SN 04-03-25

Annette

Ava Kearney and Molly Donohoe at the Bree Hunt Ball, Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, 1st March 2025.

Welcome to the March issue of the Slaney News.

Congrats and best wishes to Enniscorthy-based Senator Cathal Byrne who has been elected to the position of Secretary of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party – a huge climb up the political ladder for him.

On 24th February 2025, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD performed the official opening of the new all-weather astro pitch at Ross Road, Enniscorthy, a state-of-the-art project brought to fruition by Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) and Wexford County Council (WCC), and a huge boost to the sporting life of the town and beyond The Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival has announced it will be taking place from 2nd-4th May so make a note of that in your diary!

The recently launched Enniscorthy Climate Champions Competition is aimed at community/voluntary groups, workplaces, and schools in the Enniscorthy region. You are challenged to try out as many climate actions as you can while saving CO2 with your colleagues. See pages 18-19 for full details.

We carry details of a survey on pages 20 and 21 which will largely determine the future of a town bus service in Enniscorthy. Please participate in the survey, before the end of March, so your voice will be heard in planning such a service and ensuring your needs and wants will be taken into account.

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 online format. Tel: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has over 13,000 Followers. And, of course, if you like our format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you

– Frank Corcoran

SLANEY NEWS

Barbara-Anne Murphy COUNCILLOR

Enniscorthy Technology

KILCANNON GARDEN CENTRE AND RESTAURANT

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

Kilcannon Garden Centre - Your Ultimate Garden Destination

As the days grow longer and warmer, now is the perfect time to refresh your garden for Spring! Visit Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant in Enniscorthy for expert advice and everything you need to help your garden thrive this season. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to assist you in selecting the best seasonal plants, garden care essentials, and beautiful indoor greenery to brighten up your space.

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Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm, Sunday: Closed.

Come visit us today or pop in for a coffee, we’d love to see you!

Stay connected! Follow Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant on social media for gardening tips, special offers, and the latest updates.

Senator Cathal Byrne elected to senior FG position

Enniscorthy-based Senator Cathal Byrne has been elected to the position of Secretary of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party.

The parliamentary party is the collective group of all Fine Gael TDs, Senators, and MEPs, and plays a central role in developing and guiding Fine Gael’s national policies and strategies. Recent former secretaries include current Tánaiste and Party Leader Simon Harris and Deputy Leader and current Minister for Education Helen McEntee.

Senator Byrne said: “It is an enormous honour to be elected as Secretary within the Fine Gael parliamentary party and I am very grateful to my party colleagues for their trust and support. This position presents a fantastic opportunity to work alongside the new Chairperson Mícheál Carrigy TD, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and government Ministers and colleagues to promote Wexford’s priorities.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris speaking after Cathal’s election said, “I want to sincerely congratulate Senator Cathal Byrne... and I look forward to working closely together with him in his new role over the term ahead. I know that he will continue to be a strong voice for Wexford in his new role.” ■

Tánaiste Simon Harris TD with Senator Cathal Byrne.

Tim and Fiona Phelan invite you to visit their stylish cafe at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy. The Ballymaloe-trained couple are making full use of a new, top-of-the-range kitchen to offer exceptional food produced in-house as well as supporting local artisan suppliers. The cafe serves mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menus Mon-Fri 9am to 4.30pm, with daily specials, and brunch on Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Closed on Sundays. Takeaway and Outside Catering also available.

https://www.facebook.com/Cafe98Enniscorthy https://www.instagram.com/cafe98enniscorthy Telephone: 085 1993775

Open every Saturday 10am to 3pm, including the Saturday (15th March) of St Patrick's weekend and the Saturday (29th March) of Mother's Day weekend.

and enhance your business.

★ Capital and Marketing supports for start-up and established businesses.

★ Priority given to projects that promote sustainable tourism, adopt eco-friendly practices, and attract new visitors to the county.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business, attract more visitors, and boost the local economy.

Tom Bermingham. T: 085 8239314. E: tbermingham@wld.ie Paul Sinnott. Tel: 087 9465063.  E: psinnott@wld.ie

Rockin’ Food Festival 2025 –Celebrating 10 Years of Food, Fun, and Family Entertainment!

Enniscorthy’s Rockin’ Food Festival is back, and this year it’s celebrating ten incredible years of bringing the best food, music, and entertainment to the heart of Co. Wexford! Taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday, May 2nd, to Sunday, May 4th, 2025, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.

From delicious food demonstrations to live music, craft vendors, and family friendly fun, this milestone year will showcase everything that makes Wexford and Irish culture so special. Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a live music fan, or simply looking for an exciting way to spend the long weekend, the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival 2025 has something for everyone.

Fri 2nd May - Sunday 4th, 2025

A Spectacular Lineup Awaits

Organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the tenth-anniversary edition of the Rockin’ Food Festival is the best one yet. Visitors can expect a jam-packed schedule of food tastings, artisan markets, live cooking demos, street entertainment, and more.

Some of the festival highlights include:

1. Food Lover’s Paradise

Food is at the heart of the Rockin’ Food Festival, and this year’s event will shine a spotlight on the best of Wexford and Ireland’s culinary scene. Attendees can enjoy:

• Live Cooking Demonstrations featuring top chefs, showcasing everything from traditional Irish dishes to modern cuisine.

• Artisan Food & Craft Stalls offering a wide selection of locally sourced treats, including cheeses, baked goods, street food, and gourmet delights.

• Tasting Sessions & Workshops where food lovers can sample new flavours, learn about food sustainability, and even try their hand at cooking.

With Irish food culture booming, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible local producers, chefs, and culinary talent that make our region stand out.

2. Family Friendly Fun & Entertainment

The Rockin’ Food Festival has always been a family favourite, and 2025 will be no different. The event will feature:

• Exciting Kids’ Activities with interactive zones, face painting, arts and crafts, and fun arts & crafts and cookery workshops.

• Live Performances & Street Entertainment

featuring magicians, acrobats, and theatrical acts to keep the whole family entertained.

• The Return of the Funfair! Back by popular demand, the festival funfair will once again take over The Promenade, with rides, games, and the iconic Big Wheel offering stunning views of Enniscorthy.

With plenty of free and affordable activities, parents can relax and enjoy the festivities while the kids have the time of their lives.

3. Live Music & Street Performances

No festival would be complete without music, and Rockin’ Food Festival 2025 attracts the best of Irish & International Rock ‘n’ Roll bands, ready to get the crowds on their feet, rockin’ their socks off. Throughout the weekend, expect:

• Live Rock ‘n’ Roll bands.

• Jive Competitions & Dance Classes.

• Rock ‘n’ Roll Gig Trail with music continuing into the evening in select venues.

4. Supporting Local Businesses & Community Involvement

The Rockin’ Food Festival isn’t just about great food and entertainment – it’s also about supporting local businesses and boosting the local economy. The festival is estimated to generate over €2 million for the local economy annually. Beyond its economic impact, it fosters a strong sense of community spirit and solidifies Enniscorthy’s reputation as one of Ireland’s premier food festival destinations.

Organisers are encouraging local restaurants, cafés, and shops to make the most of the increased footfall by running May Bank Holiday sales, special festival menus, decorated shopfronts, and exclusive offers to attract festival-goers.

“We want local businesses to truly benefit from the festival weekend,” says Festival Organiser Amanda Whitmore. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for retailers, food vendors, and service providers to engage with visi-

tors and increase sales.”

Businesses can contact info@amandawhitmore.ie to discuss sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, or how to get involved in the festival programme.

5. A Call for Volunteers – Be Part of the Festival Team!

A festival of this size wouldn’t be possible without the help of passionate and dedicated volunteers. Organisers are currently looking for enthusiastic individuals to assist with customer service roles over the weekend.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to:

• Gain experience in event management and customer service.

• Meet new people and be part of an exciting local event.

• Contribute to the community and make a difference.

If you have a few hours to spare and would love to play a role in making Rockin’ Food Festival 2025 a success, please reach out to info@amandawhitmore.ie to sign up.

6. Full Event Schedule Announcement –April 2nd

While excitement is already building, the full schedule of events will be officially announced on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025. Visitors can expect further details on:

• Special guest chefs and live demonstrations.

• Family activities and entertainment schedules.

• Finalised list of vendors and market stalls.

• Bookings for Fringe Events & Family Entertainment will be open.

Stay tuned for updates by visiting www.rockinfoodfestival.ie or following on social media.

Why You Can’t Miss Rockin’ Food Festival 2025

With its vibrant mix of food, music, family

entertainment, and community spirit, the Rockin’ Food Festival has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s must-visit events each year. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025 makes this year’s festival even more special, promising bigger events, more activities, and unforgettable moments for everyone who attends.

Eric Barron, Festival Chairperson, reflected on the event’s journey, stating, “It’s been incredible to see the Rockin’ Food Festival grow over the past ten years into what it is today – a firm fixture in the National Food Festival calendar. This festival has been fantastic for Enniscorthy, bringing visitors from near and far, and I’d like to thank the dedicated committee members who have been instrumental in its success and growth over the years.”

So, mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and get ready for a weekend of delicious food, thrilling entertainment, and festival fun in the heart of Enniscorthy!

For more information, sponsorship enquiries, vendor applications, or volunteering opportunities, visit:

Website: www.rockinfoodfestival.ie

Email: info@amandawhitmore.ie

Follow on social media for updates!

Let’s make Rockin’ Food Festival 2025 the best one yet! ■

Anne Marie and Mia represent Ireland on the world stage

The Global Innovation in Sustainability Summit (GISS) in Qatar last month heard from two young students of Coláiste Bríde in Enniscorthy – 17-year-old Anne Marie O’Mahoney and 16-year-old Mia Larkin Walsh who presented on the subject of ‘Food Waste’.

The two students’ ‘BEL’ project on reducing food waste contains three elements: Build awareness, Educate and Lobby.

Anne Marie and Mia say the most wasted foods in Ireland are bread, meat, and fruit & veg. And the average Irish consumer is losing around €700 yearly as a result of their own food waste.

Global estimates:

19% of the food available to consumers is wasted globally, at the retail, food service, and household level. In addition, 13% of food is lost in the supply chain, from post-harvest up to retail. Food waste alone generates up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions – almost five times the total emissions compared to the aviation sector.

Latest estimates (2022) suggest that around 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste were generated globally, of which 60% came from households (631 million tonnes), 28% from food service (290 million tonnes), and 12% from retail (131 million tonnes).

On average, each person wastes 79kg of food per year. This is equal to 1.3 meals every day for everyone in the world impacted by hunger.

EU estimates:

In 2021, more than 58 million tonnes of food waste were generated in the EU. This is equal to: 131kg per person, 132 billion euros, and 252,000,000 tonnes of CO2.

Coláiste Bríde itself is very much focused on sustainability in all its forms and in a positive development a recent school survey showed that only 6% of students there believe Food Waste is not an important issue. So the message is getting through.

The two students were a credit to their school and families dur-

ing their trip to Qatar flying the flag for Ireland, accompanied by teacher Brendan White who presented a workshop along with the other GISS 2025 leaders.

Full details on the project itself can be found on https://padlet.com/brendanaidenw/reducing-food-wastehh7jpgjmp0ghv4xy. Among other things you can learn there about the extent of the Food Waste problem and what you can do to reduce your own waste. ■

Check out: https://padlet.com/brendanaidenw/reducing-food-waste-hh7jpgjmp0ghv4xy

Anne Marie O’Mahoney and Mia Larkin Walsh in Qatar.

Flying the flag for Ireland.

Anne Marie O’Mahoney and Mia Larkin Walsh taking their place among the nations.

Enforcement of pedestrianisation

ENFORCEMENT OF PEDESTRIANISATION ON RAFTER STREET, ENNISCORTHY....

From the 10th March 2025 Enniscorthy Municipal District Council will be enforcing the pedestrianisation of Enniscorthy’s Rafter Street between 10.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, as per Bye-Laws.

Notification has been issued to relevant business owners.

The possibility of applying pedestrianisation at weekends will also be looked at by the Council in the near future. ■

Greyhound Racing in Enniscorthy resumed after the winter break on the 3rd March 2025. The first Thursday night back will be 20th March.

Enjoy a great night at the dogs in 2025. Group rates available. Contact the office for more details 053 923 3172.

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthygreyhound.track

RED, WHITE AND BLUE TURNING A BRIGHTER SHADE OF RED

Donald trump has had quite an eventful opening few weeks as leader of the free western world. In order to do this subject justice one would have to be reporting on a real-time platform and not in a monthly magazine. However, there is much content and a pattern emerging which does give credibility somewhat to my headline. Trump is indeed “draining the swamp” but is flushing out important cornerstones of governance that will weaken democracy in America and throughout the world. In viewing Trump’s actions to date, he appears to be stripping away the guard dogs of humanity leaving the weak and vulnerable to the wolves. Let us first put Trump himself back into focus and it will explain what is unfolding before our very eyes.

Donald Trump is a narcissist who will threaten the health of the world and its social fabric along with its economic security. I have to point out that this is not my assessment. This is the view of Mary L Trump, Donald’s niece. Dr Mary L Trump is a clinical psychologist. Mary wrote a book in 2020 which branded Donald the world’s most dangerous man. So we did get an insight from a family member. We were well warned. What I can state myself is that Donald does appear to have all the traits of a bully. A bully who would steal your lunch money. A bully who would threaten you if you didn’t accede to his terms. This feels like a man who has used this practice all of his life and indeed served him well. In business dealings with companies and banks it worked to his advantage so why not in politics also. For the best part of the last five years he has purged the Republican Party dispelling anyone who did not bow to his will. So let’s speculate on how dangerous Trump’s project can be.

Trump has brought into his cabinet many dubious characters. Some have a lot more than just conservative values. Many have shown strong right-wing tendencies in their words and actions. We have even seen some well-known

TOWN TALK

WITH KEITH DOYLE

players surrounding Trump displaying far-right-wing gestures. This part of the content needs more debate and actions in the future will speak louder than words.

We have also seen a more insular outlook. They have shown clearly that America First mentality rules. This is playing well in the sticks but the reality will bite and bite hard. That famous saying, ‘It’s all about the economy, stupid,’ comes into the picture. All this talk about tariffs can and will cause prices to

rise in his own country. That’s a given. This will not play well with the core support who voted for Trump who promised to “bring down the price of eggs”. Trump has lost 10 points in the polls already since he started to sign the executive orders.

The other danger is that he is allowing Musk to strip bare the Federal Government down beyond its core. This will weaken all aspects of the state including security, military and intelligence. With millions of experienced staffers being fired, it causes gaps in the system that makes everything vulnerable and risks to lives increasing.

Trump promised retribution on anyone who went against him before the election and he has enacted this promise with a vengeance. The administration is throwing so much at the system at the one time that it can’t cope or react quickly enough. The courts are backlogged with cases and Trump says if the judges go against his decisions he will look at firing them. They have ordered the Attorney General’s office of New York to drop all corruption charges on the mayor with prejudice so he will ensure their policy on immigration is followed through. The term ‘with prejudice’ means that they can revisit the charges if they wish. Sounds like blackmail to me.

This is clearly a policy of rule by fear. Any dissent will bring consequences. So where is the distinction with Red China, Red Russia or Red North Korea? We already have red blood splattered on the flag with the closing of USAID. Where are the voices of the liberal Democrats? Is it a case that they are still licking their wounds after their defeat in the elections? Are they caught in the headlights with the speed of the changes to their free way of life or is it that they are giving the conservatives enough rope. I feel it is a combination of all three. One thing is for sure, people in America should take stock very quickly on where this is heading or democracy as we know it is compromised beyond repair. ■

US President Donald Trump “has brought into his cabinet many dubious characters”.

A new, privately run, creative hub in Enniscorthy has been developed at the IFA premises on Mill Park Road. Y21 Studios offers a wide range of classes for all ages, including arts, music & singing lessons, fashion & dressmaking, languages, life-skills workshops and much more.

Y21 Studios is the brainchild of Alfie and Krystina, the team behind the successful Creative Grounds in Irish Street, Enniscorthy. It will be, in the words of its proprietors, “a space where all members of the community can come together to learn, create, and grow”.

Creative Grounds have opened a Coffee Dock at the new Y21 Studios as they believe creativity and coffee make the perfect combination – it is mainly to-go cups with grab-n-go snacks.

Email: hello@y21studios.com. Make sure to follow ‘Y21 Studios’ on Facebook. ■

Alice Murphy celebrates 100th birthday

100th birthday celebrations for Alice Murphy in Lawson House, Enniscorthy, 22nd February 2025.

L-R: Angela Keena, niece, Alice Murphy, and Mary Power, daughter. ■

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Official opening of Ross Road all-weather astro pitch

On 24th February 2025 Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD performed the official opening of the new all-weather astro pitch at Ross Road, Enniscorthy, a state-of-the-art project brought to fruition by Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) and Wexford County Council (WCC), and which is open to all sports to use.

MC for the historic occasion was Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless who spoke about the role of EMD and WCC in providing facilities for sport, health and well-being. She

thanked the various people who got this project off the ground one of whom is former Enniscorthy District Manager Ger Mackey who had the original vision for this project and who was in attendance at the official opening to see his vision realised.

Addressing the attendees, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, described the development as the start of a new chapter in the sporting life of Enniscorthy and one that will that will make a huge difference to the town and beyond. Cllr Browne went on to list some of the other impres-

Bird’s eye view of the new facility. Pic: Enjoy Enniscorthy.

Local football men: Tony Doyle and Nicky Murphy.

sive other sports facilities already in the town including the Sports Hub (athletics track) and the greyhound stadium. The ongoing investment in the nearby Rapparees/Starlights GAA club will make its facilities one of the best in the country.

Denis Hennessy spoke as a representative of the Wexford Football Alliance (WFA) – a new organisation which is a coming together of the Wexford Football League, the Wexford & District Schoolboys’ League, the Wexford and District Women's and Schoolgirls League, and Wexford FC, and which will manage the running of this new facility which the WFA hopes will be the

first of several more throughout the county over the coming years.

Peter Doyle, also of the Wexford Football Alliance, spoke about the standard of the new facility saying it was the envy of other counties in the country.

Teams from 5th and 6th class at the local St. Aidan’s and St. Senan’s schools, accompanied by teachers Diarmuid Cullen and Mel Doyle, had the privilege of playing an exhibition match on the immaculate surface under the watchful eye of referee Cllr John O’Rourke. ■

To make contact with the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com. More photos on page 103.

Above L-R: Senator Cathal Byrne, Ger Mackey (former Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager), Claire Lawless (Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager), Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Denis Hennessy (Wexford Football Alliance), Minister James Browne TD, Tony Doyle (Wexford Football Alliance), Peter Doyle (Wexford Football Alliance), Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services, Wexford Co. Council), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy. Below left: Ger Mackey, Claire Lawless and Johnny Mythen TD. Below centre: Nicky Murphy with Senator Cathal Byrne. Below right: Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Aidan Browne.

Wexford Co. Council staff, public representatives, professional service providers and contractors.

Wexford County Council’s Climate Action Team is hosting a ‘Climate Champions Competition’ in the Enniscorthy region. Enniscorthy was chosen due to its Decarbonising Zone status in Wexford County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, which ultimately means that Enniscorthy will be used as a test bed for any new Climate initiatives.

You are invited to try out as many climate actions as you can, saving CO2 with your team, having first registered as a team leader. Your team can then log your actions on the Ducky website (from a comprehensive list of possible actions that save CO2) daily for two weeks (March 31st to April 11th inclusive) using your mobile. The team that saves the most CO2 wins! It is hoped that you will:

■ Have fun while learning more about climate action.

■ Get insights on your personal climate impact.

The initiative was launched on 26th February 2025 by Frank Corcoran from Slaney News, in the company of Councillor Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, and the Climate Action Team of Wexford Co. Council.

It is aimed at three categories – community/voluntary groups, workplaces, and schools. Multiple teams from any of the three categories can participate.

A Leader is required for each team who must register their team via a link on the council’s website, and organise their team. Details of the competition are available on Wexford County Council’s website www.wexfordcoco.ie; search for “Enniscorthy Climate Champions”.

The Council’s Climate Action Team in association with Global Action Plan (who administer the Ducky website) will run a short webinar for all the team leaders in advance of the competition commencement date of March 31st. There will be a prize for the winners – the team that saves the most CO2.

The Council’s Climate Action Team hopes the competition will raise awareness amongst the community on how personal emissions can be reduced through simple positive, behaviour changes. And that small but meaningful lifestyle changes can add up to a lot. ■

Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy

Climate Champions Competition

Climate Champions Competition

Mon 31st March - Fri 11th April

Can YOU lead a team for two weeks?

Wexford County Council Climate Action Team are looking for team leaders to work with a group of their choosing for the first two weeks of April

Take up the challenge to try out as many climate actions as you can with your team

Have fun while learning more about climate action

Get insights on your personal climate impact

The team that saves the most CO₂ wins!

For more information, google search for “Enniscorthy Climate Champions” or scan the QR code

Registration closes 21st March 2025

The recently launched Enniscorthy Climate Champions Competition is aimed at community/voluntary groups, workplaces, and schools in the Enniscorthy region. You are challenged to try out as many climate actions as you can while saving CO2 with your team, having registered on the Ducky website.

Can you lead a team?

Wexford County Council Climate Action Team is looking for team leaders to work with a group of their choosing for the first two weeks of April.

To register as a Team Leader, click here: https://customerservice.wexfordcoco.ie/service/Enniscorthy___Climate_Champions

Who can enter? (This competition is only open to the following categories located within the Enniscorthy region) Community/voluntary groups, Workplaces, Schools.

Multiple teams from the same community/voluntary group, workplace, or school can participate.

How does it work? (A demonstration for Team Leaders will take place online further to registration)

Register as a Team Leader.

Form a virtual team of 5+ members. Send each team member an access code to your team on the Ducky website.

Each team member logs their climate action activities on the website.

The website calculates each team’s total CO2 saving over a two-week period.

A scoreboard displaying each team’s results will display on the Ducky website so you can see how well your team is doing or how much it needs to do to catch up on others!

Climate action challenges can include simple actions such as:

Taking a shorter shower (easy – too cold to be hanging around for long in this weather!)

Eating more vegetables (easy – throw a few more veggies into that stew).

Jumping on a bike instead of taking the car (easy – well maybe not if it’s raining but, hey, WCC is not asking teams to be martyrs, just to try their best!)

What is the competition’s aim?

To focus on reducing personal emissions through simple positive, behaviour changes. Always remember that small but meaningful lifestyle changes can add up to a lot.

Lastly, is it carrot or stick?

Absolutely carrot! To add to a team’s sense of pride from knowing it is doing its best for the planet, there will be a prize for the winners! (Note: WCC would love to provide a round-the-world trip but sadly that goes against the competition’s aim!) ■

L-R: Clare Kelly (Wexford County Council (WCC) Climate Action Team), Joe Fallon (WCC Energy Officer), Frank Corcoran (Slaney News), Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District), Frank Burke (WCC Climate Action Coordinator), Geraldine Cullen (WCC Climate Action Team).

Plans for an Enniscorthy Town Bus Service

TFI Local Link Wexford are working with the National Transport Authority to introduce a town bus service in Enniscorthy. To progress the implementation of a designated town bus service, TFI Local Link Wexford, with the assistance of the Conundrum Project, have prepared a questionnaire to provide information on the public transport requirements of Enniscorthy's residents. The QR code on the opposite page will bring you straight to the questionnaire.

TFI Local Link Wexford currently manages four seven-day services that serve a number of areas within Enniscorthy and the town stops are showing usage by those living in the town despite the lack of actual bus stops. This highlights the appetite for public transport in the town. The TFI Local Link Wexford team and Wexford Co. Council Roads and Active Travel teams are working with the NTA to have bus stops installed.

MaryB O'Leary, General Manager, TFI Local Link Wexford: "In order for us to collate as much information as possible to design with the NTA the best possible town bus service for Enniscorthy we ask people to complete the survey. This is an opportunity for Enniscorthy residents to shape a town service for their town. The results of the survey will be

collated and shared with the NTA so we can begin to plan and work towards a seven-day town service.

“We have no implementation date for the town service, that will be determined by the NTA and subject to funding – but we will do all we can to expediate the introduction of the service."

TFI Local Link Wexford is a member of the Enniscorthy Interagency Group who work with a wide range of stakeholders in the town to improve the lives of those living in the town and also work with the Conundrum Project, a research team based at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with their partner TASC. Conundrum launched a strategy based on the outcome of workshops, focus groups and interviews with local communities and other stakeholders in Enniscorthy since November 2023. The strategy recorded the challenges and opportunities related to mobility experienced by different stakeholders in Enniscorthy. It presented multiple solutions and recommended actions for achieving sustainable mobility futures in Enniscorthy. It is a strategy by the community, for the community, to help shape real change. One of those recommendations was a designated town bus service.

The Climate Action team of Wexford Co. Council are one of the stakeholders on the Interagency Group. Frank Burke, Climate Action Coordinator Wexford Co. Council:

"As part of the Wexford County Council Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029, a register of opportunities was identified for Enniscorthy, as it is our selected Decarbonisation Zone within the County of Wexford. This register is a portfolio of potential actions, projects, technologies, and interventions. It is strategic and focused on changes that could lead to large-scale emission reduction. One of the opportunities identified relates to Transport and more specifically reducing carbon emissions in Enniscorthy due to increased Active Travel.

“Enniscorthy Decarbonisation Zone requires a reduction in our emissions by 51% by 2030 and the addition of an Enniscorthy Town Bus Service would contribute significantly to meeting this target. In addition, it would allow the people of Enniscorthy to reduce their dependence on cars and reduce traffic in the town and would have the added benefit of improving air quality. The provision of a Town Bus Service in Enniscorthy is a key action of the Decarbonisation Zone actions (DZBET4)."

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by scanning the QR code on the opposite page. ■

Enniscorthy Town Bus Service Survey

053 901 1828 www.locallinkwexford.ie

If you experience any problems using the above code, you can complete the survey by simply clicking this link: https://forms.gle/jokhm5AWjhkmkDde6

You can also phone the Local Link Wexford office and they will complete the survey over the phone with you.

The closing date is the end of March so please complete the survey as soon as possible.

"A town bus service for Enniscorthy is more than just transport – it’s a vital lifeline for communities. It will connect residents to jobs, healthcare, education, social activities, shops and businesses, helping the town thrive. Whether you use the bus regularly or only occasionally, your feedback is crucial in shaping its future. I would encourage people to take a few minutes to complete the survey and ensure any new bus service meets the needs of everyone in the town." – Ann Marie Laffan, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Local Development Officer, Wexford County Council. ■

Enniscorthy snippets...

VINEGAR HILL

New seating has been installed. Design and content work on new Heritage Interpretive panels is under way following the recent appointment of a new Heritage Officer for Co. Wexford. Parking and access improvements to Vinegar Hill are being investigated by Wexford Co. Council (WCC). €44,000 in grant funding is being sought by Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) for signage and lane surface improvement works.

ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY WELLBEING & ACTIVITY GARDEN

Works are progressing well on the garden. The design elements currently under construction include: Formal & informal garden spaces including opportunities for biodiversity. Various seating options at key points throughout the site. Activity spaces to include raised planters, water feature, play area. New outdoor amphitheatre space. Expected completion date is August 2025.

ENNISCORTHY TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION PROJECT

The Part 8 process for the Market Square project was concluded on 9th September 2024, with the Council approving the scheme with amendments to address matters raised during the public consultation process.

Preliminary design work on the Enniscorthy Castle Quarter project is ongoing. An initial concept design was presented at the December EMD meeting for review. Design enhancement is ongoing taking account of feedback received from district members. WCC is commencing collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage around the Ministerial Consent process (as the Castle site is a national monument).

Regarding the Templeshannon element of the TCFP, ODKM Architects are preparing a concept for the Templeshannon area for presentation at the March or April Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) meeting.

ENNISCORTHY CCTV

A total of 22 CCTV cameras will be installed at different locations within Enniscorthy Town which have been agreed with An Garda Siochana. The tender closing date for the civil works was on the 18/01/25. The tenders have been evaluated and the contractor will be commencing works in Enniscorthy and New Ross later this month and it will take up to eight weeks to complete.

CCTV Scheme Bunclody: The proposed amendment to the Bunclody CCTV Scheme is still under the consideration of the Garda Commissioner.

ENNISCORTHY SPORTS HUB

A works contractor for the second phase (sports equipment storage area, changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a small office) of the Sports Hub is due to be appointed around now. Construction is expected to start shortly and take 9-12 months to complete.

ENNISCORTHY NORTH BUSINESS DISTRICT (Old Dublin Road)

Some works have been carried out in recent years on the Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road) where over 2,000 people currently work. An application for further funding was submitted to the National Transport Authority for the active travel elements of the masterplan for the area but no funding was forthcoming for 2023 or 2024. A further application for funding will be made in 2025.

MURPHY FLOODS REDEVELOPMENT

Wexford Co. Council has developed a temporary plan for the site to include 28 car-parking spaces and some public realm works. A tender was issued on the 7th of February for the design & build of a new Car Park Facility with public realm elements and associated site works with a closing date of 14th March 2025. Before any significant investment in this site, consideration is also underway by WCC regarding selling the site

now that it has been cleared and is effectively a greenfield site and therefore more attractive to potential purchasers.

ENNISCORTHY FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) issued their decision to reject the scheme on the 4th March 2022. Details are available on www.gov.ie The Scheme will instead proceed on a phased basis.

Phase 1 – Bridgeworks. This phase of the project will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. Public consultation is scheduled to take place in Q2 2025 and will be advertised in advance. The estimated timeline to planning submission is Q1 2026.

Phase 2 – Flood Relief Works. This phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for Enniscorthy town.

BUNCLODY PARK

A Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement, plans and particulars were submitted to An Bord Pleanala under Section 177AE. The Board was satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the European Site (the Slaney River Valley Special area of Conservation) in view of the Site’s conservation objectives. The application was approved with conditions. WCC Property Section is in discussion with local landowners.

RAFTER STREET PEDESTRIANISATION

Pedestrian Zone signage has been ordered for Rafter Street. Pedestrianisation will be enforced from 10th March 2025 between the hours of 10.00am and 4.30pm as per Bye Laws. Correspondence has been issued to Waste Contractors regarding collection of waste outside of these hours. New bollards have been ordered. The bollards will be placed at both ends of the street. Notification is being issued to business owners on Rafter St.

ALL-WEATHER ASTRO PITCH, ROSS ROAD

The official opening took place on Monday 24rd February. To make contact with the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com

ENNISCORTHY TRAILS

Works are ongoing on design and planning to extend the trail network to link to the Ringwood and Borodale trails.

PUBLIC PAYPHONE REMOVAL AND UPGRADE PROJECT

As agreed at the Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting in September 2023, Clear Chanel Ireland have removed the payphone on Wafer Street and have installed a new upgraded payphone and a public information interactive touch screen on Rafter Street. The interactive touch screen will have links to the Visit Wexford website, Local Area Map and Wayfinding and Emergency Helplines. The public information screen will also promote local tourism and events. The project was of no cost to Wexford County Council. There is a capability to provide public Wi-Fi access points from the payphone and Enniscorthy MD intends to have this installed.

ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK PHASE 2

The Technical Consultancy Services Contract has been awarded to Tobins for Stage (i) to (v) design services. Design of the next phase of road and services has commenced.

ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK – IDA ADVANCE FACTORY BUILDING

Tenders have been received for an architect-led design team to prepare a planning application for a proposed advance factory building in Enniscorthy Technology Park. Tender assessment is complete and Henry J Lyons has been appointed. ■

Wexford IFA AGM at the Farm Centre, Enniscorthy, 10th February 2025.

amount of

A BUSY WEXFORD IFA AGM

Left: A cheque presentation was made to St. Patrick’s Special School from the proceeds of the live crib held in December at the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy. Jer O'Mahony, outgoing Wexford IFA Chair, and Alice Doyle, IFA Deputy President, with Lee Rogers, school principal.

Above: Some of the attendees including Cllr Jim Codd.

Below left: Jackie Whelan Fagan (IFA Senior Regional Executive), Jer O'Mahony (Wexford IFA outgoing chair) and Liam O'Byrne (Wexford IFA outgoing secretary).

Below: Some of the attendees. Pics: Patrick Browne.

Above left: Outgoing Wexford IFA Chairperson Jer O’Mahony addresses the attendees after receiving a huge

acknowledgement and appreciation as his four-year term came to an end. Above right: A honorary life award was made to Liam O’Byrne, Co. Secretary, pictured with his family – Sinead, Phil and Niamh, and Alice Doyle (left), IFA Deputy President, and Jer O'Mahony (right), outgoing Wexford IFA Chairperson. Pics: Patrick Browne.

Mental health services –

have your say

Every voice counts: The HSE are continuing to work with people who use mental health services and with their family members, carers, and supporters, and are facilitating engagement forums in Enniscorthy and Wexford.

The local forums are a resource for service users and family members, carers, and supporters to voice their experiences, raise issues and be consulted and involved in mental health services developments in their area.

The HSE says it "wants to hear from people throughout Co. Wexford as to how we can further develop mechanisms for engagement of service users, their family members and carers – and to allow for their involvement in the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of mental health services.”

“The mental health forums, taking place alternately at venues in Enniscorthy and Wexford, are established to bring together the experiences of people who access/have accessed the mental health services, family members, and supporters, and also people who work in the mental health services. Together we can discuss challenges and successes and input to continued service developments. Meetings are monthly and last for 60-90 minutes.”

Details on how to register for and access the meetings are available by contacting the office of the Area Lead for Mental Health Engagement and Recovery by phone on (086) 781 2951 or e-mail: SEMHForum@hse.ie

Taking place on the third Tuesday of each month at 2pm, the upcoming programme of Forum meetings (alternating between the following venues in Enniscorthy and Wexford) are:

National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy (Y21 PY03)

· 2pm on Tuesday 18th of February.

· 2pm on Tuesday 15th of April.

· 2pm on Tuesday 17th of June.

· 2pm on Tuesday 19th of August.

· 2pm on Tuesday 21st of October.

· 2pm on Tuesday 16th of December.

Wexford Mental Health Association, Henrietta St., Wexford (Y35 W406)

· 2pm on Tuesday 18th of March.

· 2pm on Tuesday 20th of May.

· 2pm on Tuesday 15th of July.

· 2pm on Tuesday 16th of September.

· 2pm on Tuesday 18th of October. ■

Save the date!

coming May Bank Holiday Weekend 2025.

The largest food festival in the South East of Ireland will be enjoying its 10th anniversary, so let’s celebrate a decade of rockin’ good times! Mark your diaries, mark those calendars, and get ready to rock your socks off with incredible live rock ‘n’ roll, delicious food, and festival fun like never before.

Applications are open for new food vendors! Previous vendors, keep an eye on your inbox – the organisers will be reaching out directly to you.

Keep an eye on the Slaney News Facebook page for updates. ■

Hope Cancer Support Centre volunteer Liz Fitzgerald was delighted to acceot a huge cheque for €3,700 from Fr Billy Swan who did a Christmas Fast along with members of Wexford parish and members of St Iberius Church of Ireland.

The Enniscorthy-based Hope Centre thanked Fr Billy saying, “We very much appreciate your generosity and support and please be assured that this money will help us to continue to provide much demanded services to our clients.” ■

Enniscorthy’s Rockin' Food & Fruit Festivall will take place this

“Disintegrating before our eyes”

A PARTICULAR FOCUS FOR LOCAL TD FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN (PICTURED) IS THE STATE OF OUR LOCAL ROADS...

He says, "Large sections of County Wexford's rural roads network are literally disintegrating before our eyes, especially so after the recent spell of bad weather. I am calling on the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, to immediately intervene with emergency funding so we can resurface and even re-build stretches of road that are just getting patched at present. Some chippings and tar act like a plaster on a very short term basis but don't address the underlying problem."

"After the Celtic Tiger years, the government reduced roads funding dramatically which left a €67-68m hole for Co. Wexford. Even 2021 storm works, including bridge repairs, are only being completed now.

“15% on average of the state's roads are in poor condition. However, in Co. Wexford the figure is 28%! The roads in this county have been left behind for 30 years, and a technical analysis done by Wexford County Council saw that €194 million is what’s needed to bring our roads up to standard! The Local Authority simply cannot bridge the gap with its own resources.

“I've raised this issue in Leinster House and I will not stop until the government starts to address this crisis. It's not fair on motorists who are having their cars wrecked on such terrible roads, but it is also a serious road safety issue, as drivers on back roads are having to swerve and zig-zag across roads to avoid hitting potholes and broken verges, while at the same time meeting oncoming traffic.

“I've asked the Minister to base funding on a county's roads condition instead of road length, but the ridiculous response I received was that that might disincentivise county councils from improving bad roads.This is nonsensical and I won't be letting it rest until we see progress." ■

You may be eligible for a fully funded home energy upgrade

All are invited to an information evening in Templeshannon Community Centre on Tuesday 4th March at 7pm to find out if you qualify for a fully funded home-energy upgrade under the Warmer Homes Scheme.

If you are in receipt of any of the social welfare payments listed in the graphic above, you may be eligible. So make sure to attend this information evening, it may turn out to be the best decision you ever made.

This event is organised and hosted by Sustainable Enniscorthy and supported by Wexford County Council and SEAI. ■

Restoration work has commenced on the cross which has hung in the Shannon Chapel in Enniscorthy for the last 150 years. It needs special restoration which is being carried out by a master wood craftsman who will keep a record of the restoration process. It is hoped that the cross will be ready in time for Easter.

The Cross has been a very important object of devotion for the people of the Shannon and parish of St Senan over the years. Even if not going into the Shannon Chapel, many people, if walking by, would pop in and touch the cross, bless themselves and say a prayer.

The parish has envelopes available for anyone who’d like to make a donation towards the restoration cost. ■

Restoration of chapel cross Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Bunclody all set for St Patrick’s parade

The Bunclody St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Monday morning March 17th 2025.

If you'd like to participate in the parade, please fill in an application form on https://form.jotform.com/250272708728360 or email bunclodyparade@gmail.com

All those taking part in the Bunclody St. Patrick's Day Parade this year MUST complete a registration form.

It is important to note that NO ONE will be allowed on trailers or floats in this year’s parade due to Insurance and Health & Safety restrictions.

Marching groups and vehicles will gather at Tírlán, Carrigduff, Bunclody, from 9.30am on Monday March 17th. The parade will then set off at 10.40am sharp. Blessing of shamrock will take place at the reviewing stand in Market Square, Bunclody, at 10.45am.

For more information and updates see the ‘Bunclody St. Patrick's Day Parade’ Facebook page or contact Michael Kehoe, River's Edge, Bunclody.

The Parade will follow its usual route from Carrigduff to Main Street, Market Square, Ryland Road, Irish Street and re-

turn along Market Square to Main Street and Carrigduff. St. Patrick's Day is so good in Bunclody you get to see the Parade twice!!!

Volunteers needed to help steward the Parade. Please contact Michael Kehoe, Barbara-Anne Murphy or Teresa Harte. ■

Reach Ability marks 50 years

This year marks 50 incredible years of Reach Ability, and the much-loved organsiation is thrilled with its new, special anniversary logo, designed by the talented Eddie from InTuition Vocational Training.

Eddie has put his creativity and skills to work to design a logo that represents half a century of inclusion, empowerment, and community. When talking about his design, Eddie shared:

"I like cartoons, animation, and graphic design. I have been practising my character design, and I tried to make the arms as anatomically correct as possible. This idea popped into my head that it would be a self-portrait."

This is just the beginning –watch this space for all the exciting anniversary events and celebrations coming soon! ■

A monthly update from GreenTech HQ

Southeast Sustainability Cluster –

Supported by County Wexford Chamber

Venue: GreenTech HQ, Enniscorthy

Date: Thursday, March 6th

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Food and Refreshments Provided

Join GreenTechHQ for another inspiring evening of sustainability and innovation at the Southeast Sustainability Cluster supported by County Wexford Chamber.

Here's 3 reasons why you should come and join us :

Learn from Sustainability Experts, Connect & Network, Be Inspired & Take Action.

Guest Speakers:

Mary Fleming – CEO/Founder, Change Clothes

Mary Fleming is the founder and CEO of Change Clothes, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable fashion through clothing swaps, rentals, and workshops. Inspired by witnessing the environmental impact of fast fashion during her travels, Mary is committed to making sustainable fashion accessible and inclusive for all.

David Lawlor – CEO/Co-Founder, Green Ocean Coffee

David Lawlor co-founded Green Ocean Coffee, a sustainable coffee brand focused on environmental conservation. Driven by his passion for marine ecosystems, David ensures every bag sold helps restore oyster and seagrass beds in Clew Bay, Co. Mayo, combining high-quality coffee with impactful climate action.

Robert O'Sullivan – Director, Fuinneamh Wind Power Ltd

Robert O'Sullivan is a director at Fuinneamh Wind Power Ltd, specialising in renewable energy solutions including wind, hydro, and solar power. Robert supports communities and landowners in developing tailored renewable energy projects, contributing significantly to Ireland’s greener energy future.

Engage with sustainability leaders, connect with like-minded professionals, and explore groundbreaking solutions for a greener future.

Register now: https://forms.office.com/e/wbdHhKQTiY ■

B.A.S.S.E is next level business support – a tailored programme for scaling companies and exclusive for 15 South East businesses. B.A.S.S.E guides chosen SMEs to double revenues, strengthen business resilience, incorporate E.S.G. and drive forward (& scale) their ambitious plans. GreenTechHQ would like to invite you to attend an information session on Thursday, 6th March, at 8.00am, in GreenTechHQ, Enniscorthy Technology Park, Y21 A9K8. Register here https://lnkd.in/erJr4Jhs#GTHQ

SETU hosts South East Sustainability Cluster

The South East Sustainability Cluster is an innovative network led by GreenTech HQ which provides a valuable platform for organisations to engage with sustainability experts, exchange ideas, and develop solutions to create a greener future for businesses and communities in the South East.

Connecting enterprise, entrepreneurs, and academics, the first event of the year was hosted at South East Technological University (SETU) on Thursday 6 February 2025 with leading experts including Professor Helen Hughes, Lecturer and TU-RISE Academic-Industry Liaison, SETU, Mr Bobby Lambert, CEO, EcoMerit, and Dr John Breen, CTO, Neg8 Carbon.

Professor Hughes is involved with advancing the environmental remit and growing the Eco-Innovation Research Centre in SETU in terms of research outputs and research diversification with a particular emphasis on engaging with enterprises. Supported through the TURISE Programme, SETU is expanding its engagement across the region,

strengthening collaborations with businesses to develop innovative solutions to climate challenges. By connecting industry with research expertise, TU-RISE enables companies to integrate sustainability into their operations while driving regional economic growth.

Professor Hughes highlighted the power of academic/industry collaboration, commenting, "At SETU, we work closely with businesses to develop research-driven sustainability solutions. Events like this foster new partnerships that turn ideas into real-world impact, helping businesses grow while addressing climate challenges."

Dr John Breen, CTO, Neg8 Carbon, highlighted that 2024 set a disturbing precedent, marking the warmest year on record since temperature tracking began. He proceeded to outline how the Waterford-based company’s disruptive technology facilitates the extraction of CO2 directly from the atmosphere which can in turn be safely stored underground or converted into climate-neutral carbon products.

Bobby Lambert from EcoMerit spoke about how his company supports enterprises in optimising their resource usage, including energy, carbon, waste, and water, through comprehensive technical support and robust environmental certification.

This event is part of the collaboration between GreenTech HQ and SETU as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed in September 2024. The MoU focuses on advancing joint sustainability objectives through shared expertise, networks, and resources, with a commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities of sustainable regional development and supporting the green transition.

Ed Murphy, Director of GreenTech HQ reflected on a very successful event, by saying, “Each South East Cluster meetup showcases remarkable individuals and outstanding initiatives.”

For further information on upcoming meetups, visit: https://greentechhq.com/2024/02/05/so uth-east-green-tech-cluster/ ■

Pictured are, L-R: Dr David Ryan, SETU Vice President for Sustainability, Kathryn Kiely, SETU Vice President for External Affairs, Ed Murphy, Director, GreenTech HQ, Bobby Lambert, Director, EcoMerit, Prof. Helen Hughes, SETU Lecturer and TU-RISE Academic-Enterprise Liaison, Dr John Breen, CTO, Neg8Carbon, Karol Keane, Strategic Business Manager, GreentechHQ.

Still time to enter!

ATTENTION: CLUBS, GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Enniscorthy, 17 March 2025.

The Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee are working hard behind the scenes for this year’s parade. All clubs, organisations and cultural groups likely to participate in the Parade have been contacted. The organising committee hopes that as many groups as possible will join in the celebration this year. The Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day Parade is not just about music and dance, it is also about community spirit.

The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Love your Tribe’. This all-encompassing, all-embracing, acrossthe-board concept can include your nationality, your passion, your culture, your hobby, your music your art, your kind of people. The scope is limitless.

Enniscorthy Municipal District and Wexford County Council are kindly sponsoring prize money for the following entries in the parade:

Best Community Entry €250

Best Business Entry €250

Best Dressed Window €250

There is also a prize for best dressed person on the day.

The Parade will be held on Monday, 17th March 2025 at 3.00pm (sharp). Marchers and walking groups will assemble as usual in the vicinity of St. Senan’s Parish Church, Templeshannon. Floats and vehicles will assemble on The Promenade.

Completed Entry Forms to be returned to Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy or email to emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie. A Consent Form concerning sharing data should also be returned with the Entry Form.

The Parade Committee Secretary Sarah Kelly is looking forward to everybody celebrating a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day here in Enniscorthy. ■

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: ENNISCORTHY ENTRY FORM

Group / Club / organisation Name:

Contact Person:

Phone No:

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)

Monday 17th March 2025

Email

Type of Entry:

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

€250 for Best Overall Commercial Float/Entry

€250 for Best Community Float/Entry

€250 for Best Dressed Window

The Theme for this year’s parade is “Love your Tribe”! All embracing, all encompassing, all-inclusive 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 9th March 2025 to: Email: emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie or post to Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. WexfordY21 WZV4

With less than two weeks to go to our Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the organising committee would like to announce that in keeping with inclusiveness and this year’s theme ‘Love Your Tribe’ or as Gaeilge – Grá do Threibh – well known Enniscorthy woman and one of the winners of Trash Panache Fashion Show at the National Opera House representing Reach Ability/Enniscorthy Community Workshop earlier this year, Sinead Wall, will be our 2025 Grand Marshal. Sinead will take pride of place at the head of the Parade in a chauffeur-driven, softtop convertible followed by as many groups and organisations in the town as possible.

This year’s all-encompassing, all-embracing, across-the-board theme of ‘Love Your Tribe’ can include your nationality, your passion, your culture, your hobby, your music, your art, your kind of people, etc., the scope is limitless. Already we have received confirmation from many of our well-known town groups and sporting bodies to say that they will be joining us including 40 members of our Brazilian community here in Enniscorthy.

So if you haven’t got your application form in yet, please do so at your earliest convenience to secure your group’s place in this year’s Parade. We are encouraging as many as possible to include the ‘Love Your Tribe’ logo on their banners in whatever format or language they wish. The more colourful, vibrant, and diverse our parade is the better.

So, this is your chance to think outside the box folks, stretch those imaginations and let the creative juices flow all over Enniscorthy this St. Patrick’s Day. Enniscorthy Municipal District, Wexford County Council, and Enniscorthy Creative Places might make it worth your while with some very lucrative prizes up for grabs.

See you all on 17th March for Lá Feile Pádraig Inis Coirthe 2025. – Maria Nolan, P.R.O.

See Entry Form on opposite page and Consent Form below.

Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2028 as amended.

Consent to the collection and processing of the data provided by me to St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and to the sharing of this data with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

St. Patrick’s Day Committee will treat all information and personal data you give us as confidential. We will retain your data for no longer than is necessary for the purpose of processing and for the duration of the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

I consent to my data being processed, shared and stored by St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

(Please ensure this Consent Form is signed and enclosed with your Entry Form)

Some of the attendees at a recent public meeting in Enniscorthy, to help preserve and develop Enniscorthy’s traditional St Patrick’s Day Parade were back row L-R: Keith Flynn, Sarah Kelly, Tom Boland, Maria Nolan, Mary Murphy and Veronica Sivrbu. Front: Martin Murphy and Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless. New volunteers and participants always welcome. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556390097163 ■

Expressway announces improved timetables for Route 2

Expressway, Bus Éireann’s premium coach service, is pleased to announce an improved timetable for its Route 2 service, which comes into effect on 2nd March 2025. The updated schedule has been designed to provide more frequent and punctual travel for all Route 2 customers.

Local TD Malcolm Byrne says, "This is welcome news and something for which I have campaigned for quite some time. This will mean improved services for com muters in Wexford and Wicklow. It also means that additional stops at St Vincent's Hospital will benefit those who must go there."

Highlights:

From Wexford: Donnybrook (Opp. Stadium) Leeson Street (Upper Grand Parade).

 102 weekly services in each direction connecting Wexford to Dublin/Dublin Airport.

 St. Vincent’s Hospital (Nutley Lane) stop now served on all Route 2 services.

 Revised departure times in Arklow, Gorey, and Enniscorthy to improve punctuality.

Passengers are promised significant benefits, as the improved schedule will better reflect traffic conditions, ensuring more consistent arrival and departure times. All trips will now operate via St. Vincent’s Hospital (Nutley Lane) while providing the same consistent travel pattern for customers.

The following new stops are also being added along the route in each direction:

From Wexford:

Wexford (Opp. General Hospital)

Wexford (Maldron Hotel)

Stillorgan Rd (Opp. Foxrock Church)

Stillorgan Rd (Opp. Talbot Hotel).

From Dublin:

Stillorgan Rd (Foxrock Church)

Stillorgan Rd (Talbot Hotel)

Wexford (General Hospital)

Wexford (Maldron Hotel).

The introduction of the St. Vincent’s Hospital (Nutley Lane) stop on all trips means the following stops shall no longer be served from 2nd March:

From Dublin: Leeson Street (Upper Jct Mespil Rd) Donnybrook (Stadium).

Head of Expressway, Andrew Yates, says: “The Route 2 timetable changes are designed to significantly improve service punctuality, enhance customer experience, and increase service frequency for communities along the route.

“These improved timetables see a move away from a daily timetable structure to a new and improved Monday - Saturday structure, with a distinct schedule for Sundays and Public Holidays. The new timetable has been refined to better accommodate varying traffic and operational conditions throughout the day.

“We advise all customers to check the new timetables on expressway.ie to familiarise themselves with changes to departure times. For example, the previous 22:00 departure from Dublin Airport will instead depart at 22:30, better accommodating passengers arriving on late evening flights.

“Expressway remains committed to providing high-quality, dependable services to communities across Ireland. We encourage all passengers to book their tickets in advance at expressway.ie to guarantee their seat and ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience.”

The revised timetables can be accessed online via the Expressway website - https://www.expressway.ie/routes-andtimetables. Physical timetables will also be available at stations, stops, and on board Route 2 services.

Expressway is a fully commercial operation which receives no state subvention. ■

Permission refused for 20 apartments at Main St, Enniscorthy

On the 30th January 2025, An Bord Pleanala (ABP) refused permission for the development of a site at, and to the rear of, 20 Main Street, Enniscorthy, which would have consisted of the demolition of three storage outbuildings to the rear, including the demolition of a boundary wall on site, and the change of use from retail/office to retail/residential use consisting of two 2-bed apartment units in a listed building to the front of the site located on the Main Street, and the erection of a multi-storey apartment block to the rear of the property consisting of 18 apartments comprised of nine

one-bedroom apartment units and nine two-bedroom apartment units, with associated site works including a connection to the public combined sewer. This development would have involved works to a protected structure listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH ref no. 15603016) at 20 Main Street, Enniscorthy.

The proposed development was granted permission by Wexford Co. Council back in March 2024, but that decision was then appealed by a local individual to An Bord Pleanala.

Part of An Bord Pleanala’s Order refusing permission for the proposed development.

The main reasons for ABP’s refusal are shown in the box above.

Full details on this project’s planning journey: http://dms.wexfordcoco.ie/application_maps.php?q=20230701 ■

A regular series by the team at Enniscorthy East Community Development

Follow on Facebook: ‘Enniscorthy East Community Development’

Last month saw significant protests against the proposed IPAS Centre for the old Mercy Convent building. While the debate was deeply divisive and, at times, highly personal, one point garnered widespread agreement: placing such a facility in Templeshannon would be both unwise and potentially irresponsible.

These events have served as a wake-up call, highlighting the extent to which the Shannon area has been neglected. Social deprivation remains widespread, with many parts classified as either 'Extremely Disadvantaged' or 'Very Disadvantaged.' Meanwhile, issues of anti-social behavior continue to escalate, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.

Templeshannon is facing a severe shortage of amenities and essential services, and with the area’s growing population the strain on local resources continues to mount. At present, residents have access to only one doctor’s surgery, one dental practice, and one pharmacy – making it increasingly difficult for people to access vital healthcare services.

The situation will become even more pressing with the new Greenhills development in Clonhaston adding more than 400 new homes to the area. The influx of new residents will further increase demand for already-overstretched services. Meanwhile, Templeshannon has just two small shops, one of which is now forced to close on Sundays due to large gatherings of youths in close proximity to the premises.

For over 30 years now, successive

elected representatives and local council officials have turned their backs on the people of Enniscorthy East. The area suffers badly from neglect, dereliction and lacks most, if not all, basic public realm amenities. The latest ‘plans’ for Enniscorthy will involve spending millions on the Town Centre but once again consultations with the people of Templeshannon about their neglected area have not even started. What a disgrace. Lack of consultation is also at the heart of problems relating to IPAS Centres. When the authorities don’t communicate, the media, social media, and the rumour mill take their place. This can often lead to baseless stories taking over and these stories often cause great fear and anxiety for people.

In February 2023 the government of Ireland published guidelines to all local authorities entitled, ‘A Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making’. All public bodies in Ireland have a Legal Responsibility to promote equality, prevent discrimination, and protect the human rights of everyone affected by their plans. Within the guidelines there is huge emphasis on the need to involve those communities which are marginalised or disadvantaged.

When you read this, it might make you wonder then where is the consultation with local people on any decisions made about our area, and indeed the town at large. How can we have effective community development, community capacity building, or effective community liaison if our local authorities and elected representatives continue to lock them-

selves away in their offices and chambers, far removed from the reality of the problems certain communities are facing?

The IPAS controversy has once again exposed the complete lack of engagement between local authorities, elected representatives, and the people of Templeshannon. In a striking example of this disconnect, it was left to Cllr. Paddy Kavanagh – who represents a different electoral area – to stand up for the local community.

Our elected Enniscorthy representatives have once again failed to show sufficient leadership. Their continued absence from critical discussions only deepens the sense of neglect felt by residents.

For too many years now the policy of our local representatives and officials to Templeshannon has been one of ‘out of sight, out of mind’. By not crossing the bridge and engaging with the communities living there they can keep their heads in the sand and hope the problems will go away. This approach won’t work anymore and is being called out now. Those people being paid handsomely to manage and improve the town must now take on responsibility for the entire town and now just the parts that look well. The Templeshannon area is part of the town of Enniscorthy, and this area needs urgent attention to bring it back into parity with the rest of the town. Ignoring this fact is a bit like ignoring global warming and suffering the consequences when it’s too late. ■

Just some of the many activities at Templeshannon Community Centre...

7PM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT

Sustainable Enniscorthy

This month the Sustainable Enniscorthy group looks at the Deposit Return Scheme – One Year On

From 1 February 2024, the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) introduced a 15c deposit on aluminium drinks cans and plastic bottles with the Return logo on it. Consumers could redeem the 15c deposit by returning the drink container to a Reverse Vending Machine in retail outlets. The scheme was phased in from 1 February 2024 and was fully live from 1 June 2024. The DRS is funded through producer fees for each eligible container.

The DRS was established to ensure Ireland met EU recycling targets of 77% by 2025 and 90% by 2029 and avoided penalties.

Littering was another problem that the DRS addressed. Enniscorthy Tidy Towns has seen the benefit of the DRS, with littering of recyclable drinks containers cut to about a third of what it was pre-DRS. In January 2025, tidy towns volunteers in Enniscorthy recycled 256 cans and 128 plastic bottles from litter picks compared to 793 cans and 375 plastic bottles in January 2024.

On 4 February 2025, the DRS passed the milestone of one billion drinks containers recycled in Ireland, in just over a year.

If you would like to get involved in Sustainable Enniscorthy or be kept informed of our initiatives, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com www.sustainableenniscorthy.com Contact us to get involved!

This level of recycling results in a higher quality of recyclate material, diverts these items from landfill and ensures that the aluminium and plastic used in these containers is reused for longer, saving on resources, water, and energy.

This astronomical figure of one billion drink cans and plastic bottles recycled indicates our ‘take make and dispose’ consumer culture. It shows that we have yet to tackle the problem of wasteful singleuse items and embrace the Refill Revolution. If everyone used a refill bottle, we would not need to make and recycle so

many bottles and cans.

But – one revolution at a time! Let us appreciate the benefits of the DRS as a valuable stepping stone on our journey to becoming more sustainable.

Communities and event organisers who want to use the DRS to fundraise may contact communities@re-turn.ie for advice.

Full details on the DRS are available at https://re-turn.ie/ and https://return.ie/irelands-deposit-return-schemereaches-major-milestone-with-1-billion-dri nks-containers-returned/ ■

Above: Benefits of Deposit Return. Right: The first Deposit Return Scheme can collected by an Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteer in February 2024.

Recyclable drinks containers collected by Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers.

Tree planting in Enniscorthy

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of East Coast Samaritans, a number of tree plantings are taking place in counties Wexford and Wicklow. The first tree planting took place at An Choill Draiochta at the junction of the Coach Road and Arklow Road in Gorey, on Thursday 13th of February 2025. Further trees were planted with plaques in Kilmuckridge and Enniscorthy on 16th of February, followed by trees in Arklow, Bunclody, Riverchapel, Avoca, Wicklow, Greystones, and Aughrim. This project is made possible through the collaboration with Tidy Towns across Co. Wexford and Co. Wicklow, ensuring that the tree planting is a community effort.

HISTORY OF EAST COAST SAMARITANS:

Established in 2014, the East Coast Samaritans branch is based in Arklow, Co. Wicklow. Fully led by dedicated volunteers, the branch has been providing essential support and a listening ear to those in need for a decade. The branch is part of the network of 24 Samaritans branches across the island of Ireland, committed to offering confidential and non- judgemental emotional support. Volunteers come to the branch from Co. Wexford and Co. Wicklow to be there for others at their hour of need.

East Coast Samaritans says, “Each tree is accompanied by a plaque proudly sponsored by Wicklow Rotary Club. These trees are being planted in memory of volunteers no

longer with us, and of family members, loved ones and friends. May they rest in peace. This initiative serves as a beautiful tribute and a reminder of the importance of community support and remembrance.

“The idea for this tree planting initiative stemmed from the 10th Anniversary celebrations of East Coast Samaritans. We are very thankful to everyone who is making this project possible and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community.”

East Coast Samaritans is very grateful for the kind support of Wexford County Council in granting the trees and providing the essential materials needed for this planting initiative. Additionally, District Manager Philip Knight of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District is sponsoring a bench on behalf of Wexford County Council, which will be installed at a later date. ■

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers joined with East Coast Samaritans to plant a tree on the Prom in Enniscorthy.

Faring badly for IDA site visits

While IDA-facilitated site visits to a county do not necessarily indicate the future level of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in that county, it is somewhat of a guide and at least shows if that county is on the IDA’s radar. So it is indeed interesting to see how IDA site visits to Co. Wexford stack up against visits to other counties.

In the south east, Waterford had the same total over the last three years as Wexford, Kilkenny and Carlow combined.

Only 5 visits in total over the last three years took place in Co. Wicklow and only 13 to Co. Wexford. By comparison Westmeath had 51 and Clare 83!

Malcolm Byrne TD was in touch with us to provide the above figures, saying: “I am seeking a meeting with the IDA to discuss the relatively low number to both Wicklow and Wexford over the last three years and what we need to do to address this.

“If there are facilities we need to deliver or actions we need to take in our

counties to attract international investors, we need to hear them. My experience in recent times suggests that the IDA has not been pushing our region and I need to find out as to why this is the case.

“IDA site visits are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and may not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of foreign direct investment activity in a region or county. For example, 70% of FDI won by

IDA Ireland in 2024 came from its existing client base, rather than new companies. Also, potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. The figures given, therefore, represent individual visits and are not indicative of the number of companies that have visited.

“It should also be noted that the final decision on where to locate an investment is always decided by the client, and not by IDA Ireland, and it can take many years to convert from initial site visit to final project proposal...

“The competition for FDI in the IDA's ‘key sectors’, continues to intensify as countries increase their focus on self-sufficiency and economic security. However, Ireland’s value proposition for inward investment remains strong, based on offering a safe and stable investment location with access to the EU market, an educated and skilled workforce, an attractive environment where people want to live and work, a competitive, consistent and transparent corporate tax regime and an excellent return on investment.” ■

New artistic pillars for Enniscorthy

A wonderful project was completed in Enniscorthy last month by Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Municipal District.

A number of striking wooden artwork pieces have been installed at the Prom

and also on the Slaney Nature Trail at Island Road.

The wooden pillars were made by the Enniscorthy Men's Shed with the metal artwork inserts completed by the talented Noel McCormack. These contain

wonderful detail and the nature-based metal pieces are already attracting plenty of favourable comment.

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns was delighted to be asked for their advice on where to locate these artistic pillars. ■

Malcolm Byrne TD

The new wooden artwork in position on The Prom and on the Slaney Nature Trail at Island Road.

Showcase for HSE’s Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease

Visitors to the Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre on Valentine’s Day this year may have noticed a showcase event was happening on the day, where caring for the heart and other services associated with the HSE’s Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease (ICPCD) service for Co. Wexford were being showcased.

The HSE’s Wexford ICPCD service focuses on managing Diabetes, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Cardiovascular Disease – chronic conditions that affect over one million health service users in Ireland. There was opportunity on the day in Enniscorthy to meet team members from each specialist area, see a designated information area featuring service data, new initiatives, patient evaluations and feedback and hear from Integrated Care Consultants and service users.

Cardiac health information was also provided to staff and visitors to the Primary Care Centre on the day.

The HSE’s Wexford Chronic Disease Service was launched in 2022 with a small team of clinicians and administrative support. Over the past three years, the service has expanded to include specialist teams comprising Integrated Care Consultants, Specialist Nurses, Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Podiatrists and a Psychologist. The ICPCD’s central hub is located at Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre, with additional satellite clinics in Gorey, New Ross and Wexford. The Cardi-

See video clip of the event at: https://youtu.be/kJe27jOX_TE?si=GhNxM1vXpdkOpy4K

L-R: Prof. Colm Quigley (Integrated Respiratory Care Consultant, Wexford ICPCD), Dr. Cyril James (Integrated Cardiac Care Consultant), Sandra McCarthy (Director of Nursing/Nurse Lead Integrated Care Programmes for Chronic Disease, HSE), Dr Maria O’ Brien (Service Improvement Lead, Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease, Office of NCAGL for Chronic Disease, HSE), Service user Frank Corrigan from Bunclody, Siobhán O’ Farrell (Office of National Clinical Advisor & Group Lead for Chronic Disease, HSE), Liz Murphy (Integrated Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist/Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator, Chronic Disease Hub) and Dr. Sarah O’Brien (National Clinical Lead, Integrated Care Programme for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease, HSE).

ology, Respiratory and Diabetes Teams provide care for low-risk patients suitable for community-based management. These patients are either referred directly by their GPs or transferred from Wexford General Hospital (WGH) waiting lists, if deemed appropriate for community care.

Additionally, patients now have access to community-based programmes that were traditionally hospital-based, including Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Cardiac Rehabilitation and the Discover Diabetes Programme. These programmes equip

Left: Prof. Colm Quigley (Integrated Respiratory Care Consultant, Wexford ICPCD) addressing colleagues and visitors to the HSE’s Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease service for Co. Wexford showcase event at Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre.

Right: Liz Murphy (Integrated Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist/Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator, Chronic Disease Hub) and service user Geraldine O’Brien from Wexford at the showcase event.

patients with education, self-management strategies and support to prevent disease progression and reduce hospital admissions.

Among the speakers at the event were Prof. Colm Quigley (Integrated Respiratory Care Consultant, Wexford ICPCD), Dr. Sarah O’Brien (National Clinical Lead, Integrated Care Programme for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease, HSE) and Paul Goff (A/Head of Service, Primary Care, HSE Dublin and South East). ■

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 ■

ENNISCORTHY CREDIT UNION NOTICE:

We are renovating our Enniscorthy office from Monday March 3rd, we will have a temporary office downstairs for our members. We will all work as hard as we can to provide our members with the great service they are used to while the work is being carried out. We really look forward to serving you better than ever before when the work is done and we Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding while the work is being done!

Enniscorthy Toastmasters

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

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! ■

Over 500 march in opposition to IPAS Centre in Templeshannon

A proposed IPAS Centre for the Templeshannon area of Enniscorthy is being vehemently opposed by many locals in the area.

IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Service) is responsible for providing accommodation and related services for individuals and families who arrive in Ireland and enter the International Protection ('asylum') process.

Over 2,000 signatures were collected last month and presented to Wexford Co. Council in oppostion to any IPAS Centre being located at the old Mercy Convent in Templeshannon, which has been closed for 15 years. The building is adjacent to the local community centre, creche, church, and almost opposite Coláiste Bríde girls’ secondary school.

A previous plan to develop the building as an office block was rejected by the County Council in 2017 due to, among other things, traffic concerns.

The current situation is that an application was received by Wex-

ford Co. Council on 20th January 2025 from Flodale Group Ltd, the directors of which are Ian and Linda Skeffington, with an adddress in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, effectively seeking confirmation from Wexford Co. Council that Planning Permission is not required to convert the building into an IPAS Centre.

The matter was raised at the Wexford Co. Council meeting on 10th February and in the words of respected local journalist Dan Walsh, “emotions ran high”. Cllr Aidan Browne opposed an IPAS Centre at the site, saying that the property is situated near local schools, is in an area already struggling with traffic congestion, a lack of investment and insufficient local services, noting that there is not even a playground locally. He was supported by Cllr Paddy Kavanagh who lives in the area and was concerned about the possibility of non-vetted, single-male refugees being accommodated there. Cllr Jackser Owens emphasised the need for public consulation, and expressed his support for the local Shannon community.

Over 500 people attended a protest march on a damp Saturday, 15th February, in Enniscorthy, walking from The Duffry to Templeshannon. Within days a decision was forthcoming from Wexford Co. Council who decided that planning permission would be needed.

Such is the level of opposition to any IPAS Centre in Templeshannon that if Flodale pursues planning permission and is granted it, most likely further protests will be held. And some residents have stated that they would remove their children from the adjoining community-centre creche and also out of Coláiste Bríde if an IPAS Centre goes ahead. ■

Oylegate Glenbrien GAA & Camogie Dinner Dance Ferrycarraig Hotel,

8th Feb. 2025

Above left: Kayleigh Cullen and Rhys O’Gorman. Top centre: Sean Quirke and Alan Maher. Top right: Darragh Lawler and Lucy Wickham. Above centre: Declan and Amy Heffernan. Below left: Ollie Treacy and Darragh Lawler. Below centre: Kathleen Walsh and Joan Doyle. Below right: Adrian Harris and Peter Rawley. Bottom left: Declan Balfe, Noel Doran and John McKey. Bottom right: Nicolas Kinsella, Kyle Curran and Sed Sludds.

Meeting the team

Housing

‘Let's Talk Ethos’ symposium 2025

tion (IMBVE)." Dr. Anne Marie Kavanagh from DCU delivered a keynote on the importance of valuing students' identities and backgrounds through the curriculum. Participants also engaged in workshops on anti-racism, classroom conflict, and traveller education.

Photo: Waterford & Wexford ETB teachers champion Ethos at ETBI conference, L-R: Mary Kehoe, teacher of Identity, Multi-Belief and Values Education (IMBVE) in Selskar College, Wexford; Morgan McKnight, Ethos Lead in St Declan’s Community College, Waterford; Daniel O’Sullivan, Ethos Coordinator; and Siún Cashman, Ethos Lead, Enniscorthy Community College, at the ETBI Let's Talk Ethos Symposium 2025 representing Waterford & Wexford ETB. ■

Minister for

James Bowne TD was in County Hall, Wexford, on 10th February and met with Fiann Fáil members of Wexford Co. Council who were there attending the February meeting of the Council.

Pic: Melissa Mannion.

CONTACT DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthyfailte

Email: enniscorthyfailte@gmail.com

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Within: Gaelscoil InisDrumgoold,Córthaidh, Enniscorthy.

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Contact: Séamus McCormack, Psychotherapist BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy

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

Website to report illegal dumping: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/waste-andrecycling/report-illegal-dumping

Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford 089 - 4365066 imlisteningwx@gmail.com

Wexford man leads housing body shortlisted for national award

Ark Housing Association was shortlisted last month for the All-Ireland Housing Awards 2025 in the ‘Best Development’ category. The prestigious awards were held in the Titanic Museum, Belfast.

Ark Housing Chairperson is Patrick Higgins who grew up in the Moyne, Enniscorthy, but now lives near Kilmuckridge. Patrick went to secondary school in Enniscorthy Vocational College and then Carlow I.T., based in the Wexford Campus, doing a Bachelor of Science in Construction Architectural Technology. Since then he did Housing Studies at the Institute of Public Administration and also undertook a course in Trinity College Dublin on the Economics of the Property Market. He has been working with Deputy Malcolm Byrne since January 2020. Patrick recently became a director of the Gorey Family Resource Centre and been part of the St. Patrick’s Parade in Gorey for a number of years.

Although not ultimately emerging as overall winners, Patrick was delighted with the Ark nomination, saying, “This is a great achievement for us all at Ark. We were delighted to be considered on the shortlist particularly as compared to the other approved housing bodies in the sector we would be considered one of the smaller ones."

Ark Housing Association was set up in 2007 with a focus on delivering quality accommodation and support structures to those experiencing homelessness in the Bray area. Since then it has expanded into other parts of Co. Wicklow. The number housed by Ark to date exceeds 100, with over 60 of those children.

Ark Housing was shortlisted for their Carrigbrae House on Church Road, Bray – a once-dilapidated building recently converted into four separate apartments. ■

Marking the three-year anniversary

On 21st of February 2025, an event was held in Wexford County Council to mark the three-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was an evening of remembrance and reflection to remember lives lost and the families forever changed by the impacts of the war and to show continued support for Ukraine. This event was hosted by the Sunflower Ukrainian Hub with the support of Wexford County Council.

The Sunflower Ukrainian Hub is a non-profit charity established in 2024 by Tetiana Dobel. Based in Wexford, they actively support newly arrived and long-term Ukrainian people. They assist with access to necessary supports and services, organise events to integrate into Irish society while protecting and enhancing their Ukrainian cultural and identity.

The event was well attended by people and organisations who have supported Ukraine and Ukrainian people in Ireland, including the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Ms. Larysa Gerasko. A number of people spoke on the day including Chairman of Wexford County Council Cllr. Pip Breen, Amanda Byrne, Acting Director of Service, Deputy George Lawlor, and Mayor of Wexford, Ms. Catherine Walsh.

Nataliia and Viktoriia gave personal and moving accounts of how the war has changed their lives. Other attendees on the day shared the role they played in helping Ukrainian people upon their arrival in Ireland. Those in attendance were treated to beautiful performances of Ukrainian music and traditional Ukrainian cuisine. ■

Ark Housing Association Chairperson Patrick Higgins.

Comhairle Contae Loch Garman

Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Wexford PPN has the following vacancy:

Local Sports Plan Steering Group

Wexford County Council

1 No. Representative

Wexford County Council is establishing a Steering Group for a Local Sports Plan for County Wexford as mandated in the National Sports Policy.

The (LSP) Local Sports Plan will be a high-level countywide framework which establishes the priorities for County Wexford which in turn promotes greater levels of participation in sports and physical activity.

Wexford PPN have been invited to nominate 1 No. PPN Representative to the Steering Group. Ideally the PPN nominee should be a member of, and actively involved in, a registered PPN Sports Group or Club in County Wexford.

For further information and application form please contact Wexford PPN @ ppn@wexfordppn.ie or phone 053 9196553.

Completed applications should be submitted or on or before 5pm Friday the 14th March 2025.

Postal applications to:

Wexford PPN, Wexford County Council Offices, Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93 Email applications to: ppn@wexfordppn.ie

Tá an folúntas seo a leanas ag Líonra Rannpháirtíochta Loch Garman i láthair na huaire:

Grúpa Stiúrtha an Phlean Spóirt Áitiúil

Comhairle Contae Loch Garman

Ionadaí Amháin

053 919 6000

www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

Tá Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ag bunú Grúpa Stiúrtha maidir le Plean Spóirt Áitiúil do Chontae Loch Garman de réir mar a shainordaítear sa Bheartas Náisiúnta Spóirt.

Creat ardleibhéil ar fud an chontae a bheidh sa Phlean Spóirt Áitiúil, lena mbunófar na tosaíochtaí do Chontae Loch Garman, lena gcuirfear chun cinn leibhéil níos airde rannpháirtíochta sa spórt agus i ngníomhaíocht choirp dá réir sin.

Tugadh cuireadh do Líonra Rannpháirtíochta Poiblí Loch Garman

Ionadaí LRP amháin a aimniú chuig an nGrúpa Stiúrtha.

Go hídéalach, ba cheart Ionadaí an LRP a bheidh ina bhall de Ghrúpa Spóirt nó Club cláraithe de chuid an LRP i Loch Garman, agus a bheith bainteach go gníomhach leis.

Chun tuilleadh eolais agus foirm iarratais a fháil, déan teagmháil le LRP Loch Garman @ ppn@wexfordppn.ie nó cuir glaoch ar 053 9196553.

Ba cheart foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe a thaisceadh faoin 5pm, Dé hAoine an 14 Márta 2025 nó roimhe sin.

Seol iarratais ar an bpost chuig:

PPN Loch Garman, Oifigí Chomhairle Contae Loch Garman, An Charraig Leathan, Loch Garman Y35 WY93.

Seol iarratais ar ríomhphost chuig: ppn@wexfordppn.ie

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from 08.30 to 18.00 on Saturday 12 April and Sunday 13 April 2025, to facilitate holding Wexford Motor Club’s Motorsport Hillclimb event at Newbawn.

Road Closures: R735-9, R735-8, and the L8061-1 from the junction of the R735 with the L4025 at Scullaboge to Newbawn and to the Newbawn Community Sports Ground in Newbawn/Brownstown.

Alternative Route: From the Newbawn Community Sports Ground to Raheevarren to Scullaboge to Barrys Cross to Stoneerath Cross to Foulksmills to Newbawn to Ballinaboola to Raheevarren via the L8061, N25, L4025, L3030, L3034, R736 and the N25.

Alternative routes will be signposted.

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road(s) should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 18 March 2025 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993

Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Sunday 13 April 2025 to facilitate the holding of the Pettitt’s Wexford Half Marathon.

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

Times: From 09.00 to 14.30 on Sunday 13 April 2025. (Road Closure 1).

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

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

Times: From 10.00 to 13.30 on Sunday 13 April 2025. (Road Closure 2).

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

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

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road(s) should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 18 March 2025 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993

Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Monday 14 April 2025 from 07:30 to 17:30 to facilitate work on ESB overhead lines and poles at Ballytarsna, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure: L-20261-1 at Ballytarsna, Co. Wexford.

Alternative Route: Northbound:

From Ballytarsna L-20261-2 to Ballybregagh L-6010-1 to Moneyboe L-2026-2.

Southbound:

From Moneyboe L-2026-2 to Toberlomina L-2027-1 to Ballytarsna L-20261-3.

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

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 18 March 2025 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 6 April 2025 to facilitate Water and Sewer connections at Wexford Street, Gorey, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure: Wexford Street, Gorey, Co. Wexford L-5503-1.

Alternative Route: Northbound:

From Railway Road L-5500-5/6 to The Avenue R-741-38 to Main Street R-772-15 to McDermot Street L-5503-1.

Southbound:

From Market Square L-5506-1 to Main Street R-772-15 to The Avenue R-741-38 to Railway Road L-5500-5/6.

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

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 11 March 2025 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

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 from 13:00 to 16:00 on Monday 17 March 2025 to facilitate the holding of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 in Carrig on Bannow.

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

Alternative Route: From Danescastle to Barrystown to Sheastown to Wellingtonbridge via the L7071 & the L7072.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the roads listed hereunder on Monday 17 March 2025 to facilitate the holding of the Enniscorthy Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2025.

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 Monday 17 March 2025, and Weafer Street (R702) (from its junction with Market Square to its junction with Duffry Hill) from 14:00 to 17:30 on Monday 17 March 2025.

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 Monday 17 March 2025.

Alternative Route: 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

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 Monday 17 March 2025 to facilitate the holding of the Gorey Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2025.

Road Closures 1: One Way traffic flow on Scholars Walk and Woodbury from 11:30 to 15:30 on Monday 17 March 2025, and

Alternative Route: Traffic - Sign posted locally.

Road Closures 2: Carnew Road (from Woodbury Roundabout to R722), McCurtain Street, Main Street, Esmonde Street from 14:30 to 17:00 on Monday 17 March 2025.

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

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 Monday 17 March 2025 to facilitate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wexford Town.

Road Closure Roads: William Street, Trinity Street, Wexford Quays (09:00 – 13:00) Wexford Bridge (10:30 – 13:00).

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 to vehicular traffic on Sunday 17 March 2025 from 12:00 to 16:00 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.

Scéim Deontais um Plandú, 2025 – Soláthróirí/ soláthraithe gairdíní

Tá Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ag féachaint le painéal d’ionaid garraíodóireachta / soláthraithe soláthairtí garraíodóireachta a bhfuil spéis acu a chruthú i láthair na huaire chun soláthairtí garraíodóireachta a sholáthair mar a chumhdaítear faoi théarmaí na Scéime Deontais um Plandú, 2025. Is go ceann tréimhse bliana é an painéal seo.

Chun tuilleadh sonraí agus téarmaí agus coinníollacha na scéime píolótaí seo a fháil, téigh chuig www.wexfordcoco.ie/plantinggrantsupplier

Bí ar an eolas nach ionann a bheith ar an bpainéal agus ráthaíocht go bhfaighfear gnó go huathoibríoch. Is é an grúpa pobail ceadaithe a roghnóidh an díoltóir seachas Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

An dáta deiridh a nglacfar le hiarratais ná 4pm, Dé hAoine, an 28 Márta 2025.

Planting Grant Scheme 2025 –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 2025. 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 - 4pm, Friday 28th of March 2025.

Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts

Executive Architect

Temporary Senior Executive Engineer

Temporary Senior Marine Officer (2 year contract)

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

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

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

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

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for the above posts is: 5.00pm on Thursday 13th March, 2025.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Fáiltíonn Comhairle Contae Loch Garman roimh iarratasóirí do na poist seo a leanas

Ailtire Feidhmiúcháin

Innealtóir Feidhmiúcháin Sinsearach Sealadach

Oifigeach Muirí Sinsearach Sealadach (Conradh 2 bhliain)

Is trí agallamh a dhéanamh a dhéanfar rogha do na poist go léir agus d’fhéadfaí iarratasóirí a chur ar ghearrliosta bunaithe ar na hiarratais a chuirfear ar aghaidh. D’fhéadfaí painéil a bhunú óna bhféadfaí folúntais a líonadh amach anseo.

Tá fáil ar cháilíochtaí, foirmeacha iarratais agus sonraí breise do na poist go léir ár an láithreán gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie

Tabhair ar aird nach mór gach iarratas ar na poist thuasluaite a Chlóscríomh agus a chur ar aghaidh ar Ríomhphost amháin chuig recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie

NÍ GHLACFAR le cóipeanna crua priontáilte do na poist thuasluaite.

An dáta deiridh a ghlacfar le foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe do na poist thuasluaite ná: 5.00pm, Déardaoin, an 13 Márta 2025.

Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Section 38 Road Traffic Act 1994

Proposed one-way traffic flow system School Street to Hill Street, Wexford Town

Wexford County Council proposes to introduce a one-way traffic system from School Street to Hill Street, Wexford Town. The proposed scheme consists of the conversion to a one-way traffic flow system from the junction of School Street R889-1 and Grogan’s Road L3504-1 to the junction with Waterloo Road L7537-1, and John Street R889-1 from Waterloo Road L7537-1 to junction with Hill Street R769-4, including new footpaths and traffic calming measures along the route.

The objective of this scheme is to enhance safety for all road users by providing space for pedestrian and cyclist facilities whilst also improving traffic flow in the area.

Details of the proposal are available for inspection from 5th March, 2025 to the 3rd April, 2025 on Wexford County Council’s website https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/, and on display at the following:

• Customer Services Unit, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford Y35 WX93.

• Wexford Borough District Offices, 61 The Bullring, Wexford, Y35 EA00.

The Council will consider any submissions or observations made in writing regarding the proposal. Submissions should be lodged via the Wexford County Council Online Consultation Portal or in writing to the District Engineer, Wexford Borough District Offices, 61 The Bullring, Wexford or by email to wexfordborough@wexfordcoco.ie. All submissions to be received by 4.00pm Thursday 3rd April, 2025.

Please note that comments, including names of those making comments, submitted to the Council regarding this process will form part of the statutorily required report to be presented at a meeting of elected members. Accordingly, they may also appear in the public domain.

Eamonn Hore, Director of Services, Roads, Transportation, Water Services, Health & Safety, 5th March, 2025.

Haute couture comes to Enniscorthy Castle Words and pics by Maria Nolan

On 15th February I had the pleasure of attending at Enniscorthy Castle for the launch of the debut fashion collections of two very talented Enniscorthy designers –Elina Ostele and Iryn Vi.

The unique works by Elina, from Latvia, and Iryn, from Belarus, both now residing in Enniscorthy and operating from a very successful dressmaking and repair/alterations business on Castle Hill, brought something new and very different to the Enniscorthy fashionscape.

With prosecco and delicious chocolates on arrival and fabulous fashion in the atmospheric ambience of our beautiful Castle, this was a win-win event from the outset.

Stunning models with a professional touch and haute couture designs – the perfect combination with vibes of the catwalks and red carpets of Europe, all that was missing I felt was that we, the audience, should have been wearing shades, Prada, and Gucci, and bellowing ‘Designer, Designer’ at the end of the evening.

Wide-legged pants, sculptured jackets, avant garde tops and dresses with intricate detail had that ontrend, chic, and glamorous style of Paris and Milan, and how uplifting to be able to view them right here in Enniscorthy on our own doorstep.

It is inspiring to see what these two gifted women are bringing to our town and tremendous credit is due to both of them for making such a wonderful contribution to the fabric of the new and inclusive Enniscorthy.

And it is gratifying to be able to say that these designs are available to us now on order right here at the Elina Ostele Dressmaking shop on Castle Hill – how cool is that!

Well done Elina and Iryn and we look forward to much more to come, and well done also to Enniscorthy native Mary Mulally, a winner of Miss Elegance of The World Ireland, who made a special guest appearance on the night. n

The two designers –Iryn Vi and Elina Ostele.

Kristyna Simko and Iryn Vi.

THE ENNISCORTHY COMMUNITY COLLEGE TY SHOW IS ALWAYS A GREAT NIGHT'S ENTERTAINMENT. IT’S ON THURSDAY 6TH MARCH IN THE RIVERSIDE PARK HOTEL. DOORS OPEN 7PM, SHOW STARTS 7.30PM

Music, song, dance, drama, comedy, Junk Kouture fashion, and some teachers way out of their comfort zone!!!

Tickets: Enniscorthy Community College, Adults €10, U-18s €8. n

Wexford Film Workshop presents two more films at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on Friday 14th March.

“Oh Brother" – a Comedy by Jer Ennis. Starring Pat Murphy, John Kirwan, Jennafer Boyd, Elaine Jordan and Pat Nolan. “Forbidden Bonds" – Starring award-winning Katie Cloke – a love story based on the Prendergast family who built Enniscorthy Castle in 1240. n

Info: 053 92 37798. Email: sales2@treacyshotel.com www.facebook.com/irishfolkandballadfestival/

Oylegate rehearsals for upcoming production of ‘Annie’

Top left: Household staff. Top right: Pat O’Leary as Lt. Ward and Kacey Farrell as Annie.

Above left: Annie on the street.

Above: Dog wardens, John Kinsella and Pat Murphy.

Left: Alan Maher as Drake in front of the household staff.

Below: Some of the young cast members.

Left: The street people. Below left: Kacey Farrell as Annie with some of the orphans. Below: Annie with fellow characters Miss Hannigan and Grace Farrell. Bottom: The maids.

Kacey Farrell as Annie with dog Sandy.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/WexfordEvents for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n

Tickets for The Kilkennys’ show at Bellefield GAA complex on 8th March, are on sale at www.gr8events.ie costing €20 plus booking fee and also available in the club. n

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000. Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529.

Talented Enniscorthy family appears on TG4

Top entertainment show Réalta agus Gaolta has returned to TG4 to find the most talented family in Ireland.

Having scoured the country, over eight weeks the most captivating singing, dancing, and musical families the nation has to offer will battle it out on stage. Each week six families will take on the challenge of entertaining the nation as they go head-to-head in the hope of securing one of the coveted spots in this year’s final and ultimately be crowned the most talented family in Ireland.

Judging the families are champion sean-nós singer Irial Ó Ceallaigh and award-winning broadcaster Sinéad Ní Uallacháin. Each week they’ll be joined by a special guest judge from the world of showbiz. From Hothouse Flowers cofounder Fiachna Ó Braonáin to maestro fiddle musician Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, and singer and musician Piaras Ó Lorcáin, many of them understand the joy (and challenge!!!) of performing with their families. They may not all see eye

to eye but host Síomha Ní Ruairc will be on hand to keep them in check.

In the third episode, which aired on the 23rd of February, an Enniscorthy family –mum Helena and her children, Angelina, Jacquline and Callum de Róiste, performed in front of the judges. Mum Helena is a well known teacher in

Funding for local trails?

Three projects in the Enniscorthy Municipal District have been shortlisted with the government for ORIS (Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme) Funding. Details of the three projects are as follow:

Ringwood Lane resurface. To improve access to the trail. €44,000.

Vinegar Hill Links. To erect signpost to Vinegar Hill and to improve lane surface and signage to all trail links. €44,000.

Blackstairs Recreation Trail. To prepare a feasibility study of the potential for a walking and cycling trail connecting Bunclody, Kiltealy, Killanne, Templeudigan, and Ballywilliam. €55,000.

It would be great to see funding granted in the near future for all the above worthwhile projects. n

Enniscorthy and also featured prominently last year on the popular TV show "The Great House Revival". Helena and family did Enniscorthy proud but unfortunately did not emerge as winners on the night.

You can catch up with the family’s excellent performance on the TG4 Player. n

Road - Enniscorthy

Phone: 053 9236055

enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthylibrary

Angelina, Callum, Jacqueline and Helena de Róiste with presenter Síomha Ní Ruairc.

A great new initiative on Enniscorthy’s east side

Calling all young people in the Templeshannon area of Enniscorthy. If you would like to unwind after a long day, have a cuppa, meet some new people, and bring your friends along, then give the new Teen Cafe in Templeshannon Community Centre a try. It runs every Monday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

Whether it’s a quiet time in the day for you, or some board games, or support from youth workers, art or listening to music, FDYS will be there waiting with the kettle on and a warm, welcoming space to chill out in, have fun and be yourself. FDYS says, “Make the space your own every Monday and we can hear what you would love to see happen in your space to motivate, support, encourage you, and cheer you on as you try to navigate your way through school, friendships, relationships, family life etc in a judgement free and uplifting space!” n

Calling all second level students

Enniscorthy Tidy towns is pleased to announce details of its popular secondary schools photo competition 2025 and is calling on Enniscorthy’s students to get involved.

You could win €50 and have one of your photos adorn the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Ireland application submission for 2025.

Entrants should submit one photo linked to one of the 8 tidy towns categories below, along with three or four lines about your photo and why it should win, to enniscorthytt@gmail.com

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

For more information on the categories: https://www.tidytowns.ie/competition/handbook/

Terms and conditions:

Competition is open to Enniscorthy Secondary schools only.

Email one photo by 30/04/2025 to: enniscorthytt@gmail.com

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

In the email subject please write 'Photo Competition 2025 + your name'.

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

Winner will be announced in May 2025 with a €50 voucher from a local store up for grabs.

Local stores are invited to get in touch with the group if they would like to sponsor this prize. n

E. Sheridan, CBS Enniscorthy, the winning photo in 2024.

Enniscorthy’s Selin is Miss Planet Ireland

Ireland will be represented by Enniscorthy’s Selin Kim at the Miss Planet International 2025 pageant having recently been crowned Miss Planet Ireland 2025.

Originally from Cambodia, Selin has lived in Enniscorthy since 2022 and is a teacher with the WWETB (Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board) in both Enniscorthy and Wexford town. She is also the President of the Cambodian Community in Ireland, and is currently studying for a degree in politics and international relations.

Selin is looking forward to taking part in the two-week-long Miss Planet International 2025 pageant which will take place this November in Cambodia. The Miss Planet International pageant prides itself on being sustainable and pursuing the fulfillment of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Selin says she is on a mission to “advocate for global education, empower young minds, and create a brighter future for all. I look forward to using this platform to raise awareness of global challenges and drive meaningful change... I’m truly honoured to be part of this journey.”

https://www.facebook.com/MissPlanetInternationalOrg n

St. Patrick’s Day Enniscorthy

‘LOVE YOUR TRIBE’

Get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Enniscorthy in style with Creative Places Enniscorthy. Join the FREE workshop where you can design and create your own costume for the St. Patrick’s Day parade using upcycled materials.

Date: Sunday, March 16th. Time: 2pm – 4pm.

Location: The Athenaeum, Castle St, Enniscorthy.

The Workshop will be led by the talented Lynn Haughton (The Upcycle Movement) and Mary Doyle (The Night Belongs To YOUth).

EVERYONE is welcome! So get creative and make something truly unique for the parade.

Please register your interest with names of participants and ages where appropriate. Text: 087 9578984.

Email: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie

Proudly supported by Creative Places Enniscorthy. n

Young Frankenstein is coming!

Wexford Light Opera Society’s production for 2025 will be ‘Young Frankenstein’ which will run from Monday, 28 April – Saturday, 3 May.

Brought to life by the creative genius of Mel Brooks, this hilarious musical adaptation of the beloved 1974 film is packed with laughs, catchy tunes, and a wild romp through Transylvania!

Meet the Cast:

Dr. Frankenstein – Colin Flynn

Igor – David Doyle

Inga – Kacey Mooney

Elizabeth Benning – Sophie Blaney-Parslow

The Monster – Stephen Byrne

Frau Blucher – Antonia Close

Inspector Hans Kemp – Brian Kelly

Harold the Hermit – Pat Lawlor

Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein – Keith Flanagan.

The award-winning production team:

Director – Christine Scarry

Musical Director – David Hayes

Chorus Mistress – Eithne Corrigan

Choreographer – Therese O’Sullivan.

Find out more at: https://rebrand.ly/zt6olue

Tickets on sale: https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/whatson/young-frankenstein n

releasing a new single on the 21st of February This is the second of the 12 singles I plan to release this year It’s quite an old song that I was never happy with, so I re-recorded the whole thing. The only element left from the original recording is the glitchy loop that runs through it. It’s kind of based on a conversation I had with a friend way back in the late 80’s.

The “B-Side” is a song by my favourite band of all time (also from the 80’s) Death of a Wild Colonial Boy by Scotland’s finest We Free Kings Acko Feb. 2025

Question is available from Bandcamp And all the usual streaming platforms

Contact - 0872948075 stdominic@outlook.ie

Railroad Question

Coláiste Bríde students reach Junk Kouture regional final

Congratulations to the Coláiste Bríde students (pictured) behind Blathanna Bloom, Golden Vintage and Rapture of the Rings who are through to the Junk Kouture Regional Final in The Helix, Dublin, on Wednesday 5th March. n

New members welcome at two singing groups

Creative Places Enniscorthy is thrilled to be supporting Enniscorthy’s new men’s choir which meets up at 7pm every Monday night at Templeshannon Community Centre.

Creative Places Enniscorthy is delighted to be working with the local community as part of this project and wants to thank Linda and Seamus for their dedication and organising. All are welcome to participate – no auditions Enjoy singing

your favourite songs while making new friends Please contact 087 2930510 for more details.

For more information on Creative Places Enniscorthy please visit the website creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie

In addition, the Templars Singing Group meets up every Thursday morning at 10.30am at Templeshannon Community Centre. For more information, phone 053 9237511. n

THE TALENTED MULLETT SISTERS

CONGRATS TO THE TALENTED MULLETT SISTERS FROM ENNISCORTHY WHO WERE BOTH NOMINATED FOR THIS YEAR’S PRESTIGIOUS GOSS.IE AWARDS. These awards, called 'Gossies', showcase the most notable people in the Irish entertainment field. Jade was nominated for best celebrity make up artist and Laura was nominated for best celebrity fashion stylist.

The Gossies took place on February 22nd at the RDS Concert Hall in Dublin where a host of celebrities from Ireland and the UK dazzled on the pink carpet for the Great Gatsbythemed awards bash. n

Jade Mullett

Laura Mullett

Bringing Bob Dylan’s spirit home to New Ross

Armed only with guitar and mouth organ, musician Paul Kirwan, in Stetson hat and dark spectacles, is blasting the roads and fields around Clonmore and Sparrowsland near the central Co. Wexford village of Bree with the sounds and messages of his American hero Bob Dylan.

He can be heard on the wind during his open-air practice sessions there, his mouthorgan raging fiercely and his special guitar humming at speed for one of the biggest shows of his life in which he will perform ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ to ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ to ‘It’s Alright, Ma’ and ‘Like a Rolling Stone’. It just might be the Newport Folk Festival in the US in 1965.

A year ago, Paul’s circular saw jumped and severely cut his left thumb and hand, his main guitar playing hand. It led to a spell in St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin. There he feared that he would never play his guitar and mouthorgan and sing on stage again.

However, inspired and coaxed by the doctors and nurses tending him in his hospital bed and the hand clinic there, he vowed that he would try. The result is that less than a year later, patrons of his premiere show Bringing Dylan Home will crowd St Michael’s Theatre in New Ross at the end of March.

One half of Paul Kirwan’s life is a creative carpenter, a specialist in transforming pieces of wood into much sought after carvings of art. He and his works around Ireland have been featured repeatedly in national and local newspapers. In County Wexford, examples are his wooden birds and animals in the woods surrounding Wells House and Gardens near Gorey.

What most people in Wexford don’t know is that Paul, a native of Malahide, Dublin, and his partner Josie Van Embden,

from north Wicklow, a well-known editor/manager in the publishing industry, are veterans of the music scene having performed in several bands in Dublin.

Jackie Hayden, Hot Press columnist and the man who signed Bono and U2 to their first record setting them on the road to world fame, said, “Paul Kirwan is already known for his spoton tributes of the calibre of Johnny Cash and Neil Young.” He said, “Kirwan’s adventures include supporting the American rock heroes Counting Crows at the famed Bowery Ballroom in New York City.”

Paul Kirwan, who is modest about his musical prowess, said that while he is full of admiration for Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan in the movie A Complete Unknown, he emphasises that his Bringing Dylan Home is bringing home a different Dylan. “Chalamet does a brilliant job, but my focus is on tapping into the essence of a later Dylan from around the time of the Rolling Thunder Revue when Dylan performed like a man on fire.”

A teaser video produced and directed by Wexford’s award-winning film producer Michael Benson indicates that Paul Kirwan aka Bob Dylan will perform like a man on fire to bring his hero to life in St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, on Friday 28 March.

The real Bob Dylan is alive and living at aged 83. He is world famous as a poet and musician and he is a winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 for his poetic themes of social struggle, political protest, love, and religion.

Bringing Dylan Home is staged by Tribute Presents. For further information contact: tributepresentsdylan@gmail.com Mobile: 089 209 0074. – M.F.

Paul Kirwan as Bob Dylan. Catch his show in New Ross on 28th March.

Paul Kirwan and Bob Dylan.

Concern Coffee Morning

The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 7th February 2025.

Left: Kathleen Doran, Louise Doyle, Helen Cosgrave.

Above: Jean Hendrick and Eugene Doyle.

Below: Jo McMahon and Maeve Doyle.

Bottom left: Mary Vardy and Jean Hendrick.

Bottom right: Anne and Frank Kehoe with young Billy Breen and Eugene Doyle.

Top left: John Dempsey and Frank Corcoran (Slaney News).

Top centre: Mary Murphy and Tony Kehoe.

Top right: Annette

McCarthy, Mairead Kelly, Muireann Gahan, Ann O’Connor.

Above left: Eric Barron and Jimmy Gahan.

Above right: Eddie Crean, Jana Rayburn, Bob Rayburn, Pat Lynch.

Left: John and Mary McDevitt.

Below left: Bishop Emeritus Denis Brennan, Chrissie Ivers, Kay Doyle.

Right: Maria Sinnott with ‘Wool Ann’.

Daily Dilemma Uncensored

Beat

102

103 hosts Live Podcast in Wexford on Valentine’s Night

On February 14th, 2025, Beat 102 103’s cheeky Breakfast duo, Niall Power and Shonagh Lyons, took their raunchy Daily Dilemma Uncensored Podcast to new heights by hosting their podcast in front of a sold-out audience in Wexford Town.

Shonagh Lyons, who hails from Wexford, is a proud yellow belly and graced the stage in her hometown for the over-18s event in the Wexford Arts Centre alongside Niall and their Beat Breakfast producer Cillian Doyle.

The Live Podcast kicked off on Valentine’s Night in the transformed Arts Centre. The intimate space was romantically decorated for Daily Dilemma Uncensored fans to get up close and personal with the podcast hosts, and even get involved on stage too! The crowd was treated to a night full of fun, surprises, and candid discussions.

From the kinky to the controversial, the hosts emulated their roaringly

raunchy podcast live to listeners in Wexford on Valentine’s Night.

A spin on the well-known Daily Dilemma on Beat Breakfast, Daily Dilemma Uncensored Podcast features the Breakfast trio deep diving into the spiciest, sauciest topics submitted by listeners, exploring the bold, the rude, and the downright kinky dilemmas. They reveal and explore the rude, lewd, and even crude topics that people in the South East send into the Daily Dilemma every day.

Beat Breakfast’s Daily Dilemma airs every weekday morning with Niall, Sho, and Cillian, and has been a much-loved item among listeners for many, many years. People from across the region submit their relationship or situationship dilemmas, big or small, for the hosts to tackle – and some are just too juicy or risqué for the airwaves!

To celebrate the Podcast hitting the road for its second live event, and the

first of 2025, they were joined by Ireland’s leading sexpert Dr. Caroline West, Beat listener Lisa Gowan, and DragQueen superstar Pu$$y In Boots who brought the house down with stunning drag performances. Together, they tackled some of the saucier dilemmas submitted by listeners. The night’s entertainment also included a performance by the house band, Lee & Fitzy, and games such as sexy Beat the Bomb for audience members, with prizes from sponsors PlayBlue and HappyMe.

Those in attendance roared with laughter, cheered with astonishment, and danced with elation throughout the night. As the podcast came to an end, one attendee said: “It was madness, it was so much fun. I love how open-minded Niall and Shonagh are. It was brilliant. Great craic. I will be here next year for sure.” While another said, “It was absolutely fantastic, a laugh a minute, really really enjoyed it. I’ll be here for the next one without a doubt.” n

Enniscorthy Credit Union Quiz

The recent Enniscorthy Credit Union Schools Quiz was a huge success. 31 schools, 61 teams and 244 quizzers took part. Every child who took part represented their school with pride, and to be selected to represent your school in the first place is a huge acheivment, so well done to everyone.

The Enniscorthy Credit Union team of helpers made it all possible giving up their time to help out. The staff at the Riverside Park Hotel were fantastic as always. And Quiz Master Padraig Hall did a wonderful job as normal.

The winners and runnersup will proceed to the next round in each age group so good luck to them all.

U13 Winners – St. Patrick’s NS, Crossabeg.

U13 Runners-up – St. Mary’s NS, Tagoat.

U13 Third Place – Kiltealy NS. n

Mayor’s Party for Members and former Mayors of Wexford District

The Bank Restaurant, Wexford, 6th February 2025.

Top right: Cllr Ger Carthy and John Roche, former Mayor of Wexford.

Above left: John Roche and Helen Corish Wylde, former Mayors of Wexford, with new members of Wexford Borough District Cllr Vicky Clancy and Cllr Robbie Staples.

Above right: Catherine Walsh, Mayor of Wexford, George Lawlor TD, former Mayor, and Eilís Furlong, Wexford Co. Council.

Left: Catherine Walsh, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Vicky Clancy-Barron, Anthony Bailey, District Manager, and Eilís Furlong, Wexford Co. Council.

Below left: Catherine Cowe, Eilís Furlong, Cllr Garry Laffan and Siobhan Kehoe.

Below right: Two brothers and former Mayors of Wexford, Ted and Brendan Howlin.

Buddy Enniscorthy was formed in 2017 to bring to the stage The Buddy Holly Story. All proceeds from the ticket sales went directly to Pieta House. And the show was repeated in 2018 and was another huge success.

Following on from this, Enniscorthy woman Adrienne Murphy and her colleagues decided to stage an original production Rock‘n’Roll to the Rescue (by Adrienne Murphy) in aid of Pieta House again. This was staged in 2022 and again in 2023 from which was raised €11,000 and €7,000 respectively. To date the total raised for Pieta is an incredible €43,000.

This year the team are back again staging an original production (by Adrienne Murphy) called Paddy’s Band – When rock’n’roll came to rural Ireland. The cast are all from Co. Wexford with Cameron Cloke playing lead, Dick Butler, Kara Kinsella, and Rachel Green, to name but a few. The team are also very fortunate to have Luc Power and Conor Kenny record a special song just for Paddy’s Band assisted by Deirdre on accordion, James on flute and Michael on bodhran.

About Paddy’s Band: The setting is rural Ireland in the late 1950s. Paddy (a farmer’s son) has decided to put together a rock’n’roll band made up of a motley crew of local boyos much to the dismay of his mother and amusement of his father. The son of the local gentry, Fredrick, has been foisted on the band by circumstances beyond their control. Maura (Paddy’s manmad sister) sets her sights on Fredrick much to his horror. When the local parish priest Fr. Magillacuddy hears about this rock’n’roll band his wrath knows no bounds as he descends on the farm to confront Paddy about leading the young people of the village astray, with hilarious results. Throw in a vicious ceili band, a smarmy talent-show host, and a very opinionated tailor, and it’s total mayhem.

Featuring music from Dion and the Belmonts, Eddie Cochran, The Drifters, and Wanda Jackson, to mention just a few, this show will again have its audiences dancing in the aisles. So bring your dancing shoes folks, this show is going to be some craic and is guaranteed to blow the roof off The Presentation Centre every night between 19th-23rd May. n

Above right: Conor Kenny.

Left: Putting it all together is Brendan Carthy at Orchard Recording Studio, Enniscorthy.

All pics: Damien Smullen.

L-R: Deirdre on accordion, show producer Adrienne Murphy, Kevin Murphy and James on flute. Pic: Damien Smullen.

Above left: Luc Power.

Above centre: Michael on bodhran.

“The Little Mermaid” made a Big Splash with the Kilmore Variety Group

The opening scene was along the sea bed where all kinds of sea creatures and other marine life darted hither and thither while a little mermaid dressed in what looked like green algae, sat on an underwater rock. There, she sang her thoughts of love for a young human prince out to a booked-out audience on each of four nights in Bridgetown’s college gym.

A core cast of 21 and a supporting cast of about 60, ranging from five years upwards, brought this musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, The Little Mermaid, to vivid life for the enthralled audience. This was a phenomenal performance from a cast from the homes, community, and schools of deep south Wexford.

Appropriate to the marine community of Kilmore, the musical was based on the movie of the same title owned by Disney and set in the sea where King Triton, (Fionn Stafford, who looked as though he had emerged through a crop of Kilmore brown seaweed) reigned over all except his antagonist – nasty sister Ursula (Naomi Nolan), a right witch.

However, unknown to the king, his daughter, a teenage Princess Ariel (Caoimhe McCarthy), was falling in love with a most gracious earthly prince Eric (Tara James Power) from the human world above the sea.

It was a case of love triumphing over evil.

Booked out in advance is testimony to the attraction and the following that Josie Murphy, chairperson, and Kilmore Variety Group organisers and presenters have. Many of them are multiple winners of stage shows such as the Tops of the Parish and they have performed in the National Opera House.

The Kilmore area is now teeming with acting and musical and management and organising ability and pure talent which overflowed from the stage at Bridgetown college gym.

The acting, the singing, the direction, the set design, the lighting, and the staging, were top of the class although the acoustics, nobody’s fault, there were a bit tinny. Lighting and sound effects and the splendid stage lighting and direction made the show worthy of Broadway, New York.

Of course, the entire group were advantaged to have music teacher Eileen Creevey-McCarthy as director, co-director Breda Hayes as stage manager, Kirsty Moran as co-director, Becky Sheil, and the music legend Liam Bates, on their team.

Peter McCarthy was responsible for set design and construction and set painters included Margaret Martin, Gina Murphy, Kirsty Moran, Ama Creevey Gough, Caoimhe, Blaithin and Aoibhinn McCarty, TJ Power, Colm Doyle, and Laoise Doyle.

Sound and stage work was by Joe

Murphy, lighting was by Brian Cantwell, and technical crew included Ava Barry and Nick Hayes. Martina Barry, Kirsty Moran and Eleanor Busher carried out the vital work of PR and fundraising.

The stage crew were Regina Whelan, Tracey McDermott, Riley Milliken, Renata Pinto Viere, Yvonne Doyle, Claire Hancock, Peter McCarthy, Jimmy Moore, and Paddy McGuire.

The most amazing feature of the show were the costumes, made according to the programme, by Eileen Creevey, Monica Connick, Alice Lawlor, Kathleen Tierney, Mary Cousins, Mary Collins, Bred Hayes, and Josie Whelan, the chairperson. They must have spent months with needles and threads and sorting through mountains of varied costumes and fabrics to painstakingly make them exquisitely gleaming.

The show was of such importance that Jim Moore, former chairman of Rosslare Municipal District, and Jim Codd, the current chairman, were there with Jim Moore addressing the audience for the opening.

Every one of the Kilmore Variety Group stars on stage was outstanding. The most hilarious was Kathleen Tierney as Chef Louis. But the star who made the biggest splash of all, singing and acting and carrying her central role superbly through from opening, all the way to the magical and eye-misting finalé, was Ariel, best known in the human world around Kilmore as Caoimhe McCarthy.

Little Mermaid – Caoimhe McCarthy.

Above: Full cast in grand finale� Below left: Prince Eric (Tara James Power) and Ariel (Caoimhe McCarthy). Below right: King Triton (Fionn Stafford) and subjects. Bottom: Pulling fish ashore.

Joseph comes to Enniscorthy

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” from Andrew Lloyd Webber with hits such as “Go Go Go Joseph”, “Close Every Door” and “Any Dream Will Do”.

Venue: Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy.

Dates: 22/04/2025 - 26/04/2025.

Time: Nightly 7:30pm. Doors Open at 7pm. Matinee Sat 26th 3pm, Doors Open 2:30pm.

Tickets: Tuesday (Gala Night) €16 + b.fee. Wed-Sat €18 + b.fee. Sat Matinee €15 + b.fee. Tickets: https://www.gr8events.ie/sales/index.php?event=1891

Cast: Joseph: Richard O'Toole. Narrators: Maria Forrest, Michaela White and Caoimhe Boyle. Jacob: Lorcan Dunne. Pharaoh/Potiphar: Anthony Jones. Potiphar’s Wife: Nicola Roche. Butler: Naoise Fortune. Baker: Richard Mullen.

Brothers: Frank Kehoe, Richard Mullen, Shane Kirwan, Paul Kehoe, Evan Ryan, John Donohoe, Sean Timmons, Brian Cooney, Chris Larkin, Niall Martin and Evan Roche.

Production Team: Director: Imelda McDonagh. Musical Director: Kevin Kennedy. Choreographer: James Dobbs. This production promises to be a great night out for the whole family! n

Back to the Eighties!

Some of the Fogerty performers pictured above rehearsing for their big night in Holohans Pub, Enniscorthy, on Friday 15th March, when they’ll be playing music from the eighties. And all for a great cause as usual – the Hope Cancer Support Centre. See you there! n

CAPTAIN AMERICA

Movie Reviews by Kyle Walsh 

Captain America: Brave New World

Captain America: Brave New World is the 35th entry of the very successful Marvel superhero franchise, although in recent times the standard of Marvel movies has fallen off a cliff. So I had my doubts as I went to the Wexford Omniplex Cinema the other day to watch Captain America: Brave New World. Is Marvel back to its best, sadly not. At this moment in time I really am done with this Marvel garbage. This movie is another let down. This movie was directed by Julius Onah, please don’t let Julius direct another movie, this movie is all over the place. $180 million dollar budget and you’re left pondering in your seat where was the budget spent because it’s definitely not seen on the big screen. I heard there were lots of reshoots and changes done throughout the movie and when I saw it, it didn’t take me long to notice it.

The best part of the movie for me was Red Hulk played here by Harrison Ford. He looked good as Red Hulk. The only problem is he is not in the movie much at all. Barely 8 minutes in total. Which is a shame. The movie feels like an episode from the Disney plus show, Winter Soldier and Falcon, only it would be a weak episode of that show. The plot of the movie follows a similar structure to the show. The thing is, in the movie it is about regular people instead of superheroes. They even emphasise this in the movie – Steve Rodgers was someone people believed in, but Sam Wilson as Captain America is someone people can aspire to because he is just a regular guy without superpowers. It is a bit of an interesting concept but it ends up feeling underwhelming, when you are watching a recycled story minus the super soldier elements.

The action scenes are only ok, nothing to get excited about. I did enjoy how the new Captain America fights, it is creative and versatile. Also his team up with the new Falcon was good. Then again, there is simply not enough action going on here to keep you invested. When the action does break out it’s all too predictable. Even the villain is weak and comes across with no threat whatsoever. He is one of the weakest villains in the Marvel universe. The ending of this crap was so underwhelming too where they had a opportunity to make some kind of impact, instead of that it all fell flat.

Captain America would land in one of the worst movies in the Marvel world. I feel there was a lot of film left on the cutting floor, which makes sense because according to reports there was alot of chaos in production. They should have just cancelled the project instead of serving us with more trash. Sick of it now. It gets a 3/10 from me. n

Ireland Reads Week Words and pics by Maria Nolan

It was an honour for me to be invited to New Ross Library to be part of the Ireland Reads initiative.

New Ross Librarian Thomas Maher introduced me to the lovely audience who had braved the cold February evening to be there and asked me to give them some information about my books before reading from my latest novel The Shadow of the Pike.

I was delighted to give some of the historic background to my books The Shadow of the Hill, The Shadow of Freedom and The Shadow of the Pike from which I read extracts including one on the Battle of Ross before calling on Dick Donaghue of Wexford Film Workshop to chat about how he transformed parts of The Shadow of Freedom into two short films – titled – The Shadow of Freedom and A Country Divided telling the story of Enniscorthy during the War of Independence and the Civil War.

Dick enthralled the audience with details of transforming prose into film script before The Shadow of Freedom was shown on the big screen.

Once again my most sincere thanks to Librarian Thomas Maher and New Ross Library for allowing me to bring my books and film to a New Ross audience – it is gratifying to see our local libraries supporting local authors and filmmakers. n

Bree Hunt

Ball

Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, 1st March 2025

PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER

PAT O’CONNOR

087-2870006

Top right: Pat and Amanda

Kathleen

Above left: Ava Kearney and Molly Donohoe.

Above right: JJ Sinnott, CiaraDoyle, Anna Gahan and Zak Lennan.

Left: William Kehoe and Fr. David Murphy.

Right: Jo Brennan and Alan Colman.

Below left: Emma Hickey, Grace O’Hanlon, Aoife Cummins and Sorcha Vickers.

Below right: Fr. David Murphy, Helen, Ben and Tom Kavanagh.

Mooney and Peter and

Aylward.

Art at the Castle Words & Pics

by Maria Nolan

I was honoured and privileged to open the most amazing art exhibition – Creations of a Colourful Mind recently at Enniscorthy Castle.

Creations of a Colourful Mind showcases the work of three incredible women – Marja van Kampen, Martina Furlong, and Olivia O’Keeffe who were surrounded by admiring family, friends, and colleagues for the launch of their latest venture.

These gifted female artists began collaborating in 2022 and this exhibition is the second in the inspired collaboration between them following the much travelled and successful Meanderings of a Colourful Mind which toured Wicklow, Clonmel, Ennis, Kinsale, Mountmellick, Sherkin Island, and of course here in Enniscorthy.

Each artist has their own very distinct style and method of ex-

pression making it interesting to see the diversity, but all three have a strong connection to the land, nature, and the landscape and explore them in a similarly imaginative and colourful way, and the exhibition reflects the creative journey they seem to be very much enjoying together.

Visiting the exhibition will lift your heart as you immerse yourself in the colour, movement, effervescence, and energy of it.

It’s a known fact that colour, and in particular vivid colour, elevates the soul, lifts the mood and even influences our behaviour.

And the miscellany on display on the castle walls create a sparkle, a vitality, a liveliness, a momentum that makes the heart want to soar.

It’s like stepping out into a ray of sunshine, you can almost feel the warmth and movement and see the light emanating from each fabulous piece of work.

Colours they say are the smiles of nature and I don’t think it’s possible to view this ingenious alliance without smiling, as these inspirational pieces bring joy and raise the spirit.

And how marvellous that three such talented and flamboyant artists have come together to give us this exciting collage of mountains, meadows, trees, sky, seashore, all the elements of

Left: Olivia O'Keeffe, Maria Nolan, Martina Furlong and Marja van Kampen at the official opening of the art exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle which will run to 25th April 2025.

Marja van Kampen, artist, with Maria Nolan.

nature and landscape in a stimulating kaleidoscope of imagination and colour.

Olivia O’Keeffe, originally from Cork, now resides in the Netherlands where she runs the Olivia O’Keeffe Gallery and Art Centre.

Olivia’s paintings are inspired by energy and motion and the rhythms of the Irish landscape.

Olivia combines the acrylic pouring technique with brush work to create flowing artworks alive with movement.

Martin Furlong, whose work I have been admiring for years, is one of our own, born and raised in Wexford, and has exhibited here on numerous occasions.

Her paintings are influenced by the things she sees and her daily experiences as she delves into what connects us to the earth and to life beyond.

Martina uses an interwoven medley of lines, shapes, textures, and colours to explore our spiritual ties to the landscape and how it links us to our ancestors.

I have known Marja van Kampen for a great many years now and I have to say the Netherlands loss is most definitely Enniscorthy’s gain.

To have this very talented artist in our midst is a major addition to the artistic and cultural fabric of our town.

I got so excited on a visit to Ashford Castle last year to see one of Marja’s paintings hanging in the foyer compelling me into telling the Hotel Manager, ‘Oh I know the artist, she lives in my town’ and making me proud to do so.

Marja’s works are like herself, joyful, exuding pleasure and happiness, inspired by childhood memories and travel – beggaring the observation that she must have had a delightful childhood because they are cheerfulness in a frame.

Her use of the female form as the centrepiece of almost all her

paintings is distinctive as she distorts proportions and discards perspective to give her work a playful and dreamlike quality almost leaping off the walls with vibrancy and colour.

Marja has a unique and immediately recognisable style, and we are very glad to have her in Enniscorthy and part of this truly beautiful exhibition.

We are blessed here in our town with such breathtaking talent and such splendid buildings in which to house it and full credit to Manager Mico Hassett and her castle staff for accommodating the exhibition as the castle lends itself aesthetically to it.

Creations of a Colourful Mind runs to April 25th so do yourself a favour and pay a visit, you won’t regret it. n

Women’s Art Exhibition at Projekt Three (Creative Grounds), Enniscorthy

Creative Grounds on Enniscorthy’s Irish Street is transitioning into Projekt Three – a not-for-profit venue dedicated to nurturing and supporting local musicians, artists, and creatives ensuring the space can continue to provide opportunities, mentorship, and a welcoming stage for artists to share their work. Projekt Three will maintain the soul of Creative Grounds while evolving into a fully community-focused venue hosting live performances, exhibitions, workshops, and events, but with an added mission – to provide a supportive environment for artists to grow, learn, and share their craft.

Make sure to check out the women’s art exhibition opening on 8th March.

To support the future of independent music, art, and culture in Enniscorthy: https://www.gofundme.com/f/creative-grounds-projekt-three n

Walk with Me by Lucia Kickham

Walk with Me is a unique community dance project by dance artist Lucia Kickham, bringing people together through movement and place.

The event is on Sunday, March 23rd, at 1pm and 2pm. It is free but booking is advised. This is the link to book: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/walk-with-me-tickets1258048058609?aff=oddtdtcreator

Meeting Point: Playground on the Prom, Enniscorthy, 1pm and 2pm.

Walk with Me audiences are invited to reconnect with the landscape and community of Enniscorthy in celebrating the Spring Equinox and brighter evenings to come.

A community cast will walk with the audience along the scenic banks of the Slaney River for this performance-in-promenade experience.

Luail is Ireland’s national dance company and this project is part of Luail’s year-long, all-island project To This I Belong

For more information, click this link: https://luail.ie/production/walkwith-me/ n

Enniscorthy Library at your service

Tel: 053 9236055

E: enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie

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 Saturdays and Mondays of bank holiday weekends. n

Stay in touch with Wexford’s library services

Wexford Public Libraries Social Media:

Wexford Public Libraries on Facebook.

Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries.

Wexford Public Libraries on Twitter @wexlibraries.

YouTube: "Wexford Public Libraries" n

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000

The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529

The Slaney Writers group meets in Enniscorthy Library on the second Thursday of every month at 6.30pm. Next meeting is on 13th March. New members are always welcome. If you are interested please contact Enniscorthy Library on 053 9236055.

The Enniscorthy Library Adult Book Club Next meeting is on Thursday, 20th March at 7pm

This 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

Creative Places Enniscorthy

Deryn O Callaghan is the Project Co-ordinator. For any queries, suggestions or ideas, tel: 087 9578984. Email: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie https://www.facebook.com/CreativePlacesEnniscorthy n

Open Call funding available for Enniscorthy creatives!

Creative Places Enniscorthy (CPE) is putting out an Open Call inviting artists, creatives, community groups, and individuals to submit proposals for funding for creative projects, programmes, activities, or events in Enniscorthy which demonstrate some form of creative / artistic expression and align with CPE’s priorities and aims.

The deadline is Thursday the 13th of March 2025 and successful projects will

receive funding ranging from €3,000 –€5,000.

Creative Places Enniscorthy is a new and innovative community development arts initiative which hopes to embed creative Arts practice into communities in Enniscorthy. Creative Places aims to connect with people, artists and places, to allow ideas to develop into creative actions that are inspired by and enrich our com-

Creative Places Enniscorthy is an Arts Council of Ireland initiative with support from Wexford Co. Council and partners Wexford Arts Centre.

Apply here: https://creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie/creative-calls-apply/

Contact the Project Coordinator for any advice or help you need prior to applying: Deryn O Callaghan, cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie or tel: 087 9578984. n

Higgle – artists in the making

Down with Cookie Cutters! Higgle Exhibition: ‘Artists in the Making’ showcases the creative process of children who are not neurotypical at primary school level.

Event Details:

Higgle Exhibition: Artists in the Making, Saturday, 8 March, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

Higgle and Creative Places Enniscorthy launch an exhibition focused on children's creative problem solving. The exhibition will showcase the artwork of the children (of all abilities) who participated in this pilot project. The higgle pilot programme in Enniscorthy (October 2024 – February 2025) aimed to develop creative thinking skills in children by providing adaptable creative prompts that were flexible to the needs of the families who took part, what materials they had access to, and what they had time to complete.

A little bit about the project...

Higgle is an innovative, adaptable, artistic prompt generator that enhances creative thinking in primary education, equipping students with essential skills for academic improvement. Higgle values sustainability, down with cookie cutter art, and promoting creative problem solving, collaboration, and the idea that ‘there is no perfect way to do one thing’ but many ways to see one thing, many ways to look at a problem.

Higgle targets a growing market in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education sector, with early interest from 220+ schools and support from notable organisations such as IADT – The Institute of Art Design and Technology, The Local Enterprise Office Wexford, NAPE (National Association for Primary education, UK), Enterprise Ireland, and The Arts Council through the Creative Places Enniscorthy.

Higgle and Creative Places Enniscorthy have worked together to trial the Higgle app in 10 households in the Enniscorthy area over a four-month period. Parents did a varied amount of engagement with their children.

There is a significant gap in creative thinking skills among children, as highlighted in a survey by Higgle, where 85% of

teachers noted difficulties in academic subjects due to this deficiency. Current curriculum resources are insufficient, leading teachers to spend excessive time and personal funds on supplementary materials. Higgle addresses this by offering adaptable, easy-to-integrate creative prompts that support holistic and STEAMbased learning.

The Higgle programme, piloted in Enniscorthy, allowed parents and children to trial materials, conduct brainstorms, think outside the box and articulate ideas. Children responded to prompts such as “how to get a giraffe across a river using

recycled materials” where the parent was able to adapt the activity based on the materials they have access to at home and the type of artistic activity e.g. paint, draw, build, that the child may have had the time or space to work on. By creating adaptable artistic prompts, Higgle and Creative Places Enniscorthy aimed to increase creative play, build confidence and show that art does not have to be a costly or restricted hobby. All are invited to the launch of this fun and interactive exhibition where we can all learn from the creative minds of children. The exhibition is open to the public and free to attend, with light refreshments available. n

ooted in exford

March is an exciting time in the garden as the longer days and rising temperatures bring fresh opportunities for planting and growth. While the weather can still be unpredictable, there’s plenty to do to set the stage for a productive growing season. From preparing the soil to keeping an eye out for pests, taking a few key steps now will give your plants the best possible start.

After the long winter, soil can be depleted of nutrients, so it’s worth taking the time to replenish it. Adding wellrotted manure, homemade compost, or seaweed granules will help improve soil structure and provide essential nourishment for young plants. Seaweed, in particular, is a great natural booster, encouraging strong root development and overall plant health. Spending time feeding your soil now will pay off later in the season when your crops are thriving.

Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him.

The Slaney News is delighted to have Enniscorthy man, Mark Cooke, on board as a columnist. Mark 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 our readers.

If you haven’t already, it’s also a good idea to mulch your beds. A layer of organic mulch – such as straw, shredded leaves, or compost – will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Just be careful not to smother young seedlings, as they still need plenty of light to grow strong and healthy.

As new growth appears, so do the pests, and slugs are one of the biggest threats at this time of year. They can destroy young plants overnight, so it’s important to act early. Regularly checking your plants in the evening and removing slugs by hand can make a big difference. You can also use organic deterrents like copper tape, wildlife-friendly slug pellets, or beer traps to keep their numbers under control. Taking a few preventative measures now will save a lot of frustration later in the season.

With the soil prepared and pests under control, it’s time to start sowing. Peas are an excellent choice for March, as they do well in the cool spring weather. They’ll need support as they grow, so it’s best to put stakes or netting in place early on. Parsley is another great crop to start now – it can be slow to germinate, but soaking the seeds in warm water overnight before planting can help speed things up. If you’re looking for quickgrowing greens, spinach is a fantastic option. It thrives in the cooler months and provides a steady supply of fresh, nutritious leaves. Harvesting little and often will encourage continuous growth, meaning you’ll have a regular supply well into late spring.

March is a time of transition in the garden, bringing both challenges and opportunities. While the weather can still be unpredictable, everything you do now will lay the foundation

for a productive growing season. Whether it’s improving your soil, protecting your seedlings, or getting your first crops in the ground, each step brings you closer to a thriving garden.

Gardening is a journey of learning and discovery, and every season offers something new. If you’d like to follow my progress, pick up more tips, or share your own gardening experiences, you can find me on Instagram @rootedinwexford. Let’s grow together! Wishing you a productive and enjoyable March in the garden. n

Cookie making at Wheelocks

Saturday 15th March is the date for ‘Kids Cookie Making Classes’ at the Village at Wheelocks.

Your young chefs can embark on a sweet, culinary adventure led by Wheelock’s very own Head Chef Jimmy. From donning their aprons and hats to prepping ingredients like a real chef, your kids (ages 3-10) will mix, roll, and bake their very own batch of chocolate chip cookies from scratch! And, of course, there’s a tasty surprise along the way.

After an hour and 15 minutes of delicious fun, they’ll head for home with a batch of cookies and a certificate of completion!

Booking is essential and can be done here: https://thevillageatwheelocks.ie/event/kids-cookie-making-class/

New coffee dock at Y21 Studios

Have you tried the new Coffee Dock at Y21 Studios in the IFA Centre on Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy?

It's open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to start your morning with a nice cup off coffee on the way to work. It will also be open in between classes taking place in the studio. n

Enniscorthy Golf Club is delighted to have chef Conor Kelly and front of house Declan Byrne recently come on board to manage its restaurant and bar. Declan and Conor are operating under the name ‘The 19th Bar & Restaurant’ serving food seven days a week. The club wishes the pair the best of luck and urges members and friends to support them as much as possible. n

Fire closes The Wilds ‘for a while’

A fire in the award-winning The Wilds cafe in Enniscorthy last month has forced the temporary closure of the premises.

Proprietors Paula and Simon say, “We are pretty devastated to announce that due to a fire in our Enniscorthy cafe... we will be closed for a while. Thankfully, no-one was hurt and the fire brigade were on the scene within minutes and they were absolutely bloody amazing. We will keep you posted via social media regarding re-opening.” They also wish to thank everyone for their messages and support.

This unfortnate event does not affect furniture orders or the couple’s other premises at The Beehive, Co. Wicklow. Stopping at that cafe or the drive-thru there for a coffee or bite to eat would be a big help to the couple and their staff at this time. We wish Paula and Simon well, and a speedy reopening of their much-loved Enniscorthy premises. n

Local stout, Brennan's, is now available to buy at Centra, The Shannon…

Sushi & karaoke in Enniscorthy Words and pics by Maria Nolan

Creative Grounds on Irish Street Enniscorthy was packed to capacity on Friday 28th February last for yet another in the innovative series ‘A Taste Of’ conceived and developed by the dynamic owners of the premises Alfie O’Sullivan and Kristyna Simko.

This time patrons received a great Kon`nichiwa or welcome to A Taste of Japan by Anjinsan Alfie and Geisha Kristyna, the 4th event in the series following on from A Taste of Spain, France and Christmas.

The full house was invited to enjoy a selection of authentic Japanese bites, freshly made at AI By Ahmed, the fantastic new Asian restaurant at Templeshannon, Enniscorthy.

So uplifting to see businesses in the town complimenting each other in these most challenging retail times.

The Japanese-clad Alfie and Kristyna invited all to partake of either a bottle of Asahi Japanese lager, a glass of house wine, a soft drink, or tea or coffee to wash down the Sushi.

Then the evening was thrown open to the floor and the karaoke machine, with some very lively performers giv-

ing it socks on stage and creating a festival atmosphere in the beautifully decorated and intimate surroundings.

Huge congratulations to these pilots –for that is what Anjin means in Japanese – of innovation and culture at Creative Grounds offering people something completely different to do on an Enniscorthy evening out.

I am already looking forward to the next one guys – keep the vision alive! n

Lots on at the Enniscorthy

We are grateful as always to Gillian O’Neill, Secretary at Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA), for keeping us updated with all the news and photos from that multi-award-winning facility in Enniscorthy...

Last month we had an induction meeting to welcome all our wonderful new members to the allotments. We had strawberry plants for them thanks to Cyril Wheelock.

Quickcrop also very kindly gave us a 10% discount code for all our members. Quickcrop has a wide range of seeds to choose from and everything you need for a thriving garden. We are all delighted to have this discount to avail of.

We have a free Mindfulness course starting in the allotments on Thursday 3rd April from 7pm - 9pm for 8 weeks with the fabulous Hilary Connor. Spaces are limited and filling up fast. If you are interested in taking part, contact Annette on 087 2135007.

We are looking forward to starting back with our Little Buds activities later this month. For their first activity they will plant up the Caterpillar they painted last year and will sow sunflower and pumpkin seeds. The Little Buds love growing pumpkins, they are amazed that you start growing pumpkins in March and it’s a joy to see.

Everyone here in the allotments is hoping for loads of sunshine and a great growing season for all. n

March is a busy month for gardening, weeding, sowing seeds, and planting out.

Only plant your vegetables out when temperatures are above freezing, they are hardy and hardened off (acclimatised to outside conditions).

If the conditions for planting out are not right it is always better to wait a week or two.

You can now sow beetroot, broad beans, salads, onion sets, brassicas and some early sowings of carrots, peas, spinach and radishes.

It’s also a good month to plant out your strawberry plants just make sure the ground isn’t waterlogged. Prepare drills and sow early potatoes with a good helping of farmyard manure.

Gardening Tips...

Now is also a good time to start off tomatoes, aubergines, and peppers in your polytunnel.

March is the last chance to prune apple trees and blackcurrants, blueberries and raspberries. n

Above and below: Induction meeting to welcome all the wonderful new members to Enniscorthy Community Allotments.

Tried-Tested-Tasted by Caitriona

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

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

Seeing my pictures in magazines, in shops, and occasionally on TV is pretty amazing.

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted

SALTED CARAMEL BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING

Ingredients:

 1 loaf brioche bread

 250ml cream

 250ml milk

 3 whole eggs

 2 tsp vanilla extract

 ¼ cup light brown sugar

 ¼ cup granulated sugar

 2 tbsp butter softened

Instructions:

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

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

 Preheat oven to 180c.

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

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

Caitriona Barron

Local Enterprise Office grants

Grants Available to Support Wexford’s Innovative Businesses

Are you a small business in manufacturing or international traded services? If your business employs fewer than 50 people, offers a unique product or service, and isn’t causing market displacement, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford may have funding to help you start and/or grow!

Eligible grants cover up to 50% of your investment or €150,000 (whichever is less) and apply to:

 Capital items

 Salary Costs

 Consultancy/R&D

This is your chance to scale your business, invest in growth, and innovate with confidence.

Want to learn more, fill out the form here: https://form.jotform.com/2502628385

48363 and one of LEO’s Business Advisors will be in touch. n

Still time to take part in Local Enterprise Week

Local Enterprise Week in Co. Wexford kicked off on Monday, 3rd March, with an incredible lineup of events designed to inspire, empower, and accelerate your business growth.

Whether you're a startup, scaling up, or just exploring your next steps, this is your moment to gain expert insights, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and access practical supports that can make a real impact

Expect dynamic workshops, top industry speakers, hands-on mentoring, and game-changing networking opportunities – all tailored to help your business thrive in 2025 and beyond.

There is still time to participate in the remaing events so secure your spot straight away before it’s too late! Check out the full event schedule below and make it happen! Book here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Wexford/T raining-Events/Local-Enterprise-Week-2025.html n

Local Enterprise Week 2025 runs from March 3rd to 7th, with a suite of events organised by Local Enterprise Office Wexford to help your business grow.

Below: Wexford Co Council Cathaoirleach Pip Breen and Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise at Wexford Co. Council, launching Local Enterprise Week in Wexford.

Photo: Mary Browne.

Some highlights of Wexford Local Enterprise Week...

Scale Up: A Blueprint for Business Growth

March 4th at the Talbot Hotel, Wexford – expert insights on scaling, finance, and funding.

Featuring:

Keynote: Susan Hayes Culleton on growth strategies. Panel: Insights from successful business leaders. Networking: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Awards: National Enterprise Awards nominees announced. n

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Us!

Join in on March 7th for International Women’s Day, focusing on the theme #AccelerateAction.

Keynote speaker, Bevin Mahon, will be joined by an inspiring panel:

Captain Leanne Nolan (Defence Forces).

Joanne Domers (MD, Johnson’s Ireland).

Emma Conor (The Curious Consultant).

Hear from these incredible women as they share their insights on accelerating gender equality in business.

Register now and be part of the conversation! n

Green Business Workshop –Unlock Energy Grants with Pat Kane

Retail & hospitality businesses – cut energy costs and access up to €10,000 in grants!

Join sustainability expert Pat Kane for a free online workshop on March 5th and learn how to make your business more energy-efficient and future-proof.

What you’ll gain:

Expert insights on sustainability & energy savings. Case studies from businesses cutting costs. Step-by-step guide to securing grants.

Live Q&A with Pat Kane & a sustainability consultant.

Limited spaces – book now! n

Master the Art of Media Communication with Gavin Duffy at GreenTech HQ in Enniscorthy

Master the Art of Media Communication by attending the ‘Media Training Day with Gavin Duffy’ being run by County Wexford Chamber Skillnet at Enniscorthy’s GreenTech HQ.

The event takes place on 13th March 2025 with renowned broadcaster and entrepreneur Gavin Duffy. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or spokesperson, this workshop will equip you with essential skills to deliver impactful inter-

Wexford Job Fest

27 March 2025

Save the date for the 2025 County Wexford Chamber Job Fest in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford, which will connect local talent with leading businesses, offering opportunities, career exploration, and recruitment. n

views, handle tough questions, and communicate with confidence.

Spaces are limited so secure your spot now and don't miss this opportunity to refine your media presence with expert insights from one of Ireland's leading communication coaches.

Register here: Skillnet Wexford https://lnkd.in/etzCQap5 n

COUNTY WEXFORD CHAMBER HOSTS POLITICAL LEADERS SUMMIT

A full house heard the county’s TDs, Senator, and Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú share their ideas on how best to shape the future of Wexford at the County Wexford Chamber Political Leaders Summit on February 17th in the National Opera House, Wexford.

The politicians shared their views on a range of topics, including infrastructure and FDI investment; geopolitical issues; environmental concerns and Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE); housing including services, social and affordable housing, and infrastructure gaps; healthcare and mental health; education and upskilling; and tourism and support for the hospitality sector. n

Above L-R: Senator Cathal Byrne, Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin TD, Johnny Mythen TD, George Lawlor TD, Malcolm Byrne TD, Brian Brennan TD, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, and Ivan Yates, MC for the event. Below: Some of the attendees.

Three types of people can issue fines for dog fouling –dog wardens, litter wardens and Gardaí. But failure to ‘scoop the poop’ resulted in just 37 convictions in the whole of the country in 2024. The low rate of conviction needs to change if the problem of dog poo on the nation’s footpaths is to be tackled.

At the January meeting of Wexford Borough District, Wexford County Council’s Hugh Maguire explained the current problem: “The great difficulty is having a witness present when the act takes place, it has to be a member of the public who sees it and reports it, or a warden. So there’s great difficulty in issuing fines or convicting anyone. You have to have evidence and if you just have the deposit you don't have the person whose dog did it.”

Owners/handlers who do not dispose of dog faeces in a responsible manner may receive an on-the-spot fine of €150. Failure to pay on-the-spot fines can lead to prosecution in District Court with a maximum fine of €4,000 and €600 per day for continuing offences on summary conviction. But, for example, figures from Dublin City Council show that just eight fines were issued by them between 2019 and 2023. And incredibly, just one fine for dog fouling was paid in Dublin city in the past four years – and even that was cancelled on appeal.

The Council made a handful of unsuccessful attempts to prosecute people for dog fouling over that period but in two cases witnesses were not prepared to give evidence in court. And in one case a summons was not received, and another case was struck out by the court.

Dog dirt on footpaths has been highlighted by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland as a “huge problem” nationally for people who are blind or vision impaired, and also poses a particular difficulty for people with wheelchairs or prams, who find it hard to avoid. n

South East Animal Rescue

South East Animal Rescue rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals in the South East of Ireland. Their fundraising shop at 27 Court St, Enniscorthy, always has lots of bargains available.

Email: southeastanimalrescue@gmail.com

Keep up to date on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064583773930 n

Dog poo bin on Vinegar Hill.

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9233187, 9236674. F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR MARCH

It's the beginning of March, there's that lovely stretch in the mornings and evenings and for the brief few days that we had sunshine in February you could sense that Springtime was here. Walking through the woods you can see the shoots coming up from the ground of wild garlic, bluebells, and wood anemones. Nature gently, quietly, but relentlessly pushes forward... keeping her own timelines despite what seems like heavy rain day after day. In contrast, on the open fields, farmers are at a standstill because everywhere is so wet. Cattle and cows still must be housed, tillage farmers can't plough or sow their crops as the land is saturated.

We can learn a lot from Nature and how she manages her ground so much more efficiently than we do! There is no waste in Nature... If a tree falls and is left there it becomes a haven for a whole host of insects, fungi, and small mammals that now take the opportunity to recycle the dead wood, break it down, digest it and eventually create humus to allow the next generation of plants to take root and flourish. I often think if we farmed mimicking Nature we might fare out better in the long run.

Victor Schauberger was one of the most successful inventors of the 20th century and he based all his inventions on what he saw happening in the natural world. He was a forester by trade but was an extremely astute observer of Nature and so invented hundreds of inventions some of which were employed across the world.

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

He would say that by cutting down the forests we were killing our rivers, that water doesn't move in a haphazard way but in a very structured way. He understood Nature on such a deep level that scientists still use his studies and there are several institutes dedicated to using the principles he used to enhance farming, forestry, and our lives in general. He was opposed to using the steel plough as it damages the electrical potential of the soil. He figured out that by putting a copper plate at the cutting edge of the plough, the soil managed better and there was a 30% better yield in the crops!

An interesting read is a book on Victor Schauberger, 'Living Water'.

These true heroes whose wisdom fell on deaf ears now need to be heard more than ever. He predicted 90 years ago the apocalypse with the climate, that is now upon the world, if we didn't change our ways.

For me, if we work with Nature rather than impose our regime on her, the way forward for our children and their children will be shown itself... It will be bright and beautiful just like those bluebells that are ploughing ahead. The leaders of this movement aren't shouting from the rooftops or on social media, they are the regenerative and organic farmers, farming WITH Nature, enhancing our soils, rearing content animals, and producing nutrient-rich food that nourishes our body and soul... Just like Mother Nature intended. These are the ones we need to support for all our futures. 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 CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS

Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year.

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

The Citroen C3 Aircross first launched back in 2017 and hopped on the trend in the market for small SUVs. With its chunky, colourful looks, it was a success for the brand.

Now there's a new one on the way to Ireland in a few months’ time that will

introduce hybrid and electric powertrains for the first time, as well as five and seven seat options.

Built upon the Stellantis Group’s new ‘Smart Car’ platform, the new Citroen C3 Aircross shares much of its underpinnings with the upcoming Fiat Grande

Panda and Opel Frontera.

But it manages to look quite distinct with its boxy, square look inherited from the smaller C3 supermini and chunky cladding around the wheel arches. It also gets the new face of the Citroen brand, with a new logo and sharp LED

CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS

lighting at the front and rear.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed but it's expected to come in under €30,000 and offer good value for money.

There will be two trims for the Irish market, Plus and Max, with both getting 17inch alloy wheels. New colour clips in three different colours and a contrasting white or black roof colour offer a bit more personalisation.

The new C3 Aircross is longer than the model it replaces, with more space between the wheels contributing to a larger cabin. It feels generously sized inside for a small SUV thanks to its elongated proportions and tall roof. There’s lots of legroom in the back and handy features like USB-C ports, a 12volt socket and pockets in the back of the front seats. Family buyers will also find two Isofix child seat fixtures on the two outer rear seats.

The 460-litre boot is also an excellent size rivalling some crossovers from the class above. It features a handy twoposition floor and the rear seats also drop 60:40. There will be a seven seater version available, though the two extra seats will be a squeeze for anyone other than small children.

There’s a focus on affordability in the C3 Aircross offering and that’s no more apparent than inside, where it does feel quite pared back. There are plenty of hard plastics visible in the doors and dashboard, broken up by a few plusher fabric finishes and Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats with thicker foam.

But it's modern enough with a slim digital display sitting above a new compact steering wheel. Other standard features include a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, cruise control and automatic air conditioning. The Max version adds wireless smartphone charging, front parking sensors, heated acoustic windscreen, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and blind spot detection.

The new C3 Aircross is built upon a multi-energy platform so offers a great range of power options. There is no more diesel, replaced by a new petrol hybrid and all-electric version. The entry model is a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 100hp and a six-speed manual gearbox. The new hybrid is offered with 136hp and promises lower carbon emissions and even greater fuel economy by running up to 50% of the time in town and city driving in electric mode only.

For the first time, the C3 Aircross is also now available as a full battery elec-

tric vehicle with a 44kWh LFP battery and range in the region of 300 kilometres. A longer range version will join later with up to 400 kilometres. It’s smooth and refined to drive and feels perkier on the road than what the 113hp motor powering the front wheels might suggest. There’s no problem driving in traffic or even joining motorways.

The new C3 Aircross also gets Citroen’s Advanced Comfort suspension for the first time with progressive hydraulic bump stops. This translates to a very smooth and relaxed drive. The downside is it does lean a bit in the corners, but there’s plenty of grip from the front wheels and the steering is firm enough to make it easy to place on the road. Up to 11kW AC charging is possible and 100kW DC charging for a 20-80% charge in at least 26 minutes at a suitably fast charger.

Altogether, the new C3 Aircross feels like a timely reinvention of Citroen’s small SUV. While Irish pricing is yet to be confirmed, it’s expected to be keenly priced against rivals like the Dacia Duster and MG ZS with a focus on simplicity and practicality. The cabin finish reflects a more budget car but it does excel on the space and practicality it offers. And it's far from devoid of character, with peppy power options and bold, SUV looks sure to help it stand out. n

Interior

Doyles Garage Courtown & Enniscorthy is Leinster EV Dealer of the Year

In addition to being the current Co. Wexford EV (Electric Vehicle) Dealer of the Year, the Courtown and Enniscorthy based Doyles Garage has just won the Leinster EV Dealer of the Year award.

The management and staff of Doyles are proud to offer a growing selection of electric vehicles, being an official dealer for MG Motors and GWM Ora, reflecting their dedication to helping customers make the switch to sustainable transportation.

Our photo shows Walter, Mary, and Bernard receiving the Leinster EV Dealer of the Year award at the SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) Annual Dinner & Awards last month.

To learn more about Doyles’ award-winning EV range, pop in any time to the impressive new Doyles Garage premises on the Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, tel: 053 942 7900, email: info@doylesgarage.com, website: doylesgarage.ie n

The impressive new Doyles Garage premises on the Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

Official opening of the new astro pitch at Ross Road, Enniscorthy, by Minister James Browne TD on 24th Feb 2025

Above left: Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, with District Manager Claire Lawless in the background. Above: Peter Doyle, Wexford Football Alliance. Left: Minister for Housing James Browne TD.

Below left: Some of the attendees at the official opening. Below: Former Wexford County Manager Tom Enright with Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District. Bottom left: Minister James Browne TD with Tony Doyle of the Wexford Football Alliance on his left and some of the contractors involved with the project. Bottom right: Public representatives in attendance.

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

087-2870006

Wexford Credit Union run

10th Anniversary on 6th February 2025 of Wexford Credit Union Night Run. Above left: Ciara Tobin and Michelle Moorehouse. Above centre: Mairead Doyle and Scott Holmes. Above right: Daniel Payne, Enita Fowler and Ali Waters. Right: Anne Lennings, Sinead Hore and Michelle Payne. Below left: Martin Kelly. Below centre: Paidric and Becca Turner. Below right: Dale and Ronan. Bottom left: Davy Martin, Course Inspector. Bottom centre: Fran Power and John Dier. Bottom right: John Lambert and Audrey Murphy.

A little piece of rugby history Words and pics by Maria Nolan

On Saturday, 15th February 2025, Enniscorthy Rugby Club paid a fitting tribute to the late, great Jamesie Nolan, of Nolan’s Lawn, at a luncheon at Alcast Park prior to the Energia All-Ireland League game against opponents Bruff of Limerick, on the occasion of the presentation of his 1934 Provincial Towns Cup medal and team photography to the club by his son, Jim Nolan

Enniscorthy Rugby Club President Ger Dunne welcomed everyone to the historic event, initiated by Ollie McGuire, and was lavish in his appreciation of the Nolan family for donating such a wonderful treasure to Enniscorthy Rugby Club saying that it would ‘take pride of place at the clubhouse for everyone to enjoy’.

Niall Wall, who had done extensive research for the event, introduced Jamesie Nolan as ‘the most gifted and most successful Enniscorthy sportsman of all time’.

‘A County Wexford man who became a sporting legend, Jamesie is particularly eminent in sporting annals in that he was successful at elite levels in three separate football codes – Gaelic Football with the Starlights, the Emmets and Wexford, Soccer with Bohemians and West Ham, and Rugby with Enniscorthy.

‘Indeed, Jamesie also holds the wonderful distinction of playing and scoring in the three major cathedrals of Irish sport, Landsdowne Road, Croke Park and Dalymount Park, as well as in Ireland and England, where he went to play with West Ham.

Speaking on behalf of the Nolan family, daughter-in-law Maria Nolan said that Jamesie was indeed an enigma playing in all three football codes at the height of the GAA ban, just going to prove she said, ‘If you’re good enough, rules can be waived.’

Maria thanked Enniscorthy Rugby Club for their wonderful hospitality saying how fitting it was that almost 100 years later the legacy of Jamesie Nolan lives on.

President Dunne thanked Niall Wall for his insightful and detailed piece and reiterated his thanks to the Nolan family. ‘You have provided us with a physical and spiritual memory of the great man that was Jamesie Nolan and his unique contribution to Enniscorthy Rugby and sport in the town of Enniscorthy.’ n

Above L-R: Enniscorthy Rugby Club President Ger Dunne, Jim Nolan and Niall Wall. Below: Ger Dunne, Jim Nolan and Ger McVeigh. Bottom left: Maria and Jim Nolan.

Slaney Olympic A.C. annual 10k

Old

Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, 16th Feb 2025

Sponsored by Campion Insurance

Above: They’re up and running! Below left: Annis Kehoe warming up. Below right: Menapia’s team. Bottom left: Michael Quigley warming up. Bottom right: Brian O’Shaughnessy, Enniscorthy.

Fiona and Stephen O’Brien.

Sophie Murphy and Mairead Ennis.

Bree Billliards and Snooker Club

Billiards Tournament – Jimmy O'Brien Cup/Dempsey Commercial Plate:

This tournament was the latest to play out in what was the third of a busy season so far for the club.

19 players entered, and were drawn into 5 groups for the preliminary round. Each player took on the others in the group, with the first to 100, including half handicap, winning a point. The top player from each group and 3 best runners-up went through to the quarter finals of the Cup. All other players went into the Plate.

Once drawn, both competitions were played on a knockout basis. The first player to reach 200, including full handicap, won each match.

Cup Final:

John Kehoe (-140) defeated Phil Walsh (+60) by 200 to 141.

Beaten semi-finalists were Pat Bolger (+20) and Patrick Leacy (+20).

Above L-R: John Keogh (winner), John Bolger (Chairman), Phil Walsh (r/up).

Plate Final:

Jack Kinsella (+100) beat Mark Jowett (+70) by a scoreline of 200 to 141, coincidentally the exact same outcome as

the Cup final. Beaten semi-finalists were Jimmy O'Brien (+60) and Ray Cullen (-15).

Overall highest break was awarded to John Kehoe, who compiled a 52.

Below L-R: Ray Cullen (semi-finalist), Mark Jowett (r/up), John Bolger, Jack Kinsella (winner), Jimmy O'Brien (semi-finalist).

– PAT BOLGER

The De Lacy family of Oulart Words and pics by Maria Nolan

Recently I attended The Presentation Art Centre for a most informative and interesting lecture on the De Lacy family of Oulart delivered articulately by well known, local historian and proud Oulart man Brian Ó Cléirigh.

Hosted by the Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society, the lecture by Mr. Oulart himself was both entertaining and at times humorous as he detailed the role of the four De Lacy siblings, Mick, Ned, Annie, and Larry who played a wide-ranging role not only in the War of Independence but in the Revolutionary Period more generally as well.

Descended from a 1798 Musketman and with a Fenian background, the three brothers Ned, Mick, and Larry between them were involved quite literally at all levels in the struggle from the Gaelic League to Sinn Féin and onwards.

Ned was part of the Oulart Volunteer contingent in the Athenaeum in 1916, Mick was Civic Minister in the Enniscorthy Republic declared during Easter week, and also Brigadier of the Mid-Limerick Brigade, Larry was Editor of the ‘Irish Volunteer’ (printed in the Echo), and led the IRB in the county, and on the West Coast of the United States – married to Mary Hayes of Court Street, he ranks amongst the most significant players of the entire period.

Annie, as Brian went to great pains to explain, ‘was the brightest of the four and they were all bright, he said, ‘but like a great many women of the period there are little or no details of her or of her involvement’.

Airbrushed out of the picture as was usual for the women of the time.

Brian Ó Cléirigh in his detailed, well-researched and passionate manner enthralled the Presentation audience with intriguing stories spanning Ireland, America, Mexico and India with even some German involvement thrown into the revolutionary mix.

John Garahy, on behalf of the Society and the appreciative audience, thanked Brian for his wonderful insight and ardent delivery before announcing details of the Society’s next trip to the Wexford Courthouse along with the promise of many more lectures to come.

Well done Brian and the Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society for bringing our past into our present and I look forward to the next instalment of our county’s amazing history. n

Brian Ó Cléirigh and Breda Jacob

Brian Ó Cléirigh and Maria Nolan.

Seán Doyle and Seamus Rafter.

Johnstown Castle for €1 a week!

IRISH

HERITAGE TRUST DETAILS MEMBERSHIP OPTION OF €1 PER WEEK TO ACCESS JOHNSTOWN

CASTLE, WEXFORD.

The Irish Heritage Trust, an independent, non-profit organisation, is offering the benefits of its membership programme with the chance to explore some of Ireland's most captivating heritage houses and gardens from just €1 per week, unlocking a world of history, heritage, and natural beauty.

Membership of the Irish Heritage Trust offers exceptional value, granting unlimited access to Ireland’s most cherished heritage properties, exclusive event discounts, and the satisfaction of directly contributing to the preservation of the cultural treasures in its care: Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens in Cork; The National Famine Museum | Strokestown Park in Roscommon; and Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens in Wexford.

With its 800-year history, Johnstown Castle continues to reveal its fascinating stories, thanks to the support of visitors, members, grants, and philanthropic contributions. A jewel of Gothic Revival architecture, the Castle opened to the public in 2019 following a major conservation and development project. Since then, it has evolved into a thriving visitor attraction in the heart of Wexford, under the stewardship of the Irish Heritage Trust which has overseen further conservation efforts and visitor experience enhancements.

Matt Wheeler, General Manager of Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, highlights the significant restoration projects completed in recent years, "Johnstown Castle is an evolving story, and every year since 2019 has seen new conservation efforts and enhancements. Some of our biggest projects include the redevelopment of the sunken garden, the restoration of the walled garden’s herbaceous border, and the replanting of 6,000 native trees – 90% of which came from our own estate. We've also restored sections of the castle roof, including the turrets, east and west wings, and main entrance, to ensure it remains watertight for generations to come. These improvements not only preserve our rich heritage but also enhance the experi-

ence for members and visitors alike. With more exciting projects planned for the year ahead, 2025 is set to be another landmark year for Johnstown Castle."

From February 2025, opening hours are extended and the estate will be open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, with those hours extending to 5.30 pm on March 16th. Visitors can stroll through ornamental gardens and lakeside paths designed by renowned Victorian architect Daniel Robertson (of Powerscourt Estate fame), discover hidden follies, or relax in the welcoming visitor centre and Peacock Café. Families can enjoy the woodland adventure playground, which now features an upgraded drainage system to ensure year-round fun.

An annual membership which supports the invaluable conservation and restoration work of the Irish Heritage Trust is available at €150 for family memberships, which includes two adults and any dependent children. Adult membership is €52, while a couple adult membership is available at €88.

Members also enjoy exclusive discounts on events hosted at these historic sites, including popular Easter and Halloween celebrations. Plus, receive regular updates and insider information, ensuring you make the most of your membership, along with a 20% discount on admissions for friends and family when accompanying the membership holder.

CEO of The Irish Heritage Trust, Anne O’Donoghue, says, “Membership in the Irish Heritage Trust goes beyond personal enjoyment; it is impactful. Preserving heritage is an ongoing challenge that requires significant resources. Every membership actively contributes to the restoration and revitalisation of these wonderful historic houses and gardens. So, for each member, this support is more than a donation- it’s an investment in our shared history, identity, and future. By joining the Irish Heritage Trust as a member, you become part of a community dedicated to celebrating and safeguarding Ireland’s cultural treasures.”

www.johnstowncastle.ie n

Historic buildings in Co. Wexford to receive over €260,000 in grants

Over €260,000 has been awarded to 12 projects in Co. Wexford under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2025 to support the repair and restoration of these older buildings with complex needs and to help conserve and protect our architectural heritage.

Over 650 projects will receive €8.1m in support nationwide according to the new Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Enniscorthy’s James Browne TD.

The scheme supports property owners to conserve and enhance our historic buildings and streetscapes, and at the same time preserve and develop traditional building skills. This year’s grants will be used to repair, restore, and protect historic structures from modest traditional homes to landmark public buildings.

In addition to the funding provided under BHIS, owners and custodians will themselves commit an estimated €29.5m to these projects from private sources, marking this as a very significant investment in our built heritage and the traditional building skills which support it.

Minister Browne said: “I am proud of the part the BHIS plays in protecting and enhancing the historic fabric and

character of our streetscapes and countryside.

St Mogue’s Cottage, Ferns, to get €24,000.

“When combined with existing and new initiatives to revitalise our town centres and bring vacant and derelict properties back into use, the BHIS and other conservation schemes will help ensure that our historic buildings can continue to serve as fine homes at the heart of our communities for many years to come.”

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2025, with €261,989 going to 12 projects in Wexford:

Yoletown, Broadway, Y35 A03F, windows, doors and associated elements; roofs; other works, €12,000.

Cahore Castle, Cahore, Ballygarrett, Y25 F2K0, roofs, rainwater disposal, €30,000.

Forge cottage, Ballygow, Bannow, Y35 XV18, roofs €30,000.

St Iberius, North Main Street, Wexford, Y35 R3WN, other works €32,988.

Carrigbyrne house, Adamstown, Enniscorthy, Y21 D925, external walls, windows, doors and associated elements €21,418.

St Mogue's Cottage, Ferns, Enniscorthy, roofs €24,000.

The Old Rectory, Deerpark, Horetown, Foulksmills, Y35 W016, roofs €22,866. Cooladine House, Enniscorthy, Y21

KD91, windows, doors and associated elements €13,936.

Mass House, Tomhaggard, Y35 N573, roofs, €17,600.

Lantern cottage, Millroad, Kilmore Quay, Y35 CV62, roofs, €20,000.

Garden House, Ardcandrisk, Barntown, Y35 P409, external walls, windows, doors and associated elements €17,181.

St Awarie's Cottage, Buncarrig, Carne, Y35 E2P3, roofs, windows, doors and associated elements €20,000.

€1.25m of the €8.1m in total national funding will be allocated to thatched buildings. Wexford beneficiaries will be:

Clougheast Cottage, Carne, Y35 A9TI, Thatch €15,000.

Sutton Cottage, Ballysheen, Carne, Y35 T2K4, Thatch €15,000.

Coolamain, Oylegate, windows, doors and associated elements €6,774.76.

Clonamona, Craanford, Gorey, External Walls €10,000.

Subject to funding, both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Thatched Buildings Scheme will be open to new applications this July for projects for completion next year. n

Minister James Browne TD

BRINGING FOLKLORE TO LIFE IN ST. JOHN'S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

The ongoing collection of folklore material in Co. Wexford is featuring in the activities programme of a HSE residential care centre in Enniscorthy.

Staff and residents at St. John’s Community Hospital in Enniscorthy look forward to the regular interaction with artist, filmmaker and founder of the Folklore.ie online resources Michael Fortune.

Over the last two decades, Michael Fortune’s work has come to national and international attention through his features documenting oral history, place-based recordings, furniture and farm gates from Co. Wexford, other parts of Ireland and Newfoundland, Canada. In addition to publications and programmes made with RTÉ, the online archive of Folklore.ie to date includes over 300 video clips and over 1,500 other recordings.

One of the latest subjects of Folkore.ie is Kathleen Fitzpatrick of Courtnacuddy, Co. Wexford, and a resident at St. John’s Community Hospital (SJCH) in Enniscorthy.

Michael Fortune’s most recent activity at SJCH was a shared experience making St. Brigid’s crosses with the residents. Kathleen has featured in previous contributions on Folkore.ie and the chat on St. Brigid’s Day in SJCH led to her once more coming on screen to share her version of a story on the legend of the Irish saint for whom a bank holiday weekend is also now named.

Opened in 2009 as a replacement for the adjacent old St. John’s, the Community Hospital in Enniscorthy was purpose built to provide long-term accommodation for up to 104 residents. St. John’s Community Hospital provides long-term residential

care, rehabilitation, transitional care, respite and a Day Centre for Older People in the local community. The residential care centre is divided into four units (the Beech, Elm, Ivy and Oak wards).

Setting the ongoing involvement with Folkore.ie in context, Nurse Activities Co-ordinator at St. John’s Community Hospital (SJCH) Mary Fox says: “We have a comprehensive and varied therapeutic and recreational activity programme in SJCH. A cohesive team led by nurse management has valued support from the Friends of St. John’s Hospital committee and a Community Employment Scheme.”

“Whether it is art, bingo, music or just last week, when there was great excitement upon a visit from the Wexford Barn Owl Project, it is stimulating and helps to foster a happy and engaged atmosphere in what for so many people is their home. We also hosted a Valentine’s Day party recently, where cake, chocolates and roses were much appreciated!”

“The residents and staff love to see Michael come in. Indeed, in between Michael’s visits, it’s a topic of conversation as to keeping in mind a little phrase or a story to relate or discuss upon the next engagement. One cannot understimate the basic value of enjoying a chat, sharing one’s experience and our activity programme is further enriched by the involvement with Folklore.ie”

Director of Nursing Ursula McPhillips adds that St. John’s Community Hospital has an excellent reputation as a care facility and is deeply appreciative of the support it receives from families and the wider community throughout Co. Wexford. Ursula says the involvement with Michael Fortune and the Folklore.ie project is a wonderful connection for SJCH to have and that everyone there is looking forward to it being a mutually beneficial aspect of their activities programme.

See video clip of Michael Fortune of Folklore.ie visiting St. John’s Community Hospital, Enniscorthy at https://youtu.be/O3fKbVvazDA?si=NCEf C1EgjMGkOR1K

For further information on Michael Fortune and the Folkore.ie project, see https://folklore.ie/ n

Michael Fortune chatting to residents L-R: Teresa O’Connor, Kathleen Fitzpatrick and Babs Byrne.

Artist and filmmaker and founder of Folklore.ie Michael Fortune, Margot Banville Hogan (Community Employment Programme Supervisor), Geena John (Asst. Director of Nursing), Mary Fox (Nurse Activities Co-ordinator), Natalie Larkin (Activities team) and Tracey Bridges (Activities team).

Enniscorthy’s Ciara Whelan is ‘Making Waves’

Enniscorthy’s Ciara Whelan is ‘making waves’ leading Marine Awareness Week in University of Galway.

We asked Ciara to tell us more about her initiative...

My name is Ciara Whelan, and I have always had a love for sealife. Growing up in Enniscorthy town, I attended Coláiste Bríde which further sparked my interest in science.

Now in my second year of Marine Science at the University of Galway, I am channeling that passion into my work as Auditor of the Marine Society. In this position, I am leading the society as we hold our Marine Awareness Week (MAW), running from March 3rd to 7th. This week features a variety of events, including expert talks, interactive workshops, beach cleans, and a number of other activities aimed at educating students in marine conservation. A key part of this initiative is raising funds to sponsor an ICU at Seal Rescue Ireland, a charity based out of Courtown in Wexford. They are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick or injured seals around Ireland’s coasts.

Seal Rescue Ireland plays a crucial role in marine conservation by providing medi-

cal care and rehabilitation for seals that have been affected by injuries from marine debris and human disturbances. The centre also works to educate the public on protecting marine environments and reducing threats to wildlife. The funds raised during Marine Awareness Week will be directly contributed to the care of rescued seals, ensuring they receive the necessary treatment before being returned to the wild. To support this effort, I have also launched a GoFundMe campaign, where donations can be made at: gofundme.com/f/help-us-sponsor-anicu-for-rescued-seals

I come home to Enniscorthy most weekends from college to visit my family in town and always appreciate the efforts being made in town to be greener, from Tidy Towns to other community initiatives. Seeing that local dedication to the environment inspires me, and I hope people will support our Marine Awareness Week by donating to Seal Rescue Ireland or following the work we do to protect marine life. n

Almost €3m in vacant properties funding for Wexford Co. Council

€2,804,610 in funding is helping bring vacant properties across County Wexford back into use, says Wexford Fine Gael Senator Cathal Byrne.

Senator Byrne, in welcoming the news that 52 homes in Co. Wexford are benefitting, said, “The vacant property refurbishment grant was introduced to help bring derelict properties back to life as affordable homes.

“While Fine Gael is determined to increase the supply of new homes for people to buy, it is also vital that we get the best use of existing housing stock. That’s why the government introduced funding to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use and make these an affordable option for those seeking to buy their own home.

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has proven very successful since its launch with over 11,300 applications received and over 7,700 approved as at end of December 2024. Some 400 applications are being received monthly, with nationwide interest in the grant and ap-

plications being received across all local authorities. By repurposing the buildings that we already have, we are boosting available accommodation whilst also rejuvenating the towns and urban centres we know and love.

“In County Wexford, €2,804,610 in grants have been drawn down, which is a considerable increase since the scheme was established and I am expecting there to be a continued increase in the number of grants paid in 2025.

“Fine Gael are committed to helping more people in County Wexford own their own home and increasing supply is key to achieving that. This grant helps bring buildings back into use and breathes new life into our communities,” concluded Senator Byrne. n

Senator Cathal Byrne

Chairperson’s address to Enniscorthy Tidy Towns AGM

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 11th February in the Riverside Park Hotel where Chairperson Jonathon Hughes addressed the gathering as follow:

❝ Good evening, my name is Jonathon Hughes – Chairperson of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, thank you for attending our AGM. 2024 was an historic year for Enniscorthy Tidy Towns with a first ever gold medal in the National Tidy Towns Competition. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our committee members, volunteers and members of the public who helped us achieve this amazing feat. In particular I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our long-serving or long-suffering committee members without whom this would not have been possible. Central to this success is community involvement and collaboration. As Chairperson I would like to especially thank Enniscorthy Municipal District/Wexford County Council, elected representatives, our CE Scheme members, local schools, voluntary groups and the business community who help us make our town a cleaner and greener place to visit, live and work in. The publicity we receive from the Slaney News continues to be a real motivation – thank you to Frank Corcoran. I also wanted to thank Enniscorthy Guardian and in particular Rachel Cahill for highlighting the issues facing our town and the work of our group. Our social media presence continues to be a powerful tool for us to communicate with followers.

Our group continues to go from strength to strength, with 23 active members in our WhatsApp group and 10 committee members. We must not rest on our laurels and I would encourage all members of the public, businesses and other groups – particularly younger people to get involved.

In achieving gold last year, we increased our marks by an impressive 15 points. We entered two special awards – the

LAWPRO community waters award, and Young Persons Award, and although we didn’t win, we did achieve a county commended award for 2024.

There were some notable achievements and highlights in 2024 – our successful Spring Clean and Kayak events (thanks to Sustainable Enniscorthy, Lawpro, Know How Media, Slaney S&R, WCC , An Taisce and Go Paddle), our Swift Conservation Projects (thanks to SCI, Library, Mens Shed, Wexford Barn Owl Group and Swift Construction), our Biodiversity and Heritage week events (Hedgerows Ireland, Fintan Kelly and Faith Wilson). We branched out into community artwork projects in 2024, special thanks to Deryn in Creative Places and local artists as well as SETU for collaborating on projects last year. We worked with a number of businesses and community groups last year including AIB, Reachability and also C&R and Donegan Print – thank you.

We took home awards in the Wexford Co. Co. Environment awards for Spring Clean, Biodiversity and Sustainability projects as well as the Wexford Volunteer Centre community calendar. We continue to work closely with Sustainable Enniscorthy and ECA – we are trying hard to improve the sustainability of our town promoting and engaging on public trans-

port, water conservation, and other circular economy projects. I also wanted to commend the work and successes of Enniscorthy Community Allotments.

Our annual table quiz and Tidy Towns awards were social highlights and thanks to the White House and the Riverside for hosting us. I also wanted to thank our generous donators last year including the Credit Union and local businesses who sponsored prizes or made donations – in particular Pettitt’s SuperValu. SuperValu arranged for Fionnula Moran to visit Enniscorthy in 2024, with over 500,000 views of her viral videos promoting our work and historic town.

Importantly our numbers continued to grow in 2024 including the enthusiasm of younger volunteers. The engagement with schools and younger people is vital to spread our messages - I wanted to thank St Senan’s Primary School (Ms Ailbhe Murphy), Enniscorthy Community College (Mr David Lawton), and in particular Coláiste Bríde (Mr Brendan White) for the continued collaboration and support. The work of Enniscorthy Community Alliance and John Murphy has been inspirational and we look forward to working closely together in 2025.

Looking forward into 2025, this year is already shaping up to be an extremely busy year which as Chairperson I am really looking forward to. It is an honour and privilege to represent this amazing group. Enniscorthy is an amazing town, with so much history, nature, biodiversity, and cultural heritage right on our doorstep. There are many exciting plans and proposal afoot to unlock the full potential of our town. These will positively transform and improve our environment, streetscapes, and public places. As Chairperson I am committed to making Enniscorthy a better place for all residents, businesses and visitors to our town.❞ n

Jonathon Hughes, Chairperson, Enniscorthy Tidy Towns.

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Secretary summarises a busy year

At its AGM held on 11th February 2025, Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Secretary Áine Doyle outlined what a busy year it was for the group in 2024.

❝ The last AGM was held in September 2023 and since then Enniscorthy TT has been a very busy organisation. There was a total of eight meetings held since the last AGM with an average of 68 members per meeting. Some of the events and activities that occurred during the year are:

• A letter was sent to discount stores in January highlighting issues with Silly String and confetti.

• The Chairperson devised a volunteer questionnaire and distributed through social media in March.

• Dog Litter Campaign – ETT used stencils to spray the footpaths in key problem areas.

• The Committee met with Ann O’Leary, Tidy Towns Consultant, to do a Walk-Through on Thursday, March 21st.

• Community Clean-Up Day took place on the 1st April and was a great day with over 30 volunteers helping out.

• Kayak Clean-up was held on April 21st.

• We ran a Photo Competition in 2024 to feature in our application.

• The Chairperson organised several applications for Grants – Biodiversity

Grant, Local Authorities Waters Programme (LAWPRO), Creative Places etc.

• Utility Box project with Creative places – 3 areas: Slaney Place, Pig Market Hill and The Duffry.

• National Heritage Week Events – 2 were arranged. A Historic Walking tour of Enniscorthy on Thursday August 22nd with local historian Fintan Kelly. Also, a Bat Biodiversity Walk on Friday August 23rd at 8.30pm in association with Wexford Bat Group.

• Many discussions took place regarding the Social Employment Scheme and the ongoing work they do.

• May 20th – Faith Wilson, Ecologist, delivered an excellent National Biodiversity Week 2024 talk at the Slaney Countryside Walk, we also had a Hedgerow Walk on May 24th.

• A very successful Table Quiz and Raffle was held in the White House, Templeshannon, on the 13th of September. Our thanks are due to Phil and Seán Millar for assisting in its organisation.

• Several ‘no mow’ areas agreed with Enniscorthy Municipal District.

• We won Best Community Biodiversity Project for the Swift boxes at the Wexford County Council Environmental Awards, we also took home gold and 1st prize in the Snap into Action awards for our Spring Clean

Pizza lovers - take note!

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns (ETT) volunteers are fed up picking up pizza boxes! And now, the litterbugs have no excuses!

Wexford County Council has kindly provided a dedicated pizza box bin outside Mizzoni's Pizza in Enniscorthy. They have also upgraded the big belly bin and included some wonderful artwork of Enniscorthy town on them.

But takeaways need to play their part too. ETT is urging takeaway operators to clean up around their premises and consider additional bins at busy times/weekends, and also to ask their customers to use the various bins around town.

If you are interested in getting involved and making Enniscorthy Cleaner and Greener please contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns. They would be delighted to hear from you. Tel: 053 923 6518. Email: enniscorthytt@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown n

events. We also received a commended award for our trees for Wexford project with the community college.

• Annual Garden Competition. Awards took place on November 27th in The Riverside.

• Tree and shrub planting – has taken place all around Enniscorthy.

• All this collective hard work and a concerted effort with our application and map this year led to Enniscorthy Tidy Towns achieving a GOLD MEDAL in the SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards for the first time ever. A massive thank you to all members of public, the Council, businesses, CE workers and other community groups. Not to mention schools, Sustainable Enniscorthy, the Alliance, Creative Places Enniscorthy, and Enniscorthy Municipal District – too many groups to thank including Enniscorthy Community Allotments and also Slaney News and Enniscorthy Guardian and Enniscorthy Credit Union and Enniscorthy Library.

• ETT was featured in both the 2024 and 2025 Wexford Volunteer Centre Calendar.

• Tidy Towns have erected a shed on Island Road in February 2025.

• Our thanks to Shamrock Rovers AFC for the use of their meeting rooms for our Committee Meetings and of course ALL our volunteers.❞ n

Interested in clean air for Enniscorthy? Progress on Enniscorthy’s water supply

Uisce Éireann says it is making significant progress on a €19 million investment to upgrade the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply with pipe laying now complete.

The project will benefit more than 11,000 customers, promising a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas. It will also enable the removal of the supply from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of vulnerable water supplies and will ensure continued compliance with national drinking water standards.

Critical improvements to the scheme include upgrading the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, replacing the raw water intake facility at Clonhaston, and constructing a new pumping station. A total of 2km of water mains is being re-routed to facilitate the transfer of water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Treatment Plant. Pipe laying along the L-2020 is now complete and a temporary road surface has been laid. Permanent reinstatement of the road is due to commence from April. Traffic management will be in place during this time, but Uisce Éireann says every effort will be made to minimise disruption for the community.

Commenting on the importance of the project for the community, Diane Carroll (pictured), Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, says: ‘We’re proud of the progress on this critical project for the people of Enniscorthy... The new and improved scheme will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply, while the increased capacity will support future growth and development of the town.’

Welcoming the news, Minister James Browne TD says: ‘...the entire project is due for completion towards the end of year. This is welcome news for the thousands of people in the town that will benefit from the upgrade. The completion of these works will remove deficiencies in the system and promises to end frequent outages and water quality issues with the Enniscorthy supply.’

The project is being delivered by David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Uisce Éireann customers in Wexford can receive real time updates for local issues with Uisce Éireann’s free text service. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie n

Would you like to know more about air quality in Enniscorthy, what causes air pollution, how it is monitored and what we can do to improve it? Then go along to the above talk by the TownAir Team to find out more!! n

With the support of the Environment Department of Wexford County Council, Mutt Mitt bag dispensers and bins (see photo) have been installed in Ferns village and also at several locations around Enniscorthy. These dispensers contain easy to use biodegradable bags to dispose of your dog’s poo. So no excuses! Bag it and bin it!! n

Above: Diane Carroll (Uisce Éireann). Below: Minister James Browne TD.

Do your town a favour

Do you have a few hours to spare a month? Find yourself bored mid week evenings or at the weekend? Want to make your town a better place? Please contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown

Email: enniscorthytt@gmail.com n

Please note...

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.

Did you know?

Did you know that people use a plastic bottle for an average of 11 minutes? Meanwhile it takes up to 450 years to decompose!

Thankfully reusable bottles are becoming more and more popular and there are now a number of locations on the streets of Enniscorthy where you can fill them with water for free.

The Slaney News was delighted to see Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, who always brings her own reusable water bottle with her to all meetings, recommend at the January monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District that plastic bottles of water be no longer provided at such meetings and action has now been taken with a new style of water bottle being used which is 88% plant based, eco-friendly and fully recycable. n

Energy supports & resources

There are a number of government supports and resources available to help businesses mitigate the impact of energy price rises and become more energy efficient. Check out the website: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-forsmes/energy-supports/ n

€22,400 in grants awarded for water quality projects in Enniscorthy

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), working on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality, is awarding €22,400 to projects in Enniscorthy.

Overall, €1,047,265.26 has been awarded across 54 projects in 24 counties under the ‘Community Water Development Fund Open Call 2025’.

Under the fund, local communities and groups were invited to apply for financial assistance to support the delivery of projects and initiatives to enhance local water bodies and benefit water quality and biodiversity.

In Co. Wexford the following two projects were awarded funding:

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns - River Slaney Community Water Project (€6,000).

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club - River Slaney Community Clean Up Project (€16,400).

Since 2018, on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, LAWPRO has made over €3.7m available through this funding scheme to communities, assisting in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive through Ireland’s Water Action Plan. The funding provided annually has also increased significantly during this period, from €185,800 in 2018 to over €1 million in 2025.

Full details of grants awarded and for more information on the work of LAWPRO visit: www.lawaters.ie n

Please keep in mind Wexford County Council's Community Grant & Funding webpage when looking to source details of community grant and funding schemes that may be relevant to climate action measures.

This webpage is a valuable source of information detailing what schemes are currently available, terms and conditions etc., and very importantly.....deadlines!

To access the webpage, please click here: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community-grants-and-funding n

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy doing her bit for the environment.

Left: Fr. Seán McDonagh.

Right: Professor Conor Murphy.

Far right: Dr Noel Culleton.

WORLD RENOWNED 'ECO-WARRIOR' TO ADDRESS PUBLIC TALK IN WEXFORD TOWN

Fr. Seán McDonagh, a native of Nenagh, whose lifetime of work on climate change evolved to become Pope Francis’ provocative encyclical titled Laudato Si, subtitled Care for our Common Home, is to address a free public seminar on the environment at White’s Hotel, Wexford town, on Ash Wednesday, 5th March, at 7.30pm.

He is the author of several books on the environment, among them: The Death of Life - The Horror of Extinction; Climate Change - the Challenge to us all; and Fukushima- the Death Knell for Nuclear Energy?

A 30,000-word paper that he wrote became the basis for one of only three of Pope Francis’ encyclicals, earning him worldwide attention as the Pope’s “eco warrior”.

Fr. McDonagh, an eco-theologian, trained to be a priest at the Columbans in Navan. He was a missionary in many parts of the world including the USA and the Philippines.

Students from five Wexford town secondary schools, Selskar College, St Peter’s College, Coláiste Éamonn Rís (CBS) Wexford, Presentation Secondary School, and Loreto Secondary School, will also make presentations on climate change at the seminar. Among those who will address the attendance will be Fr. Billy Swan, Wexford town parish, Professor Conor Murphy, native of Kilanerin, member of the Irish Climate Research Centre at Maynooth University, and a member of the Government’s committee on climate change, and Gráinne Dunne, community engagement officer with the Third world agency, Trócaire, working on the needs of the developing world.

Dr Noel Culleton, author, broadcaster, and one of the Government’s original researchers and policy makers on climate change in Ireland and the EU, is chairman of the organisers, Care for the Earth Wexford, and will be chairman for the seminar. He was one of the Government’s original researchers and policy makers on climate change in Ireland and the EU in 1990s.

He said: “There are weather extremes, globally and locally. The oceans are rising and coastal erosion along our seafront in Wexford from north to south-east and south west, is at or close to crisis level.

“Our focus on our climate change emergency has shifted in the past year due to political imperatives here, in the US, Europe,

and the Middle East. We need to ramp it up again. The Pope’s encyclical, Laudato Si, inspired by Fr. Seán McDonagh’s work, provides a direction to actions we can take.

“Already, Care for the Earth members in Wexford town are doing their bit on creating awareness, and practical actions including sowing trees, promoting biodiversity and sustainability that will help us to achieve our EU and Government climate commitments.”

The Wexford Care for the Earth group is headed by Bishop Ger Nash, bishop of Ferns, and its executive members are Fr. Billy Swan, Parish Administrator, Wexford, Noel Culleton (chairman), Helen Corish-Wylde, Don Curtin, Gerry Forde, Mary Ellen Hawkey, Victoria Hawkins, Brother Éamon McLochlain, Ibar Quirke, Nicole Gabbett, Anastasia Frisby and Breda Reville.

Wexford Co. Council wins national award for road safety programme

Wexford County Council’s Just 1 Life Road Safety Programme has won the Best Community Transport Initiative

category in the LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) Community & Council Awards 2025 which took place

Let’s keep our county clean

Great to see that Wexford Co. Council had four successful cases heard in Wexford District Court on 27th January 2025. This resulted in a total of €1,675 in fines and €1,475 in costs awarded.

Wexford Co. Council has three methods to log complaints:

1. Call: 053 919 6000

2. Email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

3. Website to report illegal dumping: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/wasteand-recycling/report-illegal-dumping n

at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork City on 22nd February 2025.

Delivered to secondary school students throughout Co. Wexford, the programme aims to prevent young drivers’ deaths in road traffic collisions.

The judges acknowledged the extremely successful partnership between Wexford County Council and Wexford Rotary Club and the positive effect that the programme has had with a reduction in road fatalities in County Wexford from 53 in 2006-2008 to 19 in the last three years.

Through interactive presentations and videos involving local emergency services, health organisations, and mental health support agencies, the programme has educated over 23,000 students to date.

David Codd, Road Safety Officer, accepted the award on behalf of Wexford County Council. n

L- R Tom Byrne, Wexford County Council; Cllr Gary Laffan; Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council; Sarah Morris, Wexford County Council; David Codd, Wexford County Council; Niamh O’Neill, Wexford County Council; Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen; Alan O’Shea, Wexford County Council; Anthony Bailey, Wexford County Council, and John O’Flynn, NTA.