Wicklow Woman Spring 2018

CONTENTS
EvENTS
What’s on in Wicklow 4
FEATURES
Laura Wood on Small Talk 7 So You Want to Write a Novel 10 Aoife Doyle: The Voice 13 Home is Where the Art Is 14 Emma’s Legacy Lives On 20 Bare Necessities of Fashion 20 All That Jazz 24
TRAvEL
Walking Holidays 8
BUSINESS
Building Equality for Women 27
PETE THE vET
How to Choose a Puppy 16
COOkERY
Children of Lir 22
BEAUTY
Spring Clean 19
COMPETITIONS
Win free stuff 38
Pg 7
Pg 8
Pg 10
WELCOME to Wicklow “WE’RE not all artists,
Woman, Ireland’s only
magazine dedicated to the women of the Garden County.
As those in the publishing industry know, bringing out a second edition of a new magazine can be an even greater challenge than launching the first. The response to our inaugural issue has been phenomenal. However, caution the experts, delivering one shiny piece of fabulousness is all very well, but you’ve got to sustain it.
Well, dear readers, I can assure you that we are committed to bringing you a quality magazine every single time - and this year you can look forward to a new issue every season.
Many thanks to those of you who wrote to tell us how much you enjoyed the first edition of Wicklow Woman. We love hearing your news and views, so keep those emails coming.
Thanks also to our advertisers for your support and for being such an important part of Wicklow’s dynamic business community. Together, we’re making things happen in this great county of ours, as are the wonderful people whose achievements we’re delighted to showcase in our proud journal.
Here at WW Towers, we’re already buzzing with ideas for our upcoming summer special, but for now, sit back, relax and enjoy this springtime celebration of creativity in Wicklow Woman.
but we are all
creative beings.” That kernel of beautiful wisdom is
from Niamh O’Donnell, Artistic Director of Bray’s Mermaid Arts Centre and one of a growing band of people dedicated to bringing the arts and culture to life for everyone in our county.
And as you turn the pages of Wicklow Woman you’ll find some outstanding examples of creative beings from many walks of life.
The late Emma Hannigan inspired millions during her 11-year battle with cancer which sadly came to an end this year, but her legacy lives on (see page 20); following her own experience of cancer, Jackie Sterling designed soft, stylish hats and scarves for women undergoing chemo (pg 20); eight visual artists who saw their work go up in smoke when the Outpost Studios went on fire show their resilience in making a new start (pg 14); author Adele O’Neill shares her advice for anyone wanting to write a novel (pg 10); Ciara Jordan blazed a trail as one of a handful of tilers in the country before launching a business in interior design (pg 27); singer Aoife Doyle shares her passion for music (pg 13); Aileen Eglington has great ideas for walking holidays; radio host Laura Wood reveals why she has no appetite for small talk; vet Pete Wedderburn advises on choosing a puppy; and Dorothy Jacob discusses diversity, equality and all that jazz (pg 24). Enjoy!
Lesley
Celine
Cover: Lucy band and snood set by barenecessities.ie. See page 20. Model: Marcia Reid. Photography: Pauline Reid
Wicklow Woman is published by Sherwood Media, Blainroe, Co. Wicklow TEL: 0404 66855 PUBLISHINg & SALES DIRECTOR: Lesley Magill EMAIL: [email protected] EDITOR: Celine Naughton EMAIL: [email protected]
WICKLOW WOMAN
3


culture vultures
What’s On IN WICKLOW
Your seasonal round-up of some of the great events coming your way throughout our beautiful Garden County over the coming months
MERMAID ARTS CENTRE BRAY TUESDAY MARCH 20 World Storytelling Day: Wise Fools
Celebrate World Storytelling Day 2018 with two of Europe's finest storytellers, Csenge Zalka from Hungary and Markus Luukonen from Finland.
Tickets €5
THURSDAY MARCH 29 The Curse of the Button Accordion Comedian Sharon Mannion pens a hilarious show based on her worries, fears and adventures growing up in a Roscommon village. On receiving a shiny button accordion, Sharon is thrust into the local limelight. But things turn sour when she starts to wonder if Frank the Accordion might have her cursed.
Tickets €16/€14
SATURDAY APRIL 7 The Don Baker and Rob Strong Band Two of Ireland’s best rock/blues musicians perform with their 5- piece band. Don Baker is a prolific singer/songwriter/ musician with two number one hits, Winner in You and Inner City. Rob Strong, with his sensational voice, also tours Europe with his son, Andrew Strong, lead singer of The Commitments. Tickets €18/€16
TUESDAY - SATURDAY APRIL 10 - 14 Square One presents When We Were Married by JB Priestley
Three couples, all married on the same day in the same chapel, gather to celebrate their silver anniversary. When they discover that they are not legally married, they find themselves re-evaluating their marriages, while an alcohol-soaked
Alison Spittle brings her hilarious show, Worrier Princess, to the Whale Theatre greystones on April 19th at 8pm
COURTHOUSE ARTS CENTRE TINAHELY TUESDAY MARCH 27 Fashion Camp
A one-day workshop for teens aged 12 and upwards. Learn the skills needed to revamp your wardrobe. Just bring some clothes you’d like to restyle, upstyle, dye or embellish. Ruffles, sequins, studs, cutting, sewing, dyeing and printing. Admission: €20
FRIDAY MARCH 30 John Daly Jazz Chill out to the music of Thelonius Monk with pianist Brian Priestley, saxophonist Tom Caraher, bassist Peter Hanagan and drummer John Daly.
Tickets €14/€12
THURSDAY APRIL 12 The killing of a Sacred Deer Psychological horror film starring Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan and Nicole Kidman. Tickets €6/€5
FRIDAY APRIL 13 Pilgrim St A treat for fans of country, folk and bluegrass. Tickets €14/€12
SATURDAY APRIL 21 The Aoife Doyle Band The Bray-born singer-songwriter makes a welcome return to her home county (see interview on page 13). Tickets €14/€12
THURSDAY APRIL 26 Youth Film and Poetry Day From 11am. Tickets €2
SATURDAY APRIL 28 No Smoke Without Fire A sharp, witty one-woman show written by Paddy Murray and performed by Love/Hate actress Mary Murray. Tickets €14/€12
THROUgHOUT WICkLOW MARCH 31: gael Force Bray- greystones 10km Cliff Run Starting in the evening, run from Greystones Beach to Bray Prom, and then to the Martello on the seafront for music, refreshments and post-mortem.
APRIL 27 - MAY 1 Wicklow Wolf Jazz Trail More than 20 shows will take place at a dozen different venues in Bray and Delgany on the Festival Trail, sponsored this year by Bray's own Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company. Stars include Take Trio, Brass Tacks, Mia Sings Sarah Vaughan Trio,
4
Interskalactic, Dirt Road Blues Band, Julien Colarossi, Ultrasaound, and others. For more see brayjazz.com.
MAY 4 - 6 (Bank Holiday weekend) Bray Jazz Festival Hailed as “one of the very best small jazz festivals in Europe,” this unmissable event is now in its 19th year. And get this: while 45 UK festivals have signed an agreement to have complete diversity in their programmes by 2022, the Bray Jazz Festival has already met that target, with half of the artists in its main line-up this year being women. Take a bow, Bray Jazz, we love you. See page 24 for more.
WICKLOW WOMAN


Catch the Aoife Doyle Band at Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, April 21st, at 8.30pm, and the Harbour Bar, Bray, May 6th at 5.30pm
photographer records the proceedings. Tickets €18/€16
FRIDAY-SAT APRIL 27-28 Pan Pan Theatre presents The Importance of Nothing Picture an imaginary prison where the drama therapy is twenty fours a day. Drama therapist, Lady Lancing and her husband Omar have dedicated their lives to conducting anti- homophobic workshops utilizing the life and works of Oscar Wilde. Tickets €18/16
WHALE THEATRE gREYSTONES SATURDAY MARCH 31 The Ultimate Adele Experience
Enjoy the sound and look of global superstar Adele with Katherine Headon and her talented tribute band playing hits such as Rolling in the Deep, Hello, Water Under The Bridge, Someone Like You and many more. Locals will recognise Emily McGuinness from Greystones on backing vocals. Tickets €26/€24
FRIDAY APRIL 13: My Left Nut
Film about an adolescent in post-conflict Belfast without a father to guide him, and a giant ball weighing him down. Tickets €18/€16
SUNDAY APRIL 15 Beethoven, with Cara O'Sullivan and The Degani Trio Afternoon concert featuring a selection of Irish and Scottish folk song arrangements and 'The Ghost' Piano Trio.
Tickets €28/€25
THURSDAY APRIL 19 Alison Spittle: Worrier Princess The star and writer of RTE comedy series Nowhere Fast, Alison Spittle worries. She worries so much she's decided to do a show about it and now she can worry about making it a good show... Tickets €15/€12
SATURDAY APRIL 21 Cello Ireland with special guest Liam O’Maonlai This musical feast celebrates the sound of the cello and traditional sean nós singing. Tickets €28/€25
SUNDAY MAY 6 Miriam Lambert Puppet Show: goldilocks and the Three Bears Everything you need for a fantastic family Funday afternoon. Tickets €10
FRIDAY MAY 11 An Evening with Hazel O’Connor Unforgettable songs from singer/songwriter Hazel O’Connor, with a special Meet and Greet after the show. Tickets €24/€22
Comedian Sharon Mannion plays at Mermaid Arts Centre Bray March 29th at 8pm
WICKLOW WOMAN 5


␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣FULLY BESPOKE KITCHENS AND CABINETRY. ALCOVE, TV UNITS AND BOOK CASES. CUSTOM CABINETRY TO SUIT EVERY HOME. TV UNITS A SPECIALITY
Workshop and Showroom 26 Newtown Business Park, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow t: 01 2811091
www.enigmadesign.ie
6
WICKLOW WOMAN


women on the aIr
How I survive early mornings and
SMALL TALK
If you happen to run into East Coast FM’s Laura Wood, please don’t talk about the weather. Unless the green ‘small talk’ badge is on show and then all bets are off. Aren’t you your one off Googlebox? What’s it like getting up so early? What are you up to for the weekend? Just a few suggestions. You’re welcome.
AS a presenter on breakfast radio, the two things that people often say to me are, “How do you get up so early?” and, “You must love to talk.”
The answer to the former is I actually have no idea how I do it – a combination of loving my job and having to, I suppose.
When I was younger – in
fact, pretty much all of my life
before I had kids – I was never
seen or heard before twelve
noon. So much so that one of
my best friends tells a story
about phoning me during the
very early stages of our relationship at 10.00am to discuss an event that I had said I'd help her organise the previous evening.
After reluctantly answering and growling down the phone at her, she says I begrudgingly engaged in what could loosely be called conversation before adding, “Just one thing - if you call again, please make sure it's after twelve.”
We still laugh about that now, but when she heard that I was doing a breakfast
show, constantly talking or thinking about what I'm saying next, so when Freshly Squeezed is finished, the last thing I want to do is converse. With anyone.
The thought of going into the supermarket or local coffee shop fills me with dread and when I do meet someone (as I did in a lift earlier today), I am so uncomfortable with the cringeworthy ramblings that I tend to babble absolute nonsense and give away far more information than required, to the point that the other party ends up trying to pry open the door of said lift or pretending they were getting their coffee to go.
If I'm on public transport, my defence mechanism is to put earphones on, even if I'm not listening to anything, but I can't do this in shops or cafés, so maybe it's about time we had a red/green small-talk badge system so that we could happily smile/nod at each other without entering the horrible world of inane babble.
Then again, when it comes to the litany of challenges we face as parents of young children, I accept that perhaps a breakfast show host grumbling about the injustice of having to get up early and make small talk might not be high on the list.
7
␣␣
before), while the transition from bed to car takes ten minutes. I have the drive to the studio perfected to a fine art and can make it in a mere twelve minutes.
One more snooze
My husband jokes that I'm a minger
because I shower the
night before and never in the morning, but I'll take
” that over having to
sad, but come Monday morning after getting up with them at the weekends (well, one of the mornings anyway), I'm happy enough to be going to work to be honest. On the plus side, I get to hang out with them from lunchtime, which is great - after my compulsory forty winks, of course. Trust me, forty minutes - no more, no less - is the ultimate power nap.
Now, though, to the second comment: "You must love to talk..."
No small talk please!
Anyone who knows me will attest to 'Yes' being the answer to that question. However, much as I enjoy a good natter with friends, I abhor small talk. On a scale of abominations, it’s up there with the word ‘moist.’
I suspect part of the problem is that that my brain is 'on' during the four-hour
I babble “ nonsense and
show with a 5.00am start she was the first one to call to say, "A breakfast show? You won't last a week!"
give away far more information than required, to the point where the other party tries to pry open the door of the lift
Ten odd years, later it turns out she was wrong, but it still never gets easier when the alarm goes off at 5.00am. NEVER.
My routine is to snooze three times (more if there was wine involved the night
get up one snooze earlier.
The children are never awake at that hour, so I don't
get to see them in the mornings Monday to Friday when I think they tend to be in their best form (although my husband would argue differently).
That often makes me a bit
Laura Wood co-hosts ‘Freshly Squeezed,’ East Coast FM’s popular breakfast show, and presents ‘Laura Meets’ for parenting site
The M Word.
WICKLOW WOMAN


travel
These boots were made for
WALKING HOLIDAYS
Wicklow Woman’s travel correspondent Aileen Eglington recommends holiday destinations best explored on foot
Lough Tay on the Wicklow Way (Photo by visitwicklow.ie)
WHETHER you’re planning a holiday with family, a few friends, or a large group, it’s hard to find a better way to appreciate the beauty of a place than on foot.
The growth in walking and hiking clubs in Ireland has led to a surge in demand for walking holidays at homeandabroad. These holidaymakers want new landscapes and cultural experiences, and the mountains have responded.
In recent years, tourist boards and local businesses have invested not only in designing newtrails, but also in excellent quality hotels and services, local guides, festivals and other events.
Many companies now offer
luggage transfers - not only for trekkers taking on the challenge of the Camino, but also for high regions and off-the-beaten-track routes where your luggage is transferred each day to your next destination. It is a holiday after all!
If you want to avoid the intense mid-summer sun, go in low
season and enjoy great value along
Here’s a quick round-up of destinations to consider for your ideal walking holiday.
Austria
In many towns in the Austrian Tirol, local buses and trains are free, so you can explore a number of towns and villages on your trip.
St Johann in Tirol is a picture postcard town at the foothills of the Kitzbüheler Horn and with the
town. Highly recommended. For further information check out uwalk.ie, Crystal and Topflight. www.kitzalps.cc
Söll, on the other side of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains, has a fabulous lake for swimming in the summer time, and a theme park called the Hexen Wasser – Witches’ Water - perfect for family fun. And it’s got great bars too!
www.skiwelt.at
“ luggage transfers are
withpleasant conditions. Walkers
can also enjoy stunning
terrain right here on our
doorstep. ” Having been
to the Rockies in Canada, Machu
not confined to camino trekkers. For off-the- beaten-track routes, you too can have your bags transferred
wonderful Wilder Kaiser Mountains nearby. (Tip: Book a wine tasting experience at the Angeralm mountain restaurant). The tourist board offers a free guided tour of the lovely baroque
to your next destination
Picchu in Peru, the Austrian Alps, Dolomites, Snowdonia and more, I’m here to testify that the mountains and coastal paths of Wicklow are as exhilarating as anywhere in the world.
St Johann, Austria
8
WICKLOW WOMAN


Westendorf, also part of the Ski Welt region of Austria’s Tirol, is famous for para-gliding, and it has a fantastic e-biking experience.
www.skiwelt.at
The pretty town of Kirchberg is a paradise for walking, hiking, cycling and swimming. Check out the beautiful Lake Schwarzsee nearby. www.kitzbuehle-alpen.com
The lovely little town of Lermoos lies on the Austrian-German border to the west of the Tirol, and is close to Munich and Memmingen airports, and only an hour from Innsbruck. Located at the foothills of the Zugspitz Mountain, Germany’s highest, it offers a huge variety of walking, cycling and mountain biking trails as well as breathtaking alpine lakes. For accommodation, I recommend the 4* Hotel Post, or if you’re looking for a home-from-home atmosphere, Haus Montana, run by the warm and friendly Erika Mott, offers great value, high standard apartments. www.zugspitzarena.com www.post-lermoos.at www.hausmontana.at
An hour from Salzburg, the Gastein Valley with its thermal waters and famous spas, is a health and wellness paradise. You can hike along 350km of marked paths, and stay in the twin towns of Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein. Take a gondola ride to the top of the mountains for an unforgettable Sunrise Walk, enjoy delicious ribs at the Hirschenhütte Mountain Lodge, and at the end of your walk, relax in one of the excellent spas in the vallley. www.alpentherme.com and
Malcesine, Lake garda
www.felsentherme.com and www.gasteiner-heilstollen.com www.gastein.com
Portugal
There’s so much more to Portugal than the popular seaside resorts of the Algarve. Discover its two enchanting walking routes - the Via Algarviana which stretches right across the Algarve and includes the mountain spa resort of Monchique, and the Rota Vicentina which extends into the unspoilt Alentejo region of Portugal. Stay in one of the region’s casas brancas, gorgeous, traditional yet high- spec farmhouse type accommodation whose owners will actually bring you to and collect you from your walking trails). If you head out this direction, you’ve got to walk the picturesque Fisherman’s Trail. www.viaalgarviana.org www.en.rotavicentina.com
Lake garda, Italy
Walkers and cyclists recommend the Northern end of the lake. You could stay in Malcesine, beside Monte Baldo, or Riva del Garda at the very northern tip of the lake, where you’ll have access to the mountains of the Trentino area – a paradise for walking, hiking, climbing, cycling and sailing.
Last year I walked with a group in the steps of that giant of German literature, Goethe. We retraced his steps as he came down the alps and got his first sight of Lake Garda, then followed the old Roman road, and eventually came out at Torbole on Lake Garda. It was a unique and magical experience that I will treasure forever. Seek
Above and below: Quinta do Chocalhinho, Rota vicentina, Portugal
out such memorable experiences for yourself! www.gardatrentino.it
Wicklow
Never forget what’s on your doorstep. If you’d like to stay closer to home, take a guided tour of your own county. www.visitwicklow.ie
Experience a Full Moon Tour of Enniskerry with Terry Lambert of Hill Top Treks, or try a walking tour with a difference with Extreme Ireland. www.hilltoptreks.com www.extremeireland.ie
Know BeFore You Go... aIleen’s toP tIPs
1 talk to a tour operator or a good travel agent with experience in organising group holidays and may offer group discounts. make sure they’re Itaa bonded, so that if anything goes wrong, from flight cancellations to ash clouds, your group will be protected. Plus, if you’re a group leader, it’s great to have someone else share the responsibility so that you can enjoy your own holiday.
2 If you don’t yet belong to a walking group, check out what groups in your area are doing. most groups welcome new members, or share trips with other walking groups.
3 Pick a hotel with good facilities and half board – easier to deal with after a long day in the mountains.
4 Do your homework. It’s always great to be in town if there’s a local festival going on!
5 Book a walking or mountaineering guide through the region’s tourist board. expect to pay around €180 a day - not a lot if you have a big group. local knowledge is key and these guides know the best mountain restaurants.
6 Investingoodbootsfittedforyoubyatrainedprofessional.
7 If you find going uphill a struggle, give e-biking a go. with their small batteries, e-bikes get you places you never dreamed of, so now you really can climb every mountain!
WICKLOW WOMAN 9


women In lIterature
So you want to
WRITE A NOVEL?
Bestselling author Adele O’Neill shares her Top 10 tips - and she should know. Having landed a three-book deal with a top publisher, the Arklow writer saw her debut novel race to the top of the charts. Now she’s launching her second.
BeFore You BeGIn...
Maybe it was life and all the distractions that brings, or perhaps it was a sense of feeling unentitled even though I was surrounded by books all my life, but it never occurred to me until I was forty-two years of age to write a book. Had you told me then as I tentatively tapped on the keyboard on what was to become a Number One bestselling novel, Brothers and Sisters, that I would be signing a three-book deal with a UK publisher and watching my debut novel climb the charts in Australia, Canada and the UK, I would never had believed you... but with my second book Behind a Closed Door released in March, I’ve learned that dreams do come through, even for me. So before you begin to write that novel, these are just some of the tips I’ve picked up along the way.
Ask yourself why you want to write a novel ‘If you can dream — and
your computer, pouring out your soul? Is it the voices in your head that won’t let you sleep because they have something to say? Writing is not for the faint-hearted, so make sure your conviction to write is enough to sustain you through the hard times and sufficient to keep you grounded in the good.
through these fundamentals ahead of time. There is nothing as bad as trying to fix a plot hole in a finished story.
get to know your 3 characters
Weak characters make for weak stories. Make your
characters interesting, give them secrets, pasts, wishes and dreams. Make them work for what they want, and make them real - that’s when the fun really begins. As soon as your characters have a mind of their own you’ll be surprised at the direction your novel might take!
Patience
‘Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.’ (Aristotle)
1
5
not make dreams your master; If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim.’ (Rudyard Kipling)
Examine your motivation to write a novel in an honest way. What is driving you to sit endlessly at
Everything, particularly in the early stages of your writing career, moves at the rate of molasses in the literary world, so my advice is to keep yourself busy with other projects. Keep writing and lodge your work in your writing bank. It’ll come in handy when you do get busy.
2
Make a plan
‘It takes as much energy to wish as it
Stay positive
6
does to make a plan.’ (Eleanor Roosevelt)
Whether it’s a detailed plan or a general outline, you need to know where your story starts, where you intend it to end and how it’s going to get there.
Ask yourself the five key questions and then develop your plot from there. Who? What? When? Where? And how does it all end up? Your writing experience will go a lot smoother if you have worked
Don’t get disheartened with rejections and critical reviews. It’s a rite of
passage and every writer, no matter how successful, has had more than their fair share. Believe in yourself and your writing.
4
Read everything
‘The more that you read the more that you’ll
know, the more that you learn the more places you’ll go.’ (Dr Seuss)
Read as much as you can, but do so with a critical eye. Take notes of how plot threads are woven together and find out what works.
WICKLOW WOMAN
7
Feedback / editing
‘There is only one way to avoid criticism, Do
Novelist Adele O’Neill
nothing, Say nothing, Be nothing.’ (Aristotle) There is always room for
10


Behind a Closed Door by Adele O’Neill, an emotionally tense story of love, loyalty, betrayal and revenge, is published by Aria Fiction, an imprint of Head of Zeus. It’s available from all good bookstores and from Amazon online. The author’s first novel, Brothers and Sisters, became an instant bestseller, reaching Number One in Australia, 4 in Canada, and 16 in the Uk. Adele lives in Arklow with her husband and two children.
improvement, so embrace the trusted opinions of others. Their perspective is unique and will help your writing in the long run.
Like-minded people
Persevere
Don’t let fear of the time it will take to finish your
9
10
It’s all about the work
Surround yourself with people who add value to your life, who challenge you
to be greater than you were yesterday, who motivate you just like you do them.
Writing is a solitary business, so find your writing tribe and stick together.
Check out literary events, online networks and writing groups. Your people are waiting for you!
novel stand in the way of you doing it. The time will pass anyway and you might as well put it to good use pursuing your dream. Writers are writers because they didn’t give up!
‘With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.’ (Thomas Fowell Buxton)
8
Concentrate on your writing, not on your social media profile. It’s the
quality of your work that will get you noticed first, so this should be your priority. Develop your voice and your style. Only then can you focus on self-promotion.
Floors and Carpets Direct
Unit 5 Egans Business Centre Upper Dargle Road, Bray Phone: (01) 276 5586
␣ FREE ESTIMATES ␣ FREE MEASURING ␣ NO OBLIGATION ␣ BEST PRICES
WICKLOW’S ONLY DEDICATED FLOORS AND CARPETS SHOWROOM
WICKLOW WOMAN
11


by Charles Sharkey, LIPPA, Bray, Co Wicklow.
Tel 087 2217947 or 01 2868707 Email [email protected]
WICKLOW WOMAN
Main Street, Wicklow Town Tel: (0404) 67247
Jewellery, Handbags & Gifts.
12


women In musIc
The VOICE Singer Aoife Doyle is making her mark on the music scene with a stunning album
of her own songs, and performances that are going down a storm nationwide
HER voice has been likened to a heavenly mix of the velvety tones of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald and the ethereal quality of bluegrass- country great Alison Krauss. Yet, while singer Aoife Doyle declares herself honoured to be mentioned in such illustrious company, she doesn’t do comparisons. Neither does she describe herself as a jazz singer, despite dazzling audiences with her scatting prowess.
“I don’t confine myself to a single genre,” she says. “I sing jazz, blues, folk, country and bluegrass. I’m a singer of songs, and I play fiddle. And I think it’s important for singers not to compare themselves with others. Let go of comparisons and find your own voice.”
Wicklow fans are in for a treat whentheAoifeandherband perform at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely this April. The songbird, who now lives in Co. Clare where she runs a singing school and works with the Burren Children’s Choir, welcomes the chance to play to a home audience and catch up with loved ones.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” she says. “The Courthouse is a lovely space, and manager Maggie (Gallagher) has a genuine interest in the music and artists. It’s always a pleasure to play in the home county.”
Family tradition
Aoife grew up in Bray with an extended clan so steeped in music, it came as no surprise that she would follow in the Doyle family tradition.
“My Dad Martin is a flute maker, my brother Joe’s a guitarist and vocalist, another brother Ogí plays bass, our mother Eileen plays mandolin, Uncle Ken plays bass guitar and sings with the band Bagatelle, and Uncle Ger is a brilliant fiddle player, as well as a great
“
wicklow is a wonderful place to grow as a musician... You can retreat to the hills to practise your craft,
andthenimmerse ” yourself in
the city
hone her craft, and graduated from Newpark Music Centre with a B.A. in Jazz Performance. She then set up her jazz ensemble, the Aoife Doyle Band with pianist Johnny Taylor, Andrew Csibi on double bass and drummer Dominic Mullan. As well as performing to critical acclaim all over the country, their debut album, This Time the Dream’s on Me (2013) received rave reviews, but there was more to come. Supported by Music Network, in 2017 Aoife released an album of her own songs, Clouds, described by the Sunday Times as “one of the finest jazz albums” of the year.
Music for everyone
When she’s not recording or wowing live audiences nationwide, she collaborates with contemporaries including singers Emilie Conway, Suzanne Savage and Colette Cassidy, whistle player Cormac Breatnach and saxophonists Peadar Tumelty and Michael Buckley. She also tries to instill a love of music in the next generation.
“Music should be for everyone, not just an elite few,” says the 35-year-old. “I got enormous
help from more experienced musicians, and now I try to give back by encouraging young people to enjoy singing and performing.
“Some get terrible stage fright, but it really is a case of feel the fear and do it anyway. In my twenties I found performing nerve-racking, but like anything, it takes practice. Learning to perform and communicate with an audience is just a process. It takes time. I say put up with the discomfort – you’ll get past it.”
As for local talent fine-tuning their skills and forge a career in music, the Garden County has much to offer, she says.
“Wicklow is a wonderful place to grow as a musician. You’ve got stunning scenery on the doorstep, yet it’s within easy reach of the city. As an artist, you can retreat to the hills to reflect and practise your craft, and then immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the capital. As some people say, the best thing about Dublin is Wicklow.”
The Aoife Doyle Band will be performing at the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely on Saturday April 21st at 8.30pm, and at the Harbour Bar, Bray, on May 6th at 5.30pm.
13
supporter and teacher,” she says. From the time she was in
Junior Infants, she told her mother she was going to be a singer when she grew up, and in her teens she listened to far more than the chart hits, drawing inspiration from an eclectic bunch of singers.
“When my friend’s supercool older sister introduced me to Billie Holiday, I was blown away,” she says. “She and Ella Fitzgerald were huge influences, as were Alison Krauss, Mary Coughlan, the late Dolores O’Riordan, and of course all the fine musicians in my own family.
“I was also fortunate to have had wonderful music teachers, Collette Kavanagh and Tom Costello in the Bray School Project, and Ethel Clancy in Newpark secondary school.”
Following a gap year after school, Aoife combined her passion for music with four years of formal academic training to
WICKLOW WOMAN


queens oF arts
Home is
WHERE THE ART IS
The arts and culture are alive and well in Wicklow. Celine Naughton talks to some of the women fanning the flames of creativity
Outpost Studios before the premises was destroyed by fire
AFIRE at the Outpost Studios in Bray in February this year came as a devastating blow to eight Wicklow-based visual artists who said it “destroyed our studios, our artworks and our livelihoods.”
But these artists are a resilient lot and – like the phoenix of legend – are determined their
work will rise from the ashes, and local agencies and community groups are rallying around to help them achieve their goal.
locality rather than traipsing into Dublin to rent studio space. With help from local councils and arts centres, they found an ideal premises off Boghall Road, where they worked and ran reading groups, film nights and talks, and built a support network for each other. And then overnight, their work, along
with their artists’ materials, went up
feel part of the culture of the town. Building up our work will take time, but we’ll get there. Finding the right place is our priority right now.”
Among their many allies is the Mermaid Arts Centre, whose Artistic Director Niamh O’Donnell says: “Trying to make a living as an artist is difficult, but for this to happen is a terrible knock-back. We open a room for the artists when it’s
available, and we’re trying to raise funds to help them get a new studio space and get back on their feet.”
The generous response demonstrates the supportive spirit of the artistic community throughout the county, where local arts centres are valued by those who live here. They’re places that bring arts and culture to the people – and people to art. As well as
“
in smoke. “It was
devastating,” says Eleanor Phillips.
“Thirty years of materials and artwork
the arts are central to our ability to stay mentally well
- Maggie Gallagher, Courthouse Arts Centre
Founded in 2014 by Eleanor Phillips, Joanna Kidney, Joanne Boyle, Raine Hozier Byrne, Rachel Fallon, Emma Finucane, Laura Kelly and Ann Marie Webb, the Outpost came about because these eight artists wanted to work in their own
14
” were gone in a flash. We had
eight studios and a kitchen where we held evening salons and networked with other artists. We miss it terribly. We want to stay in Bray, because it’s convenient for us, and we
The Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray
WICKLOW WOMAN


providing a platform for local talent, their extensive programmes of plays, concerts, comedy, art exhibitions, workshops, classes and other events are designed to cater to all the demographics in their localities.
“In Mermaid, democracy, inclusivity and equality are our guiding principles,” says Niamh. “We believe that being part of any cultural activity is a positive thing for
themselves and take that with them for the rest of their lives. We’re not all artists, but we are all creative beings.
“Being part of something creative gives confidence, skills, knowledge, insight and empathy, and all of that is empowering. And if the arts can change people, then it can and does change the world.”
Her view is echoed by Maggie Gallagher, Artistic
Director of the Courthouse Arts Centre in
everyone; in fact, having access to and being able to participate in the arts is a fundamental right of every citizen.”
“ Democracy, inclusivity and
equality are our guiding principles - Niamh O’Donnell, Mermaid Arts Centre
Tinahely. People regularly travel to the quiet village
from east, west and south Wicklow, east
choir and teen art studio space.”
Unlike the Mermaid and Courthouse arts centres, the Whale Theatre in Greystones is a private enterprise, set up last year by Ross McParland, director and shareholder in the Sherry FitzGerald Group. Despite having no experience in the arts world, his business acumen and marketing skills have brought a sea change
to the local cultural scene.
With shows as varied as local
drama groups, cinema screenings and Irish language nights to
Storm and the Hothouse Flowers, the
Whale is firmly on the map as a go-to venue in the north Wicklow town.
“The Whale brings the arts to life in Greystones,” says Nikki
Joanna kidney (second from right) and artists at a salon evening
Both the Mermaid and the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely are subsidised by State funding. Even with government support, however, local arts centres have also got to be commercial. Box office sales cover much of the running costs, yet getting bums on seats is not enough if those seats are hard or uncomfortable. Last year, the Mermaid Arts Centre replaced the seating in its modern theatre located in the Bray Civic Centre, thanks to a Creative Ireland grant of €36,000, which was matched by local councils.
“We couldn’t afford it before then, but now we’ve upgraded to 242 deep red seats that are fabulously comfortable and our patrons are delighted,” says Niamh. “Over 45,500 people come to us each year, and last year, 1,942 children stood on our stage and performed. I hope we’ve lit a spark so that they can see the creativity in
Carlow and north ” Wexford to enjoy
its concerts, exhibitions and
dance performances, and take part in workshops, talks and various classes.
“The arts are central to our ability to stay mentally well, rested and engaged, and experience a sense of being a part of something great, whether as an audience member or as a participant,” says Maggie.
Niamh O’Donnell, Artistic Director Mermaid Arts Centre
“The Courthouse is at the heart of its community. As well as our artistic programme, we provide a wide range of arts focused workshops for adults and children to attend weekly. We also support a number of mentored groups, like the Courthouse writers group, life drawing class, ladies
“
Barrie, Head of Communications. “People can drop in and lose
themselves in a performance without having to travel all the way to Dublin or pay for taxis to get here. It’s theatre on the doorstep.
“We’re thrilled that the business is doing so well, but it’s not all about money. It’s about bringing happiness to people and keeping communities together.”
And having a Whale of a time in the process.
15
It’s about bringing happiness and keeping communities together
- Nikki Barrie, ” international acts Whale Theatre like Rebecca
The Whale Theatre, greystones
Nikki Barrie and Ross McParland of the Whale Theatre
WICKLOW WOMAN


Pete the vet
How to choose the
A dog is an important part of the family, so before you bring home that puppy, make sure you’re the perfect fit for each other, writes TV vet Pete Wedderburn
THE biggest mistake that people make when getting a new puppy is to rush into the acquisition rather than thinking about it carefully with patience, intelligence and objectivity.
While it’s true that it would be rare for a puppy to be
make just as adorable pets as highly priced pedigree pups. At the very least, make sure you contact a local animal rescue centre and talk to them: you may be surprised at what they have to offer. It can also be
worth talking to your local vet: vets
that you are interested in. Whatever you do, avoid
buying from a puppy farmer. Instead, choose a pup bred by a private breeder, ideally based in a family home. Be aware than many of the pups bred by puppy farmers, as well as
are often aware of
animals in their
own area that are
looking ” for
homes. If you must
buy a pedigree pup, do your research
first. Find out about your chosen breed’s potential health issues, and buy from a breeder who has done the necessary health tests to minimise the risk of problems later in life. Many of the specific breed clubs have health schemes aimed at minimising the health issues faced by pedigree dogs. You may need to pay more money, and you may have to wait for a few months, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run. Visit the Irish Kennel Club website to find contacts for the breed
“
randomly given away as a prize, many people choose a pup with just about as little consideration as this. They decide that they want a particular breed of dog, they search for one online, then they pay significant sums of money for it. There are far better ways of planning a new puppy in your life.
Rescue me!
First, consider adopting, not shopping. Thousands of dogs need homes, and you don’t need to have a highly priced pedigree pup to fulfil your objective of finding a wonderful new pet.
Many dogs in rescue centres are there for no fault of their own, and they can
16
Greystones & District Credit Union encourage our mem- bers to check out what we have to offer when looking to borrow for that house make over. For those that have savings accumulated to do this work perhaps you should consider using our secured loan special offering instead and leave the savings for the rainy say that may come down the line. Whatever the plan contact us to consider your options.
Greystones: Monday - Thursday 9.30am to 4.00pm, Friday 9.30am to 5pm, Saturday 10.00am to 12 noon. Tel: 01 287 7165 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gcu.ie
Newtownmountkennedy: 01 281 0588 Kilcoole: 01 287 3111 Both open Friday 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm Saturday 10.00am to 12.00 noon
avoid buying from a puppy farmer. Insist on meeting the mother of the pup. If this can’t happen you have to wonder why
PURRFECT PUPPY
illegally imported pups, are sold online with the specific aim of fooling you into believing that they have been bred by a genuine private breeder.
Meet the Mama
There are stories about puppy farmers renting houses for the sole purpose of fooling puppy buyers into thinking they are buying a family-bred pup. One simple way of avoiding this is to insist that you meet the mother of the pup. If this cannot happen, you really need to wonder why.
A new puppy can bring a great deal of pleasure to a household, but choose carefully and choose well.
WICKLOW WOMAN


WICKLOW WOMAN 17


Ireland’s most unique Ladies ONLY gym
Exercise with
GUARANTEED
results
4 Castle Street, Bray, Wicklow Call us on 01 282 8707
Mobile 087 210 1226 or 085 820 7225
Ashling
O’Toole
Hair Dressing
085 208 4003
18
WICKLOW WOMAN
H
a
i
r
S
l
S
a
l
A
o
n


Spring clean
YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE
Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, and if your skin feels dry and hair’s a frizz, don’t worry... Try these tips to dust off the remnants of winter and give your beauty routine the fresh boost it deserves
BeautY
Exfoliate
Dry, flaky skin cells can build up during the winter - and boy did we just have the mother of cold winters to contend with! How could you possibly see the build up of rough patches on knees, elbows, hands and feet underneath all those layers of clothes and thick socks?
Now is a great time to deep- clean and exfoliate your skin. If you want to keep it natural - and cheap as chips! - raid your kitchen cupboard for quick and easy exfoliators. In all cases, rub the mixture into the skin, leave for 15-20 minutes, then wash off. Here are some ideas to start you off:
♥ A paste made of olive oil and sugar is a treat for dry hands, elbows or feet.
♥ Grapefruit and avocado whizzed together in a blender is great for toning and tightening skin.
♥ Mix together plain yoghurt, oatmeal, honey and buttermilk. This scrub has anti-oxidants and anti- inflammatory ingredients that are good enough to eat and excellent scrub for your face and body too.
Moisturise
If your skin feels tight, it’s dehydrated - and not just your
face. Your body needs moisture too. Also, every woman from the age of 25 should use eye cream. You’ll thank us in years to come.
Lighten up
Take a break from the heavy make-up that protected you from stormy winds, and switch to a tinted moisturiser instead. La Roche Posay do a super range that suits sensitive skin.
Condition
For dry or damaged hair, mix one part apple cider vinegar with three to four parts water. Apply to hair after you’ve shampooed and rinsed. Leave for two minutes, then rinse.
De-clutter
Go through your make-up bag and throw out anything past its expiry date. Always chuck mascara that’s more than three months old, as it can harbour bacteria, and you don’t want to risk infections in your eyes. Sharpen lip and eye pencils to help remove bacteria, and toss anything that’s changed colour or smell.
Clean sweep
Wash make-up brushes at least once a week to get rid of bacteria. Swirl them in a bowl of warm water with a little mild shampoo added. Rinse under a running tap and leave to dry on a towel overnight. ♥
19
WICKLOW WOMAN


InsPIrInG women
Emma’s legacy
LIVES ON
20
THE BARE
Above: Lucy band and snood set, €35. Below: Suki band and snood set, €35 available from barenecessities.ie. Model: Marcia Reid. Photography: Pauline Reid
WICKLOW WOMAN
The nation mourned the death in March this year of author Emma Hannigan, the Bray woman who has left a lasting legacy in raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research
PRESIDENT Michael D. Higgins led an avalanche of tributes that poured in for author Emma Hannigan following her death on March 3rd last following an 11-year battle with cancer. She was 45.
Just weeks before her passing, the inspirational writer from Bray revealed that her disease was terminal in her blog post. She wrote: "Faced with very little time can I tell you what screams out at me? Love.
"Nothing else has much meaning anymore. Just the love I feel for the people I hold dear. My two babies (ok they both tower over me, but I'm still allowed call them my babies), my husband, my parents, my family, my friends and readers...
The love in my heart is all that matters now. I am broken-hearted at having to say goodbye so if it’s alright we’ll say farewell instead...
Farewell and thank you, I am taking a bow. Until we meet again may all that is good and decent be yours.
Love and light Emma x" Since her first cancer
diagnosis in 2007, Emma worked tirelessly as an ambassador for Breast Cancer Ireland (BCI) which supports life-saving research into the disease. And even when she knew she was coming to the end of her own journey, Emma
generously turned her attention to raising funds for research to save the lives of others. Within 10 days, her goal of raising €100,000 for BCI was reached. Dubray donated all profits from the sale of her book, ‘Letters to my Daughters’ to BCI.
Her husband Cian announced her passing with this touching tribute to his beloved wife:
Today, my Emma found peace.
She bravely fought a battle against a foe with no mercy. Emma was the epitome of
strength, love and generosity, beyond anything I have ever known. She loved her family, loved her friends, and she left a trail of glitter and joy throughout her life... with of course added tinsel at Christmas.
She was my wife and soul mate
Mother of my beautiful children
A friend to many and an inspiration to thousands
A loving daughter Devoted mother Best selling author Fundraiser
Public speaker Chef And shopaholic ...... She was my guiding star
and my hug to say everything would be ok.
But mostly she was just my Emma, and I would need her wonderful gift with words to tell you just how much I will miss her.
HOW YOU CAN HELP Text "CURE" to 50300 to donate €4 to Breast Cancer Ireland, which
supports pioneering research and heightens awareness of breast health so that breast cancer will be transformed into a treatable illness for all. For further information visit breastcancerireland.com


FashIon wIth a DIFFerence
NECESSITIES of fashion
Having lost her hair during chemotherapy, Redcross woman Jackie Sterling with her friend Jackie Reid set up a company making beautiful hats, scarves and other accessories for women with cancer. This is her story.
Right: Supersoft organic cotton black hat, €40.
Below: Jackie and her daughter Tara
IT STARTED in 2015, the year I turned 50. I’d been feeling tired, but put it down to the fact that I’m always on the go. My husband John and our kids, Tara, 25 and Stuart, 27 will attest to that. When I’m not working in a fashion boutique in Arklow you’ll find me out walking, running or catching up with friends.
One day a friend of Tara’s called to see me at work, and when I hugged her I felt a sharp pain shooting through my right breast. It seemed so minor, I thought nothing of it, but it happened again that evening. I went to my GP to have it checked out. She couldn’t feel anything, but sent me for a mammogram to be on the safe side.
I had the mammo done at the breast check clinic on a Wednesday afternoon. The following
morning I got a call to say they’d found something – curiously, it was on my
left breast. It all
happened so quickly. The following Monday they did an ultrasound and some biopsies, and by Friday the consultant confirmed there were two malignant tumours on my left breast. It felt like hearing there was a time bomb inside me. I said, just get it out.
I had a mastectomy in November and came home to recover. Six weeks later I started chemo. There’s nothing pretty about chemo. For three days a week, I couldn’t get out of bed, but on
the fourth, I made sure to get dressed – in clothes, not pyjamas – and got some fresh air.
Two weeks into my treatment, I was out walking with a friend when a big clump of hair came out in my hand. It was a windy day and I was terrified that the rest would blow away. When I got home, John shaved my head, after which I had a shower and a cry, and moved on.
What I found strange was that when I had no hair, my head and neck looked out of proportion with the rest of me. I felt like a giraffe! But once I put something on my head and neck, everything was fine again. I decided on a hat, not a wig, because I’d heard so many stories about the wig being thrown into a drawer after a couple of wears.
I found nowhere in Wicklow or Wexford
make a big difference. I started radiation therapy in
St Luke’s, where everyone would compliment me on my headgear. Not only did I feel more comfortable, it brought comfort to my family that I could walk out the door looking and feeling good when I could.
My family and friends were tremendously supportive, but while I was inundated with flowers and chocolates, the house quickly looked like a florist’s, and I was too nauseous for sweet treats. An idea started forming in my head that although these gifts were well meant, women undergoing chemo might appreciate a pretty hat and scarf more than pralines or posies. Jackie and I were on to something, so when my energy returned, we set up Bare Necessities.
We created the chic combination of a breathable cotton beanie that’s sensitive to exposed scalps, paired it with a headscarf to match and added a neck scarf to complete the look. The material is sourced in Ireland and is hand-made by us, and we’re slowly expanding the range to meet different needs. All of our products are interchangeable and designed to be mixed and matched, catering to the individual’s personal style.
I still keep the day job, working four days a week in the shop in Arklow, and I devote at least one day a week to Bare Necessities. I’m not motivated by huge profit margins, but I’d like the business to grow, because it’s borne out of love and concern for women who are going through what I went through.
21
“
It’s a great ego boost to have a nice hat, scarf and bag when you have no hair, eyebrows or eyelashes... It makes you feel normal
selling the kind of hats I
wanted, so I got together with my friend, Jackie
” Reid, who’s a super-
talented seamstress and
dressmaker, and together we designed some
really comfy hats in soft cotton with matching scarves.
Immediately, I felt more like myself again. It’s amazing what a boost it can give to your self-esteem to have a nice hat, scarf and bag when you have no hair, eyebrows or eyelashes. It’s the feelgood factor; it makes you feel normal. When you’re enduring the rigours of cancer treatment, small things can
To order or for further information visit barenecessities.ie See facebook.com/barenecessitieshats or Instagram @barenecessitieshats
WICKLOW WOMAN


Bake your own
CHILDREN OF LIR
This recipe from Chef Paul of the renowned Mystic Celt restaurant in Wicklow Town tastes as magical as it looks - a surefire dinner party winner
FooD
Ingredients
Dough:
1 pint of water 8oz/225g butter 6 to 8 eggs 10oz/280g of flour 1⁄4 pint whipped cream
Sauce:
1⁄2 pint cream 8oz/225g chocolate
Method
Simmer water with butter until melted, then let boil. Remove from the heat and beat in the flour until it forms a ball.
Let the mixture cool for 20 22
minutes and beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the dough has a sheen.
Pipe out an S shape for the head and neck of each swan and cook for 12 minutes at 180°C.
Pipe out an inch of dough for each body and cook for 22 minutes at 180°C.
Let the dough cool and slice each body in half. Pipe cream on the base and cut the top in half again, insert these into the cream to form wings and add the head in the centre. Dust with icing sugar.
To make the sauce, place the chocolate in a metal bowl.
Bring the cream to boiling point and pour over the chocolate. Cover with cling film and leave for 5 minutes. Remove cling film and whisk to create a pouring consistency.
The Mystic Celt Restaurant, Black Castle room, Wicklow Golf Club, Dunbur Road, Wicklow Town.
T: 087 6998103 E: [email protected] www.themysticcelt.ie
Once Upon a Time... The Children of Lir
According to the legend, Aoife, jealous of the love her husband Lir had for his four children - Fionnuala, Aodh, Fiachra and Conn - turned them into swans. Enraged, her father banished Aoife into mist for eternity. As swans, the children spent 900 years on three different lakes. Lir lived the rest of his days listening to their beautiful singing. When their period of enchantment came to an end, they were transformed back to human form, but they aged rapidly. And so it was that the Children of Lir, the last of the Tuatha de Danann, died soon after and were buried together.
WICKLOW WOMAN




FestIval Fever
Diversity, equality and
ALL THAT JAZZ
Hailed as ‘one of the best small jazz festivals in Europe,’ the 19th Bray Jazz Festival is on the May bank holiday weekend - and women feature large in this year’s event
IN decades to come, this year and last might well be looked back on as a turning point in the way that the myriad contributions that women play in our society is acknowledged.
Hilary Clinton may not have smashed the political glass ceiling, but since then, the fall of Hollywood mogul and serial predator Harvey Weinstein, the row over the gender pay gap in RTE, and the temporary suspension of George Hook from the airwaves for controversial comments are just a few examples of the winds of change that are blowing through the gender equality debate.
Changes are happening within the arts too, and it’s therefore heartening to learn that Bray Jazz Festival, Wicklow’s very own international cultural showcase, is engaged in efforts to bridge the gender gap in the world of music.
For the second successive year, Bray Jazz will bring a host of leading female performers to its stages on the May bank
holiday weekend. And this is no accident.
Dorothy Jacob, who created the
American R&B star China Moses is at the Mermaid Arts Centre on Friday 4th May
24
festival with her partner George as part of Ireland’s millennium celebrations in the year 2000, says
that role models play a part in encouraging girls and women to become professional
musicians. And in this, festivals like Bray Jazz can play a role.
“Traditionally, jazz music was seen as the preserve of men,” says
Dorothy. “There are of course many celebrated female jazz vocalists,
but there are fewer female jazz composers and instrumentalists, and there’s a reason for that.”
Dorothy says that there are plenty of talented women now performing in jazz and improvised music across Europe and around the globe. This will be encouraged more in Ireland if
budding young players identify with female musicians, and realise
that it is not a male preserve. Just last month in the UK, 45
music festivals, including BBC’s
The Proms and Cheltenham Jazz Festival signed an accord to
achieve a 50/50 gender balance on their programme by
the year 2022.


BraY Jazz FestIval 2018 maIn events
6.30pm 8.00pm 9.30pm
8-12.30pm 10pm
FRIDAY MAY 4th
Cora venus Lunny & Colm O’Hara China Moses (USA) Trio Reisijeger Fraanke Sylle (Holland/Senegal) various Artists Wicklow Wolf Jazz Trail
Bray Town Hall Mermaid Arts Centre TBC
Harbour Stage various venues
3.00pm
6.30pm 8.00pm
9.30pm
3-12.30pm 10pm
SATURDAY MAY 5th
Linley Hamilton & Cian Boylan with the Camden Orchestra Daniel Herskedal (Norway) Joe Lovano & Dave Douglas Quintet Sound Prints (USA) Ingrid Laubrock’s Anti-House (germany/USA) various Artists Wicklow Wolf Jazz Trail
TBC
Bray Town Hall Mermaid Arts Centre
TBC
Harbour Stage various venues
6.30pm 8.00pm 9.30pm 3-12.30pm 10pm
SUNDAY MAY 6th
Laura Perrudin (France) TBC (at time of going to press) Jim Black’s Malamute (USA) various Artists (including the Aoife Doyle Band) Wicklow Wolf Jazz Trail
Below: german saxophonist and composer Ingrid Laubrock, and right: French harpist, singer and composer Laura Perrudin
Bray Town Hall Mermaid Arts Centre TBC Harbour Stage various venues
Dorothy Jacob believes that Ireland can follow suit, and is happy that Bray Jazz Festival is taking positive steps in that direction.
“At last year’s festival one of our main shows was by a young Swedish saxophonist whose band were made up almost entirely of women musicians, and across the programme we had several top level women performers.”
This year, the opening night headliner at Bray Jazz Festival will be American R & B and soul singer China Moses, while elsewhere on the bill there will be performances by a female double bass player, saxophonist, harpist, and violin virtuoso – from America, Germany, France and Ireland respectively.
“ Jazz music is not the
preserve of men - Dorothy Jacob, Bray Jazz
Festival ” Bray Jazz Festival will
present a programme of close to 40 shows over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, and stage performances at a number of venues including Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Town Hall, the Harbour Bar, and at various bars and restaurant premises throughout the town.
For full details about this year’s programme check out the panel (right) or visit: www.brayjazz.com
WICKLOW WOMAN 25


LAST year a survey of 48,000 women in the UK suggested that women buy nearly half the vehicles sold and may influence up to 80 percent of the purchasing decisions in the global car market each year. Women buy first and foremost on price, and then reliability, followed by fuel economy.
Shockingly however, nine out of ten women surveyed said they would not visit a car dealership without a man!
It would appear that a woman buying a car is still a big deal and the Irish market is no different. But your local dealership for Ford in Co. Wicklow puts women in the driving seat when making this important purchase.
As a family dealership celebrating 30 years in business this year, Fitzpatrick Motors in Bray promise to make the process of buying a car a positive experience, whatever your gender.
WICKLOW WOMAN
We understand that women make their own decisions about the kind of cars they want to buy, and our experience tells us that women invariably look for a car that will be good value, reliable, safe, economic and durable.
We’re here to help you find the vehicle that meets your needs, and ensure a personal service that will make you feel comfortable the moment you walk into the forecourt.
To begin your research, why not check out our website, and arrange a booking with our highly trained staff who are on hand to offer professional advice on every aspect of choosing, using and financing your Ford.
For the full range of 181 Ford cars, the best deals in the market and the most welcoming service for all call into Fitzpatrick Motors, Dublin Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow, call 01 2041030 or go online to www.fitzpatrickmotors.ie.
␣Automatic Gates ␣␣Audio Intercoms ␣␣Video Intercoms ␣␣Key Pads ␣␣GSM Units ␣␣GSM Intercoms
Alan Noonan
Mob: 087 633 1792 PSA Licence Number 07758
26
aDvertorIal
Driving a change for car-buying women


women In BusIness
Having started her career as a tiler, Ciara Jordan is paving the way for women in the male-dominated construction industry. Now running a successful business in interior design and project management from her home in Roundwood, she’s the gaffer, the one who assembles the team of plumbers, electricians, carpenters and craftsmen and sees house designs through from start to finish.
In a country where women account for less than five percent of people working on construction sites, she says her onsite experience has brought a unique edge to her design work.
“Not every designer does project management, but my hands-on site experience is very useful in that regard,” says the 37-year-old mother-of-two.
On leaving school in 1998, she broke the news that she planned to take up a trade rather than go to college.
“At that time, friends who were tradesmen were earning good money, and I thought why not?” she says. “At first, my dad was horrified that his daughter would be working on a building site. He tried to steer me towards a more artistic niche of mosaic tiling and I did a course in it, but having explored all the options, I really wanted to be a tiler, so I registered with the training authority Fás (its equivalent today is SOLAS) and got a four-year apprenticeship with Frank Kavanagh.
“It was a fantastic experience. I was on site learning from master tradesmen, combined with lectures and exams in Ballyfermot College. There were only two girls among hundreds of guys, and thankfully we were both on the same course.”
Once qualified, she set up on her own and was never without work. Over the course of 13 years, she built up contacts and soon was supplying carpenters, plumbers and electricians as well as advising on materials, colours and themes.
“I found that women liked to have a woman working in their house, and I think they appreciated that I was neat and paid attention to detail,” says Ciara. “However, when I first became pregnant, I had to rethink. Tiling is very physical work, and no problem before or after pregnancy, but not ideal during it.”
She took a job with a company where she developed her skills for interior design and project
management. Then, when her second baby was born,
“I’d love to see more women on building sites in all areas of construction,” says Ciara Jordan
“I’d love to see more women on building sites, not only as tilers, but in all areas of construction. We have a shortage of tradespeople now, because so many have either left the country or are growing old and we’re not replacing them with new blood. Young people show little interest in taking up trades, which is a shame. I think they’re closing off a lot of great opportunities by not
considering them.” Despite jobs in construction
being decimated during the recession, Ciara managed to weather the storm.
“Even in a recession, showers leak and accidents happen in the house that need fixing,” she says. “My attitude is keep the head down, work hard and take the good with the bad.”
www.amourdesign.ie
life is too short to spend your working hours doing something you’re not passionate about
”
herself. “When you’re
self-employed your life is your
own,” she
says. “If your child is sick you
can be with them. You can go home at 4.30 and put in
extra hours when they go to bed. You have the flexibility to spend time with your family without forfeiting your career.
She set up Amour Design, offering a range of services from room renovations to full house fit- outs. Excelling in an area dominated by men, Ciara puts the secret of her success mostly down to loving what she does for a living.
“Life is too short to spend your working hours doing something you’re not passionate about,” she says.
“It may be a male-dominated industry, but I’ve never experienced discrimination at work. Once you prove yourself and know your job, it doesn’t matter what gender you are.
DoInG uP Your home? checK out cIara’s toP tIPs
• Don’t follow trends, follow your heart. • Byallmeans,indulgeyouradventurousside,butyou’vegot
to be practical too. white carpets are not a good idea! • Design is not just about looking good. Your home needs to
function properly and stand the test of time. • renovating a bathroom? Prioritise pumps, water storage and tanking before fancy brassware, as a bathroom with
leaks is a costly experience. • make sure the tradespeople working in your home are
insured. otherwise, you could be liable if they’re injured on your property.
27
“
she realised she wanted to work for
Building equality for
WOMEN IN TRADES
From tiler to designer, project manager and business woman, Ciara Jordan challenges the stereotypes of women in construction
WICKLOW WOMAN


Tel: 01 200 5955 Mob: 086 2629 112 [email protected]
␣ Domestic Suites ␣ Re-Upholstery ␣␣Chairs ␣ Antiques ␣ Caravans ␣␣Headboards ␣␣Churches ␣ Boats ␣ Restaurants ␣ Pubs ␣ Clubs ␣ Hotels
ABC Chimney Cleaners Ltd
Over 50 Years’ Experience in the Business
␣ All Wood and Multi-Fuel Stoves ␣ Manuel and Power Cleaning ␣ Also, Oil Fired Boilers, Open Fires and Gas Fires ␣ Fitting of Bird Guards and Cowls ␣ All Areas of Dublin & Wicklow
Contact: 087 976 2177 / 01 282 0355
10 Mountkennedy Town Centre, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
t 01-2819034 e [email protected] w www.allensolicitors.com
CALL MAINTAIN IT FOR ALL YOUR LOCAL BUILDING MAINTENANCE NEEDS – BUSINESS AND HOME!
␣ Carpentry including renovations and refits ␣ Flooring ␣ Electrics ␣ Decking/outdoor ␣ General day-to-day building and home maintenance
Call Paul Eglington on 087 2256064 E: [email protected] – Business/Home References Supplied
28
WICKLOW WOMAN


T: 1800 250 260 E: [email protected] Rossminogue, Craanford, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Y25 N2T7 www.kkwindows.ie
NO MIDDLE MAN! WE SELL, MANUFACTURE AND INSTALL
Here at K&K Windows Ltd, we take exceptional pride in the work we do and customer service we provide. For 22 years, we have provided outstanding quality windows, doors and conservatories for both residential and commercial projects. With NO MIDDLE MAN!
We sell, manufacture and install. Your wish is our command!
WICKLOW WOMAN 29


envIronment
Keeping Wicklow PURE Twelve years after its launch, the Pure Project is making a difference in the fight
against illegal dumping in the scenic Garden County
FLY tipping and illegal dumping are a blight on the beautiful landscape of the Wicklow uplands, and the PURE project is making inroads in tackling the issue.
Last year PURE removed 200 tonnes of rubbish illegally dumped in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands, a 45% reduction on ten years earlier, when it removed 360 tonnes.
Launched in 2006, the PURE project is a collaborative initiative by the County Councils of Wicklow, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and South Dublin County, along with Coillte, National Parks & Wildlife Service, and the Wicklow Uplands Council. Its work is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
The PURE Truck is on the road every day and since the project began PURE has collected over 3,000 tonnes of rubbish from over 10,000 illegal dumping
Tyres illegally dumped in the Wicklow Mountains
sites in the Wicklow/ Dublin Uplands and have received “ approximately
10,000 reports to the PURE office. If you put all of this material into
has been a 45% reduction of illegal dumping in the area.” Using a multi-disciplinary
approach, incorporating a number of enforcement and preventative measures, covert CCTV operations, media/PR campaigns, public awareness, community projects, such as the PURE Mile competition, and educational initiatives, the PURE project has finally seen a marked reduction in illegal dumping in the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands.
Candid camera
Not only has the project been successful in reducing illegal dumping, last year PURE installed covert CCTV units at several upland sites, and the footage obtained identifies people involved in both littering and illegal dumping.
PURE collaborates with Wicklow County Council, Environmental Enforcement Team, and the project is confident that the local authority will proceed with litter fines and court prosecutions for individuals involved in larger scale illegal dumping activities.
“The CCTV footage clearly shows people both littering and
WICKLOW WOMAN
we have footage of people throwing bags of rubbish from their cars in broad daylight and the middle of the night
this period,” says Ian Davis,
Project Manager of PURE. “We also record all data
” related to waste
standard household rubbish bags, it would fill over 400,000 bags. If you lined up each of the bags that PURE has removed from the landscape they would stretch all the way from Dublin to Dingle.
amounts collected. This is the first year that
we can produce a 10-year comparison of illegal dumping in the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands and we are delighted to see that there
“We have recorded every location and incident of illegal dumping in the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands since 2007, and have built up a baseline data of all
illegal dumping activities in the uplands during
dumping and provides us with evidence of who is responsible for these activities,” says Ian Davis.
“We have footage of people driving to remote upland locations in the middle of the night and throwing out bags of rubbish from their boot, people in broad daylight emptying the contents of their car boot at woodland entrance, and others dumping vanloads of green waste. We also have footage of larger scale illegal dumping, which we hope will lead to waste management prosecutions.”
PURE has passed on the CCTV footage to the relevant local authorities and the project is confident that the local authority will proceed with litter fines and prosecutions. Its covert CCTV operations are planned to continue in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands throughout 2018 with a view to further reducing this environmental scourge.
To report dumpers and illegal dumping Lo-Call 1850 365 121 For further information visit www.pureproject.ie
Members of glencree Hillwalking group on a clean-up mission
30


␣ Finance arranged ␣ Rental or purchase ␣ Car sourcing ␣ Pre-purchase inspection ␣ Warranty ␣ Roadside assistance
O’Byrne Lane, Vevay Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Mob: 086 254 0741 Ph: 01 276 4655
Anto’s Tree Service
␣␣Tree Trimming and Hedge Cutting ␣␣Removal or Mulching of Cuttings ␣␣Stump Grinding and Removal
Mob: 087 610 9128
Fully Insured Tree Surgeon
CK Heating & Plumbing Servives
All Heating Systems, Bathrooms Suites Fitted, Attic Tanks, Cylinders and Outside Taps
Tel: 01 282 3568 Keith 086 827 5500
WICKLOW WOMAN 31


aDvertorIal
Bray Credit Union is lending money today
Greystones Roof Repair Service
Established 1979
␣ Roof & Velux Leaks␣␣ Storm Damage ␣ Loose Slates & Tiles ␣ Leaking Roofs ␣ New Flashing Fitted ␣ Klober Dry verge Supplied & Fitted ␣ Chimney Stack Painting ␣ Insurance Claims ␣ Free Estimates - Fully Insured
Don McDonald The Grove, Greystones, Co. Wicklow Ph: 01 287 5491 Mob: 086 303 4250 Email: [email protected]
CAR LOANS APR .96 6%
Super Car Loan and PCP ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
Talktoustodayandtakeownershipof yourcar.
LENDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. IMAGES FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY. BRAY CREDIT UNION LTD IS REGULATED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND.
BRAY Credit Union is changing and lending money. Over the last few years it has refreshed its ways of doing business, listened to its members and invites you to join and apply for a loan today. With Central Bank regulation and competition, Bray Credit Union is strong. Founded in 1964, it’s moving in the right direction for its members.
So what’s changed for members?
No savings history is required to be considered for a loan. The old regulation of requiring two and half times your savings is gone. Essentially, you can join today and apply for a loan immediately. Lending is assessed by the member’s repayment ability. Lending rates are fair, competitive and affordable with no application fees and no early repayment charges.
Loans can be issued on the spot or within days depending on the size/purpose. The old rule of waiting a week is also
gone. Applying for a loan is efficient. Your account should be up to date with your photo ID & proof of address (for AML purposes). Requirements are three most recent payslips, or three most recent social welfare receipts and in some circumstances bank statements will be required. Your loan application will be assessed and issued within due course.
Another positive change is digital! There is now 24-hour banking and a mobile APP you can download for free. Facebook has regular updates and you can use messenger to make enquiries with a follow- up call from a staff member. Statements and annual reports can now be emailed along with a yearly newsletter.
Bray Credit Union has lots more positive changes to come. So join today, apply for a loan or call 01 286 2624, they are open 6 days a week. For further information www.braycu.ie.
PERSONAL CONTRACT PLAN (PCP)
You don’t own the car ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
Additional fees and charges
Mileage restrictions Pay ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ Read the small print
The Denture Specialists, Manufacturer of Dentures and Mouthguards. At Dental Care we provide our clients with a same day repair service.
WICKLOW WOMAN
32
BRAY CREDIT UNION You own the car from day 1
No hidden fees or balloon payments VS
You can sell the car on at any time
Low interest rate of 6.96% APR
Loan Insured · Apply today at our loan counter
· Phone: 01 286 2624 · Email: [email protected]
Dental Care Ltd
Professional Dental Care
Contact: Joseph Coleman, 40 Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow Phone: 01 276 2883 for appointment Email: [email protected] Emergency Service: 086 826 0511


Shoreline Leisure Greystones mother & baby activities
Buggy Buddies
A fun mum’s exercise class located on our 400m running track, incorporating your baby’s buggy. Our classes have been growing in popularity over the past 10 years, giving mums more reasons to get outdoors and
meet new friends with babies the same age.
Mummy & Me
The indoor version of our Buggy Buddies class which is located on our large sports hall. Luckily we have ‘The Happy Pear’ located in our club to treat yourself after the class.
Tadpoles Swim Class
This ‘baby’s first’ swim class is for children as young as 4 months and introduces them to the pool environment, by blowing bubbles, temporary submersion and much more.
Baby & Learner Pools
Both our Greystones & Bray clubs have shallow depth baby and toddler pools for a fun activity time with your baby. We also offer Children’s Swimming Lessons from the ages of 4+.
t
ta
t
u
s f
r
o
r
e in
rm
ion
n
[email protected] www.shorelineleisure.ie 01 287 8180 33
WICKLOW
C C
o o
n n
t
t
ac ct
t u
us
fo or
r m mo
or
re
nfo or
mati
W
OM
AN


34
WICKLOW WOMAN


Alan Noble & Associates Claims Consultancy
Tel: 0404 64555 Mob: 087 928 9823 Email: [email protected] 34 Marlton Demesne, Wicklow Town
Call in the experts who will deal with the stress and strain, ensuring you get the best result for your claim, whether your loss ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
Regulated with the Central bank of Ireland. Reg No:C90815
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
Book Your Free Hearing Test Today
What Have You Heard?
Maybe not as much as you could?
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
WICKLOW WOMAN
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
You should suspect a hearing loss if you:
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ as they used to
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ Freephone: 1800 80 43 22 Email: ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣Web: ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ Find us on:␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
35


95 Main Street , Bray, Co. Wicklow
* a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
Telephone: 01 2868211/0 Email: [email protected] Web: www.obrienmurraysolicitors.ie
For all your legal requirements Property Law, Family Law, Personal Injury Claims * Wills & Probate Employment Law
MOBILITY BATHROOMS
CATERING FOR ALL YOUR DISABILITY NEEDS
␣ Bedroom ensuite extensions ␣ Bathroom renovations ␣ Level access showers ␣ Ramps and railings
Tel: 0404 40762 Fax: 0404 40975 Mobile: 086 261 2063 Email: [email protected] Rosanna Upper, Ashford, Co. Wicklow.
36
WICKLOW WOMAN


WICKLOW WOMAN 37


comPetItIons
Dinner at Ocean & theatre tickets to
THE MERMAID
Wicklow Woman and Mermaid Arts Centre are delighted to give two lucky readers the chance to win dinner for two at the Ocean Bar & Grill, and theatre tickets to see the comedy The Importance of Nothing on Friday 27th April* at the Mermaid
Presented by Pan Pan Theatre, The Importance of Nothing is a comedy about a drama therapy class in an imaginary prison. Lady Lancing and her husband Omar have dedicated their lives to conducting anti-homophobic workshops utilising the life and works of Oscar Wilde. Two lucky winners will see this wonderful show at the Mermaid Arts Centre AND enjoy a two-course meal and a glass of wine each at Ocean Bar & Grill, Bray, on Friday April 27th 2018. Located on Bray Seafront, with stunning views of the Irish Sea, Ocean Bar & Grill offers casual dining at its best. Open daily for lunch and dinner, and for breakfast on weekends, it caters for all tastes, occasions and events. Tel: 01 286 5071 www.oceanbarandgrill.ie
To be in with a chance to win, simply answer this question:
Which actor played george Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life? Email your answer with “Mermaid Cinema Ticket Competition” in the subject line to: [email protected] before 12 noon on Monday 9th April 2018. *Prize is as stated and is not transferable.
Ocean Bar & grill
A scene from The Importance of Nothing
WICKLOW WOMAN
MA €100 one-month family membership to
CORAL LEISURE ARKLOW
Coral Leisure Arklow would like to offer one lucky Wicklow Woman reader the chance to win a one-month family membership worth €100. So what are you waiting for?
Coral Leisure Arklow offers fantastic leisure facilities for all ages. Fun-filled pool parties, a giant inflatable Skater Boy challenge, birthday party rooms and bouncy castle are among the popular attractions for children. For grown-ups, there’s a 25m swimming pool, full-size gym with all the equipment you could want for a complete workout, sauna, steam room, spinning studio, squash and racquetball courts, sports hall, Pure Elegance treatment room, fitness classes and coffee shop. Leading the community in health, recreation and leisure, the centre is conveniently located on Seaview Avenue, Ferrybank, Arklow.
To be in with a chance to win a month’s membership for a family of four, simply answer this question: In which Wicklow Town is Coral Leisure located? Email your answer with “Coral Leisure Arklow Competition” in the subject line to: [email protected] Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 9th April 2018.
The following are our competition winners from the last issue of Wicklow Woman. Cinema tickets to the Mermaid Arts Centre: Karen Downes, James Broswell, Aine O’Sullivan, Clarice O’Hagan and Kate Roundtree. Flanagan Kerins mattress: Brenda Byrne.
WICKLOW 38 WOMAN
anD the wInners are...
WIN!
WIN!


SKC Providers, operating from three branches in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim and Gorey,
onday to Friday from 7.30am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm
Co. Wexford, is your one-stop shop for all bathroom, heating and plumbing supplies. We sell to both trade professionals and the general public.
All of our branches have showrooms displaying an extensive range of bathroom suites, showers, shower trays, shower enclosures, traditional and modern heated towel rails, bathroom furniture, a wide variety of taps and bathroom accessories, and a comprehensive range of stoves.
Our opening hours in all branches are convenient and consumer friendly: Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm
Wicklow 0404 20088, Leitrim 071 964 0593 and Gorey 053 942 2352