds on March 21 (against Bohemians) and March 28 (against Cork). Bray’s U19 squad are through to the quarter finals of the U19 Cup after overcoming Finn Harps U19 away last weekend. They will play UCD U19 during week ending January 2015. Former Bray Wanderers managers Keith Long and Pat Devlin were both in the news recently. Keith has taken over as manager of Bohemians and Pat has taken over as Director of Football at UCD. We wish them both well in their new roles.
Greystones Greystones rounded off the year with a hard-fought 20-18
victory over local-rivals De La Salle Palmerston at Dr Hickey Park on Saturday December 20. A last-gasp drop-goal gave the Seagulls a 20-18 victory which oves them up to fourth place in the league, still well in the promotion mix.
Katie Taylor For the second time in her career, Katie Taylor has become the Irish Independent Sports Star at the 25th edition of the Awards in Dublin last week. The Bray fighter won the award back in 2012 after her triumph at the London Olympics. Katie Taylor was also crowned Irish Times / Irish Sports Council ‘Sportswoman of the Year 2014’ for the fourth time on December 19 and received her award from An Tanaiste Joan Burton. Katie won a record breaking sixth European title this year and also a fifth consecutive World title. Well done Katie!
16| ADVERTISING
wicklowvoice.ie December 31 2014