Wicklow Voice September 10 2015

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Whiskey galore

Powerscourt Estate to open new distillery

By Michelle McGlynn The drinks are on Powerscourt Estate ...

The county is set for a multimillion euro jobs boost with the news that the Slazenger family is opening a new distillery on their Enniskerry estate.

A €10m investment will see the establishment of a “craft” whiskey distillery on the grounds of the estate.

The Powerscourt Distillery will be a joint venture between the Slazenger family and businessmen Gerry Ginty and Ashley Gardiner.

The distillery will use barley grown on the grounds and water from the same source as the Powerscourt Waterfall.

A planning application is set to be lodged later this month to convert an old mill house on the estate into a distillery and visitor centre.

An initial €3m has already

been raised from private investors and will involve a total investment of €10m.

Powerscourt Estate attracts about 500,000 visitors a year and these numbers will surge with this new addition.

Sarah Slazenger, Powerscourt’s general manager, said that the venture fitted its “sustainable and long-term approach”.

Pat Burke, a former director of the wine and spirits division of Allied Domecq, will mentor.

Roy Court, a master distiller, will also be involved.

Gerry Ginty has said that they would target the premium end of the whiskey market and produce over one million bottles per year at full production.

The formal announcement is expected later this month.

The Irish Whiskey Association has estimated that whiskey exports will increase by 18 million cases by 2030.

Kate McCarthy and Corey Flood who attended the St Kilian’s Community School Bray debs last week » Lots more pictures from around the county inside

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04| NEWS news in brief Chamber AGM The AGM of the Bray and District Chamber of Commerce will be held on September 17 in the Chamber of Commerce House at 8pm.

Members are reminded that in order to be eligible to vote, membership must be fully paid up by September 10.

For information, call 01 2828248.

Music of Masters Music night featuring Music of the Masters will take place on September 18 in St Anne’s Resource Centre, Shankill at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the night, which will feature melodies from Andrew Lloyd Webber, George Bizet, John Lennon and more, will be €10 available on the door.

Historical society Bray Cualann Historical Society will resume on September 17 at 8pm in the new venue of the Kinsale Room, The Royal Hotel, Bray.

All are welcome to attend, admission is €4.

Membership of the society is €10 per person. €15 per family.

wicklowvoice.ie September 10 2015

Mystery buyer to give Beit paintings County on target for champs to State Gavin Dowd, a 16-year-old from Enniskerry, began presenting his own radio show, The Takeover on Dublin’s FM104 on Saturdays from 7pm until midnight. Gavin also works in East Coast FM

By Michelle McGlynn

Wicklow is on target for a shot in the arm next year after it was announced that Killruddery House and Gardens will host the 2016 World Field Archery Championships.

The top archers from around the world will descend on the county and take aim for the top titles.

Ahead of next year’s World Championships, Killruddery will celebrate the 2015 National Archery Festival on

September 19 and 20.

The weekend will provide lots of fun for all the family with ‘have-a-go’ booths where people can try their hand at the different formats such as target, field and 3D. There will be displays of modern sporting archery and more traditional archery, reminiscent of the Robin Hood tales.

Over 150 archers from around the country have battled it out in six qualification rounds to win a place at this final.

The finals will take place across the weekend between the two long ponds at the front of Killruddery House.

This stunning backdrop will provide a majestic setting for Ireland’s foremost archery competition and will give an insight about what will be in store for the World Championships next year.

The finals this month will be shown on a big screen in the grounds with grandstand seating available for spectators to take in all the action.

news in brief Holyhead twinning There will be a meeting about the links established between Holyhead, Wales and Greystones on September 14 at 7pm at Greystones Municipal District, Mill Road.

If you think you could be of help, get more information and RSVP to GreystonesMD@ wicklowcoco.ie.

Lions gala concert Wicklow and District Lions Club will be holding “the concert of the year” in the Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town on October 1. The Wicklow Male Voice Choir will be joined by special guests the Canadian Orpheus Choir.

Contact the club for ticket details.

Business seminar Wicklow Town and District Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with County Wicklow Chamber of Commerce have arranged a free information evening on business supports for SMEs. This important seminar will take place in The Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town on September 21 at 7pm. Contact Susan Costello on 0404 66433.

By Michelle McGlynn

A mystery benefactor has stepped in and bought the Beit paintings to donate back to the state.

The works were set to be auctioned off at Christie’s in July but will now remain in possession of the state.

Documents suggest that there are four donations coming down the line with at least three of these expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The value of the three deals hoped to be completed before 2016 has been estimated by Revenue to be worth €4.5m.

The most valuable to be sold

by Christie’s were two paintings

by Rubens.

Head of a Bearded Man has an estimated value of £2m (€2.7m)-£3m while Venus and Jupiter was estimated between £1.2m and £1.8m.

References to the specific works of art being donated have been redacted from documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Amid the controversy earlier this year, arts minister Heather Humphreys said that a benefactor was being sought to buy paintings fromt he Russborough Foundation.

The Foundation had said that talks were continuing with a donor about possibly purchasing one or more of the paintings.

The mystery donor will be using the section 1003 tax break which allows anyone who

purchases “important national heritage items” worth at least €150,000 and donates them to institutions such as the National Gallery of Ireland (NGI), National Museum or National Library, to claim back 80% of the value of the donation in tax relief.

In the wake of the financial difficulties faced by the Russborough House Foundation, they had asked Minister Humphreys for the section 1003 relief to be raised to 100% of the value of the donated item, in an attempt to encourage more wealthy benefactors to help support Russborough House.

The Foundation also asked Humphreys to investigate whether they could avoid paying 13.5% VAT on the sale to the donor through section 1003. Any changes to the scheme would be announced in October’s budget.

Tax relief on donations under the scheme was cut from 100% to 80% in 2009.

Since this change was made, only five donations have been made, including a painting by Sir John Lavery, to the NGI which was valued at €1.6m for the purposes of tax relief.

Earlier this year, the Russborough Foundation privately sold another painting.

Le Cabinet de Physique de Bonnier de La Mosson was sold for an estimated €500,000 to Len Blavatnik, Britain’s richest man.

Cuffe to stand in poll

By Michelle McGlynn

Councillor Jennifer Cuffe is set to put herself forward for selection in North Wicklow.

Currently a sitting councillor in Dun Laoghaire, Cllr Cuffe has expressed an interest in standing for Fianna Fail in the upcoming general election.

The nomination process for candidates seeking to run in the North Wicklow constituency has not been opened yet but it is expected that Ms Cuffe will submit a nomination.

She will then require the written support of one cumann or five Fianna Fail members in North Wicklow.

NEWS |05

September 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

wicklow people in pictures

Pictured during a school introduction day for Glenart College, formerly known as Arklow Community College, which will open its doors in September, are Carol Strama, Katelyn Robinson, Casey Cullen and Adam and T.J Walker. Pic: Yvette O Beirne.

Martha McCarthy from Bray who graduated in Advanced Social Studies from Sallynoggin College of Further Education with Principal Tom Taylor

Alistair and Eithne Smith in Wicklow Town.

Teresa and R贸is铆n (7) Ryan out and about in Wicklow Town.

Taking a break from a very busy play day in Arklow are Sofia and Zoe Byrne . Pic: Yvette O Beirne.

Henry King, President, Stephen Messitt, who won the Bray Credit Union monthly car draw receiving his keys from Charlie Hadden of Fitzpatrick Motors.

Annie McFarland and Ailbhe Smith out and about in Bray.

06| NEWS news in brief Beach clean up

Greystones Tidy Towns will once again be taking part in the Annual Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean-Up on September 19 at 10am.

There will be three groups out, covering the South Beach, North Beach and Harbour.

Contact mariettown@gmail.com.

Citizens Info centre Co Wicklow Citizens Information Service is opening an outreach Citizens Information Centre in Rathdrum on September 29.

The service in the Community Centre, Fair Green, Rathdrum will be available on the last Tuesday of every month from 11am to 1pm.

Fun dog walk Friends of Merlin are hosting a fun dog walk to raise funds for Dogs Trust in Bellvue Woods, Glen of the Downs on September 27 at 2.30pm.

Donations are accepted on the day or sponsorship cards are available in advance from fundogshow@gmail.com or 087 6267334. Refreshments will be provided.

wicklowvoice.ie September 10 2015

I was bullied at school - Laura

By Michelle McGlynn

Popular TV presenter and Wicklow-native, Laura Whitmore, has revealed that she was tormented by bullies during her schools.

While discussing how she deals with the hurtful comments made by Twitter trolls, Whitmore - pictured right at last week’s Electric Picnic - mused that she was lucky to have made it through her formative years before social media had really hit its stride.

“It was a different type of bullying I would have experienced when I was younger,” said the former MTV presenter, who attended St Patrick’s National School and Loreto.

“I think every girl did. There’s always nasty

comments or someone would say something about you.”

Thinking back to her experience of bullying, Whitmore noted how vulnerable children are and advocated for greater protection.

“I’m at an age where I’m comfortable with myself. I know who I am,” she said.

Whitmore was speaking to the Irish Daily Mirror following the ISPCC Brown Thomas Fashion Show which she hosted at the InterContinental Dublin.

She will be preparing to head Down Under as she will be reprising her role as presenter for TV3’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! which returns to screens next month.

Culture Night is almost here!

By Michelle McGlynn

One of the most anticipated nights of the year is almost here - Culture Night.

Taking place on September 18, the nationwide event will see unique events and workshops being held around Wicklow free

of charge. A wonderful opportunity to celebrate and sample the talent and creativity that exists in the county, there will be over 30 events across the county on the night.

In Bray, the Voices of Bray Community Choir will be performing in the Civic Space out-

side the Mermaid Arts Centre at 6pm. They will entice you with their repertoire of popular music from the 1950s to the present day.

Killruddery Farm Market will host a craft and food evening with the very best in local artisan crafts and local food producers with musicians performing for your entertainment from 6pm.

There will also be guided walks in the formal gardens from 7pm.

In Greystones library, there will be a creative writing workshop for teens aged between 13 and 17 years old.

Author and writing teacher Dave Lordan will work with any budding writers to help them hone their skills from 5pm.

Following this, local author and former politician Liz McManus will be giving a reading and a talk at 7.30pm.

If you march to the beat of your own drum, why not try out the Samba Drumming Workshop in Shoreling Leisure Centre, Greystones from 6pm.

Wicklow’s Historic Gaol in Wicklow Town invite you to step back in time and discover 200 years of Ireland’s turbulent history as experienced by the prisoner.

Ballyrogen Arts Centre, Arklow is planning a bounty of events with exhibitions from resident artists, screening from local filmmakers, a visit from author Rory Campbell and performances by Art Ambulance.

These are just some of the fantastic events taking place in the Garden County on September 18. For more details see www.culturenight.ie.

September 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

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08| NEWS news in brief Maritime history

Wicklow Historical Society will hold a one-day conference in the Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town on November 7.

The conference entitled Wicklow and the Sea: the maritime history of Wicklow is held in memory of founding member Jimmy Cleary.

Tickets €20, contact the Society for booking forms.

wicklowvoice.ie September 10 2015

Young entrepreneurs are just the business

By Michelle McGlynn

Calendar comp The Burke Oil 2016 Calendar Competition will close to entries on September 30 so be sure to submit your entries soon.

The winning 12 will feature in the 2016 Burke oil calendar.

To enter, visit burkeoil.ie for details and or contact Yvonne on 1850 711 117.

Safetalk workshops Wicklow Mental Health Association in partnership with the HSE Suicide Prevention Services will hold a public information evening in the Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town on September 16 at 8pm.

The courses are free of charge and all are welcome to attend.

Catherine Howard (Business Advisor LEO Wicklow) holding this year’s (2015) LEO Wicklow Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur trophy in the Glenview Hotel with some of Wicklow’s best and brightest young entrepreneurs. Pic: Joe Keogh

It’s time to get down to business for 17 Wicklow entrepreneurs.

There was an intense enterprise bootcamp held in The Glenview Hotel recently for the 17 Wicklow finalists chosen for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition.

Aged between 18 and 30, the group were shortlisted by the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow from over 45 entries.

The exciting young enterprises range across industry sectors from IT to lifestyle.

The weekend is the first phase for the shortlisted entrepreneurs who will have the opportunity to compete for investment of up to €20,000 to develop their business idea when they present to an expert judging panel at the LEO Wicklow County final.

“Both the quantity and quality of applications are a great indicator of the real entrepreneurial spirit in County Wicklow,” said Sheelagh Daly, Head of Enterprise at LEO Wicklow.

Thanks Eircode!

From the UK to Bray via Canada

By Michelle McGlynn

The new Eircode system is receiving more criticism after a parcel bound for Wicklow from the UK took a rather odd detour to Canada.

Richie Gardiner of Spirit FM in Bray had ordered IT equipment to the studio in mid-July, when his package had not arrived by beginning of August he contacted the company assuming it had been lost.

The company kindly obliged and sent out the order once again and Richie thought no more about it.

That was until the original order was delivered six weeks after the it had been placed with ‘missent to Canada’ stamped in big, red letters on it.

“This got me thinking, why did it go all the way to Canada?”

Richie told the Wicklow Voice.

“I concluded perhaps that the

new Eircode is not yet in the Royal Mail’s system yet.”

Richie decided to do some research to find out how the baffling circumstances came to be.

“I decided to check out and compare the Canadian postcode system with our new Eircode.

“It would appear similiar in that the first half is a letter with numbers.

“I can only imagine that instead of a Royal Mail employee checking the country, perhaps it was a computer that looked to the closest match which was Canada.”

A spokesperson for Autoaddress, who were involved in the establishment of the Eircode system, has firmly stated that the fault lies with the Royal Mail and not the controversial new Eircode system.

They said that the first thing that Royal Mail should have done was to look at the last line

in the address which clearly stated what country it was intended for.

The company took a lighthearted approach when responding to Richie’s tweet about the experience by sending him a link to a popular sketch by Bray comedian Dara O’Briain.

In the clip, O’Briain says that all expats when sending a letter home will write normally before putting Ireland in big capital letters and informing the postal service to “just get it to there and it’ll be grand”.

The launch of Eircode in July was met with a wave of criticism as it was revealed that it cost approximately €27m to establish and it was not compatible with SatNav systems or Google Maps.

Following its official launch many said that their placements were inaccurate or in some cases missing entirely.

NEWS|09

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10 | OPINION

opinion&comment

Love life, live life for a healthy state of mind

I

n Ireland we have a particular problem with young male suicide in the under 30 age group.

Men have a much greater difficulty in expressing their emotions and Irish men have particular reluctance to do so. This makes them more vulnerable to depression and suicidal ideation (ideas of suicide) Suicide is the act of intentionally ending your life. It is influenced by several interacting factors – personal, social, psychological, cultural, biological and environmental.

The link between mental ill-health is well established with depression being the most common mental illness.

Depression with a ‘little d’ is a common simple human emotion felt by us all – usually lasting hours to days. We feel sad and down. We will feel like this when grieving over loss of people close to us; or over the breakup of relationships or in many other similar human encounters.

Depression with a ‘big D’ is called Major Depression, it is a clinical illness with a combination of physical and psychological symptoms and which can lead to a host of physical and psychological symptoms.

It is an illness which will affect about onein-four of our population at some time in their lives.

Triggers include bereavement, breakdown of relationships, marriages and family breakdown, lack of hope due to job loss, difficulties with gaining employment and long term prospects, poverty and growing up in disadvantaged homes, sexual identity issues, loss of identity due to job loss and loss of belief in traditional religions and political and civil structures.

For many males their coping mechanism is excess alcohol which is actually a depressant and when combined with psychiatric medical increases the risk of suicide.

We need to get young men actively involved by encouraging them to talk about their emotions. We need to study countries like Australia that have been successful in getting males to open up to how they feel.

The brain is very fragile and there is a thin line between wellness and mental-ill health for many of us, the mind is a function of the brain, we all have an emotional and a logical brain, many psychological illnesses are due to a breakdown in communication between both.

Our lives are ruled more by emotion than logic, every daily decision we make is made with emotion and logic combined.

When we are well our emotions and logic are in harmony. When we are unwell our negative emotions start to overwhelm our logical brain and the classical example is depression.

I have lived with the diagnosis of BiPolar disorder (formerly known as Manic

Depressive illness) for the past 31 years.

Many people fear drug therapy but the medication has helped me to function by adjusting my mood, reducing anxiety; helping with food, sleep, drive, memory, concentration; and in particular reducing fatigue. Other treatments that worked well for me were Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) this is a talk therapy and is all about how our thoughts influence our emotions which in turn influence our behaviour.

If you believe that you are worthless your emotion will be extreme sadness and depression; and your behaviour may be to stop going out to meet people which leads to isolation worsening the depression.

A major turning point for me was when I learned about MCBT (Mindful Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Mindfulness is being aware of the present moment, nonjudgementally and on purpose.

I learned that perception is central to recovery; if I perceived myself to have a depression that was not curable then that would appear to be the reality for me. My thoughts shaped my future and I found that I had the ability to change my life.

Depression is very common and is an illness that must be treated like any other infection, if others have to live with someone who has untreated depression, the stress of doing so can become the trigger for another person’s depression. For most, the response is, there must be something wrong with me, when the truth is that there may be something wrong with everyone else. My own view of wellbeing is not about being free from any medical condition, but more about living.

Many of us live in a world where we feel that we need to be constantly connected to technology. There is less social contact than there was in years gone by. I believe that social connection is hugely important.

Be kind to your body and mind, be active outdoors, walk a few times a week, take part in sport or develop a hobby you find meaningful and satisfying to you.

In short, love life, live life…….

Charlie lives in Wicklow Town and is the Chairperson of Wicklow Mental Health Association and a Board Member of Mental Health Ireland. He has lived with the diagnosis of Bi Polar disorder since 1984 and has been a user of the HSE/Wicklow Mental Health since then.

Charlie is currently employment in a very successful national role.

“H

I can see why the makers of medical products might show some caution but I can’t understand why the manufacturers of a sleeping aid advise its customers: ‘’Warning. May cause drowsiness”.

Tweets of the week

Laura Whitmore @thewhitmore “Love is... Someone bringing you a chicken fillet roll in bed.”

Dara O’Briain @daraobriain “Okay, in bar now, and just gave the DJ a Chocolate Kimberley biscuit because they were playing something great. Officially Happy Drunk.”

Cian Healy @ProperChurch “I’m just gonna leave this here... @taylorswift13 makes me happy.”

Nadine O’Regan @NadineORegan “I knew it was time to leave @ epfestival when I ran out my tent to cry I’d been robbed.

Five mins later, I realised I was in the wrong tent.”

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 Charlie Burke with Michael Wolsey

Warning: this column states the obvious ealth warning: this column contains words, punctuation marks and an opinion. And it all began with halfa-dozen eggs. I don’t usually look at the information on the side of egg cartons but I had been reading a particularly horrific article on factory farming and wanted to make sure these were free-range. That’s how I discovered this gem of nutritional caution. ‘’Allergy advice,’’ it said. ‘’Contains eggs.’’

A triumph for the food police, indeed.

If I were allergic to eggs, I would be grateful for this warning. Without it I might easily have mistaken this halfdozen for a carton of oval bananas, unpeeled one, sliced the contents over an ice cream sundae and died of egg poisoning. It’s no yolking matter, I tell you.

The egg incident happened a while back and I have been on the lookout for such safety warnings ever since. They are not hard to find. Local shops are full of products labelled with advice which is, at best, unnecessarily cautious and, at worst, plain crazy.

And it’s not only in shops that you’ll find them. Airlines have taken to giving out little plastic ‘waste bags’ with their food, into which you can put the rest of the needless packaging before returning it to the cabin assistant. These small, easily-torn bags carry a warning: ‘’Keep away from children. May cause suffocation.’’ They might, if the child managed to eat one. Otherwise it seems pretty unlikely and even more unlikely that reading the warning would prevent such a freak accident.

Of course the airline is just covering its tail end so that in each and every circumstance it can say, ‘’Don’t blame us.

We warned you.’’ Printing tons of useless information is cheaper than a huge damages award, however unlikely that might be.

And OK, I can see a certain sense in that approach. But is it really necessary for makers of an electric iron to warn: ‘’Do not iron clothes on body’’? Or the manufactures of a canned sponge pudding to caution: ‘’Product will be hot after heating’’? Or for the producers of a drink which mixes whisky and wine to tells us it ‘’contains alcohol’’.

Basil Fawlty said his wife Sybil should enter Mastermind with ‘’the bleedin’ obvious’’ as her special subject. She wouldn’t stand a chance against the folk who devise our labels. On a small sachet of salt I found: ‘’Not suitable for those on a low-salt diet’’. And on a packet

of peanuts: ‘’Warning. Contains nuts’’.

That one at least had the merit of brevity, unlike the advice on a catering pack of vinegar: ‘’May contain nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, mustard, celery, wheat, eggs, fish, soybeans, milk, sulphites and cereals’’. Sounds like a complete meal in itself.

I can see good reasons why the makers of medical products might show some caution but I can’t understand why the manufacturers of a sleeping aid thought it necessary to advise its customers: ‘’Warning. May cause drowsiness’’.

I take tablets to lower cholesterol. The packaging contains a warning of possible side-effects that is too lengthy to reprint here. It includes itching, rashes, loss of hair, tendon problems, dizziness, tiredness, headaches, stomach problems, liver problems, inflammation of the pancreas, double vision and localised swelling of the lips or tongue.

The list ends with the advice that ‘’if you notice any unpleasant or unusual effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist’’. Or maybe the Guinness Book of Records.

Can there be any side effects left? Well yes there can. For I have spotted a letter to an English newspaper complaining about quinine sulphate tablets with a warning of side-effects which include ‘’blindness, ringing in the ears, irregular heartbeats and death’’. It cautions that ‘’if these occur treatment should be stopped and a doctor contacted straight away’’. Sound advice, though difficult in the event of the last effect on the list.

Concern for the welfare of children is a constant theme of safety labels. ‘’This is not a toy. Unsuitable for children,’’ is the wise warning on an electric drill. But what are we to make of a card for ‘’baby’s first birthday’’ that warns ‘’not suitable for a child of 36 months or less’’.

What troubled souls devise the wording for these things? Is there an EU office to set the standard? Or maybe a factory that churns them out along with jokes for Christmas crackers. If so, I hope it has a warning on the door. Caution: Contains Nuts.

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

September 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

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Huge response to migrant appeal

By Michelle McGlynn In the face of the devastating refugee crisis currently gripping Europe and Africa, Wicklow residents have been rallying together in the spirit of generosity.

Our picture shows TD Stephen Donnelly and Cllr Jennifer Whitmore in their constituency office in Greystones which is practically full following donations.

Over the past week, several collections have been set up around the county and each one has received an overwhelming response from people seeking to donate or help out in some way.

There are several places where you can donate much needed items for over 3,000 refugees currently camped in the area around Calais, Northern France.

Collection points include Prelude Arts Centre, Bray; Stephen Donnelly’s Constituency Office, Greystones; Arklow Scout Hall, Arklow; Arus Lorcain, Arklow and Wings Angel Shop in Wicklow Town.

For a list of the items needed urgently and for smaller collection points, see South Dublin/Wicklow Calais Refugee Solidarity on Facebook.

There is a huge appeal for anyone who could volunteer to travel to Calais and stay for at least a week to help out with the situation on the ground.

Donations will be accepted until September 29 when the aid will be taken by convoy to Calais on September 30.

“I would like to thank everyone who has kindly donated for those in Calais,” said Stephen Donnelly, Social Democrats TD. “Elaine and the team have done Trojan work since Friday.

“The response has been incredible and we are currently seeking volunteers to help to transport and store the items that have so far been collected.

“If you are interested, please contact my office on 01 2017300 or Stephen.Donnelly@Oireachtas.ie”.

What separates us from Syrian refugees is 170 years M ost people saw the tragic image last Thursday of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi’s lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach.

Aylan perished along with his brother Galip and mother Rehan as the rickety and overcrowded vessel they were attempting to reach the Greek island of Kos in capsized.

The family had fled their home town of Kobane in Syria (which has been reduced to rubble by Islamic State) in the hope of joining father Abdullah’s sister Tima in Vancouver, Canada.

I saw the picture in the newspaper on the way to work and started crying. It has haunted me ever since.

Nodody could remain unaffected by such a damning indictment of our abject failure to help our brother and sister human beings in need.

Brian Quigley It has taken the death of one small boy to bring home to us the tragedy of the deaths of hundreds of thousands of his fellow Syrians in recet years. It shouldn’t have come to this.

Syria has been unravelling for more than four years.

Intervention from the rest of the world has been somewhere between very slow and nonexistant.

Perhaps that has something to do with Syria not having any oil to speak of and so not being an

economically significant concern for foreign governments, who knows. Our lives have become increasingly dominated by economics.

It was evident in the debates about how many refugees from the horrendous situation in Syria would be accepted into nations around the world even before last Thursday.

Quotas, costs and budgets were trotted out as barriers to providing help. At least Aylan’s sad drowning has put a stop this monstrous attitude.

If his passing can force us to exchange some economic currency for a reawakening of our humanity then at least it will not have been in vain.

After the sadness of seeing the newspaper photograph I felt my share of anger.

I wasn’t angry at my government though, or the EU structures and policy-makers, or Cameron or Obama or Merkel

or the oil-rich Gulf nations who are taking in too few refugees.

I wasn’t angry at IS. That would all be too easy.

I was angry at myself, for being part of a world that had allowed this to happen to a small boy. He should have been lying safe in a warm bed that day, not dead in the cold water.

We have all become less caring people and it is in part due to our forced preoccupation with economics.

I’m not saying we are all rich.

Quite the opposite in fact.

The recession years have seen most families here struggle to survive, having to watch their money closely and pay attention to their individual economic situations.

But by doing so we have allowed our leaders juggle the finances of our country so that they can allow banks and institutions higher up the economic pyramid juggle their financial

agendas. Nobody wins and all that is achieved is to keep the austerity train on time and on track. Meanwhile the people who needed us to keep our minds and eyes open to watch for when they might need help suffered.

It’s ironic that exactly 170 years ago people left these shores to escape certain death in the Famine.

They packed into unsafe vessels to try to reach foreign lands so that they could make a better life for themselves and their families. Have we not learned anything? How could this still be happening in 2015?

Why aren’t people being lifted straight from refugee camps into safe countries, instead of being put at the mercy of greedy and unscrupulous traffickers?

As a country we have nothing to fear from refugees. In modern times we accepted refugees from Bosnia and other areas of

conflict. As a county Wicklow accepted its share of the 3,000 World War One refugees from Belgium that arrived in Ireland a century ago. Bray alone gave homes to more than 50.

We were kind to the arrivals, provided them with food and clothing as well as safety and education.

The vulnerable persons relocation scheme, funded by the EU and administered by the UN should pay directly for the housing and education costs of the refugees we accept for the first year.

After that let them stay and work and contribute to our nation, if they wish to do so. It need not come out of our domestic budget.

All we need to budget for is a stock of campassion, kindness and the ability to extend a helping hand.

Much like others have done for us over the course of history.

1 2 3 4 5

12 | WHAT’S HOT WILDLIFE

with Justin Ivory

Eric Dempsey

Living the Wildlife

Living the wildlife – that’s exactly what Eric Dempsey started doing from the moment his “Ma” uttered the words “Here....come look at the birds”. Little did she know the spark she was about to ignite in the little blonde haired toddler she lifted up onto the kitchen sink of a house in Finglas to show her son a female House Sparrow feeding a couple of chicks in the back garden.

The young Eric could not get enough of staring out the window at those sparrows on that memorable day. Over fifty years later Eric is still staring out the window being transfixed by the birds and other natural wonders he sees.

But Ireland’s best known birdwatcher does more than just stare out the window!

Eric has spent a lifetime out in the field watching, studying and photographing birds, both in Ireland and around the globe. He is a professional birdguide, speaker, photographer, writer and broadcaster. He finally has got around to writing his memoir in the just published “Don’t die in Autumn” Written in Eric’s light, easy and witty style, I would highly recommend this book to anybody who has even the faintest interest in wildlife and the outdoors, or would like to be inspired by somebody who had the courage to follow his dreams, giving up a good pensionable job to become a full time birdwatcher. When you read the book you will see his live has been the richer for that decision.

Eric, who has in recent years seen the light and moved from Dublin to take up residence in the Garden County just outside Newcastle, will be giving a talk in the Glenview Hotel, September 15 at 8pm.

Don’t Die in Autumn by Eric Dempsey is published by Gill & Macmillan, €16.99

wicklowvoice.ie September 10 2015

kids shop of the week Kids Fashion Unit 2, Main Street, Newtownmountkennedy, 01 2810879 Childhood is something that comes only once in life, but never loses its importance and memories. Kid’s Fashion is a kid’s boutique striving to make beautiful memories for every child. Kid’s Fashion caters for newborn to 12 years and stocks clothing, shoes, soft toys, newborn gift sets, blankets, towels, accessories and much more. It also offers clothing for special occasions like baptism, communion and confirmation.

Kid’s Fashion has good quality products at reasonable prices. Brands like Adidas, Zara, Mee Mee, JBJ design and many more. Kid’s Fashion are offering a 30% promotional discount to celebrate their opening, but hurry this offer is only available until end of September.

Drop in and say hello!

Event of the week 2015 Liam Kelly Memorial Garden of Ireland Run Delgany and Enniskerry, September 11-13, 087 8329235 Following last year’s success, this year’s Liam Kelly Memorial Garden of Ireland run is set to be a great weekend. The festivities will commence on September 11 with a complimentary welcoming reception at The Grove Bar, Delaney at 9pm hosted by proprietor Dinny Doyle with music and craic by DJ Brian Nolan.

The main event will take place on September 12, leaving The Glenview Hotel, Delgany at 10.20am when the club will treat its many visiting enthusiasts to a feast of spectacular scenery of the Wicklow hills and stopping off for lunch at Lynam’s of Laragh. Then, a leisurely drive back to The Grove Bar for the prize giving, refreshments and a chat. The Chill and Grill will commence at 8pm at The Glenview Hotel with music by the very popular Skin The Goat. On Sunday all roads lead to The Enniskerry Victorian Field Day where the club will put on a display along with many other vintage vehicles on the day.

book of the week Asking for it

By Louise O’Neill Does is matter if you can’t remember? A novel about betrayal and consent, truth and denial, in the age of the smartphone. It’s the beginning of the summer in a small Irish town. Emma O’Donovan is eighteen years old, beautiful, happy and confident. One night, there’s a party. Everyone’s there.

All eyes are on Emma. The next morning, she wakes on the front porch of her house. She can’t remember what happened, she doesn’t know how she got there. She doesn’t know why she’s in pain. But everyone else does. Photographs taken at the party show, in explicit detail, what happened to Emma that night.

But sometimes people don’t want to believe what’s right in front of them, especially when the truth concerns the town’s heroes. From the winner of The Sunday Independent’s Newcomer of the Year award, Louise O’Neill, this book is already being called a must-read.

TV SHOW of the week This is England ‘90 Channel 4, Sundays, 9pm Gazza’s tears. Hubble’s launch. Saddam’s invasion. Mandela’s release. This is 1990.

This is England. And Lol, Woody, Shaun, Milky, Smell, Gadget, Harvey, Kell, Trev and Combo are back for the final chapter of Shane Meadow’s multi-award

open day of the week Curves Blacklion Business Centre, Rathdown Road, Greystones, 01 2873534, www.curves.eu/ie Curves are hosting an open day on September 13 from 3pm-6pm where they will be offering an exclusive deal of a three month membership for just €99. There will be workout demonstrations followed by nibbles and refreshments. The Curves 30-minute full body workout is designed especially for women. You can benefit from one-to-one training. The 30-minute full workout burns up to 500 calories. The proven workout combines strength training, cardio and stretching. With Curves Complete you get a fully personalised weight-loss solution that includes the Curves Fitness programme, customisable meal plans, and one-on-one coaching and support.

winning landmark series. It’s two years on since the less-thanfestive Christmas of ‘88, with some of the gang embracing the new decade with more gusto than others. But a lot can happen in a year and in true This is England style, the second summer of love soon gives way to a winter of discontent.

6 7 8 9 10

WHAT’S HOT| 13

September 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

MOVIE of the week Irrational Man Gaiety Cinema, Arklow A college professor reaches a crossroads in his life in Woody Allen’s perceptive drama. Disillusioned philosophy professor Abe (Joaquin Phoenix) is a new arrival amidst the stuffy, old-fashioned environment of Braylin College. Abe’s personal life is far from smooth: he has an alcohol problem and fails to satisfy his lover Rita (Parker Posey). Nevertheless, he soon finds himself taken with one of his students, Jill (Emma Stone) with whome he strikes up a friendship. Upon overhearing a conversation in a diner, Abe becomes convinced that his life has been given fresh purpose - something that will compel him to shocking and unexpected actions.

The latest film from Woody Allen, Irrational Man is a complex, witty and intimate study of human nature, one that sees his first collaboration with Inherent Vice star Joaquin Phoenix and his second with the effervescent Emma Stone, following 2014’s Magic in the Moonlight.

HOROSCOPES

fitness tip of the week Anne Sexton Pilates Bray Bowl Complex, Quinsboro Road, Bray, 087 2698375, reformerclasses.ie With summer behind us, Anne Sexton Pilates has launched their new autumn schedule. The schedule works around even the busiest lifestyle so you will have no problem staying fit and healthy.

Drop the children off at school and then pop in for a 9.30am workout.

There is even a lunchtime express

class at 1pm every Thursday and you can avail of a very special offer of four lunchtime express classes for €60. The new schedule has also introduced a Pilates class for seniors every Monday at 10.30am.

Every evening there are a variety of Refomer classes from beginners to advanced. Anne is also introducing her amazing mat Pilates class to her Bray studio. Pilates offers a vast range of benefits and is a balanced workout. See the website for details and schedule.

Mitchell Douglas 69 Main Street, Bray, 01 2021877, September 12 Are you thinking of buying, selling or renting in the near future?

Then, now is the time to get talking to the team at Mitchell Douglas. On Saturday, September 12 Margaret and Sharon invite you to their Bray showrooms between 12pm and 3pm. Enjoy a cup of coffee and get some advice from the best in the business.

The team will be on hand to sit down and answer any questions you might have whether you are thinking of buying, selling or renting. With over 30 years combined experience in selling and letting properties in North Wicklow/South Dublin areas, Mitchell Douglas are local people with local knowledge. They pride themselves on giving every customer individual care and attention with a personal touch. Join them on Saturday for a chat with no obligations.

Hank Wedel The Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, September 13, 8pm Singer-songwriter Hank Wedel was born in the USA in the Sixties, grew up in New York City and Mallow, Co Cork in the Seventies. A legend of the Cork music scene, Hank has been entertaining folks with his eclectic mix of folk, country, jazz and rock for over 20 years. He has performed with Irish names such as Kila, Declan

Sin E would like to welcome Kelly Swan to their team. Kelly is an all rounder, senior stylist with up to date knowledge on upcoming trends and seasonal style changes. Colour is Kelly’s passion and she is a specialist with trendy upstyles for weddings. Kelly is excited to be joining Sin E and is looking forward to working with new clients. Make an appointment with Kelly today and you will love your new style. If you’re looking to get a colour done, you can choose Natulique certified organic hair colour which is exclusively available at Sin E. Other fabulous treatments available are a Brazilian 12 week blow dry, Beaver Hair Thickening System and L’Oreal colour promotion.

Gemini- This week is a 6 Work could interfere with fun.

Don’t gamble with the rent.

Romance could sneak up on you. Frustrations confront you.

Leo- This week is a 9 Keep things practical, especially around finances. Changes disrupt the status quo. Make plans without being rigid.

Virgo- This week is an 8 Passions are high. Look before leaping. Avoid setting off someone with a short fuse. Plug financial leaks, and persuade others to keep it simple.

GIG of the week

Kelly Swan at Sin E Unit 2, Charlesland Shopping Centre, Greystones, 01 2010673

Taurus- This week is a 6 Preview your act. You’re strong, and yet face a challenge. A female calms a controversy.

Don’t say everything you’re thinking!

Cancer- This week is a 7 Heed recommendations and warnings. Avoid impulsive actions and reactions. Don’t get seduced by empty flattery. Do what you promised.

property tip of the week

Stylist of the week

Aries- This week is a 5 Go for peaceful productivity rather than group gatherings.

Beware tricks and deception.

Advance slowly, and control passionate outbursts.

Sinnott, Shane McGowan and Bono. His passion for music and songwriting is evident in his delivery of a song. Christy Moore recorded Hank’s song Listen and made it the title track of his bestselling 2009 album. In the past he has been involved with bands Princes Street and Open Kitchen. He has a long-standing residency at Charlie’s Bar, Cork with mandolinist Ray Barron and attracts a large weekly loyal following.

Libra- This week is a 7 Watch for misunderstandings or accidents. Balance feelings with facts. Get into household projects. Clean, sort and organise.

Scorpio- This week is a 5 Wait for the final figures.

Stick to your principles. Stay objective in a tense situation.

Take passion behind closed doors.

Sagittarius- This week is a 7 The action is backstage. Your partner offers emotional support.

Allow time to assimilate new information. Don’t throw money at a problem.

Capricorn- This week is a 9 Consider options carefully, and have a backup plan. Get into a writing or recording project, and forget the world outside. Move gently.

Aquarius- This week is a 6 Bring a creative vision into reality together. In a clash between love and money, hold your temper. Keep your cool or lose profits.

Pisces- This week is an 8 Make use of the expertise around you. Share your appreciation passionately.

Realise a dream. Socialise with colleagues.

14 | lifestyle

my favourite things

September

Songs

Yes, that Seventies boho look is back in the shops this season.

The look always bursts back on to the catwalks with a fresh twist. This season, the look has taken on a rather folksy vibe and we are in love.

Keep make up natural with some earthy colours and hair should be left loose and flowing to match the overall hassle-free feel.

A key piece for your boho look is a statement kimono or poncho like this floral one from Miss Selfridge (main pic, €60.99).

If you want to go all in then pair it with the matching trousers (€53), a black bralet (€39) and these chunky black sandals (€54.99).

For a more casual vibe, try this outfit from Monsoon (left Genevieve coat €135, Jasmine blouse €53, jeans €67).

This seventies print maxi dress (below) can take you from day to night (Littlewoods Ireland, €107).

Pair this blouse (right, M&S, €40) with a pair of jeans and these boots (far right, Dune, €135) for an understated take.

wicklowvoice.ie September 10 2015

WHAT’s HOT

with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie

LIFESTYLE| 15

September 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

food

Peter Byrne

Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel

Ingredients

Full Time PLC Courses

1 kg plum tomatoes 1 medium size piece ginger 2 large onions 2 cloves garlic 1 tablespoons coriander seeds 1 tablespoons tumeric ½ tablespoons cardamon pods 1 stick lemongrass 1/2 bunch fresh coriander Chicken stock

No CAO points required Further & Higher Education Links Part-time Night Courses

Method:

1.Roast tomatoes with olive oil and rock salt in black trays until slightly blackened.

2. Sweat off onions, garlic and spices until soft, but with no colour.

3. Add tomatoes and bring up to the simmer cook for 5 mins.

4. Cover with boiling chicken stock and simmer for 5 mins.

5. Add fresh coriander and cook for 2 mins.

6. Blitz and pass, adjust if necessary with chicken stock or tomato juice.

INFORMATION DAY

Roasted tomato soup

McDonald’s is lovin’ Gytis

McDonald’s Scholarship Programme award recipient Gytis Preisegalavicius with Tomas Milan, McDonald’s General Manager

By Michelle McGlynn Wicklow student Gytis Preisegalavicius is definitely lovin’ it.

Gytis received a scholarship from the McDonald’s Scholarship Programme.

He won €1,000 to go towards his studies in IT Management at the Institute of Technology Tallaght.

Gytis was presented with the award by the Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation,

Damien English TD and Adrian Crean MD McDonald’s Ireland at a ceremony in Dublin on September 3.

Fifteen employees in total were presented with awards as part of the initiative which celebrates the hard work and dedication of McDonald’s employees, who are completing college and further education studies.

Gytis works in McDonald’s Bray which is owned and operated by John Gallagher.

“Smart companies invest in their staff as the return on investment will lead to a better workforce and more satified customers,” said Minister English, speaking at the awards.

“I would urge other companies in Ireland to look to McDonald’s and celebrate staff commitment by investing in their education.”

Winners in the past have used the scholarship funds to cover their travel costs, book supplies and course fees.

Wednesday 2nd September 10am-4pm

Visit www.dfei.ie and apply online or phone 280 9676 17 Cumberland Street, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin

16 | SPECIAL REPORT wicklowvoice.ie September 10 2015

By Alan Rossiter From September 1, all dogs born after June 1 must be microchipped and registered on a Government Approved Database before they are sold.

The seller must by law supply a certificate of microchip registration and must complete the change of ownership section on the registration certificate - just like cars.

From March 31, 2016 this law applies to all dogs, even older ones, so if your dog is not microchipped then you must do so over the next few months.

Call your vet, it’s not that expensive and some vets are even doing subsidised or free microchipping in September 2015.

For vets and rescue centres there’s nothing more depressing that a found dog being microchipped

Hip, chip, hooray!

but the microchip not being registered correctly – there’s no way of tracking down the owner if the chip is not registered.

If your pet is microchipped it therefore is vital you check that it is registered correctly on an Approved Database.

If you know your pet’s microchip number you can check to see is it registered by going to www.chipcheck.ie.

Alan Rossiter is senior veterinary surgeon with Blacklion Pet Hospital Greystones (www.vets.ie) they can also check your pet’s microchip registrations (for free for our clients) and correct it if need be.

If you love ‘em, then tag ‘em ...

September 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

ADVERTISING| 17

18 | SPECIAL REPORT wicklowvoice.ie September 10 2015 It may be only September but winter is looming large on the horizon so here a few tips to keep your house cosy this winter: Thick curtains are one of the main ways to protect your house from losing heat through the windows.

But let the sunlight in during the day. It’s important to try to use as much natural - and free - heat (in the form of sunlight) as possible.

Closing your curtains as soon as dusk falls will maximise your house’s potential to retain that heat.

Double glazing is certainly worth the investment and one of the most effective methods of keeping heat in ... and cold out.

DIY draught excluders are one lesson people can learn from previous generations.

Clear your radiators. Try and avoid placing large pieces of furniture in front of them.

Putting a shelf above the radiator, especially if you have high ceilings, can also help channel the warmth.

But it’s important not to

place things on the radiator itself.

Shut up unused rooms and keep doors closed as it will prevent cold air moving into the rest of the house and contain the heat you’ve generated in a smaller area.

Cover bare floorboards as floors account for as much as 10% of heat loss if they’re not insulated.

Carpets came into being for a reason, says Potter.

Those with wooden flooring have to deal with heat loss.

Rugs and blankets can help mitigate this and have the added bonus of keeping your feet warm.

Insulating your whole house professionally can seem expensive to some.

But DIY loft insulation is a possibility.

Don’t undo your work by having an inefficient attic hatch.

Setting timers on heating is important as it’s a myth that keeping it on all day is better. If it’s very cold, the timer should be set to switch the heating on earlier, rather than turning the thermostat up to warm the house rapidly.

SPECIAL REPORT | 19

September 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

Think Outside The Box Room!

Homes

Cosy

homes

Wrap up warm this winter

with Clodagh Doyle (info@wicklowvoice.ie)

Many of us have inherited a house design which basically conformed to that particular house builder’s idea of good design.

Unfortunately, in most cases the crucial design elements were never given the attention they truly deserved especially with regards to light, storage, function, proportion and flow. As a result, most of us are now paying the price of poor design.

With bog standard house design, it’s usually the kitchen and living space that screams attention however, another bone of contention is the dreaded box bedroom. In reality this room is just too small to accommodate a comfortable bedroom. All too often this room is used as a dumping ground, compensating for the severe lack of storage throughout the rest of the house.

It is only when you see, understand and really appreciate good house design that poor design jumps out and

bites you. But unless you get the opportunity to self-build, it may be a case of making the most of what you have got.

Do not despair! With some aspirations and imagination you can create solutions for improving your existing home.

If your box room has to be a bedroom, you really have to be clever with every inch of space. Consider floor to ceiling storage units or perhaps even a small mezzanine which will not only act as a unique feature but will also add valuable space.

Likewise, if this room has to be your home office you need to make it work for you. Consider customising one complete side of this room to suit you work requirements and if you can spare the other side perhaps use this for your laundry – hidden behind floor to ceiling cabinets.

For those of you who are not too confined in terms of usage, why not make this room work in a way that suits you and your family’s current lifestyle.

If your master bedroom shares the same partition wall why not consider knocking through to create that amazing walk-

in wardrobe you have been dreaming about. Similarly, if the children’s room shares the same wall, creating a tunnel like gap into what could be some cool extra play space for the children? Don’t rule out removing this wall completely to make the adjoining room a decent sized room – one you can really enjoy!

Don’t get boxed into conforming to a room that is badly designed. Make changes now and if and when you find your ideal home later on, you can simple convert it back into a box room prior to selling - for minimal cost!

Transforming your property for maximum return. For a FREE consultation get in touch on 086 8159431, 01 2548070 or e-mail us info@ placelift.ie

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20 | NEWS wicklowvoice.ie September 10 2015

Dementia levels set to treble

By Michelle McGlynn

The number of people living with dementia in Wicklow is estimated to treble by 2041.

There are currently 1,274 people in the county living with the condition but based on national projections, this figure will rise to 3,822 in the next 25 years.

Meanwhile, in other health news, a study has revealed that over 13,446 asthma sufferers in Wicklow are not using their inhaler correctly.

There is a fear among leading dementia care professionals that Ireland is not properly equipped to cope with the rapidly rising number of people with dementia.

“With the number of people aged 65 and over set to reach

1.4 million in Ireland by 2041, it should be a priority to include a specialist nursing qualification,” said Jackie O’Toole, who heads up the national dementia training programme at Person Centred Healthcare Training (PCHT).

Ms O’Toole says that the shortage of specialist nurses in the country is compromising the standard of care provided.

Many nurses in Older Care say that they do not feel equipped to meet the psychological needs of residents.

“Around 85% of residents in nursing homes have cognitive impairment with resulting complex psychological rather than physical needs.

“We run dementia-specific training courses in nursing

homes across the country,” said Mr O’Toole, who has specialised in dementia care for most of her 20 year nursing career.

“Further specialisation is desirable but this would ensure that each newly qualified nurse would have basic certification in the area.”

Ms O’Toole will be addressing a national conference on the nurse retention crisis in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin on September 16.

According the asthma study, by using an inhaler incorrectly, many people are unknowingly aggravating their condition.

The Asthma Society of Ireland and Irish Pharmacy Union have launched an Inhaler Technique awareness campaign urging

people with asthma to check that they are using their inhaler device correctly.

New inhaler technique videos have been created by the Asthma Society which are free to access on www.asthma.ie.

Throughout the month of September all local pharmacies will be offering a free inhaler checking service.

Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar is lending his support to the campaign, saying, “Ireland has a significant asthma population.

“The Asthma Society’s Inhaler Technique campaign, supported by the IPU, is a great initiative and I would encourage every person with asthma to get their technique checked and get it right.”

Nadine, Caoimhe (6) and Tomás O’Neill (4) out and about in Greystones

Buying?

Selling?

Contact one of our team today e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565

ADVERTISING | 21

September 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

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22 | SPORT

wicklowvoice.ie September 10 2015

sport in brief An Tochar

Bruce is a once loved Opel Corsa who has fallen into disrepair. On September 26, Bruce will be scrapped and players will be weighed. Guess the combined weight of Bruce and players and win some fantastic prizes. Three guesses for €5.

Des Fanning has planned a seven-a-side competition in the club on the morning of the All Ireland Football Final, September 20. A fun filled day is planned featuring the big match on display in the club bar.

The U8 Girls fielded two teams in a Blitz hosted by Newtown on September 5. These girls go from strength to strength as the season progresses. Well done to Siofra, Sarah Jane, Laura, Clara, Claire, Neasa, Blaithin, Sarah H, Aisling, Sive, Grace, Sadhbh, Abigael, Niamh, Ailbhe, Hannah and Leisha.

Well done to the girls U12 who are through to the next round after defeating Barndarrig. A great performance from all our girls.

Stay tuned for details of important upcoming fixtures for underage teams including U14 Girls and Boys and U16 Boys.

Best of luck to all concerned.

Best wishes to Ger Byrne,Ashtown as he starts a

The ladies of Woodenbridge Golf Club have qualified to play in the semi-finals of the Mary McKenna Diamond Trophy Tournament. The two winning teams on September 12 will go forward to play in the final on September 13 at Woodenbridge Golf Club, Avoca, Co Wicklow. new job in London. We hope to see you home regularly, Ger.

Arklow Geraldines Results of All Ireland ticket draw: 1st Prize: Naomi Kilroy – Two All Ireland hurling Final tickets, €100 plus overnight stay in Croke Park Hotel. 2nd Prize: Gerry Pender - Two All Ireland Football Final tickets, €100 plus overnight stay in Croke Park

Hotel. 3rd Prize: Colm Finnegan - €100 Bridgewater Shopping Voucher. 4th Prize: Michael O’Brien - €50 Bridgewater Shopping Voucher. Thanks to everyone who supported the draw. Minor Men Quarter Final: AGB v Carnew on September 13 at 12.30pm in Pearse’s Park.

All support would be appreciated. The U8 girls played their final blitz of year in Newtown on September 5.

Great turnout and excellent team performances against Baltinglass, St. Pats and An Tochar. Lovely to see the girls putting some great play together, working hard for each other and some nice passing.

Progress very much in evidence.

AGB Intermediate Men made the trip to Baltinglass, on September 1, a winning one when they defeated the home side by a whopping 13 points.

It was a team performance that sees the AGB side now joint second in the league.

Bray Wanderers There was no Lotto jackpot winner on September 5.

Numbers drawn were 12, 15, 19, 30. €30 lucky dip winners were Graham McCormack c/o

Shamrock Bhoys, T. Treanor c/o Bray Lakers, Eric Crinion c/o D. Crinion, John Kavanagh c/o Charlie Kavanagh, Billy Cooke c/o Supporters Club.

Next week’s jackpot is €10, 175. Now that the odds of winning in the National Lottery are so remote why not get your friends and colleagues to enter the Bray Wanderers Club lotto where the chances of winning are so much greater and you also help your club. It’s much cheaper too at just €2 per ticket.

Tickets and are on sale in the club shop on match days or you can play the Bray Wanderers Lotto online at www.bwfc.ie.or www.braywanderers.com.

Bray Wanderers are at home in the FAI cup Quarter final against Killester United on September 11 at the Carlisle Ground with a

7.45pm kick off time.

Next away bus trip is to Sligo Rovers on September 26.

The Supporters club bus will be leaving from the Carlisle Ground at 2.30pm with a pick up point in Shankill village. Prices are €20 Adults, €15 Student, €10 Child. Non-supporters club members €5.00 extra. To book a place on the bus send your name to 087 9968969 or email bwsc@ eircom.net or call into the club shop at upcoming home games.

Cumann na mBunscol The AGM will be held on October 8 in the Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy at 5pm. The Boys’ Allianz Hurling League Day One will be on September 16 in the Bray GAA grounds at 12pm.

It will be nine-a-side with no age limit. Day Two will take place on September 30. Allianz Camgoie League Day will be on September 23 at 12pm in Bray GAA grounds. It will be nine-aside and no age limit.

Shankill GAA We are delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Davis as our new GPO. Our new U8s football team had their first match as they traveled to Newcastle for a game against St Finians. Well done to all concerned. The boys U12 next match is away on September 12 to Fingallians.

Men’s adult football teams’ lost to Good Counsel the next match is against Castleknock on September 20 at noon in Somerton Park. New players always welcome contact Kevin 086 8449902.

Want to give your club a voice? email your notes to info@wicklowvoice.ie

sport| 23

September 10 2015 wicklowvoice.ie

insideback

with Brian Quigley

Stones ready for league kickoff Wicklow’s premier rugby club Greystones RFC are ready for the new All Ireland Rugby League campaign, which kicks off for the Seagulls with a home game on September 12 with an away fixture against Sundays Well.

Stones have remained undefeated in three Leinster Senior League Shield fixtures, the most recent of which was a 25-17 victory over Bective Rangers (Greystones ran in four tries in that match – one each for Simon Malone and Jack Keating and a brace for Padraig Geoghagan) on September. 3 All the other teams at Greystones are back training as well as the first team – the 20’s, Juniors, Ladies, Minis and Youths. We wish them the very best of luck for the new season.

Bray dreaming of Cup glory September 11 sees Bray Wanderers take on Killester United at the Carlisle Grounds in the last eight of the Irish Daly Mail FAI Cup. If Wanderers

can overcome their non-league opponents they will stand just a single game away from the Aviva stadium (which will host the Cup final). It would fitting if they achieved this dream, 25 years after winning their first FAI Cup at the same venue (when it was called Lansdowne Road; Wanderers also won the Cup in 1999).

Wanderers turned in an impressive performance against Cork City on September 5 as they held their high-flying visitors to a scoreless draw, with a last-quarter defensive display as their opponents turned up the heat in search of a winner particulalrly commendable.

In holding Cork Bray stayed in sixth position and quite probably cost the Leesiders any remaining chance they had of catching Dundalk at the top of the table.

European Week of Sport This week September 7–13 is European Week of Sport, which aims to promote sport and

Arklow’s Senior Mens team won their first match of the season against local rivals J2 team from Gorey with a score of 24-5. Pic Yvette O Beirne

Brotherly love running high

By Michelle McGlynn

Brotherly duo Ciaran and Joe Clifford are ready to run. The two are hoping to take part in both the Berlin Marathon in September and the Dublin Marathon in October.

The brothers took part in the Dublin Marathon last

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year but they will be setting a precedent in the Berlin race to become the first duo to take part in the event.

Entry has not been easy and the brothers have had to accept limitations placed upon them in order to take the first steps towards breaking down barriers to inclusion.

“

It is vital that we maintain and increase the numbers engaging in sport.

A decline here not only leads to suffering in terms of faltering health of individuals but also to our society and economy

The brothers are well known around Wicklow and beyond for taking part in runs all over the country with Joe pushing Ciaran in a specially adapted running chair. Ciaran has intellectual disabilities and together the Clifford brothers promote the concept of social inclusion through sport.

physical activity across Europe for everyone regardless of age, background or fitness.

The Irish Sports Council is the designated national coordinating body in Ireland for the event, which has been inaugurated to tackle a stagnating (even declining in some member states) participation rate in sports.

It is vital that we maintain and increase the numbers engaging in sport.

A decline here not only leads to suffering in terms of faltering health of individuals but also to our society and economy (increased spending on healthcare, loss of productivity in the workplace are two examples that illustrate this).

Sports clubs, fitness centres, the workplace and the education environment are the four key areas that are being targeted this week to increase participation.

If you haven’t herad of the European Week of Sport then why not try to do something before the week is out!

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