Slaney News, Issue 155, April 2023.

Enniscorthy Municipal District was delighted to officially launch its new Learn to Cycle Park, the first of its kind in Co. Wexford, on Friday 31st March, 2023.

Pic: Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District) is pictured with Tony Connolly of Shielbaggan Outdoor Education Centre, Ramsgrange, and some 6th class pupils of St Aidan’s primary school, Enniscorthy.

If you suffer from lack of sleep due to ongoing health issues, such as back or body pain, twisting and turning at night, age related etc. or if you just want to spend your money sensibly on a high quality mattress, then we can help to eliminate the guesswork in making such an important decision.

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

Welcome to the April issue of the Slaney News.

Wexford General Hospital is making steady progress on its journey back to being fully operational. See page 10 of this issue for update.

The 2023 Hope & Dream 10 took place on Sunday 2nd April just as the Slaney News was being finalised for publication so our substantial pictorial coverage of this amazing event will have to be kept until our next issue at the beginning of May. Congrats to all involved in the continuing success story of this annual event, and congrats also to the management team at the Hope Centre for securing planning permission for a major expansion of its premises and services at Wafer Street, Enniscorthy. See more details on page 10. For those who say Enniscorthy is lacking leisure facilities, you might be glad to hear that another new facility was officially opened in recent days – a Safe Cycle Park – the first of its kind in Co. Wexford. The new park is located in the Cherry Orchard area of town beside two other facilities that are the envy of every town in Ireland – an international-standard athletics track at Enniscorthy Sports Hub and the multiaward-winning Enniscorthy Community Allotments. See story on page 15. And on page 14 we provide some updates on several other Enniscorthy projects.

April is Ireland’s National Spring Clean month. And Enniscorthy is fortunate to have a number of groups in town to whom we are all indebted for keeping the town clean and tidy – I refer in particular to Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group, but also Sustainable Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy Community Allotments. The dedicated volunteers from these groups just need the rest of their fellow townspeople to simply bin their litter (and dog poo!) – it’s a simple thing that takes very little effort and benefits the whole town. See pages 16-17 for Spring Cleaning details.

Finally, we include as always a huge number of photos taken around Enniscorthy, and beyond, of Confirmations, St Patrick’s Day, all kinds of social events, etc. If you would like to purchase any of our photos please get in touch by email at slaneynews@gmail.com

If you have any news or photos you’d like us to share in the Slaney News, please email them to slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as much as possible. Also, please let us know what you think about our new format. Telephone: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has over 10,500 Followers. And, of course, if you like our new online format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you

– Frank Corcoran

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PUBLISHED in Enniscorthy by Corcoran Print & Design

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

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

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

Slaney Search & Rescue

Slaney Search and Rescue will hold their AGM in the Riverside Park Hotel on Thursday April 13th at 7pm. All are welcome to attend. n

Easter commemoration

The usual Easter Monday commemoration events in Enniscorthy will take place again this year with the celebration of Mass in the Cathedral at 10am followed by a procession to Market Square where the Chairman, Cllr. Aidan Browne, will lay a wreath at 10.45am at the 1798 monument to commemorate the 107th Anniversary of the Insurrection of Easter 1916 and to honour the memory of all Wexford people who died for Ireland.

The Enniscorthy Sinn Féin Cumann Easter Monday Commemoration takes place on April 10th, assembling at 2.00pm on the new bridge and taking off at 2.30pm marching towards St. Mary’s Cemetery. Return journey on Nunnery Road and terminating at the Market Square with Amhrán na bhFiann. There will be a function in Bellefield GAA Complex from 5.00pm onwards. All are encouraged to wear an Easter Lily in honour of our patron dead. Keep an eye on the Slaney News Facebook page for updates on all Easter events. n

SUSTAINABLE ENNISCORTHY AGM

SUSTAINABLE ENNISCORTHY WILL HOST ITS AGM IN THE IFA CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY

26TH APRIL, 8.30PM - 9.30PM. ALL WELCOME.

This is an open meeting and anyone who is interested in taking action to improve Sustainability (Energy, Biodiversity, Circular Economy) and Health & Wellbeing (Air Quality, Water Quality) in Enniscorthy is invited to attend. We look forward to meeting you. https://www.sustainableenniscorthy.com/

Within: Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy.

Naíonra: Irish Language Preschool “Cúpla Focail!” Facebook: ‘Scoil Na NÓg Naíonra’

ECCE & NCS Scheme

Hope Centre expansion plans

ENNISCORTHY'S HOPE CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE PLANS FOR MAJOR EXPANSION

Planning permission has been granted with conditions to the Hope Cancer Support Centre for a major proposed development at no. 21 (a protected structure) and the adjoining building (no. 22 Wafer Street) consisting of:

a) Change of use at no. 21 Wafer street from residential to cancer support, counselling and administrative services.

b) Demolition of existing two storey and single-storey annexe buildings to the rear of no. 22 Wafer Street.

c) Demolition of existing garage and

single-storey residential annexe to the rear of no. 21 Wafer Street.

d) Alterations and extensions to consist of a new staircase to the rear of No. 22 Wafer Street with connection through party wall from No. 22 to No. 21 Wafer Street on ground and first floor levels.

e) Erection of a new two-storey extension with a floor area of 390m2, located to the rear of No. 21, within the existing enclosed garden, comprising at ground floor – entrance lobby, staircase, lift core and mech-

anical plant room and at first floor –multipurpose meeting room, group/ private counselling rooms, reflexology rooms, treatment rooms, toilets and ancillary accommodation.

f) Site development works including new gated entrance on the eastern boundary wall, landscaped and paved areas.

It is important to note that a completely separate funding stream will be utilised to fund this development and no Hope & Dream 10 proceeds will be used for these expansion plans. n

Current services at Wexford General Hospital

Following the recent fire, The Emergency Department (ED) in Wexford General Hospital is temporarily closed.

An Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU) and an Injury Unit have been set up in the ED building.

In an emergency, you are advised to go to another ED near you.

Acute Medical Assessment Unit:

The AMAU is open every day from 8.30am to 7pm.

It treats chest pain, heart failure, chest in-

fections, headaches, seizures, collapse and more.

You need a GP referral and must be over 16.

The AMAU is in Wexford General Hospital’s ED building.

Injury Unit:

The Injury Unit is open every day from 8am to 6pm.

It treats patients over 3 years who have:

 Injuries to limbs

 Broken bones

 Sprains

 Bruises

 Wounds

Phone 053 915 3313 or 087 911 9057 to schedule an appointment.

Scheduled and elective surgeries:

All scheduled and elective surgeries have been cancelled or moved to Ely Hospital. You will be contacted by phone or letter if you are impacted.

Minor operations and endoscopy services have been moved to Ely Hospital.

Time-critical and emergency surgeries are being done in private hospitals. n

Hope Cancer Support Centre, Enniscorthy.

Garda pop-up stations around the district

ENNISCORTHY GARDAÍ ARE HOSTING POP-UP STATIONS AROUND THE DISTRICT AS FOLLOWS:

1st Wednesday of every month: 12:00 to 13:00 at Enniscorthy Mart, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

3rd Thursday of each month:

Bree – 16:00-17:00

Clohamon – 14:30-15:30

Kiltealy – 11:30-12:30

Ballymurn – 10:00-11:00 n

St Senan’s Confirmation St Senan’s Church, Enniscorthy, 10th March 2023

St Senan’s School Confirmation in St Senan’s Church, Enniscorthy, 10th March 2023, Dan, Ciaran and Liz Kenny.

Above left: Sharon, Leilah and Andre Lopes. Above: Anna Martin, Bobby, Ellianna, Robert, Barra and Nicole Cleary.

St Senan’s School Confirmation in St Senan`s Parish, L-R: Dolores Matthe and Sophie Doyle.

St Senan’s School Confirmation: Geraldine Earle, Grace and Michael Doyle.

St Senan’s School Confirmation: Jack and Denise Redmond.

Above: Evan, Eugene, Jamie, Jillian and Elle Corrigan.

Above right: Declan and Millie Cloke and Sharon Nolan.

Left: Brendan Robinson and Jack Redmond.

Right: Family time at St Senan’s Confirmation.

ews, April, Ciara, Ethan, Isabelle

Enniscorthy projects updates

Murphy Floods Site:

Following some delays due to legal issues and complications surrounding the title to the property, Wexford Co. Council has now completed the purchase of the old Murphy Flood’s site in the centre of Enniscorthy. The Council plans to develop the site at a cost of €8m approx and expects its successful outcome to completely transform Enniscorthy town centre.

For nearly 20 years, the derelict site has been an eyesore right in the heart of the town but now plans are in place to construct a new library building, retail units, 18 apartments and underground parking there.

The Council expects to be advertising tenders for the development within the next few months and is also looking at possible private sector investment.

A VIDEO OF WHAT THE DEVELOPMENT MIGHT LOOK LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=644162643250100

Enniscorthy Town Centre & Tourism Project:

Wexford Co. Council Planning Department in collaboration with the Special Projects team there has developed a strategic plan for Enniscorthy town centre, which was adopted at the Enniscorthy MD meeting in December 2022.

The public realm aspects of the tourism projects will form part of Enniscorthy’s application in quarter 3 of 2023 for government funding under URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund).

Moloney O’Bernie has been appointed to prepare preliminary designs and planning application for the Market Square and the Castle Quarter by July and September respectively to support the call for URDF funding for Enniscorthy.

Old Dublin Road Business Park, Enniscorthy:

In May 2021, outline proposals for the Old Dublin Road were presented to the Enniscorthy Municipal District. This was fol-

A successful Enniscorthy project: The Enniscorthy Technology Park.

Pic: David Butler Photography.

lowed by a public consultation process in late June on the draft plan. The masterplan was presented to the Enniscorthy MDC’s October meeting. The initial phase 1 works commenced in July/August 2022 and are now substantially completed.

An application for further funding has been prepared and submitted to the NTA, in conjunction with the Roads & Transportation Section, for the active travel elements of the masterplan.

Permanent Vaccination Centre:

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has confirmed that a permanent vaccination centre is now completed and established at St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy, and is now operational.

"During the pandemic, vaccinations were administered in the Riverside Park Hotel and Astro Active Centre. I want to commend all the staff who contributed to the outstanding success of the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

"The permanent vaccination centre in St. John's Hospital provides 6 bays and is capable of operating 7 days per week offering potential vaccination delivery of 2,000 per week. The vaccination centre is presently operating 1-2 days meeting current demand for covid vaccinations.

"Other services may make use of the facility as appropriate, if required. I'm delighted that the permanent centre is now operational as St. John's Hospital offers a central location."

Curracloe Water Sports Activity Facility:

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

The tender for design services was advertised in Jan 2022, the tender evaluation process is now complete. Neville Conroy Architects have been appointed, and surveying works and detailed design commenced in January 2023. It is planned to tender and commence works later in 2023.

Learn to Cycle Park:

It’s a case of ‘On Yer Bike’ for Enniscorthy’s new Learn to Cycle Park which was officially opened on 31st March. It is located beside Enniscorthy Community Allotments and Enniscorthy Sports Hub at Cherry Orchard.

At the new park, children can learn to cycle in a safe environment with real life road features – lines, signs, roundabouts and a pedestrian crossing, and on site also there is a cycle repair station as well as a walking track around the park and adequate car-parking spaces.

See opposite page for more information. n

On yer bike in Enniscorthy

A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF ENNISCORTHY... AND THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN CO. WEXFORD...

Enniscorthy Municipal District was delighted to officially launch its new Learn to Cycle Park on Friday 31st March, 2023.

The Learn to Cycle Park will give young children an invaluable space for them to engage with real-life road features and its lines, signs, roundabouts and a pedestrian crossing without any vehicular traffic. The park also includes a cycle repair station and a walking track.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr. Aidan Browne, who was instrumental is getting this project off the ground, stated, ‘I am particularly delighted to see the project go from an idea to a reality. This facility will be of benefit to so many young families from Enniscorthy town and district who would like their children to learn to cycle in a safe place.’

The park was funded by Sláintecare and Enniscorthy Municipal District. The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme

(SHCP) is a new initiative, led by Sláintecare and Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health and delivered locally by Wexford County Council.

The SCHCP Local Development Officer Ann Marie Laffan welcomed the opening of the cycle park and stated, ‘Sláintecare is delighted to be a funding partner in the project. The goal of our programme is to improve the long-term health and wellbeing of the people living in these communities. Initiatives such as this project are being delivered across the county in partnership with a number of local community and voluntary groups and state agencies. This collaborative approach with local authorities working together with the local community helps us to identify projects that are sustainable and that invoke an improved sense of community.’

This fantastic project is located beside two other amazing facilities – the multi-award winning Enniscorthy Community Allotments and the international-standard athletics track at Enniscorthy Sports Hub. n

Public representatives, Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Municipal District officials and St. Aidan’s primary schhol pupils gathered for the official opening of the new Learn to Cycle Park in Enniscorthy on 31st March 2023.

Left: Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District) and some 6th class pupils of St Aidan’s primary school, Enniscorthy, giving the new park the ‘thumbs up’. Right: Trying out the new park.

The upcoming National Spring Clean event being hosted by Enniscorthy Tidy Towns on Easter Monday at 10am (see graphic at bottom of this page) is part of An Taisce’s nationwide antilitter campaign which takes place during the whole month of April. Last year 5,640 groups registered and collected an estimated 2,600 tonnes of litter.

This free, family-friendly event is open to all members of the community, volunteers and residents young and old! Last year’s event was a huge success and hopefully 2023 will be too.

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns will have a limited supply of bags, gloves and hi-vis but if you have these and your own litter picker, please do bring them along. Please remember to check the forecast and dress appropriately.

Members of the public can register to get their free National Spring Clean Kit including bags, gloves and hi-vis on the National Spring Clean website online here: https://nationalspringclean.org/register-for-the-national-springclean/ (litter picker not included).

LITTER PROBLEM IN ENNISCORTHY

Enniscorthy consistently loses marks for excessive littering in the SuperValu Tidy Towns awards. Enniscorthy Tidy Towns wants to tackle this litter problem head on and raise awareness about the damage litter can do to the environment and town. Littering habits need to change

enough is enough!

If members of the public are interested in volunteering to make Enniscorthy ‘Cleaner and Greener’ please go along to this event or contact the group on Facebook, Instagram or email enniscorthytt@gmail.com

ABOUT ENNISCORTHY TIDY TOWNS

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns is a voluntary organisation dedicated to the upkeep and enhancement of Enniscorthy and its environment through voluntary effort. The voluntary organisation is more than just litter picking, with opportunities to volunteer in projects for sustainability, biodiversity and other groups to get involved in. Volunteers meets most Sundays (weather permitting) at 9.00am at predetermined locations in the town.

The most common litter items they find are drinks cans and bottles, fast food items, food packaging, cigarette butts and disposable vapes. Think before you throw – Please stop littering. Plastic bottles, aluminium cans and waste electric items (including vapes) are all recyclable! Please stop littering these items in our town and recycle or bin items appropriately.

Check their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information. n

Spring cleaning

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns is seeking volunt the town’s litter problem head on. The vo for the upcoming National Spring Clean Holiday Monday, 10th

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group –making a huge contribution to keeping the town clean and green.

gin Enniscorthy

teers to raise awareness of and help tackle oluntary organisation has announced details event which will take place on Easter Bank April 2023, at 10:00am.

Recycling and habitat protection are key actions during National Spring Clean events 2023. An Taisce is asking volunteers in Co. Wexford to register now to take part in Ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign and to learn more about our circular economy.

Throughout the month of April, the National Spring Clean will encourage communities in Co. Wexford to tackle the problem of litter in local areas and to see the benefits of a litter-free environment. National Spring Clean is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Local Authorities and supported by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Mars Wrigley.

Over the past 24 years, the National Spring Clean has been focused on the message of the collective responsibility we share in tackling and preventing our national litter problem. By participating in organised clean-ups, groups and individuals of all ages come together to make a meaningful and positive contribution to their communities – to date this has resulted in the collection of almost 45,000 tonnes of litter across Ireland!

This year, the National Spring Clean is also raising awareness about how the adoption of a circular economy model will reduce our litter, and climate impact.

The circular economy is a waste prevention approach to keep resources in use for as long as possible, enabling us to extract the maximum value from them before recovery and regeneration. This is based on three principles: eliminating waste and pollution, keeping materials and products in use (through reuse and recycling), and protecting nature. This means that as we transition to a more circular economy, we’ll see less waste, less litter, and lower emissions, and thus, cleaner planet.

These principles of a circular economy have been central to the ethos of National Spring Clean for the past 24 years. Last year some 35% of all waste collected was recycled, thanks to recyclable waste bags provided to groups and individuals who register, while the removal of litter from our natural environment has helped tackle biodiversity loss.

Throughout this year’s campaign, National Spring Clean also hopes people will consider their waste output and moderate consumption behaviours that produce excess waste, and look at alternatives that will move us away from a throwaway culture to a more sustainable circular culture.

In 2022, almost 200 registered for the initiative in County Wexford. With the support of people all around Ireland, the National Spring is hoping to have an even bigger campaign this year. To register to be part of Ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign, people can visit www.nationalspringclean.org n

April is Ireland’s National Spring Clean month, however some groups in Co. Wexford got a head start in March and hosted clean-up events as part of the Spring Clean 2023 campaign. Among them were young volunteers in An Glasán, Enniscorthy, who with the support of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, completed a community clean-up in their area hoping to inspire other people in the community to sign up to the campaign and clean their street, estate, park, etc. It’s heartening to see the next generation making our environment cleaner and greener, well done to all involved.

Campile Area Development Group also hosted a clean-up event in Horeswood parish in March. Over 28 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Leaders from the 12th Wexford Ballykelly Scouts and girls from the U-14 Campile Utd Ladies Soccer Team kicked off the An Taisce Spring Clean for 2023. Along with volunteers, they covered stretches of road in both Ballykerogue and Ballykelly.

One of the Leaders said, “It was a great day, the kids loved getting out and having a bit of craic, they especially loved using the pickers, there was great debate over what was recyclable and what was rubbish when deciding what bag to put the rubbish into, especially when they found the shoes! We also had a treat of cakes and buns at the end which also helps.” They collected over 20 bags of rubbish on one stretch of road, including a fire grate, shoes, a coffee maker, bag of flags, a telescope and a set of mugs.

Registrations are still open, and it is not too late for communities in County Wexford to sign up to the National Spring Clean and make a global difference through local actions.

To register to be part of Ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign, people can visit www.nationalspringclean.org n

Inspiring others: Oscar, Lee, Lilly and Liam – young residents at An Glasán, Greenville Lane, Enniscorthy.

Trish adds extra capacity to provide an even better service

ANOTHER GROUP DAY ADDED AT SLIMMING WORLD AT ENNISCORTHY RUGBY CLUB.

The super slimmers at Slimming World Enniscorthy’s group at Enniscorthy Rugby Club have lost over 136 stone in the first two months of 2023 according to their consultant, Trish Dagg. ‘I think it’s amazing, and I’m so proud of each and every one of them.’ Trish, who transformed her own life by losing 7.5 stone, is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.

Trish joined her local Slimming World group in Enniscorthy in 2017. ‘I lost 5 stone in the first year, and then the weight loss slowed down, but I didn’t want to give up on myself, and neither did my consultant at the time. When Covid hit, I re-gained about 14 lbs because I really find the weekly support group so vital, with the help and support from fellow members. Thankfully, I’m back at my target weight now, and maintaining beautifully.’

Trish trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest groupbased weight loss organisation, during

the Covid restrictions, so it was all done online. She went on to open her own group at Enniscorthy Rugby Club in November 2021, and has seen the group grow since then.

She says: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across Ireland. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I absolutely love my job and I love seeing the changes that the Slimming World plan can make to people’s lives. We recently had World Obesity Day on March 3rd, and a new report says more than half of the world's population will be overweight or obese by 2035 without significant action. The rates of obesity are rising particularly among children, but with the Slimming World plan 77% of members say that within just 3 months of joining a group, their children were eating more healthily.’

“Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.’

And because of the success of Trish’s Wednesday group, she will be adding another session on Thursdays, starting on April 13th. Her sessions are as follows:

Every Wednesday 8am, 9.30am, 11am, 5.30pm and 7pm, and from April 13th, every Thursday at 9.30am, all at Enniscorthy Rugby Club.

New members, re-joining and visitors are always welcome at the venue and you will be sure of a warm welcome. If you need any further information, you can contact Trish on 087 360 7615. n

Trish’s own Slimming World journey

Planning granted for major Bunclody VC extension

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has welcomed the granting of planning permission to facilitate an extension to Bunclody Vocational College (VC).

This month, Wexford County Council granted planning approval for the school to construct a new school building spanning over 7,000 square metres, which will bring the capacity of Bunclody VC to 550 pupils.

The new school building will provide 19 general classrooms, five specialist classrooms, four science laboratories, three technology rooms, two arts rooms, one home economics room, a two class-

room special education needs unit, general purpose/dining area, multi-use hall, library, offices, staffroom, pupil social areas, fitness suites, changing rooms, and external play/tier seating areas.

Commenting on the progress, Minister Browne said he’s “delighted that there is further progress for Bunclody VC. I want to commend principal Mr James Murphy and the Board of Management of Bunclody VC for working diligently with the WWETB in continuing to progress this application for the benefit of the wider school community. I know that the school community has been looking forward to seeing progress for a

larger school campus. This new building will facilitate almost doubling the capacity of the school to 550 pupils.

“In 2021, the Department of Education approved the provision of modular accommodation consisting of 5 x 60m2 general classrooms, 1 X 40m2 toilet facility and 1 x 120m2 SEN classroom. This modular accommodation will help the school as it caters for its students when construction gets underway on the new school building. I will continue to work with my government colleagues to prioritise this important expansion for the school,” Minister Browne concluded. n

Looking good at St Mary’s Cemetery

‘Beneath My Angels Wings’ sincerely thanks Sean Lambert and Gary Kehoe for revamping the children's garden in St Mary's cemetery.

St Aidan’s Primary School Confirmation in St Aidan’s Cathedral on 3rd March 2023.

Above left: Fr Tom Dalton, Frank Murphy (Principal), teacher Michael Doyle and class.

Above right: Fr Tom Dalton, Frank Murphy (Principal) and teachers Carmen Yates and Ciaran Cronin.

Below left: Sarah Dixon, Jack and Padge Kavanagh with Fr Tom Dalton and Deacon Dermot Davis.

Below right: Sinead Kehoe, fourth from left, with her family.

St Aidan’s Co Enniscorthy, 3rd

Left: The Cryden-Wall family.

Above: Louise Doran, Mai Mythen and Hollie Robinson.

Right: Patrick, Tara, Joanne, Mary and Molly O’Brien. Far right: Padge and Jack Kavanagh and Sarah Dixon.

St Aidan’s Primary School Confirmation in St Aidan’s Cathedral on 3rd March 2023.

Top left: Jayden Carroll.

Top right: Paige, Jenny, Corey, Ricky and Sean Mitchell.

Left: James, Amy, Jay and Breda Carty.

Above: Emilio Jawsvska and family.

Above right: John, Elisabeth, Ann and Miss Anne Derry.

Right: Clodagh, Carol and Bridget Turner.

Above: St Aidan’s Confirmation Class with Fr. Tom Dalton, Frank Murphy (Principal), Evelyn Quigley and Doireann Morrissey (teachers).

Below: Lilly Budai Torolc and family.

Above: Michael, Nathan, Mary and Calim Jordan

Above, L-R, Pic 1: The Coady family. Pic 2: Deacon Dermot Davis, Fr. Tom Dalton, Frankie, Graham and Jamie Kirwan. Pic 3: Harry Dugd

St

Primary School

Aidan’s

Confirmation in St Aidan’s Cathedral on 3rd March 2023.

Above: St Aidan’s Confirmation Class with Fr. Tom Dalton, Frank Murphy (Principal), Michael Doyle (teacher).

Above: Piqtr, Adam, Irek and Ulkol Preskura.

Above: Bartose Brymerski and family.

Above left: Maqdoilene Loskiewicz, Aqniescko Bryla, Emiliq Leskiewicz and Wiktor Leskiewicz. Above right: Erin Jones.

dale. Pic 4: Ian Curran, Hayden and Karen Curran-Whitney and Kate Curran. Pic 5: Daniel, Reuata, Lukass, Mecte and Pioxielc Weliqoie.

Sustainable Enniscorthy

In their column in this issue of the Slaney News, the local Sustainable Enniscorthy group looks at Sustainable Local Community Development.

SUSTAINABLE LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

It was only after the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro concluded in June 1992 that the concept of sustainable development became an attainable goal for all the people of the world whether local, national or regional and supported by 179 countries and multiple non-governmental organisations did the concept filter through to communities worldwide. The major result of the conference was Agenda 21, a new programme to achieve overall sustainable development in the 21st century.

A key component was Local Agenda 21, which encouraged local action plans that identify what matters locally to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle in the 21st century while highlighting how different social, economic, environmental and cultural factors are interdependent and evolve together, and how success in one sector requires action in other sectors to be sustained over time.

The late Dr. Anne Behan while working with communities in Wexford particularly Clonroche, Newbawn and Raheen, between 2000 and 2002, defined sustainability as ‘a concept more than a strict code, but refers to responsible and ethical methods of practice in economic, social and environmental management. Like many currently discussed issues, it is not the concept, but the terminology that is new. In many ways sustainability refers to new methods of old practices. It is often misinterpreted as relating solely to environment, but in practice, it is an integrated approach to all aspects of life – economic, social, environmental and cultural.’

Sustainable Community Characteristics

Following extensive consultation across Ireland and the UK, the Carnegie UK Trust published, ‘A Manifesto for Rural Communities’ which identified the following interrelated characteristics for future sustainable communities:

  Identifying, utilising and optimising assets

  Empowering local governance

  Increasing resources for community benefit

bring people together – ‘National Spring Clean’ – for good advice and resources register at this link https://nationalspringclean.org/ or keep an eye out for Spring Clean events being organised by local groups and follow Enniscorthy Tidy Towns on social media for the location of their weekly clean-ups and the locations for their Easter Monday Spring Clean event.

Check out Wexford County Council resources at:

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/environment-and-climate-change



 Enjoying locally relevant services

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community/supports-grants-and-awards/community-support-fund-2022



 Enriching social capital and well being

https://wexfordppn.ie/



 Valuing local distinctiveness

  Developing reliable infrastructure



 Enhancing environmental capacity

Wexford Local Development have a community development officer working in each district, contact details below:



 Achieving fairness for everyone



 Supporting a dynamic local economy

It is important not to be overwhelmed by all of the above but to use these sustainable community characteristics to challenge ourselves about what aspects of our world, community or neighbourhood we would like to keep, improve or change. Carnegie also identified three enabling factors present in successful communities – skilful people, a range of assets and a plan of action combined with the importance of hard won experience passed on to others in informal settings, of ‘building on what you’ve got.’ It’s not rocket science and there are a range of supports available.

A good place to start is to have conversations with family, friends or neighbours or raise the issues within a club or a group you are a member of or join a group you think might be open to the challenge. Sometimes it can be as simple as providing people with the opportunity to get together to chat and other times the setting might be more formal.

Resources and supports are listed below, but as we head into Spring there is one national initiative that is guaranteed to

https://www.wld.ie/develop-your-community/

Other resources:

https://www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/publications/a-manifesto-for-rural-communities-inspiring-community-innovation/ https://www.youth.ie/documents/sdgsyouth-resource-pack/

https://stopfoodwaste.ie/

Support Sustainable Enniscorthy by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Website: www.sustainableenniscorthy.com Or contact us to get involved! n

Carnegie UK Trust Sustainable Rural Communities Petal

ARE WE IN A VORTEX FOR AN ECONOMIC PERFECT STORM?

AS THE ‘C’ WORDS RESURFACE, THE WORLD HOLDS ITS BREATH

One couldn’t make it up. If one was commissioned to write a TV drama series it would be a BAFTA award winner for all its twist and turns.

For the last two years I have presented a number of articles on the path the global economy has taken and we now see the system creaking under the weight. All the issues that have transpired are connected. It is like the building blocks in the wall of capitalism. Every block that becomes brittle and problematic threatens the integrity of that wall. Before the anti-establishment brigade break out the champagne, an economic crash affects all in many forms. Communities all around the world are still making up for lost ground since the 2008 crash. The most topical issue in Ireland today is the housing crisis which has its origins from that crash with a generation at the loss of an affordable house they can call home. Let us take a quick look at the journey that has brought us to the cliff edge and explore the limited options.

Since the last cycle and corrections of 2008, global economics had stabilised somewhat with some legacy issues being gradually flushed out of the system. Not a perfect model but the system that we currently use to make the world go around.

Here is the sequence of events which has caused a turnaround in a short few years. Covid 19 was the catalyst. The disruption caused to the flow of goods is still being felt today. The lockdown in China stopped production of goods that the west depends on like an addict depends on drugs. The expansion in China stalled and credit contracted which caused their housing sector to collapse. On a side note, the street protests in China had more to do with young Chinese couples paying mortgages on apartments that they may never own than the Covid lockdown.

The container ship blocking the Suez Canal compounded the goods shortage

TOWN TALK

ECB have constantly raised interest rates to try and tackle inflation by dampening down spending. This has caused a dramatic slowdown and job losses. Tightening budgets are moving us ever closer to a longer and deeper recession, whenever economists are brave enough to call it. The TECH sector is hit the hardest so far resulting in the Tech bank SILICON VALLEY failing. This has caused other American regional banks to falter with the industry and governments reassuring the markets that deposits are safe. This didn’t save Credit Suisse Bank that failed and was taken over by UBS. At going to press, the stock markets are not entirely convinced and it would not take much to cause a run on a bank be it justified or not.

WITH KEITH DOYLE

problem and containers not being in their respective destinations caused the cost of containers to rise from $2,000 to $16,000 per container.

All the above reasons were the initial cause for inflation to rise. With a war on European soil and the costs associated with it, much needed resources are diverted to the costs of the fallout of the war. This brings us to where we are today with nervousness within the banking and financial sectors.

The American FED and the European

Silicon Valley Bank failed.

So all concerned have a dangerous tightrope to walk. The ECB pumped a staggering 2.6 TRILLION EUROS into the economy from 2015 to 2018. They bought up government and corporate debt under the guise of quantitative easing at a pace of €1.3 million euros a minute. This was before Europe allowed countries to spend promised funds on tackling the effects of Covid 19. The FED and the ECB should think carefully about the continued policy of raising interest rates to tackle inflation as it putting more pressure on the system. Financial institutions should shore up the weaker banks to avoid contagion. Central Banks and governments should keep reassuring the markets that they have many tools to ensure the banks and deposits are safe. We must tightly control any slide into recession and ensure a soft landing. All this sounds practical but the markets will take a lot of convincing. Billions have being wiped off the very volatile and spooked markets within the last few months. All eyes are focused on the markets for the next few weeks and months as credit dries up in the system. The C words you will hear on this rollercoaster ride are: CONTAINMENT, COGENT, CONFIDENCE, CONTRACTION and of course CREDIT CRUNCH. n

Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA) news

ECA IN RUNNING FOR MAJOR LAMA AWARD

Now in its 17th year, the LAMA (Local Authorities Members Association) All Ireland Community and Council Awards will take place in Clonmel, Tipperary, on 15th April 2023 hosted by Maura Derrane of RTE Today. These awards recognise and celebrate community and councils working together. They highlight and celebrate the work done within communities all around Ireland, and reward unsung heroes recognising the huge contribution they make to our lives. And the good news is that the Enniscorthy Community Allotments has been deservedly shortlisted. Best of luck to the ECA team at the awards night.

SENSORY AND WELLBEING SPACE

Students from South East Technological University (SETU) and Teagasc undertaking the BSc course in Horticulture (Kildalton College) have come on board a project, as part of a competition, to design the best ‘Sensory and Wellbeing space’ at the Enniscorthy Community Allotments. A number of students are now completing their designs and the winner will be selected shortly by the committee of Enniscorthy Community Allotments following consultation with the users of the allotments. It is hoped to have the sensory area in place by this summer coming.

BUSY SEASON AHEAD

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

New physio clinic in Monageer

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

THE TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDE:

 Full Injury Assessment

 Exercise Rehabilitation Programme

 Sports & Deep Tissue Massage

 Joint Manipulation

 Dry Needling

 Strength & Conditioning Programme

 Sports Injuries & Back-To-Play Rehab

 Pre / Post-Operative Rehabilitation

 Ergonomic Assessment & Advice

Also available: Video appointments and Pilates assessment.

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

Check out Oleg’s impressive website and Facebook page:

www.monageerphysio.ie

www.facebook.com/monageerphysio n

Oleg Irlin

Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the government decision to sign the Commencement Order that will allow Technological Universities (TUs) to borrow for the first time. This will be critical in allowing them to be able to provide student accommodation. The Higher Education Authority Act 2022 provided for the new TUs to be able to borrow money to finance capital projects. The Minister has now signed the commencement order to allow this to happen.

Senator Byrne said, “This is hugely significant as it will mean that the Technological Universities can now borrow to build much needed student accommodation as well as for investment in other capital projects.

“I know for instance that the South East Technological University has significant plans in this regard.

“Building student accommodation will help address the overall challenges in the housing sector as well as providing an income stream for universities. I would hope that the TUs will progress as many housing proposals as quickly as possible.” n

Technological Universities can now borrow for the first time

Senator Malcolm Byrne

Enniscorthy Community College

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

Information sharing

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

ENNISCORTHY FÁILTE

WELCOMING UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

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

Enniscorthy Library events

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

Oulart storytelling house

At Bygone Days Storytelling House in Oulart, a great welcome awaits all, with good music, songs, stories and plenty of craic, tea and refreshments served. Eircode: Y25 YP70. For details of upcoming events keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/bygonedayshouseofstories n

Enniscorthy Toastmasters

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

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

A community resource for families affected by alcoholism

PUBLIC MEETING

 ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE DRINKING?

 IS SOMEONE’S DRINKING AFFECTING YOU?

 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM AND HOW IF AFFECTS THE WHOLE FAMILY?

Al-Anon is holding an open meeting in: Maldron Hotel (Clonard Room), Wexford on Friday 21st April 2023 at 7.30pm Over 18s only.

Speakers from: Al-Anon Family Groups - Alcoholics Anonymous - Professionals

Admission: Free Complimentary Tea and Coffee

HOUSING CRISIS

The housing crisis has been with us for decades. Unfortunately it looks that it will continue for years, hopefully not for more decades. A number of factors are to blame, most notably the decision by governments years ago to stop building local authority houses. The probability is that we will never get back to the position where the local council is the provider of housing for the middle and lower income groups in society. There are a number of reasons for this including the disappearance of the necessary skill-set from the councils. It would take half a century to replace this and we haven’t the time for that. Any promise in that direction must be taken as empty talk as even with the best will in the world it is impossible to return to that situation.

We all know that supply, or the building of new houses, is the answer. Two difficulties arise with that. The first one is that it takes time. The actual construction can be achieved in less than six months but the process to get to that point can take years. Applications for planning are daunting. The amount of detail required and the hurdles to cross, such as proving site suitability, water supply, waste water disposal, traffic considerations and last but not least the objection, sometimes from someone who doesn’t even live in the area, can take years to overcome. As I write this article hundreds of houses in Co. Wexford are being held up because of objections to planning permissions granted by Wexford Co. Council. It is clear that people are entitled to object but the process should be streamlined. Only those who can prove direct impact, for good or bad, by a planning application should be allowed make a submission or place an objection.

The second problem is that the government doesn’t seem to be able to decide on an exact model to provide what is now described as social housing. They use this phrase now to replace what was once local authority housing. They seem to lack the will to simply replace the former local authority building units with private contactors who would tender for the construction of housing schemes designed by the local authority to provide for those

View from the Centre

discriminates against people and that past experience in that area hasn’t been entirely successful. It is true that in some parts of the country massive concentrations of social housing, without any proper facilities, has caused some difficulties. However, in the main, the vast majority of such schemes built since the foundation of the state have worked more than well and have turned out magnificent people who have contributed hugely to Irish society over the past century. Anyway, who thinks less of anyone who comes from a social house, whether in a large estate or as a small part of a private estate, other than a total idiot who should be avoided.

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

who cannot provide their own housing. All the legwork such as planning etc. would be dealt with by the local authority and the tender would simply be to build the damn things and get people into them. This codology of asking developers to provide percentages of their private schemes for social housing is a failure. It’s too small and too slow.

The government’s reluctance to build social housing schemes in isolation from private houses is based on the theory that it

This is the only solution to the housing problem. Nothing else will work. Throwing billions of our money at the private sector to build houses which will provide social housing for a few people simply won’t work. Let the private developer do what they know best and provide accommodation for those who can afford it and let the government do its job which is to look after the rest of the people. Nothing else will work.

FLOOD RELIEF SCHEMES

I see that the Minister for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan was in Wexford Town recently signing a contract to appoint consultants to carry out and design a flood relief scheme. I hope it doesn’t take as long as the Enniscorthy scheme which at this stage is a complete farce. I’d love to know how much all these studies and reports cost because it seems to me that they are used as a stopgap to stop councillors complaining about delays and then ultimately some further obstacle crops up which the report hadn’t envisaged which of course necessitates a further report and so on. Time consuming and hugely expensive with little results.

THE GREENS AND TRAVEL

Source: Irish Times

I see that the beloved leader of the Greens, Eamon Ryan, fresh back from his trip to China, and his deputy Catherine Martin’s trip to Singapore, and fellow Green Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s little jaunt to India, has extolled us all to travel less to save the environment. I’ll leave the responses to your goodselves. n

3rd April 2023 - Page 29



Fleadh Cheoil is coming to Wexford!

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is coming to Co. Wexford in 2024, the first time the event will be held in the county for 24 years, and will run from 4th to 11th August. The Fleadh is the world's largest celebration of Irish traditional music, language, song and dance. Wexford was chosen for the event despite stiff competition from the other applicant – Belfast. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was last held in the county in Enniscorthy in 2000.

Wexford County Council is delighted that the Wexford bid to host the Fleadh in 2024 has been successful and says “a big thank you and comhghairdeas to all our partners and bid team supporters in helping to bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Wex-

65 Roses Day

Friday April 14th is 65 Roses Day – the national awareness and fundraising day for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is Ireland's most common genetically inherited disease. With over 1,100 CF patients, Ireland has the highest proportion of CF people in the world.

Enniscorthy’s Julie Mullally and a team of dedicated volunteers will be out on 14th April collecting badly needed donations. Expect to see them at Dunnes Stores in Enniscorthy and Wexford.

If anyone can help volunteer on the day please contact Julie through her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jules.mull n

ford for 2024.” The Council and Comhaltas Craobh Loch Garman, the County Comhaltas Board, look forward to working together in the months ahead to make the 2024 event a huge success. Chairperson of Craobh Loch Garman Comhaltas Barbara Walsh says, “We are thrilled, honoured and humbled by the successful vote we have received from the Ard Comhairle of Comhaltas, both for our town and for the members of our voluntary bid committee who have put in a huge amount of work to help us achieve this result.”

Tom Enright, CEO of Wexford County Council, says that hosting the event will mean a €50m bonanza for the local economy. n

€120m investment at Trinity Wharf

Work on the much anticipated Trinity Wharf development in Wexford town has now commenced. The development is a landmark investment which will significantly enhance Wexford Town’s profile as an attractive environment for international companies seeking to locate in the county, or for existing companies looking to expand, providing property solutions that will meet every investor’s expectations.

Strategically located on the most prominent site in Wexford Town, Trinity Wharf boasts unrivalled panoramic views from its river-front position. This ten-acre, town-centre site with its strategic location at Wexford Harbour provides an unrivalled development and commercial opportunity to create:

 A mix of modern office space with 200,000 sq ft commercial office space.

 Hotel accommodation.

 Restaurants and retail units.

 Landmark cultural and events building with conference facilities.

 64 berth marina.

 A new boardwalk linking Trinity Wharf with Paul Quay and the Crescent, and an urban greenway.

 High quality public realm.

 58 residential units.

 A multi-storey car park.

To date €20 million has been allocated under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) / Project 2040. A further €7m has been ringfenced by the elected members of Wexford Co.

Council demonstrating the support for this initiative to position Wexford for Foreign Direct Investment.

The new, national Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) has been confirmed to be siituated at the site.

Local Minister James Browne TD has said this URDF-funded project will be revolutionary for Wexford Town.

“This is the second largest investment through URDF outside the major cities and a real vote of confidence in County Wexford and will secure the town’s fu-

ture... I also want to acknowledge the work of Tom Enright and County Council officials for their work on this project.”

In line with Project Ireland 2040’s goal to make Ireland “a better country for all”, the revitalisation of Wexford harbour offers the opportunity to develop a sustainable and exemplary town and regional development in the south east of Ireland. n

To see a promotional video: https://www.facebook.com/1485233030/videos/pcb.10230394907004912/760361725459065

Last month the contract was signed and the sod turned on Phase 1 of the €120 million Trinity Wharf development in Wexford town which is being described as a flagship location for job creation and hospitality.

L-R: Patrick Brennan (Roadplan Consulting), Tom Enright (CEO Wexford Co. Council), Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Council), Minister Darragh O’Brien, Maura Bell (Mayor of Wexford), Declan Foley (Glas Civil Engineering).

Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage at the sod turning of the first phase of the Trinity Wharf Project –a new waterfront urban district in Wexford town involving €110m in public and private investment.

New Enniscorthy to Wexford bus route launched

across Wexford with TFI Local Link Route 384 to

Glynn

Killurin

Ballyhogue

Bree

Wilton

Tomnalossett

Enniscorthy

For more visit locallinkwexford.ie

Wexford

In February 2023 there was good news for those who use public transport in Enniscorthy, Wexford and the villages in between, with formal confirmation that a new TFI Local Link Wexford Bus Route 384 will provide a service from Enniscorthy to Wexford serving the villages of:

Tomnalossett  Wilton  Bree  Ballyhogue

Kilurin  Glynn  Ferrycarrig

The route commenced on 13th February, and the timetable is reproduced on this page. There are five return services each day from Monday to Saturday and four every Sunday.

This new route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authoritiy (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland Network.

The new service provides improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services from Wexford to Enniscorthy and facilitates onward travel to South Wexford, Waterford, Carlow,

384 Wexford to Enniscorthy

Wicklow and Dublin. The new route also provides improved access to medical services in St John’s Community Hospital, local libraries, local town bus services and tourist attractions such as the Irish National Heritage Park, Enniscorthy Castle, the historic Athenaeum and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.

Speaking about the new route, Mary B O’Leary, TFI Local Link Wexford Manager, said: “We are delighted to have introduced TFI Local Link Service 384 which connects towns and villages from Wexford to Enniscorthy. The new service gives people the opportunity to get to work, visit family, travel to medical appointments, shop locally, attend leisure activities and take in some of the historic sights Co. Wexford has to offer.”

For more route and timetable information, please call TFI Local Link Wexford on 053 9011828. Email: wexford@locallink.ie or visit www.locallinkwexford.ie or their Facebook or Twitter pages. n

TIMETABLE

ENNISCORTHY TO WEXFORD

Fr Tony Scallan is fondly remembered at St. Patrick’s School

THE SLANEY NEWS WAS DELIGHTED TO ATTEND AN EVENT LAST MONTH IN ST PATRICK'S SCHOOL, DRUMGOOLD, ENNISCORTHY, AS A BEAUTIFUL, SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED PORTRAIT OF FR TONY SCALLAN, CREDITED AS THE FOUNDER OF THE SCHOOL, WAS UNVEILED AND WHICH NOW TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE IN THE FOYER OF THAT WONDERFUL NEW BUILDING.

Bishop Emeritus Denis Brennan did the official unveiling of the portrait and spoke fondly about his recollections of Fr Scallan.

Painted by one of Ireland's leading portrait painters, Tony Robinson of Wexford, it's a remarkable piece in many ways not least of which is that Tony never met Fr Scallan and indeed only had one good black & white photo to work from.

Fr. Tony Scallan was a renowned pioneer for services for people with disabilities. In 1964 he organised a meeting that led to the foundation of what was then known as ‘the County Wexford Mentally Handicapped Association’ at a time when there was practically no provision for those with such disabilities.

Over the next ten years, along with the Association’s committee members and volunteers, Fr. Tony Scallan can be credited with laying the foundations for St. Patrick’s school in Enniscorthy, Our Lady of Fatima school in Wexford, St. John of God residential unit at the former Loreto Convent in Enniscorthy and County Wexford Community Workshop (now known as Reach Ability).

Members of the Scallan family were present on the evening to appreciate all the kind words spoken acknowledging the contribution Fr. Scallan made to establishing St. Patrick’s School in the 1960s leading to where it is today, 54 years later, one of the finest schools of its type not just in Ireland, but indeed in the world. n

Bishop Emeritus Denis Brennan unveils the new portrait.

The new portrait of Fr Tony Scallan is revealed.

L-R: Lee Rogers (Principal, St Patrick’s School), Eugene Doyle (St Patrick’s School Trustee), Bishop Emeritus Denis Brennan, Norman Buttle (South East Radio who supported the commissioning of the painting), Tony Robinson (portrait artist).

L-R: Catherine Barnes (Parents’ Council, St Patrick’s School), Sinead Aylward (Parents’ Council), Bishop Emeritus Denis Brennan, Catherine Cloke (Chairperson, Parents’ Council).

The Scallan family with Bishop Denis Brennan at the unveiling.

L-R: Lee Rogers (Principal, St Patrick’s School), Tony Robinson (portrait artist), Eugene Doyle (St Patrick’s School Trustee), and Bishop Emeritus Denis Brennan, beside the new portrait.

Lee Rogers (Principal, St Patrick’s School), welcomes the attendees.

The artist Tony Robinson speaks about the painting.

Eugene Doyle was MC for the occasion.

International Women’s Day

112 YEARS ON –THE POWER OF LEADERSHIP!

March 8th has become synonymous with International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate the achievements of women across continents, cultures, commerce and caring – across all the various roles and responsibilities that women take on each and every day in our society.

On Wednesday 8th March 2023, to celebrate International Women’s Day, the Talbot Hotel, Wexford, found itself at the centre of a very upLIFTing occasion with

100 women gathering to focus on the power of leadership and equity as a powerful force for business and personal success. LIFT Ireland, assisted by the very capable Transition Year students from Ramsgrange Community School, led the room in completing a LIFT Round-Table focused on listening as a leadership skill.

The LIFT-trained students led the reading and listening exercise for the women, who then had to grade themselves on their listening skills from the exercise.

Listening and hearing are not the same thing as many of the women found out! Mayor of the Borough District Maura Bell definitely had the ears of the audience as she held the room spellbound while explaining the historical significance of women gathering to lead change in Wexford, referencing the actions of women in Wexford 112 years previously when the women of Wexford supported their male counterparts in resisting the efforts of the Wexford Lockout only a few hundred yards from the Talbot Hotel.

Attendees at the Wexford Local Enterprise Office LIFT Ireland event in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford, on 8th March 2023 to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Attendees at the Wexford Local Enterprise Office LIFT Ireland event in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford, to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Leadership, as illustrated by Her Worship Ms. Bell’s story of the women of the lockout, comes in many forms and often from unlikely sources, but good leadership has the potential to achieve amazing outcomes and achievements, and the idea of women leading change is certainly not new or novel.

The Local Enterprise Office Wexford and LIFT Ireland, as a follow-on from the event for International Women’s Day, will be putting in place a free training programme to train LIFT Facilitators, who will in turn roll out the LIFT Roundtable Programme to people, businesses and communities across Wexford, strengthening leadership skills and abilities and raising the quality of leadership across our county.

LIFT Ireland is a social enterprise initiative aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland. Leadership is not limited to a select few and everyone can be a leader in their own way. LIFT Ireland wants to help build a nation of positive leaders. It believes that the more people ‘living LIFT’, the better the future we create for our country. n

Darkness Into Light 2023, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, will take place at 4:15am on the morning of Saturday, May 6th 2023, in over 200 locations in Ireland and across the world to raise funds for Pieta.

Founded in Dublin in 2006, Pieta was established to provide free, accessible, oneto-one counselling to people suffering from suicidal ideation, engaging in selfharm or to those bereaved by suicide. With over 200 qualified therapists across 15 physical centres, Pieta does everything it can to ensure that help is available to those in crisis.

Pieta is 80% funded by fundraising events like Darkness Into Light. Without Darkness Into Light supporters, Pieta couldn’t provide vital, free services to people impacted by suicide and self-harm.

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

Wexford town, start time 4:15am, Location: St. Joseph's Community Centre. Register for either the Enniscorthy or Wexford town event at: https://www.darknessintolight.ie/event/wexford

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

L-R: Joanne Hession (Founder of LIFT Ireland) and Breege Cosgrave (Head of Enterprise, LEO Wexford).

St Patrick’s Day Carraig Briste st

Carraig Briste Early Years, David

For the children in Carraig Briste Early Years, Davidstown, St Patrick’s Day means getting dressed up, having fun as well as learning more about St Patrick.

Above, L-R: 1. Richie getting dressed up, having fun, and learning more a 2. Children from the Forrest group. 3. Cian. 4. Forrest group. 5. Proprietor Orla 6. James, Orlagh and Harvey the dog.

Left: Harry, Proprietor Orlagh, Odhean and Noah. Right, L-R: 1. Jade and Caoimhe. 2. Caitlin. 3. Roisin, Orlagh and

Photos in this row L-R:

1. Emma and Orlagh.

2. Ned, Oscar, Oliver, Orlagh and Noah.

3. Noah and Orlagh.

4. Pippa.

5. Ellen and Seamie.

6. Maria and Ned.

Below L-R: 1. Evan, Orlagh and Oliver. 2. Zara and Amy. 3. Roisin, Orlagh, Luka. 4. Rossa. 5. Amy, Orlagh and the Beech Room children. 6. Lucy. 7. Ste

–tyle stown

about St Patrick. agh Doyle with Jack.

d Lottie.

Hugo, Rossa and ephanie and Caitlin.

CO. WEXFORD STUDENTS SET FOR CROKE PARK ENTREPRENEURSHIP FINAL

Local Enterprise Office Wexford has announced that teenage entrepreneurs from St. Mary’s CBS in Enniscorthy, Ramsgrange Community School and Coláiste Éamonn Rís in Wexford Town will represent Wexford at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Finals on Friday 5th May. The Finals make a return to Croke Park for the first time since 2019.

The students all took part in the Student Enterprise county final on Thursday 9th March, which was held at Wexford County Council headquarters, with over 400 people in attendance. Over 1,400 students from 18 different schools across the county took part in the Student Enterprise Programme in Wexford this year.

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

In the Junior Category, representing Wexford at the National Finals will be: Alexander Miller from Wasteknot at Coláiste Éamonn Rís in Wexford Town.

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

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

Special guests at the Wexford Final on 9th March included Paul Kehoe TD who is the Chair of the Education & Higher Education Dáil Parliamentary Committee, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr. George Lawlor, and Mayor of the

Borough District of Wexford Cllr. Maura Bell.

Last year, Wexford took home the overall 2nd place prize in the Intermediate category at the National Finals when a team from Ramsgrange Community School represented the county. Another minicompany from Gorey Community College picked up a national award too last year. This was preceded the year before by students from Bridgetown College and St Mary’s Secondary School in New Ross winning four different trophies at the national level.

Speaking at the county final, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development in Wexford County Council Breege Cosgrave congratulated the students, saying, “We have a very successful student enterprise programme here in Wexford, with

over 1,400 students from 18 local schools taking part this year. Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme and we wish them the very best of luck on Friday 5th, and we will all hope to be there to support them. In what has been a particularly challenging couple of years for students, the programme has offered them an outlet outside of the usual school demands.

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

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

Pic: Ger Hore.

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

The Student Enterprise Programme also has new range of online resources for 2022/2023 at www.StudentEnterprise.ie, which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of Student Enterprise resources for students and teachers.

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

Wexford Junior Category Winner

(1st years): Wasteknot

Student: Alexander Miller

School: Coláiste Éamonn Rís, Wexford

Teacher: Ms. Ann Barry.

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

Students: Alison Duffin, Amy Duffin

School: Ramsgrange Community School

Teacher: Ms. Louise Walsh.

Wexford Senior Category Winner

(TYs and older): Organis3d

Students: John Kavanagh, Brian Murphy,

Nolan

School: St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy Teacher: Ms. Martina Barry.

Further information is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #studententerprise or #wexfordsep on social media.

All 24 trophy winners from this year’s county-level award ceremony can be found at:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Student-Enterprise/Wexford-SEP2023-RESULTS/ n

Fionn

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

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

Kellie Cloke, Bunclody Vocational College, was runner-up in the Senior Category, pictured with teacher Sinéad Kinsella. Pic: Ger Hore.

Student Enterprise County Final

9th March, 2023, at Wexford Co. Council head office, Carricklawn, Wexford. All

Mico, Eve and the team at Enniscorthy Castle have worked closely with a number of Wexford ICA guilds to highlight the past and present of the organisation, their community initiatives and their importance to the social fabric of Ireland. This work is now being showcased at a new, temporary exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle which was launched on 2nd March 2023 and will run until June 2023, and is included in the general admission price to the Castle.

The Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) was founded in May 1910 by Anita Lett in Bree, Co. Wexford. Its aim was “to improve the standard of life in rural Ireland through Education and Cooperative effort”.

A lot has happened since 1910 and much of it is now remembered in “Enterprise & Determination” – a unique exhibition now running at Enniscorthy Castle illustrating the origins and development of

the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) and showcasing the variety of crafts, skills and achievements of the ICA women through the years. This new, temporary exhibition’s arrival was timed nicely to coincide closely with International Women’s Day.

Members of the local Wexford guilds attended the exhibition and enjoyed the comprehensive display curated in-house by Mico Hassett and her team.

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

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy with Breda Cahill, President of Wexford Federation of ICA, and local ICA members, at Enniscorthy Castle for the launch of the ICA exhibition there.

Breda Cahill, President of Wexford Federation of ICA.

L-R: Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Breda Cahill cutting the ribbon to launch the exhibition, Mico Hassett (Manager, Enniscorthy Castle).

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

Sharon, Niamh and Ray Quirke.

Top left: Inspecting some of the exhibits.

Top right: Georgina Keena (Gorey ICA), Breda Cahill (President of Wexford Federation of ICA) and Lillian Mahon (Vice-President, Gorey ICA).

Above left: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Mary Somers. Above: Listening intently. Below left: Mico Hassett (Manager, Enniscorthy Castle) addresses the attendees. Below right: Mary Furlong, Breda Cahill, Cllr Aidan Browne and Helen Furlong.

International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day, I had the pleasure of attending two lovely, informative, and interactive events, the first was a Networking Breakfast at White’s Hotel, Wexford, organised by Permanent TSB with guest speaker, Mayor of Wexford, the straight talking, effervescent, and inspiring Maura Bell.

Beginning at 8am, it needed someone of Maura’s calibre and positivity to get us all out of bed and on the road shortly after 7am and she didn’t disappoint advising all of us to give ourselves a simple pat on the back, ‘celebrate yourself and what you do, each morning look in the mirror and say you can do it, you will have a great day today, and then every night look in the mirror again and thank the person looking back at you for the great day you’ve had.’

Sound advice from a sound Hun. Maura is always a breath of fresh air and encouraged all the women in attendance to embrace equity, ‘It’s not about taking over,’ she said, ‘It’s all about playing an equal part.’

I was delighted to meet with newly appointed TSB Regional Manager Eilis Mannion, the first female to hold the position with responsibility for no less than 35 branches, and learn that I had made the acquaintance of her aunt and uncle, John and Maura Mannion, when I visited Newfoundland.

John Mannion is the man responsible for

digitising over 150,000 records of those who left the counties of the South East for a new and better life in Newfoundland in the 1800s.

Eilis’s advice to the women present was to have confidence in themselves and their abilities and stop thinking about all the don’t haves but rather concentrate on all the abilities and traits they have.

‘It is all about networking and supporting each other and that’s what events such as this are trying to promote and encourage.’

Well done to Permanent TSB for a most engaging and enjoyable, albeit early, event.

My second engagement for International Women’s Day was at the iconic Enniscorthy Castle, where I was part of a panel of creative women chaired by Councillor Barbara-Anne Murphy.

The panel included Lisa Byrne, Manager at the Presentation Arts Centre, Mico Hassett, Manager of the Castle and 1798 Centre, Artist Mary Wallace, Poet Nora Clifford, Sports woman Eileen Hawkins, Musician and Songwriter AnneMarie Kearney and Yours Truly.

To say that I enjoyed the evening would be an understatement.

What a gathering. What a coming together of artistic and creative people.

What an evening of support, networking, shared experiences, survival techniques, positivity, coffee, cake and the greatest of all laughs.

Definitely an event to be repeated as each of these amazingly creative women spoke about themselves, their lives and their work, indeed if the fire had been lighting in the wonderfully ornate fireplace in the fabulously comfortable Castle drawing room, I think we’d still be there sharing stories, snippets, and secrets.

Thank you to Mico Hassett and the staff of Enniscorthy Castle for organising the event and for the kind invitation and let’s not wait until International Women’s Day 2024 for more of the same.

– Maria Nolan

Maria Nolan with Permanent TSB Regional Manager Eilis Mannion at their international women’s day networking breakfast.

Permanent TSB networking breakfast.

A conversation with some of Wexford’s creative women on International Women’s Day at Enniscorthy Castle

A number of leading women creatives came together on 8th March at Enniscorthy Castle to discuss a variety of topics including finding a good work/life balance, how to balance a creative work life while having a family, changes in education over the years and current topical conversations including the Referendum on removing the constitutional reference to woman’s ‘life within the home’ to be held in November. n

Top photo: Mary Wallace (painter), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (moderator), Nora Clifford (poet) and Mico Hassett (Manager Enniscorthy Castle).

Above: Anne Marie Kearney (musician, songwriter), Mary Wallace (painter) and Maria Nolan (author).

Left: Lisa Byrne (Visual Arts Manager, The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy), Anne Marie Kearney (musician, songwriter), and Maria Nolan (author).

Above left: Oscar and Tiernan O’Keeffe.

Above right: 6th Class at their Confirmation. Left: Ella and Yvonne Smyth.

Right: Betty Breen, Fr Denis Kelly, Mark O’Connor (teacher), Tyler Nicol, and his sponsors.

Above left: Elaine Goff, Jofie Kenny Goff and David Goff. Above centre: Hallen, Tyler and Maggie Nicol.

Above right: Betty Breen, Fr Denis Kelly, Mark O’Connor (teacher), Kirsty Butler and her sponsors.

Above left: Roiseen Arrigan, Ciara Murphy and Ella Smyth. Above centre: Young school mates. Above right: Orla Power and Roisin Arrigan.

Wexford PRIDE – lots happening

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ballymoney beach accessibility

Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the fact that funding has now been secured to make the path to Ballymoney Beach more accessible. It is hoped that this work along with building an accessible toilet alongside existing toilets can be completed by the summer season. Tenders for the work are now being issued.

Senator Byrne says, “Thank you to Wexford County Council for prioritising this project and particular recognition to Matthew McGrath who has been actively campaigning to ensure that this happens.” n

You’re all invited!

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

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

Enniscorthy Drama AGM

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

Street Rhythms Dance Fest –table quiz winners

Congratulations to the Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Dance Fest fundraising table quiz winners on Friday 24th March in Enniscorthy Golf Club: Mark Kirwan, Eva Morrissey, Ken McGannon and Steven O'Brien. They were in a league of their own! The Festival organisers thank all the teams who took part, the sponsors and the golf club. It was a great fun night with lots of spot prizes, a quiz with a difference and raised muchneeded funds for the festival.

This year, the Street Rhythms Dance Fest will take place over the June Bank Holiday weekend. There will be a whole new sustainability section to the festival so keep an eye out for more details on this very exciting new event. Keep a regular eye on ‘Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Dance Fest’ on Facebook. n

Blackwater Confirmation

Scoil Naomh Bríde, Blackwater, Confirmation Class 2023 in Blackwater Church on 26th March 2023. Fr Brendan Nolan PP, Kathleen O’Brien (Principal) and Mr. Ó Tiarnaigh (teacher).

Oylegate School Confirmation

St David’s Church, Oylegate, 15th March 2023.

Above left: Amy, Ruby Shiggins and Ailish Doyle.

Above centre: Claire and Cormac Mullins, Philip Nolan, Sean, Michael and Mary Mullins. Above right: Jack and Patrick Harris. Left: Marie Thorpe, Cora, Sarah, Cillian, John, Mark Mackey and Jim Thorpe.

Below left: Charlie, Donal, Louide, Adam and Amber O’Brien.

Below centre: Mia Kinsella and Shane Keeling. Below right: Brian, Rachel and Lena Doyle. Bottom left: Daniel, Eileen, Clara, Shane and Sam Nolan.

Bottom centre: Enda, Sean and Julith Cotter.

right: Dathi Kinsella and M J Reck.

Bottom

letter to editor...

Dear Editor,

To mark World Health Day (April 7), COPD Support Ireland will host a free webinar, “Living Your Best Life with COPD”, for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD. Perhaps more well-known as bronchitis or emphysema, there are an estimated 380,000 people living with COPD in Ireland. Its key symptoms are ongoing breathlessness and a persistent cough, with or without phlegm. We know that for people with COPD, the world around them can very suddenly shrink.

With this webinar, the aim is to show that, with simple lifestyle changes, you can still have the life you wish to live with COPD.

It will feature a number of contributions on different aspects of living with COPD, including maintaining mental fitness, reigniting your joy of cooking, and rediscovering the benefits of outdoor activity.

Speakers include well-known psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy, award-winning

landscape gardener, David Shortall, and chef, author and TV presenter, Adrian Martin. The webinar will be introduced by Miss Ireland, Dr Ivanna McMahon.

The webinar, on Friday April 7, takes place from 12 midday to 1.30pm, and is completely free of charge.

To register, or for more information on living with COPD, visit www.copd.ie. Alternatively, you can call the COPD Ad-

viceLine on Freefone 1800 832 146 to make an appointment to speak to a COPD specialist nurse or physiotherapist.

Yours sincerely,

Joan Johnston

General Manager

COPD Support Ireland

51 Bracken Road

Sandyford

Dublin 18 n

SETU is crowned champion!

In recognition of its significant strides towards inclusive gender equality, South East Technological University (SETU) was presented with Europe’s first ‘Inclusive Gender Equality Champion’ award in Brussels on 8th March at a special event to mark International Women’s Day.

This important award recognises organisations that have developed the most innovative, inclusive Gender Equality Plan addressing intersections with other social categories such as ethnicity, social origin, sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTI+) or disability.

Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at SETU, said, “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the staff and students at South East Technological University. There are many across our university community who have contributed to our success here today, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their efforts to embed inclusive gender equality across our university campuses. n

Dr Allison Kenneally (right), Vice President for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at SETU, accepting the award.

Dr Eddie Murphy

Dr Ivanna McMahon

Bunclody’s Jean flying the flag for Wexford

In the opening address for the Irish Hotel Federation Annual Conference 2023 ‘Sustainable Development – A Shared Vision’, held on 6th March 2023 in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, IHF President Denyse Campbell emphasised the importance of delivering a sustainable future in which economic growth, social responsibility and environmental protection go hand in hand.

Bunclody resident Jean O’Connell was introduced by the IHF President to a full room as a marketing professional with in-depth knowledge, focus, energy and passion for tourism and business growth. Jean was described as a strategic planner with a direct, straight-talking and results-based approach. Jean’s company, O Connell Marketing (OCM), guided the success of the Irelandhotels.com Go Anywhere Gift Card –with gift sales of €6m currently being redeemed in over 400 member hotels and guesthouses across Ireland.

The results and demand for these marketing skills are reflected in the growth of Jean’s company – now a team of 8 with remote hybrid working in place in which 50% of the team are Co. Wexford based. The company is proven to be a leading marketing agency serving na-

tional and international clients. The talented OCM team are collectively motivated by results, highly sought after for their creativity, innovation, digital marketing, PR, brand development, communications, event and destination marketing.

Workshop Overview and Panel –Ahead of the Game Marketing & Media Trends & Tactics

Jean was joined by a superb panel who dived into some of the current tourism and hospitality travel trends, as well as discussing Digital, Sound and PR and how they can be integrated for the best results in an ever-changing and demanding digital world.

The Panel:

● Siobhan Gavigan, Managing Director, The Radio Room.

● Christiane Foller, Digital Marketing Services Manager, Net Affinity.

● Sharon Noonan, PR & Marketing Consultant & Best Possible Taste Podcast.

● Mark Scott-Lennon, Managing Director, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel & IHF Vice President.

County Wexford was well represented in Killarney with Ivan Yates delivering a notable discussion with guest speaker Ronan O’Gara on a multitude of topics but in particular focusing on Leadership, Growth Mindset and Performance to a full house with over 700 attendees.

On a lighter fashion note, Jean loves and encourages shopping local with her own purple piece sourced from Elegance Boutique in Bunclody! n

Flying the flag for Co. Wexford, Bunclody’s Jean O'Connell (third from right) hosts the marketing workshop at the Irish Hotel Federation Conference on 6th March 2023 in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry. L-R: Sharon Noonan, PR & Marketing Consultant & Best Possible Taste Podcast; Christiane Foller, Digital Marketing Services Manager, Net Affinity; Denyse Campbell, IHF President; Jean O’Connell, Managing Director, O’Connell Marketing; Siobhan Gavigan, Managing Director, The Radio Room; and Mark Scott-Lennon, Managing Director, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel & IHF Vice President. Pic: Domnick Walsh Photography.

Ronan O’Gara (right) discusses Leadership, Growth Mindset and Performance with Ivan Yates on the second day of the conference in the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, Co.Kerry. Pic: Domnick Walsh Photography.

Castledockrell-Marshalstown

Castledockrell Church of All Saints, 1

Two photos above: CastledockrellMarshalstown school group and teachers at the Confirmation.

Helena Dunbar and members of both choirs.

James Connors with his sponsor Linda and Emily Walsh and Rob Williams.

Kevin, Nina, Mathew, Zoe and Mary Naughton.

Maeve O’Sullivan, Aoibhin Haughton and Orla O’Sullivan. Peter Waffing on guitar at the

Confirmation 6th March 2023

Harry Tomkins and his family.

About to be Confirmed by Fr. Billy Caulfield is Hugo Morris with his sponsors.

Above left: Kyle, Shannon, Lian and Louise Dagg. Above right: Jamie Ryan and Jamie McCann.

Samuel Redmond with his sponsors.

Kacie Morris with sponsors Sarah Morris and John Murphy. Anne Hughes, Dylan Johnson, Michael Hughes and Ryan Johnson. Alice Connors.

ceremony.

Above left: Fionn and Mary Roche. Above right: Martin, Willow, Lely May and Amy Furlong.

Left: Pamela Ryan, Rebecca and Brian Hynes.

This row, L-R:

1. Tanya, Adam, Elisabeth and Ava Downe.

2. Jamie, Alex, Lena, Cian and Neville Byrne.

3. Charlie, Lucy and Theresa Barry.

4. Kathleen, Michelle and Frank Cooney.

5. Paris, Leona and Shanin Reynolds.

Above left: Scoil Mhuire Coolcotts Confirmation, Thursday group, with Mons. Denis Lennon, Fr. Barry Larkin, Mags Jordan, Principal, Maria Kehoe and Claire Juggan. Above centre: Daniel, Brian, Holly and Jennifer Murphy. Above right: That’s a nice photo on your phone! Holly Murphy, Michelle Cullen and Rebecca Looney.

Above left: Michael Browne, Rebecca Hynes and Michelle Ryan. Above centre: John, Reily Kehoe and Catherina Kelly. Above right: Diah Bobin and Daniel Wall.

This row, L-R:

1. Iwona Warchol, Arthur, Patrick, Oscar and Sarra Szymanski.

2. Emily Hunt and Noreen Kenny.

3. Aoibheann, Nessa, Philip, Sean and Lisa McCauley.

4. Anthony, Michelle and Catherine Cooney.

5. David, Michelle and Jannet Cullen.

A happy announcement

It was a milestone moment for the south east on 27th March 2023 as South East Technological University (SETU) was granted approval to purchase 20 acres of the Waterford Crystal site for expansion purposes.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD made the announcement which will see SETU expand its footprint in Waterford while furthering the vision to create a University-Enterprise Quarter for the city and region.

Minister Harris said, “The purchase of the site will allow SETU expand and grow, and crucially embed in the city of Waterford. Today is a new dawn for this site. Here SETU will grow and this site will once again become a bustling site for students, research, and enterprise for the people of Waterford..."

Prof Veronica Campbell, SETU President, warmly welcomed the funding announcement saying, “I would like to thank Minister Harris and the Higher Education Authority for their support of our collective vision and for providing the first phase of funding to allow that vision become a reality.

"As a university embedded in our region, our ambition is to bring together academia, research, industry and our communities to create a hub of knowledge, learning, enterprise, innovation and creativity."

Over the next two years, SETU will further develop the vision for the University-Enterprise Quarter, engage with stakeholders and the wider community, undertake design and apply for planning, all aligned with the strategic planning process of the University. n

Photos above and below: Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD meets students and management at South East Technological University in Waterford. Pic: Mary Browne.

Barrie happy to make a ‘clean’ break after 20 years

On the evening of 31st March 2023, Barrie Sutton closed the door for the last time on his well known "Enniscorthy Cleaners" premises in Abbey Square after 20 years serving the people of the town and surrounding district. Prior to those 20 years, the premises functioned as a supermarket which was run by Barrie's own father, so the Sutton family has had a long and distinguished involvement in the commercial life of the town.

Barrie's contribution to Enniscorthy was acknowledged by Cllr Jackser Owens at the March meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District and was echoed by his fellow Councillors.

Barrie himself told us, "I would like to express my deep gratitude to all my loyal customers over the last 20 years, also to thank Anne and Helen for all their hard work. I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the amount of good wishes and gifts I have received since I announced my retirement. It has been a privilege."

Judging by the happy photo (above) we took on Barrie’s last day, Barrie is looking forward to a long, healthy and well deserved retirement. n

Screen Confirmation 24th M

Fr Denis Kelly PP administers Confirmation to the 5th Class pupils of Screen national school.

Above two photos: 5th Class Confirmation group from Screen National School in Screen Chu

Screen Confirmation 24th M

Above two photos: 6th Class Confirmation group from Screen National School in Screen Chu Photos on right and below: Fr Denis Kelly PP administers Confirmation to the 6th Class pupils

urch on 24th March 2023. sof Screen national school.

March 2023

Wexford

County Council

invites applicants for the following posts: Physical Activity for Health Officer (1 year contract)

Ukrainian Refugee Matching and Relationship Manager (1 year contract)

Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie

Please note all applications for the above posts must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie

Printed hard copies will NOT be accepted for the above posts.

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for these posts is:

5.00pm on Thursday 20th April, 2023.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Earcaíocht

Tugann Comhairle Contae Loch Garman

cuireadh d’iarratasóirí do na poist seo a leanas:

Oifigeach Gníomhaíocht Choirp don tSláinte (conradh bliana)

Bainisteoir Meaitseála agus Caidrimh do Dhídeanaithe na hÚcráine (conradh bliana)

Is trí agallamh a dhéanfar gach post a roghnú agus féadfar iarrthóirí a chur ar ghearrliosta bunaithe ar iarratais a chuirtear isteach. Féadfar painéil a bhunú ónar féidir folúntais amach anseo a líonadh.

Tá cáilíochtaí, foirmeacha iarratais agus sonraí breise do gach post ar fáil ónár suíomh Gréasáin ag www.wexfordcoco.ie

Tabhair faoi deara le do thoil nach mór gach iarratas ar na poist thuas a Chlóscríobh agus a chur isteach trí Ríomhphost amháin chuig recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie

NÍ ghlacfar le cóipeanna crua clóite do na poist thuas.

Is é an dáta deiridh chun foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe a chuir isteach don poist seo:

5.00 in Déardaoin 20 Aibreán, 2023.

Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Comhshaol

Scéim Deontais um Chosc ar Dhramhaíl 2023

Tá iarratais á lorg anois ó ghrúpaí bailte slachtmhara, ó ghrúpaí pobail agus ó ghrúpaí deonacha eile don scéim deontas um chosc dramhaíola. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an scéim seo tacú le pobail céimeanna a ghlacadh maidir le cosc, athúsáid agus gníomhaíochtaí deisiúcháin dramhaíola ina gceantair áitiúla.

Áirítear le tionscadail incháilithe a d’fhéadfaí a mhaoiniú, ach nach bhfuil teoranta dóibh:

• Ceardlanna scileanna deisiúcháin

• Ceardlanna uaschúrsála

• Deireadh a chur le míreanna aonúsáide

• Cosc ar dhramhaíl bia

Is féidir iarratas a chur isteach ar líne anois. www.wexfordcoco.ie/localwastepreventiongrant

Cuir glaoch má tá aon cheist agat (053) 9196684.

Is é an dáta deiridh chun iarratais a chuir isteach ná 5 in Dé hAoine 12 Bealtaine 2023.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993

Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Sunday, 23 April 2023, to facilitate the holding of the Pettitt’s Wexford Half Marathon.

Road Closure 1: L3505-2 – The Faythe (Billy Kelly Pub side of the road ONLY), from the northwest boundary wall of the Faythe Guest House to the start of the fork in the road opposite Mulligan’s Funeral Home.

Times: From 06.00 to 16.00 on Sunday, 23 April 2023 (Road Closure 1).

Alternative Route: From Faythe Lane to Kevin Barry Street to Parnell Street to Trinity Street to William Street to The Faythe to Faythe Lane.

Road Closure 2: L3507-1 & 2 (Coolballow Road) from its Junction with the Rosslare Road (R730) to the Rathaspeck Roundabout.

Times: From 10.15 to 13.15 on Sunday, 23 April 2023 (Road Closure 2).

Alternative Route: From the Rathaspeck Roundabout to Piercetown to Levitstown to the Rosslare Road via the L3042, L3043, N25 and the R730.

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

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road(s) should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 28 March 2023 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

Waste Prevention Grant Scheme 2023

Applications are now invited from tidy towns groups, community groups and other voluntary groups for the waste prevention grant scheme. This scheme aims to support communities to take steps on waste prevention, re-use and repair activities in their local areas.

Eligible projects that could be funded, but are not limited to, include:

• Repair skills workshops

• Upcycling workshops

• Elimination of single-use items

• Food waste prevention

An application can now be submitted on-line by logging onto www.wexfordcoco.ie/localwastepreventiongrant

Any queries please phone (053) 9196684.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm, Friday 12th May 2023.

Enniscor

Above left: Trish and Lucy Breen were well set up for the weather at the Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Above: The Boys are back in town to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Left: Mary Walsh and Tadhg McKinley at the Enniscorthy Parade. Below: Looking the part as they watched the Parade were Seamus O’Farrell and Lani Campbell.

Below left: Two members of Enniscorthy Gymnastics taking part in the Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Below right: The best seats in the house at the Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Above left: Pau

Above right: Not w Millie Dempse

Below left: Th Belo Below

rthy St Patrick’s Day Parade

17th March 2023

he St Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Enniscorthy. ow centre: The Moran Family were enjoying the day on Friday 17th March. right: Happy they got ice cream for the Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Left: Grace and Aidan Kearney at the Enniscorthy St Patrick`s Day Parade.

Above: All set for the big parade was Roisin O’Connor.

l Kehoe TD and Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash share a joke at the Enniscorthy Reviewing Stand. waiting for the Parade but queuing instead for green ice cream in Abbey Square, Selena Roche, ey, Chorin and Emma Roche. Below: Aspire Gymnastics putting on a display at the Parade.

Proudly sporting the St Patrick’s Day colours were Hugo and Lucy Adamson.

Lots happening this Easter at Enniscorthy Castle

The management and staff of Enniscorthy Castle are so EGGSCITED to have lots of fantastic Easter activities there for young and older alike.

On 2nd April they started the Easter holidays off with a bang, hosting a children's puppet show! Presented by Red Moon Creative Arts Theatre on Sunday the 2nd of April at 2pm, this was a fun event for all the family.

A drop-in event “Soaps & Suds”, takes place on Saturday, 8th April, from 1pm-3pm with the amazing Lorraine from Gallivanting.ie

Go along and make your very own soap, choose your own colours and scents, and add whatever decorations you want to bring from home! A lego man, matchbox car, figurine, it's up to you!

This event is Free on payment of normal admission to the Castle. An activity not to be missed!

Enniscorthy Castle has a fantastic ‘Wild Garlic Demo’ on Saturday, 8th April, at 5pm.

Lorraine will demonstrate how to identify, pick, and cook with

wild garlic. After this wonderful demonstration, you will never need to buy garlic again!

€10 per person, booking recommended but not essential. To book call 053-9234699.

More events may be announced, so keep an eye on the Enniscorthy Castle social media pages. n

Beachlodge Coffee Morning

If, like me, you are unaware of a wonderful service operating in our town of Enniscorthy at Westcliff House, Munster Hill, directly opposite St. John’s Hospital, then I am about to enlighten you.

Recently, I attended a Coffee Morning for Beachlodge Children Residential House at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, and was pleased to learn that Beachlodge is a residential facility for children with disabilities located in the picturesque setting of Westcliff House and gardens.

The service provides a therapeutic model of care for children from the ages of 6 to 18 with varying degrees of autism.

Under the auspices of Terraglen Residential Care Services and administered by a team of professionals, who believe in a better tomorrow for their clients, Director Aisling Conroy explained that Beachlodge House’s mission is to provide the best possible care for those who need it most.

With this in mind, they have decided to add a sensory room at Beachlodge and the well-attended and splendidly delicious coffee morning was a fundraiser for same.

Speaking with Aisling, Justyna Karolkiewicz, and Anne Ryan, it is obvious to see and feel the passion they have for what they are doing and uplifting to hear the level of commitment and dedication for their clients.

Beachlodge provides 24/7 care to a maximum of 6 to 8 children ensuring one-to-one attention and therapy for every child.

So please support this wonderful endeavour in whatever way you can.

– Words & Pics by Maria Nolan

Beachlodge staff at the coffee morning: Chelsea Owens, Gwen Kelly, Caroline O’Connor, Aisling Conroy, Justina Katolkiewicz, Anne Ryan and Rebecca Whitney.

L-R: Anne Gilpin, Anne Ryan and Maria Nolan.

Attendees at the coffee morning in The Presentation Centre.

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

YOGA AND PRANAYAMA –ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING

Last week we touched on the importance of the breath in regulating our nervous systems and I introduced the breathwork technique of ‘’Pranayama’’ (prana meaning the vital force and yama meaning expansion) which is one of the most central yoga practices. Pranayama can then

be explained as ‘’expansion of the vital force”. We can also refer to Pranayama as ‘’retention of the breath’’. Through this practice we slow down and extend the breath so that the inner prana or higher life force can manifest. This aids in slowing down the mind and facilitating meditation. One type of Pranayama practice is Alternate Nostril Breathing which we will look at now.

Alternate nostril breathing is the most important pranayama technique used in Ayurveda. It requires blocking the nostrils alternately during practice. First spread out the palm of your right hand. Turn down your index and middle fingers. Extend the other two fingers and the thumb. Place these on the bridge of the nose with the thumb on the right side and the extended fingers on the

left. Use them to block the nostrils as needed. For example, start by blocking the right nostril with the thumb, breathe in through the left nostril. Block off the left nostril with ring finger, open right nostril and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat on either side for as long as needed.

So why practice Pranayama?

The right side and left nostrils correspond to the right and left side of the body. The right side of the trunk contains the main organs responsible for digestion – the liver, gall bladder, right kidney. The left side of the body incorporating the heart, stomach, left kidney, along with the right ear, eye, nostril, hand and foot.

Benefits include:

 Treats the nervous system, respiratory and circulatory.

 Internal massage of the organs through inhalation and exhalation.

 Dispels toxins.

 Counters depression, releases grief and attachments.

 Reduces stress and tension.

Namaste.

086 0263713

Facebook:

‘Yoga With Julie’

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

Cosmic Rebels Con to benefit children with special needs

Judo Assist Ireland is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of inclusive judo, both nationally and internationally. Through focusing on the Ability and not the Disability, it operates a national / international Special Needs / Autism activity and inclusion programme specifically designed to encourage physical activity, inclusion, competitiveness and wellbeing to a variety of young people and adults.

In 2022, Judo Assist Ireland supported 11 judoka (judo players) to compete at the International Swiss Adaptive Judo Festival in Poschiavo, Switzerland. The team of athletes represented Ireland with distinction, working to the very best of their ability on the international stage and their success was phenomenal. This year, it has doubled the squad and selected 25 athletes (13 from Co. Wexford) to represent Ireland at the International Flower of Inclusion Festival in Loutraki, Greece.

Local man Sean Davitt, Judo Assist Team Ireland Coach & Social Inclusion Director, says, “As we are a non-profit organisation and 100% self-funded, we rely on the generosity and support of our communities, our members and friends to help us make events and opportunities like this possible for our incredible athletes.

“For some, this will be their first time representing Ireland on the international stage. For most of us, this would be a very challenging prospect. Considering the challenges that our players already experience daily, we cannot help but be in awe at their personal achievements.

“We would like to share a very heartfelt thank you to the organisers of the Cosmic Rebels Comic Con for joining us on our journey of discovery, determination, joy and inclusion by becoming a supporter for Judo Assist Team Ireland at the Riverside Park Hotel on the 16th of April 2023. We will have donation buckets available onsite on the day and any support is most welcome.” n

This year's good cause... raising funds for a group of special needs children who are part of an Irish judo team flying out to compete in Greece.

Enniscorthy’s Sharon wins national GLammie award

On 26th March, Ireland’s leading hair extensions brand Great Lengths hosted The GLammies, a gala event at Medley at Fleet Street, Dublin, where eight awards were handed out to delighted winners.

The GLammies are the ultimate awards for hair extension specialists. Over one hundred of Ireland’s top hair extensions experts gathered to celebrate the very best in the sector. The event was MC’d by TV and radio presenter Brian Dowling.

The GLammies by Great Lengths seek to celebrate the craft and creativity of hair stylists and salons across the Republic of Ireland and the business of extensions. With six creative categories and two business categories including the coveted Great Lengths Trophy for Extension Excellence, stylists across the country created their most daring and innovative looks to stand out amongst their peers in each category.

Rachel-Marie Walsh, former Editor at Large of Creative HEAD Ireland, Karina Corbett, editor of Professional Beauty Ireland and supermodel Sophie Anderton were tasked to choose the finalists of each category and award the overall Great Lengths Trophy for Extension Excellence.

CEO of HB Collective, the home of Great Lengths, Joscelin McCourt said of the event, “This is the 11th anniversary of the GLammies event and the standard gets higher every time.

The creativity, colour and cut of our finalists were without doubt the best to date and I would like to commend each and every one of our finalists and of course our eight winners.”

In the Creative Innovation category, stylists stepped out of their comfort zones to demonstrate unique and experimental concepts whilst creating their looks. And none more so than the winner Sharon Sheehan from Enniscorthy who runs the busy and successful AC Pure hair salon based at the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross.

Sharon and all the winners received tickets for a group tour of the Great Lengths production facility in Rome, with two nights 5-star accommodation, meals and internal transfers for two people.

Winners also received their very own GLammies trophy, logos for marketing, social media coverage and plenty of PR across the country in trade, national and local press – helping them stand out from the competition and mark themselves out as the best in their business.

Great Lengths VIP’s model Aoife Walsh, fashion stylist Rebecca Rose and influencer Molly Roberts also attended the awards night to show support for their stylists on the evening and RTÉ 2FM radio presenter Emma Power provided the tunes into the early morning! n

Left: MC Brian Dowling, Sharon Sheehan from AC Pure and Joscelin McCourt, CEO of HB Collective, the home of Great Lengths.

Above: Sharon’s Creative Innovation category-winning hairstyle.

The Presentation Arts Centre

FRANKENSTEIN BOLTS, GAYLE MURPHY AND YELLOW BELLOWS – April 13th

Following a unique two-day songwriting workshop with CAMHS Wexford, Justin Cullen and Gayle Murphy, musician educators with Music Generation Wexford, will perform a live gig with Frankenstein Bolts and the Yellow Bellows for young people, families, friends and a wider audience at The Presentation Arts Centre, at 7.30pm on 13th April 2023. Admission: €10.

Justin Cullen is a songwriter and recording engineer based in Wexford, and lead singer and songwriter with Irish band Frankenstein Bolts. He has a background in sound recording and editing in music and film-sound and has scored and composed for numerous Irish independent film releases. Justin also delivers workshops on songwriting, movie making, studio recording and stop animation to teens and adults in various schools and arts centres around the country.

Gayle Murphy hails from Monamolin, Co. Wexford. She has played guitar from a very young age and her passion for music grew through the years extending to drums, bass and keyboard. She has performed in several bands over the years and is currently in an acoustic two-piece: "All Imperfect Things”. She has been teaching private guitar lessons for almost 20 years and has been with the Music Generation Wexford team for four years teaching ukulele, singing and songwriting.

Frankenstein Bolts are a dream pop band from Wexford. Their music ranges from breezy summer pop to effects-drenched indie rock. Over the past few years, they have released two albums, an EP and numerous singles. Both albums were very well received by the Irish music press. Frankenstein Bolts have played main stage slots at many of Ireland's biggest festivals including Electric Picnic, Other Voices and Castlepalooza. Over the past couple of years, the band used the lockdown time to write new songs and develop their sound. This time away from live shows gave them a chance to explore new instruments and write enough material for another two albums.

Yellow Bellows is a teenage singing group. The group is led by Music Generation Wexford musician educators Diarmuid Comerford and Anita Mahon. The group meets every Friday from 4:306pm at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

Music Generation Wexford is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s National Performance Music Education programme. Locally, the programme is co-funded by the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board and Wexford County Council. Nationally, initiated by Music Network, it is co-funded by U2, the Ireland Funds and the Department of Education. n

PARISSE MÉTISSE – April 21st

Parisse Métisse, a musical duet without borders, is coming to The Presentation Arts Centre on Friday 21st of April at 8pm. Tickets €10.

Parisse Métisse creates original music incorporating melodic sounds, timbres, and rhythms from around the globe, and in particular the music from Celtic nations (Brittany, Ireland, and Galicia), Africa, India, Asia, and the Middle East.

Comprised of French wife and husband Laetitia and Jean Baptiste Parisse, the duet takes inspiration from its love and appreciation for the people, cultures, and countrysides it has experienced during its travelling. Performances by Parisse Métisse are themselves a voyage beyond borders, to the sounds and rhythms of traditions and music from the world. n

For details and booking: www.presentationcentre.ie

ICA exhibition at the Castle

Above: Cllr Kathleeen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Mico Hassett (Manager, Enniscorthy Castle), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Breda Cahill (President of Wexford Federation of ICA).

Above right: Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Norah Clifford Kelly (Gorey ICA Guild), with some of her award-winning poems in the background.

Right: Cllr Aidan Browne and Maria Nolan.

Below: ICA members Mary Somers, Anne Doran and Norah Clifford Kelly.

Below right: Members of Adamstown ICA Guild in front of their magnificent quilt which dates from 2009. n

See the full story on pages 46-47

JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4 Movie Review with Kyle Walsh 

When I was first introduced to the character John Wick in the first film of this franchise, I was blown away by the action and stunt work. That film bought a different level of action. So for me it has been brilliant going on the thrill ride with John Wick in the first three films each one raising the standards for the action genre.

Who better than Keanu Reeves to play the character of John Wick. Reeves has never been a great actor and is actually quite wooden, but he is one of the best around delivering action characters. He is what you would call an action star. His earlier action roles were also brilliant in my opinion – The Matrix 1, Speed, Point Break to name a few. But he will be always remembered as John Wick. I would argue it has been his definitive role to date. The amount of hand-to-hand and gun work he trained to do for these films is insane.

Another great thing is his dedication to doing all his own stunt work in this role too. Very few actors do their own stunts so fair play to Reeves and of course you have to mention the main man himself Tom Cruise for all his mad stunts too in his films, most notably in the Mission Impossible franchise. Strangely enough, it’s the Mission Impossible and John Wick franchises that have raised the standard for action movies.

One of the greatest action movies I have ever seen is a film called The Raid in 2011. I remember saying to myself – Hollywood, this is how you do an action movie. That film is an Asian one. If you have not watched The Raid yet, find it and watch it, it’s a masterpiece.

So for me, I am absolutely delighted to say that John Wick Chapter 4 is every bit as great as The Raid. It’s as close as Hollywood has gotten to that level of perfection. This film is just an almighty kick-ass action

movie masterpiece. From the opening frame to the very surprising end frame, this film did not let up. The level of action is just unbelievable. This is the best John Wick film out of the four by far. That’s saying something as the other three are amazing.

This film has everything you ever wanted in an action movie – knives, guns, cars, nunchucks, martial arts, flamethrowers, it’s ridiculous what they bring to the table in this film. The stunt work in the film is epic and adrenaline inducing, especially on a staircase near the end of the film. I really have no idea how they filmed that scene – some of the best stunt work I have ever seen on film. That very scene is worth the admission fee alone.

The cinematography in this film is Oscar worthy, the neo noir genre looks absolutely fantastic on the big screen as the bold and vibrant colours in each chaotic scene of this masterpiece are a bold underline statement that what we are witnessing is something so beautiful and special. The story is a simple one. Does John Wick get to be free? There is a bounty on his head and every man in the world is wanting him dead. What a way to spend almost three hours in the cinema watching Reeves kill hundreds of men in all different ways. There are new characters throughout but all serve the film brilliantly. There is no weakness at all in this film. The pace is immaculate. You don’t feel the almost three-hour running time.

I’m not going to go into any detail about the film because I don’t want to spoil it on you, I just beg you all go see it on the big screen, you will not be disappointed. So far this year it’s the best movie I’ve seen in the cinema and truly one of the best experiences I have had in the cinema in many a year. This film is truly one of only a few that you can actually call an action-packed masterpiece. John Wick Chapter 4 gets a 10/10 from me. n

SEÁN CELEBRATES HIS 90T

Seán Davitt of Ferns celebrated his 90th birthday in

L-R: Maura Kelly, Ayla O’Neill and Sean.

Mary and Sean O’Neill with Sean. Francis Davitt with his family and brother Sean celebrating his 90th birthday.

L-R: Frances O’Toole, Sean Davitt and Mary Bolger.

L-R: Kit Killeen, Sean Davitt and Mary O’Brien.

Tommy Davitt and his extended family with his dad, Sean.

TH BIRTHDAY IN STYLE

Sean Davitt with old friend Pat Maher who will be 90 in March next. Jacinta Davitt and family, grandchildren with Sean.

Seamus Davitt and family with Sean.

Clodagh and Colm Morris with Sean.

L-R: Rosa Hartnett, Sean, and Bridget Brooks.

L-R: Daniel Mitten, Sean, and Mary Mitten.

SEÁN CELEBRATES HIS 9

Seamus Green and Ailish Davitt with Sean.

Stephen Farley, Sean Davitt, Martina, Méabh and Anne Farley. Old frien

Jacinta Murphy (sister) with Sean, and Kim Davitt grandaughter.

Maura Kelly (daughter) with her family and Sean.

A Joe and Maura Kelly, Ayla O’Neill and birthday boy Sean Davitt.

90TH BIRTHDAY IN STYLE

ds Carol Nolan and Pat Maher with Sean to celebrate his birthday.

Danielle Davitt (daughter) and the Grocock family with Sean.

Seamus and Daphnie Miley with Sean.

Simpson, Breen, Kenny and Breslin families with Sean.

Above left: Eleanor Hawkins and Francis Davitt presenting Sean with a token from Ferns Choir. Above right: Tommy Davitt and family with Sean.

Enniscorthy Musical Society celebrating 50 years of musicals

Enniscorthy Musical Society is now in its 50th year, having been founded in 1973. What was to become Enniscorthy Musical Society actually began as Enniscorthy Light Opera Society in 1952 when they staged their first show, ‘The Pirates’ followed by ‘The Gondoliers’ also in 1952, ‘The Mikado’ in 1954 and ‘Iolanthe’ in 1956.

After this short run, the society took a break until in 1973, Enniscorthy Musical Society was founded and has been going strong since. The first production staged by the society as Enniscorthy Musical Society was ‘Easter Parade’ in the same year.

The society has staged some fabulous shows over the years, including classics such as ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Oaklahoma’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ to name but a few. The last production staged was ‘Sister Act’ in 2019, and it was a huge success, loved by all its audiences.

This year was to be the year for staging the hit Broadway musical, ‘The Producers’ having had to be put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic. The decision to cancel this year was a very difficult one as it was shaping up to be an excellent show, with an exceptionally talented cast, but sadly, due to a number of factors, it was not possible to bring the show to the stage. However, it being such a special year for the society, the committee made the decision to stage a ‘Hits’ show which will feature performances from previous shows staged by the society (and maybe a number or two from ‘The Producers’), and fittingly performed by both previous and present members of the society.

ENNISCORTHY MUSICAL SOCIETY

PRESENTS

50 YEARS OF MUSICALS

15th APRIL 8:00PM

VENUE: COLAISTE BRÍDE ENNISCORTHY

Join Enniscorthy Musical Society celebrating 50 years of musical theatre in Enniscorthy for their 50th Anniversary. Tickets available from GR8events.ie/ems or via our link on facebook.

Tickets: €20 Door Prize

The society invites you to let them entertain you in the best way they know how, by putting on a fabulous show!

Musical director Kevin Kennedy and choreographer Anne Marie Cooney, who have been with the society for many years, will bring their usual high standards to each and every perform-

ance and have been busy getting the performers stage ready. The show, ‘50 years of Musicals’ is taking place in Coláiste Bríde on Saturday the 15th April 2023 at 8pm, with guest MC the celebrity TV chef Edward Hayden.

Tickets can be purchased via the society’s facebook page or on GR8events.ie n

MC for the evening ening C Celebrity lebrity TV Chef Edwa Edward H d Hayden ayden

‘Farsiders’ opens the Wexford Drama Festival

This year’s Wexford Drama Festival was officially opened in the National Opera House on Friday 24th March by the multitalented Laura Way who grew up with Wexford theatre, her parents, in the audience on Friday night, being Michael Way and Irene Wright – founders of Wexford’s Theatre Workshop.

Wexford theatre was her childhood playground and where she cut her teeth before studying art, performance, and multimedia in Waterford Institute of Technology.

Over the past seven years, Laura has appeared in numerous TV and film productions including, The Tudors, The Clinic, Bittersweet, The Silence, Foyles War, A Film with Me In It and Anton, making her name as actor, producer, and director. Laura made it quite obvious that her heart is very much in Wexford drama, as she told the audience with pride that Wexford was the only festival around the country where all eight plays were

being performed by Wexford drama groups, quite unique and demonstrates just how strong drama is in the county and the high esteem in which it is held by supporters and patrons.

Enniscorthy’s Farsiders, written and produced by our own very talented Fintan Kelly, opened the Festival with an excellent performance which was well received by the Opera House audience and knowledgeable adjudicator from Kildare, the debonair Declan Drohan, who complimented the production saying he was deliciously entertained by a young cast, crew, writer, and director, and that can only be good for the future of Wexford drama.

Farsiders, a clever mix of light and shade in 1980s Enniscorthy, is a credit to Fintan and its wonderful cast who have upped their game significantly during their time on the circuit, creating a piece of drama that Fintan and his band of Farsiders can be extremely proud of.

– Maria Nolan

Fintan Kelly and Laura Way.

The Bob Dylan Roadshow comes to Wexford town

The Bob Dylan Roadshow is Ireland’s premier band celebrating the music of the iconic Bob Dylan.

The five-piece band covers all decades of Dylan, from the early folk stuff, to when he changed to a more country sound and also the rock ‘n’ roll phase.

The band is gearing up for a nationwide tour this April and will be landing in Wexford town to play the Crown Live on 21st April.

On the night there will be a support slot from the excellent Wexford band ‘The Kerbkickers’.

Tickets: €16 (Early Bird - €11). Starts 8:30pm.

Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/94

0604386942437/?ref=newsfeed

facebook @thebobdylanroadshow

instagram @thebobdylanroadshow

twitter @thebobdylanroadshow

Check out the promo video: https://www.facebook.com/BobDylanRoadshow/videos/9028362874319 94 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

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000

The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: (0402) 38529

National Opera House introduces new ‘Facilities Fee’

The National Opera House, Wexford, has issued the following notice to the public:

Dear Patron,

The National Opera House is committed to delivering a wide range of diverse and exciting programming. However, since it opened its doors in 2008, it remains almost entirely dependent on box-office sales, donations and voluntary commitment in order to operate as a viable business.

As you are all too well aware, the oper-

ational costs to every business has grown significantly in the past year and the National Opera House is no different. This has led to our decision to introduce a new Facilities Fee, which will apply to each ticket purchased. The Facilities Fee will be used to ensure that the National Opera House continues to operate as a sustainable business and can consistently deliver the highest quality experience for our audiences.

Therefore, from Wednesday, 8 March, all tickets purchased for events will be subject to a Facilities Fee as set out below.

The Facilities Fee replaces the Transaction Fee that is currently in place. The Facilities Fee does not apply to House Club Members. To find out more about becoming a House Club Member: https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/su pporting-us/membership

Facilities Fee:

Tickets up to €20: €1.50 per ticket

Tickets between €21-€60: €3 per ticket

Tickets €61 and over: €4 per ticket

We thank you for your understanding and your continued support.” n

Wexford Lig brings The H to the stage

Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) is delighted to be staging its 2023 production, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, at the National Opera House, Wexford, from 24th April – 29th April 2023, in a new stage adaptation by Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz, and book writer Peter Parnell.

The star-studded cast includes:

Quasimodo - Michael O’Gorman

Frollo - Tony Carty

Esmeralda - Niamh Cullen

Phoebus - Thomas Furlong

Clopin - Eric Hayes

St. Aphrodisius - Pat Lawlor

Fr. Dupin - Tony Brennan

Frederic Charlus - Michael McKenny

Jehan Frollo - Daniel Furlong

Florika - Holly Rossiter

King Louis XI - Colman Ryan

Madame - Catherine Walsh

The talented production team: Thomas O'Leary is at the helm once again as Director, Aisling Doyle as Choreographer, and the amazing musical team of Fintan Cleary and

Getting to grips with their roles, the two leading men Tony Carty and Michael O’Gorman at rehearsals.

You raise me up: Wexford Light Opera Society Chairman Eric Hayes rehearsing for his role as Clopin.

ht Opera Hunchback

David Hayes as Musical Directors and Eithne Corrigan as Chorus Mistress.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a sweeping, grand-scale musical based on the 1996 Disney film and Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel. The musical tells the story of Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre Dame, and his desire to one day be a part of the outside world.

Showcasing themes such as faith, power, discrimination, isolation, and sacrifice, The Hunchback of Notre Dame offers a powerful message of acceptance that resonates with audiences worldwide.

With a star-studded cast and WLOS’s multiaward winning chorus, this is a show definitely not to be missed.

Bookings: 053 9122144 or online at: www.nationaloperahouse.ie

Updates: https://www.facebook.com/wexf ordlightopera n

DATES AND BOOKING INFORMATION

National Opera House, Wexford, running from Monday 24th April – Saturday 29th April 2023 nightly at 8pm.

Ticket Prices: Monday 24th, Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th April - €25 Thursday 27th, Friday 28th & Saturday 29th April - €30

Concessions: Monday 24th April 2023 8pm – Students/OAPs €22.50

Group Rates of 10 or More – 10% OFF The normal price. Box Office: Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday - 9:30-17:00

By telephone: 053 9122144. Online: www.nationaloperahouse.ie

Rehearsals in full swing.

Some of the leading cast members at the official launch of the show on 1st April 2023: L-R: Daniel Furlong, Holly Rossiter, Eric Hayes, Niamh Cullen, Michael O’Gorman, Thomas Furlong.

Above: Cast and production personnel at the official launch of the show on 1st April 2023 at the La Vista top floor restaurant in the National Opera House, Wexford.

Wexford Tourism Ambassadors invite the local community to free Céilí in Ferns

The Wexford Tourism Ambassadors are hosting a Céilí in The Courtyard Bar & Restaurant, Ferns, on Saturday, the 22nd of April, at 7.30pm. This event is to celebrate the completion of the Ambassador’s training as part of the Ancient Connections Programme and to welcome their Welsh counterparts who will be spending the weekend exploring some of the fantastic heritage sites Co. Wexford has to offer.

The Céilí will be a chance to meet the Tourism Ambassadors, hear some fantastical tales and songs from Irish and Welsh folklore and enjoy traditional music and dance. All are welcome to attend this free event!

The Tourism Ambassador training programme is delivered by Abarta Heritage as part of the Ancient Connections programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales co-operation programme, Pembrokeshire and Wexford County. n

The ambassadors on a tour in Ferns.

The exiles return!

The Exiles from Slaney Street return for the annual fundraiser for the Wexford Hospice, on Saturday April 8th. The Old Fogertys have been learning songs from their 60s mix tape and have a great line-up of guest vocalists to join them in performing in Holohan’s on Saturday 8th April. Expect to hear songs like The Last Time, Satisfaction, You Can’t Always Get

What You Want, Light My fire, My Girl, Stand By Me, Do You Love Me? You Can’t Hurry Love, Think, Fortunate Son, Where Did Our Love Go? Rescue Me, Son of a Preacher Man, Waterloo Sunset, Daydream Believer, I Say a Little Prayer, Dock of the Bay, Ohio, Hit the Road Jack, etc

And if it’s like any other year there will be shenanigans!!! n

Bunclody Adventure Hub is hosting an OPEN DAY for the Community

Local instructors will be on hand to have a chat about their Summer Programme on Saturday 15th April 2023, 10am-4pm.

 Chat with the instructors.

 Paddle Sports Club offering information on their club and how to join.

 Half-hour sit on top Kayaking sessions (dress appropriately to get wet).

 Bring old footwear if you would like to paddle.

 Refreshments available on the day. n

New Ross theatre funding

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has confirmed that €56,634 has been approved in government funding for the sound sytem at St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross.

Formed as a social enterprise, St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, applied for the funding towards the purchase of a sound system that will allow the social enterprise to provide full sound provision for any events staged at their theatre. n

Evening of music at Bunclody Library

Bunclody Library on Thursday, 20th April, 7-8.30pm.

Book in and go along to Bunclody Library for an evening of music with both a traditional and international flavour performed by some of Bunclody's finest musicians.

Booking essential. To book a space, please ring 053 93 75466.

If you require any additional assistance for this event, please ring the library. n

ONE FOR YOUR DIARY...

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

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

Heroes and villains in crime fiction

On Thursday 6th April at 7pm, Wexford Library will host ‘Heroes and Villains in Crime Fiction’ with Wexford authors Andrew Hughes and Cat Hogan.

The villain gets all the good lines, and in crime fiction, he or she drives the plot. In this special event to partner Wexford Libraries and One Dublin One Book, Wexford authors Andrew Hughes and Cat Hogan will be in conversation with Caroline Busher about creating chilling, sinister and complex villains, and the different dynamics in writing novels from the perspective of the murderer, and the perspective of the sleuth.

Booking is essential. Click here to book your place: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4007621 n

Andrew Hughes.

Pic: Frank Gavin

Time for a laugh!

Check out "Bailey Laughs Comedy Club Eric Lalor" on Eventbrite!

Date: Thursday 6th April at 8.30pm.

Location: The Bailey, Barrack Street, Enniscorthy.

Ready for the All-Ireland finals

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

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

Catch Andy and the Wexford Drama Group in their final two pre All-Ireland performances: Camross Hall, Camross, Co. Wexford, Sunday April 9th at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door. And Jerome Hynes Theatre, National Opera House, Wexford, on Saturday April 15th at 8pm. Contact the venue asap for tickets as they are selling fast! n

Andy Doyle

Always lots happening at Enniscorthy Library

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

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time every Tuesday at 10:30am. Checkmate – Chess Workshop for 6yrs plus, 10:30-12pm, Saturday 1st April.

Beginner-friendly yoga classes for adults, 7pm, Thursday 6th April.

Out at the Movies, cinema evening for grown-ups, 6pm, Thursday 13th April.

Family movie, 11am, Saturday 15th April.

If anyone is interested in volunteering in their local area and would like more information on where to start, drop in and speak with a Wexford Volunteer Centre officer between 10:3012:30pm, Wednesday 19th April.

Talking Folklore with Rachel Uí Fhaoláin, Rachel will be discussing old cures in Irish folklore. 7pm, Thursday 20th April. Healthy Smoothies – calling ages 6yrs plus to go along to The Cool Food School for a fun, interactive food workshop, 10.30am, Saturday 22nd April.

Spring into Storytime, Bedtime Story & Craft. A Family adventure, 6.30pm-7.30pm, Thursday 27th April.

Starting healthy habits – Healthy Ireland at your Library. Want to make healthy changes? Join in for livestream recording with experts Colman Noctor and Aileen McGloin. Collect your copy of 101 square meals recipe book, 11am – 12pm, Friday 28th April.

Regular events. New members are always welcome: The Slaney Writers meet the second Thursday of the month at 6:30pm.

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

Teenage Book Club for 8-12yrs meets on the third Thursday of the month at 4:30pm.

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

For more information and to book your place contact Enniscorthy Library on 053 9236055. n

St Patrick’s Day Parade in Bunclody

17th March 2023

Top left: Watching the parade.

Above left: Young Bunclody A.F.C. supporter took time out to get an ice cream.

Above: Bunclody Fire Service got a warm welcome at the Bunclody St Patrick’s Day Parade. Below left: The rain didn’t stop young Logan Murphy from seeing the Parade. Below centre: Bunclody Arts float in the Bunclody St Patrick’s Day Parade. Bottom left: Adding a bit of colour to the Bunclody Parade.

You can’t beat the old vintage.

Bunclody had tractors, vintage cars and artics in the Parade. Bunclody Boxing Club had the right idea – a covered float!

Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club with a boat on their float!

In the Beet at Bunclody St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Watching the parade go by.

Bunclody A.F.C.

Going back in years with a Morris Minor.

Top left: Watching the parade going by. Top right: Fr Lar O’Connell blesses the Shamrock on the reviewing stand watched by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllr Jackser Owens and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy who was MC for the day.

Above left: Kildavin-Clonegal Ladies Football Club. Above right: Bunclody Halfway House had a big turnout at the Parade.

Below left: The Man himself in the Bunclody Parade. Below right: St Colman’s Pipe Band led the Parade and set the tone for the celebrations.

Bottom left: Colourful crowd watching as the Parade goes by. Bottom right: Home Care Cancer group with their daffodils.

Local author Carmel Harrington does it again

Bestselling local author Carmel Harrington launched her 11th novel The Girl From Donegal recently at Eason’s Bookstore, Wexford.

With eleven books now under her belt and translated into no less than eight different languages, with sales around the globe, I think we can safely say that Carmel Harrington has well and truly taken her place amongst Wexford’s best known authors.

From her first book in 2012 Beyond Grace’s Rainbow to her latest The Girl From Donegal, Carmel has gone from strength to strength establishing herself as one of today’s most popular female writers, and how fortunate we are to have her on our doorstep, right here in Wexford.

The Girl From Donegal was launched before a large audience by South East Radio presenter Alan Corcoran, who chatted with Carmel about her work, whilst encouraging audience participation. Alan has been interviewing Carmel since the beginning, and both are now old friends, chatting and laughing as old friends do.

A bit of a departure for Carmel, The Girl From Donegal is an historical novel, spanning the decades 1939 to 2022 and countries, Ireland, Canada, and Ber-

muda, and by all accounts is an emotional rollercoaster in true Harrington style, with twists and turns on every page and a plethora of buried secrets to boot.

Can’t wait to read it, and delighted for my gifted friend, we’ve been together since Beyond Grace’s Rainbow, and it’s been quite the journey.

Carmel was delighted to see so many friends, family members, and acquaintances in attendance, especially several members of the Wexford Literary Festival, and thanked all for their support and encouragement over the years.

The Girl From Donegal is available at all Eason’s bookstores and promises to be a most enjoyable read.

– Words and pics by Maria Nolan

Top photo: Carmel Harrington with Maria Nolan. Above: Large attendance at the launch in Eason of Wexford. Below left: Carmel with her children Amelia and Nate. Below centre: Carmel with Elizabeth Whyte (Wexford Arts Centre). Below right: Carmel with Alan Corcoran (South East Radio) who launched the book.

Richard Malone: Golden Fleece Award winner

Wexford-born, London-based, Irish visual artist and fashion designer Richard Malone was awarded the Golden Fleece Award for Visual Arts 2023.

The Golden Fleece is Ireland's largest, independent award for visual and applied arts, established by pioneer Helen Lilias Mitchell and first awarded in 2002. It celebrates artists and practices that cross several disciplines.

Malone’s practice looks at things that are invisible – particularly class, queerness, place, language and rurality, which, he believes, continue to be overlooked and are rendered in techniques that aren't often accepted as visual art – stitch, dyeing, drapery etc.

In his work, Richard Malone uses garment-making, drawing, writing, textiles, weaving and performance to explore human truths and performed falsities. His sculptures and installations suggest an internal dialogue, movement and theatre – some appearing alive or captured in communicative postures and suspended emotion. The work intentionally crosses disciplines, questioning the nature of defined labour and the expected societal gender or class roles that they are given.

Richard Malone recently engaged in a 4week residency of research and experimentation at Blackbird Cultur-Lab, Wexford. For further info see: www.blackbirdcultur-lab.com n

Amongst Men

Wexford Arts Centre is proud to host the Irish premiere of a play, Amongst Men, by home-grown playwright Eoghan Rua Finn.

Amongst Men is a gripping theatrical tour-de-force which delivers powerful performances from stars of stage and screen Mark Lambert and Noelle Brown. The terrific cast of this gripping new work is under the expert direction of Deirdre Dwyer.

Amongst Men opens at Wexford Arts Centre on April 6th, continuing April 7th - 8th and 12th -15th.

Rural Wexford in 1968, Seán Walsh (Dylan Kennedy) is tasked with commemorating Ireland’s Civil War with his primary school pupils. With divisions still rife and the truth so bitterly contested, Seán’s loyalty to his own family history is suddenly tested.

A shrewd politician (Mark Lambert), an unshakeable clergyman (Arthur Riordan) and Áine – Seán’s defiant mother (Noelle Brown), all fight to defend their own version of their country’s past and present, placing the young teacher’s future in doubt.

Amongst Men, with a fierce and terrific energy, explores how history can do more harm than good to a family and close knit community.

https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873633014 n

Eoghan Rua Finn

Richard Malone

WEXFORD STUDENTS COMPETE FOR TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART AWARDS

Young artists who submitted entries to this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition, including a number from Co. Wexford, are currently having their works evaluated as the judging process is underway.

Pictured is adjudicator Hetty Lawlor admiring two of the entries received from Co. Wexford this year – a work entitled ‘Dada In Sunlight’ by a pupil from Gorey Community School (left) and another entitled ‘A Goalkeeper’ by a pupil from St. Anne's Rathangan National School in Duncormick.

Winners in the seven age categories, including one exclusively for artworks by young artists with special needs, will be announced in mid-April.

Currently in its 69th year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition is considered to be the longest-running art sponsorship in Ireland. First held in

1955, it is hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand. n

Courthouse Art Studio exhibition

COURTHOUSE ART STUDIO EXHIBITION

Opening Sunday April 16th, 3pm–5pm. Runs until Saturday April 29th, at Courthouse Arts Centre, Dwyer Square, Tinahely, County Wicklow. This exhibition is a first for the Courthouse Art Group. Displaying work together in a professional art setting is an acknowledgement of how far they have come as artists. Although some members have been making art for many years, others had never seriously attempted drawing or painting until coming to the group. They all share a strong desire to express their creativity on paper or canvas.

Fridays at the Courthouse function like a studio with everybody working on their own projects. Some choose to perfect

their drawing skills while others tackle oil or watercolour.

Key to this group's success is the support they give each other. Discussing the work and offering suggestions is a valuable part of the group experience.

Each work chosen for the exhibition represents a major step in their progress as artists.

There’s always lots happening at the Courthouse. Just two more examples:

On 22nd April, comedian Gearoid Farrelly presents his ‘Glamour Hammer’ show where he takes a look at the litany of things in our lives that just don’t measure up! And on 6th May, Anne Gildea explains ‘How to get the menopause and enjoy it!’ – her critically acclaimed show which has been wowing audiences and critics alike.

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

Pic: Terence White.

CALLING ALL LGBTQIA+ CREATIVES!

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

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

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

Email: wexfordpride@gmail.com

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

A talk by Elaine Hoysted

7th Open Call at The Presen

The 7th Annual Open Call launch at The Presentation Arts Centre last month was bigger and better than ever, and I should know as I’ve been at all seven of them.

A most interesting and innovative event that never fails to draw the crowds to see the work of new and aspiring artists displayed alongside the more established and well known.

With over 140 pieces to view, it is impossible to see it all in one visit but I do have my own personal favourites over the years that always seem to draw me like a magnet like the vibrant, leap-off-the-wall colour of Marja van Kampen, the thought-provoking pieces of Lisa Byrne, the beautiful elegance of Nadia Corrigan’s work, and the wonderfully, intricate, unique genius of Larry Dunne, all once again I’m happy to say adorning the walls of this exhibition.

But this year I was delighted to see the work of local artist Trevor Sinnott with his luscious bowl of cherries and iconic referee Michelle O’Neill’s nostalgic Vinegar Hill along with Julie Sludds’ beautiful Serenity and Triona O’Connor’s self-portrait Daydreaming hanging proudly for the occasion.

A rainbow of colour, a magnificence of talent and a kaleidoscope of diversity charmed the large crowd in attendance on Launch night and made it extremely difficult for Adjudicator, former editor of the Echo newspaper group and connoisseur of the Arts in Wexford, Tom Mooney to highlight seven pieces for special mention.

Tom spoke highly of all the work on display saying that all were winners and deserving of praise and encouraged each of them to keep doing what they were doing, delighting us all with their talent. Tom went on to lavish praise on Manager Lisa Byrne and the Presentation staff for bringing the Visual Arts to Enniscorthy each year through this all-embracing and all-inclusive exhibition.

For me, as always, one of the nicest and most pleasant aspects of this event is the opportunity to converse and engage with the artists, who love to speak about their work, with Michelle O’Neill telling me that she has been working with pastels for

over twenty years and recently held her own exhibition at Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell’s Art Studio in Wellingtonbridge. Her piece Vinegar Hill, she said, held many fond memories for her.

Trevor Sinnott, I know has never submitted before and indeed knowing his work I would be encouraging him to host his own exhibition.

Triona O’Connor intrigued me with details of her recent trip to Japan and how it is influencing her work.

Larry Dunne explained that the mushrooms featured in his piece title Strawberries and Cream are actually called Strawberries and Cream – a no brainer for a local lad raised on the Strawberry Fair.

And Nadia Corrigan introduced me to her 10-year-old pupil Kate Whitmore who also had one of her paintings on exhibition.

The seven pieces singled out for special mention were Larry Dunne, Strawberries and Cream; Geraldine Walsh, Sunshine after Rain; Zdenka Maksimova Vesela Seaside Street; Stamp 3 Collective – a group of artists who submitted painting and sculptures while living in Ireland on a restricted Visa programme; John Kehoe, Dancing Trees; Aaron Burke, Simpler Times and Margaret Murphy, Golden Moments in the Park.

Well done Lisa Byrne and the staff of the Presentation and do keep up the good work – the exhibition celebrating creativity runs until 1st May, so there’s no excuse not to call in and see this splendid exhibition for yourself, oh and by the way all the pieces on display are for sale!

– Words and pics by Maria Nolan

Maria Nolan with Michelle O’Neill.

Nadia Corrigan with her pupil Kate Whitmore.

ntation Centre

Larry Dunne with his work ‘Strawberries and Cream’ singled out for special mention.

Presentation Arts Centre Visual Arts Manager, Lisa Byrne.

Above: Triona O’Connor with her self-portrait behind her.

Below: Lisa Byrne with adjudicator Tom Mooney.

Living Arts Project

An artist-in-residence scheme in primary schools, supporting the existing partnership between the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre.

4 – 29 April 2023

Official launch: Saturday 1 April at 2pm at Wexford Arts Centre, Cornmarket, Wexford.

Guest Speaker: Sinead K. Rice, Head of Education –National Gallery of Ireland.

In 2013, the Living Arts Project was established as an artist-inresidence scheme in primary schools, supporting the existing partnership between the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre. The aim of this project is to provide children with an understanding and appreciation of contemporary visual art. The Living Arts Project exhibition represents a selection of work produced by the participating primary schools and offers pupils a chance to see their work presented in a professional gallery.

The following artists and schools were selected for the 202223 programme: Deirdre Meehan-Buttimer and Fernanda Ferrari with Castledockrell NS (Enniscorthy), Kate Murphy and Brid Colloton with St. Edan’s NS (Ferns, Enniscorthy), Jeni Roddy and Lynn Haughton with Scoil Mhuire (Rosslare), and Sonya Weston and Deirdre Travers with St. Patrick’s NS (Crossabeg).

The residencies focused on the children’s local environments and explored themes of identity, methods of communication, and climate change and sustainability. The activities focused on promoting artistic and interpersonal skills enabling pupils

to recognise the potential of art to be used as a tool for communication and learning.

A mentorship programme ran alongside each residency which helped to ensure the effectiveness of the project while also providing a positive critique for the resident artist. In addition, it served to refine methods of engaging with the children throughout each residency. The mentors involved were David Begley, Michael Fortune, Joanna Kidney, Anthony Lyttle, Eamonn Maxwell, Ann Mulrooney, Monika Sapielak, and Alannah Robbins.

The Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre would like to take this opportunity to thank all schools, artists and mentors involved in the project, and the local community for their support and interest in the project to date.

The exhibition will run in the upper and lower galleries of Wexford Arts Centre from Tuesday 4 to Saturday 29 April 2023, and gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, and Saturday from 10am-4pm.

If your school is interested in participating in the Living Arts Project 2023-24 please contact Curator Catherine Bowe on +353 (0)53 9123764 or email catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie

The Living Art Project is funded by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council, The Arts Council and participating schools. The project is programmed by Wexford Arts Centre. n

Left: Scoil Mhuire artists Jeni Roddy and Lynn Haughton.

Right: St Edan’s artists Kate Murphy and Brid Colloton.

Left: Castledockrell artists Deirdre Buttimer and Fernanda Ferrari.

Right: St Patrick’s artists Sonya Weston and Deirdre Travers.

Art at The Presentation Centre

The 7th Annual Open Call Exhibition, a staple of the arts and culture calendar in the south east of Ireland, is running in The Presentation Arts Centre gallery in Enniscorthy up to May 1st

Over 100 visual artists are taking part from Enniscorthy, and from all over Co. Wexford, and beyond.

The Presentation Centre gallery is always free and no booking is required, so drop in any time up to 1st May for a look.

UPCOMING EXHIBITION:

Re-Imagining Enniscorthy Showcase

June 17th - July 1st.

Reimagining Enniscorthy is public art and community decarbonisation project, taking place in 2022-23 throughout Enniscorthy town. This project aims to create a local ecology network for people-led climate action, connecting neighbours and community groups in Enniscorthy with each other and with local food producers, environmental groups, artists and craftspeople. It aims to start a conversation about our food –where it comes from, how we grow it, and the environmental impact therein.

Free seed hubs are now available at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy Library and Enniscorthy Community Allotments to help everyone get started growing their own food. When visiting, please sign the seed hub list, take some free seeds – plant just what you need – share some seeds with your friends and neighbours and bring any leftover seeds back to a seed hub.

Reimagining Enniscorthy is following everyone’s growing stories and making a public artwork of the network. Please share some images of what you grow with or let Reimagining Enniscorthy know how many people you share seeds or the food you grow with, and you’ll become part of the artwork.

You can see the full list of seeds and find out more about the project, upcoming workshops etc on the Reimagining Enniscorthy website https://www.reimaginingenniscorthy.com or email the project co-ordinators at hello@reimaginingenniscorthy.com to get involved.

See more also on www.presentationcentre.ie n

Right: Open Call artwork by Hannah Bowler, Nadia Corridan, Zdenka Maksimova and Paola Iacovone. Far right inset: Glenn Gibson's wire sculpture called 'Guardian'.

Tried-Tested-Tasted by Caitriona

Caitriona Barron from Drinagh, Wexford, grew up on her dad’s farm with plentiful homegrown veg and their own meat so “we really knew the value of good food. My mother started a seafood business after meeting my stepfather fisherman, my brother now runs the seafood business so I’m well used to fresh food.”

“I worked with the family business before leaving to be a stay-at-home mother but soon got bored (lol!) and started taking pics of my food, sharing my recipes on social media. When people started showing interest, I realised this could be a job so I bought myself a camera and threw myself in the deep of it. I love it and I get to work with amazing companies. Seeing my pictures in magazines, in shops, and occasionally on TV is pretty amazing.

“I’m a mother of two boys and, yes, juggling it all can be very tough. But I keep it going as it’s my passion now and it’s very rewarding.”

https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted and Caitriona_barron on insta n

BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING

INGREDIENTS

1 loaf brioche bread

250ml cream

250ml milk

3 whole eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup light brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp butter softened

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large mixing bowl combine half and half, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Butter one side of sliced brioche then arrange brioche in a loaf tin making sure they slightly overlap. Pour half the custard over, let it soak up and then pour the other half. Pour half the caramel sauce and reserve the remaining half for later. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 180c .

Remove the cover and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Heat the reserved caramel sauce in microwave for 30 seconds and pour over the bread pudding. Garnish with sea salt flakes and dusting of icing sugar.

Serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream! Whipped cream works too! n

Caitriona Barron

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

Your local Slimming World Consultants in Enniscorthy

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

Tuesdays @ 6.30pm

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

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

Enniscorthy Rugby Club – Call Trish on 087 3607615

Thursdays @ 9.30am (starting 13th April 2023)

Enniscorthy Rugby Club – Call Trish on 087 3607615

Saturdays @ 9.00am and 10.30am

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

ooted in exford

Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him and also visits tomato growing expert Syl Doyle at Wilton Gardens

on board with his new monthly column. Mark is a committee member at Enniscorthy Community Allotments, and has a huge passion for growing fruit and veg which he shares on his Instagram platform @rootedinwexford which has over 6,500 followers. Mark describes himself very much as a ‘hobby gardener’ who is not academically trained in horticulture. He started planting with very little knowledge a few years ago and that knowledge has now ‘mushroomed’! Mark loves sharing his passion for growing with readers of the Slaney News.

and I started off by growing some chives. Chives, as discussed last month, are a perennial herb. This means that they come back year after year which is great as it means you only ever need to sow them from seed once to get years of enjoyment.

APRIL...

April is upon us which means that the days are getting longer and we get to spend more time in our garden in the evening times. April also brings warmer days which allows us to directly sow some crops into the ground. Despite saying this, we still need to be careful of a late frost, which we often get in April. If we are not prepared for a late frost, it can have devastating effects for our young plants in the garden. You can protect your young plants with horticultural fleece if we get a late frost.

If you read March’s issue of Slaney News, or follow my Instagram page @rootedinwexford, you will have an idea of what I got up to in March. For those who didn’t get to check out my Instagram, I will take you through what I grew here and what my plans for April are.

Some herbs are nice and easy to grow,

After this, I had planned to grow some varieties of cucumber. Things changed and I decided that I would grow some Luffa instead. You have probably heard of a luffa sponge, but a lot of people do not realise that they come from a vegetable. Luffas grow similarly to cucumbers, but they are left on the plant until maturity when they turn a yellow/brown colour.

Lastly, in March I grew some garden peas. I love growing peas every year. When I grow them they never really make it inside and for the most part I snack on them in the garden. Peas, when picked fresh have a really sweet taste. Peas are really simple to grow and need very little work.

In April there are three things that I definitely recommend growing if you have the space. They are beetroot, courgette and spring onion. I also plan to catch up on growing cucumber. I like to grow a couple of varieties. The standard variety I

grow is known as the telegram cucumber but I also enjoy growing something different and I will grow the lemon crystal cucumber. It has a really sweet taste and is suitable for outdoor growing as well as indoor. I look forward to sharing those with the readers in a few months.

April is an ideal time for growing beetroot. Beetroot seeds are really interesting and when growing beetroot, it is important to note that each seed is actually a cluster of seeds that will produce between three and five seedlings. The

Mark Cooke –firmly ‘rooted in Wexford’

seedlings are a lovely pink colour which are interesting to see as most seedlings are green.

Every year I grow courgettes. I grow a yellow variety as well as a green variety. When growing courgettes I always tell people that one plant is plenty for anyone and that the plant will produce more courgettes that you can keep up with. I grow one of each colour purely for a variety but love sharing the harvest so rarely have any that go to waste.

My final recommendation for you to grow in April would be spring onions. They, like chives, are really simple to grow but also take up very little space. I would highly recommend any beginner grower to try some out. They can be grown in a container such as a window box and are really tasty to add to a salad, a sandwich and even a stir fry.

In February, you saw me visit the Village at Wheelock’s and speak to Cyril Wheelock about strawberries. It was lovely to get to see how he starts off his season and I look forward to getting back there

soon to see how he is getting on with his growing.

In March, I went to Wilton Gardens to speak to Syl Doyle about growing tomatoes. Syl specialises in producing really tasty tomatoes and these are widely available throughout the county. Syl grows his tomatoes in a vast greenhouse that is approximately three quarters of an acre in size.

Syl spoke about how he grows two types of tomato, a cherry variety and a standard variety. Syl demonstrated how both tomato plants grow similarly and can grow to great heights but that the home grower would grow to an average height of six feet. Syl spoke about how it was possible for him to grow in this manner as he controls the temperature, humidity, and fertiliser electronically and it’s easier for him to meet the needs of the plant.

For the home grower, Syl spoke about how you should start to feed your plant after the plant has produced the second truss of flowers and feed bi-weekly then right until the plant stops producing fruit. He also explained that once the

plant reaches the approximate height of six feet in your greenhouse, you should top your plant, which means cutting it off at the top to prevent it growing any taller. This allows the plant to focus all of its energy on producing fruit.

A particularly important part about growing tomatoes is ensuring that they are pollinated. Tomatoes self-pollinate which means that you don’t need a male and a female flower to produce fruit but the plants still need a little help in order to produce fruit. While Syl can use bumble bees in the environment where he grows, for the home grower, it is possible to achieve pollination by gently shaking the plants. This releases the pollen from the male part of the tiny flower to the female part of the flower and this is where the seeds will develop. In heirloom varieties of tomatoes, it is possible to save the seeds and regrow them the following year.

If you would like to see more about what I am growing, or ask me questions, then make sure to pop over to @rootedinwexford on Instagram. n

Mark visited Wilton Gardens to speak with Syl Doyle about growing tomatoes.

Wexford’s ‘Good Food’ businesses recognised

Good Food Ireland announced in early March the finalists for its highly-regarded awards, with eight businesses from County Wexford making the shortlist.

The winners are due to be revealed at a high-profile business lunch taking place on Monday 17th April at The K Club, County Kildare.

What sets the Good Food Ireland Awards apart from all others is their cross-sector approach, celebrating the successful collaboration of agri-food and tourism working together for inclusive economic growth. Each award will be underpinned by premium quality, exceptional achievement, innovation, agility and resilience, together with a core commitment to local Irish provenance, community, sustainability and a culture where all can flourish.

An independent panel of Irish and international leaders including Founder and Managing Director of Good Food Ireland

Margaret Jeffares, journalists John Wilson and Amii McKeever, IFAC Consultant Stephanie Walsh and Executive Chairman and Owner of Odyssey International Kevin Shannon, shortlisted the nominees from those businesses approved by Good Food Ireland, subject to meeting strict criteria through onsite inspection. The expert panel will select the overall winner following mystery inspections and assessments.

Featuring across eight different categories, the County Wexford businesses who made the shortlist are:

Café Of The Year – The Hungry Bear Café / Kelly's Café Food Truck Of The Year – Seabiscuit at The Strand, Cahore Sustainability Award – Atlantis of Kilmore Quay

Producer Of The Year (Fruit & Vegetables) – Kearns Fruit Farm

Producer Of The Year (Fish & Seafood) – Atlantis of Kilmore Quay

Producer Of The Year (Drinks) – Jackford Irish Gin

Producer Of The Year (Dairy) – Killowen Farm

Producer Of The Year (Jams & Savoury) – Wexford Home Preserves

The public also had the opportunity in March to cast their votes for their favourite places across the island of Ireland in the Food Lovers Choice Award.

Other awards of recognition include Outstanding Contribution to Food Production, Outstanding Contribution to Irish Food/Drink Internationally and Lifetime Achievement Award. Returning for the first time since pre-Covid, the awards –proudly sponsored by Kerrygold, Irish Farmers Association, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland and National Dairy Council – will be opened by guest of honour Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and will be attended by some 300 guests including business owners, Irish and international chefs, buyers, food and drink writers, media and industry leaders. Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, will deliver the afternoon’s keynote speech.

Wexford woman Margaret Jeffares, Founder and Managing Director of Good Food Ireland, says: "There is great excitement around the return of The Good Food Ireland Awards. All of those wonderful businesses who have made the shortlist are a committed collection of passionate and driven people who genuinely capture the essence of Ireland's food and drink, setting it in a cultural context to inspire travellers, international consumers and locals to seek out real authenticity and Irish provenance."

For full details, tickets to the event, and general information about Good Food Ireland, visit www.goodfoodireland.ie n

Centre: Wexford woman Margaret Jeffares, Founder and Managing Director of Good Food Ireland, and Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

How to eat optimally

The Amazing Power of the Microbiome with gut-health – a Healthy Ireland at Your Library Talk by Dr. Ann Marie Eustace Ryan will take place in Wexford town library on 4th April 2023.

This talk will be on the amazing power of the Microbiome with tips and suggestions on how to eat optimally, maintain good mental and physical health, and prevent cognitive decline.

Tuesday 4th April at 7.00pm Booking is essential, book here: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4 014707 n

Enniscorthy Community Allotments

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

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to the management and staff of the Wildflower Cafe at Beechdale Garden Centre, Enniscorthy, celebrating ten years in business around this time. n

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

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

Outdoor dining

A review of the outdoor dining structures in Enniscorthy is ongoing with a view to removing those that are not in regular use and regularising those that are. n

Enniscorthy restaurant closes

Pauline Maguire, who has been synonymous with the hospitality and retail trades in Enniscorthy, has taken the extremely difficult decision to close her Toffee and Thyme premises on the Old Dublin Road.

Pauline has run several businesses in Enniscorthy town centre and in Ferns over many years, but in recent times has concentrated her efforts on the Old Dublin Road restaurant premises. However, the rising costs of doing business, particularly electricity costs, has left her with little option but to close her doors which she did on 31st March.

Announcing the closure earlier in March, Pauline said, “It is with much sadness that we are closing our doors next Friday 31st of March for the last time... it has become unsustainable to trade in these escalating energy costing times.

“Thank you to our loyal, supportive and amazing customers who have helped us become who we are... To our local suppliers who have walked the path beside us thank you. And to the my team... words can't thank you enough for working so hard and trying everything possible to keep the show on the road but unfortunately it is out of our control... and finally to my family...❤, thank you for all the years of support.”n

Wexford’s top restaurants name

The Leinster Region Finals of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2023 took place in the Killashee Hotel in Kildare on Tuesday 14th of March at which the top establishments in each county in Leinster were announced.

Over 1,000 restaurant and hospitality business owners and staff celebrated their hard work and achievements at the awards event, which saw many wellknown restauranteurs in Leinster turn out to see if they had won one of the prestigious awards.

Speaking at the Awards, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Paul Lenehan said: “Now in their 14th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards return with a record breaking number of public nominations (over 130,000). This sheer number of votes highlights the support and appreciation by the general public for our hospitality sector and all who contribute to it. The Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the existing, and up and coming talent, in the sector and are a reminder that hospitality is nothing without dedicated and passionate staff. The Awards continue to showcase the incredible food that is on offer in the cafes, hotels, pubs and restaurants of Ireland. We are delighted to be here in Limerick for the first of the Regional Events for 2023 and look forward to welcoming all winners in Leinster to the All Ireland Awards on 15th May.”

Food outlets were nominated under the categories of:

Local Food Hero

Best Sustainable Practices

Best Free From

Best Emerging Irish Cuisine

Best Restaurant Manager

Best Wine Experience

Best Café

Best World Cuisine

Best Newcomer

Pub of the Year

Best Casual Dining

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant

Best Customer Service

Best Gastropub

Best Chef

Best Restaurant, and finally –a new award category for 2023: Innovator of the Year.

THE CO. WEXFORD AWARD WINNERS ON THE NIGHT WERE THE FOLLOWING:

Local Food Hero Sponsored by The Irish Times: Nicky Cullen, Mary Barry's Bar.

Best Sustainable Practices Sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland: Karoo Farm Shop & Cafe.

Best Emerging Irish Cuisine Sponsored by FBD Insurance: Table Forty One.

Best Restaurant Manager Sponsored by Halcyon Group: Manuel Zoppetti, One Hundred Degrees.

Best Wine Experience Sponsored by Bibendum Ireland: Greenacres.

Best Café Sponsored by Illy: Ohana Cafe.

Best World Cuisine Sponsored by San Pellegrino: Mi Asian Streetfood.

Best Newcomer Sponsored by Square: CDMX.

Pub of the Year Sponsored by Peroni: T Morris Bar.

Best Casual Dining Sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace: One Hundred Degrees.

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant Sponsored By Frylite: Aldridge Lodge.

Best Customer Service Sponsored by Restaurant-Insurance.ie provided by Dolmen: Ashdown Park Hotel.

Best Gastro Pub Sponsored by Worldpay from FIS: Mary Barry's Bar.

Best Chef Sponsored by BWG Foodservice: Chris Fullam, The Sea Rooms @ Kelly's Resort.

Best Restaurant Sponsored by San Miguel: La Côte.

All of the Co. Wexford winners will now compete for All-Ireland titles, which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant

Paul

at

compete for

will be

CONGRATS TO PAUL HYNES AND ALL THE TEAM AT LA CÔTE RESTAURANT IN WEXFORD TOWN – AWARDED BEST RESTAURANT IN CO. WEXFORD AT THE IRISH RESTAURANT AWARDS 2023.

(in centre of photo) and La Côte will now

the All Ireland title which

announced

the Irish Restaurant Awards All Ireland Final on Monday 15th May in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin 4. Pic: Paul Sherwood.

ed for 2023

Awards All Ireland Final on Monday 15th May in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin 4.

Sponsors of this Year’s Irish Restaurant Awards are:

• Avonmore

• Bibendum Ireland

• BWG Foodservice

• Diageo

• FBD Insurance

• Frylite

• Gas Networks Ireland

• Halcyon Group

• Illy

• IMRO

• Irish Times

• Monin

• Musgrave Marketplace

• Peninsula

• Peroni Nastro Azzurro

• Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet

• Restaurant-insurance.ie provided by Dolmen

• San Miguel

• San Pellegrino

• Square

• Wild Irish Game

• Worldpay from FIS

For more information on the Irish Restaurant Awards: https://irishrestaurantawards.com/faqs/

Top: Best Café in Co. Wexford, Ohana Cafe. Above: Best Chef in Co. Wexford, Chris Fullam, The Sea Rooms @ Kelly's Resort.

Below left: Best Restaurant Manager in Co. Wexford, Manuel Zoppetti, One Hundred Degrees. Below right: Best Gastro Pub in Co. Wexford, Mary Barry's Bar. All pics: Paul Sherwood.

New Curracloe hotel on the way

Neville Hotels has broken ground in Curracloe for a new €12m seaside resort development – the fifth hotel within the Neville Hotel Group.

The new hotel and golf course at Kilmacoe, Curracloe, will overlook the beach and will incorporate 50 bedrooms, a bar, restaurant, spa, leisure centre and an 18hole championship golf course.

The new hotel is expected to open in late 2023, while the second phase of the project, including 22 holiday lodges and the 18-hole championship golf course, is due for construction in 2024 at an additional

investment of €8 million.

The hotel, located on a 75-hectare site, is designed by HM Architects in Waterford, who have previously worked with the Neville Group on the renovation and redesign of The Tower Hotel in Waterford, and most recently, the renovation and extension of The Bridge House at the Kilkenny River Court Hotel. The golf course will be designed by Jason Straka of Fry Straka, Ohio, USA.

Speaking at the launch, Therese Kelly, Company Director at Neville Hotels, said, “We are really excited for this hotel devel-

opment, which will have spectacular views overlooking the well-known Curracloe beach. Wexford is a beautiful county, we see a lot of potential here so it is great to be expanding in our home county, and expanding the offering in the south-eastern region.“

The hotel in Curracloe will be the latest addition to the hospitality interests of the Neville Hotel Group, which also owns the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire, Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort in County Wicklow, the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny, and the Tower Hotel in Waterford City.

Therese Kelly, Eoin Neville and William Neville of the Neville Hotel Group pictured on the grounds of their new hotel development in Curracloe.

Pic: Patrick Browne.

n

To find out more about the Neville Group, visit www.nevillehotels.ie

Ministerial visit to Nolan Transport’s new Global Logistics Park in Wexford

Minister of State at the Department of Justice with special responsibility for Law Reform and Youth Justice James Browne

right) and Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics Jack Chambers

(fifth from right) recently visited the newly opened €12 million Nolan Transport Global Logistics Park at Drinagh in

and its

house. The Ministers met with the key team members from the Nolan Group (pictured above). Noel Nolan offered the Ministers a guided tour of the new €12 million facility which houses the company's warehousing services and also shared details of the €50 million plan to continue to develop the next phases of the Nolan Transport Global Logistics Park. Pic: Mary

Job Fest in Wexford this April

The County Wexford Job Fest takes place on April 20th 2023 at Stonebridge, The Quay, Wexford.

Anyone wishing to take a stand, check out: https://lnkd.in/epC-e53N

The event is completely free to attend for those looking for new opportunities. Register here: https://lnkd.in/deeiU8V4

For more information, call 053 912 2226, or contact: pauline@countywexfordchamber.ie n

TD (fourth from

TD

Wexford

‘Johanna 1’ ware-

Browne. n

New CEO and new Enniscorthy offices for Pinergy SolarElectric

Enniscorthy based Pinergy SolarElectric, one of Ireland’s fastest growing solar energy businesses, has recently announced the appointment of Ronan Power as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This new senior appointment will see Ronan focus on growing the Pinergy SolarElectric business and the scaling of the business through a period of further sustained growth.

In this new role, Ronan will oversee delivery of all business functions including sales, operations, supply chain, people and revenue.

Ronan’s aim is to build a company culture based around strong ethics on behalf of its customers, employees and all other stakeholders. Ronan is passionate about building a working environment where people can learn, grow and thrive together while delivering the highest standards of customer experience.

Speaking about the new appointment, Enda Gunnell, CEO of Pinergy, said: “Ronan has been a member of the Pinergy leadership team since 2020 and in that time he has demonstrated his key abilities.

Ronan’s passion for delivering sustainable services and solutions to the market and his years of experience in management and operational roles make him the ideal person to shape and lead the Pinergy SolarElectric business into the future.”

The past year has highlighted the need for change in the energy sector in Ireland. As the energy transition gathers pace, Pinergy SolarElectric is well positioned to deliver Solar PV systems to the domestic, commercial and agricultural markets in Ireland.

Commenting on his appointment, Ronan Power said: “I’m delighted to be starting this new role with Pinergy SolarElectric. I truly believe, as a country, we need to accelerate our journey towards a greener, more sustainable energy future. We are experiencing high levels of demand for our range of solar PV solutions and the company has seen significant growth in the last 12 months. There is huge opportunity for further growth in the solar market and I am very passionate about enabling homeowners and businesses to take control of their own sustainable energy future.”

Prior to becoming CEO of Pinergy Solar-

Electric, Ronan held the position of Head of Operations at Pinergy. Prior to that he was the Director of Operational Performance and Transformation at Abtran, Management Consultant with KPMG and Programme Director at Actavo. Ronan has since become a board member of the Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce demonstrating his commitment to further integrate Pinergy SolarElectric into the local community.

Pinergy SolarElectric recently moved into its new offices in Enniscorthy Technology Park becoming the first occupant in Senan House which is a Passive Building with a BER rating of A2. A passive building is a design standard that means Senan House will use very little energy for heating purposes and in addition Pinergy SolarElectric has installed a significant Solar PV project on the roof of the building to support all the businesses in the building to reduce their grid energy needs.

In addition, Senan House is powered by 100% Green electricity and has a public EV charging station for Electric Vehicle drivers working or visiting the building, both solutions have been provided by Pinergy. n

Enniscorthy based company Pinergy SolarElectric has appointed Ronan Power as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ronan will oversee delivery of all business functions as the company supports businesses and homeowners in their energy transition. Pinergy SolarElectric recently moved into its new offices at Enniscorthy Technology Park becoming the first occupant in the first building there – Senan House, which is a Passive Building with a BER rating of A2. The new Pinergy SolarElectric offices were fitted out using local tradespeople and suppliers from the Enniscorthy area, cementing the business’ decade-long legacy in this region. Ronan is pictured on the roof of the Senan House with stunning views over Enniscorthy and the Blackstair Mountains

Feasibility Study Grants

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

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

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

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

Business supports

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

- Located and operating within the LEO geographic area.

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

- A business employing up to 10 employees

- A manufacturing or internationally traded service business

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

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

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

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

Green for Micro

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

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

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

Sulzer celebrates 50 years of engineering innovation in Wexford

Celebrating half a century of pump manufacturing and innovation in Wexford, Sulzer marked this milestone with a gala event at the plant. Following an internal celebration, local dignitaries, suppliers and customers were joined by senior management from Sulzer at the site for a tour on 10th March.

Since starting operations in 1973, the Wexford manufacturing site has used extensive research and development, and worldclass manufacturing, to create industry-leading products in terms of efficiency and reliability. To honour the dedication and commitment of the entire workforce, Sulzer organised a celebration that included presentations from senior executives as well as a video message from Simon Coveney, who has championed the plant in winning investment through the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) of Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Simon Coveney TD said: “Congratulations to the Sulzer team as you celebrate 50 years in operation here in Ireland. It’s a great endorsement of our country that a leading global company such as yours has chosen Ireland to do business for all those years. I understand the Wexford site has been operational since 1973 and in that time has created hundreds of valuable jobs for Wexford. I wish to congratulate Sulzer on your valuable contribution and long standing commitment to Ireland.”

With around 280 employees today, the site is a centre of engineering excellence and includes research and development (R&D) as well as manufacturing and testing facilities. As the major employer in the town, it has a very family-orientated feel and there is no shortage of young people wanting to join the company. In fact, some families have three generations working at the site while many others have followed parents and siblings into fulfilling roles within the company.

During the celebration, there was also recognition for a number of long-serving employees, including team leader Larry Roche who has worked at Wexford for 47 years. In fact, over 70 members of staff have more than thirty years’ experience at the manufacturing site, demonstrating the loyalty and depth of expertise that is retained in the business.

Employees at the plant have always looked to adopt new, more efficient processes that help to optimise production, reduce the environmental footprint, and keep the company at the head of the field. A process of continuous improvement that is supported by all of the staff ensures that products from Wexford truly deliver world-class performance.

Brendan Sinnott, Managing Director at Sulzer’s Wexford plant, concludes: “We have developed market-leading products that are exported around the world, all thanks to our outstanding workforce and great support from the IDA. The dedication of our staff ensures that we can design and manufacture cuttingedge products that offer our customers superior efficiency and reliability. Together, we have led the way in lean manufacturing in Ireland and developed some of the most efficient products in the market.”

Mary Buckley, Interim CEO, IDA Ireland, said: “IDA Ireland has had a close working relationship with Sulzer since the company first established in the South East, providing a wide range of supports, particularly around its research and development agenda. So, we are delighted to join you in celebrating this significant milestone – 50 years of employment in Wexford. IDA Ireland remains committed to winning and supporting jobs and investment in regional locations and we look forward to continuing our longstanding partnership with Sulzer.

“I wish the Sulzer team continued success.” n

Wexford Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise

Awards 2023 held at Wexford County Council head office, Carricklawn, Wexford, 9th March 2023

See full story on pages 42-43.

Paul Kehoe TD, Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council), Breege Cosgrave (Head of Enterprise and Economic Development at Wexford LEO), Cllr Maura Bell (Mayor of Wexford), pictured with various Student Enterprise prizewinners and their teachers.

Pics: Ger Hore.

WEXFORD'S McDONALD'S RESTAURANT COMES OUT ON TOP

Wexford’s McDonald’s Restaurant has received the Ronald McDonald House Ireland (RMHC) ‘Golden Santa Hat Award’ for selling the most RMHC Ireland santa hats, out of all 94 McDonald’s restaurants in Ireland, during Christmas 2022. The crew in Wexford town sold 4,950 santa hats for the charity, raising almost €10,000.

To date, the Santa Hat fundraising initiative has raised over €1.3 million for RMHC Ireland. All money raised through the annual fundraising initiative goes towards providing accommodation and a caring, supportive environment for families whose children are undergoing medical treatment at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin. RMHC Ireland has supported over 5,000 families with ill or injured children nationwide since it first opened in Ireland 19 years ago. The average length of stay for a family in Ronald McDonald House last year was 26 nights.

“I’m so proud of the team here in Wexford town and all our incredible customers who have given so generously to RMHC Ireland,” said John Byrne, franchisee at McDonald’s in Wexford town.

“Our 120 crew pulled out all the stops this year with the Santa Hat initiative, with daily targets and competitions between shift leaders to sell the most RMHC santa hats on their shifts. In addition, many of our employees travelled around Wexford town selling the hats during the busy Christmas period and arranged collections to buy presents for the children staying at RMHC Ireland during Christmas. Several of our crew also volunteer at the RMHC Ireland house in Dublin, so to receive this award is truly touching for the whole team,” he added.

The Jones family from Co. Wexford, who stayed in the house while their son Evan received treatment, shared a heartfelt thank you to the charity for their support. Evan's father Adrian said, “When Evan was diagnosed with a serious illness in January of this year, we were lucky enough to be accepted to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House offers families in their time of need a “Home away from Home”. What they do for the families with sick children, 365 nights of the year is just kindness beyond belief! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” n

McDonald’s Franchisee John Byrne and McDonald’s crew members at the McDonald’s Restaurant in Drinagh Retail Park, Wexford, being presented with the Ronald McDonald House Charity Ireland’s ‘Golden Santa Hat Award’.

Photo: Mary Browne.

Nadia Jean, McDonald’s Business Manager, at the Wexford town restaurant.

Photo: Mary Browne.

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

County Wexford Chamber Awards 2023

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

NOMINATIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stronger dog control measures on the way

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has confirmed that stronger dog control measures have been adopted by government.

Government Ministers have been conducting a review of dog legislation following recent events, including the incident involving a dog attacking young Enniscorthy boy Alejandro Miszan.

Minister Browne explained, “My government colleague, the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD, brought a memo to Cabinet colleagues... recommending the recruitment of an additional 40 new dog wardens and doubling fines under the Control of Dogs Act to €5,000.

“An interdepartmental working group including officials from the Dept of Agriculture and the Dept of Rural and Community Development put forward recommendations as part of an interim report related to a review of dog legislation.

“Two centralised databases for registering dog microchips and dog breeding establishments will also be created. I will continue to work with my government colleagues to ensure that the State does everything it can to prevent dog attacks.” n

Welcome to 'Chateau K9' a new and welcoming dog grooming salon at Coolnahorna, Enniscorthy, just 2km past Madeira Grove (Eircode Y21 T6K0) For enquiries or to book an appointment please contact Dee Greenwood on 085 114 7303 or message through Instagram or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chateau.K9.Ireland https://www.instagram.com/chateau.k9/ WE LOOK FORWARD TO PAMPERING YOUR PET

Minister Browne is now an honorary friend

Minister James Browne TD was delighted recently to visit the Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (WSPCA) and to be made an Honorary Friend of the Society. The Minister on his visit acknowledged the great work done by the volunteers there in protecting vulnerable animals. n

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR APRIL

It’s Spring time and it’s busy, busy on the farm, cows calving, ewes lambing, mares foaling and all that goes with it....

Around parturition, the mothers are at their maximum stress and the birth process 90% of the time goes well but when it doesn't that’s where we come into play. That might be physically helping out at the birth process or more often the complications that happen post partum... such as mastitis, uterine infections, metabolic disorders such as milk fever... a sudden drop in calcium uptake into the system.

Some of them are emergency calls and some not quite as serious, but it keeps the mixed-animal vet prac-

Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

tioner busy this time of year.

Of course the bigger picture is to help prevent these conditions happening and this year we are planning to help run a seminar as part of the Street Rhythms Festival in Enniscorthy on the June Bank Holiday weekend working on Regenerative Farming. This is to inform farmers about various strategies of working with Nature... less chemical imputs, working to get the humus layer, the living layer of the soil working to the maximum. A healthy soil means a healthy plant which in turn leads to a healthy animal and ultimately a better deal for the consumer... it’s a win-win.

There will also be talks on how to grow your own veggies, workshops on upcycling, family entertainment with comedians, fairytales in the Castle, loads of activities on the streets, talks, and dancing day and night to get the balance of healthy living and a bit of bouldeness too!

So pencil it into the calender... JUNE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND... Regenerating Enniscorthy our way!!! n

If you have a topic you’d like Joe Kavanagh to address please email Slaney News at: slaneynews@gmail.com

OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK):

9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm

Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment):

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

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Full blood analysis (haematology, biochemistry)

Gas anaesthetic – Digital X-rays – Ultrasound – Bioenergy

Dermatological testing – Kinesiology – Prescription diets

Herbal remedies – Homeopathy – Allergy testing

with

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS

Toyota has been on a journey with hybrid technology for over 25 years since the pioneering Toyota Prius of the 1990s. The Japanese brand's punt on hybrid has really paid off with Toyota firmly grabbing hold of the title of bestselling car brand in Ireland in 2023 and not really letting go at all.

The brand's drive to the top has been supported by a number of bestsellers –the Yaris, the Yaris Cross, the C-HR, the Corolla, and the RAV4. There's a Toyota for every part of the market. The brand has also successfully jumped on the trend for crossovers and SUVs.

While Toyota is only launching the bZ4X now, their first full battery electric vehicle, they have taken over the market for hybrid. For good reason – their cars are

Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at www.changinglanes.ie

some of the most efficient on the road today.

The latest model to hit Irish shores is the new Toyota Corolla Cross, the SUV version of the popular Corolla. Priced from €38,910, it fills a gap in the Toyota range for a practical, mid-size SUV to take on the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.

Size-wise, the Corolla Cross slots between the C-HR and the RAV4 in the Toyota range. The C-HR is the style icon of the range, but the Corolla Cross has been designed to be more practical. And it shows.

The styling is chunky and angular, with a big, impressive grille at the front and LED headlights as standard. Mid-spec Sport models (€41,210) add roof rails and 18inch alloy wheels with a machined finish

for a smarter look than the entry model. The styling is a bit generic around the back, but there's something reassuring about the Corolla Cross that is sure to endear it among Toyota fans.

The Corolla Cross is also special because it debuts Toyota's latest generation hybrid technology. The fifth generation hybrid has lighter and more compact components, as well as a new battery, to improve performance and efficiency. There are two options: at launch, there's the 2.0 hybrid with 197hp, while a cheaper 1.8 hybrid will join the range soon with 140hp.

Toyota has done a good job in the cabin of the Corolla Cross too, to make it more modern and family-friendly. For a start, there's more light and cabin space than in the C-HR. It feels roomier than a Corolla

Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year.

Toyota Corolla Cross

hatch thanks to the high roof line and a little extra width. Two adults or a few children will be able to sit comfortably in the back, though rear legroom doesn't feel quite as generous as rivals.

The cabin of the Corolla Cross is a real high point as it blends modern features like a new digital instrument panel and large 10.5-inch touchscreen with a solidly built cabin that instantly feels like home. There are lots of good quality materials including copious amounts of soft dash panelling for a plusher finish. Standard features also include dual zone climate control, a reversing camera, and being a Toyota, lots of advanced safety features.

The boot is bigger than in the C-HR but is still a bit on the average side by class standards. With a spare wheel fitted, there's 390 litres (436 litres without). However, thanks to a different rear suspension design, the 1.8 hybrid will have a slightly larger boot by about 46 litres.

The Corolla Cross 2.0 Hybrid offers plenty of power, with 197hp available. It feels

swift and responsive though it does get noisy if you accelerate hard. Like most hybrids, it's an SUV that favours a more relaxed use of the accelerator pedal – then all is quiet and calm in the cabin, with very little transmission noise.

Built on the same platform as the Corolla, the Corolla Cross offers a higher driving position and good view out of the road ahead. It shares the same agile handling, though a Corolla is a bit more fun to drive really. Yet the handling is neutral and balanced, and the Corolla Cross offers a remarkably comfortable drive across all sorts of road surfaces.

However, it's efficiency where the Corolla Cross leaves the competition behind. The official consumption figure is about 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres and real world economy is largely not far off that. The Corolla Cross frequently dips into EV driving, improving the overall fuel economy.

The Corolla Cross is a great addition to the Toyota range and is sure to be another success. It adds SUV charisma to one of Ireland's favourite cars and is a straightforward, practical model within the Toyota range. Some rivals feel more spacious inside but for many this Corolla Cross will be perfectly sized. It's a car that's easy to live with and simple to run, with excellent fuel consumption for a powerful hybrid. Well done Toyota!

Model tested:

Toyota Corolla Cross 2.0 Hybrid Sport

Price: From €41,210

Engine: 2.0-litre petrol electric hybrid Power: 197hp

Torque: 190Nm

Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.6 seconds

Motor Tax: €190 per year n

Interior

Changes to electric vehicle grants

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), an office within the Department of Transport, has confirmed the maximum private vehicle car grant will be set at €3,500 for applications from July 1, 2023, down from the current maximum of €5,000.

Over 40,000 electric vehicles have been purchased with the grant since 2011 but the focus is now turning to infrastructure, alongside vehicle grants, in line with other European countries.

Administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the grant has been in operation since 2011, supporting the purchase of over 40,000 electric vehicles in that time. The private vehicle grant provided early adopters with an incentive to switch to an EV, with almost €200 million in funding granted for the purchase of privately owned vehicles over the past 12 years.

Many elements of the EV grant system remain unchanged. Vehicle incentives for business stay the same and SEAI will continue to administer the commercially bought EVs and large panel vans grants at current levels. The small public service vehicles (SPSV) grant for taxi and hackney drivers administered by the NTA was renewed in February, while the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme, managed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, has also remained unchanged.

In addition, there is no change to the existing generous VRT relief which is available to a maximum of €5,000 to purchasers of electric vehicles up to the selling price of €40,000, with a reduced scale for vehicles up to the selling price of €50,000.

Ireland has a buoyant demand for electric vehicles; 2022 saw an 81% increase in registration of EVs compared to the previous year. As of end December 2022, there were 73,574 electric vehicles on Irish roads. This year has seen the arrival of newer EV models on the market that are lower in cost.

Government investment strategy for electric vehicles will begin to rebalance towards supporting EV charging infrastructure. This change aligns with similar polices in European nations, where countries including Norway, Germany and France have begun to curb vehicle subsidies and government investment in EVs is moving towards infrastructure. Earlier this year, ZEVI published Ireland’s first EV charging infrastructure strategy, shortly followed by the launch of a Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme which will provide €15m in funding for fast EV charging in sports clubs around Ireland. Over 600 sports clubs applied for grants to install EV chargers during the submission acceptance period. This initiative and others coming later this year will support communities nationwide, providing necessary charging infrastructure for current and future EV owners. n

Check out...

For lots of great information on electric vehicle ownership, check out the Irish EV Owners Association website: https://www.irishevowners.ie

Snapped by photographer Ken Hayes at the Enniscorthy  St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Enniscorthy Greyhound Track

Racing every Monday and Thursday in April at 8pm and also on Easter Sunday

first race 7pm. n

Astro Turf

The eagerly awaited new Astro Pitch project at Ross Road, Enniscorthy, is making progress.

The planning process for the new pitch has been completed. Work is likely to commence soon and the project is expected to be completed later this year. n

Sports Active

Sports Active Wexford is all about creating a healthier, safer, more active and inclusive society in Co. Wexford. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SportsActive n

For the golfer in your life...

All-Ireland

for Callum

Enniscorthy Golf Club Membership Vouchers are available from the club office and also from the proshop for lessons or golf gear. A great present for any golfer, any time of the year. n

Enniscorthy Sports Hub

O’Leary Sludds Architects were appointed in Feb 2021 for the detailed design, procurement of works contractor and construction management of the proposed new Sports Hub building consisting of a sports equipment storage area, changing rooms, toilets, showers and a small office.

A competition to award a works contract was advertised in May 2022. The lowest price tender opened for the project exceeded the available budget and, therefore, it has been decided not to progress with awarding a works contract. A redesign process for the project is now underway, and it is expected to retender soon.

Enniscorthy Municipal District is working on an online booking system for the existing facility. The new system will be in place in the coming months. n

Aaron among the goals

Well done to Enniscorthy native and Enniscorthy CBS Transition Year student Callum O'Sullivan who won the U18 All Ireland Darts Championship last month

n

Enniscorthy’s Aaron Dobbs has been among the goals already this season for Wexford FC in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division. Keep up to date with Aaron and the team at: https://www.facebook.com/WexfordFC

with team Carlow.

Enniscorthy rugby round-up

A quiet period for Enniscorthy Rugby Club over the course of March, with the seniors and J1s only playing two games each and two weeks of blitzes were postponed for the Minis due to the poor weather we experienced down in the “Sunny Southeast”.

The first game of the month fell on 2nd of March when the J1s played the final game in their Metro League Division 2 campaign, hosting Blackrock College at Alcast Park on a cold Thursday evening.

Tries from Mikey McVeigh and Miguel Byrne, along with a penalty off the tee for Fiachra Hourihane, was thought to be enough to give the J1s the win, but a last-minute penalty kick from Blackrock gave the visitors a two-point win. Enniscorthy 15 Blackrock 17.

The seniors travelled to Tyrone for their fixture on Saturday the 4th, facing Dungannon at Stevenson Park in an extremely physical contest.

Tries from Tomás Stamp, Angelo Todisco, MJ Doyle and Nick Doyle kept Scorthy in the game for the full 80 minutes, but silly penalties and the resulting points separated the sides on the day, as it finished Dungannon 35 Enniscorthy 26.

On the 5th of March, Enniscorthy and Kilkenny held a joint blitz, the under 10s, 11s and 12s had a fantastic day out in Folkstown, while the under 7s, 8s and 9s hosted at Alcast Park.

The under 10 girls and under 12 girls had a blitz in New Ross on the same day, great rugby shown from both teams.

Three juvenile games took place over the course of the weekend, with the results as follows:

U13 boys: Enniscorthy 47 Longford 10

U14 boys: Navan 29 Enniscorthy 5

U16 boys: Carlow 12 Enniscorthy 40

With a break for the seniors the following weekend, the juvenile results for the 11th and 12th of March were as follows:

U18 boys: Enniscorthy 7 Tullow 8

U16 girls: Enniscorthy 17 Portdara 0

U15 boys: Enniscorthy 20 Longford 3

U14 boys: Enniscorthy 27 Athy 12

U14 girls: Enniscorthy 50 Ardee 38

U13 boys: Mullingar 46 Enniscorthy 25

U18 girls: SE Lions 0 Wicklow 12 (Leinster League Final)

The J1s finished off their season with a game in the Town’s Cup on Sunday the 19th of March against Tullow, losing 270, crashing out of the competition in the 3rd round, a tough end to an otherwise positive season for the J1s.

Over the course of the same weekend, Enniscorthy had a few juvenile fixtures, the results are as follows:

U13 boys: Tullow 17 Enniscorthy 5 (Southeast League semi-final)

U15 boys: Carlow 21 Enniscorthy 19 (Southeast League semi-final)

U16 boys: Enniscorthy 22 Carlow 7 (Southeast League semi-final)

U14 girls: Enniscorthy 35 Wicklow 17

In a highly anticipated match-up, Enniscorthy hosted Malahide in a must-win game on Saturday the 25th of March at Alcast Park.

Tries from Tom Ryan and Angelo Todisco and a penalty from Ben Kidd kept Enniscorthy in the lead of this game for most of the second half and saw them pick up the win, Enniscorthy 17 Malahide 10. The win saw Enniscorthy move off the bottom of the table for the first time all year, moving into ninth ahead of Galwegians, by a point.

The under 9s took to the field at half time of the senior game, providing a nice touch to the game with the guard

of honour outside the clubhouse entrance, waving their flags as the seniors made their way onto the pitch, but also kept the droves of Enniscorthy supporters entertained during the half time interval.

The juvenile results from the games played on the weekend of the 25th/26th of March are as follows:

U13 boys: Enniscorthy 41 Tullow 24 (Leinster League Premier Division semifinal)

U18 boys: Boyne 27 Enniscorthy 24 (Tom D’Arcy Cup)

U14 boys: Enniscorthy 22 Naas 5 (cup)

U14 girls: Enniscorthy 24 Athy 21 (Leinster League semi-final)

U16 girls: Enniscorthy 22 Athy 24 (Leinster League Division 1 final)

To close out the month, Enniscorthy hosted Tullow for a blitz involving the under 7s, under 8s, under 9s and the under 12 girls' team on Sunday the 26th of March, a thoroughly enjoyable day to finish the month on a high.

In April, the AIL season ends as Enniscorthy play their final two games to ensure a relegation playoff spot rather than straight relegation to 2C as they host Wanderers on the 1st of April before travelling to Wicklow to face top of the table Greystones for the final game of the season.

Juvenile fixtures and the remaining blitzes for the minis will be published on the club’s social media accounts in the coming weeks. n

Left: Glenn Nolan from Grant's Pharmacy sponsoring the new medical kit for the Moyne 1st team. Pictured are John Peare (Moyne Rangers) and Glenn Nolan.

Enniscorthy take to the field for their crucial 2B League game against Malahide on Saturday, 25th March, at Alcast Park, Enniscorthy. A thoroughly deserved victory on the day saw Enniscorthy move off the bottom of the table for the first time this year.

Bellefield Beat with Maria Nolan

Due to the very inclement weather conditions of the month of March very little on the field activity occurred at Rapparees/Starlights.

With pitches closed all over the county, matches were either re-scheduled or cancelled, making for a very poor start to the All County Leagues.

At Bellefield, all activity on our main pitch is still strictly on hold until further notice, with the pitch being inspected on a daily basis.

We hope to be able to return to a full schedule as soon as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience.

We hope to be in a position to host our 3-day Easter Camp on Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th April from 10am to 1pm for boys and girls aged 4 to 13.

At €20, this promises to be a fun couple of days with lots of hurling and football.

All other club activities continue – our weekly bingo on Wednesday nights at

the clubhouse from 8pm and our weekly lotto on Monday evenings.

For those who would like to see a family member included on our new Patron Wall please be aware that the cut-off point is Easter Monday, 10th April.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to help enhance facilities at Bellefield as well as associating yourself, your business or a loved one with this innovative concept.

To reserve a place on our Patron Wall you can contact Adrian Fenlon on 0877988442 or email patronwall@rappstars.com and make either a one-off payment of €250 or €21 per month for 12 months by standing order.

Congratulations to Sean Hyland who made his debut with the County Minor Hurling team against Kerry recently scoring a goal and a point helping his side to a convincing win 5.21 to 8 points.

We wish Sean, and Ryan Donohoe also on the Minor panel, the very best of

success in the 2023 campaign. There will be live music on Easter Saturday 8th April at the Clubhouse with 1-4 to No Score – and all are welcome.

– Words and pics by Maria Nolan

Sean Hyland with his dad Johnny after the Kerry game.

International Symposium led by Anc in collaboration with British Pilgrima

A symposium on 11th and 12th March 2023 in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, marked the launch of the new Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way. This will link Ferns in north Wexford with St David’s in Pembrokeshire and is part of the wider EU-funded Ancient Connections project linking these two regions through arts, heritage and tourism. The event also addressed three key questions: how do you create a successful pilgrim route; what’s in it for all of us; and is there a difference between a tourist and a pilgrim?

The symposium was designed to appeal to a wide range of people from different backgrounds, including local businesses in the hospitality, tour guide and accommodation industries, tourism specialists and policy makers, academics, researchers and local government representatives.

The programme began on 11th March with a keynote

speech given by Satish Kumar, a trustee of the British Pilgrimage Trust. Kumar undertook a peace pilgrimage from India to Moscow, London, Paris, and America in 1962 and he has subsequently devoted his life to campaigning for ecological regeneration, social justice and spiritual fulfilment. Now in his 80s, Kumar is an inspirational speaker, teacher and author. An action-packed day followed his speech, with a mix of talks and open discussions on the key themes.

On Sunday 12th March, participants were able to walk along part of the new pilgrim route in Wexford and reflect on the ideas that emerged from the previous day’s discussions. Attendees were also able to take part in a singing workshop as part of the Pererin Wyf – I am a Pilgrim project led by artist Rowan O’Neill with Span Arts.

A broad spectrum of stakeholders and partners has been involved in shaping the ‘Pilgrimage and Flourish’ programme, including the British Pilgrimage Trust, which is

Far left: Catherine McPartlin (Ferns).

Left: Michael Cavanagh (Pembrokeshire Co. Council), Amanda Byrne (Wexford County Council) and Professor John Eade (London).

Right: Attendees at the International Symposium.

Far right: James Maloney (Our Lady’s Island), Dr. Nikki Vousden (England) and Graham Cadogan (Enniscorthy).

cient Connections age Trust

leading the development of the new pilgrim route along with Pilgrim Paths Ireland, Journeying and Guided Pilgrimage.

2023 marks 900 years since Pope Calixtus II decreed that two pilgrimages to St David’s in Wales were the equivalent of one to Rome.

A number of individual specialists have also been involved in this project, including Jaeyeon Choe, Lecturer in Sustainable Tourism Development at Swansea University, Bernadette Flanagan, Associate Professor in Spirituality at South East Technological University (Wexford) and Christopher Catling, Chief Executive of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and Chair of Welsh Places of Worship Forum.

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

Far left: John Breen, Denis Kinsella, Catherine McPartlin, Teresa Bailey and Andrew Kelly.

Left: Attendees at the International Symposium in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy.

Right: Nessie Reid (Wales), and Satish Kumar (keynote speaker).

Pauline Quigley (PQ Glass Design, Caim) and Brian Cleary (historian, Oulart).

Dr. Phil Brennan (Waterford), Catherine McPartlin (Ferns) and Eoin Green (Wexford County Council).

Centenary Commemoration of the executions of James Parle, John Creane and Patrick Hogan

EXTRACT FROM ORATION BY AN TÁNAISTE AND MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS MICHEÁL MARTIN TD AT TAGHMON COMMEMORATIONS

❝ As a country we have many things to celebrate and many great moments in our history to remember with deep pride. However, to only remember the times of unity and heroic achievement is to distort history – to miss the complexity which is the reality of our past.

In recent years I have been honoured to visit Wexford and the South East on many occasions. It has been a privilege to join with you in celebrating the centenary of events which were central to the remarkable achievements of our revolution and a unique generation of men and women.

Just as we have come together to mark the high points of those times, it is right that we come together today to remember James Parle, John

Creane and Patrick Hogan, three young men so cruelly and pointlessly executed in the dying days of the civil war.

James Parle of Taghmon... participated with great enthusiasm and good nature in Gaelic sport and culture, something which led him naturally to join in the struggle for independence. And the achievements of him and his colleagues inspire us to this day.

The years immediately after the First World War saw the greatest period of state formation in European history. But Ireland was unique because we were the only new state which secured independence from a country which was on the victorious side of the War –an Empire which dominated many parts of the globe.

However, a near universal outcome of independence for new states was civil conflict and this was something we were unable to avoid.

When you look at the details of those times, there is no way of missing the fact that our civil war was fundamentally caused by the fact that the departing power demanded the right to retain some elements of control on the new state. This was seen in the insistence on measures in the Treaty which it was known would cause division and in the constant pressure placed on the new government to be aggressive against opponents.

I believe we have a duty to respect the good faith of those who had served as comrades but disagreed fundamentally over limits placed on the new state.

An Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD speaking at the Centenary Commemoration of the Executions of James Parle, John Creane and Patrick Hogan, 12th March 2023, at Taghmon.

It is a tragedy that the leaders were not allowed the freedom to find accommodations which would have avoided the conflict.

And it is also a deep tragedy, and the source of nearly all of the worst events of the civil war, that once the military outcome of the civil war had become clear the voices with the most power called for escalation rather than conciliation.

James Parle, his fellow Taghmon-man John Creane and Wexford’s Patrick Hogan were deeply-committed to the idea of an Ireland free to control its own future. The civil war was something they, and so many, deeply regretted but ttheir commitment to republican ideals was sincere and without rancour towards others.

On a cold, wet Thursday, February 15th 1923, the three young men and their colleagues were seeking much needed rest in barn in Horetown when Free State troops burst in and arrested them all.

There had been many incidents in Wexford during the previous half year but March would go on to be the bloodiest single month of the conflict.

When they were arrested they must have thought that they faced the same fate as thousands of other republicans, which was indefinite internment. It was this policy which had actually been key to breaking the core strength of the republican forces.

However, they were not to know that in January a special meeting of the government had enacted a new policy which meant that military executions were to be spread throughout the country.

The executions had been underway for only a few months and had caused deep outrage even amongst many supporters of the government. They marked a move to a frankly lawless period of escalating severity which stood at the core of much of the later resistance and bitterness.

In looking at the 81 military executions as well as the killings which didn’t even have the sanction of going through a military tribunal, you don’t have to use the values of today to find them wrong. Everywhere in the debates of the time, including amongst Treaty-supporting TDs in Dáil Éireann, you find desperate appeals for the policy to stop because of the principles it was destroying and the divisions it was deepening. The fact that an indemnity law was later passed and many records were destroyed showed that even the government itself could not defend much of what happened.

There had been no military executions in Wexford but this was about to change.

At the start of March the men arrested at Horetown were brought to Wexford where they were convicted in a military tribunal presided over by a senior officer sent from Dublin for the purpose.

It was late on March 12th, nearly four weeks after their arrest that the three men heard that they had been singled out for execution and were led away to make their final arrangements.

It is when you read what they wrote and said in their final hours that you see both their exceptional characters of these men and the message which they wanted us to remember.

John Creane was only 18. A shop assistant, he had two brothers who were a civic guard and a member of the Free State army. In spite of his youth and the emotions of the moment, John Creane wrote to his parents, as his last wish, a call for forgiveness.

“I trust that you will bear no ill-will to anyone connected with my arrest, as I freely forgive them all.”

Patrick Hogan was just twenty two. Son of a farrier and already training in his father’s profession, Patrick left us a message of enormous generosity, writing to his parents:

“Forgive the men who are carrying out this, because they think they are right; so my last prayer is that you forgive them, as I have done.”

James Parle had the benefit of a few more years and was a big character who knew how much he had to live for. But his final moments were not consumed with bitterness, but an urgent hope that his death would not cause the death of others. Father Patrick Walsh afterwards recorded that James had implored him: “Will you advise Bob Lambert and his boys to do nothing rash by way of reprisals.”

There is a nobility and a humanity in these words which we should do more to reflect upon. Just like so many of those who did survive the civil war, their wish was to avoid a neverending cycle of violence. I never cease to be inspired by the fact that the overwhelming majority of those who participated in the civil war committed themselves to making sure that the days of violence would end. They are the men and women who built our country – a country which has many challenges but has overcome many more in the past century. Tuesday March 13th 1923 was a clear, early-Spring day. At 8 in the morning these three proud sons of Wexford and of Ireland were led out in front of a firing squad.

There was shock and dismay in the community when the news was spread. The Transport and General Workers’ Union and others immediately passed resolutions attacking the executions and calling for their end.

The civil war would finally drift to an end in the following weeks, with acts such as this playing no significant role in making this happen.

Wexford was left with the memory of three young, idealistic men whose lives were taken so cruelly and senselessly. Three men who could have played such a positive role in building a new Ireland.

Three patriots who left us a powerful message of forgiveness.

It is right we gather today, a century after their deaths to honour and remember the short but inspiring lives of James Parle, John Creane and Patrick Hogan.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse. ❞

More photos overleaf 

Centenary Commemorat the executions of James John Creane and Patrick

Above: Peter Waters presenting Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD with a token of his visit.

Right: Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society lets off a rally salute in honour of James Parle, John Creane and Patrick Hogan.

A copy of THE WEXFORD BOOK by Phil Murphy, Michael Doyle, Michael Freeman and Helen Ashdown, presented by Michael Freeman to An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD.

Hugh O’Connor and his grandchild Sorcha with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD and Margaret O’Connor.

Nuala Carroll, Cllr Michael Minister for Foreign Aff

tion of Parle, Hogan

An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD receives a copy of the book THE GUARDS - POLICING COUNTY WEXFORD 1922-2022, by Tom Miller and Tony Fagan, at the Parle Creane and Hogan 100-year commemorations at a rain-swept Taghmon. On left is Peter Daly, grandson of Bob Lambert of Bob Lambert’s Kyle Flying Column of which the three executed at Wexford Jail in 1923 were members, and on right is Dawn Daly. In centre is Michael Freeman of Three Sisters Press, publishers of the book.

Sheehan and Tánaiste and ffairs Micheál Martin TD.

Tracey Hogan with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD.

The laying of wreaths by Aidan Creane, Jim Parle and Tadgh Moore at Centenary Commemoration in Taghmon of the executions.

Above: Jim Parle reads a letter from James Parle before his death.

Below: Eithne Agar at Taghmon with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD.

Raising the tricolour on Vinegar Hill

The 7th March 2023 was a magical evening on Vinegar Hill as the Tricolour was raised there in commemoration of the 175th Anniversary of the parading of the very first Tricolour to the Hill on 7th March 1848.

The original Tricolour was first flown in Waterford on this day 175 years ago but it was paraded in Enniscorthy on the same day and new Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless and Chair of the Districtl Aidan Browne expressed great pride in being there to commemorate the event.

Renowned Oulart historian Brian Cleary gave a wonderful detailed history of the train of events leading to the Tricolour being paraded to Vinegar Hill and presented copies of the Robert Emmet Proclamation to Chairman Aidan Browne, Enniscorthy icon Sean Doyle and Chair of Enniscorthy Historical Reenactment Society Ray Murphy before the flag was raised to the strains of the last post and Amhrán na bhFiann performed by Anthony Nolan on trumpet.

It’s very important that Enniscorthy firmly lay its claim to our original national flag, and well done to Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Mico Hassett (Manager of Enniscorthy Castle and National 1798 Rebellion Centre) and her team for organising the Vinegar Hill event, and to Keith Doyle who did so much work over the years to stake Enniscorthy’s genuine claim.

– Maria Nolan

Raising the tricolour on Vinegar Hill

Above: Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society with Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless in the centre alongside Superintendent Denis Whelan.

Right: Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Aidan Browne and Sean Doyle with their copies of the Robert Emmet Proclamation.

Below left: Brian Cleary addresses the crowd.

Below right: Brian Cleary and Ray Murphy with the copy of the Robert Emmet Proclamation which Brian presented to Ray on Vinegar Hill.

Easter Monday – 10th April 2023

Easter Monday commemoration events in Enniscorthy will take place again this year with the celebration of Mass in the Cathedral at 10am followed by a procession to Market Square where the Chairman, Cllr. Aidan Browne, will lay a wreath at 10.45am to commemorate the 107th Anniversary of the Insurrection of Easter 1916 and to honour the memory of all Wexford people who died for Ireland, particularly from 1798 onwards. n

Pic: Maria Nolan

Left: Raising the tricolour on Vinegar Hill on 7th March 2023.

Enniscorthy Re-enactors March On by Maria Nolan

March proved to be an extremely busy month for members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society as they commemorated the 175th Anniversary of the parading of the Tricolour to Vinegar Hill on 7th March 1848.

Waterford, as we know, claim the honour of being the first place in Ireland to fly the Tricolour, brought there from France by Thomas Francis Meagher, who received it as a gift from a group of French women sympathetic to the Irish cause.

Enniscorthy has the honour of being the first to parade the flag which was carried to Vinegar Hill on the same day, 7th March in 1848, being smuggled into Ireland by two Enniscorthy men. The flying of the Tricolour on that day was reported in the Freeman’s Journal, published three days later on 10th March 1848, according to renowned Oulart historian Brian Cleary, who gave a detailed account of the train of events.

Brian went on to present copies of the Robert Emmet Proclamation to Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Aidan Browne, Enniscorthy icon Sean Doyle and EHRS Chairman Ray Murphy.

The flag was then raised to the strains of the last post followed by Amhrán na bhFiann.

On 12th March, members of EHRS were invited to Taghmon to give a gun salute at the Centenary Commemoration of the execution of James Parle, John Creane, and Patrick Hogan on 15th March 1923 at Wexford Jail.

The Tánaiste Micheál Martin gave the oration praising the sacrifice of the three Irish patriots, acknowledging the poignant letters written by them to their families the night before their execution, calling for forgiveness for those who would be putting them to death.

The letters were read aloud by members of the Parle, Creane and Hogan families and EHRS gave a colour party gun salute as three wreaths were laid at the Taghmon monument. The Blood Stained Bandage was sung by John Bat Murphy, followed by Amhrán na bhFiann by piper Ray Finn.

A moving and dignified ceremony and a fitting tribute to the three brave men who gave their lives for the Ireland they believed in.

On St. Patrick’s Day, EHRS was invited to march in the Kilkenny parade as Normans, celebrating the shared heritage between our two counties where the Normans featured boldly in our history.

Wet and windy though it might have been, it didn’t deter the large crowds who lined the streets and interacted with their Norman ancestors.

– Words and pics by Maria Nolan

Gun salute by Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society at the Centenary Commemoration on 12th March 2023, at Taghmon, of the executions of James Parle, John Creane and Patrick Hogan. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Enniscorthy Re-enactors at Kilkenny, Taghmon and Vinegar Hill

All pics: Courtesy of Maria Nolan.

Celebrating Wexford’s Maggie Gough

In the week that marked International Women’s Day in March, South East Technological University's (SETU) Wexford campus launched a new funded PhD in the area of STEM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics) to celebrate Wexford’s Maggie Gough, the first Irish woman to receive a doctorate in mathematics in 1931.

Generously part funded by Maggie’s family, the PhD access will allow her story and achievements provide inspiration and encouragement to current students in the university. In so doing SETU is pleased to provide this support and motivation for excellence in memory of an exceptional woman.

The Wexford native did original research in a highly technical subject at a time when very few women (or even men) got that opportunity.

In August 1909, a 17-year-old Wexford girl boarded the vessel Irak in Liverpool, bound for the United States and ultimately Texas. Maggie Gough was one of over two dozen young women from the south east of Ireland onboard, most of them destined to spend their lives in service to an order of nuns based in San Antonio.

Margaret Mary Gough was born in 1892 in Rickardstown in the parish of Kilmore in south east Wexford. The St John of God religious order had a primary school there, which she attended. She was not the only pupil to travel to Texas: many of her classmates sailed with her to Galveston, also headed for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

Jim Moore, grandson of Maggie's sister Lizzie, was born in the same family homestead in Wexford. "She left here with a group of other girls from the area, two of whom we knew", he recalls. "I remember as a youngster, they coming to visit our home in Kilmore, and everyone being put on good behaviour."

However, Gough never made it back to her native land again, not even for her sister Lizzie's wedding in 1928. "The problem was that if you came home you

SETU launches a new funded PhD in STEM to celebrate Wexford’s Maggie Gough, the first Irish woman to receive a doctorate in mathematics.

had to pay for your own transport", Moore relates. "My grandmother died in 1947, and Sister Mary kept in touch with my grandfather and the family, she was a great letter writer. In the 1960s and 1970s, two of her compatriots used to come home and visit our house. Our experience of Sister de Lellis was every Christmas – letters and presents. Prayer books came for confirmations and communions."

After taking her vows, Gough took the name Sister Mary de Lellis, and embarked on a teaching career far from the public eye. In time, she was permitted to advance her education and did so in three stages starting in 1920, all at the Catholic

University of America in Washington DC. Her family were largely unaware of the magnitude of her achievements, but they did know she was a maths teacher.

Gough did original research at a high level in a highly technical subject at a time when very few women (or even men) got that opportunity. Her MA in 1923 was awarded for a thesis on "The Representability of a Number by an Indefinite Binary Quadratic Form". After a few more years of teaching back in Texas, she earned her PhD with a dissertation entitled "On the Condition for the Existence of Triangles In-and-Circumscribed to Certain Types of Rational Quartic Curve and Having a Common Side".

She taught in San Antonio for over 20 years, and then briefly at Incarnate Word Academy in St Louis, Missouri. In 1944, she left the classroom for good due to health issues, and returned to Texas to work as an accountant in a local hospital in Forth Worth, until she retired in 1964.

Moore tried to contact her directly in her later years. "I worked internationally, as an engineer, and in 1981 I was working for an American company. I was down in Texa – now this is pre mobile phones –and I spoke to one of the sisters in San Antonio. Basically, she was saying that Sister Mary probably wouldn't recognise me, she was disabled. I discovered that she was blind, and may have suffered from what we call Alzheimer's these days. She was a considerable age, and she died in 1983."

Gough's achievements and career were fostered and nurtured by emigration to the United States, a familiar story in many Irish households then. Women of her calibre and level of achievement were very rare in those days.

Maggie Gough’s legacy and accomplishments will be acknowledged and celebrated as SETU, along with Maggie’s family, launch the new funded PhD in STEM at the university’s Wexford campus. No doubt Maggie Gough would be proud to see the opportunity she found and embraced in America now back on home soil. n

Maggie Gough (Sister Mary de Lellis) at the Catholic University of America, Washington DC. Circa. 1920.

Wexford projects to benefit from Built Heritage Investment Scheme

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne TD has confirmed that 12 Co. Wexford projects will benefit from the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).

The BHIS assists owners of heritage structures – including those on the local authorities’ Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas – to meet their obligations to care for their properties by providing matchfunded grants of up to €15,000 for standard projects (not involving thatch). Also included under this year’s scheme is funding of €500,000 for conservation repairs to eligible historic thatched structures. Grants of up to €20,000 for thatched structures are available through the scheme.

Welcoming the government’s investment in the 12 County Wexford heritage projects, Minister Browne said he was “glad that these 12 built heritage projects will allow 12 owners and custodians of historic and protected structures in County Wexford to complete necessary works to maintain these structures and safeguard them for the benefit of future generations. €120,856 has been awarded to projects through the scheme’s main stream while €38,160 will be made available through the thatched scheme.

“I have always stressed the importance of supporting our communities in their efforts to repair, preserve and restore our built heritage. The BHIS will also create economic benefits by generating jobs, including those in those specialist sectors providing employment for heritage contractors and tradespeople. I look forward to seeing how this funding benefits so

Heritage news...

County Heritage Forum:

The first meeting of the County Heritage Forum took place in March. The County Heritage Forum is a non-statutory advisory group established by Wexford Co. Council to assist in the formulation and implementation of the County Heritage Plan. The Forum includes elected representatives, representatives from the community sector and a range of organisations and state agencies with an interest in or responsibility for, the heritage of Co. Wexford.

Funding for Local Forge:

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD announced at the end of March that 95 heritage projects across the country will benefit from a total of €4.5m under this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF), with €3,178 being awarded to a Co. Wexford project – Boland's Forge, Templeludigan, Ballywilliam, Enniscorthy for essential restoration works.

The scheme provides assistance to a wide range of heritage structures, including castles, churches, mills, bridges, shopfronts, and thatch structures, as well as to private houses. n

many communities through the new and exciting conservation projects which will be undertaken in the coming year.”

The 12 Co. Wexford Projects:

 Mayglass Farm Complex, Pollwitch, Mayglass, for Thatching, €20,000.

 Sanctuary Cottage, The Sanctuary, Killinick, for Thatching, €18,160.

 Dreybrine, Ballyedmond, Wells, for Thatching, €12,705.

 Carrigbyrne House, Adamstown, Enniscorthy, for Roof Repair, Structures & Coverings including lead work, external fixture repair, external wall repair, €15,000.

 5 Leinster Terrace, Upper King Street, Wexford Town for Lime Rendering & Rainwater Goods Repair/Replacement, €10,249.

 Yoletown Cottage, Yoletown, Broadway, for Thatching, €15,000.

 "Bolands Forge", Templeludigan, Ballywilliam, Enniscorthy, for Roof Repair, Structures & Coverings including Lead Work, €3,178.

 Ballyrane House, Killinick, for Roof Repair, Structures & Coverings including Lead Work, €15,000.

 The Dunes, Ballinesker, Enniscorthy, for Historic Window Glass Conservation/Protection, €8,000.

 Sweetfarm House, St. John’s, Enniscorthy, Historic Window Glass Conservation/Protection, €15,000.

 Cooladine House, Enniscorthy, for External Joinery Repair, External Fixture Repair, Stabilisation of Masonry, €11,724.

 2 Mary Street, Slippery Green, Wexford Town for Lime Rendering, Replace uPVC Windows, €15,000. n

Enniscorthy to receive

funding towards heritage-led regeneration

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne TD has confirmed that €40,000 will be granted towards heritage-led regeneration in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

“I am pleased to confirm this government funding towards heritageled regeneration in Enniscorthy. As a Historic Town, Enniscorthy will benefit from this funding dedicated towards preserving and protecting the town’s valuable built heritage. Specifically, the funding will inform future applications related to the conservation of the town’s historic buildings.”

Minister James Browne TD

€40,000 in

Major award for Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens

year, were presented at a ceremony recently held in the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin.

The annual award scheme acknowledges tourist attractions which achieve a customer satisfaction rating in excess of 90% for an exceptional quality experience and welcome to visitors. The winners are chosen from an independent valuation of feedback surveys completed by over 30,000 CIE Tours International customers.

Accepting the CIE Tours International Awards of Excellence, Matt Wheeler, Curator at the Irish Heritage Trust which manages the Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens visitor attraction says, “We are delighted to receive the first CIE Excellence award for Johnstown Castle. Having opened just ten months pre-pandemic and navigating the last number of turbulent tourism years, we are very proud to accept this award on behalf of all of the team at the Irish Heritage Trust and at Johnstown Castle.”

Over 150,000 people visited Johnstown Castle in 2022 with visitors travelling from all over Ireland, the United States, the UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, France and Italy to enjoy the beautiful castle, wonderful gardens and fascinating rural heritage of the Irish Agricultural Museum.

dors – the people and businesses throughout the country who put Irish tourism on the global stage through the warmth of welcome and quality of service provided to our international visitors.

Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens opened its doors to the public for the first time in July 2019 exactly 850 years after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans to Co Wexford. The castle was opened following redevelopment with an investment of €7.5 million by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and Fáilte Ireland – which was overseen by the owners of the property, Teagasc, in partnership with The Irish Heritage Trust, an independent not-for-profit organisation.

This investment included conservation works in the Castle and enabled the estate to deliver a stunning destination visitor offering in Ireland’s South-east. The offering includes guided Castle tours, a world-class visitor centre, the Irish Agricultural Museum and the Daniel Robertson inspired ornamental gardens with 4km of stunning lake walks and a children’s woodland playground.

Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens is open 7 days per week, for further detail see www.johnstowncastle.ie n

Showcasing our natural and cultural heritage

Bringing Citizen Science to the Blackstairs Mountains...

All are welcome to attend CUPHAT’s (Coastal Uplands: Heritage and Tourism) Blackstairs Mountains Citizen Science Day on 15 April 2023, from 10am to 5.30pm, in Rathnure Community Hall. A series of talks, demonstrations and field walks will showcase the rich natural and cultural heritage of the local area and highlight ways that people of all ages can get involved in recording and monitoring important local sites and species.

Supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland-Wales Cooperation programme, CUPHAT seeks to showcase the shared and distinctive heritages of the Blackstairs Mountains and Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, and the Cambrian Mountains and Preseli Mountains in Wales. This Citizen Science Day is one of four being held in each of the mountain communities involved in the project and will complement the citizen science activities recently run in local schools.

Citizen science is a way of crowd sourcing information about a local area that asks members of the public to help record and monitor aspects of local heritage. It allows researchers to build a better understanding of local landscapes and the animal and plant species that live there. The Citizen Science Day will be an interactive event and people of all ages from across the Blackstairs Mountains are invited to meet the CUPHAT team, find out how you can help and get some hands-on demonstrations of the tools they use. Throughout the day you can find out what citizen science is and why it is important, learn how to record local biodiversity, and start documenting changes in the landscape using repeat photography. You may also happen across some of the distinctive flora and fauna of your area!

The CUPHAT Citizen Science Team describe the activities as being “a fun way to contribute to real scientific data and an opportunity to interact and immerse yourself in your landscape and heritage to get a better understanding of what you see. A full programme of events is available on CUPHAT’s website and social media accounts.” This event is free to attend, but please register via Eventbrite to secure your place on some of the field visits.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/citizenscience-event-tickets-600333653117

Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. n

Successful prosecutions

Wexford County Council had two successful litter prosecutions in Wexford District Court on the 27th of February 2023. The Judge awarded fines ranging from €150 to €200 plus €250 in legal costs for one case.

In Gorey District Court on the 22nd of February 2023, Wexford County Council had one successful case under the Waste Presentation Bye-Laws 2018 and were awarded a total of €150 in fines and €550 in legal costs. n

Energy supports and resources

There are a number of government supports and resources available to help businesses mitigate the impact of energy price rises and become more energy efficient, whether you are beginning your journey to sustainability or at an advanced stage.

https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-forsmes/energy-supports/

These six ‘R’s can save our planet!

Refuse single use plastics (bags, cups, etc)

Rethink your choices

Reuse as much as possible

Repair before you replace

Recycle all packaging and plastic bottles

Rot all your organic stuff and put it back into the soil n

Green loans from Enniscorthy Credit Union

Need to retrofit your cold, 1970s house? Enniscorthy Credit Union’s Green Loan is designed to help you do just that – with one of its lowest rates for a loan 5.25% (5.4% APR) you can save money, save energy and save the environment with Enniscorthy Credit Union! Talk to them today at 053 9233835 or email: loans@enniscorthycu.ie n

National Spring Clean

An Taisce is asking volunteers in County Wexford to join the National Spring Clean 2023 and help our circular economy keep turning! Recycling and habitat protection are key actions during this year’s National Spring Clean events. Last year, over 5,600 clean-ups were organised and volunteers collected an estimated 2,800 tonnes of litter.

The National Spring Clean initiative is a great opportunity for volunteers to get out again and do their bit for their local environment, contribute to creating a more sustainable community, meet new like-minded people and make a difference.

This year participants are encouraged to record their events if they can, e.g. a short video or photos, and send them back to the national Spring Clean organisation via direct message so it can keep a record of all the wonderful work being done

To register, visit the website through the link below and be sure to check out the guidance document released in conjunction with Clean Coasts before undertaking your clean-up: https://nationalspringclean.org/

Uisce Éireann officially opens new state of the art wastewater treatment plant

On 7th March 2023, the communities of Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon had good reason to celebrate as the new wastewater treatment plant in Arthurstown was officially opened by Minister Darragh

officials

Uisce Éireann and Wexford Co. Council.

The €15.6 million investment by Uisce Éireann involved the construction of a new, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant in Arthurstown, three new pumping stations and new sewer pipelines which will also serve the nearby villages of Ballyhack and Duncannon.

The new treatment plant and associated infrastructure will bring significant benefits to the local community in terms of protecting the environment and improving the water quality to the Barrow, Nore, and Suir Estuary. It will also act as an enabler for housing and will support economic growth and development in these areas.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council

Cllr George Lawlor added: “The new infrastructure will lead to enhanced tourism opportunities for this beautiful part of the sunny South East.... eliminating

the discharge into these important rivers and estuaries has long been a goal of Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council, and we can now look forward to the benefits of cleaner waterbodies.”

Paul Fallon, Uisce Éireann, added: “The size and scale of the challenge to end raw sewage discharges is well documented. At the end of 2022, Uisce Éireann had built new wastewater infrastructure for 21 towns and villages across the county where treatment had never existed before.

“Nationally, over 65% of raw sewage discharge by volume has been eliminated through targeted investment in

new sewerage infrastructure and we are on target to eliminate nearly all of the remainder by 2025. The new infrastructure has stopped the discharge of about 20 million litres of raw sewerage every day, which equates to the sewage generated by over 100,000 people... We would like to thank the local communities for their support throughout the works.”

Uisce Éireann is also progressing works to end the discharge of raw sewage in Kilmore Quay with construction of a new sewerage scheme and wastewater treatment infrastructure well underway for the village. n

L-R: Paul Kehoe TD, Minister of State for Law Reform James Brown TD, Paul Fallon (Uisce Éireann), Chairman of New Ross Municipal District Michael Sheehan, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr George Lawlor, Senator Malcolm Byrne, Verona Murphy TD, and, in front, pupils from St. Catherine’s National School, Ballyhack.

O’Brien TD and

from

Calling all Co. Wexford schools and communities

National Spring Clean 2023

National Spring Clean encourages people from all walks of life to take pride in their local environment and to take action against litter. The campaign runs throughout the whole month of April. The National Spring Clean aims to promote personal responsibility for litter and heighten awareness of litter and waste issues. By volunteering for the campaign you can take an active role in improving and maintaining your local environment, by making it a cleaner and more enjoyable place to live in. We all have a responsibility for litter and participating in the National Spring Clean provides an opportunity to get involved with your local community and take action against all the litter that spoils our environment.

How to get involved:

Approval will be given for groups/individuals to participate in the National Spring Clean 2023 campaign. If you wish to participate, please complete the online application here: https://nationalspringclean.org/register-for-the-nationalspring-clean/

Once your clean-up is complete, please contact Caroline Sinnott, Wexford Co. Council Environment Section, on 053 9196684 to arrange collection. n

Check out Sustainable Enniscorthy projects on ChangeX.org

ChangeX.org is an online platform for social innovation connecting communities, ideas and funding. Sustainable Enniscorthy has set up three projects on ChangeX:

 Sustainable Enniscorthy Green Plan

 Sustainable Enniscorthy Repair Cafe

 Freshwater_Slaney

Please log on to www.ChangeX.org, join whichever of the above three groups interests you, or join all three if you wish. There is no cost involved.

Sustainable Enniscorthy Green Plan has 7 themes that affect Climate Change and 10 activities as shown in the table below.

Each activity scores points. Getting 100 points works out as a saving of one tonne of carbon emissions!

We are asking as many people as possible to join our Green Plan group online at https://www.changex.org/ie/thegreenplan/enniscorthy-co-wexford

Then choose the theme that you would prefer to lead, or help out with some or all of the themes and activities.

More details at: https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/SGBBxYTqCtlN9uMy6RRQ

The more people actively involved, the better the impact in our community. Please let anyone you think who might be interested know about these projects.

Meet Sustainable Enniscorthy members in person at the Ennis-

corthy Tidy Towns National Spring Clean on Easter Monday, 10th April at 10am, to get started on the Roadside Clean activity under the Waste theme, and help the group collect and recycle as much plastic waste as possible.

Sustainable Enniscorthy looks forward to getting as many people as possible involved.

Ní neart go cur le chéile! n

SUSTAINABLE ENNISCORTHY GREEN PLAN HAS 7 THEMES AND 10 ACTIVITIES

Wexford town flood relief

WEXFORD TOWN FLOOD RELIEF IS ON THE WAY... LET'S HOPE IT DOESN'T TAKE AS LONG AS ENNISCORTHY'S SCHEME!!!

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Patrick O’Donovan TD was in Wexford town on 23 March 2023 and welcomed the appointment of Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd as engineering and environmental consultants to carry out the design of the Wexford Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme.

Speaking at the signing of contracts, Minister O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to be here today to announce this appointment and to confirm to the people and businesses of Wexford the Government’s commitment to progressing this scheme. This is an important investment for the town and will provide protection to some 179 families and businesses. They and the public can be assured that there will be extensive public consultation as the scheme progresses during the design stage. My Office and Wexford County Council will continue to work closely together with Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd to bring this scheme to construction. The scheme, when constructed, will be adaptable to continue to provide protection against today’s flood risk and the growing risk from climate change into the future.”

The Wexford Flood Relief Scheme is part of the Government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures under the National Development Plan, as part of Project Ireland 2040.

Also welcoming the appointment of the consultants was Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Mr. Tom Enright. Wexford County Council, working with the OPW, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of Flood Relief Scheme for Wexford Town and Environs.

The proposed flood relief scheme for Wexford Town and Environs may include building hard defences and improvement of channel conveyance. At-risk properties would be protected by a series of flood embankments and walls, along with improvement of channel conveyance close to the downstream end of the Carricklawn River and is in the first tranche of projects to be progressed by Wexford County Council within the 10-year timeframe for the programme of investment. The Wexford Town and Environs Scheme has a preliminary cost estimate of €9.52 million and will protect approximately 179 properties (63 residential and 116 non-residential properties) once complete. n

Front L-R: Eamonn Hore (Wexford County Council Director of Services), Minister Patrick O'Donovan and Gavin Reilly (Director of Nicholas O'Dwyer Consulting Engineers). Back L-R: Cllr Gary Laffan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor, Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell and Cllr Leonard Kelly. Pic: Mary Browne.

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is a Local Authority shared service with 60 specialist staff from a broad range of backgrounds and expertise, who are based within 13 different local authority centres nationwide.

The European Union Water Framework Directive places statutory obligations on Member States and local authorities for the development and implementation of River Basin Management Plans. LAWPRO is coordinating the LAs response to these obligations through a new approach that includes five themes:

 Programme Coordination

 Community Engagement

 Catchment Science

 Governance

 Innovation

A core function of LAWPRO is to work with community groups to support the work already being done to promote better water quality, and to encourage more groups to get involved. Community involvement is key to the protection and management of local waterbodies. This is being achieved through a three-stage process:

 Raising awareness of LAWPRO and engaging communities on local water quality issues and concerns.

 Supporting community involvement in the stewardship of local streams, rivers, lakes, and coasts.

 Building capacity within local communities through knowledge funding and training.

LAWPRO is building networks of active communities with the knowledge, skills,

and capacity to make a difference. In this way, LAWPRO’s 13 Community Water Officers have established themselves as contact points for local communities. This is clear by the growing number of groups and champions getting involved in caring for their local water environment.

Ann Phelan is the LAWPRO community water officer for the South East, and she is working to identify issues affecting water quality. Where issues are identified she supports the local authority, public bodies, water stakeholders and communities to find a solution. Collaboration and community engagement is the cornerstone of the programme, combining that with local knowledge to find what is happening in particular water bodies.

Under the new River Basin Management Plan, the River Slaney has been chosen as a pilot catchment to roll out a catchment management plan and form a catchment forum to increase public participation in the water environment area, so to this end Ann is looking to meet with community groups, environmental groups, farming groups/individuals, tidy towns and people who are interested in the River Slaney Catchment and improving water quality. Please contact Ann on 085-8084067 or email ahphelan@lawaters.ie and visit: https://lawaters.ie n

Improved bottle-bank set-up at Bunclody AFC

Works recently carried out by Wexford County Council at Bunclody AFC – more bottle banks added in a new location and the area around it resurfaced. Cllr Cathal Byrne was happy to have been able to assist the Club in getting these works done.

Ferns student wins major bursary

FERNS NATIVE WINS SETU HORTICULTURE BURSARY AND SPENDS TWO MONTHS IN THE SCILLY ISLES ‘CULTIVATING’ HER SKILLS.

Eileen Gahan, a South East Technological University (SETU) student on the BSc in Horticulture at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, has been announced as the joint winner of the Una McDermott Travel Bursary for 2023.

Eileen, who hails from Ferns in County Wexford, used the bursary to spend two months in Tresco Abbey Gardens in the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall. The Tresco Abbey Gardens are renowned for their beauty and diversity, featuring a wide range of exotic plants from around the world.

The Una McDermott Travel Bursary was established to honour the memory of Una McDermott, a passionate gardener and horticulture lecturer in former WIT, now SETU.

The bursary is awarded annually to a student of the SETU BSc in Horticulture in SETU Waterford and Kildalton College, and in the National Botanic Gardens who has shown exceptional promise and dedication to the field.

Speaking about Eileen's win, the McDermott family said, "Eileen impressed us with how self-driven she was in seeking out an unusual placement and in meeting the challenges of getting there. Her enthusiasm for her chosen area of interest and expertise shone through and her willingness in learning more about this was very evident. We wish her well in her placement and look forward to her sharing her learning when she returns."

Eileen expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying, "Winning the Una McDermott Bursary gave me the incredible opportunity to experience working at the world-renowned Tresco Abbey Garden. It is an honour to be able to learn from some of the most knowledgeable horticulturists in the world and to gain hands-on experience in such a unique and beautiful environment.

“I have been immersed in their vast collection of 4,000 subtropical species, learning to identify, maintain, and propa-

gate them. Their fantastic team taught me new skills such as hedge trimming the 30-foot Quercus ilex windbreaks and tree climbing in a harness. I have loved every moment on the island. A truly unforgettable experience."

Commenting on Eileen's win, Dr Cara Daly, the Programme Director for the BSc in Horticulture at SETU, said, "We are delighted that Eileen has been awarded the Una McDermott Travel Bursary, which is a testament to her commit-

ment and dedication to horticulture. At SETU, we are proud to have high quality horticulture students like Eileen who are passionate about the field and eager to gain practical experience. Eileen's win in a highly competitive field is a reflection of her hard work, and we are confident that she will make the most of this incredible opportunity."

For more information about the Horticulture courses on offer at SETU, please visit www.setu.ie/horticulture n

Eileen Gahan from Ferns, winner of the Una McDermott Travel Bursary, in Tresco Abbey Gardens in the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall.