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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, April 17-30 2019 wicklowvoice.ie e: info@wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
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‘Let’s do this for Bobby’ Loved ones to walk Camino to raise funds for hospital THE loved ones of Bobby Messett who was tragically killed in the Bray Boxing Club shooting on June 5 last year are to honour his memory by walking the Camino trail in northern Spain in aid of charity. The six women aim to raise â‚Ź20,000 for a new EEG for the neonatal ICU at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street. “Bobby was always helping raise funds for charity we couldn’t think of a better way to honour his memory,â€? Natalie Armstrong, Bobby’s partner, told the Wicklow Voice. On June 1, 2019, Natalie, Bobby’s exwife Jackie, his daughter Demi-leigh, sister Paula, niece Hayley and friend Laurna will begin the 114km trek of the Camino. The group will be paying for all their own travel and accommodation, meaning that every penny raised will be donated. “Bobby’s passing has made us
Aoife Murray singing with the Templecarrig acapella singers Wicklow Sings Choral Festival at Templecarrig School. Âť Lots more pictures from around the county inside
DOO ÂżUP IULHQGV ´ VD\V 1DWDOLH “All of his family have been fantastic in their support as, apart from my son here, my family all live in Liverpool.â€? Bobby’s former football team, Glencormac FC in Kilmacanogue, presented the six women with a cheque recently for â‚Ź6,200 after it raised funds from a soccer tournament and golf classic. Bobby’s granddaughter Poppie was born in Holles Street in 2016 and needed therapeutic cooling in the ICU and while Bobby was visiting he was told that another family had donated the machine and as a result he was planning on doing a fundraiser to raise money for Holles Street. In his honour, they have decided to walk the Camino for the same cause. “He’s an inspiration to us all,â€? Natalie adds. ‘We’re all positive people and Bobby would have wanted us to do some thing like this.â€? Anyone who wishes to donate should log onto www. everydayhero.com/ie/ and search for Bobby Messett Mission.
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04| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
Delaney ran up FAI credit card in Kilmac pub Pluck’s
news in brief Greystones player present Harvey GREYSTONES Players are delighted to announce their upcoming production of Harvey by Mary Chase at the Whale Theatre in Greystones on between May 2-5 (tickets â‚Ź16 from whaletheatre.ie). A delightful play for all the family*, Harvey is a charming comedy that explores whether ‘it is better to be kind than smart’, the absurdity of believing that reason rules the world and the wisdom of accepting people as they are. All six of Greystones Players’ previous productions at the Whale sold out, so book now to avoid disappointment!
Home For Life The government needs to commit resources in a more meaningful way if it is to emulate the successful ‘Vienna model’ in housing, a major conference organised by Bray company Home For Life was told last week. The ‘Innovative Solutions to Housing Problems’ conference heard that politicians have responded to housing challenges in a piecemeal way that has led to some of the current challenges facing our society.
St Patricks versus St Cronans Hell & Back: Principals Maeve Tierney and Brian O’Doherty with Ryan Egan and Rebecca Kearney who will be battling for school supremacy on May 6 in Killruddery
Salvador Dali comes to Wicklow A MAJOR sculpture exhibition, including the largest collection of Salvador Dali works ever to be seen in this country is coming to Russborough House next month. Regarded as one of the greatest artists of the last century, the Spanish surrealist was a larger than life character, best known for fantastical surrealist paintings,
outrageous statements, and PDJQL¿FHQW PRXVWDFKHV Thirty years after his death, the Garden Exhibition at Russborough will feature 14 Dali sculptures, plus more than 100 other works by some 40 leading Irish and international artists between May 19 to June 2 and admission is free of charge. A host of Ireland’s best-
known artists including Patrick O’Reilly, Eamonn Ceannt, Ian Pollock, Bob Quinn, Paddy Campbell and Orla de Brà have all created pieces for the event. Dali’s most famous painting, The Persistence of Memory (1931), is often known as the Melting Clocks (inset). His sculpture includes three dimensional versions of the melting clocks and one of these, Dance of Time III, is among the large works to be shown at Russborough.
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WICKLOW has again found itself at the centre of the scandal surrounding the FAI after it emerged that former CEO John Delaney ran up expenses of â&#x201A;Ź40,000 in just six months, including 13 trips to Pluckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Kilmac. While Mr Delaney was on a salary of â&#x201A;Ź360,000 as chief executive, he used the FAI credit card to pay for meals totalling â&#x201A;Ź563 in his local pub in Wicklow which is just down the road from the â&#x201A;Ź3000-a-month house the FAI rented on his behalf from TV star Grainne Seoige. As revealed in the last edition of the Wicklow Voice, Delaney KDV DOVR ERXJKW D ÂżYH EHGURRP house with a tennis court, stables and a waterfall in Aughrim in south Wicklow for â&#x201A;Ź868m. Purchases on Mr Delaneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FAI credit card included â&#x201A;Ź400 at D +LOÂżJHU VWRUH PRUH WKDQ Âź on two visits to an executive dry-cleaning service and a â&#x201A;Ź226 bill from Thomas Pink, a store that claims to have perfected â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the traditions and intuition of English shirt makingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, duty-free purchases at airports and cash withdrawals of â&#x201A;Ź6,000 in just six months. The FAI declined to comment on Mr Delaneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s credit card expenses, and about a separate â&#x201A;Ź60,000 payment made by the association in early 2014 to a
third party labelled as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;professional feesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Recent reports claim that the threat of prosecution is be coming a real possibility for the FAI directors and John Delaney amid allegations RI ÂżQDQFLDO LUUHJXODULWLHV The FAI is engulfed in the biggest crisis in its history with the entire board preparing to step down at its next AGM in June. Auditors Deloitte reported the company for failing to keep proper accounting records, which is potentially a FULPLQDO RŕľľHQFH Delaney, the former chief executive, â&#x20AC;&#x153;stepped asideâ&#x20AC;? from his role as executive vice president but is said to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;still on the payrollâ&#x20AC;?. There remains little clarity on his immediate future as a forensic audit of the association joined the growing list of investigations to be carried out. The FAIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate unravelling accelerated dramatically, with serious allegations made to the Companies Registration 2ŕľśFH The FAIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own auditors Deloitte were revealed to have informed authorities that soccerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governing body had failed to keep proper accounting records. This move raised the prospect that directors or former directors could face prosecution over how the association was run.
Fatberg sink warning CLEAN Coasts and Irish Water are reminding the people of Wicklow not to pour gravy or fats oils and greases (FOGs) from the Easter roast down the sink. Irish Water revealed recently that almost 1,500 sewer blockages have been cleared across the country already this year - thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 125 blockages every single week. FOGs as well as gravy may seem like liquid when poured but once they reach the pipes they cool and can cause
blockages in the sewer pipes in homes, businesses, the public sewer network, wastewater treatment plants and ultimately damage the environment. When FOGs combine with wipes and other sanitary items WKDW VKRXOGQÂśW EH Ă&#x20AC;XVKHG GRZQ the toilet, fatbergs can form. There have been almost 1,500 sewer blockages in the public sewer network so far this year caused by FOGs being poured down the sink and wipes and other inappropriate items being Ă&#x20AC;XVKHG GRZQ WKH WRLOHW
wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
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wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
wicklow people in pictures
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Frank Curran, Cllr Grainne McLoughlin, Catherine Fulvio and Minister of State Andrew Doyle launch the ‘The Feast from The East’ County Wicklow Food and Beverage Strategy at the Kilruddery Estate
Victoria Bradshaw of Bray Credit Union presents Margaret Doyle with a brand new Ford Fiesta ST Line from Fitzpatrick’s Motors after Margaret won BCU’s monthly draw.
Cllr Pat Vance Cathaorielach of Wicklow County Council with Deirdre Whitfield and Mary Tuite at the launch of launch the ‘The Feast from The East’
Bray Credit Union Staff Member Lorna Newell ACCA Prizewinner joint 1st in Ireland
Ed and Kevin Collins from Hurricane Highway East Coast FM Coffee Morning at the Beach House Greystones
Bray man sprayed with drug then robbed in Spain A 27-YEAR-old engineer from Bray has warned tourists heading to the Spanish island Tenerife to watch out after he was attacked with a date rape drug and b e fore being robbed. David Nelson was on holiday with friends last month and has spoken out about his ‘horrible experience’ to help raise awareness about a dangerous drug known as “Devil’s Breath”. Mr Nelson, who is currently based in Switzerland, was staying in Adeje and went out for drinks in the Playa de las Las Americias area on March 23 when the attack occurred. At the end of the night he lost the group and went to get a taxi back to his apartment when he was approached by a woman. He claims she tried to seduce him and when he pushed her away, he was “sprayed in the face with a substance”. “I was later informed by police it was the date rape drug
‘Devil’s Breath’,” he said. “I remember very few things after being sprayed. My phone was taken, gold watch, bracelet, €600 from my wallet and I was then taken to a ATM and the girl proceeded to take what money she could from my Irish and Swiss bank accounts until the cards declined. This drug turns you into a zombie.” The police report described the woman as being between 20 and 30 years old with curly hair. He said the police told him that tourists are regularly attacked with the drug scopolamine, more commonly known as Devil’s Breath. The substance has been blamed for thousands of crimes in South America and has now become a problem in European countries. The United States’s Overseas Security Advisory Council has issued many warnings about the drug, which it says can “disorient the victim and cause
prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems”. “I had never heard of this drug before as I’m sure many others haven’t either,” Mr Nelson said. The Department of Foreign $൵DLUV VD\V WKDW ZKLOH LW GRHVQ¶W comment on individual cases, it acknowledged Spanish authorities have warned of date rape drugs being used. “Don’t inadvertently lower your alertness to these risks simply because you are on holiday,” an advisory note on the DFA website reads. The robbery of David came the same week after another Irishman was reported missing in Tenerife. Dad-of-two Peter Wilson (32) was last seen on the Canary island on March 23. He travelled there from Dublin Airport on March 22 and was staying in the Malibu Park Hotel. He is believed to have been in the Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas areas.
wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
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Gemma named as principal for new school
news in brief â&#x201A;Ź195k grant for Wicklow Wolf THE Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company has been approved a grant of â&#x201A;Ź195,000 from the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leader â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Location Action Groupsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fund to assist in the construction of a new brewery at a site in Newtownmountkennedy. Wicklow Fine Gael TD Andrew Doyle welcomed the news, commending the outstanding growth of the company since it commenced RSHUDWLRQV ÂżYH \HDUV DJR The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current headquarters in Bray will be converted into a tourism visitor experience and research and innovation hub.
Greystones Orchestra Join the Greystones Orchestra on the May 24 at 4pm at South Beach Pavillion, Greystones for glittering celebration of music from the shows and the silver screen. :H ZLOO EH ÂżOOLQJ \RXU 6XQGD\ afternoon with the musical genius of Andrew Lloyd Weber, Freddie Mercury, Stephen Schwartz and many more. Singer Emer Foley will be performing with the Greystones Orchestra. www. greystonesorch.eventbrite.ie . Tickets also available on the door. Contact greystonesorch@ gmail.com
Glencree walkers collect 150 bags of rubbish A WALKING group based in Glencree collected more than 150 bags of rubbish from the Wicklow and Dublin uplands recently. The Glencree Walking Group, who covered the area from Kilakee Car Park in South Dublin to the Sally Gap Cross Roads in Wicklow, DOVR SLFNHG XS W\UHV Ă&#x20AC;RRULQJ discarded pallets, and a considerable amount of domestic waste. This was the third year that Pure and The Glencree
Walking Group joined forces to Clean Up The Uplands, and although a considerable amount of litter and rubbish was removed on the day, it was acknowledged by all involved, that there was a noticeable reduction of litter on the 10-mile stretch of road. 7KH ÂżUVW FROODERUDWLRQ resulted in the removal of hundreds of bags of litter and over 3,000kg of illegal dumping. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wicklow/Dublin Uplands is a unique
landscape and environment, attracting thousands of visitors annually,â&#x20AC;? Ian Davis, Pure Manager, told the Wicklow Voice. Pure supply all groups with Pure Mile bags, litter pickers, gloves, Pure Mile high-vis jackets, and the Pure Truck removes all of rubbish gathered by groups. Further information on Pure can be found on www. pureproject.ie or to report dumpers and rubbish on loâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; call 1850 365 121.
EDUCATE Together has announced Gemma Curry as the newly-appointed principal of its school in which opens in August. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is wonderful news for the town and community and we look forward to working with Gemma as this new VFKRRO JURZV DQG Ă&#x20AC;RXULVKHV not only in the months but into the years ahead,â&#x20AC;? says Anne Gregory, Chair of the Newtownmountkennedy ETNS Start-up Group. Gemma holds a Masters Degree in Education and Leadership from UCD, graduating in 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My belief that small changes can reap great rewards is one which I strive to instil in the children with whom I work,â&#x20AC;? she told the Wicklow Voice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For me, Ethical Education is the foundation for empowering children to become informed, responsible, global citizens. Citizens who celebrate diversity, value uniqueness and work towards positive changes in our society.â&#x20AC;? Gemma was a founding mem-
EHU RI VWDŕľľ RI (VNHU (716 LQ Lucan, Co Dublin in 2007 and worked with a small team to build the school into the thriving school community it is today. She was appointed Assistant Principal in 2010 and Deputy Principal in 2017. During her time at Esker ETNS, she worked as a mainstream teacher, Home School &RPPXQLW\ /LDLVRQ 2ŕľśFHU DQG as a Special Educational Needs WHDFKHU *HPPD LV D ÂżUP EHliever in the importance of the student voice and has been involved in many initiatives designed to empower students and provide them with opportunities for positive activism, having established and led the Student Council and the Green School Committee.
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wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
Welcome to JBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee House Fanstastic new cafe opens in Beechwood Close IF you are looking for someZKHUH QHZ IRU D FXS RI FR൵HH in Bray then pop along to JBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s &R൵HH +RXVH LQ %HHFKZRRG &ORVH R൵ WKH %RJKDOO 5RDG Barely open a few months, -%¶V &R൵HH +RXVH KDV DOUHDG\ PDGH D QDPH IRU LWVHOI LQ %UD\ VHUYLQJ GHOLFLRXV EUHDNIDVWV JRXUPHW VDQGZLFKHV DQG IUHVKO\ PDGH FDNHV <RX FDQ HDW LQ RU WDNH RXW /RFDWHG EHVLGH %UD\ 5HF\FOLQJ &HQWUH -%¶V &R൵HH +RXVH LV SURYLQJ D ELJ KLW ZLWK ORFDOV DQG YLVLWRUV DOLNH 6HUYLQJ IH FR൵HH ¿UHKRXVH EDNHU\ EUHDGV DQG SDVWHULHV JRXUPHW VDQGZLFKHV DQG EUHDGEDVNHW UROOV FDNHV DQG WUHDWV Eat in take out, open IURP DP WR SP DQG 6DWXUGD\ IURP DP XQWLO SP
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wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT US TODAY
BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT US TODAY
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WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTĂ IN
APPLICATIONS FOR POSTAL/SPECIAL VOTES The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has signed the Order to hold a Referendum, European Parliament and Local Elections on Friday 24th May 2019. The following categories of Elector can apply for a Postal/ Special Vote: 8 !1$!; 8 %&%-#% .1#%2 8 )2!"+%$ .23!+ .3% 8 )2!"+%$ /%#)!+ .3% 412)-' .,%2 8 )/+.,!32 8 )1#4,23!-#% .& ##4/!3).- 34$%-32 )2!"+%$ .23!+ .3%2 !1% !5!)+!"+% &.1 %+%#3.12 23)++ 1%2)$%-3 !3 (.,% 6(. ,!7 .- '1.4-$2 .& )++-%22 .1 $)2!")+)37 "% 4-!"+% 3. 31!5%+ 3. ! .++)-' 3!3). )1#4,23!-#% .& ##4/!3).- 34$%-32 !1% &.1 %+%#3.12 6(. 6)++ "% 6.1*)-' .- 3(% $!7 .& 3(% /.++ !-$ &.1 Students who are studying within the State and who 6.4+$ "% 4-!"+% 3. #!23 3(%)1 5.3% !3 3(%)1 -.1,!+ polling station. .23!+ .3%2 !1% !5!)+!"+% &.1 +%#3.12 6(. !1% !6!7 on holidays on the day of the Poll. ELECTORS WHO REQUIRE A POSTAL/SPECIAL VOTE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PLEASE SUNDAY 28TH APRIL 2019. +%!2% #(%#* 666 #(%#*3(%1%')23%1 )% to ensure that you have a vote on Friday 24th May & 7.4 (!5% !-7 04%1)%2 /+%!2% %,!)+ &1!-#()2% 6)#*+.6#.#. )%
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTĂ IN
HOUSING (TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION) ACT, 1998 Notice of proposed adoption and publication of a Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024 In accordance with Section 9 of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, Wicklow County Council proposes to adopt a Traveller Accommodation Programme for ďŹ ve years (2019-2024). This plan will cover the functional area of Wicklow County Council. The draft Traveller Accommodation Programme is available for public inspection at Wicklow County Council ofďŹ ces and all Municipal District OfďŹ ces during normal working hours, from Monday 1st April 2019. A copy of the Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024 is also available on Wicklow County Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website www.wicklow.ie. Any person or organisation who wishes to make a submission in respect of the Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme is invited to do so. Submissions should be made in writing and returned in a sealed envelope marked â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and addressed to the Senior Executive OfďŹ cer, Housing & Corporate Estate, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow or emailed to housing2@wicklowcoco.ie with subject line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme. The latest date for submissions is 16:00hrs on Friday 31st May 2019. Dated 1st April 2019
LOCAL ELECTIONS MAY 24, 2019 CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE
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wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
SpruceitupforSpring!
Y
our garden will probably be starting to show signs of life after the winter storms and the many types of weather we get hit with in March. Now is the time to get out there and get your hands dirty! A gardener will work smarter not harder - when they have the right tools, but also by having those tools in tip top condition. Clean any dust or dirt that may have accumulated from your tools with soapy water and dry well. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to do this when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re putting your tools away in autumn but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt to give them some tlc in spring time too. Start by clearing debris from garden beds and corners and tidy up any broken branches or battered shrubs. By clearing these out of the way youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be making space for VSULQJ Ă&#x20AC;RZHULQJ EXOEV WR JURZ unencumbered and put on their best display. <RX FDQ DOVR GR DQ\ ÂżQDO pruning to trees to make the most of the light that gets into your garden. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good chance your
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to turn over a new leaf soil will need some help to prepare it for any new planting ideas you may have. Clear any weeds, give it a good rake and even turn it over with a fork if it needs it. Add fresh compost or manure to give your soil a nutrient boost and make it ready to receive any new plantings in a couple of weeks time. Make a plan as to what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll keep, what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get rid of, what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll move and what
youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll add when it comes to your garden. Any plants that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thrive ODVW \HDU PLJKW EHQHÂżW IURP D GLŕľľHUHQW SRVLWLRQ 0D\EH VRPH plants or shrubs got a bit too big for the space and could do with being transplanted or cut back. Some plants can be moved at this time of year but some prefer to be moved during their dormant season, usually from October onwards. Ask at your
garden centre if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re unsure as to whether or not to move a plant or shrub, especially if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fond of. When planning what to have in your garden consider what will bloom and when so that you can have colour right throughout the VHDVRQ 0L[ SHUQQLDO Ă&#x20AC;RZHUV with some annuals and you will keep colour longer. Consider too plants of GLŕľľHUHQW KHLJKWV HQVXULQJ WKH
taller blooms donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t block the sun from the middle and lower heights. IF youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got grass, spring is an important time to turn your attention to your turf. Clear the lawn of winter debris and look for areas that need reseeding before mowing. You can start a compost pile, at any time of year but spring is a great time for new beginnings of all sorts so if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
begun one already, start now. Begin by collecting plant debris and leaves raked up from the garden. Find equal amounts â&#x20AC;&#x153;brownâ&#x20AC;? (carbon-rich) materials like dried leaves and straw and â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? (nitrogen-rich) materials like grass clippings and ZHHGV &KRS WKHVH XS ÂżUVW WR speed decomposition. There are two main approaches to composting. # A â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot pileâ&#x20AC;? is built all at once with alternating layers of greens and browns. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turned regularly, not added to, and provides D ÂżQLVKHG UHVXOW LQ MXVW D IHZ months. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;cold pile,â&#x20AC;? on the other hand, is added to regularly and not turned. Finished compost takes longer to form and is usually scraped out from the bottom of the pile. You can introduce more than Ă&#x20AC;RZHUV VKUXEV DQG WUHHV WR GHForate your garden. The array of garden ornaments available locally is sure to have something for everyone, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cute little characters from nature - owls, sheep, frogs etc., chimes, mirrors, or bird baths / bird houses. If you have already made yourself a welcoming spot for your local feathered friends, now is a great time to give your feeders a refresh.
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wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
SpruceitupforSpring!
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wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
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opinion&comment
Get ready: local elections wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be long coming
T
he elections on May 24 wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be long coming around. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the day we vote in the 2019 Local and European polls. Our chance to speak. Our chance to vote out those that are not performing to our satisfaction, vote in those who think will do better, or return those who are doing a decent job. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of apathy and anger about politics at a national level, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understandable. How could we be happy with our TDs when the housing crisis isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t improving, no action is being taken on climate change the public have to endure one HSE crisis after another.
Brian Quigley The only thing Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d give them a pass mark on is their handling of Brexit. Given the issues at national level, it would be understandable if people didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to engage with the local elections as they are seen be many as being of less importance. As for the European
Parliament elections, apathy about these is understandable given that we have so few seats in such a big institution. But now isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the time for apathy. Now is the time for engagement. It is up to us to set the agenda for politicians, from the local level upwards. Take the time to talk to any politicians who call to your door but take their agendas and manifestos with a pinch of salt. Give them your agenda and tell them thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you want done. Make them listen to you rather than the other way around. We know politicians are good at talking, but a lot of that talk is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;large doses of spoofologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, to use a Brian Kerr quote. How good are they at listening rather than talking?
Geraldine Ryan, Mary Wyer, Mary Whelan, Tina Ryan, Veronica Lacey, Nuala Doyle and David Drysdale from Voices of Bray at the Wicklow Sings Choral Festival at Templecarrig School Perhaps prospective politicians should be talking to the very young. The recent Schools Strike For Climate day brought out millions of students in thousands of cities in more than 100 countries. Essentially the issue of environmental concern has politicized the very young, which is something we should be hugely impressed by. Yes, make the candidates at
the door converse with your children; if your children arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t impressed with what they see and hear then perhaps that should be a barometer for us voters. Personally Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see a lot of young candidates succeeding in the local elections. Health Minister Simon Harris is perhaps a bad example of what I mean. He was given too much
too soon and hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lived up to expectation; as well as that he comes as ersatz. More young councillors in general would be a good thing. They are more likely to have empathy with the general public, more likely to have imaginative ideas to tackle our problems and more likely to have the energy, enthusiasm and drive to make a GLŕľľHUHQFH
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTĂ IN
NOTICE OF ELECTION WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL
FĂ&#x201C;GRA TOGHCHĂ IN COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTĂ IN
An election of members for each of the local electoral areas of the above-mentioned local authority is about to be held.
TĂĄthar ar tĂ toghchĂĄn a reĂĄchtĂĄil chun comhaltaĂ do gach aon cheann de thoghlimistĂŠir ĂĄitiĂşla a thoghadh don ĂşdarĂĄs ĂĄitiĂşil atĂĄ luaite thuas.
Nomination papers may be obtained from the address below during the usual ofďŹ ce hours.
Is fĂŠidir pĂĄipĂŠir ainmniĂşchĂĄin a fhĂĄil Ăłn seoladh thĂos le linn gnĂĄthuaire oiďŹ ge.
A person may nominate himself/herself as a candidate or may, with his/her consent, be nominated by a proposer who is registered as a local government elector in the local electoral area of the local authority for which he/she proposes to nominate the candidate.
9 ! $ # /$( 9 !9$( (; : !9$( $('($< ' , $ ,,.#;$, $ .)"# #8( (; !9 ! $ # /$( eile (is duine atĂĄ clĂĄraithe mar thoghthĂłir rialtais aitiĂşil i limistĂŠar an ĂşdarĂĄis ĂĄitiĂşil a bhfuil sĂŠ beartaithe ag an duine an t-iarrthĂłir a ainmniĂş dĂł), mar mholtĂłir, ĂŠ nĂł Ă a ainmniĂş, lena thoiliĂş nĂł lena toiliĂş i scrĂbhinn.
A nomination paper from a candidate of a registered political party must have a certiďŹ cate of political afďŹ liation attached which must be produced to me with his/her completed nomination paper.
NĂ mĂłr deimhniĂş cleamhnachta polaitĂochta a bheith ag gabhĂĄil le pĂĄipĂŠar ainmniĂşchĂĄin Ăł iarrthĂłir pĂĄirtĂ polaitĂochta clĂĄraithe agus caithfear ĂŠ a thabhairt ar aird domsa lena fhoirm/lena foirm ainmniĂşchĂĄin chomhlĂĄnaithe.
If no certiďŹ cate is attached, the candidate must, before the latest time for receiving nominations, either-
/, ' $ # )( $'#($< ./".# , $, (: ';, )( $ ,,.#;$, ,)$'# ( ' $- 9 ( : chun ainmniĂşchĂĄin a fhĂĄil, ceachtar den dĂĄ rud seo a dhĂŠanamh â&#x20AC;&#x201C;
5 - /, -- (.- .) .# ()'$( .$)( 2 1 2 )! -. ./.),2 & , .$)(- 2 &) & government electors registered in the relevant local electoral area (forms available from me or the registration authority), or
5 <$" )(.< #9 " & $- ( $('($< #8( !#8$& .,: # , #/$.# , #.<& ; .#)"#.#;$,: rialtais ĂĄitiĂşil a bheidh clĂĄraithe sa toghlimistĂŠar ĂĄitiĂşil ĂĄbhartha (tĂĄ na foirmeacha ar fĂĄil uaimse nĂł Ăłn ĂşdarĂĄs clĂĄraithe), nĂł
5 ' % *)-$. )! â&#x201A;Ź *)-$. ' 2 &-) ' )( .# ( $ . - # &!
5 9 ,& $- â&#x201A;Ź :) $- !9$ $, 9 ,& $- :) .# , (( ( $ ,,.#;, !, $-$(
# & . -. .$' !), , $0$(" ()'$( .$)(- $- ())( )( ./, 2 .# .# 2 )! 2
- 9 ' 8(& 9 .# $,( ( < &8 # &. $( ( . ' $- 9 ( : & hainmniĂşchĂĄin a ghlacadh.
Completed nomination papers may be delivered to me in person by the candidate or his/ # , *,)*)- , . (2 .$' 1# ( ' . '2 )!3 !,)' ' )( .# .# 2 )! *,$& /(.$& ())( )( .# & -. 2 !), , $0$(" ()'$( .$)(- ' , +/$, 2 & 1 .) .. ( .) , $0 ()'$( .$)(- .1 ( ' ( ())( ( .1 ( *' ( *' )( ,$ 2 .# , 2 )! 2 ( .1 ( ' ( ())( )( ./, 2 .# .# 2 )! 2 ! .# & .$)( $- )(. -. *)&& 1$&& . % ( )( .# .# 2 )! 2 .1 .# #)/,- )! ' ( *' Thomas Murphy, Returning OfďŹ cer, County Buildings, Wicklow Town 24th day of April, 2019
(
Is fĂŠidir leis an iarrthĂłir nĂł lena mholtĂłir/a moltĂłir pĂĄipĂŠir ainmniĂşchĂĄin chomhlĂĄnaithe -# # # #/" ' $ * ,- .,8.# , $.# #:' $ ' )$3 " ; ' ( < &8 # $ , 8( ") ' 8(& , ( &8 $- 9 ( : & # $('($< #8$( "#& # 8 (" & ),' ! )$( &: # $.# $ &8.# $, & "& # & # $('($< #8$( $ $, ' "/- ' 8( & "/- $ $, *' "/- *' 9 # )$( ( < &8 # &. $( "/- $ $,
' "/- ' 8( & 9 .# $,( < &8 # &. $( 8 #:)(( .)"# #8( )'#, $ (( , 8 #.8&! , 0;. :) #. ( < &8 # &. $( $ $, ' "/- *' TomĂĄs Ă&#x201C; MurchĂş, Ceann Comhairimh, OiďŹ g na gConntae, Baile Chill MhantĂĄin. 24Ăş lĂĄ de hAibreĂĄn, 2019.
| 21
wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
opinion&comment
You deserve a council that works
I
would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you, my name is Chris Walsh. I have been working in the community for the last two years with several charities and local organisations as Fianna Fáil Area Rep, and now as your Local Election Candidate for Bray East. During this time, I have listened to you and learned a lot about our town and the issues we face. As someone who grew up and went to school in Bray, I have enormous pride in our town and want to see us reach our full potential. I believe that with the right plan and community spirit we can make Bray an even better place to live, work and raise a family. For so long we have seen plan after plan not being thought through properly, it seems everything we try and do causes yet another issue for our town. We need a council that will be pro-active in addressing these problems, instead of reacting to problems that have been caused by bad planning and lack of ambition.
self included, spending hours every day travelling to and from work, away from our time with families and friends – this must change! I want to make the lives of people easier by ensuring we come up with practical solutions to help ease the strain. Our roads are also in very bad condition, the Quinnsborough Road and Vevay road are in awful condition. We have pot holes, road markings worn away and so many estates trapped in by the lack of adequate markings – these may seem simple things that make D PDVVLYH GL൵HUHQFH WR ORFDOV and the council needs to react to these concerns.
Chris Walsh If elected in May, I will give my all to making Bray the best it can be, a town where our children can thrive, where our elderly are supported and feel safe in their home, and the people who make our town what it is are listened to. The people of Bray elect the council, they deserve a council that works for them, listens to their needs and provides the services necessary for our town to grow. My priorities are: Sports Campus I have been working closely with Deputy Stephen Donnelly on delivering a brand new sports campus for North Wicklow. Our local sports clubs
Mary Miles and James Kemp at the Wicklow Sings Choral Festival at Templecarrig School contribute so much to our society and they deserve a home to be proud of. I fully believe that we will be able to deliver this facility, which will ensure that future generations are given the opportunity to learn through play, and build long and lasting friendships through sport.
Transport & Roads As a major commuter town Bray is lacking in the infrastructure necessary to provide locals with reliable means to get to and from work. Failure to provide adequate Park and Ride facilities for our train station is leaving many commuters, my-
Housing Bray is becoming more and PRUH XQD൵RUGDEOH DQG OHDYing so many people who want to stay in Bray no option but to move away. We have three and four generations living in the one house and overcrowding is increasingly become more and more commonplace. This is not sustainable and is putting pressure on middle income families to pay their bills. We need to EXLOG PRUH D൵RUGDEOH DQG VR-
cial housing and give families a chance of a better quality of life. Community Services Bray has some outstanding local groups. The feedback from so many, that I have had the pleasure to meet so far, is that there is a disconnect between them and the council. These community-based supports need to be listened to and get the respect and acknowledgement they deserve. They deserve a council that interacts with them and gets involved in their campaigns. Tourism Our town has long been crying out for more investment in tourism. Bray has the potential to become a top tourist destination. We have all the natural resources and excellent businesses to excel in the area. I believe strongly we can grow our tourist attractions and in turn rejuvenate our town and grow our local businesses. Chris Walsh is a Fianna Fail local election candidate for Bray East
22 | WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory
April Flowers APRIL SHOWERS.....we’ve certainly had our fair share of them in the last week or so! There is an upside though. All that rain mixed with some sunshine and warmer temperatures leads to lots of April flowers. Our countryside, hedgerows, parks and gardens are bursting into a dazzling kaleidoscope of yellows, whites and purples/ blues, enough to brighten any dark, wet day. With the collapse in pollinators and insects in general, every one of these wildflowers is worth its weight in gold as a food source to our invertebrate populations. Below is a selection of flowers that were on display on a recent short walk near my house. Keep your eye out for these and others in the next week. If you struggle with plant identification then there are good free apps that can identify plants from a photo you take with your phone. Otherwise just take a shot and look it up online or in a good id guide later.
Common Fumitory (Photo Justin Ivory)
wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
ninenottomiss BOOK of the week
TV SHOW of the week
FILM of the week
HOROSCOPES
A BOOK OF BONES by John Connolly
THE GOOD FIGHT RTE 1 Tuesday 23rd April, 9.35pm
HELLBOY General Release: April 2019
The new thrilling instalment of John Connolly’s popular Charlie Parker series. He is our best hope. He is our last hope. On a lonely moor in the northeast of England, the body of a young woman is discovered near the site of a vanished church. In the south, a girl lies buried beneath a Saxon mound. To the southeast, the ruins of a priory hide a human skull. Each is a sacrifice, a summons. And something in the shadows has heard the call. But another is coming: Parker the hunter, the avenger. He will track those who would cast this world into darkness. Parker fears no evil. But evil fears him . . .
Spin-off of ‘The Good Wife’ about a highprofile law firm in Chicago, ‘The Good Fight’ makes a welcome return to our screens. In the first episode, ‘The One About the Recent Troubles’, a storm brews at Reddick, Boseman and Lockhart when revelations of a partner’s past indiscretions come to light. An incident at home pushes Diane to breaking point, Lucca is given a new opportunity and Marissa teaches Maria to toughen up. With Christine Baranski, Cush Jumbo, Rose Leslie, Delroy Lindo.
American superhero film based on the Dark Horse Comics character of the same name. The film is directed by Neil Marshall and stars David Harbour as Hellboy. The film also features Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, and Daniel Dae Kim. It is a reboot of the Hellboy film series and is the third liveaction installment in the film series. The film draws inspiration from Darkness Calls, The Wild Hunt, and The Storm and the Fury. Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, Hellboy, caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.
COMEDY of the week
SHOW of the week
SHOW of the week
Bugloss (Photo Justin Ivory)
TAURUS Get into domestic arts and joys. Creative ideas abound. Share some beauty, comfort and relaxation with family and friends. GEMINI Find creative outlets to advance a cause you feel passionate about. Listen to a wider conversation. Edit communications. CANCER Extra income is available. Creative work can pay well. Invest in your business. You can get the resources you need. LEO Get a lucky personal break. You’re attractive and charismatic. Score an achievement, milestone or win.
DAVID McSAVAGE - NATIONAL TREASURE Saturday 27th April @ 8pm Mermaid Arts Centre. T : 01 2724030 .
JOE DALY’S CHILDRENS’ MAGIC SHOW Monday 22nd April Whale Theatre, T : 01 2010550.
David McSavage is a self proclaimed national treasure. It has been said he is to comedy what the Abbey is to theatre. Maybe because he believes he’s more important than he is, or that the majority of the country doesn’t care about him. But unlike the Abbey Theatre David’s best days aren’t behind him, his intention for this new show which he has yet to write is for you the audience member to feel “wow that was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen, it was so original, courageous, and yet very flawed. I would really like to be his friend.“ A regular guest on TV David has also appeared at all the major comedy festivals internationally.
Direct from his weekday magic show ‘abraKIDabra’ on RTÉjr, and the RTÉ 1 Christmas show “The Greatest show That Never Was” Joe Daly brings his children’s comedy magic and illusion show to the Whale Theatre. Suitable for children from 4-12, Joe will bring them on a rollercoaster ride of magic, illusion, comedy and fun. Joe’s show completely reinvents children’s entertainment, so much show that the adults will enjoy it as much as the kids! Prepare yourself to be spellbound one minute and roaring laughing the next.
GIG of the week
ARTIST of the week
SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT DINOSAURS April 20 Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray. T : 01 2724030 . So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs is the hit stage show starring dinosaur aficionado Dr Ben Garrod. Get ready to go on an exciting pre-historic adventure as Ben talks you through the deadliest predators that ever roamed the planet. Yes dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Allosaurus and Spinosaurus would have walked or swam right where you are now! Pitting the knowledge of unwitting parents against their all-knowing kids, Dr Ben presents an interactive, educational and highly entertaining show.
FUN IDEA of the week
VIRGO Find a quiet place to think. Nature inspires you. Consider hopes, wishes and visions. Hidden assets help IXO¿OO D GUHDP LIBRA Answers, solutions, resources and support ÀRZ WKURXJK \RXU VRFLDO channels. Connect for a common cause. SCORPIO All the pieces seem to be coming together in a professional puzzle. Use your skills, talents and tricks. Work your magic. SAGITTARIUS
Stretch your wings, and expand your horizons. Things come together easily. 6WD\ ÀH[LEOH <RXU SDVW ZRUN UHÀHFWV \RX ZHOO
Lesser Celandine (Photo Justin Ivory)
Blackthorn flower (Photo Justin Ivory)
ARIES Someone attractive is saying nice things about you. Good fortune around work, money and romance brightens your outlook. Celebrate together.
STILL DON’T MAKE NO SENSE Saturday 20th April @ 9:00 pm Whale Theatre, Greystones. T : 01 2010550
ROBERT SARAZIN BLAKE Sunday 5th May @ 4.30. The Hot Spot, Victoria Road, Greystones. T : 087-2917519
WICKLOW BOWL & KIDZONE Dublin Road, Bollarney North, Wicklow. T : 01 404 65222 . info@wicklowbowl.ie
You’ve watched the film, heard the album and gone to the screenings in the Sugar Club, the Lighthouse and Electric Picnic. Now Playback bring you a live re-enactment of Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense. Floor lamp? Check. Big suit? Check. A tape they’d like to play? Check. Come and watch as the band blast through all sixteen of the songs from the film, including classics like “Psycho Killer”, “Once in a Lifetime”, and “This Must Be the Place”. Playback is an “album tribute band” made up of some of Dublin’s finest singers and musicians.
In 1997, Robert Sarazin Blake dropped out of college and hit the road. The folk music of his father’s house had combined with the punk ethos of the day and produced his first batch of songs. Performing 200 shows a year, Blake is a world class performer in a neighborhood venue. The show is a combination of songs, stories, banter and rambles landing somewhere between a concert and a theatrical instillation all influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan, John Prine, Shel Silverstein, Christy Moore, Lou Reed and Joni Mitchell.
Ten Pin Bowling is a great way to spend time with your family and friends. 12 lanes of state-of-the-art Qubica AMF equipment with luxury seating and special glow-in-the-dark lighting. Automated bumpers on each lane with computerised scoring. Over 18’s enjoy our BYOB nights! Gather a group of friends and enjoy an evening of indoor activity whilst sipping on a drink! Great option for staff and birthday parties before you hit the dance floor! Our Bring Your Own Beer nights take place on the first Friday of every month from 9pm to 12 midnight! Only €10 per person.
CAPRICORN Position yourself for ¿QDQFLDO JURZWK 5HYLHZ the data, and keep accounts updated and organized. Discuss priorities with your partner. AQUARIUS Whisper sweet nothings with your partner. Talk about love, dreams and visions. You can realize the possibilities that light you both up. PISCES Accept coaching from someone who sees your blind spots. Get farther than expected toward a health or ¿WQHVV JRDO 3UDFWLFH
| 23
wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019
insideback
Quinn would be a perfect fit
L
ast week the FAI let themselves down again. Instead of answers the public were served up evasions after the appearance at the Oireachtas committee. This was coming from an organisation that badly needed to do something to get back onside with the soccer, sporting and general communities in Ireland. Instead, they made things worse. It’s not surprising that there were protests at League of Ireland games at the weekend. Long viewed by the FAI as some sort of ‘problem child’, the League is the lifeblood of senior soccer in this country, and the bedrock upon which our UEFA coH൶FLHQW LV EDVHG WR WKH EHQH¿W of the FAI). The scenes in Cork, where a fan involved in a peaceful protest was removed from Turners Cross by security, was shameful. This is still a democracy we
live in. Protesting in a peaceful way is a right. Silencing protests is an action associated with less-enlightened forms of political rule. What were the FAI afraid of hearing? Public outrage? Shouts and calls from the public for change? Change is needed. The top brass at the FAI have been in for too long. Staying in too long corrupts. People wanted something done, and the messenger must not be shot. I’d have been in favour of taking drastic action like boycotting the next Ireland game in order to force through change, if the news hadn’t come through midweek via Shane Ross that the entire FAI board are to step down. A new CEO that can effect real change can hopefully now come on board and complete a root-and-branch retooling of the FAI. The outgoing FAI board were often in the dock over issues to do with money. They should have had plenty of it; they certainly shouldn’t have
Principals Maeve Tierney and Brian O’Doherty with some of the children who will be competing with their families for the fittest school at the St Patricks ve rsus St Cronans Hell & Back on May 6 in Killruddery
need bridging loans. It turns out though that their own auditors KDYH QRWL¿HG WKH DXWKRULWLHV RI potential failures in their accounts. ‘Proper accounting records’ weren’t kept, it seems. It
will be interesting to see if there are any prosecutions under the Companies Act to follow. League of Ireland clubs, on the other hand, could all do with cash injections to improve
training, playing and spectator facilities and to build for the future. Nobody is involved in League of Ireland football for the money. Quite the opposite – dedicated board members
up and down the country are very often putting in their own PRQH\ WR NHHS WKHLU FOXE DÀRDW Buckets were passed around at some grounds during the recession, while Delaney was charging up astronomical expenses. All wrong. Niall Quinn has been one name mentioned as a possibility to go into the FAI as the new CEO. I’d be in favour of that. He’d have a genuine interest in the League of Ireland as well as the senior side. The FAI might get him now all the blazers are gone. The lid has been lifted on the Delaney-era FAI. The can of worms has been opened. We have investigative journalism to thank. Let’s get it all out in the open and punish those who KDYH FRPPLWWHG R൵HQFHV 7KH let’s move on, with a new team, to achieve new goals.
24 |
wicklowvoice.ie April 17-30, 2019