Laragh & Glendalough News Issue 144 - April 2009

St. Kevin’s Parish

Timetable for Holy Week
April 9th Holy Thursday 10 am Morning Prayer of the Church 7 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
April 10th Good Friday 10 am Morning Prayer of the Church 3 pm Solemn Liturgy of the Passion 8 pm
Stations of the Cross with Choir
April 11th Holy Saturday 10 am Morning Prayer of the Church 9 pm Solemn Easter Vigil
April 12th Easter Sunday 9.30 am Mass 11.30 am Mass Confessions
Holy Thursday at 8 pm and Good Friday at 10.30 am and 4 pm

St. Kevin’s Parish Website

For all information relating to St. Kevin’s Parish visit www.glendalough.dublindiocese.ie

Baptisms

We extend a very warm welcome to the following children who were baptised in St. Kevin’s Church recently: Amie Jane, daughter of Liam Kearney and Caroline Stakem; Holly Anna, daughter of Robert Shanks and Cara Kennedy; Oran Ben, son of Liam Finnerty and Heather O’Sullivan. We also welcome Emily Jane, daughter of John Devitt and Shirley Mahon, who was baptised in St. John’s Church.

Proposed Czech Visit - Update

We have agreed with our twinning partners to arrange a visit to the Czech Republic around the 17th of September – they hope to run a tourism conference on that date. We will hold a general meeting closer to then to agree arrangements, etc. Anyone who is interested is more than welcome to come and indeed, our Czech friends would like to see some new faces amongst the travellers. If you want to be kept posted on developments leave your name and contact details (phone/email) with Brendan at 0404-45167. Look out for further details in the summer editions of the newsletter.

Allotments

Wicklow’s very first allotment scheme is starting up this spring in Annamoe near Roundwood where you can enjoy a new, healthy activity for all the family, save money on your grocery bills and ensure that your family are eating fresh, organic fruit and vegetables. Phone 0404-45857 or email mailto:annamoe99@gmail.com for details.

Table Quiz

Laragh Juvenile Gaelic Football Club and Glendalough Golf Society are holding a table quiz in Lynham’s of Laragh at 8.45 pm on Friday 3rd April. Tables consist of 4 players at a cost of €40 per table. Everyone is more than welcome to come and support both clubs raise some much-needed funds. Lynham’s are providing a complimentary bus service from 11.30 pm on the night (within approximately 6 mile radius) so you can have a few drinks without worrying about getting home. For further information, please contact 087-9170231.

Church of Ireland Services

The timetable for Easter services in the Parish of Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy is given below
Palm Sunday 5th April 9.15 am - Laragh, 10.45 am - Glenealy, 12 pm - Rathdrum
Wednesday 8th April 8 pm - Glenealy Maundy Thursday 9th April 8 pm – St. John’s Church, Laragh
Good Friday 10th April 11 am – Children’s Service, Rathdrum 2 pm – Quiet hour, Laragh 8 pm – Evening Prayer, Glenealy
Easter Day 12th April 9.15 am - Laragh, 10.45 am - Glenealy 12 pm - Rathdrum

A Natural Tonic for your Health

Now is a great time to start exercising and getting out of the house and the office! Spring is here and energy levels are on the rise. Venturing out of doors seems a much more inviting prospect in welcome sunshine! Attending a regular yoga class now will help to invigorate lethargic limbs and get you fit for the increasing prospect of physical activity. But yoga also helps to instil calm and a sense of wellbeing for those ever busy bodies needing the refreshment of personal attention and greater self-awareness, away from the routine chores of earning a living, running the home, tending to the children… the list is long!
Yogatree classes are available in several venues including Laragh, Ashford, Wicklow town and Greystones. They are suitable for all participants - advanced yogis, complete beginners and moderate enthusiasts - of any age or gender! The benefits of practising yoga are subtle and profound. You will notice a positive difference in how you feel in body and mind.
Above all, yoga is enjoyable, so why not give it a try today and join a class at a venue and time that suits you. All enquiries about yoga classes should be addressed to Hilde, Jennie or Emer at 0404-40000 or email info@yogatreeireland.com

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Star Gazing in the National Park
Drop in anytime between 8 pm and 10 pm to the Upper Lake area in Glendalough on Saturday 4th April. Come along and observe the night sky through powerful telescopes set up by members of the Irish Astronomical Society. This free event is suitable for all the family but is dependant on good weather. Please phone the Information Office at 0404-45425 (weekends only) to check that the event will take place. Booking is not necessary.

Grouse Hike
Aimed at adults but suitable for interested older children (+16yrs), this slow hike of 4 to 5 hours on the Wicklow Way near Djouce will take place at 9.30 am on Saturday 4th April. A National Parks & Wildlife Service guide will discuss the protection and habitat management programme for the Red Grouse in detail and hopefully we will see some of the birds too. The species is declining in Ireland. Some of the hike will be off track. Participants must bring a packed lunch and be equipped for hiking in bad weather (hiking boots and suitable rain gear are essential). The event is free of charge but booking is necessary and will be taken from Saturday 21st March only.
For information on either event phone the Education Centre on 0404-45656 (weekdays) or the Information Office, 0404-45425, (weekends).

Laragh Badminton Club

Some of the boys and girls from Laragh Badminton Club took part in the County Wicklow Badminton Association finals in Roundwood on 14th and 15th March. All who played did the club proud - Katie Nolan took the U13 Girls Singles title, Amy Poland and Sally Nolan were runners-up in the U13 Girls Doubles Plate event and Dylan Ward was runner-up in the Boys U17 Singles Plate event. Cormac Ward and Cormac Hayes represented the boys at U13 level and just missed out on the medals - ‘better luck next year’.
Our adult team went into its last league match in second place. Unfortunately, the play-off on 21st March against Bough of Baltinglass ended 4-4 in games played, but Bough triumphed on a countback of sets won on the night. Congratulations to the team on its heroic efforts and we wish the members the best of luck in the upcoming cup competition.

GDDA AGM

Following the AGM of the Glendalough & District Development Association on 3rd March the following officers were elected: John Preston – Chairperson; Christopher Merrigan – Vice Chair; Noel Quinn – Secretary; Joint Treasurers – Denis Carter and Pat Casey. The end of year accounts will be on view in the lobby of the Brockagh Centre from 18th to 25th March.

Gaelic Football

Laragh Juvenile Training
Laragh Juvenile Football Club commenced training for the 2009 season on Wednesday 25th March at 7 pm at the Laragh GAA pitch. All new and old players are still welcome. Registration fees of €30 can be paid at any training session for anyone who missed our registration day.

Registration for Clara Ladies
Clara Ladies’ football teams held a registration day for the U12 and U14 panels on Saturday 21st March. In order to cover membership, insurances and affiliations a fee of €35 per child is required. Please address queries regarding U12s to Brian Doyle at 086-8546480 and to Andrew Nolan at 086-8435783 with respect to U14s.

Adult Guidance Service

The VEC Adult Guidance Service in the Brockagh Centre will be available on Monday, April 6th (and the first Monday of every month where there isn’t a bank holiday). This careers/education service is free, friendly, confidential, supportive and available to all adults over 18 years of age. For more information or to make an appointment contact Irene Hayden on 086-8061569.

The Brockagh Resource Centre

Car Boot Sale
The car boot sale takes place on the first Sunday of every month. The next sale will take place on April 5th from 11 am. For further information contact the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.

Glendalough Market & Craft Fair
The next Glendalough Market and Craft Fair will take place on Sunday April 12th from 11 am to 4pm. There will be lots of food and craft stalls – refreshments will be available and parking and admission are free. There will also be an art exhibition by Robert Steenson. To book a stall please phone 0404-45600.

Kids’ Easter Mini Camp
A mini camp for children aged 6 to 10 years will take place on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th April from 11 am until 3 pm (cost €25). Places are limited so contact the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600 as soon as possible.

Saturday Social Dance Nights
Our next social dance nights will take place on Saturdays April 25th (with Jimmy Coyne) and May 30th (with Tommy Carroll). Doors open at 9.30 pm and refreshments will be available.

Chair Yoga Classes
New to the Brockagh Centre, Chair Yoga classes will take place on Fridays from 11 am to 12.30pm for 5 weeks from 17th April. When muscles stretch, tension releases, restoring relaxation and peace of mind. Breathing exercises release pent-up emotions, strengthen the diaphragm and lift the mood. Research demonstrates that exercise maintains and improves the health of the body and mind and Chair Yoga is also an ideal way to help build core strength. For further details visit www.jeanmcdonald.ie, phone 086-3637314 or 01-2722317 or email jeanmcdonald@eircom.net

Easy Yoga
Viva, herself a pensioner, is offering a special ‘EasyYoga’ class from 6.45 to 8 pm on Wednesdays. If you’ve always wondered about yoga, try one of her classes this spring. In yoga we work to our own ability and Viva’s easy yoga class is suitable for complete beginners as well as for those recovering from injury or living with health challenges. Yoga is most helpful to recovery, recuperation, relaxation and de-stressing, whether you are young or older. Enjoy your body and its abilities, be stronger and more relaxed and enjoy the friendly social atmosphere of Yogatree classes. Join today! For all enquiries about yoga classes call Hilde on 0404-40000 or email info@yogatreeireland.com

Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom Dancing classes take place from 7 to 8pm every Wednesday. During the class dances such as the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Quickstep are broken down and a routine is choreographed to suit the level of each student. The more adventurous can try Latin dances such as the Jive, Cha Cha and Samba. All levels are welcome and everyone will leave learning something new or with an improved technique. The class is particularly suited to those attending weddings or corporate functions and who require the basic steps to dance socially but is equally suitable for people who simply love dancing. You can come along on your own or with a partner. Call Deborah O’Reilly on 086-8547322 for more information.

Art Exhibition with Robert Steenson

There will be an art exhibition by renowned Irish artist Robert Steenson on Sunday April 12th from 11am until 4.30 pm at the Brockagh Resource Centre in Laragh. Robert comes from County Down and his work has been sold not only in Ireland but in the USA, Canada, the UK and Europe. He paints with oils and acrylic on canvas and reclaimed slate. His subjects range from historical buildings to horses and ships to Irish landscapes (including dolmens). A range of his work can be viewed and purchased at the forthcoming exhibition.

Brainwave

Thanks to everyone who contributed so generously to the recent church gate collection for Brainwave - The Irish Epilepsy Association. The collection realised €440. Many thanks also to the collectors.
For more information visit www.epilepsy.ie or contact the Community Epilepsy Specialist Nurse on the telephone helpline 01-4554133.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics Ireland has launched its 2009 fund-raising campaign. Wicklow County has been given the challenge of raising over €100,000 by May 2009 and they are looking for individuals or groups to organize some fund-raising activities in the area. Happy Days Carer & Toddler Group has already signed up. We are asking any group in the area to come up with a fun way to raise money. Please contact the Brockagh Centre for further information on 0404-45600.
Special Olympics Ireland changes the lives of people with an intellectual disability by giving them a real opportunity to achieve in life, through sport. Belonging to Special Olympics has a powerful impact, not only on people with an intellectual disability but also on their families, volunteers and the wider community.

Avondale College Fashion Show

Tickets (€10) are now on sale in Avondale Community College for the fashion show to be held in the school on 27th March at 8 pm. This is one of the school’s main fund-raising events and all support is very welcome. It will be a great night out with a wine/refreshments reception, a raffle and entertainment during the interval as well as great models showing lovely clothes. Any businesses who would like to advertise in the fashion show programme - which will be available on the night - should contact Jean on 087-4121669. Each slot costs €10.

Tears of God

A large crowd gathered in Lynham’s Hotel on 7th March to hear locally-based author, Christy Kenneally, read from his new book, Tears of God.
Fr Michael Flaherty, a priest with a dark past, was the hero of Christy Kenneally’s previous two thrillers, The Second Son and The Remnant and features once more in the third of this most successful series.

Biddy is coming to Laragh!

Last year we brought you Miley – this year we are bringing Biddy to Laragh! One of the highlights of this year’s Bealtaine Festival will be the staging of Cecelia Ahearn’s funny, heart-warming and moving first play, Mrs Whippy, in the Brockagh Centre on Saturday 9th May at 8 pm.
Mrs Whippy, a one-woman performance, brings Emelda O'Grady to life in what will be a "tour de force" performance by Mary McEvoy (Biddy from Glenroe). The play focuses on Emelda O’Grady, a 46-year-old woman dealing with five difficult sons, a split marriage and a new job. The soothing sounds of a Mr Whippy van arrive at just the right time for Emelda, only now it’s not just the ice-cream that is her only true friend. Cecelia Ahern mixes laughter with tears in equal measure to create this humorous portrait of a woman finding her own place in the world. Tickets cost €15 with concessions at €10 for over 55s and the unwaged. Tickets will be on sale soon – call the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600. Details of all Bealtaine events will be available very shortly.

Citizens Information

The Citizens Information Centre at the Brockagh 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 7th and 21st April. No appointment is necessary for this free and confidential service.

Free Drugs Awareness Course

Who talks to your child about drugs – can you? Community Awareness of Drugs (CAD) is running a course on drugs awareness in the Brockagh Centre from Monday 20th April. This is a series of six, two and a half hour sessions which provides participants with an opportunity to update information on drugs and their effects, explore attitudes, beliefs and decisions related to drug misuse and develop a family-orientated drug prevention strategy. This course is free. To book a place call the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.

Ann’s Angels

On Thursday 9th April, at 7.30 pm, an “Evening of Angels & Mediumship” with Ann O’Connor and Carol Byrne will take place in the Brockagh Resource Centre. Tickets cost €22.50 and are available from the Centre. For further information please contact 053-9174926 or www.annsangels.net.

Cambridge Diet

Shape up for summer - lose weight fast with the Cambridge Diet. There are several programmes to choose from, all with healthy, balanced and nutritional diets. Full and ongoing support is guaranteed. Phone Lyn for further information on 086-8489284.

Homeopathy Clinic

This two-weekly service is available by appointment at the Brockagh Centre on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 2 to 7 pm. The next clinics will be on 2nd and 16th April. The service includes your homeopathic prescription plus support/re-prescription service until you feel better. There is a nominal fee of €15 for short consultations and €40 for longer consultations. Contact Paul Dixon at 086-3091237 or e-mail paul@wicklowhomeopathy.com

French Grinds

Junior and Leaving Cert. French grinds given by a qualified native speaker are now available in the Brockagh Centre. Please contact Isabelle on 087-9055760 or 0404-43072 for details. A private lesson costs €25 while the group price is €20.

NAALA Gathering in Glendalough

NAALA (Natives, Africans, Asians, Latinos(es) and Allies) Ireland is a group of people who aim to give youths the opportunity to discover their own potential based on experiential outdoor education, cultural teachings and active learning. NAALA’s 7th annual Gathering will be held in the Glendalough youth hostel and other locations in the area from April 3rd to 5th. This is a three-day event of workshops and forums. A core group of 12 Lakota youth from the Lakota Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota will pair up with twelve 4th year students from St. Kevin’s Community College in Dunlavin for a two-week period prior to and after the Gathering.
The youths will meet up with the Tuesday Morning Club (and any other members of the community who want to come along) at 11.15 am on Tuesday 31st March in the Brockagh Centre.
Kila, an Irish band playing a fusion of Irish and Eastern European music, will give a concert in the Brockagh Centre for the participants of the Gathering at 8 pm on Sunday 5th April. The concert is open to the public - admission is €10.

Don't Tell the Wife

Kirikee Drama Group will present a comedy performance of Don't Tell the Wife by Sam Cree at 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday 28th and 29th March in the Brockagh Centre.
In this hilarious comedy we see Mrs Edna Willis revert to increasingly desperate measures to ensure her husband does not stray as, according to her busybody best friend Isobel, he has reached "the dangerous age"... Her hapless husband Bobby, oblivious to his supposed infidelity, is trying to buy a greyhound without his wife's knowledge. A seductive French lodger, a bewildered council official, a love-struck apprentice and his peculiar girlfriend, and a boozy male escort all add to the confusion. The cast includes Liz Heffernan, Liam Farrington, Annie Morshead, Shelly Healy, Mark Galvin, Lisa Dunne, Larry Roe and Jonathan Simpson. The director is Ann Byrne.

Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa

Arklow Musical Festival
Congratulations to the pupils who performed in the verse speaking competition of the Arklow Music Festival. All participants did us proud. Well done to Ava Carter of Junior Infants who was awarded first place in her category and to Ellen O’Neill, Amanda Ward and Lauren Carter who were second place winners. Thanks to Karen Carter who was the driving force in organising the entries and preparing the children so well.

Sponsored Walk
It will soon be time for our annual sponsored walk. We greatly appreciate the generous local support that we have received in previous years. Sponsor cards have been issued and we are asking for your support once again.

Tráth na gCeist
Well done to our team of GAA experts who took part in the Cumann na mBunscol quiz. Kevin Duffy, Luke Power, Peter O’Neill and Damien Hanlon demonstrated superb knowledge of the sport and they scored very highly, taking fifth place out of twenty-three teams.

First Confession
Second Class recently celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Parents, school and parish all played active roles in the children’s preparation and they continue to do so as the children prepare for First Holy Communion on Saturday, 9th May.

Tesco Tokens
We are collecting Tesco tokens again this year. Thanks to all who donate tokens to the school.

Glendalough Golf Society

The first outing of Glendalough Golf Society will take place at Athy Golf Club on Saturday 4th April. New members/visitors are welcome. Please contact 087-9170231 to book your place or for information on how to join the society.

Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

Recruitment 2009
The Glen Team – Ireland’s busiest Mountain Rescue Team responding to approximately 50 incidents every year - is currently recruiting new members. The team is based out of Laragh. If you think you have the time and commitment to be part of this volunteer group, please check out www.wicklowmountainrescue.ie for information on requirements for joining.

Womens Mini Marathon 2009
On Bank Holiday Monday, June 1st, Dublin will host the Women’s Mini Marathon. Do you want to join in the fun, walking/running the 10 km route, while fund-raising for a worthwhile cause? If so, come and join the volunteers of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team (www.wmr.ie). Funds raised will go towards building the Team’s rescue post. If interested, please sign up via the website www.womensminimarathon.ie. If you do not wish to participate on the day, you can also help by sponsoring a participant. For more information or a sponsorship card, email friendsoftheglenteam@gmail.com or alternatively call 087-6347286.

Laragh IT

There is a new Absolute Beginners’ night course starting on Thursday 2nd April from 7 to 9 pm. Classes are small and most importantly, fun. Contact Laragh IT on 0404-45600.

Annamoe Handball Club

Adults and children in the Annamoe, Laragh, Roundwood and Moneystown areas who are interested in using the handball alley for sporting activities are invited to register their names with any member of the club or phone 0404-45297 before 12th April. Children are free (date of birth necessary); adults are charged €10.

Household Hazardous Waste

Householders wishing to dispose of hazardous waste (paint, fertilisers, chemicals, cleaning agents, etc) should note the dates of the next quarterly collections in the county.
On April 18th, between 9 am and noon, there will be a collection from Rampere Landfill & Recycling Centre, Baltinglass, and there will also be a collection from Blessington (venue still to be confirmed) between 2 and 5 pm. On 25th April items may be brought to the Avoca Recycling Centre (9 am to noon) or to the Old VEC car park in Rathdrum (2 pm to 5 pm).

National Spring Clean

National Spring Clean is Ireland’s biggest anti-litter campaign. National Spring Clean encourages people from all walks of life to take pride in their local environment and to take action against litter. The campaign runs throughout the whole month of April.
You can get involved on an individual basis by choosing an area nearby to clean-up or you can come along to one of the regular events organised by the Laragh/Glendalough Tidy Towns committee. Clean-ups take place on the first Saturday of each month - the next one will start at 11 am on Saturday 4th April. If you have even one hour to spare we would be delighted if you joined us at our usual spot on the green opposite Lynham’s Hotel.

Plastic Daffodils
I wandered lonely as a prayer
Along the monks path by the Glendasan
When all at once around a rocky bend
I saw a sight afloat to make me take a stand
A host of plastic bottles thrown away
Waving their caps and labels o’er the land
I often think in solitude so grand,
For all their cheap and handy ways
Discarded plastic bottles of today
Are simply just too big a price to pay
And then my heart with sorrow fills
A refuse sack with plastic rubbish daffodils

Martin Swords February 2009

Photos and Stories Please

Paddy ‘Wacker’ Kelly is still looking for photos or stories for inclusion in the book he is writing about his time in Glendalough. If you can help, contact him by email at paddy_282@hotmail.com or phone him at 01-4599755.

This months newsletter was sponsored by Community Alert