45 minute read
Leisure & Lifestyle
Dancing with Declan
Keep up to date with the local dancing scene on: https://www.facebook.com/DancingwithDec https://www.facebook.com/socialdancingdateswexford n
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Enniscorthy Library
Wexford Arts Centre
For details and updates on all happening in Wexford Arts Centre: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/shows n Enniscorthy Women Walking Together
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. 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. 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 Baby & Toddler Time is back at Enniscorthy Library!
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. Contact Enniscorthy Library to book a place: Lymington Road, Enniscorthy. Phone: 053 9236055. enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie
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
Enniscorthy’s new festival is ready to rock and roll!
The revamped Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival will take place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, from Friday 29th July until Monday 1st August.
This is an all-inclusive, family festival boasting an incredible showcase of the very best of local food with over 50 food and craft stalls, live outdoor music, and a gig trail of more than 50 Rock ‘n’ Roll gigs throughout the weekend.
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 all floors. Tickets can be purchased via www.rockinfoodandfruitfestival.ie or from The Bailey, Southeast Rock ‘n’ Roll Club or the Enniscorthy Chamber office.
All contributions will go towards running the festival and donations can also be made through www.rockinfoodandfruitfestival.ie or by contacting info@amandawhitmore.ie
There are a few remaining opportunities to become a Brand Partner for the Festival, so if you would like your business included, please get in touch.
The organisers would like to thank sponsors Diageo, Creane & Creane and Wexford County Council for their support. n
ARE YOU DANCING?
Welcome back to the June issue of the Slaney News where I'll be taking a look at the dancing scene in and around the southeast.
One of the fallouts of the pandemic was that it left a big hole in the midweek dances in the southeast. I read many comments on social media from disgruntled dancers that all their regular Monday to Thursday dances had all but dried up. It seemed like Kill in Waterford was now the only one standing and that was too far for anyone up the east coast. The Brandon Hotel, The Oaktree, The Rising Sun, Harneys and the Ashdown all remain closed for midweek dancing.
But only in the last week or so, from out of the ashes, a few have reappeared.
There is still no Monday night dance around as The Wicklow Man in Harneys was the only one so hopefully someone will fill that slot again.
Richie Halpin has taken the reins in what was once a very popular Tuesday night venue – The Seven Oaks in Carlow. I'm delighted to see Richie has kept it on the same night. He has Bernie Heaney on June 14th and Liam Mannering & Maria on June 21st.
Then on Wednesdays down south of the county The Railway Inn Baldwinstown are also back after a lengthy absence starting on June 1st with Delta Dawn.
Thursdays you'll still have to travel to The Woodford Dolmen in Carlow but always worth the journey, or head further still to the Red Cow in Dublin where Bryan Buckley has resurrected that wellknown 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.
Extravagance in dress on the part of girls, especially the working class, is to be discouraged.
All women dancers are recommended
with Declan Flanagan
to use Irish-made materials rather than flimsy foreign silk and satins."
So there you have it girls! Get out your shawls and your bloomers!
Here are a couple of dates for your diary:
June 11th in Rathwood Des Willoughby is hosting a country fest with Derek Ryan, Louise Morrissey, Lee Matthews, Barry Kirwan, Jack Keogh, The Ennis Brothers and Stacey Breen. I was chatting to Des recently and he told me he 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.
Tickets are also €25 for The Hooley in the Park in Gusserane (Y34 YX47) on June 18th. Joe Davitt and Green Road are playing. You can get tickets for this on Eventbrite or their Facebook page.
On the same day, Gorey Agri Show takes place in Ashton Ballycanew and we have our dance floor down for that. Adrian Ryan, Stacey Breen and Ger Long will be there to entertain you also so I'm really looking forward to it.
This weekend myself and a whole load of dancers from Wexford, Carlow, Wicklow and Kilkenny are heading to Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, to the Cowboys & Heroes event. It's over four days and I'm teaching some dancing there. All the big country bands are playing and the forecast is good so I'm expecting to be wrecked come Tuesday!
The Shedfest which hosted Smash Hits, The Pucas & Liam Byrne and Jakadam was a resounding success and my hat is off to the committee responsible for running it. I didn't make it but spoke to many who did and they all had nothing but praise for every aspect of the event.
Many have tried and failed to get these marquee/shed events to work but it looks like this one in Monamolin is going to be a very successful yearly event.
So, moving closer to home, Jump & Jive at The Bailey takes place on Sunday, June 5th. Run on three floors with The Backbeats up top, Solid Gold Hits in the main bar and 60's Soul & R&B in the basement. At only €10 to access all floors it's great value and should be a very good night.
There are so many music events happening over the summer and if you have a look at my "Social Dancing In And Around The South East" page on Facebook they are all listed with their posters and details.
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
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.
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.
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; To provide a safe cycle and walking facility for visitors and for the communities of the towns and villages along the route;
To join up with other greenways, cycle and walking trails and routes in the region to provide an integrated network;
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; To provide a recreational amenity that promotes and encourages healthy living and wellness through walking and cycling. 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
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.
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. 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.
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? 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 between 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. 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. 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
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.
Old friends meet up for their favourite walk, Robert Archer and Martin O’Rourke.
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.
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.
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 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
Wexford Has Talent runner-up, Corey Lacey. Wexford Has Talent
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.
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!
Little Jack Doyle is not letting his rabbit escape! Siofra and Keelan Casey.
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
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 €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
Canine capers
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.
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’.
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
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
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.
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. Emily Murphy and
Community y in the l grounds, t 2022.
d Neasa Kehoe.
Below: Getting made up by artist Anne Croke was Henry Egan. Right: Power throw as young Aidan Egan caterpults the ball. Above: Veronica and Christine Breen. Below: Bridget and Lucy Cummins and Bernie Young.
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.’ 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.
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!
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
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.
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 Donaghue, 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
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.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/3892874
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.
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. 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 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. 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
Poet Laureate for Wexford, Sasha Terfous.
The Silvertones in full voice at their concert last month in Enniscorthy Cathedral
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
EVERY WEDNESDAY...
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:
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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
