Slaney News, Issue 145, June 2022

Slaney News

ServiNg Co. wexford for the laSt 11 yearS

Issue 145 – June 2022

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD was at Killowen Farm, Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy, on 5th May 2022, to unveil a new €4m cream cheese production facility.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD pictured with young cousins Peter Dunne, Christopher McCormack and Hannah Dunne.

Photo: Mary Browne.

See more on pages 106-107 inside.

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Contents of this issue of Slaney News...

News Leisure & Lifestyle Arts Food & Drink Business & Finance Pets Motoring Sport History & Heritage Environment

page 4 page 71 page 98 page 102 page 106 page 115 page 118 page 120 page 132 page 136

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.

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comment Welcome to the June issue of the online-only Slaney News.

Two public meetings were held over recent months concerning the Urban Regeneration of Enniscorthy Town Centre.

All submissions and comments received were recorded and are now being considered during the design process. The consultancy firm, LOCI, are working on the strategy and actions for the plan at present and a first draft of the plan is expected shortly. It will make for interesting reading. As soon as we are permitted to do so, we will of course publish the plan in the Slaney News.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– As we are about to publish this issue (Friday morning, 3rd June) the funeral is taking place in St Senan’s Church, Enniscorthy, of Karl Cullen who died tragically on 29th May following an accident.

Karl was a regular advertiser with us here in the Slaney News and a wonderful customer for us to deal with. To people outside Enniscorthy, he was probably best known for his numerous appearances on Dermot Bannon’s Room to Improve programme on RTE. Dermot Bannon, on hearing of the untimely passing of Karl, said he was “devastated to hear that kind, gentle, unbelievably talented Karl Cullen has tragically died so young, he played a huge part on Room to Improve over the years creating some of the most beautiful joinery, a fantastic problem solver, enthusiastic collaborator and an all round wonderful soul." The thoughts and prayers of all of us connected with the Slaney News are with Karl’s parents – Karl Snr and Annette, and his brothers Darren and Diarmuid, and his extended family, friends and work colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In this issue we again have a huge Leisure / Lifestyle / Arts sections (over 30 pages) reflecting the large number of live shows, music, arts events etc taking place over the next few weeks. Many venues suffered enormously during the worst of the Covid crisis so now is our chance to support these venues to ensure their future survival.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 around 8,500 Likes.

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

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To advertise in the Slaney News please contact: 087-2403310 SLANEY NEWS, CLONHASTON, ENNISCORTHY Tel: 087-2403310 Email: slaneynews@gmail.com www.slaneynews.com Facebook: Slaney News Online: www.issuu.com/slaneynews/docs 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.

SLANEY NEWS

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Long-term plan for Enniscorthy’s water woes The current ‘Boil Water Notice’ (BWN) for the whole town of Enniscorthy, and the recent major outage due to a burst main, are major causes of anger and frustration among residents and businesses alike.

Irish Water says it is continuing work on the replacement of the filter media at the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant with a view to lifting the BWN as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Irish Water also says it has a plan in place for a ‘fasttrack’ solution to the town’s ongoing water woes involving a significant upgrade of the Enniscorthy Water Supply Scheme. The upgrade includes the intake at Clonhaston, raw water main replacement and ‘significant investment’ at the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant. The project is at design and planning phase with works programmed to progress to tender later this year and construction to commence in 2023. n

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Senator Malcolm Byrne If I can help in any way please let me know. Tel: 085-8245142 malcolm.byrne@oireachtas.ie Holding clinics on the last Saturday of every month: BUNCLODY Redmond’s Bar 2.00pm to 2.45pm.

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Call today 053 9233593 3rd June 2022 - Page 7

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Enniscorthy’s Murphy Floods site Still time to have your say Wexford Co. Council is proceeding with its plans for Enniscorthy’s Murphy Floods site and the empty buildings bounding Irish Street and Barrack Street. The proposed development will include commercial/office/community space, car parking and 18 apartments. We have covered these plans in previous issues of the Slaney News. Some impressions of what the development will look like are included with this article. Anyone wishing to have a say should read the notice from Wexford Co. Council reproduced on the opposite page.

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The notice says: “The development compromises the demolition of empty buildings and the construction of a new multi storey structure of mixed-use development incorporating basement parking, two floors of commercial/office/community use space at ground and first floor levels and 3 upper floors containing 18 apartments and shared communal space... there is no likelihood of significant effects on the environment and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is not required.”

Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available

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053 919 6000

C o m h a i r l e C o nta e

Wexford County Council, Planning Department, (Reference LAC2204), Carricklawn, www.wexfordcoco.ie Wexford

Loch Garman

customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

PLANNING WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) NOTICE OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BY A LOCAL AUTHORITY LAC2205 Location: Main Street, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (Enniscorthy T.D., Enniscorthy Urban E.D.) Pursuant to Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and in accordance with Part 8, Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council proposes to carry out the development, the nature and extent of which is set out hereunder: ·

for inspection, or purchase at a reasonable fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours... to Wednesday 8 June 2022, at the following locations and may be viewed online at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning  

Wexford County Council, Planning Department, Carricklawn, Wexford Enniscorthy Municipal District Office, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

Submissions or observations with respect to the above proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing on or before Wednesday 22 June 2022 to: Wexford County Council, Planning Department, (Reference LAC2205), Carricklawn, Wexford. n

The proposal is to develop a brownfield site in the centre of Enniscorthy. The site includes a vacant site, previously the location of Murphy Floods Hotel and empty buildings bounding Irish Street and Barrack Street. The development compromises the demolition of empty buildings and the construction of a new multi storey structure of mixed-use development incorporating basement parking, two floors of commercial/ office/community use space at ground and first floor levels and 3 upper floors containing 18 No apartments and shared communal space.

Based on a preliminary examination of the nature, size and location of the development, there is no likelihood of significant effects on the environment and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is not required.

Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection, or purchase at a reasonable fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours from Wednesday 11 May 2022 to Wednesday 8 June 2022, at the following location and may be viewed online at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning · ·

Wexford County Council, Planning Department, Carricklawn, Wexford Enniscorthy Municipal District Office, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

Submissions or observations with respect to the above proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing on or before Wednesday 22 June 2022 to: Wexford County Council, Planning Department, (Reference LAC2205), Carricklawn, Wexford

Outside o ce hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disrup ons in your locality

Seán Doyle’s view...

The Enniscorthy Guardian of 25 May 2022 published on its front page an artist’s impression of the proposed replacement building for the derelict Murphy-Flood’s Hotel site in Enniscorthy’s Market Square. I’m sure the vast majority of Enniscorthy people are pleased to read that the decision has been made to erect a new building on the site.

We are told that the site plus other adjacent properties is now in the ownership of Wexford County Council and it is estimated that the overall cost of the proposed development will be in the region of €10 million. Murphy-Flood’s Hotel burned down in 2005 and over the years there have been many calls for the development of the property.

From its depiction on the front page of the Enniscorthy Guardian the proposed building appears to be a conglomerate of conflicting designs that in no way fits into the adjacent streetscape of old Enniscorthy. In this age of boundless higher education there must be an Architect of sufficient imagination able to design, plan and shape a building to encompass all the functions outlined in the Guardian and still be in harmony with the existing architecture of the centre of Enniscorthy.

Last October I attended a public meeting in the Riverside Park Hotel convened by the organisation trying to impose the appalling building illustrated on the front page of the Guardian on our ancient historic town; the meeting was called to discuss the renewing of the town centre area of Enniscorthy and if the proposed building is the best they can come up with it would have been better if the meeting had never been held.

I know that Planning is an Executive Function and not a Reserved Function of the Elected Council Members, but the Members can express their opinions which I hope they will do so forcefully as soon as possible.

I also hope that the Planners who attended the Public Meeting last October in the Riverside Park Hotel will reject the Planning Application for such an ugly hotchpotch of incompatible designs.

Maybe a Public Architectural Competition to select the best design for the site could come up with a better solution than the present one. In the meantime, it is hoped that the people of Enniscorthy will make their views known before it is too late.

Seán Doyle, Esmonde Road, Enniscorthy, 27th May 2022.

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Enniscorthy student leaves his mark – in space! By Cathy Keane This winter, Ireland's first satellite, EIRSAT-1, designed and built by engineers and physicists from UCD, will be launched into space. To mark this occasion, workshops were held with students from 12 schools across the country to write a poem to celebrate this momentous event. Evan Corrigan from Enniscorthy Community College took part in these writing workshops facilitated by MOLI (Museum of Literature Ireland) and the JCSP (Junior Certificate School Programme) School Library Project, and along the way also learned about space exploration technology thanks to the Dept of Physics in UCD. On Thursday 5th May at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MOLI) in Dublin, Enniscorthy Community College was represented by students Evan Corrigan and Scott Kelly at the celebration of this amazing collaborative project. Evan was presented with a print of the poem All Ways Home. The print is an image of this special poem that has been lasered onto the side of EIRSAT-1. It also bears the names of all the young poets from across the 12 schools in Ireland and their school librarians.

Evan is, of course, delighted to be honoured in this way, and Ms Éadaoin Quinn, Enniscorthy Community College Librarian, is said to be over the moon, literally!!! n

Enniscorthy Community College students L-R: Evan Corrigan and Scott Kelly at the Museum of Literature Ireland, in Dublin.

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Evan Corrigan and Ms Éadaoin Quinn, Enniscorthy Community College Librarian.

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A new town park for Bunclody?

Wexford County Council has come up with a town park / civic space ‘concept’ for Bunclody which essentially involves creating a new town park connected to the River Slaney, Market Square and the Mall. It would improve the public realm, allow construction of new public toilets and create civic space for flexible use. The concept was presented by Wexford County Council architect Shay Howell to the May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District.

Two options are being looked at – the main difference between the two is that the preferred option would include the 0.4 acres running to the river at the rear of the existing public toilets (if it can be successfully purchased). The Council would then create a one-way system around Market Square to encourage pedestrian activity and provide around ten additional parking spaces. The Market Square, new civic space and proposed town park would all be interconnected.

Both concept options include the land at the far side of the road amounting to almost one acre, which would contain a new playground. See accompanying images.

All the new amenities would be fully accessible to all – this was confirmed by Shay Howell to Cllr John O’Rourke.

The new park would allow access to the river and allow the development of walks alongside the river, initially as far as the firestation in one direction, but extending further in both directions over time.

The concept was broadly welcomed at the meeting by local Councillors including Bunclody’s Barbara-Anne Murphy. It will now advance to the next stage which involves discussion with local landowners. n

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Minister for Education visits St Patr

Minister for Education Norma Foley’s visit to Saint Patrick’s School, Enniscorthy, on 26th May 2022. L-R: Minister James Browne TD, Paul Kehoe TD, Ann Marie Furlong (Deputy Principal), Lee Rogers (Principal), Minister Norma Foley.

Below L-R: Judy Heffernan (Principal, Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh), Paul Kehoe TD, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council), Senator Malcolm Byrne, Minister Norma Foley, Cheryl Poole (Board of Management), Lee Rogers (Principal), Ann Marie Furlong (Deputy Principal), Minister James Browne TD.

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rick’s School Right: Ministers James Browne and Norma Foley checking out the great baking work going on in the home economics room.

Below left: Teacher Ursula Reynolds and school pupils present Minister Foley with a bunch of flowers.

Below right: Minister Foley says hello to Little Blue Hero (honorary Garda) Seán.

Bottom left: Home Economics teacher Brigid Roberts with Ministers Browne and Foley.

Bottom right: Minister Foley clapping along to the music.

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION NORMA FOLEY TD RECEIVED A WARM WELCOME FROM MR LEE ROGERS, PRINCIPAL, AND ALL THE STAFF AND PUPILS AT ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL, ENNISCORTHY. Minister for Education Norma Foley TD paid a visit to St Patrick’s School in Enniscorthy on 26th May 2022 to see this impressive new school at first-hand and to acknowledge the huge progress that has been made since the school was established in the Boy’s Club, Island Road, Enniscorthy, in 1967. It moved from its old premises on Bohreen Hill and Pearse Road to its new location at Drumgoold just over one year ago. The school now has 129 children enrolled and over 90 staff in total including teachers, SNAs, admin staff etc catering for children with special needs from 4 –18 years from all over Co. Wexford and south Co. Wicklow.

Check out: https://www.facebook.com/stpatsschool/

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Aidan’s Communion

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’s school class with teacher Ms Leona Stedmond, Principal Frank Murphy, and Fr Jim Doyle, St Aidan’s Cathedral.

ean Davitt, Elizabeth Simpson, Paul Simpson. Left: Aisling Byrne and Michael Fenlon. he Connors family. Below left: Ms Stedmond’s class. Below centre: Communion girl Katelyn Hempenstall and her family. Below right: Leon Doyle. hotos L-R: 1. Olive Maria Philip. 2. Maksymilian Popadowski and Levente Budai Torok.

3. The Carroll family. 4. Laura, Mel, James and Hayley Dwyer.

5. Hayley Dwyer receiving her first Holy Communion.

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Aidan’s Communion

iscorthy, 14th May 2022

hool class with teacher Mr Paudie O’Connell, Principal Frank Murphy, and Fr Jim Doyle, St Aidan’s Cathedral.

union boy Mateusz Jaworski and his family. Left: Receiving First Holy Communion.

by Kirwan and her mother. Below left: Mr O’Connell’s class photo. Below centre: nor with the O’Connor-O’Reilly family. Right: Joe, Oisin and Caroline Murphy. hotos L-R: 1. Tyler Carroll. 2. Ruby Kirwan with her grandad and great-grandad. and Heidi Wilson. 4. A line-up of Communion girls. 5. Liam Warren and Marion with grandson Daniel O’Neill.

Mateusz Jaworski

Noah O‘Connor

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Far left: Fr Jim Right Below far left: Eva and Ruby Rose M Principal Frank Bottom five ph Savanah

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Aidan’s Communion

iscorthy, 21st May 2022

school class with teacher Ms Róisín Murphy, Principal Frank Murphy, and Fr Jim Doyle, St Aidan’s Cathedral.

m Doyle, Kaiya Foley, Emma Foley and Thomas Davitt. Left: Eliana McDonnell. t: Shane Whelan receiving his First Holy Communion from Fr Jim Doyle. an Kenny, Tadhg Kenny Harte, Ronan Murphy and Millissa Kenny. Below left: Leanne Murphy and Eddie Murphy. Below: St Aidan’s school class with teacher Ms Murphy, k Murphy, and Fr Jim Doyle. Right: Lenov, Dorota and Pawel Lzerpak and family. hotos L-R: 1. Conor Donnelly. 2. Piotr and Adam Proskura. 3. Tadhg Murphy and Murphy. 4. Piotr Proskura and his family. 5. Pat, Grace and Marie Whitney.

Shane Whelan

Kaiya Foley

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Fr Jim Doyle, Patricia and Jack Kehoe and Louise Weekes.

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ol class with teachers Ms Aisling Hogan and Ms Tara Reddy, Frank Murphy and Fr Jim Doyle, St Aidan’s Cathedral.

ura, Rythe, Joe and Alex Kelly. Left: Shaun, Emma May and Emma Ryan. ght: Fr Jim Doyle, Darcey, Aidan and Christina Browne. aul Connors, Jan Fitzgerald, Larry and Michael Connors. Below left: Tom, n McCann. Below: Ms Aisling Hogan’s and Ms Tara Reddy’s Class with school and Fr Jim Doyle. Right: Fr Jim Doyle, Toby O’Connor with parents Anne and m seven photos L-R: 1. Patrick and Jack Kehoe and Laura Weekes. 2. Tatenda, mily. 3. Amy Corrigan, Kershie Walsh and Lilly Corrigan. 4. Teresa Fagan and annon. 5. Ella May Ryan. 6. Leo Blackburn. 7. Darcey Browne.

Rhys Kirwan

Rythe Kelly

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St Aidan’s C Enniscorthy, 2

St Aidan’s school class with teacher and Fr Jim Doyle, St

Far left: Yalehtin, David and Elvira Far right: Fr Jim Doyle about to give F Below far left: Paddy and Elizabeth Murph Below left: Twins Jake and Mikie O’C Fr Jim Doyle, Deacon Dermot Davis and Fr Jim Doyle gives Jake O’Connor Communio Bottom four photos L-R: 1. Katie Rossiter. 2. He Rachel McEvoy and Shane O’Neill. 3. Commu 4. Shane, Johanna, Kayla,

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Communion

8th May 2022

r Ms Lett, Principal Frank Murphy, t Aidan’s Cathedral.

Batulesiu. Right: James Buckley. irst Holy Communion to Ella McEvoy. hy with grandaughter Alexandra Murphy.

Connor. Below: Ms Lett’s class with Principal Frank Murphy. Below far right: on with Marie O’Neill and Michael O’Connor. elen McDonald, Conor McDonald, Ella McEvoy, union Girl Alexandra Murphy with her family.

Patrick and Ben Fortune.

Fr Jim Doyle gives First Holy Communion to David Batulesiu with mam and dad Yalehtin and Elvira.

Kaiya Foley

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St Senan’s Primary School extensii

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD enlisted the help of two students to turn the sod on 26th May for the new St Senan’s Primary School extension. L-R: Paul Kehoe TD, Minister James Browne TD, Tom O’Brien and Dan Casey (O'Brien Construction), Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, Elaine Maher (Board of Management), Tom O’Toole (Conroy Architects), Oona Rackard (Principal), Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council).

A large-scale extension project for St. Senan’s Primary School, Enniscorthy, has been approved to proceed to construction and Minister for Education Norma Foley TD was on hand on 26th May to turn the first sod.

Minister James Browne, who accompanied Minister Foley, commented, “I am delighted that construction of this important project for the pupils of St. Senan’s will soon get underway... When complete, this project will deliver a brand new two-storey extension/refurbishment to the school. This is an important step for St. Senan’s: an extension of four classrooms and a four-classroom special educational needs base will ultimately result in St. Senan’s expanding to become a 24-classroom school with 13 special educational teaching rooms and a four-classroom special educational needs base.”

Minister Foley was met by a welcoming group from the school’s student council who outlined to her the important role they play in the school and what they have achieved to date.

During her visit, Minister Foley met with and welcomed some of the 25 Ukranian pupils currently in the school.

Ministers Foley and Browne on their visit complimented Principal Oona Rackard, the teachers, SNAs, support staff and the whole school community on reaching this important stage in the school’s development, and also wished Ms Rackard well in her upcoming retirement as Principal.

The building project is expected to start later this month and is likely to take two years. n

Page 26 - 3rd June 2022

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has a special word with Margot, one of the 25 Ukrainian pupils currently in the school.

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ion proceeds to construction stage

A warm welcome for Minister Foley from the St Senan’s Primary School Student Council.

Having their say - St Senan’s Primary School pupils giving their opinions to Minister Foley.

Classroom visit by Minister Foley.

Classroom visit by Minister Foley.

Pupils taking time out from their break to talk with Minister Foley.

A nice touch – a welcoming sign on one of the portacabins on the school grounds.

Minister Foley joined by Minister James Browne TD, Paul Kehoe TD and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council.

Minister Foley speaking to Leah Larkin and other members of St Senan’s Primary School Student Council.

3rd June 2022 - Page 27

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Bringing joy to the world

Council to focus on Vinegar Hill At the May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, the local Councillors discussed Vinegar Hill, with Council Chairman Cathal Byrne saying that he believes there are three main issues to be looked at: Access, toilets and a greater connection between the 1798 Centre and the Hill or alternatively a new interpretive centre at the Hill.

Cllr Jackser Owens said that if Vinegar Hill was situated in Killarney it would be a “goldmine” as it would be serviced properly for tourists.

He was critical of the current access to the Hill noting that a 51-seater bus can’t reach the car park on the Hill. At this meeting and previous ones he was also highly critical of the lack of toilet facilities there.

Cllr Kathleeen Codd-Nolan spoke strongly in favour of investment at the Hill and said that as a starting point the number of cars and people going up to the Hill should be counted so as to establish the current level of usage.

Joy Quigley from Ferns, sponsored by Enniscorthy Credit Union, was crowned Enniscorthy's Strawberry Queen in 2019. Now she has been selected as Wexford's Rose of Tralee contestant for 2022. Best of luck Joy! n

Director of Services at Wexford County Council Carolyne Godkin was of the opinion that the Hill is used more by locals rather than tourists, but that she would look at the issue of access and toilets. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy helpfully advised that there are new ways of installing toilets without the need for piped water.

It was agreed that Ms Godkin will report back to the Council and that Vinegar Hill will be given greater priority at future meetings of the Council. n

Funding for community centres Community groups and organisations in Wexford are advised by local Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe to apply for a new round of funding for the upgrade and refurbishment of community centres.

Deputy Kehoe says: “Fine Gael wants to build stronger and safer communities by making our towns, villages and parishes across Wexford better places to live, work, run a business and raise a family.

“My colleague, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD, has announced that registration is now open for a new €15 million capital fund for the upgrade and refurbishment of Community Centres. The Community Centre Investment Fund will provide grants of between €10,000 up to a maximum of €300,000.

“Funding is available for capital works such as improvements to communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities, energy retrofitting,

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new windows / doors / heating systems, works to address safety concerns and works to improve disability access.

“All interested applicants in Wexford must register online at gov.ie/CommunityCentresFund. Registration for the fund must be completed prior to submitting a formal application.

“The formal application process will open on Tuesday 7th June and closes on Thursday 14th July 2022.

Minister Humphreys says: “Our local community centres and parish halls are the heart of our towns, villages and parishes. Many of them need improvement works and that is why I have put this new fund in place.

Paul Kehoe TD ing portal for not-for-profit community-owned facilities, to inform the public, generate additional income for facility owners and promote usage.

“I am encouraging all community groups to look at this fund and think about how they can use it to improve their own local parish hall or community centre.”

It is hoped that this initiative will be a useful tool for those wishing to use and/or hire not-for-profit community facilities. Information and map of facilities can be found at the link below. Please also use the link to submit your facility details at:

Wexford County Council has developed a free, online information-shar-

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community/community-facilities-portal n

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ROB STRONG – KING OF IRISH SOUL – STILL GOING STRONG To see a musical legend perform live once is special, to see him in your own home town is priceless.

At 75 years old, one would expect a musician to have already swapped their guitar and microphone for a comfy pair of slippers and a hot cup of cocoa, not so for Derry’s bluessinging treasure Rob Strong. Fans of Rob Strong and indeed fans of soul and blues generally are waiting with anticipation for his band to roll into town. It has taken 60 years on the road for him to end up playing in an intimate venue with bags of character which once stood as a Catholic church. The ticket price for this rescheduled gig is €22 and takes place in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, on the 23rd July at 8pm.

The reputation and musical C.V. he brings to the table is nothing short of impressive. Rob once turned down a lucrative offer to join the world renowned band Deep Purple instead deciding to follow his own path.

TOWN TALK

Showband. Rob did in fact collaborate with his son on The Commitments. His own band The Rockets then became The Rob Strong Band that we have today.

The current line-up has been in place since they launched this tour last November. With Rob on vocals and bass, Cormac Crowley on drums, Sean Behan on the guitar and Salvatore playing the keyboard. Prior to the pandemic, the band had a successful tour with the equally well respected artist Don Baker.

WITH KEITH DOYLE Rob started his career at the age of 16 with the Polka Dots in 1965. From 1967-74 he fronted the band The Plattermen. In 1974 he collaborated with the Eurovision Song Contest icon Johnny Logan in the band The Giants and later in the Los Vegas

For the younger generation who may not know what to expect from this experience, one will hear a wide range of songs from a variety of genres ranging from soul, blues, pop to rock sung with that unmistakable raspy, thundering vocal style. One can expect to see merchandise on sale on the night and perhaps copies of his recently published biography Still Going Strong. Above all, expect to be well entertained. n

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That’s you k Michael Fortune speaking at the launch of “That’s True, You Know”.

Pic: Maria Nolan.

‘“That’s True, You Know” is a new and exclusive exhibition running in Enniscorthy Castle from May 1st to the 29th of July as part of their 2022 summer programme.

Curated by the respected folklorist Michael Fortune of www.folklore.ie, it’s a first of its kind in the country as a sole showcase focusing on folkloric customs and beliefs from across Ireland.

Wexford features strongly throughout the exhibition with objects, stories, photos and videos collected from every corner of the county and beyond. Michael stated, “I’m delighted to be invited by Manager Mico Hassett and her team to curate ‘That’s True, You Know’ for Enniscorthy Castle as the old museum was the first museum I visited as a child. It’s a great opportunity to display and share both the traditions and superstitions of local and national voices and have their stories and objects profiled in such historic surroundings.”

Michael spent the past two decades collecting ancient and contemporary folk

beliefs and customs in every corner of the country. Describing his work, broadcaster and writer Manchán Magan said: “There have only been a few people – guardians, sacred recorders – who have collected and documented this material and Michael is one of them. Michael Fortune in years to come is going to be Ireland’s Alan Lomax.”

Mico Hassett commented, “The exhibition has a mixture of elements from a series of large and beautiful hanging displays focusing on areas around Holy Wells and Sacred Spaces, to the supernatural world of Fairies and the Banshee.

To complement that you will also be walked through the calendar year with display boards for every month highlighting traditional dates of importance.”

Newly appointed Deputy Manager Eve Furlong said, ‘We have also curated a room focused on superstitions and beliefs aimed at children and teenagers which contains interactive aspects from walking under ladders, to stepping on cracks – a space sure to create some in-

trigue and wonder. To top it all off, Michael has also brought together a host of objects which he has acquired and borrowed from people and communities from all over Ireland. These range from bottles of Holy Water from wells around the county to decorated May Bush altars and family relics. We hope it’s a new look at the past for our visitors to explore over the coming months.”

Over the past twenty years Michael has amassed the country's largest collection of folklore recollections on film and he has devised a way to include this digital aspect across the Castle space, giving patrons the additional opportunity to hear the human voice and the source of the stories too. Michael added, “People’s voices and accents are vital to my area of work and without these real people's voices and experiences something would be missing so we will feature monitors playing certain stories aloud.” A series of QR codes are displayed to scan which will bring you directly to the source of the story on YouTube if patrons want to delve into more folklore offsite.

Admission to the exhibition is free on payment of normal admission to the Castle. n

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s true, know!

FOLKLORE AT ITS VERY BEST If you get a chance between now and the 29th July do pay a visit to Enniscorthy Castle, here at the heart of Enniscorthy, to view a unique and nostalgic exhibition called That’s True, You Know.

It’s compiled and curated by seanachai extraordinaire Michael Fortune who is almost single-handedly keeping Wexford traditions, customs, and superstitions alive and well in the 2020s.

The official exhibition opening in May and attracted a large audience who were enthralled with Michael’s tales about May Bushes, May Altars, Holy Wells, Magpies, Banshees and Mermaids and the sayings, superstitions, and traditions that we all grew up with.

Michael has spent the last twenty years collecting material for this first-of-its-kind exhibition, that takes us all back to our childhood and the customs that were part and parcel of generations long before iPhones, television, iPads, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

It is a marvellous interactive exhibition connecting all of us to our shared folk history and at the opening it was lovely to hear the nostalgic gasps of people remembering and even adding to the customs and superstitions Michael spoke about.

This wonderful compilation is part of who we are, and tremendous credit is due to Michael and Castle Manager Mico Hassett and her enthusiastic Castle team for giving all of us the opportunity to view this rare assemblage of intriguing snippets of our veiled past.

Michael is the keeper of our folklore history and long may he continue this most important work.

Above L-R: Folklorist and Curator Michael Fortune with Mico Hassett, Enniscorthy Castle Manager, outside Enniscorthy Castle where the ‘That’s True, You Know’ exhibition is running until 29th July.

Bottom left: Eve Furlong (Deputy Manager Enniscorthy Castle), Aileen Lambert, Eppie Fortune, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Nan Fortune, Nellie and Michael Fortune. Pics: Maria Nolan.

Before the end of his talk Michael had a treat in store for us as he introduced his wife Aileen and daughters Nellie, Nan and Eppie to give a rendition of a very old song Good Morrow Fair Yarrow.

It seems our folklore is already safe in the hands of the next generation thanks to Michael and Aileen.

– Maria Nolan

Some of the large number of attendees at the launch of “That’s True, You Know”.

Pic: Maria Nolan.

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Enniscorthy Fáilte – a warm w ENNISCORTHY IS PLAYING ITS PART IN WELCOMING UKRANIAN REFUGEES... BUT MORE HELP IS ALWAYS NEEDED The ‘Enniscorthy Fáilte’ group is coordinating the community and voluntary response to the arrival in town of 56 Ukrainian families fleeing their war-torn country. The group is looking for volunteers to help the Ukrainian refugees settle in and feel welcomed in Enniscorthy.

If you think you have the skills to help these refugees with conversational English (e.g. if you are a retired teacher) please get in touch with the group asap as the language barrier is a major stumbling block for many of the 56 family groupings currently in Enniscorthy. Can you spare just two hours a week to help in this regard? At present, six retired teachers are helping with conversational English but more would be very welcome.

Because of the language barrier, Enniscorthy Fáilte is fortunate to have on board a Ukranian woman, Olga, who has lived in Enniscorthy for over 20 years and who acts as a translator for the group.

Above L-R: Suzanne O’Leary (Fáilte Enniscorth Below left: Ivanichkina Olena, Johnny Mythen Below centre: Frank Corcoran (Slaney News) a

The group is trying to have a ‘befriender’ in place for every refugee family – someone who can help answer a family’s queries and be contactable by them.

Local volunteer Suzanne O’Leary is to the fore in all these efforts. She sees the inability of many of the families to communicate in English as a ‘huge barrier’. A dedicated website, in Ukrainian, explaining everything the families need to know for their stay in Ireland, would be a huge beneficial resource, according to Suzanne, but that doesn’t exist at present.

Some of the refugees are in a position to take up either part-time or full-time work. If you are an employer, please contact Enniscorthy Chamber on (053) 923 2006 and they can help put you in touch with these potential employees.

Thanks to a number of local sports clubs, the refugees are able to participate in tennis, bowling, athletics, swimming, etc.

In all, there are now over 40 local people helping out in one way or another.

Every Tuesday morning, the Enniscorthy Fáilte group meets with the families, in The Presentation Arts Centre, to provide a friendly welcome, offer advice, and any practical help they can, with tea/coffee served by Phil Millar or Linda Tobin – two ladies always willing and able to help out for a good cause. This is also an opportunity for the Ukrainian families to network with each other. n

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Above: a notice in the shop window of Aideen Vonno’s hair studio, Hill, offering free services to the women and children of Ukraine wh arrived in Enniscorthy. Aideen says, “Thank you so much to Yana an daughter for making these posters telling their fellow Ukrainians th can call to the salon to make an appointment to have their hair don free. It’s only a small thing that we feel we can do to help these guests of our country feel welcome and looking good starting their new life in Ireland.”

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elcome for Ukrainian refugees ‘Enniscorthy Fáilte’ group holds a weekly ‘meet & greet’ with Ukrainian refugees at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

Our photos were taken there on 17th May 2022.

hy), Kateryno and Micoslav Ridfko, Jacob and Aoife Dalton.

TD, and Borys Bidii. and translator Olga.

Duffry ho have nd her hat they ne for

L-R: Suzanne O’Leary (Fáilte Enniscorthy), Johnny Mythen TD and Larry Dunne (The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy).

L-R: Suzanne O’Leary (Fáilte Enniscorthy) and Cllr Jackser Owens.

Renowned Ukrainian singer Maryna Odolska performing in St Mary’s Church, Enniscorthy, 29th May 2022.

ENNISCORTHY FÁILTE CONTACT DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthyfailte Email: enniscorthyfailte@gmail.com Tel: 087 3369907 (this number is not manned all the time so please leave a message if nobody answers straight away).

ENNISCORTHY ORGANISATIONS SEEKING HELP FOR UKRAINE Enniscorthy and District Chamber of Commerce and Enniscorthy Lions Club are doing their bit to help the people of Ukraine. The Chamber and Lions Club have opened an account in AIB Bank, Slaney Place, Enniscorthy, to accept donations which will be used to finance the sending of aid trucks to Ukraine with essential supplies of donated goods using voluntary drivers. You can help by making a donation directly to the Humanitarian Fund Appeal in the Slaney Place Branch of AIB Bank, Enniscorthy, by using the details below to make a donation. By doing so you will be contributing in a very meaningful way to providing support for the hundreds of thousands of refugees who have been forced to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. Enniscorthy town and district are known for their generosity in times of need and the organisers are confident of a great response on this occasion also.

PAYMENT DETAILS: AIB Bank, Slaney Place, Enniscorthy, A/c No: 03830705. IBAN: IE47 AIBK 9334 1403 830705. BIC: AIBK IE2D. SORT CODE: 93-34-14.

3rd June 2022 - Page 33

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Mythen congrats for Michelle O’Neill

Enniscorthy Rugby Club underage awards in clubhouse on 20th May: The Alfie Walsh Cup for the Team Player of the Year under 18.5 went to Laurence Power pictured above with his mother Fiona Power.

Local Sinn Féin TD Johnny Mythen with Sinn Féin leader and First Minister Designate in the north, Michelle O’Neill MLA, who now heads the largest political party in the north.

Well done to the Parents Association and 6th year students of Enniscorthy Community College who raised €633 for the Hope Centre in Enniscorthy from their Easter Raffle. The cheque was kindly presented to Anne Marie Hammel from the Hope Centre on 2nd June.

Remembering the Wexford Lockout of 1911-12, at The Faythe, Wexford, annual wreath laying ceremony, 1st May 2022.

L-R: Cllr George Lawlor, Paddy Foley, Helen Corish Wilde, Mayor of Wexford Garry Laffan, District Manager Angela Laffan, and Joe Ryan.

Lockout commemoration Page 36 - 3rd June 2022

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Official launch of Barrow Princess Cruise from New Ross to Waterford or Waterford to New Ross

Above left: Chairperson of Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Cllr Lisa McDonald with boat owner Declan Bates at the official launch of the Barrow Princess river cruiser in New Ross on 26th May 2022. Wexford LCDC was delighted to help with funding through LEADER. Left: Cllr Michael Whelan, Eamonn Hore (Director of Services, Wexford Co. Council), Cllr Lisa McDonald, at the official launch. https://barrowprincess.ie https://www.facebook.com/thebarrowprincess

A career with Wexford Ambulance Service A careers information evening was held by the National Ambulance Service on 29th April at Wexford Co. Council headquarters in Carricklawn to encourage people in the south east to consider a rewarding career as an Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic/Advanced Paramedic. According to Ger Carthy, ambulance officer (and Wexford County Councillor), these are rewarding careers with lots of variety: “No two days are the same, no two hours are the same.” To find out more, check out the website: https://www.nationalambulanceservice.ie n

National Ambulance Service Career Information Evening at Wexford County Council HQ, 29th April 2022. Above left: Clare O’Leary and Fergus Gallagher (Wexford Ambulance). Above right: Rosie Somers (New Ross Ambulance service) talks to some of the attendees.

3rd June 2022 - Page 37

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Wexford Ambulance Service ca

L-R: Philip Barrell, Tony Murphy (ambulance crew) and Simon Murtagh.

Ambulance crews from all over Co. Wexford with Ian Brennan, Adv Ambulance Office

Ger Carthy (Ambulance Officer) addresses the audience.

National Ambulance Service Career Information Evening at Wexford County Council HQ, 29th April 2022

Oliver Martin (Enniscorthy ambulance service) and Katelyn Bolger.

Some of the attndees at the National Ambulance Service Career Information Evening at Wexford County Council HQ.

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Ian Brennan, Advance Paramedic Surpervisor Wexford, address

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areers evening

vance Paramedic Supervisor Wexford (left), and Ger Carthy er (centre).

es the audience.

Ger Carthy (Ambulance Officer) addresses the audience.

Attendees at the information evening at Wexford Co. Council HQ.

Some of the attendees at the National Ambulance Service Career Information Evening.

Tom Bradley, Gerard Walsh, Ger Carthy and Amy Walsh.

3rd June 2022 - Page 39

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Remembering the late Pete former Mayor of Wexford In remembering Peter, my mind goes back over many decades. I have known him literally all my life. He has always been there, and it is difficult to imagine a Wexford without Peter Roche.

Back almost a quarter of a century ago, when Peter celebrated his 60th birthday, Brendan Howlin said a few words. At this remove I cannot recall all of his words but I do remember his opening line.

Brendan said, “Peter is a complex character”, and indeed he was. I also recall a comment made many years prior to that

by Peter’s uncle Kevin when he said one day, “There’s times that it’s difficult to figure out what Peter is thinking” and he followed it up by saying, “But if what he’s thinking is about something which will adversely affect his family or the people he represents, you won’t be long in finding out about it.”

Those two views, in my opinion, captured a lot of Peter.

In 1967, Peter decided to stand in the local elections. The cynics said he hasn’t a chance. He’s not long back from sea, no one knows him, so he won’t be

elected. He was elected and not only that but went on to hold the seat for 32 years. No mean achievement in the cauldron of local politics.

Peter’s greatest honour came in 1978 when he was elected Mayor of Wexford for the first time. The Mayoralty was an Office that he had the utmost of respect for and he fully recognised its significance and its importance to the people of Wexford. He ensured that during his terms of office as mayor in 1978, 1983 and 1988 that the respect due to the mayor of the day was given and was visible. Peter demonstrated this during one of his terms of office when Wexford hosted a big national conference. A senior minister was present and the organisers decided that the first speaker on the rostrum that day would be the said minister. However, they reckoned without Peter, who immediately informed the PR expert in charge of events of the protocols surrounding the office of Mayor of Wexford. The Mayor is the first citizen and the Mayor takes precedence in this Borough over Presidents, Taoisigh, ministers or anyone else. The Mayor speaks

A lone piper leads the Civic Funeral Procession of former Mayor of Wexford Peter Roche whose funeral Mass was held in Bride Street Church on 6th May 2022.

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first or the Mayor leaves now, Peter said.

The Mayor spoke first.

Peter didn’t do that for Peter Roche. He did that for the people of Wexford.

Make little of them or their representatives at your peril when Peter was around.

Peter was a passionate supporter of Wexford’s tradition of commemorating those brave Wexford seafarers who lost their lives in keeping Ireland open during WWII. The annual laying of a wreath at the plaque, situated at the John Barry statue, honouring their memory every year was a must-attend event in his diary. Peter in his early days at sea had sailed with many of the men who had been through the horrors of the war and their stories of hardship, bravery and then practically no recognition, when it was all over, horrified him.

One of Peter’s strengths, rewarded by the people of Wexford in election after election, was that he never changed. He was the same man whenever you met him or whoever he was with. He had great loyalty, and expected it to be re-

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r Roche –

The late Peter Roche R.I.P.

turned. He was always straight with people and if you crossed him deliberately or accidentally you were quickly reminded.

He made a huge contribution to public life in Wexford and beyond. He was a board member of the National Building Agency for many years and during his time there insisted that local authority houses be built in Wexford. He represented Wexford at the Municipal Authorities of Ireland for decades and at other regional authorities.

Many people in Wexford have been helped by Peter over the years in his role as Mayor, Councillor and Peace Commissioner. As an individual his personality was very understated and in many cases underestimated by those who might oppose him. He had a very shrewd business mind and had a resolve of steel when he set out to achieve something. In ways he was a tough man, but he was also a very caring man who hated injustice and despised those who tried to lord themselves over others. Once he adopted a cause or set a target he saw it through to the very end. Peter Roche never jumped off when the going got tough.

Other than all that, Peter was a family man. He was immensely proud of Betty,

his wife of 63 years, the way that she stood by him through thick and thin over many years and of course his daughter Valerie who was the light of his life. He had a massive high regard for Valerie’s husband Junior. His grandchildren were a source of wonderment to him, going in a few years from babies to working profes-

sionals and each time I would meet him I was well informed (as I’m sure many others were) of their progress. So, to sum Peter up, Yes, he was complex, and indeed in many ways deep. But he was Peter and we all knew who Peter was.

– John Roche, Former Mayor of Wexford.

L-R: The late Peter Roche R.I.P. with the author of the tribute on this page, John Roche, former Mayor of Wexford.

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Coffee Morning in Gorey in a

Loch Garman Arms, Gore

Top left: Lisa Murphy-Kelliher, Gemma Byrne and Vanessa Kinsella. Above: E Top right: Noreen Gallagher

Above left: Agnieszka Trzesniowska and Ewa and Maja Cielecka. Above right: Roiseen Duncan and Anne Marie Morris.

Below left: Mary and Kane Durrant. Below right: Jenny Cush, Betty Beage and Patty Darcy.

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aid of Advocates for Autism

ey, 29th April 2022.

Essie Doran, Betty Murphy, Tommy Hayden and David Willoughby. and Teresa Barden.

Left: Anna Gahan and Aileen O’Connor.

Above: Olive Noonan, Theresa McDonald and Ann Hughes.

Left: Carmel Newe, Dolly O’Sullivan and Sarah Furlong.

Above: Enjoying the coffee morning in the Loch Garman Arms in aid of Advocates for Autism, Wexford, Maisie Farrell and Bobby Graham.

3rd June 2022 - Page 43

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Help wanted in Ballindaggin A small number of individuals give their time every year for a very important project in Ballindaggin village – the hanging baskets. These enhance the village annually and the work is carried out by a few fantastic people giving up an hour a day for one week over the summer to water the baskets.

Slaney Search & Rescue AGM The AGM of Slaney Search & Rescue will take place in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Wednesday 13th July at 7.30pm. n

Ballindaggin Development Group is putting out the call for more volunteers to help out over the summer months. If you are willing to give a hand, please contact Betty Rafter and she will explain the process. Contact: 087 6894484. 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

FR. MURPHY CENTRE, BOOLAVOGUE, NOW OPEN The Fr. Murphy Centre, Boolavogue, reopened on March 16 – the first day open to the public for 2022.

The Centre is open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm. n

DOG BINS

ORCHARD PARK

FLOOD DEFENCE

At the May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District it was noted that Slaney View Park, Mourne Park and Ross Road would be sites for new dog bins, along with Ferns village.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy asked that Bunclody be included also for dog bins. n

At the May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District it was noted that the Park is open from 8am to 8pm for the month of June. Opening times for future months may vary. The park is being well used and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, and a number of measures have been introduced to discourage any anti-social behaviour. n

At the May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District it was confirmed that the local Councillors had met with Minister for Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan on 4th May, and he confirmed to them that the new bridge for Enniscorthy could proceed as a standalone project separate from the remainder of the Flood Defence Scheme. n

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SlaNey NewS GLOBAL PANDEMIC TREATY The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, with government approval we assume, is about to sign Ireland up to the Global Pandemic Treaty. This treaty is the brainchild of the World Health Organisation which is based in Geneva.

The effect of signing up to this treaty will be that the WHO rather than an Irish government will in future dictate what Ireland’s reaction will be to any future pandemic, sign of a pandemic or even a rumour of a pandemic.

In other words, if something happens in a far away country and the lockdown puritans in the WHO decide that we in Ireland should be closed down for months or even years, a future Irish government will have no say whatsoever. We are bad enough at the moment in the context that there is little that we can do without the approval of the EU, and that includes adopting budgets regarding spending on essential services and raising taxes etc. Remember a few years ago when the Irish Budget was presented in the German parliament before the Dáil saw it.

Imagine how little resistance Irish politicians will put up to the WHO if they start shouting wolf at some time in the future.

Slowly but surely our Independence is being washed down the drain. People died and went to prison for years to gain that Independence. Yet our current politicians, who once a year solemnly lay wreaths and speak with such apparent conviction at memorials to those glorious dead, are planning to throw that all away. It is indeed a sad state of affairs.

INTERESTING FACT The government suddenly comes up with the idea that they, us the taxpayers, should pay people €400 a week to house Ukrainian refugees. As an afterthought they decided to mention that if you are prepared to assist other homeless categories that you will also get the allowance. Pity they didn’t think of that before now, but I suppose the economy couldn’t afford it until Russia attacked Ukraine. This allowance is

View from the Centre

A local contributor, based in the centre of the county, looks at life today in Co. Wexford and beyond tax free. So therefore, if a single person is on benefits getting €12k per year and adds the €20k refugee allowance their income is €32k tax free.

If a single person works 40 hours per week and earns €30k per year, they pay tax and other charges. So, another well thought out government scheme.

The mind boggles sometimes.

to Wexford Co. Council, to local harbour and beach users and voluntary organisations in all these areas who contribute so much to maintaining the high standards required to achieve this level of safety.

DÁIL REVISION It would appear that after a review of Dáil representation, the next election will return ten more deputies to Leinster House. The need for a further ten TDs is well questionable but the fact is that once the powers that be decide on this we have no say.

If that becomes a reality, how will it affect Wexford which is presently a fiveseater constituency? The likely outcome will be that the county will be split in two with three seats in each. We would have to assume that the divide would split the Enniscorthy area with the majority going to North Wexford and South Wexford taking the rest. This would be an interesting scenario and indeed a worrying one for our current representatives. For instance, how would Paul Kehoe fare out against James Browne, Johnny Mythen and wannabe TD Malcolm Byrne. My bet, at first glance, is that provided Fine Gael didn’t put up a second candidate in the three seater he’d be elected as would Browne and Mythen, so no change there then. Malcolm would lose out again if he stands unless in the meantime he was elected to Europe, and don’t rule that out.

BLUE FLAGS

The extra seat will come in South Wexford. Verona Murphy, although she wouldn’t welcome this comment, should be a shoo in. If Brendan Howlin stands, he will cross the line again. However, if the Labour candidate is George Lawlor it may not be as predictable but at this remove it’s difficult to see him not making it. That leaves one seat between Fine Gael, probably John Hegarty, Sinn Féin who have Tom Forde as a high profile public representative or would they go for a woman candidate as yet unnamed, and Fianna Fáil who have a number of councillors in the south Wexford area the most high profile being Lisa McDonald and Michael Sheehan.

There will be a lot to play for here if this comes to pass before the next election. n Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation.

I note that all of Co. Wexford’s beaches retained their prestigious Blue Flag status which is of course hugely important for tourism and our local population who all the year around enjoy our wonderful amenities. Credit is due

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The Morris Dunne Truck, Tractor & Car Road Run 1st May 2022, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

Theresa and Eimear Farrell.

Ben, Toddy and Tim Helfort with Woodie.

Orla Murphy, Morris Dunne and Dan Nolan.

Harry Dempsey and Roiseen Murphy at The Morris Dunne vehicle road run, Enniscorthy, 1st May, 2022.

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RETRO Cannonball coming to Wexford

First cap for Festy?

Saturday June 11th at 6.30pm.

RETRO Cannonball is coming to Wexford with the overall finish line at Wexford Town on the Quay on Saturday June 11th at 6.30pm featuring 100 classic cars, free family entertainment and that unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for.

Spectators can get up close, see some rare classic cars, take photographs, meet the drivers and enjoy the fun as RETRO Cannonball raises funds for The HOPE Foundation, an Irish Charity doing incredible work with the street children of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).

Registered cars for RETRO Cannonball, sponsored by Galway Bay Brewery, include a Lamborghini Diablo, a Jaguar EType, a Ferrari 328 GTS, some beautiful Mercedes-Benz SL classics, a Lancia Beta, a BMW 635CSI, a Porsche 911 Carrera and a Porsche 911 Targa, an MG Midget, a Ford Escort Cosworth, a beautiful Chevrolet Corvette, a classic VW Beetle, a Ford Thunderbird, a mini cooper and many more.

RETRO Cannonball starts in Belfast this year on June 10th at 9.30am at the Titanic Quarter and takes in the whole east coast of Ireland from Antrim to Wexford with proceeds to The HOPE Foundation. www.cannonball.ie for more details. n

and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, said: “Ireland has been enriched in so many ways by the presence of a vibrant African community. Ireland’s arts, culture, business, community development, sport and so much more have been strengthened by people of African origin or descent. Africa Day is about recognising that contribution and celebrating the culture and potential of the continent as a whole."

CONGRATS TO ENNISCORTHY'S FESTY ABOSELE, A PAST PUPIL OF ENNISCORTHY CBS, ON BEING CALLED UP TO THE IRISH SENIOR FOOTBALL SQUAD FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND HE COULD WIN HIS FIRST SENIOR CAP IN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES THIS JUNE. FESTY IS PICTURED ABOVE WITH JOHN RYAN, PRINCIPAL, AND BRENDAN O’SULLIVAN, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, ST MARY’S CBS, ENNISCORTHY.

Enniscorthy’s Rockin’ Fruit & Food Festival Incorporating all the best elements of the Rockin' Food Festival and The Strawberry Fair, the new Enniscorthy’s Rockin’ Fruit & Food Festival will run over the August Bank Holiday weekend 2022 (29th July – 1st August). You can expect a brand-new, impressive schedule of chefs, producers and special guests in the FREE Food Marquee, an impressive Artisan Food Market with over 50 of the best local and artisan vendors, a superlative international line-up of Rock 'n' Roll artists for FREE outdoor gigs, a jam-packed programme of food and drink workshops, events and classes as well as lots of FREE and exceptional value packages for the younger festival goers! n

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Passionate about Ukraine

Concert in St Mary’s Church, Enniscorthy, on 29th May 2022 for the Ukrainian community living in Co. Wexford. Above left: Concert goers singing the Ukrainian National Anthem. Above right: Maryna Odolska (left) singing with a member of the audience. Pics: Maria Nolan.

Having been away, I missed the concert on 28th May, which was organised by the Enniscorthy Lions Club, and held in St. Mary’s Church in aid of the Ukrainian community now living in Enniscorthy. So I consider myself very fortunate that the caring and innovative Rev. Nicola Halford decided to allow a free concert in the Church the following day with renowned Ukrainian singer Maryna Odolska performing for the warfled families living in our town. It truly was a moving and memorable event.

I loved the performance of Maryna Odolska, dressed elegantly in black. Her songs, although I couldn’t understand a word of them, were sung with the passion that we have come to associate with the indomitable Ukrainian people.

Her spirit and passion shone through every word and caused many a tear in the eyes of those in the audience including my own when we all stood for the Ukranian National Anthem and with hands on their hearts and blue and yellow flags waving, the congregation sang it with gusto and zeal.

Odolska is a very well-known performer in Ukraine, currently residing in Dublin having fled the conflict in her homeland. She

delighted the emotional gathering with renditions of popular songs and even invited a singer in the audience to join her on stage and sing with her.

It was a very special occasion for the Enniscorthy Ukrainian community who presented their singer and idol with several bouquets of flowers before gathering around her for photographs that were being emailed, messaged and whatsapped to friends and family all over Ukraine and indeed most other parts of Europe.

Rev. Nicola, who is herself a member of the Enniscorthy Lions Club, told me that they had a full house the previous night, with all tickets sold, and she complimented the Enniscorthy community and Riverside Park Hotel who were very kindly sponsoring accommodation for Maryna and her sound engineer husband.

It was a privilege to be among these spirited people and experience their culture. I have no doubt that we have a lot to offer each other.

Maryna Odolska (centre) with some of the audience.

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– Maria Nolan

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Enniscorthy Lions Club concert in St Mary’s Church, Enniscorthy, on 28th May 2022 for the Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Fund.

Some of the performers...

Left: George Lawlor. Above: Maryna Odolska.

Right: Lorna Mahon Wall, Grace Murphy and accompanist Ger Griffin.

Below: Enniscorthy Gospel Choir.

Bottom: Presentation School Choir, Wexford.

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Enniscorthy Community College awards On 26th May, Enniscorthy Community College held a very successful awards day thanks to awards coordinator Mr. Conor Dempsey, Ms. Anita Cullen and her music department, MC Mr. Liam Sharkey, honoured guest Dr. Patrick Prendergast, Chairperson of the new SETU (South East Technological University). Other guests on the day included Ms. Eimear Ryan (WWETB Director of Schools), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Minister James Browne TD and Mr. Paul Kehoe TD. Congratulations to the 2022 "Student of the Year" Breanna Sludds Keane. Breanna is pictured above with Dr. Iain Wickhman (Principal, on left), Dr. Patrick Prendergast (Chairperson of SETU, on right), and her parents Jenna and Phil.

Below: Enniscorthy Community College staff and guests at the school’s 2022 academic, cultural and sporting life awards.

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Launch of Wexford’s Age Friendly Strategy 2022 to 2026 Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for older people Mary Butler TD launched Wexford Co. Council’s Age Friendly Strategy 2022/2026 at Wexford County Hall on Monday May 30th.

The Minister complimented Wexford Co. Council and the Wexford Age Friendly Alliance on the preparatory work they had jointly put into the Strategy and stated that she was confident, judging by past performance, that Wexford would deliver on the commitments contained in the document over the next four years.

The aim of the Strategy is to address the needs of older people in Co. Wexford across the following themes, Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment, Communication and Information, Community Support and Health Services and Safety and Security.

The Chair of Wexford Co. Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, who opened the proceedings, complimented those who drew

up the Strategy and outlined the degree of involvement herself and her council colleagues would have in ensuring its delivery.

Wexford County Council CEO Tom Enright gave a firm undertaking that no stone would be left unturned in the implementation of the recommendations of the report.

A novel approach to launching the document was demonstrated by 81-year-old Kevin Molloy, Chairman of the Wexford Older Peoples Council and Vice Chair of the National Federation of Older Peoples Councils, who began his speech with the playing, on his smartphone, of the song Tie a Yellow Ribbon which he then adapted to retirement rather than coming home. On the serious side, he complimented Anne Marie Laffan, Co. Wexford’s Age Friendly Coordinator, on her tremendous work since her appointment a number of years ago.

Other speakers were Alice Corbett of Age Friendly Ireland and Dr. Yvonne Byrne who is a Rural Development Consultant and was involved in much of the work in drawing up the strategy. n

Attendees at the launch of Wexford Co. Council’s Age Friendly Strategy 2022-2026 at Wexford County Hall on Monday May 30th. Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for older people Mary Butler TD is fourth from left in the front row. Pic: Ger Hore.

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Enniscorthy man addresses the United Nations

Minister James Bowne TD addresses the UN International Migration Review Forum at the UN headquarters in New York.

Minister of State, Enniscorthy’s James Browne TD, recently represented Ireland at the first UN International Migration Review Forum in New York. Addressing the Forum at the UN headquarters in New York, Minister Browne reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to working together in international partnership on migration and recognised the role of migrants in Ireland’s economic growth and their vital contribution in our health service to managing Covid-19.

The Forum was convened to progress the implementation of the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, which Ireland helped to facilitate in 2018.

The Global Compact is the first intergovernmentally negotiated agreement, prepared under the auspices of the United Nations, covering all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner.

While the document respects states’ sovereign right to determine who enters and stays in their territory, it

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demonstrates and articulates a shared commitment to international cooperation on migration.

Reaffirming Ireland’s commitment to the Global Compact, Minister Browne said: “International migration will continue to present challenges and opportunities... The Global Compact provides us with a clear framework to improve the governance of migration, to address the challenges associated with today’s migration, and to strengthen the contribution of migrants and migration to sustainable development... Ireland will continue to support its full implementation.”

Addressing the Forum, Minister Browne recognised the unique impact that migration, both inward and outward, has had on Ireland and our history. He recognised the significant contribution of our migrant communities to supporting our economic growth, and in particular the high proportion of migrants working in the health service, whose work was vital to the effective management of the

COVID-19 public health crisis.

Minister Browne also set out details of the landmark Regularisation Scheme in his address, stating: “The scheme enables those who have been living in Ireland for a specified number of years – in many cases contributing to the economy – but who may have been hindered by their undocumented status, to apply to regularise their immigration permission.”

The scheme, said Minister Browne, “has clear benefits for the individuals and their families, for the State itself and for their countries of origin. It was designed after listening carefully to the needs of the people affected and allows successful applicants to engage fully in Irish society, including in the labour market, with increased opportunities for labour mobility and progression.”

Minister Browne felt humbled by the experience of addressing the UN saying, “It was a huge honour to make the national address on behalf of Ireland at the United Nations. Not many get this opportunity and it was a humbling experience which I will always remember.” n

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All go at Gorey District Park

Gorey District Park, 10th May, 2022.

Clockwise from top left: On the slide in Gorey District Park was Daithí O’Connor.

Sharing out their smarties were Jordan Clauss and Leo Cooper.

Leo Cooper.

Linah Gregory.

Gemma Brohan and Oliver.

Calvin Behan.

Linah Gregory and Elysian Canty.

Stephanie and Jordan Clauss.

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Kilmuckridge Women’s Shed is officially opened by Cllr Pip Breen

Above left: Kilmuckridge Women’s Shed official opening, 3rd May 2022, L-R: Betty Walsh, Catherine Foran and Chairman of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Pip Breen. Above right: Vera O’Sullivan, Lizzie Bolger and Mary Mitten.

Above left: Maureen Rowan, Sandra Jones, Chairman of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Pip Breen, and Claire Brooks.

Above right: Janet Conroy and Aileen McCarthy. Below left: Terri Sweetman, Marie Brady, Maureen Rowan, Peggy Smith and Sandra Jones.

Below right: Ericka Fennessey and Trish Bradley.

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“Let’s make a fuss” supported by Johnny Mythen TD Parents, relatives and friends of children with special needs gathered in the Market Square, Enniscorthy, on 6th May, to appeal to the HSE and government to properly support parents and guardians of children with disabilities and special needs.

Speakers at the ‘Let’s Make a Fuss’ event related how the current system is at crisis point in the country and that parents/guardians are now effectively being counsellors and therapists for their children because of the lack of available professional services in these areas.

“The campaigners who are raising awareness of these issues are amazing. However, as one parent put it to me, they are also sick and tired of telling their stories. There are only so many times that they can share their pain and turmoil.

“Now the government and the HSE must really listen, and urgently provide the resources and strategies needed to get these teams fully staffed, running efficiently and providing the services required.” n

Deputy Mythen says, “Children's Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) provide support services for all children with significant needs who require a team of professionals working together. Unfortunately, there are several major issues with the CDNTs in Wexford, and this is being raised by amazing campaigners who are ‘making a fuss’ to improve children’s access to these services.

“I have raised some of these issues in the Dáil recently with the government. Firstly, in March it was reported to me that there are supposed to be six whole-time-equivalent psychology posts in County Wexford's Children's Disability Network Teams, but there were only two in situ. This renders the disability network team almost unworkable, considering the waiting lists. This is causing untold damage and severe pressure for families, for the staff, and most of all for the vulnerable children themselves.

“Secondly, the waiting lists for these services is wholly unacceptable. Latest figures released to me showed that there are a staggering 445 children waiting for disability services in County Wexford. This is a very serious number and shows the extent of the problem. Each one of those 445 is a child who deserves to have the supports needed for a healthy and happy childhood.

“Finally, a key component of CDNTs are family forums, which provides an opportunity for families like these campaigners to discuss general issues and ideas about the children’s disability services. However, the HSE have reported to me that no family forums have been established as of May in Co. Wexford. These families are experts by experience and their voices deserve to be heard.

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Launch of Garda Youth Awards

Launch of Wexford Garda Youth Awards in Wexford County Council on 9th May 2022.

Back row L-R: Claude Cloney (Community Development Officer), Michael Sweeney (ADM Officer), Ger Mackey (Senior Officer), Inspector Graham Rowley, Cllr Michael Whelan, Tom Enright (CEO Wexford County Council) and Garda Richie Murray.

Seated L-R: Garda Anne Quirke, Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council).

An Garda Síochána in Wexford in association with Wexford Co. Council recently launched the 6th Annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2022. The awards acknowledge the achievements of young people who are making a difference in their communities and the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives within the Wexford Garda Division.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, said, “Wexford Co. Council is delighted to be associated with this event and is privileged to be able to support this worthwhile community initiative. The Garda Youth Awards recognise that a lot of great work is being done by many talented and dedicated young people in communities throughout Co. Wexford.”

This year, due to Covid, there hasn’t been the same opportunity for young people to become involved with activities or projects compared to previous years. However, many young people were active on the ground throughout the Covid 19 crisis, volunteering and becoming involved in a variety of projects that supported

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both the vulnerable in the community, and the frontline services.

In launching this year’s Awards, Inspector Graham Rowley of Wexford Garda Station said, “I would encourage you to take this opportunity to nominate suitable young people for consideration and recognition in their respective field. This past year has presented unprecedented challenges for our community, we wish to recognise the sacrifices made by young people, as they contribute to their community, both at a local level, and also in wider areas. An Garda Síochána would like to acknowledge Wexford Co. Council for their continued sponsorship of the Youth Awards, along with South East Radio (Mr Alan Corcoran, Morning Mix) and Wexford People Newspapers for their support”.

As heretofore, awards will be presented in four categories: Individual Award - Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Group Award - Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Special Achievement Award - Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.

Community Safety Award - Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.

Anyone can nominate a young person between the age of 13 and 21 years for an award. Nominations are through an online process, available at the following link: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community/supports-grants-and-awards/gardayouth-awards Details of this process have been distributed to schools, youth groups and voluntary organisations right across Wexford and are also available from local Garda stations. But hurry! The closing date for nominations is Monday the 10th of June 2022. A Judging Panel will decide upon the Divisional Winners and will nominate an individual/group to represent Wexford for consideration at the National Garda Youth Awards which will take place in September 2022. n

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First Communion in Barntown

Above: Barntown School Communion classes in Barntown Church on 7th May with their teachers and Fr John Carroll.

Below: The Barntown school classes sing at the end of the Communion ceremony.

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Celebrating

Barntown School Communion in Barntown Church, Saturday, 7th May 2022.

Above left: Relaxing after the Communion were Bernie and Agnes Cullen with Fr John Carroll.

Above centre: Greei, Martin, Ava and Ann McCormack. Above right: Mark Whitty, Sam, Vanessa, Mia and Emily Brazzill.

Above: Cathal, Faye, Eimear and James Doherty.

Below: Brie, Simon, Olivia and Amy Winter.

Above: Billy, Darren, Brid and Danielle Carroll.

Below: Sean, Derrie, Callum and Owen Donegan.

Above: Robbie, Emelimae, Nina and Freija Killeen.

Below: Grans Anna O’Leary and Marie Hegarty mind their grandaughter Marion O’Leary while her cousin makes her Communion.

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First Communion at Barntown

Above left: First Communion teachers Mary Kehoe and Aisling Ryan with Derek Peilow SNA and local priest Fr. John Carroll at a specially designed ‘Shell Cross’, the handiwork of local school caretaker Willie Carley and Derek Peilow and candidates for First Communion at Barntown National School.

The cross was brought to the church for the First Communion ceremony on Saturday 7th May 2022.

Above right: Riah, Lynn, Ross and Cormac Farrell-Hore.

Above left: Mary, Conor, Grainne, Margaret and John Wickham.

Above right: Michael and Patrica O’Brien, Sarah and Ruby Nugent and Seamus Mahon.

Left: Aaron, Kyle, Simon and Rachel Dempsey.

Right: Killian Vaughan, PJ Egan, Mia and Sarah Egan.

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A SENIOR FOCUS

Seniors Trade Show in Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford Weds 27th April 2022 Above: Fr Colm Murphy at the Wexford Model Railway Club stand talking with Barry Moulds.

Top right: Looking for the Local Link! Florrie Dixon and Bridget O’Brien with Local Link rep Corrina Egan.

Right: Jo Denby, Clayton Whites Hotel, with Barry Moulds.

Above left: The Hook Lighthouse stand. Above right: Pauline Breen on the Wexford Opera Festival stand, with ladies from Adamstown Nancy Bradley, Liz Furlong and Callie Doyle. Below left: Charlotte Cannell and Sarah Sugrue on the Specsavers stand. Below centre: Tiffany Brockman of Seal Rescue Ireland, Courtown, Wexford.

Below right: Corrina Egan of Local Link with George O’Connor.

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Wexford Co. Council supporting the ‘Sow Now’ campaign for Ukraine The ‘Sow Now’ sunflower seed initiative was created by a Ukrainian woman, Tetiana Pankiv, with the aim of raising €300,000 for the Irish Red Cross Ukrainian Crisis Appeal while also offering Irish people the opportunity to visually show their solidarity by planting sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine.

Pictured are Jacqui McNabb (Sow Now campaign), Tom Enright (CEO of Wexford County Council) and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council).

An initiative to sow sunflowers in gardens across the country in support of the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal has bloomed into a nationwide campaign. Sow Now is asking everyone in the country to purchase sunflower seeds and plant them.

You can purchase the seeds from your local SuperValu or Centra outlet and it is hoped to raise €300,000.

Sow Now began when Tetiana Pankiv (39) and her three daughters Sofia (16), Marta (15), and Yana (5) fled their home in Lviv in Western Ukraine, not knowing where to go. Arriving in Ireland, where

they were offered a home with an Irish family, Tetiana was relieved to have brought her children to safety but felt a huge sense of guilt and helplessness about leaving those she loved most behind.

village in Ireland as a powerful symbol of support.

With the help of Tetiana’s host and friend Jacqui Nabb, she set up the Sow Now Initiative, a sunflower seed fundraiser to support her fellow Ukrainians through the work of the Irish Red Cross.

“This is an incredible initiative in support of the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal – and is another example of the profound empathy and support that people throughout Ireland have shown for the millions of Ukrainians whose lives have been so profoundly impacted by the ongoing conflict,” said Charlie Lamson, Head of fundraising with the Irish Red Cross.

The sunflower has become a worldwide symbol of solidarity and peace amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Sow Now wants sunflowers to bloom in every

The money raised will be used to repair vital infrastructure, support health facilities with medicines and equipment, and support families with food and hygiene items. n

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WEXFORD CBS 5K FUN RUN

Above left: Emily Power and Oscar Cahill. Above right: Tina Golden and Mary Kinsella.

5K Fun Run at Wexford CBS school, 8th May 2022, with proceeds towards the Autism Suite in the school.

Emma, Ben and Margaret Heath.

Hannah, Harry, Majella, and Katelyn Codd.

Above left: Susie and Thady Cuddihy.

Above right: Aoife, Eoin and Aidan Furlong.

Below: Getting his face painted by Tina Dwyer is Max Power.

Right: Kiara Byrne and Pauline Rochford.

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Above: Helen and John Murphy. Below: Pumping up the balloons was Tina Dwyer.

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Remembering Conall McGuinness

On 9th May last, Ferrycarrig Rowing Club held a rowing marathon on Wexford Quay in memory of its past club member Conall McGuinness and to raise funds for It’s Good 2 Talk counselling support service. 58km was rowed and €610 collected – well done to all the participants.

Wexford Ógra Fianna Fáil has called on Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to take immediate action to address the state of the road network in Co. Wexford in light of recently published research which found that Wexford had the worst roads in the country.

The Business Post recently reported that a study from the National Audit and Oversight Commission in 2020 found that 31% of primary roads, 44% of secondary roads,

Fix our Roads! and 39.5% of tertiary roads in the country were “structurally distressed” in 2020.

It is clear that additional funding from central government is now needed to address this ever-growing problem.

Chair of Wexford Ógra Ruairí Ryan (pictured below) commented, “We as an organisation are calling for this to be addressed seriously by the Minister. If you drive anywhere in the county you’ll see how bad this is for yourself. The roads are particularly bad where I live around Enniscorthy, being quite dangerous for drivers.

It’s affecting road safety for everyone. It’s quite clear to me that Wexford has been forgotten by the Minister in this regard.” n

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Cruinniú na nÓg is back for 2022!

Wexford County Council and Creative Ireland are excited to announce that live and in-person events will be returning on Saturday June 11th. Since 2018, Cruinniú na nÓg has become a key date in the calendar for families, children and young people to unleash their creativity and this year will be no different. There are a number of ways of getting involved right now and you can see what those are by visiting https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/cruinni-na-ng-2022 This year Wexford County Council is pleased to be able to work together with Creative Ireland’s strategic partners to increase access to events on June 11th. These include a forest school at Kilmokea House, Pop-Up Dance workshops and performance in New Ross with 2 Many Dance Moves, introductory theatre workshops with Bare Cheek Theatre, Wexford, and an online juggling project led by ISACS. You can find out more about these events on the national website: https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/ Reflecting on Cruinniú na nÓg 2022, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, says: “Wexford County Council is delighted to partner with Creative Ireland to deliver

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creative and fun events for children of all ages in County Wexford for Cruinniú na nÓg. We relish the opportunity for our children and young people to come together once again in person to enjoy culture and creativity activity on the 11th June.”

Some of the highlight events happening across the County on the day include Sounding Seams III: Sound Chimes Workshop with Music Generation Wexford and artist Laura Hyland. Laura will take young people on a journey exploring sound with chimes and everyday objects, from glass bottles and metal to wooden blocks and water. This event will take place in the wonderful surroundings of the Irish National Heritage Park and is suitable for young people aged 10-18 years old.

After its big success in last year’s programme the organisers are delighted to welcome back the Tara Hill Art Trail designed by Gorey School of Art’s Paul Carter and Emma Roche. This selfguided family-friendly event explores the natural landscape of Tara Hill, known for walking trails that play host to a wide range of heritage sites, biodiversity and scenic views overlooking the Gorey district. Make sure to book your free time slot and art pack as places are limited.

Another programme highlight will be the family-friendly growing and drawing workshops hosted by Blackbird CulturLab. Blackbird Cultur-Lab will offer families a chance to engage with nature in a unique setting facilitated by Blackbird’s founder, Karla Sánchez, and artist David Begley. There are many more free activities in the programme, including stop motion animation in Gorey Library, musical discoveries at the National Opera House, a singing and ukulele workshop with Music Generation Wexford, historical fiction writing with Caroline Busher, opportunities to create costumes for a biodiversity parade with the Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy or bring an instrument to the Seomra Traidisiúnta in Gorey and learn to record, light and edit your performance.

As you can see, the event is jam-packed with free activities for all the family to enjoy on the day.

All event information and booking links are available on the national website: https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/ events/location/wexford/ Cruinniú na nÓg 2022 is a collaboration between the The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Creative Ireland Programme, local authorities and RTÉ. n

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St John of God School, The Faythe, Confirmation

St. John of God School, The Faythe, Confirmation, Bride Street Church, 6th May 2022.

Top left: Morgan Dunbar and sister Hayden Dunbar.

Top right: Oiseen and Eve Hartigan and family.

Above left: Pat Nolan and family.

Above right: The Foley family at the Confirmation.

Left: Jowin Geo Jose family enjoying the Confirmation celebration on 6th May.

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Hungarian visitors to Wexford County Council On 9th May 2022, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, and Tom Enright, CEO of Wexford Co. Council, welcomed Mrs. Bernadett Dankó Manno Istvánné, wife of HE István Manno, Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland, and Ms Nikolett Égeni, Chargé d’Affairs at the Embassy of Hungary in Ireland, to Wexford County Hall.

The Hungarian delegation was visiting Wexford as part of the EU50 Regional Outreach on Europe Day. EU50 marks the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s accession, along with the United Kingdom and Denmark, to the Treaty of Rome and the then European Economic Community.

EU50 is a whole-of-government initiative, coordinated by the EU Division in the Dept of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Dept of the Taoiseach. n Top photo: Minister James Browne TD; Ms Nikolett Égeni, Chargé d’Affairs at the Embassy of Hungary in Ireland; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council; Mrs. Bernadett Dankó Manno Istvánné, wife of HE István Manno, Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland; and Tom Enright, CEO of Wexford Co. Council.

Middle photo: Tom Enright, CEO of Wexford Co. Council; Mrs. Bernadett Dankó Manno Istvánné, wife of HE István Manno, Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland; Ms Nikolett Égeni, Chargé d’Affairs at the Embassy of Hungary in Ireland; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council; and Oonagh Messette, Project Officer, Celtic Routes, at Wexford Co. Council.

Bottom photo: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council; Mrs. Bernadett Dankó Manno Istvánné, wife of HE István Manno, Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland; and Helena Dempsey (right), Wexford Local Development.

Page 66 - 3rd June 2022

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Presentation of cheque in the Cloch Bán, Clonroche, on 20th May 2022, by Clonroche Poulpeasty Vintage Club to local Meals on Wheels (€800) and Poulpeasty School Defibrillator (€1,200), proceeds of recent Tractor Run. Back row L-R: Jane Spratt, Jim Redmond, Trish Keating, Martin Redmond, Leo Tector, Joe Flynn, Mary Tector, Joe O’Neiill and Andrew McHugh. Front L-R: Mikie Ryan, Poulpeasty Club, Kathy Ffrench, Poulpeasty School Defiibrillator, and Tom O’Brien, Clonroche Club.

Below: Ffrench’s Cloch Bán presentation of cheque for €1,100 to Clonroche Poulpeasty Meals on Wheels. Back row L-R: Jim Redmond, Trish Keating, Martin Redmond, Lizzie Lawless, Joe Flynn, Natasha Murphy, Joe O’Neill and Andrew McHugh. Front L-R: Jane Spratt, Kathy Ffrench, Meals on Wheels, and Breda Holohan.

3rd June 2022 - Page 67

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Comhairle Contae

053 919 6000 www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Community Facilities Portal

Community Employment Scheme

Wexford County Council have developed a free on-line information sharing portal for not-for-profit community owned facilities, to inform the public, generate additional income for facility owners and promote usage. This initiative is aimed at promoting not for profit community facilities e.g. room/sports facilities available for use/hire, rather than general attractions/services e.g. tourism or community services, etc.

Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme:

You can submit your facility details at https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community/community-facilities-portal

•

Information and map of facilities are also available at this location. ______________________________________________________

To apply for these positions and for further information please contact:

Beaches Public Notice Swimming in Wexford County Council Piers and Harbours

Job Description

Location

Environmental Worker – 1 position

Ferns

Environmental Worker – 1 position

Gorey

Environmental Worker – 2 positions

Courtown

Library Support Worker – 1 position

Library HQ / Archives, Carricklawn

Duties to include: •

Environmental Worker – General maintenance, cleaning, planting and weeding.

Library Support Worker – Support Work for Library/Archive Staff – Computer Skills required.

Bernie Lennon, CE Scheme Supervisor, Wexford County Council at 087 6575743 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email: bernie.lennon@wexfordcoco.ie The closing date for Environmental Worker Applications is 4.00pm Friday, 10th June 2022.

Wexford County Council wishes to advise that swimming in or near piers and harbours can be hazardous.

The closing date for the Library Support Worker Application is 4.00pm Friday 24th June 2022.

Potential Hazards include but are not limited to;

Please note that persons applying for these positions must satisfy the Department of Social Protection criteria to participate in the Community Employment Scheme.

• • • • • • • •

Underwater obstructions Moving boats Propellers and backwash from vessels Marine wildlife, seals etc Deep and shallow water Slippery and uneven surfaces Tides and strong currents Water quality unsuitable for bathing

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Community Employment Scheme Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme:

Parents should ensure that children and minors are aware of these dangers.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Tenders The following tender competitions are currently active. If you wish to obtain further information, and make a submission for any of the tenders, please visit www.etenders.gov.ie Reference

Tender Description

Closing Date

213115

16/SP/2022

Wexford Town And Environs Flood Relief Scheme

16/06/2022

214797

17/WAT/2022 Kilanerin GWS 15 Bulk Meter Installation 2022

20/06/2022

214888

18/HS/2022

17/06/2022

Provision of Occupational Therapist Services Wexford

If you would like to book training in how to tender, please contact Angie Malone on 053 919 6022, or angie.malone@leo.wexfordcoco.ie

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Page 68 - 3rd June 2022

Location New Ross

Environmental Worker – 2 positions

Wexford

Environmental Worker – 3 positions

Duncannon

Driver D Licence – 1 position

New Ross

Duties to include: •

ID

Job Description Environmental Worker – 5 positions

Environmental Worker – General maintenance, cleaning, weeding and planting etc.

To apply for these positions and for further information please contact: Sean O’Neill, CE Scheme Supervisor, Wexford County Council at 086 947 8001 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email: sean.oneill@wexfordcoco.ie The closing date for applications is 4.00pm Wednesday, 6th July 2022.

Please note that persons applying for these positions must satisfy the Department of Social Protection criteria to participate in the Community Employment Scheme.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality

Planning app. lists available at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning

SlaNey ad

Comhairle Contae

053 919 6000 www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Monday 13 June to Friday 24 June 2022, to facilitate the construction of an agricultural underpass at Mullanagower/Ballyboggan Upper, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure Road:

L7009-7 at Mullanagower/Ballyboggan Upper from its junction with the L3003 at Glasganny to its Junction with the L6043 at Lacken.

Alternative Route Route:

From Lacken to Garryvarren to Glasganny via the L7009, L6043, L6042, L2042, L3003 and the L7009.

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Keep Wexford Beautiful Competition 2022 Applications are now open to all types of voluntary community groups, such as resident associations, youth groups, environmental groups, heritage preservation groups and special interest groups to participate in our annual Keep Wexford Beautiful Competition. This competition is not just about maintaining a clean and well presented locality, it is about fostering pride in local communities and recognising and rewarding individuals/groups for their efforts.

An application form can now be submitted by logging onto www.wexfordcoco.ie/keepwexfordbeautiful Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday 17th June 2022.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Environment Section at (053) 9196684.

PPN Are you a PPN member?

Wexford Public Participation Network is a network of community groups and voluntary organisations working at local level and is the main link which the Local Authority connects with Community and Voluntary, Social Inclusion and Environmental groups within County Wexford.

Wexford PPN was established to allow communities within County Wexford to have a greater involvement with the Local Authority and to give the community a greater voice on policies of interest to them.

Wexford PPN secretariat needs you.

The purpose of Wexford PPN Secretariat is to administer the day to day running of the PPN, facilitate decisions and coordinate activities of the PPN on behalf of the total membership of circa 400 groups. They meet monthly to manage, plan and review activities.

There are 11 members seats on the Secretariat with 5 vacant seats at present:1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Wexford Municipal District Rep, Gorey Municipal District Rep, Community & Voluntary Rep, Social Inclusion Rep and Environmental Rep.

If you are a Wexford PPN member interested in any of the vacant Secretariat seats or want more information, please contact Monica or Philip at ppn@wexfordppn.ie or phone 053 9196553 by Friday, 3rd June, 2022 for more details.

WEXFORD TO CURRACLOE

Kilmuckridge to Morriscastle

Summer Bus Service | June 4th - September 4th 2022

Summer Bus Service | June 4th - September 4th 2022 In operation every: Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday

From Redmond Square,Wexford (McCauleys) 10:30 ¦ 11:30 ¦ 12:30 ¦ 14:30 ¦ 15:30 ¦ 16:30 ¦ 17:30

From Kilmuckridge Village to Morriscastle Beach and back On demand from 11:00 to 18:00

From Curracloe Beach (Whitegap Car Park) 11:00 ¦ 12:00 ¦ 13:00 ¦ 15:00 ¦ 16:00 ¦ 17:00 ¦ 18:00 To find out more call 053 919 6276 or email wexford@locallink.ie

Single Fares: Adult €2, Child / Student €1 Family €5, FTP & Under 5s travel FREE

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

To find out more call 053 919 6276 or email wexford@locallink.ie This is a FREE service brought to you by Wexford County Council & TFI Local Link Wexford

Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality

Planning app. lists available at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning

3rd June 2022 - Page 69

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Remembering Private Andrew Wickham

Members of the Wickham family and friends, Mayor of Wexford Garry Laffan, Minister James Browne TD, members of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE).

Commemoration of Private Andrew Wickham at Barntown Church on Sunday, 8th May, 2022.

Pte Wickham was killed in action while on peacekeeping duties with the United Nations in The Congo in 1961.

Right: Members of the defence forces and members of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, at Barntown church.

Below left: Fr John Carroll, Wexford Mayor Garry Laffan, Minister James Browne TD and Richard Wickham, brother of Andrew Wickham.

Garry Laffan, Mayor of Wexford, lays a wreath at the Memorial Grave.

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Dancing with Declan Keep up to date with the local dancing scene on:

Enniscorthy Library

https://www.facebook.com/DancingwithDec https://www.facebook.com/socialdancingdateswexford n

Wexford Arts Centre For details and updates on all happening in Wexford Arts Centre: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/shows n

Enniscorthy Women Walking Together

Baby & Toddler Time is back at Enniscorthy Library!

A new ‘Enniscorthy Women Walking Together’ meet-up group has been set up so that no woman who likes to walk has to walk alone, and to help all women to be healthier, happier and fitter. All women are very welcome to join in.

Every Tuesday at 10:30am Enniscorthy Library is delighted to welcome parents and guardians with their little ones for fun rhymes, stories and songs. Suitable for ages 0-4. The relaxed and friendly environment of the library is the perfect setting to make friends and introduce books and reading from an early age.Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Walking alone is not usually much fun so it helps to be among friends who are encouraging and supportive. Walking times, days and duration will be decided by the walkers in the group.

Contact Enniscorthy Library to book a place: Lymington Road, Enniscorthy. Phone: 053 9236055. enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie

A Facebook page (‘Enniscorthy Women Walking Together’) has been created to help bring women of all ages together to enjoy walking in the company of other like-minded women. n

Enniscorthy’s new summer festival Looking ahead.... Enniscorthy will host a new and exciting summer festival based on a number of existing festivals amalgamating to form one super festival offering top class food, music, and children’s entertainment.

This new festival will be called the Rockin’ Fruit & Food Festival and is scheduled to take place from Friday 29th July to Monday 1st August.

More details in next month’s issue. n

Holohan’s Trad & Ballads Luc Power and Conor Kenny are entertaining in Holohan’s Pub, Enniscorthy, every Wednesday night for the summer months starting around 9pm. Expect the finest singing, banjo and tin whistle playing. n

Stay in touch Wexford Public Libraries Social Media: Wexford Public Libraries on Facebook.

Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries.

Wexford Public Libraries on Twitter @wexlibraries.

YouTube: "Wexford Public Libraries" n

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY Lymington Road - Phone: 053 9236055 enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthylibrary

3rd June 2022 - Page 71

SlaNeySlaNey leiSure SlaNeyNewS & ad lifeStyle

THE PRESENTATION ARTS CENTRE ENNISCORTHY 25TH JUNE 2022 8.00PM

TEL: 053 9233000

THE PRESENTATION ARTS CENTRE ENNISCORTHY 8TH JULY 2022 8.30PM

THE PRESENTATION CENTRE, ENNISCORTHY. WWW.PRESENTATIONCENTRE.IE FOR BOOKING ON ALL EVENTS: WWW.WEXFORDARTSCENTRE.IE/EVENTS/ Page 72 - 3rd June 2022

SlaNey leiSure & lifeStyle

Enniscorthy’s new festival is ready to rock and roll!

The revamped Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival will take place

all floors. Tickets can be purchased via

over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, from Friday 29th July until Monday 1st August.

from The Bailey, Southeast Rock ‘n’

ities to become a Brand Partner for the

Roll Club or the Enniscorthy Chamber

Festival, so if you would like your busi-

office.

ness included, please get in touch.

This is an all-inclusive, family festival

All contributions will go towards run-

boasting an incredible showcase of the very best of local food with over 50

The organisers would like to thank

ning the festival and donations can also

sponsors Diageo, Creane & Creane

be made through www.rockinfoo-

and Wexford County Council for their

dandfruitfestival.ie or by contacting

support. n

food and craft stalls, live outdoor music, and a gig trail of more than 50 Rock ‘n’ Roll gigs throughout the weekend.

www.rockinfoodandfruitfestival.ie or

info@amandawhitmore.ie There are a few remaining opportun-

This year sees the amalgamation of the Rockin’ Food Festival and The Strawberry Festival and the organisers aim to bring you the very best elements from both festivals.

As always, the weekend will combine everything we love most about summer including Free Live Music, Food Demos, Artisan Foods, Crafts, Craft Beers, Family Fun and much more.

In keeping with tradition, the Festival Ball will take place on Tuesday 26th July in the Riverside Park Hotel where the 2022 Festival Queen will be crowned.

This hugely popular weekend attracts over 100,000 festival-goers to Enniscorthy making it one of the most important initiatives for the town’s economy. With that in mind, organisers are calling on local people to get involved in several fundraising events to enable them to deliver another exceptional event this year.

The Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival fundraising campaign kicks off with a taster session ‘Jump & Jive at The Bailey’ on Sunday 5th June with live band ‘The Backbeats’ and DJs on each floor.

Tickets are €10 and give you access to

3rd June 2022 - Page 73

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ARE YOU DANCING? Welcome back to the June issue of the Slaney News where I'll be taking a

of the ashes, a few have reappeared.

There is still no Monday night dance

ways worth the journey, or head further still to the Red Cow in Dublin where Bryan Buckley has resurrected that well-

look at the dancing scene in and

around as The Wicklow Man in Harneys

around the southeast.

was the only one so hopefully someone

One of the fallouts of the pandemic was

will fill that slot again.

that it left a big hole in the midweek

Richie Halpin has taken the reins in what

dances in the southeast. I read many

was once a very popular Tuesday night

comments on social media from dis-

venue – The Seven Oaks in Carlow. I'm

gruntled dancers that all their regular

delighted to see Richie has kept it on

Monday to Thursday dances had all but

the same night. He has Bernie Heaney

dried up. It seemed like Kill in Waterford

on June 14th and Liam Mannering &

was now the only one standing and that

Maria on June 21st.

was too far for anyone up the east

Then on Wednesdays down south of the

coast. The Brandon Hotel, The Oaktree,

county The Railway Inn Baldwinstown

The Rising Sun, Harneys and the Ash-

are also back after a lengthy absence

Extravagance in dress on the part of

down all remain closed for midweek

starting on June 1st with Delta Dawn.

girls, especially the working class, is to

dancing.

But only in the last week or so, from out

Page 74 - 3rd June 2022

Thursdays you'll still have to travel to The Woodford Dolmen in Carlow but al-

known country dance with Jimmy Buckley appearing there for its grand reopening night on June 9th.

And if the ladies are looking for some pointers on what to wear, here are some guidelines from an Irish Urban Council for anyone attending a dance in a parish hall: “Indecency in dress on the part of women dancers to be instantly dealt with by the person in charge.

be discouraged.

All women dancers are recommended

SlaNey leiSure & lifeStyle

with Declan Flanagan to use Irish-made materials rather than flimsy foreign silk and satins."

So there you have it girls! Get out your

June 18th. Joe Davitt and Green Road

had nothing but praise for every as-

are playing. You can get tickets for this

pect of the event.

on Eventbrite or their Facebook page.

Many have tried and failed to get these

On the same day, Gorey Agri Show

marquee/shed events to work but it

takes place in Ashton Ballycanew and we

looks like this one in Monamolin is going

have our dance floor down for that.

to be a very successful yearly event.

Adrian Ryan, Stacey Breen and Ger Long

So, moving closer to home, Jump & Jive

will be there to entertain you also so I'm

at The Bailey takes place on Sunday,

really looking forward to it.

June 5th. Run on three floors with The

This weekend myself and a whole load

Backbeats up top, Solid Gold Hits in the

shawls and your bloomers!

main bar and 60's Soul & R&B in the

Here are a couple of dates for your

of dancers from Wexford, Carlow, Wick-

diary:

low and Kilkenny are heading to Ballina-

June 11th in Rathwood Des Willoughby

more, Co. Leitrim, to the Cowboys &

is hosting a country fest with Derek

Heroes event. It's over four days and I'm

Ryan, Louise Morrissey, Lee Matthews,

teaching some dancing there. All the big

There are so many music events hap-

Barry Kirwan, Jack Keogh, The Ennis

country bands are playing and the fore-

pening over the summer and if you have

Brothers and Stacey Breen. I was chat-

cast is good so I'm expecting to be

a look at my "Social Dancing In And

ting to Des recently and he told me he

wrecked come Tuesday!

Around The South East" page on Face-

has made a new dance floor for the 'Big Top' so expect this gig to sell out.

Tickets are €25 and are available from Des or Rathwood.

basement. At only €10 to access all floors it's great value and should be a very good night.

book they are all listed with their The Shedfest which hosted Smash

posters and details.

Hits, The Pucas & Liam Byrne and Jakadam was a resounding success and my hat is off to the committee respon-

Tickets are also €25 for The Hooley in

sible for running it. I didn't make it but

the Park in Gusserane (Y34 YX47) on

spoke to many who did and they all

Other than that, I'm off to pack for the weekend and I hope to see you all again for the July edition of the Slaney News.

– Declan Flanagan

3rd June 2022 - Page 75

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Consultation closes for Wexford Town to Rosslare Strand Greenway route The planned Wexford Town to Rosslare Strand Greenway route will commence in the vicinity of the proposed Trinity Wharf development in Wexford Town and extend in a southerly direction over an approximate distance of 1012km to terminate at Rosslare Strand train station. The Greenway is intended to provide a recreational amenity and a sustainable commuter corridor and tourist route.

The Greenway will form part of a regional strategy for the South East region to develop an integrated network of greenway and blueway schemes. The Wexford Town to Rosslare Strand Greenway will connect with existing and planned greenways and blueways and will seek to encourage and promote active travel in a safe and controlled environment.

The scheme will need to deal with some significant constraints including the Dublin-Rosslare rail line, the Wexford Harbour and Slobs Special Protection Area (SPA), the River Slaney Valley Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the Wexford Slobs and Harbour proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA).

The objectives for the greenway are:  To provide a greenway as a sustainable transport route that links the resort of Rosslare Strand with Wexford Town;

Gene Flynn of Fehily Timoney & Co, Consultants, fields questions from Rosslare’s Michael Freeman (left) about the greenway route options from Wexford town to Rosslare strand.

 To provide a safe cycle and walking facility for visitors and for the communities of the towns and villages along the route;

 To provide a recreational amenity that promotes and encourages healthy living and wellness through walking and cycling.

 To join up with other greenways, cycle and walking trails and routes in the region to provide an integrated network;

A public consultation was held on 11th May in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford, and in Rosslare Strand Community Centre on May 12th, to afford the public an opportunity to have an input on route options.

The window for receipt of submissions closes today (June 3rd). The consultation portal is at https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie

 To make connections to Ireland’s Ancient East and other national, regional and local tourism sites across the county and the region;  To encompass the local heritage, history and culture of the area into the project;

Information packs are being issued to potentially affected landowners. n

Wexford County Council’s proposed Wexford-Rosslare Greenway public consultation in Rosslare Community Centre on 12th May 2022.

Above left: Noel Stacey and Gene Flynn of Fehily Timoney & Co, Consultants. Above right: Sean Meyler of Wexford Co. Council points out the route options to Peter Fox and Michael Freeman.

Page 76 - 3rd June 2022

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TOP GUN MAVERICK

Movie Review with Kyle Walsh  So I went to the cinema, on its first screening, to watch my most anticipated movie of the year, Top Gun Maverick, and just let me say right off the bat I absolutely loved it and it was so much bigger and better than I could ever have imagined it to be.

tween Maverick and Rooster played here

by Miles Teller. It’s a very interesting story arc.

We also have an amazing scene between Maverick and Iceman played by Val Kilmer.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was wonderful to see Kilmer on the screen again.

It’s truly an epic movie, and I would advise everybody to go watch it and experience it on the biggest screen possible. I’m a huge fan of Tom Cruise; I think he is truly a Hollywood great and keeps producing these big blockbuster movies on a consistent basis.

This is definitely one of Cruise’s best films ever if not his best. The story, acting, directing, cinematography, colour scheme, editing, and let’s not forget the ariel sequences, every thing is done to perfection. To see Cruise and co flying high and doing all their own stunts is astounding.

He throws himself 200 percent at all his film roles to give us, the audience, a thrill ride for a couple of hours every time his movies comes out. It’s very seldom he disappoints.

You also have to give him credit for being one of only a few actors who genuinely do all their own stunts in their movies. He is always trying different stunts in all his films.

For me, I think he’s brilliant for what he does. Some people don’t like him because of his scientology beliefs, and he is meant to be a very strange character away from what we see on the screen. Personally I don’t care about all that side to his life as I just want to experience him doing what he does best and that’s on the silver screen.

So, I feel the need, the need for speed.

Here, this sequel to the 1986 classic Top Gun takes place 36 years later. Maverick finds himself still struggling with the loss of his wing man – his best mate Goose from the original. Maverick is called in to go to Top Gun school to train a group of Top Gun recruits to accomplish one last mission. They are to hit some targets and fight an unknown enemy. While doing this they have to fly at a very low altitude.

What can go wrong?

Lads, the last 40 minutes of this film is probably the best action sequence I’ve seen since the battle scene in Saving Private Ryan for the first time. It’s amazing and will leave your mouth wide open. The music in this film is jaw-droppingly good too. It’s a perfect blockbuster that delivers on every level. For me it’s a perfect sequel, it’s a perfect blockbuster, it’s a perfect film and it gets a 10/10 from me.

It’s the best film of the year so far by a country mile. I for one can’t wait for Mission Impossible 7 and see what the great Tom Cruise brings to the screen this time. I’m sure we won’t be disappointed. Enjoy guys.

Go see Top Gun Maverick and do yourself a favour, it’s a class act. n

Maverick also meets with an ex partner (Penny) played here by Jennifer Connelly.

Goose’s kid has grown up and he’s one of the Top Gun recruits and this brings its own problems to the relationship be-

3rd June 2022 - Page 77

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A day out in sunny Courtown

Nikita Kavanagh, Kanan, Ella and Evan McShane.

Caoimhe O’Flaherty enjoying her day at the seaside.

Ryan and Anne Gleeson.

Getting a bird’s eye view was Mackenzie Bass on board daddy Arthur’s shoulders.

Page 78 - 3rd June 2022

Old friends meet up for their favourite walk, Robert Archer and Martin O’Rourke.

SlaNey SNapS

Saoirse Davis and Mia Dempsey.

Above: Susan Byrne and dog Tom. Above right: Out for a stroll were Ellie Doyle and Con McDonald.

Right: Now that’s a Fish ‘n’ Chips says James Sheil.

Below: One man and his dog, Leonard McKeown and his dog Jack.

Below right: It’s worth coming down for the Fish ‘n’ Chips and the nice portions, Michael and Marta Holohan get tucked in.

3rd June 2022 - Page 79

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Wexford Has Talen 13-year-old singer Sarah is Over 600 people gathered for the much anticipated Wexford Has Talent Grand Final 2022 at Clayton Whites Hotel on Saturday, 30th April. 14 finalists took to the stage to battle it out for the top prize of €2,000 in the competition which is sponsored by The Wexford People Newspaper Group.

The audience was welcomed by the everentertaining host Cllr George Lawlor and judges Catherine Walsh, Marion O’Leary and Eric Hayes were on hand to offer the contestants feedback and to adjudicate.

The night was a roaring success, there was song, dance, gymnastics, rock bands and even a Glee Cub! The audience were dancing in their seats, and were all on their feet for a huge performance delivery by the winner – 13-year-old Sarah Deevy from Tagoat. Sarah literally blew the roof off as she sang ‘Never Enough’ from The Greatest Showman. The judges described her performance as ‘A hugely emotional performance’ and stated that they were in awe of this young girl with this huge voice and the ability to use it so amazingly.

Sarah took her singing to a whole new level during the lockdowns, using this

time to teach herself new songs and improve her technique. In 2020 she was invited to sing on RTE's "Two Talented" presented by rugby legend Donnacha O'Callaghan. From here she was invited to compete on other tv shows and in December 2021 she competed in Dublin's RDS against singers from all over Ireland and won 1st prize. So, who knows what’s next for Sarah.

The joint runners-up announced were 19year-old Contemporary Dance Artist Corey Lacey who performed to Sam Smith’s ‘The Writing is on the Wall’ and Gym Stars who performed to ‘Hit the Road Jack’. The gymnasts include Aoibhe Ormonde, Ava Broaders, Aoibheann Ryan, Aoife Gough, Lily Murphy and Sarah Murphy.

from Kildare who sang ‘One Night Only’; the band ‘No Hassle’ who are Conor Joyce and Tim Flood from Clonroche and Ethan Corcoran and Tomas Hynes from Glynn who are all school friends at Coláiste Abbain and who performed an original song; Chloe Murphy a 15-yearold singer from Bunclody who sang ‘Control’; 15-year-old Genevieve Fleming from Gorey who performed ‘Don't Rain on my Parade’; the 16 performers from Glee Club in Wexford who performed ‘Timewarp’; Louis Hogan from Wexford Town who sang ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off of You’; first cousins Cormac Cooper from Cloughbawn and Aine O’Neill from

The other talented finalists who took part included The Presentation School Choir – a group of talented students who give up most lunchtimes to rehearse and who are led by Soprano Lorna Mahon and who performed a mash-up of ‘Come Alive’ and ‘Dog Days are Over’. The band ‘Heater’ from Enniscorthy which includes school friends Dean on guitar, Enda on Bass, Liam on drums and Jessi on vocals; 18-year-old singer Ciara Doherty from Wexford town who performed ‘All by Myself’; Katelynn Harrington

Wexford Has Talent Wexford Has Talent runner-up, Corey Lacey.

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nt wows! the winner Rathnure who performed ‘Travelling Soldier’; 16-year-old singer Kayleigh Doran from Glenbrien who performed ‘Lose You to Love Me’.

Commenting on the final, one of the organisers Enda Whelan said, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of the magnificent performers – to everyone who auditioned right through to the finalists and winners, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for coming out to entertain us all.

We hope that you enjoyed the experience as much as we did and that you might come back again in 2023!” n Wexford Has Talent runner-up, Gym Stars.

THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP: Winner: Sarah Deevy, ‘Never Enough – The Greatest Showman’.

Sarah Deevy from Tagoat, age 13, took her singing to a whole new level during the lockdowns, using this time to teach herself new songs and improve her technique. In 2020 she was invited to sing on RTE's Two Talented presented by rugby legend Donnacha O'Callaghan. From there she was invited to compete on other TV shows and in a competition in Dublin's RDS against singers from all over Ireland where she won first prize.

Runner-up: Gym Stars, ‘Hit the Road Jack’ Dazzling acro-gymnasts from Gymstars Gymnastics Club in Barntown, Wexford.

They train 20-25 hours per week at a very high level and absolutely adore their sport.

They are part of the national squad and travel to major competitions representing Ireland. Their runner-up prizemoney for Wexford Has Talent will go towards their travel fund as they don’t receive any funding leaving them to pay for their own trips whilst representing their country.

Runner-up: Corey Lacey, ‘The Writing is on the Wall’ Corey is a 19-year-old contemporary and hip hop dancer. He has been dancing for over ten years and has been teaching with Next Level Dance School for nearly five years. He loves to dance as it allows him to express himself. He is currently studying at university but aims to go abroad and study dance after completing his degree.

winner, Sarah Deevy.

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A visit to Gorey’s Kia Ora Mini Farm Left: Ayric, Eilish, Breffni and Barry Donnell.

Right: It’s amazing what a bit of chocolate can do – Theo Gorman.

Layla O’Reilly in the driving seat.

Watch out! Miss Cara Doyle’s rabbit is about to get away!

Siofra and Keelan Casey.

Little Jack Doyle is not letting his rabbit escape!

A family day out for Oscar, Lorcan and Mar Keuning.

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Next up for Enniscorthy Drama Group – ‘Farsiders’ Never ones to rest on their laurels, Enniscorthy Drama Group (EDG), having successfully put on a three-night run of A Skull in Connemara last month, are back planning their next production – and this is one with a difference.

Written by, and to be directed by, Enniscorthy’s own Fintan Kelly, it is a coming of age play set in Enniscorthy in the 1980s with a young local cast of four male characters and three females, all in their twenties. It is sure to be a hit with all local theatre goers.

After extensive auditions and lengthy consideration, Fintan Kelly has opted for the following cast: Chopper - Tim Connaughton, Red - Podge Dwyer, Hawk - Joe Harris, Pat - Brendan Robinson, Jane - Maeve Ennis, Mary - Bronagh Hogan, Jenny - Roisin Barry.

Congratulations to all the cast and thanks to all who auditioned. According to Fintan, “The standard at auditions was exceptional”.

We’ll carry full details in next month’s issue and on our Slaney News Facebook page.

Outsiders is following hot on the heels of EDG’s production of Martin McDonagh’s A Skull in Connemara and what a suc-

L-R: Fergal Kelly, Julie Fox and Pat Murphy.

Below: Fintan Kelly.

cess that was under the directorship of Pat Murphy and starring Julie Fox, Jamie Murphy, Fergal Kelly and Rónán P Byrne.

Enniscorthy Drama Group, under the chairmanship of Liam Doyle, continues to nurture and sustain the wonderful tradition of drama in the town of Enniscorthy. n

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Hooked on the Sea Festival As part of the Hooked on the Sea Festival, special events at Hook Lighthouse are planned from Saturday, June 4th, to Monday, June 6th, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Hooked on the Sea 2022 will be running on the Peninsula with a host of marine-themed events for all ages across the June Bank Holiday Weekend.

As part of the Hooked on the Sea Festival, special events are planned at Hook Lighthouse. The BBQ will be fired up, there will be games on the lawns and there are reports of pirates on the horizon with Pirate Pat leading the posse.

And for World Environment Day on June 5th and World Oceans Day on

June 8th, Hook Lighthouse will be hosting talks on sustainability and environmental living.

On Sunday evening, June 5th, a very special Traditional Fish and Chip Supper event will take place at 7.30pm at Hook Lighthouse. Guests can enjoy a bespoke guided tour of the 800-year-old lighthouse followed by a supper of locally caught fresh fish in beer batter and chips including a drinks reception of local craft beers and wines. A limited number of tickets are now on sale for this event at

Canine capers

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€45 per person – tickets are available by calling 051 397055.

Other Hooked on the Sea activities include paddle boarding, boat trips on the estuary, local produce picnics, foraging, sea-themed children’s events and more.

Guided tours are on offer seven days a week at Hook Lighthouse, sharing with visitors one of the greatest stories on Ireland’s Ancient East.

For more see www.hookheritage.ie

Below left: Wexford CBS 5K Fun Run, 8th May 2022, Ciara Jordan, Margaret McGrath and Graham Grant with dogs Ben and Tilly. Below centre: Jamie, Andy and Michelle Bierney and dog Ziggy at the CBS Fun Run. Below right: “Come on girls, go on the Tractor Run!” says Leo Tector to dogwalkers Abi Healy and Michelle O’Carroll and dog Fred, at Clonroche on 1st May 2022.

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Expansion at Wexford bookseller

Independent Wexford town bookseller, Red Books at Peter’s Square, will be expanding later this month into the adjoining premises currently occupied by The Little Geek Shack which is switching to an online-only presence. Innovative proprietor Wally O’Neill says, “We will continue to have books for everyone, including our famous 3 kids’ books for a fiver and our deals on novels, but we will also now be stocking more new books, a vastly expanded local history section and the largest antiquarian section outside of Dublin. This move will also allow us to operate far more events on site and will allow for the expansion of our Write Club. Wally is very grateful to the shop’s loyal customers and friends “who have stood by us through the best and worst of times. We hope you stay with us during this next phase of Red Books.”

The Morris Dunne Truck, Tractor and Car Road Run

The Morris Dunne Truck, Tractor & Car Road Run, 1st May 2022, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

Above left: You’d want more than Club Orange to tackle those two characters but Tom Cullen risked it at The Morris Dunne Truck, Tractor and Car Road Run which gathered and started from the Enniscorthy Marts premises on the Old Dublin Road, Sunday May 1st.

Above right: Kaci Butler and Brook Lannett with Woody and Jessie from ‘Toy Story’.

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The Growing Months - Summer Folklore from Co. Wexford Talk by Michael Fortune, Bunclody Library, Thurs 16th June 7pm.

Join folklorist Michael Fortune (folklore.ie) for a talk where he will introduce you to the traditions and customs surrounding the growing season and harvest traditions in the south east corner of Ireland. Michael is regarded as one of Ireland’s foremost folklorists.

Places are limited, so phone 053 9375466 to book. n

Ballyhogue GAA Club is delighted to announce the return of the Bree Barndance on Saturday 9th July in Byrne's Grainstore, Bree. Live music by the Kilkenny's with a DJ to follow! Bar on the night as well as food stalls! STRICTLY OVER 18s ONLY! Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ballyhogue-gaa-presents-bree-barndance-tickets-338858413637 n

Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel...

Make sure to check out Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube channel. Catch up with all the events you may have missed or would like to watch again, as well as handy guides and tutorials for accessing Wexford Public Libraries' e-services.

You can catch up on these talks on Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel. n

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Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group win two All-Ireland Drama awards Following the success of Kilmuckridge in winning the All-Ireland Confined Drama award for 2022, all eyes were on Athlone for the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival Open Section finals and the awards night on 14th May. Two Wexford groups were in the Open Section final – Kilrush Drama Group with the Edinburgh Fringe First award-winning ‘Class’ by Iseult Golden and David Horan and directed by Pat Whelan, and Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group with The Good Father by Christian

O’Reilly – a two-hander featuring Pádraig D’Arcy and Mairead Connaughton, directed by Kieran Tyrrell. The Bunclody-Kilmyshall group was awarded second place overall – a terrific achievement, and also won Best Stage Setting for Kieran Tyrrell and Chris Atkinson and Best Stage Lighting for Kevin McEvoy.

It is a tribute to the high standard of amateur drama in Co. Wexford that four groups from the county qualified for the AllIreland Confined and Open Finals this year. n

Gabriel Byrne Walking with Ghosts Directed by Lonny Price, The National Opera House, Wexford, 12 & 13 August.

3 performances only prior to a West End run at the Apollo Theatre, London.

Adapted from Gabriel Byrne's best-selling memoir of the same name, and directed by Emmy-award-winning director Lonny Price, Walking with Ghosts plays on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 August (2 performances that day). These are the only Irish performances!

Book tickets: https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/whats-on/show/landmark-productions-and-lovano-present n

ONE FOR THE DIARY

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Glenbrien C Fun Day local schoo May 1st Top: Noel Burke, Liz Leacy and Geraldine Jordan.

Above Louise and Lucy Flynn.

Below: Fr John Byrne, Aidan Egan and Ann Croke.

Bottom: Getting the BBQ going – John Egan.

Emily Murphy and

Below: Glenbrien students with their own produce, Noah O’ Brien, Billy Heffernan, Harry Downey and Sarah Murphy.

Right: Burger time – Danny, Frankie, Johnnie, Alfie and Charlie Canavan.

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Community y in the l grounds, t 2022.

Above: Veronica and Christine Breen.

Below: Bridget and Lucy Cummins and Bernie Young.

d Neasa Kehoe.

Below: Getting made up by artist Anne Croke was Henry Egan.

Right: Power throw as young Aidan Egan caterpults the ball.

3rd June 2022 - Page 89

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Post covid travel – not for the

Like almost everyone else in the country, I could hardly wait to get up, up and away again in the aftermath of Covid 19 and booked the first suitable cruise that came my way.

Alaska had long been on the famous Bucket List and, having lost two years of foreign travel, I was determined to wait no longer.

We were flying from Dublin to Chicago, with connecting flight to Seattle, where we were picking up the cruise ship Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas.

We were prepared for the queues at Dublin airport and arrived early and in fairness, I might add, Dublin was organised rather well with signs saying we would have at least a 45 minute wait at Security.

Mind you, when you are told in writing like that you are very much inclined to accept the situation and just get on with it.

After Irish security, of course there was still the American check, and both passed off without incident.

We were then informed that our flight with United Airlines would be delayed so the plane could be cleaned.

Again, we have all become rather used to the strident cleaning process necessitated by Coronavirus and accepted our two-hour delay.

However, when touching down in Chicago our two-hour window between connecting flights had evaporated by about ten minutes leaving us stranded in the Windy City.

What really flabbergasted was that there didn’t seem to be any contingency plan by United for a whole planeload of stranded people who had just missed their connecting flights.

We were handed little cards and told to go to the App and book alternative flights.

‘I’m sorry,’ I explained to the attendant behind the desk, ‘I will not be talking to an App and I will not be moving from this desk until you or some other human being books us on another flight to Seattle.’

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Approximately one and a half hours later, having apologised profusely to the people in the queue behind me, the attendant finally got us a flight to Minneapolis where we were to stay overnight and pick up a flight from there the following morning to Seattle to pick up the cruise.

How she expected us to achieve that through the App I will never know, but we thanked her and quizzed about a hotel for the night and confirmation that we would make it to Seattle on time.

Arriving in Minneapolis about 10.30pm, we discover that there is no hotel booked for us at that end, despite being assured there would be, and I am getting more and more agitated as two attendants listen to our plight with countenances and raised, dismissive shoulders.

‘You can choose one from the App,’ I’m told.

‘I am choosing nothing, I don’t know Minneapolis and had no plans to stay here,’ I reply.

But eventually I am forced to pick one of three, all of which I know nothing about. I choose Super 8 Bloomington – big mistake!

When we arrive at our destination, Minneapolis’ Finest are in the lobby, armed and anxious to free a woman from an upstairs room, where she is apparently being beaten up.

My first reaction is to flee, however it is now 12.30 and we have to be back at the airport at 3.30am to catch our flight to Seattle, so we decide to stay only to find that we haven’t actually been booked in, but a kind lady called Michelle finds us a room for the couple of hours and I must admit the room is clean and well kept.

Despite another delay the following morning, we make it to Seattle and head straight for our ship having lost our overnight in the Radisson Airport Hotel and a scenic city tour.

The Alaskan cruise was all that it promised to be.

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faint-hearted!

Quantum of the Seas is a luxury floating hotel that can accommodate 4,000 passengers and 1,500 crew. It boasts swimming pools, spa, jacuzzies, basketball court, bumpers, bingo hall, 17 different dining experiences, theatre, cinema, every kind of food under the sun and plenty of it and top class nightly entertainment.

Alaska, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, and Juneau were simply magical, stunning scenery and a variety of wildlife – we saw whales blowing, bald eagles swooping, seals, porpoises frolicking, and Skagway and Juneau were like stepping on to the set of all the gold rush movies ever made.

We did a Ghost and Goodtime Girls tour of Skagway and were taken through the bawdy streets of 1898, ending up at the Red Onion Saloon, to be greeted by some of those goodtime girls and hear their stories. Madam Rosie Peaks was a gifted tour guide and in her sexy black and red brothel attire took re-enactment to a new level. I particularly liked the sign over one of the little wooden shacks which read ‘House of Negotiable Affection’ – what a lovely way of putting it!

We rode the White Pass & Yukon Railway, hell on wheels, to the gold fields, we saw the Mendenhall Glacier, and we visited the Red Dog Salon in Juneau with sawdust on the floor and Wyatt Earp`s gun hanging behind the bar, things that you don’t see every day.

Victoria in British Columbia is a stunningly beautiful city and we took the scenic bus tour ending up at an open air music festival.

There really was no downside to the Alaskan cruise. Trust me.

However, our return journey posed its problems, when about half an hour out of Seattle airport the pilot announced that the plane’s outer windscreen had shattered and he would have to turn back.

Following a six-hour delay in Seattle we arrived in Chicago once again missing our connecting flight, this time to Dublin, and once again United’s disinterested attendants told us to look up the App and once again I refused telling them that they could call the cops if they so desired but I wasn’t moving from the desk until we were sorted.

There would not be another flight to Dublin until the following night at 9.30pm, so once again we needed a hotel overnight and would have to spend the day in Chicago the next day.

This time I was more careful about the hotel they chose and the Best Western proved satisfactory. Instead of wasting the next day we booked the city tour of Chicago and saw as much of the windy city as we could before out flight home including a delicious meal on the river at the delightful Smith and Wollensky Steakhouse.

My warning to all is to think very carefully before making longhaul journeys with connecting flights.

The world of travel is very different post Covid. Cleaning of planes is taking a lot longer; pilots, crew, and ground staff it seems are in short supply and Plan B seems to be non-existent.

One interesting observation would be that Dublin seemed to better organised than other airports we visited, with people more in tune and interested in actually talking to you.

My advice, at the moment, would be... don’t go, it is stressful to say the very least. If you do go and things go wrong, stand your ground and don’t be fobbed off with Apps, insist on speaking face to face with real live people, and lastly, I would say for the remainder of this summer have a look at taking a boat from Rosslare!

– Maria Nolan

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Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) presented The Pirates of Penzance in the Nation

Clockwise from top left: 1. Attending the performance were Phil Murphy and Margaret Daly. 2. At the show Marie Byrne. 3. Cast members Liz Galvin and Matt Crowe. 4. Cast members Aoife Caulfield, Sophie Blane 5. Cast members Ruth Kirwan and Pat Lawlor. 6. Getting set up for sound – Emma Browne attends to c 7. Cast members Andy Fanning, Robert Kelly and Des Fegan. 8. Lisa McDonald and husband Richard Sim were one of the nightly sponsors. 9. At the show were Ger and Laura Lawlor, Mary Fox President of WL 10. Cast members Shane Kirwan, Gearóid McCauley and Brendan Coffey. 11. Cast member Eliza

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nal Opera House in April.

w Brid Casey, Murt Murphy and ey-Parslow and Allison Barron. cast member Dylan Walsh. mpson. McDonald Solicitors LOS and Randall Shannon. abeth Rose Browne.

Cast members Fintan O’Leary and Keelin Egan.

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Three generations – one movie Jordan family star in new movie at The Presentation Centre Wexford Film Workshop's new movie ‘The Three Graces’ is based on a true story of finding a long-lost sister after forty years.

It tells the story of Georgina Bennett, (Caroline O'Connell), who has been searching for her birth mother all her life. An encounter at a conference brings her in contact with Maureen Furlong (Elaine Jordan), and something sparks a recognition that starts them on a journey of acceptance or denial.

Meanwhile Maureen’s two sisters Niamh (Jennafer Boyd) and Áine (Karen Franklin) have been noticing odd behaviour by their aged mother (Florence Jordan). When Maureen returns and relates her story to her sisters they are sceptical. Mother is confronted but is reluctant to talk. Finally Maureen invites Georgina to meet her sisters. But will mother accept the consequences and finally put an end to the denial?

Also starring Jer Ennis, Summer venn Keane, Lauren Jordan, Jonathan Breen and Jon King, The Three Graces is written and directed by Dick Donag-

Three generations, Elaine Jordan, Florence Jordan and Lauren Jordan from Bunclody who play in the new movie by Wexford Film Workshop, ‘The Three Graces’ in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on Friday 24th June at 8pm. hue, produced by Jer Ennis, and will premiere in The Presentation Arts Centre on Friday June 24th at 8pm.

Proceeds to Slaney Search and Rescue.

A short support film Oh Brother, a first by Jer Ennis, will precede the main event. n

BOOKING ESSENTIAL: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/3892874

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Spoken Word and Poetry Open Mic Night Enniscorthy Castle will host an Open Mic Night of poetry and spoken word on the 9th June hosted by Poet Laureate Sasha Terfous. And weather permitting, this event will be held on the Castle Battlements.

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy Castle, and The National 1798 Rebellion Centre. The aim is to work together to highlight and uplift Enniscorthy's vibrant cultural communities, and our rich history of heritage and folklore.

Tickets to this event are free of charge and issued on a first come, first served basis at the Castle doors on the night. All are welcome to attend this event and the organisers welcome impromptu performances by any interested participants.

The current Poet Laureate for Wexford, Sasha Terfous, is one of the most important figures in Ireland’s spoken word community. With her knowledge, eloquence and passion, she aims to narrate life’s experiences and encourage her audience to reflect upon themselves and their decisions. Using her work as a form of activism, her poetry draws attention to the voices that should be heard and issues that need to be addressed – be it the racism and homophobia of her youth in a small rural town or larger issues such as climate change and the Black Lives Matter movement. n

Cultrí are delighted to announce a series of creative and cultural events in Enniscorthy throughout June 2022 celebrating all things LGBTQIA+ Cultrí is a brand new collaborative partnership between Enniscorthy's leading visual arts and heritage venues. These include

Poet Laureate for Wexford, Sasha Terfous.

The Silvertones in full voice at their concert last month in Enniscorthy Cathedral

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Opinion You Didn't Ask For Podcast

Tune in to Jamie and Blayne’s podcasts and check out: https://www.facebook.com/OpinionYouDidntAskFor/

Enniscorthy Trails Update Maintenance of the existing Riverside Trail down past the Prom and the existing link to the regional road will be done this summer.

It is proposed to commence the planning permission process for the Urrin Loop Trail (600m) shortly.

An ORIS (Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme) application has been prepared to improve the ‘Banks Trail’ including a better link to the Blackstoops Road.

A further ORIS application to carry out a preliminary design to extend the Riverside Trail including links to Ringwood has been submitted for approval, this design will include an Appropriate Assessment (AA) – an assessment of the potential adverse effects of a plan or project on Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. n

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000 The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: (0402) 38529

Wexford Public Libraries Social Media: Follow Wexford Public Libraries on Facebook Follow Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries Follow Wexford Public Libraries on Twitter @wexlibraries Look for videos on YouTube "Wexford Public Libraries"n

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EVERY WEDNESDAY...

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Photography by Karen Redmond

Making the ordinary extraordinary We all have someone in our family who tells a great story, who recalls names and details and remembers important information that make up a great story. It could be a grandparent or greatgrandparent who has told these stories down the years. But do we really listen at the time? And will we always remember the details or the wonderful voice of the person speaking?

A new, small Enniscorthy business is now helping people to capture those stories and those voices forever. Set up by award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Tomkins in December 2021, The Treasure Vox helps people to tell their life story and have it professionally edited into their own personal audio documentary. It’s like something you would expect to hear on the radio – but it’s only for them and their family.

Karen Tomkins has over 15 years of radio broadcasting experience as a news journalist, documentary-maker, producer, contributor at local (WLRfm, South East Radio) and national level (RTE Junior Radio, RTE Radio One, Newstalk and Today FM). She is combining her wealth of experience to bring the magic of audio to a new level. It’s a way of keeping stories and voices alive in families and creates a legacy for future generations.

“After years of interviewing politicians, public figures and making radio documentaries, I believe that everybody has a story worth telling. The Treasure Vox is a way of honouring and validating a person's life and helping them tell their story so far. Everybody you see as you go about your day today is worthy of their own documentary,” believes Karen. “It’s a powerful and emotional

process from start to finish and it’s almost like the audio equivalent of a family portrait. A lot of people worry that ‘they will have nothing to say’ – these are often the most interesting to interview!”

Karen got the idea for The Treasure Vox eleven years ago when her grandmother turned 80. “There are over 70 grandchildren/ great-grandchildren in the family so I didn’t have a clue what to buy for her birthday. So instead, I spent an afternoon recording her life story and turned it into a documentary just for her and our family. When she died in 2014, it became the most precious treasure for us all – I saw the power it held and its importance. I still listen to her words of wisdom from time to time! Too often, people tell me they regret not recording their parents/grandparents telling their story when they were alive. With them, details of stories, memories and pieces of family history can be lost.”

The Treasure Vox records with people in their home or remotely via Zoom. Since it began in December 2021, it has enjoyed huge success and Karen is delighted that families understand its value.

It is very popular as a gift for a senior family member.

“A lot of my bookings are for milestone birthdays and anniversaries for elderly parents and grandparents. The oldest person I interviewed is 99 and she has a better memory than I do at 40! I have also recorded interviews with people who are terminally ill at end of life stage and they were so powerful to do.”

For more information see www.thetreasurevox.ie n

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A local treat for opera fans Irish National Opera presents Donizetti's Maria Stuarda Sunday, 19 June, 8pm National Opera House, Wexford Tickets: €15 - €80 Two Queens. One Catholic and Scottish, one Protestant and English. One in prison at the other’s behest. A man between them balancing loyalty and love.

Donizetti’s magnificent lyrical opera, Maria Stuarda stars internationally renowned mezzo soprano Tara Erraught in the title role, with soprano Anna Devin as Elisabetta. More familiar as the Tudor dynasty’s Queen Elizabeth 1

and Mary Queen of Scots, we join the action when Maria is fighting for survival, held captive and in fear of her life.

Elisabetta, threatened by her very existence, identifies Maria as a clear political threat and a romantic rival. But just how far will Elisabetta go to hold onto her throne and to the affections of Leicester?

INO’s artistic director Fergus Sheil conducts Donizetti’s momentous score, replete with lyrical arias, dramatic duets and rousing choruses. Director Tom Creed’s new staging of Maria Stuarda keeps the audience on the edge of their seat as the deadly power struggle

WEXFORD STUDENT WINS A TOP PRIZE IN TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION Thirteen-year-old student artist, Isabel Rossiter, from St. Mary's Secondary School, New Ross, has won a top prize in this year’s 68th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

Isabel won a Special Merit Award for her artwork entitled ‘My Grandmother’, which Final Adjudicator Professor Gary Granville said “displayed high levels of skill and creativity.”

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.

From 31st May to 30th June, Belfast’s Royal Ulster Academy of Arts is hosting an exhibition of the top 126 winning paintings in this year’s competition. Admission is free and the Academy is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-5pm. n

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builds vividly to a climax.

Tenor Arthur Espiritu is Leicester, in love with Maria and advisor to Elisabetta, Irish mezzo soprano Gemma Ní Bhriain is Maria’s companion Anna, baritone Giorgio Caoduro is Cecil and bass Callum Thorpe is Talbot. Set and costume design is by Katie Davenport and lighting design is by Sinéad McKenna.

Maria Stuarda is sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Tickets: https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/whats-on/show/irish-national-opera-presents1 n

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At Enniscorthy Library...

BOOKING ESSENTIAL: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/3892516

On the third Thursday of every month the Adult Book Club meets in Enniscorthy Library at 7pm.

New members welcome. If you are interested in going along please contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055. n

On the last Thursday of every month the Slaney Writers Group meets in Enniscorthy Library at 7pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/3892873

New members welcome. If you are interested in going along please contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055. n

The Wexford Bohemian Issue No.3 Hazel Gaynor

‘The Cliffhangers’ Junior Book Club is back in the Enniscorthy branch for its monthly meetings – usually the last Thursday of the month. Currently the children are reading ‘Scavengers’ by Darren Simpson. It’s a great way to try new authors and genres and there is no pressure to read aloud.

New members are always welcome. If you would like your child to join, please contact 053 9236055 for more information. Suitable for ages 8–12. n

Wexford’s own journal of literature and culture All are welcome to attend a casual night of readings and speeches from contributors on the 10th of June 2022 at 7pm in St. Peter’s Square (just outside Red Books).

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L-R: Brian Walsh, cameraman, RTÉ, David Mahon, artist/illustrator, Noel and Mairéad O’Gorman at their home at Caroreigh, Taghmon, and on right Helen McInerney, presenter of the RTÉ ‘Nationwide’ programme.

Mairéad’s book features on RTÉ The children’s bedtime book, Mr and Mrs Blue Tit, by Mairéad O’Gorman, featured on the RTÉ One Nationwide programme, presented by Helen McInerney (a native of Ferns) and produced by Eoin Ryan, on 20th May 2022.

them as they flitted from tree to tree trying to find a place to

Some years ago, Mairéad O’Gorman was looking out of her kitchen window into her back garden at Caroreigh, Taghmon, when she saw the love-antics of two blue tits. She studied

Cullen, she placed it in a tree. Generations of blue tits there-

build a nest.

She bought a birdhouse for them and helped by her grandchildren, Emer and Charlotte, and guided by her niece Laura after adopted the birdhouse as their forever home which led to Mairead’s inspiration to write her book Mr and Mrs Blue Tit. Her book is illustrated by David Mahon of Newbay, Wexford.

Mairéad is a native of Duncormack who worked as an air hostess with British Airways and was also a Miss Ireland. She is known throughout Ireland for her talks on embroidery, quiltwork and patchwork with ICA groups and in evening classes.

She has been featured on radio and television programmes including the Late Late Show on RTÉ television and recently on the I Remember programme presented by Michael Doyle on South East Radio.

Mairead’s husband Noel, a well-known farmer and GAA official, along with David Mahon and Michael Freeman, editor at Three Sisters Press, publishers, also featured on the Nationwide programme.

The book Mr and Mrs Blue Tit - A Bedtime Read by Parents to Young Children was edited by Helen Ashdown and advised by John Gibney. It is available at all good bookshops and at www.Books.ie n

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The Silvertones in full voice at their concert last month in Enniscorthy Cathedral

Celebrating Joyce in Wexford Bloomsday is the international annual event celebrating James Joyce's seminal novel, Ulysses, and its 'everyman' protagonist Leopold Bloom as he goes about his day in his home town of Dublin on June 16th, 1904.

Wildsong Ensemble, in association with Wexford Arts Centre, present Wexford town's first ever Bloomsday event at 8pm on 16th June in Greenacres, Wexford, with doors opening at 7.30pm.

The event opens with “Conversations on Joyce” – an introduction to James Joyce by Frank Hyland. Joyce enthusiasts, scholars and novices are warmly invited to come and share their thoughts and questions on the author and his works.

Singer-songwriter Carol Keogh and musician Katherine Atkinson take a fresh interpretation of some of the many songs referenced in Ulysses, and arrange them for voices, violin, electronics, ukelele and xylophone.

Dublin-born poet and playwright Stephen James Smith presents a selection of his own works which are in some way inspired by, or resonant with Joyce and Ulysses.

Wildsong Ensemble will perform a new choral soundscape by Laura Hyland. Choir member Jeni Roddy brought along an excerpt from Ulysses which the choir used as the basis for vocal explorations for several months thereafter. Laura eventually set the words to music, taking the choir's improvisations as a starting point.

Tickets €10 from: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/sho ws/873627492 n

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‘Get Ireland Growing Day’ 2022

GIY and Energia Get Ireland Growing Day on Saturday, July 2nd 2022. For more details on how to get involved see, www.getirelandgrowing.ie GIY and Energia are calling on communities across Ireland to take part in Energia Get Ireland Growing Day on Saturday, July 2nd 2022.

Get Ireland Growing Day is part of the Energia Get Ireland Growing initiative, in partnership with GIY. This year the initiative is aiming to sow the seed of community food growing nationwide by encouraging and supporting as many individuals and groups to come together for community food growing projects of all shapes and sizes.

In April 2022 the Energia Get Ireland Growing initiative announced the giveaway of 300 community growing starter kits across Ireland worth €42,500. Using these kits, communities across Ireland are encouraged to come together to become more sustainable and connected through growing food together. For those that missed out on the kits, there are still great prizes to be won for any community group hosting a local gathering on Get Ireland Growing Day, with free resources available at getirelandgrowing.ie or by downloading the GIY app.

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Speaking of the upcoming day of celebration, Founder of GIY Michael Kelly says: “Energia Get Ireland Growing Day is a day to celebrate the growing going on in your community. It’s a day to gather and share the joy of growing and caring for your shared place and enjoy nature.

grow and be named their province’s ‘Get Ireland Growing Community Hero’. Previous winners have included those leading a community garden project, bringing food growing into schools or simply motivating their neighbours to give growing a go.

“We are encouraging seed exchanges, doing a pollinator walk, a forage with friends, getting together to tackle the ‘big job’ in the garden, sharing some of the food you have grown or simply a cup of tea to get to know your own food growing community better. It is a chance to get together and realise the power of communal vision and effort.”

The 2022 prize categories and prizes include, a ‘Community Hero’ with one hero awarded per province and the winners awarded a GIY annual subscription. The ‘Best Energia Get Ireland Growing Day’ is an award for the most impressive gathering hosted on the day, with a prize of a GIY voucher worth €500. Finally, the ‘Best Transformation’ is up for grabs for a group that has transformed a space, with a €1000 cash prize. Get Ireland Growing Winners will be announced on Saturday, July 16th.

On Get Ireland Growing Day, it is also time for participants to submit their entries to be in with the chance of winning a range of prizes. To enter, participants are asked to post a picture of their community growing projects on any social media channel and tag @EnergiaGIG while also using the hashtag #GetIrelandGrowing.

Members of the public also have the opportunity to nominate someone going above and beyond to support others to

Energia Get Ireland Growing was first launched by Energia in partnership with GIY in 2016 to promote community food growing projects nationwide.

For further details please see www.getirelandgrowing.ie n

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

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Bringing home the bacon

Enniscorthy-based O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon is delighted to be helping out Focus Ireland and the company was honoured that Wexford hurling superstars Jack and Rory O'Connor dropped by to lend their support.

O’Neills created Limited Edition packs of their award-winning Dry Cured Rashers and for every pack sold during May it is donating 10 cent to Focus Ireland.

Family is at the centre of what O’Neills do and so with their customers’ help they are raising money for people who are searching for a place to call home.

The Limited Edition packs were stocked in all leading supermarkets including SuperValu, Tesco and Dunnes Stores and were also available for purchase in independent and artisan food stores. n

Saltees Coast Hotel – fine food from 8am to 8pm daily Saltees Coast Hotel is situated in the heart of historic Kilmore Quay within walking distance of beaches, walking trails, and the harbour. This family-friendly hotel with its welcoming staff is now under new, local management, and is serving food seven days a week, 8am to 8pm, with great value steak nights on Mondays and Thursdays, and curry nights on Tuesdays. n

Healthy eating for children Parenting Talk: Healthy Eating to Promote Children’s Wellbeing Booking is essential.

Click here to book your place: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/eve nt/3888315 Tuesday June 14th at 7pm at Wexford Town Library.

Call 053 9196760 or email wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie n

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Saltees Kilmore Quay Hotel ??

A sign of the summer!

The Alba Restaurant outdoor terrace is up and running again in Enniscorthy.

Buon appetito!

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SlaNey buSiNeSS SlaNey ad & fiNaNCe An Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited Killowen Farm, Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy, on 5th May to celebrate Killowen’s huge success to date and the €4m investment by the Dunne family and Enterprise Ireland which will enable this family-run business grow its cream cheese production, and create up to 25 new jobs locally bringing its workforce to 72 people. The Taoiseach described it as “a real Irish success story”.

The Dunne Family have been producing yogurt from milk supplied from its own 260-cow herd under the Killowen Farm brand since 2004. Killowen uses only milk and live cultures and does not add any preservatives or additives to its product range. As far as possible, it uses locally grown fruit in its flavoured yogurt range.

Killowen exports to international markets including Dubai, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore, and domestically sells yogurts under the Killowen Farm brand to major supermarkets and specialist retailers, and is also a supplier to Aldi Ireland, Dunnes Stores’ Simply Better range, SuperValu’s Signature Taste range, and Tesco’s Finest range. n Top: Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Minister James Browne and Nicholas Dunne, owner Killowen Farm, Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy.

Right: Taoiseach Micheál Martin unveils plaque to mark the occasion.

Below: Taoiseach Micheál Martin with the Dunne family at Killowen Farm, Courtnacuddy.

All photos: Mary Browne.

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Killowen’s €4m expansion

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Above: Killowen’s new 4-pack yogurts, available nationwide.

Below: Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Barbara-Anne Murphy, Tom and Mary Dunne, and Tom Enright CEO of Wexford County Council. Pic: Mary Browne.

Above: Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Killowen Farm with Pauline, Nicholas and Judith Dunne. Pic: Mary Browne.

Below: Taoiseach Micheál Martin trying his hand at packing with Maria Buit and Rebecca Murphy. Pic: Mary Browne.

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 in Wexford: 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

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Datapac’s new Community Contribution Initiative

Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac

Datapac launches new Community Contribution Initiative and gives over 500 days back to community.

initiative, we are dedicated to supporting our employees’ wonderful contributions to their communities.”

Enniscorthy-based Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, has launched its new Community Contribution Initiative which will provide employees with an additional three days of paid leave per year to engage in volunteering activities with organisations of their choice. The company will give over 500 days back to the community as part of this programme.

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The launch of the new initiative reinforces Datapac’s commitment to promoting a positive work/life balance for its team. The company is encouraging employees to use this programme to champion the causes that matter most to them and enhance their wellbeing.

Datapac is rolling out the programme as communities begin to reemerge from the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic and rebuild important connections.

This is the latest initiative introduced by Datapac to support employee wellbeing, following the launch of its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in conjunction with Laya Healthcare last year.

This 24/7 resource is completely free, confidential and offers round-the-clock support and counselling to the team.

Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac: “Over the span of our 40 years in business, we have always supported and strengthened our greatest and most important asset: our employees. A person’s time is their most valuable asset, which is why we want to empower our people to spend their time in the most enriching way possible.

“Everyone has a cause that is near and dear to them, yet due to the constraints and pressures of modern life, it can be difficult to find the time to fully contribute our efforts to them. With this new

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Datapac has also announced that it has delivered a complete digital transformation solution to 130-year-old accountancy practice, Drinagh-based Sheil Kinnear.

Following Sheil Kinnear’s recent merger with a second accountancy practice, Datapac digitally transformed the business by integrating both IT systems and migrating all company devices, software packages and data to the cloud.

The solution supports effective remote and hybrid working and has improved collaboration for Sheil Kinnear’s employees, whose L-R: Kevin Hall, Senior Systems Engineer, Datapac desktops now and David O’Connor, Director, Sheil Kinnear. run securely in the cloud. Datapac also refreshed the company’s security posture with cloud-based firewalls and backups.

The now fully cloud-based Sheil Kinnear has seen significant cost savings due to a reduction in the need for hardware upgrades and maintenance. The company is also better able to serve its customers with improved workflows. As well as its head office in Drinagh, Sheil Kinnear also has locations in Enniscorthy and Arklow.

Visit www.datapac.com n

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Doing Wexford proud in national Student Enterprise Awards A mini-company from Gorey Community School has won the ‘Best Business Report’ award at the recent national Student Enterprise Programme awards attended by An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar. ‘Clonough Handmade Soap’ is run by young entrepreneur Niall O’Shaughnessy under the guidance of his teacher, Mr Andrew Killane.

In addition, a student enterprise from Ramsgrange Community School competed for the overall award in the Intermediate category of the National Final held in the Helix in Dublin on the 18th May. ‘Little People, Big Pasts’ was among the Top 5 entrants in that category. Second year students Louise Byrne, Ben Cassidy, Ellie Byrne Donnelly, Aoibhínn Doyle and Matthew Haskins turned stories their class had gathered from local people as part of a history project into a wonderful published book that they marketed and sold. The students were mentored throughout their business journey by their teachers Ms. Deirdre O’Donohoe and Ms. Louise Walsh. Although not winning the overall prize, to have been included in the Top 5 was a wonderful achievement.

Michael Nevin, chair of the Education Enterprise Committee of the Local Enterprise Offices, said; “This is the 20th year of the Student Enterprise Programme and the standard continues to improve year on year. There have been some amazing ideas in from across the country and while not all made the final on the

18th they can be very proud of what they have achieved. That experience will stand with them forever and hopefully will light the spark of entrepreneurship with them that they will carry into later life.”

The 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, sees over 24,000 students from almost 500 secondary schools across the country take part yearly.

The students compete across three categories, Junior, Intermediate and Senior

and judging took place virtually via electronic submissions. Each student enterprise is challenged with creating, setting up and running their own business, which must show sales of their service or product.

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

Further information around the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #wexfordsep and #studententerprise on social media. n

Above: L-R Niamh Hatchell (EPA), Niall O’Shaughnessy (Clonough Handmade Soap), Cllr Michael Whelan, Angela Lawless (LEO Wexford).

Below: Little People Big Pasts L-R: Niamh Hatchell (EPA), Aoibhínn Doyle, Matthew Haskins, Cllr Michael Whelan, Ellie Byrne-Donnelly, Angela Lawless (LEO Wexford), Louise Byrne and Ben Cassidy.

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TFM’s major investment in Enniscorthy premises The official opening of Templetuohy Farm Machinery’s new, world-class premises on the Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, took place on 6th May 2022.

A major investment by TFM has ensured that their impressive, modern farm machinery dealership in Enniscorthy is now in a position to provide an even greater level of service to the agricultural community in the south east of Ireland.

Farmers and contractors can avail of sales and service across a huge range of machinery including John Deere, SIP, Kramer, Lemken, Shuitemaker, Perrard, Sauter, Solsteer and Mazzotti self-propelled sprayers.

TFM was established in 1982 by Jimmy and Joe Butler. In 1983, very soon after opening their first depot at Templetuohy, Co. Tipperary, TFM was appointed as a John Deere dealer.

Since then TFM has grown to be a six-outlet group located at Templetuohy (head office), Clonmel, Portlaoise, Enniscorthy, Kilkenny and Tuam.

Meeting customers’ demands for new and used tractors and machinery while also providing service and support that customers can rely on time and time again is the reason the TFM name has become synonymous with farm machinery.

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A team of over 100 highly-trained people forms the backbone of the service and support structure within TFM including 15 employed in sales and over 50 in service.

TFM are market leaders in Farmsight technology which uses a combination of intelligent machines along with the latest communication technology and dealer service packages. This ensures customers get the very best utilisation from their machines in terms of machine performance, uptime and fuel efficiency while also documenting field and crop data.

The dedicated and hard working sales, service and parts team at TFM in Enniscorthy are looking forward to serving their customers, new and old, at their state-of-the-art premises on the Old Dublin Road.

Check out the local team at: https://www.tfmltd.com/ourteam/our-enniscorthy-team/ Templetuohy Farm Machinery, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Y21 A006. Tel: 053 9236601 / 9236602. https://www.tfmltd.com admine@tfmltd.com

SlaNey buSiNeSS & fiNaNCe

Monart Spa wins Irish Tatler ‘Service Excellence Award’ 2022

Monart Destination Spa has again been announced a winner at the prestigious Irish Tatler Spa Awards 2022.

The ‘Service Excellence Award’ was presented to the team at the luxury 5-star destination spa at the awards ceremony which was held in Dublin recently.

Guides as one of the world’s leading destination spas. All treatments at Monart offer guests extensive use of the thermal suite, which is key to the Monart experience. Monart is dedicated to ensuring you relax and renew in the stunning and peaceful environment.

The awards, first staged in 2009, are designed to highlight excellence and innovation in Ireland’s wellness and spa industries. The coveted awards are presented to winners who have been nominated by Irish Tatler readers and judged by an industry panel. The expert judging panel spent the last few months travelling up and down the country rediscovering old favourites, trying out the newest treatments and handpicking Ireland’s most fabulous spa experiences.

For details see www.monart.ie n

A glamorous ceremony and luncheon was attended by guests from spas all over Ireland and hosted by Irish Tatler Editor Jessie Collins. Commenting on the occasion Jessie said: "The Irish Tatler Wellness & Spa awards offer those working in the spa and wellness industries the opportunity to raise their profile and to recognise exceptional team members."

Commenting on the win, Liam Anthony Griffin of Monart Destination Spa said: “We are honoured to be awarded the ‘Service Excellence Award’. Operating when we were allowed to during the pandemic certainly proved challenging, but every member of the team at Monart Destination Spa went to every effort to ensure that guests could still relax and simply enjoy a ‘great escape’ experience.

“It is always our goal to ensure that each and every guest at Monart receives the highest standard of service and attention and this is a huge credit to the team at Monart who deliver this service every day. The icing on the cake on this occasion is that the team have been nominated by the readers of Irish Tatler for this award, it truly is a testament to their commitment.”

The multi-award-winning Monart Destination Spa is situated just outside Enniscorthy and is regarded by all the top Travel

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Women in business The Local Enterprise Office’s Women in Business Network facilitates female entrepreneurs to gather, share experiences and receive business advice from each other.

Roundtable discussions are facilitated by a Network member and attendees rotate between tables and topics. This enables attendees to meet a mix of other business women and get tips on topics such as confidence, marketing, and accountability.

At the Network event on 25th May, tables were facilitated by business mindset coach Jo Flood, marketing consultant Paula Ronan, branding specialist Mary Fleming, and Breege Cosgrave, Acting Head of Enterprise and Economic Development with Wexford County Council. And, in a departure from normal, there was a special treat, with Ruth Gallagher, CreativeSound.ie, getting everyone involved in a musical activity! Ruth

provides team-building workshops through music for personal and team development and wellbeing.

Female entrepreneurs can also join in on Facebook in the private group, LEO Wexford Women in Business Network, which has over 240 members.

“The Women in Business Network is very much in line with one of Enterprise Ireland’s key objectives in its Action Plan for Women in Business – and we’re delighted with its success in supporting female entrepreneurship in Wexford,” says Breege Cosgrave, Acting Head of Enterprise and Economic Development at Wexford County Council.

Bookings for the Network can be made at https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/ n

Women in Business (WIB) Network meeting on 28th April 2022 in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, with guest speaker Angie Mezzetti of the Women in Leadership podcast. Above left: Cllr Maura Bell and Breege Cosgrave, Acting Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Wexford County Council. Above right: Jagdeep Sahans, Soul Scribe Calligraphy, and Calodagh McCumiskey, Spiritual Earth. Below left: WIB Network facilitator Deirdre O'Flynn and guest speaker Angie Mezzetti, Women in Leadership podcast. Below right: Lorraine Furney, Gorey Physical Therapy, and Anne Colgan, The Haven Group.

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– monthly networking event

Roundtable discussion at the May Women in Business Network meeting, organised by the Wexford Local Enterprise Office.

Christine O'Brien and Gina Arcari at the May Women in Business Network meeting in the Riverside Park Hotel.

Roundtable discussion at the May Women in Business Network meeting, organised by the Wexford Local Enterprise Office.

Anne-Marie Hollowed-Murray and Siobhan Cahalane.

Natasha Hughes and Jo Flood.

Krittiya Hutjumpol and Jagdeep Sahans at the meeting in the Riverside Park Hotel.

Roundtable discussion at the May Women in Business Network meeting, organised by the Wexford Local Enterprise Office.

Jennie Frizelle, Fiona O'Loughlin, and Mary Fleming.

Almost 40 female entrepreneurs attended the May meeting of the Women in Business Network, organised by the Local Enterprise Office.

Held in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on 25 May, the Network brought together women representing diverse businesses to share and learn from each other.

Roundtable discussions focused on the journey that business people are undergoing today.

The different groups learned how to write an elevator pitch introducing their business, how to plan for business this year with all of its uncertainties, and wellness tips that work for the individual businesswoman.

Female entrepreneurs can also join in on Facebook in the private group, LEO Wexford Women in Business Network, which has over 240 members. n

Roundtable discussion at the Network meeting.

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Wexford haulier continues with

Mercedes-Benz

One of Ireland's largest transport companies, Perennial Freight, has chosen to further modernise its fleet of commercial vehicles by placing an order for 26 new Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty Actros trucks. The new Actros will be delivered on a phased basis over the next two years.

Finished in the Company’s distinctive cobalt blue livery, first units will soon begin operation out of its Taghmon base in Wexford, servicing daily routes across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.

Established in 1998 and now with offices in Ireland, the UK, France, Belgium, Holland and Poland, Perennial Freight is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s largest transport companies, with a fleet of over 750 trailers and a further 130 trucks operating transport services across continental Europe. n

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

Congrats Beautique salon on Wafer Street, Enniscorthy, celebrated five years in business last month. Well done to Sam and her team there.

Aideen Vonno’s Eco Kind shop at Duffry Hill hit the one-year-inbusiness milestone on 25th May. Aideen says, “We are so grateful for everyone who has supported Eco Kind in our first year open.

The refillers, the coffee drinkers, the plastic-free shoppers, all of our suppliers and the small Irish businesses who are stocked in our little shop.”

We urge our readers to continue to support local businesses. n

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L-R: David O’Connor, Director, Sheil Kinnear and Kevin Hall, Senior Systems Engineer, Datapac.

See story page 108

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NWSPCA Annual Dog Walk 2022 The North Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NWSPCA) Annual Dog Walk resumed on Sunday 15th May, making its way, led by the NWSPCA Van, from the Maxi Zoo premises in Gorey to Kia Ora Mini Farm for mid-way refreshments. Then, making the leisurely walk back to the starting point.

This year, instead of sponsorship, partricipating families were asked to donate €5 with all monies gathered on the day to be donated to those caring for animals in Ukraine. n

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MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

T: (053) 9233187, 9236674.

F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR JUNE

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

It’s June already... heading for the longest day of the year – the Summer solstice, and it is just mad how quickly the year is clocking along. Springtime is always a busy time in mixed veterinary practices between lambing, calving, foaling and all the associated things that can go awry around this time.

That would include difficulty at birth, offspring getting sick such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, etc. The dams can get mastitis, uterine infections or just run down after giving birth. So the challenges come in various sizes and at various times of the day and night. This can bring its own difficulties for the vet on call as they've invariably worked that day and are due to work the following day too often times.

There's a perception that once they're on night call that’s all they do but in reality it’s not what generally happens, so spare a thought for that vet if you are looking for them in the middle of the night and they're a bit slower to respond!!

Change is inevitable and it comes with every season.

We tend to resist it but it happens in every facet of life whether slowly or quickly. We are introducing some changes in how we operate within the practice and one of those is being implemented in the next week...

We're moving to an appointment-based system for the small animal clients to be able to give a better overall service to the clients and of course the animals.

Then the Spring work settles and the days are getting longer, everything is in full bloom and it’s just a tonic being out and about in the countryside treating the animals... so like every job it has its ups and downs.

Change is inevitable and as we move with the times we hope this will be a positive step for you, the clients, and the staff alike.

We are starting this after the June bank holiday, on the 7th June, so it is imminent and hopefully will have a smooth transition. So if you need to bring your dog, cat, rabbit etc just give us a call first so that we can facilitate a time that'll suit you.

Bear with us if there are teething problems and I'm pretty sure that we'll iron those out quickly and with these changes we can deliver a better service with less waiting times, reduced or no queues and a more efficient service all round.

Enjoy the summer sunshine and thanks for your continued support. 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

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CAROLINE GETS MOTORING 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

DACIA JOG GER The new Dacia Jogger is the Dacia brand’s first ever seven seat family car and joins the Sandero supermini and the Duster compact SUV in the Dacia range. It's just gone on sale in Ireland, priced from €24,190, making it Ireland's most affordable 7-seater.

Dacia has gone for a strong outdoors look for the new Jogger. In profile it resembles an estate car but with a slightly elevated ride height and rugged styling features like roof rails, plastic cladding around the wheel arches, and a skid plate at the front and rear. It's a practical and fashionable look for the new Jogger.

Entry models get just steel wheels,

though mid-range Comfort models come with more attractive wheel covers.

But if you’re willing to spend a bit more on your Dacia Jogger, the top of the range Extreme SE is the best looker with black 16” alloy wheels, black door mirror caps, and unique Extreme SE badging and trim.

Manual air conditioning and cruise control come as standard. The mid-range Comfort model adds a more desirable 8inch touchscreen with two USB ports and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also automatic air conditioning, reversing camera and keyless entry. The Extreme SE adds heated front seats and even wireless smartphone mirroring.

Inside the new Jogger has a latest generation Dacia interior, which is good news. It looks modern and the controls are all easy to interact with. There are still plenty of hard plastics, but the Extreme SE has some more stylish fabric trim along the dashboard and arm rests in the front doors.

Keeping the cost down means that the Jogger does without some of the more advanced driver assistance features for example lane keeping assist. The Jogger got just a 1-star rating in Euro NCAP safety tests out of a maximum of 5 stars.

It was also scored down for missing seat-

Dacia Jogger

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SlaNey motoriNg belt reminders in the third row of seats.

But 6 airbags come as standard and automatic emergency braking, while blind spot warning is standard on Comfort and above.

Interior

The Jogger is all about practicality, which it does very well. The high roof line and long wheelbase give plenty of headroom and legroom for rear passengers, while the rear bench will seat three. Then it's simple to tumble those seats forward to access the third row of seats. It's also surprisingly comfortable in those seats at the very back. With all seven seats in place, the boot has just enough space for a few bags. A low loading sill adds practicality and when you tumble forward or remove the two extra seats completely, there's a huge 699 litres of boot space.

At launch there's just one engine for the new Jogger – a 1.0-litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine with 110 hp that comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

There’s no automatic available right now but that will come next year with the arrival of a new hybrid with a bit more power. The Jogger is light so on the road it feels livelier than expected and it’s relatively efficient too. Steering is light so it's hardly a driver's car but it's simple to drive and comfortable as well, which

really matters for a family car like this.

Model tested:

Dacia is a brand that’s really finding its groove in the Irish market with wellpriced cars that are improving in design and quality all the time. The Jogger offers incredible value as a family car with a spacious, versatile interior and the ability to carry seven people! It’s a budget car so there are some compromises, but the Jogger offers so much it’s impossible to ignore!

Dacia Jogger Extreme SE Price: €26,590 Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol Power: 110 hp Torque: 200 Nm 0-100km/h: 11.2 seconds Top speed: 183 km/h CO2 emissions: 131 g/km Motor tax: €210 per year n

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Island Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9235933.

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Enniscorthy track – Niall wins national rugby award running behind schedule!

The first phase of the Enniscorthy Sports Hub consisting of an international standard running track was constructed in 2015. Phase 2 of the project consisting of a sports equipment storage area, changing rooms, toilets, showers and a small office was granted funding of €300,000 from the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport in 2020 with construction work due to start in late 2021. That timeline is unfortunately well behind schedule.

Approval of tender documents has been received from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, so Wexford County Council is now proceeding with that tender.

The Sports Hub facility is being well used by individuals and sports clubs around the county who appreciate the benefits of this international-standard facility here in Enniscorthy. n

Still time to row in with Edermine Ferry Congrats to Enniscorthy’s Niall Parker who received the AIL 2C Player of the Year at the Energia Awards last month. Niall is pictured receiving his award from Ireland’s rugby manager Andy Farrell.

These longer evenings are the perfect time to head down to the river and get some fresh air in your lungs. Edermine Ferry Rowing Club is back in the full swing of training and eagerly looking forward to the long-overdue return of regattas this summer. This welcoming club is still accepting new members so please feel free to fill in the membership form on the link below: https://linktr.ee/edermineferry n

Soccer success Congratulations to Shamrock Rovers Youths who won the Wexford Youth Cup Final last month.

Congrats also to Ajax – winners of division 2.

And to Bree United who were 2-1 winners, after extra-time, over Ballymurn Celtic in the Billy Browne Cup. Congrats to Moyne Rangers’ Conor Bruce on winning the Wexford Premier Division Player of the Year Award. This is the fourth year in a row that a Moyne Rangers player has won that award following James Peare (twice) and John Peare. Conor was recognised by his peers for his ability, work rate and commitment over the season. n

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Look out for the special tribute video to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nickey Rackard. It was published on all Wexford GAA social media channels on April 28th (Rackard's birthday). Great credit due to all involved in the making of it. n

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Co. Wexford to make it 3 in a row?

Ireland’s Fittest Family 2022 – applications are now open until 20th June.

Can your family follow in the footsteps of the last two seasons' winners from Co. Wexford (The Mahoneys in Season 8, and the Kinsellas in Season 9)? And not forgetting the Hogans from Enniscorthy who came within a whisker of winning it in a previous season.

Now in its tenth series, this year will see the competition be more challenging than ever before!

The show's producers are scouring the country to find the fittest, fastest and strongest families to be coached to victory by the super competitive coaches.

Last year, camogie star Anna Geary coached the Kinsellas from Enniscorthy to victory, this year it might be your family’s turn to win the €15,000 cash prize and be crowned Ireland’s Fittest Family. So, apply now!

Requirements: Minimum age is 14 years old by 01 July 2022.

Each family must be comprised of 4 immediate members.

Series will be filmed between July – September, 2022.

More information and the link for an application form can be found at www.rte.ie/irelandsfittestfamily If you have any questions, call the production team on 083 013 6814 or email: fittestfamily@animotv.ie n

The Kinsella family from Marshalstown, Enniscorthy, winners of Season 9 of Ireland’s Fittest Family.

Below: Ireland’s Fittest Family presenter, Mairead Ronan.

Right: The Mahoneys, Glynn-Barntown, winners in Season 8.

A link to Ireland’s Fittest Family 2022 promo video is on the RTÉ One Facebook page: https://fb.watch/cPCdcl3q7S/

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Glitz, glamour and gladrags at Rapparees/Starlights dinner dance It was a marvellous occasion for Rapparees/Starlights GAA Club as it held its Dinner Dance at the Riverside Park Hotel on Saturday 30th April.

Having been postponed due to Covid, the long awaited and much anticipated event was well worth the delay as the Club saluted Senior Football Champions 2020, Senior Hurling Champions 2021 and Junior Ladies Football Champions 2020 and Junior Camogie Champions 2021.

MC for the event, Club PRO Maria

Nolan, began by applauding the players, ‘You have walked the walk, you have made your mark, you have achieved, you have made memories, you have made history and you will be remembered forever.’

Club Chairman Ger McVeigh welcomed the large attendance and special guests: County Chairman Miceal Martin, Minister James Browne, Club Sponsor Sam McCauley, CEO of McCauley Pharmacies Tony McEntee, Wexford Camogie Star Aoife O’Connor, Club President Larry

Byrne and his wife Betty, and sponsors of commemoration sliothar and souvenir brochure Brian and Wendy Walsh.

County Chairman Miceal Martin said it was a privilege to attend such a prestigious function. ‘It is imperative for the County that hurling and football are thriving in our County towns’, he said.

Aoife O’Connor presented football and camogie medals to the ladies saying how important it was for them to keep striving for success, recognition, and equality on the fields of play. n

Junior Camogie C

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Hall of Fame Award Huge congratulations to Margaret Lacey on receiving the Camogie Hall of Fame Award at the Gaelic Writers Association Awards last month in the Iveagh Garden Hotel, Dublin. It was hugely deserved for the massive contribution that Margaret has made to Camogie for both the Oulart The Ballagh club and county for over fifty years. The club is extremely proud of Margaret and all her achievements. n

Margaret Lacey with her Hall of Fame Award.

Cairde Loch Garman Race Day The Cairde Loch Garman Race Day, proudly sponsored by Molloy Metals, will take place on Friday 1 July 2022 in Wexford Racecourse. It promises to be a great day out, and the Wexford GAA social event of the year. Early bird tickets will cost just €10 each, admission on the day will be €20, and online ticket sales will open soon. There will a full National Hunt race card, as well as fringe events including competitions for Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentleman and a raffle, all for attractive prizes.

After racing, there will be entertainment and music until late with lively band The Waxies, and all who attend are welcome to stay on to enjoy the fun. n

Champions 2021.

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The Esmonde Cricket Cup

Above: Gorey Community School winners of the first ever Gorey District inter-schools competition.

Above right: Creagh School who finished third.

Right: Edgar Marque (Gorey Community College coach), Al Fitzgerald (tournament organiser), Cllr Joe Sullivan, Herbie Honohan (Gorey Cricket Club, organiser), and Ann O’Leary (Gorey Community School, winners).

Far right: Gorey Educate Together secondary school who finished fourth.

Below right: Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge, runners up.

Below far right: Caragh Bernie, Captain Gorey Community School, being presented with the cup by the sponsor Bartle Esmonde.

Above left: Charles Last, Gorey Community School, won the man of the match award.

Left: Cian McDonald and Caragh Bernie, the two captains of Gorey Community School, winners of the competition.

The renovated Town Park, Gorey, was a bustling hive of activity on 10th May as firstyear pupils and staff from Creagh College, Coláiste an Átha (Kilmuckridge), Gorey CS and the town's newest school, Educate Together, competed in The Esmonde Cricket Cup, a name synonymous with Gorey's 400year history, The organisers of this significant event were Al FitzGerald, Chairperson of Gorey Cricket Club, Stephen Hadley, Enniscorthy CC coach and umpire, and Wexford CC’s famous exponent of cricket – Herbie Honohan. n

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Enniscorthy CBS wins Leinster’s Larry Doyle Cup

St. Mary's CBS (Enniscorthy) 5-17, Mullingar CBS 4-19.

St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, emerged victorious last month in the Top Oil Leinster Schools Larry Doyle Cup – a competition for first year students. Victory was only achieved after a hard-fought contest which went all the way to extra time.

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Eoin Redmond, Crossabeg-Ballymurn, struck the decisive point as Enniscorthy emerged one-pont winners over a gallant Mullingar CBS outfit in the final played in Laois.

Laurence Cloke, Davidstown-Courtnacuddy, was the goalscoring hero for Enniscorthy helping himself to three goals and three points. n

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Enniscorthy Rugby Club underage awards night The Enniscorthy Rugby Club underage awards were presented for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons at a special awards night in Enniscorthy Rugby Club on 20th May. The awards were presented

by President Pat Kelly and special guests: James Doyle, Orla Wafer and Temi Lasisi. Senior player Niall Parker presented medals to some of the winning teams.

2020 U14 Most Improved Rachel Murphy.

Team Player of the Year Nessa Carty.

U16 Most Improved Lilly Byrne.

Team Player of the Year Fife Lasisi.

U18 Most Improved Mia Kelly.

Team Player of the Year Anna Nolan.

U13 Most Improved Jack Redmond.

Team Player of the Year Ryan Donoghue.

U14 Most Improved Cathal Kehoe.

Team Player of the Year Cian Bolger.

U15 Most Improved Josh Doyle.

Team Player of the Year Dylan Purcell.

U16 Most Improved Laurence Power.

Team Player of the Year James Kalyta.

U17 Most Improved Evan O’Connor.

Team Player of the Year James Doyle.

U18 Most Improved Mikey McVeigh.

Team Player of the Year Jim Doyle.

2021 U14 Most Improved Jenny Nolan.

Team Player of the Year Emily Murphy.

U16 Most Improved Danielle Cloney.

Team Player of the Year Eva Nolan.

U18 Most Improved Fife Lasisi.

Team Player of the Year Flora Doran.

David Murphy Perpetual Trophy Orla Wafer.

U13 Most Improved Matt Butler.

Team Player of the Year Cillian Higgins.

U14 Most Improved Luca Todisco.

Team Player of the Year Ronan McGrath.

U15 Most Improved Isaac Kearney.

Team Player of the Year Ryan Donohue.

U16 Most Improved James Leech.

Team Player of the Year (Michael Foley Award) Mikey Reck.

U18.5 Most Improved Lee Quigley.

Team Player of the Year (Alfie Walsh Cup) Laurence Power.

Outstanding Achievement Awards: Ireland 7s - Katie Whelan.

Ireland Senior & 7s - Aoife Wafer.

Ireland u18 - Orla Wafer.

Leinster u19 Interprovincial Champion & Ireland U19 Cap James Doyle.

Ireland u20 Grand Slam Champion - Charlie Tector.

Ireland u20 Player 20-21 & 1st Leinster Senior Cap - Temi Lasisi.

Temi Lasisi also presented his Irish jersey to President Pat Kelly. n

Enniscorthy Rugby Club presentation of underage awards in the clubhouse on 20th May.

Top pic: Alfie Walsh Cup winner for the Team Player of the Year under 18.5 Laurence Power (right) receives his award from James Doyle.

Above: Danielle Cloney and Katie Collins at the awards night.

Below: Some of the attendance at the awards.

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Shamrocks GAA Club committee, players and new sponsor Brian McGee of Fresh Today

Shamrocks GAA Club – taking a ‘Fres It was smiles all round from underage, senior and committee members on 24th May 2022 as Managing Director Brian McGee, Lynnsie O'Donoghue and Brendan Robinson from FRESH TODAY presented the club with the first set of sponsored kit in what is promised to be a long-term commitment by FRESH TODAY to the Shamrocks’ club in Enniscorthy.

FRESH TODAY is an amazing local success story – a little over ten years in existence and now employing 85 people and producing 80,000 hot and cold meals a day for schools all over Ireland.

Brian McGee and the team are keen to support local clubs and charities and the Slaney News has frequently highlighted their contribution to the Wexford People Helping People charity. The company is also a major contributor to the national charity As I Am, and is a corporate sponsor of Wexford GAA and the Wexford fittest school competition.

Born and bred in the vicinity of the Shamrocks’ pitch, Brian McGee is delighted to sponsor the club’s kit and looks forward to a long and successful partnership into the future.

The Club is delighted to have secured this sponsorship with a spokesperson saying, “Massive thanks to Fresh Today for sponsoring our club in a longterm agreement which begins with new jerseys for our Intermediate Hurlers, our U-11s and our U-7s. Our new jersey sees a return to our faithful hoops and also stylishly incorporates our county colours, Purple and Gold, on the shoulders. This is alongside a range of equipment such as hurling balls and footballs for all of our teams in the club. We are humbled by such support from Brian McGee who is a life-long member of the club. Thank you Fresh Today and thank you Brian.” n

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Shamrocks’ U-7 and U-11s are delighted with their new Fresh Today gear.

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Brian McGee of Fresh Today presents Martin Sheehan of the Shamrocks with their new sponsored gear.

(on right).

sh’ approach

L-R: Seamus Wallace (President) and Stephen Casey (Treasurer) with some of the senior team.

Happy committee members with Brendan Robinson and Brian McGee of Fresh Today.

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Rapparees/Starlights Update Rapparees/Starlights GAA Club would like to extend its most sincere thanks to all who participated recently in our annual Golf Classic.

Approximately 43 teams of golfers took to the fairways of Enniscorthy Golf Club for this most lucrative fundraiser and enjoyable social occasion.

Minister James Browne with Matt Browne and John Browne at the Rapparees/Starlights Golf Classic.

Huge credit is due to the organising committee Richie Peare, Pat Dempsey, Ed Doran, Tommy Foley, and Brian Hogan for pulling together over 180 golfers and approximately 100 sponsors who very generously financed teams, tee boxes and winners prizes and raffle prizes.

Thank you to Enniscorthy Golf Club for the use of their excellent facilities and to Gareth Kavanagh and Kavanagh Meats for their sponsorship of succulent steaks for everyone at the event.

Presentation of prizes was made by Club Chairman Ger McVeigh who expressed his thanks to all who had any hand, act, or part in making the day such a huge success.

‘As we go forward we need to capitalise on our recent senior successes taking the football title in 2020 and the hurling title in 2021 and we need to be con-

tinually upgrading our facilities for the further enhancement of all our members at Bellefield GAA and to achieve these

ends we need fundraisers such as this not alone providing necessary funding but enjoyable activity and coming together.’

Another event was planned for Sunday 5th June at Bellefield GAA Grounds in memory of a loyal and true clubman who was taken from us too soon – the Robert Tex Byrne Memorial Cup – a charity event involving an U-15 hurling blitz between Rapparees/Shamrocks/Duffry Rovers, followed by the main event when the hurlers of Enniscorthy would take on the hurlers of Wexford. But as a mark of respect to the Cullen Family, we are postponing the Robert Tex Byrne Memorial Cup. We will let you all know the rescheduled date as soon as possible and we look forward to seeing everyone in the near future.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Cullen Family and friends and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP Karl.

Jack Kelly’s all-ladies team of Rena Kelly, Helen D’Eathe, Sheelagh Farrell and Jacinta Kenny.

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– Maria Nolan, PRO

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Above left: Brendan O’Connor’s team of Butch O’Connor, David Murphy, Brendan O’Connor and Nicky Murphy.

Above right: Jim Nolan’s team of Ger Collins, Jim Nolan, Joe Murphy and Martin Collins.

Below left: Chairman Ger McVeigh and Pat Dempsey present non GUI winners to Billy Redmond and Kyle Foley.

Below right: Club Chairman Ger McVeigh and Pat Dempsey present prize for nearest the pin to Ed Doran.

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SlaNey hiStory SlaNey ad & heritage

Enniscorthy recalls its historic past

Those of us who have the privilege of

The Battle of Vinegar Hill, one of the

dignified and solemn ceremony re-

living here in Enniscorthy know that

most significant battles of the 1798 Re-

membering all those who died on that

we live in one of the most historic

bellion, took place on the hill above

horrific day.

towns in Ireland and therefore it is

our town on the longest day, 21st June,

only right and fitting that we should

and each year Enniscorthy Municipal

Please join us this year, on Tuesday

take time to honour our town, our his-

District Council together with Ennis-

21st June at 7pm, as we gather on Vin-

tory, and those who went before us,

corthy Historical Re-enactment Society,

egar Hill to remember our historic

making us who we are.

commemorate the event on site with a

past.

Johnny Mythen TD (far left) and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society maintaining social distance at Vinegar Hill commemoration, June 2020.

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SlaNey adS adheritage SlaNey hiStory SlaNey & Perhaps, we are less familiar with an event that occurred in the town 124 years later, The Battle of Enniscorthy, which raged for four days on the streets of our town during the darkest period of our history, The Civil War. This year Wexford Literary Festival, in conjunction with Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, will host a commemoration ceremony on Saturday 2nd July 2022, exactly 100 years after the Battle of Enniscorthy 1st – 4th July 1922.

The event will begin at 11am at Enniscorthy Castle where the Free State Garrison are pinned down under fire

from Anti Treaty snipers at St. Mary’s Church.

The Re-enactment will be narrated by Barry Lacey, Historian in Residence with Wexford Libraries, and will include re-enactors from Lord Edwards Own, Kildare, Kilkenny Re-enactment Society and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.

Special guests for the event will include Minister of State James Browne TD, Sean Haughey, grandson of Sean Lemass, who fought in the Battle of Enniscorthy, Chair of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cathal Byrne, Historian in Residence at Wexford County

Council Barry Lacey, and Carmel Smyth, author of Monteith, The Making of a Rebel.

This is a lesser known part of our Enniscorthy history, and I would appeal to Enniscorthians or Scalders everywhere to come out and commemorate and honour the part our town played in the formation of the Nation.

The Battle of Enniscorthy, live on the streets where it all happened one hundred years ago to the day, don’t miss it, this is living history at its best.

– Words & Pics by Maria Nolan

At the start of the Civil War, Enniscorthy was the only large town in Co. Wexford that contained a garrison of both Free State soldiers and anti-Treaty IRA volunteers (the remaining three towns were held by the anti-Treaty IRA alone). This led to much tension in the spring and early summer of 1922, as the erstwhile allies eyed each other suspiciously.

The Free State soldiers were based in the old R.I.C. barracks in Abbey Square, while the anti-Treaty IRA were billeted in the town’s courthouse.

From these two locations they attempted to govern Enniscorthy, sending out rival patrols to police the town. However, this uneasy truce was shattered on July the 2nd, 1922, when both sides attacked each other, in what would become an intense urban battle that would last for the best part of four days.

Enniscorthy at the beginning of the 20th century.

Barry Lacey, Historian in Residence with Wexford Libraries.

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SlaNey hiStory SlaNey ad & heritage

Workshops for schools Workshops for schools on the War of Independence and the Civil War in Wexford.

On Friday, 1st April 2022, Co. Wexford’s library service launched its information booklet entitled “County Wexford War of Independence and Civil War: An educational resource” which charts the events and timeline of the War of Independence and the Civil War in County Wexford.

It is a resource for young people from 4th class to 3rd year. The booklet was researched and written by local historian, Monica Crofton, and edited by Executive Librarian, Hazel Percival and Library Assistant, Michael Dempsey and designed by Nicola Bailey.

If your school would like to have a visit from Co. Wexford’s Historian-in-Residence to discuss the booklet with your students, contact the Local Studies Librarian: caroline.barry@wexfordcoco.ie or 053 919 6330. n

Booking is essential: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/3893155

A new and very different Medieval Ferns Experience Want to try something new and very different? Well, Wexford's newest visitor attraction is now open in Ferns – located at Ferns Community Centre in a specially refurbished area.

The Experience tells the fascinating story of Ferns medieval history in an interactive and fun way. Using audiovisual sensory and virtual reality it

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really gives a great insight into power shifts in the Ancient Capital of Leinster. The Experience is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

For enquiries email: medievalfernsexperience@fernsvillage.ie or phone: 089-4946972. Entry fee is €6. Seniors/Students €5. Children under 12 are free. n

SlaNey hiStory & heritage

Wexford hosts ‘The Treaty 1921 – Records from the Archives’ exhibition Wexford is currently hosting a major exhibition, The Treaty 1921 – Records from the Archives, following its three-month stint at Dublin Castle. The exhibition marks the centenary of the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty on 6 December 1921.

The Treaty, 1921: Records from the Archives exhibition will run at County Hall, Wexford town, until 10th June. It is presented by the National Archives in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy, the National Library of Ireland and the Office of Public Works, with records from the collections of the Military Archives and University College Dublin.

The Anglo-Irish Treaty is one of the most significant historical documents held by the National Archives. Using the Treaty as a centrepiece, the National Archives present an exhibition that marks its role as the official repository of the records of the State, one hundred years since its formation. The Treaty, 1921: Records from the Archives opens up significant historical records, official documents and private papers for the first time, including the first public presentation of both the Irish and British copes of the Treaty document.

Using contemporary reportage, images and footage, The Treaty, 1921: Records from the Archives locates the Treaty negotiations in the political context of the Irish revolution and a world turned upside down by the First World War. Beginning with the exploratory talks between Éamon de Valera, President of Dáil Éireann, and British Prime Minister David Lloyd George during the summer of 1921, it details the work of the Irish plenipotentiaries and their secretariat, by presenting the documentary record that they left behind.

The exhibition also chronicles day-to-day life in London for the

men and women who made up the Irish delegation, from parties attended, dinners hosted and appearances at theatre and gala performances, to the tense final days and hours leading to the signing of the Treaty just after 2am on 6 December 1921. Finally, it documents the delegation’s return to Dublin, and the Dáil Éireann cabinet meeting that pointed to the split in the independence movement that emerged over the terms of the Treaty, and the divisions that would lead to Civil War. Tom Enright, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, said: “Wexford County Council is delighted to be hosting ‘The Treaty 1921’ exhibition as part of its commemorative programme under the Decade of Centenaries for 2022. We hope that visitors will readily engage with the exhibition and increase their understanding of this seminal period in our country’s history. We are also excited to be showcasing to the public some of the relevant documents and images from our own county archive’s collections alongside the main exhibition.”

Orlaith McBride, Director of the National Archives, said: “We are delighted to bring this exhibition to Wexford. The wide and vivid range of documents, images and text presented capture as never before the drama that was the Treaty negotiations in London in 1921 and does so in a way that evokes the personal stories and personalities with all the attendant tensions, hopes and disagreements. It represents a really significant contribution to our understanding of one of the most important few weeks in our country's history.”

Admission to the exhibition, which runs to 10th June, is free.

If you can’t make the exhibition, a virtual tour is also available online at www.nationalarchives.ie n

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SlaNey SlaNey eNviroNmeNt ad

Spring cleaning Co. Wexford

Enniscorthy cleanup.

Almost 200 Wexford groups joined the National Spring Clean 2022 campaign The National Spring Clean is Ireland’s

National Spring Clean is operated by

official anti-litter campaign and over

the Environmental Education Unit of An

the past 23 years the initiative has

Taisce in partnership with Local Auth-

been highlighting the collective re-

orities and supported by the Depart-

sponsibility we share in tackling and

ment of Communications, Climate

preventing our national litter prob-

Action and Environment, and Mars

lem.

Wrigley Ireland.

This year, the campaign returned to its usual month-long clean-up in April after two years of restricted clean-ups due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Almost 200 groups from Wexford registered to carry out clean-ups throughout the county, an increase on St Colman’s National School, Ballindaggin.

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SlaNey eNviroNmeNt the number of registered groups this time last year making #SpringClean22 Ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign to date.

Over 7,000 Wexford volunteers participated in organised clean-ups throughout the county.

Nationwide, volunteers collected an estimated 2,800 tonnes of litter. Furthermore, National Spring Clean has been a starting point for a large number of groups to organise regular clean-up events all year long!

National Spring Clean 2022 has been an amazing opportunity for communities to come together and do their bit for their local environment, contribute to creating a more sustainable community, be with like-minded people and make a difference.

This year the theme of community pride was at the forefront of the campaign with The National Spring Clean urging people of all ages to gather friends, family, classmates, neighbours or colleagues to unite in cleaning their shared green spaces together.

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said of the initiative: “The statistics for what the National Spring Clean achieves every year are staggering and are a real testament to the energy, drive and community commitment of volunteers up and down the country,

Gorey cleanup.

who come out and work hard together to protect, enhance and clear up our local environments. It’s unpaid, largely unsung and often unseen work that improves the quality of life for all of us. I would like to salute your work and express my gratitude for the hours of selfless volunteer work that help make National Spring Clean such a critical part of the annual environmental calendar here.

“I would also like to acknowledge the key role played by An Taisce in overseeing the campaign. My Department will continue to provide support to the campaign and I look forward to the many events that will be held countrywide.”

National Spring Clean Chairperson Michael John O’Mahony added: “The work and efforts of volunteers, groups and Local Authorities all over the country for National Spring Clean in 2022 has been truly amazing. A big thank you to everyone who made it such a success; in fact the most successful National Spring since the first National Spring Clean in 1999! Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir.“ Mars Wrigley Ireland Corporate Affairs Manager, Nicola Forde stated: “It’s been fantastic to see people, businesses and community groups across Ireland get behind the National Spring Clean again this year. Our own team rolled up their sleeves and hosted a

spring clean event in Dublin earlier this month which was a huge success. We continue to champion programmes like the National Spring Clean that support a cleaner, greener environment.”

Even though the month-long clean-up is now over, there are plenty of campaigns and activities that The National Spring Clean run and endorse that our readers can get involved in. A few of these include:  When you are out for a walk, visiting a park or a beach, do a quick #2minutestreetclean or a #2minutebeachclean.  Avoid single-use plastic when possible, by choosing more sustainable alternatives, such as reusable bottles and coffee cups, cotton bags, metal straws, etc…  Don’t litter, and if a bin is overflowing, keep your waste until you find a way to dispose of it properly.  If you can’t reduce or reuse, recycle; know where and how to recycle all types of waste.  Recent statistics show that, in Ireland, discarded cigarette butts make up for 60% of litter on the streets. Always bin your butt!  Make sure to bin your chewing gum when you’re done to avoid a €150 gum littering fine and keep our streets clean! n

Enniscorthy cleanup.

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Recyle those batteries!

WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

Wexford consumers recycled the equivalent of 16 AA batteries per person in 2021, surpassing the national average, new figures reveal.

Data from WEEE Ireland shows Ireland achieved a 46% battery recycling rate in 2021, reaching its EU directive obligations.

Nationally, there was a 16% increase in the amount of batteries recycled by Irish households, in line with increased consumption and greater usage of batteries in everyday products.

The spike in recycling is equivalent to 15 AA batteries saved from landfill per person – an increase of two per person on 2020.

Consumers in Wexford were above the national trend, averaging an equivalent of 16 AA batteries per person which were prevented from entering landfill.

“This small increase of two extra AA batteries recycled per person across Ireland made a huge difference and we are urging everyone in Wexford to recycle at least two more in 2022 to reach our target – and to stop and think before throwing them in the bin,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

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Younger consumers, in particular, are being urged to stop binning used batteries as a new survey reveals almost half of 18-34-year-olds are tossing them in the trash.

“They are often lauded as the most environmentally conscious, yet the survey shows a worrying 43% of adults under the age of 34, actually throw their used batteries in general waste bins instead of recycling them,” said Mr Donovan.

The survey of 1,000 people, conducted online by Empathy Research last month, reveals that more than a quarter (28%) of people are unaware that batteries contain valuable resources such as cobalt, zinc, nickel and lithium, which can be used again.

Over 55s are the most eco-conscious, with just 9% binning batteries – the lowest of all age categories – while 81% know they contain valuable materials.

Only 2% of over 55s hoard them, but this rises to 26% for 18-34 year olds.

Data across all age groups shows a total of 16% of the population binning and 6% hoarding batteries, while the vast majority who do recycle them, use retailers (47%), recycling centres (17%), WEEE Ire-

land collection events (16%) and local schools (11%).

“Any retailer or supermarket that sells batteries will take them back for recycling.

That’s in addition to the hundreds of recycling centres across the country.

“For the millions of batteries not recycled properly every year, we lose precious elements and important resources that can only be replaced by mining. The environmental and social costs of extracting and processing the materials required for battery manufacturing, can be huge.

“The world will require much less mining for materials if we can recycle more spent ones.”

However, Mr Donovan said that as battery sales soar to cater for the growing demand for electric vehicle and e-mobility devices, these targets will become harder to reach if we don’t get into the habit of recycling more.

Every battery recycled by WEEE Ireland goes towards a donation fund to support the vital work provided by LauraLynn, Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice. This year’s €40,000 donation brings its overall total to €520,000 since the partnership first began 11 years ago. n

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IFAC CALLS FOR PROACTIVE PACKAGING STRATEGIES IFAC (Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative Society Limited) is urging Irish SMEs to get their packaging right to curb their costs and impact on the environment.

IFAC is Ireland’s leading farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm. On 11th May 2022 it launched its Packaging Report 2022, titled ‘Get Your Packaging Right’, to help Irish SMEs and food businesses improve their packaging strategies, reduce costs and ultimately minimise their impact on the environment.

Following the Cabinet’s recent approval of the Circular Economy Bill that aims to reduce waste and influence behaviour to help significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (including incentivising the use of reusable and recyclable alternatives to a range of wasteful single-use disposable packaging), this timely report outlines the environmental impact of packaging and the rising costs facing Irish food businesses.

It also highlights the ways packaging can work as an effective salesperson for brands, what retailers are looking for, the funding options available for packaging, as well as some of the emerging packaging solutions on the market such as sugarcane and seaweed. In addition, the report features case studies and helpful learnings from Irish food businesses including Finnegan’s Farm and performance nutrition brand, All Real.

Living in Enniscorthy?

You are entitled to a brown bin from your provider.

If you are living in Enniscorthy, new food waste regulations mean you are entitled to get a brown bin if you request it from your waste disposal company, and you are required to separate your food waste from your black bin waste.

If you don't have a brown bin, you can bring your food waste to Enniscorthy Recycling Centre.

Learn more at: https://www.mywaste.ie/whatto-do-with-my-food-waste/ n

The central tenant of IFAC’s Packaging Report 2022, is the importance for food businesses to conduct a packaging audit to put them in control of rising input costs.

The report also signposts Irish food businesses to IFAC’s Packaging Cost Calculator. This free tool will help any food business owner to get a real sense of the actual combined cost of packaging for their products; they can use it to itemise individual packaging costs and examine how volume increases or decreases can impact unit costs.

Download IFAC’s Packaging Report here: https://downloads.ifac.ie/x/6e818a04ab/ifac-packaging-report-website.pdf.

David Leydon, Head of Food and Agribusiness and Lorcan Bannon, Associate Director, Food and Agribusiness from IFAC’s award-winning Food and Agribusiness advisory team.

Reserve a radon monitor at your library Radon monitors are now available for all Wexford library members in the county to borrow.

The monitors are available to borrow for a 4 week period, and come with instruction leaflets.

To reserve a monitor please contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055. n

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World Ocean Day 8th June 2022 This World Ocean Day, 8th June 2022, you are invited to act locally to make a global difference.

Irish environmental charity Clean Coasts and National Spring Clean are offering the public in County Wexford a free clean-up kit to host a beach clean-up on World Ocean Day. World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8th to highlight the important role the ocean has for our life and the planet. In 2022, the focus will once more be on the 30x30 campaign: to create a healthy ocean with abundant wildlife and to stabilize the climate, it’s critical that 30% of our planet’s lands, waters, and ocean are protected by 2030.

One of the issues affecting our ocean is marine litter that has become a global problem for both humans and marine life. However, communities in County Wexford have demonstrated their desire to be part of the solution by taking part in several beach cleaning calls to action.

Once more, Clean Coasts is asking individuals, households and groups to join them and take action to protect the ocean. To support their efforts, registration is open for communities and individuals in Ireland who want to receive free beach cleaning kits containing bags, gloves and hi-viz vests.

Wexford will have a positive impact on a global scale.

Twitter: @CleanCoasts and @National-

To register, visit: cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/world-ocean-day/

Instagram: @cleancoasts and @national-

Website: https://cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/world-ocean-day/

YouTube: Clean Coasts Ireland and Na-

Facebook: @CleanCoasts and @NationalSpringClean

SpringC

springclean

tional Spring Clean Linkedin: Clean Coasts n

In 2021, the initiative changed its name from “World Oceans Day” to “World Ocean Day”. By dropping the “s”, its organisers wanted to highlight the fact that we are all connected by a large ocean. This shared ocean supports all life on the planet, by producing most of the oxygen we breathe and regulating climate. No matter where we live, we all depend on the ocean to survive.

Statistics show that the number one cause of marine litter is litter dropped in towns and cities. Building on the success of the Spring Clean 22 campaign, which took place in the month of April and saw over 7,100 volunteers organising over 180 clean-ups in County Wexford, the National Spring Clean programme is joining Clean Coasts this year in supporting these communities around Ireland.

This means that each piece of marine litter removed from the coast in County

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Clean Coasts beach clean in Morriscastle.

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Wexford’s BLUE & GREEN awards Wexford receives 6 Blue Flags for Beaches, 2 Blue Flags for Marinas and 9 Green Coast Awards.

On Friday 20th May, An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2022.

The awards were presented by Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform, at a ceremony at Curracloe beach.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister Noonan stated that: "This year celebrates 35 years of the Blue Flag as an international programme and during that time the Blue Flag has become an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. I am pleased to be presenting 95 blue flags and 62 green coast awards today and want to commend the great efforts made by local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and volunteers for their work around the country.”

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, said, “It is a great honour for Wexford to be selected as the location for the presentation of Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards for 2022 having previously hosted the event in 2011. We, in Wexford, value the emblem of quality that the Blue Flags and Green Coast Awards bring to our beaches. The Blue Flag is a commitment to local and tourist visitors alike that they are visiting a safe, clean, well-managed beach with excellent water quality, good facilities and information on the local environment. We are delighted with Wexford's results this year and will continue to work to protect and safeguard Wexford's marine and coastal environment.”

WEXFORD’S BLUE FLAG AWARDS: Ballinesker Ballymoney North Beach Carne Curracloe Morriscastle Rosslare Strand

BLUE FLAG MARINAS: Kilmore Quay Marina and New Ross ‘Three Sisters’ Marina WEXFORD’S GREEN COAST AWARDS: Cahore Point Beach Ballyhealy Grange Old Bawn Beach Baginbun Beach Cullenstown Strand St. Helen's Bay Culleton's Gap Booley Bay Gorey Senator Malcolm Byrne commented, “I was delighted to be at the announcement ceremony in Curracloe. It is wonderful news that so many beaches and marinas in Co. Wexford have retained their blue flag status, but it is particularly welcome to see the restoration of that status for the beautiful North Beach at Ballymoney, where the flag had been absent. I spent so much of my childhood on Ballymoney beach and it is a really special place.” n

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Launching National Biodiversity Week

An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Barbara-Anne Murphy officially launched National Biodiversity Week on Friday 13th May when she attended the planting of a native Irish rowan tree in the grounds of St. John’s Community Hospital. The Cathaoirleach was accompanied by representatives of Enniscorthy Men’s Shed and St. John’s Community Hospital and staff of Wexford County Council.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Murphy said, ‘I am delighted to officially launch National Biodiversity Week here in Co. Wexford. This week is all about connecting people with nature and the benefits of protecting and enhancing our biodiversity. Spending time in nature can im-

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prove our health and well-being. It is great to see the wide range of initiatives being undertaken by Wexford County Council, including the increased support for biodiversity in our urban areas, a great example of which is the enhancement of the Gorey ecological corridor’.

Catherine McLoughlin, Heritage Officer, Wexford County Council, also attended the event. ‘National Biodiversity Week is also about learning and having fun. Many of the events are family friendly and there is something for everyone to enjoy,’ said Catherine. Her colleague Clare Kelly, Climate Officer with Wexford County Council, agreed, ‘A simple action that we can all take as individuals or communities to help biodiversity and reduce carbon

L-R: Catherine McLoughlin, Heritage Officer, Wexford Co. Council; Clare Kelly, Climate Officer, Wexford Co. Council; Beryl McKee, Director of Nursing, St. John’s Community Hospital, Enniscorthy; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council and Cliona Connolly, Environment Education Officer, Wexford Co. Council.

emissions is to plant a native tree,’ she said.

On Monday 16th May, Wexford County Council supported a talk on the barn owls of the south-east by Birdwatch Ireland and the Wexford Barn Owl project, and on Thursday, 19th May, Barntown Community Centre hosted a public talk on the fascinating underwater biodiversity of the Wexford coast.

Check out the National Biodiversity Website at https://biodiversityweek.ie/ National Biodiversity Week is coordinated by the Irish Environmental Network, funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and supported by the Heritage Council. n

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‘Love Your Coast’ photo competition

Wexford’s Declan Roche won the overall national Love Your Coast photo competition for this photo in 2021.

Clean Coasts’ 13th annual Love Your Coast photography competition has officially opened for entries!

The Love Your Coast competition asks for amateur photographers to capture and celebrate the uniqueness of our coastal communities, environments, or waterways such as our stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, epic cliff faces, and raging rivers.

Wexford has some of the most spectacular coastlines in the world so there’s no excuse! Get out your cameras this summer and explore the Irish coast and capture its beauty.

2021 saw three Wexford photographers score top places in various categories.

Declan Roche won the overall Love Your Coast prize as well as first place in the Wildlife and Underwater category for his image Let Me Out that was shot at Wexford Harbour quayfront.

Photographer Myles Carroll also placed first in the new category called Creativity and the Coast for his photo entitled Seagull on Tour, taken at the beach at Kilmichael Point, Co. Wexford, with Ivan Donoghue winning third place in the same category for his

photo entitled Sunlight from Above, taken at Hook Head.

Moreover, Graham Murphy with the picture titled Caught on the Hop and Thomas Ormond with the photograph Puffin with Sandeels were shortlisted in the top ten images for the Wildlife and the Coast Category. Nikki George’s image Hurling at the Ball Alley and Tara McGeary’s photo Joggers at Dawn were shortlisted in the People and the Coast Category with Myles Carroll’s image Hook Lighthouse and Christine Taylor’s photo Stargazer shortlisted in the Coastal Heritage and the Creativity and the Coast category respectively.

Photographers have until 9am on Monday the 29th August 2022 to submit their best images in one of five categories to be in with the chance to win a prize fund of €5,000 across all categories.

The categories for this year include: 1. Wildlife and Underwater 2. Coastal Landscape 3. People and the Coast 4. Coastal Heritage 5. Creativity and the Coast

Each year Love Your Coast draws in a large amount of interest from Ireland’s amateur photographers, coastal enthusiasts, and conservation and biodiversityminded. Clean Coasts have ensured there is a diverse range of categories so there truly is something for everyone!

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.

Working with communities on the ground, Clean Coasts’ mission is to help foster pride in our coastline, supporting Clean Coasts communities, groups, and volunteers to tackle issues affecting their local area.

Visit the website to find out more about the competition and how to enter at: to enter at: https://cleancoasts.org/ourinitiatives/lov Be sure to head to our gallery of top images from previous years: https://cleanhttps://cleancoasts.org/ou r-initiatives/love-your-c n

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Conserving water this summer Research commissioned by Irish Water shows that over half of Irish households (53%) admit to wasting water, even though some eight in ten (78%) know it is important to take steps to conserve it. The research coincides with the launch of Irish Water’s new Conservation Calculator which will assist households across the country to assess their water usage habits and find out how much water they are saving on a daily basis. It also offers useful and practical tips on how to reduce water usage and track their progress.

The free tool was developed in response to research which shows consumers want additional tools to assist them conserve water and is available at www.water.ie/calculator By answering just a few short questions about water usage habits, households of all sizes can calculate how much water they are currently saving, and what they could do to save even more. The average water use of one person is 133 litres per day, and results from the calculator are based on the water use of typical households of similar sizes.

The Conservation Calculator provides helpful advice for those wanting to ensure they use water responsibly to improve their score rating. Simple water saving tips include: In addition, Irish Water is also continuing its First Fix Free programme which helps households that may be using higher level of water than average, which could signal a potential leakage problem. Together with the homeowner the Irish Water team will investigate the cause of the leak and fix the issue to curtail any further potential leaks. This is in line with Irish Water’s collaborative approach to water conservation where all working together can safeguard our precious water resources now and for the future.

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Speaking at the launch, Ronan Walsh of Irish said: “We understand that historic network leakage continues to be a challenge and we are working hard with all relevant stakeholders and are on track to achieve a national leakage rate below 20% in Dublin and 25% nationally by 2030 – that’s down from 46% leakage in 2018. Over 2,000 leaks are fixed every month by our team and local authority partners, and 166 million litres of water was saved daily during 2021 alone. Working together, we can all take steps to ensure our water is safeguarded for future generations.”

Each day in Ireland, 1.7 billion litres of water travels through a network that includes 63,000km of pipes to supply treated drinking water to homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and farms nationwide. The treatment process is a lengthy and complex one with up to seven stages that can take up to three days to make raw water suitable to drink.

WATER SAVING TIPS

•

Ensure washing machines and dishwashers are full before running

•

Avoid using paddling pools

•

If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose

•

Report any external leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278. No leak fixes itself and every leak gets progressively worse. The escaping water can weaken the ground or cause slippery footpaths and roads. The leaking water reduces the supply pressure for adjacent properties. What looks like a small leak at the surface can be using the equivalent to 20-30 households.

In the garden: •

Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden

•

In the garden use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots

•

Consider installing a water butt to collect rainwater – this can then be used for watering the garden during dry weather

At Home: •

Take a shorter shower

•

•

Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home

Do your watering in the evening, when it won’t evaporate

•

•

When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute

Pots and containers need lots of water to prevent drying out, so plant directly into the ground as much as possible

•

Another good tip is to add a layer of plant material, like bark, to your flower bed to prevent evaporation and reduce the need for watering

•

Keep a jug of water in the fridge rather than letting the tap run cold and save six litres a day

•

Reducing shower time by 60 seconds can save up to 120 litres of water every week

•

250 litres of water a week can be saved by fixing any leaking or dripping taps in the garden

More information on water conservation can be found at https://www.water.ie/conservation/ The Conservation Calculator is available at www.water.ie/calculator n

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Ministers announce ambitious new strategic action plan for the National Parks and Wildlife Service Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD have published a Strategic Action Plan for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) following Government approval. The Plan sets out an ambitious timeline for a full organisational restructuring of the NPWS, and a substantial €55m additional investment in the organisation across three budgetary cycles, together with the early recruitment of 60 key staff for critically important roles.

Launching the Strategic Action Plan in Ballykeeffe Nature Reserve in Co. Kilkenny, Minister Noonan said: “The renewal of the National Parks and Wildlife Service is the keystone action in this Government’s response to the biodiversity emergency and today I’m announcing a suite of strategic actions to transform the organisation, which have now been approved at Cabinet.

“NPWS will be established as an Executive Agency, giving it a strong identity and voice to speak for nature. Its internal structures will be overhauled, delivering a stronger focus on external engagement and delivery of outcomes. New Director-

ates, organised along functional lines, will benefit from the early recruitment of 60 key staff for critically important roles.

“I’ve already increased NPWS funding to €47m in 2022 – a total increase of 64% since I became Minister – bringing it back up to a level not seen since before the financial crisis. Today, I’m proud to announce that Government has endorsed future underpinning investment of up to €55m over the coming three budgetary cycles to realise this plan.”

“This funding commitment will enable the NPWS to embrace Ireland’s ambitions for nature and help us begin to turn the tide on biodiversity loss.”

Launching the plan, Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “The NPWS has a proud history, and despite being a relatively small organisation of some four hundred people, carries a complex range of responsibilities, ranging from significant policy and advisory functions, to operational responsibilities in our National Parks, conservation, enforcement, licensing, biodiversity protection and as a statutory consultee on planning.

It is vital that we have a resilient and effective NPWS to perform all of those functions. I am very pleased that we

now have Government approval for this Strategic Action Plan, which will provide the momentum to build on the very significant gains which, working with the Minister of State, I have been able to secure for the organisation in the past two budgets, bringing its funding, for the first time since the financial crisis, back to pre2008 levels. I am happy too for the dedicated and expert team who have sustained the NPWS through so many years – with the implementation of this Strategic Action Plan, the future of the NPWS looks bright.”

Minister Noonan added: “Today’s announcement fulfils an important commitment in the Programme for Government, providing for a significant investment in, and a renewal of, the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This renewal is underpinned by a comprehensive, expert review of the organisation, which has now been completed by independent authors.

The Strategic Action Plan is designed to implement and deliver upon the recommendations made by the review.”

The Strategic Action Plan and accompanying documents can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/fbb8 1-national-parks-and-wildlife-servicestrategic-action-plan-and-review n

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Sod turning in Kilmore Quay The rainfall could not dampen the air of positivity as the sod was turned last month for the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and related infrastructure at Kilmore Quay. Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, has already commenced works on the new sewerage scheme and wastewater treatment infrastructure for the village, however due to Covid restrictions, the ceremonial aspects of the works were put on hold, until last month.

Jon Sisk and Sons Ltd are carrying out the works on the utility’s behalf to end the discharge of raw sewage into the Celtic Sea with the project due for completion in 2024.

Once completed, the new sewer infrastructure will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. It will also improve the performance of the sewer network and water quality in the receiving waters and the Celtic Sea. The new scheme will involve the design and construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, underground pumping stations, pipelines, as well as testing and commissioning works. All new infrastructure will be sized to serve existing and future populations and the new wastewater infrastructure will enhance local amenities and provide a platform for social and economic development.

Irish Water’s Michael Tinsley was in Kilmore Quay and said, “It is really fantastic to be here in Kilmore Quay this morning. Irish Water is really looking forward to delivering this important project to benefit the local community for the generations to come.

This project will improve water quality around the quay and wider harbour area, enhance the amenity value of the coastal waters and ensure compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of urban wastewater.

“Irish Water has a strong track record of completing projects on time and on budget once we get boots on the ground. Indeed, we have good news in this regard not too far away from here.

We turned the sod on the Duncannon, Arthurstown and Bally-

L-R: Michael Tinsley (Irish Water), Cllr Jim Moore, Tom Enright (CEO, Wexford Co. Council). hack project in June 2021. Later this summer, the Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Arthurstown will begin operation, with the overall project being on course to be fully completed by the end of 2022, ahead of schedule.

"Irish Water is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key water service infrastructure. ” Councillor Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District was present at the sod turning and has campaigned for this infrastructure for some time: “I am delighted to see this most welcome infrastructure which will give a huge impetus to the development of Kilmore Quay in terms of environment, industry, community, housing, and tourism. I would like to thank all concerned for their efforts in reaching this important milestone for Kilmore Quay and the surrounding district and region. It comes at an opportune time with the Wexford County Development Plan under consideration as well as the Local Economic Development Plans for the District.” n

L-R: Cllr Ger Carthy, Tom Enright (CEO, Wexford Co. Council), Paul Kehoe TD, Michael Tinsley (Irish Water), Cllr Jim Moore, Brendan Howlin TD, Verona Murphy TD, Cllr Frank Staples, Cllr Jim Codd.

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Green-Schools Water Awards The achievements of Ireland’s young water champions were celebrated last month at the annual Green-Schools Water Awards hosted by An Taisce Green-Schools and Irish Water.

Over the past school year, over 123,000 students in 551 schools all over Ireland have participated in the Green-Schools water theme which is sponsored by Irish Water. The water theme looks at developing awareness around water conservation and how to effectively manage this precious resource in our schools and at home.

St Joseph’s Primary School in Creagh, Gorey, was named the regional winner in the ‘Water School of the Year’ category as they continue to spread their water conservation messages of “Saving water is in our hands” and “Save the flow, save H2O”.

St Joseph’s, consisting of over 550 students and teachers, completed all essential green schools actions, as well as conducting a water use survey, carrying out surveys/questionnaires to gauge awareness around water conservation, investigating the possibility of rainwater harvesting in the school and investigating the water lifecycle of the school.

St Joseph’s Primary School in Creagh, Gorey, was named a regional winner in the ‘Water School of the Year’ category.

For their action day they all wore blue, carried out water-related science experiments, and the senior classes did a 3km walk for water around the town park.

They also learned a water rap that the caretaker composed! Students also took

part in the Green-Schools Water Poster competition and displayed their internal winners on their website. The students continue to spread the message of their two green codes: “Saving water is in our hands” and “Save the flow, save H2O.” n

The 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

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Clonroche Vintage Club

Trac 1st M

Mock O’Brien with his vintage 82 Triumph.

Thomas Keating parks his tractor before the off.

Little tractor men give the thumbs-up at the display in Clonroche, Killian and Tony Cowman.

Lef Above righ Below cen

All ready for the tractor run was Pat Roche.

Syl Boland.

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ctor Run May 2022

Above: Jimmy Swan and Frank Rochford.

Above right: Paddy Fortune. Right: Keeping an eye on the tractors was Tom O’Brien and Mary Tector.

Below right: Leo Murphy.

ft: Owen and Luke Mackey and Paul Kirwan. Above: Marty Grenan with his tractor. ht: Kyle Byrne arrives on his tractor in Clonroche. Below left: Jas Mooney and Leo Tector. ntre: Coming in to more modern times was Jimmy Murphy. Below right: Michael Murphy.

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A rose by any other name...

Attendees at the launch

by Wexford County Council and O’Connell Marketing of the 3-day tour of the county by the Rose of Tralee contestants.

Pics: Maria Nolan.

A Rose by any other name... and what a perfectly beautiful name for our Wexford Rose – Joy – her whole countenance oozes with it, from her warm, easy smile all the way to her kind, sparkling, eyes.

Joy Quigley is a joy to work with and nothing was too much bother for the bubbly Ferns native at the photoshoot organised by Wexford County Council and O’Connell Marketing to launch the Roses 3 Day Tour of the County.

Damian Lynch, Treasurer of Visit Wexford, said that this county has a fantastic product, and this was the perfect opportunity, and Joy was the perfect person to promote it.

Hospitality partner Paul Finnegan of the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey said that they were delighted to be hosting the 33 Roses for the two nights they will be in Wexford and promised that the hotel will be endeavouring to make their stay in the county a most memorable one.

Launching the 3 Day Wexford Rose Tour, which will take place in the county from 11th – 13th August, Wexford County Council Chairperson Barbara-Anne Murphy said that Joy Quigley would be the ideal hostess for the other thirty-two Roses from all over Ireland and all over the world who will be lighting up our shores in the run-up to the 62nd Rose of Tralee Festival.

Steve Cronly, Director of Operations Rose of Tralee International Festival, praised Pete Cooney, Wexford Rose Co-ordinator, Billy Byrne, Tourism Officer, Jean O’Connell, O’Connell Marketing, and Wexford County Council for the wonderful welcome and treatment they were receiving adding that if it was anything to go by, the Roses would be three weeks in Wexford not three days, and he was certain it would prove difficult to get them to leave it, such was the extent of the welcome and the elaborate itinerary.

Liz Hore, Director of Services and Head of Enterprise at Wexford Co. Council, said that it was an ideal opportunity to showcase all that is good about Wexford to over 1.2 million viewers and she had no doubt that Joy would be a marvellous ambassador for her county.

Joy Quigley assured everyone that this was a chance of a lifetime and she was going to embrace it with both arms and play her part to sell herself and advance her varied and delightful county to everyone she came in contact with over the next two months and hopefully beyond.

As Strawberry Queen 2019, Joy Quigley has the distinction of being the longest reigning Strawberry Queen ever.

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SlaNey NewS

L-R: 1. Bernie Quigley, Acting Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager with her niece Joy Quigley. 2. Escort Lar Whelan. 3. Damian Reck, Joy Quigley and Sarah O’Connor. Pics: Maria Nolan.

As an avid Wexford hurling fan, senior hurler Damian Reck and camogie player Sarah O’Connor were on hand to wish Joy the very best and impart a couple of tips to her on stamina, courage and the will to win.

We hope it works!

Having worked with Joy during the 2019 Strawberry Fair, I can unequivocally say that Joy Quigley is a most excellent choice for the Wexford Rose and will do us all proud in Tralee this August.

– Maria Nolan L-R: Lar Whelan (escort), Damian Lynch (Visit Wexford), Barbara-Anne Murphy (Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council), Joy Quigley (Wexford Rose), Steve Cronly (Director of Operations, Rose of Tralee International Festival) and Paul Finnegan (Ashdown Park Hotel). Pics: Maria Nolan.

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