Leisure & Lifestyle

Dancing with Declan

Keep up to date with the local dancing scene on: https://www.facebook.com/DancingwithDec https://www.facebook.com/socialdancingdateswexford n

Wexford Arts Centre

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

Fishy tales

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

Enniscorthy Women Walking Together

A new ‘Enniscorthy Women Walking Together’ meet-up group has been set up so that no woman who likes to walk has to walk alone, and to help all women to be healthier, happier and fitter. All women are very welcome to join in. Walking alone is not usually much fun so it helps to be among friends who are encouraging and supportive. Walking times, days and duration will be decided by the walkers in the group. A spokesperson for the group says: “So why not give it a try. Come join us and make new friends, have fun and a chat and get healthier at the same time.” A Facebook page has been created to help bring women of all ages together to enjoy walking in the company of other likeminded women.

Check out the new Facebook page: ‘Enniscorthy Women Walking Together’ n

Enniscorthy Drama Group is back in action!

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

Wexford Drama Festival

The line-up for the 58th Wexford Drama Festival is shown above. Six nights of fabulous drama in the Jerome Hynes Theatre in the National Opera House, Wexford. Tickets available from the National Opera House for each play and patron tickets also available for €66 on sale through the Opera House. Book by phoning 053 9122144. Please note the plays on Monday and Thursday contain adult themes and are recommended for audiences over 16 years old. n

Stay in touch

Wexford Public Libraries Social Media: Wexford Public Libraries on Facebook. Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries. Wexford Public Libraries on Twitter @wexlibraries. YouTube: "Wexford Public Libraries" n

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY

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

SlaNey adSlaNey leiSUre & lifeStyle

TEL: 053 9233000

THE PRESENTATION CENTRE, ENNISCORTHY. WWW.PRES

THE PRESENATION ARTS CENTRE ENNISCORTHY 27TH MAY 2022 8PM

SENTATIONCENTRE.IE Gorey events

ARE YOU DANCING?

It's hard to know where to start to be honest after such a long absence. Although, as I write this article, the last of the Covid restrictions are being lifted, little did we know this time two years ago the massive disruption to our lives that was just about to begin. I know it was generally across the board, but the music industry was particularly hard hit with the singers, musicians, sound engineers, etc (and not forgetting their families) having their incomes disappearing overnight. And while a whole range of businesses received financial support, the music industry was left out on a limb.

But for me, what was all the more tragic was all the people who loved, lived, and looked forward to their social dancing. Many being in the older bracket were in the highest risk catagory, so they ended up in total isolation when they needed their social dances and social dancing friends more than ever.

It went from, "Ah! It will be all forgotten about in a couple of months," to "It doesn't look like this is ever going to end."

But although I know Covid is still going to be lurking around for the foreseeable future, by and large things are back to normal at the moment. Dancehalls and events are seeing a huge comeback thank God and most venues are back up and running. But there have been casualties. Marshalstown, Oylegate, Oak Tree Foulksmills, The Rising Sun Mullinavat, Ardboyne Hotel Navan, Tinryland and Seven Oaks Carlow, Wednesday night in the Ashdown, Murphy's Tinahely, Drumphea and Fenagh Halls, Knockananna CC, Celbridge Manor, Lawlor's Dungarvan, Clover Centre Ferrybank, Crotty's Lemybrien, Carraig Hotel Carraig on Suir, Donard Hall, Ashbourne House Hotel, Golf Club Abbeyleix and Myshall CC.

I'm sure there are plenty more with their doors still closed around the country but hopefully a lot of the aforementioned will still get going again. We'll be sure to keep you updated here in the Slaney News.

The Rhu Glenn is flying it thanks to the efforts of Richie Halpin and Harney's Ballyedmond is back. Paddy O’Brien had a good weekend in Clayton Whites Hotel

The Tumbling Paddies

with Declan Flanagan

Wexford and the Talbot Hotel is going well on a Sunday night. The Brandon Hotel in New Ross on a Wednesday and The Woodford Dolmen on a Thursday are two regular dances that are great to see back. The Parkview in Shillelagh is going great guns on a Saturday and Kiltealy, Camross, Askamore, Rathanna and Carrig on Bannow are to date the surviving parish dances.

I know some of you are still nervous about venturing out where there are crowds, but if you're on the fence about whether to go to a dance or not, go ahead, take the chance, support the musicians and the venues and have a great time while you're at it. Would you like to know when and where all the dances are? Text your name to 087 2723375 and have them sent to your phone for free. There have been new songs out during Covid and I'll be reviewing them here in later editions of the Slaney News but the few that come to mind are Derek Ryan’s "The Night" – a fab lively song for jiving or quickstep where the night goes on for days. The Tumbling Paddies’ "The Way I Am" – real nice Jiver written and produced by Derek Ryan. These six lads from Fermanagh are causing quite a storm whereever they play down this part of the country. Ciaran Rosney’s "Come The Hour, Come The Man” is a feel good song about giving a hand to someone in need, perfect for Quickstep, Jiving or Linedancing. Just a quick word on the big day outs before I go. It looks like the Gorey Show can't secure a venue so it's very unlikely it will go ahead. The Bannow/Rathangan Show I'm delighted to say has just announced it's all systems go on July 14th. The Southeast Music Festival in the same grounds doesn't seem to be a runner but The Tullow (Aug 21st) and Tinahely Show (Aug 1st) both have the green light. The very popular Kilkenny Music Festival in Gowran Park July 3rd and The Bree Country Fest Sept 3rd in Byrne's Grain Store are also good to go. And from 29th July to Aug 1st The Rockin’ Fruit & Food Festival comes back to Enniscorthy. It has steadily grown into a fabulous weekend event combining the Strawberry Fair, The Food Fair and The R 'n' Roll Festival. So that's it folks. It's great to have something to write about again and hopefully we'll see you all here again in the April edition of the Slaney News.

Yours truly, Declan Flanagan.

Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel...

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

Brian Kennedy

Courthouse Arts Centre Tinahely Saturday 12th March 8.30pm €25

A true warrior and survivor, Brian Kennedy is back on the road following quadruple bypass surgery after suffering a heart attack in 2021 and cancer treatment in 2019. He returns to The Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely on 12th March at 8.30pm, tickets €25. Belfast-born Brian Kennedy is one of Ireland’s most inspired and revered ambassadors of music. From harmonising with ambulance sirens as a child to overcoming stage fright to be discovered by the now legendary Svengali Simon Fuller, Brian’s story is one of talent, resilience, and bravery. With Van Morrison on the epic ‘Blues & Soul Revue’ tour, he shared the stage with Van Morrison and a breathtaking cast of some of the greatest artists in history: Jonie Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker. Brian has sung with Stevie Wonder at Ronnie Scott’s and he is one of only a few to have sung with the late, legendary Jeff Buckley. Throughout the relentless touring with Van Morrison, Brian managed to maintain a stream of chart-making albums. ‘A Better Man’ and ‘Now That I know What I Want’ both went platinum. In addition to the Tinahely show, Brian will also be in Gorey Little Theatre on 14th May, so no excuse for not catching one of his nearby shows! n

Acclaimed Slovakian violinist Vladimir Jablokov returns to The Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy with a brand new show this summer! Jablokov’s hand-picked violin, cello and piano ensemble will begin with a unique arrangement of Vivaldi's iconic The Four Seasons, accompanied by visuals based on the original notes published nearly 300 years ago. The latter half of the concert features some of the most popular pieces in Vladimir's repertoire including Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5, Strauss' Radetzky March, Theme from Schindler's List, If I Were A Rich Man and many more audience favourites.

Vladimir has headlined performances in the National Concert Hall, INEC, University Concert Hall, Cork Opera House, National Opera House and more. He is also preparing his biggest production to date to be staged at the 3Arena in December 2022.

Line up: Vladimir Jablokov - Violin, Katie O'Connor - Violin, Sokol Koka - Cello, Inna Firsova - Piano.

Enniscorthy Concert Date: 27th of May 2022 at 8pm. Ticket Price: €26.50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbmC_BkpIrQ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VladViolin www.VladimirMusic.com n

Wexford Arts Centre – temporary closing to facilitate new extension

Wexford Arts Centre will be closing its famous red doors on Saturday 12th March until the renovation of the old building and the construction of the new extension is completed by end of July 2022. This work is being supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and by Wexford County Council.

The last event there before the temporary closing will be the family friendly clown and circus performance: Bill and Fred's Adventure on Friday 11th March 7pm (https://bit.ly/3rg1ZEk)

D'lush Café, based at the Centre, will also be closed from Saturday 12th March at 4pm.

Wexford Arts Centre management and staff will still be very active behind closed doors and off site. Visit the website wexfordartscentre.ie to keep up to date on offsite events and exhibitions during this time including offsite locations at Green Acres, Wexford, The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, and Wexford County Council.

Also check out studios, exhibitions and events at the Creative Hub in Wexford town.

Bookings can still be made online at wexfordartscentre.ie or by calling 053 9123764 Ext 1 for Box office, and in person at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

Wexford Arts Centre’s offices will be located at its Annexe on John’s Gate Street.

A spokesperson for the Centre says, “Thank you for your patience as we complete our final phase of our Arts For All plans and we look forward to welcoming you all back, as well as new visitors, through new all-access doors by end of summer.” For details and updates on all that’s happening in Wexford Arts Centre, check out: wexfordartscentre.ie

Visit wexfordartscentre.ie to show your support. n

Please note: All proceeds of the above Record Hop will be donated to humanitarian efforts in the Ukraine.

Wexford GAA Fundraiser

A great way to show your support for Wexford hurling and enjoy a great night’s entertainment at the same time.

A Night with Anthony Kearns and Friends, in aid of the Senior Hurling Development Fund, takes place in Clayton Whites Hotel on Saturday April 2, and tickets are available now at http://www.wexfordgaa.ie/tickets/ n

Listen to the call of the Wild Geese

Music for Wexford presents a concert featuring Irish and European music from the 1700s exploring the sound world of the Wild Geese. The Calling of The Wild Geese takes place at 3.30pm on Sunday March 6th at St Mary's Church, Enniscorthy.

The concert explores the sound world of the Wild Geese, in Ireland and Europe, around 1700 through a varied selection of European and Irish music from this period for voice and harp and solo voice. It will include works by Irish, English and French composers. Featuring Siobhan Armstrong (Irish and European Baroque Harp), Róisín O'Grady (Soprano) and Cárthach MacCraith (Sean Nós singer)

"The Flight of the Wild Geese was the departure of an Irish Jacobite army under the command of Patrick Sarsfield from Ireland to France, as agreed in the Treaty of Limerick on 3 October 1691, following the end of the Williamite War in Ireland. More broadly, the term Wild Geese is used to refer to Irish soldiers who left to serve in continental European armies in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries."

This concert explores music from, or inspired by Irish, English and French composers of that era. It features Siobhan Armstrong (Irish and European Baroque Harp), Róisín O'Grady (Soprano) and Cárthach MacCraith (Sean Nós singer). Tickets are available from: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/musicfor-wexford-present-the-calling-ofthe-wild-geese-music-from-1700s-tick ets-273719922657 n

Opening of The Fabric of Wexford Exhibition in Ennis

Above left: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Council, Sean Doyle who did the official opening and Enniscorthy Castle Manager Mic District, Mico Hassett, Enniscorthy Castle Manager, and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Coun

Fab fabrics to the fore in E

scorthy Castle on Friday evening 11th February, 2022.

co Hassett. Above centre: Bernie Quigley, Acting Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager, Sean Doyle, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Chairman Enniscorthy Municipal ncil. Above right: Sean Doyle speaks at the official opening of the Fabric of Wexford Exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle.

Enniscorthy Castle

Far left: Some of the crowd at the opening of The Fabric of Wexford exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle on 11th February. Left: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Council. Right: Hannah, Mary and Kathleen McBee from Ballymurphy. Far right: Ben Dolan and Sean Doyle at the opening of the exhibition. Five bottom photos left to right: 1. Colm Hassett and Lilly Gortz. 2. Tess Reynolds artist and Eithne Scallan. 3. Emily Wilson, Jody Murray, Lilly Dorey and Olivia Cogan. 4. The three wise men! Sean Doyle, Ger Mackey and Jimmy Gahan. 5. Castle Manager Mico Hassett is pleased with how the launch went.

SlaNey adSlaNey leiSUre & lifeStyle A Glorious Obse

A fashion series by Maria Nolan

As we head joyful and triumphant into Bank Holiday season, our thoughts exuberantly turn to parades, celebrations, confirmations, and communions, and now for the first time in over two years, weddings, as we once knew them. Dresses, particularly the pleated midi seem to be holding their own very well this season and come in a kaleidoscope of fantastic colours, fabrics and blends, resembling an artist pallet, and are in plentiful supply in all our stores and boutiques. But be careful out there, ladies, they don’t suit everyone, no matter how good they look on the hanger, or on your taller friend, or on your twenty-year-old daughter, they gotta look good on you, otherwise all those vibrant tones and patterns are simply wasted. So do take lots of advice before you purchase and not just from retail staff who are doing their utmost to make the sale. A good idea is to ask them to take a photo of you in the dress and forward to a discerning friend who has your best interest to heart and knows you well enough to be honest without repercussions. And remember, there is no point asking for advice if you are not going to give it careful consideration, but at the final analysis, having contemplated all, my advice would be to go with your gut feeling, which is seldom wrong, deep down I think we all know what looks good on us and what doesn’t.

ession

Maria Nolan

And remember a pretty belt will give definition to a slim waist and focus the eye, a nicely tailored jacket will complement a dress adding structure, provided you get the length right, and a striking scarf will create both cover and contrast. With Paddy’s Day in the offing, green is the predominant colour at the present time in our stores. Dunnes is awash with all forty shades of it, in dresses, skirts, trousers, cardigans, jumpers, blouses, coats and jackets. There’s simply no excuse for not wearing the green on 17th March, useless of course green doesn’t suit you. Trouser suits are making a comeback in some very vivacious shades including royal blue, burnt orange, fushia pink and sunflower yellow, along with calmer tones of peppermint green, powder blue and gentle lilac, worn with contrasting camisoles and heels, sure to be spotted at all special occasions over Spring/Summer 22. A new label to watch for fashionistas is Emily & Me exclusive to BORN, focusing mainly on dresses, it is high end chic at very affordable prices. As we gear up for all those special occasions, remember it’s all about tweaking that outfit to make it unique, striking heels or stunning clutch bag, diamante belt or bold, bright, scarf will add your personality to what you are wearing and ensure that even if another guest does arrive to the occasion in the same outfit it will look completely different. And as they say in all the best quarters, ‘Vivre la difference.’

Spring time in Rosslare Strand

Spring time in Rosslare Strand and lots to do – walks, bars, hotels, coffee shops, golf, pony trekking, playgrounds and lots more. Above: Going for a walk – Paula and Ciara Cullen and Allie Patten. Above right: Dog walkers Angela Gaynor and Miriam Geralthy. Right: Aidan Meyler in his coffee shop and deli – The Beachcomber.

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

Wexford Light Opera Society is delighted to announce its 2022 production of "The Pirates of Penzance".

Having had to postpone their production of Titanic The Musical in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, all the members are absolutely thrilled to be back in full swing and swashbuckling their way through a very intense rehearsal schedule under the baton of Fintan Cleary as Musical Director, Tom O'Leary as Director, Aisling Doyle as Choreographer and Eithne Corrigan as Chorus Mistress.

Taking the lead roles this year in "Pirates" are Wexford's infamous George Lawlor who will be playing The Pirate King, Clare Kavanagh as Mabel, Gary Stephens as Frederick, Pat Lawlor as Major General, Elizabeth Rose Browne as Ruth, Tony Brennan as Sergeant of Police. Playing Mabel's sisters are: Ami Stahlut as Edith, Sophie Blaney-Parslow as Kate, and newcomer to the Society, Hannah Devereux, playing the role of Isabel. We are also delighted to have Michael O'Gorman return to us playing the role of Samuel, all accompanied by the Aims award-winning Wexford Light Opera Society’s talented chorus of ladies and gentlemen.

Pirates of Penzance will be running from Monday the 25th of April to Saturday the 30th of April inclusive, nightly at 8pm at the National Opera House, Wexford. Tickets are €22.50 from Monday to Wednesday night with OAP/Student/Concession rate for Monday only at €17.50, and Thursday to Saturday tickets are €25 each. A family rate is available of 2 adults and 2 children each night for €75 Monday to Wednesday and €80 from Thursday to Saturday, and group rates are also available for bookings of 20 or more people.

All tickets are available from The National Opera House Box office online: www.nationaloperahouse.ie or by phoning them on 053-9122144. The advice is to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment as this swash-buckling tale of sentimental pirates, blundering policemen, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes is one you will not want to miss!!! n

DEATH ON THE NILE

Movie Review with Kyle Walsh 

So, I went to the cinema to watch the new Kenneth Branagh film Death on the Nile. It’s his adaptation from Agatha Christie’s murder mystery Death on the Nile published back in 1978.

It’s also Branagh’s follow-up to his 2017 Murder on the Orient Express, which was an adaptation from Agatha Christie also. Branagh stars in this movie as the legendary detective Hercule Poirot. Alongside him are A-list stars such as the beautiful Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Russell Brand, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French, Rose Leslie, Annette Bening and Tom Bateman reprising his role from the Orient Express. The film opens up to a brilliant sequence that is shot in glorious black and white. It’s a flashback to a young Poirot stuck in the hellish trenches of World War I with his men, all but defeated. His captain and men are planning an attack but young Poirot steps in and demonstrates his sharp wit with an entirely different plan, that saves his men. It’s a beautiful piece of film making and you can almost feel yourself transported from cinema seat through the screen and into the trenches with Poirot and co. It’s so beautiful but yet so tragic, and we get to see why Poirot has his signature moustache. I wanted the film to stay this way throughout I was enjoying it that much, but instead we ended up on a boat going up the Nile with a crowd of characters I didn’t really care much for. Oh how I wish we stayed in those trenches.

We are thrown into London 1937 where we get to meet Doyle (Hammer) and his fiancé Bellefort (Emma Mackey) dancing inside a blues club. Poirot is there also, and then we get the most magnificent entrance from Ridgeway (Gadot). Bellefort introduces Ridgeway, her childhood friend, to her fiancé Doyle. Straight away it’s love at first sight between them (and who would blame him). In no time Doyle and Ridgeway are married, and Poirot and co are all swept away on a luxury honeymoon on the Nile. With love though, there’s always trouble. Enter the stalker – Doyle’s ex fiancé Bellefort, everywhere the newlyweds go she’s there. So we have all the different characters doing their own things on the holiday but as a viewer I never cared what they were doing. Badly written characters and the acting is nothing to write home about. Then a murder takes place. At this point I wished they were all murdered and we could go home, but that wasn’t the case and I had to sit there for another hour feeling pretty bored. So everyone was wondering who dunnit but I was wondering who cares. The cgi in this film wasn’t great either with some very bad effects for pyramids, disappointing considering the budget they spent on this film. The last five minutes was entertaining enough watching Poirot put the pieces together to find out who the killer was. I had figured it out an hour into the film. So overall lads, if it was on a streaming channel and you had nothing else to watch you could turn it on, but only if you had nothing else to watch. I was disappointed with it. It gets 4/10 from me. n

Musical treat for Wexford service users and staff

Service users and staff in several residential mental health care settings across Co. Wexford were served a musical treat last month.

The Mobile Music Machine have been familiar visitors to HSE/South East Community Healthcare older persons, disabilities and mental health care facilities throughout the South East over the last two years with their live arts project known as “COVID Care” concerts. A classical music quartet founded and led by cello soloist, chamber and orchestral musician Gerald Peregrine, the project also involves playing with special guests. In this latest series in Co. Wexford (made possible with the support of Creative Ireland, the National Lottery and the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival), Gerald was joined by violinist Lynda O’Connor, Dermot Dunne on accordion, renowned blues, jazz and Irish soul singer Mary Coughlan and (on guitar and vocals) by Professor of Biochemistry and Immunology at TCD Luke O’Neill. Among the venues to enjoy the musical visits last week were Selskar (a residential have faced enormous challenges over the last two years. The COVID Care concerts developed as a project to bring classical music into the lives of vulnerable members of society and those most affected by the impact of the pandemic.” “It was wonderful, on this occasion, to welcome Prof. Luke O’Neill on site to help everyone smile! Along with Mary Coughlan, Gerald, Lynda and Dermot they brought great joy and we look forward to further opportunities for such therapeutic activity!” n

care centre for Psychiatry of Later Life at Farnogue Community Nursing Unit, Wexford) and the Westlands (in Wexford) and Tús Nua (in Enniscorthy) rehabilitation units. The Westlands gathering was facilitated at the Wexford Arts Centre.

Dr. Denise Rodgers (Clinical Psychologist with Wexford mental health services, HSE/South East Community Healthcare) said everyone was delighted with the events:

“Staff, service users and their families

Above: Singer Mary Coughlan and Professor Luke O’Neill (guitar and vocals) at a performance in the Wexford Arts Centre by the Mobile Music Machine and guests for the Westlands Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit. Left: The Mobile Music Machine at the Tús Nua Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, Enniscorthy. Below: The Mobile Music Machine at Selskar residential care centre for Psychiatry of Later Life at Farnogue Community Nursing Unit, Wexford.

Do you have the WEX Factor?

Wexford Has Talent wants to know… Do You Have the WEX Factor?

Wexford Has Talent is back after a year-long hiatus and the countdown to the much anticipated 2022 Wexford Has Talent audition date is underway. The only chance for competitors to bag a place on the Wexford Has Talent competition stage takes place on Sunday, March 13th from 12 noon at Clayton Whites, Wexford.

Organisers of the competition have opened online booking for audition places and participants can now reserve their free audition slot on www.wexfordhastalent.com

From the auditions process, a shortlist of between 24 and 30 acts will be selected to go forward to take part in the live audience semi-finals at Clayton Whites on April 15th and 16th and the semi-final winners will go on to perform at the Wexford Has Talent Grand Final on Sunday, May 1st 2022. The acts that are successful will be featured in the Wexford People on Wednesday, March 16th, in the big reveal, detailing the semi-finalists who will have qualified to perform at one of two semi-final live shows.

There is still time to register for the 2022 Wexford Has Talent auditions, see www.wexfordhastalent.com

For further details and Wexford Has Talent news see www.wexfordhastalent.com or join the event on Facebook.com/WexfordHasTalent and Instagram @WexfordHasTalent n

Wexford Has Talent is kindly sponsored by the Wexford People newspaper Group and has taken place in Wexford town annually since 2015 except for 2021 when Covid restrictions prevented the show from going ahead.

Organisers say that all acts who turn up to audition on the day will get a chance to showcase their talent. Chairperson Enda Whelan says, “We are encouraging as many acts as possible to pre-register for their audition place via website www.wexfordhastalent.com as this will ensure the least amount of waiting time for contestants. However, the judges will see all acts that turn up on the day. We would like to wish everyone the very best of luck; there is a great variety of acts already pre-registered for auditions so we expect Wexford Has Talent 2022 to be another brilliant entertainment show.”

Tickets to the Wexford Has Talent Semi-Finals will be on sale at Clayton Whites Hotel priced at €10 for each show once the semi-finalists have been announced.

Acko’s debut solo album is officially launched

Enniscorthy’s Acko released his debut solo album St Dominic's Disappearance on 26th February at a well attended launch event at The Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy.

The 54-year-old singer-songwriter is the former fontman with Dublin-based pop-punk quartet Grasshopper and a veteran of the Grafton Street busking mafia that also included members of the Frames, Kila, the Mary Janes and The Pale.

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

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

St Dominic's Disappearance is available on CD and all digital platforms. For more information email: stdominic@outlook.ie

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

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

Courtown’s new walking trail

The Wexford Walking Trails website www.wexfordwalkingtrail.ie is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in scenic walks in Co. Wexford.

The website contains a great selection of beautiful walks: wooded, historic, coastal and mountain trails ranging from long sandy beaches in the east to the wild Hook Peninsula in the southwest. Many of the walks have rugged terrain. All walks are graded. The length of each trail is indicated to assist you to select the right walk for your ability. Choose a different walk each day! Wexford Walking Trail has rehabilitated a section of the Slí Charman Coastal Walkway, allowing walkers to safely travel from Courtown to Kiltennel without having to use the public roadway. Courtown's combination of semi-native, mixed woodland running adjacent to the sandy coastline is very rare and it provides a pleasurable and healthy experience for individuals and families of all ages to escape and reset from their busy lives. Courtown Community Council is delighted with the news that after two years in development, the Courtown/Kiltennel Walking Trail has received its official accreditation from Sport Ireland. The trail has now been added to the National Trails Register and will appear on the Sport Ireland website.

Courtown Community Council continues to work closely with Wexford County Council, Wexford Walking Trails and National Parks and Wildlife Service in the areas of maintenance, restoration and conservation in this designated Natural Heritage Area – Courtown Dunes and Glen.

Also, in collaboration with The Irish Coast Guard and Wexford Walking Trails, Courtown Community Council is delighted to introduce a numbered emergency locator marker system along the trail to help trail users identify their location should an emergency arise. www.wexfordwalkingtrail.ie n