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December 01, 2020
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Why we should all shop local this year Comment
AS we count down the days, hours and minutes to Christmas, we at Wicklow Voice would like to make one appeal before the festivities get into full swing. Shop here at home in County Wicklow. Local retailers play a massive part in making Christmas such a special time so they really deserve our support given that many of them have been closed
for the majority of this year. For every €1 you spend with a local independent business, between 50c-70c circulates back into the locality, while shopping online or out of town sees only 5c trickle back. Local businesses not only keep the economy humming, but they also add to the quality of life in our community in other ways. Seeing local businesses thrive also gives you the feeling
that you’re living in a vibrant community, a desirable place to live, work and raise a family. Local businesses are owned and operated by local people, while even the chain stores are managed and run by people who live in our community. They work here, coach the local sports teams, eat in local restaurants and live just down the street – so when you buy in local shops, you’re supporting your neighbours.
Customer service of the kind you thought had disappeared can still be found in the smallest of local businesses. And while all the indications are that the country is beginning to re-emerge after the worst recession in living memory, we must remember one thing - we are more than just an economy. We are a society of vibrant people, and we deserve each others’ support.
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Santa dropped into Bray Town Hall to collect some of the letters from children in the area. During his brief visit he said that travel restrictions didn’t apply to him and he asked all parent s to shop local this year.
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COVID-19 OUTBREAK Don’#t forget to wash your hands
December 01, 2020
Everything you need to know about Christmas More than half of us have restrictions ALONE service user Rosaleen Sheehan is pictured in her home with Garvan Rigby at the launch of Christmas FM, which is also available online at www.christmasfm.com. Pic: Andres Poveda
worn pyjamas on the job COVID-19 OUTBREAK Don’#t forget to wash your hands
A new survey on remote working claims that 57% of respondents have worn their pyjama bottoms while working remotely at least once. The survey of 1,000 consumers was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of broadband and telecoms provider Pure Telecom with with 31% saying they wear them most of the time or always. The survey also found that 40% of respondents have
had an embarrassing episode during a work video call. Of these who have, 26% said a pet had unexpectedly made an appearance during a call, while 14% said they had forgotten to change into appropriate clothing before a call. 11% also said that someone in their household walked undressed behind them, and 14% were caught saying something rude when they thought the call was over or the mic was off.
Children made cameo appearances during video calls for 8% of total respondents while 13% of total respondents cited their messy house as a source of embarrassment during a video work call. The survey findings also highlight a sense of ambivalence among respondents when it comes to being reunited with coworkers or returning to the office after the Covid-19 restrictions ease.
Vaccine to be rolled out from next month
More than one million of the most vulnerable in the country could be vaccinated against Covid-19 in the coming months, with the first of those getting the jab as early as next month. Planning and preparation for a Covid-19 vaccine and an immunisation programme have been under way for months. Teams in the Department of Health and the HSE have been working on it, and a new highlevel Government task force has also been set up. The task force had its first meeting recently and has committed to providing a full national vaccination strategy and implementation plan to the Taoiseach by December 11. Indications from Europe are that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are at the top of the queue to be approved. Europe has advanced purchasing deals with six different manufacturers, from which Ireland will benefit. Exactly how a new vaccine for Covid-19 is rolled out will depend on which jab becomes available first.
THE country entered a new set of Covid-19 restirctions on December 1 following almost six weeks of Level 5 controls. The new period moves to Level 3 with some exceptions. The framework was announced on November 27 by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Here’s a breakdown of what and when the new measures will be intorudcued:
December 1 The entire country will move to Level 3 in the Covid-19 plan. The 5km travel limit has been lifted but people are asked to stay within the county, other than for work, education or essential reasons, and, if possible, people should work from home. You should not mix with other households outside your bubble until Christmas week. People are being asked to wear masks outdoors, inside workplaces and places of worship. Non-essential retail and services will resume. Places of worship will reopen, as will museums, galleries, cinemas, gyms and swimming pools. Gatherings of 15 people may take place outdoors, and non-contact training is allowed outdoors in pods of 15. Indoor exercise is limited to
individual training only. Hotels and guesthouses may reopen, with services for residents only. Weddings with up to 25 guests and funerals with up to 25 mourners are allowed. No matches can take place, except for professional and elite sports, approved inter-county GAA games, horse racing and approved equestrian events. Public transport capacity will be limited to 50%. December 4 Restaurants, hotels and gastropubs (with their own kitchen and meals prepared on site) can reopen for indoor dining. Higher education should remain online. December 18 Until January 6, travel outside of your county will be permitted. In addition, up to three households will be allowed to meet indoors during this period. The measures relating to cross-border travel between north and south will be the same as for travel between any other county. After January 6, the Level 3 measures that were in place before December 18 will come back into effect.
... but ‘wet pubs’ to miss out yet again There was an increase int he 14-day coronavirus infection rates after “wet” pubs were allowed to reopen in late September, an analysis of Covid-19 data given to the government has shown. There was no similar surge in Dublin, where they remained closed, according to the study, by consultants EY. The report found increases of 10%-12% — more than three times the national average — in the infection rate in three cities - Cork, Limerick and Galway. This was a factor in the cabinet’s decision not to reopen the pubs for Christmas as part
of the general lifting of the lockdown. Government sources said that the strong evidence of a surge in cases linked to the pubs reopening in Cork, Limerick and Galway in late September was “an important consideration” in the cabinet’s decision. “That was pretty much the clincher for the wet pubs,” said one senior figure. “There was a connection to GAA county finals too, when you look at the level of detail by local electoral area, but the combination of pubs and events seemed to be a big problem.”
|05
December 01, 2020
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December 01, 2020
opinion&comment
Team work will beat the virus
A
TRIP down Dublin’s Henry Street has long been part of my Christmas. It’s an authentic Irish Christmas market, not an import from Scandinavia or Germany with bratwurst and glühwein. In Henry Street they sell wrapping paper and baubles, cheap toys and, famously, the last of the Cheeky Charlies. The stalls don’t compete with the impressive shops that line the street. They complement each other and the combination makes for a good Christmas shopping experience. I have taken my children there and I have taken their children there. When I stopped living in Dublin, I still made the annual trip, to savour the sights and sounds and enjoy the jinglejangle fun of it all. But I won’t be going this year, even if the traders do manage to persuade Dublin council to lift its Covid ban. In the run-up to a Covidhaunted Christmas, Henry Street would be a dangerous
Pieta ambassadors Shane Carthy, Louise Cooney and Mary Black at the launch of Pieta’s Christmas campaign, #HopeOverSilence. Pic: Andres Poveda
Michael Wolsey
place, because its market is always packed. At peak times there I have been almost lifted from the ground by the press of the crowd, with shoppers not two centimetres apart, never mind two metres. I recall once having to carry my young daughter in case she would be trampled underfoot. So the council was right to impose the ban. I feel sorry for the
stallholders who are losing their best trading period and I have sympathy with the plea that their market is in the open air and their stalls well distanced. The danger, however, is not from individual stalls or indi-
vidual shoppers. It is the collective chaos, the seasonal mayhem, that could turn Henry Street into a petri dish of Covid infection. And that’s the way it is with so many aspects of the fight
against this virus. Everyone believes they have a good case for being allowed to operate as normal. ‘We follow all the guidelines, we take strict precautions, nobody has ever caught Covid here ...’ I have heard bishops say it about Mass and publicans about bars; I have heard it from GAA officials, from hairdressers, fashion retailers , art galleries and travel agencies. Individually, they all have a point. But it is collectively that we do the damage and collectively is how we can best fight it. It needs the will of the community to beat this virus and our efforts are not helped by constant nitpicking at the rules and regulations. You know the sort of thing I mean. Why is it wrong to drink beer in a street and all right to drink coffee in a park? Can you drink outside a pub if it’s not the pub where you bought the drink? Can you shop outside your county if that’s where the nearest shop is located? We obsess over the letter of the law while a thoughtless few totally disregard its spirit.
Covid restrictions are for our own good and we don’t need a lawyer to explain their broad intentions - keep contacts to a minimum, wear masks, avoid large gatherings. So: no street parties, no football crowds, no busy markets and no religious gatherings with hymn-singing and responses. And stay away from leaving functions at RTE. We won’t have to follow these rules much longer. Vaccines are on the way, although they too will require some collective effort, for there has to be a good take-up to make them a success. We can’t expect co-operation from the anti-vaccine nutters but they are few. A greater danger comes from lethargy: from people who can’t be bothered, who don’t like needles, who are a bit busy at the moment but are going to get it done next week, for sure. We all need to wear a green shirt on this one. One big national effort to get us back to something like normality. Then we can work and play in our own different ways, and maybe even go shopping in Henry Street at Christmas next year.
December 01, 2020
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December 01, 2020
Planning application for Croaghaun Wind Farm set to be finalised
Coillte Renewable Energy is uniquely positioned to make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of Ireland’s economy as it finalises a planning application for the proposed Croaghaun Wind Farm development Advertorial
The Renewable Energy Division of Coillte, the stateowned commercial forestry company, is preparing a planning application to submit to Carlow County Council in the coming weeks for the proposed Croaghaun Wind Farm in East Carlow. The application follows an extensive 20 month community engagement programme in parallel with the design and EIA process, which has actively sought input from the local community, and particularly those living closest to the proposed wind farm site. The project’s aim is to develop a renewable energy project responsibly, in a way that will bring benefit locally, regionally and nationally. It is uniquely positioned to make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of Ireland’s economy and to achieving the goals outlined in Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. The proposed Croaghaun Wind Farm project forms part of that contribution by helping both the
State and County Carlow meet emissions reduction targets and play a role in promoting and sustaining a cleaner, secure, healthier environment for our children and future generations. The proposed development is comprised of: • up to 7 wind turbines with a proposed blade tip height of up to 178 metres; • onsite 38kV substation with an underground grid connection to the existing 110kV substation in Kellistown; • 1 onsite borrow pit to source stone material on-site; • 1 permanent anemometry mast up to a height of 100 metres; • provision of a recreational amenity trail to allow and encourage public access to the site for walking; • a temporary construction compound.
The project team has adopted a best-in-class and conservative approach to determining a proposed project layout for
consideration in the planning submission. Following the application’s submission to Carlow County Council, the
G R A N D C E N T R A L | BA L LYG A L LY | S L I E V E D O N A R D E V E RG L A D E S | E U RO PA | C U L LO D E N | S TO R M O N T
team plans to maintain a strong and constructive working relationship with the local community as the project progresses. Should the project receive planning permission and enter construction, there will be a Community Benefit Fund put in place for the project, estimated at approximately €200,000 per annum. This will be divided into two components, a Near Neighbour Fund and a Wider Community Fund to provide direct project funding to those areas surrounding the project. The project will also actively explore the potential for direct community investment for those seeking to financially invest and participate in the wind farm when clear guidance is provided by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. During the construction phase, up to 60 people will be directly employed by the project drawing upon service providers based locally and regionally. This project has the potential to generate approximately 38.5 megawatts of clean, renewable
electricity capable of powering approximately 25,500 Irish homes and would make a substantial contribution towards Ireland’s stated goal of producing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Due to Covid-19 restrictions currently in place, Coillte are unable to facilitate public information seminars. Therefore, the team has developed an online virtual tour experience to help provide an extensive presentation of the project for members of the public to view. This presentation can be accessed from the project website (www. Croaghaunwindfarm.ie). PLEASE KEEP SAFE AND FOLLOW THE LATEST HSE ADVICE. The full Planning Application will be available to view online on the project website (www. Croaghaunwindfarm.ie) once the final submission has been made to Carlow County Council.
NO EXPIR Y DATE
December 01, 2020
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November 06, 2020
insideback
Maradona was pitch perfect
I
can think of only four candidates who could lay claim to the mantle of ‘Greatest Footballer Ever’ – Lionel Messi, Pele, George Best and of course Diego Maradona. These things are subjective and perhaps others would have Ronaldo (the Portuguese one), Paulo Maldini and Zinedine Zidane in there too, but for me the above four are the greatest of the greats. I just missed out on Best and Pele, but I continue to enjoy Messi’s exploits for Barcelona and Argentina, and was lucky enough to be able to follow the entire career of his compatriot Diego Maradona, who has passed away this week at the relatively young age of 60. While the above four are possibly the only contenders for me for the ultimate crown of ‘Greatest Footballer Ever’, I wouldn’t like to be on the judging panel – I’d find it too hard to choose. Perhaps it’s best to just leave the quartet on a par with each other well ahead of the chasing pack. I first heard about Maradona
in 1978. Already a first-team player at club side Argentina Juniors, he’d made his full international debut the year before. Word was that he was the new Pele, and so my friends and I were hoping that he’d be on display at the 1978 World Cup. In the end he was left out of the squad for being too young (he was still only 17), a decision that was vindicated by Argentina winning the title. When you have four names like Pele, Maradona, Messi and Best, it is impossible not to look for comparisons and contrasts. Humble beginnings is a recurring theme. Pele grew up in poverty in Sao Paulo, likewise Maradona in the slums of Buenos Aires. Pele finished on 92 Brazil caps, Maradona on an almostidentical 91 for Argentina. Messi suffered from growth hormone deficiency as a boy, Best was deemed ‘too small and light by Glentoran’. Messi and Pele can be considered relatively stable characters away from the football field, whereas Best and Maradona had problems with alcohol and cocaine respectively.
Have Your Say: Share your views on the Future of Media in Ireland Are you worried about fake news? Is independent journalism important to you and to society? Do the media reflect your experience of the world? What could they do better? The independent Future of Media Commission has been set up by the Irish Government to assess the public service media and the challenges they face. It is asked to make recommendations to set the media on strong foundations for the future. The media are important for our democracy and society. They inform public debate through independent, journalism. They reflect and promote the lives, language, art, sport, music, culture, traditions, and identities of Irish people at home and around the world. The Commission invites you to tell us what you think the future of the media should be. We want to hear your views on public service media in Ireland, wherever you live in Ireland or around the world.
Contact Us To learn more about the work of the Commission, and to have your say, please visit www.futureofmediacommission.ie.
Deadline The closing date for submissions is the 8th of January.
Maradona had his flaws but when he played football he was just m agic
Maradona’s cocaine problem was a full-scale addiction that started in 1983 (when he was with Barcelona) and continued through his years with Napoli, Sevilla, Newell’s Old Boys (Messi has been a lifelong supporter of this club) and Boca Juniors. There was also an addiction to alcohol and an obesity problem that resulted in him being fitted with a gastric band. He certainly didn’t have an easy life. It must have hurt the young
Diego to miss out on being part of the 1978 World Cup win, but he made up for it in 1986 by being part of Argentina’s next triumph in soccer’s ultimate competition. The quarter-final against England is probably the bestremembered game of their run to triumph; yes Diego handled the ball past Peter Shilton for his first goal, but his second – where he beat five England players in a glorious display of dribbling – is arguably the greatest goal of the twentieth century. I’d love it if Maradona hadn’t had the cocaine addiction and his other vices and faults. I’d be able to write about a perfect character on and off the field. Life doesn’t work like that though. Look at the heroes in any field, be it music, sport or anything, really. Elvis wasn’t perfect, nor was Bowie or Lennon. Maradona wasn’t perfect, but if you saw him in his prime with the ball at his feet then those moments were perfect, just perfect. - Brian Quigley
Looking for a tutor? School Is Easy is here to help you Advertorial As we battle to cope with the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 regulations, home-based learning has taken on a new importance. Many parents who want their children to enjoy the benefits of one-to-one tuition are, nevertheless, nervous about having a stranger in their home or sending young students to a tuition centre. School is Easy (SIE) can solve that problem. We can offer one-to-one or group grinds for Primary, Junior Certificate or Leaving Certificate school students at a time that works for you and your family. We offer the following subjects, from Primary to Secondary to Specialist Third Level courses: Irish/Gaelige, English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, German, Spanish, History, Geography, Business Studies, Economics, Design and Technology, Music, and Physical Education . Going to university and dreading the college exams? No problem, we have skilled
and experienced tutors to help every student. We provide safe, online tutorials that are recorded so that your child can future reference any topic covered. When you work with SIE, you will get nothing but the best. All of our tutors have formal education, classroom experience and a passion for teaching. For senior subjects we use college and university instructors with a Masters degree. The choice is yours when it comes to the style of tutoring and our range of subjects is broad. We don’t use generic tutoring lessons. We customise each programme based on the student’s needs, goals and capacity and we take care to match students with the right tutors. We are easy to work with. We screen tutors for you. We identify learning deficiencies and we get results . Our certified tutors will provide an initial assessment, if you need it, to ascertain your child’s requirements. Call us today on 01 556 3553 to book a consulation. We will be delighted to match you with a tutor.
December 01, 2020
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Details of sixth Christmas festival
Details of the sixth Christmas Festival have been announced by the Arklow Christmas Festival Committee. The event has been organised with new and safe ways to manage festive activities that would avoid large groups of people and maintain two metre distancing. The popular Christmas Tree Light Switch–On event will go virtual for 2020. Festivities will commence at 4pm on Saturday, 28th November, with DJ Oisin Molloy, Live from his Living Room. A link will be available on https://www.facebook.com/arklowchristmasfestival to the live streamed event followed by virtual firework display. The Golden Ticket draw will return this year with lots of prizes to be won - to enter into the draw all you have to do is shop locally, write your name and contact details on the back of a ticket and place in the Golden Ticket Draw Box in participating businesses. This Christmas more than ever our local businesses deserve your support.
December 01, 2020
Make sure you buy a tree Tax rule threat from our Christy this year! to retail and
tourist trade
Bord Bia is encouraging Irish consumers to support the local horticultural industry this festive season by purchasing a real Irishgrown Christmas Tree. One grower taking part in the initiative is Christy Kavanagh (above), a thirdgeneration Christmas Tree grower based in Glenealy, Co Wicklow. Christy is one of 200 commercial Christmas Tree growers in the country. Consumers are urged to
look for the ‘Love a Real Tree’ sticker on Christmas Trees to ensure it’s provenance this December. Christy is a Supreme Champion Christmas Tree grower, having received this accolade more than any other grower from the Irish Christmas Tree Grower Association. His familyrun business is situated in woodland that is 900 ft above sea level in Wicklow, which provides the perfect growing conditions for Fir
trees. On his farm, Christy grows multiple varieties of Christmas tree including the more exotic Korean Fir which is a blue-green shade with striking purple cones. This year, over 500,000 Christmas Trees will be grown in Ireland, resulting in a market valued of €21 million. It takes 10 years for each tree to reach full maturity, highlighting the care and attention taken by growers to supply this festive favourite!
CHANGES in the rules governing retail exporters could be disasterous for the tourist trade and tourist-related retail trade in Wicklow, an economist has warned. The changes relate to Brexit and would end the minor tax perk which allows tourists from outside the EU to claim VAT refunds on small purchases. The current Retail Export Scheme allows non-EU tourists to claim VAT refunds on craft and gift items purchased in Ireland. It supports small retailers in Wicklow and encourages local crafts people and designers. However, the Government’s Brexit Omnibus Bill 2020, currently moving through the Oireachtas, will exclude all purchases under €175 from the scheme. This means that a tourist in Wicklow would have to spend at least €175 on a single purchase to avail of a VAT refund. Almost 85% of refunds under the current scheme are for purchases less than €175 and
it is an important concession for retailers in Wicklow, many of whom are small, family-run businesses thaat do not sell high value items. Leading economist Jim Power has published the findings of an economic report which outlines the damage proposed tax changes would have on the retail and tourism sectors in Wicklow and which urges the Government to urgently rethink its proposals. ‘’The Retail Export Scheme contributes €108.1 million to the economy, with a large proportion of this spent outside of Dublin,” said Mr Power. “The proposed new legislation will risk many jobs in Wicklow and will put people out of business. “It is crystal clear that economic activity, employment and the overall health of the retail and tourism sectors in Wicklow are at risk. “Introducing the €175 limit on the Retail Export Scheme would undermine competitiveness and decimate the Irish tourism and retail sectors.”
Bray’s Virtual Christmas Lights Switch-On 2020 took place online via http://www. bray.ie/christmasinbray/ on November 21 The 45 minute show was hosted by local Bray comedian Adam Burke and was streamed live from the Town Hall (pictured), featured music performances from Voice of Bray competition winner Ollie Morrissey and an exclusive performance of their new single Christmas in Heaven by local band Connect BNYP. Viewers even caught a glimpse the big man himself as he dialled from the North Pole with some great advice for all boys and girls tuning in. During the show, special Christmas videos message came in nationally and internationally including Laura Whitmore and Darren Randolph. As the switch-on moment arrived competition winners;
The Denver family had the prestigious role of pushing the button to officially turn on the town’s Christmas lights directly from their own home. After the countdown, Bray sparkled, and viewers were treated to exclusive drone footage of the Town Centre lights and projections. Ruth Donnelly, Bray & District Chamber of Commerce President said “The virtual Christmas Light Switch On
launched the festive campaign to support our town centre businesses and to bring muchneeded festive cheer to the community. “We are thrilled with the support and reaction from the local community so far; the show has had over 6,500 views.” Throughout the festive season, there’s an array of events and activities to keep all the family entertained.
Thousands tune in to see Bray lights come on
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December 01, 2020
WILDLIFE
ninenottomiss
Mesmerising Murmurations
book of the week
with Justin Ivory
Starling Murmuration (Photo Wikicommons William Baxter) Picture the scene. It is dusk on a winters’ evening. As the last light begins to fade in an otherwise featureless and lifeless skyline a strange phenomenon starts to unfold. Wave upon wave of black shapes arrive from all directions to coalesce into one huge, living, breathing entity. And so one of the most breath taking and awe inspiring performances you are ever likely to witness begins. The gigantic shadow creature begins an aerial, shape-shifting ballet. Constantly twisting and turning, ebbing and flowing so the dance continues. But look closer and you will see that the creature is not a single entity but consists of thousands, even millions of black specks moving in unison, for all the world like iron filings on a sheet of paper being controlled from beneath by a magnet. Suddenly as if a switch has been flicked, they drop from the sky and the performance is over for another day.
Juvenile Starling (Photo Justin Ivory) What you have just witnessed is a flock of starlings, or a murmuration, arriving at their evening, winter communal roost. The Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a highly sociable bird and they roost communally throughout the year. During the breeding season these roosts are relatively small and mainly consist of non-breeding birds. It is in late autumn and winter that these roosts can reach an incredible size, some in excess of a million individuals. Typically, the roosts are in small woods, reed beds or suitable man-made structures, although in recent years urban roosts have been in decline. While a murmuration is the collective noun for a group/flock of starlings it is particularly associated with the large winter groups and their pre-roost aerial stunts and acrobatics.
HOROSCOPES
tv show of the week film of the week
A promised land by Barack Obama
late, late toy show RTE 1, 9.35pm, Friday November 27
the siege at jadotville Netflix
‘It is not merely that this book avoids being ponderous, as might be expected, even forgiven, of a hefty memoir, but that it is nearly always pleasurable to read sentence by sentence, the prose gorgeous in places, the detail granular and vivid...Barack Obama has... illuminated a pivotal moment in American history.’ Thus goes a clearly biased review in The New York Times for the long-awaited book by the former US President. No doubt, stockings all over the land will be stuffed with this at Christmas because it’s a convenient buy. Although, it might well be as dull as the years Obama spent in office. Just sayin’.
Ho Ho Hum . . . It’s that time of the year again. As if we haven’t been reminded enough over the last number of weeks. But alas, it’s here now and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Except hide in a wardrobe with full sensory deprivation gear. Otherwise, bite down hard on a stick and hope the kids don’t pick out anything over the budget, which is sure to be pared back for all of us this year. You can always try the ‘Nothing on the telly is real, kids’ line and see if you get away with it. But they are much cleverer these days . . .
The legendary story of Ireland’s 35th Battalion ‘A’ Company which held off an attack in the Congo in 1961 for five days, despite being ill-equipped and outnumbered, is back in the news because the bravery of the men was never recognised. That situation is now under review and this is the perfect time to view this cracking film, which does a great job at highlighting the newsworthy issues while managing to craft a thrilling action movie at the same time. And Jamie Dornan is in it, just in case, you know, it needs to be sold to the ladies on the Saturday night.
IDEA of the week
RECIPE of the week
family film of the week
AriesAdvance to the next level with a partner. A test or challenge is resolved, with satisfying results. Celebrate with a favorite treat. TaurusEnergize your work with love and passion. Put heart into your performance and it soars. Physical action produces results. GeminiImagine a dream realized, especially with love and romance. Play and have fun with someone attractive. Get creative. CancerEnergize a homeimprovement project. Decisions made now can have long-lasting impact ... consider color, lighting and mood. LeoStudy options and possibilities. Opportunities could hide behind more obvious changes. Consider messaging and responses.
ronald mcdonald house appeal Fundraiser
hearty chicken stew www.goodfoodireland.ie
eddie the eagle Netflix
To fill the gap left by the cancellation of the annual ball in December, the wonderful folk at the The Ronald McDonald House are asking for everyone’s support this Christmas as they continue to provide a sterling and invaluable service. It has been a difficult year for all but keeping the House open for families who badly need somewhere to stay together while their child is being treated in Crumlin Hospital is still the priority. Raffle tickets are available to buy online and there are other means of making more significant donations. Go to: www.rmhc.ie/
Mid-week, you can’t beat something you can bang into a pot, bang into the oven while the family bang around the house waiting for the dinner to be served. A chicken stew is great because using the thighs and bones and other bits means you get the real flavour of the stock. It also allows you to delve into the darker parts of the cupboard and dig out those grains and pulses that nobody knows the name of and lob them in too. The best recipe is available on: goodfoodireland.ie/ recipe/chicken-mushroom-potato-and-thymewinter-stew
So if you can’t take the kids away to the slopes this year you can always sit down and watch this as a substitute. Who knows, they may be inspired to go and do something totally mad like Eddie the Eagle, played here by ‘Rocketman’s Taron Egerton. It’s based on the truly uplifting story of Michael Edwards, the only Briton to ever enter the ski jumping event at the Winter Olympics and came . . . spoiler . . . last. There’s a bit of swearing from Hugh Jackman’s character but that aside, we can’t recommend this little gem enough for an evening with the family as winter sets in.
album of the week
Match of the week
podcast of the week
VirgoThings could get lucrative. Harvest a windfall. Keep things simple and save extra nuts for winter. Don’t take risks or gamble. LibraAdvance toward a personal goal. Let others know what you’re up to and gain valuable support. Dress for the part you want. ScorpioCreativity and imagination thrive with peaceful conditions. Careful planning now saves money and time later. Sagittarius-
Team efforts can surge ahead. Speculate, collaborate and coordinate. Share resources, ideas and possibilities. CapricornCareer opportunities have your attention. Accept an inviting challenge. You can figure out this puzzle. Keep your objective in mind.
nick cave Idiot Prayer
aldi selection Aldi.ie
how to fail Spotify
During the summer, Nick Cave hosted a ticketed livestream of a solo piano concert in London. That special has now been released as a live album and concert film, packaged with four unreleased performances. Idiot Prayer: Nick Cave Alone at Alexandra Palace is a performance of his songs ‘deconstructed’ into their essential forms. Featuring music from across Cave’s career, including early Bad Seeds, Grinderman, and material from his latest album, Ghosteen, the result is stunning.
Aldi has released a good value seasonal range of wines well worth a look for the Christmas table. The reliable Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut (€19.66) would make a great way to kick off the celebrations, or for Sauvignon lovers there is the fresh Redwood Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (€8.84). And at just €8.35 the full-bodied Buenas Vides Limited Edition Merlot is perfect for the main meal or for sipping after the event.
We all know we learn from our mistakes, right? But do celebs ever learn? How to Fail with Elizabeth Day is a brilliant podcast which celebrates life’s failures with celebrities and and how it helped them. The latest episode features actor Jamie Dornan who talks about failures in acting, failures at school and a failure to sit still; the death of his beloved mother from cancer at the age of 16 and the loss of four friends in a car crash shortly afterwards. We have featured Jamie already in this section, so really this all proves the point.
AquariusFair winds and smooth sailing grace your journey. Explore, investigate and discover. Learn from respected elders and teachers. PiscesTackle detailed tasks to manage financial, legal or insurance matters. Bolster your shared investments through careful monitoring.
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wicklowvoice.ie December 01, 2020
New SuperValu store to create 80 jobs in Bray
EIGHTY jobs are set to be created in March of next year when the Pettitt Group expands its family of supermarkets into Bray. In what has undoubtedly been an exceptionally hard and challenging year for all kinds of businesses across Ireland, the family have invested €4m in the fitout of a brand-new 20,000 square foot, state of the art Pettitt’s SuperValu store on the Southern Cross Road in Bray. Speaking on supporting local and their in house ranges, Managing Director of the Pettitt Group, Cormac Pettitt said: “In 1986 we purchased Sleedagh Farm in Wexford, which gave us the platform to produce our own beef, which now supports over 50 local farmers, ensuring the highest quality meat from farm to fork”. “Recognising the growing population in this area, we decided Bray was where we wanted to expand to next, and
the welcome we have received from the local community has been wonderful so far. We really are a family business, who prides ourselves on being part of the community and contributing to the local economy.” Mr. Pettitt added. The new Bray store is now also set to be a leader in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. Not only will their new Bray store be fitted with energy ef-
ficient appliances, they are making it as easy as possible for customers to be environmentally friendly while they are shopping with new options like laundry refills, a loose fruit and veg section, an eco-range of products and electric car chargers. Interested and experienced applicants should send their CV to recruitment@pettitts.ie or for more information see www.pettitts.ie
COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTÁIN WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to form a panel from which future temporary/ permanent positions may be filled.
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Eight Wicklow schools make Young Scientist finals
Twelve projects from eight schools across Wicklow have qualified for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2021. BT Ireland last w eek revealed the 550 finalists who will represent their schools and communities from across the island of Ireland at the first-ever virtual BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) from January 6-8, 2021. Selected from over 1,300
entries, the finalists represent 213 schools across 29 counties and will showcase their projects on the BTYSTE virtual platform to a national - and increasingly international - audience. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a driving force behind a large number of entries this year with a quarter of all qualified projects delving into topics on health and the impact of Covid-19. Projects vary from topics
New Year sea swim to return
GENERAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR – ARKLOW & WICKLOW HARBOUR REF: 37/2020 Salary €756.84 to €902.91 gross per week CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS IS 12 NOON ON THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2020 SHARP.
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PERMANENT CLERICAL OFFICER REF: 38/2020 Salary €24,602 to €40,589 gross per annum (includes 1st LSI)
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PERMANENT ASSISTANT STAFF OFFICER REF: 36/2020 Salary €28,753 to €46,465 gross per annum (includes 1st LSI) CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS IS 12 NOON ON THURSDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2020 SHARP.
Application Forms and further details may be obtained from Enterprise & Corporate Services at 0404 20159 or by emailing recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie and on the Wicklow County Council website www.wicklow.ie Wicklow County Council reserves the right to shortlist candidates in the manner it deems most appropriate Wicklow County Council Is an Equal Opportunities Employer Lorraine Gallagher, Director of Services, Enterprise & Corporate Services, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Phone: 0404 20159 Fax: 0404 20112 Email: recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie
Tony Foran and Tom Clune of Bray Lions Club at the announcement of the cancellation of the Bray Lions Club New Year’s Day Charity Sea Swim “We will be back,” said Danny Bohan, president of Bray Lions Club, when he announced that the Bray Lions Club Charity Sea Swim, scheduled for New Year’s Day 2021, has been cancelled in accordance with Government health advice. “We have consulted very carefully with our partners and have reluctantly concluded that the swim cannot be held this year. “However, we are already
planning a bigger and better Bray Charity Sea Swim which will take place on New Year’s Day 2022.” The cancelation will also be disappointing for the charities which would benefit from the proceeds of the swim. Since its inception 37 years ago, the annual swim has raised in excess of €370,000, all of which has been donated to a wide spectrum of local causes.
which explore the effects lockdown may have had on different socio-economic groups, to investigations into the effectiveness of different types of facemasks and the impact of hand sanitizer on our skin. The impact of Covid-19 is explored across all four project categories - Social & Behavioural Science; Technology; Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences; and Biological & Ecological Sciences.
Minister welcomes schools places plan
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has welcomed the news from the Department of Education that they are working with schools in Greystones to identify school places. The issue was highlighted recently when it emerged that almost double the number of students applied for the number of places available at Greystones Community College for next year. Now senior Department of Education officials have responded to concerns raised by Minister Donnelly about the shortage of places by engaging with the schools. They confirmed they have “contacted the principals of the post primary schools in Greystones who have agreed to work together to clarify the position relating to the enrolment of students for the 2021/2022 school year”. Minister Donnelly said: “The stress for parents trying to find a school place is enormous. “It’s really important we get a true picture of how many places are available.”
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December 01, 2020
We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by
Irish Press 31/07/1970
Irish Press 17/07/1934
Freemans Journal 26/07/1867
Irish Press 30/07/1968
Freemans Journal 20/07/1833
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wicklowvoice.ie December 01, 2020
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