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wicklowvoice.ie October 12, 2018
wicklowvoice OVERALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE BRAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDEAVOUR AWARDS
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May 28, 2015, t: 01 901 5556/7, October 12, 2018 wicklowvoice.ie e: info@wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
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Traders threaten to halt Florentine TRADERS on Bray’s Florence Road have threatened to take FRXUW DFWLRQ LQ DQ H൵RUW WR force the developer to include a pedestrian entrance to the Florentine Centre. The move could delay the project, which began in July of this year and is due to open in just over 12 months in December 2019, after thousands of locals signed a petition calling for the access. “The traders and businesses on the Florence Road at all time have been fully supportive of the construction of the Florentine Centre based on the plans that were submitted and approved by an Bord Pleanála,” a spokesperson told the Wicklow Voice. “But we now ¿QG RXUVHOYHV LQ D SRVLWLRQ WKDW the plans that were approved by the highest planning authority in Ireland are not being implemented according to the permission granted. “The pedestrian access to Florence Road has been cancelled, which will be
detrimental to the traders, businesses and the customers. “There are over 100 employed on our street and we cannot sit idly by and wait for these jobs to be lost, and our businesses to close. We have a petition which has been signed by over 3000 customers to have the pedestrian access reinstated. “If we cannot get the council to realise the seriousness of this situation we will have no choice but to issue legal proceedings and seek a judicial review of this entire process. This is not an action we take lightly as it will immediately stop construction on the much need development and car park.” In response, a source in Wicklow County Council told the Wicklow Voice: “An Bord Pleanala’s planning consent (not planning permission) was contingent on a private landowner granting right of way over their property and this was not forthcoming.” Continued on next page
Cathaorileach of Greystones Municipal District Cllr Nicola Lawless gives Jan Purcell a swing at the Greystones Southbeach Playground offical opening. See centre spread. »Lots more pictures from around the county inside
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04| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie October 12, 2018
news in brief Glendalough Trail for blindness THE ninth annual Glendalough Trail is now open for registration and will take place on November 17, at 11am. The challenge is open to people RI DOO OHYHOV RI ÂżWQHVV ZLWK D 15.5km run as well as an 8.6km jog/walk option. Over 350 trailblazers embraced the challenge last year, supporting research to ÂżQG FXUHV DQG WUHDWPHQWV IRU blindness. Patient-led charity Fighting Blindness is calling on walkers, runners and joggers WR MRLQ WKHP LQ WKLV Rŕľľ URDG experience, where they can HQMR\ WKH PDJQLÂżFHQW VFHQHU\ along the green forest trails of Wicklow.
Heritage project As work gathers pace on the Wicklow Trails Heritage Recording Project, an Information Event for the communities of Woodenbridge, Avoca, Rathdrum and surrounding areas, has been orgainised for October 18 in the Woodenbridge Hotel at 4pm. The Wicklow Trails Heritage Recording Project, launched during the summer, is seeking to build a database of images, ÂżOP DXGLR DQG WH[W DERXW WKH nature, history, folklore and archaeology that can be found along the walking trails between Bray and Woodenbridge.
Anna Daly with, from left, Jacob Byrne (5) from Greystones,, Alicia Begley (5), Myles Jordan (7), Joshua Ryan (3), Grace Cogan (11) and Jamie Lacey (4) pictured at the launch of the Temple Street Foundation’s annual ‘Trick or Treat for Temple Street’ 2018 fundraising campaign. Pic: Mark Stedman
Boo! Sea Life’s scarefest IF you are looking for VRPHWKLQJ GL྾HUHQW WR VFUDH you this Halloween then get yourself down to Sea Life Bray. %HWZHHQ 2FWREHU DQG 1RYHPEHU YLVLWRUV FDQ WDNH VWHS LQWR WKH FUHHS\ GHHS DW Sea Life and navigate the $VFDULXP DQ LPPHUVLYH WUDLO ZKLFK WDNHV \RX SDVW VRPH RI WKH VFDULHVW VHD FUHDWXUHV )RU D OLPLWHG WLPH RQO\ ¿YH SRWLRQ LQJUHGLHQWV ZLOO EH KLGGHQ LQ YDULRXV WDQNV
WKURXJKRXW WKH $VFDULXP DQG JXHVWV ZLOO QHHG WR ÂżQG WKHP EHIRUH PDNLQJ WKHLU ZD\ WR WKH 6HD :LWFKÂśV ODLU $ORQJ WKH ZD\ JXHVWV ZLOO GLVFRYHU IDFWV DERXW VRPH RI WKH IUHDNLHVW FUHDWXUHV RI WKH VHD LQFOXGLQJ EORE ÂżVK $IULFDQ WLJHU ÂżVK JREOLQ VKDUNV DQG EDUUHO H\H ÂżVK 2QFH DOO RI WKH LWHPV KDYH EHHQ ORFDWHG WKH 6HD :LWFK ZLOO FDVW KHU PDJLF VSHOO DQG RSHQ WKH WUHDVXUH FKHVW JLYLQJ WKRVH ZKR VXFFHVVIXOO\
QDYLJDWH WKH WUDLO D UHXVDEOH $VFDULXP FXS $QG WKDWÂśV QRW DOO 6HDV /LIH ZLOO SOD\ KRVW WR D ÂľVHOÂżHÂś SKRWR IUDPH DQG ÂľWZLVWHUÂś style game for guests to further immerse themselves in the spooky family fun. Sea Life is also running D FRPSHWLWLRQ WR JLYH RQH OXFN\ IDPLO\ WLFNHWV WR $OWRQ 7RZHUV LQ 8. DQG RQH QLJKWÂśV DFFRPPRGDWLRQ VR EH LQ ZLWK D FKDQFH WR ZLQ %RRN \RXU WLFNHWV YLD ZZZ VHDOLIH LH
Traders in court threat Continued from previous page It is believed that a small strip of land adjacent to the project is at the centre of the problem with rumours circulating that the landowner is looking for more than ₏1m for it. District Manager Tom Murphy told a meeting of Bray Municipal District recently that that the council will be talking WR WKH GHYHORSHUV LQ DQ H྾RUW WR secure access to the Florence Road. It is estimated the development will cost ₏24m when complete and will bring hundreds of jobs to the town both during its construction and when it opens its doors. The development will be built around a new pedestrianised street which will open up from the Main Street and end in a public space. The new street will comprise of two anchor stores of 3,000m² and 1,000m², eight retail units and three restaurants as well as D ¿YH VFUHHQ PXOWLSOH[ FLQHPD and underground parking. It is believed that retailers Penneys are not interested in becoming an anchor tenant.
More cash Minister? Health gets ₏17bn in budget WICKLOW TD and Minister for Health Simon Harris has been given an extra ₏1.05bn in health funding for 2019. This brings the health budget for next year to ₏17bn - the highest level of health investment in the history of the State. In September, it emerged that there was a ₏600m black hole in spending by the Department of Health. Despite the ₏17bn budget, a record number of patients – 514,000 – are now on hospital waiting lists with winter still to come. Delivering Budget 2019, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the additional investment in health in the last two years comes to ₏2.25 billion or an increase of 15%. The allocation announced will facilitate a range of additional services including initiatives proposed under Slaintecare, including: - ₏25 increase in the weekly income threshold for GP visit cards - 50 cent reduction in prescription charges from ₏2 to ₏1.50 for all medical card holders over the age of 70 - ₏10 reduction in the monthly Drugs Payment Scheme threshold from ₏134 to ₏124. The Government is to provide an additional ₏84m for mental health services in 2019, bringing the total available funding for mental health to ₏1bn, an increase of 9%. An extra ₏20m will be made available to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), bringing total funding
for next year to â‚Ź75m. Fianna FĂĄil Health spokesperson Stephen Donnelly has welcomed the â‚Ź20m increase saying it is the third successive increase secured by Fianna )iLO XQGHU WKH &RQÂżGHQFH DQG Supply arrangement. “Fine Gael has presided over the highest waiting lists ever witnessed in this country,â€? Mr Donnelly said. “In 2016, following a 38% increase in inpatient/day case waiting lists under the tenure of then Health Minister Leo Varadkar, Fianna FĂĄil secured the reactivation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund in WKH &RQÂżGHQFH DQG 6XSSO\ Arrangement. The measure announced today brings to â‚Ź70m of increased spending in the Fund since then. “We sought the restoration of the Fund in 2016 as we were convinced that it could have a substantial impact in reducing the inpatient/day case waiting lists. “While it took some time for this to happen, we have seen a 14% reduction in the numbers waiting for surgery in the past 15 months.â€? Budget round-up: next page
Bright Ideas at Whale ON November 17, Greystones’ Whale Theatre will come alive with “An Evening of Extraordinary Ideas� featuring performances, talks and discussion - from music to stand-up comedy; dance to neuro-linguistic programming! Curated by Wicklow native, Brian O’ Regan, the event
boasts a stellar line-up of performers and speakers including sharp-witted comedian Danny O’ Brien, daring musicians Alex Petcu (percussion) & Lina $QGRQRYVND ÀXWH JURXQG breaking movement from Rob Heaslip Dance and much more. Tickets for this special event from www.whaletheatre.ie.
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Funnyman Brendan set for Mermaid
news in brief Trio return for night of comedy HAVING turned The Whale into a rockin’ House of Fun back in June, the terrifying threesome of Joe Rooney (Father Ted), Sharon Mannion (Bridget & Eamon) and Danny Kehoe (Moone Boy) return for another night of madcap improv brilliance. And given the time of year, Halloween is the theme, as Rooney, Mannion & Kehoe go Full Frankenstein on the sort RI VWLWFKHG WRJHWKHU ÀLJKWV RI comic fancy that will, you know, have you in stitches. So, come together, guys and ghouls - it’s going to be a Thrilla! Thrilla night! October 20 @ 8pm (Doors 7pm) Tickets ₏15/₏12/ www.whaletheatre.ie or call the ERRNLQJ RྜFH RQ
Calling all crafters the fair is back! Great news, the St. David’s Christmas Fair is back for 2018. Situated on the seafront in Greystones it’s one of Wicklow’s biggest Christmas fairs. The fair will take place the weekend of December 1 and 2, 11am to 5pm. They are now seeking applicants for stalls so if you’d like to participate please email stdavidscraftfair@gmail. com for an application form. Cost for 1-day single stall ₏45/ double ₏80. Two-day single stall ₏70/double ₏120.
Kathleen spins wheel for second time A GRANDMOTHER from Rathdrum spun the Winning Streak wheel recently on her second time on the show DIWHU ¿UVW DSSHDULQJ RQ WKH National Lottery game show back in 1999. In the near 29 years of Winning Streak history, there has been almost 6,000 players to have gone on the RTÉ TV game show. Out of those there has been less than a handful who have gone on the show twice. One of these is Kathleen
Poole, from Rathdrum, who went on Winning Streak for the second time recently, 19 years after appearing on the show, then presented by Mike Murphy. This time around, Kathleen fared a lot better than she had in 1999, winning a total of â‚Ź57,000 and getting the chance to spin the iconic Grand Prize Wheel, which she won â‚Ź25,000 on. All those years ago she won ÂŁ23,400 (Irish punts) which really was a pretty penny
back then so Kathleen really is a lucky woman. That’s not the only bit of luck her family has had on National Lottery and RTÉ game shows as her sister, Maud Doyle, who was cheering her on in the audience on Saturday, was on the Big Money Game back in 2011 where she won ₏20,000. Kathleen has been married to husband John, a farmer, for the past 47 years and the couple have six children and nine grandchildren .
HOT on the heels of the documentary about Brendan Grace on RTE recently, the man himself is dropping in to say hello. The legendary funnyman will take to the stage at Mermaid Arts Centre on October 19 at 8pm. Regarded as the greatest Irish family comedian of his generation, Brendan is celebrating 48 years in the comedy business. Brendan’s latest show includes the best and most requested pieces from his vast repertoire RYHU WKH ODVW ÂżYH GHFDGHV His sense of timing and ability to read an audience is without equal. A brilliant character actor, his ‘Bottler’ character is legendary and his interpretation of the ‘Irish Wedding’ will forever remain a masterpiece. Apart from his obvious ‘star quality’ in all aspects of his performance Brendan’s drawing power is enormous and the ‘House Full’ sign is the norm rather than the exception at his concerts. Although Brendan now re-
sides in the United States with his wife Eileen and family and enjoys international success brought about by his association with the Late Frank Sinatra, he still tours Ireland on a regular basis, and indeed still considers ,UHODQG KLV ÂżUVW ORYH Tickets cost â‚Ź30/28 and are DYDLODEOH IURP %R[ 2ŕľśFH RQ 01-2724030 or at www.mermaidartscentre.ie. Mermaid also welcomes actor and writer Pat Kinevane October 18 with his theatre show Underneath. Tickets cost â‚Ź18/16
Budget may lead to early election ‘in December’ HE’S making a list, he’s checking it twice ... But will Santa bring the electorate an election for Christmas? Speculation is mounting that a general election date is looking following Budget 2019, which analysts said aimed to give something to everybody in the country. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe targetted families with measures to reduce the cost of health and childcare. And within hours of the Budget, Fianna FĂĄil leader MicheĂĄl Martin phoned Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to disFXVV WKH FRQÂżGHQFH DQG VXSSO\ arrangement. Talks on a potential renewal of the deal will take place in the coming weeks. It is understood the Taoiseach wants the deal done by Halloween, but senior sources on both sides were speculating an election could take place as soon as December 7.
The Budget included a ₏5 weekly boost for workers and social welfare recipients, funded by a Vat hike for hoteliers and restaurateurs. It was expected that home and motoring fuel bills would have gone up by about ₏200 a year, but Mr Donohoe backed away from the idea amid fears of a rural backlash. Environmentalists were angry that a chance to tackle our emissions was missed. Overall, families with one spouse caring in the home were the big winners. The home carer’s credit will go up to ₏1,500, EHQH¿WLQJ IDPLOLHV ZKR can earn an extra ₏300 a year before they pay tax. A single worker will be able to earn ₏35,300 next year before paying income tax at 40pc, up from ₏34,550. The 4.75pc universal social charge (USC) rate falls to 4.5pc. When combined these measures will be worth ₏5 a week
to somebody on a salary of â‚Ź55,000. Some 1.47m people ZLOO EHQHÂżW IURP WKH Âź LQFUHDVH in social welfare payments, including pensions, that take effect from March. Two weeks of paid parental leave will be available from November 2019. 7KH $ŕľľRUGDEOH &KLOGFDUH Scheme will see an increase in the maximum income threshold. It will go up from â‚Ź47,000 to â‚Ź60,000 after tax. Those in the Drugs Payment Scheme will have to spend â‚Ź124 before the State picks up the rest of the tab, down from â‚Ź134, while there is be a 50c drop in prescription charges to â‚Ź1.50 for medical card holders over the age of 70. Parents will be able to leave â‚Ź320,000 to children before having to pay inheritance tax, up from â‚Ź310,000. Some 150,000 self-employed workers will also gain as the earned income credit will be increased by â‚Ź200 to â‚Ź1,350.
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wicklow people in pictures
Mary Duffy, Emer Duffy and Ciara Ryan at the launch of the Shauna Kavanagh Foundation at the Bacbar Bray
Fred O’Toole presenting Greg O’Toole with his winning prize at the Annual Bray Hockey Club Golf Classic in Bray Golf Club
Eva Roche and Emily Deveney from the Hockey Club at the Loreto Freshers Day
Children and teachers from Ravenswell wave to their old school building as they make their way to the new building
Bray Lakers find temporary home after club blaze BRAY Lakers have found a new temporary home on Florence Road which is close to their former home which was destroyed E\ ¿UH UHFHQWO\ The blaze took place at 2am on Friday at Lakers Social and Recreational Club on Seapoint 5RDG The premises cannot be used for members’ daily activities because of smoke and water GDPDJH “Unfortunately the centre remains closed as the insurance company is currently carrying out its forensic investigation,” Lakers manager Jo Heath told the Wicklow Voice ³$V D UHVXOW the the vans haven’t been rePRYHG RU UHSODFHG “However, we are extremely thankful to the local community as we have been loaned four mini-buses while our insurance company Axa have given us a 13-seater bus ex gratia until the LQYHVWLJDWLRQ LV FRPSOHWH
“I would also like to thank HYHU\RQH IRU WKHLU R൵HUV RI alternative locations but we have gratefully accepted a very JHQHURXV R൵HU IURP WKH 6W Andrew’s Community Church Community in Bray for temporary premises in the old school EXLOGLQJ “We are currently in the process of routing our phones there as we have not been able to contact families since WKH ¿UH “Again, I would like to convey our sincere thanks to all who have helped us - unfortunately I can’t mention everyone but just to say we are blessed with wonGHUIXO YROXQWHHUV ³2XU IXQGUDLVLQJ H൵RUWV KDYH so far raised over €20,000 and anyone who wishes to contribute can donate on Gofundme (Lakers We need a home),
Facebook (Lakers: Meeting 6SHFLDO 1HHGV RU ZZZ ODNHUV ie “Also, if anyone can spare a a few hours to help with moving, painting or setting up the new temporary premises, anything at all, we would be GHOLJKWHG “The best way to keep in touch is via Facebook page - we will communicate what help we need WKHUH ´ We would also ask that members of the club and the public refrain from entering the vicinity of the Brady Centre as it is unsafe due to structural damage DQG DVEHVWRV VPRNH IXPHV The damage caused to the club is going to be devastating for the members and their families, but everyone is determined to get it back up and running as VRRQ DV SRVVLEOH
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GETTING INTO THE SWING IN GREYSTONES ALL-NEW INCLUSIVE SOUTH BEACH PLAYGROUND OPENS THE Greystones South Beach Playground Committee (the Committee) and Wicklow County Council (WCC) are delighted to announce the opening of the all-new, inclusive Greystones South Beach Playground. The playground was designed from the ground up to provide hours of play for children of every ability, and built around the core ethos of “side-by-side play.â€? Important to the Committee and WCC was that the design took into account both visible and invisible disabilities and additional needs, Autism Spectrum, mobility issues, hearing and visually impairments children and motor coordination GLŕľśFXOWLHV “‘Side by side play’ not only represents children playing with their peers but also families enjoying a day out knowing all their children are catered for no matter their age or ability,â€? Niamh Egan, Committee Chair, told the Wicklow Voice. “It was important to us to ensure that the playground doesn’t look like a “special needsâ€? playground - in fact, it doesn’t look GLŕľľHUHQW LQ DQ\ ZD\ EXW LQVLGH ZH KRSH \RXÂśOO VHH D GLŕľľHUHQW picture. “This means a seesaw that can accommodate groups of children sitting standing or even lying down, so regardless of a child’s core or leg strength all children can play together on this see saw. “The wheelchair swing is
next to all the other swings, so regardless of abilities or age everybody is in the same area swinging together. “The sandpit allows wheelchairs to be in the middle of all the fun, not on the outside looking in. Our musical area is the ÂżUVW RI LWV NLQG LQ ,UHODQG ,W FRQsists of beautifully handcrafted, pitch perfect, percussion instruments which will allow everyone from children to adults to express themselves and communicate together through the magic of music. “A cosy cocoon can be a seat in a rocket ship, or a safe place where a child on the Autism spectrum can rest their senses until they are ready to join their peers again. “It’s all about a simple change of perspective that will mean so much to a child who may spend a lot of their time watching rather than taking part.â€? Cllr Jennifer W h i t m o r e , Committee Member and Wicklow County Councillor, said “After months of planning and peeking through construction fences, I am just so thrilled to see children of all abilities playing sideby-side together. “We hope that the playground will be a valuable new asset to our wonderful community.â€?
The South Beach Playground Committee (L-R) Josie Haughey, Jackie Leonard, Brian and Jan Purcell, Therese O’Brien, à rón Ryan, Emma Byrne, Olivia Byrne, Cllr Jennifer Whitmore, Izzy and Adele O’Neill, Orla Finn, Chairwoman Niamh Egan, Ruth martin, Lorcan Farrell. Top right, Marguerite Twomey and Marie McCooey, right, John Harrington and Margaret O’Callaghan. Left, Cllr Nicola Lawless Cathaoirleach Greystones Municipal District, Minister Simon Harris and Cllr Pat Vance Cathaoirleach Wicklow County Council
congratulations to all involved
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14 | WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory
Clash of the Titans
wicklowvoice.ie October 12, 2018
ninenottomiss BOOK of the week
TV SHOW of the week
FILM of the week
HOROSCOPES
Fallow deer clashing in the Phoenix Park (Photo Justin Ivory) IT IS an early October. The smell of damp rises through the misty morning air as the world begins to wake. The quiet is broken by an eerie long drawn out moan which is quickly answered by another along with what sounds like the clash of hurleys at Croke Park on All-Ireland Sunday! Scenes like this are being played out up and down the country at the moment. It is breeding season for our various deer species, a time that is known as the ‘rut’. The three main species we have in Ireland are Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Fallow Deer (Dama dama) and Sika Deer (Cervus Nippon). Red and Sika deer males are called ‘stags’, females ‘hinds’ and the young are known as ‘calves’. For Fallow deer the males are known as ‘bucks’, females ‘does’ and young are called ‘fawns’. What all 3 species have in common is that for most of the year males and females live separate from each other, only coming together during the rut.
Fallow deer buck (Photo Justin Ivory) The males live together in small groups for much of the year and are docile and tolerant of each other until the autumn when testosterone kicks in and they compete with each other for the right to mate with the females who are coming into ‘season’. The males will roar and groan to attract females and scare off other male challengers. Often this is not enough and males fight each other by locking antlers and pushing each other back and forth until a winner emerges. They can be seriously injured or even killed during these bouts. The deer rut is one of nature’s great spectacles and not to be missed. Great places to experience it in Ireland are Killarney National Park for Red deer, Phoenix Park for Fallow deer and the Wicklow Mountains National Park for Sika and Red deer.
NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney
BLOOD Mondays 9pm Virgin One
A STAR IS BORN ROI Rating: - 15A
The feverishly anticipated second novel from the young author of 2017’s most acclaimed debut Conversations with Friends. Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in rural Ireland. The similarities end there; they are from very different worlds. This is an exquisite love story about how a person can change another person’s life - a simple yet profound realisation that unfolds beautifully over the course of the novel. It tells us how difficult it is to talk about how we feel and it tells us - blazingly - about cycles of domination, legitimacy and privilege, alternating menace with overwhelming tenderness.
New series. Set in rural Ireland, the six-part psychological crime thriller follows the saga of the Hogan family, an Irish household with strains and resentments bubbling just under the surface. After the sudden death of her mother, estranged youngest daughter Cat (Carolina Main) is called home. This uncomfortable, unplanned reunion awakens demons from Cat’s past and shines a new, suspicious light on her mother’s death as she begins to suspect her father Jim’s (Adrian Dunbar) involvement.
Musical romantic drama film produced and directed by Bradley Cooper, in his directorial debut. A remake of the 1937 film of the same name, starring Cooper, Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, and Sam Elliott, (the original featured Janet Gaynor and Fredric March). The film follows a hard-drinking musician (Cooper) who discovers and falls in love with a young singer (Gaga). The film received critical acclaim, with praise for Cooper and Gaga’s performances, Cooper’s direction, the cinematography, and the music.
EXHIBITION of the week
FUN IDEA of the week
GIG of the week
ARIES - This week is a 6 Your fun could get disrupted. Don’t fall for a trick or rely on a false assumption. Avoid arguments. TAURUS - This week is a 6 An obstacle or a barrier blocks an intended domestic outcome. Rather than take on heavy lifting ponder possibilities. GEMINI- This week is a 5 Edit and revise work done before. Launch, publish or promote another day. Polish and beautify your presentation before going public. CANCER- This week is an 8 Revise numbers carefully to avoid a dispute. Take future appreciation into account. Guard against impulsive behavior. LEO- This week is an 8 Discover a road block with a personal project. Don’t SUHVHQW XQ¿QLVKHG ZRUN Slow down to take time for yourself.
ANDY IRVINE The Hot Spot, The Harbour, Co. Wicklow October 18, 8pm, www.thehotspot.ie
SHOWROOM - LILIANE PUTHOD Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray until December 5 www.mermaidartscentre.ie
SEASONAL FUN October 28. Killruddery House, Southern Cross Road, Bray, Wicklow, T: +353(0)12863405
Andy Irvine is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as “a tradition in himself.” Musician, singer and songwriter, Andy has maintained his highly individual performing skills throughout his 45-year career. From Sweeney’s Men in the mid 60s, to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s and then from Patrick Street to Andy Irvine & Dónal Lunny’s Mozaik, Andy has been a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians.
In SHOWROOM, Liliane Puthod is questioning the temporality of everyday life’s consumption and what she considers the fabrication of desire in relation to objecthood. Subverting the frontiers between multiple and singular objects, she explores how forms problematize the materials from which they are made. SHOWROOM will encourage viewers to reach an alternative way of looking at the ordinary through installation, sculptures and digital works.Liliane Puthod is a French artist currently working and living in Dublin.
If ghosts and ghouls aren’t your kind of thing, bring the family to Killruddery for a weekend of bright and seasonal fun! Go to the pumpkin patch and choose a pumpkin with help from the farmer. Then you can design it and have it carved out by a master craftsman! Afterwards, head over to the scarecrow plots, where you can design and build your own scarecrow to enter in the scarecrow competition! There will be straw and tights available to build the body. An ideal day out for all the family and a great chance for the children to get creative outdoors before winter sets in.
DANCE of the week
FUNDRAISER of the week EVENT of the week
VIRGO- This week is a 6 Pay attention to dreams and visions. Stay home rather than going out. Let your mind wander. Something that doesn’t work now will later. LIBRA- This week is a 7 'HYHORS DQG UH¿QH \RXU team strategy. Create a solid backup plan. Wait for an obstacle to clear. Avoid risky business. SCORPIO- This week is a 7 Review and plan before advancing. Competition may EH ¿HUFH $ SURIHVVLRQDO challenge deserves thorough study. SAGITTARIUS- This week is a 7
Confusion and delays could disrupt your travels. Find somewhere comfortable to wait. Monitor conditions to anticipate changes.
THE BYSTANDER October 12 @ 8pm. Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray www.mermaidartscentre.ie
NATIONAL CHILDREN OF COURAGE AWARDS Tel: 061 200080. www.shareadream.ie
Do you know a child with a life-threatening An intriguing and adventurous danceillness, disability or chronic illness, who has theatre production by dance innovators Junk Ensemble. Taking its name from the ‘bystander shown tremendous courage and bravery despite their suffering? Why not nominate effect’ phenomenon of the murder of Kitty them for a National Children of Courage Genovese outside her apartment in Queens, Award. Simply complete the application NYC in 1964, The Bystander brings to the form on www.shareadream.ie along with an surface some of the murkier and complex email detailing why you think they are a child behaviours of contemporary society. With of courage. All 8 award winners and their internationally acclaimed performers and the parents will be special guests at the Dream expertise of a sociologist, The Bystander gets under the skin of how we behave as individuals Ball and Awards on Saturday 24th November. and groups.
WICKLOW GAOL NIGHT TOUR October 28 Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, T: 0404 61599 E: info@wicklowshistoricgaol.com Experience the compelling story of life in Wicklow Gaol since the early 1700’s and do it in the dark!!! Mingle with the ghosts, enter the solitude at your desire and board the transportation ship. Take an eerie night tour of Wicklow Jail – one of Ireland’s most haunted buildings. Wicklow Gaol was for many years, a place of horrendous atrocities in which prisoners were subjected to torture, starvation and death. Why not join a special night tour to see for yourself? Wicklow Gaol runs a night tour event for adults only.
CAPRICORN- This week is a 7 Balance shared accounts, and pay bills. Financial tangles could cause delays and frustration. Slow down and step back when needed. AQUARIUS-This week is a 7 You and a partner don’t agree on everything. Let the VPDOO VWX൵ JR $YRLG VLOO\ arguments. Prioritize love over money. PISCES- This week is a 7 Guard against breakage, technical glitches or mechanical failure. Don’t force things; stop when you reach the limit.
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opinion&comment
Seven years too long for President
T
he campaign to elect our next president (or retain our current one if Michael D Higgins wins) is in full swing. I’d be happier if we were taking the day to vote on UHGXFLQJ WKH WHUP RI RྜFH IURP the anachronism that is seven years to four years (in line with international best practice), but that’s another day’s work. 2FWREHU ZLOO VHH WKH ¿UVW televised debate, on RTE’s Claire Byrne Live Show. Hopefully all six candidates will take SDUW ¹ , OLVWHQHG WR WKH ¿UVW UDGLR debate and there were only four of the six taking part (Joan FreePDQ *DYLQ 'X྾\ 3HWHU &DVH\ and Liadh Ni Riada) – Michael D was busy and Sean Gallagher didn’t take part because Michael D wasn’t going to be there (a bit arrogant I thought, as if he thinks he’s the only real contender to take the crown). On the face of it, it is hard to see how Michael D won’t win, given that he has the backing of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour. 3HUKDSV LW LV D VLJQ RI WKH
Brian Quigley times that these parties are all sticking together. Our government is essentially Fine Gael propped up by Fianna Fail, who like to think they can have a foot in both the government and opposition camps. You can’t have your cake and eat it though, and for many the future of these parties is a merger or at least a full-on coalition as one last hurrah before radical change hits us and Sinn Fein step up to government. Michael D said he wouldn’t run again and then changed his mind. In his mind I’d say he reckoned he’d be waved in unopposed so I’m guessing having to scrap for a second stint in the 3DUN ZRQœW VXLW KLP DW
Pesident Michael D. Higgins at an event to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Irish National Teachers Union. Pic: Tommy Clancy He’ll have to go on television and make a case for himself to be let continue. He’ll have to have his record combed through DQG KLV D྾DLUV ORRNHG LQWR probably in much greater depth than happened in 2011 where I felt he was given an easy time. For me Joan Freeman would
PDNH D JRRG SUHVLGHQW 3HWHU Casey talked in the radio debate DERXW ZDQWLQJ WR PDNH D GLŕľľHUence but Freeman stands out to me as someone who has made D WDQJLEOH GLŕľľHUHQFH WKURXJK 3LHWD +RXVH DQG WKH ZRQGHUIXO Darkness Into Light event. Suicide is such a challenge
WR VRFLHW\ DQG 3LHWD +RXVH KDV helped enormously in lifting the lid on the issue and getting us to KDYH WKH GHEDWH DQG WU\ WR ¿QG solutions. It’s a track record like that that impresses me, not people who have been on Dragon’s Den – they might have more business
H[SHULHQFH EXW WKH 3UHVLGHQW LV hardly going to be looking after business, that’s the job of the Dail. Freeman’s talk about community building also strikes a chord with me. I think we’ve lost our sense of community, compared to what I remember growing up and compared to what my parents and grandparents told me about when they were young. A candidate who can talk about plans for community EXLOGLQJ KDV WKHLU ¿QJHU RQ the pulse of what the building blocks for our country needs to be going forward, in my opinion. Businessmen don’t build communities, just industrial estates. Watch the debates on television and listen to them on the radio. Read up on the candidates over the next couple of weeks. Make up your mind and vote on October for whoever you think will do the best job. The president is the Head of State and will be in situ until 2025 (yes, that seven-year term again; it’s too long) so we need to get this right. It’s over to us.
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Students from Loreto College, Bray, Co. Wicklow are pictured taking part in the Bin It! workshop which visited their school
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insideback
Sean Walker
Who’s to blame for UFC brawl?
I
n the early hours of October 7 reigning UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted Conor 0F*UHJRU LQ D ¿JKW which was proclaimed to be the biggest event in UFC history but will be forever tainted by the actions following WKH ¿JKW The eyes of the world looked on as chaos unfolded at UFC 229, after submitting McGregor in the fourth round Nurmagomedov in a moment of madness leapt out of the cage and launched himself at his opponent’s team sparking a brawl which led to the Irish man being DWWDFNHG LQVLGH WKH FDJH What was a crowning night for the UFC was sent into turmoil after one foolishly hot-headed moment from the usually stoic Russian, who uncharacteristiFDOO\ OHW KLV HPRWLRQV WDNH RYHU ,Q WKH GD\V DIWHU WKH ¿JKW WKH public’s opinion has been divided with many believing the 5XVVLDQV DFWLRQV ZHUH MXVWL¿HG because of the insulting geopolitical and religious comments directed at him from the former two-division champion, but
there’s plenty of blame to go DURXQG McGregor may not have started the brawl but his verbal EORZV EHIRUH WKH ÂżJKW SOD\HG D major part, not to mention his disgraceful actions in Brooklyn six months prior when he attacked a bus containing ‘The Eagle’ among other innocent ÂżJKWHUV McGregor has always used controversy as a marketing tool but he crossed the line in the EXLOG XS WR WKLV ÂżJKW DV PXFK as he has helped the sport grow he has damaged its reputation Nurmagomedov is at the heart of the blame, his decision to leave the octagon and attack McGregor’s teammate instigated the events which followed, it is fair to say that McGregor set the tone for this chaotic night with the dark build up but this GRHV QRW MXVWLI\ KLV DFWLRQV The UFC does not get out of this unscathed, criticised in the past for their controversial promotion methods, using blood in their promo videos and keywords like ‘violence’ to entice a ELJJHU DXGLHQFH The decision to use the bus attack footage which was labelled
Journalist Tommie Gorman, Artist ClĂŠa van der Grijn and Niamh O’Donnell, Artistic Director of Mermaid Arts Centre at the launch of ClĂŠa’s exhibition JUMP, which runs until November 2 and admission is free by UFC president Dana White as ‘disgusting’ when it took place helped them make more money but in the process aggravated the animosity between ERWK ÂżJKWHUV The sad truth is, controversy VHOOV The UFC’s rapidly rising stock has been a direct result of McGregor’s polarising promotional tactics; whether he’s been throwing bottles at press conferences or dollies through bus windows, his antics have cap-
tivated the attention of a global audience, propelling MMA into WKH PDLQVWUHDP People cry out for a humble champion, a champion who holds good moral standards and is respectful to all of his opponents but when such a champion is bestowed to these people KH LV ODEHOOHG DV ERULQJ In July of this year, UFC lightweight champion Daniel Cormier fought UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in an enthralling contest between two
JHQWOHPHQ Cormier is an Olympian, a family man and in his spare time coach’s kids in his ORFDO KLJK VFKRRO Miocic is considered one of the baddest men on the planet but when he’s not in training camp works a second job as a ¿UH¿JKWHU WKDW FDUG VROG URXJKly 380,000 pay per views a little over 10% of what UFC 229 is SURMHFWHG WR KDYH VROG The real loser coming out of
the weekend is mixed martial arts, it is hard to get rid of the stigma of a ‘barbaric’ sport when the most watched event in that sports history ends in GLVJUDFH In Ireland more than anywhere else, MMA is viewed DV D WKXJJLVK VWUHHW ÂżJKW UDWKHU than a skilled martial arts contest, many members of the general public relate MMA to something they could see for free outside a chipper on a Saturday night This stunts the growth of the sport in this country and builds yet another hurdle on its road to legitiPDF\ At the end of the GD\ ERWK ÂżJKWHUV ZLOO be back in the octagon within a year, a little bit older and a lot ULFKHU The UFC will break their pay per view record make millions and promote a rematch which will again captivate a mainstream audience because of the controversy surrounding UFC
l o o h c s d e h s i w o n n Fi k t ’ n ? t x e n but do o d what to
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