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wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
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Election battle looms
Winter is coming: TDs gear up for poll this year By Michelle McGlynn Wicklow’s TDs are gearing up for an election in November. Although the poll does not have to be held until April of 2015, sources close to several local TDs have told the Wicklow Voice that they are shaping up for later this year. Despite assertions by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny that the Government will run its full term, many believe that the election will be called after Budget 2015 to capitalise on an expected feel-good factor as the public finances return to health. A poll in this week’s Sunday Business Post showed the Coalition parties now command almost 40pc in public support. The FG/Labour combined 5pc increase in support comes on the back on a new pay deal with the public sector unions, industrial peace with the teachers’ unions, plus a deal to sell Aer Lingus which could raise €350m for investment. The resounding yes vote
in the same-sex marriage referendum along with the fall in unemployment to 9.9% also reflected well on the parties. If this translated into votes on election day it would leave the Government just short of being returned to power and relying on another party or independents for a majority. If applied in Wicklow, it would probably see only two of the three sitting Government TDs (Labour’s Anne Ferris and FG’s Andrew Doyle and Simon Harris) being re-elected. The latest Red C opinion poll for the Sunday Business Post shows Fine Gael (28pc) up three points; Labour (10pc) up two points; Fianna Fail (19pc) unchanged; Sinn Fein (21pc) down one; and Independents/ Others (22pc) down four points. This would most likely see Independent TD Stephen Donnelly returned, Sinn Fein’s John Brady elected for the first time. Continued on page 6
Mary Bishop and David Moody who were married in Parkview Hotel, Newtown recently, with their two children Jack and Sophie. Pic: John Mc Gowan » Lots more pictures from around the county inside
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04| NEWS news in brief My Place on Canvas My Place on Canvas, an exhibition of paintings celebrating Wicklow, will be displayed in County Buildings, Whitegates, Wicklow Town from June 15-30. Drop in and nominate your special place in the county for artist Rod Coyne to paint and exhibit alongside your words.
wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
Emily is off to the Fleadh
St Crispin’s Cell The Community Heritage Grants Scheme has allocated €3,000 funding for St Crispin’s Cell. This funding will result in the design, manufacture and erection of two identical interpretive signs providing a description of the archaeology and history of Rathdown Heritage Park.
Thank you fund Wicklow groups who are involved in activity projects are being encouraged to apply for funding under the CocaCola Thank You Fund. This year the fund will distribute €25,000 in five grants. Non-profit and voluntary organisations can apply at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou by June 29.
My Name Is Emily, which stars Evanna Lynch and George Webster will premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh By Michelle McGlynn Greystones director Simon Fitzmaurice will hold the world premiere of his new film at this summer’s Galway Film Fleadh. My Name is Emily, which was shot entirely in Wicklow, will open Ireland’s biggest film festival on July 7 at the Town Hall Theatre. On choosing Simon’s feature-length debut to open the film festival, Managing Director Miriam Allen said,
“After watching the film we were moved to tears, not only due to the powerful film-making but also by Simon Fitzmaurice’s own inspirational story.” Simon was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2008 and is now completely paralysed using his eyes and iris recognition software to communicate. “Everyone involved with the making of this film has worked so hard and I cannot think of a better reward and
a better place for our film’s world premiere,” Simon said. The screening will be attended by cast and crew including stars Evanna Lynch, Michael Smiley and George Webster. The film’s memorable soundtrack features a track from James Vincent McMorrow composed especially for the film as well as songs from Lisa Hannigan, Hudson Taylor, Jake Bugg and Lisa Mitchell.
news in brief Community centre There will be a massive sale in Kilcoole Community Centre on June 4 and 11 from 2pm-5pm where you can buy anything from a needle to an anchor. The sale is being held to raise money to clear the debt from extending and refurbishing the community centre.
Coast guard station Construction on the new Greystones Coast Guard Station is set to commence by autumn 2015. The new station will provide an operations room, training room, boathouse and changing facilities.
Vaultfest The Vault, Arklow Youth Centre have planned a big day filled with music on June 6 at the Bandstand, Main Street, Arklow. Members of the East Wicklow Youth Service will take to the stage with local musicians, Arklow majorettes, Inbhear Mor Performance Ensemble and more. There will be a host of other acts, face painting and a BBQ throughout the day.
FitzPatrick trial pushed back until October as jury excused The jury in the trial of Seán FitzPatrick has been discharged and a new trial date of October 5 has been set. A new jury will now be sworn in when the case come back before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mr FitzPatrick (66), of Whitshed Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow, has denied 27 charges he is facing under the Companies Act 1990 over allegedly failing to disclose the true value of multi-million euro loans. These include 21 charges of making a misleading, false or deceptive statement to auditors and six charges of furnishing false information. The charges are in connection with the disclosure of loans allegedly given to him or people connected to him by Irish Nationwide Building Society from 2002 to 2007 while he was an officer of Anglo Irish Bank. On Tuesday, Judge Mary Ellen Ring told the 11 remaining members of the jury - five men and six women - they were free to go. Judge Ring had already excused the jury foreman a fortnight ago. The jury did not hear any evidence in the case, which has been in legal argument since it was empanelled on April 14. Judge Ring thanked the jury
for its patience and discharged them from future jury service for a period of seven years. “We have now reached a position where legal matters have been dealt with and disposed of,” she said. “It is clearly a trial that is not going to last eight weeks. It is going to take a longer period. “I am left in a position where I will have to discharge you from jury service and at another time engage another jury with this matter.” She said the jury had been placed in an “unfortunate” situation, but it would not have been possible for the legal issues to be dealt with unless it had been empanelled. “We are labouring under procedures that are clearly out of date,” the judge said. While the legal argument was underway, jurors were notified by telephone on a number of occasions that the opening of the trial would be delayed. They were also called back to the court on four occasions to be updated on the situation. Last month Judge Ring told them the illness of a witness was causing “serious timetable problems”. Mr FitzPatrick is accused of failing to disclose the true amount of loans to him or people connected with him to Anglo’s auditors, Ernst and Young.
‘Pop-up’ Garda station By Michelle McGlynn
As part of the Supporting Safer Communities Campaign, Bray Garda Station will be opening a “pop-up station”. The temporary station will be at 95 Main Street on June 5 and 6, opening during business hours. The aim of having a location on Main Street is to engage with the public in relation to crime prevention. Gardai will be available to offer advice on how to secure your home and provide
information on any other issues you may have. This is an important time of year to be vigilant about home security. Garda John Fitzpatrick told the Wicklow Voice, “During the year one in five burglaries occur as a result of leaving a door or window unlocked, but in the month of June this rises to one in three. “When the weather improves, people are inclined to open windows and doors and we just want to remind people to be vigilant.”
NEWS |05
June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Joe and Linda Halloran out and about in Wicklow Town
James Lawlor was one of the young participants taking part in the charity cycle event “On Yer Bike” which took place at Arus Lorcan in Arklow last Sunday (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Enda McHugh and Harry (2) out and about on Bray Seafront
Mr. Monopoly with Nick Kane (9) and ‘the Jailer’ (Lawrence) at Wicklow’s Historic Gaol for the Irish regional heats of the Monopoly World Championships last Sunday (see story page 15)
Aisling Hamill and Amelia (7 months) in Greystones
Darren, Caitlin (5) and Lilly (2) McBride out and about in Greystones
Jamie Tobin and Benny at the Fr Michaels Charity Walk in aid of the Nandri Foundation which took place recently in Arklow. (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Kirsten and Lilia (4) Kelly in Wicklow Town
06| NEWS news in brief Garden party Wicklow Dementia Support are holding a summer garden party on June 27 from 2.30pm-5pm at Warble Bank Gardens, Newtownmountkennedy. The venue is provided courtesy of Anne Condell. A donation of €10 includes light refreshments, music and raffle.
wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
Will you marry me, right here, right now?
Concert for Nepal A variety concert in aid of the earthquake victims of Nepal will take place in the Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy on June 14 at 7pm. A host of local artists will be performing such as Serendipity ladies acapella chorus. Admission is free and all donations welcome.
Funlavin is back Funlavin, the 5k/10k run and 5k family walk, returns on June 28 at 11am in Dunlavin to raise money for the local community. Organisers are urgently seeking stewards, if you can be of assistance please contact Ray on 087 9674509 and check out Facebook for details.
Robbie Moore asks Emily Tutty to marry him as Fatboy Slim takes off his ring in the background
Advance no�ce: Low-flying aircra� Alert to horse and livestock owners As part of the Tellus project an aircra� will �y at a low level of 60m above ground level collec�ng geological informa�on. The survey will start on 11th June 2015 and will con�nue for approximately 3 months, weather permi�ng. The aircra� will rise to 240m over urban areas. The sound of the plane is similar to that of a passing lorry, however it has the poten�al to startle horses and sensi�ve animals.
Tellus
Understanding Underground
Where?
Across coun�es �eath, Kildare, Offaly, rural Dublin and parts of Laois and Wicklow. The plane will turn over neighbouring areas.
Why?
The work is part of the Tellus survey which is collec�ng geochemical and geophysical informa�on on our rocks, soil and water. The data will be freely available to all.
Who?
The survey is being carried out by the Geological Survey of Ireland using Sander Geophysics Ltd. It is being funded by the Department of Communica�ons, �nergy and Natural Resources.
What you need to do:
If you have sensi�ve livestock, �ar�cularly horses, and you are concerned about the low-flying aircra�, �lease contact us now.
Contact us
1800 303 516 www.tellus.ie tellus@gsi.ie
Suirbhéireacht Gheolaíochta Éireann Geological Survey of Ireland
Tellus geo survey to map county Conducted by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), the Tellus survey maps the rocks, soils and streams of regions of Ireland with modern scientific methods. The survey, due to commence on the June 11, 2015, involves an aircraft flying at a low height over counties Meath, rural Dublin, Kildare, Offaly and parts of Laois and North Wicklow. The aircraft will fly at a low level of 60m over rural areas (approximately eight times the height of a standard two storey house), rising to 240m over urban areas. The sound of the plane is similar to that of a passing lorry; however it may startle sensitive animals. If you are interested in finding out more, you can contact the Tellus Freephone information line on 1800 303 516 or visit www.tellus.ie
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By Michelle McGlynn It turns out Fatboy Slim’s Weapon of Choice is a wedding ring. At last weekend’s Forbidden Fruit festival one Wicklow woman got the surprise of her life when her boyfriend popped the question on stage - with a helping hand from DJ Fatboy Slim. During an interview with Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim, whose hits include Right Here, Right Now, during the bank holiday festival, Robbie Moore stepped up on stage alongside his hero and proposed to his girlfriend, Emily Tutty. Mid-proposal, nervous Robbie apologised to his brideto-be for not having a ring. It was Fatboy Slim to the rescue as he took his own ring off and handed it to young prince charming. Emily was stunned by the proposal and of course, she said yes. “Everyone’s here, Fatboy Slim is here, now’s the time,” said Robbie of his decision to get down on one knee. The happy couple are massive fans of the Praise You DJ, saying, “We’ll definitely invite him to the wedding. He can even DJ if he wants.” Well, Robbie certainly took Right Here, Right Now to heart.
Winter is coming: TDs ready for poll Continued from front page
This would see the last seat being contested by Renua’s Billy Timmins, who has a strong support base in the county, and Fianna Fail’s Pat Casey, presuming he is nominated by the local party. After a week where it welcomed new TD Bobby Aylward to the Dáil and lost Senator Averil Power, Fianna Fáil’s support remains unchanged on 19%. The Green party and Renua are on 3% and 1% respectively. Recently the Government has effectively cleared the decks in what political advisers say will give the Taoiseach the option to go to the country sooner rather than later. A new public sector pay deal was agreed in record time, restoring contentious pay cuts in a move that is widely perceived as intended to bolster Labour’s re-election prospects. Earlier last month the
Government also reached agreement with teachers’ unions to implement reforms to the Junior Certificate. The unions have undertaken to hold a ballot “as early as practicable in autumn 2015” — a decision likely to ensure industrial peace before an election. The State’s €350m from the sale of its stake in Aer Lingus will also be earmarked for investment by the Coalition before the election is called. Earlier this week however, Jobs Minister Richard Bruton denied that a postbudget Autumn election was being planned, insisting the Government will run its “full term.” He insisted the coalition will finish its five-year term before calling an election. “The Taoiseach has said time and again he believes we should go the full distance,” he said.
June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
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08| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
Wicklow firms through to national enterprise finals By Michelle McGlynn
Two companies with Wicklow connections have been named as finalists in the National Enterprise Awards. Glendalough Distillery is Ireland’s first craft distillery and will compete with seven other businesses from across the country for the top prize. While Property Channel/ Property Button was cofounded by Wicklow native Jim Urell, who hails from Kilcoole originally. His company provides software and services to automate the sales, lettings and property management services for property professionals. The overall winner will be announced at the 18th National Enterprise Awards at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin on June 11. The winner will be announced by Minister Richard Bruton and will receive €5,000.
Barry Gallagher, left, of Glendalough Distillery in Wicklow and Kieran Comerford, Chair of Network of Local Enterprise Offices, and, above right, Jim Urell of Property Channel Sheelagh Daly, Head of Enterprise, LEO Wicklow said, “Barry Gallagher and his team at Glendalough Whiskey have made fantastic progress since
setting up their new business with the support of the LEO Wicklow. “They have beaten off stiff competition to reach the final
eight in the National Enterprise Awards, which showcases the best in innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship within Irish SMEs.
news in brief Right2Water
Co Wicklow Right2Water will be holding their next Burn the Bills demonstration on June 6 at 7pm at the Leitrim Place, Wicklow Town. Bring along your bill or any other documents you wish to dispose of to this peaceful event.
Kilcoole Little Tern Nesting has begun at the Kilcoole Little Tern colony and round-the-clock wardening is now in effect, conducted by Birdwatch Ireland wardens and volunteers. Anyone who wishes to volunteer and help with the wardening effort should contact the team by emailing littletern@birdwatchireland. ie.
Proteus jazz Proteus, an eight-piece jazz band, will be joined by wonderful jazz singer Aran McMahan to serenade you with jazz standards from the 40s-60s. The gig takes place in the Hot Spot Music Club, upstairs at The Beach House, Greystones on June 7 at 5.30pm. Admission is free but any donations are welcome.
“We are delighted that Glendalough Whiskey are representing County Wicklow and we wish them every success on June 11.” Glendalough Distillery are a small business with a big reach. Since it was launched two years ago, the five friends behind the award-winning company have seen their products sold throughout Ireland and exporting to the US and worldwide. Earlier this year, all three of their whiskeys received top awards at the globally renowned San Francisco World
Spirits competition. Their tipple was given prestigious awards at the event including Best Irish Whiskey and Best Single Malt Irish Whiskey. They began their endeavour by returning to an Irish tradition that stretches back to the monks of 584 AD and made the world’s first distilled spirit - poitín. On every bottle that leaves the distillery, the image of St Kevin represents their embrace of this ancient heritage and the notoriously independent Irish character. In a short time, they have built their range to include three poitíns, seven and 13 year old single malt Irish whiskeys, two seasonal, botanical gins and the new Double Barrel Irish Whiskey. The company has been going from strength to strength since it was established and continues to grow. No doubt their finalist status in the National Enterprise Awards will cement their success.
Top chef Nevin to cook up storm at Taste of Wicklow By Michelle McGlynn
Top chef Nevin Maguire will be cooking up a storm at this year’s Taste of Wicklow. The food event will return to Wicklow Town for its third year on June 28. Taste of Wicklow has already established itself as one of the top events for foodies on the east coast. There are a host of delights in store for those attending this year. Nevin Maguire will be joined by Paul Kelly, Rory Morahan and local chefs Paul Smith from the Mystic Celt and Alan Hegarty from the Fishman. Local secondary school students will be taking part in a cook-off under the guidance of these talented chefs. The culinary celebration of the food and talent on offer in the county offers a fusion of local food., artisan markets, pop-up restaurants and a craft village. The festival offers more than just edible treats, there will be walkabout performers, oversized games for children,
face painting, storytelling and a traditional circus show. Last year, over 7,000 people flocked to Wicklow Town to enjoy the scrumptious event and this year is set to be even bigger and better. The event is funded from local resources combined with the €5 entrance charge for each person over the age of 12. Tickets are available from various local retail outlets in Wicklow Town.
June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING |09
10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
We are all responsible for Blue Flag loss
T
he loss of the Blue Flag for Brittas Bay North is a setback for tourism along Wicklow’s beautiful coastline. Wicklow has long had a proud tradition of pristine landscapes as well as coastscapes, and the loss of this precious validation puts that tradition at risk. We lost the Blue Flag as the quality of the water was deemed good but not excellent as required. But I see this not as a time for handwringing and playing the blame game, but rather as a timely reminder that we can never relax when it comes to caring for our environment. And more importantly, it serves as a prompt to ask the question: how can we raise the standard along the rest of the Wicklow coastline to ensure that every square metre of it merits either a Blue Flag or a Green Flag (where amenities required for Blue Flag status cannot be provided)? Do the residents of the County along with our valuable tourists not deserve clean beaches to walk along and unpolluted waters to swim in? In this regard, it falls to each and every one of us to look at the impact of our habits and behaviour on the environment. Do we dispose of our waste responsibly? Do we manage our septic tanks? Do we prevent agricultural run-offs? Our behaviour is critical to regaining the excellent standard of water required for a Blue Flag. But is ‘Bathing Quality’ water the only standard that we should be setting for our coastline? What about the millions of animals and plants for whom this water is home? We worry about the quality of the water that we have to swim in…but we should also really worry about the quality of water that is the lifeblood of countless life forms. The number of pollutants that marine life has to contend with is quite alarming. And most of the sources are land based. The pollution often comes from nonpoint sources such as agricultural runoff, windblown debris and dust. Nutrient pollution, another form of water pollution, refers to contamination by excessive inputs of nutrients. It is a primary cause of eutrophication of surface waters, in which excess nutrients, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, stimulate algae growth, which in turn has damaging consequences on the creatures that live in that environment. And while the volume of marine pollutants in the Irish Sea has decreased dramatically as a result of controls and legislation, their cumulative and long term effects are quite profound.
For example, many potentially toxic chemicals adhere to tiny particles which are then taken up by plankton and small animals that live on the seabed. These are then eaten by smaller fish (such as sand eels), which in turn are eaten by larger fish (such as cod – when they are not overfished!). In this way, the toxins are concentrated upward within ocean food chains. By the time they reach our dinner table, who knows what level of toxins our tasty meal contains. And when pesticides are incorporated into the marine ecosystem, they quickly become absorbed into marine food webs. Once in the food webs, these pesticides can cause mutations, as well as diseases, and sterility which impacts significantly on very survival of species. As you can see from the above descriptions, seemingly insignificant acts on our part can have quite negative repercussions on our marine life. But equally, seemingly insignificant acts can also have quite positive impacts on our coastal environment. So, let’s make sure that our families take their rubbish away with them; let’s stop effluent ending up in our rivers (which then run into the sea); let’s be our coastline’s guardian angel by making sure that our TDs pass laws that prevent any activities that will lead to marine pollution. And remember, actions taken quite far away from the sea can still have negative impacts on our water quality. If we accept that ‘Bathing Quality’ water is the minimum standard, we can take pride in knowing that our beaches not only fly the coveted Blue Flag, but also that we are heading in the right direction when it comes to looking after our marine environment. Pat Ó Súilleabháin is General Manager of National Sea Life Centre, Bray, County Wicklow and a Director of Bray Tourism.
But equally, seemingly insignificant acts can also have quite positive impacts on our coasts
“I
They all indulge in it, once Europe’s transfer window opens, from the giants of Madrid, Munich and Manchester to the minnows of Bray Wanderers and Bohemians
Tweets of the week
David Doyle @DavidMJTDoyle “Can we now assume that Sepp Blatter will seek that open Labour nomination in Dun Laoghaire?”
Rubber Bandits @Rubberbandits “Lads @rte will ye send me a load of footage of the Angelus so I can do something gas with it for an art installation. Sound” Dave Magee @DaveLaFaro “Sepp Blatter leaving FIFA is like when Jason Orange left Take That. It’ll work fine. Yeah, Jason left. You didn’t even know that did you?” Chris Greene @HateChrisGreene "In 10 years you won’t even remember the leaving cert. It will pale in comparison to the crushing drudgery and struggle of life x"
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with Pat Ó Súilleabháin with Michael Wolsey
Money has made it the ugly game invite you to join me this week in a little bit of fantasy football. Not the popular game that is played on websites around world but the much stranger fantasy that goes on at this time of year in the boardrooms of soccer clubs. They all indulge in it, once Europe’s transfer window opens, from the giants of Madrid, Munich and Manchester to the minnows of Bray Wanderers and Bohemians, albeit with considerable reluctance in the case of the Irish clubs. This fantasy football is a money game. It has its own rules and ignores the economics of the real world. The big teams are the worst offenders, spending money on transfer fees and salarieswhichthey have not the slightest hope of recouping by the only means that honestly measures their worth: the sale of tickets. Supporters have grown so used to this that they barely raise an eyebrow, much less an objection.But if you think outside the crazy world of professional sport you will see just how strange this behaviour is. So join me on this fantasy trip.Imagine a company boardroom – mahogany table,leather chairs, Fair Trade coffee in designer mugs.The managing director is approaching the board for permission to buy an expensive piece of equipment from abroad; €80m is the asking price. He has seen this equipment in action. He has no doubt it will revolutionise business, end inefficiencies, double profits. And from which factory, one director wonders, will this amazing piece of equipment come?Can no one supply it cheaper? Well no, explains the MD, this piece is unique and, well, to be honest, second-hand.And there’s a couple of other small caveats he feelsmust be entered.Firstly, nobody is entirely certain how transportation to another country will affect this sensitive piece.There have been examples of similar machinery breaking down on the journey and never functioning again. And also, says the now slightly hesitant MD, there’s the business of having to tune the equipment to a different electrical frequency. Nothing to it really - but some machinery bought abroad has been known not to make the transition. The directors are concerned.But they are sure that, in such an event, the money would be refunded. Sheepishly, the MD confesses that there would be no refund.Indeed there will be no sale, as such.The €80m buys a three-year lease on this equipment.The company will have to pay an annual rent on top; €5m a year, at least. The directors are alarmed.What if the equipment
breaks down? Sadly, admits the MD, the full rent will still have to be paid. Doubts are growing round the table but the chairman is still interested. However,he would like to make an outright purchase. Will they have the right to buy when the three years are up? And now the MD looks really embarrassed.No, he admits, the deal does not work like that.After two years they will have a chance to negotiate a new rental agreement, but there will be no question of purchase. And then the rent will be reduced? ‘’Well no,”explains the MD, “the rent will be increased.If the equipment isworking well, the rent will be increased.’’ And ifit’s not working well? “Well then we’ll have to sell.” At a loss? “Well, yes.Because if we wait the full three years and don’t negotiate a new contract, we may have to give the equipment back to the original owners, and we won’t get a penny for it.” At this stage, the chairman calls security and the managing director is escorted from the premises. Strange fantasy, indeed.Yet every season such madness is played out between the managers of top football clubs and their directors. They spend millions on a foreign player who may not adjust to life in another country and who could get injured at any time. They pay him huge wages whether he makes the team or not. If they renew his contract, they will increase his pay even further. If they let him get out of contract, he is free to go to any club who wants him and they won’t get back a cent of their investment. This lunacy has helped bring football to a sorry state, sustainable only because of the vast revenues produced from sponsorship and television. It is a sickness. Its symptoms range from the corruption at the heart of FIFA to the madness of Raheem Sterling, a talented but totally unproven 20-year-old, demanding £100,000-a-week to play for Liverpool. Irish clubs feel the knock-on affects. The money they pay for and to players is chicken feed but it is still far more than most can afford. Clubs that number their support in hundreds are dicing with bankruptcy as they struggle to compete. I love the game of football and I am sad to see how it has been destroyed by money. In sport it is truly the root of all evil. Michael Wolsey is a former deputy editor of the Irish Independent, and sat on the judging panel for the National Newspaper of Ireland Journalism Awards.
OPINION| 11
June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
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focus on faces John Ivory Founder, Voices of Bray Community Choir How’s life? Life is pretty good at the moment. We are currently making our final preparations for the Voices of Bray Community Choir concerts in the Mermaid Arts Centre in June. It’s very busy but it’s also great fun! You founded the Voices of Bray Community Choir. Has singing always been a part of your life? I’ve had a life-long interest in music and enjoy playing piano and guitar. My interest in singing didn’t come until my 20s when I joined Cor Chualann and Bray Choral Society where I was a member for 16 years. My first experience of conducting a choir came when I was asked to direct the Senior Choir in Holy Redeemer – I signed up temporarily for 6 months and ended up spending 6 very happy years! Several years ago the idea came to form a community choir for Bray – and so Voices of Bray was born in 2013.
Claire Darmody of the East Coast FM Coffee Morning presents a cheque for more than €60,000 to the cancer support groups who took part in this year’s fundraiser
Want to get the local news? Look abroad
S
ometimes I think it would be good to just read the national newspapers from a different country when you want to find out what is going on in your own country. Likewise our own national newspapers could serve a useful function by writing objectively about issues from abroad. The same could hold true for broadcast media such as television and radio. This was the conclusion I came too after following a couple of stories last week. The first was the farcical situation around the reporting of Independent TD Catherine Murphy’s speech in the Dail on Denis O’Brien’s loan arrangements with International Bank Resolution Corportaion (IBRC, formerly Anglo Irish Bank). Irish media were unable to report the speech due to a gagging order, and the population had to learn what Murphy had said indirectly through the Guardian newspaper. The second was the story
Brian Quigley around the sale of the government’s remaining 25% share of Aer Lingus. If you listened to reports on the domestic broadcast media about this it was hard to pick through the politicians pointscoring over each other to get to the real nuts and bolts of the story. Some of the printed media sensationalised the story a bit too. I was out of the country last week, and as well as knowing about what had been said by Catherine Murphy before a lot of people back home, I also read a number of foreign-newspaper reports about the Aer Lingus sale that, unshackled by having to spin and embellish the story, just reported the facts and offered informed opinion
on what the sale meant for the consumer, the airline, the workers affected and the economy. International Airlines Group (IAG), the British Airways owner are in the process of taking over Aer Lingus. They needed the government’s 25% stake, which they have got for €1.4bn, and next they need the 30% currently owned by Ryanair (the largest shareholder). After that, assuming there are no objections from the European and US competition authorities, IAG will effectivey own Aer Lingus. From IAG’s point of view they want the impressive transatlantic operations Aer Lingus possesses, and also the highlyvaluable 23 slots at Heathrow. It was a bit hard to stomach hearing Fianna Fail making political hay out of the 25%sale, given that they sold the other 75% a few years ago. The government has longsince not owned Aer Lingus so on one level the sale is irrelevant, so long as the airline is going to be run properly. Running the airline properly will probably mean efficiencies are sought of the unions and management at Aer Lingus.
This always happens in business with consolidation. Neither Enda Kenny nor Paschal O’Donoghue (the Minister for Transport, Torism and Sport) would admit to seeing a report from Nyras, the international consultants, outlining aggressive but achievable savings in ground-handling, catering and maintenance. Shame on them if they saw the report and wouldn’t admit to seeing it. Shame on them if they sold the 25% without seeing it. Tell the truth and don’t play politics. I’ve no doubt the Nyras report will be implemented by the new owners, either in sum or in part. This is just business. Your operations have to be lean and competitive in the modern business environment. This will have implications for the workers at Aer Lingus who will be facing changes. Change is never easy but longterm the airline will be safe and will continue to ensure connectivity for our nation to allow it to prosper from an industry and tourism point of view. This will be of benefit to us all, despite those who may be affected with the stress of changes in the short term.
How would someone go about getting involved with the choir? Anyone interested can contact me directly or via any member of the choir. Our current membership is 130 and we are operating a waitlist for new members. In keeping with our ethos of being a community choir, we don’t hold auditions. As with most choirs, an ability to read music is an advantage but not essential as learning CDs are provided. We have members who had never held a sheet of music before joining us and they are doing just great. The emphasis is on being the best we can be while also having fun. You have had to add a third night to your shows at the Mermaid Arts Centre due to demand. What can people expect from the show? Yes, our original two concerts for June 18th and 19th sold out within a week, so we added another show for Sat June 20th. I’m particularly excited about this year’s programme which features hit songs from the Glenn Miller era to Coldplay, Adele, U2 and lots in between! All our concerts are run as charity fundraisers and this year the proceeds will be donated to Sunbeam House Services in Bray. Do you have any other gigs that people can put in their diary? After June, our next confirmed gig is Sunday, Dec 6th in St. Fergal’s church which will feature lots of familiar Christmas music. What is your favourite song? Not easy to answer. I don’t have an all-time favourite but a couple of songs I never tire of hearing are ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ by the Beatles and the wonderful ‘Manhatten’ by Rodgers and Hart – the Ella Fitzgerald version of this is the definitive one for me. If you ask me again tomorrow I may give a completely different answer!
John Ivory founded Voices of Bray Community Choir in 2013. The choir sings a repertoire of popular music and endeavours to raise funds for local charities through its performances. The choir will be performing in the Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray on June 18th – 20th at 8pm. Proceeds from these concerts will be donated to Sunbeam House Services in Bray. Tickets €15/€12 are still available for June 20th. To book call 01 2724030 or see www. mermaidartscentre.ie.
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12 | WHAT’S HOT WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory
Bluethroat on Wicklow Head. Photo by Michael Hogan.
A first for Wicklow The bank holiday weekend threw up a first for County Wicklow. On Saturday, May 30, a local wildlife photographer was paying a visit to Wicklow Head. He had just parked his car, taken out his camera and turned around to find a Bluethroat on the wall beside him. Only just over 40 individuals of this rare Spring and Autumn passage migrant have been recorded to date, and almost all of those records have come from counties Cork and Waterford. This bird represents the first record for county Wicklow and for the East coast as a whole. The Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) in size and shape is like a slim, long-legged Robin. In breeding plumage males have bright blue throat and upper breast with either a red or white spot in the middle, or no spot at all, depending on the race. The striking blue on the chest is bordered by a band of black and one of chestnut. Females only have the faintest hint of blue on the chest. Juveniles are very similar to juvenile Robins – brown above, speckled, streaked below. The Bluethroat is a secretive, shy, skulking bird which likes to breed in the wet Willow and Birch forests of Northern Europe. It likes to winter in sunnier climes from North East Africa to Western India. The Wicklow bird after being briefly seen and photographed promptly disappeared into the undergrowth. Although it was extensively looked for on Saturday by local birders and again on Sunday (by my good self and some others), the bird was not seen again. So thank goodness for the keen eyes and quick reflexes of Michael Hogan or nobody would have known about the special visitor who dropped in for the weekend.
wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
Night out of the week Pluck’s of Kilmac Kilmacanogue, 01 2862996, www.plucks.ie There is no better place to spend these summer evenings than at Pluck’s. With a fantastic line-up of music acts performing throughout June it is the perfect night out. Just in time for those balmy summer evenings, Pluck’s have introduced a gorgeous new beer garden so you can chill out in the fresh air and enjoy a drink until the sun sets. The beer garden officially opens this weekend so be sure to check it out. Treat your doting dad to a night out this Father’s Day weekend. There are two wonderful acts lined up, Jaker on the Friday and a Johnny Cash Tribute on Saturday. Enjoy some music and buy your dad a drink for all that he’s done for you! Other acts in June include Franky, Dog Ruff and Mystique. They have also renovated the La Touche Horse Trough so be sure to check it out while you’re there.
Event of the week Great Music in Irish Houses Killruddery House and Gardens, Bray, June 12, 8pm Ireland’s longest running chamber music festival will be visiting Killruddery House during its ten venue tour. Killruddery House is the backdrop to a programme of composition giants, Beethoven and Brahms with a performance from three of Ireland’s leading musicians; pianist Hugh Tinney, violinist Michael d’Arcy and cellist, Christopher Marwood. The combined energetic musical forces of these exceptional musicians will no doubt ensure a 2015 Festival highlight. KBC Great Music in Irish Houses features both Irish and international audiences who will excite audiences with an array of performances from Beethoven to Brahms and Ravel to Reich. Tickets are priced from €10 to €50 and are available from the National Concert Hall Box Office www.nch.ie and by telephone on 01 417 0000. Pictured is violinist Michael d’Arcy.
book of the week Sentenced to Life By Clive James In his new collection of poems - several of which have already become famous before their book publication - Clive James looks back over an extraordinarily rich life with a clear-eyed and unflinching honesty. His reflections come as he faces his terminal cancer at the age of 75. There are no regrets, but no trace of self-pity in these verses, which - for all their open dealings with death and illness - are primarily a celebration of what is memorable in our time here. Again and again, James reminds us that he is not only a poet of effortless wit and lyrical accomplishment: he is also an immensely wise one, who delights in using poetic form to bring a razor-sharp focus to his thoughts. Miraculously, these poems see James writing with his insight and energy not only undiminished but positively charged by his situation: Sentenced to Life represents a career high point from one of the greatest literary intelligences of the age.
TV SHOW of the week Comedy Bites RTE player, Mondays RTE have premiered a new show of comedy shorts on RTE player. The series consists of four episodes from four Irish production companies: Four Giants, Southpaw Pictures, Ghost Train Willy and Fawn Films. The series is overseen by the same team that commissioned The Savage Eye and Republic of Telly. Sketches
Sports tip of the week Tag rugby Arklow Rugby Club, The Oval, Ballyrichard, Wednesdays and Fridays Are you looking for a way to have some family fun and keep everyone fit? Well, your prayers have been answered with tag rugby at Arklow Rugby Club. Tag rugby is a non-contact form of rugby and is fantastic fun for beginners and experienced players alike. You can learn all of the speed and skill associated with rugby with no collision or contact involved. Teams attempt to tackle the opposition with a “tackle” consisting of ripping a Velcro tag from the other players’ belt. All games are supervised and the equipment is provided. Games for all the family take place on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8pm. While games for teens and adults are on Fridays at 7.30pm until 9pm. On Fridays, the clubhouse will be open for refreshments and a BBQ.
include a one man GAA team, international drinking forecasts and an investigative journalist trying to break into the world of television. This is a great way to support small Irish production companies and to nurture the talent that exists in Ireland. The show could be a big break for some of the hilarious people involved. Episodes are released each Monday, with the previous ones also available on the RTE player.
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June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week Spy Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is a middle-aged desk-bound CIA analyst, who is the agency’s unsung hero behind their most dangerous missions. However, when one of her colleagues, the James Bond-like Bradley Fine (Jude Law) is killed during a mission by lethal enemy agent Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne), she decides to go out into the field to avenge his death. Sent out undercover, Cooper must infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster. This comedy comes from critically acclaimed Bridesmaids director Paul Feig. McCarthy is joined by a roll-call of top talent including Miranda Hart, Rose Byrne, Peter Serafinowicz and Jason Statham.
HOROSCOPES
Offer of the week Free ladies’ golf taster evening Charlesland Golf Club, Greystones, June 11, 7pm Charlesland Golf Club in association with Play2Learn Golf, are delighted to announce a free golf taster evening for ladies of all ages at the picturesque course. Working alongside PGA Coach James Kane Nash and surrounded by the sounds of the Irish Sea, this is the perfect opportunity for any beginner to get an introduction to this wonderful
game and golf club. The evening will offer the chance to learn the basics of golf in a relaxed and fun environment. Charlesland Golf Club offers a great golfing experience and is renowned for the quality of its welcome and its service. With generous landing areas there are good scoring opportunities on the par-5’s, and a variety of tees allows all golfers a fair and challenging playing experience. Those interested in the free taster evening can contact Aoife on 01 2878200 or email golf@charlesland.com.
Fundraiser of the week There will be an Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind fundraising and awareness evening on Monday evening. The event will begin with a wine reception followed by a screening of a ten minute documentary about well-known Bray man Joe Bollard and his guide dog named York. The screening will be followed by a question and answer session with Joe and a representative from Irish Guide Dogs. Joe is a beloved figure in the area and was one of the first people in Ireland to receive a guide dog from Irish Guide Dogs in the 1970s. It is hoped that this evening will create awareness of the great work done by the Irish Guide Dog who are a non-profit organisation and also to raise funds to support them in their continued endeavours.
Exhibition of the week In My Element Signal Arts Centre, 1 Albert Avenue, Bray, June 8-21 Mairead O’Neill Laher will open her new exhibition In My Element at an opening reception on June 12 from 7pm-9pm. These paintings endeavour to express what seems inexpressible in any other medium. Mairead is drawn back to the same evocative elements in the landscape time after time. This work began with research in different landscapes in Co Kerry, France and Cape Town in South Africa but the paintings are not geographically specific. The focus of interest is the constant conflict between land and sea. The flow and movement of the paint is vital and fundamental in the search for something transcendent, which goes beyond the initial concept. Mairead has exhibited in Ireland, Johannesburg, Chicago and New York. Her work is in corporate and private collections. Pictured is a piece entitled, Leaving Achill.
Gemini- This week is an 8 You can do without unnecessary frills. Count your assets. You have something old of great value. It’s all for home and family.
Leo- This week is an 8 Friends help you make a connection. Sit at a fascinating person’s feet. You’re gaining valuable skills. Balance work with pleasure.
GIG of the week
An expertly blended mix of blues, roots and rock, The Hardchargers have a truly unique sound. Dobro, washboard and heavy guitar grooves combine to build a bridge between Deltaacoustic blues and extremely tight rock guitar grooves. These Belfast lads have been playing all around the country since 2009 performing in the
Taurus- This week is a 9 Plan your moves before acting. Don’t make an old mistake again. Even if things seem tenuous, you have hidden resources.
Cancer- This week is a 7 You’re extra productive, and your credit rating is rising. Keep the momentum. Finish up old business. Spend on household improvements.
Irish Guide Dogs fundraising evening Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, June 8, 5.15pm
The Hardchargers The Harbour Bar, Strand Road, June 6, 8pm
Aries- This week is a 9 You have untapped resources. Make sure you’ve done the research. Share plans and get everyone on board. Get clear on the common objective.
country’s top venues and taking the stage at countless festivals. They have previously opened for The Waterboys, Alabama 3 and many others. The Hardchargers are the genuine article and give it their everything each time they take the stage. Following a gig in their hometown, the legendary Terri Hooley described them as “my kind of fecking band”. A recommendation like that is surely enough to bring you down to check them out for yourself.
Virgo- This week is a 9 Take on a challenge. You’re especially persuasive. Concentrate on one problem at a time. Find what you’re looking for. Libra- This week is a 9 A disruption or discovery shuffles the cards. Don’t waste time talking about fantasies. Figure out how to do what’s needed with existing funds. Scorpio- This week is a 7 You’re gaining confidence. Friends keep you headed in the right direction. Ignore distractions, unless of a romantic nature. Sagittarius- This week is a 7 Remain open-minded, despite shifting circumstances. Continue to enjoy yourself. Ask for what you want. Capricorn- This week is an 8 Learn from a competitor. You drew a good hand, and have an ace up your sleeve. Win or lose all. Aquarius- This week is a 9 Communication breakdowns add distortion. Persistence and patience get through. Take responsibility. Pisces- This week is an 8 Your emotional balance extends to others. Both learn and teach. Provide motivation. You may have to break eggs to make an omelette.
14 | LIFESTYLE
my favourite things Whether you are jet setting or enjoying a stay-cation this summer, Aldi have got you covered with mix and match pieces to keep you looking cool and stylish all day. Plane comfortable Whether you’re flying long or short haul, comfort is paramount when travelling. These tshirts are perfect when teamed with cute shorts. Ladies’ short sleeve, €4.49 Pool party When you want to be able to go from the pool to the bar with ease, simply throw this stylish kaftan over your swimsuit and you are ready to go. Beach kaftan, €9.99; Straw hat, €4.49 Accessorise, accessorise It is essential to have a comfortable pair of shoes when walking in the heat and keep your belongings safe with an across body handbag. Pumps, €6.99; Leather bag, €9.99 Summer nights Keep cool and cute with these shorty pj sets. PJ set, €4.99
Summer at Aldi
wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
WHAT’s HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
LIFESTYLE| 15
June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
food in wicklow
Poached egg, smoked bacon and black pudding salad
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel Hollandaise
300g unsalted clarified butter 4 egg yolks 1 tblsp. Hollandaise reduction Squeeze of lemon juice Pinch of cayenne pepper salt
Make the reduction by reducing 250ml w.w.vinegar, ½ sliced shallot, a few crushed peppercorns, parsley stalk, and 100ml white wine by half then pass and chill. Whisk the egg yolks and reduction over a bain – marie until it has a peak. Take off the heat and slowly whisk in the warm butter. Season with salt lemon, and cayenne pepper then pass through a fine sieve. Finish with whatever you like e.g. mustard, mint, tarragon etc.
Assembly
Cut the streaky bacon into lardons then fry until crispy. Chop the black pudding into wedges, then fry in a separate pan. Drain both on paper towels. Dress some salad leaves and place on the plate. Place the warm black pudding and bacon on top then place the poached egg in the middle. Nape the egg and a bit of the Salad with the hollandaise then serve.
Go directly to Gaol ... then head for London
By Michelle McGlynn
Kilcoole man, Christy Kavanagh, is off to London after he was crowned the Wicklow Monopoly champion. Wicklow’s Historic Gaol recently played host to Mr Monopoly and the double decker Monopoly Bus as players from across the country came to compete for the title of Ireland’s Monopoly Champion. In honour of the popular board game’s 80th birthday, 80 adults and 80 junior competitors took part in the event. Christy was the adult champ while Benen O’Toole (both pictured) from Dublin won out in the junior category. Christy will now travel to London to compete in the UK and Ireland finals next month. The winner of this round will head to the world championships in China this September. Last weekend also celebrated the launch of Ireland’s first ever Monopoly board completely ‘as Gaeilge’. Glór na nGael have teamed up with monopoly makers – Habsbro to create the Irish version and four monopoly
tables were dedicated to Irish speakers during Sunday’s finals. Cries of Té go dtí an prisiun’ could be heard as the players competed on the first ever Monopoly board completely ‘as Gaeilge’ featuring place names from across Ireland. Taking in the very best of Irelands culture, scenery and language, the Glór an nGael board is manufactured in the Hasbro factory in Waterford and offers players the chance to buy and own such heights as Benbulben in Sligo, Carrantwohill in Kerry and
Mweerea in Mayo, or perhaps relish planting hotels on the lawns of Áras an Uachtarán or Stormont – or maybe even outside Leinster House. The most valuable properties on the Board are Teach anPhiarsaigh in Rosmuc, in Co. Galway and the GPO, with more than a passing nod to next year’s 1916 centenary. But the real strength Monopoly is its playability. This is a really useful tool for helping people speak – or scream – the Irish language in a social setting.
16 |SPECIAL REPORT
wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
Show o that s
SPECIAL REPORT| 17
June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
off smile
our guide to dental and oral care
Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall general health and wellbeing. Signs of ill health such as diabetes and heart disease can show up in your mouth and be discovered by your dentist on examination. Visit your dentist for an examination of your mouth, teeth and/dentures at least once a year, especially if you are having problems. Cut down on how often you have sweet drinks and foods, especially between meals. Clean teeth and gums twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Remove any dentures at night to give your mouth a rest. You
should use a suitable denture cleanser and keep your dentures in water when you are not using them. Quit smoking - it can cause gum disease, bad breath and even mouth cancer. Bacteria can live in your mouth in the form of plaque, causing cavities and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. In order to keep your mouth clean, you must practice good oral hygiene every day Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing bacteria that accumulates on teeth, including where toothbrushes can’t reach.
Frances Brandon Orthodontic Clinic Bri Chualann Court, Adelaide Road, Bray, 01 2762998, www. francesbrandon.com
Laoghaire, 01 2855841, www. varddental.ie
Dr Frances Brandon knows that the value of a truly beautiful smile cannot be overstated, to improve self-esteem and confidence at all stages through life. She provides treatment in a relaxed and caring environment and makes it her priority to ensure that you or your child is at ease at every visit and stage of treatment. Dr Brandon has been in private orthodontic practice in Bray for 12 years. She provides braces for both children and adults. You will find prices to be very competitive and you can avail of a free consultation appointment. Once you invest in your smile, you can wear it for the rest of your life. Vard Dental 235 Rochestown Avenue, Dun
Vard Dental is a family run business with over 30 years experience. They are experienced in family dental care requirements across all spectrums of ages and can work with you on general care and on treatments necessary to treat specific conditions. Dr David Vard has won the Sensodyne Sensitive Dentist of the Year award in recognition of his outstanding patient care, so you can be sure that you are in safe hands at Vard Dental. The practice has always sought to provide the highest standard of treatment possible, delivered in a caring and sympathetic manner. The team have developed a reputation for relieving people of their dentist-related fears and anxieties.
18 | ADVERTISING wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
Buying? Selling? Contact one of our team today e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565
NEWS| 19
June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Women’s Mini Marathon
Members of the Glynn family with some of the 110 ladies who took part in the Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin last weekend in aid of The Gavin Glynn Foundation. Pic Gerard Caffrey
All go for Gavin. Pic Alan Rowlette
Members of the Greystones Cancer Support team
A member of Bray’s Open Door team
Members of the Purple House Team Bray
Showing off their medals for Purple House
20 | NEWS/SPECIAL REPORT wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
Rowing for Cystic Fibrosis
Team members Ger Crowley and Jamie Tevlin set off from Bray Harbour on their round Ireland rowing trip in aid of cystic fibrosis. Pix: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
Ger Crowley before he sets sail while Minster Simon Harris and Vito Marino (2) lend a hand at Bray Harbour
Clockwise from left: Moira Delaney (7), Nuala Carey (RTE), Chloe Grehan (9), Alfie Grehan (6) at the launch of National Carers Week
Want to place an ad? email us at info@wicklowvoice.ie
SPECIAL REPORT| 21
June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
National Carers Week The ninth National Carers Week will celebrate and recognise the contribution of Ireland’s Family Carers with events throughout Ireland, from June 8 to 14. The Census reports that there are 5131 Family Carers in Wicklow, 63% of whom are women and 37% are men. The average age of Family Carers is 46. A sample of National Carers Week events in Wicklow are: Fri 05 Jun Information morning Location Rathnew Pharmacy, The Merrymeeting Centre, Rathnew, Co.Wicklow Organiser Rathnew Pharmacy
in conjunction with Carers Association Contact Details Shirley Harty Phone:086 387 4666 Email: shirley@meds.ie Rathnew Pharmacy tel no. : 0404 31055
Tue 09 Jun Day out to Festina Lente Location Bray, Co. Wicklow Organiser The Carers Association Contact Details June Keogh, The Carers Association, Little Bray Resource Centre, Ard Chualainn, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Call 086-1726300 Tour of the beautiful gardens at Festina Lente along with a potting session followed by Tea & Coffee.
Thu 04 Jun Information Day and Raffle for family carers Location Roundwood Pharmacy, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow Organiser: The Carers Association Contact Details June Keogh, The Carers Association, Little Bray Resource Centre, Ard Chualainn, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Call 086-1726300 A pre Carers Week Information day in Roundwood Pharmacy, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow. Pop in and we will help with any questions you might have. We will be running a free raffle for family carers during National Carers Week 8th14th June 2015. Details will be available on our facebook page and in Roundwood pharmacy.
We will be offering a free goody bag for family carers. Please call in to Roundwood Pharmacy during National Carers Week.
Thu 11 Jun 10am-2pm Tour of Mount Usher Gardens Location Mount Usher Gardens, Ashford, Co. Wicklow Organiser The Carers Association Contact Details June Keogh, The Carers Association, Little Bray Resource Centre, Ard Chualainn, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Call 086-1726300. Enjoy a stroll throughout the beautiful nine hectares of gardens along the River Varty followed by lunch in the Avoca Cafe. 10am - 2pm
Contact RehabCare for help RehabCare’s CareLink Home Support Services have been providing a range of flexible support services Monday to Sunday, all year round, with over 140 Home Support Workers attending to the older person, people with disabilities and palliative care since 1997.
The aim of the services enables clients to remain as independently as possible within their own homes with the support of the CareLink services. We assist with a wide range of tasks – cooking meals, hovering, laundry, helping with grocery shopping,
assisting you to get up, washed/dressed and ready for the day. The CareLink Service is delivered as part of the community support service and is targeted at medium to high dependency clients. RehabCare’s CareLink has earned its reputation
as a top provider of home support services. We offer all employees FETAC level 5 training and continuous training throughout your employment. If you are interested in coming to work for CareLink please call Cathy Smith on 01 2057357.
22 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie June 4 2015
Longford Town on June 5 in the SSE Airtricity premier division. Kick off at the Carlisle Grounds is 7.45pm. Trials for U19 team will be held on June 6 at 11am in Berryfield, Enniskerry. All eligible U19 players are welcome to attend trials. The next away trip is on June 5 to Cork. The supporters club will run a bus to this game subject to demand. Seats can be booked by text to 0879968969 or call into club shop at Fridays game.
sport in brief An Tóchar A big thank you to everyone that supported the table quiz last week in aid of our Junior Mens team on Friday last. Desso and his crew would like to thank quizmaster John Byrne, donors of raffle prizes and Dan Plummer for providing the musical entertainment. Best wishes to all our club members that are sitting exams at this time. The Girls U14 team will host the finals of their Tournament/ Blitz on June 4 with St. Pats, Rathnew and Clann na Gael taking part. Prize-giving and refreshments in the Club Bar afterwards. Come on up to Pairc an Tóchar and cheer on our girls. Throw in at 7pm. Our U8 and U10 stars will take part in blitzes in Pairc an Tochar on June 6. Our girls are first in action with games getting under way from 10.30am and the boys will take the field later in the day with the first game at 2pm. The 1st Draw in the Garden County Development Draw has been deferred until June 5.
Arklow Geraldines The next meeting of the Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney
Shankill GAA
Wicklow sides Greystones RFC and Presentation College Bray (pictured) were two of 20 mini rugby teams to take part in the Aviva Mini Rugby Festival at the Aviva Stadium recently Club Executive will be held on June 10 at 8pm in the Wicklow County GAA Board Room Pearse’s Park. Garden County Draw Tickets are now all returned from the Ladies Section. Anyone else with tickets
should return them asap to James Dunne in the Wicklow County GAA Offices in Pearse’s Park. Thanks to all who sold or bought tickets. Good luck to all sitting either Junior or Leaving Certificate Examinations at this time.
We are rooting for you all. Exam students are welcome to join in training if you feel the need to have some exercise but are not required to attend. U16 Ladies games will continue after the exams are concluded. Contact Kathryn on 086 8664931 or kathryn_noone@ yahoo.co.uk if you’re interested in taking part in Scór in 2015. Club members and non-club members welcome. AGB are hosting ‘The Kube’ (based on a ITV gameshow) on August 8 in the Arklow Bay Hotel. €1,000 first prize. Contact Kerry on 087 3287881 for more details.
Bray Wanderers There was no Lotto jackpot winner on May 31. Numbers drawn were 2-9-1728. €30 lucky dip winners were Bernie Tracy c/o Shamrock Bhoys, Gerry Caughan c/o Supporters club, Des Hermanas c/o Bray Lakers, Dave Arnold c/o Shamrock Bhoys, Aidan O’Toole c/o D. Crinion. Next week’s jackpot is €9125. 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. Any clubs or individuals that are interested in selling Bray Wanderers Lotto tickets on a commission basis please contact Michael on 0872261087. Bray Wanderers are at home to
Our two girls teams lost to Cuala and Erin go Bragh at the weekend. Two cracking games of football. Well done to the players and all connected with the teams. Girls U9 play Kilmacud Crokes on Sunday at 10am and Girls U11 play St Judes on Saturday at 5pm both matches are in Shanganagh Castle. Men’s adult training is at 7.30pm on Thursday in the Cliffs. Next match is in the Championship against AIB on Sunday at 11am in the Cliffs. New players always welcome contact Damien 085 2327359. The club Summer Camp is on from July 6-10 in Shanganagh Park. The cost is €45 for members, €50 for non-member with €5 reduction for siblings. There will be Gaelic football, hurling, Camogie, rounders, a free T-shirt and lots and lots of fun. Juvenile Academy is in action every Saturday morning in Shanganagh Castle at 10am catering for 4-8 year old boys and girls. Information secretary. shankill.dublin@gaa.ie or Tel 086 3215087.
Wicklow 200 rolling through county
By Michelle McGlynn
The Wicklow 200 Cycle event will be rolling through the Wicklow Mountains on June 7. Now in its 34th year, the event will see over 3,000 riders descend on the county prepared to take on 200km route. The route tackles some of the country’s most famous climbs including Sally Gap, Slieve Mann and Glenmalure. The event is an ideal opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Garden County
and to demonstrate the county’s potential as a sport and leisure destination. The cycle is not a race and riders are allowed a maximum of 13 hours to complete the route. There is also an option of a 100km route which takes place simultaneously. The event will begin and end at Shoreline Leisure, Greystones. The route will be away from the town and Gardai, local authorities and volunteer marshals will oversee the event
to ensure disruption to road users is kept to a minimum. There will be a ceremonial start at 7am but a mass start will not take place to avoid congestion. The Irish Veteran Cyclists Association who organise the event would like to remind cyclists and supporters to take litter with them and keep Wicklow tidy. They would also like to thank everyone for their support of the event over the past 33 years.
Want to give your club a voice? email your notes to info@wicklowvoice.ie
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June 4 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
The cup that cheers us up There’s something special about the Cup. League position, division or status are put to one side. It’s a chance to dream, of emulating past glories or achieving something new for your club for the first time. You can play above your normal level and cause an upset, or you can play below your expectations and find yourself dumped out unceremoniously. There’s no second chance if it goes wrong. Given that it was FA Cup final in England in parallel with our own Cup fixtures here last weekend added an extra dimension to the occasion. The dream is certainly on for Bray Wanderers, after their comprehensive 3-1 victory over Limerick in the second round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup on Friday at the Carlisle Grounds. Captain fantastic David Cassidy – fresh from receiving the Supporters’ Club
Player of the Month award for April - opened the scoring early on (Bray are making a habit of scoring early goals recently! but Limerick equalised before the break to send the teams in level. Two second half strikes from Chris Lyons sealed victory for the Seagulls and got people dreaming of 1990, 1999 and … 2015?! Wanderers get back to league action when they host Longford Town at the Carlisle Grounds on June 6 and after that they head for Cork on June 12. Trevor Croly’s men will be hoping to extend their three match unbeaten run in all competitions and try to climb up the table a bit. Bray and Longford’s fates dovetailed spectacularly at the end of the 2013 season, when they met in a memorable twolegged play-off that saw the Seagulls stay up in the Premier Division.
Bray Wanderers’ Captain David Cassidy receiving the Supporters club April Player of the Month award from member Michael Caulfield
Wanderers expected to name new owners
By Michelle McGlynn
There are more changes ahead for Bray Wanderers as new owners are expected to be announced in the coming days. Chairman Denis O’Connor has told the Wicklow Voice that talks are taking place with a potential new owner. News on these developments is expected within the next 10 days. This is welcome news to those who have been following the controversy that the club has been involved in over recent months. Previously, the McGettigan Group had expressed an interest in investing in Wanderers but these talks broke down. Mr O’Connor has told the Wicklow Voice that he has not ruled out the McGettigan Group becoming involved in some capacity in the future. “In my view, the issue of the McGettigan Group coming onboard as owners is settled and we have moved on,” Mr O’Connor said. “We have asked them to be stakeholders in the club and they are considering this as
we speak.” Mr O’Connor is optimistic about the Seagulls’ future. “I see the ownership issue being resolved in the very near future and there will be major investment on its way as a result.” Although some people remain fixated on the issues that have dogged the club, Mr O’Connor is adamant that “we are moving forward”. “There are people who are
dissatisfied with the club because we had to let members of staff go. “This was a result of the club’s finances, we had to make those people redundant and bring in volunteers. “It’s easy to criticise but there was no other solution unless someone was going to come along and hand us €100,000 to cover those costs.” Despite the criticism he has received online, Mr O’Connor assured the Wicklow Voice that he would not be stepping down from his role as chairman. “I am not one who quits just because there are a few bumps in the road. “I’m optimistic about the future of the club and I never thought that there would be a quick-fix solution. This was always a two-year project for me.” The signing of Trevor Croly as manager has done much to boost spirits at the club. “Trevor has a huge vision for this club and I think that over the next three years he will prove to be an invaluable asset. “It’s onwards and upwards from here,” Mr O’Connor concluded.
Longford regrouped and secured a deserved return to the top flight at the end of 2014, and are distinguishing themselves this season so will not make it easy for Bray. For Bray, off-field troubles have abounded since that 2013 play-off but the club are looking to the future and seem to have turned a corner since Croly’s arrival. Another positive recently has been the announcement by the club that they will be entering a team in the new U17 League of Ireland. This will complement the U19 side the club already operates and ultimately this will be of benefit to the first team, as the club is able to nurture talent through two underage teams and develop players over a longer time period than just having them at U19 level allows. Effectively the U17 and U19 sides are modelled on new
structures across the water, where old-style reserve teams are now a thing of the past. Luxembourg I had the pleasure (and pain!) of running 10th anniversary ING Luxembourg marathon last week. I ran the half-marathon version of the event, which cleverly allows runners to choose between running the full marathon, half marathon, or team run (essentially four people running a mini-marathon each). It also offers a variety of short distances for children and is a very inclusive, familyfriendly event. I’m not sure whether logistics would permit Dublin to go this route, as we have no trouble filling the separate halfmarathon and full marathon events each year, but it was interesting to see how differently things are done abroad.
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