Laragh & Glendalough News Issue 146 - June 2009
Sponsored by W. McCoy, Laragh

St. Kevin’s Festival Weekend

Wicklow Mountains National Park, the Office of Public Works, the Parish of St. Kevin and the Church of St. John have all come together this year to celebrate the feast of St. Kevin.

Friday June 5th
Some of the Women in the Life of Kevin and his Monastery – a talk by Sr. Genevieve Mooney OP will take place at 8 pm in the Education Centre, Upper Lake, Glendalough. Admission is free.
Saturday June 6th
Nature and Heritage Walk on St. Kevin’s Way - National Park Guides will lead this hike which departs from the Visitor Centre at 11am. The event is free but booking is essential (0404-45656/45425).
A Concert of Medieval Chant – a performance by Schola Hyberniae with explanatory talks by Dr. Ann Buckley and readings by Canon John McCullagh and Fr. Kevin Doran will take place in St. Kevin’s Church at 8 pm. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Sunday June 7th
C. of I. Service - St. John’s Church at 9.15 am
Sunday Masses (with a Focus on the Saint) – St. Kevin’s Church at 9.30 and 11.30 am
Pilgrim Walk along St. Kevin’s Way - Meet at St. Kevin’s Church car park at 12.30 pm (€5 contribution for minibus).
Medieval Re-Enactment – 11 am ‘til later at the Upper Lake Lawns
The Emergence of Monasticism from Desert to Díseart – a talk by David Kelly, OSA will take place at 7.30 pm in the Visitor Centre. Admission is free.
Walkers are advised to wear good shoes/boots and bring wet-weather gear and a packed lunch/water. Walks will last about 4 hours.

Free CPR Training

A free training in adult, child and infant CPR will take place on Saturday 6th June in the Brockagh Centre. Why not take three hours out to learn life-saving skills – you will also learn to deal with choking. Register for either the morning or afternoon session by phoning Catriona on 086-8491819 or emailing HYPERLINK "mailto:cprday@hotmail.com" cprday@hotmail.com. Places are limited and the closing date for registration is 30th May. Please note that we cannot accommodate anyone on the day that has not pre-registered. The training is organised by the Community First Responder Scheme. All instructors are Irish Heart Foundation accredited BLS Instructors.

Fame at Last!

Go for Life is the national programme for physical activity for older people. Our local Go for Life group was asked to ‘star’ in a DVD which will be used to promote the programme among active retirement associations, senior citizens’ groups, day care and community centres around the country. Members of the group were available after filming on 26th May to sign autographs…… Well done to Lucy Devitt and Valerie McCoy whose hard work over the years has ensured that we are one of the best known groups in Wicklow.

AA Meetings

Closed AA Meetings are held in the Brockagh Resource Centre in Laragh at 8.30 pm every Monday night. If you think that you may have a problem with alcohol please come along.

St. Kevin’s Parish

Parish Mission
St. Patrick's Community will lead a parish Mission from Monday 1st to Friday 5th June. There will be Mass each morning at 9.15 am (except Friday when Mass is at 7.30 pm) and an evening session at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

Blessing of Graves 2009
St. Kevin’s cemetery in Laragh will be blessed on Saturday August 8th after the 7 pm Mass. The cemetery in Glendalough will be blessed on August 15th after 7 pm Mass in Laragh.

Mobile Library

The mobile library will visit Laragh on Thursdays 4th and 18th June from 10 am until 12 noon.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Bug Walk
Take a safari through the amazing world of bugs on Sunday 14th June. Family friendly, although not suitable for buggies, this walk is loved by children and adults alike. Bring a jar with a lid to help examine the mini-beasts. Bookings (essential) will be taken from Saturday 30th May.
Bat Walk
See, hear and learn about bats on our ever popular bat walk. Meet at the Information Office at dusk (9.30 pm) on Thursday 18th June to see the bats emerge from their roost. Bring insect repellent and a torch. Booking is not required.
Wildflower Walk
Learn to identify some of the wildflowers of Glendalough and discover a little about their ecology, folklore and history. This walk takes place on Saturday 27th June and although aimed at adults it may be suitable for secondary-school children with an interest in natural history. Booking is essential and will be taken from Saturday 13th June only.

Entry to all the above events is free of charge. Bookings will be taken on 0404-45656/45425.

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 2nd and 16th June. No appointment is necessary for this free and confidential service.

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 4th and 18th June. Contact Paul Dixon at 086-3091237 or e-mail paul@wicklowhomeopathy.com

Working with Angels

During this amazing, one-day workshop on Saturday May 30th in the Brockagh Centre you will get to know the Angels and Archangels and also develop your psychic ability in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Learn how the angels and various guided exercises and techniques can help you and those close to you in your everyday lives. Experience their amazing help and guidance in enabling you to heal yourself and others in mind, body and spirit and to be in total control of your life - or just come along to meet like-minded people. Places are, of course, limited so please contact 085-1407598 today.

Free Pre-School Year at BamBam

As part of the April 2009 Budget, a new scheme to provide for a free pre-school year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) was announced by the Government. At BamBam Play and Learn we fully support this free pre-school year for all children.
The scheme will be introduced from January 2010 and is intended to benefit children in the year before they start primary school. For this reason, the age for eligibility has been set at between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months, at 1st September each year. In January 2010 it will be open to children who at that point are aged between 3 years 7 months and 4 years 10 months.
We are currently taking bookings for September 2010 to 2013.To book a free pre-school place, please call Michelle on 086-8543649.

Sing for Fun Workshops

Sing for Fun’s philosophy is ‘Anyone Can Sing’. The workshops are about finding your voice and building your confidence as a singer in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. There is no need for any previous experience and you do not need to be able to read music (absolute beginners are welcome). The aim is to develop your voice, musicality, self confidence, creativity and imagination during singing classes, combining traditional singing exercises with vocal training, breathing and movement. No one will have to sing by themselves. At the end of the workshop you will be singing songs as part of a choir. The workshops are devised and run by Leslie Dowdall, a qualified and experienced singing teacher and performer. If you are interested in taking part please call Leslie on 086-3378473.

Laragh Lads

The Laragh Lads play in the Glendalough Hotel on the last Friday of every month – the next date is Friday 29th May.

Annual Regional Pioneer Vigil

The annual Regional Pioneer Vigil takes place on Friday 19th June in St. Kevin’s Church, Laragh, commencing with Mass at 9 pm.

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 June 7th 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 June 14th from 11 am to 4pm. There will be lots of food and craft stalls – refreshments will be available and parking and admission are free.

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

Saturday Social Dance Nights
Our next social dance nights will take place on Saturdays May 30th (with Tommy Carroll), June 27th (with Billy Kirwan) and July 25th (with Rio). Doors will open at 9.30 pm and refreshments will be available.

Chair Yoga Classes
Chair Yoga classes continue from 11 am to 12.30pm on Fridays. When muscles stretch, tension releases - restoring relaxation and peace of mind. Breathing exercises release pent-up emotions, strengthen the diaphragm and lift the mood. 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

Bealtaine Festival 2009

We are very pleased with the success of this year’s festival and wish to thank our many sponsors and supporters - Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa, Avondale Community College, Lynhams of Laragh, Willie McCoy, The Wicklow Heather, The Glendalough Hotel, B. Healy and Wicklow Mountains National Park.

The Generations Meet - Us Then, Us Now
Third and Fourth Classes from Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa swapped stories with some of the older members of the community in the Brockagh Centre recently. The old registers from the school were scoured as everyone who went to school in Laragh tried to find their name – it was difficult as it was all in old Irish writing! However, we did find Ann Miley’s name (now Kavanagh).
There have been so many changes - we heard fascinating stories from holidays in Bray and working on farms during the holidays to trips to Bulgaria, Greece, Mexico and Lanzarote; from ball gowns to hand-me-downs and school uniforms; from dry toilets to ensuites. We were enthralled with stories of barefoot school walks, unexploded bombs, trips to Clerys and Wiis or quads for Christmas. In keeping with the spirit of the day the whole group brought in an “old style” lunch with bread wrapped in newspapers and cold tea (when we talk about the good old days, some things weren’t that good). But not everything has changed - young people still like to play ‘chase’, football and rounders and still have to clean their rooms. We are not that different after all.

Opening Doors
Who’s afraid of a mobile phone? Not the Laragh & Glendalough Active Retirement Group thanks to the Transition Year students from Avondale Community College. They joined the group to give expert one to one tuition in texting, adding contacts, alarms, etc. We say “thk u 4 al yor hlp we rly njoyd d da & l%k 4ward 2 cn u ‘gen s%n” which, we are reliably informed, means “Thank you for all your help. We really enjoyed the day and look forward to seeing you again soon”. Thanks also to Ronat and Willie McCoy.

Treasure Hunt for the Clueless
We got a warm welcome from the staff of the National Park again this year. We enjoyed a cuppa and a chat about what has been happening in the park since our last visit. We filled in the staff about local history and who lived where and did what in and around where the park is now. We then tested our brains in a mini treasure hunt - of course there was no cheating but it was funny the way everyone got all the answers right. The ‘hunt’ took us down to the sensory garden and information centre which was particularly interesting for those whose families had been involved in the mines in Glendalough. Stella Steele was delighted to see an old photograph of her brother and Dad, Lyla’s husband and father-in-law. Stella and Ann Kavanagh filled us in on all the characters involved in the mines. Thanks again to Hugh, Dave, Anne-Marie and Gillian.

Counselling

Do you or somebody you love need help with chemical and behavioural addictions, bereavement and loss issues, weight loss and smoking cessation, issues of abuse, relationship issues or general life issues? For further information phone Lyn Kirby on 086-8489284, emaillynkirby56@gmail.com or visit www.lynkwithlife.com

Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa

First Day at School
There were lots of new faces in Múinteoir Siobhán’s room on 15th May, as next year’s Junior Infants came in to meet their new class and get a glimpse of what school is all about.

First Holy Communion
On 9th May children from Second Class received their First Holy Communion. It was a great occasion for the children and their extended families. Maura Cullen had decorated the church with flowers while the choir and young musicians gave a wonderful performance. Members of the Parish Council kindly treated everyone to refreshments afterwards. Thanks to everyone who supported the children on their special day. Please remember the First Communicants in your prayers: David Miley, Roy Murnane, Lauren Roche, Ian Merrigan, Louise Conway, Anna Cullen, Kerri-Anne Kendellen Murphy, Shane Duffy, Eric Olohan and Lauren Carter.

Swimming Lessons
Pupils eagerly anticipate their swimming lesson every Thursday. Thanks to all parents who volunteer to help with supervision. This support is essential for the continuation of the lessons.

Spring Clean
We took part in the National Spring Clean again this year. Each class headed to their designated area of the school surroundings to collect litter. We filled several bags and much of it will be recycled. Well done to everyone for helping to create a clean school that we can all be proud of.

End-of-Year Mass
Our end-of-year Mass will take place in St. Kevin’s church on 13th June at 7 pm.

Water Saving Tip
Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth. Leaving the tap running can use up to six litres of water.

New Bottle Bank Location

Recycling facilities for glass bottles are now available in the car park of the Brockagh Centre.

Cambridge Diet

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

Synge Summer School

Synge Summer School presents Joseph O’Connor, prize-winning author and playwright, in the Brockagh Resource Centre on Wednesday 1st July. He will read from his works at 8 pm. Tickets cost €15 with concessions €12 and are available from 0404-43149.
Joseph O’Connor was born in Dublin and has written fourteen books, numerous short stories, essays, stage plays and screenplays. His latest book, Sweet Liberty: Travels in Irish America, will be published in June 2009.

Yoga Walk in Glendalough

The Yoga Walk Day on Saturday 6th June will start with a yoga session in the Brockagh Centre at 11 am (no yoga experience is required). The yoga will warm you up, stretch your muscles and have you ready for the walk ahead.
The walk will be about 4 hours long, ideally up around the lakes in Glendalough and will be led by a walking guide. There will be a break on the walk for some lunch and many chances to take in the wonderful surroundings. The walk will be kept at a pace to suit everyone. Contact Terry on 087-7849599, e-mail terry@hilltoptreks.ie or visit www.hilltoptreks.ie for more information.

Stress Management Course

Emer Maher, Lifeskills Consultant, will be running daytime and evening courses on stress management in the Brockagh Centre. For further information contact 087-7979837.

Baptisms

We extend a warm welcome to Sophie Jennifer, daughter of Liam Gaule and Cara Kennedy, who was baptised in St. Kevin’s Church recently.
We welcome also Amelia Jane, daughter of David and Audrey Ward, who was baptised in St. John’s Church on 28th March.

Marriage

Congratulations to Kim Byrne and Christopher Merrigan who were married on May 23rd. We wish them much happiness in their lives together.

Laragh & Glendalough News Issue 146 - June 2009 Sponsored by W. McCoy, Laragh