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Eight of our schools make the top 400 list By Michelle McGlynn
EIGHT Wicklow schools have made it into the top 400 throughout the country, according to a new study. Fee-paying St Gerard’s in Bray comes top of the table in Wicklow at 48th nationally while four other schools were ranked in the top 200: Colaiste Raithin in Bray (140), East Glendalough School in Wicklow Town (188), Loreto Secondary School (193) in Bray and Gaelcholaiste na Mara in Arklow (196). The majority of Wicklow schools featured were mixed but there were two girls schools, Loreto Secondary School and Dominican College (298) in Wicklow Town. Presentation College Bray was the only boys school in Wicklow to rank in the 400 placing 260 while the final school in the list is Colaiste Bhride in Carnew which came in at 353. There are 721 secondary schools in the country and 22 in Wicklow. The only schools to have
First year students of Greystones’Temple Carrig School which opened its doors last week for the first time. Picture: Lynn Glanville. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside improved their national rankings were East Glendalough School which rose 13 places and Dominican College which jumped an impressive 32 places. Colaiste Raithin in Bray dropped by 18, the largest drop in all the Wicklow schools. Wicklow schools account for 2% of the top 400 schools in the country. Counties with a larger schoolgoing population such as Dublin
and Cork feature prominently. When compared to six counties os a similar population, Wicklow had the least number of schools in the top tables alongside Wexford and Louth. Tipperary (18, 4.5%), Kerry (16, 4%) and Wexford (8, 2%) have a slightly larger population than Wicklow, while Mayo (18, 4.2%), Louth (8, 2%) and Clare (14, 3.5%) have a population slightly smaller. The figures
were compiled by the Sunday Times and and are based on the number of students going to university between 2011, 2012 and 2013 and do not account for all third-level institutions. In our edition of August 21, the Wicklow Voice stated that 68% of Wicklow students went on to third-level education. P10: Kevin Lewis on ETBs P 12: Student eureka moment
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4 | NEWS news in brief Gunrunning book A BOOK by the author Vincent Breslin commemorating the centenary of the Kilcoole and Howth gun-running 1914 has been published. The book explores the historical background to the gun-running and the three week voyage is told by those who sailed aboard the various yachts involved.
Men’s Shed relaunch GREYSTONES Men’s Shed is being relaunched in the new location at Dann’s Bar, Greystones Harbour. All men are welcome to join the groupm on September 11 at 8pm. Men’s Sheds are a place where men can come together to work on their hobbies and chat.
ACI meeting THE North Wicklow Association of Catholics in Ireland will meet in the portacabin at St. Fergal’s Chuch, Bray on Wednesday, September 10 at 7.30pm. The meeting will address how trust and communication can be promoted within the church.
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
Rob pours cold water on Laura romance rumour
By Michelle McGlynn
WICKLOW’S Laura Whitmore (right) set tongues wagging at the recent Electric Picnic with rumours that she was get cosy with Irish rugby hunk Rob Kearney. According the Irish Mirror newspaper, the Bray beauty was spotted enjoying a sneaky snog backstage with Rob that sparked rumours that she and the Leinster hero are an item. However, Rob who nominated pal Laura for the ice-bucket challenge, denied the rumours on Twitter by saying: “@Demelzadeburca inaccurate and totally untrue article you’ve written. As a result I’ll never do another sports interview with your paper!” Single Laura’s festival style was described as effortlessly cool in Stradbally and the pair were invited on-stage by Chic frontman Nile Rodgers along with about 30 other festival goers to have a bit of a dance. Last year, the Laura attended the festival to support then-boyfriend, rocker Miles
Timetable
Live Lounge at The Harbour Bar Week 1 (4-7 Sep) Thurs: MASS Band (disco, funk) Fri: Harbour’s Birthday (loads of bands!) Sat: Pete Pamf (funk rock) Sun: Ross Breen (folk, indie pop)
Week 3 (17-21 Sep) 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)
* Guinness Amplify ** AMA Emerging Artists
Week 2 (11-14 Sep) Thurs: Otherkin/ColorSound (**) Fri: Bree Harris (blues) * Sat: The Bonny Men (trad) * Sun: The Young Folk (alt. folk)
Week 4 (25-28 Sep) Thurs: Red Empire/Fox Jaw (**) Fri: The Barley Mob (folk reggae) Sat: Etc. (alternative) Sun: Gypsy Rebel Rabble (bluegrass) Plus Trad music in THE BAR.
Kane. But this year the star is single. Her ex, Paolo Nutini, headlined the main stage on Saturday. Laura has also been linked to Love/Hate star, Killian Scott. Leinster star Rob is also single after splitting from actress Susie Amy last December. This year’s line-up boasted a stellar line-up featuring acts such as Portishead, Outkast, Foals, Pet Shop Boys, St Vincent and Blondie. But it was Wicklow’s very own Hozier who drew one of the biggest crowds of the entire weekend. Andrew Hozier-Byrne admitted that facing the vast sea of revellers at the main stage was slightly daunting but the buzz must have taken over because there were no nerves in sight and on the Saturday evening, one of the best moments of the festival took place as mega-hit Take Me To Church began. Hozier wasn’t the only familiar Wicklow face at the Picnic as Blessington’s Jack Reynor and his lovely fiancée Madeline Mulqueen were spotted enjoying the sun in the Casa Bacardi area.
news in brief Fitness League FITNESS League classes, led by fully trained teachers, will resume in Bray this month. Classes are in Parish Hall, Novara Avenue on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings. There is also a class in Ballywaltrim Community Centre on Wenesdays, see www.thefitnessleague.ie.
Guardian Project C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S to The Guardian Project Arklow who have won Best Youth Group in Co. Wicklow as part of the People of the Year Awards 2014. The project is a charitable nonprofit organisation which provides support services to children and young people experiencing parental separation and bereavement.
ClapHandies
In advance of their new PlayLab term kicking off, ClapHandies are running a week of pop-up play and coffee mornings in Wicklow. Events will be held in the Killruddery House in Bray on September 8 from 10am-12pm and in the Parochial Hall in Wicklow Town on September 9 from 10am-12pm.
Love is .... Wicklow’s newlyweds are oldest in country By Michelle McGlynn
WICKLOW newlyweds are the oldest in the country, according the the most recent census by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Research by the CSO has shown that the average age of Irish brides and grooms has risen over the past number of years. When the numbers were broken down by local authority area, Wicklow men were shown to be the most hesitant about taking the plunge with an average age of 36.5. The results of the research has shown that Irish people are among the oldest in Europe when marrying. The number of marriages being registered in Ireland had been declining in the past number of years but 2013 saw 21, 770 marriages registered the highest in six years. It may not be cold feet that is delaying Wicklow’s lovebirds from walking down the aisle, the economic downturn is likely to have played its part. The number of couples cohabiting has continued to rise and according to research by the Economic and Social Research Institute, three-quarters of couples living together go on to get married. The recession means that
many couples have not had the money for a wedding. Many couples will have chosen to put off their special day until they were in a secure financial situation and could afford to have the wedding they always wanted. For some the future is looking a bit brighter as we are told the recession has passed and they have been able to plan for their future. It is likely that we will see the number of marriages in Ireland continue to rise but the average age may not change drastically. There are a number of other factors contributing to this trend. Young people today spend a large portion of their twenties focused on their education and trying to establish their careers. Having children outside of marriage has become more acceptable as religious and conservative views have changed. Travel has become an important part of Irish life and your twenties are the ideal time to do this as you have completed your education and have yet to become tied down with a career or a mortgage. The priorities of young people have changed significantly since the 1970s when the average age of newlyweds first began to rise. So fear not, the people of Wicklow have not lost their sense of romance, they have just postponed it for a bit.
Newspaper offers reward THE Wicklow Times has offered a reward of €5,000 in relation to an incident in which copies of its newspaper were allegedly dumped. On its front this week, Editor Shay Fitzmaurice, says that an organisation called Wicklow Litter Watch allegedly sent emails to customers of the newspaper. Meanwhile, Esther Hayden reports in the Wicklow and Bray People newspapers that Wicklow County Council
has confirmed to them that it has removed waste from an area near Tinakilly House in Rathnew. “Our Environmental warden investigated the matter and waste was located and identified,” Helena Dennehy of Wicklow County Council is quoted as saying by the People newspapers. If you have any information contact the Wicklow Times at wicklowed@locatimes.ie or call 01-2869111
NEWS |5
September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
The Principal, Alan Cox (far left) and teachers of Temple Carrig School in Greystones with Archbishop Michael Jackson (centre)
Rhona Lennox (12) and Ewan Lennox (4) at Wicklow Swimming Club in Wicklow Harbour
Daisey-May Moules is sure to melt the teachers heart on her first day at big school in St.Michaels NS Arklow (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Pictured on his first day in Gaelscoil Arklow and looking very smart in his uniform is Sean Farrell and his mum Mary (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Cousins Harry Nolan (left) and Felix Keogh on their first day at school in St Andrew’s National School Bray (pic Jason Keogh)
Zoe with her mum Wendy Harris on the first day of school at St Andrew’s National School Bray (pic Jason Keogh)
6| NEWS news in brief Arts show THE Bray Arts show will be held in the Martello, Bray on September 8 at 8pm. The show features talents such as writer Dan Roddy, musician Jimmi Cullen, artist John Dunne and Dermot McCabe & the Harbour Group.
Fugue State FUGUE State is a photography and sculpture exhibition based on the passage of time and the play that happens between light and shadow both inside and out. It features the work of Wicklow artist Ann Murphy’s sculptures alongside the photography of Christine Lebeck. The exhibition opens in Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray on September 18 and it runs until November 8.
Ferris conference WICKLOW TD Anne Ferris will give the opening address at an International Adoption Conference, hosted by the Law Department of UCC on Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5. Joining adoption rights activist Philomena Lee, Deputy Ferris will speak about her proposals for new information and tracing legislation.
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
Packed line-up announced for Culture Night By Michelle McGlynn
CULTURE Night 2014 will bring a whole host of exciting events to Wicklow on September 19. In Wicklow and beyond, arts and cultural organisations will open their doors until late with free events, tours, talks and performances for you to enjoy. Now in its ninth year, Wicklow’s Culture Night has a lot on offer. Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray have teamed up with Fishamble Theatre Company, Vintage La Touche in Greystones, Signal Arts Centre and the recently crowned Ms Vintage Roots Pin Up Milan 2014 Santina Spitfire for an exciting night. It begins with a children’s workshop at 5pm and is followed by a performance of Swing by Fishamble at 6.30pm. Swing is a highly acclaimed
show about dancing and is filled with laughs and great music. At 9pm you will have the chance to have a drink and dance with Santina Spitfire herself. Spanning eras from the 20s to the 50s, Santina and the other dance artists will show and teach you three classic dances bringing you from the speak easy to the dance halls. If you’re not feeling very Footloose on the night, the Russborough House and Parklands in Blessington offers an alternative. They will host evening tours of their wonderful 3D exhibition together with free access to the new interactive and 3D basement exhibition. There will also be free access to the parkland walks around the estate, the playground and the historic beech head high maze. Meanwhile Signal Arts
Centre, Bray have an interesting night planned. A willow façade will be erected in front of the centre. Wooden free-standing suns and umbrellas will be decorated by various groups such as community groups, resource centres and schools. These will be displayed outside and around Signal Arts Centre as the maritime history of Bray will be represented by a display of boat models and lanterns. A number of local bands and musicians will provide music throughout the evening. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more traditional, check out the Boathouse in Wicklow Town who are having a Seisiun Mor. A huge amount of work goes into Culture Night and it is only possible thanks to the efforts of the volunteers involved.
Taking a stand at BIFE open day Michael McCudden (TV and Film) Mary Kelly-Borgatta (acting) at the reecnt Bray Institute of Further Education open day
Matt Way and Aisling Crudden at the BIFE Open Day
NEWS |7
September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
Killruddery film festival returns By Michelle McGlynn
Laura Heffernan (holistic health studies) and Irene Milner (Childcare) at the BIFE Open Day
KILLRUDDERY’S annual Film Festival celebrating classic and silent cinema will take place from September 19 to 21. The festival champions ‘the sound of silence’ in the Modern Age and hopes to inspire audiences with unforgettable silent film screenings with live musical accompaniments. The 2014 programme includes unusual and rarely seen films selected by Festival director and film maker, Andrew Legge. On Saturday, you can enjoy two short films which are screening in partnership with the IFI short film programme. T here will be three workshops running on Saturday as well. There will be a Foley Workshop with Caoimhe Doyle and Jean McGrath of Ardmore Sound for children and another one for adults. Animator Phil McDarby will host a workshop with children, guiding them through the process of making an animation film.
142-year-old Harbour celebrates first birthday! By Michelle McGlynn
IT seems strange for a pub that has been around since 1872 to be celebrating their first birthday but that’s just what the Harbour Bar in Bray will be doing on September 5. It has been a successful year for the Duggan family since they purchased the iconic pub in August 2013. While the Duggan family have taken care to retain the things that make the Harbour Bar special, their focus is firmly set on the future. The last 12 months have been hugely successful for the pub and the Duggan family want to celebrate with their customers. “We want to thank our customers for all of their support over this past year. “It has been wonderful and we look forward to celebrating with the people who have helped to make it so special,” said Conor Duggan. Music will be a huge part of the celebrations on the day
Ruby Fergus, assistant manager at Platform Pizza, which also celebrated its first birthday recently with live acts beginning at 8pm. People will be treated to performances by Mongoose, Toasted Specials, the Eskies, Wyvern Lingo and Conor Linnie to name but a few. The Harbour Bar has
become an important venue for new and local acts and even had their own stage at Groove Festival earlier this summer. It is sure to be some party so don’t miss out.
8 | ADVERTISING FEATURE
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
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€1000 VOUCHER FOR THE BED OR MATTRESS OF YOUR DREAMS
THE DON’T COME CRYING TO US IF YOU MISS IT EVENT By Peter Flanagan GETTING a good night’s sleep shouldn’t be difficult and finding a good quality bed shouldn’t be either. Luckily Flanagan Kerins are here to ensure that you get the right bed for you so you can sleep tight. Everyone is aware of the benefits of a good night’s sleep but as the stress of modern living increases and work hours lengthen it is our sleep that suffers. Most people do not sleep for as many hours as they should so you need to make sure that you get quality sleep. One of the most important steps to take is getting the right mattress for you. People can find it confusing trying to navigate the variety of options available. A good place to start is with the level of firmness you need.
The rule of thumb is if you are a light build choose soft, those of medium build should choose a medium mattress and then people of large build should opt for a firm mattress. Check the size of your current mattress before you go to the showroom, it is helpful to take a photo to show the bed specialist. It is important to check your base - it can be a false economy to replace the mattress without changing the base. If you opt for a sprung base the mattress will feel softer than if it were on a platform base. Always test the mattress by lying on it, sitting on it or pressing it is not enough. While some mattresses are available off the peg, it’s more likely that the one to suit your needs will have to be made and will take 2-4 weeks. So be sure to plan ahead. The staff at Flanagan Kerins are bona fide sleep experts with three generations of knowledge and are more than happy to help you.
ADVERTISING FEATURE | 9
September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
TO ENTER JUST DROP INTO FLANAGAN KERINS OR LIKE FACEBOOK.COM/WICKLOWVOICE OR EMAIL YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER TO COMPS@WICKLOWVOICE.IE T&CS ON WICKLOWVOICE.IE REASONS TO VISIT FLANAGAN KERINS: • Probably the largest exclusive range of Irish made beds in the country with free Leinster delivery, assembly & disposal of your old bed/ mattress. • Expert advice spanning three generations of manufacturing/ restoring / retailing and ongoing learning. • A rare traditional approach to discovering the customers needs and best practice in serving them. • Easy free parking • Relaxed cafe/ coffee shop • Carpet and flooring showroom to facilitate 1 stop shopping. • Kaleidoscopic range of ever changing stock sourced from around the world. • New and old pianos to suit all pockets • Antiques spanning two centuries and catching current imagination. • Interesting range of chandeliers. • Gifts for most occasions • Rugs large and small.
Of course the choice is ultimately yours but discussing your options with a bed specialist can help you to avoid making an expensive mistake. At Flanagan Kerins, they want your shopping experience to be an enjoyable and relaxing one. They offer free delivery in the Leinster area, including assembly and the disposal of your old bed. There is plenty of free parking available, free wifi and the premises is buggy and wheelchair accessible. You are free to browse at your leisure while staff will be available to answer any queries you may have. If you need some time to mull over your decision before making a purchase or you simply need a break then the Red Bird cafe is just upstairs. The cafe serves boutique coffee from microroastery Cloudpickers, loose leaf tea from Suki and a wide variety of scones, cakes and croissants with gluten-free and low-sugar options available.
They put time and research into choosing their baker and there are no additives or preservatives in their baked goods. The Red Bird Cafe has become a popular lunch spot serving chunky vegetable soups, a range of made to order sandwiches, cheeses, pates and tapenade boards. The cafe’s philosophy is to use locally sourced ingredients from the best Irish artisan food producers. Head down to Flanagan Kerins now to take advantage of their super sale. Have a look through their kaleidoscopic range of ever-changing stock which is sourced from all over the world. Flanagan Kerins is filled with stylish and unique pieces for your home. There’s an interesting selection of chandeliers, antiques spanning two centuries and even pianos, new and old. The carpet and flooring showroom makes this a one stop shop for all your household needs.
10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
ETBs signify great change in education
KILDARE and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) was founded on July1, 2013 by the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. This piece of legislation established 16 Education and Training Boards (ETB’s) across the country by amalgamation of 33 former VEC’s. Two of the largest former VECs, Co Wicklow VEC and Co Kildare VEC, were joined together to form Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. KWETB is by far the largest and most diverse provider of education throughout both counties at post-primary, further, adult and community education level. The first Chief Executive of KWETB is Mr Sean Ashe, former CEO of Co Kildare VEC. The creation of KWETB brings about the most significant operational, administrative and governance changes to the education scene in both counties since the 1930 Vocational Education Act. The new entity will provide many new opportunities for the enhancement of educational opportunities for the entire community in both counties, through the combination and sharing of resources, services, expertise and innovative ideas. The new ETBs are not however just the amalgamation of former VEC’s but rather a new and fresh approach to integrating the education and training needs of our community. In particular, training, formerly undertaken by FÁS, including contract training, apprenticeship training, Special Training Projects, Local Training Initiatives, etc. is in the process of transferring to ETB’s. In the case of KWETB, it is our aim that this transfer will take place from January 1, 2015. KWETB has agreed a protocol with the Department of Social Protection which means that our highly professional and experienced Adult Guidance Service will work with these clients to support them into getting the best possible advice around their training need and employment prospects. We also provide many PLC courses at FETAC level 5 and 6 as well as multiple courses for adult learners. ETBs also manage one third of all second-level schools in the country (PostPrimary education for over 100,000 students!) and operate Co-Educational, Multi-Denominational, inclusive enrolment policies as well as catering for a significant number of students with special needs of one kind or another (including dedicated ASD Units in Coláiste Chraobh Abhann, Kilcoole and Coláiste Chill Mhantáin, Wicklow Town). Within KWETB there are 21 Post-Pri-
mary schools catering for over 11,520 students, making KWETB the largest provider of Second Level education in the region. Nationally ETBs are the patron designates of a number of Community National Schools including KWETB’s Piper’s Hill Community National School. Founded in local communities, these schools are child-centred, inclusive, multi-belief, State supported schools which strive to provide a high quality primary education for every child in line with the Primary School Curriculum and guidelines laid down by the Department of Education and Skills. KWETB are available to discuss potential patronage of primary schools with any local community where there is demand. Under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013, ETBs are now enabled to support non ETB schools and we have already begun collaboration with Templerainey NS in Arklow, to provide expertise in relation to their planned large extension. We are also facilitating Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin with temporary premises in the former Abbey Community College, while their Department of Education approved new building is progressed. The KWETB administrative offices are located in Naas and in Wicklow Town. Please visit our web-page www.kwetb. ie, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @KWETB for more information and up to date news. Kildare and Wicklow ETB by Numbers: KWETB caters for over 22,387 second level and adult students KWETBemploys a staff of over 2,490 people 21 Post Primary Schools (including 2 Coláistí Lán Gaeilge) 2 large PLC Colleges 1 Community National School 7 Adult Further Education Centres 7 Youthreach Centres Education Units at Shelton Abbey open prison, Arklow and Midlands Prison, Portlaoise 10 Adult Basic Education /Literacy Centres 1 Outdoor Education Centre Community Education Programs based throughout Kildare and Wicklow 4 Adult Guidance main offices plus outreach services. Music Generation Wicklow (in partnership with Wicklow County Council) Youth Services Joint Trustee of 5 Community Schools Kevin Lewis is Chief Operations Officer of KWETB.
“A
THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN SENSIBLE. BUT THE IRISH HEALTH SYSTEM DOESN’T DO SENSIBLE.
HAVE YOUR SAY ...
Our story from August 7 ‘Garda criticism is pure hypocrisy’ brought this response from Philip Pearson
Nowhere in the above does Michael refer to the various examinations of Garda behaviour. The most noteworthy of those was the Morris tribunal where Gardai were found to have planted evidence in order to incriminate innocent people. The most recent was the Smithwick enquiry where the judge said of the Gardai “it seems to me the Gardai above all prize loyalty to each other rather than loyalty to the state”. It is unfortunate that Michael choose to refer to the mafia one of the most notorious gangster organisation the world has known and their code of silence. Anthony Lewis wrote of this code of silence when he said “it is in silence without accountability, that democratic governments make their cruellest mistakes”. Many organisations in this state lived by a code of silence from which the most needful suffered. Or have we forgotten already the abuse victims which the Church authorities tried to keep secret by silence. The Wicklow Voice welcomes readers’ comments on anything in the paper. Please write to info@wicklowvoice.ie
with Kevin Lewis with Michael Wolsey
Sick and tired but no pillow
friend recently spent two nights and the best part of three days in hospital while being treated for a broken finger. The story of how this minor medical procedure took up so much time and so many resources illustrates some of the problems that plague our health service. Firstly, the finger had to be x-rayed but no x-ray facility was immediately available. By the time the x-ray was taken the relevant doctor was no longer there to read it. So my friend was left waiting on a trolley in a corridor. He was on a trolley because there wasn’t a free bed. But he didn’t need a bed. He could have been in a chair in the waiting area. More to the point, he could have been home in his own house, ready to return when summoned. That would have been sensible. But the Irish health system doesn’t do sensible. So my friend stayed on the trolley until a doctor had read the x-ray. The doctor decided that, as well as setting the fracture, it would be necessary to remove a finger nail. Officially, this is classed as ‘surgery’ although it involved only a local anesthetic and any GP could have done the job. But surgery it was and surgery, apparently, must be followed by a period of rest in bed. Only there wasn’t a bed. So my friend had to wait until one became free - then he could take the rest he didn’t need after the ‘operation’ which could have been conducted 24 hours earlier. It sounds like a script for Carry On Doctor but unfortunately it is real life as experienced every day in Irish health services. My friend’s problem brought me into contact with an accident and emergency department for the second time in as many weeks. The other visit involved a more serious matter. A relative had suffered a surprise seizure, a brief loss of consciousness brought on, perhaps, by a recent fall. I should say here that the A&E I brought her to was not at a local hospital. It was, in fact, at Our Lady of Lourdes, near her home in Drogheda. I assume other hospitals are no better. They could hardly be worse. The A&E department in Drogheda was like a scene from the Crimean War, lacking only Florence Nightingale. And Ms Nightingale, I’m sure, would have organised things better. About 100 people were milling around the entrance. Less than a third of these were patients and it would have helped matters if half the non-patients had been sent packing but no attempt was made to do this. People were milling around because they were unsure how or when their
treatment might proceed. They would not know this until they had been seen by a triage nurse - or rather the triage nurse, for there was only one on duty. This created a huge logjam, made worse by the fact that the nurse would regularly leave her station and head off with a patient to find a trolley, or a doctor, or the x-ray unit. When my relative finally made her way out of the packed reception area she ended up on the inevitable trolley. ‘You could do with a pillow there,’ said a passing nurse. And indeed should could. But, despite several requests, she never got one. She did get a blanket which was more than some other patients could manage. The hospital corridors were full of trollies. Most patients had one or more friends with them, so the place was packed. These friends would come and go, bringing water, and sometimes food, adding to the Crimea-like picture of chaos. It is said the health service needs more staff. I’m sure it does. But on that night it was hard to see how any more staff could have been fitted in. This is not an exaggeration. There was scarcely room to move. Five or six medical people spoke to my relative over the course of the next few hours. They all asked her pretty much the same questions and not one of them ever completed the conversation before being called away to deal with someone else. Twice she was asked if she was on any medication. Twice she replied that she was but couldn’t remember the names of the drugs. She pointed out that she had been in the hospital after the recent fall and they had her records. Twice she was told that the staff couldn’t access records at night. None of these problems I have listed requires money to fix. They require management. The staff were all working extremely hard in very trying conditions but they were not working to good effect. We may not be able to cure the major problems of the health service but we could make a start with the minor ones. Maybe we can’t afford more surgeons but we can afford pillows and blankets. So Minister Varadkar, why not make your start there. Do what you can - and you can do that..
Michael Wolsey is a former deputy editor of the Irish Independent, and sat on the judging panel for the National Newspaper of Ireland Journalism Awards.
OPINION| 11
September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
anyotherbusiness
Have you got a story? Then email thecaptain@wicklowvoice.ie By Captain Louis
Forget Brangelina ... we have Nerris
Forget Brangelina, Wicklow has its very own golden couple – Nerris. Fresh from the news that Angelina Jolie married Brad Pitt in France recently, TD Anne Ferris will marry her beau John Nolan on Friday, September 12 in another coalition between Labour and Fianna Fail. Speaking to Aine Lawlor on RTE at the weekend, Anne spoke of recently meeting her longlost sister for the first time (see Wicklow Voice on July 24), her own adoption experiences and turning 60 this year. Of course Nerris have been stepping out together for a while now and The Captain wishes Anne and long-time Soldier of Destiny John many more years of happiness ahead ...
Ice in their hearts ...
Speaking of Anne, the Bray resident bravely took on the ice-bucket challenge recently and nominated her fellow Wicklow deputies, Simon Harris, Andrew Doyle, Billy Timmins and Stephen Donnelly to do the same, but as yet there has been no sign of soaking for the fab four. Come on lads, don’t be so cold-hearted - and remember the next general election is just around the corner ...
What’s another year, Aldi? June Maher and Sharon Briggs protesting against the installation of water meters in Wicklow
The emergency system that hopefully we’ll never need!
T
HE outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Western Africa became more concentrated in people’s minds here recently when it was announced that the deceased Donegal man Dessie Quinn’s body was being tested to see if he had died from the virus. He hadn’t, and although the manner in which the situation was handled caused great distress to Dessie’s partner, child and extended family, it did show how quickly we can respond in this country to major emergencies. The Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) organises the government’s plans for major emergencies. It is basically a government task force on emergency planning, chaired by the Minister for Defence. Different government departments and agencies are responsible for specific emergency planning functions, and in the event of a major incident the most appropriate department or agency is designated as the lead agency to co-ordinate (hence the HSE’s co-ordination of the Dessie Quinn situation. Dessie had been working in Sierra Leone, one of the countries which has seen the Ebola virus outbreak in recent months). A ‘major incident’ as defined
Brian Quigley by the Office of Emergency Planning’s remit, is one that usually has little or no warning, causes death, injury, disruption to essential services, damage to property and the response to it is beyond the normal capabilities of our Principal Response Agencies. In addition to the Ebola situation the OEP is also currently monitoring the situation with regard to Bardarbunga, the subglacial stratovalcano located under Iceland’s most extensive glacier Vatnajokull. This has the potential to cause another volcanic ash cloud situation (with knock-on effect to airline transport and tourism for the country) similar to the one that arose with Eyjafjallajokull in 2010. The OEP has proved adept at dealing with emergency situations over the years and its particular make-up described above (no fixed membership,
but flexibility to allow relevant departments and agencies and their contacts and support networks be brought in as and when a situation arises) is the key to this success. The current Ebola virus disease outbreak is actually the worst since the virus was first discovered in 1976. In common with other hemorrhagic fever virus diseases like Marburg and Lassa, infection into the human race is through contact with blood or tissue of infected animals. Marburg transitioned into the human race in the 1960’s through infected green monkey tissue, and it is thought that fruit bats carry the Ebola virus. As the HSE have pointed out, Ebola is not transmissible in an airborne manner, like say a cold or flu illness. It is contracted through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. That said, once contracted the prognosis isn’t good, with a 60% to 90% fatality rate. Early intervention to prevent dehydration in patients is a key to survival, as this gives the body’s own immune system the best chance of fighting the virus with the support of antiviral drugs. I read an article recently on the Milwaukee protocol, where rabies patients are not given the rabies vaccine but instead put into an induced coma to help
slow down the inflammation of the brain that causes fatality with this disease, and gives the body’s immune system a longer time to fight the virus. It is proving successful to a certain extent and could point the way to future treatment for other viral illnesses like Ebola. Let the immune system do the work. It just needs to be allowed more time than we can presently give it. Organisations like the OEP need the help of all of us. We need to absorb the information that they put out and heed any advice. At present, travel to Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia or Nigeria should be avoided if possible. One of my brothers is currently working in DR Congo so the situation is of particular concern to my family and I. The OEP may, in theory, have to deal with more local matters than outbreaks of deadly viruses or volcanic ash clouds. What if some problem arose with Vartry reservoir in Wicklow that threatened Dublin City’s water supply. Or likewise the peak-time electricity demand supplied by Turlough Hill? The OEP would kick in with an appropriate contingency plan. It’s good to know they would be there for these eventualities, although hopefully they never arise!
Michael Grant and Lynne Boucher, Marketing Manager Renault Group hand over the key card to Karen Galligan We all know that Aldi pride themselves on being a low-cost grocer, but The Captain is mystified by the logic of giving a car as a prize for a year. Greystones’ Karen Galligan from Oaklands in Greystones drove back to school in style recently in her 142 Arizona Orange Renault Captur after winning the car for a year in a competition run by Aldi Stores (Ireland) and Michael Grant Renault. But what happens after a year - do they just come and take it back? Surely they could have stretched it to another year at least ...
You can count on us, James ...
As Spike Milligan famously said “One day the “Don’t Knows” will get in and then where will we be?” ... In our edition of August 21, The Captain raised concern over Facebook’s figures in relation to a recent poll on Greystones Harbour Commercial Fishing conducted by James Doyle. James was in touch will the complete figures which run as follows : of the 447 people polled 87.02% (389 people) wish to permit commercial fishing, 6.94% (31 people) do not and 6.04% (27 people) don’t mind. Hope that clears it up for you James ...
From one Louis to another ...
Captain Louis received a lovely letter from Louis O’Rourke urging a revamp of the Albert Walk, near Bray’s train station. Louis claims that ‘It would not cost a huge amount of money to transform it ... Indeed could we perhaps have a mini “China Town” here?’. And they would probably keep the place in better shape than some locals, Louis ...
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September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
Eureka! Wicklow students discover science careers
IT looks like we could end up with a county full of boffins as science has come out as the top career choice for Wicklow students. Research into the subject and career choices of students across Ireland has revealed that 78% of secondary school students in Wicklow believe that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects offer the best career opportunity. In addition the survey, which was commissioned by BT as organiser of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, revealed that over 75% of secondary school students in Wicklow plan to study a STEM subject at third level. Conducted through Facebook and Twitter, and completed by over 1,000 students aged under 13 - 18 the survey took in a nationally representative sample across 26 counties. The survey also revealed 69% of students in Wicklow say that STEM subjects are promoted in their schools, with a 65% of
respondents believing that boys and girls are encouraged equally to study STEM subjects. Entrepreneurship and a career in technology also topped the list for Wicklow students with 31% saying they would most prefer Mark Zuckerberg’s job. Interestingly 38% of students in Wicklow would like the job of US President, with 25% opting for the glamorous lifestyle of Miley Cyrus. It seems however, that these budding technology entrepreneurs have mixed views when it comes to their potential earnings. When asked how much money they expect to earn in their first year of full-time employment, in keeping with the national figures, the majority of respondents (38%) are expecting €15,000 - €30,000, 25% are expecting €30,000-€45,000, with an optimistic 3% expecting over €75,000. Conversely, 31% of respondents expect €15,000 or under and 3% expect no pay in their first year of employment sug-
Ruairí (6) and Rowan McFarland (8) off to St Peter’s National School Bray on their first day back gesting that unpaid internships are a consideration for students. Commenting on the survey, Mari Cahalane, Head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, said, “As a company
OPEN DAYS and REGISTRATION Monday 8th, Tuesday 9th, Wednesday 10th Sept. From 4.00p.m. to 8.00p.m. Lectures start 6th October.
Courses on the B.A. Degree Programme Monday 6.30p.m. to 8.15pm: Classical Studies - American Studies 8.30pm to 10.00pm: Philosophy - Mindfulness - Gaeilge - Irish History Tuesday 6.30pm to 8.15pm: Irish Writers - Social Studies 8.30pm to 10.00pm: European History - Irish Legal System - Education and Training Studies Wednesday 6.30pm to 8.15pm: Local History - Psychology 8.30pm to 10.00pm: European Literature - Heritage Studies OPEN ENTRY – NO EXAMS Credits awarded on Course Work and a Major Thesis. Places on the Courses are offered on Informal Interview. Registration Fee €500 per year. Brochures available from the Public Libraries.
www.saor-ollscoil.ie email: info@saor-ollscoil.ie Tel: 8683368. Study at your own pace and obtain a B.A. Degree in your own time.
that is built on innovation, we see every day how ideas can be transformed into life-changing technologies. “We truly believe that STEM subjects are critical in continu-
ing Ireland’s continued success as an innovative technology hub and it’s clear that our students feel the same.” The 2015 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from January 7-10, 2015 and the closing date for entries is 1st October, 2014. There are over 120 awards to be won including the prestigious BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year which was won by Paul Clarke of St. Paul’s College, Raheny in January this year. The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is organised by BT Ireland, one of the country’s leading communications and networked IT service providers, and is supported by a number of valued partners including the Department of Education & Skills, Analog Devices, Intel, Perrigo and RTE. For more information on the exhibition and for details on how to enter, log onto www. btyoungscientist.com or follow the exhibition on Twitter @ BTYSTE.
news in brief Luisne open day LUISNE, Kilcoole are hosting an open day on September 7 from 11.30am until 3.30pm with entry by donation. There will be face painting, a raffle, healthy food demonstrations, live music and free sample therapies and treatments.
Festival of History LA Touche Legacy in association with Greystones Archaeological and Historical Society will hold the Festival of History at Charlesland Golf and Country Club from September 26-28. There will be many interesting lectures and RTE’s WW1 Great War Roadshow will be there. For details see www. greystonesahs.org
Hot Club of Dublin HOT Club of Dublin, the infamous gypsy jazz band, will be performing at the new Hot Spot Music Club in Greystones on Friday, September 5. If you’re a fan of Django Reinhardt, Hotfoot and the late, great Jimmy Faulkner you’ll love these guys. Tickets can be purchased from venue.
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wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
SALLYNOGGIN COLLEGE of FURTHER EDUCATION WHETHER YOU ARE A SCHOOL-LEAVER OR ARE THINKING ABOUT RETURNING TO EDUCATION WE OFFER UP-TO-DATE INDUSTRY-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS
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• Social Studies • Advanced Social Studies • Fashion Design • Fashion Industry Practice • Art Craft & Design Portfolio Preparation • Childcare Studies • Childcare Management • Travel & Tourism Industry Training • Advanced Travel & Tourism Industry Training Hairdressing & Beauty Specialist • Leisure Management & Fitness Instructor • Dance • Photography • Personal Training & Sports Massage Therapy Performing Arts/Theatre, Film & TV Studies • Commercial Floristry • Youth Work
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LEO roars as Autumn courses announced By Michelle McGlynn
LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE WICKLOW Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Rathnew, 0404 30800 WHETHER you are considering a new business start-up or managing an existing enterprise, there may be some gaps in your knowledge with regard to certain elements of the business. The Local Enterprise Office Wicklow are offering autumn training courses and the schedule is available now. These are short practical training courses designed to fill these gaps in knowledge. If you are thinking about setting up your own business then consider the Start Your Own Business courses which will be held at Arklow Business Enterprise Centre, Wicklow County Campus in Rathnew and the Glenview Hotel in Delgany. The course will assist you in assessing the viability of business ideas and understanding essential elements to set up and run your business. There is a course on social media for your business, a tool
which is vital for new businesses nowadays. A social media campaign is a highly cost effective way of promoting your brand and engaging with your target market audience. All of the courses are aimed at improving the management capabilities of people in business and addressing their needs across the full spectrum of business functions from marketing and sales to finance and human resources to general management development. For the full list of courses and to book a place see www. localenterprise.ie/Wicklow. STUDENT ENRICHMENT SERVICES LTD
214 Whitecliff, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, 01 4947927 THE difference between doing well and struggling at school is often just a matter of getting off to a good start. Student Enrichment Services are here to make sure that you get off to a good start and manage to keep on track for the whole year. Rory Mulvey, director of Student Enrichment Services, developed this unique study
skills programme which assists students with their innovative learning techniques. They will be conducting their annual weekend study skills seminar for school student in Ranelagh on Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21. The fee for the seminar is €205 and there are small group discounts available. For further information see www.studentenrichment.ie.
SAOR OLLSCOIL NA HÉIREANN 55 Prussia Street, Dublin 7, 01 8683368 SAOR Ollscoil na hÉireann has an open and flexible system to suit the needs of mature students who work at their own pace to achieve a BA Degree in Liberal Arts in a minimum of three years or longer. The BA Degree is awarded on the basis of a maximum of 50 credits on course work and 50 credits on a major thesis. The student aims to accumulate a minimum of 25 credits on each. Students are encouraged to take two or three courses a year. Saor Ollscoil na hÉireann will hold open days on September 8, 9 and 10 from 4pm until 8pm.
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with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
EVENT of the fortnight WEDDING FAIR Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort, Blessington Lakes, Sunday, September 14, 1pm Discover your perfect wedding venue at Tulfarris Hotel. Join the staff at the Tulfarris Hotel for their wedding fair where you will enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with light canapés, view the magic venue dressed for a wedding day and visit the 18th century Manor House. Their experienced wedding co-ordinator and management team will be on hand to give you both personally guided tours of the idyllic venue and discuss your plans to create the best day of your lives. The Tulfarris Hotel have new wedding packages on offer that will wow your guests while keeping your budget in check. Visit one of Ireland’s most intimate and charming wedding venues and start planning your day.
FAMILY FUN of the fortnight ENNISKERRY VICTORIAN FIELD DAY Knocklinn farm, Ballyman road, Enniskerry, Sunday, September 14 It is nearly time to experience the magic of this traditional rural festival once again. The Enniskerry Victorian Field day will take place at Knocklinn farm, a beautiful setting overlooking the seaside town of Bray with the backdrop of the majestic Sugarloaf. Their charity partner for 2014 will be Lakers, a sports and recreational club for children and adults an intellectual disability. Festival events include steam engines at work, vintage car and tractor shows, tug of war battles and sheaf pitching. There will be craft stalls and a food fair. This year the festival will include a dog show. There will be some superb prizes for the Best Dressed so come in your best Victorian outfit. Adults €10, OAPs €5 and children go free.
BOOK of the fortnight DEBTRIBUTION Eoin Clifford, €2.99 (eBook) Debtribution is a humorous ‘what-if’ examination of Irish society from local author, Eoin Clifford. It’s a hilarious raunchy satire examining the behaviour of our elite in the wake of the financial crisis and the public’s reaction to it. The plot follows a serial killer taking down a bunch of bankers, developers and corrupt businessmen, and a Garda who is trying to stop them with his sexy journalist sidekick in tow. Complete with vomit, kinky sex, property and the Catholic church, Debtribution captures the best that Irish culture has to offer. If Roddy Doyle, Paul Howard, E.L. James and Enid Blyton were locked in a room and forced to write a novel, Debtribution would be it.
TV SHOW of the fortnight ALL-IRELAND FINALS
RTE 1, Sunday, September 7 & Sunday, September 21, 3.30pm Summer has come to an end and the children are back at school but don’t get too down because there’s still the All-Ireland matches to look forward to. First up is the hurling on September 7 when old rivals Tipperary and Kilkenny will face-off once again. Will the Cats be triumphant or will
COMMUNITY IDEA of the fortnight PRELUDE ARTS AND COFFEE SHOP 10b Albert Walk, Bray, facebook.com/preludearts Prelude Arts and Coffee shop was set up as a community initiative to enable new and upcoming artists and crafts people to have a platform in which to showcase their skills. It is giving new life to Albert Walk and is also opening up the world of arts and crafts. There are bhodrán lessons on Tuesdays facilitated by Ronan O’ Snoddaigh and walk ins are always welcome. There will be storytelling on the weekends for children. Prelude Arts do different herbal teas, coffees, the very healthy matcha drinks, various flavoured baby cinnos for the young ones and very decadent flavoured lattes. Prelude Arts is all about making dreams a reality and have created a space for people to be relaxed and inspired.
Tipperary manage to stop Henry Shefflin from winning 10 medals? Following two (well, three) nailbiting semi-finals it is Kerry and Donegal who will compete in the football final. Donegal managed to break through the reigning champions, Dublin and win with a strong lead while it took Kerry two matches to narrowly defeat Mayo. If this final is anywhere near as thrilling as the semis we are in for some match.
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MOVIE of the fortnight A MOST WANTED MAN Gaiety Cinema, Arklow A top quality cast come together in this adaptation of spy novelist John le Carré’s novel of the same name. Carré is the author of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Constant Gardener and The Spy Who Came in From the Cold which have all been adapted for the screen. When a half-Chechen, half-Russian, brutally tortured immigrant turns up in Hamburg’s Islamist community to lay claim to his father’s ill-gotten fortune both US and German security agencies take a close interest. As the clock ticks and the stakes rise, the race is on to establish this most wanted man’s true identity - oppressed victim or destructionbent extremist? The cast includes Willem Defoe, Robin Wright, Daniel Brühl, Rachel McAdams and features an exceptional performance by the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
FUNDRAISER of the fortnight IRELAND’S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING County-wide, Thursday, September 18 On Thursday, September 18 people all over Wicklow are asked to enjoy a Bewley’s #coffee4hospice to raise much needed funds for South Wicklow Hospice Homecare, Wicklow Hospice Foundation and The Friends of St. Brigid’s Kildare Hospice. People in workplaces, homes and local organisations
across Wicklow are being asked to hold a coffee morning and to collect €2 for each cup of Bewley’s fresh coffee consumed. All money raised will go directly to to fund local Hospice care services. Anyone can host a coffee morning and Bewley’s provide the fresh coffee grounds free of charge. Register to host a coffee morning on www. irelandsbiggestcoffeemorning. ie. Pictured Lottie Ryan, Mark Saunders & Sharon Foley.
FITNESS IDEA of the fortnight
ARIES-7,10,18,24,36,37 This is your month – give yourself as much freedom as you can. Choose the activities you like - new course or hobby! TAURUS-3,15,19,25,34,36 All the Bulls without exception will benefit from a change. Not a time for philosophical ponderingfun time! GEMINI- 6,14,22,27,32,34 Gemini’s idea of good recreation may be different from its friends’ opinion. The Twins will love this busy month CANCER-10,14,22,24,29,32 Spontaneous inspiration is what distinguishes September 21, for Cancer. Surges of energy and determination are welcomed. LEO-1,11,21,33,39,42 A favorable month for Leo! Harmonious for active, industrious and unstoppable Lions capable of winning the crowd over.
HELL AND BACK KILLRUDDERY Killruddery Estate, Bray, September 13 & 14 Hell and Back Titan is back - meaner and harder than ever before. For the first time the magnificent Killruddery House and Gardens are actually going to be a central part of the course. Participants will now have the chance to enjoy the stunning scenery as they snake around the beautiful grounds. Spectators can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the stunning gardens as their loved ones go through hell. The fantastic obstacles Titan has in store will include tyre squeeze, ten foot tessie, the swamp, human centipede, sniper alley and hell on earth. Hell and Back is an excellent opportunity to fundraise for your favourite charity. If you think you have what it takes to survive Ireland’s toughest physical and mental endurance challenge then get registered. See www.hellandback.ie
VIRGO-9,18,22,28,29,32 Dreams of powerful bright experiences and abrupt changes in life. Its your time. LIBRA-8,20,28,32,36,42 If Libra’s attempts to change its partner’s mind seem useless, don’t waste time and knocking at the closed door- try the window.
GIG of the fortnight THE YOUNG FOLK Harbour Bar, Bray Seafront, Sunday, September 14 The Young Folk are a multi-faceted, alt-folk band hailing from Dublin. They released their debut album, The Little Battle, earlier this year at home, throughout Europe and in the US and Canada. It has been a great year for the lads so far. Their music has been featured
in a national advertising campaign for Jameson whiskey and the National Transport Authority. They have has several appearances on television and recently opened for Imelda May. Now, fresh from a stellar gig at Electric Picnic, the boys will be performing at the Harbour Bar. They have been tipped as serious challengers to the likes of Fleet Foxes and The Low Anthem.
SCORPIO-5,10,21,28,38,41 Peace and focus are a must for Scorpio’s; particularly important if you work even on a weekend. Love life looking up. SAGITTARIUS-2,4,16,29,33,37 September 19, promises great surprises to Sagittarius. Overall, a big new opportunity looms for you - go for it! CAPRICORN-1,6,18,29,34,42 Unpredictable events or your own unstable preferences may stand in your way. Don’t plan ahead and simply go with the flow. AQUARIUS-4,10,14,28,30,36 Aquarius is energetic, inquisitive and mobile. Not too fond of physical work? You will find inspiration somewhere else innovative ideas.
‘PULLQUOTE HERE– IN THE MAFIA, THOSE WHO GO AGAINST THE WISHES OF THE DONS CAN HAVE A SHORT LIFE’
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY of the fortnight GIRLS BRIGADE GREYSTONES Swann Hall, St. Patrick’s Church, Church Road, Greystones, 086 8269630
Girls Brigade Greystones will be returning for another fun filled year on Saturday, September 13. They meet each week from 4 to 6pm from September until April. Girls aged three and upwards are more than welcome to come along. The Girls Brigade do many activities each week including modern dance, arts and crafts, baking, skipping, outings and much more. It is a great opportunity to make new friends and learn new skills while having fun. Registration for the full year is €90 for one child and €130 for two or more children in one family. Head along and see what they get up to and you’re sure to have lots of fun. Contact Anne Fitzsimmons on 086 8269630 to book your place today.
PISCES-9,11,19,22,33,35 You may act in an unusual and financially risky manner - set aside some money for a rainy day. New ideas & ventures. Live Psychic Angel-TarotMedium Siobhan Tel 1580997207- 18+ Bill payers permission-Calls cost €2.44 per minute; calls from other networks may vary. Calls are for entertainment purposes and may be recorded.
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wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
Get yourself ship shape for Autumn Advertorial
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
WITH the summer behind us and the children back at school, September always has a feeling of new beginnings so what better time to reboot your weight loss plan. Slimming World are here to help you to achieve your goals in a healthy way by encouraging healthy eating and an active lifestyle. Their modern and highly-effective approach to weight loss is empowering and enabling. Support - online and in group - is based on a deep understanding of how you feel and a passionate desire to help you to achieve and maintain your personal weight loss goal. Success is not achieved by setting impossible standards or through humiliation. It is achieved through caring, compassion and respect. You decide what size you want to be and Slimming World will provide the advice and support to help you get there. Say goodbye to fad diets and going hungry, Food Optimising does not cut out all of your fa-
vourite foods and you can eat what you want, when you want. You will have access to lots of great recipe ideas and well as suggestions for eating out. Body Magic, their unique activity programme, will help you to take small steps towards a more active lifestyle. You will receive practical help to build up your activity in steady stages, finding enjoyable activities for you to do yourself or with family. Slimming World offer two types of membership: weekly group support or online support. At the heart of the group support is IMAGE therapy which stands for Individual Motivation and Group Experience. Members can share their stories and benefit from the experi-
ences of others. The online support provides you with the tools and information to help you lose weight and feel fantastic. Grainne (left) is one of many Slimming World success stories. When Grainne quit smoking back in 2007, she gained two stone. The joy of kicking the nicotine habit was marred by the depression as her weight rose. She had tried fad diets but the weight always came back and she found her weight would constantly yo-yo. Then she discovered Slimming World when her niece had great success. She picked up the courage to go to her first meeting and was struck by the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. She was astonished by all the food she could eat while still losing weight. Grainne worked the plan successfully, her self-confidence returned and her life became so much better. It was because of this that she decided to make a career at Slimming World.
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20 | COFFEE DELIGHTS PROFILE
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
HIDDEN GEM WICKLOW’S SECRET CAFE COFFEE DELIGHTS IDA Business Park, Southern Cross Road, Bray
Jim Kavanagh with his daughter Stephanie Antoun
COFFEE Delights was established in May 2012 when father and daughter duo Jim Kavanagh and Stephanie Antoun set about making changes to the Southern Cross Road in Bray. They felt that there was a need in the area for an eatery that provided good value all day breakfasts, daily specials and tasty sandwiches all topped off with great tasting tea and coffee. Two years on and they are still going strong. Part of what makes Coffee Delights successful is that they listen to their customers and everyone who comes in
is treated more like a friend than a customer. The cafe has a relaxed home from home atmosphere and offers on-site free parking and free wifi. The food is not only delicious but it is also great value for money. The staff help to create a relaxed and welcoming environment. You will never be rushed out of here, you can enjoy your meal or drink at your leisure. They make delicious, fresh stone baked pizzas each day that are made to order. They have specials each day and each one is as tasty as the last. Coffee Delights is a little haven to escape to during the busy days.
Wendy Fox and Sophie Newell who work at Coffee Delights
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September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
A NEW BED FROM MICK, WILL DO THE TRICK! OPEN AY
EVERYD
22 | LIFESTYLE
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
my favourite things SEPTEMBER comes around so fast and all of a sudden the summer is over. The school bell is back ringing and our routines change accordingly. Autumn is my favourite season and I welcome the cooler crisp air and the turning of the leaves. Here are some of the things I’ll be looking for this season...
NAVY BLAZE
It’s not yet time for the big over coat but we do need an extra layer coming into September. Next have this navy ribbed jersey blazer on offer at €69. Perfect to throw over jeans or a day dress with autumnal boots. www. nextdirect.com
SHIFT OVER
Whether making the school run or heading for a day at college, this M&S shift dress could fit the bill. The stripes add a refreshing finish to the simple shape and it sits just above the knee. Machine washable at 30 degrees. €80
BAG LADY
Add a splash of colour to any outfit with this slouchy hobo bag from Oasis. Great size that should hold everything, with cute fringe
WHAT’S HOT
with Audrey Vance info@wicklowvoice.ie
details and a wide shoulder strap for comfort. Made from faux leather, it costs €42.
WILLING TO LEARN
I love a night class come September and it’s wonderful to have the Bray Institute of Further
Education on our doorstep. Courses start from September 22 but sign up soon to get your preferred choice. I’ve gone for photography but they have a huge variety, like yoga, creative writing, languages and bee-keeping or dance etc. Check out www.bife.ie
BOOT IT
Looking for a slim fitting ankle boot this season? Clarkes have some
great options, in particular, I liked these oxblood Keswick Water ankle boots made from leather with rubber soles. Also available in black. www.clarkes.ie
HEALTHY YOU
So whether you’re packing lunches for the little ones or yourself, variety is definitely the spice of life. The Nude Food Movers range is designed with a space for everything, eliminating the need for portion packing and wrapping. This lunchbox has different compartments for a variety of options like a salad or sandwich, pods for fruit or dips, side space for crackers or cheeses and a drinking bottle. This retails at €14.99 in stores nationwide. For lots of lunch box ideas visit www.safefood.eu, on the education page.
PICTURE PERFECT
Audrey Vance, fashion illustrator and owner of Wedding Dress Ink has her design studio in Co. Wicklow. www. weddingdressink. com
Women in Wicklow Your Name? Julie Goldsmith
Go-to fashion label for workwear? I love high street fashion but most days find myself in uniform.
Business? Owner of DermaGlo Laser Clinic and Beauty Salon, Main Street in Bray Tel: 01 2768858 or visit: www. dermaglo.ie
What do you do to relax and unwind? On my days off I spend time with my family. I have two children Harry (5) and Olivia (16) so life is pretty full on!
How long? DermaGlo opened it’s doors in November 2008
Best part about your job? Creating change for the clients I treat and watching their confidence grow, the treatments performed can be life changing for some. For example, I work with clients who suffer from acne and can treat them with amazing results.
What does your business offer? DermaGlo offers a comprehensive list of treatments including Laser hair removal, anti wrinkle treatments, chemical peels, dermarolling, medical skin care and a full beauty salon menu keeping up to date with latest beauty trends. How did you come to set up your business? After a long career in theatre nursing and a keen interest in medical aesthetics I started my new journey with dermafiller training in London in 1999. When I moved to Ireland, I was given the opportunity to work with medical grade lasers, then completed laser training in
the UK and decided to open my own clinic and salon. Plans for the future? To keep growing DermaGlo as a leading skincare clinic. Must have beauty product? Obagi’s Professional-C Serum is my must-have item - it illuminates the skin.
Tip for any budding entrepreneurs looking to start their own business? When looking to start your business the best advice is to surround yourself with a strong team. My team help me create a very warm welcoming environment for clients, offering expert advice and services. Interview by Audrey Vance. Picture by Patrick O’Leary
LIFESTYLE| 23
September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
recipes
Peter Byrne
LEMON TART
wine choice So Prosecco Extra Dry Superiore, DOCG Valdobbiadene, €22.49 Next Door Off Licence Feminine charm – fragrant with white peach and pear fruit also reflected on the palate, emphasised by the vigorous fizzing bubbles. The Extra Dry style flatters more than an ultra-dry Brut style. Made in the premium Valdo_ bbiadene region, this is wonderfully fresh with delicious apple and citrus fruit and a sherbet-like softness.
INGREDIENTS
• • • •
Lemons Eggs Caster sugar Double cream
PREPARATION
•
6 9 390 g 250 ml
Grate the lemons & then juice
• • • •
Whisk the eggs with the sugar and add cream. Leave to rest for 24 hrs to let the flavours infuse then pass through a fine sieve Pour into a pre-baked tart mould and cook at 130 degrees for 25-30 minutes untill set
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
Cheers! Holland’s hosts first home brew comp By Michelle McGlynn
THE National Homebrew Club (NHC) held Wicklow’s first Homebrew competition in Holland’s on Bray Main Street recently. The competition was organised by John O’Connell and Peter O’Brien and saw entries from all over the country. Sixty beers were judged by 15 judges over the course of four hours. There were two categories: red and blonde ales. “The standard of judging was very high,” said Peter. “We had judges travel from all parts of Leinster to help us out with such a big event. “Homebrewing is really taking off in Ireland.” Bray even has a small company, True Batch Brewing, producing small scale brewing kits. The NHC has two associations in Wicklow, one in Bray and one in Wicklow Town with over 30 members. Wicklow has a history of brewing and at one point there were five brewers
John O’Connell and Brian Holland outside Holland’s on Bray Main Street in the county. It seems as though the county is getting back on track though as two new brewers will be arriving in Bray Town Centre and Redcross.
“I’m sure it won’t be too long until we can sit in Holland’s drinking locally produced beer from Irish ingredients,” said John O’Connell from the NHC.
24 | PROPERTY hothouse 35 Charlesland Grove, Greystones
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
A SHOESTRING KITCHEN Homes
with Clodagh Doyle (info@wicklowvoice.ie)
won’t break the bank. For inspiration and motivation, spend some time looking through interior magazines and online piecing together your wish list to get an overall vision of what you are hoping to achieve. Most kitchen cabinets can be primed and painted, so either play it safe with satin finish shades of white or cream or perhaps choose one of these popular options, olive, oyster or cool grey. By simply replacing your existing handles or knobs with some modern brushed steel or vintage styles will instantly transform your doors and drawers. Work tops can take a lot of wear and tear but can easily become grubby or faded so by choosing a new one to complement your freshly painted cabinets while also taking into account your floor covering or any furniture will look great. You can tire of wall tiles very
ROB Noble Property Consultants are delighted to present to the market this bright and spacious three- bedroom garden level apartment located in the popular Charlesland area of Greystones. Apartment 35 is an end apartment with the benefit of one off street car parking space and a south facing patio. The apartment is conveniently situated directly across the road from the Charlesland Shopping Centre
which includes a Super Valu supermarket, medical centre, pharmacy, crèche, take-away and local shops. In terms of transport the area is easily accessible by rail, bus or car; DART and commuter trains stop at nearby Greystones train station, Dublin Bus and Aircoach provide regular bus services and the N11/M11 interchange is only minutes away. For further information you can contact Rob on 087 2903352.
ROB Noble is a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor with over 15 years of experience in the property industry. Over the years Rob has built up a wealth of experience and knowledge in many aspects of the property services industry
Rob Noble opens new Delgany office with particular expertise in the Residential market. Rob is a professional member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors
THE children are back to school; holidays are all but a distant blur and although it pains me to say it - the dark evenings are slowing weaning their way in. Needless to say, we are all going to need something to lift our spirits and brighten up those darker days ahead. The kitchen is the heart and hub of every home it’s where we spend most of our time, apart from the bedroom. Here are some practical ideas to revamp your kitchen - that
of Ireland (SCSI) and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Rob Noble Property
Consultants are a fully licenced service provider, registered with and auditable to the Property Services Regulatory
quickly so you could consider painting these to cut costs or if considering some new ones, it’s best choosing - a neutral subtle style or perhaps going with a complete change with an on trend clear glass splash back against your newly painted kitchen walls. If you have roller blinds in your kitchen, check out the possibility of reversing them or perhaps re-rolling them. Your light fittings may be looking at bit dull and uninteresting so look at swapping these for some inexpensive metal shades which are readily available locally in a range of colours. Choosing a washable, warm neutral with the softest hint of colour paint for your kitchen walls will breathe new life into your kitchen as will painting your ceiling and woodwork white. Consider painting you kitchen table and chairs to compliment your new colour scheme. Authority. To celebrate the opening of our new office we are offering our personal and professional service at reduced fees. For further information you can contact Rob on 087 2903352.
As an additional touch you could paint some of your old picture frames to include your old or some new photos. Finally, to give your new kitchen that wow factor, carefully seek out some eye catching pieces with pops of colour to co-ordinate the entire look. For retro, shabby chic or vintage rejuvenated gems including a practical framed chalk board - check out local Wicklow upcycling business treasurepalacedesigns.com. 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
PROPERTY| 25
September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
Blacklion welcomes Stone and Tile Studio Advertorial
BLACKLION Building Supplies and Hardware is your one-stop local building provider. They offer a range of products and services and have you covered when it comes to small jobs as well as the bigger ones. You can pick up paints, tools and planters if you are trying a spot of DIY or gardening. They stock everything from sand, timber and cement for your bigger jobs. Blacklion Building Supplies and Hardware recently celebrated their third birthday and are delighted to provide great service and products to the local area. They have expanded recently to include the Greystones Stone and Tile Studio which will be run by Mick O’Rourke. The studio provides the extensive range of ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles. If you are looking for something a bit special from your tiles then look no further than
Mick O’Rourke of the Stone and Tile Studio the Laura Ashley tiles that they carry. The studio will supply and professionally fit your new tiles and there is a free call out service. So if you’re looking to
spruce up your home or your garden then give Mick or Russell a call. Applewood Industrial Park, Greystones, 01 2017485 or Mick O’Rourke 086 2101444
26 | SERVICES
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 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
NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY PROFILE| 27
September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
FINE AUTUMN STYLE AT FISHERS TASTY TREATS AT JC’S CAFE
Katie Shannon and Chelsey Doonan of Food at Fishers Cafe FISHERS of Newtownmountkennedy would like to invite you to join them for the ‘Fishers Big Launch Weekend’ from the 5th -7th of September. The new Autumn ladies and menswear collections will be launched on Friday 5th at 11am with a fashion show where you can see the new
news in brief Dementia quiz WICKLOW Dementia Support will be hosting a fun table quiz in Byrne’s Pub, Kilcoole on Thursday, September 18 at 8.40pm. Table of four will cost €20. To book a table contact 089 4286928 or wicklowds@gmail.com
Your true calling THE Vodafone Ireland Foundation is offering four people the opportunity to work for a youth charity of their choice for one year complete with a €40, 000 salary. Wicklow people are being encouraged to enter and can find details by searching Vodafone True Calling on Facebook. Closing date is Monday, September 8.
Bray Toastmasters BRAY Toastmasters return from their summer break on September 8 and meet every Monday from 8pm in Esplanade Hotel, Bray. They provide the opportunity to learn new communication and leadership skills and can assist with job interview skills and work presentations. All are welcome.
season styles modelled by the Fishers ladies, great clothes on real bodies! Fishers are also delighted to welcome The Creation Room to their retail hub. It is a collection of local artists, crafters, jewellers and photographers that are bringing their work directly to you.
Musician Molly Sterling in Fishers To launch the new shop the artists will be demonstrating their work all weekend and would love you to come and have a look. To finish off a great weekend FOOD at Fishers will be celebrating the new season, the new shop and their 1st birthday with a Bucks Fizz Autumn Launch
party on Sunday 7th at 11am. There will be plenty of Bucks Fizz, nibbles, spot prizes and great easy listening live music from local artist Molly Sterling. All are welcome. You can find Fishers at www. fishers.ie and on facebook as FishersOfNewtownmountkennedy.
Mountkennedy Centre, Newtownmountkennedy, 01 2819025 JC’s Cafe and Cake Shop is a wonderful spot to sit and have a scrumptious breakfast to kickstart the day. As the weather gets colder a hot breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee is the best way to get yourself going. They also serve lunch and you can keep an eye on their Facebook for daily specials. If you can go into JC’s and not be tempted into buying a little cake then you have incredible willpower. They have lots of little treats to enjoy every day. They create beautiful cakes for every occasion as well as stunning wedding cakes.
28 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
Let the experts help put your best foot forward
sport in brief Kick Fada
Bray Wanderers’ Adam Mitchell is presented with his Player of The Month award by Brian Quigley at the recent UCD game
Greystones cricket club notes
Joanne Makarus and Shauna Healy from Bray Podiatry Advertorial BRAY CHIROPODY and Podiatry is a well established and trusted centre for all your foot care needs. Originally set up over 30 years ago by Monica Acton, the clinic offers comprehensive assessment and treatment of all common foot and lower limb problems with the most up to date of techniques and equipment. Circulation, sensation,joint quality, muscle strength and function, skin and nail conditions, can all be assessed in house. Treatments are offered for: problem toenails, callous and corns, foot ulcers and biomechanical problems. We also provide acupuncture and dry needling for soft tissue injuries of the lower
limbs, and Iontophoresis for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excess sweating of the feet). Our latest development in the practice is the addition of another podiatrist, Shauna Healy BSc (Hons), and the addition of a Thursday evening clinic, as well as a Saturday clinic. We are registered with the HSE to allow for treatment of people with medical cards, and are recognised by all the major health insurance providers. For more information contact Bray Chiropody and Podiatry on (01) 2760271, or email us at joanne@ braypodiatry.com. You can also book in directly online by visiting the website www.braypodiatry. com.
GREYSTONES Cricket Club is nearing the end of a hugely successful 2014 season for the ladies first XI. This is the first year the side has been fully established and been able to field a team in the Leinster division 3 league and the cup. The ladies’ team joins people who have never played before with some who were already established players but the camaraderie and friendship quickly dissolved any divides and the team gelled instantly. Although the team was novice, it was a fruitful season which saw wins over Ashford, North Kildare and Trinity. There were also some tantalisingly close matches against more experienced teams in the league such as Phoenix and Rush. As the season progressed so did the team’s talent as players got to grips with the swing of the bat and pitch of the ball. While the league has ended the team have set their sights
on next season and are already working on a winter session timetable which will begin in December. Greystones Cricket Club will be moving to a new home ground in the stunning Druids Glen facility next year and the club is looking forward to hosting matches and welcoming new members in the coming season. The club is always open to new members and information is available on www. greystonescricket.com.
Alliance Cumann na mBunscoil club notes
THE National Allianz Cumann na mBunscoil general meeting will take place in the Ard Comhairle room in Croke Park on Saturday, September 20 at 11am. Tea and coffee will be provided from 10.30 and lunch will be served at 1pm. The All Ireland Camogie finals are also taking place in Croke Park on Sunday, September 14. This year is unique as they
N Bray School Of Dance September 2014!!
Classes in Classical Ballet –Modern Theatre/Jazz –Tap Dance 3
Dance improves posture, self confidence, coordination and musicality, but most of all, it’s fun and Everyone can do it!
Due to Demand we will be starting …
We have classes for all ages throughout the week! We are open Monday –Wednesday & Saturdays
3 years up to Vocational Levels
New Tots Ballet (3-‐4 years) Tuesdays & Saturdays New Pre-‐Primary Ballet (4 ½ -‐5 ½ years) Mondays & Saturdays New Adult Ballet Class (Beginners & Returners) Wednesdays 7-‐8pm New Saturday Hip Hop Class (13-‐18 years!)
Call Sinead or Ann @ www.braydance.com
087 8369144 E: info@braydance.com
are celebrating 110 years of camogie. To encourage as many young people as possible to attend this special occasion the Camogie Association is promoting a group ticket initiative. The group juvenile ticket is open for people under the age of 16. The closing date for ordering group tickets is Friday, September 5. To reward groups who make the trip there are two prizes to be won. There is €1, 000 for the best banner which should reflect the 110th anniversary of camogie. The second prize is a training session with Liberty Insurance Ambassadors and camogie and hurling heroes Anna Geary from Cork and Liam Rushe from Dublin.There were home wins for CWLTC members Cathal McDonnell (class 4/5 singles), Stephen Martin and Kevin Conroy (class 2/3 doubles), Paul Dutton and Emma Lendrum (class 3/4 mixed doubles) and Mary Cruise and Mick Byrne (class 7 mixed doubles).
THE annual All Ireland Kick Fada will take place at Pairc Emmet Bhre on Saturday, September 13. Peter Keogh, president of Wicklow GAA, will open the event. This is the club’s biggest day where Kickers from all over Ireland will go head to head. The Ladies’ Kick Fada will begin at 1pm while the Men’s will start at 2pm. There will be juvenile games taking place on all pitches throughout the day starting from 10.30am. The U9/U10 Kick Fada will run from 12.10pm until 12.40pm.
Adventure race GET the girls together and give your summer fitness one last blast of fun because the Women’s Adventure Race comes to Wicklow on Saturday, September 20. The race has been designed specially for women and is made up of four stages: running, cycling, kayaking and running again. For more details and to register see www. womensadventurerace.com
Bray Hockey Club BRAY Hockey Club is always open to new members from complete novices or seasoned veterans. Just head along to one of their training sessions, have a chat or even try it out. Training sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm and you can find more details at www. brayhockeyclub.ie.
September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
ADVERTISING| 29
30 | SPORT
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
NEWS| 31
September 4 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Battling Bray stun students
AFTER a superb 2-0 victory over UCD at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday August 29, Bray Wanderers look like they could do it again, namely survive another season at the top table of domestic soccer. Bray have definitely turned a corner. An away point against Cork City on August 18 halted a significant losing sequence, and the Seagulls built on this with the UCD win. They couldn’t have picked a better time to hit form, with the season hitting the run-in. The UCD win lifted Bray into the top 10, and if they can stay ahead of UCD and Athlone Town [who only managed a draw on August 29] then safety will be assured without even having to worry about a play-off. Ismahil Akinade hit a fine first-half strike to put Bray ahead against UCD and Wanderers only ever looked like
building on this lead, such was the strength of character and performance they put on. Jake Kelly’s second half goal was no more than Wanderers deserved. Adam Mitchell and Jake Kelly were presented with their Player of The Month awards at the UCD game, Adam winning the award for July and Jake for June. Remember you can catch highlights of all Bray’s games on Monday nights on Soccer Republic on RTE 2. Also, Bray’s Under 19’s kick off their season this weekend [on Sunday September 7 at the Carlisle Grounds] at home to Wexford Youths. Admission is free and the standard of football is very impressive at this level – check it out if at all possible. If anyone hasn’t seen the new Matt Busby film ‘’Believe’’ it is well worth checking out. Brian Cox turns in an excellent
performance as Busby. Set in 1984 it follows the fictional story of how 75-year-old Busby becomes involved in coaching a children’s team to victory in a local competition. It’s a bit like Billy Elliot but has the look and feel of the 1980’s captured very well and boasts an excellent soundtrack of 1980’s favourites such as New Order and The Smiths.
Bowls I was delighted to see recently that Bray Bowling Club maintained their level of funding from the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. When I was younger I remember walking by Failte Games Park on Galtrim Road in Bray one summer evening and catching my first glimpse of outdoor (lawn) bowling. I was only about 11 at the time but remember being both fascinated and captivated
by what I saw and sat engrossed in the contest that was unfolding between Bray Bowling Club and whoever their opponents were that day. The ironed, smooth-pile green looked like a giant snooker table. Bowling in a flowing-kneel movement then standing with arms akimbo, the bowlers bore something of a resemblance to cricketers and the strategy involved in trying to get as many of their polished woods as possible around the white jack was like a tactical chess battle. It was like being caught up in a magical world for a period of time. Some 35 years later I recently revisited Failte Games Park with my own children and they were as fascinated with the game as my younger self. It was great to see the place still going strong although the Crazy Golf course that used to be on the back lot is gone.
Lawn Bowls in Ireland is a fast growing sport, and is for people of all ages. In Northern Ireland and the UK the sport is massive. I watched the lawn bowls at the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games it was very entertaining. Wicklow has both Bray Bowling Club (formed in 1965) and Greystones Lawn Bowls Club (who were formed in 1985 and are based in the Burnaby opposite Greystones DART station) operating in the Bowling League of Ireland (BLI) and Ladies Bowling League of Ireland (LBLI). Currently the summer season is in full swing. Clubs like these are run entirely by volunteers and are well worth supporting. Kubb Lawn bowls resembles the Viking sport Kubb a little
bit. I saw it demonstrated at the Battle of Clontarf festival earlier this year. Kubb is a lawn game where the object is to knock over wooden blocks by throwing wooden batons at them. It originated on the island of Gotland in Sweden. Rules vary but the ultimate aim is to knock over the kubbs on the opposite side then knock the ‘’king’’ over. A certain level of strategy needs to be employed hence the nick-name ‘’Viking Chess’’. Games can last from 5 minutes to an hour and can be played on grass, sand, concrete, snow or ice. In recent years Kubb has gained international interest and commercial Kubb sets have been available since the 1990’s. There has been an annual Kubb World Cup on Gotland since 1995.
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32| ADVERTISING
wicklowvoice.ie September 4 2014
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QUINNS FOREST & GARDEN CENTRES QUINNS - BALTINGLASS
MAIN STREET, BALTINGLASS, CO.WICKLOW PHONE: 059 648 1266
QUINNS - ATHY
KILKENNY ROAD, ATHY, CO. KILDARE PHONE: 059 863 8884