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wicklowvoice.ie November 6 2014
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Local firm wins ‘Wildlife Oscar’
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Greystones company beats Disney and BBC
NOVEMBER HOUSE PARTY FRI 7TH
A WICKLOW film company has beaten off fierce competition from Disney and the BBC to win the WWF Golden Panda Award. Greystones firm Crossing The Line Productions walked away with the top award at The Wildscreen Festival, known as the Oscars of the natural history and wildlife film industry. The Wicklow team of five travelled to Bristol in England for the ceremony which saw their documentary, On a River in Ireland - which screened on RTÉ as a two-part series, The Secret Life of the Shannon scoop the top award. Their win is a remarkable achievement as they were up against industry giants such as Disneynature, with their hugely popular documentary Chimpanzee, and the man whose
(SOUL, FUNK, DISCO)
By Michelle McGlynn
Panda-monium: Colin Stafford-Johnson , Cepa Giblin and John Murray after winning their Golden Panda » Lots more pictures from around the county inside name is synonymous with natural history documentary, David Attenborough and his documentary Natural History Museum Alive. “We were delighted to come
away with the award, this is the one we really wanted,” producer Cepa Giblin told the Wicklow Voice. “The festival is held every two years, so On a River in Ireland
was the best natural history documentary in the last two years. “At the Wildscreen Festival you’re up against the cream of the crop. Films that have a €10m budget. So for a small Irish company to win is really something,” Cepa continued. Crossing the Line are a small team currently employing five full-time staff and hire crew on a shoot-by-shoot basis. Wildscreen Festival said of their choice for Best of Festival, “A beautifully conceived film where the script, photography, music and editing create a magical hour, reconnecting us with nature in a way that very few films do today.” On a River in Ireland certainly resonated with those who attended the ‘Wildlife Oscars’ as it walked away with three awards overall. Continued on page 4
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4 | NEWS news in brief Bray Local Expo
wicklowvoice.ie November 6 2014
Delgany mum is Zoo’s millionth visitor
THE Third Bray Local Expo will take place in the Royal Hotel on November 29, from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Anyone who wishes to exhibit can contact Darren Darker on 087 2320590 or Bray Chamber on 01 2828248.
Road Works Surfacing works on the road leading up to the Killincarrig Rounabouts in Greystones will be carried out on November 4, 5 and 6. There will hopefully be line marking done on Friday. This is to avoid excessive traffic congestion from the large machinery required to carry out this work. Surfacing works on the footpaths should commence next week.
‘Emily’ wraps Irish film ‘My Name is Emily’ that was directed by Simon Fitzmaurice from Greystones, wrapped filming this week. The Irish Film Board supported drama will now enter post-production. The post-production for ‘My Name is Emily’ will take place in Windmill Lane with sound work being completed at Chimney Pot in Sweden.
Julie and husband Colin, along with daughters Grace, Charlotte, Sophie, Emily and their cousins Lucy McGrath and Caitlin O’Mahony, were treated to a VIP family day at the Zoo. By Peter Murphy A MUM from Delgany became the one millionth visitor in 2014 to Dublin Zoo when she arrived with her family during the mid-term break. Delighted Julie O’Mahony arrived to the Zoo with her husband Colin, along with daughters Grace, Charlotte, Sophie, Emily and their cousins Lucy McGrath and Caitlin O’Mahony, who were all treated to a VIP family day at the Zoo. “Thanks to Angela and everyone at the Zoo, we had
a really memorable visit and were so delighted to be the one millionth visitors,” said Julie. “We go each year but for various reasons left it late this year, so glad we did! Only managed to see half the animals with all the excitement so will have to go back soon. It’s a super family day out,” added Julie. They received a hamper of goodies from the zoo gift shop and met zookeepers James Creighton and Brendan Walsh from the elephant care team who took them to the
LIVE LOUNGE NOVEMBER
Kaziranga Forest Trail and gave them a private keeper talk. “Thank you to all the gang at Dublin Zoo. “We had an amazing day yesterday. “We will never forget the experience of being your one millionth visitor in 2014,” said husband Colin. Dublin Zoo is celebrating a record year in which one million visitors have already passed through its doors and saw families from all over the country during the mid-term break from school.
Local firm scoops ‘Oscar’
Continued from previous page
NOVEMBER: SAT 1ST SUN 2ND THUR 6TH FRI 7TH SAT 8TH SUN 9TH THU 13TH FRI 14TH SAT 15TH SUN 16TH
THE VIKING PROJECT FOLK ROCK THE LOST BROTHERS AMERICANA/FOLK THE HOT SPROCKETS COUNTRY DIRT HEROES IN HIDING FOLK ROCK ODDSOCKS RHYTHM AND GROOVE LEE MEHAN & HUGH BUCKLEY JAZZ/SOUL BEN PREVO BAND BLUES THE DODGY FEW SKA/REGGAE BUNOSCIONN ALTERNATIVE IRISH FOLK & TRAD DERMOT BYRNE BLUES
HOMEBREW AND THE BAD EXAMPLES FRI 21ST PETE PAMF FUNK SAT 22ND DEUCE RORY GALLAGHER TRIBUTE SUN 23RD THE LONGTAILS FOLK THU 20TH
THU 27TH FRI 28TH SAT 29TH SUN 30TH
BUFFOS WAKE GYPSY PUNK, HORROR FOLK AMAZING APPLES IRISH FOLK ROCK MOO POST-WESTERN ROCK EAST COAST JAZZ BAND DIXIELAND JAZZ
COUNTRY, WESTERN SWING
THEY received the award for Best Script and shared the Panasonic Cinematography Award with Chimpanzee. Greystones native and Managing Director, John Murray, was the director and main cameraman on the Shannon documentary which captured some firsts in Irish wildlife filming. The award-winning production was the first to film Irish wildlife in slow motion - a method they used to capture the movements of kingfishers and red squirrels. Crossing the Line have just begun work on a BBC project which will travel the West Coast of Ireland from Kerry to Antrim. As for a future production in the Garden County, Cepa says that it is something the team would be interested in pursuing although it would take a couple of years to come to fruition. On A River In Ireland previously won the grand prize at the 12th biennial Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival in 2013. Filmed over two years, the documentary follows host Colin Stafford-Johnson as he explores the Irish river’s inhabitants and flora and fauna in a canoe.
Judge asked to explain ‘row’ charge reprieve for Roche’s son By Peter Murphy
A DISTRICT Court Judge has defended his decision to strike out charges of affray against former Junior Minister Dick Roche’s son. Following a request by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Judge John Coughlan has set out the “extenuating circumstance” to the High Court that saw him dismiss the charges against five men in exchange for a payment to charity. Ben Roche, son of former minister for environment and Wicklow TD, Dick Roche, was charged with affray along with David O’Connell, Michael Gaffney and Joseph Boyle. All pleaded guilty when they came before Bray District Court in November 2012. After gathering evidence from this case, Judge Coughlan decided that this incident was an ‘old fashioned row’. He learned that a fifth man, David Kilbride, had instigated the row and struck one of the individuals prior to the assault on Mr Kilbride. CCTV footage showed Kilbride walking way after assaulting one of the men and then being pursued by the group who knocked him to the ground and kicked and punched him. Judge Coughlan struck the matter out and recorded no conviction upon the four men,
ordering them instead to pay a fine of €1000 each to charity, and Kilbride to pay €150. The High Court will review his decision to see if Justice Coughlan erred in law and a hearing is set for December 12. At the time, Justice Coughlan dealt with each of the accused separately and took into account their occupations and backgrounds. He learned that O’Connell was an investment advisor and had no previous convictions. “At this stage, having regard to the mitigating factors as outlined to me by solicitor for O’Connell, principally a plea of guilty, that the accused was drunk during the offence, was remorseful, the absence of previous convictions, and was in gainful employment, I decided that I would exercise my discretion in striking the matter out upon a payment to charity and thus leave the accused without a conviction,” Justice Coughlan said. He was then informed that Roche was a qualified solicitor who had not yet found employment. He gave the same charge of €1000 to charity. Mr Gaffney, who had been a computer scientist and Mr Boyle a self-employed painter were both given similar charges. Mr. Kilbride was unemployed and had two children, he was ordered to pay €150 to charity.
Ferris tells of adoption pain By Michelle McGlynn
TD ANNE Ferris has spoken about how she was forced to give her baby up for adoption after she was date-raped at the age of 16. “I became pregnant as a teenager. It was what we’d call these days a date-rape,” revealed the brave politician. Her parents had decided that she was too young to raise the child while they themselves were an elderly couple and were unable to look after the little girl themselves. “So they took the decision that my baby would be put up for
adoption. It wasn’t my choice.” Ferris, Labour TD for Wicklow who lives in Bray, told that she felt bitter at the time but that she later realised that her parents had made the best decision for her. Ferris is an outspoken campaigner for adoption rights and holds the unusual position of having experienced both sides of adoption. Within a short space of time, Ferris found out that she herself had been adopted. It was her own life experiences that led to her publishing the Open Adoption Bill 2014 in May of this year.
NEWS |5
November 6 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Barry Monaghan (AR kickboxing) and Keith ó Rulligan, the main event fighters, and Masan Ghorbani at the Masters Temple fight night in the Royal Hotel in Bray last Sunday
Billy and Ann Forde out and about in Wicklow Town
Karl, Ellie (1) and Linda O’Farrell at the Bray Halloween Parade
Tony and Lynn Duggan from Killincarrig celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary last Friday with a blessing in St Patrick’s Church Kilquade (where they were married 50 years ago) followed by a celebration meal in Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy. Included in photo are daughters Evelina and Linda (back row) and son Mark, Tony and Lynn Duggan and daughter Kristine
Chloe Hurley from Arklow pictured with Darren Kennedy from RTE during the filming of RTE2`s new feisty fashion series in the Bridgewater Shopping Centre (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Joey (4) and Aaron Chumakson (4) at the Bray Halloween Parade
From cute Minnie Mouse to a scary Zombie baby, the O Brien sisters, Mary, May, Johanna & Ellie certainly had lots of trick or treats in Arklow during Halloween (pic Yvette O Beirne)
6| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie November 6 2014
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WICKLOW’S picturesque Kilmacurragh House and Gardens are at the centre of a potential row with the Office of Public Works (OPW) after a stinging rebuke by one of Ireland’s foremost tree experts. Author and renowned horticulturalist Thomas Pakenham has slammed the OPW regarding the derelict nature of the house, the gardens of which are amongst the finest in Ireland. “The OPW must now realise that it is their obligation to restore the house,” he said. “The house is the centrepiece of these botanical gardens, which are the most important internationally in Ireland.” “I feel strongly that the OPW has shirked its responsibility for many years. They have spent a great deal of money restoring the national gardens in Glasnevin, but Kilmacurragh
has been passed over,” he added. With the appointment of Greystones’ Simon Harris to the ministry of finance with responsibility for the OPW, it has been speculated that Kilmacurragh’s prospects for restoration are greater than at any time in recent history. Matthew Jebb, director of the National Botanical Gardens with responsibility for Kilmacurragh, has hinted that a revamp of the house could be on the way in response to Pakenham’s outburst. “Minister Harris has taken a keen interest in the matter and we are planning to review the options that are open to us,” he told the Wicklow Voice. “Mr Pakenham is quite correct in pointing out that the house forms the focus to much of the garden. All of us in the National Historic Properties unit would dearly love to see the House preserved and restored. While
the original purchase was made on the condition that the house would not be restored, this is a condition that has been regularly re-visited and once again is being carefully reconsidered,” Mr Jebb added. The world-famous gardens, located between Wicklow Town and Rathdrum, are the centrepiece of an 18th century estate that once comprised over 5,000 acres. While the gardens are well maintained, the house itself has stood in ruins since the OPW took over the site in 1996. The once imperious building was rendered derelict by two fires in 1978 and 1982, and was later stripped of most of its fittings, front door and staircase. “Everyone who visits asks about the house. There is always a great sadness expressed that the house is in ruins,” says head gardener at Kilmacurragh Seamus O’Brien. The gardens attract 50,000 visitors each year.
Des, Aimee (3) and Adam Burke at the Bray Halloween Parade
news in brief Cancer Support A SUPER draw for Greystones Cancer Support marks 20 years of community support. Tickets are nearly sold out - call 2871601 or email info@Greystones CancerSupport.com
Repair Cafe REPAIR Cafe offer people a chance to come down and repair broken possessions and learn how to repair them alongside expert volunteers. This is at the Park Pavilion
in Wicklow on 8th November from 10 a.m to 2.00 p.m.
Fabia preview SINNOTT Autos, ŠKODA’s Wicklow dealership has announced November 12th and 13th as the eagerly anticipated dates for the brand new ŠKODA Fabia that will be available for preview for Wicklow drivers. For mote information contact: Raymond Leddy Head of Marketing and Product and Skoda Ireland 0872339377 Raymond.leddy@Skoda.ie
School Award WICKLOW
Educate
Together National School has been nominated for an award at the upcoming FÍS Film Festival for their film “Dexter”. The school in Wicklow is amongst 23 other schools that have been chosen from over 100 entries received from all over the country. The event will be hosted by RTÉ’s Sinead Kennedy and Eoghan McDermott.
Masquerade Drama THE World Premier play: The Nature of the Beast continues this week on 31 October, and 1 November at St. Mary’s College, Arklow. Tickets available on the door.
November 6 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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8 | NEWS wicklowvoice.ie November 6 2014
Thousands take to the streets in water protests
By Michelle McGlynn
THOUSANDS of people took to the streets in towns all over Wicklow last weekend to protest the water charges. There were five marches held in the county on November 1, taking place in Blessington, Bray, Greystones, Wicklow Town and Arklow. It has been estimated by organisers that over 10,000 people in total participated with approximately 5,000 people demonstrating in Bray alone. Despite the heavy rain in some areas, the marches were some of the largest protests seen in the county in recent memory. The sight of elderly people with walking aids participating in the lengthy march is indicative of how strongly Wicklow residents feel about the water charges. Emotions were running high on the day but many people kept
their spirits up and encouraged by the large turnout, they waved their placards enthusiastically. Most retained a sense of humour about the situation with signs reading ‘Fluich your water charges’ while the rhyme ‘Enda Kenny not a penny’ was also popular. Irish Water has plans to address this matter but it will take at least four years before a plant is operational. Maureen Griffin of the Wicklow Right2Water committee said that the organisation was thrilled with the numbers of people supporting the demonstrations. Several councillors took part in the protests and addressed the crowds. Cllr John Snell addressed the 3, 000 protesters in Market Square, Wicklow Town saying, “There is a lot of anger over this unjust tax. “The level of participation in the protest shows that the peo-
ple of east Wicklow are united.” Sinn Féin councillor John Brady addressed the Bray participants on the day and has said, “The people in Wicklow and around the county have spoken with their feet and delivered a message to the four Wicklow government TDs, Enda Kenny and Joan Burton. The tax will suck another €14.5m from the local economy in Wicklow.” Meanwhile, Cllr Gerry O’Neill expressed his delight at the turnout in Blessington, “The population is very dispersed in this part of the county so we were very happy with the number in attendance.” Organiser of the Greystones rally Jacqui Johnston stated the importance of the local protests to give those who cannot travel to Dublin the opportunity to protest. Wicklow Right2Water will be involved in a protest outside the Dáil on December 10.
1410115_Wicklow_Voice_265x165mm_Layout 1 04/11/2014 13:06 Page 1
news in brief National Schools NATIONAL schools in Wicklow are being urged to sign up by November 7 for the Blue Star programme. The Programme aims to introduce pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community to the EU, what it means and how it works. Contact information: bluestar@ europeanmovement.ie or phone (01) 662 5815.
Drama festival CALLING all drama groups. For your chance to be part of the 60th Wicklow ICA Drama Festival make sure your send in your entry by November 15. This open festival, not confined to ICA groups, will be in Glenealy Village Hall from January 23-25, 2015. Contact Hilda Roche 087 9833935 or email chroche@ eircom.net for full details.
Playground
It was estimated that approx 2,000 took to the streets of Arklow in protest against the Water Charges (pic Yvette O Beirne)
INDEPENDENT Councillor Jennifer Whitmore has lobbied Wicklow County Council to extend the playground on Mill Road in Greystones to include the grassed area that currently sits within the boundary of the Municipal District offices.
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November 6 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Greystones Harbour: we should have equal access
I
am, what is commonly known as, a blow-in. And a pretty new one at that. Myself and my husband moved to Greystones just four years ago. I wasn’t around to enjoy many of the places that locals look back on with fond memories. I never knew The La Touche in its full glory, or the Gap Bridge. And I never knew the old harbour. I never swam there, played with the kids there, or fished off the rocks. When I arrived, work had already begun on the new harbour. In fact, work had already begun and had stopped on the harbour. I think I’m lucky not to have memories of the old harbour, tied in with memories of fun times and youth - it means that when I look at the new harbour, I can see only potential and what it could and should be. The harbour was built as a PPP – a private public partnership. The public part of the partnership (me and you via Wicklow County Council) gave a developer prime development land, part of our foreshore and our old harbour in exchange for a new, upgraded and safe harbour. In a PPP, the public part of the partnership give assets, rather than money, for the project. The private part stumps up the cash. But they don’t do so for altruistic purposes – they do it as an investment that will give them an opportunity to make money in the future. In the case of the harbour, the agreement was that we would give over our land, and in return we would get a new, improved harbour. It was to be a win-win situation. However, there are some in our community that feel that they have not won anything – in fact, they have lost a lot. Some of these people are the fishermen. The fishermen were consulted frequently during the planning and development stages of the harbour. They were led to believe that they would be accommodated in the harbour. That, as they had used the harbour in the years before development began, they would be a part of the new harbour once it was built. That the tradition of fishing in Greystones would continue. Unfortunately, now that the new harbour has moved off the drawing board and into reality, the fishermen are being told by some that the harbour is too exclusive, too small, too private, that they are too smelly and just not the type of boat that belongs in
Greystones Harbour. We are being told that Greystones Harbour is a recreational one, serving as a fantastic facility for 1000 club members. And that is true. The harbour is a great asset to the town. I spent much time down there in the summer and it was fantastic to see the clubs and kids using the harbour, messing around on boats and kayaks, watched closely by their parents. But the last time I looked, there are a lot more than 1000 people in Greystones. There are people in the town that would like to enjoy the harbour in other ways than boating. And many of these people, such as the fishermen, were led to believe that they would be incorporated more fully into the final outcome of the harbour. This has not happened to date. So the question really is: what kind of harbour do we want it to be? Rather than promote the harbour as an exclusive place, a recreational-only harbour, let’s make it as inclusive as possible. Yes, let’s acknowledge that the harbour is fantastic for clubs and visiting yachts. But let’s also open it up to others in our community. Let’s give our fishermen access to it. Let’s make it more visually appealing for people walking the area. Let’s provide simple things like benches and dog litter bins. It’s really not much to ask – seeing as we are partners in this development. We need to work together, as true partners, to turn a great recreational harbour into fantastic community harbour – one that we can all be proud of. Jennifer Whitmore is an Independent member of Wicklow County Council after topping the poll in May’s local elections. Originally from Wexford, she spent 10 years in Australia before settling in Delgany in 2011.
‘THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE TOWN THAT WOULD LIKE TO ENJOY THE HARBOUR IN OTHER WAYS THAN BOATING’
“Y
IF MINISTER FRANCES FITZGERALD WILL MAKE ME A SUPREME COURT JUDGE, NOT ALONE WILL I WORK FOR THE NEW YELLOW-PACK RATE OF €219,191-A-YEAR I’LL FORGET ABOUT THE €191 AND SETTLE FOR A ROUND €219,000
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 Jennifer Whitmore with Michael Wolsey
Judge me on my merits, not salary
ou ‘d have to feel sorry for our judges. First the Government cuts their wages to a mere €136,000 a year for the District Court. Then it allows their expenses to be published as if they were plain civil servants or, perish the thought, politicians Some of them must be really struggling. There’s one guy in the District Court had to manage on just €45,000 on top of his salary. Well, that was in 2012. I trust it has gone up by now. Nobody should be expected to survive on a pittance like that. To add insult to injury the Courts Service announced it was cancelling the dinner that traditionally followed the judges’ annual conference. One member of the judiciary was so outraged he suggested boycotting the whole affair. And who could blame him? A day-long conference with just lunch and light refreshments to sustain you? It’s more than any mortal should be asked to bear. And, yet, tough though the life is and poor the recompense, I would love to be a judge. I think I’d look well in the fancy robes and, as you can see from the picture at the top of this column, I could do with a wig. Having a servile tipstaff to clear the way for me as I parade through the Four Courts would be great craic… So if the Department of Justice is finding it difficult to recruit judges in these straitened times, the minister can always turn to me. I won’t look for travel expenses at all or an overnight allowance even if I do have to go all the way to Dublin. And I won’t complain about the new bargain basement wages. It will be hard to manage on such paltry pay, I know; but hell, I’m a patriot. For the good of the nation I’ll make the sacrifice. In fact I’m prepared to strike a deal right now. If Minister Frances Fitzgerald will make me a Supreme Court judge, not alone will I work for the new yellowpack rate of €219,191-a-year I’ll forget about the €191 and settle for a round €219,000. A sort of luck penny from me to the department. Do you want to shake on it now Minister? Chief Justice Susan Denham says lawyers really can’t work for the new rates of pay. Cutting the travel allowance for High Court judges who live outside Dublin is the last straw, according to a letter she wrote to Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin. One candidate for a High Court vacancy withdrew his name “after concluding he could not afford to take the position’’. Now, you know what Minister? Even if lawyers can’t afford to judge in the High Court for a paltry €206,618, journalists can. Well this journalist can, anyway. I might draw the line at taking the job in Moldova where a senior judge gets just €3,220 a year or Ukraine where the pay is a meagre €6,120, and no danger
money. Bulgaria’s €10,230 wouldn’t interest me and, even if I could find Azerbaijan I’m not going to sit on its bench for a mere €11,364. I might have been tempted by England’s starting salary of €120,998 or Switzerland’s €126,206. But then I saw what our lads are being paid. No way am I joining the emigration queue for a pittance of €126,206. A survey by the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice shows a newly-appointed judge in Ireland earned more than three times the average of 46 countries surveyed in 2010, the most recent year for which figures are available. The survey looked at 46 countries and found Irish judges were enjoying starting salaries more than three times the average of €46,056. That ratio holds true even after the recent pay cuts. Only one country in Europe pays its judges more than Ireland and that is our Celtic cousins in Scotland. The rate there would probably have gone even higher if they had got independence. There could have been a brain drain. Especially if the Scots were paying a travel allowance. I’ve a feeling that Chief Justice Denham would not be impressed by my appointment. In her letter to Brendan Howlin she warned that Ireland could end up with a ‘second best’, judiciary if the Government didn’t fork out a bit more for the lads and lasses on the bench. She’ll point out, no doubt, that my legal qualifications aren’t great – non-existent, in fact. But I’m not badly educated, I’ve had a lot of experience of life, I haven’t complained about the water charges and I don’t usually start drinking until the afternoon. You could do worse, Minister. I’ve a pretty clear idea of right and wrong and if I’m unsure about a legal point I’ll adjourn the case and take advice. Which is what judges do all the time. In Ireland we assume judges must come from a legal background, But that’s not the case everywhere. In some American states judges up to about the level of our District Courts are elected and could come from any background. If they make the grade they will be eligible for higher appointments. I have doubts about the wisdom of electing judges, but there is nothing radically wrong with the American system; nothing to prove that judges must come from the ranks of lawyers. So think about my offer, please, Minister. If I get the job I promise to turn up on time and not take more than an hour for lunch. I’ll even work on bank holidays. Sure where would you get a worker like that for €200,000 a year? 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 6 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
anyotherbusiness
Have you got a story? Then email thecaptain@wicklowvoice.ie
focus on faces Donal Skehan, TV presenter, food writer and cook
How’s life? BUSY! I’m just back from a two-week stint filming in Vietnam for a new Food Network series which will air next year. We are also gearing up for my nationwide Spar Kitchen Hero Live tour which kicks off on November 1. My new RTE series Donal’s Irish Feast is hitting screens in mid-November and when the tour wraps we are filming my Christmas special for the Donal’s Irish Feast series. It’s all go! What was it about cooking that initially enticed you? I love the feeling of creating a meal out of a few simple ingredients. Whether it’s a quick dinner for myself and my fiancé Sofie or a Christmas feast for 20 people, cooking for me is all about entertaining and making guests feel welcome.
Fiona Coghlan, Captain of the Ireland team, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014, and Paddy Barnes, Olympic medalist, pictured at the launch of the Pumped Schools’ Video Awards, supported by Bayer in partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation and the Federation of Irish Sport. The awards seek to encourage secondary school students up to 16 years to produce 90-second movies on a heart health theme. With a total prize fund of €10,000, the winner of each of three categories will scoop €3,000 for their school’s sports department. St. Gerard’s School in Bray came third in last year’s Pumped Schools’ Video Awards thanks to an entry by its team of Joshua Dargan-Hayes and Cian Kelly-Lyth.
There is no justification to hike transport fares
T
he various increases in public transport costs (across Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann, DART and LUAS) approved last month by the National Transport Authority are simply unfair. It’s just like shooting fish in a barrel. A lot of people have no choice but to take the bus or train to work. To the work that has seen their paypacket eroded on an ongoing basis over the last few years. Surely the NTA has granted enough increases to the various transport companies over this time? It would have been much fairer on the working population if the government subvention had been increased. During the recession the subvention was decreased and this triggered the massive compound increases in fares from the transport companies since 2008. Surely the budget could have done a bit more than hold the subvention at current levels? It all adds up to the post-modern economic position this government seems to be happy with
Brian Quigley as we come out of recession. Gone is the old maxim ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’. Instead they have engineered the economics in such a way that the ordinary family is getting poorer as the country gets richer. The fare increases are just the latest example of this. I don’t agree with putting excessive pressure on the public transport companies to minimise losses just so the government doesn’t have to increase the subvention. Yes, these companies should be run efficiently just like any other company. But they are more than a company, they are a public service. People deserve something back for the high taxes they pay. Like a good transport system sub-
sidised to a generous level by the government. An improved public health system would be nice too. But what of the Leap cards? Aren’t they becoming better and better value, with fare increases relatively less if you use a Leap card? I’m sure they are. But they primarily benefit Dublin-based commuters. There are plenty of commuters in various parts of County Wicklow who can’t avail of Leap cards. It’s a bit like the ad from a few years back where people were asked not to drink and drive coming up to Christmas. ‘’Take the DART, Bart. Take a taxi, Maxi.’’ Fine if you live in Dublin where DART’s and taxis are abundant. Callous if you live in a more remote place. A bit Marie Antoinette ‘Let them eat cake’. Obviously there is an agenda to do away with cash on buses altogether, and just have Leap cards. As from this year publictransport buses in London don’t allow cash payment of fares. I won’t argue with the convenience of these cards or the decreased journey times that come with more people using them.
But think about it. Leap cards mean you have to front-load your hard-earned money onto the card. Essentially the transport company has the benefit of your cash before you actually need to use it. It’s a bit like the way you have to buy your ticket for a gig a year in advance, just so you can be sure of a seat at Bruce or Elton or Garth. Well, maybe not Garth. MCD or whoever is making loads in interest out of you paying in advance. Makes you mad, doesn’t it?! And once it’s all Leap card, they are free to jack up the price at will as they are not trying to entice you to use them over cash any more. In other countries in Europe public transport is much better subsidised and better value. It is recognised that the public transport system is something to be invested in and provided at value, not squeezed. Maybe we are a bit myopic here. Provide a better service at better value and you will get the money back in improved overall efficiency of your economy and workforce.
What is the best tip anyone has ever given you in relation to cooking? Not to be afraid of unusual ingredients or new techniques. A lot of the time a recipe method might sound far more complicated than it is to actually do it! With over 100, 000 subscribers on YouTube, television shows on RTE, BBC and Fox International, how are you dealing with the fame that accompanies such success? ‘Fame’ is a funny one, especially in Ireland. I find Irish people are great in the way that they will say hello or ask for a photo but are never intrusive. More often than not, Irish fans will just wave or say ‘Hi Donal’ and leave it at that. I will admit to being very excited to be recognised in Vietnam because my show airs on Fox International over there. As we head into the colder, winter months what are your favourite dishes to make at this time of year? I am a real fan of comfort food classics. I find I make a lot of soups and stews during the colder months. Things like Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew and my mom’s Coq au Vin Blanc are also regulars during the winter. You have recently praised The Happy Pear Cookbook by Wicklow’s own Flynn brothers. What are some of your other favourite spots to eat in the Garden County? I am a big fan of The Strawberry Tree in Brooklodge. It’s the only certified organic restaurant in the world which is amazing. Also any trip to Wicklow calls for a quick visit to Avoca Café. Congratulations on your recent engagement. How are the wedding plans coming along? Are you finding it difficult to decide the menu? Thank you! The plans are moving along nicely. We have visited lots of amazing venues around the country but we think we have found the perfect spot. Deciding on the menu isn’t difficult because we both know we want something laid back but delicious. Sofie has looked at dresses and flowers and all that kind of stuff that I have nothing to do with! What can audiences expect when your live cookery show, Kitchen Hero Two comes to Bray? Lots of fun! The idea of the tour is to inspire people to get into their kitchen and get cooking. If the audience see me cook through a recipe in its entirety in a matter of minutes and get to taste it, I hope they will be inspired to give it a shot. A live cooking show is so different from watching it on TV. As soon as those chillies hit the pan and the aromas fill the air, I hope the Bray crowd will get excited about trying out some of the recipes. Be prepared for lots of audience participation. Donal Skehan will bring his live cookery show, The Kitchen Hero Two, to the Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray on November 12 at 8pm. Tickets are €22 or €20 concession, available at the box office or www.mermaidartscentre.ie.
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12 | WHAT’S HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
wicklowvoice.ie November 6 2014
EVENT of the week REMEMBRANCE FLOWER FESTIVAL Christ Church, Church Road, Bray, November 7-11, 10am-4pm The Remembrance Flower Festival is a flower festival and exhibition depicting songs and poems from World War 1 and Christmas 1914. Admission is €10 per person. There will be tea, coffee, soup and sandwiches available daily in Poppies Café, The Square, Enniskerry. The official opening and concert with Bray Concert Band will be held on November 7. Admission to the concert is also €10 per person and tickets can be purchased from the parish office and The Travel Boutique, Main Street, Bray. Christ Church have been running a remembrance exhibition for the past five years. This year will be more poignant due to the anniversary of WW1. The festival promises to be every bit as spectacular as previous years. For more information please see Christ Church, Bray or The Travel Boutique.
BARGAIN of the week O’NEILL’S OIL AND SOLID FUELS Unit 2/3 Charvey Lane, Rathnew, 1890 645 645 There’s nothing we love more than a bargain and you can’t find a better bargain as we head into winter than 100 litres of Kerosene for €105 with O’Neill’s Oil and Solid Fuels. This 100% Irish and family run business has built its success through offering quality assured products, competitive prices and an exceptional delivery service. Their main depot in Rathnew is a drive-in fuel depot that offers 20 litre drums of Kerosene, gas oil, road diesel and solid fuels. The O’Neill family are so confident that their prices will not be beaten that they have a Price Match Promise. The promise is simple: They will refund the difference if you find the same product and service cheaper that same day on any other Irish Oil Company website. O’Neill’s Oil and Solid Fuels have even put together a list of energy efficiency tips to help you through the cold winter months. You can find these at www.oneillsoil.ie
BOOK of the week WICKLOW’S TRADITIONAL FARMHOUSES Chris Corlett Until relatively recently, traditional farmhouses were an integral part of the Wicklow landscape. Since the 1960’s new forms of buildings have dominated the countryside. However, hidden down overgrown lanes are many fascinating examples of old farmhouses preserving a wonderful array of traditional features, from thatched roofing to furniture and fittings. A new book by Chris Corlett seeks to record and document these buildings and to raise awareness of the unique way of life that went with them. Chris lives in Wicklow and has a particular interest in the archaeology, history and folklore of his native county. He is a prolific writer and has written numerous articles for academic journals and has also written, compiled and edited numerous books. The book is available to purchase for €20 directly from Wicklow County Council or from local bookshops.
TV SHOW of the week I’M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE
ITV, daily, 9pm
ITV have announced that I’m A Celebrity... contestants will be heading to the Australian jungle on November 16. While the network have not commented on this year’s contestants, the internet is rife with speculation about which fame-hungry celebs will be in the camp this year. Our
SHOW of the week MEDICATED MILK Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray, November 15-16 Lucia Joyce, James’ daughter was a dancer, writer and musician. She spent her last three decades in a mental institution in England died there in 1982. The year Ulysses was published, she began to study dance. In 1931, possibly to please her parents, she began to study ballet in St. Petersburg. But she was too old at 22 to begin and entered into what her father called a month’s tears. In 1935, Lucia was sent to Ireland to stay with family in Bray. She lit a fire on the living room floor, exposed herself to a group of visiting young men, painted her room black and swallowed a whole bottle of aspirin. She ran away and lived on the streets in Dublin for six days. She was found and sent to a Parisian asylum. She never lived on the outside again. Working directly from Lucia’s writings, dancer Áine Stapleton will retell her story in collaboration with Jose Miguel Jimenez (film), Neil O Connor/Somadrone (music) and Sarah Bacon (set).
very own Roy Keane has been thrown around by several people. But alas, the assistant manager to the Republic of Ireland soccer team told Shortlist magazine that he met the “jungle people” but thought “Nah, not for me”. Meanwhile, Bray beauty Laura Whitmore will return to present the ITV2 spin-off show I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here Now along with Joe Swash and comedian Rob Beckett.
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November 6 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week INTERSTELLAR Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Visionary director Christopher Nolan has been typically tightlipped about this extraordinary project. But he promises to add jaw-droppingly innovative visual techniques to his rich storytelling palette in this mind-bending sci-fi. With Matthew McConaughey leading the cast this film is guaranteed to be phenomenal. Single father Cooper (McConaughey) is a highly trained pilot but his skills are redundant in a future world that seems to be turning into a hostile dust bowl. Then a scientist (Michael Caine) persuades him that it is time for mankind to look to the stars for salvation. His idea is to make use of a recently discovered wormhole to find habitable planets. To take part in this risky, pioneering mission, Cooper will have to leave his two young children behind. The film also stars Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck and Anne Hathaway.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
BUSINESS IDEA of the week BNI Glenview Hotel, Delgany, Wednesday mornings BNI is the largest and most successful business referral organisation in the world and operates on a simple philosophy; “Givers Gain” if I give you business then you will want to give me business. BNI Bray has been meeting for over 10 years and its members include builders, accountants, solicitors, mechanics and printers. It is one of most successful chapters in BNI Ireland and has passed over €1M around its table this year! BNI Bray are currently recruiting new members to share in the business generated and
are especially looking for Painters, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, hairdressers, party planners. The BNI success system, which is tried, tested and proven to generate results and allows businesses to unlock the BNI success system and work with your fellow chapter members as a powerful business team. There is only one type of business allowed in the room, by becoming a member you lock out your competitors. BNI Bray meets every Wednesday morning in the Glenview Hotel and visitors are always welcome. For more information, please check out www.bni.ie or call Mark Wilson on 087 2622103 for more information.
CHRISTMAS IDEA of the week Tinney’s Toys prides itself on being your one-stop website for farm toys, outdoor toys, and girls’ toys as well as children’s farm clothing and remote control toys. With over 15 years experience in the business, this family run firm knows the importance of putting the customer first. Indeed, that’s why we concentrate on stocking only the best products from leading brands with full manufacturers’ warranties. We also do repairs and stock spare parts. Tinney’s Toys offers you a range of easy-pay options, including budget plans where you can pay in regularly and spread the cost of payments. This is particularly popular for Christmas shopping – and all on-line payments are secured. Our aim is to despatch all orders received by 1.00 pm later that day. This means deliveries direct to your doorstep in one or two days. When it comes to children’s toys, one website leads the way: Tinney’s Toys.
FUNDRAISER of the week CANDLELIGHT WALK Avondale House and Forest Park, Rathdrum, November 9, 5.30pm-6.30pm Experience a magical candlelight walk in the beautiful grounds of Avondale House and Forest Park. For ten years this event has been a highlight in what is often the dullest and dreariest month of the year. It is simply a matter of following the candle-lit path through the grounds of the famous estate which is neither too difficult nor too long. It is suitable for those with younger children in buggies. As in previous years participants are encouraged to bring along an old-style latern to add more magic to the occasion. Entertainment will be provided by the Avondale Pipe Band and refreshments will be available. The cost is €15 per car or €5 per individual walker. Of course, the event is weather permitting. All proceeds are in aid of the Ballinacor Community Park which contains a full sized pitch, boardwalk, tennis and basketball courts all of were made possible by the funds raised by the hard-working committee.
GEMINI- 3,6,13,22,26,39 A beautiful, harmonious new start is waiting for you! Reunite with old friends & you will be met with thanks. CANCER-6,15,16,29,32,40 Good news, end of bad luck! In financial matters you will be successful with lots of new opportunities ahead.
VIRGO-16,24,28,36,38,59 Mars is powerful and hotblooded in its own sign, which is YOU! How damn exciting can it get for Virgo? Hang in & enjoy the ride. LIBRA-5,8,13,21,30,42 Time to reign back and think of the holiday season. Spread your finances and budget - makes life easier for you.
GIG of the week
Wicklow’s finest music collective The Universal Funk Orchestra will be tackling the iconic Jimi Hendrix album, Electric Ladyland. This was the album that caught Hendrix at the height of his powers. It is a great big sonic melting pot of psychedelia, soul, power pop, English folk, blues and whateveryou’re-having-yourself and this
TAURUS-19,21,35,38,42 New beginnings: something new enters your life. Let old grievances go and fortune will smile on you.
LEO-14,24,28,36,39,46 On the 16th a sufficient event will occur; Jupiter, enters Leo bringing joy, love, & new accomplishments. Have fun!
TINNEY’S TOYS www.tinneystoys.com
UFO VS THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE’S ELECTRIC LADYLAND Hot Spot Music Club, above the Beach House, Greystones Harbour, November 8, 9pm
ARIES-2,4,26,36,37,38 Great month for you, embrace the world! Health improves dramatically & you will be bursting with new found enthusiasm.
daringly diverse album took many by surprise. And it still does. For their 39th album, UFO will once again change its line-up, with drummer Pablo Buerno being joined by Terry Meakin on bass and keyboards, whilst completing the trio will be the latter’s legendary brother, Brian Meakin, on guitar and vocals. Local math rockers Birds will be on first, followed by UFO. Admission is €7, with advance tickets just €5 available from Vintage La Touche, Greystones or you can call 087 2917519.
SCORPIO-10,15,18,25,38,44 A month where you just cant go wrong - you are full of energy, vitality and you will be alive!!! A social butterfly! SAGITTARIUS-7,9,13,26,39,44 Mercury arrives in your health section on the 13th-22nd - No stress, better health & you regain your equilibrium CAPRICORN-2,9,28,36,40,46 Venus, the planet of love finds its way to you. The universe will conspire to fill your heart with joy bringing fresh optimism. AQUARIUS-7,19,25,23,27,47 Very lively and effervescent month & you will be busy all the time. Mars leaves Taurus’ house of diseases - health & vitality awaits PISCES-1,14,18,21,43,46 Profitable period ahead; excellent for intellectual work, discussions or negotiations. Mercury & Venus highlight love. 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
wicklowvoice.ie November 6 2014
Wicklow-based billionaire avoids €160m tax bill in Kiltegan west Wicklow in November 2012 at a bargain €7.225 million compared to the €25 paid by John Lally’s Lalco Holdings in 2006, making it Ireland’s most expensive country house. Lalco bought the estate from German businesswoman Renata Coleman and plans were made for a €250 million tourism development which received planning permission in 2008 for a Five-Star Hotel, leisure centre, tourist lodges and a golf course. The development was to create 400 jobs during construction and a further 200 jobs when completed. However, the collapse of Mr. Lally’s business meant the plans for the development never went ahead. NAMA instigated the November sale of the 15-bedroom, 38,000-square-foot estate on 427 acres. Born in Connecticut in 1941, Mr Malone is America’s largest private land owner and currently owns 2.2 million acres in his homeland. He is reputedly worth €4.2bn.
By Cianan Brennan
THE American billionaire owner of Wicklow’s Humewood Castle has avoided paying about €160m in personal income tax through completely legal measures. Irish-American media mogul John Malone has spent upwards of €160m on property in Ireland, including Humewood Castle and three of Dublin’s most central hotels: the Westin, the Trinity Capital Hotel and the Hilton Dublin. He controls Liberty Media, the parent of cable TV provider UPC. Mr Malone’s decision to shift the corporate headquarters of Liberty Global from Colarado to London saved him an estimated $200m (€160m) in personal income tax while Liberty’s shareholders saved close to $1bn in tax. There is no suggestion whatsoever of wrongdoing on the part of Mr Malone or Liberty Global. Mr Malone purchased the 427-acre Humewood Castle
news in brief Youth projects
Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Simon Harris has urged youth projects in Wicklow to apply for capital grant funding . Funding of €500,000 is to be granted to small to medium youth projects in disadvantaged communities in 2014. Further details on the scheme and the application process are available on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs website at www. dcya.gov.ie
Tidy Towns Pictured at Bray Cancer Support Centre’s annual purple ball were Josephine Johnston, Breda Doyle, Rita Leonaule, Marjory Dalton and Lily Driver in the Barracuda Restaurant. Pic: Joe Keogh
Oddsocks
Michael and Theresa Murphy
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Oddsocks are Dublin based 4 -piece who aspire to remember the importance of the elements that make for great music: melody, harmony and groove. They play at the Harbour Bar on November 8.
Bank film crew warned ahead of Fitzpatrick trial
By Peter Murphy 1.8 m3
THE annual Tidy Towns, Estates and Special Environmental Awards will be held in Aughrim at the Pavillion on November 8. The itinery is as follows: 1.00 to 2.00 arrival and opportunity to view the Repair Café, local market and charity shop. 2.00 to 2.45 Lunch. 2.45 to 3.45 Meeting of Tidy Towns representatives. 4.00 Tidy Towns Awards
THE Director of Public Prosecutions warned the makers of a new movie about the Irish banking crisis that it could prejudice the forthcoming trial of Wicklow’s Sean Fitzpatrick. The Guarantee deals with all the liabilities in the six main banks for two years, their eventual downfall under Brian Cowen’s government and the build up to a final decision on September 29, 2008. The office of Claire Loftus wrote three times to John Kelleher Media detailing her concern that The Guarantee might incite hatred of bankers and therefore jeopardise forthcoming trials. Former Anglo Irish bank chief Fitzpatrick, a Bray-native now living in Greystones, is due to stand trial on 12 counts of fail-
ing to disclose to auditors Ernst & Young the true value of loans worth at least €139m given to him or people connected to him by Irish Nationwide Building Society from 2002 to 2007. The trial is set for February 2 next year with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for December 12, 2014. Mr Fitzpatrick was granted legal aid in September and, in April of this year, was found not guilty on all 10 charges he faced on providing unlawful financial assistance to bank customers to buy shares in the bank in 2008. The DPP has been strict on any representations both journalistic and artistic involving bank chiefs. One such production, Anglo: The Musical, made in 2012, was forced to remove Mr Fitzpatrick’s character. Next month, the Irish
Independent newspaper faces a contempt of court action brought by the DPP in relation to it publishing the Anglo tapes. Theatre company Fishamble produced a stage version of The Guarantee last year and also received a complaint from the DPP on similar issues. A source involved in The Guarantee movie said “She wrote a letter to say, ‘be careful what you’re doing,’ because of the fact of forthcoming trials”. Fitzpatrick is played by actor Morgan C Jones and former Anglo bank chief David Drumm is played by Peter Coonan. A limited number of screenings of The Guarantee were shown in Irish cinemas last week and it will be broadcast by TV3 next month. However if the DPP were to get an injunction then it would be prevented from being shown.
November 6 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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18 | LIFESTYLE
wicklowvoice.ie November 6 2014
my favourite things 7 Grand Batman Tee €20
All available from Life Style Sports
7 Grand Midnight Tee €12, Snooze Pant €20
WHAT’S HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie All available from Monsoon
Amari Dress €199
Paris Heel €75
Logan Earrings €29 Fur Stole €45 7 Grand Treasure Parka €85, Timberland Mens 6 Inch Premium Boot €200
Converse Mens All Star Tee €25
Jinx Dress €385
Torrens Clutch €70
Conchita Velvet Maxi Dress €199
LIFESTYLE| 19
November 6 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
recipes RABBIT LOIN AND LEG, CEP PUREE, SMOKED BACON, TARRAGON INGREDIENTS
For four people • Confit leg crispy • 200 grams Rabbit leg • 1 quarter Confit lemon • 1 tsp Parsley • 300 grams gravy • 100 grams shallot diced Confit the legs in duck fat for 2 hours at 130 Celsius. Shred the meat. Sweat the shallots until soft in a little butter. Mix with the lemon, parsley and jus. Let set up in the fridge and roll to shape. Bread crumb.
TARRAGON EMULSION
• 100 grams tarragon picked • 1 slice toast • 30ml cider vinegar • 50ml chicken stock • 1 shallot diced • 50 mls Olive oil Blend all in a blender until very smooth and pass through a sieve
CEP PUREE
• 500 grams cep mushrooms • 4 shallots • 3 cloves garlic • 150 mls port • 150mls Madeira
• 150mls cream • 150 mls milk Caramelise the ceps and shallots in a hot pan and deglaze with the alcohol. Reduce until there is 100 mls left and add the milk and cream. Reduce and blend until smooth and finish with sherry vinegar.
SMOKED BACON CREAM
• 140 grams shallot • 5grms garlic • 250mls white wine • 50mls tarragon vinegar • 300 grams smoked bacon trim • 1 litre cream Cook the shallots and garlic in a little butter until soft. Add the tarragon vinegar and reduce. Add the white wine and reduce. Add the smoked bacon and the cream and bring to a boil. Leave infuse for thirty minutes. Pass through a sieve. For the loin take the flap off and wrap in smoked bacon. Then Wrap in cling film and tie both ends. Blanch for two minutes in boiling water. Caramelize the bacon in a pan with oil and serve.
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel wine choice EDEN VALLEY RIESLING 2007 Peter Lehmann, Southern Australia €15.99 in La Touche Wines, Greystones Australia, famous for its full-bodied Chardonnays, has recently championed the sleek and elegant lighterbodied dry Rieslings. This particular one has a hint of petrol bouquet. Delicious and refined with a twist of lemon zest and slate minerality enlivened by harmonious acidity. Serve with chilli hot and spicy vegetarian samosas.
Roundwood restaurant celebrates as it maintains Michelin Guide rating By Michelle McGlynn
BYRNE and Woods in Roundwood were the only pub in Wicklow to make the coveted 2015 Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide. The guide which was published recently listed 34 Irish pubs and the Roundwood establishment made the cut for the second consecutive year. Speaking to the Wicklow Voice, co-owner Joe Hanway said that it was “absolutely super” to be chosen for a second year. “It’s all down to our amazing team,” he said, “Our staff are friendly and welcoming so all of our customers are made to feel at home.” “We know our returning customers by name,” Joe continued as he emphasised the importance of going the extra mile for customers as well as providing excellent food. The popular pub and restaurant which opened its doors in 2009 counts Daniel Day Lewis and June Rogers among their
Joe Hanway outside Byrne and Woods pub and restaurant in Roundwood, Co Wicklow clientèle but Joe assures that their regulars are top priority. As well as the team at the front of the house, Joe cannot speak highly enough of the kitchen staff. “We cook amazing food and
every week we try something new. It’s important to keep things fresh and new.” Joe is determined that the multi-award winning restaurant will retain their Michelin status for many years to come.
20 | SERVICES
wicklowvoice.ie November 6 2014
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22 | SPORT
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SPORT| 23
November 6 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback Semi-final spot beckons for Village
with Brian Quigley
GAA THIS Sunday (November 9) sees county Senior Football Champions Rathnew take on Kildare champions Moorefield in Aughrim in the quarterfinal of the Leinster SF Club Championship. County Champions Rathnew made it through to the quarterfinals after digging deep to beat Rathvilly two weeks ago despite missing key players Leighton Glynn, Nicky Mernagh and Mark Doyle. We wish The Village the best of luck, they really have done the county proud to have gotten this far. Bray Emmets, the county Senior Hurling Champions, exited the Leinster SH Championship after a defeat to Ballinakill of Laois in Portlaoise on October 26. Donard/Glen lost out on the same day in the Leinster Camogie Final to a strong Killmessan team from Meath. Well done to both for their valiant efforts.
Supporting the grassroots of the game is important and you don’t get better support than having Martin O’Neill present. ParkRun Champion!
Crossbridge NS from Tinahely won the Allianz Coughlan Cup for South Wicklow schools which was held in Aughrim. The winners defeated a fancied Aughrim NS in the final after a super game of football on a scoreline of Crossbridge NS 1-6 Aughrim NS 1-2 Bray Wanderers Player of the Year THIS Saturday November 8 sees the Bray Wanderers Supporters Club run its annual Player of the Year awards night. This year the event is taking place at the Barracuda Steak and Seafood restaurant on the
seafront. The Player of the Year is a big deal. This year there are several contenders, and the recipient of the gong is too close to call. How about top scorer Jake Kelly? Or teenage goalkeeping sensation Stephen McGuinness? Or Adam Mitchell, a rock in
defence? Or our own Player of the Year at this column, Dean Zambra? All will be revealed on Saturday! It was great to see Republic Of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill take time out to support the opening of Greystones United’s all-weather pitch on Wednesday October 29.
THIS column has always championed the ParkRun phenomenon and campaigned for one to start in County Wicklow. In the meantime I have been running the Malahide ParkRun for the last year and was delighted to finish the 20132014 52-week competition on November 1 as the ParkRun Malahide overall champion - a great personal result for me! I’m no top-class runner, not by a long-shot, but the beauty of ParkRun is that it rewards a combination of consistency and performance. I clocked up 50 starts over the 52 weeks and regularly finished in the top 10 out of fields that ranged from 300 to 500 runners, earning me enough points to come out on top!
sport in brief Garden County GAA
The U-13 GCA Squad had its End of Season review at Ballinakill on November 1. All players received a performance report and a questionnaire.See more at: http://gardencountyacademy. com
Bray Emmets GAA BRAY Emmets beat St.Pats 4-11 to 4-6 in the under 14 Football Final. The match was played in Arklow last Saturday with a brilliant display of football from Bray.
Greystones Rugby GREYSTONES travelled to the Palace Grounds to play Armagh on November 1 in a AIL Division 2B clash watched by a large crowd. Greystones kicked off with the rain and strong breeze behind them but the home side, dominated the early exchanges. Armagh also dominated the second half and ran out 20-7 winners.
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wicklowvoice.ie November 6 2014