Slaney News, Issue 156, May 2023.

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Issue

A special concert will take place on 31st May in St Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, featuring Ireland’s world-renowned soprano Celine Byrne (pictured), and Enniscorthy’s acclaimed choir –the Silvertones, in aid of two local charities –Wexford Relay for Life and Wexford Hospice Homecare. A concert not to be missed!

More details, including ticket arrangements, on page 64.

The Green, Clonard Village Centre, Wexford, Y35 R288

T: 083 1172909

If you suffer from lack of sleep due to ongoing health issues, such as back or body pain, twisting and turning at night, age related, menopause/perimenopause etc, then choose the custom-designed O’Suan Sleep Support System –a series of carefully selected, high quality materials (cashmere wool, natural latex, coconut fibres and silk) layered according to your partricular body pressure over 2,000 individual pocket springs and encased in an easily removable, washable cover.

To find out more or to book a FREE Consultation and Scan (using cutting edge pressure mapping technology), drop in to the O'Suan Sleep showroom located at The Green, Clonard Village, Wexford Town, Y35 R288. Or contact Ray or Luke on: 083-1172909, email: wexford@osuansleep.com, www.osuansleep.com

We would be delighted to receive stories and photos from our readers around the county. If you have anything you’d like us to share, please email slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as many photos and stories as possible.

Welcome to the May issue of the Slaney News.

History features quite a bit in this issue, largely due to the recent announcement of a new 1798 Summer School to take place this May and June in Enniscorthy based on substantial funding secured with the help of local TD and Minister James Browne. See pages 15 and 116-118 for full details.

History was also centre stage at the recent film premiere night in The Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy with the showing of two re markable films – one dealing with 1798 in Co. Wexford, made by Cathy Keane and James Scanlon, and the other based on the acclaimed The Shadow of Freedom book by Maria Nolan. See pages 62-63 for pictorial coverage of the premiere night. Enniscorthy’s famous historic site, Vinegar Hill, also features in this issue (see page 130) but for the wrong reason – its desecration by widespread dog fouling despite the presence there of not one, but two dog-fouling bins. We in the Slaney News and other local media are anticipating an update by Wexford Co. Council, through its Heritage Officer, at the upcoming May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, on proposed work to be done on Vinegar Hill regarding information panels, and other tourist-friendly improvements. Let’s hope the Council has something in mind to deter irresponsible dog owners from desecrating Ireland’s most famous site of the 1798 Rebellion.

Finally, 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 new format. Telephone: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has almost 11,000 Followers. And, of course, if you like our new online format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you

– Frank Corcoran

To advertise in the Slaney

SLANEY

PUBLISHED in Enniscorthy by Corcoran Print & Design

Disclaimer:

Slaney News reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication.

Slaney News does not attempt to investigate or verify claims made in advertisements appearing in our publication. The appearance of an advertisement in this publication in no way implies endorsement or approval by us of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. Slaney News disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection with advertising appearing in this publication.

Every effort has been made to ensure that all articles published in Slaney News are true and accurate but if any errors do occur please let us know and we will gladly rectify them in our next issue.

Where details of future events are given in this publication, we recommend that you check these details directly with the organisers as event details may be subject to change.

Slaney News strongly recommends seeking independent professional advice before acting on any financial, medical or other information contained in this publication.

Wexford Civil Defence recruitment day

Wexford Civil Defence is holding a Recruitment Day on Saturday 27th May, at County Hall, Wexford. If anyone is interested in joining Wexford Civil Defence, please go along on the day to see what they do, talk to the instructors and volunteers, and see some of their equipment in use. No previous experience required, all training will be provided for free. Book your place by emailing the Civil Defence Office on cdo@wexfordcoco.ie Check out the website: www.wexfordcivildefence.com n

Trip with a difference

Fancy a day out exploring our medieval history through art and artefacts? On Saturday next, May 6th, a bus will leave Ferns for Dublin to visit the National Gallery where there will be a a guided tour of artworks including the amazing painting ‘The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife’. After that the group will visit the National Museum to see artefacts such as the Breac Maodhóg and the Kavanagh Charter Horn. The trip costs €20 which covers travel and entry fees (lunch not included). If you would like to book a place, please email: fernsheritageproject@gmail.com n

Every Monday and Thursday in May – first race 8pm

Upcoming fundraising nights: Monday 5th June for Duffry Rovers GAA and June 22nd Relay for Life (Philip ‘Powder’ Freeman)

Other selected dates available for fundraising nights

Keeping a watchful eye out

Wexford County Council proposes to install a new closed circuit television system in Enniscorthy town centre to replace the existing CCTV system. The purpose of this is to provide a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour, improve public safety, assist emergency services, and assist the Local Authority in the management of public areas for the wellbeing of the town.

It is proposed to install 22 CCTV cameras at locations within Enniscorthy Town which have been agreed with An Garda Síochána (Wexford Garda Division).

Plans and particulars of the proposed

scheme are available for inspection during normal office hours (9.00am5.00pm) at Enniscorthy Municipal District Office, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Y21 W2V4, and Enniscorthy Library, Lymington Road, Enniscorthy.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed scheme may be

made in writing to Claire Lawless, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford or on the Consultation Portal at: www.consult.wexfordcoco.ie

But hurry, as you must do so no later than 4pm on 2nd May 2023. n

Having a say on the next LEADE

Above:

Executive,

approx 80 attendees at the meeting in

Riverside Park Hotel, on 27th April 2023, to allow the public have a say in the delivery of the LEADER Programme 2023-2027.

The meeting was addressed by Tom Bermingham, LEADER Coordinator at Wexford Local Development, who said that LEADER had invested €1.5m a year into Co. Wexford in the period 2016-2022 supporting 164 community projects (community centres, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, walking tracks, community gardens, arts and culture, training programmes and development plans) and 116 niche private enterprises in sectors like tourism, food & beverage, specialist engineering, creative industries and the green economy.

Mr Bermingham said that for 2023-2027 approx €1.2m p.a. will be invested in Co. Wexford projects with an emphasis on climate change mitigation, disadvantaged communites, rural youth, female entrepreneurs and groups new to LEADER. n

Brian Kehoe, Chief

Wexford Local Development, addresses the

the

Above left: Tina Kavanagh (Edermine Ferry Rowing Club) and Tom Bermingham (Wexford Local Development). A Kehoe (Enniscorthy Community Allotments), Conor Gibson and Larry Dunne (The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy Dake and Brian Kehoe of Wexford Local Development with Aileen Whelan (Leisure Max, Wexford). Below left: Clare Kavanagh and Louise Hatton (all Caim Development Group) and Paul McCrea (Chairman, Enniscorth Below right: Teresa Bailey and Andrew Kelly (Ferns).

Some of the large attendance at the Wexford Local Development LEADER consultation meeting in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on 27th April 2023.

The LEADER Programme is an EU and Irish government grant aid programme designed to make rural Ireland (including all of Co. Wexford) a better place in which to live and work.

Approximately 80 people attended the Riverside Park Hotel on 27th April 2023 for the last in a series of countywide meetings organised by Wexford Local Development (WLD) to give those involved in voluntary, community and business activities a chance to have a say in the delivery of the €7.3m LEADER Programme 20232027 and what types of projects and needs this funding should be allocated to.

If you missed the series of meetings, it’s not too late to give your views – see details below on how you can still have your say. n

ER Programme

www.wld.ie/leader

www.wld.ie/leader

tbermingham@wld.ie

Above centre: Noreen y). Above right: Eileen Eileen O’Loughlin, hy Rugby Club).

Above right: A group from Ukraine attending the meeting in the Riverside Park Hotel on 27th April 2023 organised by Wexford Local Development (WLD).

Right: The Syrian community in Enniscorthy was well represented at the meeting.

Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival is back, bigger and better

The Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival will take place in the centre of town over the June Bank Holiday weekend (3rd and 4th June). There will be a whole new sustainability section to the festival so keep an eye out on Facebook (‘Enniscorthy Street Rhythms’) for more details on this exciting new development and all the other events taking place. Full details also in next month’s June issue of Slaney News and on our Facebook page over the coming weeks.

Once again this year’s festival will feature local craft makers throughout the weekend. The market stalls will have a focus on environmentally-friendly crafts, upcyclers, nature and natural products.

If you, or anyone you know, is a maker, artist, local producer etc and would like to take part with a stall or workshop –please contact the festival through its Facebook page or email: lynn@theupcyclemovement.com

Some street closures will be necessary to facilitate this family-friendly festival celebrating music, dance, creativity and nature. See the Wexford Co. Council advertisement on page 48 for full details on street closures. n

Update on services at Wexford General Hospital

Following the recent fire, The Emergency Department (ED) in Wexford General Hospital remains temporarily closed. If you have any concerns, ring the helpline on 053 915 3012.

The following temporary units have been set up in the Emergency Department building:

 Acute Medical Assessment Unit

 Minor Injury Unit

 Paediatric Assessment Unit

In an emergency, please go to an alternative emergency department. Full details on all the services available and other useful advice is available on https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/3/acutehospitals/hospitals/wexford/ n

Enniscorthy projects updates

Enniscorthy Town Centre & Tourism Project:

Wexford Co. Council’s (WCC) Planning Section, in collaboration with Loci Urban Design Architecture & Planning, has developed a strategic plan for Enniscorthy town centre, which was adopted at the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) meeting in December 2022.

This long-term strategic plan identifies the key infrastructural projects that have the potential to act as catalysts for social, economic and physical regeneration of the town centre. It specifies three ‘packages’ as urban regeneration priorities: 1. Main Streeet / Market Square / Castle Hill; 2. the Castle Quarter; and 3. the Templeshannon area. Moloney O’Bernie Architects have been appointed to prepare preliminary designs and Part VIII planning application to support the Call 4 application for funding under the national Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road)

In May 2021, outline proposals for the Enniscorthy North Business District were presented to the Enniscorthy Municipal District. This was followed by a public consultation process on the draft plan. The masterplan was presented to the EMD October meeting. The initial phase 1 works commenced in July/August 2022 and are now substantially completed.

An application for further funding has been prepared and submitted to TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) for the active travel elements of the masterplan.

Enniscorthy Sports Hub

O’Leary Sludds Architects were appointed in February 2021 for the detailed design, procurement of works contractor and construction management of the Sport Hub building. A competition to award a works contract for the new building was advertised in May 2022. The lowest price tender opened for the project exceeded the available budget and, therefore, it has been decided not to progress with awarding a works contract. A redesign process for the project is now underway.

Murphy Flood Site

Planning for the re-development of the Murphy Flood site in Market Square was approved by WCC in July 2022. Funding, including private investment, is now being explored. The Special Projects Office in WCC is proceeding with the demolition of the existing derelict structures on the site. For a video of what the development might look like see: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=644162643250100

Bunclody Park

WCC’s Architects’ Department presented proposals for a new Bunclody park to EMD in May 2022. The preliminary/planning stage design for the preferred option incorporating park, play area, landscaping, car parking, public realm and toilets is complete. Approval is in place for land purchase and for the appointment of an ecologist to prepare the Appropriate Assessment Screening and associated Ecological Impact Assessment and/or further specialist surveys that will be required (given the proximity to a Special Area of Conservation) to support the planning consent process.

Allowing for the above environmental assessments, co-ordination of drawings and inclusion of any recommendations from the environmental studies and reports, the earliest anticipated date for submission of planning application is June 2023.

On completion of the planning process, the project will move to WCC’s Special Projects Office for detailed design and works tendering.

Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme

The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform issued his decision to refuse the scheme on 4th March 2022. Details are on www.gov.ie. Following the decision, the OPW confirmed their commitment to delivering an effective scheme for Enniscorthy and the option of progressing the new River Slaney Bridge and the Flood Defence Scheme as two separate, standalone projects is now being examined.

The ecology baseline data is currently being updated regarding the new River Slaney Bridge and planning is expected to be submitted in quarter 3 of 2023.

The hydrology and ecology baseline data is currently being updated for the Flood Defence Scheme. The preferred option report and environmental assessment reports are scheduled to be completed in quarter 3 of 2023. At that stage planning options will be reviewed, and the preferred planning route selected.

Curracloe Water Sports Activity Facility

Wexford Co. Council has received Stage 2 compliance approval from Failte Ireland for the development of facilities to support water sports activities at Whitegap, Curracloe. The project will include showers, toilets, changing facilities and lockers.

Surveying works and detailed design commenced in January 2023. It is planned to tender and commence works later in 2023.

Learn to Cycle Park

Enniscorthy’s new Learn to Cycle Park was officially opened on 31st March. It is located beside Enniscorthy Community Allotments and Enniscorthy Sports Hub at Cherry Orchard.

At the new park, children can learn to cycle in a safe environment with real life road features – lines, signs, roundabouts and a pedestrian crossing, and on site also there is a cycle repair station as well as a walking track around the park and adequate car-parking spaces. The park is open 24/7 but access may be restricted occasionally to allow clubs, schools etc to use it for cycling classes.

Enniscorthy Technology Park

The first building on the site is complete with one tenant – Pinergy SolarElectric – now operating from there and employing 50 people. Another tenant is currently finalising the fitting out of their leased space. It is expected that this first building will be fully occupied by the end of 2023. The long-term plan is to have six other similar-size buildings on the 38-acre site.

Enniscorthy Wellbeing & Active Garden

An Enniscorthy Wellbeing and Activity Garden is planned for the campus of St. John’s Hospital and will be fully open to the public when constructed.

Ross Road All-Weather Astro Pitch

It is anticipated that the tender will be awarded for the installation of an all-weather, full-size, playing pitch with floodlighting at Ross Road, Enniscorthy, in the coming weeks. Construction will then follow shortly after, and the facility is expected to open before the end of this year.

Bellefield Playground, Parking etc.

WCC is planning on constructing a 400sq.m playground and car-parking for 25 cars adjacent to the development works currently underway at the Bellefield GAA complex. See page 37 for more details and our Facebook page for regular updates. n

1798 commemoration funding

Wexford Co. Council’s Planning Department has received funding support of €75,000 from the Dept of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for the development of a countywide commemorative programme to mark the 225th anniversary of the events surrounding the 1798 Rebellion in Co. Wexford.

The funding, administered through the Decade of Centenaries Historical Strand, will support a number of specific projects related to commemoration such as public talks, walking tours, demonstrations, and a 1798 Summer School in Enniscorthy as part of the extensive countywide commemoration programme.

The significant dates for the commemorations programme are from 26th May to 21st June. During this key time in 1798 pivotal battles took place at Oulart Hill, the Three Rocks, Wexford, New Ross, Carrigbyrne and Vinegar Hill.

Commenting on the funding, Minister James Browne TD said, ‘I am delighted the Department is supporting this programme of events taking place during the key dates of the Rebellion here in Co. Wexford. In particular, as a native of Enniscorthy, I am

delighted to see the programme will culminate with a summer school to mark the 1798 battle at Vinegar Hill. The 1798 Centre will be the focus of the Rebellion Summer School with talks, walks and demonstrations and will be a key asset promoting heritage tourism in 2023.’

Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, outlined how the funding recognised the importance of 1798 and the role of the people of Wexford. He stated, ‘There will be a countywide programme of events to mark this important

225th anniversary throughout the five municipal districts and we look forward to attending these.’

Wexford County Council will work closely with local communities and with the 1798 Centre to deliver the 225th anniversary of 1798 commemoration programme. A local steering group has been established to oversee the funding with representatives from Wexford County Council, tourism and the 1798 Centre.

The full programme of events is on page 118 of this issue. n

Funding for 1798 and Fr Murphy Centres

€215,000 in total has been awarded to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion in Co. Wexford, €75,000 of which will be used as outlined in the above article on this page. The balance of the capital funding of €140,000 has been allocated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as follows: €100,000 dedicated to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre and €40,000 allocated to the Fr. Murphy Centre, Boolavogue.

Commenting on the funding, Minister James Browne said, “I’m delighted to have secured funding for significant investment related to commemorations of the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion in County Wexford. These allocations... will go a long way towards honouring the rich historic legacy of the 1798 Rebellion in

County Wexford. In 1998, the bicentenary was commemorated across our county. This year, we have an opportunity to again

honour the great men and women who joined the republican cause in our county 225 years ago.” n

Minister James Browne TD (centre) at the 1798 Rebellion Centre with Tony Boland and Maria Nolan.

Civic spirit on show at spring c

The town of Enniscorthy owes a deep debt of gratitude to the amazing Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group who, on Easter Monday, 10th April, were out picking litter and rubbish off our streets as part of the An Taisce National Spring Clean.

A great turnout of approx 30 volunteers met at four separate locations in the town (Gimont, Duffry Gate, Abbey Square, and Quarrypark) and worked their way from there, picking up litter and rubbish, back into the town centre.

And the good news, from talking to some of the participants, is that they found the town was actually quite clean and free from rubbish to begin with. Having said that, the group still managed to collect 25 bags of rubbish most of which otherwise would have ended up in the River Slaney – a Special Area of Conservation!

The mesage from the group continues to be: “Please bin your litter and recycle plastic and aluminium cans. Our beautiful town and countryside is not a dump!!!”

The group says, “Thanks to all who attended and Slaney News, Sustainable Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy Community Allotments for spreading the word. Big thanks to Wexford County Council for the bags, pickers, and collection of all this waste.”

Finally, a special mention for the young participants from Ukraine (pictured below) who were among the volunteers helping to keep our town tidy. n

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns is seeking tackle the town’s litter problem hea the National Spring Clean event on E around the town. Contact: https Email: enniscorthytt

Making a huge contribution on 10th April 2023 to keeping Enniscorthy clean and green. L-R: Oleksandra Ozeychuk, Billy Murphy, Margarijta Kovalenko, Áine Doyle, Oleksandra Zavitash, Valeria Ozeychuk.

Áine Doyle, and Udo and Aideen Vonno, at the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Spring Clean event on Easter Monday.

Enn

Some of the rubbish collected by Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers on Easter Monday.

cleaning events in Enniscorthy

more volunteers to raise awareness of and help ad on. The voluntary organisation participated in Easter Monday, and continues to be active weekly s://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown t@gmail.com Tel: 053 923 6518.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments held its own spring cleaning event on 1st April and, judging by the photos below, the group members and their families and friends collected a lot of rubbish!!!

The group says, “Thanks to everyone to turned out to help... you are all amazing! And a special thanks to our Ukrainian members who brought their family and friends out in force!”

Enniscorthy Community Allotments spring cleaning event on 1st April, 2023.

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers hard at work.

niscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers at the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Spring Clean event on Easter Monday.

Sustainability is on the table!

Sustainable Enniscorthy hosted its AGM in the IFA Centre on 26th April 2023, attended by a committed range of people interested in taking action to improve sustainability in the town.

Topics discussed included Green Energy, Biodiversity, the Circular Economy, and health & wellbeing issues such as Water Quality in the Enniscorthy district. The group’s successful participation in the Change X initiative (see page 127) was also covered.

As outlined at the meeting, a couple of other exciting developments will be happening soon – at the end of May the TASC (a Think Tank for Action on Social Change) report will be ready, putting forward some exciting ideas for Enniscorthy.

A new development discussed at the meeting involves the introduction of Repair Cafés in Enniscorthy, one is planned for Sunday 11th June and another at the end of August or early September. See some initial information below and full details shortly.

An interesting speaker at the meeting was local vet Joe Kavanagh who outlined how regenerative farming could be the way forward for that sector. This way of farming plus other topics like GIY, sustainability, biodiversity, organic farming, homeopathy and a green café will feature as part of this year’s Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival over the June bank holiday weekend – an exciting addition to Enniscorthy’s family-centred festival.

Check out the Sustainable Enniscorthy website: https://www.sustainableenniscorthy.com/ n

Coming Soon –Enniscorthy’s First Repair Café!

Sustainable Enniscorthy is planning Enniscorthy’s first Repair Café to be held in June 2023.

Do you have something at home you’d like to get repaired and to learn more about repair skills? Do you have repair skills and would like to help at the event? Sustainable Enniscorthy is looking for fixers!

They would love to hear from you on sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com. And please spread the word!

Sustainable Enniscorthy Repair is supported by Accenture. n

All smiles at the Sustainable Enniscorthy AGM, back row L-R: Joe Kavanagh, Dearbhla Ní Laighin, Dervla Tierney, Jonathon Hughes, Feidhlim O'Shea, Billy Murphy, Ed Murphy. Front L-R: Siobhán Murphy, Irene Cadogan, Fiona McCool.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland officially opens its new Wexford Day Centre

On Friday, April 21st, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) and Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, officially opened the new Dementia-specific Centre in Gorey, Co. Wexford. This new centre will allow The ASI to provide daycare and support services to people living with Dementia and their families in Wexford.

This launch is the culmination of work by volunteers, the local committee, local media and businesses, Nurse Manager Mary Conroy Thoms and her team in Wexford and surrounding areas. Johnny Redmond and his family kindly rented the building to The ASI.

An estimated 64,000 people are living

with dementia in Ireland, and 2,163 of them are in Wexford.

The new centre will allow The ASI to cater to people daily and provide much-needed support to people living with dementia and their families.

Minister of State Mary Butler said: “I am pleased to be here at the launch of the ASI’s new dementia daycare centre in Gorey which will provide the people of Gorey and its surrounding areas with high quality dementia-specific daycare services for many years to come.”

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Head of Operations Siobhan O’Connor said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be opening our new Daycare Centre in Gorey; a

Centre that will support the increased numbers of people living with dementia, their families and carers in the area and a home away from home. Wexford was one of the only counties with no daycare services, today is a real celebration, and we look forward to engaging with the community to continue to build an exclusive Dementia Community in Gorey and across Wexford.”

For more information on supports and services at this time, please contact The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline. The Helpline is open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm, and Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, on 1800 341 341. Email at helpline@alzheimer.ie or via Live Chat at www.alzheimer.ie n

Patricia Myers; Minister of State Mary Butler; Tony Myers.

Back row L-R: Inspector Pat Cody; Operations Manager Breda Twohig; Community Engagement Manager Cathryn O'Leary; Head of Advocacy, Research & Public Affairs Cormac Cahill; ASI CEO Andy Heffernan. Front row L-R: Senator Malcolm Byrne; ASI Head of Operations Siobhan O'Connor; Minister of State Mary Butler TD; Gorey Daycare Centre Manager Mary Conroy Thoms; Minister of State James Browne TD.

Sustainable Enniscorthy

The local Sustainable Enniscorthy group looks at Biodiversity. Support Sustainable Enniscorthy by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Website: www.sustainableenniscorthy.com Contact us to get involved!

At the beginning of April, the Final Report of the Citizen’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss was officially launched, following agreement on a potentially transformative suite of 159 recommendations. This marks a significant milestone along the journey to protect Ireland’s natural heritage and is a timely opportunity to consider what exactly is Biodiversity? And why is it so important to us?

Biodiversity is shorthand for biological diversity and refers to all life on Earth. The living world is a fascinating and varied place, encompassing a dizzying assortment of plants, animals, insects, birds and marine life, each carving a niche for themselves.

We are proud of the greenery of Ireland’s world-renowned landscapes, which attract tourists from near and far and are important to our natural heritage. However, as the Citizen’s Assembly Report highlights, this reassuring greenery also masks the fact we are increasingly squandering the natural wealth we inherited, a situation underlined by the Government’s declaration of dual Climate and Biodiversity Crisis in 2019. If we look a little closer at what biodiversity contributes to our daily lives, we see why this is a crisis worth understanding and acting on.

The benefits of biodiversity are both direct, like food, timber and other raw materials, and indirect, like pollination, regulating water and air quality, as well as climate, and we can’t forget all the health and well-being effects from time spent surrounded by nature too. Areas that are particularly rich in biodiversity, for example bogs and wetlands, provide crucial ecosystem services, as well being wonderful places to visit. These ecosystem services (watch this video by EU Environment for a great introduction) are so important that human life would not be possible without them.

We know our biodiversity is struggling based on reports from multiple agencies, some of which are focused on individual aspects of biodiversity like pollinators and birds, and others which look at broader trends like the EPA’s State of the Environment Report and the NPWS Article 17 Reports. The number of insects and birds are key indicators to biodiversity and startling statistics such as a 98% decline in the number of curlews in just 30 years illustrate how we are trending in the wrong direction. We can also see signs of the

decline in our daily lives, do you remember when the front of your car used to be covered in insects?

We ask a lot of nature yet human activities undertaken without regard for nature are the underlying cause for biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse. These activities include changes in the use of land and sea, direct exploitation of species, pollution, and human-induced climate change. There are many useful resources out there to help us on our journey to reversing biodiversity loss but the first step is take a moment to listen to nature, wherever you find it, and make space for it in your life and in your decision-making. This video on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s Maps can introduce you to some of the fascinating biodiversity right on your doorstep! n

Resources to get started:

https://citizensassembly.ie/citizensassembly-on-biodiversity-loss/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j H-KHpLEIeY

https://biodiversityireland.ie/

https://biodiversityireland.ie/top10/1 0-ways-to-help-biodiversity/ https://iwt.ie/

https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2023/02/BSBIPlant-Atlas-2020-summary-report-Irel and-WEB.pdf

https://www.ibcp.ie/

https://www.naturalcapitalireland.co m/resources

https://environment.ec.europa.eu/str ategy/biodiversity-strategy-2030_en

https://www.cbd.int/

https://www.unep.org/un-biodiversity-conference-cop-15

Image credit: Marton Zsoldos

HEDGEROW BIODIVERSITY walk & TALK

Reimagining Enniscorthy is connecting with Teagasc for a free Hedgerow Biodiversity Walk & Talk in Enniscorthy.

Join us for a guided hedgerow walk with Dr. Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, and hear all about hedgerows and their importance in helping protect our biodiversity and cultural heritage.

We’ll find out about native Irish species of shrubs, trees and wildflowers, the importance of hedgerows as habitat for woodland plants and animals, and learn about how hedgerows act as wildlife corridors in our towns and countryside, providing food and nest sites for birds, bats and pollinators. We’ll also hear about the different types of hedgerows, how they can protect our water quality, and help us with decarbonisation through the role they can play in carbon storage and sequestration.

You can find out more about hedgerows and the benefits they provide in our landscape on the Teagasc website: https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/biodiversity--countryside/farmland-habitats/hedgerows/

This walk is part of the series of free public events in the Reimagining Enniscorthy project. We’re connecting with community members all over the town to start a local growing network and support people in using their gardens and shared public green space for biodiversity and growing food. You can find out more about the project on our website reimaginingenniscorthy.com or email us at hello@reimaginingenniscorthy.com

Book now on Eventbrite through the QR code below or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hedgerow-biodiversity-walk-talk-tickets-626955339297

Reimagining Enniscorthy is a public art & community decarbonisation project, taking place in 2022-23 throughout Enniscorthy town. It’s a collaborative, place-based response to the climate crisis, and a creative exploration of Enniscorthy as Wexford’s pilot Decarbonisation Zone.

ENGLAND MUST STOP ACTING LIKE A JILTED LOVER!

IMPERIAL NARRATIVES HAVE CAUSED ‘GREAT BRITAIN’ TO BE DOWNGRADED TO JUST ‘BRITAIN’ ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

It is no secret that England has lost considerable influence on the world since the days of the British Empire and the Commonwealth. It would be fair to say that after the era of the special relationship between the iron lady, Maggie Thatcher, and Ronnie Reagan, it has spiralled downward.

I would argue that as the empire weakens, more and more the mood music of journalists and the body politic becomes more right wing and nationalistic. Therein lies the problem for England. Everyone can see how Brexit has changed the fortunes of the nation and its subjects for the worse. Everyone except England that is. All of their most recent political projects and its future issues stem from this decision. The denial that it comes with consequences is frankly breathtaking.

When one leaves a club, one is no longer bound by its rules but one no longer has automatic rights and protections and a working relationship that it once enjoyed. This concept does not compute with England because they constantly portray the ideology that “we are Great Britain”. History will show that England has become an entitled bad neighbour and they know it.

The Brexit negotiations with the Euro-

TOWN TALK

cussions on a meaningful relationship post Brexit because they chose not to engage honestly on the protocol issue. Liz Truss attempted to implement the economic policies of the hard right that spooked the financial markets with the cost of borrowing for the state skyrocketing.

So what space is England in right now and what is the short to medium prognosis? I see Rishi Sunak building bridges as best he can with all and sundry in order to repair relationships. He has an uphill battle to find favourable trade deals with major players.

WITH KEITH DOYLE

pean Union can only be described as a disgrace. Liz Truss’ stance on the protocol was even worse. The constant badgering of the French for all its immigration issues is ill-advised. The appointment of Boris and then Liz can only be described as comical failures. Both were placed there by the hard right of the Conservative Party to carry out their agenda which is proven to be destructive. Under Boris there could be no dis-

Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, is trying to repair its ill finances. This month Hunt got a public dressing down by the IMF about their real concerns of a weakening and vunerable economy. Do not forget that an English Labour Party government needed an IMF bailout in the 1970s. If that wasn’t bad enough they find some hard-right-wing group in their own party plotting and connecting body blows at every opportunity. To top it all off, I can still see the British tabloid journalists undermining any bridge building, banging the nationalistic drum like mentioning Oliver Cromwell when discussing the visit of Biden to Ireland. n

Liz Truss appointed Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments wins major national award

Now in its 17th year, the LAMA (Local Authorities Members Association) All Ireland Community and Council Awards took place in Clonmel, Tipperary, on 15th April 2023 hosted by RTÉ television presenter Maura Derrane.

These awards recognise and celebrate community and councils working together. They highlight and celebrate the work done within communities all around Ireland, and reward unsung heroes recognising the huge contribution they make to our lives. And the good news is that the Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA) has just won the ‘Best Community Health’ category at these major awards.

The award was presented to committee members Noreen Kehoe, Michael Devereux and Aidan Browne who attended on behalf of Enniscorthy Community Allotments.

SENSORY AND WELLBEING SPACE

Students from South East Technological University (SETU) and Teagasc undertaking the BSc course in Horticulture (Kildalton College) have come on board a project, as part of a competition, to design the best

‘Sensory and Wellbeing Space’ at the Enniscorthy Community Allotments. A number of students are now completing their designs and the winner will be selected shortly by the committee of Enniscorthy Community Allotments following consultation with the users of the allotments. It is hoped to have the sensory area in place by this summer.

BUSY SEASON AHEAD

It’s all systems go at the ECA as the busy Spring/Summer season is upon us. Keep up to date at https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthyc ommunityallotments

ECA SPRING CLEAN EVENT

See photo and some details on page 17.

RED CROSS NOMINATION

Enniscorthy Community Allotments was delighted to be one of three nominees on the shortlist for the ‘Innovation for Change’ category at the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards at The Royal College of Physicians in Dublin last month. RTÉ newsreader and television presenter Sharon Ní Bheoláin was Master of Ceremonies for the event.

The category was won by Rajat Maheshwari who spearheaded finedeeds.com – a digital platform that promotes giving and volunteering in the workplace while also tracking the impact of their support to charity partners.

Shelly Doyle and Noreen Kehoe represented ECA at the awards ceremony where a wonderful night was had by all in attendance. n

Noreen Kehoe and Shelly Doyle represented ECA at the Irish Red Cross national awards.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments representatives Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District), Noreen Kehoe and Michael Devereux receiving their ‘Best Community Health’ award at the All Ireland Community and Council Awards, on 15th April 2023.

Enniscorthy Community College

Great range of courses available at Enniscorthy Community College. Check them out at: https://www.enniscorthyccfe.ie/prospectus/mobile/index.html n

Information sharing

Wexford County Council has developed a free online information sharing portal for not-for-profit community owned facilities to inform the public and promote usage. You can submit facility details at: https://arcg.is/1nnjev n

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 n

Enniscorthy Toastmasters

Keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy-Toastmasters-129333810455771 for news of upcoming meetings at The Bailey, Enniscorthy, the second Tuesday of every month. n

CONTACT DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthyfailte Email: enniscorthyfailte@gmail.com

Enniscorthy Library events

For upcoming Enniscorthy Library events see: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthylibrary n

Supporting families with rare diagnoses

A NEW WEXFORD GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP TO SUPPORT FAMILIES WHO HAVE MEMBERS WITH RARE DISEASE DIAGNOSES. Their Facebook page is run by three local parents who have children with rare diseases. You can make contact with the group through that page.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087341630173

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The much-promoted electric cars are apparently causing a headache for the older multi-storey car park owners, I notice. Apparently, the weight of these vehicles, which because of their batteries is double that of the normal family car, it is feared that some of the car parks could collapse unless reinforced. Now to reinforce these structures a lot of money will be required plus a huge amount of concrete and iron. I reckon that this work will be very detrimental for the environment and will add considerably to our emissions. This should consume Eamon Ryan for a while but sure he’ll probably tell us that the end result, as with the production by virtual slave labour of the cobalt for the batteries for these vehicles, will be worth it.

NEW FARMERS’ PARTY

There are moves afoot to establish a new farmers’ party in Ireland. Not before time I would say. Both Fine Gael, who once represented the larger farmers, and Fianna Fáil who would have been seen as the stalwarts for the smaller farmer, have in recent times become totally urbanised and forgotten their base. Such a party should do well in the next election if it gets off the ground. The only problem that I see is that unless it is made attractive enough for rural dwellers in total, rather than just farmers, it may not have the numbers to make a substantial impact. Most people living in rural areas, even those with urban backgrounds, are fully aware of the total neglect of almost everything outside the larger urban areas. Smaller towns, like Bunclody and Taghmon in Co. Wexford, are not being treated as the hubs of the economy that they actually are. The entire emphasis is on pie-in-the-sky stuff like cycling

View from the Centre

and the lefties can’t see any further than the M50. Therefore, in my opinion, a new rural party is required but it has to be broader than a farmers’ party. We shall wait and see.

WHO RUNS THE COUNTRY?

A local contributor, based in the centre of the county, looks at life today in Co. Wexford and beyond

lanes, walking trails and other benefits to a largely well-catered-for city population while most parts of rural Ireland struggle to get the potholes filled, proper broadband, or good public transport.

It’s difficult to see how any of the existing parties will change this situation as Sinn Féin are very weak on rural Ireland, Labour doesn’t count anymore, the Social Democrats will remain urban and small,

“... the total neglect of almost everything outside the larger urban areas...”

We are encouraged to go out and vote every few years to decide as to who will run the country. The various political parties put forward great sets of proposals for us to consider before we cast our vote. But does it matter? It is difficult hard to accept that it does when you look at the attitude of Robert Watt towards the Oireachtas Finance Committee last month. It appears that he and his colleagues in the permanent government regard themselves as the bosses with the elected TDs as being no more than a nuisance. What makes it worse is the fact that when questioned about Watt’s performance both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste didn’t see any reason to criticise Mr. Watt’s tone or lack of civil responses to reasonable questions. Therefore, it can be difficult for us to figure out who is actually running the country.

The same applies across the water where a minister, Dominic Raab, had to resign because he allegedly bullied civil servants. He probably just pressurised them to actually do their job, particularly some of those carrying on with this nonsense of working from home. As we go to print, I see that top civil servants in Britain are threatening to strike unless they are granted the concession of a four-day week without loss of pay. That demonstrates how caring and concerned that they are for the future of their country or people. Probably be only a month or two before our overworked mandarins seek the same. n



New physio clinic in Monageer

Best of luck to Oleg Irlin with his new Physiotherapy clinic in the centre of Monageer, just a few minutes drive from Enniscorthy.

THE TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE:

 Full Injury Assessment

 Exercise Rehabilitation Programme

 Sports & Deep Tissue Massage

 Joint Manipulation

 Dry Needling

 Strength & Conditioning Programme

 Sports Injuries & Back-To-Play Rehab

 Pre / Post-Operative Rehabilitation

 Ergonomic Assessment & Advice

Also available: Video appointments and Pilates assessment.

Treatment may be covered by health insurance from Laya, VHI, Irish Life, depending on your policy benefits.

Check out Oleg’s impressive website and Facebook page: www.monageerphysio.ie www.facebook.com/monageerphysio n

Wexford town CCTV –improved and extended

The protracted process to both extend and and improve the Wexford Town CCTV system is nearing the finish line, according to the Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, Cllr George Lawlor, who says: “Having chaired a number of meetings and pushed the process along, I can confirm that the required documentation is now in Garda HQ in Dublin being assessed and awaiting sign off by the Garda Commissioner.”

18 new cameras will be added to the existing 32 bringing the system to 50 cameras in total.

The new new locations to get cameras include Min. Ryan Park, Redmond Park, Carrickfoyle Barntown, Roman Lane North Main St, South Main Street and Lower King St.

It is expected that the cameras will be installed in the coming months. n

Wexford County Council online payment portal allows customers for Commercial Rates, Housing Rents, Mortgages, Fire Charges, Marina Fees and Planning Development Levies to view and pay their account online. Visit: https://wexfordcoco.myselfserv.ie/ n

Oleg Irlin

Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, Cllr George Lawlor.

An Invitation to Play is currently running its third term of play sessions for young children in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy. It is owned and facilitated by Aoife Lenihan who uses her background in Early Childhood Education and Care to create a child-led play environment that offers a different theme of play each week. This playgroup is bringing a new type of play session to Co. Wexford for children aged six months to six years. Each session is uniquely designed to support a child’s natural curiosity, creativity and desire to learn about their world, through their senses.

These purposeful play sessions offer the opportunity for both child and parent/ caregiver to discover, experiment, interact, socialise and connect. An Invitation to Play’s stay-and-play sessions provide open-ended materials that support learning and connection through play. Children will get the chance to explore materials such as the pikler climbing frame, balance boards, balance beams, Connetix tiles, play dough, messy play (all taste-safe materials), small world play, role play, push and pull carts as well as sensory-themed play involving pouring and scooping.

There are lots of examples of the play setups featured on an_invitation.to.play instagram and facebook pages. These pages are filled with all things play.

Aoife holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and Care, a Montessori diploma and therapeutic play skills certificate along with over eleven years experience working with young children. She has a love of learning about child development, supporting children in play and understanding children's behaviour and regularly attends courses to continue her professional development. Aoife is using all of her knowledge and experience to create play sessions that enhance each individual child’s play ex-

perience and supports them on their own unique learning paths. The aim of these child-led play sessions is to offer parents a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into their child’s play and a greater understanding of how their child(ren) explore and make sense of their world as well as supporting the child's own natural development. As the play facilitator, the main part of Aoife’s job is to understand play and to prepare the environment to support and challenge each child's individual learning journey. Play is how our children learn, grow and develop. Children thrive when they have control over their own play in an enriched play environment.

These play sessions take place in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, with the third term running for four weeks beginning on Thursday May 4th. An Invitation to Play is in the process of expanding these sessions to Wexford town and other locations across Co. Wexford. Prebooking is essential as spaces are limited. Booking is available online, follow the Instagram and Facebook pages or scan the QR above for further information and links to the booking page. Sibling discounts and special prices for multiples (twins/triplets etc) available. n

Easter com

The Easter Monday commemoration, organised annually by Enniscorthy Municipal District, took place on 10th April, with the celebration of Mass in the Cathedral at 10am followed by a procession to Market Square where the Enniscorthy Municipal District Chairman Cllr. Aidan Browne laid a wreath at the 1798 Monument to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the Insurrection of Easter 1916 and to honour the memory of all Wexford people who have died for Ireland.

Among those who contributed to the solemn and dignified event were Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager and Cathaoirleach, Claire Lawless and Aidan Browne respectively, Principal of Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh Judy Heffernan who read the Proclamation, Anthony Nolan who sounded the Last Post on trumpet, the Ballindaggin Pipe Band, Army Reservists and members of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association. n

Top left: Marching down Wafer Street. Left: Elected representatives with District Manager Claire Lawless (far left) at the commemoration.

Below left: Ballindaggin Pipe Band.

Below: Enniscorthy Municipal District Cathaoirleach Aidan Browne lays a wreath at the 1798 Monument.

mmemorations in Enniscorthy

Above left: Principal of Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh Judy Heffernan reads the Proclamation. Above right: Some of the attendees at the event.

Left: Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless adresses the crowd.

Right: Enniscorthy Municipal District Cathaoirleach Aidan Browne.

Above L-R: Paddy Murphy, Peter Byrne, John Browne.

Right: Stalwarts of the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.

Below: Marching down Wafer Street. Below right: Army Reservists stand to attention.

1916 Commemoration Committee wreathlaying ceremony

Paddy Murphy, representing the Enniscorthy 1916 Commemoration Committee (which includes Slaney News columnist Keith Doyle), laid a wreath at the Patriots' Flag on Easter Monday to honour all those who died for Ireland in 1916. n

L-R: Claire Lawless (Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager), Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Paddy Murphy (Enniscorthy 1916 Commemoration Committee), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Paul Kehoe TD, Minister James Browne TD.

Time to get serious by Seán Doyle

Enniscorthy Tidy Town Association members, accompanied by volunteers, participated in the National An Taisce Community Clean-up on Easter Monday. The met at four different locations in the town and collected forty bags of rubbish/ litter. It seems, in spite of all the appeals and exhortations, there is no let-up in the amount of litter being thrown about willynilly all over the place. Enniscorthy, as Irish towns go, is a very pleasant and attractive town and could be far more captivating without mindless people messing it up with litter and illegal dumping.

It is time that the legislators in Leinster House treated the issue with due seriousness and admit that the existing legislation is not effective in dealing with the problem. They should give up insulting each other across the floor of the Dáil and maybe set up a Dáil Committee to deal specifically with the subject of litter and dumping in our towns, our roadways and beaches. The Committee should be given six months to come forward with proposed legislation to deal with the matter once and for all; and most important of all –when the legislation becomes law that it is enforced. There is no use having laws if they are not implemented.

One of our members, on a recent visit to Vinegar Hill, was appalled at the amount of dog poo that was visible all over the place. It appears that a minority of our people (I’m assuming it is a minority) couldn’t care less about Vinegar Hill and what it represents in Irish history.

For a number of years now the Annual Report of the Adjudicator of the National Tidy Town Competition showed Enniscorthy doing very badly under the heading ‘Litter and Tidiness’. Under other headings we are regularly equal or ahead of the national winner. Last year Trim was the national winner and Enniscorthy had more marks under three headings.

We must, all of us, residents, business community and local government, get serious and treat the problem with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. We are commemorating the 225th Anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion this year. Let us honour their memories with a clean and tidy Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill.

– Seán Doyle, Secretary/Treasurer, Enniscorthy Tidy Town Association

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

Let's all help to make Enniscorthy cleaner and greener!

Yvonne Doyle –celebrating one year in business at Slaney Place, Enniscorthy

Pics: Liz Wildes

Seán Doyle

Darkness Into Light set for

The county launch for Pieta’s Darkness Into Light walk was held on 2nd April in Whites Hotel, Wexford. The organisers were delighted with this successful event attended by many influential figures in sport and the wider community in Co. Wexford.

The event was opened by Beat presenter Shonagh Lyons who expressed her appreciation at being asked to do the honours.

Cllr. Leonard Kelly addressed the room, talking about the importance of mental

health and charities such as Pieta House in assisting those in need. He particularly focused on young people’s mental health saying, “They are our future.”

Suzy Freeman from Pieta spoke also, saying, “In 2022, over 115,000 people took part in Darkness Into Light. This support starts in small towns and villages such as in Wexford.” She also emphasised Pieta’s services, “providing suicide crisis Helpline and Textline staffed by qualified therapists, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year”.

Sean Kinsella, from the Wexford DIL committee, spoke about his own personal journey with Pieta. Praising Pieta for help he received from them in the past.

Ruairí Ryan, from the Enniscorthy DIL committee, then spoke about his personal experience of his work with mental health and how he got involved in helping organise Darkness Into Light for Enniscorthy.

“After doing the walk last year in New Ross, I wondered why we didn’t have a walk in Enniscorthy.

So I got in touch with

Darkness Into Light (DIL) 2023, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, will take place at 4.15am on the morning of Saturday, May 6th 2023, in over 200 locati Pictured at the Co. Wexford launch on 2nd April, above left: Áine Doyle (Enniscorthy DIL committee), Anne Martina Kehoe, Kerry O’Shea, Ruairí Ry Above right: Liam McCabe, Michelle O’Neill (international soccer referee), Aaron Dobbs (Wexford FC) and Se

Suzy Freeman of Pieta.

Ruairí Ryan (Enniscorthy DIL committee).

L-R: Shauna Whelan, Superintendent Denis Whe Co. Council), Ruairí Ryan (Enniscorthy DIL committee) Garda Ron

6th May

ions

and across

Pieta and luckily so did Kerry, helping to form a committee. I’m excited to play my part in bringing back the walk to Enniscorthy this year, after the Covid pandemic.”

Suicide has impacted every part of the community in Co. Wexford, so join the 4.15am walk on 6th May in either Enniscorthy (Bellefield GAA club) or Wexford town (St. Joseph's Community Centre) and show solidarity and support for Pieta’s vital services.

Register for either location at: https://www.darknessintolight.ie/event/we xford n

Founded in Dublin in 2006, Pieta was established to provide free, accessible, one-to-one counselling to people suffering from suicidal ideation, engaging in self-harm or to those bereaved by suicide. With over 200 qualified therapists across 15 physical centres, Pieta does everything it can to ensure that help is available to those in crisis. Pieta is 80% funded by fundraising events like Darkness Into Light. Without Darkness Into Light supporters, Pieta couldn’t provide vital, free services to people impacted by suicide and self-harm.

On 6th May 2023, in Co. Wexford, Darkness into Light will take place at: Enniscorthy, start time 4:15am, Location: Bellefield GAA Club. Wexford town, start time 4:15am, Location: St. Joseph's Community Centre.

Register for either the Enniscorthy or Wexford town event at: https://www.darknessintolight.ie/event/wexford

For more information see Facebook page: ‘Enniscorthy Darkness into Light 2023’ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088855197125 Email: enniscorthy@darknessintolight.ie n

in Ireland

the world to raise funds for Pieta. yan (Enniscorthy DIL committee), Corina O’Brien. ean Kinsella.

lan, Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach, Wexford ), Corina O’Brien, Cllr Maura Bell (Mayor of Wexford), nan Swan.

Pepi Cody (chief steward), Ruairí Ryan, James Browne TD out postering for the walk in Enniscorthy.

€27,000 – incredible fundraising by Damien and friends

The Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy was “absolutely blown over” last month by the total figure raised through the recent ‘Shave to Raise’ fundraiser organised by Damien Murphy and fellow volunteers from Davidstown and Bree in memory of their dear friend Kathleen (Lally) Monaghan and for other families in their community affected by cancer. A massive €27,006.05 was raised which will be of huge benefit to the many clients of the Hope Centre.

On its Facebook page, the Centre says: “A huge thanks to Damien and all the organisers, volunteers, participants, donors and sponsors. Your generosity has been astounding!”

A great night was held in The Millennium Bar, Davidstown, last month for the cheque presentation to Paddy Redmond of the Hope Cancer Support Centre. n

Above L-R: Damien Murphy proudly presents a cheque for over €27,000 to Paddy Redmond of the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy. Pic: David Butler.

Over €27,000 raised for the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy. Pic: David Butler.

Proposed new public realm at Bellefield Road, Enniscorthy

Wexford County Council is pleased to announce the proposed development of a new public realm space at Bellefield Road, Enniscorthy.

The development will be on land which is being made available to the council for public use by the Rapparees Starlights GAA Club, adjacent to the new car park entrance to the GAA complex.

Wexford County Council will provide 25 new car-parking spaces for public use, a playground for younger children, seating areas, landscaping, a pedestrian crossing and public lighting. It says this public space will enhance the Bellefield Road and provide further community benefit by the provision of a link path to the new walking track and sensory garden, currently being developed by the club as part of their ambitious master plan. n

Above: The proposed public realm on the Bellefield Road consisting of Parking, Paths/Walkway, Playground, Seating, Greening and Pocket Park. Below: A sample playground along the lines proposed for Bellefield Road, it will be 400 sq.m approx and will cater for the younger cohort of children. Both the parking and playground will be available for use by the public even if the GAA complex itself is closed. Planning permission is being sought by Wexford Co. Council around this time.

CO. WEXFORD STUDENTS SET FO

Local Enterprise Office Wexford will be well represented by the cream of Co. Wexford’s teenage entrepreneurs at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Finals on Friday 5th May, as the Finals make a return to Croke Park for the first time since 2019. Students from St. Mary’s CBS in Enniscorthy, Ramsgrange Community School and Coláiste Éamonn Rís in Wexford Town will be flying the flag for the county hoping to win a coveted award.

The above students all took part in the Student Enterprise county final on Thursday 9th March, which was held at Wexford County Council headquarters, with over 400 people in attendance represent-

ing the 1,400 students from 18 different schools across the county who took part in the Student Enterprise Programme in Wexford this year.

This enterprise education initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, saw over 25,000 students from just under 500 secondary schools across the country take part in 2021/2022. The programme supports students to create, design and market their own business, all with the hope of reaching the national finals.

In the Junior Category, representing Wexford at the National Finals will be:

SENIOR CATEGORY WINNERS:

L-R: John Kavanagh, Brian Murphy and Fionn Nolan from St Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, with their company ORGANIS3D.

Alexander Miller from Wasteknot at Coláiste Éamonn Rís in Wexford Town.

In the Intermediate Category, sisters Alison and Amy Duffin from Positive Pots, who attend Ramsgrange Community School, will be representing the county at the National Finals.

In the Senior Category of the competition, Wexford will be represented in Croke Park by John Kavanagh, Brian Murphy and Fionn Nolan from Organis3d at St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy.

Last year, Wexford took home the overall 2nd place prize in the Intermediate Category at the National Finals when a team from Ramsgrange Community School represented the county. Another mini-

Pic: Ger Hore.

OR CROKER!

company from Gorey Community College picked up a national award too last year. This was preceded the year before by students from Bridgetown College and St Mary’s Secondary School in New Ross winning four different trophies at the national level.

Speaking ahead of the National Finals, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development in Wexford County Council Breege Cosgrave wished the Wexford represenatives well, saying, “We have a very successful student enterprise programme here in Wexford.... Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme and we wish them the very best of luck on Friday 5th, and we will all hope to be there to support them. In what has been a particularly challenging couple of years for students, the programme has offered them an outlet outside of the usual school demands.

“What our students are learning from the programme is that with the right supports and encouragement, they can take an idea from the classroom and develop it into a real-life business. The skills they learn along the way, such as business planning, market research, selling and team-work, will help them become more entrepreneurial throughout their future careers.”

Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 350,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to create a business idea, start a business and grow a business.

The Student Enterprise Programme also

has a new range of online resources available at www.StudentEnterprise.ie, which features regular blogs and houses a full range of Student Enterprise resources for students and teachers.

Representing Wexford at the National Finals in Croke Park will be:

Wexford Junior Category Winner (1st years): Wasteknot

Student: Alexander Miller

School: Coláiste Éamonn Rís, Wexford

Teacher: Ms. Ann Barry.

Wexford Intermediate Category Winner (2nd/3rd years): Positive Pots

Students: Alison Duffin, Amy Duffin

School: Ramsgrange Community School

Teacher: Ms. Louise Walsh.

Wexford Senior Category Winner (TYs and older): Organis3d

Students: John Kavanagh, Brian Murphy, Fionn Nolan

School: St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy

Teacher: Ms. Martina Barry.

Further information is available from www.studententerprise.ie

Twitter: @StudentEntProg

Facebook: /studententerpriseprogramme

Instagram: /studententerpriseprogramme and searching #studententerprise or #wexfordsep on social media. n

Wexford Local Enterprise Office, Student Enterprise Programme Awards 2023, which took place at Wexford County Council head office on 9th March 2023. L-R: Paul Kehoe TD, Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council), Alexander Miller, Coláiste Éamonn Rís, Wexford (Wexford Junior Category Winner for his company Wasteknot), Cllr Maura Bell (Mayor of Wexford) and Ann Barry (teacher). Pic: Ger Hore.

L-R: Cllr Maura Bell (Mayor of Wexford), students Alison Duffin and Amy Duffin, Ramsgrange Community School (Wexford Intermediate Category Winner for their company Positive Pots), Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council), Paul Kehoe TD, Louise Walsh (teacher). Pic: Ger Hore.

Eileen Coady about to cut the

anniversary cake.

Chairperson Winnie Connolly addresses the members, wishing them all a happy anniversary.

Below: Kay Roche and Donna Farrell.

Left: A Ver

Above: Maeve Whel

Below left: Caroline Stam

Below: Ma

YEARS

en’s group celebrated 9th April 2023.

ry happy group of Dollies. an, Mary Kelly and Patricia Wheeler. mp, Tracey Cowman and Bridget Major. ary Kells and Pat O’Brien.

Above left: Ann Redmond, Mary Kearns and Liz Kavanagh. Above right: Theresa O’Connor and Jackie Larkin. Below left: Kit Kenny and Gene Hendrick. Below right: Evelyn Devitt, Josie Rowesome and Gertrude O’Neill.

Above left: Anne Buckley, Cathy Murphy and Bee Oats. Above right: Marion Morrissey and Edel Kenny break open the champers. Below left: Stephanie Murphy and Teresa Ring. Below right: Liz O’Brien and Eileen Coady.

Having your say!

People of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life with an interest in community and/or business development in Co. Wexford were encouraged to share their views at public meetings which took place in Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Rosslare during recent weeks.

Wexford Local Development (WLD) is undertaking a wide-ranging consultation process to ensure that the delivery of €7.3 million allocated to County Wexford in the next EU LEADER funding programme reflects the county’s current and anticipated developmental needs.

The new LEADER Programme, cofunded by the EU and the Irish exchequer, is set to commence in late 2023 and run to 2027. In order to secure the funding allocated for County Wexford, Wexford Local Development (WLD) –with the co-operation of Wexford County Council (WCC) and Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) – must now prepare a robust, high quality and representative strategic

plan outlining how the funding can best be used for sustainable development in the county.

All were invited to attend the series of public meetings and to contribute their views and ideas on how they feel the funding might best be allocated. In addition, WLD are asking people to complete business and / or community group surveys.

Operating in Wexford and throughout Ireland and Europe since 1991, LEADER follows a community-led local development approach that involves the participation of local people in developing responses to key economic, environmental and social challenges which exist in their areas. The programme’s approach is based on the belief that people who live and work in rural communities are best placed to decide what funding is required to best support and develop their own areas.

Wexford Local Development (WLD) has been involved in the delivery of the LEADER programme in County Wexford

for the past 32 years. Over the lifetime of the recently concluded LEADER Programme (2016-2022), WLD, in partnership with Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), strategically invested almost €10 million of LEADER funding across the county to grant recipients including 164 community group projects and 116 niche enterprises. This led to substantial job creation and a significant improvement in community facilities throughout the county.

Full details of the consultation process and surveys are available on WLD’s website at www.wld.ie/leader.

Written submissions are also welcome and should be sent by post to:

Tom Bermingham, LEADER Coordinator, WLD, Spawell Road, Wexford, Y35 E2FK, or by email to tbermingham@wld.ie on or before Friday, 12th May 2023. n

Tom Bermingham, LEADER Programme Coordinator, Wexford Local Development.

L-R: Robert Bennett (Marshalstown Community Centre), Laurentiu Ion (Wexford Local Development), Sylvia Hogan (Bunclody National School Parents’ Council), Catherine McGrath (Empowering Communities, Bunclody), Cllr Cathal Byrne, Anne-Marie Laffan (Wexford Co. Council), attending the Riverside Park Hotel on 27th April 2023 for the last in a series of countywide meetings organised by Wexford Local Development (WLD) to give those involved in voluntary, community and business activities a chance to have a say in the delivery of the €7.3m LEADER Programme 2023-2027.

Sean Fogarty captures Mass at sunrise on Vinegar Hill

Easter Sunrise Mass on Vinegar Hill, 6.30am, 9th April, brilliantly captured by Sean Fogarty.

Above: Bishop Ger Nash with Very Rev. Tom Dalton, Adm., St Aidan’s parish, Enniscorthy.

Co. Wexford Older People’s Council –information meeting

Top: Large crowd at the meeting.

Above left: Committee members John Roche, John Carr and Chairman Kevin Molloy.

Above right: Chairman Kevin Molloy addresses the meeting with committee members Betty Murphy and John Roche in the background.

Right: Attendees including the Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell, Chairperson of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor, and Age Friendly Ambassador Tony Dempsey.

Below left: Cllr Maura Bell, Mayor of Wexford, discussing the chains of office with OPC committee member John Roche –a previous Mayor of Wexford. Below right: Some of the attendees.

Co. Wexford Older People’s Council (OPC) information meeting in the Maldron Hotel, Wexford, 18th April 2023.

Wexford PRIDE – lots happening

Wexford Pride has hit the ground running in the first quarter of 2023 with preparations well underway for its fourth Pride in The Park, the continuation of its regular LGBTQIA+ Community Support Group and a new home for the newly revamped Tea on The Quay. The group was also delighted to participate in Wexford town’s St Patrick’s Day Parade – the first time the LGBTQIA+ community partook in the celebrations and were honoured to make history by doing so.

Wexford Pride is committed to the creation of safe, accessible and inclusive spaces that honour the intersections of its diverse community. All events are open to every corner of the community, including those who are neurodivergent, disabled or members of the BIPOC, Traveller or Roma communities. The group encourages the use of stim equipment and movement breaks. If there are steps it can take to make participation more accessible please don't hesitate to make contact.

The group is excited about the plans it has in place and its continuous effort to foster a greater sense of community, solidarity and pride among the LGBTQIA+ community across County Wexford.

Wexford Pride’s LGBTQIA+ Community Support Group runs on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, from 7pm in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy. This is a space for community members to come together to find and provide peer support in a safe and inclusive space. If you are planning to attend the support group for the first time or if there are accommodations that the group can make to make participation more accessible, please reach out via wexfordpride@gmail.com

'Tea on The Quay' has returned with a new look – join in every second Sunday at 2pm (see exact dates elsewhere on this page) at the new meeting spot – The Trough, Crescent Quay, Wexford. This is a space for members of the LGBTQI+ community to connect with each other in a safe and welcoming space. New faces are always welcome!

Wexford Pride is thrilled to announce 'Picnic in The Park' 2023 will be taking place on Saturday 27th May! Wexford's biggest community pride celebration will be returning in its fourth year to uplift and celebrate all corners of the LGBTIA+ community as it returns to Min Ryan Park, Wexford, for a day of music, local stalls and vendors, performances and other surprises – the group can't wait to see you there!

Wexford Pride is a small voluntary organisation led by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Expressions of interest from small businesses, local community organisations, performers and volunteers are welcome via wexfordpride@gmail.com

The group’s social media platforms are regularly updated with news and information regarding upcoming social and support events, you can find out more via Facebook and Instagram. n

Ciorcal Comhrá

Is minic a bhíonn daoine ag fiosrú faoi Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim nó chun feabhas a chur ar a cuid Gaeilge. People often enquire about learning or improving their Irish.

Conradh na Gaeilge Guaire meets up at 10.30am Wednesdays and Saturdays in Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey. Agus maidir le C na G i mbaile Loch Garman, they meet Wednesdays at 11am in Harpur Eleven on Peter's Street and sa sráidbhaile Droichead an Chaisleáin (Café an Mhuilinn) 10.30 ar maidin dé hAoine. Bíonn slua eile cruinnithe le chéile i gCill Téile / Kiltealy - The Thatch, 8pm an Aoine dheireadh de gach mí. n

Enniscorthy Drama AGM

The Enniscorthy Drama Group AGM will take place on Tuesday, 16th May 2023, at 8pm in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy. All welcome. n

WLD survey

Wexford Local Development (WLD) is calling on all 13-25year-olds to fill in a survey to tell WLD what’s needed in their area, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/699NFQB All completed surveys will be placed in a draw with a chance to win JD Sports and Penneys vouchers. n

School extension for Tombrack

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has welcomed the granting of planning permission to Tombrack NS to facilitate the construction of a school extension.

The school will expand to include an additional mainstream classroom, special educational needs base, auxiliary accommodation, sewerage system upgrade to a treatment plant system, and the upgrade of the existing school entrance.

Welcoming the approval, Minister Browne commended the school community for their “great work in making progress with their application to expand their school. The design of the extension will complement the existing building while also enhancing the school’s ability to deliver education, particularly through the specialist special educational needs base.

“I wish principal Elaine Gahan and the board of management continued success in their work in progressing their application. I will continue to work with the Education Minister to prioritise the delivery of the school’s extension”, Minister Browne concluded. n

Crossabeg Confirmation

Above left: Darren, Candice and Tanya Kenny. Above centre: Breda Lafferty and Jack O’Neill. Above right: Fr Jim Finn PP confirms Keelin Boggan.

Above left: Hugh, Evelyn, Keelin, Hugh,and Bronagh Boggan. Above right: .Members of the school choir.

Below left: Nicola, Jack and James O’Neill. Below right: John and Anne Marie O’Connor, Conor, Anne and Paddy Cloney. Right: Garreth Gillen and Zack Furlong.

Left: Fr Jim Finn PP, David O’Reilly and his sponsors Theresa and Kieran Roche. Above: Members of the school choir. Right: Joe and Geraldine O’Neill with Jack O’Neill in centre.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993

Temporary Closing of Roads

Wexford County Council gives notice of its intention to pedestrianise the roads listed hereunder and to temporary close the listed roads to vehicular traffic on Saturday 3 June 2023 and Sunday 4 June 2023 to facilitate the holding of the Enniscorthy Street Rhythm Festival 2023.

Road Closures No.1: Main Street, Castle Street (between the junction of Duffry Street and Main Street with Irish Street to the junction of Castle Street with Castle Hill and Church Street ) and Rafter Street, Weafer Street (R702) (from its junction with Castle Street and Market Square to its junction with Duffry Hill).

Date and Time: From 11:00 to 22:00 on Saturday 3 June 2023.

Road Closures No.2: Main Street, Castle Street, Castle Hill (R702), (between the junction of Duffry Street and Main Street with Irish Street and roundabout at Abbey Square) and Rafter Street, Church Street, Court Street. Weafer Street (R702) (from its junction with Castle Street and Market Square to its junction with Duffry Hill).

Date and Time: From 09:00 to 22:00 on Sunday 4 June 2023.

Alternative Route: HCV Traffic (Eastbound).

Duffry Hill to Parnell Road to Arnold’s Cross to Mill Park Road to Abbey Square Roundabout via R890 and R744.

Alternative Route: HCV Traffic (Westbound). Roundabout on Abbey Square to Mill Park Road to Arnold’s Cross to Parnell Road to Duffry Hill via R744 and R890.

Alternative Route: Local non-HCV traffic (Eastbound only). Junction of Duffry Street and Main Street to Irish Street to Island Road (R772) to Old Bridge The Shannon Quay to Seamus Rafter Bridge to Abbey Square Roundabout.

Alternative Route: Local non-HCV traffic (Westbound only) From Abbey Square Roundabout (R744) to Junction of Mill Park Road (R744) to Friary Hill to Court Street to Hospital hill to Parnell Road (R890).

Alternative routes will be signposted. No Vehicular Access will be facilitated.

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 16 May, 2023 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

Call for Expressions of Interest for the Supply of Social Housing and Development Land

Wexford County Council has an ambitious 5 year capital programme under the Housing For All Action Plan. As part of a range of housing solutions, the housing authority is seeking expressions of interest from private developers, building contractors and land owners.

Wexford County Council is seeking expressions of interest from interested parties who are capable of delivering turnkey units within the County or the provision of development land.

Wexford County Council will consider land or units in areas which have an established need. An explanatory document will outline the areas of need across the County.

In particular, Wexford County Council is seeking:-

• Turnkey developments. Acquisitions are on a turnkey basis; potential payment is a fixed price lump sum, on completion of a development, within an agreed timeframe.

• Mixed development schemes where social residential components could be incorporated.

• Development land, varying from small sites (circa 4-6 units) in rural areas with modest demand to larger sites in urban areas (circa 50-70).

• Delivery of adapted dwellings to meet the requirements of those with specific needs.

All developments and associated works must be fully compliant with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government guidelines and standards.

A preliminary proposal via the official application form will need to be submitted along with required documentation.

Application forms must be received by 5pm on Friday 19th May 2023.

Application forms and accompanying explanatory documents should be requested - by emailing housingcapital@wexfordcoco.ie or - may be downloaded from www.wexfordcoco.ie

Wexford County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Monday 5 June 2023 to Friday 30 June 2023, to facilitate installation of underground ducts, joint bays and cabling activities for the new cable route as part of the Greenlink Interconnector Project from Greatisland to Baginbun Beach.

Road Closure: L8111-1 at Templetown, from its junction with the L4046 at Templetown Cross to its junction with the R734 at Graigue Little Cross.

Alternative Route: From Templetown Cross to Portersgate to Graigue Little Cross via the L4046 and the R734.

Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated. Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 9 May, 2023 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Friday 12 May 2023 to Friday 2 June 2023, to facilitate installation of underground ducts, joint bays and cabling activities for the new cable route as part of the Greenlink Interconnector Project from Greatisland to Baginbun Beach.

Road Closure: R733-12/13/14, from its junction with the L8077 at Kilmannock to its junction with the L4034 at Grange.

Alternative Route: From Kilmannock to Horeswood to Campile to Grange via the R733, L4035 and the L4034.

Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads Amendment – Revised Dates

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from the revised dates of Monday 8 May 2023 to Friday 19 May 2023, to facilitate installation of underground ducts, joint bays and cabling activities for the new cable route as part of the Greenlink Interconnector Project from Greatisland to Baginbun Beach.

Road Closure: L4046-1/2/3 from its junction with the R737 at Kilbride to its junction with the L4047 at Ballinruan.

Alternative Route: From Kilbride to Balliniry Cross to Grange to Ballinruan via the R737, R733, R734, L4047 and the L4048.

Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated

Alt 75 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993 Dúnadh Sealadach na mBóithre

Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil sé beartaithe ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman an bóthar atá liostaithe anseo thíos a dhúnadh do thrácht feithicle ó Dé Luain 5 Meitheamh 2023 go dtí Dé hAoine 30 Meitheamh 2023, chun suiteáil duchtanna faoi thalamh, cuanta comhpháirteacha agus gníomhaíochtaí cáblaithe don bhealach cábla nua a éascú mar chuid den Tionscadal Idirnascaire Greenlink ón Oileán Mór go Trá Dhún Dónaill.

Dúnadh Bóthair: L8111-1 ag Baile an Teampaill, óna acomhal leis an L4046 ag Crois Bhaile an Teampaill go dtí a hacomhal leis an R734 ag Crois Bheag na Gráige.

Bealach Eile: Ó Chrois Bhaile an Teampaill go Geata an Phóirtéaraigh go Crois Bheag na Gráige tríd an L4046 agus an R734. Cuirfear comharthaí ar bhealaí eile. Éascófar rochtain áitiúil.

Ba chóir d’aon duine atá ag iarraidh cur i gcoinne dhúnadh an bhóthair seo an agóid a dhéanamh i scríobh tríd an tairseach ar líne https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ nó i gcóip chrua roimh 12.00 meán lae Dé Máirt 9 Bealtaine, 2023 chuig Rúnaí an Chontae, Loch Garman, Comhairle Contae, Halla an Chontae, Loch Garman.

Alt 75 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993

Dúnadh Sealadach na mBóithre

Leasú

– Dátaí Athbhreithnithe

Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil cinneadh déanta ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman an bóthar atá liostaithe anseo thíos a dhúnadh do thrácht feithicle ó na dátaí athbhreithnithe Dé Luain 8 Bealtaine 2023 go dtí Dé hAoine 19 Bealtaine 2023, chun suiteáil duchtanna faoi thalamh, comhbhánna agus gníomhaíochtaí cáblaithe a éascú don chábla nua. bealach mar chuid de Thionscadal Idirnascaire Greenlink ón Oileán Mór go Trá Dhún Dónaill

Dúnadh Bóthair: L4046-1/2/3 óna acomhal leis an R737 ag Cill Bhríde go dtí a hacomhal leis an L4047 ag Baile an Ruáin.

Bealach Eile: Ó Chill Bhríde go Crois Bhaile an Oidhre go dtí an Ghráinseach go Baile an Ruáin tríd an R737, R733, R734, L4047 agus an L4048

Cuirfear comharthaí ar bhealaí eile. Éascófar rochtain áitiúil.

Alt 75 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993

Dúnadh Sealadach na mBóithre

Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil cinneadh déanta ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman dúnadh an bhóthair atá liostaithe anseo thíos a leathnú chuig trácht feithicle ó Dé hAoine 12 Bealtaine 2023 go dtí Dé hAoine 2 Meitheamh 2023, chun suiteáil duchtanna faoin talamh, comhbhánna agus gníomhaíochtaí cáblaithe a éascú don bhealach cáblach nua. mar chuid de Thionscadal Idirnascaire Greenlink ón Oileán Mór go Trá Dhún Dónaill.

Dúnadh Bóthair: R733-12/13/14, óna acomhal leis an L8077 ag Cill Mosheanóg go dtí a hacomhal leis an L4034 ag an nGráinseach.

Bealach Eile: Ó Chill Mosheanóg go Cill an Hóraigh go Ceann Poill go dtí an Ghráinseach tríd an R733, L4035 agus an L4034. Cuirfear comharthaí ar bhealaí eile. Éascófar rochtain áitiúil.

Hope and Dream 10 took place in Enniscorthy on Sunday April 2nd 2023, in aid of the Hope Cancer Support Centre CLG.

Similar to last year, the proceeds go to supporting services for its clients. These include support worker assessment and support, counselling, reflexology, massage, lymphoedema treatment, bra

and prosthesis fitting along with all its support groups.

The money raised over the past 11 years has made a huge difference to the quality of life for hundreds of people across Co. Wexford. n

Above L-R: Inspector Syl Hipwell, Tony Fagan, Anne Levingstone.

Above right: Marie and Anne Marie Foley.

Hope & Dre

Above: Watching the Hope & Dream 10 event in Enniscorthy on 2nd April.

Below: Mary Kerr, Una Doherty, Joan O’Connell and Wendy Tiernan.

Below: James O’Brien, Hannah Connelly and Matty Blackburn.

Above left: Hope & Dream Sunday, 2nd April 2023, The Prom, Enniscor

Below left: Sabrina Sludds, Pauline O’Gorman, Patrick Wals

Below: Giedrius Vasilenko, Lukasz

eam 10, 2nd April 2023

rthy – all set to go. Above centre: Members of the Gardaí on duty. Above right: Tony Fagan and Oliver Courtney ready for the off.

sh and Lilly Walsh. Below centre: Bernard O’Leary, Anne Dillon and Philip Hughes. Below right: Hillary Rowe and dog Sadie.

Welna and James Philipin. Below centre: Mary Gethings and Sharon Ryan. Below right: Barbara Cooper and Bill Murphy.

Enniscorthy Lear Official Opening, 3

Enniscorthy’s new Learn to Cycle Track was officially opened on 31st March 2023. It is located beside Enniscorthy Community Allotments and Enniscorthy Sports Hub at Cherry Orchard.

At the new track, children can learn to cycle in a safe environment with real life road features – lines, signs, roundabouts and a pedestrian crossing, and on site also there is a cycle repair station as well as a walking track around the park and adequate car-parking spaces. The park is open 24/7 but access may be restricted occasionally to allow clubs, schools etc to use it for safe cycling lessons. n

Above and below: Children from St Aidan’s primary school, Enniscorthy, trying out the new track at the official launch.

Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District, cuts the ribbon at the official ope Cycle Track, with local Councillors, TDs, Wexford Co. Council officials and children from St Aidan’s

Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD), with Claire Lawless, EMD Manager.

rn to Cycle Track

31st March 2023

ening of Enniscorthy Learn to s primary school, Enniscorthy.

Browne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District, getting ready to try out the new track at the official opening of Enniscorthy o Cycle Track, with local Councillors, TDs, Wexford Co. Council officials and children from St Aidan’s primary school, Enniscorthy.

L-R: Cllr Jackser Owens, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.

Thumbs up for the new track.

Julie Fox is a qualified Yoga teacher and Reiki level 2 practitioner. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy, works as a Recovery Education facilitator with Mental Health Ireland and has 20 years experience as a Social Care practitioner. The always-busy Julie also runs retreats under the name ‘Fox&Hen Retreats’ at the beautiful Sweetfarm Studios, Kilcarbry Cottage, just five minutes from Enniscorthy (check it out on Facebook and Instagram). Writing is another one of Julie’s interests, ‘Sharing my writing in a way that brings healing, laughter and inspiration to others, is a huge passion of mine.’ This new monthly column allows Julie to share her love of both yoga and writing.

BALASANA – CHILD’S POSE

This month I will introduce one of the most common yoga poses used in any beginners or advanced class. This is ‘Balasana’ or most commonly known as ‘Child’s Pose’. This pose is very healing as it is an opportunity to get grounded and relax in between your yoga practice. Even if you are not doing any other poses, this one alone has many benefits. It awakens the connection between the breath and

the body and sends calming energy through all of the muscles.

In addition to doing your Pranayama breath which I discussed in last month’s article, Child Pose will help relieve tension by opening the hips and elongating your back. By allowing you to breathe deeply, clean oxygen circulates the body and restores energy. Resting your forehead on the floor stimulates certain reflexes within the body that lowers the heart rate. As we withdraw our senses we literally turn within to a place of stillness. This asana (posture) helps reduce anxiety levels by lowering the stress hormone cortisol over a period of time.

How to do Child Pose

First, always remember that everyone’s anatomy is slightly different. No pose has the same feeling in the body for everyone. I always advise to listen to your own body and be mindful of your own limitations in range of motion due to injury, severe ar-

thritis or other conditions. If there is any discomfort or pain modify the pose. Feel free to support yourself with props, cushions and blankets. Yoga does not require expensive tools to support you in the practice.

We must respect the present form of our bodies but at the same time be willing to push ourselves out of our comfort zones, mentally, physically and spiritually. It is this delicate balance between ‘right pain’ and ’wrong pain’ that is the true art of Yoga.

I encourage my Yoga students to tune into their bodies and reflect on why they feel the need to push themselves into a posture their body just isn’t ready to do at this point in time. This pushing and forcing reflects how we operate in our daily lives and Yoga is an opportunity to really reconnect with our bodies and breath in a gentle and supportive way.

Outside of these considerations here is an outline of how to do Child Pose:

Sit on your shins with hips resting on the heels. Slowly bring your chest forward over the thighs and gently allow the forehead to connect with the floor (use a pillow if needed). Arms can extend forward in front of you or by your side.

I hope you enjoy ‘Balasana’ and remember 10 minutes a day will bring huge benefits to body, mind and spirit. Take time to prioritise your wellbeing as caring for ourselves is not self indulgence. It is self preservation.

Namaste.

086 0263713

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‘Yoga With Julie’

Pay-as-you-go Yoga classes, €10, suitable for Beginner-Intermediate levels at: Galbally Community Centre, Mondays at 7pm. Sweetfarm Studios, Kilcarbry Cottage, Enniscorthy, Thursdays at 7pm. The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, Mondays at 10am.

A Bunch of Beautiful Roses

This year’s Wexford Rose Bronagh Hogan was chosen to represent her county in the 2023 Rose of Tralee in the Kingdom of Kerry in August, from no less than a garden of roses at the Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey, recently.

In what must have been a nightmare for judges Donal Kenny, Karen McGillcuddy, and Chloe Heslin, Bronagh was selected from a plethora of beautiful, talented, friendly, confident girls, who made the event at the Amber Springs a class evening of entertainment, beauty, and talent, despite the fact that Presenter Ollie Turner had twenty-four marvellous candidates to interview.

Bronagh, sponsored by McCauley Pharmacy, where her mam Joan worked for nearly thirty years, is a primary school teacher at Kilrane National School and dreamed about becoming a Rose from a very young age.

She is member of Wexford Drama Group and involved with the production of The Father currently a contender in the All Ireland Drama Festival.

Bronagh, from Killegney, just outside Clonroche, can look forward not just to an amazing time in Tralee but also an amazing three days right here in her home county as she hosts the other thirty-two Roses from around Ireland and the rest of the world.

Having offered such a marvellous three-day experience to the 2022 Roses last year Wexford has been chosen as the location for a second year running and Bronagh will have the wonderful privilege of showcasing her county and all it has to offer to her rose sisters from around the globe.

The other highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the farewell speech by outgoing Wexford Rose Joy Quigley, who spoke eloquently, emotively, and proudly of her experience of a lifetime, bringing a tear to many an eye in the huge audience.

Joy said that she had never been more proud to be a Wexford woman, witnessing the wonderful warm, spontaneous, welcome given all around the county to her and her rose sisters, and she knows that many of the 2022 Roses around the world now consider Wexford a second home.

She heralded favourite moments that will always be special to her like the Parade in Gorey, the homecoming to her own village of Ferns and Chairman George Lawlor singing Boolavogue on the top of Enniscorthy Castle in full view of Vinegar Hill, reducing her and many of her fellow roses to tears.

‘I have made memories and friends that will remain with me all my life’, Joy continued, ‘I was living my best life, proud of my place, my people, my county, and my parish, and if the 2023 Rose has half the experiences I had in 2022 then she is guaranteed the time of her life.’

What a tremendous ambassador for Wexford and a wonderful endorsement of the Rose of Tralee Festival.

Thank you, Joy, for being a fantastic Wexford Rose and good luck Bronagh, we are all behind you in your quest to be crowned the 2023 Rose of Tralee.

– Words & Pics by Maria Nolan

Twenty-four marvellous candidates.

This year’s Wexford Rose Bronagh Hogan above, and with her family below: mother Joan, father Ned and sister Niamh.

Charlie Murphy’s obsession

Obsession is a new four-part thriller starring Enniscorthyborn actor Charlie Murphy

Enniscorthy-born Charlie Murphy is the star of a new series on Netflix which was launched on 13th April. The steamy, four-part thriller Obsession centres on a love triangle that spirals dangerously out of control.

On the surface, renowned surgeon William Barrow (played by Richard Armitage) leads a perfect life as part of London’s upper class. He and his wife, Ingrid, are devoted to one another and are close with their adult children, Jay and Sally. But when William meets Jay’s soon-to-be fiancée, Anna, everything changes. William and Anna soon begin a passionate affair that jeopardises their relationships with everyone around them. Obsession is directed by husband and wife creative team Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (Ordinary Love, Good Vibrations).

Charlie Murphy is probably best known for her roles in Happy Valley and Peaky Blinders – she won two IFTA Awards,

one for Best Actress in a Supporting Role as Ann Gallagher in the BBC One drama series Happy Valley, and another in 2018 for Best Actress in a Supporting Role as Jessie Eden in Peaky Blinders.

Charlie Murphy was born in Enniscorthy to parents Brenda and Pat Murphy who owned a local hair salon. At age 12, Charlie and her five siblings moved to Wexford town with her family, where her love of acting began. She attended the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, from 2006 to 2008, before her first foray into TV work in 2009 in the hit series The Clinic. Her big break was in 2010 when she got to play Siobhan Delaney in the critically acclaimed series Love/Hate for which she won Best Actress in a Lead Role at the 2015 Irish Film and Television Awards.

In addition to her starring roles on TV, Charlie's love for the stage has never faltered and she occasionally stars on the West End stage in London. n

EVIL DEAD RISE

Movie Review with Kyle Walsh 

hard to come across a good horror movie these days. But this was one I was genuinely excited about as I am a fan of the Evil Dead films. There has not been a bad entry in the franchise yet and this one is a good solid entry too, I really enjoyed it. This film franchise has been running now for over 40 years with just five films.

This entry in the franchise was written and directed by fellow Irish man Lee Cronin. Cronin brings a very gruesome, detailed imagination to his project. There’s a couple of scenes that were truly gruesome such as a needle to the eye and the unforgettable cheese grater scene. I actually felt the pain of that sitting in the cinema. I was really impressed by the gruesome creations throughout the film. If it’s thousands and thousands of gallons of blood, shotguns, chainsaws, cheese graters, all out carnage look no further. You will get all this and much more throughout the film. It’s a really well done film that will have you watching some parts through the fingers of your hands. The effects are top notch throughout and it was refreshing to see that because this film had a low enough budget of 45 million dollars. There’s a blood scene in the elevator which reminded me of the scene in the great Shining.

in a cabin in the woods to a run-down apartment block in Los Angeles. A single mother and her kids move into this apartment block and as soon as her kid finds the book of evil buried in the depths below this apartment, the mother becomes possessed and proceeds to try and kill her children which makes for a terrifying psychological horror movie.

Alyssa Sutherland is the lead here in this film as the possessed mother and I have to say she is great in it. The thing about this film that made it a good solid entry into the franchise is this fact of a mother chasing her own flesh and blood around this apartment block to try kill them. It’s an intense film, very entertaining and full of gore. There were some genuine screams in the cinema. This was really good and I really enjoyed it. I thought this film was a blast and a welcome entry to the genre.

I love the use of light and the choice of colour palette that was used. The directing was spot on and Conin got really good performances from all involved. I loved the opening credits which I thought was really well done. I’m sure we will get to visit this franchise again sometime soon in the future. I for one will be there when it does arrive. So overall folks, this film gets a good solid 8/10 from me. I highly recommend it. It does exactly as it says on the tin. n

WHEELOCKS LAUNCH NEW STRAWBERRY WEEKEND

The Village at Wheelocks held its press launch last month for its upcoming 'Wexford Strawberry Weekend'.

The Wexford Strawberry Weekend food and drink festival will take place on the 1st and 2nd of July at The Village at Wheelocks situated at Finchogue, Enniscorthy, and is a unique opportunity for producers, vendors, and customers to come together on a working farm to celebrate the excellent produce that the South-East region has to offer. It will feature over 50

artisan traders selling food, drink, arts, crafts etc, live music on dedicated stages, cookery demonstrations, kids' entertainment, family picnic area, and lots of other activities.

Cyril Wheelock says, "We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and vendors for their incredible support of the Wexford Strawberry Weekend food and drink festival launch. Your presence was truly appreciated and helped to make the evening all the more special." n

For updates, keep an eye on: https://wexfordstrawberryweekend.ie

Above left: Cyril Wheelock, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District, Margaret Wheelock. Above right: Isaac and Trish Wheelock, the very first customers into the restaurant at Wheelocks over four years ago, with Cyril and Margaret Wheelock.

Above

Above right: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy with Anne Wildes explaining the honey

Left: Glenn Nolan and Katherine Conaty with their recent arrival, beautiful baby Alex, and proud grandparents Joan and Barry Nolan.

Below left: Michael Bennett, Ger Mahoney (IFA) and Ed Murphy.

Below centre: Eimear and Ciara Doyle.

Below right: Tess and Tom Wheelock.

ove left: Tracey Squance and Hilary Jordan who will be participating in the Strawberry Weekend, and Rachel Jordan. Above right: Some of the launch attendees.

Above left: Looking for the Queen Bee were Darragh and Aoife Kennedy and their mum watched by Anne Wildes, Tara Hill Honey.

centre: Philip Somers, Peter Donnellan, and Liam Higgins.

production process.

Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District, with Warren Wheelock at The Village at Wheelocks press launch last month for its upcoming 'Wexford Strawberry Weekend'.

‘SHADOW O WORLD

The movie premiere of The Shadow claimed book of the same name, to Centre, Enniscorthy, on 28th April

First up, though, on the night was a made by the wonderful Cathy Keane who has taken Enniscorthy to his hea

The main event followed – The Shad Donaghue and Jer Ennis about the W members of Enniscorthy Historical R performances under the expert direc Both films were a huge achievement prominent role Enniscorthy played in And a special mention for Edel Kelly the night.

Don’t be too surprised to see a follo production sooner rather than later!

L-R: Fiona McDermott and Summer Venn Keane (actresses), Brendan Keane (Enniscorthy Guardian), Fintan Kelly.

Top left: Jer Ennis Maria Nolan (writer Summer Venn K Billy Phayres Dick Donaghue

Far left: Paul Kehoe Cadogan (Enniscor Re-enactment Cllr Kathleen Co Edel Kelly (Enniscor Re-enactment

Left: Roisin Williams, Mairead Ennis, A O’Rourk

Right: Cathy K James Sca

Photos: Slaney

L-R: Cathy Keane, Dr Mairead Kelly, Jimmy Gahan, Tim Corrigan. L-R:

OF FREEDOM’ PREMIERE

w of Freedom based on Maria Nolan’s acook place at a packed Presentation Arts 2023.

30-minute film about 1798 in Co. Wexford e and the creative James Scanlon, a Cork man art.

dow of Freedom – a 30-minute movie by Dick War of Independence and starring many e-enactment Society, who all put in amazing ction of Dick Donaghue. by all concerned and a reflection of the very n the fight for Irish freedom. for all the beautiful baking and fine food on ow-up movie based on Maria’s writings go into n y News and Cathy Keane.

s (producer), and producer), Keane and (actors), (director).

e TD, Graham rthy Historical Society), odd-Nolan, rthy Historical Society).

, John Murphy, Ann Marie ke. Keane and nlon.

Above left: Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach, Wexford Co. Council), Maria Nolan, Cllr Cathal Byrne. Above right: Caroline Busher, Carol Long, Maria Nolan. Below left: Paula Shaughnessy, Terri Foley and Mary Walsh. Below right: Maria Nolan and director Dick Donaghue introducing the movie.

Superb cake craft by Edel Kelly.

Madeline Breen, Joan O’Ruairc, Karen Franklin, Maria Nolan. L-R: Jim Nolan, Sheila Doyle, Maire Doyle, Maria Nolan, Jimbob Doyle, Jessica Doyle, Jacqui Murphy and Terri Foley.

World renowned soprano to join Enniscorthy’s Silvertones for special concert

A special concert will take place on 31st May at 8pm in St Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, featuring the world-renowned soprano Celine Byrne, with two local charities benefiting from the proceeds – Wexford Relay for Life and Wexford Hospice Homecare.

Celine will be joined in the concert by the Enniscorthybased Silvertones – one of the biggest and best choirs in Co. Wexford, boasting up to 50 singers.

Tickets, cash only, cost €20 and are available from any Silvertones committee or choir member, and also on the door on the night. Or ring 087 246 5250 or 089 414 2626.

Silvertones Chairman Danny Lunn tells us that despite its impressive size, the choir is always open to new members, particularly men!!!

Started thirteen years ago by Sheelagh O’Leary (who is still invoved) and her late husband Liam, the choir is now under the expert guidance of its wonderful Musical Director Eithne Corrigan – a name synonymous with great music in Co. Wexford over many years. n

Celine Byrne

Silvertones – one of the biggest and best choirs in Co. Wexford.

Make a little time just for yourself

Retreats are a wonderful, healthy way to reconnect with your most inner being and get away from the rush and push of everyday living. Fox&Hen Retreats at Sweetfarm Studios, Kilcarbry House, affords one that wonderful opportunity.

Julie and Lauren hope that you will join them at their beautiful venue on 20th May and take time out in nature to heal, reflect and re-energise.

What a beautiful way to reconnect with yourself, friends and nature!

The days offering includes:

~ Rest & Relaxation

~ Breathwork

~ Meditation

~ Yoga Nidra

~ Gentle Yoga

~ Moving Meditation

~ Creative Self Expression with Art

~ Nature Walks

~ River Walks

~ Angel Cards

~ Beautiful Westgate Salads

~ Connections

Text 086 0263713 for further details or follow on Facebook & Instagram @foxandhenretreats.

A little Introduction to the two ladies facilitating the retreat on the 20th of May – Lauren & Julie:

Julie is a 200-hour Yoga teacher and co- founder of Fox&Hen Retreats. Her background is in social care for 15 years. She is also qualified in group facilitation and currently works in the area of mental health. Julie is also a Reiki practitioner and holds an advanced diploma in Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy. Julie is passionate about mental health and wellbeing. Through her work, she hopes to inspire and empower others to live a life of wellness, joy, creativity and have fun along the way. Julie possesses a quirky sense of humour which brings a lightness and sense of freedom to her retreats. Her philosophy is that self-care and wellness does not have to be all serious – having fun is healing too.

hour studies. She is founder of LK•Yoga in Gorey where she runs yoga classes, retreats and workshops. Lauren also co-hosts Cacao ceremonies with 'Awakened Heart' and runs 'An Fhirinne' – a weekly women’s circle – see ‘An Fhirinne’ on Facebook. She is an active artist and Lauren uses this creative energy as part of her work and weaves it beautifully into her retreats and workshops.

Both women are delighted to welcome you to this retreat which won’t fail to disappoint. Aside from qualifications and experience which is all very important, these ladies are also kind, genuine, fun and they are always open to learning more from everyone they meet on their journey.

Text 086 0263713 to book or for more information.

Lauren is a 500-hour Yoga teacher, only recently home from India where she completed her 300- Julie.

Check their Facebook and Instagram pages for all details and updates @foxandhenretreats. n

Fox&Hen Retreats is at Sweetfarm Studios at the idyllic Kilcarbry House, Enniscorthy.

WOWing in

A young Ukrainian hair and beauty salon owner, ber last. Determined to contribute to the social English and did a Start Your Own Business Cour Ukraine, Olena has proudly opened a new hair a The opening was done in style with the 4 C’s: Cham We spoke at the opening with Caitriona Houlihan, corthy, which is home to 120 Ukrainians. She was f Enniscorthy, most of whom are now working and c schools.

Anyone interested in offering employment to Ukra we'll put you in contact with the appropriate perso Suzanne O'Leary, Linda Tobin and all involved in En come and integrate the Ukrainian arrivals into the Enniscorthy Fáilte: https://www.facebook.com/en

Check out wow_beautysalon_ie on Instagram. Te

Olena Anastasenko in her new WOW salon at Duffry Hill, Enniscorthy.

Enniscorthy

, Olena Anastasenko, arrived in Enniscorthy in Septemand commercial life of the town, she set about learning rse. Now, just six months after arriving from war-torn and beauty salon at Duffry Hill called WOW.

mpagne, Cake, Cocktails and formal Cutting of the ribbon. the Social Care Manager of Carrig Tur, Spring Valley, Ennisulsome in her praise for the Ukrainian community here in contributing locally, and their children attending local

ainian people living here can contact the Slaney News and on.

nniscorthy Fáilte deserve huge credit for helping to wellocal community.

nniscorthyfailte/ Email: enniscorthyfailte@gmail.com

Tel: 087 372 6180. n

Left: Linda Tobin (Enniscorthy Fáilte) with Olena’s mother Valentina and sister Julia. Below left: Jimmy Gahan (Enniscorthy Chamber) with Olena. Below right: Caitriona Houlihan (Social Care Manager, Carrig Tur), Olena and her sister Julia.

Young, local music artists making their mark

ALPHI DEMP

Young Enniscorthy musician and artist

Alphi Demp has just released his first album which was recorded and produced by Brendan Carthy at his Orchard Studios in Enniscorthy.

Two singles have also been released called ‘You are enough’ and ‘Laps’. Check them out:

https://open.spotify.com/track/7ub3Aa XjcQhdCmK2ZkBBDY?si=5a552302dec 44e28

https://open.spotify.com/track/1R9bL WiHMdKJgHcKKA0mQ7?si=d47a2d95 b3a240ed

Here's the link to the album which contains 12 songs:

https://open.spotify.com/album/13adzj wVTtuhBZyu0dFtAV?si=RS2wfv7gSLKn 8sGeo_pOYg

The list of players, and credits:

Brendan Carthy – Recording Engineer, Producer, Drums.

'Die Taken' – Synthesizer, Keys. Fae – Flute.

Elle – Backing Vocals.

Tara Ni Bhradain – Soprano.

Pat Fleming – Blues Harp.

James Murphy – Screams.

Rest of instruments played by Alphi Demp.

Additional single artwork by: Sionnain Ni Fhraoch, Oonagh Latchford, Lucie Holzer, Adam Burke.

Follow Alphi Demp on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphi_dem p/?hl=en n

EOIN DEVEREUX

Eoin Devereux is a 20-year-old musician and artist based in Enniscorthy who has released a new music video for his song, ‘What A Friend You Were’.

As a local musician, Eoin is passionate about contributing to the cultural landscape of our town, and it’s great to see so many young, talented musicians like Eoin plying their trade here in Enniscorthy.

Take a look at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx-iLVjHyI4 n

RACHEL GRACE

Award-winning Wexford singer-songwriter Rachel Grace recently celebrated her 21st birthday at a surprise party at The Sky and the Ground pub in Wexford town.

Rachel will have an album on release before the end of this year and, meanwhile, the first single from it, Rough Patch, has been receiving a lot of airplay nationally since it was released last October. And a new single is due for release later this month. n

Calligraphy by Blossom Ink Studio.

Album artwork painted by Alphi Demp

Alphi Demp Pic: Niall Smith, taken at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

Eoin Devereux

Opinion You Didn't Ask For Podcast

Dancing with Declan

Keep up to date with the local dancing scene on: https://www.facebook.com/DancingwithDec https://www.facebook.com/socialdancingdateswexford 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

Best of luck to Enniscorthy’s Dan at international Elvis festival

Enniscorthy’s Dan Kirwan, the ‘Irish Elvis’, will be representing Ireland at this month’s international Elvis festival in Blackpool, England. Running from the 19th-21st May 2023, Dan says he’s really looking forward to this event, “Blackpool here I come!”

For more information: www.elviscontestival.co.uk

Follow Dan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irishelvis1 n

The launching of Tony’s Res Saltees Coast Hot

Tonys at the Saltees Coast Hotel, Kilmore Quay, is an exciting new restaurant and wine bar operated by prize-winning chef Tony Leonard.

While cooking with fish is one of Tony’s great passions, his menu contains many different dishes, to which he has applied his own partricular twist. The roast of the day, steak dishes and curries are always popular. And the desserts on offer will happily complete any meal. An Early Bird Menu (12 noon to

5pm) is available for €22.95 for two courses in addition to the later (5pm to 9pm) dinner menu.

A fine sandwich menu starting at €7.50 is available every day from 12 noon and tea, coffee and fine wines are always available. Tonys also caters for private groups and parties.

Every dish served must get Tony’s approval before it leaves the kitchen. He has a friendly welcoming staff who will be de-

The launching of Tonys Restaurant and Wine Bar on 12th April, 2023.

Above: Kate Quirke and Sarah Hyland. Right: Ann and John Roche (Proprietor, Saltees Coast Hotel). Below left: Yvonne and Aisling Kehoe.

Below right: Mary and Marty Robinson. Bottom left: Regina Kehoe and photographer Ray Flynn. Bottom right: Dom and Trish Roche.

staurant and Wine Bar at the tel, Kilmore Quay

lighted to see you drop in whether for a coffee and snack or a full meal.

Tony holds the shield for the Anne Kehoe Perpetual Trophy for Best Seafood Platter for 2021 and 2022, a title he will strongly defend later this year.

Most people who visit Kilmore Quay are aware that in summertime parking is a problem, but not at the Saltees Coast Hotel.

There’s ample car-parking even during the busiest of times. So don’t let that stop you going to this beautiful part of Co. Wexford. Park for free at the hotel, go for your walk and on your return you may feel like dropping in to Tonys for a meal or simply tea, coffee or light snack. You will be very welcome.

Tonys at the Saltees Coast Hotel, Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford. Call on 089 4956389 for reservations or just drop in anytime. n

The launching of Tonys Restaurant and Wine Bar: Above left: John and Margaret Stamp. Above right: Beautiful Kilmore Quay Marina. Left: Aider Muradasylov, Leniie Muradasylova, Iryna Porfirova, Dmytro Porfirov. Below left: Marie Tennant, Tony Leonard, Emma Walsh and David Tennant. Below: Old friends, Ray Flynn, photographer and John Roche of the Saltees Coast Hotel.

Old Fogertys raise €1,245 at their hooley at Holohans for Hospice

Top right: Niall Holohan blasting out a tune. Above left: The Old Fogertys – Pat Murphy, Eddie Crean, Brendan Carthy and Richard King accompanying Madeline Breen. Above right: Kathy Bergin, Niamh Crowhurst, Karen Franklin. Below left: The Old Fogertys with Bryan Stacey. Below right: Murt Murphy. Bottom left: Niamh Murphy. Bottom right: Fintan Kelly.

Out with the Hunchback, in with the Phantom!

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME – SIX NIGHTS OF RAPTUROUS APPLAUSE AND STANDING OVATIONS – WHAT A TRIUMPH!

Wexford Light Opera Society was thrilled with the response to their production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame which finished its run in the National Opera House on Saturday, 29th April, with many people suggesting it was the society’s best ever production.

This stunning show, full of beautiful music and amazing choreography from start to finish, was blessed with an exceptional front line of Michael O’Gorman – Quasimodo; Tony Carty – Frollo; Niamh Cullen – Esmeralda; Thomas Furlong

Phoebus and Eric Hayes

Clopin, and backed up by a chorus whose singing from start to finish was flawless. No doubt a slew of nominations for the annual AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) awards will be forthcoming.

Never ones to rest on their laurels, the society, through its PRO Nicky Kehoe, has announced that “the society had been granted the licence to perform the fabulous West End and Broadway favourite The Phantom of the Opera next year at the National Opera House from 29th April to the 4th May 2024”.

WLOS is excited to have secured the rights to this wonderful musical by the famous composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber. The production is packed with musical favourites such as: The Phantom of the Opera, The Music of the Night, and All I Ask of You. n

GREAT MUSIC FESTIVAL SET FOR THIS JUNE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND IN ENNISCORTHY

The Roots Rhythms Festival is coming to Enniscorthy for the June Bank Holiday (just a few weeks away!) and will be the perfect start to the musical summer here in town.

Formerly known as the Strawberry Roots Festival, this year’s version is promising an exciting lineup of bands and artists including JMA, Acko, Niall Toner, The Bopalulaz, Dermot Byrne, Trader Sam, BC Blues Band, Alan Power & Aftershocks, etc.

Any individual or business who can assist with sponsorship is kindly asked to contact the organisers at 086 384 1402 or through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RootsRhythmsFest

THE ROOTS RHYTHMS FESTIVAL – SUPPORTING LIVE MUSIC, SUPPORTING CREATIVE ARTISTS! n

Always lots happening at Enniscorthy Library

Enniscorthy Library events May 2023, for more information and to book your place contact 053 9236055.

In Celebration of Bealtaine, beginner-friendly yoga will take place Tuesday mornings this May on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd at 10:30am. Join Sióg for a yoga class on one or more of the sessions. Yoga mats will be provided.

Hedgerows Fit for Birds and Bees. Join Dr Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management, in Enniscorthy Library for a talk on 'Hedgerows Fit for Birds and Bees'. Thursday, May 4th at 7pm.

Environment Awareness drop-in Session for Families. What activities can families do at home to get involved? Drop in on Saturday morning the 6th of May for tips on how to reduce your household waste, what can be recycled and how to segregate your waste and ideas to prevent waste. Saturday, May 6th, 10:3012:30pm.

Flora of Wexford Churchyards Talk. Join Paul Green as he shares his passion for the flora of churchyards and cemeteries. Thursday, May 11th at 7pm.

Good Dog Workshop. Get advice on how to take your dog for a walk on a lead and not the other way around, and lots of other hints and tips from professional dog trainer Philip Davis. (Adult audience). Friday, May 12th at 11am.

Out at the Movies, a cinema evening for grown-ups with a 'book to screen' film. Thursday, May 18th at 6pm.

Book Reading. Mary Cotter visits to read excerpts from her short story collections and from her first and current novel. Thursday, May 25th at 7pm.

Digital Ambassador. Do you want to know how to use your device to access the library eServices? Book an appointment to chat with Enniscorthy Library’s Digital Ambassador.

CHILDREN’S CORNER:

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time every Tuesday at 10:30am. Family Movie. May family movie, Saturday, May 13th at 11am.

World Bee Day Event. Join in for a family Bee-tastic Storytime in Enniscorthy Library. Bee-there Saturday, May 20th at 10:30am.

REGULAR EVENTS:

New members are always welcome.

The Slaney Writers meet the second Thursday of the month at 6:30pm.

The Adult Book Club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7pm.

The Junior Book Club for 13-16 year olds meet on the last Thursday of the month at 3:30pm.

TEENAGE BOOK CLUB STARTING SOON!

The club will meet monthly on a Friday. Suitable for ages 13-16 years. A book will be chosen each month for members to read and discuss at the next meet-up. Events and activities for club members will be organised throughout the year. Phone Enniscorthy Library to register your interest. n

Enniscorthy Castle exhibition

“Enterprise & Determination” is a unique exhibition illustrating the origins and development of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) and showcases the variety of crafts, skills and achievements of the ICA women through the years.

Speaking at the official opening of the exhibition, Breda Cahill, Chair of the Wexford Federation of the ICA, said, “I am so privileged that the Enniscorthy Castle deemed the ICA and their endeavours worthy of an exhibition.” Ms. Cahill also elaborated on the strength and determination of the women throughout the 1950s and 1960s when they were instrumental in improving the quality of drinking water and embraced the country’s new rural electrification scheme.

Mico Hassett, Manager of Enniscorthy Castle, said, 'At Enniscorthy Castle, we love highlighting the endeavours of the local community and what better way than an exhibition on the history of the Irish Countrywomen's Association. Our new exhibition is called 'Enterprise and Determination', which is a quote from the Chairman of the ESB in the 1950s, reflecting on the work of the ICA in bringing electrification to rural communities.'

Members of the local Wexford guilds attended the exhibition launch and enjoyed the comprehensive display curated in-house by Mico Hassett and her team. Attendance also included Cllr. Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan.

The temporary exhibition “Enterprise & Determination, A History of the ICA” is running until June and is included in the general admission to the Castle. n

ONE FOR YOUR DIARY...

Mark it in your diaries and calendars, the Enniscorthy Rockin' Food & Fruit Festival returns once again this year over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

More details to be announced soon so keep an eye on their Social Media channels for regular updates.

The launch of the new movie based on Maria Nolan’s acclaimed novel, ‘The Shadow of Freedom’, took place at The Presentation Arts Centre on 28th April. See story and more photos on pages 62-63.

Pic: Cathy Keane.

Time for a laugh!

The ‘Bailey Laughs’ monthly comedy club has been a huge success and continues to run monthly at The Bailey, Barrack Street, Enniscorthy. To get in touch: baileylaughscomedy@gmail.com For updates: https://www.facebook.com/baileylaughscomedy n

Red Books now open in Gorey

Co. Wexford’s award-winning independent bookshop – Red Books – has opened a new branch in Gorey situated within the Hawthorn & Mayblossom shop at No.2, Rafter Street, and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. The existing shop at Peter’s Square, Wexford town, continues to operate as normal.

The new Gorey outlet will most likely foster artistic groups and events similar to the huge, positive effect the Wexford town shop has had on the arts community there since it opened three years ago. We wish the proprietor Wally O’Neill every success with his two shops going forward. n

Ready for the All-Ireland finals

Wexford Drama Group’s production of The Father, by Florian Zeller, will be staged at the All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone on 3rd May. The lead performer in the play is Enniscorthy’s statesman of theatre, Andy Doyle, whose CV is chockablock with awards, commendations and All-Ireland drama victories garnered over many years performing and directing.

Andy is enjoying playing the lead role of Andre in The Father for which he secured many Best Actor awards at various qualifying festivals in the lead-up to the All-Ireland Drama finals in Athlone.

And what a busy time it has been for Bronagh Hogan who, as well as starring in the play, has just been chosen as the winner of the Wexford heat of the Rose of Tralee competition.

We wish Andy, Bronagh and all the team the best of luck as they seek to bring All-Ireland glory back to Wexford and Enniscorthy! n

Andy Doyle (right) with director Paul Walsh.

Best of luck to Wexford Drama Group in the All-Ireland Drama Finals

The Presentation Arts Centre

Damien Murphy, a local Enniscorthy man, recently published his first book through Amazon. The book is titled: Irish Spy (ISA) Chronicles Book 1: Diving In and Damien will be hosting a book launch in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on the 12th May 2023, 7pm-9pm, and the good news is that everyone’s invited!

If you would like to go along, just RSVP Damien at 085 2312954 or email murphydamien94@gmail.com n

Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival

The Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival will take place over the June Bank Holiday weekend (3rd and 4th June). There will be a whole new sustainability section to the festival so keep an eye out on Facebook (‘Enniscorthy Street Rhythms’) for more details on this exciting new development and all the other events taking place during the festival. Full details also in the June issue of Slaney News. n

With a stunning voice that has been described as “a beautiful tapestry with many vibrant colours”, Niamh Strong blends elements of blues, soul, and jazz, to enthrall her audiences. Coming to The Presentation Arts Centre, Saturday 8th July, 8.30pm. Tickets €20 (+booking fee). One not to be missed! n

For details and booking on all upcoming events: www.presentationcentre.ie

Tony McCann and Trish Dagg

Slimmers in Enniscorthy can choose from a huge range of classes provided by Tony McCann and Trish Roche. See page 93.

Easter at Killegney Early Years

Easter Egg Hunt at Killegney Early Years, Clonroche

Above left: Lauren and proprietor Orlagh. Left: Tara. Right: Conor. Below left: Look what I got!

Below: Everybody happy with their eggs.

Aoife.

Bradan.

Conor and Lauren.

Emily, Tara and Ava-Rae.

Aoife and Lexi.

Fiadh, proprietor Orlagh and Finn.

Liam, Finn and Odhram.

Jimmy Furlong and PJ Furlong.

Ned Whelan and George Griffin.

Paddy Kenny and Sean Duggan.

Tractor Run Parish Church

Noel O’Reilly.

Paddy Buckley, Paddy Hayes and Paddy Kenny.

Reuben Shedwell and Ciaran Scallan.

Far

Left:

Above:

Right:

John Spillane – rooted in people, place and story

John Spillane

Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely

Saturday 13th May, 8pm

Doors open 7.30pm €24/€22

The Courthouse Arts Centre is pleased to welcome back John Spillane this May. A firm favourite with its audiences, one can expect top quality entertainment through song and storytelling on the night.

John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer.

Rooted in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate audiences around the world.

As an artist his music appeals to listeners across many genres and generations. His vocal style has a unique almost sean-nos like quality and his performances shimmer with the magic realism that permeates many of his songs as he effortlessly flits between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to roguish, irreverent humour. John has the ability to charm, mesmerise and entertain in equal measure.

A native of Cork, the county he lovingly describes as “the centre of the universe”, it is a source of huge creative influence throughout his career.

John’s music is inspired by and encapsulates Irish traditional music in its contemporary form – a reflection of Ireland today.

A two-time Meteor Award winner for Best Folk/Trad act, John is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland today. With an extensive back catalogue beginning with the 1997 album The Wells of the World, his songs have been covered by Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Sean Keane and many others. Twelve albums later, in April 2021, John released his first independent album in 20 years, 100 Snow White Horses.

In October 2022, John released In

Another Light, a career-spanning album recorded live at Cork Opera House in November 2021. The songs on it range from 1983 right up to 2020. This album is a result of a live concert with the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra in November 2021 as part of the Right Here Right Now festival.

Every person involved with the concert experienced these songs in a different way. For John and Pauline Scanlon, who have been performing these pieces for years, it meant learning them anew, in collaboration with the orchestra. For the orchestra, playing newly-orchestrated pieces brings new challenges and excitement.

For the audience members, they could sit back and experience these well known and much loved songs as they have never heard them before.

The resulting recordings are a perfect marriage of true lyrical and melodical brilliance of the songs, lifted by the per-

fect accompaniment of a professional orchestra.

What the experts say:

Glorious technicolour hues that transcend linguistic boundaries; world music for a new world. – Irish Times.

John Spillane, startlingly alive to the breath of nature, is among the last of the great bards. 100 Snow White Horses is a balm to soothe sore souls... 9/10. – Hot Press.

John writes catchy, heartfelt folk-pop songs with the bonus of actually meaning something. – The Sunday Business Post.

John's songs are the heart and soul of our island and they'll be sung around the world for as long as there is song. – Damien Dempsey.

I sing John Spillane songs everywhere I go. John has been my favourite songwriter for the past ten years. – Christy Moore. n

John Spillane

Pic: Fionn Hennessy-Hayes

In association with Arts Department of Wexford County Council and the Arts Council

Wexford County Council Arts Department in partnership with Wexford Arts Centre and the Arts Council, is seeking expressions of in terest from primary schools and visual artists to participate in the Living Arts Project commencing in September/October 2023. The deadline for expressions of interest is approaching – 4pm, Thursday 11th May, 2023.

The aim of the Living Arts Project is to provide children with an understanding and appreciation of contemporary visual art. Selected primary schools have the opportun ity to host an artist in residence during the school year.

Eight Wexford-based artists will be selected and partnered with schools to create a body of work over the school year. The residencies prioritise the development of the artists’ practice within the project and encourage engaging work from the pupils. The project also offers teachers an opportunity to ob-

serve and learn creative practices for use in the classroom.

The residencies will culminate in an exhibition of work from participating schools at Wexford Arts Centre in April 2024. Pupils participating in the project have the benefit of detailed guidance from the artist over the period of the

residency and the opportunity to see their work exhibited in a gallery for their friends and family to view.

Applications are now being received from interested primary schools and visual artists for lead and assistant roles. Joint applications for artists seeking to fulfil lead and assistant roles are welcome.

Established in 2013, the Living Arts Project is a long-term visual arts educational scheme which consolidates the existing partnership between the Arts Department of Wexford County Council (WCC) and Wexford Arts Centre. It makes engagement with the fundamentals of contemporary visual art accessible for young audiences.

For further information on the Living Arts Project and how to apply please log on to https://livingartsproject.ie/

The deadline for expressions of interest is 4pm on Thursday, 11th May, 2023. n

Top prizes for young local artists

WEXFORD STUDENTS WIN TOP PRIZES IN TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION

Two Wexford students have won major prizes in this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

In the 16-18 years age category, third prize was won by Sarah McLoughlin (age 17), a pupil at Bridgetown College, for her artwork entitled ‘The Points Race’. Her work is described by Final Adjudicator, Professor Gary Granville, as

“art that uses light and shade to try to express 21st century life through a Rembrandt lens.”

In the 9-11 years age category, first prize was won by 10-years old Lilia Litwin, a pupil at Gorey Educate Together National School, for her artwork entitled ‘My Self Portrait’. Her work is described by Professor Granville as “a self-portrait that captures a sense of the person behind the paint.”

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first competition held in 1955. This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Wexford and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended. n

Lots on at Courthouse Arts Centre

There’s always lots happening at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. Two upcoming highlights:

Anne Gildeas's ‘How to get the menopause and enjoy it!’ 6th May.

Anne Gildea is waxing her moustache, slathering on the Oestrogel and boiling with excitement about her hit show which has been wowing audiences and critics alike since its sell-out launch last year.

John Spillane, 13th May.

See page 84 for full details.

For complete listing of upcoming music, drama, comedy, film, art, etc, see: https://www.courthousearts.ie/whats-on n

Pic: Terence White.

Above left: Proud winner, 10-year-old Lilia Litwin, a pupil at Gorey Educate Together National School, with her prize-winning work entitled ‘My Self Portrait’. Above right: Sarah McLoughlin (age 17), a pupil at Bridgetown College, pictured with her prize-winning work entitled ‘The Points Race’ with her father Stephen and mother Ruth.

CALLING ALL LGBTQIA+ CREATIVES!

Wexford Pride is planning a Pride Art Trail down Wexford town’s Main Street to shine a spotlight on queer artists during pride month – June 2023.

The exhibition is open to all LGBTQIA+ artists (you do not necessarily need to be from Wexford).

If you are interested in exhibiting your work, get in touch with Wexford Pride via email with 'Pride Art Trail' in the subject. The group looks forward to hearing from you soon.

Email: wexfordpride@gmail.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/WexfordPride/ n

Enniscorthy Book Club

Check out the club’s Facebook page for full information and details on when the club meets up. https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthybookclub n

Wexford Co. Council’s art collection

Check out Wexford County Council’s impressive art collection on: http://wexfordcountycouncilartcollection.com n

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy

Check out www.presentationcentre.ie for upcoming events n

What a great idea!

Are you over 50 and interested in going to Arts & Cultural events but have no one to go with? If so, check out Wexford Cultural Companions – an Age & Opportunity arts initiative, supported by Wexford County Council and Wexford Age Friendly. n

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000

The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529

For more information or to attend the monthly coffee morning, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4sf396ru

Busy Bees connecting Wexford

Historic Ferns was the location on 15th April 2023 for the launch of Do The Little Things, a public art project, linking Ferns and St. Aidan with St. David of Pembrokeshire in Wales.

The project, launched by Chairman of Wexford County Council George Lawlor, was commissioned by Ancient Connections and is the work of Welsh artist Bedwyr Williams and connects the communities of Ferns and St. Davids through the age-old practice of beekeeping.

Bees have linked Wales and Wexford since the 6th century, when, according to Rev. Paul Mooney, Dean of St. Edan’s Cathedral, Ferns, St. David gifted a hive of bees to an Irish pupil, St. Aidan, Edan or Mogue, after the bees had twice followed the monk home to Ireland and had to be brought back.

The beautiful living sculpture installed in both locations, Ferns, and St. Davids, as three oversized skeps or hives made from exquisite Canadian cedar wood, will contain bee colonies that are being cared for by local beekeepers and community groups who will be harvesting and selling the honey in labelled jars designed by the artist and local school children.

Launching at Edan’s Cathedral, George Lawlor had tremendous praise for the EU-funded, innovative project, linking Wexford and Wales through our common interest in the marvellous little bee, that continues to be a source of sweetness and light through the centuries, as Chairman Lawlor put it, ‘May the honey from Ferns sweeten your day, and the candle wax light your night.’

Before the walnut-whip-styled hives were blessed and unveiled in the grounds of St. Edan’s, the congregation were treated to a stellar performance of beautiful music and song by the very talented Melanie O’Reilly, David Creevy, and the Chord on Blues Ferns Community Choir led by Mary Moulds.

St. Aidan and the Sea Monster – a rather tall tale was eloquently recited by Margaret Cristopher before people gathered outside where the hives were blessed with water from

the nearby St. Mogue’s Well by Rev. Mooney and Rev. Patrick Cushen.

Artist Bedwyr Williams told those gathered that his inspiration for the project came from being ‘interested in objects that invite communities to become active participants to make the artwork whole’.

Local beekeeper Joe Kelly was busy as a bee answering the plethora of questions coming from the intrigued audience.

The wonderfully interactive project takes its name from the last words of St. David, ‘Do the little things’ and is likely a lesson to us all even in today’s fast-moving world.

Taking pleasure in doing the little things is perhaps the secret of a happy life, handed down all those centuries ago by St. David.

The beekeeping project is open to the public.

I hope to make a trip to St. Davids in the coming weeks and the corresponding hives or skeps are most certainly on my bucket list of things to visit.

– Words & pics by Maria Nolan

& Wales

Top left: Billy Byrne (Tourism Officer, Wexford Co. Council) and Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Council). Top right: Liz Burns (Arts Officer, Wexford Co. Council). Left: Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District) with Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach, Wexford Co. Council). Above: Joe Kelly (beekeeper) and artist Bedwyr Williams.

Below left: Very Rev Paul Mooney (Ferns), Cllr George Lawlor, Bedwyr Williams, Catherine McPartlin (Ferns), Very Rev Patrick Cushen (Ferns). Below: Catherine McPartlin. Bottom left: Singer Melanie O’Reilly (left) and guitarist David Creevy (right). All pics: Maria Nolan.

Exhibition at Wexford Co. Council

Sift - a touring exhibition of new multimedia artwork by artists from east Ireland and west Wales commissioned by Ancient Connections

Sift is a touring exhibition of new multimedia artwork by artists from east Ireland and west Wales commissioned by Ancient Connections. It runs Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm, at Wexford County Council head office, Carricklawn, Wexford, until Friday 19 May 2023.

Wexford County Council in partnership with Wexford Arts

Centre is delighted to present Sift – a touring exhibition of new multimedia artwork by artists from east Ireland and west Wales commissioned by the Ancient Connections Ireland Wales co-operation programme. The exhibition, featuring new work by David Begley, Sylvia Cullen, Linda Norris, John Sunderland, and Sean Vickery, developed over the last two years and travelled from Oriel Y Parc and the Refectory, St. David’s Cathedral, Wales. Sift will run in Wexford County Council until Friday 19 May 2023.

The exhibition weaves together the themes of journeying, sacred places, ancestral heritage, storytelling and longing for home through photography, animation, sound, participatory arts, text, story, glass and light. The artists have been inspired by the findings of the Ancient Connections wider project. Historical research, folklore and story gathering have revealed deep connections between these two regions and the archaeological excavations and geophysical surveys at Whitesands and in Ferns, Wexford tell a story of travel and connection between Wexford and Pembrokeshire from pre-history to the modern day.

Writer Sylvia Cullen, based in Wexford, said, “‘It is the sea which connects us’ – These were the words which resonated most deeply with me, when researching this commission. Writing and recording a quartet of new short stories in response to several of the Ancient Connections themes, was the focus of my work. Most of the characters and worlds which emerged were informed by lives and events connected to the seawaters linking Pembrokeshire and North Wexford.”

Multimedia artist Seán Vicary has created a new video installation and said, ‘My work responds to a month spent working alongside Dyfed Archaeological Trust during the excavation of an early medieval cemetery threatened by imminent coastal erosion at St Patrick’s Chapel, Whitesands. Although initially occupying the role of outside observer, I gradually became more directly involved with the dig, until eventually joining the archaeologists and other volunteers in helping to uncover and remove burials.’

David Begley has been Artist in Residence with Ancient Connections since 2020. His research into medieval farming practices, St Aidan of Ferns, medicinal plants, medieval manuscripts and ink making, as well as contemporary farming and healing practices in Ferns have inspired David’s current body of work Small Finds in drawing, painting and video.

Linda Norris has created a light and glass installation featuring a virtual dresser that incorporates poetry written by partici-

pants from Pembrokeshire and Ireland inspired by found ceramic shards and sandblasted onto glass pieces. Linda says, ‘In essence, the work imaginatively investigates powerful human connections across time and landscapes. These tiny shards provide a portal into other lives and places, and journeying there inspires us to reflect on our own.’

In his series of lightboxes titled Unheimlich, John Sunderland documents the new pilgrimage route from Ferns to St. Davids, imagining how someone from the medieval period would have reacted to these landscapes, as they were and how they are today, photographing scenes that epitomise these reflections.

Ancient Connections Project Officer Ruth Jones said, ‘We are delighted to be finally able to present to the public the remarkable work these artists have been engaged with in the last two years. They have delved deep into the themes of the Ancient Connections project and audiences will be rewarded by their creative responses. They have made potent and meaningful connections between places, human experiences and histories that have shaped landscapes as well as cultural experiences of the people of Wexford and Pembrokeshire.’

Wexford County Council Arts Officer, Liz Burns said, ‘It’s an honour to host this exhibition in Wexford County Council, and to present to the public these wonderful artworks, that imaginatively explore, speculate on, as well as celebrate the ancient connections between Wexford and Wales. I’d like to congratulate all the artists and our Welsh partners, whom it’s been a pleasure to work with on the Ancient Connections programme over the last few years.’

Ancient Connections is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales co-operation programme and led by Pembrokeshire County Council, together with partners Wexford County Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Visit Wexford.

For further information: arts@wexfordcoco.ie n

A David Begley piece in the exhibition.

Art at The Presentation Centre

All are welcome to attend the official opening of Denise McAuliffe's solo exhibition of artwork at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on Saturday May 6th at 2.30pm. The exhibition then runs until 10th June 2023.

Denise utilises a lyrical autonomous painting style, influenced by the phenomenology of perception. Her work draws on a multiplicity of artistic traditions – from old masters portraits, abstract expressionism, to installation. Using traditional materials, Denise creates abstract and figurative formations, experiencing the intimacy of memory through the subconscious. Denise has adopted a unique style, a formulate practice of turning found objects and enhancing their beauty by strategically applying them to the canvas.

Denise graduated from NCAD with an MFA in Fine Art Painting. She then went on to study figure and portrait painting at The Royal Academy of Art in Florence. She also has an honour's degree in Visual Art under her belt from WIT, along with a studio bursary from Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford City. n

Gone for coffee

remembering Denis Collins

Selskar Writers invite all to join them for an evening of poetry readings based on the late Denis Collins’s collection: Gone for Coffee. This event will take place on Thursday

18th May, 7.00pm - 8.30pm, at Wexford Library.

The poems were published posthumously, and the evening aims to provide a welcoming platform to be a voice for Denis, as he was for so many writers and artists during his lifetime. Selskar Writers are hosting this event in appreciation of his creative and selfless endeavours in the community through the arts, Tidy Towns and Amnesty International (to name but a few).

Please go along to listen, read aloud your favourite poems of Denis’s, and to celebrate the unique contribution that Denis made to the town of Wexford.

If you would like to read up to three of the poems from Gone for Coffee during the evening, please email their titles to: emma_j_arlett@yahoo.co.uk (to help the organisers with planning the evening and to avoid duplications).

Booking is essential: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4025662 n

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

SPRING VEGETABLE QUICHE

FOR THE FILLING:

1 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into pieces

1 large orange pepper, deseeded and cut into pieces

1 asparagus, cut into bite-size pieces

½ a red onion thinly sliced

8 cherry tomatoes

½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

50ml / 2fl oz full-fat milk

150ml / ¼ pint single cream

120g / 4⅓ oz feta

Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven 2000

1. To make the filling, spread the peppers, tomatoes onions and asparagus over a large baking tray. Add the oil and a generous amount of seasoning and stir well. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until tender and just starting to char. Remove from the oven, leaving the vegetables on the baking tray to cool. Leave the oven on.

2. Grease a quiche tin. Roll out the pastry on a wellfloured surface until you have a disc large enough to line the dish. Use the pastry to line the tin, pushing it gently into the corners. Trim excess pastry from around the rim and use it to patch up any cracks if necessary. Blind bake for 10-15 mins.

3. Whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, milk, cream and a generous amount of seasoning in a large bowl and set aside. Place a heavy baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

4. Remove the pastry case from the fridge and scatter the cooked vegetables over the base. Crumble over the feta, then pour over the egg mixture. Put the quiche tin on the hot baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the filling is golden, just set and slightly puffy.

5. Leave the quiche to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Delicious served with Ballymaloe relish. n

Caitriona Barron

Pic: Caitriona Barron. https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted

Your local

Slimming World Consultants in Enniscorthy

Providing you with a huge choice of sessions throughout the week:

Tuesdays @ 6.30pm

The Salt n Pepper Pot, Community Workshop Call Tony on 087 1785384

Wednesdays @ 8.00am, 9.30am, 11.00am, 5.30pm and 7.00pm

Enniscorthy Rugby Club – Call Trish on 087 3607615

Thursdays @ 9.30am

Enniscorthy Rugby Club – Call Trish on 087 3607615

Saturdays @ 9.00am and 10.30am

The Salt n Pepper Pot, Community Workshop Call Tony on 087 1785384

ooted in exford

Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him.

at Enniscorthy Community Allotments, and has a huge passion for growing fruit and veg which he shares on his Instagram platform @rootedinwexford which has over 6,500 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 readers of the Slaney News.

In April's issue, I spoke about growing spring onions, courgettes, beetroot and cucumber. I also got to sow my pumpkins for Halloween too.

MAY...

May is here and that means that we get to sow our crops into their beds outside that we have protected throughout the month of April. Thankfully, the frost we got at the end of April didn't cause too much harm in my garden and I don't have to resow any of my seedlings.

In May, the main challenge that you'll probably face is rainfall. Lots of rainfall brings lots of weed growth. So, make sure to get out in between the showers and pull up the weeds.

Pumpkin plants are great fun to grow and if you have kids around they'll love them even more when they begin to grow. Every child loves to carve a pumpkin at Halloween, but growing your own to carve is even more fun. If you have the space, pumpkins are a must.

There is still lots to sow in May and for me there are three or four things that are a must.

I know December is really far away, but if you're looking to have your brussels sprouts ready for the big dinners we have when the man in red comes to visit, now is the time to get sowing those seeds. Sprouts are a brassica and they do best under protection to keep out the dreaded white butterfly (who will feast on your young plants).

May is also a great time to sow carrots and parsnips. There's lots of varieties of carrots that you can grow at this time of year but parsnips can be a little trickier. Make sure that you're using fresh parsnip seeds and ensure you follow the instructions on the packet.

Another great vegetable to sow in May is Kale. The variety I will grow this year is

called Nero kale. It looks slightly different to our traditional curly kale but has a great taste to it. Not only is this black kale tasty, it also looks great in the vegetable beds with many people planting it amongst their flowering plants due to its striking looks.

The last thing that you should grow in May is your sunflowers. You can sow the seeds directly into where you would like them to grow and there shouldn't be any need to plant them in pots first. I'm really looking forward to seeing the big yellow sunflower plants this year again. Remember as always, if you would like to see more about what I am growing, or ask me questions, then make sure to pop over to @rootedinwexford on Instagram and send me a message or leave a comment. n

Mark Cooke

Focusing on food waste

The six-part documentary TV series ‘Food Matters’, presented by GIY founder Mick Kelly, started airing at the end of March on RTÉ One each Wednesday evening at 8.30pm.

The series looks at Ireland’s food sustainability and how the food system is a major contributor to the climate change emergency.

Throughout the series, the founder of GIY and the show’s presenter Mick Kelly travels across Ireland to meet with farmers, food producers, food experts, climate experts, chefs, economists, ecologists and activists as he digs deep to uncover the complexity of the Irish food system, how it works, how it delivers and how it impacts the environment.

The final episode, episode six, will air on 3rd May and is all about the topic of “End Food Waste”. In order to end food waste we have to understand it, understand the root cause of it and change it at source. Food waste undermines the sustainability of our food systems. When food is wasted, all the resources that were used to produce that food – including water, land, energy, labour and capital – go to waste as well. In addition, the disposal of food waste in landfills leads to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Food waste can also negatively impact food availability, and contribute to increasing the cost of food. So it’s vital that we discuss and take action to end food waste.

To start the episode, Mick travels to Wexford to the EPA to find out about the current level of food waste here in Ireland.

The show then heads to Dublin to chat with journalist Conor Pope to gauge the public perception of food waste and then goes in search of some projects that are trying to make a difference when it comes to waste.

Mick chats with Bernie from Falling Fruit, who collects would-be wasted apples from private orchards, and they then look at how technology can play its part in food waste as they jump on a call with

Jamie Crummie in London, the founder of technology App “Too Good to Go” and see the reach of online platforms. Next, the show gets on the road to Cork to see how one lady is trying to change policy in the English Market when it comes to food waste, and to finish they visit chef Conor Spacey who runs numerous zero-waste kitchens all over Ireland and England.

‘Food Matters’ is filmed at GROW HQ in Waterford and features locations nationwide during each half-hour episode taking the audience on a new journey from plot to planet. It is supported by the EPA Stop Food Waste & ReThink Ireland.

For further details see www.giy.ie and www.foodmatterstv.ie n

Above: Conor Pope features in the ‘End Food Waste’ programme which will air on 3rd May.

Below: GIY founder Mick Kelly.

Centre: Enjoying

New traders wanted at Enniscorthy Farmers Market

The colourful Enniscorthy Farmers Market which trades in the Abbey Square, Enniscorthy, every Saturday until 2pm, is on the hunt for new traders to join the market, particularly someone who can offer hot food.

The market has been trading for over 16 years and has built up a loyal and regular customer base.

If this is of interest to you or if you know anyone who might be interested, please get in touch with the market.

You can send an email to justask@wexfordfarmersmarkets.com or call organiser Pat Roche on 087-7948830 n

Knives & forks at the

ready!

Get your knives and forks at the ready! Enniscorthy Library has a mouth-watering selection of delicious cookery books. Bon appetit!!! n

Enniscorthy Community Allotments

The multi-award-winning Enniscorthy Community Allotments, based at at Gort Na Gréine, beside the Enniscorthy Sports Hub, is all about local people growing their own food in an organic and sustainable way.

To find out more: www.enniscorthycommunityallotments.ie Email: enniscorthyallotments@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Enniscorthycommun ityallotments

Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6MKOngR-Qk https://www.facebook.com/enjoyenniscorthy/videos/3312641882280682 n

Outdoor dining

Outdoor dining structures in Enniscorthy are being reviewed with a view to removing those that are not in regular use and regularising those that are. Draft licences have been drawn up, for those successfully retaining their structures, which will cost €125 per set of table and four chairs. n

Medicine & Magic

Finding Medicine & Magic in your Garden, Thursday 11th May, 7pm, Bunclody Library. Join Feebee Foran for an introduction to medicinal properties and the folkloric tales of some of our wildest native Irish weeds. This is a fun and engaging talk. Feebee will bring along tasters of dandelion coffee for people to sample along with samples of plants for the audience to examine. Booking essential. Tel: 053 93 75466. n

Wexford’s good food winners

Well deserved in both

Congratulations to Co. Wexford's winners in the Good Food Ireland Awards 2023 which took place last month. Well done to Seabiscuit at The Strand, Cahore, on winning the Food Truck of the Year category and Killowen Farm, Courtnacuddy, on winning Dairy Producer of the Year.

cases.

Jobs boost at local accountancy firm

Baker Tilly, the Enniscorthy- and Dublin-based professional services firm which supports about 2,000 clients – mainly mid-market, entrepreneurial, owner-managed, and familyowned businesses, and employs 100 people including eleven partners, has been acquired by the Azets group which currently focuses on the Nordic countries and the UK, with about 100,000 clients.

Azets Ireland plans to more than double the existing workforce by hiring 120 new accountants and tax consultants in response to rising demand from companies despite the contraction of the technology sector, rising inflation, some instability in the banking system, and rising costs worldwide. The new roles will be across the core areas such as audit and advisory; corporate finance, governance, and recovery; EIIS fund management; examinership forensic accounting; tax and transaction advisory. Recruitment for the new roles has commenced with the intention of completing the hiring by the end of next year. The firm is recruiting a mix of experienced people for accounting and audit, financial services, management consultancy, and tax advisory services, etc as well as a number of people for recently created entry-level and graduate positions.

Enniscorthy’s Neil Hughes remains in place as chief executive of Azets Ireland.

Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Simon Coveney said: “It’s always encouraging to see skilled jobs being created for both experienced professionals and university graduates. Today’s announcement is an important milestone for the company and a firm recognition of the vibrant SME sector here in Ireland." n

Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road)

The final masterplan was completed in October 2021. A contract for the initial phase 1 works was advertised in January 2022, these works include new footpath, pedestrian crossings, new entry signage and landscaping. This work commenced in the summer of 2022 and has now been substantially completed.

An application for further funding has been prepared and submitted to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the active travel elements of the masterplan. n

Wexford AI company benefits from SETU

South East Technological University’s (SETU) New Frontiers programme has been an invaluable stepping stone for a Wexford-based AI company planning to expand into the UK, USA and Singapore.

John Curry from Oylegate (pictured below) is taking his business, Smart X Assistant, to the next level with help from South East Technological University’s New Frontiers Programme.

John, who took part in Phase 2 of the New Frontiers Programme at SETU Waterford in 2022, is currently at MVP stage with his product Smart X Assistant.

Smart X Assistant takes away the jobs that professionals hate to do, such as time-consuming document checking. The company’s first intelligent product ‘Smart Broker Assistant’ is especially designed for mortgage brokers. The product removes the friction around documentation, freeing brokers to focus on the analysis and decision-making.

During phase 2 of the New Frontiers programme, the company achieved concept validation of their first solution, Smart Broker Assistant, through successful demonstration of a mock product to five Irish brokerages.

Speaking about his plans for development, John says, “We plan to expand testing to four more customers in Q2 and take on commercial customers in Q3, realising our first revenues in our beach-head market. In parallel, we are developing our go-tomarket strategy for expanding territorially into the UK, USA and Singapore as well as into new verticals within financial services such as instrument trading.”

New Frontiers was key in helping him develop the kind of agile mindset and framework required for rapid product deployment into these competitive, high-tech markets.

John says, “The New Frontiers programme has been an invaluable stepping stone towards our successful business and product launch.”

More information on www.setu.ie/newfrontierswd n

John Curry and Aida Bracken from Smart X Assistant, Oylegate. Pic: Mary Browne

Enniscorthy’s Neil Hughes, Chief Executive of Azets Ireland.

Feasibility Study Grants

Feasibility Study Grants are designed to assist the promoter with researching market demand for a product or service and examining its sustainability. It includes assistance with innovation including specific consultancy requirements, hiring of expertise from third level colleges, private specialists, design and prototype development.

The maximum Feasibility Study Grant payable shall be 50% of the investment or €15,000 whichever is the lesser.

Expenditure may be considered under the following headings: Market Research - Consultancy Costs - Technical Development/Prototype/ Innovation - Salary/Own Labour Research - Miscellaneous Costs

Please contact Wexford LEO for an application form for the Feasibility Study Grant. Phone: 053 919 6020. Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie n

Business supports

The Business Expansion Grant is designed to assist a business in its growth phase after the initial 18 month start-up period. Sole traders, partnerships or limited companies that fulfill the following criteria can apply:

- Located and operating within the LEO geographic area.

- A business, which, on growth, will have the capacity to progress to the Enterprise Ireland portfolio

- A business employing up to 10 employees

- A manufacturing or internationally traded service business

- A domestically traded service business with the potential to trade internationally.

For more information and how to apply click here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Financial-Supports/Business-Expansion-Grant/

The Agile Innovation Fund is now available for small businesses: Introduced by Enterprise Ireland, the Agile fund will help clients of LEO Wexford respond more quickly to market opportunities and challenges like Brexit. Offering fast-track approval and a streamlined online application process, the new Agile Innovation Fund will allow companies to access up to 45% or 50% in support for product, process or service development projects with a total cost of up to €300,000.

For more information click: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Financial-Supports/Agile%20Innovation%20Fund/ n

Green for Micro

Sign up for The Local Enterprise Office Green For Micro programme – helping your business prepare for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future.

Book Now: https://bit.ly/3zW6RBn

This FREE initiative is available to companies with up to ten employees, and provides the mentorship and technical support your business needs to go green, covering such as resource efficiency, understanding your carbon footprint, reducing costs and implementing an environmental management system. n

Shopfront Painting & Flower Grant Scheme 2023

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/business/business-supports-and-grants/enniscorthy-municipal-district-shopfront-improvement-grants

The Enniscorthy Municipal District Shopfront Painting & Flower Basket Grant Scheme 2023 is open for applications.

The scheme will assist business owners/operators to carry out works which will improve the external appearance of their premises. Applications are invited from commercial properties in the following locations: Ballindaggin, Bree, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Ferns and Kiltealy.

Full details are available on Wexford Co. Council's website and application forms are available from the Enniscorthy Municipal District office in Market Square.

Completed Application Forms must be submitted to:

Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy.

The Slaney News understands that this scheme is not open to anyone who is participating in the current Streetscape Enhancement Scheme 2022 and that priority will be given to those who did not benefit from the Shopfront Painting & Flower Basket Grant Scheme last year (but these people can still get the flower basket grant element).

Any queries please telephone Enniscorthy Municipal District 053 92 33540. Email: emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is: 5pm, Friday, 16th June, 2023. n

County Wexford Chamber Awards 2023

A number of businesses in the Enniscorthy District have been shortlisted for the County Wexford Chamber Awards 2023. Nominations:

McGRATH QUANTITTY SURVEYERS, The Enterprise & Technology Centre, Enniscorthy, have been nominated in three categories: Employees of the Year, Operational Excellence Category and Service Provider Category.

NIALL M. BYRNE, ARCHITECTS, Templeshannon: Business of the Year (1 to 20 employees) and International Trade Award.

KILLOWEN FARM, Courtnacuddy: Family Business of the Year, County Wexford Business of the Year (50 plus employees), Food and Beverage Producer of the Year.

SENSIBLE SAFETY, Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy: Training Provider of the Year.

AIRCONMECH, Enniscorthy North Business District: Business of the Year Award (50 plus employees).

SECRET VALLEY WILDLIFE PARK, Clonroche: Service Provider of the Year.

SLANEY FARM PRODUCE, Tomnalossett, Enniscorthy: Excellence in Sustainability.

Enniscorthy & District Chamber and the Slaney News congratulates all the shortlisted nominees and wish them every success at the winners’ black-tie gala awards ceremony in Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, on Friday, 5th May 2023. n

NIALL M. BYRNE, ARCHITECT

Flying the flag for Wexford at the National Enterprise Awards

Sully & Juno (Nina Shelton and Gillian Duggan White), recent winner of the Wexford final of the National Enterprise Awards, will proudly represent Co. Wexford at the national final in June.

Sully and Juno, located in Wexford Business Park, was founded by Nina Shelton and Gillian Duggan White in 2021. After recognising a lack of sensory-friendly clothing for children (and adults) in Europe, they brought together their knowledge and experience of design and finance to create

Local Enterprise Office Wexford –new support for online retailers

Calling all retailers with a “bricks and mortar” and online store – Apply NOW before the 3rd May deadline for a new support fund from the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford.

If you would like to avail of funding for the development of a better online sales presence, enquire straight away to info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie n

Ireland's only sensory-friendly design house. They have created an extensive range of sensory-friendly sweaters and leggings, and many of their products incorporate the Irish language. Sully and Juno provide clothes that are functional as well as stylish and fun. They are known for their colour, comfort and coolness! The business and brand was founded on a personal story to meet a personal and societal need and now shapes and improves the lives of many, many children, parents and carers. n

L-R: Breege Cosgrave (Local Enterprise Office Wexford), Nina Shelton (Sully and Juno), Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Council), Gillian Duggan White (Sully and Juno), Cllr Maura Bell (Mayor of Wexford). Pic: Mary Browne.

Great news for Rosslare Europort and Co. Wexford €200m on the way

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne confirmed late last month that the government has approved a tender worth more than €200 million investing in Rosslare Europort.

Minister Browne outlined how “the works will include new Department of Agriculture inspection facilities, Revenue customs facilities, Garda immigration offices and other facilities.

“This is a terrific development for Rosslare Europort and the wider Wexford and South East economy... these works will make Rosslare Europort one of the most modern ports in Europe and act as an economic driver for County Wexford.

“Works are expected to get underway this summer before concluding in 2025. I am delighted to confirm this tender approval and I look forward to seeing the port continue to grow

Local Enterprise Office Wexford can help your business go global

Are you exploring the idea of bringing your business to the global market? Export Start is a new 8-month programme aimed at businesses that wish to start or develop the export side of their business.

It will be delivered in a unique hybrid pattern of individual engagement, group training, facilitated learning and one-to-one mentoring, along with a programme of sales visits to targeted export territories in autumn 2023.

Applications for this exciting programme are now open, contact carmel.moran@wexfordcoco.ie to apply now. n

from strength to strength in the coming years.

“I was glad to get Rosslare Europort specifically named in the Programme for Government for the first time and the importance this has given the Port is reflected in this investment”, Minister Browne concluded.

The announcent was also welcomed by Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, saying, "The port will be brought up to tier one status which will act as a significant economic driver for the district I represent as well as the entire county and country."

"It is essential that we have proper facilities and resources in place so that Ireland can play its part in ensuring that the EU Single Market continues to function efficiently and effectively following Brexit," she said. n

Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District.

Blackstairs Mountains set to benefit from Regenerative tourism event

The CUPHAT (Coastal Uplands: Heritage and Tourism) project held a showcase event at The Orchard Centre in Tinahely on 4 April 2023 to celebrate the achievements of startups, microenterprises and community members from the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains.

Over the past two months, CUPHAT, in collaboration with Mary Cronin from UpThink Innovation Agency, has delivered a Regenerative Tourism Programme to facilitate a collaborative space for participants from the Arts, Outdoor Recreation, Heritage, Food and Accommodation sectors to co-create circular designs and regenerative tourism offerings within their local communities.

Supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the IrelandWales Cooperation programme, CUPHAT seeks to showcase the shared and distinctive heritages of the Blackstairs Mountains and Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, and the Cambrian Mountains and Preseli Mountains in Wales. This programme was a response to feedback gathered from focus groups held in late 2022 from community members about the local challenges they faced. As a result, the programme targeted regenerative tourism, circular economy, design-thinking, routes to funding, creating compelling stories, and approaches to building partnerships.

At the showcase event, 12 participants from the programme pitched their projects to their peers, as well as to representatives from Co. Wicklow Partnership, Wexford Local Development, Wicklow and Wexford Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), Visit Wexford, Carlow Tourism, Wexford PPN, Ireland’s Ancient East, Fáilte Ireland, Design and Crafts Council Ireland, the EPA and Wicklow and Wexford County Councils.

Karen Codd, the Secretary of Rathnure Development Group and a community project participant on the programme, said it was “inspiring and thought provoking to hear how other communities and businesses are approaching regeneration and growth”.

Tom Bermingham from Wexford Local Development said, “It was great to witness the passion, determination, and resilience of the diverse range of businesses and community representatives at the event. The LEADER Programme is a key funder of niche rural businesses and voluntary community groups and in preparation for the next round, we are currently in the consultation phase for the development of a high-quality local development strategy that reflects the needs of businesses and communities. I was delighted to meet the Wexford (Blackstairs) representatives to discuss how LEADER can assist in bringing their plans to fruition in the coming years. I also encouraged

them to make their voices heard at our public consultation meetings...”

The CUPHAT Regenerative Tourism Programme team are now identifying next steps to provide support to microenterprise and community projects going forward. The programme is also currently underway in the Cambrian and Preseli Mountains in the Welsh project areas and running in collaboration with Menter a Busnes. A similar showcase event is scheduled in Wales for June.

More information about the wider CUPHAT project, which runs until end of August 2023, can be found at https://cuphat.aber.ac.uk/ n

Local business features on RTE television

A recent RTÉ One episode of Homegrown featured the 400-acre Slaney Farms, situated at Tomnalossett, Enniscorthy, highlighting their potato production, their popular Jackford Irish Potato Gin and now their new Jackford Irish Strawberry Gin.

Slaney Farms specialises in potatoes and strawberries and under founder John Stafford (pictured on right) began to develop its own gin in 2018. Next up for Stafford Irish Spirits is its own whiskey!

We’ll keep our readers posted.

https://www.facebook.com/SlaneyFarms/videos/58

6946043375278 n

Tom Bermingham, Wexford Local Development.

Freshtoday launches sensory pod for schools

Enniscorthy company Freshtoday, which employs just over 150 people in the town, is the number one school meals provider in Ireland. This rapidly expanding and innovative company has now added another string to its bow with the launch of its new Sensory Pod. The official launch event took place on 28th April in St Coen's National School, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, offering a wide range of benefits for students and teachers within that school.

The Sensory Pod is designed to stimulate the senses and provides a peaceful and calming environment for students. The pod is equipped with a range of features, including sound therapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy, that work together to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Initially, the Sensory Pod was being geared at students with special learning needs, however the company has found in the course of working with the Sensory Pod that there is a huge cohort of students who can benefit from its use.

The Pod allows children with neurological difficulties, such as children with autism, to enter a calm environment through the stimulation of their different senses such as sound, touch, etc. There is a full bluetooth-activated screen that gives the teacher/SNA the capacity to turn sounds/activities on and off.

Freshtoday plans to roll out these new Sensory Pods, which are valued at €10,000 each, to as many schools as possible.

We wish the company well with this exciting new venture. n

The Freshtoday Sensory Pod is designed to stimulate the senses and provides a peaceful and calming environment for students. It was officially launched on 28th April 2023.

Throwing open the doors!

Excitement is building at the Still in Enniscorthy, as on Thursday, May 11th, the multi-million euro renovation and extension of the Reynaers Aluminium facility will be officially unveiled.

On Thursday evening, the Belgian ambassador to Ireland Karen Van Vlierberge, together with the Reynaers family and the CEO of Reynaers Group Bert Geerinckx, will officiate at celebrations to mark the renovation of the offices, upgraded production facility and the extension of its warehouse.

On Friday, May 12th, there will be an Open Day to allow family and friends of employees, as well neighbours from the local community to tour the facility.

Consisting of 3,500 sq.m of a mix of new and refurbished facilities that meet the highest standards in building regulations, the refurbished offices are now a bright, modern, open-plan environment with Reynaers’ own industry-leading products showcased throughout the building, while the production facility has been completely re-organised, new automated machinery installed and facilities upgraded for all workers to enjoy.

Commenting on this milestone, Reynaers Ireland MD Pat Bevan remarked, “Reynaers has had a presence in Enniscorthy since the early 1980s and this project is all about securing it into the future. Working with local architect Neville Conroy, we have preserved and enhanced

the landmark stone building, a former Jameson distillery, and it now provides world class facilities for our employees and partners. We are also well positioned to meet Reynaers Group sustainability targets through initiatives such as sensor-operated LED lighting throughout the building and energy efficiency upgrades to our machinery. Over the course of the two days in May we look forward to welcoming our guests and sharing this celebration with our local community.”

Reynaers is one of the largest employers in the Enniscorthy area, so it’s great to see it throwing open its doors to allow the wider community to see up close what it does and how it contributes hugely to the local economy. n

Best of luck to Enjoy Enniscorthy

Congrats to our friends in Enjoy Enniscorthy which been shortlisted for the national .IE Digital Town Awards 2023 in the 'Digital Rising Star' category. The Enjoy Enniscorthy initiative is a community-based project using digital innovation with the aim of promoting Enniscorthy as a smart and sustainable place to live, work, invest and visit.

The Digital Town Awards are not just about recognising technological accomplishments; they are about celebrating the power of local communities to come together and use digital tools to create a brighter and more connected future. The Enjoy Enniscorthy team believes “that every resident, visitor, business... has a role to play in the digital revolution, and that by working together, we can overcome challenges and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity.”

The .IE Digital Town Awards gala event will be held at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone on May 24th. Best of luck to Neill and the team at Enjoy Enniscorthy at the awards night. https://www.facebook.com/enjoyenniscorthy n

The Reynaers Aluminium facility at the Still, Enniscorthy.

Neill Ikbal of Enjoy Enniscorthy

A holiday they won’t ‘fur-get’

Brittany Ferries has revealed that 75,000 pets accompanied their owners travelling on their routes in 2022, an increase of almost 40,000 (114%) on the number of pets who travelled overseas with the company in 2021.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), over half (52%) of households in Ireland have a pet in their home, and it’s safe to say people have formed closer relationships with their pets as a result of spending more time at home since the pandemic.

With more and more owners choosing ferry travel for its accessibility and safety, pets can either travel in a pet-friendly cabin where owners can stay with their pets during the sailing, or in a petfriendly kennel or in the passenger’s vehicle. Responding to the increased demand for pet-friendly travel options, Brittany Ferries now offer 106 petfriendly cabins on five ships across its fleet. Brittany Ferries’ Salamanca, Ireland’s first LNG (liquefied natural gas) powered passenger vessel which oper-

ates between Rosslare-Bilbao and Rosslare-Cherbourg offers 22 pet-friendly cabins. In 2022, Brittany Ferries added 28 pet-friendly cabins to the Pont-Aven which operates between Cork-Roscoff. Along with its Rosslare-Bilbao route, Brit-

tany Ferries offers pet-friendly travel options across the three destinations the company serves in France between Rosslare Europort and the Port of Cork which include Le Havre, Cherbourg, and Roscoff. n

One for local Councils in Co. Wexford to consider!

Last month Dublin City Council started piloting its new ‘Responsible Dog Ownership’ campaign which includes the opening of a new PUBLIC DOGGIE TOILET (pictured) on Sean McDermott Street. Dog owners who exercise their dogs in the area are encouraged to have their pets use this new toilet area.

In addition, a total of 50 new Dog Poo Dispensers have been erected at strategic locations across Dublin’s North East Inner City in an effort to promote responsible dog ownership. This is the latest effort by Dublin City Council to address the challenges of dog fouling and strive for cleaner, safer, thriving neighbourhoods for everyone. n

SOUTH EAST ANIMAL RESCUE

South East Animal Rescue is hoping to increase the opening hours for its charity shop at 27 Court Street, Enniscorthy. It is looking for volunteers who would be available for 3-4 hours a day, mainly afternoons between 2pm and 5pm weekdays and between 10am and 2pm on Saturdays. If you would be able to assist please call Peter on 089 4069956.

More owners are opting to bring their pets on holiday as Brittany Ferries has revealed that 75,000 pets accompanied their owners travelling on their routes in 2022, an increase of almost 40,000 (114%).

Photo: Paul Kelly.

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9233187, 9236674.

F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR MAY

It's the beginning of May and, for me, the most magical month of the year. Everything is coming into bloom. The fresh lime-green leaves and the warmer, longer sunny days give you a pep in your step. You don't need an invitation to take the dogs for a walk on days like these.

A few weeks ago, we had a dog called Bella that was just about able to walk into our clinic. She was extremely anemic and after a full work-up, we discovered she had a splenic tumour. As it stood, she was too weak for surgery so we had to put the call out to get a blood donor. And one of our trusted greyhound clients came up trumps again. Greyhounds, like Kenyan long distance athletes, have a much higher red blood cell count – hence can run much faster than most because of the higher oxygen-carrying capacity. Greyhounds make ideal donors for this reason.

We took enough blood from this healthy dog to give to Bella along with a drip and intravenous medication. When she was strong enough, we operated on her, removed the spleen and the next 12 - 24 hours were the critical part to see if she would pull through.

There were many risks as she may have rejected the blood which can sometimes happen, the tumour can be inoperable or there can be complications post surgery. Thankfully Bella bounced back and has been in for her post-op check and stitch removal but is still anemic.

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

We made up tonics for her, homeopathic remedies, a special diet and last, but not least, advised her owners to use the age-old remedy of boiling up spring nettles and giving her the juice of these for the next few weeks. Nettles have been long known to be an extremely good blood cleanser and tonic and has aided the recovery of many people and animals over the years. This time of year they are at their most potent and effectiveness. Nature’s bounties on our doorstep.

The month of May is not just a feast for the senses but also her abundance is nourishment for the body and soul. Nettles, like many other native plants, have been considered as weeds and a nuisance but they have so many medicinal properties. With a growing focus in biodiversity and the importance of our natural wildlife and hedgerows comes an awareness to protect these many natural healers on our doorstep.

Thankfully, there's an emergence of many local communities who realise the importance of these natural healers around us and we are going to have many of them sharing their insights at our very own upcoming festival on the June bank holiday weekend, 3rd and 4th June, at the Street Rhythms Festival in Enniscorthy.

Have a look out for the info around town and on Facebook.

In the meantime, enjoy May and the magic she brings with each new day. 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):

Daily 9.30–10.30am, 2.30–3.30pm, 5.00–6.00pm. 24-hour, on-call, Emergency Service: (053) 9233187.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Full blood analysis (haematology, biochemistry)

Gas anaesthetic – Digital X-rays – Ultrasound – Bioenergy Dermatological testing – Kinesiology – Prescription diets

Herbal remedies – Homeopathy – Allergy testing

The Renault Megane is one of the perennials of the Renault range and now it’s gone electric. There’s no more diesel or petrol Meganes on sale. The future is the all-electric Megane E-Tech.

Available with two different battery sizes and a range of up to 450 kilometres (WLTP), the new Megane E-Tech will take on other mid-size electric hatchbacks like the MG4, the Kia Niro EV, the Volkswagen ID.3 and the Cupra Born.

But going electric means there’s been a step up in price too. The new Megane ETech range goes on sale from €37,495 including grants.

It’s one of the best-looking electric hatchbacks on sale with lots of French flair. The Megane E-Tech is a beautiful piece of design. The proportions are per-

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

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING RENAULT MEGANE E-TECH

fect with an extended wheelbase, big wheels pushed out to the corners and short overhangs.

LED headlamps come as standard with a dramatic LED daytime running light signature, as do 18-inch alloy wheels –though higher trim levels get stylish 20inch with no compromise to comfort. The Megane E-Tech sits a small bit higher off the ground than most hatchbacks, following the trend for more crossover-style vehicles.

The cabin is also one of Renault’s best yet, a huge step forward in design, technology and quality, inspired “by the world of fine home furniture”. There’s a modern, lounge feel and even the seats in mid-range Techno models are made from recycled materials. There’s also a nice tex-

tile used on the dashboard and Alcantara panels in the doors. Altogether, it’s a classy and premium feeling cabin that feels like one of the best in class.

Being a new generation Renault interior, there’s also lots of great tech as standard including a glossy full digital instrument panel and 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Go for the Techno model and the system uses an excellent Google operating system with in-built Google services like Google Maps and Google Assistant, as well as over-the-air updates.

The entry level Megane E-Tech Equilibre includes air conditioning, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, rear view camera and lots of safety and driver assistance systems.

RENAULT MEGANE E-TECH

The Megane also has one of the biggest boots in the class at 440 litres. That’s bigger than an MG4, Leaf or ID.3. It’s quite deep however so there is a high load lip to lift things over. But another bonus is the neat storage compartment for the charging cables beneath the boot floor. Built on a dedicated electric platform, the Megane E-Tech does offer adequate legroom for adults – though headroom is not as generous.

The Megane E-Tech is available with the choice of two batteries. The EV40 is priced from €37,495 and uses a 40kWh battery (300 kilometres WLTP). The EV60 is priced from €41,995 and uses a 60kWh battery (450 kilometres WLTP). The Megane E-Tech EV60 also has a more powerful 220hp motor compared to the EV40’s 130hp.

Renault has invested a lot in making the new Megane their best electric car yet. It uses a thinner battery than the Renault Zoe with soundproofing foam between the battery and the floor and thicker door linings to give premium levels of refine-

ment. The driving position has also improved, with a more natural and sporty feel to it.

On the road the Megane E-Tech feels very natural to drive with well-weighted controls and agile steering. It’s nippy to drive and offers a number of different ‘Multisense’ driving modes including a livelier Sport mode and an Eco mode to maximise your driving range. The Megane also stands out for offering a very serene and relaxing drive for an electric hatchback. There are also four levels of regenerative braking that are easy to adjust from paddles behind the steering wheel. Offi-

cial consumption is rated at just 16.1kWh per 100 kilometres.

22kW AC charging comes as standard for faster AC charging and the EV60 offers the fastest DC charging at up to 130kW.

Renault has done a great job in designing the new Megane E-Tech! After the Zoe, we had to wait a long time for Renault to come up with a bigger electric model but it’s been worth the wait. The new Megane E-Tech is a car that’s easy to live with and has a fair amount of kerb appeal that ticks the desirability box too. If you’re in the market for an electric hatchback, the Megane E-Tech is definitely one to check out.

Model tested:

Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 Techno

Price: €45,295

Battery: 60kWh

Range: 450 km (WLTP)

Power: 220hp

Top speed: 160 km/h

Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.4 seconds

Motor Tax: €120 per year. n

Interior

Rapid rise in electric car sales

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently released their official 231 new vehicle registrations statistics for March showing Q1 new electric car registrations were up 49%.

New car registrations for the month of March were up 37% (17,676) when compared to March 2022 (12,907). Registrations year to date are up 16.5% (58,116) on the same period last year (49,905).

Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 71.4% (3,453) compared to March last year (2,015) and year to date are up 24% (11,587). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are also showing an increase of 26.4% (273) in comparison to March 2022 (216). Year to date HGVs are up 42.6% (964).

Imported Used Cars have seen a 23.9% (4,699) increase in March 2023, when compared to March 2022 (3,793). Year to date imports are up 7% (12,474) on 2022 (11,639).

For the month of March, 3,421 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 1,924 in March 2022. So far this year 9,303 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 6,235 +49% on the same period 2022.

Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their

market share, with a combined market share now of 24%. Petrol continues to remain dominant (32.6%), with Diesel accounting for 22.8%, Hybrid 20.6%, Electric 16% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 8%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: “New car registrations for the month of March indicate a strong performing market with a 37% increase on the same month last year. However, some of this increase is due to the fulfilment of the backlog of orders built up since the start of the year. The March market means that Q1 new car sales of 58,116 are 16% ahead of last year, but still 9% behind pre-covid 2019.

“Commercial vehicle registrations for both the heavy and light sectors have also delivered a strong performance during Q1.

“The momentum behind electric vehicles shows no sign of abating, with 9,303 new electric cars registered to date in 2023, an increase of 49% on 2022. The Government’s temporary change to Benefit-in-Kind regime for the current year, is very much welcomed by both employees and the industry, and will no doubt encourage the company car EV market. It is vital that this enhanced threshold is extended out beyond this year.

“On the other hand, the decision to reduce the electric vehicle car grant for the July registration period is extremely disappointing at this still relatively early stage in the EV project. It is important to underline however that, in addition to the grant support, there is still VRT relief for many EVs as well as low annual road tax, which along with the home-charger grant means there is still a very strong basket of incentives available for those considering the purchase of an electric vehicle. It is important that there is no further diminution of these EV supports over the next couple of years.”

Visit https://stats.beepbeep.ie/ for full statistics information. n

For lots of great information on electric vehicle ownership, check out the Irish EV Owners Association website: https://www.irishevowners.ie

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General.

Enniscorthy Greyhound Track

Racing every Monday and Thursday in May at 8pm. n

Astro Turf

The eagerly awaited new Astro Pitch project at Ross Road, Enniscorthy, is making progress.

The planning process for the new pitch has been completed. Work is likely to commence soon and the project is expected to be completed later this year. n

Sports Active

Sports Active Wexford is all about creating a healthier, safer, more active and inclusive society in Co. Wexford.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SportsActive n

Enniscorthy Sports Hub

O’Leary Sludds Architects were appointed in Feb 2021 for the detailed design, procurement of works contractor and construction management of the proposed new Sports Hub building consisting of a sports equipment storage area, changing rooms, toilets, showers and a small office.

A competition to award a works contract was advertised in May 2022. The lowest price tender opened for the project exceeded the available budget and, therefore, it has been decided not to progress with awarding a works contract. A redesign process for the project is now underway, and it is expected to retender soon.

Enniscorthy Municipal District is working on an online booking system for the existing facility. The new system will be in place in the coming months. n

HWH and ClubSpot

ClubSpot is helping HWH Bunclody innovate their club revenues with an exciting new sponsorship with O'Reilly’s SuperValu in Bunclody.

HWH Bunclody GAA has recently entered into an exciting new sponsorship with O'Reilly’s SuperValu in Bunclody, which is contributing to the club’s growth and demonstrates a commitment to supporting the local community. The move exhibits the ambition and creativity of the club in revolutionising their club growth and member engagement, something that will surely be replicated by other clubs across the county.

The new HWH Bunclody GAA mobile app allows club players, supporters and administrators to benefit from features such as efficient membership management, event announcements, online fundraising, a GDPR compliant messaging system, and full club communications, to name just a few.

In addition, the club has been provided with an all-in-one club management platform which delivers immense value to

club administrators by reducing their workload and allowing them to stay organised. It also gives the club a chance to build their own “Digital HWH Bunclody ClubHouse”, which members and supporters can access in the palm of their hand.

The decision to sponsor the app by O’Reilly’s SuperValu, Bunclody, demonstrates their commitment to supporting the local

grassroots club and the wider community. Their support will help the club to offer more value to members and supporters, and help build a stronger, more engaged community around the club.

If your club is interested in partnering with ClubSpot, or further discovering how they can help your club to grow and thrive, visit the ClubSpot website at www.clubspot.app, or email sales@clubspot.app n

HWH Bunclody GAA new mobile club app, powered by ClubSpot and sponsored by O’Reilly’s SuperValu, Bunclody.

Enniscorthy rugby round-up

way to Carlow, the U12s were Arklowbound and the U10 and U12 girls finished their season down in Wexford.

As the league finished for the juveniles, the knockout phases were taking place over this weekend too, the scores were as follows:

U16 Boys Plate Semi Final: Enniscorthy 52 Ravens 26.

U18 Leinster League Div 1 Final: Enniscorthy 15 Gorey 28.

U14 Boys Cup Semi Final: Enniscorthy 17 Navan 12.

U16 Girls Cup Semi Final: Enniscorthy 7 Wexford Wanderers 14.

The month of April saw the culmination of the 2022/2023 rugby season across the board for Enniscorthy Rugby Club.

The seniors played two crucial games to keep their survival odds in favour, a number of juvenile teams represented the club in finals and semi-finals of the various underage league/cup competitions and the minis finished out the year with two action-packed blitzes over the course of the month.

On the 2nd of April, Enniscorthy hosted Wanderers in the second last game of the AIL 2B campaign. Enniscorthy sat in 9th spot coming into the fixture, a win would have done them a lot of favour in their bid to avoid relegation, but unfortunately, the results didn’t go as initially expected.

A lone try from second row David Farrell saw Enniscorthy defeated 29-7 by the visiting Dublin side, which resulted in Enniscorthy moving back to 10th in the table, a last-day miracle was needed if they wanted to stay in 2B for next season. That same weekend, the second last of the minis’ blitzes took place. The U7s, U8s, and U9s headed to Carlow, the U10s, U11s and U12s hosted Carlow at Alcast Park while the U10 girls and U12 girls travelled to Wicklow.

The following weekend, over the course of the 7th and 8th of April, a number of juvenile fixtures took place, the scores were as follows:

U13 Boys: Tullamore 19 Enniscorthy 21.

U16 Boys: Enniscorthy 24 Wicklow 40.

U18 Boys Enniscorthy 27 Carlow 7.

U18 Girls Southeast Lions 30 Kilkenny 0.

After that, came the 15th of April, a tough day for the club as the seniors were relegated back down to 2C following a four-point loss to the division winners Greystones at Dr Hickey Park in Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

Tries scored by Tomás Stamp, Arthur Dunne, Ben Kidd, Niall Parker and Dave O’Dwyer kept them in the game until the end, unfortunately is was not meant to be.

A gutsy performance from Scorthy, putting in a very convincing effort against a very good side in Greystones, but ultimately the hosts were able to overcome the early surge and send the Southeast side back down to 2C.

The minis finished out their calendar with a number of away trips for the different teams over the course of the weekend. The U8s headed to New Ross, the U9s travelled to Tullow, the U10s made the short trip to Gorey, the U11s made their

The following weekend, with all other rugby finished for the year, the juvenile teams continued to play the later stage games in their respective competitions, the scores of which are as follows.

22/04/2023:

U13 Boys Leinster League Premier Final: Enniscorthy 10 Athy 44.

U18 Boys Southeast League Semi Final: Enniscorthy 0 Wexford 33.

U14 Boys Leinster Shield Final: Enniscorthy 12 Wexford 5.

24/04/2023:

U14 Girls South East Plate Semi Final: Enniscorthy 26 Kilkenny 5.

26/04/2023:

U13 Boys Leinster McGowan Plate Final: Enniscorthy 29 Boyne 19.

All other scores from games taking place on the 30th of April and 1st of May will be uploaded to the club’s social media feed, so stay tuned. n

World champion set for Enniscorthy visit

Current world champion and world no.1 ranked darts player Michael “Bully Boy” Smith will be in T.J. Murphys for a once in a lifetime darting exhibition on 24th June, 2023. Contact the venue for more details or check out their social media channels. n

Enniscorthy Rugby Club seeks coaches and volunteers

The club is always looking for new people to get involved. If you’ve an interest in managing, coaching or working behind the scenes, please get in touch. You can contact John or Michael at the numbers above. n

A great send-off lined up for Liam

The Slaney Sharks swimming club based at the Waterfront Pool in Enniscorthy, is planning on celebrating the upcoming retirement of Liam Murphy as swimmming coach. Details below. n

Congrats to Enniscorthy Rugby Club’s Director of Rugby, John Murphy, on his IRFU Spirit of Rugby Award. A truly worthy recipient who gives so much to all areas of the club.

Bree billiards & snooker news

March 22nd saw two experienced exponents of the game, John Wilson (+20) and David Minogue (scratch) compete in the final of the inaugural ‘John Bolger Snr. Memorial Billiards Tournament’.

John won the match on a margin of 200 to 139. Beaten semi-finalists were Stephen Murphy (+30) and Ray Cullen (scratch), while Ray also took the honours for highest break (32). A total of 18 players competed.

son clocked up an impressive break of 70. This is a good marker of the increasing standard of billiards play in the club. Chairman John Bolger Jnr. had the honour of presenting the Cup in memory of the late John Snr, a top-class billiards player in his day. Also in attendance were his brother David, sister Marie, and John Senior's granddaughter Sinead Kinsella, and grandsons Daniel Bolger and Jack Kinsella (both active members of the club).

L to R: Ray Cullen, Patrick Leacy, Phil Walsh, Daniel Bolger, John Wilson, John Bolger, Marie Kinsella, Sinéad Kinsella, Jack Kinsella, Adrian Morrissey, David Minogue, Jimmy O'Brien.

– Pat Bolger, P.R.O., Bree Billiards & Snooker Club

Above L-R: David Minogue (runner-up), John Bolger (Chairman) and John Wilson (winner). Above right: The beautiful John Bolger Snr Memorial Billiards Cup.

Doing Enniscorthy proud

Two Enniscorthy Master athletes, Maggie and John O’Connor, travelled to Toruń in Poland to compete in the World Masters last month, an amazing experience and fantastic achievement representing their club, county and country on such a big stage.

Maggie competed in the 60m finishing

4th in 9.05, just outside qualifying, a remarkable achievement considering Maggie was returning from injury. The 200m followed later in the week, Maggie had a good run there finishing 4th in her heat.

John competed in the 60m and 200m running 8.90 in the 60m to finish 4th, and in a large field of athletes finished 4th in

the 200m in a time of 28.76. Fantastic ambassadors for the local Slaney Olympic club. n

KIDS PRE SUMMER GOLF COACHING AT ENNISCORTHY GOLF CLUB

Maggie O’Connor (left, in green) and John O’Connor (right) representing Ireland in the World Masters.

Summer School launched for the 225th anniversary of 1798

In commemoration of the 1798 Rebellion, the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy is organising a 1798 Summer School this 26-28th May. With a range of historic talks, guided walks and tours, and cultural events on the schedule, the Summer School offers engaging events for the local community and visitors to Enniscorthy alike.

The opening night will take place in The Presentation Arts Centre with keynote speaker, Dr. Kevin Whelan, on the topic, ‘The 1798 rebellion in Wexford: what should we think about it now?’ Following the lecture, the Fr. Murphy Centre is hosting an evening of song at The Harrow and all are encouraged to attend.

Saturday 27th May will see a series of guided walks and tours around Enniscorthy town, Enniscorthy Castle, The National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Vinegar Hill. Saturday evening will see the Bygone Days Story House commemorate the battle of Oulart Hill with stories and songs in this picturesque and poignant location. Three talks will be held at The Presentation Arts Centre on Sunday 28th May, beginning with the Battle of Arklow by Christopher Power, who will have copies of his book available on the day. Local archaeologist and historian, Barry Lacey, will provide a rural view of the Rebellion with 'Who fears to speak of 98' exploring the legacy of the 1798 rebellion using the Ballycarney area as a

case study. Dr. Margaret Ward of Queens University, Belfast, will finish the afternoon with 'Through women’s eyes: two centuries of rebellion in Ireland' and an in-depth look at the role of women during the fight for Irish independence.

Sunday evening will welcome Paddy Cullivan to The Presentation Centre stage for ‘The Murder of Wolfe Tone’, a compelling oneman show, sure to educate and entertain.

Additionally, on the 9th of June, Enniscorthy is honoured to host a visit from the French Ambassador to Ireland, Vincent Guérend, in conversation with historians Liam Chambers of University of Limerick and Brian O’Cléirigh of Oulart on ‘The Ideals of Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité - how the French Revolution impacted Irish Rebellion’ at The Presentation Arts Centre. Music will be provided before the conversation by the Irish and French musicians of The Allabar Trio. This event is kindly hosted in conjunction with the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association and Melanie O’Reilly.

All events are free to the public, thanks to funding provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, but most events must be booked in advance at www.presentationcentre.ie

The complete schedule and programme can be found on page 118 and also on www.1798centre.ie n

Formal launch in the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy of the upcoming 1798 Summer School. Above: Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District), Mico Hassett (Manager 1798 Centre), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (Chairperson 1798 Centre).

Above left: Ray Murphy (Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society), Minister James Browne TD, Bridget Murphy and Billy Heffer nan (Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society). Above right: Cathaoirleach Aidan Browne, Fintan Kelly, Dylan (Enjoy Enniscorthy), Minister James Browne TD at the Summer School launch on 27th April in the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy. Pics: Maria Nolan.

O’Flaherty.

Above centre: Mico Hassett addresses the attendees.

Above

Cllr BarbaraAnne Murphy.

Left: Edel Kelly, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Melanie O’Reilly, Ian Kidd.

Right: Brian O’Cléirigh, Ray Murphy.

Below left: Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District), Cllr Cathal Byrne.

Below centre: Claire Lawless (Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager), Billy Byrne (Co. Wexford Tourism Officer).

Below right: Edel Kelly, Cathy Keane. Pics: Slaney News and Maria Nolan.

Above left: Brian O’Cléirigh, Jackie Hynes, Ronan

right:

Above: The programme of events for Enniscorthy’s 1798 Summer School and, below, some of the participants in the upcoming Summer School pictured at the official launch on 27th April in the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy.

Enniscorthy continues a proud Easter tradition

Easter Monday morn has traditionally been a day of remembrance in Enniscorthy when our people and our town Council commemorate the part Enniscorthy played in the formation of the nation. The last surrender of the Easter Rising happened at the Athenaeum, Enniscorthy, on 31st April 1916.

On April 30th, Padraig Pearse gave the order to surrender in Dublin but the Enniscorthy Volunteers and Cumann na mBan at their headquarters in the Athenaeum refused to take the surrender other than from Pearse himself in person. Enniscorthy leaders Sean Etchingham and Seamus Doyle were taken under armed guard to Arbour Hill Prison where Pearse signed a written order to the Enniscorthy Volunteers to surrender, whispering as he handed it over, ‘Hide the pikes, they’ll be needed again.’

Doyle and Etchingham returned to Enniscorthy on Monday 31st April with Pearse’s written order making Enniscorthy the last surrender of the 1916 Easter Rising.

In beautiful, if rare, 2023 April sunshine Enniscorthy continued a proud Easter Monday tradition with Mass at St. Aidan’s Cathedral followed by parade to Market Square led by the Army Colour Party and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society in Volunteer and Cumann na mBan uniform.

At Market Square, newly appointed Town Manager Claire Lawless welcomed all, before calling on the town’s first citizen Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Aidan Browne, to give a brief outline of Easter week 1916 in the town and lay a wreath at the Fr. Murphy monument.

Judy Heffernan read the Proclamation as Gaeilge agus Bearla, followed by the Last Post played by Anthony Nolan and Amhráin na bhFiann performed by the Ballindaggin Pipe Band.

A dignified and simple ceremony to remember the patriotic dead of the town, and the men and women who made us who we are today, here in the shadow of Vinegar Hill.

– Words & Pics by Maria Nolan

Above L-R: All the Brownes, Minister James, John and Cllr Aidan. Below L-R: Fine Gael public representatives Paul Kehoe TD, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Cathal Byrne.

Stalwarts of the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactmernt Society in Volunteer and Cumann na mBan uniforms.

As we approach the last Centenary Commemorations of the War of Independence and the tragic Civil War, it is important to remember and acknowledge the sacrifices of all the brave men and women who devoted their lives to achieving Irish freedom for us and all the generations to come.

– Maria Nolan

Fermoy remembers Liam Lynch

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society was delighted and honoured to participate in a great many Easter commemorations organised both in the county and beyond, and on Easter Sunday was privileged to be asked to give the gun salute at the commemoration of the death of Liam Lynch in Fermoy.

The people of Fermoy and beyond turned out in great numbers to remember their hero, Chief of Staff of the Anti Treaty IRA, who was shot and mortally wounded in the Knockmealdown Mountains by Free State soldiers on 10th April 1923.

The ceremony on Easter Sunday began with a pipe band parade through Fermoy to the Republican Plot at Kilcrumper Cemetery.

Eight marching bands from all over Ireland, New Hampshire and Argentina took part in the parade.

The Deputy Mayor of Cork Cllr. Deirdre O’Brien spoke on behalf of the Liam Lynch National Commemoration Committee and Cork County Council, proudly wearing the full service medal of her grandfather, Tomas O’Keeffe, who fought in both the

War of Independence and Civil War.

The oration at the grave was given by Kerry historian Dr. Tim Horgan, a member of the National Graves Association and grandson of Madge Clifford, personal secretary to Liam Lynch.

In an interesting Enniscorthy twist, when speaking to Dr. Horgan after the event, I was intrigued to hear that his grandmother, Madge Clifford, fought in the Battle of Enniscorthy in July 1922, having escaped after the surrender of the Four Courts with Sean Lemass, Ernie O’Malley, Paddy O’Brien and others.

In his sometimes-fiery speech, Dr. Horgan told the gathering, ‘Liam Lynch had declared for the Republic of 1916 and would live under no other law.’

Following the speeches, wreaths were laid by relatives, and Enniscorthy Historical Reenactment Society was called upon for the gun salute and then people adjourned to the Palace Theatre in Fermoy Community Centre for a screening of a new documentary film on the final days of Liam Lynch. A most excellent production by John Foley.

– Words & Pics by Maria Nolan

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society in the background with, in front, Denis Foley, son of volunteer Con Foley and his daughter and granddaughter at the grave of Liam Lynch

Above: The couch in Newcastle where a dying Liam Lynch lay before being moved to Clonmel hospital where he later died.

Below: Maria Nolan with Dr Tim Horgan at the Liam Lynch commemoration.

Ferns – a stronghold of heritage

Planning a day out with a difference?

Why not visit the numerous heritage sites in historic Ferns.

Ferns is different in that it is the only major area of historical significance in Ireland which has evidence of four distinct periods in Irish history. Archaeological digs have revealed habitation from the Bronze, Iron, early Christian and Norman eras.

Uniquely, Ferns’ Iron-Age excavation produced the first evidence of the use of iron nails. Amber beads also discovered link Ferns to the Bronze Age (during this period, Amber trade routes were established) while the many ecclesiastical sites extend from early Christian, through Norman and the Middle Ages. This distinguishes Ferns from other significant heritage sights such as Cashel, Glendalough or Clonmacnoise which provide evidence of just the Christian period.

Here’s a pointer towards some of the unique heritage sites on offer:

 Ferns Castle

 St. Edan’s Cathedral (pictured below)

 Cathedral graveyard including grave of Diarmuid McMurrough

 Grave of Rebel Commander Father John Murphy

 Ferns High Crosses

 St. Mogue’s Cottage

 St. Mogue’s Well

 St. Peter’s Church

 St. Mary’s Augustinian Abbey

 Ruins of Chapter House

 Monument to Fr. John Murphy.

https://fernsvillage.ie/ferns-village-heritage-trail/ n

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society gun salute at the grave of Liam Lynch.

Above: Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society’s Joe Mernagh at the grave of Liam Lynch. Below: Maria Nolan at Fermoy with members of the Argentinian Pipe Band at the Centenary Commemoration of the death of Liam Lynch.

Celebrating at Johnstown Cas

On 4th April 2023, Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens in Wexford officially opened the East Wing of Johnstown Castle following the completion of phase two of conservation and restoration works which have been ongoing since 2020. It is the first time in history that the East Wing is open to the public.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD was on hand to help open the East Wing and also to officially launch the Irish Heritage Trust’s Complete Guide to Volunteering

Since the Irish Heritage Trust was established in 2006, some of Ireland’s most precious historic properties and their stories have been brought to life for the benefit of all through volunteering at The National Famine Museum, Fota House and Gardens and the Johnstown Estate.

Irish Heritage Trust volunteers, with the support of staff and other conservation specialists, have enabled the Irish Heritage Trust to carry out countless important roles including gardening, tour guiding, stewarding, customer service and restoration projects across all three Trust properties. These volunteers play a vital role in the Trust’s ability to welcome thousands of domestic and international visitors each year and to share the stories

of the properties and the people who once lived in them.

Over the past three years, the Irish Heritage Trust, a non-profit organisation, has more than doubled its number of volunteers who now number 300 at its properties: Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Co. Cork; Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Co. Wexford; Strokestown Park House, Gardens & National Famine Museum, Co. Roscommon.

Paying tribute to the Irish Heritage Trust for its successful and engaging volunteer programme, Minister Noonan said: “I’m delighted to be here today in the magnificently restored east wing of Johnstown Castle and to launch this very important Complete Guide to Volunteering. Irish Heritage Trust volunteers, many of whom have personal connections to the properties in the Trust’s care, make an immense contribution to the Trust as it develops vibrant visitor attractions which showcase our local and national heritage. The enduring connections that are made between volunteers from the community with these special places means that our heritage will be protected and our social history brought to life for generations to come”. He continued, “My Department was delighted to provide funding support of

€750,000 for the conservation-led refurbishment of this unique Gothic turreted wing of Johnstown Castle, using sustainable Irish materials and master craftspeople.”

Minister Noonan afterwards joined Irish Heritage Trust volunteers in the glasshouse of Johnstown’s walled gardens to participate in a hands-on workshop with lime plasterer, Brian Tobin, who was passing on his skills to Irish Heritage Trust staff and volunteers in the repair and renewal of traditional lime plasters.

“It is wonderful to welcome Minister Noonan today to join with us in celebrating our volunteers, those who make a decision to join us in protecting and sharing our heritage. They help us bring to life our ethos of People, Place, Participation, something which underpins all of our work,” said Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust. “The Irish Heritage Trust firmly believes that increased individual and community participation is the key to enhancing the special places we care for. The Complete Guide to Volunteering provides a framework for us to develop, manage and acknowledge volunteerism in a meaningful and inclusive way in the years ahead.

With a diverse range of roles, there is an opportunity for everyone including social

tle Estate, Museum & Gardens

engagement, knowledge, and skills acquisition and to be part of a community which values and protects our heritage for future generations to enjoy,” she concluded.

Just four years after the Castle at Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens in Wexford opened to visitors for the very first time, the recently restored historic East Wing of the 800-year-old gothic-revival castle is now open to the public for the very first time, for wedding ceremonies, family celebrations and corporate event use. With an abundance of architectural features, the spectacular East Wing is set within its own discreet annexe of the castle, comprising three rooms full of character and charm. Set across three floors where, during the castle’s history, many parties and events took place, it once housed a ballroom, oratory, billiard room and science laboratory.

For those looking to organise an event with a difference, Johnstown’s spectacular gothic-revival setting impresses guests upon their arrival with its magnificent lake walks, woodlands and gardens and is the ideal backdrop for outdoor photography. A variety of walks and trails are on offer to the visitor as well as guided tours of the castle and selfguided tours of the Irish Agricultural Museum.

For details see www.johnstowncastle.ie www.irishheritagetrust.ie n

Above and below: Irish Heritage Trust Volunteers gathered at the beautiful Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Wexford, where Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, launched the publication of the Trust’s new ‘Complete Guide to Volunteering’.

Below left: Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform (right) tries his hand at lime plastering in the glasshouse of Johnstown’s walled gardens with expert Brian Tobin (left).

Below: Irish Heritage Trust CEO Anne O’Donoghue and Clare McGrath, Chairperson, with Minister Noonan.

These six ‘R’s can save our planet!

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

Green loans from Enniscorthy Credit Union

Need to retrofit your cold, 1970s house? Enniscorthy Credit Union’s Green Loan is designed to help you do just that – with one of its lowest rates for a loan 5.25% (5.4% APR) you can save money, save energy and save the environment with Enniscorthy Credit Union! Talk to them today at 053 9233835 or email: loans@enniscorthycu.ie n

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/

School teachers...

Calling primary and post-primary school teachers! SEAI Schools Workshops have now re-opened for bookings!

Take part in one of the free student workshops and explore the topic of energy and sustainability in a fun and engaging way. Primary and post-primary options available – online, face to face and outdoors.

Visit the website and complete the booking form to register your interest: https://www.seai.ie/communityenergy/schools/workshops-for-schools/student-workshops/ n

Climate Café in Enniscorthy

A successful Climate Café event was held on 12th April at The Wilds, Enniscorthy, hosted by Reimagining Enniscorthy and Wexford Environmental Network.

It was an opportunity for local people to come together, over a cup of tea or coffee, to chat with each other about climate actions that we can take individually and as a community here in Enniscorthy to make for a more sustainable and greener town.

To learn more about the Reimagining Enniscorthy public art and decarbonisation project, check out: https://www.reimaginingenniscorthy.com/about n

Left: Free native tree seedlings.

Right: Aideen Vonno (Eco-Kind, Enniscorthy).

Bottom left: Sadhbh Tierney, Noreen Kehoe (Enniscorthy Community Allotments).

Bottom right: Kate O’Leary, Elaine Harrington (Reimagining Enniscorthy), Lynn Haughton (The Upcycle Movement).

All pics courtesy of Enjoy Enniscorthy.

Above L-R: Billy Murphy (Enniscorthy Tidy Towns), Enniscorthy artist Ciara Roche, Elaine Harrington (Reimagining Enniscorthy), Dervla Tierney (Reimagining Enniscorthy).

Taking a leaf out of Ceara’s book

29-year-old Ceara Carney from Ballywilliam, near New Ross, is an actress and award-winning climate podcaster who uses her podcasts to highlight how people can help the environment and counteract the ongoing threats to it. Ceara’s award-winning climate podcast, Book of Leaves, is currently running for its fifth season.

Book of Leaves took home Gold for Best Climate Podcast at the inaugural Irish Podcast Awards last September, and with good reason. With several other Irish climate podcasts on the market, such as The Climate Alarm Clock and Ecolution, Carney sets her show apart from the rest with uninterrupted casual interviews that give a deep insight into the guest’s activism journey. While other podcasts of similar topics often interview leading experts in the environmental field, Book of Leaves platforms a lot more relatable, ‘every day’ people. Her light, no-jargon approach and great guest line-up, makes taking action seem a lot more inviting, and rightfully scary climate statistics, a little less paralysing. No topic has gone untouched as interviews with parents trying cloth nappies, teenagers giving up their school time to protest, or a veterinarian student who went vegan, make up the mix.

Running since April 2019 at 20 episodes a season (released every second Monday), there’s already a great backlog to catch up on. It is also enjoyable to hear the host’s journey in activism throughout the years. Though working in the arts industry as an actor and writer, Carney can always remember having an awareness of how humans impact the planet due in part to growing up in Co. Wexford.

“We used to drive so slowly on the back roads near my dad’s house, because rabbits would constantly be crossing from hedge to hedge. Then one day we drove by the local church, and the hedge had been ripped out to put in some car park

spaces. I must have only been 5 or 6 at the time and it broke my heart.”

Going vegetarian at age 10 was the first of many actions Carney would take to have a lighter impact on the planet. More recently, she has been assisting the likes of Extinction Rebellion stage creative protests to demand systemic change, but she’s also a big believer in the power of individuals:

“I think a lot of the choices we make as individuals at home or in work, come down to a lack of education. When we know better, we do better. That’s what the podcast is all about. And the listenership may be small, but its impact has been huge on my life, and apparently on some listeners’ lives too! I had one person reach out to me who was inspired by Book of Leaves to give up their corporate job and set up a business more in line with their values. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

The business in question was Faerly, a small Irish online store selling eco-friendly goods and gifts. So, if being inspired to take action on climate by people all across Ireland is something you may be interested in, Book of Leaves is the podcast for you.

Ethically sourcing coffee, reducing digital waste, protecting our marine life, and learning about disability barriers within the environmental movement are just some of the topics (or ‘leaves’) you can expect this season. Episode 80 aired on the 17th of April and continues every second Monday thereafter.

Book of Leaves is available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and iTunes, with some episodes uploaded to YouTube.

Listen: https://podfollow.com/book-of-leaves

Website: www.bookofleavespodcast.com

Twitter: @bookofleavespod

Instagram: @bookofleavespodcast

E-mail: bookofleavespodcast@gmail.com n

Check out Sustainable Enniscorthy projects on ChangeX.org

ChangeX.org is an online platform for social innovation connecting communities, ideas and funding. Sustainable Enniscorthy has set up three projects on ChangeX:

 Sustainable Enniscorthy Green Plan

 Sustainable Enniscorthy Repair Cafe

 Freshwater_Slaney

Please log on to www.ChangeX.org, join whichever of the above three groups interests you, or join all three if you wish. There is no cost involved.

Sustainable Enniscorthy Green Plan has 7 themes that affect Climate Change and 10 activities as shown in the table below.

Each activity scores points. Getting 100 points works out as a saving of one tonne of carbon emissions!

Sustainable Enniscorthy is asking as many people as possible to join their Green Plan group online at https://www.changex.org/ie/thegreenplan/enniscorthy-cowexford

Then choose the theme that you would prefer to lead, or help out with some or all of the themes and activities.

More details at:

https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/SGBBxYTqCtlN9uMy6RRQ

The more people actively involved, the better the impact in our community. Please let anyone you think might be interested know about these projects.

Sustainable Enniscorthy looks forward to getting as many people as possible involved.

Check out Sustainable Enniscorthy on Facebook or Instagram. Website: www.sustainableenniscorthy.com

Email: sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com

Ní neart go cur le chéile! n

SUSTAINABLE ENNISCORTHY GREEN PLAN HAS 7 THEMES AND 10 ACTIVITIES

Blazing an eco trail!

Aideen Vonno and husband Udo are the eco trailblazers behind Eco Kind – the zero waste store/coffee shop, nestled on Duffry Hill, with wonderful views extending over Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill.

For the past two years, Aideen, Udo, and team member Kristyna, have been at the forefront in changing the mindset of Enniscorthy’s shoppers, directing them towards a greener shopping future.

Eco-Kind is a treasure trove of planet-friendly goodies, and a tantalising array of earth-loving groceries, cleaning products, toiletries – 300 product lines in total, as well as fresh coffee and delicious acai bowls.

At this magical emporium, nothing is pre-packaged, giving shoppers the freedom to choose exactly how much they need. And the cherry on top? Everything is sold without a smidgen of plastic packaging! What's more, Eco-Kind's delightful offerings are not only environmentally friendly, but often lighter on your wallet than supermarket prices.

With their hearts full of eco-passion, Aideen and Kristyna are on a mission to inspire their customers and the wider community towards a more sustainable, greener lifestyle

one refillable jar at a time.

So call in any time, and let your eco-conscious spirit soar at Eco Kind!

https://www.facebook.com/EcoKindRefillShop

– Thanks to ‘Enjoy Enniscorthy’ for use of pics and editorial.

Above: Eco Kind’s delicious coffee and acai bowls.

The well stocked shop at Duffry Hill, Enniscorthy.

Aideen Vonno

Coming Soon –

Enniscorthy’s First Repair Café!

Sustainable Enniscorthy is planning Enniscorthy’s first Repair Café to be held in June 2023.

Do you have something at home you’d like to get repaired and to learn more about repair skills? Do you have repair skills and would like to help at the event? Sustainable Enniscorthy is looking for fixers!

They would love to hear from you on sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com. And please spread the word!

Sustainable Enniscorthy Repair is supported by Accenture.

Cllr Murphy raises illegal dumping again

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy has been vocal on many occasions at Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) meetings about illegal dumping and fly-tipping. And this matter was again on her agenda at the April meeting of EMD.

Wexford County Council staff have to carry out clean-up operations on a regular basis at numerous sites around Enniscorthy and other areas of the county, at the taxpayers’expense meaning compliant citizens are paying for their own rubbish collection and paying again for the Council to clean up other people’s rubbish!

Cllr Murphy brought up the subject of household rubbish bin surveys referring to a survey that was to have been carried out in 2019 to ascertain how people were disposing of their household rubbish. Cllr Murphy reminded the Council officials that they have the right to ask people how they dispose of their household rubbish, and they should be doing so. And they should be doing it every year to avoid the situation whereby some people will sign up to a rubbish collector and perhaps pay for just two or three months only.

“You are supposed to have a way of disposing of your rubbish and you are supposed to have a way of proving how you dispose of it,” she said.

Cllr Murphy mentioned particular spots where rubbish dumping is rampant, describing one site near Kiltealy as “absolutely destroyed”, and saying that dumping is often at difficult spots for the Council or others to pick up from.

Again she emphasised that the Council needs to follow up on how people are disposing of their rubbish, hold them to account, and then continue to follow up to make sure they are continousluy paying a registered rubbish collector.

Cllr Murphy’s sentiments were echoed by fellow Councillors including Jackser Owens who said that, “Everyone should have a bin, and we should know which houses don’t have one.” n

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy

Desecrating our historic Vinegar Hill

The wonderful volunteers at Enniscorthy Tidy Towns did a clean-up on Vinegar Hill towards the end of last month. What they saw, besides the stunning views, was this wonderful heritage site being ruined by irresponsible dog owners.

The group posed the questions: “What would the rebels think of this famous place being used as a dog toilet? What do tourists who come here think when the famous site is covered in dog poo. This is a historical site and tourist amenity – what does this say about how we value our town and heritage?”

There are no excuses for this behaviour. Wexford County Council has provided TWO dog litter bins at Vinegar Hill. These were almost empty on the day the volunteers checked.

Please bag and bin your dog poo! n

Extract from a recent email the Slaney News received from a visitor to the town from Dublin who was part of a group of eleven (name and address with editor):

“I was in Enniscorthy town last weekend with a group of 11 ladies from Dublin. We had a very enjoyable time and the people we encountered could not have been more pleasant and accommodating. Even crossing the road, we found cars stopped every time to allow us to cross. However, I feel I need to let you know that the dog poo we had to step over on EVERY footpath does not help in creating a good tourist picture for your town... I think this is a problem that needs immediate attention.”

Wexford school wins major ‘green’ award

Last month, Scoil Mhuire, Wexford town, was named Ireland’s Staffroom Challenge Winners of the Year for the staff's effort in switching to more active and sustainable travel options when commuting to work.

An Taisce Green-Schools presented the school with their award at the event honouring the winners of this year’s Green-Schools BIG Travel Challenge 2023 in Haughton House of Dublin Zoo.

During February, schools undertook the Big Travel Challenge, which asked them to concentrate on one sustainable transport mode for two weeks to see if they could achieve real, lasting change in the travel behaviour of their staff and students.

The staff of Scoil Mhuire, many of whom travel great distances to work, excelled and embraced the challenge going from 0% of staff choosing a sustainable mode of transport at the beginning of the challenge to up to 50% of the staff being involved on various days of the challenge. n

Above: An Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteer picks up other people’s litter on Vinegar Hill.

Dog owners please note –this is one of two dog poo bins situated on Vinegar Hill!

Staff and pupils of Scoil Mhuire at the awards ceremony.

Coastal photography competition

Clean Coasts’ annual ‘Love Your Coast’ photography competition is now open for submissions for its 14th year! So this summer, bring your camera with you when you are exploring the coast in Co. Wexford and submit your best shots for a chance to win from a prize fund of €6,000.

The Love Your Coast competition asks for photographers to capture and celebrate the uniqueness of our coastal communities, environments, or waterways such as the stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, epic cliff-faces, and raging rivers.

Ireland has some of the most spectacular coastlines in the world and Clean Coasts wants to encourage people to get out their cameras this summer as they explore the Irish coast and capture its beauty.

This year, the Clean Coasts programme is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and the Love Your Coast competition will be a chance to celebrate this achievement. For the past 20 years, Clean Coasts has been working with communities on the ground, to help foster pride in our coastline, supporting Clean Coasts communities, groups, and volunteers to tackle issues affecting their local area.

To mark the occasion, a new category has been added to the competition, “Protectors of the Coast” which will showcase what volunteering on the coast and community spirit is all about. Other changes to this year's competition are the reintroduction of the Underwater category, which was temporarily removed during Covid due to restrictions around diving.

The competition’s categories this year are:

Wildlife and Coast

Coastal Landscape

People and the Coast

Coastal Heritage

Underwater

Protectors of the Coast

Photographers have until 9am on 28th

August 2023 to submit their best images in one of six categories to be in with the chance to win a prize from a fund of €6,000 across all categories.

Last year, Declan Roche with “Hare at Curracloe Beach, Co. Wexford” won the third place prize in the Wildlife and Underwater Category, taken on Curracloe Beach with a Nikon D500 camera and Nikon 200mm - 500mm lens. Declan commented: “As a regular visitor to Curracloe and The Raven Nature Reserve, I happened to be on the beach at the southern end of the Raven Forest on this particular morning photographing some seabirds. I got a great surprise when I looked around and spotted this hare was also on the beach enjoying the peace and quiet.”

Moreover, "Bringing home the dinner” by Clodagh Blake and “Underwater Birds” by Ivan Donoghue, both captured at the Saltee Islands, and “Male Leafcutter Bee” by Pat Somers taken in the Raven Forest, Curracloe, were all shortlisted in the top ten images for the Wildlife and the Coast category.

For the past 14 years, the Love Your Coast photography competition has

represented an opportunity to view and celebrate the coast and our waterways that the Clean Coasts programme has been working to protect since 2003, and see the beauty captured therein. The competition began in 2010 and has gone from strength to strength since, with entries going from approximately 500 in year one to over 1,100 in 2022 with massive improvement in quality. For 2023, Clean Coasts is looking forward to receiving even more amazing entries.

Photographers are encouraged to explore new and different methods and angles in capturing the coastal regions and wildlife and would discourage photographing of locations and species that have been heavily submitted in previous years.

To enter, visit the Clean Coasts website: https://cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives

Social media:

Facebook: @CleanCoasts

Twitter: @CleanCoasts

Instagram: @cleancoasts

TikTok: @cleancoasts

YouTube: Clean Coasts Ireland

Linkedin: Clean Coasts n