Slaney News, Issue 166, March 2024.

BARISTA & CAFÉ SKILLS

Course Description

The aim of the course is to provide learners with the skills and related knowledge around coffee preparation, service and health & safety in the hospitality industry. This course will run each Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday for 9 weeks (start time is 10am).

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will receive the following City and Guilds Award: Level 2 Award in Barista Skills 71023-53

Course Equipment & Materials

All course materials will be provided.

Course Content

BARISTA SKILLS & COFFEE MENU KNOWLEDGE

PREPARE BEVERAGES FOR SERVICE

CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS

MANUAL HANDLING & FIRE SAFETY

FOOD SAFETY AND HYGIENE

FIRST

Job Opportunities

This programme is suitable for learners who are seeking certification to enable them to source employment in the hospitality industry including cafés and other food and beverage outlets. Learners also have the opportunity to progress to further education and training.

Learner Entry Requirements

Education: Learners must have reached the statutory school leaving age. While there are no specific entry requirements learners should have the academic ability to successfully complete the program, Junior Certificate or similar.

Previous Experience: No previous experience required.

Aptitude: Good verbal and written command of the English Language is required.

Welcome to the March issue of the Slaney News.

The 23rd February 2024 marked the end of Tom Enright’s tenure as Chief Executive of Wexford County Council. Mr. Enright, a Waterford native, held the position of Chief Executive since 2014.

Glowing tributes were paid by the elected representatives, colleagues, and friends, on his departure. Tom's tenure as Chief Executive over the past decade has been transformative. His strategic foresight has been instrumental in shaping Wexford's future, from spearheading infrastructure projects to championing economic initiatives, leaving a legacy that will benefit generations to come. We wish Tom, wife Noreen, and their family a future filled with fulfilment and happiness. A new Chief Executive of Wexford County Council will be appointed in 2024 when the public appointments service completes a competitive recruitment process. Whilst that process is underway, Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services at Wexford Co. Council, will serve as Interim Chief Executive at the local authority.

Friday, 1st March 2024, marked a welcome development with the official opening of the new Wexford Local Development (WLD) offices in Slaney Place, Enniscorthy. WLD has been a major supporter and financier of positive economic and community developments in Co. Wexford over many years. See pages 16-17 for more details and photos.

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 11,900 Followers. And, of course, if you like our online format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you

– Frank Corcoran

Please note the following:

To log a report regarding any dumping, street litter, road oil spills and potholes, ring Wexford Council on (053) 919 6000 or email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

You will receive a log number to refer to if you need to call again.

You can also ask to register for group or individual cleanups of your environment.

4TH

A welcome rehabilitation is on the way

The good news is that the long-overdue overhaul of the Enniscorthy Country Walk is getting underway today, 4th March. The bad news, for those who use the facility on a regular basis, is that the trail will be closed at the Urrin Footbridge from the 4th March until the 26th April to allow the works proceed. Wexford County Council apologises to all users in advance but it is anticipated that the end result will be well worth the inconvenience caused. n

Kilcannon Garden Centre and Restaurant, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 92 35514. Find us on www.reachability.ie and www.facebook.com/KilcannonGC

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns photo competition and survey

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group is running a new photo competition and is calling on all secondary school students to take part. The winning photo will be announced in April 2024 with a €50 voucher from a local electronic store up for grabs and the winning photo will also be proudly used on Enniscorthy’s 2024 Tidy Towns Ireland application document.

Please submit one photo linked to one of the eight tidy towns categories below, along with three or four lines of information about your photo and why it should win.

Eight categories:

1. Community

2. Streetscapes and Public Places

3 Green Spaces and Landscaping

4. Nature and Biodiversity

5. Sustainability

6. Tidiness and Litter Control

7. Residential Streets and Housing

8. Approach Roads and Lanes

More info on the categories here: https://www.tidytowns.ie/competition/h andbook/

Entrants, please email one photo to: enniscorthytt@gmail.com by 31/03/2024.

Include 3-4 lines on category selected, photo details and why it should win.

In the email subject line, please write 'Photo Competition 2024 + your name'.

If you are submitting photos of people you must confirm you have their GDPR permission or their parent / guardian if under 16.

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns is also calling on everybody to please spare five minutes to complete its online survey. With over 2,000 Followers on Facebook and lots of good will throughout the town, the group would love to get some more volunteers on board.

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns aims to make Enniscorthy a cleaner and greener town but needs to grow its volunteer numbers. New volunteers would bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the group which is an open, transparent and welcoming one.

So please complete this survey (link below), it's anonymous, takes less than four minutes, and it would be hugely appreciated by the dedicated Tidy Towns group.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA IpQLSf7EO0NNdx9tPNgxliYJm_pH2OO qlAeiokH4aG_-StBAimbwg/viewform n

HOPE & DREAM 10

This year’s Hope & Dream 10km and 10 mile event will take place in Enniscorthy on Sunday, April 7th, with the option again this year of doing a virtual event.

All proceeds will go to supporting Hope Cancer services such as support worker assessment and support, counselling, reflexology, massage, lymphoedema treatment, bra and prosthesis fitting, and support groups.

One can register online at http://www.hopeanddream10.com by filling out an entry form which will be printed in local media.

All ready for St Patrick’s Day

The newly formed Enniscorthy Saint Patrick’s Parade committee is working hard behind the scenes for this year’s event and is calling on all Enniscorthy groups, organisations and businesses to make this a St. Patrick's Day to remember.

The theme for this year's parade is ‘Mardi Fleadh’. As Wexford will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2024, the committee is encouraging groups taking part in the parade to include a Fleadh Cheoil element with Irish music and to express creativity, colour and fun where possible in their entries. See Entry Form on page 14.

Enniscorthy Municipal District, Wexford Co. Council and Creative Places Enniscorthy have kindly sponsored prizes for the St. Patrick's Day festival this year. The prizes up for grabs are as follows:

Win €500 for Best Dressed Business Window Display.

Win €500 for Best Overall Commercial Entry in the parade. Win €500 for Best Community Entry in the parade.

Pettitt’s SuperValu has kindly sponsored a €100 Hamper Prize for the Best Dressed person on the day.

The winning entries will be announced on the day.

To enter the Best Dressed Window Display competition please email your interest to emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie by 10th March.

A spokesperson for the committee has stated that this year’s parade will commence at 3pm on March 17th, starting at Shannon Chapel, marching down the Shannon and through Templeshannon, along Shannon Quay to the new bridge, up through Abbey Square and over Mill Park Road, up Friary Hill, turning left onto Court Street and turning right up Hospital Lane onto Lymington Road. From there it will go over to Duffry Hill, to John Doyle’s corner and down Main Street.

The walkers will finish at Market Square and disperse from Wafer Street with vehicles going back to Abbey Square.

The viewing stand will be in Abbey Square with music in the Market Square during and following the parade.

Once the parade ends, there will be live traditional music performances in the Market Square. Face painters will be on hand to help everyone get into the festive spirit.

The St Patrick’s Festival Committee wishes to thank Enniscorthy Municipal District and Wexford County Council for their continuing support each year.

Follow the Enniscorthy Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556390097163

St Patrick’s Day in Bunclody

The organisers of this year’s Bunclody Parade are anticipating a riot of colour, humour, music, dancing and displays of talent of all types at their parade on Sunday, March 17th 2024, starting at 10.35am.

For information contact: bambunclody@gmail.com

Facebook: Bunclody St. Patrick's Day Parade

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: ENNISCORTHY ENTRY FORM

Sunday 17th March 2024

Group / Club / organisation Name:

Contact Person:

Phone No: Email

Address:

Dancers/Gymnasts:

Sports Clubs etc.

Guides/Brownies:

Marchers:

Float:

Vehicle etc.

Walking

Other: (Please detail)

Number Individuals:

Announcer Script: (Will be read aloud on the day) (50 Words Max)

Type of Entry:

Enniscorthy Municipal District have sponsored prizes for this year’s parade!

€500

for Best Business Entry

€500 for Best Community Entry

The Theme for this year’s parade is Mardi Fleadh! Get Creative to be in with a chance to win.

Floats: Please send photocopy of Insurance to the below contact:

Please return this Entry Form and other documents by 10th March 2024 to: Email: mmurfee@gmail.com or to Enniscorthy Municipal District Office, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Y21 WZV4

Recruiting for Community Visitor

Community Employment Programme Details:

 Scheme Category: Community Health Worker.

 Scheme Location: Community Information Services, 6 Main Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 YE16.

 Contract Type: Temporary.

 Job Type: Community Employment.

 Start date: To Be Confirmed.

End date: To Be Confirmed.

 Hours per week: 19.5 Hours.

 Positions: 6.

Application Details:

Eligibility to participate on CE is generally linked to those who are 21 years or over and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for 1 year or more, or 18 years and over for certain disadvantaged groups. Your eligibility will have to be verified by the Department.

You can register your interest by contacting Mr Patrick O’Shea at the email address below, or contact a case officer in your local Intreo Centre.

Applicants should supply suitable character references and be prepared to complete a Garda vetting application form.

Duties Will Include:

This is a developmental opportunity, no experience necessary. Accredited training will be provided to support your career.

Visitation of the elderly in their own homes and delivery of meals on wheels.

More Details Available From:

Mr Patrick O’Shea, Chairman, Enniscorthy Community Services Council CLG, 6 Main Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 YE16. Email: pat.oshea@enniscorthycommunity.ie

We operate the meals on wheels service for Enniscorthy town, we deliver Monday to Saturday. We are looking for Voluntary Drivers who can help us out, it is one hour a day for six days, once a year. If you can help, please ring us on 053-9233746 giving your name and contact details and you will then be contacted by us.

€5.4m new LEADER Program at official opening of new Wexford Local Development (W

The new 2023-2027 LEADER Programme was launched on Friday, 1st March 2024, by Minister of State James Browne TD at the official opening of Wexford Local Development’s (WLD’s) new Enniscorthy offices in Slaney Place. The grant aid programme funded by the EU and the Irish exchequer will be delivered in County Wexford by WLD.

Speaking in advance of the launch, WLD CEO Brian Kehoe said that since its commencement in 1991 LEADER has made a significant contribution to economic and community development in Wexford. He stated that between now and the end of 2027, €5.4m in LEADER grant aid will be invested in innovative community and enterprise projects throughout the county. Through LEADER, WLD will support sustainable development and strive to maximise funding opportunities for communities by working in close cooperation with Wexford County Council and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

Brian went on to say that in preparation for this programme, WLD engaged in an extensive consultation process, resulting in a plan with a set of objectives that are reflective of the expressed needs of communities and businesses in the county. In line with the “bottom-up” approach of LEADER, grant aid will align to objectives that reflect the key challenges facing Co.

Wexford to include job creation, social inclusion, sustainable development, and a specific emphasis on addressing climate change. The objectives cover the key areas in need of the greatest support and are sufficiently broad and flexible to facilitate funding a wide range of projects.

Tom Bermingham, LEADER Programme Coordinator, confirmed that €2.4m in grant aid will be available for the enterprise and social enterprise sectors. In a change from previous LEADER Programmes, grant aid for projects which facilitate job creation and economic development will be confined to new and existing businesses involved in tourism, food and/or the circular economy. A further €3m in grant aid will be allocated to community groups for a broad range of projects to include refurbishment of community buildings, social outdoor spaces and projects that address climate change as well as protect and enhance our county’s environment.

The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme will also include a strong focus on areas and communities that have not previously benefitted from LEADER. WLD staff will support these communities in accessing funding and building their social capital.

For details on eligibility and how to apply visit www.wld.ie/leader n

Above left: Michael Wall, Chairperson, WLD, Brian Kehoe, CEO WLD, Minister James Browne TD and Tom Bermingham, LEADER Programme Coordinator.

Above centre: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Ibar Carty, Kevin Molloy. Above right: Dave Ormond, Johnny Mythen TD, Cllr Cathal Byrne.

Below: Political representatives, WLD staff and Judge John O’Leary.

mme launched WLD) offices in Enniscorthy

Above: Brian Kehoe, CEO WLD; Kevin Molloy; Clare Ryan, Programmes Manager WLD; Cllr Aidan Browne.

Above: Brian Kehoe, CEO WLD; Minister James Browne TD; Michael Wall, Chairperson, WLD.

Staff of Wexford Local Development outside their new premises at Slaney Place, Enniscorthy.

Some of the attendees on 1st March 2024.

Interested in using your Irish?

Whatever your ability to speak Irish, you are very welcome to The Thatch in Kiltealy every Thursday, 8pm to 9.30pm, until the end of March. D’aontaigh an grúpa teacht le chéile gach Déardaoin go dtí deireadh mhí an Mhárta. Beidh seisiún amhránaíochta ar an oíche dheireanach. n

Irish speaking group in The Thatch, Kiltealy.

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club gets major funding boost

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr. John O’Rourke and Cllr. Jackser Owens were in attendance at Enniscorthy Astro Active on Friday 2nd February to meet with the committee and members of Edermine Rowing Club and make a presentation to them of €15,000 grant funding from Wexford County Council’s Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme.

The grant funding is being used by the club to purchase 6 fully accessible rowing machines, 25 lifejackets, a new trailer, Level 1 coaching for 9 younger members of the club, as well as to fund a new boat building project. The boat building project will be a wonderful opportunity for younger members of the club to learn skills in boat building from older members. The finished boat will be used later in the year for training and competitions.

Cllr. O’Rourke and Cllr. Owens, along with Ann Marie Laffan from Wexford County Council, took the opportunity to

try out the new rowing machines which the club currently use for indoor training throughout the winter. The Club is hoping to arrange an open evening for the public shortly to try out these new machines.

Sláintecare Healthy Communities:

Launched nationally in October 2021, the Sláintecare Healthy Communities €13m fund is a cross-government initiative to deliver increased health and wellbeing services to 19 community areas across Ireland. While funded nationally by the Department of Health and man-

aged locally by Wexford County Council and the HSE, there are many other community partners actively involved, drawn from state and voluntary agencies, as well as local community groups, family resource centres, sports organisations, schools, arts and cultural bodies.

The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme seeks to support members of these communities to address their wellbeing through individual and groups supports, as well as engaging with the community to enhance the environment and other social factors. This can be done through community-wide involvement in health and wellbeing promotion – from individuals making positive lifestyle choices and projects run by community and local groups, to local and national policies integrating a health and wellbeing approach at all levels

Follow Edermine Ferry club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rowingede rmine n

BLAZING A PATH TO 2030

The Enniscorthy Forum, under the leadership of Barbara-Anne Murphy, continues to be a trailblazer for nearzero energy buildings worldwide.

The Forum will host its second summit gathering of the Buildings Action Coalition (BAC) on April 8-10, 2024, in Enniscorthy, with the theme “BAC Metrics to 2030”.

The summit will build on the Buildings and Climate Global Forum hosted by the government of France in Paris which in turn is intended to mobilise the world to action on the Buildings Breakthrough Target that it put forward with the government of Morocco at COP28.

Barbara-Anne says, "The target itself, that near zero and resilient buildings are the new norm by 2030, is ambitious given the state of today’s housing stock and the fact most of the world’s building industries continue to function in ways that do not meet performance standards that will take us to our destination."

The United Nations’ Environment Programme hosts the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) that was conceived explicitly to address those short fallings. The Enniscorthy Forum Buildings Action Coalition came together in 2022 to support the work of

the GlobalABC and its activities and coalition members are committed to this work.

Barbara-Anne: "With the Building Break-

through Target as a beacon, COP28 as a fairly dismal report on where we are today, and quality of life still uneven around the world, the vast gap between vision/ambition and accomplishments could hardly be more apparent. We know the consequences. We can see them playing out as the climate is changing and the world’s quality of life ambitions remain unmet. The sustainable buildings movement needs a clear arc of progress between today and success by 2030. Having clarity on the pathway that takes us from our starting point to our destination, recognising that each nation’s and even each community’s pathway will be unique, will inform the actions that we must take at every step. Such clarity will sharpen our vision of authentic transformation, it will help redefine practice, and it will guide effective action on education/training, policy, investment, and behaviour."

The 2024 BAC Summit will provide the BAC community the chance to define progress and act together for a healthy, secure, and sustainable future.

Register at https://lnkd.in/eEkaACH4 where the Early Bird for registration continues until March 8th 2024. n

The future of local democracy

Councillor Barbara-Anne Murphy, member of Wexford Co. Council, travelled to Dublin last week to address the Seanad Committee Public Hearings on the Future of Local Democracy, in Seanad Éireann.

In her address, Barbara-Anne spoke of many of the changes made to local government over the last 30 years – almost all which centralised power back to government and reducing power and decision making of Councillors for their local area.

In her statement, she mentioned Better Local Government, the removal of the dual mandate, and the removal of Town Councils under Putting People First, none of which has worked as it had been intended.

The removal of water services – now under the control of Uisce Éireann/Irish Water, refuse collection, issuing of driving licences, higher education grants from county councils – all have impacted negatively on the duties of councillors as have concentrating more power in the executive and the office of the Planning Regular, both which serve to limit elected councillors’ role in important decisions for our county.

Barbara-Anne says that “trust is the key. Government needs to trust local councillors to make the right decisions for their own counties, their own areas. Oversight and audit would be welcome, but to please stop micromanaging business which councillors, elected by the people, are more than capable of doing.”

She also spoke of housing needs, more funding for County Wexford’s roads and of trying to improve gender balance on Wexford County Council through the work of Wexford County Council’s Women’s Coalition.

Barbara-Anne reiterated “the need for central government to trust locally elected councillors to bring more power and control back to our county.”

Paul calls time, and Cathal throws his hat in the ring

After 22 years of service in the Dáil, including acting as government chief whip and a period as Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Fine Gael TD for Co. Wexford Paul Kehoe has declared he will not be standing in the next general election.

After giving his all to the role, he believes it’s now time for a change, though he doesn’t appear to have ruled out a run in the next European elections.

Regarding his 22 years of Dáil service, he believes that Co. Wexford is in a better place than when he was first elected back in 2002 with progress in lots of areas and with more exciting opportunities in the pipeline.

He recalls fondly being welcomed into the hearts and homes of so many people across the county and the countless thank you cards he received from people he was able to help on the way.

Deputy Kehoe paid tribute to his longstanding staff and in particular Claire and Vicky in his constituency office in Enniscorthy, and all those who walked the roads and knocked on the doors with him over the last 22 years. And of course his own family, Brigid and children Sinead, Eoin and Emma, with whom he’ll now be able to spend more time. And more time too for his other great passion – the GAA. Gorey Senator Malcolm Byrne was fulsome in his praise for Paul Kehoe.

“Paul Kehoe has been a dedicated public servant representing Wexford on the national stage for over two decades. He is a hard worker and was always good company whenever I met him.

“We didn't always agree, but Paul always respected difference and he was a man of his word. If you agreed something with him at a meeting, Paul would stick to it.

“Politics is a tough career but a noble one and requires understanding of how to effect real change. Paul got that.

“I want to wish him, his wife Brigid, and their family, as well as his staff team all the best with the next chapter in their lives. “

Speaking after the Fine Gael County AGM last month, Cllr Cathal Byrne said: “Paul has been a fantastic representative for the people of Enniscorthy and County Wexford in Dáil Éireann for the past 22 years, including his ten years at the Cabinet table as

Government Chief Whip and Minister for Defence.

“I have worked very closely with Paul as a local Councillor in the Enniscorthy District for the past five years. He was always a tremendous support to me as a young election candidate and Councillor, and I

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (right) describes Paul Kehoe (left) as a “personal friend and political ally.... I wish Paul the very best in whatever he decides to do next.”

In centre: Cllr Cathal Byrne.

wish him and his family the very best in the next chapter of his life.”

“There is a very strong tradition of a Fine Gael seat in the Wexford Constituency held by both Paul Kehoe TD and Ivan Yates. I am putting my name forward for the Fine Gael nomination for Dáil Éireann because I believe that politics needs new people to get involved and play a part. I think it is worrying that so many young people see politics as pointless, and I want to help change this perspective. As a local Councillor in Enniscorthy for five years, I have brought a hardworking and common-sense approach to solving problems at Council level. If selected by the Fine Gael members to be their candidate, I will work tirelessly to secure more investment for the entire Wexford Constituency.”

“In the meantime, I will be vigorously contesting the Local Elections in June to retain my Council seat in Enniscorthy and secure a second Council seat for Fine Gael with my party colleague Pat Kehoe.”

Cathal, 32, from Ballyhogue, Enniscorthy, is part of a new generation of public representatives.

Cathal was first elected to Wexford County Council in May 2019 aged 27 as the youngest elected member of Wexford County Council. He served as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy District in 2021/2022. As a County Councillor, he has built up a reputation for hard work and holds regular monthly clinics to provide an effective service to the people of Enniscorthy Town and District.

He is the proud father of two young children, Aoife and Eoin, and lives with his partner Sarah in Enniscorthy. In his spare time, he volunteers with several community groups and is currently the Leinster Council Delegate on the Wexford GAA County Board.

Eldest son of Peter, a beef farmer and Theresa, a primary school teacher, Cathal was educated at Kiltealy NS, Boolavogue NS and the FCJ Secondary School in Bunclody. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin with an Honours degree in Law and Business, and a Masters in Law. As a qualified Solicitor, he runs his own practice in Enniscorthy. n

A packed field!

It looks like being a long list of candidates on the Enniscorthy Municipal District ballot paper for the Local Elections scheduled for June next. The latest candidate to put his name forward is Brendan Cahill-Flynn who is running for the Green Party.

Brendan lives in Bree, just outside Enniscorthy. He’s 24 years old, and he says, “I’ve always been passionate about the community and helping people. I spent many years assisting my mother with her advocacy work for those in need. It ignited within me an interest, or perhaps more accurately, an obsession, with how people get left behind, and how the faults in our systems and institutions need to be addressed, in order to better protect our people.”

After finishing school and later a legal studies course at Enniscorthy Community College, he studied Politics and Economics at UCD, and worked at the Peter McVerry Trust, which further deepened his concern for the trajectory of the homelessness crisis.

“Afterwards, I returned home from Dublin to take on a greater share of the caring responsibilities for my grandmother. She’s 93, and lives with my mother and I. She’s an incredible woman, who always taught us to think about those most in need, and has encouraged me to get out there and do my best to make a positive difference.”

Brendan continues, “I really hope that the people of Enniscorthy, Bunclody, and all of the surrounding areas will give me a chance do exactly that, and serve them while giving back to the community.”

Another area of concern to Brendan is public transport. He says, “There has been a huge 328% increase in the number of passengers using Local Link bus services in Wexford since 2020.... this is an example of how the Green Party is using its position in government to boost public transport and reduce car dependency.... From 52,395 passengers in 2020, the numbers have since soared to 224,291 in 2023. This is part of a national rollout of 66 new Local Link services and 39 expanded services across the country since 2020, with 5 expansions and 3 new services here in Wexford.

“This has been driven by the Green Party’s commitment to improving rural public transport, giving people an opportunity to travel who otherwise could not, as well as giving others the choice to travel more sustainably and leave the car at home.

“These figures show that there is a strong appetite for reliable and affordable public transport in Enniscorthy, and Wexford at large. By opening new routes, bus travel is becoming more appealing to everybody living in our area, and giving our citizens more options for traversing our wonderful county. This development will revitalise previously neglected areas, requiring less cars on the road. This will lead to reduced congestion and harmful emissions.

“I’ve been in touch with Local Link recently, and am delighted with the announcement of their new door-to-door service from Glenbrien to Wexford, which also serves Ballymurn and Castlebridge.

“The services provided by Local Link are nothing short of a game-changer for our county, and it is my position that the next big step should be a regular shuttle-bus service for Enniscorthy town, including the primary care centre. Such a service would be instrumental in making Enniscorthy more accessible, as well as seriously improving traffic congestion and local air-quality.” n

Brendan Cahill-Flynn

Templeshannon Community Centre

Keep an eye on:

https://www.facebook.com/TempleshannonCo mmunityandChildcareCentre

Enniscorthy Eastside Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/320813591 438762

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

An eye on Enniscorthy east

The first of a regular series by the team at Enniscorthy East Community Development looking at community matters in Templeshannon

have an interest in Community Development, the latest CSO figures don’t make encouraging reading. Prior to the 2022 Census, large parts of Templeshannon were classed as either disadvantaged or very disadvantaged. Unfortunately, the latest statistics, which measure Social Deprivation in urban and rural communities across Ireland, have worsened, with some parts of Templeshannon now classed as Extremely Disadvantaged.

Why is this the case? For over 30 years now, there has only been miniscule investment in Templeshannon in the way of public amenities or services. During this time, its residents have watched on with interest as more and more amenities and public spaces have been opened in the town’s more prosperous western side. These amenities cater for Sports, Drama, Music and for those who enjoy spending time in Nature. All this time, residents in Templeshannon have watched as the few amenities they have are allowed to close or deteriorate with nothing to replace them. Successive elected National and County Council representatives have stood by as this situation has unfolded with little or no intervention.

Perhaps, the impending local elections of 2024 may act as a catalyst for change? Certainly, the people living in this historic area are not prepared to stand by and accept another five years of neglect. A new ‘Enniscorthy East Community Development’ team was formed in 2023 with the sole purpose of addressing the huge imbalance of planning that has presided heretofore.

This imbalance was compounded in 2022 with a major influx of refugees into the area. Although struggling with a lack of facilities and services, Templeshannon was selected as the area to house approximately 200 new refugees. While the community opened its doors and did everything they could to help the new arrivals, there was no consultation or additional supports forthcoming.

dents’ associations forming as for example in Gimont Avenue, and these new groups are being ably assisted by Wexford Local Development. Another positive development has seen the return of the Captain Wafer Hall at Spring Valley to the community and this well-positioned facility will become the headquarters for the newly formed Enniscorthy Community Alliance. Plans to build a new Children’s Playground in the Spring Valley area are well advanced and it is our hope that this will be just the start of a new era of investment into the Social Fabric of Templeshannon.

The Templeshannon area has loads of potential. Sites like Vinegar Hill, the Turret Rocks and St. Senan’s Monastic site are either lying idle or, as in the case of Vinegar Hill, completely underdeveloped and only utilising a tiny piece of its tourism potential. At a time when our local council is considering investing millions into the Town Centre First Plan, for just a fraction of that money we could see a significant upgrade in our existing tourist attractions on the east side of town.

As a community development team, we look forward to working on a new vision for the Templeshannon area. As we progress throughout this year, we hope to bring you updates through the Slaney News, where Frank and his team have been a great support for us.

In the meantime, if you are interested in making Templeshannon a better place to live for all its residents, feel free to come along and get involved. We meet once per month and our next meeting is on Tuesday, March 26th, at 7.00pm in the Templeshannon Community Centre

Keep up to date on Facebook by clicking on this link: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity n

€23.4m for regional and local roads across Wexford – Browne

Local Fianna Fáil Minister James Browne TD has welcomed €23,437,550 in funding for improving and maintaining Wexford roads which was announced last month.

This is part of a significant investment package of €658m nationwide aimed at restoring the network which is essential for maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country. Central to this is the need to ensure that the journeys that people take are as predictable and as safe as possible.

Minister Browne said, "This investment will allow us to repair, strengthen and maintain our roads across the region, ensuring they are fit for purpose. We are dedicating resources towards initiatives such as road repair, bridge rehabilitation, road safety measures, community engagement, drainage improvements, and climate change adaptation.

“Maintaining and improving our road network is crucial to sustaining and developing our local economies across rural Ireland. These roads are imperative for children getting to school and people getting to work safely.”

Minister Browne emphasised the importance of this investment for rural regeneration and concluded by saying that a key priority for Fianna Fáil in government continues to be the protection and renewal of the existing regional and local road network. n

Wexford County Council

€8.7m allocated for Wexford's National Roads and Greenways in 2024

Local Fianna Fáil Minister James Browne TD has welcomed this year's allocation of €8,704,426 for National Roads and Greenways in Wexford.

The funding was announced last month as part of a total of over €440 million allocated to National Roads and Greenways nationwide. The allocations will be made to local authorities across the country through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Minister Browne said: “The substantial new funding allocated today is hugely important for National Roads and Greenways here in Wexford. The funding is part of the government’s investment in improving our national roads and greenways infrastructure. It will help ensure that our roads are safe, reliable and accessible for everyone who uses them.

“A top priority of Fianna Fáil in government is continuing to invest in the maintenance and improvement of our road network to make it as safe as possible while improving regional connectivity and supporting regional economic development.

“Continued investment in Greenways is welcome, as they protect important habitats and provide corridors for people and wildlife. They help improve air and water quality and provide enjoyable and safe options for transportation, which reduces air pollution, so it is important they continue to receive appropriate investment.” n

Sustainable Enniscorthy

This month the local Sustainable Enniscorthy group looks at Sustainable Gardening.

Your garden can have a positive environmental impact when you keep sustainability and biodiversity in mind.

Soil should be enriched by using compost and avoiding artificial fertiliser. If you don’t make your own compost, make sure that you only purchase peat-free compost. The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) has a home-composting video and tips on its website which show how to make leaf mould and garden compost at https://www.ipcc.ie/advice/compostingdiy/.

Water conservation may seem unnecessary during wet periods, but drought periods in the summer are not unheard of. Rainwater harvesting provides a supply of water for garden cleaning and watering. Also rainwater is better for plants than tap water. If you have lots of pots that need watering, install a water butt or reduce your number of pots.

Plants: Avoid chemical weedkillers. Make your own liquid plant feed. Plant native trees and pollinator-friendly plants to support more biodiversity. Plant a boundary hedge with native trees and shrubs rather than a concrete wall or fence. Don’t be too tidy. Let part of your garden grow wild. Lay off the lawnmower. Join #NoMowMay or #Don’tMowLetItGrow and allow wildflowers to set seed, providing new flowers and seeds for hungry birds in the Autumn. Learn to love wildflowers like dandelions that you previously considered weeds. Don’t buy wildflower seed mixes as they often contain non-native flowers, some of which may be invasive. Read more at https://pollinators.ie/wildflowerseed/. If you have invasive, non-native plants in your garden keep them under control and don’t let them escape. Check out https://biodiversityireland.ie/ and https://pollinators.ie/ and their e-newsletters.

Tools: Using hand tools increases the exercise benefits of gardening, while dieselpowered tools create air and noise pollution, increase your carbon footprint and potentially damage wildlife. Hand tools such as rakes, hoes and brushes can replace moss- or weed-killers and provide a great workout! Secateurs and shears

provide a more mindful solution than noisy hedge trimmers. Reuse your garden pots. Kilcannon Garden Centre will pot up old, empty, clean pots for you.

Wildlife: Connect with nature in your garden. Avoid using slug pellets, insecticides, pesticide and rodenticide that kill wildlife and poison the food chain. Leave space for wildlife in your garden. Don’t burn sticks or leaves. They make compost, habitat for insects and valuable shelter for hibernating animals like hedgehogs. Create a water feature, or put out shallow water containers, and a bird feeder in your garden to attract wildlife. Keep water containers and bird feeders clean to avoid spreading disease. n

Image source: https://pollinators.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2022/12/Garden-Pollinator-Guidelines-2022-WEB.pdf

LOCAL RESOURCES:

Kilcannon Garden Centre, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments, Gort Na Gréine, Enniscorthy.

RootedInWexford monthly gardening column in Slaney News by Mark Cooke. https://reachability.ie/kilcannongarden-centre-and-restaurant/

https://enniscorthycommunityallotments.ie/

https://www.rootedinwexford.ie/

For You, from WWETB –

Does technology confuse you? Or do you know someone who struggles with so many services moving online.

If so, go along to the Digital Help Hub! This pop-up service continues in three Wexford libraries on selected Thursdays from November 2023 until May 2024.

The Digital Help Hub is free, confidential and one to one

WWETB 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 useful for anyone struggling with technology!

At the Digital Help Hub you can find out how to fill in online forms, how to use your phone, your laptop and 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.”

The Digital Help Hub visits Wexford, Enniscorthy and Bunclody libraries on various Thursday mornings from 10.30am to 2.30pm, on the dates shown below.

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

Enniscorthy man is taming the Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest coastal tracks in the world. According to official measurements, the track spans 2,600km. It stretches across the West of Ireland, from the peninsula of Inishowen in the north to the dreamy town of Kinsale in the south. In between those two spots and along the track one finds a powerful ocean, cliffs surrounded by wilderness, as well as beautiful harbours and beaches. The Wild Atlantic Way is a remnant of Ireland's rich past.

Originally from Poland, Enniscorthy resident Adam Hadrys has lived in Ireland since 2007. He’s a long-distance runner and traveller around this beautiful country. Adam has decided to experience his own adventure on the Wild Atlantic Way by completing its full 2,600km length during 2024. He got this idea during his recent

runs of the Kerry Way and Wicklow Way. Due to the immense length of the route, and in order to do it in a responsible manner, Adam is breaking it up into 14 stages. Every part will be an ultra-run which will require serious power and determination on his behalf. Health allowing, he aims to have it all finished by the end of 2024.

Adam tells us, “From my own research, it appears that only one person has completed a full run of the Wild Atlantic Way. This person is Tom Reynolds, an Irish ultrarunner who completed this over the course of 35 days in 2016. This was reported in the Irish Times. Since then, no one else has taken on the challenge of running the full length of this track solo. I might only be the second person to ever do this, definitely the first Polish person to achieve it if I am successful.”

The 14 stages of the run , the planned dates for each, and the distances are as follows:

Muff-Letterkenny, 30.12.23 -180km (done).

Letterkenny-Bunbeg 2.02.24 -163km (done).

Bunbeg-Donegal Town 1.03.24 -170km (done).

Donegal Town-Ballina 5.04.24 -192km.

Ballina-Belmullet 3.05.24 -213km.

Belmullet-Westport 31.05.24 -238km.

Westport-Clifden 28.06.24 -165km.

Clifden-Galway 19.07.24 -176km.

Galway-Kilkee 2.08.24 -164km.

Kilkee-Tralee 30.08.24 -216km.

Tralee-Castlemaine 27.09.24 -150km.

Castlemaine-Kenmare 25.10.24 -175km.

Kenmare-Durus 29.11.24 -210km.

Durrus-Kinsale 30.12.24 -207km.

The Slaney News wishes Adam all the best in this remarkable undertaking and we will aim to keep our readers updated in our monthly magazine and also on our Facebook page. n

Adam Hadrys on the Wild Atlantic Way

The first step towards IDA investment in Enniscorthy

WEXFORD CO. COUNCIL AND THE IDA HAVE SIGNED AN AGREEMENT –THE FIRST STEP ON THE ROAD TO DELIVERY OF AN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY BUILDING IN ENNISCORTHY WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF JOBS IN THE TOWN.

Last month a gathering in Wexford Co. Council Chambers recognised the formal signing of a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Wexford County Council and the Industrial Development Agency (IDA). This is part of Wexford County Council’s economic strategy to provide high quality property solutions for investment by companies with potential for job creation.

Outgoing Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Mr Tom Enright commented, “If we have high-quality industrial units of this scale in place in the county, we will certainly attract more business and jobs. Enniscorthy town is the ideal location for a development site as it has easy access from the motorway, bus, and railway services. Our ambition

is to work with the IDA and the private sector to deliver property solutions such as this, that can deliver long term benefits to Enniscorthy and the wider county area. IDA Ireland has placed the Enniscorthy site in their portfolio of property solutions and is beginning to market the opportunity internationally.”

Enniscorthy Technology Park is a development site of 15.5 hectares located at

Kilagoley, Enniscorthy. It is currently home to Senan House (pictured), the first passive commercial building in Ireland and also incorporates a number of other sites for design and build options. Delivered through a public private partnership between Wexford County Council and private developers, Senan House is constructed to the highest energy rating possible. n

Front row L-R: Eoin Cronin, Brian McGee, John Fleming (Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council), Tom Enright (CEO of Wexford Co. Council).

Back Row L-R: Carolyne Godkin (Wexford Co. Council), Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Breege Cosgrave (Wexford Local Enterprise Office).

Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Fest

All activity normally associated with the August Bank Holiday in Enniscorthy is moving to the weekend of Friday 3rd May to Sunday 5th May this year and very probably next year. This is to facilitate Ireland’s biggest festival, the Fleadh, taking place in Wexford town in early August. The organisers now have the tough task of redesigning an event programme and booking bands based around new dates. Some details on the lineup of bands who will be performing are included later in this issue.

The other elements of the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival which which we all know and love – the street food stalls and family entertainment, will all be happening as usual on the chosen weekend in May. n

Tony’s at the Saltees Coast Hotel

Sunday Lunch Specials €15 maximum and one child per adult goes free from the children’s menu.

St Aidan’s Primary School Confirmation

Enniscorthy Cathedral, 1st March 2024

Top left: Fr Tom Dalton gives his blessing to Emily Askins and family.

Top right: St Aidan’s pupils with Fr Tom Dalton, Mr. Frank Murphy (Principal) and teachers.

Above right: Luke Connors meets his cousin Luke Connors at the Confirmation.

Above far right: Emily Askins.

Left: Fr Tom Dalton giving his blessing to Anthony Fortune with his guardian.

Right: Fr Tom Dalton blessing of Chrism.

Below left: Confirmation classes with Fr Tom Dalton, Mr. Frank Murphy (Principal) and teachers.

Below right: Lisa, James and Emily Canning and Ashling Cooler.

Top left: Kieran, Kelly, Molly and Mary Brady.

Top centre: Kayla Foley and Lily Dunne.

Top right: Craig Kinsella, McKenzie Flynn and Liz Flynn.

Above left: Emily Askins and her family.

Above right: Mick, Ciare, Majella, Ruth, Mick Snr, Niamh and Catherine McGrath.

Left: Anthony and Teresa Fortune.

Right: Glen and Sophie Fortune, Michelle Power and Kyle Fortune.

Below left: Shane, Tracey, Emma, Rachel and Shane Sinnott Snr.

Below right: Amber Gaughran and Creane Family.

St Aidan’s Primary School Confirmation

Enniscorthy Cathedral, 1st March 2024

Top left: Ross, Tilda, Sadie and Sarah Dempsey.

Top centre: Cathriona, Caoimhe, Shanice and Thomas O’Rourke.

Top right: Samantha, Hugo and Zack Rath.

Above left: Ruby Rose McKeown and Jessica Ennis.

Above right: Jamie and Aleeah Lafferty.

Left: Eoghan Kehoe with his family at the Confirmation.

Right: Max and Loraine Donnelly.

Below left: Darren, Sophie and Petrine Busher.

Below centre: Lena, Caoimhe, Grace and Holly Busher.

Below right: Eoghan Kehoe with his parents at the blessing from Fr Tom Dalton.

Above left: Fr. Tom Dalton giving his blessing to Frankie.

Above centre: Stephen, Sophie, Lee, Michaela and Molly Leacy.

Above right: Aidan Farrell and Jackie Hairstens. Left: Katamyna who was confirmed, and her family.

Right: Margaret, Rachel and Katlyn Philipin.

Below left and right: Fr Tom Dalton, Mr Frank Murphy (Principal) and teachers with Confirmation class pupils.

Bottom left: Chloe Kearns and family.

Bottom centre: Joanne and Molly Doyle.

Bottom right: Chloe Kearns at the blessing.

Support for women running for election

Wexford County Council and Women for Election hosted an introductory session on Wednesday 31st January 2024 in the Council Chamber, Wexford County Council, to launch a training programme to support women who are interested in running for election in 2024 or in future elections.

Over twenty-five attendees enjoyed a programme of speakers which included Councillor Maura Bell who is Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition and Councillor Kathleen Codd-Nolan who shared her experience of being a female councillor for the past twenty years.

Wexford County Council Archivist Gráinne Doran gave a talk on Ellen ‘Nell’ Ryan who was the first female councillor elected to Wexford County Council in June 1928. Nell had also been a member of Wexford Board of Guardians (and chairman of same in 1920) in addition to her active participation in the revolutionary struggle 1916-23.

Brian Sheehan, CEO of Women for Election, stated, "We all know of extraordinary women who are the lifeblood of communities and community organisations across Wexford county. This programme will encourage and support many of these women to bring their community knowledge, experience, and skills to where decisions about their communities are made –Wexford County Council.”

An armchair chat with Councillor Kathleen Codd-Nolan was very interesting and led to a conversation on what to expect from the role and sound advice to those starting out on their political life journey.

The views of sitting female councillors who are members of the Women’s Coalition were sought and they shared their experiences with potential candidates on the role of an elected representative.

IN PERSON EVENT 9TH MARCH 2024 1.30pm to 5.00pm

In-person training will be in Wexford Council Chamber. The modules will be tailored to those attending, but are likely to include:

Maps, Tallies, Targets and Votes 1:30pm-3:30pm

Practical instructions for local election candidates on maps, tallies, and voter targeting is the focus of this training session. It encompasses deciphering precinct maps for strategic outreach, understanding demographic data for precise targeting, and employing past tally systems and voting results to help candidates optimise campaign efforts. Understanding local electoral area-level dynamics helps candidates tailor strategies for maximum impact. Ultimately, this training equips candidates with the precision needed to navigate and engage their local electorate.

Making the Most of your Local Media 3:45pm – 5:00pm

An immersive session tailored to equip you with the tools and tactics necessary to shine in the local spotlight. Discover how to craft compelling messages, ace interviews, and leverage media platforms effectively. Elevate your campaign’s visibility and connect authentically with your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to amplify your voice and leave a lasting impression! This session will be attended by local media professionals including presenters, researchers and producers.

The training programme launched at the event aims to inspire and encourage women to stand in the upcoming Local Elections in June 2024, or in the future and is part of a national programme to achieve gender balance in politics. It also is aimed at the team behind the candidate as there are many ways to support female candidates.

"Wexford, like many parts of the country, is a long way from having women's voices equally represented in the County Council. With just 6 women of the 34 Councillors in Wexford, there is a distance yet to go. There is a one-in-five-year chance in the coming local elections in June to begin to redress this imbalance. This programme from Wexford County Council aims to inspire and equip women who might be interested in local politics to consider standing in the elections,” Brian Sheehan explained.

"The launch event showed a huge appetite among women in Wexford to serve their communities by entering local politics and also showcased the great work being done, cross-party, by the Women's Coalition on the Council. This next election cycle carries a great opportunity for the voters of Wexford to reshape their local council, and to make significant inroads in addressing the imbalance on the council, where just 18% of the councillors (6 of 34) are women,” Brian added.

The attendees at the event welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the training programme being facilitated through Women for Election.

Further information on the training programme from: wwww.womenforelection.ie and at wwww.wexfordcoco.ie n

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy –Wexford County Council has 34 Councillors but only six are women.

OBESITY – A TICKING TIME BOMB IN OUR SOCIETY

MIRICALE DRUG IS BEING HIJACKED AS A DESIGNER DRUG!

I first came across a weight loss drug in 2022. I was referred to Vincent’s Hospital when I was suspected of having Sleep Apnea. I was asked to partake in a trial and study on the drug to see if a loss of weight would help for this condition. I certainly lost weight and it was noticeable to all who knew me. In lay man’s terms it sends signals to the brain to signal fullness and slows down digestion and prevents you feeling hungry. It also reduces the production of glucagon which regulates blood sugar this helps curb type 2 diabetes. The industry has been trialling this drug to see if it can be applied in other areas of the medical field for the common good.

The problem is that now it has become a designer drug for the wealthy to keep the weight down for cosmetic and not medical purposes. A drug that has been described as a game changer is not accessible to the patients that need it. The massive surge in the cosmetic demand has seriously limited supply. I spoke with an industry insider and he explained to me that the drug industry has prioritised the manufacture of this product because of the potential profits it will yield. A case in point in Athlone – a site is being adapted to ramp up production. The concern is that with this policy in the industry it can and will affect the production and supply of drugs for other complaints up to and including cancer. Coincidently, while I was trialling this drug in 2022 I was doing exams for my diploma in Journalism. I submitted a piece on obesity in my final exam which is worth repeating here to remind everyone why it is important that this drug get to the patients that need it most.

TOWN TALK

WITH KEITH DOYLE

IT’S OFFICIAL – OBESITY KILLS, IRELAND SECOND HIGHEST IN EUROPE

According to the British medical journal The Lancet, obesity is the second biggest cause of premature death. After smoking, obesity is the major contributor to heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and cancer. The medical journal claims that 20% of Europe is overweight. Worldwide figures suggest that 1.3 billion adults are overweight with 600 million of them obese. After Malta, Ireland has the second

highest obesity rate per capita in Europe. Many medical research papers have been compiled and printed in the medical journal as to the harm obesity has on the human body. This ranges from heart disease to cancer. Other studies compiled data showing the long-term effects on the mental wellbeing of subjects. The relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes is well established. The association between maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and pre-term birth according to maternal age and race and ethnicity has also been examined. Much work has been submitted on adolescent and child obesity and the long-term effects on health.

A number of high-profile organisations have been set up in Ireland to analyse the data and provide a pathway towards a lifestyle of healthy living. The Association for the Study of Obesity of Ireland is a representative body of the sister European organisation. Their aim is to develop an understanding of obesity through research and education. They also facilitate contact between other organisations and individuals to promote action to prevent and treat obesity across the island of Ireland.

The Irish College of General Practitioners of Ireland has identified this area as a priority and has set out policies to detect and combat the rise in obesity at an early stage. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland also has a policy group on obesity. The Health Service Executive finds that obesity is so prevalent in the country that they have an Obesity National Clinical Programme setting out key principals and goals to be implemented by 2024.

The overriding question is, with all this data and all the focus on this health issue, why are 60% of the adult population of Ireland and over one in five children and young people living with overweight and obesity. Why is this trend on the rise and what more can be done to stop and reverse this ticking time bomb in our society? n

CONUNDRUM – mapping a better mobility future for Enniscorthy

CONUNDRUM: Co-creating sustainable and shared community mobility with a test community in Enniscorthy.

In 2020, transport emissions accounted for more than 20% of sectoral emissions in Ireland, demonstrating the challenge that our current transportation and mobility choices are posing to Ireland’s goal of reducing its carbon emissions. There hasn't been enough research done in small to medium towns like Enniscorthy, where the lack of sustainable and transportation options means that private car usage is often the only option. The lack of transportation and mobility options can greatly impact on the ways that people in towns like Enniscorthy can access work, education and essential services, socialise with others, participate in local events and activities, spend time outdoors, improve health and wellbeing, and make sustainable decisions to reduce their own environmental impacts.

Given these challenges, the CONUNDRUM project is working with residents of Enniscorthy to identify the problems facing people in relation to transportation and mobility, and to identify possible solutions that can both reduce carbon emissions and improve community wellbeing.

The CONUNDRUM project is funded by Science Foundation Ireland, and is composed of six researchers from across University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, and TASC: Think-tank for action on social change. It builds on work done by TASC in Enniscorthy in 2023, led by Kieran Harrahill. It believes that appropriate and impactful solutions to transportation and mobility challenges can only be identified by working with local communities who experience the problems and have local expertise, and that residents should be involved in helping to identify ways to improve the

situation as they know the area better than anyone. As such, the CONUNDRUM project has been working with residents and other stakeholders in Enniscorthy over the last few months, and have already conducted interviews, focus groups and community mapping events, with more research activities planned for the coming months.

On February 13th 2024, the CONUNDRUM project held two successful mapping sessions in Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre and The Presentation Arts Centre, working with Wexford Local Development.

If you would like to participate in future events, or would like to share details of other relevant events, please reach out to the Project via email at Rachel.mcardle@ucd.ie or dean.phelan@ucd.ie. And keep an eye out for updates on Slaney News and other local media. n

Attendees on 13th February 2024 at the CONUNDRUM project mapping session in Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre, Enniscorthy.

Children in Co. Wexford deserve better

Sinn Féin TD Johnny Mythen has said that children in County Wexford deserve better mental health services and should not have to wait to access them.

Johnny Mythen was speaking ahead of legislation being brought forward by Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, to regulate CAMHS under the Mental Health Act.

Teachta Mythen said: ‘Children in Wexford deserve better mental health services. They should not have to wait to access mental health services.

Last month Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward, brought forward a bill to regulate children’s mental health services.

“This is the first recommendation that was made by the Mental Health Commission in their report on CAMHS and if passed would give the Commission the statutory powers to oversee and implement the remainder of their 49 recommendations. This will drive improvements and help tackle waiting lists.”

Upcoming repair cafe

“The Mental Health Commission’s report into CAMHS highlighted a number of issues with CAMHS, including children lost to follow up, lack of monitoring of psychiatric medicines, unacceptable waiting times for high-risk referrals and many more operational issues.

"In our CH05 area in July 2020 the waiting list to be seen was unacceptable at 153, as of August 2023 that waiting list

Sustainable Enniscorthy will host their third Enniscorthy Repair Cafe on Wednesday 6th March from 6.308.30pm at the Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club.

Bring your broken items, or bring your repair skills and show people how to repair their broken items.

The Enniscorthy Repair Cafe believes in reducing waste and promoting sustainability. By repairing instead of replacing, one can save money and contribute to a greener planet. It's a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and share your knowledge with others.

Book your place at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/enniscorthy-repair-cafe-march-2024-tickets815959415577?fbclid=IwAR0Vx79QW0qNbcImsMwhH McC2VzJVvL4vvfCRolgDEZAExvvmXp998hc1hs

Join the Sustainable Enniscorthy Repair Cafe community online at https://www.changex.org/ie/repaircafe/enniscorthy-co-wexford-1?fbclid=IwAR0QGZbu1VjN2LcbckPsQ1IYkbXA5_wfzpSeG97n7DgnUb2Ua-1ZjVmRDY to stay informed about future Repair Cafes. n

had increased to 254, this cannot be allowed to continue.

“We have also seen the unacceptable postcode lottery of care continue to exist with certain counties receiving a lower quality of care.

“Children with a dual diagnosis of mental ill-health and an intellectual disability are falling through the cracks as are neurodiverse children.

“Parents, children and stakeholders have been highlighting the crisis in children’s mental health which has gotten worse under this Government.

“Sinn Féin have engaged with families and stakeholders. We have listened to their experiences. We are taking them seriously.

“This is the first step in tackling the crisis in children’s mental health and will lay the foundation to reduce waiting lists.

“The Minister has dragged her feet in this matter and now must support this legislation.

“This cannot be kicked down the road. Children across County Wexford cannot wait any longer for the regulation of CAMHS.” n

Johnny Mythen TD

Wexford’s solidarity with Gaza

Taking inspiration from the words of Martin Luther King Jr: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere", the Wexford branch of Amnesty International is holding weekly vigils in solidarity with the people of Gaza, highlighting the sav-

age, brutal and terrifying injustices occurring there every day, remembering all those killed in the Israel–Palestine conflict, calling for a permanent and immediate ceasefire and demanding Israel allow unimpeded urgent medical aid into Gaza.

The vigils take place at 6.30pm every Thursday at Redmond Square in Wexford town. All are invited to attend and show support.

Follow ‘Amnesty International Wexford Group’ on Facebook. n

Above left: Trish Robinson of the Wexford Branch of Amnesty International. Above right: Cllr George Lawlor (left) joins the vigil.

Garda Youth Awards launched

The annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards 2024 were launched last month by An Garda Siochana, Wexford, in association with Wexford County Council.

These annual awards acknowledge the brilliance of our young people in our local communities in County Wexford. The launch of these annual awards is to acknowledge the achievements of young people who are making a difference in their own lives and in their communities within the Wexford Garda Division. These awards acknowledge the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives.

Cllr. Michael Whelan, Chairman of the Joint Policing Committee, said, “Wexford County Council enjoys a very close and strong working relationship with An Garda Siochana, especially through the Joint Policing Committee. These awards offer an opportunity to further strengthen these ties of interagency cooperation towards the betterment of the lives of all the citizens of County Wexford. The Garda Youth Awards is a very good initiative, it shows young people in a good light and I would encourage more groups and individuals to put forward more candidates for the awards.”

In launching this year’s Awards, Inspector Graham Rowley of Wexford Garda Station said, “I'm pleased to announce the commencement of the Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2024. It is important that An Garda Siochana continue to recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community throughout county Wexford, and that we as a society are very proud of them.

“It's inspiring to see so many of our local young people succeed and have represented County Wexford on a national stage; our young people continue to demonstrate their commitment to bettering our communities.”

As heretofore, awards will be presented in four categories:

Individual Award - Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Group Award - Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Special Achievement Award - Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.

Community Safety Award - Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.

Anyone can nominate a young person between the age of 13 and 21 years for an award. Nominations will be completed through an online process, available at: https://wexford-self.achieveservice.com/service/Wexford_Garda_Youth_Awards

Details of this process are being distributed to schools, youth groups and voluntary organisations right across Wexford and are available upon request from your local Garda station. The closing date for nominations will be Tuesday, 19th March 2024. A Judging Panel will decide upon the Divisional Winners, the Judging Panel will also nominate an individual/ group to represent Wexford for consideration at the National Garda Youth Awards. It is anticipated that the awards ceremony will take place in May 2024.

For further information please contact : Inspector Graham Rowley, wexford_ds@garda.ie 053 9165280, Garda Liam Kavanagh, liam.j.kavanagh@garda.ie 051 426037 or your local Garda station. n

Members of An Garda Siochana with staff of Wexford County Council at the launch of the annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards 2024.

Marking a milestone at Enniscorth

The six-month milestone in the development of cardiac care services in the Co. Wexford area was marked in Enniscorthy on 14th February 2024.

Appropriately, the Open Day hosted by the HSE’s Integrated Cardiology Service for Wexford in the Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre, took place on Valentine’s Day!

In addition to a display of items tracking the history in development of cardiac care services in the county (including its latest phase in integrating with community healthcare services), the open day also featured a giant lego heart provided by cardiac pharmaceutical manufacturers Novartis.

This year was just the third time in 80 years that Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday coincided on 14th of February and it also happened to be National No Smoking Day. The HSE’s “Quit” team of Stop Smoking Advisors from its Health and Wellbeing services were also invited along to be part of the presentations featuring at the open day in the Primary Care Centre.

The Open Day was an opportunity to showcase work such as the “Integrated Community Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme” and “Lipid Clinic” in community healthcare services locally.

The Integrated Cardiology Service is a new initiative of the HSE, under the Sláintecare plan for Enhanced Commu-

nity Care. Patients are referred by their GP/Practice Nurse to a service which includes a Consultant/Nurse Specialist-led Cardiology clinic and newly launched Community Cardiac Rehabilitation programme. The Cardiac Rehabilitation programme, now operational in the Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre, is an expansion of the service originally established in Wexford General Hospital in the early 1990s.

These new services reflect the Sláintecare vision of providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Services are led by Dr. Cyril James (Consultant Cardiologist/Integrated Care, Wexford General Hospital/South East Community Healthcare), with additional clinical services provided by his team of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physiotherapist and Clinical Psychologist further enhancing access to essential cardiac

Staff pictured at the HSE’s Open Day for Integrated Cardiology Service for Wexford in the Ennis

Above left: Liz Murphy (Integrated Cardio-Vascular Specialist Nurse), Seán Lacey and John Quinn (founding committee members, Friends of Wexford Cardiac Care WGH), Dr. Cyril James (Consultant Cardiologist/Integrated Care, WGH/SECH) and Liz Mahon (Cardiac Rehab Nurse). Above centre: Áine O’ Gorman (Senior Healt Physician and former Clinical Director of Wexford General Hospital), Siobhán Morrissey (Health Promotion and Improvement Officer), Derval Howley (Head of Servi Improvement Officer). Above right: Dr. Paddy McKiernan (Retired Consultant Physician, WGH), Seán Lacey and John Quinn (founding committee memb

hy Primary Care Centre

services throughout Co. Wexford.

In addition to Dr. James, those who addressed the gathering included Consultant Physician and former Clinical Director of Wexford General Hospital Dr. Colm Quigley who has been supporting the roll-out of the integrated service.

Speaking at the occasion in Enniscorthy, Liz Murphy (Integrated Cardio-Vascular Specialist Nurse) said: “With the support

of the HSE, Wexford General Hospital, South East Community Healthcare and GP practices locally, the opening of the Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre last year has seen the establishment of a Chronic Disease Management Hub here. We are well under way in Co. Wexford in meeting the aim set for 80% of those living with chronic disease – be it respiratory, cardio or diabetes – to receive care in the community. With our colleagues in the Ireland East Hospital Group, South East Community Healthcare has been progressing a cardiovascular service for GPs and linking in the expertise of the cardiac care services based in Wexford General Hospital’s unit in Ely Hospital.”

“We are also delighted to welcome retired Consultant Physician Dr. McKiernan to the Open Day. Dr. McKiernan was instrumental in establishing the first cardiac care unit at Wexford General Hospital (WGH) 30 years ago in 1994.

We are also delighted to be joined by John Quinn and Sean Lacey, who were active in the initial fundraising efforts for its development by the Friends of Wexford Cardiac Care Unit, and by former Director of Nursing in WGH Margaret Curran who managed the unit. Patricia Hackett (Operations Manager Clinical Services, Wexford General Hospital) is also here to demonstrate Wexford General Hospital’s commitment to the exciting developments in integrated care.” n

Christina bravely tells her story

The 29th of February was Rare Disease Day, a day for raising awareness about living with a rare condition. In the run up to that day, Enniscorthy woman Christina Coffey-Ryan opened up about living with a rare chronic illness.

Read Christina's story here...

https://www.rsvplive.ie/life/you-liveevery-day-comes32141075?fbclid=IwAR1bUwW7bLl7 v_1nYnHSQK0M9XVeFHQ7UbjkNmcdYpTO3nnk7j 5TMTs7GM n

Christina Coffey-Ryan

scorthy Primary Care Centre.

Unit), Margaret Curran (former Director of Nursing, WGH), Dr. Paddy McKiernan (Retired Consultant Physician, th Promotion and Improvement Officer, HSE/South East Community Healthcare), Dr. Colm Quigley (Consultant ice/Health and Wellbeing, HSE/South East Community Healthcare) and Aisling O’Leary (Health Promotion and bers, Friends of Wexford Cardiac Care Unit) and Margaret Curran (former Director of Nursing, WGH).

Rare Disease Day at Wexford Co. Council headquarters, Carricklawn, Wexford.

CAPTURING COMPELLING STORIES

Back in 2017, initially drawn by her love for picturesque landscapes, Genie King and her family chose to make the beautiful countryside in Co. Wexford their new home.

Genie says, “Surrounded by the tranquility that defines my daily life, my professional focus in photography is enriched and inspired by these serene surroundings where I run my exclusive studio since 2022; right outside of the village of Kiltealy. I specialise in capturing diverse and compelling stories of people, ranging from fine art portraits and business headshots to family, maternity, boudoir sessions, commercial food photography and lifesyle such as communions and family events.

“My distinctive style, often influenced by a moody and painterly aesthetic of those classic paintings, defines my work. I aspire to create images that transcend the moment, evoke emotions and reveal the unique narratives woven into each frame.”

Since childhood, Genie’s unwavering desire to own a camera and capture unforgettable moments has been a constant throughout her life. Through college, university, and an IT career, her path eventually led her back to her passion.

“Today, I specialise in crafting luxury classic and candid portraiture for clients who have become not just patrons but friends. My bespoke photo sessions offer a unique experience, and I'm here to listen and tailor solutions to meet your individual needs.”

For those eager to explore the art of crafting storytelling through images, Genie invites you to connect with her at: www.genieking-photography.com/contact and follow her at: www.facebook.com/geniekingphotography n

A new monthly column by GreenTechHQ

The first South East Green Tech Sustainability Cluster MeetUp

The first South East Green Tech Sustainability Cluster MeetUp was held on Wednesday, Feb 28th, at GreenTechHQ in the new Enniscorthy Technology Park. There was a fantastic turn out from a diverse range of sectors across the South East. A group of like-minded individuals from academia, industry, community and public office with representatives from marine robotics to reliability engineering, from 3D homes to compliance management systems.

Supported by Wexford Chamber of Commerce, their President Lorcan Kinsella said, “This event was not just a meeting; it was a call to action. Together, we're bridging the gap between academia and industry, expanding networks, and facilitating innovation to ensure a greener, brighter future.”

The next one is on Weds, 27th March, at 7pm in GreenTechHQ, finishing at 9pm sharp. Speakers will be announced soon.

Become a part of the South East Green Tech Cluster, an innovative network uniting both established and emerging green services alongside Green Tech specialists throughout Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Cork.

The core objective is to leverage innovation and sustainability, crafting a future that is not only greener but ripe with opportunities for growth. Here’s what membership entails:

Skills Synchronisation: Bridging the gap between academic offerings and the industry’s evolving demands.

Marketing & Brand Identity: Elevating the region’s appeal to both professionals and investors.

Networking Expansion: Broadening your organisation’s connections within the local ecosystem.

Innovation Facilitation: Gaining access to cutting-edge research and innovative start-ups.

Infrastructure Enhancement: Tackling essential infrastructure challenges to smooth the path for growth.

GreenTechHQ Roadshow SME Introduction Sessions

The GreenTechHQ Roadshow is on the move around the southeast supported by the Waterford Chamber, County Tipperary Chamber and County Wexford Chamber and their partners (AIB and The Innovation Exchange).

Inviting SMEs to join us to hear about the opportunities open to you, and your business, for connecting/tendering with multinationals, corporations and international businesses; the new green funding availability; training supports and education for your teams, as well as insight into the CSRD reporting – all businesses are obligated to now comply to, especially for that competitive edge.

Register for your information event here:

Tues, 12th March at 6pm – GreenTechHQ, Enniscorthy

Weds, 13th March at 8am – Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Thurs, 14th March at 8am – Minella Hotel, Clonmel n

The first South East Green Tech Sustainability Cluster MeetUp held on 28th February 2024 at GreenTechHQ in Enniscorthy.

Alzheimers sporting memories

Wexford GAA held a 'Sporting Memories' event in Clonard Community Centre on Bank Holiday Monday, 5th February, 2024, in association with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Wexford County Council.

Sporting Memories is an awareness and support programme that allows people with dementia to re-engage in their community which once played a huge role in their lives.

All ages, including those living with dementia, their families, and supporters, were warmly welcomed to the event where the special guests included Tony Doran, Dominic Williams and George O’Connor, and the MC was Tony Dempsey, Age Friendly Ambassador for Wexford.

An exhibition of sports memorabilia was also part of the event. n

Top: You’d easily know there was an election brewing! Some of the crowd.

Above L-R: Dave Ormand, All-Ireland Hurling winner George O’Connor, Garda Denise Kane, the legendary Charlie Golden, and Tony Dempsey MC.

Far left: Gather around and see the photographs o Padge Rossiter, Charlie Golden (last surviving membe and Cllr Leonard Kelly. Above left: Tom Dempsey, Fleming, Billy Heffernan, Tony Doran and C sho

Above: Pat Furlong, Ed Rowesome and Denise Murphy O’Connor with the Denis O’Connor Archives.

Above right: Albert Randall, Killurin, with his collection of hurleys from the 50s to the present day, with Tom Dempsey (All-Ireland hurling winner) and Liam Spratt.

Above far right: Wexford hurling legend George O’Connor compliments Denise Murphy O’Connor for the lovely photos taken by her father, the late Denis O’Connor.

Below: Verona Murphy TD and Marguerite Furlong.

Above: Billy Heffernan, Cllr John Fleming, Tony Doran, Joe Rossiter and Cllr George Lawlor.

Left: Tony Dempsey MC, Cllr Garry Laffan and Wexford GAA Chairman Michael Martin.

Right: Billy Heffernan, Joe Rossiter, Joe Kavanagh and Dominic Stafford.

of the late Denis O’Connor Archives, L-R: Cathryn O’Leary, National Community Engagement Manager ASI, er of the Vols GAA team who played against the Great Nicky Rackard), Tom Rossiter, Denise Murphy O’Connor, Minister James Browne TD and Tony Dempsey, MC. Above right: Chairman of Wexford Co. Council John llr George Lawlor. Far right: Denise Murphy O’Connor with the Denis O’Connor Archives exhibition owing some of the photos to Jim and Kathleen O’Donohoe.

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

Oulart storytelling house

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

Enniscorthy Toastmasters

The group meeets fortnightly on Tuesdays in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, at 8pm. All welcome! https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy-Toastmasters129333810455771 for updates. n

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

Enniscorthy Christian Fellowship would like to invite all women over 16 years of age to its free Ladies Easter Craft Night on Friday 8th March at 7.30pm behind Bellefield Design, Reachability, Enniscorthy. Tea and cakes will be served. All ladies are welcome to join. For more information contact Lorna on 085 1367341 or check out the website www.enniscorthychristianfellowship.ie n

Enniscorthy Women Walking Together

The group meets Monday - Thursday at Eurogiant Carpark at 7pm and also has a WhatsApp group. Check out their Facebook page: ‘Enniscorthy Women Walking Together’. n

ENNISCORTHY TIDY TOWNS NEEDS YOU!

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers meet on Sunday mornings to collect litter and tidy up around the town. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed! So if you are sick of seeing rubbish on your road, street, estate or elsewhere in the community, please contact: 053 923 6518 or email enniscorthytt@gmail.com

Keep up to date on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown Let's all help to make Enniscorthy cleaner and greener! n

LOCAL AND EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

The best of luck to all those who have the courage to put their names forward for the upcoming European and local elections regardless of which party flag or independent banner they campaign under. It takes great courage to put your name on a ballot paper and ask your fellow countrymen and countrywomen to vote for you. Whether you get one vote or ten thousand votes you are to be thanked for putting yourself forward. The bar-room experts of old have been replaced by the knowalls and toxic experts on social media. These geniuses wouldn’t have the courage to put their names down for anything other that a freeby of some sort which would benefit no one but themselves. Therefore, the message from this small column to the candidates is to get out there, knock doors and make your case. You will find most people courteous and mannerly. The other small minority are best ignored. They probably wouldn’t know how to vote anyway.

PAUL KEHOE TD

As most will know by now, Paul Kehoe is retiring at the next General Election. Paul has represented Co. Wexford for over 20 years and served as a junior minister for a long number of those years. He was, and still is, a very diligent constituency worker and on numerous occasions over the years this column has heard stories of his prompt replies to constituents’ enquiries. Sometimes the reply might not be what you would like but a response was always forthcoming. You were never ignored. Over many elections he defied the odds and beat all the calculations of the experts by being elected again. His political obituary was falsely written on many occasions by those who didn’t know better.

View from the Centre

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

In age terms, he is still young and in the view of this scribe would have had a great chance of being elected in the new Wicklow/Wexford constituency had he contested there. However, the man has made his decision and we wish him well for

Paul Kehoe TD

whatever he does in the future. He has many years left to contribute to society.

RTE

The RTE joke just runs on and on like a bad soap opera (and some of their own come to mind there). The scandal of massive amounts of money being paid to those who leave of their own accord is inexplicable. Oireachtas Committes, Dáil enquiries and debates, articles printed in other media appear to have no impact on those in positions of authority within that organisation. The continued argument that RTE has to be preserved because it is a public service broadcaster is patent nonsense. Other media such as Virgin and the plethora of private radio stations around the country are equally public service broadcasters. Any media outlet which provides the public with news, investigations and reports of everyday happenings are public service broadcasters and that goes for the printed media also which is a conduit of public service information. The only difference is that they don’t get a dollop of our money through the licence fee and therefore, like the rest of us, have to be careful with their own money. The time for the RTE farce is upon us. It should be broken up and sold off to those who know how to run broadcasting services. The licence fee, rather than be abolished as Sinn Féin want, should be collected and distributed to all media outlets which give a certain proportion of their coverage to what is commonly referred to as public service broadcasting and news coverage.

QUIZ

Just saw an interesting question on The Chase: In football, if a direct free-kick goes straight into a team’s own goal, what is awarded to the opposing team? A. Goal. B. Indirect free-kick. C. Corner. Answer next month. n

Ferns Diocescan Pilgrimage 2024 to Lourdes

Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash has sent out information to the parishes about the upcoming Pilgrimage to Lourdes in May this year. See extract from his letter opposite.

It should be noted that applications for the assisted pilgrims will be accepted up to 15th March and also the cost to assisted pilgrims will be subsidised. Please contact your local parish for application forms. This is the first year that assisted pilgrims will return to Lourdes since Covid so the diocese is looking forward to welcoming them on the journey. n

Honda 50 enthusiasts’ Hope Centre fundraising

Members of South East Honda

50 Club will undertake a 32 County Charity Trip from Sept 5th to Sept 8th 2024 in aid of the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more details and how to contribute: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php ?id=61556764437539 n

Commercial vacancy statistics for Co. Wexford and four of its towns

The ‘GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report Q4 2023’ prepared by EY (Ernst & Young), and examining 80 towns across the country, shows the commercial vacancy rate in Co. Wexford increased marginally from 10.4% in December 2022 to 10.5% in December 2023, still substantially lower than the national average of 14.3%, and the second lowest commercial vacancy rate in the country after Meath (10.1%) and before Cork (12.2%).

The national commercial vacancy rate increased by 0.3 percentage points to 14.3% in Q4 2023, the highest level reported by GeoDirectory since the report began in 2013. In total, there were 30,046 empty commercial units across the country, with the commercial vacancy rate increasing in 20 out of 26 counties.

Of the towns in Wexford analysed, New Ross had the highest commercial vacancy rate in Q4 2023 at 23.4%, while

Gorey had the lowest at 8.6%. Enniscorthy at 16.3% and Wexford town at 12.7% were more or less unchanged from the previous year. Gorey, with a vacancy rate of 8.6%, is ranked the second best town in all of Leinster.

At 20.5%, Sligo recorded the highest county commercial vacancy rate, followed by Galway (18.5%) and Donegal (18.2%).

Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, was the town reporting the highest commercial vacancy rate at 30.2%.

In Dublin, the commercial vacancy rate increased by 0.3 ppts from Q4 2022 to 13.2%, which was the highest level recorded in Dublin since Q4 2016.

Commenting on the findings of the GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report, Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory, said, “The rate of commercial vacancies in Ireland has hit a new high of 14.3%, continuing the trend of in-

creasing rates in recent years. This trend can be attributed to a number of factors such as the rising cost of doing business, changing consumer habits and hybrid working. Consideration must now be given to how some of these vacant properties can be repurposed and reused, in order to avoid long-term vacancy and potential dereliction of these buildings.”

Annette Hughes, Director at EY Economic Advisory, sounded an optimisic note, “The continued easing of inflation, ongoing reductions in energy prices and the anticipated cuts in interest rates should hopefully provide some relief for businesses this year. Longer term, strategic policy measures such as the forthcoming revision of the National Planning Framework offer an opportunity to influence future growth patterns, incentivising population and development into areas with particularly high vacancy rates.” n

Red arrows indicating Co. Wexford entries.

Comhairle

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993

Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the public roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic, for the times stated, on Sunday 17 March 2024 to facilitate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wexford Town.

Road Closure

Roads: William Street, Trinity Street, Wexford Quays (9.00am –1.00pm).

Wexford Bridge (10.30am – 1.00pm).

Alternative Routes

From Rocklands / Maudlintown via The Faythe, Kevin Barry Street, King Street Upper, Joseph Street, Bride Place, Roche’s Road, School Street, John Street, Hill Street, 1798 Street, Redmond Square.

Traffic approaching Wexford Town via the R741 can divert via Ardcavan, Castlebridge, Crossabeg, the N11, Ferrycarrig, Newtown Road.

Local access will be facilitated as far as possible. Stewards will be in place at all junctions.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993

Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the roads listed hereunder on Sunday 17 March 2024 to facilitate the holding of the Enniscorthy Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2024.

Road Closures 1:

Duffry Street (Cathedral Street), Main Street and Castle Street and Castle Hill (R702) (between the junction of Duffry Hill, Duffry Gate and Duffry Street and the junction of Abbey Square Roundabout and Castle Hill) from 14:00 to 17:30 on Sunday 17 March 2024, and Weafer Street (R702) (from its junction with Market Square to its junction with Duffry Hill) from 14:00 to 17:30 on Sunday 17 March 2024.

Alternative Route: Traffic (Southbound)

Duffry Hill to Lymington Road to Arnold’s Cross to Mill Park Road to Abbey Square Roundabout via R890 and R744.

Traffic (Northbound)

Roundabout on Abbey Square to Mill Park Road to Arnold’s Cross to Lymington Road to Duffry Hill via R744 and R890.

Road Closures 2:

The Promenade (from its junction with Seamus Rafter Bridge to its junction of Mill Yard Lane) and Quay Street (from its junction with R744 at Mill Park Road and its junction with The Promenade) from 13:30 to 17:30 on Sunday 17th March 2024.

Alternative Route:

053

From Seamus Rafter Bridge to Abbey Square and Mill Park Road to the junction with Mill Park Lane and via Mill Park Lane to Salt House Lane.

Alternative routes will be signposted. No Vehicular 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 roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Sunday 17 March 2024 from 12:00 to 15:30 to facilitate the holding of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in New Ross Town.

Road Closures:

Charles Street and South Street, between its junction with Cross Street and its junction with Charles Street.

Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated as far as possible. Stewards will be in place at all junctions. No Vehicular 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 13.00 to 16.00 on Sunday 17 March 2024 to facilitate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Carrig on Bannow.

Road Closure 1:

R736-18, from its junction with the L7071-1 at Danescastle to its junction with the L7080-1 in Carrig on Bannow.

Road Closure 2: L7080-1, from its junction with the R736 in Carrig on Bannow to its junction with the L9002-1 at Kiltra.

Road Closure 3: L9002-1, from its junction with the L7080-1 at Kiltra to its junction with the L7071-1 at Danescastle.

Alternative Route:

From the Crossroads in Carrig on Bannow to Ballygow to Cullenstown to Coolhull via the L3070 and the L7078.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993

Temporary Closing of Roads

Wexford County Council gives notice of its decision to pedestrianise the roads listed hereunder and to temporary close the listed roads to vehicular traffic on Sunday 17 March 2024 to facilitate the holding of the Gorey Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2024.

Road Closures 1:

One Way traffic flow on Scholars Walk and Woodbury from 11.30 to 15:30 on Sunday 17 March 2024, and

Alternative Route:

Traffic - Signposted locally.

Road Closures 2:

Carnew Road (from Woodbury Roundabout to R722), McCurtain Street, Main Street, Esmonde Street from 14:30 to 17:00 on Sunday 17 March 2024

Alternative Route:

Paul Funge Boulevard, R741 Ballycanew Road, R732, R741 Courtown Road to R772 to Arklow road.

Alternative routes will be signposted. No Vehicular 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 roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Friday 8 March to Friday 15 March 2024 to facilitate the installation of underground ducts as part of the Greenlink Interconnector Project.

Road Closures

L4050 at Grange, Kilhile and Coleman, Ballyhack from its junction with the R733 at Rathroe to its junction with the R733 at Grange.

Alternative Route

From Coleman to Arthurstown to Kilhile to Grange via the R733.

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

Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme

Environmental Worker – 2 positions New Ross

Environmental Worker – 3 positions Duncannon

Environmental Worker – 2 positions Wexford

Environmental Worker – 1 position Rosslare

Duties to include:

• 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

053 919

www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

Council on 0869478001 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email sean.oneill@wexfordcoco.ie

The closing date for All Applications is 4.00pm Friday 22nd March 2024. 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.

Notice of the Making of a Vesting Order

Section 17 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL (hereinafter referred to as the “Local Authority”) in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Section 17 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990, has on the 26th of February 2024, made a Vesting Order in respect of the lands described in the Schedule hereto.

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 17 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 of the making of the Vesting Order.

A copy of the Vesting Order and of the map referred to in it may be seen at all reasonable hours at the offices of Wexford County Council, Property Management Unit, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford.

Any person who, immediately before the making of the above Vesting Order, had any estate or interest or right in respect of the derelict site acquired my apply to Wexford County Council no later than twelve (12) months after the making of the Vesting Order, for compensation in respect of the estate, interest or right.

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT part of the Townland of New Ross, situate in the Barony of Bantry and County of Wexford being all the lands delineated in red on the map attached to the Vesting Order and known as The Old Bike Shop, Priory Street, New Ross, Co Wexford.

Elizabeth Hore, Director of Services.

Waste Prevention Grant Scheme 2024

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

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

• Repair skills workshops

• Upcycling workshops

• Elimination of single-use items

• Food waste prevention

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

Any queries please phone (053) 9196684.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Thursday 28th of March 2024.

053 919 6000

www.wexfordcoco.ie

customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Planting Grant Scheme 2024 –Garden suppliers/providers

Wexford County Council are currently seeking to create a panel of interested garden centres / gardening supply providers for the provision of gardening supplies as covered under the terms of the Planting Grant Scheme 2024. This panel is for a year.

For further details, terms and conditions of this pilot scheme visit www.wexfordcoco.ie/plantinggrantsupplier

Please be advised that inclusion on a panel does not automatically guarantee business. The approved community group will select the retailer and not Wexford County Council.

Closing date for receipt of applications – 5pm, Thursday 28th of March 2024.

Call for Expressions of Interest for the Supply of Social Housing and Development Land

Wexford County Council has an ambitious 5 year capital programme under the Housing For All Action Plan. As part of a range of housing solutions, the housing authority is seeking expressions of interest from private developers, building contractors and landowners.

Wexford County Council is seeking expressions of interest from interested parties who are capable of delivering turnkey units within the County or the provision of development land.

Wexford County Council will consider land or units in areas which have an established need. An explanatory document will outline the areas of need across the County.

In particular, Wexford County Council is seeking: -

• Turnkey developments. Acquisitions are on a turnkey basis; potential payment is a fixed price lump sum, on completion of a development, within an agreed timeframe.

• Mixed development schemes where social residential components could be incorporated.

• Development land, varying from small sites (circa 4-6 units) in rural areas with modest demand to larger sites in urban areas (circa 50-70).

• Delivery of adapted dwellings to meet the requirements of those with specific needs.

All developments and associated works must be fully compliant with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government guidelines and standards.

A preliminary proposal via the official application form will need to be submitted along with required documentation.

Application forms must be received by 5pm on Thursday 11th April 2024.

Application forms and accompanying explanatory documents should be requested by emailing housingcapital@wexfordcoco.ie or may be downloaded from www.wexfordcoco.ie. Wexford County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014.

Wexford County Council with Women for Election Candidate Training Programme Spring 2024

Wexford County Council are partnering with Women for Election to support women in Wexford who are considering running in the Local Elections in 2024 or who are already selected to run, and those who will campaign to help get more women elected.

There are a range of online trainings, webinars and in-person events scheduled to the end of March 2024.

If you are interested in the upcoming local elections; or if you know someone you think would be great at politics; or if you would like to help to get more women elected to Wexford County Council, come along to some of the online events over the next weeks.

Full details are at www.womenforelection.ie/wexford

Comhairle Contae Loch Garman le Clár Oiliúna Iarrthóirí Mná don Toghchán Earrach 2024

Tá Comhairle Contae Loch Garman i gcomhpháirtíocht le Mná ar son Toghcháin chun tacú le mná i Loch Garman atá ag smaoineamh ar a bheith mar iarrthóirí sna Toghcháin Áitiúla in 2024 nó atá roghnaithe cheana féin, agus leo siúd a bheidh i mbun feachtais chun cabhrú le níos mó ban a thoghadh.

Tá raon oiliúna ar líne, seimineáir gréasáin agus imeachtaí pearsanta sceidealta go dtí deireadh mhí an Mhárta 2024.

Má tá suim agat sna toghcháin áitiúla atá le teacht; nó má tá aithne agat ar dhuine a bheadh ar fheabhas do chúrsaí polaitíochta, dar leat; nó más mian leat cabhrú le níos mó ban a fháil tofa chuig Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, tar linn chuig cuid de na himeachtaí ar líne sna seachtainí atá romhainn.

Tá sonraí iomlána ag www.womenforelection.ie/wexford

Alt 75 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993 Dúnadh Sealadach na mBóithre

Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil cinneadh déanta ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman na bóithre atá liostaithe thíos a dhúnadh do thrácht feithicle Dé Domhnaigh 17 Márta 2024 ó 12:00 go 15:30 chun éascú le Paráid Lá Fhéile Pádraig i mBaile Ros Mhic Thriúin a reáchtáil.

Dúnadh Bóithre:

Sráid Shéarlaid agus Sráid Theas, idir a hacomhal le Sráid na Croise agus a hacomhal le Sráid Shéarlaid.

Comhairle Contae

Cuirfear comharthaí ar bhealaí eile. Éascófar rochtain áitiúil chomh fada agus is féidir. Beidh maoir i bhfeidhm ag gach acomhal. Cuirfear comharthaí ar bhealaí eile. Ní dhéanfar aon Rochtain Feithicleach a éascú.

Tá folúntais ag Comhairle Contae

Loch Garman sna réimsí seo a leanas dár Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail

Post Suíomh

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 2 phost Ros Mhic Thriúin

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 3 phost Dún Canann

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 2 phost Loch Garman

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 1 phost Ros Láir

• Dualgais a chur san áireamh:

Oibrí Comhshaoil – Cothabháil ghinearálta, glanadh, plandáil agus baint lustain etc.

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 22 Márta 2024.

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.

Scéim Deontais Plandála 2024 –Soláthraithe/soláthróirí gairdíní

Tá Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ag iarraidh painéal chur le chéile ina mbeidh ionaid garraíodóireachta / soláthraí ábhair garraíodóireachta liostáilte ann a bhfuil suim acu soláthairtí garraíodóireachta a chur ar fáil mar atá clúdaithe faoi théarmaí Scéim Deontas Plandála 2024. Mairfidh an painéal seo ar feadh bliana.

Le haghaidh tuilleadh sonraí, téarmaí agus coinníollacha na scéime píolótaí seo tabhair cuairt www.wexfordcoco.ie/plantinggrantsupplier

Tabhair faoi deara le do thoil nach ionann a bheith cuimsithe ar phainéal agus an gnó féin a fháil. Roghnóidh an grúpa pobail faofa an miondíoltóir agus ní Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Dáta deiridh le haghaidh iarratais a fháil – 5in, Déardaoin 28 Márta 2024.

An Scéim Deontais um Chosc ar Dhramhaíl, 2024

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

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

• Ceardlanna scileanna deisiúcháin

• Ceardlanna Uaschúrsála

• Míreanna aonúsáide a dhíchur

• Cosc ar dhramhaíl bia

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

Cuir glaoch ar (053) 9196684 le do thoil.

Is é an dáta deiridh chun iarratais a fháil ná 5in, Déardaoin 28 Márta 2024.

Dean O’Connor

30th Birthday Party Cooney’s Lounge, Oulart, 9th Feb. 2023

Linda, Dean and Danielle O’Connor.

Below: Danielle, Eddie, Dean and Linda O’Connor. Right: Dean O’Connor with the Oulart lads.

Top left: Mick Kelly, Dean O’Connor and Laura Kelly. Left: Kyle Roche, Dean O’Connor and Conor Roche. Above left: Senan Lillis and Dean O’Connor.

Above right: Danielle O’Connor and Delores Kelly.

Above left: Dean and Mick Jacob. Above right: Helen Jacob, Dean O’Connor, Ursula Jacob.

Below left: Delores Kelly, Linda O’Connor and Emer Nolan. Below centre: Christy Jacob, Eddie O’Connor and daughter Linda O’Connor.

Below right: Caroline Bolger, Dean O’Connor and Fiona Cullen.

Above: Dean O’Connor in front with some of his old classmates behind.

Left: Dean with fellow students.

Below: Eddie O’Connor, Pauraig Doyle, Declan Roche (who celebrated his birthday on the same day) and Mary Doyle.

THE TEMPLARS

Join Enniscorthy’s new Social Singing Group

New children’s play by Wexford writer at National Opera House

A new play for children by Wexford writer Alison Ní Mháirtín premieres in April at the National Opera House, Wexford.

Pegasus the Clothes Horse is a tale of music, imagination and silly socks for ages 7-10. It will be presented in the National Opera House on 27 April 2024, two shows at 10am and 12pm. Tickets: Adults €10 / Children: €7 + Facility Fee. www.nationaloperahouse.ie

School Shows: Thursday 25 and Friday 26 April. Two shows daily: 10am & 12pm.

Contact Box Office on 053 9122 144 to book these shows.

This new play is for young audiences, and has been developed over the course of several years with the support of the National Opera House. It brims with wonder and play. Irish language, music and mythology combined with puppetry,

opera and some very silly socks are used to create an epic journey from a young girl’s own house to the National Opera House.

Pegasus the Clothes Horse is the story of a little girl Fiadh who has a wonderful life in her cozy flat with her mum and her mammy. They don’t have much, but they

have lots of love, and the best bedtime stories in the world. Fiadh also has the best friend anyone could want – a magical clothes horse named Pegasus Maximus! Fiadh and Pegasus have lots of fun adventures together, and share a love of music, whether it’s Irish folk, or opera. Pegasus is the diva that Fiadh could never herself be. But when an unexpected delivery arrives, Fiadh has to find the courage to put herself centre stage for once in order to save her beloved friend.

Wexford-based writer Alison Ní Mháirtín is a writer, theatre-maker and producer. Originally from Dublin, Alison moved to Wexford more than 20 years ago to work as a sub-editor with the Wexford People. She worked for more than 20 years in journalism, becoming a chief sub-editor for several national titles before focusing exclusively on creative endeavours. She lives in Wexford Town with her three young children. n

Alison Ní Mháirtín

All of the the Other Reindeer

On 2nd February 2024, a cheque presentation took place in Holohan’s Pub, Enniscorthy, of the proceeds of a very successful charity fundraiser called ‘All of the Other Reindeer’ organised by a number of young, local people including Naoise O'Connor, Maeve Ennis and Leo Walsh.

Over €1,600 was raised and donated to the Irish Heart Foundation thanks to the preChristmas fundraiser in Holohans, in which the organisers were joined by lots of Enniscorthy's finest singers and musicians. Congrats to all on a brilliant achievement. n

Public screening of local movie

Enniscorthy is hosting its very own premiere movie night this week on Saturday March 9th at The Presentation Arts Centre where The Shadow of Freedom will be shown to the viewing public at 8pm.

The Shadow of Freedom Parts 1 & 2, based on the book of the same name by Yours Truly, tells the story of the War of Independence and Civil War right here in our own town of Enniscorthy. Shot on location where events actually occurred, this film, true to fact, is an insight into our own local history as it unfolded in the national context from 1919 to 1922.

Directed by the wonderful Dick Donaghue and produced by Jer Ennis and Maria Nolan, and starring an array of local Enniscorthy actors along with actors from Wexford Film Workshop and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, this is Enniscorthy, this is in Enniscorthy, and this is about Enniscorthy. Don’t miss it.

Tickets are on sale at The Presentation Arts Centre box office – book now to avoid disappointment.

– MARIA NOLAN

Film producer Jer Ennis putting up posters around Enniscorthy.

Wexford film the Envy of all

Envy, a new film superbly written and directed by Marnie Fay and Tony McCleane Fay, and filmed by awardwinning cameraman Michael Benson, premiered on 29th February at the Wexford Arts Centre and I was delighted to be one of the large gathering invited to attend.

Wexford is boxing well above its weight at the present time in the world of cinema and film and Envy, produced by Bare Cheek Productions, is right up at the top with the very best of them.

Shot exclusively in Wexford, the thought-provoking, emotive, story captured the hearts and imaginations of the viewing public at its Wexford premiere.

Envy tells the story of a teenage girl, Orlaith, who, suffering from the trauma of losing her mother at a young age to a dementia related illness, withdraws from the stark reality that she is incapable of dealing with and retreats into a delusional world, the creation of her own mind.

Words and pics by Maria Nolan

With Hamlet-Ophelia overtures, this brilliantly scripted and performed film creates awareness of how easy it can be for someone to lose themselves and disappear before our very eyes into a dark abyss without anyone taking heed until it is almost too late.

Envy has already scooped up nine awards in film festivals around the globe including Berlin, Paris, Liverpool, and the lead actor Grace McCormack who plays Orlaith was awarded Best Young Actress at the Milan Film Festival recently.

How amazing is that considering most of the cast is made up of young actors from Loreto Secondary School Wexford, many making their acting debut in Envy.

Film soundtrack is by the well-loved and talented Wallis Bird, and gifted cameraman Michael Benson, with the Midas touch, is making a name for himself and Wexford with everything he films turning into golden awards.

Well done to all involved n

Above: Lorraine Fox with Maria Nolan. Below: Dr George Leslie with Maria.

Maria Nolan with actor Ronan P Byrne and Elizabeth Whyte, CEO, Wexford Arts Centre

Above left: Maria with Cathy Keane and Cllr Maura Bell. Above right: Young actresses. Below left: Grace McCormack, Michael Benson and Ronan P Byrne. Below right: Maria with Michael Benson.

Below: Maria with Ciara O’Farrell who played Molly in the film.

Bad Mothers Union re-release long-lost single –‘Fun For 5 Year Olds’

Dublin noise outfit Bad Mothers Union have re-released their long-lost 2006 single Fun For 5 Year Olds.

The band write: “Now available on all streaming platforms, having previously been lost when My Space ceased to exist. It was originally released on the compilation ‘South East Rocks Vol. 2’ (a DOUBLE compilation album, remember those?!), the track was recorded with John Finn at Reverb Studios, New Ross, in early 2006.”

The band recently reunited for their first show in over 15 years at the Set Theatre in Kilkenny.

What was initially supposed to be a one-off performance has transformed into a full-scale reunion, with more live shows and releases to follow.

The band felt it was important to get this memento of their younger days online as a first step back into the music scene.

Bad Mothers Union comprises Conor (guitar/vocals), Aaron (drums), and Sean (bass/vocals), and their stated original goal was to destroy the universe. Please God the 15-year exile has calmed them somewhat.

SINGLE REVIEW by Dorn

Simon

Fun For 5 Year Olds is a track that delivers a cascade of riffs, and melodic repetitions, with a gradual build-up taking listeners on a journey through time, yet never sounding dated The hints of grunge trickling from the opening, with overtones of drone rock riffs, and undertones of nu metal, though apparent, blend together to bring a sound worthy of revisiting in 2024.

The gritty rhythm keeps a strong flow throughout, with neat dark entries of bass or beats to break it up or compliment.

Midway, we hear the nuances building as more notes of sound are brought into the mix.

As a semi-instrumental piece, we hear a voice once we reach three-quarters in and it is still for effect as opposed to actual lyrics, this is brave, back on its initial release and today.

Nearing its end, the drums forge to the front to furiously bring the track to a final crescendo.

Bad Mothers Union - Live upcoming date: Fibbers, Dublin, April 12th.

Connect/Stream:

https://www.facebook.com/badmothersunion

https://www.instagram.com/badmothersunion/

https://badmothersunion.bandcamp.com/track/fun-for-5year-olds

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0UuSPZoM9UNQPTOCJBl h tb?si=W2M5Y0AgRIuCl2YaxMSXnw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jPW_qLDZh4

https://music.apple.com/ie/artist/bad-mothersunion/1725 392779 n

The long-lost 2006 single ‘Fun For 5 Year Olds’.

Slaney ad Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

DEATH CAN WAIT - SLOWLY SINKING EP REVIEW By Dorn

Simon

DEATH CAN WAIT are a Metal band from Wexford. Originally formed back in 2018, having a different line-up to the band we see today although still including original members, the current line-up comprises:

THEA MOYLAN (THEY/THEM) - VOCALS

DAVID MOOREHOUSE (HE/HIM) - GUITAR

PATRYK HADRYS (HE/HIM) - DRUMS

SAMUAL DARLINGTON (HE/HIM) - BASS

The EP SLOWLY SINKING presents four death-defying tracks of thrash, alternative metal and darkness so delectably received. With titles such as Slowly Sinking, Empty, Obscurity and The Only Way Forward Is Through (Me), listeners are forewarned of the intensity, the despair and the sheer fortitude that awaits them in this superbly written, excellently executed, and well produced EP.

The EP was recorded and mixed by Wexford’s Richard Harpur of Redgicide Music Production, with cover artwork by Ciaran at Obsidian Imagery.

The title track Slowly Sinking features additional vocals from past member and local musician Brian Colfer (SCRAWB). An Alt/Art Metal track that delivers a harmonious collection of mathcore rhythm with chords of precision, and raucous angsty vocals melding with melodic verse, to convey the ebb and flow of the struggle of one’s existence.

Obscurity hits hard on impact and instantaneously, a heavy, loud, angry noise. Screams of hellish pain and frustration fill the ears, the drums smash a pace for the riff sections in the otherwise intentionally unruly outburst, it is invigorating.

Pic: Wexford Media / Damien Smullen

Empty speeds the EP into some serious thrash metal with the death growls becoming ever more prominent, again those passive melodic breaks to bring the guitar rhythm into an ebb and flow, in keeping with the theme of the entire collection of tracks. The trick escape pause near the ‘apparent’ end is a nice surprise too.

The Only Way Forward Is Through (Me) starts banging its way through to the vocals, which continue the feeling of frustration as the matter-of-fact statement seeps on through, “That’s it man, game over man, it’s game over.”

All in all, SLOWLY SINKING is a beautifully dark expression worthy of many listens, not only as an EP but as a statement that all can suffer, yet all have the fortitude to push through, create, and forge a new direction each time it is required. n

Adversary Interview by Dorn Simon

Pics by Damien Smullen / Wexford Media

This is a continuation of an interview from last month’s issue of the Slaney News

This interview is transcribed as close as possible to the wording and answers by Tomás and Sean of ADVERSARY.

Q: What is the age range between Adversary’s members?

Tomás - 18, Sean - 25, Shane - 40’s [As the lads tried to recall a number].

Q: Cutting back to your Dad being the gateway into learning guitar, why and how?

Sean: “Yeah, basically it was Da loved playing music and stuff like that, and played music out and stuff, he does still play music, and he always had guitars laying around and like he was trying to teach us and there would always be a guitar sitting there somewhere, so we just always liked to mess around with the guitars and I only took to it when I was a teenager, [gestures to Tomás] and you took to it far younger, but all eventually got there…”

Tomás: “All including siblings…”

Dorn: “So, you’d say music runs in the family, in the blood?”

Tomás: “Yeah, it's through everybody in the whole family, including my sisters…” Sean: “Yeah our sisters play guitar and sing also so…”

[Tomás/Sean: “SHOUT OUT”]

Q: Did you ever imagine yourselves playing together as an official band?

Sean/Tomás: “Yep…”

Sean: “Yeah I always kinda had it deep in my mind like, Oh yeah, it would be cool to have a band like…”

Tomás: “Yeah it’s like, yeah for me like I’ve imagined it, as I thought about it when I was a little younger, like when I was like 13-14 and then because I wasn’t really hard into metal, I was only really starting to get into it then, I started to ya know imagine…oh yeah, you know

my Uncle’s kind of a drummer and Mmmm and my brother is a savage guitarist and it would be cool to kinda get something together.”

Dorn: “Well, I am glad you did.”

Q: “How does it feel to be releasing new material as Adversary? I mean that first track, 7+ minutes long and yet there was not a second of monotony in it, I mean it just kept going but you just kept going with it like a melodic pathway, it flowed so incredibly well…”

Sean: “Thank you…”

Dorn: “Which boils down again to not only the playing but that the lyrics spoke to particular elements to each person on the planet, there’s an aspect of that depth, there’s that worldview like whichever lens people are looking through they’re going to have had experienced what your lyrics were saying.”

Sean: Ah thank you, yeah that song was kinda like eh, I think Tomás had initially written a riff for that song, ‘Alas, A Peaceful Death’ and um we kind of workshopped on that riff then, and Tomás kept coming up with these awesome, awesome lyrics and the song then sort of bloomed into a tenminute song nearly, because we had all these riffs laid out, it was crazy, we were like, oh no, this riff doesn’t go with this riff, so we kind of streamlined it a little bit, and like after that then, it was like get the drum tracks in. Unfortunately, we had to just use kinda drum programming for that demo, we’re hoping now that the next song we’ll record it with Shane, so like we have his drums on it, but eh then there were lyrics and the vocals over that, eh, like that was a process…[Tomás concurs]...yeah.”

Dorn: “I liked how it [Alas, A Peaceful Death]… and I don’t like to say that it reminds me of other bands in that regard, but it reminds me of The Tempest [Pendulum] as it has that melodic start, that builds up, builds up and builds up and then is unleashed, but then slows down again in the middle and builds again to a crescendo, and your track had that effect on me, how it reeled you in, hit a punch, then calmed again before hitting a second impact.”

Sean: “Thank you…that’s something you’re very big on…” [looks to Tomás] Tomás: “Yeah, yeah…”

Sean: “That Classical music kinda thing.”

Tomás: “Yep, yep.”

Dorn: “It works, it just gives a narrative to the music itself.”

Sean: “Thank you.”

Q: What are your influences? Music/Musicians?

Tomás points to Sean to answer.

Sean: “Well, I could say that the band, like the influence for Adversary, was very very very inspired by the album Monotheist by Celtic Frost, and it was like one of the heaviest albums I’d ever listened to, and I just thought that’s absolutely incredible, one of my favourites.

Q: What was the last gig you each attended purely as an audience member and for leisure?

Celtic Frost would be up there with all the other doomy bands like Pallbearer and oh god, like yeah just like a lot of different doomy bands…[Tomás interjects, Mourning Beloveth, their album Formless]...Yeah, another amazing Irish band like one of the biggest doom metal bands within Ireland, an incredible band.”

Tomás: “Eh the same as Sean, Monotheist by Celtic Frost, Sean got me onto that album, and I mean I would listen to that album non-stop like for ages. There’s a German Black Metal band called Der Weg Einer Freiheit, yeah they influence a lot of the like fast parts in Adversary, umm Mourning Beloveth again are a pretty big influence, and also Dissection, [Sean nods] Dissection are a big influence for me, their album Storm of The Lights Bane, it kinda plays a big role in our music really…[Sean says “It does”]...like kind of all the like melodic riffs but that would kind of be my influences also.”

Tomás: “Seige of Limerick last October…[Dorn interrupts to state “Which you’re playing…”]...Yeah, yeah which we’re playing…[Sean jumps in with an enthusiastic “Yeah”]

…yeah me and Sean attended both our first Seige of Limericks on October 31st, I was freshly gone 18, and it was a savage night and I remember we were saying to each other ‘Yeah, we’re gonna try to play the next one’...[Sean interjects “Yeah, that was the dream, ya know, this is really incredible, we feel like we are so lucky to be playing it”].

Q: Can you tell us about your future show dates/gigs?

Tomás/Sean: “Metal To The Masses - February 17th in Fibber Magees, and Seige of Limerick - March 31st, and that’s it for the moment yeah.”

Dorn: “Thanks so much for your time, you have your whole lives ahead of you, keep going, I, for one, am very proud to see you and today's youth putting their energies into something productive and artistic, and a big shoutout and thanks from the band and myself goes to The Presentation Arts Centre, and to Outrage Entertainment who put Adversary debut gig on their bill.

Tomás: “We’ve never seen a local scene as lively as Enniscorthy, not even Wexford, never, I mean maybe the Waterford scene, I would be pretty close to some of the Waterford bands but even they say there’s nothing like the Enniscorthy scene.”

Dorn: “It is a fantastic scene, and like I have seen debuts and bands there that far surpassed many I have seen before, [Sean says “Thanks”] and there are MANY…I want to see it continue, I want to see more debuts, I want to see yourselves live.”

Sean: “We’ll make sure to have you down.”

Dorn: “Really appreciate your time guys.”

Tomás/Sean: “We appreciate yours too, thank you.”

Death Can Wait launch new EP

Words by Bryan Steacy, Pics by Niall Smith

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy

10th Feb 2023

On February 10th, the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy served as the official launch event for DEATH CAN WAIT's EP 'Slowly Sinking.' Attendees were treated to an array of live performances and vibrant energy, making it a night to remember for all involved.

The venue was once again rocked to its core as opening band Dead Memories returned for their second performance with Outrage Entertainment. From the moment they took the stage, frontman Kris Butcher demanded energy from the packed venue, igniting them with calls for circle pits and walls of death. The Enniscorthy crowd obliged and responded with fervour, creating an atmosphere of raw ex-

12 GAUGE OUTRAGE

citement. With new members Tim Browner on Guitar and Scott Waldock on Bass, Dead Memories delivered a ruthless 30-minute set packed with originals in both English and Hungarian. Special guest vocals from Evøke and Equinox's Kyle O'Leary added to the show, culminating their set with an explosive rendition of their signature tune, 'Slamscorthy.

Following suit, Limerick's own War of Attrition made their Co. Wexford debut, delivering a 45-minute onslaught of raw emotion, unapologetic social commentary, fast unrelenting riffs and brain-busting drum-work. From the provocative opener 'BPD' to impassioned works covering

DEATH CAN WAIT

politics, religion, and mental health, the five-piece band held nothing back. "Everybody needs a bit of discomfort in their lives," Frontman Nathan Price remarked. Their music spurred the crowd into a frenzy, with mosh pits erupting spontaneously throughout the venue. 'In Dublin they don't know how to do mosh pits,' said Price, 'but ye do so fair play to ye.' Before closing their set, Price expressed genuine appreciation for the enthusiastic turnout, noting that the energy from the audience was truly heart-warming. Afterwards he noted that their set elicited one of the rare instances of a genuine smile from him.

The night's main support came from the hometown heroes, 12 Gauge Outrage, who set the stage ablaze with their high-octane performance. Kicking off with the explosive track 'Shock Machine' from their recently-released EP 'About Time Re-Recorded,' the band wasted no time in delivering a relentless barrage of songs, opting to let their music, instead of their words, speak volumes. Amidst the frenzy, a moment of exhilaration ensued as Sickened's Calum Leahy joined them onstage, executing his trademark standing front-flip to thunderous cheers. Closing their set with the anthemic 'Control,' the lead single from their EP 'Siren,' lead guitarist Richard Harpur christened the end of their set with his triumphant declaration: 'We've been 12 Gauge, and you guys have been Outraged! Thank You!'

The night culminated in a pummelling performance by the headliners, DEATH CAN WAIT, who blasted away the audience from the moment they took the stage. They kicked off their set with the crushing 'Wreck Age' from their acclaimed 'Self Portrait' EP, which paved the way for them to blast through crowd favourites from their back catalogue.

WAR OF ATTRITION

Frontman Thea Moylan expressed his thankfulness for the overwhelming response that their latest EP, 'Slowly Sinking', had garnered since its debut earlier in the day. Moylan humbly acknowledged the support of their dedicated fans, stating, 'We really appreciate everyone who's listened, who's bought the CD, who's bought the merch, all that stuff. We appreciate you all.'

Diving back in, the band treated the audience to a performance of the aforementioned EP in its entirety. Before the close of their set, the band welcomed former frontman and brainchild behind SCRAWB, Brian Colfer, to the stage to perform on the new EP's lead single, 'Slowly Sinking,' as well as a nostalgic rendition of 'Left.'

Before bidding farewell, Moylan extended heartfelt gratitude to the fellow performers, organisers, and venue staff, emphasising the importance of kindness and appreciation towards those behind the scenes. 'Thank you to all the venue staff. Be nice to them. They make the world go around,' Moylan reminded the crowd, garnering a wave of applause in acknowledgment of their crucial role. After unleashing their latest and greatest to the world, the band exited the stage to resounding cheers of 'Death Can Wait.'

With cheers still echoing in the air, attendees left the venue, each carrying a piece of the night's energy with them. As the lights dimmed and the stage grew quiet, it marked not an end, but a moment to savour until the next electrifying gathering.

Outrage Entertainment are back March 23rd with No Hassle + Support. n

Get ready for a night of electrifying rock and grunge at the Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy on March 23rd!

No Hassle, Co. Wexford's own four-piece powerhouse, are back in Enniscorthy for their first headline gig since 2023! Known for their infectious energy and killer tunes, they'll have you rocking out all night long!

Joining them are Arklow's eclectic fivepiece ensemble, The Spudguns, bringing their unique blend of fuzz and buzz to the stage, ensuring a sound that's as captivating as it is unforgettable.

Sygh, the three-piece sensations from Dublin, are set to unleash their grunge goodness and punk prowess, promising a performance that'll leave you craving more!

And let's not forget Fakehouse, the alternative act hailing from Waterford, ready to showcase their vast musical influences and deliver a night packed with unforgettable moments!

Doors open at 7pm, so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot for what promises to be an epic night of live music!

Tickets are only €10 and are available at the door or online at PresentationCentre.ie. Don’t miss out on this incredible line-up of bands!

Follow Outrage Entertainment on social media for live music updates and more information about this unmissable event. Get ready to rock your socks off! n

Small things happening in New Ross

Cillian Murphy’s latest movie Small Things Like These, filmed in New Ross, is an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s bestseller of the same name, became the first Irish film to open the Berlin International Film Festival last month.

Cillian Murphy’s latest movie Small Things Like These, an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s bestseller of the same name, became the first Irish film to open the Berlin International Film Festival last month.

Cork actor Murphy, who is nominated for a Best Actor Oscar this year for Oppenheimer, stars opposite Zara Devlin, Emily Watson, Eileen Walsh, and Michelle Fairley in the adaptation of Wexford author Keegan's 2021 Booker Prize-nominated novel and he is also one of the film’s producers.

Keegan's book Foster was the basis for the Oscar-nominated Irish-language film An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl), which was an award winner in Berlin in 2022 and made history by becoming the first Irish language feature film to win a major award at the festival.

Small Things Like These reunites Murphy with Peaky Blinders director Tim Mielants, and the script has been written by Murphy's longtime collaborator, playwright Enda Walsh.

The film takes place in an Irish town (New Ross) over Christmas 1985 when devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong (Murphy) discovers startling secrets kept by the convent in his town, along with some shocking truths of his own.

In the words of one critic: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. The oft cited quote from Edmund Burke is the ultimate essence of Small Things Like These, the latest from Belgian director Tim Mielants. Adapted from the 2021 novella by Claire Keegan (who

also wrote The Quiet Girl), it’s a subtle exploration of the infamous Magdalene Laundries, torturous institutions run by the Roman Catholic Church intended to house ‘fallen women’. While many films have explored the dreadful details of this culturally sanctioned terror, Mielants expounds upon Keegan’s prose to highlight the communal complicity which allowed this institutionalisation to prosper. Cillian Murphy leads an understated cast as a man forced to confront the ghosts of his own past, while weighing the consequences of being part of the problem or doing the right thing.”

Small Things Like These was filmed in New Ross, Wicklow, and Dublin last year and is the first feature from Murphy and production partner Alan Moloney's Big Things Films.

In The Quiet Girl, we already get a sense of Claire Keegan's skill in portraying small, apparently simple characters and making them unforgettable; here in Small Things Like These her delicate, rich, and yet down-to-earth writing finds a great interpreter in Cillian Murphy.

The Berlinale is one of the largest public film festivals in the world, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe each year.

Irish film has found critical and audience acclaim at the festival in recent years. As well as Colm Bairéad's An Cailín Ciúin, previous Irish features such as Laurent Larivière's About Joan and Philippe Falardeau's My Salinger Year have received acclaim at the event.

– Based on a report from Berlin by the RTE Guide

Spring Ball

Bellefield GAA Complex

PAT’S PICTURE PARADE

OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER

PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006

3rd February 2024

Liathroid Earrach 2024 was a novel idea by Al FitzGerald, chief organiser of the first Annual Ball held on Feb 3rd, St Brigid's Weekend, in the Bellefield GAA Complex, Enniscorthy, attended by over seventy people who mainly work in the local meat factory, Camolin Country Meats.

Springs adds new life and new beauty to all, as the women were transformed by beautiful dresses and high heels. The men were dressed to kill as the food served by local woman Linda O'Connor and her team was both delicious and fitting for this most memorable Spring Ball.

What made this event so unique was its multiculturalism: Ukrainians, Brazilians, Romanians, Polish, and Hungarians, to name but a few, danced to the rhythm of Irish ballads sung by Pat Hayes.

According to Al: “Multiculturalism isn't about culture; it's power based on respect and can only benefit our nation.

“The Beau of the Ball, proudly sponsored by Barry and Frankie Lenehan Bus Hire, was the elegant and modest Lady Katherine whose inner beauty was captivating. What's inside sometimes takes you to the top.

“Mention must go to the exemplary staff of the GAA fraternity, who served the guests with much Irish wit.”

In conclusion, Al says: “Just as Spring is a time of rebirth and renewed hope, St Brigid's Day was celebrated by a diverse family with positivity and a sunny disposition. Even in the face of adversity, we all must remain hopeful and upbeat in today's troubled world.” n

Slaney

Wexford

The

CONGRATS LISA

Wexford

Congrats to Lisa Garry, winner of the Enniscorthy Credit Union Valentine’s Competition, being presented with her prize by Áine Doyle. n

Enniscorthy Retirement Association

The next Enniscorthy Retirement Association monthly meeting is on Tuesday 5th March at 2.30pm in the Riverside Park Hotel, The Promenade, Enniscorthy.

The guest speaker with be Margaret Treacy who will demonstrate recommended sitting exercises and members will be able to take part if they so wish.

Please note that the annual membership renewal fees (€10) and any outstanding new members’ fees will be collected at this meeting. Proposed theatre trip to the Gaiety Theatre and outings will also be confirmed.

For further details go along to any monthly meeting or see ‘Enniscorthy Retirement Association’ on Facebook or email: enniscorthtyretirementassociation@outlook.com

A new website is now live at www.enniscorthyretirement.net n

Enniscorthy choirs

In Enniscorthy, there are at least three choirs open for new members:

Enniscorthy Gospel Choir, the Silvertones and the new singing group called The Templars based at Templeshannon Community Centre.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Enniscorthy Gospel Choir: Tel: 087 652 2198. Facebook: ‘Enniscorthy Gospel Choir’. Silvertones: Danny 087 2465250 or Mary: 089 414 2626.

The Templars: Tel: 053 9237511. Meet every Thursday morning at 11am in Templeshannon Community Centre. n

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY

Email: enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie Phone: 053 9236055

OPENING HOURS:

Monday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm). Tuesday 10.30am - 5.30pm. Wednesday 10.30am - 5.30pm. Thursday 10.30am - 8.30pm.

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

Closed Saturday & Mondays of bank holiday weekends. n

A unique musical journey

March 15th 2024 sees The Devil’s Spine Band (Trevor Knight, Honor Heffernan and co.) performing in Tinahely at the Courthouse Arts Centre with the Wicklow launch of their highly anticipated double album Golden Arrows of the Moon.

Leaning heavily into the genre of ‘Dark Cabaret’ (previously explored with The Whistling Girl – settings of Dorothy Parker’s poetry), The Devil’s Spine Band takes its lead from Oscar Wilde’s 1882 trip to Leadville, Colorado, then explores all things ‘Cowboy’ and ‘WildeWest’ in an Americana explosion, heavily tinged with Knight’s unique innovative flair. The music features settings of a number of Wilde’s poems together with original lyrics – it’s edgy stuff; improvisational, rockin’, by times ambient electronic and by times a whoopin’ and a hollerin’ kind of an affair, that will take the audience on a unique journey with some of Ireland’s finest musicians and performers. Much of the music was co-written with Ireland’s finest living blues guitarist Ed Deane (Skid Row, Frankie Miller Band, Dana Gillespie), who has featured in all incarnations of the Devil’s Spine Band.

The Devil’s Spine Band at The Courthouse Arts Centre, Friday 15th March, 8pm, €22/€20. Honor Heffernan vocals, Trevor Knight keyboard, Ed Deane guitar, Garvan Gallagher bass, Conor Murray drums. n

OYLEGATE SENIOR CITIZENS PARTY

OYLEGATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, 18TH FEBRUARY 2024 ORGANISED BY OYLEGATE YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS

Below

Oylegate Senior Citizens Party, top row L-R: 1. Kathleen Walsh and Joan Whelan. 2. Claire Fogarty and Margue

Above left: Sean and Margaret Storey and Cllr Willie Kavanagh.

Left: Margaret and Matt O’Connor and Lar Kinsella.

Above: Members of Oylegate Youth Club who hosted the party and served the guests.

Below left: Mary and Rose Morris and Chris Hanlon.

centre: Liz Kinsella and Tom Hendricks.

Below right: Molly Quigley and May Kehoe.

rite Bolger. 3. Betty and Tony Ronan and Nellie Hayden. 4. Joan Doyle and Mary Maher. 5. Jim and Mary Somers.

Kathleen Shiggins, Mary Byrne and Bernice Bateman.

Muadie Maher, Evelyn Kinsella and Chrissy Alcock.

Above: Willie and Phyllis Kehoe.

Below: Angela and Michael Shiggins.

Above: Mary Doyle and Rose Fortune.

Below: Tony and Margaret Rowe.

Talbot Hotel on Sunday, February 25th 2024. Featuring three bridal fashion shows as well as tips and pointers from industry professionals, all funds raised from the fair go to WSPCA, Marine Watch, and the Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Attendees had the opportunity to see a selection of designer gowns, bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses, mother/father of the bride and menswear on the catwalk during a show which included the opportunity to get tips and pointers from industry professionals, live music, finger food, a prosecco re-

SUNDAY

BRIDAL FASHION & WED TALBOT HOTEL,

Left: Sinead Ryan (Lord Leroy’s Lodge dog care centre), Cindy Snow Kenny and Everita Kenny (Everita Kenny Weddings) organiser of the show.

Above: One of the stands at the Fair was Wexford Credit Union with Amy Furlong right and Catherine Biddy Walsh.

Model getting her hair done for the show Ruth O’Keeffe with stylist Jenny Gildea, Bridal Hair Salon.

Below L-R: 1. Chloe Davidson and Sarah Byrne. 2. Caoimhe Cogley and Kathleen Burke. 3. Yvonne Doyle and Jenna Hynes. 4. Young models Rachel Whitty and Lillie Rose Bradley who modelled clothes from the HOPE Charity Shop.

DDING FAIR FUNDRAISER

Y, 25TH FEBRUARY 2024

his mind boggling magic and illusions. There was something for everybody!

Among those showcasing their fashion at the show were Barnardos Bridal Rooms which stocks brand new bridal gowns and wedding accessories that have been donated by some of Ireland's top bridal retailers, wholesalers and designers. It sells its wedding gowns at bargain prices, with all proceeds going to Barnardos children's charity.

There was also a range of preloved gowns in immaculate condition that had been donated to the WSPCA. n

Above left: Elena Ripko Beauty & Brows, Beauty Bridal Makeup, which is opening in Trinity Street Wexford in March. Above centre: Laurine and Linda Kehoe going through some of the fashion on display at the Fair. Above right: Staff of My Jewellers, Wexford, show off some of their selection of engagement rings at the show.

Right: Keira and Leigh Kelly.

Below L-R: 1. Singing from their stall was the very talented mother and son Joy and Sean McCrackin. 2. One the the young models was Cindy Snow Kenny. 3. Shauna Dunne and Sadhbh O’Neill.

Mary and Leigh O’Shea.

LOTS HAPPENING AT CREATIVE GROUNDS THIS MARCH

Alfie O’Sullivan, the driving force behind the new Creative Grounds arts hub on Irish Street, Enniscorthy, is now forging ahead with another idea – a Small Business Club to help support, promote, guide and nurture all local Arts, Crafts & Design small businesses in Enniscorthy and the surrounding areas, by way of growing a thriving network of like minded individuals.

Alfie tells us, “We aim to meet monthly to network, share ideas and discuss any queries or issues we may encounter.

Each month we will also have guest speakers to discuss a variety of topics to help support and grow your small business. By supporting each other, incredible things can happen!”

To join the Small Business Club (which is free!), please call or message Alfie on 087 090 8783 or follow @smallbusinessclub.ie

7th March: Women's Aid Coffee Morning 9-11am.

8th March: Tarot Card Reading (fully booked).

Women’s Day Exhibition 7-10pm.

9th March: Mum & Kids Crafts & Face Painting 12-2pm.

10th March:

Yoga with Julie 10-11.30am.

Stand Up Gals Comedy Night 7pm.

14th March: Live Music with Acko 6.30-8pm.

15th March: Live Music with On The Hop 7-9pm.

23rd - 24th March: Uno Battle!

25th March - 5th April: Easter Arts Camp.

CREATIVE GROUNDS

Irish Street, Enniscorthy, Y21P8K6. Tel: 087 090 8783. events@creativegrounds.ie

Facebook: ‘Creative Grounds Enniscorthy’ https://www.instagram.com/creativegrounds.ie/ n

"The beginning is always today"

- Mary Shelley

It's always hard starting anew. Whether it's a new project, getting fit after a Christmas of indulgence and Quality Street or just getting up and at them like Radioactive Man, but it's doable. That was the attitude used by Mayo man, Paul Hughes, founder and ideas man behind new Wexford theatre company, Amigo Productions.

Started in 2007 in County Galway, Paul and Amigo put on productions and started to make ripples and waves. A new, vibrant company that put out a call. A call for new writing and new plays. One of the standouts of this iteration was Prodigal by Tuam man, Andrew Carney. A play about rural ideals and the inevitable loss due to drink and families torn apart. A play that resonates all over.

When Paul moved to Wexford, he not only had a desire for a hearty spud and a decent strawberry, he also wanted to put on Prodigal again and so put out the call for actors. Under the Amigo banner he auditioned for Prodigal and local man, lover of jellies and sometimes actor, Jamie T Murphy was one of the ones that responded.

And so the play was put on again to a great reception in Red Books, in both Wexford and Gorey, and raised money for Aware as well as sparking up a friendship in Paul and Jamie. After the success of the run, Paul decided to look for more new writing and so put out a call for more one-act plays.

Joan O Ruairc, MUA, stage and screen actress, saw the ads and having made her name with Enniscorthy Drama Group decided to weigh in with Amigo. Along with Red Books owner, Wally O’Neill, purveyor of one of the finest bookshops in the land, they made the terrible twosome of Paul and Jamie into a local Fab Four.

It was decided to put out a call for new writing before Christmas and the response was phenomenal. Receiving well over 50 oneact plays from not only all over Ireland but from as far as Canada and Germany as well! After much deliberation, five were picked as standouts. And they were announced on the 12th of January in

Red Books Wexford. A great night, opened by Jim Codd, and attended by Verona Murphy, with amazing performances by Elva Crowley and Anthony "The Virginian" Barnes and a special appearance by President For Life, Mary McAleese.

The plays selected were:

Borussia Mönchengladbach by Thomas Byrne, directed by Carol Long.

Went A Furze Smashing by Diarmuid McGuinness, directed by Julie Fox & Pat Murphy. Merry Go Round by Joe Bergin, directed by Paul Hughes.

The Narrow Bench by James Sweetman, directed by Jamie T Murphy. Burning Bridges by Eamonn Dolan, directed by Joan O Ruairc and Paul O’Reilly.

The shows will be staged on the 13th and 14th of April in the Arts Centre, Wexford. More details to follow in the next issue.

Amigo would like to thank Frank Corcoran and all at Slaney News for spreading the good word and look forward to working with you going forward!

– JAMIE T MURPHY n

Five amigos: Wally O’Neill, Cllr. Jim Codd, Joan O Ruairc, Jamie T Murphy, Paul Hughes. Pic: Gar Cullen photography.

Slaney

leiSure

BOB MARLEY ONE LOVE

Movie Review with Kyle Walsh 

I remember when I was a kid growing up, I was influenced by some great musicians. My home was always filled with old records of artists such as Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke but also my mother was a huge Bob Marley fan. She would blast his music while she did her daily duties around the house. Bob was always my mother’s favourite artist and to this very day his music still remains her favourite. So, she was very excited when I told her the news that they were in the process of making a Bob Marley biopic. We went the other night to Wexford Omniplex Cinema to see what kind of job the film makers had done on this project about the great Bob Marley.

Bob Marley One Love biopic is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (director of King Richard). In the lead role we have British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir who captures the physicality of Bob Marley. Lashana Lynch is wonderful as Marley’s wife Rita. So with the actors and director at the helm, the story they work within is the celebration of the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity.

On the big screen we get the powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. His

country is divided and is a war zone. Bob wants to do a concert and bring both political parties together as one and put a stop to the monstrosity that’s destroying his country. Two days before the concert, there was a assassination attempt on him. But he still had the courage to go through with the concert and try to bring peace to his country. This was in 1976 and this is very much what the film is based on. It stays away from digging up other parts of his life. This film could be described much more as a timeline of events rather than a exploration of a man.

There are four writers credited on this film but for me the script feels underdeveloped. It seems nervous about adding nuance or shadows to its glowing depiction of Marley, but the result is that it keeps its own subject at a distance. The acting is really good and solid and for me Lashana as Rita is exceptional and does a fantastic job in this film.

It’s an ok film but I was expecting a lot better. I wouldn’t be rushing to the cinema to see it but if you find yourself doing nothing some evening you could stream it and chill at home watching it. It’s a by-the-numbers biography that sheds little new light on an icon but there are strong performances. It gets a 5/10 from me. n

Slaney

Keep up to date on:

https://www.facebook.com/baileylaughscomedy

Email: baileylaughscomedy@gmail.com

Scouting for new volunteers

Please go along to Templeshannon Community Centre on Tuesday 5th March, 6-7pm, to learn more and help make this great idea happen. For more information contact:

Dermot Moore 087 490 4848 or Email: dmoore@scouts.ie n

Slaney

‘Lola’ is no LOL

By Dorn Simon

LOLA, a heavy-themed short drama written and directed by Enniscorthy’s Nic Furlong, has started its festival run with much prowess.

Not only has it earned itself four Official Film Festival Selections so far –Bratislava Film Festival, Paradise Film Festival - Budapest, Short Shot FestMoscow and 15th Underground Cinema Film Awards - Dun Laoghaire, as of February 23rd, but LOLA has just been awarded ‘Best Foreign Film’, ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Short’, in Brooklyn, NY, at the American Filmatic Arts Awards.

Three wins and this is just the beginning.

Awards are not new to Nic Furlong, for he has won awards for Best Actor and Best Writer for his short film SEED. Micheal Benson (Director of Photography) also holds many accolades and awards for his outstanding work across the board.

However, Lily Hendrick-Doyle has won her first film award for Best Actress, and the rest of the crew/cast are having their first film award with LOLA as Best Foreign Film.

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 n

Shirley wins BAFTA

Wexford's Shirley O'Connor won the Outstanding Debut Bafta award last month for producing 'Earth Mama'. Shirley, on the right above, is pictured with the film's director Savanah Leaf.

Queer clothing swap at Stoc, Enniscorthy, on Sunday 10th March from 10am-4pm. Forget about rigid gender norms –at this swap, clothing will be organised based on style, colour and size, not supposed gender assignment.

Bring what you don’t want, take what you do. And if you don’t have anything to bring, don’t worry! Everyone is free to take whatever catches your eye.

Talented resident sewer, Veronica, will be on hand with her trusty machine, ready to make small repairs and alterations.

Keep up to date on the Wexford Pride monthly newsletter! http://tinyurl.com/wexfordpridenewsletter n

Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely

Following

Happy Days are here again!

Goodbye grey skies, hello blue! This year Enniscorthy Musical Society is staging its 47th production and is delighted to be bringing Happy Days - A New Musical to life on the stage with Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and the unforgettable “king of cool” Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli. Based on the hit television series, Happy Days – A New Musical reintroduces one of America’s best loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops, and jukebox sock-hoppin’.

The cast, ensemble, production team and committee are thoroughly enjoying rehearsals and preparations for the show thus far and are excited to showcase their hard work to the public in a matter of weeks. This year's production team consists of Imelda McDonagh (Director), Kevin Kennedy (Musical Director) and James Dobbs (Choreographer). Featuring longstanding EMS members, as well as many new faces, this year’s musical is going to showcase the very best the town and surrounding areas have to offer. With Michael McKenny as the Fonz, Ryan Kavanagh as Richie Cunningham and Michaela White as Pinky, this show is certainly going to rock your socks off. Keith Flanagan, Teresa Buckley and Emily Kelly take up the roles of the beloved Cunningham family, with John Donohoe, Josh Higginbotham and Niall Martin making up the Dialtones. Longstanding member of the society, Lorcan Dunne, returns to EMS in the role of famous diner owner, Arnold.

The show will run from Tuesday 2nd April 2024 to Saturday 6th April 2024, starting at 8pm nightly in Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy. Tickets can be purchased through the EMS social media and at www.gr8events.ie/happydaysems

This perfectly family friendly musical will have you rockin’ and rollin’ all week long. Happy Days are here again! n

Scorthy Smiles Comedy Association

Introducing Scorthy Smiles Comedy Association

– a group founded by local comedians Galina Orlova, Blayne Hosey, Brendan Robinson, Natasha Brooks and Leona Eustace Breen.

With a focus on comedy and mental health well being, the group is so excited to introduce this group and cannot wait to share all the plans that it has in the pipeline.

Like and follow its Facebook page for updates:

https://www.facebook.com/scorthysmilescomedy association

Email: scorthysmilescomedy@gmail.com n

Music

Book

Musical

Kevin Kennedy

L-R: Galina Orlova, Blayne Hosey, Brendan Robinson, Natasha Brooks and Leona Eustace Breen.

St Martin’s Girl Guides Fundraising Table Quiz

The Coal Bunker Bar, Drinagh, 16th February 2024

PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006

Joey Barron, James and Deborah Quinn, Deirdre O’Connor.

Roiseen Reville, Megan, Jade, Martine and Andrew Sinnott.

Robbie Murphy and Anne Barry. Aisling Cahill, Colum Kavanagh, Geraldine McDonald and Sean Goodison. Clara Murphy and Grace McGuire.

Above left: Suzanne McGuire, Patricia Hanton and Anne Deacon. Above centre: Mary Butler, Sinead Walsh, Mag Rossiter and Leanne Butler.

Above right: Kerry Ryan and Sean Cowman. Below left: Seamus, Laura and Ann Cullen, Willie Browne. Below centre: Eamonn, Conor, Daire and Lisa McGuire. Below right: Patricia McGuire and Deirdre Doyle.

The Old Fogertys head back to the 70s

You can donate online or on the night to support the superb work of the Hope Centre in Enniscorthy. https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/TheOldFogartys

Great poster artwork by Martin 'Skinny' Crimmings.

Wexford Drama Group –driven by success

After a successful run in February in the Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford Drama Group’s production of How I Learned To Drive by Paula Vogel, starring Enniscorthy’s Fintan Kelly, has now taken to the road competing on the drama circuit hoping to emulate the group ’ s success last year and once again reach the All-Ireland Drama Festival finals in Athlone.

Pic: Peter O’Hanlon Photography

The Old Fogertys rehearsing with Therese Canavan Bolger.

Busy times for WLOS

PROCEEDS OF WLOS ANNUAL CAROL SINGING PRESENTED

The proceeds of Wexford Light Opera Society’s (WLOS) Carol Singing at Christmas were presented to worthy causes last month. €5,250 was raised in total over the Christmas period at Christmas parties around Wexford town. €3,500 went to Wexford Meals on Wheels, €1,000 went to the CBS Primary School and €750 went to the Lady of Fatima School.

Wexford Light Opera Society has raised hundreds of thousands of euros over the years since the tradition started in the late 1970s. The group would like to thank all those who contributed this year and over previous years.

Our picture shows the WLOS Carol Singers presenting one of the cheques to Wexford Meals on Wheels.

“THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” –TICKETS ALMOST SOLD OUT

The Society is so excited to have secured the rights to this wonderful musical by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, packed with musical favourites such

as: The Phantom of the Opera, The Music of the Night and All I Ask of You.

The talented cast is as follows:

Christine Daaé - KARLA TRACEY.

The Phantom - TONY CARTY.

Raoul - DANIEL FURLONG.

Richard Firmin -TONY BRENNAN.

Gilles André - PAT LAWLOR.

Carlotta Giudicelli - AMI STAHLUT.

Madame Giry - NICOLA ROCHE.

Ubaldo Piangi – GEORGE LAWLOR.

Monsieur Reyer - DYLAN WALSH.

Meg Giry - NIAMH CULLEN.

Joseph Buquet - ERIC HAYES.

Confidante (in Il Muto)CATHERINE WALSH

Monsieur Lefèvre/PassarinoJAMES MCDERMOTT.

Auctioneer - STEPHEN BYRNE.

The expert production team is:

Director - Christine Scarry.

Musical Director - David Hayes.

Chorus Mistress - Eithne Corrigan.

Choreographer - Thérése O’Sullivan.

Rehearsals are well under way for what promises to be a fantastic production.

The show runs at the National Opera House from Monday 29th April to Saturday 4th May nightly at 8pm with a matinee performance on Saturday 4th May at 2pm. Remaining tickets can be purchased by contacting the National Opera House Box Office or going online at www.nationaloperahouse.ie n

“Wexford

– Colm Tóibín

Watch your body’s Circad they dictate your h

Get up at dawn and go to bed at dark. That was the wisdom of ages, impacting on your energy, your weight, your zest for life and your performance and good health in a long life. They said it was dictated by your body clock or, in scientific terms, a single clock which ticked away in a little box in your brain called a suprachiasmatic nucleus or SCN.

Now, New Ross-born Prof Annie Curtis from the Royal College of Surgeons reveals that she and her fellow scientists have found that there is not one clock, but several all over your body and to keep them ticking, it’s best to rest and sleep when it’s dark and get up at dawn.

She’s been studying them for more than 20 years and if she had her way, she wouldn’t put the ordinary clocks or wrist watches forward or back, she’d keep them going just as day and night as the natural seasons decide.

Her colleague scientists put a name on your body clocks. They named them circadian clocks. They found that they produce circadian rhythms of highs and lows every 24 hours and that they operate by levels of things called melatonin and cortisol in your body. Prof Curtis, who has a genetics background in Trinity College, said melatonin puts you to sleep at night and cortisol gets you up and motivated out of bed in the morning. Your circadian clocks can detect when it is light – time to get up, and dark – time to go to sleep.

Put away your smartphones at night, she told more than 40 captivated people at the Wexford Science Café hosted by retired university science lecturer and journalist Brian Trench in

Wexford Library last week. She told them if you want to live better, no fiddling around on your smartphone or watching the telly in bed at night. They emit blue light and blue light interrupts your circadian clock which then says ‘Hey it’s time to get up’ thus causing sleep debt. Get between seven and nine hours of good sleep per night, she said.

Checking with her mother who was with friends in the audience, she said, “My Mam would wind her watch every day. We need to wind our body clocks to make sure they are in tune with the external environment. First-light in the morning sets your brain clock and first-bite in the morning sets the rest of the clocks of your body off.”

Melatonin is getting a lot of Press, she said, but if you want to increase melatonin, switch off the lights at night. Guess what blue light does; it increases cortisol!

What really gives you strong circadian clocks is light and food. You should eat during the day within a twelve-hour time-frame and eat no more food three hours before you go to bed. If you eat, your pancreas wakes up to produce insulin to make sure that the sugars that are in your blood go into your muscles. Try the 12 hours limit and then try to go a little earlier. Your pancreas works better earlier in the day. To maintain good blood sugar levels and good metabolism, and your muscles taking up the glucose through the signal insulin, is why it’s better to eat earlier, she said.

Prof Curtis studied the lives of shift workers, even behaving like a shift worker in her experiments. There are owls and there

Below left: Professor Annie Curtis, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, and Brian Trench, Duncormack, retired head of school of communications, Dublin City University, who is the host of the monthly Wexford Science Café talks. Below right: Bridin Lyng Moloney, New Ross, Anne Curtis, New Ross, mother of speaker Professor Annie Curtis, and Edel Fitzmaurice, Wexford.

dian Clocks –health

are larks, she discovered. Their circadian clocks are all over the place. It’s ‘Oh Jesus’ tough on the body. That’s why shift work is difficult for people, difficult psychologically and difficult physically.

Regularity in your life is vital. We tend to eat from the minute we get up to the time we sleep. What you can really do to help your microbiota, is give your microbiota time to replenish from the last time you ate. Sleep gives you time.

Babies don’t get circadian clocks until about six months. The clocks of adolescents go later which is why they go to bed late and have to be dragged out, it’s probably hormonal too.

In winter, we’re still on a 24-hour day, even though we’re getting more or less light, our melatonin tends to go up earlier.

The main messages from the effervescent Professor Annie Curtis, “a yella belly to the last” she says, is if you want to live a much healthier life, have plenty of social interaction with people and eat within a time-frame of 12 hours from the time you get up. Regularity is vital, she said. Her final message is: “Set an alarm clock for the time to go to bed and your body clock will wake you up naturally in the morning when you have had sufficient sleep!”

– M.F.

The Wexford Science Café meets in Wexford Library on the third Tuesday of every month and is open to everybody who has an interest in science. The next meeting is on Tuesday 19th March at 7.30pm. Details and booking: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4188280 n

Top: The Circadian Rhythm.

Above right: Captivated audience at the talk.

Right: When Circadian Rhythms break down. Below: Professor Curtis addresses the audience.

Edges – sound and ceramics

EDGES

An international exhibition of sound and ceramics. Co-curated by Richard Carr, Kay Aplin and Joseph Young. Wexford Arts Centre, 20 February – 22 March 2024. Featuring performances by Joseph Young and Suzanne Walsh. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am – 5pm and Saturday from 10am – 4pm.

Wexford Arts Centre in partnership with Wexford County Council Arts Department are pleased to present Edges, a group exhibition featuring work by Kay Aplin, Juss Heinsalu, Pille Kaleviste, Linda O’Keeffe, Patrick Tubin McGinley, Suzanne Walsh, Katharine West, and Joseph Young. The exhibition will run in the lower and upper gallery of Wexford Arts Centre from Tuesday 20 February to Saturday 22 March, 2024.

Produced by artist-curators Kay Aplin and Joseph Young of The Ceramic House (UK) in partnership with Irish curator and sound artist Richard Carr, Edges explores ceramics and sound art practice through the work of artists from three nations at the western and eastern fringes of Europe - Ireland, UK and Estonia. The works were developed as part of artist residencies and international exchanges, creating collaborative encounters across the two disciplines.

Edges explores what it means to work at the edge of something and how we understand the outsider. Edges also expands on the idea of artistic practice as a so-called ‘cutting edge’, through the investigation of geographical boundaries and coastlines of the host nations.

The exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre is the result of three separate artist residencies and one new commission. All of the artworks exhibited can be seen as works-in-progress or experimental iterations, made under tight time constraints and in response to place and site.

The first residency took place in April 2022 at The Ceramic House (supported by European funding) pairing two sound artists from Ireland, Linda O’Keeffe and Suzanne Walsh, with Estonian ceramicists Juss Heinsalu and Pille Kaleviste. Over a period of four weeks, they worked together in pairs and the resulting exhibition Peripheries was shown as part of the Brighton Artists Open Houses festival.

The second residency at Interface in the Inagh Valley, Connemara, in June 2023, saw Kay Aplin and Joseph Young exploring the Connemara landscape, accompanied by curator Richard Carr, in a series of walks and wanderings, gathering binaural sound recordings and plant, fossil, lichen specimens as they went.

The third residency took place at Watts Gallery and Artist Village, Surrey (Oct-Dec 2023), the former home of celebrated artist couple, George Frederic and Mary Watts. Here Aplin and Young explored a more personal take on encounters through partnership, both through the lens of their own relationship and the creation of The Ceramic House, their artist home, which was conceived and developed by Kay.

Finally, ceramic artist Katharine West (IE) and sound artist Patrick Tubin McGinley have selected pre-existing works to be displayed alongside each other, creating a dialogue in the gallery space and uncovering new ways of listening and viewing the material (clay) and the ephemeral (sound).

Richard Carr is an Artist-Curator currently living and working in Wexford. His practice is rooted in a sonic sensibility and usually involves spending time within specific geographical, architectural and psychological landscapes. He has been supported by numerous funding bodies including Culture Ireland, Creative Ireland, ArtLinks, ALAAO, and The Arts Council of Ireland.

Kay Aplin is an architectural ceramicist, and has been creating site-specific commissions for the public realm and large-scale tiled installations since graduating from Chelsea College of Art in 1995. Kay works with microscopic imagery of natural objects to create highly textured wall-based porcelain compositions. Exhibitions include Indian Ceramics Triennial, Aveiro Ceramics Biennial, Kogei Triennial Kanazawa, British Ceramics Biennial and Collect, Saatchi Gallery. She is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics and selected member of the Craft Potters Association. In 2011, Kay initiated her awardwinning project The Ceramic House, project space and living showcase of her work.

Joseph Young lives and works between Brighton, Berlin and Dublin. He is an Irish Research Council Scholar, for his practice-based PhD at SMARTlab UCD, Killruddery: Listening to the Archive (2019-2023).

Edges is supported by Wexford County Council, i-Portunus and Open Gorey. Wexford Arts Centre is supported by the Arts Council and Wexford County Council. n

Connecting to the community

Ireland

The

Arts Centre. The three-year

is aimed at connecting the community, people, artists etc with place, and Deryn is engaging with all sections of the community in order to get as much feedback as possible so as to frame the development of what can be done by the project.

Deryn is engaging with the local community to explore, discuss and plan a range of creative and participatory projects for local people to take part in and enjoy. The objective is to connect people in order to allow ideas develop into creative actions. Creative Places seeks to address any issues and empower the people of Enniscorthy to make decisions about what kind of creative activity they want to experience.

A successful introductory event was held last December in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, and a second one in Templeshannon Community Centre on 15th February, both attended by a large number of artists and those with an interest in the arts. n

is

For any queries, suggestions or ideas, tel: 087 9578984. Email: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie

https://www.facebook.com/CreativePlacesEnniscorthy

A survey has been prepared asking for opinions, suggestions, ideas etc which will be helpful to Deryn in her work. The survey can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LXShplGNKkxqXjiQSuPwjAWhNyyObsRUuC2pa0_ZviQ/viewform?edit_requested=true

Deryn O’Callaghan is the co-ordinator for Creative Places Enniscorthy, an Arts Council of

initiative based in

Presentation

project

Deryn O’Callaghan

the Project Co-ordinator.

Creative Places Enniscorthy connecting with the community event in Templeshannon Community Centre on 15th February, 2024. All pics: Conor Gibson.

The 8th Annual Open Call Exhibition at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy –Celebrating Creativity! March 9th 2023 – May 4th 2023.

After a hugely successful 7th Annual Open Call Exhibition where 140 artists from all over Ireland shone brilliantly on the gallery walls, the 8th Annual Open Call Exhibition is back for 2024 in Enniscorthy’s primary gallery space. In what has been described as a staple of the arts and culture calendar in the south east of Ireland, this exhibition showcases all types of artists – professional or beginner, using any technique.

Saturday March 9th, 6pm - 8pm: Official Opening & Awards Ceremony. May 8th to May 11th, 10am - 10pm: Artwork Collection Days. n

The Slaney Writers group meets in Enniscorthy Library 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.

Enniscorthy Library Adult Book Club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7pm and is free to join. Book clubs are a great way to meet others and discuss books. If you would like more information or to join, contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055. All are welcome. n

FEMALE ARTISTS’ SHOW AT CREATIVE GROUNDS

Starting on Friday 8th March (International Women’s Day), Creative Grounds in Irish Street, Enniscorthy, will be hosting a full weekend showcasing art, writing, music, acting and poetry from the amazingly talented women in and around Enniscorthy –Co. Wexford’s new capital of culture! Creative Grounds, Irish Street, Enniscorthy, Y21P8K6. Tel: 087 090 8783. events@creativegrounds.ie Facebook: ‘Creative Grounds Enniscorthy’ https://www.instagram.com/creativegrounds.ie/ n

Alfie O’Sullivan Proprietor, Creative Grounds.

Pic: Wexford Media / Damien Smullen

Pic: Wexford Media / Damien Smullen

Enniscorthy Country Market –fresh produce in an indoor setting

The indoor Enniscorthy Country Market is open every Friday morning from 8.30am till 12 noon at the IFA Centre.

Fresh produce at reasonable prices.

Both cash and card taken. n

Killowen Farm starts 2024 on a high!

Multi-award-winning Killowen Farm has started 2024 where it left off in 2023 – winning awards (see accompanying photo).

Last month the Courtnacuddy-based food business was presented with The Irish TimesNew to the Parish Local Business Award in association with Bank of Ireland.

Congrats to all at Killowen and best wishes for many more awards in 2024. n

ooted in exford

Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him.

In my previous article, we delved into the world of potatoes and greenhouse gardening, setting the stage for a fruitful journey into the realm of homegrown delights. Now, as March unfolds, let's expand our gardening repertoire by exploring the cultivation of peas, parsley, and Oriental salad. If you missed my previous article, catch up on last month’s beginner's guide to growing spuds as there is still plenty of time to start them now.

Peas: Perfect Pods of Spring

As the weather begins to warm, it's time to sow the seeds of peas. These versatile legumes thrive in cool conditions, making March the perfect month to kickstart their growth. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Peas appreciate support, so install trellises or stakes to guide their upward climb. With regular watering and occasional fertilisation, you'll soon be harvesting tender pods bursting with flavour. A little tip with peas is to continue to pick them as they grow as it encourages the plants to keep on producing.

Parsley: Leafy and a given for any home garden

Parsley, with its vibrant green foliage and

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.

distinct flavour, is a must-have herb for any garden. Whether you opt for the curly or flat-leaf variety, March marks an excellent time to sow parsley seeds. I sow into seed trays and then once they are strong enough you can transplant them directly into the soil. Choose a location in your garden with partial shade, as parsley prefers cooler temperatures. Ensure to keep the soil consistently moist, and within a few weeks, you'll witness the emergence of delicate parsley sprouts. As they mature, harvest leaves as needed to add freshness and depth to your home cooking.

Oriental Salad: A Symphony of Flavours Expand your garden's horizons with the addition of Oriental salad greens. These diverse and nutrient-rich leaves add a burst of flavour to salads, stir-fries, and wraps. Like parsley, I sow seeds into seed trays and then transplant directly into well-prepared soil, ensuring a spacing of a few inches between each plant so that they have plenty of room to grow. You can also grow them in window boxes if you are short on space. Oriental salad greens thrive in cool, moist conditions, making them an excellent choice for early spring planting. Keep the soil consistently damp, and within a few weeks, you'll be harvesting a colourful array of tender leaves that are a great addition to your salads.

Some March Gardening Tips:

Soil Preparation: Take advantage of mild March weather to prepare your garden beds for planting. Incorporate organic

matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and promote healthy plant growth. I love to add seaweed granules to my soil as it is a natural product that is full of benefits for your soil growth and your plants’ roots alike.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around newly planted seeds and seedlings to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials such as straw or shredded leaves make excellent mulch choices. But be careful not to have too much and block out any light that the seedlings will need.

Slug Patrol: Keep an eye out for early signs of slugs and diseases in your garden. Practice vigilance and take proactive measures such as hand-picking slugs or applying organic pest control solutions to protect your plants. Slugs can decimate your seedlings in a matter of minutes so it is really important to keep on top of them.

As we embark on this gardening journey together, remember to embrace the joys and challenges that each season brings. For ongoing tips, inspiration, and to share your gardening experiences, connect with me on Instagram @rootedinwexford. Let's cultivate a thriving community of green thumbs!

With peas climbing, parsley thriving, and Oriental salad greens flourishing, March promises to be a month filled with gardenfresh delights. Happy gardening, and may your March garden be abundant and nourishing! n

Your local

Slimming

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

FLAVOURSOME EASTER TREATS

Easter is a time of spiritual reflection and celebration aswell as time for families to come together around the dinner table. From main dishes to sweet treats, here are five mouthwatering Easter food traditions to be enjoyed over the Easter holidays

1. Roast Lamb

Roast lamb takes centre stage on many Easter tables, symbolizing the arrival of springtime abundance. Succulent and tender, a leg of lamb is often slow-roasted with garlic, rosemary, and other aromatic herbs until it's perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. Served alongside seasonal vegetables, roast lamb is to Easter what Turkey & Ham is to Christmas.

2. Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are an Easter staple. These soft, spiced buns, studded with currants or raisins and marked with a symbolic cross on top, are enjoyed throughout the Easter season. Whether served warm with a generous slather of butter or toasted until golden brown, hot cross buns are a comforting treat that adds a touch of sweetness to the holiday festivities.

3. Irish Soda Bread

The traditional Irish soda bread is made with just four ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. The light kneading of dough results in a crusty exterior and a tender, moist centre. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or used to mop up gravy from the Easter lamb, Irish soda bread is a beloved staple of Irish cuisine.

4. Simnel Cake

Simnel cake is a traditional Easter fruitcake, enjoyed for centuries but one that seems to be going out of fashion now. A rich layered fruitcake filled with dried fruits and topped with a layer of marzipan, this dessert is adorned with eleven balls to represent the eleven faithful apostles (excluding Judas). Simnel cake is feast for the eyes and taste buds.

5. Easter Eggs

Eggs hold a special place at Easter as they symbolize new life and rebirth. In recent years, chocolate eggs have replaced normal eggs but in the past while people were fasting during lent eggs were one if the foods they fasted from, so were a welcome treat on Easter Sunday.

From succulent roast lamb to sweet and spicy hot cross buns, if you want to enjoy these traditional Easter treats but don’t want the hassle of cooking, pop into The Bailey Bar & Eatery in Enniscorthy where our chefs will do all the hard work for you.

Datapac enables faster rollout of vital services

Enniscorthy-based IT services provider Datapac last month announced that it has delivered a managed IT helpdesk solution to Cope Foundation, which is enabling faster rollout of the organisation’s vital services to over 2,800 children and adults with an intellectual disability and/or autism across Cork City and county.

Acting as an extension of the organisation, Datapac’s service

Pettitt's SuperValu, Wexford, named SuperValu Store of the Year 2024

Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, Wexford town, has been named named SuperValu Store of the Year 2024 at the SuperValu National Conference held recently at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney.

Pettitt's also won Best Large SuperValu Store of the Year at the event.

Its success was based on product range and quality, customer service, store presentation and innovation, fresh food offering, store hygiene standards and sustainability. n

quickly and effectively remediates daily IT challenges for Cope Foundation across its 70+ locations in Cork. This solution has reduced downtime and boosted productivity for Cope Foundation which, in turn, enables employees to focus on delivering support services and resources such as education, training and employment opportunities, creative art therapies, and physical activity and sports to children and adults in local communities. n

Cormac Pettitt and Nicky Byrne of Pettitt’s SuperValu

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE

Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93

info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie

Contact: 053 9196020

Email:

breege.cosgrave@wexfordcoco.ie

Local Enterprise Week 2024

Experience a week dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in Wexford!

Celebrate Local Enterprise Week 2024, taking place Monday 4th - Friday 8th March.

Wexford Local Enterprise Office offers a variety of events suitable for both start-ups and growth stage businesses that will provide valuable insights and advice to assist in the development of your company. Don't miss out on these invaluable opportunities to network, learn, and grow your business. Join in Local Enterprise Week and take your entrepreneurial journey to new heights! n

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Training-Events/Local-Enterprise-Week-2024/

Local Enterprise Office, Wexford County Council,

Enniscorthy’s IDA Investment

News of the IDA’s plans for an advanced factory building in Enniscorthy (see page 30) follows on from a recent announcement of major IDA investment in BD, Enniscorthy’s largest employer.

Becton Dickinson (BD) announced some weeks ago that it plans to invest €30 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Enniscorthy, creating 85 new jobs. This new investment in Enniscorthy follows other recent investments in the facility, including a €1.5 million project, supported by IDA, to install 1,300 solar panels at the facility, along with heat pumps totalling 1 Megawatt.

Together, these investments will eliminate 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, which will help BD meet its 2030 environmental sustainability goals. n

At the signing between Wexford County Council and the IDA for the design and planning of the new IDA advanced factory to be located in the Enniscorthy Technology Park, L-R: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Brian McGee (IDA), Minister James Browne TD, Cllr John Fleming (Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Council).

Enniscorthy is home to Ireland’s best spa 2024

Congrats to Monart Destination Spa, based just outside Enniscorthy, on being awarded ‘Ireland’s Best Spa’ in the recent Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2024. n

Crucial meeting for all Enniscorthy & District Chamber members

Enniscorthy & District Chamber President, Michael Dempsey, is inviting all members to a meeting of the Chamber in the Chamber Office, Portsmouth House, Templeshannon, on Monday, March 11th, at 8pm, to hear of the negotiated conditions for an amalgamation of Enniscorthy Chamber with the County Wexford Chamber.

At this meeting members will be asked to vote in favour or to reject the terms negotiated by the negotiating team. It is therefore crucial that members make every effort to attend this meeting. n

International Women’s Day breakfast

Wexford Local Enterprise Office in association with County Wexford Chamber are hosting an International Women's Day 2024 event and all are invited.

Celebrate with keynote speaker Catherine Vaughan, Partner at Ernst & Young and sponsor/chair of EY’s LQBT+ network. Limited spaces available, so book your space now for just €20 per person.

Book now at:

http://tinyurl.com/bddyfxy2

Agenda:

08.00 Registration and Welcome

08.20 Breakfast Buffet

08.40 Good Morning

08.50 Breege Cosgrave, LEO Wexford

08.55 Deirdre O'Flynn, Co. Wexford Chamber

09.00 Key Note Speaker Catherine Vaughan - 'Inclusivity Is Your Business'

09.25 Panel Discussion - 'Diversity as a Personal & Business Resource'

10.15 Special Guests

10.30 Closing & Networking

“Together let's ignite a more inclusive world for women.” n

Mark Browne (Monart Destination Spa General Manager) with spa manager Amy Kenny and spa assistant manager Pamela Nolan, and their national award.

Experience the world of innovation

Enniscorthy is set to host Ireland’s first Sustainability Hackathon on 9th March.

If you like business, innovation and have an interest in creating – then this is for you...

Think about how you would like to create innovative change in business through the ideation of a sustainable product, service, solution. Join a truly unique opportunity to workshop within a team, be mentored by experts and have fun along the way! It is a truly great chance to experience NDRC and GreentechHQ in action and doing what they do best which is help Ireland’s National Startups headed by globally ambitious tech entrepreneurs. On Saturday, 9th March, at GreenTechHQ in Enniscorthy, GreenTechHQ will host the inaugural 2050 Sustainability Hackathon powered by the NDRC.

This is for ALL aspiring entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and those with curious minds to explore and advance their ideas in sustainability innovation. This hackathon is designed to provide you with the teammates, mentorship, and guidance to transform your idea into a real business with positive impact.

If you are passionate about sustainability and think you have an innovative idea to change the world OR know you could add your voice to those who do – this is for you.

The 2050 Sustainability Hackathon with GreenTechHQ powered by NDRC is open to anyone with an interest in sustainability and innovation who wants to get plugged into the start-up ecosystem.

Do you…

 Have an idea but don’t know where to start?

 Want to see your tech idea brought to life in 1 day?

 Have no idea but want to get involved in a team?

 Want to spend a day with start-ups and entrepreneurs?

 Want to meet aspiring entrepreneurs as well as mentors?

 Want to learn new entrepreneurial skills?

OUTCOME

Meet & Connect – Develop an Idea

Learn From Mentors – Discover New Trends

Start with just an idea, a team, and lots of questions. Finish with a well-developed start-up concept, a diverse and supportive network, and a whole new level of entrepreneurial knowledge.

APPLY NOW

https://www.ndrc.ie/2050-sustainability-hackathon-withgreentech-hq n

2050 GreenTechHQ Sustainability Hackathon

Dog owners should know....

Pets First operate a dog kennel in Tomanoole, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, on behalf of Wexford County Council. For dogs being reclaimed, the owner must pay the fine for the dog being loose and any other pound costs. The contact number is 053 93 88339.

The dog warden is John Colfer who may be contacted at 087 6293043. The Dog Warden can seize dogs not under control in a public place and have them impounded. There is a fee of €50 for the surrender of unwanted dogs to the dog warden.

Control of Dogs

All owners must ensure their dogs are:

 Licensed

 Under control when in public (on a lead)

 Have an identity tag with contact details for their owner on their collar

 Certain dogs must be muzzled and on a strong chain when in public

 Clean up after the dog if it fouls in a public place and dispose of the deposit in a bin.

Fines of €100 for minor breaches of the Act apply but fines of up to €2,500 may apply if the on-the-spot fine is not paid or for more serious breaches of the Control of Dogs Act. Remember, your dog can be a killer around sheep so keep it under control. n

Richie takes over at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track

Enniscorthy track has a new racing manager with the news that Richie Lawlor is to take over the reins.

The Enniscorthy season is due to get underway this evening, March 4th, with the Future Champion & Michael Fortune Memorial set to start on March 17th. Richie has big boots to fill as Bridget Whelan has done the most incredible job at the venue over the last number of years. Bridget is to take a step back and we wish her the very best. No doubt she will still be a fixture at the track in the future.

We wish the best of luck to Richie in his new role. n

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

T: (053) 9233187, 9236674.

F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR MARCH

It’s extraordinary sometimes the bond between an owner and their pet often from the getgo of them meeting. It's almost like they've been together before.

About 13 years ago one such pairing arrived to the clinic one night. It was a cat whose name was Ed and his owner. The cat was all out of sorts and the owner was naturally very worried. Over the next while I met the pair a few times and realised that it was almost a mirroring... If the owner got sick the cat was out of kilter too. Thankfully, the cat responded, the owner picked up too, and I didn't see them for ages.

Fast forward 11 years and the cat was presented to the Moyne Vet Hospital drinking and peeing lots. We took him in, ran some tests, and confirmed our fears that Ed was in kidney failure. This isn't that unusual in an older cat and, yes, the condition can be managed but his blood work looked grave and the outlook grim. The owner was determined to do everything for him and so embarked on a regime of changing his diet, regular checkups and monitoring every week or two depending on how he was doing.

It became apparent to me over this time that Ed seemed to dip when the owner was struggling. I have noticed this lots of times in clinic and realised that our animals can read us like a book. I often say to owners, 'They're not looking to see what hairstyle do we have in the mornings... they are reading our energy field and know if we are happy, sad, frazzled or fine.' If we're having a bad day they see it as their job to help. For me, they are here to do so much more not just eat their

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

grub and go for walks. The more I do the integrative medicine, the more I've come to realise how smart but also how they work from a place of unconditional love. I now believe that they'll take on stuff for us to help ease our life.

It's well documented about therapy animals for autistic children, for old people in nursing homes, and equine assisted learning for children and adults alike. These animals are making a difference to vulnerable people almost every day. To me this is also true of lots of our pets... not all of course but there are quite a few who will go out in sympathy with their owner!

Ed lived a sheltered life and his every need was catered for during the next two years... with highs and lows for his owner as he dipped and bounced back again and again. His kidneys were holding ok but he began losing weight and with time it became apparent that he had developed a bone tumour and there would be no way back from this. He had battled and navigated his way through a long, serious illness that would have finished most animals but it was cruel that it was something else that caught him. The bravery that both he and his owner showed time and again but most of all when the day came to say their goodbyes... The bond and trust that was there from the very beginning continued to the last moments. It was a privilege to witness such a friendship and courage to call it time. It’s a double-edged sword... to be a witness to something bigger than the parts and to be there to end that bond. What stays with me is the quote of a good friend who said to me before he passed away... 'LOVE NEVER DIES'. 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

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING VOLKSWAGEN ID.3

The Volkswagen ID.3 has been a big success in Ireland since it first went on sale back in 2020. Along with the bestselling ID.4, it’s really helped put Volkswagen on the map as one of the leading producers of electric vehicles.

The compact, five-door hatchback is available in 2024 with the choice of two battery sizes and it’s also had a price cut making it a more attractive prospect than ever before.

In 2023, the ID.3 received a facelift that lightly tweaks the styling and adds some new colours like Dark Olivine Green – all for a more sophisticated presence.

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

There’s a new bonnet and the black strip has been removed. Volkswagen has also added a new front bumper with larger air intakes that have an aerodynamic benefit too. There are also new rear light clusters. Alloy wheel sizes vary from 18to 20-inch depending on trim level.

The cabin of the ID.3 is very minimalist compared to traditional fuel-powered Volkswagens like the Polo and the Golf. It’s very modern but a little austere at the same time. For the facelifted model, Volkswagen has included some more soft touch materials in the dashboard and doors.

There is a small digital instrument cluster as before for the driver behind the steering wheel. There’s also a 10-inch touchscreen that’s running the latest Volkswagen software for improved system performance and can receive over-the-air updates. It’s responsive to use now, though the smartphone generation will likely find the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interface far more interesting.

The navigation system includes a route planner to help plan charging stops. The ventilation controls are placed in the screen as before, which can be a little awkward to adjust while driving. There are

VOLKSWAGEN ID.3

a few shortcut buttons underneath and touch sliders to adjust the volume of the stereo and the level of heating of the interior.

The ID.3 was the first Volkswagen to be built on the brand’s modular electric drive (MEB) platform. This allowed for an efficient design and spacious interior for a compact hatchback. The ID.3 feels roomy in the back seat with large footwells. The boot can accommodate 385 litres, which is competitive for a compact electric hatchback. The rear seats split fold 60:40 and there’s Isofix child seat fixtures on the two outer seats and the front passenger seat.

The ID.3 is available with two different battery sizes: 58 kWh or 77 kWh. The 58 kWh offers up to 428 km (WLTP) of electric driving, while the 77 kWh offers up to 557 km (WLTP). During my test drive of the ID.3 77kWh in a cold January, my average consumption was 18-19 kWh per 100 kilometres, which indicates a range of 405-428 kilometres in real world driving.

The ID.3 is rear-wheel drive – just like

the original Beetle – with a single electric motor producing an ample 204hp and 310Nm of torque. That’s good for a 0-100km/h time of 7.4-7.9 seconds, depending on which model you go for. The ID.3 77kWh feels sprightly from behind the wheel, with plenty of nippy acceleration on offer. It’s smooth and agile to drive, with a solid feel and cohesiveness to the controls – all the things that made the Golf famous! It’s devoid of much character but it can’t be accused of being anything other than capable, which will please most buyers. Comfort and refinement levels are generally good though it can feel a little bumpy over imperfections in the road surface.

11 kW charging comes as standard. DC fast charging is possible up to 120kW for an 80% charge in 30-35 minutes.

The ID.3 58kWh is available on the road from €37,112 in Pro trim or from €37,928 in Pro Plus. The ID.3 77kWh is available from €42,440 for the Pro S and from €44,865 for the Pro S Plus.

The Volkswagen ID.3 is a hugely significant car for Volkswagen and has been a big seller for the brand. However it’s come under ever more scrutiny in a new car market that’s become increasingly competitive with the arrival of some other brilliant electric hatchbacks like the Cupra Born, MG 4 and the Renault Megane E-Tech. The facelift certainly goes some way to make the ID.3 more appealing but in truth, updates are minor and it’s the price cut that really makes it worth a look. Buyers will find a competent electric hatchback that ticks the practicality box while offering a solid and predictable drive, with competitive range –particularly if you can stretch to the 77kWh n

Interior

Chapel Lane, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, Y21 XH64

T: 083 1172909

If you suffer from lack of sleep due to ongoing health issues, such as back or body pain, twisting and turning at night, age related, menopause/perimenopause etc, then choose the custom-designed O’Suan Sleep Support System –a series of carefully selected, high quality materials (cashmere wool, natural latex, coconut fibres and silk) layered according to your partricular body pressure over 2,000 individual pocket springs and encased in an easily removable, washable cover.

To find out more or to book a FREE Consultation and Scan (using cutting edge pressure mapping technology), drop in to the O'Suan Sleep showroom located at The Green, Clonard Village, Wexford Town, Y35 R288. Or contact Ray or Luke on: 083-1172909, email: wexford@osuansleep.com, www.osuansleep.com

The Green, Clonard Village Centre, Wexford, Y35 R288

Bree Billiards and Snooker Club

The first tournament of the new season, with a field of 17, concluded in early December, 2023. Adrian Morrissey emerged as the winner of the Jimmy O'Brien Billiards Trophy.

Adrian (-80) defeated Mark Dunne (+40) on a scoreline of 200/126. Beaten semi-finalists were Stephen Murphy (+40) and Shane Dawson (+80). Adrian also laid claim to the Highest Break prize, notching up a 42. Jimmy O'Brien, honorary member, was present on the night for the prizegiving, having gone out in an earlier round himself.

The following week, the 6 Red Snooker tournament commenced at the preliminary group stage. 22 players took to the green baize in 4 groups.

A new format was introduced this season, resulting in the top two from each group going into the A-Knockout draw. All remaining players were entered into the B-Knockout draw. John Wilson (Scr) won the ATB Shield, defeating Ray Cullen (Scr) in the final of the A-Competition. It was a close-run match, going to the final frame, which John claimed to snatch victory on a scoreline of 4/3. Mark Dunne (Scr) and Colm O'Brien (+5) were the beaten semi-finalists.

Noel Devereux (+5) won the B-Competition, defeating David Minogue (Scr) 4/2 in the final to take home the Power Plant Hire trophy. Mark Jowett (+8) and Padraig Doyle (+10) were the beaten semi-finalists. Overall highest break across the competition was taken by Adrian Morrissey, who compiled a 42. Currently, the John Bolger Memorial Billiards competition is underway, involving 24 players. A new preliminary group format, in addition to a winning scoreline of 100 with handicaps halved, has proved popular with members. Five of the younger players entered, having shown interest last season, and this bodes well for the future of Billiards in the club. Players are currently down to the next group stages, competing for a place in the quarter finals of the Cup and Plate competitions.

– PAT BOLGER

A-Competition, L-R: Mark Dunne (semi-finalist), Ray Cullen (runner-up), John Bolger (Chairman), John Wilson (winner), Adrian Morrissey (highest break).

Jimmy O'Brien Billiards Trophy: Above L-R: Mark Dunne (runner-up), Jimmy O'Brien presents the trophy to Adrian Morrissey (winner and highest break), Chairman John Bolger.

Left: Stephen Murphy (semi finalist).

A-Competition: John Wilson, winner of the ATB Shield.

B-Competition: Noel Devereux, winner of the Power Plant Hire trophy.

Enniscorthy’s

Enniscorthy rugby

Club website: http://www.enniscorthyrugby.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScorthyRugby n

Enniscorthy’s Kara is national champion

16-year-old Kara Morrissey (pictured above and in centre opposite) from Enniscorthy, representing St. Laurence O'Toole AC, claimed gold in the women’s senior pole vault championship last month at the national indoor arena.

Kara, a student at Presentation Wexford, is the national juvenile champion and record holder and has represented Ireland

Attention all Juniors! You are invited to an Information and Welcome Night at Enniscorthy Golf Club on March 7th at 7.30pm. Parents/Guardians are also most welcome to attend. Contact the club for further information at info@enniscorthygolfclub.ie or 053 9233191. n

on two occasions in this event. At just 16 years old, Kara is the youngest person ever to win the prestigious senior national event and is thrilled to have won it with a personal best performance of 3.15m.

Kara is trying for qualification for the European championships this summer. n

Well done to

Anne Redmond (above right) and her colleagues on the Wexford darts team, recently crowned All Ireland Ladies Darts Champions. n

Wexford FC and Presentation Wexford launch new TY football programme

Wexford FC and Presentation Second ary School, Wexford, are delighted to launch a first of its kind collaboration on a Transition Year (TY) Programme for girls, with the support of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Wexford County Council.

Commencing in August 2024, the TY Football Programme will offer a balance between player development, academic attainment and a holistic school-based experience, in line with the recently announced FAI Football Pathways Plan. The club will also deliver a TY course for boys, based at Ferrycarrig Park, with the support of a number of boys’ schools across the region.

Speaking of its launch, Wexford FC CEO Tony Doyle has outlined his excitement at the potential of this course, with a number of collaborating partners involved. “As CEO of Wexford FC, I’m proud to partner with Presentation Secondary School, Wexford, and the FAI to launch the Transition Year Football programme for girls in the region, as well as announcing our privately run boys course. This collaboration symbolises our dedication to community engagement and youth development. By integrating academia with football, we aim to empower students with valuable skills both

on and off the pitch. I’d like to thank the FAI, Wexford County Council and the other supporting bodies for their work in getting to this point. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our students and our community.”

Billy Ryan, Principal of Presentation Wexford, outlined how the balance between sport and academia was what attracted him and his school to this course. “We have a long tradition of sporting excellence and a wide range of extracurricular activities, provided by a very dedicated team. As Principal, I welcome the very strong teaching and learning element in this new programme, we look forward to working with the students during this

course. I have no doubt that this pro gramme will grow from strength to strength.”

Scott Gaynor, Deputy Principal and course link at Presentation Wexford, added his thoughts on the initiative, “We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with Wexford FC and the FAI to introduce a Transition Year Football programme. This initiative embodies our school’s holistic commitment to nurturing academic excellence, participation in sport and well-being. As part of the new FAI Pathways Plan, we’re excited to provide our students with a balanced opportunity to thrive both on the field and in the classroom, fostering a culture of growth, resilience, and teamwork. It’s an exciting time to be involved in girl’s and women’s football in this country. As the first home of education in Wexford Town, we’re proud to be the home of this first of its kind collaboration.”

The course will see students engage with the Presentation’s existing TY Programme with allocated player development contact time, as well as learning and work experience in the business of football and related fields. These areas will include nutrition, injury prevention and rehabilitation, menstruation in sport, football finance and journalism, among others. n

PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006

Above: Turning the sod on the Building Bellefield project.

Left: Ger McVeigh (Rapparees Starlights Club Chairman), Cllr John O’Rourke (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District), Caoimhe O’Rourke (Rappaarees Starlights club member).

Below: Listening intently to the speakers.

Rappa Building

Official sod-

Above L-R: Tom Enright (CEO, We Minister James Browne T

rees Starlights g Bellefield project

-turning, 6th February 2024

Left: Brian Kehoe (Rapparees Starlights) and Sam McCauley (club sponsor).

exford Co. Council), Sam McCauley (club sponsor), TD. Right: Pat Quigley (project manager).

Right: Inspecting the work in progress, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Aidan Browne.

Caoimhe O’Rourke (Rapparees Starlights club member), Cllr John O’Rourke (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District), Minister James Browne TD.

Minister James Browne TD, Sam McCauley (club sponsor), Tom Enright (CEO, Wexford Co. Council), Pat Quigley (project manager).

Rapparees Starlights Update

Words and pics by Maria Nolan

The Bellefield Boys Social Initiative:

Our newly formed mens group, The Bellefield Boys Social Initiative, is now up and running or should I say walking as the first thing they did under the auspices of the Healthy Club programme was to set up a Walk & Talk Club which meets on our new Walking Track at Bellefield on Thursday mornings at 11am.

The men are put through their paces under the watchful eye of our Club President Michael Doyle and after some exertion they retire to the Club Pavilion for some refreshments and a lotta lotta chat.

All are welcome, please feel free to join the group any Thursday morning at the new Bellefield Walking Track.

And do watch this space and our Facebook Page at Rapparees/Starlights for details of upcoming activities and trips. This is a Croke Park Initiative aimed at keeping older members active and involved.

As a Healthy Club we are striving to give our members a sense of belonging from cradle to grave, no one should ever feel isolated at Bellefield GAA, the club will always be there for you.

District Awards:

The Club was delighted to nominate stal-

wart clubman Ger Collins to receive his District Award for his trojan service to Rapparees/Starlights and Wexford GAA over many years.

Held at the Riverside Park Hotel, the annual event honours club members in the Enniscorthy District who have made significant contributions to their clubs during their lifetime.

Ger Collins was an unanimous choice for Rapparees/Starlights as no one epitomises a GAA club volunteer better than Ger.

Following an illustrious playing career, admired by teammates, spectators, and even opponents for his wonderful skill and hurling talent, Ger held the illustrious title for many years of being the one and only county-winning Captain of the Rapparees, in 1978, until he very happily relinquished that title to Kevin Foley in 2021.

After giving everything on the field of play, Ger turned his knowledge and talents to management and was manager, selector, and mentor with several club teams at Bellefield.

An interested and approachable manager who liked nothing better than to see young players reach their potential and older players continue to enjoy the game of hurling for as long as possible, Ger was

an automatic choice for several Junior B selections at the club.

‘Go out there and enjoy it lads’ were always Ger’s final words to players as they took to the field.

Ger has spent all his life at the club and along with his lovely wife Bridget brought all their children up with a love and loyalty to Bellefield and the Rapparees/Starlights.

Ger continues his lifelong service to Bellefield every Wednesday night at our weekly bingo, continues to sell our weekly lotto tickets, organises our annual Race Day trip.

Ger takes great pride in his family, his club and his county and one of his highlights was most certainly seeing his grandson Dylan Redmond follow in his footsteps and receive his county medal in 2021.

If all club players were of the ilk of Ger Collins we would have no need to worry about the future of the GAA, it would be secure forever.

Thank you Ger for your dedication and commitment from all at Rapparees/Starlights.

Club Fundraiser:

Calling all poker players to join us at the clubhouse on Saturday 9th March at 7pm

The Bellefield Boys social initiative.

for our fundraising Poker Classic. Great prize money on the night with over €2,000 guaranteed, so come along and enjoy an evening of fun.

Coaching Masterclass at Bellefield:

On Saturday 23rd March Martin Fogarty, National Development Hurling Officer, will be holding a coaching workshop at Bellefield for selectors and mentors working with teams from U/12 to Senior level.

Martin, who has won 5 Senior All Ireland titles as a selector with Kilkenny’s Brian Cody, has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the game of hurling, making this Masterclass a must for all working with our teams.

Looking forward to seeing a full turn out on the day.

Ireland Lights Up:

Well done to all who participated in our Ireland Lights Up Programme under the Healthy Clubs Initiative. Once again we finished as top club in Wexford on the leaderboard, hitting a massive 28,508km, and third overall in Leinster.

That’s 8,700km more than last year, so guys you smashed it.

A very special thank you to Nicola Warren and Stephen Murphy the main drivers, and to Majella Murphy and Geraldine Redmond who braved the inclement elements on many an evening recording the names of those taking part.

Our walking track is a massive benefit to the Bellefield community and we hope that it will be utilised to its full potential.

Spring Step Challenge:

Our Spring Step Challenge has already begun under our Healthy Clubs Programme encouraging regular physical activity to enhance overall wellbeing such as improved sleep and reduced stress levels.

Join us on Monday and Thursday evenings for the MyLife Spring Step Challenge 2024.

The goal of this challenge is to track

300,000 steps in 30 days or 10,000 steps per day.

Everyone who achieves the target will be included in a prize draw.

Lá na gClub:

Lá na gClub returns this Easter Monday 1st April and clubs all over the country and beyond are encouraged to mark the day in celebration of our clubs and our communities.

Plans are being made at Bellefield to make the day special, acknowledging who we are and what we are about, so watch us on Facebook and Instagram for details nearer the date. n

New

Coaching masterclass with Martin Fogarty.

Ger Collins receiving his district award from Leinster Chairman Derek Kent.

The Wexford connection wit of 80 years ago this year

Four agricultural advisers and two vocational school rural science teachers in their early 20s walked across Stephen’s Green to Newman House, Dublin, eighty years ago this year. With them was a young farmer from Athy, Co. Kildare, and three young farmers from Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny, in their late teenage years. There they met in a room among the ghosts of Cardinal Newman, a founder of UCD, and a former student, the literary author, James Joyce.

It was September 1944, exactly a year before the official end of World War II, almost a decade of hardship and misery and death for millions of people across Ireland and Europe. They and their parents had lived though that time. Now these young men were destined to become leaders of Ireland’s agricultural and rural revolution.

Influence of ‘The Doc’

A young Wexford-born lecturer had armed them with knowledge of huge possibility and fuelled their missionary zeal to improve their community, their counties and their country in the aftermath of economic deprivation and desolation.

He was a visionary agricultural scientist, specialist in soil fertility, named Dr Tom Walsh, more popularly known as ‘The Doc’, from a small farm in Piercestown, Co. Wexford. ‘The Doc’ was regarded by his fellow lecturers as one of the few who occupied the airy stratosphere in which geniuses live, and he ‘was a giant among them.’ One student, to whom he was lecturer in the Albert College in Glasnevin, Dublin, was a Stephen Cullinan from Castlegar, Ballinfoyle, Co. Galway.

Five years later, about 100 miles away from Newman House and

Kilmuckridge dream comes true

Peter Murphy of Clonegal, contemporary of Nicky Rackard, Rory Murphy and Owen O’Brien in the Bunclody area, became secretary of the young farmers’ clubs in Leinster. He was to later bring the dreams and ideas of the Kilmuckridge delegates to life. He established and presented the hugely popular “Around the Country” radio programme on Radio Éireann which had hundreds of thousands of listeners across Ireland, and in England, Scotland and Wales. He became the presenter of the “Telefís Feirme” programme and the “Cross-Country Quiz” series on RTÉ television, which topped the audience ratings of the time in the 1960s and 1970s.

the laboratories in the Albert College, Glasnevin, and the lecture halls of UCD, then in Earlsfort Terrace, a group of County Wexford young farmers tried to emulate the skills of one of their inspirations, an emerging hurling hero Nicky Rackard from Killanne. One was young farmer, Rory Murphy of Ballinavocran, a neighbour of his from ten miles away. Another was young farmer Owen O’Brien, also from Bunclody. With Peter Murphy, their friend from across the Carlow border in Clonegal, a graduate of Warrenstown Agricultural College, they met in Andy Redmond’s pub in the town. They knew Frank Barry, a rural science teacher in Adamstown, James Scully of a young farmers’ club in New Ross, and five miles across the fields from them, Pat O’Connor of Kiltealy young farmers’ club.

Were young contemporaries

They also knew J.J. Bowe of Kiltealy and further south in the county, John Curtis of Garrenstackle, Bree, Maura Doyle of Bunclody, Lar O’Brien and Owen Kehoe of Monageer and Nicky Cowman of Crossabeg who were slightly younger contemporaries. George Warren of Gorey, Matthew Gahan of Ferns, Kevin Creane, Tommy Neville of Curracloe, John F. Doyle of Ferns, Joe O’Loughlin of Carnew and Christy Mahony of Inch, were around too.

They had little money, but were richer than most who depended on bicycles for transport. They had access through their richer parents or their teachers to the then very few motor cars in the county. Their teachers carried them everywhere in their own cars and to meetings in the Railway Hotel in Enniscorthy.

Most of what they and their teachers and agricultural advisers had was an insatiable quest for knowledge and the rise of their families, homes, farms and their parish. They were armed with a certain knowledge, but mostly with the energy and potential of youth, and philosophies hewn from the hardship and experiences of their parents and themselves during war-time.

The news that a national young farmers club organisation was formed at Newman House in Dublin in September 1944 filtered through to night classes in farm management for young farmers

The Athenaeum, where first Co. Wexford Executive, NFA, was founded in 1955.

th Ireland’s rural revolution

run by a few rural science teachers in County Wexford. Two years later, in 1946, one young farmers’ club was formed in Adamstown and another in Kilmuckridge. Frank Barry, a rural science teacher in Adamstown, was founder of the club there. An M. Doran was secretary in Kilmuckridge.

Attended Conference in Athy

Frank Barry and some Kilmuckridge delegates attended a conference in Athy, Co. Kildare, the new headquarters of the young farmers clubs’ organisation, in July 1946. Dr Tom Walsh’s protégé, Stephen Cullinan with Stephen’s friend, young farmer Paddy Kehoe of Kilcoo, had kept the organisation alive. Stephen’s one-bed flat in the town was the national headquarters but had now grown out of control and aided by some business people and local farmers there, moved to a room in the Athy town hall.

The results of membership drives were slow at first, but this was followed by an explosion of interest as the potential of an organisation became apparent in a landscape where young men and women were mainly dissuaded from speaking or being heard among the older and higher echelons of social, political, religious and economic power. Apart from occasional dances at the crossroads, house dances, the pubs, and hurling or football, there were few other social outlets at the time for young men and women. “There was almost nothing for young people, except keep the head down and have manners,” said one Macra graduate.

Most young people had left formal education at primary school, few went to secondary school and a handful who got to university or third level education, got there mainly from winning scholarships. They were after all from small farms with subsistence enterprises based on one cow and one horse, no electricity, and most with no piped running water to their homes or

farms. Their new opportunity was the free wideopen rural university that was about to unfold.

Proposed ‘Young Farmers Journal’ and programmes on Radio Éireann

At the conference in Athy, a J. Hamill and a W. Walsh from Kilmuckridge young farmers’ club proposed that the young farmers clubs be given a title of ‘Feirmeoiri Óga Éireann’. But a north Wicklow delegate, H.M. Fitzpatrick proposed the name ‘Macra na Feirme’ translated as ‘the elite or stalwarts of the land’.

The objectives enshrined in a rules and constitution borrowed from friends in the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs in England and the Young Farmers Clubs in the U.S.A, became educational, social and cultural. The organisation was to be voluntary, non-political and non-sectarian.

J. Hamill of Kilmuckridge proposed that a national bulletin be issued quarterly and that a young farmers’ weekly programme be broadcast on Radio Eireann, the state precursor to the present RTÉ. After much debate, The Young Farmers Journal, today’s hugely successful Irish Farmers Journal weekly newspaper was founded in 1948 with Stephen Cullinan as editor.

Enniscorthy was focal point

The Railway Hotel, Enniscorthy, now Treacy’s Hotel, became the focal point for meeting of the teachers, agricultural advisers and leaders of young farmers’ clubs in Co. Wexford. In March 1949, the first County Executive of Macra na Feirme was founded in the hotel. Present were leaders of young farmers’ clubs from Campile, New Ross and Adamstown in the south of the county and Gorey, Monageer and Kiltealy in the north. There were initial suspicions by leaders in the community that this might be a subversive organisation, but the organisation grew, helped by reports in the Echo newspaper, the Free Press and the People newspapers, and next door in Co. Carlow by young journalist Liam D. Bergin, later editor of the Carlow Nationalist.

Macra na Feirme was shortly afterwards thrown into a dilemma because of the rising national interest in promoting the interests of farmers only. Brendan Sheedy, general secretary, and Peter Murphy, national organiser, from a tiny staff of three or four people in Athy were instructed to help in the founding of a separate organisation that would represent the interests of farmers in economics, Government policy, prices, and production and become a giant lobby group for improvement. Six years later, in April 1955, the County Wexford Executive of the National Farmers’ Association or NFA, now IFA, was formed in the headquarters of the 1916 rising in the county – The Athenaeum in Enniscorthy.

Dr Tom Walsh, university mentor to national founder Stephen Cullinan of Galway, in Albert College in 1941.

Treacy’s Hotel, then Railway Hotel, Enniscorthy, where first Macra an Feirme county executive was founded in March 1949.

“Leave the farming economic and political matters to us,” the leaders of the emerging organisation exhorted their Macra na Feirme parents. The NFA sucked most of the young farmers into their new organisation, leaving a Macra na Feirme depleted by as much as half in many cases and depending on remaining young farmers and non-young farmers who were more interested in social issues.

Deprived of members by NFA

However, the Macra leadership, now deprived of many young farmers except those who kept dual membership, threw themselves into the new situation and by the 1960s there was an increase in membership and branches throughout the county mainly through the efforts of Christy O’Mahony of Inch, Rory Murphy, Bunclody, county chairman, Owen O’Brien of Bunclody and Owen Kehoe of Monageer, who were county organisers and Joe O’Loughlin of Carnew.

Gradually replacing the dark in the national economy, there was a new dawn. Rory Murphy, county chairman, had followed the new Government policy document which offered a bright pathway out of the subsistence miseries of the years from the turn of the century. This was ‘The Grey Book’, more formally, The First Programme on Economic Expansion by T.K. Whitaker, secretary of the Department of Finance. Rory could recite passages from it off by heart to those few who would listen or understand.

By 1970, the number of branches or clubs in the county exceeded 40 and a membership of 800. Nationally, the membership grew to 500 branches and more than 20,000 members, creating a powerful force that had huge respect and influence from the NFA, other rural organisations, rural TDs, and Government ministers. Their influence grew. Young people, mainly in an age group from 17 to 35 now had a voice.

Visionary Agriculturalist was appointed General Secretary

A dynamic agricultural adviser, a graduate of UCD, a Co. Wexford hurling champion and visionary, was appointed General Secretary of Macra na Feirme in the late 1960s. He was Peadar Murphy whose home farm at Ballinlough, Ferns, was beside the birthplace of the 1798 Rebellion leader, the rebels’ priest, Fr John Murphy of Boolavogue.

The dismissal of the role of Macra na Feirme in agricultural and farming economic issues by the NFA was now about to be ignored and reversed. Inheritance and succession and incomes issues were raised among young farmers and Peadar Murphy and

The Founders

James McDwyer, native of Donegal, rural science teacher, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny (chairman).

Stephen Cullinan, native of Galway, rural science teacher, Athy, Co. Kildare (secretary).

Henry Spain, agricultural adviser, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.

David Hurley, agricultural adviser, Co. Kilkenny.

William Brickley, agricultural adviser, Co. Kildare.

Paddy T. Donnelly, agricultural adviser, Co. Waterford.

Five Young Farmers’ Clubs representatives:

Paddy Kehoe, Kilcoo, Athy Co. Kildare, and John O’Hanlon, Walter Crowley and Thomas Fielding of Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny.

colleagues in the then Agricultural Institute conducted a study titled Farm Inheritance and Succession, which created national controversy. When it was launched, a fearful Irish Independent agriculture editor, commanded older farmers: ‘Keep a firm grip on your holding’. It was an echo from the anti-landlord speeches of Michael Davitt of the Land League of almost 100 years previously.

Macra na Feirme headquarters had moved from Athy to 50 Northumberland Road in Dublin in the 1960s and now was to move again – this time to a modern, newly built complex on the western edge of the city – the Irish Farm Centre in Bluebell, Dublin 12, in 1971. There it co-existed with its foundlings, the N.F.A, Macra na Tuaithe, Farm Apprenticeship Board and the Irish Farmers Journal.

Heralds of change

Peadar Murphy’s arrival as General Secretary coincided with a national presidency of Joe Rea of Tipperary, Kieran Curtin of Limerick, Declan Martin of Cork and John Curtis of Bree branch, Co. Wexford, who became national vice-president of the organisation. All were promoters and agents of change.

Murphy’s role developed to becoming negotiator on behalf of young farmers with Government and to having a seat on the Agricultural Trust, publishers of the Irish Farmers Journal, and the board of the Irish Farm Centre. His connection with the officials of the European Economic Community (E.E.C.), now the European Union (EU), in Brussels led to the arrival to a Macra Rally in Killarney, Co. Kerry, of another agent of change, the then president of the Euro-

Bree Macra members. Irish Farm Centre, Macra Feirme HQ, Dublin.

pean Commission, Sicco Mansholt, in 1971. His visit, hosted by Macra na Feirme, created envy among the NFA and other farm organisations in agricultural and farming leadership. He came to Ireland two years before Ireland entered the European Economic community, supporting a young farmer exchange with other European countries.

The Model County Wexford influence grew. Expertise in education and training, local enterprise training and the hidden curriculum of networking and finding life partners for young men and young women flowed upwards from the organisation’s increasing pool of trained leaders, supported by professionally trained staff.

Thousands of members throughout Ireland attended training and education courses in leadership, officer training, enterprise development, radio production and public relations and competed in national educational, social and cultural events and competitions in farm tasks, stock-judging, public speaking, debating, home artistry, general knowledge question-times, bringing many national awards home.

Nicky Furlong, author, journalist and historian wrote in his newspaper columns that Macra na Feirme had turned ordinary young people into extraordinary young people. The vision of Stephen Cullinan and his colleagues, with the spirit of Wexford’s Dr Tom Walsh over their shoulders, came to reality.

– M.F.

Officers of First County Wexford Executive in 1949

James Scully, New Ross YFC, Chairman.

Cyril Jone, Gorey YFC, Vice Chairman.

Frank Barry, Adamstown YFC, Secretary.

Pat O’Connor, Kiltealy YFC, Treasurer.

Macra na Feirme National Council members for Co. Wexford 1949 to 1976

George Warren, Gorey (1949-1951)

Matthew Gahan, Ferns (1951-1952)

Kevin Creane, Shelmalier, (1953-1958)

Tommy Neville, Shelmalier( 1958-1964)

Catherine Rath, Monageer (1964-1966)

John Curtis, Bree (1966-1969)

Hugh Byrne, Fethard-on Sea (1969-1971)

Michael Foley, Bree (1971-1976).

Sources: Bee McDonald, Crossabeg; Dylan Walsh, Rosslare Strand; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Bunclody; Seamus O Buachalla, Listowel, Co. Kerry; Dr Noel Culleton, Johnstown Castle; Willie Murphy, Johnstown Castle.

Books: The Macra Story by Bee McDonald, Elizabeth Cashin and Eileen Graham. Dr Tom Walsh – Man with a Mission; Harnessing the power of Science for Irish Agriculture. Newspapers: Irish Farmers Journal, People Newspapers, Echo Newspapers.

Above: Co. Wexford Macra members. Below: Kilmuckridge Macra members.

Above L-R: 1. Peadar Murphy, Ferns, General Secretary/Chief Executive, Macra na Feirme, 1970, and founder and retired CEO of IFAC accountants. 2. John Curtis, Bree, twice National Vice-President, Macra na Feirme in 1960s. 3. Rory Murphy, Bunclody, first County Secretary of NFA (now IFA), 1955, and National President, Macra na Feirme, 1959-1961. 4. Frank Barry, Adamstown, first Secretary, Macra na Feirme, 1949. 5. James Scully, New Ross, first Chairman, Macra na Feirme, 1949.

No shortage of pubs in 1938 in Enniscorthy!

Wexford’s first ever All-Ireland win

Wexford's first ever All-Ireland win came in June, 1893, when the Selskar Young Irelands footballers, representing Wexford, beat Cork, represented by Dromtariffe (in those days the county was represented by the previous year’s county champions), by a score of 1-1 to 0-1 in the Phoenix Park. The match was interrupted by a huge brawl which resulted in a number of injuries on both sides. When the fighting calmed down, the referee attempted to restart the game, replacing the injured men with substitutes. However, Cork refused to play on, thus crowning Wexford All-Ireland Champions! Pic: Courtesy Ibar Carty.

New cannon for 1798 Centre

The above cannon has recently been placed in the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy, expertly produced and kindly donated by the Enniscorthy Men’s Shed and installed by North Two Madness Antiques & Collectables.

Deposit Return Scheme will change behaviour

The local Tidy Towns groups around Co. Wexford are delighted that the Deposit Return Scheme is now active since 1st February 2024. They believe it is a new and exciting circular initiative which will transform the way we think about empty drinks bottles and cans.

The refundable deposit incentivises us to return these containers so producers can make new bottles out of old bottles and new cans out of old cans, saving materials, energy and reducing litter.

The Deposit Return Scheme works by charging anyone who buys a drink a small deposit for the plastic bottle or can that it comes in. Customers get this money back when they return the container to a retailer or other collection point to be recycled.

The scheme will help to tackle the estimated one billion plastic bottles and 1.6 million aluminium cans that are thought to currently end up in landfills/incinerators or littered in the environment. Litterbugs are now effectively throwing money away if they don’t change their behaviour. n

BELOW IS A VERY HANDY GUIDE BY DUNNES STORES REGARDING THE NEW 'DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME' WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT NATIONALLY ON 1ST FEBRUARY... SO MAKE SURE TO USE THE NEW MACHINES INSTALLED IN DUNNES AND MOST OTHER RETAILERS... YOUR RETURNS ARE NOW WORTH MONEY!

DRONES AND CCTV CAN NOW BE USED BY LOCAL COUNCILS

SENATOR MALCOLM BYRNE HAS WELCOMED THE FACT THAT DRONES AND CCTV CAN NOW BE USED TO CATCH ILLEGAL DUMPERS...

After having their hands tied on this issue for legal reasons, local authorities around Ireland can now use CCTV, drones and other technologies to tackle illegal dumping and flytipping.

Senator Malcolm Byrne has been campaigning on this issue since his entry to the Oireachtas and pointed to a survey of local Councils he conducted in 2021 that found that Ireland spends up to €100m each year dealing with illegal dumping and littering.

The Circular Economy Act 2022 made provision for the technology to be used in a way that complies with data protection regulations but a delay by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in developing local codes meant that it is only now that the measures can be enforced.

Senator Byrne has called for additional resourcing for local authorities to deploy the technology and to upskill staff.

He said: “Councils have to be able to use covert CCTV and other technology to catch environmental criminals. We need a concerted campaign on this issue. The damage caused by illegal dumping and flytipping, in urban and rural areas, is huge and I know that this measure will be welcomed by tidy towns groups as well as by local Councillors across the country.”

Senator Malcolm Byrne.

Minister James Browne TD, has described the new regulations as a crucial step forward in combating environmental degradation.

Minister Browne: "Previously, concerns over privacy often led to the dismissal of such valuable video evidence, allowing perpetrators to evade accountability. However, these new regulations introduced by Government means the significance of such evidence will be rightfully recognised and will empower County Councils to hold offenders accountable for their actions.

"Illegal dumping poses a significant threat to the environment, public health, and community well-being. I am of the view that the use of CCTV for prosecuting illegal dumping will act as a deterrent and send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

"Through effective enforcement and deterrence, these regulations... will also foster a culture of accountability and respect for communal spaces which will help to better protect our natural resources."n

Rural households being left behind

Johnny Mythen, Sinn Féin TD for County Wexford, has called on the government to heed the warnings of experts that their retrofitting programme is not fit for purpose.

The programme fails to address the significant challenges faced by rural households in Wexford, many of whom are elderly and on low incomes, when attempting to improve their home’s heating and energy efficiency rating.

The comments follow a recent hearing of the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, which heard serious criticism of the government's flawed programme.

Deputy Mythen said: “The meeting confirmed what Sinn Féin has been saying for some time now. Ireland’s poorest, coldest homes are being left behind in what essentially constitutes a massive wealth transfer between rich and poor households. This includes households here in Wexford, where rural communities feel badly let down by government.

"In a period when the cost of living is sky-high and levels of energy poverty are at some of their highest rates – that is totally unacceptable. People across Wexford are already at the pin of their collar

“Rural households in County Wexford are being left behind in government’s regressive retrofitting scheme”

– Johnny Mythen TD.

and need to see urgent action from government to ensure they get a break.

“It is clear that government’s deeply inequitable and regressive scheme has resulted in a situation in which the very people who need it most simply cannot afford to retrofit their homes.

“Séamus Boland of Irish Rural Link comments to the Committee echoed those by Sinn Féin Environment and Climate Action spokesperson Darren O'Rourke over many years. Sinn Féin are clear that the number of fully funded retrofits is far too low; that there needs to be targeted measures to ensure that delivery is based on needs

rather and than means and that those in solid fuel homes have been left out in the cold.

“Sinn Féin on the other hand propose a fair retrofit plan that will help meet our climate targets while also delivering wider social and economic benefits for workers and families here in County Wexford. Significantly, our solutions include specific measures for vulnerable groups including those on low incomes, those living rurally and those living in older homes. This would make a real difference for people across Wexford struggling to heat their homes.

“Our plan is to spend more where it matters in order to deliver a tiered, areatargeted-based scheme aimed at low and middle income households. We propose a tiered plan targeting those most in need, and furthermore propose additional resources for social authority retrofits. Directing scarce labour resources to the coldest homes is the best use of public money, is socially equitable and will show the best return on public investment in achieving climate targets.

“Significantly, we would also establish a dedicated scheme for solid fuel homes. Rather than targeting solid fuel homes with punitive action like carbon tax hikes and turf bans, we propose to support them as part of a just transition.

"It's time for change." n

Enniscorthy’s Tony appointed to the board of Irish Heritage Trust

Following the unveiling of its new ten-year strategic plan in 2023, the independent, non-profit organisation – the Irish Heritage Trust, announced lst month the appointment of four new directors to join its board: Ger Aherne, Niamh Ann Kelly, Eoghan Lehane and Enniscorthy's Tony Larkin.

Established in 2006, the Trust is now a leading national organisation with four landmark heritage properties currently in its care: 11 Parnell Square, Dublin, where the Trust is headquartered; Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork; Johnstown

Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Wexford; and Strokestown Park & The National Famine Museum, Roscommon.

Irish Heritage Trust Chairperson Clare McGrath has welcomed the new directors who generously contribute their time on a voluntary basis.

Tony Larkin is the former Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services with Wexford County Council and has more than 42 years of experience in local government in Ireland and served for over 22 years on the management team of Wexford County Council. n

Tony Larkin

For the past 25 years the National Spring Clean has been mobilising volunteers from all over Ireland to join in to tackle the issue of litter.

In 2023, 5,640 groups registered to carry out clean-ups throughout the country and volunteers who participated in the Spring Clean 2022 collected an estimated 2,600 tonnes of litter.

Will you play a part of making a difference this year?

Registrations for #SpringClean24 are now open. Join this Spring and help make it the biggest anti-litter campaign ever!

Register here: https://nationalspringclean.org/ n

Making Enniscorthy cleaner and greener

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group is all about making Enniscorthy cleaner and greener!

But the group, wonderful and all as they are, can't do this alone, they need buy-in from the general public and most importantly they need more volunteers.

To help grow their volunteer base, the group have prepared a survey with six very short questions to try and understand what influences people to volunteer and what they can do to make volunteering with them easier!

They would really appreciate if our

readers could complete the survey (it is anonymous) and share it to get as many responses as possible. The survey can be accessed here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA IpQLSf7EO0NNdx9tPNgxliYJm_pH2OO qlAeiokH4aG_-StBAimbwg/viewform n

Sustainable Enniscorthy’s next Repair Cafe

Note the date for the next Sustainable Enniscorthy Repair Cafe which will take place on Wednesday, 6th March 2024, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy.

And please consider joining the free online group on ChangeX to keep up to date at:

https://www.changex.org/ie/repaircafe/e nniscorthy-co-wexford-1/events/sustainable-enniscorthy-repair-cafe

www.sustainableenniscorthy.com

https://www.facebook.com/SustainableE nniscorthy n

Wexford County Council adopts Climate Action Plan 2024-2029

Wexford County Council is pleased to announce that the Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 was adopted by the Elected Members at their monthly meeting on the 12th of February, 2024.

County Councils in Ireland were tasked by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to create a plan that laid out the specific actions they would be taking to assist their county in meeting our climate objectives.

The actions laid out in this document are the foundation of the Council’s climate action for the next five years. There are 133 actions listed within this plan and are across the following areas:

– Governance & Leadership

– Built Environment & Transport

– Natural Environment & Green Infrastructure

– Communities, Resilience & Transition

– Sustainability & Resource Management

The role of WCC in producing this Plan is to implement actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from across its own assets and infrastructure. However, Wexford County Council will also take on the role of influencing and facilitating others to meet their own targets, within the county.

Speaking of the adoption of the plan, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services Housing, Community, Libraries & Arts, Environment & Climate Change, Emergency Management, said: “The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Amendment Act 2021 required Wexford County Council to produce a Climate Action Plan. This plan incorporates actions that will aid both Wexford County Council and the people of County Wexford to contribute to reducing our Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) by the required 51% by 2030.”

Cllr Mary Farrell, chair of the Climate Change, Biodiversity & Environment Strategic Policy Committee, added,

“This Climate Action Plan will allow Co. Wexford to transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy.”

The adopted Wexford County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 will be published on www.wexfordcoco.ie from 12th March 2024. Hard copies of the plan will be available at County Hall and all Municipal District Offices. n

Cllr Mary Farrell

EirGrid to host Energy Citizens Roadshow in Wexford

EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, is set to host an energy citizens roadshow in Wexford this month.

Led by EirGrid, this event will bring together experts from SEAI (Ireland’s national sustainable energy authority), ESB Networks and Wexford County Council to provide information about home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofitting grants, community micro-generation schemes and initiatives to futureproof Wexford.

The roadshow will take place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, March 13th, at the Riverbank House Hotel, Wexford town.

Along with this panel of specialists, the roadshow will include a host of local exhibitors showcasing the latest information about home energy efficiency upgrades, heat pumps and solar energy.

Speaking ahead of the roadshow, Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, said, “This event, which is free to the public, aims to give the people of Wexford an opportunity to hear about the strides being made to support a sustainable economy and growing communities across the county, by developing and strengthening the electricity grid.

“EirGrid is also aware of people’s concerns regarding energy consumption and the need for savings, and we are pleased to have exhibitors from a range of organisations, such as SEAI and ESB Networks, who can provide information regarding local and national supports.”

This event offers members of the public from across Wexford the opportunity to speak with industry leaders, ask questions, and share their thoughts about how we can all proactively move towards achieving our energy ambitions. n

EirGrid is responsible for a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity now and in the future, and manages the grid so that everyone has power when and where they need it. To do this, EirGrid forecasts when and where electricity is needed across Ireland: hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and year-to-year. It works to ensure there is enough electricity for industry to prosper, and for employment to grow. The grid takes electricity from where it is generated and delivers it to the distribution network, operated by ESB, which powers every home, business, school, hospital, factory, and farm on the island.

Wexford County Council to adopt Ireland’s first waste management plan for a circular economy

Wexford County Council is set to adopt Ireland's first National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy which was launched on 1st March 2024 at an event in The Gardens International in Limerick. This plan aims to tackle the significant waste challenges faced in Ireland and provides a new framework for the prevention and management of waste from 2024 to 2030.

“As a nation, we’ve seen a significant increase in the amount of waste generated each year and it’s having a dramatic impact on our environment, our climate and our natural resources,” says Hugh Coughlan, Regional Waste Coordinator, Eastern Midland Region.

“Last year alone we collected over 13 and a half million tonnes of waste – or over 2 tonnes per person. That’s the equivalent weight of two cars! This cannot continue. We urgently need a new approach, and this plan provides a roadmap for how we can produce less waste and become more circular by repairing, reusing, and recycling more.”

How much waste are we currently generating?

3.2 million tonnes of municipal waste was generated in Ireland in 2021. That’s equivalent to 644kg per person. The European average is 527kg per person.

41% of waste in Ireland is currently recycled versus a current European Union target of 50% with an increased target of 55% by 2025 and 60% by 2030.

753,00 tonnes of food waste was generated in Ireland in 2021. The target is to halve this waste by 2030.

1.2 million tonnes of packaging waste was generated in Ireland in 2021 with 58% recycled compared to the European Union target of 55%, however only 28% of plastic packaging was recycled with a target of 50% by 2025.

An estimated 170,000 tonnes of textile waste is generated in Ireland per year. This equates to 35 kg per person per year – or three-and-a-half carry-on airline bags.

The National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy and the Circular Economy Act propose a range of policy interventions that will contribute to the prevention of waste and the increase of recycling rates. Key measures already introduced by Government include incentivised charging for commercial waste, the roll out of food and garden waste bins to all households, the deposit return scheme and new or increased levies on waste recovery and landfill activities.

The plan sets out an ambitious target of 0% waste growth per person. This means the amount of waste generated for each person is not going to increase above existing levels. This equates to an effective 7-10% reduction in predicted waste generation by 2030. The Plan places an emphasis on waste reduction from commercial activities and the construction and demolition sector and identifies 16 focus areas with 85 priority actions.

The plan also aims to encourage sustainable consumption, with proposals for more awareness campaigns, education programmes, demonstration projects, as well as promoting the correct use of collection bins, be it at home or at work.

“It’s anticipated that the combined effect of these interventions will prevent 300,000 tonnes of waste over the life of this Plan and increase the recycling rate by up to 9%,” said Mr Coughlan. “It’s also really important that we become more creative with the waste we do produce and look at innovative ways to encourage recycling such as the Deposit Return Scheme,” he added.

The private waste sector in Ireland is valued at over €1.4bn and provides employment for approximately 10,000 people. The total Local Authority expenditure on waste functions exceeds €280M annually and involves over 1700 people. The scale of the financial and human commitment to waste services is large, yet the plan highlights that the transition to a circular economy will require additional State investment of at least €40 million to achieve the desired outcomes.

The National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy is replacing the existing Regional Waste Management Plans and will be managed by the three Regional Waste Management Planning Lead Authorities on behalf of the Local Government Sector.

“Waste Management in Ireland began almost 30 years ago, but the challenges we now face have changed significantly,” said Mr Coughlan. “We have therefore adapted our approach and created a more holistic plan built on collaboration with key partners and all stakeholders to achieve the plan ambition and accelerate the transition to a more circular economy. This plan is the culmination of two years of engagement between key partners and all stakeholders including the Government, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), industry, NGOs and local communities. But it doesn’t stop here. It’s vital we continue this collaboration, as we all have a part to play in creating a circular economy to maintain and improve sustainability,” he added.

To read National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030 click here: https://www.mywaste.ie/national-waste-management-plan/

For more information, visit MyWaste.ie or follow on X, Instagram and LinkedIn, using the hashtag #CircularLiving n

Huge boost for walking trails in Co. Wexford and Enniscorthy in particular

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne TD has confirmed that five County Wexford walking trails, including two in the Enniscorthy area, will be included within the National Walks Scheme.

The Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail (Bree), Cullentra Trail (Kiltealy), Mount Nebo Trail (Holyfort, Gorey), Kilanerin Curragh Wood Loop and Courtown Woods River Walk have all have been included within the National Walks Scheme in recognition of their status as high quality walking trails. These trails in particular greatly benefit from the contribution of private landowners in making sure that the trails remain accessible to the public.

Minister Browne says, “I understand that the inclusion of these trails coincides with plans to establish a Rural Recreation Officer for County Wexford. This post will help to ensure that the good work of Wexford Walking Trail goes from strength to strength in providing many walking trails for County Wexford residents to remain active outdoors while these trails also serve as attractive amenities for people visiting our county. I will continue to work on delivering further government investment in County Wexford’s amenities.” n

Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail, Bree.

Courtown Woods River Walk.

Cullentra Trail, Kiltealy.

Enchanting Twittering by Maria Nolan

Fresh from his appearance on the Tommy Tiernan Show, the enthusiastic ornithologist Sean Ronayne from Cobh had the full house at The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, in raptures listening to the sweet and sometimes raucous sounds of the 194 Irish bird species he has recorded to date.

With, he says, only three species left to record, this is by no means the end of the road for the affable bird fancier, rather the beginning, as he outlined several projects already taking shape including underwater recordings of species.

One of his most spectacular recordings was the murmuration of starlings over Loch Enell in County Westmeath where he captured the amazing soundtrack of over a quarter of a million birds flying in wondrous, formation.

His trio of species on Tory Island, Snipe, Skylark and Corncrake was a close second as was his capture of a family of

Whooper Swans arriving from Iceland to Tacumshane Lake in the middle of a storm.

Sean has many favourites among his large collection including the Hen Harrier, with only 85 pairs left in the country, this beautiful species known as the Sky Dancer could become extinct in the next 25 years.

In the same vein is the Ring Ouzel found mainly on mountainous terrain. Sean referred to its recording as ‘the sound of extinction’ as there is only one pair of birds left in Ireland, it is essentially extinct.

Sad to think that generations of our forebearers have heard the sound in the wild that is soon to become nothing more than a recording for their descendants.

One of the most intriguing elements of Sean’s talk was about our greatest mimics, the commoner garden robin mimicking a water rail, a mistle thrust sounding exactly like a shell duck, but the most amazing of all was a jay, barking like a dog, meowing

like a cat, and neighing like a horse. Trust me I wouldn’t have believed it either unless I heard it with my own ears!

It takes quite a bit of intelligence to firstly recognise the animal and then mimic its sound, but then why am I surprised, my husband’s family had a budgie many, many moons ago when lots of people in Enniscorthy kept birds in cages in their homes, who learned to say ‘Up Wexford’ from listening to the family shout it around the radio on big match days.

Sean’s documentary will air on RTE1 soon and you can find him at irishwildlifesounds.com

Sean is a most enthused and entertaining speaker, I could have listened to him for hours expounding his love and knowledge of our avian world.

Well done to The Presentation Centre for bringing yet another innovative experience to our doorsteps. n

Left: Sean in The Presentation Cente, Enniscorthy. Above: Sean with his partner Alva. Pics: Maria Nolan.