51 minute read
Leisure & Lifestyle
80th Anniversary
Advertisement
80th Anniversary of Castlebridge Show in the Community Centre, Castlebridge
Above left: Tadhg Breen enjoying his candy floss. Above centre: Frances Partner and Mag O’Leary. Above right: Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Coun 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place in the Art Section. Below left: Having a cuppa were Sandra, Betty and A
Left: Gloria Winterlich won the Kit Roche Memorial T Above: Official opening of the Castlebridge Show, L-R: Cathaoirleach (Castlebridge Show), Alan Corcoran who cut the rib Right: Kay Murphy with cup for best craft in show with Mayor of W Far right: Oliver Brennan with his pr
y Castlebridge show
e, 14th August 2022.
cil George Lawlor congratulates Emer Murphy on achieving Ann Ryan.
Trophy for best Flower Arrangement. of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor, Jimmy Nolan bbon, Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell. Wexford Maura Bell and one of her winning items. rize winning onions. Brendan Maher gets to see one of the little chickens from Blackwater Open Farm with Liam Morris of Blackwater Open Farm.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor, Breda Conroy who won two trophies for her soda bread, Jimmy Nolan (Castlebridge Show), Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell.
Mary is chosen as international Princess
Mary Mullally is originally from Milehouse, Enniscorthy, but now lives in Cork. She commenced modelling and pageantry some years ago after emerging from what she calls a “very bad relationship”. Mary was chosen as Miss Elegance of The World Ireland 2021 and recently represented this country at the Miss Elegance of The World final in Blackpool, England, emerging as: ★ Miss Elegance of The World International 1st Runner Up 22/23 ★ Miss Elegance of The World International Princess 22/23 ★ Miss Patriotic 22/23 and ★ International Ambassador 22/23
Mary says: “I want to show that anyone can go through a dark time in their life but still can find light at the end of the tunnel. You can still follow your dreams. Anything is possible in your life. So don't ever gave up. I'm a survivor, and you can be too.”
Mary has the opportunity to go back next summer to compete for Ireland again for the overall title and she is determined to take up that opportunity. She wil also be crowning her own Irish successor next year she has recently become the new organiser for the Irish event. And she will continue to help raise funds for charities involved in the area of domestic abuse.
Double bill of rock ‘n’ roll on the way
The South East Rock ‘n’ Roll Club is very proud to present a special double bill of incredible local talent on Saturday 8th October here in Enniscorthy – Ireland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Town.
Featuring the wonderful BELLEFORDS (pictured below) who will be playing the Rhythm Riot in England just one week later – one of the biggest RnR events on the planet. The Club is also proud to present the full live performance debut of new rockin’ sensation ALAN POWER (pictured below) from Waterford with his new band THE AFTERSHOCKS.
That’s two incredible local acts that are really going places.
This will be a ticket-only event with limited availability and tickets will go on sale soon. Full details to come shortly! n
New play premieres at Presentation
Farsiders, written and directed by actor, director, and playwright Fintan Kelly, premiered at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on Tuesday 23rd August in front of a large and very appreciative audience. The play, set in Enniscorthy, centres around the Dole (Unemployment) Office and the Rugby Club weekend disco and has a Martin McDonagh flavour with witty, local humour masking many of the hidden issues of small town 1980s Ireland.
Peer pressure, bullying, uncertainty, and harassment are part and parcel of everyday life for a group of young people struggling to find themselves and love in a coming-of-age tale with a twist. Chopper, Hawk and Red work at the local Unemployment Exchange and plan to attend the Rugby Club disco at the weekend.
Hawk has his date, whilst Red and Chopper have never plucked up the courage to ask Mary and Jenny. Chopper fancies Mary big time but so does his arch enemy Pat Corrigan. All will not be well when the seven come together at the Rugby Club weekend disco, most looking for love and a good time, one looking for trouble and a twisted revenge. Well done to the multitalented Fintan, who I have to say, knows his Enniscorthy people well.
Fintan Kelly’s new play premiered at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on 23rd August 2022.
Farsiders will transport you right back to 1980s Enniscorthy, when tensions bubbled between the Shannoners and the Farsiders, conflict often erupting at the drop of a hat or the downing of a pint or two. The language, sarcasm, and wit of the play is pure Enniscorthy and once again Fintan got it exactly right, even the nicknames are familiar to all of us.
The characters are portrayed extremely well by all of the actors in this well-cast production. The three girls play three very different styles of girl of the era, Jane aka Maeve Ennis, confident, good looking, knows exactly what she wants and has gone after it in the very solid, sensible, loyal, and decent Hawk played by Anthony Finn; Mary, aka Bronagh Hogan, on the other hand is waiting patiently for the very unassuming, noble, honest and humble Chopper aka Tim Connaughton to make his move, and the slightly less than the full shilling, Jenny, aka Roisin Barry, makes no bones about how she feels about Red played brilliantly by Podge Dwyer, the tough guy, only from the mouth out. Red or Podge stole the show for me – he is an exact clone of so many Enniscorthy lads of the 80s, full of bravado but short on courage. Red carries the bulk of the humour of the play, his facial expressions and body language were superb and amazingly accurate to those of us who remember that far back.
Pat Corrigan, aka Brendan Robinson, who surprisingly enough isn’t given a nickname, when so many would have been appropriate, is the villain of the piece or perhaps a victim of a tragedy he never learned to deal with. Either way, you hate him, a testament to the way he portrayed his character. The issues that reared their ugly heads from the worm can of rumour and secrets are dealt with compassionately and sensitively, a tribute to the talent and skill of the playwright. This is a must see for all in Enniscorthy and beyond and was a most fitting accolade to the memory of former Enniscorthy Drama Group (EDG) member Joe Doyle who sadly passed during Covid. EDG Chairman Liam Doyle and playwright Fintan Kelly related many of the humorous stories attributed to Joe as they spoke of his loss to his family, his friends and all at Enniscorthy Drama. All proceeds from the sell-out premiere night at the Presentation Arts Centre went to Cystic Fibrosis, a cause very close to Joe’s heart.
– Words & Pics by Maria Nolan
Left: Maria Nolan raises a glass in memory of the late Joe Doyle R.I.P. Above L-R: EDG Chairman Liam Doyle, Harry Ryan and Lorraine Kelly with Eddie Kelly in the background. Right: Podge Dwyer playing the part of Red with Roisin Barry playing the part of Jenny, and Liam Doyle as the DJ.
Farsiders – coming of age in Enniscorthy
The talented cast of ‘Farsiders’ L-R: Brendan Robinson, Anthony Finn, Podge Dwyer, Tim Connaughton, Bronagh Hogan, Roisin Barry, Maeve Ennis, Liam Doyle.
‘FARSIDERS’ PREMIERE NIGHT 23RD AUGUST 2022, ALL PICS COURTESY OF MARIA NOLAN.
scorthy Drama Group presented its play, Farsiders, which ran from 23rd 7th August in The Presentation re, Enniscorthy, with a special pree night on Tuesday 23rd August in ory of Joe Doyle, with all proceeds g to Cystric Fibrosis Ireland, Wexford ch. n
‘Farsiders’ writer and director Fintan Kelly (right) with Niall Wall.
Maria Nolan joins the Roses
It was certainly a joy to be among the 33 Roses of the 2022 Rose of Tralee Festival on their tour of Wexford recently, especially when our own Joy, Joy Quigley, was among them. Joy by name and joy by nature, as she was oft times described, was the perfect ambassador for the county and did a most excellent job of hosting her sister Roses, as they visited many of the iconic, historic, and picturesque sites of Wexford over their three-day visit from 11th – 13th August. I was indeed delighted to join them at the Opening Reception at Johnstown Castle, where they were welcomed by Tourism Officer Billy Byrne, who claimed credit for the magnificent weather and Chairman of Wexford County Council George Lawlor, who arrived not only wearing a purple and gold tie but armed with a purple and gold Stetson to replace the black one being worn by the Texas Rose, and hot favourite with the bookies, Arden Stringer. George set the tone of the visit as he serenaded the roses with a beautiful rendition of, what else, The Rose of Tralee. stayed with her best friend’s mam, Joan Power in Trepassey, on a visit to Newfoundland in 2015, sure is a small world.
Staying at Ashdown Park Hotel, the girls were treated to visits to both Wexford town and Gorey as well as the fragrant Lavender Farm, with its beautiful café, gift shop and woodland walks, before calling to ogle the baby seals at Seal Rescue Ireland, the only centre of its kind in the country, and then it was on to the elegant 400-yearold Wells House, where fairies, trolls and dragons have made their home along its enchanted walkways. Curracloe beach, the location for the Oscar-winning film Saving Private Ryan, was a must-see, on a day when the Sunny South East was certainly living up to its reputation and at the National Heritage Park the Roses were intrigued with stories from our Celtic and Viking past as our own lovely Rose took the opportunity for a Joy ride on a very classy motorbike in the carpark. A stop at her home town of Ferns the following morning was a must for the Wexford Rose to cheer on the Ferns team in the County Final before being welcomed by Knight, Philip de Prendergast aka Owen Dunbar of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, as he escorted her into his home – Enniscorthy Castle, built by him in the 12th century. Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Aidan Browne, Minister James Browne, Chairman of Wexford County Council George Lawlor, and Councillors Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Jackser Owens, and Tourism Officer Billy Byrne, were on site at 9am to welcome the girls on their whistlestop tour of the county and re-enactors from Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, Castle Manager Mico Hassett and Tour Guide Eve Furlong gave them a flavour of our Norman Wexford heritage as skirmishes broke out in the Castle grounds between Knights and Roses.
In the decorative Castle drawingroom, the Derry Rose, Aine Morrison, took her seat at the piano and entertained everyone with a tranquil air amid the hectic schedule before everyone ascended to the ramparts for magnificent views of Vinegar Hill as George Lawlor reduced the emotional Wexford Rose to tears with his poignant version of Boolavogue.
on their tour of Co. Wexford
Ah sure who wouldn’t be moved gazing across at the iconic hill – a constant reminder of our historic past. The girls were treated to succulent strawberries and cream at the Wheelock Hub with owners Cyril and Margaret and their sons and granddaughters, Lily and Tess, who were big hits with the Roses. The Wexford Rose tour also included a visit to Bunclody Golf Club, Hook Lighthouse, Secret Valley Wildlife, the Dunbrody Famine Ship and the Barrow Princess. The Westmeath Rose Rachel Duffy was crowned the 2022 Rose of Tralee a week later in Kerry, but Joy Quigley can be extremely proud of her performance on stage at the Dome, and over the three week lead-in, her warm, engaging smile and her readiness to hug endeared her to Daithi Ó Shea, her fellow Roses and all who had the pleasure of meeting her on her joyful, rose-tinted journey. You did us proud Joy, and well done to Jean O`Connell and O`Connell Marketing and Tourism Officer Billy Byrne for making sure that all 33 Roses had a memorable time in Wexford.
Above: The Rose of Tralee 2022 contestants with Wexford Co. Council officials and local politicians at Johnstown Castle. Below: James and Aidan Browne are put to the sword by two of the Roses at Enniscorthy Castle. Pics by Maria Nolan.
Maria joins Roses o
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle on tour of Co. Wexford
by Maria Nolan
Hits from the Musicals
Wexford Light Opera Society is delighted and excited to be returning to Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, for its annual Hits from the Musicals show.
The 2022 Hits will be held over four nights commencing on Monday 31st October and running until Thursday 3rd November during the Wexford Opera Festival.
The musical playlist incorporates both old and new musical theatre feasts sung by the award-winning chorus of the Wexford Light Opera Society in addition to well-known WLOS performers who are delighted to be back on stage with WLOS once again.
Under the musical direction of Fintan Cleary and Chorus Mistress Eithne Corrigan, its promises to be one of the fringe festival highlights once again this year. Your MC for the evening will be the hilarious Catherine “Biddy” Walsh.
BOOKING DETAILS:
Tickets are on sale on the National Opera House website costing €25 each.
To book your tickets, please logon to the National Opera House website www.nationaloperahouse.ie and search for the Hits concert. You can also phone the Opera House box office and they will be delighted to assist you. The number is (053) 9122144. n
Wexford Festival Opera Opening Night Friday 21st October 2022 Fireworks from 7pm on Wexford Quayfront. n
Riverside Park Hotel Wedding Showcase
Sunday 25th September 2022, 2pm-5pm. View the fabulous ballroom overlooking the beautiful River Slaney, which will be all set for a wedding, and sit down with one of the hotel’s wedding team who will be delighted to answer any questions you may have. The Penthouse will also be available to view during your visit. Booking an appointment is recommended. For further information and to make an appointment, please contact Liz: Email: liz@riversideparkhotel.com or Call 053 923 7800. n
Dancing with Declan
Keep up to date with the local dancing scene on: 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
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
What’s On Wexford
Check out https://mailchi.mp/b8835026ca33/whats-happenin-wexford?e=bffb7d288b for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n Holohan’s Trad & Ballads
A great trad and ballad session takes place in Holohan’s Pub, Enniscorthy, every Wednesday night for the summer months starting around 9pm. And keep an eye on Holohan’s Facebook page for other gigs throughout the year: https://www.facebook.com/NiallHolohanPublican n
Opinion You Didn't Ask For Podcast
Tune in to Jamie and Blayne’s podcasts and check out: https://www.facebook.com/OpinionYouDidntAskFor/
Craobh Loch Garman CCÉ/Wexford Town Comhaltas
All roads lead to The Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig, Wexford on 4th September 2022 for the Trad & Folk Trail. An enjoyable afternoon of folk and traditional music, song and dance, is guaranteed. In association with Wexford Co. Council and Wexford Arts Centre. 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
Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival, Market Square, 27th August 2022. Above left: John Reilly with his two gymnast daughters Amber and Jessica. Above: Michael Bentley has a go at one of the stalls on Rafter Street. Right: Disco mania in Market Square. Far right: Circus tricks as Corey Carthy Bryan balances his ostrich feather.
ENJOYING ENNISCORTH
Above: Brendan the Juggler doing circus tricks at Market Square. Below: Young Katelyn Redmond tries an experiment at the Nutty Scientists stand with Lee Kelly. Circus tricks – children balancing plates. Lisa Fortune and Ellie Whel
HY’S STREET RHYTHMS
lan. Juggling her ball was Marguryta Kavalenko. Sadbh O’Sullivan. Festival organisers Sue and Joe Kavanagh with Maeve Doyle (centre).
L-R: Dick Butler, Aileen Carley and Sean Foley outside The Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy where the show will take place.
Above: Katie Annesley and Kittie Rea. Right: Sharon and Grace Gill. Below: “We’re going that way!”
Left: Niall and Tobie Gibney. Below left: Steffi Wahlang and Emie Maxwell. Below centre: June Hayden and Tina Wallace. Below right: Donna Jacob, Abbey, Luke and William Levingston.
Courto
Courtown Colour Run – The Pranic H
In aid of Go
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle own Colour Run
ealing Group who ran for a dear friend.
orey Hockey Club, 7th August 2022
Courtown Colour Run fundraiser for Gorey Hockey Club’s astroturf pitch: Ciaran Goodwyn, Laure and Robin Goodwyn.
Niall, Sophie and Jean O’Connor and their dog Alfie.
Courtown Colour Run – runners warming up at the start. Tegan Cuffe, Nora Fortune and Mia Christie.
TEL: 053 9233000
2ND SEPTEMBER 2022 AT 8PM
Beginners Art Classes for Adults by Jamie Sinnott and Edward McGuiness Starting 5th September for 5 weeks at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy
Creative Writing: One Day Course with Martin Keaveney
The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy Monday 26th September 10am - 5pm
FOR BOOKING ON ALL EVENTS: WWW.WEXFORDARTSCENTRE.IE/EVENTS/
Jive Inferno with Lekan in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, Thursdays from 8pm. Weekly modern jive class. No need to come with a partner and only pay as you go! Beginners welcome every week. Admission is €10. n
Make the most of all Co. Wexford has to offer with the Visit Wexford App
To keep up with all things new and exciting happening around the county, Visit Wexford, with the support of Wexford County Council, has an App to help locals and visitors explore Wexford with ease. The handy pocket guide to Wexford has everything visitors to the county need for a fun and hassle-free trip to the Sunny South East. Wexford is a popular holiday destination for many, so Visit Wexford has made it even easier for you to explore the county all year round! Find all there is to see and do, places to stay and eat, funfilled activities, stunning beaches, terrific trails and much, much more across the county with the help of the Visit Wexford app. Discover County Wexford with a click of a button and get exclusive notifications, offers and more, directly through the app. It includes helpful functions, such as: ✦ ✦ Directories for accommodation, activities, restaurants, beaches and more across the county. ✦ ✦ Listings and contact information for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wexford. ✦ ✦ A handy map of County Wexford with all of the points of interest pinpointed for you. ✦ ✦ A selection of the top Travel Tuesday blogs and insider guides from VisitWexford.ie ✦ ✦ A weather widget for the weather forecast in the Sunny South East. ✦ ✦ A gallery of stunning images from around the county to inspire your trip. ✦ ✦ Push notifications about nearby attractions, coupons and more exclusive offers for app users. The Visit Wexford app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Download the Visit Wexford app now and start planning your adventure in Wexford today! VisitWexford.ie n
Enniscorthy Gospel Choir – just the ticket
So what are your plans for the Autumn? Take up cycling, swimming, hiking, sky diving…. are none of these for you? Well, what about joining a choir? If so, Enniscorthy Gospel Choir might be just the ticket.
Enniscorthy Gospel Choir resumes rehearsals on Wednesday September 7th at 8pm in the IFA Centre, Millpark Road. Why not go along to find out more. No auditions and no experience necessary. If you can hold a note, the choir will be very happy to see you there. Contact Pauline 087 1305639 for more details. n
Wexford
Walking Trails
Festival
Be sure to mark September 23rd to 25th in your diary for the upcoming Wexford Walking Trails Festival. An exciting schedule of walks is planned and the event promises a fantastic weekend of exploring some of the stunning walking trails we have here in Co. Wexford.
Details will be announced shortly so keep an eye on the website https://wexfordwalkingtrail.ie/ for updates. n
Courtown Colour Run
Above and below: Courtown Colour Run fundraiser on 7th August 2022 for Gorey Hockey Club’s astroturf pitch.
ARE YOU DANCING?
Welcome to the September issue of the Slaney News where I'll be looking at all that's hot on the dancing scene all around the south east.
On August 7th Derek Ryan headlined the Wexford Country Fest run by the St Fintan’s GAA Club. Always a risky business as regards the weather, the Fintans were blessed with sunshine on the day. There was a great turnout and everyone I spoke to said they thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely come again next year. It's hard to know though, as after speaking to some of the organisers afterwards, with so much money being laid out for bands, the stage and lots more besides, it's a small enough margin taking into account the outlay. The Wexford Racecourse was an ideal venue being so central and with ample parking, but ideally, the club really needed the bar to make the event viable. At least if the rain does come, people will head inside for a drink. Hopefully though they will give it another go next year. The Bree Country Fest on the other hand has its own bar, and with a later start time of 6.30 pm till late it will be used far more than a typical 1-7pm event which is more family orientated. Derek Ryan headlines again here with Cliona Hagan and Stuart Moyles taking to the stage beforehand. DJ Lee Healy plays from 1am till late, and I will be kicking off the event with a Country Line Dance class at 6.30 pm. And, as with the Wexford Racecourse event, Julie Dwyer of South East Radio is on the mike. All in all, it's sure to be a fabulous night to take us out of the summer. I will of course be giving you all the run down in the next issue of the Slaney News. I had my own dance floor at the Tullow Agricultural Show and Ducketts Grove Vintage Day. Both events were blessed with the sun and we have had more than our fair share of soakings at both those in the past. We dressed up as Cowboys & Indians in Tullow and, for the 3rd year in a row, we won the Best Stand Award along with John Lucas who hosted us. If you missed us at those events you can catch us at Pat The Chap's Vintage Day on Sunday 4th, Rahanna Vintage & Working Day on Sunday the 11th, Tullow Rd. Community Day, Ashgrove, Carlow town, on Saturday the 17th, Carnew Heritage Day on Sunday the 18th, and Castledermot Vintage Day on Sunday the 25th, all in the month of September. Now I know I covered the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival in Enniscorthy last time, but since then it has emerged that a virtually unknown young man called Alan Power from Waterford is causing quite a few ripples on the scene since his unplanned and chance debut then. He simply has everything in buckets. The looks, the moves, the voice, and his guitar playing. He is now in the process of forming a band called "Alan Power & The Aftershocks". Along with "The Bellefords" Alan is having his first gig in The Bailey, Enniscorthy, on Oct 8th. Expect this to be a sell-out and expect a lot of his future gigs to be the same as this young man is nothing short of a sensation. New Releases:
Derek Ryan has a new song called "Cows On The Hill". It's lively, but not too fast, so great to Jive to and there's a nice little story behind it as a young fan called Oisin wrote to Derek all about his life on his father's farm and asked could he possibly write a song about cows. Derek duly obliged. Robert Mizzell has a new song called "Poorhouse". Originally a 1990 hit by the Traveling Wilburys I absolutely love this song. Again a lively tempo suitable for Jiving and tells the story of a man about to be taken to the cleaners by his high-maintenance wife, or soon-to-be ex-wife! Patrick Feeney in the meantime has released his version of P.J. Murrihy's 2017 song "Drawing Little Men In The Ashes". A tad slower this one, I'd opt for the Bunny Hop or similar line dance or a nice easy Quickstep. Here Patrick is advising a neighbour who is down on his luck not to emigrate as he'd miss all the craic at home and far away fields are not always greener when you get there. I had a rare night off last Wednesday so a few of us went to Harney's of Ballyedmond to see Olivia Douglas. It was a great night after and anyone looking for a midweek place to go, your support would be greatly appreciated at this venue.
Oisin who inspired Derek Ryan’s new song.
with Declan Flanagan
Below: Dancing at Ducketts Grove, Carlow. Right: Making the most of the good weather in Tullow.
We have a very busy September ahead of us and we are even going to squeeze Garth Brooks in after our vintage day in Rahanna. I'll have a few new dance classes starting and there are lots of other dance events around the country that we'll be hitting every chance we get. Other than that, I hope you enjoyed the chit-chat and hopefully see you all here, same time, same place for the October issue of the Slaney News.
– Declan Flanagan
Luke is new Head Ranger at Kilkenny’s dinosaur park
Best wishes to Luke O’Connell (pictured above) from Carrowreagh, Wexford, who has just been appointed Head Ranger at Kilkenny’s great new Dinosaur Park at the Newpark Hotel. ‘Jurassic Newpark’ features an interactive walk-through experience with life-sized robotic dinosaurs that move and roar. Prehistoric species on display include Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Velociraptor, and dinosaur eggs, making it the ultimate experience for any Dino fan! https://jurassicnewpark.com n
Enniscorthy Library
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.
Baby & Toddler Time 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 n The New Ross Piano Festival 2022 will take place from Wednesday 21st to Sunday 25th September 2022. This unique festival under the artistic direction of pianist Finghin Collins is bringing some tempting events to the south east. Artists for 2022 include Jonathan Plowright, Tamara Licheli, Finghin Collins, François-Xavier Poizat, Dmytro Choni, Máire Carroll and The Albion Quartet. Plus the famous American jazz pianist Craig Taborn who will be the star of the Jazz Piano Day. https://www.newrosspianofestival.com n
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000 The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: (0402) 38529
BEAST
Movie Review with Kyle Walsh
So this is the new release in a cinema near you called Beast, starring Idris Elba, Sharito Copley, and directed by Baltasar Kormakur. Basically, a widowed father brings his two daughters to Africa, to go on a safari trip to see some beautiful wildlife. They meet up with a family friend Martin and they head off on their adventure. Along the way they stumble upon a group of dead bodies and their dream holiday becomes a nightmare for them. They realise that there’s a maneating lion on the loose and it wants revenge after poachers killed his pride. So, unfortunately for Dr Nate Samuels (Elba) and his daughters, they have just walked in on his environment and the will to survive begins. The opening sequence of this film brought me back to the Savoy Cinema in Dublin in 1993 when I first saw the opening sequence of the great Jurassic Park, it gave me that vibe. So the film starts off really well. The film also reminded me of the great 1980s classic Cujo – when a big St. Bernard dog attacks a woman and her child in a car. If no one saw Cujo yet I’d highly recommend you to. The first thing I noticed about the direction by Baltasar for the Beast film is that he does alot of one-take long-shots to add to the tension of the film and it works quite well. The CGI animals are extremely well done. The cinematography is very good too. Elba is good doing the ordinary man in a desperate situation. He has to keep his daughters away from the paws of this lion. The odds are stacked against him or are they? The let down to this film is the script, it’s woefully bad, it insults the audience’s intelligence. It is written by Ryan Eagle and Jane Sullivan and to be totally honest after this script they should never be alllowed to write again. I found Elba’s daughters to be quite annoying throughout, and they make some very stupid decisions throughout the film. The other thing that annoyed me is how the lion can bite and kill everyone but when it comes to our hero he can’t bite him!
So this is a film that you have to leave your brain at the door, go in, don’t expect a classic and like me you will have some fun with it. It’s run time is only 93 mins and that’s perfect for a monster movie like this. I give it 2 and a half stars out of 5. n
Blackstairs Blues Festival returns this September
Blackstairs Blues Festival, Enniscorthy, 9th, 10th & 11th September 2022. Now in its 28th year, the 2022 Blackstairs Blues Festival promises to be as exciting as any of its predecessors. Since its beginning in 1995 it has survived many difficulties including the aftermath of the Celtic Tiger and the recent pandemic of Covid-19. Over the years it is remarkable how the Committee managed to organise the Festival on such a tight budget. The committee says, “Our appreciation and thanks are due to the participating pubs for their support since the Festival’s inception and our sponsors Wexford County Council, Rectory Road Holdings Ltd., AirconMech Ltd., Super Dine Food Factory, Enniscorthy Credit Union, Creane & Creane Ltd., and Global Steel Manufacturing Ltd. Our relationship with our sponsors has endured over the years and without them we just wouldn’t have ing of the plight of the poor blacks of the Mississippi Delta, where the blues originated!
This year’s Festival was officially launched in the Antique Tavern, Slaney Street, on 25th August where the enthusiastic audience was treated to authentic blues by the one and only Dermot Byrne. Dermot will be appearing in the festival itself, the full line-up for which is shown on the facing page.
a Blues Festival in Enniscorthy. Last but not least the Enniscorthy Guardian and Slaney News for their excellent coverage of the Festival over many years.” The members of the organising Committee, although small in number, have been busy for months to bring together a programme of Blues music they hope will please most followers of the annual event. Eleven bands will perform 19 gigs in 8 different venues. Some 140 bands have played in Enniscorthy since 1995, some more than once.
Since its small beginnings, the Festival has now progressed into one of the premier Blues Festivals in the country. Its original intention was to attract visitors to Enniscorthy and in particular to indulge devotees of blues music. It helped that some of the founders of the Festival, being from a disadvantaged area of the county, had a feel for and an understandA word of thanks from the Slaney News and from the town as a whole to the hardworking Blackstairs Blues committee for keeping this Enniscorthy institution running for 28 years:
Chairman John Murphy Secretary Mairéad Ennis Treasurer Seán Doyle Festival Co-Ordinator Ibar Carty n
Above left: Blackstairs Blues committee members Ibar Carty, John Murphy and Mairéad Ennis. Above right: Ibar, Mairéad and John with four of the publicans supporting the Blues Festival – Barry Donohoe (Antique Tavern), Niall Holohan (Holohan’s), Elaine Dunbar (Stamps), Hugh Martin (Dawsons). Below left: Eamonn Doyle and Iain King. Below centre: Ibar Carty. Below right: Dermot Byrne.
Speeches were kept to a minimum at the launch with Ibar Carty saying a few well chosen words, in particular thanking all the local sponsors of this year's festival, the local publicans who are hosting the various gigs and Eamonn Doyle for providing the sound system for the launch.
NIGEL MOONEY & SCOTT FLANIGAN
BBC have hailed Nigel Mooney as the Irish King of the Blues. A self-taught musician, Mooney was influenced by the blues from an early age and his hard-bop style of guitar playing is expressive and melodic with a bluesy groove. He possesses a warm and rich tenor voice and has an almost flawless sense of pitch. He is accompanied by Scott Flanigan, who is one of the foremost keyboard players on the Irish Blues /Jazz scene and has recently performed with such artist as Van Morrison, Larry Coryell and Jim Mullan. This duo of Guitar, vocal and Hammond organ are not to be missed.
SPONSORS
Insurance
www.visitwexford.ie
O’CALLAGHAN’S
TOWN VENUE MAP
1 The Antique Tavern 2 Dawson’s 3 The Hole in the Wall 4 Rackards 5 Alba 6 Holohans 7 Treacy’s Hotel 8 The Cotton Tree Café 9 Stamps BLACKSTAIRS BLUES FESTIVAL 2022
FRIDAY 9thSEPTEMBER
6pm Keith Scott (solo) Alba 7:30pm Lee Meehan & Hugh Buckley Stamps 9:30pm Austin Walkin' Cane. (Band) Rackards 10pm Keith Scott (Band) Holohans 10:30pm Bad Bax Treacys Hotel
SATURDAY 10thSEPTEMBER
3pm The BC Blues Band Holohans 4pm Jam Session Holohans 6pm Austin Walkin' Cane (Solo) Alba 8pm Nigel Mooney & Scott Flanigan Antique Tavern 8:30pm Frank Francone Band Dawsons 9pm Dermot Byrne & Danny Tobin Stamps 9:30pm Rock the Baptist The Hole in the Wall & the Sinnermen 10pm Keith Scott (band) Rackards 10:30pm Austin Walkin' Cane (band) Holohans 11pm The ROB STRONG Band Treacys Hotel Sponsored by SUPER DINE
SUNDAY 11thSEPTEMBER
5pm Frank Francone Band Holohans 7pm Dermot Byrne & Danny Tobin Dawsons 8:30pm Nigel Mooney & Scott Flanigan Stamps 9pm Rock the Baptist The Antique Tavern & the Sinnermen 10pm Brian Meakin Band Treacys Hotel
FRINGE EVENT
Sunday - Midday The Cotton Tree Cafe Richard & Eddie
C&R Print are pleased to support the Blackstairs Blues Festival.
crprint.ie 053 92 35295
Welcome t e BLACKSTAIRS
★ 28th FESTIVAL ★ Sept. 9th, 10th, & 11th ENNISCORTHY
www.visitwexford.ie
Blackstairs Blues Festival
@BlackstairsBluz
Blackstairs Blues
TheROB STRONG Band
After the sensational reaction to his concert at the Presentation Arts Centre in July, the legendary Rob Strong brings his band back to Enniscorthy, this time to Treacy’s Hotel on Saturday 10th September. As the title of his highly acclaimed biography suggests, Rob is ‘STILL GOING STRONG ‘ Rob Strong is hugely respected in the Irish music industry with RTE’s Pat Shortt describing the Derry native as ‘world class with an amazing voice’. Paul Brady describes Rob as a major influence on his own career and says ‘Rob is one of the true originals’. Colm Wilkinson adds ‘Rob Strong is incredibly talented - in my opinion he is the best blues / soul singer to ever come out of Ireland’.
KEITH SCOTT
Keith has been playing the Blues out of the Chicago area for over 30 years. He has met and played with some of the Blues greats, which has led to his unique approach to the Chicago sound. Recently returning from Alaska and Canada, Keith is looking forward to appearing at the Blackstairs Blues Festival and his return to Enniscorthy. Keith will play one solo gig and two band gigs which will be backed by the ever versatile “The Scalder City Slicks”
BAD BAX
The Bad Bax Rhythm & Blues Band feature, Peter Moore on vocals, blues harp and guitar, Rick Smith on lead guitar, Kev Byrne on rhythm guitar, Dave Ormonde on bass and Paddy Mac on drums. Peter has had a highly distinguished musical career in Ireland, from the International Blues Band who even supported the great BB King. Peter met the rest of the band in a local Gorey venue whilst gigging there, the guys started to join in and the Bad Bax Rhythm and Blues Band was born. Playing a mix of originals and their own take on a host of covers from Rory Gallagher to Steve Earle and Tom Waits, The Bad Bax Rhythm & Blues Band are not to be missed.
AUSTIN WALKIN CANE(Damn fine Blues)
Austin is a U.S. delta blues singer & slide guitarist with a blues gumbo repertoire that can conjure up the ghosts of highway 61 & the delta blues experience. Austin Walkin’ Cane has toured Australia, Nepal, Colombia, France, Germany, England, Wales, and the US, from New Orleans, Louisiana to Juneau, Alaska with only a guitar & suitcase in hand. Austin will be playing three gigs over the Blues weekender, one Solo and two band gigs backed by Scorthys own “The BC Blues Band”
DERMOT BYRNE AND DANNY TOBIN
Dermot Byrne has built up a steady following over the years performing authentic renditions of classic blues and roots music as well as self-penned material. He has brought his brand of real down-home blues and roots music to venues throughout Europe and the United States. Playing slide guitar and harmonica he is recognised as being one of Ireland’s finest interpreters of blues songs. Dermot has opened for or performed with legendary blues artists such as Eric Bibb, Long John Hunter, Steve James, Sam Mitchel, Byther Smyth, Catfish Keith, and has collaborated on T.V. shows with Irish star Don Baker. Dermot will be joined by Danny Tobin, a noted guitarist and vocalist who was once a member of the ‘The Business’ which was Don Bakers first band.
BRIAN MEAKIN
Brian Meakin is a self-taught practitioner of solid honest blues rock guitar playing. With skill, passion and hienergy, Brian delivers a stunning performance in his live shows - ever humble to his roots and influences you might catch him on a great night or a brilliant night. Don’t miss this show stopping powerhouse trio who will close this year’s Festival.
THE BC BLUES BAND
The BC Blues band formed 2018 by Enniscorthy locals Senan Carty on bass and Iain King on guitar. Soon augmented by the high energy harp of Graham Moore and soulful vocals of Bryan Steacy. The band plays a mix of old and new classics, all tied together by the groves of drummer Brendan Carthy. This band will help you dance your blues away.
FRANK FRANCONE BAND
Frank Francone (guitar and vocals) in his career played and collaborated with several Bands and Artists in France, Italy and Ireland, such as Karl Potter (USA), Cheryl Porter (USA), Dermot Byrne, Don Baker, Jim Finn Band (Australia) and more. His repertoire ranges between traditional rearranged Blues aswell as originals with plenty of Boogie. In the actual line-up of FRANK FRANCONE BAND there’s BOB MASALA on Bass (session musician with dozens of international tours and recordings at his active) and PAUL AMES on Drums (regular drummer already with ‘The Telling’ band).
ROCK THE BAPTIST & THE SINNERMEN
“Rock The Baptist & The Sinnermen” is a Wexford and Dublin based trio. Taking it’s inspiration out of the old souly sounds of the early and mid-20th century, this act features some classic country and delta blues with a little jazzy rock n’ roll twist. Coming together from different walks of life, and through varied musical backgrounds they create a raw, rootsy, soulicious sound. 3 singers; with Barry Donnelly on guitar, Maria Buganska on keys and harmonica, and Colin Howe on the drums “Rock The Baptist & The Sinnermen” is looking forward to their debut appearance at the Blackstairs Blues Festival.
LEE MEEHAN & HUGH BUCKLEY
Irish Guitarist/Vocalist Lee Meehan hails from Dublins Northside and is best known for his collaborations with renowned Irish and International groups, and musicians including the acclaimed Irish harmonica player/actor Don Baker, Damien Dempsey, Rob Strong Band (The Commitments) Darren Beckett (Lauren Hill, The Killers, Brandon Flowers) Hugh Buckley, Richie Buckley, Tommy Halferty and many more. He is a member of many Irish groups including Sean Maynard Smith Quartet, The Reggulators, Soul Foolishness, Richard Nelson quartet, Gotcha and most recently leading The Lee Meehan Quintet. Hugh Buckley is a Dublin born and based, self-taught guitarist, composer, arranger, educator and author. He has performed throughout Europe, the USA, Argentina and China, working as a sideman and also leading his own groups. He has performed with a wide array of internationally acclaimed artists including James Williams, Peter Bernstein, Sheryl Bailey, Jim Mullen, John Stowell, Georgie Fame, Guy Barker, Lisa Stansfield, Ronnie Drew and Van Morrison.
Slaney adSlaney leiSure & lifeStyle Joy does Wexford proud on
County Wexford rolled out the red carpet last month for the 33 Roses taking part in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival on the Wexford Rose Tour. The Roses were treated to a whirlwind tour of the Sunny South East which truly lived up to its name during their 3-day visit. After checking in at the 4-star Ashdown Park Hotel and meeting their fellow Roses, they arrived to a warm welcome at the Wexford County Council reception at Johnstown Castle including a delicious spread full of local food and drink produce provided by Taste Wexford. The town of Gorey was buzzing at their arrival with live music, Irish dancers and Rose-themed displays lining the Main Street to the delight of the Roses. It was truly a spectacular welcome on their first night. Day 2 of the tour saw the Roses stop to smell the lavender at Wexford Lavender Farm, learn all about the rescue and conservation work at Seal Rescue Ireland, enjoy a delicious lunch at Wells House, hang ten with surfing lessons at Curracloe Beach and step back in time to Viking life at the Irish National Heritage Park. After a busy day filled with laughs, smiles and sing-songs, it was time to don the gladrags for the Wexford Rose Tour gala dinner hosted by accommodation partner, the Ashdown Park Hotel, which raised an incredible €12,300 for the North Wexford Hospice on the night. With so much to see and do right across the county, the Roses split into two groups on their final day in Wexford. While one group was sword-fighting at Enniscorthy Castle, tasting Ireland’s best 99s at Henry’s Ice Cream, Campile, and marvelling at the breathtaking Hook Lighthouse, the other group took golfputting lessons at Bunclody Golf and
Pics: Domnick Walsh.
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle n national stage
Fishing Club, sampled famous Wexford strawberries at a Wheelock’s Fruits roadside hut and got up close and personal with the wonderful animals at Secret Valley Wildlife Park. After a relaxing sailing along the River Barrow (and, of course, a rendition of ‘My Heart Will Go On’) aboard the new Barrow Princess River Cruise, the full group were reunited at the Dunbrody Famine Ship where they heard the stories of the people who emigrated on the ship during the famine. It wouldn’t be a tour of County Wexford without making a pitstop in Ferns for praise for the Wexford Rose Tour and said that they ‘had never experienced such warm hospitality’ as they did during their time in Wexford. Wexford County Council Tourism Officer Billy Byrne said, “I believe that the Wexford Rose Tour lifted the county of Wexford and that the Roses left our county with very fond memories that they will cherish for years to come.”
The Rose of Tralee was broadcast live on RTÉ One on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd of August. Wexford Rose Joy Quigley did Wexford proud and we wish her well for the future. n
Wexford Rose Joy Quigley to pay a visit to her homeplace. She arrived to a rapturous reception in front of the magnificent Ferns Castle, welcomed by family, friends and locals wishing her the best of luck for the rest of the exciting tour ahead. She said: “A massive wholehearted thank you to everyone in my local village, town and the whole county for all your support and kindness on my journey so far. Your encouragement and well wishes truly mean the world to me, I hope to do you all proud.” CEO of the Rose of Tralee International Festival Anthony O’Gara was full of
Below: Ferns native and Wexford Rose Joy EnJOYing being the Wexford Rose. Quigley arrived to a rapturous reception in front of the magnificent Ferns Castle, welcomed by family, friends and locals wishing her the best of luck in the Rose of Tralee competition. Right: Joy with RTE’s Marty Morrissey. Below right: Joy with her parents in Tralee.
The roar that raised th
The roar could be heard on the edges of Wexford Harbour, in Curracloe, Tagoat, Killinick and eight kilometres away on the ships at the Europort. On a mid-August Sunday morning as the sun crept over the beach near the Burrows at Rosslare, more than 500 women from all over County Wexford and Dublin and elsewhere drove quietly down to the Community and Recreation centre there and almost noiselessly parked their cars. They walked quietly down a laneway and confidently strode out on the beach. All were dressed in bathrobes. They had been arriving since dawn.
Men were not allowed see them. They were kept away. The “dip in the nip” as it is called was a women and girls only event. The Gardaí were women. The organisers were women and the only press photographer was a woman. Women clad in yellow vests with the Hope or Cancer logo splashed across them went around collecting money. It was a whispered collection – most people gave fivers and tenners and €20 notes.
It’s all for the Hope Cancer Support Centre charity based in Enniscorthy. The now famous organiser, Eileen Rowe, with a clicker, checked the numbers of ‘dippers’ going on the beach. The numbers had increased from 300 in previous years to more than 500 today. Maria Gore, Manager of the Community and Recreation Centre, Val Boggan, Chairperson of the Rosslare Community and Development Association (RCDA) and Anne Crowe Fortune were there helping Eileen with the crowds. At precisely 7am, as the sun spread its gold and copper-coloured rays across the waves, the roar went up as the 500 plus women en masse, as if an attacking battalion of troops, disrobed and ran naked into the sea. They shouted and they cheered and they splashed as they embraced the water and the freedom and leapt for joy without clothes on in the sometimes chilly cold and more often warm waves. Their dip in the nip lasted about 15 minutes. The experience was ‘pure ecstasy’, ‘exhilarating’, ‘uplifting’, ‘inspirational’, ‘amazing’, a ‘never to be forgotten’ experience said a group of women who chatted there.
It was’ highly emotional’ said one who said she witnessed women who had cancer at various stages, some of whom had the scars of various surgery operations, but were nevertheless cheerful and optimistic. Tears came to the eyes of some at the sight. After the dip, many women sat in the sand on the beach in the morning sunshine for at least an hour and had picnics from flasks of hot water and carefully cellophaned sandwiches and fruit bowls. Bridie Kelly Doyle and Carina Moran from Barntown and Brigid Freeman from Rosslare were among the picnickers. Asked if they would do it again, “We’ll be back next year” they shouted. The dip in the nip is expected to raise more than €10,000 for Hope – the cancer charity. There were rumours of much more money to come in the weeks ahead. n
More than 500 participants at this year’s Dip in the Nip in Rosslare
housands for Hope
Background photo: Ready for the Dip in the Nip at sunrise in Rosslare on 14th August 2022.
Above right: Having breakfast on the beach are Carina Moran, Bridie Kelly-Doyle and Brigid Freeman.
Charlie McGettigan – his new biography will be available from 10th September.
It would make an excellent gift coming up to Christmas to either give or receive, and even if you don't read, you can listen to 26 songs within the book and re-listen to your favourite songs over and over again.
The book will be available from September 10th from Battlebridge Press and selected retailers. For retail orders email your name and contact details to: battlebridgepress@yahoo.com or telephone 087-2743513. n
