Two Coláiste Bríde students will represent Ireland at major sustainability event in Qatar. See story on pages 16-17. CATCH IT IF YOU CAN! The Seafarer, see page 54.
Frizelle McCarthy Solicitors
Annette McCarthy B.C.L.
Suzanne Carthy B.A. L.L.B.
Jillian O’Shea L.L.B.
Art exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle, see pages 71-72
Welcome to the February issue of the Slaney News. Congrats to Enniscorthy TD James Browne who has been chosen as the new Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. We wish him the best of luck with that very difficult portfolio. Enniscorthy is also represented in the Dáil by Johnny Mythen, and now that pair are being joined in the Oireachtas by Cathal Byrne who has just been elected as a Senator. Let’s hope the town will see the benefit of this large representation in the new Oireachtas.
In this issue of the Slaney News we carry details of a survey on pages 18 and 19 which will largely determine the future of a town bus service in Enniscorthy. Please participate in the survey so your voice will be heard in planning such a service thus ensuring your needs and wants will be taken into account.
A new, privately run, creative hub in Enniscorthy is being developed at the IFA premises on Mill Park Road. Called Y21 Studios, it will offer a wide range of classes for all ages, including arts, music & singing lessons, fashion & dressmaking, languages, life-skills workshops, and much more. Today, 5th February, saw the opening of a Coffee Dock at the new studios. Y21 Studios is the brainchild of Alfie and Kristyna, the team behind the successful Creative Grounds in Irish Street, Enniscorthy. We wish them every success.
We include as always a huge number of photos taken around Enniscorthy, and beyond. If you would like to purchase any of our photos please get in touch by email at slaneynews@gmail.com
If you have any news or photos you’d like us to share in the Slaney News, please email them to slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as much as possible. Also, please let us know what you think about our online format. Tel: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has over 13,000 Followers. And, of course, if you like our format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you
– Frank Corcoran
SLANEY NEWS
Barbara-Anne Murphy COUNCILLOR
Enniscorthy Technology Park
Ross Road astro now open
The first game on the newly opened, full-size, community astro pitch at the Ross Road in Enniscorthy took place on Saturday 12th January 2025, between Enniscorthy United and Gorey Rangers, in Division 5 of the Wexford Football League, with victory going to the away side, 4-3, in a closely fought encounter.
Enniscorthy Municipal District and Wexford Co. Council are to be congratulated on delivering this state-of-the-art facility, which is now open to soccer and other sports, in what is a huge sporting boost to the town and the county.
A manual booking system is in place for the facility until the online booking system
has been installed which has been delayed due to having to wait for an ESB connection at the site.
The official opening is expected to be held in the coming weeks.
To make contact with the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com
Pics: Enjoy Enniscorthy ■
Enniscorthy United
Tim and Fiona Phelan invite you to visit their stylish cafe at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy. The Ballymaloe-trained couple are making full use of a new, top-of-the-range kitchen to offer exceptional food produced in-house as well as supporting local artisan suppliers. The cafe serves mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menus Mon-Fri 9am to 4.30pm, with daily specials, and brunch on Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Closed on Sundays. Takeaway and Outside Catering also available.
CHECK OUT OUR EXCITING NEW MENU FOR 2025 SEE PAGES 76-77.
Calling all residents of Enniscorthy
After twice becoming a victim of theft recently, and receiving a huge number of messages from people who have also had similar experiences and from some people who are in fear of going out at night, or to certain areas, town-centre resident and business owner Alfie O’Sullivan is starting a ‘Town-Wide’ Community Watch Group and is calling for passionate individuals to help make a difference in our community.
Alfie says that together, we can:
✔ Bring local communities closer
✔ Reduce fear and isolation for our most vulnerable
✔ Create a safer town by reducing opportunities for crime
On 20th January 2025 Alfie hosted a public meeting in the IFA Centre to progress plans for an Enniscorthy Community Watch group. The meeting discussed the current concerns affecting our town, explored ways we can work together to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, and shared ideas and potential solutions.
While the size of the attendance, about 25 people, was a little disappointing, Alfie is determined to press on and is planning a further public meeting and hoping for a larger turnout. “Whether you’re a life-long resident or new to the area, this is a chance to connect, support each other, and build a stronger, safer Enniscorthy for everyone,” he says. “Let’s work together to create a caring and secure environment for all.”
Interested? Drop Alfie a message on 087 1884651. And follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2320237518351938 ■
Alfie O’Sullivan
Finishing Touches: 7 Main Street, Enniscorthy. Tel: (053) 92 32458. Email: ftbeautygirls@gmail.com Instagram: @ftbeautygirls Follow us on Facebook
Rejuvenate Treatment Rooms: Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. Tel: (053) 923 0250. Email: rejuvenatebeautygirls@outlook.com. Instagram: @rejuvenatebeautygirls. Follow us on Facebook.
Bega Barber Vouchers
BEGA BARBER: 3 Main Street, Enniscorthy. Tel: 087 060 9400.
A Bega Gift Voucher for a hair cut or beard trim or a cut-throat shave makes the ideal Valentine’s Gift. So, go on, spoil the man (or men!) in your life this St Valentine’s Day. Tel: 087 060 9400 or call into 3 Main Street, Enniscorthy. With Bega Barber
Enniscorthy CCTV update
Authorisation has been given by the Garda Commissioner for the CCTV Scheme for Enniscorthy. Tenders are being evaluated at present and a contractor should be appointed over the coming days.
A total of 22 CCTV cameras will be installed at different locations within Enniscorthy Town.
A proposed amendment to the Bunclody CCTV Scheme is being considered by the Garda Commissioner. It involves one camera being installed on a building instead of a pole at the same location. The delay is a particular source of frustration for local Councillor Barbara-Anne Murphy who has been raising this matter at every opportunity. ■
Flying the flag for Co. Wexford at Young Scientist Exhibition
WELL DONE TO ALL THE WEXFORD STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED AT THE 61ST BT YOUNG SCIENTIST AND TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION IN THE RDS DUBLIN IN JANUARY.
Our photos show just some of the Wexford students.
Below right: Katie Franklin, Sophie Hart and Colleen Waters from Ramsgrange Community School, Wexford, with their project 'An investigation into the potential gender bias in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions in Ireland.'
Below left: Niamh Ni Mhurchu and Layla Byrne from Meanscoil Gharman, Enniscorthy, and their project 'Nil plaisteach fungi….. Staidear isteach i brise sios plasteach oxoin-bhithmillte ag usaid fungi aituila.'
This year, BT Ireland celebrated 25 years as custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which is one of the leading school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), exhibitions in the world. ■
Concern for Gaza’s children
Concern’s annual Christmas collection in Enniscorthy was cancelled in December due to bad weather so the dedicated volunteers will be out instead on Thursday 6th February and Friday 7th February to help raise funds for Concern’s work with the children of Gaza.
In addition, the volunteers will be assisted by Coláiste Bríde TY students on Saturday 8th February in Market Square and at masses on the 8th and 9th February.
To help boost the collection further, a coffee morning will be held in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, from 10am to 12.30pm on Friday 7th February. Your support would be much appreciated. ■
A ‘phenomenal success’ story
A standout highlight of 2024 was the phenomenal success of the new County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card. Designed to strengthen local businesses, this closed-loop Mastercard scheme saw sales of €550,000 in its first few weeks following its launch in November 2024.
With a focus on keeping spending within County Wexford, the gift card has driven footfall to local businesses, supported jobs, and ensured every euro spent stays within the community.
County Wexford Chamber expresses a sincere ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported this initiative.
For a complete list of where the card can be spent, click here: https://townandcitygiftcards.ie/where-tospend/#County%20Wexford%20Shop%2 0Local-11866
Corporate orders of e-cards here: https://corporate.townandcitygift-
You can also contact your local County Wexford Chamber Development Officer on 053 912 2226 to pick up a card from one of the four Chamber offices around the county. ■
KILCANNON GARDEN CENTRE AND RESTAURANT
Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 92 35514. Find us on www.reachability.ie and www.facebook.com/KilcannonGC
Kilcannon Garden Centre - Your Ultimate Garden Destination
Now is the time to get your garden ready as we move from winter to spring. Visit Kilcannon Garden Centre in Enniscorthy for expert advice. Our knowledgeable staff are on hand tohelp you select the right plants and care products to ensure your garden thrives as we approach spring. From beautiful indoor plants to essential garden care supplies, we have everything you need to keep your garden looking its best.
Don’t forget to stop by our restaurant for delicious home-cooked meals and freshly baked bread while you’re here! Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm, Sunday: Closed. Come and visit our garden centre today or simply pop in for a cup of coffee.
Stay connected with us! Follow Kilcannon Garden Centre on social media for gardening tips, special offers, and updates.
TOWN TALK MINISTER FOR HOUSING!
OPPORTUNITY OR POISION CHALICE?
Congratulations to James Browne on his elevation to a senior post in the Irish Government. This is a major moment for James and his family. He has gone one better than his father, John. In fact, he is the first Fianna Fáil Senior Minister in Co. Wexford for sixty years.
In his third Dáil he has been given what can only be described as the hot seat. For decades Finance and Health or even Education held this notorious position. Housing has become the Hot Potato in recent times. James will get massive exposure and will become known throughout the country. He will also come under great scrutiny. The opposition will put him under pressure on a daily basis.
The tricky part of his job is to make changes in order to reach the targets without looking like deviating from policy as the opposition will claim that any changes would show that the policy was flawed and a failure from the outset.
One cannot underestimate how important it is for the people of Wexford as well. This appointment will bring hopes far removed from his brief in Housing. To have a seat at the cabinet table creates an expectation that other issues can be bartered for. The flood relief in Enniscorthy comes to mind. In this article I will attempt to stick to issues within his housing brief nationally and locally. The devil is in the detail.
I read with great interest an article by Cliff Taylor in the Irish Times outlining the grave problems facing the housing portfolio. Construction consultants Mitchell McDermott make some sobering points in their report. Housing completions last year were 30,330 and not the 40,000 forecasted. If they can implement their promise of 300,000 by 2030 that would be a staggering average of 50,500. The department points out that there were 60,000 commencements
WITH KEITH DOYLE
last year. This was due to Waivers on development levies and water rebates. The anomaly to this figure is that there were only 35,000 planning permissions granted last year. This figure is down from 41,000 in 2023 so why is there a discrepancy in the figures? Mitchell McDermott consultants claim that a developer may put in a commencement notice of say 400 houses to maximise grant waivers but may only commence 50 or 100 of them.
The Central Statistics Office figures also
show a sluggish apartment build down 24% from 2023. Unfortunately, the real figures of the housing builds in 2024 will be exposed under James’ watch. Once-off housing completions fell by 2.2% to 5,367 homes. The only good news in the report is that housing schemes completion are up by 4.6% to 16,200 albeit from a low base figure.
Locally, I acquired the latest figures from Wexford County Council. They have a housing delivery action plan of 1,160 homes from 2022 to 2026. There were 322 properties allocated last year and a further 119 by approved housing bodies. Homes due for completion this year is 500. This figure is subject to factors including funding from the department.
Wexford Co. Council should ask for a meeting with the Minister to maximise his current influence to benefit the people of Wexford more. I would encourage the Council to ramp up the policy and increase the ready-off-theshelf plans for housing in order for the Minister to fast-track funding.
The Retrofitting scheme is also an area that James can help with. It would require the Council to be more ambitious by ramping up the project to present to the Minister to acquire more funding. In 2023 there were 37 homes retrofitted. In 2023 there was €3.99 million allocated for 146 homes. 2024 saw 126 homes retrofitted.
Other issues on the minister’s desk are the pyrrhotite-mica cement issue and the remediation scheme for defective apartments.
This portfolio is a daunting one. My concern is it will take a few years to turn it around as I don’t see the figures being good any time soon. One hopes that there is not a mid-term reshuffle before the figures are more favourable.
Best of luck James, the people of Wexford are rooting for you. ■
Minister James Browne
A worrying statistic
Garda figures show a 23% jump in unaccompanied learner drivers in Wexford and Wicklow.
Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a member of the EU Transport Committee, has been in touch with us calling for parents to be more vigilant as new Garda figures show a 23.5% increase in the number of unaccompanied learner drivers caught by Gardai on Wexford and Wicklow roads between 2023 and 2024.
Gardaí in the district issued 140 fixed charge notices to unaccompanied learner drivers in Wexford and Wicklow in quarter 2 of 2023. They issued 173 in quarter 2 of 2024, a jump of 23.5%.
"It is against the law to drive unaccompanied on a learner permit, and penalties apply if you are convicted of driving unaccompanied or you allow your vehicle to be driven by an unaccompanied learner driver."
Ní Mhurchú said the figures are disappointing: “Learner drivers lack the experience and judgment required to handle complex driving situations. That can mean more accidents on our roads. When an inexperienced driver gets behind the wheel of a car without any supervision, they are endangering themselves, other drivers, and other road users.”
12 people have been killed on Irish roads in 2025, as of January 29th. ■
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Coming this month to Enniscorthy
A new, privately run, creative hub in Enniscorthy is being developed at the IFA premises on Mill Park Road. To be known as Y21 Studios, it will offer a wide range of classes for all ages, including arts, music & singing lessons, fashion & dressmaking, languages, life-skills workshops and much more.
Y21 Studios is the brainchild of Alfie and Krystina, the team behind the successful Creative Grounds in Irish Street, Enniscorthy. It will be, in the words of its proprietors, “a space where all members of the community can come together to learn, create, and grow”.
Creative Grounds have just opened today, 5th February, a Coffee Dock at the new Y21 Studios as they believe creativity & coffee make the perfect combination – it will mainly be to-go cups with grab-n-go snacks.
Email: hello@y21studios.com. Make sure to follow ‘Y21 Studios’ on Facebook. ■
Two Coláiste Bríde students will represent Ireland at major sustainability event in Qatar
The Global Innovation in Sustainability Summit (GISS) in Qatar this month will hear from two young students of Coláiste Bríde in Enniscorthy – 17year-old Anne Marie O’Mahoney and 16-year-old Mia Larkin Walsh who will present on the subject of ‘Food Waste’.
The Slaney News was delighted to be invited to the school last month to hear all about the project.
The two students’ ‘BEL’ project on reducing food waste contains three elements: Build awareness, Educate and Lobby. The students have researched their project for the past year, produced monthly video updates, visited other schools and presented their findings, produced and distributed a resource pack for teachers complete with lesson plans, worksheets, games and videos, held an Open Night at their school, designed and printed posters, produced reports, engaged in fundraising, ran a poster competition, held a ‘TY Sustainability Takeover’, engaged in various other events and activities to build awareness, and are determined to continue doing all the above as well as contacting key decision makers locally and nationally.
Anne Marie and Mia say the most wasted foods in Ireland are bread, meat, and fruit & veg. And the average Irish consumer is losing around €700 yearly as a result of their own food waste.
Global estimates:
19% of the food available to consumers is wasted globally, at the retail, food service, and household level. In addition, 13% of food is lost in the supply chain, from post-harvest up to retail. Food waste alone generates up to 10%
of global greenhouse gas emissions –almost five times the total emissions compared to the aviation sector.
Latest estimates (2022) suggest that around 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste were generated globally, of which:
60% came from households (631 million tonnes).
28% from food service (290 million tonnes).
12% from retail (131 million tonnes).
On average, each person wastes 79kg of food per year. This is equal to 1.3 meals every day for everyone in the world impacted by hunger.
EU estimates:
In 2021, more than 58 million tonnes of
food waste were generated in the EU. This is equal to:
131kg per person
132 billion euros
252,000,000 tonnes of CO2.
Coláiste Bríde itself is very much focused on sustainability in all its forms and in a positive development a recent school survey showed that only 6% of students there believe Food Waste is not an important issue. So the message is getting through.
The attendance last month included Anne Marie’s and Mia’s parents; school students and staff; public representatives; members of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, Sustainable Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy Community Alliance; representatives from Wexford Co. Council’s environment and climate action sections; and Sinead Hayes from Worldwise Global Schools.
We would like to thank school Principal Kiera O'Sullivan and teachers Elaine McGinnity and Brendan White for inviting us to attend the event.
We compliment the two students who spoke so well and confidently, and are a credit to their school and families, and teacher Brendan White who spoke so passionately about the environment and sustainability at local, national and global levels, and it is indeed reassuring to know that the next generation is being educated by such environmentcommitted teachers like Mr White.
Full details on the project itself can be found on https://padlet.com/brendanaidenw/reducing-food-wastehh7jpgjmp0ghv4xy. Among other things you can learn there about the extent of the Food Waste problem and what you can do to reduce your own waste. ■
Top left: Johnny Mythen TD with Mia Larkin Walsh and Anne Marie O’Mahoney. Top centre: Claire Kelly (Wexford County Council Climate Action Team), Anne Marie O’Mahoney, Frank Corcoran (Slaney News), Mia Larkin Walsh. Top right: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy with Mia and Anne Marie. Above left: Minister James Browne TD, Mia Larkin Walsh, Anne Marie O’Mahoney, teacher Brendan White. Above centre: Cllr Pat Kehoe with the two students. Above right: Jonathon Hughes (Enniscorthy Tidy Towns), teacher Brendan White, Áine Doyle (Enniscorthy Tidy Towns). Below left: Principal Kiera O’Sullivan, Anne Marie O’Mahoney, Mia Larkin Walsh, teacher Brendan White. Below right: Claire Kelly (Wexford County Council Climate Action Team), Anne Marie O’Mahoney, teacher Elaine McGinnity, Mia Larkin Walsh, and Cliona Connolly (Wexford Co. Council Environment Section). Bottom left: Áine Doyle (Enniscorthy Tidy Towns) with the two students. Bottom centre: George Lawlor TD with Mia and Anne Marie. Bottom right: Jonathon Hughes (Enniscorthy Tidy Towns), Sinead Hayes from Worldwise Global Schools.
Plans for an Enniscorthy Town Bus Service
TFI Local Link Wexford are working with the National Transport Authority to introduce a town bus service in Enniscorthy. To progress the implementation of a designated town bus service, TFI Local Link Wexford, with the assistance of the Conundrum Project, have prepared a questionnaire to provide information on the public transport requirements of Enniscorthy's residents. The QR code on the opposite page will bring you straight to the questionnaire.
TFI Local Link Wexford currently manages four seven-day services that serve a number of areas within Enniscorthy and the town stops are showing usage by those living in the town despite the lack of actual bus stops. This highlights the appetite for public transport in the town. The TFI Local Link Wexford team and Wexford Co. Council Roads and Active Travel teams are working with the NTA to have bus stops installed.
MaryB O'Leary, General Manager, TFI Local Link Wexford: "In order for us to collate as much information as possible to design with the NTA the best possible town bus service for Enniscorthy we ask people to complete the survey. This is an opportunity for Enniscorthy residents to shape a town service for their town. The results of the survey will be
collated and shared with the NTA so we can begin to plan and work towards a seven-day town service.
“We have no implementation date for the town service, that will be determined by the NTA and subject to funding – but we will do all we can to expediate the introduction of the service."
TFI Local Link Wexford is a member of the Enniscorthy Interagency Group who work with a wide range of stakeholders in the town to improve the lives of those living in the town and also work with the Conundrum Project, a research team based at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with their partner TASC. Conundrum launched a strategy based on the outcome of workshops, focus groups and interviews with local communities and other stakeholders in Enniscorthy since November 2023. The strategy recorded the challenges and opportunities related to mobility experienced by different stakeholders in Enniscorthy. It presented multiple solutions and recommended actions for achieving sustainable mobility futures in Enniscorthy. It is a strategy by the community, for the community, to help shape real change. One of those recommendations was a designated town bus service.
The Climate Action team of Wexford Co. Council are one of the stakeholders on the Interagency Group. Frank Burke, Climate Action Coordinator Wexford Co. Council:
"As part of the Wexford County Council Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029, a register of opportunities was identified for Enniscorthy, as it is our selected Decarbonisation Zone within the County of Wexford. This register is a portfolio of potential actions, projects, technologies, and interventions. It is strategic and focused on changes that could lead to large-scale emission reduction. One of the opportunities identified relates to Transport and more specifically reducing carbon emissions in Enniscorthy due to increased Active Travel.
“Enniscorthy Decarbonisation Zone requires a reduction in our emissions by 51% by 2030 and the addition of an Enniscorthy Town Bus Service would contribute significantly to meeting this target. In addition, it would allow the people of Enniscorthy to reduce their dependence on cars and reduce traffic in the town and would have the added benefit of improving air quality. The provision of a Town Bus Service in Enniscorthy is a key action of the Decarbonisation Zone actions (DZBET4)."
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by scanning the QR code on the opposite page. ■
Enniscorthy snippets...
VINEGAR HILL
New seating has been installed. Design and content work on new Heritage Interpretive panels is under way following the recent appointment of a new Heritage Officer for Co. Wexford. Parking and access improvements to Vinegar Hill are being investigated by Wexford Co. Council.
ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY WELLBEING & ACTIVITY
GARDEN
Works are progressing well on the garden. The design elements currently under construction include: Formal & informal garden spaces including opportunities for biodiversity. Various seating options at key points throughout the site. Activity spaces to include raised planters, water feature, play area. New outdoor amphitheatre space. Expected completion date is August 2025.
ENNISCORTHY TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION PROJECT
The Part 8 process for the Market Square project was concluded on 9th September 2024, with the Council approving the scheme with amendments to address matters raised during the public consultation process.
Preliminary design work on the Enniscorthy Castle Quarter element of the Town Centre First Plan (TCFP) is ongoing and a presentation about it was made at the December meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District. See elsewhere in this issue for more details. It is intended to make a Part 8 submission for this in quarter one of 2025.
Regarding the Templeshannon element of the TCFP, ODKM Architects have been appointed to undertake concept master planning design services. Wexford County Council hopes that some ideas in relation to Templeshannon can be brought soon to an EMD meeting.
ENNISCORTHY CCTV
A total of 22 CCTV cameras will be installed at different locations within Enniscorthy Town which have been agreed with An Garda Siochana. See elsewhere in this issue for more details.
THE BROOKLYN BENCH
The bench has been painted and the green area around the bench has been developed. Details are being finalised for new signage to be placed at the bench.
ENNISCORTHY SPORTS HUB
A tender competition to procure a works contractor for the second phase (sports equipment storage area, changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a small office) of the Sports Hub was advertised on eTenders on 18th June 2024. Tenders have been received and assessment is ongoing. Appointment is anticipated around now. Construction is expected to start early this year and take 9-12 months to complete.
ENNISCORTHY NORTH BUSINESS DISTRICT (Old Dublin Road)
Some works have been carried out in recent years on the Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road) where over 2,000 people currently work. An application for further funding was submitted to the National Transport Authority for the active travel elements of the masterplan for the area but no funding was forthcoming for 2023 or 2024. A further application for funding will be made in 2025.
MURPHY FLOODS REDEVELOPMENT
Wexford Co. Council has developed a temporary plan for the site to include 28 car-parking spaces and some public realm works. A
tender for the develoment will be run soon. Works are expected to be commence early this year.
BUNCLODY PARK
A Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement, plans and particulars were submitted to An Bord Pleanala under Section 177AE. The Board was satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Slaney River Valley Special area of Conservation. The application was approved with conditions. Wexford Co. Council Property Section is currently in discussion with local landowners.
RAFTER STREET PEDESTRIANISATION
Pedestrian Zone signage has been ordered for Rafter Street. Pedestrianisation will be enforced between the hours of 10.00am and 4.30pm as per Bye Laws. Correspondence has been issued to Waste Contractors regarding collection of waste outside of these hours. New bollards have been ordered. The bollards will be placed at both ends of the street. Notification will be issued to business owners on Rafter Street.
ALL-WEATHER ASTRO PITCH, ROSS ROAD
This exciting new facility is up and running with a manual booking system is in place until the online booking system has been installed which has been delayed due to waiting on an ESB connection there. The official opening is expected to be held in the coming weeks. To make contact with the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com
ENNISCORTHY TRAILS
Works are ongoing on design and planning to extend the trail network to link to the Ringwood and Borodale trails.
BIG BELLY BIN AUDIT
An audit has been carried out on the Big Belly bins in the town centre. Plans are in place for the bins to be upgraded and refurbished. A collection of graphics is being worked on for the bins.
PUBLIC PAYPHONE REMOVAL AND UPGRADE PROJECT
As agreed at the Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting in September 2023, Clear Chanel Ireland have removed the payphone on Wafer Street and have installed a new upgraded payphone and a public information interactive touch screen on Rafter Street. The interactive touch screen will have links to the Visit Wexford website, Local Area Map and Wayfinding and Emergency Helplines. The public information screen will also promote local tourism and events. The project was of no cost to Wexford County Council. There is a capability to provide public Wi-Fi access points from the payphone and Enniscorthy MD intends to have this installed.
PLAYFUL SPACES PROJECT
The Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Aidan Browne recently launched the Playful Spaces Project at the wonderful Orchard Peace Park. Funding for the project was secured from Department of Health. The project is supported by Healthy Wexford through the Healthy Ireland fund. Musical instruments have been installed to add character to the Peace Park. The instruments will encourage old and young to the park. The play-along-the-way concept makes for a more interesting journey through the park. Special thanks to Lisa Moore, Assistant Staff Officer, who came up with the idea for the musical instruments and took the lead on bringing the project to fruition.
BELLEFIELD ROAD COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND & PUBLIC REALM
The Bellefield Road Playground and Public Realm is now open to the public and is a wonderful new amenity for the area. ■
Travelling community supporting autism unit at Monageer school
Well done to the members of the Travelling Community from around County Wexford who recently gathered together to raise money for Monageer National School Autism Unit by holding a handball and football tournament on the 14th and 21st of December 2024. A huge sum of €10,000 was raised to help support the unit.
Local Councillor John Orourke was delighted to attend the cheque presentation saying, "Well done guys, a fantastic achievement."■
Kehoe’s Agri & DIY store supporting the Hope Centre in Enniscorthy
haston, Enniscorthy, was the set ting for the handing over of a cheque for over €3,600 to the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy.
The money raised was the proceeds of the store’s Christmas Raffle.
The management there say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who entered the draw, the supplier of the great prizes, and the store’s fantastic staff for organising the raffle. ■
Pic: Staff at Kehoe's Agri & DIY store in Clonhaston, Enniscorthy, John and Stephen, presenting the cheque for €2,316.53 to Michael Jordan of the Hope Centre.
The Travelling Community presenting a cheque for €10,000 to Monageer NS Autism Unit, with Cllr John O’Rourke in attendance.
Happy 100th birthday to Maria!
St John’s Hospital in Enniscorthy was the place to be on 13th January 2025 as fun-loving and easy-going Maria Brickley celebrated her 100th birthday there with her family members and relatives, more than 40 people in total, along with the wonderful staff of St John’s who continue to look after Maria so well on a daily basis.
The staff of St John’s were instrumental in making the occasion such a success by their wonderful catering on the day and even baking the impressive birthday cake which went down such a treat with Maria who always loves her food. ■
100th Birthday, 13th January 2025, of Maria Brickley, Enniscorthy, who is a patient in Elm Ward in St John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy.
Left: Maria with her youngest son Bill Brickley, and Debera Donnelly.
Below: Maria with grandchildren Samuel, Christina and Patrick Brickley.
One of nine children, Maria was born in Enniscorthy in 1925 and spent her life in the town with her late husband, who passed away in 1976, and her four children – Thomas, John, Isabella, and youngest son Bill.
A welcome new arrival on Enniscorthy’s eastside
CONGRATS TO ENNISCORTHY EASTSIDE RESIDENTS EMMA AND EAMONN ON THE BIRTH OF THEIR BEAUTIFUL SON EDWARD (EDDIE).
A clearly delighted Eamonn says, ‘A huge thanks to everyone in the incredible maternity department in Wexford, a wonderful team of people.’ ■
Illegal parking
Illegal parking outside Dunnes Stores in Enniscorthy was raised at the January meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
Local Gardaí responded by issuing a number of fines and saying, “Beat patrols are being conducted to enforce parking offences and where offences are detected FCPNs will be issued to offenders... illegal parking on double yellow lines on Irish Street is restricting vehicles from using the road safely.”
New Enniscorthy Garda unit to support high-risk operations
Minister James Browne TD on 17 January 2025 officially opened the new Armed Support Unit facility at Enniscorthy Garda Station.
Armed Support Units (ASU) are specialist Regional Units of An Garda Síochána. They provide dedicated firearms and less lethal services for spontaneous incidents, such as 999 calls, in addition to support for pre-planned operations.
The ASU Centre in Enniscorthy will comprise of specialist trained Garda and Supervisory personnel managed by a member of Inspector rank under the command of the Regional Detective Superintendent. They will provide dedicated support to local Gardaí in certain high-risk operations. This principally involves offering armed assistance to Gardaí who are dealing with an incident in which firearms or other weapons (knives, etc.) have been produced. It also includes:
■ Confronting and disarming persons who are carrying weapons or firearms.
■ Providing tactical support to Gardaí carrying out searches.
■ Supporting Gardaí conducting high visibility static and rolling checkpoints and other operations to counteract the movements of criminals.
■ Overt armed airport and port patrols.
Speaking at the opening ceremony to launch the new facility, Minister Browne said: “I am delighted to open this new facility for the Armed Support Unit in Enniscorthy. It is a very practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to resourcing a modern, fit-for-purpose, police service that is properly resourced to tackle the challenges of the complex society that we now live in.
“Enniscorthy is an important strategic location that will enhance the capabilities
of An Garda Síochána to serve large population bases in Wexford and Wicklow, in addition to safeguarding critical infrastructures in the south east such as Rosslare Europort.
“I am deeply appreciative of the work that all members of An Garda Síochána do, and I hope that both Garda members in the region and the wider public at large will be happy to know that they have the skills, expertise and
professionalism of the Armed Support Unit to draw upon, should the need arise.”
With the opening of Enniscorthy ASU Centre there will be a permanent ASU Centre located within each Division in the Eastern Region: Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow, Wexford/Wicklow, Kildare/Laois/Offaly, and Meath/ Westmeath.
Budget 2025 allocates €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána, up 27% since 2020. ■
Minister James Browne TD (centre) opened the new Armed Support Unit in Enniscorthy.
Restoration work has commenced on the cross which has hung in the Shannon Chapel in Enniscorthy for the last 150 years. It needs special restoration which is being carried out by a master wood craftsman who will keep a record of the restoration process. It is hoped that the cross will be ready in time for Easter. The Cross has been a very important object of devotion for the people of the Shannon and parish of St Senan over the years. Even if not going into the Shannon Chapel, many people, if walking by, would pop in and touch the cross, bless themselves and say a prayer The parish has envelopes available for anyone who’d like to make a donation towards the restoration cost.
Restoration of chapel cross
Save the date!
Enniscorthy’s Rockin' Food & Fruit Festivall will take place this coming May Bank Holiday Weekend 2025.
The largest food festival in the South East of Ireland will be enjoying its 10th anniversary, so let’s celebrate a decade of rockin’ good times! Mark your diaries, mark those calendars, and get ready to rock your socks off with incredible live rock ‘n’ roll, delicious food, and festival fun like never before.
Applications are open for new food vendors! Previous vendors, keep an eye on your inbox – the organisers will be reaching out directly to you.
Keep an eye on the Slaney News Facebook page for updates. ■
A monthly update from GreenTech HQ
Reintroduction to GreenTechHQ and its sustainable eye on 2025
As of 2025, GreenTech HQ continues to lead as Ireland's premier Sustainability Innovation Centre of excellence, driving forward-thinking solutions that align business growth with environmental responsibility.
Situated in Enniscorthy Technology Park, Wexford, and operating from Ireland's first commercial Passivhaus-certified building, GreenTech HQ embodies the integration of sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Founded in 2022, the hub was established to address a growing demand for sustainable business practices. Today, it is a vital incubator for scaling SMEs, supporting businesses to embrace opportunities that promote resource efficiency, carbon reduction, and sustainable innovation. The hub serves as a launchpad for transformative projects, offering expert mentorship and access to an extensive network of national and international partners such as Tangent Ideas Workspace, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, and EIT Climate-KIC.
GreenTech HQ's core mission is threefold: to promote innovation, enhance business resilience, and foster sustainability. By embedding these values in its programmes, the hub empowers enterprises to develop eco-friendly technologies, circular economy solutions, and sustainability-focused services. This collaborative ecosystem is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to succeed in a future that prioritises environmental stewardship.
Over the past few years, GreenTech HQ has organised numerous impactful events, including industry networking sessions, panel discussions, and innovation workshops. These events have featured specialists across sectors such as green technology, climate innovation, and corporate sustainability. In 2025, the hub plans to broaden its offerings with additional events centred around emerging sustainability topics like biodiversity restoration, regenerative business models, and advanced climate solutions.
GreenTech HQ’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to promote collaboration and productivity. The hub offers flexible desk and office spaces, equipped with high-speed broadband, video conferencing systems, and creative spaces to encourage both formal and informal idea-sharing. Its event spaces can host up to 100 attendees, making it an ideal venue for training, conferences, and strategic collaboration between businesses and sustainability experts.
In addition to workspace services, the hub also prioritises employee well-being and environmental best practices. It provides amenities such as electric vehicle charging stations, secure bike racks, on-site cater-
ing, and dedicated community areas. These facilities not only support the dayto-day needs of businesses but also promote a healthier and more sustainable working environment.
The hub’s role within Ireland's broader innovation landscape is increasingly important. As part of the Connected Hubs network, a national initiative to foster regional enterprise and innovation, GreenTech HQ serves as a focal point for collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the sustainability space. The goal is to harness collective expertise to accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy across the South East region and beyond.
Looking ahead, GreenTech HQ aims to further enhance its impact by launching new programmes that integrate artificial intelligence, renewable energy advancements, and circular economy strategies. With a continued focus on strategic partnerships and sustainable growth, the hub envisions becoming a global centre of excellence for business and sustainability innovation.
For businesses seeking to lead in the green economy, GreenTech HQ offers a dynamic and collaborative environment, equipped with the expertise and infrastructure to drive success in 2025 and beyond. ■
GreenTech HQ entrance hall.
EU Commissioner Michael McGrath with GreenTech HQ founder Ed Murphy.
Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day ‘Love Your Tribe’ Parade
The newly elected Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Committee are busy behind the scenes ensuring that this year’s parade is both all-embracing and all-inclusive and most of all, fun.
To this end we are delighted to welcome two members of the Enniscorthy Brazilian community, Melissa and Tatiane, on to the committee along with Veronica from our Moldovan community and Alina from Ukraine, as we call on all Enniscorthy groups, organisations, and businesses to make the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day a day to remember.
In keeping with inclusiveness, this year’s theme for our parade is Love Your Tribe or as Gaeilge - Grá do Threibh.
This all-encompassing, all-embracing, across the board concept can include your nationality, your passion, your culture, your hobby, your music, your art, your kind of people, etc., the scope is limitless.
Over the coming days we will be sending out application forms to over 60 groups and organisations in the town and will also add it to social media platforms in an effort to ensure that no-one is left out.
We are encouraging as many as possible to include the Love Your Tribe slogan on their banners in whatever format or language they wish.
Some of the attendees at a recent public meeting in Enniscorthy, to help preserve and develop Enniscorthy’s traditional St Patrick’s Day Parade were back row L-R: Keith Flynn, Sarah Kelly, Tom Boland, Maria Nolan, Mary Murphy and Veronica Sivrbu. Front: Martin Murphy and Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless. New volunteers and participants always welcome. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556390097163
The more colourful, vibrant, and diverse our parade is, the better.
So, this is your chance to think outside the box folks, stretch those imaginations and let the creative juices flow all over Enniscorthy this St. Patrick’s Day.
Enniscorthy Municipal District, Wexford County Council, and Enniscorthy Creative Places might make it worth your while with some very lucrative prizes up for grabs.
Watch this space for further details.
– Maria Nolan, PRO
Powerful young Enniscorthy woman now starring on BBC television
‘Gladiators’ has returned to BBC One for its second season, boasting a new cast member, Cyclone, who is none other than young Enniscorthy woman – Lystus Ebosele, who the programme makers say is “strong, determined and with awesome power, nothing will get in her way”.
Lystus is a 23-year-old, 5 foot 10 inch Powerlifter, who considers herself the ultimate all-round athlete having made a name for herself in the world of powerlifting as the Junior World Champion in her sport in 2023 after lifting 235 kilograms during the championships in Romania. Lystus says, “I’ve got the look, I’ve got the energy and I’ve got the muscles.”
Keep an eye on Lystus’ Instagram for clips from her competitions, insights into her training regime, posts about her nutrition, etc. Her page has around 100,000 followers. Check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/fit.stys/
Not content with social media, Lystus is also getting great exposure in more traditional media including a recent appearance on the Late Late Show on RTE. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpqZF90b38s
And Lystus is not the only talented sportsperson in her family, her brother Festy is a young Irish international footballer with several senior caps to date.
Wishing Lystus continued success on BBC’s ‘Gladiators’ every Saturday evening. ■
Wexford’s students learn from Ireland’s best about careers in science
Students from several Wexford secondary schools, together with their teachers and parents, learned about the study and work opportunities in science when they attended a special session of Wexford Science Café in Wexford Town library.
A panel of some of Ireland’s leading scientists told them of their experiences in various branches of science.
The scientists described their own study and career paths as well as offering direct advice to the students.
Brian Trench, convenor of the Wexford Science Café and chairman of the session, said a picture emerged of a very diverse field that can be traversed in many different ways. He said that students were advised that they don’t need to settle early on a very specific route or topic.
Former biology lecturer Dr Andrew Lloyd outlined his own journey from biology to bioinformatics, including the study of genomes with powerful computers.
Geologist Dr Bill Sheppard described his fascination with rocks as a child and how he followed that interest through working in mineral exploration.
Immunology professor Cliona O’Farrelly gave examples of young women making significant contributions to their research field even at very early stages in their careers.
Edel Fitzmaurice was a microbiologist in a food company before she moved through several phases to becoming a qualified drugs specialist who can give the final go-ahead on safety and other grounds for a drug to be manufactured.
Lorraine Smyth, who works on ‘digital solutions’ for the HSE, illustrated the technically demanding and rewarding possibilities in that sector with a small finger-clamp that measures oxygen levels in blood and transmits the information through an app to medical specialists. She and colleagues rolled this out during the Covid-19 pandemic, helping to save lives.
Chemistry lecturer and science engagement organiser Dr Sheila Donegan stressed that higher points requirements for a college course do not equate to higher standards. The many courses centred on chemistry, many with a pharmaceutical flavour, are not that different, she said.
Dr Stephen Whelan recalled that he was hesitant about going into agricultural science but has become passionate about improving the understanding of the effects of nutrition for cows on their environmental impact.
Several speakers referred to the opportunities in SETU (South East Technological University). The panellists agreed that there were valuable alternatives to a university course. These include shorter, further education courses and laboratory apprenticeships that accommodate study periods while also paying a wage.
Sessions of Wexford Science Café take place in Wexford Town Library on the third Tuesday of the month.
The February meeting, on Tuesday 18th at 7.30pm, will focus on women in science through the experiences of the former directorgeneral of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr Mary Kelly, and of Dr Amy Hassett, who has a newly minted PhD in science.
Professor John Curtis, a native of Bree, is scheduled to speak to the attendance at the Wexford Science Cafe later in the year.
Above left: Addressing teachers and students at Wexford Science Café seminar on careers in science were L-R: scientists Stephen Whelan, Edel Fitzpatrick, Andrew Lloyd, Brian Trench (convenor, Wexford Science Café), Sheila Donegan and Bill Sheppard. Professor Cliona O’Farrelly and Lorraine Smyth also addressed the attendance. Above right: Attendees curious about science careers at the Wexford Science Café in Wexford Town Library.
– M.F.
Students from Wexford secondary schools learning about the study and work opportunities in science.
County Council rewards Christmas creativity
1st Eve Byrne Ballyduff National School Gingerbread Man
2nd Sarah O'GormanMercy School Johns Rd. WexfordEgg Carton Christmas Tree
Junior Infants
3rdJaxson RedmondScreen National School The Candy Shop
Joint 2ndAnnabel DoyleCastledockrell National School Christmas Wreath
Joint 2ndBarbara PerekSt Josephs Primary School KilmuckridgeCardboard Christmas Tree
6th Class
Joint 3rdOrla StaffordMonageer Natioanl School My Kindness Calendar
Joint 3rdTiernan GoffKilrane National School
Highly CommendedTadhg Brosnan FlemingOylegate National School Cartridge Christmas Highly CommendedLily Atkinson Blackwater National SchoolChristmas Village Barble Primary
3rdHanna & Tuiren DoyleBallyduff National School Merry Christmas Bunting Gingerbread Men
Highly CommendedJack & David Murphy Scoil Mhuire RosslareChristmas Globe
Highly Commended Danescastle National SchoolDanescastle National SchoolChristmas Tree Secondary School 1st Mountgarrett CBS New RossMountgarrett
On 18th December 2024, Wexford County Council, in conjunction with South East Radio, announced the winners of the 2024 Christmas Decoration Competition with Cllr. Pip Breen, An Cathaoirleach, presenting the awards at a special ceremony in County Hall.
Cllr Breen said, “The Christmas decoration competition for schools has been an annual tradition in Wexford since 2004. Each year the decorations get more innovative and creative and show how items that normally end up as waste can be given new life through reuse. Those who have participated in this competition have shown us all how to reduce waste by making unusual Christmas decorations from everyday household waste materials... The decorations show great imagination and are an inspiration to us all.”
Hundreds of children around the county participated in the Christmas Decoration Competition which was open to all primary and secondary school children. Cliona Connolly, Environment Education Officer with Wexford County Council, stated that, “The aim of the competition is to encourage children to make creative Christmas decorations with waste materials, fostering the ethos of reuse wherever possible... Numerous schools throughout Wexford participated in the competition and one entry per category from each school was put forward to the County Final.”
Overall primary school winner Harry Siggins with Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, and Cliona Connolly, Environment Education Officer with Wexford County Council.
All 188 decorations received were displayed in County Hall and received great praise. Jaxson Redmond, Screen National School, secured the People’s Choice award for his decoration ‘The Candy Shop’.
A group category proved to be a huge success again this year as it encourages children to work together to make amazing decorations from as young as junior infants.
The overall primary school winner was created by Harry Siggins, St Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill. Harry made the winning decoration entitled ‘Christmas Wreath’ by simply using cardboard, used coffee pods and lids. The overall runner-up was an entry entitled ‘Gonk’ by Eli Atkinson, 4th class, Scoil Naomh Bhríde, Blackwater. Primary school group categories winners included ‘Crann na Nollaig’ by Kara Werner, Ellie Werner and Laura O’ Leary, Mercy School, John’s Rd., Wexford; ‘Christmas Tree’ by junior infant pupils in Danescastle National School. ■
A regular series by the team at Enniscorthy East Community Development
Follow on Facebook: ‘Enniscorthy East Community Development’
The Templeshannon Community and Childcare Centre (TCCC) has benefitted recently from the receipt of two major grants and these funds have been put to good use upgrading the facilities for the various groups that call the centre home, with a major focus on improving both energy efficiency and public safety.
The safety of TCCC’s pre-school children and their parents is of course paramount so last year we had safety bollards installed to protect our little ones as they enter and exit the building.
A number of groups have been set up
within the Templeshannon Community and Childcare Centre. These groups cater for young and old and cover a wide range of activities. Among them are our award-winning Youth Club and more recently a new Women’s group aptly called the ‘Hill Cailini’. We also established two new community singing groups, a mixed group called the ‘Templars’ and an all-male choir which hosted a very successful concert before Christmas. These groups are open to any person who feels like belonging to a social group, and welcomes new members from all parts of the town.
Of course, reaching out to others is a
big part of community development. Since our inception we have organised a number of parties for children and adults. Our Christmas parties for retired people are extremely popular and we have welcomed many people from Ukraine to these events. Ukrainian children are very much the focus for our children’s Christmas parties and these parties have been organised and run by the young people in our Youth Club.
We include some graphics on these pages to give a flavour of just some of the regular activities that take place at our busy and inclusive community centre. ■
7PM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT
Sustainable Enniscorthy
A guest columnist with Sustainable Enniscorthy, John Wenger of UCC, looks at Enniscorthy’s new air quality monitoring network.
New air quality monitoring network for Enniscorthy.
A network of air quality monitors has been installed in Enniscorthy as part of a new research project funded by the EPA and Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. The network consists of low-cost sensors deployed at 12 different locations across the town to measure fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air.
PM2.5 is the air pollutant that impacts most on health. It affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, causes a range of other health problems, including dementia, and is responsible for several million global deaths every year.
PM2.5 is therefore regulated under EU and Irish law. It is already measured in Enniscorthy using a regulatory-grade instrument. However, these instruments typically cost around €30,000 - €40,000, and it is simply not cost-effective to install them at
many different places in a town. Low-cost sensors, on the other hand, are priced in the range €500€5,000, and provide the most cost effective way of providing additional monitoring at more locations in the town.
The sensors are not as accurate or reliable as the more expensive instruments, but when used properly with the main sensor in a network they can provide a real-time map of air pollution across an area.
If you would like to get involved in Sustainable Enniscorthy or be kept informed of our initiatives, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com www.sustainableenniscorthy.com Contact us to get involved!
dential areas, near schools and sports grounds, and industrial estates.
Working with researchers from University College Cork (UCC), Wexford County Council has located the monitors in a variety of location types like near roads, resi-
The sensor network will provide a wealth of new and valuable data on air quality in Enniscorthy. The wide range of monitoring locations will help to fill the gaps in air quality information, capture local variations in air quality and identify pollution hotspots in the town. The results will also enable a better assessment of personal exposure to air pollution and inform local actions and policies on measures reduce air pollution.
UCC will use the data to inform another EPA-funded TownAir project, which is a collaboration between experienced researchers in UCC and University of Galway, focused on emissions from solid fuel home heating. Enniscorthy was selected to be part of the TownAir project due to its history of air pollution episodes caused by solid-fuel heating. It is hoped that the results from TownAir will show an improvement in air quality due to the introduction of the new solid fuel regulations in 2022. If that happens, we will all breathe a little easier. ■
Map of Enniscorthy showing the locations of the low-cost sensors.
Low-cost sensor attached to the top of a lamp post in Enniscorthy. Pic: Brendan Cooney.
Sustainable Enniscorthy
This month Sustainable Enniscorthy reports on Enniscorthy’s low-cost, traffic-count sensor on Main Street.
Traffic-Count Monitor
Funded by ChangeX, Sustainable Enniscorthy installed a low-cost, traffic-count sensor on Main Street in Enniscorthy in 2024. The aim of the project was to better understand traffic levels and the main modes of transport and how these impact on the ‘health’ of the town and its residents.
It also ties in with the work of the Conundrum transport project that was recently completed.
Although early days in terms of data collection, we would like to use this project to begin to raise awareness and engagement to encourage greater uptake in more sustainable and active travel modes.
Evidence suggests that areas that are
fostering walking, cycling, and shared transport for the bulk of trips perform better in terms of citizen well-being and sustainability than car-centric areas. In fact, pedestrians are vital for town centre viability. They are the lifeblood of a thriving town centre, and their presence (or absence) can significantly impact the economic health and social vibrancy of a town.
Economic Importance:
• Footfall and Spending: Pedestrians are shoppers, diners, and users of services. Increased foot traffic directly translates to increased business for local shops, restaurants, and other establishments. People on foot are more likely to browse, make impulse purchases, and discover new businesses compared to those driving by in cars.
If you would like to get involved in Sustainable Enniscorthy or be kept informed of our initiatives, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com www.sustainableenniscorthy.com Contact us to get involved!
• Support for Local Businesses: Pedestrian-friendly environments encourage people to linger and explore, which benefits smaller, independent businesses that rely on foot traffic. This helps maintain the unique character of town centres and prevents them from becoming dominated by large chains.
• Tourism and Attractiveness: Attractive, walkable town centres draw in tourists and visitors, further boosting the local economy. Pedestrianised areas, or those with good walking infrastructure, create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to spend time and money.
Social Importance:
• Sense of Community: Pedestrianfriendly spaces encourage social interaction and create a sense of community. People are more likely to bump into each other, stop for a chat, and participate in local events when they are walking around.
• Health and Well-being: Walking is a healthy activity, and walkable town centres encourage people to be more active. This has positive impacts on public health and reduces reliance on cars.
Some recent data from our sensor (August to October 2024) shows that only about 7.5% of activity on Main Street was from active travel such as walking or cycling, while over 85% was car based. Some weeks pedestrian levels have been as low as just 2%.
If we want a thriving, vibrant town centre this will need to increase!
You can check out the live and historic sensor data at https://telraam.net/en/location/9000006741 ■
Turning the corner?
Record number of new homes commenced in County Wexford in 2024
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published its monthly data on the number of Commencements Notices (residential construction starts) and the total number of all new home commencements in 2024.
In 2024 there have been commencement notices for 1,862 homes in Co. Wexford, more than double compared to 2023 (907 homes). Construction started on a record 196 new homes for the month of December in Co. Wexford.
Then Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien said: “Strong figures on home starts in Wexford in 2024 confirm that a robust stock of new housing is in the pipeline.
"Government initiatives such as the development levy waiver and the Úisce Éireann rebate have had a positive impact in getting projects off the ground with the ultimate goal of increasing our housing supply to meet housing needs.
“This significant rise in housing supply will enable more people to become homeowners and also help increase access to a wider range of secure housing options.”
Nationally, the data shows that between January and December 2024, there were 60,243 new homes commenced, up 84% from the 32,801 recorded in 2023. This equates to, on average, 239 new homes commenced every working day during 2024. This is the highest number of annual residential commencements since records began in 2014.
Local TD Malcolm Byrne confirms almost 4,000 homes commenced construction across Wicklow and Wexford over past 12 months.
Welcoming the figures, Deputy Malcolm Byrne said: "I’m delighted that these figures have confirmed positive momentum in housing supply here in both Wexford and Wicklow.
"Over the past year, we have seen almost 4,000 new homes commence construction in both counties. This is positive progress for our communities here and we need these and more new homes to be delivered.
"As a party, Fianna Fáil has placed a top priority on doing everything we can to help people to afford to buy or rent a home.
"I am pleased that these statistics show we are making progress, that homes are being built and my focus will be on doing whatever I can to keep this positive momentum going.”
In addition to new builds happening around the county, Wexford County Council has received over 400 applications to date under the recently introduced Croí Conaithe scheme which provides grants up to €50,000 for renovation of a vacant property and €70,000 for a derelict property, and over €3m has been paid out by Wexford Co. Council to date. ■
Commencement data shows construction of new homes in Wexford more than doubled in 2024 compared to 2023.
Malcolm Byrne TD
ENNISCORTHY CBS’s MOHAMMED
IS TOP STUDENT IN IRELAND
St Mary’s CBS Enniscorthy was delighted to welcome Mohammed Hossain and his father to the school recently to present him with his medal and certificate from the Engineering & Technology Teachers Association. Mohammed received this award for getting the top marks in the country in Technology in his Leaving Certificate in 2024.
Best of luck in the future to Mohammed, who received maximum points in his Leaving Cert, and is now studying in Trinity College Dublin.
Pic: Engineering & Technology Teachers Award 2024, L-R Ms Anne Marie Breen (deputy principal), Mr Mohammed Munir Hossain (father), Mohammed (student), Mr Brendan O’Sullivan (principal) and Mr Ben Kiely (teacher). ■
PHILIP RECK BURSARY AWARD 2024 AT ENNISCORTHY CBS
St Mary’s C.B.S. was delighted to recently welcome members of the Reck, Furlong and Murphy families to its annual Philp Reck Bursary presentation.
Philip was a past pupil of St Mary’s CBS, a highly qualified agricultural scientist, and a respected employee of Cooney Furlong.
Philip Reck’s knowledge and contribution to agricultural is well documented, but for the school community it’s words like gentleman, kindness, and generosity that come to mind.
The CBS is delighted to have the opportunity to honour Philip’s memory and, thanks to the generosity of the Furlong family, it can support past students to follow in Philip’s footsteps and contribute to the world of agriculture. Philip had a vision that farmers should be educating farmers and that “every day is a school day”.
This year’s recipient Kevin Murphy is studying Agricultural and Sustainability in UCD and will no doubt continue Philip’s legacy and make a significant contribution to the world of agriculture. ■
L-R Wally Furlong, Kevin Murphy (recipient), Martina McGrath (Philip’s partner), Ann and Kevin (Kevin’s parents).
Oulart storytelling house
At Bygone Days Storytelling House in Oulart, a great welcome awaits all, with good music, songs, stories and plenty of craic, tea and refreshments served. Eircode: Y25 YP70.
For details of upcoming events keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/bygonedayshouseofstories ■
Letter to Editor...
February is Global Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Month and, to mark the initiative, the charity Heart Children is hosting a conference for young people and adults with the disease.
The Beat Goes On conference, on Saturday February 22 in Dublin, will offer people impacted by the condition an opportunity to network with their peers, and to meet and ask questions of medical experts.
CHD is where a baby’s heart does not develop correctly during pregnancy and there are almost 19,000 people living with the condition in Ireland.
Indeed, each year, between 500 and 600 babies are born here with CHD, which is more than three times the number of children diagnosed with cancer annually.
There are more than 40 types of CHD, with some children having multiple forms. Half of those born with CHD will require at least one open-heart surgery, while some will need to endure several, during their lifetime.
Enniscorthy Toastmasters
The group meeets fortnightly on Tuesdays, September to June, in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, at 8pm. All welcome! https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy-Toastmasters129333810455771 for updates. ■
ENNISCORTHY TIDY TOWNS NEEDS YOU!
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers meet on Sunday mornings to collect litter and tidy up around the town. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed! So if you are sick of seeing rubbish on your road, street, estate or elsewhere in the community, please contact: 053 923 6518 or email enniscorthytt@gmail.com
Keep up to date on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown
Let's all help to make Enniscorthy cleaner and greener! ■
In many cases, we still don’t know why it happens. However, parents can be reassured that most maternity hospitals in Ireland now offer a pre-natal scan at 20 weeks which can help identify CHD at an early stage.
Over 97 per cent of children with CHD are expected to reach adulthood, and so the very welcome news is that there are more adult patients now living with CHD in Ireland than there are children.
Readers who would like more information on the conference, or who wish to register to attend free of charge, can visit www.heartchildren.ie or telephone 01 8740990.
Yours sincerely
Sheila Campbell Chief Executive Heart Children
Carmichael Centre
North Brunswick Street Dublin 7
Alzheimer Society of Ireland receives €2,314 donation
Above right: Three members of the Enniscorthy Delightful Dollies dedicated their stall at the Dollies Christmas Fair to collecting for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s new Activity Lodge based at Castle Gardens, Enniscorthy.
On 22nd January 2025, in Bellefield GAA complex, Jo McMahon, Jean Hendrick and Kit Kenny presented a cheque for €2,314 to Clare O’Leary, Activities Coordinator at the Activity Lodge. The funds will be used by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) to run activities in the Enniscorthy area.
Right, L-R: Martin Cooney (Alzheimer social club in Enniscorthy), Jo McMahon, Jean Hendrick, Clare O’Leary (Activities Coordinator based at ASI’s ‘The Lodge’ in Enniscorthy), Kit Kenny, and Gerry McMahon (Alzheimer social club in Enniscorthy). The Social Club runs the Enniscorthy Alzheimer Cafe support group for family members and carers which meets in the FDYS centre at Island Road, Enniscorthy, on the first Saturday of every month from 3-6pm. And in more good news for the Society, Jean’s own daughter Deirdre raised €2,400 at a fancy-dress fundraiser she organised for ASI before Christmas at the IFA Centre in Enniscorthy. ■
Yvonne gets a warm welcome
Finishing Touches Beauty in Enniscorthy is thrilled to welcome Yvonne Farnan to its team.
Yvonne has over 17 years experience in the beauty industry, for 7 of which she was self employed, and has built a large client base who have remained loyal to her over the years. Yvonne is a Dermalogica expert, so if one is looking for skincare advice Yvonne is on hand at Finishing Touches. Yvonne also loves doing makeup for special occasions. ■
Cashless parking option
Wexford County Council in partnership with ParkMagic & Payzone now offer a new cashless parking solution.
Users can easily pay for parking through bookings.parkmagic.net/wexford
The eParking solution is an addition to the suite of payment options available to anyone using public parking.
Coin or card payments are still accepted at all Wexford Co. Council parking machines countywide. ■
Local students honoured by Trinity College
Eight students from Wexford were among 593 students who were awarded prestigious Entrance Exhibition Awards for the 2024/5 academic year from Trinity College Dublin.
The awards go to students accepted into the first year of a fulltime undergraduate degree programme who achieved the highest points among Trinity entrants from their secondary school, above a minimum of 500 CAO points (or equivalent).
The students come from 452 different schools and from 30 counties on the island of Ireland as well as 38 countries overseas.
The awards were delivered at three ceremonies at Trinity's Old Dining Hall, starting on 21 January 2025, to which the students and their school principals were invited.
The eight Co. Wexford students were:
Niamh Donohoe, F.C.J. Secondary School
Mohammed Hossain, St. Mary's C.B.S. Enniscorthy
Alex O'Keeffe, Good Counsel College
Orlaith McDonald, Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School
Eve Donohoe, Loreto Secondary School
Catherine Brennan, Presentation Secondary School
Éire Ní Fhaoláin, Meánscoil Gharman
Aisling Kenny, Gorey Community School
Our photos show three of the eight students. From top: Eve Donohoe, Aisling Kenny, Éire Ní Fhaoláin. Pics by Paul Sharp. ■
Oylegate Vintage Club presents cheque to Pieta
Oylegate Vintage Club presented a cheque for over €13,000, the proceeds of its Night Run from Oylegate to Enniscorthy at Christmas time, to the Pieta charity on 31st January 2025. ■
Bringing homes back to life
Every restored home is a step towards a brighter, more sustainable future for Wexford...
Wexford County Council have exceeded €3m in payments under the Croi Conaithe Grant Scheme. The Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council along with the Cathaoirligh of the 5 Municipal Districts and staff marked the occasion to highlight and promote the availability of the vacant homes refurbishment grant.
This grant allows people to renovate vacant and derelict properties and bring them back into use for rental or private use.
Wexford County Council have held roadshows to promote this
grant and have received over 400 applications to date. This grant is very effective in addressing the blight that vacancy and dereliction can cause. The "Regeneration Unit" have been very proactive in promoting it and working with applicants in making the process as seamless as possible.
The Grant is up to €50,000 for a vacant property and €70,000 for a derelict property so it is a significant contribution towards restoration. All details are on the Wexford County Council website and the regeneration unit are there to help. If you own a property that may qualify for the grant, contact the regeneration team today to explore how you can be part of this positive change. ■
Irish language creative projects launched in County Wexford
invested in six projects that, through creativity, promote the love and use of the Irish language across the county. Taking a community-centred approach, the projects will encourage meaningful interactions with the language and promote confidence in its use at all levels. Selected through an open call, the six projects include:
● Workshops and performances for community groups in the north and south of the county that explore the Irish language through foraging, poetry and song.
● A storytelling project that invites young people to contribute to a new Irish language story for radio.
● Two Irish language editions of Stephen James Smith’s spoken word night So Say So
● And a programme that upskills artists from a variety of disciplines to integrate the Irish language into their work, concluding in performances and presentations for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The projects will take place throughout 2025.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford Cllr. Pip Breen says: ‘These projects are excellent ways for communities in county Wexford to use the Irish language in relaxed and relatable settings. They celebrate community and creativity and develop a shared appreciation for our linguistic heritage, resulting in a newfound appreciation and enthusiasm for its use.’
For more information about any of these projects please contact elizabeth.howard@wexfordcoco.ie ■
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Dressmaking, alterations, fabrics, zips, haberdashery, Communion dresses – readymade and bespoke. Castle House, Castle Hill Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Y21 P5C7
Tel: 085 858 1526
Find us on Facebook and Instagram
Tel: 053 923 6678
Clonhaston, Enniscorthy
y Mind your Mind: our
Contact: Séamus McCormack, Psychotherapist BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy
To log a report regarding any dumping, street litter, road oil spills and potholes, ring Wexford Council on (053) 919 6000 or email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
You will receive a log number to refer to if you need to call again. You can also ask to register for group or individual cleanups of your environment.
The Wexford Co. Council 2025 Amenity & Arts Grants, and also the Residents' Associations Grants, are now open for applications.
(1) 2025 Amenity & Arts Grant Scheme – Small Scale Funding
This funding scheme is aimed at providing small-scale support to community & voluntary based groups and is designed to assist with a wide variety of projects that promote social inclusion and building strong communities e.g.
◆ Small scale village improvements,
◆ Community development initiatives,
◆ Promoting local heritage,
◆ Planting of trees, shrubs, landscaping,
◆ Promoting an interest in the arts – e.g. stage productions, arts & crafts exhibitions, public recitals, performances & arts workshops, participatory arts projects, etc.
(2) 2025 Residents' Association Grant Scheme
Projects will be considered within private housing estates ONLY which are designed to improve community facilities or enhance the appearance of the area concerned (maximum grant payable is €600). Works that will qualify include, but are not limited to:
◆ Planting of trees, shrubs, landscaping,
◆ Community development initiatives,
◆ Promoting social inclusion,
◆ Promoting local heritage.
Applications should be made online at: www.wexfordcoco.ie/community-and-sports
Application forms and full particulars for both grant schemes are also available from your local Municipal / Borough Office.
The latest date for receipt of completed application forms is: 4:00pm Friday, 14th February 2025.
Enniscorthy: Phone 053-9196840 or Email: emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie ■
Wexford’s hospital updates...
Among projects currently being progressed in the Waterford/Wexford Integrated Healthcare Area:
Work on a new, permanent MRI suite is under way at Wexford General Hospital (WGH). A 13-month programme is due
for completion (handover from the contractor) early in 2026, with an equipping and commissioning phase to follow before full operation.
The construction of a Multi Storey Car Park and enabling works for the new 97-bed Somerton Wing has commenced at WGH. The seven-level car park is due for completion by year end, providing 365 places overall, thus maximising the capacity on this area of the site and to facilitate the full development of the Somerton Wing. Following a subsequent, planned 22-month programme of construction, it is envisaged for completion and full occupation of the wing at the turn of the 2027/28 year.
A design team is working on a refurbishment programme for the Old County Hospital/Lakin Wing on the grounds of WGH, inclusive of provision of office space for 45 work stations.
Work is continuing at WGH on recovery works from the 2023 fire at the hospital, with availability of additional beds as each phase is completed over the next 18 months.
The final phase of a new Endoscopy and Minor Procedures Facility in Ely Hospital, Wexford is due for completion later this year. ■
Wexford Co. Council
Wexford County Council
2025 Amenity & Arts and Residents
Association Grant Schemes
(1) 2025 Amenity & Arts Grant Scheme –Small Scale Funding
This funding scheme is aimed at providing small-scale support to community & voluntary based groups and is designed to assist with a wide variety of projects that promote social inclusion and building strong communities e.g.
• Small scale village improvements,
• Community development initiatives,
• Promoting local heritage,
• Planting of trees, shrubs, landscaping,
• Promoting an interest in the Arts – e.g. stage productions, arts & crafts exhibitions, public recitals, performances & arts workshops, participatory arts projects etc.
(2) 2025 Residents Association Grant Scheme
Projects will be considered within private housing estates ONLY which are designed to improve community facilities or enhance the appearance of the area concerned (maximum grant payable is €600). Works that will qualify include, but are not limited to:
• Planting of trees, shrubs, landscaping,
• Community development initiatives,
• Promoting social inclusion,
• Promoting local heritage.
Applications should be made online at www.wexfordcoco.ie/community-and-sports Application Forms and Full Particulars for both Grant Schemes are also available from your local Municipal / Borough Office.
Enniscorthy: Phone 053-9196840 or E-mail emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie
Gorey: Phone 053-9483800 or E-mail gorey@wexfordcoco.ie
New Ross: Phone 051-421284 or E-mail newross@wexfordcoco.ie
Rosslare: Phone 053-9196913 or E-mail rosslaremunicipaldistrict@wexfordcoco.ie
Wexford: Phone 053-9166900 or E-mail wexfordborough@wexfordcoco.ie
The latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms is: 4:00pm Friday, 14th February 2025.
www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
Scéimeanna Deontais
Taitneamhachta & Ealaíon agus Cumainn Áitritheoirí 2025
(3) Scéim Deontais Taitneamhachta &
Ealaíon
– Maoiniú ar Scála Beag 2025
Tá an scéim mhaoinithe seo dírithe ar thacaíocht ar scála beag a chur ar fáil do ghrúpaí pobail agus deonacha agus ceaptar í chun cuidiú le raon leathan tionscadal lena gcuirtear chun cinn ionchuimsiú sóisialta agus pobail láidre a chothú, e.g.
• Feabhsúcháin sráidbhailte ar scála beag,
• Tionscnaimh forbartha pobail,
• Oidhreacht áitiúil a chur chun cinn,
• Crainn agus toir a chur, tírdhreachú a dhéanamh,
• Spéis sna hEalaíona a chur chun cinn - e.g. léiriúcháin ar stáitse, taispeántais ealaíon agus ceardaíochta, ceadail phoiblí, taibhithe agus ceardlanna ealaíon, tionscadail ealaíon rannpháirtíochta etc.
(4) Scéim Deontais do Chumainn Áititheoirí 2025
Is tionscadail laistigh d’eastáit tithíochta phríobháideacha agus iadsan AMHÁIN a bhreithneofar, a cheaptar iad chun saoráidí pobail a fheabhsú nó feabhas a chur ar cuma na háite atá i gceist (is é €600 méid uasta an deontais is iníoctha). Áireofar ar na hoibreacha a bheidh incháilithe, gan a bheith teoranta dóibh:
• Crainn agus toir a chur, tírdhreachú a dhéanamh,
• Tionscnaimh forbartha pobail,
• Ionchuimsiú sóisialta a chur chun cinn,
• Oidhreacht áitiúil a chur chun cinn.
Ba cheart iarratais a dhéanamh ar líne ar www.wexfordcoco.ie/community-and-sports. Beidh fáil ar fhoirmeacha iarratais agus na sonraí iomlána don dá Scéim Deontais ón Oifig Bardasach / Buirge is gaire duit.
Inis Córthaidh: Cuir glaoch ar 053-9196840 nó seol ríomhphost chuig emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie
Guaire: Cuir glaoch ar 053-9483800 nó seol ríomhphost chuig gorey@wexfordcoco.ie
Ros Mhic Thriúin: Cuir glaoch ar 051-421284 nó seol ríomhphost chuig newross@wexfordcoco.ie
Ros Láir: Cuir glaoch ar 053-9196913 nó seol ríomhphost chuig rosslaremunicipaldistrict@wexfordcoco.ie
Loch Garman: Cuir glaoch ar 053-9166900 nó seol ríomhphost chuig wexfordborough@wexfordcoco.ie
An dáta deiridh a nglacfar le Foirmeacha Iarratais comhlánaithe ná: 4:00pm Dé hAoine, an 14 Feabhra 2025.
Wexford PPN have the following vacancies
LCDC (Local Community Development Committee)
Environmental Representative – 1 No. position
Secretariat Committee
Social Inclusion Representative – 2 No. positions
Community & Voluntary Representative – 1 No. position
Town Centre First Committee
Courtown Riverchapel Representative - 1 No. position
Application forms available via email from ppn@wexfordppn.ie
Completed applications should be submitted on or before 5pm, Friday the 14th February 2025.
Email applications to ppn@wexfordppn.ie
Postal applications to Wexford PPN, Wexford County Council Offices, Carricklawn, Wexford. Y35 WY93.
SPC 1: Economic Development & Enterprise PPN Representative Positions
1 No. Community/Voluntary Representative
1 No. Environmental Representative
1 No. Social Inclusion Representative
SPC 2: Transportation & Water Services PPN Representative Positions
1 No. Community/Voluntary Representative
1 No. Environmental Representative
1 No. Social Inclusion Representative
SPC 3: Housing
PPN Representative Positions
1 No. Community/Voluntary Representative
1 No. Environmental Representative
1 No. Social Inclusion Representative
053 919 6000
www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
SPC 4: Community & Rural Affairs
PPN Representative Positions
1 No. Community/Voluntary Representative
1 No. Environmental Representative
1 No. Social Inclusion Representative
SPC 5: Climate Change, Environment and Biodiversity
PPN Representative Positions
1 No. Community/Voluntary Representative
2 No. Environmental Representative
1 No. Social Inclusion Representative
SPC 6: Planning & Building Control
PPN Representative Positions
1 No. Environmental Representative
1 No. Social Inclusion Representative
Application forms available via email from ppn@wexfordppn.ie
Completed applications should be submitted on or before 5pm, Friday the 14th February 2025.
Email applications to ppn@wexfordppn.ie
Postal applications to Wexford PPN, Wexford County Council Offices, Carricklawn, Wexford. Y35 WY93.
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following post: Mobile
Library Van Driver/Assistant
Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.
Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for the above post are available from: Customer Service (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford.
Phone (053) 919 6000 or visit our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for the above post is: 5.00pm on Thursday, 20th February, 2025.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Is trí agallamh a dhéanamh a dhéanfar rogha do na poist go léir agus d’fhéadfaí iarratasóirí a chur ar ghearrliosta bunaithe ar na hiarratais a chuirfear ar aghaidh. D’fhéadfaí painéil a bhunú óna bhféadfaí folúntais a líonadh amach anseo.
Tá fáil ar sonraí maidir le cáilíochtaí, ar fhoirmeacha iarratais agus ar shonraí breise do na poist go léir ó:
Seirbhísí do Chustaiméirí (Bloc F), Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, An Charraig Leathan, Loch Garman. Glaoigh ar (053) 919 6000 nó tabhair cuairt ar an láithreán gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie
An dáta deiridh a ghlacfar le foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe don phost thuasluaite ná:
5.00pm Déardaoin an 20 Feabhra 2025.
Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts:
Temporary Resident Engineer
Temporary Senior Resident Engineer
Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.
Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Please note all applications for the above posts must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie
Printed hard copies will NOT be accepted for the above posts.
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for the above posts is:
5.00pm on Thursday 20th February, 2025.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts:
Assistant Planner
Executive Planner
Closing Date 31st December, 2025. Applications will be processed as vacancies arise.
Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.
Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Please note all applications for the above posts must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie
Printed hard copies will NOT be accepted for the above posts.
IF INTERESTED PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Fáiltíonn Comhairle Contae
Loch Garman roimh iarratasóirí do na poist seo a leanas:
Pleanálaí Cúnta
Pleanálaí Feidhmiúcháin
Is é an 31 Nollaig 2025 an dáta deiridh a nglacfar le hiarratais. Déanfar iarratais a phróiseáil de réir mar a thagann folúntais chun cinn.
Is trí agallamh a dhéanamh a dhéanfar rogha do na poist go léir agus d’fhéadfaí iarratasóirí a chur ar ghearrliosta bunaithe ar na hiarratais a chuirfear ar aghaidh. D’fhéadfaí painéil a bhunú óna bhféadfaí folúntais a líonadh amach anseo.
Tá fáil ar cháilíochtaí, foirmeacha iarratais agus sonraí breise do na poist go léir ár an láithreán gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie
Tabhair ar aird nach mór gach iarratas ar na poist thuasluaite a Chlóscríomh agus a chur ar aghaidh ar Ríomhphost amháin chuig recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie
Ní ghlacfar le cóipeanna crua priontáilte do na poist thuasluaite.
MÁ TÁ SPÉIS AGAT SA PHOST, DÉAN IARRATAS LÁITHREACH.
Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.
Wexford Town Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) are hosting the “Wexford Town Home Energy Expo” and launch of their Wexford Town Energy Master Plan as follows:
➢ Thursday 13th February.
➢ St Joseph’s Community Centre, Bishopswater, Y35 A66C.
➢ Drop in any time from 1.30pm to 4.30pm (launch & presentations at 2.30pm).
The “Home Energy Expo” will provide practical advice to homeowners on how to reduce energy costs and avail of SEAI grants for home energy upgrades. Homeowners will have the opportunity to browse specialist contractor exhibition stands such as such as solar, insulation, heat pumps, windows & doors and “one-stopshops”. Avail of one-to-one home energy advice clinics with energy experts from the South East Energy Agency (bring along your ESB bill).
Entry is free and refreshments are provided, all are welcome.
On the 7th of February 2025, speed limits on all rural local county roads in Co. Wexford will reduce from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.
This change will make Ireland’s roads safer for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. Reducing speed can significantly increase the chance of survival in the event of a traffic collision, and lowering speed limits on Ireland’s road network will save lives.
The legal meaning of the Rural Speed Limit Sign and as it appears in the Rules of the Road has been amended from an alternative to the 80km/h
sign (previously the Default speed limit on Rural Local Roads) to the 60km/h sign (the new Default speed limit on Rural Local Roads).
The Speed Limit on all other roads in Co. Wexford will remain at their current level including Motorways, National Roads (e.g. N11, N25, N30, N80) and Regional Roads (e.g. R733, R741, R745 etc).
Any queries regarding Speed Limits in County Wexford should be directed to Wexford County Council Roads Department on (053) 9196000 or by E-Mail to speedlimits@wexfordcoco.ie
60km/h Rural Speed Limit Sign (effective from Friday 7th February 2025).
Coláiste Bríde Junk Kouture
Going from strength to strength Words and pics by Maria Nolan
I can always depend on Coláiste Bríde’s Junk Kouture Fashion Extravaganza to brighten up what can at times be a dull and dark January and I look forward each year to getting that call from Ms TY herself, Margo Whelan, teacher and TY co-ordinator inviting me to attend the gala event.
Organised by teachers, Ms. Kervick, Ms. Brambley, Mrs. Devereux, and the aforementioned, dynamo Ms. Whelan, the Junk Kouture evening always presents the punter with a feast of talent, inspiration, imagination, creativity, colour, performance, and confidence.
The inventive project is an excellent way to introduce young females to fashion, sustainability, recycling, colour, style, and pageantry and in ways – the real world.
Sponsored by Bank of Ireland, this marvellous innovation teaches the young adult how to work on a team, how to develop a variety of skills and talents, and how to think outside the box as they create not just fantastic designs but assign the most imaginative titles to them like Greenhouse Glam, Ringwood Radiance, Stormy Seas, Gardens Grace, Waves of Wonder, Bo Alainn, Petals of the Past, Rotha Mor an tSaoil, Construction Couture, Erosions Embrace and many, many more.
This year’s 38 entries demonstrated the massive appeal of the project and the use of materials like discarded neckties from primary and secondary schools, recycled wire, recycled tarp, Turkish Dantel lace, scrap leather, repurposed white school shirts, old net curtains, old army
shirts, spent bullet shells, repurposed Celtic linen towels, tractor tyre tubes, car bolts, old seatbelts, bikes tyres, unused plant pots, broken wicker baskets, old pillowcases, plastic banding, upcycled shoelaces, a bird cage, Christmas baubles, potato bags, curtain rings, silage wrap, coffee filters, bed sheets, crisp packets, recycled jeans, and much more, is indicative of the diversity, vision, ingenuity and resourcefulness of these young women as they create masterpieces from someone else’s trash.
The novel concept teaches the Coláiste Bríde students respect for each other and the environment, giving them a vison of sustainability and reusage along with providing a platform for many of them to develop their poise and confidence as they strut their stuff on the catwalk, and who knows where that might lead, we could be looking at the models and designers of tomorrow.
And speaking of which, last year’s winners were present to remind us of the high standards required and what the judges are looking for, with a very special cheer going up for Natural Allure designed by Stephanie O’Connor and Sienna Howe and modelled by Stephanie and about to represent Ireland at the World Junk Kouture Final in March, a first for Coláiste Bríde and Enniscorthy.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish Stephanie and her team the very best of luck.
This year’s interval entertainment didn’t disappoint either with high stepping line dancers, energetic jivers, Ellie Dempsey, Kayleigh Cullen, Mikey Fortune, Ava Doyle, Brian Tomkinson and Rhys O’Gorman and the very talented and entertaining Wexford Academy of Irish Dance.
The amazing array and variety of young talent was truly inspiring and elevating.
When all 38 entries had been viewed and loudly applauded it was down to judges Charlene Breen of Breen School of Dance, Keela Brambley, home economics teacher, and TV and radio broadcaster and journalist Laura Mullett, to make the extremely difficult decision of choosing an overall winner from such an abundance of talent.
And after careful, considered, and very possibly agonised deliberation the Judges’ Award and Overall Winner went to Golden Vintage – designed by Ava Dobbs Doyle, Caoimhe Moore, and Roisin Sinnott, and modelled by Caoimhe Moore. This design was inspired by Schiaparelli’s 2023 collection, and made from Christmas baubles found in a local clubhouse which were smashed, filed into shape, and sewn on
to wire to create a gem-filled lattice structure for the top. Over 30 woven band-strapping squares and squares of old, blue, work shirts went into making the trousers for this most elegant ensemble.
The Students’ Choice Award went to Blathanna Bloom designed by Luana Rodrigues, Ava Edwards and Evelyn Dunne.
The Glamour Award went to Bags of Elegance designed by Rima Rowe, Isobel Hayes and Sarah Kennedy.
The Performance Award went to Rapture of the Rings designed by Leah O’Brien Miller and Eva Sinnott and modelled with aplomb and poise by Leah O’Brien Miller.
Finishing Touches Award went to Bo Alainn designed by Lucy Heffernan, Yvonne O`Brien, and Eimear Fortune.
Expertly Crafted Award to Stormy Seas designed by Sophie Hendrick, Aoibhe Kane and Chloe Kerslake.
Sustainable Sources Award to Miles of Memories designed by Molly Martin, Caila O’Connor, Nicoly Peres De Oliveira. Teamwork Award to All Tied Up designed by Kate Dagg, Lilly Gadacz and Katie Whelan.
Well done all, another truly magical evening of inspiration, glamour, vision, fashion, inventiveness, brilliance, and creativity – sure who could want more on a cold and miserable January evening.
Wishing all the winners the very best as they progress to further heats of this wonderful competition.
Coláiste Bríde has an excellent track record in Junk Kouture and after seeing all the magnificent designs I can safely say I have no reason to believe that this won’t continue to be the case.
More photos overleaf
Enniscorthy films continue to garner international awards
Two films made in Enniscorthy and combining the talents of Dick Donaghue, Maria Nolan, Jer Ennis, Wexford Film Workshop, and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, continue to rack up successes internationally.
A Country Divided has won an international award for Fintan Kelly who recently picked up the Best Actor accolade at the Jharkhand International Film Festival in India. Congrats also to Enniscorthy Community College student Katie Cloke on winning the Best Child Actor / Actress at the recent Austin International Art Festival for her starring role in Forbidden Bonds. Check out this film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2p9Ui3GCoA n
Above: Award winner Katie Cloke in ‘Forbidden Bonds’.
Below: Fintan Kelly receives his Best Actor award from Jer Ennis.
Bottom: Katie receives her award from Maria Nolan.
Wexford Film Workshop Update
Words and pics by Maria Nolan
As soon as we dusted off the Christmas cobwebs, Wexford Film Workshop hit the ground running filming scenes at a cold Enniscorthy Train Station for our next film ‘Fairy Godmother’ set in Enniscorthy in 1966 and due for release in March.
On Thursday 30th January we had the privilege of bringing our award-winning films The Shadow of Freedom and A Country Divided to Wexford town where they were screened in front of a most appreciative audience at the Wexford Arts Centre.
Our most sincere thanks to CEO Elizabeth Whyte and the staff of the Wexford Arts Centre and to all who turned out to show their support for amateur film in the county on a January winter’s evening.
We had the honour of presenting two very special awards on Friday 31st January at The Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy to young and talented actress Katie Cloke who won Best International Young Actress at the Austin International Art Festival, in Texas, for her portrayal of Maud Prendergast in our film Forbidden Bonds which follows the fortunes of the Prendergast family who built Enniscorthy Castle circa 1240.
Katie hails from a gifted family and is a budding young talent with acting, musical, and vocal skills, and we are delighted with the recognition she has received in her first film with us and have
no doubt that you will be hearing more of her in the not too distant future.
Fintan Kelly is a well known and extremely capable and versatile actor and has already received many accolades for his acting, directing, and play and screen-writing ability, and it was with great pleasure that Jer Ennis presented Fintan, a fellow Moran Parker, with his prestigious award for Best Actor at the Jharkhand International Film Festival in India for his role as Ernie O’Malley in our film A Country Divided based on The Shadow of Freedom written by Maria Nolan.
Jharkhand is the biggest film festival in India with over 500 films submitted from all around the world out of which 100 are chosen and screened over a four-day festival.
Out of those 100 films and their hundreds of actors, the award for Best Actor went to our own Fintan Kelly – just how wonderful is that.
Director and filmmaker Dick Donaghue told the Presentation audience that our films had to date received over 17 awards and counting.
With a film currently in the making and one about to begin in March based on a local 1798 incident – the shooting of the three Redmond Brothers at Ballycarney, it’s full steam ahead for 2025 for WFW as we continue to write, produce, direct, and shoot films in and about Enniscorthy.
Well done to both Katie and Fintan and thank you to them and to Wexford Film Workshop – Dick Donaghue, Jer Ennis and Maria Nolan, and all our actors and reenactors for putting Enniscorthy and Wexford on the international map.
What this space for lots more to come from Wexford Film Workshop. n
On 30th January the award-winning films The Shadow of Freedom and A Country Divided were screened in Wexford Arts Centre. L-R: Dick Donaghue, Wexford Arts Centre CEO Elizabeth Whyte, Maria Nolan, Jer Ennis.
L-R: Jer Ennis, Fintan Kelly, Katie Cloke, Maria Nolan, Dick Donaghue.
Good tidings –The Seafarer comes to town
Make sure to catch The Seafarer by Conor McPherson, a gripping and darkly funny tale that’s sure to leave you captivated, when it is staged in Enniscorthy later this month.
Dates: February 13th, 14th, & 15th.
Time: 8pm nightly.
Venue: The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.
Featuring an incredible cast:
Fintan Kelly as Mr. Lockhart
Murt Murphy as Richard Harkin
Fergal Kelly as Ivan Curry
Pat Sinnott as Sharky Harkin
Michael McKenny as Nicky Giblin
Directed by Linda Hynes.
This Enniscorthy Theatre Company production promises an unforgettable evening of drama and wit.
Tickets are €15 and available now at www.presentationcentre.ie or call 053 9233000.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in a fantastic theatrical experience! n
Celebrating Wexford’s Dramatic Legacy
On Friday, January 31st, an Enniscorthy audience experienced a wonderful rehearsed reading of Enniscorthy actor and writer Andy Doyle’s play Something About Roses, directed by Pat Murphy. The cast included Anna Stafford, Michaela White, Jennifer Boyd, Barry Donnelly, and Paul O’Reilly.
Enniscorthy Theatre Company continues to pay tribute to the work of County Wexford’s finest playwrights by hosting another rehearsed reading on Friday, February 7th, when Lay Me Down Softly by acclaimed Wexford playwright Billy Roche will be centre stage. This production is directed by Paul O’Reilly and features Brendan Carthy, Christine Quin,
Leona Eustace Breen, Podge Dwyer, Éanna O’Reilly, and Paul O’Reilly.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate local writing and performing talent for just €5 per ticket available from https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.c om/ticketbooth/shows/873652565 n
Andy Doyle
Billy Roche
100 INSPIRATIONAL POEMS BY ACCLAIMED POET EIBHLÍN MAC MÁIGHISTIR GEDE
Musings on the Universe with Miss Pansy
Available from good bookshops and from Ireland’s Online Bookshop: www.Books.ie Email: Contactus@books.ie Phone: +353 (45) 880806
Books also published by Three Sisters Press: The Guards by Tom Miller and Tony Fagan; Classical Women by Noel Culleton with illustrations by David Mahon; Mr and Mrs Blue Tit by Mairéad O’Gorman; Donncha Ó Dúlaing, the Roads, the Stories and the Wireless by Declan Lyons with photographs by Liam Mulcahy; The Ireland’s Own Anthology, Editor, Phil Murphy; The Wexford Book by Doyle, Freeman, and Murphy, edited by Helen Ashdown; County Wexford in the Rare Old Times by Nicholas Furlong; The Girl in the Big House by Paddy Whelan. Three Sisters Press Ltd., Rosslare Strand, Co. Wexford.
Young Frankenstein is coming!
Wexford Light Opera Society’s production for 2025 will be ‘Young Frankenstein’ which will run from Monday, 28 April – Saturday, 3 May.
Brought to life by the creative genius of Mel Brooks, this hilarious musical adaptation of the beloved 1974 film is packed with laughs, catchy tunes, and a wild romp through Transylvania!
Meet the Cast:
Dr. Frankenstein – Colin Flynn
Igor – David Doyle
Inga – Kacey Mooney
Elizabeth Benning – Sophie Blaney-Parslow
The Monster – Stephen Byrne
Frau Blucher – Antonia Close
Inspector Hans Kemp – Brian Kelly
Harold the Hermit – Pat Lawlor
Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein – Keith Flanagan.
The award-winning production team:
Director – Christine Scarry
Musical Director – David Hayes
Chorus Mistress – Eithne Corrigan
Choreographer – Therese O’Sullivan.
Find out more at: https://rebrand.ly/zt6olue
Tickets on sale: https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/whatson/young-frankenstein n
is the second of the 12 singles I plan to release this year It’s quite an old song that I was never happy with, so I re-recorded the whole thing. The only element left from the original recording is the glitchy loop that runs through it. It’s kind of based on a conversation I had with a friend way back in the late 80’s. The “B-Side” is a song by my favourite band of all time (also from the 80’s) Death of a Wild Colonial Boy by Scotland’s finest We Free Kings Acko Feb. 2025
Question is available from Bandcamp And all the usual streaming platforms
Contact - 0872948075 stdominic@outlook.ie
High fashion and artistry at the Castle
An exclusive evening of fashion and artistry is promised for Enniscorthy Castle on Saturday 15th of February, with doors opening at 7pm, show starting at 8pm, and finishing at 10pm.
The designers are Elina Ostele, well known in Enniscorthy as the proprietor of Elina Ostele Dressmaker shop on Castle Hill, and her friend Iryna Vi, an internationally renowned designer. Check out the following link to see videos of some of Iryna’s international fashion shows: https://youtube.com/@irynvigreltd1622?si=tok0ZLPi8tn krHvy
Music on the night will be by DJ Anthony Reddy and DJ Paul Horgan. Special guest will be Mary Mullally, Miss Elegance of The World Ireland 2021.
Tickets are €20 and can be bought here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/enniscorthy-fashion-showiryn-vi-and-elina-ostele-tickets-1145514447549
Tickets are also on sale in Elina’s shop on Castle Hill. Advance purchase of tickets is highly recommended as there is a limited capacity at the venue. n
George Murphy live at The Presentation Arts Centre
The Presentation Arts Centre is delighted to welcome back George Murphy for an intimate and unforgettable evening of music on Saturday, March 1st. Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show begins at 8:00pm. Tickets €25 – don’t miss out!
The celebrated Dublin singer-songwriter first captured Ireland’s heart with his unforgettable performances on RTÉ’s ‘You’re a Star’, where his renditions of Luke Kelly classics earned him national acclaim. Since then, George has continued to enchant audiences with his unique voice and heartfelt storytelling, releasing four studio albums: Dreamed A Dream (Sony), So The Story Goes, The Ballad of Archie Thompson, and 2016’s Shadowman: The Stable Sessions.
Fans will also recognise George from his time touring with The High Kings, where he seamlessly stepped into the role left by Martin Furey, bringing his own magic to the beloved group.
Join this special performance as George Murphy brings his deep connection to Irish musical traditions, along with his original works, to the cozy atmosphere of The Presentation Arts Centre. n
New members welcome at two singing groups
Creative Places Enniscorthy is thrilled to be supporting Enniscorthy’s new men’s choir which meets up at 7pm every Monday night at Templeshannon Community Centre.
Creative Places Enniscorthy is delighted to be working with the local community as part of this project and wants to thank Linda and Seamus for their dedication and organising. All are welcome to participate – no auditions Enjoy singing
your favourite songs while making new friends Please contact 087 2930510 for more details.
For more information on Creative Places Enniscorthy please visit the website creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie
In addition, the Templars Singing Group meets up every Thursday morning at 10.30am at Templeshannon Community Centre. For more information, phone 053 9237511. n
AWARD FOR JIMMY
As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, on 14th January 2025 The Picture House film society in Wexford was delighted to award Jimmy Lacey with its 2025 Dan O'Herlihy Fellowship, with the award beiong presented by its first Fellow, Billy Roche.
Jimmy received the Fellowship in recognition for his service to not only The Picture House, where he served on the committee for over two decades, but also for his involvement with the first incarnation of the Wexford Film Society, which ran from the mid 70s to the mid 80s. Jimmy is the second film critic to receive the Fellowship, following Philip Molloy in 2015.
Jimmy is also being recognised for his excellent articles in the Wexford Free Press under the banner, Film Matters. Entering his 27th year writing for the paper, Jimmy has not only reviewed films, but he has over the years chronicled the history of cinemas in Wexford, and meticulously explored many aspects of the film industry. n
Jimmy Lacey with Billy Roche.
Jimmy Lacey
Bringing Bob Dylan’s spirit home to New Ross
Armed only with guitar and mouth organ, musician Paul Kirwan, in Stetson hat and dark spectacles, is blasting the roads and fields around Clonmore and Sparrowsland near the central Co. Wexford village of Bree with the sounds and messages of his American hero Bob Dylan.
He can be heard on the wind during his open-air practice sessions there, his mouthorgan raging fiercely and his special guitar humming at speed for one of the biggest shows of his life in which he will perform ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ to ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ to ‘It’s Alright, Ma’ and ‘Like a Rolling Stone’. It just might be the Newport Folk Festival in the US in 1965.
A year ago, Paul’s circular saw jumped and severely cut his left thumb and hand, his main guitar playing hand. It led to a spell in St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin. There he feared that he would never play his guitar and mouthorgan and sing on stage again.
However, inspired and coaxed by the doctors and nurses tending him in his hospital bed and the hand clinic there, he vowed that he would try. The result is that less than a year later, patrons of his premiere show Bringing Dylan Home will crowd St Michael’s Theatre in New Ross at the end of March.
One half of Paul Kirwan’s life is a creative carpenter, a specialist in transforming pieces of wood into much sought after carvings of art. He and his works around Ireland have been featured repeatedly in national and local newspapers. In County Wexford, examples are his wooden birds and animals in the woods surrounding Wells House and Gardens near Gorey.
What most people in Wexford don’t know is that Paul, a native of Malahide, Dublin, and his partner Josie Van Embden,
from north Wicklow, a well-known editor/manager in the publishing industry, are veterans of the music scene having performed in several bands in Dublin.
Jackie Hayden, Hot Press columnist and the man who signed Bono and U2 to their first record setting them on the road to world fame, said, “Paul Kirwan is already known for his spoton tributes of the calibre of Johnny Cash and Neil Young.” He said, “Kirwan’s adventures include supporting the American rock heroes Counting Crows at the famed Bowery Ballroom in New York City.”
Paul Kirwan, who is modest about his musical prowess, said that while he is full of admiration for Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan in the movie A Complete Unknown, he emphasises that his Bringing Dylan Home is bringing home a different Dylan. “Chalamet does a brilliant job, but my focus is on tapping into the essence of a later Dylan from around the time of the Rolling Thunder Revue when Dylan performed like a man on fire.”
A teaser video produced and directed by Wexford’s award-winning film producer Michael Benson indicates that Paul Kirwan aka Bob Dylan will perform like a man on fire to bring his hero to life in St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, on Friday 28 March.
The real Bob Dylan is alive and living at aged 83. He is world famous as a poet and musician and he is a winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 for his poetic themes of social struggle, political protest, love, and religion.
Bringing Dylan Home is staged by Tribute Presents. For further information contact: tributepresentsdylan@gmail.com Mobile: 089 209 0074. – M.F.
Paul Kirwan as Bob Dylan.
Paul Kirwan and Bob Dylan.
Top
Above
Above: Some members of the senior chorus.
Left: Lucy Burke and Katie Barcue.
Right: Jessica Brennan as Repunzel and Niamh Murphy as Snow White.
Below left: Isabel French.
Below centre: Sandra O’Toole as Queen Clara.
Below right: Joan O’Toole as Gothel and William Rackard as Goblin. n
Top left: Members of the boys’ chorus.
right: Member of the girls’ chorus Aimee Leacy.
right: Girls’ chorus member Hanna Redmond.
European award for Enniscorthy man’s band
The 2025 Music Moves Europe Awards which recognise new talent emerging across Europe, took place in the Netherlands last month.
Enniscorthy's Edmond Keogh and his band Kingfishr took home the MME Award following in the footsteps of Hozier in 2024. In addition to the prestigious award, the band also take home a tidy sum of €10,000. n
Enniscorthy's Edmond Keogh –lead singer with Kingfishr.
KINGFISHR’S TWO MAJOR OUTDOOR IRISH GIGS THIS COMING SUMMER –FAIRVIEW PARK, DUBLIN, AND DOCKLANDS, LIMERICK, ARE BOTH SOLD OUT!
€1,500
raised for MS Wexford
CONGRATULATIONS TO NAOISE O'CONNOR, NIAMH CROWHURST, MAEVE ENNIS, LEO WALSH AND ALL THE MUSICIANS AND SINGERS WHO MANAGED TO RAISE A WHOPPING €3,500 FOR MS SOUTH WEXFORD BRANCH – THE PROCEEDS OF A PRE-CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER UNDER THE BANNER OF ‘ALL OF THE OTHER REINDEER - IN AID OF MS IRELAND’.
The fundraising gig was held on the 13th of December in Holohans Pub so it was appropriate that the cheque presentation took place there on 31st January 2025 with Bernie Faragher delighted to accept the cheque which she told the Slaney News would be used to provide MS sufferers in Co. Wexford with a range of services such as physio.
Back row L-R: Nikki Cogley, Roisin Barry, Chloe Mitten, Fran Neville, Brendan Edwards, Niall Holohan, Shea Tomkins. Front row L-R: Luc Power, Maeve Ennis, Naoise O'Connor, Bernie Faragher (MS South Wexford Branch), Leo Walsh, Niamh Crowhurst, Eva
Rowen. n
Presidents and Macra HQ staff from ‘70s pay tribute to one-time chief John Murphy
Four Macra na Feirme national presidents and several former Macra HQ staff members from the 1970s and ‘80s gathered in Dublin to pay tribute to their popular former chief executive John Murphy, a native of West Cork, who was a household name throughout Wexford and the south east fifty years ago.
The tribute was held at the Brian Boru pub, Glasnevin, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of Macra na Feirme in 1944.
Among those present were Peadar Murphy, a native of Ferns and former Co. Wexford general secretary of
Macra in the 1960s, who left to become founder and chief executive of IFAC, now one of the largest accountancy firms in Ireland. He was a member of the St Peter’s College Wexford team that won the first AllIreland Senior Hurling Colleges cup. John Murphy, general secretary of Macra na Feirme in the 1980s, left on his appointment to chief executive of Gaisce, the President’s Awards, Ireland’s national youth awards. Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland (Uachtaráin na hÉireann) to young people to fulfil their potential. He has worked with several Presidents including President Michael D. Hig-
gins. He was an agricultural science colleague of Peadar Murphy in UCD.
Attending the tribute to him for his massive contribution to young people development were former Macra national presidents Sean Eustace, Wicklow; Seumas O’Brien, Carlow; Seamus Hayes, Tipperary and Richard Kennedy, Limerick.
Among those with Wexford connection there were Peter Byrne, retired founder and chief executive of FRS, the national farm relief services and his wife Joan, nee Crean of Ballyhogue; Martin Colfer, a former teacher at St Peter’s College, one of the Macra na Feirme original education training officers, later director of Christian Media Trust; his wife
Former Macra na Feirme national training and education (AEGO) staff from left to right, John Quinn, Peter Byrne, Willie J. Dwyer, Donal Fitzgibbon, with on right Peadar Murphy, former general secretary/chief executive, founder of IFAC accountants, and John Murphy, former general secretary and later chief executive of Gaisce, the President of Ireland awards.
Maria, a programme presenter on South East Radio; John Quinn, native of Limerick, a former training officer in Wexford, and his wife Bríd; Donal Fitzgibbon, (training officer and author of A Guide to Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Fishing and Equine Husbandry) retired bank manager, Limerick; Mary O’Hare, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath, (director International Young Farmer Exchange programme to Europe, USA and New Zealand), Willie J. Dwyer, retired lecturer, Rockwell College, Tipperary (training officer), Michael Freeman, native of Galbally, editor, Three Sisters Press (Press officer), Bridie DowneyMurphy, Kilkenny, (National competitions); Carmel Campbell-Browne, Kilkenny, (HQ Admin) and Geraldine Carragher, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, (a barrister, former HQ national assistant secretary).
Unable to attend were former education and training officers, Jim Buckley of
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
North Kerry, founder of Keep On Farming programme in Munster, Paul Grisewood, retired director of rural development projects in Asia and South America, (former finance director) and Carmel Dooner (Admin secretary) and Freddie Whelan (Accountant).
From the end of World War 2 in 1944, Macra na Feirme was to the forefront in Ireland’s agricultural and rural development as a founder of the National Farmers’ Association, now IFA, the Irish Farmer’s Journal, now a national weekly newspaper, Macra na Tuaithe, now Foroige, and many agricultural and rural development enterprises.
Several hundred thousand young farmers and rural young people have graduated from Macra na Feirme programmes. In the 1970s, the organisation was dubbed, ‘the great open university of rural Ireland’.
Macra na Feirme had its own national
radio programme and a television series presented by Peter Murphy of Clonegal on RTÉ in the 1960s and 1970s.
Ferns native Peadar Murphy, once an agricultural adviser in Waterford, came to sensational national and international attention with his introduction of EU Commissioner Sicco Mansholt to Ireland before we joined the EEC, today’s European Union, and in conjunction with the Agricultural Institute and the Law Society in 1973, his direction of the first national study on Farm Inheritance and Succession in Ireland.
In 1978, Peadar Murphy, together with John Murphy, Peter Byrne, Tom Sheahan of Cork, then Macra national president, Pierce Casey, Waterford and Pat O’Dwyer, Tipperary were co founders of today's €100 million (2,000 staff) National Cooperative Farm Relief Services ( FRS).
– M.F.
At tribute to John Murphy were in front: Peadar Murphy and John Murphy, with national presidents Sean Eustace, Seumas O’Brien, Richard Kennedy and Seamus Hayes and at back: Joan Crean-Byrne, Carmel Campbell-Browne, Maria Colfer, Donal Fitzgibbon, Geraldine Carragher, John Quinn, Martin Colfer, Willie J. Dwyer, Peter Byrne, Mary O’Hare, Mary Murphy (John’s wife), Bridie Downey-Murphy and Bríd Quinn.
Vive la France!
It was a full house recently at Creative Grounds for yet another of their innovative and very successful ‘Taste Of’ series.
A Taste of France follows two very enjoyable Taste of Christmas and Taste of Spain events and with a menu of delicious nibbles such as quiche lorraine, quiche aux poireaux, oeufs mimosa, tartines de pate et cornichons, roules de courgettes, jambon sec et boursin, selection de fromages, clafoutis aux myrtilles, marbre aux deux chocolates, all avec vin certainment, it was sure to be another triumph for creative proprietors Alfie O’Sullivan and Kristyna Simko.
Wine and food were complemented by beautiful, easy-to-listen-to French music courtesy of a French student here in Enniscorthy for the past year, all conducive to lively conversation which flowed back and forth across tables as families and friends laughed and broke bread together.
What a wonderful alternative to pub life with a growing appeal as many Enniscorthians seek something new and different for a night out.
Alfie and Kristyna are definitely thinking outside the box to provide us with interesting and varied options here in Enniscorthy.
In today’s world we are all looking for that slightly special, unique experience, that ‘je ne sais quoi’ and the eclectic mix of events being organised at Creative Grounds are wonderful social occasions with an ethnic, cultural flavour and are not to be missed.
Coming Friday 28th February is A Taste of Japan, which is sure to be interesting and diverse – so put it in the diary now folks and book your seat – you won’t be disappointed. n
Words and pics by Maria Nolan
Creative Grounds proprietors Alfie O`Sullivan and Kristyna Simko.
Captivated by a masterpiece Words and pic by Maria Nolan
It’s been over twenty years since I first saw Something About Roses, a play by local and renowned actor and playwright Andy Doyle, and I had forgotten just how good it is.
That is until I heard it again on Friday 31st January at The Presentation Arts Centre as a Reading by Enniscorthy Theatre Company.
I was blown away that first time in the Athenaeum all those years ago by the poignant and harrowing story of suicide and the utter and terrible devastation it leaves in its wake.
The gaping hole in a family that can never be refilled and the millions of agonising questions that can never be answered.
Andy Doyle is a master craftsman and a gifted wordsmith and the excruciating words of Something About Roses performed as a Reading with none of the distractions of set, costumes, lighting or movement by a most talented and sympathetic group of actors had the Presentation audience spellbound.
Words are an energy and they cast spells, that’s why it’s called spelling they say –Andy Doyle’s Something About Roses, directed sensitively and perceptively by Pat Murphy, casts a mesmerising spell pinning the punters to their seats in an almost painful and disabling grip as the quality of the acting and the sheer rawness of the writing forced them to remain and gaze deeply into the distressed souls
Back by popular demand
Tickets for The Kilkennys’ show at Bellefield GAA complex on 8th March, are on sale at www.gr8events.ie costing €20 plus booking fee and also available in the club. n
of the characters no matter how disturbing they found it.
Just as in 2002, I was captivated by this masterpiece and the excellent way it was executed by director and actors and think it deserves to be staged as a play by Enniscorthy Theatre.
A gut wrenching, soul searching, powerful piece of writing, under inspired direction and astute delivery – congratulations to all involved.
– MARIA NOLAN
Author Andy Doyle (right) with Fintan Kelly and Pat Murphy.
Joseph comes to Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy Musical Society presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” – the classic musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber with hits such as “Go Go Go Joseph”, “Close Every Door” and “Any Dream Will Do”.
Cast: Joseph: Richard O'Toole. Narrators: Maria Forrest, Michaela White and Caoimhe Boyle. Jacob: Lorcan Dunne. Pharaoh/Potiphar: Anthony Jones. Potiphar’s Wife: Nicola Roche. Butler: Naoise Fortune. Baker: Richard Mullen. Brothers: Frank Kehoe, Richard Mullen, Shane Kirwan, Paul Kehoe, Evan Ryan, John Donohoe, Sean Timmons, Brian Cooney, Chris Larkin, Niall Martin and Evan Roche.
Production Team: Director: Imelda McDonagh. Musical Director: Kevin Kennedy. Choreographer: James Dobbs. This production promises to be a great night out for the whole family! n
Music rehearsal space
The Arts Office of Wexford County Council is delighted to announce that the Westgate Music Rehearsal Space is now available for local music artists to use at subsidised rates provided by the Arts Office and managed by its partner Wexford Arts Centre.
This new Music Rehearsal space is located next to the historic Selskar Abbey in Wexford town, is available for a half day rental for €25, full day for €45 or weekly booking for €150. It is located next to the recently opened Westgate Visual artists Studios and is a very welcome addition to Wexford town, supporting a vibrant arts community and also contributing to the regeneration of the town in this important historic and cultural area.
Please note this is just a rehearsal space and no equipment is provided.
To book the space and for queries and further pricing please email boxoffice@wexfordartscentre.ie or call 053 9123764 or visit Wexford Arts Centre in person, Tuesday - Friday 10:00am5:00pm or Saturday 11:00am - 4:00pm.
Visit www.wexfordartscentre.ie for more information. n
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN
Movie Reviews by Kyle Walsh
Unknown, about Bob Dylan, I must confess I would not be Dylan’s biggest fan. But that would be through my own ignorance and not paying more attention to his music. So as I went to Wexford Omniplex Cinema to watch this movie, I did not know what to expect. So how thrilled am I to say that I absolutely loved this movie. This movie is beautifully crafted and executed. Its run time of 2 hours and 20 minutes felt like just an hour. The pacing is exceptional. As I watched this movie I actually felt like I was after going back in time. I was immersed in the life, music, and story of one of the most influential artists of our time.
Timothée Chalamet, as Dylan, is absolutely incredible. He delivers a superb performance, capturing both the vulnerability and genius of the man. The whole cast are perfect including Ed Norton, they all deliver strong performances right across the board, breathing life into Dylan’s world and relationships.
The music is the soul of this movie. The music is a character of its own,
weaving through the story with purpose and impact. I believe Timothée sang the songs throughout the movie and if this is true, well, it’s truly outstanding and he possibly deserves to win the Oscar for best leading actor. You just can’t take your eyes off him. I love the way he is taking on method acting, an acting style that is long forgotten unfortunately. Hopefully, he keeps it up for more character-driven roles in future movies. He is quickly becoming one of my favourite actors working today.
I particularly enjoyed the way James Mangold and his team focused on the historical and cultural shifts of Dylan’s era. The attention to detail in recreating the time period through costumes, settings, and the backgrounds is astonishing. The film is beautifully shot. Script was excellent. This film portrays Dylan with complexity, making you feel the weight of his choices, struggles and genius. This film is a journey through music, history, and the life of a legend. It is a spectacular film.
I am delighted to say I highly recommend this movie, it’s great. I am now a fan of Dylan and I thank this film for that. I will continue my journey of listening to his music and I hope you will go and watch this movie in the cinema and enjoy it as much as I did. This movie gets a solid 8/10 from me. n
Creative Grounds –
Enniscorthy’s dedicated event & performance cafe
There’s so much happening every month in Creative Grounds in Enniscorthy – book club, movie nights, art exhibitions, crafts, open mic nights, fancy dress Christmas Ball, tarot readings, spoken word, stand-up comedy, quiz nights, kids events, etc, and organising concerts in other venues such as Enniscorthy Castle and St. Mary’s Church, Enniscorthy.
Check out all the goings-on and up-to-date opening hours at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/347529244738655
Call in for great locally roasted coffees, the biggest selection of speciality teas for miles around, a brand new selection of mouthwatering sandwiches, toasties & treats; and now a great selection of wines and beers to enjoy.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WexfordEvents for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000. Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529.
2025 TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION LAUNCHED
The search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun. Now in its 71st year it is widely acknowledged as the longest running arts sponsorship in Ireland.
The closing date for entries is Friday, 28th February. Judging will take place in March with winners to be announced in April. Details are available at www.texacochildrensart.com or at Texaco service stations throughout the county. n
Creations of a Colourful Mind is an exhibition of vibrant paintings, featuring the work of Marja van Kampen, Olivia O’Keeffe and Martina Furlong. It will open at Enniscorthy Castle on Saturday, February 8th at 2pm. Writer, Maria Nolan, will be the guest speaker at the opening reception. The exhibition runs until April 25th, during regular opening hours.
The joint creative journey of these three female artists, began in 2022, after Olivia contacted Marja and Martina by email. When they met there was an instant rapport and great enthusiasm to exhibit together. This led to their first joint exhibition, Meanderings of a Colourful Mind, which toured Ireland to great acclaim, in 2023 and 2024.
Creations of a Colourful Mind is very much a sequel to this first series of exhibitions. While the paintings on show are new, the elements that unite these three women artists, remain the same. Each one has a deep connection to the land and landscape. Their unique, distinct style and method of self-expression is evident but they all explore the landscape in a similarly imaginative and colourful way.
Since they began exhibiting together, Marja, Olivia, and Martina have created two collaborative artists books, the first of which was purchased by the National Irish Visual Arts Library at NCAD. The second book, which will be part of this exhibition, features paintings based on poetry by Olivia, with each artist choosing excerpts from her poems. The concertina style sketchbook features each artists’ interpretation of the chosen themes, becoming a microcosm of the exhibition itself. The book form allowed them a platform to work together while apart.
Marja van Kampen’s paintings are inspired by childhood memories and travels. Incorporated in her work are elements of landscape, both local, foreign or imaginative. While using the female motif as a centre point, she turns her paintings into near mythical landscapes by enlarging elements, distorting proportions and discarding perspective to give her work a playful and dreamlike quality.
She is originally from The Netherlands and lives in Enniscorthy. She has been awarded ‘Most Creative Abstract Artist’ in the Irish Enterprise Award 2024. Recent exhibitions include ‘Trio’, a three person show at The Kenny Gallery, Galway and La Fheile Bride 2025 exhibition, Pulchri Studios, The Hague, The Netherlands, in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland. Her work is in the collections of the Arts Council of Ireland, Office of Public Works and Áras an Uachtarain, the residence of the President of Ireland.
Olivia O’Keeffe’s paintings embody ‘emotion in motion’, with energy being a key aspect in her work. This includes both the visible energy in nature, e.g. of a crashing wave, as well as unseen energy felt in music or in internalised emotions. Olivia creates,
often large-scale vibrant abstract paintings of which the Irish land and seascape is an important source of inspiration.
For twenty-six years Olivia has lived abroad and currently lives and works in the Netherlands. For the past four years she ran her own gallery and art centre there, where she curated seasonal group exhibitions as well as taught art. She recently has closed the gallery to focus full-time on creating art.
Recent exhibitions include Art Source, Dublin, and Shell, Amsterdam. Olivia is currently represented by Cahir Arts, Tipperary, and Castlemartyr House & Gifts Gallery, Co. Cork.
Martina Furlong’s work is influenced by the things she sees and experiences daily, most notably landscape and the human-nature relationship. She explores our spiritual ties to the landscape, and how it links us to our ancestors, history and culture. Her textured, abstract landscapes, celebrate the connection between us, the earth and life beyond.
Martina was born and raised in Co. Wexford. After graduating from Limerick School of Art and Design she lived in London for sixteen years, before returning to live in the Wexford countryside in 2015.
Recent events and exhibitions include the Irish Visual Artists for Gaza Art Auction, Outhouse Arthouse Auction, ‘Trio’, a three person exhibition at The Kenny Gallery, Galway. Martina’s work is available at The Gaslamp Gallery, Gorey, and The Kenny Gallery, Galway.
Website details: www.martinafurlong.com www.marjavankampen.com www.oliviaokeeffe.com n
Art at the Castle
All are welcome to Enniscorthy Castle this coming Saturday, 8th Feberuary 2025, at 2pm, for the opening of a stunning new exhibition.
The exhibitors are Olivia O'Keeffe, Martina Furlong, and Marja van Kampen who will be showing a new selection of their colourful work.
They are delighted to have Maria Nolan, writer, as their guest speaker.
The exhibition will continue until April 25th, 2025. n
Walk With Me
Lucia Kickham hosted a weekly series of movement and dance workshops seeking participation from local people in Enniscorthy and Wexford.
Starting on January 11th at The Waterfront Pool & Leisure Centre, these free, weekly classes for adults are led by Lucia Kickham in the lead-up to her community-informed dance project, Walk With Me.
WALK WITH ME will take place along the River Slaney in Enniscorthy on March 23rd, 2025. This is one of four dance projects as part of Luail’s all-island commission, To This I Belong.
For more information, click this link: https://luail.ie/production/walk-with-me/ n
One Dot At A Time runs in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, until the 1st March 2024.
L-R: Olivia O'Keeffe, Martina Furlong and Marja van Kampen. See full details of their Enniscorthy exhibition on previous page.
Enniscorthy Library at your service
Tel: 053 9236055
E: enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie
Opening Hours:
Monday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm).
Tuesday 10.30am - 5.30pm.
Wednesday 10.30am - 5.30pm.
Thursday 10.30am - 8.30pm.
Friday 10.30am - 5.30pm.
Saturday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm).
Closed Saturdays and Mondays of bank holiday weekends. n
Stay in touch with Wexford’s library services
Wexford Public Libraries Social Media:
Wexford Public Libraries on Facebook.
Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries.
Wexford Public Libraries on Twitter @wexlibraries.
YouTube: "Wexford Public Libraries" n
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.
The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000
The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529
The Slaney Writers group meets in Enniscorthy Library on the second Thursday of every month at 6.30pm. Next meeting is on 13th February. New members are always welcome. If you are interested please contact Enniscorthy Library on 053 9236055.
The Enniscorthy Library Adult Book Club Next meeting is on Thursday, 20th February at 7pm
This club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7pm and is free to join. Book clubs are a great way to meet others and discuss books.
If you would like more information or to join, contact Enniscorthy Library on 053 9236055. All are welcome. n
Creative Places Enniscorthy
Deryn O Callaghan is the Project Co-ordinator. For any queries, suggestions or ideas, tel: 087 9578984. Email: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie https://www.facebook.com/CreativePlacesEnniscorthy n
ooted in exford
It’s hard to believe we’re already into February, and while it might still feel like winter outside, it’s actually a great time to get a head start on the growing season.
Potatoes, or spuds as we like to call them, are one of the easiest crops to grow and are perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. February is also the right time to begin sowing some seeds indoors, either in a greenhouse if you have one or simply on a sunny windowsill. Whether you’re new to gardening or looking for some fresh ideas this season, there’s plenty to keep you busy this month.
When it comes to growing potatoes, you’ve probably heard people talk about chitting. This is the process of letting seed potatoes sprout before you plant them. The idea is that by giving the potatoes a bit of a head start, you’ll encourage stronger growth and, hopefully, a better harvest. To chit potatoes, place them in a cool, bright spot, like a windowsill or porch, making sure they’re not in direct sunlight. After a couple of weeks, you’ll notice small, sturdy shoots starting to form. Once these sprouts are about 2-3 cm long, they’re ready for planting.
Some gardeners swear by chitting, while others don’t bother at
Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him.
The Slaney News is delighted to have Enniscorthy man, Mark Cooke, on board as a columnist. Mark has a huge passion for growing fruit and veg which he shares on his Instagram platform @rootedinwexford which has over 7,500 followers. Mark describes himself very much as a ‘hobby gardener’ who is not academically trained in horticulture. He started planting with very little knowledge a few years ago and that knowledge has now ‘mushroomed’! Mark loves sharing his passion for growing with our readers.
all and still get great results. Personally, I find it useful for early varieties, but I’ve had success both with and without chitting. It’s one of those things that comes down to personal preference, so I’d say give it a try and see what works best in your garden.
When you’re ready to plant, choose a sunny spot with welldraining soil. If space is limited, potatoes grow really well in large pots or bags, which is a great option if you don’t have much room. I’ll be sharing how I grow mine in containers over on my Instagram later this month, if you’re interested in giving that a go. To plant your potatoes, dig a hole or trench about 10-15 cm deep and place the seed potatoes inside with the sprouts facing upwards. Make sure to space them out, leaving about 30 cm between each one, as overcrowding can affect the size of your harvest.
As the plants start to grow, you’ll need to mound or earth up the soil around the stems. This protects the developing potatoes from sunlight, which can turn them green and make them inedible. Keep an eye on the plants as they grow, adding more soil as needed, and in a few months, you’ll be rewarded with a lovely crop of home-grown spuds.
Towards the end of February, I like to turn my attention to sowing seeds. If you have a green-
house with some heat, it’s a perfect environment to get an early start on certain crops. But don’t worry if you don’t have a greenhouse – many seeds will do just fine on a sunny windowsill inside your home. This time of year is ideal for starting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, which all benefit from an early start indoors before being moved outside later in the spring.
Tomatoes are a staple in most gardens, and they come in so many different varieties – small cherry types, big beefsteaks, and everything in between. They need warmth to germinate, so make sure they’re kept in a cosy spot with plenty of light. Peppers are another great choice, and even if you don’t have much space, you can grow smaller varieties like chillies right on your kitchen windowsill. They’re surprisingly easy to care for, and it’s very satisfying to use your own home-grown peppers in cooking. Cucumbers are another favourite of mine. They thrive in warm, humid conditions, so if you do have a greenhouse, they’ll be very happy there. But even indoors, they’ll grow well with a bit of care and attention. By starting them off early, you’ll be harvesting fresh cucumbers before you know it – perfect for salads, sandwiches, or even a refreshing summer drink.
For me, gardening is about more
than just the final harvest. It’s about the whole process, from that first sprout breaking through the soil to the satisfaction of picking your own vegetables. There’s a lot to be learned from both successes and failures in the garden, and every season brings new experiences. It’s also a great way to relax and unwind after a busy day, connecting with nature and seeing the fruits of your labour come to life.
If you’d like to follow along with my own gardening journey or share your progress, you can find me on Instagram at @rootedinwexford. I love seeing what other people are growing, and it’s always great to share tips and ideas with fellow gardeners. Feel free to tag your photos with #RootedinWexford – it’s a lovely way to connect with others who share a passion for growing their own food.
As we head into the new season, remember that gardening isn’t just about the destination – it’s about enjoying the journey. Whether you’re chitting spuds, sowing seeds, or just planning your garden for the months ahead, each step brings you closer to a bountiful harvest. I hope this growing season is a great one for you, filled with plenty of successes and a few lessons learned along the way. Happy planting! n
Exciting new menu at Cafe 98
at The National 1798
Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy wins big at national meat competition
The Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland National Sausage Competition took place at the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, January 26th, and three Enniscorthy businesses shared gold and silver medal success.
M&M Meats on Rafter Street combined with Brennan's Irish Stout, based in Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, to win gold for their speciality Porter & Leek Sausage.
Congrats also to Stafford's Butcher Shop Enniscorthy on winning gold for their Black Pepper Sausages. And winning silver for their Traditional Pork Sausages.
The judges noted the standard of sausages on display was exceptionally high, with each offering its own unique blend of flavours and textures.
Not content with their success in the sausage competition, Enniscorthy's renowned Stafford's Butcher Shop Enniscorthy was also successful in the National Irish Steak Challenge being
awarded a gold medal for its striploin steak and silver for its ribeye steak.
There was also big success for Butcher's Best in New Ross and Kennedy Craft Butchers in Bunclody in both the sausage and steak competitions. n
Lots on at the allotments
We are grateful as always to Gillian O’Neill, Secretary at Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA), for keeping us updated with all the news and photos from that multiaward-winning facility in Enniscorthy...
A very Happy New Year to you all. We are back in full swing here in the allotments and are very excited for the year ahead.
With the funding we received last year from the Climate Action grant, we are delighted to now have our solar lights in and also our wildlife pond. Two more great additions to our fabulous allotments.
We hope to have the Mosaic floor down in the Dome in March which was done by artist Helen McLean and some people from our allotments and the wider community. We were able to do this fabulous project with the Creative Arts grant that we received last year.
We are really looking forward to its completion as the Dome will then be open from 10am until 4pm daily for our members to utilise the space. We will have books and board games available for members to avail of. It will be a beautiful holistic space for people to take a break from gardening and relax with friends.
We recently set up Catch-up Monday in the allotments for our members and members of the wider community. We meet once or twice a month on Monday mornings in the Dome to have a cup of tea/coffee and a catch up. If you would be interested in joining the group please email enniscorthyallotments@gmail.com or contact Michael on 087 292 7138.
We have a Mindfulness course starting in March so keep your eyes peeled on our Facebook and Instagram pages for further information on that.
We hope to get the Reach grant again this year and be able to provide more fabulous courses for you all. They were really successful last year, everyone really enjoyed them.
We are looking forward now to welcoming back old and new members to the allotments and hopefully we will have a good growing season. n
Now is a good time to chit your potatoes before planting. Place the seed potatoes in trays or egg cartons, leave in a cool light area until 1-2cm long shoots have formed.
Late February is a great time to sow tomato seeds for planting in your Polytunnel in early spring.
You can also start sowing some seeds now for planting out in early spring. Broad beans, lettuce, spring onions, broccoli, cauliflower and swede.
Start to prepare your beds for planting in Spring. Dig over the soil and add plenty of compost or well rotted manure. n
Look forward to a good growing season ahead at Enniscorthy Community Allotments.
Always lots happening at the Enniscorthy Community Allotments.
Tried-Tested-Tasted by Caitriona
Caitriona Barron from Drinagh, Wexford, grew up on her dad’s farm with plentiful homegrown veg and their own meat so “we really knew the value of good food. My mother started a seafood business after meeting my stepfather fisherman, my brother now runs the seafood business so I’m well used to fresh food.”
“I worked with the family business before leaving to be a stay-at-home mother but soon got bored (lol!) and started taking pics of my food, sharing my recipes on social media. When people started showing interest, I realised this could be a job so I bought myself a camera and threw myself in the deep of it. I love it and I get to work with amazing companies.
Seeing my pictures in magazines, in shops, and occasionally on TV is pretty amazing.
“I’m a mother of two boys and, yes, juggling it all can be very tough. But I keep it going as it’s my passion now and it’s very rewarding.”
https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted and Caitriona_barron on insta n Caitriona Barron
SEAFOOD SOUP
https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted
Ingredients:
300 grams mixed seafood
150 grams frozen whole prawns (shrimp) raw
450 grams chopped potato (1" dice) approximately 2 large potatoes
2 stalks chopped celery
1 large chopped carrot
¼ cup of white wine
2 stock cubes fish or chicken
1 pint / 480 ml milk (2 cups)
1 cup / 240 ml single cream
2½ ounce / 75 grams butter
2 cloves garlic finely minced
2 tbs flour
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Melt the butter over a low heat in a large saucepan, 2½ ounce / 75 grams butter.
Add the garlic, saute for 1 minute then add the carrots and potatoes.
2 cloves garlic.
Mix well to combine with the butter. Cover with a lid and allow to sweat gently over a low heat for 8 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Remove the lid from the pan and add flour, cook 2 mins, then wine cook off, then add milk, salt and black pepper. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer with the lid OFF for about 10 minutes.
Dissolve stock cubes in about 150ml of hot water and add to above.
Add the mixed seafood, prawns mix to combine and bring back to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8 mins until the seafood is cooked through.
Stir in cream, seasonings and herbs of choice. I love dill and parsley. n
Local Enterprise Office grants
Grants Available to Support Wexford’s Innovative Businesses
Are you a small business in manufacturing or international traded services? If your business employs fewer than 50 people, offers a unique product or service, and isn’t causing market displacement, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford may have funding to help you start and/or grow!
Eligible grants cover up to 50% of your investment or €150,000 (whichever is less) and apply to:
Capital items
Salary Costs
Consultancy/R&D
This is your chance to scale your business, invest in growth, and innovate with confidence.
Want to learn more, fill out the form here: https://form.jotform.com/2502628385
48363 and one of LEO’s Business Advisors will be in touch. n
How can LEO Wexford help you?
Are you looking to grow your business, access funding, or explore new opportunities?
Your Local Enterprise Office is there to help! Whether you’re starting out or expanding, LEO Wexford offers tailored support to meet your business needs.
LEO’s expert team is ready to guide you every step of the way:
Annette Rowsome, Senior Enterprise Development Officer –Specialising in supporting businesses with 10 or more employees.
Jill Kelleher and Carmel Moran, Business Advisors – Supporting businesses of all sizes with their development needs. Assisting with grants, mentoring, and growth strategies for small businesses.
From grant applications and mentoring to strategic planning and networking opportunities, LEO Wexford can provide the advice and resources you need to succeed. So don’t hesitate to reach out.
Local Enterprise Office, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93. Contact: 053 9196020. Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie n
Enhance your business skills with LEO Wexford training
Wexford businesses, take the opportunity to sharpen your skills and stay ahead in 2025 - all without leaving the office!
Expert-led training for just €25 per person. Book your place today as spaces are limited! n
Shaping our future County Wexford Chamber hosts Political Leaders Summit!
County Wexford Chamber will host a unique Political Leaders Summit with the county’s newly elected TDs and an Ireland South MEP on Monday, February 17th.
Set to take place at 6pm in the prestigious National Opera House, Wexford, this event will feature a panel discussion with Brian Brennan TD, Malcolm Byrne TD, George Lawlor TD, Johnny Mythen TD, Fionntáin Ó Súilleabháin TD, and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP.
With MC Ivan Yates at the helm, this event promises a dynamic panel discussion focused on the priorities shaping the future of County Wexford. Our political leaders will share their in-
sights and perspectives, offering valuable updates on their work and vision for the region. Whether you are a business owner, community leader, or engaged citizen, this is a unique opportunity to hear directly from those who represent you. The event will also include a moderated questions-andanswers session, allowing attendees to explore key topics with the panel.
Paula Roche, CEO of the County Wexford Chamber, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The Political Leaders Summit is a vital platform for County Wexford Chamber to represent the business interests of our community, many of which were outlined in our General Election Manifesto at the end of last year. It’s an
opportunity to engage directly with our elected representatives, address key issues, and collaborate on building a brighter future for County Wexford.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a significant conversation about the future of our region. Secure your spot today and join an evening of dialogue, insight, and community.
Register on www.countywexfordchamber.ie
Event Details: Monday, February 17th, at 6pm in the Jerome Flynn Suite, National Opera House, Wexford, Y35 FEP3.
Fee: Chamber members €25, non-members €35.
Includes light refreshments. n
Co. Wexford Business Awards
Announcing the launch of the County Wexford Business Awards are L-R: Danny Gardiner, Managing Director, Gardiner Grain; Kevin Gardiner, Manager, Gardiner Grain; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; Conor Robinson, President, County Wexford Chamber; Linda Cleary, Accounts Manager, Gardiner Grain; and Stephen Gardiner, Sales Director, Gardiner Grain. Gardiner Grain won the Family Business of the Year Award and the Overall Business of the Year Award in 2024.
County Wexford Chamber is delighted to announce the launch of the County Wexford Business Awards 2025.
The annual County Wexford Business Awards have earned a well-deserved reputation for being both prestigious and highly successful. With the Wexford People as the dedicated media partner, the journey of these awards will be expertly documented every step of the way.
With 18 award categories open for nominations, there is an opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors to showcase the excellence of their service and entrepreneurship.
County Wexford Chamber CEO Paula Roche said: "These awards play a crucial role in promoting business in County Wexford by highlighting the incredible achievements of our local enterprises. They not only recognise success but also inspire innovation and growth within our community."
This year, the Chamber is anticipating a record number of entries, ensuring finalists receive enhanced visibility across various print and digital platforms.
“Being shortlisted or winning a business award is more than just a recognition – it’s a powerful opportunity for your business,” said Ms Roche. “It sets your business apart from competitors and serves as a seal of quality for potential customers. In addition, your success contributes to a positive image of County Wexford, promoting inward investment and enhancing the local business environment. Indeed, winning an award validates the efforts of your staff and management, boosting morale and reinforcing confidence in your business.
“Thank you to all our sponsors, including BD, the lead sponsor for the County Wexford Business Awards 2025.”
The closing date for entries is Friday, February 14th, and the highly anticipated gala awards ceremony will take place on Friday, May 23rd at Whites of Wexford Hotel.
Please submit your application form on www.wexfordbusinessawards.ie
For more information, contact County Wexford Chamber at 053 91 22226. n
JIMMY'S DEDICATED SERVICE TO ENNISCORTHY IS RECOGNISED
Former and current board and chapter members of County Wexford Chamber gathered to celebrate the recent retirement of Jimmy Gahan. Front L-R: Matt Ronan, Evolv Healthcare; Jimmy Gahan and his wife, Dr Mairead Kelly; and Helen Meade, Reynaers Aluminium. Back row L-R: Michael Bennett, Bennett Tarmacadam; Mary O’Leary; Connie Doyle; Niamh Hogan, Holos Skincare; Annette McCarthy, Frizelle, O'Leary & Co. Solicitors; Maree Lyng, President of Wexford Rotary Club; Paula Roche, County Wexford Chamber CEO; Ronan McGrath, McGrath Quantity Surveyors; Aislinn Cody, County Wexford Chamber; MJ Furlong, AIB; and Ed Murphy, GreenTech HQ.
County Wexford Chamber has honoured Jimmy Gahan for the many years of dedicated service he has provided to Enniscorthy Chamber and to the town itself. In recent years Jimmy served Enniscorthy Chamber as Development Officer and helped guide the Enniscorthy District through its integration with County Wexford Chamber.
Family, friends, and colleagues joined the Chamber’s Enniscorthy Chapter meeting in GreenTech HQ recently to wish Jimmy well on his retirement. Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, said, "Jimmy's dedication to the town's growth and his willingness to support any cause, big or small, never went unnoticed. His contributions have made a lasting impact on the community. To recognise his commitment, we were honoured to present him with a plaque, a small token of appreciation for the significant role he’s played in Enniscorthy's development.”
The presentation was attended by past board members of Enniscorthy District Chamber who had worked closely with Jimmy over the years, including former presidents Maree Lyng and Michael Bennett, Mary O'Leary (wife of the late former president Michael O'Leary), past board members M.J. Furlong, Annette McCarthy, and Connie Doyle, as well as Jimmy’s wife, Dr. Mairead Kelly. Jimmy's exceptional dedication to helping the businesses in and around Enniscorthy throughout the years was deeply admired and appreciated by everyone present. n
Electic vehicle sales
show strong growth
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released its official 251 new vehicle registration statistics for January, showing a promising start to the year for the motor industry.
New car registrations for the month of January were up 7% (33,521) compared to January 2024 (31,407).
Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are down 16% (6,270) compared to January last year (7,478). While HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are showing an increase of 8% (489) in comparison to January 2024 (454).
Imported Used Cars saw a 5% (5,604) rise in January 2025, when compared to January 2024 (5,325).
Electric Vehicle (EV) sales experienced a record-breaking month with the highest sales recorded to date, 4,925 registrations in January, representing 20% increase when compared to 4,093 in January 2024.
In the new car market share by engine type, Petrol cars remain the leader (despite a decline in share) at 28.24%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 24.89%, Diesel at 16.31%, Electric at 14.69% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.17%.
Automatic transmissions account for 71.71% of market share, while manual transmissions continue to see a decline, 28.28%. n
It’s the beginning of Spring, St Brigid’s Day, and all that she represents, new dawn, fertility.
The snowdrops have appeared, there's a stretch in the evenings, and that morning light arrives just a little bit earlier to coax us out of the winter slumber. The farmers will be full tilt calving cows these next few weeks and the spring lambs are starting to land on the ground too. It’s a time of shoulder to the wheel for most of these farmers as lots of farms have had to scale up in numbers to stay viable and farm help can often be scarce if there at all. It can be a very solitary life for these farmers too not seeing anyone from one end of the day to another and between lack of sleep, fatigue, and overload with the volume of work, farm life can take its toll.
Farmers have a much higher incidence of heart attacks, depression is common, and just trying to make ends meet can be a struggle. For lots of suckler and sheep farmers they only sell their produce at the back end of the year so it takes a lot of juggling of finances to keep the whole thing running during the year. Bills as we all know come rolling in every week
with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital
so it exacts its own mental toll on these genuine, hardworking, honest country stock.
The meat on our tables, the potatoes, veg, all come from some farmer somewhere putting his/her best efforts into it so, as you tuck into your Sunday roast, send a blessing to these great characters and unsung heroes who quietly go about their work every day and lots of nights when we're still awaking from that winter snooze.
They work in all weathers, summer and winter, and battle with the elements daily. Their day-to-day work is dictated by the weather, whether it’s too wet to let stock onto the land, too cold to have lambs out at night, or carrying feed with frozen hands on a frosty, hardy morning.
These farmers are the backbone of our rural community and of our practice too. It’s a pleasure to work alongside these people who work with nature every day and there's an element of camaraderie when you’re in the trenches with them out calving a cow, treating a sick animal out in the elements with them.
It’s part of the magic of the life of a country vet. n
If you have a topic you’d like Joe Kavanagh to address please email Slaney News at: slaneynews@gmail.com
OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK):
9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm
Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment):
The much anticipated Kia EV3 has arrived in Ireland, Kia's new compact electric crossover. With compact dimensions yet a wheelbase the same as the Sportage, the EV3 promises plenty of style and practicality.
The range kicks off at €36,790 for the Earth 2 with standard range battery and range up to 436 kilometres (WLTP) from a 55kWh lithium-ion battery. The 78kWh long range battery version is available
CAROLINE GETS MOTORING KIA EV3
Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year.
Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at www.changinglanes.ie
from €40,350 with up to 605 kilometres possible.
The EV3 is quite quirkily styled and sits a little bit higher off the ground than the average hatchback. Kia has done a lot with the design to make it more aerodynamic with smooth surfacing and door handles that are flush to the body of the car. Kia's new 'star map' LED lighting appears at the front and rear. There are a range of colours available including
Frost Blue and the GT Line exclusive Aventurine Green.
The Earth 2 trim line comes on 17-inch alloy wheels, and that's the best wheel size to get the most kilometres from the
KIA EV3
battery. The Earth 3 and GT Line come on 19-inch, which impact the overall efficiency somewhat.
Inside it's modern and minimalist with excellent digital tech on board. The full digital driver display blends into a small panel for climate settings and a touchscreen than controls media, maps and more.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly. The system also includes battery conditioning to optimise battery temperature for the best charging rate. This can be activated manually or automatically when a fast charger is selected as the destination in the in-built navigation.
heated rear seats and even a 3-pin socket underneath the rear seats!
The minimalist design and lack of a centre console creates a lot of open space up front in the EV3. The cabin feels solidly built but there is quite a lot of plain grey plastic in the dashboard and doors. Higher spec models do get more fabric trim and ambient lighting to add a little more plushness. Fabric seats come as standard, while Earth 3 and GT Line models have synthetic leather seats.
Even the very entry Earth 2 model is well-equipped with heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, USB ports and loads of safety equipment. The Earth 3 adds things like power adjustment for the driver’s seat, ambient lighting and the sliding table. Top of the range GT Line comes with a head-up display, sunroof, special three spoke steering wheel,
Built on a bespoke electric vehicle platform, the EV3 has a completely flat floor so all rear seat passengers have plenty of legroom. There is Isofix on the two outer seats. There is no through loading but the rear seats do split fold 60:40. There's a generous 460-litre boot with plenty of practical features like a cover and a false floor that can be used to create a flat loading sill with space underneath to store charging cables, or dropped completely to create more depth for carrying larger items. Under the bonnet there is also a small storage compartment.
The EV3 has been tuned for European roads and comes with a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension that translates to a very orderly drive on Irish roads. Only the very rutted rural roads or manhole covers in town upset the EV3. For an electric vehicle, it is one of the most comfortable and compliant at this end
of the market. There’s not too much road or wind noise, which makes for a very relaxing drive. All versions use a 204hp motor powering the front wheels for adequate performance.
All but the very entry model come with a heat pump. During my test over Christmas, the EV3 gave close to a 390-kilometre range on a full battery with average consumption in these cold winter months close to 20kWh per 100 kilometres. 11 kW AC charging comes as standard. DC fast charging is possible up to 135kW for a 10-80% charge in at best 29 minutes for the smaller battery or 31 minutes for the larger one.
The new Kia EV3 is a timely evolution of Kia’s expertise in compact electric vehicles that started with the likes of the Niro and Soul, cars that did well in the Irish market. It's a very complete car with competitive range, practical interior and plenty of style to turn heads.
While the temptation might be to make the bigger spend on the long range battery version, in its simplest form the EV3 is well-equipped and will make a good runabout for those who can charge at home. For longer trips, the long range battery offers more freedom between charges.
There’s a lot of new competitors hitting the market at the moment but the EV3’s combination of style, practicality, on board tech and price will definitely keep it at the races! n
Interior
Bree Billiards and Snooker Club news...
Right:
Cup Competition L to R: Winner Bill Cahill, John Bolger, R-Up Stephen Murphy.
Below:
Plate Competition L to R: Winner John Wilson, John Bolger, R-Up Mark Dunne.
The second tournament of the season, the popular "6 Red Snooker" competition recently concluded. 18 cueists competed in a preliminary 4 group format, with the top 2 from each group going through to the Cup competition knockout draw. The remaining players went into the Plate competition knockout draw.
The Final of the Cup took place on 22nd December, with Bill Cahil l(+11) and Ste-
phen Murphy (+1) competing for the "ATB Shield". Bill won the 1st frame convincingly, took the 2nd on the black, with Stephen winning the 3rd on the pink to go 1-2 behind. In the 4th frame, Bill took the pink and black to take a 3-1 lead. He opened an early lead in the 5th frame, going on to win on the pink, taking the match on a 4-1 scoreline. Beaten semi-finalists were John Bolger (-2) and Aidan Cullen (-8).
The Final of the Plate competition for the "John Power Trophy", played out on 18th January. John Wilson (-4) and Mark Dunne (0) faced off on the green baize. With the match at 1-1, John took the blue, pink and black to go 2-1 ahead. He won the next frame on the black, with Mark taking the 5th on the pink to bring the match to 3-2 in John's favour. John won the next frame on the pink, claiming the match on a 4-2 scoreline. Beaten semi-finalists were Mark Jowett (+5) and Craig Kenny (-1).
Shane Dawson (+6) claimed the overall highest break, compiling a 27.
The committee has been working hard behind the scenes to take the club to the next level. John Bolger, Chairman, was delighted to announce that planning permission has been submitted for a substantial extension to the clubroom, incorporating a new wheelchair accessible toilet facility and a canteen area, in addition to a second table room. This build will also include an extension to the dance studio next door, with the club working in conjunction with the Bree Community Development Group to bring this exciting next phase to fruition.
– Pat Bolger
Success for Hillbrook Lawn Tennis
Pickle Ball now available in Enniscorthy
Curious about the fastest-growing sport in Ireland? Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport in which two players (singles) or four players (doubles) use a smooth-faced paddle to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inchhigh (0.86 m) net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction.
Enniscorthy Astro Centre is the perfect place to experience the fun and energy of Pickleball. Astro Active Centre, Bellefield, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 923 6678. Email: astroactive@reachability.ie n
There was a great win for Enniscorthy’s Hillbrook Lawn Tennis Club last month in Naas emerging victorious in the Leinster Regional Winter League Division 3 finals.
Having got off to a slow start and losing the first two matches, they dug deep to win the next two matches. This brought it to a nail-biting match tie-breaker. Ed Shallow and Ashley Leacy stepped up to the plate and comfortably won it 10-4.
Well done to Captain Audrey Rochford, Ashley, Ed, and Shane McMunn for a great victory.
The club’s Division 4 team of Maria Brady, Caroline Murphy, Kalem Mahon and Graham Askins were narrowly beaten by Newry.
It was a wonderful achievement for a small club like Enniscorthy to have two teams in the Leinster finals. n
Slaney Cycling Club’s ‘Couch to 50km’
GREAT TO SEE SLANEY CYCLING CLUB (SCC) EMBARK ON THIS GREAT INITIATIVE...
Slaney Cycling Club is pleased to announce that it plans on running a "Couch to 50km" programme which will commence on Sunday the 9th of February 2025.
These rides are aimed at and for cyclists over 18 years of age who are looking to:
• Be introduced to getting out and about on the bike or have previous experience and would like to brush up on their knowledge.
• Improve fitness/bike handling skills.
• Receive tips on how to ride in a small or large group setting.
• Build confidence on public roads.
• Work together at cycling events.
• Dip their toe into the social side of cycling.
What to expect on the first day:
• Brief safety talk and a look at what equipment you are on.
• Some pointers (if needed) & a small cycle around an open area to see what your confidence level and skills are.
• Explanation of the concept of cycling in a group.
• Hopefully a small 8km ride to introduce you to the road.
Each week the plan is to build on skills learned in the previous session and answer any questions you may have.
Equipment to have:
• A roadworthy bike (road/gravel but not a mountain bike).
• A helmet.
• Reflectors or lights (preferably lights).
If interested, please contact the club on Facebook Messenger or Instagram for time, location etc.
Having recently returned to his club Udinese in Italy after a short loan period with Watford in the English Championship, it was immediately announced that Enniscorthy’s Irish international footballer Festy Ebosele would be joining Istanbul Başakşehir in the Turkish Super League on a three-and-half year deal.
The very best of luck to the 22-year-old at his new club. n
Co. Wexford young golfers are best in Leinster
Congratulations to Enniscorthy Golf Club’s Ruairi Cooper who has won the Leinster Under 14 Order of Merit for 2024.
Ruairi was presented with his award in January at the Leinster Golf AGM.
Our photo shows Ruairi with Luke Furlong from Wexford Golf Club who won the Under 16 Order of Merit.
A great year for golf clubs in Co. Wexford. n
URSULA JACOB TO FEATURE ON 'LAOCHRA GAEL' ON TG4
– Thursday February 6th at 9.30pm
Eight legends who performed heroics on the field each have a unique story to tell on Thursdays at 9.30pm on TG4 from 23rd January.
The definitive GAA sports series returns to TG4 for a 23rd series. The series' hour-long format has proved a huge success, bringing each player’s personal stories to the screen. The series features eight Laochra with genuine star quality and reveals deeper, fresh and sometimes unex-
pected insights into the lives of these icons. While their sporting careers continue to provide the backdrop to the story, we are told, "The series travels well beyond the four white lines. Gripping personal storylines will compel viewers to travel towards territory unique to the GAA television landscape."
Ursula Jacob hails from the Jacob hurling dynasty of Oulart-The Ballagh. Her tactical thinking and formidable scoring prowess has resulted in her name entering the conversation as one of camogie’s greats. She has won 4 All-Irelands with Wexford and 4 AllStars. She captained Wexford to glory in 2011 and spearheaded the attack in 2012 as they claimed an historic 3-in-arow. Upon retiring she took up the role of analyst on The Sunday Game and became the first regular female pundit on the panel. Online trolling stemming from her TV appearances has significantly impacted her. A leader on and off the pitch, she has taken a brave stance against online bullying which is a growing issue for many young adults in Ireland.
Participants in the programme: Ursula Jacob; Karen Atkinson; Brendan Cruise;
Brídín Cruise; Cyril Farrell; Anna Geary; Breda Jacob; Helena Jacob; Mick Jacob; Michael Jacob; Rory Jacob; Mary Leacy; Úna Leacy; Daragh Ó Conchúir; Aoife O’Connor; Keith Rossiter; Martin Storey. n
Ursula Jacob
on TG4
Johnstown Castle wins national excellence award
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens, Wexford, has received an award at the 33rd Annual CIE Tours Awards of Excellence. The awards, which are based on feedback received from customers of CIE Tours International throughout the year, were presented at a ceremony recently held at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin.
The annual awards scheme acknowledges tourist attractions which achieve a customer satisfaction rating of 94.5% for an exceptional quality experience and welcome to visitors. The winners are chosen from an independent evaluation of feedback surveys completed by over 30,000 CIE Tours International customers.
Accepting the CIE Tours International Awards of Excellence, Jess Sinnott, Customer Experience Manager at the Irish Heritage Trust which manages the Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens visitor attraction said, “We are delighted to receive our third CIE Excellence award for Johnstown Castle. We are especially proud to accept this award on behalf of all of the hard-working team at the Irish Heritage Trust and at Johnstown Castle, who go to every length to ensure our visitors have the best experience possible every day and the fact that this award is won on the back of our visitor's endorsement, it is a real testament to the hard work of all our team.”
Johnstown Castle has become a leading visitor attraction in Ireland’s Ancient East, having opened to the public in 2019 following a major conservation and development project. In 2024, over 165,000 people visited Johnstown Castle, with 21% of visitors coming from overseas. In addition to tourists from across Ireland, visitors included local members, supporters of the vibrant events calendar, and day visitors exploring the stunning castle, picturesque gardens, and the rich rural heritage of the Irish Agricultural Museum.
With its rich 800-year history, Johnstown Castle continues to reveal its fascinating stories under the stewardship of the Irish Heritage Trust, an independent non-profit organisation. Since opening in 2019, ongoing conservation projects and visitor experience enhancements have continued – all made possible through visitor and membership support, grants and philanthropy.
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens is open 7 days per week year-round. From 3rd February, the opening hours will be extended to run from 9am to 5pm daily, with those hours extending to 5.30 pm from 16th March. Daily tickets can be purchased in advance (pre-booking of castle tours is recommended) and the Irish Heritage Trust membership scheme provides access to all its sites in Cork, Roscommon and Wexford. For further details see www.johnstowncastle.ie n
Eoin Ennis and Jess Sinnott accepting the award for Johnstown Castle.
Mystery of "the thing" on Rosslare Strand
What some are calling ‘the thing on the beach’, others are calling it a ‘winch’. It may be 100 years old said one long-term resident. However, no one can say for certain what it is. It is about seven foot long, and its two wheels of about two feet high resemble cogs.
Resident Declan Furlong photographed it last May (see right). His neighbour Rob Lambert, a retired Dublin Fire Brigade officer, is photographed below with it in December last.
‘The thing’ or ‘the winch’ was first revealed when an outline of it appeared in a sand bank on the beach last year. Coastal erosion has eroded the beach further since then. The winds have eroded the sand banks behind it even more and it is now revealed in all its glory.
It was exposed having been buried for many years in the sand bank mid-way between the main entrance (‘Cromwell’s Murder Hole’) at Izmoo on the Strand and Rosslare Europort. That’s all that’s known for certain.
Meanwhile, Rosslare Strand residents wonder if more will be revealed as coastal erosion eats further into the beach and the sand bank behind it is blown
away with the wind while they wait for the Government’s long promised €7.5m to protect Rosslare Strand. Then Ministers for the OPW, Boxer Moran (June 2020) and Patrick O’Donovan (September 2020), with Wexford County Council officials, walked the beach years ago with promises of funding that four years later has not materialised.
Willie French, chairman of the Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle believes the thing on the beach "is a winch because it has a pulley on it, but hard to know if it’s an agricultural imple-
ment or something used by fishermen”. Declan Furlong and his brother Pio (Jim) grew up in Rosslare, but never saw it before now. Declan said they ‘would remember’ because from childhood they ‘knew that area like the back of their hands’.
Dylan Walsh, local pharmacist, actor, photographer, and a former cox with the lifeboats, said it looks like it could have been a winch for bringing boats ashore.
Paul Boggan in the local shop, former captain of Rosslare Golf Club, said it must have come from the ships in Wexford Harbour or in Rosslare Europort.
Locals in their mid-80s who lived in Rosslare all their lives, never saw it before either and never heard of anything like it. One said it may have been thrown off a ship or even dumped there.
Willie French of the Irish Agricultural Museum in Johnstown Castle is asking expert Peter Miller to investigate it.
Hundreds of local people and visitors would love to know what it really is, what it was used for, how old it is, how it was deposited there, if it was manufactured in Wexford by Pierces or Star Machinery or in another country, if it is part of a big machine, and if there are ‘more such things or winches’ to be revealed on the beach or on local land in the years ahead. – M.F.
Revealed, 10th May 2024.
Rob Lambert with ‘the winch’, 19 December 2024.
Enniscorthy’s spring bulb campaign
Enniscorthy Community Alliance (ECA) is pleased to acknowledge the fantastic response to its spring bulb campaign. Over 6,000 spring flower bulbs were planted in Enniscorthy's public spaces between October and December 2024.
This impressive achievement was made possible by the significant turnout and active participation of local communities, secondary school students, and Youth Reach Enniscorthy students.
The spring bulb campaign was launched in October 2024 as part of ECA’s ‘Plants and Places Project.’ The objective is to engage communities, particularly young people, in enhancing the beauty of pub-
lic spaces in Enniscorthy and its surroundings. ECA hopes that the young people will feel proud, and rightfully so, when they see the results of their efforts in spring 2025. Residents and passers-by showed their appreciation, and motorists honked their horns in support of the participating youths' hard work.
Enniscorthy Community Alliance is grateful to Enniscorthy Municipal Council, Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers, Wexford Local Development community workers, and Cluid Housing Association officers, whose collaboration and participation made this project possible. The beneficiary residents and associations involved in the bulb planting include
Forgelands, Bridge Meadows, Madeira Oaks, Beech Avenue, Paddocks, Pairc na gCon, Gimont Avenue, Cluain Dara, Fr. Murphy Park, and others.
Fulfilling its objective to engage young people in the process, many public areas were planted up by the students of St. Mary's CBS, Enniscorthy Community College, Coláiste Bríde, and Youth Reach Enniscorthy. These areas include Templeshannon Quay, Abbey Square, Main Street, Milehouse Road, Mill Park Road, Gimont Avenue, Cluain Dara, Fr. Murphy Park, the small park on Shannon Hill, and the Orchard Peace Park. The planted areas will be marked with ‘Do Not Mow’ signs. n
Free e-waste and battery recycling
Co. Wexford householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a set of free collection days to help the county meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2025.
The events, hosted by WEEE Ireland in partnership with Wexford County Council, kick off on Saturday, February 8th, from 10am-4pm at Wexford Racecourse, Bettyville, Newtown Road, Carricklawn.
On Tuesday, February 11th, a collection will take place at the Ballygarrett GAA club, Ballinagam Lower, from 10am-4pm, and on Thursday, February 13th, 10am4pm, a collection will take place at Bannow Ballymitty GAA club, Grantstown.
Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free on the day, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, batteries, including farm fence batteries, and even watches.
“In Wexford, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever –with people purchasing an average 22kg per head in 2023 compared to 16kgs just six years ago,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.
“Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones,
computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods.
“With old items still lying around many households, we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free.
“People in Wexford have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 1,646 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2023, and we want to encourage that trend.”
10.04kg of e-waste was recycled per person in Wexford in 2023 – falling just short of the national average of 10.33kg per person that same year.
WEEE Ireland warns that the nation needs to meet new forthcoming EU targets to recycle at least 25% of our annual consumption of critical raw materials from e-waste.
“An average of 80% of all e-waste that we collect is recovered for use again in manufacturing through both indigenous operators and specialist processors in Europe,” said Mr. Donovan.
“Most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals in higher concentrations than primary resources. These stocks of resources are the urban mines of the future, so our recycling efforts can have a significant impact on the environment.”
In 2023, the equivalent of 222,852 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling.
WEEE Ireland accounts for over two thirds of all national waste electrical and electronics collection activity on behalf of 1,355 producer members.
Mr. Donovan says, “We look forward to working with Wexford householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2025.” n
WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.
Picture by Shane O'Neill, Coalesce.
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns will be holding its annual General meeting on Tuesday 11th February at 7pm in the Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club.
If you are interested in getting involved and making Enniscorthy Cleaner and Greener please feel free to go along to the AGM which is always a laid back affair where attendees can chat and organise for the year ahead. n
Tidy Towns AGM Sustainable land uses event
A free, sustainable land uses event will take place in Enniscorthy on 24th of February at the Riverside Park Hotel. A panel of expert speakers will:
- inform landowners about climate change impacts,
- outline relatively smaller scale, practical and affordable solutions to help manage some of the current and future impacts of climate changes
- inform how to utilise state or other financial incentives to encourage landowners to consider a variety of sustainable land uses and energy sources.
Wexford Environmental Network and Wexford Co. Council look forward to seeing you at this event. n
Refuse single use plastics (bags, cups, etc)
Rethink your choices
Reuse as much as possible
Repair before you replace
Recycle all packaging and plastic bottles
Rot all your organic stuff and put it back into the soil n
With the support of the Environment Department of Wexford County Council, Mutt Mitt bag dispensers and bins (see photo) have been installed in Ferns village and also at several locations around Enniscorthy. These dispensers contain easy to use biodegradable bags to dispose of your dog’s poo. So no excuses! Bag it and bin it!! n
Do your town a favour
Do you have a few hours to spare a month? Find yourself bored mid week evenings or at the weekend? Want to make your town a better place? Please contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown Email: enniscorthytt@gmail.com n
Please note...
To log a report regarding any dumping, street litter, road oil spills and potholes,ring Wexford Council on (053) 919 6000 or email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
You will receive a log number to refer to if you need to call again.
You can also ask to register for group or individual cleanups of your environment.
Did you know?
Did you know that people use a plastic bottle for an average of 11 minutes? Meanwhile it takes up to 450 years to decompose! Thankfully reusable bottles are becoming more and more popular and there are now a number of locations on the streets of Enniscorthy where you can fill them with water for free.
The Slaney News was delighted to see Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, who always brings her own reusable water bottle with her to all meetings, recommending at the January monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District that plastic bottles of water be no longer provided at such meetings but instead jugs of tap water be offered. It remains to be seen if this suggestion will be acted upon. n
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy doing her bit for the environment.
Energy supports & resources
There are a number of government supports and resources available to help businesses mitigate the impact of energy price rises and become more energy efficient. Check out the website: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-forsmes/energy-supports/ n
Please keep in mind Wexford County Council's Community Grant & Funding webpage when looking to source details of community grant and funding schemes that may be relevant to climate action measures.
This webpage is a valuable source of information detailing what schemes are currently available, terms and conditions etc., and very importantly.....deadlines!
To access the webpage, please click here: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community-grants-andfunding n
The Ballagh senior citizens post-Christmas party
Community Centre, 19th January 2025
Above right: Mary and Paul Cullen.
Left: Teresa and Tommy Atkinson.
Right: Marcella Murphy and Ned Moore.
Below left: John and Kathleen McCannon and Mick Levingstone.
Below right: Breda and Partick Redmond.
Top left: Ger and Winnie Nugent. Top centre: Katie Stamp and Peggy Breen. Top right: Billie and Annnette Cleary.
