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One-in-10 commercial units is vacant
More than 12% of Wicklow’s commercial premises are vacant, a new survey has found. The rate has decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 12.1% according to the latest GeoView Commercial Vacancy Rates Report published by GeoDirectory. In Wicklow, Arklow was the area with the highest commercial vacancy rate at 19.0% while Greystones had the lowest vacancy rate at 7.6%, while in Bray it was 12.4% and Wicklow Town 11.2%. The report found that the commercial vacancy rate increased
in all four provinces in 2019. The national commercial vacancy rate stood at 13.3% in Q4 2019, 0.1pp higher than 2018. In total, 16 counties recorded increases in their commercial vacancy rate, with a decrease occurring in only 6 counties. Sligo, at 18.9%, was the county with the highest commercial vacancy rate. The five counties with the highest vacancy rates were all located in Connacht, a sign of the prominent east-west divide in terms of commercial activity. At 10.1%, Meath recorded the lowest commercial vacancy
rate in the country, followed by Kerry (10.7%), Wexford (10.9%), Westmeath (11.6%) and Cork (11.7%). The commercial vacancy rate in Dublin was 12%. Almost a quarter (23.5%) of all commercial properties in Ireland are located in Dublin, equating to 49,812 commercial address points. Edenderry in Co. Offaly, at 29.1%, was the town with the highest commercial vacancy rate in the country. The GeoView Commercial Property Report also highlights the developing trends in commercial property usage over
the past decade. There has been a significant rise in the number of gyms in urban areas. From a total of just 311 gyms in 2010, the national figure stood at 831 by the end of 2019, a 167% increase. In the last ten years there has been a 58% increase in the number of cafés in main urban areas, while there has only been a 3.1% increase in the number of bars in the same areas over the same period.The number of commercial properties offering beauty/men’s grooming services has also increased notably, rising by 22%.
Helen Joyce and Ciara Brady enjoying some crepes in creperie Chez Louis on Bray’s Main Street for Pancake Tuesday
04| NEWS news in brief Kilmacanogue History Society Following last month’s exceptionally well attended and riveting Talk given by Frank Nugent on Irish Arctic. Explorers and our recent well attended A.G.M (incorporating a very interesting Talk from an historical point of view on “The Lemass Tapes” by Ronan McGreevy), our next Talk is on Tuesday 3rd March at 8p.m in the Glenview Hotel. The subject is “The Second Wave of Irish Feminism”. Our Speaker is Catriona Crowe- well known Archivist and Historian who contributes regularly to the broadcast and print media on cultural and historical matters, she takes a look at Irish feminism in the 1960’s- 1970’s.
Shankill Classical Music Club
The next meeting will be on Wed 4th March. Classical music on CDs: all genres - orchestral, instrumental, vocal, opera etc. Usual venue: Shankill Day Centre, Lower Rd, Shankill, 7.45-10.00 pm. 100 yds from the main street, car parking available. Visitors and new members always welcome. €2 on the night, tea and biscuits at the interval.
wicklowvoice.ie March 3, 2020
Running with the stars!
Sinead O’Carroll with Emily (14) and Lana (12) Woodward, who both have Cystic Fibrosis, as they launched Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s annual One in 1,000 campaign. Pic: Orla Murray She may have stepped away from Dancing With The Stars but that doesn’t mean Sinead O’Carroll has stopped putting her best foot forward. The Greystones resident is lending her support to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland by encouraging Wicklow’s women to take part in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon in aid of the charity. The B*Witched stars has teamed up with Zoe Woodward from Delgany and her two daughters Emily (14) and Lana (12), both of whom
have CF, to get 1,000 women to participate in the run on May 31. “My connection to CF goes way back to many years ago, when I had a close friend with the disease who told me that she would listen to B*Witched to cheer her up when times were tough and her health wasn’t great,” Sinead says. “I also taught Lana at my dance school in Greystones. That’s why I was eager to join the campaign and help out as much as I can!”
Family of Esra make new appeal on ninth anniversary
The sister of a young motherof-one who vanished without a trace nine years ago tomorrow The Vhi Women’s Mini has made an emotional appeal Marathon is the largest allfor anyone who may know anywomen event of its kind in thing about her disappearance the world and represents one to come forward. of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s Esra Uyrun (35) left her home largest annual fundraising in Clondalkin in Dublin on the campaigns. morning of 23 February 2011 Zoe is one of the original to go to a local shop. She was founders of the One in 1,000 expected to return shortly so campaign. her husband could take the car Signing up for Cystic to work, but she was never seen Fibrosis Ireland’s One in again. 1,000 campaign is easy – Her car was found abandoned simply call Rachel on LoCall in Bray and she was never seen 1890 311 211, email rbyrne@ again. cfireland.ie or visit www. Her sister Berna Fidan spoke cfireland.ie. to Wicklow Voice this week as she returned to Ireland on the ninth anniversary of her sister’s disappearance. “Unfortunately there has been no real update [in the investigation] other than the gardai saying they are going to look at the case again from the beOver 45% of asthma sufferers ginning just in case they missed who have been diagnosed for anything. more than five years in Wicklow “Nine years on and we are overuse use their inhaler, new still praying someone will come research has found. forward with information, I alThe Asthma Society of Ireland ways say someone knows they has released research by hmR just need to step forward and Ireland which looks at the over- give us closure and peace of reliance on reliever inhaler mind. medication by people with asthma in each county in the country. Reliever inhalers, which most people will recognise as the blue inhalers, if over-used, are strongly linked with severe asthma and asthma related Planning chiefs have deaths. Using three or more reliever given the green light for the inhalers a year indicates a construction of 354 new homes person is at risk of a severe in Greystones. An Bord Pleanála overruled asthma exacerbation while the use of twelve or more a year is the objections of Wicklow an indication someone is at risk County Council to grant planning permission to builders of an asthma-related death. In the year of diagnosis, Cairn Homes to build the homes Wicklow had the third highest in the seaside town. The appeals board ruled in rate of reliever inhaler overuse favour of the development at the in the country at 21%. In the year after diagnosis, that 9.5-hectare site at “Glenheron number nearly doubled to 38% C” despite the opposition of of people who overused their Wicklow County Council and local residents to the plan. reliever inhaler. The proposal consists of By year five, 46% of people with asthma in Wicklow were two five-six-storey apartment blocks that comprise 170 overusing their reliever inhaler.
Don’t over use your inhaler!
“It is Esra’s birthday on March 1 - yet another year without her is so very hard to cope with.” There have been no confirmed sightings of Esra in Bray, though her car was found there and her phone last pinged on the far side of Bray Head. Esra is described as 5’3” in height, with dark hair and green eyes. When last seen she was wearing black leggings, white Nike trainers, and a dark top. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ronanstown Garda Station on 01 666 7700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Green light for more houses
apartments, along with 124 twostorey homes and 60 duplex apartments. The mixed-use plan also includes plans for an employment element that includes a two-storey community enterprise building. The board ruled the proposal would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area, and “would constitute an acceptable residential density in this suburban location”. The appeals board also found that the proposal would be acceptable in terms of urban design, height and quantum of development.
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wicklowvoice.ie March 3, 2020 Tadgh Tyrrell (2) with Sophia Poveda (8 months) from Greystones at the rel aunch of Caldesene
news in brief €150,000 for tourism project A county Wicklow project aimed at getting people active is to benefit from more than €150,000 in funding. The North Wicklow Trail Network project is to receive €152,556 to develop a longdistance trail from Bray to Woodenbridge which will include path construction, drainage, fencing, and all signage. The investment in projects around the county under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme was announced over the weekend by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Way With Words The second Way With Words for readers and writers will take place in Arklow and Blessington Libraries between February 29 and March 14. Wicklow County Council launched the festival on February 21 by announcing an exciting line up of authors, illustrators and music for adults, children and families. The year’s event takes place in the two libraries but also in the Whale Theatre in Greystones, Mermaid Arts Centre Bray, Baltinglass Hospital and local schools.
Burglary gang target county A gang of burglars is targeting people who have just arrived home from work in county Wicklow. Gardai issued a warning after a spate of worrying breakin attempts in the north of the county in recent weeks. A group of three men are being sought by gardaí in Greystones, Delgany and Kilcoole. The men, who were armed with hammers and steel bars in the last three incidents, are believed to be responsible for most of the burglaries in the
area in recent months. The incidents are becoming so common that many people in the affected estates have set up neigbourhood watch groups, seeking to find the culprits either after a burglary has occurred or was interrupted. Two thefts and one other burglary was reported to gardaí in the last week who are now investigating if they are linked. Local gardai are concerned about the new tactic being used to gain entry to homes as
it significantly increases the chances of violent incidents. The young men, who gardáí believe are aged between 16 and 19 are waiting for people to return home from work before making their move. Officers believe the young men are waiting for the homes to be unlocked and then they enter them and take whatever is available. Wicklow gardai have urged anyone with any information about these incidents to contact their local Garda station.
Ref calls off match over racist abuse A Wicklow GAA match between Rathnew and Tinahely had to be abandoned last Sunday due to racist abuse, a report claims. The senior league division 1 game was called off after just 16 minutes following the alleged abuse of a Rathnew player, the Irish Independent says. By that time, referee Pat Dunne from Hollywood had already shown two red cards and a handful of yellows before a fight between both sets of players forced him to call off the match. He was the only official covering the game and had his hands full as the heated contest spilled over between both sides. A tweet from the Rathnew club’s Twitter account claimed: “Ref Pat Dunne calls a Holt (sic) to the match after what
he says to our chairman racial abuse to 1 of our players.” This claim was repeated by a senior Rathnew official when contacted yesterday while Dunne could not be contacted, the newspaper claims. Meanwhile, Tinahely denied that someone associated with their club had made the comments. “We had a club meeting on Sunday after the match with the executives from our club and players, and I can 100% tell you we made no racial comments to anyone,” Tinahely club chairman Patrick Murphy said. “We completely condemn racial abuse.” Wicklow GAA chairman, Martin Fitzgerald confirmed he knew about the incident, claiming the matter was being dealt with by the county’s CCC (Competitions Control Committee).
Commissioners wish to highlight that there has been a significant increase in the detection of novelty Euro notes,” a statement from the Garda Press Office says.” These notes are often marked as “movie money” or “prop money” and bear a strong resemblance to genuine Euro notes, however they do not contain the security features. According to the statement, Revenue Officers have seized
more than €430,895 worth of notes in recent mail centre detections which excludes notes that have been handed into businesses. “People need to be aware that such notes exist and at busy times, especially late at night, they need to exercise a little care and attention,” Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau said. “These notes are easily identifiable if precautionary checks are made. Also people who try to tender such notes as real face prosecution, a possible prison sentence and a conviction, which is for life. “Such convictions have serious ramifications if one wanted to travel, to work in certain sectors and it can affect their credit rating.”
Revenue nab over €430,000 in ‘film cash’ Gardai have warned businesses and locals in Wicklow to be on the lookout for novelty Euro notes often marked as ‘movie money’ or ‘prop money’ which are designed to be used on film sets. A number of reports suggested that the notes are in circulation in the county, with The Enniskerry Inn taking to social media to say they were in the village and for people to “keep their eyes open”. Wicklow is no stranger to the problem with many incidents reported down through the years given Ardmore Studios in based in the county. However, it is not believed the notes currently being passed off are from a production in the county. “An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Revenue
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08 | news in brief Reception for Wicklow Tidy Towns Wicklow Tidy Towns Group Gold Medal win in the national Tidy Towns competition was honoured this week. The fantastic achievement was marked by a Cathaoirleach’s Reception in the town arranged by Wicklow Municipal District. Wicklow Town won a Gold Medal in Category E (population of 5,001 to 10,000) and was also named “1st in County” in the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition last year. The results achieved by the Wicklow Tidy Towns Group have been remarkable, going from Bronze to Silver and now to Gold in three years.
Funding refused
An application for funding of €115,000 to reinstate the Coastal Walk at North Beach in Arklow has been rejected. The application for funding was made under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure scheme to the Department of Rural and Community Development after the popular walk was destroyed during Storm Ophelia in 2017. Wicklow TD John Brady expressed his disappointment at the decision, saying: “I’m both angry and disappointed that Arklow has again been forgotten by this outgoing government.”
wicklowvoice.ie March 3, 2020
Darkness Into Light to return on May 9 The people of Wicklow are being called on to run, jog or walk into the dawn on May 9 for this year’s Darkness Into Light. Registration is now open for this year’s annual fundraiser with walks taking place in Arklow, Baltinglass, Blessington, Bray, Tinahealy and Wicklow Town. Pieta and Electric Ireland are calling on as many people as possible around the country to join in the global movement to end suicide. The walk not only raises vital funds for Pieta and awareness for mental health, it brings people together in a spirit of solidarity and hope. To register now and avail of the discounted early bird rates, visit www.darknessintolight.ie The unique event, which is symbolic of the journey from despair to hope, will begin in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk a 5km route into the light of dawn. Funds raised from Darkness
Newly elelcted Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore with her family on her first day in the Dail
Into Light help keep Pieta’s counselling services free of charge and freely accessible to those in suicidal crisis, people who engage in self-harm, and to those bereaved by suicide. In 2019, a total of €5.4m was raised from Darkness into Light walks with over 200,000 people taking part around the world. Darkness Into Light has grown from a single walk in the Phoenix Park, Dublin with just 400 walkers into a global movement dedicated to raising
awareness around suicide and self-harm. Almost 250,000 people in 24 countries across five continents are expected to come together in the pre-dawn hours to take part, and to spread Pieta’s message of hope around the world. Speaking about Darkness Into Light and the movement of hope, Rachel Murphy, Director of Fundraising at Pieta, said; “We rely on the support of the public to keep our doors open. “Without this support the lifesaving work of Pieta around the country would not be possible. “It gives us tremendous hope to see the incredible solidarity of people across Ireland who walk together towards the dawn. Darkness Into Light is a community event so, if possible, walk with friends and family on May 9 to show your support. We are proud to partner with Electric Ireland this year, and every year, since 2013 because together we are stronger”
Eason snaps up Dubray
You beauty: Jason’s a babe It was big baby smiles all round when the winner of Greystones Most Beautiful Baby 2020 accepted his framed cert this week. Sitting with proud parents Vicky and Aaron, six-monthold Jason Fawcett took his newfound fame and glory in his stride. And was far more interested in biting his rubber giraffe toy than thinking about how he might just spend his prize money. Now in its fifth year,
Greystones’ Most Beautiful Baby attracted a bumper crop of entries for the 2020 title, with each of the 45 babies relying on a public vote to grab that crown. Sponsored by The Byrne Group - who run The Burnaby and The Beach House in Greystones - over 1,000 votes were cast - and Jason managed to find fans as far away as Australia and Japan!
Well-known Wicklow business Dubray Books has been sold to Eason in a mulitmillion euro deal. Founded in 1973 by Helen Clear, it was originally known as Bray Bookshop and was located on the Quinsboro Road before it moved to its current location on the Main Street. In 1988 Mrs Clear sold the business to her daughter- and son-in-law, Gemma and Kevin Barry, with eight shops around the country, including Galway, Blackrock, Liffey Valley, Grafton Street, Rathmines, Stillorgan and Dun Laoghaire in Dublin as well as Bray. Dubray employs about 90 people, has annual sales of over €9m and generates operating profits of roughly €0.7m. Under the terms of the deal, Dubray will continue to operate in its current format as a standalone division within Eason under the Dubray brand. The current Dubray management team, led by Maria Dickenson, will continue to operate the Dubray stores. Founded in 1866, Eason is the country’s oldest book retailer.
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restaurantsawards
Pigeon House comes out on top
Wicklow’s top restaurants - across all food categories - were honoured at the 2020 Leinster Regional Final of the Irish Restaurant Awards took last night. The gala event took place at the Knightsbrook Hotel in Dublin. Over 700 restaurant owners and staff celebrated their hard work and achievements at the Awards, which saw many wellknown restaurateurs of Leinster turn out to see if they had won one of the prestigious awards. Speaking at the awards, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins said: “Now in their 12th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards continue to showcase the incredible food that is on offer in the cafes, pubs and restaurants of Ireland, as well as recognising the teams behind these establishments and the hard work and dedication that they put in. With well over 100,000 nominations received from the public this year, the standard for the judging process was higher than ever. “Ireland may be a small
WICKLOW WINNERS AT THE REGIONAL IRISH RESTAURANT AWARDS FINALS Best Restaurant – Sponsored by Tindal Wine Merchants Wicklow - The Pigeon House Delgany
Pub of the Year - Sponsored by Jameson Ginger and Lime Wicklow - The Glenmalure Lodge
Best Chef – Sponsored by BWG Foodservice Wicklow - Oisin Kehoe-Clarke of The Pigeon House Delgany
Best Wine Experience - Sponsored by Gilbeys with Bibendum Wicklow - Ripasso Restaurant and Wine Bar
Best Newcomer – Sponsored by Monin Wicklow - Double 8
Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by Stafford Lynch - San Pellegrino Wicklow - Chakra by Jaipur
Best Restaurant Manager – AIB Merchant Services Wicklow - Jay Johance of Pink Salt Indian Restaurant Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant – Sponsored by Frylite Wicklow - Strawberry Tree Restaurant at Brooklodge & Macreddin Village Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Dolmen Insurance Brokers Wicklow - Chakra by Jaipur
Best “Free From” – Sponsored by Peroni Libera Wicklow - The Happy Pear Best Kids Size Me Wicklow - Tiffin by Sunil Best Local Food Hero – Sponsored by The Irish Times Wicklow - Hilda Crampton & Dominic Quinn of Castleruddery Organic Farm
Best Gastro Pub - Sponsored by Elavon Wicklow - Wicklow Heather Restaurant & House
Best Emerging Irish Cuisine – Sponsored by Manor Farm Wicklow - Strawberry Tree Restaurant at Brooklodge & Macreddin Village
Best Cafe - Sponsored by Illy Wicklow - The Fat Fox
Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Just Eat Wicklow - Box Burger
country, but it boasts everything from fine dining to high quality gastropubs, from the comfort of traditional Irish food to exploring the world though exotic world cuisine, the Irish restaurant industry has much to offer. “We have an appreciation for what we eat and where our food comes from, as well as the dedication of those working in the food industry.” Food outlets were nominated under the categories of Best Customer Service, Best Café, Best Gastro Pub, Best ‘Free From’, Best Casual Dining, Best World Cuisine, Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Restaurant, Best Wine Experience, Pub of the Year, Best Restaurant Manager, Best Kids Size Me, Local Food Hero, Best Emerging Irish Cuisine and Best Newcomer. All of the Wicklow winners now compete for the Regional and All Ireland Titles, which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards. These will be held in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin on Monday, May 18.
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Michelle Lynch Power The Hearing Clinic Delgany, Greystones, Wicklow, A63 AP23 085 111 6164/ thehearingclinic.ie/info@thehearingclinic.ie The Hearing Clinic established in Delgany 2014 by Michelle Lynch Power using her 20 years experience in NHS, irish health care and private sectors. The clinic provides a full diagnostic Audiology service for both children and adults with an exceptional adult hearing aid service, which comes with a tailored counselling and aftercare programme for the life of the hearing aid. Hearing tests, Tympanometry, Hearing Aids, Hearing protection (musician,shooting,motor bike, industrial) Swim Plugs. The Hearing Clinic now has a second clinic opened in Sheeran Purcell GP practice,Wicklow Primary Care centre January 2020.
Christina Clarkson The Marketing Lounge Units 5 & 6 Ballywaltrim Business Park, Boghall Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow. A98 EH97, 0 15654263/ themarketinglounge.ie/ After a successful career as Head of Marketing for a wellknown IT Managed Services company, Christina established The Marketing Lounge in 2016 to offer clients her expertise in marketing strategy and implementation. Christina is a qualified marketing professional with a wealth of experience in a diverse range of industries including IT, Education, Graphic Arts, Home Improvement, Beauty and Logistics, to name a few. She has worked alongside various international partners including; Apple and Microsoft In 2018, Christina was awarded Network Ireland Wicklow Businesswoman of the Year in the Emerging New Business Owner category.
Brennanstown Riding School Southern Cross Rd, Hollybrook, Kilmacanoge, Co. Wicklow www.brennanstownrs.ie/ +353 (1) 2863778 Brennanstown Riding School is a family run business set up by Jane Kennedy in the 1970’s. The riding school started out with two ponies on loan and now has over 60 horses and ponies on site. Jane herself still runs the business end and her daughter Louise Bloomer manages the yard itself. Brennanstown Riding School’s situation, off Exit 7 on the N11 and at the base of the Little Sugar Loaf Mountain, provides excellent hacking and trekking facilities through some of the most beautiful Wicklow scenery. The riding school offers group and private lessons for all standards of riders, catering for both adults and children.
sinead connollly Sin É Unit 2, Charlesland Shopping Centre, Greystones, 01 2010673, www.sinehairandbeauty.com Sinead Connolly, owner of Sin É hair and beauty, qualified at a young age from Peter Hair Creation in Blackrock. She worked as a senior stylist with them for five years before opening her first salon 18 years ago in Blackrock. She then opened Sin É in Charlesland 14 years ago which continues to grow thanks to her talented team and loyal clientele. Sinead’s passion for hair & health is why Sin É specialise in organic hair colour, Natulique. It is exclusive to Sin É and the only certified organic colour in the world. It covers 100% of grey and highlights without making the hair brittle and dry. Sin E are excited to announce the launch of the advanced Straightening Smoothing System which lasts 1620 weeks and is environmentally friendly being Formaldehyde free. Avail of this great treatment with the special launch offer from €100-€120, Monday – Saturday (normally from €150-€250) for the month of March only. Call Sinead or her team on 01 2010673 to book. Sin E is open two late nights with free parking and no traffic wardens.
Emma Mckernan McKernan & Co. Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors Unit C20/C21, Wicklow Enterprise Centre, The Murrough. www.mckernanandco.ie, 0404 70122 Emma McKernan runs an independent accountancy firm based in Wicklow Town. The firm offers a wide range of services to both start-up businesses and established companies, and they pride themselves on working with clients from varying industries. Their wealth of knowledge in accounting, audit and taxation help clients make informed and productive business decisions. The firm is also experienced in specialised audits, and are happy to guide clients through this complex processes. McKernan & Co combine the efficiency and technical expertise you would expect from a large firm with the personal skills required to build close, successful client relationships.
womeninbusiness
Jane Bloomer
The Wicklow Voice is delighted to bring you our latest profile of female entrepreneurs ahead of Intern ation al Women’s Day on March 8, small business owners and professionals who work extremely hard every day to make Wicklow a thriving business location for everyone. Without the contribution these women make to our business community and local economy, the county would be a much poorer place - in more ways than one. The women profiled below are equal parts intelligent, innovative, creative, brave and inspiring. Each of them have put their all into their work and this is evident in their success stories. Despite tough times in recent years, these businesses continue to thrive and can look forward to a bright future. We congratulate these women on their success and celebrate women all around the county. If you would like to be featured in the next Women in Business feature in the Wicklow Voice, Wexford Chronicle, Waterford Today Dublin Voice or Carlow People then contact us today on 01 9015565 or email info@ wicklowvoice.ie.
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The people have spoken - but translation may take a while
T
D after TD stood up in the Dail last week and declared that the people had spoken. Many said the verdict of the electorate was clear. Absolutely clear, said Brendan Howlin. Totally clear, said Pearse Doherty. Really? I don’t think so. The people have spoken but, so far as clarity goes, they might have been talking in the language of the ancient Aztecs or Incas. They could be heard but nobody knows what they said. For the second election in a row, the voters of Ireland have returned a Dáil divided between disparate parties with almost equal voting strengths. In 2016 we returned two front-running parties. This time we have complicated matters further by adding Sinn Féin to the mix and handing the balance of power to the Greens, a small and divided group of leftwingers, and a bunch of Independents with little in common. We have elected a Dáil from which it is, to put it mildly, extremely difficult to form a government, and now we are complaining because the rival politicians we elected can’t strike a deal in three weeks. We, the voters, created the problem. We should have a bit of patience and give our chosen representatives a chance to solve it. Either that, or prepare for another general election. This belief that the people have spoken clearly is just one of the myths that have grown up since February 8. Another is that Sinn Féin won the election. I have heard Mary Lou McDonald say just that on several occasions and it is the message behind the meetings her party has been staging around the country. Well, she would say that, wouldn’t she? If I were in her position I would say that too. But it’s not true. Sinn Féin had a very good election but Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael - parties with a lot in common - got a combined vote which was almost twice that of SF, with whom they differ considerably. I don’t think the country will welcome a grand coalition of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and I do think both those parties should be prepared to at least talk with Sinn Féin about government formation. But I can’t see anything unreasonable or undemocratic about the idea that two quite similar parties with a combined first preference vote of just over 43%, and a combined seat total of 73, should seek to form a government together, raher than reach out to a very different party that won just over 24% of the vote and 37 seats. The people have spoken and a grand coalition seems as reasonable an interpretation of what they asked for as any other.
Michael Wolsey Another myth is that the country has swung Left. I’m not sure if Sinn Féin, a party that opposes increased carbon tax and wants to abolish property tax, can really be classed as socialist: anti-establishment, certainly, and populist sometimes, but you can’t really wrap the Red Flag round them. The increased Green vote is also being seen as a swing to the Left but the environmental issues which drive Eamon Ryan and his party are not the exclusive preserve of socialists. And that leaves those who have always claimed to be socialists: the Labour Party which lost one of its seven seats and got just over 4% of the vote; the Social Democrats who, thanks to Sinn Féin surpluses, went up from two to six seats on less than 3% of the vote and the uneasy coalition of Solidarity and People Before Profit who got 2.6% of the vote and came back with the same meagre total of five seats. The people have spoken but I don’t think they called for a sharp Left turn. Interpreting what they did say will be a slow business. Giving them what they want may prove impossible. As Fianna Fáil’s Michael McGrath astutely observed: “It is a lot easier to organise a protest than to organise a government.”
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People have problems away from the bright lights and cameras; off stage they are human beings who are prey to the same mental demons that can stalk the rest of us, including caroline flack
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opinion&comment
The increased Green vote is also being seen as a swing to the Left but the environmental issues which drive Eamon Ryan and his party are not the exclusive preserve of socialists
You never know what’s going on in someone’s life
aroline Flack’s recent death by suicide was another sad loss for the world of entertainment, and another setback for society in the battle against depression and mental health awareness. I won’t claim to have been a huge fan of Caroline’s work but it was around this time last year that we lost Keith Flint of The Prodigy to depression, an artist who was a hero of mine. You don’t know what’s going in someone’s life. It doesn’t matter whether they are rich and famous or not. People have problems away from the bright lights and cameras; off stage they are human beings who are prey to the same mental demons that can stalk the rest of us. Illness is not something celebrities are immune from. How could it be? It didn’t matter how wealthy or famous Freddie Mercury was when he contracted HIV and developed AIDS – there were no effective treatments at the time for him or anyone else to keep the virus in check so he died. It is the same for cancer or any other illness, including conditions like depression. As a sufferer of depression myself, I know how things can grow legs and get out of proportion in someone’s mind. Clinical depression can pull in levels of paranoia, worry, stress, anxiety and thought process disorder that catalyse the depression, and the depression then catalyses the negative emotions in a kind of doom loop. Medication coupled with an active, healthy lifestyle can help keep the cocktail of negativity in check but in the face of extreme trauma (like what Flack was facing with the impending trial for alleged assault) things can unfortunately spiral out of control. At the toughest times (thankfully there have been very few for me) I have always found that having family and friends to turn to gets me through. If you are very famous like Caroline Flack though, this isn’t always possible. Paparazzi are following you, you get trolled on social media and your life isn’t your own. You lose hope and feel that there is no way out. Larry Gogan, who passed away recently, often spoke about the celebrity status he enjoyed in the Sixties as one of the first pop-music disc jockeys in Ireland. The cult of celebrity didn’t sit well with him and made him unhappy, so he rejected it and stayed a happy man until the day he died. There is a message in there. Being yourself is your greatest asset in life. Fame might bring you riches but it can bring problems too. No wonder Meghan
Brian Quigley and Harry (who once dated Caroline Flack) wanted out of the madness that comes with being royal. I have met a few celebrities and famous people in my time. I never make the mistake of thinking their private self is the same as their stage persona. I never underestimate the fact that they might have problems just like the rest of us.
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wicklowvoice.ie March 3, 2020
Buying? Selling? Contact us today
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| 17
wicklowvoice.ie March 3, 2020
WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory
Learning Birdsong
ninenottomiss book of the week
While May is the month which hosts National Dawn Chorus day and is when nature’s avian orchestra is at its’ strongest and most majestic, it is not the best month for learning to identify birdsong. There is just too much going on in the glorious cacophony that trying to pick out individual species can be challenging. February and March are the perfect months for learning birdsong for the first time. Why? Well, for a start, our spring/ summer migrants have not arrived yet so there are less species for your ears to sort through! Dawn is reasonably late so you don’t have to get up so early to hear the dawn chorus. Actually there’s no need to get up early at all, in March our resident breeding birds are busy singing all day, marking terittories and attracting mates. And lastly, leaves haven’t emerged yet so it is far easier to see the bird making the song. Five song birds which are already singing, or will be doing so in the next few weeks, that you can start getting your ear in are: 1. Song Thrush This song is all about repetition. A short phrase is sung and then repeated 2-5 times before moving onto a new phrase.
film of the week
HOROSCOPES
The Sleeper Lies €9.99
kiri Wednesdays, RTE1, 10.40pm
Jihad Jane (15A) Running Time: 1hr 34min
The Sleeper Lies is a mystery thriller by Andrea Mara, author of the Irish Book Award shortlisted One Click. Set in Wicklow, the story is about Marianne, who wakes one morning to find footprints trailing across her snow-covered garden. Marianne’s nearest neighbour lives a mile away, and she has no idea who has been creeping around outside her house at night. Is it somehow linked to her interest in true crime? Or perhaps to her mother’s unexplained death, twenty years earlier? Or maybe the answer lies closer to home. In the end, 24 days is all it takes for everything to come crashing down.
New series. Four-part drama, starring Sarah Lancashire. Set in Bristol, it centres on the abduction of Kiri Akindele (Felicia Mukasa), a nine-year-old black girl. Kiri lives with her foster parents Jim and Alice Warner (Steven Mackintosh and Lia Williams) and their teenage son Si (Finn Bennett). Social worker Miriam is caught up in the investigation Kiri goes missing on one of her supervised visits. As the search for her intensifies, Miriam is publicly blamed by the police, the press, and even her colleagues for putting the girl at risk.
In March 2010, two American women, including one who named herself ‘Jihad Jane’, were arrested in a number of high-profile arrests in Waterford, Ireland, which were trumpeted by the US attorney’s office as ‘the new face of terrorism’. Facing huge jail sentences, the two women pleaded guilty but now for the first time ever, with unprecedented access, JIHAD JANE tells the story of the most absurd terror cell ever to come together. The film is about the Internet and the online world and the damaged people who made plans to murder a Swedish cartoonist.
by Andrea Mara
Song Thrush (Photo Justin Ivory)
tv show of the week
gig of the week
exhibition of the week
kids event of the week
4. Wren Fantastically loud song for such a tiny bird. The song is a short, rapid machine-gun fire of notes ending in a trill. 5. Great Tit Chiming, strident repetition of two notes that sound like “teacher, teacher, teacher”.
TaurusDon’t make assumptions about your partner. If you want to know something, ask. Keep an open mind. You can get the inside story. GeminiThe workload may seem intense. Focus carefully on the job at hand to reduce technical error. Stay in communication. CancerRomance could flower, despite unexpected changes. Look for opportunities for fun and find them. Enjoy excellent company. LeoCompute expenses and monitor in real time to avoid unpleasant surprises. Changes could disrupt the schedule.
mary coughlan 7th March @ 8:30 pm, Courthouse Arts Centre Dwyer Square, Ballinacor, Tinahely €22/€20
EVANESCENCE BY ANNA MAYE 8th March 2020 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Courthouse Arts, Tinahely
snaky slime labs 14th March 2020 @ 11:00 am Cool Planet Experience, Enniskerry
Mary Coughlan is arguably one of Ireland’s greatest female jazz and blues singers, a true artist who has carved out a timeless and highly regarded career and a legion of devoted fans worldwide. Described as “Ireland’s Billie Holiday’ Mary has overcome childhood trauma, alcoholism & drug addiction to become a musical force like no other. “Her life story gives weight to the truth that the best singers are the ones with the most painful lives. Mary live is in a league of her own, her glorious husky voice pulling every ounce of emotion from the music. This is the real thing, sung from the depths of a woman’s heart and soul.
Anna Maye is a recent graduate from the National College of Art and Design with a BA in Fine Art with Critical Culture. Anna’s practice explores how time epitomises the unstable and disintegration of life. It exhibits a freedom in what is unpredictable and unknown that captures the essence of time. In seeking a material representation of time, Anna works with a delicate, dissolving sugar based material, that evokes the fluidity of time. Anna organically prepares this material to appear as if it were an ethereal movement suggesting a surreal state.
Our Planeteers never miss a chance to mix science with serious explosions of fun. This St. Patrick’s weekend we go beyond slime to bring you the coolest, squishiest and strangest chains of goo and slimey snakes! Become a nature detective while you play, pop and stretch these unusual materials and discover how our unique slime recipe can help ‘banish’ plastic from Ireland. If you have a child who is slime crazy then they are going to LOVE our St. Patrick’s Weekend Lab Experience! Ages 6-12 | 1hr | €15 pp
walk of the week
event of the week
foodie of the week
2. Blackbird The Mozart of the bird world. Rich fluty phrases which end in a chuckle or a squeak. 3. Robin Robins sing all year round but there are noticeable differences between the autumn/winter song and the spring/summer song. A lovely, sweet, melodious song with pauses between the constantly changing phrases.
AriesStick to practical priorities with shared finances. Ignore chaos, confusion and distractions. Secure the ground taken.
VirgoUse your power responsibly. Hold yourself to high standards. Keep your promises, standards and word. Integrity makes things work. LibraDig into unexpected revelations. New facts dispel old fears. Study the latest developments. Present your findings to your network. ScorpioTry a gentle approach with domestic matters. Someone in your family could use extra loving. List the problems to solve. Sagittarius-
Step back and let a controversy sail on by. Clear out clutter. Clean your room. Offer advice only if asked. Plan for what’s ahead. CapricornDon’t make assumptions or expensive promises. Confer with allies to get the inside scoop. Inspire others to succeed.
Women at the Whale : An evening of female voices for International Women’s Day 2020
Ayurvedic Cooking & Nutrition Saturday, March 7 at 11 AM – 4 PM. Cost - €90 Ananta Yoga & Ayurveda Wicklow
FULL MOON WALK WITH HILLTOP TREKS 7th March 2020 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Hilltop Treks, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
Sunday 8th March. €15
Food plays an important role in our health and fitness. According to Ayurveda (knowledge of Life), cooking is not just about palatable food and flavourful dishes, rather it is the key to continuous good health. Ayurveda cooking means preparing food that ensures optimal health of body and mind. Ayurveda considered food as a stimulant to a higher consciousness. Thus, Ayurvedic cooking is both an art and a science. Booking is essential! Call/ Text - Louise Curran on 087 603 2202. Email: anantayogaevents@gmail.com
These Full Moon Walks are an excellent opportunity to see beautiful landscape by the light of the moon. The walks will be short 2-3 hr walks and suitable for most levels of fitness. Meet at Enniskerry: Clock Tower (Center of the village) Cost: €25pp. The walk will take place close to Enniskerry village, on Carrickgollogan, and take in many of the great wooded trails along the way. There are fantastic 360 degree views from the top of this small hill across the eastern coastline of Dublin and Wicklow. The tracks is very good and easy to walk.
This year, for our second annual celebration of International Women’s Day , we’re partnering with Wicklow County Council’s literary event, Way with Words, to support even more women in the local arts community and to increase our storytelling footprint. We have a short reading and Q&A planned with author Lucy Sweeney Byrne, a native Greystonian. Lucy has recently published her debut short story collection, Paris Syndrome with Banshee Press, and will be interviewed by Fiona O’Rourke of the Irish Writers Centre.
AquariusA professional goal is within sight. Focus and winning is a distinct possibility. Get your team on your side. Prepare for a test. PiscesA travel or study opportunity is worth investigating. Find out what’s involved. Look for answers to tough questions. Contribute to a greater cause.
18 |
wicklowvoice.ie March 3, 2020
insideback
England just wanted it more
A
fter the optimism engendered by Ireland’s opening two Six Nations wins over Scotland and Wales, Andy Farrell’s men were beaten by England on February 23 at Twickenham. Memories of our troubled World Cup resurfaced as we said goodbye to the chance of a Triple Crown and Grand Slam win in 2020. England, on the other hand, revived memories of their fine World Cup, where they got to the final, and have given themselves a chance of a title win this term. Eddie Jones seems to have that resilience as a coach to be able to bounce back. His side lost a tough opening day game in Paris but have clawed their way back into contention with two subsequent victories. Defensive errors were Ireland’s issue again and by half time we were 17-0 down and facing a mountain to climb in the second period.
Louis Brancourt, teacher Robin Gatel teacher and Sinead McKeever of Little Lingua in creperie Chez Louis on Bray’s Main Street for Pancake Tuesday
Although we shaded the second half 12-7 thanks to tries from Henshaw and Porter and a Cooney conversion, we ended with a 24-12 defeat. We had a decent share of possession and territory but ultimately our form and effort weren’t up to the level required
to beat England on their home turf. We didn’t seem to want it enough or to have enough of an idea as to how we were going to pull a win off. England got their tactics just right and deserved the win. The title looks like it is
France’s to lose at this stage. They are the only unbeaten side after three games, and possibly only an Irish win on French soil on March 14 could derail their ambitions - coronavirus permitting of course! That looks unlikely to happen on recent evidence and our
fortnight interlude before Italy were to visit the Aviva on March 7 to regroup and refocus has now gone due to Covid-19. It is early days for Andy Farrell. I’ve said before that he needs to be given this Spring as a honeymoon period, to figure out exactly where he wants to
take us and which personnel he figures will best deliver us there. We want to be entertained in the meantime, don’t get me wrong, and if we beat Italy convincingly and come up short against France (which is the way I’m expecting things to pan out) then we will have won three out of five and finished mid-table. This would be nothing to gloat about but it would be a solid start.
wicklowvoice.ie March 3, 2020
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20 | wicklowvoice.ie March 3, 2020