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Christmas Illuminations The official Switch-on of the Christmas Lights and Fireworks Display Saturday 29th November, Bray Civic Plaza, Main Street From 4.30pm / Admission FREE • MC Declan Meehan, East Coast FM • Christmas DJ • Bray Musical Society • St. Cronan’s Boy’s Choir
Ceantar Bardasach Bhré Municipal District of Bray Comhairle Contae Chill Mhantáin Wicklow County Council
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McDonald’s in new planning application
Food giant in fresh bid to open near three schools By Cianan Brennan
FAST-FOOD chain McDonald’s has re-applied for planning permission to build a restaurant close to three schools. The decision to re-submit the proposal has caused considerable controversy in Greystones after the hamburger giant was refused permission by An Bord Pleanala in January. When contacted by the Wicklow Voice this week, McDonald’s sent the following reply through public relations company Drury Porter Novelli: “McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland confirms that it has applied to Wicklow County Council for planning permission to build a new drivethru restaurant in Greystones, Co Wicklow. McDonald’s fully complies with local planning guidelines and the relevant local area plan, the purpose of which is to build its outlets in sustainable retail environments.
Betty Sutton and her granddaughter Rebecca White (10) from Bray, at the launch of the “Save Your Breath” COPD awareness campaign which runs from November 17-23. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside “Proximity to local schools is not a deciding factor or part of the criteria for McDonald’s when it comes to assessing suitable locations for new restaurants. “Each new McDonald’s
restaurant supports local jobs, with the recruitment of between 60 and 80 full time positions, combined with an investment in the local community of €2 million ... McDonald’s awaits the decision of Wicklow County
Council and will not be in a position to comment further at this point.” The hamburger giant was last year given approval by Wicklow County Council to build a new drive-thru restaurant at the Blacklion Centre, Greystones. The decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala by the board of management at Temple Carrig Secondary School, which opened in September, Fine Gael TD Simon Harris and three local residents. When the Wicklow Voice contacted Temple Carrig Secondary School, Principal Alan Cox said the school board was considering its response; Gaelscoil Na gClocha Liath primary school did not return our calls; while a spokesperson for Greystones Educate Together National School said they would not be commenting on the matter. Continued on page 4
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4 | NEWS news in brief Austism quizzes TABLE quizzes in aid of the Autism fund “As I Am” will be held in Bray on November 25 in the Martello and December 2 in Duffs. Both are held at 8.30 pm with teams of four, €40 entry.
wicklowvoice.ie November 20 2014
ARISE SIR DANIEL! Wicklow
Cancer support Christmas Cards are now available for the first time and are being distributed around the town this week. They are also available at our Cancer Support Centre behind Butlers Pharmacy, Abbey St Wicklow, tel 040432696. Sponsorship Cards for Movember are also available. Final Shave Off is in the Bridge Tavern, Wicklow on November 29. There is also a head shave in Leitrim Lounge on December 7.
Historical society The Line up of Talks and Events for November 2014/2015 are meeting on the third Thursday of the Month. It takes place in Bray Chamber of Commerce House, 10 Quinsboro Road, Bray at 8pm on November 20.
Actor Daniel Day-Lewis was knighted by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace By Peter Murphy. WICKLOW’S favourite adopted son, Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis, has been knighted at Buckingham Palace by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Lewis, who lives near Annamoe, is the only person to win an Academy Award for best actor three times. Sir Daniel has been a Wicklow resident for the past 17 years and was honoured at Buckingham Palace for
services to drama. He said he was “entirely amazed and utterly delighted in equal measure” to be made a knight in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June. Day-Lewis, who grew up in south London and has dual British and Irish citizenship, is notoriously private and lives in relative anonymity with wife Rebecca Miller - daughter of playwright Arthur Miller - and their two sons. An avid supporter of Wicklow Hospice, the
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Hollywood actor held the European premiere of his Oscar-winning film, Lincoln, in Dublin last year and as a result the hospice has almost reached the necessary amount to fund the new centre at Magheramore beach in Co Wicklow. He won his first Oscar for his role as disabled writer Christy Brown in 1989’s My Left Foot, and a second for his turn as an early 20th century oilman in 2007’s There Will Be Blood.
McDonald’s Continued from previous page Simon Harris was unavailable for comment. The application, which has been seen by the Wicklow Voice, states: “The provision of a part single part two storey building (1114sqm), comprising a cafe (158sqm), a health and fitness studio (598sqm) and a commercial unit (358sqm) in addition to the provision of a two storey drive-thru restaurant (624sqm), plus an enclosed yard measuring 30sqm, including the ancillary sale of hot food for consumption off the premises.” Any submissions regarding Planning Application: 142043 must be made to Wicklow CoCo by December 16. “I have no objections to McDonald’s coming to Greystones but I do not believe the site at Blacklion to be the place for it,” Fine Gael Councillor Grainne McLoughlin told the Wicklow Voice. “I know there is a campaign to lobby councillors but we have no say over the planning process and at the end of the day - An Bord Pleanala will have the final say.” Speaking to this newspaper, Independent councillor Jennifer Whitmore said: “While I fully support a McDonald’s coming to Greystones, I do not believe that Blacklion is an appropriate location.”
TDs claim €758,728 in expenses since 2011 By Michelle McGlynn
WICKLOW’S five TDs have claimed a combined €758,728 in expenses since the last General Election in 2011. The highest claimant is Fine Gael’s Andrew Doyle who received €198, 272. Meanwhile, Independent TD Billy Timmins received €167,095; Independent Stephen Donnelly was just below the average, claiming €146, 515; and Labour’s Anne Ferris claimed €132, 328. Junior minister Simon Harris (Fine Gael) claimed the least at €114, 518, according to the survey in the Irish Independent. The average claim for expenses and allowance payments across the entire Dáil was €147,000 since the election in February 2011. The payments are on top of Dáil salaries of more than €87,000 a year. The TD with the highest expenses claim is Fianna Fáil’s Michael Moynihan of Cork South West, who has received more than €232,000. Only one TD - Eamonn Maloney of Labour - has not claimed expenses. The Dublin South West deputy said he had taken the stance “as a matter of principle” because he felt TDs were already well paid. Records examined by the Irish Independent show the payments have totalled €24.4m since March 2011, with just over
€600,000 of that total being subject to tax. The money is paid to cover travel, accommodation, office costs and additional responsibilities, such as chairing committees or acting as a party whip. The records show many deputies did not spend all they had claimed, with €525,000 having to be paid back in the same period. They also reveal almost €2.3m has been claimed by TDs for the month of August over the past four years, even though there were no Dáil sittings. TDs living in Dublin can claim just €9,000 a year and sums go up in bands as the distance from the capital increases to their home. Members of the Dáil must attend a minimum of 120 days annually to receive the full payment. The figures show that the average amount in expenses and allowances payment claimed by Fine Gael TDs since March 2011 was €142,334. The average for Labour TDs was €113,828. The average for Fianna Fail TDs was €188,846, a figure skewed by the party’s lack of representation in Dublin. The average for Sinn Fein TDs, two thirds of whom are based outside Dublin, was €175,416. Independents averaged claims of €143,672 each in the same period.
September draws to a close By Michelle McGlynn
WICKLOW’S resident rock band have decided to call it quits on their music career after 10 years together. The band made the announcement on their Facebook page informing fans that their scheduled gig in the Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray on December 5 would sadly be their last. “From a group of mates that came together and wrote songs
for the craic to becoming a band that played all around the country and had a top ten album was absolutely amazing and something we’ll all never forget,” the band wrote. The statement fondly looked back to the days when “20 or so die hard fans” came to The Harbour Bar back in their early days as The Peakin’ Trippers. The rockers gave no specific reason for splitting at the height of their success.
NEWS |5
November 20 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Bray Credit Union Ltd is delighted to announce that Collette Finn was the October winner in the Bray Credit Union Ltd Monthly Car Draw and she is now the proud owner of a 2014 Nissan Note Pictured are Michael Dwyer, Windsor Motors, Henry King, President Bray Credit Union Ltd and Collette Finn, winner.
Pictured is the beautiful Ailbhe Rowlands who took part in the Fashion Extravaganza which was held in Arus Lorcain Arklow. (Pic Yvette O Beirne)
The Bray Line Dancers who organised an annual hoedown and marathon for Bray Cancer Support Centre for the fifth year which raised â‚Ź4,838
Hannah Fox, volunteer with Lakers Social and Recreational Club has been announced as one of 30 shortlisted volunteers for the Volunteer Ireland Awards 2014
Pictured from left to right are Tom Lethaby, Santa Rita Estates, Donagh McClafferty, Musgraves, Mark Power and Philip Gormley from Centra Rathnew, finalist in the Edward Dillon/Santa Rita Estates Centra Off Licence and Wine Store of the Year, and Tony Reade.
Olivia Carey and Teresa Connolly out and about in Wicklow Town
6| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie November 20 2014
Lions Club Christmas appeal
Arklow Lions Club members Pat Minogue, Bernie Tyrell, Gerard DeCourcy and Imelda Riley with the crew of the Arklow Lifeboat pictured at the launch of the club’s 2014 Christmas appeal. Pic: Michael Kelly
just
By Peter Murphy
Happy Days!
APACHE BRAY, 81 MAIN ST. TEL: 01-2116388. OPEN FROM 3PM - MIDNIGHT. 12 INCH PIZZA €4.99, VALID FROM: 1/12/14 - 7/12/14. DELIVERY CHARGE €2 APPLIES.
MONDAY Bray The Wilton Hotel, Southern Cross, Bray 7.30pm Call Rob 086 0251100 TUESDAY Greystones Greystones Lawn Tennis Club, Mill Road (Beside Aldi) 9.30am; 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Lesley 086 2337984 WEDNESDAY Bray The Wilton Hotel Southern Cross, Bray 9.30am; 3.30; 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Gráinne 086 4661566 THURSDAY Bray, Marino School, Church Road, Bray 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Lesley 086 2337984
THE Arklow Lions Club Christmas Appeal commences this week with the RNLI and many local charities set to benefit. The annual St Stephen’s Day charity swim is a fundraising event being held over Christmas which is expecting to attract large numbers this year. The event takes place on the South Beach in Arklow on December 26 from 12pm. The swim is named in honour of Tom Clandillon who
was a respected former Lions Club member. Sponsorship cards are available from any Lions Club member or by calling 086 366 0999/087 2809 171. The Lions Club are also holding a Christmas food appeal to be held in Tesco on December 5 and 6, in Dunnes Stores on December 12 and 13, and in Pettit’s Supervalu on December 11,12 and 13. Tickets for the famous gallon of whiskey prize draw in aid of St Colman’s Hospital are also on sale. The winner will be an-
nounced on December 13 in the Old Ship pub. “One of the key things about the Lions is that every cent of funding that is raised is donated to charitable and special projects in the local area,” said President of Arklow Lions, Imelda Riley. “Having worked in St Colman’s Hospital I have seen first-hand how funds raised by the Lions Club benefit people in the local area, so I would like to ask everyone to please give generously this Christmas.”
Irish Water ‘need to raise €8bn to fix Arklow waste’ By Michelle McGlynn
ARKLOW residents are reiterating their anger regarding water charges as there are no new plans to address the lack of a wastewater plant for the area. Irish Water have revealed that they need to raise between six and eight billion euro over the next eight years for water infrastructure, according to RTE. Reports have indicated that it will be 2019 before Arklow is likely to see a wastewater treatment plant. While Irish Water have identified Arklow as a priority, the proposed 2019 date only applies if everything runs according to plan. As many as 30 different pipes run into the the Avoca River and a large portion of these are carrying waste. The residents of Arklow have been waiting 20 years for a wastewater plant
for the town. Planning was first granted in 1993 and of three proposed sites, Seabank was deemed the most suitable. The issue has gone before the Supreme Court twice, once in 2009 and then again in 2011 but nothing came of it. The Arklow Town Development Plan 2005-2011, which was published in March 2005, stated that, “Under the EU Urban Waste Water Directive, the plant must be in full operation by 2005. However, due to legal reasons construction has not yet commenced.” “There are claims being made that if we get Irish Water in then the Arklow sewage situation will be fixed,” Fianna Fáil councillor for Arklow Pat Fitzgerald said. Cllr. Fitzgerald was skeptical of the claims saying, “At the moment, reports say that it will be 2019 before Arklow has
a treatment plant. I don’t think it will gather pace just because Irish Water are involved.” Residents claim that the Avoca River is the worst river in Ireland for pollution and RTÉ Agriculture and Environment Correspondent George Lee recently visited the town as part of a news segment for the Six One News. Independent TD Stephen Donnelly is holding a public meeting with the Arklow Wastewater Action Group to discuss the need for Irish Water to waive wastewater charges for households in Arklow. Donnelly has made a submission to Minister Alan Kelly asking for a 50% reduction on their water charges for the people of Arklow on the basis of sub-standard waste water facilities. The meeting will take place in the Arklow Bay Hotel on November 20 at 7.30pm.
November 20 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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8 | NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie November 20 2014
Our average rent now stands at a whopping €998
By Cianan Brennan
WICKLOW is the most expensive county after Dublin to rent, with prices up 12.9% since last year. The average rent of a property in the county now stands at €998 with a major fall in the number of rental properties available has been a major factor in pushing up prices. The rising cost of renting in Dublin has slowed for the first time in five years but still stands at €1,372 a month. New figures reveal that rents in the capital have soared by almost 17pc in the last year, although the rate is not rising as sharply as it has been since the recession. Wicklow now stands ahead of the average rent is €897 a month in Cork, up 8pc in the last 12 months, and €875 in Galway, where it went up by 7pc.
The report shows that rents are up over 11pc in the last 12 months around the country, with the national average rent now €933 compared to €842 last year. Renting a property in the capital slowed for the first time in five years between July and September this year. While Wicklow and Dublin rents are still far more expensive than those in other big cities, costs are rising nationwide. In Limerick, rent rose by 6pc to €704 while it was up 5pc in Waterford to €628 a month in the third quarter of the year. The number of properties available to rent on one day on property website Daft.ie, on November 1, had plummeted to less than 5,400. This was the lowest number of rental properties available since May 2007. In the last two years, rents in
the capital have risen by €300 a month, while nationwide the average rent went up by almost €150. Other counties in Dublin’s commuter belt also saw doubledigit inflation, with 14pc growth in Kildare and 11pc growth in Meath. Daft.ie’s latest rental report reveals that rents rose in every county in the third quarter of this year. Author of the report and Trinity College economist Ronan Lyons said the lack of available rental properties is more concerning than the high cost of rent. “The only silver lining is the fact that this quarter was the first time in five years that rent inflation in the capital eased somewhat,” he said. “However, even if an easing in Dublin inflation continues and stops the affordability crisis from worsening, it does nothing to change the availability crisis.”
news in brief Road works Deputy Billy Timmins TD, Wicklow and East Carlow, has called on the Wicklow County Council to construct safety measures on sections of the Woodenbridge to Aughrim road (the R747) along the Aughrim Riverbank. Deputy Timmins proposed this after part of the road became flooded by recent the overflowing river.
Garden County Radio The Greystones Calendar is now available on Garden County Radio. The Innovative new programme is called All About Greystones. Written and presented by former Councillor, Kathleen Kelleher, it deals with all the Greystones news, interviews, items of special interest and music. It airs on Saturday mornings at 10 am, Sunday Edition, 9 am, Late Edition, 9 pm. See www. GardenCountyRadio.ie
Christmas concert
Aoife (10), Ciara and Stephen Carter on Bray Seafront
Luisine Centre for spirituality are having a Christmas Concert on November 22 at 7.45pm. Registration for January term will be from 7 -7.30pm. There is a suggested donation of €20.
November 20 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING | 9
10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Why I am volunteering in Myanmar
T
oday has finally arrived. The day I have been working towards for the past six weeks. At 8.15 tonight I fly to Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Burma) to start a placement as teacher trainer in Dawei Education College with VSO. Together with Myanmar’s Education Colleges and the British Council, VSO have recently begun a project to facilitate the development of language learning, teaching resources and methodology. VSO’s mission is ‘A World Without Poverty’ and education is one of the four areas of development that the organisation believe can contribute to eradicating poverty. This particular project comes at an exciting time of rapid growth and change in Myanmar and being the first of its kind I feel privileged to be part of it. So, how did I get here? Having completed secondary school in St David’s Greystones I went on to study Fine Art in Cork. Recognising a passion for travelling I qualified as an English language teacher as soon as I had my primary degree. This qualification has allowed me to work in such places as varied as Madrid to India to more recently Cork. While volunteering independently in India the seed of interest in development was planted. However, on return from India in 2009 I decided to go to college to further my education in the field of Psychology and so completed a Higher Diploma conversion course. Since then I have been building my experience as a teacher and gaining knowledge about curriculum and resource development. The desire to volunteer again never diminished but my ideas as to how did change. Something really important that I took away with me after volunteering in India was how important sustainability is. As a volunteer anywhere, the aims should be both to facilitate development in any means by which the local community see fit and also to contribute to this development by sharing knowledge or skills. It is crucial that this contribution remains and continues to be shared long after the volunteer has gone. The objective therefore also being that there will be a time when the volunteer is not needed. This is where VSO come into my story. A term I have come familiar with over the past few months is ‘human capital’.
VSO seeks to create a network of experienced professionals around the globe who are available to exchange skills as required, which, brings me to a very important point that established VSO as the organisation I aspired to work for. VSO always works with a partner organization. In my case this is the Education Colleges in Dawei. These organisations come to VSO looking for the ‘human capital’ but only after having decided themselves what their own needs for development are. This means essentially that the change for development comes from within the community and is never imposed by an outsider. As such, my role will be to improve English language levels of the trainers themselves and to also look at how we can modernise methodology and resources. These are areas that have been identified by the teacher trainers in Dawei that need development. While there I hope to fulfil the expectations of Dawei’s education college and learn about how Myanmar culture approaches language learning. I am also eager to continue learning about VSO and how they strive to develop themselves as an organisation committed to eradicating poverty. Explaining to friends and family why I feel the need to move half way across the world to make a contribution, so to speak is the tough part. I feel that we each have a responsibility to make a change, to contribute to reducing poverty. That does not have to mean volunteering in a foreign country for as long as a year or two. It can and should also be supporting a local organisation in your town or county. Because I thrive on the challenge of living in a new culture and am privileged enough to have the education and experience that I do, this is an easy way for me to make a contribution. Myanmar - here I come! Meadhbh O’Donovan is a teacher from Greystones teacher and is this month beginning a 12-month volunteering placement with international development organisation, VSO Ireland. Meadhbh will work as an English Language Teacher Trainer and will train local academic staff in a number of schools. This is the first time that VSO has worked with State education institutions in Myanmar and the first international volunteers to work with government agencies in decades.
“I
SACRIFICE SHOULD NOT BE THE ONLY CRITERION FOR MARKING THE DEATH OF SOLDIERS. IF IT IS, THEN WE SHOULD ALSO BE COMMEMORATING THE DEATH OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR NAZI GERMANY AND IMPERIAL JAPAN. NOBODY DOES THAT, NOT EVEN IN GERMANY AND JAPAN
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 Meadhbh O’Donovan with Michael Wolsey
Lest we forget, all wars are not created equal
was in Britain last week when Remembrance ceremonies seemed to dominate almost every television programme. What I saw was a nation celebrating its victories in two world wars. There were moments of solemn reflection and some stations ran interesting historical perspectives. But, by and large, the events were military in nature. The abiding image was of men in uniform, marching bands and weaponry, bugle calls, gun carriages, medals on display. It was not simply commemoration. It was triumphalism. I have no great objection to this. A nation is entitled to celebrate its triumps, providing it does not go out of its way to offend others - and only card-carrying Nazis could have been offended by these events. Anyway, Britain can be excused a bit of triumphalism. We in Ireland, in common with the rest of the free world, owe our neighbours a huge debt for the valour they displayed and the sacrifices they made in standing alone against the Third Reich before America joined the war and the Soviet Union was forced into it. Their suffering gave us our freedoms. The same cannot be said, however, of the sacrifices made in World War One and I have difficulty with Britain’s practice of marking the two cataclysmic events as though they were story and sequel or sides of one coin. World War Two was a battle between good and evil. We can never be sure how things would have turned out had some great event in history taken a different course. But we can say with certainty that the world would be a much sorrier place if Hitler and his henchmen had triumphed. The same cannot be said of World War One. It was essentially a colonial conflict. It arose because Germany, having effected a reverse takeover of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, saw an opportunity to deliver a knockout blow to Russia and take control of central and eastern Europe. France and Britain were involved because of a complex series of alliances and because they feared a powerful Germany might threaten their global empires. The world would be a worse place place if Hitler had triumphed in 1945. It would undoubtedly be a very different place if Kaiser Bill had come out on top in 1918 but I see no reason to assume it would be worse for anyone, except, perhaps, the British. And maybe not even for them. The Germans, after all, have recovered pretty well from their defeat. The sacrifices made by the soldiers who
fought for Britain in World One One, including many thousands of Irish, were just as great as those of the troops from World War Two. But their cause was not on the same level. Sacrifice should not be the only criterion for marking the death of soldiers. If it is, then we should also be commemorating the death of those who fought for Nazi Germany and imperial Japan. Nobody does that, not even in Germany and Japan. That’s why I feel uneasy about joint commemoration of the two world wars and why I never wear a poppy. And it’s why I resent the proposition that Ireland should enthusiastically join in with Britain’s celebrations of world war victories. And why I reject the claim that not to do so is somehow to insult the memory of the many Irish who fought in World War One. They were inspired by much the same motives as those who fought in World War Two. Some of them did it for the much-needed money and some were driven by a sense of adventure. Some did it for a cause. But the cause of propping up the British empire does not equate with the cause of defeating one of the most evil philosophies the world has ever known. I mean no offence in saying this. But it is a truth and one which needs to be stated and should not be ignored. As a country we are now planning to mark our own great military event, the Rising of 1916. It will be a commemoration but, no doubt, a celebration as well, with moments of triumphalism built in. As with Britain’s world war ceremonies, I have no great objection to this. A nation is entitled to celebrate its triumphs, providing it does not go out of its way to offend others - and we won’t won’t be offending anyone except those who, in the words of the late David Ervine, will go miles out of their way to be offended.. But we need to tread carefully, nonetheless. Just as I am unclear that the world is a better place for the outcome of 1918 so I am unsure that Ireland is a better place for the sacrifice of 1916. To say so - and to examine the issue honestly and with an open mind - is not disrespectful to the patriots of Easter Week. On the contrary, we owe it to them.
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
November 20 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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Have you got a story? Then email thecaptain@wicklowvoice.ie
focus on faces Emma Hannigan, author How’s life? Life is great. I’m so busy at the moment, but it’s all good. Like any working mother I often wonder where I’m going to find the time to do everything. But so far it all seems to fall into place. Tell us about your new book, The Heart of Winter. The Heart of Winter is a follow on from one of my previous novels, Driving Home for Christmas. I had so many lovely letters from readers asking me what happens next. I had no idea, so thought I’d better sit down and write it! It’s a story about family life and all the ups and downs that brings. If you haven’t read Driving Home for Christmas, don’t worry. You’ll be able to link in with the characters. It was a full house at the Fashion Extravaganza in Arklow. Pictured before taking to the catwalk are Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald, Brian Deay, Keith Delany, Cllr. Tommy Annesley and Fr. Binoy (pic Yvette O Beirne)
It’s up to the parents to teach kids about food
W
With the news that McDonalds have reapplied for planning permission for a restaurant at The Blacklion Centre in Greystones comes a resurfacing of the debate that raged last year and polarised local opinion. Should you welcome jobs being created and business being brought to the town, or take a moral standpoint and oppose the development? For me, the former option wins out because it is progressive. The latter option seems a bit draconian to me. Wicklow County Council originally granted planning permission for the McDonalds restaurant in August 2013 but the decision was overturned by An Bord Pleanala in January this year. Now McDonalds have reapplied with modified plans designed to address the issues that ABP found inadequate. When a town grows as quickly as Greystones it is inevitable that the progress will bring with it things that people mightn’t necessarily approve off. Like more traffic and fast food restaurants. I’ve seen the same thing happen to Swords (where I worked for many years) firsthand. But these negatives are usually balanced by the positives of increased business and jobs, new shopping centres (Swords has a fabulous one,
Brian Quigley Pavillions), schools and other amenities (assuming the growth of the town is planned right). There are more than 80 McDonalds restaurants nationwide and given that Greystones is easily in the top 30 towns by population, it is no surprise that they are looking to set up there. But why Blacklion? Why not somewhere else in the town? One of the main concerns with McDonalds at Blacklion is the location of the proposed restaurant in close proximity to three schools (two primary schools and the new Temple Carrig Secondary School; the Board of Management of the latter were one of the objectees to ABP). We’ve all heard about the growing problems of obesity and type two diabetes in our children. Fast food ticks both of these boxes. But is that the whole story? I would content that our consumption of more and more processed food has been the real culprit, coupled with an increasingly sedantary lifestyle. Both of these things happen primarily in the home,
not in fast food restaurants. It’s easy to blame fast food chains. They are in a sense a convenient scapegoat on which to heap our concerns and fears. A few years ago there was a film called Super Size Me where Morgan Spurlock attempted to eat nothing but McDonalds for a month. Obviously his body and health started to go downhill very quickly. I thought the film was very unfair. Fast food chains themselves would never advise consumption of their product as a complete diet. But there is nothing wrong with eating fast food as an occasional treat. Life would be too dull if you couldn’t have the occasional Big Mac. Stopping the McDonalds because of its proximity to schools is incorrect, in my opinion. Good eating habits for our children begin at home and it is up to us as parents to educate our families as to the perils of eating too much fast food. It is also up to us as parents to limit time spent on computers and other electronic devices and get our children out doing some sport. I think we are succeeding here. Children are learning about food pyramids and their five-aday from an early age, and interest in sport is on the up. Primary school children are usually subject to guidelines as to what they can and cannot bring in their lunch boxes. Second level pupils who are free to leave school premises at lunch time are essentially in a
dry-run situation for when they go to college and can avail of any number of fast food outlets to eat in or out of, should they choose to do so. In my day McDonalds was always regarded as a treat. I remember being brought to Ireland’s first McDonalds in Dublin City in 1977 as part of a birthday day out to see one of the original Star Wars films. The notion of it being a treat stuck and I still only ever visit occasionally. Growing up in Bray there were frequent rumours that McDonalds were coming to the town. They were close to taking over the old Woolworth store on the Main Street in 1985 and eventually came to the Town Hall building. There was a huge stir about that at the time, given the architectural importance of the building, but it has worked out well and to everyone’s satisfaction. Conditions were put down as to what they could and could not do with the building. They had to tone down advertising and signage to blend in with their location. And they were close to a number of primary schools. This points the way forward for the Greystones McDonalds. Lay down the conditions you want them to operate under and let McDonalds come to town and to their preferred location. It worked in Bray, it will work in Greystones.
What is your remedy for writer’s block? I don’t have one because it’s never happened to me! I talk far too much and I guess my writing is similar. I have so many ideas… If anything I struggle to slow down and concentrate on one character or story line. What advice do you have for any budding writers out there? Go for it! I never planned on being a writer and now I can’t imagine doing anything else. You need to be disciplined and there’s no alternative to sitting down and getting the work done. Writing is a creative job for sure, but it’s no different to any other, you get back what you put in! Your next novel The Secrets We Share will be out next year. What can you tell us about it? It’s inspired by my grandmother’s story. She came to Ireland at the end of the second world war. It’s an incredibly emotional book with a wonderful love story at the core. I can’t wait for it to come out! You have battled cancer nine times. How are you now? I’m well. I’m still having chemotherapy every three weeks. But I’m doing well. The last round of radiation was the toughest so far – 50 sessions and pretty gruelling. But I am lucky that I have a type of breast cancer that reacts to treatments. You have become an inspiration to countless people and are an ambassador for Breast Cancer Ireland. What is your advice to people who are battling cancer at the moment? Always have hope. Try your best to remain positive and talk about what you’re going through. You’re not alone and there are many amazing new drugs and treatments available. Medicine is evolving all the time and the new treatments work. What are your plans future plans? To write more books and continue being a wife mother daughter and friend. There are so many things I have to do and so many jobs that aren’t yet done. I’m not ready to give up and give in. So I’m hoping I’ll be in a position to continue fighting for a long time to come! .
Emma Hannigan is an author who lives in Bray with her husband Cian, their son Sacha and daughter Kim. Emma has just released her eighth novel, The Heart of Winter. In addition to her eight fictions, Emma has also published her memoir Talk to the Headscarf. Over the past eight years, Emma has battled cancer nine times. She is an ambassador for Breast Cancer Ireland and has become an inspiration for countless people battling the illness.
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12 | WHAT’S HOT
KEVIN CONNEFF (CHIEFTAINS) & REDMOND O’TOOLE Fri, Nov 21 – Doors 8pm Irish trad meets Spanish Guitar Tickets €8/ €10 ROARING 20S CHRISTMAS PARTY Fri, Nov 28 – Doors 8pm Live 20s band, New York host etc… Tickets €12 /€15 UP CLOSE & PERSONABLE MARY COUGHLAN Sat, Nov 29 – Doors 8pm w/James Delaney & Dan Bodwell Jazz and Blues Tickets €12 /€14 CLIMBING RAMABANG Author’s Slideshow/Talk Wed, Dec 3 – Doors 7.30pm One Irish climber’s explorations in the Himalaya and overland trip home Admission €3 TIR NA NOG - SONNY CONDELL & LEO O’KELLY Fri, Dec 5 – Doors 8pm Progressive Folk Tickets €10 /€12 CARMEL MCCREAGH TRIO Sat, Dec 6 – Doors 8pm w/ Fiacra Trench & Keith Donald Jazz standards & Contemporary Tickets €8 /€10 UFO VS JOHN LENNON IMAGINE Sun, Dec 7 – Doors 8pm Tickets €5/€7 DERMOT BYRNE & BRIAN MEAKIN Fri, Dec 12 – Doors 9pm Dust Bowl Ballads & Delta Blues Tickets €6 /€8 AJÁ Sat, Dec 13 – Doors 9pm The best tribute band to Steely Dan Tickets €10 /€12 PROTEUS Sun, Dec 14 – Doors 3.30pm Sunday Jazz Soiree Admission: Donations 50S ROCK N’ ROLL Fri, Dec 19 - Doors 8pm The Cadillacs. Fundraiser for SADS. Screening at the Mater Hosp Tickets tba VANGOOSE Sun, Dec 28th – Doors 9pm Admission €5 EOGHAN O’SULLIVAN Mon, Dec 29th – Doors 9pm Admission €5 The Hot Spot Music Club Keeping Live Music Alive Above the Beach House pub, Greystones Harbour Marina Early Bird Tickets from Vintage la Touche shop Greystones (cash) or by Ph 087 2917519. (cr card) www.thehotspot.ie FB The Hot Spot Music Club Twitter: @hotspotmusiclub E: hotspotmusiclubg@gmail. com
wicklowvoice.ie November 20 2014
CHRISTMAS PARTY of the week CHRISTMAS PROHIBITION PARTY The Hot Spot Music Club, above the Beach House, Greystones Harbour, November 28 Good time jazz, blues and ragtime music; bootleg liquor, gambling, gangsters and flapper girls. Sounds like a great party to me! The Roaring 20s are about to howl once again at Hot Spot Music Club on November 28 with their Christmas Prohibition Party. Don those fedoras, feather boas and string pearls. Slick back that hair and come on down to our speakeasy for some heroically-strong liquor. Head back in time to a nation under a groove, and that groove is the Charleston. Remember - no password, no admission! Tickets €12/€15 at Vintage La Touche, 087 2917519 or www.thehotspot.ie
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA of the week YOUR MEMORY BOX www.yourmemorybox.ie, 01 2867917 There is nothing more precious than your memories. Your Memory Box provides you with an easy way to store your most treasured keepsakes. The vintage style of Your Memory Box recalls a time when those who had to emigrate would take with them one simple suitcase. Your Memory Box carries on this tradition. Perhaps put a twist on it and send a family member or friend who has emigrated a box filled with memories of home. Choose from a range of colours and styles and gather your little treasures to share with future generations. With all your items in one place there will be no more frustrating searches in the attic when you feel like a little stroll down memory lane. These would make an ideal gift for your loved ones this Christmas. Give them the gift of cherished memories.
BOOK of the week THE LIFE AND LOVES OF A HE DEVIL Graham Norton Graham Norton’s career has spanned the last two decades, seeing him “transition from risqué Channel 4 comedian to national treasure” according to the London Evening Standard. He is loved across the nation for his ability to find humour and a common ground in all that life brings. In his new autobiography, written with characteristic humour and often outrageous candour, Graham shows that life is more than just a series of dates and it’s really the things you love that make you who you are. From his beloved dogs to his rediscovered love of Ireland, the men Graham has loved and lost to his love affair with New York. It’s been ten years since Graham last hit our shelves and being a decade older he has come to realise that what makes a life interesting is less what happens to you and more what inspires and drives you.
TV SHOW of the week MAIA DUNPHY’S WHAT WOMEN WANT RTE 2, Thursdays, 10pm Presenter Maia Dunphy returns to explore issues that are pertinent to modern women, beginning with their relationship with food. She investigates how, despite knowing more than ever about nutrition, some are continuing to fall for fad diets. She also
EXHIBITION of the week MY PLACE ON CANVAS Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, November 23 - December 19 Avoca based artist Rod Coyne has a passion for our stunning Wicklow landscape and has spent three years creating My Place on Canvas. His exhibition is a singular mission to capture the favourite Wicklow scenes of others. Rod has motivated people to consider and articulate their relationship with their landscape. Then he has retold that story through paint in his distinctive plein air style. The result is a compelling mix of paintings and text. Notable are contributions from author Paul Howard aka Ross O’Carroll Kelly, former Ireland rugby international Shane Byrne, lawyer to the stars Dr. Gerald Kean and Independent TD Stephen Donnelly. There have been over 70 submissions from around the world including Holland, Scotland, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong and, of course, Wicklow. The artist received submissions from across the board including politicians and prisoners, celebrities and writers. All share a passion for the Garden County of Ireland, as the 30 new works being premièred will testify. The exhibition will be opened by Stephen Donnelly on November 23.
questions whether there is such a thing as a superfood, and examines her own diet and health. This series will focus on modern women’s relationships with their bodies by looking at things such as food, exercise and shopping. Dunphy as always approaches these topics with a genuine interest in exploring the issues and with her own good humour and honesty about her own life.
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November 20 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Fed up with answering to higher-ups, Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day) and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business. But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them. Outplayed and desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company. The follow-up to the 2011 hit comedy Horrible Bosses reunites Bateman, Day and Sudeikis as everyone’s favourite working stiffs. Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey also reprise their roles. Meanwhile Christoph Waltz and Chris Pine star as new adversaries standing between the guys and their dreams of success.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
SHOPPING IDEA of the week ELLIEBELLE www.elliebelle.ie, 085 2883929 EllieBelle Jewellery is a collection of simple, modern and stylish sterling silver and gold vermeil jewellery delicately handcrafted in Delgany, Co. Wicklow. EllieBelle’s collection features delicate necklaces and beautiful bracelets and can be personalised to tell the story of those you love by the simple addition of hand stamped initial discs or nuggets. Your EllieBelle jewellery
will not only be beautiful but will mean something to you becoming one of your treasured favourites. They offer a range of handcrafted bracelets for your MiniBelles made with sparkling Swarovskis, sterling silver, fresh water pearls and semiprecious stones. Each bracelet is complimented with a charm of your choice. They are a smaller versions of their adult range, the perfect mother/daughter combo. Each item comes packaged in its own EllieBelle box perfect for giving (or receiving!).
FAIR of the week It’s hard to believe that another year has flown by and it’s time again to let everyone know that St. Cronan’s are holding their Annual Christmas Craft Fair and Art Exhibition. Now in its 11th year, the fair is always a great day out for the whole family. There are a huge range of crafts and gift ideas so you can get a start on all your Christmas shopping. The art exhibition gives the opportunity for some talented local artists to display their wonderful works. The little ones will be overjoyed when Santa arrives at 11am. The man in red will be taking a break from checking his list from 11am until 3pm. Admission for primary school children is free as is a visit to Santa. Adults, students and OAPs will cost €3. So head on down and enjoy an afternoon of festive family fun.
CANCER-5,11,21,28,33,36 Be assertive, speak your mind and take courage as it is time for you to go out and make your personal mark on the world.
LIBRA-2,7,11,22,38,42 Start making things happen instead of waiting for them to happen to you. Do not be afraid to broadcast your expertise.
DEUCE The Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, November 22 Deuce are a tribute act to the late, great Rory Gallagher. They were formed when three friends met to go busking at the Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon in 2012, triumphantly returning the next year to play to packed venues each day.
This celebratory service is to mark Cornerstone Christian Church taking up their new residence at The Well and to welcome members of the community to come and join them. Food and beverages will be served after the service as well as face painting and other fun activities. Pastor Kyle Holland hopes that this will be the first of many exciting events in the future. Most people will know The Well as the beautiful historic 17th century building situated opposite the iconic Royal Hotel. It was lovingly renovated by its previous residents Mountain View Christian Church. The church will continue to run a coffee morning every Wednesday morning for anyone who would like a chat and a cup of tea. They also have a children’s Sunday school and a students’ campus ministry. Pastor Holland is looking forward to welcoming everybody on November 30.
GEMINI- 1,13,23,25,33,41 Swing into action this month Gemini which will bring you a boost of happiness and a profitable outcome.
VIRGO-4,7,15,17,23,41 A change of responsibilities is on the cards for you. Get ready to make some very important decisions Virgo.
GIG of the week
CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CELEBRATORY SERVICE The Well, Church Terrace, Main Street, Bray, November 30, 11am
TAURUS-8,12,16,18,35,39 Time to get your plans off the drawing board and put them into action. Have faith and confidence that you can handle this.
LEO-9,18,21,28,33,39 Keep your eyes on the prize. You have worked hard and now it is time to reap the rewards. Sit back and enjoy.
ST. CRONAN’S NS CRAFT FAIR AND ART EXHIBITION Vevay Cresent, Vevay Road, Bray, November 23, 10am-4.30pm
EVENT of the week
ARIES-1,12,19,24,29,37 Do not be afraid to pursue a line of work or play that has always fascinated you. Consider all options with an open mind.
They are committed to bringing Rory Gallagher’s fantastic music to the stage with their energetic live show. They will be bringing their energetic live show of Rory Gallagher’s fantastic music to The Harbour Bar on November 22. With a packed set featuring all the classic songs, it is set to be a fantastic night for all involved.
SCORPIO-3,11,18,24,28,41 Someone has their eye on you which may lead to a job offer take time to think about this as travel is essential. SAGITTARIUS-5,13,24,37,39,40 A knowledgeable friend offers you expert advice so be prepared for a new start. Think before you respond. CAPRICORN-2,5,15,28,30,32 Time to put yourself first as you are tired of always coming to the rescue. Take a bit of “me” time and treat yourself. AQUARIUS-4,16,19,29,31,35 Discretion is the key word as someone imparts a sensitive situation. New financial proposals means decision time. PISCES-7,10,21,30,37,42 You are the person who reassures everyone but who reassures you? Support arrives from an unexpected source. 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 | NEWS news in brief
wicklowvoice.ie November 20 2014
SECRET PENNY SET REVEALED
RNLI fundraising The Greystones and Newtown RNLI Fundraising Branch will hold their annual Wine and Craft Beer Fair on November 28 in the Greystones Tennis Club from 7.00pm onwards .Tickets are €10 each available by contacting Joe Taylor 086 2601918, Paul Sunderland 085 2103908 or any of the Branch committee members.
By Peter Murphy
Playground Fine Gael TD for Wicklow and Minister of State Simon Harris has welcomed the news that Wicklow County Council is considering plans to expand the playground in Greystones. Minister Harris recently made contact with the Council regarding this issue, following correspondence from a number of Greystones residents on the matter. The Council informed Minister Harris that they are examining the proposal to expand the playground.
UFO in Wicklow The Universal Funk Orchestra are taking on a classic album each month and are covering Jimi Hendrix Experience Electric lady at the Leitrim Lounge in Wicklow Town on November 22 at 9pm.
County set for fresh Ballyk tourism boost
It may look like a run down cottage from another era, but the above picture is from the secret set of Penny Dreadful. We reported last week that a series of strange lights appeared in the night sky on Bray Head but it turns out that the makers of the hit Sky Atlantic drama, which stars Eva Green (right), was being filmed there. The set has been shrouded in secrecy but the above picture emerged online earlier on in the week.
WICKLOW is set to get another tourism boost from the hit TV show Ballykissangel. An online streaming service called Amazon Prime has helped Americans to discover the hit show Ballykissangel - 13 years after it finished airing. “This is great news for tourism in the county,” says Chairman of Wicklow Tourism, Noel Keyes. “Anything that brings more tourists must be welcomed. If you mention Wicklow to English tour operators the first thing they mention is Ballykissangel and what a great show it was and hopefully this will do something similar in the
States.” The show that was set in Avoca, Co Wicklow has been given more notoriety through this service. Ballykissangel has also been given a boost by pop culture website Vulture which named it as one of the best shows on Amazon Prime. The 90’s drama centers on English priest Fr. Peter Clifford, played by actor Stephen Tompkinson, who is transferred to Ireland to begin his ministry in the rural village. The show was filmed from 1996 to 2001. Irish actors Colin Farrell, Dervla Kirwan and Victoria Smurfit were all cast in Ballykissangel and helped them early on in their careers. An entertainment website called The Daily Edge reports that the show has been associated with “ awesome story lines” and “the spirit and humour of the Irish”. “It is soooo very British: young outsider priest dealing with his ‘eccentric’ parishioners; bit of a cliche,” says Cynthia from Las Vegas.
I was poisoned by my BMW car, mum tells courts
By Michelle McGlynn
A WICKLOW mother has told the High Court that she suffered chronic carbon monoxide poisoning due to an oil leak from the turbo charger of her car. Solicitor Helen Noble, Killballyowen, Aughrim, had purchased a BMW Mini Clubman for her three-hour commute into a Dublin city centre practice. The mother of two claimed that she was repeatedly subjected to noxious gases and alleged carbon monoxide poisoning over the course of three years. Ms Noble told the court that she suffered headaches, nausea, dizzy spells, slurred speech and her eyelashes and hair fell out over the three year period. “It was the most harrowing horrible experience of my life. I missed out on a couple of years of my childrens’ lives. It was a horrendous couple of years,”
Ms Noble said. In evidence, Ms Noble told that she was out of work in March 2011 and was referred for a gynaecological assessment. She underwent a procedure, which meant she could no longer have children. After she returned to work, she had the same symptoms as before. When her husband noticed a build-up of soot on the engine and they were told there was a leak from the turbo charger, Ms Noble contacted her GP. The GP believed the inhalation of raw diesel fumes could have caused all of her symptoms. “It was the most sickening moment. I now knew I was not going bonkers. I never drove that car again,” she said. Ms Noble sued Motor Import Ltd., trading as Frank Keane (Naas Road), Dublin, as well as BMW AG of Munich, Germany and Permanent TSB as arrangers
of the hire purchase agreement. The defendants denied any liability. Documents in the case showed that complaints had been made within the EU related to the model of car including leaking from the turbo charger, a build-up of soot in the engine and leaks in to the passenger compartment. The car was bought under a hire purchase agreement for a total of €45, 362 for her 76km round trip from Aughrim to Dublin. The cash price was €37,406, the initial payment was €7,693 and total payment was some €45,362 via 48 monthly instalments of €588 and a final payment of €9,320. Ms Noble has settled the High Court action and Mr Justice Michael White was also told the costs order in favour of Ms Noble was to be made against the BMW car company.
November 20 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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16 | NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie November 20 2014
Local school launches new TV channel
By Michelle McGlynn
PRESENTATION College Bray Rugby are set to unveil their new website presrugbytv.com ahead of their upcoming centenary in 2021. The website offers the opportunity to follow the fortunes of the Junior and Senior Cup teams. The Transition year project combines technology, photography and journalism to bring you all the best in Pres. Rugby. The site will provide upto-date information on the fixtures, results and action from all of the week’s games from Cubs to SCT. If you would rather take a trip down memory lane you can delve into the archives of the schools glorious past and you can see the highlights of Leinster Junior Cup victories of the 80’s. Video footage will be re-
corded and edited every week by the film team. Meanwhile their team of talented journalists bring the drama and excitement of every game to life. It will be like being on the sidelines. There will be an online store where you can purchase the latest of their custom designed Canterbury range. They will utilise social media to bring the action to as wide an audience as possible. The business team are offering the opportunity to advertise your products or services to the Pres. Bray community both at home and abroad. The Transition year project will use and develop the skills of a dedicated and talented group of Presentation, Bray students. With presrugbytv.com whether you are at home or abroad you can follow your team as they compete in the heartland of Leinster Schools Rugby.
news in brief Zero hours
THE difficulties faced by lowpaid workers in Co. Wicklow on zero-hours contracts is to be the focus of a major new study. According to Labour TD Anne Ferris, the study will shed light on the experience of those on insecure employment contracts. It will survey workers and business owners on the impact of ‘zero hours’ contracts, in which workers are given short-term notice of their hours, if any, of work each week. with an award for Best Social Issues Film.
Orla (2), Niamhand Méabh Breslin (4) out and about in Wicklow Town
Santa Parade DON’T miss the Wicklow Town Santa Parade and the turning on of the Victoriana Lights at Fitzwilliam Square on November 29 at 5pm. It will be a magical event and a great way to launch the festive season in the town.
Greystones FRC
Joanna Langier and Natasha Brown shopping in Greystones
Carmel McLoughlin and Claire Egan take a stroll in Mount Usher
GREYSTONES Family Resource Centre is hosting a fundraising evening at the Beach House, Greystones Marina on December 5 at 8.30pm. There will be bingo and prizes galore on the night and entry will be €5 per person.
Life on Mars? Brittas Bay may hold the answer
By Peter Murphy
WHAT do Wicklow and Mars have in common? Not a lot at first glance but Brittas Bay is the location where top scientists are learning more about the Martian landscape. Irish scientist Dr Mary Bourke is analysing the beach in order to help understand the surface of Mars and to discover whether the Red Planet could be used for an Interstellar-type settlement. The sand dunes at Brittas Bay are aiding in understanding the surface of the Red Planet according to Dr Bourke, who is one of the world’s leading experts on the Martian landscape. Another aspect of space travel plans is The Mars One Reality project which has caused even more interest in space exploration that could rocket Irish astrophysicist Joseph Roche on an astonishing one way trip 55m miles into space. Recent block-
buster film, Interstellar, has also been linked to the public’s recent interest in the possibility of space travel. In an age of advanced technology, the scientific community are hopeful of these ambitious plans but are remaining realistic about these goals. Dr Bourke, who is an academic from Trinity, said “We can’t go presently to Mars ... so we do analogue studies where we go to landscapes in Ireland, Africa and Australia and we study those desert landscapes, landscapes with dunes and with very large dry canyons like we find on Mars. “We take that knowledge and transfer it to other planets like Mars and try to figure out the story behind how that landscape formed. “I would love to be a geologist on the surface of Mars,” she said, “but with the current technology of transport of hu-
mans to there and the prospects of survivability, not right now.” Dr Bourke said people such as Dublin scientist Dr Roche, who hopes to journey to the Red Planet with the Mars One mission, will be in a highlyvolatile landscape with extreme temperatures and exploding meteorites. “Mars is very inhospitable to people right now,” she said. On a daily cycle you might have something like 50 Celsius experienced between the morning and night. We have a very thick atmosphere here relative to Mars. Even small meteorites the size of a pebble at terminal velocity hitting anything on the ground, like a human - that will be a very extreme situation for the astronaut. “We documented that happening frequently on Mars. The winds are howling on Mars and we know there are sandstorms that engulf the entire planet.”
November 20 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING | 17
Hazel Grove Esplanade Bray 4 Bed Semi Detached Home In need of Refurbishment Stunning Views over Bray Seafront and Bray Head Approx 1427 Sq Ft 132.57 Sq Metres Plot Size 520 Sq Metres
Guide €400k On the Instruction of the Court Appointed A dministrator
Chrysanthemum Cottage Blacklion Greystones 2 Bed Cottage on 0.7 Acres Development opportunity site Zoning: RE - Existing Residential
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Bray Delgany Greystones 20 10 300
18 | LIFESTYLE
wicklowvoice.ie November 20 2014
my favourite things
Raker check jacket €150 and waistcoat €65, Quaker trousers €59.99, shirt €49.99, tie €25, Debenhams
Tie €15, Shirt €38, Jacket €250, Jeans €22, M&S
Red Merino V Neck €60, Blue Oxford Penny Collar €50, Navy Sartorial Tie €20, Brown Boxed Casual Belt €35, Brown Brogues €80, Dunnes
Santa Shirt €9, Grey Wool Skinny Leg Trs €22, Heritage Blazer €40, Chelsea Boots €20, Penneys
Dress, Monsoon, €190
WHAT’S HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie Jumpsuit, Penneys, €18
Gold heels, Office, €80
Faux fur stole, Miss Selfridge, €32.99
Necklace, EllieBelle, €40
Lace dress, M&S, €75
LIFESTYLE| 19
November 20 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
recipes
Peter Byrne
FILLET OF COD WITH CHORIZO AND BUTTER BEANS
wine choice ALIANCA DAO RESERVA Portugal - The Parting Glass, Enniskerry, €12.99 This is a blend of local varietals from the Dao region of central Portugal, the next river valley down from the Duoro which is the Port river. The grapes used are: Tinta Roriz (best known as Tempranillo), Jaen (best known as Mencia) and Touriga Nacional. This is a deliciously rich wine with lots of wild red fruits, herb and spice flavours on the nose.
INGREDIENTS For four people • 1 large fillet cod skinned and portioned • 200g good quality chorizo diced • 250g cooked butter beans • 1 lemon zest • 12 leaves basil • 120ml chicken stock • 80ml dry sherry • 12 cherry vine tomatoes
(quartered) • Olive oil • Rock salt In black cast iron pans, place the butter beans in the bottom of the dish. On top lay the seasoned cod, then place the rest of the ingredients on top and around. Place the lid on and cook on the solid top slowly until the cod is cooked. Served in the dish.
Brian Walsh
Head Chef at the Pigeon House Cafe in Delgany
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
ROAST DUCK BREAST WITH PICKLED BEETROOTS, BLACKBERRIES AND MERLOT VINEGAR DRESSING INGREDIENTS For four people Four duck breast Pickled Beetroots • Two large golden beetroots* • Two large purple beetroots* • Two large pink beetroots* • 300g apple juice • 100g champagne vinegar • 100g olive oil • 50g sugar • 5g salt • Small bunch of Thyme • Two bay leaf *Slice and cook colours separately Blackberry Dressing • 200ml merlot vinegar • 50ml olive oil • 20 blackberries
METHOD
1.Pre heat the oven to 180c (gas mark 5) 2. Place beetroot juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt,sugar, thyme and
bay in a small pot and bring to boil 3. Place sliced beetroots in liquid and cook for eight minuets until tender 4. Reduce merlot vinegar by 1/2 the add slice blackberry and 50ml olive oil, season to taste 5. Heat a large oven proof pan on a medium heat 6. Season the duck breast with salt and pepper, place in pan skin side down cook for two minutes then turn and cook for
one minuets on the flesh side 7. Turn onto skin side and place in the oven for eight minutes for a pink breast 8.Take duck out of oven a let the meat rest before one minute before slicing
TO PLATE
Arrange two of each colour of the beetroots on the plate, slice duck in three and place around the beetroots, spoon over vinaigrette
20 | SERVICES
wicklowvoice.ie November 20 2014
classifieds
BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT ONE OF OUR TEAM TODAY
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BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT ONE OF OUR TEAM TODAY
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22 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie November 20 2014
Water sports warning after death of Shane By Michelle McGlynn
THERE has been an appeal for those involved in water sports to remain vigilant when it comes to water safety following the tragic death of 21-year-old kayaker, Shane Murphy. Shane lost his life after he went missing on the Inchavore River near the Wicklow Mountains. Shane was an experienced kayaker and was in his second year studying Outdoor Education in Coláiste Dhúlaigh. Despite Shane’s experience and knowledge, the group kayaking trip ended in a terrible tragedy. Colm Dempsey, chairman of Wicklow Water Safety Area Committee, told the Wicklow Voice that it was “a shock and an unfortunate tragedy”. He went on to explain that an accident such as this would be
sport in brief Greystones RFC IT’S that time of year again ladies! We are delighted to announce the date for this years Ladies Christmas GRFC Night Baubles, Bubbles & Bling. Please join us for a night of cocktails, nibbles, dancing and lots of fun. The club will be transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland and Christmas set with beautiful hand made decorations. Tickets are available from behind the bar at only €20 each to include, delicious nibbles, a welcome drink, and dancing until very late. Tickets are available online through Eventbrite. THE Annual La Touche Wines Fair comes to the Club on November 21 from 4.30pm. With over 80 wines, Sheridans cheeses, xmas corporate gifts, hampers, vouchers and lots more. Tickets are €15 from La Touche Wines (01 2873826) and proceeds go to Greystones
rare in a controlled situation involving experienced participants of water sports but as with all adventure sports there is always going to be an inherent risk involved. “Wicklow Water Safety Area Committee would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Shane’s family and friends, especially those who were there on the day. His friends should be commended for their actions, they did everything possible to save him and put in calls to all the correct emergency services,” Colm added. His friends put in at least three distress calls and when Shane was finally pulled from the water, one member of the group performed CPR for approximately 15 minutes before he was airlifted to Tallaght Hospital where he was pronounced dead. “If you are par-
taking in any water sports you should call the emergency services the moment something seems to be going wrong. “It is better to have to ask them to stand down than to lose precious time,” explained Colm. “It is tragic that a young man who loved sports and was involved in all kinds of outdoor pursuits should lose his life after something went wrong.” Shane, whose funeral took place on Monday, has been described by those who knew him as a genuinely nice character who went out of his way to be friendly. From Baldoyle in Co Dublin, Shane is survived by his parents Louise and Ray, his two brothers Stephen and Alex and his sister Leah. The family have encouraged people to donate to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Cancer Support and Wicklow Hospice.
were 1, 2, 3 and 5.
Wicklow Garden County Academy THE U14’s were exposed to both university life and elite performance on the DCU campus in Glasnevin. They were given a tour which included all of DCU state of the art high performance equipment. The next section saw All Ireland winner Dean Rock give an excellent insight into the lifestyle of inter county player. Other quality talks were given from DCU and former Donegal senior coach, Joe McBrierty, as well as nutrition and academic talks from DCU’s football programme. THE U16’s are looking forward to their own visit to the DCU campus on November 29.
Bray Emmets GAA PLEASE note that our Jackpot now stands at a whopping €10,500. There was no Match 4 winner of the Club Lotto on November 14 when the numbers drawn
WE are hoping to put together a group of Irish Speakers in the club. We will meet for an hour in the clubhouse, on a night suitable for the majority, and while enjoying a cup of tea/biscuits have a chat. E-mail or text your interest to Brian Lambe 087 6970589 or brianmaura@hotmail.com
Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney GAA LADIES AGM is on November 21 upstairs in the Harbour Bar at 8.30pm. Juvenile Boys AGM is on November 27 in Gaelcholáiste na Mara at 8pm. Please note change of date. Club Executive AGM is on December 5 in Gaelcholáiste na Mara at 8pm. THE U8 – U14 Girls Mini AllIreland Tournament has been rescheduled for November 22. It will take place in Pearse Park from 10am to 2pm. The U16 Boys will play their Championship Final against Carnew Emmets on November 23 in Pearse Park, with the throw in at 12.15pm.
WANT TO GIVE YOUR CLUB A VOICE? EMAIL YOUR NOTES TO INFO@WICKLOWVOICE.IE
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November 20 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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Stones flying high as they thump Ards GREYSTONES RFC produced an astonishing second half performance last Saturday to destroy Ards in Newtownards by 75 points to 19. The Seagulls led by 26-12 at half time but put up a whopping 49 points in the second period. They are now the highest points scorers in Division 2B of the All-Ireland Rugby League with 202 from six outings. They have four wins under their belt and sit comfortably in fourth place in the table. Their next match is at Dr Hickey Park on December 6. Why not come along to support Greystones as they fly the flag for Wicklow at a national level?!
Colm Tresson - legend! Colm Tresson was the first inductee into the Bray Wanderers Hall of Fame established at this year’s club end-of-season awards night held on November 8. Colm, now 43, is a Wanderers legend in the true sense of the
word. He joined Wanderers as a teenager in 1990 and only retired from the club in 2012 aged 41. Colm has an FAI Cup winners medal which he achieved with Bray in 1999. He also has a First Division League Title medal from the 1999/2000 campaign. He remains the clubs record appearance holder, with 439 outings for the Seasiders (during which he netted 74 goals, an impressive haul for a defensive midfield player). Daz, as he is affectionately known by the Carlisle faithful, won the Player of The Month award an incredible 14 times, and Player of the Year award five times (both club records). He was also PFAI First Division Player of the Year in 1999/2000.
Stephanie Roche goal on FIFA shortlist The stunning volley which local girl Stephanie Roche (she hails from just over the border in Shankill) scored in October
2013 for Peamount United against Wexford Youths in the Bus Eireann National Women’s League has been nominated for the FIFA Puskas Goal of the Year Award, on a shortlist of 10 along with the likes of Robin Van Persie, Diego Costa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (there are three goals from the 2014 World Cup on the shortlist including RVP’s header versus Spain). This is an incredible achievement for Stephanie, whose goal was viewed 2.5 million times on youtube, and the winner of the award will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or on January 12 next year. You can vote for Stephanie’s goal at FIFA.com. For my money, it would be something of an injustice if Stephanie doesn’t at least make the final shortlist of three (in December). I’ve seen all the goals and Stephanie’s is probably the pick of the bunch in terms of balance and technical execution. Stephanie now plays in France, for ASPTT Albi.
Pictured with Margie McCarthy of SFI was Avondale Community College students Mark Roche and Cormac Ward, who received an Excellence in STEM Award at the SciFest@SFI Discover national final for their project which investigated the common cow virus Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD).
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