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

Wexford Arts Centre events

For details and updates on all concerts, drama, exhibitions, films etc happening in Wexford Arts Centre, check out: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com /shows n

Fishy tales

The Songs and Tall Tales of Jerry Fish, in Enniscorthy’s Presentation Centre, has been rescheduled to 22nd April 2022. Tickets available from: www.wexfordartscentre.ie/events/ n Cursed Murphy

Tell It to a Tree is a collaborative 4-track EP featuring Enniscorthy’s Cursed Murphy along with Basciville (Wexford indie/folk brothers Cillian and Lorcan Byrne) and Stephen James Smith (Dublin born poet and spoken word exponent). It was released last month to critical acclaim and is available on a wide range of platforms. See link below for a full listing: https://found.ee/TellItToATree?fbclid=IwAR 3t27-byH8xxydgnXfD4QxsmbAMs67xTkPiphyRCNCFVQDMZHLwN7uEErQ n

Eoin has his eyes set on you!

Eoin Devereux

Eoin Devereux is a 19-year-old musician from Enniscorthy who writes and produces his own music. “Music is my place, it is where I belong. My intention is for people who have not found their place in the world to be able to express themselves in even some small way through my music.”

Eoin’s new song Set My Eyes On You is his fifth release. Some of his other songs, Going My Own Way and Jigsaw have been played on national radio. Eoin says, “Music is my entire world; it has helped me through many tough times – my hope is to inspire other people my age to keep going with their passion.” Eoin is proud of his new release and would like it to achieve a wide audience. The 19-year-old is due to release a video for the new single on February 4th. ‘This song is about how powerful the force of love is,’ Eoin says. ‘When we love someone or something, we can tend to glorify everything and put unfair standards on that person, forgetting they are human as well. So I think the message of it is just love yourself because if you don't it's very hard for someone else to,’ he adds.

According to Hot Press magazine, which made the song its Track of the Day on 24th January, ‘Set My Eyes On You combines thick synths, a soft acoustic guitar and Devereux’s catchy hook to create a moody, atmospheric track.’ Check out Eoin’s Spotify profile here and hear his songs: shorturl.at/fhG34. n

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY

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

Fintan Kelly – shrouded in success

As a founding member of Enniscorthy Drama Group way back in 2013, I am both delighted and gratified by the success of one of its most prominent and talented members, Fintan Kelly. In the few short years since Fintan joined EDG he has become a household name on the Enniscorthy drama scene having appeared and excelled in The Beauty Queen of Leeane, A Whistle in the Dark, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Playboy of the Western World, Glenngarry, Glenn Ross, Private Wars, A Night on the Hill, Come Along the Road Until You Stop Dead and Wild in the Country, and is fast making a name for himself nationally and even internationally with his outstanding performance in Keith Huff’s A Steady Rain, as Patrick in the 2017 film release directed by Gerard Walsh, and in his role in the hugely popular fantasy drama TV series, Game of Thrones, along with appearances in several Irish TV productions like Fair City and Red Rock, and prior to Covid touring the country with his very popular solo performance in Mark O’Rowe’s compelling piece of theatre, Howie the Rookie, and now Fintan is set to make his debut on the London stage, playing Father Jonathan in Bernard Field’s dramatic work, Shroud. ‘I had always been interested in drama given the family tradition, my cousin Padraic Delaney played Teddy O’Donovan in The Wind that Shakes the Barley, but it wasn’t until my daughter Jennifer began showing an aptitude for it, that I actually did something about it and became a member of Enniscorthy Drama.’ Fintan is a natural born actor and is never happier than on stage in front of an audience, or on set in front of a camera, acting has beFintan Kelly –a natural born actor.

come more than his passion, it has become his full-time occupation and he is very excited about his latest challenge. Shroud is a behind-the-scenes view of what goes on in the hearts and minds of the Catholic hierarchy as they seek to extricate themselves from the tragic disasters of their own making. Imprisoned beneath the altar, the life of a young boy hangs in the balance while two priests and a bishop frantically search for ways to save themselves and protect the church they serve. Sounds intriguing and Fintan says he is finding it completely different from anything he’s done before ‘but that’s what acting is all about, pushing out the boundaries and moving out of your comfort zones into the abyss’. The multitalented Fintan has also written and directed a film Ignatius that premiered at The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, prior to Covid.

On my own behalf and on behalf of Enniscorthy Drama Group, Slaney News, and I am certain the whole of Enniscorthy, I want to wish Fintan every success with Shroud which takes to the stage of The Playground Theatre, London, from 21st February to 5th March, and if you have anyone living in the city or close by do please encourage them to book tickets to see Enniscorthy’s very own Fintan Kelly take London by storm.

– Maria Nolan

Free Celtic Imbolc Festival at Hook Lighthouse

Participants tie Spring wishes on the Imbolc tree sculpture

Hook Lighthouse is set to celebrate Ireland’s ‘Fire Goddess’ with an Imbolc traditional festival marking the beginning of Spring on February 5th and 6th 2022. Imbolc celebrates the feast of St. Bridget and in ancient Irish mythology, Bridget was a fire goddess. She is also the patron saint of boatmen, sailors, and mariners.

Celebrated annually by the ancient Celts, Imbolc was one of the four important festivals in the Celtic calendar. During the festival weekend, visitors to the lighthouse can enjoy art workshops and St Bridget Cross making with the Hook Lighthouse resident artist Rose (11am to 4pm daily), a walk through the maze to place wishes on the Imbolc Wishing Tree, and seedplanting for families (don't forget to bring some old egg cartons!) along with lots of free family fun and entertainment. The Hook Lighthouse Eco Sheriff will host a talk on sustainability and recycling and share insights at the Hook Lighthouse Eco-Education Station.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 12 to 3pm outdoor games and storytelling sessions will be on offer with the entertainment crew, and Cafe specials will include pancakes filled with seasonal berries and sweet sharing plates. On Saturday evening, a special Imbolc Fish and Chip Supper will be on offer. Commencing at 4.45pm, a feast of delicious locally caught fish and fresh chips will be served with a glass of wine or beer following a bespoke guided tour of the ancient lighthouse itself. Following the main meal, a delicious homemade dessert will be served along with teas and coffees. Tickets for this special occasion need to be pre-booked via phone on 051 397055, tickets are €45 per person which include the Lighthouse tour, supper and drinks. All Imbolc Festival events at Hook Lighthouse are available to enjoy free of charge apart from the Fish and Chip Supper and Art Workshops with Rose. Supper tickets are €45pp and Art with Rose is €5.

For further details see www.hookheritage.ie or 051 397 055. n

Enniscorthy trails funding

€200,000 funding has been secured from the Dept of Rural and Community Development for the resurfacing of the entire 3km riverside trail by the Slaney in Enniscorthy, and also to resurface a track around the Urrin River up to St. John’s Bridge – a 600m loop. It is expected that the offer agreement will issue in early 2022. A planning application will be prepared in early 2022 and it hoped that construction on this major project which will benefit locals and tourists will start before the end of 2022 with the path in place by June, 2023. n

Enniscorthy Drama Group is back in action!!!

Enniscorthy Drama Group’s next production will be a Martin McDonagh classic – A Skull in Connemara – a dark and comic piece set in rural Galway and is the middle play of the well-known McDonagh trilogy. Full details in next month’s issue. n

The Wexford man showcasing Ireland to an audience of 155m

The US TV travel show ‘Ireland with Michael’ is set to showcase Wexford as a holiday destination to audiences of 155 million people across the USA and Canada this month.

Michael Londra, the Emmy® nominated, Irish singer-producer from Wexford town, is now a resident of the US. Michael hosts the travel show which airs across the PBS network in the US and Canada. In each episode, he takes viewers on an intriguing journey to the popular and some of the lesser-known Irish destinations to learn about Irish history, meets local artisans, experience small-town pubs and food, and enjoy unique musical and cultural experiences. He combines glorious video footage of Ireland’s storied landscapes, destinations, exciting cultural experiences, and performances from Irish stars. In summer 2021 the host and crew travelled to Wexford and Tipperary to film a full episode in the counties. Michael is proud to showcase the beauty of County Wexford to US audiences. He heads to Wexford town to The Ferrycarrig Hotel where he meets with his cousin Chef Tony Carty and gets a lesson in making Guinness bread at the Ferrycarrig Hotel. Tony is also well known of course for his own lyrical talent. Michael then visits a rather unusual Tudor house in Carrick on Suir, County Tipperary. He finishes out this episode with a stop at Wells House to hear young sean nós performer Iona Ritchie, and to visit the faery forest located on its grounds and talk to Wexford storyteller Joe Brennan who regales him with ancient tales of the faery folk. Speaking of the new series release, Michael says, “We are delighted to release season 2 of ‘Ireland with Michael’, the show has been such a huge hit in season 1 with a viewership of 75% of all U.S. households.

“It is an honour to highlight our greatest assets. Be they singers, dancers, poets, artisans or storytellers, our creators share their Ireland, in every episode of the

The US TV travel show ‘Ireland with Michael’ is showcasing Wexford and Tipperary as holiday destinations to audiences of 155 million people across the USA and Canada. The ‘Ireland with Michael’ series is aired across PBS stations and can also be viewed internationally online via www.irelandwithmichael.com

show. I'm so proud of the country and the people in it, it is a joy to be able to share that around the world.

“Pre-pandemic North America has been the fastest-growing vacation market for Irish tourism, accounting for 33% of foreign earnings, I am very glad to be able to support the Irish arts, tourism and hospitality sectors and I very much hope that the show assists the international tourism recovery for Ireland post-pandemic.”

Aer Lingus, Tourism Ireland and CIE Tours sponsor the ‘Ireland with Michael’ series. Upcoming for 2023 is a new ‘Ireland with Michael’ series 3, which will be released in January 2023, and filming of these episodes will commence in March 2022. At present, the crew are scouting locations and ideas across the country, so if you think that you or your town should be featured in series 3, send your idea and contact details to INFO@IRELANDWITHMICHAEL.COM

The ‘Ireland with Michael’ series is aired across PBS stations and can also be viewed internationally online via www.irelandwithmichael.com n

A huge range of services av

At the time of writing, all library branches in County Wexford are fully open to the public for browsing, study, computers, printing and Wi-Fi. Advance bookings are not required to visit the library, but it is recommended that PCs and study spaces should be reserved in advance. To book time on a PC in Enniscorthy Library please phone: 053 9236055. When you arrive at the library for your study space booking please follow these steps: • Go to the confirmation email you received when you booked. • Make your way to the seat number you were allocated. • Before you begin, check in (follow the link in your email and enter your given code). • Before you leave, check out. Please note: Your booking will be reallo-

Download the library app in advance of your visit. This app allows borrowers to easily manage their loans and reserves and even allows for “no touch” self-issuing of books which is perfect in this Covid environment. For more information on what the app can do for you go to https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/wexford-libraries-app

cated if you don’t check in within 15 minutes of your appointment time. Book a study seat here: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/r/new

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY JUNIOR BOOK CLUB: New members are always welcome - suitable for ages 8-12. For more information ring on 053 9236055.

SERVICES FOR BUSINESSES AND LEARNING & TRAINING: For services aimed at businesses, as well as research, training and learning resources, and job-seeking see https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/more-library-services/work-matters

PRINTING SERVICES: Printing can still be emailed from home and collected during opening hours. Contact the library for details on 053 9236055.

MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE: For further information please phone: Mobile Library North 087 4175810. Mobile Library South 087 4176014.

In order to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit to the library please note the following: • You should not visit the library if you, or a household member, has symptoms of COVID-19.

vailable at your local library

Enniscorthy Library: Working for the community. Email: enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie Phone: 053 9236055

Opening Hours: Monday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm) Tuesday 10.30am - 5.30pm Wednesday 10.30am - 5.30pm Thursday 10.30am - 8.30pm Friday 10.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm)

Not a library member? Great news, you can join the library online now! Sign up here: https://www.librariesireland.ie/join-your-library

Healthy Ireland is the national strategy to improve health and wellbeing, placing a focus on prevention, individual awareness and keeping people healthy for longer. Download health-related magazines from: PressReader, a website and app that connects you with the world’s best newspapers and magazines for free, or from the new magazine app Libby available immediately with your library card! Healthy Ireland At Your Library – Wexford Public Library Services broadcast a series of talks on health topics. The talks are available to watch on the Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube channel.

EDUROAM:

Wexford Libraries have introduced eduroam Wi-Fi hotspot to support students. Eduroam stands for education roaming. It provides secure and easy-to-use Wi-Fi access in thousands of locations across more than 100 countries. Students whose college/university participates in eduroam can simply open their laptop or mobile device within an eduroam hotspot to have immediate internet connectivity. Your library is open 24/7: • • • • Use to access free eBooks and Borrowbox Download free music with Freegal Browse digital magazines with Libby Access digital comics & graphic novels using Libby

Comics • • Read newspapers for free with Pressreader You can also learn a new language with Transparent Language Online or take an online course with Universal

Class.

To access, all you need is your library card number and PIN, and an email address.

The BorrowBox app makes it easy to browse, borrow and read or listen to your library's eBooks and eAudiobooks anywhere, everywhere. Simply login with your member details to access the library's collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. https://wexford.borrowbox.com

Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel...

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

Wexford County Council Public Library Service works in partnership with CYPSC (Children &Young People’s Services Committee) each year to deliver Parenting Today, an annual programme of free talks for parents and carers throughout Wexford County. You can catch up on these talks through Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel. n

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/whats-on-in-my-library

The Riverside Park Hotel Spring Wedding Showcase

The Riverside Park Hotel is hosting its Spring Wedding Showcase on Sunday 20th February 1 – 5pm by appointment only so please email: liz@riversideparkhotel.com or call 053 9237800 and speak to Andrea or Liz on the wedding team if you’d like to attend. On the day, one can view the hotel’s award-winning ballroom, with its stunning view of the River Slaney, natural daylight, mood-lit ceiling, and fairy-lit backdrop. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see the ballroom set for how it would be presented on a wedding day, with Chiavari chairs. You can also view the classic chair covers and selection of sashes on offer.

Head Chef Dave will be on hand to talk attendees through wedding menus and offer samples of some fabulous dishes. You can also wander around the Penthouse suite which boasts two floors overlooking the beautiful Slaney. n

The Courthouse is back in session 

Simply the best... dressed...

Excitement prevailed at Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, recently when both RTE and Junk Kouture paid a visit to present the prestigious Overall Winner Junk Kouture 2021 Award to German exchange student Inka Sthmiedint from Hanover, deputising for winning designer Alicia Rostermundt, who unfortunately could not be there to receive the magnificent trophy, along with cheques for €600 and €1,000 from Orla Morris Toolen, Production Co-ordinator with Junk Kouture.

Watched by students and extremely proud teachers, Ms. Kervick, Art & Design, and Ms. Whelan, TY Co-ordinator, along with Principal Kiera O’Sullivan and Host Parent Alison Darcy, Alicia was ‘zoomed in’ for proceedings from her home in Germany and interviewed by Orla Morris Toolen. Alicia said how nice it was to see everyone again and thanked the Coláiste Bríde teachers for all their help, support and encouragement, especially Art & Design mentor Ms. Kervick. She also thanked the wonderful Maurice Carty in Molloy Metals, Ballycarney, for carefully cutting out and providing all the old car seatbelts which formed the basis of Alicia’s creation.

Alicia said she had been fascinated by all the creativity of the competition and advised all TY students to ‘try it out, it is an amazing experience and a wonderful opportunity’. That it certainly seems to be considering that this year the competition will be going global with the Grand Final scheduled for Abu Dhabi.

Alicia’s beautiful creation, Iconoclastic Fantastic, which wouldn’t be out of place on the catwalks of London, Paris, New York or Milan, was inspired by Jean Paul Gaultier and made from an old tent and hundreds of old seatbelts gathered from scrapyards, and was a clear favourite with judges Roz Purcell, Michelle Visage and Louis Walsh and designed and executed using mathematical equations... impressive or what? Coláiste Bríde also received a cheque for €2,000, which no doubt will be put to good use as they prepare for Junk Kouture 2022.

– Words and pics by Maria Nolan

This winning dress can be viewed as part of an upcoming textile exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle. See page 44 for more details.

Left: National competition winner Alicia Rostermundt on a Zoom call from Germany. Above: German exchange student Inka Sthmiedint deputising for winning designer Alicia Rostermundt. Below: Ms Kervick (Coláiste Bride art & design mentor), Inka Sthmiedint, Orla Morris Toolen (Production Coordinator, Junk Kouture)

SlaNey adSlaNey leiSure & lifeStyle A Glorious Obse

A fashion series by Maria Nolan

As we emerge from the doldrums of restrictions and the all-engulfing, terrifying fog of Covid, our attentions, naturally enough, turn with vigour, joy and enthusiasm to fashion and the all-consuming question, ‘What to wear’ now that we are out and about and socialising again. Well, the answer quite simply is whatever you wish. Spring/Summer 2022 will be the Anything Goes Season, due in the main to the all-encompassing trends for the Spring/Summer period and to the fact that we have been locked up for almost two years, many of us with clothes in our wardrobes that have yet to see the light of day. This year’s mood is one of real optimism, with vaccines and boosters, almost guaranteeing that we will be going more places in 2022 and we need to have the bold, brave, brights to take us there. Colour reflects the ‘positivity all the way’ attitude of this season with Green the predominant bright, along with Orange, Pink, Yellow and Very Peri Blue, a blue purple hue described as warm and friendly, with a carefree confidence and a joyful attitude –exactly what we all need going forward. The fashion scene is sprinkled with get-up-and-go outfits with movement, versatility,

ession

to take us places and take us there quickly – we have a lotta, lotta, catchdo.

either the ultra, ultra, mini, reminiscent of the 60s, with well over half the osed, beneath a brief slip of fabric in super statement shades and prints, hat while the item may be small, it packs a punch, or embrace the pleated to stay for summer 22, printed, plain, colourful, monochrome, paired with tops, and bralettes – as long as its pleated you’re bang on the money, oh ttes seem to be the new underwear/outerwear for the summer season. with suits and pants is – Go big or go home. is the key, leaving room to layer and room to impress in blazers that find er in sheer volume.

ar of the low-slung jeans, the wide leg pants, and the oversized coats and hich will be worn with tailored shorts and micro minis or wrapped and er pleated skirts. alks of London, Paris, Milan and New York are flaunting the revealing, ultrato-here-and-slashed-to-there kind of fashion but I’m not sure how much of that we will see on the streets of Enniscorthy, but you never know, if the sun shines I’m sure we`ll be seeing lots of skin perhaps in surprising places, hips, backs, midriffs, shoulders, and God knows where else – what’s not to look forward to – remember if it’s not turning heads or gathering Facebook likes then it’s clearly not enough! Thankfully for the more mature and less flamboyant, fashion conscious lady, there is also a very chic antithesis, just beginning to appear in our local stores and which we will be featuring here throughout the year. Nuptials have been on hold now for over twenty-four months and 2022 is rumoured to be the year of the wedding with feminine silhouettes adorning the aisles, exaggerated by volume, feathers, fringes and ruffles. The early fashion forecast is for lots of variety, lots of choice, lots of straps, lots of skin, and lots of colour – so feel free to go as wild as you like, or as tame as you like, in the anything goes mood of 2022.

Maria Nolan

Walking and cycling funding

Commuters and nature enthusiasts alike will benefit from funding of €4.4m allocated last month to Wexford County Council for walking and cycling projects in the county, local Fine Gael TD, Paul Kehoe, has said. See accompanying table. Deputy Kehoe said the funding from the National Transport Authority will deliver high quality upgrades to walking and cycling infrastructure, with sustainable transport modes vital as we emerge from the Covid pandemic. Deputy Kehoe said: “I am pleased that Wexford County Council has been awarded funding which is part of an overall total of €289 million for approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects across the country. “Ensuring we have a good and efficient transport system in Wexford is essential for the future as we aim to make our communities and town centres more vibrant, in addition to making commuting to work and school safer and easier. “Over the past two years we have spent more time enjoying our outdoor amenities and investing in active travel will also help us to meet our climate change obligations. “There has been substantial progress in this area over the last number of years. Expenditure on and delivery of Active Travel, as funded by the Department of Transport, has seen a significant increase, quadrupling from circa €45 million in 2019 to €184 million in 2021.

“Further amendments are also expected to the Road Traffic and Roads Bill in the coming weeks, which will help our local authorities progress experimental traffic management schemes and other measures which will fast track active travel infrastructure.”

Announcing the funding last month, Minister Naughton said, “Today, over 1,200 projects across the length and breadth of the country are set to receive targeted funding towards making walking and cycling in our villages, towns and cities safe and sustainable.

“As we continue to meet our commitment of spending almost €1 million on walking and cycling projects each day, I am particularly happy to confirm that the schools participating in Phase 1 of our new Safe Routes to School Programme will also benefit. With 170 schools currently progressing plans customised to their specific needs and challenges, the Safe Routes to School Programme is delivering infrastructure on the route to and in front of our schools making it easier for children, parents and teachers to safely walk, cycle and scoot to school every day.” n

Drama back with a bang

The award-winning Wexford Drama Group returns to Wexford Arts Centre after a two-year hiatus to present its first foray into the plays of acclaimed American playwright and actor Sam Shepard – his 1985 masterpiece A Lie Of The Mind.

Winner of the 1986 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play, the play itself revolves around the broken marriage of young Sam Shepard couple Jake and Beth following a moment of violence that will shatter two families forever. Retreating to their respective families on opposite sides of America, the characters confront their pasts and their people in a series of tense, heartbreaking and often hilarious scenes until the moment when they're ready to meet again. The play will run in Wexford Arts Centre from 23-27 Feb 2022 at 8pm. Book now https://bit.ly/3fQLBDw n

COSMIC REBELS CON is back in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on the 24th of April 2022 from 11am to 7pm, admission is free and all tables are free of charge too! After a two-year gap, organiser Ed Doyle is delighted to be back, saying, ‘Let's celebrate together all things geeky.’ The Slaney News will carry more details in our upcoming issues but in the meantime make sure to check out the event page by clicking the link below.

BELFAST

Movie Review with Kyle Walsh 

I finally got to see Kenneth Branagh’s ardent film Belfast. Starring a great ensemble of actors such as Jamie Dornan, Judie Dench, Ciaran Hinds, Caitriona Balfe, and of course the little boy, the central character (Buddy) played here by Jude Hill, remember the name. This is a intimate film about family, life, and first love set at the commencement of the Troubles in Belfast in 1969 depicted here graphically and viscerally. The story is about a family living through the Troubles and having to deal with all of the conflicts and tragedies that occur. The story is seen through the lens of the little boy Buddy (Hill). This is Hill’s debut feature and he is phenomenal here and one of the very best child actors I have ever seen. His natural naivety and ease amongst a steller cast, aided by his comedic timing and his ease in front of the camera, is truly amazing. The story shows his experiences living through these times and his family’s. A period of unsettled religious differences... and his innocent first love which is told beautifully here. The cast are all in top form in this film with Dornan as Pa. He has to travel to England for work leaving his wife, played here brilliantly by Balfe, behind to rear their sons. Young Buddy idolises his Pop played here by Hinds who is just absolutely wonderful in this role. Then we have Granny played here by the great Dench, in a role that’s going to be one of her most memorable roles to date.

The cinematography is beautifully shot, the directing is top notch with every scene expertly thought out and shot. The pace is perfect with a run time of 1 hour 35 minutes. You get a sense of realism from it. The evocative Van Morrison soundtrack used throughout the fim is wonderful. The sound design is much better than I thought it was going to be. But it is the use of colour that stands out. When our little Buddy goes to the cinema to watch movies, or the theatre to watch plays, the images of these films or plays is splurged in colour – I thought that was cleverly done... and it bought me back personally to when I was a kid totally captivated by movies at the age of 5, and still to this day my love for films. Lads, I believe when it comes to awards time this little film has to be in the mix. I know it’s only January but for me it’s going to take some film to better this one this year its that good... folks please check it out, you won’t be disappointed. This film gets a 10/10 from me. n

Shine bright like a diamond!

The search is on for Miss Wexford 2022 – Celebrating the 75th Diamond Jubilee of Miss Ireland

Diamonds are forever for the Miss Ireland organisation as this year marks the 75th Jubilee of the competition with plans for the largest and most spectacular show this summer. The search has officially begun for Miss Wexford 2022 to follow in the footsteps of reigning Miss Wexford title holders Mindulee Senevirante and Sarah Weirs who represented the county last year at the Miss Ireland final. Miss Wexford Mindulee Senevirante (19) from Wexford Town did Wexford proud last year on the national stage scooping the sash for the most talented in the competition with a stunning solo performance at the final of the famous Whitney Houston song One Moment in Time. The Biological and Biomedical Sciences student was joined by Miss Wexford Town Sarah Weirs who is 21 years old. She is an international showjumper competing at Grand Prix level against major showjumpers such as Cian O’Connor and Greg Broderick. She created her own business ‘Sarah Wiers Showjumping’ when she was 16 years old and has been riding horses since she was 5 years old. She is also a model in addition to being a singer-songwriter and musician who plays seven instruments. The winner of Miss Ireland 2021, Pamela Uba (26), captured the hearts of the nation with her incredible story and has featured prominently in the Irish media with captivating interviews and also made waves internationally having appeared on TV shows in Los Angeles, London, Johannesburg and even featured in the New York Times. Pamela spent a month in Puerto Rico representing Ireland at Miss World and is all set to jet back out there in March for the overall final. Selections will run all over the country to find contestants from each county with beauty, poise and personality to take part in the Miss Ireland 2022 competition this summer. Full details on how to enter Miss Ireland 2022 are available on www.miss-ireland.ie or on the Miss Ireland App now available from Apple App Store or Google Play. The finalists of Miss Ireland this year will be put through their paces in a challenging competitive process testing their skills in debating, public speaking, talent, sports, modelling, social media and each finalist will be tasked with raising much-needed awareness and funds for their chosen charities.

Established in 1947, Miss Ireland has been the launch pad for many eminent, successful, and inspiring women in Ireland. In recent years the Miss Ireland Franchise has raised over €300,000 for various charities including Laura Lynn, Temple Street, Alzheimer’s Ireland, Pieta House, The Cari Foundation and this year are proud to partner, once again, with Variety Ireland, an Irish charity helping sick, disadvantaged and children with special needs since 1951.

The winner of Miss Ireland 2022 will receive a lucrative agency contract and a host of prizes including jewellery, gowns, professional photo shoots, beauty and hair products and then jet off to represent her country at the Miss World Festival which is televised in over 100 countries around the world.

See www.miss-ireland.ie for more information. n

Wexford Has Talent – new March date

A new March date has been set for the 2022 Wexford Has Talent auditions.

The organisers of Wexford Has Talent have announced that auditions are set to take place on Sunday, March 13th at Clayton Whites Hotel. Competitors are now invited to book a free audition place for March 13th in Wexford from 12 noon to 6 pm. Wexford Has Talent is kindly sponsored by The Wexford People newspaper group and has taken place in Wexford town annually since 2015, except for 2021 when Covid restrictions prevented the show from going ahead. The event has grown to become recognised as ‘the' talent competition in the county launching and awarding talents like the band Fit for Kings, gymnast Tara Doyle Robinson, musical ensemble Seventh Fret, singer/songwriters Rachel Grace and Luke Spellacy Shaw and dancer Alex Saunders who have all gone on to perform across the country, release albums and films and who have appeared on stage at some of the biggest music festivals in Ireland. During the auditions, a panel of at least three judges will help performers through the audition stages. The competition is open to all ages and all manner of talents and is free to enter with the winner walking away with a €2,000 prize. Two additional prizes of €500 will also be awarded to runners-up. From the audition process, a shortlist of between 24 and 30 acts will go forward to take part in the live audience semi-finals on April 15th and 16th and the semi-final winners will go on to perform at the Wexford Has Talent Grand Final on Sunday, May 1st 2022. Chair of the organising committee Enda Whelan says, "We are delighted to have a new date for the auditions for 2022 and one where it looks like we will be able to host this event under what will certainly feel like ‘normal’ circumstances. We are encouraging as many entrants as possible to pre-book their audition place in advance, however we will also accommodate walk-ins on the day." Audition appointments can be booked in advance via www.wexfordhastalent.com From this audition process, a shortlist

Registration for 2022 Wexford Has Talent auditions is now open, see www.wexfordhastalent.com Pic: Patrick Browne. of between 24 and 30 acts will go forward to take part in the live audience semi-finals and the semi-final winners will go on to perform at the Wexford Has Talent Grand Final. Tickets to the Wexford Has Talent Semi-Finals and Grand Final are now on sale at Clayton Whites Hotel priced at €10 for each Semi-Final of Wexford Has Talent and €15 for the Grand Final. All live shows commence at 8 pm sharp. For further details and Wexford Has Talent news see www.wexfordhastalent.com or join the event on Facebook.com/WexfordHasTalent and Instagram - @WexfordHasTalent n

Acko’s debut album appears

Tallaght-born Acko has boomeranged between Wexford and Dublin over the past half-century. He releases his debut solo album St Dominic's Disappearance, ten years in the making, this February 25, on the Felaheen label. And a special launch event will be held the following night – Saturday 26 February at The Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy, with Free admission.

The 54-year-old singer-songwriter is the former fontman with Dublin-based pop-punk quartet Grasshopper, who released a slew of singles on the Liquid label back in the mid-90s.

A veteran of the Grafton Street busking mafia that also included members of the Frames, Kila, the Mary Janes and The Pale, Acko has also produced albums for Steven O'Brien (Decency Week) and co-wrote and produced two critically acclaimed albums with Peter Murphy (aka Cursed Murphy) as the Revelator Orchestra.

St Dominic's Disappearance comprises eleven songs featuring long-time friends and collaborators Miriam Ingram, ex-Mary Jane Simon Good, Shane Wearen (The Pale) and violinist Colm Mac Con lomaire.

"When I needed people for parts, it seemed obvious to call on my oId busking comrades, even Leslie Keye who did the mastering," Acko says.

The album, he adds, deals with themes of friendship, loss, the passing of time. “At least half of the songs on the album are about a long-lost friend of mine, someone I haven't seen for at least half the time I've known him. It's funny how some people have a massive effect on your life and then disappear, but you still carry them around with you. I like to tell people that it's a concept album, but only in the loosest sense. There's no storyline as such, just a common theme to a few of the songs.

“Time is a strange thing," he continues, "I feel as close to these songs as I did when I first recorded them 10 years ago. I started the album with This Is Where People Love You, which offers some sort of solution to a relationship that may have gone off the rails. The key songs are what I call the Quiet Trilogy: Quiet and Me, Dear Quiet, and How Quietly You Leave. I end the album with We Should Be Singing: it took me a long time to learn the lesson of that song."

The album emerges from a period of some disillusion and indirection that ended in the Spring of 2019 when Acko went busking for the first time in years. It was a return to year zero moment, a rediscovery of roots. "I went out one day out of sheer boredom, and something amazing happened. I fell in love with singing all over again. I went out again the next day, and the day after that I bought a PA and started looking for gigs. I just wanted to sing."

St Dominic's Disappearance is released on CD and all digital platforms on Friday February 25th. For more information email: stdominic@outlook.ie

The album can be purchased from the above email address or from https://acko.bandcamp.com/releases

Check Acko out at: https://www.Facebook.com/Ackosmusicpage and https://www.instagram.com/ackoatkinson1/ n

Wexford Arts Centre | Saturday 5th February | Little Artists Club | 10am Classes will be bursting with activities to inspire your little artist. We will keep young minds engaged and little hands busy as they work with glitter and glue, pom-poms and feathers, coloured papers and shapes.

Wexford Arts Centre | Saturday 5th February | The Saturday Art Club | 11:30am Students will have the opportunity to explore and experiment with a range of mediums and contemporary processes such as printmaking, sculpture, construction and installation with Jeni Roddy assisted by Brid Colloton.

Wexford Arts Centre | Tuesday 8th February | Picture House presents… Alice and the Mayor | 8:00pm The Picture House presents… Alice and the Mayor directed by Nicolas Pariser and starring Fabrice Luchini, Anais Demoustier and Nora Hamzawi. Admission €6.00. Join us for a night of Trad with The Craic Pots featuring Paul 'Spooner' Cullen, Roger “Mac” McGuire and Paul “Ruxpin” Doyle.

Wexford Arts Centre | Saturday 12th February | Little Artists Club | 10am Classes will be bursting with activities to inspire your little artist. We will keep young minds engaged and little hands busy as they work with glitter and glue, pom-poms and feathers, coloured papers and shapes.

Wexford Arts Centre | Saturday 12th February | The Saturday Art Club | 11:30am Students will have the opportunity to explore and experiment with a range of mediums and contemporary processes such as printmaking, sculpture, construction and installation with Jeni Roddy assisted by Brid Colloton.

Wexford Arts Centre | Saturday 12th February | The Island of Saints | 3pm The Island of Saints is a film starring Raymond Keane and Caitriona O’Leary, recounting the story of de Ledrede’s manic pursuit and persecution of Dame Alice Kyteler and her servant Petronilla de Meath. Music by Akanoros.

Wexford Arts Centre | Friday 11th February | Craic Pots | 8:30pm For details and updates on all concerts, drama, exhibitions, films etc happening in Wexford Arts Centre, check out: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/shows n