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Students plan massive sleepover for homeless

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

WICKLOW STUDENTS can kill two birds with one stone in a novel fundraiser in aid of Focus Ireland. Students across the county are being urged to take part in the charity's annual Schoolmates Sleepover. Focus Ireland hopes the novel fundraiser will see students in Wicklow and around the country raise over € 30,000 to help fund its vital services which support young people who are homeless and prevent others from becoming homeless.

Ryan shrugs off public meeting poster criticism

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

FINE GAEL COUNCILLOR John Ryan has rejected criticism over the use of his image in a poster campaign to highlight a public meeting to discuss job creation and economic recovery in north Wicklow, which is taking place this coming Thursday.

Cllr. Brady denies Israeli Embassy protest claims

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

CLLR. JOHN BRADY has denied claims by the Israeli Embassy that he behaved aggressively at a protest last Wednesday evening in Bray.

Double Emmy glory for locally filmed ‘Tudors’

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE TUDORS, which concluded filming in Bray this year, has scooped two awards at the Emmys. Irish costume designer, Joan Bergin, and wardrobe supervisor, Susan O'Connor Cave, won an Emmy on Saturday night at the Creative Arts Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, for their work on ' The Tudors'.

Firemen battle Bray Head fire

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

A MASSIVE fire took hold of Bray Head in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Youthful exuberance adds spice to finals

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE FINALS of the Sinnott Autos Ltd Club Championships, which took place last week, were keenly fought by members of Wicklow Tennis Club.

Specsavers focus on raising funds for Cancer Support

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

BRAY CANCER Support is to benefit from the fundraising efforts of husband and wife duo Diana Day and Garrett McShane, directors of the town's Specsavers store.

Octogenarian Joe donates €6,000 to worthy charities

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

JOE DUGGAN presented €6,000 to a number of charitable causes recently, having raised the money at his own 80th birthday party in Katie Gallagher's recently.

Partership project for jobless women

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

BRAY Area Partnership has set up an employment project for women in the Bray and Kilmacanogue area called The ELLE project.

Tributes flow for late Ross Connolly

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

TRIBUTES have poured in for the late Ross Connolly from Greystones, grandson of the trade unionist and executed 1916 leader James Connolly.

AN AUDIENCE WITH JOSE

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

FAMOUS TENOR PERFORMS AT KILRUDDERY EMPIRE SAINTS rocked the bandstand recently, playing the final notes in what was a triumphant finish to Shane Rowan's debut twopart music festival in Bray.

Over 25 bands played on two consecutive Sundays, with locals Empire Saints celebrating getting into the final of the Guinness Arthur's Day competition.

They won the semi-final last week in Belfast and have made the final four out of 2,000 bands battling for a support slot for Snow Patrol. Runners up will support David Gray and Paulo Nutini.

Peakin' Trippers, The Cold 100, Dara McMahon and many more acts played from lunchtime to night, with the sea the perfect backdrop to the town's iconic bandstand.

Last week's highlights included Twin Lizzy, Clockwork Noise and Run 4 Cover, and every act on the stage thanked Shane for putting the whole thing together.

People gathered on the area around the bandstand to listen to the fantastic music, with others passing the afternoon away in the local beergardens from where they could hear the bands.

'I love music,' said Shane, who put some of his own money in to financing the event. 'We have a bandstand there and I'm glad we got the opportunity to use it. I'm already looking forward to the next one.'

The equipment necessary to put on the festival was sponsored by The Martello and The Porterhouse, with t-shirts still available at €10 to help support the cost of Rocking on the Bandstand.

Micko needs more time to decide

MARK KENNEDY Sports reporter — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE SAGA over whether Mick O'Dwyer stays on as manager of Wicklow's county team or moves to another county continues. At a meeting of the County Committee on Monday night, Wicklow acceded to a request from the Kerry maestro that he be given another ten days in which to make a decision about his future.

It had been expected in the press as well as throughout the county that Micko
would be reappointed as manager of Wicklow's county team for a fifth
consecutive year at Monday's meeting in Aughrim.

County Chairman Andy O'Brien informed club delegates on Monday that they had
met with the Kerryman twice and had discussions with him on the issue.

Those talks had been 'extremely positive' and Mick O'Dwyer indicated he was
again interested in the job of manager and they were happy with that.

But Micko said that he would be making changes to his selection committee.

Micko was disappointed with the defeat to Westmeath at Tullamore this year,
felt they left the county down, and indicated he would be coming to the job
with even greater passion in 2011.

The Chairman said that over the weekend, unfortunately, Mick O'Dwyer had
contacted them again and asked to be given another ten days to make his
decision and he would come back to them then.

Micko would be talking to people both inside and outside the county during
that ten day period. Management agreed that Micko be given the ten days to
consider what he wants to do and the managements view was unanimously
endorsed by the delegates at the meeting.

Kilmacanogue's Des Fox proposed that Mick O'Dwyer be given the ten days he
asked for. 'Micko may not have got everything right, but he is the best
manager we have ever had and he got the best results with the team.
Personally I was disappointed we did not gain promotion from division four
of the league, but still Micko is the best man we have ever had.'

Seamus Kelly from Baltinglass seconded the proposal that Micko be given the
time for reflection that he has asked for. Seamus Kelly said that Micko had
lifted the county and given them an unbelievable profile.

Everyone present concurred with giving Micko time and space.

In the event of Micko's answer being in the negative at the end of the ten
days, Chairman Andy O'Brien and his management were given the go ahead to
start putting a team management in place without having to call another
meeting.

For some time there has been a lot of speculation in the media about the
ultimate destination of Mick O'Dwyer and his name has been linked with
several counties where the manager's job became vacant.

O'Dwyer, the most high-profile and successful manager of county teams in the
history of the GAA, was particularly linked with the vacant Mayo job and the
Mayo Board will be meeting next Monday night to make its decision on who
should succeed John O'Mahony.

Micko's name also cropped up in relation to the manager's position in
Limerick, Galway, Donegal and his former stomping ground of Laois where he
served before and took them to a Leinster title.

Mick O'Dwyer agreed to come to Wicklow four years ago and in that time he won
the Tommy Murphy Cup trophy in 2007; guided Wicklow to their first
championship win in Croke Park in 2008; and their most successful run ever
in the All-Ireland qualifiers in 2009 when they reached the last 12.

Youths run riot in the town centre

MARY FOGARTY — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

A TERRIFIED security guard was attacked by out of control teenagers last Sunday afternoon, amid claims that Bray retailers are under siege by gangs of unruly youths.

The two ruffians pelted the Superquinn doorman with a barrage of stones and rocks after he intervened to stop them stealing from the shop. He had removed them from the premises for the attempted theft but they returned with piles of stones and began the cruel onslaught.

Detective Inspector Frank Keenaghan confirmed that two Bray youngsters were arrested at the scene. The guard has since recovered from minor injuries incurred.

' There were cops all over the place,' said a witness who was in the store at the time, adding that the attackers were 'wild, completely out of hand.'

Just days before the mindless act of violence, Bray retailers had held a meeting in the Royal Hotel to tackle issues of anti-social behaviour in the town.

Gardai assured shopkeepers that there are to be additional gardai on the beat during hours of business.

He added that any incident should be reported to Bray Garda Station on (01) 6665300. There will be a further meeting in the Royal Hotel on Monday September 13 at 6.15 p.m. A large gathering of local retailers came together in the Royal Hotel recently to discuss issues of anti-social behaviour in the town centre and to make proposals for a safer environment for people to work and shop in Bray.

The meeting was arranged by Linda Fitzpatrick from La Belle and was chaired by Paul Finnegan from Finnbees. Also in attendance at the meeting were the Bray Chamber President, John Nolan, Deputy Liz McManus and Cllr. John Brady.

Representing the Gardai were Detective Inspector Frank Keenaghan and Retail Liaison Officer Garda Philip Sheridan.

'Over 60 retailers attended the recent meeting in the Royal Hotel representing businesses on the Main Street, Quinsboro Road, Castle Street, Florence Road and the Seafront,' said Paul Finnegan who is also a member of the Bray Chamber Executive. ' The local retailers had the opportunity to give their own personal accounts of anti-social behaviour in their premises and the problems this is posing for their staff and customers.'

The organiser of the meeting Linda Fitzpatrick from La Belle felt that the concerns expressed by the retailers were certainly listened to by both Detective Inspector Keenaghan and Liaison Officer Garda Philip Sheridan.

'We were certainly heartened by the positive attitude from the gardaí and we are optimistic that our concerns will be taken on board and reassured by the promise of additional gardaí on the beat during trading hours,' said Linda. 'We will be accepting an invitation from Inspector Keenaghan to visit the Garda Station and to review the CCTV system for the shopping areas in the town and to offer some suggestions as to how this system can be utilized to the greater benefit of the shoppers in Bray.'

Det. Insp. Keenaghan said that the local gardaí were acutely aware of the ant-social behaviour that was going on, however a lot of instances seem not to have been reported.

He said there should be a coordinated approach by the HSE, the Bray Town Council and the Garda Síochána. 'It must be recognised that it is a small group of individuals causing most of the disturbances that the retailers are reporting,' he added. Deputy Liz McManus and Cllr. John Brady both addressed the meeting and pledged their support to the retailers. They recommended that the

retailers make a submission to the Town Council's Joint Policing Committee and seek a deputation to address the next meeting.

The meeting concluded with the agreement that the problem of anti-social behaviour will be monitored over the next couple of weeks and a further meeting will be held by the retailers in the Royal Hotel on Monday September 13 at 6.15 p.m.

Mick Lally passes away

MARY FOGARTY — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

ONE OF Wicklow's best know adopted sons, actor Mick Lally has died. The 64-year-old actor was best known for playing Miley Byrne in Glenroe. Mr. Lally passed away yesterday (Tuesday) morning following a short stay in hospital. RENOWNED actor Mick Lally, known to a generation of Irish people as Glenroe farmer Miley Byrne, has died at the age of 64.

A native of Mayo and resident of Dublin but honorary Wicklow man, Mick appeared on Irish television screens every Sunday night for over 20 years. The unforgettable soap was filmed in the village of Kilcoole and Lally's familiar catchphrase 'Well holy God,' became part of the vernacular across the country.

He also enjoyed some musical success when 'The By-Road to Glenroe' went to the top of the Irish charts in 1990.

'He was a warm-hearted kindly man, a great character for a drink, a song and a chat in the Irish style,' said a college friend of Mick's.

'A great loss, especially in these hard times. I saw him in Anouilh's Antigone in 1971 – he played Creon. Even in an amateur production, you could see he had a special talent.'

The acclaimed actor had been admitted to hospital a short time before his untimely death yesterday morning.

A graduate of University College Galway, Lally taught briefly before becoming a full-time actor.

Along with Garry Hynes, he was a founder member of the Druid Theatre company which worked closely with many Irish playwrights, most notably Tom Murphy.

Mick later starred in the BBC television series 'Ballykissangel,' also filmed in County Wicklow, TG4's 'Ros na Rún' and in the award-winning 'Ballroom of Romance'.

He was a fluent Irish speaker and appeared in a number of Irish language films. He also starred in Oliver Stone's 'Alexander' and in the animated film 'The Secret of Kells,' as well as theatre productions.

'It's hard to think of him as anyone else but Miley,' said a fan.

'It's sad for anyone who grew up watching Glenroe on a Sunday evening before the school week began again.'

Wicklow trio all set for Special Olympics

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

TWO WICKLOW athletes will fly the flag for the garden county at the Special Olympics European Games in Poland later this month.

Diane Mitchell from Dunlavin and Leah Breen from Greystones are part of the 34-athlete-strong team taking part in the games which take place in Warsaw from September 18 to September 24.

Diane is a member of the ladies football team while Leah will compete in table tennis.

Team Ireland will be accompanied by a management team of 16 including football coach Oisin Jordan from Aughrim.

The Irish athletes will compete in athletics, badminton, bowling, football and table tennis.

The 2010 Special Olympics European Summer Games will be the largest event for the Special Olympics movement in Europe/Eurasia in 2010 with 1,600 athletes from 58 countries coming together to compete.

To follow Team Ireland's participation at the 2010 Special Olympics European Games please visit www.specialolympics.ie

Superquinn planning

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

SUPERQUINN will soon submit a more detailed planning application for their site on the Southern Cross Road. A formal notice to this affect has now been posted at the vacant site.

'I have been increasingly concerned as to whether this development would proceed at all so this is good news,' said Cllr. Wray who is a resident of the Southern Cross Road. 'However I can only give this a cautious welcome right.'

She said that the project had been announced and trumpeted by local politicians on multiple occasions followed by no action. 'So I would rather remain low key about it until we see the first sod turned.'

Cllr. Wray said that she also wants to see the detail of the planning application to ensure that what is proposed meets the needs of residents on the Southern Cross for local amenities.

Rotary team responds to Pakistan emergency

MARY FOGARTY — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN were at the forefront of the minds of concerned Rotary Club members last Saturday, when they took to the streets of Bray to raise money for 'shelterboxes'.

The organisation Shelterbox responds instantly to earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict, by delivering boxes of aid.

Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. The contents are tailored depending on the nature and location of the disaster, with great care taken sourcing every item to ensure it is robust enough to be of lasting value.

The cost of a box is over€500, including delivery direct to those who need it. Each box bears its own unique number so as a donor you can track your box all the way to its recipient country via the website

Highly trained ShelterBox Response Teams distribute boxes on the ground, working closely with local organisations, international aid agencies and Rotary clubs worldwide.

Members and volunteers with Rotary Club Bray gathered outside the Holy Redeemer last weekend, with current President Massimo Lepri leading the way. They collected donations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A shelter box and tent were also on display on the day.

In the past, Bray Rotary club has raised €42,000 to sent 60 shelterboxes to victims of the Tsunami in south east Asia in 2004; €3,000 for victims of flooding in Ireland in 2009, and €12000 for victims of the earthquake in Haiti this year.

'100 per cent of the money raised is used to purchase the shelter boxes and Rotary does not retain any money for organising the fund raising,' said Massimo.

Weightwatcher boxers raise €6,000

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

WEIGHT WATCHERS LEADER Isobel Rice was proud to present a cheque for over €6,000 recently to Rita Fagan MD of Weightwatchers Ireland for the Hope Foundation.

Isobel and fellow leader Eimhear O'Dalaigh raised the money in July with a 'white collar boxing' event at the Royal Hotel in Bray.

Boxer Jim Rock was MC for what was a very successful and enjoyable evening.

Isobel, who heads up a Greystones group and Deans Grange leader Eimhear were joined by big losers Tara Lennox and Martin O'Malley, who have dropped an impressive 10 stone between them.

A group of 12 men assembled by the Be-Fit club in Deans Grange also boxed on the night.

The final amount raised was €6,378.48.

Loreto class reunites after 20 years

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE LORETO 'CLASS OF 1990' will be celebrating their 20-year reunion in the Martello on Saturday September 4 from 8.30 p.m.

Organisers are keep for anyone who joined from '85 to '90 to come along, as well as anyone who went into transition year and finished in 1991.

For more information contact Lorraine Duffin on (086) 0482639 or lduffin@gmail.com.

It's better 'Late' than never Frank

MARY FOGARTY — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

LATE LATE SHOW piano-man Frank McNamara is embarking on his first Irish tour ever, which he will bring to Greystones Theatre on Thursday, September 8. His family will join the show.

Having toured extensively in the United States, Great Britain, Europe and Australia, this is the first time that Irish audiences will be able to watch the maestro in the flesh.

Frank McNamara's love of music has been passed on to his four children who are all eager performers. His son J. J. (11) recently performed on television on The Late Late Show with his Dad and as a soloist on Star Search.

Charlotte (9) is a Gold Medal winner at the prestigious Sutton Park Music Festival for her vocal performance, she is also an accomplished violinist.

The twins, Frankie and Quincy (14) are both talented singers and instrumentalist and have performed solos in many of their school's productions in Belvedere College.

This is a family entertainment show with music and song ranging in style from light classical, Irish and contemporary. From Beethoven to Les Miserables, this show is guaranteed to appeal to a wide audience and age group.

Frank McNamara will perform many of his favourites from his top-selling albums such as 'Oft in the Stilly Night', 'Scarlet Ribbons', and 'Danny Boy', as well as some new compositions and arrangements of popular classics.

His children will perform songs and instrumentals from a wide range of genres. The audience will get to play their part too as Frank confuses them with his Spot the Tune puzzlers - extremely popular on his RTE Lyric FM show on Sunday afternoons.

For tickets go to www.greystonestheatre.com

Night for the ladies at Carrigg Beauty

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

Carrigg Beauty salon is celebrating its 20th birthday with a night for the ladies this week.

On Thursday September 2, the team at Carrigg promise to show you a fantastic time with flowing cocktails and scrumptious cupcakes to start you night of in style.

There will also be beauty tips and free demos of all the latest trends including chemical peels and new make-up styles.

Proceeds will be shared between Spinal research and Dog's Trust charities.

As well as the night of glamour, they are also rolling back the years for the week and offering 20 year old prices for treatments.

For more information call Ruth on (01) 2022929 or email ruth@carriggbrady.ie.

Actors take to the stage

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

IF ALL the world's a stage, then the streets of Bray are as good a place as any for young actors to put their craft into practice.

Students from Backstage Academy of Performing Arts will be taking to the streets of Bray during the month of September in a new programme of street theatre.

'Anything can happen from flash mobbing to instant improvisations,' said Linda Short of the drama school.

If you are interested in joining the students, Backstage has an open day for new members at St. Thomas' Community College this Friday from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Time to reflect on work of Bray artist Roisin

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

BRAY ARTIST Róisín Verdon will be holding an exhibition of paintings in Signal Arts Centre from Tuesday September 14 to Sunday September 26.

Róisín graduated from I.A.D.T in 2008 with a BA (Hons) in Visual Arts Practice and is also a past graduate of Bray Institute of Further Education.

The whole thesis behind her work is that she chooses movies and TV as her source to first of all portray image but also because of the heightened sense of colour and composition.

She is now developing her work around the law of reflection and in particular Specular Reflection. Specular reflection is where the angle at which the wave is incident on the surface equals the angle at which it is reflected.

Mirrors are exhibitors of specular reflections, basically, what you see is what you get. Yet the surface is only partially representational. Through working on the motion project and watching a lot of movies and TV it became apparent that mirrors feature in nearly everything that she has watched.

Through the process of image analysis and research, Róisín has collected hundreds of references to base her work on. Her new body of work comprises of paintings developed from the use of specular reflection within the realm of film.

Woman receives €70,000 in unfair dismissal case

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

A DELGANY woman is entitled to € 70,000 the Employment Appeals Tribunal has determined.

Bernadette Smyth, Sedona, Delgany Glen, Delgany took against Learnex Limited and Learnex Learning Systems Ltd, 63 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2 under the Unfair Dismissals Act and the Organisation of Working Time Act.

Ms. Smyth was represented by Darach MacNamara, BL, instructed by Fitzgerald and Company solicitors, Harcourt Street, Dublin while Learnex Ltd. didn't appear before the tribunal. The Tribunal heard a search of the Companies Registration Office in May 2010 showed the companies were still on the register and Ms. Smyth gave evidence that she was in contact with a fellow past employee and the company was still trading.

Ms. Smyth who worked as a senior writer with the companies started working with them in early January 2007. She received notice of her termination of employment on December 22, 2008 and her employment came to an end on December 31, 2008.

At all times during her employment her status was that of an employee. Ms. Smyth gave evidence of all efforts to find employment following her termination and gave details of any payments received within that period. She said she had been employed since April 26, 2010 but said the income from her current employment is substantially less than she was receiving from her former employers.

No evidence was presented on behalf of Learnex Ltd or Learnex Learning Systems Ltd.

The Tribunal was satisfied Ms. Smyth was an employee of the companies and in the absence of any objective grounds justifying her termination they found her dismissal unfair.

She was awarded €67, 840.14 as compensation under the Unfair Dismissals Act which includes €7,000 in respect of continued loss given the reduction in her wages in her current position.

She was also awarded €2,608.85 under the Organisation of Working Time act as compensation for outstanding holiday entitlements.

COUNTY WICKLOW 5-DAY WEATHER VIEW

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

OUTLOOK

Wednesday night will be dry, cool and mostly clear with light to moderate, southeasterly breezes. Thursday will be another dry day with plenty of warm sunshine in most areas but southeast winds will freshen in western counties. Friday is likely to be cloudier overall and still largely dry; however, outbreaks of rain or drizzle near western coasts will spread further into Connaught and Munster as the day goes on. Southeast winds will freshen generally but it will stay rather mild. Rain will spread to all parts of the country on Friday night and it will continue mild and breezy. Saturday will start with widespread rain but this will give way to scattered showers in the afternoon and evening; southeast winds will moderate also and it will be fairly mild.

Fairyhill Day is a dream come true

PHOTOS BY Barbara Flynn MARY FOGARTY — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE RESIDENTS of Fairyhill enjoyed a family fun day last weekend and have vowed to go ' bigger and better,' next year.

' This was the first time we did this in years,' explained Marry Dooly of the resident's association, who picks up rubbish in the area twice weekly alongside Pat Eliffe and Celia O'Connor.

There were about 100 people out for the event on Saturday afternoon in beautiful sunshine.

They had a bouncy castle, face painting and disco music as well as bars and lollipops for the kids, and a barbecue and drinks for everyone.

Two teenagers from the estate took on the task of face painting and did a fantastic job.

'We had a wonderful day,' said Mary. 'We're already looking forward to next year.'

Gormley 'out of touch' says Jones

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE recent instructions from the Department of the Environment on vehicles restricted for business use is one more example of the actions of a 'very out of touch minister', says Fine Gael councillor George Jones.

'If there is a small problem of some people misleading the current system let it be solved by the current DOE inspection and don't bring in a new set of regulations that will waste the time of the gardai and put small business people into the law breaking category.' Cllr. Jones called on Minister Gormley to sit down with his officials and to issue guidelines that are practical and will not be anti-business.

Business ideas aired at speed networking event

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

A SPEED NETWORKING EVENT involving all of County Wicklow's chambers of commerce offers an opportunity for floor members of the business community to meet and discuss ideas. It takes place on Wednesday, September 15, in the Royal Hotel and Merrill Leisure Club and registration commences at 7 p.m.

Members of Wicklow town, Arklow, Bray and Greystones chambers will be present on the night, as will representatives from Dun Laoghaire Chamber of Commerce.

The event will commence at 7.15p.m.. The format for the evening allows each person the opportunity to meet with every other person and have a two minute 'selling pitch.' In all, the event should continue for approximately 2 hours. Please pre-register by contacting Susana at (0404) 66610 or email the booking form to susana@wicklowchamber.ie

Families invited to join in charity run and cycle

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE ' CHARITY FUN RUN AND CYCLE', was recently launched at the Glenview Hotel.

This event is taking place on Sunday September 19, 2010 and has been organised by the BNI chapter based in the Glenview Hotel. The event will start at the Grand Hotel in Wicklow at 10.00 a.m. finishing at the Glenview Hotel. Fancy Dress is optional!

Sports personalities Shane Byrne and Leighton Glynn were there to join in the fun and help launch the event in style.

Representatives for the charities involved also came along to lend their support. Gerry Foley Community and Fund Raising Executive with Our Lady's Hospital Crumlin was there, as well as Meriam McGrath and Pat Lawless of Wicklow Hospice and Harry Cullen, St Catherine's Hospital Newcastle. Caroline Casey of Kanchi - Recognising ability in disability was also there.

'This is going to be a great family day out and we would ask as many people as possible to support the event, either by taking part in the event itself or supporting on the day, cheering the participants on as they run from Wicklow to Ashford then cycle from Ashford to the Glenview Hotel,' said an organiser.

'The four charities are Our Lady's Hospital for sick children, Wicklow Hospice, St Catherine's Hospital and Kanchi.'

To get involved contact Damian Glynn on (087) 2411937 or Orlaith Maguire on (087) 2433133.

John B's 'Sive' set to light up Wicklow Gaol

ESTHER HAYDEN — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE KILMANT Players will take to the stage tonight (Wednesday) with their dramatisation of John B. Keane's 'Sive' in Wicklow Gaol.

The show will run until Saturday night and patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy at banquet-style meal at the Gaol before the play.

The play is set in the difficult times of 1950s rural Ireland and caused considerable controversy on its debut in 1959. Sive is the story of greed and bitterness, of a scheming matchmaker and a resentful woman forcing a young girl to marry an old man.

The play is powerful and provocative, yet filled with Irish humour that attempts to raise the characters up out of the harsh poverty of their rural lives.

For people who wish to avail of the dinner and theatre, tickets are €30 and dinner will be served at 7pm.

Tickets for €10 are also available to those wishing to see the show only which will commence at 8pm sharp. Tickets can be bought from Malone's Bookshop or on the door.

Dinner Tickets are limited so please purchase them without delay and in advance to avoid disappointment. This is the first time the Kilmant Players have taken on such a challenging play and it promises to be a great show.

The Kilmant Players production of Sive is directed by Wicklow girl, Orla Malone and stars: Breege Fahy, Daniel Healy, Sheila Clancy, Shane Murphy, Tony Perrin, Damien Douglas, Rachel Moore, Vincent Morley and Peggy Doyle. For more information Line contact 086-1522515.

Community Service Programme event

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THE STERLING work done by the Community Services Programme in Wicklow and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown will be showcased in Festina Lente on Friday, September 10 from 11am until 3pm.

The day will be officially opened at 12 noon by An Cathaoirleach, Lettie McCarthy, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and there will be a release of 100 pigeons following the opening.

There will be ongoing guided tours of the beautiful walled gardens of Festina Lente and pony rides for the more adventurous visitors. There will be a wishing tree and someone sharing tips and technique on how to manage stress not to mention a display of football techniques.

Dublin South FM will be there interview the project and public for a show to be broadcast on Wednesday, September 15.

There will be demonstrations of knitting, weaving and set dancing displays. There will also be an introduction to computers, websites and starting your own business. There will also be time to look at the impressive community allotments and organic vegetables. There will be an information stand on the other projects working in your area and people to answer any question you might have.

The celebration day is a national day showcasing the great work done steadily and quietly for the most vulnerable or socially excluded in our communities and it is a chance to focus on all that is good in our society. It will be a great fun day with EAST Coast radio providing live radio coverage on the day and there will be lots of spot prizes.

The event will take place in Festina Lente, Old Connaught Ave, Bray, Co Dublin. Phone 086 792 2262 email easicab@eircom.net. All welcome.

Behan voices concerns over energy costs

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

WITH PROPOSALS to increase electricity supply charges for thousands of domestic customers, local TD Joe Behan has requested an emergency meeting of the Joint Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs.

Deputy Behan wrote to Michael Moynihan, chair of the committee, last week and also requested that the Commission for Energy Regulation be invited to attend the meeting.

He said that the proposed increase recently authorised by the commission would have a detrimental effect on struggling householders.

Deputy Behan also expressed concern about electricity and gas customers being disconnected due to inability to pay, the disconnection and reconnection fees being levied and the protocols in place to protect vulnerable people in dealing with the energy suppliers.

Tears and tributes for Tara

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

THERE were moving tributes to the late Tara McDonald at the Harbour Bar last Friday night, a year after the local 34-year-old mum took her own life.

The event was organised by Tara's friend Dave Keegan who hoped to raise awareness for 'Suicide or Survive,' as well as to remember and celebrate the life of the local woman.

Originally from Blackrock, Tara lived in Bray for 10 years and had many friends here, as well as two young sons.

' The concert was to celebrate her life through music by some of the local bands she loved to go and see,' explained Dave, who said that many of her friends were shocked to the core at her passing, which was so sudden and unexpected.

Tara's partner Matt Keenan performed on the night, sharing the stage with blues greats Bree Harris and Brian Meakin, along with Peter Murphy, Endline, Frank Haze and Paleface & Phazed.

Storyline that gripped a nation

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'Ah come on now Biddy, Fidelma is just a friend.' Miley was at the centre of some racy storylines over the years, not least his infamous roll in the hay with Fidelma, during which the screen siren got in the family way.

Fidelma seduced the saintly Miley after being stood up by her boyfriend, Dr. David O'Hanlon. The hanky panky that shocked a nation took places while Biddy slept off a hangover upstairs.

The love affair between Biddy and Miley began with a first kiss at the end of series one in 1984.

But it was only when Biddy was ill with meningitis that Miley realised he loved her and proposed as soon as she was better.

It wasn't all plain sailing over the course of their 14 years – and two children – for Miley and Biddy, played by Mary McEvoy. But true love survived. In the final series it was Miley's struggle to come to terms with his wife's sudden death in a car accident that dominated the show.

Everyone in the county is welcome to come along

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:56 +0100

ANYONE living in the Bray area is invited to visit the grounds at Emmet Park, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, on Saturday September 11 2011 at 2 p.m., on the day that Bray Emmets host the All-Ireland MBNA kick-fada.

'We would also invite anyone that has been involved with clubs outside of Bray to consider getting involved with Bray Emmets in any capacity that suits you,' said a spokesman.

' You will have the opportunity to view our grounds and we will have an information stand at the club house to answer any queries that you may have. You will also see Ireland's best Gaelic footballers compete for the All-Ireland title.' Admission is free on the day.

Bray Emmets is one of Wicklow's largest clubs with 800 members and 30 different teams.

Membership is comprised of people from the Bray area, from other counties in Ireland and different Nationalities that have now made this great town of Bray their home.

Their goals are that every girl and boy in Bray is given the opportunity to participate in a family orientated sports club which provides sports for life, and that they will are given the opportunity to experience team activities, develop life skills and self esteem. They want to promote a sense of community in Bray through sporting activities and to continue to develop a proud sporting heritage in the town of Bray.

They have three full size playing pitches, and a full size GAA allweather pitch with lighting to the standard which allows the playing of senior hurling inter-county games.

The Academy is on every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 midday and caters for boys and girls between the ages of 4 to 8.

The juvenile section caters for boys and girls from 9 to 18, while the adult section caters for all players, men's and ladies from junior to senior grades.