Killian Stafford, of Stafford’s butcher shop, Rafter Street, Enniscorthy, runner-up in the All Ireland Traditional Butcher Sausage competition held recently in Naas, Co. Kildare
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Finishing Touches, Enniscorthy
McCauleys, Enniscorthy
Evolv Health Store, Enniscorthy
Villa Beauty, Clonroche
Welcome to the July issue of the Slaney News.
One of the biggest annual events held in Enniscorthy is the Hope & Dream 10 and this year’s version was no exception. The Board of Directors of the Hope Cancer Support Centre have declared themselves ‘absolutely delighted to announce that the total proceeds raised for Hope and Dream 10, 2024, is a massive €143,681, the largest amount raised for this event since 2020!’
The Centre would like to say a huge thanks to all the participants, donors and sponsors, and their wonderful team of volunteers who made the 13th Hope and Dream 10 an amazing community event and helped raised the incredible sum of €143,681. Their support allows the doors of the Hope Centre to remain open to provide much needed services to hundreds of people annually.
The Hope & Dream team are already looking forward to next year’s event! So keep your diaries free for Sunday 6th April 2025!
Best wishes to the newly elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Aidan Browne, and to Cllr Pip Breen in his new role as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council. We carry an election summary on pages 14-15.
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 around 12,500 Followers. And, of course, if you like our format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you
Frank Corcoran
–
Summer Camp
SLANEY NEWS
Barbara-Anne Murphy Thank
Tim and Fiona Phelan invite you to visit their new 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, 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
New arrangements for parking payments in Wexford’s towns
Wexford County Council has announced a new cashless option (eParking), for parking in Co. Wexford’s towns, in partnership with ParkMagic. Cash will continue to be accepted also.
From 17th June 2024 payments in relation to public parking, through the former provider APCOA Connect, will no longer be accepted.
Wexford Co. Council believes the new Wexford eParking solution will transform the way that residents and visitors manage their parking needs, saying that Wexford eParking is userfriendly, offers a more efficient and seamless experience to motorists, and enhances the overall convenience of parking across Wexford.
Users can easily pay for parking through: Mobile app.
Wexford County Council website.
Participating retail outlets in Gorey, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford.
The new Wexford eParking service came into operation in all public parking locations from 17th June, 2024. n
First Holy Communion at St Senan’s School Enniscorthy, 9th June 2024
Cian O’Sullivan, Conor O’Neill, and Kyran Walsh.
John experiences the nasty side of local politics
A common thread among candidates in the recent local elections around Co. Wexford was the nastiness experienced during the campaign. Some have been reluctant to go into details but Cllr John O'Rourke, in his final speech as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, outlined a couple of incidents.
Before mentioning these incidents however, John spoke about what "an absolute honour" it was to serve the people of Enniscorthy as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, thanking them for all their support. He then spoke about the "keyboard warriors", how politics has now got "a
little bit dirty", with "attacks on us [politicians] and our families".
One incident he mentioned involved a letter he received which ended with the words, "I hope you die of cancer", and another vile letter which contained human excrement. And he was particularly critical of verbal attacks on his own family and fellow politicians' families.
Enniscorthy's Councillors were fulsome in their praise for John's leadership as Cathaoirleach over the last year. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, addressing John, said, "You should be very proud of yourself." Cllr Jackser Owens praised John's work "in and out of the
chamber". Cllr Cathal Byrne spoke of how well John and Jackser (Leas Cathaoirleach) worked so well together, and their accessibility at all times.
Despite the nasty incidents experienced, John is looking forward to serving the people of Enniscorthy for another five years as their elected representative. n
Cllr John O'Rourke
Visit our website: https://sites.google.com/view/thecastlebridgeshow Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
The biggest and best!
The Bannow and Rathangan Show day is almost here again and everybody is looking forward to a wonderful day out in Killag, Duncormick, Co. Wexford, on Thursday 11th July.
This is a day out not to be missed – a fun day out for all the family is guaranteed. The committee is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to bring you all a day to remember.
The success of the show is testament to the huge volunteer workforce who give of their time so freely to work on the day. The aim is to make the show an enjoyable day for everyone.
The usual show classes for Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Goats will take place, with competitions to suit all exhibitors. There will be a high standard of competition in all classes. Dressage classes start at 9am, with lots of horse and pony riding classes taking place throughout the day. The jumping competitions are always exciting and provide great entertainment for the spectators. The final of the Three-Year-Old All Ireland Championship takes place with horses qualifying from shows around the country. Show jumping starts at 10.00am and continues all day.
There will be a Dog Show and Sheep Dog Trials also. Entries for the Dog Show will be taken on the day.
There will be a vintage display with fine cars and tractors to view. Visit the vibrant Food Village to sample and buy delicious food from the locality and further afield. This year there will be a Schools Competition, and it will be wonderful to see the children show off their skills with Chef Adrian.
The younger ones will be well catered for with free activities on the field at various times during the day. At 11.15am and 12.30pm, Joe Daly, The Magician (RTE Jnr), will entertain the children. At 2.00pm, Liam Sharkey and John Reilly will entertain the children with musical games. In the Courtyard, Craft Central from New Ross will be doing craft activities for the children. Spaces will be limited here so the early bird catches the worm!
Musical entertainment will be provided in the courtyard at 11.45am by Danescastle Music Group and at 1.15pm by Tony Jeffers.
The Fashion Show will take place in the Courtyard at 3pm with fashions by Wallace’s of Wellingtonbridge. They have a vast variety of fashions, catering for many age groups. This is a fashion show always worth watching with unbelievable value.
There will be over three hundred Trade Stands on site with something to suit everyone. Agricultural stands, business stands, retail, food outlets will all be on site with an array of goods on display and for sale.
The Bannow and Rathangan Show Society is indebted to all its exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and spectators all of whom contribute to the success of the show.
The Show has a fine tradition and is now firmly embedded in the calendar of the South East on the second Thursday in July each year. Long may this tradition continue. Every effort is made to make this a wonderful day out for all the family. It is where memories are made for many, and organisers look forward to seeing you there on show day.
For more details, check out the website www.bannowrathanganshow.com or check out Facebook or call Liz Freeman on 087 7560 871. n
Admission: Adults: €15 | Seniors: € 10 | Students: € 10 | Children Under 16: FREE
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Enniscorthy Community Services JOB VACANCIES
Community Employment Programme
COMMUNITY VISITOR
Scheme Category: Adult Community Care Worker.
Scheme Location: COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICES, 6 Main Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 YE16.
Contract Type: Temporary.
Job Type: Community Employment.
Start date: To Be Confirmed.
End date: To Be Confirmed.
Hours per fortnight: 39 Hours per Fortnight.
Positions: 6.
Salary Type: Community Employment Programme Rates.
Remote/Blended Working: No.
Sector: Other Service Activities.
Application Details:
Eligibility to participate on CE is generally linked to those who are 21 years or over and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for 1 year or more or 18 years and over for certain disadvantaged groups. Your eligibility will have to be verified by the Department.
You can register your interest by contacting a case officer in your local Intreo Centre.
Applicants should supply suitable character references and be prepared to complete a Garda vetting application form.
Duties Will Include:
This is a developmental opportunity, no experience necessary. Accredited training will be provided to support your career.
Visitation of the elderly in their own homes. You will be paired with another employee when visiting the elderly in their own home. Here you will chat with the elderly, providing social interaction. Some weeks you will also be called on to deliver meals on wheels within Enniscorthy, to our clients. The working schedule is week on, week off, 39 hours per week. Training is also available while taking part in CE employment. The aim of training is to help you in obtaining full time employment. The training will have to be a credited QQI course.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION OFFICER
Scheme Category: Information Manager.
Scheme Location: COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICES, 6 Main Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 YE16.
Contract Type: Temporary.
Job Type: Community Employment.
Start date: To Be Confirmed.
End date: To Be Confirmed.
Hours per week: 19.5 Hours.
Position: 1.
Salary Type: Community Employment Programme Rates.
Remote/Blended Working: No.
Sector: Information and Communication.
Application Details:
Eligibility to participate on CE is generally linked to those who are 21 years or over and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for 1 year or more or 18 years and over for certain disadvantaged groups. Your eligibility will have to be verified by the Department.
You can register your interest by contacting a case officer in your local Intreo Centre.
Applicants should supply suitable character references and be prepared to complete a Garda vetting application form.
Duties Will Include:
This is a developmental opportunity, no experience necessary. Accredited training will be provided to support your career.
To deliver information on a wide range of topics, social welfare, health etc. to those that require it. This is a drop in service, where training will be provided. 19.5 hours per week spread out over 2½ days. Training is also available while taking part in CE employment. The aim of training is to help you in obtaining full time employment. The training will have to be a credited QQI course.
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
It’s time to cultivate your summer dreams with our full range of flower and vegetable seeds in stock. We also have all the accessories you will need to help you have a bountiful supply of fresh veg and a tidal wave of summer colour. And don’t forget our huge range of patio and container plants and our serene range of houseplants. And now is the time to think about your summer and autumn flowering bulbs.
Transform your garden into an outdoor haven with Kilcannon Garden Centre. From vibrant garden plants to charming indoor plants, we have everything you need to make your garden flourish all year round. Our expert staff are here to provide you with expert advice on gardening and planting, ensuring your garden looks stunning. Don't miss out on our delightful home-cooked meals and freshly baked scones at Kilcannon Restaurant, which locals and visitors love. Pop in for a tasty bite and a chat with friends in a welcoming atmosphere. Visit us at Kilcannon Garden Centre on Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, to explore our high-quality plants grown on-site. Our fully trained horticulturists are ready to assist you with all your gardening needs.
Why don’t you call in store now and we’ll be more than happy to share our advice.
Kilcannon Garden Centre and Restaurant, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 92 35514. Find us on www.reachability.ie and www.facebook.com/KilcannonGC
Opening Times: Garden Centre: Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 5.30pm, Sunday 11.30am – 5.30pm. Restaurant: Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm, Sunday: Closed. Come and visit our garden centre today or simply pop in for a cup of coffee. Follow us on social media for gardening tips and updates.
Enniscorthy’s new Council
Above right: Cllr Browne with his fellow Councillors and Wexford Co. Council staff.
Left: Cllr Browne with outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke and newly elected Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Jackser Owens.
Right: Cllr Browne with members of his family –parents Aidan and Kathleen, and sister Lisa Browne McDonald.
Jim dons the chains in Rosslare
Above left: Newly elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Aidan Browne.
Election of Jim Codd as Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council on 16th June 2024. Above L-R: Peadar Tóibin (Leader, Aontú), Ceceline Hunt, Cllr Jim Codd. Above right: Cllr Jim Codd with his mother Ann and newly elected Member to Rosslare District Aoife Rose O’Brien.
CLLR PIP BREEN IS NEW CHAIRMAN OF WEXFORD CO. COUNCIL
The recent AGM of Wexford County Council saw Fianna Fáil Councillor Pip Breen (pictured right) elected as Cathaoirleach of the Council, replacing outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Fleming. Cllr Breen will serve as the 127th Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council.
Cllr. Breen has been a member of Wexford County Council since 2014 and represents the Gorey/Kilmuckridge Municipal District. Speaking after his election, the new Cathaoirleach thanked his fellow Councillors for giving him the opportunity to serve on their behalf and on behalf of the people of Wexford as Cathaoirleach of the Council. Cllr Breen paid tribute to the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Fleming.
In his address to the new Council, Cllr Breen said: “I wish to thank the people who voted for me also those who didn’t – this is a democracy we live in. I welcome all new elected members here today and sympathise those who lost their seat. Going forward from today, I want this Chamber to be productive. I want it to work, I know all the staff here that I’ve worked with throughout the years. I have great faith in them and their commitment to Wexford. I want the same commitment from everyone in this chamber as well. You will have it 100% from me. I’m here for Co. Wexford, I wear the jersey and I am for the betterment of the County and everybody in it. We are all here for the right reason and I hope we will have a productive year.”
The AGM also saw the election of Independent Councillor Ger Carthy, of Rosslare Municipal District, to the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Council, a position he also held in 2023. n
Above L-R: Cllr Ger Carthy, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, with Jim Codd, the new Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District. Below: Enniscorthy Municipal District polltoppers Cllr Cathal Byrne and Cllr Aidan Browne.
Election of office holders at 5 districts
At the Annual Meeting of Wexford Borough District held on 25th June 2024, the following were elected:
Mayor: Cllr George Lawlor
Deputy Mayor: Cllr Garry Laffan
At the Annual Meeting of the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District held on the 25th of June 2024, the following were elected:
An Cathaoirleach: Cllr Oliver Walsh
Leas-Chathaoirleach: Cllr Donal Kenny
At the Annual Meeting of Rosslare Municipal District held on 26th June 2024, the following were elected:
An Cathaoirleach: Cllr. Jim Codd
Leas Cathaoirleach: Cllr. Ger Carthy
At the Annual Meeting of the New Ross Municipal District held on 26th June 2024, the following were elected:
An Cathaoirleach: Cllr Bridín Murphy
Leas Cathaoirleach: Cllr John Dwyer
At the Annual Meeting of the members of the Municipal District of Enniscorthy held on 26th June 2024, the following were elected:
An Cathaoirleach: Cllr Aidan Browne
Leas Cathaoirleach: Cllr Jackser Owens n
Wexford’s solidarity with Gaza
Taking inspiration from the words of Martin Luther King Jr: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere", the Wexford branch of Amnesty International is holding weekly vigils in solidarity with the people of Gaza, highlighting the sav-
age, brutal and terrifying injustices occurring there every day, remembering all those killed in the Israel–Palestine conflict, calling for a permanent and immediate ceasefire and demanding Israel allow unimpeded urgent medical aid into Gaza.
The vigils take place at 6.30pm every Thursday at Redmond Square in Wexford town. All are invited to attend and show support.
Follow ‘Amnesty International Wexford Group’ on Facebook. n
PICNIC AGAINST APARTHEID, REDMOND PARK, WEXFORD, 23RD JUNE 2024.
'Clothes Sale For Gaza' on July 6th & 7th to support the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund (@thepcrf) and the Irish Palestinian Support Campaign (@irelandpsc) so please show your support if you can! Now accepting donations of quality, clean clothing items that can be sold over the weekend. Donation drop-off and clothing sale location: Creative Grounds, Enniscorthy Y21 P8K6. Opening times: Tues – Sun, 10am-5pm. Your donations will directly aid children in need.
€1m
for
Hard to believe...
In all the coverage of the recent local elections in Co. Wexford, one point seems to have been missed by many... the lack of women elected.
The newly-elected Council consists of 34 members but only 6 are women. Hard to believe in this day and age that women constitute less than 18% of our Council.
Best of luck to the 6 who were elected (see image) and hopefully there'll be a few more in 2029!!! n
Enniscorthy garda station
Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne confirmed on 2nd July 2024 that works to extend Enniscorthy Garda Station are underway.
“The extension to Enniscorthy Garda Station will include works to the Garda Regional Armed Support Unit. The cost will come to approximately €1 million. As
I announced several months ago, the contract process moved very well, which has assured the commencement of works this week. The extension will make a massive difference as the Enniscorthy base is in a good geographic position to rapidly respond to armed threats to public safety and law and order. I commend Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes and his management team for leading this development in partnership with the OPW. The works are expected to conclude before the end of the year. An additional 12-15 Gardaí will be based in the unit.
“As a Minister of State at the Department of Justice, I am acutely aware of the benefits that will be realised because of this extension. I’m delighted to confirm progress in relation to this project and I will continue to work with government colleagues to deliver further government investment in County Wexford.” n
TFI Local Link Enniscorthy services
TFI LOCAL LINK WEXFORD – 3 TYPES OF BUS SERVICE:
❶ REGULAR RURAL SERVICES (RRS):
These operate to a set timetable, multiple times a day. These services do NOT require booking.
Four Bus Routes serve Enniscorthy seven days a week incl public holidays (see timetables with this article):
RRS 359 New Ross to Enniscorthy via Rathnure
RRS 368 New Ross – Enniscorthy
RRS 369 Enniscorthy – Bunclody – Tullow
RRS 384 Wexford to Enniscorthy
Elsewhere in Co. Wexford:
RRS 387 Wexford – Rosslare
RRS 388 Duncormick – Wexford
RRS 389 Riverchapel – Gorey
RRS 399 Hook Head to New Ross
RRS 392 Wellingtonbridge to New Ross
❷ DEMAND RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT (DRT):
These are services that have a start and end time but the route may vary according to passenger bookings. Many of these services pick passengers up from their homes, offering a door-to-door service. These services generally operate one or two days each week and booking is advised by 3pm the day before one wishes to travel. There are no age restrictions on this service – it is open to all.
In the Enniscorthy area there are 8 DRT services as follows:
Glenbrien to Wexford on Wednesdays and Fridays: Glenbrien 10am, Ballymurn 10.05am, pick-ups on route..., North Castlebridge 10.25am, Redmond Square 10.30am. Returning: Redmond Square 1pm, North Castlebridge 1.05pm, drop-offs on route..., Ballymurn 1.25pm, Glenbrien 1.30pm.
Oulart to Wexford on Wednesdays and Fridays: Oulart village 9.40am, Ballytarsna 9.45am, Iskabeg 9.50am, The Ballagh 10am, Ballymurray 10.10am, Ballylucas Cross 10.15am, Wexford 10.30am. Returning: Wexford 1.30pm, Ballylucas Cross 1.45pm, Ballymurray 1.50pm, The Ballagh 2pm, Iskabeg 2.10pm, Ballytarsna 2.15pm, Oulart village 2.20pm.
* These 5 services can accommodate drop-offs and pick-ups at the Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre at Quarrypark.
All above DRT times are approximate and based on bookings. Timetables: https://locallinkwexford.ie/rural-wexford-timetable/ Call 053 901 1828 to find out more.
❸ SUMMER BEACH SERVICE:
Enniscorthy to Curracloe Wexford to Curracloe
Gorey to Ballymoney Kilmuckridge to Morriscastle Beach Services operate Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from June 1st to September 1st 2024. Beach fares are based on single journeys: Family (2 adults/2 children) €5, adult €2, child/student €1. Kilmuckridge to Morriscastle is a FREE service. These services will run daily August 5th to 18th, 2024, with the exception of Wexford to Curracloe which will not be in operation during the Fleadh Cheoil from 4th to 11th August 2024.
Route 359:
Route 359 (on opposite page) is a key route for those living on the east side of Enniscorthy with stops at Templeshannon, St. Senan’s Church, opposite Fr Cullen Terrace, Vinegar Hill Villas, and Esmonde Road. And with a stop at Marconi Park near Lidl/Aldi it makes shopping at those outlets more convenient for eastside residents.
The Enniscorthy to Curracloe Beach Service operates Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays from June 1st to September 1st 2024 and will run daily from August 5th to 18th 2024. Below is the timetable. For other beach services see: https://locallinkwexford.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2024/05/Beaches-2024-Timetable.pdf
Fares:
All TFI Local Link Wexford Fares are very reasonable, The Free Travel Pass is valid on all services, and children under 5 can travel for free. TFI Local Link fares include single, return, student, and child fares. Cash is accepted on all TFI Local Link services. Fares are subject to change and vary from service to service.
Local Link contact details:
For enquiries contact TFI Local Link Wexford 053 901 1828.
For daily updates, check out the Local Link Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/locallinkwexford/ n
Note: The stop for the beach service in Enniscorthy is on The Prom and NOT at the Bus Stop Shop on Templeshannon.
Enniscorthy’s Walking Trails
Recent rehabilitation and upgrades of the riverside trails in Enniscorthy have dramatically improved and expanded the walking options in town.
The Urrin Loop on the south bank is now complete. Users can enter this loop just before the footbridge at the end of The Prom and walk on a new path up to Munster Hill, across the
roadbridge there (St John’s Bridge), enter the Davis Mills site, walk down by the side of the Urrin and rejoin the main Slaney river trail by walking under the railway bridge.
The scenic Blackstoops Link (The Banks) has also opened, allowing walkers to enter at Ned Kavanagh’s Garage on the Island Road, walk along the banks of the Slaney and exit via a steep incline coming out close to St. Mary’s cemetery. n
THE URRIN LOOP...
Entrance at the Urrin footbridge
Path rises up to Munster Hill
Walk over the Urrin roadbridge (St John’s Bridge)
Admire the view from the bridge.
Re-enter the walk at Davis’s Mills. Ponder potential uses for Davis’s Mills.
The path down by the side of the Urrin. Admire the view of St Senan’s.
Rejoin the Slaney river walk. Walk under the railway bridge.
benefit from major upgrades THE BLACKSTOOPS LINK...
The path by the river Slaney. Great views.
The steep incline at the end of the path.
The steep incline at the end of the path.
The exit point opposite St Mary’s Cemetery.
The cemetery entrance.
The entrance at Ned Kavanagh’s Garage on the Island Road.
The path by the river Slaney.
Top L-R: 1. Killian Morrissey. 2. Aine Cahill. 3. Tiernan McKeown. 4. Jayden Kenny.
Above L-R: 1.Kyran O’Neill with his grandad Sean Davitt. 2. Tiernan McKeown and Lynda Hogan. 3. Rose O’Connor.
Left: Michelle, Cian and David O’Sullivan.
Above: Hughie Cooney.
Right: Mathew, Hannah, Marie and Killian Morrissey.
St Senan’s School Communion
16th June 2024
Far left: Abbie Corrigan and Harper Carroll. Left: Alice Connors. Above: Patrick, Martina, Fionn, Alex, Sinead and Ruadh Parle.
Above left: Casey, Bill, Sasha, Jamie Lee and Maria Stedman-Walsh. Above centre: Sandra, Abbie and Mehmet Corrigan. Above right: Fiacre and Fiacre Jr, Bernadette and Caoimhe Ryan.
Left: Evan, Buckley, Tyler, Leanne and Ava O’Rourke.
Above: Bridget, Kate and Andy Kelly.
Right: Mario, Jake and Cristine Carty.
Marshalstown School
50th Anniversary of opening of the present School building, 20th June 2024
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER
PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
50th anniversary celebrations at the school included a speech by Principal Michelle O’Neill outling the history of the school and its staff, and an address by Chairperson of the Board of Management John Roche. Parents and past pupils had a look round the classrooms and exhibition remembering the good old days. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Ger Nash and Fr. Billy Caulfeld. And tea, refreshments and a 50th anniversary cake were enjoyed in the Community Centre.
Left: John Roche (Chair of Board of Management), Michelle O’Neill (School Principal), Conor McClelland and Rosemarie Creevy, oldest and youngest students, as they launch the time capsule.
Above right: The school band.
Right: Attendees at the event.
Below left: John Roche, Chair of the School Board, Fr Billy Caufield and Bishop Ger Nash.
Below centre: Evie O’Connell-Kehoe, Mary Martin and Beth Cooney.
Below right: John Roche and Michelle O’Neill.
Far
Far left:
A poem by two of the students Maia Davin-Kane and Eva Walsh. Left: John Roche, Chair of Board of Management with Johnny Mythen TD.
Right: Leanne and Evie Davitt Kavanagh on their way into the church.
Right centre: Some of the school’s champions Leah Slye, Amy Donnelly and Ella Roban-Casey.
right: Happy with the exhibition –Ciara Roban and Susan Kavanagh.
Address by John Roche, Chairman, Board of Management
Welcome dignitaries. Particularly the past and current pupils.
This particular building was opened as a school on October 1st 1973. The Principal was Mr Lyons and the teachers were Mrs Kinsella and Mrs Lyons. Since then, the school has grown and gone from strength to strength. The number of pupils now exceeds 200 which speaks not only for the natural increase in population in the area but also for the success of the school as a foundation for all the pupils who have passed through its doors over that half century.
Education is probably the most important piece of armoury any young person can be given as they move out into the world. All parents know the anxiety felt when a child leaves the house on his or her first day in school. The foundation which will be laid here and in schools like this one all over the country will dictate the future not only of the individual child but of the entire country as we move forward. Pupils will leave here equipped to go out into the next level knowing that by its completion that they will make their own choices as to whether they want to work in the trades, study agriculture and work on the land, go into the retail or hospitality business or go into academia or indeed be teachers themselves.
All these things seem far away on the first day that you bring your child here but it is a certainty that what happens here will dictate to a huge extent their future direction.
I am proud to be Chairman of the Board of Management here in succession to Fr. Danny McDonald and Fr. Cushen before him. Having served on the Board for the last fifteen years or so I know that all members of the Board, and I want to mention Bee Nolan in particular who has been a member here longer than any of us, are really proud of our Principal Michelle O’Neill and all the teachers and SNAs and other staff who make a massive contribution to the education of all the children who pass through here.
The past 50 years have seen the entire world change with new technology which is sometimes good but other times actually frightening. The next 5 years will see more advances in that regard than the last 50, so fast is the pace of development. That is why it is so important for our young people to be ready for the challenges which lie ahead.
Teachers today have a much more challenging task than those who went before them. In saying that I’m not being disrespectful to the teachers of yesteryear. I’m merely flagging the massive task faced by today’s educators who are competing with so much information and disinformation being literally poured from the internet which can have a significant effect on those who indulge it. Our school, under the leadership of Michelle and with the support of all her staff, will be to the forefront of the battle to ensure that no child leaves here under the illusion that real education doesn’t matter.
In conclusion, let us wish all our educators who will work in this school over the next 50 years be given the health and strength required to face the task ahead. n
A regular series by the team at Enniscorthy East Community Development
This month the subject is... Templeshannon Community Centre
Back at the start of the new millenium, changes were taking place in the Templeshannon area. After many years of educating young people in the Shannon area, the Mercy Convent Primary School gave way to the new purpose-built St. Senan’s school in Fr. Murphy Park. To utilise the space vacated by the old school, it was decided to establish a Community Centre on the site and the new building incorporated a brand-new childcare centre, a revamped community hall, as well as a suite of new offices and meeting spaces.
A community Development Project was set up to manage the new facility and in later years this project gave way to the existing Templeshannon Community and Childcare Centre Ltd. The company is supported via funding from Pobal while its childcare wing is subsidised by government early years education schemes including the E.C.C.E.
The day-to-day running of Templeshannon Community and Childcare Centre Ltd. is overseen by a Voluntary Board of Management. It would not be possible to run the community centre without a volunteer board and great credit is due to those who give their time to this hugely important community resource.
So what goes on in our Community Centre?
Our Childcare Centre is a highly valued provider of early years/preschool education in our community. Believe it or not, but there has been a childcare facility on the site since Peig Doyle opened the doors to its first students as far back as 1976. So many of our young children have benefitted from this headstart to life and the current facility is one of the top facilities anywhere in the region.
The professional staff that manage and operate the childcare centre are highly qualified and experienced practitioners and provide a topclass service to both pre-schoolers, and latterly an excellent afterschool service for primary-school children. The commitment of the staff to best practice teaching and pedagogical skills ensures the service continues to grow and develop. We at the Templeshannon Community Centre feel very lucky to be blessed with such a quality service. Of course, the childcare centre is just one part of the range of services that are provided. The theme of education is continued and over the years we have delivered many certified courses to our local residents. These courses can vary from art to literacy skills and indeed over the past two years we have been home to many Ukrainian nationals learning English for their new life in Ireland.
Many voluntary groups also call the community centre home including two strong youth clubs which are run by Foróige and the FDYS. Music and dance feature highly with dance classes spanning all ages and
types. Our new community singing group meets on Thursday morning for a cuppa and a singalong and is going from strength to strength. But that’s just a flavour for the many activities that are running at the Templeshannon Community Centre. From martial arts to indoor bowls and from sewing to social dancing, the centre has become a focal point for lots of groups and classes.
Templeshannon Community Centre has a fully H.S.E. compliant kitchen and two good-sized meeting rooms for committees and groups to meet. With so much going on, it’s no surprise to hear that finding space for all the groups that want to use the space is difficult. Looking ahead, we can see that we may be running into capacity issues. Moving forward we plan to revamp the existing spaces to increase capacity and to offer more facilities to the community. To do so will require a significant investment into redesigning the centre and this will be a significant challenge to all involved. However, we currently have a very strong and skilled Board of Management who are committed to securing the future of the centre for the next 25 years. Indeed, if you feel you would like to get involved in delivering the new vision for Templeshannon Community Centre then feel free to contact us on 087 2930510, or come along to our upcoming Annual General Meeting which takes place at the Riverside Park Hotel on Friday July 12th at 10.00am
Keep up to date on Facebook by clicking on this link: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity n
Templeshannon Community Centre
Every Tuesday and Friday at 11am, all are welcome!!
Enniscorthy East Community Development: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity
Launch of SICAP programme
On the 31st May 2024 Wexford Co. Council and Wexford Local Development held an event hosted in Templeshannon Community Centre, Enniscorthy, to mark the official launch of the SICAP 2024-2028 programme. SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) is managed at a local level by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), with support from Wexford County Council, and actions are delivered in communities by Wexford Local Development. SICAP is a national programme, and it is the government’s primary social inclusion intervention.
SICAP supports disadvantaged communities and individuals including unemployed people, people living in deprived areas,
people with disabilities, single parent families, people on low income, International Protection Applicants, Refugees, members of the Traveller and Roma communities and other disadvantaged groups. The target groups of the programme are predefined nationally.
Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has chosen three “Local Priority Target Groups” for a specific focus for the duration of this new programme which are:
People living in disadvantaged communities
People impacted by educational disadvantage
Travellers
SICAP is currently delivered by Wexford Local Development through a team of professional Social Inclusion and community workers who work alongside local communities in collaboration with several different agencies with a focus on targeting those who are most disadvantaged in our communities in Wexford. It is a targeted, holistic programme for those groups and individuals who are most disadvantaged and less likely to connect with mainstream services.
SICAP has been active in County Wexford for a number of years, and this is the third iteration of the programme. WLD have successfully delivered the predecessor programmes and will be responsible for the delivery of this new programme for the next five years.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Cllr. Aidan Browne, Chair of Wexford LCDC, said, “Wexford County Council and the LCDC are committed to supporting our partners in delivering on agreed objectives, and I look forward to the continued collaboration between Wexford LCDC and Wexford Local Development, in delivering this key inclusion programme across County Wexford.”
L-R: Mr Martin Collins, Co-Director Pavee Point Roma & Traveller Centre; Ms. Sharon Murphy, Pre-School Home Liaison Officer, FAB; Mr. Seamus Whitney, Enniscorthy East Community Development; Ms. Clare Ryan, SICAP Manager Wexford Local Development; Ms. Tara Farrell, Community Development, Wexford County Council.
Staff and clients of W at the launch of SICA Templeshannopn Comm
2024-2028
Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, added: “I would like to convey special thanks to all the staff and officials of Wexford County Council for their input into the management and oversight of the SICAP Programme over the past number of years, and to Wexford Local Development for their implementation of the programme, and I look forward to our continued efforts in the future. County Wexford has made progress addressing issues of social deprivation and marginalisation in recent years through our work with government, community groups, private citizens, and other key stakeholders. Wexford County Council is committed to addressing the needs that exist in the county, and to ensure that wellbeing, inclusion, equality, and diversity are at the heart of County Wexford’s communities, and we look forward to continued collaboration with our partners to achieve these goals.”
The CEO of Wexford Local Development Brian Kehoe said, “We are working to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion at a local level, in practical ways; helping those in need to find work or to upskill, assisting many with accessing a tailored personal development course or gaining access to workplace skills or educational opportunities. SICAP helps to connect to those who are more marginalised, helping
Barbara-Anne Murphy.
to point them towards a pathway of opportunities that might otherwise be missed or out of reach. We are very fortunate that our SICAP team are highly experienced and skilled in developing connections and building capacity in local communities across Co. Wexford. Over the last five years through the SICAP programme we have provided individualised supports to over 5,000 individuals and worked consistently with over 200 community groups. We’re delighted to be able to continue this important work over the next five years in collaboration with the LCDC and Wexford County Council.”
Martin Collins, Co-director of Pavee Point Roma and Traveller Centre, spoke about the impact of poverty and exclusion on the Traveller and Roma communities. He spoke about the ongoing racism experienced by the Traveller Community and
the importance of raising awareness and addressing the devastating impact of racism and discrimination on people’s lives.
Seamus Whitney from Enniscorthy East Community Development group spoke about his experience of using community development approaches to address inequality in his community in Templeshannon and the importance of people coming together to have their voices heard and working together to be part of the solutions to some of the issues locally. Over the past year a new youth group has been established in Templeshannon which has already won a national award, but both youth and community work rely on a huge commitment from both volunteers, as well as agencies and community workers.
For more information on SICAP visit https://www.wld.ie/social-inclusion-community-activation-programme-sicap/ n
Top L-R: Brian Kehoe, CEO, Wexford Local Development; Ms. Dymphna O'Connor, Chief Officer Wexford LCDC; Cllr. Aidan Browne, Chairperson Wexford LCDC; Cllr. John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council; Ms. Clare Ryan, SICAP Manager, Wexford Local Development; Deputy Paul Kehoe TD. Above: Members of Wexford Co. Council Community Dept with Cllr George Lawlor, Cllr Aidan Browne (Chairperson Wexford LCDC) and Cllr
Wexford Local Development AP programme 2024-2028 in munity Centre on 31st May 2024.
Clerical changes in the Diocese of Ferns
For over two years, the people, priests and programme personnel of the Diocese of Ferns have engaged in consultation regarding the future of the Church. This consultation was spearheaded by Bishop Ger and brought together through a collaboration of the Council of Priests and the Diocesan Pastoral Council to develop a pastoral plan entitled ‘Our Future Church’.
This plan, available on www.ferns.ie envisions twelve pastoral areas in the Diocese to ensure sustainability and the availability of priests for every community into the future. Clustering parishes into pastoral areas allows parishes to share vital resources, such as priests who will engage in team ministry within each pastoral area. The vision of Vatican II and the foundation of baptism underpins the plan to support priests and people to work more closely together towards mission and ministry.
The following clerical changes have been made in response to the needs of the new Pastoral Areas. These changes are effective from weekend of 13/14th July.
Fr. Sean Devereux, Cushinstown, appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area of Bunclody-Ferns-Kilrush and assigned to Ferns.
Fr. John Byrne, Oylegate, appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area of BunclodyFerns-Kilrush and assigned to Bunclody.
Fr. Paddy Banville, Enniscorthy Pastoral Area, appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area of Gorey-Camolin-Craanford-Riverchapel and assigned to Craanford.
Fr. James Cullen, Wexford, appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area of St. Senans-St. Aidans-Marshalstown and assigned to Marshalstown.
Fr Michael Doyle, Templetown, appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area Imeall na Screige and assigned to Oulart/Ballaghkeene.
Fr Dermot Gahan, returning from Indiana, USA, and appointed as Co-PP to the pastoral area Castlebridge-Crossabeg-Oylegate and assigned to Oylegate/Glenbrien.
Fr Brian Whelan, Craanford, appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area New Ross-Cushinstown-Adamstown-Newbawn and assigned to New Ross.
Fr. Roger O’Neill, Gorey, appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area New RossCushinstown-Adamstown-Newbawn and assigned to Cushinstown.
Fr. Tom Orr, New Ross, appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area Hores-
wood-Ramsgrange-Duncannon-Templetown-Ballycullane and assigned to Duncannon and Templetown.
Fr. Paddy Browne, Oulart, appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area Wexford-Clonard-Glynn-Piercestown and assigned to Wexford.
Fr. Odhran Furlong, Chaplain in Wexford General Hospital, to assist in the Pastoral area of Bannow-ClongeenTaghmon-Rathangan in addition to his duties in the Hospital.
Fr. David Murphy, Chaplain to the Defence Forces, to assist in the Pastoral area of Tagoat-Kilrane-Our Lady’s Island-Kilmore-Ballymore in addition to his duties with the Defence Forces.
The Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash has accepted the retirement of Monsignor Joe McGrath as Vicar General of the Diocese and wishes to thank him for his immense service in this role and for the wise and gentle counsel provided over many years and wishes him good health in his continued Ministry as Co-PP in his Pastoral area.
Bishop Ger is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Broaders as Vicar General of the Diocese of Ferns and wishes him every blessing in his new role. n
Left: Bishop Ger Nash.
Right: Fr Brian Broaders, new Vicar General of the Diocese of Ferns.
Patron dates
Monday 1st July 7.30pm: Children’s Patron at St. Mary’s / Enniscorthy Cemetery.
Thursday 4th July at 7.30pm: Cherryorchard Patron.
Thursday 11th July 7.30pm: Presentation Convent Patron.
Sunday 11th August at 3pm: Patron in St. Mary’s / Enniscorthy Cemeteries. n
415 YEARS OF PRIESTLY MINISTRY COMBINED
Bishop Ger Nash is pictured below with this year’s Jubilarians in the Diocese of Ferns. Fr Jim Curtis (Diamond), Frs Michael Byrne, Joe Kavanagh, Martin Casey, Thady Doyle and Bernard Cushen (Golden), Fr. Brian Broaders and Fr. Don Kenny (Ruby), and Fr. Robert McGuire (Silver). Missing from photo are Fr. Willie Howell (Golden) and Fr. Dick Hayes (Diamond). n
Work has started on the new Pedestrian Crossing between St Mary’s and the new graveyard at Blackstoops much to the delight of Cllr Jackser Owens who says, “Safety for all is the most important thing on this very busy road, I've been campaigning for this a long time. I'm also calling on the Council officials to have the loudspeaker in place at the new graveyard for the patron in August so everyone can hear the prayers.”
Tractor & Vintage Car Run in Our Lady’s Island
Above left: Family day out for Paul, Ruth, Finn, Tadhg, Theo and Mick Reade, and Ann Silcott and David Hogge. Above right: Declan Owens, Cllr Jim Codd, Olive Power, and Rachel, Ella and James McCormack. Below left: It was such a nice day, why not relax as Jessica and Cameron Kehoe did. Below centre: Paddy Corish. Below right: Katelynn Maher, Jonathon Maher, Adrian Corish and Kyle Maher.
John Maher with his Massey Ferguson 165 Multi-Power tractor.
Proud Wexford tractor man – Sean Lambert. Kian Maher and Samantha Scallan.
David Wade, Liam Parle, Ivan, Bernice and Arthur Wade and the one and only Cllr. Jim Codd.
Taghmon contingent – Barry and Abbie Hennessey, Gavin and Donacha Kellegher, Cllr Jim Codd, Sean Lambert and Mylie Doran.
Sustainable Enniscorthy
A monthly column
A member of the local Sustainable Enniscorthy group asks ‘Why Choose Vegetarian’?
Being vegetarian isn’t about virtue signalling. It benefits our health, our pockets, and the environment.
I first went vegetarian in January 2017 as a new years’ resolution and as a personal challenge. Seven years later I’m still maintaining that lifestyle. The first thing people ask when they discover I’m veggie is “why?” For me personally, it was the health benefits. I could eat more, reduce bloating and digestion issues, and feel better. Fast forward to 2024 and my answer to “why?” has changed. The health benefits remain, but the environmental impacts of our diets are increasingly apparent. According to https://news.exeter.gov.uk/how-much-carbon-could-you-saveby-going-veggie-or-vegan-every-so-often/, one person can save 100kgs of CO2 per year by eating vegetarian one day per week. That’s the equivalent of driving 715km in a car, as calculated at https://www.openco2.net/en/co2-converter. The CO2 saving for one vegan day per week is even greater at 143kgs CO2.
Do you miss meat?
The short answer is no. Occasionally I crave some of my old favourites, but in recent years I’ve found that plant-based alternatives have vastly improved. In my opinion, the plant-based alternatives to cheese are not quite there yet. However, substitutes for chicken, beef, and pork, especially processed substitutes such as chicken nuggets, sausages, and burgers, are getting more difficult to tell apart from their carbon-heavy opponents. They are also more shelf stable, so cause less food waste. I use these substitutes
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!
Pic: www.victorianprint.co.uk
in moderation, as with anything processed, they aren’t the best for our health. Loading up on whole foods such as fruits, veggies, nuts, and pulses is my main goal.
Is it expensive?
On the contrary, eating vegetarian is significantly cheaper. I try to fill half my shopping trolley with fresh fruit and veg, a good stock of rice, pasta, sauces, with room left over for some meaty alternatives. Stores like Aldi and Lidl now have quite an extensive store-brand plant-based range, which are much cheaper than the big-name brands in Dunnes and SuperValu. I estimate that I’m saving €15-20 per week on fresh and processed meat products for a household of two people. According to this article from RTÉ, you can cut your food bill by 33% by switching to plant-based or vegetarian! https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2022/0105/1269888vegan-vegetarian-diets-food-costs-savings/
Why not try it for one day this week?
Who knows, seven years from now how much carbon and money you might save! For some easy and tasty recipes check out https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/vegetariandinner-recipes.
See what produce is in season at https://stopfoodwaste.ie/resources/seasonal-calendar-planning-shopping n
Pic: Picryl
Fr Michael Byrne’s Golden Jubilee celebrations
Members of the clergy of the Diocese of Ferns who celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Fr. Michael Byrne PP, Bree, in the Church of the Assumption, Bree, 7th June 2024. Fr Michael is fourth from the left in front row with Bishop Ger Nash directly behind him.
Fr Michael Byrne PP, Bree, who celebrated his Golden Jubilee in the Church of the Assumption, Bree, on 7th June 2024, pictured above with family members.
ELECTION POST-MORTEM
There are careers spawned and fortunes made on predicting and analysing elections. Damage limitation and massaging the message in the aftermath of an election is an industry. Spin and owning the conversation is the order of the day. It depends on who you listen to what angle and response you receive. That’s the art and craft of politics.
This column is by and large an opinion piece and should be taken as such an opinion. I do expect many people to have an alternative view point and that is why we cherish the democratic process we live under. If I cornered the wisdom on the subject I would be in demand as a consultant which I am not. The local and European elections have implications for all the political parties involved and I will attempt to open a train of thought as to what messages the electorate is trying to convey by the results.
Let us start with the Green Party which has being the focus of much debate amongst pundits. This resulted in their leader Eamonn Ryan stepping aside and the leaderin-waiting Catherine Martin not taking up the mantle. They did take a beating with high profile names losing out. The media highlighted the jibes from some candidates during the election. Fianna Gael and Fianna Fáil candadates criticised their agenda in government during the campaign causing tension within the coalition. I feel that this did not cause the Greens to perform badly. The spin is that the rural community is the cause of their woes particularly the farming community. If they believe this narrative it will be the rock they will perish on. Other sectors are feeling the pain and attribute it to the Greens. The business sector has seen multiple changes which has created financial stresses resulting in higher costs. Each legislation change in itself is laudable but the combined effect could have some people calling the current government anti-business in its approach of late. I have come across many people in council estates unable to get an extension to their house because costs are prohibitive due to the green-led regulations imposed.
Many towns in Ireland are dabbling with the regeneration scheme available which has the agenda of reducing through-traffic and parking. This is to help with carbon emissions but will discommode people carrying out their day to day activities. One could say the Greens are boxing above their weight and are successful in imple-
TOWN
TALK
WITH KEITH DOYLE
menting their policies. The reality is the more successful they are in government the less popular they may become at the polls. I feel that after the general election FF and FG will seek an alternative partner to make up the numbers.
Sinn Féin was also disappointed with the results. They pass it off that a local election is a lot different than a general election. Privately they must be asking why the young people were not as exercised to vote for them this time. Is that wave stemmed and why? One reason is that Sinn Féin had become the party of favour for all the disenfranchised in society until the Dublin Riots. This is the watershed moment where they lost many right of centre disillusioned voters. One can make a case that Sinn Féin has created mood music showing a willingness to move closer to the centre in preparation for government. This strategy may be taking the shine off the premise that they are something different. Unless they can reignite the support that they captured at the last General Election they will come up short again.
The Far Right did not make the headlines in Ireland taking a handful of council seats but in Europe they did make gains. France is showing a surge. Many other European countries have elected more right wing candidates to the European parliament. This will have an impact on the existing liberal and green agenda that exists. Put this swing with Hungary taking on the presidency of the European parliament. We are
in for a roller-coaster of a ride. Hungary is a Russian-and-Putin friendly country in Europe. They have already voted to stop aid and funding for Ukraine’s war effort. Domestically it has spun out pro-Russian rhetoric on a regular basis. Watch this space during the coming 12 months.
The Independents did well in the local and European elections. They made large gains in the locals and showed well in the Europeans. This did show an indication that the voter wanted some sort of change but it was not sweeping change. In Wexford the Independent Alliance fared well in Councillor representation with an increase in seats but not in commanding vote share that they envisaged. FF and FG did lose seats but they did not collapse and in many cases the cross-party transfer of votes was strong. The loss of seats was masked by strong showings by some headliners. It appears that one helped the other over the line. They did not feel the wrath of the public that was promised by the opposition. One can put some of this down to the change of Fine Gael leader. Simon Harris came out with a clear message that it is back to basics and away from the woke and liberal agenda of the recent past. This has resonated with many craving for things like law and order back on top of the agenda. One also got the feeling that the reason the two major parties transferred strong was to keep Sinn Féin at bay. I feel reading the mood of the local election there is a clear polarisation of ideology emerging – SF or anyone but SF.
This poses the question – what will happen at the General Election. It is too early to speculate although with the results of the locals this government will be itching for an early election. They can’t say this openly in order to keep the coalition intact till the last minute so I think it will be a snap election and early. The bookies will show a FF and FG led coalition as the front runner. SF may discover their mojo and hope they are not negotiating with a large diverse pack of Independents.
On a footnote, while I was at the count I observed two things worthy of mention. There are still many people spoiling their vote by having a few Xs on the ballet paper instead of 1, 2, 3, etc. I wonder why when there are advertisements on TV to make sure you are registered to vote why not show how to vote at the same time. The second thing of note that despite the size of the European ballot paper I did see many papers fully filled in with votes for all. This is surprising as there were candidates ranging from far right to far left and everyone in between. Democracy Rules. n
Older People’s Council AGM
The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 5th June 2024
Age Friendly Wexford and Wexford County Council hosted the Older People’s Council AGM on 5th of June 2024. The meeting was an opportunity for attendees to raise issues of importance and help to influence decisions and actions to be taken in the year ahead. A number of the attendees expressed an interest in joining the Older People’s Council. Training was held on the 19th of June 2024 to provide further details of duties in relation to joining the Older People’s Council.
Guest speakers at the AGM were Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy and Amanda Byrne, Director of Services, Wexford County Council. There were presentations from Laura Reidy, Health Insurance Authority of Ireland – an impartial body on health insurance, and nutritionist Sarah Siggins from FDYS. This initiative is supported by Wexford County Council.
Music on the day was provided by Emily Redmond on violin and Luke Cosgrave on guitar and vocal with Arthur McGreevy an attendee joining in as guest vocalist.
Cllr Ger Carthy, Leas Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, speaking at the AGM on the 5th of June, encouraged at-
tendees “to engage in open and meaningful conversations, sharing your insights, experiences, and concerns. Your voices matter, and rest assured that we will be listening attentively and taking your views on board. Together, we can shape policies and initiatives that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of older persons in our society.”
Director of Services Amanda Byrne said: “Under the Wexford Age Friendly Strategy, we have made significant progress in key areas such as public realm improvements. However, we recognise that there is still work to be done. Looking ahead, our new strategy will focus on building upon our achievements and addressing emerging challenges, including the provision of age-friendly housing, enhancing public spaces, and promoting the rights of older people to live independently and with dignity.”
For more on the Wexford Age Friendly Programme please contact the Age Friendly Coordinator Niamh Bolger at niamh.bolger@wexfordcoco.ie n
Left: Back row, Cllr Ger Carthy, Leas Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Council, Sean Boyce. Front row, Arthur McGreevy and Ger Mackey.
Above centre: Cllr Carthy with Mary Murphy. Above right: Catherine O’Connor and Angela Cassidy. Below left: Amanda Byrne, Director of Services, Wexford Co. Council.
Below right: Anne Dempsey, Sheila Tormey, Claire Bell and Sgt David Ferriter.
L-R: Tony Dempsey (Age Friendly Ambassador), Mary B O’Leary (General Manager, TFI Local Link), Deirdre Mullally (Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator), Sue Kent (Wexford PPN), Amanda Byrne (Director of Service, Wexford Co. Council), Cllr. Ger Carthy (Leas Cathaoirleach
Niamh Bolger
Programme
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE
OUT AND ABOUT WITH PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
Community
of Wexford County Council),
(Age Friendly
Manager), Dymphna O’Connor (SEO,
Dept., Wexford Co. Council), Mary O’Connor (Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator), Alice Corbett (Regional Programme Manager Age Friendly Ireland).
Above left: Dymphna O’Connor, Wexford Co. Council, Ger Mackey, and Amanda Byrne, Wexford Co. Council. Above right: Eileen Walsh and outgoing Chairman Kevin Molloy. Below left: Niamh Bolger, Age Friendly Coordinator for Wexford. Below centre: Tony Dempsey, Cllr Ger Carthy and Deirdre Mullally. Bottom left: Margaret Kenny and Arthur McGreevy. Bottom right: Jim Walsh, Frances Ryan and Marie O’Callaghan.
Older People’s Council AGM
Attendees at the Older People’s Council AGM, The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 5th June 2024.
New Norman film in production in Enniscorthy
‘Forbidden Bonds’, based on the Prendergast family who built Enniscorthy Castle, is in the making at the moment and expected to be ready to show this September. Our photos show Maria Nolan and Joan O’Ruairc taking direction from Dick Donaghue.
A monthly column by GreenTechHQ
Highlights from the GreenTech HQ Southeast Cluster Event
Wednesday night, 26th June, proved to a resounding success, drawing a great crowd of eager entrepreneurs and sustainability enthusiasts. Attendees gathered to hear from renowned speakers Chloe Donovan, Dr James Carton and Andrew Grant, who shared their insights on sustainability, coastal erosion, and innovative building systems utilising hemp.
The event kicked off with an enthusiastic introduction by GreenTech HQ’s Ed Murphy, who shared insights on upcoming projects. GreenTech are working alongside Rethink Ireland on the Wexford Impact Fund.
Chloe Donovan captivated the audience with her innovative approach to sustainable building systems. Chloe discussed the great benefits of using hemp in construction. She showcased how hemp-based building materials are not only eco-friendly but also offer superior insulation and durability compared to traditional materials.
Dr. James Carton is from Bree in Wexford and is Associate Professor in Sustainable Energy in Dublin City University. He is also co-founder of Hydrogen Ireland and spoke enthusiastically about offshore wind in Ireland and about hydrogen having a place in the future of sustainable mobility and transport.
Andrew Grant, Principal Engineer at Collins Aerospace Applied Research. Apart from talking about his role as aeronautical engineer and aeroplane designer, he discussed coastal erosion close to his home in Kilmore and how he has designed an idea to help with this issue by strengthening the soils and using new technology such as drones to help with data in order to work on a solution to slow down coastal erosion.
Leadership Session with Michael Kearney
On the morning of 28th June, Michael Kearney took the hot seat at GreenTechHQ. Successful businessman and manager of the Irish Rugby Team for eight years, Michael Kearney talked alongside Ed Murphy about his time with the team and the lessons he learned that can help one’s business grow. n
Wexford Sports Superstars
Tadgh Furlong and Billy Walsh will be joining us for a panel discussion in August when they return to Wexford for their holidays from the South Africa summer tour and the Olympics respectively, to tell us about their experiences. Keep up to date with GreenTechHQ to find out about more exciting events and activities. n
Two photos above: GreenTechHQ Southeast Cluster Event. Below: Leadership Session with Michael Kearney.
Billy Walsh
Tadgh Furlong
Caim National School Communion Caim
Church, 25th May 2024
Above: Caim National School Communion class in Caim Church, 25th May 2024, with Fr Jim Fegan PP, Brendan Fitzpatrick (teacher) and Aine Doyle (Principal).
Below: Roy and Niall, Austin and Daphne, and Aoife Hemingway.
Right: Emily, Terry, Keelan, Donna and Ella Spillane.
Top left: James and Sean Cooper. Top centre: Brendan, Joseph, Nessa, Gavan and Aideen Butler. Top right: Niall Hemingway and Justin McHugh. Above left: Jim, Macii, Triona and Shannon Murphy. Above centre: Two best friends, sisters Olivia and Caroline Brady. Above right: Aoife, Emer and Niall Hemingway. Below left: Majella, Faye and Liam Boland. Below centre: Faye Boland. Below right: Derek, MJ, Jane and Aoife McGroarty.
Enniscorthy Community College
Great range of courses available at Enniscorthy Community College. Check them out at: https://www.enniscorthyccfe.ie/prospectus/mobile/index.html n
Information sharing
Wexford County Council has developed a free online information sharing portal for not-for-profit community owned facilities to inform the public and promote usage. You can submit facility details at: https://arcg.is/1nnjev n
Oulart storytelling house
At Bygone Days Storytelling House in Oulart, a great welcome awaits all, with good music, songs, stories and plenty of craic, tea and refreshments served. Eircode: Y25 YP70. For details of upcoming events keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/bygonedayshouseofstories n
Enniscorthy Toastmasters
The group meeets fortnightly on Tuesdays in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, at 8pm. All welcome! https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy-Toastmasters129333810455771 for updates. n
Pilot opening hours for one Saturday a month: 15th June – 13th July – 17th Aug
Phone Reception for more information 053-9238555 or email info@hopesupportcentre.ie
ENNISCORTHY TIDY TOWNS NEEDS YOU!
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers meet on Sunday mornings to collect litter and tidy up around the town. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed! So if you are sick of seeing rubbish on your road, street, estate or elsewhere in the community, please contact: 053 923 6518 or email enniscorthytt@gmail.com
Keep up to date on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown
Let's all help to make Enniscorthy cleaner and greener! n
Local Elections
The local elections have come and gone. The best of luck to those who were elected and commiserations to those who were not. Many thanks to all who put their names forward. It takes a lot of courage to go before the people and let no one regard not being elected as being some kind of failure. The only failures in this world are those who never tried anything in either public life or business and then comment on people who gave their all to a particular project and didn’t quite get over the line.
Prior to the election this column made a number of predictions so let’s see how we got on:
Enniscorthy:
We predicted: Aidan Browne, Cathal Byrne, Barbara Anne Murphy, Colette Nolan, Jackser Owens, and Cyril Wheelock.
We got two wrong - Pat Kehoe and John O’Rourke instead of Nolan and Wheelock.
Gorey:
We predicted: Andrew Bolger, Anthony Donohoe, Kevin Molloy, Fionntan O’Suilleabhain, Joe Sullivan and Jimmy Fleming.
We got three wrong - Nicky Boland, Donal Kenny, Darragh McDonald instead of Bolger, Molloy, Fleming.
We got two wrong - Mary Farrell and Oliver Walsh instead of Declan Kenny and Willie Kavanagh.
New Ross:
We predicted - Pat Barden, Anthony Connick, Kayley Goodison, Bridin Murphy, Michael Sheehan and Marty Murphy.
We got two wrong - Bridin Murphy and John Dwyer instead of Connick and Goodison.
Wexford:
We predicted: Vicky Clancy-Barron,
View from the Centre
A local contributor, based in the centre of the county, looks at life today in Co. Wexford and beyond
Tom Forde, Garry Laffan, George Lawlor, Raymond Shannon, Catherine Walsh, Robbie Staples.
We got one wrong - Leonard Kelly instead of Clancy-Barron.
Rosslare:
We predicted - Jack Barden, Ger Carthy, Jim Codd, Lisa McDonald, Mick Roche.
We got two wrong - Frank Staples and Aoife Rose O’Brien instead of Barden and Roche.
So out of seventy four candidates for thirty four seats we got twelve wrong. MMMM – Must Do Better!
Natasha O’Brien
The attack on Natasha O’Brien in Limerick carried out by Cathal Crotty, a soldier trained in methods of unarmed combat, was a disgrace. It was unprovoked, cowardly in the extreme and deserving of a long jail sentence. However, the judge in the case decided, in his obvious lack of wisdom, that he would not jail Crotty because it would end his army career. Apart from the fact that there should be no place in
any army for a coward like this, it was a shocking reason for any judge to give for not sending a vicious assailant to prison. Looking at the record, this particular judge, who will have retired on a healthy pension by the time you read this, has previous in applying suspended sentences on those guilty of savage assaults. For those who doubt this – just check the record.
The big question is what can be done about such bizarre decisions, other than an appeal by the DPP which will cost the taxpayers thousands more in free legal aid and other legal fees. The answer has to lie with the Oireachtas. Discretion must be removed from sentencing for particular crimes. If a person is found guilty of particular acts, the sentence should be proscribed without any discretion applied whatsoever. The word mandatory must mean mandatory and any judge who doesn’t apply it should have to appear before a panel of our law makers and explain why. For many years now we have had mandatory sentences laid down in law for drug offences in particular. Many judges completely ignore them and apply their own judgement regardless of what the law actually says. I read of a drugs case recently where the judge clearly stated that he was not applying the mandatory sentence. That begs the question – Why should any of us obey any law, whether it’s in regard to speed limits, regulation of licensing laws, ensuring that children are educated, and so on.
If the judiciary is not prepared to follow the laws of the land how can it regard itself as an institution which forces others to comply with what the Oireachtas has decided. Therefore, a far more stringent set of rules must be handed down to judges and they must be told, apply them or seek other employment.
Unfortunately, the prospects of anything remotely like that happening are very dim indeed. This terrible incident will eventually fade from memory and be forgotten by most people until some other misguided judge does something similar and then we’ll hear the same discussion about suspended sentences which we have been listening to for years. n
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Enniscorthy
Hillview Heights residents set great example
"If
everybody swept outside their own door, the world would be a beautiful place" (Old Chinese Proverb).
Well done to Lilly and Mary Corrigan, John Murphy of the Enniscorthy Community Alliance, and Sarah Kelly and members of the local Foroige Youth Club, for all their excellent work and commitment to brightening up the area at Hillview Heights, Enniscorthy.
They have completely revamped four large bollards with bedding plants and autumn trees to follow, transforming their neighborhood for the better. The group are a credit to the Shannon and an inspiration for Enniscorthy people all over the town. n
Ballymurn School Confirmation
Ballymurn National School 5th and 6th class Confirmation on 7th June 2024 at Ballymurn Church, with their teachers Michaela Sheehan and Grainne
and V
Kennedy Park School Communion
Kennedy Park School, Wexford, Communion in Clonard Church, 25th May 2024. Sylvia Wickham Class with Rt Rev Mgr Dennis Lennon, Fr Danny McDonald, and Colm Gallagher., Principal.
Kehoe
Rev James Finn, PP.
Graduation at Carraig Briste Early Years, Davidstown, 25th June 2024
Left: Ned Morrissey and mam and dad Mickey and Deireann. Above: Luke Murphy with mam and dad Christine and Joey Murphy. Right: Jack Bolger with his family Jack Snr, Josipa and Darleo Bolger. Below left: Orlagh Doyle, proprietor, left, listening to the music at the graduation. Below right: Isla Reynolds with mum and dad Pat and Niamh Reynolds.
Above left: Finn Kennedy and family. Above centre: Kimmy O’Rourke Murphy with her family. Above right: Fraya Reilly and family.
Above left: Isla Reynolds with her family – Niamh, Chris, Pat and Sadie.
Above centre: Seamie Ryan with his family – Rebecca, Eddie and Teddy Ryan.
Left:
Ava Cooney, with Lily, Raith Cooney and Tara Freeman.
Below left: The Children of Forest Class as they watch their balloons on graduation day.
Below right: Kyran Browne with his extended family.
Above: Leslie, Janet, Katherine, Christina and Lucy Crampton. Below: Robyn Mernagh and family.
Graduation at Carraig Briste Early Years, Davidstown, 25th June 2024
Top left: Kayleigh Levis with parents Nicola Halford and Ronan Levis.
Top right: The Forest graduation class.
Left: Graduation day at Carraig Briste Early Years, Davidstown.
Below left: The graduating classes at graduation day at Carraig Briste Early Years.
Below right: Proprietor Orlagh Doyle.
Bottom left: Orlagh Doyle watches the young graduates.
Bottom right: Beech and Oak graduation class with teachers and Orlagh Doyle.
Up, up and away!
The Children of Beech and Oak Class.
Some of the young graduates.
Young graduates with their teachers.
Young graduates of Carraig Briste Early Years, Davidstown.
Some of
young graduates with their teacher.
Comhairle Contae Loch Garman
Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts
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 these posts are available from:
Customer Service (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Phone 053 919 6000 or visit our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for the above posts is: 5.00pm on Thursday 11th July, 2024.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Fáiltíonn Comhairle Contae Loch Garman roimh iarratasóirí do na poist seo a leanas
Oifigeach Oidhreachta
Bainisteoir Flít (Conradh 18 mí)
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 ó:
Seirbhísí do Chustaiméirí (Bloc f), Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, An Charrig Leathan, Loch Garman. Glaoigh ar 053 919 6000 nó tabhair cuairt ar an láithreán gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie
An dáta deiridh a ghlacfar le foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe do na poist thuasluaite ná: 5.00pm, Déardaoin an 11 Iúil 2024. Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.
Public Notice
Wexford County Council
Road Works Speed Limit Order No.2 of 2024 on the N11 at Newtown and the N25 at Ballygoman, Barntown, Newtown, Ballindinas, College, Coolcots, Knockcumshin, Newbay, Clonard Little, Clonard Great, Killeens, Laurstown, Moorfields, Starvehall, Latimerstown, Sinnottstown, Kellystown and Blackhorse.
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council, in exercise of the powers under Section 10 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004, in the interests of Road Safety and to facilitate the operation and delivery of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024; has made an Order entitled Road Works Speed Limit Order No.2 of 2024 relating to the N11 at Newtown and the N25 at Ballygoman, Barntown, Newtown, Ballindinas, College, Coolcots, Knockcumshin, New-
bay, Clonard Little, Clonard Great, Killeens, Laurstown, Moorfields, Starvehall, Latimerstown, Sinnottstown, Kellystown and Blackhorse to apply a temporary road works speed limit of
60km/h at the locations specified hereunder:
On part of the N25 from a point 290 metres East of its junction with Ballygoman Lane to its intersection with the N11 at the New Ross Road Roundabout and to include the New Ross Roundabout.
On part of the N25 from its intersection with the N11 at the New Ross Road Roundabout to its intersection with the R730 Drinagh Road at the Rosslare Road Roundabout to include the Rosslare Road Roundabout.
On part of the N11 from its intersection with the N25 at the New Ross Road Roundabout to a point 450 metres South West of its junction with the R730 Ferrycarrig Road.
This road works speed limit order will apply from 10.00am Sunday 4th August to midnight Sunday 11th August 2024 inclusive.
Representations in relation to Road Works Speed Limit Order 02-2024 may be made to:
David Codd, Chief Technician, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford.
Dated this 3rd July 2024.
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 from Monday 12 August 2024 to Friday 22 November 2024 to facilitate the construction of a new bridge at Cullenstown, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford.
Road Closure: L-4025-3 at Cullenstown from its junction with Ballyclemock Junction.
Alternative Route: From Ballyclemock to Cullenstown via the L-4025-2, R735-10, N25, L-7019-1 and the L7020-1.
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 16 July 2024 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.
Alt 75 den Acht na Bóithre 1993
Dúnadh Sealadach Bóithre
Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil sé beartaithe ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman an bóthar a liostaítear anseo thíos a dhúnadh do thrácht feithiclí ón Luan, an 12 Lúnasa go dtí an Aoine, an 22 Samhain chun tógáil droichid nua i mBaile Chuilinn, Muileann Fúca, Co. Loch Garman, a éascú.
Dúnadh Bóthair: L-4025-3 i mBaile Chuilinn óna acomhal le hAchomhal Bhaile Chleamac.
Bealach Malartach: Ó Bhaile Chleamac go Baile Chuilinn ar an L-4025-2, R735-10, N25, L-7019-1 agus an L7020-1.
Beidh comharthaíocht ar bhealaí malartacha. Déanfar rochtain áitiúil a éascú.
Ba cheart do dhuine ar bith atá ag iarraidh agóid a dhéanamh i gcoinne dhúnadh an bhóthair seo aighneacht i scríbhinn a chur ar aghaidh tríd an tairseach ar líne https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ nó mar chóip chrua roimh 12.00 meán lae Dé Máirt an 16 Iúil 2024 chuig Rúnaí an Chontae, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, Halla an Chontae, Loch Garman.
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 from Monday 12 August to Friday 23 August 2024 from 18:00 to 06:00, to facilitate urgent ducting works on behalf of ESB Networks at Rafter Street, Gorey, Co. Wexford.
Road Closure: Rafter Street L5510-1, Gorey.
Alternative Route: From Main Street (R772) to North Parade (L1011) to Pearse Street (L5507).
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 16 July 2024 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 from Monday 12 August to Friday 23 August 2024 from 18:00 to 06:00, to facilitate urgent ducting works on behalf of ESB Networks at St Michael’s Street, Gorey, Co. Wexford.
Road Closure: St Michael’s Street, L5510-1, Gorey.
Alternative Route: From Main Street (R772) to The Avenue (R741) to Railway Road (L5500) to Wexford Street (L5503) to St Michael’s Place (L5502).
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 16 July 2024 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 road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from 18:00 to 23:00 hours on Saturday 13 July to facilitate the holding of the Taghmon Street Festival.
Road Closure: Part of the L-3032-2 at Poulmarl \ Taghmon, from its junction with the L-3034-1 at Taghmon to its junction with the L-7028-7 at Poulmarl.
Alternative Route: Via the L-3034-1 New Ross Road, along the L-3032-2 at Main Street Taghmon, onto the L-7028-4 Joseph Street and then onto the L-7028-5 Stream Street finishing at the L3032-2 Main Street / L-7028-7 Fair Green junction.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.
Alt 75 den Acht na Bóithre 1993 Dúnadh Sealadach Bóithre
Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil cinneadh déanta ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman an bóthar a liostaítear anseo thíos a dhúnadh do thrácht feithiclí ón 18:00 go dtí 23:00 Dé Sathairn an 13 Iúil chun reáchtáil Féile Sráide Theach Munna a éascú.
Dúnadh Bóthair: Cuid den L-3032-2 at Poll an Mharla \ Teach Munna, óna acomhal leis an L-3034-1 ag Teach Munna go dtí a acomhal leis an L-7028-7 ag Poll an Mharla.
Bealach Malartach: Ar an L-3034-1 Bóthar Ros Mhic Thriúin, feadh an L3032-2 ar Phríomhshráid Theach Munna, ar aghaidh chuig an L-7028-4 Sráid Iósaif agus ar aghaidh ansin chuig an L-7028-5 Stream Street, ag críochnú ag acomhal an L3032-2 Príomhshráid / L-7028-7 Faiche an Aonaigh.
Beidh comharthaíocht ar bhealaí malartacha. Déanfar rochtain áitiúil a éascú.
Tenders
The following tender competitions are currently active. If you wish to obtain further information, and make a submission for any of the tenders, please visit www.etenders.gov.ie
In this call, home builders and housing developers are being asked to consider offering properties with planning permission to Wexford County Council under an advance purchase turnkey arrangement.
The Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides for Local Authorities to acquire, build or cause to be built, affordable dwellings that can be subsequently sold to eligible applicants (assessed by Wexford County Council) through direct sales agreements between purchasers and developers.
WITH PRIDE –
A COLOURFUL DAY IN THE PARK
By Dorn Simon
Saturday 25th May was Pride in the Park at Min Ryan Park in Wexford. Wexford Pride held its annual celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, with friends, allies and the general public in a fully inclusive, family-friendly day of rainbow entertainment.
Wexford Pride prides itself on a safe-space initiative across all their events, activities and support groups; inclusivity awards a welcoming, non-judgemental, neuro-affirming, safe, and accepting environment for neurodiversity, gender, race, and orientation, and is dedicated to accountability. Wexford Pride has zero tolerance for racism and bigotry and openly welcomes BIPOC, Traveller & Roma, and immigrant groups.
Pride in the Park began as the Picnic in the Park some years ago, and as the community grew, so did the activities and support, proving the true meaning of community and inclusivity.
Min Ryan Park is the perfect open area for such an event as Pride in the Park, it is close enough to the town centre and served by the shuttle bus, and it has amenities for a full day filled with fun.
This year, nearly 20 performances were planned ranging from soloists, storytelling, choir singers and popular local Wexford bands, to Wexford Pride’s very own queer chorus debut!
Sadly, the day was cut short due to the weather and the safety of the performers and audience was paramount, ergo finishing in a downpour before 4pm.
However, attendees were treated to a warm welcome, with smiling faces, young and old, with many rainbow colours, and laughter.
Performers who did get to perform on the day were:
Crimson – local psychedelic rock band gave a wonderful festival-style performance, despite the technical difficulties that were still being ironed out, the professionalism of this band is that they continued to play on, keeping the music flowing, to a crowded park audience. They delighted us with the news that they were finally releasing their first single ‘Just Want You’ the next day, which was swiftly #1 on the iTunes Rock Chart.
Andrei Boyd gave a fabulous solo performance, dressed to kill in a hand-made leather waist corset belt and a black lace vest, his voice angelic of a pop nature, and he delivered it perfectly.
Anam Choir (formerly the VSW Choir) is a large Wexford-based choir that performed at venues like the National Opera House with their Winter Show last December, they were a larger choir than expected, with a mixed vocal range filling the air.
Acoustic Punk Advocacy Service are always a unique addition to a bill, with their raw ‘Oi punk’ approach, spilling out political lyrics, to a musical accompaniment of a solo electric guitar, it speaks of the true theme behind the term punk, shout it loud, shout out proud, teach the word of advocacy.
Bloco Garman, primarily a drum outfit, is a Brazilian-style carnival band based in Wexford, utilising drumming with movement, they were fantastic, with rhythm, beats, and style, and they brought a tribal nature into the set of the day.
12 Gauge Outrage performed their metal thrash riffs with covers such as Judas Priest's ‘Breaking The Law’, with a handful of their dedicated metal-head fans forming their usual moshpit, albeit a mini mosh-pit in the park, phones were hence lost,
yet luckily retrieved at the lost & found.
Afterwards, a few of these youths with their skateboards took full advantage of the skate park next door.
Performers who were lined up to perform, but due to conditions were unable to, were:
FDYS Orbit LGBTQIA+ Group
Recoil
Sam’s Collective
Wexford Pride Queer Chorus
Wexford Pride want to acknowledge the investment of time and energy that had gone into preparing for the above Pride in the Park performances and the artists’ understanding of the difficult decision the Wexford Pride Committee had to make on the day.
Committee Members:
Vic Kelly Victor (Treasurer, they/them).
John Cunningham-Ryan (Secretary, he/him).
Veronica Victor (Community Liaison, she/her).
Rían Browne (Public Relations Officer, he/him).
CC Darlington (Open Committee Member, they/them).
The day also featured over 30 community organisations and vendors from all around Ireland, from face-painting to crochet, sweets and treats to Pride flags and memorabilia, pins & badges to silver jewellery, books, soft toys, hand-made designs, and I say some were happy to find scarfs and woollens available too on this chilly day.
Some of the games and activities were hand-made by volunteers to entertain the children, and Veronica Victor delivered a children’s Storytelling session. There was the Quiet Space, a neuroaffirming inclusion, offering relief for anyone feeling overwhelmed, and over-sensory overloaded. You could also go on a leisurely walk around the rest of Min Ryan Park, with its trees, and walkways, with herbaceous borders.
UfuCoffee provided hot and cold food, with tea and coffee throughout the day.
The event had a team of over 14 volunteers, some from the
Wexford Pride Community and some friends of Wexford Pride, in Rían Browne’s words:
“The volunteers make a huge contribution to the day, both in the preparations and in the set-up and take-down operations beforehand and afterwards. It truly takes a village to run any community-led event and the day would not have been possible without their support.”
Some of the volunteers were:
Veronica Victor, John Cunningham-Ryan, Adrian Luszczyna, Ophelia, Mary, Andrei Boyd, Emma.
As the day turned a weather wash-out, the celebrations were far from over, with the Pride in the Park After Party set to be the palette cleanser of dry relief, as Wexford Arts Centre hosted performances from Disgraceful Caberet which included Poppy Descrace, Queenn Marie, Richard Joke, Kora Elle, Eric Shan, Chronic QT, with comedy from Ian Lynam and drag from Marco Fabulazio.
Wexford Pride want to express their thanks for the continued support of Wexford County Council, Neuropride Ireland, the Order of Malta, All in One Event Hire, Trax, An Post, Wexford and Enniscorthy Amenity & Arts Grant Schemes.
Thank you to all who made donations in support of our fundraising raffle on the day including Violet Moon, Wexford Book Centre, and the Ferrycarrig Hotel. And to artist Larry Dunne for designing our amazing Pride in The Park poster and park maps!
See you at Pride in the Park 2025! n
Two local bands hit Dublin’s rock venue Fibbers
By Dorn Simon. Pics by Damien Smullen Photography.
ADVERSARY comprised of brothers Tomás Hynes, Sean Hynes and their uncle Shane Cahill were interviewed back in January 2024, (see Slaney News Feb/March issues) at the time they had just debuted live in Enniscorthy’s Presentation Arts Centre.
Yet by Saturday 15th June, the band had been to Dublin to play live no less than four times, not forgetting they played Siege of Limerick Metal Festival in March, and now were the openers for the ‘RAGE Metal Night’ event in the notorious Dublin rock venue Fibber Magees.
Opening, Adversary, far superior to their given slot, gave an incredible performance, cloaked in dark haunting doom-clad attire, and corpse paint faces, their blackened death-doom metal was dark, gloomy, slicing sharp wounds, whilst leaving the audience’s souls bleeding from the deep growling howls echoing the venue walls in a cathartic sound bath with expert delivery.
Single ‘Alas, A Peaceful Death’ is a 7-minute-long showcase of the band's musical prowess, yet to hear them play it live, in this goth-infused red lighting, with black walls venue was like being woken from the dead, in funerary metal style.
Generations apart, Tomás at just 18 has been playing guitar since he was six years old, with big brother Sean (25) being tempted to pick up the bass far later in life, their uncle Shane on drums is a seasoned metal musician in his forties.
A headline show is waiting in the winds of anticipation, for one can see where this band can take their intricate skill and vision if given the chance to do so.
Headliners, were local band DEATH CAN WAIT - we surely couldn’t wait! They whet our appetites to such a hunger, that the end came too soon, as the set was cut short due to time constraints, and the audience was left with gaping mouths wanting more.
Death Can Wait comprises Thea Moylan - on vocals, David Moorehouse - on guitar, Patryk Hadrys - on drums, and Samual Darlington - on bass, with past member Brian Colfer officially announced
on 23rd June as a returning member of the band - on vocals/keyboards.
They are an alternative metal band with a unique sound, mixing genres, and flavours together to deliver a harmonic onslaught of chords, beats and waveforms.
Deep and dark in their therapeutic style, the band's songs are equally lyric-based to the carefully woven musical accompaniment, blending a refreshing outlet of experience, pain, anguish and maturity all rolled into one beautifully talented, productive band.
“We can’t heal this trauma while we’re still bleeding.”
Profoundly true a statement.
We look forward to the new music in the works.
Our local bands were brought to the stage by RAGE Metal Night, run by music promoter Mikey O’Riordan who just so happens to be the lead vocalist with Dublin metal band Pain In Vain who were also on the bill, and are always a delight to watch and hear, as their energy fills the venue in its entirety whether big or small!
Ares Redemption, an Irish rock band with a sprinkling of grunge, were a nice palette cleanser, they comprise Chloe, Jack, Pravin and Al.
Outrage Entertianment is back on July 6th with a scorching hot lineup in The Presentation Arts Centre! Factor 50 recommended!!!
Taking to the stage will be Wacken Open Air bound modern metal outfit
Uragh with support from energetic and innovative electro/metalcore band Neon Empire, all-female post-punk rock band DC Dolls, and the ear-splittingly deadly Black Never Left.
Tickets are €10. Online booking recommended at https://wexfordartscentre.ticke tsolve.com/ticke tbooth/shows/8 73647117). Doors open at 7pm. n
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000 The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529
Galbally Tractor Run 26th May 2024
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE
OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER
PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
Top left: George Griffin and Jim Kelly.
Top centre: Harry and Pat Morrin.
Top right: Little Aoife Bryne, who has been photographed by Pat for the last three years at the Galbally Tractor Run, pictured with her aunt Patricia Byrne.
Above left: Pat O’Leary, Taighe and Jimmy Swan, and Jem Murphy.
Above right: John Kehoe, third from left, had plenty of attendants to help park his tractor, with Tom Sweeney, Martin Lawlor and Jem Murphy. Left: Aidan Murphy. Right: Michael Kearns. Below left: Little Patrick Hennessey Jr. proudly stands alongside his dad Patrick Snr.
Below centre: John Kehoe and his Massey Ferguson. Below right: Justin and Ollie Cadogan.
Festival of Ferns 3rd June 2024
Above left: Fair maidens at the Festival of Ferns 2024. Above centre: Hoorah for King Diarmait MacMurrough, King of Leinster. Above right: Isabella and Eriu Sheridan.
Above left: Look! The parade is coming. Above centre: There to watch the parade were Millie Darcy and Ella Vyhnanlcoki. Above right: Some young girls with a fine spot from which to watch the parade. Below left: The drumming band. Below right: The Court Jesture is heavily guarded!
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE
OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER
PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
Above left: Emma Moulds and Lucy Breen. Above centre: Members of the drumming band. Above right: All the King’s men. Left: The boys got stuck into their burgers before the parade arrived in Ferns Castle grounds, Tony and Cian Dwyer. Below left: Ferns bees. Below centre: Some Enniscorthy participants in the parade. Below right: Watching the parade.
Below left and right: Ferns Comhaltas.
Fabulous Fete back at the Showgrounds Words and pics by Maria Nolan
The annual Monart Union of Parishes Fete was back in full swing at the iconic Enniscorthy Showgrounds, the venue of many a fete, field day, and agriculture show of the past. On a beautiful June day, the sun shone immaculately on book stalls, cake stalls, bric a brac stand, burger stand, flower stand, and the ever-popular tea tent.
There were ball-toss and hanging-tough challenges where the more energetic and competitive could prove their strength and agility, but the most popular event of the day was definitely the dog show. Beautifully groomed and preening canines of every age, breed, and description strutted their stuff with panache parading proudly around the ring led by owners, young and old, and watched by discerning spectators, choosing their own favourites.
Rev. Nicola Halford, one of the chief organisers, must have intervened with higher powers to produce the beautiful weather that contributed to the very large audience in attendance enjoying both the rare sunshine and the good old-fashioned fete or field day that appears to have lost none of its popularity and appeal. n
Above left: Face painting, Emma Dunne puts the final touches to little Preya Brady. Above right: One minute! Sarah Wickham being timed at the Fete. Left: Anne Lacey and Kathleen Peare. Right: Rachel and Lucy Spencer and their dog Roo looking forward to the Fete. Below left: A load of books to choose from for David Bayne. Below centre: Burger time for Courtney Kavanagh who is about to tuck in. Below right: Ellen Gethings and Andrea Sutton and dog Bluie.
PAT’S
PICTURE
PARADE
OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
31st May to 2nd June 2024
Marshalstown National School
Teddy Bears Picnic 31st May 2024
Above L-R: 1. Three generations of smiles from little Pippa Curran, her gran Ann Doyle and mum Emma Cullen. 2. New infants class pupil Darko Bolger and Reggie. 3. Freddie Roche and his teddy Barry. 4. Essie Kelly and her dad John with teddies SJ and Sprinkles.
Left: Ethan Gorby with his teddies Spider and Donkey. Right: Sarah Cullen and Eva Peggy Whelan, with Mr Banana. Marshalstown National School 6th Class Graduation, 31st May 2024.
Bottom:
Enniscorthy Musical Society news...
Top: Anyone for tea, as 6th class student Luke Delahunty gets the tea for his mam, dad and sister Zoe.
Above: Hannah and Rosie Kirwan with Stitch.
Below: Ivan Ivanco and Josefina Palovova were at the Teddy Bears’ picnic with Teddy Nuno.
Little Sean Doyle travelled in style in the boot of the car with teddy Mrs Muffin.
Enniscorthy is inspiration for new blues single
Way Down In Enniscorthy
Way down in Enniscorthy where I find myself tonight
Way down in Enniscorthy where I find myself tonight
Up on Vinegar Hill with the moon and stars shining bright
I been travelling all day to this Wexford County town
I been travelling all day to this Wexford County town
The Slaney River she glitters like a diamond crown
Way down in Enniscorthy where I find myself tonight
If you feel like a rebel, you better come on down
If you feel like a rebel, you better come on down
But you might get hurt if you try and act like a clown
Over Ballycarney Bridge twilight shines
Over Ballycarney Bridge twilight shines
Way down in Enniscorthy where I find myself tonight
Way down in Enniscorthy where I find myself tonight
Sean Taylor – Vocals, Piano & Electric Guitar
Donna Edmead – Backing Vocals
Mike Seal – Double Bass
Paulina Szczepaniak – Percussion & Drums
Sean
Taylor – Way Down In Enniscorthy (released 28th June 2024)
Sean Taylor’s new single Way Down In Enniscorthy celebrates the iconic town in County Wexford. Enniscorthy is home to the Blackstairs Blues Festival, which Sean has played previously and returns to this September. Sean sings about the local landmarks of the Slaney River, Ballycarney Bridge and Vinegar Hill.
Sean has always had a special connection with Ireland. His family are Liverpool Irish (County Meath) and he recorded his 2010 album Walk With Me in Dublin.
Way Down In Enniscorthy showcases Sean’s multi-instrumental talents. Sean’s soulful vocal plays call and response to his boogie woogie piano playing and dirty blues lead guitar. Mike Seal on double bass and Paulina Szczepaniak on percussion are the Sean Taylor international touring trio and the bedrock of the album.
It is the second single from the forthcoming album The End Of The Rainbow.
Find the single here: https://lnk.to/STEnniscorthy
SINGLE COVER PHOTO BY ENNISCORTHY’S OWN BLUES AFICIONADO JOHN MURPHY
Caim Parish BBQ 21st June 2024
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
Top left: AJ Howard and Mary Seery.
Top centre: Mai and Peter Dagg.
Top right: Tadhg and Tony Boland.
Above left: Roisin and Pamela Boland.
Above centre: Alannah Cope.
Above right: Christine O’Gorman serves young Tommy Flynn with his BBQ mix.
Left: Hugh Dunne and Breda Sinnott.
Right: Mick McHugh and Colm Gainford at the BBQ.
Below left: Mary Furlong, Mathew and Maggie O’Brien.
Below right: Anne O’Connell, Lee and Shaintelle Dreelan.
Gearing up for the Fleadh
The wonderful social media phenomenon, the Gardiner Brothers, brought some magic to Vinegar Hill last month, donned in the purple and gold of Co. Wexford. They brought dancing at the crossroads to life with traditional Irish dance numbers along with giving an Irish flavour to some contemporary music, much to the enjoyment of all the young people in attendance as they promoted this year’s upcoming Fleadh in Wexford.
In addition to the main Fleadh itself, a Fringe Fleadh will feature an array of exciting events including: Traditional Irish Music Sessions: Local pubs across Wexford will host live music sessions, offering an authentic taste of Ireland’s musical heritage. Dance Workshops: Learn traditional Irish dance steps from expert instructors in a fun and welcoming environment. Art Exhibitions: Explore the artistic talents of local artists at various galleries and community centres. Storytelling Sessions: Immerse yourself in the rich oral traditions of Ireland with captivating storytelling sessions for all ages.
For more details on the Fringe schedule, visit www.visitwexford.ie/fringefleadh n
All pics by Maria Nolan
All pics by Maria Nolan
Enniscorthy women to the fore
Well done to the owners of Creative Grounds Alfie O’Sullivan and Kristyna Simko who recently put out a call to the women of the town and beyond to attend a meeting about establishing a Women’s Shed in Enniscorthy.
And such was the response that two meetings had to be held with over a hundred women expressing their interest.
The idea behind this community initiative is to provide a supportive and inclusive space for women of all ages and backgrounds to come together on a regular basis, sharing skills and building friendships.
Alfie, an unsuccessful candidate in the recent local elections, is not one to hide away and lick his wounds, rather he was immediately planning what he could do for Enniscorthy, Councillor or not.
Business partner Kristyna, the main driving force behind this particular project, told the enthusiastic women present, ‘Whether you are interested in arts, crafts, gardening, learning new skills, or simply meeting new people, the Women’s Shed will have something for everyone.’
Alfie went on to explain the process, ‘All ideas put forward over the two meetings will be assessed over the coming weeks and a draft monthly programme will be assembled and circulated to all who have supplied their email addresses and/or phone numbers.
‘A small membership fee will be required’, Alfie continued, ‘But we intend to keep costs minimal. This project is all about providing a space for women in Enniscorthy where they feel welcome, comfortable, and creative.’
It seems Alfie and Kristyna are determined to make changes in Enniscorthy so please support this exciting new venture and help them create a vibrant and supportive community hub at the centre of the town.
The call is, ‘Let’s build something great together.’
There’s the challenge women – are we up to it?
For further information contact 087-1884651 or DM @creativegrounds.ie n
– WORDS AND PICS BY MARIA NOLAN
Wexford Strawberr y Weekend
Just days to go...
There is loads of great entertainment lined up for the Wexford Strawberry Weekend at the Vilage at Wheelock’s, Enniscorthy, on 6th and 7th July. With music, dancing, cooking demos, and lots of fun for the kids, everyone is catered for!
Tony Kehoe will be kicking off the show on Saturday, and you'll be spoilt for choice with Dancing with Declan, Ballroom dancing with Martina Leacy, Liam Sharkey and Moo Music entertaining the kids, cooking demos, a fashion show with Marion from La Creme, and so much more...
See you there, July 6th & 7th, at the Village at Wheelocks! n
Enniscorthy Theatre Company, Enniscorthy Town FC and St. Patrick’s Squash Club presents a Stars in Your Eyes night at the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, Friday 12th July at 9pm.
Tickets available from any committee members of each group or on the door.
Go along for an entertaining evening and cast your vote for the best act. n
Sharon’s summer Superstars
Don’t forget to book into the Super Fun Superstars Summer Camps this summer in Wexford Town, Enniscorthy and Rosslare Strand. Send a DM with your child’s name, age and your contact number and which Camp you would like to attend or drop Sharon a message on 085 8238665. n
Co. Wexford groups secure a dozen national awards
All Pics: Darragh C Photography
Wexford Light Opera Society wins 5 national awards
Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) has just won 5 national AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) Awards for its recent production of The Phantom of the Opera. At the prestigious awards ceremony at the INEC in Killarney on 15th June, WLOS won in each category it was nominated for. The awards were for the following: Best Technical Best Female Singer - Karla Tracey Best Musical Director - David Hayes Best Director - Christine Scarry Best Overall Show
The society’s Public Relations Officer Nicky Kehoe told the Slaney News, ‘It was great to be nominated for five categories but to win all five of them is phenomenal... We had a great time doing The Phantom of the Opera, it was a spectacular show and great credit must go to the amazing production team: Christine Scarry – Director; David Hayes – Musical Director; Therese O’Sullivan –Choreographer; and Eithne Corrigan –Chorus Mistress. To come home to Wexford with such a stash of silverware is the icing on the cake.”
The next undertaking by the Society is its Hits from the Musicals which takes place during the Wexford Opera Festival and is one of the most sought-after tickets to have other than the opera itself. Hits from the Musicals takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 28th October and runs for four nights up to Thursday 31st October. Tickets are currently on sale at the National Opera House Box Office:
Box Office opening hours: Monday to Saturday – 9:30-17:00. Telephone: 053 9122144. Online: www.nationaloperahouse.ie n
Darragh C Photography
Enniscorthy Musical Society wins 2 national awards
Enniscorthy Musical Society (EMS) comedic duo, Pat Murphy and Murt Murphy (pictured above), collected the Best Comedian Award for playing the Malachi brothers in EMS’s brilliant production of Happy Days, and EMS Chairperson Tina Doyle (pictured
above) collected the Best House Management Award. The Society thanks its cast, production team, committee, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who helped them in any way this year. They couldn't have done it without you! n
Gorey and North Wexford societies scoop 5 awards
Gorey Musical Society – One award and two runners-up
Best Actor - Jordan Bass
Runner-up - Best Chorus
Runner-up - Best Supporting Actor Michael O’Gorman
North Wexford Musical Society – Four awards and two runners-up
Best Actress - April Kelly (pictured left)
Best Musical Director - Conor McCarthy
Best Director - Stephen Acton
Best Overall Show
Runner-up - Best Supporting Actor - Michael Cruz
Runner-up - Best Male Singer - Chris Currid
St. Michael’s Theatre Musical Society: Teresa Buckley was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, for played Aunt Eller in the production of Oklahoma. n
Above L-R: Karla Tracey accepts her Best Singer award. Eric Hayes accepts the award for Best Overall Show. David Hayes with his Best Musical Director award.
Darragh C Photography
Darragh C Photography
Darragh C Photography
Darragh C Photography
Darragh C Photography
Darragh C Photography
Always lots on in Enniscorthy...
SUMMER FLOWERS WORKSHOP
Enniscorthy Library invites you to take part in Summer Flowers Workshop presented by Claire from Stems From Love Floral Design.
Learn to make beautiful and unique hydrangea flower arrangements, with a professional floral artist and florist. Clare will share many tips and tricks around keeping hydrangeas lasting for longer.
Each candidate will need to bring at least 5 stems of Hydrangeas of any colour and some green foliage.
Booking essential. Please register for your place below. https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4229657
CHESS TOURNAMENT
August 27th, 7pm, at Brennan’s pub, Enniscorthy. Even if you don’t know how to play, go along and the organisers will show you.
THE COFFEE HOUSE SESSIONS
Live House Music DJs playing the newest cuts and cult classics at Creative Grounds, Enniscorthy.
Go along to the launch night, featuring Paul Horgan & Anthony Reddy, July 27th, 7-10pm, €10 entry on the door. Over 21s only, alcohol-free venue.
Mary Doyle and Morna Shiggins.
Kitty Roche, Mary Lambert and Maureen McCafferty.
Bridget O’Neill and Catherine Carmody.
Frances and Aisling Ronan.
Marie and Josephine O’Connor.
Phil Murphy and Anne O’Sullivan.
Vonnie Evans, Maudie Maher, Evelyn Kinsella and Catherine Pearce. Paul Hennessy, Majella and Tom Furlong.
The large attendance.
Outdoor Swimming Pool invites guests to enjoy a refreshing swim in a beautiful outdoor setting during the summer months. July & August, Mon – Fri: 2pm – 8pm, and 8pm – 9pm (adult swimming only). Saturday & Sunday: 2pm – 6pm. For more information: http://bunclodyswimmingpool.ie https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009950442198 n
Padge Rossiter, Joe Tiernan and John Maher.
Miriam Frayne, Mairead Henry, Padge Rossiter and Anne Torney.
Bunclody
Some of the attendees at the launch night for the recent Festival of Ferns.
Castlebridge Show – change of date
Accompanying photos from previous years.
Due to the Fleadh Cheoil taking place in Wexford town this August, there has been a change of date for this year’s Castlebridge Show, which will now take place on 28th July 2024.
‘If you would like to see my show come to a spot near you, be sure to contact your local venue!’
A night of original one-act plays
Words and pics by Maria Nolan
A most excellent evening of entertainment was had by the large audience in attendance at the Enniscorthy Theatre Company’s presentation of three original one-act plays recently
Da and Michael both written and directed by well known local actor, director, and playwright Fintan Kelly, and performed by Enniscorthy Theatre Company, gave us a flavour of the wonderfully talented young actors now emerging in the town of Enniscorthy, and how fortunate we are to have them, and how much work is being done with them by Fintan and his team.
The first play Da is a kind of dark comedy about a rather energetic father with three families none of whom know about the others until they meet over his corpse (not surprising he died!) at his wake.
The second play Michael is extremely well done as we never get to meet the central character Michael but form an image of him as a bit of a cad through a group of friends. One he has just dumped, the second being the one he has just dumped the first person for, and the third is pregnant for him – lovely character really!
Both plays are well written, well directed and well executed by
young actors quickly making a name for themselves in local theatrical circles. How uplifting it is to see so many young people on stage and passionate about the art of acting.
Confident, and relaxed, with good delivery and commanding stage presence – well done to each and every one of them and to Fintan and his team for continuing the wonderful tradition of drama in the town.
The last play of the evening, written by Waterford playwright Eamonn Dolan, who was in attendance on the evening, had the Presentation audience captivated from whacky beginning to spellbinding end. Burning Bridges, a bizarre black comedy superbly performed by the very talented cast of Kate Breen, Murt Murphy, Leona Eustace Breen and Carl Duffy, directed by Joan O`Ruairc and Paul O`Reilly, was justifiably one of the five finalists in the Page to Stage initiative by Amigo Productions recently at the Wexford Arts Centre.
With stellar performances by all of the actors on the night, the young and the more experienced, it is safe to say that drama is not just alive and well but thriving in Enniscorthy. n
Director Joan O’Ruairc and playwright Eamonn Dolan.
Above L-R: Fintan Kelly, Eamonn Dolan and Pat Murphy.
Right: Talented cast – Kate Breen, Leona Eustace Breen, Murt Murphy, and Carl Duffy.
Fintan Kelly (left) and youndg members of Enniscorthy Theatre Company.
at The Presentation Arts Centre
Fintan Kelly:
“A massive thank you to our wonderful audience. It’s fantastic to see our youth members being able to share the stage with our adult members in separate plays and give them this opportunity and experience, so we really can’t thank you enough for the support.
“A special word of thanks has to go to the Delightful Dollies who always support us in their droves, and to author of Burning Bridges, Eamonn Dolan, who was in attendance... coming all the way from Dungarvan to see the show.” n
Enniscorthy Theatre Company
Fintan Kelly and the team at Enniscorthy Theatre Company (ETC) never rest on their laurels. Next up is a Stars In Your Eyes night in association with Enniscorthy Town FC and St. Patrick’s Squash Club, at the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, Friday 12th July at 9pm.
Tickets available from any committee member of each group or on the door. Go along for an entertaining evening and cast your vote for the best act.
After that, keep an eye for ETC’s upcoming production of The Plough and the Stars. More details to follow. n
Congrats and best wishes Naoise
Left: Naoise O’Connor and Fintan Kelly pictured recently at the All Ireland Drama Awards awards in Athlone where Naoise won the Outstanding Newcomer award for her stage management work. Enniscorthy Theatre Company has had the privilege of watching Naoise’s career progress and she will now begin studies with the prestigious Lir Acadamy in Dublin this September. n
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000 The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529
EOIN’S NEW SONG IS NOW AVAILABLE
Enniscorthy’s young, prolific singer-songwriter Eoin Devereux has a new song out called The Hill. Check it out on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF Nbi8VVb-I 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
Enniscorthy Retirement Association
Enniscorthy Retirement Association members recently cycled the Waterford Greenway.
The Enniscorthy Retirement Association holds monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of every month at 2.30pm in the Riverside Park Hotel, The Promenade, Enniscorthy, with the exception of January and August.
The group has regular outings and recently visited Dáil Eireann, and will be visiting the Lavendar Farm on 16th July followed by a short trip to Walter Kelly’s Garden on 17th July. And there are regular activities every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
For further details about Enniscorthy Retirement Association go along to any monthly meeting or see ‘Enniscorthy Retirement Association’ on Facebook or email: enniscorthtyretirementassociation@outlook.com
Check out the new website which is now live at www.enniscorthyretirement.net n
Stay in touch with your local library
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
Dancing with Declan
Keep up to date with the local dancing scene on: https://www.facebook.com/DancingwithDec https://www.facebook.com/socialdancingdateswexford n
What’s On Wexford
Check out
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WexfordEvents for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n
Acko ‘Captain Incredible’ single release
Former Grasshopper ACKO is set to release the second single “Captain Incredible” from his forthcoming album “Easy Journeys To Other Planets” on July 19th.
It will be available from BANDCAMP and all other streaming platforms.
Acko, a musician based in Wexford, is a familiar music man about the towns of Enniscorthy and Wexford, playing solo in venues such as Creative Grounds, Brennans and Holohans, not to mention at the Roots Festivals and Wexford Arts Centre.
The first single “Born On Earth” was well received, and the taster of what is to come.
“Captain Incredible” features former Grasshopper bandmates Brian K. Adams and Dan Straight.
The single includes two bonus tracks, “Mister Perfect” and “Sammy Nugent”.
“Captain Incredible” has that classic garage rock feel to it with the beats keeping the rhythm whilst the guitar and vocals weave it in and out of a harmony that brings hints of Tom Petty and Just
Words by Dorn Simon
Desserts, with raw grit; it is a catchy tune to add to any playlist.
“Mister Perfect” brings the late 70’s and early 80’s feel with keyboards prominent and the flow of the melody is in sync with lyrics sung in true retro revisited style, another track worthy of a listen or more.
“Sammy Nugent” slows the pace into a meaningful, easy flow, whilst depicting a friendship that holds memories of note, all wound up in the lyrics of this emotional offering. We look forward to the album to be released on 16th August 2024. n
Acko
Triumphant ‘Irish Affair’
An exciting new musical, Irish Affair - A Story for All Time, by West End composer Stuart Brayson with musical arrangements by David Wray, and produced by Co. Wexford’s Deirdre Masterson in collaboration with The Irish College of Music Theatre and the National Opera House, had its first public ‘workshop’ performances at the end of June in the National Opera House, Wexford. And what a stunning musical it is, with the Slaney News being among the fortunate few who got to see the show which sold out for its limited run months in advance.
Based on true events, Irish Affair is a dramatic love story of the marriage between Sean Cloney, a Catholic, and Sheila Kelly, a Protestant. Set in 1957 in the rural Wexford village of Fethardon-Sea, their brave convictions divided a village and a nation.
Co. Wexford’s Tony Carty, Michael O’Gorman and Daniel Furlong all excelled in their starring roles alongside the two leads –Fionn Gardner whose parents have recently relocated to Our Lady's Island, and whose great grandad was one of the founders of Wexford’s Opera House, and Karla Tracey from Arklow, recent recipient of the national AIMS award for ‘Best Singer’ for her starring role in The Phantom of the Opera by Wexford Light Opera Society.
With the enthusiastic reaction of the audiences ringing in their ears, Deirdre Masterson and the team behind this new musical will now be looking to bring it to the next level, and it would be no surprise to us in the Slaney News if it reaches a West End or Broadway stage in the not too distant future. n
Above left: Tony Carty as Fr Stafford.
Above: The two leads – Karla Tracey and Fionn Gardner.
Left: Some of the superb cast.
Right: Michael O’Gorman as Paddy.
Follow ‘The Irish College of Music Theatre’ Facebook page to keep up to date with ‘Irish Affair’.
The Slaney Writers group meets in Enniscorthy Library on the second Thursday of every month at 6.30pm. New members are always welcome. If you are interested please contact Enniscorthy Library on 053 9236055.
Enniscorthy Library Adult Book Club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7pm and is free to join. Book clubs are a great way to meet others and discuss books. If you would like more information or to join, contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055. All are welcome. n
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.
The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000
The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529
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
Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely
For a complete listing of upcoming music, drama, comedy, film, art, etc, see: https://www.courthousearts.ie/whats-on 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
A Night Belongs to Youth (TNBY) event took place on Vinegar Hill on 22nd June 2024. Celebrating midsummer, it was designed and co-curated by young local people working with renowned artists Mary Doyle, Bill Wright, Lynn Haughton and Enniscorthy’s own Fintan Kelly and his youth drama group.
In preparation for the event, the participants were hard at work, meticulously crafting their costumes and props for this enchanting event Two workshops ran on 8th and 15th June in Templeshannon Community Centre to help them unleash their creativity and be part of something truly special
For more artistic happenings in Enniscorthy, check out: https://www.facebook.com/CreativePlacesEnniscorthy n
Gearing up for the Fleadh
County Wexford is gearing up for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann with a number of events around the districts including TikTok sensations The Gardiner Brothers!
Enniscorthy was buzzing with excitement last month as it played host to the internationally renowned TikTok sensations, The Gardiner Brothers, in a spectacular Fringe Fleadh event in advance of the official Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann set to take place in Wexford Town from 4th –12th August.
In a series of toe-tapping performances, The Gardiner Brothers, known for their innovative and energetic Irish dance routines, wowed the crowds at three iconic Enniscorthy landmarks. Their dance on the storied slopes of Vinegar Hill captured the essence of Irish heritage and rebellion, resonating deeply with both locals and visitors.
The historic Enniscorthy Castle provided a majestic backdrop for their next performance, where the brothers’ rhythmic steps captivated their audience. The performances culminated in a vibrant meet-andgreet at the Market Square, where fans of all ages had the opportunity to connect with the stars, take photos, and even learn a few dance moves.
Claire Lawless, District Manager of Enniscorthy Municipal District, expressed her delight at the success of the event: “We
are thrilled to have hosted The Gardiner Brothers for this unique Fringe Fleadh event. Their performances have brought an extraordinary energy to Enniscorthy, showcasing our town’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. This event has set a wonderful tone for the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August.”
The magic continued all weekend as New Ross hosted a foot-stomping 3-day festival in the Library Park with the Magic Feet Irish Dance Troupe, Remembering Ronnie Drew with Phelim Drew, and acclaimed Irish violinist Zoe Conway and traditional
fiddler John McIntyre captivating audiences all weekend.
There was also plenty of Cheoil & Craic in Cahore with a huge crowd gathering to enjoy The Wild Turkeys outside The Strand on Cahore Pier.
The Fringe Fleadh '24 events around the district mark an exciting prelude to the larger celebrations set for Wexford Town, promising an unforgettable summer of Irish music, dance, and cultural festivities.
For more information about the upcoming Fringe Fleadh events, visit www.visitwexford.ie/fringefleadh n
The Gardiner Brothers in Market Sqaure, Enniscorthy, with Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager, Claire Lawless and Cllr Mary Farrell (Gorey Kilmuckridge District)
Visual artist Anne Manning recently designed and ran two clay workshops for third class students in Davidstown and Courtnacuddy primary schools.
Anne is interested in expanding her role as a facilitator and an explorer of creative expression, building concepts of colour
Anne Manning’s clay workshops in local schools
and form, connected to nature and community and focused on sustainability.
In these clay workshops, Anne helped the children develop skills and techniques to further their individuality, self expression and confidence, through respectful relationships and interconnections.
The classes were very successful and a showcase of the children's work took place in the meeting room of Davidstown and Courtnacuddy GAA Club on 30th June.
Anne has kindly donated a proportion of the cost of the workshops to Davidstown Courtnacuddy GAA handball training. n
Enniscorthy Christian Fellowship will be holding its free Youth Summer Camp for 11 to 18 year olds in the Astro Active Centre, Bellefield, from Tuesday 9th July to Thursday 11th July from 7pm to 9pm in the Astro Active Centre. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/PbGVJf9KZp4d1epK/ To register go to: https://enniscorthychristianfellowship.ie/summer-events Or contact Andrew or Lorna on 086 1967822 or 085 1367341. n
Comings and goings at Kennedy Summer School
Dedicated Chair of Kennedy Summer School
Willie Keilthy steps down and new Chair Eileen Dunne is welcomed
The Directors of the annual Kennedy Summer School have expressed their thanks and gratitude to the dedicated Willie Keilthy following his decision to step down from his longstanding role having led the very successful Kennedy Summer School for 10 years, and welcome the new Chair to the role, former RTE newsreader Eileen Dunne.
The Kennedy Summer School was originally founded in 2012 by the late Noel Whelan alongside Willie Keilthy and Sean Reidy and has evolved into a cornerstone event in New Ross’ calendar of festivities. Its mission to foster dialogue and intellectual exchange has made it a beacon of cultural and educational enrichment.
Speaking of his decision Willie says, “I have been honoured to Chair the Kennedy Summer School for the past ten years and have thoroughly enjoyed the role. Working closely with my fellow Directors Dr Brian Murphy, Larry Donnelly, Dr Charles Larkin, Dr Matthew Jebb, Sinead McSweeney, Prof Bríona Nic Diarmada, Eamonn Hore and Eileen Dunne it’s been my privilege to witness the annual event grow and develop the international status it enjoys today. But now is the right time for me to step down and I’m delighted to pass the baton onto Eileen Dunne who will officially take over from me on the 4th July when she will launch the School’s very exciting 2024 programme.”
Director of the Kennedy Summer School Dr Brian Murphy says, “Willie has been an incredible leader for the Kennedy Summer School through the good and the sad times, from the highs of securing some top global guests and making all the necessary
Willie Keilthy
Eileen Dunne
arrangements, to the very sad loss of the late Noel Whelan and Dr Bob Mauro of Boston College, and in navigating and delivering the summer school through Covid times. There has been no task Willie hasn’t been able to overcome. On behalf of all of the directors of the Kennedy Summer School we thank him sincerely for his dedication, his wisdom and passion that he brought to the table so abundantly each year – Thank you, Willie.”
In welcoming Eileen to the role, Director Larry Donnelly said, “Eileen Dunne is a distinguished figure in the world of journalism and a director of the school for the past five years, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position. Having served as a Journalist and News presenter for RTE before her retirement in 2022, Dunne's tenure at the national broadcaster has endowed her with a deep understanding of current affairs and communication. Her dedication to the school's values and her commitment to its continued growth make her an ideal candidate to lead the Kennedy Summer School into its next chapter.”
Under Dunne's stewardship, the Kennedy Summer School is poised to build upon its legacy, further enriching the relationship between New Ross and the USA, particularly fostering the partnership with Boston College, Massachusetts, and Purdue University, Indiana. As she steps into her new role, she expresses her enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the school's ongoing success.
Details of the 2024 programme for the Summer School are about to be announced, with the official launch of the Kennedy Summer School 2024 programme set to take place today, July 4th, at an event in Boston College, Dublin.
For further details see www.kennedysummerschool.ie n
Wexford Co. Council joins forces with National Opera House and Wexford Festival Opera
Wexford County Council has signed a new 3-year partnership agreement with Wexford Festival Trust incorporating Wexford Festival Opera and the National Opera House.
Wexford County Council, as a leader in the economic, social, and cultural development of Co. Wexford, has negotiated a new three-year strategic partnership with the National Opera House and Wexford Festival Opera. The agreement is designed to provide overall support to the House and Festival, together with promoting community participation and increasing access to the National Opera House for local communities. Supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town in August 2024 and 2025 as well as a developing several social inclusion outreach initiatives will be key elements of the partnership.
This partnership builds on the longstanding relationship between the National Opera House, Wexford Festival Opera, and Wexford County Council, and will facilitate a further focus on artistic content, audience participation,
cultural awareness and educational opportunities promoting access for all.
Director of Services for Wexford County Council Carolyne Godkin said, “Having worked with colleagues in the National Opera House and Wexford Festival Trust for many years now, I am pleased to see Wexford County Council’s new 3year partnership take shape. Both the Festival Opera and National Opera House are key tourism assets for our County and play a critical role in supporting professional arts forms as well our emerging and developing arts practitioners across community and amateur fields as well. I wish the Boards of the Festival and Opera House every continued success and look forward to working with them over the next three years.” n
Director of Services for Wexford County Council Carolyne Godkin.
Funding announced for 20 Enniscorthy Arts Projects
Creative Places Enniscorthy (CPE) was thrilled recently to announce a series of dynamic and innovative projects designed to celebrate and enhance the rich cultural landscape of Enniscorthy.
At an informal gathering of artists and community groups, CPE highlighted 20 projects awarded funding through the recent CPE Open Call – Project strand and Research and Development strand.
The well-attended gathering celebrating local culture and creativity took place on the afternoon of 27 June 2024 bringing together artists, community groups and residents to celebrate the unique culture, heritage and creativity of Enniscorthy.
PROJECT AWARDS - 9 PROJECTS AWARDED GRANTS:
Brendan Carthy – Orchard Studio
Project: ‘Sounds of Our Town’
Music Collaboration project for the community, inclusive of age, genres, level of playing ability and background. Participants will take part in guided writing and jam sessions which will be recorded in the Orchard studio, led by musician drummer Brendan Carthy.
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns
Project: Utility Box community artwork project.
Working with local street / graffiti artist Conor Gibson and the local community college and secondary schools to design and paint artwork on some key utility boxes throughout the town.
Crannog Media
Project: ‘Scalder? (An Insider’s Perspective’)
Short films by and within the community about the term ‘Scalder’ – film will be curated and shown to the community in a viewing in Templeshannon.
Farah Elles & The Hope Centre
Project: Music and Wellness with Farah Elles
Workshops exploring breathwork, vocal techniques, Capacitar and Logosynthesis methods for a holistic sense of well-being through music and movement.
Outrage Entertainment
Project: Outrage Festival
A two-day festival in Enniscorthy of independent music from Co. Wexford and Ireland, featuring live performances, local arts and crafts, and community outreach stalls, 3rd and 4th August 2024.
Absent from picture: Jonathon Hughes – Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, Áine Gallagher, Chris Hayes and Alan Boland of Crannog Media, Juliet and Fadi�– Doulab Circus and Dance, Sharon O’Brien, Mayumi Nakabayashi, Brendan Fahy, Michael Way, Abi Way.
Creative Places Enniscorthy – Open Call Project Launch, Thursday 27 June – Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy. Back row L-R (sitting on stage): Farah Elles, Becky Shortall (The Hope Centre), Laura Larkin, Mary Doyle, Dave Duffy, Larry Dunne, Conor Gibson, Bryan Steacy, Reggie Harpur, Padhraig Nolan, Brendan Carthy. Mid row L-R: Pilar Loring, Julie Grant, Claire Lawless, Elizabeth Whyte, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Aileen Lambert, Paul O’Reilly, Leona Eustace, Anne Manning, Prof Patrick Prendergast, Brendan Robinson, Michael Devereux, Seamus Whitney. Front Row L-R: Deryn O Callaghan, Liz Burns, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cllr John O’Rourke, Anita Petry, Amy Redmond, Linda O’Rourke.
Pic: Damien Smullen
Funding recipient Templeshannon Community Development Team, L-R: Seamus Whitney, Sarah Kelly, Deryn O Callaghan (Creative Places Enniscorthy), Julie Grant (Wexford Local Development), Linda O’Rourke. And in front: Cora Kelly.
Templeshannon Community Development Team
Project: Men’s choir
The formation of a first ever All Male Choir in Enniscorthy. Recording of a number of songs and production of a CD and concert for all the town to come and listen to the choir live.
Artists Conor Gibson, Larry Dunne, Barry O’Sullivan
Project: ‘Art Peddlers ‘
A street art mentorship project working with young people of Enniscorthy to create art and transform forgotten spaces in the town and documenting the process.
Scorthy Laughing at the Crossroads Comedy Festival
Project: Annual Festival (11,12,13 October 2024)
Celebrating comedy and fostering a sense of community pride and collaboration. The festival will feature performances by local comedians, art exhibitions and opportunities for emerging artists to gain exposure and recognition.
Aileen Lambert
Project: Enniscorthy’s Carol
Research and produce a documentary focused on exploring and capturing local connections with The Enniscorthy Carol, which was collected in the town circa 1921. To remember the carol and significance to the town working with community groups and local individuals/singers – culminating in a screening event in early December 2024.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
11 PROJECTS AWARDED FUNDING:
Mary Doyle / Dave Duffy
Am I allowed in there? Artists will explore Turret Rock and the walking route via the Technology Park, Wexford Road, Enniscorthy, as a route and cultural meeting place for everyone.
Anne Manning
Clay classes for the community.
Vivian Hayes
Moving through Enniscorthy – developing creative movement engagement with and for communities.
Doulab for Circus and Dance
Social contemporary circus art as a tool for cross-community engagement in Enniscorthy.
Brendan Fahy
Enniscorthy Community Circus.
Áine Gallagher
Using our Cupla Focals – in a meaningful, creative way.
Sharon O’Brien
Ignite Enniscorthy – Researching stories and creating script to be presented as a cultural performance using fire dance.
Amy Redmond
Act The Maggot – Castles in the Air. To explore the develoment of an improvisation-based theatre group.
Anita Petry
Theatre practitioner / actor – exploring ways of engagement through media.
Padhraig Nolan / Paul O’Reilly
INLAND Workshop – roundtable workshop exploring participants’ memories and emotions around place, including a free style writing section.
Mayumi Nakabayashi
Unity in Diversity – Enniscorthy Land Art Project – project with communities, seeking deeper connections with the land and people of Enniscorthy.
Deryn O Callaghan, CPE Coordinator, said, ‘We are so excited to see the start of projects in Enniscorthy for Creative Places. We are looking forward to seeing how these projects will engage and inspire our community. CPE is dedicated to fostering creativity, cultural diversity and community engagement through innovative arts and culture programmes. By supporting local artists and cultural initiatives we aim to enrich the cultural fabric of Enniscorthy and create lasting positive impact for residents of this town.’
For more information about Creative Places Enniscorthy please contact Deryn O Callaghan.
W: www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie
E: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie
M: 087 9578984 n
More photos overleaf
Aileen Lambert, Elizabeth Whyte (Wexford Arts Centre), Michael Way.
Closed Saturdays & Mondays of bank holiday weekends. n
Top left: Funding recipients Anne Manning, Mary Doyle, Dave Duffy. Top right: Funding recipients Becky Shortall (Hope Centre) and Farah Elles with Cllr John O’Rourke. Above left: Funding recipient Larry Dunne, Elizabeth Whyte (CEO, Wexford Arts Centre), funding recipient Conor Gibson.
Above centre: Funding recipients Bryan Steacy and Richard Harpur. Above right: Funding recipients Paul O’Reilly and Leona Eustace. Below left: Wexford Co. Council’s Edel Nolan, Liz Burns, Claire Lawless. Below right: Funding recipients Brendan Carthy, Leona Eustace, Brendan Robinson.
lucent
A touring exhibition curated by David Quinn
lucent
A touring exhibition curated by David Quinn
Wexford Arts Centre, 15 June – 31 July 2024
Opening Launch: Saturday 15 June at 3pm
Wexford Arts Centre in partnership with Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre are pleased to present lucent, a group exhibition of small works curated by artist David Quinn, involving twelve international artists – Charles Brady (Ire), Niamh Clarke (NI), Vincent Hawkins (UK), Hiroyuki Hamada (JN), Tjibbe Hooghiemstra (NL), Jamie Mills (UK), Janet Mullarney (Ire), Helen O’Leary (Ire), David Quinn (Ire), Seamus Quinn (Ire), Sean Sullivan (US) and John Van Oers (BE). The exhibition will run in the lower and upper galleries of Wexford Arts Centre from Saturday 15 June to Wednesday 31 July, 2024.
"Although I have curated quite a few exhibitions, I am first and foremost an artist and not a curator. This exhibition is a very personal project. The work I have included is by artists whose work and progress I am always keen to see. I think there is a lot of truth in Robert Motherwell's quote 'every intelligent painter carries the whole culture of modern painting in his head. It is his real subject, of which everything he paints is both a homage and critique.' To a greater or lesser extent, the artists in this exhibition have been inspirational to me or sometimes it is just as Emerson said 'in every work of genius we recognise our own rejected thoughts'.
One of the common threads through the work of these artists for me is a sensitivity for materials and for the quality of line. Most of the artists here also blur the distinction between painting and sculpture. Their sculptures can be quite painterly and there is a subtle tactile element even to the works on paper. The other thing that interests me is that it is often hard to pin down exactly what the works are about (if that is what one is inclined to do). There is an inherent ambiguity in lots of the work, a vague open-endedness. Also, the scale that these artists often work on is intimate and personal. The works are memorable rather than monumental, suggestive rather than didactic, playful rather than strict. Where there is order it is
often subverted and generally an air of gentle irreverence. Ultimately though the thing that draws these works together for me is that they are made with the attentiveness and care that comes from a labour of love.'
– David Quinn, 2023
David Quinn has been exhibiting his work for over thirty years. Recently, he has had solo exhibitions in Gana Art Nineone, Seoul (2023); Rossicontemporary, Brussels (2022); and Purdy Hicks, London (2021). He has participated in many international art fairs including Art Brussels, KIAF Seoul, Context New York, Pulse Miami, Contemporary Istanbul, and the London Art Fair. He has also been awarded a number of residencies including the Cold Press, Norfolk; Air Fukujusou, Kyoto; and the Tony O’Malley Residency, Callan.
lucent is supported by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon as part of the 2023 - Strategic Funding - Touring - Arts Centres’ Grant, and initiated and developed by Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre. The tour of lucent began in Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre and ran from 9 July to 9 September 2023. It then travelled to Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda from February to April of this year and will run in Wexford Arts Centre from Saturday 15 June to Wednesday 31 July, 2024.
For further information on lucent contact Catherine Bowe- Curator, Wexford Arts Centre, Cornmarket, Wexford on +353 (0)53 91 23764 or catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie
Wexford Arts Centre is supported by the Arts Council and Wexford County Council.
Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am – 5pm and Saturday from 10am – 4pm. n
L-R: John Van Oers, Don't Appear Unkind, 2022, plaster steel plywood. Image courtesy of the artist. Janet Mullarney, Rishabadeva, 2009, aluminium. Image by Jed Niezgoda. Hiroyuki Hamada, #75, 2011-13, painted resin and painted plaster. Image courtesy of the artist.
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
GRILLED PEACH, PROSCIUTTO & MOZZARELLA SALAD –PERFECT FOR BBQ PARTIES
INGREDIENTS:
5 peaches
1 x packet of mozzarella balls
3 oz prosciutto
2 cups arugula
2 tbs olive oil
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
2 tbsp balsamic glaze
salt and pepper
Serve with flat breads, I used Dromod potato bread
INSTRUCTIONS:
Rinse peaches. If you are cooking them on a grill, cut the peaches into quarters, so they don't fall through the grates. If you are cooking the peaches on a grill pan, you can cut the peaches into fifths.
Heat grill or grill pan to medium heat. Brush one side of each peach slice with olive oil and place peaches oil side down on the grill or pan. Grill peaches 3 minutes. Brush the other side with oil, flip peaches and grill an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove peaches from grill or pan and allow to cool. On large serving platter, spread arugula out into an even layer. Top arugula with peach slices. Split open the balls of mozzarella with your hands and place on platter amongst the grilled peaches. Make prosciutto roses and place them in any gaps left on the platter between the peaches and mozzarella. Drizzle olive oil over each piece of mozzarella. Grind freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt over the burrata as well.
Garnish the dish with finely chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. n
https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted
Caitriona Barron
Pic: Caitriona Barron.
ooted in exford
Hello fellow gardening enthusiasts! I hope your June gardening endeavours are flourishing, and that your broccoli, sweet corn, and courgettes are thriving. As we move into July, it is an exciting time in the garden as we start to reap the rewards of our efforts. This month, we will focus on harvesting salad leaves, reusing garden beds, and growing some additional crops to keep your garden productive.
Firstly, let us talk about harvesting your first batch of salad leaves. There is nothing quite like the taste of fresh, homegrown salad, and by now, your salad greens should be ready for picking. To harvest, simply snip the outer leaves with scissors, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. This method, known as "cut and come again", allows you to enjoy multiple harvests from the same plants.
To ensure a continuous supply of fresh salad leaves, it is important to sow new seeds regularly. Every couple of weeks, sow a fresh batch of salad greens in
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 is a member at Enniscorthy Community Allotments, and has a huge passion for growing fruit and veg which he shares on his Instagram platform @rootedinwexford which has over 7,500 followers. Mark describes himself very much as a ‘hobby gardener’ who is not academically trained in horticulture. He started planting with very little knowledge a few years ago and that knowledge has now ‘mushroomed’! Mark loves sharing his passion for growing with our readers.
any available space in your garden beds. This practice, known as succession planting, will keep your beds productive and provide a steady stream of delicious salad leaves throughout the season.
Now, let us focus on growing carrots, a staple in many gardens. If you have not already sown carrots, July is still a good time to do so. One variety I highly recommend is Nantes. Nantes carrots are known for their sweet flavour, tender texture, and cylindrical shape, making them perfect for snacking and cooking.
To grow carrots, choose a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil. Carrots prefer soil that is free of stones and clumps, so take the time to prepare your bed well. Sow the seeds thinly, about half an inch deep, and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes about 10-20 days. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out to ensure proper spacing, about 2-4 inches apart. This will allow the roots to develop fully without competition.
As your carrots grow, continue to water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and sup-
press weeds. Nantes carrots typically mature in about 70 days, and you can start harvesting them once they reach a desirable size.
For those looking to extend their harvest season, consider planting a late crop of French runner beans. These beans are easy to grow and can be planted in July for a late summer to early autumn harvest. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Sow the seeds directly into the ground, about an inch deep and spaced six inches apart. Provide support with stakes or a trellis, as runner beans are climbers and will need something to grow on. Water regularly and enjoy the beautiful, vibrant flowers that precede the bean pods. Harvest the beans when they are young and tender for the best flavour.
Additionally, July is an excellent time to plant perpetual spinach and rainbow chard. Both of these leafy greens are not only nutritious but also visually stunning. Perpetual spinach, despite its name, is actually a type of chard. It is hardy, can be harvested continuously, and often survives through winter in milder areas, providing fresh greens even in colder months. Rainbow chard, with its vibrant stems of red, yellow, and orange, adds a splash of colour to
your garden and plate.
To grow perpetual spinach and rainbow chard, choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Sow the seeds about half an inch deep and space them twelve inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7-14 days. Once the plants are established, they require minimal care – just regular watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertiliser. Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth and extend the harvest period.
In summary, July is a month of both harvesting and planting. Enjoy your fresh salad leaves, keep your beds productive with succession planting, and try your hand at growing Nantes carrots, French runner beans, perpetual spinach, and rainbow chard. These efforts will ensure a continuous and bountiful garden through the season.
For more gardening tips and to follow my growing journey, be sure to follow me on Instagram @rootedinwexford. Happy gardening! n
BARISTA & CAFÉ SKILLS
Course Description
The aim of the course is to provide learners with the skills and related knowledge around coffee preparation, service and health & safety in the hospitality industry. This course will run each Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday for 9 weeks (start time is 10am).
Certification
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will receive the following City and Guilds Award: Level 2 Award in Barista Skills 71023-53
Course Equipment & Materials
All course materials will be provided.
Course Content
BARISTA SKILLS & COFFEE MENU KNOWLEDGE
PREPARE BEVERAGES FOR SERVICE CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS
MANUAL HANDLING & FIRE SAFETY
FOOD SAFETY AND HYGIENE
FIRST AID RESPONDER
CAREER PLANNING &
JOB SEEKING SKILLS
Job Opportunities
This programme is suitable for learners who are seeking certification to enable them to source employment in the hospitality industry including cafés and other food and beverage outlets. Learners also have the opportunity to progress to further education and training.
Learner Entry Requirements
Education: Learners must have reached the statutory school leaving age. While there are no specific entry requirements learners should have the academic ability to successfully complete the program, Junior Certificate or similar.
Previous Experience: No previous experience required.
Aptitude: Good verbal and written command of the English Language is required.
Enniscorthy whiskey gets seal of approval
Enniscorthy based Stafford Irish Spirits was delighted last month to announce that its new drink – Bold '98 Irish Whiskey – was an award winner at the IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition).
At the IWSC, they use a rigorous and thorough judging process and each entry is tasted by a panel of expert judges while overseen by a judging committee. To have secured a bronze award is a major achievment for any new whiskey.
We confidently predict more great things to come for Enniscorthy’s Bold '98 Irish Whiskey! n
Art at Enniscorthy Community
Allo
tments
Artist David Begley (centre) is a regular visitor to Enniscorthy Community Allotments working with both the children there and those in the wider community.
A BBQ expert at work! Caim Parish BBQ on 21st June 2024. Putting his skills to the test was Enniscorthy butcher Killian Stafford.
Wonderful wine bar in Wexford
CorkBuzz Wine Bar has been overwhelmed and blown away at the positive response it has received since introducing its concept to Wexford town a number of months ago. Its new summer menu, offering a fantastic selection of platters, uses a combination of wonderful local produce combined with the finest international ingredients. These are complimented by the ever changing selection of the best white wine, red wine, Prosecco, cocktails and, of course, Champagne for those special occasions, or maybe just because you fancy it! Make sure to give it a try soon. The perfect place to meet friends after work or for a night out in Wexford town on the Quay, opposite the bridge.
Open: Weds to Sun, from 4pm. Reserve your table today on 087 176 2331.
Email: corkbuzzwexford@gmail.com n
Strawberry season in the
Martin Murphy from Boro Valley Fruit Farm is one of the leading suppliers growing and producing strawberries for the nation to enjoy. The family farm employs 8-10 people throughout the year, with additional staff coming on board during the height of the growing season.
The business was initially founded by Martin’s father Paddy who is still actively involved in the day-to-day operations along with Martin’s mother and sister. The fruit farm grows strawberries exclusively and their fresh berries are available to buy nationwide. The business proudly specialises in producing and supplying Bord Bia Quality-Assured strawberries for some of Ireland’s leading supermarkets and stores.
The Nation’s Nutritional Powerhouse:
Known for their distinctive and sweet taste, strawberries are also popular for their many nutritional benefits. By incorporating just one portion (approx. 80g) of strawberries in meals or as a snack, almost 100% of the daily requirement of Vitamin C is provided. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Strawberries have a high water content, acting as a natural way to hydrate and while small, the berries are also a source of fibre, which contributes to the overall function of the digestive system. They are also high in manganese, folic acid, vitamin K, and potassium – making them the perfect healthy snack.
Strawberry Storage Tips:
To best enjoy your fresh strawberries this summer:
1. Store in the fridge
2. Do not remove the stalks until you are ready to use
3. When ready to eat or cook with, remove their stalks, wash them in water and serve. n
A festival at Wheelock’s dedicated to the strawberry
The Village at Wheelocks, Finchogue, Enniscorthy, Y21 YY67 6th & 7th July 2024. This is a free event for all ages. An unforgettable weekend filled with delicous food, live music and fun activities. https://www.facebook.com/WheelockFruitsEnniscorthy
Martin Murphy and his dad Paddy.
Enniscorthy district
accompanied some of the children on a re cent visit to Murphy's Wexford Straw berries in Clonroche.
The Murphys’ young son Liam (pictured top right) was delighted to showcase his strawberry farm with his mum Niamh (pictured on right), dad and sisters.
The Carraig Briste children learned all about the role of the Bee in pollination and all the work that goes into making Murphy's strawberries so delicious. n
Wexford’s Local Enterprise Office – always available to help
Summer Training Programme
The Local Enterprise Office Wexford Summer Training Programme has just launched, packed with valuable opportunities to boost your skills and grow your business. From Business Advice Clinics to Trading Online Seminars, Energy Efficiency Grant Info Sessions, and even special retail opportunities during Wexford’s upcoming Fleadh Cheoil – it’s all covered!
Don't miss out on this chance to take your career to new heights. Check out the website for all the details and sign up today!
https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/
Is your business Export Ready?
Micro and small business go through several cycles – start-up, growth and scale-up through to maturity and exit. Part of this journey includes considering the advantages of expanding and the business opportunities exporting offers, entering new markets, generating business growth and profitability.
Local Enterprise Office Wexford will give you the insight and tools to drive confidence and activity throughout your business to adapt to the demands of new markets and overseas customers. To compete with the best in the world and win!
To achieve success in expanding your business internationally requires a number of actions, which could include employing additional staff, increasing your marketing efforts, digital and eCommerce capability, offering new products and services and forming strategic business alliances.
Your Local Enterprise Office Wexford is there to walk you through your export journey.
https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/ n
LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE
Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93
info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie
Contact: 053 9196020
Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie
Looking to enhance your Business's Digital Potential? Introducing Digital for Business, a game-changing initiative from the Local Enterprise Office. Designed to equip clients with a digital edge, we offer tailored support to optimise processes, enhance customer experiences, and leverage data effectively.
Embrace technology and future-proof your business with: FREE Digital expert consultancy, FREE Digital assessment. A unique digital strategy.
Let's unlock your business's digital potential together.
Book here: https://allinadayswork.ie n
Lean For Business is designed to encourage clients to adopt Lean business principles in their organisations to increase performance and competitiveness. Lean is for all companies, regardless of sector. The scheme provides consultancy support which is up to 90% funded, with up to 5 half-day site visits available.
Lean tools and techniques are helping companies across the globe to address competitiveness issues within their businesses by building the capability of their people to identify problems, improve operations and create a more innovative organisation. In a nutshell, Lean is about doing things quicker, better and saving costs. Lean strives to remove waste and to continually improve a company.
Book here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Financial-Supports/Lean-for-Business/ n
Hosted by Holos in Enniscorthy
Niamh Hogan (centre, front row), founder of successful Enniscorthy-based company Holos, recently met with Women in Business Tipperary and Women in Business Wexford, organised by Local Enterprise Office Wexford. Niamh shared her journey of starting a brand, offering tips for overcoming challenges and boosting sales. Holos, known for its clean and cruelty-free skincare, has achieved international success, thanks to support from LEO Wexford along the way. If you would like to join the Women in Business Network, check out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leowexfordwomeninbusinessnetwork/
An ideal meeting venue with onsite restaurant and lots of free parking Women in Business Unite!
Looking for the perfect space for your next meeting or event? Then Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant might be the answer!
Its meeting rooms are ideal for gatherings of up to 60 guests, each fully equipped with a digital projection display system, screens, flip charts, and a sound system. The rooms are fitted with partitions so if you need more space, you can easily be accommodated.
Plus, Kilcannon provides a full menu to ensure a complete service and a productive experience.
CHEAP FOOD – ARE WE WILLING tO PAy tHE uLtImAtE PRICE FOR It – OuR HEALtH, OuR ANImALs’ HEALtH, AND OuR CHILDREN’s POtENtIAL?
I'm in a whole new learning phase about the soil, its health and its impact on all our lives, our animals and ourselves. I spent a recent weekend at a seminar with Dan Kittredge, founder of BFA Bionutritional Food Association, whom I've written about before.
He is a seminal thinker, way ahead of the curve and is paving a path to better health for us all. One point he made was that in conventional agriculture we concentrate on three main elements in the soil – Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N, P and K). There are another 90 something trace element minerals that have a role to play but generally aren't addressed.
To make one DNA strand requires at least 25 elements. We have somewhere between 70 and a 100 trillion cells in our bodies and every day four billion of these cells die and are replaced. That’s 4 billion strands of DNA to be reproduced each day in this unbelievably complex body of ours. If we are deficient in some of these trace elements then we don't have the building blocks to help make our new DNA, hence where problems can start and disease can ensue.
If our soils are deficient, our plants are, and so the same
with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital
follows up the food chain into the animals and ultimately us. An example of this is Chromium, a trace element that is required in the body and without it the body's ability to metabolise sugar is compromised and may explain in part the huge rise in diabetes both in our pets and humans. So what we took to be a farmer’s problem is now coming back to roost with ourselves.
Raising awareness of the need to have food that is not only pesticide-free but more nutritious is a must and as consumers we need to start being more discerning about what we are eating and how it has been farmed.
Chemical agriculture will produce yield but not always the food quality we need. Our animals are fed high levels of grain which is naturally higher in Omega 6, Omega 6 is linked to inflammation. Omega 3 is the anti-inflammatory and ideally they should be in a ratio of 1:1. In our modern diets it is currently 1:15 which helps explain the huge rise in degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Diabetes, Obesity to name just a few.
Returning the balance back in our favour is essential. Being more discerning about what we eat and feed our children and families will make for a brighter and better future. The farmers that are already starting down this road, the regenerative and organic farmers, need our support. It's the only way forward for man and our animals. 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):
Dog Show at Enniscorthy & Monart Union of Parishes
Summer Fete 8th June 2024
Showgrounds, Enniscorthy
Dog Show at Enniscorthy & Monart Union of Parishes Summer Fete, 8th June 2024, Showgrounds, Enniscorthy.
Above left: Natasha and Frank O’Connor wait for the dog show to start with their dog Patch. Above centre: Ann Buckley with her dog Lady all set for the dog show. Above right: Is the dog show started yet? Crystal the dog and owner Francesca Hevey wait patiently.
Below right: A canine marcher takes part in the Festival of Ferns Parade on Monday, 3rd June, 2024.
Margaret Byrne with her dog Daisey.
Free Classic Car & Classic Motorcycle Show in Waterford
The countdown is on to the 5th annual Classic Car and Motorcycle Show on Saturday, July 6th 2024, at the Waterford Training Centre located in the Waterford Industrial Estate. The event takes place from 10.00am to 1.00pm and is free to enter for members of the public.
There will be 150 to 160 classic cars, bikes and vans on the day for the public to enjoy. In previous shows, some of the highlights have been a pair of Borgwards, a 1932 Ford hot rod, a couple of American Pickups, a 1908 Reo, a 1926 Essex, a 1951 Indian Chief Motorcycle plus a host of Beetles, Anglias, Escorts, BMWs and Toyotas and more.
The show will be hosted by the course leaders at the Classic Car Restoration Course at the WWETB Waterford Training Centre and visitors on the day will get to view the techniques and even try out incredible virtual reality areas of the workshop on the day too. The Classic Car Restoration Course was launched in 2016 at the Waterford Training Centre part of Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) and it is the only course of its kind in the entire country. To date over 300 people have
taken part and gained qualifications in this Classic Car Restoration Course and the event will demonstrate the professional skills these course participants gained and offer an opportunity for the
public to gain a little insight into the course content at the WWETB Waterford Training Centre.
For those families that have children with them, there will be a professional face painter on site from 10am to approx. 1pm. Children of all ages or those young at heart can have facepainting done by Aine of Fantasy Face Art completely free of charge.
Members of the public and especially families are welcome to attend the Classic Car Restoration Showcase at the Waterford Training Centre (X91 PX02), Waterford Industrial Park on the Cork Road on Saturday, July 6th from 10.00am.
For further details see: www.facebook.com/Waterford-Wexford-Training-Services Classic/Vintage Enthusiasts are also very welcome to bring along their own vehicle and enter it for best of show on the day. n
CAROLINE GETS MOTORING DACIA JOG GER HYBRID
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 Dacia Jogger arrived in Ireland in 2022 and it was big news at the time because it was the most affordable seven-seat car on sale.
It's not Dacia's most popular model in Ireland but still sells in good numbers and has established a presence on Irish roads.
At launch, the range was quite limited with just a petrol manual available. Now Dacia Ireland has introduced the brand's first hybrid car, the Dacia Jogger Hybrid.
It promises more efficiency, more power and if you're looking for an automatic Jogger, this is the one you will want.
It does cost a bit more to buy than the petrol Jogger but is still available from just €31,440, which sounds like exceptional good value for such a spacious and practical car.
Opt for the top of the range Extreme model for just €32,940 and Dacia adds a host of extras such as 16-inch black alloy wheels, copper brown wing mirror caps,
as well as heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry/start, blind spot monitoring and cruise control.
The Jogger is a mixture of estate car, MPV and the rugged styling cues of a crossover or SUV. It sits a bit higher off the ground than the average hatchback. Cladding around the wheel arches, roof bars and skid plates front and rear give it an adventurous, outdoors look.
It features LED headlights with Dacia's sig-
DACIA JOGGER HYBRID
nature Y-shaped illumination. It's also wearing the new Dacia logo, just like the Sandero and Duster.
But it's the sheer amount of space inside the Jogger that makes it special, especially considering the price.
Just like the petrol, the Jogger Hybrid offers a lot of space and flexibility for families.
Seven seats across three rows are included as standard. The two seats in the very back can even fit adults in reasonable comfort, with space under the seat in front to tuck your feet under. The rear most seats can also be folded down, tumbled forward and even removed altogether. In the second row, there is seating for three across the bench with a reasonably flat floor removing competition for legroom. The tall roof also means headroom is generous. There are few amenities but there's not much else to complain about.
Interior
There's a digital speedometer and a large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tactile dials and buttons are plentiful and it's generally a cleanly laid out, practical cabin. The automatic gear selector is a little clunky however and can be awkward when trying to move quickly between forward and reverse.
Even with the seven seats in place, there is space in the boot for a few bags or small suitcases positioned upright. But once the two extra seats are tumbled forward or removed altogether, there is truly van-like amounts of boot space. It is worth noting the boot lid is quite large and can be awkward to open in car parks.
Up front, the Jogger has a solid feeling cabin with plenty of hard plastics for its budget price but softer materials too and nicely finished seats with brown contrast stitching in the Extreme model.
Dacia offers the hybrid in two trim levels - Expression and Extreme. The petrol in the Expression trim is available from €27,240 vs €31,440 for the hybrid in the same trim.
Is it worth the extra? Well the hybrid has a few advantages. With the help of a battery and electric motor, it won't consume as much fuel as the petrol version. Consumption is as low as 5 litres per 100 kilometres and not too far off that in real world driving. And that's without any requirement to plug it in and charge it.
With more power (140hp), it doesn't feel as under pressure when you want to join a motorway quickly or overtake,
though 0-100km/h is still a leisurely enough 10 seconds.
It's also the only option in the Jogger range if you want an automatic and is easier to get around in as a result. The drive is still quite soft and wallowy, which means it's not particularly sharp to drive but it is comfortable.
Less appealing is the amount of road and wind noise that gets into the cabin, particularly at high speeds on the motorway.
The hybrid system itself is mostly a smooth affair and offers a B mode to increase regenerative braking and an Eco mode to make it most fuel efficient.
The Extreme model also gets an 'Extended Grip' mode as standard, which can increase traction when off-road on loose gravel, for instance.
The Jogger Hybrid is not without its weaknesses but it does offer an incredible amount of car for the money. It's hugely spacious and versatile, while being a comfortable and pleasant drive. It now adds even more efficiency to the mix and is ideal for town and city driving where it can make the most of having a battery and electric motor to run less from its engine.
It's neither a very sharp or impeccably refined drive but it is good enough and has a charm of its own. Dacia has come a long way on design, quality and technology and the new Jogger Hybrid demonstrates this very well. n
YOUNG ENNISCORTHY MAN'S FUNDRAISER FOR CHARITY
Mick Abidoye (pictured left), is an Enniscorthy native, business owner and influencer, who has lived in Enniscorthy for most of his young life going to primary and secondary here in the town. His family still lives in Enniscorthy. Mick himself is now based in Manchester but is in and out of Ireland on a regular basis.
createdineire (CIE) is an award-winning initiative of his which showcases and promotes Irish content creators, musicians, and businesses with daily news updates through its social media. CIE Promotions is delighted to announce its forthcoming event in Enniscorthy and Mick is thrilled to be bringing his award-winning entertainment platform to his hometown. All are invited to the charity fundraising event – a football tournament at the Shamrock Rovers pitch on Saturday the 6th of July at 2pm, organised in support of St. Vincent de Paul. This event promises not only to raise funds for a noble cause but also to deliver top-tier entertainment.
A number of high-profile personalities will be taking part including Bailey333, an Irish rapper celebrated for his performance at Longitude; Darragh, a prominent Irish TikToker; Craig Cooney, a multifaceted Irish rapper and actor; and Leah Flynn, a renowned model and Pretty Little Things ambassador, among others. Irish international footballer Festy Ebosele (pictured above) was due to take part but has been called back by his Italian club for early pre-season training. The organisers will be giving away a signed ball from Festy, Raphael Abidoye, and Dapo Abidoye to one lucky child on the day and there will be a raffle for a jersey signed by Festy at the White House pub at 7pm after the tournament.
Tickets for this not-to-be-missed event are available on Eventbrite. n
Enniscorthy Credit Union is celebrating 60 years in business with a Credit Union Gala Night at the Dogs.
Over the years, Credit Union events have been great nights at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track with lots of fun and entertainment for all the family, and this year will be extra special as they celebrate 60 years in business in Enniscorthy. Save the date, go along and enjoy a wonderful evening at the dogs.
More details over the coming days on the Enniscorthy Credit Union and Slaney News Facebook pages. n
GOLDEN YEAR FOR ENNISCORTHY’S SACRE COEUR BOXING CLUB
SACRE COEUR Boxing Club, Enniscorthy, had one of the most successful years in the club's history with an outstanding nine Leinster Champions and five Irish National Champions.
Over the course of the year the boxers were involved in tournaments all over Ireland and even travelled to Newcastle, England, for the International Boxcup. This gave the boxers invaluable experi-
ence and certainly paid off when it came to the big fights.
Sacre Coeur now has nine IABA qualified coaches. These coaches are putting huge time and effort into both underage and adult boys and girls. The members are seeing at first hand the rewards of hard work and listening to their coaches thus helping to fulfil their future hopes and aspirations.
Chairman Frankie Kirwan says the club is going from ‘strength to strength, with all age groups full for the upcoming season, and the club doors open five days a week’.
Everyone may not win Leinster or National titles but the health and wellbeing of all who attend the club is a huge consideration in what Sacre Coeur is trying to achieve. n
GolfingNews
GolfingNews
Enniscorthy Golf Club was the venue for the Leinster Senior (over 50) Am Open Championship last week. The players were very complimentary of the course which was presented in magnificent condition. A host of Irish Senior internationals played in the event which was won by Alan Condren (Greystones) with an excellent score of 140 (-4) for the Championship. Huge congratulations to Alan from all at Enniscorthy Golf Club.
Congratulations also to Paddy Lewis (Woodbrook & Enniscorthy Golf Club) pictured receiving his prize for hole in one during the championship.
Enniscorthy Golf Club would like to congratulate our own Paul Conroy on his transition to the Pro Ranks. Paul turned Pro a few weeks back and is playing in his second tournament as a Pro this weekend. Paul is playing on the PGA Tour Americas tour which is the level below the Korn Ferry. We are very proud of Paul and wish him every success in his career.
We held our Lady Captain Ann Bernie’s day last month. A huge number of our lady members played in both the 18 hole and 9 hole competitions. An evening of music and fun was held afterwards in the clubhouse and enjoyed by all.
We are holding our annual Open Week beginning Friday July 26th, see our website www.enniscorthygc.ie for further details, we would love to see you at the club during open week.
Congrats Kara
16-year-old Enniscorthy athlete Kara Morrissey has been chosen to represent her School, Presentation Wexford, on the Irish Schools International Track & Field Team 2024. Wales will host the competition between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales on the 20th July. The venue is Carmarthen athletics track. n
Bellefield GAA June Update
Words and pics by Maria Nolan
The month got off to a flying start as our Senior Footballers took the Div 2 All County League title beating Half Way House Bunclody at McCauley Park, Bellefield, on 8th June in a closely contested, low scoring final – 7 points to 6.
Our FEAST Programme (Fun Exercise Activity Sport Togetherness) continues every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning at McCauley Park and a most sincere thank you to all our coaches and helpers who turn up week after week, your unselfish and valuable contribution does not go unnoticed.
The highlight in June was of course the Feile, we were honoured to host eight teams at McCauley Park including New York, Leitrim, Fermanagh, Gusserane, Monaghan, Longford, Carlow and San Francisco.
The day was a huge success with New York taking the Cup and Gusserane the Shield, well done to all who participated in this wonderful event, we hope you made many friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
A particular word of mention for co-ordinator Paul O’Reilly and Shelly and Fionn who ensured that the event went off without a hitch, due to their diligent planning and professionalism.
And to Gareth Kavanagh and his team of workers providing the tasty burgers and succulent strawberries and Majella Murphy and her team for the much-needed cups of tea and coffee.
Jim Nolan and his team of field workers who had the grounds in
pristine condition and to all our excellent stewards and volunteers who helped to make Feile 2024 a memorable occasion for all.
Our new carpark is now open, adding 151 car parking spaces to our facilities and the new playground should be opening over the next couple of weeks.
At the time of writing, our annual Golf Classic will take place at Enniscorthy Golf Club on Friday 28th June.
Our Men’s Walking Group meet every Thursday morning at 11am on our new walking track, all are welcome.
With the exit of Wexford Senior Hurlers from the intercounty scene, our County Senior Hurling Championship 2024 is due to begin the weekend of 7th/8th July with the following fixtures:
Senior Hurling Championship RDs I&2:
July 7th – Rapparees V Oylegate @ 4pm @ Chadwicks Wexford Park
July 13th – Rapparees V Cloughbawn @ 5pm @ O’Kennedy Park, New Ross
Junior Hurling Championship RDs 1&2:
7th July – Rapparees V St. Pats @ 7pm @ Camolin
12th July – Rapparees V Rathnure @ 7.45pm Bellefield
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the games supporting our own Rapparees/Starlights. n
Above left: Anna Foley with brother Kyle Foley. Above centre: Father and sons Anthony, Johnny and Jason Russell. Above right: Keegan and dad Anthony Larkin. Below: Starlights, winners of Div 2 League Final.
Below: Starlights and Half Way House Bunclody in action in league final.
Bottom
Bottom right: County secretary Aoife Parle presenting League Cup to Starlights Captain Rory
Above: New York, winners of Div Feile at Bellefield.
Left: Gusserane, Shield Final Feile winners at Bellefield.
Below left: New York, winners.
left: Father and son Ian and Cian Dwyer.
O’Connor.
SPORTING EXHIBITION CONTINUES IN ENNISCORTHY CASTLE...
THEIR FINEST HOUR is a major exhibition celebrating the sporting achievements of the county's greatest sportspeople. The exhibition is running in Enniscorthy Castle until September this year. Manager Mico Hassett and the Castle staff are to be complimented for their extensive research and hard work in putting it all together.
The exhibition covers the great sporting traditions of the county and is a must-see for locals and visitors alike.
At the opening of the exhibition, Liam Spratt spoke about the 51 GAA clubs in the county and the fact that we have the second biggest schoolboy soccer league in the country, but what really impresses him is the 'diversity of sports' available all round what he called 'this marvellous sporting county' – a county of which we should all be proud.
This is a wonderful exhibition, and viewing is highly recommended. n
Top left: Enniscorthy Castle Manager Mico Hassett with Maria Nolan.
Left: John Browne, Jim Byrne, Cllr Aidan Browne.
Below left: Cllr Jackser Owens, Michelle O’Neill.
Below: Enniscorthy Castle Manager Mico Hassett with staff member Paul Byrne.
WEXFORD GAA AND SAMARITANS JOIN FORCES
Wexford GAA has teamed up with Samaritans at St Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy, to encourage players, members and supporters to reach out for help.
The suicide prevention charity has secured the naming rights of the county’s second largest ground and will be known as Samaritans St Patrick’s Park for the next three years.
The new name and signage at the Enniscorthy ground was officially revealed on 26th June 2024 by Michael Martin, Wexford GAA County Chairperson, Sarah O’Toole, Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, and Jonathan Neville, volunteer and Regional Director for Samaritans Ireland.
Wexford county stars Eoin Porter and Kevin Foley, and Wexford county football manager John Hegarty, attended and were joined by Samaritans volunteers from Arklow and Waterford, as well as members of Wexford GAA.
county ground to Samaritans free of charge. We want to create awareness of their work and highlight the support they offer to people of all ages who are in need of emotional support.
Wexford county hurler Kevin Foley from Enniscorthy said he was delighted to be at the launch, “I think it’s a great initiative and a great idea for the local community and Wexford.”
LGFA and camogie games, and is also the training base for the county minor and U20 teams.
“We hope this new signage will encourage anyone, including our players and supporters, who may need someone to talk to, to call Samaritans on freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie"
Mr Martin said: “Samaritans is one of the leading mental health charities in Ireland, and Wexford GAA is delighted to offer them naming rights of our second
“St Patrick’s Park is the most used county ground in Wexford, with an estimated 30,000 people going through the turnstiles in 2023. It hosted over 300 matches last year, including intercounty games, club finals, schools’ games, the
Wexford native Ms O’Toole said the charity was delighted to be chosen by Wexford GAA to secure the naming rights of St Patrick’s Park. “Samaritans has been the mental health partner of the GAA for the last 10 years and this initiative cements that partnership even more making sure we are there at grassroots,” she said. “We are always trying to raise awareness of our service and target those who may need us most – it is amazing that now our name and number can be seen by anyone attending a game at Samaritans St Patrick’s Park over the next three years.
“We want everyone to remember that no matter how big or small a problem may seem, our trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie” n
Medieval Ferns Experience
At the time of writing, Ferns Castle, an iconic feature in Ferns’ medieval history, isn't open yet for the summer season. Hopefully it will open in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, one can visit the wonderful Medieval Ferns Experience which will give one an insight into the Castle's history and the fascinating story of miracle-working saints, Gaelic kings and Norman knights in what is the Ancient Capital of Leinster.
Medieval Ferns Experience has virtual reality headsets which gives one a visual of the castle interior and views from the top. Using modern devices, the exhibition tells the story of characters and events which happened in Ferns and changed the course of Irish history.
Guided walking tours are also available, visiting sites associated with Ferns’ medieval story. These tours need to be pre-booked. n
Funding for heritage projects
Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has commended four County Wexford heritage projects which recently received funding from the Heritage Council.
“Four County Wexford Heritage Projects are sharing in Heritage Council funding worth €33,726 this year.
“The Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network (ISACS), which is based in the Spawell Centre in Wexford town, will use a grant worth €16,531 to develop a national circus and fairground archive.
“€6,000 will support Wexford County Council’s organisation of Wexford’s Walled Town Medieval Day celebrations, which is expected to take place this August.
“Oulart Hill Development Group will put a grant worth €8,445 towards the development of a 12-15 minute film on Oulart exploring local folklore, 1798 Rebellion, natural history, the local storytelling house, and the community’s new pilgrim connection with Wales. The film is intended to serve as an online and inperson resource targeting pilgrims, visitors, and schools.
Tara Hill Community Development Association will identify, map and survey historical and archaeological resources along the Fisherman’s Way Walking Trail in Tara Hill.
“I want to commend these four projects for pitching creative projects that celebrate our rich heritage in County Wexford. Their work will certainly tie in well with this year’s Heritage Week theme: connections, routes and networks,” Minister Browne commented.
Heritage Week will take place in County Wexford between 17th and 25th August this year. n
Places for the Living – Places for the Dead
Peter Walsh, Chief Executive, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, presents landowner Philip Becker with a signed copy of the book.
On 18th June 2024 New Ross Municipal District hosted the launch of a new Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) book edited by James Eogan, MIAI FSA, Senior Archaeologist, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and titled Places for the Living, Places for the Dead: archaeological discoveries on the N25 New Ross Bypass.
The publication which is the latest addition the TII Heritage Series was published in December 2023. Alongside detailed reports on the evidence excavated at eight key sites, the book provides an overview of the archaeology of this region and shows how the remains uncovered on the bypass route deepen our understanding of human activity in the lower Barrow Valley over almost nine millennia. Chapters written by experts in their fields consider different
topics and periods in greater detail. Including, the paleoenvironmental background of the sites uncovered, the nature and range of evidence for the first farmers and early metal-using societies in the region, the impact of Anglo-Norman colonisation and the establishment of a feudal economy in the area.
The book, which is richly illustrated with eight specially commissioned artistic visualisations, and more than 140 photographs, plans, drawings, and maps, describes the discoveries and shows how this new evidence provides fresh perspectives on the communities who called this place home over the past 9,000 years.
The event was attended by over 70 enthusiastic members of the public and
representatives from TII, Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd, The Heritage Council, Wexford County Council and New Ross Municipal District elected members.
Peter Walsh, Chief Executive, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, presented landowner Philip Becker with a signed copy of the book. One of the most significant finds of a Norman period farmstead was discovered on Mr Becker’s land.
Deputy Chief Executive Eamonn Hore, who acted as Master of Ceremonies on the night, said, ‘What a wonderful night of knowledge and learning about or past, excellently presented in the lovely setting of New Ross Library. My thanks to all who contributed.’
The book can be purchased from Wordwell Books. An e-book is also available from digital platforms. n
L-R: James Eogan (MIAI FSA, Senior Archaeologist, Transport Infrastructure Ireland), Peter Walsh (Chief Executive, Transport Infrastructure Ireland), Patricia Long (Managing Director and Senior Archaeologist, Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd), Ian Doyle (Head of Conservation, The Heritage Council), Eamonn Hore (Deputy Chief Executive, Wexford County Council).
Every 21st June a commemoration takes place on Vinegar Hill, Enniscorthy, to remember not just the fifteen hundred who perished there on that day in 1798 but to remember the 20,000 who lost their lives that fateful summer as Seamus Heaney put it ‘shaking scythes at cannon’.
On the longest day, which turned out to be the last day for so many, Vinegar Hill became a cauldron of slaughter for those who had spent the previous three weeks at the rebel camp.
No less than four Generals and 16 general officers converged on Vinegar Hill that morning leading 15,000 well trained, well equipped, and experienced soldiers of the British Empire.
The 21st June has gone down in history as the beginning of the end of a rebellion that had shaken British rule in Ireland to its very core.
This year’s ceremony was MC’d by Cathaoirleach of the 1798 Centre Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy who called on the speakers – Chair of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council John O’Rourke and local 1798 expert Jacqui Hynes.
Fr. Tom Dalton and Rev. Nicola Halford prayed for peace in today’s world and for all those who died on the hill.
Lest we forget Words and pics by Maria Nolan
Local tour guide, actor, and playwright Fintan Kelly read Seamus Heaney’s renowned poem Requiem for Croppies, wreaths were laid by Cllrs BarbaraAnne Murphy, John O’Rourke and Emily Murphy on behalf of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society who had marched up the hill behind the Ballindaggin Pipe Band who finished the event with a rendition of the National Anthem.
On Saturday 22nd June there were 1798 Walking Tours of the town with tour guide Fintan Kelly and talks of Battlefield sites, Vinegar Hill and Oulart Hill by renowned local historian Brian Cleary and Jacqui Hynes, all part of the 1798 Summer School organised by 1798 Centre Manager Mico Hassett and her team.
On Sunday 23rd June a wonderfully interactive day, Rebellion Day, was
hosted at the 1798 Centre as members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society brought history to life engaging with visitors and locals alike, from all over Ireland, Canada, Netherlands and Prague who were intrigued with the uniforms and weaponry on display and delighted with the demonstration of equipment as members loaded phials of black powder and fired musket and cannon.
A most enjoyable day with music, craft stalls and truly scrumptious food in the 98 Cafe, I partook of poached eggs with prawn toast soldiers for the day that was in it, and it was top class, try it.
Well done to Mico and her team for putting this educational and remembrance weekend together and we look forward to more of the same from them. n
L-R: Jacqui Hynes, Cllr Aidan Browne, Johnny Mythen TD, Paul Kehoe TD, Cllr Jackser Owens, Emily Murphy, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Fr Tom Dalton, Rev Nicola Halford, Minister James Browne TD. All pics: Maria Nolan.
Locals and tourists alike enjoying The Longest Day and Rebellion Day events in Enniscorthy over the weekend of 21-23 June 2024. All pics: Maria Nolan.
Commemoration for Commodore Barry Crescent Quay, Wexford,
30th June 2024
Above left: 68th anniversary of the John Barry Memorial at Crescent Quay, Wexford. Former Mayor John Roche, Mrs Betty Roche (Guest of Honour) and Mayor George Lawlor. Above right: Former Mayors, Minister Seán Fleming TD, Mayor George Lawlor, Mr Anthony Bailey (District Manager) and members of the Borough Council. Below left: Mr. Brendan Howlin TD placing a wreath at the Maritime Memorial. Below right:
Unveiling of Plaque to commemorate the Sister City Links between Wexford and Annapolis, Maryland, USA, by Mrs Betty Roche (8th from left), and her family and friends, representing her late husband Mr. Peter Roche RIP, former Mayor of Wexford.
Above left: The wreathlaying party. Above right: Mrs Betty Roche unveiling the Annapolis Plaque with Mayor George Lawlor, Mr. Padge Reck who laid a wreath, Minister Seán Fleming TD, Betty’s daughter Valerie Kehoe, and Gordan Rochford, Master of Ceremonies. Below left: Members of the Borough Council and guests. Below right: Mayor George Lawlor, Minister Seán Fleming TD, and Lt. Col. Thomas Nolta are given Guard of Honour by the Naval Service.
John
68th Anniversary of the John Barry Memorial at Crescent Quay, Wexford, 30th June 2024.
Minister Seán Fleming TD addresses the large gathering watched by
Left: Former Mayors Padge Reck and John Roche with Fr James Cullen. Above: Members of the Holy Family Confraternity Band. Above right: Mayor George Lawlor with fellow Labour Councillor Biddy Walsh. Below left: Mayor George Lawlor addresses the gathering. Below right: Blessing of the wreaths.
Mayor George Lawlor.
Minister Seán Fleming TD laying a wreath watched by Mayor George Lawlor and Borough Councillors.
Wexford Garda Superintendent Jarlath Duffy laying a wreath on behalf of the people of Wexford.
Schools to get energy retrofits
Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has confirmed that eight County Wexford schools will benefit from an energy retrofit programme.
“Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School in New Ross, Our Lady of Fatima Special School in Wexford town, St. Mary’s NS in Enniscorthy, Scoil Mhuire Danescastle, Scoil Mhuire Rosslare, St. Joseph’s NS in Ballymitty, Clonroche NS, and Tara Hill NS have been included in the initial assessment phase. Schools ultimately selected for inclusion in the programme will be given a deep retrofit to achieve a Building Energy Rating (BER) of at least
Making Enniscorthy clean and green
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/Enniscorth yTidyTown
At this time of the year the group meets up every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and the work they do is amazing, even tidying up the benches along the Country Walk by cutting back the vegeration so the benches can be used and people can enjoy the views while sitting on them.
We are now into judging season for the national Tidy Towns awards. An adjudicator will visit town between now and August, so the group is appealing to everyone to play their part in keeping the town clean and green. n
B by installing heatpumps, LED lighting and mechanical heat recovery ventilation. The fabric and airtightness of the schools will also be upgraded and electric car chargers will be installed. The eight schools approved for an energy retrofit will enjoy significantly better energy performance and a more comfortable teaching and learning environment.
“In developing the Schools Energy Inventory, each school is surveyed by an experienced construction professional using a survey tool developed by the Department of Education. Up to 130 pieces of data are collected at each school, in-
cluding high level building areas and types of different fabric elements and information about lighting, heating and domestic hot water etc. This consolidated database has significant potential to assist with future prioritisation of decarbonisation and investments in the school estate, enabling identification and targeted development of future school sector energy and decarbonisation programmes that will reduce overall reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy.
“I will continue to work with government colleagues to prioritise investment in schools across County Wexford.” n
A swift nature talk in Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns is delighted to announce details of an upcoming nature talk by Lynda Huxley of Swift Conservation Ireland being held on 18th July 2024 at 7pm at Enniscorthy Library.
This iconic species is unfortunately under threat, but thanks to Enniscorthy Library an exciting Swift conservation project is well underway. Ten boxes, which were built by the Men’s Shed, were installed on the library in 2024.
Ms Huxley will share her expertise on this iconic bird species and how communities can help them. Following the talk in the library, the organisers and attendees plan on visiting some nearby nest sites (weather depending).
Swift Conservation Ireland talks are very popular around the country and spaces will no doubt fill up fast. This is a free event so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Booking essential at: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4230480 n
Sensor y garden for New Ross
Minister of State James Browne TD performed the official opening of Pearse Park Sensory Garden, New Ross, on 21st May 2024.
This project commenced in early December 2023, in the wonderful five-acre site of Pearse Park, in the heart of New Ross town. This multi-award-winning, green-flag park boasts an array of facilities, and now includes this fully-accessible, pocket-sized Sensory Garden, nestled in a sun-trapped corner of the park.
Pearse Park Sensory Garden was funded through the Community Recognition Fund 2023, with further funding from Wexford County Council, supported by the New Ross Municipal District Elected Members. The Community Recognition Fund was introduced to recognise the efforts made by
communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. This major initiative is designed to support and reward communities like New Ross for welcoming the families and citizens of Ukraine and other countries.
The official opening was performed by Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne TD in the presence of Councillor John Fleming, then Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Councillor Anthony Connick, then Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District as well as the Elected Members of Wexford County Council, Wexford Oireachtas members and invited guests. District Manager Alan Fitzhenry was MC for the event, and the children of the Catherine McCauley School in New Ross joined the guests and were the first to use the garden.
The inspiration and drive for such an amazing facility came from the staff of New Ross Municipal District, as it had been a wish of their late colleague Pat Laffan RIP to see a specialist garden in Pearse Park.
The garden has been designed to provide a place where children and adults alike can explore their five senses, while interacting with nature. This fully accessible park allows you to engage in and enjoy a myriad of sensory experiences. The design and layout provide a stimulating journey, heightening awareness and bringing peace and happiness to all who enter.
This project has been specifically designed for children and people with neurodiverse conditions including those living with dementia. They hope this garden will act as a safe space for all who enter and aid those who care for them.
Speaking about Pearse Park Sensory Garden, Minister Browne said, “The sensory garden is a terrific addition to New Ross town. It’s a wonderful inclusive facility and it was made possible through Government funding, Wexford County Council funding and local businesses voluntarily supporting using time, talent and materials. I commend everyone who had a part in its success as it is a fitting tribute to Pat Laffan, who sadly passed away in 2022, and advocated for the creation of a sensory garden in Pearse Park.”
Also attending the official opening on Tuesday 21st May, Cllr John Fleming, then Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, said, ‘’I am delighted as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, to see the opening of this wonderful park, particularly during my tenure as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, and in my own District. Thank you to Minister Humphreys for providing funding through the Community Recognition Fund 2023 for the park and to my fellow Wexford County Councillors for their funding allocation towards it also. This will be one of my last official duties as Cathaoirleach and to see the garden finished now to such a high standard brings me great pride.” n
L-R: Cllr. Michael Sheehan, Cllr. Pat Barden, Cllr .Michael Whelan, Cllr . Anthony Connick, Minister of State James Browne, Cllr. John Fleming, Cllr. Brídin Murphy.
GOING GREEN AT ST PATRICK’S
The Slaney News was delighted to attend the raising of St. Patrick School’s first Green Flag and accompanying celebrations on 29th May 2024. There was obvious pride within the school community that it is playing its part in a national and international movement towards sustainability and a better future for all.
The school, which caters for children with special needs, now operates from a purpose-built, state-of-the-art premises at Drumgoold, at the foot of Vinegar Hill, having previously occupied two smaller premises on Pearse Road and Bohreen Hill.
A welcome visitor to the school for the flag-raising ceremony was Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, who is a great friend to the school and often visits there to referee football matches. Also in attendance was Andrew Egan, Commercial Sales Manager for Panda, the company which takes away the school’s waste, all of which is recycled, none of it going to landfill. We also met some of the hard-working members of the school’s parents’ associ-
ation including Chairperson Catherine Cloke and fellow member Sinead Aylward. Helping out too was Ellie Cloke who is also a bus escort for the school.
The attainment of the Green Flag was largely due to the dedication of teacher Declan Groves, who had the honour of raising the Green Flag on the pole. Declan was instrumental over the last six years or more in starting and running the campaign which ultimately led to Green Flag status being achieved. He received unwavering support throughout from School Principal Lee Rogers, staff, parents, the local community, Cliona Connolly and the environment team at Wexford County Council, and of course the school’s parents’ association under the dynamic leadership of Chairperson Catherine Cloke. The buy-in from the pupils themselves has been amazing, according to Declan, who says they are really keen to learn about recycling, litter prevention and sustainability.
On this special occasion, all present were invited to enjoy refreshments, treats and the special cake made for the occasion (see photo).
Next up for Declan and the school is their participation later this year in the ‘100 Million Trees Project’ involving planting a large number of trees in the school grounds. And of course the process to secure more Green Flags will continue. n
the main Green Flag enthusiasts in the school.
Below left: Catherine Cloke (Chairperson St Patrick’s School Parents’ Association).
Below centre: Catherine with key helpers Ellie Cloke and Sinead Aylward.
Bottom right: Declan Groves raises the all-important flag.
Top left: School Principal Lee Rogers. Top right: Lee Rogers with Declan Groves (teacher and Green Flag coordinator), Frank Corcoran (Slaney News).
Above left: The impressive cake. Above right: Declan Groves (teacher and Green Flag coordinator), Andrew Egan (Panda), Cllr John O’Rourke (then Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District), Lee Rogers (St Patrick’s School Principal), Billy Murphy (Enniscorthy Tidy Towns), and in front Larry Cash – one of
Local authority residents competition
Wexford County Council is delighted to welcome back the Local Authority Residents Competition with lots of great prizes on offer, and a great way for newer estates to get involved with their local community.
There will be prizes for best biodiversity initiative, best planter (basket, pot, box), best garden, best local authority estate, as well as judges’ wildcard picks.
Entry forms are available by contacting your Housing Liaison Officer or by phoning Customer Services on 053 9196000.
Closing date for entries is Wednesday, 31st July, 2024, and the winners will be announced at a prizegiving event in October this year. n
Local authority residents children’s art
competition
Wexford Co. Council’s Local Authority Residents Children’s Art competition is now open for entry to children of local authority tenants, with specific themes and categories detailed in accompanying poster on this page. Best of luck to all entrants! n
Successful prosecutions
Wexford County Council had eight successful prosecutions in Gorey District Court on the 26th of June 2024.
A total of €260 in fines and €900 in costs were awarded in relation to three Waste Presentation Bye Law cases. A total of €1,028 in fines and €1,000 in costs were awarded in relation to five litter cases. n
Liam Doyle and David Doyle at the event.
17th June 2024: The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) facilitated a conversation on public participation in water catchment management in the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy. LAWPRO is a national shared service working on behalf of the 31 local authorities in Ireland coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality across the country.
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns wins first prize
Congrats to Enniscorthy Tidy Towns on its recent first prize in the Wexford County Council 'Snap into Action' awards 2024. Being the winner in the Community Group Competition it received a prize of €500. Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group and Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns were presented with runner-up awards of €250.
Jonathon Hughes, Chairperson of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, says: “We are building something special in Enniscorthy thanks to our wonderful volunteers. Shout out also to GoPaddle.ie and Know-How Media Agency, also to Local Authority Waters Programme.” n
Jonathon Hughes, Chairperson of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, with artist Don Conroy.
Jonathon Hughes, Chairperson of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, with Cllr Pip Breen (Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council).
Celebrating European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day
Attendees at beach clean at Burrow Beach, Kilmore, including Cllr. Jim Moore, then Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Laura Brien, CEO of MARA , officials from Wexford County Council and MARA and members of Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group and the local community. Pic: Rocket Science Media.
To celebrate European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day, Wexford County Council, The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group and the local community came together to carry out a community clean at the Burrow beach in Kilmore Quay on 7th June.
European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day seek to raise awareness of our seas and their importance and provides opportunities for all to learn about our incredible coastal habitats and take action for ocean health.
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, said, ‘Today’s event highlights the importance of our coasts for our life and planet and we are delighted to collaborate with MARA and local volunteers to celebrate our wonderful beaches and coastline. Our recent membership of KIMO International
further demonstrates the Council’s commitment to cleaner seas and a more sustainable environment. The people of Wexford take enormous pride in their localities, and this has been reflected in the number of individuals, tidy towns groups and clean coast groups who give up their time to help clean their local communities. I would like to thank all the groups and volunteers who undertake clean-ups all year round, you are all a credit to your local community.’
Laura Brien, CEO of MARA, added, “At the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority we are deeply committed to the health and sustainability of our oceans. Partnering with Wexford County Council, Tomhaggard Clean Coasts and the local community here in Kilmore today for this beach clean to mark both European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day underscores our dedication to protecting marine environments. This collab-
orative effort not only helps to preserve our beautiful coastlines but also raises awareness about the importance of maintaining clean and healthy oceans for future generations. I am incredibly proud of our staff and all the volunteers and partners who joined in this important initiative.”
Cllr. Jim Moore, then Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal, at what was one of his final engagements prior to his retirement as a Councillor, noted, ‘Here in Wexford we have 260km of coastline and 100km in the Rosslare Municipal District. We locally realise the value of our coastline and the need to be mindful of the care and attention that is required to maintain these very important biodiversity resources and all that it offers us as community members. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all. No doubt there will be further collaborations between the two authorities. n
Promoting biodiversity through art
Some of the prizewinning young artists with Wexford Co. Council’s Cliona Connolly, Cllr Pip Breen (Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council) and artist Don Conroy.
Young artists from schools all around County Wexford received their awards for the Wexford County Council Annual Artwork Competition 2024 in the County Hall on Monday 24th June. The artwork competition is an initiative run by the Environment Section of Wexford County Council in conjunction with Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club. The theme of this year’s competition was ‘The Wildlife of Hedgerows’. Councillor Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, presented prizes to 40 schoolchildren representing both primary and secondary schools.
Councillor Pip Breen stated ‘that the aim of the competition was to raise awareness of the importance of Wexford’s environment and to encourage all to explore its uniqueness as something to be valued and cherished. Hedgerows are precious habitats made up of native trees, shrubs, and flowers. They form a network of wildlife corridors across our landscape, providing food and shelter for insects, birds, and mammals.’
‘The artwork displayed here today reminds us all to look after our environment, a precious legacy for generations to come. We all have a role to play in learning more about biodiversity and protecting the natural heritage of Wexford.’
Councillor Breen thanked Don Conroy for providing the colouring sheet and thanked Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club for supporting the competition and sponsoring birdboxes. He also praised the young artists present and encouraged them to maintain a healthy respect for the environment as part of their lives.
The overall winner from Primary Schools was Ella Dundon, Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Bunclody, and the overall winner from Secondary Schools was Júlía Ásmundsdóttir of Coláiste an Átha,
Kilmuckridge. The winning artwork was displayed in County Hall.
Kilmyshall National School received first prize in the Snap Into Action School Competition and received a prize for €500. Wexford Educate Together National School and Caim National School were presented with runner-up awards of €250.
Councillor Pip Breen congratulated all involved and praised the groups for all their voluntary work in Keeping Wexford Beautiful. n
Some of the prizewinning young artists.
Sea is eroding Wexford coast ‘at a staggering rate’ – Professor Conor Murphy, Maynooth University
County Wexford’s coastline is being eroded by the sea at a staggering rate and we need to get our act together to contain it. That’s a message from Professor Conor Murphy, a native of Kilanerin, who is on different government agencies including the National Adaptation Committee advising the government on how to respond and build resilience to climate change.
He is professor in the Geography Department in Maynooth University where he studied with Professor John Sweeney. He works also with the Environmental Protection Agency, Science Foundation Ireland and with European bodies on climate change.
He was speaking to an audience of about 40 science-conscious people, some of them scientists, and students, at the Wexford Science Café at Wexford Town Library last month, where he showed a dramatic map of the areas around the county coast affected by erosion.
Among those in the audience were Dr Noel Culleton, one of the original government experts on climate change, Gerald Fleming, meteorologist, retired weather presenter with Met Eireann, and Eoin Gill of South East Technological University (SETU).
Brian Trench, founder of the Wexford Science Café, moderated the 90-minute talk.
Professor Murphy said that Wexford County Council will be the body responsible to implement whatever adaptation is required. He and his team from Maynooth University have been studying the county, including the Courtown area and Enniscorthy town and other areas around the Wexford coast for many years.
Wexford is susceptible
He said, “I am particularly struck by how susceptible Wexford is to coastal erosion. We have all those areas around the Wexford coast. We have wonderful people in Wexford County Council like George Colfer, who is a coastal engineer, who have identified erosion hot spots around the county.
“We are highly exposed. Think of our tourism industry, agricultural land, cultural heritage beside the coast, sacred sites and graveyards that are being affected by coastal erosion. Houses are exposed.”
He said that he had been “quite staggered by the amount of erosion and the rate of change that has been increasing in recent decades.
“Courtown, Kilmichael and Kilpatrick beach, which is in the Castletown area, has had a dramatic loss of sand dunes particularly after storm events. In this case individual events can result in a retreat of the sand dunes.”
Can’t get deliveries
In the area of Courtown that he and his team studied there, he said, “Land is no longer accessible, a road is gone, even people’s access to their homes, people living around here can’t get oil delivered anymore for heating, they have to drive their cars in to the beach to access their homes. There is a lot of change happening on Wexford’s coastline.”
He said that for the Maynooth University MSc on Climate change, he got students to go out with GPS on the sand dunes. “They took something like 50 points and we were able to compare that with historical maps from 1842 to about 1900. From 1842, 230 metres of beach, of land, has been lost. That’s quite a rate of change. The maximum rate of change we’ve taken is over two metres per year since 1900.”
“One of the issues here is sea level rise. We have a station here where we monitor sea level rise over time. We’ve seen a 20centimetre increase in sea level rise, which doesn’t sound much, but when you get a storm landing, you can reach further inland and you see the rate of erosion rising.
“This is a message that I don’t think gets across to policy makers or to the general public.”
Rock Armour is not stopping erosion
He said that for example in Kilkenny beach, just north of Courtown, near Courtown Golf Club, you have rock armour. But you can see very clearly that the rock armour is not stopping the erosion and it’s also increasing over time. The bestcase scenario is a metre of sea-level rise per year over the next 300 years.
Professor Conor Murphy and Eoin Gill of SETU outside Wexford Library.
Slaney environment
“The point I want to make is that sea-level rise is going to continue into the future even if we stop greenhouse gas emissions. But the extent of change is very much dependent on greenhouse gas emissions.”
He said there are two responses to climate change. There’s mitigation, which is about reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid impacts in the future and there’s adaptation, which is about reducing the risks from extreme events and becoming more resilient to storms or floods. There’s also of course retreat, which he said is costly.
“No one is really thinking how communities are being impacted by climate change as it unfolds. Courtown beach from my memory as a child is completely unrecognisable. The beach is ultimately gone.”
Going to be real political questions
“There are going to be real political questions around decision-making in coastal areas in terms of climate change. We haven’t even got close to getting our act together on working with communities and working with their values. For the people of Courtown, the imposition of black rock armour on their beaches was the end.
“You can see the increase in the annual maximum flood in Enniscorthy over the last 20, 30 years or so and the longer-term trend is towards increase as well. That can only be explained by climate.
“Our wettest winter on record was 2015-2016. We can expect a winter like that every eight years. The hottest summer on record is 1995. If we’re going to the end of the century, only one in seven years would be as cool as our current hottest summer.
He said: “Consideration should be given to the Irish Climate Change Assessment Report, volume 3, which has a chapter on biodiversity.”
Members of the audience engaged is discussion with Professor Murphy on technical issues including changes in global temperatures, air temperature, sea surface temperature, ocean temperatures increasing from excess heat provided by greenhouse gas emissions, extreme heat waves, wetland temperatures, water-holding and rainfall.
He said: “Warming at a global scale is approaching 1.1 degrees above pre-industrial levels, in Ireland it’s about 1.9 degrees Celsius since the 1800s.
“We don’t have tailored sea level rise projections for Ireland, something I’m shouting for government to make sure to do.”
Only one Government cycle away
The Paris Agreement looks at maintaining global temperatures at no more than two degrees Celsius and is aiming for 1.5 degrees. Ireland is party to that, and we have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions nationally by 30 per cent by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050.
There is huge work to be done – 2030 is only one government cycle away, not two complete government cycles, to get down to 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Professor Murphy said: “That’s a serious undertaking in a short period of time, and similarly then to get carbon neutral by 2050 is another serious reduction. We’re not going to be able to keep to two degrees Celsius. We will overshoot it. For how long, depends on technology. We will have to think about adapting to change.”
NEXT WEXFORD SCIENCE CAFÉ TALK:
Forensic Science expert Dr Sheila Willis, a native of Wexford town, a forensic scientist, and former director of Forensic Science Ireland, will address the next Wexford Science Café talk at Wexford Town Library on Tuesday, 16 July at 7.30pm. n
Attentive audience at Wexford Science Café for address by Prof Conor Murphy.
Map of Wexford showing areas affected by coastal erosion.
