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wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015
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Help me find my missing sister Esra
By Michelle McGlynn
“My sister is out there somewhere, alive or dead, and someone must know something.” Those are the heartbreaking words of Berna Fidan, sister of missing woman Esra Uyrun, who told the Wicklow Voice that she and her family would never give up searching for her beloved sister. “We cannot give up, no matter how hard it is,” says Berna as she renews her appeal for information about missing sister, Esra. Four-and-a-half years after Esra’s car was found parked at Bray seafront with no sign of Esra, Berna is appealing to anyone who may have information to come forward. Esra went missing on February 23, 2011 when she left her home in Collinstown, Co Dublin at 7.15am to go to the local shops. London-born Esra’s car was seen 35 minutes later entering a roundabout just four minutes
from her home. It was next seen in Bray at 8.25am when it pulled into a car park on the seafront and quickly left before returning at 8.40am and parking in a blindspot. “We beg anyone, please if you have information get in touch with Garda Confidential or you can contact me at Missing Esra Uyrun on Facebook and Twitter. “I don’t need to know who you are, just what you know. “The smallest thing could help us find Esra.” Continued on page 8
Berna Fidan outside the Wicklow Voice offices this week
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04| NEWS news in brief Tidy Towns Arklow Tidy Towns are having the annual Garden Competition and best of prizewinners presentation at Arklow Visual Arts, Main Street at 7pm on October 2. There will be a raffle and photos of the winning gardens will be displayed in AVA. Donations of raffle prizes welcome.
Stop smoking
A Stop Smoking course will be held in Greystones Cancer Support on Monday mornings for six weeks beginning October 5 from 10.30am to 12.15pm. The course is open to everyone, not just cancer patients or group members.
Playground upkeep Ballywaltrim Community Playground Committee has expressed their appreciation to Wicklow County Council for its continued care of the playground. Committee Chairperson Breda Hobbs said she is looking forward to the installation of public lighting and a CCTV camera into the park.
wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015
Powerscourt serves up top gong at hotel awards General Manager David Webster of Powerscourt Hotel with AA Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan in the grounds of the hotel. Pic: Mac Innes Photography By Michelle McGlynn Wicklow’s Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa has been named as Ireland’s Hotel of the Year by AA. The award was presented to the five-star hotel by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD at a ceremony in Dublin’s Westbury Hotel last week. The hotel was praised by the AA for their “superb standards” and the transformative journey the
establishment has undergone since changing ownership in 2013. They were particularly impressed with the warmth and welcome from the team. “In that time they have made huge strides,” noted AA Director of Consumer Affairs, Conor Faughnan. “It is a five-star hotel that also manages to be an intimate and friendly place for the people of the area who have rightly become very proud of it.” The prestigious award is a
testament to the work put in by the new team who were put in place not even two years ago. “It’s a huge accolade for the whole team who have worked so hard and constantly deliver five-star service to anyone who comes in the door,” said General Manager David Webster on accepting the award. The AA Inspectorate noted that Powerscourt had become an integral part of the local community.
news in brief
PRESENTS
Journey’s on us Irish Rail have launched The Journey’s on Us for 2015/16 which will provide a free group travel return journey for voluntary, community, sporting and charity groups. Groups are invited to apply for the programme on irishrail.ie/journeys by October 19.
Entrepreneurs
Three Wicklow children, Jack, Colleen and Niall Brohan have created a business called Jaconi Crafts and recently attended a London convention. The business came out of a hobby as Jaconi Crafts creates items of Minecraft YouTubers such as keyrings, necklaces and other items.
Enjoy a two hour interactive comedy show brought to life by a critically-acclaimed cast of professional actors! For more information contact sales@royalhotel.ie or call (01)2862935 www.royalhotel.ie
Last days of disco as Lautrec’s nightclub faces chop By Michelle McGlynn
After a decade lying vacant, permission has finally been granted for the redevelopment of the former La Touche Hotel in Greystones - and that means the music’s over for the old Lautrec’s nightclub. Work on the new development is expected to start in the coming weeks and is expected to change the town’s skyline dramatically. The original part of the hotel dates from 1900 and will be retained, but recent side and rear extensions, including a waterfront conference centre and function rooms, which housed Lautrecs before it became Club Life. Following several months and numerous changes to the plans, Wicklow County Council has approved the planning application to redevelop the La Touche site. The plans will see the hotel transformed into five fourstorey townhouses and the construction of a number of residential blocks up to fourstoreys in height on the Cliff Road side of the site. Extensions to the rear and side of the original hotel including a waterfront conference centre and functions roomsare to be demolished. Two cottages on Marine Terrace will be redeveloped for use as shops/offices. Plans also include public
open space with a play area, seats and a lawn and allows for realignment of parking spaces, boundaries and footpaths. Many have welcomed the development of the prominent Greystones site however there are parties who are looking at appealing to An Bord Pleanála to overturn the decision on the basis that additional housing blocks screen the listed building and impact negatively on its protected status as well as vistas and prospects. “I originally objected to this scheme of 26 houses but it has now been modified to reduce its impact on the area and the old hotel,” Cllr Derek Mitchell told the Wicklow Voice following the Council decision. “The development of 26 houses is reasonable especially compared to a plan for 85 apartments of a few years ago. “As the site, the most prominent in Greystones, has been a derelict eyesore for over 10 years, I would like to see this go ahead now.” The seaside hotel was sold last year by AIB and Nama which held mutli-million euro loans on the property and some adjoining houses that had been brought into the site. The planning application had been lodged by Arklow property mogul Greg Kavanagh and his partner Patrick Crean under their company name, Kavere La Touche Ltd.
Rents rise to €903
Happy faces
By Michelle McGlynn
Calling all happy faces in Wicklow, gift card company One4All is on the hunt to find Ireland’s happiest face to star in its new Christmas tv advert. and win a €250 gift card. Simply upload a photo of your happy face to the One4All Facebook page with the hashtag #One4allHappy by September 30.
The average rent in Wicklow has risen to €903 in the second quarter of this year. This figure is up €61 when compared to the same quarter in 2014 and has increased by €14 on the first quarter of 2015. Monthly rents for private sector accommodation across the country rose 7% in the second quarter of this year
from the same period in 2014. Nationally, rents for houses were 6% higher, while apartment rents were 8% higher than in the second quarter of 2014. Annual growth in Dublin was stronger, up by 9%. This data comes from the latest Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) Quarterly Rent Index which is the most accurate and authoritative report of its kind.
NEWS |05
September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Pictured at the 2015 National Archery Festival which took place at Killruddery House and Gardens last weekend were coach Keith Hanlon (middle) with Joe Gill, Daniel Malone, Stephen Dillon and Martin O’ Reilly
Alva Vila and Leon Lawless (4) out and about in Wicklow Town
Karina and Stephen Collins are all smiles in Greystones
Winners of the ladies Quad Final at the All Ireland Rowing Championship are Arklow Rowing Club’s Tilly Jordan, Susan Doyle, Jemma Kelly and Lora Kavanagh. Pic: Yvette O Beirne
Jamie Tobin out in Arklow celebrating Ireland’s win over Canada in the Rugby World Cup. Pic: Yvette O Beirne
Mary O’Brien and Pauline Doyle in Wicklow Town
Model Holly Keating with Alex Connolly and fire fighters Brian Murray and Stefano Capello for the launch of the Ultimate Fire and Glass Walk at the Martello Hotel Bray for CDKL 5. Pic: Joe McQuillan
06| NEWS news in brief Training courses
Baltinglass Further Education and Training Centre provides the opportunity to take the first steps back to education with courses including Basic Computers, Career and CV Preparation and many more. For information call Annette or Maeve on 059 6482642.
Ukulele Ensemble The Hotspot Ukes are playing a concert in the Harbour Bar, Bray at 9pm on September 29. They are also enrolling for the six week ukulele classes beginning the following week, call or text Pat 087 6764443 for details.
Greystones lunches The first soup and sandwiches of the season was held in St Patrick’s Church, Greystones last week. Greystones is lucky to have three of these lunches each month: Presbyterian Church on first Tuesday, St Patrick’s Church on the third Tuesday and Holy Rosary on the last Wednesday. All are welcome and a donation of €5 is requested with proceeds going to charity.
wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015
Cut-above Katie to star in Slasher
By Michelle McGlynn
Wicklow actress Katie McGrath has signed on to star in new US horror series, Slasher. McGrath, who is no stranger to horror as she previously had a role in NBC’s Dracula series, will take on the starring role in the show set to drop next year. The Ashford actress plays Sarah Bennett, a woman who “returns to the small town where she was born, only to find herself the centrepiece in a series of horrifying copycat murders based on the widely known, grisly killings of her parents”. The eight-part season will serve as the first instalment of an anthology series. Hopefully, Chiller’s new horror series will fare better than Dracula which was cancelled after just ten episodes.
McGrath’s star is on the rise following her memorable - albeit short - role as Zara in summer blockbuster Jurassic World. Zara’s demise was one of the highlights of the latest Jurassic instalment and her performance drew praise from co-star Chris Pratt. Next year is set to be another big one for the 32 year old actress with a role in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming film, Knights of the Roundtable: King Arthur. She will join a starstudded cast including Jude Law, Eric Bana, Charlie Hunnam and David Beckham.
Donate your dress for Syria
By Michelle McGlynn
Bray woman Roisin Kelly has come up with a unique way to raise money to help the millions of displaced Syrian refugees. I Do, For Syria will see a range of beautiful pre-loved wedding dresses auctioned off at House
Dublin, Lower Leeson Street on October 28 with all proceeds going to the Irish Red Cross. As horrific and heartbreaking photos continue to flood in of men, women and children risking their lives as they flee their war torn homes in search of a better life, Roisin decided that
she couldn’t simply sit back and watch. Roisin is asking women to donate their wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses which will be auctioned off alongside dresses that have been donated by bridal stores. “I’m heartbroken parting with mine,” Roisin told the Wicklow Voice about parting with her own dress. “But I’m more heartbroken thinking of all those families that are living on the edges of our world, just trying to get in and make a future for themselves.” Rather than leaving your wedding dress to gather dust in the wardrobe, it can help the Irish Red Cross provide aid and support to the Syrian refugees and also be a part of someone else’s special day and also be a part of someone else’s special day. All the brides-to-be out there are encouraged to come along to the auction where they will be presented with a unique selection of dresses to suit a range of tastes and budgets. Even if you are not married or getting married, you can still do a bit to help out by buying a ticket and enjoy a fantastic night out - you can even try on some dresses just for a bit of fun. There will be spot prizes on the night so if you don’t have a dress to donate you can give something as a prize. “We have been overwhelmed with the offers of support and help from so many people,” said Roisin. “It’s incredible and I encourage people to keep it going and to spread the word.” Tickets will be on sale shortly and are sure to sell out fast as places are limited.See I Do, For Syria on Facebook or email roisinanna@icloud.com for details on ticket sales and where you can donate any items you may have.
September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
advertisement|07
08| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015
Tragic Keelan died of meningitis By Michelle McGlynn
As a community mourns the loss of 15-year-old Keelan O’Connor, Meningitis Ireland are encouraging people educate themselves on the illness. Keelan, a popular Bray teen, tragically passed away on September 15 shortly after falling ill with what is believed to have been meningitis. Bray residents were left reeling following the news of his sudden passing and tributes have been paid by various mem-
bers of the community. Speaking during his funeral service last Friday in the Holy Redeemer, Fr John Moses said that the large crowd present was a testament to how many lives Keelan had touched.
His mother Leanne and stepdad John have thanked everyone and said that they were overwhelmed by the love and support shown to them. “Keelan, you will be forever in our hearts,” said John at the service. “We love you, son, and I promise one day we’ll meet again.” Symbols placed on the altar in tribute to the athletic teen included a football, boxing gloves, a Man United jersey, a photograph of Keelan with his brothers and his ‘famous runners’.
Keelan’s classmates from St Brendan’s and teammates from Enniskerry Football Club provided a guard of honour outside the church before he was laid to rest at Springfield Cemetary. Residents of Fassaroe organised a touching tribute for the young teenager on Wednesday as his devastated family brought him home. Friends and neighbours covered the streets and the green with candles in a tribute to the beloved boy. The next evening, the heart-
felt gesture was repeated as his name was spelled out in lights across the green. The tribute was a display of support and solidarity for Keelan’s grieving family. The Meningitis Research Foundation have offered their sincere condolences to Keelan’s family and friends saying their thoughts are with them at this difficult time. They are encouraging people to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the disease as meningitis develops so rapidly
in patients. The potentially fatal disease shares many symptoms with other, more common illnesses such as the flu or even a hangover. This is why it is vital that people can recognise the signs and symptoms of the disease, particularly those that are more unique to meningitis. If you are worried about meningitis or would like further information there is a freefone helpline on 1800 41 33 44 or alternatively you can log on to meningitis.org.
Carl Duggan and Ann Pageot on Bray Seafront
news in brief Wicklow Pride The Wicklow Pride Festival Organising committee will hold their first meeting for 2016 on October 14 at 7.30pm at Arklow Community Action Resource Centre, Arklow. The meeting is open to anyone over the age of 17, contact 086 1664320 for information.
Craft fair Greystones Educate Together NS craft fair will take place on November 15 from 11am until 5pm. Applications for stall bookings are being accepted, send your details along with a description, price range and photos of your product to getcraftfair@gmail.com by October 2. Stalls €30.
Biblical Association The AGM of the Bibical Association for the Church of Ireland will be held in St Patrick’s Church, Greystones on September 25 at 6.30pm. The AGM lecture entitled The Bible’s Unexpected Stories will be given by Dr Brad Anderson. To book your place please contact aamacfarlane283@gmail.com
Please help me find my sister Esra Continued from front page
In particular, Berna and the Gardai are keen to speak to the driver of a silver Octavia which was involved in a near-collision with Esra’s car as it came out of Convent Avenue just before 8.40am. “We beg that driver to come forward, we just want to know if they saw who was driving,” Berna says The CCTV footage does not show Esra behind the wheel of the car making it impossible to know if she was driving it at any stage that day. Berna has dismissed suggestions that her sister may have taken her own life, telling how Esra was making plans for her mother who was due to arrive in Dublin the day after Esra’s disappearance. Berna spoke to the Wicklow Voice about her mother’s deteriorating health and says that all she wants is to know what happened to her daughter before she dies. If you have any information that could be of assistance, please contact Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
ADVERTISING|09
September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
Comfort Keepers open new office
Advertorial Comfort Keepers Home Care are delighted to announce the opening of their new office in Gorey, Co. Wexford, offering home care services throughout Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Carlow and Kilkenny. Comfort Keepers have been providing care across Ireland since 2005, winning numerous quality and care in business awards along the way, such as the Q Mark, ISO 9001, Deloitte Best Managed Company 2015 and CMG Homecare Provider of the year to name a few. They intend to bring jobs and much needed home care services for new and existing clients. Comfort Keepers focus on ensuring high quality homecare by placing the needs of their clients at the forefront of what they do, as was highlighted in a recent nationwide survey where clients were asked “Do you trust Comfort Keepers to provide safe and effective care?” to which 98% of their clients agreed. The new office in Gorey will cater for homecare needs in the South East region, headed up by Client Care Managers, Bernie O’Halloran and Éilís Cantwell. “Our mission is to care for each person as though they were a member of our own family and from this we decided
long ago to invest in high quality care provision so that we could continuously offer high quality home care. Care is provided whenever you need it: our carers provide hourly, daily or night care depending on your needs, we will design an individual agreed care plan based on your specific requirements” said Bernie O’Halloran. Comfort Keepers can be contacted on 1850 818 100 to discuss their services and arrange a free no obligation consultation. Edel Morrissey (regional HR manager at Comfort Keepers) indicated that they are recruiting carers in the region. “We are looking for people who want a rewarding career caring for others and want to make a difference” said Ms. Morrissey who can be contacted on 01 8921321 or email recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie . We provide competitive rates of pay, friendly working environment, staff affinity schemes, subsidised training, and most importantly rewarding work. “Comfort Keepers is one of Ireland’s most trusted home care providers and we are looking forward to continuing our work within the Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Carlow and Kilkenny communities for many years to come,” said Brid Gould, Comfort Keepers Managing Director.
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Age friendly business initiative launched By Michelle McGlynn
Positive Ageing Week takes place from October 1 to 9. Ireland has the fastest ageing population in Europe with figures showing that one person in Ireland turns 80 every 30 minutes. With this in mind, Bray businesses are being encouraged to become age friendly by taking initiatives to aid senior citizens. The Bray Age Friendly Business Recognition Programme has been organised by Wicklow County Council as part of a national campaign. Each business who joins the programme will receive an Age Friendly Business Charter to show that they are playing their part which will help to publicise the business both locally and nationally. The recognition process involves training sessions, a tool kit and support on how to better meet the needsof older adults. “The local business community is proud that we are one of only four towns across Ireland chosen for this programme during 2015,” said Liam McGarry, proprietor of The Larder and Age Friendly Champion for
Bray. Following the launch of this initiative, HomeLink Bray will be holding a fundraiser in the Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street. Charlo, Head Chef at The Martello, will be giving
supporters of HomeLink a treat with his culinary skills. The fundraiser will take place on October 22 at 7.30pm. The price is €15 or €10 for members, OAPs and the unwaged.
10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
You should be very proud of your response
W
ould it surprise you to hear that Ireland is ranked as the ‘goodest’ country on earth? Not if you saw how the people of Wicklow responded in recent weeks to the refugee appeal – which was nothing short of amazing. The Good Country Index gives scores to each country in areas like science and technology, culture and planet and climate. Ireland does okay in these, but the reason we’re deemed to be the ‘goodest’ is our number one ranking in Prosperity and Equality. This looks at how each country interacts with other less stable and less prosperous parts of the world. We’re all becoming increasingly aware of the refugee crisis – instability in parts of the Middle East is causing devastating hardship for millions of men, women and children. Many of us have seen the image of Aylan Kurdi, a three-year-old toddler, washed up on a Turkish beach. No one who has seen it will ever forget it. Aylan was one of at least 12 Syrians who died when their boat sank in an attempt to reach Greece. They were fleeing heavy fighting between Islamic State militants and Kurdish forces. The refugee situation has become the largest migration of peoples since the Second World War. And one place these refugees end up is the port town of Calais in Northern France. About 3,000 people are living in makeshift camps near the town as they attempt to enter the United Kingdom. There has been an international outcry calling for aid to be sent to alleviate the suffering faced by those on the ground. In response to this call, groups have set up around Ireland, collecting provisions for refugees in Calais, and further afield, including Syria. One such group is the South Dublin/ Wicklow Calais Refugee Solidarity Group, set up recently by Isolde Heavey. Collection points sprang up across the county, and the people of Wicklow have responded with generosity, compassion and solidarity. We opened my office in Greystones as one such collection point, and within hours started to run out of room to walk around. Initial estimates were that it would take three weeks to fill a 40-foot container with the aid received. Before the end of week one, that capacity was already taken. Volunteers got involved – in carrying, sorting and transporting. My office alone had over 30 volunteers working on a rota, with many more offering to help. One 10-year-old girl, Ellie, saw the photo of Aylan Kurdi, and heard about the
collection for the refugees. She asked her friends to bring money to her birthday instead of any presents – they did, and she went with her mum and bought new and badly needed clothes for babies. A threeyear-old girl gave in her new pink wellies so that a kid in Calais, or in Syria, could have them instead. Ex-firemen and Gardai (the Gerry Walshes, and others) volunteered and made a huge impact. One lady from Newtownmountkennedy offered everything from upholstery and sewing lessons to refugees when they arrived, to a playground for any children, along with accommodation. People offered up their garages, their lock-ups, their commercial premises. The Arklow Scouts opened their doors. And Wicklow’s business community were not to be found wanting. Damien McKeever of Amphibian King in Bray donated boxes of footwear. Siobhan Hanley and the Happy Pear in Greystones did a whole lot of driving. Thorntons provided extra bin storage. Wings in Wicklow Town opened as a drop-off point, as did the Prelude Arts Centre in Bray. Tesco provided boxes, Musgraves provided bags. If you’d like to help, Topaz garages are now accepting provisions for a Goal refugee appeal. They’re taking blankets and quilts, warm jackets (adult’s and children’s), thermal socks, hats, scarves and gloves, underwear sets, sleeping bags, plastic floor carpets, water - proof boots (adult’s and children’s), bed sheets, pillow covers and quilt covers. If you’d like to help fund Human Appeal’s convoy to Syria, you can text GIFT2 (€2) or GIFT4 (€4) or GIFT6 (€6) to 50300 (Human Appeal is a non-profit organisation working across the globe to strengthen humanity in the face of poverty, social injustice or natural disaster). The response of the people of Wicklow has been heart-warming. When capacity for the container for Calais was reached, Isolde joined up with Human Appeal, who are bringing supplies to women and children in Syria. In my office alone, people donated, we estimate, about six tonnes of aid – including two bags of new baby clothes and a brand new pair of pink boots. At times like this, it’s easy to see how the people of Wicklow belong to the ‘goodest’ nation on earth.
Stephen Donnelly is a TD for Wicklow and East Carlow
“T
I absolutely love Christmas - which is why wild reindeers couldn’t drag me into one of these stores at this time of year.
Tweets of the week
Mark Simmons @MarkSimmonsHaHa “I bet David Cameron was disappointed the first time he watched Babe Station”
Aisling Bea @WeeMissBea “ Oh my god. Japan are rugby’s Mighty Ducks #RSAvJPN” Jarlath Regan @Jarlath “a management guy in front of joe schmidt is playing solitaire on his laptop”” Rubber Bandits @Rubberbandits “The national ploughing championships isn’t about ploughing. It’s the one day of the year that Irish models get to express irony.” David O’Doherty @phlaimeaux “Yikes. I’m gonna get ripped on here when everyone finds out I’ve bought Lemsip and am hiking it to €150 a sachet”
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 Stephen Donnelly with Michael Wolsey
The ghost of shopping yet to come hey were glittering on an aisle in Tesco’s ... little chocolate Santas wrapped in silver, reindeers in gold, and Christmas trees in green tinsel. A bit late to be clearing leftover stock, I thought. Surely the sell-by date must have passed by now? Then I had a look and found that the sell-by date was still a long way off. For these were not the leftover ghosts of Christmas Past. They were the spirit of Christmas Yet to Come, Christmas 2015. I was shocked. Christmas sweeties on sale in early September? But of course I should not have been, for it happens every year. Indeed, Tesco was positively restrained compared with the posh Dublin store Brown Thomas, which opened its special Christmas shop in mid-August. “We open at the same time every year and it is really because of customer demand,” said the store’s Seasonal Homeware Buyer Edel Woods. “There are customers who absolutely love Christmas and are in store for the first pick. If you want to get the best products you have to get in early.” I absolutely love Christmas - which is why wild reindeers couldn’t drag me into one of these stores at this time of year. And it’s not just Christmas - all sorts of special treats are being destroyed by the commercial decision to keep them on the shelves whatever the season. I also love hot cross buns. Can’t beat them, with lashings of melted butter oozing out the sides; a real treat in the week before Easter. But now they are in the shops from January to December, up there on the shelves beside the croissants and bagels. So where’s the treat in that? I won’t touch them until Easter looms but by then I’m getting sick of the sight of them. Creme eggs, anyone? They were a lovely little treat when I was a child. Only your parents or grandparents would buy you a full-sized chocolate egg but any aunt, uncle, or family friend, popping in around Easter, might produce a cream egg, like a conjurer pulling trinkets from hidden pockets. The words to note in that sentence are “around Easter”. Now you can buy creme eggs around Christmas, around Halloween, around Lughnasa or the Feast of Lupercal. And if I were to offer one as a treat to my grandchildren at Easter they’d think I had fallen on hard times. What about mince pies? A great Christmas treat, hard to beat. When fam-
ily members with once-a-year religious pretensions are at Midnight Mass, I’ll have them ready for their return, nicely warmed, served with brandy butter and accompanied by a good Burgundy; it’s the perfect start to the festivities. But I don’t want them in January, much less in August and September. Yet there they are, confronting me in the Supermarket along with Mr Kipling’s exceedingly good cakes. Indeed, Mr Kipling even makes some of these unseasonable pies. Shame on you, sir. A gent of your age should know better. So, as I said, nothing would persuade me into a special Christmas store before December has dawned. But a couple of years ago, I wandered by mistake into the fit-out of one such winter wonderland - in London, as it happens. It was August and, elsewhere in the same store, shoppers, in short sleeves and summer dresses, were pondering the purchase of garden furniture and barbecues. But here staff, sweltering even in tee shirts, were fixing holly leaves onto displays of fake snow and hoisting penguins, robins and red-nosed reindeers into prime selling positions. Turned out, this shop was a bit on the tardy side. Selfridges and Harrods had opened their Christmas departments in July. So I guess many of their customers had finished their festive shopping by the time the city turned on its Christmas lights - in October. I thought it couldn’t happen in Ireland. But it has. It’s happening right now. Autumn isn’t fully formed yet, but in the retail world Christmas is just around the corner. Ho! Ho! Ho! Flyers are appearing around town announcing the Christmas party attractions on offer at various hotels. Newspapers are carrying ads for party packages ... ‘Yule be sorry if you leave it too late’. I received a mail shot the other day warning: ‘Book now. The best slots are going fast.’ Yes, and life is also going fast as we mingle the seasons and telescope the traditions. I note a bit of religion flickering throughout the column this week, what with Easter and Christmas and Midnight Mass and all. Don’t worry; I won’t be making a habit of it. But let me conclude with the sound judgment of the Book of Ecclesiastes: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. And Rudolf, my old red-nosed pal, that includes you.
OPINION| 11
September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
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Let’s make Culture Night a culture way of life Culture Night: Tom McManus singing with Bray Community Choir at the Civic Plaza
Why we should have a skate park
W
hen my son first asked for a skateboard I thought it would be a passing interest (his brother had briefly dallied with skateboarding before moving on to other things). He had played gaelic games and soccer in the past and, while he enjoyed them, they did not seem to fully capture his interest. For him skateboarding is different. It is about the individuality and freedom of expression that you don’t get from traditional sports, governed as they are by rules and regulations. Skateboarding is governed only by ability and the laws of physics. Eighteen months after first heading out the door, skateboard under his arm, he is more committed to it than ever. Much like a traditional sports club, it has defined much of his social group, made up of friends who also got hooked on skating, and new friends brought together by a shared interest. Each weekend, he and his friends travel to Greystones, or to other spots around Dublin, from Monkstown to Donaghmede to Bushy Park, to try out the skateparks that have been successfully started up over the past number of years.
Ronan McManus In between their trips they are forced to appropriate any location in the town with a flat smooth surface to practice their chosen hobby. This can be problematic, as the default for most public areas of the required size and quality of surface is a “No Skateboarding” policy. This regularly brings them into conflict with the powers-that-be and with other users of the same areas. It was with all of these things in mind that I recently went to the “skate jam” on Bray Seafront, organised by the Bray Skateboarding Association in support of their current campaign for a skatepark. A skate jam, for the uninitiated, is a meeting of skateboarders to show off their skills, exchange tips & tricks and to socialise generally. Around 50 local skaters of all ages congregated at the bandstand on the seafront (the bandstand is one of the hotly-
disputed areas that they use on a regular basis), where they kickflipped and heelflipped their way over the rumble strips that were laid down in a vain effort to make skateboarding impossible. Some homemade box steel constructions were pulled out into the centre of the gathering and the skaters proceeded to grind the afternoon away. (Note to concerned parents: grinding is not something that might get you in trouble at the school disco, it’s where a skater jumps their skateboard up onto the edge of an object and slides along it.) Over the course of the afternoon, intrigued passers-by stopped, took photographs and simply enjoyed the atmosphere of youthful exuberance and some of the breath-taking skills that were on show. During the event I spoke to some of these people and the unanimous opinion was that this was something that we should be embracing as a town. People commented on how it brought something new and vibrant to the seafront, how great it was to see teenagers out doing something healthy and, most hearteningly, how easily the skaters welcomed the younger kids who had brought their own boards down for the day that was in it. We have a good record in the town for providing playground
facilities for young children and for providing facilities for our sports clubs. However, the perennial request for a skatepark in the town is perennially denied. It is greeted with a similar response each year; an acknowledgement of the request, followed by it being filed away as “just a fad”. For the kids who love skating, it is a lot more than that. It is something they love doing with a passion. It is a way for them to express themselves in a way that is 100% theirs. From the point of view of a parent, skateboarding is a positive thing. It is all of the things a parent wants from an activity for their child. It is a healthy, fun and social activity that can get our kids out from in front of their computer and TV screens. I believe we need to think more seriously about this. We need to honestly and pro-actively investigate what can be done to provide the facilities that these kids need. We should be looking for solutions to the usual obstacles (location, insurance etc.) rather than using them as excuses. We should be treating skating as something to be developed rather than something we can ignore, hoping that interest will wane. Ronan McManus is a resident of Bray and a former Labour councillor
S
eptember’s 18 Culture Night was another huge success for this now-annual event, both at a county and national level. It has continued to grow and capture the public’s imagination and attention each year in the decade since it started, which is a credit both to the organisers, participating venues and the supporting public at large. It says a lot about us as a nation that we can engage with and enjoy an event like this, in a similar manner to the way the inaugural European Week of Sport was so well organised at a local level by the Irish Sports Council and supported and enjoyed by us all earlier this month. Occasions like this don’t continue to grow year-onyear unless they strike a chord with the public and entertain and inspire us in equal measure. Culture Night is the brainchild of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with regional arts offices, local authorities and cultural organisations throughout the island. This year saw dozens of events locally in Wicklow and hundreds more nationally combine to make a national evening of celebration themed around music, art, literature and much more. There were concerts, workshops, readings, recitals, exhibitions and most importantly all were free! It was a great way of bringing families and friends in a different setting. Whether you were at the creative writing for teenagers with Dave Lordan in Greystones library, the WB Yeats themed event in Blessington library, the Crime & Punishment at Wicklow’s Historic Gaol, at Glendalough to get the tour local poet Martin Swords was giving or anything else around the county, I’m sure you had a memorable evening. Not having to put your hand in your pocket was an added bonus for us all. Why does it have to be just an evening though? Five to eleven
Brian Quigley on a Friday, while a significant chunk of time to set aside for such an event, could be extended out to include a whole day or even a weekend. Granted the time picked allows everyone to attend an event, given that it is outside school and (most people’s) working hours. But why not allow it to encompass the school and working day by encouraging students and businesses to take part and run their own mini-events, maybe during lunch break? Artistic events, like sporting ones, have a way of uniting people. You’re taken out of the routine of your regular life and return to it rested, refreshed, enriched and happier. In the same way that European Week of Sport emphasised that the real success of the week would be in getting people to stick with a sport after trying it out during the dedicated week, Culture Night’s ambition was to inspire people to persist with something tried out or watched at one of the night’s events. As a nation we are the sum of our people and as people we are the sum of all aspects of our lives, activities and interests. There is art and sport in each of us, even if it has been dormant and needs the prompting and encouragement of a national or pan-national campaign to unearth. Once unearthed, keep up the interest. Set time aside for it and encourage your family and friends to do the same.
‘ As a nation we are the sum of our people’
12 | SPECIAL REPORT wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015
Well done
Well-known businessman el Well-known businessman Mick Glynn has been elected President of Bray and District Chamber of Commerce. Mr Glynn was elected to the position at the Chamber AGM last Thursday when he ran unopposed. “I am delighted to be representing the members of the Bray and District Chamber of Commerce as their president,” Mr Glynn told the Wicklow Voice. “I would like to pay tribute to outgoing President Rory Benville for his hard work and dedication over the years. “I also wish to thank the members of the Chamber for voting for me and I look forward to working them going forward. “We now have a dynamic and forwardlooking executive and I feel this is a time of great opportunity for the area. “As the economy begins to improve, now is the time to act to ensure that we continue to go from strength to strength. “I intend to work closely with local businesses, to listen to their concerns and address them. “Bray has huge potential at this moment in time and if we can work together the town can be a thriving hub for businesses.” Mr Glynn is a prominent member of the community, serving as a Fine Gael councillor for five years between 2009and 2014 and served as Cathaoirleach of Bray Town Council 201213. A former student of Presentation College Bray, he dedicates much of his time to volunteering in community projects. As the director of Bray Summerfest, Mr Glynn is responsible for leading the monthlong festival that has drawn record numbers of visitors to the town. This summer’s Bray Air Display brought 90,000 visitors to Bray in a single day. Summerfest and the Bray Air Display are the highlight of the year, especially for many businesses who experience a surge in revenue as a result. The events take year-round planning by Mr
Glynn and the Summerfest committee. A long-time member of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr Glynn is also Chairperson of the St Patrick’s Day Parade and Carnival. A successful businessman, he is Managing Director of Planet Sound, an event/entertainment company based in Bray that operates throughout Leinster. Joining Mick on the Chamber
Executive are Vice President Pat Ó Súilleabháin, Nicola Vance, Kieran Leonard, Karl Kelly, Declan Cobb, Stephanie Curran, Kieran Ward, Emir Stranjak, Ian Donnelly, Eugene Finnegan, Oliver Mahoney, Darren Darker, Malachai Duddy and Brendan Duggan.
SPECIAL REPORT| 13
September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
mick glynn
ected as Chamber President
well done to Mick Glynn proud Past Pupil! Don’t miss our Annual Dinner on October 23 - contact us today!
14 | SPECIAL REPORT wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015
Jason Cooke
SPECIAL REPORT | 15
September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
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16 | ADVERTISEMENT wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015 WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTÁIN
RETAINED FIREFIGHTERS Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to form panels from which future vacancies may be filled on the following fire brigades: • Bray Fire Brigade
REF: 33/2015
• Carnew Fire Brigade
REF: 34/2015
• Rathdrum Fire Brigade
REF: 35/2015
• Arklow Fire Brigade
REF: 36/2015
• Blessington Fire Brigade
REF: 37/2015
• Tinahely Fire Brigade
REF: 38/2015
Candidates should not be more than 55 years of age on the latest date for receipt of applications. Candidates should reside and work within a maximum of 5 minutes distance to the Fire Station as there are strict requirements regarding availability to attend Fire Calls. Remuneration: Retainer starting at €7,562.00 per annum gross plus hourly rates for attendance at fires. Candidates will be subject to Garda Vetting. If progressing with appointments, successful candidates will be required to attend and successfully complete a Suitability Test, Recruit Fire Fighter and Breathing Apparatus Training Course. Application Forms and further details can be obtained from Corporate Services at (0404) 20158 or on the website: www.wicklow.ie or email recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie. Completed application forms must be lodged with the undersigned not later than 12 noon on Thursday 8th October 2015. WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER THOMAS MURPHY, DIRECTOR OF SERVICES, ENTERPRISE & CORPORATE SERVICES, WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL, COUNTY BUILDINGS, WICKLOW Phone: 0404 – 20158 Fax: 0404 – 20112 E-mail: recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie
Buying? Selling? Contact one of our team today e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565
SPECIAL REPORT | 17
September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
would like to wish Mick Glynn and Pat O Súilleabháin the best of luck on their election as President and Vice President of Bray and District Chamber of Commerce
18 | lifestyle
wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015
my favourite things
WHAT’s HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
Picture Perfect
Fashion is getting funky with fringe. Enjoy the fringe benefits of our How To guide on how to wear this trend. Mix textures by teaming a suede jacket with a cute lace dress (Left: Jacket €166, Dress €60.99, both Miss Selfridge. Keep it low key with a fringed
bag Right: Bag €79.99, Skirt €68, Blouse €109. Be sure to pick up some of these key pieces for your closet: Clockwise from top left: Kimono, €49.99, Miss Selfridge; Necklace, €5, Penneys; Tunic, €54.99, Very.co.uk; Leather skirt, €195, House of Fraser; Jumper, €15.99, Penneys.
lifestyle | 19
September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
food
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
Roast leg of lamb with Dauphinoise potatoes
Ingredients
Serves 8 1 leg of lamb 10 large potatoes ½ pint milk ½ pint cream 1 bay leaf 4 cloves garlic 1 bunch rosemary Olive oil Salt and pepper
method
With a sharp knife, make little incisions in the lamb and place slices of garlic and rosemary sprigs into them. Drizzle the lamb with olive oil and season well. Leave to stand for 10 mins. To absorb the flavours, then roast in a hot oven, 200 degrees for approx. 1 hour, or until the meat is nice and pink. Meanwhile, peal and finely
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slice the potatoes. Layer them in a deep roasting tray, seasoning each layer as you go. Bring the milk, cream, bay leaf and 1 clove of garlic to the boil and pour over the potatoes until they are just covered. Bake in an oven at 200 degrees until soft and golden on top. Serve with mixed vegetables.
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Cheers! 48 jobs on way Raheenleagh Wind Farm Community Fund Open Evening
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Whiskey galore
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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.
Gerry Ginty and Ashley Gardiner, co-founders of Powerscourt Distillery, with Sarah Slazenger, Managing Director of Powerscourt Estate and, inset, how we broke the story two weeks ago. Pic Jason Clarke Photography By Michelle McGlynn a total of 48 jobs will be created in the Wicklow area as part of the proposed Powerscourt Distillery. Following on from our story on September 10, it has been revealed that there will be 30 jobs created during the construction phase of the project and a further 18 fulltime jobs once the business is fully operational. Local entrepreneurs and co-
founders of this new venture, Gerry Ginty and Ashley Gardiner, lodged the planning application for the construction of the craft distillery and a visitor centre. The project will involve refurbishing the old mill house on the grounds of Powerscourt Estate into a world class distillery which is aiming to produce over one million bottles of whiskey per year at full production. It is hoped that the first batch
of whiskey will be distilled by the end of 2016 and placed in oak casks to mature. The distillery will make use of its surroundings as they use barley grown in the nearby fields and mix this using certified mineral water from Powerscourt Estate’s well. “A unique product will be created at Powerscourt Distillery, which will utilise the natural ingredients and draw on the heritage of this spectacular Wicklow location,” said Gerry. 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
Unit 8, Radio Centre , Killarney Road, Bray
Tuesday 6th October at 7:30pm – 9:30pm in Woodenbridge Hotel, Arklow Join us at this event to learn how your community can avail of funding through the ESB Coillte Raheenleagh Wind Farm Community Fund. For more information on Raheenleagh Wind Farm, and to access the application form, please see:
www.windfarmcommunityfunds.ie/raheenleagh/ or www.raheenleaghwindfarm.ie
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topten
20 | WHAT’S HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015
Offer of the week Matt Britton Carpets Oldcourt Industrial Estate, Boghall Road, Bray and Albany Business Park, Kilcoole Industrial Estate, 01 2760021 With the coming of their new sixth store in Malahide and an opportunity to team up with retail giant Harvey Norman in Belfast on the cards, it’s only natural that Matt Britton Carpets have outgrown their current warehousing facility in Wicklow. But as the team work day and night transporting stock to their new central facility in Tallaght, sales staff at Bray and Kilcoole have managed to get their hands on hundreds of premium level pieces to sell off at up to 80% less! Over 500 end pieces are already available! Don’t miss your opportunity to get the ‘best of the remnants’ – the liquid gold of the biggest, most exclusive orders. How? Just check out the new Remnant Departments in Bray and Kilcoole today - and bring some incredible value in carpets to your home!
Fundraiser of the week Masquerade Ball Avon Ri, Burgage, Blessington, October 31 Enjoy some spooky fun this Halloween at Avon Ri’s annual Masquerade Ball in aid of Barretstown. Get dressed up and experience a fantastic night in the spooktacularly decorated Russborough Suite. Dine in style with a delectible four course meal being served before you dance the night away to live music from the Bentley Boys. There will be more music and other entertainment throughout the night. There will be a raffle and spot prizes on the night with some wonderful prizes to be won. With accommodation available on the night, you can dance until the wee hours and make a proper night of it. Tickets are €65 each with all proceeds going to Barretstown which offers life-enhancing programmes for seriously ill children as well as support for parents and carers. Tables of 10 are available for purchase. Call Avon Ri on 045 900670 or see avonri.com for details.
book of the week According to their Lights - Stories of Irishmen in the British Army, Easter 1916 By Neil Richardson In April 1916, the Easter Rising broke out in Dublin. History remembers it as Irish rebel against English soldier, but the truth is more complicated. Neil Richardson explores this truth in his new book, According to their Lights. Thousands of British army soldiers in the Rising were Irishmen, including several from Wicklow such as Second-Lieutenant Robert Barton from Glendalough, who later became a Sinn Féin TD and a signatory of the Anglo-Irish Truce and Lance-Corporal Evans Hadden from Tinahely who fought with the 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers during the Rising and later died in the trenches of France. Other soldiers featured are the infamous Captain John Bowen-Colthurst on whose orders Francis Sheehy-Skeffington was executed, and the eclectic scientist and inventor Prof. John Joly from Co. Offaly who, at fifty-eight, helped to defend Trinity College Dublin throughout the Rising.
TV SHOW of the week You, Me and the Apocalypse Wednesdays, Sky One, 9pm You, Me and the Apolcalypse is a bold, adrenaline-fuelled comedy drama about the last days of mankind - boasting a relentlessly entertaining mix of action, adventure, romance and wit against a backdrop of apocalyptic chaos. Rob Lowe, Jenna Fischer, Megan Mullally, Mathew Baynton and Pauline Quirke will lead the cast in this epic dramedy. The
Christmas tip of the week Toymaster Christmas Club Unit 18, Meridian Point, Greystones, 01 2878564 The kids are back at school, Halloween is creeping closer and Christmas will be here before we know it. Why not get on top of things now and save yourself that December stress. Toymaster’s Christmas Club is an ideal way to get organised and to help you organise your finances. You can put away items and then pay for and collect them at your convenience. The club is open year round and all you need to do to avail of the service is become a member. This is a great way to help you budget for the festive season. You can also use the service for birthdays and other big occasions. Join up in-store today and enjoy all the benefits the Toymaster Christmas Club has to offer.
story follows an eclectic group of seemingly unconnected characters around the world as their lives start to intersect in the most unexpected ways. All triggered by the news that a comet is on its on an unavoidable collision course towards earth. Some of this group of misfits are destined to make it to a bunker deep beneath the suburbs of Slough, and as a result will become the hugely unlikely (and frankly, somewhat unsuitable) future of mankind.
6 7 8 9 10
WHAT’S HOT| 21
September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the week Solace Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Colin Farrell teams up with Anthony Hopkins in this intense thriller. A series of bizarre murders have begun cropping up around the city, leaving the FBI perplexed. Frustrated with their lack of success in tracking down the serial killer, veteran detective Joe Merriweather (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and his younger ambitious partner, Katherine Cowles (Abbie Cornish), decide to enlist the help of reclusive, retired civilian analyst, Dr Clancy (Hopkins) to help them in their investigations. But when he begins to see visions of the killer (Farrell), Clancy soon realises his gift of secondary sight is nothing compared to the mental powers of the wanted man. Originally written as a follow-up to serial killer classic Se7en, Solace is a gripping and nerveshredding supernatural thriller from the pen of British writer Peter Morgan who wrote Frost/Nixon.
HOROSCOPES
Community idea of the week Raheenleagh Wind Farm Community Fund Woodenbridge Hotel, Arklow, October 6, 7.30pm ESB and Coillte will be launching the Raheenleagh Wind Farm Community Fund and there will be a briefing event on October 6. Local community and volunteer groups are invited to attend. The Community Fund will prioritise projects and initiatives that support and benefit the area surrounding the Raheenleagh Wind Farm, over the 25 year lifetime of the
wind farm. The briefing event will provide local community and volunteer groups with important information in relation to the fund application process. The Fund is currently accepting applications from groups and communities until October 30. The fund will be operated and administered by ESB and Coillte with the support of the grant making organisation, South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD). The application form is available at raheenleaghwindfarm. ie or windfarmcommunityfunds.ie/ raheenleagh.
Amber Springs Wexford Road, Gorey, Co Wexford, 053 9483403, October 4, 2pm-5pm
Virgo- This week is a 9 Make changes for the better. Ask for and get the funding. Let go of a preconception. Defer gratification for a while. Romance arises unexpectedly.
GIG of the week
Kids activity of the week Major Minors Bray School Project NS, Killarney Road, Bray, 086 3848526 Major Minors is a junior orchestra based in Bray. It is a great way for your children to learn a new skill and make some new friends. Major Minors are welcoming string, woodwind, keyboard and percussion players. They are keen to welcome children who play violin, viola, cello, flute and clarinet. Playing with others is a great way to make learning a musical instument worthwhile. Rehearsals take place in Bray School Project each Thursday from 4.30pm until 5.30pm. The orchestra is open to primary-school aged children. Children will have the opportunity to perform at concerts that are put on by Major Minors.
Gemini- This week is an 8 Set new rules to streamline your routine. Don’t let trolls distract you. Listen to people who know and love you.
Leo- This week is a 7 Dreams can come true. Don’t gamble the farm. Figure out the bottom line. Talk is cheap. Don’t believe it all. Avoid arguments.
At The Amber Springs Hotel, you will find their warm hospitality and impeccable personal service create a truly unforgettable wedding day. Built on a wealth of experience the dedicated team specialise in adding that extra touch of elegance. Whether you are looking for an intimate gathering or an exuberant celebration, Amber Springs will ensure no stone goes unturned to bring you the perfect day. Be sure to visit their wedding fair to see all that they can offer you on your special day. Sample their chefs mouth watering canapés and enjoy exclusive wedding fair discounts. Your wedding journey begins at the Amber Springs.
Arklow community service The Loaves and Fishes Café is celebrating its first anniversary with a gala concert. The gig will feature a wealth of local performers, including the Revival Gospel Choir, Terry Cantwell, Small Town Crisis, The Vault Youth Centre, Bernard Fox and many more. The concert programme is suitable for all ages, with pieces from the Avonmore Musical Society, various dance and theatre schools, along with a preview
Taurus- This week is a 7 Make a good impression. Others provide what you need. A friend can explain a complex topic. Offer encouragement. Work together to get ahead faster.
Cancer- This week is an 8 An amazing development changes the game. Keep your eyes on the prize. Trust, but verify. Good advice comes from far away.
Wedding fair of the week
The Loaves and Fishes birthday Arklow Bay Hotel, Sea Road, Arklow, October 15, 8pm
Aries- This week is a 6 Revelations open new territory. Talk about what you love, and remain forgiving with miscommunications. Roll around obstacles.
of the St Mary’s College upcoming production of High School Musical. The concert is both a celebration and a fundraiser for the ongoing costs of running The Loaves and Fishes. The Café provides a free home-cooked meal for anyone who wants it, no questions asked, between 4.30pm and 6.30pm every Tuesday evening at The Centre, 1A Wexford Road, near the Upper Main St roundabout. A particular need is for a commercial cooker to replace the overstretched domestic one they’ve been using up to now. Tickets from 087 7756736 or in Arklow at The Blue Cafe and Arklow Bay Hotel.
Libra- This week is a 6 You have what you need. Don’t waste money or argue about it. Review facts, and handle tasks before playtime. The more you learn, the less you know. Scorpio- This week is a 9 Focus on raising income. Investigate a fascinating attraction. Remain open to suggestions. Discover a lucky break. Sagittarius- This week is a 5 Profitable new opportunities call. It could get chaotic. Clean messes. Deepen your understanding for a brilliant insight. Capricorn- This week is a 7 Avoid obvious irritations and conflicts. Keep your cool, and others do too. Challenge the generally-held opinion. Make a personal change. Aquarius- This week is a 6 Don’t worry about money, but don’t spend much either. Share expenses. An unexpected windfall lights you up. It’s really all about love. Pisces- This week is a 9 Note cynicism without getting sucked in. Speak from your heart. Listen for divine wisdom. Look from a different angle. Someone admires your ideas.
22 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015
sport in brief Arklow Geraldines
The next meeting of the Club Executive will take place on October 7 at 8pm in the County GAA Board Room. The Juvenile Boys AGM will be held on October 13 at 7.30pm. Venue to be confirmed.All members, parents and supporters are invited to attend. The Renault Minor A Football Championship Semi Final between AGB and St Nick’s will take place on September 26 at 3.30pm in Aughrim. The U14A Girls Championship Final between AGB and St. Pats takes place on October 10 in Ballinakill. Relief for the U14 girls as they reach the Championship Final despite defeat in Bray on September 20. The match ended with jusr two points in the difference, Bray 4-5 AGB 2-9. The girls will train hard for a showdown with old foes St Pats having won their group by score difference.
Bray Wanderers Ticket selling arrangements for Bray Wanderers fans for the FAI Cup Semi Final against Cork City on October 4 are as follows: Season ticket holders/ Limerick match ticket holders: September 23: 4pm – 9:30pm,
A group photo of the teams who took part in Day One of the Allianz Boys Hurling League in Bray Emmets GAA on September 16. See full story below. September 24: 10am-5 pm. General sale of tickets: September 24 6pm-8pm, September 25: 12pm-6pm, September 26: 10am-1pm Depending on availability. An update will be provided regarding ticket sales on September 26. Check out braywanderers.com for ticket sales updates. Ticket prices are Adults €15, Students €7, Children / OAP €5. Tickets will be on sale from the Carlisle Grounds. Season tickets are not valid for this game. The semi-final is on October 4 at the Carlisle Grounds with a 2pm kick off time.
There was no Lotto jackpot winner on September 20. Numbers drawn were 2, 6, 17 and 29. €30 lucky dip winners were Claire Murray, Lindsay O’Neill, Tony Harris, Tom Treanor, Monica Madden. Next week’s jackpot is €10,325. Tickets are on sale in the club shop on match days or at braywanderers.com. Bray Wanderers are at away to Sligo Rovers on September 26. Kick off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm. Wanderers U19s are away to Wexford Youths on September 27 in Ferrycarrig Park at 2pm. Wanderers U17s are at home to Wexford Youths
on September 27 at 2pm. Venue to be confirmed. The 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. 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 0879968969.
Cumann na mBunscol
The Allianz Cumann na mBunscoil Cill Mhántáin Camogie Blitz will take place on September 23 in Bray Emmet’s GAA Ground. This is a one day, nine-a-side, no age limit blitz, commencing at 12pm. Please respond via email or text message to Emer Fahy, Camogie Officer by September 18 if your school would like to take part. The AGM will take place in the Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy on October 8 at 5pm. On September 16, Day One of the Allianz Boys Hurling League took place in Bray Emmets GAA Club. Eight teams
took place in total. St.Patrick’s, Wicklow Town; Rathdrum BNS, Newtownmountkennedy PS and Kilcoole PS were in Group One. St.Cronan’s, Scoil Chualann, St.Fergals and St.Brigid’s Greystones competed in Group Two. Each team had three very competitive matches with no goalkeepers being played meaning that only points counted as scores. St Patricks, Wicklow Town topped Group One with Kilcoole PS coming second. Meanwhile, St.Cronan’s progressed as winners of Group Two with Scoil Chualann in second place. Day Two of the Allianz Boys Hurling League will take place in Bray Emmets GAA Club on September 30. Finally, a big thank you to Bray Emmets GAA Club for hosting the day and to our excellent referees Mossy Gaskin, Con Ó Céadaigh, Eoin Keddy and Liam Keenan.
Shankill GAA The U8s had a blitz at home and once again did very well. The boy’s U12 beat Fingallians and are at the top of the league
table with one match left to play. That match will be on October 17 away to Clontarf. Training for the boys U12 and girls U9 and 11 years is in the Castle on Wednesday evening at 6.30pm and on Saturday morning at 10am when there is no match. Men’s adult football teams’ last match is against Na Ggael Oga on October 4 at 3pm in the Cliffs. Note training day is changed to 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings in the Cliffs. New players always welcome contact Kevin 086 8449902. Juvenile Academy sponsored by O’Donnell’s Pharmacy Shankill is in action every Saturday morning in Shanganagh Castle at 10am catering for 4-8 year old boys and girls. Learn the skills of Gaelic football, Hurling and Camogie in a safe and fun environment. The cost is only €2 per child.
Kung Fu 4 Kids Kung Fu 4 Kids are opening a new branch in Shoreline Leisure Centre, Bray. They are currently enrolling and are hoping to begin on October 1. Kung Fu 4 Kids is taught for self-defence and self-awareness while also improving health, strength, flexibility and selfcontrol. There is a focus on safety, encouraging people to do their best and to believe in themselves. There is also importance on the three big C’s: concentration, co-ordination and confidence. Kung Fu 4 Kids offers age appropriate classes for all school going classes. Hatchling classes cater for junior and senior infants, Little Cranes class is for ages 6 and 7, for age 8+ there is the Shouting Cranes and for 12+ there is a dedicated teens club. For more information see kungfu4kids.ie or call 01 2762028.
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September 24 2015 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Bumper weekend as Cup roars Last weekend was another bumper one for sport nationally. Saturday saw Ireland open their Rugby World Cup account with a controlled and impressive performance against Canada in Pool D. Ireland ran in seven tries, all from different scorers, as they hammered the Canadians 50-7. Johnny Sexton’s 14 points took him past 500 career Ireland points. Perhaps crucially, Ireland gained a bonus point whereas France didn’t in their victory over Italy. In the other Pools there were surprise wins for Georgia and Japan (over the mighty South Africa). In between a feast of rugby there was also a small matter of the All-Ireland Senior Football final to be settled and huge congratulations to our neighbours Dublin who triumphed over their old foe, Kerry. Bray limber up for the Cup semi-final More locally, Bray Wanderers came back from behind twice last September 19 to draw with Limerick at the Carlisle Grounds. Ryan McEvoy scored both the Seagulls’ goals as they held off a spirited and determined Limerick side, who despite their lowly league position have been on a great run of form in recent weeks as they battle to avoid the drop. Wanderers stayed in the top half of the league after last weekend’s round of games and look to be safe from relegation at this stage, although mathematically they
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It’s Kick Fada time yet again! By Michelle McGlynn
The late Tom Walsh singing Amhrán na Bhfiann at the start of last year’s All Ireland Kick Fada competition at Bray Emmets grounds in Bray. Photo by William Power. could do with another couple of points from their remaining half dozen league matches. This Saturday, September 26 they are away to Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds and then attention will turn to the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup semi-final at home to Cork on October 04. This match will be a sell-out but anyone unable to get a ticket will be able to watch the game still as it is being shown live on television. Another summer comes to an end for Ed Across the channel the county cricket season finishes this week
and Wicklow man Ed Joyce’s Sussex side are battling to stay in the LV County Championship Division One. Going into this week’s final game Sussex just need to avoid defeat to fight off the possibility of Hampshire overtaking them and sending them down, but this is easier said than done given that Sussex travel to play champions Yorkshire at Headingly. In last week’s final home game of the season Joyce led Sussex to a draw at Hove against Somerset, for who former England player Marcus Trescothick scored 210, not bad for a 39 year old. Joyce
himself is 36 and shows no sign of retiring either – which is
good news for Ireland’s national cricket team.
The 16th annual Bray Emmets Kick Fada will welcome a host of the county and country’s best kickers when it takes place on September 26 from 1pm. It will be a poignant day as this year marks the first year that Tom Walsh, who passed away in January, will not be at the centre of activity running the event alongside Pat Wogan. The club has decided to present the Tom Walsh Perpetual Cup to the winner of the men’s competition in his honour.
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wicklowvoice.ie September 24 2015