Wicklow Voice July 16 2015

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wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

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Donnelly does it

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TD sets up party after months of speculation

By Michelle McGlynn Wicklow TD Stephen Donnelly has ended months of speculation with the announcement that he has set up a new party.

The new party is called Social Democrats and Donnelly is joined in the venture by fellow TDs Roisin Shortall and Catherine Murphy.

At the official launch on July 15, the party pledged to immediately abolish the controversial water charges and move to repeal the Eighth Amendment which deals with abortion if elected.

Writing in the Wicklow Voice (p.12) Donnelly said, “The country is beginning to recover.

We all know it’s an unequal recovery.

“The people of Wicklow deserve more than this, and are demanding more.

“New vision, fresh ideas, better approaches, need to be put

in place – and that, ultimately, is what the Social Democrats are about.”

Donnelly has served the county as an independent TD for four years but he has acknowledge the limitations of effecting real change in Government as an independent.

“Over the past four years, I have concluded that Ireland needs a credible, modern, social democratic political party – a party that combines an meaningful social vision with a strong and vibrant economy.”

The Social Democrats have not yet approached any prospective candidates although they are seeking to field candidates in every constituency.

Donnelly has confirmed that there had been talks with Independent senator Katherine Zappone but believes she made the right choice in contesting the election as a non party canididate.

Continued on next page

TD Andrew Doyle, Councillor John Ryan and Paul Doyle of Wicklow County Council at the opening of the new M11 stretch between Arklow and Rathnew. Page 8 » Lots more pictures from around the county inside

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04| NEWS news in brief Ensemble Terrible New theatre group Ensemble Terrible, will perform vaudeville melodrama The Legend of Finn Macoole; A Comedy in Three Attempts by veteran playwright Eddie Tynan.

See this exciting play in The Martello on July 22 at 7.30pm with tickets €10 at the door.

wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

Grainne’s bank battle

Fun dog show Friends of Merlin are holding a fun dog show on August 2 behind the Beach House, Greystones from 2pm.

The day will raise funds for Dogs Trust. Information can be found on the Friends of Merlin Facebook page.

Painting workshop The Avoca Painting School is taking bookings for Rod Coyne’s outdoor painting workshop at the Meetings of the Waters and Glendalough Upper Lake.

Taking place on July 18 and 19 from 10am till 4pm, the workshop will include a painting demonstration and tuition for all painters. Call 0402 35555.

Grainne Seoige and former husband Stephen Cullinane, and the house in Rocky Valley

By Michelle McGlynn RTE star Gráinne Seoige is in a battle with KBC Bank Ireland over her €1 million Wicklow home.

The bank have initiated repossession proceedings on the Kilmacanogue residence after the home fell into mortgage arrears.

The popular presenter purchased the home in scenic Rocky Valley with her exhusband Stephen Cullinane for €1m in 2002.

Gráinne invested a large amount in the property hiring interior designers to transform it into her dream home.

The current value of the house is now €650,000.

Following the couple’s divorce in 2010, Gráinne continued to live in the home for a time.

The five-bedroom house began to feel too big for one person so the Crimecall presenter decided to rent it out earlier this year.

Gráinne and her exhusband were due to appear at Bray Circuit Court on July 13 but the case was adjourned until later this year. Gráinne has been living in Dublin city centre ahead of her wedding to rugby coach fiancé Leon Jordaan later this year.

There have been rumours that the mother of one is planning to move to South Africa following the nuptials to be closer to her new husband.

Donnelly does it

Continued from previous page Funding has not yet begun ahead of next year’s general election.

According to Ms Shortall, leadership of the party will be shared until after next year’s election.

Ireland’s newest political party stated that it is modelled on the Nordic model which focusses on delivering a strong economy as well as on healthcare and education.

Specifically, the party has pledged that its focus will be 2:1 in terms of spending over taxation.

They will seek to make ministers and senior civil servants accountable for their actions.

The three deputies intend to extend paid paternity leave and set up child clinics.

Donnelly has previously spoken out about his views on Irish Water, saying that he wants to abolish water charges and ensure the public ownership through a constitutional referendum.

He has conceded that he will probably pay his water charges, while his fellow party members have said that they have yet to pay.

A is for Wicklow according to new postcode

By Michelle McGlynn

A is for Wicklow, at least that’s according to our new postcodes.

Ireland’s new postcode system has been launched and Wicklow residents can expect a letter through their door over the coming days to inform them of their new code.

If you cannot contain your excitement until then you can also go online to eircode.ie to check your own address and others.

South East Dublin and North Wicklow along with parts of Meath will have the A postcode.

For example, the postcode for Glendalough is now A98 HC80.

Further south in Arkow, codes will begin with the letter Y. The total cost of the Eircode rollout is €27 million.

Despite this major investment, the codes have not been uploaded to Google Maps and will not work with SatNavs.

Commercial Manager of Eircode Alan Dignam, “The code is not compulsory, but in time you’ll be asked to use it.”

Residents have been advised to be aware of their new postcode as businesses and delivery services will gradually ask for them.

Government and utility databases have already been updated and businesses across the country have been provided with information to allow them

to prepare their systems for the introduction of Eircode.

The launch of the new system was met with much criticism both online and from opposition parties. Fianna Fail have labelled Eircode “the Government’s latest fiasco”.

Spokesperson for Communications Michael Moynihan said, “It is absolutely crazy that this new system has gone live when it is still riddled with flaws.

“What is the point in having new postcodes if people can’t access them on SatNavs and Google Maps? Instead of helping businesses and members of the public to locate addresses as we planned, it now looks like the new system will just create more confusion.”

Minister for Communications Alex White has defended the new system saying, “Our smart, modern postcode system will enhance our lives and boost economic growth by facilitating more focused delivery of services by government and business alike.

“There are many benefits to using an Eircode, such as allowing delivery and service companies to accurately identify addresses so your deliveries get to the right location and making it easier to shop online.

“It also makes it quicker and easier for medical emergency services to locate addresses.”

Emily wows Fleadh

By Michelle McGlynn

MY NAME Is Emily has wowed audiences at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh.

Greystones director Simon Fitzmaurice’s debut feature film had its world premiere at the renowned film festival.

The film was runner-up in the Best Irish First Feature category.

The team walked away with two awards as producer Kathryn

Kennedy received the Bingham Ray New Talent award and Seamus Deasy was presented with the Best Cinematography in an Irish Feature award.

The film stars Evanna Lynch, best known for her role as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter franchise, and newcomer George Webster. Fitzmaurice was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2008and is now completely paralysed.

NEWS |05

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

wicklow people in pictures

Maureen O’Connor of the Royal Hotel Bray, Terry O’Neill of Bray Wanderers Suppoters Club, Michelle Cleary, Richard Cleary, Sophie Cleary and Millie Cleary . The Clearys won a fantastic holiday to Dubai sponsored by Mc Gettigan’s, Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers and The Royal Hotel for Bray Wanderers Supporters Club

Deborah O Gorman certainly appears to be enjoying her summer holidays in Arklow (pic Yvette O Beirne)

Ger Crowley with his son Fionn and mascot Joey enjoy a cuppa after Lyons Tea came on board as corporate sponsor of Row-aRound Ireland in aid of Cystic Fibrosis which set off from Bray on May 30 to circumnavigate Ireland. Pix: Gareth Chaney

May (9) and Barbara Beckett are all smiles in Greystones.

Pat Casey and Sonia Shortt at the Upper Lake, Glendalough after their marriage on July 9 in St Kevin’s Church,Laragh. Pic Fran Byrne photography

Bryan, Luke (8), Grace (4) and Suzanne Roche on Bray Seafront

Derbhla (5) and Jim Kinsella out and about in Greystones.

Michael, Cillian (6), Casie (8) and Hilary Cummins in Bray

06| NEWS news in brief Everly’s tribute Local band comprising of Scott Maher, the Kelly brothers and Terry and Michael Meakin will perform a tribute to the Everly Brothers and others. The show will be on July 17 in the Hot Spot Music Club, Greystones at 9pm. Tickets €10/€8.

wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

Ship shape ... firm wins €500k contract

Butterfly walk Would you like to learn a little bit more about Ireland’s butterflies and how to identify them? If so then come along to the Native Woodland Trust’s butterfly walk at the NWT Blessington Reserve on July 18 from noon to 1.30pm.

The meeting point for this event will be at ESB car park on N81, south of the reserve.

Family fun day A family fun day will be held in the Kenmare Heights Community Garden on July 18 from 12pm until 3pm.

There will be a family picnic at 1pm with face painting and fun games for children of all ages. Workshops will include Organic fruit and vegetable growing, Stories of a Super Gardener - permaculture and garden design and Wildlife gardening.

There was good news this week for a Wicklow company after Voyager IP, based in Rathnew, and the National Space Centre in Cork won a €500,000 contract to provide a satellite communications service to the Irish Naval Fleet at home and abroad.

TD, Minister for Defence Simon

Coveney officially launched the new service at the National Space Centre’s base at Elfordstown Earthstation in Cork on Thursday.

Voyager IP is providing the satellite airtime, technical assistance for the onboard systems and a 24-hour helpdesk at its base in Broomhill

We’re putting down new roots in Wicklow.

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Business Park in Rathnew. The satellite network infrastructure will be handled by the National Space Centre.

Mark Elliott, managing director of Voyager IP, said, “We saw a gap in the market for a quality full service marine communications provider

and set up Voyager IP to meet that demand. We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year looking after our clients worldwide.”

Pictured are Rory Fitzpatrick, ceo,National Space Centre; Minister Simon Coveney, Commodore Hugh Tully and John Makarus, Voyager IP.

Average price of Wicklow homes rise to €217,000 As a number of housing projects in the county get underway, figures show that new Central Bank rules are slowing the pace of price rises.

The price of an average three bedroom semi-detached house in Wicklow has risen by 3.33% to €217,000 in the second quarter of 2015, according to a national survey carried out by Real Estate Alliance.

Meanwhile, leading builders Abbey are pushing ahead with a development of up to 30 homes in Delgany even though they say that Dublin house prices have stalled.

Recently 15 homes in the Glenbrook development in Newtownmountkennedy went on the market through Mitchell Douglas earlier this month with demand described as “strong”.

A planning decision on the La Touche site in Greystones is expected shortly with a scheme

of 26 dwellings planned for the site, with a mixture of threebedroom and four-bedroom houses.

The company applying for permission is Kavcre La Touche Limited, owned by Greg Kavanagh from Arklow.

Real Estate Alliance, who are represented by REA Forkin in Wicklow, say that 80% of properties are being financed by mortgages in Wicklow and the average property takes eight weeks to sell in the Blessington and south east areas, compared to just two weeks in the north east of the county.

The average semi detached house nationally now costs €186,968, the Q2 REA Average House Price Index has found – a slight fall on the Q1 figure of €187,153.

However, the price of an average three-bed semi-detached in Dublin city has fallen by

over €19,000 in the past three months.

Prices in Wicklow tend to mirror those of Dublin so slight falls could be experienced in the north of the county in coming months.

The price of an average threebed semi in Dublin city has fallen by -5.02% from €381,667 to €362,500 since the end of March as the new rules on mortgage lending begin to take effect on the market.

The new rules on mortgage lending for houses above €220,000 have contributed to an already apparent softening in the Dublin market, according to REA. “Our survey measures house sales right up the end of June and what we are seeing is the first genuine effects of the mortgage deposit rules on the market,” said REA CEO Philip Farrell.

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July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

Large selection of properties offered in upcoming Leinster Property Auction Advertorial

There will be a selection of properties included in the upcoming Leinster Property Auction which will take place on the 23rd July in The Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, Dublin.

The auction team have noted there has been significant interest in counties south of Dublin including Wicklow, Wexford and Carlow. The auction team also note a large demand from home buyers moving from Dublin and also continued demand from outside Ireland with particular demand from the UK and Northern Ireland, where a strong sterling exchange is encouraging demand for Wicklow properties.

One investment property which may interest savvy Wicklow based investor is a high-end apartment complex offered for sale in Glasnevin, Dublin 9.

Botantic Court, 30-32 Botanic Road, Glasnevin Offered at bids over €1.7 mil-

lion and is being offered for sale in partnership with KBD Auctioneers, Drumcondra, No. 30-32 Botanic Court Glasnevin is a stunning development and comprises of 7 luxurious apartments that should give a yearly return of in excess of €120,000 per year the yield on offer here will be in the 7% range.

This well-appointed modern development is in a very desirable area and attracts a huge rental demand. Built in c. 2006 all seven apartments have been tastefully decorated. Each apartment offers stunning minimalist modern living, this should appeal to investors looks for a

walk-in investment. From the sleek finish with walnut floors, oak doors and skirting boards down to gloss tiled kitchens and large balconies, these apartments are a step above the rest.

The kitchens are tiled and consist of a modern fit out with plenty of base and eye level units and all the modern appliances one would expect in a development of this calibre. All master bedrooms come with fully tiled ensuites and the second bedrooms are all doubles. Storage space has been adequately provided for with large walk in storage closets and built in wardrobes, while all apartments have their own secure storage unit outside in the communal grounds.

And the icing on the cake is the large communal roof-top garden providing abundance of private outdoor space for all the residents. Viewings on this property is a must.

Dunsleibhe House, Arklow Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford Offered at bids over €370,000 in partnership with Kinsella

the house and would suit many uses.

Estates, Gorey.

We are happy to introduce to the market this impressive 6 bed residence on 2.6 acres on the Arklow Rd, Gorey, Co. Wexford, located only 45 minutes from Dublin City. This property comes to the market in exceptional condition and is located within walking distance of Gorey and its many amenities.

The property offers very spacious living accommodation which would be ideal for those looking for a large family home as it was previously operated as a Bed & Breakfast. The property also has the advantage of a self-catering unit which joins

Carrigbyrne, Newbawn, Co. Wexford.

Offered at bids over €290,000 in partnership with Brian Wallace Auctioneers, Wellingtonbridge.

We are delighted to offer to the market this stunning home of c 4400 sq ft. C 1.1 acres of extensively landscaped park-like gardens with an abundance of mature plants, hedging, shrubs and trees, as well as three separate gated entrances with concrete driveways and concrete yards for ample parking. This residence is in walk-in condition. The interior includes all solid oak skirting, 6+ bedrooms, 2 en-suites, 2 full bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, 3 fireplaces, solid oak painted kitchen units, an integrated large garage as well as a large detached garage/ workshop of c 1100 sq ft with wood burning stove. Location is great, nestled between the towns of New Ross and Wexford, just off the main N 25

with only 2-3 miles to amenities of Ballinaboola and Newbawn village, right on the doorsteps of the Carrigbyrne Hill walking trails. A property with great Business Potential Contact The Leinster Property Auction on 01 687 5040 to arrange for a free property valuation or for more information visit www.leinsterpropertyauction.ie.

Next Public Auction: 23rd July, The Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, Dublin. Registration starts at 6.30pm.

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08| NEWS news in brief John Lennon bus Music Generation Wicklow is offering the opportunity to record their own song in a hispec mobile recording studio The John Lennon Bus free of charge. If you are under 18, email anncatherinenolan@ kwetb.ie by July 22.

wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

Malcolm in the middle

Mega sale The recent Mega Sale which was held in Kilcoole to raise funds for the local community centre was a great success and raised €2,556 to reduce the debt on the centre. Fran, Winnie and Pauline who organised the above would like to thank all those who supported the event.

Making cents Make Sense with Cents for Greystones Cancer Support.

Donate your 1c and 2c coins to GCS and they will put your coppers to good use.

Camera club Greystones Camera Club would like to invite you to their 4th annual photography exhibition on July 30 - August 6 at the Hillside Evangelical Hall from 7pm-9pm.

The Wicklow Regatta has returned and every Regatta needs its queen.

The best and the brightest from Wicklow Town have already put themselves forward for the crown.

The winner will be announced at the Regatta Queen Ball on July 25 in the Grand Hotel.

The ball is the inaugural event of the festival which runs until August 3. There are a host of fabulous events on over the course of the festival.

Wicklow RNLI will hold an open day at Wicklow Lifeboat Station on July 26.There will be a raft race

Pack up the family car and make a day of it at Airfield Estate this summer…

airfield ESTATE

around the harbour on July 30.

There is up to €350 in prize money up for grabs so why not enter a team and paddle your way around the harbour?

The ever-popular Singing Pubs competition will run from July 1729 so be sure to check it out for a

25 years and 33 lives later, M11 stretch opens

By Michelle McGlynn

With the sun shining and kids on their summer holidays, why not make a day of it at Airfield Estate which is bursting with fun activities everyday including: • Egg collecting at 10am, followed by milking of the Jersey cows in the farmyard at 10.30am • Guided tours of the house and gardens at 11.30am and 2.30pm • Join the farmers to feed Airfield’s animals at 3.15pm New for 2015 is Naturescape – an interactive play area for 4-12 year old visitors with a 27m zip wire, tractor tyres, balance beams and woodland hideouts. For our little visitors from 0-4 years there is the new Grey Barn which is a specially designed indoors/outdoors play area with play market stalls, cooking stations and thatched cottage.

Set over 38 acres and just off the M50 in Dundrum, Airfield Estate is the perfect day out. Pack up the car and enjoy a rural experience in the city.

Airfield Estate | Overend Way, Dundrum Dublin 14 | Open daily from 9.30am t: 01 9696666 | e: info@airfield.ie | w: www.airfield.ie Follow us online @ facebook.com/airfielddublin | twitter.com/airfielddundrum

rocking night out.

For more details on the festival events pick up a programme from local businesses and check the Facebook page.

Pictured is Malcolm Earls with some of Wicklow Regatta Queen Contestants at the Gaol.

This week saw the official opening of the new stretch of M11 between Arklow and Rathnew by Minister Paschal Donohoe.

After many years of delays and uncertainty regarding the upgrade, Wicklow residents are delighted to finally see the road opened.

This new road will reduce journey times for commuters but more significantly it will provide a safer driving environment.

Over the past 25 years, the section of road has seen 33 fatalities and numerous other accidents.

It was this fact which drove residents to campaign for the upgrade works over the years and now they can see the results of their efforts.

Chief Executive of Wicklow

County Council, Bryan Doyle said that he hoped that the treacherous road conditions would soon be a distant memory.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Doyle said, “A total of 33 people lost their lives on this section of road in the last 25 years and today we remember them and their families.

“I want to wish everyone who travels on this new motorway a safe and happy journey.”

A large crowd turned out to witness the official opening with many local politicians on hand to welcome the completion of the long-awaited road.

Andrew Doyle TD praised the efforts of the community in highlighting the issue saying, “It has taken a long time to reach this point.

“The project was first put on hold in 2004 but continuous efforts to highlight it’s absolute necessity meant that it finally

got the green light two years ago. “I would also like to compliment and thank those in the local media who kept this project on the agenda and maintained awareness at a general and political level.”

The first car to drive on the M11 was the East Coast FM Morning Show crew which was fitting as Declan Meehan had been a long-time supporter of the campaign for the upgrade and discussed it often.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Simon Harris said, “Wicklow is now well and truly open for business and motorists who travel this route will see significant improvements to their journeys.”

The new 16km of motorway, which opened seven weeks ahead of schedule, is non-tolled and creates 90km of motorway/dual carriageway between Dublin and Gorey, Co Wexford.

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

ADVERTISING |09

10| NEWS news in brief Tinahely Challenge The annual Tinahely Challenge in aid of Pieta House takes place on September 12. This year’s challenge features a 32 kilometre run; a 30 kilometre walk; or a leisurely 15 kilometre walk.

Registration is free, but a minimum €40 sponsorship or donation is required on the day. See www.tinahely.ie

wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

Colaiste Bhride girls are Pure class

Home insulation If you are a homeowner on a low income living in Co. Wicklow, Bray or surrounding South Dublin areas, you could qualify to get your home insulated completely free of charge. To qualify for Warmer Homes you must be an owner occupier and in receipt of either Fuel Allowance, Family Income Supplement, or Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months with a child aged under seven. Call 01 286 6080 or log onto www. brayareapartnership.ie.

Rockpool ramble Rockpool Ramble will now take place at Greystones Harbour on Wednesdays at low tide. Cost is €6 per person, €15 per family.

PURE (Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments) launched their Multi Media Environmental Awareness exhibition on July 12, at The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely.

This exhibition features 16 award winning short environmental animations, seven environmental music videos, a short film on the community/environmental initiative,

The PURE Mile and short films on illegal dumping in the Wicklow/ Dublin Uplands.

The launch day also saw the announcement of the winners of the PURE MUSIC Competition with the award of one a day professional recording session at the Temple Lane Studios, Dublin.

The award was presented to Colaiste Bhride Carnew by renowned

Irish musician, Dave Hingerty.

All of The PURE music videos were available to view on the day.

The exhibition also included the first public screening of PURE Wisdom.

This short documentary is a selection of interviews from junior and senior classes of Kilcommon National School, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, about their opinions and

thoughts regarding the environment, illegal dumping, litter and pollution.

The exhibition will run from July 12 to 31.

Pictured are Roisin O’Keeffe, Sarah O’Kelly, Niamh O’Keeffe, Laura Hutton from Colaiste Bhride Carnew who were winners of the PURE MUSIC award at the PURE Mulit Media Exhibition held in the Courthouse Tinahely.

With our General Election Selection Convention date fast approaching I am introducing myself to the wider County of Wicklow as a Candidate contesting that Convention.

There is no way I have put my name forward just to make up the numbers. With my strong Business experience as an employer and my Political experience at senior County Council level I strongly believe that I can help to bring positive,meaningful and sustainable change to County Wicklow.

Being the first to declare for this Convention I hope when successfully selected to actively engage with you all across the whole County.

In the meantime if I can help please contact me.

Phone 0404 45638/086 2649483 E mail PCasey@wicklowcoco.ie

Facebook /CllrPat Twitter @CllrPat

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July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

We will remove and dispose of your old furniture on delivery of new

12 | OPINION

opinion&comment

Why we need change, real change

S

erving the people of Wicklow and East Carlow as an independent TD over the past four years has been the very highest honour. It is however an inescapable political fact there is a limit on what can be achieved, for the county, and for the country, as an Independent. Over the past four years, I have concluded that Ireland needs a credible, modern, social democratic political party – a party that combines an meaningful social vision with a strong and vibrant economy.

On Wednesday I launched the Social Democrats with Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shorthall – two TDs of great integrity, who are determined to change Ireland for the better.

There are lots of reasons we’re doing this, why we believe it’s important. For me, the short version is this: If we’re to see a recovery for all, and set the country up for the years to come, we need a new political approach – one that insists on open government, rather than the secrecy we see today; one that understand the needs of businesses, seeking to achieve the same success for Irish businesses as we see in foreign direct investment; one that champions a meaningful social vision, where all children have the opportunity to achieve their potential. That is why I want to stay in politics – to be part of a new, modern, social democratic political party.

The country is beginning to recover. We all know it’s an unequal recovery. But it’s also an unstable one. Why? Because the very things that caused the crash in the first place are still here: An out-dated political system, operating in a culture of secrecy; A short term approach to planning, investment and public services; and a lack of ambition for what our Ireland’s enterprise sector is capable of.

The people of Wicklow deserve more than this, and are demanding more. The energy of the Yes Equality campaign is just the latest example. There is a growing demand for things to be better – better schools and colleges, better healthcare, better jobs, and a better society.

And so politics needs to move on – to be in step with the people, rather than huffing and puffing to catch up with them. New vision, fresh ideas, better approaches, need to be put in place – and that, ultimately, is what the Social Democrats are about. The task facing the Irish nation is not just to recover, but to build an equal, prosperous and stable country for ourselves, for our children, and for generations to come.

So how do we do this? Lots can be done in the short term. Things like resolving the mortgage crisis, better supporting local companies, and providing high quality and affordable childcare. And while we’re doing these things, we need to start working on the longer term. We need coherent planning – in areas like healthcare, broadband, infrastructure, housing and pensions. We need a modern approach to implementation – starting with clear objectives, tracking progress, improving, and refining as we go. We all know this – now we need a political system that knows it too.

We need to be ambitious, and ask big questions. How do we get a top five education system in the next 10 years? How do we ensure local businesses can thrive?

How do we create a modern, communitybased healthcare system? How do we ensure everyone has sufficient income in retirement? How do we increase the standard of living in Wicklow while at the same time improving our global competitiveness?

None of this is wishful thinking – it’s what other countries are already done. The question is – how do we do it – in Wicklow and across the nation? We build a modern social democracy – one that combines great public services, a thriving economy and strong communities.

This will take time, and it will need a lot of people to get involved. I hope people in Wicklow and East Carlow will join with me, in whatever way works for them. People can contribute ideas and policies. People can volunteer – to knock on doors, run events, help me in my local office or simply tell their friends and family about what I, and the Social Democrats, are doing.

People can donate, or run fund-raisers.

We’re looking for people from every town and village, from every walk of life.

If ‘more of the same’ isn’t enough for you - if you believe Wicklow deserves better – if you believe Ireland is capable of much, much more, then please join us.

Stephen Donnelly is a TD for Wicklow and East Carlow

Have your say ...

Our story from July 2 ‘Ticking timebomb ...

Deer to blame for Lyme disease surge’ Maura Ryan, Bray I read your article in today’s, 2nd July 15, Wicklow Voice newspaper entitled ‘Deer to blame for Lyme disease surge’ by Michelle Mc Glynn.

This information is in fact wrong and I am surprised you did not research this subject further.

Deer carry only one type of tick and not many of them and there have never been any cases of them passing them on to humans.

There are a lot of people in Wicklow who would be only too happy to shoot deer and your article is encouraging this line of thinking.

Deer are a very important part of our whole eco system in Wicklow and need to be protected.

Countries where deer hunting is allowed there are still ticks and that they also live on other animals.

Therefore I think it is your responsibility to investigate and to publish an article that tells the facts and truth about this whole subject..

The Wicklow Voice welcomes readers’ comments on anything in the paper. Please write to info@wicklowvoice.ie

Tweets of the week Enda McEvoy @EndaEndamac95 “Am stunned. Nobody on my timeline tweeting about Brian McFadden and yer one. You’d almost think people didn’t care.”

Amy O’Connor @amyohconnor “Marty Whelan has a new autobiography coming out and it’s NOT called Whelan in the Years. What’s even the point?”

Rachel @rachmccauley “Imagine being mad about someone and then going back to their house and they have minions duvet covers. Absolute get away from me.”

with Stephen Donnelly with Michael Wolsey

Hard old station for job seekers

W

hen I was a child, back in the dim and distant 1950s, adults would often ask me if I wanted to be a train driver when I grew up. This, apparently, was a big ambition in their young days.

The question was baffling to me and my friends. We were as likely to yearn for a career in stagecoach driving, which would have been more interesting and only a little less practical.

Lack of trains was a decided drawback. Ireland’s once-extensive rail network has been hacked to bits by an IRA man called Todd Andrews, who became chairman of CIE, and by his ministerial equivalent from the old Stormont government in Belfast.

Nobody ever asked girls if they wanted to be train drivers but I don’t think many of them were losing sleep over this slight. No girl ever expressed an interest in driving trains for the good and sufficient reason that they didn’t fancy the job.

And I feel sure that’s the same reason why today’s young women aren’t tripping over themselves to become Irish Rail apprentices.

The company received almost 2,000 applications for 13 apprenticeships as fitters, diesel mechanics and the like, but only nine were from women and only one made the cut. Iarnrod Eireann is worried about the imbalance and has promised to do all it can to encourage more women to apply. Why? As the one female who got the job so rightly said, “Women are just as capable as men so there is no reason they shouldn’t apply.”

Indeed. And no particular reason why they should coaxed. Women are as capable as men of working as lumberjacks, coal miners, North Sea fisher(wo)men, window cleaners and the operatives of rubbish collection trucks. But you won’t find many opting for these trades. Nor will you be knocked down in the rush by men wanting to be nannies, kindergarten teachers or in-store demonstrators of make-up.

Nobody should be prevented from following their ambition but what’s sauce for the goose may do nothing for the gander.

I never wanted to be a train driver but I did once hanker for a railway job ... and, no, not as an apprentice fitter.

My family lived in Belfast and we used to take holidays in the Co Down seaside town of Donaghadee which had an unusual railway station. From the front it looked like any of the houses along its promenade but, inside, it unfolded as a fine little monument to the age of steam.

It had a concourse and a high ceiling, platforms flagged with stone and arrival

and departure boards controlled by a cranking brass handle.

There was a waiting room for gentlemen and another for ladies. There was a tearoom, a ticket office and a price list for first, second and third class passengers.

Donaghadee railway station had everything. Except trains.

For the Stormont barbarians had swung their axe and now the County Down Railway, which once looped from Belfast to Newcastle and back, ended at Bangor, about ten miles from the city.

Donaghadee, the next stop on the line, was left for a while in a sort of transport limbo.

The railway station had every sign of being open for business but there was nowhere to go. It even had a station master. Well, an employee anyway. A railway official by the name of Mr Davy, with an official jacket, badge and cap.

He was, I suppose, a caretaker, presiding over the orderly closure of the station. But to Belfast kids on holiday, Mr Davy was a figure of power and importance, a role model who fueled our career ambitions.

His station was our holiday playground and its lack of trains never puzzled us at all. The empty chocolate vending machine was more of a disappointment but the big weighing scales still worked if you had a penny, and sometimes even if you didn’t.

Better still was another penny machine - a strange device that could print your name on a strip of metal. It had the letters of the alphabet on a sort of clock face and you dragged a large metal arm round this dial punching out one letter at a time.

Mr Davy might be persuaded to help with the spelling. My name was Mike, I told him, since that was what I went by at home.

But Mr Davy didn’t approve. “Michael,” he said. “M-I-C-H-A-E-L. A man should always go by his full name. And anyway, more letters is better value for money.”

This five-year-old man agreed entirely - for who would argue with Mr Davy?

Next summer he was gone. The teashop was closed and weeds were growing on the platforms. The wonderful printing machine was still there but it no longer worked. No surprise. For how, indeed, could it possibly function without Mr Davy?

And that, my friends, is why I never became a railway worker. Or maybe I should blame gender discrimination.

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| 13

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

anyotherbusiness

Have you got a story?

Then email info@wicklowvoice.ie

It’s a game with a lot at stake

M

y footballer husband has retired from Bray Wanderers and Bray T o w n Council no longer exists. After last year’s local elections Bray was folded under Wicklow County Council and new administrative structures were formed. Social housing plans for Bray are now the responsibility of a new Housing Strategic Policy Committee chaired by Sinn Fein’s John Snell.

Bray now has the highest proportion of councillors on the newly formed Wicklow County Council, which makes perfect sense, given that the town has the highest population in Co. Wicklow. There are no shortage of Bray players on the new Wicklow Council team. This should be working to the benefit of Bray town but for some reason it’s not.

I can’t help but feeling that Wicklow County Councillors have broken the golden rule of the game and taken their eyes

Tracy O’ Brien off the ball.

Take social housing for example. There are now almost 1000 Bray names on the housing list.

The economic crash caused by the governments of Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowan left a trail of destruction in its wake, creating a new wave of homelessness and social housing need.

The current government has responded with a major multibillion euro home building programme.

There’s a target of 438 housing units for Co. Wicklow by 2017 to start, and with more money promised.

By now Bray should be awash

with yellow jackets and hard hats. But not a sod has been turned.

Fifty houses have been approved for Rathdrum and Dunlavin but not one home has received approval to be constructed in Bray. The towns of Greystones, Wicklow and Arklow have fared no better. What has gone wrong?

The new funding for house construction didn’t come as an overnight surprise. Over a year ago, as the last Cathaoirleach of Bray Town Council, I met with the then Minister for Housing, Jan O’ Sullivan with fellow Labour councillors John Byrne and Ronan McManus.

Her message couldn’t have been clearer. ‘The money is coming. Have as many housing projects ready for funding as possible.’ I brought that message back to my Council colleagues and to the housing officials.

There was widespread awareness of the facts. Money was coming and to get it we needed to have sites, permissions and applications ready.

But then the structures

To use some business language, the club is on a ‘change curve’ at the moment, and at a point on that curve where the end to the change isn’t in sight yet. In business when a firm is experiencing this, emotions of those involved run the full gamut of the emotional spectrum, from acceptance, annoyance, anger, frustration, hope, fear, trust and mistrust. Feeling one or any combination of these emotions is perfectly natural for those who care about the entity that is undergoing the change and the impact the change is having on their lives. People can remember happier times that existed before the change and want them to return. This is human nature. But things can’t always stay the same forever – this is a cruel fact of life.

Change in such circumstances, whether in business, sport or anything else, needs to be managed carefully by those involved in implementing it by proper communication to allay concerns. This is the only way confidence in new structures

Fifty houses have been approved for Rathdrum and Dunlavin but not one for Bray ... Greystones, Wicklow and Arklow have fared no better

changed in Wicklow. After the local elections a new team was in play. Some were completely new to the game. Where social housing is concerned, all of the new team took their eyes off the ball.

The new Housing Strategic Policy Committee is supposed to do exactly what its title says, to prepare the strategic housing policy for the county.

However, as was widely reported over the past few weeks, the SPC has no policy in place.

Information given to Labour TD Anne Ferris by Department advisors shows that only nine housing projects were submitted for funding across the county as a whole. The list was submitted in priority order, with the Bray proposal placed second last. Bray may have the most team m embers on Wicklow County Council but this clearly isn’t giving Bray a stronger voice.

Despite all the early warnings to have sites and funding ready, the Bray housing applications were judged by the Department’s professional assessors to be incomplete.

Wicklow County Council officials are awaiting further feedback from the Department officials. Anne Ferris has written to the Department on behalf of the five Wicklow TDs, seeking clarity. What is certain however is that the new Housing SPC is not in control of the game. The first that its members heard of the state of play of Bray’s housing application was at a meeting in Leinster House just weeks ago.

Losing sight of the ball in a football game is one thing, but on the political field this kind of inexperienced fumbling can cause real pain and hardship.

People need houses now and, unlike the Bray Wanderers fans, they can’t wait for a management change to have their needs met.

can be built, and if there is no confidence then the new era is doomed from the start.

Things ran along smoothly at Bray Wanderers for many years and hopefully will do so again, but change was needed as the club encountered financial problems in recent years, especially from the latter part of the 2013 season onwards. The ongoing changes in club structure, board membership and quite probably ownership are a reflection of this.

Added into the change mix at Wanderers is suspicion and worry about the future of the Carlisle Grounds itself as a sporting arena. Whether this suspicion and worry has any real basis or not is impossible to say definitively one way or the other at the present point in time. The club has a long-term lease for a peppercorn rent, but that lease was granted by Bray Town Council, which no longer exists (they have been subsumed into Wicklow County Council). Does this change the lease’s validity? I would think

and hope not, but who knows?

That’s one for the lawyers and politicians.

All of these issues and more led to a peaceful protest before the Derry City game last week where long-standing and loyal supporters voiced their concerns before attending the match. I can’t recall ever seeing anything like this before in Bray Wanderers history. People want assurances that the club is going to be owned by individuals, groups or businesses that will run it in the correct manner.

The issue of the ownership of the club needs to be addressed soon so that the correct finances can be streamed into running the team in the manner the players and fans deserve. Legal and business issues obviously hold things up, but as soon as things are sorted a public meeting should be organised by the incoming owners as a priority to allay the concerns of the Bray supporters, many of them lifelong and amongst the most loyal in the country.

Possibly some upgrade to the

Carlisle Grounds is needed to copperfasten its place in the town and county as a sporting arena.

If this does happen it should be done without altering the ethos and soul of the place. The Carlisle Grounds has been a continually-used sporting arena since 1862 and everyone who follows the club would like to see this continue.

The playing surface has always been recognised as one of the best in the League, and the ground itself has a charm and character that can’t be bought.

The arrival of Rugby League Ireland to the ground recently has been a very positive development and for me points the way forward, on many levels.

The more use the facility gets, the more valuable a sporting asset it becomes.

The more Bray Wanderers can generate revenue by allowing such extra-curricular (to soccer) activity take place at the venue, the more it secures its own business footing.

Together we are stronger.

“

Tracy O’Brien was the last Cathaoirleach of the very last Bray Town Council. A member of the Labour Party, she is married to former League of Ireland Bray Wanderers striker Kieran ‘Tarzan’ O’ Brien and lives in Bray.

Sad to see Wanderers at war

S

port and business often have a troubled relationship.

In the modern world the two go hand-in-hand, a sporting team being unable to exist without sponsorhip, funding and being otherwise bankrolled by one or more business partners. The ability of the sporting team to attract paying customers as spectators usually only generates part of the overall revenue streams needed to keep the show on the road. In a way this mirrors the situation with any sporting or artisitc pursuit down through history – patrons have always been needed.

Bray Wanderers, one of the biggest teams from the county across any sport, and a team that has brought incredible glory to the county with the FAI Cup wins of 1990 and 1999, have been having well-publicised problems this season. The who, what, why, where and how of

Brian Quigley their situation is a complicated story, one I don’t have answers to, indeed nobody possibly does at the present point in time.

I’ve been a fan of Bray Wanderers and a regular at matches since first attending with my father as a five-year-old in 1974 (during the club’s Leinster Senior League days), and my children, who come to the games with me these days, are the fourth generation of our family to attend at the Carlisle Grounds. The ongoing issues at the club trouble me deeply and I as much as anyone else hope that happier, more secure times lie ahead.

1 2 3 4 5

14 | WHAT’S HOT WILDLIFE

with Justin Ivory

One day old chick or a “tiny” as the wardens call them. Photos

by JC Ivory

Record Year for Kilcoole Little Terns Under the watchful eye of wardens Paddy and Susan, the Kilcoole Little Tern Monitoring Scheme is set to have its best year ever since the scheme started 30 years ago in 1985.

Back then the colony consisted of a lowly 14 pairs of terns.

Little Tern Egg

Since then, vagaries of Irish weather and spring tides aside, under the annual vigilance of wardens and with the support of the general public, the colony has gone from strength.

2014 was a record year but it is set to be topped by 2015.

A proud parent with her cute babies

So to the numbers for 2015 (as of a few days ago): No. of Nests: Hatched nests – 149 Terns on eggs – 9 No. of Eggs: 20 to go No. of Chicks: 275 (35 fledged, 240 to go) So if you want to see the cute, speckled little balls of fluff that are the ternlets (chicks) – get yourself down to Kilcoole asap before they all fledge!

wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

business of the week Empress doors and gates Mashers Yard, Dunshaughlin, 086 7862786, www.empressdoorsandgates.ie Empress doors and gates provide clients with the highest quality workmanship and service. They are experts when it comes to garage doors and gates. Whether you are replacing your existing garage door or installing a brand new one, Empress are there to look after you. They manufacture and install steel gates and railings to the highest standards. Gates can be tailor made to suit your own individual design. The team know that with honest and outstanding workmanship, customers will recommend them. Get in touch today and their experienced and dedicated team will do their best to service your needs.

Shop of the week Toymaster Unit 18, Meridian Centre, Greystones, 01 2878564 Toymaster Greystones celebrates its 3rd birthday this week.

Owners Richard and Norma, along with all the staff, would like to thank the customers of Greystones for their valued support. They are looking forward to an exciting Christmas this year, offering all the top toys at Toymaster’s competitive prices.

But before we start planning our wishlist for Santa, let’s enjoy the lovely summer. Toymaster have plenty to help you and your little ones to get out and have some fun this summer.

book of the week Go Set a Watchman

By Harper Lee The controversial sequel to Harper Lee’s iconic To Kill a Mockingbird has been released. Go Set a Watchman is set in the mid-1950s and features many characters from To Kill a Mockingbird twenty years later.

Scout has returned to Maycomb from New York following a visit from her father, Atticus. She is forced to deal with issues both personal and political as she tries to understand both her father’s attitude towards society, and her own feeling about the place where she was born and raised. Conflicting reports of how the manuscript was discovered and concerns about whether Lee was coerced into the publication of this second novel has made this the most intrigued and anticipated book release in years. For many readers, the opportunity to read another novel penned by Lee is the only thing that matters.

TV SHOW of the week BoJack Horseman Netflix, July 17 One of Netflix’s more offbeat series, BoJack Horseman, returns this month.

The dark comedy revolves around an alcoholic, foulmouthed horse/human (Will Arnett).

In a trailer for season two, BoJack can be seen promising to clean up his act. The title character is

dentist of the week Pearl White Dental 2 Belton House, Castle Street, Bray, 01 2863787 Pearl White Dental Clinic is a comprehensive dental practice in Bray. The clinic, which is newly refurbished, offers a 24 hour a day, seven days a week service as well emergency call-outs. As a special opening offer to customers, Pearl White Dental are offering 50% off teeth whitening. Pay just €29 for scale and polish - normal retail value €70. Contact the clinic to find out details about their monthly dental membership plan of €15 per month. Pearl White Dental make it their mission to treat each patient’s individual needs with professionalism and empathy. Services offered include bleaching, white fillings, veneers and a wide range of advanced procedures to enhance your smile.

an out-of-work actor who starred in a Full House-type sitcom in the 90s.

He now hopes to star in his dream film - a biopic of Secretariat - but is struggling to shake his demons.

Season two promises some surprise guest stars as well as returning cast members Aaron Paul, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie and Paul F. Tompkins.

6 7 8 9 10

WHAT’S HOT| 15

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

MOVIE of the week Inside Out Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Pixar’s latest adventure has already been hailed by some as the studio’s best film to date. Inside Out takes us inside the mind of a 12-yearold girl. Have you ever looked at someone and wondered: what are they thinking? Well, Pixar are here to provide the answer. Young Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) has just moved to a new city with her mam (Diane Lane) and dad (Kyle MacLachlan). She must adjust to a new environment and school - but the real adventure is taking place inside her head as Riley’s emotions, Joy, Happiness, Fear, Sadness, Disgust and Anger, try and steer her through this topsy-turvy period in her life. This visually dazzling and emotional animation fuses a typically ambitious premise with big laughs and more than a few tears. The talented cast features some of the top names in comedy including Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling and Lewis Black.

HOROSCOPES

Network group of the week BBC Business support group The BBC is a new club formed by the participants in the 2014/2015 LEO Management Development Programme in conjunction with Carlow IT. The group formally launched on July 9. Group president Gabiel Dooley said the participants of the MDP decided to form a new business support group for small to medium companies

who had been on the course with Blaise Brosnan. The course gave members the confidence, tools and support to grow their businesses in the new economic climate.

The BBC members will be a support and advice group for current and future participants of the MDP course. Monthly meetings, talks, training and advice will be on the agenda.

Pictured are members of the BBC group.

Aries- This week is a 6 Private, peaceful work maximises productivity.

Assert your wishes now.

Remain forgiving with miscommunications.

Taurus- This week is an 8 Find a peaceful place to focus on one thing at a time. Stay on top of domestic issues. It’s emotion versus reason.

Gemini- This week is an 8 Discuss concerns with your friends and communities.

Choose where to focus support.

You’re stronger together.

Cancer- This week is a 9 Make decisions. Schedule plans so your mind is clear. There’s a challenge or test. Focus.

Responsibilities could weigh heavily.

festival of the week Sea Food Festival and Sammy’s Birthday South Quay, Wicklow Town, July 19, 11am-7pm

Leo- This week is a 7 Arguing about money is a waste of time. Ignore provocation.

Discuss finances later. New developments change the assignment and require adaptation.

Sammy the Seal is turning 10! Join him in celebrating his double-digit birthday with the annual Sea Food Festival. There will be lots to do on the day to suit young and old alike. For the kids there is face painting, a live puppet show, sammys sea food and best of all - birthday cake. Kids can also go for a train ride on Sammy’s Express. For the adults there is stands of fine wine and premium beers, plenty of sea food, flower arranging demonstrations and a farmer’s market. Award-winning chef Keith Kenny along with lots of special guests will be holding cooking demonstrations throughout the day. Local performers will provide great music all day. Admission is €2.50 and children under 12 go free. Free parking is available at AIB, Supervalu and at the South Quay.

Virgo- This week is a 6 To avoid a potential problem, play it exactly by the book.

Work out priorities together.

Patient persistence wins.

GIG of the week Syd Arthur Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, July 25, 8pm Syd Arthur – Liam Magill, his brother Joel (bass, vocals), Raven Bush (violin, keyboards, mandolin), and Fred Rother (drums) – emerged out of Kent early in the new century, their post-millennial revision of classic British psychedelic music. Syd Arthur have a reputation as an exhilarating live act, honing their distinctive jams through near-constant performance, from their start playing self-promoted

Enterprise tip of the week Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition Local Enterprise Office, Wicklow County Campus, Rathnew, 0404 30800 Three enterprising young people from Wicklow are in with the chance to win an investment for their business through Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition. Winners, who must be aged between 18 and 30, will be awarded an investment of between €10,000 and €20,000 each to put into their business or to fund a business idea. The Local Enterprise Office Wicklow is rolling out the IBYE this month and the closing date to enter online at www.ibye.ie is July 31. The Local Enterprise Office Wicklow has €50,000 to invest in three local businesses or start-ups. The three categories in the competition are: Best Idea (€10,000 investment prize), Best Start-Up (€20,000 investment prize) and Best Established Business (€20,000 investment prize).

festies to myriad headline shows in both the UK and the US with support slots in the past alongside such like-minded artists as White Denim, Vampire Weekend and the one and only Paul Weller, as well as upcoming performances tours with Jonathan Wilson and Sean Lennon’s The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger. On An On, the band’s debut album, affirmed their insatiable appetite for invention, bridging ambitious time-shifting workouts with indelible folk-pop dazzlers like the breakthrough single, Ode to the Summer.

Libra- This week is a 9 Partnership works wonders.

Keep a secret. New data contradicts what you had before.

Wait and see before forming strong opinions.

Scorpio- This week is an 8 There’s no time for procrastination. Ignore complaints unless you can do something about them. Your efforts are in demand.

Sagittarius- This week is a 7 Romance and fun take priority.

P ractice what you love doing.

Keep improving your skills.

Play with a project. Include someone wonderful in the game.

Capricorn- This week is an 8 The gentle approach works best now. Tempers can fray. Stay close to home. Keep cool and relax. Family comes first.

Aquarius- This week is a 7 Choose a mentor who inspires you. Travel and adventures entice. Writing and research thrive. Get philosophical and creative.

Pisces- This week is a 6 Avoid frivolous spending. Find a way to shave fixed expenses.

Maximise savings. Prioritise for your family’s future..

16 | LIFESTYLE

wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

my favourite things Dress, LaRedoute, €38.99

WHAT’s HOT

with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie

Heels, Dune, €105

Bardot top, Littlewoods Ireland, €13

Navy trousers, RJR at Debenhams, €52.50

Swimsuit, Heatons, €20

Maxi skirt, Long Tall Sally, €47

LIFESTYLE| 17

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

food

Peter Byrne

Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel

Crispy Oysters with fennel and confit lemon salad

Oysters

12 Shucked Oysters Plain flour 2 beaten eggs 300g Japanese panko breadcrumbs

Fennel

1 head fennel ice water vinaigrette sea salt

Confit lemon 500g water 500g sugar

7 baby lemons or normal For the lemons slice to about 2 mm on a meat slicer, and place on a tray Bring the water and sugar to the boil, place the lemons inside, cover the pan with cling film and leave under a heat lamp for about 1 hour or until the lemons are soft.

Wash the oysters off in their own juices, then roll them in four then the egg, finally in the breadcrumbs. Once ready deep fry at 180oc for about 1 minute or until golden.

Slice the fennel very fine then place in the ice water, when ready to serve, strain and dress with vinaigrette and a little seasoning.

18 |SPECIAL REPORT

wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

There’s more to Kilcoole than Glenroe, visit this summer and see just how much more there is to see and do. The gorgeous coastline at Kilcoole is a sanctuary from busy lives and is a haven for bird watchers.

Summer in Kilcoo

Kilcoole is one of many gems to be found in the Garden County, don’t let it go under your radar.

Family fun day Main Street, Kilcoole, July 18, 2pm

Ricardo’s and Lee’s of Kilcoole are hosting a spectacular family fun day with lots on offer to suit everyone.

Kicking off at 2pm, there will be bouncy castles, face painting and a BBQ. Anyone who is

feeling brave can take on the Double Dare challenge - how many burgers can you eat?

Later that night, there will be a Garth Brooks Tribute Band from 10pm.

Lee’s of Kilcoole Main Street, Kilcoole, 01 2872097 Located on the Main Street, Lee’s is central to the town.

A fully functioning bar and gastro pub, they are known for tradition and quality. They serve a range of bar food daily and offer a quality carvery lunch every Sunday from noon until 4pm. Weekends will always be great fun at Lee’s with live music and dj’s playing tunes as you spend the evening having a well deserved drink with friends and family after a long week.

Ricardo’s Upstairs at Lee’s of Kilcoole, Main Street, Kilcoole, 01 2874545 Ricardo’s is a newly opened restaurant and takeaway based upstairs at Lee’s. They offer a wide range of delicious foods such as burgers, Italian, pizzas and they cater for vegetarians.

They deliver to all local areas.

You can call or book online with JustEat.ie. They are open from 4pm till late Tuesdays to Fridays and from 12pm until late on Saturdays and Sundays.

MacSherry’s Pharmacy Whitethorn Centre, Kilcoole, 01 2870400 MacSherry’s Pharmacy offer reliable, trustworthy and friendly customer service.

Whether you need help with healthcare, skincare or cosmetics, the team at MacSherry’s are willing to lend

Main St., KILCOOLE

Lunch Times Wed - Sat 12.00pm - 3.30pm

Dinner Menu Served Wed - Sun until late

SPECIAL REPORT| 19

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

ole and Newtown a helping hand. MacSherry’s have many services available to their customers including ear piercing and passport photos.

Matt Britton Albany Business Park, Kilcoole Industrial Estate, 01 2760021, www.mattbritton.ie Matt Britton flooring provides customers with the highest quality carpets installed by the best flooring and carpet fitters in the country. The services and products extend far beyond the simple purchase of your dream floor. Professionally crafted, competitively priced and perfectly installed; that’s the Matt Britton guarantee.

The Mollys 5 Main Street, Kilcoole, 01 2875876, www.themollysbar. com The Mollys is located right in the heart of Kilcoole. Long known as the Molly Malone’s of RTE soap Glenroe, the pub is still brimming with activity and fun. They serve food from Wednesday to Sunday every week. Explore the wide selection of dishes.

Site-Mate Unit 2, Druids Court, Kilcoole, 01 2811133, www.site-mate.ie Site-Mate is Ireland’s premier supplier of health and safety, site products, tools, traffic management and signage to the construction industry. They have many years of experience in providing and sourcing quality, reliable and trusted products nationwide.

Bread Basket Whitethorn Centre, Kilcoole, 01 2010080 Bread Basket is a cafe with a

distinctly homely atmosphere.

It is a cosy place to spend an afternoon enjoying a coffee and a cake or sandwich. Why not stop in for lunch and check out their daily summer specials?

Roundwood Design Unit 1A, Kilcoole Industrial Estate, 01 2817000 Built on the experience of three generations Roundwood Design has a long standing family history of designing and building some of Ireland’s finest furniture. With each and every component having been tried and tested over time and on a regular basis to ensure that it lasts the test of time.

Newtownmountkennedy is a picturesque village set in the woodlands and glens of Wicklow. It boasts many top tourist destinations, shops and restaurants and it has the longest village name in Ireland.

Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy The Old Schoolhouse, 01 2819404, www.fishers.ie Over the past 30 years Fishers has grown from a small country clothes store to a large destination shop. They bring you modern, fashionable clothes, while maintaining their core values of excellent, personal customer service and a superb range of products.

Fishers take a real interest in all their customers and building relationships with suppliers, local businesses and the community. They are passionate about what they do and about the community of Newtown. For all your fashion and accessory needs, Fishers is the place to go.

Mucky Mutt Main Street, 085 1897878 Mucky Mutt will look after your beloved four-legged friend and have your pup looking gorgeous. The dog grooming salon will pamper your dog from head to tail. All staff are fully qualified and insured, so you can rest assured that your pooch is in safe hands.

Executive Dry Cleaners Apartment 5, Main Street, 01 2015889 Executive Dry Cleaners offer a reliable and professional service. From shirts and dresses to duvets and blankets, they can look after you and have your items looking as good as new.

They also clean shoes, boots, bags, hats and more.

Milla’s Kitchen Newtownmountkennedy, 01 2011511, www.millaskitchen. com

Milla has been bringing the great taste of Armbol Beach, Goa to the people of Wicklow for many years. She uses her own family recipes to create a unique and yummy treat for food lovers.

So put your feet up and let Milla’s Kitchen cook you a fabulous Indian meal.

Credit Union, Main Street, Newtown/Kilcoole, 01 2873111 01 2810588 Newtown and Kilcoole Credit Union is committed to providing a broad range of innovative financial products supported by the excellent service of a dedicated, well-trained staff.

They provide a great way for you to save money while supporting the local community.

They offer loans, insurance cover and much more. As a member of the Credit Union you can view your account details online.

Want to place an ad? email us at info@wicklowvoice.ie

Menswear, Ladies Boutique, Designer Gowns, Bedding, Beds, Gifts, Gallery & Café

Summer Sale

LAST 10 DAYS EXTRA 10% OFF SALE PRICE with VIP Gold Card sign up in store

Fishers, The Old Schoolhouse, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow T: +353 (0)1 281 9404 www.fishers.ie

www.facebook.com/FishersOfNewtownmountkennedy

20 | NEWS wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

Roads closed for Bray Air Display The 1942 Boeing Stearman vintage biplane, piloted by Robbie Redmond, is one of over 30 aircrafts taking to the skies on Sunday. Pic: Joe Keogh A number of road closures orders have been put in place for this weekend’s Bray Air Show.

On Sunday July 19 Strand Road, Bray will be closed to vehicles from 12 noon to 7.00pm from the junction of Quinnsboro Road to Albert Avenue. From 12 noon to 7pm entry by vehicles to an area east of Main St and Vevay Road from Seapoint Road to Newcourt Road will be restricted to residents and

persons having business in the area.

Access to Quinnsboro Road will be restricted to local residents and to those using the car park at Florence Road / Quinnsboro Road. Access to the car park at St Thomas’s School will be available via Novara Avenue. Organisers are predicting another bumper crowd after last year’s record number of 88,000.

The Big Dog’s Galley The Harbour, Bray, 086 2228743 If you are looking for a sumptuous al fresco dining experience during these lovely summer days, then look no further than The Big Dog’s Galley. Located next to The Harbour Bar on the seafront, the best burger and chips you’ve had are available in the evenings from Thursday to Sunday. From classics like the chip butty to the more exotic Shrimp PoBoy, everything on their menu is prepared and cooked to absolute perfection. Their burgers, served on fresh Caviston’s buns, are legendary.

Just try to read the menu without salivating. Get yourself down there, enjoy a great feed and the wonderful seafront.

Carpe Diem Albert Avenue, Bray, 01 2762697 From the moment you walk in the door of Carpe Diem, you know you’re not in a typical Italian restaurant. It is a modern place with a fun and friendly atmosphere. You can pop in for a quick snack or for a meal, either way you are in for a treat. The two chefs on staff each have over ten years experience and take great care in the preparation and presentation of each dish.

Open from 10am until late seven days a week, it’s always a good time to drop in for a delicious dish. The kitchen menu runs from Friday to Thursday with daily specials so all the ingredients are in season and fresh. The menu caters for everybody so even the fussiest eaters will find something they love. Pop in for a coffee and try one of their fresh homemade breads, croissants or cakes. Scrumptious!

Dockyard No. 8 The Harbour, Bray, 01 2761795 This cafe and wine bar has a fun and relaxed vibe along with a menu jam packed with delicious food.

Why not join them for Wings Wednesday or Bring Your Own Wine Thursday? Whatever night you go your tummy is in for a treat. Pictured are Gavin Murphy, front of house manager and Alex O’Sullivan, owner of Dockyard No.8 celebrating one year in business. They recently toasted a successful first year with staff, some customers, friends and family. Dockyard now employs 11 staff, Alex says he is extremely proud of his team and also wished to thank the local community and customers for all the support Dockyard has received over the past 12 months.

The Hungry Monk

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

ADVERTISING| 21

22 | ADVERTISING wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

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SPECIAL REPORT| 23

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

Wicklow homes top insurance contents league

By Michelle McGlynn A recent survey has revealed that Wicklow homes contain more valuables than any other county.

The research, which analysed the cost of home insurance policies nationwide, found that on average homes in Co Wicklow have contents insured for €50,537.

This is approx €5,000 more than the nationwide average.

Home owners in Co Leitrim were found to have the least valuable contents in the country with an estimated value of approx €39,180.

Contents insured against burglary or fire generally include jewellery, laptops and tablets, smartphones, art, flat screen televisions, vintage items and more.

The amount that home contents are insured for does not necessarily reflect the true value. Conor Faughan, spokesperson for AA Insurance who carried out the survey, explained “It has become a common trend to both under and over insure their contents.

“People often don’t realise just how much it would cost to replace everything.

“You’d be amazed at how quickly it builds up even for those of us who reckon we don’t have a lot of valuables.”

This survey was released following the publication of the CSO Crime Statistic Report.

According to the report, there were 28,583 reported burglary and related offences in the 12-month period ending in Q1 2015. This represents an increase of 8% when compared with the corresponding period ending in 2014.

In the eastern region, there were a total of 5,213 reported incidents of burglary and related offences - an increase of 331 (7%).

Of these burglaries, 1,231 took place in Co Wicklow from Q1 2014-Q1 2015.

Eoin Dunne, CEO of PhoneWatch said, “The crime statistics offer a snapshot of where Ireland is at in terms of burglary.

“Burglars are ruthless and more often than not opportunistic.

“The rise in burglaries as shown in the CSO report really demonstrates how homeowners need to be more vigilant and can

take more responsibility for the protection of their homes.”

The only region with a higher increase in incidents of burglary was the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

Sentinel Vaults Sentinel Vaults is Ireland’s premier safe deposit box facility.

Their facility is a former bank vault that has been upgraded to surpass bank standards, and is located on the prestigious Waterloo Road, Dublin 4.

Currently they offer two main services: safe deposit boxes and document safekeeping.

The purpose of the facility is to offer clients a safe and secure place to store their valuables and important documents.

Sentinel Vaults offer peace of mind by providing state-ofthe-art, modern security to keep your items secure.

Privacy and discretion is guaranteed, no one else will have access to your box, or know what it contains.

Clients are identified by fingerprint, facial recognition and a unique pin code.

They are Ireland’s only certified member of the Safety Deposit Association and the country’s first and only independent safe deposit box facility inside an original bank vault.

Sentinel Vaults are currently running a promotion, whereby you can acquire a safe deposit box from as little as €199, and

get an extra six months free or avail of document safekeeping service from just €125.

Sentinel Vaults is open seven days a week for your convenience.

For more information or to arrange an appointment, please call 01-667 8370 or visit www. sentinelvaults.ie PhoneWatch With burglaries increasing, homeowners are becoming more conscious of their home security.

House alarms are a great way to deter potential burglaries, but you also want to be sure that you have done everything in your power to prevent the attempt.

The PhoneWatch ‘Home Safety System’ has the latest in technology including monitored alarm sensors with built in cameras which guard against theft, and always on monitored smoke and CO detectors.

For convenience it comes with a remote on/off alarm key via a smartphone app and has wireless components which eliminate the need for a land line and a prolonged installation process.

The entire package will cost €699.

Eoin Dunne, PhoneWatch CEO, said, “This latest innovation sets PhoneWatch apart and is the reason why PhoneWatch is the market leader for home safety and security in Ireland.” .

24 | NEWS wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

Parents are Greystones golfer urged Paul tees off at Open

Greystones amateur Paul Dunne tees it up at the 144th British Open Championship this week.

The 22-year-old Greystones golfer, who graduated from the University of Alabama in Business Finance in April, finished first, grabbing one of three places on offer, after rounds of 70 and a brilliant afternoon, 65 at a qualifying tournament in Woburn twoo weeks ago.

There was a curious symmetry to his achievement as it was almost a year ago to the day that he achieved the exact same feat of qualifying for last year’s British Open, over the same Woburn course.

On that occasion he shot identical rounds of 67 in the morning and afternoon; this time he was in a tie for fourth place after an opening 70 before accelerating clear in the afternoon.

The Greystones golfer is hoping to make the Walker Cup

to shop around for school gear

team later this year and will then go to the European Tour Qualifying School to try and earn his card as a professional.

Charlesland Golf Club Set in the shadow of the Wicklow Mountains,

Charlesland Golf Club, designed by prolific course designer, Eddie Hackett, has always been known as a challenging, but fair, test of golf.

The club, founded in 1992 offers a great golfing experience, and it is also renowned for the

- MEMBER RATES Druids Glen Full Membership

€2,600 Druids Heath Full Membership

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quality of its welcome and its service.

The front nine which hugs the Irish Sea, is links-like, while the back nine is a beautiful parkland layout with several outstanding holes including the signature hole, par-3 13th from a lofty elevated tee and is 229 metres down to the green.

Another feature hole is the 18th a double dogleg and a massive 562 metres from the championship tees with a sting in the tail. The Green is well guarded and you have to negotiate water on both sides of the fairway.

Charlesland, now in its 23rd year, has very exciting times ahead; with a total restructure of the club house underway, now known as, “South Beach Pavilion at Charlesland” offering superb catering facilities and serving delicious food with a fully licenced bar.

Why not visit Charlesland for a game of golf and a splendid meal in South Beach Pavilion afterwards.

Druids Glen Golf Resort Join the fastest growing golf club in Wicklow – Druids Heath. A unique location right on your doorstep, Druids Heath is the perfect course to capture the true spirit of the game of golf. Venue for the 2006 Irish PGA Championship, Druids Heath has designed tailor made membership packages to suit your needs including annual Golf and Health Club Membership for just €1500. Membership runs for a full 12 months from joining date. Talk to Marcus Doyle about membership packages on 01 287 0812 or email golf. membership@druidsglenresort. com

Parents are being urged to shop around for school supplies following a survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions.

Although it may just have been a couple of short weeks since school broke up for the summer but many parents of school going children are already bracing themselves ahead of the back to school shopping season.

The cost of school going children to parents is a significant financial burden and can put pressure on other areas of the family budget.

The Irish League of Credit Unions has this year taken a look at just what the costs for both primary and secondary school children are.

In the survey, parents stated that they believe uniforms/ school clothing are the most expensive items to purchase for their children going back to school. Parents of primary school children are spending an average of €166 per child on uniforms/clothing, up from €160 in 2014. Secondary school parents are spending an average of €258 per child on uniforms/ clothing, down from €266 in 2014.

Books are the second most expensive item on the list with parents of primary school children shelling out €106 on books, down slightly from €107 in 2014 and secondary school parents spending €213 on books, up significantly from €166 in 2014.

School lunches are the third most expensive item on the list,

with primary school parents spending €116 per child in 2015, down from €122 in 2014.

Secondary school parents are spending €147 per child, up from €134 in 2014.

81% of parents of school going children (primary & secondary) feel that the costs of sending their kids back to school is a significant financial burden. 32% of parents say they are likely to get themselves into debt to to cover this cost. The average amount borrowed is €360.

Monthly income (41%) continues to be the most common method used to pay for back to school supplies. This is followed by savings (25%), up from 21% in 2014. 12% use the back to school allowance and 20% will borrow money from a credit supplier (12% credit card, 5% credit union loan, 1% bank loan, 2% moneylender).

Borrowing is most evident in parents of secondary school children, this group are also more likely to borrow from a moneylender.

72% of all parents admitted that back to school costs will negatively impact household bills and family plans, this is down from 74% in 2014. 70% (vs 80% in 2014) of parents have had to sacrifice their family holiday or children’s summer camps this year to cover the cost of sending their children back to school. Back to school expenses will also have a negative impact on 29% of household bill payments.

Reads for great value When it comes to great back to school value, look no further than Reads, Bray.

September can be a stressful time for parents as the cost of sending the children back to school seems to rise each year but don’t worry as Reads offer a wide range of back to school essentials at prices your pocket will love.

Get your child sorted with all their stationery, A4 pads and

notebooks for the whole year and breathe a sigh of relief when you see the great value on offer.

Parents with artistic children will be glad to know that Reads stock all of the tools your budding da Vinci will require to create a few masterpieces over the course of the school year.

So drop in to Reads in Bray today and you won’t have to spend a fortune when September rolls around.

ADVERTISING| 25

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

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book@travelescapes.ie www.travelescapes.ie Visit us at Travelescapes, Suite 30, The Hyde Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18

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26 | SPORT

wicklowvoice.ie July 16 2015

sport in brief Festival of running The Wicklow Hospice Four Day Festival of Running took place at Avondale House and Forest Park from July 9-12. The festival was a huge success.

Participants could walk, jog, run or even crawl between one and five laps of a five mile circuit.

Those who chose to complete the classic marathon distance of 26.2 miles completed a 1.2 mile loop before beginning their laps.

To everyone who gave of their time, the organisers say a big thank you. Over fifteen people completed four marathons in four days - that’s 104.8 miles each. For spinologist Mike Myer it was his fifth marathon in eight days. The curtain has come down on the 2015 Festival of Running but plans are already afoot for the 2016 event.

our camp coordinator.

An Tochar

Arklow Geraldines

Our Mens Intermediate team took on Stratford in the championship on July 11 in Aughrim. Despite playing with a man less for over half the game, all concerned turned in an honest hours effort to claim victory. Well done lads.

Well done to all 155 girls and boys that took part in our Kelloggs Cúl Camp last week.

A big thank you to Mel Nolan

AGB are hosting ‘The Kube’ (based on a ITV gameshow) on August 8 in the Arklow Bay Hotel. There is a €1,000 first prize. Contact Kerry on 087 3287881 for more details.

Great Féile reports by the AGB U14 Girls’ Division V, U14 Girls’ Division I and the Boys’ teams on the AGB website.

Well done to AGB U10 girls who travelled to Bunclody on

Participants the Shankill GAA Club annual summer camp July 9, for a league game. A great team performance, the girls came out on top winning 4-6 to 2-2.

The Intermediate Men played Donard in the Darcy Sand Intermediate Football Championship in Aughrim, on July 11 but unfortunately finished the game trailing Donard by 2 points. AGB play Tinahely in Annacurra on July 19 at 11.30am in the Junior B Football Championship.

U16 boys’ football team travelled to Newtown recently

and suffered their first defeat of the league campaign. The score at half time was AGB 1-4 Newtown 1-3. Newtown started the brighter in the second half, AGB tried very hard but could not overtake their opponents.

The U8 and U10 AGB boys put in a great performance in their Blitz in Shillelagh on Saturday the 11th. Well done boys.

Bray Wanderers There was no Lotto jackpot winner on July 12. Numbers drawn were 3-6-24-30. €30 lucky dip winners were Ray Stanz c/o Supporters Club, John Keating c/o John Keating, Stephen McDonnell c/o Bray Wanderers, Julie Keddy c/o John Keating, Ray Stanz c/o Supporters club. Next week’s jackpot is €9575. Tickets cost €2 each and are on sale in the club shop on match days or you can play the Bray Wanderers Lotto online at www.bwfc.ie.

The winner of the Supporters Club raffle for a trip to Dubai was Sophie Cleary from Lurgan.

A car boot sale will take place on July 18 in the Carlisle

Grounds from 8am to 1.30pm.

Cars €10, vans €15. For more information call Colin on 0862451654.

Wicklow putting in a lot of work and dominating the game for large periods, Wexford ran out 4-06 to 2-06 winners.

Garden County

Shankill GAA

The U14 squad travelled to the magnificent facilities in Bunclody recently to take on Wexford. They played two full length matches against the two Wexford teams and were comfortable winners in one and unfortunately came out on the losing side in the other. It was another good workout for the panel and we now have only one defeat in seven games for the squad.

U15 GCA squad travelled to Wexford GAA’s Centre of Excellence to take on Offaly, Carlow and Wexford which meant we would play three 40 minute games. Wicklow had 27 players in attendance, with all players guaranteed at least 40 minutes of game time.

They won their match against Offaly, score ending 2-05 to 0-6. The second match against Carlow ended in defeat, 3-09 to 2-04. Finally, they took on the home team Wexford. Despite

Shankill GAA Club held its annual summer camp last week.

Attended by over 90 boys and girls from the Shankill area they enjoyed a week of fun and laughter. They improved their skills of Gaelic games as well playing Rounders and all manner of games and sports which added to the enjoyment of the camp.

On the final day we were delighted to welcome some Dublin County players. Ladies footballer Molly Lamb, Hurler Dotsy O Callaghan and Footballer Eric Lowndes all did a bit of coaching and passed on vital tips and advice on playing our games. After presenting certificates and medals to all the children the stayed on to sign lots and lots of autographs on anything from camp T-shirts to pieces of paper.

A most enjoyable week was had by all. Well done to all concerned in running another

Participants at the Wicklow Hospice Festival of Running

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

sport| 27

July 16 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

insideback

with Brian Quigley

Soaring Seagulls head for top six Bray Wanderers won again last weekend, beating Derry City 1-0 at the Carlisle Grounds on Saturday 11 July to leapfrog the Candystripes into ninth place in the Airtricity League Premier Division. The goal, a piece of individual brilliance from Arklow man Adam Hanlon, was worth the entry price to the game alone. Adam cut in from the wing and teed up an unstoppable shot that rifled the net.

In truth the entire Wanderers performance was class. Solid and workmanlike at times, exciting and innovative at others, the team are playing excellent football at the moment. They are set up in a clever formation that allows the opposition to be contained while allowing for quick counter-attack.

The Seagulls have now completed a three-game winning run in the League that has also elevated them above Sligo Rovers in recent weeks.

With Galway, Drogheda United

and Longford Town all within two points of Bray, Wanderers are looking at a possible top six placing in the League if their run continues. And they’re still in the Cup! New signing in the transfer window, goalkeeper Peter Cherrie, marked his home debut with a clean sheet to go with the one he kept on his actual debut last week in Limerick. Peter comes to Wanderers on the back of a League title medal with Dundalk last term.

He has also played in Scotland for Airdrie, Ayr United and Clyde (where he played against Manchester United in a friendly and against Celtic in a Scottish Cup giant-killing win).

Peter has been deputising for Stephen McGuinness in the Bray goal, and last term’s Player Of The Year received the June Player Of The Month award at the Derry City game.

It’s going to be some competition for the gloves over the next while!

his coaching staff earlier in the season.

Mick Cooke, the former Drogheda United manager has now been installed into the Wanderers’ hotseat, having been out of football for a year since he left Athlone Town. To add to the managerial musical chairs this season U19 team coach Maciej Tarnogodski and firstteam captain David Cassidy have also had to manage the team on interim arrangements.

All smiles at the Wicklow Hospice Festival of Running Managerial Musical Chairs Everything is certainly not rosy and fine at the Carlisle Grounds by any means, despite the winning run outlined above.

Bray Wanderers have been in

the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks. For the second time this season issues relating to the late or non payment of players’ wages have apparently contributed to the

walk-out of the management and coaching team. Trevor Croly and his management team left at the start of the month in a fashion that mirrored the departure of Alan Matthews and

Ger Pender Congratulations to Bray man and ex-Wanderer Ger Pender who scored on his debut for Drogheda United last Saturday 11 July against Scottish Championship side Falkirk.

Ger came on as a second half substitute and scored United’s second in a 5-2 defeat to the Scottish side, who are a fully-professional outfit. The Wicklow Voice wishes Ger a succesful second half of the season with the Boynesiders.

28 | ADVERTISING

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