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wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
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Get out and shout!
Locals urged to help save Wanderers from going bust By Cianan Brennan
WICKLOW’S only Premier Division football team need an urgent injection of cash or face going out of business in the coming months. Bray Wanderers require an investment believed to be in the region of €50,000 in order to continue and the Wicklow Voice is urging everyone to “Get out and shout” for the last three home games of the season. The Seagulls have recently placed a number of newspaper ads (see back page) urging members of the Bray and Wicklow communities to get behind the team. In recent days the club has taken to social media in a bid to encourage support - a post on the club’s Facebook page states: “Our Club is experiencing serious financial difficulties at the moment, if you feel there is any way you can help contact Frank Slevin 0872571899. “We need the people of Bray to come along and support us in our final three home games of the season....please help if you can and keep Premier Football
in OUR Town. These matches are crucial to our future as a Premier League club. “You can really make a difference.” Wanderers, formed in 1922, are approaching their centenary and have won two FAI Cups, with their most recent silverware coming in 1999 defeating Finn Harps in the decider. They also played twice in the European Cup Winners’ Cup against Trabzonspor and Grasshopper Zurich, who were then managed by the current England manager, Roy Hodgson The team, currently under the guidance of manager Alan Mathews, have been everpresent in Ireland’s top division since 2005 and now stand tenth in the table, one place above the relegation play-offs. Wanderers are a club steeped in tradition, and have produced famous players suc as Alan Kelly Sr., Andy McEvoy and Kieran ‘Tarzan’ O’Brien, while former player Pierce Sweeney currently plays with Reading FC in the English Championship. Continued on next page
Golden couple: John Nolan gives his new bride and Labour TD Anne Ferris a kiss at their wedding reception in Barracuda Restaurant on Bray Seafront. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside
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4 | NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
news in brief Festival of history G R E Y S T O N E S Archaeological and Historical Society, in association with La Touche Legacy Committee, is hosting a Festival of History Weekend at Charlesland Golf Club from September 26 to 28. The weekend will feature the Great War Roadshow with Dr. Myles Dungan, a Wicklow perspective on the events of 1914-18 and a guided walk. Contact Kay Coughlan on 01 2878448.
Walking Group A WALKING group has been started in Kilcoole. The walks begin on Tuesday, September 30 at 6.15pm outside Kilcoole Pharmacy. Anyone interested can contact Bev or Sylvia in the Kilcoole Pharmacy.
Sponsored walk FRIENDS of Merlin are hosting a charity sponsored walk in aid of Dog’s Trust on September 28 at 2pm in Laragh. You can do the walk at your own leisure along the Wicklow Way. Minimum entry is €10 or sponsorship cards are available in advance from fundogshow@gmail. com or call 087 6267334.
Chloe Cannon (2) and Michelle Flanagan out and about in Wicklow Town
Stage set for late night fun
By Michelle McGlynn
FRIDAY nights in Wicklow are officially sorted thanks to The Martello and their brand new late night music event. The Stage launches Friday, September 19. It will run every Friday with support acts kicking things off from 9.30 and music continuing late into the night. Popular wedding band, Ultrasound, will be take to The Stage for its grand opening. This band thoroughly
enjoy every performance and are guaranteed to have everyone up and dancing. Interskalactic will be performing the following week, September 26, fresh from their outstanding performance on The Late Late Show. Lazy Horse will be celebrating the music of Neil Young with Crazy Horse and Bob Dylan & the Band. MASS band will make the journey from Sligo to perform. They have a huge catalogue of catchy dance and
Timetable
Live Lounge at The Harbour Bar 17-21 September Wed: The Mighty Stef (Rock n Roll) Thurs: Outpatients (funk, soul, ska, reggae) Fri: Lazy Horse (Neil Young tribute) Sat: The Hardchargers (blues rock) Sun: The Louisiana 6 (skiffle) 25-28 September Thurs: Red Empire/Fox Jaw (**) Fri: The Barley Mob (folk reggae) Sat: Etc. (alternative) Sun: Gypsy Rebel Rabble (bluegrass) 29 September - 5 October Thurs: Des Hopkins Dixieland band (Jazz) Fri: The Reggulators (reggae) Sat: Blind yackety (v. eclectic) Sun: The song room presents.. (Live music + great buzz) ** AMA Emerging Artists
Plus Trad music in THE BAR.
disco covers as well as some funk and reggae jams. Ultimate party band Attention Bébé will storm The Stage in October. The phenomenal 16-piece band take the best tracks of the 90s and put their own unique spin on them. With this stellar line-up already on the way, The Stage looks set to be a great destination for music lovers. Keep an eye on www. themartello.ie for the full line-up.
Help save the Seagulls Continued from previous page
Every week for nine months of the year, Bray Wanderers put Wicklow on the map through coverage in newspapers and radio around the country, while the recent 1-0 victory over Manchester United garnered international headlines that would cost millions in marketing. The club has hosted many famous clubs at the Carlisle Grounds including Liverpool, Everton, and Celtic. Off the pitch, the club have made significant improvements to the Carlisle Grounds in recent years including building a new 1000-seater covered stand, new UEFA-approved dressing rooms and new offices. However, in recent seasons they have struggled to remain competitive in the Premier Division football, securing their top-flight status last year only after a relegation play-off victory over Longford Town. The news comes less than six months after it broke that the Seagulls were to become Ireland’s first communityowned football club. Although Wanderers have a full-time general manager the club essentially remains a volunteerrun entity.
Tiger Two on prowl as price of property soars 24% by Cianan Brennan
WICKLOW property prices are rising are rising at the fastest level since the Celtic Tiger. The latest figures published by the National Property Register as seen by the Wicklow Voice show a marked increase in property prices, most especially in the commuter towns of Bray and Greystones. The average price of a three bedroom semi-detached house in Bray is now €289,000, a 24% increase since the beginning of 2013. Three-bedroom terraced properties in Bray have increased by 33% to €266,000, while the same kind of house in Greystones is now retailing for €269,000, a 36% increase since the start of the year. To date in 2014 some 767 properties have changed hands across the county, an enormous increase of 38% on buying figures for the same period in 2013. All told €200 million has been spent on houses in the Garden County so far in 2014, almost €70 million (51%) more than had been spent in September 2013. All figures suggest that the renewal in buyer confidence that is being seen across the nation has turned into a feeding frenzy in Wicklow as buyers go-head-to head with each other in a desperate quest to snap up property in a climate affected by a chronic lack of supply. The average price of a property in County Wicklow now stands at €261,000, an increase of €12,000 (5%) from the same figures at the end of 2013. Taking the population areas along the N11 route south as far as Arklow in isolation, average prices in these areas are steeper again at €275,000. Whereas previous investigations by the Wicklow Voice had seen a slow but steady increase in prices, the jump seen in the summer months of 2014 alone suggests that an all-out competitive price-war has been declared by buyers on each
other. A total of 336 houses were sold in Wicklow between June and September alone. The only area surveyed by the Wicklow Voice to in fact decrease in overall property prices in 2014 is Enniskerry, however this can be attributed to a smaller amount of exclusive, €1million plus properties going on sale this year in and around the traditionally affluent village. What will be of most concern is that prices in areas south of Bray/Greystones such as Ashford (11%) and Rathnew (45%) are also starting to increase at a rate of knots. As has been seen previously, the only areas to buck the trend are the towns further south, with prices in Wicklow Town and Arklow remaining relatively steady with recorded increases of just 3%. The average cheapest property on offer in the county is currently to be found in Arklow (€130,000), Newtownmountkennedy (€189,000) and Wicklow Town (€215,000), with the most expensive in Enniskerry (€491,000), Delgany (€395,000) and Greystones (€354,000). The level of properties being sold for greater than €1 million has decreased slightly with just eight such houses being sold in the year to date. However, the surge in prices is set to “rapidly level off”, according to an expert on housing appointed to advise the Government. Conor Skehan, chairman of the Housing Agency, has also dismissed claims that there is a housing “crisis” but warns: “Housing in Ireland is about to change dramatically”. Dr Skehan has a record of making early predictions that have proven to be correct. Three years ago, he correctly predicted a recovery in property would occur this year, mostly on the east coast, with “the speed and vigour of a ping pong ball released under water”. See property section, pages 18-22
NEWS |5
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Pictured are Sean Dade and Simon Beech From Arklow who both got the results they had hoped for in the Junior Cert (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Angela Scanlon gets to grips with Hell and Back in Killruddery
Isaac O’Sullivan (4) out and about in Wicklow Town
Sinead O’Dwyer and Kate Harnet are all smiles on Bray Seafront
Justin Fitzsimons and Dave Howick from Fitzsimons Howick McEvoy Accountants took part in the ice bucket challenge and decided to make their donation to a local charity. Veronica and Brendan O’Leary from Bray Cancer Support accepted the generous donation.
Alfie Heffernan (2) and Liz McGauley take a rest in Wicklow Town
Mark O’Connor, Paul Murphy, Ed Molyneaux and Barry Murphy outside the Bray Wheelers clubhouse
6| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
All the fun of Enniskerry Victorian Field Day
Maureen McGarvey, Oona McFarland, Jamie Murphy and Ailbhe McFarland Smith at the Victorian Field Day in Enniskerry
It’s go, go, Gadget Laura for East Coast radio presenter By Michelle McGlynn
Mark and Briege George
Artisit Clare Condon
EAST Coast FM’s Laura Wood is set to be one of the faces of TV3’s new technology show, The Gadget Show. Although Laura is best known around Wicklow as the co-host of East Coast FM’s morning show Freshly Squeezed, she is no stranger to the small screen. She previously co-presented an RTE show about adult literacy alongside Derek Mooney as well as fashion and celebrity focused shows for City Channel. Laura has had a relationship with TV3 for some time as she was an entertainment reporter for the news and popular morning show, Ireland AM. In this new venture Laura will be joined by Joe Donnelly, Keith Nolan and Georgie Gavin. The Gadget Buzz is the first of its kind in Ireland. The four tech-savvy reporters will keep viewers up to date on all the latest technology news as well as previewing and reviewing the latest gadgets. Laura and her fellow reporters will be faced with challenges and must use gadgets to overcome the obstacles. “In the first episode, for example, myself and Joe are up a small enough mountain and we each have a GPS gadget that we have to use to find our way back,” said Laura speaking on East Coast FM ahead of the shows launch.
news in brief
“I have Google Maps on my Samsung Galaxy S5 and Joe has the latest technology on a watch which is Garmin. “So we bring in the technology in fun ways like that,” Laura explained. “The show will feature a mix of every day gadgets and then some things that you might never even see. “When we had the drone and the helicopter for filming I kept saying that it would be really useful for spying on your partner,” she joked. “It’s a great, fun show and it has something for everyone.
“It’s suitable for everybody, from eight to 80,” concluded Laura. The show aims to appeal to those who are well versed in technology as well as tech novices and technophobes. The second episode Laura and co. will test out different types of camera from top of the line models to camera phones. A photography expert will judge the resulting images with no knowledge of what device was used. The Gadget Buzz will air on TV3 on Thursday, September 18 at 7.30pm.
at whitmore.jennifer@gmail. com or 086 6634747 for further information.
everyone is invited to come along with broken possessions and learn to repair them alongside experts in a relaxed environment. For more information you can call Caroline on 086 0865838.
Volunteer groups
Birdwatch outing
COMMUNITY and voluntary groups in Newcastle, Kilcoole, Delgany and Greystones are invited to a meeting to hear about the County Wicklow Public Participation Network to allow groups connect directly with Wicklow County Council. The meeting will be held in Shoreline Leisure, Greystones at 8.30pm on September 18. Contact Jennifer Whitmore
BIRDWATCH Wicklow are having an outing to Kilcoole to look for Autumn migrants. The group will meet at Kilcoole train station car park on September 27 at 10am.
Repair Café
AUGHRIM’S first Repair Café will take place at the Pavillion on Rednagh Road on September 20 from 10am to 2pm. This is a free event where
The Nualas for Bray FOLLOWING their hugely successful Edinburgh run, comedy troupe The Nualas are heading for the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray. The award winning trio will be performing hilarious songs both old and new on October 3.
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
NEWS |7
8 | NEWS wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014 news in brief Culture bombing in South Wicklow TINAHELY and the Courthouse will come alive with events on September 19 for Culture Night. There will be storytelling in local schools by gifted storyteller Ana Ramos. A choir flash mob will perform in Market Square at midday. The Tinahely Arts Group will transform Tinahely into a giant exhibition space in the main thoroughfare. Lastly, there will be a free concert in the Courthouse featuring Pilgrim Blues.
Triple A Alliance info evening WICKLOW Triple A Alliance is hosting an information evening in the Glenview Hotel on September 22 at 7.30pm. Gareth Noble, Ireland’s leading expert in the area, will cover issues like Domiciliary Care Allowance, Disability Allowance and appeals process. New members are welcome. Please reserve a place by emailing tripleawicklow@ gmail.com.
Principal Gerry Duffy, Ireland Rugby Internationals Ian Madigan, Fergus Mc Fadden, and former student Richie Murphy, Ireland and Leinster Skills Coach, with the RBS Six Nations Trophy in Presentation College Bray recently. Anyone interested in attending the Past Pupils’ Union annual dinner on October 17 in Barracuda Restaurant can visit www.presbrayppu.com
Superhero Gavin jets back home after US treatment By Michelle McGlynn
WICKLOW’S best loved superhero Gavin Glynn and his family have returned to Irish shores. The family arrived home from the US where Gavin (4) was
seeking treatment just over two weeks ago. Gavin was receiving treatment in Houston, Texas for a rare form of cancer known as Rhabdomyosarcoma which is a cancerous tumour of the muscles that are attached to bones.
Last month, Gavin - along with his parents and his super siblings - was on his way to DisneyWorld courtesy of the Make A Wish foundation when he fell ill. While in the Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando the family decided that it was time to return home and the Make A Wish foundation arranged for an air ambulance to Dublin Airport. The Glynns were picked up by BUMBLEance and escorted to Crumlin hospital. BUMBLEance is the children’s ambulance service which provides stress-reducing journeys for children in vehicles with bright, fun and childfriendly interiors and exteriors. Gavin underwent surgery on September 8 and has left the ICU. As he has been through all of
this, Gavin has shown incredible strength and has kept smiling through it all. The surgical team will continue to monitor Gavin’s progress in the coming days and hopefully Gavin will be able to go home. Gavin’s brother and sister will be especially delighted to have Gavin home. The pair made the long journey over to Houston to be by their brothers side and helped to keep everyone’s spirits up. Meanwhile, another Wicklow child Luca Keogh (3) from Newtownmountkennedy has been making huge progress as he learns to cope with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. As well as Spina Bifida Luca also suffers from sleep apnoea, asthma, sensory processing disorder and an eye condition called cortical visual impair-
ment which means he has no depth perception and does not have a full field of vision. Luca has been attending First Step Therapy Centre in Limerick for just under a year and since attending has learned to walk with the aid of KAFO splints and a Kaye Walker. Luca’s mother Sarah has been dependent on fundraising to pay for his therapy and has been overwhelmed by the support received so far. The Babywearing Ireland’s Wear a Hug fair in Maynooth on October 28 will be raising money for Luca as is Tesco in Dundrum Town Centre who have named Luca as one of their community fund charities. To keep up with Luca’s journey and fundraising events see the Super Luca Adventures page on Facebook.
Tommy Tiernan to tour Wicklow
ONE of Ireland’s greatest comedians, Tommy Tiernan, will be performing several dates in Wicklow. Tiernan is bringing his new show Out of the Whirlwind to The Arklow Bay Hotel (Sep 19), Germaine’s of Baltinglass (Sep 20), The Royal Hotel in Bray (Sep 26) and The Grand Hotel in Wicklow Town(Oct 10). If that isn’t enough comedy for you then you are in luck as the Wicklow Voice and Bray Comedy Club are giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Andrew Maxwell in the Martello on October 2. To win email us at comps@ wicklowvoice.ie with your details stating the competition that you are entering in the subject line.
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Ban reinforces idea that being gay is wrong
I
n Spring next year the Irish State will have a referendum to change its constitution on marriage. This follows examination of the issues by Ireland’s constitutional convention where 79% voted in favour of constitutional change. The referendum will effectively give Ireland’s government the power to lift the ban on civil marriage for lesbian and gay couples living in Ireland. I believe we in Wicklow and indeed Ireland should support this referendum and vote yes. Two years ago I attended a conference organised by Wicklow Chomhairle na Nog called “born this way”. The main part of the conference was a presentation of the life stories and experiences of young LGBT people throughout County Wicklow and what it is like to grow up as lesbian or gay or bisexual or transgender in County Wicklow. One teenager spoke about his positive and negative experiences of coming out as a transgender male in a girls school. Another teenager spoke about his experiences around wanting to discuss issues of sexuality in the school place. His teacher told him that God would judge him and that issues of sexuality could not be discussed “because the classroom is a democracy” – the irony is that the teacher was the one shutting down democracy in the classroom. The student left that school. Girls spoke about how they had been physically and verbally attacked because of who they were. I was saddened and angered at the stories that day but I was inspired. I was inspired that they were able to speak up and I was inspired that they were able to look towards a better future. The experience of these young people in Co Wicklow is not an isolated incident as much research has shown over the years. At this stage as a reader you might wonder why an article advocating civil marriage rights opened up on discussing the issue of school experiences and bullying. Essentially the overarching issue facing many LGBT people today is inequality. In the school place we can see it through disrespect and harassment. In family law we can see it through non recognition of family lives. The move to end the ban on civil marriage is hugely supported by Irelands young people. They see this proposed change as offering a better future for all. Ireland has vastly changed since 1993 and the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Social attitudes across the country have vastly changed. LGBT people are flourishing like never before. We see daily positive stories about LGBT people in the media. Many legal steps and policy changes to address inequalities have been implemented (including codes of practice
on homophobic and transphobic bullying). But as mentioned above there are still several persisting inequalities. Equal marriage is one such inequality. The introduction of civil partnership legislation in 2011 went some towards addressing a lot of the problems faced by lesbian and gay couples in long term relationships. But civil partnership is not full equality. It is not full equality in a legal sense and it is not full equality in a recognition sense. It is easy to see the legal inequalities. A report prepared by Marriage Equality (an advocacy group) in 2012 showing that there are over 160 legal differences between civil partnership and marriage. It can also be clearly shown and illustrated that constitutional protection afforded to married couples is not offered to lesbian and gay couples in civil partnerships. When we perhaps step back and look at this issue in more depth it is at first glance difficult to see the recognition inequality aspect of a marriage ban. What does this mean? It means that not allowing same couples in lesbian and gay couples to avail of civil marriage reinforces harmful ideas the ideas that there is something wrong with lesbian and gay people, that they therefore should be treated as lesser than the rest of the population. It stigmatises our relationships and indeed families as less deserving of legal recognition and protection than other families. It is time for Ireland to end the inequality of recognition. It is time for Ireland to extend and open up the institution of civil marriage to lesbian and gay couples. It is time for Ireland to move beyond the state enforced idea that lesbian and gay people are lesser citizens. Next years referendum gives us that chance. It is important also that everyone who is eligible to vote registers to vote as soon as possible because applications for the electoral register close on 1st November. To check you are registered to vote goto www.checktheregister.ie For more information on Irelands campaign for civil marriage equality visit www.marriagequality.ie
Ian McGahon works part time as a disability advocate for Sunbeam House Services in Bray Co Wicklow, He was a candidate for the Labour Party in last Mays local election for the Greystones area.
“
IN 2015 THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND WILL VOTE IN A REFERENDUM — THE GOVERNMENT ARE PROPOSING THAT WE REDEFINE MARRIAGE
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 Ian McGahon with Rob Clarke
Why I’ll be voting no to same-sex marriage
I
n the animal world, the young become independent of their parents at an early age. The baby gorilla starts moving alone at about three years, the lion cub at around 18 months, while a sea turtle once hatched, is immediately on its own as it races to the sea to avoid preying seabirds. By contrast, raising children is a lengthy and complex proposition. Our eldest daughter is working in Argentina but regularly Skypes home. She had valuables snatched recently in broad daylight. Talking to her mum and dad helped her get back on her feet. Raising kids includes providing ‘food and shelter’—- but there is also the emotional, relational, educational and spiritual dimensions. The Irish Constitution is a wonderfully rich charter. It gives special recognition to ‘family life’. The architects of the Irish State had a vision to establish a nation strong and free. They understood that the fundamental building block of Irish Society would be ‘the family’. They wrote, ‘The State recognises the family as the natural primary and fundamental unit group of society…’ Article 41:1 And they recognised that the strength of the family was dependent on ‘marriage’. They pledged the State ‘to guard with special care the institution of Marriage, on which the Family is founded and to protect it against attack.’ Article 41:3.1 In other words the framers of the Irish Constitution believed that ‘marriage’ was about a whole lot more than ‘personal fulfilment’. Marriage provided the relational bonds necessary for raising families, and families would be the building blocks of the nation. Our understanding of marriage (and the understanding of those who drafted the constitution) goes back a very long way. Marriage, in the Western world at least, has had three defining characteristics. Firstly we have understood marriage to be the joining of one man and one woman. Secondly we have understood that the marriage relationship should be sexually exclusive. And thirdly, we have cherished the ideal that marriage would be a life long commitment. These three characteristics strengthen the husband wife bond —- they also help provide protection and security for
the offspring. Children really are at the heart of it all. Think about it — the very act that joins a husband and wife in love — is the same act by which a new child is conceived. A sexually exclusive relationship strengthens the husband wife bond — and helps create a happy home for children. The life long commitment of the husband and wife to each other — helps creates that vital sense of security for children. In Spring 2015 the people of Ireland will vote in a referendum — the Government are proposing that we redefine marriage — that we make the ‘complementarity of the sexes’ non essential — The Government are proposing to introduce same sex marriage. There are serious implications. Our children will be taught the ‘complementarity of the sexes’ is just one option for marriage. They will be taught that it is perfectly normal to have two fathers or two mothers. They will be taught that there is nothing unique that a mother brings to a family— Because to do this would be to make the child with two dads feel second class. Once something as basic as the ‘complementarity of the sexes’ is made a ‘non essential’ for marriage — it is pretty likely that the ‘life long commitment’ will become ‘while love lasts’. It is likely we will let go the ‘exclusive sexual relationship’. Today there are many who advocate that ‘extra marital’ sexual relationships are somehow beneficial to marriage. All these changes have two things in common —- they are all about the desires of adults — they are all bad for kids. The architects of the Irish State understood in a far seeing and profound way the importance of marriage and family life for the future of the nation; the Constitution states that families are ‘the basis of social order and indispensable to the welfare of the Nation and the State.’ Article 41:2 It would be hard to overstate the importance of this upcoming referendum. I’ll be voting that we stick with the Irish Constitution’s definition of marriage.
Rob Clarke is originally from New Zealand, he now lives in Dublin with his wife and family.
OPINION| 11
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
anyotherbusiness
Have you got a story? Then email thecaptain@wicklowvoice.ie By Captain Louis
The only guy in the Village
Tadhg Walsh-Peelo and Hannah Vivian-Byrne enjoy a stroll in Mount Usher gardens
Loud and offensive, Paisley was Unionism’s sole survivor
I
encountered Ian Paisley on my first week in my first job. He and his followers were staging an open-air rally in Bangor where I had started work as a trainee reporter on the County Down Spectator. There was no Democratic Unionist Party then; the crowd were mostly members of his Free Presbyterian Church. But their targets were political - in particular, the Ulster Unionist Party and its leader, Captain Terence O’Neill, an Old Etonian and former Irish Guardsman for whom Paisley reserved huge quantities of scorn and derision. Our photographer captured the Big Man on the platform, sitting cross-legged on a chair. When he came to print the picture he discovered that Mr Paisley had a hole in the sole of his shoe. The editor was a feisty woman. She had the picture blown up and ran it on the front page under the headline, ‘Is Paisley losing his sole?’ This mild attempt at humour brought a wave of vitriol towards the Spectator. We had nasty phone calls, a threated boycott, and for days picketers paraded outside the office carrying placards. Clearly, neither Mr Paisley nor his followers were big on jokes. Paisley liked to laugh at people and dismiss them with scornful nicknames - the Pope was Old Redsocks, the Brit-
Michael Wolsey ish minister William Whitelaw was Willie Whitewash - but I don’t ever recall him laughing with people. He didn’t share in jokes, particularly if they were in any way directed at him. So I have been surprised to find that many of the tributes to Ian Paisley refer to his great sense of humour. Maybe he had his moments but, if so, they were few and far between. In general, the obituaries have been kind to Ian Paisley, dwelling largely on his later years and contribution to the peace process, portraying the preacher in his early years as a ‘hellraiser’ and ‘firebrand’, like a cross between the young Peter O’Toole and the early Jim Larkin. Examples of his downright offensive language - Catholics, he said ‘breed like rabbits and multiply like vermin’ - were softened by references to ‘sly humour’ and ‘happily playing to the gallery’. I attended many a Paisley meeting and I can assure you there was no humour at them, unless you count vicious jibes
directed at foes. The Ian Paisley who ran these meetings was a deeply unpleasant man whose flights of oratory took his followers to the brink of violent action from where many of them toppled over. The early meetings mostly took place in smallish halls, belonging to non-conformist churches or the Orange Order. The Press would usually be corralled in the front row and at some stage in every meeting, Paisley would point to us and and go into a rant about ‘Papist pens loaded with poison against the Protestants of Ulster’. He reserved particular ire for the Belfast Telegraph, a onetime unionist newspaper, then trying valiantly to serve both sides of the community. Paisley would sometimes single out its reporter by name, suggesting, on one occasion, that the man had been drunk when he had written something Paisley didn’t like. “More time spent with the bible and less in the bar would suit the man from the Belfast Telegraph,” he thundered. At this remove it does sound a bit funny. Not then. They were dangerous days and we could hear the angry rumbles of disapproval behind us. Several times, on leaving the hall, we were threatened with violence, although I don’t ever remember the threats coming to anything. Another regular theme of the obituaries is that it took Paisley to make the peace process really work. Only he could have
achieved the coming together of Sinn Fein and the DUP, it is said. In a way that is true, because the DUP leader had one big advantage over everyone else who tried to give peace a chance - he didn’t have Ian Paisley to contend with. Paisley opposed every decent thought and honest action action designed to make Northern Ireland a better, fairer place, from the patrician bumblings of O’Neill, through the FaulknerFitt power sharing executive - a better version of today’s Stormont and 40 years earlier - to the stiff and formal handshake extended to nationalists by David Trimble. He embraced power-sharing only when he had achieved his main goal, the destruction of the Ulster Unionist Party. He was prepared to share power with nationalists but he was never going to share the stage with any other unionist. In the end he did some good and Jesus tells us that“there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” But watch out St Peter if he’s up there ... he’ll soon be after your job. 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.
What has ‘Fearless’ Frank Connolly got against Wickla’? Fresh from reporting extensively on Gabriel Dooley’s claims regarding Bray’s Florentine Centre in a recent Village magazine (see Wicklow Voice from August 21), Fearless is at again, this time reporting that former Fianna Fáil Minister for the Environment and Wickla’ TD, Dick Roche, has accused Wicklow County Council, the National Roads Authority and An Bord Pleanála of ‘outrageous treatment’ of Brian McDonagh and his brothers who obtained planning permission to build a data centre at Kilpedder in July 2010. Roche’s comments, who is now operating as a lobbyist in Brussels after receiving more than €130,000 in a lump-sum following his election defeat in 2011 in addition to his annual lifetime pension of around €50,000, echo statements by Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams who has questioned the role of former environment minister, Phil Hogan, in a number of controversies in Wickla’ which, he argued, made him unsuited to be Ireland’s European Commissioner. The McDonagh case and other issues relating to WCC have been brought to the attention of new environment minister, Alan Kelly, who is considering whether an inquiry into planning as well as the multi-million dispute surrounding illegal waste disposal in the county, should be added to the ‘review’ underway in seven other counties. And Junior Finance Minister Simon Harris, Fearless tells us, has called for a probe too. The McDonaghs are also considering legal action in relation to the losses which are in excess of €30m. Give us a break Fearless, whatever about reporting the events, surely it’s time to pick on another county ...
Fortune and fame
Meanwhile, the former Chairman of Wicklow Tourism, Cllr Tom Fortune, has received plenty of coverage in newspapers and in an interview with Declan Meehan on East Coast FM since he stepped down. Tom has had a right crack at WCC, claiming ‘organisational corruption’ took place regarding the AGM on July 7. Tom got a similar amount of media coverage when he made himself a former Labour member in June 2013. At this rate, he could be our most well-known former councillor ...
Don’t hold your breath
In a month when Irish Water moves to install meters to hit hardpressed householders, we discover that the possible reduction of Wicklow’s property tax will be discussed at the Wicklow County Council meeting on September 22. The Captain hates to rain on anyone’s parade but somehow methinks they’ll manage to pour cold water, metered or unmetered, on that idea ...
Lady Wickla’ and ladies of the night
While The Captain is no prude, he was shocked to discover that the company behind Ireland’s biggest sex-worker website is run by Wickla’s Audrey Campbell, according to the Sunday Independent. The owners of Escorts Ireland, previously operated in London to avoid prosecution here, are now operating from a new both-hole in Spain. Audrey confirmed the company has moved to Spain because of its “more accepting” attitude and said it now employs 30 fulltime staff at its new headquarters, which she declined to divulge the exact location of. Audrey set up the company with her partner Peter McCormick, an ex-RUC reserve constable who has a conviction for brothel-keeping in Dublin in the 1990s. As long as you don’t move the headquarters to Wickla’, you should be all right Audrey ...
The Garden County blooms ...
The Captain offers his heartiest congratulations to the fantastic Tidy Town winners in the county. Aughrim took gold in its category and was just nine points behind the overall winner, while in Arklow, the town scored a total of 291 points out of a possible 450, compared with 285 last year. Avoca village scored 286 while Tinahely also improved their marks by three to 262. Any chance the Tidy Towns committees could move in and clean up the situations outlined above ...
12 | NEWS
50% 45%
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
Weekly Listenership/Reach Co. Wicklow April '13 to March '14 (All Adults)
40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%
*Source: ipsos MRBI/JNLR 2014 - 1 Published 1st May 2014
POSITIVE AGEING WEEK/NEWS| 13
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
Packed line-up of events for Positive Ageing Week
By Michelle McGlynn
POSITIVE Ageing Week 2014 will take place from October 1-9 and there’s a packed line-up of events for Wicklow. This year Age Action celebrates 12 years of Positive Ageing Week with both young and old coming out in force in their towns and communities to celebrate aging in a positive light. Arklow has been a Positive Ageing Week Town since 2008 and have a variety of events planned throughout the week. The Positive Ageing Week Town initiative is run by a local committee and is comprised of representatives from older people’s groups and voluntary organisations. Positive Ageing Week has expanded rapidly over the last number of years due to the enthusiasm of older people and their communities who have embraced the idea and made it their own. Months of planning and hard
work has gone into planning all of the events and making it a week that everyone will enjoy, organisers say. The calendar of events kicks off with a tea dance on Sunday, September 28 at 3pm in the Avoca Parish Hall. The week of events will be officially opened by Fine Gael TD for Wicklow and Minister of State, Simon Harris on Tuesday, September 30, in Asgard Lodge Nursing Home at 3pm. The following day, October 1, there will be a trip to Minister Harris’ home from home, Dáil Éireann. The majority of the events are free of charge but the trip to the Dáil will cost €10. One of the highlights of the week is the trip to Mayo. The group will head off to Mayo on Sunday, October 5 and will spend three days enjoying the sights before returning on Wednesday, October 8. Those who do not travel to Mayo will still have plenty of fun with Blitz GAA matches
news in brief Anti-bullying funds
ADDITIONAL funding of €55,000 has been allocated to provide anti-bullying training sessions for parents in 2014 bringing the total allocation for the year to €115, 000. There will be an anti-bullying training session in the Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town on October 22. If you have concerns about a child contact Childline on 1800 66 66 66 or text for a chat to 50101 or live chat at www.childline.ie
Craft fair fundraiser ST. DAVID’S secondary school in Greystones are looking for stallholders for their annual Christmas craft fair fundraiser which will take place on November 29 and 30. A 6ft Contact Noeleen for further information at stdavidscraftfair@gmail.com. Pictured are Miriam Murphy, Mary Ford, Shiela Busher and Fiona Downes at the High Tea Talk event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day at the Crosscare house in Arklow. (pic Yvette O Beirne) in Pearse’s Park on Tuesday, October 7 from 10am. The dinner dance in the Arklow Bay Hotel is sure to be a wonderful night as Liam Garrett will provide music to get you in the mood for dancing and maybe even romancing.
Positive Ageing Week 2014 will conclude with an afternoon tea dance at the Port View on Wednesday. October 15. Meanwhile, Google and Age Action are asking the people of Wicklow to nominate those older people who have taken to
the digital world with gusto for the 2014 Google Silver Surfer Awards. The closing date for nominations is October 6. For more information on Positive Aging Week see www. ageaction.ie.
Speech contest BRAY Toastmasters will hold their annual humorous speech contest in the Esplanade, Bray on September 29 at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to attend and the event is free of charge. On the night you will hear some of Bray Toastmasters members deliver speeches with deadpan humour.
14 | POSITIVE AGEING WEEK
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
You’re never too old for these Olympics By Michelle McGlynn
THE Fit for Life Olympics will be taking place during throughout Wicklow during Positive Ageing Week 2014 which is taking place between October 1 and 9. Nursing homes across Wicklow will take part in the specially organised ‘Olympics’ and the event sees participants competing in team events such as bowling, magnetic darts, golf and ring toss and penalty shoot out. Bronze, silver and gold medals will be awarded to the
winners of each event. The event is run by exercise specialists, Fit For Life, in a number of nursing homes throughout the country. Some of the Wicklow nursing homes taking part include Blainroe Lodge in Blainroe, Bray Manor in Bray, Earlsbrook House in Bray and Kinvara House also in Bray. Fit For Life, established in 2001 by Wicklow-native Mark Sweeney, aims to provide a wide range of services for older adults, from the very active right through to those who may
Mark Sweeney require more assistance in their day-to-day lives. Speaking ahead of the ‘Olympics’, Mark Sweeney
said, “We here at Fit For Life are committed to improving the quality of life for the older generation. “The Fit For Life Olympics are designed to provide our clients with a fun event where their families and nursing home staff can get involved and see the benefits of staying active. “Fit For Life’s team of charter physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and exercise and rehabilitation specialists have been providing active life services to nursing homes, day care centres and active retirement groups for
FirstCare - the best for your loved ones Advertorial
BLAINROE Lodge, part of the FirstCare group provides long term, convalescent and respite care for the frail elderly and has earned a reputation of excellence in providing specialised care tailored to the needs and realities of those living with or without a dementia. Blainroe Lodge has recently been completely remodelled and redecorated in line with
best practice and residents now enjoy an even wider range of excellent facilities and services including 4 new homely, old style living rooms and beautiful, tranquil courtyards and gardens. Everything we do is determined by our “Person Centred” approach to providing quality care in a warm, secure and homely environment. FirstCare sets new standards of care and
accommodation with enhanced lifestyle programmes and a very real commitment to our resident’s privacy, dignity and wellbeing. All of our staff are introduced to person centered dementia care during their induction training and throughout their career with FirstCare through extensive dementia care training and education. As an Irish owned group,
we are committed to providing residential Care Services that consistently meet the specific needs and expectations of residents and their relatives, providing a programme of health that ensures optimal quality of life. We are confident that FirstCare is bringing a new outlook to Nursing Home care in Ireland and personal choice lies at the heart of our ethos
the past 11 years. “Not only is physical activity good for the body but research now shows that it is also has positive effects by improving intellectual performance and protects against cognitive impairment, dementia and alzheimer’s disease,” added Mr. Sweeney. “The notion that someone is ‘too old’ to begin exercising is a misconception and the importance of exercise and staying fit actually increases the older we get. When we are younger the need to carry out day to day
tasks does not necessitate that we exercise but as we get older the ability to carry out the activities of daily tasks can become an issue if we are not fit. “Fit For Life’s mission is to empower Ireland’s ageing population and help them remain active and independent and maintain the best quality of life possible,” Mark concludes. For further information contact Fit For Life Clinic 2-3 Sandyford Village, Sandyford, Dublin 18 on (0)1 213 7915 or info@fitforlife.ie.
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
NEWS| 15
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topten
16 | WHAT’S HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
RESTAURANT of the fortnight EL GRECO 73 Main Street, Bray, 01 2723733 El Greco is Bray’s highest rated restaurant on TripAdvisor and if you have tasted their delectable Greek food then you’ll know why. El Greco serves authentic Greek cuisine using the freshest of ingredients to create highly appetising and healthy food including hearty stews, warming soups and simple side dishes. They are dedicated to sourcing all of their meat and fish in Ireland. The restaurant opened in February of this year and fast became one of the most popular places to dine in Bray. Owners Prokopis Kaludis and Mona Sararoiu have over 30 years experience in the hospitality sector. El Greco is a stunning restaurant with wonderful ambience and professional service. You’re guaranteed to return time and time again.
FITNESS IDEA of the fortnight WICKLOW YOGA 2 South Quay, Wicklow Town, 085 1603958 Wicklow Yoga have launched a whole range of courses for the autumn term. There are morning yoga and pilates classes which are perfect for parents who have just dropped their children off at school. There is a baby group for all the yoga mums. It is a lovely supportive place where you can relax and be around other women who are going through the same transformation of motherhood as you are. Of course, pregnancy yoga is offered and is a great way to stay connected and manage the changes that your body is going through. Wicklow Yoga are now running Paediatric First Aid Training to parents, childcare professionals and clubs working with children. You will receive a completion certificate valid for two years.
BOOK of the fortnight BAKE LIKE AN ITALIAN Catherine Fulvio Whether it’s living, loving, fashion or pasta, Italians do it better and baking is no exception. No one knows this more than Catherine Fulvio, chef, honorary Italian and author of the awardwinning cookbook Eat Like an Italian. For this sumptuous new collection, Catherine travelled to Italy to research the very best authentic sweet and savoury recipes. Now she shares her favourite recipes, as well as the secret ingredients and techniques gleaned from Italian friends and family - many of which have been closely guarded secrets until now. So get ready to enjoy. The sounds, smells, loves and tastes of la dolce vita come alive to tempt you to Bake Like an Italian.
TV SHOW of the fortnight VIKINGS
RTE Two, Mondays from Sep 22 Season one of Vikings (filmed in Wicklow) left us with a range of unresolved issues and cliffhangers and we will find our answers as the show returns to our screens on September 22. Season two offers answers in dramatic and often unexpected ways. At its heart, Vikings remains a family saga, following the fortunes of Ragnar,
EVENT of the fortnight NIGHT AT THE DOGS Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium, Dubin 8, Saturday, October 4, 6pm There’s nothing like a night at the dogs. Presentation College, Bray are holding a race night at the Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium. The money raised on the night will go towards the Presentation College Development Fund. The night will be great fun for the whole family and you can support the school at the same time. The night begins at 6pm with the first race at 7.50pm. You won’t even miss the rugby as the Guinness Pro 12 match Leinster v Munster will be screened. Tickets are €10 each or a family ticket (two adults and two children) for €30. Tickets are available from the Parents Association, Past Pupils Association and from the school.
his extended family and the people he represents now that he is an earl. Ragnar’s own desire to sail west, to explore new kingdoms, in alliance with King Horik, leads to a storm-tossed landing on the coast of Wessex, an important Saxon kingdom ruled by a king not unlike Ragnar. This season is all about crises: of faith, of power and of relationships. Kingdoms are at stake. Lives are at stake. Love is at stake. All under the watchful eyes of the gods.
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WHAT’S HOT| 17
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the fortnight MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Woody Allen returns to France in this charming romantic comedy set in the Jazz Age. Allen’s last visit to France led to one of his most popular film’s in recent times, Midnight in Paris. This film centres around Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth), a successful English stage magician who dresses up to perform as Oriental illusionist Wei Ling Soo. A lifelong sceptic, Stanley is intrigued when he is invited to debunk a fraudulent medium who is fleecing the wealthy on the Cote d’Azur. It seems that recently widowed Grace Catledge (Jacki Weaver) has fallen under the spell of self-styled psychic Sophie Baker (Emma Stone), who claims to be able to contact her dead husband. But he is astounded to find that beautiful, self-assured Sophie appears to be genuine. A deliciously whimsical film, not to be missed.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
HEALTH IDEA of the fortnight BRAY COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE Ballywaltrim Community Centre, Boghall Road, Bray, 086 3221265 Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice and its goal is to strengthen the entire mind and body, supporting our inherent resilient and resistance to disease. Bray Community Acupuncture is an affordable acupuncture clinic which aims to
provide high quality acupuncture treatments that are affordable for as many people as possible. Treatments take place in a comfortable, relaxing common space. Patients visit with a wide range of conditions such as back pain, IBS, stress, headaches, digestive problems and PMS. Treatments are offered on a sliding scale basis: waged - €25, unwaged, OAPS and children under 16 - €20. The clinic is open on Mondays from 2pm until 6pm.
FAMILY FUN of the fortnight
ARIES-1,6,18,29,34,42 A spirit of openness brings new opportunities your way. Try new things, start new ventures, and stick your neck out. TAURUS-2,4,16,29,36,37 An obligation that has been weighing you down can now lift. For some, the release of a secret, and a nice feeling of relief! GEMINI- 9,11,15,22,31,35 You are finding your voice at last. . Your perspective changes completely in a very positive way. Big changes coming. CANCER-4,10,14,20,26,37 Focus on communicating, connecting, and moving on. Take more pride in your mind and personal interests. Express yourself. LEO-1,8,22,24,29,32 Mars moving into your solar fifth house is very supportive. Time to discover and pursue your passions -your time!
OCTONAUTS AT SEALIFE SeaLife, Strand Road, Bray, September 13-28 Those intrepid guardians of marine life, the Octonauts, are bringing their mission to SeaLife Bray. The crew of Octopod enthral legions of young fans with their missions to save sea creatures in trouble. Now your children can join them in all new activities at SeaLife Bray. Your family will have the chance to join Peso and Kwazii in their discovery of some real live sea creatures. There will be lots of Octonautical activities such as an all new quiz trail, fresh activity books, stickers, photo opportuities and much more. These courageous character will be at SeaLife Bray for three weekends. Book early so your children can have the chance to meet their underwater heroes. See www.sealife.ie for details.
VIRGO-3,14,22,29,34,36 Beautiful energy is with you; an awakening of inner life and spirituality. Take advantage of this energy and have fun. LIBRA-16,19,22,28,32,40 You have considerable energy for learning, pet projects, and speaking up about matters that are important to you. Move forward.
GIG of the fortnight FOX JAW Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, Thursday, September 25 After a year in hiding, writing, recording and honing their craft, Fox Jaw are ready to release their second long player Ghost Parade. A modern band with an old soul, they have been producing a trend shaking, majestic deep growl, which swaggers from the terrific to the sublime. A band that usually err on
the side of darkness, but always keeping it sweet and melodic with an honest collection of dark pop songs. Ghost Parade is out on September 19 and they are supporting it with an Irish tour, including a date in Bray. With an already successful year of single releases with an impressive amount of airplay, raising many eyebrows in the music industry, as a band proving themselves with an ever expanding sound.
SCORPIO-5,17,12,15,28,37 You are feeling strong, but don’t jump into action just yet - take the leap in your imagination first and see how it feels before taking a big step. SAGITTARIUS-8,11,26,32,36,40 You are especially free and open when it comes to expressing yourself, communicating, creating, It’s important to think outside of the box. CAPRICORN-2,7,15,26,39,40 A spirit of progress, innovation, and moving forward is with you. An awareness surrounding personal matters & relationships.
‘PULLQUOTE HERE– IN THE MAFIA, AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY of the fortnight THOSE WHO GO AGAINST THE WISHES OF THE DONS CAN HAVE A SHORT LIFE’ COMPASS Greystones, www.facebook.com/compassprogramme
Compass is an adventure treasure hunt designed to teach kids skills and build their confidence in the great outdoors. It’s all about fun, being active and showing kids just how capable they are! Run weekly for six weeks, kids experience a variety of activities including water challenges, shelter building, outdoor cooking and orienteering tasks. The whole course culminates in an expedition where all the skills come together in an adventurous environment. Five courses kick off mid-September in Wicklow and South Dublin – just ten spaces per course. For more information see www. coillteoutdoors.ie/compass or check them out on Facebook www.facebook.com/compassprogramme.
AQUARIUS-3,10,17,28,33,397 Stop dwelling on the past. You’re less likely to brood and more willing to be happy and at peace. Enjoy life. PISCES-1,4,26,36,37,39 Relationships are a strong focus this month, and can be an arena for self-understanding. A time for interacting and fun. 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
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
Lack of supply driving price of homes to sky-high levels Analysis by Cianan Brennan WHAT is to be done with the Wicklow property market? That’s the question that needs to be asked as latest figures show that the price increases being seen in the county are reaching critical levels with sales proceeds in North Wicklow increasing by close to 40% in first-time buyer catergories in the nine months this year to date alone. The situation is a simple enough one to understand. With rents at unprecedented levels in Dublin and rising and buyer
confidence seemingly fully renewed, a marked lack of housing supply is seeing aspiring homeowners competing with each other to an unhealthy extent in a desperate attempt to get on the property ladder before it’s too late. Too late in this instance meaning before prices become even crazier and property becomes literally unaffordable. It’s a win-win situation for estate agents. With such demand and aspiring homeowners willing to do next to anything to buy sellers can charge pretty much what they want and gazumping of buying rivals becomes commonplace. In June the Wicklow Voice ran a story regarding certain estate agents in Bray quoting prices on houses of up to €100,000 more than they had been less than a year previously. Such behaviour should trigger an enormous red warning light with air-raid sirens for good measure at the Department of the Environment. It’s a killing
for those in the property game after a number of lean years, but for everyone else it’s not sustainable. It really does call into question the Irish obsession with land and property. In more sensible countries such as the Netherlands, despite favourable tax policies for homeowners social renting is commonplace, particularly in cities. Not owning your own home does not carry a social stigma. Unfortunately a need for a place to call your own is innate to the Irish psyche. It’s a product of our being a nation for less than a century, and it’s not likely to change anytime soon. The difference between this property bubble and the example set in the Tiger years is supply, or rather a lack of it. During the boom era ownership of multiple properties for rental was the goal. Speculate to accumulate. The devastation wreaked on a generation by negative equity following
the crash of 2007 onwards put paid to any housing market for a number of years. This current situation is being driven by desperation, not avarice, at least on the part of buyers. It is also being confined for the most part at present to the areas surrounding the major cities, particularly Dublin. To put it another way, the problem is confined to places where people need to be able to live. A recent survey of the property register in the Sunday Times concluded that while counties close to the capital are seeing enormous increases in prices the slump in house valuations co
‘THE PROBLEM WITH PRICKING A BUBBLE IS IT TENDS TO POP’ - RONAN LYONS
ntinues in the more rural areas of the country. It’s all very well saying that the Irish as a people are incapable of learning their lesson (they aren’t), but paying insanely high rental prices isn’t a viable option either. The common denominator between the two bubbles is Government inaction, or rather ineffective Government action. The Coalition’s recently unveiled Construction 2020 programme is fine in principle, but the fact of the matter is that action on rental figures - the key driver of the current bubble - is needed now. The alternative is that prices continue to rise at breakneck speed, and workers and young families are driven further south and west into the country in search of affordable living space. If salaries were rising to the same extent across the country the increase in prices might be more manageable, alas they are not. To take a hypothetical case, a
teacher based in Bray is forced to the south of the county to buy. Consequently commuting expenses increase against a salary that remains relatively neutral. Any sort of financial or employment crisis in such a situation and a distressed mortgage is a certainty. There are no easy solutions. To quote Ronan Lyons, chief economist with Daft.ie and one of the country’s foremost property experts, ‘the problem with pricking a bubble is it tends to pop.’ If another meltdown, coming so soon on the hells of the catastrophe that the country is still struggling to recover from, is to be avoided then full buy in from the Government and the banks is necessary, together with the abandonment of that most Irish of personality traits, the need to look out for number one. For without affirmative action the outlook for Ireland’s property sector is not a positive one. This is a situation that can only get worse.
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING| 19
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20 | PROPERTY
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
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By Michelle McGlynn ROCK star Rick Savage (right) , guitarist for Def Leppard, has put his Enniskerry mansion up for sale for an estimated €1.85 million. Savage and his wife Paige purchased the luxurious property in January 2013 for slightly under the current asking price. The couple were originally looking to buy in Dalkey, home to famous faces such as Bono and Enya, but they fell in love with Wilton Grove and the stunning Wicklow countryside. The modern mansion, which stands on 1.2 acres of land, boasts a tennis court, a football area, a steam and woodland.
property in brief 2.3-acre development site on market DOOLEY Auctioneers are bringing a 2.3 Acre Development Site in Killincarrig to the market this week, 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. The site is situated between Delgany and Greystones adjacent to the Delgany Hills
The football area would have been a joy for Savage who once played for Sheffield United. It is likely that Savage spent a large amount of time in the separate den, The Duke’s Inn. The Duke houses a full workdevelopment, the site includes a 300 Sq metre period house which is also zoned for commercial use. There is current planning permission on the site for a Nursing Home and four detached family homes (Planning Ref 08-2116). Interested parties should contact Dooley Auctioneers at 01 2010300.
6 bed semi-detached Greystones property O’GORMAN Properties is proud to present Glenhest to the open market. Built in the 1890s the property originally
ing bar, a fitted cinema area and upstairs there is a games room. Savage and his wife are heading Stateside as the rock legends are experiencing a huge surge in popularity. They have just wrapped up a 40-date tour with glam rockers Kiss and have signed on for a Las Vegas residency. But Ireland will always have its place in Leppard history. Most of the band moved to Ireland in the early Eighties, for tax reasons initially but it soon became home. Singer Joe Elliott is a resident of Stepaside and has no current plans to leave. He once said, “I no longer hate Sheffield like I used to, Dublin is home to me now.” formed part of the La Touche Estate The magnificent period house offers bright, spacious rooms with a wealth of original features intact.The property is located between the seafront and the village main street and also benefits from town zoning.There are stunning sea views from the upstairs back bedrooms. There is a mature, private enclosed back garden which benefits from a lot of sunshine. This property boasts grandeur, elegance and charm.If you are interested in this property contact O’Gorman properties on 01 2871144
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING | 21
22 | PROPERTY
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
WOODEN IT BE NICE! Homes
with Clodagh Doyle (info@wicklowvoice.ie)
IF you have been long awaiting or yearning for a change of flooring, some new wooden flooring might just be the answer. It comes in a vast array of styles and sizes and it is not as simple as just choosing your wood and ta dah! There are three main categories to choose from; laminate, solid-wood flooring and engineered-wood flooring. Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular over the years offering an easy and cost effective flooring solution. Laminate flooring is available in a variety of species, is scratch resistant and lowmaintenance and gives you the appearance of a solid hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Solid-wood flooring is basically each floorboard
milled from a piece of solid wood. Commonly available in narrow strips, wide planks, and parquet squares. All three flooring styles come unfinished or prefinished and in a various range of thicknesses. Solid wood floors are generally the more expensive choice but deliver unbeatable beauty and characteristics. Hard wood floors tend to scratch easily but can easily be rejuvenated with sanding and varnishing. Engineered-wood flooring has become a highly popular solution, composed of three or more wood layers glued together into long planks, with a top layer composed of a thin solid-wood veneer. This laminated construction creates a floor that’s much more dimensionally stable than solid-wood flooring, so it’s less likely to cup, split, shrink, or warp and it can also deal a bit better with moisture. There are many wood species to choose from, including both softwood and hardwood. The majority of engineered-wood comes prefinished. Always ensure the top veneer is at least 1/8 inch thick, which will allow sanding and refinishing if necessary. Figure out the most suitable type, then you can concentrate of what species and what finish.
The specific type and style of flooring you’ll ultimately choose will depend on several factors, including price, size of the floorboards, wood species, maintenance, ease of installation, type of subfloor, and the room itself. Keep in mind that as décor, fabrics and trends change, this is a long term investment. Carefully consider the look, feel and the design. Always request decent size samples at least 2ft x 2ft and place in your desired space with natural light against your existing decor. For an exceptional range of wooden flooring, look no further than your local Wicklow suppliers. Always seek valuable advice from the professionals, let them guide you, but ultimately it’s really your personal choice. 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
NEWS| 23
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
69% of students use social media while in school By Michelle McGlynn
A RECENT survey conducted by BT has revealed that 69% of Wicklow students are accessing social media while at school. The survey which polled 1,000 individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 explored the social media habits of Irish secondary school students. The results stated that Wicklow students access social media between one and five times in every school day. When queried about the duration of the average single visit to social media sites, 19% claimed to spend between two and five minutes, 31% spend six to ten minutes in one session while 50% of Wicklow students admitted to spending more than ten minutes per visit. The survey further explored how Wicklow students spend their time online and 63% said that they depend on the the
internet and social media to help with schoolwork while the vast majority (75%) feel that social media helps them to identify and connect with friends who share similar interests. Meanwhile, Wicklow students were reminded to submit their entries to the 51st BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition as the October 1 closing date draws near. The 2015 Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from January 7-10, 2015. There will be more than 120 awards to be won during the course of the event including the prestigious BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year. Mari Cahalane, Head of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition commented, “Over the past number of years there has been a significant increase in increase in social
media related projects at the exhibition. Students from across Ireland have submitted projects on a wide range of related topics such as mobile application development, psychometric testing through social media and even ways to determine if you’re being lied to on Facebook. “This is what the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is all about – helping students to engage in the spheres of science, technology, engineering and maths through channels that really interest them and are relevant to their lives. Almost any interest could be a potential project, so I would encourage students to get thinking and submit their one page entry before 1st October.” For more information on the exhibition and for details on how to enter see www. btyoungscientist.com.
All smiles after their first day at school
Fiona and Isla Morgan (4), and Emma Devon-Hurley and Imogen (4) after their first day of junior infants.
FOCUS ON THE VEVAY ALAN MEARS SERVICES LTD O’Byrne Lane, Vevay Road, Bray, 01 2764655 ALAN Mears Services Ltd. is a family run crash repair centre located in Bray with combined experience of over 30 years. They have been in their current location on the Vevay
Road for the past eight years. They specialise in top quality crash repairs and are committed to quality without compromise with customer satisfaction a guarantee. Alan Mears Ltd. offer claims advice as well as a free courtesy car with repairs.
They are Liberty insurance approved repairers and deal directly with all major insurance companies. All staff are fully trained and hold a current EPA licence. Whatever the damage, they will return your car to preaccident condition.
THE BEAUTY PAWLOUR Slieve na Mara, Vevay Road, Bray, 01 2042682 The Beauty Pawlour is run by animal lover Koren, who treats every dog in her care as if they were her own. The Beauty Pawlour will always strive to provide a positive
grooming experience for its clients and their pets. The clientèle will enjoy a new facility and superior services not commonly offered by other grooming salons. Their aim is to provide a quality of service that will establish a reputation for professional
grooming, complete care and respect that the customer will come to enjoy. During your dogs visit they will be checked for any unusual lumps or bumps that may need veterinary attention and the condition of your dog’s teeth will be assessed.
Noel Fagan and Ian Masterson out and about in Bray.
24 | LIFESTYLE
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
my favourite things Get extra bang for your buck this autumn with a multi-use garment. Wear as a dress with a waistdefining belt, thick tights and a long sleeved top or layer over skinny jeans as a long waistcoat. Mustard sleeveless blazer Prettylittlething.com €38
THE LEATHER LOOK TROUSERS
THE WHITE SHIRT
THE PRINTED DRESS
It doesn’t get more
with Mairead Vickers info@wicklowvoice.ie THE SLEEVELESS JACKET
AUTUMN can be a tricky time of year to master your sartorial style; your garb needs to work twice as hard; reflecting the changeable weather and looking attractive at the same time. As the days grow shorter and the temperature steadily drops, the change in seasons makes this the ideal time to regulate, refresh and replenish your wardrobe. Starting with the essentials means you can build a great capsule collection that will see you through the autumn term and beyond. The trick to transitional dressing is getting hold of the right pieces, for right now. If you’re lacking inspiration consider these 5 key items which will compliment your current wardrobe and provide you with plenty of outfit options for the colder months ahead. Think crisp, clean and well cut, the classic white shirt is a wardrobe staple for all seasons. Stay warm on chilly days by pairing with a sleeveless shift dress or fine knit tank-top for a versatile work wear option. White shirt Dubarry Ireland €59
WHAT’S HOT
versatile than a printed tunic dress. Flattering for all figures, this version from Dunnes Stores strikes the right colour chords for autumn and has the added bonus of a ¾ length sleeve. Team with your trusty leather jacket and flat boots for a relaxed weekend vibe. Scuba print dress Carolyn Donnelly The Edit Dunnes Stores €79
Faux leather is a funky and affordable way to add a trendy twist to your wardrobe. This sleek pair will look great as an evening alternative to denim and give you plenty of mileage in the colder months ahead. Leather look trousers Star by Julien McDonald Debenhams €42
THE CHELSEA BOOT
It’s nigh on impossible to beat the adaptability of a great Chelsea boot! Whether flat, mid or high-heeled, your autumn wardrobe simply wouldn’t be complete without a pair. This stylish offering from the high street is an all-round winner with its comfortable heel height and practical colour. Team with printed pants and a cropped blazer for the office or try with a wool skirt and long cardigan for an effortless weekend look. New Look €79.99
LIFESTYLE| 25
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
recipes CAULIFLOWER AND APPLE SOUP WITH ROASTED WALNUTS
INGREDIENTS
• 6 cauliflowers- sliced • 2 onions sliced • 5 apples- peeled and sliced • 250g butter • 3litres milk • 1 litre cream
PREPARATION
• Sweat the cauliflower, onions and apples together with the butter, once soft add the cream and milk, simmer until fully cooked. • Blitz in a blender until smooth. • Serve with diced apple, walnut oil and roasted walnuts
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel wine choice RESERVE DE BONPAS COTES DU RHONE €14.49, O’Briens Wine This is textbook Côtes du Rhône: medium bodied, lots of mixed berry wild fruit and virtually no tannin. So very soft and easy to drink! A brilliant allrounder to drink with or without food. The blend here is Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre, sourced from old vines of 40+ years. It has a strong nose of rich cherry and spice and the palate is just loaded with berry fruit flavours
A bounty of berries Wildlife
with Justin Ivory
(info@wicklowvoice.ie) AS summer gives way to autumn and the last of the flowers begin to fade and die, it’s hard not to think of the drab, colourless winter ahead. But fear not, the colourful blossoms of spring and summer are now being replaced with the bright beacons of wild berries. After the un-seasonally warm spring and summer this year many of our wild plants are heaving with a bumper crop of berries. This is a time of plenty for the birds, butterflies, mice, wasps, and a whole host of other wild creatures, that will feast on these nuggets of stored sugars before the leaner times of winter arrive. So what berries can you expect to find out and about at the moment. Some need no introduction such as the ubiquitous blackberry, or the lovely red berries of the Hawthorn and in the coming weeks the Holly. There are plenty of other widespread berry bearing plants to keep an eye out for including: Bilberry, Dog Rose, Elderberry, Rowan (Mountain Ash), Honeysuckle,
Tutsan and a particular favourite of mine, Lords and Ladies. Some of these berries taste delicious and make lovely jams and preserves but be warned, some of them are highly poisonous. If you are going to pick berries remember to only take what you need and never deplete a bush of its whole crop, and
leave plenty for our wildlife who depend on this food for survival. Why not download the free Wild Berries id sheet and checklist from http://www. discoverwildlife.com/britishwildlife/see-it/free-wild-berryguide and see how many you can spot this autumn. Now get out there and start looking - and have fun!
26 | SERVICES
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 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
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING| 27
28 | AUTUMN WEDDINGS
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
autumnweddings
GLENVIEW HOTEL AND LEISURE CLUB Glen O the Downs, Delgany, 01 2740000 The Glenview Hotel can bring
your magical wedding day to life. Experience all that they can offer for your wedding or civil ceremony. Have your ceremony by the waterfall or in the library.
Perhaps have your drinks reception in the fully decorated gardens. Or you might choose the beautiful Glenview Suite. Whether you are looking at a large or intimate wedding the Glenview Hotel, set in the majestic Glen of the Downs, is the perfect location to fulfil all your dreams. Join them for their Wedding Experience on Sunday, September 28 from 2pm to experience it all for yourself. VINTAGE LA TOUCHE La Touche Place, Greystones, 01 2557407 Whether inspired by Downton Abbey or Mad Men, this winter wedding season is all about vintage. Glamorous vintage furs, stunning headpieces and sparkling rhinestones for the ladies. Vintage bow ties, cummerbunds, cravats, cufflinks and tie clips for the gentlemen. These are the perfect accessories for all the romantic, candlelit winter weddings which will be held in Wicklow’s wonderful venues. For a wide selection of genuine vintage and handmade
attire and accessories visit Vintage La Touche. They also stock lovely vintage glass, china and silverware for unique wedding gifts. DUNBOYNE CASTLE HOTEL AND SPA Dunboyne, Co. Meath, 01 8013500 Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is renowned for their quality food and service. They offer value for money with special mid-week and weekend wedding packages. Located on Dublin’s doorstep only 30 minutes from the city centre, it is one of Ireland’s most popular wedding venues. Set within 21 acres of mature, formal gardens, which surround the beautifully restored manor house, this is a magical setting for a wedding. Also on site is Seoid Spa, specialising in pre and post wedding treatments. They are holding a wedding fair on October 12 between 1pm and 5pm. ASHDOWN PARK HOTEL AND LEISURE CLUB The Coach Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford, 053 9480500 The people at the Ashdown Park Hotel know your wedding is the most important day for both the bride and groom. Their dedicated team will ensure that all your plans are carried out precisely. You will be met with candles lighting the sweeping staircase, over which is a beautiful Waterford Crystal chandelier. They are committed to highest standards of Irish food. The beaches of the South East are within walking distance from Gorey which is packed with shops, cafés and pubs. Their wedding coordinators would be delighted to meet with you to discuss planning your special day.
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
AUTUMN WEDDINGS| 29
30 | AUTUMN WEDDINGS/FITNESS
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014
IT’S FRESH START TIME!
MONDAY Bray The Wilton Hotel, Southern Cross, Bray 7.30pm Call Rob 086 0251100 TUESDAY Greystones Greystones Lawn Tennis Club, Mill Road (Beside Aldi) 9.30am; 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Lesley 086 2337984 WEDNESDAY Bray The Wilton Hotel Southern Cross, Bray 9.30am; 3.30; 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Gráinne 086 4661566 THURSDAY Bray, Marino School, Church Road, Bray 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Lesley 086 2337984
Training
Eliza Rzepko WE all know how hard it is get back into routine after all the summer madness! Summer months can be a bit tricky, be it going out much more, more bbq’s, late dinners, more wine etc. We need to start fresh! Pick your favourite way to get back to your fitness regime and ensure you eat a balanced diet. Here are a few ideas / new trends in the fitness industry that might encourage you to bring your healthy habits back. One of the current buzzes in the industry is tabata training and all it requires is you to perform eight intervals of sustained exercise for a total of four minutes! You perform those four minutes broken down into 20 seconds of maximum intensity exercising followed by
a 10 second rest period. Tabata workouts can be done with dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells or simply body weight exercises. The simplest and best example of a tabata workout is: 20 seconds of sprinting followed by ten seconds of walking, repeat seven more times which will give eight sets in total, equalling four minutes. If you want add tabatas to your weight training sessions, pick barbells, kettlebells or dumbbells and choose your exercise and perform as many repetitions as you can in 20 seconds then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat eight times. This high intensity work will help you to get fit and help you build lean and strong muscle. Another option is a variety of new fitness classes that are emerging in our industry. Never before have people been so spoiled for choice when it comes to exercise classes that new styles and formats seem to be emerging every month. The big market winners are a variety that have travelled across the Atlantic and seem to have weathered the “fad title” and look set to stay. Of these, TRX has become one of the most popular and effective formats of exercising.
TRX suspension training is the original workout system that leverages gravity and your body weight to perform hundreds of calisthenics style exercises. Due to the bodyweight leverage system on which it operates, it makes this style of exercising exellent for people of all fitness backgrounds, and remember it was originally designed for the U.S navy SEALS. You cannot argue with them! Of the hybrid style classes, Piloxing (A fitness program that blends the best of pilates, boxing and dance into a highintensity workout) seems to have been one of the more “kooky” exercises classes that has stuck around after similar classes have been and gone. It is a great way to have fun while you exercise and in my opinion is vastly superior in delivering results than a Zumba style workout. If you suffer from any injuries or are looking to improve your core and posture then my recommendation would be Pilates. All in all though I must stress that to reach your fitness goals, the most important thing is that you enjoy every minute of your workout. You can contact Eliza at Fit Studio on 086 0735556 or email fitstudio@outlook.ie
SPORT| 31
September 18 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Day Wicklow won the Ryder Cup Golf WITH the Ryder Cup starting next week in Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland it is fitting to remember Wicklow man Eamon Darcy, surely one of the most talented golfers Ireland has ever produced and the man generally recognised as having closed out the European victory at the 1987 Ryder Cup in Muirfield Village, Dublin, Ohio - the first time the US had lost on home soil. Darcy, who is 62 and currently playing with distinction on the European Seniors Tour, was born in Delgany and lives in Enniskerry. He joined the European Tour in 1972 and finished third and second in the Order of Merit in 1975 and 1976 respectively. Like a lot of other European golfers he spent most of the next decade in the shadow of the ‘’Big 5’’ European golfers that emerged at that time – Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam, Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer. Despite such
competition Darcy still managed to win four tournaments on the European Tour (and many more worldwide) and made the Ryder Cup team in 1975, 1977, 1981 and 1987. Darcy’s participation in the 1987 Ryder Cup rested on a knife-edge in the weeks leading up to the finalisation of the team. With this being one of the first Ryder Cups where captain’s picks were employed, it was widely suggested at the time that Darcy wouldn’t be picked if he finished out of the automatic qualification places. He hung onto the last automatic spot week after week and narrowly made the team. He has since commented on this time as being one of the most stressful periods of his career. At Muirfield he played in the Saturday afternoon four-ball with Gordon Brand Jnr against the American pair of Payne Stewart and Andy Bean. Brand Jnr and Darcy narrowly lost. Going into Sunday’s singles
sport in brief
The newly established Women’s team competed well in both cup and league fixtures gaining vital match experience for next year. Martin Potts captained the Greystones 1st Senior Mens to yet another successful season. The team exceeded even their own expectations by attaining promotion to division 4 after finishing an impressive 2nd in division 5. New members are welcome contact us today to find out more about our club either as a player, official, coach or volunteer. See www.greystones.com.
Bray Emmets Kick Fada The recent All Ireland Kick Fada was a huge success and the club would like to thank the many volunteers who helped to make it such an enjoyable day. Serena Hannon won the Ladies with a kick of 48 meters and Damien Sheridan won the Mens with a kick of 75 meters. It was the third year in a row for both champions. Ladies Intermediate League Final 2014 Bray Emmets ladies finished off their 2014 campaign with a great win over Blessington recently. The match finished Bray 3-10 Blessington 1-12. The team are already looking forward to playing in the Senior Competitions in 2015.
Greystones Cricket With another successful season behind them, Greystones Cricket is looking forward to a bright future having secured a new home in the beautiful setting of Druids Glen Resort.
Garden County Academy
The testing continued last weekend in Ballinakill for the U14 and U16 squads. Despite some clubs in action, a very impressive 44 attended U14 Skill Testing. They were put through a series of kicking and handpassing skills tests, as management continue to evaluate and gather information on each player. The U16 squad had a more strenuous morning when the full squad were put through a series of sprints, agility and endurance tests. In the gym they undertook
postage stamp.
Model and Miss Wicklow, Rowena Kenny from Arklow Co. Wicklow shows her colours to support GOAL Jersey Day, which is taking place nationwide this year on October 3. Europe had a big 5 point lead but the Americans chipped away at it and looked like storming to an unlikely victory until Darcy stopped the rot with a last-hole win over Ben Crenshaw in his singles match. This point trials of chin-ups, press ups and squats all under the expert guidance of Gary Jameson and his S&C coaches. Saturday, September 20 sees an earlier start of 10am in Ballinakill for all squads due to U12 Mini Festival Finals later in the day.
Greystones Éire Óg GAA
On Saturday, September 20 from 10am Éire Óg Greystones are hosting their World Record attempt and family fun day to raise funds for Juvenile facilities at the club. As well as the record attempt there will be lots of other family fun activities, including fancy dress football, a kids disco, live music bands, spin the wheel, an evening function for adults and even a welly throwing contest.
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol
The National Allianz Cumann na mBunscol September General Meeting will take place in the Ard Comhairle Room, Croke Park on Saturday September 20th at 11am. Tea/coffee will be served from 10.30am and lunch will be served after at approx 1pm.
WANT TO GIVE YOUR CLUB A VOICE? EMAIL YOUR NOTES TO INFO@WICKLOWVOICE.IE
and a further half from Langer secured victory for Europe and Eamon Darcy returned home to a well-deserved hero’s welcome. His Ryder Cup exploits were further celebrated on a 2005 commemorative Irish
Cricket Bray man Ed Joyce is having his best-ever season in county cricket over in England. Ed plays with Sussex in the LV County Championship Division One. During a home game against Lancashire at the BrightonandHove.com County Ground last week, Ed hit a 137 innings on day two of the match before being caught at port by Lancashire’s Steven Croft. It was Ed’s sixth century this season, and took him past 1,000 runs for the season and 15,000 runs in his first-class cricket career. Amazing stuff, and all the more sweet for Ed as his father James and brother Johnny had travelled over from Wicklow for the game, and witnessed Ed hitting a century live for the first time. Athletics Good luck to all athletes in the county who are preparing for
the 2014 Dublin marathon. The final race in the build-up series (the SSE Airtricity Dublin Race Series) is the Dublin half marathon this Saturday September 20. By now athletes training for the marathon will be running 15 to 20 miles for their longest run each week. It’s a huge committment in terms of time from all involved and their families. As well as doing the long runs athletes have to have time to recover. Keep up the hard work, October 27 won’t be long coming around! Finally, on the subject of running, ParkRun Ireland have announced new events being launched in Kilkenny and Vicarstown in October. These will bring to 17 the number of weekly ParkRuns in Ireland. This month the total distance ran by all participants at all ParkRun events in Ireland since the first was launched two years ago passed half a million kilometers!
32| ADVERTISING
wicklowvoice.ie September 18 2014