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wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
wicklowvoice OVERALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE BRAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDEAVOUR AWARDS
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May 28,29, 2015, 01 901 5556/7, March 2019t: wicklowvoice.ie e: info@wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
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The CEO, the TV star and the â‚Ź1m Kilmac pad How â‚Ź3k-a-month house brought down John Delaney A â‚Ź1M house owned by TV star Grainne Seoige which was subject to repossession proceedings by KBC Bank in 2015 is at the centre of the FAI scandal that has seen John Delaney step down from his â‚Ź360,000-a-year job. The plush pad was being rented by the FAI for â‚Ź3000 per month for its ex-CEO to live in. The property in Kilmacanogue, which Seoige shared with her ex-husband Stephen Cullinane, is located just minutes from local football clubs Ardmore Rovers and Enniskerry FC who cater for more than a thousand children every week but have no clubhouses or home grounds. It has subsequently emerged that Delaney has snapped up a ÂżYH EHGURRP KRXVH IRU Âź N located 3km outside Aughrim, 50km south of Kilmac. “It is disgraceful,â€? a parent of two Ardmore Rovers players, who did not wish to be named, told the Wicklow Voice. “My two children have to get
A marcher waves to the crowd during Bray’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Pic: Joe Keogh  Lots more pictures from around the county inside
changed on the side of public playing pitches while the club struggles to raise the money it QHHGV WR ÂżQG D KRPH “I brought them to the IrelandGeorgia match during the week and it cost â‚Ź95 for the tickets and â‚Ź15 for chips and now I know where it’s going to.â€? Delaney is now FAI Executive Vice-President on â‚Ź120,00 per year. “Without being personal, most people involved in schoolboy football clubs aren’t surprised at the latest revelations,â€? a spokesperson for Ardmore Rovers, told the Wicklow Voice: “We are all trying to run football clubs without proper funding. The image of the game here has always been tainted, DQG WKLV GHEDFOH FRQÂżUPV LW “Hopefully this will be seen as the start of a serious and respected body and the end of a regime that provided little for everybody in the game.â€? Inside Delaney’s new â‚Ź868k house: Pictures page 8
Still taking bookings for Mother’s Day
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04| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
news in brief Network Ireland mediation talk JOIN Network Ireland Wicklow for an Evening on “Workplace Mediationâ€? with Dr Genevieve Murray and Louisa Meehan on April 2, 2019 between 7–9:30pm in Fishers in Newtownmountkennedy. Dealing with workplace FRQĂ€LFW FDQ ÂżOO PRVW professionals with an increased sense of dread and this talk will be an open discussion from Dr Genevieve Murray and /RXLVD 0HHKDQ ERWK TXDOLÂżHG mediators, who will share their personal experiences with FRQĂ€LFW UHVROXWLRQ
Tea at 10 Bray Chamber Networking at the Martello: speaker SiobhĂĄn Fitzpatrick from Women in Business Network, Mary Fahey Bank of Ireland Bray, Pat Ă“ SuilleabhĂĄin Chamber President, Ruth Donnelly vice-President, Sarah Finnegan Bray Chamber Committee
Historical society THE members of Kilmacanogue History Society are looking forward to their next lecture, which takes place on April 2 in the Glenview Hotel at 8 pm. Tim Crowley will present the Michael Collins Story with unique insight into the life and death of one of the most iconic SROLWLFDO DQG PLOLWDU\ ÂżJXUHV LQ the history of our nation. Tim Crowley is a historian, ZULWHU DQG ÂżOPPDNHU IURP WKH Rebel County. Tim and his wife Dolores have established and run the Michael Collins Interpretive Centre and Museum near Clonakilty, Co Cork.
Powerscourt Hotel sells for ₏50m THE Five-star Powerscourt Hotel in Enniskerry has been sold for ₏50m. The hotels group backed by Virgin Media owner John Malone has has snapped the hotel and will become part of the American billionaire’s MHL Collection of hotel properties in Ireland, which includes the Westin, InterContinental, Hilton, Morgan, Spencer, and Trinity properties in Dublin, and the Limerick Strand Hotel and
Glenlo and Harbour Hotel in Galway. The 200-bed Powerscourt Hotel has been owned since 2013 by an investment group that includes Midwest Holding, Tetrarch Capital, and Brehon Capital Partners. It stands close to the Powerscourt Garden estate and golf courses. Originally built by Johnny Ronan and Richard Barrett of Treasury Holdings, the Palladian-style hotel property
and its spa, pool, and leisure facilities was something of an icon of Celtic Tiger-era opulence when it opened as the Ritz Carlton in 2006, just before the onset of the property and banking crash a decade ago. It lost millions during the worst of the recession. 7KH 0+/ &ROOHFWLRQ ÂżUP which involves Malone, John Lally, and Paul Higgins, has 11 hotels and employs more than 1,800 people.
That’s Cool: 1.4m trees to be saved VISITORS to Cool Planet Experience have pledged to reduce their carbon footprint by 25% - 30,000 tonnes and the equivalent of saving over 1.4m trees - in the 12 months since the SLRQHHULQJ WRXULVW DWWUDFWLRQ ÂżUVW opened its doors in Enniskerry in March 2018. Almost 20,000 visitors have taken part in the interactive experience, designed to inform about the realities of climate change, and inspire individuals to become ‘Agents of Change’. Through immersion, gaming, competition and more, Cool Planet takes visitors on a journey through the highs and lows of our changing climate, whilst imparting exciting innovations and practical solutions that can be embraced to help solve the problem. The next generation is leading the charge, with children pledging to reduce their footprints by 25%, compared with their adult’s 22%. “Year one at Cool Planet has been incredible,â€? said CEO, Vicky Brown “What is especially exciting is our results DUH VXSSRUWLQJ WKH ÂżQGLQJV RI the citizens assembly on climate change.
Down but only just: price of three-bed semi falls THE price of the average threebed semi in County Wicklow IHOO E\ LQ WKH ÂżUVW WKUHH months of this year, according to a national survey carried out by Real Estate Alliance. Wicklow prices rose by 5.3% to â‚Ź289,000 in the past year, the REA Average House Price Survey found. The survey concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the threebed semi, giving an up-to-date picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide to the close of last week. “As we approach Brexit, we DUH VWDUWLQJ WR VHH DQ HŕľľHFW LQ the market, with buyers becoming nervous about an exposure to reduction in price values,â€? said Matt Forkin of REA Forkin, North Wicklow, where the average three-bed semi is currently selling for â‚Ź315,000 – down from â‚Ź320,000 in December. REA Forkin have also reported the market stabilising in Wicklow Town with average time to sell rising from six weeks to eight, and a fall of 1.41% in the Bray market with VDOHV WLPHV ULVLQJ IURP ÂżYH weeks to eight, with the selling price of an average three bed semi at â‚Ź320,000 and â‚Ź350,000 respectively. “We have seen an increase in
the cash percentage of purchasHV ZKLFK UHĂ€HFWV DQ LQFUHDVH in investors coming to the market,â€? said Simon Murphy of REA Murphy, Baltinglass and Blessington, where a three-bed semi is currently averaging at a price of â‚Ź170,000 – unchanged over the past 12 months. The average semi-detached house nationally now costs â‚Ź235,898, the Q1 REA Average House Price Survey has found – a fall of -0.16% on the Q4 2018 ÂżJXUH RI Âź The price of a three-bed semidetached house in Dublin city has fallen by -1.7% since the end of December, wiping out the average â‚Ź7,000 gains in value experienced throughout 2018. The price of the average threebed semi-detached house in the capital’s postcode districts now stands at â‚Ź437,500. “Time taken to reach sale agreed in Dublin is now eight weeks – double that of a year DJR Âą DQG UHĂ€HFWV WKH GLŕľśFXOties that people are experiencing in obtaining a mortgage,â€? said REA spokesperson Barry McDonald. “We are seeing an appreciable drop in people attaining mortgage approval – particularly for properties above â‚Ź350,000 – which is creating a ceiling that LV VWLĂ€LQJ WKH PDUNHW ´
50 new jobs on way FIFTY new jobs are to be created in Wicklow by an Irish solar energy services company. Crowley Carbon is to invest â‚Ź10m in three projects with the aim of increasing the amount of solar energy produced here by 50%. The move will bring to 250, the number of people employed by WKH (QQLVNHUU\ EDVHG ÂżUP ERWK in Ireland and internationally in over 18 countries. The business is working on projects in Ghana, Mexico and 3RODQG DQG KDV DOUHDG\ ÂżQLVKHG
a 6 Megawatt (MW) solar installation in the UK. Crowley Carbon provides energy services to a range of corporate clients, including Johnson & Johnson, Associated British Foods and Proctor and Gamble. “Ireland’s position on Solar is unfortunately quite poor, with our installed base of solar standing at a mere 8 MW in contrast to the UK, with similar sunlight, having 1,600 times more solar than we do,� said founder and chief executive, Norman Crowley.
wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
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wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
news in brief Food programme awarded funds A WICKLOW community food initiative has been announced as one of 14 projects awarded funding from safefood for the 2019-2021 Community Food Initiatives (CFIs) Programme launched yesterday. County Wicklow Community Partnership Community Food Initiatives aims to promote healthy eating and overall wellbeing for communities in the county. The CFI programme is GHVLJQHG WR SRVLWLYHO\ LQĂ€XHQFH the eating habits of families with children in low income communities across the island of Ireland. safefood is investing a total of â‚Ź630,000 over the three years of the initiative to help each of the 14 successful projects set up, manage and sustain their work.
Leas Cathaoirleach John Ryan and Bray Chamber’s Pat O Suilleabhain present Bray Emmets GAA Club with the trophy for Best Sports Entry at the prize giving for Bray St Patrick’s Day Parade. All pix Joe Keogh
John Ryan and Pat O Suilleabhain present Lawless Dance Academy with the award for Best Community
Tesco’s Great Irish Bake On April 5 Tesco stores in Wicklow will be hosting a Great Irish Bake to raise much needed dough for Tesco’s national charity partner; Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Now in LWV ¿IWK \HDU 7HVFR ,UHODQGœV 151 stores nationwide will be hosting a Great Irish Bake sale in aid of Temple Street, with the aim of raising ₏100,000 for much needed equipment for the hospital.
All smiles at Bray’s St Patrick’s Day Parade 2019 Cllr Dermot O’Brien, John Ryan, Pat O’Suilleabhain and Ollie Mahony present Urban X Hip Hop with the Best Overall Award
John Ryan and Pat O Suilleabhain present Shauna McGauran School of Irish Dance with the trophy for Best Spirit Of St Patrick’s Day
Bye, bye Bronco: legendary local stuntman dies TRIBUTES have been paid to legendary Wicklow stuntman Anthony ‘Bronco’ McLoughlin, who appeared in numerous hit movies including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Star Wars and Rambo II, as well as Father Ted, who died on March 26. “R.I.P to our colleague and mentor Bronco McLoughlin. He truly was a trailblazer in the stunt world. Ar dheis DĂŠ go raibh a anam,â€? a Tweet from Stunt register Ireland read. McLoughlin, who was from Ashford, earned his nickname after he left school aged 16 to work as a cattle rancher in Australia and ended up working as a bronco rider in rodeos. On his return to Ireland in 1967, his skill as a horseman landed him a part as an extra RQ WKH +DPPHU DGYHQWXUH ÂżOP The Viking Queen, which was EHLQJ ÂżOPHG QHDU KLV KRPH LQ Wicklow. It led to many roles
in movies, including playing a stormtrooper in Star Wars in 1977, and working as a stuntman on Richard Donner’s Superman. He went on to perform and coordinate stunts in more than 40 movies, including playing a mujaheddin in Rambo III, performing stunts on Ryan’s Daughter, and famously being tied to the wooden cross that ÀRDWV RYHU WKH WRS RI D ZDWHUIDOO in the opening scene of The Mission. Closer to home, McLoughlin ZDV DOVR VWXQWPDQ RQ ¿YH episodes of Father Ted, including a memorable scene in which he was on a park bench
hoisted into the air at a fair ground on Craggy Island. He was also a stunt coordinator on four episodes of the comedy. McLoughlin also had small parts in several James %RQG ¿OPV DQG SOD\HG D FXVWRPV RྜFHU LQ WKH $UQROG Schwarzenegger version of Total Recall where he caught an exploding head. He performed stunts in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and worked as stunt coordinator on The Field, and Man About Dog. In 2000’s Ordinary Decent Criminal he opened the door that got smashed by a car, and he was the assassin in Gangs of New York. He was a member of Stunt Register Ireland and was inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Hall of Fame. According to IMDB, in a neat symmetry, his last role as a stuntman was on a 2014 episode of TV drama Vikings.
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wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
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08 | news in brief Wicklow Parish Car boot sales Wicklow Parish will host car ERRW VDOHV RQ WKH ÂżUVW 6DWXUGD\ of each month from April to September (except June). Save the dates - April 6, May 4, July 6, August 3 and September 7. The sales will be held in East Glendalough School from 9am2pm. If you are interested in taking a pitch, the cost is â‚Ź10 per car, or â‚Ź15 for a car with trailer or a van. Gates open DW DP 7HD FRŕľľHH DQG refreshments will be available and restroom facilities also. For more information, call Peter Earls (087 2706616) or Lesley Hopkins (087 6091945).
wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
Inside Delaney’s ₏868k pad Tennis court, stables, five bed-rooms and a waterfall in Aughrim
Think before you flush! Irish Water have urged residents in Wicklow to ‘Think Before You Flush’, after a massive sewage blockage was cleared from the Bollarney Wastewater Pumping Station, Wicklow, over the weekend by Wicklow County Council VWDŕľľ ZRUNLQJ RQ EHKDOI RI Irish Water. This was the third blockage in one day at the station. The blockage occurred as a result of inappropriate items, such as wet wipes, cotton bud sticks, nappies and cotton ZRRO SDGV EHLQJ Ă€XVKHG GRZQ the toilet instead of being put in the bin.
John Delaney bought Craffield on February 20 - the FAI had previously rented Grainne Seoige’s house in Kilmac (below) for ₏3k a month for its former CEO THIS is the ₏868,000 posh new pad and eight acres of land that ex-FAI chief John Delaney bought on February 20. Situated in a scenic valley roughly 3km outside Aughrim, &UDྜHOG LV D FRXQWU\ KRPH WKDW dates from the 19th century. Delaney, who has now taken up the role of Executive Vice President with the Association, was previously living in a ₏3k-a-month rented house in Kilmacanogue which was paid for by the FAI and is owned by TV star Grainne Seoige. The pictures printed above were taken from estate agent Sherry F i t z g e r a l d ’s website. Extending to some 4,024sq ft, the house enjoys a sunny south-facing aspect and has large windows and French doors. It also boasts a living room, with full height glazing to the southfacing wall, a library and a study.
7KHUH DUH ¿YH EHGURRPV HDFK with a bath or shower room either connected or immediately adjacent. Ironically the property also includes a tennis court - disgruntled football fans threw tennis balls on the pitch at the Aviva Stadium during Ireland’s recent 1-0 win over Georgia. The eight-acre grounds also has a stream running through it and a waterfall, while the other areas are divided into three manageable grazing paddocks with post and rail fencing and easy access to a small barn with four stables. The news that Delaney would be stepping down from his role as CEO came after the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 victory over minnows Gibraltar recently.
The Waterford native will now take on the newly created position of Executive Vice President, which will see him have responsibility for all UEFA and FIFA matters. )$, &KLHI 2SHUDWLQJ 2ྜFHU Rea Walshe has been appointed Interim Chief Executive until a permanent replacement is found. According to the FAI, the restructuring was recommended following a review by sports governance experts Jonathan Hall Associates into its senior management structures and CEO role. However, the timing of the move has raised eyebrows, coming just a week after it emerged that Delaney had given a ₏100,000 loan to the FAI in 2017 to help with a short-term FDVK ÀRZ LVVXH Delaney then failed in a High Court bid to get an injunction to block a story detailing the loan and it’s estimated that action cost him at least ₏50,000.
wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
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n our experience, there needs to be choice in housing to allow older people to age in place. This choice should be open to all older people in the country, not just those who qualify for social housing or who can D൵RUG WR DYDLO RI PRUH FRVWO\ SULYDWH RSWLRQV This is why we are calling for D µVSHFWUXP RI KRXVLQJ¶ WKDW QRW only takes into consideration WKH QHHGV RI ROGHU SHRSOH IURP D KHDOWK FRPPXQLW\ DQG VRFLDO LQFOXVLRQ SHUVSHFWLYH EXW DOVR shows an awareness of the need IRU GL൵HUHQW SULFH SRLQWV $/21( YDOXHV WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI FRPPXQLW\ EDVHG VXSSRUWV which are in place to enable WKH ROGHU SHUVRQ WR RYHUFRPH FKDOOHQJHV DQG GL൶FXOWLHV WKH\ encounter, as well as to access WKH EHQH¿WV DQG UHVRXUFHV WKDW ZLOO HQDEOH WKHP WR UHPDLQ OLYLQJ DW KRPH ZLWKLQ WKHLU FRPPXQLW\ $/21( HVWLPDWH WKDW DW DQ\ RQH WLPH RI ROGHU SHRSOH UHTXLUH VRPH OHYHO RI VXSSRUW LQWHUYHQWLRQ :H ZHOFRPH WKH FRPPLWPHQW IURP WKH +6( WR UROO RXW $/21(¶V VHUYLFHV QDWLRQDOO\ RYHU WKH FRPLQJ \HDUV LQFOXGLQJ befriending, coordination of supports, housing and technology. This will be the beginnings of a network of support across the country. 7KH QHHG IRU FRPPXQLW\
wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
Older people should have a housing choice Seán Moynihan CEO Alone
opinion& comment EDVHG VXSSRUWV ZDV YDOLGDWHG by Minister for Older People, -LP 'DO\ DW WKH ODXQFK RI the Consultation Report on +RPH &DUH µ,PSURYLQJ +RPH &DUH 6HUYLFHV LQ ,UHODQG $Q 2YHUYLHZ RI WKH )LQGLQJV RI WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI +HDOWK¶V 3XEOLF &RQVXOWDWLRQ¶ LQ -XQH This has also been supported LQ WKH UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV IURP WKH 235$+ 6WXG\ LQ :H KDYH DQDO\VHG WKH OLPLWHG GDWD DYDLODEOH LQ ,UHODQG
in regard to housing need, DQG FRPSDUHG WKLV ZLWK 8. experience and research in the area. A detailed exploration of this GDWD LV DYDLODEOH ZLWKLQ RXU Report. 1RZ LV WKH WLPH WR EHJLQ WKH SURFHVV RI EXLOGLQJ FRPPXQLWLHV IRU SHRSOH WR OLYH LQ WKURXJKRXW their life-cycle and to support older people to age in place, SUHSDULQJ IRU WKH GHPRJUDSKLF change and addressing gaps in housing options. There is scope for further GHYHORSPHQW RI PRGHOV RI dedicated housing for older people. )XUWKHU SODQQLQJ DQG DFWLRQ needs to take place to ensure that housing for older people is located in areas of high GHPDQG DQG LQ ORFDWLRQV FORVH WR SHRSOH¶V FXUUHQW KRPHV This will ensure that people DUH QRW GLVSODFHG IURP WKHLU FRPPXQLWLHV DQG IRUFHG WR PRYH DZD\ IURP WKHLU IDPLOLHV and social networks. National planning policy VKRXOG PDNH VLWHV DYDLODEOH IRU
Kayden Hipwell and Anthony Delaney World Book Day at St Peters NS Little Bray
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DVSLUDWLRQV DUH PHW E 3URYLGH UHDO FKRLFH LQ housing options for older people, with the appropriate supports incorporated nationwide. c. Enable older people to UHPDLQ LQ H[LVWLQJ KRPHV through a properly resourced DQG HDV\ WR QDYLJDWH KRPH DGDSWDWLRQ V\VWHP G (QDEOH PLQLPXP VDYLQJV RI ¼ P IRU HYHU\ RQH DQG WZR EHG KRPHV EXLOW IRU older people. %HQH¿WV ZLOO LQFOXGH UHGXFLQJ WKH QXPEHU RI ROGHU SHRSOH
KDYLQJ WR UHPDLQ LQ DFXWH hospital settings long after they are ready for discharge, due to lack of housing options DYDLODEOH RU ORQJ GHOD\V LQ housing adaptations and UHGXFLQJ WKH QXPEHUV RI ROGHU SHRSOH PRYLQJ WR FRVWO\ QXUVLQJ KRPH SURYLVLRQ GXH WR ODFN RI DOWHUQDWLYH KRXVLQJ ZLWK supports. ,W LV HVWLPDWHG WKDW WKH FRVW WR WKH µ)DLU 'HDO¶ VFKHPH ZLOO LQFUHDVH E\ DQ DGGLWLRQDO ¼ P annually by 2031, as a result of GHPRJUDSKLF FKDQJHV Proper planning will enable older people to rightsize WKURXJK WKH DYDLODELOLW\ RI choice in housing options in WKHLU FRPPXQLW\ UHGXFLQJ WKH SUHVVXUH RQ WKH SULYDWH UHQWHG sector and reduce what will be DQ LQFUHDVLQJ SUHVVXUH RQ +$3 6FKHPH We hope that the Report will DVVLVW SROLF\ PDNHUV DW ERWK &HQWUDO DQG /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW OHYHO LQ SODQQLQJ IRU KRXVLQJ DQG WKH YLWDO VXSSRUWV WKDW ROGHU SHRSOH UHTXLUH WR UHPDLQ OLYLQJ DW KRPH ZLWKLQ WKHLU FRPPXQLWLHV :H EHOLHYH WKDW WKH GHOLYHU\ RI WKHVH DPELWLRXV WDUJHWV ZLOO GHSHQG RQ DQ LQQRYDWLYH DQG FROODERUDWLYH DSSURDFK between all stakeholders LQFOXGLQJ WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI +RXVLQJ 3ODQQLQJ DQG /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW 'HSDUWPHQW RI +HDOWK /RFDO $XWKRULWLHV +6( DQG WKH $SSURYHG +RXVLQJ %RG\ VHFWRU
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wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
B
BRAY CREDIT UNION CELEBRATES 55 YEARS
ray Credit Union is 55 years old and they’ve compiled a wonderful exhibition called ‘Back to the Future’ to
celebrate. The exhibition will look at how the movement began in Bray and globally, and how in 55 years, its local membership, amazing volunteers and hard work has made Bray Credit Union, one of the top credit unions in Ireland today. For the event, ‘Bray, Did you Know?’ historians Stephen and Brian Lennon will on board with interesting local facts and photos from during the 55 years. So drop along at any stage between Monday, April 8 to Thursday April 11 from 10am to 3pm daily at Bray Town Hall. All our welcome especially primary and secondary schools and if you want any more information please email: info@ braycu.ie to book in your class.
Pat Fahy, Assistant General Secretary of the Irish League of Credit Unions, members of the board and staff with guests from Kenya in the early 1980’s
Proudly serving the community since 1964 Bray Credit Union are also giving away €1,100 to local schools as part of their 55-year celebrations. All primary and secondary schools in the Wicklow can enter the competition in a bid to
win prizes for their schools. The competition is for drawing a picture or writing an essay based on the following: ‘How do you see Bray Credit Union doing business in 2070?’ Entrants are asked to include
name, class and school on the back page on each piece of work. First prize is €500, second €350 and third €250, while the closing date is Monday, April 1 with all entries displayed in BCU banking hall. The inaugural
meeting of Bray Credit Union took place at Fatima House, Bray in February 1964 and the credit union opened for business in April 1964. In line with the national movement, Bray Credit Union
quickly established itself as D NH\ SURYLGHU RI ¿QDQFLDO services to its members and has grown over the past 55 years. A credit union is an organisation of people - for people, exists only to serve its PHPEHUV DQG LV QRW WR SUR¿W from their needs unlike banks. &UHGLW 8QLRQ SUR¿WV DUH distributed right back to their members. Because of this, Credit Unions often charge lower fees than banks and pay higher interest rates on savings accounts. If you would like to become a member drop in or visit www.braycu.ie.
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wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
BRAY CREDIT UNION C
PROUDLY SERVING THE LOCAL CO Bray Credit Union’s famous mirrored frontage in the early 1990s
“
1972 Board Members: Left to right: Jean Walsh, Nora Carroll, Brendan Nolan, Joe Loughman, Jimmy Kavanagh (Vice-President), Jim, Kelly, Vincent Nolan (President), W.P Quinn, Frank Jackson (Treasurer), Christy McManus, Frank Feely (Secretary) and Gerry Doyle
MISSION OF THE CREDIT UNION IS TO PROMOTE THE FINANCIAL WELL BEING OF ITS MEMBERS. Bernard Finnie - Appointed Manager, April 1979
Members of the Bray Credit Union Board of Directors 2019
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wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
CELEBRATES 55 YEARS
OMMUNITY SINCE 1964
President De Valera signing the Credit Union Act in 1966 with Nora Herlihy
well done and continued success to everyone at Bray Credit Union
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wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
NATIONAL SPRING CLEAN 2019 Get involved. Show you care National Spring Clean is Ireland’s most popular and successful anti-litter initiative. Anyone or any group can get involved. Last year close to 150 events were held in County Wicklow. This year again Wicklow County Council is working with An Taisce to support the campaign, and help to get all our communities litter free. How to get involved? Organise a date for a clean up event in your community and register it with National Spring Clean. Contact Wicklow County Council if you need materials including bags, litter pickers and gloves and also to arrange a collection of the bags afterwards. If you prefer your local Tidy Towns group may have clean ups planned or other activities which you can help out with in your local town and you could join with them instead of organising your own event.
Love where you live in County Wicklow this Spring Wicklow County Council Environmental Awareness OfďŹ ce
National Spring Clean An Taisce
Tel: 0404 20100 Email: eao@wicklowcoco.ie www.wicklow.ie
Tel: 01 4002219 Email: nsc@antaisce.org www.nationalspringclean.org
wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
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16 | WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory
wicklowvoice.ie March 29, 2019
ninenottomiss BOOK of the week
White rumped Wanderer
Male Wheatear (Photo Justin Ivory) IT’S March and the annual spring migration is well under way with the first of the migrants starting to turn up on our shores including Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe). The entire world population of these smart looking, Robin sized birds, winters in subSaharan Africa in a strip from Senegal to Somalia. In early spring the entire population moves to the northern hemisphere including Ireland. Males are usually first to arrive, closely followed by the females. I was lucky enough to come across two very handsome males hanging about the rocks in Greystones last week, gorging themselves on flies that the mild weather had brought out. These birds will quickly move inland to setup breeding territories. Many Northern Wheatears go to Iceland and Greenland to breed. Since spring arrives later at those more northerly locations, these birds leave the wintering grounds later and can be seen passing through Ireland in April. By that stage most of ‘our’ summer resident Wheatears have arrived and moved inland. These later birds are a subspecies often referred to as Greenland Wheatear. When Wheatears fly they have a very distinctive white rump and black T-shaped tail band. The name Wheatear derives from Norse/Anglo-Saxon which means ‘white arse’! Can be found in a variety of habitats including mountains, upland bogs, pastures with short vegetation and rocks, scree or stone walls and along rocky coasts. They like to build their nests down Rabbit burrows, in holes between rocks and have a particular penchant for old drystone walls, which makes Wheatears particularly widespread in the west of Ireland. Wheatears lay clutches of 5-6 pale blue eggs and can have up to two broods in a season. Keep your eyes open for these lovely visitors along our coastlines in the coming weeks and then inland over the summer.
TV SHOW of the week
FILM of the week
HOROSCOPES
ANN DEVINE READY FOR HER CLOSE-UP by Colm O’Regan Meet Ann Devine, a riddle, wrapped up in a fleece, inside a Skoda Octavia. Now that her youngest has flown the nest, Ann finds herself at a loose end. Until, that is, she is put forward for the Kilsudgeon Tidy Towns Committee. Yet all is not neat and tidy in Kilsudgeon. There are strange sightings of people who aren’t local driving 4x4s with a yellow reg, a man bun requesting kefir in the restaurant and a quad bike at a funeral. What does this have to do with rumours of a brand new television series to rival Game of Thrones? And what will it all mean for Kilsudgeon’s newly proposed town park? A lot, as it happens.
COMEDY of the week
AT YOUR SERVICE RTE 1, Sunday 31st March 8.30pm Presented by expert hotelier brothers Francis and John Brennan of the five-star Park Hotel in Kenmare, County Kerry, the premise of the show is that business makeovers are given by the duo to B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels across Ireland. The advice given covers various aspects of management, including staffing, catering arrangements, menus, room inspections and indoor and outdoor redecoration. Francis is responsible for the main inspection, whilst John investigates financial issues, searches for new opportunities and advises ondevelopment. p in the future.
SHOW of the week
US General Release Accompanied by her husband, son and daughter, Adelaide Wilson returns to the beachfront home where she grew up as a child. After spending a tense beach day with their friends, the Tylers (Emmy winner Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Cali Sheldon, Noelle Sheldon), Adelaide and her family return to their vacation home. When darkness falls, the Wilsons discover the silhouette of four figures holding hands as they stand in the driveway. Us pits an endearing American family against a terrifying and uncanny opponent: doppelgängers of themselves.
CONCERT of the week
ARIES The open road is calling. Where to explore? Try something new. Educational opportunities invite you into another point of view. TAURUS Strategize about the budget with your partner. The next two days are good for ¿QDQFLDO SODQQLQJ 7DNH FDUH QRW WR SURYRNH MHDORXVLHV GEMINI Together, it’s easier to navigate obstacles and barriers. Your perspective is wider. Diversity provides strength. CANCER Your attention is in demand. Increase the pace as much as is safe, guarding your health and energy. Others may ZDQW TXLFN DFWLRQ LEO 5HOD[ DQG HQMR\ WKH scenery. Keep someone special in the foreground. /RYH DQG NLQGQHVV EHDXW\ and goodness abound.
DANNY O’BRIEN LOCK IN Friday 5th April 2019 Whale Theatre, T : 01 2010550. A perfect mix of brains, banter and brilliance. Award-winning Irish comedian Danny O’Brien went to prison. Three times to perform. Once again by accident. He’s performed relentlessly worldwide and taken up a new religion through the medium of a hangry hangover. Danny was handpicked last year to perform as part of the iconic Best of the Edinburgh Fest show touring Australia, has featured on The Comedy Channel and is a regular on Irish TV and Radio. Lock-In’ has already sold out at Galway International Arts Festival, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a European tour in over 10 cities as well Dubai and SE Asia.
CHRISTY DIGNAM & JOE JEWELL Thursday 21st March 2019 Whale Theatre, T : 01 2010550. 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.
JOXER DALY ESQ. Saturday 30th March. Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray T : 01 2724030 .
GIG of the week
PLAY of the week
VISIT of the week
This new group brings together the dazzling talents of three of the country’s finest traditional musicians; button accordion master MĂĄirtĂn O’Connor, fiddle player ZoĂŤ Conway and guitar and bouzouki player DĂłnal Lunny. Don’t miss this illustrious trio in what promises to be an atmospheric and unforgettable tour, drawing on an eclectic mix of the old and new where traditional tunes and songs meet each of their diverse influences and unique compositional voices. When it comes to the finest of musicians they just don’t come any better than this trio.
VIRGO Focus on domestic matters. Clean, sort and organize. Resolve a family issue by listening and avoiding automatic reactions. LIBRA You’re especially brilliant. &UHDWLYH SURMHFWV ÀRZHU Write, broadcast and publish your views. Express your feelings. SCORPIO Conserve resources while generating income. Less is more. Simplify your QHHGV IRU JUHDWHU ¿QDQFLDO freedom. SAGITTARIUS
Advance a creative vision or dream. You’re especially VWURQJ DQG \RX NQRZ ZKDW \RX ZDQW 3XW DQRWKHU FKHFN RQ \RXU EXFNHW OLVW CAPRICORN Fine-tune your domestic environment. Peace and privacy allow for thoughtful consideration of what’s next. 0DNH SODQV DQG RUJDQL]H RICHIE BUCKLEY QUARTET Friday 5th April @ 9:00 pm The Hotspot, Victoria Road, Greystones. A self-taught saxophone player Buckley’s unique style is internationally recognised. Buckley is one of Ireland’s leading jazz performers. He has been described as extraordinary and something of a genius and has collaborated with Van Morrison, Freddie Hubbard, Dave McKenna, Harry Allen, Lew Soloff, Bob Dylan, Georgie Fame, Carlos Santana, The Cranberries, Sharon Shannon, Sinead O’Connor, Paul Brady and Bill Whelan amongst others. The Quintet consists of Richie, John Moriarty, Dave Redmond and Kevin Brady.
THE FACTORY GIRLS Tuesday 2nd - Saturday 6th Aplil Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray. T : 01 2724030 . The Factory Girls tells the story of five women facing the threat of redundancy, who stage a lock-in in a shirt factory in Co. Donegal. As their protest continues the woman learn more about each other and themselves as they explore their anger, courage and compassion. Square One Theatre Group have been stunning Wicklow audiences with high-quality theatre productions for over 40 years, staging two full productions per year. A great night guaranteed.
WICKLOW MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Co. Wicklow, Ireland Wicklow Mountains National Park is situated just south of Dublin and has the distinction of being the largest of Ireland’s six National Parks. It is also the only one located in the east of the country. The wide open vistas are interrupted only by forestry plantations and narrow winding mountain roads. The primary purpose of Wicklow Mountains National Park is the conservation of biodiversity and landscape. Over one million visits are estimated to be made each year. The most visited area is the scenic Glendalough Valley where the ancient monastic settlement of St. Kevin is located.
AQUARIUS Stay connected with friends. Participate with community groups and people who share your interests and commitments. PISCES Crazy dreams seem possible. Unexpected circumstances could preempt your VFKHGXOH $GDSW RQ WKH À\ Be prepared for inspection. $Q LQÀXHQWLDO SHUVRQ LV paying attention.
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wicklow people in pictures
Fine Gael’s Cllr Irene Winters, Minister of State Andrew Doyle and Minister Pachal Donohoe at the Glen view Hotel recently
Dylan Browne Climate Strike in Greystones, right, Olive Cohen, Jane and Zoe Williams
All smiles at the Tea at 10 Bray Chamber Networking at the Martello Hotel
Intermediate winner Ross Byrne at for the Student Enterprise Programme with Vibeke Delahunt Head of LEO Wicklow, Frank Curran Chief Executive Wicklow COCo and Cllr. Irene Winters
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WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTÁIN
VALUE YOUR VOTE!!!!!! 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. Electors are strongly advised to check that they are registered to vote on www.checktheregister.ie If you are not on the Register, electors can apply to be included in the Supplement to the Register of Electors as follows: RFA2 Form – Application for Inclusion in the Supplement to the Register of Electors (for electors not already registered or those who will have reached the age of 18 years before the date of the referendum & election). RFA3 Form – Application for Inclusion in the Supplement to the Register of Electors (Change of Address) (for electors who have changed address since the publication of the Live Register on the 1st February between local electoral areas in Wicklow or to another county). The closing date for receipt of applications for the supplement register is TUESDAY 7TH MAY 2019. ELECTORS WHO REQUIRE A POSTAL/SPECIAL VOTE – PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS SUNDAY 28TH APRIL 2019. If you have any queries please email franchise@wicklowcoco.ie
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insideback
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ith it being the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock festival this year, I gave my DVD of WKH ¿OP DQ RXWLQJ UHFHQWO\ There’s a scene in it where the LQWHUYLHZHU DVNV D \RXQJ IHVWLval-goer if he advocates mass FKDQJH IRU VRFLHW\ Instead of giving the answer he’s expected to give, the teenager says that he doesn’t want PDVV FKDQJH EHFDXVH µPDVV FKDQJH MXVW OHDGV WR PDVV LQVDQLW\¶ With the FAI in recent times it looks like we have it the opposite way DURXQG ZH KDYH mass insanity, now we QHHG PDVV FKDQJH :KHUH GR \RX VWDUW" :LWK TXHVWLRQV WR DQVZHU RYHU KLV ELzarre €100k loan to his employers, John Delaney gets into the escape pod and lands in the new SRVLWLRQ RI H[HFXWLYH YLFH SUHVLGHQW ZLWK D VWRS R൵ PLG ÀLJKW
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*WE ALSO CARRY OUT VALUATIONS FOR FAIR DEAL SCHEMES/ PROBATE