Laragh & Glendalough News Issue 137 - August 2008

Lectures for the Curious

The final lecture in this most informative and entertaining series takes place at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 5th August in the OPW Visitor Centre in Glendalough. Everybody is welcome and admission and parking are free.
" Spreadsheets: The Study and Use of Numbers in Medieval Irish Monasteries - Dr Dan McCarthy, TCD

Photos Please

My name is Paddy 'Wacker' Kelly. I'm from Dublin and spent nearly every weekend in the Laragh and Glendalough area for 10 years (1966 to 1975). The mad bunch of us stayed in Roger's cottage (RIP). I'm looking for photos of people I knew from that time - such as the Carters, Stakems, McCoys, Fannins, Byrnes and Caseys - as I am writing a book about the gang and the craic we had here. You can email them to paddy_282@hotmail.com or phone me at 01-4599755 and I will collect.

Blessing of Graves

St. Kevin's cemetery in Laragh will be blessed on Saturday August 9th after the 7 pm Mass. The cemetery in Glendalough will be blessed on August 16th after 7 pm Mass in Laragh.

Laragh GFC

Laragh play An Tóchar at both Senior and Juvenile levels on 30th August in this year's David Cullen Day.
Congratulations to our U12 Girls who played so well against An Tóchar recently.
Prizewinners in our latest draw were: Breda Foster - €300; Gordon Kinlan - €200; Pat Casey - €50; Finola Kenna - €50.
Please note that the new club tops are now on sale in McCoy's shop.

Gala Concert

Many thanks to Garforth Jazz Rock Band, Cómhaltas and the drummers from the Arklow Youth Marching Band for their very enjoyable performance in aid of the Diabetes Federation and Barnacoyle School (teaching children with autism). Just over €1,000 was raised. Thanks also to all who supported the concert in any way.

Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tommy Nolan. May he rest in peace.

Citizen's Information

The Citizen's Information Centre at the Brockagh Centre is open on Tuesdays 5th and 19th August from 10 am until 12 noon for information relating to your rights and entitlements. No appointment is necessary. This is a free and confidential service.

Yoga

Hilde will be continuing her Thursday morning yoga classes at the Brockagh Centre until 21st August and will be back with her normal classes in September. You can contact Hilde on 0404-40000.

Laragh IT

Congratulations to the ladies who received their FETAC Certificates in Information Technology - Lucy Devitt, Kay Plunkett, Jenny Miley, Mary Cullen, Mary Byrne and Valerie Merrigan

World Youth Day Sydney 2008

Elizabeth and Catherine Devitt have just returned from Australia where they took part in the World Youth Day celebrations. To find out more or to catch up with their adventures please log onto http://www.cathlizworldyouthday2008.blogspot.com

300 to 1 Draw

The Glendalough & District Association has launched a 300-1 Car Draw in aid of the Brockagh Centre. Keys of the car (sponsored by Avon Motors) will be handed over to the committee by Miss Waterford, local girl Jennifer Conway.
1st Prize - Car (Hyundai - model i10)
2nd Prize - €1,000
3rd Prize - Weekend away for two in Ireland
Four Prizes of €100 each
The draw will take place on Sunday September 28th 2008. Tickets are available from any member of the GDDA or from the Brockagh Centre.

Mobile Library

The mobile library will be in Laragh on Thursdays July 31st and August 14th and 28th (10 am to noon).

Wicklow Mountains National Park

The summer lecture series continues on Thursdays in Bolgers' Cottage (Education Centre) at the Upper Lake in Glendalough - no booking is required.

" 31st July, 8 pm Ballycroy National Park - its Golden Plover and Other Rare Wildlife - Cameron Clotworthy, National Parks & Wildlife Service
" 7th August, 8 pm The Re-Introduction of the Red Kite to Wicklow - Damian Clarke, Red Kite Project Manager
" 14th August, 7.45 pm Bats for all the Family - The National Park Education Staff
This evening starts with a short interactive talk at the Education Centre. At 8.30 pm we will head over to the Information Office for a bat walk (bring insect repellent and a torch). Participants are welcome to attend either or both events.

Other forthcoming events include:
Family Fun Days These days for primary school aged children continue each Thursday until 28th August (2 to 4pm). Activities include Bug Safari (31st July), Mammals (7th August), Bats (14th August), Pond Dipping (21st August) and Habitats (28th August). An adult must stay with the children - and be prepared to help! Booking (0404-45656) is essential (taken from the Thursday beforehand).
Bug Walk Take a safari through the amazing world of bugs on Saturday 9th August (this event is family-friendly but not suitable for buggies). Bring a jar (with a lid) to help examine the mini-beasts. Bookings will be taken from Saturday 26th July only.

Heritage Week Family Tree Walk Families can 'meet' the trees of Glendalough on Saturday August 23rd via several fun activities. Participants should wear suitable footwear for venturing off-track - it is not suitable for buggies. Bookings will be taken from 9th August only.
Heritage Week Tree ID Walk On Saturday 30th August you can learn how to identify trees and discover their history, folklore, ecology and uses (wear suitable footwear for venturing off track). This walk is not suitable for children. Bookings will be taken from 16th August.
To book a place or for further information please phone 0404-45425. All the above events are free.

Heritage Week Family Treasure Hunt
This Family Treasure Hunt will take place around the lawns of Glendalough on Sunday 24th August. Each team should consist of no more than two adults and four children. There is a €5 (or higher) donation per team to Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue. On signing in at the Information Office between 10 am and 3pm, each team will receive leaflets and a set of clues. The hunt should take about an hour; answers must be back by 4 pm. The winning team will receive a €50 book token. Booking would be appreciated but is not essential. For more details, phone 0404-45425.

Holistic Massage Therapy

Holistic Massage therapy is now in Laragh. For further details please contact Sherron St. Clair on 086-8788311 or Elena Rodriguez on 086-3283658.

The Brockagh Resource Centre

Car Boot Sale
The next Car Boot sale will take place on Sunday August 3rd from 11 am. For further information contact the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.

Country Market & Craft Fair - Doggies' Day Out
The Glendalough Market and Craft Fair Designer Mart will be back on Sunday August 10th from 11 am to 4.30 pm. This market sees the return of the Brockagh Dog Show at 2.30 pm and the "Doggie's Day Out". Categories will include 'Best Groomed Dog', 'Fancy Dress' (costumes not to be worn until category takes place), 'Best Six Legs' and lots more. A mobile dog grooming service will be available and there will also be pet portraits and live music. Proceeds are in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Stalls include outdoor gear, plants, home-baking, preserves, pottery, jewellery, etc. Refreshments will be available and parking and admission are free. To book a stall phone 0404-45600.

Art Exhibition with Robert Steenson
County Down artist Robert Steenson will exhibit at the Market and Craft Fair on Sunday August 10th. He paints with oils and acrylic on canvas and reclaimed slate and his subjects range from historical buildings to Irish landscapes.

Tuesday Night - Dance Night
Tuesday night is dance night at the Brockagh Centre from 10 pm till late with the Wicklow Man.

Dáil Trip

The Laragh/Glendalough Active Retirement group wishes to thank Andrew Doyle TD for his hospitality during the recent trip to the Dáil and Seanad. Members had a great tour, with the opportunity to see some very lively and interesting debates, followed by a wonderful lunch. Thanks again to Andrew and Eithne for all their help in organising the trip.