Slaney News, Issue 161, October 2023

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 October issue of the Slaney News.

The perennial problem of dog fouling is being highlighted again by the wonderful Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group. It’s a problem that’s not going to go away unless strong measures are taken. To date the approach has been very much of the ‘carrot’ variety, perhaps more of the ‘stick’ is needed. On the ‘carrot’ front, Wexford Co. Council to its credit is involved in education and awareness-raising as well as providing special bins, gloves etc in urban areas and on Blue Flag beaches. Its ‘Green Dog Walkers’ and ‘Bag It, Bin It’ campaigns are to be commended also. In Enniscorthy, a solar-powered recording on The Prom reminds people to do their duty when it comes to their dogs’ poo. Recently, Enniscorthy Tidy Towns painted stencils on popular dog-walking routes reminding people to clean up after their pets. All these measures are to be welcomed, but without a ‘stick’ approach also they’re not going to be very effective. Recent research reveals that just 82 dog-fouling fines in total were handed out by Irish local councils over the course of 2022, AND NOT ONE OF THESE WAS IN CO. WEXFORD!!! There needs to be a serious campaign involving fines and ‘naming and shaming’. The Slaney News, for one, will not be found wanting in helping with any such campaign.

We include as always a huge number of photos taken around Enniscorthy, and beyond. 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 11,000 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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Slaney News reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication.

Slaney News does not attempt to investigate or verify claims made in advertisements appearing in our publication. The appearance of an advertisement in this publication in no way implies endorsement or approval by us of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. Slaney News disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection with advertising appearing in this publication. 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.

Please note the following:

Funding boost for Wexford Co. Council

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has confirmed that an additional €1,578,937 in government funding to Wexford County Council will be made available in 2024 following a review on the allocation of funding.

Wexford County Council receives a minimum (’baseline’) amount of funding from the Local Property Tax, supplemented by funding from the exchequer once Wexford County Council’s LPT income is lower than its baseline. This baseline funding is essential and recognises the role played by Wexford County Council in the delivery of day-to-day services and local responses to emergency situations; such as during Covid-19, and more recently the community response to support the Ukrainian crisis.

Minister Browne said: “I’m glad to confirm that Wexford County Council will receive this additional sum of funding in 2024. This funding will assist the Council in responding to increased demand for local authority services. I’m particularly pleased that the increase in funding to Wexford County Council will give the Council some flexibility and discretion in responding to resource demands arising from the delivery of priority Government initiatives.” n

Enniscorthy Credit Union Brenda O'Neill Scholarship Draw 2023

Calling all College/ PLC Students...

Apply now for the Enniscorthy Credit Union

Brenda O’Neill Scholarship Draw with €8,000 in prizes. You just need to be a member and a student to enter! The 2023 Scholarship Draw is open to ALL STUDENTS, IN ANY YEAR!

Application forms are available to download or you can collect them in any Enniscorthy Credit Union office: Enniscorthy, Ballymurn, Murrintown or Taghmon.

Enniscorthy Credit Union prides itself on the contribution it makes to our local community and the members it serves. Part of this contribution is the annual Scholarship Draw for college students who are members of Enniscorthy Credit Union.

To take part the student must be attending or commencing a full-time course of at least two years duration with an education body that is recognised by the Department of Education (Ireland) or Internationally for Overseas Students, and be a member of Enniscorthy Credit Union.

If you are not a member, you must be eligible for membership and join Enniscorthy Credit Union before the closing date of October 28th 2023.

There is a draw for Third Level and PLC Course Students with some great prizes. There is a separate form for each draw. If you are not in, you can’t win!

The Scholarship Draw forms are available online and in all Enniscorthy Credit Union offices.

THIRD LEVEL PRIZES*

Winner: €1,500 per year – for max 3 years.

Runner-up: €1,000 per year – for max 3 years.

*subject to passing exams and continuing the course.

PLC DRAW PRIZE

1st Prize €500.

Get those applications in!!!

Drop them in to any Enniscorthy Credit Union office.

Or post them to:

Scholarship Draw, Enniscorthy Credit Union, Abbey Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

Or email them to: together@enniscorthycu.ie

All the information you need is on the website as well as the forms needed: https://www.enniscorthycu.ie/scholarship-draw/ n

Concern over Garda numbers

Senator Malcolm Byrne has once again been raising the issue of Garda numbers in the Wexford / Wicklow Garda Division.

In the Seanad last month this concern was expressed as part of a Fianna Fáil motion on Crime and Policing. https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2023-09-27/speech/118/

While the number of Gardaí in Wexford has now risen to 338, this is still three fewer than at this time in 2021.

Malcolm says, “The populations of both Wexford and Wicklow are growing and I know the Chief Superintendent and the Gardaí are doing a good job, but we need to ensure that the allocation of Gardaí follows need. Rosslare Europort needs a focused policing team and we need to have Garda numbers that are proportionate to the size of the two counties.” n

Work in progress at St Senan’s School

We’ll carry a full update in next month’s issue of Slaney News. n

A stolen ring buoy – A stolen life!

Many of us are familiar with the above slogan, but it does little to stop some in our community from putting lives at risk by stealing or vandalising these potentially life-saving devices. We are delighted to see local Councillor Cathal Byrne drawing attention to the problem and providing the attached photos.

Cllr Byrne says, “Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident. Over the past few weeks, I have been contacted by local residents about a repeated pattern of ring buoys being vandalised, set on fire and mindlessly thrown into the River Slaney without any regard for public safety, putting people's lives at risk.”

“I would appeal to the local community, if anyone knows who is doing this to tell them to stop and show more respect for their local area and for local people along the banks of the River Slaney.”

He advises, “If anyone has any information please contact local Gardai in Enniscorthy on 053-9242580.” n

Report missing ring buoys at: https://watersafety.ie/ringbuoys/?fbclid=IwAR2lMqtL6nQbUUbmKrauQmUj0EFn4HaOe-kZiflZwntIjAFClc1WbChs3o4

Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh

The children of Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh who have started their school journey this autumn with their class teacher and school principal Judy Uí Ifearnáin (back left).

Cllr Cathal Byrne

The gain outweighs the pain!

The recent closure of the Island Road between its junctions with Barrack Street and the old Enniscorthy Bridge caused major traffic and business disruption. Local Councillors voiced their frustrations at the September meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, with Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan suggesting that this type of work should be done at nighttime and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy saying that the job could have been done using lane closures rather than full road closure. Both Councillors expressed the anger of local businesses who typically lost 30-50% of their revenue during the closure period. Cllr Cathal Byrne said businesses got a leaflet beforehand from Uisce Éireann with a contact telephone number but that number was never answered by them.

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has pointed to the many benefits arising from these recent works related to the upgrade of Enniscorthy’s wastewater system.

Minister Browne outlined how the upgrade of Enniscorthy’s wastewater system “will bring many long-term benefits to Enniscorthy town. These works were essential for Enniscorthy town’s future growth, the delivery of jobs, new schools, and new public services, including the new primary care centre and enhanced community care centre.”

Minister Browne was however critical of

Uisce Éireann saying, “It is extraordinary that checks for hard rock and underground ESB cables were not completed before works started. There are lessons to be learned from this as the impact on local businesses has been severe. I’ve written to Uisce Éireann outlining my concerns and seeking an explanation for why these checks were not done, which may have shortened the length of the road closure and disruption to residents and businesses.” n

New moves to tackle dereliction

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding of €6.5m has been allocated to Wexford Co. Council (WCC) to tackle long-term dereliction and vacancy in Co. Wexford’s four main towns and accelerate provision of residential accommodation.

The idea is for the Council to buy derelict/vacant properties, but not to keep them in public ownership but to spend a limited amount on them e.g. to make them safe and more attractive and then dispose of them on the open market. The proceeds of the sales will be retained by the Council to buy further properties so it is a revolving fund.

WCC submitted a list of 217 properties across the four main towns of which 169 were deemed suitable by the government. New Ross is the top priority for the Council under this scheme, with Enniscorthy being second in line, and a lower emphasis on Wexford town and Gorey.

WCC is targeting 40-50 properties in Enniscorthy with nine particular properties

being their immediate focus – see attached graphic as supplied to us by Wexford County Council.

The plan is described by WCC officials as turning “passive ownership into active ownership”. So, it’s not a social housing programme, it’s a “residential activation programme” with WCC acting effectively at the conduit or middle man facilitating

the future provision of residential accommodation.

The properties will be acquired through negotiation or more likely CPO. WCC is determined to commence work straight away and plans to acquire ten properties across the county over the rest of 2023 and have them on the market asap next year. n

Enniscorthy Camera Club –new members always welcome

The long established and successful Enniscorthy Camera Club is back meeting every second Tuesday at 8pm in the Masonic Lodge, Friary Lane. Potential new members are always welcome to go along and see what the club and its members do. n

Enniscorthy’s ambitious ‘Tow First Plan’ raises some con

According to the CEO of Wexford County Council Tom Enright, “There are over 500 towns in Ireland with over 400 people and they all face similar challenges including building vacancy/dereliction, lack of vibrancy, how to increase employment in the town centre, out of town/online shopping, poor pedestrian/cyclist access, less desire to live in the town centre, lack of parking, access to green spaces.”

The government’s Town Centre First Policy aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community. To help achieve this objective in Enniscorthy, a Town Centre First Team (with representatives from community, social, sports, business and public sectors), a Town Regeneration Officer (TRO) in the person of Mick McCormack, and a proposed Town Centre First Plan (TCFP) are now in place.

The proposed Plan follows a detailed public consultation process and various public meetings over the last year or more. The Plan sets out a series of regeneration strategies and identifies a number of ambitious redevelopment ‘packages’ which will serve as the catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre and Templeshannon areas. This plan will allow Enniscorthy to apply for multi-million euro funding from government under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). If successful, and the indications are positive, funding will be forthcoming to transform the centre of town.

Some of the planned changes:

 New Public Realm area in Market Square.

 Street enhancements and upgrades to Castle Hill, Church

Street, Court Street, Castle Street, Wafer Street, Spout Lane, Cathedral Street, Main Street and Barrack Street.

 Improved pedestrian provision, active travel and reduced traffic throughout the town centre.

 Four additional accessible parking bays (11 total).

 One additional loading bay (5 total).

 Two new bus bays (2 total).

 Removal of 75 existing on-street parking spaces and retention of 38 on-street parking spaces.

 Reduction of traffic in Market Square of between 7 and 17%.

The proposed Plan justifies the removal of 75 on-street parking spaces by the under utilisation of existing car-parks close to the town centre. Research has shown that there are 870 offstreet parking spaces within 10 minutes walk of the town centre, and peak occupancy varies between 52% and 56%, so on average there are over 400 vacant spaces at any given time.

The public now have an opportunity to voice their concerns and observations before any of these works take place. The Plan will be on public display in the Council offices on Market Square, running from Weds 4th October to Weds 1st November, and submissions can be made up to 15th November 2023.

The Templeshannon area is also part of the proposed Town Centre First Plan and assessment of vacant and derelict properties there is ongoing and a concept design is currently underway and should be ready within a matter of weeks at which stage we'll publish it here in the Slaney News. n

An impression of what the Market Square could look like after implementation of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan.

KEITH DOYLE DECLARES THE PEDESTRIANISATION PROJECT AS UNWISE AND UNWORKABLE

Former Councillor and five-times Chairperson of the Enniscorthy Town Council Keith Doyle has weighed in on the debate emerg ing over the traffic flow changes proposed to accommodate pedestrianisation in the Market Square.

Mr Doyle says, “The plan stops all traffic from passing by the Murphy Floods site and entering Market Square, thereby diverting cars away from the centre of town. He has voiced his concerns at recent meetings with local TDs and Councillors. “Diverting traffic from Murphy Floods to Island Road and over the bridge will cause additional chaos on a system that is already creaking at full capacity,” he says.

“This will add many more hours a week onto already stressful journeys trying to navigate around the town with two schools runs a day, visiting elderly parents, or just simply collecting the messages. Not to mention what damage it will do to the ever-weakening environment,” he added. Mr Doyle is pleading with the Councillors to trial the decision by blocking this vital artery to the heart of the town for one week to see what effect it may cause before closing it off for a generation.

Mr Doyle says he has been “given a clear message from all the local politicians that this is the price to pay to ensure drawdown of €20 million in government funding to do other projects. This is a quality of life issue and in its current form it is a heavy price to pay. I do hope common sense will prevail,” he concluded. n

Wexford Co. Council has just started the ‘Part 8 Planning’ process and the public can now submit their comments and observations before it is finally approved. The Plan will be on public display in the Council offices on Market Square, running from Weds 4th October to Weds 1st November 2023.

The business community, particularly those based around the town centre, are concerned that no commercial impact assessment study has been undertaken before embarking on the new Town Centre First Plan, a plan which could potentially have massive negative consequences for them.

They are fully supportive of Enniscorthy’s town centre development but have strong reservations about certain aspects of the proposed Town Centre First Plan, particularly as it relates to the removal of 75 on-street parking spaces in the town centre, which they say will be a major inconvenience to their customers, and a deterrent to anyone coming to the town centre to do business or shopping.

One suggestion that has emerged is that a large underground car-park should be included as part of the Murphy Floods site development, with pedestrian access directly onto Market Square.

Wexford Co. Council say the Plan at this point is out for discussion and, when viewed by the public, observations can be made and changes incorporated into the final Plan. The Plan will be on public display for a period of four weeks in the Council offices on Market Square, starting on Wednesday 4th October. All are encouraged to view same and have a say in what is finally adopted. The business community will continue their input into the Plan as part of their ongoing engagement with the process.

Michael Dempsey, Chamber President, says this is a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to change the face of Enniscorthy for the better and it should be ‘grasped with both hands’. He urged both the Chamber and the Enniscorthy Business Association to work together in bringing it to fruition and to look at the proposals in the broadest terms rather than looking at individual aspects in isolation. n

The Country Walk gets some TLC

The Country Walk in Enniscorthy which extends down by the Slaney for 3km from the pedestrian bridge at the end of The Prom Walk, was in a sad state over the summer months with tall grass, nettles, briars etc taking over the path and making it uncomfortable to walk along.

At the beginning of September, Enniscorthy Municipal District tackled the overgrowth and the result is a much more enjoyable walk. This work however is just the beginning – the path needs to be scraped back to a width that allows two people to walk along it side-by-side and it needs to be resurfaced with gravel. The stone sign at the entance to the walk needs to be cleaned to make the text on it more legible. The benches along the walk could do with some cleaning and painting. Enniscorthy Municipal District is looking at all this work and it is hoped that most, if not all of it, will get done over the next few weeks. n

The photo below left shows the path prior to the recent work –high grass and nettles had taken over the walking path and benches. Below right: The stone sign at the entance to the Walk needs to be cleaned to make the text legible.

The top three photos of the Country Walk show that the overgrowth has been cut back.

Best of luck Ben in retirement

Wednesday, September 20th 2023, was a special day in Kilcannon Industries CLG with the retirement of Social Enterprise Manager Ben Bernie after 21 years associated with Reach Ability, formerly Co. Wexford Community Workshop (Enniscorthy) CLG.

Ben joined the organisation as Group Commercial Manager and went on to become the Social Enterprise Manager overseeing the three social enterprise areas.

To mark Ben's retirement milestone, a gathering was held in Kilcannon which included representatives of funders, former colleagues, directors, Kilcannon neighbours and Kilcannon staff along with many friends of both Kilcannon and Reach Ability. It was indeed a testament to Ben the number of people who attended in person, sent emails, cards, and telephoned their good wishes.

Trevor Jacob, CEO Reach Ability and Kilcannon, welcomed everyone to the occasion of Ben’s retirement and an entertaining video of testimonials to Ben by his work colleagues kicked off the proceedings.

Trevor outlined Ben’s role as Social Enterprise Manager, which extended from Kilcannon to Bellefield Design and the Astro Active Centre, where he loved meeting people and also enjoyed helping out in the restaurant and garden centre, where he always had a friendly greeting for the customers.

Ben was also known for the many fundraising events he initiated e.g. Cheltenham previews, golf classics and celebrity chef to name but a few.

In 2006, in conjunction with Enniscorthy Town Council, Ben was involved in introducing Santa’s Grotto to the Market Square and he later moved the Santa Experience to Kilcannon in 2012, which has been a great success.

Trevor paid tribute to Ben’s commitment and loyalty to his colleagues, his staff and to all that the Reach Ability organisation stands for. He said, “He did his job in top gear and with passion.” He went on to wish Ben well, to enjoy his

travels, the golf course, the hurling and the horses. And most of all to enjoy time with his wife Máire, his family and friends, and wished him a long and happy retirement.

Ben wished his successor, JR Stafford, all the very best in his new position as Social Enterprise Manager and wished him many years of happiness. He also paid tribute to the tremendous help and support he received from his work colleagues and friends down through his 21 years at Kilcannon.

On behalf of everyone associated with Reach Ability and Kilcannon, Mary Murphy presented Ben with a framed painting of the Market Square by the artist Joe Kelly and May Levingstone presented his wife Máire with a bouquet of flowers.

Finally, Trevor thanked everyone for turning up and the great staff team for making the event such a success.

Light refreshments were served by Kilcannon Restaurant staff and everyone present enjoyed the nibbles and the chat which allowed each person the opportunity to extend their own personal congratulations and good wishes to Ben. n

Above left: May Levingstone presents Ben’s wife Máire with a bouquet of flowers. Above right: May with Ben.

Ben and wife Máire cut the retirement cake, with Trevor Jacob (right), CEO Reach Ability.

Welcome to the new pop-up Digital Help Hub! This great new service was available around Wexford town in September, and will be in Enniscorthy during the month of October. The Digital Help Hub is free, confidential and one to one.

WWETB (Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board) Tutors

Anne Marie and Joan will be available at the Digital Help Hub to help you understand technology better. They can show you how to use your device (phone, tablet, laptop). They can help you to get online or use an app.

The Digital Help Hub is an initiative of the ALL Adult Literacy for Life national strategy. WWETB, WLD, and Wexford County Council Library Service have worked together to bring this initiative to County Wexford. Everyone hopes that it will be really useful for anyone who is struggling with technology!

At the Digital Help Hub you can find out how to fill in online forms, how to use egov.ie, mywelfare.ie, the National Childcare Scheme, Revenue, SUSI, Choice Based Letting for those on the housing list and much more.

When asked, Anne Marie and Joan said, “We are here to make your online life easier, do come and talk to us at one of the Pop-Up locations, we look forward to meeting you.”

Where can you find the Digital Help Hub? It ran in various locations in Wexford town in September and now comes to Enniscorthy for the month of October where it will be based at the WLD Office each Thursday from the 5th October for 5 weeks. And you will also find the Hub in Enniscorthy at Templeshannon Community and Childcare Centre on the 4th October, Supervalu Bunclody on the 11th, Supervalu Enniscorthy on the 18th, Enniscorthy Library on the 25th and at the Credit Union, Enniscorthy, on the 1st November.

For more information, to connect with the Help Hub or to book a time for a consultation, please telephone 089 984 3815. n

Make a child smile this Christmas

While it might seem like a long way off, at Team Hope, Christmas starts now! The 2023 Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal aims to deliver as many gift-filled shoeboxes as possible to children, for whom poverty is their every-day reality, and make smiles happen. And, they need your help!

Team Hope is calling on parents, children, teachers, families and communities to build-a-box at home or online to help them reach their goal of 200,000 shoeboxes this year. Every shoebox equals a smile on a child’s face in 12 countries across Africa and Eastern Europe – that’s got to be a target worth achieving!

Last year, Wexford shoeboxes went to Burkina Faso to make children like Elijah smile. Twelve year old Elijah lives with his mum, his brother and his sister. He is so grateful to the family that made his shoebox and for all the beautiful gifts. Thanks to the school supplies in his shoebox he will now be able to attend school and hopes to become an engineer one day!

It has never been easier to build a shoebox. All you have to do is find an empty shoebox, wrap it in Christmas paper and fill it with gifts for a boy or girl aged between 2 and 14, give online or attach a €5 donation and bring it to a local drop-off point before the deadline of Friday November 10th. Or you can build-a-box online by donating at www.teamhope.ie and one of Team Hope’s local partners will build a box on your behalf on-the-ground and make sure it goes where it’s needed most.

When building your shoebox, think about the 4 W's: WRITE - something to write with. For example, colouring pencils, pens, copy books.

WASH - something to wash with. For example, a bar of soap and a face cloth.

WEAR - something to wear. For example, a hat & scarf, socks, gloves.

WOW - something fun or a novelty. For example, a toy or treat.

Beth Hogan (7) is calling on families, schools and communities across Ireland to donate gift-filled shoeboxes to children facing poverty in 12 countries across Africa and Eastern Europe in time for Christmas. For inspiration on how to pack your Christmas Shoebox and where to drop the filled box off, visit www.teamhope.ie

Lorna Burt, Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal Coordinator for Co. Wexford, says, “Every shoebox that is sent from families, schools and communities across Ireland brings such joy and happiness to the children we work with in countries in Africa and Eastern Europe. Not only do they receive brilliant, fun and practical gifts, often the only gifts they’ll get that year, but they also understand that a family somewhere in Ireland is thinking of them and wishing them well. That has a huge impact on those children and their families.”

A special focus for the campaign is the Team Hope Shoebox Week which runs this year from November 4th – 10th. To get involved you’ll find plenty of inspiration on gifts to include, or not, in your shoebox, how to donate and where to drop off your shoebox at www.teamhope.ie. For teachers, there are lots of class lesson plans and teaching resources available online. If finding an empty shoebox is proving tricky, Team Hope partner and drop-off point Dealz will be selling flatpack shoeboxes in packs of three in their stores nationwide.

Follow Team Hope on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/team.hope.ireland and Twitter @TeamHopeIreland and Instagram and TikTok @Teamhopeireland n

About Team Hope

Team Hope is an Irish, Christian and child-focused international development organisation. Founded in 2010, they work in Africa and Eastern Europe to help children affected by poverty or marginalisation.

To date, they have donated 2.5 million shoeboxes to children in need. In 2022 Team Hope delivered 173,563 shoeboxes to 12 different countries: Albania (17,146), Burundi (14,421), Burkina Faso (14,039), Democratic Republic of Congo (7,568), Kenya (2,000), Lesotho (13,903), Malawi (4,267), Romania (25,710), Eswatini (21,034), Transnistria - Moldova (17,535), Rwanda (4,000) and Ukraine (31,940).

The shoeboxes were packed by over 2,000 volunteers in 50 checking centres around Ireland. Eleven 40-foot trucks took the shoeboxes to Eastern Europe and ten 40-foot containers travelled by ship to Africa.

Enniscorthy’s eastside happenings

Keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/TempleshannonCommunityandChildcareCentre Enniscorthy Eastside Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32081359 1438762

Enniscorthy East Community Development: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity

SF names strong Wexford LEA team

Following a meeting of party members last month, Sinn Féin is proud to announce the selection of three highly dedicated candidates to contest the upcoming Wexford County Council Elections in 2024, its largest ever team to contest elections in the Wexford Town Local Electoral Area (LEA).

Tom Forde and Davy Hynes, already respected and experienced County Councillors, will be joined by dynamic and highly accredited businesswoman, Lorraine Smyth. Together these candidates bring a wealth of experience and also fresh perspective to the table, committed to addressing the pressing issues facing our community.

Speaking on the night, Lorraine Smyth said, "I am thrilled to be joining Tom and Davy as we embark on this journey of change together. Our aim is to tackle the pressing issues facing our community head-on and work tirelessly to create a better future for all in Co. Wexford. I also look forward to working with our colleagues in Dáil Éireann and in particular with our TD Johnny Mythen to deliver a fairer, equal and United Ireland."

Cllr. Tom Forde, also expressed his enthusi-

asm, saying, "I am truly delighted to be selected as a Sinn Féin candidate once again. I have worked hard to dedicate myself to this community during this last Council term, and I look forward to continuing my work, focusing on implementing Sinn Féin policies that we believe will improve the lives of our constituents. These are exciting times for our county, and the appetite for change has never been stronger. It's something we continually hear on the doorsteps, people are hungry for change and a new perspective."

Returning veteran Cllr Davy Hynes echoed this sentiment, stating, "It's an honour to be chosen as a Sinn Féin representative in this critical election. We are dedicated to bringing positive change to Wexford, and I'm excited to be a part of this dynamic team. I have worked hard to support the people of Wexford over the last 20 years and I believe that we can support the constituents on the issues that really matter to them as part of this larger Sinn Féin team."

Sinn Féin TD for Wexford, Teachta Johnny Mythen, who topped the poll in the last general election, said, "Sinn Féin, as a party, stands firmly behind policies that address key concerns affecting all Irish

citizens in the areas of housing, healthcare, cost of living, and the pursuit of a United Ireland.

"Sinn Féin is committed to increased investment in social and affordable housing, ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable accommodation. Sinn Féin strives for a world-class, publicly funded healthcare system that provides accessible and timely care to all citizens and we are dedicated to relieving the burden of the cost of living on working families. This includes measures such as reducing energy costs, increasing the minimum wage, and making childcare more affordable. In addition, Sinn Féin firmly believes in the realisation of a United Ireland, where all communities have a say in shaping the future of our island.

"Our team in Wexford are on the doorsteps every single weekend, talking to constituents, helping with issues, and offering support and guidance. I can't think of a more community-minded and dedicated team than Davy, Lorraine & Tom to lead our members in Wexford town into these important elections next year and I'm proud to call them my colleagues, my friends and, if the people are willing, our 3 future Wexford Town County Councillors." n

L-R: Cllr Davy Hynes, SF Regional Team Claire Murray and Gavin Gallagher, Lorraine Smyth, Cllr Tom Forde, Johnny Mythen TD.

The local Sustainable Enniscorthy group topic this month is Waste!

What a waste!

This month Sustainable Enniscorthy is sharing some findings from a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report into the waste in our bins and some tips on what we can do to increase recycling.

The bins available to households and businesses are:

 general waste bin (for wastes that can’t be recycled like nappies)

 recyclables bin (for paper and cardboard, plastic packaging, metal packaging)

 organics bin (for food waste).

Putting waste into the correct bin is really important to maximise recycling. Unfortunately, the EPA found that many businesses and householders are putting their waste into the wrong bin. In fact, over two-thirds of what was found in the general bins could have been recycled if put into the correct bin (either the recycling or organic bin). This is a real missed opportunity; as the general waste bin contents are landfilled or sent for incineration and not recycled.

What can you do to help increase recycling?

 If you don’t have an organic waste bin already, contact your waste collector to order one and use it for your food waste (whether you are a householder or commercial business).

 Make sure everything goes into the recyclables bin “clean, dry and loose”.

Clean means removing any food left in and on packaging; Dry means not putting in liquids (like drinks bottles and cartons which aren’t emptied);

Loose means keeping things separate - don’t put your recyclables into separate bags before putting them into your bin.

 Glass bottles & jars shouldn’t go into your general waste bin or your recyclable bin. You can use the bring banks at Island Road Car Park, the Safe Cycle Park opposite the Enniscorthy Sports Hub, Bellefield GAA Grounds or the Council’s Recycling Centre on the Old Dublin Road.

Above graphic is from the report: https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring—assessment/waste/national-waste-statistics/2022Household-Municipal-Waste-Characterisation-Booklet.pdf (epa.ie)

 Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment (anything with a plug or a battery) isn’t to be put into kerbside bins. WEEE can be recycled for free at the Council’s Recycling Centre on the Old Dublin Road (note there is no charge if you are only bringing WEEE). Also, if you are buying new electrical or electronic equipment, the retailer is obliged to take your old equipment back free of charge.

 Batteries aren’t to be put into kerbside bins – they are a potential fire hazard and they won’t be separated out for recycling. Household batteries (such as AA, AAA, 9V) can be recycled for free in any shop that sells batteries. The Council’s Recycling Centre on the Old Dublin Road also accepts car and electric fence batteries.

 Textiles aren’t a target material for the recyclables bin. Only use the general waste bin for textiles that are soiled and can’t be reused or potentially recycled into rags. Instead donate your used clothing/shoes to local charity shops and use the bring banks or the Council’s Recycling Centre to recycle textiles (curtains, sheets, clothes, shoes).

We all can play our part to improve waste segregation and increase recycling!

www.mywaste.ie is the go-to resource for any queries on waste management. n

If you would like to get involved in Sustainable Enniscorthy or be kept informed of our initiatives, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Email: sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com Website: www.sustainableenniscorthy.com Contact us to get involved!

Local Councillor set to retire

ENNISCORTHY DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ANNOUNCES UPCOMING RETIREMENT FROM LOCAL POLITICS.

Councillor Kathleen Codd-Nolan (pictured) has announced that she will not be standing for re-election at next year’s local elections.

The long-serving Councillor was first elected in 2004 and has held a seat for the Enniscorthy District ever since, topping the poll on two occasions.

Kathleen served as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District for three terms and was one of the few female Councillors to have ever been elected Chairperson of Wexford County Council which happened in 2012.

The ever-popular and dedicated Councillor tells us that, "I am looking forward to getting more free time with family and friends... and looking forward to taking up some nice hobbies"!

Kathleen has always been very helpful and supportive of the Slaney News and we wish her well next year with her upcoming retirement. n

GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report

Q2 2023

One of the most common complaints we hear in the Slaney News is about the number of vacant commercial properties in all the towns of Co. Wexford but particularly in Enniscorthy and New Ross. So we were glad to recently receive a copy of the GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report Q2 2023, and the findings there make for very interesting reading...

The report finds that the Commercial Vacancy Rate in Co. Wexford remains unchanged versus Q2 2022 at 10.6% – the second lowest in the country. The lowest commercial vacancy rate was recorded in Meath at 10.2%, and the highest was in Sligo at 19.9%, followed by Galway at 18% and Donegal at 17.9%.

The report, prepared by EY, found that the national commercial vacancy rate stood at 14.1% in June 2023, a marginal increase of 0.2 percentage points when compared to the same period in 2022. The national commercial vacancy rate is the highest level recorded by GeoDirectory since it began reporting on the rates in 2013. Commercial vacancy rates increased in 20 out of 26 counties in the twelve months to June 2023, with a total of 29,798 vacant commercial units recorded across Ireland.

Of the towns in Wexford analysed, New Ross has the highest commercial vacancy rate in Q2 2023 at 21.2%, while Gorey has the lowest at 9.3%, Enniscorthy comes in at 16.3%, and Wexford town at 12.9%. These rates compare with Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, which retained its unwanted position as the town with the highest commercial vacancy rate in Ireland at 29.9% in

Q2 2023. In the twelve months to June 2023, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, had the lowest vacancy rate in the country at 6.8%. Carrigaline, Co. Cork, had the second lowest vacancy rate at 7.5%, followed by Gorey at 9.3%.

Commenting on the findings of the report, Dara Keogh, Chief Executive of GeoDirectory, said: “The latest GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report found the national commercial vacancy rate to be 14.1%, making this the highest level of commercial vacancy on record. Businesses are clearly still struggling with the increasing costs of doing business in regard to energy costs and food inflation. An additional challenge this year has been interest rate increases which are generating some pressures for commercial owner occupiers and tenants.”

Annette Hughes, Director, EY Economic Advisory, said: “After several years of strong construction activity in the commercial sector, the increases we are seeing in commercial vacancy are to an extent unsurprising, with trends such as working from home, sustainability and energy efficiency likely having some impact. While there have been increases in the cost of doing business for some companies, the overall Irish economy remains in a good position, with further growth and increases in the numbers employed forecast."

Past GeoDirectory Commercial Vacancy Reports are available to view at: https://www.geodirectory.ie/knowledgecentre/reports-blogs and https://www.ey.com/en_ie/strategy-transactions/ey-dkm-economic-advisory-services n

HAS THE DONALD TRUMP MUGSHOT SECURED HIS NOMINATION BUT LOST HIM THE WHITE HOUSE!

In the 1980s, the then Taoiseach Charles J. Haughey invented a new phrase ‘GUBU’ which fits very nicely in with what is going on in American politics today. Grotesque, Unbelievable, Bizarre and Unprecedented can all be used to describe the debacle unfolding in what is billed as the leading country of the free world. This is not happening in a tin-pot dictator state or in a third world junta of days gone by. This is in a country that declares on a daily basis being the country of the ‘Free and the Brave’. Donald Trump is the first and only former President of the United States to be indicted which may lead to criminal charges. In fact, he is facing 91 criminal counts from 5 indictments from 4 separate cases. If this is not GUBUism I do not know what is.

It is worth just reminding us all of the 4 court cases that he is fighting, in 4 different states, since March of this year.

(1) New York is holding the case of false accounting to cover up a payment of $130,000 to an adult film star, Stormy Daniels. (2) Florida is entertaining the case of illegally hoarding classified files at his estate. (3) Washington hosts the case of interfering with the 2020 elections and fuelling his supporters which resulted in the attack on Capitol Hill in January 2021. (4) Georgia, among other things, is alleging violation of Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute.

Trump can run for elections while the cases are pending or even while in progress. On a practical note, he may be spending time in court that he would wish to be at rallies and canvassing. Ironically, the Florida and Washington cases are Federal charges by the U.S. government and can be influenced or even dropped by Trump himself if reelected. New York and Georgia are being brought by the state prosecutor. I would suggest keeping your eye on the Georgia case as this is the one that may cause Trump the most problems politically.

TOWN TALK

cost. The religious Bible belt is backing him because they claim he is “doing God’s work”. By appointing ultra conservative judges to the Supreme Court, we see a rolling back on left wing social agendas such as the abortion issue. Every time he was indicted his support hardened within the Republican family. Within 24 hours of his first indictment donations for his campaign increased by $4.4 million and after two weeks it was $15.4 million.

WITH KEITH DOYLE

So, despite all his legal problems, why does Trump still command such a following in the Republican Party and is there a point that it may cost him the election. One must look at the narrative Trump has been working off and to identify his core voter. The Republican Party is a right wing and conservative organisation. Within this you will have far right and ultra conservative views. Trump has become their voice. The far right had their man in the “big house” and they must return him there at any

The clouds will originate from the Georgia case. The section known as ‘Middle America’ does not like to be pigeonholed as supporting one party or the other. Within this section are the Independent Republicans. They are in the margins of the so-called swing voters. Recent polls suggest that their stance has changed since the filing of the Georgia case. The stance that “it’s all politics and all the cases should be dismissed” is changing to “if there is a case to answer it should be answered”. This is a subtle but very significant shift in the sands.

The Georgia case changes everything. What cannot be explained away with fake news is that the prosecution has phone recordings from Trump to the Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. He is urging or instructing him to find 11,780 votes for him. This would have illegally turned a Biden win to a Trump win. As that Georgia case plays out, the support for Trump in Middle America will soften. I am sure that I am not the only one to spot this weakness in the Trump dam. Trump needs this vote to get over the line. I can imagine the elite in the Republican Party have made some murmurings behind the scenes. As of yet there is no other strong candidate that has emerged to warrant Trump to be sidelined so they may have to allow this play out with the hope that the Georgia case is not the bridge too far. n

Top row L-R: Jason Thompson, Harry Flood, Jake Lambert, Chloe Conn. Right: Jack Duggan and Joanne Foley.

Bottom row L-R: Killian Carthy, George McManus and grandad Philip Cullen, Kevin and Billy Byrne, Penny Morris with big sister Holly.

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

Enniscorthy Christian Fellowship

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

The Children’s Discovery Club has now started back every Tuesday during term-time in the Gaelscoil in Enniscorthy from 4.30pm till 6pm. All children aged 5-12 years old are welcome for challenges, games, Bible story, songs and fun. There is no charge for this club. For more information contact Lorna on 085 1367341 or check out our website www.enniscorthychristianfellowship.ie n

Enniscorthy Toastmasters

Keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy-Toastmasters-129333810455771 for updates. Open Night this Tuesday October 3rd at IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, at 8pm. All welcome! n

ASSAULTS ON EMERGENCY WORKERS

In recent years the number of assaults on emergency workers such as health workers, fire service personnel and administrative front line staff in our public services, bus drivers and so on, has increased enormously. It is appalling that some people think that it is ok to attack someone doing their job at any time but to assault someone who is trying to help others is despicable in the extreme. Those found guilty of such attacks should be jailed without time off for good behaviour. Sentences should be severe enough to be a real deterrent. The bad upbringing excuse should not be listened to. Lock them up and if they repeat on release, lock them up for a longer period.

SPEED LIMITS

The proposed lowering of speed limits is a dubious way to approach making our roads safer. Yes, there is a case for reducing limits in areas such as at schools and other such facilities, and some of our country lanes are ridiculous at 80km per hour. However, the suggestion that all urban traffic should be reduced to 30km per hour doesn’t make any sense. Apart from anything else, such as snarl-up of traffic, the emissions will increase horrendously with vehicles chugging around at a snail’s pace. In peak times, most urban areas cannot facilitate anything in excess of 30km but the majority of streets and urban roads can outside of those times easily and safely deal with a maximum of 50km. To reduce national primary roads to 80km per hour would be sheer lunacy. Most of these roads are in good condition and cars can easily travel at 100.

The issue is not speed limits. It’s the enforcement of the

View from the Centre

CONSTITUENCY CHANGES

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

present limits. Every night of the week boy racers are spinning around different parts of the country regardless of the actual speed limit. Does anyone actually think that they will give a fiddlers if the speed limit is reduced by 20km per hour?

The fall-out from the constituency changes continues. The major headache created for the Enniscorthy TDs is visible for all to see. The stated intention of James Browne of Fianna Fáil and Johnny Mythen of Sinn Féin is to stay in Wexford. Paul Kehoe of Fine Gael has expressed his displeasure, as have the others, at the changes, but hasn’t confirmed his intentions yet. For what it’s worth this column would urge Paul to go to Wicklow/Wexford this time. The reason I say that is that Gorey always had a big Fine Gael vote which will not go elsewhere and may drift to a Wicklow candidate seeing that there will be no D’Arcy standing this time. Or that local-type vote might go to Malcolm Byrne or the Sinn Féin candidate in the absence of a well known Fine Gael standard bearer. There appears to be little chance of a FG candidate coming through in Wexford with the presence of Verona Murphy who is going to be a big votecatcher in the next election.

In Wicklow/Wexford there may be a surprise for Malcolm Byrne who will be far from home and dry in a threeseater with Sinn Féin running Fionntan O’Suilleabhain who will take a huge amount of votes in and around Gorey. There is also the factor of Wicklow candidates who will obviously have a huge impact on the outcome. However, having said all of that, the current advice to Kehoe would be to go North, concentrate on the traditional Fine Gael rural vote in the Wexford and South Wicklow area therefore giving himself a huge opportunity of being re-elected. The time for him to move is now before some Fine Gaeler from South Wicklow convinces party HQ to nominate them as the front runner. n

Decision time for Paul Kehoe TD

Alice in the hustings bear-pit

When Alice Doyle heard the news that nominations were to open for the four-year job of Deputy President of the IFA, one of the most powerful jobs in Ireland, she thought to herself, “I wonder if I could have a shot at that.” Her thought led to a wish which she chatted about with her husband Tom, also an IFA activist, and he told her that if she didn’t go for it, she’d regret it for the rest of her life. So here she is, heading into an October of hustings up and down the country, trying to win enough promises to outvote the only other candidate, Co. Galway farmer Pat Murphy. Voting takes place in November and the national count will be in December.

One of her strengths is that she’s female and the only one in the 67-year-old NFA/IFA story, which grew out of Macra na Feirme in 1955, to compete in the hitherto tough bear-pit of male farmer politics, to become deputy president.

However, as listeners to her talk on mental health, standing upright and out front on a platform at the National Ploughing championships will agree, Alice Doyle is a powerful communicator.

Talking earlier with Ella McSweeney on RTÉ radio, she came across as articulate and knowledgeable on not alone farming, farm management and macro-economic issues but also on rural living, the farm home, inheritance and succession and the mental and physical well-being of the family. She delivered profound messages to the nation.

The hard-nosed economics and politics people of the Irish Farmers’ Journal, the Farming Independent and Agriland have also been thinking how she might sway Department heads and Ministers for Agriculture and EU bureaucrats, Parliamentarians and Commissioners on policy. But Alice Doyle knows her stuff.

Alice, neé McCaul, is from a beef and tillage farm near Tullow in Co. Carlow, qualified as a teacher, was secretary of Tullow

Agricultural Show committee and graduated from the open rural university Macra na Feirme. In recent years, she has been chairperson of the IFA Farm Family committee and chairperson of Wexford Mental Health Association. She and her husband Tom Doyle of Ballyoughter, who became chairperson of the IFA Farm Business committee, together have lifetimes of experience in farmer politics and rural economic issues.

Alice Doyle’s fleeting thought, a wish, and a dare may yet realise for her one of the most important leadership roles in the country at this time.

Halloween Costume

Swap on Thursday 12 October in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, hosted by Sustainable Enniscorthy with support from Wexford Co. Council Environment Section. Time and further details to be confirmed.

Any willing costume repair volunteers please email: sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com or contact the group through its Facebook page. n

Alice Doyle

Reusing costumes is a simple, positive climate action that we can all do. Make this year a Sustainable Halloween!

Barbara-Anne outlines the work of the Enniscorthy Forum

Always supporting sustainability, GreenTechHQ founder and CEO Ed Murphy with the company’s own branded honey.

Below: Enjoying Barbara-Anne’s talk were Yvonne Doyle (Doyle Hearing Solutions) and Michael Dempsey (President of Enniscorthy & District Chamber).

The Enniscorthy Forum (EF) is a not-for-profit organisation set up in 2020 by Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce to support advancement of the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda.

The Enniscorthy Forum is responsible for the coordination of interactive global networks – Centres of Excellence working to advance research, industry case studies and the UN Sustainable Building Strategy on advanced buildings in the built environment. It includes work on the built environment that will expand to include sustainable energy more broadly, related diplomacy, and community-level engagement and education.

In September 2022, the Enniscorthy Forum, which is supported by the Irish government, launched its Buildings Action Coalition (BAC) to advance high performance buildings. The coalition is a global collaboration with a programme of projects and activities involving a wide range of public and private stakeholders in construction, planning, and policy.

To help explain all this work, Enniscorthy & District Chamber arranged for Enniscorthy Forum CEO Barbara-Anne Murphy and Scott Foster, adviser to the EF and former director of the Sustainable Energy Division of the United Nations in Geneva, to give a talk to Chamber members and guests on 27th September 2023 at the GreenTechHQ premises at Senan House, in Enniscorthy’s new Technology Park.

To learn more about EF, BAC etc, please see pages 16-20 of our July 2023 issue here: https://issuu.com/slaneynews/docs/sn_07-07-23 n

Above: Barbara-Anne Murphy, CEO, Enniscorthy Forum, with her co-presenter Scott Foster who joined the meeting online from Paris.

Below: Maree Lyng (AIB), Dr Mairead Kelly, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Sarah Crofts (GreenTechHQ).

Starting School in St Senan’s, Enniscorthy September 2023

Above

Above

Loris, Mario and Daniel Veresan.

Above right: Natasha Canavan, Avainna and Padge O’Toole.

Left: All the love from the family as Jack Giltrap (centre) goes to school with sister Kyirya Giltrap and Michelle O’Rourke.

Right: Ava Kate Buckley O’Rourke had brother Tyler O’Rourke to bring her to school on her first day.

Below left: Margaret and Jimmy Donovan.

Below centre: All excited were Emma Joel and Cameron Rothwell.

Below right: Grandad’s duty, Frank McDonald with Ellie Moore.

To buy copies of photos on this page, email slaneynews@gmail.com

left:

Grants Pharmacy hosts w health event in Enniscort

A fabulous ladies night was held in Grants Pha 13th September. The capacity crowd of more than Leonie Grant speak about women’s wellness and K the audience on how to check their breasts co skincare demonstrations with Joan Davitt also which included lots of free goodie bags

Above: The capacity crowd at the wellness event in Grants Pharmacy., Rafter Street, Enniscorthy, 13th September 2023. Below left: Leonie Grant (p Chris O’Toole and Ann O’Toole. Below right: Marion Morrissey, Kay Doyle. All pics courtesy of Enjoy Ennisc

women’s thy

rmacy, Rafter Street, Enniscorthy on n 50 women at the sold-out event heard Karen Walsh from BreastCheck advising orrectly. Quick and easy makeup and formed part of this special evening and delicious food and drink.

proprietor) with Fiona Murphy. Below centre: orthy.

Top L-R: Leonie Grant (proprietor), Karen Walsh (BreastCheck). Above L-R: Roisin Murphy, Joan Davitt, Eva Morrissey, Glenn Nolan (pharmacist). Below: Glenn looking after Denise Redmond and the other attendees. All pics courtesy of Enjoy Enniscorthy.

First days in Piercestown National School

31st August 2023

Above: The rain didn’t stop little Robyn Kehoe from going to school on her second day.

Above right: Éagha McGilney was lucky to have her mam Jennie to bring her to school.

Above far right: A happy mammy as Sinead Bolger brings her two daughters to school –Ella (left) junior infants, Megan (right) first class. Right: The class of 2023-2024 with teachers Johanna Larkin, Teresa Roche (SNA), Laura Walsh (Principal) and Susan Ryan.

Daisey Wilson Conor Gleeson has his bag at hand. Best friends Lydia Gordon and Sadie O’Connor. Samy and Roben

Quigley. Denise and Emily Reilly.

Reeva and Lexi Kelly. Oran Mahony.

Above L-R: 1. Friends Jack Banville and Jack Price. 2. Sisters Emer Fitzpatrick (junior infants) and sister Lexi (first class).

3. Gran Mary Bradley brings little Ellie Roche to school. 4. Happy to be here, Allie Kinsella waits to get into class.

leanup

SUSTAINABLE SLANEY KAYAK

Saturday 23rd Sept. 2023, 10am-12noon

The Sustainable Enniscorthy Slaney River Kayak & Cleanup took place on 23rd September 2023, commencing at Edermine. Sustainable Enniscorthy, in collaboration with Enniscorthy Tidy Towns and GoPaddle.ie, offered Enniscorthy people a fun opportunity to kayak on the Slaney and at the same time gather up some of the rubbish to be found in it. It is hoped that the sold-out event will help encourage a love of our natural environment, foster a sense of concern for its protection, and provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded volunteers in Sustainable Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy Tidy Towns.

The event was blessed with beautiful weather, calm waters, a brilliant turnout with lots of volunteers.

For the participants it was an opportunity, some for the first time, to appreciate at first hand this beautiful natural resource that flows through our town. Many of us cross the river daily by car, bike or foot, but how often have any of us actually been in or on the Slaney?

All equipment and instruction for this event was kindly provided by GoPaddle.ie

The wonderful Sustainable Enniscorthy group has been following The Green Plan on ChangeX – a project involving simple activities that have a positive impact on our environment funded by The Green Plan, ChangeX and Accenture.

To keep up to date with Sustainable Enniscorthy and all the events it runs, check out: www.sustainableenniscorthy.com and https://www.facebook.com/SustainableEnniscorthy n

The river Slaney is central to Enniscorthy, quite literally. You may cross the river daily by car, bike or foot, but how often have you actually been in or on the Slaney?

This Slaney River Kayak will offer the chance to There is a €5 booking fee to secure your place

Above: The promotional leaflet for the event.

of Sustainable Enniscorthy.

in building materials.

To buy copies of photos on this page email slaneynews@gmail.com

Top left: Guess whose birthday it is in Ms Amy Stafford’s class – Chloe, Ayden, Aoibhe, Mihail and Sienna.

Top right: Playtime in Ms Kim Mullett’s class for Robby and Martha.

Left: Twins Luca and Matei were happy playing in Ms Mairead Wheeler’s class.

Right: Play time as young Kirti makes lego in Mr Andrew Foley’s class.

Below left: Playtime in Ms Kim Mullett’s class for Mason and Amellia.

Below right: Ms Sharon Curtis’ class all want to be parking attendants, Sarah, Amber and James.

Bottom left: Ms Mairead Wheeler’s class, Eve, Sean and Emily up to their eyes

Bottom right: Playtime in Ms Sharon Curtis’ class as Freya, Ellie and Patrick get building.

NEW AMBASSADOR, LOUISE CANTILLON, ENCOURAGES WEXFORD STUDENTS TO SIGN-UP FOR IRELAND’S TOP TEEN ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME

Schools across County Wexford are being encouraged to sign-up for this year’s Student Enterprise Programme (SEP) by new Brand Ambassador and rising Irish media star, Louise Cantillon.

A Limerick native and former second level school teacher herself, Louise will be encouraging the thousands of participating students this year as they embark on their exciting entrepreneurial journey, creating, setting up and running their own business to compete for the top prize of Student Enterprise of the Year. County Wexford has had significant success at National Level over the years in this programme. Last May, students from

Ramsgrange Community School Alison Duffin and Amy Duffin (Positive Pots) received the Special Merit Award in the Intermediate category.

Head of Enterprise at LEO Wexford Breege Cosgrave says, “Participation in the Student Enterprise Programme provides students with a unique opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills from researching an idea, turning that idea into a business and ultimately bringing a product or service to market. Learnings from the programme and the skills developed are critical to supporting a culture of entrepreneurship which underpins our local economy. Last year we had over 1,100 students in Wexford participating in the programme which is a testament to the significant support of dedicated teachers in all the schools across the county. We are looking forward to supporting this year’s group of students explore what it is like to run a mini business and develop skills along the way.

An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices of Ireland, the Student Enterprise Programme is the country’s largest enterprise programme for second level students, with this year marking the 22nd year of the hugely successful programme. Over 25,000 students from approximately 500 second level schools across the country are expected to take part.

Students from 1st year to 6th year can enter in the Junior, Intermedi-

ate and Senior categories. Participants will learn how to create and run their own business, picking up key skills along the way such as ideation, marketing, finance and sales.

The Programme is run through the network of Local Enterprise Offices, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, with local coordinators in every area to support teachers and students through the year of the programme, which helps foster entrepreneurship in students and gives them key skills they can bring with them into later life.

New Ambassador Louise Cantillon says she is particularly excited about the rollout of the new student workbooks as Gaeilge this year, “I am so excited to be working on the SEP project and learning about all the fantastic businesses these young students are going to be working on this year. The fact that the student workbooks are also being published as Gaeilge this year with thanks to the Irish language agency COGG is fantastic and a great resource for all the gaelscoileanna around the country.”

Last year the winners were MC Compactors from Roscommon in the Senior Category with their business idea – an innovative stainless-steel rubbish compactor. In the Intermediate category the winner was Clip Clop Designs – a company that upcycled used horse shoes into household ornaments. The Junior category was won by a group of Leitrim students with their student enterprise Grasper – a lift mechanism to open slatted tank covers on farms.

Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 325,000 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 a new range of online resources for 2023/2024 at www.StudentEnterprise.ie, which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of Student Enterprise resources for students and teachers. n

Louise Cantillon

Wexford Co. Council hosts high level Chinese delegation

The Governor of the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government, Mr Ye Jianchun, was welcomed to Wexford on Thursday, September 21st 2023, along with five of his colleagues. The Jiangxi province has a total population of 45 million and consists of 11 prefectural cities and 100 counties. Wexford County Council hosted the delegation and signed a letter of intent for future trade, education, tourism and cultural ties between Wexford and the Chinese province. County Wexford was the only location outside of Dublin visited by the delegation during their visit to Ireland.

The occasion saw the delegation enjoy a full day of meetings and visits across the county. The first was a visit to Danone Wexford where the group enjoyed a tour of the facility. Employing over 380 people in Wexford, and on a journey to net-zero emissions, Danone Wexford was of particular interest to the delegation, as a market leader in sustainability within the food manufacturing industry. Next on the itinerary was a visit to the CBS Secondary School in Wexford town, hosted by the Mayor of Wexford, Cllr John Hegarty, and Principal Michael McMahon, to further enhance the links between CBS Wexford and China. The school features Chinese studies as part of the Transition Year curriculum and students from CBS have visited China on a number of occasions. The delegation then travelled to Rosslare Europort where they were welcomed by Cllr Jim Moore, Chairman of Rosslare Municipal District, and senior management of Rosslare Europort who outlined future growth plans for the Europort and proposed investment of €440m in expansion of facilities.

The afternoon saw the delegation visit Wexford County Hall at Carricklawn where details on Wexford County Council’s key economic development plans and opportunities for collaboration with Jiangxi were discussed. Following this meeting, an official signing ceremony of a ‘Letter of Intent’ took place with the Governor of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government, Mr Ye Jianchun, and Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming, in front of an invited audience which included the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. He Xiangdong.

For further details on Wexford County Council’s current and planned economic ambitions visit: www.investwexford.ie n

Signing of a ‘Letter of Intent’ between Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government and Wexford Co. Council by Mr Ye Jianchun and Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming.

The Governor of Jiangxi Province Mr Ye Jianchun displays his hurling skills.

The Governor of Jiangxi Province Mr Ye Jianchun visits the Danone facility in Wexford.

The Jiangxi delegation, Wexford Co. Council officials, and Danone management.

Above right: Mick O’Brien, May O’Brien and Freda St George. Left: Lovely day for ice cream before the pilgrimage for Zoe and Ann Dempsey. Right: Kay Leacy, Sadie and Mary Rose Browne and Maureen Peare.

Above left: Lilly and Greg Ryan make their way to the Mass. Above centre: Mia and James Quirke. Above right: Pat Sinnott and Mary Anne O’Rourke. Left: Dolores Wilcox, Gaye Roche and Olive Kelly.

Theresa and Liam O’Brien and Bishop Ger Nash.

Above left: Bernie Waters and Mary Wheelock. Above right: Procession ceremony with Bishop Ger Nash. Left: Mia Quirke – ‘Can you hold off with the ice cream I’m getting my photo taken!’ Below left: Danny and Margaret Whelan.

Enniscorthy Credit Union Art Competition

The Credit Union Art Competition is back! And the theme this year is 'My Community & Me'. The credit union would like you to consider your local community and your place within it. What makes your community different? Is it the people within it? Is it the beauty you see every day?

So put your thinking caps on, put your

imagination to the test and see what you can come up with for 'My Community and Me'.

For further details see https://bit.ly/4842dln

To download an entry form go to https://bit.ly/3RicO6b

Best of luck! n

Hello to hi-speed broadband

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company rolling out the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced that almost 4,500 homes, farms and businesses in the Kiltealy/ West Wexford area are now ready to connect to highspeed fibre to gain minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, says: "As the NBI rollout progresses across Wexford, connections to high-speed broadband are becoming available to rural towns and villages around the county. Alongside these 4,500 premises in west Wexford, there are also almost 3,200 homes, farms and business near Rosslare which are now ready to connect as well as almost 3,800 in the Wexford Town area.

“The significant progress we are making means that more and more customers are experiencing the transformational power of minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second whether you are a family needing to work, study and access entertainment online all at the same time, or a business owner wanting to expand.

“Overall, NBI will be making a €88 million investment in Wexford, serving 23,000 premises. I encourage Wexford residents to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to find out if they are ready to connect, and sign up for updates.”

One local business owner, Jane Kennedy of Blackstairs Wellness in Kiltealy, who is connected to the NBI network through broadband provider, Aptus, said: “I’m newly connected to the NBI network with service provider, Aptus, which will open new doors for my business.

“My Pilates and Yoga Studio is an extension of my home, so fast, reliable broadband is essential for both my business and home life. I’ve always relied on my hotspot to upload Facebook posts and livestream classes. In Kiltealy, we’re in a bit of a blackspot for internet coverage and sites would often crash. It gets more and more frustrating.

“Nowadays, business owners are reliant on our online presence to attract and engage with customers. I’m looking forward to exploring the new ways to improve my website and social media content with the capabilities of high-speed fibre broadband.”

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.

Some 62 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the National Broadband Ireland network and 51 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of now. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the National Broadband Ireland network, visit NBI.ie/buy

National Broadband Ireland will ultimately connect 1.1 million people in every county, 65,000 farms, 44,000 small businesses and 679 schools.

Photo above: National Broadband Ireland Communications Executive Ross Shone, broadband customer Jane Kennedy, and Aptus Accounts Administrator Lindsey Benson. n

Anne’s Tales of the Other World

I was delighted to be one of a very large audience at No.19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, recently for the launch of Tales of the Other World by Anne Doyle.

The exquisitely decorated room at the Royal Irish Academy was full to capacity with friends and former colleagues of the erstwhile RTE newsreader who entertained in her unique and witty way as she launched this beautiful hard back anthology of ‘frightful Irish ghost stories’.

Anne is of an open mind when it comes to all things other worldy, telling the gathering of her belief in ghosts and say ing they have always been part of her life from her earliest days living in Wexford before rural electrification.

‘When I was a child, ghosts were a part of the fabric of the everyday. Back then people accepted their presence and even spoke openly of them with a mixture of superstition, warmth, wariness, and respect.’

And those of us of a certain vintage know exactly what she’s talking about and remember well those times when there was an element of mystery about everything.

‘Many spine-tingling evenings’, Anne continued, ‘were spent around the hearth in my childhood home in Ferns, trying to outdo each other with the stories we’d heard, dreamed, or invented. Those evenings probably ensured that my interest in ghost stories remained. Since then, I have sought those stories out and, at various time in my life, found comfort, escape and surprise in them.’

Anne went on to recount some first-hand ghostly experiences including the tolling of the ghost bell in a field known as the Bell Field at the top of Milltown Hill close to her home in Ferns and her discovery of a ghost in the basement of the house she lives in on Leeson Street in Dublin.

This ghost Anne described as ‘small, with grey hair in a neat bun, and she wore a rather drab dress with a sort of pinny. She seemed to move about constantly as if preoccupied with some matter of urgency.’

Anne explained that she wasn’t the only person to see the little old lady who didn’t appear to bother anyone and left of her own accord, or so it would seem, approximately three months after Anne moved in.

Perhaps there wasn’t room for more than one independent, formidable lady in that house, what do you think?

‘In 2000 on a sunny summer afternoon my eldest brother saw my mother who had passed away in 1979 in a field on our farm, a sort of a frieze frame image of my mother who seemed to be looking straight at him. When pressed about how she looked he said “she looked concerned”. Shortly after that my brother collapsed, diagnosed with late-stage multiple myeloma and died less than three months later and was buried in Ferns with our mother.’

Coincidence or not?

Anne poses the question.

‘The compilation of this anthology over the past year has reawakened many of these faded memories. My dreams have been wonderfully weird and wild since putting together Tales of the Other World. As the nights begin to draw in once more, I hope the stories selected in this book give you, the reader, an enjoyable shiver, a certain thrill. And just occasionally, on a dark night, maybe they’ll cause you to glance over your shoulder.’

Intrigued?

I certainly hope you are, just as I am, and I have to say I am so looking forward to reading this scary tome now as we approach the magical month of Samhain where the veil between the two worlds becomes especially thin allowing the spirits of the dead to visit the living.

Tales of the Other World is available now at all bookstores around the country.

– MARIA NOLAN

L-R: Anne Doyle and Maria Nolan.

TJ enjoys red carpet treatment

On Saturday, 9th September 2023, six LauraLynn children and their families, including TJ Sheil from Oylegate, Wexford, took to the Red Carpet at the Odeon Cinema in Charlestown, Dublin, for the LauraLynn Oscars 2023 – one of the most magical events in the LauraLynn calendar.

Each family arrived in style at the Hollywood type event by Hummer before taking to the red carpet which was filled with the electric sounds of supportive cheers and claps as the children and families made their way inside the Odeon Cinema. The day was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the LauraLynn children and their families as they came together to view their movie premieres supported by their very own red carpet fan club.

The six unique movies were created by LauraLynn children and their families while supported by industry professionals. And the brilliant news is that TJ’s movie won the Best Mystery Movie award at the glitzy event.

Michelle Harnett, Senior Play Therapist at LauraLynn said; ‘’The LauraLynn Oscars goes beyond the camera lens, and offers families a chance to explore their dynamics, share their stories, and collaborate in ways they've never imagined. Guided by our experts in each discipline, each family becomes the creator of their own cinematic masterpiece. But it's not just about making a film; it's about fostering deeper connections and creating lasting memories that will strengthen the bonds between family, extended family and community members.”

Enjoying the Oscars-style experience, families not only celebrate cinematic achievements but also revel in the joy of recognising and applauding each other's talents and contributions. It's a celebration of unity, creativity, and the power of family bonds.

To learn more about TJ and his life, visit: ‘Tj’s journey living with lissencephaly’ on Facebook. n

Above: TJ Sheil and his parents Julie and Darren pictured on the red carpet at the LauraLynn Oscars on Saturday, September 9th, at the Odeon Cinema in Charlestown, Dublin. The event was a once-in-a-lifetime movie premiere experience for the entire family.

Below: TV personality Brendan Courtney (on right) joins in the celebrations. Bottom left: TJ’s grandad Jimmy (seated) shares centre-stage with TJ. Bottom right: After all the hard work that went into winning it, TJ is not letting go of his Oscar!

Petition for improved bus service

Enniscorthy woman Dorn Simon has started a petition seeking an improved bus service from Wexford town to Enniuscorthy, in particular a service leaving Wexford town at 11.30pm nightly.

Dawn explains the problem, “Currently Wexford Bus and Bus Eireann stop bus services at 8.30pm and 9.30pm – the next service is not until 1.30am provided by Wexford Bus and is normally already pre-booked full.

“Residents in Enniscorthy cannot now go to an evening showing in the nearest cinema, in Wexford Town, unless they have a car, or €50 for a taxi, or wait until 1.30am with pre-booking advised.

“Anyone who needs to work or attend events in Wexford town that end at 10pm are left stranded to sit in an eatery or pub or have to pay to grab a taxi.

“I personally was left waiting three hours on said bus, solo, no funds as they simply are not in my account, having to freeze in cold weather and risk standing around alone on a Friday night, eventually entertained by some rather shifty males who, luckily, were chatty rather than aggressive.

“The need for a 11.30pm bus service is paramount. Even if it is a short service providing a 11.30pm route between Wexford town as far as Ferns.

“Even a new local link, late bus between Enniscorthy and Wexford town would suffice.

Wexford Pride’s event schedule

As a grassroots community group, Wexford Pride is driven by the needs and interests of LGBQTIA+ folks in Co. Wexford. In addition to the fortnightly Tea on The Quay (Wexford town) and LGBQTIA+ Peer Support Group (Enniscorthy) and monthly LGBTQIA+ Book Club (online) the group is excited to have launched three new initiatives which began in September!

A Board Game Night and Art Club meets monthly and is hosted at Mountain Gremlin Games in Castlebridge.

An online Ace/Aro Peer Support Group takes place via Zoom and is open all regardless of geographic location, gender identity, race, nationality, ethnicity or ability. As with its LGBQTIA+ peer support group, this is a safe and confidential space supported by a facilitator where community members can seek and provide peer support.

There will be individual posts with additional details about each individual event across the group’s social media over the coming days and weeks so be sure to keep an eye out!

For full details and updates: https://www.facebook.com/WexfordPride/ n

“I am certain I am not alone in that not all own cars, have friends/families willing to taxi them, or have surplus funds for actual taxis.

“When the cinema starts at 9pm and the last bus is 9.30pm it leaves many isolated or at risk. Even the Wexford Arts Centre events end earlier than pub closing, leaving folks in the same situation.

“I hereby request signatures for this petition. We NEED a 11.30pm Bus Service.”

People can sign Dorn’s petition at: https://www.change.org/p/asking-wexford-bus-to-add-a-2330pm-service n

Tá folúntais ag Comhairle Contae

Loch

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 2 phost

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 1 post

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 3 phost

Ros Mhic Thriúin

Ros Láir

Dún Canann

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 3 phost Loch Garman

Dualgais a chur san áireamh:

• Oibrí Comhshaoil - Cothabháil ghinearálta, glanadh, plandáil agus baint lustain srl.

Chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar aon cheann de na poist thuas agus le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais déan teagmháil le do thoil le –Sean O’Neill, Maoirseoir CE, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ar 086 9478001 le linn uaireanta oifige 9rn – 5in nó seol ríomhphost chuig sean.oneill@wexfordcoco.ie

Is é an dáta deiridh le haghaidh Gach Iarratas ná 4.00 in Dé hAoine 20 Deireadh Fómhair 2023.

Tabhair faoi deara le do thoil nach mór do dhaoine a dhéanann iarratas ar na poist seo critéir na Roinne Coimirce Sóisialaí a shásamh chun páirt a ghlacadh sa Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail.

Is fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Tugann Comhairle Contae Loch

Garman cuireadh d’iarratasóirí do na poist seo a leanas:

Eolaí Cúnta

Oibrí Cúram Sóisialta

Eolaí Cúnta (Cáilíocht Uisce)

Cúntóir Sinsearach Leabharlainne

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 postálacha thuas.

Is é an dáta deiridh chun foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe a fháil don phost seo:

5.00 in Déardaoin 19 Deireadh Fómhair, 2023.

Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Alt 75 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993

Dúnadh Sealadach na mBóithre

Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil cinneadh déanta ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman an bóthar atá liostaithe thíos a dhúnadh do thrácht feithicle Dé hAoine 13 Deireadh Fómhair 2023, chun oibreacha imscrúdaithe láithreáin BSL ag Baile an Doimhnisigh, Co. Loch Garman a éascú.

Dúnadh Bóthair: L70421-1 ag Baile an Doimhnisigh, óna acomhal leis an L7042 ag Baile an Doimhnisigh go dtí a hacomhal leis an L7058 ag an gCaisleán.

Bealach Eile: Ó Baile an Doimhnisigh go dtí an Caisleán tríd an L7042, an N25 agus an L7058. Cuirfear comharthaí ar bhealaí eile. Éascófar rochtain áitiúil.

Enniscorthy Christmas Market

Enniscorthy Municipal District intend to host a Christmas Market in Market Square this December. Please register your interest by emailing emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie

Closing date to register is Sunday 15th October

Expressions of Interest sought from vendors

Community Employment Scheme:

Job Description Location

Environmental Worker – 2 positions

Environmental Worker – 1 position

Environmental Worker – 3 positions

Environmental Worker – 3 positions

Duties to include:

New Ross

Rosslare

Duncannon

Wexford

• Environmental Worker - General maintenance, cleaning, planting and weeding etc.

To apply for any of the above positions and for further information please contact – Sean O’Neill, CE Supervisor, Wexford County Council on 086 9478001 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email sean.oneill@wexfordcoco.ie

The closing date for All Applications is 4.00pm Friday 20th October 2023.

Please note that persons applying for these positions must satisfy the Department of Social Protection criteria to participate in the Community Employment Scheme.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following post: Craft Foreman (Horticulture)

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 this post are available from:

Customer Service (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Phone (053) 919 6000 or visit our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for this post is:

5.00pm on Thursday 19th October, 2023.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts:

Assistant Scientist Social Care Worker Assistant Scientist (Water Quality) Senior Library Assistant

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 this post is:

5.00pm on Thursday 19th October, 2023.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

School Meals Scheme 2023/2024

Tenders are invited for the supply of approximately 230 school lunches to the Gaelscoil, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

A single lunch will comprise each of the following items;

a) One 250ml bottle of water and/or the provision of a water cooler(s).

b) One sandwich/main filler.

c) One piece of fruit/healthy snack.

To be delivered, individually packaged and labelled, to the school each school day during the 2023/24 school term, commencing on Monday 6th November, 2023.

Sealed Tenders marked “School Meals” will be received by the undersigned up to but not later than 5.00pm on Tuesday, 24th October, 2023.

The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

Michael Drea, County Secretary, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford.

3rd October, 2023.

Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Friday 13 October 2023, to facilitate ESB site investigation works at Ballindinas, County Wexford.

Road Closure: L70421-1 at Ballindinas, from its junction with the L7042 at Ballindinas to its junction with the L7058 at Castle.

Alternative Route: From Ballindinas to Castle via the L7042, N25 and the L7058.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Saturday 14 October 2023, to facilitate ESB site investigation works at Ballindinas, County Wexford.

Road Closure: L7042-2 at Ballindinas, from its junction with the N25 at Castle to its junction with the L7042 at Colestown.

Alternative Route: From Ballindinas to Castle to Shelmeliere Commons via the L7042, N25, L7058 and the L70421.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Wednesday 11 October to Thursday 12 October 2023, to facilitate ESB site investigation works at Bargy Commons, County Wexford.

Road Closure: L30442-1 at Bargy Commons, from its junction with the R733 at Bargy Commons to its junction with the L30442 at Bargy Commons.

Alternative Route: From Bargy Commons to Bargy Commons via the L30442, L30443 and the R733.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Friday 22 September to Friday 20 October 2023, to facilitate installation of underground ducts, joint bays and cabling activities for the new cable route as part of the Greenlink Interconnector Project from Greatisland to Baginbun Beach.

Road Closure: L8111-1 at Templetown, from its junction with the L4046 at Templetown Cross to its junction with the R734 at Graigue Little Cross.

Alternative Route: From Templetown Cross to Portersgate to Graigue Little Cross via the L4046 and the R734. Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Monday 16 October 2023 to Wednesday 18 October 2023, to facilitate road maintenance works at Haggard, Ramsgrange.

Road Closure: R733-21 from its junction with the L4045 at Ramsgrange to its junction with the R737 at Haggard.

Alternative Route: From Ramsgrange to Kilbride to Haggard via the L4045 and the R737.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Sunday 15 October 2023, to facilitate ESB site investigation works at Forth Commons, County Wexford.

Road Closure: L30261-1 at Forth Commons, from its junction with the L3026 at Forth Commons to its junction with the L3027 at Forth Commons.

Alternative Route: From Forth Commons to Forth Commons via the L3026 and the L3027.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Friday 13 October to Friday 20 October 2023, to facilitate installation of underground ducts, joint bays and cabling activities for the new cable route as part of the Greenlink Interconnector Project from Greatisland to Baginbun Beach.

Road Closure: R733-12/13/14, from its junction with the L8077 at Kilmannock to its junction with the L4034 at Grange.

Alternative Route: From Kilmannock to Horeswood to Campile to Grange via the R733, L4035 and the L4034.

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

Enniscorthy Castle invited visitors to come and explore Enniscorthy’s past at a Living History event on Culture Night, on Friday 22nd September.

Culture Night in Ennisc

Enniscorthy Castle invited visitors to come and explore Enniscorthy’s past at a Living History event on Culture Night, Friday 22nd September.

Arriving, one was met in the Castle grounds by Art MacMurrough aka Ronan P Byrne and French Norman Knight Philip de Prendergast aka Niall Holohan who, sparking off each other with weaponry and wit, gave details of the Norman invasion of Wexford in 1169 and the following year 1170, landing for the first time on Irish shores at Baginbun in the south of the county.

Philip de Prendergast along with his wife Maud is responsible for the construction of the Castle in 1190, which one would

have to say has certainly stood the test of time, still standing proud at the centre of Enniscorthy today.

Art MacMurrough reclaimed the Castle in the 1370s and the MacMurrough Kavanagh clan continued to hold it until 1536, when they surrendered it in a ruined condition to Lord Leonard Grey.

Upon entering the beautiful drawing room on the first floor, I was greeted by Bridie Shiggins (played by Christine Quinn), maid to the Roche family who inhabited the Castle as their family home from 1903 to 1951.

Bridie, despite having an arduous working day, had lovely things to say about

the Roches telling of their connection to the Schriver Kennedys and their very fortunate Titanic experience.

On the third floor, I was met, strangely enough, by a young protester from Carnesore Point in the 1970s where we debated the pros and cons of nuclear energy and the location of nuclear plants.

In the Eileen Gray room, I was welcomed by the genius herself, Eileen Gray, aka Jennafer-Riggs Miller Boyd, where we discussed aspects of her early life at her family home at Brownswood, her passion for design and her unique creations heralding her as years ahead of her time. Well done to Enniscorthy Castle and the

Left: Art MacMurrough aka Ronan P Byrne and French Norman Knight Philip de Prendergast aka Niall Holohan.

Right: Maria Nolan with Bridie Shiggins (played by Christine Quinn), maid to the Roche family who inhabited the Castle as their family home from 1903 to 1951.

Historian in Residence with Wexford County Council and archaeologist Barry Lacey hosted a most informative placenames event at the beautifully restored Old Post Office at Ballycarney.

corthy

individual actors for this engaging living history experience of our iconic building.

I would suggest building on it for Culture Night 2024 to make it even more engaging and of greater interest to the people of the town.

Historian in Residence with Wexford County Council and archaeologist Barry Lacey hosted a most informative and enlightening event at the beautifully restored Old Post Office at Ballycarney, which was next on my list.

Townland Talk delved into the meaning of local placenames giving an insight into their origins, many dating back to the 1500s and beyond.

Barry is thorough and meticulous in his research and introduced the group to sites like Logainm where a wealth of information awaits the curious.

A most enjoyable evening, whetting our collective appetites for further exploration and examination and I would strongly suggest that Barry would consider putting on this event again at Enniscorthy Library or Enniscorthy Castle.

Drag and Draw, an innovative event organised by The Presentation Arts Centre, was unfortunately beyond my reach on the night but well done to all involved in Culture Night at Enniscorthy.

– MARIA NOLAN

Above: In the Eileen Gray room Maria was welcomed by the genius herself, Eileen Gray, aka Jennafer-Riggs Miller Boyd.

Below: On the third floor Maria was met by a young protester from Carnesore Point in the 1970s where they debated the pros and cons of nuclear energy.

A very happy birthday to us!

As a founding member of Enniscorthy Drama Group (EDG) back in 2013, I was delighted to participate in the recent birthday celebrations at the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, as EDG attained its tenth year and continues to grow and develop, providing excellent entertainment for audiences and a platform for established and aspiring actors to progress and flourish and hone their talents.

EDG began back in 2013 when I was contacted by Paul Kehoe TD upon the arrival of his new constituency Secretary, a chap called Colum Coomey, from Cork, keenly interested in drama. Enniscorthy, as everyone knows, was once a hub of drama, with the original and acclaimed Enniscorthy Drama Group known the length and breadth of the country, winning all kinds of accolades and awards including an All-Ireland title in 1996, and well attended, successful drama festivals running at the Athenaeum in the month of March, year on year.

However, with the dilapidation of the Athenaeum and the waning of the drama group, theatre was on the decline in a town known for its love of all things theatrical, so a public meeting was held in the newly established Presentation Centre and a committee formed with Colum Coomey in the chair and, as they say, the rest is history.

Colum Coomey became not only EDG’s first Chairman but its first director for A Tinkers Wedding and A Dolls House and joined us, by satellite, all the way from Australia, where he now lives, for the birthday celebrations.

EDG, I am proud to say, has been involved with some terrific productions over the years including Tom, Dick and Harry, Playboy of the Western World, The Beauty Queen of Linnane, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Wild in the Country and A Night on the Hill, written by our own Paul O’Reilly for the 2016 Commemorations, Blood of Nosferatu, Whistle in the Dark, The

Plough and the Stars, The Donahue Sisters, The Lost Weekend, Glengarry, Glen Ross, Private Wars, Farsiders – to name but a few. Our plays have been directed by some of the finest directors in the county and we have taken our place on the drama circuit on several occasions doing ourselves and Enniscorthy proud.

Many of our actors have gone on to do great things, none better than our own Fintan Kelly, who began his acting career with EDG and has since appeared in many RTE and other TV productions, including Red Rock, has appeared in the very popular Games of Thrones and on the London stage with the production Shroud along with playing Howie the Rookie all over Ireland. Fintan has recently established a Youth Theatre Company in Enniscorthy which we hope will be not only a huge success but a nursery, with a constant supply of young actors for EDG and drama groups around the county.

EDG has an extremely dedicated and hard-working committee at the moment with the loyal and committed Liam Doyle at the helm, the meticulous Tom Boland as Treasurer, both founding members, the impressive Franklin sisters, Laura as Secretary and Karen our most diligent PRO, the accomplished Brendan Robinson is our Assistant Secretary, with committee members and talented actresses Madeline Breen and Fiona McDermott, who recently won the Best Actress Award at the Bucharest International Film Festival for her role in the short film based on my book of the same name The Shadow of Freedom, directed by Dick Donaghue and produced by Jer Ennis, and myself holding the position of Vice Chair of EDG, I can assure readers that with this committee onboard there is at the very least another good ten years of drama guaranteed for Enniscorthy. Happy Birthday EDG and here’s to another ten of the best.

– Maria Nolan, Vice Chair

L-R: Senator Malcolm Byrne, Liam Doyle (Chairman, EDG), Eddie Crean & Richard King, Joe Neal.

Pics: Maria Nolan

EDG committee members L-R: Liam Doyle, Karen Franklin, Maria Nolan.

Decade of Centenaries

Reading of David Sears’ ‘Juggernaut’

On 21 October 2023 at 3pm in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, Balally Players Theatre Company will present a Performed Reading of Juggernaut – the best play on the War of Independence you've never heard of! Tickets €12 including a glass of wine.

Sears sets the action in Killiney during the War of Independence, and centres it around a middle-class family whose immunity from the struggle is shattered with the arrival of a wounded gunman looking for refuge.

This dilemma takes on a more acute dimension when the daughter of the household finds herself in love with an officer in the British Army. She comes to realise that his life will be endangered by the Irish rebel should the secrets he has stolen – a list of British operatives in Ireland – reach his superiors.

Her central encounters with the rebel and the British officer, respectively, constitute the heart of the play, and they are dramatised with an emotional and ethical complexity to rival the dramas of Noel Coward and R.C. Sherriff playing in the West End.

A 90-minute retelling of a play first staged to great acclaim by MacLiamoir and Edwards in the Gate Theatre in 1929. n

The famous Rathnure pantomime will be back this Christmas. We will have full details in our November issue and keep an eye also on the Rathnure Pantomime Society Facebook page.

St Peter’s College graduation

Riverbank Hotel, 30th August 2023

Above

Below

Below

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To buy copies of photos on these pages, email slaneynews@gmail.com

Above left: Nathan Casserly and Claire Furlong.

centre: Arnold Aleskus and Rachel Furlong.

Above right: Aaron Roche and Katelyn O’Leary. Right: Cian White and Emer O’Connor.

left: Grace Grannell and David O’Reilly.

centre: Blathnaid Howell and Ian Lynan.

right: Grace McGuire and Hannah Fitzpatrick.

Top left: Cian Gallagher, Caitlin Hunt, Andrea O’Keeffe and Ciaran Shortle. Top right: Amie Coling, Reuban Laffey and Ciara Doherly.

Above left: Ciaran Cardiff and Rebecca Dunne. Above centre: Aaron Rochford and Niamh Mongan. Above right: Ciaran McGrath and Sophie Gulliver. Below left: Cian Barry and Edel Ennis. Below centre: Shane Brennan and Grainne Stamp. Below right: Isabelle Barry and Paudie Power.

Silvertones present €6,000 to two local charities

Silvertones Choir are back rehearsing for the coming season and their first task was to present cheques for €3,000 each to this year’s chosen charities – Wexford Relay for Life and Wexford Hospice Homecare, being the proceeds of their Bealtaine Concert in May this year.

The presentation was made by Silvertones Choir Chairman Danny Lunn to Una and Mary from Wexford Hospice Home-

care, and by Choir Secretary Mary Fox to John and Siobhan from Relay for Life.

Danny thanked their two guest artists at the May concert, international soprano Celine Byrne and cellist Siobhan Lynch for their magnificent performances.

He also thanked the clergy and staff of St Aidan’s Cathedral, their sponsors Azets Ireland, and the Riverside Park Hotel for their support. A special word of thanks was also extended to the people of Co. Wexford and beyond for their ongoing support which allows the choir to make the substantial donations it does to very worthy Co. Wexford charities.

Eithne Corrigan is once again the choir’s Musical Director for the season to come which promises to be a very busy one including singing at Mass in the Cathedral before Christmas and the Bealtaine Concert in May 2024.

To enquire about joining Silvertones Choir contact Danny 087 2465250 or Mary 089 414 2626. n

Mary Fox and Danny Lunn of Silvertones Choir make presentations of €3,000 each to John and Siobhan from Relay for Life and Una and Mary from Wexford Hospice Homecare.

Enniscorthy Musical Society news and updates

Craft Fairs...

The Enniscorthy Musical Society (EMS) is holding a series of craft fairs and would love to see lots of people attending. The next one in the series will be on 28th October in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, so make a note in your diary now. This is your chance to grab a high-quality bargain. EMS also welcomes crafters and small businesses interested in taking part to contact them on 086-8399350.

Happy Days, A New Musical

Happy Days, A New Musical is EMS’s show for April 2024. EMS is thrilled to be welcoming back the incomparable Imelda McDonagh as Director, and the musical genius that is Kevin Kennedy as Musical Director! And making his choreography debut is the one and only James Dobbs. With a team of this calibre, EMS will definitely be rockin’ the town of Enniscorthy when the show hits the stage in April next year!

An information night for Happy Days, A New Musical took place on the 19th September, followed by auditions on 1st October.

There are still some roles to be filled and so the society will be holding callbacks and further auditions for those who couldn't make it along on 1st October in a couple of weeks time (date to be confirmed). The cast announcement will follow shortly thereafter.

Make sure to follow ‘Enniscorthy Musical Society’ on Facebook for updates. n

M.A.D.

WHAT T ENNISSCORTHY

Peer Presents Quare All Day Punk Fest

It was a late summer Monday evening, when gradually all the night creepers, punks, goths, and rockers slowly descended upon The Presentation Arts Centre for the Peer Presents…

Quare - All Day Punk Fest, brought to us by local promoter & event management run by Brandon Murphy

The evening turned into night, and was yet another success, showcasing bands near and far – although there were line-up changes last minute, it didn’t stop the raucous vibes, the sweeping moshpit or the music for a millisecond.

Kings of the Wild kicked off the entertainment, followed by seasoned punks, disability and mental health advocates Acoustic Punk Advocacy Service who brought some oldschool punk themes to the stage.

Rudy heralded the 90’s female strength of voice and donning vibrant long red hair, the singer took up the stage with melodic presence.

Dig Deep brought their unique set back to Enniscorthy, with a genre hard to label, the atmosphere brings them to life.

No Hassle, a regular in the scene, showed yet again that skill, presence and audience engagement are key, and they being one of the bands that can pick up a guitar and play anything at a moment's notice, much like our very own Peer Pleasure who no matter how many times you see them perform, it is like

seeing them for the first time, as each set engulfs the senses bespoke to the night that’s in it, with the band’s line-up so vast that you could not guess who will play with them on any given night, and they are one of the most entertaining bands around.

Crimson, another local band headed by lead singer Cameron Allen, filled the stage with their raw rock power, bringing elements of decades of rock grooves, with original songs and covers.

Recoil, who are made up of mere 15-16-year-olds, are fast becoming a huge success with their ease of taking the stage and blasting us with a mixture of rock, punk and a hint of psychedelia.

M.A.D., from Longford, gave us the true colourful punk we visualise when the word is spoken, with neon green and pink mohawks and their sound did not deviate from that one iota, riotous punk noise in all its glory was absorbed into the crowd pogoing and spiral stomping.

It was some Quare night, and even with some bands listed not appearing, the event ran smoothly and efficiently as always, thanks to the event management and the venue staff.

What’s next? I wonder and wait with anticipation! –

Dorn

All pics courtesy of Damien Smullen, Wexford Media.

Above: Delta Dogs in Holohan’s.

Above left: Launching the Blackstairs Blues

Gus Munro in the Antique Tavern.

Austin Walkin’ Cane at Enniscorthy Library.

A happy group in Holohan’s.

Home of the Blues – September 8-10th 2023

Festival in Stamp’s Pub, Enniscorthy, 24th August 2023, L-R: Senan Carty, Eamonn Doyle, Ibar Carty, Mairead Ennis, Dermot Byrne, John Murphy.

Above right: Enniscorthy’s finest – the BC Blues Band with Austin Walkin’ Cane (second from left).

Danny Tobin and Dermot Byrne in Stamps.

Austin Walkin’ Cane with Niall Holohan. Three Blues aficianados Eamonn Ellis, Mark Cooke and Liam Ellis.

John Murphy, Austin Walkin’ Cane, Shay Murphy at Austin’s gig in Enniscorthy Library.

29th Blackstairs Blues Fest

by Dorn Simon

The 29th Blackstairs Blues Festival hit Enniscorthy on Sept. 810th with extra appearances on Sept. 7th and the 11th where the festival came to a pleasant close in Holohan’s pub.

Once again, the main featured act was Austin Walkin’ Cane doing his ‘Damn Fine Blues’ for locals and visitors alike.

Austin, from Cleveland, Ohio, has a repertoire of success as a Blues artist worldwide. He earned his moniker ‘Walkin’ Cane due to walking with a cane for a decade due to a health issue and whilst playing in New Orleans a homeless man called out to him "Hey Walkin' Cane got some spare change for a brother?!"

The rest is history.

Austin treated audiences in Enniscorthy Library, Stamps, Treacy’s Hotel, Rackards, and Holohan’s, he also hosted a Guitar Workshop in Enniscorthy Castle.

Local talent The BC Blues Band kicked off Saturday’s string of gigs in Holohan’s, playing a mixture of classic blues. Singer Bryan Steacy makes the lead seem so effortless and is always on his game.

A day with 27 degrees heat, briefly brought thunder and a shower, which made it a sweat fest as well as a Blues fest –though this did not stop each venue from being packed to the rafters.

Next, we had the Jam Session, where folks signed up to take a turn, things were running behind so this was a short stint at the mic but entertaining all the same, young artists and those seasoned all had a chance to perform, including The Bellefords’ Paula Marks.

Over in Rackards, the entertainment was provided by the young Colm Skwirbat Trio who brought a more grassroots element to the night.

Back in Holohan’s, The Flying Monkeys kicked out some swinging blues with rhythm in style.

Timing prevented being in two or three places at once, but the atmosphere could be felt all around the town, and those we managed to see perform, played for eager audiences in filled venues.

The festival line-up also included Gus Munro, Trevor Babajack Steger, Delta Dogs, Dermot Byrne, Peter Moore & Claire Bonass, and Ben Prevo.

Without the hard work of the festival committee, Chairman John Murphy, Treasurer Sean Doyle, Events Co-Ordinator / Photographer Ibar Carty and the Festival Secretary Mairéad Ennis, along with all the venues, and punters alike, this weekend could not be the success it has been for the past 29 years.

Onward to 2024 for the 30th Anniversary of the Blackstairs Blues Festival.

– Dorn Simon

What a combination – Austin Walkin’ Cane belting it out backed by Enniscorthy’s BC Blues Band. Pic: Damien Smiullen, Wexford Media.

The 29th Blackstairs Blues Festival, Enniscorthy, 8-10 September, 2023.

Top left: Legendary Blues performer Dermot Byrne.

Top right: Bryan Steacy, frontman for the BC Blues Band.

Left: BC Blues Band members L-R: Graham Moore, Brendan Carthy, Bryan Steacy, Senan Carthy.

Below: Some locals getting in on the act including Fintan Kelly giving a few tips to Austin Walkin’ Cane! And in the bottom two photos Enniscorthy musician Reuben Hester.

Pics: Damien Smullen, Wexford Media.

Riverside Park Hotel –lots to look forward to

The Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, upcoming events: 13th Oct – Dirtbirds, 9th Nov - Johnny McEvoy, 10th Jan 2024 - The Three Amigos, 1st Feb 2024 - Michael English. Tickets from hotel reception or online at www.riversideparkhotel.com/in-house-events Overnight packages also available including tickets and accommodation. n

Opinion You Didn't Ask For Podcast

Enniscorthy’s Mary wins International Miss Elegance title

Mary Mullally is originally from Milehouse, Enniscorthy, but now lives in Cork. She commenced modelling and pageantry about seven years ago after emerging from what she calls a “very bad relationship”.

Mary has just been chosen as Miss Elegance of The World International 20232024 having been 1st runner-up last year in the same competition. She now qualifies for the Miss Universal Global Pageant event which will take place in Orlando, Florida, next summer.

The Miss Elegance of The World International event this year was held online so Mary had to upload several videos of herself and then had to nervously watch the final online in the company of her supportive family.

Mary admits, “I’m still in shock, I didnt expect to win” and now several weeks later still finds it hard to believe what has happened. As soon as the result was announced “the tears started, I couldn’t stop crying. I was gobsmacked!”

Mary is dedicating her success to her mother who passed away in Enniscorthy in 2018 and who inspired and encouraged Mary to always follow her dreams. She also is grateful to her family and everyone who has supported her over the years.

Mary is keen to be a role model for women, and men, who have survived domestic abuse. “I want to show that anyone can go through a dark time in their life but still can find light at the end of the tunnel. You can still follow your dreams. Anything is possible in your life. So don't ever give up. I'm a survivor, and you can be too.”

Mary says she will continue to help raise funds for charities involved in the whole area of domestic abuse.

The Slaney News wishes Mary every success next year as she strides the catwalk in Florida and hopefully brings a world crown back to Enniscorthy and Cork. n

Phil Murphy’s 90th birthday

Coal Bunker, Drinagh, Wexford, 9th Sept 2023

Above left: Phil Murphy and his brother Lar Murphy. Left: Mary and Jim Thorpe and Martin Rowe. Above: Family, front row Phil Murphy and wife Eilish, back row, Marianna, Philip, Mairead and Adrienne.

Left: Old mates John Browne, birthday boy Phil Murphy, Pat Gilmartin and Padge Reck.

Above: Declan Breslin and John Meagher.

Above left: Dean Murphy, Ciaran Robinson, Derek Somers and Davy Lynch. Above right: Fran Wadding, Kay Whelan and Richard Wadding.

ENNISCORTHY RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

Enniscorthy Retirement Association’s first meeting following the summer break took place on Tuesday 5th September at 2.30pm in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy.

Guest speaker was Rachel Uí Fhaoláin who is a traditional singer, folklore collector, researcher, and educator. Rachel spoke about her research and folklore collecting work and even sang for the audience. A great afternoon, it was enjoyed by all, and the tea and scones were delicious!

Further information on all the Association’s activities can be found on the Enniscorthy Retirement Association Facebook page or by attending the monthly meetings.

New members are welcome to attend the meetings. See Enniscorthy Retirement Association Facebook Page or email enniscorthyretirementassociation@outlook.com

A new website is under construction, and it is hoped to have it online soon. n

Join

In Enniscorthy, there are at least three choirs open for new members: Enniscorthy Gospel Choir, the Silvertones and the new Community Singers group based at Templeshannon Community Centre.

Contact details:

Enniscorthy Gospel Choir: Facebook: ‘Enniscorthy Gospel Choir’

Silvertones: Danny 087 2465250 or Mary: 089 414 2626

Community Singers: 053 9237511 or email: tccctempleshannon@hotmail.com n

Email: enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie

OPENING HOURS:

Phone: 053 9236055

Monday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm). Tuesday 10.30am - 5.30pm.

Wednesday 10.30am - 5.30pm. Thursday 10.30am - 8.30pm.

Friday 10.30am - 5.30pm. Saturday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm).

Closed Saturday & Mondays of bank holiday weekends. n

SOUND OF FREEDOM Movie Review with Kyle Walsh 

tional. But it’s very sad to know that child sex trafficking is one of the biggest businesses in the world taking in well over two billion dollars a year. Right now, as I write this review, there are more kids in the sex trade used as sex slaves today than there were slaves back in the day when slavery was legal. Can you imagine that? I found that statistic very hard to comprehend.

The unsung hero is Tim Ballard and he is one brave soul, played here by the excellent Jim Caviezel. Jim’s commitment to this role shines through every time he is on the screen. He’s so good in this film he makes you empathise with the character and the mission. Jim really put his all into this role. He knows how important it is to get this story out in the public domain.

I wanted to wait for this month’s edition of the Slaney News to write this review as I really feel this review should be read and more attention should be focused on this film that I’m going to write about. For me it’s the most important film of the year with the most important story to tell.

I’m not saying it’s the best film I have seen this year, but it is the most important film I have seen so far this year. It’s a very sad, desperate, unimaginable story for most of us but unfortunately it has impacted a lot of lives and more than I could ever have imagined. The film is called Sound Of Freedom. Thank God this film has eventually come to light, after a lot of big film companies tried to brush this material under the carpet and pretend none of this is happening in our world today.

I myself, a father to a beautiful young daughter, was ignorant towards the harsh realities of our society today and as a father this film really left its mark on me. It deeply touched me and impacted my heart. As I sat in the darkness of Wexford Omniplex Cinema I could not believe the heart-wrenching journey this film took me on. It was a journey I wish never to go on but some unfortunate people have to.

This film is directed expertly by Alejandro Monteverde and is based on a true story of one man’s fight against the child sex trafficking trade in Colombia. He actually went undercover to bring the organisation down. The man is an unsung hero, for what he did was excep-

The story is well told and brilliantly acted out. All performances are spot on with Jim being exceptional in the role of our hero. The cinematography is beautifully shot and production design is impeccable. The soundtrack further enhances the emotional impact. What really stood out to me is the message within this gruesome world that no matter how dark this world gets there is always light that will shine through. It reminded me that ordinary people like Tim can make an extraordinary difference, and can bring that light through in the darkest of places. This film is a powerful reminder of the dark forces in our world and the ignorance in our society. As we are all guilty of going through our own daily routines easily forgeting the darkness taking place right under our noses. We turn a blind eye to these shocking things that are going on. Maybe we just don’t want to face up to it. If our kids are sleeping well in their little beds tonight sure that’s all that matters. Well it’s not, if only we can all stand together and meet these challenges directly we could actually do something about it and bring those responsible for such crime to justice and save more kids from the hands of evil, but that’s just dreaming. It will never be a reality. Pity really, this world could be a nice place.

I can’t say this any louder folks, please watch this film and wait for the message at the end. It’s a hard watch but it’s an important watch. Please support this film folks, it deserves to be supported.

Before you go to bed tonight, look in on your kids sleeping in their beds, now imagine for a second what it would be like if they were missing, sold off in some sex trafficking organisation. It’s not you tonight, but it’s happening to someone, somewhere, and that is shocking. It’s unacceptable. Thank God my little girl is safe and I will always protect her, but as a father this film definitely made me think. A great film. Check it out folks. n

The legend that is Johnny McEvoy returns to Enniscorthy

The term 'living legend' is sometimes loosely accredited to artists in the music business but when it comes to Johnny McEvoy the term is truly warranted.

Johnny has always been highly acclaimed for the quality of his live concert shows but due to the Covid pandemic and its aftermath, he hasn't toured for the past four years. So when his autumn tour 2023 was announced, it received a huge response from his legion of fans nationwide.

His current live show is called A Nostalgic Evening of 'Song and Story' and features all of Johnny's 'Hit' songs, including Mursheen Durkin, Boston Burglar, Long Before Your Time, Rich Man's Garden, Michael Collins etc, many of these songs penned by Johnny himself.

His songs are hauntingly beautiful and evocative, and always presented with an individuality that is unmistakably his own unique style. One can truthfully say that Johnny McEvoy has been one of the most enduring and talented singer-songwriters in the folk/ballad genre in Ireland over the past 50 years.

His concert performances are second to none and incorporate a brief but relevant story of each song. The lyrical clarity of Johnny's vocals combined with gentle backing from excellent musicians is a joy to listen to and ensures a wonderful and joyful evening of 'Song and Story'. n

get sewing and upcycling

Great new course starting in Templeshannon Community Centre on the 7th of October for five weeks, for 1216 year olds. Enjoy upcycling clothing and reimagining waste materials.

Places can be booked at this link:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sew-saturdays-tickets-

721469965087?aff=oddtdtcreator&fb clid=IwAR0vP5llbPQBwfgsbyliOHE0R ybmP8wwyINpD19ct93DdmygJQsom MXAPZI n

Johnny McEvoy.

Caim Vintage Club Tractor Run

Caim Community Centre 10th Sept 2023

To buy copies of photos on this page, email slaneynews@gmail.com

Top left: Darragh Dunne admiring the tractors. Top right: Davy Murphy. Left: Anthony and Cara Peare. Baby but he has a secret weapon in Paul Buckley! Above centre: Pat Westnott, Jimmy Harmon and La Tom Gorman and Willie Sharkey. Below centre: Sean Cooper, Aoife and MJ McGroarty. Below right: The John, Harry, Jack and Joe Dempsey. Bottom row L-R: 1. Leo Tector, Elsie Barnes and Syl Boland. 2. 3. Jim Mooney and Bertie Gethings. 4. Cashiers on the day were Laura

Above left: Leo Tector in trouble again with his little arry Wall. Above right: Jack Dempsey. Below left: e Dempsey tradition carries on through the generations, Tom Martin, Eamonn Buckley and Pat Colclough. a and Paddy Buckley.

Above: Kelly, Breda, Lily, Nikki, Ben and Dorn at the LOLA film premiere, 15th September 2023, in Wexford Arts Centre. See story on page 85.

Hits from the Musicals

The much-anticipated Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) ‘Hits from The Musicals’ 2023 will take place from Monday 30th October to Thursday 2nd November 2023 inclusive, during the Wexford Opera Festival. The venue is Clayton Whites Hotel, and the show will commence at 8pm.

Featuring a blend of timeless classics and contemporary gems from the world of Musical Theatre. The show will feature the renowned chorus of the Wexford Light Opera Society, as well as a variety of soloists who regularly perform or have performed with the Society over the years.

The production team is:

Musical Director - David Hayes

Director - Stephen Byrne

Chorus Mistress - Eithne Corrigan

Master of Ceremonies:

Catherine "Biddy" Walsh

‘Hits from The Musicals’ is the highlight of the Opera Festival Fringe Events and is not to be missed!

Booking Details:

Tickets on sale at the National Opera House and cost €25 each.

Box Office Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday - 9:30-17:00

By telephone: 053 9122144

Online: www.nationaloperahouse.ie

Associate Member or Friend of WLOS:

Associate membership and Friend

Membership runs from 1st November (or the date you join) until 31st October each year. The cost of being an Associate Member is €10 or a Friend Membership is €90, contact the Box Office to become an Associate Member or Friend of WLOS or email: info@wlos.ie

Keep up to date:

Facebook: @wexfordlightoperasociety

Instagram: @ wexford_light_opera_society

Email: info@wlos.ie

Website: www.wlos.ie n

The next full production by the Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) will be the fabulous West End and Broadway favourite The Phantom of the Opera which will be staged next year at the National Opera House, Wexford, from 29th April to the 4th May 2024.

The Society is thrilled to have secured the rights to this wonderful musical by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber which is packed with musical favourites such as: The Phantom of the Opera; The Music of the Night and All I Ask of You.

Wexford Light Opera Society is delighted to announce the production team for this highly anticipated 2024 production:

Director: Christine Scarry. Music Director: David Hayes.

Chorus Mistress: Eithne Corrigan. Choreographer: Thérése O’Sullivan. n

FOR INFORMATION ON ALL EVENTS, CLASSES, EXHIBITIONS, ETC: WWW.WEXFORDARTSCENTRE.IE

CONTACT THE BOX OFFICE ON 053-9123764

“Wexford Arts Centre, over all the years, has been a beacon of light. In art, film, theatre, dance, music, it has enriched the life and the imagination of Wexford town.

It is one of the great achievements in Irish cultural life over the past half century.”

– Colm Tóibín

Big Christmas show in Enniscorthy

The Family Christmas Show at The Presentation Arts Centre this December is GOLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS!

Centre Stage Theatre Company brings its sparkling version of this classic tale to the Enniscorthy stage on Saturday December 2nd at 2pm.

Grab your tickets to this show at www.presentationcentre.ie or call 053 9233000.

As with all the Christmas shows at The Presentation Arts Centre, tickets will go fast so book early! Don't be left with cold porridge!!! n

See next page.

National Opera House –celebrating 15 years

Hard to believe the National Opera House is now 15 years old. On September 5, 2008, it opened its doors to the public with a very special live broadcast of The Late Late Show.

Since then, in excess of two million people from all over Ireland and abroad have experienced the warmth and hospitality that is evident at every event hosted in Ireland's premiere cultural venue.

Read more here: https://rb.gy/lf39o n

Elvis and The Big Bopper return in Rock 'N' Roll To The Rescue – A musical by Adrienne Murphy

Following its sold-out run last year, Rock 'N' Roll To The Rescue returns by popular demand for another run in aid of Pieta. Dates are 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th of October in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

Are you ready for a night of live music that will have you rocking in the aisles in aid of Pieta House? Well here it is folks, the Rock 'N' Roll show that 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, crazy characters, and music that will have you hopping off The Presentation Arts Centre's walls, don't miss out on Rock 'N' Roll To The Rescue. Featuring songs like Stuck On You, Hound Dog, Big Hunk O' Love, Chapel Of Love and many, many more!

Ticket €15 + €1.50 booking/development fee. n

From the Slaney to the Yukon!

On Saturday 26th August, Enniscorthy author Maria Nolan’s new book, her third, was launched at The Presentation Arts Centre, by her very good friend and bestselling author Carmel Harrington.

From the Slaney to the Yukon is a tale of love set against the backdrop of history and two rivers, the Slaney and the Yukon and the ghosts that forever drift upon their waters. The story came to Maria on a long-wished-for excursion to Alaska in 2022

The new book is a bit of a deviation from her other two books The Shadow of the Hill and The Shadow of Freedom, but nevertheless packed with the history of

1895 Ireland, the Carews of Castleboro, Belgavia and high society London, the Irish slums of New York in 1897 and the Yukon Gold Rush of 1898.

It is a novel, but all historical facts are to the very best of Maria’s knowledge and research, true.

Maria says: “I do hope you will all enjoy the circuitous journey my characters William and Lydia Warren, Sam Kidd and Molly Doyle, take from Clonroche and Castleboro to the gold fields of the Yukon.”

From the Slaney to the Yukon is on sale at Eason’s stores in Enniscorthy, Wexford and Gorey and at Red Books in Wexford and Gorey. n

Maria Nolan at Eason’s shop in Enniscorthy.

Above left: Maria Nolan with Cathy Keane. Above centre: Maria with Alan Corcoran at South East Radio. Above right: Maria with bestselling author Sheila Forsey at Eason’s shop in Enniscorthy. Below left: Maria being congratulated by the staff of The Presentation Centre. Below right: Maria Nolan (centre) with Carmel Harrington (left) who launched the book and Caroline Busher (right), who assisted Maria in several ways.

LOLA

Short Film Premiere at Wexford Arts Centre

The Wexford Arts Centre had its newly installed seating in the theatre christened by the audience for the premiere of LOLA – a short film by Nic Furlong, on Friday 15th Sept.

Upon arrival, the cast and crew were reunited and in high spirits anticipating the film they worked so hard on being seen for the first time on the big screen.

The opening speech was once again delivered by Billy Roche, who has become a mainstay in introducing Nic’s work to the big screen.

Actors Ben Kavanagh and Lily HendrickDoyle gave a small intro before the film made its debut screen appearance.

LOLA, a beautifully filmed piece of work, hits a narrative that potentially holds a trigger warning, with dark themes that evoke the drama that addiction can bring to a person’s life, the risks and incidents that can happen by proxy, along with the ripple effects it can have on those around them, and the subsequent downfalls that ensue.

The actors portrayed their parts with dedication and realism, and the cinematography captured the pure essence of the script, with a stylised intro, using drone footage, and making the best of the Wexford locations around the camera. The scenes were set up beautifully and it shows the high standard that director of photography Michael Benson brings to his work.

The direction was clearly defined throughout by Nic Furlong, as he had the vision of how this film needed to feel as well as be seen.

Holding tightly to the script and pre-pro-

duction, the overall production was implemented methodically.

Depicting scenes that are by no means an easy task for the actors or crew, this film was intense in the making, and the end product is a testament to the work of all those involved.

As Executive Producer (Dorn Simon), I was humbled by how well the film was received by professionals and the audience alike. With a full-house attendance, the evening was a tribute to the Arts, and Wexford’s talent in the film industry, adding to the body of work of our own gifted Nic Furlong, a writer, director and actor, whose character acting in RTE’s Red Rock as Tony Doyle and as Ryan Crofton in his own directed SEED has been awarded.

Michael Benson’s repertoire for Cinematography, Director of Photography and Editing is fast gaining in status with over 50 awards for his latest festival run with the documen-

tary Pat Walsh – The Life and Legacy of an Irish Revolutionary.

FULL CAST:

Ben Kavanagh, Lily Hendrick-Doyle, Breda Hegarty, Jason O’Halloran, Davide Pons, Roy O’Connor, Philip Wright, Saoirse Carty, Dorn Simon.

CREW:

Nic Furlong - Writer/Director

Michael Benson - Director of Photography

Dorn Simon - Executive Producer

Michael Duggan - Production Assistant

Aoife Reece - Production Assistant

Kelly O’Neill - MUA

Lauren Kehoe - MUA

Katie Keogh - MUA

Nikki George - Set Photographer

Matt Laws - Music Score

JAMM - Soundtrack

We all look forward to LOLA being received just as highly on the Film Festival circuit.

Above: Ben Kavanagh, Billy Roche, Lily Hendrick-Doyle, Dorn Simon.

Right: Cast and crew – Ben Kavanagh, Lily Hendrick-Doyle, Breda Hegarty, Nikki George, Dorn Simon, Kelly O’Neill. All pics: Nikki George & Kelly O’Neill.

– Dorn Simon

Nic Furlong, Writer/Director

On the set for the bath scene.

Get ready to be outraged!

Get ready for an electrifying night of music as 12 Gauge Outrage take the stage to record their highly anticipated debut live album on Saturday November 18th at The Presentation Arts Centre! This is your chance to make some noise and be included!

Featuring Incredible Support Acts: Dirty Casuals are a trio formed in 2015 through a Done Deal ad about a power saw. The band blends elements of progressive and alternative metal with sprinklings of Armenian folk music. If you like 7 strings and 7/8 you've found the right band.

Absenth are a dynamic, all-female four-piece alternative rock band from Enniscorthy. Comprising a group of fiercely talented 16-17year-olds, they share an unbridled passion for music and a collective mission to electrify audiences with their powerful sound and inspire more female rock bands and artists in Ireland.

BARMP are a loosely-calibrated Noise-Rock/Power-Pop Trio from Wexford. This high-voltage trio carries a rich musical history with twenty years of experience in many acclaimed Irish bands. Now, they unleash their combined sound, blending the raw energy of Noise-Rock with the infectious hooks of PowerPop.

Expect an unforgettable night of live music. Gather your friends, bring your energy, and hit record with 12 Gauge Outrage and friends as they record their epic debut live album. See you at the gig!

Get your tickets now here: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/8736 39772 n

Enniscorthy Municipal District intends to host a Christmas Market in the Market Square in December and they are seeking expressions of interest from vendors. To express your interest, please send your details to emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie by Sunday, 15th October. n

Seasonal magic at Enniscorthy’s Santa’s Enchanted Christmas

The North Pole's most beloved resident, Santa Claus, is delighted to announce the official launch of Santa's Enchanted Christmas Experience in the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in the heart of Enniscorthy.

Supported by Wexford County Council and the Riverside Park Hotel, Santa's Enchanted Christmas Experience invites children and their families to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of Christmas with a purpose-built Christmas wonderland. The enchanted event will feature immersive seasonal scenes, special effects like enchanting soundscapes and falling snow, as well as captivating creative graphics. The exterior setting is a breathtaking winter theme, beautifully illuminated to set the mood for your festive adventure. Children should be prepared to be surprised at every turn with multi-room, enchanting spaces, where pop-up theatrical characters come to life, creating magical moments for the entire family. Mrs. Claus and her playful elves and gnomes are ready to entertain and guide the little ones on their journey to meet Santa. And that's not all – every ticket holder for Santa's Enchanted Christmas also receives complimentary entry to the Elves Workshop at Enniscorthy Castle! Explore this

magical walk-through experience within the Castle at your own pace, with no prebooking required. The Castle will be open from 12pm to 7pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Mico Hassett, Manager of Enniscorthy Castle and 1798 Centre, and her team are thrilled to welcome more families than ever to experience the magic of winter in Enniscorthy, providing both the local community and visitors with an unparalleled level of entertainment. Special overnight packages are also available from the Riverside Park Hotel.

Santa's Enchanted Christmas Experience is organised by the same creative team that previously brought Christmas magic to Enniscorthy Castle, so visitors can expect nothing less than pure wonder!

Sensory Tours:

For families with sensitive kids or special needs, there will be Sensory Tours designed with everyone in mind. Capture that precious family photo with Santa without the noise and crowds. These tours provide a shorter, more focused experience, including a meeting with Mrs. Claus and her Elf before entering Santa's magical grotto for personal time with the jolly man himself. Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities in a relaxed setting. Each visitor in the group, including infants (0-2), children

(3-15), and adults (16+), requires a ticket, and all infants and children receive a special gift from Santa.

Infant Tours:

Is it your baby's first Christmas? Enjoy an intimate photo opportunity with Santa! Infant Tours offer a shorter experience, featuring a meeting with Mrs. Claus and her Elf before entering Santa's magical grotto for a one-on-one encounter with Santa Claus. Each visitor in the group, including infants (0-2) and adults (16+), requires a ticket, and all infants receive a special gift from Santa. Please note that this option is best suited for families with younger children, as it does not include the full tour experience.

Don't miss your chance to make this holiday season truly unforgettable. Santa's Enchanted Christmas Experience in Enniscorthy is a must-visit destination for families seeking a dose of festive magic. Be sure to book your tickets early, as availability is limited. The experience will be available from 25th November until 23rd December and prices are from €15 per person upwards. Free parking and full-service café are available on site.

For more information and ticket bookings, please visit www.santasenchantedchristmas.ie n

Angela Devitt (Riverside Park Hotel) and Mico Hassett (Enniscorthy Castle and 1798 Centre) officially announce bookings are open for Santa’s Enchanted Christmas Experience with Liam Sharkey (Rathnure Panto) and young friends Liam and Hannah Ward, Joseph Whitmore, Grace and Tomás Murphy.

‘Girl in the Big House’ stirs passion

Author Paddy Whelan was urged to follow up immediately with a sequel when Dr Noel Culleton, the former head of Johnstown Castle, launched Paddy’s debut book The Girl in the Big House to a huge crowd of more than 150 people at the Horse and Hound Hotel, Ballinaboola.

Dr Culleton, who had read advance copies, urged him to not delay as his book, evocative of life in farming and rural Ireland in the 1940s and 50s, ‘is a page turner’. Anne Doyle, newsreader and author of Tales of the Other World, too had read an advance copy, and said she ‘loves the bit of oul romance’.

Josie Van Embden for Three Sisters Press said, ‘This book, full of

rich description, will remind readers of John McGahern and John B. Keane.’ The author, Eibhlin Mac Máighister Gede, said the book is ‘a gem’. Michael Doyle, MC for the event, had read the book on his recent trip to Canada and ‘could not put it down’.

Paddy greeted farming, drama, social dancing and political friends who came from all over Ireland to attend. Among them was the editor of the book Helen Ashdown and her husband Noel, and Tony McClean of Enniscorthy. One group of women bound for Spain bought an armful of copies of the book to read on the beach.

Left: Susanne Goff and Annastia Breen at the book launch.

Above: Josie Van Embden, editor, with Dr Noel Culleton, Paddy Whelan and Michael Doyle. Below left: Cllr George Lawlor and Paddy Whelan.

Below: Capt. Fr. David Murphy, Chaplain to the Irish Army, and Paul Kehoe TD. Bottom left: Cllr Michael Whelan with Paddy.

Your chance to shine on stage

roles as house residents, IRA fighters, British military etc.

All characters will be required to sing a small amount. The lead roles will be required to sing quite a bit. But this is not about being a singer, this is very much a play with music. Delivery of the lyrics with conviction is what is important, not the notes.

Musicians and accomplished singers are also wanted for this production and will form part of the ensemble so if you are a musician and/or singer and wish to be involved, please contact the group.

For character descriptions, playing ages, audition pieces and further audition details, please email enniscorthydramagroupedg@gmail.com or contact the group through its Facebook or Instagram pages.

The play will be staged late January / early February 2024. n

Premiere of Michael’s film on RTE

Celebrating the centenary of his birth, Enniscorthy Drama Group (EDG) is excited to announce its next production, The Hostage, by the great Irish author, Brendan Behan.

The Hostage, which is considered to be Behan's masterwork, is a tragi-comedy set in late 1950s Dublin in a lodginghouse-cum-house-of-ill-repute. It is here a young English soldier is held hostage by the Irish Republican Army in a bid for the release of one of their own men who is facing execution in Belfast. His time here proves eventful as he encounters an array of peculiar, off beat and somewhat unorthodox characters who have made this odd house their home.

Not just a story of the tyranny of Irish history and warfare, this play explores religion, politics and social conditions. Tragedy is offset with an abundance of comedy and quick wit, satire and parody, debate and, at times, borderline fantasy, all with a wonderful and extensive musical score to boot with songs penned by Brendan Behan and also impromptu dancing! A play that has something for everyone!

EDG is delighted to be staging this three-act play later this winter. This is a large production and will mark ten years of performing plays as EDG. The cast size is large with a vast age range to suit many.

Auditions will take place on October 10th at 7.30pm in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, with callback auditions on October 11th.

This is a large production and casting will include actors, musicans and singers. The character/roles include: 8 males and 5 females of various playing ages and a pianist. There are several roles for individuals (various ages/gender) to play

The Irish TV premiere of ‘Hillwalkers’ – the feature film starring Enniscorthy’s Michael Cloke, was shown on 30th September on RTE2. It can be viewed now on the RTE Player.

Great drama to look forward to in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy Theatre Company, founded by actor and director Fintan Kelly, is a new professional and amateur theatre company based in the town, and has just finished a highly successful run of Playboy of the Western World at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

Not content to rest on its laurels, the company is well advanced with plans for its next show – Bouncers and Shakers, two brilliantly written (by John Godber and Jane Thornton) one-act plays performed back to back, set in the 1980s, the auditions for which took place last month.

In Bouncers, the four male characters Ralf, Judd, Les and Lucky Eric take the audience on a journey as they portray the lives of the varied customers that frequent the nightclub they guard with overzealous authority!

Shakers’ four characters are Nicki, Mel, Carol and Adele who work in the trendy cocktail bar ‘Shakers’, and again introduce us to the people who frequent the bar.

The eight chosen actors play a variety of roles in these fastmoving comedies, employing physical and vocal humour to play their multiple roles, giving a glimpse into the lives of dozens of different characters.

Keep up to date on: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095632982352 n

Fintan Kelly is delighted to announce that he and Paul O’Reilly will be collaborating once again this winter and are bringing back last year’s highly successful Creative Acting for Theatre Course.

This course will be limited to six people and is aimed at adults and teens. It will run over ten weeks on The Presentation Centre stage starting on November 6th, for 5 weeks. Fintan will be facilitating classes of character-creating exercises and will explore the teachings of Stanislavski, Chekhov and Meisner in the process, while using improv to create scenes and situations to develop these brand new characters that each individual will create themselves.

Award-winning writer Paul O’Reilly from Enniscorthy will be in the room during these five weeks and Paul will take these characters that each individual has created and write a play over the Christmas period that will contain each of these characters. Fintan, as director, and the actors will then rehearse this play after Chrismas starting on January 8th for five weeks and will put it on at the end of the course for a public run.

This course is open to all levels of acting, from beginners to seasoned theatre actors. The course, says Fintan, “will satisfy creative curiosities and leave you with a character that you have created yourself in an original piece of writing”.

Contact Fintan through his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fintan.kelly.167 or call on 087 6756993. n

Fintan Kelly

Paul O’Reilly

An unforgettable night of theatre

An exciting new, captivating play will be running in Enniscorthy from 12th to 14th October. Mask is written by Paul O'Reilly, directed by Paul Walsh and stars Fintan Kelly, three Co. Wexford men with a strong track record in local and national theatre.

After years of travelling with the circus, Buster, the resident clown, musters the courage to return to his hometown for a special show. As memories of his youth flood back, he reminisces about the shops he loved, the playground of his childhood, and the joy of playing soccer with his friends. But it's when he visits his longabandoned childhood home that he confronts the voices and regrets he had locked away.

This beautifully honest and heartwarming story delves into themes of love, danger, survival, and the hope for a brighter future.

Buster's tale unfolds as he reveals his past to his fiery Italian fiancé, Lucia, who is expecting their child.

Don't miss the chance to witness Mask and be moved by Buster's journey of self-discovery and redemption – an unforgettable night of theatre! n

Publishing Masterclass with Carmel Harrington

Join international bestseller Carmel Harrington in Enniscorthy Library for a one-hour masterclass, where she will give writers a whistlestop tour of what to expect when publishing a novel.

Using over a decade of experience as a successful published author, Carmel will share her thoughts and tips on the lessons she's learned since her books hit bookshelves internationally. Booking essential. Please register here: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4100106 n

Sip & Paint –fun art, not fine art!

Sip & Paint returns to The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, this Halloween on 27th October at 7pm, for some spooky art fun!

Go along and enjoy a Friday night out with a difference with Dawn from Craft Central. Following step by step instructions, participants will paint on canvas to create their own piece of art to bring home. No experience is necessary, and all materials are included in the price.

This is a fun art activity, perfect for groups or single participants – this is about fun art, not fine art!

The Presentation Arts Centre bar will be open for the workshop with a selection of wines, beers, soft drinks and nibbles. Tea and coffee will also be available.

Want to learn more about Sip & Paint? Call Dawn with any questions on 085 2091833.

Book online here: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/sho ws/873639296 n

Enniscorthy Book Club

Check out the club’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthybookclub n

Wexford’s art collection

Check out Wexford Co. Council’art collection on: http://wexfordcountycouncilartcollection.com n

Lots on at Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely

Pic: Terence White.

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

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000

The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529

Slaney Writers

The Slaney Writers group has returned to Enniscorthy Library after the summer break. The group meets on the second Thursday of every month at 6.30pm. New members are always welcome.

If you are interested please contact Enniscorthy Library on 053 9236055. n

Wexford’s ambitious 5-year arts plan

Wexford County Council is delighted to have launched its next County Arts Plan 2023-2027. This ambitious five-year arts plan came about after an extensive consultation process throughout County Wexford in 2022, which fed into the current County Arts Plan and The Culture and Creativity Strategy.

Commenting on the plan, Wexford County Council Cathaoirleach Councillor John Fleming stated: “This is a dynamic plan with a real purpose; to make Wexford a better place to live and a more creative space for all. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in its development and I look forward to supporting its implementation over the coming years.”

Tom Enright, Wexford Co. Council Chief Executive noted: “Wexford County Council has always taken a proactive and innovative approach to local arts development since the establishment of the first Arts Office within the county council almost thirty years ago. Today, Wexford has an enviable reputation as a county that excels in the arts, with a strong artistic and cultural identity, which Wexford County Council is proud of and committed to supporting and developing into the future.”

The Arts Office of Wexford Co. Council thanks everyone who took part in the various stages of consultation around this plan in 2022 and it looks forward to working with those people in the coming years.

Hard copies of the Plan are available on request.

The Plan can also be viewed at https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/sites/default/files/content/FIN AL-ARTS-PLAN.pdf

An Irish language version of the Wexford County Council Arts Plan 2023 – 2027 can be viewed at:

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/sites/default/files/content/IRIS H-ARTS-PLAN_0.pdf

For any queries please contact the Arts Office at Wexford

So Say So is a monthly event focusing on poetry, storytelling and music hosted by poet Stephen James Smith. Each month a renowned poet will headline and be accompanied by local musician Ian Doyle (The Man Whom).

There will also be a 5-Word-Challenge open mic section, which is open to all (but strictly limited to 5 minutes per performer on a first come first served basis).

This space will be for all, no matter where you're from or what age. The use of the Irish language is encouraged as is any other language people may speak. All styles and genres are welcome –poetry, rap, spoken word, monologues, storytelling and songwriters. n

Vibes - Disco Night with DJ Ronan Buggy

13th Oct 2023 and 1st Dec 2023, 7-10pm. Wexford Arts Centre, Admission €5, PAs Free Entry. Disco Night with DJ and VJ Ronan Buggy and guest DJ/VJs. A night for Adults with intellectual disabilities, family and friends.

GIBSON’s distinctive street art on show in Enniscorthy

Call in to The Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy this month and enjoy the new GIBSON exhibition ‘Failing Upwards’ running until 28th October.

Enniscorthy artist GIBSON, who has been described as an ‘emerging street art superstar’, has filled the gallery walls with his distinctive illustrative style, and the work itself contains ‘critiques of hyper-capitalism and performative activism’.

Check out the great video by the local company Into d'Groove which includes stills by Damien Smullen photography and Larry Dunne, Wexford Media. https://www.facebook.com/dorn.simon1998/videos/340072511709277

This exhibition is free to visit, no booking is required. The Presentation Arts Centre, Convent Road, Enniscorthy, Y21 X889.

Opening Hours:

Monday - Thursday, 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm. Friday 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 4pm. Saturday 10am - 2pm. Closed on Sundays. Opening hours may vary based on event and class schedule.

Contact 053-9233000.

Check www.presentationcentre.ie for more details. n

A note from GIBSON...

❝This is a collection of experimental works where I use the term art loosely. It's a lovely mish-mash of my opinions on local and wider art communities, both positive and toxic. I work with a wide variety of materials from spray paint to acrylic, and try to connect back to a time where art was for art and not the page you're reading this on. Did you ever have one of those dreams where you're running and running, but getting nowhere? Well, that's my relationship with art. Come see me attempt what has possibly been done before, but different-ish.❞

 GIBSON (front) and friends enjoy the exhibition opening.

Caim’s artistic fundraiser

LANSDOWNE ROAD DRAWINGS by Artist Desmond McCarthy

Caim resident Desmond McCarthy was commissioned by the IRFU to draw and record the historic Lansdowne Road stadium before its demolition and rebuilding.

Desmond was a Dublin native and a graduate of the National College of Art & Design. He was a member of The Water Colour Society of Ireland, The Dublin Painting & Sketching Club and the United Arts Club in Dublin.

His original works are in many private collections in Ireland and throughout the world. They are on permanent display at The Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin, The Department of Agriculture, Dublin, The Irish Embassies in both London and Riyadh.

The Caim Community Development Group (CCDG) is privileged to have been gifted a number of Desmond’s Lansdowne Road artist’s proofs by his loving partner Aiseling to assist with its fundraising efforts for Caim Community Park.

CCDG is delighted to announce that, in conjunction with Pallas Marketing and with support from the IRFU, it will be giving supporters of Caim Community Park the opportunity to win these Artist’s Proofs, signed, titled and stamped with the artist’s seal. Each picture is window mounted and the framing is moulded Italian wood with burnished silver finish.

CCDG is holding a night to remember Artist Desmond

McCarthy on Friday November 3rd in The Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy with doors opening at 7:30pm. The night will include a display of Desmond’s art with a select number of pieces on sale. There will be a wine and cheese reception and the night will conclude with the draw.

Apart from the five historical drawings, this draw also includes a signed and certified Ireland rugby jersey and a €250 cash prize. To enter please follow this link https://pallaslotteries.ie/product/cdg-lansdowne/ or speak to a member of the Caim Community Development Group for tickets which cost €10. n

A solo exhibition by Patricia Hurl

Forthcoming ‘Irish Gothic’ exhibition at Wexford County Council, 16 October – 29 November 2023. In association with IMMA. Opening Launch: Thursday 19 October at 6pm. Guest Speaker: Writer, Academic and Activist, Ailbhe Smyth.

Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre in partnership with the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) are pleased to present Irish Gothic by artist Patricia Hurl.

The exhibition, selected from a major retrospective hosted by IMMA earlier this year, presents one of Ireland’s most accomplished artists. Hurl’s work is by its nature political, and traverses the disciplines of painting, multi-media and collaborative art practice. Since the 1970s, she has created work that deals with loss, pain, frustration and loneliness.

The exhibition demonstrates Hurl’s characteristic use of highly expressionistic layered brushstrokes that tend to blur distinctions between the figurative and abstraction. This stylistic blend intensifies the visceral qualities and emotion in Hurl’s work in paintings such as The Company Wife (1986) which comprises a group of men in suits gathered as a jovial unit, juxtaposed with the solitary figure of a seated woman. Typical of Hurl’s early work, the faces are obscured, and the paint is applied with an urgency that hints at the emotion felt by a woman living in a male-dominated society.

Sketchbooks, diaries, magazines, and newspaper cuttings are central to Hurl’s practice and an integral part of her process, a selection of which is included in the exhibition. The catalyst for the ongoing Warrior series came from media coverage surrounding the treatment of women internationally and closer to home, such as the Belfast rape trial of 2018. Creating helmets as props, Hurl set about producing a series of portraits where her face is partially obscured by the helmet, but the eyes convey a tremendous strength. Hurl portrays women as warriors; mothers, sisters, friends are all affected by horrific acts but often powerless to ease the suffering of loved ones.

Originally from Dublin and a former member of Temple Bar Galleries and Studios, Dublin, Patricia Hurl often works in collaboration with artist Therry Rudin. Hurl was a lecturer in Fine Art Painting at the Dublin Institute of Technology and studied at the National College of Art and Design, 1975, and at Dun Laoghaire School of Art and Design, 1984. Hurl previously ran the Damer House Gallery in Co. Tipperary along with Therry Rudin. In 1984, she won the Norah McGuinness award for painting.

Hurl’s work was recently included in The Narrow Gate of the Here and Now: IMMA 30 Years of the Global Contemporary: Queer Embodiment; IMMA, Dublin 2021 – 2022; Elliptical Affinities: Irish Women Artists and the Politics of the Body, 1984 to the present, Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda, Co. Louth, and Limerick City Art Gallery, 2019 – 2020. Hurl has exhibited in selected group and solo shows and has represented Ireland in symposiums in Atlanta, USA, Caversham, S.A., and Zaragossa, Spain.

For further information on Irish Gothic or artist Patricia Hurl, please contact Nicola Giltrap, Clerical Officer, The Arts Department, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford on (053) 9196369 or email arts@wexfordcoco.iefordcoco.ie

rs: Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. n

Above: Irish Gothic (Living Room), 1985, oil on paper, 123 x 90 x 2cm (framed), IMMA Collection. Below left: Warrior VI, 2022, oil on canvas, 30 x 30cm. Below right: The Company Wife, 1986, oil on canvas, 124.5 x 186 x 10cm (framed), IMMA Collection.

A painterly look at Enniscorthy

An Enniscorthy-based artist has excelled for many years in capturing the beauty and essence of the streetscapes of the town, as well as painting people and places further afield.

Joseph Edward Kelly attended The National College of Art Dublin in the 1950s before entering the advertising agency

world as a graphic designer. He then progressed to opening his own graphic design studio and print operation doing offset litho and silk screen printing.

In 1981, Joseph retired to Solsborough, just outside Enniscorthy, to paint full time, which he does almost every day in his specially built studio next to his home.

Joseph’s preferred medium is watercolour but he can also display his skills in oil painting.

For over twenty years he exhibited his work at the Wexford Opera Festival in Whites Hotel where he sold many of his works. He has also shown at the RHA (Royal Hibernian Academy) in Dublin. For a period of ten years he went to New Zealand in the winter where he had numerous exhibitions and showed with The New Zealand Watercolour Society.

picture framing service at Reach Ability on Bellefield Road (formerly known as the Community Workshop).

Check out Joseph’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007558547843

Joseph always has work for sale, one can contact him by email on: josephkelly037@gmail.com n

Joseph’s work now forms part of many private and public collections worldwide. Some of his work can also be seen in Enniscorthy at Bellefield Design

the

In the words of Joseph Edward Kelly, “Johnny, you will go down in rugby history. You make us so proud to be Irish.”

Joseph Edward Kelly: Three Enniscorthy scenes and below Kilmore Quay.

Joseph Edward Kelly: self-portrait.

Jarlath’s work is ‘judged’ excellent

A Bunclody-based photographer has received a prestigious award from the International Federation of Photographic Art for his participation in international photography exhibitions over the past number of years.

Jarlath Judge was awarded an Excellence Distinction from the Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique

(International Federation of Photographic Art) at a ceremony in Dublin. The “Excellence” distinction (EFIAP) comes from having at least 250 images accepted for International Salons (exhibitions) in at least 20 countries.

The international salons are open to photographers worldwide and the digital entries are selected by juries who choose

SIT BACK AND RELAX AT WEXFORD ARTS CENTRE

WEXFORD ARTS CENTRE’S beautiful, new, comfortable seats are now installed with extra leg room and no more restricted viewing in the back row thanks to Aillied Systems and support from a community investment grant from Department of Rural and Community Development. The seats were launched last month in time for the audience at the Lola film premiere.

Book your comfortable seats for upcoming events at www.wexfordartscentre.ie n

the best for exhibition. Through this process Jarlath has had his photographs selected and exhibited in 29 countries including Australia, Egypt, Iceland, Kenya, Singapore, Turkey, UK, Greece, Serbia, Austria and India. In total he entered 59 different images and he has won 14 awards from several individual exhibitions along the way to achieving his distinction. n

Above left: Jarlath with one of his award-winning images on display at Dublin Camera Club. Above right: Jarlath Judge pictured receiving his EFIAP award from the President of the Irish Photographic Federation John Butler and IPF FIAP Liaison Officer Paul Stanley.

Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director of the Wexford Arts Centre, sitting comfortably.

A solo exhibition by Emma Roche

Forthcoming exhibition at the Wexford Arts Centre, 17 October – 25 November 2023. 'Loop' a solo exhibition by Emma Roche, EMERGENCE Award Winner 2021, curated by Catherine Bowe. Opening Launch: Saturday 14 October at 4pm. Guest Speaker: Artist Kathy Prendergast.

Wexford Arts Centre and Wexford County Council Arts Department in partnership with South East Technological University are pleased to present LOOP by Emma Roche, recipient of the 2021 EMERGENCE Visual Art Award.

Emma Roche’s works shift between the figurative and abstract, combining the methodologies of knitting with paint to create layered and textured works. Roche’s preparatory drawings, made quickly and obsessively, are informed by the humdrum of repetitive daily tasks. In contrast, the processes employed by Roche in the knitted paintings are slow and arduous, where long lines of paint are prepared and dried to be used like wool or thread. The ‘should be’ liquid material is forced to behave in a seemingly impossible but measured way. Ideas concerning how we structure and organise time are highlighted through these painted forms as the labour involved in their production is apparent.

For the EMERGENCE Award, Roche produced a new body of large-scale knitted paintings and works on rug canvas. Considering domestic and occupational interruptions as a starting point, she highlights everyday occurrences that take time away from studio practice. This focus led to experimentation, with an interest in abstraction and a laboratory style of working in the studio.

The artist also worked collaboratively with art students from South East Technological University on a series of experimental painting workshops with a focus on everyday events. An exhibition of work will run in the Dr. Billy Colfer Gallery from Tuesday 17 October to Sunday 5 November featuring work from Anna Bekmansurova, Patricia Cavanagh, Anna Cavenagh, Joe Doyle, Alicia Fortune, Susan Birney Gossage, Sadhbh

McCarthy McCool, Cody McEvoy, Jane Mouzet, Laura O’Connor and JP Sexton.

Emma Roche lives and works in Wexford. She is a 2023 Artist in Residence at the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation, New York. She is also shortlisted for the John Moore's Painting Prize, Liverpool, 2023. She is the 2021 recipient of the EMERGENCE Visual Art Award, Wexford Arts Centre; Visual Arts, Arts Council Bursary Award, 2021 and 2020, and a Creative Ireland Bursary Award, 2020.

Recent exhibitions include Lined Out, Mermaid Arts Centre, Wicklow (2023); Spiders and Cheerleaders, The Complex, Dublin (2021), Ochre, a two-person show with Ciara Roche, Wexford Arts Centre (2021); and Forward Slash at the LAB Gallery, Dublin (2018). Selected group shows include Generation ‘22, Butler Gallery, Kilkenny (2022); We Are Fetishists, Small Night Zine, Garter Lane, Waterford (2022), Artworks, VISUAL Carlow (2020 and 2019): Women Can’t Paint, Turps Gallery, London (2018); and New Beginnings, Green On Red Gallery, Dublin (2018).

For further information on LOOP or artist Emma Roche contact Catherine Bowe, Curator, Wexford Arts Centre, Cornmarket, Wexford on 053 91 23764 or catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie

Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am – 5pm and Saturday from 10am – 4pm. During the Wexford Festival Opera (24 October – 5 November) the galleries will open Saturday 28 October from 11am – 5pm, Sunday 29 and Monday 30 October from 11am – 4pm, and Sunday 5 November from 11am – 4pm. n

Above: Red Eye Pink Sky, woven acrylic paint on rug canvas, 24 x 36cm, 2023. Right: Decision Maker, knitted acrylic paint on wooden panels, 36 x 24cm, 2023. Both pieces by Emma Roche.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments –celebrating a successful season

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

This incredibly successful amenity has already won numerous local and national awards and this year has been nominated for the all-island Pride of Place competition and also nominated for the Excellence in Local Government Awards.

There’s always lots happening on site as Chairman Michael Devereux and the committee continuously strive to make it a state-ofthe-art amenity and one that’s fully inclusive.

Recent, ongoing and future developments include a patio area, water feature, a sensory area and sensory swing, a sculpture, picnic table, greenhouses, polytunnels, raised beds, composting area, rainwater harvesting, tool shed, etc. A student from Kildalton College, Philip Brennan, has helped with design work on the site.

Recently completed on site is a Geodesic Dome which is being used as a learning and community space. n

To find out more about Enniscorthy Community Allotments: www.enniscorthycommunityallotments.ie

Email: enniscorthyallotments@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Enniscorthycommunityallotments

At the beginning of September, Enniscorthy Community Allotments held their end-of-season get together, with a fantastic turnout and sublime weather. Our photos show some of the attendees enjoying themselves...

The Geodesic Dome now constructed on site. The frame is completely protected from the weather by the sealed glazing, making it maintenance free and an extremely long lasting structure, beautiful and functional in equal measure.

Flying the flag for Wexford food

The prestigious, national Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023 took place on September 29th 2023 in Dingle, Co. Kerry, and amazingly 14 of Co. Wexford’s wonderful food producers were up for awards. The full list is shown in the graphic opposite. Now in our 16th year, Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland.

Among those who won awards were... O'Neills Bacon, securing two awards for Wexford! A sliver and a bronze award for their bacon and smoked bacon products.

Ryans Bakery Wexford Limited securing two more awards for Wexford – a silver for their white sliced pan and bronze for their multiseed sliced pan.

Wexford Home Preserves took home gold and silver awards for their Seville Orange Marmalade and Mixed Berry Preserve, and to cap it all won the Best in Wexford award, sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Wexford.

Scup Gelato won bronze for its Natural Yogurt & Blackcurrant, and was a finalist with its Raspberry & Elderflower Sorbet. Naturally Cordial won bronze and silver awards.

Killiane Castle Honey won bronze for its Soft Set Honey.

Trudies Kitchen took home silver for its vegan rainbow coleslaw and got a great reaction for this new and innovative product.

Wexford producers cleaned up nicely in the pie category. Zanna Cookhouse –"Lovely Food for Lovely People" – took bronze and silver in the category, and Furlong’s Food Hall took gold.

Killowen Farm added to its huge collection by winning two bronze awards.

Irish Country Meats continued the Wexford success story with a gold, silver and bronze for its lamb products.

Congrats to all the Wexford finalists and award winners. n

The Killowen team, Courtnacuddy, Eniscorthy, picked up two bronze awards at the national Blas na hÉireann food awards last month in Dingle

ooted in exford

Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments, and has a huge passion for growing fruit and veg which he shares on his Instagram platform @rootedinwexford which has over 7,500 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.

over your vegetable beds, allowing them to break down gradually over the winter, enriching the earth beneath.

the harsh elements and create a microclimate conducive to plant growth.

As October unfolds, it is important that we start to get ready for our winter months. In this month’s gardening column, we'll delve into the must-do jobs for October with a special focus on cultivating winter vegetables. We'll also explore how greenhouses and polytunnels come to the rescue, extending our growing season. October marks the beginning of the Autumn cleanup season in our gardens, particularly for those dedicated to growing fruits and vegetables. The first order of business is bidding farewell to the hardworking vegetable plants that have completed their productive cycle. Remove these plants, including tomatoes and beans, and be thorough about clearing any diseased or pest-ridden plant material.

Gathering fallen leaves, which are abundant in our gardens over the next few weeks and months, is truly beneficial. These can be converted into valuable leaf mold or used as effective mulch in vegetable beds. Leaf mold not only improves soil structure but also acts as a natural slow-release fertilizer, providing essential nutrients to your garden soil. Spread a thick layer of these fallen leaves

Soil health is the cornerstone of successful fruit and vegetable growing in our gardens. It is important that we remember to give back to our soil to keep it healthy and ensure that we feed all of the microorganisms in the soil. To help with this, I simply top up my beds with some fresh compost after cleaning out all the plants that have reached the end of their growing season. Compost not only enhances soil structure but also boosts nutrient availability for the next crop that you're going to grow. This practice ensures your soil remains fertile and capable of sustaining robust winter crops.

I find my greenhouses are indispensable over the winter in my garden. As you all know, we have really wet winters, and many of the things that we grow don't always like to be in wet soil. Greenhouses provide a sheltered environment for our plants, protecting them from excess moisture and chilly temperatures. Growing them inside gives better protection from the wintery elements than what they would have when they’re outside.

Now that I have my polytunnel cleared, I am going to grow some garlic, onions, and shallots. I have lots of varieties again this year, and hopefully they'll grow well so that I can keep myself in supply next year. Polytunnels, similar to greenhouses, offer protection from

October is also the month of the pumpkin. Many of you at this stage, if you planted seeds earlier in the year, will be harvesting them this month. Pumpkins, with their vibrant orange color and versatility in the kitchen, make a delightful addition to the the autumn and winter seasons. Whether you plan to carve them for Halloween or turn them into savoury pumpkin soups and pies, the joy of a homegrown pumpkin harvest is undeniable.

In addition to these tasks, consider planting a cover crop in October. Cover crops like clover or winter rye help protect your soil from erosion and add organic matter when you till them under in the spring. They also suppress weeds, which as we know, is always beneficial. In conclusion, October presents a busy yet rewarding time in the garden as we prepare for winter. From clearing out old plants to nourishing the soil, utilising greenhouses and polytunnels, and enjoying our pumpkins, there's no shortage of activities to keep your garden thriving even as the temperatures drop. Don't forget to sow a cover crop to ensure your garden remains vibrant and ready for the coming spring.

If you would like to see me in my garden, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @rootedinwexford. I share regular snapshots of my garden, tips for aspiring gardeners, and many of my garden failures too. n

Mark Cooke – firmly ‘rooted in Wexford’

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

LEEK AND POTATO SOUP

INGREDIENTS:

 3 leeks cleaned, sliced

 1 small onion

 1 clove garlic

 4 potatoes cut into chunks

 1tbs butter

 1tbs oil

 1tbs lemon juice

 1.5 litres veg or chicken stock, I use 2 knorr stock pots

 200ml of cream

 Salt, pepper

 Parsley or chive to garnish

METHOD:

 Sauté leeks, onion and garlic in the butter and oil.

 Once the leeks mix is soft, add potatoes and sauté for 3 mins.

 Add stock, simmer until potatoes are cooked.

 Add cream, blend soup, add lemon and blend again, season to taste.

 Garnish with cream and fresh herbs.

 Enjoy! n

Caitriona Barron

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

Wexford Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is creating a shop local campaign showcasing the best of Wexford food. To get involved, just email them a short description of your business, along with any images or special offers you would like to include, and they’ll handle the rest!

Send your details to info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie n

Knives & forks at the ready!

Get your knives and forks at the ready! Enniscorthy Library has a mouth-watering selection of delicious cookery books. Check them out. Bon appetit!!! n

Pettitt’s shortlisted for off-licence award

On Thursday 23rd November, the annual Edward Dillion & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Awards will take place at Kilkenny’s Ormonde Hotel. From over 220 SuperValu stores across the country, 27 have been selected as finalists and will battle it out to be named the winners in four categories.

The Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates Supervalu Off Licence of the Year Awards finalists from Wexford are: Pettitt’s SuperValu Enniscorthy

Pettitts SuperValu Wexford Town

This year’s winners will receive an exclusive trip to France, visiting Paris, Moët and Chandon, and Bordeaux. n

More recognition for Enniscorthy’s O’Neills Bacon

Checkout Magazine recently released their Top 100 Brand Report and Enniscorthy-based success story, O’Neills Bacon, is now ranked in the top 4 in the bacon category –making it one of Ireland's most loved brands.

From selling its bacon at a farmers’ market almost 20 years ago, to being available in supermarkets nationwide, it is a great success story thanks to the hard work and food passion of its founder Pat O’Neill, his family and all the team at the company, and of course the support of quality-conscious consumers all over Ireland who support local and Irish.

To contact O’Neills, phone 053 9230680 or email: info@oneillsbacon.ie n

Mark Cooke busy in his greenhouse. Check out Mark’s column on page 104.

Pat O'Neill (founder of O'Neills Bacon)

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

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

Some Upcoming Training Courses

National Women’s Enterprise Day

Join Wexford Local Enterprise Office to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day in the company of a dynamic, innovative and inspirational panel of speakers. All of the speakers are leaders in their fields and are prominent figures in once-traditional male disciplines.

Hear how resilience, adaptability and strong leadership has empowered these women to build careers in sectors as diverse as scientific healthcare, aquaculture, dairy processing, digital marketing, artificial intelligence and local government provision.

The Keynote Speaker for NWED Wexford 2023 is Wexford native Theresa Grant OBE who will share her story of delivering high-value outcomes for communities and local government across the UK. Generating a positive organisational culture while restoring public finances from severe bankruptcy were just two key actions in the role that led her to be recognised with an OBE for her work in 2021.

MC and Panel Facilitator for the day Maryrose Lyons is a seasoned digital marketing expert and the founder of Brightspark Consulting. Well known for her uncanny ability to predict future digital trends, Maryrose has been at the forefront of the digital marketing revolution and has been helping Irish businesses to thrive online for over two decades. She is now to the forefront of Generative AI, helping businesses

National Women's Enterprise Day Empowering Business Together

Venue: Newbay House Hotel, Newbay, Wexford, Y35 NN52

Date: Thursday, 19 October 2023

Time: 8.30am – 2.00pm

Guests: Strictly limited to 120 guests Includes light breakfast on arrival and two-course “Love Local” Lunch. To find out more and to book your place, please click:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Training-Events/OnlineBookings/National-Women-s-EnterpriseDay-19-10-2023.html

learn, harness and adapt the power of ChatGPT, Mid Journey and other tools for their businesses.

Kate Dempsey is from an Irish fishing family and first applied for an aquaculture licence when she was 22. Having returned home to Arklow post college she realised the marine activity in her home harbour had much reduced and hoped that a new business would help to regenerate the area. Getting that first licence to allow her new venture to operate took over ten years. In that time Kate put her professional skills in licensing and law together with her fishing background to good use by establishing

Aqualicense – a marine and offshore windfarm consultancy firm which offers client services in large scale offshore aquaculture, offshore renewable energy and innovation. In 2022, Aqualicense Ltd was the Overall Winner at the LEO National Enterprise Awards.

Deborah Brock is the CEO and CoFounder of Nua Fertility – a pioneering Irish fertility health company based in Delgany, County Wicklow. Realising that gut microbiome and nutrition had a powerful effect on fertility health, Deborah and her team have developed innovative, scientifically sound, fertility-supporting supplements with a microbiome focus for both men and women. Nua Fertility launched its first product NuaBiome for Women, a first-ofits-kind natural pre-natal fertility supplement in August 2020 online and a number of other innovative products are in the development pipeline.

Local Wexford NWED Ambassador Pauline Dunne of Killowen Farm is a leading actor in the dairy manufacturing sector and has experience in growing a family dairy farm into a thriving award-winning international business with significant exports and a forceful growth strategy. Pauline is well known as a food ambassador for County Wexford and was recently elected as President of the Wexford Food Family. n

 Keynote Speaker for NWED Wexford 2023 is Wexford native Theresa Grant OBE

GreenTechHQ – Ireland’s Sustainability Innovation Hub

Based in Enniscorthy’s new Technology Park, GreenTechHQ is Ireland’s Sustainability Innovation Hub providing a world-class ecosystem for companies and communities who want access to leading business, innovation, sustainability knowledge and to extend their global connections and business solutions support.

Established in Enniscorthy, in the heart of the southeast region, GreenTechHQ is a home for start-ups, scale-ups and companies with an eye on their sustainable solutions to help climate change. GreenTechHQ supports businesses within its collaborative workspaces through events and programmes, investment, mentoring and support services in thought leadership, communication, innovation, training and incubation.

CEO of GreenTechHQ Ed Murphy says, “We provide access to companies and mentors who’ve done it all before, seen great success, and are willing to help fellow entrepreneurs on their own journey.

We help fledgling businesses get growth and expansion through our support eco-

Co. Wexford Chamber events

October 11th: Budget Breakfast Briefings in Gorey, New Ross, and Wexford town.

Gorey:

https://www.countywexfordchamber.ie/courses/ budget-2024-breakfast-briefing-gorey/

Wexford:

https://www.countywexfordchamber.ie/courses/ budget-briefing-pwc/

New Ross: https://www.countywexfordchamber.ie/courses/ budget-breakfast-briefing-with-mk-brazil-newross/

October 12th: After-Hours Networking at J Donohoe BMW, Enniscorthy.

https://www.countywexfordchamber.ie/courses/ business-after-hours-j-donohoe-bmw/

October 24th: B2B Networking Morning, Gorey https://www.countywexfordchamber.ie/courses/ b2b-networking-gorey/ n

Enniscorthy North Business District

The continued regeneration of the Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road) is a priority for Enniscorthy & District Chamber and now that Phase 1 has been completed, the need for funding to commence Phases 2 and 3 is of paramount importance.

The economic importance of this area to the overall prosperity of Enniscorthy was emphasised at recent talks between the Chamber and Director of Services at Wexford Co. Council, Carolyne Godkin, who promised to bring an updated report on plans for the phased works before a future meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District.

In the meantime, Chamber Development Officer Jimmy Gahan is to undertake an audit of all vacant units in the area and to submit a report to Ms. Godkin. The number of vacant units in the area is thought to be small but with a constant stream of enquiries from potential industrialists for units of between 3,000 and 5,000 sq. ft., it is important that a register of available structures of the required sizes be compiled. Mr. Gahan is also to determine what land, if any, suitable for the construction of industrial units might be available for sale in the general area of Enniscorthy. He will further communicate with developers to see if any might be interested in constructing new industrial units which the County Council and the Chamber of Commerce will help promote going forward. n

Ed Murphy, founder and CEO of GreenTechHQ, Enniscorthy Technology Park. system. Our

Pinergy, the clean energy supply and solutions company is now operating a €30 million fund to accelerate the delivery of solar energy to businesses. Funded solar is a new service for commercial energy users that will enable them to access lower-cost renewable energy as they get ready for the energy transition. Pinergy is calling on all Wexford-based businesses to consider availing of this latest ‘Solar-as-a-Service’ offering, which is already proving a very popular option for many businesses thoughout Europe.

As part of this new service, Pinergy will design, install, and maintain the solar PV installation in their clients’ commercial properties with no capital outlay for the business. The client will agree a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Pinergy to buy electricity generated by the solar panels which will be a lower cost than prevailing prices from the grid. When the €30m fund is fully taken up the renewable energy generated will meet the equivalent needs of 7,000 typical homes, reducing demand on the grid.

The new service enables commercial clients to experience the benefits of a solar PV installation without the upfront capital cost, whilst ensuring the business can immediately benefit from the generation and use of renewable energy. As a result, clients will see their operating expenses and cashflow improve as they will require less electricity from the grid,

The benefits of solar without any of the capital outlay

thus resulting in reduced energy prices and increased energy security for the next 25 years.

This new funded solar service will enable businesses of all sizes with good roof space to utilise renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprint and move towards a more sustainable business model. The initiative is ideally suited to commercial energy users across a range of sectors including retail, hospitality, leisure, manufacturing, logistics, pharma and industrial sectors who have seen their grid energy costs increase in recent years.

Commenting on the new €30m solar energy fund for businesses, Pinergy CEO Enda Gunnell said: “Many businesses have been faced with rising operating costs due to volatile energy markets over the last few years. We recognised that there is a need to provide a simple solar solution that maintains security of supply while reducing costs to businesses across the country, while also enabling them to play their part in a sustainable energy future.”

He added: “The Pinergy Solar Fund is our solution to meet the needs of many businesses who are not ready to make the upfront capital investment that Solar projects traditionally require. Our new Solar-as-a-Service offering ensures Pinergy fund the initial installation and maintain the solar PV project, while at the same time our clients benefit from certainty and reduced energy prices for the next 25 years.” n

Enda Gunnell, chief executive at Pinergy, photographed at the launch of Pinergy's €30 million Solar Energy Fund for commercial energy users. The Fund is designed to support and accelerate the delivery of solar energy to businesses across the country with no capital outlay required from the business. Picture by Shane O'Neill, Coalesce.

ROSSLARE EUROPORT NAMED

‘EUROPEAN FERRY PORT OF THE YEAR’

Rosslare Europort has been named European Ferry Port of the Year at the recent 2023 European Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmo, Sweden.

It is the first time the award has been won by an Irish port, and it follows a transformational period in the port’s development, with a more than six-fold increase in direct European sailings since Brexit, and record freight and passenger volumes being recorded.

Rosslare Europort was the only port in Ireland to record growth in the first six months of 2023, on top of the record growth recorded over the previous two year period. Direct European services have increased from six to 38 over the past three years, and now directly connect Rosslare with ports including Bilbao, Cherbourg, Dunkirk, Le Havre and Zeebrugge.

The award also reflects the further ambitious plans underway at Rosslare Europort, with investment projects comprising Port, OPW and road infrastructure developments including:

Rosslare Europort Masterplan, including port digitalisation: These works will reflect its status as Ireland’s Gateway to Europe and will include new freight and passenger facilities, storage, export and import facilities, berth extension.

Matching the port’s physical transformation, a digitalisation of systems and operations is also planned which will deliver a better, more effective and more efficient port, to become Ireland’s most advanced digitalised port.

Offshore

development, including an ORE purpose-built quay and berth, ORE quayside storage and pre-construction, up to 50 acres in area, navigable channel dredged down to a minimum of 9 metres depth, and management control centre and management offices and facilities.

Office of Public Works Project T7, to develop a permanent Border Control Post within the port, to provide the facilities and systems for all aspects of border control.

New TII N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road will ensure a better experience for port users and enhance quality of life for those living and working in the area by taking trucks out of the village and improving access and connectivity to the port.

In total, these developments will see a total of €350 million invested in the port and its environs.

Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann – Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, said, “This award is wonderful recognition for our team at Rosslare Europort who have transformed the port’s fortunes in recent years. That team of course comprises not only over 100 Rosslare Europort colleagues, but also our shipping customers, our service providers, the Irish logistics and haulage industries, and the crucial State agencies at the port. Our success has been built on a partnership approach, one that we will continue to apply as our ambitious expansion plans are delivered.” n

Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub

Ferry Port Award: Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units at Iarnród Éireann

Port Authority for Rosslare Europort –receives the European Ferry Port of the Year 2023 award for Rosslare Europort at the European Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmo, Sweden.

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

T: (053) 9233187, 9236674.

F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR OCT

At the beginning of October 1998, we moved out of Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, to our present premises at the Moyne Veterinary Hospital. The practice had been established by Simon Kavanagh MRCVS in October 1941 so October signifies lots of significance for the practice over the years. It’s 25 years since we have made that move which is hard to believe, those years have flown by. That's not to say that there weren't hard times and hard yards along the way, there certainly were, but that pales into insignificance when you see where the journey has taken us over those years.

We have gone from basically working from (as one client described it) 'A hole in the wall' to moving to the Moyne, a purpose-built building catering for small animals and large animals alike. Quickly, we achieved Clinic status and more recently in 2018 we achieved Hospital status. We have built up the practice from 3 to 4 vets up to 7 vets, 3 vet nurses and our very valued 5 lay staff who keep us all in check!

The practice has expanded in several fields most especially the small animal area. I personally delved into the area of complementary therapies as an adjunct to the conventional treatments and this has enhanced my work and my interest in the whole veterinary field. It has opened up new oppertunities to learn and develop skills, made me realise that these animals we treat are working at a very deep level themselves so meeting them half way is the only way of the future.

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

In the 25 years, we've seen several of the other founding members of the practice pass away but their legacy lives on in the work ethic and professional principles that they instilled in us from example and advice, namely Martin Kent in March 2000 and Simon Kavanagh in January 2003. Michael O’Shea, a former partner too, has retired from practice and department work and most recently Larry Wall bowed out about two years ago. Each left their stamp on the place and younger vets have now taken up the mantle and are continuing to keep the high standards set from the outset by the founders all those years ago. Where will we all be in another 25 years? Wow.... That's probably down to the Man above but all going well the practice will still be building and developing new skillsets, educating and preempting problems and finding solutions in more integrative ways, combining the best of modern medicine with the ancient wisdom such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic disciplines which are over 5,000 years old. We can learn from everyone, and opening up to new approaches has kept the spark of veterinary medicine truly alive in me and inspires me with every day that passes... every day is a learning day and it’s a joy to learn from everyone, our colleagues, our clients, but most especially our patients.

Thank you for your loyalty over the last 25 years, your continued support, and we look forward to the next 25 with optimism and excitement of a brave new dawn in practice. 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

South East Animal Rescue

South East Animal Rescue has revamped its shop at 27 Court St, Enniscorthy, with lots of bargains now available. The shop is open 10am - 3pm Monday to Friday & 10am - 1pm on Saturday. n

Top dog at Enniscorthy Library

Friday, 20th October, Enniscorthy Library, 11am-12 noon.

Pet on Pilgrimage

Love dogs? Want to understand your dog better? Join trainer Philip Davis for this adult event who will discuss the following and more: Dog health – Puppies and their fears – Does your dog know its name – Barking dogs – Questions and answers.

Booking essential. Please register for your place here: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4100037

It would be great to see these dog poo bins being used by all dog owners.

Eva Corcoran is in good hands at Our Lady’s Island Pilgrimage, 8th September, 2023, final day ceremony.

Photographer Declan Roche gets to the heart of the action at the Volkswagen Wexford Stages Rally

Tommy Foley and William Tracey in their Honda Civic.

Adrian Quinn and Des Sherlock in their Peugeot 208 R2.

Graham and Dean Kelly in an Escort.

Jack Kennedy and Paul Cullen’s Stage 5 ended when they came off the road here exiting St Kierans near Saltmills.

Noel Doyne and James Murtagh in their Ford Escort.

Kenneth Cullinane and Robert O’Regan in a Ford Escort Mk 2. Shay Delaney and navigator Marc Kavanagh in a Honda Civic.

Declan Roche.

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING HYUNDAI KONA

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.

Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at www.changinglanes.ie

The second generation Hyundai Kona has just gone on sale in Ireland, priced from about €30,895. At launch, buyers can choose between a simple 1.0-litre petrol engine or a hybrid. A new allelectric Kona is expected to go on sale before the end of the year with a range in the region of 500 kilometres.

The Kona is a small SUV-style vehicle that slots into the Hyundai range between the Bayon and the Tucson. It has been a big success for Hyundai Ireland since it launched here in 2017. Kona is a consistent bestseller, only outsold in the Hyundai range by the mighty Tucson.

Now Kona has grown up. The second generation Kona is a significantly bigger car than before – it’s longer, wider and taller –

which makes it a lot more spacious and practical than the previous version.

The styling is quite a radical evolution, taking inspiration from the brand’s latest models with dramatic lighting and even more pronounced squared-off wheel arches finished in thick cladding for a classic crossover look. It certainly commands attention on the road and there’s a premium touch to how K-O-N-A is spelt out across the boot lid.

There are three trim levels available for the petrol Kona – Signature, Elegance and a sporty N Line. There’s just two for Kona Hybrid – Signature from about €34,000 and Elegance from about €36,000.

The new cabin also shows Kona’s maturity

and growing stature within the Hyundai range. The cabin feels more upmarket than before with a focus on improving the cabin quality, design and technology. The finish is excellent with a leather wrapped steering wheel as standard and plenty of soft touch materials, including nice fabric panels in the doors.

There has also been an upgrade in the digital tech. Kona gets a new touchscreen with intuitive design, modern graphics and overthe-air updates. It’s easy to sync with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A full digital driver display comes as standard on all but

HYUNDAI KONA

the entry model. The shift-by-wire gear selector has been moved to a stalk behind the steering wheel, creating more space in the centre console.

All Konas come very well equipped. Standard features include automatic climate control, cruise control, high beam assist and a parking camera. Elegance models add features like heated front seats, heated steering wheel, driver lumbar support and wireless smartphone charging.

There’s a longer wheelbase so legroom has improved a lot. It’s also a bit wider so even seating three across the rear bench from time to time should not be a problem. There’s a centre armrest, USB ports and separate vents for rear seat passengers.

Hyundai has also improved the boot space on offer. The volume has increased from about 361 litres to 466 litres in the new version. That makes the Kona now one of the best of the segment for boot space. There’s also a false floor that can be used to create a flat loading sill.

The entry into the range is a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 120hp and

a 6-speed manual gearbox. Then there’s the Kona Hybrid, which is a 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s a standard hybrid so does not need to be plugged in to get the best efficiency from it. With 141hp, it offers more power than the petrol Kona and the smoothness of an automatic, which is very useful in traffic or town driving.

The refinement of the hybrid is excellent, aided by the dual clutch transmission that keeps everything very smooth and quiet. The driver is barely aware of any transitions between the EV and hybrid drive. There are a few driving modes like Eco for the best efficiency, Sport for livelier accel-

eration and Snow mode for extra traction in low grip conditions.

The Kona Hybrid returns excellent economy, with my fuel consumption averaging at about 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres during my time with the car.

The Kona is smooth and easy to drive, with the compact dimensions and light steering making it feel very agile. It handles the road well, feeling secure and planted. It’s comfortable by class standards with just more audible road and wind noise at high speeds on the motorway.

Hyundai has made a very popular model more practical and upmarket than before. This car has seriously grown up and will now function very well as a small family car. It is a brilliant all-rounder that still manages to offer good value in the market.

Model tested:

Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elegance

Price: €36,545

Engine: 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid Power: 141hp

Torque: 265Nm

Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 11.2 seconds

Motor Tax: €140 per year n

Interior

Chapel Lane, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, Y21 XH64

Enniscorthy’s new car dealership

MG Motor's New South-East Dealership Arrives in Enniscorthy

MG Motor is proud to announce the opening of its newest dealership, Doyle’s MG, Enniscorthy, marking the brand's debut in the South East.

"We are delighted to establish a significant presence in the South East with the launch of our latest dealership," said Gerard Rice, Managing Director at MG Motor. "This expansion showcases our commitment to delivering exceptional driving experiences and a wide range of electric vehicle choices to our valued customers. We look forward to introducing a presence in the South East to the MG brand's legacy of innovation, quality, and affordability – especially with Doyle’s as our dealer partner who have an established reputation and long history looking after customers in this region."

Doyle’s will have responsibility for MG Motor sales and after-sales services for the South East region.

Bernard Doyle, Director of Doyle’s Garage, said, “We are thrilled to be appointed as the MG Dealer for the South East region and excited about the brand's future in Ireland. Our family have been involved in the motor industry for over 70 years and the transition to EV is one of the biggest changes the industry has seen in our time so we are delighted to be partnering with a brand which is producing a fantastic EV range at an affordable price point for the Irish consumer. We are currently developing a state of the art showroom to showcase the range in Enniscorthy, and look forward to its opening in the coming months. In the meantime, we will be functional from our Courtown branch for all customers to come, see and test drive the MG EV Range.”

The new dealership in Enniscorthy on the

Old Dublin Road opposite the NCT test centre will be a state of the art affair for the MG brand. The premises previously operated as Doyle’s second-hand car branch. A formal launch event for the new dealership will take place once building work and fitting out the premises is completed over the coming weeks.

The arrival of Doyle’s MG on the Old Dublin Road is also a boost for the whole commercial zone there which is now known as the Enniscorthy North Business District and which is the subject of major ongoing works to make it more attractive looking and also more activetravel friendly.

For more information about the new MG Motor dealership in the South East, please visit www.doylesgarage.ie/mg or contact 053 92 35590. n

Sales team L-R: Walter Winters, Paddy Doyle, Bernard Doyle (Managing Director) and Ross Sutton.

Co. Wexford’s disappearing taxis!

Taxi numbers in Co. Wexford have fallen by over 75 in 10 years – though the county’s population grows year on year. Ireland is experiencing a taxi shortage across the country with running costs making participating in the occupation a challenge for many would-be taxi drivers.This is according to insurance experts at Insuremytaxi.ie who say that National Transport Authority (NTA) data shows that there are less than 19,500 licensed taxis, hackneys, and limousines on Irish roads today, compared to 21,900 ten years ago and 27,429 in 2008.

A spokesperson for Insuremytaxi.ie explains, “In Wexford, there are currently just under 200 taxis in operation down from over 270 ten years ago. And yet between 2016 and 2022 alone, the population of the county grew by almost 4,200.“ This has a negative knock-on effect on both our hospitality and tourism industry with people being left stranded late at night because of a shortage of taxi drivers, particularly at busy times like Christmas or after concerts or festivals. The implications for an underserviced public are wide-ranging – there’s the public safety element for people who cannot get home late at night. Unfortunately, drink-driving is also an issue. Not having a dependable means of transportation home may well entice people to break the rules around drinkdriving. A better rural taxi service could also help combat social isolation, particularly for the elderly.

Insuremytaxi.ie is calling on the Government to provide more incentives for young people to enter the taxi business. “We

would like to see young and middle-aged drivers entering the industry at a much earlier stage if that’s what they would like to do. With younger drivers struggling to secure insurance at affordable levels, it’s no surprise that recent figures show that a quarter (23pc) of all taxi drivers are now aged over 66 and 15pc are over 70. The Government needs more young blood in this sector if it wants this country to have a sustainable and well-resourced taxi service. Otherwise, the taxi shortages currently being experienced by so many will only get worse.” n

Stay safe with a simple tyre check

Tyre Safety Day was Monday 2nd October and Road Safety

Week in Ireland runs from 2nd to 8th October so now is a good time to think ‘tyres’!

A survey of Irish motorists by premium tyre manufacturer, Continental Tyres, shows a worrying level of neglect for tyre care. Responses to the survey show that 29% of car owners, nearly one in every three cars, only check their tyres every six months or once a year. Some 6% of drivers admitted to never checking their tyres.

According to Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland: “Our regular road safety surveys always show a low level of attention for tyre safety among Irish motorists.... Tyres have such a crucial impact on road safety as, not only are they the vehicle’s only contact with the road surface, but they also govern a vehicle’s stopping ability in an emergency.”

Tread depth, the amount of rubber on a tyre, is a critical factor in dictating the performance of a tyre and this needs to be regularly checked by motorists. More than one in five respondents (21 percent) to the survey admitted that they only check the tread depth of their tyres at best every six months. Motorists are recommended to carry out a quick check of their tyres at least every week or so and a more detailed check at least once a month. In addition to checking for cuts, bumps or uneven wear on a tyre, motorists should also regularly check the air pressure in their tyres and top up as necessary.

On every car, as tyres rack up the kilometres, the tread depth reduces. Once it gets below 3mm, the performance and stopping

ability of the tyre is seriously impacted. 1.6mm is the legal tread depth limit, if any of a car’s tyres have less than 1.6mm, the owner is liable for up to four penalty points and a fine of €80.

Drivers can check the tread depth of their tyres very easily with the use of a one euro coin. The gold band on the front face of the coin (beside the large no. 1 and map of Europe) is 3mm wide so by inserting the coin into the centre grooves of the tyre, you will be able to see how much tread is left on your tyre. n

NEW RESEARCH CONFIRMS MAJOR TAXI SHORTAGE IN CO. WEXFORD AND BEYOND.

A simple tyre check can keep you safe on the road and only takes a few minutes.

Charity Bike Run from

Pecker’s Bike Run from Mary Jo’s, Barntown, in aid of the Hope Cancer Support Centre, Enniscorthy, 16th September 2023

To buy copies of photos on these pages

Above left: Jenifer Warren, Eire, Jean and Aoife Warren.

Above right: Some of the bikers before the off from Mary Jo’s.

Above L-R:

1. Maria O’Sullivan and Paddy Redmond, Hope Centre.

2. Fran McGannon, John Skeet, George French and Cllr Jim Codd.

3. Brian Kent. 4. Kyle Long.

5. Kerrie, Aoife and Richard Warren, Gorey.

Bottom row L-R:

1. Darragh McDonald and Cagney Morris.

2. Sam Burke, Mia Brazzil and Grace Ahearn.

3. Cllr Jim Codd presenting €500 to the Bike Run from Wexford County Council to Club President Frank Clancy with fellow members present.

4. Cllr Jim Codd with Thomas Molloy and Terry Breen, Gorey.

Cllr Jim Codd with Run President Frank Clancy.

Oylegate-Glenbrien GAA fundraiser

Oylegate-Glenbrien GAA Club is holding a Gala Race Night at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track on Monday, 30th October 2023 at 8pm with a Buster Draw prize of €1,000.

Tickets are priced at €10 and can be purchased in Mernagh’s Bar, The Slaney Inn Bar & Restaurant, Freeman's, O’Brien’s Inn in Glenbrien and Garry’s Petrol Station. All proceeds will go towards the continued development of the club facilities for all to enjoy and benefit from. n

Enniscorthy’s Festy capped by Ireland

Congrats to Enniscorthy’s Festy Obosele on making his senior international debut last month for Ireland in their European Championship qualifier aginst France and following it up with another appearance off the bench against Holland. Unfortuantely, he was to be on the losing side on both occasions, but at just 20 years of age he has a long and promising career ahead of him at the highest level. n

Enniscorthy Rugby Club’s AIL fixtures

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 was decided not to progress with awarding a works contract.

A redesign process for the project is now underway, and it is expected to retender early next year. Additional government funding is in the pipeline so there is likely to be €600,000 available for the next phase but a stand is not part of the plans. A ‘viewing balcony’ may form part of a future phase. Wexford Co. Council’s long-term vision for the Hub is that the building there should be a fully-fledged, multipurpose sports hall. n

Over €1,000 raised for charity in memory of Peter Murphy

A fundraiser organised in memory of the late Peter Murphy, by his daughter Holly, has raised over €1,000 for the Irish Heart Foundation. The event involved a game between ‘Young’ Shamrock Rovers and those of a slightly older vintage. A bouncy castle, facepainting, music by Eamonn Doyle, and match commentary by Paul Scott and Powder Freeman, kept everyone happily entertained for the afternoon.

Holly says, “Even with a county final on the same day we had a great turnout. Thanks so much to everyone who came, played the match, donated, bought raffle tickets, supplied gifts, to everyone who went out of their way to help make the day possible in any way, your kindness will be forever appreciated.” n

‘Auld’ Shamrock Rovers

Peter ‘Schillaci’ Murphy Memorial Cup

The late Peter Murphy R.I.P.

‘Young’ Shamrock Rovers

Enniscorthy Greyhound Track

Racing every Monday and Thursday at 8pm.

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

Wexford FC

Wexford FC is owned 100% by the Wexford Supporters Trust (WST) and you can own a share in this League of Ireland club for just €20 per month! Have your say, voting rights at AGMs, and Free digital match programme every week! Join at this link: https://wexfordfc.ie/supporterstrust n

Enniscorthy Golf Club Great Membership Offer...

Aspiring to greatness

Aspire Gymnastics Academy, in Kiltealy, has been chosen winners of the Wexford County award in this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative. €5,000 has now been presented to the club to help fund the purchase of new gymnastics equipment.

Established in 2019, the academy is committed to teaching gymnastics to all levels and abilities in a safe and fun environment and already has over 240 active members, 21 of whom competed nationally, for the first time, this year.

Now in its third year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative – organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – sees a fund of €130,000 set aside annually for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis. Previous Wexford winners were Kilmore United FC

The Texaco Support for Sport presentation to Aspire Gymnastics Academy’s Leanne Whelan (right), and fellow club members, was made at the Texaco Service Station, Bunclody. Pictured with them is Texaco dealer, JJ Dowling (second right) and Valero Regional Sales Manager, Frank Staples (centre).

(2021)

(2022).

and Menapians Athletic Club

Congratulating the winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, referred to what he called “the important contribution” that sports clubs make within their communities and throughout Irish society as a whole. “Our initiative provides vital funding to clubs that have an important place in, and seek to enhance their contribution to, their local communities. Since its inception, we’ve distributed almost €400,000 to a wide variety of sports clubs throughout the country which has greatly helped them to continue to

play an essential and positive role in their communities, something of which we are very proud,” Mr. Twohig added.

Overseeing the judging process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, former Irish rugby international and broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan. Commenting, he said, “As adjudicator, the most uplifting aspect of the Texaco Support for Sport initiative is that it gives clubs rare access to funds which are not linked to popularity, membership size or success.”

Describing the Wexford academy as “a very worthy recipient”, he went on to add: “Aspire Gymnastics Academy has a clear vision of what is required to be successful. In presenting this award to them, I was particularly taken by how focused the club is on pursuing its goals and on improving facilities for its members.”

n

Entries for the 2024 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open this Autumn.

Calling all schools...

An open invitation to Wexford schools interested in participating in the forthcoming series of ‘Fit Squad’ interactive children’s fitness visits has been issued.

Supported by banana distributor Fyffes and backed by world para rowing champion, Katie O’Brien and Irish olympians, Cork sprinter Phil Healy and Dublin athlete, David Gillick, each Fit Squad school visit of approximately 45 minutes duration is delivered by Irish health and fitness expert, Sharon Flanagan.

Carried out under the eye of teachers present, participants will be invited to take part in an active age-appropriate workout designed to improve their general fitness and receive advice on the importance of healthy eating.

Running until next March, the upcoming series will see some 10,000 pupils participate from schools throughout Ireland, north and south, increasing to almost 40,000 the number that will have taken part in the programme since it was introduced in 2018.

Schools can register their interest at: www.fyffesfitsquad.ie/register n

World Para Rowing Champion Katie O’Brien and Irish Olympians David Gillick and Phil Healy (pictured above) are inviting schools throughout Ireland to participate in the forthcoming series of ‘Fyffes Fit Squad’ interactive children’s fitness visits running until next March.

Maggie and John O’Connor travelled to Pascara in Italy in September to yet again compete with distinction for club, county and country in the Masters European Championship –fantastic role models for Enniscorthy’s younger athletes.

A sunny success for Sensible Safety

In a week of rain, the sun shone on County Wexford Chamber’s Annual Golf Classic at Enniscorthy Golf Club on Friday, September 29.

Sponsored by J Donohoe BMW, the golf classic attracted teams from across the county. On offer as first prize was the opportunity to represent County Wexford Chamber at the inaugural Chambers Ireland All Island Chamber Golf Classic. This event, on Thursday, October 12, in the K Club, Co. Kildare, is a national team golf event for the winning member businesses from each local Chamber.

The Sensible Safety team from Enniscorthy finished the day in top position, with team members Paddy Fitzpatrick, Sean Sexton, Frankie Morrissey, and Shane Dunphy set to represent County

Wexford in the Chambers Ireland competition.

In a closely contested competition, the South East Vegetables Hotshots team came in second place, followed by Property Claims Loss Assessors in third place.

Sensible Safety’s Shane Dunphy achieved the longest drive amongst the men and Liz Browne from Killowen Farm out-distanced the pack in the ladies’ longest drive. Frankie Morrissey from Sensible Safety won the ‘nearest the pin’ competition.

“Our Golf Classic was a great opportunity for businesses to thank clients or treat their team in an enjoyable, relaxed, sporting and social outing,” said Brendan Crowley, President of County Wexford Chamber. “The course at

Enniscorthy Golf Club was in super condition and there were great displays of golf on the day.

“A day like this is not possible without the support of the business community, and we thank our main sponsor, J Donohoe BMW, along with other sponsors such as Pettitt’s SuperValu Wexford, Home Instead Wexford, Bodibro, Bord na Mona, Clayton Whites Hotel, Eset Ireland, Glen Fuels, Harte Outdoor Lighting, HBS Connect, Irish Country Meats, Jones Business Systems, John A Sinnott Solicitors, K&K Windows, Sheil Kinnear Accountants, Park 100, The IT Department, and Wexford Bus.

“Congratulations and best of luck to the winning team from Sensible Safety at the Chambers Ireland golf competition in October.” n

Sensible Safety, Enniscorthy, winners of the County Wexford Chamber Golf Classic 2023, pictured with Chamber President Brendan Crowley. The Golf Classic was held in Enniscorthy Golf Club on Friday, September 29.

The Croppy Boy Remembered

Tim Corrigan, long time member of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, has a passion for all things historical and especially close to his heart is the Wexford Rebellion of 1798.

Tim’s party piece, which he has sung with gusto now for many years on 21st June in Enniscorthy to commemorate the Battle of Vinegar Hil, is the Croppy Boy which recently inspired him to locate the grave of a Croppy Boy in Crooke Graveyard in Passage East, Waterford, close to Geneva Barracks where the Croppy Boy was taken and interred before being executed for his part in the United Irish Rebellion.

Tim, along with his brother Seamus and Margaret O’Neill, sought and were granted permission with the support of locals to clear the plot which was overgrown and neglected. A new kerbing was placed around the grave and a plaque to the memory of the Croppy Boy was laid.

On Saturday, the last day of September, Tim and friends organised an event graveside to establish its existence and encourage the Waterford locals to maintain and respect it as a piece of 1798 history and a significant element of our country’s struggle for freedom.

Led by piper Liam Doyle, re-enactment groups from Enniscorthy, Monageer/Boolavogue, Oulart, Ashbourne, and Waterford marched to the grave to hear folklorist and seanachai Michael Fortune tell the story of 1798 and remember all the young, croppy boys who died in the Rebellion.

Breda Jacob was invited to recite a poem as gaeilge called Bás an Croppy and Tim gave a rousing rendition of the famous song as musketeers from Ashbourne and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society sent out a volley of shots, and wreaths were laid by Ray Murphy, EHRS, and Frank Cox, Monageer.

It was a moving occasion and a very poignant one for Tim and his friends who made it all possible, bringing history to life yet again for the people of Wexford and the people of Passage East, Waterford. Later, members of the nearby Passage East Hurling Club Community Centre provided the much needed cuppa and refreshments and facilities for all who attended the memorable commemoration of the 225th anniversary year of the 1798 Rebellion.

Well done to all, especially Tim Corrigan and his team, and let’s hope they have begun what might become an annual event at Passage East, where we gather to remember and ‘Breathe a prayer, shed a tear for the Croppy Boy’.

– WORDS & PICS BY MARIA NOLAN

Tim Corrigan (left) with historian and folklorist Michael Fortune.

Gathered at the grave of a Croppy Boy in Crooke Graveyard in Passage East, Waterford.

in Song & Story

The Battle of Ballinamuck –the last battle of the 1798 Rebellion

The Battle of Ballinamuck, fought on 8th September 1798, was the last battle of the 1798 Rebellion.

France, finally fulfilling her promise to Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen, succeeded in landing a small army of one thousand men at Killala, Co. Mayo, under the leadership of General Humbert, who wasted no time taking Killala before moving towards Castlebar, where they were joined by three thousand inexperienced and poorly equipped rebels armed only with pitchforks and pikes and succeeded to win the Races of

Castlebar, as the battle was called, thus liberating the region, and declaring the Republic of Connaught.

Humbert then proceeds north, hoping to inspire the rebels in Ulster, but hearing about rebellious activity in the counties of Westmeath and Longford, he altered course.

On 8th September, at Ballinamuck, General Humbert with his French force of one thousand men and pikemen now numbering in the region of five thousand came face to face with the English General Cornwallis and his force of twentysix thousand properly equipped soldiers, and despite the heroic efforts of the pikemen who drove time and again at the enemy, the outcome was never in doubt.

As terms of the surrender, ninety-six French officers and seven hundred and forty-six men were taken prisoner and transported by canal to Dublin to be exchanged for British prisoners of war.

Five hundred rebels lay dead on the field of battle and two hundred surrendered, only to be hanged later, including Matthew Tone, the brother of Wolfe Tone.

As part of this year’s 225th Anniversary Commemorations, the good people of

Ballinamuck organised a three-day festival to remember their heroic dead and invited pikemen and women from all over the country to join them.

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society were delighted to receive an invitation to participate in the momentous event and were joined by re-enactors from Lord Edwards Own, Monasterevin, Ashbourne, Limerick, Mayo, along with the French who made the journey for the occasion, including French Ambassador Vincent Guerend, who unveiled a plaque in the village to mark the 225th anniversary.

Very well organised and executed, the Ballinamuck committee are to be commended for their hard work and attention to detail and for the hospitable way they looked after everyone over the entire weekend.

The programme of events included Living History Campsite, Guided Tours, Historical Lectures, Historic Football Match, Blacksmith Forge Exhibition, Poetry, Singing, Storytelling and much, much more, with Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society doing our bit to promote Wexford and Enniscorthy in the midlands.

– MARIA NOLAN

Maria Nolan with French Ambassador Vincent Guerend at Ballinamuck.

Vinegar Hill updates

In recent months, upgrade works have been carried out on the monument on Vinegar Hill. And the damage to the wall there has been repaired also. Earlier this year, a public toilet was installed.

At the September meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Cathal Byrne was critical of the overgrowth on the trails around the Hill. Cllr Jackser Owens said a worker is needed on the Hill ‘5 days a week’ to maintain it. He was also critical of the level of dog fouling there.

Enniscorthy District Manager Claire Lawless explained there is a resources issue which she’ll look into, and in addition the Council is restricted from cutting back overgrowth etc due to national/EU rules which dictate that work like this cannot commence until after September unless there are specific health & safety concerns.

The long-awaited Interpretive Panels on Vinegar Hill have still not been installed. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was pushing for these to be in place for the Longest Day commemorations on 21st June last but the wait goes on.

Enniscorthy East Community Development Group is looking at various options for a car and coach park in the immediate vicinity of Vinegar Hill. A number of options have been identified and enquiries are being made about their availability. Further details will be published here as they emerge. n

The End of the Irish Civil War and the 1923 Election in County Wexford

Historian-in-residence Barry Lacey will discuss the end of the Irish Civil War in Co. Wexford and the election which took place afterwards in August of 1923, the first election since the foundation of the Irish Free State. This talk in Enniscorthy Library on Thursday 26th October at 7pm will look at the candidates involved in the election and how they lost or won seats to represent the people of the county. Booking essential. Please register for your place here: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4100108

At the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, the story of 1798 is brought to life in an exciting interpretation of the tumultuous events of that time. For more information visit www.1798centre.ie

For updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/1798centre n

V Rev. Canon Seamus S de Val R.I.P.

The late V Rev. Canon Seamus S de Val was a native of Irish Street, Bunclody, and to him Bun Clóidí was always home. He was the son of All Ireland winning Footballer John Wall and Annie Sheridan. His fond sister Lucy and her husband Nicholas predeceased him.

Fr. Wall retired from his position as Parish Priest of Oulart in 1997 and moved back to Bunclody where he has lived for the last 26 years. He was involved in the Parish regularly saying Mass in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, and often doing holiday cover for his brother priests throughout the diocese. In 'retirement' he was busier than ever!

Fr Wall wrote ‘Bun Clóidí – A History of the District’ which was published in 1966. ‘Father Wall’s book’ as it is often referred to, is regularly consulted in many homes as a source of accurate historical informa-

tion in the locality. He was a member of a local art group and had exhibitions of his paintings in Bunclody Library.

He had a great ‘grá’ for the Irish language and was available to say mass ‘as Gaeilge’ whenever he was asked. We will miss his special Aifreann Na Gaeilge on St. Patrick’s Day, a busy day for Canon Wall who rushed back from saying Mass in Irish in Wexford to be in time for 12 noon Mass in Bunclody. If Mass was a few minutes late starting, he would explain that he was delayed by the parade traffic getting back into the town!

Fr Wall was much loved and appreciated by the local people in Bunclody. His quick wit, sense of fun and general good humour will be greatly missed by his many friends in the parish and beyond.

At dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Ní beidh a leithéid arís ann.

– Barbara-Anne Murphy

Check out the Ferns murals

The new colourful and eye-catching ‘Saints' mural by artist ADW, just outside the Medieval Ferns Experience, features St Aidan and his mentor St David. Its content points to key events and characters in the medieval period. A visit to the Medieval Ferns Experience is highly recommended. Tel: 089 494 6972. Check out: https://www.facebook.com/MedievalFernsExperience Pic: Enjoy Enniscorthy.

V Rev. Canon Seamus S de Val R.I.P.

Get the most from your Local

Household Recycling Centre

There is a €2 CHARGE FOR ENTRY to Wexford County Councils’ four household recycling centres at Holmestown, New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey. That is still great value for money – see all the items that can be brought to the sites inside...

What to expect when you visit

The charge will be payable on entry by inserting €2 (in any combination of coins excluding copper) into a coin slot to raise the barrier.

The €2 entry charge applies to all visits to site whether on foot, bicycle, car or van and irrespective of the amount of waste.

What you get for your €2 entry charge - Materials accepted in each of the 4 sites

Textiles – E.G. Curtains, clothes, blankets, sheets, shoes etc

Printer cartridges

Loose Dry Mixed RecyclablesPlastics, tetra pak cartons, magazines, greeting cards, booklets.

Glass bottles & jars – green, brown & clear glass

Drink cans Cardboard

Florescent lights – including spot bulbs - no pearl bulbs

All metals, including food cans

Batteries – household, car & electric fence batteries (maximum 3 electric fence batteries)

Mobile phones including batteries and chargers (for charity)

NO ENTRY CHARGE WILL APPLY to customers bringing only waste electrical /electronic (WEEE) goods

Waste cooking oil (max 23 litres)

Waste engine oil (max 23 litres)

Food waste

Christmas trees (Christmas time only)

For further information see www.wexfordcoco.ie or phone 053 9196000 before your visit.

CUSTOMERS BRINGING ONLY WASTE ELECTRICAL / ELECTRONIC (WEEE) GOODS NO ENTRY CHARGE WILL APPLY.

We would encourage you to visit sites less frequently but with a larger amount of waste if possible, for best value for money.

Holmestown Only

€2 entry charge applies to Holmestown as well as charges below.

General Waste

Refuse per bag €5

Car (max. 5 Bags ) €25

Single axle trailer, car van, estate car (max. 13 bags or equivalent volume) €65

Single axle trailer, larger load €100

Double axle trailer,large van, horse box (max. 20 bags or equivalent volume) €100

Double axle trailer, larger load €150

Larger loads - €200 per tonne (weighed over weighbridge subject to a minimum €200 charge.)

Bulky Items - Holmestown Only

Single mattress or base €14

Double mattress or base €28

Armchair €14

When using the centre

Garden Waste Bag of garden waste (bag size 100cm x 60 cm) €4

Car load (max 5 bags) €14

Single axle trailer, car, van, estate car (max. 12 Bags) €30

Double axle trailer, large van, horse box (Max. 20 Bags) €50

Larger loads - €70 per tonne (weighed over weighbridge, subject to minimum €70 charge.)

Sort your waste into recyclable and non-recyclable waste at home

• Cardboard must be clean & flattened if possible

• Glass should be clean, lids removed & colour sorted

• Cans should be clean & sorted by type - food/drinks

• Clothing should be clean

• Shoes should be in pairs

• All waste must be placed in the correct receptacle.

Opening hours for all sites and site

For further information visit www.wexfordcoco.ie or contact the Environment Section of Wexford County Council on 053 9196000

Paint

Paint €1 per litre

Maximum amount of paint accepted is 60L

No mixing of paints e.g. gloss, emulsions, varnish etc. Protect our environment and dispose of paints in their original container.

Polystyrene (Pilot Scheme)

Polystyrene per bag €2 (all polystyrene must be bagged)

2 Seater sofa €21

3 Seater sofa €28 Carpet (12 x 12) €21

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Pets must be kept in your car.

If you require help ask a member of staff.

€19m investment in Enniscorthy’s water system

Uisce Éireann will be working in partnership with Wexford County Council on the critical upgrades and investment to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme. The project, which will begin in the coming months, will address bottlenecks in key parts of the water network and improve efficiencies and controls at the plant in Vinegar Hill.

This significant €19m investment will involve the replacement of the raw water intake facility at Clonhaston, the construction of a new pumping station, and the re-routing of 2km of water mains to facilitate the transfer of water from the River Slaney to Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant.

This, together with an upgrade to the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill, will ensure that a sufficient supply of treated water is available at the plant and that treatment processes are enhanced and modernised to provide a safer, more secure drinking water supply, in compliance with current EU drinking water quality regulations.

Commenting on the importance of this project for the people of Enniscorthy, Diane Carroll (pictured), Infrastructure Delivery Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “Projects such as these are essential to allow Uisce Éireann to continue to support social and economic growth in Ireland through the delivery of essential water services. We have made significant progress but there is work still to do as we continue to build and upgrade world-class water infrastructure through our multi-billion programme of investment. This project is just one of a number of critical projects being undertaken to deliver key infrastructure to protect and enhance the drinking water supply in Wexford."

David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd has been appointed on behalf of Uisce Éireann to carry out these works and the project is set to be completed in 2025. Uisce Éireann says it will continue to keep customers informed about their

HAS SIGNED A €19M CONTRACT FOR CRITICAL UPGRADES TO THE DRINKING WATER SUPPLY IN ENNISCORTHY WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE TOWN'S 11,000 INHABITANTS WITH A RELIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLY INTO THE FUTURE.

water supplies across multiple platforms 24/7 and encourages customers to engage with them on Twitter @IWCare and through the customer care helpline

which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and by setting their location on www.water.ie

To find out more visit www.water.ie n

Minister James Browne TD has welcomes the new €19m funding...

“I’ve had numerous meetings with Irish Water about this investment. It’s been a priority of mine since first becoming a Minister of State three years ago, and I am delighted to secure this funding. I know how much of a benefit this will be to the town and its continued development.

“The existing intake area at Clonhaston will be replaced. Irish Water will run two kilometres of interconnecting raw water mains, develop a new pumping station and upgrade the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill.”

Minister Browne said: “We need a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy. This certainty will lead to more investment in the region and greater job creation and development. Enniscorthy residents will immediately benefit from having a reliable and sustainable water supply. Construction will start in the coming months and the project is due to be completed in 2025.” n

Diane Carroll, Infrastructure Delivery Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann. UISCE ÉIREANN (FORMERLY IRISH WATER)

Education for Sustainable Development

South East Technological University (SETU) hosted the Education for Sustainable Development seminar at its campus in Wexford last month.

Staff and students from SETU gathered with colleagues from Wexford County Council, and Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) in an opportunity to share their experiences in working towards the national strategy in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) within the education and training sectors.

The event showcased innovative teaching practices, from using virtual reality in healthcare and apprenticeship courses and authentic learner participation for early childhood education, to debating for sustainable farm management. Additionally, attendees discussed practical ways to manage data and how to design courses and programmes with sustainability principles in mind.

Students and community play a critical role in developing ESD principles and the seminar looked at ways to collaboratively find practical solutions to sustainability issues. It was designed to support staff and students in higher and further education and training, by providing a forum to share ideas and to explore new tools to engage with learners, colleagues, and the wider community in incorporating sustainable development principles into classes and curricula.

Dr Frances Hardiman, Head of Faculty of Engineering at SETU in Carlow and Chair of the Sustainability Working Group for SETU’s Strategic Plan, said, “It is important and timely that we advance conversations and share practical experiences within both SETU and with our educational partners on integrating sustainable development into the heart of education. This event in Wexford provided a range of insights and innovative thinking from our SETU students and staff and our partners at WWETB and Wexford County Council. Well done to all involved.”

In her keynote address entitled, “Wexford County Council –Our Journey Towards Climate Neutrality”, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, commented, “I am delighted to attend the Education in Sustainable Development seminar and to congratulate Ailish O’Brien, Programme Director in Business at SETU’s Wexford Campus, and the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, for organising it. It is a wonderful networking opportunity and a chance for Wexford County Council to share its work in the area of Climate Change and Sustainable Development.”

The event included a range of speakers from SETU, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), and Wexford County Council. The seminar was interactive, with time for attendees to chat and network with others interested in sustainability in education.

For further information on the event, contact Ailish O’Brien at Ailish.obrien@setu.ie n

Attendees of the Education for Sustainable Development Seminar at South East Technological University’s (SETU) campus in Wexford. The event was attended by staff and students from SETU, Wexford County Council, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB).

New course in sewing and upcyling in Enniscorthy

A great new course starts in Templeshannon Community Centre on the 7th of October for 5 weeks. It promises to be both creative and fun as participants upcycle clothing and reimagine waste materials.

Places can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sew-saturdays-tickets721469965087?aff=oddtdtcreator&fb clid=IwAR1A0f2o1joZUUzxRl1RAw2u O8yTImeQ9lJe4tUyMrX8LYINJWcnNfE9uCE n

Noexcuses!

With the generous support of the Environment Department of Wexford County Council, two Mutt Mitts bag dispensers and bins (see photo) have been installed in Ferns village and also at several locations around Enniscorthy. These dispensers contain easy to use biodegradable bags to dispose of your dog’s poo. So no excuses! Bag it and bin it!! n

Mattress amnesty springs the public into action

Wexford Co. Council’s Mattress Amnesty held last month at its four Recyling Centres around the county was a huge success. Our photo below shows some of the hundreds of mattresses deposited at the Enniscorthy centre. It is hoped that the Council will continue to run this productive, anti-dumping initiative on a regular basis. n

Free trees but hurry!

Wexford County Council is offering free trees for planting in our communities.

Who can apply:

• Any voluntary group is eligible to apply for the Scheme.

• Residents Associations

• Schools

Closing date for applications: Friday 6th October 2023 at 4pm.

Wexford County Council has a limited supply of trees/hedging for distribution under this scheme. The number of trees allocated to each group will depend on budget and number of applications received. Every effort will be made to facilitate all applications but please be aware that the scheme may be oversubscribed and it may be necessary to reduce the number of trees/hedging/saplings given to each group or not all applications will be successful.

Trees must be planted in a public place, and the applicants consent to apply on behalf of the group.

Once approval has been granted, groups will be responsible for the collection of trees from Holmestown Waste Management Facility, Barntown, Wexford. The planting and maintenance of the trees will be the responsibility of the group.

What can your group apply for?

A group can apply for one of the following options:

• Maximum of 6 trees

• Maximum of 200 hedging

• Maximum of 200 of any combination of hedging / native hedgerow plants / whips / saplings.

If you require further information regarding this scheme, please do not hesitate to contact the Environment Section at 053 9196683.

Please note: Online applications only. Apply here: https://customerservice.wexfordcoco.ie/en/service/Online_Tree_Applications n

Sustainable Enniscorthy finds high nitrate levels in the Slaney

The Sustainable Enniscorthy volunteers have been out sampling water quality in the Slaney and its tributaries for the last few months and are finding that nitrates have been high for most samples so it sees lots of room for improvement.

The group says, “We have more sampling kits available for anyone interested in taking part. Just email sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com and we can arrange collection.”

For more information:

https://www.changex.org/ie/freshwater-watch/enniscorthy-co-wexford n

An estimated 3 tonnes of litter were removed in Co. Wexford for the Big Beach Clean

In an extraordinary display of environmental stewardship and community spirit, 7,700 Clean Coasts volunteers rolled up their sleeves last month and removed a staggering 46 tonnes of litter all across the country as part of the Big Beach Clean. That is the equivalent of 12 hippos!

In County Wexford, over 500 volunteers removed an estimated 3 tonnes of marine litter. Clean-ups happened in various locations, including Rosslare Harbour, Ballymoney Beach, Morriscastle Beach, and more.

Among them, Carrig On Bannow Tidy Towns took part in the Big Beach Clean event, removing 20 bags of marine litter between Cullenstown Beach, Blackhall Beach and Bannow Island Beach. The top litter items found were shoes, underwear, swim wear, toys, and fish netting.

Supported by Cully and Sully, the Big Beach Clean is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) organised by the Ocean Conservancy, and it entails an annual call-to-action for individuals, families, and communities to join forces to carry out a clean-up at the end of the

bathing season and join a worldwide citizen science project.

This year's Big Beach Clean was also part of Clean Coasts 20th anniversary celebrations, and the charity programme was delighted to see volunteers from all walks of life, including community groups, Tidy Towns associations, students, families, local businesses, and environmental enthusiasts, unite with a shared commitment to tackle marine litter.

Cully and Sully, who sponsored the initiative commented: "What a tremendous clean-up effort by the nation again this year. It’s mind blowing to think nearly 8,000 people took some time this September to come clean up Ireland's shores and waterways. We hope this campaign has helped bring an awareness of the importance of preventing waste, disposing of it correctly and recycling where possible."

What’s next?

The next crucial step for volunteers who joined the initiative is for them to record the types and quantities of litter they col-

lected on their local coastlines. By participating in this citizen science project, volunteers will contribute valuable data that will shape future campaigns and strategies aimed at preserving our oceans.

By recording the amount and types of litter collected, volunteers contribute to a comprehensive overview of the marine litter problem. The information collected is used to shape Clean Coasts' campaigns, events and resources for volunteers, initiating targeted actions against the top litter offenders. For instance, in 2022, the top three items recorded during the Big Beach Clean weekend were cigarette butts, plastic food wrappers and plastic pieces. These results were a starting point for the development of the Clean Coasts Anti-Smoking Litter campaign, as well as the creation of new resources for the Break Up With Plastic campaign.

Furthermore, data collected are shared with Ocean Conservancy, who will use the information received to create reports and advocate around the world to tackle ocean trash at a global scale. n

Blackwater Tidy Towns, Big Beach Clean, 17th September 2023.

Nationwide, 7,700 incredible volunteers joined forces all across Ireland, collecting 46 tonnes of litter as part in a worldwide citizen science project.

Local issues

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr John O’Rourke (pictured below) brought up two important, local environmental issues at the September meeting of the Council.

He requested that Council officials look into the ongoing pollution at The Still Pond and also expressed concern at water contamination problems at Bridgemeadow and again asked that it be investigated. n

Climate action

Wexford Co. Council in association with the Dept of the Environment, Climate and Communications, will provide funding to local communities for projects that promote community climate action. The fund to support and build low carbon communities across County Wexford will launch later this month.

The objective of the Programme is to build low carbon, sustainable communities, which will in turn contribute to the national climate and energy targets. Funding is available for not-for-profit community groups and clubs for up to 100% of the cost of a climate action project, up to a maximum of €100,000. Project examples could be insulation of community buildings, solar panels, bicycle parking, rainwater harvesting, community gardens/allotments, etc.

An information evening was held in each district, including in Enniscorthy Library on 28th September, to explain how the fund can work for communities and provide guidance on preparing applications.

For further information:

Clinton Donovan, Community Climate Action Officer, at 053-919 6443 or email climateaction@wexfordcoco.ie n

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers are doing a lot of work at present on their anti-dog-fouling campaign including the use of stencils and spray paint supplied by Wexford Co. Council to spray “Bag It, Bin It” messages on footpaths which are prone to dog fouling.

Dog poo contains harmful bacteria, is unsightly, gets on shoes, buggies, wheelchairs etc and, of course, is a big problem for visually impaired people. The Tidy Towns group is pleading with dog owners to practise responsible dog ownership, pick up after your dog and bin that poo. n

Water storage upgrade

Uisce Éireann has announced a significant milestone in providing improved drinking water quality for 11,000 people in Co. Wexford as it is about to begin upgrading of the treated water storage facility at Kilmallock Bridge which will benefit customers in Castlebridge, Curracloe, Ballymurn, Crossabeg, Glenbrien, Screen, and Oilgate.

This upgrade will not only ensure the delivery of clean, safe drinking water, but will also accommodate any increased capacity requirements for generations to come.

Speaking about the benefits of this essential upgrade, Ian O’Neill, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “Uisce Éireann is delighted to be investing in this significant and essential project for communities in Wexford. This important upgrade is needed to increase capacity through the provision of adequate storage facilities and to ensure resilience and security of the water supply.”

Ian added, “We look forward to working with local communities as we continue to invest in Wexford’s future.”

As part of the upgrade, Uisce Éireann will construct a total of two new

treated-water storage tanks, providing over 24 hours of storage. The project will also see the installation of a de-chlorination system, a new pumping station, the laying of new, modern pipes and cabling together with landscaping and site development at the Kilmallock Bridge Water Treatment Plant.

The works will be carried out by Coffey Construction Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be completed in the Autumn of 2024. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. It says, “We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.”

To find out more visit www.water.ie n

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