Wicklow Voice

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wicklowvoice OVERALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE BRAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDEAVOUR AWARDS

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wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

wicklowvoice OVERALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE BRAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDEAVOUR AWARDS

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May 28, 2015, t: 01wicklowvoice.ie 901 5556/7, February 15, 2019 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie

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‘Out of his depth’ Protest sympathy for Simon Harris but critics circle CRITICS are rounding on Minister for Health Simon Harris saying he is out of his depth following his handling of the spiralling children’s hospital costs, the nurses strike and the cervical smear scandal. However, there has been widespread condemnation - and sympathy for Mr Harris and his family - of protesters who targeted his house while he, his wife and daughter were inside. The Wicklow TD was forced to apologise to the Dail this week for not providing fuller information in reply to a parliamentary question last September regarding the Children’s Hospital project. Mr Harris has said estimates of the amount of materials which were needed to build the national children’s hospital were “not realistic” as he was questioned in the Dáil over VLJQL¿FDQW FRVW HVFDODWLRQV The Government has commissioned consultants PwC to examine how the price of the hospital has grown to €1.7bn.

Bray Sailing Club recently won the Volvo Irish Sailing Training Centre of the Year 2018 while head instructor Jack Hannon (left) won the inclusion award, also pictured is Commodore Boris Fennema. See page 8. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside

The cost of the project has ballooned from an estimated €800m in 2014, to €983m in 2017, and €1.43bn now. Equipping the building and providing IT pushes this bill up to €1.73bn, this does not include the cost of family accommodation, a research centre, excess construction LQÀDWLRQ DQG DQ\ RWKHU changes to clinical standards. And next week he is likely WR IDFH D QR FRQ¿GHQFH YRWH which Sinn Fein have said they will table, although Fianna Fail have said they will not support due to the situation surrounding Brexit. A deal was reached between the Government and nurses to avert a three-day strike which would have thrown the health system into chaos. But the proposed agreement, brokered by the Labour Court and which must be voted on by 40,000 nurses, came at the price of pay increases for nurses that could threaten the wider public sector pay agreement. Continued on next page

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04| NEWS news in brief Catfish Blues come to HotSpot BLUES %LJ %DQG WKH &DWÂżVK Blues Orchestra are coming to the Hot Spot Music Club on February 22. Comprised of some of the ÂżQHVW EOXHV WDOHQWV EDVHG LQ WKH country today, the band consists of two electric guitars, bass, drums, vocals, harmonica and the addition of a brass section PDNHV IRU DQ HLJKW SLHFH EDQG that produces a truly powerful VRXQG 7LFNHWV IURP ZZZ thehotspot.ie or pay on door. Doors 8.0pm./ Show 9pm

wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

Druids casts vegan spell Executive Chef Anthony Duggan with Stephen and David Flynn

Porterhouse pub changes hands THE Porterhouse in Bray has been sold to the group which owns Butler & Barry, The Wild Goose and The Ardmore Bar in the town. 7KH 6HDIURQW %DU ZDV WKH ¿UVW in the Porterhouse chain, which now has premises in Dublin and DQG 1HZ <RUN DPRQJVW RWKHU location. The group was founded by cousins Liam LaHart and Oliver Hughes, who died suddenly in 2016 at the age of 57. The Porterhouse will now be rebranded as The Old Anchor by the new company, which is headed by Shane O’Farrell.

THERE’S no getting away from veganism this weather ... or its twin disciples, Stephen and David Flynn of The Happy Pear. Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort has teamed up with its well-known neighbours to add a number of vegan dishes to their menus in the Garden Rooms and Bar. The team at Druids Glen, led by Executive Chef Anthony Duggan, have been working with the twins for the past few months to develop the dishes, which are now available daily from

10am to 10pm. 7KHUH DUH ÂżYH QHZ YHJDQ dishes added to the main menu and are spread across starters, main courses and desserts. The dishes include &DXOLĂ€RZHU :LQJV WKH renowned Buddha Bowl, Grilled Jackfruit Vegan “Pulled Porkâ€? Sandwich, Vegan Pizza and Vegan Black Forest Cheesecake. Âł:H DUH DEVROXWHO\ delighted to have worked with Stephen and David to add these new vegan dishes to our Garden Rooms and

Bar menu,� Executive Chef Anthony Duggan said. The Happy Pear Cofounders, David and Stephen Flynn, said; “It is lovely to be working with Anthony and the team, especially as we used to work in the Golf Resort when we were younger.� The new Garden Rooms and Bar menu is now available every day from 10am until 10pm. To book a table call 01 287 0800 or go to www. druidsglenresort.com for more information.

New access ruled out for new Florentine

DEVELOPERS of the Florentine Centre have ruled out putting a pedestrian access from the Florentine Road into the new facility. Traders on Florence Road had WKUHDWHQHG WR WDNH FRXUW DFWLRQ LQ DQ H྾RUW WR IRUFH WKH GHYHORSHU to include a pedestrian entrance. The move could have delayed the project, which began in July of last year and is due to open in December 2019, after thousands of locals signed a petition calling for the access. Traders had proposed putting an entrance beside Hayes Butchers but developers 2DNPRXQW VDLG LW LPSDFWHG RQ D ¿UH HVFDSH DQG FODVKHG ZLWK D lift and lift core. They added that another SURVHG URXWH YLD WKH FDU SDUN would a lot more space and would not be feasible. It is estimated that the Florentine Centre, which will include two stores of 3,000m² and 1,000m², eight retail units and three restaurants as well as D ¿YH VFUHHQ PXOWLSOH[ FLQHPD DQG XQGHUJURXQG SDUNLQJ ZLOO bring 20,000 extra people into WKH WRZQ HYHU\ ZHHN

Family jet out to stricken Orlagh in NZ THE family of Orlagh Hanratty have been reunited with their daughter in New Zealand. The 25-year-old from Bray is is in a serious condition in hospital after falling down a FOLŕľľ LQ D URFN FOLPELQJ DFFLGHQW in Dunedin. Her parents have travelled from their home to be with her, and a fundraising appeal has been launched to help pay for her medical care, raising more than â‚Ź16,000 at the time of going to press. Orlagh’s father Tommy (above ULJKW LV ZHOO NQRZQ LQ WKH %UD\ area having run Everest Cycles in the town for several decades. Posting on a Go Fund Me page, a friend and neighbour, Keith Murray wrote: “Many of \RX ZLOO NQRZ 2UOD DQG VRPH RI \RX PD\ DOVR NQRZ KHU 'DG Tommy from Everest Cycles in Bray. “Tommy and Jenny received the phone call that every parent

dreads, their daughter has been in an accident on the other side of the world. “Tommy and Jenny are now with Orlagh in New Zealand. It continued: “This is the beginning of a long journey of recovery as the full extent of her LQMXULHV DUH VWLOO XQNQRZQ “We want to support Orlagh in whatever way we can. She will need her Mum & Dad by her VLGH LQGHÂżQLWHO\ “We are trying to raise funds to support Orlagh in her UHKDELOLWDWLRQ DQG WDNH VRPH RI the worry away. If there is any way you can help please do.â€? As Orlagh was a born adventurer, who has always lived life to the full and would help anyone, her friends and family say that now is the time to help her as she recovers. The Bray native, who is based QHDU )LRUGODQG 1DWLRQDO 3DUN LQ WKH VRXWK ZHVW LV NQRZQ IRU KHU ORYH RI FOLPELQJ DQG VN\GLYLQJ

Love at Lakers

LOVE is in the air - a beautiful diamond ring is up for grabs for just â‚Ź20. 7KH /RYH /DNHUV 'LDPRQG 5LQJ 5DྡH KDV EHHQ ODXQFKHG E\ /DNHUV 6SRUWV DQG Recreational Club. (DUO\ ELUG WLFNHWV ZLOO EH available until the end of the month at just â‚Ź20. The ring is a beautiful 18ct White Gold, Diamond Engagement Ring which was GRQDWHG E\ 3DWULFN 2Âś.HOO\ Jewellers in Bray.

The Draw & Wine Reception ZLOO WDNH SODFH RQ -XQH with other prizes up for grabs LQFOXGLQJ D SURIHVVLRQDO VNLQ treatment from Dermalglo. /DNHUV LV D VSHFLDO QHHGV charity who were in the spot OLJKW ODVW 2FWREHU DIWHU D ÂżUH ripped through their club house, destroying four buses, and rendering their premises XQLQKDELWDEOH GXH WR VPRNH DQG water damage. To be in with a chance to win telephone 01 2022694.

wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

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wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

wicklow people in pictures

Darren Randolph receives a jersey from Ardmore Rovers Chairman Grant Walker along with Head Coach Ian Wheeler, Treasurer Albert Stephens and Vice Chairman Ciaran O’Connor after the Irish international goalkeeper visited his old club. Below, Cian McDermott gets his jersey signed by Darren

Helen Cole, Russell Fox, Ciara Myburgh, Larry Coady and Rob Rankin of Vagabond Tours at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards where it won the Best Ireland’s Ancient East Tourism Initiative and Best Environmental Tourism Innovation awards

Lauren Treacy who won a medal in the u6s at the Biking Blitz at Ballinastoe Woods Lloyd and Molly Williams of Hidden Valley which won Ireland’s Favourite Small Stay at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards. Pic: Fran Veale

Report finds list of breaches at KWETB THE ¿QDO UHSRUW RI WKH &RPSWUROOHU DQG $XGLWRU *HQHUDO & $* RQ WKH ¿QDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV RI WKH .LOGDUH :LFNORZ (GXFDWLRQ DQG 7UDLQLQJ %RDUG .:(7% KLJKOLJKWV D OLVW RI EUHDFKHV RI SURFXUHPHQW JXLGHOLQHV 7KH UHSRUW DOVR IRXQG D IDLOXUH WR PDNH GHFODUDWLRQV RI LQWHUHVW E\ WKH IRUPHU &KLHI ([HFXWLYH RI WKH %RDUG 6pDQ $VKH 2QH RI WKH NH\ FRQFHUQV VXUURXQGHG FRQWUDFWV DZDUGHG WR D ¿UP ZLWK FRQQHFWLRQV WR 0U $VKH ZKLFK KH GLG QRW GLVFORVH 7KH UHSRUW SURYLGHV GHWDLOV RI D QXPEHU RI FRQWUDFWV DZDUGHG IRU KHDWLQJ ERLOHU XSJUDGH DQG ERLOHU DQG SODQW PDLQWHQDQFH 7KH\ ZHUH DZDUGHG WR D FRQWUDFWRU ZKHUH WKH WKHQ FKLHI H[HFXWLYH GHFODUHG DIWHU WKH &RPSWUROOHU DQG $XGLWRU *HQHUDO & $* DXGLW ZDV XQGHUZD\ WKDW D IDPLO\ PHPEHU KDG DQ LQWHUHVW ,W LV WKH ¿QDO UHSRUW RI WKH & $* LQWR ODSVHV LQ FRQWUROV RYHU SURFXUHPHQW FRVW RYHUUXQV DQG RWKHU ¿QDQFLDO PDWWHUV DW

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news in brief Juliet of Verona at The Whale :,&./2:¶6 QHZHVW <RXWK 7KHDWUH JURXS 0DNLQJ :DYHV LV GHOLJKWHG WR DQQRXQFH LWV ¿UVW SURGXFWLRQ -XOLHW RI 9HURQD DW WKH :KDOH 7KHDWUH LQ *UH\VWRQHV EHWZHHQ )HEUXDU\ 7LFNHWV DUH ¼ DQG DYDLODEOH WR EX\ IURP ZKDOHWKHDWUH LH -XOLHW RI 9HURQD ZULWWHQ DQG GLUHFWHG E\ &LDUiQ &RRJDQ LV D QHZ DGDSWDWLRQ RI 6KDNHVSHDUH¶V 5RPHR DQG -XOLHW )XQQ\ OLYHO\ O\ULFDO DQG DFFHVVLEOH WKLV PLQXWH SOD\ EULQJV D QHZ GLPHQVLRQ DQG DQ XQH[SHFWHG WZLVW WR WKLV FODVVLF WDOH RI WZR IDPLOLHV DW ZDU DQG IRUELGGHQ ORYH

Volunteers praised /2&$/ YROXQWHHUV ZHUH SUDLVHG DW WKH DQQXDO :LFNORZ &RXQW\ &RXQFLO 7LG\ 7RZQV (VWDWHV DQG (QYLURQPHQWDO $ZDUGV ZKLFK WRRN SODFH LQ &RXQW\ %XLOGLQJV UHFHQWO\ 7KH DZDUGV JLYH UHFRJQLWLRQ WR JURXSV IRU SURMHFWV LQ WKHLU FRPPXQLWLHV 6SHDNLQJ DW WKH DZDUGV 0U )UDQN &XUUDQ &KLHI ([HFXWLYH :LFNORZ &RXQW\ &RXQFLO VDLG WKDW WKH YROXQWHHUV SOD\HG D NH\ UROH LQ WRZQ GHYHORSPHQW DQG DGGHG WKDW WKH &RXQFLO ZRXOG ZRUN WR HQVXUH WKDW DOO WKH JURXSV FDQ DFFHVV IXQGLQJ

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wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

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Shining star has lost a little lustre - but he deserves another chance Comment SIMON Harris has held onto his job – for now – having safely negotiated his way through the recent trials and tribulations posed by the cost overrun for the National Children’s Hospital (NCH) and the nursing strike. This is as it should be - the cost overruns and industrial unrest can’t be blamed entirely on him. He’s the current incumbent so he has to answer for them, but others have questions to answer too – like the people Harris inherited these problems from (Leo included). Harris deserves another chance to turn the health service around; another chance to prove that his meteoric rise this far is warranted; another chance to prove that he is an emerging leader and not just a boy wonder forged by spin and rhetoric with no substance to back it up. I’m not sure how well up Harris is on Greek mythology but he would do well to remember what happened to

Icarus, son of Daedalus. His father made him wings of feather and wax to help him escape from Crete, with the advice not to go too near the sun (in case it melted the wax) or the sea (in case the dampness clogged the feathers). Icarus ignored the advice and ÀHZ WRR QHDU WKH VXQ DQG HQGHG up perishing in the sea. Iron Maiden did a very good song about it. The relevance of this should be self-evident to anyone who has followed Harris’ career. Greystones Town Council and Wicklow County Council aged 22, with the highest percentage vote of any county councillor in Ireland. TD aged 24 (the youngest of 2011’s intake). European Parliament candidate and Junior Minister at 27. Minister for Health before 30. Too much too young, as The Specials would say? Well, he’s had a setback but it is how he responds to it that will determine how special he is and whether his long-term future is in politics or elsewhere.

I’ve never really been a Harris fan. His rise from nowhere to stardom doesn’t necessarily impress me. But I’d like to be impressed by what he does next. Can he learn from this negative spike on his career trajectory and reach the next peak? Can he

resist the easy option of moving out of Health to calmer waters? 6WD\ DQG ÂżJKW OHDYH ZKHQ you have solved some of the problems for us. Health is a poisoned chalice, but what better way to prove your credentials than by

succeeding there? Michael Martin got the smoking ban in as his legacy. Mary Harney got rid of Dublin’s smog. Harris needs a legacy to his time in Health. That can’t be done in a couple of years. He deserves a longer stint to achieve this than the couple of years he’s had. Mary Lou called for his head, Salome style, during his recent travails. Thankfully it wasn’t delivered. He should consider the request a badge of honour. He’s up there to be knocked down by the populists. Build some resilience and achieve something solid. Unfortunately the problems Harris inherited in Health – strike threats, lengthy waiting lists, and cost overruns – are still there. People are annoyed. It wasn’t nice to see the protests outside his house (he is newly married and has an infant daughter) but Harris has a bright IXWXUH LI KH VWD\V DQG ¿JKWV Solve some the problems and earn your move up the ladder. - Brian Quigley

Critics are circling Minister Continued from front page Mr Harris says the suspension of this week’s nurses’ strike is welcome news for patients across the country. He also says he realises it is also welcome news for nurses and midwives who did not take the decision to strike ‘lightly’. Meanwhile, Mr Harris has asked the HSE to introduce HPV testing as the primary screening method for the prevention of cervical cancer “as soon as possible�. The roll out of the new cervical cancer test has been held up by the backlog in smear tests, an Oireachtas Committee heard.

Ship, hip hooray for Sailing Club

Members of Bray Sailing Club celebrate their awards SHIP, hip hooray Bray Sailing Club Training Centre (BSCTC) has scooped two prestigious awards at the Irish Sailing Associations Annual Awards Ceremony held in the RDS recently. BSCTC was named as National Training Centre of the Year for 2018 while Senior Instructor at BSCTC Jack Hannon was given The National Inclusion Award. Speaking after the presentation a delighted Club Commodore, Boris Fennema, said: “We

were delighted last year to be nominated as East Coast Training Centre of the Year for 2017. “To not only repeat that achievement again this year but to be honoured with the National Award is a truly amazing achievement for our small family club. “The award recognises the HŕľľRUW SXW LQWR RXU WUDLQLQJ courses for all ages both ashore and on the water. “It is without doubt the product of many years hard work and commitment by our Training

Centre Committee and Volunteers especially the outstanding H྾RUWV RI RXU ,QVWUXFWRUV OHG by Senior Instructor Jack Hannon, supported by the club membership.� Bray Sailing Club has over 300 members ranging in age from 8 WR WKHLU ODWH V R྾HUV WUDLQLQJ courses for adults and juniors in both cruisers and dinghies, as well as powerboat and VHF radio tuition. Details of the club’s courses and events can be found at their website www.braysailingclub.ie

wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

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best of the best

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wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

CAR KEYS KEYFAST Unit 14 Egans Complex, Dargle Road, Bray, 0874003333 KEYFAST are a Quality Driven Customer Centric Company providing Specialist Automotive locksmith services throughout the Country. Because of our strong Automotive background we are both Members of “The Society of Irish Motor Industry” (SIMI) and “Automobile Association” Accredited (AA). Our highly trained and experienced technicians backed up by mobile units equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment provide the highest standards of service. We put your satisfaction at the forefront of everything we do as a company, meaning our work is only complete when our client is fully satisfied.

SIGNAGE

GARAGE RYAN & BRIEN LTD 26 Beechwood Close Boghall Road, Bray, 01 2829183 The team at Ryan & Brien recently decided to open their own motor sales business, Ryan’s Auto Sales. The move came after the retirement of longtime colleague Michael Doyle. Ryan’s Auto Sales specialise in Suzuki and top of the line low-milage vehicles from a variety of makes and models. There is something to suit every budget. Ryan & Brien continues to operate as normal from the same premises. The garage caters for all vehicles. They have a rolling road brake, suspension tester and an engine decarboniser available. Air conditioning servicing - top up or complete service - is available along with NCT repairs.

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wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

Wicklow businesses and ensure that the county continues to grow and thrive. If you would like to be featured in the next Best Of that they go above and beyond The Best feature in the Wicklow to ensure that their customers Voice, Dublin Voice, Kilkenny receive the very best product or Today, Waterford Today, Wexford service. The county would not be Chronicle or Carlow People then the same without these businesses contact us today on 01 9015565 so it important to remember to or email info@wicklowvoice.ie or give back and shop local. Support info@dublinvoice.ie

LASHES AND BROWS ABLEPLUS STAIRLIFTS Broombridge Business Centre, 288 Bannow, Cabra, Dublin 7, 01 8390262 / 087 8079993, www.ableplus.ie If you are thinking of installing a stairlift then let Ableplus make the process easy and fuss free. The team have years of experience and only recommend the right lift for your individual needs. Choose from straight stairlifts and curved stairlifts, all guaranteed to be the best quality at the best price. Ableplus offer a caring aftercare service and they promise to be with you within 24 hours should there be a breakdown. They are fully insured, C2 registered and offer 24/7 support 365 days a year. Call them today.

MAKE UP SALON STUDIO LR 26 Willow Brook, Main Street, Kilcoole, 01 2011545, www.studiolr.ie Welcome to Studio LR, a unique, friendly hairdressing and beauty Studio, which prides itself on the most up to date hair and beauty treatments. They are located at the end of Kilcoole village in Wicklow and offer free car parking to all their customers. The team at Studio LR work with only the best products on the market such as Keune Professional, Dermalogica, Waxperts, Dare to Wear Gel polishes to name but a few. As well as offering a one stop shop for all your beauty requirements they have in-house make up artist Serka K Makeup ready to pamper you. So treat yourself and pay a visit to Studio LR.

JEWELLERS ETERNITY JEWELLERS Meridian Point, Greystones, 01 2557640; www.eternityjewellery. ie! Eternity Jewellery is a leading manufacturer and retailers of bespoke jewellery in Ireland. At Eternity we are passionate about jewellery. We source and retail unusual fine gold and silver jewellery. If you are looking for something a little different, then Eternity is the place to browse. We are experts in custom made engagement rings, wedding bands and eternity rings. Our in-house workshop has been responsible for creating jewellery pieces that draw considerable admiration. Friendliness remains at the core of Eternity Jewellery, where we pride ourselves on our customer service and love to share our enthusiasm for exquisite jewellery.

LEGAL FELTON MCKNIGHT SOLICITORS Church Road, Greystones, 287 4341/287 4281, info@feltonmcknight.ie

WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING ENDURING POWERS OF ATTORNEY MENTAL HEALTH LAW

Our specialist solicitors provide expert legal services mainly in Dublin and Wicklow, but we also act for clients nationwide in the following areas: Family Law, Personal Injuries Law, Business and Company Law, Wills and Probate, Enduring Powers of Attorney & Mental Health Law, Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution & Commercial Law, Mediation, Employment Law and Property Law.

best of the best

WICKLOW is full of fantastic businesses that help to make our towns great. This week, the Wicklow Voice decided to profile some these wonderful businesses. Whetheryou want to update your phone system or get wardrobes made, or something in between, you can find what you need right here. The thing that each of these businesses has in common is

12 | WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory

wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

ninenottomiss BOOK of the week

Hog Help

Hedgehog (Photo Wikicommons Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic) Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and her friends are in huge decline and need all the help we can give them. Below are 5 tips to make our gardens more hedgehog friendly and help ease the pressure on these prickly, but sill extremely cute and adorable mammals. 1. Knock, knock – let me in Gardens can be a fantastic habitat and resource for hedgehogs, but unless you have an extremely large one, they are going to need several or many gardens within their territory to provide them with all they need. With a move away over the decades from hedges to hard borders (relax we’re not talking Brexit here!) on our properties such as fencing, walls etc., hedgehogs are finding it very difficult to access our gardens and move between them. Leaving a small gap at the base of fences or gates can make all the difference. 2. Home, sweet home Hedgehogs need somewhere to nest – think of providing some of the following: - Woodpile - Compost Heap - Native hedging/hedgerow - Man-made Hog House 3. Feeding Station Setup a Fox and Cat proof feeding station. Hedgehogs generally will be emerging from hibernation in March and April and will be hungry. Now is a good time to prepare a feeding station. Use a seethrough plastic container (or even better non-plastic equivalent) turned upside down to cover the food with a hedgehog size hole to allow access. Water and dog/cat food are perfect foods to put out for them. There are also specialist foods for hedgehogs available to buy. 4. Go wild and native Plant plenty of native wildflowers and shrubs, fruit trees etc. that will attract lots of invertebrates that hogs love to feed on. 5. Ditch the Pellets In this day and age nobody should be using slug pellets but if you please think again. Hedgehogs love slugs and eating slugs killed by pellets can kill them.

TV SHOW of the week

FILM of the week

HOROSCOPES

MILKMAN by Anna Burns

ROOM TO IMPROVE RTE 1, Sunday 17th February 9.30 pm

In this unnamed city, to be interesting is dangerous. Middle sister, our protagonist, is busy attempting to keep her mother from discovering her maybe-boyfriend and to keep everyone in the dark about her encounter with Milkman. But when first brother-in-law sniffs out her struggle, and rumours start to swell, middle sister becomes 'interesting'. The last thing she ever wanted to be. To be interesting is to be noticed and to be noticed is dangerous.Milkman is a tale of gossip and hearsay, silence and deliberate deafness. It is the story of inaction with enormous consequences.

RTÉ One’s Room to Improve, which is now in its tenth season, continues to be popular, with the highest-rating episode last year watched by 703,000 viewers. Host Dermot Bannon aims to improve the living conditions of his clients by designing and adapting their homes without spending excessive sums of money. He favours open-plan interior layouts and spacious rooms and he generally seeks to maximise the penetration of natural light into the plans. He has a keen interest in outdoor space and his designs provide access to these and make the most of any views.

FESTIVAL of the week

CONCERT of the week

VICE ROI rating: 15A Starring Steve Carell, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams, and directed by Adam McKay. Governor George W Bush of Texas picks Dick Cheney, the CEO of Halliburton Co, to be his Republican running mate in the 2000 presidential election. No stranger to politics, Cheney's impressive rĂŠsumĂŠ includes stints as White House chief of staff, House Minority Whip and defence secretary. When Bush wins by a narrow margin, Cheney begins to use his newfound power to help reshape the country and the world.

WORKSHOP of the week

ARIES - It’s a good time to learn a new game. Consider long-term savings and compound interest. Align talk into action with thoughtful coordination. TAURUS - Friends help you make an important connection. Community SDUWLFLSDWLRQ DPSOL¿HV \RXU energy. Coordinate who will do what for a shared cause. GEMINI- A professional vision seems within reach. It’s time to back up talk with action. Team coordination prepares a well-oiled push. Friends and family can help. CANCER- Embark on a trip or exploration. Check reservations and go. Travel with someone whose company you enjoy. Expand your horizons. Seize the day. LEO- Study growth strategies for your shared money. How can you generate rising value? Discuss with your partner.

BRAY COMEDY FESTIVAL Wednesday 13th to Sunday 17th February Various locations in Bray, Co Wicklow

CONCERT CELLO IRELAND Saturday 16th February. Whale Theatre, Theatre Lane, Greystones, T : 01 2010550.

HEALTHY HABITS SMOOTHIE WORKSHOP Whale Theatre Greystones Studios Thursday 21st February 2019

The Now Famous Bray Comedy Festival is back this year and this time it’s bigger and better than ever. Join in the laughs and have a great week of shows with the creme of Irish Comedy. Tommy Tiernan, Bingo Loco, Enya Martin, Kevin McGahern, Paul Currie, Karl Spain, Adam Burke, Barry Murphy, John Colleary, Tony Cantwell, Zenjiro, Farmer Michael and Kathleen to name but a few of the acts that will side split the crowds. Delighted with the success of last year’s festival, we are bringing another load of laughs to The Harbour Bar, The Porterhouse and The Esplanade Hotel. February. Booking through eventbrite.ie

Cello Ireland is collaborative by nature and for this concert joins forces with the Hugh Buckley Jazz Quintet for an incredible evening of music making! The blend of the rich sonorous sounds of the cello ensemble and the soaring improvisations of the jazz ensemble is both unique and mesmerising. Cello Ireland played a truly memorable concert in The Whale earlier this year and this is another opportunity to see them in another wonderful collaboration with Hugh Buckley, one of Ireland’s finest guitarists and his ensemble featuring the cream of Ireland’s finest jazz musicians.

The Cool Food School are bringing their fun, interactive, healthy smoothie making workshop for kids to one of the studios at the beautiful Whale Theatre. An hour of chopping and peeling and blending and tasting and fun. And the best thing, you get an hour off! A vitamin-packed smoothie is a great way to start the day, or works as the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Make your smoothies delicious and nutritious every time with these tips and suggestions you pick up here and set yourself up for life, the Smoothie Way: Suitable for kids from age 6+, tickets only â‚Ź10.

SHOW of the week

MUSICAL of the week

GIG of the week

VIRGO- Keep an open mind and heart. A collaborative opportunity is worth pursuing. Keep long-term goals in mind. Strengthen your partnership. LIBRA- Dive into physical action with gusto. Practice your routines to grow stronger. Slow down to go RYHU WKH QHZ VWX྾ XQWLO you’re comfortable with the tempo. SCORPIO- You’re especially lucky in love. Talk is cheap; back up your promises with clear action. Impress someone you care about by providing excellence. Get creative. SAGITTARIUS- Energize a domestic project. Long-term improvements are easier than you thought. Get family on board for a positive change. A little elbow grease makes big impact.

CAPRICORN- Take charge without stepping on anyone. Old beliefs get challenged. Don’t forget to do something you promised. Adapt to a surprising development.

CATFISH BLUES ORCHESTRA Friday 22nd February @ 8:00 pm The Hotspot, Victoria Rd, Greystones.

LOVE BITES Monday 14th February at The Whale Theatre Theatre Lane, Greystones, Co Wicklow

CATS Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray T : 01 2724030 . Febgruary 20 - 23

The Catfish Blues Orchestra is a truly unique musical experience. Comprised of some of the finest blues talents based in Ireland today. The addition of a brass section makes for an 8 piece band that produces a truly powerful sound. No two shows are alike and this band must be experienced live to be fully appreciated. Driven by a love of authentic blues, the group’s influences range from the early delta masters such as Robert Johnson & Sonny Boy Williamson, to the Chicago and Texas electric blues masters Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Rory Gallagher and Eric Clapton

Take one part jazz diva, one part true rock chick, add a generous measure of gentleman of jazz, and the result is a cocktail of love songs, jazz standards, ballads, garnished with a twist of dry humour. Carmel McCreagh, Flo McSweeney and Fiachra Trench have been bringing their shows to audiences throughout Ireland to great acclaim. The LOVE BITES Valentines show returns to the Whale after a full house last year. Each song is ‘owned’ by the vocalists and turned into something authentic and emotional.

Sheevawn Musical Youth Theatre presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS - the all-singing, all-dancing spectacular featuring students from SMYTh Juniors, Inters and Seniors is the Purr-fect mid-term treat for all the family. This a sung-through musical based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot and tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make what is known as “the Jellicle choice� and decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.

AQUARIUS- Full speed DKHDG ZLWK D SURÂżWDEOH venture. Your past work speaks well for you. Use the right equipment for the job. Prioritize long-lasting quality. PISCES- Good news comes from far away. A brilliant discovery or headline changes your options. Take bold steps to realize a personal dream. Push ahead.

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wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

independentliving IRISH employers will need to make their workplaces more “age-friendlyâ€? to accommodate greater numbers of workers aged over 65, according to new research. Latest census data show the over-65s are the fastest growing population segment in Ireland, and this increase in the older population is a trend projected to continue. Moves towards increasing the State pension age and the removal of mandatory UHWLUHPHQW PHDQ WKH DJH SURÂżOH of the workforce is likely to LQFUHDVH VLJQLÂżFDQWO\ A study into the implications of longer working lives says employers will need to invest LQ UHGHVLJQLQJ RŕľśFHV RU IDFWRU\ Ă€RRUV WR DOORZ ROGHU ZRUNHUV WR thrive for longer. The report gives the example of a BMW plant in Germany, which noted a decline in productivity at the plant where there was a higher number of older workers. Employers introduced physical changes to reduce wear and tear on workers’ bodies, such as magnifying lenses to reduce eye strain, weightadapted footwear and special

Why workplaces must be ‘age-friendly’ for over-65s chairs and tables which adapted to each worker’s height. In addition, a physiotherapist developed strength and stretching exercises for the workers. The changes led to a 7% increase in productivity, and lower levels of absenteeism. The study, Living longer,

learning longer – working longer? Implications for new workforce dynamics, by academics at Dublin City 8QLYHUVLW\ '&8 VD\V ÀH[LEOH employment terms will also be needed to make work more ÀH[LEOH WR UHWDLQ HPSOR\HHV DV they grow older. This includes more part-time work, job-

sharing and home-working options to allow older people IXOÂżO FDULQJ DQG RWKHU UROHV The report also highlights the need for more access to lifelong education given the rapid pace of change in the nature of work. “The only certainty is that working life in the future will UHTXLUH DGDSWDELOLW\ Ă€H[LELOLW\

and the continuous acquisition of new skills,�says the report. “While for many individuals this may mean self-employment, for employers (public as well as private) this points to the creation of workplaces where lifelong learning is supported for all employees as critical.� Ireland, however,

has a relatively poor track record of adult participation in lifelong learning, with rates of participation below the EU average and declining with age. This, the report says, would EHQHÂżW WKH RYHU V LQ SDUWLFXODU by giving them the necessary education and training to maintain and enhance skills and knowledge to help equip them for longer working. The report also addresses “misconceptionsâ€? about older workers, such as that they are unwilling to engage in education and training. Research indicates that older workers were found to be as likely to succeed in education and training as younger colleagues. It also cites a study which indicates that older workers appear to perform as well as younger colleagues, subject to good health and updated skills. “Evidently a balance needs to be found between, on the one hand, recognising the functional capacities of older workers and, on the other, providing relevant support to ensure optimal performance,â€? says the report.

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wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

opinion&comment

Neeson was foolish, not racist

L

iam Neeson has caused a media storm for his recent comments in an interview to promote his new thriller, ‘Cold Pursuit’ that he thought about killing a random black person 40 years ago in revenge for a close friend of his having been allegedly raped by a black man. He said he patrolled the streets for a week armed with a cosh, ready to use it if the opportunity arose. He didn’t, but it’s ironic that if he had his acting career would have been over before it started; with his admission perhaps his career could actually be over now. I don’t think Neeson is a racist. I think he has been incredibly foolish to say what he did, or incredibly ill-advised if it was suggested to him to give the story a run out now, given that ‘Cold Pursuit’ is about a man who seeks retribution after his son was murdered. If it was a publicity stunt then it was a suicidal one. If it wasn’t then Neeson needs to wake up

Bray Credit Union January Car Draw Winner Emma Cassoni driving home in a brand new Ford Fiesta ST line. Pic: Charlie Sharkey

Brian Quigley and realise that it is 2019. We are not sexist, racist, homophobic or xenophobic anymore, thankfully, and we must guard against any comments or signs of a return to such beliefs. I believe Neeson is sincere in his contrition in the wake of his comments; I don’t think he’s just back-pedalling in a cowardly way. In my opinion he is a decent individual. I feel let down by his recent comments, for sure. This is a man who has entertained for decades with his superb acting skills. A man who’s heart has always seemed to be in the right place as a human too; let’s not forget that EDFN LQ KH EHFDPH WKH ¿UVW

Irish person to be appointed an international Unicef goodwill ambassador for his work with vulnerable children. Assuming what Neeson is saying about those events 40 years ago is true, my own take on it is that he had (maybe still has) anger management issues.

NOTICE GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE With effect from Saturday February 02nd 2019, parking charges will apply at the Glendalough Visitor Centre carpark. This is designed to cover the costs of new security and carpark management measures at the site. Public carparks near Glendalough Visitor Centre will be in operation in 2019 at the following locations: OPW Visitor Centre

Glendalough

1. Pay – Carpark - Saturday/ Sunday, Bank Holidays, Holy Days and Easter Week (02/02/19-28/04/19 inclusive) 2. Pay – Carpark – Daily (01/05/19 – 29/09/19 inclusive) 3. Pay – Carpark - Saturday/ Sunday & Bank Holidays (05/10/19 - 26/01/20 inclusive) 4. The Car park is free on all other days. For further breakdown, see below.

Wicklow Co. Council Carpark

Upper Lake, Glendalough

Pay car-parking at all times.

The charge at Glendalough Visitor Centre carpark will be €4 per day, per car. Charges for Buses will be €25 (€15 for Minibuses with less than 20 seating capacity and Camper Vans). Visitors to the Glendalough Visitor Centre will be refunded this charge on their Admission fee. These arrangements will apply to Cars and Buses as follows: Cars: Sat/Sun, Bank Holidays, Holy Days and Easter Week from 02nd February to 28th April 2019, Daily from (01st May to 29th September 2019) Weekends and Bank Holidays from 05th October to 26th January 2020 inclusive. Buses: Sat/Sun, Bank Holidays, Holy Days and Easter Week from 02nd February to 28th April 2019, Daily from (01st May to 29th September 2019) Weekends and Bank Holidays from 05th October to 26th January 2020 inclusive.

If his friend had been run over by a drunk driver or fatally injured while being robbed by a drug addict, perhaps he’d have directed his anger towards a random drunk or drug user. He’d have been wrong to do either, just like he’d have been wrong to attack a random black

person. His crime wouldn’t have undone what was allegedly done to his friend. He should have addressed his anger rather than letting it consume him. While I would not defend Neeson for what he said (he must face the consequences

to his career and reputation), I would be reluctant to join the masses queueing up to demonize him. , ¿QG WKDW NLQG RI SRSXOLVP D crime in itself. Let the media set XS WKH FRQYHQLHQW KDWH ¿JXUHV for us all to vent at; come on, have a pop, absolve yourself of any bad thoughts you have ever had yourself by projecting them onto Liam Neeson or whoever.

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ǁǁǁ͘ůĂŬĞƌƐ͘ŝĞ ZĂŋĞ ƌĂǁ Θ tŝŶĞ ZĞĐĞƉƟŽŶ ƚĂŬĞƐ ƉůĂĐĞ ŽŶ ϲƚŚ :ƵŶĞ ϮŶĚ WƌŝnjĞ ͗ WƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ^ŬŝŶ dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ Ăƚ ĞƌŵĂ'ůŽ͕ ƌĂLJ ZŝŶŐ <ŝŶĚůLJ ŽŶĂƚĞĚ ďLJ Patrick O’Kelly Jeweller’s, ƌĂLJ ZĂŋĞ ŽŶĂƟŽŶƐ ǁŝůů ŐŽ ƚŽ >ĂŬĞƌƐ ^ƉŽƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ^ŽĐŝĂů ůƵď

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wicklowvoice.ie February 15, 2019

insideback

Brian Quigley

Don’t look back in Amber

M

uch has been made about D e c l a n 5LFH ¿QDOO\ deciding on his international future this week by declaring for England. The bile and vitriol directed his way (up to and including death threats, allegedly) is not good to see and is a complete waste of energy. I bear no ill will towards Rice (inset). He is English, having been born in London. He is playing in the English Premier League for West Ham United and has a chance to play for his birth country if his remarkable progress continues. England got to the World &XS VHPL ¿QDO ,UHODQG KDG become a shambles under Martin O’Neill and there is no guarantee Mick will be able to pull us out of the nosedive. Rice has chosen and I can’t blame him for his choice. He has to do what is best for him. Let him go. Yes he has led us a merry dance and led us up the garden

Students from Bray, Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue with Fire Chief Aidan Dempsey and Bray Firemen Tony Horan, Mihai Condrea, Kevin Loughran, JJ Earls, Dave Stewart, Ross Lally and Patrick Kearns at the Wicklow Fire Service Fire Safety Poster day at Bray Fire Station path by playing for us right through underage to senior but he hasn’t broken any rules and the possibility that he might declare for England has always been there. This week we have closure so let’s move on. Mick McCarthy would have loved to have gotten Rice. He probably sees something of his younger self in the centre-back RU GHIHQVLYH PLG¿HOGHU

We could have based our side around him going forward. But we have other players to focus on and develop. /HWœV ¿QG WKH QH[W 5LFH DQG hope that he doesn’t have the complication of a choice of nations to play for. There are other football stories to focus on, aside from Rice. The League of Ireland starts back this week. Gordon

Creative Wicklow Grant Scheme 2019 ÄŚÄ Ä¨ÄŠÄŹÄ´ &ďIJčĹĜ &ÄŹÄ˛ÄŤÄ ÄŚÄŠ invites applications under the Creative Wicklow Grant Scheme 2018. This scheme has been put in place to support Wicklow County Council’s role in the delivery of the Creative Ireland Programme 2017-2022.

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Who can apply? Applications are invited from QRW IRU SURoW RUJDQLVDWLRQV ORFDO FRPPXQLW\ JURXSV DUWV KHULWDJH DQG FXOWXUDO JURXSV YHQXHV DQG VRFLHWLHV Applications by individuals must be LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK D FRPPXQLW\ cultural or heritage group. What will be funded? The grant scheme seeks to support UHOHYDQW DFWLYLWLHV SURMHFWV DQG HYHQWV WKDW RÄ‘HU RSSRUWXQLWLHV for enhanced community engagement with creativity and cultural heritage in Wicklow. How much funding? Grants allocated will be between Č… DQG Č… SHU SURMHFW

Closing Date for Applications: 4pm Friday 1st March. How to apply? By post to: Creative Wicklow Grant 6FKHPH &RPPXQLW\ 6RFLDO &XOWXUDO 'HYHORSPHQW 6HFWLRQ %UD\ 0XQLFLSDO 'LVWULFW &LYLF 3OD]D %UD\ Application forms & guidelines: see www.wicklow.ie or e-mail/ telephone to request a hard copy. To speak with a member of Wicklow County Council’s Culture Team contact 'HLUGUH %XUQV +HULWDJH 2ĒFHU 7 Creative Ireland Grant manager /L] .HOO\ RU $UWV 2ĒFH 7

Banks passed away, as did Eric Harrison (Class of 92 coach). And then there is Padriag Amond. It has been a long and winding road from Carlow to Newport for Amond, taking LQ IRRWEDOOLQJ VWRS RŕľľV DW Shamrock Rovers, Kildare County, Sligo Rovers, Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal, Accrington Stanley, Morecambe, Grimsby

Town and Hartlepool United, but for anyone who witnessed the amber-jerseyed Amond’s sublime top-corner EHQW H྾RUW LQ KLV VLGHœV FA Cup fourth round replay over Championship side Middlesbrough on February 5, there can be no doubt that the journey has been worth it. You didn’t have to be amongst the 6,552 packed into Rodney

Parade to see the goal; it was live on BT Sport. The Ironsides’ prize will be another live tie broadcast from 5RGQH\ 3DUDGH LQ WKH ¿IWK round; they host the footballing equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters - Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City – on February 16 at 1730. The biggest of opponents and the biggest of stages for Amond to add further to the 18 goals he has already netted for County this term. Will City be worried? I’d say so. Newport may play in League Two – England’s fourth tier – but they have a track record of upsetting the form book at home in FA Cup ties in recent years; as well as Middlesbrough being sent packing, Leeds United and Leicester City have also returned from Wales having been giant-killed. There could be no bigger giants for Mike Flynn’s men to slay than City.

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