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such as these reduce the amount of work and activites primary schools can undertake online. As superfast broadband technology begins to roll out across the country, companies such as UPC, Eir and Wicklow Broadband are offering up to 1,000MB broadband speeds. The Department of Education and Skills has completed a round of tendering to improve internet connections for Wicklow’s primary schools but in the meanwhile many schools will be forced too use substandard speeds. Some schools will reportedly be brought up to 100MB connections, while others will still get no more than 5MB. When contacted by the Wicklow Voice, a representative for the Department of Education said, “Under the Schools Broadband Access Programme, the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary schools. Continued on next page
Megan Crowley and Ger Crowley who finished Row-a-Round Ireland in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland after Ger arrived back in Bray. Full story on page 6. Pic: Gareth Chaney » Lots more pictures from around the county inside
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School broadband figures don’t add up
By Michelle McGlynn
A new report has revealed that Wicklow primary schools are being deprived of available broadband speeds. A study obtained by the Wicklow Voice has revealed that some primary schools in the county currently have access to only 1% of the broadband speed available in certain area. When the internet connections of the schools were measured the average speed was just 6MB while an increasing number of homes have speeds of 100MB to 250MB. One of the primary schools receives just .5MB - the Wicklow Voice has seen the report but cannot name the schools due to the Data Protection Act. This measurement programme, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, was conducted by Wired Wicklow, which was set-up by Stephen Donnelly TD and Councillor Jennifer Whitmore of the Social Democrats. Restricted speeds
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04| NEWS news in brief 133 service
wicklowvoice.ie October 1 2015
Primary schools broadband
Bus Éireann have confirmed that they will provide extra capacity on the 133 Wicklow/ Dublin route at 7am from September 28. The decision to provide extra capacity came following numerous complaints from commuters on the route.
Teen music comp Wicklow secondary school students are invited to enter the Fr Frank Maher Classical Music Awards, with €3,000 for the winner and €250 for the finalists. Applications can be obtained from topsecurity.ie and must be entered by October 15.
Business awards The Wicklow Town and District Chamber Dinner Dance and Business Awards will take place in Tinakilly Country House Hotel on October 30. Nominations are now open and you can do so at wicklowchamber. ie, by emailing susana@ wicklowchamber.ie or by texting 086 0897702 by October 16. For tickets call 0404 66433.
Continued from previous page “The current framework involving more providers was put in place in 2012 and this has led to improved solutions being made available to schools. “Under a recent tendering competition 82 schools in Wicklow are due to be awarded new contracts, 37 of these schools will be awarded solutions with an expected maximum download speed of between 30 and 100Mbit/s. “Sixteen schools will get solutions with an expected
maximum download speed of 8 Mbit/s or less with the remaining schools getting speeds of between 9Mbit/s and 30 Mbit/s.” The Wired Wicklow team joined forces with UK company, SamKnows, to measure connectivity in Wicklow. “Part of the problem is that there was no reliable data available for broadband speeds in Wicklow,” Stephen Donnelly told the Wicklow Voice. “We decided to start with the primary schools - it’s vital they have good access to
the internet and they make good hubs to build out the network from”. Looking to the future, Cllr Whitmore said that it could take years to upgrade the schools as part of the government’s National Broadband Plan. “The Wired Wicklow team is calling for 100MB connections for all primary schools, which is what is in place for secondary school,” she told the Wicklow Voice. “The cost to do this for every primary school in Ireland would be about €25m.”
news in brief The Burns Sisters American folk music group The Burns Sisters will be performing in the Hot Spot Music Club, Greystones on October 2. The band has performed and recorded in various sibling constellations, currently consisting of sisters Marie and Annie, and have toured with Arlo Guthrie as his backing singers.
Farmers in Charge RTÉ’s are looking for small to medium Wicklow businesses in any sector who’d love to be doing better. New show, Farmers in Charge, will harnesses the management skills of a farmer to help Irish non-agri businesses thrive and grow. Email robert@wakatv.ie for more.
Develop happiness Wicklow Mental Health Association will hold a public talk at the Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town on October 7 at 8pm. Michaela Avlund will attend the free event to speak about Happiness and WellBeing skills based on Positive Psychology.
Death on our roads: figures are highest in seven years By Michelle McGlynn
This year is set to be the worst year for road fatalities in Wicklow for seven years. Nine people have died on Wicklow roads in the first nine months of 2015 according to provisional figures obtained by the Wicklow Voice. The most recent fatality occurred this week when a man in his 80s was killed after the tractor he was driving overturned near Ashford. Gardai are appealing for anyone with information to contact Wicklow Garda Station. The number of fatalities on Wicklow roads so far this year is greater than any 12-month period in the past seven years. Road fatalities have been on the rise in the county over the past three years since they were at a seven-year low of three deaths in 2011 and 2012. The Wicklow Voice has studied figures compiled by the Road Safety Authority from the period between 2007 and 2015. The most dangerous year on our roads was in 2007 when nine lives were lost but this now looks like it will be surpassed by this years figures. The county saw a significant reduction the following year with just four deaths recorded in both 2008 and 2009. Although this went up to five fatalities in 2010, this was
followed by the lowest figures in 2011 and 2012. The number of fatal incidents began this current surge in 2013 when twice as many (6) people lost their lives than in the previous 12 months. Last year, seven people were killed on Wicklow roads. In a tragic trend, more people have already lost their lives on the county’s roads in the first nine months of this year than in all of 2014. This is a startling statistic as we head into the winter months of dark evenings and potential for bad weather leading to hazardous road conditions. The stretch of road between Arklow and Rathnew had been identified by the National Roads Authority as one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the country. Wicklow residents had long campaigned for a new section of motorway to by-pass the dangerous roadway after it claimed 33 lives over 25 years. The official opening of the M11 between Arklow and Rathnew took place on July 13. It is hoped that the new road will help to reduce road fatalities in Wicklow as it removes a serious of dangerous bends, providing a safer driving environment for the 20,000 motorists who use the route daily.
Property tax up 15%
By Michelle McGlynn
Wicklow County Council have decided to increase the property tax rate in Wicklow by 15% for 2016. This follows last year’s decision to give the maximum 15% cut. The Fine Gael proposal to increase the rate was supported by Fianna Fáil and a number of Independents. The tax is collected by the Revenue Commissioners, but councillors in each local
authority have the power to increase or decrease the rate charged in their area by up to 15% each year. Speaking after the meeting, Sinn Féin councillor John Brady said, “The Labour Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has given assurances that Wicklow was one of six local authorities that could cut the Local Property Tax by the full 15% which is allowed under legislation without it impacting on local core services.”
NEWS |05
October 1 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Pictured in the Parkview Hotel at the Wicklow Local Enterprise’s Companies Act Seminar was Ewa Winkel, Olga Nuggent and Gerri Hampson of Arklow Business Services. Pic: Roger Kenny
Esther and Mieke (2) Luttig all smiles in Greystones
Una Djerassi and Rose Behan out and about in Wicklow Town
Denis Doyle celebrates his 50th Birthday with his family at John Joes, Arklow. Pic: Yvette O Beirne
Pat and Sonya Casey at the Wicklow Macra Na Feirme 70th anniversary dinner dance in the Arklow Bay Hotel. Pic: Yvette O Beirne
Valerie Carton and Kay Oliver on Bray Seafront
Susan Walsh and Louise O’Connell out and about in Bray
06| NEWS news in brief Exotic plants
The Delgany and District Horticultural Society will be holding a lecture in St Patrick’s Recreation Centre, Greystones on October 7 at 8.30pm preceeded by the AGM at 8pm. The lecture by Derek Swan is entitled, My learning curve in the growing of exotic plants in Greystones.
wicklowvoice.ie October 1 2015
Over €80,000 raised, 1,000 miles rowed, 20 crew members and one adorable dog ...
Halloween comp Wicklow Tourism are holding a photo competition called Pumpkins in Wicklow. Simply set your pumpkin in the Wicklow location of your choice, snap your picture and send it to wicklowtourism@ gmail.com by November 2.
Safe crossing Wicklow County Council have been asked to carry out a safety assessment of the zeba crossing at St Nicholas’ primary school, Dunlavin. Deputy Billy Timmins put in the request following complaints by concerned parents saying that additional control measures are needed. Many cars are unaware that there is a crossing and overtake cars that have stopped for pupils to cross.
Welcome home heroes!
Some of the rowers after finishing the Row-a-Round Ireland initiative in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland which was sponsored by Lyons Tea. Pic: Gareth Chaney By Michelle McGlynn
Over €80,000 raised, 1,000 miles rowed, 20 crew members and one adorable dog, the RowA-Round Ireland crew have returned home. The team set off on a mission to circumnavigate the island of Ireland on May 30 and they successfully completed their mission 16 weeks later. The crew along with their trusty canine companion, Joey the labrador, were welcomed home by a huge crowd on Bray seafront last Saturday. The impressive feat was the brainchild of Bray man Ger Crowley who made the decision that he would row around the country on his 60th birthday. Once he had decided that he would undertake the huge task, Ger knew he wanted to so for charity and chose Cystic Fibrosis Ireland as his nephew
suffers with the condition. Row-A-Round Ireland has raised over €100,000 so far with funds going towards fighting Cystic Fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease that affects approximately 1 in 1,600 births in Ireland. The team of 20 rowers of mixed abilities set off from Bray with crews of two oarsmen/ women at a time rowing in relays. The rowers stopped at over 50 designated points along the coast where they were met with maritime clubs and local people providing support by offering much appreciated food and accommodation as well as valuable advice and local knowledge. Ger has put the success of the trip down to the hard work of the dedicated crew of rowers and volunteers. Although one member of the
team didn’t always stick around when the going got tough. “Joey, while a good cox and inspirational character, tended to be absent at some of the more tricky treacherous roundings, such as Antrim’s Fair Head and Galway’s Slyne Head,” explained Ger. “However, he never seemed to miss a photo call or a fine Sally O’Brien retriever in any of the many ports we visited.” The rest of the crew behaved a little better as Ger says that despite not having a support boat for much of the journey they “never exchanged a cross word” - not even during the most testing stretches at sea around Loop Head, which took over seven hours. If you would like to help the team reach their €100,000 goal then you can donate by visiting their website rowaroundireland. com.
€56,000 regeneration fund for Arklow By Michelle McGlynn
Around €56,000 has been allocated to Arklow for regeneration of the area. The funding comes to the town and its rural areas as part of the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) Pilot Initiative. The project aims to bring job creation, economic and social renewal to Arklow Town and
the surrounding areas. Arklow’s inclusion in the Regional Aid Map until 2020 means the State can provide investment aid to boost local employment under EU rules which will encourage regional development. The funding announcement has been welcomed by Minister Simon Harris who said, “It is clear that Arklow felt the heavy blow of
the recession in recent years. “This announcement is another step in a series of positive steps to emerge in the regeneration of Arklow. “The opening of the M11 Arklow/Rathnew upgrade over the summer was a definite sign of investment in the transport network and infrastructure, which is a key driver of growth and development.”
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08| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie October 1 2015
November poll back on the cards By Michelle McGlynn
Wicklow TD Stephen Donnelly is the latest politician to warn that a November election could be on the cards. Speaking on RTÉ Radio One this week, Donnelly has said that he believes an election could be imminent. His comments come after European Commissioner Phil Hogan warned a delegation of senior Fine Gael figures to be prepared for a November general election.
Mr Hogan, a close confidante of Taoiseach Enda Kenny, left the 60 constituency organisers with the impression that a November election is firmly on the cards. Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Simon Harris has said that all parties were ramping up preparations amid the November rumours. “The Taoiseach has said that it’s his intention for the Government to run until next year and I expect that to be the case,” Mr Harris said.
Mr Kenny reportedly told colleagues at a Fine Gael think-in earlier this month that he is “unsure” of what course of action to take. Confirmed candidates for the next election or those seeking party nominations in Wicklow include: Simon Harris and Andrew Doyle for Fine Gael, Anne Ferris for Labour, Stephen Donnelly for Social Democrats, Billy Timmins for Renua Ireland, John Brady for Sinn Fein, Pat Casey and Jennifer Cuffe for Fianna Fail, Joe
Behan as an Independent. Although support for the Coalition parties has risen in recent months, it is still not enough to be confident of reelection. Both Joan Burton and the Taoiseach would prefer a spring election to allow time to recover support. Many now believe that the Taoiseach will call an election following the Budget on October 13. The capital spending plan announced this week has been viewed as an attempt to win
over voters ahead of the impending election. When questioned about an early election, Mr Kenny has repeatedly said that the Coalition will see out its full five-year term in office. Another indicator that preparations are underway for an election campaign is the decision to reschedule their President’s dinner to the weekend following the Budget. The lucrative event was initially scheduled for November. Wicklow man Maurice Mortell, a past pupil of
Presentation College Bray, is again believed to have been appointed as a key strategist for Fine Gael. A senior Fine Gael source has said that Mr Kenny told his strategists to have everything in place from the middle of this month to ensure that the party is ready for an election any time from November onwards. “The truth is that nobody except Enda knows when the election date will be, and he may not have made up his mind yet,” the source said.
Lynne O’Connor, Harriet (3), Hazel (2 months) in Greystones.
news in brief Pramerica Spirit Wicklow students are encouraged to enter the Pramerica Spirit Community Awards by October 23. The awards are the only all-Ireland youth initiative which rewards post-primary students for outstanding acts of volunteerism in their communities. Apply on pramerica.ie/spirit
Doodle 4 Google Doodle 4 Google 2016 has been launched and will work as part of the 2016 Commemoration Programme with the theme “Ireland is...”. The prize includes €1,000 towards the student’s third-level education and a €10,000 technology grant for their school. Closing date is November 26.
Purple flag Bray has successfully retained the Purple Flag for 2015/16. The announcement was made ahead of Purple Flag weekend, October 2-4. The award is designed to honour excellence in the appeal and management of a town or city centre area between 5pm-5am.
Homesick Hozier By Michelle McGlynn
It seems our Hozier is feeling a little homesick. The Bray musician might be living it up in the States these days but he still craves the taste of home if his backstage rider is anything to go by. Performing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon this week, the multi-award winning singer requested Barry’s Tea, Dairy Milk bars and Tayto cheese and onion crisps for his dressing room. The Tonight Show posted a photo of his backstage treats on Instagram with the caption, “Behold. The fuel of my kinsmen fills the @hozier band-room.” The Someone New singer also made headlines this week after opening up about his childhood to Gay Byrne on RTE’s The Meaning of Life. He revealed that his father’s illness had caused him to grow up quickly. “When I was about six or seven he had an operation on his spinal cord which, simply put, didn’t go well,” the 25-year-old explained. “It changed all our lives. It changed his life, it kind of ruined his life in a big way.”
October 1 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
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10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Pro-choice is a minority position
U
sually referendums add protection to human rights. Pro-choice campaigners, however, want a referendum to take one away - the 8th Amendment, the Constitution’s only remaining protection for the unborn child. Abortion advocates know that theirs is a minority position and that the vast majority of Irish people think that abortion on demand is abhorrent. So in order to get what they want they must chip away at the legal protection for the unborn by building a campaign around calls for abortion in situations, for example, where an unborn child has a potentially life-limiting condition. Once a little bit of abortion is permitted it is easier to justify a little more, and so on. The public becomes blind to the horror of abortion and deaf to calls to protect the rights of unborn babies. Abortion campaigners, allied to the political left and heavily funded by international abortion organisations, have used the same strategy across the world. Every abortion on demand regime began as “restrictive” but once the door to legalised abortion was unlocked the rest was just a matter of ridiculing the restrictions until more ground was conceded. It’s undeniable that in the high-profile cases used to push for abortion, the unborn child is airbrushed out of the picture. Abortion is just a procedure. The fact that it is the deliberate destruction of the life of an unborn child is tactically suppressed. We are supposed to pretend that somehow it doesn’t matter. And that’s not all we’re being asked to pretend. The settled pro-choice line at present is to blame the 8th Amendment for everything whenever abortion is in the news. It’s easy to accuse pro-life people of burying their heads in the sand for not accepting abortion while wilfully refusing to discuss what legalised abortion actually involves. In pro-life circles, there are numerous stories of mothers and parents who contemplated abortion only to change their minds at the last minute. Many of them say it’s thanks to the 8th Amendment that their children are alive. Having to travel to England meant a few extra days planning and gave them time to think things through a bit more. Where is the space in the present debate for these testimonies? Where is the acknowledgement of the reality that there
are most likely tens of thousands of Irish citizens alive today thanks, in one way or another, to the protection the 8th Amendment offered them while they were in the womb? It’s much easier to accuse supporters of the 8th Amendment of being “sectarian”, “misogynistic” and “fundamentalist”, as some commentators did recently, than to engage in meaningful debate. Some might like to believe that repeal or dilution of the 8th Amendment would bring “an end to the debate” – that we would have dealt with the abortion question “once and for all”. This is very mistaken. Removing constitutional protection from unborn babies would result in massive and ongoing pressure being put on the Oireachtas to pass wider and wider abortion legislation. The suggestion that women’s lives would be saved if the 8th Amendment was dismantled is utterly baseless. The repeal of the unborn child’s right to life has nothing to do with saving women’s lives. Ireland, without abortion, was one of the safest countries in the world in which to give birth. Official reports into the Savita tragedy confirm that her death was due to medical mismanagement and not the illegality of abortion. Whatever new abortion laws are proposed would be based squarely on which category of child it is permissible to abort. That’s why it’s so disappointing to see certain UN committees and groups like Amnesty International join in the clamour for more abortion here. They never seem to tire of finger-wagging at Ireland’s abortion laws, but cannot muster the moral courage to highlight or condemn the ghastly abuses of human rights in the abortion industry – whether it be the death of a woman from Ireland following a botched abortion in London, or the leaving of babies born alive after failed abortions to die alone in hospital corners instead of being given proper medical care. Our current abortion law, which ignores medical evidence and depicts abortion as a treatment for suicidal ideation, is unjust enough. The very foundation of democracy is equality before the law. The 8th Amendment is the Life Equality Amendment and deserves to be vigorously protected.
Cora Sherlock is a solicitor and Deputy Chairperson of the Pro Life Campaign
with Cora Sherlock with Michael Wolsey
“W
Show me an airport queue indeed, almost any queue that involves transport - and I am overcome with an irresistible urge to join it.
Tweets of the week
Kevin Higgins @KevinHIpoet1967 “Irish Water announces plans to install water meter on Mars. According to poll, 100% of Martians will not pay” Cian Healy @ProperChurch “ Can ya kick it? #YesYaCan” Amy Huberman @amyhuberman “When the duvet has crept down the duvet cover and you have an A4 sheet of paper at your head & 100 tog brick wall at your feet.”” Alison Spittle @AlisonSpittle “I just burped, it sounded like the first beat of Pony by Ginuwine.” Jessica Leigh @jessca11 “Snowden only following the NSA on Twitter is more baller than anything I’ve ever witnessed Jay Z do.
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Minding my peace in queues
hat do you do when you see an airport queue shambling slowly towards your departure gate? Sensible folk will sit where they are. Almost all airlines allocate seats, so, at best, rushing to join the queue will only mean that, instead of spending the next half hour in the relative comfort of an airport lounge, you will spend it in a cramped plane, while other passengers push past you and hit you with the luggage they are trying to force into overhead compartments. More likely, you will pass the time standing in line with all the other weary, foolish people. Staying put is what sensible folk do. But I am not one of them. Show me an airport queue - indeed, almost any queue that involves transport - and I am overcome with an irresistible urge to join it. Logic says ‘stay put’ but some primeval force proves stronger and I will end up standing, shuffling, and standing again, along with, I suspect, the majority of passengers. I don’t know how I acquired this instinct. I grew up in Belfast in the 1960s where queuing was regarded as a strange habit, only indulged in England. People understood the principle but saw no reason to put it into practice. An English uncle, who sometimes came visiting, would complain about waiting at a bus stop, all alone until the moment the bus arrived, when “about a hundred of the bleeders appeared from nowhere, kicked me out of the way and jumped on first”. England got its revenge when I moved to London in the early 1970s and waited, first time, for a commuter train. Back then, trains in Ireland were hardly ever full and almost never on time. They had bench seats which you rarely had to share unless you wished to do so. Indeed, having a carriage to yourself was a reasonable expectation, never mind a seat. So when my train pulled into King’s Cross, I pondered which carriage I might join. I didn’t have long for reflection. For, as my uncle might have said, about a thousand of the bleeders appeared from nowhere, pushed me out of the way and jumped on first. The doors closed and, since London trains did not then treat timetables as a work of fiction, this one pulled off, leaving me on the platform, still pondering.
You live and learn. And, by consulting the web, I have just learned that the word queue came to English by way of French, having started life as the Latin word ‘cauda’, meaning a tail. By the 18th century it had acquired a variety of other meanings, including a pigtail, and a billiard stick, now spelt ‘cue’. By the 19th century it was circulating in its present form, to mean standing in line, the phrase still used in America where the word ‘queue’ has never caught on. Even if they don’t use the word, Americans have managed to make a science out of queues. And one of them is making a living out of it. He’s a university professor called Dick Larson who is described as “America’s foremost scholar of queuing theory”. Queuing theory? Yes, he is, apparently, an expert on how to combat the three big problems of queuing: “1 We get bored when we wait in line; 2) We really hate it when we expect a short wait and then get a long one; 3) We really, really hate it when someone shows up after us but gets served before us.” Well, you would really, really need a professor to tackle issues of that magnitude. Bet they are queuing up for his lectures. Queuing was a way of life back in the Soviet Union. All sorts of commodities were in short supply and people would sometimes join queues without knowing what they were for, on the basis that whatever it was they would want it. This gave rise to a lot of dark Russian humour, the best joke being one I heard Tony O’Reilly tell as an after-dinner story. Sausage went on sale at a Moscow butcher’s shop and there was a lengthy queue. A voice came over a tannoy, announcing: “All Jews must leave the line” .Several unhappy people left. Twenty minutes later the same voice announced: “All Georgians must leave the line.” Again, some people left and again, twenty minutes later, there was another announcement. “All Ukrainians must leave the line.” And so it went on, the announcer working his way through various regions and republics until only two native Muscovites were left outside the shop. Once again the voice was heard over the tannoy. “There will no sausage sold today,” it said. “You must all go home.” One Muscovite turned to the other. “You see,” she said, “how they always favour the Jews.”
OPINION| 11
October 1 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
anyotherbusiness
Have you got a story? Then email info@wicklowvoice.ie
Chambers are greater than their parts
A
Pictured at the INTO’s Stand Up for Primary Education campaign briefing in Dublin were Simon Harris TD, Emma Dineen INTO President, Alice O’ Donnell INTO. The Stand up for Primary Education campaign is centred on enhancing the primary education system to allow all children to reach their full potential. Photo: Moya Nolan
Food for thought: why our policy is working
T
he Fianna Fáil Party has launched an agriculture policy paper this week and I was interested to note that it welcomes the Government’s 10year strategy to grow the agrifood sector, called Food Wise 2025. In the document, Fianna Fáil acknowledges the vision of our agri-food strategy and its ambitious jobs and exports targets. The strategy is working and rural communities in Wicklow and Carlow will start to see the benefit. Fine Gael is prioritising agriculture and agri-food as a key engine of economic growth. We have focused on opening up new global markets for exports and are expanding markets for our farmers and producers. Food Wise 2025 is targeting an 85% increase in the value of exports to €19bn and an additional 23,000 jobs. By contrast, average farm incomes fell by 40% during the last three years that Fianna Fáil was in government. In 2009 and 2010, employment in agriculture, forestry and fishing fell by almost 21,000, the second largest decrease in any sector. It was Fianna Fáil that shut down the Irish sugar industry with their plan to convert once-thriving factories into housing estates.
Andrew Doyle Rural Ireland is slowly getting back on its feet and the Government has a plan to ensure that the economic recovery spreads to all corners of Ireland. Another hugely successful Ploughing Championships this week demonstrates the resilience and vitality of rural Ireland and the ability of the agricultural sector to drive economic recovery. Under Fine Gael’s stewardship, the agri-food sectors are recovering and beginning to thrive once more, and young people now see agriculture as a viable career again. The agriculture colleges are attracting great numbers as a result. Land mobility is viewed as an essential ingredient to maximising the potential of our great land resource. To that end we have made farming more accessible through the most comprehensive reform of agri-taxation measures, to attract younger
farmers and assist with the transfer of land. This year we began the rollout of a €4bn Rural Development Programme, supporting rural communities. Under Fine Gael, the area of Marine was brought in under the senior Ministry for Agriculture and given the priority it deserves in an island nation. Under the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2013, Minister Simon Coveney negotiated a new Common Agriculture Programme which provides €12.5bn to Irish farmers and includes changes to the single farm payment scheme with approximately 60,000 farmers receiving an increase in farm payments, benefitting the lowest paid. So far in 2015 €3.44m in farm payments has issued to farmers in counties Wicklow and Carlow. We will continue to strengthen the rights of farmers and smaller processors and distributors to insure more equity in the food chain and give more certainty to the producers’ incomes, allowing for better business planning. Fine Gael is standing up for rural Ireland in other ways aside from supporting Irish agriculture and fisheries. We are targeting rural crime with increased numbers of Garda cars on the streets, reopening Templemore training college to boost the numbers of
Gardaí and we have brought in tougher penalties for burglary. Our tourism sector is rebounding strongly. The first half of this year showed the best ever January to July period for overseas visitors to Ireland, with more than 4.8m arrivals recorded, an increase of 12%, or an additional 522,200 overseas visitors on the same period last year. Our Construction 2020 plan and the recent announcement of an extension to the home renovation initiative will see local construction getting going again. We’re supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs and the targeted Regional Action Plans for Jobs will aim to emulate the jobs growth we have seen at national level, across all regions of the country. Fine Gael in Government will continue to spread the economic recovery to every corner of Ireland and bring its benefits to every person and family in both Wicklow and Carlow.. Andrew Doyle is a member of Dáil Éireann and is Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. He was previously a member of Wicklow County Council from 1999 – 2007 and was Cathaoirleach of Wicklow from 2005 to 2006.
Chamber of Commerce, at its narrowest definition, is essentially a business network, a local organisation of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of its member businesses. It isn’t an arm of government and doesn’t have a legislative-making role. In reality though a Chamber is usually more than the sum of its parts. It can be a much wider organisation than a local entity, up to and including a national or even pan-national set-up and can provide a huge role in society by helping drive forward a town, county or larger area. Two recent appointments in our county highlight the importance and positivity of the roles played by the many Chambers of Commerce that operate in Wicklow. Mick Glynn assuming the Presidency of the Bray Chamber of Commerce sends all the right signals to the people in Bray. His experience in business, public service and life in general (he runs his own business, has been an elected Fine Gael Town Council member and Mayor, and has been involved in both Bray Summerfest and the Bray St Patrick’s Day Parade) make him an excellent fit for the role. Likewise, it was great to see current President of the Arklow and District Chamber of Commerce Ann McGovern announced as the new President of the County Wicklow Chambers, having succeeded Wicklow Town’s Josh McKenna. Ann’s experience in the tourism trade and her work on the County Wicklow Economic Think-Thank will stand her in good stead. The key role of any Chamber of Commerce has traditionally been the ability to lobby the lawmakers, politicians and people in power. A group of business people know what is best for business. In order for this to be translated into actuality, the people with their hands on the levers of power need to be influenced and convinced. That’s where a good Chamber of Commerce comes in. Thankfully we have many effective
Brian Quigley Chambers in Wicklow. When it comes to politics I’m a strong advocate of people telling the politicians, especially when they canvass on the doorstep, what you want them to do and not letting them bamboozle you with what they have done or are going to do. I like to see the same attitude from organisations like a Chamber of Commerce. Through their own deliberations they will have come up with what is needed to keep business in their region moving forward. Make it easy for the politicians and tell them what the Chamber wants and needs them to do, and provide whatever assistance is needed . A Chamber of Commerce should have the confidence of the people in the town or region it is organised in. To this end, it is refreshing to see the inclusive and forward-thinking attitude many of the Chambers in the county adopt when it comes to their Endeavour Awards – they let the public decide by voting. An example of this is the forthcoming Wicklow Town and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards at the end of October (to be held in The Great Eastern Pavillion, Tinakilly Country House and Hotel). The public vote in categories that include Best Retailer, Best Pub, Best Restaurant, Best Craft business and Best New business. We all want the growing prosperity of the economic recovery to continue, both at a local and national level. The two go hand in hand. Having committed, key people and organisations in place at a local level, even for voluntary and non-governmental organisations like Chambers of Commerce, sets a standard we expect to be carried through to the very top of public life. It’s what the people deserve.
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12 | WHAT’S HOT WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory
Foraging: Friend or Foe? It’s 1986 and I remember still the sense of anticipation with which I finally got my sweaty paws on a copy of the SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman. One section of this now legendary tome was a guide to edible wild plants and flowers. My mates and I tested ourselves with trying to identify them and even sample one or two. Since those heady, far off days, the collecting of free food from the wild or foraging, has extrapolated in popularity, vanguarded by celebrity chefs and Michelin star restaurants and adopted by a new breed of trendy hipster foodies/greenies. I will be honest and have to say that the whole area of foraging in recent years leaves me very uneasy and as we head into the bountiful, harvest time that is Autumn it seems a good time to ask the question is foraging a good thing or a bad thing? Anything that connects and brings us in touch with nature and the cycle of the seasons is to be lauded and a knowledge of wild plants and their uses and benefits is a positive thing – and foraging certainly has those benefits if carried out in a respectful, sustainable manner. And that is where we hit the nub of the issue. Over the last 10 years I have witnessed people foraging who strip everything in front of them whether it be blackberries from a bush or mushrooms from the forest floor. Removal of small amounts for personal use is fine, but too much foraging damages the plants, removes food from our already beleagured wildlife and damages fragile habitats by over-trampling. In the UK where the modern foraging craze has been in existence longer, conservation organisations are now warning about the problems of foraging. Natural England has issued a “Stop Notice” for Sea Kale collection at Dungeness and Romney Marsh. When those groups and organisations that promote and run foraging events spend as much time educating about the rules of sensible foraging as they do about recipes then I will feel more comfortable embracing the foraging fad.
wicklowvoice.ie October 1 2015
Event of the week Park Academy presents The Kube Leopardstown Inn, Brewery Road, Co Dublin, October 10 The Park Academy are celebrating the crèches 20th birthday with a fundraiser to raise vital funds for children’s charity, Childline. Park Academy presents The Kube will see participants take on The Kube as per the popular tv show. They will compete against each other for the €1, 000 prize money. All ticket proceeds will go towards Childline along with the funds raised from the raffle on the night. A text line will be set up to to enable members of the public to donate. Both parents and children will have the chance to partake in the revelry and rivalry as Kube-style games will be set up in the reception area of the crèches where there will also be collection buckets. For more information on the event or to make a donation, visit Facebook.com/thekubeparkacademy or you can email thekubeaprkacademy@gmail.com. Pictured are staff from the Park Academy Childcare Bray supporting Childline on the night
Competition of the week An Evening with Johnny McEvoy Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray, October 15, 8pm The Wicklow Voice and the Mermaid Arts Centre are pleased to offer one lucky reader a pair of tickets to see one of Ireland’s most talented singer/songwriters, Greystones native Johnny McEvoy. To be in with the chance to win tickets, simply head on over to Facebook where you must like the Wicklow Voice Facebook page and share the competition post. Alternatively, you can email your details to comps@wicklowvoice.ie. Closing date for entries is October 13, 5pm. Johnny has always been highly acclaimed for his excellent shows and his forthcoming concert is eagerly awaited by his legion of fans. His songs are are in the folk and ballad style and he is one of the most enduring and talented singer/songwriters. His concert performance is second to none.
book of the week Seedless in Seattle By Ross O’Carroll-Kelly Like the great Jesus Christ himself, I had a lot of shit on my mind when I hit 33... I had three new-born future Ireland internationals to feed, a daughter in need of a psychiatric evaluation and a teenage son obsessed with uncovering the shameful secrets of our family’s 1916 past. Throw into the mix a sister missing in Orgentina, a wife struggling to lose weight from her orse and an interfering father-inlaw living under my roof. You can see why, like the Son of God, my life had become a major hassle. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any more difficult, a moment involving - what else? - the opposite sex persuaded Sorcha that I needed to have the unkindest cut of all.
TV SHOW of the week Empire E4, Tuesdays, 9pm The musical series that proved a massive hit with its series earlier this year is already back with a second season and it will be just as explosive as the first. Another string of famous guest stars has been revealed already including Chris Rock, Alicia Keys and Lenny Kravitz. When the new season opens we find CEO of Empire Entertainment
Fundraiser of the week Run a Mile for Children Running for their Lives Charlesland Running Track, Greystones, October 10, 12pm-2pm Kilcoole Athletic club have organised a Run a Mile... fundraising event with all of the proceeds going towards the UNICEF Children’s Refugee Fund. They are inviting everybody to come along - runners and non-runners alike. Participants can race, run, jog or walk and if a mile is too much for you, you can even cut it short. The event is open to all ages and every cent raised will go towards UNICEF’s Children’s Refugee Fund. The suggested donation is adults €10 and any amount is welcome for each child. It will be a fun event for family and friends so everyone is encouraged to get a big group together to take part in this fun race and enjoy a lovely day out. Participants must wear appropriate running shoes and loose clothing. This is for an extremely worthy cause and all donations are greatly appreciated.
Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) just where we left him in the final moments of season one: sitting in a jail cell. But it will take more than a cell to keep Lucious down as he continues his reign and revenge from inside. The show will play around with the timeline, jumping between the first and second seasons. Expect the music to be bigger, the characters to get dirtier and the plot to get crazier.
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WHAT’S HOT| 13
October 1 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week The Walk Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Joseph Gordon Levitt stars in this extraordinary true story of the man who walked between the Twin Towers. In August 1974, French high wire artist Philippe Petit made history when he achieved an astonishing and seemingly impossible feat: walking on a tightrope between Manhatten’s World Trade Centre towers, 1,350 foot off the ground. He remains the only person to have realised such an achievement. Now, visionary Back to the Future, Forrest Gump and Castaway director Robert Zemeckis brings Petit’s remarkable story to the big screen with dynamic Dark Knight Rises star Joseph Gordon Levitt playing the seemingly fearless adventurer. The Walk promises to be a gripping experience that sweeps viewers into the clouds, placing them right alongside Petit as he takes his first tentative steps into the unknown. The supporting cast includes Oscar winner Sir Ben Kingsley as Petit’s mentor Papa Rudy.
HOROSCOPES
Seasonal fun of the week Halloween at Killruddery Killruddery House and Gardens, Southern Cross Road, Bray, October 30 and 31 Take a walk on the not-so-scary side this Halloween weekend at Killruddery. Gather the family together and enjoy some seasonal outdoor fun before the spooky evening rolls in and it’s time to go trick or treating. Visit the pumpkin patch in the Walled Garden and the perfect pumpkin with the help of the Killruddery farmer. Once
you have chosen, you can then design your pumpkin however you would like and it will be carved out by the master craftsman. As if that wasn’t enough fun, there is a scarecrow plot where you can design and build your very own scarecrow to be entered into a competition. For a creative and fun weekend this Halloween, you can’t go wrong with Killruddery. Be sure you don’t miss out when it comes to Christmas, tickets for Santa Claus at Killruddery go on sale on October 5 at 9.30am.
Spirit Beauty Adare House, Killincarrig, Delgany, 01 2873166 Spirit Beauty is a must visit traditional salon for all your beauty needs. Set in the heart of Killincarrig/Delgany above David Martin Hair Design - customers can avail of free parking. You are sure to relax and enjoy your treatment knowing you are in capable hands, as all their therapists have over 15 years experience. Treatments include tailor made Dermalogica facials, relaxing body treatments, luxury manicures and pedicures, Gelish and Shellac treatments and of course beauty maintenance such as waxing, specialised waxing and tinting. Spirit Beauty offer 25% off all treatments on Mondays and Tuesdays. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for weekly offers. The salon is open Monday - Saturday with late nights Wednesday, Thursday and Friday till 8pm.
Kids activity of the week Wicklow Youth Dance Company 086 2227750, wicklowydc.com Wicklow Youth Dance Company is now recruiting members for the new 2015-16 season. Aimed at male and female dancers between the ages of 12 and 21 who are wishing to increase their level of training in an ambitious and multi-discipline environment. The Company was set up as a non-profit organisation to facilitate young dancers in advancing their training into a professional and performance-based field, while actively participating in an inclusive and creative team. They are looking for dancers who enjoy many genres of dance including hip-hop and streetdance, comtemporary, commercial and modern theatre. Previous experience is not essential but a passion for dancing and a hard working ethos is essential. Auditions will be held in Greystones Studios on October 11 at 12pm. For more information email wicklowydc@gmail.com or see Facebook.
Gemini- This week is a 7 Long-term financial plans bear fruit. Focus on career. Your status rises with help from someone who loves you.
Leo- This week is a 9 Take advantage for long-term benefit. Apply this to family finances. Stay sensitive to others needs. Avoid inciting jealousies. Virgo- This week is an 8 Passion inspires your efforts. Take advantage, and push your game to the next level. Partnership unlocks previously stuck doors.
GIG of the week
Following their hugely successful debut Irish tour, violin maestro Vladimir is again delighted to share the stage with his equally gifted brother Anton. Two Brothers celebrates traditional Russian tunes, popular classical pieces, themes from movies and musicals, as well as singalong favourites. Hear pieces such as, If I were a Rich Man, Sunrise Sunset, Dark Is The Night, Kalinka and Those Were The Days as well as themes from
Taurus- This week is an 8 Educational journeys surge forward. Keep the tone respectful. Express your gratitude for the ones who step forward. These are your angels.
Cancer- This week is a 5 Travel and romance especially tempt over the next week. Consider your long-term itinerary. Steal away together. Share the load.
Salon of the week
Two Brothers: Vladimir and Anton Jablokov Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray, October 3, 8pm
Aries- This week is an 8 Your influence rises with your good work. Think and plan in a peaceful setting. Clarify your direction. It’s easier to take new professional territory
Dr Zhivago, The Godfather, Scent of a Woman and other cinema favourites. During the last ten years, Vladimir Jablokov has established himself as one of the brightest young stars on the Irish classical scene, with concerts and recordings that show his love of both Viennese music and contemporary pop/crossover. Meanwhile his brother Anton is himself a dazzling violinist with a flair for daring improvisation. Pushing each other on to greater heights of artistic expression, joyful harmony and thrilling clashes, this is sibling rivalry soundtracked like you have never heard it before.
Libra- This week is a 6 Work with your family. Profit from excellent service. Nurture your health and wellbeing. Have your home reflect who you want to be. Scorpio- This week is a 7 Long-term creative goals are within reach. Your team aligns. Learning comes easier, and words flow. Enjoy the game. Relax and enjoy the scenery. Sagittarius- This week is a 6 Financial management reaps a larger reward. Make long-term investments over the next two months. It’s easier to make money. Capricorn- This week is an 8 Personal breakthroughs lead to permanent, positive changes. Go for long-term dreams. Take bigger ground now. Write your story. Aquarius- This week is a 5 Finish old business to make room for what’s next. Think about what you want. Keep the budget. It’s easier to complete old projects Pisces- This week is a 6 Make huge advances. Assume leadership. Take charge of your destiny. Create your vision, and launch into it. Boldly go for what you see possible.
14 | lifestyle
wicklowvoice.ie October 1 2015
my favourite things
WHAT’s HOT
with Sinead McCourt info@wicklowvoice.ie
The great cover up
The winter chill is just about to set in just in time for us to think about the winter coats. Winter does not have to kill good style. The great thing with coats is that you can accessorize them with bright scarfs, faux fur or fedora to add a bit chic to your look. It’s always worth splurging on a winter coat because let’s face it is Ireland and winter can we long. I have pulled together a few of my favourites for the season. Main pic: Fur cape €129.99, Fedora €24.99, Flared jeans €49.99, all Miss Selfridge. Right: Parka, Mango, €120. Above l-r: Cashmere coat, M&S, €195; Leather belted coat, Zara, €129; Fedora, Debenhams, €52.50
lifestyle | 15
October 1 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
food in wicklow
Ingredients Serves 4
Watercress soup 2 onions, chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 20g butter 2 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 1 kg of watercress 1 litre boiling chicken stock 250ml double cream Salt SautĂŠ the onions in the olive oil and butter in a large saucepan for about 5 minutes until translucent without colouring. Add the potatoes and continue to sweat together until the potatoes and tender. Meanwhile, blanch the watercress briefly in a separate pan. Drain then add to the onion and potato. Cook together for about 2 minutes. Pour in enough boiling chicken stock to just cover and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cream. Puree and pass through a sieve into a bowl, set over an ice bath.
Watercress soup ... ...with poached hen’s egg and potato salad
Potato salad 400g baby potatoes, peeled and halved if large 4 shallots, chopped 4 spring onions, thinly sliced 2-3 tbsp Mascarpone Handful of chives, chopped Salt and pepper Boil the potatoes whole then cut into dice. Drain and pat dry. Mix with the other ingredients in a large bowl and stir in enough Mascarpone to bind. Stir in the chives and season to taste. Poached hen eggs 4 hen eggs, at room temperature Splash of vinegar Poach the hen eggs in boiling water with a splash of vinegar for 2-3 mins until the yolks are springy to the touch. Refresh in ice-cold water. To warm through, poach in simmering water for 1 min before serving.
Visit our
Wedding Open Day Saturday 17th October 2015 from 10am-5pm RSVP to Nessa Kearney for a personal appointment T: 01 287 0811 E: nessa.kearney@druidsglenresort.com The five-star Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort provides an idyllic setting for a memorable day. Whether you intend to have an extravagant wedding or a small intimate gathering of those closest to you, our dedicated wedding co-ordinator and banqueting team provide an excellent personal service. The attention is all yours, as it should be, as we cater for one wedding per day in the chandelier lit James Joyce Ballroom and civil ceremonies in the Oscar Wilde Suite.
www.druidsglenresort.com | Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow.
16 | ADVERTISING wicklowvoice.ie October 1 2015
ADVERTISING| 17
October 1 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
BECOME A CERTIFIED TRANSPORT MANAGER
Advertorial Everyday activities in our hIf you want to pursue a career in Transport, unlock your potential and gain a recognised qualification then you should consider a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Transport Management. This Certificate, which is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, qualifies you as a Transport Manager and also entitles you to set up a haulage or bus passenger business. A CPC is also extremely beneficial for employment opportunities, career
advancement, or if you want to up skill. You may also be entitled to funding for the course from your Local Employment Offices. Subjects covered in the course include: managing a transport business; employment and health and safety legislation; contract law and financial management; tachograph and hours of driving legislation; national and international documentation etc. Approved CPC courses are run at weekends by Tony Hynes (above) who has successfully put thousands of students through the CPC exam by using his own specially developed materials and his unique
dynamic delivery style. Tony is shortly starting his next CPC Courses in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on November 6th, in the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Limerick on November 14th, in the County Arms Hotel, Birr on November 20th & in the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin on the 5th December for the Part-time course & on Wednesday 6th January for the Full-time course to facilitate the next exam in January 2016. If you wish to obtain further information you can contact Tony at 066-7186525 or 0862458379 or tony@cpc.ie or visit his dedicated website at www.cpc.ie.
18 | NEWS wicklowvoice.ie October 1 2015
County cleans up at Tidy Towns awards as marks rise everywhere Cheque mates as Pure mile winner named
By Michelle McGlynn
For the second consecutive year, Aughrim is the tidiest town in County Wicklow earning 315 marks out of 450. It is the only town in the county to receive a Gold medal at this year’s Tidy Towns awards. “Aughrim is a charming village with an impressive range of building types which tell the story of the villages’ connection with the river and commerce,” the report states. Both Wicklow Town and Arklow received Bronze medals with Arklow also being commended. Stratford-on-Slaney was highly commended within the county. The reports from the SuperValu Tidy Towns 2015 have revealed that every town in Wicklow has improved this year. Each town has improved on their overall score when compared to their marks in 2014. Blessington received an Endeavour Award was the most improved town adding an impressive 14 marks to their previous score, bringing them to 254. The town was commended for their ongoing work and Blessington is expected to continue its improvement over the coming year. “After a busy weekend, the town was beautifully presented for this adjudicators visit,” the Blessington report said. “A number of projects are being planned for the town which will only improve its setting for
By Michelle McGlynn
Ian Davis, Poject Manager for Pure, Andrew Doyle TD with winners of the Best Natural Heritage Award, Roundwood Pure Mile residents and visitors alike.” Greystones received a Value Water Award for Best Large Town. Meanwhile, Ballycoogue has ranked the lowest town in the county for the second year running with 221. It is important to note that Ballycoogue has improved on their 2014 score by eight marks. The concluding remarks for
Ballycoogue praised the community spirit, saying, “We are so glad that you as a community have found it so rewarding to be part of the Tidy Towns family and look forward to your continued success in the competition.” Each town has received a report which outlines the strengths and weaknesses and includes suggestions for improvements
in problem areas. The competition marks each town under a number of categories such as Community Involvement and Planning, Tidiness and Litter Control and Landscaping and Open Spaces. Letterkenny, Co Donegal was presented with the overall title of Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2015, while Clonegal, Co
Carlow claimed the award for Ireland’s Tidiest Village. Other winners included Listowel, Co Kerry receiving the award for Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town, Westport, Co Mayo received the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town, while Letterkenny was also declared as Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.
The hard work of 11 Wicklow communities was celebrated at the recent Pure Mile Awards. Drumgoff, Ballyboy and Ballinafunshogue was named the Best Pure Mile 2015 and received €1,000. The group were commended for researching the natural and social heritage of the area and producing an information leaflet which can be picked up at the Glenmalure Lodge. A total of eight awards were presented at the ceremony which was held at the Brooklodge Hotel, Maccreddin, Aughrim. “A Pure Mile looks totally different than a normal mile of road in Wicklow and all of the communities involved in the competition deserve a huge amount of praise” said Ian Davis, Project Manager of Pure. The awards also marked the official launch of the 2016 Pure Mile competition.
October 1 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING | 19
20 | ADVERTISING wicklowvoice.ie October 1 2015
Buying? Selling? Contact one of our team today e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565
NEWS| 21
October 1 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
it’s time to Air on the side of caution
Homes
with Clodagh Doyle (info@wicklowvoice.ie)
Over the months gone by we have had ample opportunity to swing open our windows and doors and air out our homes. As we drift through autumn hopefully we will not have to batten down the hatches just yet, however, as temperatures plummet we will be reluctant to let in too much fresh air if any! Everyday activities in our homes like washing and cooking create moisture which is released into the air. The rooms that can be prone to excessive levels of moisture and steam are usually the bathroom and kitchen. Within your home the air can only hold a certain amount of water vapour – the colder it
is, the less it can hold. When this air reaches a cold surface like a mirror, wall or window, the water vapour turns into water droplets which results in condensation. You will notice this when perhaps your mirrors or windows mists up. Without sufficient ventilation in these areas, you may experience condensation problems. This may present itself with flaking ceiling or wall paint or perhaps as a black mould. This damp created by condensation can also cause damage to timber windows and plasterwork. Not only is this black mould unsightly on your ceilings, walls, furniture and curtains but research has found that it can be particularly unhealthy, contributing too many allergic and irritant symptoms.
Depending on the scale of the problem, you may have to consider installing an extractor fan. With upstairs bathrooms, if your attic above is not fully insulated it may be contributing to the problem as the bathroom ceiling may be too cold. To reduce the likelihood of excessive condensation you should focus on the following:
the area by filling and then sanding smooth before painting. Finally, using a suitable foam roller or synthetic brush apply two coats of an anticondensation paint and to complete – over coat with your chosen colour. Let’s just say when it comes to mould - prevention is most definitely better than cure!
• Produce less moisture. • Ventilate well to remove moisture. • Heat and insulate your home. In order to treat affected areas you will need to remove any mould or fungal growth. Once the surface is completely clean and dry you should scrape away any loose plaster or flaking paint. You should then make good
Transforming your property for maximum return. For a FREE consultation get in touch on 086 8159431, 01 2548070 or e-mail us info@ placelift.ie
Iconic building goes on sale By Michelle McGlynn
One of Bray’s most iconic buildings has hit the property market. The period building located on Quinsboro Road is in the centre of the town giving you easy access to all the town has to offer. The property has full planning permission for a ground floor retail unit and two large four bedroom apartments on the upper floors. As the business community
in Bray continues to grow and thrive, this retail unit is a fantastic opportunity. It can be developed as a single unit or with revised planning permission can be returned to the original two units. The double fronted unit benefits from a high volume of footfall as it connects to the Main Street and is near the seafront. The space is also across from the new 150 space car park so customers will have no problem finding parking.
Each of the apartments upstairs will have four spacious bedrooms and a living room larger than the entire ground floor of most semi-detached houses. With both buses and the Dart within walking distance, any commute will be no hassle at all. There are a number of excellent primary and secondary schools to choose from in the area. Interested parties should contact Baker Vance Estate Agents on 01 2865300.
Don’t miss your hearing grant
If you are in need of hearing assistance, be sure to see if you can avail of the Treatment Benefits Scheme. The grant can cover up to 50% of the cost of your hearing aid. Qualifying patients include full contributory pensioners, invalidity pensioners and those on disability benefit and their dependent spouses. Wicklow residents are encouraged to look after their hearing and not put off getting a hearing aid due to financial difficulties. Hearing should be tested regularly according to leading experts as it can be dangerous to leave a problem untreated. Where hearing loss cannot be
cured, it can be successfully treated. Like all difficulties we encounter in life, the earlier the source of the problem is identified, the earlier you can begin to overcome the untreated side effects. The more hearing lost, the less you are able to do as hearing experts can only work with what hearing a person has left. Do not leave it any longer, make an appointment to get your hearing checked and put your mind to rest. For details on eligibility for the Treatment Benefits Scheme consult hearing.ie or contact Social Welfare.
22 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie October 1 2015
sport in brief An Tochar
Bruce has finally been weighed and came in at 1,546kg. Congratulations to Liam Kenna who landed the top prize of €250. Sean Davis won the Special Seller’s Prize of an iPhone 6. Meanwhile, Shirley Harty won the Seller’s Prize of €100 voucher for Kavanagh Meats and a €70 Byrne and Woods voucher. Both the U14 teams gave great performances last week. The U14 girls performed very well against a strong Newtown side. The team has improved greatly and can look forward to better things next season. The U14 boys faced St Pats in Ballinakill in the county final. The lads improved with each passing minute and emerged comprehensive victors. Congratulations to all involved. The U16 boys narrowly missed out against St Kevins on September 26. There is still all to play for in their last remaining championship game. Congratulations to Mollie and Martin Byrne on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. The club has benefited greatly from second and thirrd generation Byrnes - thanks Mollie and Martin! Speedy recovery to Tom Mulligan who has had a brief
A group photo of the teams who took part in the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Camogie League Day in Bray Emmets GAA Grounds on September 23. See full story below. spell in hospital. The Fire Brigade will be on full alert this week when Liam Brady’s birthday candles are lit. Rumour has it he reaches the big 7-0.
Arklow Geraldines The next meeting of the Club Executive will take place on October 7 at 8pm in the County GAA Board Room. The Juvenile Boys AGM will be held on October 13 at 7.30pm. Venue to be confirmed. All members/parents/ supporters are invited to attend. Nomination and motion forms
will be posted on website. The U16 FC group 2 play-off will take place on October 4 at 11.30am in Annacurra when AGB take on Avondale. The U14A Girls Championship final between AGB and St Pats will be held in Ballinakill on October 10. The U16 Boys were out in the A Championship against Newtown on September 21 at home in Arklow. The AGB boys showed their talent off in this match against a determined Newtown. Final score AGB 2-13 Newtown 2-6. Well done AGB. Well done to the AGB Minor
Men who are through to the A Championship Final after a great four point win on September 26 in Aughrim. St. Nick’s were strong competition but the AGB lads had only winning in their sights. Final score AGB 1-11 St. Nicks 1-07.
Bray Wanderers Tickets for the FAI cup semifinal against Cork City will be on sale from the Carlisle Grounds this week. Check out braywanderers.com for ticket sales updates. Ticket prices are adults €15, students €7, children/OAP €5. Tickets will be on sale from the Carlisle Grounds. Season tickets are not valid for this game. The semi-final is on October 4 at the Carlisle Grounds with a 2pm kick off time. There was no Lotto jackpot winner on September 27. Numbers drawn were 4, 13, 14 and 25. €30 lucky dip winners were Maggie c/o Supporters Club, Lindsay O’Neill c/o BW on line, Ann Flood c/o Shamrock Bhoys, Aldo c/o BW online, Eloise and Alex Lynch c/o V. Walsh. Next week’s jackpot is €10,400. Tickets
are on sale in the club shop on match days or you can play online at braywanderers.com. Bray Wanderers play Cork City in the FAI cup semi-final on October 4. Kick off at the Carlisle Grounds is 2pm. Bray Wanderers U19s defeated Wexford Youths 2-0 at Ferrycarrig Park on September 26. Goal scorers were John Ross Wilson and Dylan Travers. Wanderers U17s drew 2-2 with Wexford Youths at the Carlisle Grounds. Andy Doolin scored both goals for Wanderers.
Cumann na mBunscol
The Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Camogie League day took place on September 23. Five teams took part in the blitz these included: Kilcoole Primary School, Rathdrum Team 1 and 2, Scoil Chualann and Gaelscoil na Lochanna. The competition was played on a league basis two points for a win and one for a draw. The girls demonstrated a high level of skill on the day and it was fantastic to see the level of respect being implemented at the end of each match.
As the day progressed Scoil Chualann finished in second place and Our Lady’s National School Rathdrum emerged as deserving winners. Each team was awarded a Laoch na hImeartha plaque that was presented to the girl of the game from each team. Míle buíochas to Bray Emmets for the use of their facilities, to our great referees, teachers and parents. Well done to all the girls who participated in the blitz it is fantastic to see that camogie is thriving in the Garden County. Day 2 of the Allianz Boys’ Hurling League takes place in Bray on September 30 at 12pm. Following on from the results from Day 1, we will have a Division 1 and Division 2 league on the day. Please confirm attendance by email or text 086 3021594 to Ronan Keddy, Hurling Officer. Please note that there will be goalkeepers in use for Day 2. The AGM will take place on October 8 in the Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy at 5pm.
Shankill GAA Four teams from our Academy together with teams from Geraldine P Moran’s traveled to the host club Bray Emmets for a blitz. A big thank you to Gerry Doran and Brendan Ellis for repairing our Academy goal posts which suffered some damage recently. Our U8s hurling team had a blitz in the Castle with our guests Kevin’s Hurling Club and once again did very well. Training for the boys U12 and girls U9 and 11 years is in the Castle on Wednesday evening at 6.30pm and on Saturday morning at 10am when there is no match. Men’s next match is against Na Gael Oga on October 4 at 3pm in the Cliffs. Note training day is changed to 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings in the Cliffs.
MVP Thomas looks to Rio
By Michelle McGlynn
Aughrim athlete Thomas Moylan is at the top of his game following the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation European finals. The talented 17-year-old was representing his county and country with the Ireland team at the finals in Finland last week. Thomas was awarded the title of tournament Most Valuable Player as well as being the top scorer in the tournament with 202 goals - 61 more than the next highest scorer.In two vital games of the pool stages, Thomas scored the winning goal. “It was an amazing feeling to be named MVP and to be voted
in by some of the best players in Europe,” Thomas told the Wicklow Voice. “But I couldn’t do any of this without my fantastic team mates because at the end of the day, as a team we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves.” Playing for just three years, the teen is considered one of the top players in Europe and his mother, Julie Neal could not be more proud. “I am so proud of Thomas and his achievements. He has worked really hard juggling school, training and gym sessions,” said Julie. “I know I’m biased but he’s a great kid with a bright future”. The team finished the
tournament in sixth place and secured themselves a place in the 2017 European finals. The national team has also qualified for the qualification tournament for the Paralympics in Rio next year. While Thomas is confident in the team’s ability to reach the Paralympics, there are other obstacles to overcome. “There is no doubt in my mind that the Irish team could qualify for Rio, but in truth it’s more a matter of funding or lack thereof.” The cost of sending the team to compete abroad can range from €30,000 to €60,000 per season. If you would like to donate or help to raise funds, visit irishwheelchairrugby.com.
sport| 23
October 1 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Can Seagulls make it to Aviva? At last the big moment has arrived. This Sunday, October 4, Bray Wanderers take on Cork City in the semi-final of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Senior Cup at the Carlisle Grounds. The game looks like being a sell-out and a trip to the Aviva Stadium to contest the final (against either Dundalk or Longford Town) is at stake. The game has an early kickoff so it will be possible to support the Seagulls and still watch Ireland take on Italy in the Rugby World Cup later in the afternoon. It would be great to see a full house in attendance to cheer on and help get a County Wicklow club to the final of the country’s premier knockout competition! Bray have been in indifferent form in the league since they made the semi-finals of the Cup. They suffered a double reverse last week, going down to a solitary late goal against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on September 22. This was followed by another loss on the road, this time by the odd goal in a five-goal thriller against Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on September 26 (Bray’s goals were scored by Chris Lyons and Dave Scully). Finally on all things soccer, a big congratulations to Arklow man Willie Tyrrell and to our neighbours Wexford Youths who achieved promotion to the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division on September 25. The Youths beat Athlone Town 3-0 at Ferrycarrig Park
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to claim the First Division title and ensure there will be two counties from the South East represented in next season’s Premier Division. Wexford Youths only joined the League of Ireland in 2007 and 2016 will be their debut season in the top flight. Rugby Hopefully you are enjoying the Rugby World Cup, and Ireland march on with a another bonuspoint victory last weekend, this time over Romania. This Rugby World Cup is proving to be one of the most exciting ever, with the Wales victory over England the standout game in the second series of group games. On a more local level Greystones RFC suffered their first reverse of the new season in the All Ireland Rugby League last weekend, going down 23-17 against Dungannon at Stevenson Park. The defeat followed two wins (over Sundays Well and Armagh) and this Saturday 03 October Stones have a chance to get back to winning ways when Seapoint visit Dr Hickey Park. If you have never been to an All Ireland League game, why not come down to cheer on the county’s premier rugby side? Heartbreak for Ed We mentioned last week that Bray man Ed Joyce and his Sussex cricket side were facing a battle to stay in Division One of the County Championship in England.
Unfortunately results didn’t go in favour of Sussex in the final round of games and Ed’s side were condemned to Division Two cricket for 2016. Sussex put up a brave show against champions Yorkshire, matching them after the first innings but ultimately they couldn’t reach the 309 target they were set for their second innings and succumbed to defeat. The loss, coupled with Hampshire’s win, meant Sussex ended their five-year stay in the top flight. Hopefully they can bounce back at the first time of asking.
Donegal footballer and All-Star Karl Lacey meets up with Ava Doyle and her family in Avoca. Ava was the winner of the Kellogg’s Cul Camps Prizewinner Day. Pic: Michael Kelly
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