Wicklow Voice July 24 2014

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Record number of visitors attend Bray Air Display

LIFE’S A BEACH: A record number of poeple attended the Bray Air Display with 88,000 people packing out the Seafront on July 20 . See page 6. Pic by Joe Keogh » Lots more pictures from around the county inside

2 | NEWS news in brief Better Energy grants THE Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has announced that Wicklow community energy projects will receive in excess of €200, 000 in financial support.

This will result in substantial improvements in homes, community buildings, local authority premises and sports facilities. Wicklow County Council will provide energy upgrades in 64 local authority homes in Sycamore Drive and Mountain View Drive in Wicklow of which 53 homes are energy poor.

Land of the Giants FRESH off the stage at Glastonbury, the Land of the Giants will be gracing the Harbour Bar Bray stage Friday, July 25 during their Ireland 2014 Mini-Tour. Don’t miss out on the band that has been tipped by many as THE ones to watch in 2014.

No to fur BRAY native Eva Birthistle has signed a petition, along with over 270 other Irish film, television and music stars, calling on Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to ban fur farming in Ireland.

wicklowvoice.ie July 24 2014

Jack’s back for film shoot

By Michelle McGlynn

WICKLOW is set to welcome one of their most successful young stars home as Jack Reynor has landed a leading role in a new Irish drama.

It has been announced that the What Richard Did star from Blessington has bagged a role in big budget Irish film, The Secret Scripture, which begins filming in September in Wicklow and Sligo.

The IFTA winner will be joining a star-studded cast including Rooney Mara, Vanessa Redgrave and Jeremy Irons.

The adaptation of Sebastian Barry’s best-selling novel, follows Roseanne and recounts her journey in asylums in Ireland over the course of 60 years.

IFTA and Emmy nominated director, Thaddeus O’Sullivan, will be at the helm.

The film will have an Irish crew, providing a boost to the Irish film industry.

It will also provide a very welcome boost to the local Wicklow economy.

Happily, it means that Wicklow-native Jack will have a chance to spend some time at home.

Wicklow’s star duo: Bray’s Laura Whitmore interviews Bleesington’s Jack Reynor at the Transformers 4: Age Of Extinction premiere outside The Savoy Cinema Having shot to fame quite rapidly following his role in Lenny Abrahamson’s harrowing drama What Richard Did, the gutsy young actor saw his opportunity and leaped, moving to the US with only $40 to his name.

Jack was actually born in the US, living in Colorado until he was two years old.

Thankfully, his risky move has paid off as he landed the sought after role of Shane Dyson in Michael Bay’s blockbuster Transformers 4: Age of Extinction.

news in brief

AUGUST EVENTS AT THE HARBOUR BAR THUR 31 SWEENEY’S JAZZMEN

NEW SECRET WEAPON ODDSOCKS SUN 3 THE BANG BANG BAND MON 4 MONGOOSE [Jazz Folk] FRI 1 SAT 2

ECNR volunteer day THE East Coast Nature Reserve are seeking volunteers on Saturday, July 26 to help with the maintenance of the wooden boardwalks at Sea Road, Newcastle. They will meet at the main entrance to ECNR along Sea Road. RSVP to birdwatchwicklow@gmail. com if you can help out.

[Dixieland Jazz] [Prog Rock] [Rock] [Covers]

THUR 7 DARAGH CULLEN & IAN O’DOHERTY

[AMA Emerging Artists]

BRIAN MEAKIN BAND [Blues Rock] SAT 9 ZASKA BAND [Jazz Funk] SUN 10 CONOR LINNIE [Local Singer Songwriter, 5 Piece] FRI 8

THUR 14 THE RETRONAUTS FRI 15 THE BURNING EFFIGIES SAT 16 BIG SEPTEMBER

[Reggae] [Funk] [Rock/Pop]

SUN 17 THE SONG ROOM PRESENTS [Various] THUR 21 EAST COAST JAZZ BAND FRI 22 HALF OF ME

[Rock]

SUN 24 LEE MEHAN & HUGH BUCKLEY THUR 28 COTS / SAMPLE ANSWER

THE BRIAN MEAKIN BAND SAT 30 GAVIN GLASS [Americana] SUN 31 MARY COUGHLAN [Jazz, blues] FRI 29

Fun dog show FRIENDS of Merlin will run their second fun dog show of the summer in Greystones on Sunday, August 3 behind the Beach House bar at 2pm.

Classes will cost €4 each or 3 classes for €10. All money raised will go to Dogs Trust.

Hozier goes Electric

[Dixieland Jazz]

SAT 23 CREATED BY COMETS

The 22-year-old had hoped that his role in the big budget action franchise would allow him the opportunity to take roles in smaller films.

The Secret Scripture will give Jack a chance to display his versatility as an actor and help him to avoid being typecast.

Jack has been enjoying jet-setting around the world with his fiancee, Irish model Madeline Mulqueen, but the film star will enjoy the chance to spend some time in the Garden County.

[Funk] [Jazz & Soul Duo]

[AMA Emerging Artists] [Blues]

WICKLOW’S resident rock star, Hozier, has been added to the lineup for Electric Picnic just days after his stellar performance at Longitude in Marlay Park, Dublin.

Butterfly walk THE Native Woodland Trust is having a butterfly walk on August 2 from 12pm until 2pm at the NWT Blessington Reserve. See www.nativewoodlandtrust.ie.

Visit to the GP will hurt more in Wicklow

By Cianan Brennan

COUNTY Wicklow has the second most expensive doctor consultation fees in the country a new survey has revealed.

The survey, compiled by health trends and search service whatclinic.com, covered 650 separate surgeries nationwide, and established that the national average charge for a regular consultation stands at €49.36.

Wicklow’s average stands at €52.76, just shy of Dublin which boasts an average charge of €52.99.

The news indicates that other important services in Wicklow are following closely the trends displayed in neighbouring Dublin, as has already been seen in the property and rental markets.

A Wicklow Voice investigation into the findings displayed in the survey found that prices running north/south along the N11 decrease the further south one travels.

Fees of less than €50 can be found in Arklow, Baltinglass, and Wicklow Town, while GPs in Bray and Enniskerry in the north of the county routinely charge €60 or more for their services.

Dr. Truls Christiansen, based in Wicklow Town, charges €45 for his services, the joint lowest rate that the Wicklow Voice could establish as being charged across the county.

“I would not be aware that our rate is especially low, it was €40 until maybe two years ago when we increased it,” he said.

“I would say that as a practice operating from home the surgery possibly has lower overheads than other practices might experience, I’m an independent contractor effectively and charge what I think is reasonable and fair,” he added. Dr. Ian Bothwell, a GP

in Arklow charging the same rate of €45 per consultation, similarly sees check up fees as more of a concern for the individual practice concerned.

“What we charge is really something that has evolved over time, and would take into account what is reasonable for our clientele,” he said.

“It is true that traditionally fees charged would be more expensive in Dublin, and I suppose this applies to the areas of Wicklow that are closest to it at this stage.”

One GP, who preferred not to be named, spoke candidly when asked regarding the high rates in Wicklow (her own surgery fee stands at €50 per visit): “Private clinics are a business unfortunately, and the health service works like any other market when it comes to pricing,” she said. “People tend to think of health professionals as being quite vocational, but the same realities apply as do in any other business, which is that a doctor’s practice is there to be profitable.”

“It is common sense that if you can charge a high rate, or even just match what your contemporaries are charging, then that is what you will do.”

“It may seem exorbitant, but Irish doctors provide a first rate service. The on-call services in Wicklow are second to none,” she added.

The cheapest fees to be found in Ireland are in the more rural areas of the country.

Leitrim has the least expensive consultations with just €39.17 being charged for a GP visit there on average.

Meath is the only other county that charges less than €40 for a doctor’s visit on average, while the lowest fees charged anywhere in the country are €30 per consultation in Portumna, Co. Galway.

NEWS |3

July 24 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

wicklow people in pictures

Margaret, George and Joanna O’Brien at the St Patrick’s GAA club player night in Wicklow Town

Martin O’Neill with Lindsay O’Neill at the Carlisle Grounds

Pictured at the SKODA Celebrating Success in Irish Business breakfast were (from left to right) Stephen Healy, Sinnott Autos, Suzanne Davis & John Whelan, Danstone Group and the Irish Medical News respectively. The Business breakfast took place in Avoca, Kilmacanogue with Simon Pratt, Managing Director, Avoca as the guest speaker.

Otis Glynn pictured on Bray beach during Bray Summerfest 2014. Pic Joe Keogh

A young enjoys a fun day out at the Greystones Rugby 7s Festival

David Cahill (6) enjoying the Bray Air Display

4| NEWS

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NEWS |5

July 24 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

Emotional Ferris meets her sister for very first time

By Cianan Brennan

MOST of us take our family for granted, the fights, the support, the shared experiences.

But an unlucky few never get to experience the kinsmanship and solidity of a shared family.

Labour TD for Wicklow Anne Ferris is one of those and she told the Wicklow Voice of the emotions she felt as she met her natural sister for the first time just two weeks ago.

The Crumlin native (59), who was born in a home and given up for adoption, broke down as she recalled the encounter which took place in the Merrion Hotel in Dublin.

“It was unusual because it was the first time we had ever shared a pot of tea,” she said.

“Before that day two weeks ago, I had never laid eyes on my sister, we were each adopted from a different mother and baby home into different fami-

lies and eventually we ended up living in different countries.”

“Sitting together, we looked like sisters but we did not talk like sisters.

“Where other sisters in our age group have shared experiences and a shared family history, we just have had a long gap in our lives,” she added with emotion.

“We look very alike but thus far that is the only aspect of our lives that we share. She does not know my children and I have never met hers.”

The former Bray town councillor, who last week appeared on Saturday With Miriam to discuss her experiences, said she and her sister do not know if their mother was given to a Magdalene laundry like so many women who found themselves in a similar situation.

“Our mother may have managed to avoid such a sentence by not choosing the same home twice for her confinement,” she

said. “Unfortunately most women in those circumstances would have been made to pay their penance by toiling in one of Ireland’s notorious laundries.”

Research has shown that many did not leave the laundries alive in the year Ferris was born.

Ferris asserted that she and her sister were lucky because they were adopted separately by loving families but that not everyone born into such homes had such good fortune.

She was speaking during a Dáil debate on the upcoming Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes across the country.

In response to her emotional speech, new Minister for Children James Reilly said that he was determined to ensure survivors’ voices are heard, adding that while he could not undo the wrongs of the past he could help victims find closure for their experiences.

Babe and pigs in the city for Arklow Seabreeze

There was no Prince among the pigs for Seabreeze Princess Beth Murphy in Arklow (Pix Yvette O Beirne)

The Teddy Bears picnic was full of big suprises for Eva Trevers and her little sister Freya

Birthday Hugs! Pictured is Louise Gordet and her son Alain, who celebrated his 10th birthday

6| NEWS

wicklowvoice.ie July 24 2014

88,000 is sky high record

By Michelle McGlynn

ONE of the most anticipated events of the Bray Summerfest and 2014 didn’t disappoint as 88,000 people descended on the town for the biggest show yet.

Jets, choppers and retro crafts were amongst the aircraft that took to the skies in ideal conditions at this year’s Bray Air Display.

Launched in 2005, the country’s biggest free air show featured spectacular flyers from all across Europe with some making their debut in the Co Wicklow town.

Highly skilled Irish flyers Eddie Goggins known as ‘The Flying Dentist’ and Gerry Humphreys known as ‘The Flying Farmer’, took to skies over the east coast yesterday.

The opening of the event was carried out by a parachute troop called the Black Knights dropping onto the beach followed by the Aer Lingus A321 and The Twister Team trio in their Silence Twister aircraft with pyrotechnic effects.

The sun beamed down on the aviation enthusiasts as they watched the aeronautical acrobatics in awe.

The seafront was bustling as people enjoyed the International Food and Craft Market which offered artisan eats and crafty treats.The anticipation was palpable by the time the threehour display began. For the first time, those who were not lucky enough to attend could get in on the action by streaming the entire event live via AerTv.ie.

Now in its ninth year, the Bray Air Display soared to new heights with gravity defying aerobatics, pyrotechnic effects, smoke-filled displays and synchronised routines.

news in brief Wicklow and WW1

A talk with historian John Goodman on Co. Wicklow men’s experiences in World War 1 and how the war affected the county will be held in Blessington Library on Tuesday, July 29 at 7pm.

Wicklow County Library’s exhibition “Wicklow’s War: the First World War in County Wicklow” will be in Blessington Library until August 16 and in Greystones

Sergeant Sorcha Fitzpatrick and Garda Tomas Barrett on patrol at the Bray Air Display.

Antique aircrafts and ultramodern machines sliced through the bluest of skies to the delight of the spectators.

The spectacular Air Display ended a weekend of free music events featuring top Irish talents such as The Riptide Movement, The Eskies and many more.

Bray Summerfest 2014 is a long way from over as this weekend, July 26 and 27, brings a family fiesta to the seaside.

The Seaside Cinema outdoor cinema will make a welcome return after it went down a storm with revellers last year.

Everything will be awesome on Saturday, July 26 with screenings of Finding Nemo and The Lego Movie.

While on Sunday, you can let it all go with screenings of Despicable Me and smash hit

Frozen. The iconic bandstand will play host to another outstanding line-up of acts, starting with Ross Scanlon and Friends on Friday, July 25 at 9pm.

Headlining on Saturday at 9pm are Wicklow favourites Big September.

As always the indie rock band will have everyone up dancing so make sure you have your dancing shoes on.

The fifth and final weekend of the Summerfest will take place over the August bank holiday.

Let your inner foodie out with the Wicklow Food and Garden Festival which boasts an endless tasting tent, demonstrations by celebrity chefs such as Catherine Fulvio.

Bray Summerfest will come to a close in an explosion of colour on Monday, August 4.

Library from August 21.

people entering or exiting Bray’s Main Street.

The Well to flourish Bray & District Chamber has recently teamed up with the Municipal District of Bray and The Well (Mountain View Church) to enhance the appearance of the embankment opposite the Royal Hotel, with the addition of some beautiful flowers and plants. What was once just a soil bank is now filled with colourful flowers, thanks to Grange Growers, creating a much nicer impression for

Property tax As Wicklow County Council consider whether to reduce the rate of property tax for residents and by how much, there is a campaign to have the tax reduced by the maximum allowance of 15%.

Sinn Féin have put forward a motion and under legislation the council must undergo a 30 day public consultation. The closing date for submissions will be August 25.

NEWS|7

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10 | OPINION

opinion&comment

Nothing simple about our Simon

S

imple Simon went to the fair.

Our Simon, Simon Harris, 27, is far from simple, and he’s skipping the fair all the way to a plum ministry job at the Department of Finance (supplanting Brian Hayes who has gone to Europe), as predicted by the Wicklow Voice, at a very young age.

Fine Gael has great plans for their Greystones prodigy. Given the strife the Government finds itself battling following a tanking in May’s local elections youth has obviously been earmarked as the way forward for both incumbent parties as they battle the inexorable rise of Sinn Féin.

It’s a remarkable recovery for the young man following his own narrow defeat in the race for the final Ireland South MEP seat during the elections. Harris is nothing if not resilient.

27… think of it. Most regular people are forging their way into their chosen career, maybe finding their feet in middle management, setting up their next career move, thinking of planning a family or even contemplating a change of career.

Harris is on the penultimate ministerial rung in this country at three years shy of his 30th birthday. It’s astounding really.

This young man is not one for resting on his laurels.

Speaking to Declan Meehan on East Coast FM following his appointment the relish in Harris’ tone at the brief he had been given was plain to see.

“I had no preference really as to what role I might be given. I had read the speculation linking me with the European Affairs portfolio, probably because of my run in the European elecions,” he said.

“My own interest in disability issues is well documented also, but Kathleen Lynch has that portfolio and I had thought it unlikely Labour would be happy to give that up and so it transpired.”

“The role I have been given however is really very interesting, as we well know in Wicklow the OPW affect a little bit of everything, castles and heritage sites and so on, however the department of public expenditure and reform role is a broader one, it’s feet at the table and the chance for input.”

“A lot of the job will be communicating Government decisions to the public at large I would think, and I would hope to also be able to articulate how the public on the ground in Wicklow are thinking and feeling to Government itself.”

“It’s a really exciting period now, after coming through the most horrific period of recession in memory. The economy is moving in the right direction now, 70,000 jobs in the last 12 months, all indicators show we’re moving the right way, the challenge now is what do we do with that recovery, ensuring it is shared evenly, and establishing a culture where those who get up in the morning and go to work are rewarded for doing so.”

“We have to make sure the correct safety

nets are in place for those in our society who find themselves unemployed or disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.”

“Disability is obviously an issue I’m passionate about, I want to make sure that the aid our government contributes to that cause gets to the people who need it.”

“From a public expenditure point of view, we spend €6bn each year on disability, but so much of that money gets caught up in bureaucracy, while in my new role in relation to public procurement, it will be my job to get the best deal for the taxpayer when it comes to government procurement.”

Harris went on to discuss the much-publicised plight of St Catherine’s Association, the Wicklow-based non-profit which provides care and services for those with intellectual and other disabilities.

With such positive principles to his name, it will be interesting to compare Harris’ nascent ministerial record with that of another (now ex) Fine Gael wunderkind, Lucinda Creighton.

Agree or disagree with Creighton’s politics (at 30 she held a junior ministerial brief herself following the election in 2011 but lost her European Affairs appointment after falling out with Enda Kenny over last summer’s abortion legislation), her capability and smarts cannot be denied.

She was prepared to risk all on a matter of principle, something that not many in the ‘hail fellow, well met’ culture of Dáil Eireann would be capable of.

Harris is now in a position of some potential. As right hand man to Michael Noonan his is the most high profile junior ministerial role of them all.

He is obviously adept at playing the game, how far his abilities can take him while simultaneously fighting for the issues he believes in (he first came to politics through his work as a disablities advocate) only time will tell.

An aspect highlighted by Harris’ elevation following the cabinet reshuffle is the sheer paucity of Wicklow ministers.

In the last 25 years only Fianna Fáil’s Dick Roche and Labour’s Liz McManus have held any sort of office at Dáil Eireann.

It’s certainly not from a lack of options – the Government currently holds three of the five Wicklow seats available (it would have been four but Billy Timmins lost his Fine Gael position last year).

Perhaps Simon Harris’ ascent to the hallowed ground will pave the way for more Garden County appointments.

Perhaps not. With both Andrew Doyle and Anne Ferris over the age of 50, Wicklow TDs at present simply don’t fit the age profile for the Government’s brave new world.

Cianan Brennan is contributing journalist for the Wicklow Voice and a former risk analyst with Irish Bank Resolution Corporation

“

THE BROOKS FIASCO EVOLVED LIKE THE PLOT OF A GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERA

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 Cianan Brennan with Michael Wolsey

No one cares about us - or Garth either

W

e would worry less about what others think of us if we realised how seldom they do, said Eleanor Roosevelt. The First Lady’s maxim should be adopted as a national slogan for Ireland where we fret endlessly over how the rest of the world views us.

We crave a pat on the back, cringe at criticism and blush scarlet over any report that makes us look anything less than a super-efficient modern society. Perversely we also lose sleep over suggestions that, in becoming a super-efficient modern society, we have lost some of our old charm and hospitality.

If we have concern about social change it should be for what it does to us, not for the impression it creates. Because the truth is, folks, that our actions are of very little interest to anyone outside this little island on the edge of Europe. We flatter ourselves if we think the world really cares about how we organise our economy or conduct our elections, how our sporting teams perform or the points we score in the Eurovision.

The great wide world knows as much about Ireland as we know about Sri Lanka. It has never heard of Croke Park and, save for a brief novelty interest, doesn’t give a damn whether Garth Brooks plays five concerts there, three concerts there, or marches ten times round the stadium with the Artane Band, whistling Dixie.

The Brooks fiasco evolved like the plot of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera, with a cast that included the promoter, the GAA, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Taoiseach, the Chamber of Commerce, Kieran Mulvey, Owen Keegan, Gerry Adams, Pearse Doherty, Fianna Fáil, residents who live miles away from the stadium, and the Mexican Ambassador. We should worry about the priorities of a country that can elevate a dispute over performances by a Country and Western singer to an issue requiring diplomatic intervention on a level appropriate to the Cuban missile crisis or redrawing the boundaries of Yugoslavia.

Instead, what we have mainly worried about is how the rest of the world sees this comic opera. Our international reputation is in tatters, we are told. Our reputation for what? Turning silk purses into sows’ ears, I suppose. There are worst things we could be accused of. But rest easy. With the help of Newswhip, PressReader and a number of other useful websites, I have been checking out what the world is saying about us. And you know what? It is saying very little.

British newspapers gave the story the most coverage and that still didn’t amount to much. The reports seemed

factual, balanced and were all fairly brief. In America, coverage stepped up a bit after the Garth Brooks press conference. Even then there wasn’t much and only Irish journalists asked questions about Ireland at that conference. Rolling Stone, which has a particular interest in matters musical, lead the US field with the line: ‘It’s five shows or none at all’ “And after unsuccessful negotiations, the answer came today: none at all,” it said in a well-informed report.

ABC News carried a very straightforward story from the Reuters news agency. Country Music Television had a piece concentrating on the blow to the promoter. GlobalPost, which claims to be “Americas’s world news site” ran a report provided by the French news agency AFP, under the interesting headline, ‘Thunder rolls in Dublin as Garth Brooks comeback gigs are canceled’. The heading was better than the story which simply rehashed details of the row.

The story popped up in the News in Brief sections of the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune and the Toronto Star. It got similar short shrift in The Times of India, the Daily Nation of Kenya, the South China Morning Post and the Straits Times of Singapore.

The entire international coverage would scarcely have filled the space of this column.

The Kenyan paper included the story in a section called News from the UK, so maybe it’s Britain’s reputation that is in tatters. The GlobalPost report attracted a number of comments from readers. They were mostly concerned with the Garth Brooks comeback in general, not the Irish happenings. In fact, only one mentioned this country.

That was from a reader who asked: “Is Garth Brooks Irish?”

No, dear GlobalPost reader, he is not. From his response throughout this whole affair it is clear that Mr Brooks doesn’t give a damn what anyone thinks of him. Had he been Irish he would have been mortified, apologetic and ready to play extra gigs on the top of Croagh Patrick and the rocks of The Burren to get himself back in the good books.

Let me conclude as I started with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, a lady with a trite little saying for every occasion. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” she said.

Sure an Irish person would never have come up with a clever saying like that. Would we?

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

OPINION| 11

July 24 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

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Then email thecaptain@wicklowvoice.ie

‘It has isolated me ... but that’s the price of stardom’ How’s life?

Life is great right now. It’s busy at the moment, I’ve been travelling around promoting my latest film, Transformers 4: Age of Extinction. I think in the last three weeks I’ve been in 15 cities. But it’s definitely great to be back in Ireland and visiting my hometown of Blessington in Wicklow.

Was it difficult to be away from home while shooting Transformers 4?

I had my girlfriend (Irish model Madeline Mulqueen) out with me. My cousin came out for three months. So I had my own people, which kept me very grounded and very sane. I would walk out on set and shoot the most incredible, incredible action set piece – beyond anything you could ever imagine – and then I’d come home in the evening and do the exact same stuff I’ve always done. I’d have some dinner.

I’d play some videogames. I’d have a beer.

You recently got to work with Michael Fassbender on Macbeth. How was the experience?

It was so indulgent. Just to work with that calibre of actor. I had to jump in, feet first, and go for it. First period drama. First Shakespeare. Totally original approach to iambic pentameter.

Do you still get starstruck when you meet your idols?

When I meet someone who I really admire, I enjoy nothing

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Lobster nets plum job in reshuffle ...

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Harris to bounce back

TD tipped for ministerial role following Euro battle

By Cianan Brennan

SPECULATION is mounting that Simon Harris will land a junior ministry role in the pending government reshuffle following his strong performance in the European Parliament elections.

Harris, current TD for the Wicklow – East Carlow constituency, came agonisingly close to sealing the final MEP seat in the Ireland South jurisdiction, but lost out on the twelfth and final count to party running mate Deirdre Clune.

Local party activists suggests that Harris, one of the Fine Gael’s youngest and brightest, will be handed one of the junior briefs in the aftermath of the local and European elections.

A reshuffle is imminent given the government’s chastening performance in the elections, with Labour in particular having its local representation

ELECTION BREAKDOWN PAGES 20 -21

Eireann and giving voice to the many issues raised with me,” he said.

Clune could nevertheless sympathise with Harris.

“I’m disappointed for Simon.

Obviously there can only be one winner but we’ve spoken and I’ve thanked him for putting in such a strong campaign because it definitely contributed to my election,” she said.

Despite Harris’ loss Fine Gael’s performance in Ireland South was satisfactory with two of the four seats available returned, while Fianna Fáil’s Brian Crowley and Sinn Féin’s Liadh ní Riada took the remaing two spots.

The last Wicklow TD to hold a cabinet post was Fianna Fail’s Dick Roche who was Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and then Minister of State for European Affairs until he lost his seat in 2011.

How the Wicklow Voice predicted Simon Harris’s new job in May decimated with the rise of Sinn Féin and Independent candidates.

A junior ministry role is generally seen as a stepping stone to the cabinet proper, and marks a politician out from the backbench TD ranks.

His margin of loss was less than 3,000 votes, with both Fine Gael candidates having moved clear of Fianna Fáil backmarker Kieran Hartley.

Harris, the youngest deputy in the current Dáil at just 27, was magnaminous in defeat, and congratulated both Clune and outgoing MEP Seán Kelly.

“I really enjoyed the campaign, I was humbled by the support I received and I look forward to returning to Dáil

Where next for Simon ‘Lobster’ Harris? The precocious TD has been appointed to the prestigious role of Minister of State at Michael ‘Morning Noon’an Night’s’ Department of Finance to fill the role vacated by Brian Hayes, after he was successfully shafted, sorry elected, to the EU Parliament. Simon was tipped for a role in Inda Kinny’s cabinet reshuffle but landing the job in the Department of Finance is a big coup for the Dail’s youngest TD - and Wickla’. First the Garden County had the country’s youngest TD, now we have its youngest junior minister ... the country’s youngest Taoiseach has a lovely ring to it, do you not agree?

ROY RUNS RULE OVER WANDERERS : Assistant Ireland manager Roy Keane made a surprise appearance at Bray’s Carlisle Grounds to watch his native Cork City defeat Bray Wanderers 2-0. Future’s bright for Bray, page 27. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside

A row to wake the dead ...

If anyone wonders if Sinn Fein and Fine Gael could put their differences aside to form the next government, they should look no further than Bray’s Municipal District meetings. Cathaoirleach John Brady of Sinn Fein and Fine Gael’s John Ryan clashed recently in scenes that would not be out of place in the school yard. While speaking about the controversial issue of Springfield Cemetery, Cllr Ryan interrupted Cllr Brady by asking “How long are people allowed speak for?” after Cllr Brady had similarly interrupted Cllr Ryan to tell him he was over his three minutes during the previous week’s meeting. Cue a massive rumpus that heard Cllr Brady declaring “this is bullying” before Cllr Ryan quipped “One rule for you ...” Take it outside gentlemen - and leave your handbags at the door ...

Who’s been sitting in my seat?

What was it that drew you to the Transformers franchise?

Transformers gives people the ability to relax and rest for three hours. That’s a substantial amount of time, given how plugged in to our devices we are. People don’t give themselves enough time to sit down. They’re no longer comfortable with themselves.

Is action a genre you would like to explore or do you want to do different things?

I’ve been very lucky. I have a great team around me. And they understand that I want to experiment with different sizes and scales and registers. This job isn’t catharsis for me. I don’t need to vent. I want to explore.

I want to do everything.

By Captain Louis

It’s good to see that the important issues dominate at Wicklow County Council ... the first 20 minutes of July’s meeting was dominated by the seating arrangements in the chamber. The current situation sees the Independents occupy the inner circle which forces them to watch their backs as they are surrounded by the councillors aligned to parties. Meanwhile, Fianna Fail, the second largest group on the council, is split in two. While councillors argued for and against maintaining the status quo, The Captain could not verify if they got up off their backsides before talking through them ...

You’re fired ... and I’m skint

Wicklow’s Jack Reynor with Madeline Mulqueen at the premiere of Transformers 4 in Dublin Do you find it hard to stay myself of that almost every day. grounded when your star is How has fame changed your rising so rapidly?

There are two parts to my life friendships/relationships?

I’ve had this crazy experience and you have to be very black Wicklow-native Jack and white about that distinction. and it has isolated me.

Reynor, star of Tranformers It took me away from home I know that when someone 4, Age of Extinction is coming up and asking me and from everything that I what kind of water I want, it’s really know. more than trying to connect because someone is paying And that’s the price I have with them. I want to know them to do so. to pay for having all these who the people are behind the I’m the kind of person who incredible experiences. performances and how they wants to get out there and do But when the time comes and relate to their performances. my job. I’m not going to let I do get to spend time at home, But it’s maybe not as novel stuff like that go to my head. the people who really care as it once was. If I still got That stuff is not real. Four about me will still be there. starstruck, I couldn’t do my job years ago, I had just finished They’ll still be the same people properly. my Leaving Cert. I remind and I’ll still be the same person.

focus on faces

The rags-to-riches-to-rags-again author of It’s a Long Way from Penny Apples, Bill Cullen, says he became ‘so irritated’ by Ulster Bank receivers selling his assets he has been forced to take legal proceedings in an effort to say “You’re fired”. The former Apprentice star, representing himself in the Commercial Court, said the receivers have reached agreements for sale of some five properties for €8.3m, with another eight to be sold, and it was ‘clear’ the bank would get the €11.5m needed to clear his debt. One of the properties is believed to be the land that housed Forest Healthcare, near Glendalough in Co Wicklow, a drug and alcohol rehab centre for wealthy clients. It opened at the height of the Celtic Tiger in 2004 and is understood to have charged well-heeled clients around €17,000 for an average three-week stay but closed in 2008, owing Bill €350,000.

Ulster Bank has of course hit back by saying “You’re skint” to poor auld Bill ...

Farewell to Vincent The Captain would like to extend the condolences of all at the Wicklow Voice following the death of former Arklow Town Councillor Vincent McElheron. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

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topten

12 | WHAT’S HOT

with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie

wicklowvoice.ie July 24 2014

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY of the fortnight FUNKY MONKEYS Unit 4, Dundrum retail and office park, Dundrum, 01 2960217 Funky Monkeys is a jungle of fun activities for children. The indoor soft play centre is filled with climbing frames, ropes, slides and soft obstacles. You can visit Suzie in her funky house, race the ride-ons at Mikey’s garage, go shopping for fresh play food at the village shop or go crawling around the baby’s nest. Funky Monkey’s is suitable for children up to the age of 8. Funky Monkeys is a great place to host your child’s birthday party with lots of exciting activities to choose from. You can recharge after all your fun at their healthy eating café.

FAMILY DAY OUT of the fortnight TINAHELY AGRICULTURAL SHOW Fairwood Park, Tinahely, Monday, August 4 It’s that time of year again, the Tinahely Agricultural Show will take place on bank holiday Monday at Fairwood Park. The day is a celebration of the richness of rural Ireland’s traditions, its people and their way of life. It is a fantastic family day out with live entertainment and an endless list of competitions and displays. Performing on the day will be Louise Morrissey, Richie Kavanagh and others. There will be cattle, horses, farm machinery, a craft village, trade stands and exhibits. For the children there will be face painting, junior competitions and a pets corner. Tickets are €15 and €10 for OAPs/students, admission for children is free.

BOOK of the fortnight HOW TO BUILD A GIRL Caitlin Moran How to Build a Girl is author Caitlin Moran’s first venture into adult novels. Set in 1990, fourteen-year-old Johanna Morrigan has shamed herself so badly on local television that the only option left is reinvention. Meet Dolly Wilde: a fast-talking, hard-drinking Gothic hero and a full-time Lady Sex Adventurer. By 16, she is smoking, drinking, having sex with all kinds of men and eviscerating bands in reviews for a music paper. But what happens when Johanna realises that she’s built Dolly with a fatal flaw?

Imagine The Bell Jar written by Rizzo from Grease, with a soundtrack by My Bloody Valentine and Happy Mondays.

TV SHOW of the fortnight SCANDAL

Sky Living, Thursdays, 9pm Kerry Washington’s political thriller makes a move from More4 to Sky Living for its third season. The hugely popular US show continues to shock fans throughout the new season.

As season 3 opens, the affair between Olivia (Washington) and Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) threatens to become a full

FESTIVAL of the fortnight THE SECRET GARDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL The Polo Arena, Kilpoole Hill, Wicklow Town, Sunday, August 3 Wicklow Town’s first all day music festival has arrived and it’s set to be a big one. The Secret Garden music festival will showcase some of the biggest names in the Irish music scene.

The Hot Sprockets, the Cujo Family, Buffalo Sunn and Neon Wolf will appear among others. As well as some top quality music, local artists will be showcasing their work, Celestial Light Clan and other street performers will bring a real festival vibe throughout the day. There will be plenty of food and a fully stocked bar on site. Tickets are €25, VIP tickets are €50 and children under 13 are free before 6pm. See www. thesecretgardenmusicfestival.com for more.

blown scandal unless Cyrus (Jeff Perry) and Olivia’s team can find a way to spin things. Other problems continue to surface including dangerous moves by B613 and secrets surrounding the mysterious Operation Remington. Meanwhile, the presidential election and Fitz’s reelection campaign get underway. After finding their footing in season 2, this one promises to be the best yet.

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WHAT’S HOT| 13

July 24 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

MOVIE of the fortnight GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Gaiety Cinema, Arklow A new Marvel superhero epic will be hitting cinemas this summer. Guardians of the Galaxy follows human adventurer Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) aka Star-Lord. Quill steals an orb which is coveted by villainous psycho Ronan (Lee Pace).

Ronan will stop at nothing to retrieve it. This forces Quill to forge an alliance with an unlikely quartet of rival cosmicoutlaws. His new crew comprises vengeance-crazed warrior Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), gun-toting Rocket the raccoon (Bradley Cooper), green-skinned deadly assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and tree-like humanoid Groot (Vin Diesel). But when Quill realises the orb’s real power, a lastditch battle for the galaxy ensues. This film is set to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer.

HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan

FUNDRAISER of the fortnight KING OF GREYSTONES Burnaby Park, Greystones, Sunday, August 10, 9am The King (and Queen) of Greystones triathlon challenge began in 2002 when a team of friends decided to organise an event to encourage people to take part in a novel fundraising event. The 2014 triathlon challenge is in support of The Martin Codyre Fund, a charity

established to help a local Bray man who was paralysed in 2008 and is on a mission to reverse spinal cord injury. In addition to the classic sprint distance triathlon there is a Try a Triathlon distance for beginners and you can enter a team or individually.

The event is sponsored by The Martello. You must register by July 31, see www. kingofgreystones.com for more information.

FUN EVENT of the fortnight

ARIES-4,12,22,31,34,37 Experience, knowledge & confidence–this is going to be your prize for getting over a complicated area of your life.

TAURUS-2,4,12,23,39,37 Choose a way to support your feelings, not your mind, this is the right path. Do not allow anyone upset you..

GEMINI- 12,19,22,31,37,39 Up’s and down’s if you allow it.

Attentiveness and patience are your credo for the August;Follow it and do not doubt yourself.

CANCER-11,15,17,19,25,38 The Moon,strengthened by its mysterious sister, the Black Moon, will show you true loyalty and friendships. Busy bee!

LEO-4,16,19,27,38,42 Uranus–responsible for the “expulsion” of the House of Leo, is unusually strong; all roads lead to good business.

WICKLOW REGATTA FESTIVAL Wicklow Town, July 31-August 4 The 136th Wicklow Regatta festival is packed full of fun and free events for all the family to enjoy this summer. One of the highlights will be the Regatta Queen Ball 2014 which will take place in the Grand Hotel on Saturday, July 26 at 9pm. Competition this year is as fierce as ever and the night will be thoroughly enjoyable. The Coast to Coast funfair will be at the Fair Green for the duration. A street carnival will take place in Market Square on August 3. There will be golly fishing, the raft race, a family sports day and much more. Fireworks will close the festival on Monday, August 4 at 11pm. For details on all the other events, see www.wicklowregatta.com

VIRGO-2,16,18,26,29,31 Expect a powerful energy blow at the middle of the month and emotional recovery. Stand back and enjoy.

LIBRA-1,7,10,26,34,43 The Sun, will change its position in August bringing you a powerful shield,overcoming all negativity.

GIG of the fortnight HEATHERS Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray, Saturday, August 9, 8pm Heathers are twin sisters, Ellie and Louise MacNamara and they are one of the biggest names on the Irish music scene. Their debut album, Here, Not There, was written as the pair were studying for their Leaving Cert and catapulted them into the spotlight. You’ll recall their hit, Remember When, which was featured

in Discover Ireland’s ad campaign in 2010. Since then, their second album, Kingdom, was nominated for the Meteor Choice Music Prize and it’s first track, Forget Me Knots, is a firm favourite on US radio where the ladies are making a splash.

Superstar DJ David Guetta has even approached them to collaborate. It is a standing gig and tickets are €14, available from www. mermaidartscentre.ie

SCORPIO-3,7,11,22,43,45 During the first ten-day period, prior to the First Quarter Moon (Aug 14th),lack of energy; however you bounce back swiftly.

SAGITTARIUS-1,8,13,22,34,44 The active energy of Sagittarius & the active energy of Venus, activates all hidden potential.

CAPRICORN-4,12,16,29,30,38 The First Lunar Quarter (August 4th)until the New Moon (August 25th),you will have all sorts of fun and games.

AQUARIUS-5,11,19,23,29,33 Mercury, the planet-exalt of the Aquarius, brings an huge level of life energy and soul searching.

‘PULLQUOTE HERE– IN THE MAFIA, THOSE WHO GO AGAINST THE WISHES OF THE DONS CAN HAVE A SHORT LIFE’

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY of the fortnight SQUIRREL’S SCRAMBLE Killruddery House and Gardens, Bray, 086 4506626

If you’re looking for something different to do with your children this summer, then look no further than Squirrel’s Scramble. Exciting fun for all the family, Squirrel’s Scramble gives you the opportunity to zoom along through narrow passages in the woods on zip lines. With 20 different challenges to climb, balance, slide and crawl your way through, your family will enjoy a whole day of tree top fun. This is a fantastic way to get the whole family out and active this summer while making some great memories.

Children must be over 5 or taller than 1m. They are open seven days a week for the holidays. See www. pascoelang.ie for more information.

PISCES-6,13,26,28,37,39 The House of Pisces will be at the epicenter of the most spectacular events and it is time for you to establish a new foundation.

Live Psychic Angel-TarotMedium Siobhan Tel 1580997207- 18+ Bill payers permission-Calls cost €2.44 per minute; calls from other networks may vary. Calls are for entertainment purposes and may be recorded.

14 | FASHION

wicklowvoice.ie July 24 2014

WHAT’S HOT

with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie Coat, €75, Dress, €40, both Dunnes

Tia Dress was €229 now €160, Fishers of Newtown

Jumpsuit, Missguided, €25

FOOD| 15

July 24 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

recipes FIELD MUSHROOM SOUP

INGREDIENTS • 1 box field mushrooms • 1 banana shallot • 1 clove garlic • Few sprigs of thyme • Chicken stock • Milk • Cream • Truffle oil • Salt

PREPARATION

Peel and remove the gills and stalks from the mushrooms,

then slice thinly.

Slice thinly the shallots and garlic.

Sweat down the mushrooms, shallots, garlic and thyme in a little butter, until all the moisture has gone.

Cover with chicken stock and bring to the boil.

Simmer for a couple of minutes and then blitz and pass.

Adjust consistency with a little more stock, cream and milk.

Adjust seasoning with salt and truffle oil.

Pass again and chill.

Peter Byrne

Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel wine choice Jacobs Creek Sparkling The aromas of this incredible value fizz are comprised of the citrus and toasted cashew nut flavours of Chardonnay, married to the fresh attractive bread-crust characters of Pinot Noir.

Brilliant value for a bottle fermented fizz!my yeast autolysis providing depth and flavour. €18.49 from O’Brien’s

Win two tickets to the Dublin Horse Show

THE Wicklow Voice has one Family Ticket (2 adults and 4 children) and two general admission tickets to the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show for Sunday 10th August 2014 to giveaway!

The Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show will take place in the world famous RDS showgrounds between August 6 and 10, 2014. The show is one of Ireland’s biggest annual sporting, social and family event.

Witness world class

equestrianism; see the exciting Land Rover Puissance, The Longines International Grand Prix and the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup. Visitors will really enjoy all the live music and entertainment, art and craft exhibition, cafes, restaurants and shopping at 300 stands. Children of all ages will love the wide range of fun activities in the Kids’ Zone.

Admire the fashion at the Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day on Thursday August 7th, where fantastic prizes will be awarded

to the most stylish ladies and gentleman.

The Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show is the one event this summer that cannot be missed.

To win this fantastic prize just answer the following question.

Where is the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show taking place? Email your answer to comps@wicklowvoice. ie with Dublin Horse Show Competition in the subject line.

For further details on the show visit www.dublinhorseshow. com

16 | NEWS news in brief Strictly Bray Emmets

BRAY Emmets are preparing to hold a Strictly Bray Emmets dancing event. If you have ever fancied yourself a dancer then this is your chance to strut your stuff. Professional lessons will be provided for dancers and the date will be announced soon. For more information contact Dermot O’Brien or any committee member.

Give it a try day

The ladies and girls of Wicklow RFC are hosting a Give It a Try open day at Wicklow RFC, Ashtown Lane.

It starts at 3pm with a tour of the club facilities, then out to the pitch to try it out.

There will be drills, games and hopefully non-contact exhibition matches. There will be music and a BBQ in the clubhouse afterwards.

Dunne misses cut

Greystones golfer, Paul Dunne missed the cut to play for the silver medal, awarded to the leading amateur who qualifies for the weekend at the British Open. Dunne finished on four-over, one shy of leading amateur, England’s Ashley Chester.

wicklowvoice.ie July 24 2014

Food boom serves up more than 20 new jobs

By Michelle McGlynn

MORE than 20 jobs have been created with the opening of two restaurants, The Port House Duoro, and Red Bird Cafe.

The Port House opened their fifth restaurant upstairs in The Porterhouse on the Strand Road, Bray.

This new venture brings 20 new jobs as well as some Spanish flavour to the area.

Speaking about the launch, Port House director Lee Sim said, “We are delighted to be in Bray. It’s something we’ve been looking at for a long time.”

The restaurant offers tapas, along with an eclectic list of wines, ports and fantastic gin and tonics.

Make the most of the summer sunshine and enjoy some delicious food out on their balcony which boasts one of the best views on the seafront.

The Port House is set to be a new East Coast hotspot and al-

Liam LaHart, Oliver Hughes, Lee Sim, Peter Hughes and Dave Morrissey at the opening of The Port House

Anne-Marie Loughrey and Denise Holland at the opening of The Port House

ready counts MTV star Laura Whitmore as a fan.

The Bray presenter enjoyed a girls night and took to Twitter to praise the “unbelievable feed”.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 12pm.

Meanwhile, The Red Bird cafe has opened its door upstairs in Flanagan Kerins in Bray Retail Park created further jobs in the area.

ganic and free of unnecessary preservatives. The Red Bird cafe makes use of all the natural light flowing in from the expansive windows that look out on the mountains by growing their own herb garden.

The herb garden will be used to make their own herbal teas which are loose leaf and made in the traditional way.

Their coffee is boutique brand

The core concept of the cafe is supporting Irish and local producers. Their soups, sandwiches and baked goods are all made using fresh, high quality, Irish ingredients.

The menu will change regularly depending on what is in season and what is available to the local producers.

There is an emphasis on healthy eating, the food is or-

Cloud Pickers which is microroasted in nearby Dublin.

The Red Bird cafe is child friendly and is wheelchair and buggy accessible.

They also offer their customers free parking and free wifi.

The cafe hopes to create even more jobs in the future as business grows. The Red Bird cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 6pm.

HOMES| 17

July 24 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

TOP TIPS FOR BUYING A HOME TC Matthews can’t be beaten Advertorial

Homes

with Clodagh Doyle (info@wicklowvoice.ie)

YOU can pretty much purchase almost everything online these days – even your new home!

The world’s first ever onlineonly property auction was launched recently with Allsop Space holding the auction.

Purchasing on a whim is all very well, but the last thing you want is for something to come back and bite you later on.

A carefully constructed plan prior to viewing a property is probably the best way to go.

It is easy to fall in love with a property and forget to be practical - so here are some useful questions, tips and advice.

• Examine the interior and exterior looking for hairline cracks.

• Stand back and check the condition of the roof.

Brendan Cumiskey, MD of TC Matthews (on right), with staff - Tommy Warren, Carol Whooley and Michael Kehoe • Has the property got security or fire alarms fitted?

• Check the state of internal and external window frames.

• Is there sufficient drainage in the area?

• Any signs of dampness, mould or condensation?

• Make sure, windows and doors are not warped • Test floorboards, fittings and fixtures.

• Are any of the rooms overlooked?

• Is there potential to re-model or extend?

• Check insulation, heating system and the age of the boiler.

• Check the number and condition of power points and when it was last rewired.

• Check all plumbing.

• Check the attic to see if it could be converted.

• Is the property adequately sound-proofed?

• Don’t be afraid to arrange a second or third viewing at different times.

• Don’t view it alone as the more eyes the better.

• Ask lots of questions!

If you have any real concerns, you should seek the opinion of a professional many of which can

be found throughout Wicklow.

Selling? Letting? Moving?

Improving?

Let the Professional House Doctors take care of it!

Get in touch on 086 8159531, 01 2548070 or e-mail us at info@placelift.ie

EXPERIENCE counts and we’ve been doing this for a long time!

Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help and advise you on every aspect of buying your floor covering. You can avail of our free measuring and estimating service and we will happily arrange fitting for you, using one of our own qualitychecked fitters.

We can uplift and dispose of your old carpets and flooring.

When it comes to carpets and floors, be it domestic or commercial we really are the number one choice.

TC Matthews Carpets like to take the guess work out of pricing - that’s why we offer a free, professional measuring and estimating service.

Simply, pick up the phone or drop us an e-mail to arrange.

We say: “Its not finished ’til its fitted”.

Our quality service goes beyond the showroom. We don’t trust the delivery and fitting of your new carpet or floor to any third parties.

Our own expert installers

are there to ensure that you find the TC Matthews Carpets experience a positive one.

We have a long history in the supply and installation of all manner of commercial flooring.

This includes education, sports, healthcare, hospitality, business and retail projects.

Our commercial project management personnel will be happy to discuss your requirements and offer solutions to comply with your budget and time frame.

In the end - It's about what's right for you.

We have a truly vast range of products, and carry thousands of rolls of carpet in stock at any one time in our warehouses.

We buy big, which means we can offer consistant value to you. We are an Irish, familyowned business and our goal is to ensure that when you do buy your first floor from us that you will happily return in the future. In the end it really is about what’s right for YOU. The right options, the right advice, the right service and, of course, right value.We really look forward to seeing you in any one of our stores soon.

18 | HEALTH/PETS

wicklowvoice.ie July 24 2014

SUNSHINE AND FITNESS - A PERFECT COMBINATION

By Laura Keely

Sara Rozadillas and Elena Zamud in Wicklow during the recent sunny weather

AS the weather seems to be getting better people seem to have caught the fitness bug.

Whether it’s going for a walk in the park or a run on the treadmill, people seem to have adopted this new trend into their lifestyle.

At Shoreline Leisure we have seen an increased interest in general fitness and training. We are not talking about seasoned athletes training for a marathon or a triathlon, we are talking about everyday people that want to increase their fitness, enhance their overall lifestyle, help combat illness and improve their mental wellbeing.

And it is proven that exercise is a way to achieve this.

For the general population it is recommended that everyone spends at least a half an hour a day or three-and-a-half hours a week engaging in some form of

vigorous activity.

This means taking the stairs instead of the lift, taking a basic walk up to a light jog, playing a game of football instead of on the Xbox basically anything that gets the heart pumping.

Exercising typically isn’t difficult to get into, it just needs effort that comes from you. Our biggest piece of advice is to stop thinking about it, just do it! Start today, take that first step to a

healthier lifestyle.

So anyone looking to start today here’s a few tips to get you on your way.

SET yourself up for success.

Changing everything in your diet at once is overwhelming and makes you want to give up. Making small changes continually is a lot more sustainable and puts you on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

E.g. Switch white bread to wholegrain • Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Aim to get 30 minutes of exercise 3-4 times per week. Invest in a pedometer to measure your

daily steps and aim for 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily.

• It’s not what you eat but how you eat. Think about food as nourishment for your body and not just something to ‘fill a gap’ in between errands/meetings. Eat slowly and chew your food well.

• Eat a rainbow every day.

Choose lots of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. By eating lots of different colours you are increasing your nutrient intake, giving you lots

more health benefits.

• Chose wholegrains Wholegrains contain more fibre and aid digestion. They also release energy slowly allowing you to feel fuller for longer.

• Enjoy good fats - Good sources of healthy fat are needed to nourish your brain, heart, and cells, as well as your hair, skin, and nails.

Enjoy avocado’s, nuts, oily fish etc.

Enjoy lean sources of pro-

Top Tips for Training: • Have a plan before you exercise and stick to it • Invest in good suitable training essentials (ie. Runners, Swimming Suits, bike etc) • Indoor training for beginners

to start off with can be quite beneficial as it allows you to train in a supervised environment • Motivational Music • Train regularly and train specifically (train specific to your individual goal) • Stretch during and after exercise (post warm-up and when you have finished your training) • Stay Hydrated – Water, water and more water • Rest and Recovery to allow the body to adapt and recover • Chart your progress and your minor setbacks (your setbacks will teach you were to make improvements) So what are you waiting for?

Let’s take the first step to a healthier lifestyle.

Laura Keely is Sales and Advertising Co-Ordinator with Shoreline Leisure Group

Steps to a healthier you

tein. Adults should eat 0.8g protein/kg of body weight per day. Aim to drink between 1.5 to 2l of water per day.

Orla Mc Laughlin runs Health by Orla - Nutrition Consultations in both Malahide Co. Dublin and Energise Therapy Clinic, Ballinhinch, Ashford Co. Wicklow. To make an appointment or for further information, contact Orla on healthbyorla@gmail.com or +353 86 1016755.

By Michelle McGlynn BRAY VET Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, 01 2821909

By Pete The Vet

WHEN Flossy the eleven year old cat started to wet her bed, her owner Mrs Nicholson assumed that it was simply part of the old age process.

When she took her to the Cats-Only clinic at Brayvet on Old Connaught Ave, she was surprised but pleased when an instant diagnosis was made: Flossie had diabetes.

Treatment involves daily injections with tiny amounts of insulin: Mrs Nicholson has mastered this skill, and Flossy’s bed wetting problem has been cured.

BrayVet’s Cats-Only clinic has a special cats-only waiting room, where cats like Flossy are allowed out of their carriers to wander around in a relaxed atmosphere.

Visit www.catsonly.ie to find out more.

Brayvet has been based on Old Connaught Avenue for over thirty years, where they have recently completed a large, purpose-built extension which has created the extra space to allow a cats-only section.

Dogs and other pets are still as welcome as ever, of course, as long as they don’t go near the cats-only areas.

CLOVER HILL Ballymanus Lower, Glenealy, 0404 44505 AT Clover Hill Veterinary Clinic, they are delighted to be celebrating their tenth anniversary providing a dedicated small animal service to the pets of Glenealy

and the greater Wicklow area.

Why not drop in to see their purpose built facility, in its quiet rural setting, with ample animal-friendly on-site free parking, where they carry out individual consultations by appointment, routine surgery, dental work, orthopaedic surgery, diagnostic tests such as blood testing, ultrasound examination and radiographs

PETS | 19

July 24 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

LOVE YOUR PETS THIS SUMMER

OUR GUIDE TO PAMPERING YOUR POOCH AND CUDDLING YOUR CAT

along with separate cattery and kennel hospitalisation facilities. Clover Hill Veterinary Clinic understand that their patients are not just pets but important family members and they take a holistic approach to their lifelong care.

They are always available, whether for a quick phone call for some sympathetic advice, or should your pet need emergency treatment

night or day.

With their small but dedicated team of Gillian Hick and Eithne Byrne, the vets, Amanda and Sharon on reception (not forgetting Tom and Jerry, the pygmy goats and Striper, the feline receptionist), Clover Hill can ensure a highly skilled service with excellent continuity of care as they personally know and understand you and your individual pets.

SQUEAKY CLEAN 3a Knocknagow, Killarney Road, Bray, 086 3843866

CHUNKI DOG GROOMING Toberlongh, Aughrim, 087 9561714

TREAT your dog to a makeover with Squeaky Clean grooming in Bray.

Squeaky Clean have been in business for ten years and pride themselves on giving each animal the care and attention they need.

They offer a full grooming service which includes brushing, nails clipped, teeth checked, shampoo, blow dry, clipping and styling.

Alicia McDonnell is a member of the Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association and she is committed to maintaining a professional level of service to all clients.

Alicia offers a service that is kind and caring.

Your canine companion is guaranteed to look, smell and feel fabulous.

Go on and make your dog as happy as they make you.

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.

BRAY DOG GROOMING AND DAYCARE Kilmantain Park (adjacent to McDonald’s), Bray, 01 2116607 DO you hate leaving your dog at home all alone every day while you head off to work? Well, lucky for you there is Bray Dog Grooming and Daycare. Not only can they make your dog look fabulous with their team of expert groomers but they also provide a wonderful daycare service.

Your dog won’t be left sitting around all day as there are full-time trainers who will play with your dog and look after them.

Dogs are social animals so exercise and interaction with other dogs and people is important for their happiness. Training courses will be available soon.

Bray Dog Grooming is open Monday-Friday from 7.00am until 6.30pm.

Manon specialises in 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.

Chunki dog grooming is open five days a week from 8am until 3pm and every other Saturday.

DOGGYWOOD GROOMING Quill Road, Kilmacanogue, 087 2896520 DOGGYWOOD grooming

salon is located in Kilmacanogue close to Bray.

Open 2 years with a fully equipped grooming salon they cater for all sizes if dogs from Jack Russells to St. Bernard’s. They are happy to cater for your dog’s special requirements. Why not give Doggywood grooming salon a call on 0872896520? They will be happy to answer any questions you may have about grooming.

20 | MOTORS/ADVERTORIAL

wicklowvoice.ie July 24 2014

Why not treat yourself to the great J Donohoe experience?

BMW 3 Series BMW 3 Series

www.jdonohoebmw.ie www.farrellsbmw.ie

www.farrellsbmw.ie

The Ultimate Driving Machine The Ultimate Driving Machine

J DONOHOE Motors began its outstanding service to motorists of the East Coast over a hundred years ago and for almost twenty of those years, it has been a BMW dealership.

The company’s ethos of fair dealing and delivering quality service has to be experienced to be believed.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action which J Donohoe fully supports.

The staff and management of J Donohoe Motors take immense pride in building long term customer relationships and going the extra mile to deliver the unique J Donohoe experience. Whether it’s sales headed by Tommy Davitt or aftersales headed by Tom O’Leary you can be assured of quality attention at all times.

J Donohoe Motors is a family owned business and its dayto-day operations are headed

by Dealer Principal Kevin McCarthy. With its premises located at Quarrypark, just north of Enniscorthy on the N11 and a little over an hour from Dublin, it consists of a modern BMW showroom, a twenty-four bay workshop and a comprehensive parts department.

IT’S TIME

THE BMW 3 SERIES FROM JUST €299 PER MONTH

When you’re on an upward curve, it’s important your car matches your drive along the way. The BMW 3 Series, available with BMW Select Finance, guarantees the future value of your car. Simply choose the package that suits you, then leave the paperwork and delivery details to us.

First Monthly Payment

35 Monthly Payments of

On the Road Cash Price

Customer Deposit

Amount of Credit

€374

€299

€37,284

€11,150

€26,134

(incl €75 fee)

BMW 316d ES

J Donohoe Motors continues to deliver on its service excellence promise and reputation for fair dealing

Optional Final Payment

Total Amount Payable

APR%

€18,635.50

€40,624.50

4.9%

(incl €75 fee)

J Donohoe Quarrypark, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford 053 9242526 www.jdonohoebmw.ie Finance example is based on a 37 month BMW Select (Hire-purchase) agreement for the model featured, a BMW 316d ES. Total Contract kilometres 45,000. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of the agreement. On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes BMW Dealer Warranty and BMW Emergency Service. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without Services (Ireland) Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Model shown for illustration purposes only.

The Service We offer an all encompassing service over the life cycle of vehicle ownership from sales to aftersales. New and Premium Selection BMWs are available along with the support of a full suite of financial products for both consumer and business users. Customers can also choose a fixed price service inclusive package for up to 100,000 kilometres or five years, whichever comes first.

For those who don’t opt for this package, every effort is made to ensure that day-to-day running costs are manageable.

For example, an oil service from as little as €139.62 can be arranged through J Donohoe

and bmwservice.ie The financial offering available with BMW includes Consumer Hire Purchase, Personal Contract Plans, Business Hire Purchase and Contract Hire with or without maintenance. Tyre insurance and Shortfall/Gap insurance are also available to safeguard against any unforeseen costs and give peace of mind.

The Product The centre piece of what we at J Donohoe offer is of course the BMW Product range. This premium quality and multi-award winning brand, which is at the cutting edge of innovation, makes a great choice considering the lifetime costs of motoring. The unique combination of vehicle price, finance, maintenance, fuel consumption, road tax and resale value make driving a new or premium selection BMW a compelling choice.

The model range is growing all the time from the well known 1, 3, 5, 7 Series, X3 and X5 to the new 4 Series Coupe and Convertible, the 6 Series Coupe and 6 Gran Coupe. Just arrived are the 4 Series Gran Coupe and X4 with 2 Series Active Tourer coming soon.

The range of models ensures there is a BMW to suit anyone who wants to experience the joy of owning and driving this premium vehicle.

We can structure packages to suit all needs and they are available for the entire BMW range. We are open six days a week in Enniscorthy so please come along and meet our dedicated team who will be delighted to meet you and help you make a sound motoring decision. Call us on 053 9242526 or email us at bmw@jdonohoebmw.com and we will make an arrangement that suits you.

For more information about J Donohoe and its range of BMW cars visit www.jdonohoebmw.ie

July 24 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

ADVERTORIAL/MOTORS | 21

AUDI GENUINE SERVICE AT AUDI ENNISCORTHY YOUR AUDI DEALER FOR CO WICKLOW The service that goes above and beyond.

The Price that doesn’t.

At Audi Enniscorthy, we believe in providing you with a service that includes a range of benefits and complimentary extras. However, at just €189 for an Expert-Service, you won’t pay more when the bill arrives - trust us.

Every Audi Service includes free extras such as. * Complimentary Audi Roadside Assistance with Homestart * Audi genuine Parts with 2 year Warranty * Complimentary Audi Clear Screen Pack * Complimentary Wash & Vacuum * Audi Mobility Offer There’s service. And there’s Audi Genuine Service.

Trust Audi Genuine Service.

Audi Enniscothy Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford 053 92 33009 reception@audienniscorthy.ie www.audienniscorthy.ie We are located just off the N11 just outside Enniscorthy Town. Take the 1st left immediately after the Scarawalsh Roundabout and we are 500m up the road on the Right Hand Side.

22 | SERVICES

wicklowvoice.ie July 24 2014

classifieds

BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT ONE OF OUR TEAM TODAY

e: info@wicklowvoice.ie w: www.wicklowvoice.ie

NEWS| 23

July 24 2014 wicklowvoice.ie

insideback

with Brian Quigley

Seagulls devour Devils

SO where were you the day Bray Wanderers beat Manchester United in the Carlisle Grounds?!

This will be a question asked long into the future in Wicklow and rightly so.

On July 20 Bray Wanderers produced a stunning performance to beat a Manchester United XI by a goal to nil.

It was a marvellous spectacle with the sunny weather on the day and the Bray Summerfest Air Show warming up in the background.

Manchester United have many fans in Wicklow and it was a memorable occasion for them to see their local side taking on their cross-channel heroes.

Wanderers have been in poor form since the season resumed after the mid-campaign break.

A three-goal loss to Shamrock Rovers on July 18 (current Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill was in attendance at that

game in the Carlisle Grounds) was hardly ideal preparation for the visit of the Red Devils.

However, Alan Matthews’ men produced a strong display for the near sell-out crowd (at just under 3,000 and consisting mostly of families it was the biggest gate at a Bray game since a similar fixture against a Liverpool XI three years ago) and can take a lot of positives from the game going into the Dundalk match on July 27.

Make no mistake this was a fine achievement.

Warren Joyce’s United side featured no fewer than six current or former underage internationals and they worked really hard as both sides played some nice football that had the crowd well-entertained.

United started strongly with Josh Harrop outstanding in midfield, a player very much of the Bryan Robson and Roy Keane type.

Sean Noble battles a Manchester United player

Don’t be surprised to see him in the senior United set-up soon.

He created quite a few chances in the first half but some resolute defending from Bray (captain Adam Mitchell and goalkeeper Stephen McGuinness were particularly impressive, and Adam Mitchell was the Wicklow Voice’s Man of The Match) kept them in the game and it got even better for Wicklow’s finest when Jake Kelly put Bray ahead just before half time.

Bray held onto their lead for the second half and were well worth the win, despite sustained pressure from the Old Trafford side as they chased the game.

Bebe (Tiago Manuel Dias Correia) was amazing for the visitors, orchestrating some sublime moves and it is no wonder he is in the Portugal underage set-up.

Tom Lawerence and James Wilson came on in the second period, two players used in the

senior United side by Ryan Giggs at the back-end of last season and it was a real treat for the crowd to witness these upand-coming talents displaying their skills.

Bray have another friendly on July 26 against a Queens Park Rangers XI and this will be another opportunity for the Wicklow soccer community to witness top-class cross-channel talent.

QPR have recently been returned to the Premier Division and the players will be looking to impress Harry Redknapp ahead of the new campaign.

Finally, Bray’s Under 19 squad returned for pre-season training recently and will start their league campaign at the end of August.

Their matches at home in the Carlisle Grounds have free admission and are always entertaining affairs, well worth checking out.

24| ADVERTISING

wicklowvoice.ie July 24 2014