Carlow People 18.12.18

Page 1

carlowpeople HIGHEST, MOST FREQUENT READERSHIP IN CARLOW - DELIVERED DOOR-TO-DOOR

December 18, 2018

FREE

12,000 COPIES

FREE

t: 059 914 1877 www.carlowpeople.ie

WISH WISHING YOU A HAPPY

Christmas AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

A LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 1948

ALLENS WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING A LOCAL BUSINESS.

follow us on facebook


carlowpeople December 18, 2018


carlowpeople HIGHEST, MOST FREQUENT READERSHIP IN CARLOW - DELIVERED DOOR-TO-DOOR

December 18, 2018

FREE

12,000 COPIES

House prices go through the roof Inflation falls nationwide but it’s soaring in Carlow CARLOW is experiencing some of the country’s steepest houseprice rises, the latest survey shows. The price of a three-bedroom VHPL KHUH URVH E\ PRUH WKDQ ¿YH per cent between the second and third quarter of 2018 and by 15 per cent year-on-year. Apartment prices in Carlow took an even more staggering leap. They rose by 15 per cent in the quarter and more than 26 per cent in the year. 7KH ¿JXUHV DUH IURP WKH ODWHVW price survey by Myhome.ie. They show the average price of a three-bedroom semi in Carlow now stands at €162,500. The price of a two-bed apartment here is €95,000. The sharp price increases in Carlow run contrary to the national trend which showed the UDWH RI SURSHUW\ SULFH LQÀDWLRQ slowing considerably and falling in the third quarter, by

0.8% nationally and by 2.5% in Dublin. Carlow’s price increases are also out of step with our neighbours. In Kilkenny the price of a three-bed semi fell by almost three per cent in the quarter and rose by just 1.2 per cent in the year. The comparable ¿JXUHV IRU :H[IRUG ZHUH SHU FHQW DQG SHU FHQW If the steep price rises make you think of renting, think again. Figures compiled by Myhome suggest it may be cheaper to buy. They show the average monthly mortgage payment in Carlow is €669 while the average monthly UHQW KHUH LV ¼ The Myhome price survey, which is published in association with Davy, showed that the DQQXDO UDWH RI LQÀDWLRQ IRU QHZO\ listed properties nationally is now 5.9% while it’s just 2.2% in Dublin, the slowest pace of increase in two years.

The MacAogain Family pose with the Dome’s Tiger on the opening day of the new laser grid. Lots more pictures inside

FREE

t: 059 914 1877 www.carlowpeople.ie


04|

Deering welcomes new deal with FF 7+( QHZ GHDO ZLWK )LDQQD )iLO WR H[WHQG WKH OLIH RI WKH *RYHUQPHQW IRU D IXUWKHU \HDU KDV EHHQ ZHOFRPHG E\ &DUORZ¶V )LQH *DHO 7' 3DW 'HHULQJ ³%UH[LW LV RQ WKH KRUL]RQ DQG DSSURDFKLQJ HYHU\ GD\ ´ KH VDLG ³7KLV LV QRW D WLPH IRU SROLWLFDO LQVWDELOLW\ DQG GLVRUGHU LQ ,UHODQG´ +H FRQWUDVWHG ³WKH XQLWHG DQG GHWHUPLQHG DSSURDFK IURP WKH ,ULVK *RYHUQPHQW´ ZLWK WKH GLYLVLRQ WKDW %UH[LW KDV FDXVHG DW :HVWPLQVWHU ³7KH FRPPLWPHQW WR FRQWLQXH WKH FRQ¿GHQFH DQG VXSSO\ DUUDQJHPHQW IXUWKHU VWUHQJWKHQV ,UHODQG¶V KDQG LQ QHJRWLDWLQJ D VXFFHVVIXO RXWFRPH WR %UH[LW DQG VHFXULQJ DOO ZH KDYH DFKLHYHG WR GDWH ´ VDLG 0U 'HHULQJ ³2XU *RYHUQPHQW SURJUDPPH IRFXVHV RQ %UH[LW MRE FUHDWLRQ LQYHVWPHQW LQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LQFOXGLQJ KHDOWK DQG KRXVLQJ DQG PHHWLQJ WKH QHHGV RI KDUG ZRUNLQJ ,ULVK IDPLOLHV ³:H DUH GHWHUPLQHG WR HQVXUH WKH VRFLDO DQG HFRQRPLF SURJUHVV PDGH VLQFH FDQ FRQWLQXH ´

carlowpeople December 18, 2018

Skyline artwork makes Natalia a calendar girl

AN artwork by a 13-year old Carlow student has been chosen for the 2019 Texaco Children’s Art Calendar. Natalia Connolly, from Presentation College, Askea, won a Special Merit Award in the 12-13 years age category of the contest. Her work (above) is one of 13 chosen to illustrate the

publication month-by-month. Natalia’s piece, entitled ‘Skyline’, will represent the month of March and will be seen in thousands of homes throughout Ireland in 2019. It was one of a number said by a competition adjudicator to perfectly illustrate the astounding talent and imagination of children and

the essential role played by schools who encourage and inspire their students through art education. First prize in the senior category went to Hetty Lawlor (18) from Westport, Co Mayo. Calendars are currently available through a number of Texaco service stations countrywide.

GAA must kick out handpass rule - O’Brien 785/28*+ 2¶%ULHQ ZDQWV WKH *$$ WR NLFN LWV QHZ KDQG SDVV UXOH R൵ WKH SLWFK ,W LV EHLQJ WULHG RXW LQ WKH 2¶%\UQH &XS EXW WKH &DUORZ PDQDJHU GRHV QRW ZDQW WR VHH LW H[WHQGHG WR WKH OHDJXH 7KH H[SHULPHQWDO UXOH OLPLWV KDQG SDVVHV WR WKUHH LQ D URZ DQG LV LQWHQGHG WR SURGXFH PRUH RSHQ IRRWEDOO %XW 2¶%ULHQ WKLQNV WKH UXOH ZLOO KDYH WKH RSSRVLWH UHVXOW +H EHOLHYHV LW LV RQO\ D PDWWHU RI WLPH EHIRUH LW LV PDQLSXODWHG WR WKH GHWULPHQW RI WKH JDPH DV D VSHFWDFOH ³3OD\HUV DUH YHU\ LQGHFL VLYH ´ KH WROG ,QGHSHQGHQW LH ³,W¶V YHU\ IUXVWUDWLQJ :KHQ WHDPV JHW VPDUWHU DQG PRUH WXQHG LQ WR LW WKH\¶UH JRLQJ WR NHHS SRVVHVVLRQ DQG \RX¶UH JR LQJ WR VHH VRPHRQH WXUQ DURXQG LQ WKH PLGGOH RI WKH ¿HOG DQG NLFN WKH EDOO ULJKW EDFN WR WKH JRDONHHSHU ³,¶P WHOOLQJ \RX EHIRUH WKLV FRPSHWLWLRQ LV RXW WKHUH¶OO EH NLFN SDVVLQJ WR \DUGV EDFN WR WKH JRDONHHSHU DQG HY HU\RQH ZLOO EH JLYLQJ RXW DERXW LW WKHQ ´ 2¶%ULHQ EHOLHYHV WKH UXOH VKRXOG QRW EH FDUULHG LQWR

WKH OHDJXH ZKLFK KH SRLQWV RXW LV WKH PRVW LPSRUWDQW FRPSHWL WLRQ IRU VPDOOHU FRXQWLHV WKDW DUH XQOLNHO\ WR SURJUHVV IDU LQ WKH FKDPSLRQVKLS ³7KH OHDJXH LV WKH PRVW LP SRUWDQW FRPSHWLWLRQ IRU FRXQWLHV ´ KH VDLG ³3URPRWLRQ RU UHOHJDWLRQ FRXOG EH GHFLGHG RQ VRPHRQH FDOOLQJ XS D KDQG SDVV WKDW¶V QRW D KDQGSDVV ´ 2¶%ULHQ KDV D UDGLFDO SUR SRVDO RI KLV RZQ WR UHSODFH WKH KDQG SDVV UXOH D VLGH IRRWEDOO ³,¶P QRW DJDLQVW FKDQJH DQG , FDQ WKLQN RI D YHU\ VLPSOH FKDQJH ´ KH VDLG ³3HRSOH DUH FRQFHUQHG DERXW GHIHQVLYH IRRWEDOO DQG ODFN RI VSDFH VR PDNH LW D VLGH DQG WU\ WKDW ³6HH ZKHUH WKDW JRHV LI WKH\ ZDQW WR GR VRPHWKLQJ DERXW WKH JDPH WKDW WKH\¶UH WDONLQJ DERXW )RU XV DV SOD\HUV DQG PDQDJ HUV , WKLQN LW¶V EHFRPH YHU\ YHU\ WDFWLFDO D YHU\ LQWHUHVW LQJ JDPH WR FRDFK DQG WR SOD\ LQ EXW WKHVH QHZ UXOHV UHDOO\ LW¶V D QHZ JDPH LW¶V D GL൵HUHQW JDPH ´ 2¶%ULHQ ZDV VSHDNLQJ DIWHU KLV VLGH KDG ORVW WR .LOGDUH E\ WR LQ WKH 2¶%\UQH &XS

EU sends us four new Wifi hotspots CARLOW is to get four new :L¿ KRWVSRWV XQGHU DQ (8 LQLWLDWLYH 7KH\ ZLOO EH LQ ³FHQWUHV RI SXEOLF OLIH´ ZKHUH QR RWKHU IUHH :L)L VHUYLFH LV DYDLODEOH VXFK DV SDUNV OLEUDULHV DQG WRZQ FHQWUHV 7KH &RXQW\ &RXQFLO KDV PRQWKV WR VHOHFW WKH ORFDWLRQV (DFK ORFDWLRQ ZLOO EH IXQGHG E\ ¼ IURP WKH (8 DQG WKH (8 JUDQW ZLOO EH PDWFKHG E\ ¼ IURP WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 5XUDO DQG &RPPXQLW\ 'HYHORSPHQW 7KH :L)L (8 VHUYLFH ZLOO EH IUHH RI FKDUJH IUHH RI DGYHUWLVLQJ DQG IUHH IURP FRPPHUFLDO UH XVH RI GDWD 0(3 6HDQ .HOO\ ZHOFRPHG WKLV GHYHORSPHQW +H VDLG ,ULVK ORFDO DXWKRULWLHV ZHUH TXLFN R൵ WKH PDUN ZKHQ WKH VFKHPH RSHQHG IRU DSSOLFDWLRQV RQ 1RYHPEHU

UHVXOWLQJ LQ DQ LPSUHVVLYH ORFDWLRQV DSSURYHG DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ 7KH (8 LV PDNLQJ ¼ PLOOLRQ DYDLODEOH IRU (XURSHDQ ORFDO DXWKRULWLHV RYHU WKH QH[W WKUHH \HDUV DV SDUW RI WKH :L¿ (8 VFKHPH /RFDO DXWKRULWLHV ZHUH LQYLWHG WR DSSO\ IRU YRXFKHUV HDFK ZRUWK ¼ 7KH VXFFHVVIXO ORFDO DXWKRULWLHV LQ ,UHODQG DUH &DUORZ *DOZD\ FLW\ DQG FRXQW\ )LQJDO /RQJIRUG .HUU\ :LFNORZ 'RQHJDO :DWHUIRUG FLW\ DQG FRXQW\ 6OLJR 0HDWK /LPHULFN FLW\ DQG FRXQW\ 2൵DO\ &DYDQ 0D\R 7LSSHUDU\ 'XEOLQ FLW\ &ODUH .LOGDUH &RUN FLW\ DQG /HLWULP $QRWKHU URXQG RI YRXFKHUV ZLOO EH PDGH DYDLODEOH E\ WKH (8 HDUO\ QH[W \HDU 7KH SURYLVLRQ RI IUHH SXEOLF :L)L VXSSRUWV WKH JRDO RI WKH

0RELOH 3KRQH DQG %URDGEDQG 7DVNIRUFH RI LPSURYLQJ EURDGEDQG DFFHVV LQ UXUDO FRPPXQLWLHV 7KH LQLWLDWLYH VXSSRUWV WKH FRPPLWPHQW LQ WKH $FWLRQ 3ODQ IRU 5XUDO 'HYHORSPHQW WR LQFOXGH WKH XVH RI GLJLWDO WHFKQRORJLHV IRU HQKDQFLQJ WRXULVW H[SHULHQFH ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR VWLPXODWLQJ GHPDQG LQ KLJK VSHHG EURDGEDQG FRQQHFWLYLW\ DQG HQFRXUDJLQJ ZLGHVSUHDG WDNH XS DW FRPPXQLW\ OHYHO WKH :L¿ LQLWLDWLYH ZLOO DOVR KDYH VHYHUDO SRVLWLYH NQRFN RQ H൵HFWV 7KH (8 KRSHV LW ZLOO LPSURYH DFFHVV WR H JRYHUQPHQW DQG ZLOO EH KHOSIXO WR SHRSOH ZKR IDFH GL൶FXOW\ LQ DFFHVVLQJ FRQQHFWLYLW\ ,W ZLOO DOVR SURYLGH DGGLWLRQDO LQIUDVWUXFWXUH IRU HPHUJHQF\ FRPPXQLFDWLRQV DQG SXEOLF VHUYLFH DQQRXQFHPHQWV


carlowpeople December 18, 2018

|05


06|

carlowpeople December 18, 2018

It’s time we talked turkey Yule be safe with our tips for cooking that big bird THOUSANDS of turkeys will be cooked for Christmas Day in Carlow alone. But how many will be cooked correctly? Research by Safefood, the all-island food safety group, has found that one in four (27%) people in Ireland have experienced a Christmas cooking disaster. It has produced some tips for a smoother, healthier Christmas dinner. “We’re here to take the stress out of Christmas for cooks,� said Dr. Linda Gordon of Safefood. Get your fridge ready Ahead of the festive rush give your fridge a good clean with warm soapy water; you can also re-arrange the shelves to make room for your turkey - remember to store it on the bottom shelf so any drips won’t land on ready to eat foods which could spread germs leaving these foods unsafe to eat. How much turkey? Don’t buy too big a turkey – you may be fed up with it before it is all eaten. If you’re unsurre, consult your buthecer and think about how many people you are cooking for.

BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT US TODAY

t 059 914 1877 einfo @carlowpeople.ie

Give yourself time to defrost For a frozen turkey or any frozen poultry, the safest and recommended way to defrost it is to place it on a dish or tray on the bottom shelf of your fridge. You should allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds/2-2.5kg and give yourself plenty of time – it can take up to 3 days to fully defrost a frozen 7.5kg/15lb turkey, so you may need to take it out to defrost on December 22. You’ll know it’s fully defrosted when the body is soft, the legs can be moved and there are no ice crystals inside the cavity. Don’t wash that bird Do not wash your turkey or any poultry as this splashes food poisoning bacteria around your kitchen through drips, drops and splashes - proper cooking will kill any germs present. If you do need to clean the bird, wipe it with a disposable paper towel, discarding the used paper. Handle your turkey as little as possible and wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly. How long to cook your turkey Preheat your oven to 180° (fan

VWXྜQJ IRU D NJ WXUNH\ To help with this, Safefood has a Turkey Cooking Time calculator on its website. For any other oven types, we GRQœW UHFRPPHQG \RX VWX྾ \RXU turkey but that you cook it separately in a suitable dish. That’s because the heat may not penetrate to the centre of your turkey. Check your turkey is cooked Using a clean fork or skewer, pierce the thickest part of the breast and thigh. You’ll know it’s cooked when it’s piping hot throughout, its juices run clear, there is no pink PHDW OHIW DQG VQ\ VWXྜQJ LV SLSing hot throughout.

Elf Chefs Michael Mann (4) and Alice McLaughlin (5)with Dr Aileen McGloin of safefood and chef Adrian Martin. Pic : Andres Poveda assisted) and cover the turkey with tinfoil during cooking as this helps it to cook more evenly and gives a more “juicyâ€? product. The turkey should be basted every hour during cooking. (The tinfoil can be removed for the ODVW KDOI KRXU WR ÂżQDOO\ EURZQ the skin). <RX FDQ ÂżQG WKH FRUUHFW FRRN-

ing times for your turkey size at www.safefood.eu :KDW DERXW VWXŕľśQJ" )RU VWXŕľľHG WXUNH\V FRRNHG LQ a fan oven, you should allow extra cooking time as Safefood research has shown that when a WXUNH\ LV VWXŕľľHG LQ WKH ERG\ FDYLW\ LW LV WKH FHQWUH RI WKH VWXŕľśQJ that is slowest to cook.

6R ZLWK VWXŕľľHG WXUNH\V LW LV HVVHQWLDO \RX FKHFN WKH VWXŕľśQJ itself is piping hot all the way through as well as making sure the meat at the thickest part of the breast is cooked thoroughly before serving. 7U\ QRW WR RYHUVWXŕľľ WKH WXUNH\ use a maximum of 10% of the ZHLJKW RI WKH ELUG LQ VWXŕľśQJ IRU example no more than 500g of

Saoirse loves NY ‘but there’s no place like home’ SAOIRSE Ronan says she has fallen in love with New York. But the Carlow girl insists there’s no place like home. Saoirse (right), who was born in the US but grew up in Carlow, told a magazine she is relishing life in the Big Apple. The Golden Globe winner spoke of how Ireland gives her a feeling of “serenityâ€? but said she is loving the “independenceâ€? in her new home town. She said: “Even though I was born in the Bronx, I grew up in Ireland and I enjoy going back because it’s where I feel at home. There’s a serenity WKHUH WKDW , FDQÂśW ÂżQG DQ\where else. “But I also enjoy being in New York, which is where I really began to enjoy my independence and not have my mam do everything for me. “Living in New York, getting WR H[SHULHQFH WKH GLŕľľHUHQW cultures and being part of the excitement of that city has been important to me. “Being there has helped

me become more open and outgoing, compared to before, when I was living a sheltered kind of life. I’ve matured a lot lately.� The Mary Queen of Scots star also spoke of her friendship with her mother Monica, describing her as one of her best friends She told Psychologies magazine: “(We) are more like best friends. She’s always been a role model for me and I have so much respect for her sense of dignity and integrity. I’ve tried to take after her.�

How to store leftovers Cover any leftovers and place in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Ensure any meat is cooled as quickly as possible – cutting it into pieces will help with this. Once in the fridge, any leftovers should be eaten within three days. For more information see www.safefood.eu

Shop local and stay off the risky roads WITH more bad weather forecast, a business organisation has appealed to Irish consumers to stay local and avoid unnecessary journeys. The message comes from the ISME, the association for small and medium enterprises. “The association appeals to Irish consumers to continue to support local producers, manufacturers, and retailers by shopping and dining local,â€? said ISME HR adviser Mark O’Connor. +H DOVR KDG DGYLFH RQ RŕľśFH Christmas parties. “We are all aware that Christmas parties are great opportunities for teams to unwind at the end of a long year, but they are also events where ‘harmless banter’ can turn into RŕľľHQVLYH EHKDYLRXU “At all times, the dignity and respect of work colleagues must be respected. Employers must be clear with employees that, even though parties take place RXWVLGH RŕľśFH KRXUV HYHU\RQH including managers, is expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with company values.â€?


carlowpeople December 18, 2018

|07


08 |

carlowpeople December 18, 2018

news in brief €20,000 winner

5LFKDUG /DZORU¶V ¼ 0RQH\ 0XOWLSOLHU VFUDWFK FDUG ZRQ KLP ¼ IURP WKH 1DWLRQDO /RWWHU\ 5LFKDUG ZKR ZRUNV DW (GZDUGV (QJLQHHULQJ LQ 7XOORZ ERXJKW WKH FDUG DW +LFNVRQ¶V 6XSHU9DOX LQ 7XOORZ

Carol service

7KHUH ZLOO EH D SDULVK FDURO VHUYLFH LQ *UDLJXHFXOOHQ RQ :HGQHVGD\ 'HFHPEHU DW SP LQ 6W &ODUH¶V &KXUFK $OO SDULVK FKRLUV DQG WKH .LOOHVKLQ 3LSH %DQG ZLOO EH WDNLQJ SDUW

Chamber President Yvonne Jones, John McHugh (Wright Insurance) Chamber CEO Brien O Farrell and Julie Sinnamon at the Chamber of Commerce Christmas lunch at the Seven Oaks Hotel recently

New boss

*HUU\ 0F*LOO ZLOO PDQDJH WKH &DUORZ ODGLHV¶ IRRWEDOO WHDP LQ 7KH IRUPHU 'RQHJDO JRDONHHSHU JXLGHG 'XEOLQ WR WKHLU ¿UVW $OO ,UHODQG VHQLRU ODGLHV IRRWEDOO WLWOH EDFN LQ

Scholarships

5XQQHU 0ROO\ 6FRWW ZDV RQH RI VWXGHQWV DZDUGHG VSRUWV DQG DFDGHPLF VFKRODUVKLSV E\ ,QVWLWXWH RI 7HFKQRORJ\ &DUORZ 7KH RWKHUV LQFOXGHG VSULQWHU 0DUFXV /DZOHU DQG SDUD 2O\PSLDQ VRFFHU SOD\HU 7RPLZD %DGXQ

Simply the best

,UHODQG ZDV QDPHG µEHVW GHVWLQDWLRQ (XURSH¶ DW WKH DQQXDO 7UDYHO :HHNO\ 5HDGHUV¶ &KRLFH $ZDUGV

Get on your running shoes and make Mile your Goal )520 %HQQHNHUU\ WR $VNHD &DUORZ FRPPXQLW\ JURXSV ZLOO EH RXW LQ IRUFH WR UDLVH IXQGV IRU *2$/ WKLV &KULVWPDV 1RZ LQ LWV WK \HDU WKH *2$/ 0LOH LV KHOG LQ YLOODJHV WRZQV DQG FLWLHV DOO RYHU ,UHODQG HYHU\ &KULVWPDV DQG LV RQH RI WKH FRXQWU\¶V ODUJHVW DQG ORQJHVW UXQQLQJ DQQXDO IXQGUDLVLQJ HYHQWV ,Q *2$/ 0LOH HYHQWV RUJDQLVHG LQ &RXQW\ &DUORZ

UDLVHG DOPRVW ¼ WR KHOS *2$/ UDLVH IXQGV DQG DZDUHQHVV IRU WKHLU SURJUDPPHV DFURVV WKH GHYHORSLQJ ZRUOG 7KLV \HDU WZR HYHQWV KDYH EHHQ RUJDQLVHG E\ FRPPXQLW\ JURXSV 2Q &KULVWPDV 'D\ WKH 6W /DXUHQFH 2¶7RROH $& HYHQW VWDUWV DW DP QHDU $VNHD &KXUFK 2Q 6W 6WHSKHQ¶V 'D\ WKH HYHQW RUJDQLVHG E\ 3DODWLQH *)& %HQQHNHUU\

DOVR VWDUWV DW DP ³7KH EHDXW\ RI WKH *2$/ 0LOH LV LWV VLPSOLFLW\ ´ VDLG $ODQ 9DUG IURP *2$/ ,I \RX DUH LQWHUHVWHG LQ WDNLQJ SDUW MXVW SXW RQ \RXU ZDONLQJ RU UXQQLQJ VKRHV DQG VKRZ XS 7KHUH LV QR QHHG WR UHJLVWHU MXVW WXUQ XS DQG GRQDWH ZKDW \RX FDQ WR *2$/ RQ WKH GD\ )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ JR WR ZZZ JRDOPLOH RUJ

Finance ¿UP VHWV VLJKWV RQ 6RXWK (DVW

$ )$67 *52:,1* ¿UP RI ¿QDQFLDO FRQVXOWDQWV ZLWK R൶FHV DFURVV WKH ZRUOG LV SUHSDULQJ WR FUHDWH XS WR QHZ MREV LQ WKH 6RXWK (DVW DV SDUW RI DQ DPELWLRXV JOREDO H[SDQVLRQ 0LFKDHO 'RKHUW\ FKLHI H[HFXWLYH DQG IRXQGHU RI WKH :RRGEURRN *URXS FRQ¿UPHG SODQV WR HVWDEOLVK D OLIH DVVXUDQFH FRPSDQ\ LQ WKH UHJLRQ DV SDUW RI D SODQQHG ¼ PLOOLRQ LQYHVWPHQW LQ WKH ,ULVK RSHUDWLRQ 7KH JURXS LV FXUUHQWO\ ORRNLQJ DW SRWHQWLDO VLWHV DFURVV WKH 6RXWK (DVW ,W VDLG LW SODQV WR HPSOR\ XS WR SHRSOH LQ WKH 6RXWK (DVW ZLWKLQ WKH QH[W IRXU \HDUV 0U 'RKHUW\ ZKR LV RULJLQDOO\ IURP &R :DWHUIRUG VDLG KH EHOLHYHV WKH 6RXWK (DVW LV ³WKH ULJKW SODFH DW WKH ULJKW WLPH´ IRU WKH SODQQHG LQYHVWPHQW ³7KH 6RXWK (DVW R൵HUV JUHDW SRWHQWLDO IRU FRPSDQLHV VXFK DV :RRGEURRN DQG RYHU WKH FRPLQJ PRQWKV , ZLOO EH HQJDJLQJ ZLWK ORFDO VWDNHKROGHUV ZLWK D YLHZ WR HVWDEOLVKLQJ RXU RSHUDWLRQ KHUH ´ KH VDLG LQ D VWDWHPHQW :RRGEURRN *URXS LV KHDGTXDUWHUHG LQ &\SUXV

Students take their talents to Scientist exhibition 678'(176 IURP WZR &DUORZ VFKRROV ZLOO SXW WKHLU WDOHQWV RQ VKRZ DW WKH %7 <RXQJ 6FLHQWLVW ([KLELWLRQ QH[W PRQWK 7KH\ DUH SUHSDULQJ WKHLU SURMHFWV IRU WKH WK DQQXDO H[KLELWLRQ DW WKH 5'6 LQ 'XEOLQ IURP -DQXDU\ WR &DUORZ ZLOO EH UHSUHVHQWHG E\ 6W 0DU\¶V .QRFNEHJ &ROOHJH DQG 3UHVHQWDWLRQ &ROOHJH LQ $VNHD 7KH 6W 0DU\¶V .QRFNEHJ SURMHFW LQYHVWLJDWHV LI WKHUH LV D FRUUHODWLRQ EHWZHHQ DFDGHPLF VXFFHVV DQG SK\VLFDO DFWLYLW\ VSHFL¿FDOO\ )XQGDPHQWDO 0RYHPHQW 6NLOOV )06 LQ \RXQJ DGROHVFHQW PDOHV 7KH 3UHVHQWDWLRQ &ROOHJH $VNHD SURMHFW XVHV WKH &DOLWRR LQVWUXPHQW WR FDOFXODWH $27 PHDVXUHPHQWV LQSXW GDWD WR */2%( GDWDEDVH WR FROODERUDWH LQIRUPDWLRQ ZLWK VDWHOOLWHV 2WKHU SURMHFWV WRXFK XSRQ WRSLFDO LVVXHV IURP FHUYLFDO FDQFHU VFUHHQLQJ WKH DOWHUQDWLYHV WR DQG EHQH¿WV RI DQWLELRWLFV WKH JURZLQJ LPSDFW RI VRFLDO PHGLD 6RPH KDYH HYHQ WXUQHG WKHLU DWWHQWLRQ WR SURMHFWV UHODWHG WR EHH NHHSLQJ DQG FRQVHUYDWLRQ ³, DP KHDUWHQHG DQG HQFRXUDJHG E\ WKH QXPEHU RI VWXGHQWV

DQG VFKRROV WKDW SXW IRUZDUG VXFK LQQRYDWLYH DQG SLRQHHULQJ SURMHFWV ´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

Business group to share its skills $ 1(: PDUNHWLQJ JURXS KDV EHHQ ODXQFKHG IRU WKH 6RXWK (DVW 7KH 6RXWK (DVW 0DUNHWLQJ )RUXP 60) DLPV WR KHOS LQGLYLGXDOV DQG RUJDQLVDWLRQV DFURVV WKH UHJLRQ VKDUH WKHLU H[SHUWLVH DQG OHDUQ IURP RQH DQRWKHU 0RUH WKDQ PDUNHWLQJ DQG EXVLQHVV SURIHVVLRQDOV IURP &DUORZ :H[IRUG :DWHUIRUG .LONHQQ\ DQG 7LSSHUDU\ DWWHQGHG WKH ODXQFK 7KH IRUXP¶V IRXQGHU 'U 3DW /\QFK VDLG WKDW IRU PDQ\ \HDUV PDUNHWHHUV LQ WKH UHJLRQ KDYH

GLVFXVVHG IRUPLQJ VXFK D JURXS ³7KDW GD\ KDV ¿QDOO\ FRPH ´ KH VDLG 7KH )RUXP LV RSHQ WR DQ\ SHUVRQ RU EXVLQHVV LQYROYHG LQ PDUNHWLQJ LQ WKH 6RXWK (DVW RU DQ\ SHUVRQ RU EXVLQHVV ZKR ZRXOG OLNH WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW PDUNHWLQJ H[FHOOHQFH :RUNVKRSV DUH VFKHGXOHG DFURVV WKH 6RXWK (DVW WKURXJKRXW For more information on the SMF and how to get involved see www.SEMF.ie


carlowpeople December 18, 2018

|09


10 |

carlowpeople December 18, 2018


| 11

carlowpeople December 18, 2018

LOSING 3 STONE HELPED DANNY GAIN HIS CONFIDENCE BACK

D

anny McDaid from Carlow feels on top of the world after losing 3 stone in just 10 months. His face says it all, as he is just a picture of health and his smile tops off how happy he feels. He puts his success down to a healthy eating plan and getting active. 10 months prior to this, Danny was a totally different man. He told us that he felt very low in himself as his weight had just gone out of control. His job at that time didn’t help, as he was constantly on the road and he found himself eating a lot of fast foods and not choosing healthy options. Danny told us “The more weight I gained the more I isolated myself from my family and friends. I felt lost and I thought that I would struggle for the rest of my life. There is no difference in how men feel compared to woman, women are just better at talking about their

emotions and taking action”. Danny’s wife Rhona saw how upset her husband was and asked him to try Slimming World with her, as she had great success with it and was at this stage a target member. Danny reluctantly went along just to please his wife. He was very taken back when he walked through the doors, there was a great buzz and excitement and the place was packed. “When I met the consultant Christina, I was made to feel so welcome and I was even asked if I would like a cup of coffee, but the thing that blew me away was the plan and all the food I could eat, even chips!! all I had to do was change the way I cooked, shopped and eat my food, it all seemed to good to be true” Danny told us. But then as the weight came off week after week, Danny became a true believer. He told us all the lovely meals he en-

joyed like curry and rice, carbonara, Shepard’s pie just to name a few, and he told us he could also have some treats and still lose weight. Danny recalls “ one of the biggest changes for me was my planning and bringing food that I enjoyed with me to work, I never let myself go hungry and I always felt full and content. My wife also supported and helped me the whole

way and I’m thrilled to say we all eat the same healthy foods in our family now. I’m forever grateful to my wife Rhona and to Christina my consultant for believing and supporting me every week, without that support it would have been a lot tougher.” So after 10 months Danny has not only lost an amazing 3 stone, he has also incorporated exercise into his daily

habit and he is doing what he never thought possible, he is now running. He told us that he has never felt as fit and healthy in his whole life, and he now feels very confident in himself. “ I was so chuffed on holiday this year to feel confident enough to take off my T-shirt at the pool, without feeling judged, and the fact that I can now keep up with my kids while running is just

the best feeling in the world” Danny loves Slimming World so much and because of his new found confidence, he has decided to become a consultant himself, he is so excited to be relaunching Bagenalstown evening group in January. He wants to encourage everybody that wants to lose weight to give it a go, as he knows that it’s the most effective and generous plan around. As he says himself “ You have nothing to lose, but the weight, I look forward to helping and supporting you all to target in 2019” Danny will relaunch the Bagenalstown Wednesday evening group on Thursday 27th at 7.30, Jimmy D’s The Function Room, Regent Street, it will be every Thursday there after. Plus the morning group run by Michelle will also be changed to Thursday form the same date. For more info please contact Danny on 087-6038212


12 |

carlowpeople December 18, 2018


carlowpeople December 18, 2018

| 13


14|

carlowpeople December 18, 2018


carlowpeople December 18, 2018

| 15


16 |

carlowpeople December 18, 2018


carlowpeople December 18, 2018

| 17


18 | WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory

The Holly and the Ivy

carlowpeople December 18, 2018

ninenottomiss BOOK of the week

TV SHOW of the week

FILM of the week

HOROSCOPES

Holly “The holly and the ivy, Now both are full well grown. Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown.” WE are familiar with the Christmas Carol but maybe less so with the association of these plants, in particular the holly, with winter festivals and especially with Christmas. Holly, ivy and other evergreen plants such as mistletoe were used in pre-Christian times by druids to help celebrate the Winter Solstice. The holly was believed to represent masculine power and is the King of the winter months, ivy representing feminine power, is the Queen. One old tradition maintains that whichever of the two plants is brought into the house first over winter would determine whether the man or woman of the house would rule that year. But another tradition says it is unlucky to bring either into the house before Christmas Eve.

Ivy GIVEN that the holly is so verdant during the austerity of winter and appears impervious to harsh weather, disease or infestation, it is not surprising that the Ancient Romans believed holly could repel all kinds of malice such as natural disasters, dark magic and vicious animals. Druids believed holly attracted good spirits and offered protection against evil spirits, and so, often wore it in their hair during religious rituals. Now back to the association of holly and ivy with Christmas. In the carol holly (male) represents Jesus while ivy (female) represents Mary. The prickly leaves of the holly represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified and the red berries represent the drops of blood that he shed. In Scandinavia holly is known as the Christ Thorn. In Germany it was believed that tying a piece of ivy to the outside of a church would protect it from lightning!

THE CHRISTMAS VOYAGE by Deirdre Purcell

FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK RTE1, December 20, 10.15pm

BELLY OF THE WHALE ROI rating: 15 A

It is almost Christmas on the Santa Clara cruise liner, and as the ship sets sail from Barcelona for the last time, dramas big and small are to unfold. On board is Kitty Golden, beautiful ex-model and wife of New York financier Saul Abelson, some 25 years her senior. They look the picture of cool contentment, but looks can be deceiving. Dubliner Mary Dunne is on board with no less than eight members of her boisterous Irish family, intent on celebration. For Mary, though, a long-hidden past brings its own twist... And wide-eyed young novelist Roxy Smith is intent on observing all in a bid to find a story.

Fairytale of New York: The Story of a Christmas Classic takes a look at the making of the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s classic bittersweet Christmas love song. The documentary looks back at the making of the song in the company of singer Shane MacGowan, and other Pogues sharing their memories include Spider Stacy, Cait O’Riordan and Jem Finer. With contributions from Imelda May, Bob Geldof, Paul Simon and Christy Moore.

After breaking free from his foster home, feral teenager Joey Moody returns to Laytown, a rural Irish town just over the horizon, in a bid to reclaim his family’s caravan park and salvage his friendship with his best mate and drinking partner Lanks. Meanwhile, on a mission to find the money to pay for his sick wife’s medication. Ronald Tanner, a fractured soul, risks his meagre life savings on a get rich quick scheme that ends in abject failure and humiliation at the hands of local big shot Gits Hegarty, pushing Ronald over the edge and off the wagon.

EVENT of the week

FEEL GOOD of the week

WORKSHOP of the week

ARIES - This week is a 6 Do your homework. Forgive miscommunications. Another obstacle could arise, so just roll with it. Tune out the noise. TAURUS - This week is a 7 Support friends and be supported. Listen, learn and let go of an old trepidation. Extend a team project’s reach through connections with shared goals. GEMINI- This week is an 8 Money and self-discipline go further than words. Have patience with delays or miscommunications. Focus on the road ahead. CANCER- This week is a 7 Travels and explorations reveal interesting discoveries. Delays could disrupt transportation and communications. LEO- This week is an 8 Chaos could roil your VKDUHG ¿QDQFHV &DWFK XS RQ ¿OLQJ DQG SD\PHQWV 1HZ developments could change things.

THE NUTCRACKER 21st December 8pm Visual, Carlow T 059 9172400 boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie.

CHRISTMAS AT ARBORETUM Old Kilkenny Road, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow T: 059 9721558 E: info@arboretum.ie

CHRISTMAS ELF CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP The Chocolate Garden of Ireland, Tullow. T: 059 6481999 E info@chocolategarden.ie

This Irish production of the festive classic, performed by an international cast of worldclass dancers, appeals to audiences of all ages, with its fairy tale magic, Tchaikovsky’s beloved & sumptuous score, beautiful costumes, and a tale of wondrous adventure - combining to form one of the most delectable Christmas confections imaginable. This holiday season, experience the beauty and magic with the whole family. After all, Christmas only begins once you’ve seen Ballet Ireland’s The Nutcracker!

For a complete festive day out head to Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven where you can explore the Christmas shop and savour the delights of the stunning in-store Christmas décor. Browse beautiful gifts, festive lights, striking decorations and Christmas trees of all sizes. Enjoy the fun interactive in-store Christmas characters including a Dancing Penguin Band. This five star garden and lifestyle centre has a whole host of family events for the Christmas period including breakfast with Santa and viewing of Santa’s two real reindeer Donner and Blitzen.

Get hands-on working with the Chocolate Elves to get ready for Christmas! Choose from 2 Sessions each day: 1:45 to 2:40 or 3:00 to 3.50 This Christmas, Come and Join in with the elves in a Magical, Fun-filled Chocolate-Making workshop at The Chocolate Garden of Ireland. Enjoy a live link with the North Pole, in contact with both the Elf Workshop there and a live link with Santa himself who will address the boys and girls personally – but only if they are on the good list! And there’ll be lots of tastings and chocolate fun in between.

FAIR of the week

GIG of the week

APPEAL of the week

VIRGO- This week is an 8 Collaborate for mutual gain. Let go of a preconception. 'HIHU JUDWL¿FDWLRQ XQWLO WKH timing is right. Check your internal gauges. LIBRA- This week is an 8 Balance physical work and health. Good food, exercise and rest keep your motor running smoothly. Prioritize practices that strengthen your heart. SCORPIO- This week is an 8 Relax and play with people you admire and respect. 0RQH\ ÀRZV WKURXJK \RXU ¿QJHUV GRQ¶W VSHQG frivolously. SAGITTARIUS- This week is a 7

Tackle a household project without spending a ton. Research options for best quality and value. Find simple domestic solutions.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Delta Centre, Strawhall, Carlow T: 059 9143527 E: Info@deltacentre.org

MARY COUGHLAN Visual. T 059 9172400 boxoffice@visualcarlow.ie Saturday 29th December 8pm

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Delta Centre’s Christmas Craft Fair. Get a real taste for the festive season this weekend at this very popular Christmas Wonderland. Enjoy a huge range of traditional gifts, decorations, folk craft and much, much more. A colourful display of outdoor lights will be on display in the sensory gardens with festive face painting, 12 days of Christmas and all things Christmassy. Light lunches, tea, coffee and cakes served each day. Late opening each evening until 7 p.m. .

Mary Coughlan is celebrated for her classic standards of jazz balladry fused with Irish and rock. Throughout her extraordinary career she has performed worldwide completing an Australian tour earlier this year. She has drawn from her inspiration and idols: Billie Holiday’s teary outpourings of heartbreak, the sultry amours of Peggy Lee, Van Morrison’s soulful cries, and the bold offerings of Edith Piaf. The secret to Mary’s soulful performances lies in her unique delivery. Mary makes every song her own with bare honesty reciting the story of every song with passion and emotion.

BLOOD DONATION The Talbot Hotel, Portlaoise Road - Carlow (059) 915 3000. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be visiting the Talbot Hotel in Carlow from 4:30pm to 8pm each evening from Tuesday to Thursday, December 18 to 20 and on Sunday, December 23 from 11:30am to 3pm. Although a donation only takes approximately 8 minutes, you will need to allow 60-90 minutes for the entire process, i.e. from the time you register to resting afterwards while enjoying refreshments. ALL BLOOD TYPES NEEDED ESPECIALLY O RH NEGATIVE.

CAPRICORN- This week is an 8 Brilliant ideas buzz and sparkle. Consider dreams and philosophical conundrums. Choose your words carefully. AQUARIUS-This week is a 9 3UR¿WDEOH RSSRUWXQLWLHV arise through your networks. 6RFLDO HQJDJHPHQW EHQH¿WV your business. Avoid risky propositions. PISCES- This week is a 9 3URIHVVLRQDO EHQH¿WV DULVH LQ conversation. Take charge of your destiny, and let people know what you want. Go for a personal dream.


carlowpeople December 18, 2018

| 19


20 |

carlowpeople December 18, 2018

FODVVLÀHGV SERVICES

ACE CHIMNEY SWEEP

Expert in stove chimney cleaning All new power sweeping service Spotless Chimney Spotless work Call Seamus on 087 7794047 Email: chimneysweep.ace@gmail.com

TURF & FIREWOOD

3 TONNE QUALITY TURF DELIVERED €280

Also loads of timber available. Call joe on 087 – 7800338 TURF & FIREWOOD

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CARLOW CHIMNEY CLEANING SERVICE Expert in stove chimney cleaning. Also cookers and open fires. Full power sweeping system. Spotless work every time. Call Pat

0872793659 DOG TRAINING

CARLOW DOG TRAINING CLUB

have dog obedience and dog agility classes every Saturday in Garyhill, Carlow. All beginners welcome at 2 o’clock €10 per class.Any enquiries to

086-3207287

TURF & FIREWOOD

Massive quantity of 2017 shed stored seasoned Turf – Firewood

Call 087 7462440

TO PLACE YOUR ADVERT

059 914 1877


| 21

carlowpeople December 181, 2018

FODVVLÀHGV PLANNING NOTICES. Carlow County Council I, Tony Condon, am applying for planning permission for the redevelopment of the existing property known as Tullow Motor Factors, Church Street, Tullow, Co. Carlow. The development consists of the change of use of the existing ground floor unit from motor garage to two retail / office units with entrance lobby to a two-storey extension over ground floor to accommodate 3 new two bed apartments and 1 onebedroom apartment and all associated site works. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application Carlow County Council Planning Permission is sought to sub divide existing site containing 1 no. two storey dwelling (2100 sq ft), and permission to construct an additional two storey dwelling (2131 sq ft), new site entrance, with connection to existing mains services and all associated site works at Shillelagh Road, Tullow, Carlow on behalf of Aine Byrne. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority Civic Offices, Athy Road, Carlow during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the ap-

plication may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Eddie Lyons (Agent) Carlow County Council I, Laurence Doyle intend to apply for planning permission for development at Kilcloney, Borris, Co. Carlow. The development will consist of a two storey dwelling, single storey garage, waste water treatment system, new domestic entrance and all ancillary site works. The planning application may be inspected and/ or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Civic Offices, Athy Road, Carlow during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the planning authority and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Carlow County Council

TO PLACE YOUR ADVERT

059 914 1877

We Walsh Whiskey Distillery Ltd wish to apply to the above authority for Permission for the Restoration and Extension of Holloden House and associated stables and farmyard, a Protected Structure (ref CW 46). The works will include restoration of Holloden House and the associated stable, farmyard and buildings, demolition at first floor level at the north end of the west stable block (15 sq.m), construction of a new 3 storey link extension to the rear of Holloden House (103 sq.m) containing lift and accessible stairs and construction of a single storey extension (132 sq.m) containing new bar / restaurant, sanitary facilities and ancillary stores and facilities to the rear of the existing stable buildings. Permission is also applied for (i) the restoration and refurbishment of one of the existing farmyard buildings as well as the change of use of the building to use as a whiskey maturation exhibition space (ii) the restoration of the existing farmyard walls and associated turret building and forge and reopening of the former carriage arch to the farmyard complex (iii) the restoration and improvement of the existing avenue to Holloden House for vehicular access to the new distillery visitor centre as well as permission for the creation of visitor centre parking area within the walled garden and reinstatement and restoration of the walls to the walled garden. The Change of Use of Holloden House and the associated stable buildings to use as a distillery visitor centre incorporating reception area and retail shop, tasting rooms and associated tourism facilities, warehouse exhibition space, general events accommodation and management offices has previously been approved as part of permission ref no 14/33. Permission to also include all associated hard and soft landscaping and associated site development works at

TO PLACE YOUR ADVERT

059 914 1877

Holloden House Demesne, Clorusk Lower, Royal Oak, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Carlow County Council, County Hall, Athy Road, Carlow, during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Carlow County Council I Mark Donohue intend to apply for (A) Permission for a new 900 sqm light industrial storage unit together with all associated site and landscaping works, (B) Retention permission for a cover storage area together with all associated site and landscaping works all at, Milltown, Garryhill, Co. Carlow. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Civic Offices, Athy Road, Carlow, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

TO PLACE YOUR ADVERT

059 914 1877


22 |

carlowpeople December 18, 2018

opinion&comment

Welcome to Planet Brexit Brian Quigley

I

’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here had ended on the Sunday, so something else was needed to capture the public’s imagination and provide the talking points for the canteen conversation in work. As King +DUU\ URGH R൵ LQWR WKH VXQVHW LQ search of some jam roly-poly, Theresa May stepped into the breach. Monday saw her postpone the scheduled December 11 substantive vote on the Brexit deal she had hammered out with the EU. The deal had been more than two years in the making but

Talbot Hotel manager Jamie Brennan and Dome Manager Paige Brennan with members of the team at the opening of the new Laser Grid the reality that it was going to be voted down – by both Leave supporters who felt it was too soft, and Remain supporters ZKR IHOW LW ZDV WRR KDUG ± ¿nally hit May in the face like a jam roly-poly and she pulled the plug. 7KH FRYHUDJH RI LW ¿OOHG D YRLG and made compelling viewing. People who don’t normally take an interest in politics were talking about it the next day. It wasn’t the rights and wrongs

of what was going on that had captured their attention, or the multiple possible endgames to the mess, but the drama and theatre of it all. Get your popcorn and get on the couch, The Brexit Show is starting on Sky News. As a talking point Brexit has been the gift that keeps on giving for a long time, and last week it stepped onto a new level. Tuesday saw Theresa under-

take a whistle-stop tour of Europe to see if anything could happen to cut her some slack. She breakfasted in Holland, lunched in Germany and dined in Belgium but the meals were all she got at the end of the day DV (XURSH VWRRG ¿UP $ GHDO LV a deal is a deal. Wednesday saw May have to abruptly cancel a trip to Dublin DV D PRWLRQ RI QR FRQ¿GHQFH LQ her leadership was triggered by the arrival of the required 48

letters to the 1922 Committee, that feared entity in the Conservative Party that did for Thatcher; it is essentially a trade union for Tory backbenchers. There was no messing around with the vote either – it was to be held that evening. Replenish your popcorn supplies and settle down for the next instalment. Would she survive? Even if she did she would need a convincing majority, otherwise it

would be a question of should she stay or should she go, to quote The Clash. Too small a majority would make her a ‘lame duck’ Prime Minister. In the end she survived but only by making herself a ‘lame duck’ PM anyway, cutting her own throat by announcing that she would step down as leader before the 2022 election. You FRXOGQ¶W VFULSW VXFK VWX൵ Thursday saw May head back out to Europe. For what? We’re still none the wiser as to what will happen in the spring. The language around the backstop might be tinkered with a little in May’s favour but aside from that she will have to put her deal to the vote in January. Depending on that result we could be facing a Hard Brexit, an extension of the Article 50 process with possibly a fresh referendum, a general election or the UK unilaterally doing a U-turn on the whole thing and withdrawing the Brexit application. You’ll have to watch the next series to see how it all pans out.


carlowpeople December 18, 2018

| 23


24 |

carlowpeople December 18, 2018


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.