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wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
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YES! YES! YES!
• County and country vote for equality • Marriage proposal made on air
By Michelle McGlynn
IT was a case of Yes! Yes! Yes! as the county, then the country and a couple in Arklow all accepted Marriage Equality. Wicklow welcomed marriage equality with 68.4% (44,059) voting Yes while 31.6% (20,384) voted No. Then on Monday, Dave Thomas was speaking about the landslide result in favour of marriage equality with Declan Meehan on East Coast FM’s Morning Show when - to his surprise - his partner Patrick Bracken came on the line. After a weekend where 1,201,607 said yes, there was just one yes that Patrick was hoping to hear. Patrick popped the question to his partner of 16 years and Dave accepted, adding a playful, “I’ll kill you!” Speaking to the Wicklow Voice, Dave said, “Patrick knows I hate surprises. “When I am thrown off guard I try to make a joke to give myself time to get back on
track. “But I was flabbergasted, totally flabbergasted.” Now that the shock has worn off, Dave and Patrick are looking excitedly towards their future. “I am now counting down the days until I can look into Patrick’s eyes and finally say, I do.” Dave told the Wicklow Voice that he never thought he would see marriage equality in his lifetime. Now they are wasting no time, hoping to get married in Arklow this August assuming legislation is brought in by late July as planned. Both Dave and Patrick campaigned tirelessly ahead of last week’s referendum and they were overwhelmed by the support they received from the majority of people in Wicklow. “To fall in love with someone who is also my best friend and be given the opportunity to join the institution of marriage is incredible. “I am so proud of Ireland and County Wicklow.”
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Please join us for Summer Punch & Tapas Nibbles, Style Workshops Craft Demos & Workshops Fabulous Raffle Personalised Gift Creations Gorgeous Summer Clothing Collections Newly engaged couple and organisers of the Wicklow Pride Festival (June 29-July 4), Patrick Bracken (left) with partner Dave Thomas. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside
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04| NEWS news in brief Seafront picnic Bray Vintage Car Club are holding their 3rd annual Bray Seafront Show and Picnic on May 31from 12pm-4pm. The family day includes a gathering of Volkswagen Beetles, music from Bray Gospel Choir and Johnny Cash Tribute band, the Pale Riders line-dancers and all money raised will go to Purple House Cancer Support.
wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
Come here to me petal
Farmer’s market There will be a farmer’s market and craft fair in Glenealy Community Hall on May 30 from 11am-4pm. The event will raise money for Bobby Hayden McKenna. If you would like to donate prizes or have a stall contact 087 9858362.
Kilcoole station With a new gate installed, Kilcoole Train Station is now wheelchair and buggy accessible. A new ramp with safety rails will be installed shortly. Cllr Jennifer Whitmore said, “I would like to thank Irish Rail, as they have been very supportive of this proposal and incorporated all the suggestions I made into their plans.”
Nationwide’s Mary Kennedy with twins Keelin and Patrick O’Farrell at the launch of the Hospice Sunflower Days, which take place on June 5 and 6. Pic: Paul Sherwood By Michelle McGlynn the Wicklow Hospice family in Ireland that has not Foundation and The Friends been touched by the amazing President Michael D. of St Brigid’s. work carried out by hospice Higgins received a warm RTE broadcaster Mary services across the country.” welcome when he visited the Kennedy is among those The fundraising event Garden County this week. asking Wicklow residents to is celebrating its 25th The sun may not be out come out in force and support anniversary this year. but the sunflowers will be on the cause by purchasing To volunteer on Sunflower June 5 and 6 as one of the various pieces of Sunflower Days with South Wicklow biggest annual fundraisers merchandise - including Hospice Homecare contact for the hospice movement, sunflower pins for €2 each. Mary McDonald on 0402 the National Sunflower Days, “By simply buying a pin 35035, for St Brigid’s Hospice will see volunteers take to the you are helping to bring call Jackie Taylor on 01 streets to raise funds. comfort and dignity to people 6288129 or contact Marie In Wicklow all money raised at the end-of-life,” said Mary Kindlon with Wicklow will be going to support South Kennedy. Hospice Foundation on 086 Wicklow Hospice Homecare, “There is probably not a 3768898.
news in brief Happy Pear award Congratulations to The Happy Pear who won Best Digital Marketing at the 2015 Irish Restaurant Awards. The awards took place at the Doubetree Hilton, Dublin on May 25.
Coffee morning There will be an Alzheimer’s awareness tea and coffee morning on June 3 at the Killian Centre, Greystones from 10am-12pm. There will be a bric-a-brac stall and a raffle to raise money for people and carers in the community living with Alzheimer’s. Contact Elaine on 086 8270105 or Fiona on 086 8455256 for more.
Tidy Towns Greystones Tidy Towns are encouraging people to continue efforts over the coming weeks as it is prime viewing time for the National Tidy Towns Competition. There will be a massive clean-up on June 6. All support is appreciated. For more information contact 087 2079627 or mariettown@gmail.com.
Teens take €180,000 yacht on nine-hour sea joyride By Michelle McGlynn
Three teens saw their joy-ride on a luxurious yacht come to an end when Gardai finally caught up with them near South Beach, Greystones. Two 18-year-old males and a female aged 17, stole a 40ft luxury yacht from Dun Laoghaire Harbour at approx 5.30am on Sunday morning. It has been reported that the yacht, estimated to be worth €180,000, was badly damaged during the nine-hour joyride. The trio managed to sail the vessel down as far as Wexford before they turned around and travelled back up the coast. The owners of the yacht contacted Gardai when they realised it had gone missing from the harbour and marinas and boat clubs in the area were informed. It was spotted 20km south of Greystones at 10.40am and a chase ensued as the teens attempted to evade the authorities. The Garda helicopter was deployed and a short time later the RNLI from Dun Laoghaire were sent out in case of risk to life. When the yacht began to experience some engine difficulty just off the coast of Wicklow Town, the seafarers began to head for Greystones Marina. However, they quickly
changed direction upon spotting local Gardai who were making their way towards the yacht from Greystones. The yacht then engaged in a dangerous chase with the helicopter, skimming by other vessels at speed. According to a source who was at the scene, the teens were operating the “incredibly powerful boat in a very reckless manner. “It is hard to stress how powerful this kind of boat is especially in inexperienced hands. But as fast as it is after about half an hour they realised they were beaten by the chopper and started making plans for their escape.” While attempting to beach the boat they finally ran aground near South Beach shortly after 3pm. Two of the suspects then took off on foot through some fields. However, the helicopter was able to keep an eye on the situation and support the team on the ground and the pair were tracked down a short time later. Following their nine-hour joyride, the teens were taken to Bray Garda station. Two were released after a time while one 18-year-old man was charged before Bray District Court with criminal damage and remanded in custody.
GAA fan banned THE fan who assualted intercounty referee John Keenan following an intermediate football championship game recently has been banned by Wicklow for two years. The county’s Competition Controls Committee met last week after which their chairman, Mick Hagan, said that there was no place in the Association for that kind of behaviour. Mr Keenan was leaving the pitch after the game involving neighbours StratfordGrangecon and Baltinglass when a spectator approached
him and allegedly head-butted him in the face. “We have taken swift action in the aftermath of this incident,’ said Mr Hagan. “There is no place for this type of behaviour in our Association.” Mr Hagan has also confirmed that the abandoning of the senior football league Division 1A game had been declared null and void. The game between éire óg (Greystones) and Carnew Emmets, played in Carnew, had been abandoned because of fighting.
NEWS |05
May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Past students of Arklow Community College Pauline Reed, Katie English, Andrea Byrne, and Paula Molly pictured during ‘The Last Walk Through the Tech’ at Arklow Community College (Pic Yvette O Beirne)
Emma Brady (6) and Grainne McGettrick from Bray at the HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays party in Today FM. To get involved simply local call 1890 37 37 37 or register online at www.downsyndrome.ie to receive your party pack
Joyce Timms with Ailbhe Byrne (14), Holly Byrne (10) and Leo Doyle (16 months) in Bray
Pheilam and Jayden Byrne out and about in Greystones
Adrienne Dunne with Sarah (3) and Caoimhe (5) out and about in Wicklow Town
Gavin Ward Enright and Mary Whealen pictured at Arklow Community College which is closing its doors after 41 years to move to the new Glenart College school. (Pic Yvette O Beirne)
Emili Nagys from Scoil Náisiúnta Phádraig Naofa Wicklow who participated in the Leinster final of Easons Spelling Bee Competition in the dHotel in Drogheda
06| NEWS news in brief Summer exhibition The Greystones Art and Photographic exhibition will resume at Greystones Harbour every Sunday during the summer months. Head along between 12pm to 5.30pm to see some wonderful art and photography and maybe pick up a little gift for yourself.
US Troubadour American singersongwriter, Ben Jordan, will be performing at the Hot Spot Music Club, Greystones on May 30 from 9pm. His shows are part comedy, part travelogue and always a hair’s breadth away from careening off the road. An experienced not to be missed. Tickets are €9/€7.
Woodland tales The Native Woodland Trust will be taking a guided walk through their Blessington Reserve on June 6 at 11am. A storyteller will tell fairy tales and enchanted stories along the way. The meeting point will be the ESB car park, off the N81. The event is free for members with a suggested donation of €4 for non-members.
wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
20 years on, why Wicklow needs another Braveheart Ardmore Studios edges closer to new Limerick facility
Mel Gibson as William Wallace, Nigel Terry and Cherie Lunghi as King Arthur and Queen Guinevere in Excalibur, Liam Neeson as Michael Collins, Daniel DayLewis as Christy Brown in My Left Foot, and Matthew McConaughey as Denton Van Zan in Reign Of Fire By Michelle McGlynn “Every man dies. Not every man truly lives.” It may be hard to believe but this week sees the 20th anniversary of Braveheart. The Oscar-winning film, which broke box office records at the time, was filmed almost entirely in Wicklow. The anniversary comes as Ardmore Studios edges closer to confirming that it will open a new facility in Limerick. It was announced this week that Limerick City and County Council had purchased the former Dell manufacturing plant in the city for close to €6m. It is now expected that the 350,000 sq ft premises will soon be leased to Ardmore Studios to establish a new film base in the mid-west. The former Dell plant is more than twice the size of Ardmore’s existing facility in Bray and it’s estimated the new facility could create more than 1000 jobs in the longer term, as the Wicklow Voice revealed in our edition of March 12. Last week we reported that a number of production executives behind The Dark Knight recently visited the area, location scouting for Inversion, a new €110m science fiction film. The effect Braveheart, a similar size production in its day, had on the Irish film industry, and Wicklow in particular, can still
How the Wicklow Voice broke the story on March 12 be seen today. Producer Morgan O’Sullivan, who lives in Bray, was the man responsible for convincing Mel Gibson to film Braveheart here rather than Scotland. “It gave a signal to Hollywood that we could make a big movie here and, while we had a certain amount of crew from England, we did really break the mould,” O’Sullivan has said. “Our policy was to get people to make the leap of faith and hire Irish people.” This major production provided much-needed experience, training and finances for those who were looking to break into the industry. It also proved that Government tax-incentives were vital for Ireland to appeal to international productions of this scale. The world-wide success of Braveheart, which scooped five Academy Awards including Best Picture, showcased Wicklow’s potential as a home for Hollywood productions. There is little doubt that it influenced films such as Reign of Fire, King Arthur and Michael Collins to film in Wicklow. Of course, Wicklow
had been home to well-known films before Braveheart such as Excalibur, My Left Foot and Far and Away. But Gibson’s film opened the door for the Garden County to house multi-million dollar international productions, including The Vikings which is filmed at Ashford Studios and Penny Dreadful in Ardmore Studios. The gory battle scenes in the film received much praise and remain impressive today as it was filmed before the introduction of CGI. Ireland was in a position to provide the 3,000 horses and 2,000 extras required for the famous scenes, the extras were actually members of the Irish army. Ireland had numerous benefits to offer Gibson but filming here was not without its headaches. “Sure, there was a lot of stress,” Gibson said. “It rained all the time - never stopped. The only thing I could do was use it. “The picture has a moody, cloudy look. It’s a unique look.” In the end, even the drawbacks had their advantages - just another reason so many productions choose the Garden County.
May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
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08| NEWS news in brief Musical society win C o n g r at u l at i o n s to Bray Musical Society who came in second place in the cameo section at the Association of Irish Musical Societies choral festival in New Ross. The Society is sponsored by Anne Ferris TD, Bray Credit Union, La Belle Gifts.
wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
Endeavour awards
Mini marathon A group of 100 women will be taking part in the Women’s Mini Marathon on June 1 in aid of the Gavin Glynn Foundation. The women are aiming to raise a combined €10,000 for the Foundation which already supports two families. It is hoped that it will become an annual event for the Gavin Glynn Foundation.
Kevin O’Loughlin and Mick Glynn with Sammy and Keith Johnson of Sam’s Cookies
Ravi Bogati, Sarita Bogati, Avedya Pani Gautamm of Mt. Everest of Kathmandu with Chamber Vice President Mick Glynn and Oliver Mahony
Enter the Dragon Greystones Film Club will be screening the Bruce Lee classic, Enter the Dragon, on June 2 at 8pm in The Happy Pear with admission just €2. There will be free tea/coffee and treats. Anyone wearing their pyjamas tied with a black belt will get half price entry.
Catherine and Cormac Redmond of Get Fresh, Romas Konstantinovas, Armina Konstantinovas with Mick Glynn and Katrina Farrelly Cooke
Presentation College transition year team with Mick Glynn and Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District Cllr John Brady
By Michelle McGlynn Niall Benson was named Bray’s Person of the Year at the 2015 Bray Endeavour Awards last Friday. The gala awards ceremony honoured members of the community who have contributed positively to the area. Guests gathered at The Royal Hotel, Bray to celebrate this year’s winners as tributes were paid to each of the award winners during the awards presentation. Niall took home the prestigious Person of the Year Award for his work in the community with Ardmore Rovers FC. Following the ceremony, Ardmore Rovers congratulated Niall saying, “Niall is affectionately known as Mr Ardmore for the hard work, energy and relentless enthusiasm that he has given not just the Ardmore Rovers FC, but also to many other teams, groups and sections of the Bray community for well over 20 years. “Niall tirelessly works all
hours with unrelenting energy, enthusiasm and always with a smile on his face, for Ardmore and the Community of Bray. He is an inspiration to anyone who is fortunate enough to meet him.” Joe Duggan was also recognised on the night, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of contribution to the Bray community.Ger Crowley received an award in the Open Category just a week before he sets off on his Row-AroundIreland in aid of Cystic Fibrosis on May 30. (p.11) Bray Summerfest were recognised for their Outstanding Contribution to tourism. The award came on the foot of several months of controversy surrounding the festival. Sam’s Cookies received the award for Outstanding Small Business. “It is with great delight that we receive another award from Bray Chamber and we would like to thank those who nominated us,” said Keith Johnson of Sam’s
Cookies. This year saw the largest ever number of nominations for the Endeavour Awards. The nominations from across the community were made following a public awareness campaign, during which the people of Bray were invited to nominate their civic, cultural, community and commercial heroes. “We enjoyed an exciting as well as emotional night,” Awards chairperson Phyl Farrelly said. Other winners on the night were: Bray Emmetts for Sports Achievement, John Ivory for Civic and Community Affairs, Bray One Act Drama Festival for Culture and the Arts, Presentation College transition year team for Young Achievers, Get Fresh for Retailer of the Year, Mt Everest of Kathmandu for Restaurant/bar of the Year, Kelly Recovery for Outstanding Large Business and Ciaran Megannety for Special Recognition. Summerfest irony: Page 11
Anna Schu relocating from Bray By Michelle McGlynn
Anna Schu Bray have announced that they will be relocating to a larger premises in the Stillorgan Shopping Centre on June 5. Anna and her team have enjoyed their time in the Bray
salon and are hoping that their clients will join them in their new venture. The new salon houses five luxury pedicure spas, ten nail bars, four spacious treatment rooms and a retail area filled with top quality products. Anyone with an appointment
scheduled after June 5 will be contacted and offered the same booking in the new branch. To celebrate the move, the salon are offering 10% off your first visit to the Stillorgan salon. For all future appointments contact Stillorgan on 01 2888882.
May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Ivan Kostadinov, Danielle Pearse, Michelle Kinsella & Kelly Bichard have joined our salon creative team
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10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Luring our film sector using our money is wrong
W
icklow has been known as the home of Irish cinema since the days of black and white film. This is just one of the reasons why rumours of Ardmore Studios decision to open their new facility in Limerick has caused upset within the county. Furthermore, as we reported in the Wicklow Voice last week, it now appears that the €110m blockbuster Inversion, produced by Hollywood mogul Philip Lee of Dark Knight and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, will be made in there instead of Wicklow. It would be a massive blow to the county on many levels if we continue to lose projects to other counties. Ardmore Studios claimed last year that they had already been forced to turn away projects due to lack of space and the new premises in Limerick is twice the size of what currently exists in Bray. If Limerick can provide superior facilities then it stands to reason that we will continue to lose out on more productions when the studio opens later this year. The people of Wicklow cannot afford to stand idly by and allow jobs and investment to be taken out of the county. Local TD Andrew Doyle has been working with the main studio companies in Wicklow as well as the Wicklow Economic Think Tank in an attempt to fulfil Wicklow’s potential as the national hub of film in Ireland. Doyle has also written to Ministers Bruton and Kelly about the need to establish Wicklow as the Film Capital of Ireland. While these efforts are most welcome, it doesn’t appear to be enough to secure productions for the county. That taxpayers money is being used to lure a Wicklow company outside of the county is a disgrace. This money should be used to invest in the existing infrastructure in the county and create the studio space that is sorely lacking if we wish to remain an attractive option for international film makers. If we don’t strengthen efforts to improve and retain our studios then Inversion will be just the first in a long-line of projects that will by-pass Wicklow in favour of Limerick. The Garden County, with its stunning landscapes and proximity to the capital and the airport, is an ideal spot for film production. Wicklow is home to two of Ireland’s biggest studios, Ardmore and Ashford Studios, and has welcomed hundreds of projects over the years - big and small, national and international. The film industry
in this country has contributed greatly to both Wicklow’s economy and its cultural landscape. It is a source of great pride for residents and to see your home showcased on the screen, whether on TV or in the cinema, is heart warming. The tourism industry is provided with a great boost as visitors wish to visit the locations where their favourite scenes were brought to life. The Garden County has been the backdrop for award winning performances, helped newcomers find their feet in the industry and welcomed some of the world’s biggest names. Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker both picked up Academy Awards for their haunting performances in My Left Foot, which was filmed in Ardmore Studios in Bray. In 1963, Francis Ford Coppola shot his first film in Wicklow for a budget of £30,000, a full 10 years before he directed The Godfather, while Disney’s King Arthur - boasting a €100m budget - saw Kiera Knightley, Orlando Bloom and Clive Owen visiting the county in 2003. These are lesser known movies that have all contibuted to the heritage and economy here. Countless legends have spent time here while filming, from Julie Andrews, Fred Astaire, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Peter O’Toole to modern day stars such as Christian Bale, Meryl Streep, Mel Gibson, Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey, Pierce Brosnan and many more. Films and TV shows such as The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965), The Blue Max (1966), The Lion in Winter (1968), Zardoz (1974), Excalibur (1981), Fair City (1989-1994), The Commitments (1991), In the Name of the Father (1993), Angela’s Ashes (1999), The Tailor of Panama (2001), The Tudors (TV series) (2006–2010), Penny Dreadful (TV series) (2014-present) have all been made in Ardmore Studios, while Ashford Studios is home to The Vikings. This is but a glimpse of the vast and vibrant history found here and while it’s a wonderful thing to look back at Wicklow’s fascinating history in Irish cinema, if we neglect to think about the future, we won’t have one.
Michelle McGlynn is a deputy editor with the Wicklow Voice and a movie buff
“I
I found myself recently in the company of some secondary school teachers. They all agreed that far too many children are reaching them without those basic tools – the multiplication tables, the rhymed spellings Tweets of the week
Hozier @Hozier “The pure joy of it. I’m so proud of Ireland today... We can all take pride in making history. Only sorry I can’t be there to celebrate!”
Dara O’Briain @daraobriain “When they announce the final result, the crowd in Dublin Castle had BETTER descend into an insane Matrix 2-style rave.” Cllr John Brady @johnbradysf "A big well done to the 44,059 #wicklow residents who voted for equality #MarRef"
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 Michelle McGlynn with Michael Wolsey
Why rote can be the right way to learn
was taught French by a fearsome woman we called The Buzzer. Pourquoi? Je ne sais pas. But I remember the basic French she instilled in me and her method of teaching irregular verbs. She lined us up against the wall, like doomed prisoners awaiting the firing squad, and made us rhyme them off by rote. ‘Je suis, tu es’ etc. I can’t recall the exact consequence of missing a turn. This woman had us in such a state of fear that it rarely happened. I found her lessons particularly traumatic because I had returned to Ireland after a couple of years at a very modern school near London where the French teacher had a policy of never speaking a word of English in class. This hapless man would prance around the room trying to imitate a duck or a dog, or whatever word he wanted to convey, while his class shouted wrong answers and fell about laughing. Sometimes he would attempt to draw the object on the board. That might have brought results except that his drawing was worse than his miming and we were usually confronted by something that looked like the work of Salvador Dali. “Un chat!’’ we’d shout at a sketch of some strange creature with round body, short legs and whiskers longer than its tail. “Non! Non! Non!’’ yelled our teacher as he hopped around the room imitating a rabbit. In the long-run, I’m not sure which method is better for teaching French. But in the short-term The Buzzer won hands down because she gave us the tools without which it is impossible to do the job. That’s why I agree with Ted Hurley, professor of mathematics at NUI Galway, who argues that there are “some facts you simply have to learn before you can progress any further.” “Critical thinking processes such as reasoning and problem-solving are intimately dependent on factual knowledge stored in long-term memory,” he wrote in the Irish Times. “And yet many modern education systems, prominent educationalists and even government agencies fail to recognise this and give advice contrary to the basic facts of memory retention. ... There are some facts you simply have to learn before you can progress any further.” This brought Professor Hurley in for some criticism on social media, never a great forum for reasoned debate. One teacher complained that he was trying to saddle children with “endless lists of spellings, facts and rules”.
She might as well complain that apprentice carpenters are being lumbered with the knowledge of how to use a saw or that would-be electricians are wasting their time learning the difference between the live and neutral terminals on a plug. Spellings, facts and rules are the blocks from which education is built. Without them there can be no learning. Another teacher expressed the view that a “mountain of data will not develop children’s ability to think”. Maybe not. But without the relevant data, how can there be any meaningful thought? You can’t develop a new theory of political science unless you know your taoisigh, prime ministers and presidents, your philosophers and demagogues, your cabbages from your kings. You can’t think up a new mathematics theorem if you’ve never learnt your nine-times tables or write great poetry if you’ve never heard the metre of a poem that rhymes and scans. Seamus Heaney caused a bit of a stir one year at the Oxford Literary Festival when he said children should learn poetry by rote and start young because it was difficult for the ear to pick up and appreciate works later in life. “I believe in people learning poetry by heart, definitely,’’ said Heaney. And of course he was right. Right for those who want to enjoy poetry. And right for those who may one day produce it. Without the tools you can’t hope to do the job. I found myself recently in the company of some secondary school teachers. They all agreed that far too many children are reaching them without those basic tools – the multiplication tables, the rhymed spellings, the rule about i before e. This is not a pedantic issue or a matter of academic interest. These are life skills and life goes less smoothly without them. At national school we learned times tables by rote – “six times five is 30, six times six is 36’’ – for an hour or more each day until we knew them as well as our names and addresses. We rhymed off the alphabet in the same way and also the spellings of some simple words. It was boring but it worked. It didn’t make us Einsteins or Shakespeares any more than The Buzzer’s irregular verb patrol turned us into fluent French speakers. But it put us on the ladder and gave us the chance to start climbing. 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
May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
anyotherbusiness
Have you got a story? Then email info@wicklowvoice.ie
focus on faces Ger Crowley
How’s life? Things are great very busy all round and really looking forward to the launch of Row-A-Round Ireland on May 30, it will be great to get going. How has planning the Row Around Ireland challenge been going? Preparations have been intensifying as we get closer to launch but we have a great crew and committee who are working on all the different areas such as logistics, fundraising, sponsorship and PR How did the idea to row all the way around Ireland - almost 1,000 nautical miles - first come about? I built this boat “NAMA” nine years ago and have been rowing it around different parts of Ireland such as Wicklow and Kerry with various friends ever since. We often joked about rowing it all the way around Ireland so the idea has always been in the back of my mind. So I decided that 2015 was the year to do it. Civic and Community Endeavour Award Winner John Ivory of Bray Community Choir, Bray Chamber Vice President Mick Glynn and Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District Cllr John Brady
Summerfest tourism award laced with irony
I
rony can sometimes have a cruel way of putting the record straight, of setting things right. I was reminded of this last Friday night when Bray Summerfest were presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award at the 2015 Bray Endeavour Awards, presented by Bray and District Chamber of Commerce at a gala dinner in The Royal Hotel, Bray. The recognition comes just a month after Bray Summerfest were effectively forced to cancel the festival – one of the leading local celebrations of its kind in the country - going forward because of the reduced funding it would be able to generate due to the Fun Fair on the seafront being restricted to a truncated residency on foot of a vote by the Bray Municipal District (BMD) of Wicklow County Council. The feeling at the time was
Brian Quigley that the BMD had made a huge error of judgement and this feeling persists. They didn’t think things through fully, didn’t adequately consult with all the relevant stakeholders. Despite the Bray Air Display being confirmed for July 19, there is still a big hole punched out of the established tourism calendar of the town, and by extension the county. This will have financial consequences for the local economy. The Air Show is one day, the Summerfest was five weeks.
As well as Bray Summerfest winning the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award, Niall Benson was awarded Person of the Year and Joe Duggan deservedly was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement award. Other award winners on the night (there were 15 in total) were Bray Emmets, the Mount Everest of Kathmandu restaurant and Bray One Act Drama Festival. The divesrity of recipients sums up the desire of the awards to reward commercial, cultural, civic and community heroes, as nominated by the people of the community. This feeds into the wider remit of the Chamber to promote business and support the community. It has to be said you couldn’t support the community, or promote local business, better than Bray Summerfest has done over 33 years, and all by the efforts of volunteer committees. That’s why they were nominated for this award by the peo-
ple, and why the judging panel bestowed on them the premier public accolade that the community can award. Awards are not won lightly. You only have to look at the list of people and organisations in Bray to have won Bray Chamber awards in the past to see what good company this year’s recipients are in. Katie Taylor, Ardmore Studios, Gladys Sheehan, and many more. Awards are not just about the present or the past, they make the recipients want to achieve more in the future. The recognition fuels a pride and desire to keep achieving and pushing the boundaries in the future. Katie Taylor knows all about that. Bray Summerfest do too – the festival has grown and grown over the years to be a standard-bearer in its class. It deserves the right to have the chance to achieve more, a chance that unfortunatley doesn’t seem to be open to them as things stand.
Was it difficult to convince people to get involved or were they onboard immediately? I was overwhelmed at the level of support there has been for Row-A-Round Ireland we have a great crew of rowers who are giving up their holidays to complete this challenge. There are also a large number of friends and family who are working behind the scenes on all manner tasks and to be honest without them we would never get launched. Many businesses have also supported us by either providing services for free or making donations and we are very grateful to all of them for their support. Why did you choose Cystic Fibrosis Ireland as your charity? The decision was really an easy one for me as my nephew suffers from CF. The work that Cystic Fibrosis Ireland does to support CF sufferers and research into finding a cure for the condition is invaluable. Over the years this work has helped to prolong the life expectancy of CF sufferers and hopefully one day a cure will be found. Do you think you would like to make this an annual event? Given the scale and challenge of this event it is really a once in a lifetime undertaking. There have been countless hours of preparation and training invested to date for this year’s event. So I don’t see it as an annual event, but who knows maybe we will undertake a different rowing challenge some time in the future. How can people donate/get involved? People can donate via our website at www.rowaroundireland. com or alternatively they can text to donate €4, details and terms and conditions can be found on our Facebook page Row-A-Round Ireland.
Ger Crowley is an experienced off-shore sailor and maritime enthusiast with 50 years experience at sea(sailing, swimming, rowing, diving). Ger has successfully run his own business based in Bray, Crowley Model Makers, making architectural, engineering and marine models for over 40 years.
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12 | WHAT’S HOT WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory
My favourite Hawthorn tree near Newcastle Photos JC Ivory
Humble Hawthorn Over the last couple of weeks the countryside has become adorned and lit up with an exuberance of snowy white blossoms. Hedgerows, field boundaries and trees seem to be dressed as for a wedding or a communion. What is responsible for this resplendent erumpent display? It is the Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). This native, deciduous tree, which in winter looks so stark, bleak, gnarly and tough with vicious thorns, in May breaks into wonderous blossom. The timing of its’ flowering gives rise to its more common name the Mayflower. It is the white blossom of the Hawthorn that Shakespeare refers to as “the darling buds of May” in Sonnet No. 18. Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May
The Darling Buds of May
The Hawthorn is known by many names – Mayflower, Maybush, Quickthorn, Hagthorn, Haw, Maythorn, May, Mayblossom, Bread and Cheese Tree and the Fairy Tree. The Hawthorn has long been associated with the fairy folk in Irish folklore. Fairy rings and Hawthorn trees seem to go hand in hand. To this day you will see many a field with isolated Hawthorn trees and an untouched circle around it where the farmer dare not touch it for fear of incurring the wrath of the fairy folk. The Hawthorn’s genus name Crataegus comes from the Greek kratos, which means strength and refers to the hardness of the Hawthorn’s wood. The simple, delicate beauty of the 5-petalled flowers belie their bittersweet aroma which can be reminiscent of rotting meat! Flies are attracted to this and act as pollinators for the Hawthorn. The flowers give way to hardy, red berries, haws, coming into the autumn and are an important source of food for wildlife during the winter.
wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
Fitness idea of the week Merrill Leisure open day The Royal Hotel, Main Street, Bray, May 28 and 30 Merrill Leisure Club are holding two open days this week to give you a chance to sample all that they have to offer. Join them on these days and try out some classes. If there is something you have always thought about doing but were never sure enough to sign up, now is your chance. You might just be a natural. Attend the open days and you can avail of the fully equipped gym with state of the art facilities including the addition of the Kenisis Wall. There is also a 14 metre swimming pool, a children’s pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam room. Merrill Leisure offer swimming lessons for both adults and children. You can sign up for aqua aerobics and body toning classes. When you have finished your swim or workout, take some time out in the relaxation area or treat yourself in the massage and beauty clinic.
Event of the week Co Wicklow Lawn Tennis Club Open Day Vevay Road, Bray, May 31, 2pm-5pm The Co Wicklow Lawn Tennis Club, Bray is having an open day on Sunday, May 31 from 2pm to 5pm. You are invited to the club to try a free game of tennis, equipment provided, enjoy the facilities, relax in the bar and sample the free strawberries and cream. Free face painting for the children. It promises to be a great day out. You can join in June for €256 for an adult, €130 for a junior and €543 for a family. Testimonial: “I joined as a Junior many years ago when I was 14, now my wife and children are also active members of the club, it’s great way to spend family time together. We have made many new friends over the years through the club and really enjoy all the social activities the club organises. Worth visiting the club to see for yourself.” - J.Fitzsimons, tennis club member.
book of the week A Decent Ride By Irvine Welsh A rampaging force of nature is wreaking havoc on the streets of Edinburgh, but has top shagger, drug dealer, gonzo-porn-star and taxi driver, ‘Juice’ Terry Lawson, finally met his match in Hurricane ‘Bawbag’. Can Terry discover the fate of the missing beauty, Jinty Magdalen, and keep her idiot-savant lover, the man-child Wee Jonty, out of prison. Will he find out the real motives of unscrupulous American businessman and reality TV star, Ronald Checker? And, crucially, will Terry be able to negotiate life after a terrible event robs him of his sexual virility, and can a new fascination with the game of golf help him to live without a decent ride? In his funniest, filthiest book yet, Irvine Welsh celebrates an unreconstructed misogynist hustler - a central character who is shameless but also, oddly decent - and finds new ways of making wild comedy out of fantastically dark material, taking on some of the last taboos.
TV SHOW of the week Glee Sky 1, Thursdays, 9pm The musical dramedy that was a phenomenon when it first hit screens, returns for it’s sixth and final season. Over the past five years, the show has followed the New Directions kids from the halls of McKinley High to the mean streets of New York City, as they embarked on life after high school. This season, after
fundraiser of the week Fishers Summer Soirée The Old Schoolhouse, Newtownmountkennedy, June 4, 6pm-9pm Join Fishers for a special evening at their Summer Soirée and help them to raise some vital funds for Greystones Cancer Support. There are lots of things planned for the evening and it will be a fabulous night out for you and a few friends. There will be style workshops as well as craft demos and workshops where you can pick up some handy tips. You can take a look through the gorgeous summer collections on offer. Enjoy some summer punch and tapas nibbles throughout the evening and be sure to enter the raffle. There will be special offers, personalised gift creations and 10% VIP Gold Card Members Discount for you to take advantage of. You will receive a free gift with purchase over €75 and 10% of all sales on the night will go to Greystones Cancer Support. So come along and have a fun evening out while supporting a fantastic cause.
her humiliating failure as a TV actress, Rachel returns home to figure out what to do with her life. After learning that Sue has banished the arts at McKinley, Rachel takes it upon herself to reinstate the glee club. Meanwhile, Blaine, Sam and Mr Schu have all found surprising new gigs in Ohio. Throughout the season, the old gang will return to McKinley as fans say their last goodbyes to McKinley and New Directions.
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May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week Search Party Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Hangover 2 writer Scot Armstrong directs this hilarious comedy about a man experiencing the worst day of his life. After telling his friends about his pre-wedding nerves whilst on his stag do, Nardo (Thomas Middleditch) finds his nuptials interrupted by best friend Jason (TJ Miller). Nardo’s bride-tobe Tracy (Shannon Woodward) runs off and Nardo goes after her, only to get car-jacked and left, naked but for a pair of gold leggings, in the middle of the Mexican desert. Adam Pally, Alison Brie, Krysten Ritter and Lance Reddick also star in this riotous comedy that should act as a warning against going into a marriage that you’re not 100% sure about. Search Party marks the directorial debut of Scot Armstrong, one of the screenwriters of Road Trip and The Hangover Part II.
HOROSCOPES
Education idea of the week Free computer classes Bray Area Partnership, 4 Prince of Wales Terrace, Quinsboro Road, 01 2765592, www.brayareapartnership.ie If you feel computers have passed you by, and would like to learn how to get online, you may be interested in these free beginners and improvers computer classes Bray Area Partnership is putting on in Bray. The classes cover using a computer, mouse and keyboard, using the internet, sending and receiving emails, ‘skyping’ family and friends, and
internet security. The course takes place over four weeks, two hours a week, and new courses start every fortnight. To qualify for the classes you need to be living in the greater Bray or Kilmacanogue area, be over 18 and either unemployed, aged over 55 or living in a RAPID area. The training is funded under the Government’s BenefIT Digital Skills Training Scheme. Contact Lorna Lafferty or Jennifer Jones on 01 286 8266 to find out more or visit their website.
dining idea of the week
Aries- This week is an 8 Slow down to avoid accidents and errors. Provide leadership. Choose what’s best for family. A romantic surprise pleasantly distracts. Taurus- This week is a 6 You’re attractive, and attracted. Be patient with a resister. Something you try doesn’t work. Share love. Try a little tenderness. Gemini- This week is a 6 Handle technical breakdowns. Make an overdue repair. Give your family more attention. Be patient with delays or misunderstandings. Cancer- This week is a 7 Don’t over-extend or get distracted. Pay attention, or risk a silly mistake. Don’t be talked out of what you want.
Dine in the Dark The Martello, 47 Strand Road, Bray, June 18, 8pm, €30 Bray Lions Club will be holding a Dine in the Dark event to raise money for a public access defibrillator for Bray Cardiac First Responders. Guests will experience a journey of the senses with a thoroughly unique dining experience. Blindfolded, so they can truly enjoy the smells, tastes and textures of the meal, diners will be guided through their courses by The Martello’s head chef, Karl Clarke, as they try to identify the various dishes. The event will begin with a Prosecco reception. Bray CFR are a volunteer group who provide an early response in the provision of primary life saving support to people who have dialled 999/112 and requested a HSE ambulance. The first public access defibrillator was recently placed at the entrance to Bray Bowl and the next goal for Bray CFR is to raise enough money so more of these machines can be placed around the town. Tickets available from The Martello.
Leo- This week is an 8 Keep your agreements. Work may interfere with play. Reschedule and delegate tasks. Be determined, rather than dissuaded.
GIG of the week The Honey Drops The Hot Spot Music Club, Cliff Road, Greystones, June 5, 8pm The Honey Drops - Honey Valentine and Pippy Clementine - arrived on Irish shores off a ferry last year while on the run from some no good Stateside mobsters. Since then, these deadly dames have been dancing in speakeasys to gin and applause and selling out shows and dance classes all over Dublin and
Home improvement idea of the week Ferndale Kitchens Unit A3, Oldcourt Industrial Estate, Boghall Road, Bray, 01 2866094 Ferndale Kitchens specialise in custom-made kitchens and fitted furniture. The family-owned Irish business has over three decades of expertise in the kitchen industry. They pride themselves on taking a hands-on approach with each client. As every client is different and has their own unique requirements, Ferndale endeavour to meet those needs. You will have the benefit of your own dedicated designer who will guide you through every stage of achieving your dream kitchen. They will fit seamlessly into your team, with their innovative design team and complete project management. All of their cabinetry is custom built in Ireland, using quality materials sourced locally to deliver a product built to your exact requirements be it a kitchen, living room, bathroom or bedroom. Contact them now to arrange a free in-home design consultation.
Wicklow. The Honey Drops have met a few characters on their travels and will be accompanied by the cats meow of burlesque artists in Ireland including Azaria Starfire, Foxy P Cox and Bella Agogo. On the night there will also be two professional photographers, a photobooth, a 1930s vintage car, raffle prizes, music and dancing at the after show party. Pictured is Foxy P Cox who will also be performing on the night.
Virgo- This week is an 8 As you gain strength, you also gain options. Don’t rush into anything. Slow and easy does it. Neatness does count. Keep your patience for greater peace of mind. Libra- This week is a 6 Decrease clutter. Discover a stroke of genius, but don’t act on it yet. Take time to let your mind wander. Scorpio- This week is a 6 Hold yourself to high standards. Stifle your rebellious tendencies. Prepare a budget. A fantasy fades away. Sagittarius- This week is a 6 Work takes priority. Postpone travel. Practice your technique. You’re gaining slowly. Love captures your heart. Capricorn- This week is a 7 Avoid risks. Your wanderlust is getting worse. Save money for now. An unexpected development shuffles the cards. Make plans, including back-ups. Aquarius- This week is a 6 Keep costs down. Stay patient with a client or boss. Old assumptions get challenged. Follow the path before you. Changes necessitate budget revisions. Pisces- This week is a 7 Delegate what you can. Finish a tough job. Don’t accept new challenges yet. Lay low and luxuriate at home. Share gratitude.
14 | LIFESTYLE
wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
my favourite things With the holiday season just around the corner, your warm weather wardrobe should be ready to wear and fashion fit for any occasion. Here to help inspire your everyday style, my Summer 2015 Style Picks will feed your wanderlust and keep you looking chic in the heat! Head Start The ultimate summer accessory, a great sun hat really pulls together any shore-side or poolside look. A classic panama will add a cool edge and keep you covered in style. Panama hat, Heatons, €8 Line Up Pair nautical stripes with everything from a party dress to ripped jeans. Shopaholics beware-this classic fashion favourite will quickly become a new obsession! Brittany stripe top, People Tree, €55 Dress It Up A slip on and go item is a hot weather no-brainer. One of the easiest and most stylish pieces to add to your collection, this scarf split print maxi dress is universally flattering and fabulous! Scarf print maxi dress, River Island, €52
Sun solutions
Fancy Footwork A trendy pair of printed lace ups will earn serious style points this summer. These versatile beauties are right on point and go with just about everything else in your wardrobe. Leopard pony hair flats, Office, €85 Bags of Style A stylish and roomy tote is a must have item to protect your summer essentials. Go for a fun, tropical print to channel that vacation vibe anytime. Hello Summer Beach Bag, Very, €21
WHAT’s HOT
with Mairead Vickers info@wicklowvoice.ie
LIFESTYLE| 15
May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Malek Hamidouche
Peter Byrne
food in wicklow Lime cured organic salmon and braised fennel Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
Executive Chef at Hugo’s, Druid’s Glen BASICS
Make: 6-8 servings Prep Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cured Salmon
1 Skinless Fillet of Salmon, pinboned 20 cl Vodka 200 g Rock Salt 200 g Caster Sugar 30 g Black Cracked Black Pepper 10 g Coriander seed 5 g Star anis ½ Orange, zested ½ Lime, zested ½ Lemon, zested
1 To cure the salmon, first rub the fillet with the Vodka, mix all ingredients then place the curing mix beneath and on top of the salmon, ensuring it is well covered and evenly distributed. Leave in fridge for 8 hours 2 Wash off the mixture and pat the salmon dry 3 Slice thinly, spray a tbsp. of olive oil, some chopped dill and serve
Trout Pate Ingredients
8 x Rainbow Trout (Filleted, skinned and pinned boned) 750g Duck Fat 1 head Fennel 2 tbp Capers 2 tbp Gherkins 150g Crème Fraiche 1 tbp chopped chives
method
Heat the Duck Fat up to 60-65oc and drop in the trout. Leave in a hot place but not on the heat for about 5-10 minutes or until fish starts to flake. Take out the fish and pat dry on a cloth. Finely chop the fennel and blanch in boiling salty water. Mix the ingredients together except the trout then add it, trying not to break it up too much. Season, serve at room temperature. - Peter Byrne
Braised Fennel 3 large fennel bulbs 30 g butter 30 cl orange juice 10 cl Water 10 cl Lemon Juice 15 g Sugar 1 Lemongrass, stick 1 tbsp Salt
1 Cut the tops off the fennel bulbs. Slice the fennel bulbs in half, lengthwise, then cut into 6 quarters. Remove some of the core but not all, so the pieces don’t fall apart as they cook. 2 In a dip baking sauce pan set flat the fennel and all ingredients together, cover with tinfoil and bake for 30 minutes at 160*C. Then remove the tinfoil and cook at the same temperature for another 10 minutes until the fennel is soft and nicely golden brown. 3 Serve garnished with extra orange zest. Options: Can be serve with sliced cucumber, chopped beetroot and avocado mousse. - Malek Hamidouche
16 |SPECIAL REPORT INNOVATIONS THEATRE SCHOOL Nuturing Young Performers for over 10 years
s p m a C r e ce n a m D ing— g Sum n i S 10.00-2.30 Daily cting— Ages 5-18
A
wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
Schoo
Arklow July 27-31 Gorey August 4-8
BOOK NOW! Only €90 for the week incl. T-shirt 50 % Family Discounts
087 1364219 086 3442916 www.innovations.ie
for s
May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ol’s out
SPECIAL REPORT| 17 Innovations Theatre School July 27-31 in Arklow, August 4-8 in Gorey Tanglewood, 11 Kirikee, Glenmalure, 086 3442916 For those wanting to take the stage, or just to enjoy a week of singing, acting and dancing, Innovations Theatre School’s summer camps will be perfect. Children aged between 5-18 will have great fun working together towards an informal performance. Innovations provides enjoyment and a good learning environment through their experienced, Garda-vetted teachers. This camp will be taught by Arklow singer Denise Brennan, along with Gorey drama and dance teachers Roseanna Byrne and Laura Kitt. The Arklow camp is held at The Centre, Wexford Road. The camp costs just €90 for the week, including T-shirt, and there is a 50% family discount after the first child. Playball Various dates July-August 1 Fontenoy Terrace, Strand Road, Bray, 086 3259254
summer
Our guide to keeping kids occupied during the holidays this year
Playball Bray provides a way for children to get exercise while having fun and socialising. All of their coaching systems are outcome based meaning that they are defined by what children require at specific stages of development. Programmes for younger children focus on movement development while programs for older children focus more on sport skills. Throughout the Playball programs children are exposed to challenges, which are relevant to their developmental needs. Class numbers are kept small and are taught within the boundaries of the age profile. Playball Bray offer six different sport and movement programs for boys and girls between the ages of two and eight. Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood Open all summer Powerscourt House and Gardens, Enniskerry, 01 2748090 A unique day out for all the family and one that you will always remember. Tara’s Palace
is a great way to spend a family day out this summer. Make sure you don’t miss their new quiz at the Museum of Childhood. You can put your knowledge to the test and have lots of fun. The magical miniature world found within Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood is yours to explore. The museum is home to Ireland’s largest period doll house, Tara’s Palace. It also houses a large collection of miniature furniture and other objects. All profits made at Tara’s Palace are donated to children’s charity. The After School Club Throughout summer Unit 8, Theatre Lane, off Hillside Road, Greystones, 086 4260758 The After School Club have so many fun activities and excursions planned for the summer, including Dunmore Caves, a tour of Dublin City in an open top bus, Kildare Maze, Ferns Castle and lots more. There will be sports days, baking, arts and crafts and plenty of games to keep your little one smiling all day. Places are limited so be sure to book early. Groups are kept small which allows them to offer a more personalised service and to provide your child with the attention they need. The camp runs from 10am-2pm and costs €80 per week or €20 per day. They also offer a 10% sibling discount. It is suitable for children aged from three and a half to 12 years. Shoreline Leisure Throughout July and August Southern Cross Road, Bray, 01 2765660 or The Mill Road, Greystones, 01 2878180 Shoreline will be holding summer camps over the summer in both Bray and Greystones. The camps will run from 10am-2pm five days a week. The cost is €59 per week. The Greystones camp is suitable for children aged between five and 13 years. This camp will include swimming, football, basketball, tennis, badminton, uni-hockey, rounders, arts and crafts and much more. Meanwhile, the Bray camp is aimed at children aged from four to 12 years. Bray’s camp involves swimming, football, tennis, unihockey, rounders, arts and crafts, t-shirt painting and lots more.
18 | ADVERTISING wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
of Bray Are recruiting following staff Graphic designer/ printer Finishers Retail supervisor Available to work in Dun Laoghaire and Sandyford
Email cv and relevant information to braydesign@reads.ie F.a.o Niall
Position to be filled by 25th may 2015
Buying? Selling? Contact one of our team today e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565
ADVERTISING| 19
May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Chadwicks are champions!
Bray store scoops Outstanding Multi-location Branch category at the National Octabuild Builders Merchant Awards 2015
Charlie Byrne, Manager, Chadwicks, Bray, Co. Wicklow receiving the award from Tadhg Donohoe, Chairman, Octabuild (left) and Hugh O’Donnell, President, Hardware Association Ireland. Chadwicks, Bray, has won the Outstanding Multi-location Branch category at the national Octabuild Builders Merchant Awards 2015. Charlie Byrne, branch manager, said: “It’s a massive honour to win anything from Octabuild. “We’ve gone through some tough times so to win the Outstanding Multi-location Branch Award tonight is an added bonus.
“We’re just a small part of a bigger organisation and it’s an honour to win this award. “We enjoy great customer loyalty from the market, and we believe this is based on excellent customer service, comprehensive stocks, and competitive pricing.” Chadwick’s parent company was first established in 1902, and is now part of the Grafton Group Plc. While
benefiting from the advantages of being part of Irelands largest builders merchants, they are very much focused on serving the local market. The award winners were announced at a presentation dinner on Thursday last (May 21st) in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin. A Lifetime Achievement award was also made on the night to Eddie Kelly, Managing Director, Grafton
Merchanting ROI. Speaking at the awards the newly elected Chairman of Octabuild, Kilkenny man Tadhg Donohoe, said, “All of the companies who were nominated for these awards are among the best in the business. They have been judged in these awards by independent retail expert James Burke on their customer service, business focus, management
and premises.” Introducing the awards Taoiseach Enda Kenny said; “Employment in the construction sector is up nearly 20,000 in the year reflecting a return to more sustainable levels. The Government is supporting a recovery in the construction industry but only if it is based on the highest international standards in quality, excellence and trust.”
20 | NEWS/SPECIAL REPORT wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
abc of the Wicklow Arts Festival there’s only six months left to avail of ₏4,050 tax refund
Huge crowds made their way to Wicklow Town for the Wicklow Arts Festival, which celebrated its 12th year by moving its HQ to the beautiful and historic Abbey Grounds. The historic ruins provided an atmospheric backdrop to the fantastic weekend of arts, music, food and more, including a whopping 25 free events
The Home Renovation Incentive scheme enables homeowners or landlords to claim tax relief on repairs, renovations or improvement work that is carried out on their main home or rental property by tax-compliant contractors and that is subject to 13.5% VAT. It was introduced for homeowners in October 2013 and was extended to landlords in October 2014. The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) is paid in the form of a tax credit at 13.5% of qualifying expenditure, which can be set against your income tax over 2 years. This effectively reduces the rate of VAT to zero on qualifying work
SPECIAL REPORT| 21
May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
e hri scheme (up to a value of €30,000). In general, qualifying work must be done between 25 October 2013 and 31 December 2015 (for homeowners) and between 15 October 2014 and 31 December 2015 (for landlords).
Rules To qualify for the HRI as an owner-occupier, the work must be carried out on your principal private residence. As noted above, landlords can qualify in respect of work done on their rental properties. Whether you are a homeowner or a landlord, you must be up to date with your obligations under the Local Property Tax and,
if applicable, the Household Charge. You must be paying income tax – whether under PAYE or self-assessment – to avail of the HRI. Any contractor you use must be registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) in Ireland and be tax-compliant. Revenue has published a checklist for contractors. If several contractors, such as a builder, a plumber and an electrician, carry out qualifying work on your home, you can combine the cost of the works to make up the minimum qualifying amount – see ‘Rates’ below. Qualifying work The type of work that qualifies
for the HRI is repair, renovation or improvement work that is subject to VAT at 13.5%. This includes extensions, garages and attic conversions; the supply and fitting of kitchens, bathrooms and built-in wardrobes; fitting of windows; garden landscaping; plumbing, tiling, rewiring, plastering and painting. If you are having your septic tank repaired or replaced, or are installing a radon gas mitigation solution, these types of work also qualify for the HRI. Work on driveways and on rainwater harvesting systems can also qualify. Work that is subject to VAT at 23% (such as architect’s fees) is
not covered. Neither are items such as furniture, white goods or carpets. The qualifying work must cost at least €4,405 before VAT at 13.5%, which adds to a total of €5,000 with VAT included. You will only get the tax credit in relation to a maximum of €30,000 (before VAT) during the two years covered by the HRI. The minimum credit is €595, based on the minimum qualifying expenditure of €4,405. The maximum is €4,050, based on the maximum qualifying expenditure of €30,000. If you are claiming a grant for the works, or if they are
covered by an insurance claim, the amount of your expenditure that qualifies for HRI will be reduced. Claiming the credit You can claim the HRI tax credit after the end of the tax year if your qualifying expenditure has reached the minimum amount of €4,405 before VAT (a total of €5,000) and you have paid income tax. Any unused tax credit can be rolled over into the following year. In general, the tax credit is payable over the two years following the year in which the work is carried out and paid for. If you are on PAYE, your HRI tax credit will be divided evenly across your pay dates for each of the two years that it is payable. If you are a self-assessed taxpayer, it will be included in your self-assessment over two years, half the tax credit each
year. For homeowners, 2015 is the first year in which you can claim a HRI credit. The claim facility is available now for homeowners on HRI online. For landlords, 2016 will be the first year in which a HRI credit can be claimed. The claim facility on HRI online will be available for landlords from January 2016. Details of the work For you to be able to claim the HRI credit, your contractor(s) must enter details of the work on the HRI online administration system. This system is only accessible to contractors who are registered for VAT and are tax-compliant. Revenue advises homeowners and landlords to log in to HRI online to check that that their contractors have correctly entered details of the works and payments.
22 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
for the supervision and safety of their own participants and supporters. The entry fee of €50 must be returned at a meeting which will take place in Newtown Primary School on May 28 at 8pm. This meeting will deal with the organisation of the sports. Participants’ numbers will be handed out on this night. Due to the large number of schools taking part, it is essential that each participating school be represented. All registration is to be done online at www.cnmbwicklow. ie/sportsday
sport in brief An Tóchar Again this year we are hosting a school sports day on June 15 for Roundwood NS and Moneystown NS. Please give your support to the team who will be looking for volunteers over the next few weeks. Our Mens Junior team are holding a table quiz on May 29 at 8.30pm in Fanning’s Pub to raise money for a new set of jerseys and team gear. Music will be provided by Dan Plummer. Manager, Des Fanning, would greatly appreciate any donations of raffle prizes. Our €50 tickets draw is on May 29. Des Fanning, Liz Byrne, Kerry Fee, Frances Gaskin, Brendan Brady, Jackie Wolohan, Phil Power and Nick Nolan are distributing them.
Arklow Geraldines 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. AGB Junior Mens turned in an impressive performance in Annacurra on May 21, beating the home side by 5-10 to 0-2. A young Arklow side played fast and slick football,
Garden County Academy
Arklow FC - Bryson Cup Champions for second year in a row moving the ball quickly in the wet conditions. Next game is against Carnew in the Pearse’s Park next week and this will be a big step up as they are a Junior A team. AGB U16 boys travelled to Kilcoole on May 18 and won their third league game in a row. The U10 girls displayed a fantastic team performance on May 19 in their first league game in Clonee. In a hard fought game, AGB came out on top winning 2-5 to 2-2. Well done to AGB U12 girls who ran out convincing winners against Bray Emmets on a score of 4-5 to 2-0.
Bray Wanderers
There was no lotto jackpot winner on May 24. Numbers drawn were 13-24-25-28. €30 lucky dip winners were Ed Hayden c/o Bray Lakers, Gareth Slevin c/o Frank Slevin, D. Curran c/o Bray Lakers, Tony Murtagh c/o Shamrock Bhoys, Baby Jace c/o C. Kavanagh. Next week’s jackpot is €9050. Bray Wanderers are at home to Limerick FC on May 29 in the FAI cup second round. 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 under 19 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 087 9968969 or call into club shop at Friday’s game.
Cumann na mBunscol
This year’s Cumann na mBunscol sports day will take place in Charlesland Sport and Recreation Park, Greystones on June 3 at 10am. Each school will be responsible
The U13 squad had a great turnout on Saturday and took part in the MSL skills challenge. This involved three simple drills of a punt kick, hook kick and a catch test. Great signs were seen in the players and we have a brief demonstration video online for all to see. We had 31 lads at our session this Saturday and they completed their first fitness test in Ballinakill. There will be no training this coming weekend but training will resume on June 6 at 10.30am.
Shankill GAA Girls U9 play Cuala on May 31 at 10am in Meadowvale and girls U11 play Erin go Bragh at
5pm on May 30 in Hunters Run Park. Training for boys U12 and girls U9 and 11 is on Wednesday 7pm and also on Saturday 10am in the Castle when there is no match. Men’s adult training 7.30pm on Thursday in the Cliffs. New players 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-members with €5 reduction for siblings. There will be gaelic football, hurling, rounders, a free T-shirt and lots of fun. Information secretary.shankill. dublin@gaa.ie or 086 3215087.
Bryson Cup 2015 Arklow Town football clubs Bryson Cup team set off to Belfast on May 15 to play in the third running of the Bryson cup against the best of the Belfast schools selection. This is the third year of this great competition that sees both Arklow Town FC and Belfast school organisation coming together to stage this event and building friendships for all kids. This tournament was played over two games in Crusaders football club stadium that holds 3,500 people. Arklow won 6-3 on aggregate to take the Bryson Cup for the second year in a row.
Spokesman Greg triumphs at Enduro
It was a fairytale finish at the Emerald Enduro World Series in Carrick on May 24 as Irishman Greg Callaghan took his first Enduro World Series win. It was the cherry on top of an amazing weekend which saw blue skies and the people of Wicklow come out in force to support the riders. Some in fancy dress and everyone shouting from the sidelines, it was agreed that the Wicklow crowd was the best Enduro had seen.
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May 28 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
We’ll leave it there so The country lost one of its greatest broadcasters earlier this week when Bill O’Herlihy sadly passed away. Although a committed Cork man, Bill had Wicklow connections as his daughter Jill O’Herlihy lives in Kilcoole with her husband, Bray-man Johnny Ryan . Bill was a true legend and an absolute gentlemen. I had the honour and pleasure of meeting him last October on the night that Bray Wanderers survived in the Premier League for another year with a draw against Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds. Bill was the gust speaker at the Presentation College Bray Past Pupils dinner in the Barracuda Restaurant. He was great company and regaled us with great stories of his days in the studio but asked if Bray were OK after the night’s matches and announced in his speech that ‘Bray were safe’. It made my night.
Stephanie Roche It was upsetting to hear the news last week that Shankill’s Stephanie Roche had been let go by Houston Dash, just three months after she uprooted herself and moved Stateside. It shows how ruthless the game of soccer can be at times. Business comes first and the club justified cutting Steph (runner-up in the FIFA Puskas Award in January) from their roster by citing the need to bring in defensive players to cover injuries, within the context of being only allowed have a certain number of overseas players. The fact that the cut had nothing to do with Steph’s skill and commitment was cold comfort. Steph said in a message posted on social media website Twitter that she was “very disappointed to finish up with Houston Dash. Impossible to appreciate the
highs without experiencing the lows #ToughDay.” The Houston club said in a statement about the new signings: “In corresponding moves to make room on the 20-player roster, defender Stephanie Ochs has been placed on the season-ending injury list after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] and forward Stephanie Roche has been waived.” Houston Dash coach Randy Waldrum told sports website, Keeper Notes: “I really would have liked to have given her the time to be with us a season because I think she was getting better and better and adapting. “Unfortunately, as I told her, as bad as we have been defensively, we had to make some moves. Two internationals, and the international spots being so critical, we had to let somebody go.” She made two substitute appearances for the American club and was called up to play with the Republic of Ireland team against the United States and Haiti, both played in the US, earlier this month.
25 years on … Bray Wanderers continued their revival under Trevor Croly with a hard-won point at Dalymount Park on Friday last May 22. Dalymount can be a bit of a fortress but Bray thoroughly deserved their share of the spoils. It came a week after a victory over St Patricks Athletic and brought Bray a second consecutive clean sheet, with net-minder Stephen McGuinness showing the kind of form again that won him the Player of the Year award last term. It’s no coincidence either that Adam Mitchell has started the two games Trevor Croly has taken charge of – he’s an outstanding defender and engenders confidence in his fellow-players and the
The billboard which welcomed Stephanie Roche to Houston
Darren Randolph Expect to see Ardmore Rovers old-boy Darren Randolph keeping goal for a Premiership club next season. Darren has left Birmingham City and is a highly thought-of and sought-after goalkeeper. He has a great future ahead of him both at club and international level. We wish him the best of luck.
Bill O’Herlihy with Leinster and Ireland Rugby’s Richie Murphy (left) and his son-in-law Johnny Ryan in Barracuda Restaurant last October at the Pres Bray PPU dinner supporters alike. Confidence is something Bray will be full of going into this weekend’s FAI Cup clash with Limerick FC (Friday 29 May in the Carlisle Grounds). Cup games are always a welcome diversion from the League, a chance to take a break from the cut-and-thrust of the search for league glory or league survival. Cup games are also a levelplaying field, excuse the pun. Non-league teams can put out the big guns. Giant-killings happen. Bray need to be on their guard that Limerick don’t surprise them. There can be no better motivation for Bray ahead of this weekend’s Cup game than the realisation that it is 25 years since their inaugural FAI Cup triumph. May 1990 saw them lift the Cup with a 3-0 win over St Francis FC at Lansdowne Road thanks to a John Ryan hat-trick. A massive 30,000 crowd were at that final, mostly from Bray! The Seagulls of course lifted the Cup again in 1999 when they defeated Finn Harps in Tolka
Park after two replays. How about a third triumph in 2015?! You have to aim high.
It would be a fitting way to celebrate our 30 years in the League of Ireland.
Wolfetone Bhoys The Wicklow Voice wishes to congratulate Wolfetone Bhoys on their victory last Sunday in the Charlie O’Leary Cup. The game against Tallaght City was won 3-2 with goals for the Bray side from Robbie Healy (2) and Sean Devlin. Wolfetone Bhoys play in the Leinster Football League, Premier Division Sunday and it was great to see them finish the season with some silverware.
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wicklowvoice.ie May 28 2015
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