wicklowvoice
20,000 NEWSPAPERS! 5,000 web visitors! 3,000 app downloads! online, offline - we’ve got you covered !
.ie
February 26, 2015, t: 01 901 5556/7, e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
FREE
20,000 copies
FREE
Unit 8, Radio Centre , Killarney Road, Bray
Margaret Mitchell and sharon douglas
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
wicklowvoice
20,000 NEWSPAPERS! 5,000 web visitors! 3,000 app downloads! online, offline - we’ve got you covered !
inside: FREE
February 26, 2015, t: 01 901 5556/7, e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
.ie
20,000 copies
Boss Eddie to retire as County Manager Eddie Sheehy will retire as boss of Wicklow County Council on April 7. The County Manager made the surprise announcement earlier this week and it brings to a close 14 years at the helm in the Garden County. And contrary to rumours, he has denied that he is joining Irish Water as speculation mounted that he would take up a position with the new utility. “After 21 years as a county manager, seven in Roscommon and 14 in Wicklow, I have decided not to renew my contract as I have reached retirement age,” the Carlow native told the Wicklow Voice. “I have enjoyed a long and happy career over 43 years in the public service but have decided that the time is now right to retire.” His time at the helm has not been without controversy, including two votes of no confidence “On two occasions, votes of no confidence were defeated by an overwhelming majority of
Caroline Walsh and David Barry who took part in the Bray Emmets Strictly Night. Nearly 900 people attended the event in Fitzpatricks Castle in Killiney. The event was sponsored by Eco Warmer Homes and organised in conjunction with Kevin Rowe Events. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside
the council,” Sheehy added. “These votes were called in my opinion by a handful of councillors who were only trying to maximise publicity for themselves and who have no real interest in the development of our wonderful county.” The County Manager was also arrested in 2010 as part of the investigation into the deaths of Bray firemen Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy. The two fire fighters lost their lives in a blaze in Bray in September 2007 and Wicklow County Council was subsequently fined €355,000. “In my 14 years at the helm in Wicklow, we have made great strides in transport links, and you can now drive from almost anywhere in the county to Dublin Airport, Belfast, Galway or Cork via motorway or dual carriageway,” he added. “We have the fantastic €80m Greystones Marina and all the associated facilities which are being built at no cost to the taxpayer. Continued on page 4
FREE
Unit 8, Radio Centre , Killarney Road, Bray
4 | NEWS news in brief Tinahely AGM
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
Laura quits MTV after seven years
Members of Tinahely Community Projects at their annual AGM recently. Key objectives for 2015 include a communications campaign to market Tinahely’s walking product and new information brochures for the village.
Livestock thefts Wicklow farmers are being urged to report any information on theft of cattle and sheep by calling Crimestoppers confidential hotline on 1800 250025.
Draft flood maps A public consultation day will take place on March 3 in relation to draft flood maps that have been prepared for Wicklow Town, Ashford and Rathnew by the Eastern CFRAM Study. This will provide an opportunity for all interested persons to view and comment on the maps.
Ida screening The Courthouse Art Centre, Tinahely will be screening the Oscar winning film, Ida on March 5 at 8pm.
Actor Luke Evans and Laura Whitmore have a giggle backstage at the War Child & BRIT Awards Show held at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire earlier this week By Michelle McGlynn Bray presenter Laura Whitmore recently announced that she will be quitting MTV News, the show which launched her to fame seven years ago. She took to Instagram to make the annoucement, saying that due to upcoming projects she could no longer commit to the channel and posting a photo from her first day on the job. Whitmore set tongues wagging that she may be preg-
nant after saying there were “exciting projects over the next 9 months”. Rumours are also circulating that her own ITV show may be in the pipeline. This is unsurprising following her successful stint presenting ITV2’s I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here Now! The former East Coast FM presenter had assured fans that she will still appear on MTV fronting their awards and festival coverage as well as their MTV Asks... specials.
LIVE LOUNGE FEB
Meanwhile, the Bray beauty recently swapped her microphone for the catwalk as she strutted her stuff at London Fashion Week. In a plunging black number and minimal make up, Whitmore looked every bit a model when she took part in Naomi Campbell’s Fashion for Relief showcase at Somerset House. She went on to walk in the Bora Asku show and even landed the prestigious role of closing the catwalk show.
Sheehy to retire Continued from page 3
THURSDAY 26TH — ROCK/AMERICANA
LUCKY BONES
FRIDAY 27TH — HARD DRIVING ACOUSTIC BLUES
ONE HORSE PONY
SATURDAY 28TH — BLUES/FUNK
GOTCHA
SUNDAY 1ST — EMERGING TALENT
THE SONG ROOM f: /theharbourbarbray
t: @theharbour_bar
“A project that I am particularly proud to be associated with is the Co Wicklow Economic Think Tank Action plan. This plan was unanimously adopted by the Council in January and sets out a blueprint for economic development and job creation in the short to medium term. “My proudest moment came when Wicklow with a population of less than 150,000 beat off places from the USA, Australia and China to come first in the 2012 LivCom awards as the most liveable community in the world. “I would like to pay tribute to the management team and staff that I have had the privilege to lead - they are the people who have done the hard work. I would also like to thank the majority of elected councillors who have worked so hard in my 14 years to make Wicklow such a wonderful place to live.” Following the announcement, Sinn Fein councillor John Brady said: “In Sheey’s 14 years at the helm of Wicklow County council he brought the council to national prominence for all the wrong reasons.”
Seagulls soar as licence granted by FAI By Michelle McGlynn
Bray Wanderers has been awared its Premier Division licence for the forthcoming season. The club narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier Division when there was a delay in the issue of their licence. The Independent Club Licencing Committee had awarded most licences when the Seagulls were asked to submit additional information before they could receive the green light. The club were asked to provide more detailed information on their proposed revenue streams for the forthcoming season. The proposal was resubmitted and the licence was granted and Wanderers can look ahead to the beginning of the season on March 6. This is the latest problem to face the club in recent times. A story which appeared in the Irish Mail on Sunday on January 25 stated that the club is subject to a fraud inquiry. The allegation is in relation to how money from a capital sports grant allocated by the Department of Sport was used by the club. It is claimed that €450,000 of the grant was not spent on improvements to the stadium as had been intended.
Speaking to the Wicklow Voice Denis O’Connor, Chairman of Bray Wanderers, said “The process is ongoing and we are actively supplying all information required and requested by the Department of Sport. “We are confident that we are working towards a resolution and will communicate that publicly in due course.” In the meantime, the Wicklow team are hosting an open night in the Royal Hotel, Bray on February 27. Special guests on the night are Stephanie Roche and Dean Zambra. Stephanie will meet with fans ahead of her exciting transfer to Houston Dash FC in the US. Wanderers are inviting everyone to come down on the night to meet the team and management that will lead the Bray Wanderers forward in the club’s 30th anniversary season in the League of Ireland. The full squad and the backroom team will be joined by Dean Zambra to celebrate his seven years of service to the club. “This is a big season for the club, and we need the support of the Wicklow community. “We are especially asking families to bring down their kids and get right behind this group of players,” said Mr O’Connor.
Bus Eireann service cuts By Michelle McGlynn Bus Eireann have announced that the Route 5 Expressway service will be terminated at the end of this month. Changes have been made to existing routes in an attempt to cater to customers needs. Route 4 Dublin to Waterford will be extended to Enniscorthy.
An extension of the 132 Public Service Obligation route down from Tullow to Enniscorthy is being discussed. The X132 service will be revised. The announcement of cuts to services has been met with anger and frustration by members of rural communities who feel disconnected as a result.
NEWS |5
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Getting ready to play some rugby for the Leinster Rugby School Blitz which was held in Arklow are Darragh Cullen, Sean Clare, Jamie Tobin and Nojus Maculevicius (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Seamus (7), Catherine and Amy (9) Burchill in Mount Usher
Bray Emmets GAA Strictly Night Overall Winning Couple: Kelly Trunty and Jamie Quiney
Oliver, Ruby (5), Lisa and Sofia (8) Held enjoy the sunshine in Greystones
Rita and Tony Rennix celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with their family and friends in the Parkview Hotel in Newtownmountkennedy recently. Also pictured are sons Eddie and Francis Rennix
Ella (7), Fergus and Laragh (9) in Mount Usher
Mona, Katie (4) and Eamon Melia out and about in Wicklow Town
6| NEWS news in brief Pres family mass The Annual Family Mass for the Pres Bray Past Pupils Union is taking place on March 8 at noon in the College. The celebrant is Past Pupil Fr. Eddie Creamer and all Past Pupils and their families are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. As always, during the Mass we will be especially remembering Past Pupils and family members of Past Pupils who have passed away during the last year.
Clarification In our February 12 edition, we stated that an extension to St Mary’s and St Gerard’s was to go to construction in 2014/15 based on information given to us by the Department of Education. John Connor, principal of St Gerard’s subsequently contacted us to tell us that this was not the case. We subsequently recontacted the Department of Education and received the following response: “Due to site restrictions, it is not possible to advance a building project at St. Mary’s and St. Gerard’s National School, Enniskerry, as originally proposed.”
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
Vikings plunder €45m By Michelle McGlynn
Wicklow’s economy is set for a €45m boost thanks to our very own Vikings. In order to fund the fourth series of the popular History Channel series, investors put up €45m before the tax-break deadline. The money will fund the production of 16 new episodes of the drama which is filmed at Ashford Studios. Pre-production has already begun on the latest series with filming expected to begin in May. The third season recently began airing in the US. The show has proved a huge ratings hit both here at home and across the Atlantic since it first aired in 2012. The studio’s faith in the series is evidenced by its renewal for season four before the previous season had begun airing. It is no surprise that people were eager to invest in Vikings as the show’s popularity shows no signs of waning. The record funding came in on February 12, the day before the Revenue Commissioners ended the Section 481 tax break.
This bring the total tax-break investment in Vikings across all four seasons to in excess of €120m. The latest funding comes from Mazars and Clancy & Associates, a Dublin based tax consultancy. The Section 481 tax break allowed individuals to invest up to €50,000 and earn returns up to 20% within three months. This has now been replaced by a new scheme that gives a tax credit directly to production companies. The film and television industry in Ireland welcomed this move by the Government as they are poised to gain substantially from the benefits of the newly enhanced scheme. “There is strong international interest in Ireland as a production location thanks to the positive tax incentives under Section 481,” said Siún Ní Raghallaigh, Chief Executive of Ardmore Studios. This investment in the film and television production industry creates hundreds of jobs in the local area. This in turn will have a knockon effect on the local economy, notably in the tourism sector.
The offical cast shot from series three of Vikings which is airing on the History Channel in the US at the moment. RTE will screen it later this year
Lights, camera, March On Film action
By Michelle McGlynn
Wicklow has had a long love affair with the film industry and March on Film is offering you the chance to get in on the action. March on Film is a filmmaking competition/festival that encourages aspiring filmmakers to get out there and within the month of March, make a film from start to finish. As with last year, the winning team will receive a
mentor prize package including gear hire and mentoring to help them take their next project to the next level. The panel of mentors/judges for March on Film 2015 are a group of Irish filmmakers who are at the top of their game including director Kieron Walsh, producer Conor Barry and cinematographer Tim Fleming. “On top of the possibility of winning great prizes, by the end of the month each team
has a finished film that they have made themselves,” said festival director, Kristian O’Neill. On March 1, all registered teams will receive three elements - a line of dialogue, a prop and a character name - which must be included in their film. To register your team go to www.marchonfilm.com/registration. Entrance is €30 per team and free for second and third level students as well as the unemployed.
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISEMENT |7
08| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
news in brief Adam and Paul To mark St. Patrick’s Day, Greystones Film Club will be screening top Irish film, Adam and Paul on March 4 at 8pm in The Happy Pear. The price of the screening is €2 and for more information call 087 2848684 or email sirpaulbyrne@gmail.com.
Fairtrade fortnight Baltinglass, Bray and Greystones already have official Fairtrade Town status but people all over the county are being encouraged to go fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight 2015, February 23-March 8. By drinking fairtrade certified coffee, people can make a real difference for communities in developing nations and ensure farmers will get fair returns for their products.
Painting school
James McFarland and Ailbhe Smith out and about in Bray
Avoca painting school are enrolling for their six week drawing and painting course for beginners and advanced. The course will cost €150 and will run once a week on Tuesday mornings, afternoons or evenings and Wednesday mornings beginning April 3.
La Touche owner little gem now wants to build 700 new houses Wednesday 18 March 8pm thursday 19 March 8pm
By Michelle McGlynn
“Life-affirming jewel” Irish Theatre Magazine “Blazing authenticity” The Times Tickets: €20/18 (age suitability 16+) Mermaid Arts Centre Main Street, Bray, Co Wicklow Tel: 01 2724030 www.mermaidartscentre.ie
There seems to be no stopping Wicklow developer Greg Kavanagh as he plans to build 700 homes in Dublin. Kavcre Investments, founded by Kavanagh, recently applied for planning permission to build several residential developments in the capital. Kavanagh is seeking to construct 387 apartments and an office block in Cabra, over 200 apartments and another office building in Harold’s Cross and a five-storey apartment block in Dundrum. He is backed by M&G, a fund manager owned by Prudential, a large British insurer. In a separate endeavor, Kavanagh has also applied for permission to build 74 houses near Lucan. Just last month the Wicklow builder revealed his plans for the former La Touche Hotel, Greystones. Planning permis-
sion was sought from Wicklow County Council to build 26 three- and four-bed homes. Kavanagh’s land grab last autumn saw the developer secure almost a dozen sites within a matter of months. The Cabra project will be built at the former CIE site at Carnlough Road. This prime location can take advantage of the new Dublin Institute of Technology campus at nearby Grangegorman. The recently announced Luas line linking Cabra and Grangegorman will also be of benefit. The plan is to build a total of 10 four-storey apartment blocks on the site. The Harold’s Cross site, which reportedly cost Kavanagh well in excess of the €5m guide price, is that of the former St Clare’s convent and the former Bethany orphange. A total of 209 apartments are to be built with a number of them to be located within the old convent and orphanage
buildings which date back to the 1800s. The majority of the units will be in eight new residential blocks up to four storeys high, the largest of which would contain 48 apartments. The chapel located on site is to be converted into offices and the plans also provide for an underground car park with space for 228 cars. The three-storey orphange building will be converted into six apartments while the four-storey convent would contain 13 apartments. Crekav Landbank Investments submitted their plans to South Dublin County Council for the four-bedroom homes on a 2.5-hectare site at Finnstown. The Finnstown development will involve the demolition of an old gate lodge and would consist of six detached houses, 10 terraced houses and 58 semidetached dwellings in landscaped grounds. A decision on the application is expected on April 2.
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISEMENT |09
10 | OPINION
opinion&comment Housing crisis needs action now
T
he shocking death of Jonathan Corrie on a street beside the Dáil in December, served as a reminder of the housing crisis that exists within this State. The crisis has been building over many years and has reached a tipping point. In the last six years the many problems in Irish housing have worsened and become more complex but not intractable. There is a solution but successive governments have neglected the issue in favour of serving the interests of the troika and wealthy elites. Over €1bn has been cut from the housing budget since 2008. This, coupled with cuts to Rent Supplement and the failure to tackle the crisis in employment, has resulted in the housing need spiralling to the present 89,872 households, of which nearly 4,000 are here in Wicklow, with record numbers experiencing homelessness or sleeping rough. In 2014 over 100 families presented themselves as homeless to the Local authorities here in Wicklow. Private landlords are now demanding higher rents and this is forcing those in receipt of rent supplement onto the streets due to the caps and cuts that have been imposed on recipients. The crisis is compounded by house repossessions, this has been facilitated by the signing into law of one of the most shameful measures taken by the Government. The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2013 which was a brutal and cynical move with one purpose - to facilitate the repossession of family homes by lenders. The Dunne judgment was not a sustainable solution; it was a loophole found by those on the front line dealing with those in mortgage distress. Nevertheless, it was a safeguard at a time of great distress for thousands of families whose homes were likely to be repossessed by their lenders. In 2013 Fine Gael and Labour Party Deputies intentionally removed that safeguard, knowing well that they were not replacing it with any real protection for struggling families. The AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB and Ulster Bank, together have issued 30,034 letters relating to repossessions and the voluntary surrender of homes, including family homes. There was 94 cases of house repossessions before the courts in Wicklow prior to Christmas alone. The Government with a lot of fanfare recently launched their “Social Housing Strategy 2020” unfortunately figures from the government show that the bulk of housing promised this year will be sought through the private market. The government is seeking to solve the social housing crisis by doing the exact same thing as previous governments did which landed us in this mess to begin with. They are denying their central responsibility to provide social housing and seeking to subsidise the private market to house people who ordinarily could not afford their inflated prices. The government had promised to deliver
7400 social houses this year. But the governments definition of delivering social housing is not one most people would recognise. They plan not to build or acquire homes for rent by local authorities for the most part but to provide access to 5000 private homes through long-term leasing or shorter-term arrangements with private landlords under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS). The major difficulty in Wicklow is the shortage of both RAS and properties that except Rent Supplement. Besides that, we already subsidise the private market by nearly half a billion euro a year. The government needs to get real about providing housing and put the vast bulk of its supposed investment into real social housing through local authorities. To be serious about tackling the housing crisis we need €1bn from the strategic investment fund to deliver at least 6,600 additional social housing units over the next two years. Furthermore the government needs to prioritise local- authority construction as a method of providing homes for those needing them. The whole issue of spiralling rents also need to be addressed. Outside of Dublin, Wicklow has the highest rents in the State, in the last 12 months alone they have increased by 14%. I believe rent controls are an essential measure to help stop the flow of people into homelessness and to make renting affordable for low-paid and unemployed people. The Family Home also needs extra protection, repossessing homes and making families homeless is fundamentally wrong. Last summer Sinn Fein brought forward the Land and Conveyancing Reform (Amendment) Bill 2013, which, if supported, would have substantially enhanced the legal protections for pressurised mortgage holders and make it harder for the banks to repossess homes. Our bill would put in place a realistic and solid legal protection from repossession for struggling homeowners who are making a real effort to repay their mortgage, unfortunately the Government opposed the Bill. It is time for the government to start protecting families at risk of homelessness, Housing is a basic human right and the state has a responsibility to ensure that everyone can access secure, adequate housing. This right should be enshrined in Bunreacht na hEireann and enforceable by the courts as was recommended by the recent Constitutional Convention in its report on social and economic rights. Sinn Fein believes the State can begin to tackle the housing crisis today but it requires political will and significant investment. Councillor John Brady is Sinn Féin candidate in the forthcoming General Elections. He is the Sinn Féin Group leader on Wicklow County Council and Cathlaoireach of the Municipal District of Bray. He also is a member of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee in Wicklow County Council.
“T
We have an international team to be proud of, led by Bray’s own Ed Joyce ... his brothers Gus and Dominick have played for Ireland as have his twin sisters, Isobel and Cecelia
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 John Brady with Michael Wolsey
I bowled them over in the Fountain Bar They are playing with flair and a good competitive spirit under the guidance of an experienced manager who knows how to get the best from a team. Their recent performances have been impressive and they are looking forward with confidence to the world cup. It says something about the healthy state of Irish sport that I could easily be talking about the men’s rugby team, the women’s rugby team or even, at a pinch, our soccer teams of either gender. In fact the sport I have in mind is cricket. For most of my lifetime it has been looked on here as an odd, colonial game - quaint and harmless but hardly meriting consideration when discussion turned to serious matters involving racing or boxing or football of any code. Mention of cricket was likely to elicit blank looks or poor jokes told in mock English accents. Changed utterly. We have an international team to be proud of, led by Bray’s own Ed Joyce. Its status as a side capable of competing at the highest level has been underlined by the recent victory over the West Indies and then the UAE, which, while against the odds, did not come as a total surprise. As an achievement they rank behind defeats of England, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The team’s triumphs have spawned hundreds of new players and thousands of new fans. Some of them even know what they are talking about. Which was more than could be said back in 1969 when a largely amateur Ireland side took on a West Indian eleven that was then, without doubt, the best in the world. It was a pleasant day in July and I was meeting a friend in a bar on Fountain Street in the centre of Belfast. The place was surprisingly busy for early afternoon and everyone was glued to the television. They were watching live sport, which was unusual at the time. More unusual still, the event they were watching was a cricket match played in this country. And most unusual of all, there seemed every possibility Ireland might pull off an amazing victory against the West Indian super stars. Everyone in the Fountain Tavern had suddenly become a cricket fan. They were wildly enthusiastic for a home win and cheered every Irish advance or West Indian setback. But they might have been watching polo or sumo wrestling for all they knew about the game or its terminology. I don’t think anyone shouted ‘goal’ or ‘offside’ but they came close, referring to the umpire as the referee and yelling ‘good hit’ or ‘good throw’ when they ap-
proved of the bowling or batting. The fielders’ change of position at the end of each over baffled everyone and there was concern it might be some fiendish Caribbean tactic to rob Ireland of victory. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. I had played a little bit of cricket at school and, on the strength of that flimsy CV, became the pundit of Fountain Street, dispensing wit and wisdom as I guided the Tavern’s punters through an historic Irish triumph. In truth, I was a very occasional and pretty awful cricketer. They played me at longstop, a position so far behind the wicket-keeper that it was almost impossible to follow the game, much less influence it. But, as Samuel Johnson said of dancing dogs, the wonder wasn’t that I did it well but that I did it at all. Today cricket is Ireland’ s fastest growing sport. It has always had a base of sorts in these parts and the Joyce family is almost an international team in itself - Ed’s brothers Gus and Dominick have played for Ireland as have his twin sisters, Isobel and Cecelia. His mother Maureen was an international scorer. But now the sport has spread beyond the Pale to Galway, Kerry, Roscommon and Tipperary. There’s a successful club at Kilcormac, deep in Offaly hurling country, and another in the Connemara Gaeltacht. The influx of immigrants from India and Pakistan has done a lot to boost Irish cricket and, as well as breaking down older prejudices about ‘foreign’ games, has helped the process of racial integration. A look at the Kilcormac team-sheet shows VJ Shahzad, Imtiaz Kayler and Dinesh de Silva lining out with Paul Maloney, Cormac Myers and Aaron Fox. Cricket Ireland, which once had a single staff member, now employs more than twenty full-time workers. And we’re so flush with players we can even afford to lend one to England - Eoin Morgan, who qualifies under the rules of test cricket and captains their team. I particularly liked the comment on the West Indies match from, of all unlikely sources, the sports team at Fox News: “It’s no wonder England have an Irishman as their captain - Ireland probably can’t find room for him on the team.”
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
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
anyotherbusiness
Have you got a story? Then email thecaptain@wicklowvoice.ie
focus on faces
Susan Caulfield, Corporate Sales Manager, Redmond Hotel Group
How’s life? Life is great right now. I started this role about six weeks ago and I’ve been really enjoying it so far. I always enjoy taking on a new challenge and it has definitely been keeping me busy! What is it you do? I am the Corporate Sales Manager for the Redmond Hotel Group, selling both the Amber Springs Hotel and the Ashdown Park Hotel. I am responsible primarily for the sales of meeting rooms and conferences at both the hotels, but we are all sales people for the entire hotel. It is quite busy at the moment as this is a new role and with the economy really starting to recover locally and nationally we are really starting to see the impact of this in both the hotels. Bebhinn Flood from Greystones of The Design House in Dawson Street, Dublin was honoured at the recent David Manley Emerging Entrepreneur Awards. Bev is pictured receiving her finalist certificate with Eugene Bent (left), Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Brian Casey, Ulster Bank
It’s time for the county to unite behind Seagulls
E
ven though I come from a Hurling background I grew up in a provincial town similar to Bray. In the past year I gradually got involved in Bray Wanderers and the concept of a new community based enterprise. The concept was great but an underlying issue was the financial instability of the club itself and as I was to find out - there are simmering historical feuds. I have to admit that over the years I was involved in similar spats – indeed I was probably the cause of a few. As one grows older life educates you that the club will always be there – irrespective of myself or any individual – we must put aside these issues while the club is being stabilised. The impetus was actually lost at the end of last season – indeed history will show that it was some achievement to both retain our Premier League status and overcome the financial instability thus being capable of finishing the season. Now some people dug deeply into their pockets to achieve this – and they wish to remain
Denis O’Connor,
Chairman of Bray Wanderers anonymous. Come last November we were within 10 days of the Board calling a Directors meeting to have the resolution passed to wind up the company. Then along came the McGettigan Group and The Royal Hotel to be both Club Sponsor and Majority Shareholders. It was obvious that this was a game changer - however we wanted a new community based concept with the vision of a major entity in a few years. First up was Ardmore Rovers FC – A really successful and local Football Club, their executives have the vision and the commitment. They will be our Youth Academy hoping to Integrate Football Coaching and Players. Phoenix Youth
are a local based organisation who cater to the various needs of youth through education and learning led by a very capable management. Then we put together a board of Management – currently 13 members. All are working voluntary at different levels to a) Get our first team to a different level b) Make the Carlisle grounds more family friendly c) Get the fans back d) Support our under 19 team (and under 17 team which is about to commence) e) Develop the community relationships with Ardmore Rovers FC on the football side and Phoenix Youth for the youth and community side and to incorporate that vision to build a community centre for all. In the next few years catering for the Football community and other sports 365 days a year for all ages and gender. Are we finished? Not by a long shot, we see more community organisations involved and more people coming onto the board of management What does this mean for the community of Bray and further a field? The first team target for this season is a top half finish. We want you and your fami-
lies to come on down to the Carlisle ground this season and support our team. Sit in the new family section of the stand. Get your children playing and supporting the great game of football. Be ready to get your children to engage with the Community. Watch the continuous improvements to the grounds as the season progresses – we intend to ramp up the pitch side entertainment. But above all – forget the past and the associated problems, support your club and its community – everyone benefits and creates something special for the children of Bray and its extended community. Denis O’Connor is the recently appointed Chairman of Bray Wanderers FC. Originally from Tipperary, he was part of the team which set up the first Supporters Club within the GAA with Michael ‘Babs’ Keating. and has been involved with fund raising for Blackrock College RFC. He sees the Seagulls as a great team of voluntary workers who are giving their all to achieve a community position in Bray.
What’s been happening at the Ashdown Park? We are all on the go at the moment with our newly refurbished Eileen Gray inspired meeting rooms. They cater for a small boardroom meeting or group events, and for private catering events. We have recently launched our new Sunday Lunch Menu in the Rowan Tree Restaurant with an all you can eat dessert buffet. This is the ideal weekend treat or perfect for a family celebration. With communions and confirmations coming up it is really busy with our great value packages for these special family occasions. Weirdest request from a guest? I could tell you the weirdest but it would not really be suitable for print!! Some of the more unusual or should I say tedious requests I have had are only brown M&M’s and no other colour. One hotel I worked in we had a long stay guest who had her dogs travelling with her, she left for a few days and myself and a colleague had to feed them, the little rascals escaped and we had to run up and down the hallway trying to catch them! At the end of the day we will do our best to satisfy any guest request as long it is legal. Perks of working in a hotel? There are a few perks of working in a hotel, its not as glamorous as everybody thinks it is. We do have an industry respect for each other that we all help each other out when we can as we all work long hours. How do you relax? I’m a real outdoors person so when I’m not working I like to go for walks. It is really great to clear your head and relax after a long day. And of course, I try to spend as much time as I can with my family and friends. They keep me sane!
Susan Caulfield is Corporate Sales Manager, Redmond Hotel Group - Ashdown Park Hotel and Amber Springs Hotel
1 2 3 4 5
12 | WHAT’S HOT
Banded Demoseille
WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory As promised here is the second part of my guide to one wildlife activity per month to help make 2015 your wildest year yet. July
Go hunting for Dragons and Damsels. This is a great month to get familiar with dragonflies and damselflies, the jewelled assassins of the water margin! East Coast Nature Reserve and Mount Usher Gardens are two good locations to see these ferocious predators in action. August
Enter the strange nocturnal world of our most fascinating group of mammals by going on an organised bat walk. Great fun for all the family. There are usually a number of bat walks in Glendalough. September
Autumn is the perfect time to see Red Squirrels as they go into hyperactive overdrive collecting seeds and nuts to cache for the winter. Our beautiful county is a stronghold for Red Squirrels. Conifer woodlands with Scots Pine are particularly good for seeing reds. Check out Clara Vale woods or the Miner’s Walk in Glendalough. October
The scene is set for one of the most dramatic spectacles in the wildlife year – the annual deer rut. Stags bellow, roar and fight to win the attention of the females. The Glenealo Valley between Turlough Hill and Glendalough is the best place to witness one of nature’s great events. November
Winter is a brilliant time to see my favourite mammal – the Otter. The coastal walk between Kilcoole and Newcastle regularly serves up spectacular and long lasting views of Otters feeding. Broadlough is another good location to see this elusive mammal. December
Time to be enraptured by raptors. Many birds of prey move to the coast during the winter months. In Wicklow it is quite possible to see 6 or 7 species on the same day in a small area – Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier. Well I’ve given you the suggestions, all that remains now is for you to get out there and enjoy. I promise you, you won’t regret it.
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
pet care idea of the week Chunki Dog Grooming Toberlownagh, Aughrim, 087 9561714 If you find your dog is difficult when it comes to grooming then Chunki Dog Grooming is the answer to your prayers. Manon Schmidt has been in business for 12 years, working from her home near Aughrim. She specialises in dogs with difficult behaviour, embracing the challenges that other groomers run away from. Another specialty of Manon’s is grooming long haired dogs such as Rough Collies, long haired Alsatians, Huskey dogs and Samoyed dogs to name a few. Good grooming habits are essential for dogs and Manon loves looking after them. Chunki Dog Grooming is open five days a week from 8am until 3pm and every other Saturday.
Business tip of the week Grow your business open day Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Rathnew, March 11, 10am-4.30pm, free of charge This open day is specifically aimed at the local small business sector – particularly SMEs with ambitions to grow and increase sales. Visitors are encouraged to drop in and collect information from the 25 Exhibition Stands that will be present, including: the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow, Wicklow County Council (WCC), Enterprise Ireland, local banks, Skillnets, INTREO and many others. Business owners will have a chance to speak directly with WCC staff about issues such as planning, rates, procurement, signage, economic development, roads and arts. Two seminars will take place during the day. The first seminar, commencing at 10.30am, is entitled “The Secret to Successful Online Trading” with guest speaker, Noel Davidson of QED Training Ltd. The second seminar, commencing at 2pm, entitled “How to Generate and Close Sales” with Terry Harmer. There will be a team of six business mentors holding half hour sessions throughout the day. There is no pre-booking required for this event.
book of the week Serving the Caterer 1965-2015 By Frank Corr Serving the Caterer 1965-2015 tells the story of the evolution of tourism, the hotel industry, dining out and catering in industrial and institutional locations over the past 50 years. It also chronicles the development of the foodservice supply sector including the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance, which commissioned the work. The book focuses on the personalities and work of those involved in the evolution of the Irish hospitality industry since 1965. This includes, the educators, the trade press, the individuals behind the development of a quality food culture; the key trade bodies and many other groups whose work was pivotal to the success of today’s Irish hospitality industry. Pictured are Frank Corr (left) at the book launch with Minister Michael Ring and IFSA chairman Sean Martin.
TV SHOW of the week Moone Boy
Sky One, Mondays Finally, Martin Moone and his imaginary friend Sean Murphy are back on our screens. Multi-award series Moone Boy is returning for its third season and the cast have already said that it is their best one yet. Get set for a fresh batch of escapades from becoming door-to-door salesmen and hunting UFOs to wrangling pet donkey Donkey Kong. Of course,
Craft beer of the week O Brother Brewing Bray and Kilcoole, various locations This should never have happened. But, on the other hand, maybe it was inevitable. Three brothers who rarely agree on anything were united in their love of great and exciting beer. Barry, Padhraig and Brian O’Neill founded O Brother Brewing in 2014 with a mission to make great beer. No nonsense. No shortcuts. The Bray men take inspiration from fellow craft brewers the world over. They brew fresh, exciting, beer with the best quality ingredients, packed with flavour. Most importantly they brew beer that they love to drink themselves. It is currently available on draught only, with plans to bottle in the coming months. You can find O Brother Brewing in Bray at The Harbour Bar, Platform Pizza, Ocean Bar and Grill, The Porterhouse and Holland’s. It is also available in Kilcoole at Byrne’s.
best friend Padraic will be along for the adventures and the rest of the Moone family will cause chaos. This season will feature guest stars such as Terry Wogan who will play the presenter of a You’ve Been Framed-style home video show, Sharon Horgan, John Sessions and Bronagh Gallagher. Based in co-writer and star Chris O’Dowd’s hometown of Boyle, Co Roscommon, the series is partly filmed in our own Ardmore Studios.
6 7 8 9 10
WHAT’S HOT| 13
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week Still Alice Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Julianne Moore’s Oscar winning performance in this heart-breaking drama of life and loss has been the talk of awards season and with good reason. Fiftyyear-old Alice (Moore) leads a busy life as a Columbia University linguistics professor and mother of three. But lately she’s been suffering from worrying mental lapses. Without telling her family, she decides to go for neurological tests. She then receives a devastating diagnosis: she has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Even worse, her condition is genetic and her children stand a 50% chance of inheriting it. Alice struggles to hold on to her identity and dignity, with the support of her loving husband John (Alec Baldwin). As she makes the bold decision to live in the moment, she also reconnects with her aspiring actress daughter Lydia (Kristen Stewart). This adaptation of Lisa Genova’s novel is a searingly honest portrayal of this cruellest of diseases. It is also extremely moving and uplifting tale of courage. Not to be missed.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
Well-being idea of the week Wicklow Massage Centre Bell House, Church Road, Greystones and Greystones Clinic, Trafalgar Road, Greystones Have you been working your body hard since the new year? Are you suffering from muscular aches and pains? The Wicklow Massage Centre should be your next stop to help bring your body back into balance and
work out and soothe those tired aching muscles. They tailor their treatments to the needs of the individual using their diverse skills, techniques and knowledge. Pay them a visit and try one of their signature treatments- The Aches, Pains and Muscular Tension Massage. This treatment incorporates the use of essential oils, sports and deep tissue massage techniques and is an excellent combination for those niggling areas of tension.
Foodie idea of the week With their tasty home cooked food, log burning stove and stunning views at the foot of the Sugarloaf mountains, Plucks is the ideal spot for a meal out or drinks with friends and family. Plucks has been part of the Wicklow community for almost 200 years, and the new name dates back to the original owner, John Pluck back in the days when it used to be a coach house. Plucks’ new owners are looking forward to welcoming regular and new customers alike. The new commercial kitchen is serving delicious home cooked gastro food at excellent prices with fresh seafood every day. They have recently started serving full Irish breakfast as well. If you are looking forward to a night out at the weekend then look no further as Plucks have live music every weekend. And a special line up for the St. Patricks weekend. Check out Plucks of Kilmac on Facebook for details.
Health tip of the week Pulsewave Ireland heart screening Various locations, March 9-11, 10am-10pm Pulsewave Ireland are focused on providing a high-quality heart screening service and customer satisfaction. They will do everything they can to meet your expectations. They provide the general public with an affordable and accurate heart screening service using Healthstats Bpro and A-Pulse software. They will be doing screenings in Wicklow this March. They will be in the Arklow Bay Hotel on March 9, in Bray possibly at the Wilton Hotel although this is to be confirmed on March 10 and the Grand Hotel in Wicklow Town on March 11. The technician will go through your results with you and you will receive a full print out which you can bring to your GP or Cardiologist. All technicians are certified Bpro technicians and are Garda vetted. Home screenings are available for groups of four or more. You can call Jim to book your appointment on 087 7151623.
Gemini- 5,7,13,17,24,33 A month of fulfilled hopes and dreams. Mix freely and you are in for a nice surprise Gemini. Cancer-2,4,16,18,26,37 Go with the flow. Wise people will offer you guidance; work, future, distant plans or studies.
Virgo-9,15,24,31,39,42 Confidence is the key work Virgo. Big decisions regarding love or home so make magic now. Libra-4,10,20,27,38,39 Success and full of life Libra. Its party time so surround yourself with beautiful people and family.
GIG of the week
Marriage Equality supporters are being invited to come out in force for a day long #ShareTheLove party at The Harbour Bar. There is a great day in store for you. Billed as a flagship event to fund the national campaign for a YES Vote in May’s Referendum a day of entertainment will start with a photocall at the
Taurus-4,12,16,22,28,40 A mystery soon reveals itself which will give you a shake-up. Prepare for a new opportunity.
Leo-3,17,25,27,33,25 Transformation is coming so it is a good time to put your house in order. Happiness surrounds you.
Plucks Kilmacanogue, Bray, 01 2862996
Marriage Equality Day The Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, March 1, 2pm
Aries-9,11,21,23,30,39 Share dreams with your partner. Your personal chart is excellent for those who are amibitious.
bar and a full day of craic, comedy, music and speakers (and some rugby to boot). Following the photocall, there will be speakers from Marriage Equality, the rugby on the big screen (COYBIG!), a raffle with some great prizes and a host of great bands playing live from 5.30. Dress up, dress down, bring your mates, bring your mum. Come and #ShareTheLove, enjoy the bands and check out the speakers.
Scorpio-6,11,22,24,33,36 Home is where the heart it but your vivid imagination is at its peak; write down any ideas you have. Sagittarius-3,9,14,18,32,42 Pull out all the stops to get ahead. Your energy soars however reign in your spending. Capricorn-10,12,18,32,36,41 You are on a winning streak be prepared to spread your good fortune. News of a new family member. Aquarius-11,17,19,21,33,35 Curiosity surrounds you at the moment so try to keep your personal life apart from family life. Pisces-8,28,20,33,40,42 Hard times are now behind you Pisces. New beginnings with a fresh outlook on life - enjoy!
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.
14 | LIFESTYLE
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
my favourite things Seventies Show
As the new season slowly comes into view, another fashion cycle emerges, and this time around the sartorial mood is distinctly nostalgic. Retro-chic gets a front row seat for Spring/ Summer 2015 as the ‘’Psychedelic Seventies’’ reigned supreme on the runways. With the essence of the decade’s stylings seeping into garments, cuts, colours and prints; designers sent everything from floral dresses to flared denim down the catwalk, and now it’s your turn to jump on the groovy train…
Wide Boy
For all of you devotees to the skinny leg look; I must warn you, this isn’t going to be easy! The trouser style of the moment is very much the opposite of your beloved body hugging style. But before you dismiss the silhouette du jour a little too hastily, I dare you to test the skimming and slimming capabilities of a wide leg/narrow top combination. So what are you waiting for? This is one Spring trend that you don’t even need nice weather for… SS15 Autograph @M&S
WHAT’s HOT
with Mairéad Vickers info@wicklowvoice.ie
for the ultimate SS15 style. Print zip top clutch bag Next €20
Sweet Man
Gold Finger
Make the ultimate seventies style statement with some chunky
Stylin’ Suede
As well as in more obvious 1970’s references, the fabric of the season – butter soft suede (both real & faux versions) also appears in some totally modern ways. Newly adapted to work for warm weather styles, the soft, supple stuff is versatile enough to pair with anything. Choose pastel colours, and superfine weights to make it ultra-modern. Faux suede star anise patterned shirt Forever 21 €12.50
Power Flowers
Get ready for an assault of the senses, of the blooming kind… vivid floral prints are set to take over your entire look, ranging from head-to-toe patterns, right down to over-saturated accessories. Go for big, bold and punchy, remembering to clash colours
gold hardware. This funky floral ring is uniquely special and will set you apart from the masses. Combining just the right amount of sentimentality and modernity; in short, it’s the perfect piece to complete your vintage groove. White gold & diamond ring Yvonne Ross Jewellery www.yvonneross.com €1680
If thoughts of flamboyant flares, loud prints and crochet knits leave you with dodgy déjá-vu; fear not, anyone with a sweet tooth can enjoy an old-school treat without the wardrobe investment! This collection of kitsch candies containing chocolate flavoured jazzies, fizzy and non-fizzy cola bottles, jelly beans and sherbet dib dabs will send your throw-back taste-buds into overdrive and deliver a perfectly timed 70’s themed moment. Sweets of the 70’s Debenhams €25
Mairead Vickers Styling
Covering a wide range of fashion styling and image consulting services; 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 your complete wardrobe needs. Email enquiries to info@maireadvickers.com
National Tree Week at Powerscourt
Celebrate National Tree Week (March 1-8) at Powerscourt Gardens in the heart of the garden county. Join Powerscourt’s head gardener Michael Byrne for an expert guided walk on the trees in Powerscourt Gardens on March 3 at 11am. The trees on the estate have been planted over the past two centuries and there are hundreds of varieties for you to discover. Powerscourt features a unique collection of trees which Michael will tell you about.
While many of these trees are a familiar sight to us, when they were first planted they were mostly new plants, collected from the Americas and all over the world. Keep an eye out for the North American conifers, which were the ‘exotic’ plants of the 19th century. The relatively kind climate at Powerscourt has helped many of these trees grow rapidly. The River Walk at Powerscourt features the tallest tree in Ireland, a Douglas Fir. The tree stands at 61.5 metres, or 202 ft,
towering above well-known landmarks including Dublin’s Liberty Hall (59.5 m) and Niagara Falls (51m). There are Irish and European champion trees at Powerscourt including a Wild Cherry, a Torrey Pine and a Southern Beech. The estate features many exceptional trees including a line of Douglas Fir which are among
the tallest in Ireland and about 150 years old. Come for a walk in Powerscourt Gardens this National Tree Week and discover its arboretum of trees. The guided walk costs €8.50 per adult and €7.50 for seniors and tickets can be booked in advance through www.powerscourt.com/events
WOMEN IN BUSINESS| 15
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
International Women’s Day (IWD), also called International Working Women’s Day, is celebrated on March 8 every year. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women’s economic, political, and so-
cial achievements. Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended in the culture of many countries, primarily in Europe, including Russia. In some regions, the day lost its political flavor, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture
of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. In other regions, however, the political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful manner. This is a day which some
people celebrate by wearing purple ribbons. The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2015 is “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture it!”. Governments and activists around the world will commemorate the 20th anniversary year of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
Alison Banton Brooke and Shoals Church Road, Greystones, www.brookeandshoals.ie, 01 2874199 Alison Banton is married with two daughters and is the owner of Brooke & Shoals a well-known retail business in Greystones. Brooke & Shoals, a jewellery, accessories and gift shop, first opened its doors 11 years ago. Ever the entrepreneur Alison spotted a gap in the market for a high quality, Irish made, design-led scented candle. The range is now stocked in over 120 shops in Ireland including House of Fraser. The range of the products has grown to include diffusers and a natural body product range. Alison is passionate about the products being made in Ireland right down to the packaging. Alison is now looking to export, returning recently from a successful trade show in Germany.
Melanie Boylan STOMP Marketing and PR Newtownmountkennedy, www.stomp.ie, 085 2860502 Melanie Boylan set up STOMP Marketing and PR in November 2013 to help start-ups, Sole Traders and SME’s with their social media. She provides training in Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn and shows businesses how to do their own promotion on these platforms in a professional and timely manner. Melanie helps free up their time and make suggestions on content and as the business owner provides their own genuine material it makes the message being sent out more authentic. Please call or visit the website to learn more about STOMP.
Sinead Connolly Sin É Hair and Beauty Unit 2, Charlesland Shopping Centre, Greystones, 01 2010673 Sinead Connolly is the propriator of the Irish owned Sin É Hair and Beauty. She qualified at Peter Hair Creations in Blackrock and opened her first salon there 13 years ago. Her Charlesland salon opened 10 years ago. Sinead loves her job and her salon. Business has thankfully been busy thanks to her loyal clients. She has had the same talented team working with her for several years now. Sin É are now offering an organic hair colouring product, Nautulique. It is exclusive to Sin É and the only certified organic colour in the world. It is soft on hair and the results are a fabulous colour with a beautiful shine. There is ample parking, no traffic wardens and they are open until 8pm three nights a week.
Ruth Donnelly Alpha CC Units 3-4, Rosebank, Herbert Road, Bray, www.alphacc. ie, 01 2861800 Ruth Donnelly is the Co-Managing Director at Alpha CC. She has been with the company for 14 years and has been an integral part of its growth strategy in becoming one of the most successful businesses in its sector. The company maintains a focus on their clients and ensuring that they are up to date with the latest trends in technology. They provide three main services: IT managed services and cloud, IT equipment cleaning and web design and digital media. At the heart of the company’s success is Alpha CC’s ability to provide a full 360° set of IT and consultancy services to both SME and large corporate clients.
Action, an historic roadmap that sets the agenda for realizing women’s rights. The International Woman’s Day theme for 2015 is ‘Make It Happen’ with a dedicated hashtag for social media. To mark International Women’s Day 2015, the Wicklow Voice has profilled some of the leading business women in county Wicklow.
womeninbusiness
international WOmen’s day
womeninbusiness
16 | WOMEN IN BUSINESS wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015 Clodagh Doyle Placelift Kilcroney Lane, Bray, www.placelift.ie, 01 2548070, info@ placelift.ie
The Hungry Monk
Clodagh Doyle is the owner and founder of Placelift which will be in business two years in May 2015. Placelift specialises in “transforming property for maximum return”. Their affordable one stop solution can save their customers, time, stress, energy and money. With over 25 years’ experience in the home improvement sector Placelift devise and implement improvements that will maximise the value and appeal of the property. Placelift can project manage every aspect from start to finish. For a smart affordable facelift for your property why not get in touch for a chat.
Terrie Dunne Terrie Dunne Letting Agents Main Street, Bray, www.terriedunne.com, 01 2865991 Terrie Dunne Letting Agents are going from strength to strength and are busier than ever. They urgently require rental properties of all types and sizes to meet extremely high demands. Terrie Dunne and her team of skilled agents, rent properties in the rental bracket of €1,000 a month to €6,000 a month. The team is experiencing strong demand from the corporate market with a number of companies seeking property for their executives. Terrie Dunne Letting Agents and Property Management offer exceptional lettings and management services. All clients benefit from a thorough, professional and attentive service every step of the way. For a free rental valuation contact office to arrange an appointment. If you are looking to rent a property, visit their website.
Elaine Harding Storm Recruitment Greystones, www.stormrecruitment.ie, 01 2557377 Elaine Harding is the owner and founder of Storm Recruitment. It is Wicklow’s best known and most successful recruitment companies. Long-term partnerships are the foundation of the business. Storm are dedicated to giving you an exceptional experience tailored to your specific situation. They accomplish this by listening carefully to your needs and looking beyond the obvious for creative solutions. They have an extensive network of contacts that provide both candidate and client referrals. All assignments are critical at Storm, all clients are invaluable and all candidates are treated with the respect they deserve. Storm Recruitment are dedicated to identifying, attracting and securing the most talented people for the leading domestic and international businesses within their respective markets.
Emma McKernan McKernan & Co. Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors Unit C20/C21, Wicklow Enterprise Centre, The Murrough. www.mckernanandco.ie, 083 1733584 Emma McKernan runs an independent accountancy firm based in Wicklow Town. The firm offers a wide range of services to both start-up businesses and established companies, and they pride themselves on working with clients from varying industries. Their wealth of knowledge in accounting, audit and taxation help clients make informed and productive business decisions. The firm is also experienced in specialised audits, and are happy to guide clients through this complex processes. McKernan & Co combine the efficiency and technical expertise you would expect from a large firm with the personal skills required to build close, successful client relationships.
Caroline McNamara The Horse and Hound Convent Road, Delgany, www.horseandhound.ie, 01 2874642 With a background primarily in residential property sales, Caroline McNamara has also been the proprietor of a very successful hand and foot spa on Dublin’s Fitzwilliam Street (Polish). In 2011 with her husband Shane and teenage children Hayley and Andrew, Caroline took on the running of The Horse and Hound in Delgany. Four years on and with a lot of hard work and determination they have a thriving business which has proved to be the number one ‘celebration venue’. The Horse and Hound, steeped in 270 years of history, offers a very traditional welcome. Luxury en suite accommodation is also available and their beer garden - recently voted the best in the locality - is a bustling sun trap all summer long.
The Hungry Monk
WOMEN IN BUSINESS | 17
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Star Academy Shoreline Leisure, Mill Road, Greystones, www.staracademy.ie, 087 4454458 Sinead O’ Carroll founded Star Academy in 2009. Sinead is a former member of multiplatinum Irish girl group B*witched who recently took part in ITV2 show Big Reunion. Before her pop career Sinead trained as a dancer and graduated from London Studio centre in Musical Theatre Studies. Star Academy offer classes in singing, dance and drama for children from 5-13 years old. Classes take place on Saturday mornings 11.30am -1pm. There is a new midweek class on Wednesdays starting March 25 from 3.30pm-4.30pm. Easter Camps are running from April 8-10 from 10am-2pm for 5-8 year olds. The cost is €50. The highlight is always getting ready for the end of year show. Find Star Academy on Facebook and Twitter for more info.
Claire Ryan Bray Grinds Institute The Royal Hotel, Main Street, Bray, www.braygrindsinstitute. com, 01 2016365 Claire Ryan established Bray Grinds Institute in October 2014 and is so far enjoying great success. Mother of three, Claire has worked as a Primary School Teacher for 10 years and is currently teaching in Bray school Project. She is an honours graduate of Trinity College Dublin and has supported hundreds of students in mastering the fundamental skills required to reach their full academic potential. Bray Grinds Institute, based in The Royal Hotel Bray, offers top quality grinds from Wicklow’s finest teachers to all students from Primary Level through to Leaving Certificate. The highest standards in extra tuition are guaranteed by maintaining a low pupil to teacher ratio.
Natalie Ryan Ashanti Gold Meridian Point Greystones, Esmonde Street, Gorey, www.facebook.com/AshantiGold, 01 2871789 Natalie Ryan opened the doors of Ashanti Gold Boutique over ten years ago, following the success of her mother’s shop in Gorey. “My goal was to bring the very best European labels to Greystones, and having gotten to know my clientele I also hand select some unique pieces for customers,” said Natalie. The boutique stocks well known labels such as Oui, Sandwich, Diva Catwalk, Joseph Ribkoff and other smaller labels such as Camelot from Greece, which is exclusive to Ashanti Gold. To keep up to date, follow them on Facebook.
Anna Schulmeistrat Power Anna Schu 6 Market Court, Town Hall, Bray, Stillorgan Shopping Centre, Dublin, www.annaschu.ie, 01 2828422 Anna Schulmeistrat Power acquired a taste for premium beauty treatments products and service while living and working in Dubai and Southern California. When she returned home to Ireland Anna opened Anna Schu Beauty Destination using all the glamour of worldwide travel and incorporating much of her inspiration into her growing brand. The spa-like salons offer five-star treatments and premium products. Shellac nails, good quality manicures and pedicures and Image facials are among the best and most popular treatments in these ultra-stylish salons. A popular spot for celebrities, elegant Anna Schu salons make looking great and feeling fabulous accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Anna Schu is constantly adding to their list of achievements, including a recent nomination for the IMAGE Beauty of Business Awards for Best Nail Salon. This spring will see ANNA SCHU adding exclusive NEOM spa treatments, and also a new student club, which is being added due to demand.
Anny Verwijs Kilcroney Furniture Kilcroney, www.kilcroneyfurniture.ie, 01 2829361 Anny Verwijs, founder and proprietor of Kilcroney Furniture has been running this business for more than 30 years. Anny has a keen eye for quality and has a gift for buying and stocking a large range of contemporary and traditional furniture that cannot be found anywhere in Ireland. Anny has a real interest in her customers and this is reflected in the quality of her furniture, professional advice and exceptional customer service. Loyalty through the generations is the main stay of her business with referrals from numerous satisfied customers. “My business is all about dealing with people’s needs and giving them value and quality which is the ethos at Kilcroney Furniture.”
womeninbusiness
Sinead O’ Carroll
18 | SPECIAL REPORT
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
How old is your heart? Are you at risk of a stroke?
Advertorial Inflating a cuff on the arm, how we have been measuring blood pressure for over a century but is it enough? Recent studies have shown that Central Aortic Pressure (CAP) is the strongest inde- pendent risk factor in predict- ing stroke, heart attack and survival rate in patients. Prof Bryan Williams Cardiologist and Prof of Medicine at Glen- field Hospital Leicester says “The aorta is millimeters away from the heart and close to the brain. Unless we measure the pressure in the aorta we are not getting an appreciation of the risks and benefits of treat- ment. Over 5000 people die every year in Ireland from cardiovascular disease. Pulsewave Ireland a wexford based company are carrying out Bpro Heart & Artery screenings
recently featured on BBC news and on Shannonside Radio in 4 Waterford venues next week. Jim Leacy of Pulsewave Ireland says that the Bpro screening which takes only 15 minutes has been life saving for many since its launch in Ireland. The screening is both FDA and CE MDD approved. After the screening each person is given a detailed report which they can discuss with their GP should they wish. The Bpro screening is suitable for all from ages 10 to 90. Sports Clubs can avail of group discounts just call 0877151623 for details. Healthy Arteries are flexable and elastic and blood runs through our veins as if they were lined with Teflon. As we age, this Teflon coating starts to get sticky, like Velcro , and this leads to many health risks. The BPRO measures Cen-
tral Aortic Systolic Pressure (CASP), which can identify whether you have potential underlying vascular disease. When arteries stiffen, they are more likely to clog a cause heart attacks and strokes. The BPRO provides critical information for you that can help you identify problems before they become life threatening. Pulsewave will be screening in Wicklow on : • Monday March 9 The Wilton Hotel Bray • Tuesday 10th March The Arklow Bay Hotel, Arklow • Wednesday 11th March The Grand Hotel Wicklow Appointments available from 10am to 8pm Daily. At Pulsewave we believe that heart screening should be both accurate and affordable so our prices range from €20 for kids to €40 for adults. Call 087-7151623 or log onto www.pulsewaveireland.net
LIFESTYLE| 19
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Peter Byrne
recipes
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
Rhubarb and Peach Crumble
Filling
For 6 portions 6 sticks rhubarb (cut into 2 cm dice) 4 peaches (washed) 250g sugar 1 vanilla pod 100g soft butter 50ml crème de peche
Topping • • • • •
150g Plain flour 1tsp Ground cinnamon 80g Butter 80g Demerera suger 4tblsp Roasted hazelnuts
Method
Brush the peaches in some soft butter then roll in sugar. Place in a deep tray with the cinnamon stick and pour over the crème de peche and bake for 20 -25 minutes at 180 oc, basting every few minutes until a knife goes through easily. Take out and peel the peaches. Repeat the cooking method for the rhubarb but without the crème de peche. The rhubarb will probably take 10 – 15 minutes. De-stone the peaches and
cut into a 2 cm dice, place in a bowl with the rhubarb and the cooking juices/ syrup. Place in your oven proof dish ready to place the crumble on top. For the topping, rub together all the ingredients apart from the nuts until the lumps are about 3-5 mm big. Crush the nuts in a bowl with a rolling pin the fold this into topping mix. Sprinkle the topping over the fruit generously then bake for 20 minutes at 180oc.
SOUTH EASTERN
Public Consultation Day DRAFT FLOOD MAPS WICKLOW TOWN, Co Wicklow Date
Tuesday 3rd March 2015
Time
3.00pm - 7.00pm
Venue
County Buildings, Whitegates, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow
ASHFORD and RATHNEW, Co Wicklow Date
Tuesday 3rd March 2015
Time
3.00pm - 7.00pm
Venue
County Buildings, Whitegates, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow
Are you at risk of flooding? A public consultation is being held on draft flood maps which show the extent of flood risk in Wicklow Town, Ashford and Rathnew. Your comments on the draft maps and your experiences of flooding in these areas would be most welcome. The draft maps will be on display on the above date and will also be accessible through the project website: www.eastcframstudy.ie
In partnership with:
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTÁIN
20 | NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
Clean Air Everywhere
Your role in improving the air we breathe
Home fires are considered by many as a natural part of a cosy home. However they can be a significant source of ‘smoky’ air pollution known as particulate matter (PM). The World Health Organisation guidelines for indoor air quality stress the need for cleaner home heating such as by using gas or electricity. The guidelines strongly recommend that unprocessed coal should not be used as a household fuel. The ‘smoky coal ban’ successfully improved air quality in many of our cities and towns. In Dublin, records show it significantly reduced winter deaths and improved conditions for sufferers of lung and heart diseases, like asthma and palpitations, as people moved from home fires to cleaner more efficient fuels like gas and oil. Each year over 1,200 lives are lost prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution, according to the European Environment Agency. Here, the EPA estimates that over 80% of residential fine particulate matter comes from solid fuel, though it provides less than 20% of the energy used – most of the heat from an open fire goes up the chimney. The burning of smoky coal is not permitted inside ‘coal ban areas’: individual householders have responsibility to play their part in improving the air we breathe. Householders should be aware of their choice of home heating fuel and the potential impact that choice can have on air quality in their home and on public health in their community. Fuel for sale in coal ban areas must be sealed, and labeled as compliant with the Air Pollution Act Regulations. Fuels in breach of the regulations may be of inferior quality and create more air pollution in your home and community. In addition to gas and oil, a wide range of low smoke solid fuel products are available that are cleaner, provide more energy per bag and more constant, long lasting heat. EPA guidance on how best to use solid fuel home heating is available on their website: http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/air/emissions/ epatipsonhomeheatingpractices.html If you live in a ‘smoky’ coal ban area and burn solid fuel – Remember: use only fuel products permitted by the Air Pollution Act Regulations. If you have a complaint about excessive household chimney smoke, or about prohibited solid fuels being sold in your area, contact Wicklow County Council Environment Section on (0404) 20100 or the EPA out of hours at LoCall number 1850 365 121. You can check if you live in a ‘smoky coal ban’ area at:– www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Atmosphere/AirQuality/ SmokyCoalBan/
Buying? Selling? Contact one of our team today
news in brief Free classes
If you feel that computers have passed you by then you may benefit from a new programme offering free beginners computer classes in Bray. New classes start every two weeks and consist of four twohour classes. Classes are open to anybody living in Bray who is unemployed, over 55 or living in a RAPID area of Bray. Call 01 2868266 for more.
e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie Black tie ball There will be a black tie w: www. event held in Druids Glen on wicklowvoice.ie March 6 to fundraise for the development of an outdoor t: 01 901 5556 or wellbeing and exercise centre in the grounds of Newcastle 01 901 5557 Hospital. David McWilliams, economist and journalist, will be the host for the evening. Tickets are €75 and can be booked by calling Marie on 01 2819001.
The Low Signal Arts Centre, Bray are delighted to be exhibiting the works of talented artist Pauline Keena from March 2-15. In this body of work, Pauline engaged her strong interest in the human form as a context for and as a process of investigation.
Youth choir Greystones Youth Choir is open to anyone aged between 12 to 18 and will take place in Greystones Studios from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. The choir will be led by local singing teacher Dara MacMahon and will cost €80 for 10 weeks. Call 086 8146926.
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING| 21
22 | SPORT When Presentation College Bray Junior Coach and teacher Kevin Conroy greeted his two opposing coaches before a recent Junior (U-16) League game both Mike and Jeremy seemed pleasant lads. Familiar faces mind. Few minutes later a penny dropped. That the opposing team were being coached by a recent enough Grand Slam winning coach (Mike Ruddock) and a former Irish international (Jeremy Staunton) would have surprised, perhaps even intimidated, a less experienced coach. Conroy, a ten-year veteran of this level, was neither. “Leinster schools rugby is littered with former professional players, coaches, internationals, Lions etc.” says Conroy. “In fact it’s probably more unusual to meet a team coached by a teacher these days.” That the Pres U-16’s remained unaffected the calibre of the opposition coaching line-up was evident in a close encounter which saw them lose narrowly (6-10) to a bigger side who employed their size advantage well. Pres Bray is the only voluntary (non-fee paying school) still regularly competing at the top table in Leinster Schools’ Rugby and it seems to be fighting against pretty impossible odds. In a world which has recently been described as “professional
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
Exciting times for Pres rugby
in all but name”, Pres still largely rely on the voluntary efforts of teachers such as Conroy. Director of Rugby Johnny Russell, Head of Strength and Conditioning Olan Savage and Conroy are the main pillars these days and are all teachers at the school, putting in shifts of between 15-20 hours on rugby on top of their full-time jobs. “It would be easy to look at the financial resources of some schools and throw the hat at it. We choose to look at it differently and see the
advantages. All of us are hugely committed to this and bring a lot of expertise and experience in dealing with adolescents to the table. We’re here because we want to be and no other reason” says Russell, a past pupil as is Savage. That Pres are taking some big scalps across the age groups recently seems to testify to the success of that approach. The Second Year “A” team that has beaten Clongowes, Belvo and Terenure this term and only surrendered their unbeaten run to Rock in a tight
Sunday, March 15 Enjoy Special Dishes and Live Music
game recently are perhaps the jewel in the crown. Last year’s JCT heartbreakingly lost their Cup match to Clongowes in injury time. This year’s JCT go into the cup with good form and hopes of progression (at the the time of going to press they were due to take on Roscrea in the quarter-finals of the Junior Cup). The First Years are close to top of their League group also and with close to 200 players playing rugby in the school ,Pres are once again becoming a force to be reckoned with. “Our players chose to play rugby for their school. They are not compelled or forced to play in any way.” Almost 140 primary school boys pull on the Pres jersey every Saturday to either play or train ven though there is no Junior school. In 2010, Russell launched Pres Cubs which gives boys of primary age enrolled to attend the school a chance to play rugby for Pres. They started with just about a team and a set of jerseys but soon blossomed to
sport in brief Arklow Geraldines
AGB is delighted to announce that Mervyn Travers has been appointed as the new coach to our minor team for 2015. Training for AGB U16, Minor, Junior and Senior Ladies has recommenced. Training is on Fridays at 8.45pm sharp on the Astro Turf, Pearse Park. Training subs are €2 per session for this group. Cup matches to start on March 8.
An Tochar GAA Preprations are almost complete for the Parishes Punch Up on February 28. Contact any of the boxers for the last remaining tickets and for details on the order of the
Coach class: Stuart Hannon, Jason Curran, Ger Glover, Johnny Russell, Kevin Conroy and Br Ray Dwyer the current numbers. Regularly competing with the likes of Willow, St Michael’s et al this has been the single biggest shot in the arm to Pres rugby over the last few years As well as providing the next generation of Pres player a chance to develop a love for the game and their school the Cubs has also proven to be an academy for emerging coaching talent. The coaching staff is drawn mainly from current or recent past pupils. All qualified mini coaches they give freely of their time, expertise and enthusiasm every Saturday morning from 8.30am. The star graduate of that system is current Head Coach of Pres first years Jason Curran. A sprightly 20-year -ld currently playing for Greystones RFC in the AIL Jason cut his coaching teeth at the tender age of 14 where he helped out with summer camps and later the Cubs. Displaying an obvious talent for coaching he was always keen to learn and attend any course available. Having recently qualified as bouts see www.antochargaa.ie. Congrats to Conor McGraynor of Avondale on winning the Sigerson Cup with DCU. Great to see a Wicklow man scoring the winning point in an All Ireland Final
Bray Emmets The lotto numbers drawn were: 20, 21, 1, 22 There was no winner, next jackpot will be: €11,900 Bray Emmets Strictly Come Dancing was a smash hit on the double at the Killiney Castle Hotel on Saturday night. Just for the record Kelly Prunty and Jamie Quiney came first, followed by Rosemary O’Grady and Peter Kiely with Caroline Walsh and Dave Barry third. But those six people would be the first to agree that in the end there were 16 sets of winners.
a Level 1 coach he harbours ambitions to make a career out of this. Jason is not alone in filtering through from Cubs coach to the school itself. First Year assistant Matt Thompson and Second Year assistant Jak Lawrence are both highly capable young coaches who are motivated by a desire to give something back and help to keep their school moving forward. A somewhat less recent past pupil Ger Glover is also heavily involved. A Junior Cup winner in 1975 Ger runs operations for the Cubs. He says “it’s wonderful to see a new group of leaders emerging to offer us great hope for a bright future”. Another return is former JCT captain Stuart Hannon. After over a decade in the private sector Stuart returned to the teaching profession and his old school this year. “It’s a pleasure to be back and working in such a positive environment,” he said. He also takes great pleasure in watching new playing and coaching talent emerge in his current role as Head of First Year Rugby. Anoraks of Leinster schools rugby will tell you that the last school outside the elite top six to win a Leinster Schools Cup is Pres Bray (Junior Cup 1990) and that nobody has managed to break the cartel at Senior or Junior since. Could Pres be the team to do that? “Success in these competitions have become increasingly restricted in the professional era,” states Russell, a Junior Cup winner in ‘88. “Our primary objective is to provide ALL players the opportunity to develop physically and personally through the game. However of course we’d love some more silver ware. Perhaps League titles are a more realistic target for the moment.”
Presentation College Bray This 5K event is open to everyone who would like to run, jog or walk from Presentation College to Bray head and back. Proceeds from the event w0ill go towards future projects that will enhance the Colleges Sports operations and facilities benefiting all in the Pres family as well as the greater Wicklow community. The race will begin at Presentation College front pitch at 11am on May 16.
Greystones RFC Ladies Day will take place on February 28 at 12.30pm. Tickets are €30 and available from the club or by emailing social@greystonesrfc.ie. #Come along and join in the fun.
sport| 23
February 26 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Mighty Newtown slay Shelbourne
A decade ago Shelbourne were regularly winning the League of Ireland and almost made the group stage of the Champions League. They are still a formidable outfit but on February 22 they were humbled 1-0 by Wicklow League side Netown United in the Leinster Senior Cup. To make this result all the better, Newtown won in Tolka Park! This has to rank as one of the best results ever for Wicklow soccer, up there with the great moments in Bray Wanderers’ history. Well done Newtown and good luck in the next round! Bray Wanderers played their first competitive game of the season on the same day in the same competition but couldn’t match Newtown United’s result, going down to Bohemians at Dalymount Park 4-2 on penalties after a scoreless normal and extra time. Bray were awarded their Premier Division licence for the 2015 season on February 23 so it’s full steam ahead in preparation for the first league game on Saturday week, March 7 in the Carlisle against Drogheda United. The club have announced that a full range of merchandise and replica kits will be on sale in the Royal Hotel. Finally on all things soccer, Inside Back wishes Stephanie Roche the best of luck in America after she signed for Houston Dash. The Puskas Award runnerup’s next move was hotly tipped to be to an English team but Stephanie has opted to go Stateside for the next phase of her career. Rugby Greystones RFC moved up to fourth in Division 2B of the All Ireland Rugby League after a 27-22 win over Kanturk on Saturday February 21 at Dr Hickey Park. Ahead of them in the promotion race are Highfield, Tullamore and Armagh -
thankfully Stones don’t have to play any of these on the run-in; they face Navan on February 28 at home. Stones are the second highest points scorers in the Division, with a whopping 359 points amassed from their 11 outings so far.
GAA Wicklow resume their National Football League Division 4 campaign on March 1 against Offaly in Aughrim. Currently the Garden County are fifth of the eight teams in the division. Wicklow’s hurlers have kicked off their Division 2A campaign in the National Hurling League with two defeats. February 15 in Cullen Park, Carlow where they were well beaten by the hosts, 3-17 to 1-06. February 22 saw them lose at home to Kerry, going down by 1-06 to 2-20 in Arklow. Having gained promotion last term this season was always going to be a tough one for Wicklow. Cricket Bray’s Ed Joyce played a starring role as Ireland pulled off the biggest shock of the Cricket World Cup so far with a win over the mighty West Indies at the Saxton Oval in Nelson in Pool B on February 16. Having won the toss Ireland elected to field first and Joyce scored an impressive 84 as Ireland chased down a large West Indies total of 304 from their 50 overs, surpassing it to finish on 307 for 6. George Dockrell took 3 wickets as Ireland confirmed their status as masters of ‘the chase’ – Ireland now have three of the top five run chases in World Cup history. Ireland then beat UAE, and their remaining group games will see them up against South Africa, Zimbabwe, India and Pakistan – all Test nations. Ireland are now up to 11th in the ODI (One Day International) rankings.
Hurling racism probe
By Michelle McGlynn
An investigation has been launched into alleged racial abuse of Wicklow hurler Andy O’Brien. O’Brien is a member of the travelling community and has claimed that he was verbally
abused during the Kehoe Cup final against Meath last month. The Wicklow board submitted a complaint to Leinster Council who were duty-bound to investigate it. “I was racially abused It was out of order. I was called ‘tinker’ and ‘knacker’, said O’Brien.
xxxxx
24| ADVERTISING
wicklowvoice.ie February 26 2015
Kids Swim Times:
Nutrition Talk Face Painting for Kids
9am – 12 Noon & 3pm – 7pm
HEALTH CLUB
HEALTH CLUB OPEN DAY Sunday 8th March | 8am – 8pm
Health Club Membership
Sample Classes in our NEW studio:
FROM
s46
Boxfit • Kettlebells • Spin • Circuits • Toning • Aqua
•
PER MONTH
Membership options to suit your lifestyle Short term membership available from 6 weeks Free Assessment & Programmes Highly Qualified Fitness Instructors Refurbished Changing Facilities Beautiful Resort Setting
Experience the facilities on the day 18m pool • Plunge pool • Jacuzzi • Sauna • Aroma Steam Room • Fully equipped gym • New Fitness Studio •
New healthy option snacks and menus in Fairways Bistro
•
~ Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow ~ T: 01 287 0821 ~ www.druidsglenresort.com ~