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Ardmore to create 1000 new jobs - in Limerick! By Michelle McGlynn
There is good news for Ardmore Studios but not necessarily for Wicklow as the studio is set to create 1,000 new jobs - in Limerick. Ardmore has plans to build a new state of the art studio in Limerick, double the size of their current space in Bray, despite efforts to locate the new facility in Newtownmountkennedy and Arklow. The plan is to construct the studio at the site of a disused Dell factory in Castletroy not unlike the old Dell factory located at the bottom of the Boghall Road, Bray. However, Ardmore Studios Chief Executive Siún Ní Raghallaigh has assured the Wicklow Voice that the news is not a cause for concern for Wicklow as it will not affect any jobs here. Ardmore currently employs over 500 people at its Bray studios and it is estimated that it contributes approximately €50m to the local economy. The decision to locate the
Irish rugby coach Joe Schmidt with Dylon Lynch (12) who is receiving treatment for Leukemia and his sister Emma (7) at the Aviva Stadium where Purple House Cancer Support (formerly Bray Cancer Support Centre) launched their new name. Pic: Joe Keogh » Lots more pictures from around the county inside new premises in Limerick has not only deprived Wicklow of a possible 1,000 jobs but also the potential €100m generated within the local economy. In November last year,
Ardmore called on the Government to invest in the industry or risk losing out on thousands of jobs. The studio claimed that it had been forced to turn
away business due to a lack of sufficient studio space and facilities. Ms Raghallaigh, Chief Executive of Ardmore Studios told the Wicklow Voice, “There is enormous potential to expand Ireland’s footprint for film making, both in Wicklow and in other parts of the country such as Limerick as demonstrated by Ardmore Studio’s joint submission with Limerick City and County Council looking at a number of different site options in Limerick. “A successful outcome of the bid would benefit Ireland’s wider audiovisual industry and would be complementary to Ardmore Studio’s world class facilities in Wicklow.” Meanwhile, Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/ Carlow East told the Wicklow Voice: “Positioning Wicklow as the ‘Hub’ and centre of the film industry is an essential component to job creation and placing Wicklow and Ireland on the international stage.” Continued on next page
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4 | NEWS
Ardmore to create 1,000 jobs
wicklowvoice.ie March 12 2015
Forget Spring, Winter is coming ...
Continued from previous page
Wicklow man Tommy Dunne who is the weapons master on Game Of Thrones By Michelle McGlynn Forget Spring, Winter is coming ... As the world waits in anticipation for Game of Thrones season five, Wicklow man Tommy Dunne is playing a surprising role in Westeros. Tommy is the weapons master on the phenomenally successful HBO series, who’s catchphrase is Winter is coming, and has been with the show since the beginning. Tommy is also known for his work on Gladiator (2000), Saving Private Ryan (1998)
ANDS
“I have met with key players in the film industry including Ardmore and Ashford Studios together with Wicklow County Council and other stakeholders; to promote a film industry cluster and put in place practical supports to develop leading edge film studio capacity, centred in Wicklow in order to improve competitiveness in the global marketplace with the support of National and Local government,” Mr Doyle said. Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick Niall Collins recently said that “Ossie Kilkenny, who jointly owns Ardmore Studios, wants to move to the Limerick facility as soon as possible as they have not enough studio space.” Ardmore has attracted TV series such as The Tudors, Camelot and films like Braveheart and Excalibur and is home to Penny Dreadful which will air on Sky Atlantic next month. Ashford Studios, home to The Vikings, have plans for a €50m expansion that will treble its size and create 1,000 jobs. The application is currently being considered on planning grounds.
and V for Vendetta (2005). “I’m given quite a free reign to design and make,” Tommy said in a recently released featurette, The Weapons of Dorne. The clip not only gives fans their first look at the weapons found in Dorne but also a first look at three of Prince’s Oberyn’s daughters, known as The Sand Snakes as well as his brother Doran and his bodyguard Areo Hotah. The latest trailer has left viewers salivating for the series premiere on April 12 with a total of eight new char-
THE HARBOUR BAR
EVENTS GUIDE THURSDAY 12TH — ROCK
WATSON ACE FRIDAY 13 — BLUES BRIAN MEAKIN BAND SATURDAY 14 — BOSS/TROJAN REGGAE EXPLOJANS SUNDAY 15 — JAZZ FOLK (MOTHER’S DAY) MONGOOSE TH
TH
TH
MONDAY 16TH — SEA SOAKED GYPSY FOLK
THE ESKIES TUESDAY 17 — PARTY HOUSE BAND PATRICK’S DAY TOASTED SPECIAL TH
f: /theharbourbarbray t: @theharbour_bar
acters being introduced. Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) for instance is rumored to be stepping up his role where he is expected to make tough new decisions at the Wall. Arya (Maisie Williams) will also take on a bigger role in season 5 and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) is expected to clash with Daenerys (Emilia Clarke). Tyrion is currently on the run after murdering his father Tywinn. No matter what, there will be chaos in store - Don’t forget “justice has a price”.
news in brief Charity BBQ There will be a charity BBQ held at Greystones Rugby Club on St Patrick’s Day at 1.30pm in aid of the Gavin Glynn Foundation. A fun day for all the family, there will be a BBQ, drink, games for the kids and a raffle.
Water meeting
Right2Water are holding a public meeting on March 13 at 7.30pm at the Royal Hotel, Bray. The meeting aims to plan and organise for the next national rally which will take place on March 21 at 1pm.
Fright night
Spend your Friday the 13th at Wicklow Gaol for their Fright Night tour, if you’re brave enough. For adults only, tours begin at 7pm and cost €15 including a frighteningly good cocktail to give you some courage.
Stroke support
Wicklow Stroke Support will not be holding their monthly meeting in March, the next meeting will be April 29 at the Primary Care Centre, Newtownmountkennedy from 2.30pm-4.30pm.
It’s back Darkness Into Light walk set for May 9 By Michelle McGlynn
Thousands of people are expected to turn out for Darkness into Light 2015 as plans are underway in both Bray and Arklow. Bray are hoping to build on the success of their inaugural walk last year which saw a massive turnout. Arklow who are in their third year of participating in the international fundraising walk in aid of Pieta House are hoping that 2015 will be their biggest year to date. Darkness into Light is a 5k walk or run and will take place on May 9. Participants will meet at 4.15am at the Bandstand on Strand Road, Bray and at 4.30am at Sea Scouts Hall, Arklow. Bring your friends, your family and of course your four-legged friends are more than welcome to join in. The more the merrier when it comes to raising awareness and funds for the incredible service that Pieta House provide. Whether you run, walk or jog it doesn’t matter so long as you stand with your community in support of those who truly need it. The walk takes place at dawn as the dawn is symbolic of hope and is representative of the work Pieta House does. Since their first event in Dublin’s Phoenix Park seven years ago, Darkness into Light has been growing ever since and
is now celebrated in 80 venues across Ireland and beyond. All funds raised will go towards Pieta House, which provides a completely free service to people of all ages suffering from depression and offers support to the bereaved families of people who have died by suicide. Darkness into Light is the most vital component of Pieta House’s fundraising calendar. Over 80% of Pieta House’s income depends on public donations and these donations are essential to continuing to provide a free service for the increasing number of people seeking help. The funds raised in previous years helped Pieta House to expand into counties Cork, Galway and Kerry. Darkness into Light is an incredible experience and one that people remember for a long time. The gorgeous sight of the sun rising in Bray and Arklow coupled with the knowledge that you have helped to bring hope to others is guaranteed to make getting out of your bed worth it. Registration is now open for both Bray and Arklow and you can do so by visiting dil.pieta.ie or contacting Marie Peelo at 01 6219374.
Legal eagles net €6.5m By Michelle McGlynn
Private solicitors working for the Director of Public Prosecutions were paid almost €6.5m in 2013. Wicklow’s State Solicitor, Rory Benville, was the 14th highest paid - he received €227,204. Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show the top earning solici-
tor contracted to the State was Barry Galvin in Cork City. He received €453,778. In total, 32 state solicitors are contracted to work for the DPP, with each one designated to a particular region and each contract lasting 10 years. As part of their contract, state solicitors provide a 24 houra-day, 365-day a year service but are not entitled to a state pension.
NEWS |5
March 12 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Massan Ghorbani of Masters Temple with his Little Dragons at their recent grading in Bray Bowl
Patrick O Gorman, Ryan Byrne and Evan Fogarty pictured recently during the Arklow Music Festival. The music festival continues to run until March 15. (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Emily Nagys (12) from Scoil Náisiúnta Phádraig Naofa, Avoca, won the Eason’s Wicklow County Bee heat which took place in St Peter’s Primary School, and will now go on to take part in the Provincial Spelling Bee before the overall final in June
Gwen Stewart and Deborah Stewart in Wicklow Town
Brigid Morrison (14) and Oona McFarland out and about in Bray
Faye (2), Jean and Lucy (2) Smullen looking smashing in Wicklow Town
Pictured (front) Dawn Farrelly, Dodd’s Pharmacy, Newtownmount Kennedy; Nuala Byrne, The Ashford Pharmacy, Arklow; Laura Green, Grants Pharmacy, Arklow and Lorraine Breen, Grant’s Pharmacy, Arklow (back) Sabrina Devlin, The Ashford Pharmacy, Arklow; Samantha Lennon, Gorry’s Pharmacy, Baltinglass, Carolyn O’Sullivan Brennan, Peak Pharmacy, Rathnew and Mary O’Dwyer, Roscare Pharmacy, Blacklion, Greystones who graduated with a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills (QCF) at a graduation ceremony held in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin with Kathy Maher, President, Irish Pharmacy Union
6| NEWS news in brief Mooney and son Wicklow resident and renowned jazz and blues artist, Nigel Mooney will perform with his son Charlie on March 13 at the Hot Spot Music Club, Greystones. Tickets are available for purchase on the door for €10 and doors are 8pm.
Charity boxing Legends Kickboxing Gym are holding a white collar boxing night in the Royal Hotel, Bray on March 14. All funds raised on the night will go towards Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services in Blackrock and Harold’s Cross.
Bunting Project Wicklow Arts Festival are encouraging people to create their own Medieval themed fabric flag to be part of an installation in Wicklow Town for the festival in May. Flags should be made from fabric and be approx the size of an A4 page. You can decorate your flag any way you wish using any materials you like. Finished flags should be dropped into 4 Convent Road, Wicklow Town by April 10.
wicklowvoice.ie March 12 2015
Leftfield ready to rock BD festival at Easter By Michelle McGlynn
The BD festival is the only place to be for Good Friday as they announce a top quality line up. Headline acts include a popular fixture on the Irish music scene, Mundy and a DJ set by Leftfield aka Neil Barnes. The one-day festival - formerly known as the Barn Dance Festival - will take place on April 3 in the grounds of Glendalough House in Annamoe, Wicklow. The BYOB event has taken place on Good Friday for the past eight years and is a hugely popular way of kicking off , not only Easter weekend but, festival season. The Hot Sprockets are also billed to take the stage and they will join some of Wicklow’s favourites such as The Eskies, 90s tribute act Smash Hits and 10-piece ska band Interskalactic. Also on the ticket are sets from Benoit & Sergio, Omar S and Ben Sims.
Bray Credit Union are delighted to congratulate Emily Harold, the latest winner in their Members’ Car Draw. Emily is now the proud owner of a 2015 Ford Fiesta Titanium and is pictured with Henry King, President Bray Credit Union and Des Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatrick Motors Bray. Photo by Charlie Sharkey This year’s festival will feature several stages and areas such as Whelans Main Stage, Together Disco, Abstract Dance Area and the Subject Forest Stage.
There will be plenty more acts added to the current line up as Good Friday approaches. Transport will be no hassle as buses will run from Dublin’s Custom House Quay every 30
minutes from 3pm that day. The bus will cost €10 and it is important to note that return buses must be booked in advance or on arrival. Tickets for the festival are on
sale now and cost €60. Meanwhile, the first acts for Blessington’s Knockanstockan Festival in July have been announced. Dublin rock band Bitch Falcon and Red Enemy are top of the list in the first round of acts. Full of loud guitar but with a fresher vibe than most of the rock bands out there and with a phenomenal live show, it’s no surprise that Bitch Falcon featured on most critics ‘ones to watch’ lists for 2015. Dublin metallers Red Enemy has a great 2014 announcing their deal with renowned US label Mediaskare Records and releasing their debut self-titled album. Knockanstockan will take place on July 24 and 25 and will also feature Kingston, Rebecca Collins, Leo Drezden, Contour and Cult Called Man. Tickets are on sale now with an earlybird price of €65 for a full weekend which will go up to €80 and €35 for a camper van ticket.
March 12 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
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08| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie March 12 2015
news in brief Craft market Wicklow Craft and Farmers Market on the South Quays, Wicklow Town are open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 - 4pm. They will also open St. Patrick’s Day from 12 - 5pm. For more information contactwicklowmarket@ gmail.com or 089 4270447.
Little Gem After a sell-out run at The Abbey Theatre and an international tour, Little Gem is coming to Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray on March 18 and 19. The play sees three generations of women telling us their story and stars Anita Reeves, Hilda Fay and Kate Gilmore. Tickets are €20 or €18 concession and are available from the box office or by calling 01 2724030.
Birdwatch outing
Launching the St Patrick’s Festival Bray 2015, on Bray Promenade was Bonny Quiney (4) and Harry Kavanagh (4). Pic: Joe Keogh
The Wicklow branch of BirdWatch Ireland are having an outing along the coast at Kilcoole to look for early Spring migrants. The group will meet on March 21 at Kilcoole train station car park at 10am.
Calling all helpers - St Patrick needs some volunteers By Michelle McGlynn
Calling all volunteers, Bray’s St Patrick’s Day Festival needs your help. Of course, all parades around the county welcome volunteers to lend a hand, so if you think you can help please get in touch with your local organiser. With lots of events planned all around Bray, the festival welcomes anybody who would be willing to lend a hand and ensure that this year is the best yet. If you are interested in volunteering during the festival, see www.bray.ie. Starting off in Bray with their five day festival which begins on March 13 and runs until St Patrick’s Day. The highlight of the festival is the parade itself where 20, 000 people are expected to line the route which runs from the Town Hall, along Main Street and down to the seafront. The Bray parade is one of the largest on the East Coast and al-
ways draws huge crowds so get down early. The pre-parade party will be on the Main Street from 1pm with the parade beginning at 3pm. This year’s Grand Marshall is Claire Darmody, Senior Producer of the Morning Show on East Coast FM. (Read our interview on p11) As we know Mother’s Day is on March 15 and you can give your deserving mother a treat by taking her down to the promenade for the stunning fireworks display at 7.30pm. Other events include the Big Fun Day Out on March 14 at the Civic Plaza, the five-day funfair on the seafront, ceili breakfast, the Bray Head walk and St Patrick’s Eve Ceol agus Craic. The Greystones parade looks like it will be every bit as spectacular as last year thanks to all of the hard work from the community. The parade will leave the South Beach car park at midday, travelling up through
the town and down Church Road to Victoria Road. There will be awards presented under several categories including most original entry and best traditional Irish float. Meanwhile, Wicklow Town have revealed that this year’s theme is Irish Folklore and Legends. The Wicklow parade is always a fantastic display of creativity and imagination so it will be lots of fun to see how participants interpret the theme. The Grand Marshall of the parade is popular singer/songwriter Luan Parle. The parade begins at 3.15pm, leaving from Whitegates to Market Square. Arklow’s parade will leave Mellows Avenue on the Wexford Road at 3pm and will follow the usual route. Meanwhile, parades will also take place in Carnew (2pm), Aughrim (11.15am), Rathdrum (12.15pm), Newtown (10.45am) and Baltinglass (12.30pm).
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10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Farewell Spike, you’ll be missed
P
aul Drury may not be a familiar name to too many people in the Garden County, but the renowned journalist who died aged 57 at the weekend played a key role in setting up the Wicklow Voice newspaper. His input over pints in Duff’s on Bray Main Street during the summer of 2012 was invaluable to the success of this newspaper and many of the columns and features which readers enjoy today are included due to his suggestions. Duff’s is well-known for its collection of cycling memorabilia and Paul took great pride that a front page of his from his time as Night Editor of the Irish Independent hangs in the centre of the pub - ‘King Of The Road’ the headline reads over a triumphant picture of Stephen Roche on the Champs Elysees as he won the Tour De France in 1987. Although he lived just over the border in Rathmichael, Co Dublin, he regarded Bray as his local town and his children are past pupils of Scoil Chualann there. Only at Christmas he looked on proudly as his 13-year-old son Oisin gave a beautiful piano recital at the Bray Institute Of Education Music Concert before also playing at a Comhaltas concert later that night. A legendary figure in Irish newspapers, his loss to his craft and the business as a whole can only be surpassed by the sorrow of his wife, Aine, and their three children, Eanna, Niamh and Oisin, and brother Professor Luke Drury, The Royal Irish Academy’s elected physicist. The famous philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein was a family friend after getting to know Paul’s father, the psychiatrist Maurice O’Connor-Drury, when Wittgenstein lived at a farmhouse in Red Cross, Co Wicklow. Paul was planning a book recounting Wittgenstein’s time in Ireland at the time of his passing. Such was his reputation that President Michael D Higgins led the tributes to Paul saying he “was a highly respected journalist and commentator and will be a loss to the profession he served with distinction for over 30 years”. Fearless and at times volcanic, Paul was one of the most committed newspapermen you could meet - blood, sweat and beers was one of his great expressions. His passion for the print business, journalism, breaking stories and helping young hacks to get a start was second-tonone. Intellectually razor-sharp, he never looked down on those of us who could only aspire to his brilliance - although when you heard the words “I obviously didn’t make myself clear”, you knew that you had made a hames of it.
A fluent Irish speaker, he studied journalism in the College of Commerce, Rathmines, and soon became Brussels correspondent with the Irish Independent. Paul honed his editorial skills at the ‘Indo’ under the guidance of the late Vinnie Doyle, another legendary editor. In an eventful career, he edited Ireland on Sunday, the Irish Daily Mail, the Irish Daily Star and the Evening Herald, as well as the weekly Irish language newspaper Amarach. He was at the helm of the then-Evening Herald for five years during the mid-1990s in a time before the internet, smart phones and 24hour news channels - a time when evening newspapers mattered. It was through the Evening Herald and his stewardship that many learned of the terrible death of Veronica Guerin and the tragedy of the Omagh bombing. The Irish Daily Mail was launched in 2006 and, as he said himself, he was editor of what was probably the last ever daily newspaper to be launched in the country. When Christopher McKevitt on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland challenged Paul over the Mail’s long history of bitter anti-Irish racism, quoting Independent Newspapers’ claim that it represented the opposition to the Mail and its attitudes, he calmly pointed out that he wouldn’t take such lectures from a paper which in 1916 had called for the execution of James Connolly and which had opposed Irish nationalism ever since. McKevitt was left speechless. And at a time when Bertie Ahern could do no wrong, it was Paul who fearlessly backed his Mail journalists in their devastating exposés of the Teflon Taoiseach that ultimately led to Bertie’s downfall. His anonymously-written Spike column in the Irish Mail On Sunday was the bane of the great and the good in media and power, poking fun at all and sundry when they got too big for their boots. In 2011 he stepped down as Managing Editor of Associated Newspapers but maintained his column in the Irish Daily Mail every Friday. In his latter years he was also a member of the Press Council before embarking on a second career as a script editor for RTE’s radio show Callan’s Kicks, and was a frequent contributor on both radio and television. Colleagues remembered him fondly as a “larger than life personality” who “lived, ate, breathed and slept newspapers” who was fascinated with all aspects of the trade. A great wit and raconteur, he would regale a room with fantastical stories which normally portrayed him as the centre of the joke - one of his favourites was when he got into a row with Senator David Norris who told Paul that he was nothing more “than a waste of a good moustache”. He will be sorely missed. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
“F
It would be better still, I suppose, if political parties never made rash promises in the first place. But we might as well wish for heatwaves in December or Bray Wanderers to win the Champions League
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 Captain Louis with Michael Wolsey
This is a country and not just an economy ... adó fadó in Éireann, when the world was young and I had a full head of hair, governments ran the country, not the economy. Some ran it well, more ran it badly, and one almost ran it into the ground. That was the Fianna Fáil government of Jack Lynch who, following a landslide election victory in 1977, made an unusual decision to keep his campaign promises. Keeping promises is always regarded as a virtuous thing and the Labour Party is today being lacerated for breaking those it made in the last campaign. But in truth we are probably better off with the standard response of election winners, which is to declare, “Oh dear. We have just seen the books and things are much worse than anyone imagined. We will keep our promises of course ... but they will have to wait.” It would be better still, I suppose, if political parties never made rash promises in the first place. But we might as well wish for heatwaves in December or Bray Wanderers to win the Champions League. In any event, Jack Lynch did keep his campaign promises, although they were rash indeed. He abolished household tax (then called rates) and car tax and introduced a rake of high-spending measures which his Minister for Economic Development said would be self-financing. They weren’t. The country nearly went bust and we are still suffering today from some of the problems created by Honest Jack and his innumerate advisers. Since that chastening experience, no government has claimed to run the country. Now they run the economy. The word has almost entirely replaced ‘country’ in the political vocabulary. Political correspondents will ponder the speed at which the economy is growing or contracting; analysts will worry that our economy is not keeping pace with the UK’s but take comfort that it growing faster than the EU average; politicians, who leave no cliché unturned, will boast they have got the economy back on its feet and promise to grow it further going forward. When did you last hear anyone from the wider political class talk about ‘the country’? But we live in the country, not the economy. And the interests of the two are not always the same. The present Government is puzzled and pained that, despite the impressive recovery of the economy, their popularity remains low. They miss the point that is all too obvious to the rest of us - the economy is recovering but the country isn’t. Yes, there are bright spots here and
improvements there and, no doubt, it will mostly come right in time - too late, I suspect, for Enda Kenny, and too late, beyond doubt, for Joan Burton. And maybe too late for rural Ireland. Dublin is doing well and there are stirrings of recovery in cities and bigger towns. But rural Ireland - the Ireland of small towns and scattered parishes has been dealt blows from which it may never revive. That’s the trouble with running an economy instead of a country. Rural Ireland is important to the country. It is part of what we are, a vital organ in the body of our nation. A government running the country would know this. But a government running an economy will see rural Ireland only as a problem on the balance sheet. The latest blow to rural Ireland is Bus Eireann’s announcement that it intends to close a number of country routes because they do not make a profit. Like many of the hurts inflicted on rural Ireland, this one is not fatal in itself. There are private operators on parts of these routes and alternative Bus Eireann services can be accessed, albeit at some inconvenience. But a few villages will be left without a service and, for all small communities, the news adds to the feeling that they are neglected and unwanted. Rural Ireland is suffering the death of a thousand cuts. Going, going, gone: pubs, shops, banks, petrol stations and now the bus service. One problem feeds the other in a vicious circle that the Government must try to break. It can’t do much about pubs but it can put pressure on the banks and it can do something about buses. Kilkenny’s Ann Phelan is the junior minister specially tasked with looking after rural Ireland. She seems to be fighting a losing battle and her title gives a clue to the problem. She is Minister for Rural Economic Development. She’s helping to run the economy. The Jack Lynch government proved that the economy cannot be ignored. We can’t spend money we haven’t got or squander what we have got on foolish, populist schemes. But we can, and should, direct the money we do have for the benefit of the nation as a whole. Irish governments have pandered to the economy long enough. It’s time they got back to running the country, while there’s still a country left to run. 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
March 12 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
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focus on faces
Claire Darmody, Producer of East Coast FM’s Morning Show How’s life? Life is great thanks!I have just finished a six-month stint freelance producing a couple of nights a week at Tonight with Vincent Browne, I have done that for a couple of nights on and off for the last 18 months and I love working on that programme, but along with single-handedly producing the Morning Show with Declan Meehan on East Coast every day and recently beginning planning and organising the seventh East Coast FM Wicklow Wide coffee morning which is on April 17 this year life was getting a bit too busy, working late nights and early mornings, so it’s great to have some free time back…..I am just back from a girlie weekend in Edinburgh so that was really fun and zero work.
Opening of new Civil Defence centre for County Wicklow on the Mill Road in Greystones: Wicklow Commander Ray Martin and Alan Byrne First Officer Bray AFS make a presentation to Wicklow CDO Michael Richardson
Eddie’s successor to face many challenges
T
he impending retirement of Eddie Sheehy as Wicklow C o u n t y Manager after 14 years in the role draws the curtains on a reign that has run through the nation’s boom years, austerity recession and now back into a recovery. Sheehy was no novice to the role when he arrived, having previously served a term as Roscommon County Manager. In total his career in the public service has spanned 43 years. Ultimately it comes down to economics when you try to assess somebody’s legacy at Chief Executive level in any organisation or institution and the simple truth is that Wicklow is a more prosperous and desirable place to live in now than it was when Eddie Sheehy took up the role in 2001. It has progressed. And is well positioned to continue to progress. Obviously this is a broad, aggregate assessment that sidesteps some controversies but the bottom-line is what is remembered. His handling of the situation
Brian Quigley surrounding the deaths of fireman Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy, who lost their lives in a blaze in Bray in September 2007, will be remembered for the wrong reasons. He also got some negative press for his forceful dealings with certain councillors over the years. Whilst our county councillors are elected officials that we entrust to formulate policy for all aspects of the governance of our county, the County Manager is an appointed official who manages the implementation of that policy. She or he brings the vision to fruition. As with all areas of government in the country there is potential for conflict between the
politicians and the civil service. In theory they should have a united goal and shared vision but in practice divisions can occur. Sometimes politicians don’t like it if the civil servants do a good job and get credit and recognition. It steals their thunder. They are wrong to think like this, in my opinion. They devised the policy that was successfully implemented, so why be petty about how the credit is shared around? Other scenarios apply. The policy formulated may not have been up to much and poor implementation leaves a justified blame-game trail. That’s life. You have to take the rough with the smooth. Nobody gets it right all the time but you are expected to get it right more than you get it wrong. When we look at Wicklow County Council now and Wicklow in general, we should be proud. And confident. The 2012 LivCom award put us on the map at a global level, as the most liveable community for our population bracket. Politicians and elected officials are doing something seri-
ously right when we get this kind of recognition. The County Wicklow Economic Think Tank Action plan will ensure we continue to drive and maintain economic activity and increase employment by focusing on our strengths – tourism, the film industry, proximity to Dublin, attractiveness of lifestyle and improved communications and transport networks. Once you know your strengths you can ensure you have the workforce with the right training and skills to fit those strengths. We’ve done our homework here as a county. All deserve credit for CWETT; this includes our politicians at County and Dail level as well as appointed officials at all levels right up to the County Manager. We need CWETT in place if the recovery is to be maintained. Without the prospect of job creation a recovery will not have the legs for the race. Whoever takes over from Eddie Sheehy will have a challenging job to keep the progress of the county on an upward trend, but they will have an excellent council and discerning population to support them.
What was it about radio that first interested you? I was actually interested in TV first but my first college course meant I got to learn about radio and print journalism too and I guess radio just pulled me in. Over the years I have been lucky enough to work producing and presenting TV, I even got to fly a plane and sky-dive for a programme I presented for a digital TV station and I really enjoy the buzz of producing live television but radio has always been my first love, it’s very fast moving, often has to be changed at very short notice and every day is different so the fast pace and variety are probably what keeps me so interested. Are you excited to be the Grand Marshall of the Bray St. Patrick’s Day parade? I am super excited and very honoured but I am also very apprehensive and nervous, I don’t really enjoy attention and prefer to work in the background so the thought of leading anything publicly or being ‘on display’ fills me with fear, but all the lovely people who work on the parade (and who also help me a lot with our coffee morning) tell me that it will actually be a lot of fun, so hopefully the nerves subside enough for me to enjoy it…it’s a pretty unique thing to have on my CV! You’re very busy organising the annual East Coast FM Coffee Morning. What can people expect this year? I am very busy as it is less than six weeks away now, although I have been working on it since January. You can expect lots again this year, staff from all the cancer centres and hospice foundation are all working away on it since early in the year too, as always. On April 17 in 11 venues across the county we will run main coffee mornings with entertainers and celebrities Eleanor McEvoy, Luan Parle, Mary Byrne, Kim Hayden, Shane Byrne, Emma Hannigan and many more. We will raffle and auction amazing prizes at each venue, all donated by local businesses. Everything is and always has been donated to the coffee morning. For example; local business National Organic have supplied and delivered Café Direct tea and coffee to every venue for the last six years as well as supplying 22 Bunalun hampers as raffle prizes. Four of the Tescos in Wickow have kindly agreed to allow us to bag pack (again) on April 18 and we will host a table quiz on April 19 in Bray, which is always a fun night with more prizes. We have raised over €208,000 thus far and with their help this year and all our listeners I am hoping this year, we can break €250,000. We are still eager for more people who can’t attend the main venues to consider running an event in their home or place of work, we will supply buckets, posters and balloons and mentions on air, people can get in touch at coffee@eastcoast.fm and see full details of all events www.eastcoast.fm/coffee Claire Darmody is the Senior Producer of the Morning Show on East Coast FM. She is also the Founder and Co-ordinator of The East Coast FM Wicklow Wide Coffee Morning and runs the stations’ Annual VdeP Give a Gift Christmas Campaign. She works freelance as a TV Producer, most recently with Tonight with Vincent Browne on TV3.
Goldfinch (Photo courtesy of John Fox)
WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory March is the perfect month for learning birdsong for the first time. In March our resident breeding birds are busy singing all day, marking territories and attracting mates. Your challenge this month is to learn the songs of 10 of our common garden birds. Song Thrush This song is all about repetition. A short phrase is sung and then repeated 2-5 times before moving onto a new phrase. Blackbird The Mozart of the bird world. Rich fluty phrases which end in a chuckle or a squeak.
Wren Fantastically loud song for such a tiny bird. The song is a short, rapid machine-gun fire of notes ending in a trill. Blue Tit Lively, high-pitched song can sound a bit like “chick-adee-dee-dee”. Great Tit Chiming, strident repetition of two notes that sound like “teacher, teacher, teacher”. Dunnock The rhythm and sound of this song is reminiscent of a shopping trolley with a squeaky, wonky wheel! Chaffinch The pattern of this wellstructured, bright, rattling song is reminiscent of a bowler in cricket taking his run up before delivering the ball with a flourish. Goldfinch Like the bird itself, the song is a charming tinkling collection of notes. A song hard to describe but a delight to listen to! Goldcrest A high-pitched, rolling song ending in a flourish – “tweedly, tweedly, tweedlydidee”. Unmistakeable once you get your ear in.
Golf Club of the week Charlesland Golf Club Charlesland, Greystones, 01 2878200, www.charlesland.com Now is the time to take advantage of Charlesland Golf Club’s flexible memberships. There are a number of 12 month options to choose from. For the avid golfer there is the seven day membership for €1,200. If that isn’t quite what you are looking for then maybe the five day membership is for you, it is currently €750. Alternatively, there is the intermediate membership which is available to under 30’s and is €500. Charlesland Golf Club offers a great golfing experience and is renowned for the quality of its welcome and service. Following a round of golf, you can take sit down, relax and enjoy a delicious meal at their restaurant or a drink in the bar.
DIY idea of the week SKC Providers Unit 8, Charvey Lane Industrial Estate, Rathnew, 0404 20088 For all your DIY and home improvement needs there’s no better place to get what you need than SKC Providers. They are your one-stop shop for heating, plumbing and bathroom needs. They stock everything from the fittings to the full range of beautifully designed bathroom suites. Their wide range of stock can be viewed at the showroom in Rathnew. They cater for plumbers, builders, tradesmen and of course the DIY enthusiasts. The friendly staff are always on hand to give advice and guidance for those who are a little unsure of what it is they’re getting themselves into.
book of the week Bristol International Balloon Fiesta By Brian Quigley, email info@wicklowvoice.ie for details
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is Brian Quigley’s seventh book and fourth volume of poetry
Local author Brian Quigley’s new poetry book Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is as ambitious as it is eclectic. Some poems are educational, others humorous; all are quirky in an entertaining kind of way. The net was cast wide to catch the source material, with poems about everything and anything from imaginary pasta shapes to the chemical molecule that gives the soccer ball its shape. What makes such diverse topics come together nicely is the clever grouping by the author of loosely-related poems into sections. This gives the book a structure and sequencing that flows well. For example, the section on transport allows poems about running and railways, canals and hot-air balloons to sit side-by-side seamlessly. Likewise, having a section on myths and heroes allows poems on Bob Dylan and rapper 50 Cent exist alongside ones on historical figures such as Ada Lovelace and Pegasus. An enjoyable read.
About the Author Brian Quigley hails from the seaside town of Bray, Co. Wicklow in Ireland. Now working in Dublin, Brian’s other interests include athletics, journalism, football and family time.
Bristol
International
Balloon
Fiesta
Brian Quigley
Robin Robins sing all year round but there are noticeable differences between the autumn/winter song and the spring/summer song. A lovely, sweet, melodious song with pauses between the constantly changing phrases.
wicklowvoice.ie March 12 2015
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
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12 | WHAT’S HOT
5TO50
Brian Quigley
TV SHOW of the week 5TO50 BOOKS
Other Voices
RTE2, Sundays, 10.50pm Other Voices kicks off its 13th season on March 15 with a Hozier special. The show will feature an in-depth interview with the Wicklow musician. “Hozier’s honesty makes him a fascination in the music world. His interview for this series gives an insight into how he handles his stardom and where he might be going
fundraiser of the week The Kube Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney Hill Road, Dublin, March 27, 8pm St Patrick’s primary school have announced their 2015 fundraising event will be The Kube. Following the success of their Strictly night last year, they have had no shortage of people willing to compete. There will be 40 contestants including principal Brian O’Doherty, seven teachers and and local people. There will be the chance for some members of the audience to enter The Kube and try out some of the games. The event is organised by the Parents Association who are delighted to have the support of Bray Credit Union as the main sponsor. Tickets cost €25 and can be purchased through thekubestpats@gmail.com. Pictured are back row L-R: Principle Brian O’Doherty, Kathryn Hickson, Reggie Corrigan and Suresh Mariyappa. Front row L-R: Victoria Bradshaw from Bray Credit Union, Emma Forde, Louise Lyons and Sarah Quinn from the Parents Committee.
in his musical development,” says Philip King, the founder of Other Voices. The current series has a strong line-up with acts such as Damien Rice, Jessie Ware, Walking on Cars, Young Fathers and Ibeyi. A special episode, Best of Other Voices, will air on March 22 featuring Villagers, James Vincent McMorrow, Lisa Hannigan and John Smith, The Strypes and Kodaline among others.
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March 12 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week The Divergent Series: Insurgent Gaiety Cinema, Arklow The popularity of young adult dystopian books and films shows no signs of waning and so Insurgent hits screens this week. The film is the sequel to last year’s Divergent, led by Shailene Woodley. In a world devastated by war, Chicago is divided into five factions. Each is defined by a dominant personality trait: Erudite (intelligence), Dauntless (bravery), Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (friendship) and Candour (honesty). But Woodley’s Beatrice ‘Tris’ Prior is a rare Divergent, with multiple aptitudes. In this film, Tris is on the run from evil Erudite leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet), along with her Dauntless lover Four (Theo James). Jeanine has acquired a mysterious box that seems to hold the key to power. But only a Divergent can open it. Tris decides it’s time to turn the tables and unite the Divergents, taking the fight for civilisation to Jeanine’s doorstep.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
event of the week Greystones Enterprise Town Shoreline Greystones, March 20 and 21 Greystones was recently announced as one of Bank of Ireland’s Enterprise Towns of 2015. As part of the initiative there will be two Expos held on the weekend of March 20 and 21. All businesses, clubs, schools and societies are invited to get involved. Saturday will be the Business Expo where you can set up a stall free of charge and trade and network with other local businesses.
Bank of Ireland will be inviting some prominent local business speakers to. Sunday will be a Family Fun Day where clubs and societies can display what they have to offer, show off some trophies and sign up new members. There may be some sporting heroes around so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. There will also be face painting for the children. To register to take part in the events email elaine.forrester@ boi.com or caroline_a.breen@boi. com. Alternatively you can call in to the branch to speak with a member of staff.
Business of the week This year K&K Windows are celebrating 20 years as one of Ireland’s top fabricators and installers of UPVC and aluminium products. As part of their celebration they have extended their vast showroom to provide you with a wider variety of their products which are created at their own state of the art factory. K&K Windows are completely committed to providing the best design and quality. They offer an extensive range of bespoke framed glazing products providing a reliable and cost effective solution to your needs. K&K Windows do both residential and commercial projects from small to large scale. One of their projects was The K Club which many will be familiar with. If you are thinking about revamping your home or are looking for energy saving solutions then be sure to get yourself down to the newly revamped showrooms.
Mongoose The Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, Sunday, March 15, 9pm Mongoose are a Dublinbased band consisting of four lovely ladies and their respective noisemakers. They play an original mix of folk, jazz, and vocal harmony – mostly their own songs along with some creative covers. Their music is an acoustic melting pot with flavours of jazz and folk
The Hibernia Inn offers scrumptious food with a picturesque view of the sea. Their homecooked meals are available seven days a week. The wide ranging menu will have something to satisfy every member of the family. The daily specials are great value for money and are not to be missed. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details of the specials. The Hibernia Inn offer a mouthwatering all-day breakfast. Meanwhile, the scrumptious dessert menu is worth leaving plenty of room for. Sundays mean all-day cavery and there’s no better place for your Sunday dinner than The Hibernia Inn. The staff are as friendly as they are helpful. They have a fully stocked bar for you to choose from.
Gemini- 1,9,22,30,39,42 The knowledge you have will enhance your reputation. Don’t get intimately involved with a coworker. Go shopping. Cancer-2,4,6,16,26,39 Purchases will be well worth it and they will last a long time. Your partner may be reluctant to tell you how they feel. Don’t dwell on past regrets.
Virgo-6,10,16,28,34,40 Set aside any decisions regarding your personal life. There are ways of making extra cash if you put your mind to it.
GIG of the week
The Hibernia Inn 1 Royal Marine Terrace, Bray, 01 2862183
Taurus-11,14,29,24,33,34 Plan to get out and do a bit of travel. Don’t let others know about your private affairs. Your ability to stand out in a crowd will bring you recognition.
Leo-4,18,29,33,38,42 Don’t be afraid to talk to close friends or relatives about pressing personal problems. Take care of yourself first.
K&K Windows Craanford, Gorey, Co Wexford, 053 9383526, www.kkwindows.ie
Foodie idea of the week
Aries-2,9,14,22,25,31 You should be traveling to that exotic destination you’ve been dreaming about. Better still, take your mate.
predominating –“jolk” if you will, though it’s only sometimes a laughing matter. They have been very well received around the scene in Dublin and all over Ireland and have played festivals such as Electric Picnic, Knockanstockan, Vantastival, Kilkenny and Groove Festival to name a few. Can you think of a better way to treat your Mammy for Mother’s Day?
Libra-7,14,17,26,28,35,38 Do your own thing without drawing attention to it. Entertainment could cost you more than you expect but worth it. Scorpio-3,13,17,22,30,31 Make plans to mix business with pleasure. Dinner with clients or business associates should be successful. Sagittarius-2,14,17,25,25,38 Visitors are likely to drop by and chances are, don’t let them overstay their welcome. Great luck this month. Capricorn-5,9,15,22,25,34 Your emotional life may be up in the air. Put your efforts into physical fitness programs or competitive sports. Aquarius-12,16,18,29,36,41 Take a look at investment opportunities. Help elders in your family. Gret changes professionally are evident. Pisces-4,16,26,36,37,43 Time to get back into the real world. Work diligently and you will get ahead. It is socialising time Pisces. Horoscopes with Siobhan Moore Whelan - Live Psychic & Medium ring 1580997207. Over 18’s with bill payers permission - entertainment purposes. Calls cost €2.44 per minute and may vary on other networks.
14 |HOME IMPROVEMENTS
wicklowvoice.ie March 12 2015
Sprucing it up Homes
with Clodagh Doyle (info@wicklowvoice.ie)
FINALLY, the daffodils are in full bloom and the longer evenings are making a most welcome come back. Now that we are well into Spring, it is time to brush of the winter cobwebs and look forward to the brighter warmer times ahead. It is the perfect time to get moving with all your home improvement projects, big and small. By delving in now and seeing your plans through will ensure that when summer arrives, you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your efforts. You may have a particular focus in mind, a new kitchen or bathroom up-grade or perhaps a new decking is top of your agenda. Or maybe you have being saving diligently for a much sought after extension
or attic conversion. For many, it is not unusual to feel somewhat daunted when it comes to home improving planning, especially if you are unsure where to begin. Depending on your budget you should carefully plan and prioritise your projects. As a good rule of thumb, concentrate on dealing with the burning issues in advance of the “nice to have” aspirations. If you are struggling to get motivated, perhaps a financial
saving might spur you on. The government’s current home renovation incentive scheme (HRI) is due to expire at the end of 2015. This basically means that you have less than three hundred days to plan, execute and pay for your all home improvements, if you wish to qualify. You can claim back the 13.5% vat element of your qualifying works in the form of tax credits in 2016. You must engage with HRI qualifying
HOME IMPROVEMENTS| 15
March 12 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
p for Spring ...
contractors and the qualifying work can combined from a number of projects. For those whose budget is a bit on the slim side, fear not. There are many budget busting home improvements you can concentrate on that will have an impressive impact on your home. For instance, take the exterior of your property, front and rear. On a tight budget you will be amazed how a little can go a long way when it comes to transforming these
areas, providing instant “kerb appeal”. Get your gutters and downpipes cleared and cleaned. Check your roof for any loose or broken tiles and tend to same. Painting your exterior walls, sills and plinth will instantly rejuvenate a tired facade. Choosing a new on trend shade for your front door will work wonders. Ensure your letterbox and other door fittings are functional
and clean. Put the sparkle back in your windows with a deep clean. Power wash your paths and driveway. Adding some fresh bark to your shrubs will liven up this space. Recycle some large plant pots by freshly painting them. Some seasonal bedding will add a welcome splash of colour. By weather proofing your fencing and shed will give them a new lease of life. Freshly painting your entrance gate to make it much more inviting. All this home improving should certainly put a spring back in your step, excuse the pun! Transforming your property for maximum return A one stop affordable solution for all your property needs. Get in touch for a chat on 01 2548070, 0868159431 or e-mail info@placelift.ie
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16 | HOME IMPROVEMENTS wicklowvoice.ie March 12 2015
Craig Britton presents winner Grace Murphy from Saran Wood who won a Matt Britton Carpets voucher for â‚Ź1000
Buying? Selling? Contact one of our team today
e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5556 or 01 901 5557
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March 12 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Time to save money on your heating costs Only the Best in the Business will suffice…
NATIONAL AWARD WINNING COMPANY
Clane Building Works offers energy conscious home owners advice and installation across all areas of construction, home insulations & heating. Our range of services covers initial assessment and advice on the most practical and economical upgrades available, to completion of the necessary works and final certification. As we supply our clients with all the leading systems available, we offer a complete energy service tailored to each individual home owner’s needs. We find that with a small initial expenditure our clients our experiencing long term savings in relation to their annual energy costs thus saving our client’s money while making the home more comfortable. With the extreme winters we have experienced in recent years by carrying out some simple insulation and draft proofing measures the annual heating costs can be reduced by up to 40%. Clane Building Works is acknowledged as a leading company in the area of energy conservation, they are NSAI & SEAI Thermobead approved cavity wall insulation installers, SEAI approved loft insulation installers, NSAI and Kilsaran approved outsulation system installers and also Kingspan solar system approved installers. Winners of the Kildare Green Business Award and overall winners of the Kildare Entrepreneurial Awards, Also awarded for achievement, innovation and excellence in small business by the SFA National Small Business Awards and MD John King finished in the top ten trade persons in Ireland. Established in the 1940s, the family firm has been a significant element of the construction industry for three generations.
SEAI GRANTS With a variety of grants available from the SEAI to assist towards the cost of insulation, home heating systems and controls for houses built prior to 2006, it is a good idea to take advantage of this benefit as soon as possible. Visit www.seai.ie for more information.
Revenue HRI Scheme Contact our office to arrange a FREE survey
045 83 83 76 www.kinggroup.ie
In addition to SEAI grants the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) Scheme, will run from 25 October 2013 to 31 December 2015. The inventive provides for tax relief for Homeowners by way of an Income Tax credit at 13.5% of qualifying. Expenditure on repair, renovation or improvement works carried out on a main home by qualifying Contractors. The credit is payable over two years following the year in which the work is carried out and paid for. For a free survey on your property and information about how you could avail of grants for energy improvements, contact us today at 045 83 83 76
Complete Insulation Services
Attic Insulation
Cavity Wall Insulation
Spray Foam Insulation
Internal Wall Insulation
External Wall Insulation
Professional Construction Services
New Builds
Home Extensions
Building Renovations
Sunrooms
Attic Conversions
When retrofitting an existing home it is imperative to look at the five points below said John King of Clane Building Works Insulation - The envelope of the home must be insulated to highest possible standards - i.e. all external walls & roof in relation to insulation. There are numerous options available to insulate the envelope of the home including cavity wall insulation (pumped into the walls externally), dry-ling insulation internally, external outsulation and various forms of attic insulation. The options available must be tailored to find the most practical and economical upgrades available to suit each individual homes construction type & budget. By insulating the envelope of the home energy costs can be reduced by up to 40%. Heating System - The heating system should be reviewed. Replacing your boiler can greatly reduce heating costs. Today’s heating systems are over 70% more efficient than those available ten years ago. The heating system should be custom fitted to your structure & needs.Solar energy can be used to create a source of heat in almost all houses, solar water heating is the most cost effective way of using solar energy.
Heating Controls - Heating controls can be installed to optimize the usage by regulating when the heating should be turned on, what temperature is required, what minimum space humidity would be acceptable & the areas that need heating. Windows & Doors - The windows & doors of the home should be assessed. In the fight against heat loss, window and doors fitted with single pane glazing is a major drawback. It is through the windows of a building that a lot of heat is lost. Windows can be replaced with double/ triple glazed high efficiency windows, which will make a huge difference not only in the comfort of the home but also aesthetically. Air Infiltration - Infiltration or air leakage is a major cause of energy wastage in buildings. Infiltration is the loss or gain of untreated and unregulated air through gaps and crevices around windows, doors, roofs, vents and sky lights etc. This problem can be resolved by identifying air leakage and taking the necessary remedial action to seal off these crevices and gapes.
18 | LIFESTYLE
wicklowvoice.ie March 12 2015
my favourite things With Mother’s Day fast approaching, you better be armed and ready to indulge your mammy this Sunday March 15th. And while showing gratitude to mothers shouldn’t be solely reserved to a once a year occasion, the day for celebrating the special woman who has given you so much in your life, certainly is the perfect opportunity to show how much you really care! Finding the right present for the woman responsible for bringing you into the world is by no means an easy feat but fear not, there is something out there to suit every mum and there’s still time to find that special treat for the matriarch in your life. Check out my favourite Mother’s Day gifts guaranteed to help you get it right and make her smile this weekend!
Accessorize
Every woman should have a kimono scarf in her life! A truly versatile piece in any wardrobe, this beautiful eyecatching floral printed style from Monsoon makes for an impressive gift and will go down a treat with fashion loving mums. The ideal way to frame an outfit and stay
WHAT’s HOT
with Mairéad Vickers info@wicklowvoice.ie
snug in style, a pretty and practical gift is always welcome. Mikado Kimono Scarf Monsoon €75
balance to mad mornings. Yummy Mummy Shower Gel €20.95 Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Reading Material
Scent of a Woman
This vibrant coffee table essential is a visual celebration covering 40 years of fashion icon Diane Von Furstenberg’s career. As dynamic as the prints and iconic as the wrap dress that made her famous, this is the definitive, musthave DVF fashion book. Capturing the rich illustrated history of the ground breaking designer and savvy business woman, this colourful creation is an inspiration for all women. Journey of a Dress Diane Von Furstenberg Rizzoli €62
Bags of Style
Why not upgrade her style with some brand new arm candy? Another gorgeous offering from Paul Costelloe & Dunnes Stores, this cute crossbody bag boasts beautifully soft leather and comes in three colour options (pink, seen here, taupe & black). Offering the perfect medium size to tote the
essentials, this chic and compact piece is the ideal investment for a busy multi-tasking mum. Paul Costelloe Living Cross Body Bag Dunnes Stores €75
Beauty Booty
Shower her with little treats, like this sweetly scented shower gel from those fragrant folk at Lush. Handmade, fresh and packing a powerful punch, you can’t go wrong with a pampering present, especially when it’s called Yummy Mummy. This lilac lovely is brimming with the natural moisturising properties of Carrageenan extract while the goodness of geranium oil adds floral tones and brings some much needed
Dressed up with its removable bow and ultrafeminine, couture inspired, romantic floral print, the packaging alone makes this aromatic gift a guaranteed hit. Elegant and iconic, this limited edition of the Givenchy signature fragrance Very offers added bonus points as a desirable and extra special gift. Very Irrésistible Eau de Toilette Mes Envies Edition Givenchy €92
Mairead Vickers Styling
Covering a wide range of fashion styling and image consulting services; including customised style advice and personal shopping services at home or on the go, Mairéad Vickers Styling offers a unique gift experience and a one-stop shop for your complete wardrobe needs. Email enquiries to info@maireadvickers.com
LIFESTYLE| 19
March 12 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
recipes
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
Sherry and almond trifle
SPA GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE
Custard
500g sugar 24 Yolks 2 Vanilla Pods 1.5 litre cream 500ml Milk
MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH
Bring the milk, cream and vanilla to the boil. Whisk together the yolks and sugar. Slowly whisk the cream mix onto the yolks then pass back into a clean pan. Cook out on a low heat until quite thick then pass onto an ice bath and leave to chill.
Three course lunch served in our newly refurbished restaurant from 1pm on March 15th
€35 PER PERSON
Cream for the topping
Lunch is served every Sunday in our restaurant from 1pm – 2:30pm
1lt whipping cream ½ vanilla pod 100g sugar juice of half a lemon
Whip everything together until it peaks, then place in a star nozzled piping bag.
Raspberry and sherry compote 4 punnets raspberries 75g sugar 100ml dry sherry
For reservations please call 01 2870800
Mix all the ingredients together, then place in a hot pan and literally cook for 30 seconds and leave to cool down.
Assembly
In the bottom of your serving dish, cover the bottom with
sponge fingers. Place a spoonful of raspberry compote on top. Pour the cold custard on top until ¾ full and leave to set in the fridge. Once set pipe the cream on top and then sprinkle with toasted almonds.
the ideal Mother’s Day gift
SPA ESCAPE Choose one treatment from a menu of six treatments. Enjoy full use of the Health Club ~ swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, plunge pool and relaxation suite.
Followed by a light lunch in the Pavilion Lounge.
FROM
€69 PER PERSON
Spa offers are subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply.
Newtownmountkennedy, Co.Wicklow ~ T. 01 287 0800 ~ www.druidsglenresort.com ~
More than half of us chat to our mammies every day By Michelle McGlynn
It’s that time of year again, when we put aside a special day to make sure our mother’s know how much we love and appreciate them. As a nation we know that you can’t find a better mammy than an Irish mammy but we all know that our mammy is the best of the best and
we’ll fight anybody who says different. A recent survey carried out by gift card company One4All showed that more than half of Irish people chat with their mother at least once a day. Our most treasured memories with our mothers include shopping together, baking together and sharing our
Genevieve and Rebecca (12) Williams from Greystones are all smiles ahead of Mother’s Day
wedding day with her. Her tendency to hoard wrapping paper and brag about us to friends and neighbours makes us cringe, but really we wouldn’t change a thing about them. Irish mammies have well and truly embraced social media and aside from being inundated with game and app requests, we have hap-
pily embraced them in our online lives. Almost a third of people polled are friends with their mam on Facebook and only 4% said that the friend request was reluctantly accepted. No matter how old we are, we will always need our mammy. Another survey undertaken by PhotoBox has revealed
that 82% of us value our mother’s advice over anyone else’s and a quarter of those surveyed say that she gives the best relationship advice. Mammy is the first port of call when things go wrong and when you’re sick you will always turn to your mam rather than a doctor - she is a professional, right? What would childhood
have been without someone to shout “Were you born in a barn?” or the old reliable “Because I said so”. If you’re lucky enough to have a mammy who has raised you to be the person you are and is always ready and waiting with a hug, be sure to tell her how much she means to you this Mother’s Day.
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SPRING CLEAN| 21
March 12 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Let’s keep wicklow beautiful
Beautiful...that’s the only word to describe Oisín McFarland Smith’s photograph of Glendalough. As we slowly but surely make our way into Spring, the Wicklow Voice is urging all readers to do their part to help keep Wicklow beautiful. As the Garden County, it is the gorgeous landscapes and natural beauty that attracts tourism which is vital to the local economy. It is not only important to keep
Wicklow looking tidy, it must be a priority to ensure that our wildlife can thrive in nature. If you are interested in joining some like-minded people and volunteering some of your free time to a good cause there are numerous groups to choose from. Arklow, Aughrim, Greystones, Kilpedder and Wicklow Town all boast wonderful Tidy Towns groups. You can find information online on how to join any of the Tidy
Towns groups. Bray Coastcare Group work together to ensure that Bray’s coastal areas clean, free of litter and maintained to a high standard. They meet at Raheen car park at 12pm every second of the month to do a clean up of the area and assess any areas that require work. On March 14, they will be focusing on Bray Head, the Cliff Walk, Raheen car park, the helicopter pad and Naylor’s Cove. Another group is the PURE
project which was established to combat illegal dumping/fly-tipping in the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands. Since it was established in 2006, their lo-call hotline (1850 365121) has received over 7,650 reports of illegal dumping with the PURE truck collecting over 2,400 tonnes of waste from over 7,300 individual sites. To date over 80 communities in Wicklow have entered the PURE Mile, a competition that encourages communities to keep a one mile
stretch of road and the immediate area litter free. “The groups do an amazing amount of work cleaning up their areas,” Ian Davis, Project Manager of PURE told the Wicklow Voice. “We assist them as much as we can by providing bags, litter pickers and the PURE truck removes all the rubbish they collect.” As the evenings grow longer and the sun begins to shine, take some time to look after our beautiful county.
22 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie March 12 2015
McQuaid: doping World’s report clears me of top bikers Armstrong claims heading to
By Michelle McGlynn
Former president of the International Cycling Union (UCI), Wicklow-native Pat McQuaid says a critical report on doping within the sport does not reflect poorly on his tenure. The report from the Cycling Independent Reform Commission criticised the UCI leadership, including McQuaid, although it stopped short of making a finding of corruption. McQuaid has admitted that he has made mistakes but “that’s the same as any organisation, the same with any director.” He went on to say that looking back there are decisions that he would make differently. The report accuses McQuaid and another former UCI president, Hein Verbruggen, of failing to follow their own anti-doping regulations and not holding disgraced former Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong to the same rules
as other riders. Verbruggen was UCI president from 1991 to 2005 and was succeeded by McQuaid from 2006 to 2013. In July 1998 Stage 1 of the Tour De France started and finished in Dublin, passing through Wicklow. The race went down the N11 as far as Arklow, then took in Avoca, Rathdrum and Laragh, up the Wicklow Gap, and back to Dublin. The 1998 tour was marred by several doping scandals, and became known as the “Tour du Dopage” following a number of arrests. McQuaid has said that he “absolutely rejects” any notion that he assisted Armstrong in
cheating his way to seven Tour de France victories. “We tested him over 200 times, and he never tested positive,” he said. The 227-page report accused the previous UCI leadership of major failings when it came to the enormous profile Armstrong brought to the sport. It said that “there is no direct evidence of an agreement between Pat McQuaid and Lance Armstrong” but then refers to an instance when McQuaid allowed Armstrong to return 13 days early to participate in the Tour Down Under in 2009. Following the decision to allow him to race Armstrong agreed to take part in the Tour of Ireland, an event run by McQuaid. The former UCI president has claimed that there is no link between these two events. “The report completely clears me of any corruption, any wrongdoing, or any complicity in doping and for me that’s very, very important,” he added.
Wicklow’s mountains
Dale McMullen of Chain Reaction Cycles mountain biking on Carrick mountain By Michelle McGlynn The world’s top mountain bikers are making their way to Wicklow this May as part of the Enduro World Series. The event is expected to bring €500, 000 to the local economy as riders, journalists, film crews and cycling enthusiasts descend on the Garden County. The Chain Reaction Cycles Emerald Enduro is the second round of the Enduro World Series 2015 and will take place from May 22-24 on
Carrick mountain. The opportunity to host this event marks Wicklow as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the world. The riders, several of whom are World Champions, will line out in the Wicklow mountains for a challenging weekend of racing over technical terrain in a rally style format with testing special stages. An exhibition area will feature some of the biggest brands in the sport and will be situated beside race HQ,
affording fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with riders. Event orgaiser Niall Davis of Biking.ie believes that Wicklow is the ideal location for a world class event like this. “The bike trails here are naturally very technical, which should make for some incredible racing.” This year the Series will move to eight venues around the world including New Zealand, Scotland, France, Spain, USA, Canada and Italy.
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March 12 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
The genius and legend that is Ed Joyce Cricket
What can you say about Ed Joyce that hasn’t already been said? Genius? Legend? He is both and more. The Bray man hit an astonishing 112 for Ireland against Zimbabwe on March 7 in Hobart as Ireland notched up their thrid win of the Cricket World Cup. Zimbabwe won the toss and knowing Ireland’s strength at ‘the chase’ decided to put the Blarney Army in to bat first. Not to be intimidated, Ireland posted a massive 331 total in their 50 overs, a total Zimbabwe couldn’t overhaul, despite coming within five runs of it. Joyce’s splendid 112 was achieved in 144 minutes off 103 balls, with nine fours and three sixes. Ireland’s possible qualification for the quarter finals looks like going right down to the wire, with a draw or win needed from Sunday’s showdown with Pakistan in Adelaide, following March 10’s loss to India. Whatever the outcome our cricket team have
sport in brief Sports Capital funding The 2015 round of the Sports Capital Programme is now open for applications. Those who are interested should ensure that they are registered on the online system by 5pm on April 10. Applications should be submitted online at www. sportscapitalprogramme.ie by 5pm on April 24.
Shankill GAA Our under 11 girls Gaelic football team who played Naomh Fionnbarra in their first ever ladies match. They then traveled on to Croke Park to cheer on the Shankill boys.
Bray Emmets The lotto numbers drawn were 14, 30, 11, 25. There was no winner, next jackpot will be €12,100. We are taking part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade. We will meet at 2.40 on St.
The Shankill under 12 football team who played a Cumann na mBunscol selection at half time during the Dublin versus Tyrone match in Croke Park. A large party of parents, friends and members attended this historic occasion for the club. done us proud – again! Oh, and did I say Ed Joyce was a genius and a legend?! Rugby Whilst the entire country is Patrick’s Day just outside St Cronans school. Please wear your club jerseys, jackets, hoodies etc. Easter camps will be taking place from March 30 to April 3 and are open to boys and girls aged between 5 and 13. The price for one child is €25, for a second child is €15 and for a third is €10. Contact Willie Braine 0860266506 or Dave Barry 0861208083
Wicklow Lawn Tennis Club
David O’Hare was the winner of the Men’s Championship Singles in the Co Wicklow LTC (Bray) Tretorn Senior Open 2014. The Open Week Committee and Co. Wicklow LTC would like to wish David and the rest of the team the very best of luck in our Davis Cup match (Ireland V Belarus) in Castleknock LTC. The Co. Wicklow LTC Senior Tretorn Open takes place from August 8 to 15. Fantastic Prize Money, delicious food served all week. All standards of tennis welcome and spectators are always appreciated and greeted with a warm welcome.
enthralled by the exploits of the Ireland team in the RBS Six Nations (best of luck on Saturday guys against Wales), Wicklow have local rugby heroes too. Greystones RFC
Arklow Geraldines
Congratulations to Jimmy Dunne on being selected as Grand Marshal for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Arklow. Jimmy is a fitting ambassador for Arklow town and Wicklow county. He does great work for clubs and organizations in the town and county. AGB are delighted to see him receive this fitting tribute. Training for AGB U16, Minor, Junior and Senior Ladies is currently on Tuesdays from 7.30pm -9pm in the Rugby Club and Fridays from 8pm -9pm on the Astroturf in Pearse Park. This will revert to Tuesdays and Fridays at 7pm sharp in Ballymoney pitch when Ballymoney reopens after St. Patrick’s Day.
An Tochar GAA Planning the Pre-Season Training presented by Des Earls and Gary Jameson is for coaches of all age groups, Juvenile to Senior level. It will take place on Wednesday 18 at 7.15pm in the Wicklow GAA Centre of Excellence at Ballinakill. Cost €5 per coach to be paid on the night. Pre-booking essential.
Want to give your club a voice? email your notes to info@wicklowvoice.ie
continued their strong end to the Ulster Bank All Ireland Rugby League Division 2 season with two recent wins. February 28 saw Stones hammer Navan 20-0 to move up to third in the table,
a position they consolidated on March 7 with a superb 32-29 away win over Old Crescent. Soccer Bray Wanderers kicked off
the new SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season on March 7 against Drogheda United. Whilst the result (a 1-0 defeat) was disappointing, at least the Wanderers show is back on the road. A lot has changed during the close season. The club have new owners (the McGettigan Group) and new sponsors (the Royal Hotel) not to mention a splendid new jersey (two splendid new jerseys if you count the away strip which is set in Wicklow colours). Alan Matthews has assembled a side that should be able to challenge for a top-half finish, having brought in some new faces and retained the services of many of the key players from last term. One player Bray will have to do without is 2014 Wicklow Voice Player of the Year Dean Zambra who has moved to the US to accompany girlfriend Stephanie Roche in her new career with Houston Dash – we wish Stephanie and Dean a successful season.
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wicklowvoice.ie March 12 2015