38 minute read
Leisure & Lifestyle
Dancing with Declan
Keep up to date with the local dancing scene on: https://www.facebook.com/DancingwithDec https://www.facebook.com/socialdancingdateswexford n
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Wexford Arts Centre
For details and updates on all happening in Wexford Arts Centre: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/shows n Enniscorthy Women Walking Together
A new ‘Enniscorthy Women Walking Together’ meet-up group has been set up so that no woman who likes to walk has to walk alone, and to help all women to be healthier, happier and fitter. All women are very welcome to join in. Walking alone is not usually much fun so it helps to be among friends who are encouraging and supportive. Walking times, days and duration will be decided by the walkers in the group. A Facebook page (‘Enniscorthy Women Walking Together’) has been created to help bring women of all ages together to enjoy walking in the company of other like-minded women. n
Members of Wexford Light Opera Society led by local parishioner Mag Gurhy, pictured with Fr John Carroll, at their cake sale in the grounds of Barntown church at Masses on Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday. Funds raised go towards the Society’s operatic endeavours.
Enniscorthy Library
Celebrating Billy Roche
Ad Personam Cultural Events presents ‘By Billy Roche. Songs from Stage and Screen’ for one night only on Friday, May 20 2022, at 7:30pm in the Jerome Hynes Theatre, National Opera House, Wexford. This promises to be a unique evening celebrating the work of one of Wexford’s most celebrated writers –Billy Roche. Billy will be joined by a host of singers and musicians and M.C. Alan Corcoran to celebrate his music from stage and screen. Starring Tony Carty, Aileen Donohoe, James McDermott, Peter McCamley, Mike Odlum and Odi with musicians David Wray (piano), Terry Byrne (Keys) and Louise Malone (Reeds). Award-winning broadcaster Alan Corcoran will MC the evening and will interview Billy Roche against a visual backdrop of movie stills, photographs, theatre memorabilia and images which will conjure snapshots of his life, as he tells stories of his work and enjoys his music as it is performed on stage. Tickets are €22.50. To book visit www.nationaloperahouse.ie Or in person at the National Opera House box office, or by telephone 053 912 2144. n
Baby & Toddler Time is back at Enniscorthy Library! Every Tuesday at 10:30am Enniscorthy Library is delighted to welcome parents and guardians with their little ones for fun rhymes, stories and songs. Suitable for ages 0-4.
The relaxed and friendly environment of the library is the perfect setting to make friends and introduce books and reading from an early age. Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Contact Enniscorthy Library to book a place: Lymington Road, Enniscorthy Phone: 053 9236055 enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie
Stay in touch
Wexford Public Libraries Social Media: Wexford Public Libraries on Facebook. Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries. Wexford Public Libraries on Twitter @wexlibraries. YouTube: "Wexford Public Libraries" n
ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY
THE PRESENTATION ARTS CENTRE ENNISCORTHY 25TH JUNE 2022 8.00PM Fortune family weaves along the Wild Atlantic Way
SENTATIONCENTRE.IE
Eppie, Nellie and Nan Fortune with their dog Chubby.
Have you been following the fortunes of the Fortune family from Curraghgraigue, Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, as they weave their way along the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Fortunes are the stars of Wild Atlantic Kids – a 10-part series that captures the fun and excitement of the Fortunes’ campervan holiday and the wild beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way. It commenced on Monday 18th April on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player at 10.30am. If you missed the first few episodes make sure to catch up on the RTE Player as the family – Nellie (11), Eppie (8), Nan (6), parents Aileen and Mick, and their dog Chubby, travel from the top to the bottom of Ireland on a fun-filled road trip. As well as having lots of holiday fun on their trip, the family visit special places and try out new activities: seeing bears and wolves, visiting their first funfair, trying out Sean Nós dancing, net fishing, exploring rock pools, shearing sheep, fishing from a boat, horse riding and learning how to fly a hawk. And then there’s all the fun holiday stuff – barbecues, ice cream and long hot days on the beach. As well as having lots of holiday fun on their trip, the Fortunes clock up over 2,500 kilometers on their magical journey down the Wild Atlantic Way passing through nine counties – Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork –and via some of Ireland’s most impressive scenery. n
ARE YOU DANCING?
We finally had our first day out with our mobile dance floor at the All Ireland Vintage Day in Rosbercon, New Ross, on Sunday 24th of April. There was a massive display of tractors and cars and also lots to do for all the family, especially the children. If you missed out on that one we are going to be in Oakpark, Carlow, next Sunday 8th of May from 12 - 4.30pm. The first thing to come to mind this month is the 50th anniversary of Camross Hall on Friday the 6th of May and Michael Collins is playing so it's guaranteed to be a great night. Even if you don't dance, go and give them your support as not only will you thoroughly enjoy the music you'll also be helping to keep this fabulous nostalgic venue alive. If you're too far north for Camross why not head to Askamore Hall where Stuart Moyles is playing the same night. It's proving to be the most popular parish dance in the southeast so be early if you want a seat. Not that you'd need one! On Saturday the 7th of May, Cliona Hagan & Her Band are playing in Spellman Park, Kildavin, run by the Kildavin/Clonegal GAA clubs, so a great night for a great cause that needs lots of support to make it a success. The following weekend is a real actionpacked one with the Ardattin Inn finally opening its doors after suffering from an extensive fire earlier this year. Friday the 13th might be a night to stay put for some but with Olivia Douglas and Stuart Moyles doing a double bill for the grand opening, I'm sure
with Declan Flanagan
even the more superstitious will be tempted not to miss out.
Then Saturday night, Derek Ryan is in the Rhu Glenn and I don't have to tell you about the importance of turning up early for that gig! But it's Sunday that's really a night that we all should make an effort to attend because Des Willoughby has taken on the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey as a regular weekly dance venue with a big band once a month and social bands in between.
I can't stress how important that is to the southeast as at the moment The Woodford Dolmen in Carlow and the Rhu Glenn on the Kilkenny/Waterford border are the only two venues capable of hosting big bands and the big following that comes with them. It’s a challenge in itself for Des as Sunday nights can be very hit and miss due to the fact that most people have to think about work the next day and parents getting children ready for school, but on the plus side it has less chance of clashing dates and I personally think Des has made a very wise decision to start at the earlier time of 8pm. My own dancing classes are flying it. I'm in Ballymurphy on Mondays, Oylgate Tuesdays (which is turning out to be a fabulous class), The Woodford Dolmen Hotel on Wednesdays, and The Old Courthouse on Thursdays. I start at 7pm now to cater for beginners. All in all, dancing seems to have made a great recovery from what was a very bleak outlook during the pandemic. There always seems to be some kind of turmoil going on at any given time somewhere in the world and at the moment it's the war in Ukraine. There are lots of dances being held around the country to raise money for the various funds to help support the Ukrainian people displaced from their homes. Our hearts, minds, and prayers go out to them. So that's all from me folks for this month. I'll be back in June with more dancing news. Until then, get on the dancing shoes and head out for as many dances as your legs will allow.
Enniscorthy based broadcaster – a finalist at New York Radio Awards
Congrats to Enniscorthy-based broadcaster and journalist Karen Tomkins who has been shortlisted for the international 2022 New York Festivals Radio Awards. Karen is a finalist in the ‘Best Children/ Young Adult Program’ category for her series of children’s audio stories – Big Breakfast Little Stories on WLRfm. The Radio Awards received entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from over 30 countries around the globe. Among the finalists are global broadcasters including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, RTÉ Ireland, BBC, ABC Radio National Australia, Sky News radio and Paramount.
Waterford native Karen wrote, presented and produced the series of audio stories which aired on local Waterford radio station WLR. A mother of three children herself, Karen Tomkins wanted to give kids a voice on radio, a segment that was just for them and a platform that they could engage with and call their own. The 12-part series offered children the chance to star in their own radio story, which aired on The Big Breakfast Blaa every week. Listeners sent in details of their children and, with their permission, Karen contacted parents to get a sense of who their child, or children were, and went recording and producing a weekly personal story – written all about them.
Some of the themes include children dealing with a learning disability, being bullied at school, LGBTQ+ families and missing out on so much during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Karen has already won two national IMRO Radio Awards with WLR for her first two series of Big Breakfast Little Stories in 2020 and 2021.
Karen lives in Enniscorthy with her husband Shea and their three children Jack (14), Harry (11) and Daisy (5) Tomkins. Jack is in second year in FCJ Bunclody while Harry and Daisy go to Marshalstown NS. Karen has since gone on to work on other children’s audio projects. In 2021 she wrote and produced the ‘Story Bud?’, Five Word Fun, World News Day bulletins and Once Upon a Pine series with RTÉjr Radio. She also produces Two Halves on RTÉjr Radio – a kids soccer show presented by kids (her own sons Jack and Harry Tomkins). “I absolutely love the creative side of broadcasting for children. My background is in the newsroom as a journalist and as a broadcaster and I’m always conscious that it’s really important not to forget our younger generation of discerning listeners. There are ways of communicating and interacting with younger children in radio that will encourage them to be the listeners of the future.”
On making the final shortlist at the New York Festivals Radio Awards she says, “It’s fantastic that there is a category for children’s programmes. I am humbled and honoured to be among the finalists from all around the world and it’s fantastic to see a local station and an independent producer like me represented alongside national broadcasting corporations. “I couldn’t get to a studio during lockdown so this series was all done at home – begging our dog not to bark and waiting for the noisy washing machine to spin before recording into a small microphone with my head under a duvet to recreate studio sound,” she laughs. Karen has just set up a new business The Treasure Vox, recording people’s life stories as a professional audio documentary for their families to have as a special legacy for generations to come.
To listen to Big Breakfast Little Stories: https://www.wlrfm.com/lifestyle/listenback-big-breakfast-little-stories-on-the-bigbreakfast-blaa-183185 n
MANHUNTER
Movie Review with Kyle Walsh
In this month’s movie review I’m stepping back into the 80s to review one of the best films I’ve ever sat down to watch. Michael Mann’s psychological thriller Manhunter.
This film is based on the novel (Red Dragon) written by Thomas Harris and it has an ensemble cast of William Peterson, Dennis Farina, Brian Cox, Tom Noonan, and Joan Allen.
There is always a trick question thrown in on film quizzes which is, how many Hannibal Lector films are there? Almost all the time people get the answer wrong as they always forget or don’t know of the existence of this masterpiece, the very first Hannibal Lector film ever made, and quite simply the greatest Hannibal Lector film ever made.
The Silence of the Lambs is a great film with amazing performances and it won oscars and was very successful, but with all its glory it wouldn’t hold a candle towards Manhunter. Manhunter is a much superior movie which was released in 1986 – it was a B- movie, and it was only with its release throughout the decades on vhs and blu-ray that it got a cult following. Many fans rate it better than The Silence of the Lambs and for me it’s not even open to question. I’m highlighting this film in this edition with the hope that people who haven’t watched it yet can seek it out and do yourselves a favour and watch it. Retired Will Graham is dragged back into action to track down a serial killer who kills whole families on nights with full moons. William Peterson as Will Graham is absolutely amazing. He has to get into the mind of the killer and with doing that he has to visit Hannibal Lector who he put away in his past. Lector played here by the great Brian Cox is one scary monster. He would make your skin crawl. Graham is hunting down the Toothfairy played here by the terrifying Tom Noonan. It’s a game of cat and mouse throughout, will Graham catch his killer before it’s too late?
The acting throughout this film is exceptional. I watched it again the other night on blu-ray and found myself simultaneously invigorated and unnerved by the magnificence of Manhunter. It’s such an important film in my opinion and should be studied in film schools. Michael Mann’s directing is outstanding, the cinematography exceptional, one of the greatest soundtracks I have ever heard in a film. I cannot fault this movie on any level. It’s one of my all time favourite movies and I want everyone to watch it. This film is a true masterpiece of epic proportions and you will thank me for watching it. 10/10. n
Easter Bunny with Ryan Halpin.
Committee members Donna Kehoe and Mary Theresa McKeown with Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy at the Disco.
Disco goers: Richard Fitzgerald and Charlie Kelly at the Bunclody Community Park Group Easter Kids Disco in Bunclody.
Makeup Artist Berna Ivory gives her full attention to young Simone Wolfe at the Bunclody Kids Disco on 9th April.
Joey Roche enjoying the Disco.
Boogying in Buncl
Bunclody Community Park Group Eas at Bunclody AFC, Saturday 9th A
lody
All made up were Quinn Murphy and Roseleen Farrell at the Bunclody Disco.
ster Kids Disco April 2022.
‘I’m here with my mam’ – Ella Rose Meyler at the Disco with mam Amy.
Facepainting as artist Claire Breen makes up young Harpur Rose Kehoe watched by auntie Barbara-Anne Murphy at the Bunclody Disco. What’s all this carry on? Kyle Murphy with his mam at the Disco.
Enjoying the Easter Disco at Bunclody AFC was Harper Rose Kehoe.
Family affair at the Bunclody Easter Kids Disco – Mia, Diane and Sophie Kehoe.
The Fureys to play Wexford’s National Opera House
Following their recent successful show at the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey, The Fureys return to County Wexford next month (3rd June) for a show at the National Opera House, Wexford, where one again they will treat their audience to one of popular music’s richest legacies. They are one of Ireland’s all-time most acclaimed and influential folk, traditional and middle of the road bands. Fureys’ classics like I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet 16, Red Rose Café, Leaving Nancy, The Old Man, From Clare to Here and The Green Fields of France have become the soundtrack to the lives of fans all over the world.
The Fureys’ indelible musical footprint is rivalled only by their vast collection of personal stories of their musical experiences and friendships, gathered by Eddie and George Furey along an amazing 44-year journey which shows no signs of reaching a final destination.
The Furey brothers were still trying to make it as folk singers in the late nineteen sixties when Eddie Furey shared flats with then fellow folk stars-in-waiting, Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty. Eddie recalls: ‘It was quite a group to be living under the same roof and we had great fun. I bet the neighbours never slept with all the singing and drinking.’ So impressed were they by the quality of Gerry Rafferty’s songwriting at that time that they recorded his song, Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway –now a Fureys’ classic. Eddie and George Furey are particularly proud of their UK chart success with songs like I Will Love You and When You Were Sweet Sixteen, which in turn helped bring Irish folk and traditional music to a completely new audience. The band made their Top of the Pops debut in 1981. They ran into a problem when the show’s producers insisted that their own backing tape be replaced by a tape recorded by in-house musicians. The Fureys weren’t prepared to have music that wasn’t their own played to TV’s watching millions. George had a solution: ‘When they weren't looking, I replaced their tape with ours. No one knew I had switched them.’
The Fureys will jump at any chance to play... not just on stage. Stories of the band striking up spur of the moment music sessions with fellow music stars who happen to be around are legendary. Joe Dolan, Philomena Begley, Tom O'Connor, Chris Rea, the Chieftains, Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Liam Clancy and Sean Maguire are just a few of those who have joined The Fureys for their spontaneous sessions, each one with a story begging to be told.
Coronation Street, Royle Family, Keeping Up Appearances and Heartbeat star, the late Geoffrey Hughes, had a keen interest in Irish music and would play the bodhran with the band. He once joined the guys for a legendary all-night session in the Europa Hotel, Belfast, after starring in the Christmas pantomime at the Grand Opera House next door. The Fureys also struck up an unlikely music session with Kool & The Gang, Midge Ure (Ultravox) and other music co-stars backstage during an episode of Top of the Pops. There was a BBC strike and all of the show’s artists found themselves at a loose end. Alas, there are no recordings of how this fusion of styles came across.
Eddie Furey recalls how ‘many musicians have told us we influenced them after hearing a record from their parents or grandparents' collection’. One such musician was Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics. Dave started out as a stage-hand working in a theatre in the north east and credits Eddie with teaching him his first chords on the guitar. Eddie would return the compliment by joining Dave on stage in Paris for a jam during the latter’s wedding to Bananarama’s Siobhan Fahey. Tickets available for the National Opera Hotel on www.nationaloperahouse.ie or the box office 053 9122144. The Fureys video trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NffjeAiL-8U n
Love the arts at your local library
As part of the National Opera House Education and Community Programme a series of FREE Evening Classes in Arts Appreciation will take place in libraries throughout County Wexford in May 2022. Selected musicians from the Programme will talk about their background, training, and life as professional musicians – their influences that include not only music but other art-forms, and of course, how they are now coming back into live performance since the relaxation of Covid restrictions. Live performance demonstrations of their instruments will also be part of the talks, together with an opportunity for questions at the end of the evening. These informal events are suitable for anyone aged 18 upwards – no prior knowledge of music necessary! Booking is essential as places are limited. n Malachy Robinson Thursday, 5 May 7pm, Malachy Robinson (double bass/ violone/ guitar/banjo) in Bunclody Library. Malachy Robinson is a dedicated chamber musician, passionate about communication. Admission: Free. Booking essential.
Elizabeth Drwal Booking: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/3884509
An evening with Elizabeth Drwal – singer, vocal specialist and pianist in Wexford Library, Thursday 19th May at 7pm. Admission: Free.
Elizabeth Drwal is a vocal coach, vocal health specialist and leader of choral and opera workshops both in Ireland and the UK.
She studied Music and Dance at Leeds University, Film at Goldsmiths College, London, and Vocal Studies with Glenville Hargraves at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester. She also holds a Post Graduate Teaching Certificate and a MA in Vocal Pedagogy (Dist) from the University of Wales and Level 1 & 2 Estil voice training. Duration: 1 hour approx. Booking essential as places are booked on a first come, first served basis.
To book: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/3884628 Call Wexford Library on 053 9196760 or email: wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie n Susan Doyle
Thursday, 12 May 7pm, Susan Doyle (flautist) in Enniscorthy Library. Admission: Free. Booking essential. Susan Doyle is flautist and founder member of the cutting-edge contemporary music group Crash Ensemble. Susan will talk about her background, training and life as professional musician – her influences that include not only music but other artforms too and, of course, how she is now coming back into live performance since the relaxation of Covid restrictions. Susan will give a live performance. Demonstrating her instrument will also be part of the talk, together with an opportunity for questions at the end of the evening. This informal event is in conjunction with National Opera House Community and Education Programme and Wexford Local Development and is for anyone aged 18 upwards. No prior knowledge of music necessary! Booking at: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/3884713 n
A Skull in Connemara: Andy Drama Group’s lastest play:
Andy Doyle, Liam Spratt and Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District.
Left: Director Pat Murphy. Right: EDG Chairman Liam Doyle. L-R: Niall Holohan, Fintan Kelly, Jamie Murphy and Brendan Robinson.
L-R: Maeve Ennis, Mary and Jennifer Kelly.
Doyle launches Enniscorthy Book now! Starts 4th May.
A Skull in Connemara has been described as the forgotten sister of Martin McDonagh’s Leenane Trilogy, being less staged and less favoured with directors than its two theatrical siblings The Beauty Queen of Leenane and The Lonesome West. But all that is about to change, as Enniscorthy Drama Group, under the directorship of well known actor and musician Pat Murphy, gets ready to perform the play at the Presentation Arts Centre on 4th/5th/6th May. Like all McDonagh classics, there is wit, humour and darkness in A Skull in Connemara as it chronicles the rather gruesome trade of gravedigger Mick Dowd, who is charged each autumn with the dismal task of disinterring bones from the local cemetery, to make room for new tenants.
Paints a rather sombre picture, doesn’t it? Well, it gets worse, when Mick has to dig up the grave of his dead wife Oona, unearthing more than her bones in the process. Launching the play at Enniscorthy Castle recently, renowned actor and director Andy Doyle described McDonagh’s genius as a mixture of Beckett, Synge and Tarrantino, and one of the most brilliantly talented playwrights of our time. Andy praised the star-studded cast – Julie Fox, Jamie Murphy, Fergal Kelly and Rónán P Byrne, making the job easy for director Pat Murphy, Andy quipped, and applauded Enniscorthy Drama for continuing to nurture and sustain the wonderful tradition of drama in the town of Enniscorthy. ‘I can remember the very first performance I saw as a young boy here in Enniscorthy, at the Athenaeum, with characters like Harry Ringwood and Matty Kinnaird leaving a lasting impression on me.’ ‘Drama is part and parcel of who we are here in Enniscorthy, and I am delighted to see it survive and thrive here in the town under EDG,’ Andy continued, remembering several occasions when he and MC for the event, Liam Spratt, strutted their stuff on the boards together. Liam Spratt said that he very much looked forward to seeing the production and complimented Pat Murphy in the role of director, a new departure for the actor and musician.
The launch attended by Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Ca-
thal Byrne, Chair of Wexford County Council Barbara-Anne Murphy, heralded the return of drama to the Enniscorthy stage after the two year lockdown, as Chairman of EDG Liam Doyle invited all to sample delicious plates of piping hot colcannon made especially for the occasion, a gesture as welcome and unique as McDonagh himself.
A Skull in Connemara is at the Presentation Arts Centre,
Enniscorthy, on 4th/5th/6th May.
Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment by ringing the venue on 053 9233000. n
Enjoying the Menopause!
A brand new show How to Get the Menopause & Enjoy It, written and performed by former Nualas comdeienne, Anne Gildea, will be presented on May 21st at The Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy. It has already created a stir during its initial sold-out run in Dublin.
Anne Gildea is waxing her moustache, slathering on the Oestrogel and boiling with excitement about bringing her hilarious new show to Enniscorthy. Join her on this fabulous, informative, excursion through one of life’s last great mysteries – The Menopause! What is it? Why does it happen? How come some women sail through it and it turns others into off-the-scale nutjobs? Is there anything you can do about it? Why is it named after men? And why oh why is so little known about this inevitable phase of lady-life? Anne answers all these questions and more as she rips through every angle and embraces Menopause’s greatest gift: THE SUPERPOWER OF NOT GIVING A S%@TE! Join Anne for this unique and hilarious show, it’s a classic in the making! Audience comments: “I haven't laughed so much for so long.” “Outrageously and wonderfully funny. She gets a conversation going instead of all the shushing everyone goes on with.”
Independent.ie 16th April, 2022 “Seriously funny and hilariously clever.” “My ribs are sore from laughing.” “There twice. Brilliant show.” “So canny, funny, smart, on-point and hilarious. GO SEE IT!” “I wet myself.”
Anne Gildea is a comedienne and writer, known for her unique brand of humour. A founder and member of the popular comedy-musical trio The Nualas, this new show is her most ambitious project to date – two hours with intermission.
www.annegildea.com Check out the show’s video: https://youtu.be/mymJxBHcs9Y n
Fundraising concert for Ukraine
Enniscorthy Lions Club will host an all-star concert in St. Mary’s Church, Enniscorthy, on Saturday night, May 28th, in aid of the Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Fund. The concert was given the go-ahead at the April meeting of the Lions Club and a sub-committee has been appointed to oversee the event. The best of Wexford talent is being asked to perform at the concert and already a number of household names have agreed to participate. The full list of participants will be announced shortly and tickets at €20 each will go on sale within a matter of days. This is the first major fundraising event for the Humanitarian Aid Fund to take place in Enniscorthy and as such it is certain to be well supported. The concert will consist of a wide variety of musical talent from instrumentalists to classical singers with performers from all four corners of the county participating. Lorna Mahon Wall has been appointed Musical Director for the concert and as soloist at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, Lorna needs no introduction to the general public. St. Mary’s Church is being made available by kind permission of Rev. Canon Nicola Halford, a member of the Lions Club, and with a seating capacity of close to 600, the concert is likely to
raise a substantial sum for the humanitarian aid project when staged on May 28th. Meanwhile, Enniscorthy Lions Club and Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce are continuing their joint efforts of sending badly needed supplies to the war torn region. To date, two juggernaut trucks have made the hazardous journey carrying medical supplies, hygiene products, food items and clothing for refugees fleeing the conflict. More, however, is needed. At a recent meeting, Lions Club President Dr. Mairead Kelly issued an urgent appeal to the people of Enniscorthy town and district to continue contributing as the need far exceeds what has been sent to Lorna Mahon Wall date. Items required include long-life food products, nappies, hygiene products, medical supplies and quality clothing, including blankets and footwear. The reception centre for receipt of goods is the Christ Alive Church, Abbey Centre, which is open every afternoon to receive goods. Meanwhile, Enniscorthy Lions Club recently welcomed six new members. The increased membership will allow the club to undertake additional activities for the betterment of the local community and the concert on May 28th is but the first of a planned series of events scheduled for 2022. n
Mike Denver at the Riverside Park Hotel
Mike Denver (‘The Galway Boy’), one of Ireland’s top entertainers, was born and raised in the town of Portumna in Co. Galway where he began singing from an early age and started touring at just 16 years old. Since then he has continuously honed his craft and and is now one of Ireland’s leading entertainers. Mike truly loves what he does and that is apparent to all who attend his live shows. He appreciates all his fans and and he can't wait to perform live in front of them again in the Riverside Park Hotel in Ennicorthy on 22nd May. n Enniscorthy’s new summer festival
Looking ahead.... Enniscorthy will host a new and exciting summer festival based on a number of existing festivals amalgamating to form one super festival offering top class food, music, and children’s entertainment. This new festival will be called the Rockin’ Fruit & Food Festival and is scheduled to take place from Friday 29th July to Monday 1st August. More details in our future issues. n Concert Tour 2022
RIVERSIDE PARK HOTEL ENNISCORTHY Sunday May 22nd 8pm
Tickets at Hotel 053-9237800 and Ticketmaster.ie
Get the most from your device at Enniscorthy Library
Are you aged 55 years or older and would like help using your laptop, phone or tablet? Enniscorthy Library will provide a free, one-to-one, 20 minute help session to offer hints and tips on getting the most from your device (see graphic below). Sessions will be held on Friday the 6th and 13th of May. Booking is essential. Places will be limited. To book your place contact 053 9236055. Times will be confirmed with you individually. n Taking a trip?
Click & Collect, an easy way to order and collect foreign currency, is available in Enniscorthy Credit Union. You can order online at the link below and collect in the office or phone in your order to 053-9233835. This service has 0% commission for members – another benefit of being an Enniscorthy Credit Union member. https://www.enniscorthycu.ie/services/foreign-exchange/ n
Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel...
Make sure to check out Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube channel. Catch up with all the events you may have missed or would like to watch again, as well as handy guides and tutorials for accessing Wexford Public Libraries' e-services. You can catch up on these talks on Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel. n
Four Wexford groups reach All-Ireland Drama Finals
The All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals were held in the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, in April, with Camross Drama Group taking to the stage on the opening night with their superb production of Kings of the Kilburn High Road by Jimmy Murphy, directed by Michael Stafford. Kilmuckridge Drama Group followed on 26th April with their lauded production of Synge’s classic The Playboy of the Western World. And the great news is that Kilmuckridge won the overall award making them All-Ireland Confined Drama champions for 2022. Anthony O’Connor, who also won Best Director, accepted the much coveted award on behalf of the large cast and crew. The Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone is the home of the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival Open Section commencing on Thursday 5th May and ending with the awards night on Saturday 14th May. Competing will be two Wexford groups. Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group will take to the stage on Saturday, 7th May, with The Good Father by Christian O’Reilly – a two-hander featuring Pádraig D’Arcy and Mairead Connaughton, directed by Kieran Tyrrell. On 11th May, Kilrush Drama Group will present the Edinburgh Fringe First awardwinning ‘Class’ by Iseult Golden and David Horan and directed by Pat Whelan – an explosive triple confrontation which is both funny and heart-breaking. It is a tribute to the high standard of amateur drama in Co. Wexford that four groups from the county qualified for the All-Ireland Finals this year. And with one All-Ireland win now secured, hopes are high that a second All-Ireland can be secured in the Open Section. n
Elvis is in the building!
ONE FOR THE DIARY
The local team that brought us the incredibly successful ‘Buddy – the Buddy Holly Story’ in 2018 will be back with a brand new show this August featuring Elvis and The Big Bopper in ‘Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue’. It tells the story of a young Elvis and JP Richardson. Trapped in small town America can they use their Rock 'n' Roll to save themselves? With a host of lovable and crazy characters and music that will have you hopping off the walls, don't miss out on Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue. Featuring songs like, Stuck on You, Hound Dog, Reet Petite, Chapel of Love and many, many more .... But first, the team will be holding a fundraising coffee morning on 6th of May in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, from 10am to 12 noon. Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue will be performed in aid of Pieta House so your support at the coffee morning would be most welcome. n
CELEBRATING A DELI
Briget Major and Mary Kearns enjoying the ten-year anniversary dinner in The Bailey on 22nd April.
Catherine Quigley and Helen Wildes at the ten-year anniversary dinner in The Bailey.
Ita Kinnard, Mary Kells and Tracey Cowman in The Bailey. Enniscorthy’s Delightful Dollies celebrated their 10th Anniversary in Bellefield GAA complex on 20th April. Pictured above are some of the members at the cutting of 10th Anniversary cake with club Chairperson Winnie Connolly in the middle.
The group also held a celebratory dinner in The Bailey, Enniscorthy, on 22nd April.
10th Anniversary Dinner in the Bailey: Mary Murphy and Breda Redmond.
Kathleen Hennessey, Kitty and Margaret O Brien. Eileen Owens and Catherine Quigley. Enniscorthy’s Delightful Dollies 10th Annivers Kay Leacy, Liz O’Brien and Ma
Enniscorthy’s Delightful Dollies 10th Anniversary Dinner: Kathleen Cahill, Anne O’Brien and Liz O’Brien. Helen Wildes and Patricia Wheel
IGHTFUL TEN YEARS
Joan Peare and Mary Vardy.
Caroline Stamp, Breda Kirwan and Sally Murphy.
A group of Dollies enjoying the Anniversary Dinner in The Bailey.
Stephanie Murphy, Antoinette Davis and Theresa Ring.
sary Dinner in The Bailey: ry Sinnott. Delightful Dollies 10th Anniversary Dinner: Mary Millar, Mary Dobbs and Kathleen Hennessy.
ler. Gertie Bolger and Kit Kenny. Celine Fortune and Phil O’Neill.
Delightful Dollies 10th Anniversary Dinner in The Bailey, Enniscorthy, 22nd April. The Committee: Theresa O’Connor, Edel Kenny, Winnie O’Connor, Marion Morrissey and Winnie Connolly, Chairperson.
Maria launches her new book
Maria Nolan (right) with Edel Kelly who provided the wonderful and colourful food for the book launch.
Maria Nolan with Johnny Mythen TD at Maria’s book launch on 20th April in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.
Some of the crowd present at Maria’s book launch in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy. Maria Nolan’s new book The Shadow of Freedom, her second novel about the McDonald family and Enniscorthy, is now available on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback versions and in Easons in Enniscorthy. It is set during the War of Independence and Civil War in Enniscorthy. A huge crowd turned out for the official launch which took place on 20th April in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, in the company of Maria’s family, authors Sheila Forsey and Caroline Busher, friends Anne Gilpin, Richie Cotter, Frank Corcoran, cover designer Larry Dunne, local politicians, Enniscorthy Historical Re-ennactment Society, and with an amzing spread of food provided by Maria’s friend Edel Kelly. n
L-R: Anne Gilpin, Sheila Forsey, Caroline Busher, Ri Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan at Maria Nolan’s bo
ichie Cotter and ook launch. L-R: Richie Cotter and Ann Callanan at Maria Nolan’s book launch on 20th April in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.
L-R: Mary Walsh, Terri Foley, Jacqui Murphy, Maria Nolan, Maeve Doyle, Paula O’Shaughnesssy.
Above: Maria Nolan with her first novel ‘The Shadow of the Hill’ and her new novel ‘The Shadow of Freedom’. Below: Maria with her new novel which is now on sale in Easons, Enniscorthy.
Presentation Centre staff Lisa Byrne and Larry Dunne looking forward to reading Maria’s new book.
