Laragh & Glendalough News
Issue 202 – July 2014
Glendalough Arts Summer Festival
The Glendalough Arts Summer Festival promises a great day of free festival fun from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday July 19th. It will take place on the green behind the Glendalough Hotel. There will be lots of community music/music acts, talks, guided walks, kids’ games and arts & crafts stalls. Feel free to dress-up – maybe as Vikings, fairies and princesses or in Celtic summer costumes. Teas, coffees, cakes and hot food will be on sale.
Volunteers will be needed from early morning to help set up tents, etc. The festival ends with a walk to St. Kevin’s Well around 5.30 pm. Everyone is very welcome.
Visit www.glendaloughartsnetwork.com or see the Glendalough Notes in the Wicklow People for timetable details. For more information phone Martin on 087-2600548, Pauline on 086-210322 or email glendaloughartsnetwork@gmail.com; stall-holders should contact Deborah on 086-8432853.
God’s Cottage
Visit of Dana Rosemary Scallon
On Saturday 5th July, God’s Cottage welcomes Dana Rosemary Scallon for an afternoon of sharing and song (1.45 to 5.30 pm). Bookings commence on Saturday 28th June and will be taken at God’s Cottage, phone 0404-45111. Please do not book unless you are 100% sure of attending.
Purchase of Sawmill Yard
God’s Cottage Charitable Trust recently purchased the old sawmill yard and field. As we pray and reflect about its future possible use, we would be very happy to receive the loan of old photos which show what the yard was like when it was in full operation. Photos can be left into God’s Cottage, preferably in an envelope marked “for the attention of Fr. Doyle”. Do make sure to include your own name and address. Once scanned, we would be very happy to return all photos.
Czech Twinning Visit
A group of fifteen, ranging in age from 8 years to 70+, visited us from our twinning partner Otrocineves, Czech Republic during the last weekend in May. Despite the poor weather, a full programme of events and activities was completed. Many, many thanks to all who contributed in any way – access to attractions, provision of accommodation, catering and entertainment – your assistance was greatly appreciated. As always, a special thanks to the pupils and teachers in the school for putting on a marvellous welcome and display. It is hoped to extend the twinning activities through the school in the coming months.
The Czech Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Mrs. Hana Mottlova, joined us on the final night of the visit for a farewell soirée. Some new faces have joined us in the last year or so, but we are always interested in widening the involvement. Participation in the twinning project is open to all in the community – it is an easy way to meet people from a different culture and background. Next year will be the tenth anniversary of our first twinning visit. Contact Brendan at 0404-45167 if you are interested.
Tidy Towns
Judging in the National Tidy Towns competition is imminent, so we need all hands available! We will hold our next monthly litter clean up on Tuesday 1st July at 7.30 pm. We meet opposite Lynhams.
A bill of €470 for our annual insurance has been received and we do not have enough funds to meet it. We are therefore appealing to all the local businesses and residents for help. Donations may be given to any committee member or dropped in the Tidy Towns box in McCoys’ shop or in the PO.
Presentation to Father Kevin Doran
On Monday 30th June a presentation will be made to the former Parish Priest of Glendalough, Father Kevin Doran, to mark his appointment by Pope Francis as Bishop of Elphin. Mass will be celebrated in St. Kevin’s Church at 7 pm and tea/coffee will be served in the church afterwards. Everyone is welcome.
Tranquillity Sunday
All are welcome to Glendalough Hermitage Centre between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm on 6th July, our next Tranquillity Sunday. This is a chance to celebrate the Sabbath in silence, prayer and rest. Phone 087-9356696 or just drop in.
Sponsor an issue – please contact Nuala at 45167.
St. Kevin’s Way – A One-Day Camino
To celebrate the feast of St. Kevin, the Glendalough Hermitage Centre organised two walks on Saturday 31st May. Fr. Kevin Doran led the pilgrims in prayer on the main walk from Hollywood to the gateway at Glendalough and presented each with a small pilgrim cross to be worn on the ‘Camino’. A gentler walk, along the Green Road, was led by Sr. Doreen, Eileen Patterson and Marina Finn. It finished at the Upper Lake where Fr. Michael Rodgers, Sr. Breda and Shauna O’Toole held a concluding ritual. A sincere ‘thank you’ to all route and prayer leaders.
The feedback from the participants on both walks was extremely positive. They spoke of a very prayerful experience – communing with nature, singing favourite hymns, hearing familiar scripture passages and sharing with their companions on the journey. “We are travellers on the road. We are here to help each other, walk the mile and share the load”. Buíochas agus Beannachtaí.
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Family Fun Days
Family Fun Days will take place in the Education Centre each Thursday from 10th July to 21st August (2 to 4 pm). Parents are invited to bring their children (aged 4 to 12 years) to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Please note that an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! No dogs are allowed. Booking is essential and will be taken from 9 am one week prior to each session on 0404-45656 (Monday to Friday).
Bug Day
Come and meet some of the National Park’s mini-creatures on Sunday 20th July. Adults and children are welcome for our family friendly bug activities. Drop by the Information Office any time between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm. Booking is not necessary. For more information, please phone 0404-45425.
Wonder Years Childcare
Wonder Years at the Brockagh Centre will open in August and is now enrolling (opening hours 7.30am to 6.30 pm). It is registered with the HSE. Competitively priced private childcare and Government-funded and subsidised childcare (ECCE, CETS and ASCC for applicants who meet certain entry requirements) are all available. Programmes offered include Montessori, pre-school toddler group and breakfast/after school clubs. There is a 10% discount for siblings.
Wonder Years believes every child is unique and that all children learn in different ways. The needs of the child will be met through the Montessori method of education while creativity and imagination will be encouraged through free play, messy play and arts and crafts. Parents are provided with regular updates, photos and a portfolio of artwork. Please contact Valerie Duffy (owner/manager) on 085-7064990 or email wonderyearswicklow@gmail.com
The Brockagh Resource Centre
Car Boot Sales
There will be two Car Boot Sales in July. The first will take place as normal on the first Sunday of the month (July 6th) while the second will be held concurrently with the ‘Doggies Day Out’ on Sunday 13th July. Vans must be booked in.
The Car Boot Sale is a great opportunity to get rid of clutter or find a bargain, with many items being new or nearly new. We will also have food stalls, home-baking, jams, plants and crafts.
Doggies Day Out – Fun Dog Show
Our annual ‘Doggies Day Out’ takes place on Sunday 13th July. Registration takes place at 2.30pm with events commencing at 3 pm sharp. Categories include Large Dog, Small Dog, Fancy Dress (costumes which restrict the dog’s movement or cause discomfort are not allowed), Best Tricks, Dog led by Child, Rescue Dog and Dog You Would Love to Take Home. The entry fee is €3 per dog per class or 3 entries for €8. All entry fees and proceeds from the raffle will go to ASH Animal Rescue. For further information please contact Michelle at 0404-45600.
Tuesday Night – Dance Night
Social dancing continues every Tuesday night from 9.30 pm until late.
Death
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Gerry Jordan of Brockagh who passed away on 6th June. May he rest in peace.
Mobile Library
The mobile library visits Laragh every second Thursday from 12 noon to 12.50 pm. The first ten minutes are spent outside the Brockagh Centre and the rest of the time is spent outside Lynhams. The next visits will be on Thursdays 3rd and 17th July.
Annamoe Community Centre
Bowls Games continue on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm during the summer months.
Fun Céilí Family Fun Céilís take place at 8 pm on the last Friday of every month. The next date is 27th June. All are welcome.
Pure Mile Work is progressing well on the pure mile; many thanks to all who have helped out.
Tennis Court Construction of the tennis court has now commenced.
Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa
Attendance Awards
At the end of the year we present pupils with awards for their attendance in school. Twelve super children were in school every day – they will receive a gold medal. A group of 26 students who missed between 1 and 3 days will receive a silver medal. The 28 bronze medal winners missed between 4 and 6 days. Congratulations to them all and also their parents who ‘get them up for school each day’! Thanks to Avon Motors in Rathdrum for the sponsorship of these prizes again this year.
Annual Sports Day
On Friday 13th June the football pitch was taken over for a few hours of fun. Races and games along with a ‘bouncy castle’ were enjoyed by everybody. The Parents’ Association sponsored the event and its efforts are much appreciated.
Concert
On Friday 20th June budding pianists, guitarists, singers and tin whistlers demonstrated their musical talents as part of the Music Generation Programme in an end-of year concert. A big word of gratitude to their tutors – Redmond O’Toole, Anthony Norton, Eamonn Sweeney and our own Múinteoir Marian – who have nurtured and extended the pupils’ musical skills.
School Building
Planning permission for an extension to the school is being sought at the moment and building work should begin in the autumn.
Chicks
There was much excitement when, after watching and waiting for 21 days, 11 bantam chicks hatched in an incubator in school. The chicks were then transferred to a special container with food, water and a heated mat. Each day the chicks grew bigger and entertained both adults and children hugely. This was all made possible by the O’Reilly family of www.farmfowl.ie who provided everything that was necessary as well as much professional advice. Thanks to William, Caroline, Ciara, Liam and Ava – quite literally, it would not have been possible without you. Míle buíochas.
Goodbye and Welcome
We wish the pupils of Rang 6 success, happiness and contentment with their future as they embark on the next phase of their education. Goodbye to Andrew Doyle, Oisín Duffy, Dylan Hanlon, James Howes, Luke Roche, Khai St. Clair Kenny, Nessa Foster, Emily Gibbon, Ciara O’Reilly, Amanda Ward and Rachel Windsor.
We also say goodbye and best wishes to Múinteoir Michael who replaced Múinteoir Siobhán while she was on maternity leave and we welcome back Múinteoir Siobhán.
Fundraising Event
Thank you to Amelia Kelly who organised a “Guess the Number of Looms in the Jar” fundraiser and raised €154 for the school. Thank you to everyone who supported this.
Generous Gift
Many thanks to the very generous local resident who recently presented the school with a piano.
Thank You
Thank you to one and all who continuously give support to the school. People play many different roles in the life of the school – Board of Management, Parents’ Association, working in the garden, sporting activities, reading, GreenSchool, sacrament preparation programmes and so much more – giving of your time and interest is greatly appreciated by the whole school community.
Adult Career Guidance Service
The Adult Career Guidance Service continues at the Brockagh Centre. This careers/education service is free, friendly, confidential, supportive and available to all adults over 18 years of age. For more information contact Irene on 086-8061569.
Elevation School of Dance Camp
ElevationSchool of Dance is running a summer camp in the Brockagh Centre from Monday 14th until Friday 18th July (10 am to 1 pm). Activities will include dance, drama, musical theatre and music editing, dance craft and prop-making, and much more. The cost is €65 per child with discounts for siblings. This price includes music CDs, all art and craft supplies and the use of costumes for the end-of-week show. Teachers are fully insured, vetted and trained in first-aid. For further information contact Kate on 086-8256775.
Pioneer Mass
The annual Pioneer Mass takes place in St. Kevin’s Church on Friday 27th June. Mass at 7 pm will be followed by Benediction. Everyone is welcome.
Footfalls Step Out
Footfalls Step Out, a walking and back to basics weight loss program, continues every Monday and Thursday at 7 pm. Why not join us on our walks? It’s a great way to enjoy our beautiful surroundings in a fun atmosphere. The cost is €5 per week. Please contact Sarah on 087-6235510 or email ffstepout@outlook.ie for more information.
“Masters of Running” Workshop
Don’t just run, train to be a runner. A workshop in the Brockagh Centre on 28th and 29th June teaches the proven principles of the world’s leading athletics and movement coaches – packaged to suit runners of all ages, levels and abilities. Learn all the skills you need for a lifetime of strong, injury-free and enjoyable running in a fun and relaxed atmosphere with our team. For more information please call Jason Kehoe on 085-1414141 or book online at www.championseverywhere.com
Laragh Glendalough Active Retirement
Diary Dates
Our last lunch before the summer break will be in the Glendalough Hotel on Tuesday 1st July at 12.45pm. We return on Tuesday September 16th for our weekly exercise session, chat and cuppa.
Thanks
Many thanks to everyone who supported our Tuesday Transport Fundraiser (the hamper winner was Sally Jones), our Bealtaine Festival events and our monthly lunches (Glendalough Hotel, Lynhams, Wicklow Heather and Glenmalure Lodge). Thanks also to all at the Brockagh Centre for their help and support and the students and teachers of Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa.
Day out in Arklow
We had a ‘sporty’ day out in Arklow recently when we walked around the nature reserve in glorious weather. We were also shown the safest way to use the outdoor gym beside the Coral Leisure Centre under the expert tutelage of Mary Nolan Hickey. Daredevil of the day was Bridie Stacey while Rosalie showed us she could still put her hands flat on the ground although well into her eighties. We then had lunch in the Arklow Bay Hotel and finished with a spot of shopping. Thanks to Mary, Trisha and Jean who work/train with Mary in the Coral Leisure Centre and to Bernadette and Pauline from the Brockagh Centre.
Citizens Information Centre
The Citizens Information Centre at the Brockagh Resource Centre is open for information relating to your rights and entitlements from 10 am until noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The next clinics will take place on Tuesdays 1st and 15th July. No appointment is necessary for this free and confidential service.
Bealtaine Festival
The Bealtaine festival concluded with some wonderful events. Many thanks to everyone who helped us out or supported us in any way.
Me Now – Me Then
Fifth and Sixth classes of Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa joined us for a project to promote positive ageing. The students were paired with members of the active retirement group. The adults had a photograph of themselves when they were younger and they talked and answered questions about their earlier lives, their hopes and dreams. We hope to hold an exhibition later in the year with the photographs and stories.
Bealtaine Afternoon Tea Dance
Over 60 people joined us for our annual Bealtaine afternoon tea dance. There was jiving, rock ‘n’ roll, line dancing, waltzing and even a taxi dance with music by the ever-popular Wicklow Man, along with plenty of good food and a pot of tea. It was a great way to round off the Bealtaine Festival.
Go for Life Games
Well done to Olive and Dick Mahon, John Conway and Finian McEvoy from Laragh who were selected to represent Wicklow at the national Go for Life Games on Saturday 7th June. The 15 members of the Wicklow team joined 300 older people from 17 other counties for a celebration of sport at DublinCityUniversity. It was a fantastic day with plenty of fun and laughs. The group was joined by team captain Bernadette Tyrrell from the Brockagh Centre and their trainer Valerie McCoy. A picture of the team can be seen on the Brockagh Centre’s Facebook page.
Please leave articles for the next issue into W. McCoy’s by 20th July; alternatively email them to laragh_glendalough_news@hotmail.com
This Newsletter is produced by the Parish Development & Renewal Group