Carlow People New Years

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November 19, 2019

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December 31

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It’s New Year cheer: vaccine on the way

SOME people in Carlow could receive the Covid-19 vaccine as early as December 30.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA and Ireland will receive two deliveries, with more than 9,000 doses, shortly before New Year.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said the first Covid-19 vaccines will be administered on December 30 in this country.

Minister Donnelly added that frontline healthcare workers and nursing homes will be vaccinated first and we can “then have a different conversation about opening up”.

He said just under 10,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are expected to arrive in Ireland on St Stephen’s Day and a second shipment of “several tens of thousands doses” in the first week of January and every week from then.

He said that the hope is

that the 30,000 people living in nursing homes will be vaccinated by some stage in February.

The focus at the start of the vaccination programme will be on adults over the age of 65 who are residents of long-term care facilities and frontline healthcare workers, including vaccinators.

Those aged 70 and older will be next, starting with over 85s.

The good news of the vaccine comes amid a sharp increase in

the figures for Covid infection and fears that a new mutant strain of the virus has spread here from England.

Dr Tony Holohan, the Chief Medical Officer, warned that people must keep up their guard, co-operate with new restrictions on travel and avoid socialising in large groups.

He said that in “medical and technical terms’’, the virus is just as big a danger now as it was in March.

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Amy Keating of Sleaty Girl Guides in Carlow who received a Trail Blazer National Guide Award. See page 14

Brexit - if you need to call As a result of the UK leaving the EU, major changes come into effect on 1 January. Substantial advice is available for businesses and citizens at GOV.IE. For situations requiring urgent and immediate assistance, Government departments and agencies have put in place a number of resources to assist business and citizens for the critical days ahead. Contact details for some of the key services are below. A full list of relevant Government services is available on gov.ie/brexit

Area

Contact details

Opening hours

Customs Clearance Import/Export/Transit Controls (if you already have a declaration reference number).

Tel: 01 738 3685 (Revenue Commissioners)

24 hours

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Advice line for stakeholders in the agri-food and fisheries sector. Queries in relation to import consignments of animals, and products of plant and animal origin should be directed to the relevant border control post of entry.

Tel: 076 106 4443 Email: BrexitCall@agriculture.gov.ie

24 hours

Border Control Posts:

DAFM Dublin Port

Tel: 01 615 7792 Email: BCP.DubPort@agriculture.gov.ie

24 hours

DAFM Dublin Airport

Tel: 01 615 7650 Email: BCP.DublinAirport@agriculture.gov.ie Mon to Fri: 9am - 5:45pm Saturday: 9am - 1pm

DAFM Rosslare Port

Tel: 053 911 4157 Email: RosslareBCP@agriculture.gov.ie

Mon to Sun: 4am - Midday and 2pm - 10pm

HSE Dublin Port and Airport

Tel: 01 921 2851, 087 633 6510, 01 897 6140 Email: importcontroldublin@hse.ie

24 hours

Business Supports

Tel: 01 631 2002 (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment) Email: infobusinesssupport@enterprise.gov.ie

Mon to Sun: 9am - 5pm

Dublin Port

Tel: 01 887 6000

Mon to Sun: 7am - 11pm

Rosslare Port

Tel: 053 915 7929

Mon to Sun: 3.30am - 10pm

Tel: +353 1 613 1769 or call your local Embassy

8am – 8pm: Friday 1 January – Monday 4 (inclusive) January

Freight shipping procedures and timings etc.

Department of Foreign Affairs Advice line for Irish citizens overseas requiring Brexit related information or assistance.

Callers from Northern Ireland

Tel: 0300 123 1510 (LoCall)

New Year Sales Edition, 2020

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COVID-19 OUTBREAK Don’#t forget to wash your hands

COVID-19 OUTBREAK Don’#t forget to wash your hands

New Year Sales Edition, 2020

Alzheimer’s charity rolls out its festive hampers Nikki Keegan of Alzheimer Society of Ireland with Karl Cruise and Paul Doyle from Iceland Ireland delivering festive hampers to its centres across the country

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) together with Iceland Ireland will deliver festive hampers to its centres across the country.

The aim of the initiative is to spread some much needed festive joy among the charity’s service users.

Iceland Ireland, together with their customers, has donated over €60,000 so far to support the services that the ASI provide to people living

with dementia and their loved ones across Ireland.

In addition, Iceland Ireland were one of the sponsors of the ASI’s Memory Walk this year, contributing to the €110,000 that was raised for this initiative.

The ASI is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland and works across the country in the heart of local communities providing

dementia specific services and supports, while advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers.

Over the last year Iceland Ireland staff across all 27 stores nationwide have worked hard to support their chosen charity through an array of fundraising initiatives such as Denim Day, National Tea Day and in-store till point collections.

Childline is on call

Childline volunteers are preparing to receive up to 900 calls, texts and online contacts from children and young people all over Ireland this Christmas Day and every day of the Christmas holiday period.

The 24-hour listening service will remain available to every child and young person in the county who would like support in relation to any issue which may be on their mind.

National Childline Manager Emma McCluskey said: “Childline is always here for every child and young person, no matter what. Children and young people can contact Childline for free and in confidence from anywhere in Ireland and they won’t be judged or told what to do.

Instead, Childline volunteers are here to listen, to support, to empower and to help children and young people to build resilience so they can cope with whatever challenges might come their way. Childline is here for every child and young person, every day and night – including Christmas Day.” The service can be reached in the following ways: Call: 1800 66 66 66 Chat online: Childline.ie Text: 50101

Struggling hotels face unhappy new year HOTELS and guesthouses in the county are facing a grim start start to the new year because of a collapse in roomoccupancy rates.

The latest industry survey¹ from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) in the South East found booking levels for hotel rooms of just 13% are being reported for January.

The position is not helped by uncertainty over when and on what terms hotels will be allowed to open next month.

Across the city and county occupancy rates of just 10% are being reported for February.

This follows already historically low occupancy levels of 27% recorded in December.

The figures for the South East are in line with the national average. which showed an occupancy rate of 25% in December The Border region has rercorded the worst figures, followed by the South West.

The Chair of the IHF South East branch,Colm Neville, is calling on the Government to stand by its budget commitment to the sector, urging it to review the operation of its Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) which currently excludes hotels.

“The easing of inter-county travel (last Friday) has led to a marginal increase in bookings over the past week,” he said.

“While any increase is very welcome, hotels are still experiencing a dramatic fall in business levels, when compared to December last year.

Traditionally, the four weeks of Christmas trading are absolutely vital to hotels in terms of sustaining them during the first few months of the following year, when business levels tend to be lower.

“Business has been effectively wiped out this year due to Government restrictions while continued uncertainty over Covid restrictions is having a devastating effect on bookings for the start of next year.

“Yet, due to an anomaly in how the Government has structured the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme, hotels are now being excluded despite a record fall in revenues, even where they meet the required 75% drop in turnover. We are calling on the Government to review the operation of the scheme.”

With the local authority rates waiver due to lapse on 31 December, the IHF is also seeking an extension of the period for a further six months at least – to 30 June 2021.

“The time-period should coincide with business interruption due to Covid,” said Mr Nefville.

“After that, payment of local authority rates should be based on reduced levels of activity due to the crisis and until the industry has recovered.

Businesses cannot be expected to pay rates on historical turnover figures that do not reflect the significantly lower levels of business that hoteliers are experiencing.”

Breakthrough Cancer Research is embarking on an awareness campaign that will launch early in the new year.

The charity is looking for cancer survivors working in any capacity in the food and hospitality industry, to get involved with the initiative which will help raise awareness of the importance of cancer research.

They could be a producer, a jam maker, a chef, a waiter, a baker, a food supplier, a cheese maker or food packaging and distribution staff.

If you or anyone you know working in the food or hospital-

ity industry has survived cancer, Breakthrough wants to hear from you.

This initiative will be a follow up to the multi-award-winning Shop That Nearly Wasn’t – the world’s first shop 100% stocked and staffed by cancer survivors.

Featuring craft and art producers, creatives and entrepreneurs the pop up shop opened in Dublin’s Temple Bar on World Cancer Day 2020 and continues to operate online at https:// shopthatnearlywasnt.ie/ .

Anyone interested should contact survivor@breakcancer. ie or telephone 021 4226655.

Cancer survivors in food sector wanted

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New Year Sales Edition, 2020

*Terms and Conditions apply, See in-store for details

Bray

(beside Woodies) Unit 6, Southern Cross Retail Park, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Tel: 01 276 5775

www.houseoftiles.ie

G R A N D C E N T R A L | BA L LYG A L LY | S L I E V E D O N A R D E V E RG L A D E S | E U RO PA | C U L LO D E N | S TO R M O N T

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New Year Sales Edition, 2020

opinion&comment

The darkest day is behind us

A

S this horrendous year draws to a close, that nasty little joker Covid played one more trick on us. A mutant strain of the virus has cut travel links with Britain, ripping up the already tattered plans for many a family Christmas.

It is the winter of our discontent and a long one it has been. It started last March and has rolled across nine months with scarcely a break, through lockdowns and closures, a lot of stress, some real fears, some unnecessary panic and some terrible heartbreak.

But as the poet Shelley reminds us: “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

And, despite the latest bad news, there are reasons to smile. The year’s shortest day is now behind us and in every way our lives will start to get brighter.

The vaccine is on its way.

Donald Trump is leaving the White House. We may even manage a deal on Brexit.

So goodbye and good rid-

Sunrise breaking through into the inner chamber of Newgrange on December 22

Michael Wolsey dance to 2020, the year when winter never ended. Many tears were shed in 2020 and there are none to spare for its departure.

But there are a few things that can be noted with satisfaction.

The first is the impressive performance of Ireland’s health system. I had great fears for it at the start of the pandemic when it seemed to be in worse shape than that of any of our main EU partners, even worse than the crumbling NHS next door.

In fact it has stood the test extremely well. In Italy and Spain,we have seen gyms and army bases converted into emergency clinics. In Britain and Northern Ireland people have been treated in the car

parks of overflowing hospitals, and even in Germany, top of the table in most health-care leagues, packed hospitals have been turning away the sick.

Ireland’s rickety system has been under strain but it has not cracked. I hope I’m not speaking too soon, for the Covid figures have been rising steeply.

But if people behave themselves over Christmas, I think we can see through the early

new year, whatever it brings.

And we have, with a few exceptions, behaved well throughout the crisis. We have behaved as a proper society; caring for the weak, safeguarding the elderly and keeping schools running so that the lives of young people were not disrupted more than was necessary.

Whatever the problems of our health system, there is none with the people who work in

it. The nurses, doctors and all the back-up staff, have been magnificent. Ireland is in safe hands.

There are many other people who also deserve praise for keeping the country running: teachers and gardaí, for instance. Some rarely get applause: supermarket staff, postal workers, bus and train drivers and the teams who collect our bins.

And some never get applause: politicians.

Yes, politicians. And no I haven’t taken leave of my senses.

The Government has had extremely difficult decisions to make in trying to safeguard public health while keeping the economy afloat. It has achieved this balancing act in a manner that compares well with that of other countries - the USA, most obviously. The Opposition has shown constructive restraint and has helped maintain the semblance of a united front against the virus.

So it wasn’t all bad in 2020.

But it came damn close. Thankfully, it will soon be behind us.

I quoted Shelley at the start of this piece, which is rather pretentious, but, sure, it’s Christmas. His ode sees the West Wind sweeping away the leaves of autumn like “pestilencestricken multitudes” to clear the ground for spring.

I can feel it coming. This pestilence will soon be swept away.

For more than 50 years, Michael Wolsey has been writing columns and comment pieces for newspapers in Ireland and Britain and a collection of these has now been published

by Amazon.

‘As I was Saying - Fifty Years of Comment from the Columns of Irish Newspapers’ is a wry look at changing times and issues that are sometimes serious, more often humorous. All proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to Nala, the National Adult Literacy Agency, which helps adults who have difficulty reading.

‘As I Was Saying’ can be ordered from Amazon or the Kindle book store in both ereader and paperback formats.

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Last call for child authors

With the deadline fast approaching, Specsavers has issued a final call for aspiring young authors to enter its short story competition.

The nationwide short story competition encourages children in the count y to get creative and give people Something to Smile About through their storytelling.

The competition is open to children and teenagers up to 16 years of age.

From 10 shortlisted finalists across Ireland, there will be two overall winners of the competition – a junior champion (under 12) and a senior champion (12-years-old to 16-years-old).

They will both win €500 for their school library, along with all of the shortlisted children’s titles for themselves.

Entry details can be found online at Specsavers.ie or by picking up a leaflet in your local store.

All entries should be posted to, Specsavers Short Story Competition, c/o WHPR, 6 Ely Place, Dublin 2, or submitted online at www.specsavers.ie/ irish-book-awards by January 4.

New Year Sales Edition

Chef Neven’s top tips to avoid ‘festive fatbergs’ ONE of Ireland’s most famous chefs, the much-loved Neven Maguire, has made a timely plea ahead of Christmas Day to all the mums and dads to watch where they dispose of the leftover drippings after cooking the turkey and roast potatoes.

Neven has lent his support to the ‘Think before you pour’ campaign to promote an important festive — and green — message.

‘Think before you pour’, which is operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Irish Water, is appealing to the public not to pour fats, oils and greases (FOGs) from the Christmas dinner down the kitchen sink.

FOGs may seem like liquid when poured but they cool as they travel along the pipes and can cause blockages in homes, the public sewer network and wastewater treatment plants.

When combined with sanitary products, they can create the dreaded ‘festive fatbergs’, which cause havoc every year.

Speaking about the campaign,

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School is Easy (SIE) can solve that problem.

We can offer one-to-one or group grinds for Primary, Junior Certificate or Leaving Certificate school students at a time that works for you and your family.

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Neven said: “Whether you’re the cook or the helper in the kitchen this Christmas, you can make a positive impact on the environment directly from your own home.

“An action as small as disposing of your fats, oils and greases in the bin, rather than pouring them down the sink, can have a hugely positive effect on our environment and wastewater system.”

By way of advice, Neven continued: “My top three tips to avoiding festive fatbergs are to collect all your used cooking oil and fats into a suitable container (or “Gunkpot”) and allow this to solidify before throwing into the bin.

Always wipe and scrape plates and saucepans before washing and, finally, use a strainer in your kitchen sink, and empty into a suitable bin.’’

To find out more, please visit: thinkbeforeyouflush.org/thinkbefore-you-pour/

Better watch out, better not fly as drone rules on the way

SHOULD Santa bring a drone to your house this Christmas, you better watch out, as new rules are set to come into force to make drone flying safer.

The Irish Aviation Authority, which was the first aviation regulator in the world to introduce drone regulations in December 2015, said it is important we all take heed of the new European safety regulations which will come into play in January 2021.

The new regulations will replace existing Irish laws and will require the owners of most drones to register with the IAA. Only those who own a drone weighing less than 250g

with no camera or sensor will be exempt.

Mr Peter Kearney, Chief Executive of the IAA, said that with the increased use of drones, it is important that owners operate them safely and registration is easy.

“We have a user-friendly online registration process to make it easy for owners to register and to carry out the necessary training on the use of drones,” he said.

In the meantime, here are some safety tips from the IAA: 1. Fly your drone no higher than 120 metres (400 feet).

2. Make sure you can always see your drone (300 metres).

3. Do not fly your drone over a group of people.

4. Do not fly your drone within five kilometres of an airport.

5. Do not fly within 120 metres of a person, vehicle, vessel or structure.

6. Do not operate your drone outside of your line of sight.

7. Do not fly your drone in a restricted area such as a prison or military installation.

8. Always seek permission from the landowner for takeoff and landing.

9. Never operate your drone in a reckless manner.

10. Register your drone at: www.iaa.ie/drones

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New Year Sales Edition, 2020

opinion&comment

The magic moments of 2020

T

he end of a year is usually a time to reflect and take stock. What went well and what didn’t, personally and professionally.

You pick your favourite moments and move on to plans for the coming twelve months.

The year 2020 was like no other due to Covid-19, and another thing the virus can add to its lengthy hit-list is making this kind of end-of-year reflection difficult.

How can you pick the best moments out of a year that had so few, due to the lockdowns?

Well, I’m going to pick my favourite moments anyway. I always do at this time, and Covid-19 has derailed enough of my routine this year.

Time to fight back, along with the vaccines are on the way.

Talking of the vaccines, my news moment of the year (just shading Trump losing the election) was the announcement of their impending arrival and roll out.

This will allow us to gradu-

ally get back to normal through 2021. Bring it on.

I usually pick a hero of the year and this year I’m going for Professor Luke O’Neill. Covid-19 led to many dark days and worrying times but to have somebody like Luke who could communicate effectively and give hope made a huge difference.

Luke went to the same school as me in Bray (Presentation College), albeit a few years ahead, and took time out in May to record an inspiring graduation message for this year’s Leaving Certificate class.

Book of the year is a doubleedged sword. Due to lockdown I’ve read more this year (51 books, I always keep a count; I might even make 52 before December 31 to finish with a clean book-per-week average) than ever before, but this makes picking a winner more difficult.

Nevertheless one that stands out above all the others is ‘Remain In Love’ by Chris Frantz, the drummer from Talking Heads (the book is a memoir of his time in the band, in which his wife Tina Weymouth also

Kira (7) tries out some of the toys available in store at IKEA, which is searching for its first Chief Play Officer to test new toys before they launch in stores. Applicants must be aged between 4-12 years old. Pic: Matt Alexander played). Talking of Talking Heads and music, my album of the year is a tie between ‘Earth To Dora’ by The Eels and ‘Imploding The Mirage’ by The Killers.

Both records – the thirteenth and sixth studio efforts by these bands respectively – are all killer, no filler, and helped keep the mood up as Covid tried to

take it down. Sporting moment of the year is – for me - usually something I witnessed live. So, I’ll stick with that and award the moment to Bray Wanderers’ 2-0 win over Wexford FC on February 28.

This was the only Bray game I attended live all year, and 2020 saw me spend less time in the Carlisle Grounds than any year

since the early 1970’s.

Brian Maher’s performance in goal for Wanderers stood out on the night, and indeed he would go on to keep 10 clean sheets in the clubs 18 league matches.

Thankfully he has re-signed for 2021 despite interest from bigger clubs.

Gig of a year is one I’ll have to admit defeat on – I didn’t get

to any. Likewise I didn’t get to the cinema, but as I’m going to hopefully get to see ‘Songs For While I’m Away’, the Phil Lynott documentary, before the end of the year, I’m going to pick that.

TV show of the year for me was the 2020 remake by ITV of Van Der Valk, starring Marc Warren.

Remakes don’t often make the grade but this sublime effort gets an A+.

Farewell of the year for me was the death of Judy Dyble, the original singer with Fairport Convention and a truly lovely person.

That just leaves personal moment of the year. That would have to be writing and performing my very first stand-up comedy show.

It went well, but the last laugh was on me because Covid-19 intervened shortly afterwards and put paid to any further exploration of the genre!

So, wishing you a Happy Christmas and New Year. Stay safe.

- Brian Quigley

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New Year Sales Edition

WILDLIFE

ninenottomiss

The Holly and the Ivy

book of the week

with Justin Ivory

Holly “The holly and the ivy, Now both are full well grown.

Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown.”

We are familiar with the Christmas Carol but maybe less so with the association of these plants, in particular the holly, with winter festivals and especially with Christmas.

Holly, ivy and other evergreen plants such as mistletoe were used in pre-Christian times by druids to help celebrate the Winter Solstice.

The holly was believed to represent masculine power and is the King of the winter months, ivy representing feminine power, is the Queen.

One old tradition maintains that whichever of the two plants is brought into the house first over winter would determine whether the man or woman of the house would rule that year. But another tradition says it is unlucky to bring either into the house before Christmas Eve.

Ivy Given that the holly is so verdant during the austerity of winter and appears impervious to harsh weather, disease or infestation, it is not surprising that the Ancient Romans believed holly could repel all kinds of malice such as natural disasters, dark magic and vicious animals.

Druids believed holly attracted good spirits and offered protection against evil spirits, and so, often wore it in their hair during religious rituals.

Now back to the association of holly and ivy with Christmas.

In the carol holly (male) represents Jesus while ivy (female) represents Mary.

The prickly leaves of the holly represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified and the red berries represent the drops of blood that he shed.

In Scandinavia holly is known as the Christ Thorn.

In Germany it was believed that tying a piece of ivy to the outside of a church would protect it from lightning!

HOROSCOPES

tv show of the week film of the week

How Animals Saved My Life

by Noel Fitzpatrick

christmas at home RTE1, 9.10pm, Christmas Eve

the midnight sky Netflix

AT a time when homes are invaded by new pets, it might be a good idea to put this in the stocking too. Noel Fitzpatrick graduated as a veterinary surgeon 30-odd years ago, and is now one of the leading vets in the world.

The journey to that point has seen Noel treat thousands of animals, something he wrote about in Listening to the Animals, his first book.

This time around, he is writing about what it feels like to be that vet, sharing stories about the wonderful lives and personalities of the little critters he has treated. For animal lovers everywhere, this will bring a little ray of joy into their lives. And it’s not just for Christmas . . .

WELL, you have to watch something while you’re cramming in the mince pies waiting up for Santa, so why not enjoy the best of the Irish after a year when we thought we’d never get to see them perform for some time? Mary Kennedy and Ruth Smith present this seasonal music show, which includes guests Lisa Hannigan, Loah, Imelda May (pictured), Una Healy, Celine Byrne, Ray Lynam, Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill on the bill. A nice way to get Christmas off on a high note.

AFTER the pandemic, the last thing we need is a post-apocalyptic tale with the world’s most handsome man. But look on the bright side, it does say ‘post’ in the blurb, so whatever happened is over. So there is hope. Augustine (George Clooney) is a lonely — oops, there goes the hope — scientist in the Arctic, racing to stop Sully (Felicity Jones) and her fellow astronauts from returning home to a mysterious global catastrophe. Based on the acclaimed novel Good Morning, Midnight, this may be a bit of a downer. So have a box of Celebrations handy just in case.

day out of the week

RECIPE of the week

family film of the week

AriesYou’re especially popular for the next month Group activities go well. Get out in public. Social activities benefit your career.

TaurusTake on more responsibility.

Watch for opportunities to advance your career.

Assume authority. It’s easier to advance your agenda.

GeminiTravel entices over the coming month. It’s easier to venture forth now. Set study goals. Explore and discover fresh terrain.

CancerFeed the family kitty. This month is good for saving money. Review numbers.

Increase your assets with organization and attention.

LeoYou love learning.

You’re especially clever and creative with communications. Write, record and express your views.

the moving crib stmartin.ie

Smoked salmon toasts jamieoliver.com

Angela’s Christmas Wish Netflix

SO before the kids get too excited, let’s be clear, it’s not the crib that moves, it’s the figures inside it. The Moving Crib has been a feature of Christmas in Dublin for over 60 years and for obvious reasons was under threat this year. It is a very entertaining experience and visitors get to follow the winding stairs into the heart of this stunning Georgian building on Parnell St, Dublin. Once there, you are greeted with a montage of historical and fun stories, including Noah’s Ark, Moses, Bethlehem and The Wise Men. Booking is essential for all visitors this year.

Maximum stay is 30 minutes.

THE turkey and the ham and the sprouts and all the rest of the dinner is the easy bit. It’s the starter is the problem. The days of the prawn cocktail, served and eaten with as much enthusiasm as it takes to unfold the hat that tumbles from the Christmas cracker, are over. This is a superior variant of the ‘fling the slices of smoked salmon and a lemon wedge on some brown bread’ starter, and will go down a lot better at the table. The crunch of the radishes and fragrance of the dill elevate this simple dish to a level way higher than the humble prawn. Try it.

FROM the team at Brown Bag Films, Angela’s Christmas Wish is the follow-up of sorts to Angela’s Christmas, based on a story from Angela McCourt’s childhood. Set in Limerick in the early years of World War One, this sees young Angela plotting to try and get her father back from Australia for Christmas and is available now on Netflix before an RTE premiere on Christmas Day (sorry RTE). If you were left bereft of all will to continue with life after watching Angela’s Ashes, then this should go some way in setting you on a more hopeful path with a little spring in your step.

album of the week

event of the week

podcast of the week

VirgoThings could get lucrative.

Your health, work and fitness blossom. Energize your performance. Infuse love into your labors.

LibraYou’re especially lucky in love with Venus in Aquarius.

Artistic efforts sparkle.

Practice skills, talents and hobbies. Give in to romance.

ScorpioMake your home your love nest. Enjoy domestic arts, crafts and projects. Focus on home and family. Make household improvements.

Sagittarius-

Communication is key.

Partnerships flower.

Compromise comes easier.

Share your heart, passions and commitments.

CapricornHarvest windfall apples.

Gather new income. Enjoy a profitable phase. Discover a professional highperformance zone.

paul mccartney Paul McCartney III

enchanted garden winter lights lafcadiohearngardens.com

spooked! theringer.com/the-rewatchables

APPARENTLY Taylor Swift put a call into the former Beatle to offer to change the date of her new album release so it wouldn’t clash with his. Which is kind of nice, but kind of a sign that so much time has passed and the arrival of a new Paul McCartney album will only be greeted with glee by those of a certain vintage. Nevertheless, this collection of new songs, recorded in the lockdown by 79-yearold Macca is a nice end to the year.

ON Christmas Eve at 6pm, the residents of Grantstown Park, Dungarvan, are asking everyone to come outside and ring a bell for two minutes to spread some Christmas spirit and to help Santa fly that sleigh. And after a tough year it would be an amazing memory for the kids and communities. So if you want to end 2020, bid it good riddance with a bit of magic, hope and togetherness, grab a bell and come out to join them.

This is a simple but wonderful premise, a disaster in the wrong hands, a triumph in the right ones. Here, Bill Simmons brings in guests to discuss top tips for films to rewatch.

It’s a great resource this time of year if you’re running out of films to choose from. Find your favourite chair, get the earbuds out then find your favourite movie to rewatch. Recent classics that made the cut include, Home Alone, Toy Story, Wall Street and Country Strong. What was that last one? There you go...

AquariusYou’re in the love light with Venus in your sign. Your charm and charisma shine.

Upgrade your personal presentation. Get stylish.

Step onstage and smile.

PiscesSavor peaceful privacy.

Pursue your own thoughts and dreams with Venus in Aquarius. Nature soothes your spirit. Connect with your passion and compassion.

New Year Sales Edition

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carlowpeople.ie December 31, 2020

Six of the best: Picture perfect winners our girl guides win top awards €500 voucher winner Laura Kelly

PLANNING NOTICES.

Carlow County Council WEXFORD SOLAR LTD. JOHNSTOWN, BENNEKERRY, CO. CARLOW Wexford Solar Ltd. intend to apply for a 10 year permission for the erection and operaSix Girlphotovoltaic Guides retion Carlow of a solar cently received the Trail energy development. Blazer National Guide Award – Irish The proposed development Girl Guides’ highest award – will consist of the erection during a special online and operation of a award solar ceremony. photovoltaic energy develAmy Keating Sally Anne opment whichand includes the Matthews (pictured) of panels Sleaty erection of fixed solar Guides, Graiguecullen, and on ground mounted frames, Sarah O’Gorman, Sarah Glynn, electrical transformer and inverter units, distribution Niamh Nolan and Sadhbh Kelly systems operator (DSO) subof St Killian’s Guides, Carlow, station, customer substation, each received a Trail Blazer underground cabling Guide and gold pin and a National ducting, storage containers, Award certificate. boundary fencing, security Under normal circumstances, entrance gates, CCTV, interthe girls would have headed to nal access road and all associCroke Park with their proud ated ancillary activities. parents and Leaders to receive The planning application their awards from the Irish may Girl be inspected, or purchased Guides (IGG) President at a naat a fee not exceeding the tional ceremony. reasonable cost of making the current aHowever, copy, at due the to offices of the Covid restrictions, year’s Planning Authority,this Civic Ofceremonies have Carlow, been durtakfices, Athy Road, ing place in opening online regional ing its public hours. ceremonies.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Carlow County Council We, P Nolan Architecture are applying to Carlow County Council on behalf of Glasslacken Construction Limited & Kelly Brothers Construction for retention planning permission of demolition works to date & planning permission to remove demolition material from a demolished fire damaged building on site and for the construction 3 no. two storey fully serviced dwelling houses with connection to public mains sewer and mains water with all associated site works at Lackabeg, Kildavin, Co. Carlow. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Civic Offices, Athy Road, Carlow, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within

thority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed on behalf of applicant by P. Nolan Architecture. 62 Weafer Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. t: 053 9249444 m: 087 9176976, email: pnolanarchitecture@gmail.com, www. pnolanarchitecture.com

Carlow County Council Planning permission is sought for alterations to existing ladder access to bell tower of St Marys Church of Ireland, Carlow (being a protected structure CT 49). The proposed works comprise of the following: Replacement of existing timber ladder from ground to first floor with a loft style stairs, enlargement of opening in floor to accomodate same with timber ballustrading around the perimeter, Replacement of timber ladders accessing upper levels over same with steel ladders with hoop fittings for safety, guard rails/ ballustrading around upper openings and all associated works at St Marys Church of Ireland, Church Street, Carlow town. Signed: Rev David White on behalf of Carlow Union of Parishes The planning application may be inspected and/or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Carlow County Council, County Buildings, Athy Road, Carlow Town, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Carlow County Council Planning permission is sought for the construction of a proposed detached dormer dwelling, detached single storey domestic garage, proposed treatment plant/ polishing filter, well, site entrance and all associated site works at Burton Hall, Palatine, Co. Carlow. A NIS/Appropriate Screening Report has been prepared in respect of the proposed development Signed: Louise and Adrian Oprea The planning application/NIS may be inspected and/or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Carlow County Council, County Buildings, Athy Road, Carlow Town, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the

ity of the application.

Carlow County Council I, Philip Kelly, am applying to Carlow County Council for Outline Permission to erect of a fully serviced dwellinghouse and domestic garage and all associated site develIGG President Maureen opment works at Clonegall, Murphy congratulated the girls, Co. Carlow. saying: Signed “You Philiphave Kellybeen on a journey with lots ofapplication challenges The planning and maynew beexperiences, inspected, you or have purgained skills friendchasednew at a fee notand exceeding ships, and I am cost sure of hadmakfun the reasonable too. ing a copy, at the offices of “When you Authority, think backCivic to the Planning 2020, I hope, wellCarlow, as reOffices, Athy as Road, during its the public opening membering pandemic, you hours. will also remember that 2020 A submission observation was the year youorachieved your in relation the application Trail BlazertoAward under exmay be made in writing to ceptional circumstances when the showed planning authority peron you commitment, payment the prescribed severed andof achieved.” fee, €20, within the period Irish Girl Guides welof 5 weeks the comes newbeginning members onfrom date of receipt by the authorage 5+ and volunteer leadity of the application, and ers from age 18+. Previous such submissions or obserexperience of Guiding is not vations will be considered necessary. by the Planning Authority in To findaout more, on seethe www. making decision apirishgirlguides.ie, email info@ plication. The planning Auirishgirlguides.ie tel: 01 thority may grantor permission 6683898. subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Carlow County Council I, Michael Kelly, am applying to Carlow County Council for Outline Permission to erect of a fully serviced dwellinghouse and domestic garage and all associated site development works at Clonegall, Co. Carlow.

Signed Michael Kelly The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Civic Offices, Athy Road, Carlow, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the author-

ity of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission

Carlow County Council I, Jerry Bolger, intend to apply for permission for development at Kilcarrig, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. The development will consist of the erection of 1 no. 660 kw wind turbine (hub height 45.00m), and thethan construction More 150 familiesof a 25.00 sq.mentries electrical sub-stasubmitted to the Light tion, site access road, and all Up Carlow Photography ancillary works, per develCompetition withasthe winners opmenta prize previously sharing fund ofgranted

by An €2,000 Bord Pleanála on foot nearly to #shopcarlow of File Ref. No. PLthis 01.243964 and #lookforlocal festive (13/322). The planning perseason. mission soughtthe shall be for a Congratulating winners, period of fifteen years from Cllr Tom O’Neill said “I’m the date of commissioning delighted as Cathaoirleach to of the wind turbine which is announce the winners of this an amendment to Condition competition and I was truly no. 2 of previous permission inspired by the images of love PL 01.243964 authorising ten ,years hope from and unity whichofwere the date comsubmitted and turmissioningbyoffamilies the wind individuals across County bine.

MEMORIUM

Carlow to celebrate their understanding of A Festive Family Experience”.

The competition invited people to take a photo, which includes a festive Carlow scenery of either a Christmas tree or lights with themselves or loved ones, to be in with a chance to win a €500 voucher for any retailer of their choice in Co Carlow.

Due to the level of entries 8 runner up prizes of €60 Love Carlow vouchers were provided to runner up entries.

The Competition Winners were: €500 voucher of their choice for County Carlow Retailer: • Laura Kelly • Maxine Joyce • Michelle Coleman €60 Love Carlow Voucher • Caroline Redmond • Cheryl Blackburn • Christine Connolly • Ellen O’Leary • Emily O’Hara • Marguerite O’Brien • Philippa Byrne • Santa Kriscuna

Planning notices CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL

MALONE

In loving memory of my WIFE Helen (Nellie) Malone 88 Green Road, Carlow whose 14th Anniversary occurred on January 12th 2020.

Will those who think Of her today, A little prayer To Jesus say. TONY

I Mark Phelan intend applying to the above authority for Permission to Construct a New Grain/Straw & Machinery Store, Concrete Aprons and all associated works to my existing Farmyard area located at Maplestown – Rathvilly – Co Carlow.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Civic Offices, Athy Road, Carlow, during its public

opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Mark Phelan

Contact us today

t: 059 914 1877

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New Year Sales Edition

We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by

Irish Press 28/12/1935

Irish Press 29/12/1964

Irish Press. 22/12/1958

Irish Press 31/12/1958

Freemans Jr 27/12/1821

Irish Press, 26/12/1966

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carlowpeople.ie New Year Sales Edition