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Local Enterprise Office Wicklow launches ‘Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur’ Competition! • Open to <30 year olds (as at 31st Dec 2014) • Prizes and business support to the value of €25,000 at County Level • Up to €50,000 worth of additional prize money nationally • Closing date for entries is 30th June 2014 • ALL applications to be made online at www.localenterprise.ie
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House prices up €24,000 By Cianan Brennan
THE average price of a house in Wicklow has rocketed by €24,000, the latest Wicklow Voice property survey shows. In the first five months of 2014, 376 properties changed hands across the county for a sum total of €102m. This is a 30% increase in sales on the same period last year when just 289 properties were sold, with sales proceeds themselves increasing by a massive €28m (38%) over last May’s figures. The average price of a property in County Wicklow now stands at €272,000, an increase of €24,000 (9%) from the same figures at the end of 2013. Most of the increases can be seen in the larger property market, such as standalone detached properties ideal for a larger family. This would suggest that the county is starting to see a prevalence of more ‘serious’ buyers, those with growing families for example who are looking to settle for the longterm now that their young family has established itself. Previously the steepest rises
countywide report Pages 20 -21
in house sales in Wicklow had been seen in the DART catchment areas of Bray and Greystones. However, the latest figures indicate that the property boom is beginning to stretch further south, with massive increases in property prices to be seen in the previously more-affordable areas of N e w t o w n m o u n t k e n n e d y, Wicklow Town, and Rathnew. One constant amongst the figures seen is property prices in Arklow, which remain the best value in the county and have in fact decreased very slightly since last May. The figures reflect a critical lack of supply in the Dublin housing market which is spilling over into Wicklow. Of the 376 properties sold so far this year just 8% have been completely new constructions, a 3% decrease on 2013 figures which were already worryingly low. Ronan Lyons, chief economist with Daft.ie, believes that an emphasis on construction is the
solution to the property-price crisis facing the country. “The solution is about reducing costs in construction - not about capping rents and thus further discouraging the very construction that would alleviate the accommodation crisis,” he says. The problem is coming to a head at present as massive hikes in private residential rents, particularly in Dublin, have seen renters keen to get their feet on the property ladder rather than paying their savings into a rental black hole. The phenomenon is most keenly felt within the capital where property prices have been increasing at an average of €5,000 per month over the last year. As buyers find Dublin to be rapidly disappearing from their price range, they have been looking to the nearby commuter belt with picturesque Wicklow an ideal settling spot for many. The property bubble that affected most of Ireland in the latter years of the Celtic Tiger led to a huge increase in prices as people with readily available cash began to play the property market in an unsustainable fashion.
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DADDY’S GIRL : Craig Britton with his daughter Molly (2) at the opening of the new Wood Floor Gallery @ Matt Britton Kilcoole. More pictures inside page 22. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside
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4 | NEWS news in brief Brand New Switcheroo gigs Brand New Switcheroo are a band made up of brothers Brian and Diarmuid Glynn and Anthony Mannion. They play a blend of folk and blues and you can catch them at The Harbour Bar on Wednesday nights.
Brady elected Histor y was made at the inaugural meeting of the municipal district of Bray council meeting when Sinn Féin councillor, John Brady became its first cathaoirleach. Cllr Brady was nominated by his colleague Cllr Oliver O’Brien and was seconded by Cllr Brendan Thornhill. Cllr Brady defeated Fianna Fail councillor Pat Vance 6-2 after securing the support of other independent councillors Fox and Behan along with Green Party councillor Steve Matthews.
Women’s network Women from across the county gathered for a meeting of the Network of Entrepreneurial Women in the Parkview Hotel on June 4.
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
Robin (2) reunited with Ted By Michelle McGlynn
Little Robin McGarry is on top of the world after being reunited with her best friend, T ed, following a huse search by locals in Greystones. Robin (2) was left heartbroken when her teddy bear went missing last Thursday following a walk from Cliff Road to Redford Park. Robin’s mother Patricia told the Wicklow Voice that she is always walking around with T ed tucked under her arm “like a rugby ball”. T ed went on a little adventure after he fell from Robin’s arms as she slept in her buggy. They immediately began spreading the word about missing T ed. They walked the streets searching for the bear, they stopped people on the street and they put up posters along the route they had been walking when T ed disappeared. T witter and Facebook helped to let people know about the missing bear and the little girl who missed him so desperately. As luck would have it, she had. She called a friend to find out where Ted had been sighted. Robin and her mother hurried to the loca-
By Michelle McGlynn
tion and there was T ed, sitting on top of a post box not far from home. Robin was ecstatic, “you’ve never seen a child so happy.” “I think someone must have taken him in out of the rain and then put him out where
LIVE LOUNGE JUNE Sun 1
JUNE UFO [Amy winehouse]
Thurs 12 THE YOUNG FOLK [Alt-folk] Mon 2 DAILY HOWL [Indie pop rock] Fri5 13 THE FURIOUS HAZE [Rock & roll] THE BURNING EFFIGIES [Funk] Thurs Sat 14 THE FEVER ODDSOCKS [Rhythm & Groove] Fri 6 LIQUID AND THE SOUL FOOLISHNESS sat 7 Sun 15 LEEANNMARIE O'GRADY[Blues] [Folk singer/ DERMOT BYRNE [Delta/country blues] Sun 8 songwriter] Thurs 19 COLUMBIA MILLS Thur 12 YOUBLOOM NIGHT [Bands Tbc] [Electronic rock] THE FURIOUS HAZE [Rock & roll] Fri 13 HARDY HAR COMEDY CLUB Sat 14 TBC [Tbc] Fri ANNMARIE O’GRADY [Folk singer/songwriter] 21OUTS [Rock] Sun 15 20 Sat 21 THE REGGULATORS [Reggae] COLUMBIA MILLS [Electronic rock] Thur 19 Sun 22 WOODSY [Acoustic covers] HARDY JHAR COMEDY CLUB Thurs 26 DEUCE [Rory Gallagher Fri 20th 21OUTS [Rock] tribute] sat 21st REGGULATORS [Reggae] Fri 27 PINK FLOYD [Tribute] sun 22 WOODSY [Acoustic covers] Sat 28 THE ROCKETS [Vintage 50's Thur 26 DEUCE [Rory Gallagher tribute] rock - skiffle] PINK FLOYD [Tribute] Fri 27 Sun 29 SAMUEL VAS-Y [Acoustic folk] sat 28
sun 29
THE ROCKETS [Vintage 50’s rock — skiffle] SAMUEL VAS-Y [Acoustic Folk]
Thousands expected to turnout for charity fundraisers
he might be found the following morning,” explained Patricia as she had checked that road the previous night. Patricia has expressed her appreciation to all the the people who helped in the search for T ed.
What has eight legs and lives in Wicklow? By Michelle McGlynn
THE National Sea Life centre welcomed an adorable, eighttentacled baby on the evening of Wednesday, June 4. The four-month-old octopus arrived from the Displays Development Department of Sea Life in Weymouth, UK. The octopus is still a youngster so it will not be possible to determine the sex for another month or two. In the meantime, Sea Life in Bray are encouraging people to keep up to date on its progress and suggest possible names on their Facebook page. The team at Sea Life welcomed their first octopus over 10 years ago and have built up a wealth of experience and knowledge in caring for them. Sea Life Displays Supervisor, Aisling Graham says, “Because of the intelligence of these creatures, they require regular stimulation through play time and challenging capture of food.” When feeding the octopus mussels and fish pieces are placed inside a closed jar.
WiCklOw residents are expected to come out in their thousands as several fundraisers take place over the coming weeks. Wicklow has a reputation as a generous county and the Wicklow Hospice Foundation has experienced this first hand. The Foundation is holding a free Family Fun Day on Father’s day this Sunday, June 15. The event is to say a huge thank you to the people of Wicklow for their support to date and to celebrate what they are calling a “landmark announcement.” The event will be held at the proposed hospice site at Magheramore which may provide a clue as to what the announcement is about. A special video message from Oscar-winner and Wicklow resident Daniel Day Lewis will be screened on the day. The day will be packed full of fun with pony rides, magicians, Disney characters and music. The Wicklow Hospice Free 5k will take place during the Fun Day ahead of the Wicklow Hospice Festival of Running The Festival of Running will take place in and around the beautiful Avondale Forest Park between Friday July 11 and Sunday July 13. Despite the name, walkers and joggers and everyone in between are more than welcome to come along.
There will be a choice of five distances each day and participants can choose whatever distance they would like on any day or days of their choosing. The distances are five, 10, 15 and 20 miles and a full marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Sponsorship cards are not compulsory for the Festival of Running but are available for anyone willing to take one. The festival is primarily a fundraiser for the Wicklow Hospice Foundation. Prices are as follows: €25 for one day, €45 for two days and €60 for all three days. Registration is available online at www.precisiontiming. ie or on the day. Finally, if you are still feeling energetic you can head down to the Film Trail 5k or 5m Run on Saturday, June 28 at Killruddery Estate. You can run or walk in this spectacular setting and see the locations of iconic television shows and films such as The Tudors, Camelot, My Left Foot and Angela’s Ashes. Original props from hit show The Vikings will be on display. A post-race barbeque will be held with music provided by Bray Gospel Choir. The entry fee, minus Precision Timing’s registration fee, will go to Bray Cancer Support Centre. Register online at www. braycancersupport.ie
Donnelly in station call By Michelle McGlynn
Irish Rail have been criticised for their failure to provide adequate facilities for Greystones commuters. Stephen Donnelly independent TD for Wicklow and East Carlow has called on Iarnrod Eireann to open the toilets for consumers in Greystones train station The toilets in the station have been closed for the
past four years. This follows numerous complaints from commuters regarding the lack of facilities in the station. When the toilets were closed Irish Rail claimed it was due to vandalism. “It is unacceptable that Iarnrod Eireann doesn’t offer Greystones commuters toilet facilities, something available to its customers in almost every other station,” says Donnelly.
NEWS |5
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Grace Cullen from Roundwood NS during premiere performance of ‘Mostly Me’ a composition by Elaine Agnew featuring students from Roundwood NS, St Brigids Greystones and Newtown Mount Kennedy NS
Deirdre Burns and Kathleen Kelleher at the launch of Wicklow Historic Gaols new €240,000 multi-sensory exhibition in Wicklow Town
John Duggan, Linda O’Brien, Laura Barry and Tom Moore (of Tom’s Beer Club) at the Harbour Bar for the St Andrew’s Bray Parents Association’s fundrasing event.
Fionn Fitzgerald of Ardmore F.C, Bray at the McDonald’s/FAI Future fun day in Arklow
Stephen and Greyson Canning Robinson (3) out and about in Greystones
Anne and John Greene of Kilcoole Tidy Towns
6| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
Calling all bright sparks - you could win €20,000 prize By Cianan Brennan
DO you have what it takes to be Wicklow’s best young entrepreneur? That’s the question being put to the local population by Wicklow’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) as they launch the competition seeking to crown ‘Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur’. The competition is open to anyone aged under 30 years as at December 31, 2014, and boasts a prize carrot of up to €20,000 for the winning ideas. This represents a fantastic opportunity for any aspiring entrepreneur to gain invaluable support to get their idea off the ground. The aim of the initiative is to encourage and support a culture of innovation among young business people in Ireland and to promote cando business enterpreneurship as a career choice. “This is hugely important for job-creation as two thirds of all
new jobs are generated by businesses in the first five years of existence – more start-ups and a thriving entrepreneurial culture will lead to more jobs being created,” a spokesman for the LEO told the Wicklow Voice. Entries are to be accepted in three separate categories: ‘Best New Idea’, ‘Best Start Up Business’, and ‘Best Established Business with a new add on’. The winner of “Best Idea” will receive €10,000, while the winners of “Best Start Up” and “Best Established Business” will each receive €20,000 apiece. Winners will go on to compete at regional level and may be then selected to compete in the national competition with an overall prize fund of €100,000. Fifteen finalists will be selected from the initial application round to go forward and participate in an intensive Business Boot Camp. The format is aimed at refining business strategies and perfect-
ing business propositions, while the Boot Camp will include workshops and one-to-one mentoring with business experts. The second phase of the competition will see the three different County winners, one in each category, walk away with a significant funding commitment, while one of the winners will be crowned “Wicklow’s Best Young Entrepreneur” for 2014. Expert mentoring, marketing and other support will also be available to participating businesses at the various stages of the competition. If you are under 30 and either have a business idea or have started a business you can enter the county-wide competition for a chance to win investment in your idea, while subsequent winners at national level could receive an additional investment of up to €50,000. All applications are to be made online at www.localenterprise.ie, closing date for entries is Monday, June 30, 2014.
Top lads topping up
Larry and Patrick Mooney (3) at Watchorn’s filling station in Newscastle
NEWS |7
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
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8| NEWS news in brief Jungle fever at Powerscourt Join Chapterhouse theatre Company for a play and picnic at Powerscourt Gardens on Sunday, June 29 at 1.30pm. Award winning writer Laura turner has adapted the Jungle Book, bringing Mowgli, Baloo and Shere Khan to life to create an enchanting and fun-filled musical show for children of all ages.
Funding for Ark Housing ARk Housing Association, Bray have been awarded just over €300, 000 of Capital Acquisition Scheme funding. this funding will secure four units in Bray and allow for people to be taken from the local authority housing list and moved to independent living under the Housing First Model. Stephen donnelly td has welcomed this announcement.
Open your garden for charity tHe irish Red Cross is appealing to Wicklow gardening enthusiasts to take part in open Gardens 2014. the event is a fundraising initiative whereby people are encouraged to open up their gardens and extend an invite to their family, friends or wider communities. to get involved call or email Community Fundraiser Laura Gallagher on (01) 642 4659 or lgallagher@redcross. ie
Jackanory competition winner Emma Byrne was the lucky winner of a free summer camp place at Jackanory childcare
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
in our recent competition. Congratulations Emma, we hope that your child has a superb time at Jackanory this summer.
Sea Life Monster competition winners We had several happy winners for our Facebook and reader competitions in conjunction with Sea Life. Jodie Collier won the bumper Moshi Monster package plus an annual family pass to Sea Life, Bray while Richie Griffin won a family pass to Moshi Monsters at Sea Life. Our five runners up who received family passes to Moshi Monsters at Sea Life were nicola McClean, Enda Larkin, Monica Boyle, derek McClean and Brian Monahan.
Birdwatch annual outing BiRdW atcH ireland’s Wicklow branch are having their annual branch outing to the Little tern colony in Kilcoole in conjunction with the Carlow branch. All are welcome to this free event. Waterproof clothing and suitable footwear recommended. Meet at Kilcoole train station car park at 10am on Sunday, June 15.
Entrepreneurial women network Women from across the county gathered for a meeting of the network of Entrepreneurial Women in the Parkview Hotel on June 4. Guest speaker Rob Healy led the interactive meeting which was full of lively discussion and the attendees enjoyed an opportunity to network and enjoy refreshments. the next meeting is on Wednesday, August 6 at 7pm.
Bray Summerfest is back with a bang BRAY Summerfest launched its programme of events on Thursday, June 12 and it looks set to be better than ever. This year the festival will kick off on July 5 as they once again cross market with Groove Festival. Festival Director Mick Glynn commented, “We’re back with an amazing programme running over five themed weekends with the very best in live music, family events, food and the annual Air Display. We have plenty of new additions too. “The success of the Festival down through the years has come from the professional voluntary committee. “Our aim is to provide a summer festival for local, national and international visitors. “It brings some €8m in economic benefit to the area whilst maintaining its community focus and providing the best in entertainment value.”
by Michelle McGlynn
tHe Harbour Bar sails into Groove with their own stage at this year’s festival. Groove 2014 takes place on July 5 and 6 at Killruddery House and Gardens, Bray and features one of the hottest line-ups of the summer. the Harbour Bar stage was launched recently and will be a most welcome
1 Albert Avenue Bray, Co. Wicklow
addition to the successful event. the stage will be managed by the same team that brings music to the local venue on a weekly basis. Confirmed artists include interskalactic, Conor Linnie, Attention Bebe, old Hannah, oddsocks and the Eskies. Conor duggan from the Harbour Bar says, “We’re delighted to be involved with this year’s Groove festival.
not only is the festivala brilliant weekend for both families and festival veterans alike, it’s a great way to show off everything that Bray has to offer visitors from other parts of ireland and overseas. Bringing top quality live music to Bray is a huge part of what the Harbour Bar is about, so this is a perfect association for us, and we can’t wait to see just
a small selection of some of our favourite regular bands performing to a festival audience in Killruddery Estate this July.” if that wasn’t enough, Groove have added yet another talented artist to the main stage line up. UK singer/songwriter Jessica Sweetman has joined the stellar acts set to play at Groove 2014.
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Campo de' Fiori Risto-Market
spectacular. Ireland’s largest free air show, supported by the Irish Aviation Authority, expects similar numbers to last year’s record breaking 85, 000 spectators. This year’s headline acts include The Vampires of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron, the Mig 15, the Hawker Hunter and The Sabre.
Jack Franco Waddell (11 months) out and about on Bray Seafront
Harbour Bar stage to make Groove bow
(01) 276 4257 Campo de' Fiori Ristorante & Wine Bar
The family weekend takes place on July 12 and 13 and as always there will be countless activities to choose from. Last year, the Mad Hatter’s tea party proved to be quite mad indeed, not to mention a huge hit with festival goers. The Bray Air Display will take to the skies on Sunday, July 20 and promises to be utterly
For the first time, this year’s Air Display will be live streamed through AerTv.ie, helping the display reach international audiences. The following weekend, July 26 and 27, provides a chance to get a taste of the region right on the seafront as part of the Wicklow Food and Garden Festival. The food festival will showcase chefs and suppliers from the county and country. The final weekend will take on a retro theme. The Retro Seaside Cinema which made its debut last year was extremely popular as they screened popular classics such as Toy Story and Footloose on a giant outdoor screen. Throughout the entire festival the iconic bandstand of Bray will host a range of talented artists. Finally, the Bray Summerfest 2014 will light up the sky with a spectacular fireworks display before they say goodbye for another year.
By Michelle McGlynn
91 Main Street, Bray Co Wicklow T: (01) 286 8854
Mermaid Arts Centre
01-2724030
mermaidartscentre.ie
NEWS|9
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
Arklow’s Maritime Museum has new ship shape website By Peter Murphy
THE Arklow Maritime museum has just launched a stylish new website that went live earlier this month. The website hopes to attract more visitors to the location of the museum at the Bridgewater centre in Arklow. The site features a new a video that provides a detailed account of the history of shipping in the area and how it evolved throughout the years to become one of the most prolific of its kind in Ireland. The video also gives information about different ships that were examples of successes in shipbuilding through the years. The Lusitania, which sank off the coast of Kinsale in 1915, is covered in the new video and remnants from this ship can be seen in the museum. Arklow vessels, which were in Kinsale at the time as part of the film set for Moby Dick, helped with the rescue operation.
The museum itself has been described as a treasure trove of shipbuilder’s models, plans plus a collection of eight unique paintings. Navigating equipment used for the vessels are also on display, some of these date back to the earliest forms of seafaring navigation. The website encompasses a more online depiction of the many aspects of maritime tradition and offers an interesting description of the contents of the museum. What is fascinating about this museum are the stories behind the artefacts on display. 99% of the artefacts in the museum are connected to Arklow and this is due to Arklow’s prominence in seafaring. Letters, log books, maps, sketches and the ship’s bell from the LV Shearwater, the last light vessel on Arklow station are also highlights that make a trip to this tourist gem worthwhile. The location of the museum
is also on a prime setting overlooking the river Avoca. The museum is suitable for groups of people and also suitable for school tours. The opening hours are from ten in the morning till five in the evening from Tuesday to Saturday. The concise layout of the website allows the user quick access to information on the important areas of maritime history that the museum has to offer. There is also an admission of five euro for adults and two euro for children. Group and school rates are also available. The contact details are labelled on the website on the homepage and are another way of organising a trip to the museum. The museum is a must see for locals and visitors alike to gain experience of the town’s seafaring tradition. For further information visit the www.maritimemuseumarklow.ie
The Alfie and Sean show
news in brief Seabreeze to blow again in July tHe Arklow Seabreeze Festival 2014 will run from Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20. the Festival Princess competition will crown this year’s princess on Sunday, July 6 while Mr. Seabreeze will be crowned on Monday, July 7. the Swinging Pubs competitions will run nightly then in the run up to the festival, finishing on thursday, July 17. if you’re interested in being part of the festival contact the committee.
Car wash for baton twirlers
Alfie (3) and his grandad Sean Donnelly at the new playground on Bray seafront
A CHaRity car wash in aid of Bray Modernettes Baton twirlers is being held on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14. A+ Service Centre on Boghall Road, Bray will kindly host the car wash. Bray Modernettes Baton twirlers are a baton twirling troupe based in the Ballwaltrim area of Bray & currently have over 50 children & young adults ranging from 4 - 21 years & over. All funds will go directly to the club.
10 | OPINION
opinion&comment
Just numbers? They all count in the end ...
W
here do numbers come from? Earliest indications on the origin of numbers from archaeology point to the use of tallying systems thousands of years BC. These simply involved notching tally marks into stone or wood to denote amount of days passed, lunar cycles, quantities of animals and possibly even votes cast in what passed for political contests at the time. Over time we have settled on the current decimal notation which makes recording very large numbers much easier. The word ‘tally’ from the tallying systems mentioned above is still used in relation to the process of counting votes after elections. The ‘count’ is almost as exciting as the election campaign itself. It’s a different kind of excitement – whereas the election campaign is all about the personalities, ‘the count’ is all about the numbers. If anybody has ever been to a count centre and watched tally people in action you’ll have an idea of the buzz that pervades around such places. You can get the same sense of excitement watching the results coverage on television as the numbers come in from around the country (especially in General Elections) and trends start to become evident. It just shows the power of numbers. My favourite quote from an election results programme came from former British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath who arrived in the BBC studios a bit prematurely as he hadn’t waited to be actually elected in his own Bexley constituency and so was seen to have rode roughshod over tradition. When challenged on not waiting for the count he retorted ‘’I’ll have you know, young man, in Bexley they don’t count the Tory vote ... they weigh it!’’. He had the power of numbers on his side that night. The voters here certainly spoke in numbers last month – a 51.6% national turnout for the Locals and 52.4% national turnout for the European elections were very respectable, showing that the majority of the electorate engaged with the campaigns. I spent some time in Luxembourg immediately after the elections and voters there were quite concerned at the amount of anti-EU candidates that got elected throughout Europe. They were not happy either at David Cameron’s attempts to stop former Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker becoming president of the European Commission. Juncker is very pro-EU but I can see Cameron’s logic – that someone more middle-ground on the future of the EU will give the anti-EU people less ammunition to destabilise the community. Numbers are the only true international
language. Simply put they are the mathematical objects used to count, measure and label across the globe. Forget about whether English, French, German or Spanish is more widely spoken around the world, the set of numbers from 0 to 9 and all the combinations of - and transformations with them out speaks all languages. If you want to convey to people around the world some data about County Wicklow for example, instead of translating into a multitude of languages you can just show the numbers with some trans-lingual symbols beside them to denote what each is. The population of the county is 136,448 and it encompasses 2024 square kilometres, giving a population density of 67.4 people per square kilometre. This can be shown without words graphically. Surely there’s an application there to cut down on the cost of translators in places like the European Parliament. George Lee is now Environment Correspondent at RTE and was on recently talking about the amount of ice that is melting away from the polar caps. Instead of trying to express the large volumes involved in convoluted language he employed straight numbers with great effect. George’s blog on this topic is worth checking out; it’s certainly food for thought on the whole topic of global warming. I’ve just passed a birthday. Not a major one, but a half-way point between two major ones. My new age is the same as my house number. My middle daughter also noticed that so long as I’m in my 40’s the 2 digits of my age will add up to her age. I checked and she was right. From when I was 40 through to when I’ll be 49 her new age that year will have gone from 4 through to 13. I was impressed, both with her ability to spot this mathematical relationship between us and also with the power of numbers. Back to the elections and congratulations to all the candidates who were successful on May 23. The numbers were on your side this time and the people have trusted you to do a good job on their behalf, which I have no doubt you will.
Brian Quigley is a Wicklow native and contributing writer to the Wicklow Voice.
“A
Yet for all that, I do not fear the prospect of Sinn Fein in government. It is lead by pragmatists and realists who will do what is needed to make things work and to stay in power, as they have done at Stormont.
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 Brian Quigley with Michael Wolsey
Sinn Fein feel the hand of history
t several points in its history, Sinn Fein has been lifted by factors not of its making and beyond its control. When Arthur Griffith coined the name in 1900 it referred to a movement rather than a political party. Indeed it was hardly even a movement, just a concept of cultural and political independence which Griffith had in his head and committed to the pages of the United Irishman, the newspaper he edited. By 1913, a party had been formed; otherwise, things had advanced little. The events of the next year would change all that. The horrors of the First World War, and the fact that it went on much longer than anyone had anticipated, entirely eroded the base of John Redmond’s Irish Parliamentary Party which had been, by far, the major political grouping in the country. Redmond’s dream of Home Rule was seen to be slipping away, sucked into the mud of Flanders, and from this disillusionment came the impetus for the Rising of 1916. The Rising itself did nothing for Sinn Fein which was not directly connected to the men fighting in Dublin. But the brutal way it was put down and the British decision to execute the leaders helped forge a political force that proved unstoppable. The same combination of a major world crisis and insensitive British governance helped establish the modern Sinn Fein. This time the British blunder came first. When Margaret Thatcher decided to let IRA hunger strikers starve to death in Long Kesh prison she cut the ground from under the SDLP which, among nationalists in Northern Ireland, had been as dominant as the Parliamentary Party in Redmond’s day. Its opposition to IRA violence had the broad support of the nationalist community. But opposition to IRA violence was one thing, supporting a decision to let its volunteers die slowly and painfully was quite another. When hunger striker Bobby Sands was elected an MP in 1981 he took a seat that might otherwise have gone to the SDLP . When, after Sands’s death, that seat was held by his election agent, Owen Carron, the writing was on the wall for the party of John Hume and Gerry Fitt. It has been fighting a losing battle ever since while Sinn Fein has established itself as the dominant nationalist voice in Northern Ireland. It took a major international disaster to establish Sinn Fein for a second time in the rest of the country. I am not comparing the recession to the horrors of World War One but it has created a similar disillusionment with established parties and institutions such as
the European Union, the ECB and the International Monetary Fund.. This was evidenced in the elections by a swing to the far Left and far Right in countries across Europe. In Ireland the swing was to independents and Sinn Fein, the ready-made, purpose-built, anti-establishment party. I do not trust Sinn Fein; in particular I do not trust its economic policies. I have lived my life in a world where the best things at home and abroad were guided by men like Ken Whitaker and Ken Galbraith. As economists, Sinn Fein seem closer to Gandalf than Galbraith: wave a magic wand and everything will be alright. Slash your sources of revenue and promise not to cut services. They say their plans have been costed and indeed they have, but in the way a punter might cost a €50 bet on a 50-1 outsider. He knows he will make €2,500 if he has backed a winner and lose €50 if he hasn’t. But he has no idea how the nag will actually perform. Yet for all that, I do not fear the prospect of Sinn Fein in government. It is lead by pragmatists and realists who will do what is needed to make things work and to stay in power, as they have done at Stormont. But I wonder how the party itself will fare when faced with the real problems that come with political power, problems that do not arise in Belfast where Britain still holds the purse strings. The original Sinn Fein thrived as the political wing of a revolutionary movement. It dominated the Dail of 1918 which had no real power since the British were still in control. It stood by the IRA during the War of Independence when it could fantasize on the Ireland of the future. But it split when confronted by the reality of the proposal to end the fighting and set up a Free State government. And it split again when de Valera decided to put practice ahead of theory and took his people into the Dáil. Might the reality of modern government break Sinn Fein’s ranks once again? Given its discipline that seems unlikely. But so did its rise back in 1913. Seamus Heaney, in a poem of that name, pondered on how Anything Can Happen: Anything can happen, the tallest towers Be overturned, those in high places daunted, Those overlooked regarded. Anything can happen. And in politics it usually does.
Michael Wolsey is a former deputy editor of the Irish Independent, and sits on the judging panel for the National Newspaper of Ireland Journalism Awards.
OPINION | 11
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
anyotherbusiness
Have you got a story? Then email thecaptain@wicklowvoice.ie By Captain Louis
It’s always the meedja’s fault It’s always the meedja’s fault … The Captain received two irate phone calls claiming that the Wicklow Voice was to blame for the voting public deciding to turf out as many sitting county councillors as it did. You might remember that we at this paper ran the expenses and pay of councillors in the run up to the polls, and this, it seems, was the catalyst for the slaughter of the innocents at the polling booths. One re-elected councillor who called us claimed that “it was unhelpful” that we ran the story, while another, who was defeated, accused us of lying, doing a hatchet job and that we needed to be careful as he was “talking to his legal team”. When The Captain duly offered the latter the opportunity to have his say in our comment pages, he swiftly hung up. While The Captain (and by extension this newspaper) is not above criticism, he is not conceited enough to believe that the Wicklow Voice has that much sway over the electorate. Anyway, if The Captain really wanted to do a hatchet job, he would have published their names in this column ...
They seek him here, they seek him there The newly elected members of Wicklow County Council at the first council meeting recently.
‘The important thing is to listen to what the electorate is saying’ Is Labour finished in Wicklow?
Not by a long shot. Labour is the longest serving political party in the State and has been shaping politics in Ireland for 102 years. In that time political parties in Ireland have come and gone but Labour has stayed the course. As a party we have been on the receiving end of voter swings before, both to our benefit and detriment. The important thing is to listen carefully to what the electorate is saying, learn from the lesson and make real changes going forward. How much of a factor was national politics in the 2014 local election? These local elections were very much about the bigger national and European context. People are tired of austerity and cuts to their income and services. The election at local level was very much a reaction to decisions taken by this government, by the last government and at European level. It is crystal clear that this election is a message from the electorate to government. I don’t question the electorate one bit for making this statement. Not only will it make this government sit up and listen, but a very similar
focus on faces Anne Ferris, Labour TD for Wicklow and East Carlow
pattern of results in elections all over Europe cannot be ignored by the European Commission. It is a pity however that the result of this election for Wicklow will be five years of much weaker local government. How will these local election results affect austerity? This government did not invent austerity but it has to do its very best from this point forward to reduce the impact of austerity on those most in need. The reason for austerity in Ireland is staring us in the face. There is an enormous national debt of €200 billion. The government was targeted by Ireland’s European lenders to cut €3 billion from the
economy in the last budget, while at the same we were expected to ring-fence €8 billion to repay debts built up by the last government. My hope is that the election results all over Europe will be a catalyst for a new conversation at European level about reducing debts and reducing austerity. Every idea has to be put on the table including debt forgiveness. The focus has to be towards putting money back into people’s pockets for them to spend in what thankfully is now a growing economy again. In your opinion, what impact will these elections have on the new Wicklow County Council? Wicklow County Council is undergoing enormous structural and management changes as a result of the ongoing programme of local government reform. On top of these structural changes, the local authority is now governed by a substantially different mix of councillors, with by far the dominant percentage comprising of independents each with a wide range of agendas and experience. It isn’t really feasible to consider the 40% independent councillor block in Wicklow Co Council as a unitary force. Each represents a different set of core principles. In my view this is actually a
less democratic type of politics. There is a second layer of democracy within a political party structure that restrains individual egos and prevents personal agendas. I worry about the effectiveness of a county council with such a high percentage of independents. As for Sinn Fein, the party has never denied that its primary focus is its all-Ireland agenda. If there was ever a need for an efficient opposition type watchdog for local government in Wicklow it is now. Our unelected local representatives in Wicklow will be that watchdog. What next for Labour in Wicklow? As a party we are carefully studying the message from the voters of Co. Wicklow. Nationally, the Labour Party is changing its leaders and the government will soon comprise of a new cabinet of ministers. Over the next few weeks Labour in Wicklow will be regrouping into a new local political watchdog body. As part of that process we plan to hold new advice clinics across the County. Labour will watch over local government in Wicklow while also continuing to solve people’s problems at a local and national level. We are just a phone call away at 01 276 4699 to discuss any issue, local or national, big or small.
they seek him here, they seek him there ... the Captain was delighted to see the lesser-spotted John Ryan of Fine Gael doing such a fine job chairing the first post-election Wicklow County Council meeting when he acted in his role as Leas Cathaoirleach in the absence of the former councillor formerly known as Labour, Jimmy O’Shaughnessy. Cllr Ryan was notable by his absence from Bray Town Council’s last meeting on May 27 when representatives of the past and present showed up to say goodbye. Jimmy famously tried to be in two places at the same time by running, and losing, in both Arklow and Wicklow during the elections. independent Councillor Christopher Fox was, of course, elected Cathaoirleach of the new council and the Captain would like to extend his best wishes to all those mentioned above for the future…
Tough times for forgers First the pay of Gardai was cut and now we have another indicator of how tough times are, as it has emerged that forged €20-notes are doing the rounds in Bray. There was a time in the county when any self-respecting forger wouldn’t be seen out without anything less than a €100-note. The Captain notes that Garda Declan Lynch has warned punters and retailers to be on the lookout for dodgy twenties in the county that carry no watermark. Anyone with any information can contact 016665300.
Elmo and other Muppets They’re letting all sorts into Powerscourt Golf Club this weather. Fans of Love/Hate could have been forgiven for thinking that gangster Elmo was about to let loose on some unsuspecting local when he was spotted wandering around with a five iron in his hands. It turns out actor Lawrence Kinlan, who plays elmo, was attending the 13th annual Ronnie Whelan Golf Classic for Ronnie’s daughter Elizabeth, who was diagnosed with autoimmune neuromuscular disease, Myasthenia Gravis, in 2005. Voice of Ireland judge Bressie, RTE’s Brian Ormond, Simon Delaney and our very own Shane Byrne were amongst the swingers on show …
Wickla’ egg farmer’s son full of bull Dalton Philips, the son of a Wickla’ egg farmer, has egg on his face. The former Brown Thomas boss, who was born and reared in the Garden County, is in a spot of bother due to his stewardship as CEO of UK retailing giant, Morrisons. Sales have tumbled 7.1% in the last three months which prompted the chain’s former chairman and founder, Sir Ken Morrison, to accuse management of ruining the business at a stormy AGM. “When I left work and started working as a hobby, I chose to raise cattle. I have something like 1,000 bullocks and having listened to your presentation, Dalton, you’ve got a lot more bullshit than me,” Morrison blasted ...
12 | NEWS wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
Penny worth millions to Wicklow
Hit series ‘Dreadful’ to shoot second series at Ardmore Studios By Cianan Brennan
DREADFUL by name it may be, but goth-horror television series Penny Dreadful is to prove bountiful for Wicklow as a second series has been greenlit for production. Produced by American cable network Showtime, the show had a budget of roughly €30 million for its first season. That budget is set to be greatly increased for the show’s second series which will see 10 epi-
sodes of the hit drama produced rather than this season’s eight. The show, currently airing on Sky Atlantic in Ireland, is set in Victorian England in the late 19th Century and was produced over the course of five months at Ardmore Studios in Bray last year. The latest positive story for Wicklow’s film industry comes hot on the heels of news that nearby Ashford Studios, where Nordic drama Vikings currently occupies all stages, are aiming
for a €50 million expansion to more than treble their size. The expansion could create up to a thousand jobs in the Wicklow area. Starring Timothy Dalton, Billie Piper and Casino Royale’s Eva Green, with Dublin substituting for Jack the Ripper-era London, Penny Dreadful follows African explorer Dalton as he searches for his recently kidnapped daughter. The title refers to ‘penny dreadfuls’, a type of 19th cen-
tury cheap and cheerful British fiction which generally contained sensational and titillating subject matter. A series of characters from Victorian fiction, including Victor Frankenstein and Dorian Gray, lend the series a literary slant to go with the gory drama. The series was created by Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes and John Logan, who most recently collaborated on James Bond’s adventure Skyfall as director and screenwriter
Enniskerry village comes out top By Cianan Brennan
enniSKeRRy has long been an aspirational location to live, firmly outside the chequebook capacity of the common or garden house buyer. And 2014 to date has been no exception. The picturesque village boasts amazing scenery, three golf courses, and the nearby Powerscourt gardens and waterfall (recently named by national Geographic as one of the top ten garden estates on the planet). As such, it stands as one of the most sought-after addresses in the country, and its asking prices reflect this, exceeding the rest of Wicklow by some distance. Leaving aside the country piles that sold for north of €1 million last year, property prices have continued to climb from 2013 to 2014, though so far this year
Enniskerry has yet to register a sale in the top five most expensive across the county. the average price in Enniskerry for 2014 currently stands at €576,000, a jump of some €100,000 from end 2013. A modest three bedroom semi-detached home will go for €321,000 here, while three-bed detacheds are averaging at €442,000. Larger detached properties are retailing for anything between €600,000 and €850,000. The cheapest property sold so far this year was a two-bedroom terraced house which went for €260,000. Barring a lottery win, the stunning locale remains beyond the wallet-capacity of all but the most affluent of buyers.
Prices rise county wide: Pages 20-21
Gillian Glynn and Freida O’Neill at the Presidential Suite at the Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa in Enniskerry
respectively. While currently just five episodes into its first season run, the series has proved to be the most watched new show ever on the Showtime network. Ardmore has been the setting for several big-budget, highprofile tv shows in recent years, including Camelot and four seasons of the raunchy Elizabethan epic The Tudors. Irishman and creative force behind The Tudors Morgan O’Sullivan also serves as pro-
down the decades Military Road runs past Enniskeery THE Military Road runs from Rathfarnham to Aughavanagh right through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. The Wicklow mountainous had for centuries been a base for Irish rebels attacking Dublin & The Pale. Prior to 1800 the only roads in the mountains were four tracks that followed the main valleys and ran from east to west. They were not connected and there was no direct road to Dublin. The undefeated rebels of the 1798 rebellion under Michael Dwyer took to the hills and continued the fight. In 1800 with the rebels still at large a new road providing better military access to the mountains was begun. A Scottish engineer Alexander Taylor was appointed to design the road and supervise the work. The plan called for the build-
ducer for Ardmore’s latest offering. Initially Penny Dreadful was to be shot in England, but Ireland’s Section 481 tax incentives for film productions and Ardmore’s status as a stage-space of the highest class proved more attractive to the show’s producers. The next season of Penny Dreadful will be shot at Ardmore and around Ireland between October 2014 and April of next year. ing of garrisons at Glencree, Laragh, Drumgoff and Aughavanagh. 200 infantrymen of the Scottish Fencibles were issued with 200 shovels, 30 pickaxes and 40 wheelbarrows and told to get to work! Many of the culverts and bridges they built over streams remain in use today. Michael Dwyer surrendered in 1803 when the road was only as far as Glenmacnass. Nevertheless work continued and by 1805 the barracks were all fully occupied. Taylor’s Military Road ran for 34 Irish miles and cost the enormous sum for the time of £40,000 more than twice the original budget… some things never change! I’m Philip Byrne & I’m a storyteller. My email is philip@ positiveoutcomes.ie and I do exactly as it says on the tin. Philip Byrne is a Storyteller who under the title of Positive Outcomes is available for storytelling events for children and adults including special needs groups. He can be contacted on 087 2627806.
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THE DELGANY | 13
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
THE DELGANY’S FIRST BIRTHDAY!
COUNTY’S HOTTEST FOOD DESTINATION CELEBRATES IN STYLE By Michelle McGlynn JUST over one year ago, The Delgany opened their doors to provide people with a top quality restaurant, grocery store, bakery and gift shop all under one roof. The opening of The Delgany has injected some much needed life into the community. If you haven’t visited this unique establishment yet, then what are you waiting for? The Delgany restaurant has flourished under new management. The restaurant combines cutting edge architectural design with a relaxed atmosphere of open fires and leather sofas. They serve rustic contemporary food using local seasonal produce. The Delgany is open seve days a week serving delicious breakfasts, tasty lunches and, on Fridays and Saturdays, scrumptious dinners. They will soon be open on Thursday evenings from Thursday, July 3. As the weather continues to improve their fantastic outdoor terrace is ideal for dining al fresco.
The Delgany is the perfect venue for a range of occasions from weddings to birthday parties. If you’re looking for something new in food retail then The Delgany Grocer is for you. They want to go back to a time before supermarket shelves were filled with row upon row of uninteresting, mass produced products. They have a range of products each more mouthwatering than the last. The Delgany Grocer offer a quality, affordable alternative to you weekly shop. They deal with many Wicklow suppliers and specialise in Irish and organic produce so you know you’ll get top quality food while supporting Irish businesses. Meanwhile, The Firehouse Bakery recently won the award for Best Casual Dining in Wicklow from the Irish Restaurant Awards. They serve up a selection of breads, pastries, pizzas, soup and sandwiches. The Firehouse Bakery established its name with the opening of its bread school on Heir
Laura Moore and Patrick Ryan
Pictured at The Delgany birthday celebrations were: Martina Fox and Stephen Dalton.
Island in West Cork in 2012 which is currently booked solid until 2015. Patrick has recently brought his successful bread courses to The Delgany. Evening courses are held each month which allows you to get hands on with real bread. For more information see www.thefirehouse.ie. The Bungalow is a unique
flower and gift shop, perfect for when you’re searching for the perfect gift for someone special. It is a treasure trove, showcasing the best of local Irish crafts and artists as well as exceptionally creative in-house florists. If all that has piqued your interest then pop down and enjoy all that The Delgany has to offer.
OLD DELGANY INN, DELGANY, CO. WICKLOW
T: (01) 287 7102 www.thedelgany.ie
14 | THE DELGANY
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
THE DELGANY| 15
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
FRESH FISH IS AVAILABLE AT T H E D E LG A N Y G R O C E R
Best wishes to Mary O’Shea and Therese Rooney of The Bungalow
Marie and Maurice Nicholson
from everyone at
Laura Moore and Patrick Ryan
Forkin Estates
Happy bitrhday to The Delgany
Main Street, Delgany
01 287 8859
www.forkinestates.ie
Best wishes to The Delgany from Cooleeney Farm
Michael Doherty and Lynn Bellows
Garech Browne, Susan Haynes and Walter Pfeiffer
'Best Wishes to The Delgany Grocer'
robertsofdalkey.com robertsofdalkey.com
Majella Howard, Jill Douglas, Claire O’Brien (Bear Paw Deli) and Caroline McNamara (Horse and Hound)
6 Jacques Gardin
Best wishes from everyone at Adare Farm Adare Farm, Unit 2, Limerick Food Centre, Raheen, Co Limerick.
On the Pig’s Back English Market, Cork t: 021 427 0232 Douglas t: 021-4617832
Also selling online at www.onthepigsback.ie
Supplier of Award winning Chicken Liver Patés and Pork Terrines
FF R R EESSHH FFI ISS H H DDA A I LIYL Y
Martina Fox
3
Tel: 087 296 2626 Email: info@adarefarm.ie
5
BEST WISHES TO THE DELGANY
www.adarefarm.ie
Geraldine Hewson, Mary Sheehan, Jacques Gardin, Denise Noone and Colette Borre.
GOOD LUCK TO THE DELGANY
Steven Jackson
Love Leaf
FROM OLD MACDONNELL’S FARM Main Street, Delgany 01 287 4211 facebook.com/FarrellysOfDelgany
Best of luck to The Delgany
Best wishes to The Delgany from everyone at Love Leaf
ro w
G
Follow us on
Glenealy, Co. Wicklow 086 3822141 www.growingsolutions.ie info@growingsolutions.ie
n o i i n g S ol u t
s
The Delgany
Becky Wilkinson and Sarah Gleeson
Wishing The Delgany continued success in the years to come
Tel: 045 480 100 www.janerussells.ie
1 2 3 4 5
topten
16 | WHAT’S HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
sale of the fortnight Castle Furniture 8 Castle Street, Bray, June 14-21 Head down to Castle Furniture for their sale where items begin at an astonishing €1. At Castle Furniture you are guaranteed great service and great value. The showroom is quite large, providing you with lots of choice in beds, dining and sofas. Check out their bed gallery which is stocked with leading brands such as Odearest, Respa, King Koil and Spring Air. While you’re there you can get excellent, free advice from their sleep experts. Castle Furniture provide free and quick delivery, free assembly and free disposal of old beds and sofas. They deal exclusively with Irish suppliers so you can be sure that you will be supporting local Irish businesses when you shop with Castle Furniture. Oictured is Ian Talbot outside his store
PARTY idea of the fortnight BBQ Party The Beacon Hotel, Sandyford, Summer 2014 With the weather starting to heat up (barely!), we are all getting in the barbeque mood. The Beacon hotel’s Parisian style courtyard is the perfect location for you to host your very own barbeque party. Head chef at My Thai restaurant, San, will give you BBQ tips
and flavourful menus to tantalise your taste buds. With the sun shining, the grill sizzling and friendly staff looking after you, The Beacon hotel is the perfect spot to spend time with family and friends this summer. Check out the delicious summer BBQ menus on the website www. thebeacon.com or call Ciaran Miley on 01 643 7057. See ad on page 3.
Book of the fortnight Can Anybody Help Me? Sinead Crowley Most of us know Sinead Crowley as RTÉ’s arts and media correspondent but now it’s time to meet Sinead Crowley, novelist. Her debut novel tells the story of Yvonne, a new mother who is finding motherhood a struggle. She turns to an online forum for mother’s in search of
some support. As she seeks guidance and support, she begins to reveal more and more information about herself. One of her new online friends goes offline suddenly, causing Yvonne some concern. The body of a young woman with striking similarities to the missing friend is found cause her concern to turn into terror as she realises that they are all in danger.
TV SHOW of the fortnight World Cup 2014
RTÉ & RTÉ.ie, June 12-July 13 It’s hard to believe it has already been 4 years since Ireland missed out on the World Cup in South Africa but it’s that time again. Ireland will not be taking part in the tournament but that does not mean that we can’t enjoy all the fun that comes with the World
BUSINESS IDEA of the fortnight Wicklow at work The Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town, Friday, June 27 Wicklow at Work is set to be the single most important business event this year. The topic will be ‘Growing business in the Garden County.’ An impressive line up of speakers will be present to share their experience with you. David Walsh, Bobby Kerr, Paul Burke, Noel Davidson, Peter Sheridan, Stephen Fitzgerald among
others will be there on the day to provide excellent advice. Approximately 100 of the finest Wicklow companies will present their products and services at the event. Wicklow at Work will provide a forum for the many wonderful companies to showcase their businesses. To book a stand or for more information contact Wicklow Town and District Chamber 0404 66433 or susana@ wicklowchamber.ie
Cup. The time has come to choose your team, shout at the panellists on the tv and witness the game at its best. World Cup 2014 does have significance for Irish fans as we will see the curtain come down on the career of one of our most beloved television personalities, Bill O’Herlihy. After more than 49 years, Bill will present for the final time. Live.
6 7 8 9 10
WHAT’S HOT| 17
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the fortnight The Fault in our Stars Gaiety Cinema, Arklow A moving and witty adaptation of John Green’s bestselling novel of the same name, The Fault in our Stars follows the love story of two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. Sixteen year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) was diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago. She prefers not to sugar-coat the reality of her situation and attends the support group on her mother’s encouragement. She instantly connects with charming Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort). Augustus has been in remission for eighteen months and has a prosthetic leg. Hazel fears their love will not have a happy ending but cannot stop herself from falling in love. Woodley and Elgort bring honesty, humour and heart to their roles.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
Aries-2,4,16,26,36,37 New interests, projects, and learning endeavors are featured in June. Look for opportunities to expand your income.
FUNdRAISER of the fortnight Fundraiser of the fortnight Ex Ardmore Rovers v Ex Wolfe Tone YC, Carlisle Grounds, Bray, Sunday, June 15, 2pm Last August, Merryn Lacy (5) was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma – an aggressive childhood cancer of the nervous system. In order to give Merryn the best chance at beating this terrible illness, her family will be seeking treatment beyond
the current course that she is on. This will most likely take her to Europe or the US, and will come at a high cost. A football match has been organised to support Merryn between Ex Ardmore Rovers and Ex Wolfe Tone YC. Premiership and Ireland legend Damien Duff has also signed up to play. Tickets are €5 at the gate for adults while entry for children is free. You can follow Merryn’s story at www. merrynlacy.com
Ireland’s best new music, artisan food and crafts festival returns after a smashing inaugural year. Craic in the Granite will take place in picturesque Aughrim from 27-29 June. The festival will open with a parade and pipe band. Food and arts and craft markets will be
a feature throughout the weekend showcasing the best artisan foods and unique crafts that Aughrim has to offer. The festival also offers a dog show, a puppet show for the children and a busking competition. Highlights of the Craic include performances by artists such as Anthony Norton & Drajan Derek, The Pat McManus Band and Leslie Dowdall & Mike Hanrahan.
Libra-7,9,11,22,33,37 You will feel pulled in many different directions with less time to pursue your own personal goals. Tame restlessness and tend to your happiness.
Perfect Friction Wicklow Sailclub, Friday, June 27 Perfect Friction blend classic contemporary tunes with traditional rhythms. The band formed in 2012 when five young musicians, who had been playing traditional Irish music sessions together in Wicklow Town, decided to enlist the services of a talented vocalist and put out a new sound. The musicians from Wicklow,
Dublin and Wexford, include four All-Ireland champions and collectively they deliver a sound that will have your foot tapping and leave you wondering what they magic ingredient is. The band released their extremely catchy single Irish Love earlier to much acclaim. They are currently working towards the release of their EP in September/ October 2014. You’ll be sorry if you miss this one.
Scorpio-1,12,19,32,35,41 Your schedule may be hectic, particularly socially, and there can be some challenges organizing your finances. Avoid jumping into new endeavors. Sagittarius-10,18,20,22,36,38 Resume relationships with friends you haven’t seen for a long time! The ruler of Sagittarius’ house of work, Venus, will bring in good fortune. Capricorn-5,8,10,19,27,31 Work tends to be available to you, and possibly too available at times, so that you may have to choose between alternatives. Pick wisely.
‘Pullquote here– In the Mafia, those who go against the wishes of the Dons can have a short life’
ACTIVITY of the fortnight
St. Andrew’s N.S. are ending the school year in style with a ‘Ladies who lunch’ fundraiser. The event will be held in The Martello where ladies will be served up a scrumptious feast. The incomparable Mary Coughlan will be attending as the guest speaker, sharing stories
Cancer-14,16,1`,23,38,40 You are beginning a year-long trend that brings great benefits from helping others and other forms of service. Spirituality and compassion is strong.
Virgo-8,12,13,26,35,42 Business-related travel or the reaching of a wider audience is possible during this month. Your status is set to change for the better.
GIG of the fortnight
Ladies who lunch The Martello, Bray, Saturday, June 21, 1pm
Gemini-1,5,11,19,25,38 This month, you begin a fabulous year-long trend that boosts your self-confidence and brings personal opportunities to advance your life.
Leo-2,16,18,26,29,31 Wonderful opportunities arise for new friendships and some of you may find romance through friends, groups, and associates.
Family fun of the fortnight Craic in the Granite Various locations, Aughrim, 27-29 June
Taurus-2,9,22,31,33,39 A significant gift or bonus may come your way. This is a good time to work with financial institutions, go for a raise, or apply for a loan.
from the road and about her colourful life. When asked if she would like to speak at the event, Mary was thrilled to do it. The ladies will be spoiled even further with the raffle that will be held. Prizes include 7 nights in a villa in Portugal and a day at the ESPA in Powerscourt Hotel and much more. For raffle tickets or to book your table, contact Sarah Doyle on 086 1016477.
Aquarius-4,12,20,30,34,37 You are beginning a trend that brings wonderful opportunities to boost your social life, creativity, and find new avenues for selfexpression. Pisces-1,7,10,16,26,39 You may be working from home, with family and domestic fields during this month. Idealism may cloud your judgment. Look before you leap. Live Psychic Angel-Tarot-Medium 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.
18 | FOOD
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
recipes
Peter Byrne
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel wine choice • Aldi’s French Pinot Noir Some people may consider red wines to be more for the autumn or winter, but they are wonderful year round, and nicely complement lots of summer fare. Aldi’s French Pinot Noir (€7.29 / 75cl) is soft, smooth and fruity with rich red fruit aromas and lush berry flavours.
Paul Smith
The Mystic Chef
dillisk bread
Crab MayonNaise Ingredients • 200g white crab meat, picked through • 2 tbsp mustard mayonnaise • 4 asparagus spears, blanched and finely diced • 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and finely diced • 1 tbsp finely diced shallots • 1 tbsp each of chopped fresh coriander, chives and chervil
• Squeeze of lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Ingredients
• 1x 1lb loaf tin (greased and floured) • 1lb of plain flour • 3 strips of dillisk (dulse) • 1 teaspoon level of sieved bread soda • approx half pint of buttermilk or water
preparation
Prepare the ingredients for the crab mixture then combine and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with sliced avocado and watercress salad
instructions: • Add flour , breadsoda and
dillisk to bowl. • Add half of liquid and mix gently, gradually add the rest of liquid until you have a smooth dough. • Bake at 180c for 45 to 50 minutes. • Bottom of bread should sound hollow when tapped.
• Remove and cool in a wire rack TIPS/NOTES • Fresh fennel and pink
peppercorns go well with dillisk bread • Replace dillisk with 2 oz of sundried tomatoes and a pinch of salt to make a sundried tomato bread.
Masked bandits seen on the rampage in Kilcoole! Summer Music at Mermaid Heathers Sat 9 Aug €14/12 Stop Making Sense
Tarab & Nafra
Sephira
Fri 18 July €14/12
Fri 15 Aug €16/14
Sat 12 July €12/10
Don Baker Fri 8 Aug €16/14
Luka Bloom
(Talking Heads Film)
Fri 29 Aug €16/14
Call Box Office: 01-2724030
Book Online at www.mermaidartscentre.ie Mermaid Arts Centre, Main St, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Wildlife
with Justin Ivory
(info@wicklowvoice.ie) BEFORE people start getting anxious, the bandits in question are birds, Little Terns to be precise. The Little Tern (Sternus albifrons) is not only the smallest species of tern found in Ireland, it is also the rarest of our five breeding tern species. The black cap, indicative of breeding tern species in Ireland, in the Little Tern is broken up by a sharply contrasting white forehead, leaving what looks like a black Zorro mask over the yes, hence the ‘masked bandit’ knickname! This delightful, chattering seabird leaves its wintering grounds off the West African coast every year to head north for the summer to breed and raise their young. They arrive annually from late April and stay until mid August/early September. One of the largest colonies in Ireland can be found here in County Wicklow along the coast between Kilcoole and Newcastle. Little Terns were first recorded breeding at Kilcoole during
Little Tern chicks being held by a warden. (Photo: Justin Ivory) the construction of the railway 3. Volunteering. If you line in 1853. Thankfully, since would like to help the wardens 1985, under a joint initiative send an e-mail to littletern@ between BirdWatch Ireland and birdwatchireland.ie the National Parks & Wildlife 4. Become a member of Service (NPWS), the terns at BirdWatch Ireland. Kilcoole have been protected If you wish to keep up to by a wardening scheme. date with all the goings on at The number of breeding pairs the Kilcoole Little Tern colony has increased from 14 pairs in this year then you can check 1985 to as much as 106 pairs in out the wardens’ blog at http:// 2006 as a result of the wardens littleternconservation.blogspot. trojan work at the Kilcoole ie/ . Little Tern Conservation Or even better why not Project. join the Wicklow Branch of How can you help the Little Birdwatch Ireland on their Terns at Kilcoole? outing to the colony on Sunday 1. Keep to the path. 15 June. Meeting at Kilcoole 2. Keep dogs under control. Train Station car park at 10am.
FASHION | 19
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
my favourite things
WHAT’s HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
festival fashion Lace Trilby, Oasis, €19
Sunglasses, River Island, €22
Wrangler shirt, Tansey’s, €52
Wrangler jeans, Tansey’s, €65
Shorts, Jack & Jones, €59.95 Sunglasses, Claire’s, €9.99
Tshirt, Dunnes Stores, €10
Shorts, Quiz @ Debenhams, €33
Embellished bustier, River Island, €60
Ankle boots, River Island, €50
Kardashian playsuit, Next, €75
ANNA SCHU opens in delgany BeAUty destination Anna Schu has recently opened in a third location, delgany. This expansion comes just a few months after the second branch opened in Stillorgan. The business has proved to be a huge success for the beauty guru. When they first opened in the heart of Bray, Anna had no idea that her business would be successful enough to have three branches in such a short time.
“When opening in 2010 it was a risk but an investor believed in me and helped me fulfill my dream. Subsequently, the motto for AnnA SCHU has become “Believing in U,” said Anna. “Thankfully the demand has been there and grown primarily by word of mouth and satisfied clientele.” The delgany salon is located upstairs in Adare House and staff are very excited to welcome customers, both old
and new. “our delgany branch has a quaint country feel about it, with lavender and a relaxed atmosphere. We have brought out one of our luxurious Californian pedicure spas, so you can enjoy a complimentary back massage with every pedicure.” if that sounds like heaven to you then you should take a look at the range of relaxing, beautifying treatments Anna Schu has to offer.
Backpack, Dunnes Stores, €12
20 | PROPERTY
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
Prices rise across By Cianan Brennan
hothouse
Wingfield, Bray from €410,000 tHiS development of 17 four-bedroom houses with prices starting at €410,000 is Brian M Durkan’s first attempt to “dip his toe back in the house-building market” after a seven-year hiatus during which the company concentrated on constructing schools and sports pavilions. “With Wingfield we’re targeting families,” durkan says. “People want to buy decent sized, A-rated family homes.” they have gone “above spec”, with each house, with extra-high ceilings at ground level – 2.7m instead of the standard 2.4m – and all bedrooms fitted with wardrobes by Cawley’s Furniture and cabled for tV. there’s smart sanitaryware in the bathrooms and the
glossy kitchen units, designed by nolan kitchens, come topped with black pearl granite and include Zanussi appliances. the estate is in the Co dublin part of Bray to the front of the Solus tower estate and its signature tower. the builders also offer house hunters the option of an open-plan ground floor. “Some families want a second living space to escape to, others don’t,” durkan says. each house has a garden of between 70m and 80m with a garden shed and a side passage to ease the taking in and out of bins. the four-bedroom semi costs €410,000; the fourbedroom detached house costs €465,000 through agents Hooke and Macdonald.
THE biggest movements in North Wicklow property so far this year have been seen south of Bray in Delgany and Newtownmountkennedy. Just south of Greystones, picturesque Delgany has seen the greatest movement anywhere in the county in 2014 thus far. At an average of €439,000, Delgany’s average house price has increased by almost €100,000 in just five months. This increase is fired by a series of large-scale family properties changing hands, all for north of €500,000. Further south, Newtownmountkennedy serves as perhaps the best evidence yet that the gradual propertyprice creep already seen in Bray and Greystones is beginning to make its presence felt in the county at large. Since the end of 2013 the average price in the town, equidistant between Bray and Wicklow Town, has increased by almost €30,000 to €220,000,
a 15% increase. The average price of a house in the North Wicklow region now stands at €280,000. A two-bed apartment is currently averaging at €164,000 across the county, three-bed detached houses are going for €279,000, while three-bed terraced houses now average at €228,000, an increase of 43% on end 2013 with significant competition in Greystones being the primary driver. Three-bed semi-detacheds have remained relatively unchanged, with the average asking price now standing at €225,000. The most striking increases can be seen in the larger four and five-bedroom family homes to be found throughout the county, mostly sold in Greystones so far in 2014. A four-bed detached property is now retailing for €447,000 on average in North Wicklow, an increase of €60,000 (18%) on end 2013. In Bray and Arklow prices have remained reasonably static, with the town at the
south of the county continuing to boast the most affordable property available. €250,000 and €121,000 are the average prices in the county’s most northerly and most southerly towns respectively as at end May. Greystones, traditionally an aspirational place to live, has seen prices increase by some €27,000 (8%) as demand continues to outstrip supply to a large extent. Further evidence can be seen in the amount of sales, with fully 35 more properties sold in Greystones by end May than at the same time last year. Sales in Wicklow Town have proven especially strong so far in 2014, with fully twice as many properties being sold (35) as compared with May 2013, however prices have managed to maintain their end-of-year levels, standing at €214,000 at time of publication. Nearby Rathnew has also managed to maintain its relatively low rates – second only to Arklow for affordability - with property there now
averaging at €161,000, a €5,000 increase on end 2013. Average prices in Kilcoole increased by almost €27,000 (13%) to an average of €232,000, with the 15 properties sold so far in 2014 a 50% increase on May of 2013. Prices in Ashford have risen €19,000 to €285,000 since the end of 2013, with fully 43% more properties sold near the Devil’s Glen compared to May 2014. Property rates in affluent Enniskerry are significantly reduced as the marquee property sales (such as Bushy Park) seen in previous years have yet to be replicated in 2014. Having said that prices there remain the highest in the county at an average of €576,000. The most expensive house sold so far in 2014 in Wicklow is the truly magnificent Boystown House near Blessington which went for a cool €4.9 million in January. Broadlough House, near Rathnew, comes a distant second, selling for €1.1 million in March.
Saturday Viewing 2.30pm - to 4.30pm, Sunday Viewing 2.30pm - 4.30pm
New Family Houses Launch, Bray. A superb
specification inside and out...
“A”rated – Low energy design / Easy to heat / High efficiency ventilation / Lower running costs. Excellent accommodation / Superb kitchens with Zanussi appliances / High quality bathrooms. Gardens landscaped front and rear, two car spaces, feature trees, patio and garden shed. Superb location between Bray & Shankill, beside DART, M11 and Woodbrook Golf Club.
CORKE ABBEY, BRAY.
Woodbrook GC
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Superb new showhouse on view Today
Viewing times: Thursday & Friday 4 - 6 pm, Saturday 2:30 - 4:30 pm
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
county
PROPERTY| 21
hothouse
Bray View, Upper Dargle Road, Bray, €450000 dooLey Auctioneers are delighted to bring this stunning 4 Bedroom detached home to the market. Situated in a tranquil setting off the Upper dargle Road, perched on a hilltop Bray View as the name suggests offers breathtaking panoramic uninterrupted views of Bray town, Bray Head and the Sugarloaf Mountains. this unique two storey property has been tastefully refurbished in traditional cottage style throughout and boasts many special features which provide it with a sense of old world charm while providing all the facilities one would expect from a modern family home. the theme of the house is set right from when you enter the gates of the property when you are greeted with abundance of fragrances
from the wild flower garden plants, climbing roses, clematis and jasmine, this leads onto the large Front Patio and Garden Area which due to the elevated nature of the property enjoys the sun all day long. the traditional charming tiled front porch leads into the large Living/ dining Room, this beautiful room gives all the feel and
atmosphere of a traditional cottage. The room benefits from solid oak flooring, custom built in furniture and storage and a brand new “Clear View” wood burning stove. this special property comes to the market in showroom condition and viewing comes highly recommended. Please contact Gabriel or derek at dooley Auctioneers on 01 2010300
* Zoning AG * Top Quality pasture * Free Draining Limestone Land * Formerly part of the Mountkennedy Estate * Price on Application
22 | HOMES
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
It’s just magic at Matt Britton’s
Matt and Craig Britton were joined by TV star Neville Knott at the opening of Matt Britton’s Wood Floor Gallery in Kilcoole
Katie Ashmore (5), Ciara O’Connor, Ben (5) and Sean Ashmore
Jessi Mackey, Craig Britton, Neville Knott and Grace Mulvey
Improve your home and bank balance WE are all too familiar with the high level of tax burden placed upon us, particularly over the last few years. It would be great to get something back for a change – well you can! Announced in Budget 2013 the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) provides tax relief for you by way of an income tax credit at 13.5% of qualifying expenditure. The scheme provides a credit for homeowners for qualifying expenditure on “repair, renovation or improvement work carried out by tax compliant contractors on a homeowner’s principle private residence”, according to the Revenue. The amount of your HRI tax credit depends on the amount you spend on qualifying works. You must spend over €4,405.00 (before vat) to qualify for the HRI tax credit. The amount can be a total of from any number of jobs carried out and paid for from 25 October 2013 – 31 December 2015. The works can be carried out as one job or on a phased basis by one or more qualifying contractors. You can spend as much as you like but you can only claim the HRI tax credit on amounts up to €30,000 (before vat). This lower credit would amount to €595.00 with the highest as much as €4,050.00 - you are basically claiming the 13.5% vat aspect of your works. It will be 2015 before you can
Homes
with Clodagh Doyle (info@wicklowvoice.ie)
claim the first HRI tax credits. You HRI tax credits will be included in your tax credits over two years, starting the year after the work is carried out and paid for. If you are on PAYE, the HRI will be evenly spread throughout the two years. The recently launched HRI online system through Revenue allows tax compliant contractors to enter details of qualifying works and payments, while homeowners can securely look up qualifying works and payments details. BEFORE THE WORK STARTS Tell the contractor that you will be applying for HRI scheme. Ask the Contractor to confirm that they are participating in the scheme and will enter the details of the work on the HRI online. Give your Contractor your Local Property Tax ID (Not your PPSN or your PIN) Your Contractor will enter the
work details online. You should login to HRI online to check that the work details have been entered. AFTER THE WORK STARTS Your Contractor will enter payment details to HRI online. You should login to HRI online again to check that the payment details have been entered THE YEAR AFTER THE WORKS ARE COMPLETED AND PAID FOR – You should login in to HRI online to claim your HRI tax credit. You must ensure that your Local Property Tax and Household Charge are up to date at the time of your claim and remember you are in control of this process. With only fifteen months of this scheme remaining now is the time to carefully plan your home improvements and maximise your tax credit return – before it is too late! 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
NEWS | 23
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
50% 45%
Weekly Listenership/Reach Co. Wicklow April '13 to March '14 (All Adults)
40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%
*Source: ipsos MRBI/JNLR 2014 - 1 Published 1st May 2014
24 | SERVICES
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
services
Buying? Selling? Contact one of our team today
UPHOLSTERY
e: info@wicklowvoice.ie w: www.wicklowvoice.ie
NEWS| 25
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
Ahoy! Sailfest is back in Town By Cianan Brennan
SEA breezes and maritime excitement will be the name of the game as the Round Ireland Sailfest returns to Wicklow Town for three days from June 27. The event, marking the start of the Round Ireland Yacht Race, was first held in 2010 and will serve to create an atmosphere of fun and entertainment with fringe events taking place across the weekend in most of the town’s pubs and restaurants. Festivities kick-off from 8pm on the Friday at Wicklow Sailing Club with acts Perfect Friction, Luan Parle and Sharon Crosbie getting the party started. A selection of local artisan stalls will be on display (not to mention the Sailfest Pop Up Restaurant), while revellers can stroll the pier admiring the competing yachts on display before the sky is spectacularly lit by the famous Sailfest fireworks. Saturday is Round Ireland Day, and begins at 10am with
The Mayor’s Challenge, a five km Fun Run in aid of local charities. The Sailfest Family Fun Day kicks off at noon at the Black Castle and includes a climbing wall, oversized games, face painting, a magic show, The Afrikan Warriors Circus Show, and much, much more. The main event, the Round Ireland Yacht Race itself, begins at 2pm, with the yachts leaving to the airs of the Wicklow Pipe Band, followed by a low level flyover by aircraft from Newcastle Airfield and then a tremendous air display by Ireland’s number one stunt pilot Eddie Goggins. If that isn’t enough to tickle your fancy, why not visit the Sailfest Craft Village in Fitzwilliam Square? From 6.30pm until late a series of local bands will take to the main Sailfest stage in the Abbey Car Park with The Classic Beatles headlining. This year’s twist comes on the Sunday with the returning Taste of Wicklow Town starting at midday.
Set in the stunning Abbey Grounds, the event will be a fusion of local food and top class chefs (including Catherine Fulvio and Paul Kelly), together with an artisan market and all manner of entertainment. The weekend of festivities will draw to a close with a Grand Finale Party (doubling as the launch for music festival The Secret Garden) hosted by festival sponsors Ulster Bank in Conway Port’s huge warehouse on Wicklow Harbour. Sailfest Taste of Wicklow Town Day Pass tickets are already on sale at €5 throughout Wicklow Town, while all other events are free of charge. For more information see www.roundirelandsailfest.ie implications regarding certain crimes and prosecutions processed at Wicklow’s largest and main urban Garda station. Round Ireland Sailfest 2014 is organised by a dedicated voluntary team co-ordinated by Wicklow Town & District Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by Ulster Bank.
Fabulous Finnbees
Paul and Liz Finnegan look on as author Emma Hannigan cuts the cake at the opening of the new Finnbess on Bray’s Seafront.
Paul and Liz with former Bray Town Clerk, Christine Flood, now of Wicklow County Council
Carmel Robinson, Brendan and Veronica O’Leary at the Finbees opening
26 |SPORT sport in brief World Cup comes to Wicklow BRAy Wanderers will throw open the gates of the Carlisle Grounds to the public later this month when the club stages its first ever Fun World Cup and Family Day. The SSE Airtricity League Premier Division club is planning a free festival of fun for the whole community on Saturday, June 28th – with music, food, bouncy castles and demonstrations from local sporting and dance groups running alongside the football tournament.
wicklowvoice.ie June 12 2014
Emmets host table quiz BRAy Emmets are inviting all you brain boxes to a table quiz on Saturday, June 14 in the Clubhouse. A great night is promised for all with a raffle and the England v Italy World Cup match being screened following the quiz.
Super sports day tHe annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Cill Mhantáin Sports Day took place in Charlesland Sport and Recreation Park, Greystones on Wednesday, June 4. Boys and girls took part in individual races, team relays,
tug of war, ball throw, long puck, long kick and long jump. Each boy and girl represented their school impeccably and it was a fantastic achievement for each athlete to be representing their school.
Cyclones roll into town
Record breaking Wicklow 200
tHe Wicklow 200 cycle took place on Sunday, June 8 and was an outstanding success. the route began and ended at Shoreline, Greystones and took cyclists through some of the most scenic areas that Wicklow has to offer. Despite downpours and inclement weather a record 3, 000 cyclists took part in this year’s event.
Ain’t no mountain high enough!
By Michelle McGlynn
It was a case of job well done for Derrick McGovern and his Delgany Ramblers as they came through the Four Peaks challenge with honours last weekend. McGovern and his three fellow Peakers had been in training for the last three months in preparation for their assault on Ireland’s four highest provincial mountains, with all proceeds going to Focus Ireland to help in
BRACE yourselves as roller derby skates into Wicklow this August. Our very own East Coast Cyclones are bringing the All-Ireland Roller Derby tournament to the Shoreline, Greystones this summer. Teams from all over the Republic and Northern Ireland will battle it out in the fiercely competitive tournament. Roller Derby is a contact sport
By Cianan Brennan
the battle against homelessness. “It was an incredible experience I have to say,” says a clearly elated Derrick. “It’s probably as well that we didn’t realize the scale of challenge that we were in for! But the sense of achievement afterwards was wonderful.” “In three days we climbed 45 kilometres, scaling over 12,000 feet, and travelled over a thousand miles, so I think it’s fair to say we earned our bread,” he smiles. The group had hoped
to earn €3,800, but ended up blowing their target apart with almost €8,000 raised in total. “We didn’t have it easy weather-wise either, as the Carrauntoohil ascent was made in the worst weather you can imagine – we were nearly blown off the mountain!” says McGovern. So what’s next for the Delgany Ramblers? “We’ll definitely continue on, we all enjoy the fitness and camaraderie and we’ve gotten a taste for it now,” he says.
The East Coast Cyclones played on an oval track while wearing roller-skates. Each team has 4 players called ‘blockers’ on the track and these 8 players make up the ‘pack’. The other players from each team are called ‘jammers’ and these two players have to try to skate through the pack. Points are scored by passing other players and you can hit opponents with your hips or shoulders. It is fast-paced, tactical and exhilarating to watch.
Roller derby is currently the fastest-growing sport in the world. East Coast Cyclones member Hurricane Caitriona says, “The ladies seem to like the quirkiness of the sport, the men are initially attracted to the fact that it’s ladies on rollerskates playing but they soon become fans of the tactics and athleticism of the game.” Tickets for the tournament can be purchased at the door or from Brown Paper tickets, €15 per day or €25 for the weekend.
Sport| 27
June 12 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
Flying high ... Alan’s Ultimate rise BRAY man Alan Breathnach has played for Ireland in the World and European Championships at Beach Ultimate. He has also won All Ireland Club honours at the sport at club level. Off the pitch he was one of the organisers of the 2012 World Junior Ultimate Championships which took place in Ireland in 2012 with over 50 international teams competing. Ultimate is one of the newest and fastest growing sports in the world. I caught up with Alan recently during a break between the Mixed and Open Ultimate seasons.
So, what are the rules of the game? Ultimate Frisbee is a 7v7, non contact, self-refereed sport. The pitch is 37m wide and 100m long with an end zone at each end that is 18m deep. Each team is defending one of the end zones and to score a goal your team has to catch the disc (frisbee) in the end zone. Once you are in possession of the disc you can not run with it, you have to establish a pivot and throw it to any of your team mates. If the team with the disc drops it, throws it away, catches it out of bounds or the opposition intercepts it then the opposition are immediately on offence and try to score in the other end zone. Since there are no referees in the game Ultimate relies on a spirit of the game principle which places the responsibility for fair play on each individual player. Even at the highest level, the players are responsible for enforcing the rules and call their own fouls. There are basically 3 divisions in Ultimate: Open, Women’s and Mixed. These are further broken by age U17, U20, U23, Normal, Masters, Grand Masters. In the Open division anyone can
Alan in action in Ultimate Frisbee
play, there are no restrictions. In Women’s its only women, and in mixed it’s a minimum of 3 of each gender with the team starting on offence picking the gender of the 4th player. The main difference between Ultimate on grass and Beach Ultimate and Indoor Ultimate is that the pitches are smaller and they are both 5v5 instead of 7v7.
How did you get involved in Ultimate? I started playing Ultimate back in 2006 in my first year of college. I had played football all the way growing up, but I was a year ahead of all of my team mates so when they were training on Wednesday I had lectures so I wasn’t able to train with them. I couldn’t train so I wasn’t playing and I decided to stop. Ultimate came along at just the right time. I joined loads of clubs and societies during clubs and Socs week, but I managed to drag my friend along to Ultimate training and I was hooked. It helped that the college were going away to Edinburgh the following weekend for a tournament and I got to go along. I didn’t look back after that. What are you up to at the moment? Ok, so right now my club team are in a transition between the different seasons/divisions. For clubs the indoor division season is Nov-Jan, Mixed Season FebMay and Open and Women’s Season is June to October. The All Ireland Championships for the mixed division was 2 weekends ago in Santry and there were 10 teams taking part. We are taking 2 weeks off and then we will start training for the Open Season.
in DCU with the finals in Tolka Park. Being involved in such a large undertaking is something I will always be proud of.
How popular is it in Ireland and around the World? When I started in playing, there was a fairly small Ultimate community in Ireland but since then the popularity has just grown and grown. Nearly every college in Ireland has a team, there is a growing school scene and a thriving club scene that didn’t exist back in 2006. WFDF has nearly 60 affiliated national associations and this is growing constantly. What are your best memories of your involvement in the sport? My best memories are - winning the All Ireland Championship with my club, Jabba the Huck, for the first time. - Walking out into the stadium during the opening ceremony at the World Championships in Italy. - Spending St Patricks Weekend in a castle for a tournament down in Cork. And your biggest achievements? My biggest achievements
Queen Priscilla to help Gavin By Michelle McGlynn
MAnY people are aware that we in Wicklow have a superhero in our midst. His name is Gavin Glynn but most people know him as SuperGavin. To see Gavin’s smiling face it is hard to believe that he has been battling an awful disease for almost three years. Gavin was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous (malignant) tumour of the muscles attached to the bone,
on 19th October 2011. As Gavin and his family battle through this terrible situation, they have the support of the entire county, and beyond, behind them. Priscilla, Queen of Greystones is a fundraiser that will be held at Greystones RFC on Saturday, June 21 at 8pm. The main event of the night will be the Drag talent show where the men of Wicklow show us what they’re made of. While Rachel Flynn will be getting her head shaved.
The event is currently sold out but you can still donate by visiting Rachel Flynn’s www. idonate.ie page or by going to www.teamgavinglynn.ie Meanwhile, Puroga Childcare are holding a shave and wax day where Lynn Ruddle will shave her head, Simon Stewart and Johnny Bradley are waxing their chests. Colette Stewart and some of the children will dye their hair blue and red. There will be plenty of fun to be had on Saturday June 28 from 3-6pm.
on the pitch would have to be representing Ireland twice at an international level. I played at the World Championships of Beach Ultimate (WCBU) in 2011 when it took place in Italy and at the European Championships of Beach Ultimate (ECBU) in 2013. Winning the All Ireland
Championships for the first time in my clubs history was pretty great too. Off the pitch, I was involved in organising the World Junior Ultimate Championships in 2012 in Dublin, with nearly 50 international teams coming to Ireland. The games took place
Is there a governing/ organising body, both at home and abroad? The Irish Flying Disc Association (IFDA) is the national governing body and WFDF (World Flying Disc Federation) are the international body. European Ultimate Federation (EUF) is the European governing body. Both of these bodies look after a number of disc sports, not just Ultimate (Disc Golf, Guts, Freestyle). The WFDF was recognised by the IOC, which is an important step on the way to getting Ultimate in the Olympics.
Free Family Fun Day Saturday 28th June 3-6pm
Puroga Childcare, Charlesland Centre Greystones, Co Wicklow Fundraiser for me...more like FUNraiser...magicman, facepainting, balloon modeling, music & food, but the best part of all...Adults getting their heads shaved and their bodies waxed...OUCH!!!!
Superman Gavin Glynn was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2011 and he has been using his superpowers ever since. help us to help Gavin and his family to get the necessary treatment care that he needs.
Join 'Team Puroga' - head shaving & waxing FUNraiser for SUPERMAN aka Team Gavin Glynn!
To donate on line www.tinyurl.com/teamgavin Follow our Event on www.facebook.com/teampurogashaveforgavin Fantastic Raffle Prizes - tickets on sale now €5
FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT:
CAROL 0876474383 * COLETTE 0863587989 * LYNN 0868217976
28| ADVERTISING .
wicklowvoice.ie June 26 2014
SELLING OUT TO THE BARE WALLS
CARPETS • FURNITURE • BLINDS • BEDDING WOOD FLOORING • RUGS • HOUSEHOLD
MDL Park, Croghan Ind. Est, Emoclew, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Tel: (0402) 32352/33902 Fax: (0402) 32556 E: info@morgandoyles.com Web: www.morgandoyles.com
OUR STORE WILL BE CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC UNTIL 10AM, FRIDAY 13TH JUNE TO MARK DOWN PRICES!!
THE GREAT € 1,650,000 STOCK DISPOSAL SALE
3
THE REASON FOR THIS GREAT SALE GREAT SALE DAYS!
FRIDAY 13TH JUNE 10.00AM-8.00PM SATURDAY 14TH JUNE 10.00AM-6.00PM SUNDAY 15TH JUNE 12.00NOON-5.00PM TERMS OF SALE - USE CASH, DEBIT CARD, OR CREDIT CARDS. - DELIVERY AVAILABLE. - EVERY ITEM MARKED DOWN ON SALE TAGS. - YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR GOAL.
We are undertaking a strategic reorganisation to update our product ranges and improve the presentation in our showroom. We are currently overstocked and placing on sale our entire inventory to clear out old stock and discontinued ranges, before introducing new product lines from new and popular premier manufactures. But . . . before we can begin this store reorganisation, we must first SELL OUT MUCH OF OUR PRESENT STOCK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW MERCHANDISE NOW SCHEDULED FOR ARRIVAL. This will be the BIGGEST STOCK DISPOSAL ever held in this area. OUR STORE IS NOW CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC UNTIL 10AM ON FRIDAY 13TH JUNE TO MARK DOWN PRICES and to prepare for this Great €1,650,000 Stock Disposal Sale. There has never been a better time to save on the best names in sofas, chairs, recliner chairs, dining room furniture, bedroom furniture, beds, flooring and much more. WE MUST SELL OUT ALL MERCHANDISE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! During this limited sale period, we will also offer discounts on all special orders. Nothing will be held back and we will not be undersold by anyone. First come, first served... you will not be disappointed. We will open to the general public on Friday 13th June at 10am. Neville Doyle & Morgan Doyle - MORGAN DOYLE LIMITED
EVERYTHING DRAMATICALLY REDUCED KING KOIL 4FT 6 SPINAL GUARD DIVAN SET WAS €999 NOW €199 80% OFF 1 ONLY
LEBUS BROOKLYN 3STR SOFA PLUS 2 ARMCHAIRS WAS €1999 NOW €399 80% OFF 1 ONLY
MORTON WALNUT 5FT BEDFRAME PLUS 2 BEDSIDES PLUS CHEST OF DRAWERS WAS €1099 NOW €599 45% OFF 1 ONLY
OREGON DINING TABLE PLUS 6 CHAIRS WAS €999 NOW €499 50% OFF 1 ONLY
ODEA’S EMOTION 11MM LAMINATE FLOORING HIGH QUALITY IN OAK OR WALNUT WAS €12.99 SQ YD NOW €7.99 SQ YD
CURRAGH TWIST 80/20 WOOL CARPET WAS €36.95 SQ YD
HARTFORD 3 DOOR SIDEBOARD WAS €499 NOW €199 60% OFF 1 ONLY
BELLAGIO 3STR PLUS 2STR LEATHER SOFAS WAS €1999 NOW €999 50%OFF 1 ONLY
G.MAC GANT 8 DRAWER CHEST WAS €599 NOW €250 58% OFF 1 ONLY
NOW €13.95 SQ YD FITTED !!
SALE BEGINS FRIDAY 13TH JUNE AT 10AM ALL ITEMS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
© LSC 2014