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‘Marie’s hard work has been in vain’
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Right-to-die campaigner Curran blasts politicians By Cianan Brennan
RIGHT-to-die campaigner Tom Curran has launched a blistering attack on politicians claiming they should be ‘ashamed of themselves’. Arklow-based Tom, speaking exclusively to the Wicklow Voice, claims that all the hardwork his late partner Marie Fleming did in the fight for seriously ill-people “has been in vain”. Tom went on to accuse our politicians of ‘time-wasting and infighting’ while sick and dying people suffer needlessly. “You can see it at the moment with the McNulty scandal in the Seanad, and next week it will be something different, our politicians have their priorities and preoccupations all wrong, focusing on petty feuds when people’s quality of life is at stake,” he said. “They should be ashamed of themselves”.
Declan Meehan with his wife Maggie and daughter Rebecca at the celebrations in East Coast FM to mark the presenter’s 20 years at the helm of The Morning Show. See page 28 Picture: Ruth Kennedy. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside Tom, whose partner Marie passed away last December after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, made his stinging attack ahead of Ireland’s
inaugural National Palliative Care Week which begins on October 6. “We’re talking about something that would be an investment for our state, not
an expenditure. Hospices do a wonderful job but such care is expensive and people want to be treated at home,” he insists. Continued on page 4
Sunday October 5th 2pm - 5pm
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4 | NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
Brazil beauty is face of Wicklow
news in brief
By Michelle McGlynn
Workplace safety Kildare and Wicklow ETB will run a FETAC Level 4 workplace safety course one morning a week in Baltinglass Adult Learning Centre. The course will give you the knowledge, skills and competence to understand the importance of workplace safety. Call 059 6482642 for details.
Award winning mum
The Mum and Tots Awards 2014 were held recently and Laura Steerman from Wicklow was named Top Mumtrepreneur. Laura is mum to Adelaide (3) and Lila (10 months) and works as a solicitor. At QuaintBaby Art, she captures babies in the womb from ultrasound photos, hand painted in a unique and colourful way on mounted canvas.
ICA drama festival
Entries are invited for the 60th annual Wicklow ICA drama festival which will take place in Glenealy Village Hall from January 23-25, 2015. This is an open festival and accepts one act plays, a single act from a full length play or sketches. For details and entry forms email chroche@eircom.net.
KASSIANA Otis will represent Wicklow in the Face of Ireland 2014 competition which takes place on October 26 in Bewley’s Hotel in Dublin. Kassy (29) is one of 18 finalists who will compete in the Face of Ireland final in the hopes of representing Ireland at the Face of the World 2014 final in Paris on October 31. She was born in Brazil in the heart of the Amazon and has lived in Switzerland and America before her husband’s career brought them to Ireland. She now lives in Kilmacanogue A seasoned traveller, Kassy had a terrifying brush with tragedy at the age of three. She boarded a ferry boat with her grandmother to visit the village where her grandmother lived. Late that night, the ferry boat got into difficulty sank. Luckily, Kassy and her grandmother survived but she has never forgotten how lucky they were. As part of her campaign for the ambassadorial search, she will be holding an event in Kingfisher’s Kitchen, Enniskerry to raise funds and awareness for the GRASP
Life Foundation, the competitions chosen charity. The event will showcase the best Wicklow has to of-
fer from food and drinks to crafts. Entry is €10 and it takes place on October 4 from 8pm.
Curran blasts politicians
Continued from previous page
OCTOBER Band Listings T Thur 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 S Sun 5 S
Des Hopkins Dixieland Band [Dixieland jazz] Reggulators [Reggae] Blind Yackety [Phsychadelic/harmonic/world rock] The Song Room Presents [Varied Emerging Talent]
Thur T 9 Fri 10 Sat 11 S Sun 12 S
Able Archer/Wishlist [Rock/Covers] The High Dials [Psych Pop] Interskalactic 60’s [Jamaican Ska] Jamie Duff [Folk rock]
Thur T 16 Lucky Bones [Rock/Americana] Fri 17 Rackhouse Pilfer [Bluegrass] Sat 18 After the Ibis [Roots reggae] S Sun 19 Square Pegs [Goodtime Blues] Thur hur 23 Love Minus Zero [Bob Dylan Tribute] Fri 24 Stoney Brokes [Rock and roll] Sat 25 The Eskies [Sea Soaked Gypsy Folk] Sun 26 Scott Maher [Blues rock] Thur 30 Pavement Kings [Rockabilly] Fri 31 Kammerpop [Chamber Pop] Sat 1 Sun 2
The Viking Project [Folk Rock] The Lost Brothers [Americana/Folk]
Plus Trad music in the bar Wednesday to Saturday
“There are over 40,000 fulltime carers in Ireland who need help from the law-makers, not political wrangling.” Marie, who was almost completely incapacitated in her final years, famously lost her case in the High Court in 2012, arguing that she should be allowed to take her own life with Tom’s assistance and without fear of his prosecution. “We need to create an awareness and an understanding of what palliative care is, and the good it can do, so that both carers and the ill can benefit from diagnosis rather than at the end, that’s what this week is about,” he says. Curran, who ran as an Independent in the recent local elections in Arklow, believes palliative care needs to be delivered from diagnosis, and not merely in life-ending situations. Since Marie’s death last year Curran has been heavily involved in the drafting of a new bill on assisted dying, something that has become even more prescient with the emergence of another MS sufferer, Waterford woman Kate Tobin, who is campaigning for the same options that Marie was fighting for.
Hundreds turn out to help raise funds for Chappie Some of the participants in the swim. Picture by Pablo Photography Greystones Guide By Michelle McGlynn HUNDREDS of people turned out for the Chappie’s Challenge swim in Greystones on September 27 where thousands of euro was raised. The swim of just over a mile began from Greystones south beach and ended at the nearby harbour. Johnny Hayden and a number of others, including East Coast FM’s Laura Wood, took part in the swim which will become a yearly event. Johnny completed the swim in 48 minutes. “I was truly humbled with the support of everyone during the event, especially my support swimmers Allen, Ger and Cameron. “When I popped my head out at the North Beach it took my breath away to see all the people who had gathered to support us,” Johnny said following the swim. “I’m not proud of myself for doing it, I knew I could. “I’m proud of the swimmers who took part and did it,” he continued. The swim and the family fun day were a huge success. The swim and family fun day were held to raise money for the Johnny Hayden Trust. All the money raised will go towards renovations in Johnny’s home to make it wheelchair friendly and improve the quality of his every day life.
In 2012, a routine back operation went terribly wrong and left Johnny paralysed from the waist down. Thanks to his unrelenting determination and intense rehab at the Guttman Rehab Clinic in Barcelona, Johnny has made huge progress since the day of the operation. Meanwhile Bray resident Ion Lazarenco recently swam the English Channel in an impressive 13 hours and 34 minutes. Speaking about the achievement, Ion told the Wicklow Voice, “It feels amazing. I am in shock.” He also told us that he received a boost from some unexpected friends. “In my eleventh hour of swimming I was joined by a big family of dolphins who kept me company for about 15 minutes,” he said. “It was extraordinary. “They gave me the push I badly needed to swim the rest of the way and land in France,” he added. Ion has previously swam the River Nistru in Moldova and the Ice Mile in Lough Dan here in Wicklow. All of his swims raise money for children in need in his native Moldova. For his next challenge he is thinking about the North Channel which has been successfully crossed by less than 30 swimmers.
NEWS |5
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Pictured holding the certificate confirming the achievement of a Guinness World Record The Caroline Foundation committee members Kieran Leonard, Karen Hodgins, Valerie Kelly and Helen O’Sullivan-Dwyer. On Sunday, May 11 The Caroline Foundation for Cancer Research set a new record for The Longest Awareness Ribbon Chain when 3,000 people lined the 8.5km route from Bray promenade to Greystones via the Cliff Walk holding 39,000 bands of 10” ribbon.
Joe Lavelle of Podology in Sexton’s Garden Centre, Glen Of The Downs.
April Dickinson, Marie Dickenson, David Dickenson, Eileen Earls, Dervla Earls and Colin Hatt at the presentation of a cheque from the Wicklow Terrier and Lucher Club to Wicklow Cancer Support at Tinakilly house (Pic: Yvette O Beirne)
Ben (3) and Rita Conroy out and about in Greystones
Aisling O’Gorman, Jonathan Barry and Sinead Dunne from Arklow Community College at the opening of the World War1 Memorial park, Woodenbridge (pic:Yvette O Beirne)
Eileen Bracken of Horkans Garden Centre
Ryan (5), Colm, Debbie and Scott Foley (9) out and about in Bray
6| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
RTE legend Bill to line out for local school
Floral art in Greystones
Marta O’Kelly and Adrienn Szentgáli outside their new Floral Art store at Unit 1A, Meridian Point in Greystones, which celebrates the power of the flower and has a distinct style that is fresh and fashion forward. Marta and Adrienn have lived and worked in Greystones for the past 10 years and have built a reputation for their exquisite designs and innovation. Inspired by architecture, fashion and interior design, they design for individuals, clients and corporations
FORMER RTE broadcaster Bill O’Herlihy has been announced as the special speaker at the forthcoming Presentation College Bray Past Pupils Union (PPU) dinner. The legendary broadcaster will also present a special award to Leinster and Ireland Skills Coach, Richie Murphy, who is a past pupil of the Wicklow school. Richie will be named as Pres Man of the Year following his involvement in helping Ireland win the Six Nations Championship in March of this year. “We are delighted that Bill has agreed to deliver the address at this year’s dinner,” a spokesman for the PPU said. “His contribution to broadcasting in this country cannot be underestimated and his track record as a business man with O’Herlihy Communications,
down the decades The treacherous waters off Wicklow THE waters off the coast of Co. Wicklow have proved to be a dangerous place for mariners from the earliest of times. On Saturday September 1876 the Brig ‘Leona’ was making her way in terrible weather towards Liverpool. Her skipper Capt Richards was unfamiliar with the dangerous coastline of the county and made a navigational error. He decided to ride out the storm. He thought he had anchored off Kingstown (Dunlaoghaire) but too late he realised he was being driven towards the rocks off Bray Head. The alarm was raised and the Greystones lifeboat the ‘Sarah Tancred’ tried to launch to his aid. The lifeboat was a 10 oar boat manned by twelve brave
news in brief Ferris elected Anne Ferris, Labour TD for Wicklow, was unanimously elected as the new Vice-Chair of the Labour Parliamentary Party. She has also been appointed
one of Ireland’s longest established public relations companies since 1973, is second-tonone. We are truly honoured that he will be attending.” This year’s PPU dinner is being held in Barracuda Restaurant in Bray on October 17 and with more than 100 tickets sold already, the organisers are expecting a full house on the night. A limited number of ticket are still available for €50 from www.presbrayppu.com or by calling 0868299786. Mr O’Herlihy stepped down in July after more than years 40 with RTE having anchored 10 World Cups on RTE, starting with the 1978 competition in Argentina. Richie was appointed Senior Skills and Kicking Coach at Leinster in June 2010 and previously held the position of Rugby Development Officer and Elite Player Development
Officer where he oversaw the province’s underage development programme. The ex-Greystones and Leinster out-half was educated in Presentation College, Bray, where he captained his school to the 1990 Leinster Schools Junior Cup, scoring all his sides points in the 9-6 win over Wesley College, in a game, he says, was his greatest moment in rugby on a personal level. He recently visited the school with internationals Ian Madigan and Fergus McFadden to show off the RBS Six Nations Trophy. Richie has also been an important part of the Leinster backroom team for the province’s Heineken Cup successes in 2009, 2011 and 2012. Teacher Johnny Russell will also accept a special award on behalf on Pres Rugby Cubs who will also be honoured on the night.
men. Conditions were too bad for a launch. In desperation they hauled the heavy lifeboat by horsepower into Bray, hoping conditions there might be better. They were not and the she was unable to launch. The Kingstown life boat had also launched to help the stricken ‘Leona’. All now depended on the Kingstown lifeboat which arrived at the ‘Leona’ about 3pm. The Kingstown boat under Coxswain Williams succeeded on getting the nine crew from the Leona safely aboard. However instead of trying to beach at Bray Williams decided to make back for Kingstown. Just north of Bray disaster struck. The lifeboat was hit broadside by a large wave and swamped. People on shore could watched in horror as the 19 souls on the lifeboat was dumped into the raging sea. All they could do was wait until the bodies float-
ed towards shore and could be pulled out. The rescued were taken to Rathdown Union (now Loughlinstown Hospital). When the final roll call was taken two lifeboat men and 3 from the Leona had perished. Nevertheless 12 brave men had set out towards Bray in a roaring gale without consideration for their own safety to help their fellow mariners. Only 10 had returned. So next time you see a collection for the RNLI, remember the ‘Leona’ and the brave lifeboat crews who still carry on that great but dangerous humanitarian service.
as a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications. “Living in Bray, I see firsthand the issues affecting commuters such as overpacked Darts, bad roads and poor parking. “I intend to raise these issues at the earliest chance I get,” said Ferris as she expressed her delight about new roles.
Nashville in Arklow
Philip Byrne is a Storyteller who under the title of Positive Outcomes is available for storytelling events for children and adults including special needs groups. He can be contacted on 087 2627806.
Direct from Nashville comes Muriel Anderson who will play the Arklow Bay Hotel on Tuesday, October 14 at 8.30pm. The virtuouso guitarist is at home playing folk, bluegrass, jazz and classical. Tickets are €15 or €12 with concession, available at hotel reception.
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
NEWS |7
8 | NEWS wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014 news in brief Carers Association support group
THE Carers Association will hold its support group for family carers and friends on the last Wednesday of every month from 11am until 1pm. New and existing members are invited to join in Little Bray Family Resource and Development Centre.
Special song session The Bray Singers’ Circle are holding a special additional session when they welcome Scottish singer Derek Williamson. The session is on Saturday, October 4 at the Strand Hotel, Bray Seafront from 9pm until 12.45am.
Helping hand The Dogs in Distress pet charity is set to receive a significant boost thanks to a unique fundraiser that will be conducted in the Maxi Zoo pet store in Bray over the next two months. Maxi Zoo are inviting customers visiting their Bray store to donate €1 to the Give Paw campaign. One ball will be added to a ball pit in store for each donation made to visually represent the difference being made.
Teacher creates 15 jobs with new grinds school By Michelle McGlynn
A PRIMARY school teacher has created 15 new jobs in Wicklow by establishing a new grinds school. Claire Ryan has established Bray Grinds Institute which will offer grinds to students from primary school up to Leaving Certificate Level five days a week in Bray’s Royal Hotel. “I am delighted to provide these 15 new jobs in the north Wicklow area,” says Claire. “We at Bray Grinds Institute are dedicated to providing students with the highest standard in extra tuition and one of the ways we will achieve this is by maintaining a low pupil to teacher ratio with a maximum of 15 students per class.” Labour TD Anne Ferris, who officially launched Bray Grinds Institute on September 26 in at the Royal Hotel on Bray Main Street, said “I congratulate the full team involved in bringing this project to fruition and wish the tutors and their students the
Claire with her daughter Andrea (9) on the bandstand in Bray best of luck in their future studies and exams.” Bray Grinds Institute will cater for up to 600 pupils and Claire has hired a number of state examiners and published authors to act as tutors.
Two Brothers: Vladimir and Anton Jablokov Musical, movie and classical songs Fri Oct 10 // 8pm Tickets €16/14
Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh: In My Mind A Solo Trad Fiddle and Film Show Wed Oct 15 // 8pm Tickets €16/14
The Waiting Room A Feel Good Comedy Play Thur/Fri Oct 16/17 //8pm Tickets €16/14
www.mermaidartscentre.ie 01 2724030 Main Street, Bray, Co Wicklow
“By keeping the class size small we can ensure that each child receives the time and attention that they require to achieve their goals,” says Claire . “Our class sizes are significantly smaller than other grinds
schools.” “Our students will be tutored by fully-qualified teachers and will be provided with superb, up-to-date and insightful notes that provide exclusive and practical tips for each subject,” adds Claire.
Students who are in exam years will have the invaluable opportunity to sit two mock exams and as a result students will improve their time management technique and practice the strategies that they have learned in class. Mum-of-three Claire, who is a primary school teacher in Bray School Project, first had the idea to offer this service to students in the Wicklow area three years ago. She is a graduate of Trinity College Drama School and has a H Dip and she believes her years of experience in the classroom means that she knows how to help students to realise their full potential. The grinds will run in the evenings at 5pm until 9pm from Monday to Thursday and there will also be classes on Saturday mornings from 9am until 2pm in the Royal Hotel. For further information, you can contact (01) 254 8823 or visit www.braygrindsinstitute. com
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
A week in the life of the newly elected
T
he most common question I’ve been asked since I was elected is ‘how are you finding it?’ My response every time is ‘it’s great – but busy’. So how do I spend my days? Well, here’s what I got up to last week. On Monday we had our County Council meeting. This happens once a month and is probably the part of my new job that I have found hardest to get used to, particularly the formalities that go along with these meetings. This Monday’s meeting was a great one though where we had an opportunity to make a positive change that will affect people directly. We voted through a 15% reduction in the Local Property Tax. This was something I supported as I believe that the people in Wicklow are more heavily, and unfairly, taxed compared with other counties. We pay one of the highest property taxes in the country and receive less through local government funding, on a per capita basis, than the majority of other counties. On Tuesday morning I was down in Stephen Donnelly’s office beside the DART station in Greystones, where I work most of the time. I’m regularly in there helping people that might need some advice or support; working on more strategic projects that will help groups of stakeholders in the district, such as a Wicklow Broadband Strategy; or preparing for the many meetings I have to attend – I’m on the board of Wicklow Tourism and the Kidare and Wicklow Education Training Board. I spent most of last Tuesday trying to find accommodation for a man who has become homeless through no fault of his own. The face of homelessness has changed and now it affects people from all walks of life that have had a stretch of bad luck and don’t have the supports needed to get through it. I went to Wicklow Town to discuss the case, where the officials were fantastic. But, it will still be very difficult to get something quickly for this person. On Tuesday evening I met with the other Councillors, TDs, Sisk and Council officials to talk about progress in Greystones harbour. We were told that Sisk are ready to starting on Phase 1 of the build, which covers the clubhouses in January. I was keen to get the message across at the meeting that this was a community facility and that we need to work together to make it more appealing to everyone, not just those that sail. Last Wednesday I was trying to improve safety on the school run. One issue that I have been working on for some time now is the back road to St Laurence’s National School. Anybody that knows the road will
understand how dangerous it is for the 600 children that use it to get to school every day. In some parts, the path is little over a foot wide, which means that parents pushing buggies have to walk on the road for some sections. On Wednesday I also finalised a policy paper on how local government can be more transparent with their finances. My proposal is that a receipt is issued to residents by the council every year that outlines where council money comes from and where it is spent. We are paying more and more for local service provision and I think that we should have an understanding of where it goes. This policy will form part of Stephen Donnelly TD’s budget submission for Budget 2015. I finally got to catch up on all my other individual representations on Thursday. This means dealing with people about medical cards, adaptation grants, overgrown trees, speed bumps – you name it, I get it. I love dealing with the wide range of issues that people bring in. But despite being the one to raise these issues with the different agencies, I am very rarely told if they’ve been fixed. So I always spend a little time each week visiting/talking to residents to see if their issues were sorted. This week, I visited a house in Greystones to discover that a water leak that was causing them huge problems had been fixed. Friday morning was spent talking broadband. Myself and Stephen are working on a Broadband Strategy for Wicklow – trying to map the supply and demand and identify the gaps in service provision to see if we can improve online access across the county to help businesses and students. I also did some research on commercial rates. There are some big changes being made to how commercial rates will apply across the county and I am speaking to local businesses and the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association to see how they can be used to stimulate local economies. The more local jobs and businesses we have, the stronger our communities will be. And this weekend was spent celebrating my dad’s 86th birthday with my family – lots of cake and tea – what better way to end the week!
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.
“K
SO WHAT WE GOT WAS NOT DECENTRALISATION, JUST A PLAN TO SPREAD A BIT OF MONEY HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE. NO PART OF THE PLAN EVER WORKED. NO GATEWAYS OR HUBS WERE DEVELOPED AND, WHEN THE ECONOMY WENT TITS UP, NO MONEY WAS EVER DISPERSED
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
Our country revolves around Dublin arl Marx declared of Napoleon and his heir that “history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce”. The phrase has transferred easily to many events and comes to mind again as the Ireland of 2014 prepares, in farcical style, to re-run the tragic events which destroyed our economy in 2008. We were laid low then by bad banks and mad spending. The spending was mostly on housing; on homes which, in many cases, the buyers did not need second homes, third homes intended for rental, holiday homes, overseas homes. The banks went broke by handing out money for these homes. Millions went on mortgages the borrowers had no realistic hope of repaying from earned income. They made sense - although sense is hardly the word for it - only because the value of housing kept going up, and it kept going up only because people kept buying with the money the banks kept lending, in a crazy, vicious circle. Billions went to developers who, having pushed up the price of housing in greater Dublin to the point where almost no-one could afford to buy, then started building in more remote places; small towns with few facilities and fewer jobs, thus forcing tens of thousands of people into lengthy commutes which destroyed the quality of their lives. The government of the day was a beneficiary of this madness since a huge slice of its income came from property - from stamp duty, obviously, but also from the taxes of construction companies and their workers. While the money flowed in, the business of government was easy. The country was like one of those centrifugal wheels you see at fairgrounds. A central force pushes the punters out to the walls of the wheel and, so long as it keeps spinning fast, they stick there. When the wheel slows down they fall off. In 2008 the world’s economy slowed and Ireland’s wheel came juddering to a halt. We all fell off. Now the wheel has started spinning again. Dublin is the hub that drives Ireland, the source of all our spin in more ways than one. As the capital heads back to boom time we already see it pushing out people, as any centrifugal force will do. The fast-rising price of housing is forcing people to the outer reaches of Dublin commuter land - to Meath and Louth, Wicklow and Kildare. Soon they will be pushed further afield. If, out there, they find nothing more than a place to live, we will be repeating the sorry saga. In 2003 the then Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, dusted down and re-
launched a plan that could really have made a difference. This National Spatial Strategy was based on a number of hubs and gateways. The idea was to build up the cities and a few of the bigger towns outside Dublin. These were the hubs. They were to have good public transport, good schools and colleges, good hospitals and also good theatres and leisure facilities, things that would attract people to live there. The gateways were essentially dormitory towns to serve these hubs. The people who lived in them would still commute for work but instead of a round trip to Dublin of 150 kilometres or more they would be ten minutes away from a small city where they could work or go to college and where they would return many an evening to enjoy the leisure facilities. Good roads and rail links, easy and cheap parking, were all part of the plan. To get it underway it was intended to transfer thousands of civil servants out to the hubs. The plan was wrecked by political opportunism. The original strategy called for a nine hubs and nine gateways. But Fianna Fail, who were then in power, couldn’t miss the opportunity to spread largesse, so Mr McCreevy effectively did away with the distinction between hubs and gateways and announced there would be decentralisation to 53 locations in 25 counties. Hardly any constituency outside Dublin missed out and the few that did, managed to get some town or village added later on. So what we got was not decentralisation, just a plan to spread a bit of money here, there and everywhere. No part of the plan ever worked. No gateways or hubs were developed and, when the economy went tits up, no money was ever dispersed. Last year Phil Hogan formally announced that the plan had been scrapped and a new one would be announced. I’m not holding my breath. But in this very lopsided country, where a third of the population lives in and around Dublin, decentralisation is badly needed. Not to 53 locations, not even to 18 locations, but to six or seven - the cities, and maybe Athlone, at a pinch Dundalk. Make them places where people can work and will want to work. Link them with places where people will want to live. Then we may not be doomed to repeat our recent history as either tragedy or farce.
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
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
anyotherbusiness
Have you got a story? Then email thecaptain@wicklowvoice.ie By Captain Louis
Gerald Kean in tabloid shocker
It’s not often that findings from a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) make it onto the front pages of the tabloids but that’s what happened recently when ‘celebrity solicitor’ Gerald Kean lost a High Court appeal against a finding of professional misconduct. But the lawyer to the stars will not have to pay a €20,000 fine recommended by the SDT following complaints by a former client. According to Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns “This case does not rank with the most serious cases of misconduct to come before the Court, though misconduct it undoubtedly was.” Ouch! Kean, who lives near Brittas Bay, disputed all the findings against him and denied misconduct. But that didn’t stop the Red Top tabloids from running acres of cleavage, sorry coverage, of himself beside partner Lisa Murphy...
Forgotten, but not gone
President Michael D Higgins commemorates his visit to Wicklow Gaol recently as Blaise Tracey, Patrick Casey and Christopher Fox look on
Happy birthday DART still on track after 30 years
W
hat’s the connection between the recent 30th anniversary of the D A RT ’s introduction, a day-out to the seaside in Wicklow in 1932 for the Irish Free State cabinet and the power source used in, amongst other things, your digital camera? The Drumm battery is the answer. Never heard of it? Read on! The DART celebrated the 30th anniversary of its introduction on July 23. Not that you’d have noticed – there wasn’t much fanfare. The service was initiated on July 23 1984 even though the official launch was October 22 1984. The reason for the time lag was that C.I.E. wanted to ensure all glitches were tweaked out of the system for the official launch. The footage you see every so often on Reeling in the Years of thenTaoiseach and Bray native Dr Garrett Fitzgerald stepping onto a DART at Bray was from the October official launch. The introduction of the DART was the start of a period of rejuvenation for North Wicklow. An easier commute to Dublin encouraged many to move out to Bray and North Wicklow and this helped the area launch into a period of economic recovery. The extension of the DART to
Brian Quigley Greystones exactly halfway through this 30 years (in 1999) continued and even extended to a wider area of Wicklow this economic rejuvenation. The introduction of the DART was also a relief for anyone who had been used to the 2600 Class diesel railcars that preceded the DART. They were falling apart, to put it bluntly. Change had been needed for some time and electrification of the BrayHowth line had been mooted since the early 1970’s. As always, the funding had to be found before the project could proceed (nothing has changed!). What is often overlooked in Irish railway history though is the fact that the DART wasn’t the first electric train to run from Bray to Dublin. Sandwiched in between the classic steam era and the diesel era that immediately preceded the DART, there was a brief period in the 1930’s and 1940’s when the Drumm battery railcars operated. Named after Dr James J
Drumm, a young Irish electrical engineer based in UCD, the Drumm battery trains were two-car railcar sets fitted with industrial-sized rechargeable nickel-zinc batteries (invented by Drumm) underneath the cars. In those days there were two Dublin-Bray railway lines, the old Harcourt Street line and the current DART line that runs along the coast. The Drumm railcars operated on both lines, both ways as there were battery charge houses constructed in the city as well as at Bray Daly station (the demolition of the charge house at Bray by C.I.E. was described to me by my grandfather as ‘an act of heritage vandalism’). The top speed the Drumm railcars could attain was about 100 kmh, pretty similar to the present DART trains which can get up to 110 kmh (but rarely do due to the amount of stops). In a way the Drumm battery trains were even more impressive than the DART as they didn’t have the advantage of overhead lines to continuously draw down power from, they had to store accumulated power from their last charging session to get them through their journey. Introduced in 1932 the Drumm battery railcars played a key role in Dublin’s World War Two transport efforts. Coal for the steam trains was
in short supply and of poor quality so the Drumm railcars stepped up to the plate and provided a lot of the commuter services during this time. Materials needed to maintain the batteries were impossible to obtain as the war raged on and so by the time the war ended the Drumm railcars had their days numbered. Diesel locomotion was looming big on the horizon anyway. The railcars were withdrawn in 1948 when the batteries finally fell apart. The only footage of the Drumm battery that survives, as far as I know, is some Pathe Newsreel footage from 1931 of President WT Cosgrave, together with Drumm and most of the cabinet of the Irish Free State government trying out the Drumm railcars coming into (or out of, I can’t make out which) Bray. You can find it on YouTube in a clip entitled ‘’A Revolution of Transport’’. The story doesn’t end there. The nickel-zinc battery has gone on to be used in cordless power tools, cordless telephones, digital cameras, electric bicycles and electric cars. So while 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the DART, it also marks the 40th anniversary of James Drumm’s death. His legacy was Ireland’s first great green revolution of the railways, and it all began in the Garden of Ireland.
Nice work if you can get it ... Over €374,000 has been paid to former councillors since the May local elections. The highest payment was to former Labour councillor - and 40-year veteran - John Byrne for €63,755 while former Fine Gael councillor George Jones got €61,800. Ex-Bray Town Councillors Ciaran O’Brien and Eugene Finnegan received €19,748 and €8,343 respectively, while retired Greystones Town Council members Kathleen Kelleher and Chris Maloney received €24,433 and €12,824. In Arklow, the late Vincent McElheron, was entitled to €19,910 while Peter Dempsey received €9,736 and John Byrne received €4,171. Among those at the higher end of the scale who served more terms were Nicky Kelly, who received €49,511, and Jimmy O’Shaughnessy, whose payment amounted to €51,757, and who pointed out that the figures do not reflect tax and USC. Former Wicklow Town Council member Pat Byrne received €17,113 while Malcolm Earls, Sean Smullen and Mervyn Morrison each received €4,171 and Garrett O’Reilly received €2,075. But what of Tracy O’Brien, Sarah Wray, Mick Glynn, David Grant, Ronan McManus, Rossa Murray, Stephen Stokes, Billy Norman, James O’Sullivan, Una Kelly and Barry Nevin? It turns out that councillors who retired or lost their seats and have not yet received payments will be eligible once they reach the age of 50. Forgotten, but not gone, it seems ...
Hardest working man in show business
We all know that The Captain’s indecision is final ... In our edition of September 18 we said Cllr Tom Fortune was most likely to become our most well-known former councillor but now we are nominating him as our hardest working local representative. Good-humoured Tom was on hand early on Friday morning to wish East Coast FM’s Declan Meehan all the best as he celebrated 20 years on air (see page 28) and then much later, he was lending a hand to Claire Ryan (see page 8) as she launched Bray Grinds Institute in the Royal Hotel. Apart from TD Anne Ferris, Tom was the only politician to show up and The Captain salutes his endeavours to help Claire out ...
Where Wolf?
The county it would appear is awash with drink ... Fresh from the news that Mickey Finns Brewery and Glendalough Distillery will begin producing craft beer and whiskey respectively, news reaches The Captain’s ears that Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company is about to begin brewing beer also. However, all attempts to contact the men behind the operation, Simon Lynch and Quincey Fennelly, are proving beyond us, as their website is unfinished and Facebook messages go unanswered. Did anyone see my dog whistle ..?
Radiator story warms the heart
The Captain was delighted to hear that The Veha site at the Murrough has sold for over €1.8m - almost double its guide price. The buyer is Peter Kopik, currently in London, but originally from Bray. Veha Radiators closed its doors in 2009 and resulted in the loss of 93 jobs but Kopik is considering a hotel and leisure centre, apartments, a cinema or retail. Eugene Dooley was involved in the sale and said that the sale indicates that the Wicklow market is looking up again...
12 | ADVERTISING
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
NEWS| 13
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
Hozier in at No 1 as album tops the Irish charts By Michelle McGlynn
IT COMES as little surprise that Hozier’s hotly anticipated debut album shot to number one and became the fastest selling album in Ireland this year. The Wicklow native’s album was officially certified platinum after just one week of release. The album has received universal acclaim since its release with critics such as Niall Byrne saying that the album reveals “an assured lyricist, a powerful singer and dedicated blues guitarist.” The album comes a year after Hozier first shot to fame with the release of the huge anthem Take Me To Church. But before he took his place at the forefront of the Irish music scene, Andrew Hozier-Byrne took to the stage in the Hot Spot, Greystones. Little did anyone know when the Hot Spot transformed from a little internet café to a music venue that it would be the launch pad for Hozier to world domination. Ailbhe Skay, Hot Spot creator, recently waxed lyrical with Today FM’s Ray D’Arcy about the Bray man’s talents. She reminisced about how Hozier cut his teeth in her venue at the open mic sessions and stole the show on more than one occasion. Less than 18 months ago
Andrew played to a handful of people at the Hot Spot, last month he played to 30, 000 people at Electric Picnic. Many people who find themselves thrust into the limelight so quickly would find it all a bit daunting but shy Andrew appears to be taking it in his stride. Hozier has also made quite the splash over in the US. In recent months he has played festivals such as SXSW and appeared on shows such as the Late Show with David Letterman, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He is soon to add an appearance on Saturday Night Live to his already impressive CV. SNL is an institution in the United States and beyond. When Hozier performs later this month, he will follow in the footsteps of the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Nirvana and countless others. Days before the release of his self-titled album, Hozier announced an extensive US tour for 2015. He is currently playing dates in America and Canada, all of which quickly sold out. No Irish dates have been set as of yet but the Wicklow singer teased fans in a tweet saying, “News to come about Irish shows.” Just don’t leave us waiting too long, Hozier.
The new Hot Spot in Greystones. All clothes and accessories on models provided by Vintage La Touche. Photo by Faye Bollard
Hot Spot finds new home over Beach House By Pat Byrne
HOT Spot Music Club has established itself as the venue known for something different and unique. They have an eclectic mix of contemporary music nights including rock and roll, folk, rockabilly and flamenco. In fact, they are hosting Spain’s number one flamenco guitarist, José Manuel León on October 4. They also host Hot Club of Dublin forties nights along with 1920s speakeasies where you are likely to see clientèle dressed as ‘flappers’ compliments of local store Vintage La Touche. The recent development of an unusual partnership with vintage clothes and accessories shop Vintage La Touche offers the ideal setting to buy the hottest tickets to upcoming gigs. The Hot Spot recently moved above the Beach House pub at Greystones Harbour and is now called The Hot Spot Music Club. It is only a stone’s throw from Vintage La Touche where you can get your dis-
Photo by Faye Bollard count tickets for most of the Hot Spot events whilst browsing through an abundance of genuine vintage gear and accessories. With its old stone walls and
stained glass windows, Hot Spot Music Club’s ambient vibe provides the perfect setting for this glamorous attire. The Hot Spot Music Club is also available for private
Vintage has become incredibly popular recently thanks to TV shows such as Downton Abbey and Mad Men. To compliment the vintage attire, the shop also stocks hats and headpieces beautifully crafted by two Dublin-based milliners, Marianne Flood and Rosemary Keating. Owner, Sandra Fitzgibbon, says that many of her clientèle initially come to the store looking for something fabulous to wear to a wedding or the races. There’s no need to wait for
special occasions any more as hip venue Hot Spot Music Club provides live music and the atmosphere that lends itself to such glamorous attire. Upcoming highlights include the Rockabilly Swing Night on Saturday, October 11 and the complementary Dance Through the Ages workshop before the show. Head down to Vintage La Touche and get your tickets so you don’t miss out. For more information visit www.vintagelatouche.com or facebook.com/ vintage-la-touche
party hire. So get your glad rags and discounted tickets from Vintage La Touche and dance the night away in the Hot Spot by the Harbour.
CLASSY, CLASSIC, VIBRANT, VINTAGE
By Michelle McGlynn
RECENTLY re-branded Vintage La Touche in Greystones is perfect for the guys and gals who like to stand out from the crowd. They specialise in glamorous vintage furs, elegant evening dresses, fabulous headpieces and stunning jewellery as well as men’s accessories such as bow ties, braces, cravats and cufflinks. Items in the shop are guaranteed one-off pieces - either vintage or handmade.
14 | NEWS news in brief Nationwide tea party As part of Positive Aging Week which runs October 1-9, Age Action are coordinating a nationwide tea party morning to encourage people and groups to support Age Action and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Andrew Doyle TD has invited people to attend a tea party in his constituency office on the Lower Mall, Wicklow Town between 10am and noon on October 3.
Get walking for breast cancer
Current world champion walker, Rob Heffernan, is urging the people of Wicklow to walk alongside him in Baltinglass as part of Centra’s Let’s Walk initiative to raise funds for Irish Cancer Society’s Action Breast Cancer programme. The 10k fundraising walk will begin at 12pm from Fisher’s Centra, Baltinglass on October 27.
Andrew Maxwell competition winner
Congratulations to Karl Llewellyn who has won a pair of tickets to see Andrew Maxwell in the Martello.
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
We live in second dearest county to buy property By Cianan Brennan
WICKLOW is experiencing a serious housing shortage according to a new report. The study, compiled by property location service Geodirectory, states further that County Wicklow currently boasts the second highest priced property in Ireland, second only to Dublin, at an average of €261,000 per dwelling. By contrast, the average price of property across the nation is currently €204,000. The study, commissioned by economic consultants DKM, cross references the national Propery Price Register with data from the Central Statistics Office and Geodirectoy’s own statistics to give new insights into Ireland’s property market. With rentals in urban centres soaring and buyer demand at unprecedented levels, the study confirms long-held suspicions about the precarious nature of the housing market, with Wicklow being in the eye of the
storm. Crucially, the turnover of property in Ireland from June 2013 to June 2014 was just 1.4%. Healthy housing markets in other countries would expect this figure to be between 4% and 5%. Wicklow’s turnover for the
same period was third highest in the country at 1.7%. However, just 9% of these sales were of new properties, indicating both the scale of demand for property within the county and also the dearth in supply. In further bleak news for buy-
ers and renters alike, Wicklow has one of the lowest percentages of housing construction across Ireland, with just 73 (2% of the national total) dwellings listed as being under construction there as of July 2014. Wicklow accounts for just 2.7% of the total residential
housing stock in Ireland at this time, out of 2,019,638 separate properties. Over 43% of all residential properties in the state are based in the three major cities, with Dublin accounting for 26% of this stock. However, while Wicklow sits firmly in mid-table as regards its amount of available residences, the county places worryingly highly on the table showing highest population per available dwellings, a statistic which measures housing availability. With 2,480 people for every 1,000 dwellings, the Garden County is second only to Meath and Kildare in terms of population per residence, suggesting that demand for housing is extremely high. Dublin, which is experiencing a well-documented housing shortage, has the highest number of households per 1,000 dwellings. The various figures indicating high housing demand are concentrated in counties like Wicklow, Kildare and Meath.
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
NEWS| 15
For Sale by Best Bid on or before 24th October 2014
Killincarrig House Delgany, Co. Wicklow 2.3 Acres 0.93 Hectares Development Opportunity Zoned Neighbourhood Centre allowing a mixture of Residential and Commercial Development Includes Large Period House with Commercial Zoning Existing Planning Permission for a Nursing Home and 4 Detached Houses
Guide Price â‚Ź1.8 Million For Sale by Best Bid on or before 24th October 2014
Ballynerrin Upper Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow 21.10 Acres 8.11 Hectares Currently Zoned for Agricultural Use Formerly Zoned for Residential Development and now part of Wicklow Town Strategic Land Bank
Guide Price â‚Ź500,000 PSRA Licence No 002916
Bray Delgany Greystones 01 201 0300 info@dooley.ie www.dooley.ie
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topten
16 | WHAT’S HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
PET IDEA of the fortnight KILDARE WEST WICKLOW SPCA KWWSPCA shelter, Athgarvan, Kildare, 087 1279835 The KWWSPCA have opened a new animal shelter based between Athgarvan and Twomilehouse, Co Kildare. The aim of the new shelter is to provide the many animals in their care with a safe and caring place where they can reside until they find their forever home. The shelter is open Monday - Saturday between 2pm and 4pm. They welcome donations of food as well as volunteers to walk the dogs. The KWWSPCA also relies on volunteers to foster some of the animals that need an extra bit of TLC. If you think you would be interested in fostering one of our animals or volunteering at the shelter please don’t hesitate to get in contact with the KWWSPCA. Pictured: Jamie (black dof) and Ghost (white dog) are looking for foster or forever homes.
FITNESS IDEA of the fortnight FITNESS LEAGUE Parish Hall, Novara Avenue & Ballywaltrim Community Centre, Bray Fitness League aims to provide a complete body workout with special emphasis on central control. This allows freedom of movement in the upper body and limbs while anchored to a strong centre. The exercises are low impact, effective, powerful and safe. This minimizes stress on the weight bearing joints. It is suitable for all abilities. Fitness League teachers are all fully qualified and they put effort into choosing a variety of music to accompany each exercise. Classes are in the Parish Hall Tuesdays 7.45pm & Thursdays at 10am and 11am. Classes in the Ballywaltrim Community Centre Wednesdays at 10am. Call Mary 087 2792502 or Joyce 087 2783615 for details.
BOOK of the fortnight NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL Lena Dunham At the age of 28, Lena Dunham has already created, produced and starred in an acclaimed film and the hit HBO series, Girls. In an effort to make the rest of us feel even less accomplished she has now published her first book, Not That Kind of Girl. This collection of hilarious, poignant and extremely frank collection of personal essays confirms Dunham as one of the brightest and most original writers working today. The book encapsulates the essence of Dunham and the spark she has that has catapulted her to stardom. Fans of Nora Ephron, Tina Fey and of course Dunham herself will delight and identify with this wonderful collection.
TV SHOW of the fortnight LOVE/HATE
RTE 1, Sundays, 9.30pm Following a bit of a breakdown at the end of season four, Nidge (Tom Vaughan Lawlor) is once again king of all he surveys. However, he’s had to take out a loan from an Irish drug dealer based in Spain. This means he is now saddled with Pauley (Johnny Ward) who has travelled from Spain to protect the lender’s interests. With Tommy (Killian Scott) in a coma,
FUNDRAISER of the fortnight GREYSTONES CANCER SUPPORT SUPER DRAW Greystones, until November 6 Greystones Cancer Support have launched its 20th anniversary Super Draw 2014. As always the top prize is a €1, 000 SuperValu shopping spree, sponsored by Anne Daly. Other prizes include an iPad Mini from Willie Doyle, a beautiful handcrafted knit coat from Shuttle Knit, a fourball from Greystones Golf Club, a beautiful photo, a specialty voucher and a dinner, bed and breakfast for two. Super Draw tickets are available from Greystones Cancer Support, in shops in Kilcoole and Greystones and at supermarkets in the area on select weekends. The Super Draw will take place at Summerville’s of Greystones on November 6 at 7pm. Pictured: Maureen O’Brien, Willie Doyle, Breda Murphy, Tommy McCann, Bridget Tully, Kathleen Kelleher, Anne Daly, Noreen Talbot, Delia Barry, Bridie Murphy and Kay McCann.
Siobhan (Charlie Murphy) now burns with a desire for retribution. She is working with Detective Inspector Moynihan (Brian F. O’Byrne) who, having suffered a career setback from the failure of his sting operation, is even more determined to catch Nidge. Meanwhile, tensions between Nidge and resentful Fran (Peter Coonan) are starting to spill over into conflict and betrayal. With enemies all around Nidge must battle to save his throne and his skin.
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WHAT’S HOT| 17
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the fortnight LIFE AFTER BETH Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Start your Halloween season off with this fresh new twist on the rom-com-zom genre. Zach (Dane DeHaan) and Beth (Aubrey Plaza) were deeply in love until Beth dies from a deadly snake bite. Grief-stricken Zach bonds with Beth’s equally distraught parents (John C. Reilly and Molly Shannon). Soon the couple start behaving strangely and refuse to let Zach into their house. When he finally barges his way in, Zach is shocked to discover Beth, alive and well. They are ecstatic to have her back but none of them can explain what happened. So they decide to keep her resurrection a secret. Soon Beth’s curious condition worsens as she transforms into a carnivorous monster. This smart, funny and touching zombie comedy features great performances and a witty script.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
BUSINESS of the fortnight S. ROCHE CONSTRUCTION 114 Charlesland Park, Greystones, 01 2557946 What sets S. Roche Construction apart, is their experience with a wide range of projects from small internal renovations and refurbishments to large new builds. They work with the home owner to guarantee the result they want.
S. Roche Construction has been built upon reliability, attention to detail and delivering projects on time and on budget. The quality of their work and their commitment to customer care is the cornerstone behind their success and has led to a strong referral based business backed by satisfied customers. They can provide a list of references to prospective clients.
MENTAL HEALTH IDEA of the fortnight
ARIES-6,9,18,28,34,40 Time for making major changes in the social department and in your love life. Come out to play Aries and enjoy your life. TAURUS-1,7,9,16,26,37 Good news from your loved one may change your life completely. You might find that a long-term dream finally comes true. GEMINI- 5,17,21,24,36,38 Good news from your loved one may change your life completely. You might find that a long-term dream finally comes true. CANCER-2,16,27,31,36,37 A long-term goal may finally be reached, justifying a celebration. Avoid making hasty decisions! Consider your opinions. LEO-4,15,21,24,28,39 New doors opening offering vast horizons and opportunities in every part of your life. Be alert and go for it!
BE WELL MONTH Various locations, Bray, throughout October Following on from the success of last year’s Be Well Week, the youthled group Be Well Bray have decided to be a bit more ambitious in 2014 and have launched the Be Well Month. The aim is to encourage people to think and talk about youth mental health, to develop their knowledge and awareness. There will be ‘comfortable conversations’ in coffee shops and restaurants around the town. There will be a gig to showcase some of Bray’s finest young talent. Be Well will be visiting schools delivering workshops and showing students how they can make a difference. The Coffee Shop Takeover will hit Bray. You may notice that you have received a Be Well cup when getting your caffeine hit, take a selfie with the cup and share it online with #bewellmonth. Keep an eye out for this year’s edition of Be Well Times and the specially commissioned Be Well bracelets.
VIRGO-14,16,22,23,38,45 Your energy goes explosive this month and you need to ground yourself and take time in decision making. LIBRA-8,13,17,26,36,42 The promise of a promotion is in the air. Don’t panic. Wait a few days until the planets relax and success is yours.
GIG of the fortnight JAMIE DUFF Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, Sunday, October 12 There was a time when Jamie Duff was known only as footballer Damien’s younger brother, but now he is known in his own right as an exceptionally talented musician. Jamie has been entertaining crowds in Bray for years with his amazing covers. Now he is ready to showcase his original music. With his debut EP
about to be released and gigs across the country and the UK already under his belt, Jamie is ready to come home to Wicklow. He lists Jake Bugg, Fleet Foxes and Tallest Man on Earth among his influences but he definitely brings something unique to the table. Be sure to catch this rising star before he starts selling out the 3 Arena.
SCORPIO-4,15,20,24,27,31 Perfect timing as you enter the spotlight, promising important accomplishments and satisfactions. SAGITTARIUS-1,16,19,23,31,41 Time of romance, sensuality and love Sagittarius. Take time out with a friend,partner or spouse and enjoy. CAPRICORN-2,4,16,26,36,37 A big decision is heading your way which will enrich your life. Take advantage of all opportunities. AQUARIUS-9,11,21,24,36,40 With your great at building strategies. If you assess situations carefully, and are patient, luck will chance for the better.
‘PULLQUOTE HERE– IN THE MAFIA, THOSE WHO GO AGAINST THE WISHES OF THE DONS CAN HAVE A SHORT LIFE’
SCARY IDEA of the fortnight THE HAUNTED FOREST AND GHOST TRAIN Glenart Castle, Vale Road, Arklow, from October 1, €12
Do you think you have what it takes to make it through the haunted forest? Well now is your chance. From October 1, Glenart Castle will be running the Haunted Forest and Ghost Train. There will be children’s trains running from 4pm until 7.30pm and then the adult only train will run from 7.30pm until 11pm. The children’s experience begins with a ghost story from the Wizard of the castle and then you will board the Glenart Express and try not to let the zombies, ghosts and witches scare you. The adult train includes a walk through the haunted forest and a journey through the blackout zone. If you think you can handle the horror, see www.glenartevents.com for details
PISCES-2,4,6,26,37,38 Resume relationships with friends you haven’t seen for a long time! You emerge into a time of prosperity and good fortune. 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.
18 | PROPERTY property in brief 2.3-acre development site on market DOOLEY Auctioneers are bringing Killincarrig House to the market this week. This period house comes with a 2.3 Acre Development Site in the heart of Killincarrig. This site which has Neighbourhood Centre zoning is sure to attract lots of attention as it can be used for a mixture of residential and commercial uses. A feasibility scheme has shown the potential for between twenty and twenty six family homes within current guidelines. The site is situated midway between Delgany and Greystones adjacent to the highly successful Delgany Hills Development, the property includes a 300 Sq metre period house which is also zoned for commercial use but is in need of total renovation. There is current planning permission on the site for a Nursing Home and four detached family Homes (Planning Ref 08-2116). The property prices in the area continue to rise with demand far outstripping supply. Interested parties should contact Dooley Auctioneers at 01 2010300
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
WORKING FROM HOME SWEET HOME Homes
with Clodagh Doyle (info@wicklowvoice.ie)
DREAMING of working from home and how much easier life might be. In a bid to attract, motivate and retain employees, many employers are adopting flexible policies to facilitate the possibility of working from home. There are many benefits from working from home apart from avoiding that dreaded commute along the N11 or M50. Saving on many associated costs with going to work, flexible work hours and environment, fewer distractions, close by to family and less stress all contribute to a better work-life balance. However, before you consider boxing up and bidding farewell to your envious work colleagues you should consider the following; Isolation can be an issue for some home workers – feeling somewhat cut off from their
Stuart Conn and Florence Conn out and about in Wicklow Town co-workers. Working from home can create different distractions for example, children, neighbours, friends and household matters like cleaning, cooking, washing etc. You require great selfdiscipline to motivate yourself and work your set hours but of course avoiding over working. Once you have weighed up the pros and cons and decide to make that move your main priority is to create the ultimate home office. Being successful and productive working at home means being organised!
FUELS .ie Self Collect Fuel Depot, Farrankelly, Delgany
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40 Litre Bag Kiln Dried Logs €5.50 40 Litre bag
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Kiln Dried Logs burn BETTER, LONGER & HOTTER then softwood logs All bags of coal include €2.12 in government carbon tax
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Magiglo Smokeless Coal
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Where to set up office? Within your existing living space, a spare bedroom, attic, garage or maybe sourcing an office pod for your garden. To avoid two of the main pitfalls of working from home - distraction and disorganisation, ensure you separate work space from your living space. Plan your office very carefully, thinking about everything you want to put into it, how much space you will require, what equipment, how you will power everything including your internet and storage
space requirements. A good home office needs to be highly functional. Avoid eye strain and back pain by following ergonomic rules regarding the positioning of your computer screen, keyboard and office chair. Natural light is vital so setting up your desk near a window is ideal but don’t forget about additional lighting for darker hours of the day. The temperature is very important so adequate ventilation and heating are a must. Make sure your office is fully stocked to avoid nipping out
when you need something. Place all your equipment within easy reach. Be creative with your office storage, maximising all available space. Keep frequently used files close by with others stored in more remote locations. Now for the fun part! Make the office your own by choosing your paint colours, adding some floating shelves, a quirky wall clock and whiteboard will define this hub. Strive to create a comfy uplifting office space that reflects your personality so that you can enjoy being there and succeed at working from home. A few family photos, some lush green plants, some colourful cushions and perhaps burning some essential oils will create a relaxing atmosphere, not to relaxing though - as works needs doing. Selling? Letting? Moving? Improving? Let the Professional House Doctors take care of it! Get in touch on 086 8159531, 01 2548070 or e-mail us at info@placelift.ie
ADVERTISING| 19
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
BEST OF BLACKLION INDUSTRIAL PARK MC HIRE Blacklion Industrial Park, Blacklion, Greystones, 01 2871263 WHETHER it is for industrial or domestic use, MC Hire have everything you need in terms of tool and plant hire. For jobs both inside and out or in the garden you can find all the top of the range equipment at MC
Hire. MC Hire tool and plant hire supply: •garden equipment •access equipment •forklifts and excavators •trailers •contractors tools •wood choppers •in house repair / welding •sales of new equipment •new tyre supply and fit
RDM LANDSCAPES & GARDEN FURNITURE Blacklion Industrial Park, Blacklion, Greystones, 085 7680182 RDM Garden Services offer a friendly and professional service for your residential and commercial properties. Their range of unique furniture and garden design means that they can create a garden you can relax in and enjoy. They supply elegant man-made garden furniture using wood from the Aspen tree. With its unique grain and white finish it allows you to choose the finish to match your garden. RDM Garden Services do fencing, decking, building walls and painting as well as driveways and patios. For your garden they can provide trees, shrubs, plants and lawns both laid or planted. For the best in garden services, go to RDM. BLACKLION BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD Blacklion Industrial Park, Greystones, 01 2017485 BLACKLION Building Supplies and Hardware is your onestop local building provider. They offer a range of products and services and have you covered when it comes to small jobs as well as the bigger ones. You can pick up paints, tools
and planters if you are trying a spot of DIY or gardening. They stock everything from sand, timber and cement if you are undertaking a bigger job. They have recently introduced wall cladding, decorative kerbing and a range of solid and concrete paving. Blacklion are delighted to provide great service and products to the local area. GREYSTONES STONE AND TILE STUDIO Blacklion Industrial Park, Greystones, 086 2101444 THE Stone and Tile Studio is run by Mick O’Rourke. The studio provides an extensive range of ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles. If you are looking for something a bit special from your tiles then look no further than the Laura Ashley tiles that they carry. The Laura Ashley range is always on trend and will look great in any home. The studio will supply and professionally fit your new tiles and there is a free call out service. So if you’re looking to spruce up your home then the Stone and Tile Studio is the place to go. DORM QUALITY DEVELOPMENTS 24 Burnaby Mill, Greystones, 01 2870452 DORM Quality Developments
provides a complete building package for their customers. All sites are project managed from start to finish and the work of their tradesman is overseen by a designated site manager. Their meticulous approach ensures each project, from a bathroom installation to a complete refurbishment and structural extension will be com-
plete on time, on budget and to the highest standard. They are conscientious builders and they endeavour to keep the workplace tidy and protect their client’s possessions. Dorm Quality Developments have an excellent track record. Whatever your building needs, they can fulfil your requirement.
20 | SPECIAL REPORT
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014 ADMAN STEEL LTD. Sexton’s Garden Centre, Glen of the Downs, Wicklow, 053 9430001 IF YOU’RE looking for the very best in garden sheds, look no further, as Adman Steel have a fantastic and very popular range. Each of the garden sheds sold is an unbeatable combination of functionality, durability and affordability. Rust penetration guarantees enable further peace of mind. Sheds have fully galvanised framework and PVC coated galvanised panels. Sheds can be customised to your needs and Adman Steel guarantee a hassle free one day installation. They specialise in the manufacture of steel garden sheds, garages, workshops and more recently fully insulated garages and workshops. LOGHOUSE Horkan’s Garden Centre, Glen of the Downs, Wicklow, 01 2017675 From a simple one room garden building, to a magnificent custom design log home, Loghouse strive to ensure the delivery of a project that exceeds your expectations in quality of design and craftmanship. They offer the widest range of log buildings available in Ireland including homes, holiday chalets, garages and stables. All the structures are intended specifically for
SEX Eloise Mannix a customer at Horkan’s Garden Centre the Irish climate. Building in log is highly energy efficient and produces a minimal carbon footprint. For every tree they harvest, ten young saplings are planted. Be it a small room out the back or a full scale dwelling, Loghouse will be happy to provide you with a design to suit your specifications. They can provide working drawings, three dimensional renderings and technical specifications so you can ‘see’ it in real time before it’s even built. The end of season sale is now on so be sure to check out their showroom or www.loghouse. ie to avail of their amazing offers.
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
SPECIAL REPORT | 21
TONS: 60YEARS A GROWING! PAUL Sexton, of Sexton Garden Centres, retired last year after 60 years running one of the most successful horticultural establishments in Ireland. His garden centres supplied the leading supermarkets in the country such as Superquinn, Dunnes Stores, Quinnsworth and Woolworths nationwide. Paul’s career began when he was 20 years old, he won the Macra na Feirme national competition at spring show Ballsbridge in 1951 and then represented Ireland at Royal Cambridge Agricultural Show in July 1951 was presented with a medal by the late Queen Elizabeth (Queen Mother). This experience led Paul to decide to open his own business rather than take on the family farm. He opened his business in Glen of the Downs in 1978 and it is now the oldest garden centre in Ireland. Paul is proud to have provided over 500 jobs over the years between his premises in Glen of the Downs and Cornelscourt employing mostly seasonal workers. Paul employed people from Rehab hospitals, St. John of God in Stillorgan, St. Patrick’s in Dublin, St Ita’s hospital in Portrane and Bray Rehab. In 1971, he was pleased to introduce the pre-packaging of rose and shrub bulbs providing employment for young people with special needs.
At the time, Rehab hospitals had some large warehouses that provided very little employment. Since they started 40 years ago it has now mushroomed nationwide. Paul was glad to be able to employ people with special needs at a time when job opportunities were not widely available to them. “It was great to be able to give them some job experience, extra money and something to do during the day. “To help people with special needs is something I would like to be remembered for,” said Paul. “As I started the Rehab prepacking business over 40 years ago for people with special needs who’s operation has mushroomed nationwide.” Although he is retired, Paul now lets sites on his Glen of the Down Property to businesses such as Horkans prize-winning Garden Centre, Log House, Adman Steel Sheds, premiere domestic garden shed and Podology who sell pods for outdoor dining. He is hoping to attract more tenants such as conservatories, timber decking, paving and children’s play houses. Paul also has plans to hold a weekly farmers market and is interested to hear from someone who could operate the it on a lease basis for weekends only. Paul and his wife Aine have given a lot to Wicklow over the years and it seems as though they are not finished just yet.
22 | NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
BRAY WANDERERS COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB
SPECIAL APPEAL
TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE COMMUNITY
THANKS TO ALL THOSE
WHO HAVE RESPONDED
TO OUR APPEAL TO DATE
TICKET PRICES:
Adult (€15)
|
WE CONTINUE TO
NEED THE SUPPORT
OF EVERYBODY AT THIS CRUCIAL TIME FOR BRAY WANDERERS. We need you down at the Carlisle Grounds for our final home match of the 2014 Season, a very attractive match and a potential title-winning game for Dundalk who we play in our final fixture.
Bray Wanderers versus
Dundalk
Friday, 17th Oct. K.O.: 7.45p m
Student (€10)
|
Schools/OAP (€5)
This match is crucial to our future as a Premier League Club. You can really make a difference by coming down and supporting our family-friendly club.
Together we can make it work - Let’s do it! OUR COMMUNITY
OUR TEAM For further details contact: Frank Slevin on 087 257 1899
+
OUR CLUB
+
= SUCCESS
BRAY YOUR TOWN | BRAY YOUR TEAM
NEWS| 23
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
Mmm very tasty ... critics heap more praise on Platform By Michelle McGlynn
PLATFORM Pizza in Bray has received rave reviews in two of the nation’s leading newspapers. The popular seafront restaurant was featured in the Irish Independent and The Sunday Business Post on consecutive days. Having just returned from a trip to Italy, Paolo Tullio from the Irish Independent, eased himself into Irish eateries with a delicious trip to Platform under the headline ‘Home Sweta Home’. While Gillian Nelis took a somewhat sceptical into the “trendy restaurant” and found that, “there is little not to like about Platform. “The food is tasty and there’s plenty of it,” she continued. Both critics noted the very generous portions and value for money. Paolo commented that the restaurant is really good at
boxing up what remains of your meal when you are done, informing us that he and his companions “took quite a few little boxes home.” Gillian and Paolo were equally taken with Platform’s decor and unique style. Paolo especially enjoyed the Narnia-style wardrobe which leads into the bathrooms, saying that the quirky interior was a highlight and could not fail to bring about a smile. “Platform’s owners may have spent a lot of time thinking about how the place would look, but they haven’t done so at the expense of the most important thing in any restaurant: the food,” wrote Gillian, remaining focused on the matter at hand. This weekend’s praise is not the first time the Wicklow restaurant has made national news. In April of this year, The Irish Times conducted a poll to find the nation’s favourite pizza and Platform was voted number
one. Platform Pizza recently celebrated their first birthday and took the opportunity to thank their customers saying, “We are very lucky to have such fantastic, loyal customers - long may it continue.” The restaurant set out to innovative dishes using local produce and they have done just that since opening their doors. They have even allowed customers to create their own pizza by commenting on their Facebook page. Then every few weeks, they choose one that sounds yummy and it goes up on the specials board in the restaurant. This fun and relaxed atmosphere was mentioned by Paolo and Gillian in their reviews as one of the highlights of the experience. Platform Pizza is buzzing every night of the week and after these reviews it will probably stay that way.
24 | LIFESTYLE
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
my favourite things AS Autumn takes hold I always look ahead to one of my favourite celebrations in the calendar year, Hallowe’en. There are so many spooky events going on and I simply picked two on our door step but there are so many options to pick from. It’s also getting chilly and I am thinking of a book by the fire, a heavier coat and a little moisturising lip lacquer to keep away the cold at bay.
KISSY KISSY
FAMILY ADVENTURE
Airfield House re-opened earlier this year after a complete re-modelling of their grounds, activities with a brand new restaurant. Suitable
with Audrey Vance info@wicklowvoice.ie
hand. You simply need to bring the clothes and accessories for your winning scarecrow! Booking necessary, judging at 3pm on Sunday 26th. Kilruddery.com
BOOK CLUB CALLING
for young and old Airfield looks all set to come to life for the Hallowe’en season with tonnes of activities for the family. Check out their event guide online for even more details on the monster-making workshop, spooky storytelling, lantern-making workshop, maskmaking workshop and special effects make-up masterclass. They are also running a night time walk called ‘Scarefield’ for those who dare! Located in Dundrum, Airfieldhouse.ie
CREATIVE FAMILIES APPLY
With a taste of watermelon this range of lip lacquers from Gosh.ie offers a beautiful selection of eight colours. Although the bottle looks like it could be nail varnish the contents are for lips only, adding shine plus moisture with argan oil and vitamin E. This one is called ‘Flirty Lips’. €8.99
WHAT’S HOT
In the very busy estate of Kilruddery in Bray, Hallowe’en is being celebrated on the weekend of Oct 25th and 26th with pumpkins and scarecrows. Firstly design your own pumpkin face and watch as a master carver brings it to life for you. The second activity is a family event that impressed me last year, the design and build your own scarecrow competition. Tights to shape legs, arms and torsos are provided, as are straw, scissors, twine and a helping
‘Two More Pints’ from well known Irish author Roddy Doyle is likely to be a big hit with any book club around. Using lots of topical news items to fuel a collection of comic dialogues between two fictional characters, it’s packed with lots of giggles. Subjects range from a topless Kate Middleton; Barack and Michelle Obama (‘fuckin’ gorgeous’); David Beckham (‘Would you tattoo your kids’ names on the back of your neck?’ ‘They wouldn’t fit’); Jimmy Savile (‘a gobshite’); the financial crisis (again); abortion (again); and horsemeat in your burger... €7.99 Dubraybooks.ie, Main St, Bray
WRAP UP
Keep warm with this knee-length, black heavy duster coat from Topshop. Made from a heavyweight twill cotton fabric it has a loose fit and would look smart over a dress or relaxed jeans. Available online from Topshop.com for £85, shipping over £50 to Ireland is free or check out your nearest retailer.
PICTURE PERFECT
Audrey Vance, fashion illustrator and owner of Wedding Dress Ink has her design studio in Co. Wicklow. www. weddingdressink. com
Women in Wicklow Name? Carol Berkeley
Must have beauty product? L’Oreal Glam Shine. As it enhances the smile on my face and a smile can make anyone feel goodMost inspiring read?
Business? Coillte Academy Preschool is on the Herbert Road in Bray, find us through Facebook or call on 087 6487091. What does your business offer? Small homely and personalised preschool, for children aged 2 1/2to 4 1/2. It’s a seasonal service 9.3012.30 Monday to Friday. Small class numbers ensures each child blossoms in all areas of development in a fun and creative manner. Naturally we are HSE registered and Garda vetted. How did you come to set up your business? I have three children myself and after going through the preschool experience with my own two sons, it opened my eyes to how exciting the early years were. It awakened my yearning to follow a career path I had always thought about. As a mature student it was hard to return to college life but I had one vision in mind and that was to open my own preschool so
that I could make a positive impact on our treasures of the future. I opened in August 2012. What’s it like working with kids all day? One word... BUSY! Everyday brings different challenges but this is turn creates lots of new learning opportunities for both the children and staff. It’s the little things like getting a conker from one of the children and that puts a smile on my face because they choose to give that to me over anyone else . How special am I! Plans for the future? To be the very best teacher I can be.
The SecretGo-to fashion label for workwear? I love anything that sparkles !!! And my sparkly accessories create a lot of talk during our circle time sessions. Best part about your job? When out of the blue a child says “Carol I love you.” and I get a cuddle. Also, as I operate a morning session only, it enables me to spend the rest of the afternoon with my own children, so I have the best of both worlds. Tip for any budding entrepreneurs looking to start their own business? Believe in yourself, be the very best you can be and talk to people in the industry before diving in. Don’t let begrudgers put you off.
Interview by Audrey Vance.
LIFESTYLE| 25
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
recipes CHOCOLATE SWIRL CHEESECAKE
INGREDIENTS
• 175g cream fraiche • 475ml double cream • 175g sugar • 450g soft cream cheese • 1 pods of vanilla • 75ml lemon juice • 150g Bitter chocolate 70% • 150g double cream
METHOD:
Mix vanilla, sugar and cream cheese together Whip up the lemon juice with
the cream and the cream fraiche Then fold together. Bring the cream to the boil Pour over the chocolate and stir until all of the chocolate has melted. To assemble pipe a layer of the cheesecake in the tin. Then pour a thin layer of chocolate on top. Repeat this three times and then swirl the cheesecake. Leave to set for about five hours.
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel wine choice LAUGEL, CUVEE MICHEL LEON RIESLING 2010, ALSACE, FRANCE 12.5% €10, SuperValu Steely, minerally aromas with notes of mango and orange blossom. Medium to full-bodied with elements of lime and stone fruits and vibrant acidity that comes through on the finish. Rich yet refreshing in a typical Alsace style. Good youthful character to enjoy now or keep for more mature, complex character.
Wicklow’s fabulous fungi Wildlife
with Justin Ivory
(info@wicklowvoice.ie) AUTUMN, and in particular the month of October, is mushroom season. What could be better than an early morning fungal foray through fields Wicklow’s bejewelled with beadlets of dew or woodland with nostrils filled with that earthy early morning smell while leaves crunch underfoot? There are over 5,000 species of fungi in Ireland. Many fungi at this time of year have a visible structure that produces spores. It is this visible structure that is often called a ‘mushroom’ or ‘toadstool’ and is essentially a fruiting body of the fungus. For most of the year, fungi live out of sight, as lace-like threads called hyphae, submerged beneath the soil or under the bark of trees – any damp place where they can extract nutrients from decaying organic matter. These hyphae come together to form structures known as mycelium. Some of the largest organisms on the planet are mycelium, with one specimen in the USA believed to be 2,400 years old
and covering over 2,300 acres! If you do set out in search of fungi and mushrooms, you will be amazed at the variety – different sizes, shapes, colours and odours. Many are exotic and visually enticing, others just plain weird and repellent. If planning to pick and consume mushrooms,
have a care! Only about 25 species of mushroom in Ireland are considered edible while about 200 are considered toxic with about 20 of which are deadly. Play it safe – get a good guide book and book yourself on an organised mushroom hunt under the tutelage of a fungi expert.
Riding at Festina Lente Equestrian Centre - where it’s more than just riding
Advertorial
LOCATED just 1km from Bray at the top of Old Connaught Avenue, is what can only be described as a paradise of equestrian activities. Festina Lente provides a vast range of equine based programmes ranging from term riding, pony camps, private lessons, individualised programmes, supported helpers programmes, educational helpers programmes, pony parties, equine facilitated educational programme, equine assisted learning and therapeutic riding. Riders as young as two years of age come to spend time at Festina Lente with no upper age limit! All learning abilities are accommodated with the only criteria being a person’s interest in either riding or being around horses or both. An important part of Festina Lente is carrying out research into the benefits of all of these programmes. Currently, there are a number of staff evaluating how some of these programmes may be of
psychological and psychosocial benefit to the young people. An equally important part of Festina Lente is the welfare and management of the ponies and horses that make this work possible, with a number of studies also being conducted in this area. Such is the interest in Festina Lente and the different equine based programmes, that it accommodates hundreds of work experience students each year. In addition undergraduates from Universities in Belgium, Germany, USA and Canada spent between three-six months learning about the different programmes that are offered. A particularly interesting development has been the design of a new Sensory Trail in the 2.5 acre Walled Garden at Festina Lente. This sensory trail has been specifically designed for children – on horseback or on foot – to experience specifically planted areas to promote sensory integration. The official opening of this is on October 1 and is guaranteed to provide endless happy hours
of hundreds of children. Nature based and pony parties are a further dimension of Festina Lente’s work. Increasingly, parents are looking for children’s parties with a difference and found it right here. Children come to the Festina Lente Walled Garden and make soaps, candles, bat boxes, bird boxes, herb gardens, to name but a few themes. Alternatively, the parties can include pony rides or pony grooming and then enjoy he garden to play in. Feeding the terrapins – before they hibernate between October and April is always an interesting for children to get involved with. So if you are looking for something very different, very special and very worthwhile drop in for a visit and keep an eye on the website for what’s going on! Festina Lente Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow www.festinalente.ie Tel: 01-2720704
26 | SERVICES
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
classifieds
BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT ONE OF OUR TEAM TODAY
e: info@wicklowvoice.ie w: www.wicklowvoice.ie
BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT ONE OF OUR TEAM TODAY
e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5556 or 01 901 5557
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING| 27
28 | NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
Olive Tree a - The gang’s all here ... top place of peace names mark Dec’s 20 years
Advertorial
TUCKED away , just off the Main Street in Bray you will find Olive 3 Studio - A little Piece of Peace. Celebrating its first anniversary this month, the Olive 3 team offer a welcome little haven to tired bodies and souls where Yoga Therapy, Zumba and Holistic Treatments are some of the services offered. It was founded by local woman Lisa Temple when she returned to Bray with her two daughters, after many years living and teaching in Asia and Italy. Lisa has been teaching yoga for over 15 years and was recently appointed Ambassador of the Yoga Alliance International. Olive 3 studio has also been appointed as the first TIME meditation training school of the Meditation Alliance International. She has studied and obtained teacher qualifications with well respected Masters such as Deepak Chopra. She is currently following her Grand Master programme and studying Advanced Ayrvedic
Yoga Therapy. Currently Lisa is training 11 new teachers on her teacher training course. Isobel Joyce, another local, teaches Zumba with Andrea while Nichola and Aoife offer Dru Yoga and Beginners Yoga, as well as Massage Therapy. The Studio also offers courses for Children, Yoga and Art Therapy. Following events in her personal life, Lisa has also developed Olive Branch – Holistic Dispute Resolution to anyone going through separation and divorce. She recently graduated from UCD in Arbitration and Law and is currently furthering her studies. Treating each person and couple with compassion and guiding them to an agreement, economically and swiftly is the main goal. There are also outreach progammes to schools, corporations and organisations such as Festina Lente. Lisa is also experienced in the development of programs for specific needs such as fertility, stress, depression, PTS, pregnancy, cancer recovery, weight loss clinics, body sculpting and body building.
By Michelle McGlynn
A HOST of famous faces dropped by East Coast FM to wish Declan Meehan well on his 20th anniversary with the Wicklow station. Declan’s Morning Show was filled with surprises and guests as he had the chance to relive his broadcasting career which spans four decades. His producer at East Coast FM, Claire Darmody, joined news editor Gareth to play some best wishes and anecdotes from former Morning Show colleagues such as Colette Fitzpatrick from TV3, Jenny Kelly from Today FM and Sharon Tobin from RTE. Shane Byrne, Barbara Scully, Mary Coughlan and Luan Parle all dropped in to the studio to join in the celebrations. It became a family affair when Declan’s wife, Maggie, dropped by with daughter Rebecca while his other daughter Laura spoke with her dad on the phone from New York. There were lots of laughs when Aidan Cooney
Aidan Cooney and Ian Dempsey dropped in to see Declan. Pix: Ruth Kennedy and Ian Dempsey dropped by to join their friend and colleague to reminisce about their years together. There was more surprise when congratulatory messages came in from Declan’s friends from his time in London, Chris Tarrant and John Myer. Radio consultant and Declan’s best friend Mark Storey topped off the morning’s celebrations. The Wicklow Voice would like to congratulate Declan on a fantastic career and we hope there are many more years to come.
Luan Parle and Theresa Kelly join the celebrations
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
NEWS| 29
30 | SPORT news in brief Ardmore Rovers headed to Aviva THE Ardmore Rovers have claimed their place in the McDonald’s Future Football Final which will take place on October 11 in the Aviva stadium. The team competed against eight other teams to claim their place and will now go forward to take on seven other teams in the final.
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol KILCOOLE GAA Grounds recently played host to the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Autumn Camogie Blitz. Eight teams participated in the blitz these included Kilcoole, N e w t o w n m o u n t k e n n e d y, Bearna Chlé, Scoil Chualann, Rathdrum Team 1 and Team 2, Moneystown and St. Fergal’s, Bray. It was fantastic to have such a high level of participation on the day and this is testament to the dedication of teachers, trainers and pupils throughout Wicklow in promoting camogie.
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
Survival in sight for Seagulls By Cianan Brennan
BRAY Wanderers may be experiencing off-field drama but on the pitch the club look set to maintain their Premier League status for another season. A hard-fought 1-1 draw with mid-table Derry City at the Carlisle Grounds on September 30 leaves the Seagulls five points clear of second from bottom UCD, albeit having played a game more. The club are embroiled in financial turmoil at present and are drumming up as much support as they can for the final games of the season. Following the nerve-shredding showdown with Derry, who had hometown man Phil Coulter present in support, there remains just one more home game this season, against highflying Dundalk on October 17. Recent reports have suggested that Alan Matthews’ charges, who became a communityowned entity as recently as April, need a cash injection in the region of €50,000 in order to survive. The club have taken to social media in order to get out as much support as possible before the season ends at the end of October.
Meet the Lucky U12`s rugby team from Arklow RFC pictured with their coaches Ian Gavigan and Michael Byrne who get the opportunity to play at half time in the Aviva stadium during the Leinster V Munster Match on October 4. (Pic:Yvette O Beirne) Bray have been ever-present in the Premier Division since 2005. It was a case of so near but yet so far for Wanderers against Derry. Coach Matthews’ hand hasn’t been helped by a series of injuries and ill-timed indiscipline (both Ismahil Akinade and Shane O’Connor were sent off in the team’s previous league match with Drogheda and hence suspended). Regardless, the team stuck to their task but, having taken a deserved lead just before half-time with a goal from Adam Mitchell,
the locals were brought back to earth on 62 minutes by a penalty from Derry’s Rory Patterson. Derry had, as expected, played their part as with an FAI Cup semi-final on the horizon the northerners left many of their stars on the bench rather than risk injury, and their replacements failed to inspire. The hosts, desperate for points, maintained the upper hand and had a glorious chance to retake the lead on 78 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Unfortunately Jake Kelly’s
strike sailed over the bar. The miss could yet prove costly and the agony was plain to see on Kelly’s face. Even then redemption was in sight when Derry’s Shaun Kelly received his second yellow card and marching orders on 83 minutes for hauling down his namesake on the Bray team Jake. Try as they might however Wanderers couldn’t make the breakthrough, and to add insult to injury they had defender Niall Cooney sent to the dressing room for a reckless lunge in stoppage time.
It may still be seen as a point gained come season’s end, but given the wretchedness of Bray’s form (just one win in 18 games now) the feeling from players and fans alike was that a glorious opportunity had slipped through the team’s fingers. Three games remain for the Seagulls, against top-half dwellers Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk before what could be a nail-baiting finale against bottom club Athlone Town on the final day of the season. It’s going to be tight!
SPORT| 31
October 2 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Stones make strong start to season Rugby
GREYSTONES have made an excellent start to the Ulster Bank All Ireland League. On September 20 they defeated Boyne by 34 points to 10 at Shamrock Lodge. Jason Curran’s second half try added to four earlier tries, one scored by new Kiwi out-half Kurt Strachan. Stones’ then defeated Wanderers under the lights at Dr Hickey Park on September 26 by 33 points to 14 to maintain their 100% start. The Headquarters club are back in senior rugby, so Greystones will get to play the reverse league fixture at the Aviva Stadium, albeit on the back pitch.
Soccer GOOD luck to the clubs from the county who have kicked off their new Leinster Senior League campaigns recently. Bray outfit Shamrock Bhoys are playing in the senior divisions of intermediate football for the first time, contesting Senior Division 1B, the same division
sport in brief Women’s golf team champs THE women’s golf team of Wicklow Golf Club were recently crowned All Ireland champions in the Irish Ladies Golf Union competition. Their victory over East Cork Golf Club saw them receive the title at Monkstown Golf Course. This is the first time the club have emerged victorious in the competition and the team are delighted that their months of hard work has paid off. Congratulations to the team, you have done Wicklow proud.
Promising start for Bray Hockey
The results from Bray Hockey Club’s first weekend of league matches are very promising. The ladies firsts team won at home, 2 – 0 against Botanic while the ladies seconds against Corinthians finished 1-1. The ladies thirds team won comfortably away to Botanic, 2 – 0 and the ladies fourths beat Avoca at home, 3 - 0.
as Wicklow Rovers. Arklow Town and Greystones United are in Senior Division 1 while Greystones AFC are in the top level, the Senior Division. Bray Wanderers U19 also play a winter soccer season and have made an impressive start to their campaign in the Southern Elite Division of the League Of Ireland U19. On September 7 they drew 1-1 with Wexford Youths in the Carlisle Grounds and followed this up with a 2-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers at the AUL complex on September 13. Another victory followed on September 20, 1-0 over Salthill Devon, to leave the Young Seagulls joint third in the table. Bray’s first team held on for a hard-fought point in Drogheda on September 26. Adam O’Hanlon scored the Bray goal in a 1-1 draw which saw Bray finish with nine men. As Athlone could only draw with Derry City on the same night, and UCD lost to Dundalk, Bray held onto tenth place in the table
The Men’s firsts were the only men’s team to play and were beaten 3 – 0 away to their division 5 rivals, Corinthians.
Greystones Cricket relocate Druids Glen Resort in Newtownmountkennedy has become the new home to Greystones Cricket Club. As the Irish club cricket season comes to a close on October 5, the clubs 200 members will take their first innings in the 2015 season next spring in their new home. Since it was established in 2011, the club has continued to grow and now comprises of three men’s teams, one ladies team and a number of underage teams.
Wicklow Garden County Academy
The U13 squad will have four teams playing against opposition from Kildare and Dublin on October 4 at 11am. Venue TBC. The U14’s are on a short break due to club championship activity. Training will resume
Manchester United, have made a terrible start to the season. After last season’s fiasco under David Moyes, things don’t seem to be improving under Louis van Gaal despite the huge expenditure. It’s all part of the fallout from Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. I remember a similar situation when Sir Matt Busby left. Things went from worse to worse and United actually got relegated to the second level at the end of the 1973-74 season. Looks like history could repeat itself.
Pictured at the announcement that Druids Glen Resort has become the new home to Greystones Cricket is David Drane, Greystones Cricket President and Edward Stephenson, CEO of Druids Glen Resort. with just four games to go. They need to hang on to tenth to avoid automatic relegation and the on October 18 in Ballinakill. U15 & U16 squads are undergoing S&C work under Gary Jameson and his coaches on Thursday evenings in Ballinakill. Hugh Kenny, Tom Fox, Jim Murphy, JP Davis and Paul Garrigan have commenced training for the upcoming Leinster ‘A’ Colleges League which starts October 2 in Athy. This squad will be aiming to build on last year’s successful campaign in the Leinster ‘A’ Schools competition.
Bray Emmets GAA Both the junior and senior hurling teams will play in the Hurling County finals in Aughrim on October 5. The junior team will play Glenealy while the senior team will take on Carnew. The club would like to express their deepest sympathies following the passing of Déaglán Ó Maolmhuaidh (Declan Molloy) who was a true club man. He will be deeply missed by his wife Collette, daughter Aoife and sons Cillian and Enda and all his extended family and indeed by all his friends in Bray Emmets GAA Club.
WANT TO GIVE YOUR CLUB A VOICE? EMAIL YOUR NOTES TO INFO@WICKLOWVOICE.IE
relegation play-off. Across the water Bray’s visitors over the summer,
Chess BRAY/Greystones chess club will be fielding teams in all but one of the six divisions of the Leinster Chess League for the 2014-2015 season. They will have teams in Division 1 [Armstrong Cup], Division 3 [Ennis Shield], Division 4 [O’Hanlon Cup], Division 5 [BEA Cup] and Division 6 [Bodley Cup]. We wish all the squads and players well for the
coming season. Chess is a growing sport and is becoming popular with people in the over 40 age-group. T his is a positive development, as new research shows the chances of Alzheimer’s onset decreases significantly when people take up something new in their 40’s, especially if it is an activity like chess which stimuates the brain.
Athletics CONGRATULATIONS to all from the county who ran in the half marathon as part of the Dublin marathon race series on Saturday September 20. The Pheonix Park course is quite a difficult one to do a PB time on, given the amount of hill it takes in. There is a half marathon in Clontarf on November 29 which promises to be ‘’the flattest halfmarathon course in Ireland’’. The race is sponsored by Joe Duffy BMW and was a huge success on its introduction last year.
32| ADVERTISING
wicklowvoice.ie October 2 2014
No redecorating required