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 March 15, 2019

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

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‘Royal Hotel will not be a refugee centre’ Owners planning revamp of iconic establishment THE Royal Hotel in Bray is not being turned into a refugee centre, according to director Maureen McGettigan O’Connor. Rumours had been swirling in the county in recent weeks that the town’s iconic hotel would be used to accommodate asylum seekers. “Not only is it not being turned into a refugee centre, we intend on continuing our ongoing investment in the hotel ZLWK D VLJQLÂżFDQW UHQRYDWLRQ later this year,â€? Ms McGettigan O’Connor told the Wicklow Voice. “After our busy summer schedule is complete, we intend to upgrade 60 more bedrooms to a superior standard, the lobby and bistro, and we have further plans to add another 14 rooms to the hotel.â€? $QG LQ D YRWH RI FRQÂżGHQFH Bray and District Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will return to the Royal

NLN Garda Darren Kelly, Gavin Carroll and Garda Adam Nolan at the National Learning Network Bray certificate ceremony recently. See page 6. Âť Lots more pictures from around the county inside

Hotel for its annual Endeavour Awards on Friday, October 18. “I have no idea how these rumours started,â€? Ms McGettigan O’Connor added. “It was very tough on the SOXV VWDŕľľ DQG VRPHRQH almost cancelled a wedding but hopefully everyone understands that it was completely untrue. “We welcome thousands of tourists to The Royal Hotel every year and plan to do so for a long time to come. “We market ourselves nonstop both domestically and abroad and the town of Bray and County Wicklow. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our local and loyal customers and look forward to their continued support.â€? The Royal Hotel has been in the McGettigan family for almost 40 years while a hotel has operated for more than two centuries.

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04| NEWS news in brief Up To My Eyes celebrates 10 years

wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

Chart topping Hozier to headline Electric Picnic

*5(<6721(6¶ favourite lash salon Up To My Eyes is celebrating 10 years in business this month. On a post on its Facebook page, owner Elaine McParland thanked her clients and her VWD൵ ³%HFDXVH RI RXU FOLHQWV wonderful support, Up To My Eyes thrived and year on year ... Today the success of Up To My Eyes is due to this wonderful team of girls who I am proud to call friends ... I am so very proud of you girls, you have always given 100%. Thank you to our WHAT a week for Hozier! The Wicklow singer became clients too for recognising their brilliance and for continuing to only the fourth Irish artist to top the US Album Charts support us in every way.” while also named as one of the headline acts at Electric Brexit comes Picnic later this year. to Bray He will be joined by US Over the week leading to the indie rockers The Strokes and Brexit deadline, starting on chart toppers Florence and March 25, artist Denis Buckley The Machine and The 1975 will paint a mural in Bray at this year’s festival, which depicting the 11 founders of the will take place in Stradbally, European Union to mark the end Co Laois, from August 30 to of a chapter in European history, September 1. completing it by Thursday Tickets for the festival sold morning at 12 noon. out on December 3, 2018, just Once completed the artist will 15 minutes after they went then systematically paint out the on sale. mural, returning the wall to its ,W ZDV WKH ¿UVW WLPH WKDW original colour before the 11pm the festival had sold out deadline on March 29 as Brexit before a single act had been should come pass. announced. That is despite

the festival capacity being increased to 57,000 this year, too. For Hozier, it comes less than a fortnight after the release of his second album, Wasteland, Baby! As well as hitting the top of the Irish charts, it went straight in at number one on the US Billboard Charts. Tweeting after the announcement was made, Hozier said he was “thrilled” to be playing Electric Picnic this year, adding that it is “one of my favourite festivals to play”. Hozier’s latest LP, released via Rubyworks/Columbia in the US on March 1, earned 89,000 equivalent album units sold in the States in the week

ending March 7, according to Nielsen Music. Of that sum, 75,000 were in actual album sales: a hugely impressive number in the current climate of lower album purchase levels. Wasteland, Baby! follows on from Hozier’s 2018 EP Nina Cried Power, and his phenomenal self-titled debut album, released in 2014, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. That debut album went to No.1 in Ireland. Hozier’s U.S. chart-topping success follows on from the example of U2 and Sinead O’Connor – and one Niall Horan – for these are the three who have achieved this extraordinary feat in the past.

Network event kicks off THE Bray and District Chamber of Commerce has announced a new Business Networking event for local businesses in the area. This new networking initiative will be launched on March 22 at 10am in the Martello Hotel in Bray, and all are welcome, including non-members. $W WKH ¿UVW HYHQW WKH\ ZLOO be discussing “The Power of Networking” with their ¿UVW JXHVW VSHDNHU 6LREKDQ Fitzpatrick from Women In Business Network Ireland. The purpose of these new events is to build business relationships with fellow local Business Owners, to raise the SUR¿OH RI EXVLQHVV DQG FUHDWH opportunities for growth in the town together. Ms Fitzpatrick is an expert on Networking and has spoken extensively on the topic. 6KH KDV OLYHG DQG ZRUNHG LQ three countries in all of which she found networking and building networks essential for PDNLQJ SURJUHVV 6KH UHWXUQHG to Ireland in 2015 following a career spanning 25 years in event management working for national and international FRPSDQLHV LQ WKH 8. DQG 86$

Over 800 morgages in arrears for at least two years A LEADING expert has claimed that no distressed mortgage holders in Wicklow who are eligible for the Government’s mortgage to rent scheme should lose their home. Changes to the original schemes eligibility criteria now means that an estimated 14,000 home-dwellers in mortgage arrears nationwide qualify for inclusion under the scheme, according to mortgage debt expert, Paul Cunningham. Figures from the Central Bank’s Long-Term Mortgage Arrears in Ireland Report (Q3 2018) state that 826 households in Wicklow are in mortgage arrears for over two years, and of those, over 310 have been in arUHDUV IRU DW OHDVW ¿YH \HDUV “Thousands of people in seriRXV DUUHDUV KDYH VX൵HUHG \HDUV of anxiety and isolation, but there is a new reality which QRZ FRQFHQWUDWHV RQ ¿QGLQJ D solution in almost every case,” said the CEO of Governmentsanctioned company, Home For Life (HFL). “We have encountered widespread distress among homeowners, many of whom believe they have failed their families because they couldn’t keep up payments. “Unfortunately, many cases involve people in extreme stress simply because no-one had told

them there was another way out of what seemed to be an impossible malaise. “The Government has recognised that there needs to be a genuine alternative for people who have been unable to pay their mortgage for at least two years, and the mortgage to rent scheme is totally focussed on keeping families in their homes. “This scheme can deal with your debt and keep your family in your home with the prospect of buying it back in the event of your circumstances changing. I ¿UPO\ EHOLHYH WKDW QR RQH ZKR is eligible for mortgage to rent needs to lose their home. “Every side wants a solution and the government has ringIHQFHG ¿QDQFHV WKLV \HDU WR cover mortgage to rent, as well as changing the criteria to bring more people into the scheme. “In my experience, lenders don’t want to instigate court proceedings – they want to do a deal and move on.” Fr Peter McVerry, who is a member of the Advisory Board of HFL, said at the last meeting: “I am all in favour of initiatives that keeps people in their homes. ³, IXOO\ VXSSRUW WKH H൵RUWV of mortgage to rent in attempting to resolve the incredible amount of mortgage arrears.”

Literature fest returns WICKLOW County Council recently launched its second Way with Words literature festival for readers and writers in Arklow and Blessington Libraries. Way with Words features an exciting line up of authors, illustrators and music for adults, children and families including John Banville, Ross Collins, Dr Ciara Kelly in conversation with Arnold Fanning and Marina Carr, Broadcaster Martin King in conversation with Éanna ní Lamnhna, the Currabinny duo

and many more. It takes place from April 4 to 13. :D\ ZLWK :RUGV ZDV ¿UVW established and curated in 2018 by curator Nell Regan on behalf of Wicklow County Council’s arts and library services. Arts 2൶FHU -HQQ\ 6KHUZLQ LQ partnership with Executive Librarians Margaret Birchall and Clare Fullam has curated the line up for 2019. The event will cater for approximately two thousand audience members over the two-week period.

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wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

Have you met me moth? Pests invade county

news in brief â‚Ź500 cheque for Purple House $/', has announced that Purple House Cancer Support LV WKH ODWHVW FKDULW\ WR EHQHÂżW IURP $OGLÂśV &RPPXQLW\ *UDQWV SURJUDPPH $OGLÂśV %UD\ VWDŕľľ have awarded Purple House Cancer Support a â‚Ź500 grant in recognition of its tremendous work within the local community and to help support its vital services. The â‚Ź500 grant was presented to Brendan O’Leary, Margaret Byrne and John Woods of Purple House Cancer Support E\ 0LUFHD &LRPHD $OGLÂśV %UD\ store “Charity Championâ€?.

More than 60 get their NLN certs

Greystones CCTV Greystones Municipal District is to seek funding from the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform towards the installation of a communitybased CCTV system for the town of Greystones. $ PDS VKRZLQJ WKH H[DFW locations is on display and DYDLODEOH WR YLHZ LQ WKH RྜFHV of Greystones Municipal District and Greystones Garda Station and at http://bit.ly/ GreystonesCCTVProposal. The Council is seeking submissions on the CCTV proposal in writing or by email to Greystones MD, &LYLF 2ྜFHV 0LOO 5RDG Greystones – Greystonesmd@ wicklowcoco.ie – to be received by Friday 29th March 2019.

Ben Hoskin and Wyvern Lingo MORE than 60 past and present students of National Learning Network Bray UHFHLYHG 44, FHUWLÂżFDWHV in a range of subjects from Business Administration to Employability Skills at a recent ceremony in Bray’s Esplanade Hotel joined by family and friends. “I had to leave school HDUO\ ZLWK QR TXDOLÂżFDWLRQV following my diagnosis with ME,â€? student Ben Hoskin told the audience which included family and friends for the evening. “I’m successfully

completing my QQI modules, learning new skills, making new friends and most importantly, getting back P\ FRQ¿GHQFH , FDQœW WKDQN National Learning Network enough.� The Guests of Honour on the night were local band Wyvern Lingo. Karen Cowley congratulated the students DQG SUDLVHG WKHLU H྾RUWV LQ achieving their potential. Also in attendance were the Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District Counsellor Pat Vance, Counsellors Joe Behan, Dermot O’Brien,

Brendan Thornhill and Oliver O Brien, President of the Bray Chamber Pat O Suilleabhain, representatives of the KWETB and the HSE, as well as many local organisations working in the health and education sectors. The ceremony was also attended by Pauline Newnham, Director of Quality and Governance of the Rehab Group. National Learning Network can be contacted on 01 2829643. They also have an open morning every Wednesday between 11-1pm.

&2817< Wicklow accounted for the third most callouts for Moths in 2018, according to a new survey. Rentokil is warning the public RI D VLJQLÂżFDQW IROORZLQJ DQ LQcrease in the presence of moths in homes and businesses over the past three years, which has VHHQ WKH FRPSDQ\ H[SHULHQFH DD rise in callouts for infestations of 54% since 2015. $QG FDOORXWV WR GHDO ZLWK WKH EXWWHUĂ€\ OLNH SHVW KDYH LQcreased by almost 14% in 2018 when compared with the previous year. Dublin was the county which accounted for the most callouts for moths in 2018, with 53% of all callouts to the capital. Cork (18%), Wicklow (6%) DQG .LOGDUH ZHUH WKH QH[W three counties which accounted for the most callouts for moths from Rentokil. Moths are most likely to be found in spare bedrooms, under mattresses, infrequently used wardrobes and attics and as moth larvae feed on fabric WKH\ FDXVH VLJQLÂżFDQW GDPDJH to clothes, blankets, carpets,

curtains and upholstery. By spring cleaning these areas and properly packing away winter clothes homeowners can reduce the risk of moth larvae eating LQWR SUHFLRXV WH[WLOHV There are four common moth species in Ireland: ¡Common clothes moth larvae cause irregular shaped holes in fabrics. ¡Case bearing clothes moth larvae create smaller, more regular shaped holes in garments. ¡Brown house moth larvae tend to prefer animal-based materials like feathers and leather. ¡White shouldered house moth larvae scavenge on a wide range of food.

Dog dirt DNA tests could see owners fined DOG owners who don’t clean up after their mutts face being ¿QHG LI D UDGLFDO QHZ '1$ WHVWing system is put in place. Dublin City Green Party councillors Claire Byrne and Patrick Costello have submitted the proposal calling for drastic action on what they see as an epidemic of dog dirt being left in the capital’s streets and parks, DQG LI WKH '1$ WHVWLQJ V\VWHPV works, it could be spread nationwide, including Wicklow. They have also called on Environment Minister Richard Bruton to dramatically increase ¿QHV ZKLFK DUH FXUUHQWO\ VHW DW ₏150. Both councillors said dog dirt is the biggest issue raised when they are canvassing voters and has been since before the last local elections were held in 2014. 0U &RVWHOOR VDLG WKH '1$ testing of dog poo has worked

well and is being continued by Barking and Dagenham Council in London. The English borough authority began collecting dog poo in January 2016 to compile a WKUHH PRQWK '1$ GDWDEDVH with registered dogs. The councillor said the cost of WKH '1$ WHVWLQJ FRXOG EH DGGHG WR WKH ÂżQH WKH SHW RZQHU ZRXOG subsequently have to pay. Meanwhile, Dogs Trust has launched their annual dog fouling awareness campaign, ‘The Big Scoop’ to encourage more people to be kind to their community claiming dog fouling is a human problem not a dog one. The charity aims to encourage responsible dog ownership in order to reduce the amount of dog poo being left in public spaces. Recent research carried out by %HKDYLRXU $WWLWXGHV IRU 'RJV

Trust revealed that 93% of dog owners claimed they do pick up after their dog. Yet 52% of people surveyed indicated that there is a big problem with dog fouling in their area. Eight in 10 people claimed to have walked in dog poo on the street, 46% came across dog poo in their local children’s park, 27% rolled a buggy through dog poo, 30% rolled a bicycle through it and 9% rolled their wheelchair through it. It has been estimated that a single gram of dog waste can contain 23m faecal coliform bacteria, which are known to cause cramps, diarrhoea, intestinal illness, and serious kidney disorders in humans. Dog poo can also contain nasty bacteria such as E-coli and parasites like round worm, the larvae of which can cause loss of vision.

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wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

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08 | news in brief Increase in home adaptations WICKLOW LV WR EHQH¿W IURP D LQFUHDVH LQ IXQGLQJ IRU KRPH DGDSWDWLRQV RI ROGHU SHRSOH DQG WKRVH ZLWK D GLVDELOLW\ 7KH 0LQLVWHU IRU +RXVLQJ DQG 8UEDQ Development, Damien English, DQQRXQFHG IXQGLQJ RI ¼ PLOOLRQ IRU &RXQW\ :LFNORZ DQ LQFUHDVH RQ WKH ¼ PLOOLRQ SURYLGHG ODVW \HDU 2Q D SHU FDSLWD EDVLV :LFNORZ VWLOO KDV DPRQJ WKH ORZHVW IXQGLQJ RI DQ\ FRXQW\ LQ WKH VFKHPH ¼ SHU SHUVRQ DFFRUGLQJ WR FHQVXV ¿JXUHV 2QO\ FRXQWLHV Meath, Donegal, and certain KLJK SRSXODWLRQ DUHDV UHFHLYH OHVV IXQGLQJ SHU SHUVRQ

wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

Cream of the crop to head to restaurant awards finals

Art exhibition *5(<6721(6 $UW *URXS¶V WK $QQXDO ([KLELWLRQ RSHQV $SULO DW &KDUOHVODQG *ROI &OXE *UH\VWRQHV 7KH H[KLELWLRQ IHDWXUHV PHPEHUV SDLQWLQJV ZKLFK ZLOO EH RQ GLVSOD\ GDLO\ IURP DP SP XQWLO 6XQGD\ WK $SULO DW SP The artworks span generations, PHGLXPV DQG GLVFLSOLQHV DQG DV LW LV D JURXS H[KLELWLRQ WKHUH LV VXUH WR EH VRPHWKLQJ IRU HYHU\RQH WR HQMR\ ´ $W SP RQ 6DWXUGD\ DIWHUQRRQ WKHUH ZLOO EH a live painting demonstration E\ -R\FH 2GOXP DQ RLO DUWLVW DQG LQVWUXFWRU $ UD൷H ZLOO EH held over the weekend with proceeds going The Gavin *O\QQ )RXQGDWLRQ

John Walsh of the Pigeon House acc epts his awards SIXTEEN Co Wicklow winners took part in the Leinster regional ¿QDO RI WKH ,ULVK 5HVWDXUDQW $ZDUGV DW WKH .LOODVKHH +RXVH Hotel recently where the top UHVWDXUDQWV LQ /HLQVWHU FRXQWLHV IRU ZHUH DQQRXQFHG 0RUH WKDQ UHVWDXUDQW RZQHUV DQG VWD൵ FHOHEUDWHG WKHLU DFKLHYHPHQWV DW WKH DZDUGV $OO RI WKH :LFNORZ ZLQQHUV QRZ FRPSHWH IRU WKH 5HJLRQDO and All Ireland Titles, which ZLOO EH DQQRXQFHG DW WKH ,ULVK

The team from Pink Salt celebrate their win 5HVWDXUDQW $ZDUGV 7KH ¿QDOV ZLOO EH KHOG LQ WKH &OD\WRQ +RWHO 'XEOLQ RQ Monday, May 13t The 16 Wicklow winners are: %HVW 5HVWDXUDQW ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ 7LQGDO :LQH 0HUFKDQWV Wicklow - Pink Salt Indian 5HVWDXUDQW %HVW &KHI ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ 1LVEHWV :LFNORZ -DPHV .DYDQDJK RI 7KH 6WUDZEHUU\ Tree at Brooklodge &

Macreddin Village Best Newcomer Wicklow/LO\¶V 2Q &KXUFK 6WUHHW %HVW 5HVWDXUDQW 0DQDJHU ± $,% Merchant Services Wicklow-RKQ :DOVK RI 3LJHRQ +RXVH &DIp %HVW +RWHO DQG *XHVWKRXVH 5HVWDXUDQW ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ BWG Food Service Wicklow7KH 6WUDZEHUU\ 7UHH DW Brooklodge & Macreddin Village %HVW &XVWRPHU 6HUYLFH

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Sister Orla given top award in US

Calling the next Hoziers: battle of the bands returns

$ 181 IURP %UD\ ZKR ZRUNV LQ 6RXWK 6XGDQ KDV EHHQ DZDUGHG D SUHVWLJLRXV KRQRXU E\ WKH 86 6HFUHWDU\ RI 6WDWH 0LNH 3RPSHR DQG 86 )LUVW /DG\ 0HODQLD 7UXPS 6U 2UOD 7UHDF\ LQVHW UHFHLYHG WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO :RPHQ RI &RXUDJH $ZDUG DW WKH 6WDWH Department in Washington, DORQJ ZLWK QLQH RWKHUV IURP DURXQG WKH ZRUOG 6U 7UHDF\ ZKR LV D PHPEHU RI the Loreto congregation, ZDV FRPPHQGHG IRU working to empower \RXQJ ZRPHQ DQG JLUOV LQ FRQÀLFW WRUQ 6RXWK 6XGDQ ³DW great personal risk and VDFUL¿FH´ More than 10 years ago, she VHW XS D JLUOV¶ ERDUGLQJ VFKRRO RXWVLGH WKH WRZQ RI 5XPEHN LQ D UHPRWH UHJLRQ 2QO\ D WKLUG RI JLUOV HQURO LQ SULPDU\ VFKRRO LQ WKH FRXQWU\ 6U 7UHDF\ KDV VXFFHHGHG LQ HQFRXUDJLQJ DWWHQGDQFH DW the secondary school, which VKH FRQWLQXHV WR UXQ DORQJ with a primary school and D ORFDO FOLQLF 7KH DZDUGV KRQRXU ³ZRPHQ DURXQG WKH world who have demonstrated H[FHSWLRQDO FRXUDJH VWUHQJWK DQG OHDGHUVKLS ´

THE hits just keep coming out in Greystones ... hopefully! It’s that time of year again for the annual Stepping Stones: Battle Of The Bands, with over €1,500 worth of prizes to be won - including a professional recording at Kilcoole’s Hive Studios, a professional photo shoot, and an even more professional live video shoot at The Whale. Sponsored by Greystones Municipal District, and with D OLYH ¿QDO DW 7KH &DVWOH ,QQ in April, the battle is open to musicians and singers of all ages across Kilcoole, Delgany, Newcastle, Killincarrig, &KDUOHVODQG DQG *UH\VWRQHV itself. Just send your MP3 or

3LQN 6DOW ,QGLDQ 5HVWDXUDQW %HVW ³)UHH )URP´ ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ 3HURQL *OXWHQ )UHH :LFNORZ The Happy Pear Best Kids Size Me Wicklow7L൶Q E\ 6XQLO %HVW /RFDO )RRG +HUR ± 3DWULFN 5\DQ RI )LUHKRXVH %DNHU\ Breadschool %HVW (PHUJLQJ ,ULVK &XLVLQH ± &RZ¿VK %HVW &DVXDO 'LQLQJ 6SRQVRUHG E\ -XVW (DW :LFNORZ 3LJHRQ +RXVH &DIp

YouTube clip to info@ greystonesguide.ie, along with a pic and a short bio by March 31st. Meanwhile, continuing WKHLU 1HZ &LQHPD VWUDQG whilst also introducing their QHZ 6HFUHW &LQHPD OLQH XS WKH *UH\VWRQHV )LOP &OXE have announced their March line-up. On Bank Holiday Monday, March 18, two 1994 classics make it back to the big screen at this boutique cinema, with The Lion King screening at 3pm and The Shawshank Redemption at 8pm. With a full bar and waiter service at this tables-andchairs cinema, tickets are just €10, which includes either a free large box of popcorn or a kids snackbox. Further info www.whaletheatre.ie.

wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

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wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

countdown to st patrick’s day

Huge crowds expected to watch parades

THOUSANDS of revellers are expected to descend on the many parades over the Bank Holiday weekend. The Garden County is getting all decked out in green as we prepare to celebrate St Patrick’s Day - and hopefully Ireland winning a Six Nation’s title with victory over Wales in Saturday’s big

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wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

by match. he Arklow parade will begin 2pm and this year’s theme ing your favourite book to ” was chosen following a ebook competition. rganisers would like to ask icipants to make a special UW DQG WR KDYH IXQ ZLWK WKH me. he parade in Wicklow Town

will leave Whitegates at 3.15pm and continue its way to Dublin Road and Abbey Street towards the Market Square. Greystones’ parade will start at South Beach Car Park at 12pm and participants are asked to gather at 11.30am. The parade will proceed up to Church Road to a reviewing stand at St. Patrick’s Church

DQG ¿QLVKHV XS DW &KXUFK 5RDG Victoria Road. Meanwhile, St Patrick’s Festival Bray will run from March 15-18 and is full to the brim with exciting events and festival fun for the whole family. Starting at 3pm on St Patrick’s Day, join the parade route from the Town Hall to the Viewing Stand, North Seafront.

12 | WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory

wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

ninenottomiss BOOK of the week

TV SHOW of the week

FILM of the week

Fridays For Future HOROSCOPES

IN August 2018 a 15 year old Swedish teenager decided to skip school and sit down outside the Swedish parliament with a cardboard sign that read ‘Skolstrejk for Klímatet’. That teenager was Greta Thunberg and the sign translates as ‘Schoolstrike for Climate’. She sat outside the Swedish parliament everyday for three weeks on her own. She was there to demand more action on the climate crisis. From the 8th September 2018 Greta decided to strike every Friday until the Swedish government agreed policies that would provide a pathway to keeping global temperature increase below 2 degrees C in accordance with the Paris agreement. She tweeted and posted to Instagram using the hastags #FridaysForFuture and #Climatestrike. Greta’s posts soon went viral and the hashtags were soon adopted by students and adults around the world, who, answering Greta’s call for school strikes, started organising their own protests outside their parliament buildings or local town halls etc. FridaysForFuture has now become a global phenomenon, a people’s movement that gives a voice, focus and platform for people young and old to express their anger at lack of climate action from governments around the world and demand more be done. So how do you get involved? Greta requests that people strike in front of their closest town hall, every Friday. Bring a sign, take a picture and post it with the hashtags - #FridaysForFuture #Climatestrike This Friday 15th March there is call for a global strike for climate which is looking like it will be one of the biggest environmental protests the world has ever seen. So far there are protests planned in 71 countries at over 700 locations, including many here in Ireland. So go on, take your children out of school and answers Greta call – there’s no point getting an education if there is no longer a planet worth living on! If you miss the March 15th global protest don’t worry, protests are taking place every Friday and if you can’t find one then maybe you could organise your own locally.

THE GIFT OF FRIENDS By Emma Hannigan

DERRY GIRLS - SEASON 2 Channel 4, Tuesdays 9.15pm

The final novel from the beloved and inspiring Emma Hannigan is a life-affirming, uplifting story that celebrates the strength and joys of female friendship across generations. Kingfisher Road - a leafy, peaceful street in the town of Vayhill. But there are whispers behind closed doors. Who is moving into Number 10? Danielle appears to her new neighbours to have the perfect, glossy life. But not everything is as it seems... In fact, the four women who live close by - each at very different stages of their lives - are busy guarding their own secrets. But could a gift be waiting on their doorsteps?

Derry Girls returned recently for a second season and fans have been raving about the laugh out loud moments and quotable lines it has already provided. New English teacher Ms De Brún (Judith Roddy) arrives at Our Lady Immaculate and the friends immediately find themselves inspired. Meanwhile, Da Gerry attempts to take Ma Mary out on a date, things definitely don’t go according to plan, and Sister Michael takes charge of a precious Child of Prague statue. Comedy from writer Lisa McGee, set against the Troubles in early-1990s Northern Ireland.

ADVENTURE of the week SHOW of the week

THE AFTERMATH General Release: 1 March 2019 THE AFTERMATH is set in postwar Germany in 1946. Rachael Morgan (Keira Knightley) arrives in the ruins of Hamburg in the bitter winter, to be reunited with her husband Lewis (Jason Clarke), a British colonel charged with rebuilding the shattered city. As they set off for their new home, Rachael is stunned to discover that Lewis has made an unexpected decision: they will be sharing the grand house with its previous owners, a German widower (Alexander Skarsgård) and his troubled daughter. In this charged atmosphere, enmity and grief give way to passion and betrayal.

PLAY of the week

GLENROE OPEN PET FARM Ballygannon, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow T : 01 287 2288

CHRISTY DIGNAM & JOE JEWELL Thursday 21st March 2019 Whale Theatre, T : 01 2010550.

JOXER DALY ESQ. Saturday 23rd March. Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray T : 01 2724030 .

Glenroe Open Pet Farm is a family-run farm which offers hours of fun for all the family. Since it opened it has welcomed thousands of families who come to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful Wicklow countryside. Kids can feed and get up close to a variety of animals and pets, including Sika deer, sheep, lambs, cattle, pigs, goats, ducks, geese, turkeys, peacocks, hens and chicks. Pets’ Corner is where the young and curious visitors can hold and pet their favourite furry animals such as rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs and chipmunks while learning more about the animals and birds. Picnics welcome.

Christy Dignam and Joe Jewell will be performing their intimate acoustic show “Some Songs and Stories” live at Whale Theatre. The show features well known Aslan songs plus songs by other artists. There is some great humour in some of the stories that Christy and Joe tell. It’s two lifelong friends since childhood in Finglas, The lads tell some great stories about their lives in one of Ireland’s most famous rock bands. Christy Dignam is regarded as one of Irelands greatest singers and performers ever.

Sean O’Casey’s playful scrounger from the classic, Juno and The Paycock, takes centre stage in this intriguing new play from the pen of Eddie Naughton (Inishfallen Fare Thee Well). With events that were to alter the course of Irish history as a backdrop, Joxer Daly Esq. charts an everyman journey from respectable member of The Foresters Association to a vagabond scraping by with only his wit to use as collateral. From the 1913 Lock Out, to the Rising - and the events of O’Casey’s classic The Plough and the Stars - to the birth of a new divided Nationalism, in Juno and The Paycock, we see it all through the eyes of Joxer Daly.

CONCERT of the week

VISIT of the week

GIG of the week

ARIES You’re getting stronger. Assert your wishes now. Keep steadily pushing a personal dream forward. Everything you’re learning will be useful later. TAURUS 7DNH WLPH R൵ WR UHFKDUJH IURP D UHFHQW ÀXUU\ RI activity. Consider what is in the past and what lies ahead. GEMINI Strengthen team foundations by showing up. Share practical resources and valuable talents. Support each other through a challenge. CANCER Professional opportunities are worth pursuing. Show up on time and prepared. Don’t overextend or push too hard. Listen and observe. LEO Keep building for the IXWXUH +DQGOH ¿QDQFLDO responsibilities, and make plans for growth. Let others know what you’re up to and what you need. VIRGO Keep building for the IXWXUH +DQGOH ¿QDQFLDO responsibilities, and make plans for growth. Let others know what you’re up to. LIBRA Collaboration saves time and money. Untangle miscommunications immediately. Let go of outdated assumptions. SCORPIO Focus on your work and health through tomorrow. Physical routines and practices build strength over time. SAGITTARIUS

Have fun with people you adore. You’re especially lucky in love for a few days. Charms and enchantments À\ (QMR\ WKH GDQFH

AUSTIN SEXTON Friday 22nd March @ 8:00 pm The Hotspot, Victoria Road, Greystones.

BIFE MUSIC GOES LIVE Friday 22nd March Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray. T : 01 2724030 .

POWERSCOURT WATERFALL Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Wicklow T : 01 204 6000 info@powerscourt.net

Austin Sexton is a singer/songwriter/producer based in the Northern Los Angeles Area. With a background in live instrumentation/alternative music from the eastern US, his production in the hip-hop/r&b genre stands alone. With electric live performances that include a full band and projected visuals, his connection to the audience is very vivid, and keeps you wanting more. As a guitar player (and overall musician of 10+ instruments), the live element also favors Austin; showing the viewer there is more than just a 2-track behind him.

Following on from the success of last year’s fantastic live show at Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Institute of Further Education’s Music Performance students will again take to the stage in March to showcase their individual and collective talents in BIFE Music Goes Live!! Students of BIFE’s Music Performance course will perform an eclectic mix of classics, lost gems and their own stunning original material. Come and support your rising stars of tomorrow!

Powerscourt Waterfall is a beautiful natural attraction set in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains near the town of Enniskerry. The waterfall is Ireland’s highest at 121m and has attracted visitors for over 200 years. Driving from the gate lodge towards the waterfall, visitors are surrounded by beech, oak, larch and pine trees, some of which were planted over 200 years ago. Powerscourt Waterfall, which flows into the Dargle River, is a haven for wildlife. The waterfall is a favourite destination for family picnics and visitors are also welcome to enjoy a barbecue.

CAPRICORN Domestic matters are on your mind. Family comes ¿UVW WRGD\ DQG WRPRUURZ Handle chores and repairs. AQUARIUS Express creative ideas through art, writing, images or music. Articulate the story clearly. You’re especially clever at getting to the heart of the matter. PISCES The next two days could get lucrative. An older person R൵HUV YDOXDEOH LQVWUXFWLRQ take note. Your ideas are attracting attention.

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wicklow people in pictures

Bernadette Stokes, Anne Quinn, Karen Quinn and Labour local election candidate Anne Ferris celebrate International Women’s Day at Martello terrace, the home of former TD Liz MacManus

Susan Devereux, Janny Hanlon, Miriam Byrne and Orla Anderson, and right, Amy Farrell, FIona Manning and Traceyanne Mulvey celebrate Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath’s 10-year celebration at the Druids Glen Hotel

Pupils from fifth class in St Kevin’s N.S. in Greystones pictured with Deputy Stephen Donnelly in Leinster House during a visit to the Dail. “Their questions on Brexit were smarter than some of the things said on the floor of the Dáil. They really are a lovely, friendly bunch and a credit to their teachers and parents,” Mr Donnelly said.

Olivia Lumsden (11) from SN Muire Is Gearard, Enniskerry at the ESB Science Blast in the RDS. Pic SON Photo

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wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

Fine Gael Bray select candidates for upcoming local elections Advertorial FINE Gael in Bray selected four new candidates to contest this year’s local elections in May. The convention was held in a packed function room at The Martello on Bray seafront. Two candidates were selected for the new look electoral areas. Aoife Flynn-Kennedy and Edward Whelan for the Bray East Electoral Area with Melanie Corrigan for the Bray West Electoral Area. David Miller was added to the Bray West Electoral ticket after the convention. The busy convention event chaired by Councillor Dereck Mitchell was attended by the Minister of State Andrew Doyle, current and past Wicklow County Council councillors, constituency members alongside friends and family of the selected candidates. A delighted Aoife FlynnKennedy after being proposed by retired Bray councillor Bríd Collins told the convention, “I am truly honoured and excited.

Edward Whelan (Bray East) has lived in Glenlucan in Bray since 1980. He was was D 3ULVRQ 2൶FHU DQG VHUYHG LQ Mountjoy, Cork, Portlaoise, Shanganagh Castle, Shelton Abbey, Fort Mitchell and :KHDW¿HOG 3ULVRQV

David Miller, Edward Whelan, Andrew Doyle TD, Aoife Flynn Kennedy and Melanie Corrigan This town has a wealth of opportunities only waiting to be explored and developed, and I feel I have the skills and the drive to make real change. Bray currently does not have enough social housing especially during crisis situations, and out of normal R൶FH KRXUV , NQRZ WKH LPSDFW this can have on the individual and their family and want to see an increase in these supports.” Edward Whelan spoke to the meeting after being selected, “If elected, I will use the vast experience that I have gained during my working career to make an impact on the

Wicklow County Council and to represent the people of Bray with the utmost transparency and boldness. Social issues have always interested me and if elected it will give me a platform to address them in a more constructive way.” Melanie Corrigan was proposed by a native of Enniskerry John Leeson and seconded by the Minister of State Andrew Doyle highlighted a number of issues that need to be addressed in Bray; “I want to see investment in our sports facilities to protect young people’s mental and physical health. Investment into tidy

Brid Collins and Andrew Doyle TD towns, parking and roads to promote tourism and encourage employment. We need to make sure adequate provision is made for social housing especially our elderly and people with disabilities.” After being added to the Bray West ticket by the constituency, David Miller outlined his vision for Bray, “I’d like to play a part in leaving the whole community in Bray West in even better shape than it is today. I have many years’ experience from my involvement in sports and community life in the area and I believe I will be an approachable, fair and

competent local representative”. Warm tributes were paid by various speakers to Councillor John Ryan who after 15 years on Wicklow County Council has decided to step down and not seek re-election. Councillor Ryan has had a distinguished career as Cathaoirleach of both Bray and Wicklow councils at various stages. Since 2004, he has campaigned on many issues WKDW KDYH D൵HFWHG WKH SHRSOH RI North Wicklow and would have been involved in many of the successful projects delivered during his time.

David Miller (Bray West) has lived in Annacrevy Enniskerry with my his wife /DUD DQG ¿YH FKLOGUHQ +H LV the secretary of Enniskerry )& DQG D TXDOL¿HG VROLFLWRU Melanie Corrigan (Bray West) has lived in Ballybrew Enniskerry with her husband Liam and four children. As a community activist she has been involved in schools at parent teacher and management level and is a fundraiser for Purple House and Lakers. Aoife Flynn Kennedy (Bray East) lives in Bray with her husband Brian and three children. She works in the disability sector and is a scout leader with the 5th Wicklow Bay Sea Scouts.

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wicklowvoice.ie March 15, 2019

opinion&comment

Suicide can take anyone

I

f you grew up in the 1990’s and found yourself caught up in the ‘Blur versus Oasis’ debate then you had already lost the battle. The Prodigy were the real deal. ‘Music For The Jilted Generation’ and ‘The Fat Of The Land’ soundtracked the times. The ensuing years have seen the band endure, their blistering live shows still the VWX൵ WR JHW WKH EORRG SXPSLQJ and the body dancing. The loss of Keith Flint (inset) – the band’s iconic frontman, who together with Maxim Reality and Liam Howlett formed the core of the group – to suicide last week was a huge body blow to anyone who lived through those times or indeed anyone with an ear for good music. I came to The Prodigy via younger brothers and play their music for my own

Brian Quigley children. The band are important. Keith Flint may have been the kind of chap that would scare you if your daughter brought him home, but his musical talents, innovation, putting-everything-intoit performances and artistic risktaking would certainly be the direction you would point any young person towards. Who knows why Flint decided to take his own life. Speculation about the end of his marriage is just

The photo shows 6th class students from St Patrick’s School Bray who recently took part in some life saving skills practice and joined forces with Victoria Bradshaw (marketing) BCU and John Hopkins (CPR Instructor) Vol BCU to promote how to #SaveaLife and learn CPR. that – speculation. I’m just sad that he’s gone, full stop. I’m reminded of something my parents often said, when one of us would be giving out about a SXEOLF ¿JXUH ZH GLGQ¶W OLNH RU approve of, be it a politician, celebrity or whatever. ‘’Who knows what troubles these people have?’’ was as apt a thing to say then as now. Success and celebrity don’t often bring happiness, and often come at a crippling and devastating price. Flint reminded me of Pete

Townshend in his prime. Somebody with energy and anger to burn that was channelled into his music. You couldn’t be apathetic listening to The Prodigy; it got under your skin and became part of you. They blended styles as diverse as big beat / dance / techno / electronica / jungle and rave into a particularly special and intoxicating pot pourri. Their attitude was Punk - be angry but be constructive, make something that matters; express yourself

through your art. Keith Flint did a lot more for popular culture than you might realise. Anyone seen Peter Wright, the iconic darts player with the colourful, eye-catching hair? That’s got to be down to Flint’s stage persona. All those footballers with their tattoos? Flint was a trend-starter [as well as a ‘Firestarter’!] there too, inking himself all over before any footballer knew where their local tattoo shop was. My favourite Prodigy track is

‘Breathe’, from 1996’s ‘Fat Of The Land’. I love everything about this track, which contains samples of the drum break from Thin Lizzy’s ‘Johnny The Fox And Jimmy The Weed’; the whiplashing swords are sampled from a Wu-Tang Clan song. Michael Van Gerwen, the Dutch darts player, used ‘Breath’ for his walk-on music for many years. Kind of put opponents at a disadvantage, didn’t it? No wonder MVG became World Champion. Away from the limelight Flint was a thoroughly nice guy. He went on motorcycle holidays with Lee Thompson from Madness, and his love of motorcycles extended to owning a team that raced at the Isle Of Man TT Races [Team Traction Control]. He was a huge fan of Dad’s Army and collected memorabilia. These things impress me enormously, colouring in even more a very colourful character. Another one gone to the great gig in the sky. There’s some line-up up there now! So long Keith, thanks for the music.

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