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Leisure & Lifestyle
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LIVE CRIB HOSTED BY WEXFOR
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2022, AT 12 NO
Hosted by Wexford IFA at the IFA Centre Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, Y21 N9F5 More details nearer the date.
FESTIVE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT AT ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY
Make your own Festive Flower Arrangement under the guidance of Rose Walsh, professional flower designer. Ideal as either a gift or for your home for Christmas. All materials will be provided. November 24th at 6:30pm. Booking essential. Please register for your place by phoning 053 9236055
Badooom!! Comic Book Expo
The "Badoom!!" Comic Book Expo will take place on Sunday 6th November from 10am-6pm in the Seamus Rafter Suite, Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy.
The event will feature vendors selling comics, writers and artists showcasing their work and independent comic publishers will be there too.
The organisers say, “This event will bring people back to when we used to collect and swap comics in our youth, be it old war comics, Beanos, etc. For some this will be a nostagia trip, for others a new beginning, for all it will be a great day to enjoy.”
Free admission to this fantastic family day out! n
Badoom Table Plan
may be subject to change
Fintan stars in classic play
Enniscorthy actor Fintan Kelly played the lead role last month in a new professional staging of 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' at Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford.
IT'S ALWAYS A PRIVILEGE TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF GREATNESS AND THE ‘SLANEY NEWS’ WAS INCREDIBLY LUCKY TO BE AT ONE OF THE GREAT PLAYS OF THE 20TH CENTURY GIVEN A FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE LAST MONTH BY ENNISCORTHY'S FINTAN KELLY AND HIS THREE FELLOW CAST MEMBERS...
We were gripped for three solid hours as this tour de force dark comedy and emotional maelstrom assaulted our senses. The venue, staging and set were perfect – the intimate setting of the Garter Lane theatre in Waterford meant the audience felt like they were on the stage with the actors. The sound and lighting were 'spot on' – we heard every word spoken in the 180 minutes of rapid-fire dialogue. The acting was incredible – all four performers were at the very top of their game. And Fintan, in the main role, gave for this reviewer, his best performance ever, and those who have lucky enough to see particularly his Howie the Rookie play will know what an incredible actor he is. And full marks to James Power of Stagemad Theatre Company, the director and producer, for putting on such a masterful production of this theatrical masterpiece while working off a shoestring budget. We were also delighted to see such a big contingent from Enniscorthy Drama Group there on the night (see photos) to support Fintan. All the group were blown away by the incredible production. One can only hope that it goes on tour nationwide to allow it be seen by a much wider audience. Big group pic below L-R: Ger Mitchell, Anthony Finn, Liz Mitchell, Podge Dwyer, Fintan Kelly (actor), Anne Doyle, Tim Connaughton, Niamh Crowhurst and Liam Doyle. Smaller group pic below L-R: Ronan P. Byrne, Hannah McNiven (the writer of the play ‘Lights Out’ which ran recently in Wexford Arts Centre), Fintan Kelly (actor), Eoghan Rua Finn, Martin Murphy. Cast L-R: Noelle Clarke, Lauren Cardiff, Fintan Kelly, Fintan Kelly, Adam Phelan.
– Frank Corcoran
Roses tour of Wexford was a stu
Left: The Roses stop to sample Wexford’s famo District Cathaoirleach Cllr. Aidan Browne and Cyr Above: The Roses on the rooftop of Enniscorthy officials and public representa
In August 2022, 33 Roses from all around the world visited Co. Wexford for three days of jam-packed fun in the Sunny South East ahead of the 61st official Rose of Tralee International Festival. As the first stop on the 10-day tour across the country, County Wexford had a standard to set and it certainly exceeded those expectations in terms of the welcome to the model county. The success of the Roses’ visit to County Wexford was all made possible by the two main sponsors and the incredible support and welcome from the local tourism businesses. Over 400,000 RTÉ viewers tuned into the Wexford Rose Tour featuring stunning footage of our county.
The Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey, the official hospitality partner of the tour, provided the Roses with top-class hospitality during their visit. The 4 Star hotel in Gorey pulled out all the stops with excellent food, service and entertainment. The gala dinner raised an incredible €12,300 for the North Wexford Hospice Nurses Trust. Wexford County Council kindly hosted the
General Manager of Ashdown Park Hotel Paul Finegan presents the North Wexford Hospice Nurses Trust with a cheque for €12,300 which was raised at the Wexford Rose Tour Gala Dinner in the Ashdown Park Hotel. Pic: Ashdown Park Hotel. tour and Cllr. George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, warmly welcomed the Roses at the iconic Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens at the commencement of their 3-day tour. The return of the Rose of Tralee International Festival following a 2-year hiatus was much anticipated and the viewership figures were impressive. Viewers tuned in to see Wexford Rose Joy Quigley take to the stage to close the show on the first night, and a highlight reel of the Rose tour of Ireland on the second night saw County Wexford feature heavily. The video footage included all County Wexford stops on the tour: Wexford Lavender Farm, Seal Rescue Ireland, Wells House, Curracloe Beach, Irish National Heritage Park, Enniscorthy Castle, Bunclody Golf &
2019 Rose of Tralee Sinead Flanagan with Wexford Rose Joy Quigley and Cathao Wexford County Council George Lawlor on Wexford Quay during the Wexford Ro Pic: Domnick Walsh.
unning success
ous strawberries with Enniscorthy Municipal ril and Margaret Wheelock. Pic: Zena O’Brien. Castle with re-enactors, Wexford Co. Council atives. Pic: Domnick Walsh.
Fishing Club, Henry’s Ice Cream Campile, Wheelock’s Fruits, The Cheeky Cod, Scúp Gelato, Hook Lighthouse, Secret Valley Wildlife Park, The Barrow Princess and Dunbrody Famine Ship. The show attracts a large domestic and international audience and this year’s show over two nights drew in over 406,000 viewers for the live broadcast on RTÉ One.
The county’s official destination brand Visit Wexford also saw a huge increase in traffic across both the website and social media channels during the Wexford Rose Tour and festival broadcast. The Roses’ visit was live posted across social media during the 3-day tour which garnered over 50,000 video views, engagement increased by 180% and there were over 27,000 visits to VisitWexford.ie during this period where the Wexford Rose Tour digital itinerary was available to download.
There are high hopes that the Roses will return to County Wexford following the success of the 2022 Wexford Rose Tour. n
New Ross Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael Sheehan enjoying Ireland’s best 99s at Henry’s Ice Cream, Campile, with Dubai Rose Aileen McAlister and New York Rose Cathrena Collins. Pic: Domnick Walsh.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000 The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: (0402) 38529
Slaney adSlaney leiSure & lifeStyle James O’Brien Memorial Dance fundraiser
Above left: At the James O’Brien Memorial Dance fundraiser in aid of Vanessa Martin in Bellefield GAA Complex on 22nd October 2022 were Alan and Verona Murray. Above centre: Jenny Nolan and William Heffernan. Above right: Alan O’Brien and Krishannette Christine Connolly.
Above left: Gwneth Meekins, Fionn O’Brien-Doyle and Alex O’Brien. Above right: Melanie and Anne O’Brien, Emiy Neville and Alan O’Brien.
Left: The Music was supplied by: Tommy Carroll, Jimmy Hogan, John Dunne, Lar Kenny and in front Leslie Dunne. Above: Simon and Liz Murphy.
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle Helping to Kit out the Refuge
Leo Carthy Weekend successful fundraising
Well done to the committee of the Leo Carthy weekend, who last month were able to hand out cheques to local causes and charities. The committee was particularly proud to hand over a cheque for €7,500 to the KIT OUT THE REFUGE campaign – the biggest cheque it has ever handed over and it couldn't have done this without its great sponsors and donations from the public. Facebook: ‘KIT OUT the Refuge’ n
Slaney adSlaney leiSure & lifeStyle Banshees, Booley Girls & Swans’ Wings
Local children’s author Caroline Busher launched her fourth novel The Spectacular Library of Magical Things on Tuesday 1st November to a large gathering of family and friends at the Wexford Book Centre.
Caroline, whose amazing talent and imagination has endeared her to young readers all over the country and beyond, felt that the time had come to un-demonise the much maligned, wailing Banshee that we all grew up with. Her book, set against the backdrop of the 1798 Rebellion, endeavours to humanise a young Banshee called Siofra, who resides on an enchanted island off the coast of Wexford.
Like all of us, Caroline was terrified with tales of the Banshee and the Bogeyman, exchanging stories of the Banshee wailing when people were passing from this world to the next and of her father warning her never to pick a comb up on the road in case it belonged to the dreaded and fearful Banshee – not to mention being a hygiene issue. Caroline wanted to tell the story of the girl behind the legend, and her struggle to survive in a world where she is very much misunderstood.
During her research for the novel she came across an old Irish tradition where young girls would take to the mountains during the summer months, and live together in stone huts called Booley Houses looking after cattle and not returning home until Halloween. Strange occurrences involving the Banshee were reported by the Booley girls as they were known, which prompted Caroline to include them in the book.
Enniscorthy author Caroline Busher, pictured above, has just launched her latest novel 'The Spectacular Library of Magical Things'. The book is available now nationwide.
E R Ruth Murray ‘In Conversation’ with Caroline Busher.
It all makes for very intriguing reading, add in a girl called Cara born with a swan’s wing and the fact that it is set here in Wexford, around Enniscorthy, Mount Leinster and the Saltee Islands, making it a must for all young Wexfordians.
The Spectacular Library of Magical Things was launched by fellow Children’s author and close friend E R Ruth Murray who did an In Conversation style interview with Caroline delving into her work as a writer and her work for the library service along with exploring her love for Ireland and all things Irish, despite being born and brought up in Manchester, something that both writers have in common, with Ruth born and bred in England and now living in Schull in County Cork. Caroline read a passage from the book to whet our appetites before calling on teenagers Eire and Chulainn O`Faolain who delighted with an emotive rendition of Eibhlín a Rúin.
– Words & pics courtesy of Maria Nolan
Dancing with Declan
Keep up to date with the local dancing scene on: https://www.facebook.com/DancingwithDec https://www.facebook.com/socialdancingdateswexford n
Wexford Arts Centre
For details and updates on all happening in Wexford Arts Centre: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/shows n
What’s On Wexford
Check out https://mailchi.mp/b8835026ca33/whats-happenin-wexford?e=bffb7d288b for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n Enniscorthy Library
Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel...
Make sure to check out Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube channel. Catch up with all the events you may have missed or would like to watch again, as well as handy guides and tutorials for accessing Wexford Public Libraries' e-services. n Baby & Toddler Time at Enniscorthy Library...
Every Tuesday at 10:30am Enniscorthy Library is delighted to welcome parents and guardians with their little ones for fun rhymes, stories and songs. Suitable for ages 0-4. The relaxed and friendly environment of the library is the perfect setting to make friends and introduce books and reading from an early age. Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Contact Enniscorthy Library to book a place: Phone: 053 9236055 enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie
Events including children’s events and activities...
https://mailchi.mp/7ea988515407/enniscorthy-library-october-2022-events?e=4287847cb8 n
Opinion You Didn't Ask For Podcast
Tune in to Jamie and Blayne’s podcasts and check out: https://www.facebook.com/OpinionYouDidntAskFor/
Enniscorthy Drama Group will take to the road
Enniscorthy Drama Group will be taking the play Farsiders by Fintan Kelly on the All Ireland drama circuit in 2023 to the following venues: February 27th Kilmuckridge, March 2nd Gorey March 6th Doonbeg, March 8th Kildare March 9th Mountmellick, March 20th Carnew March 22nd New Ross, March 24th Wexford. The cast will be: Chopper - Tim Connaughton Red - Podge Dwyer Hawk - Anthony Finn Pat - Brendan Robinson Jane - Niamh Crowhurst Mary - Maeve Ennis Jenny - Roisin Barry DJ - Liam Doyle The group will be putting it on pre circuit in February in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy. Watch this space for details. n
Stay in touch
Wexford Public Libraries Social Media: Wexford Public Libraries on Facebook. Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries. Wexford Public Libraries on Twitter @wexlibraries. YouTube: "Wexford Public Libraries" n
ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY
Lymington Road - Phone: 053 9236055 enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthylibrary
Over the Water Tractor Run at Screen on 9th October 2022. Old and new tractors participating. Over the Water Tractor Run at Screen on 9th October Old and new tractors participating.
Screen’s Over The Water T
Left: Peter Kinsella and Matt Doyle.
Right: Keeping the tractor men buttered up were Anne Jordan and Breda Redmond.
Far right: Paddy Kenny and relations Emma and Eamonn Nolan having a cuppa before they go on the tractor run.
Below left: Eamonn and Emma Nolan.
Below second from left: Paddy Kenny and his tractor with Jack O’Connor.
Below second from right: Paddy White, Paddy Buckley and Mick Brooks.
Below far right: Loughlin and Mary Druhan, Martin Day and John Cardiff.
2022. Keeping the register at the run were Bridget Byrne and Marguerite Scallan. Eddie Sinnott relaxing in his cab before the run.
Tractor Run 9th October 2022
Wexford Science Festival
Free Family Fun Day announced for Wexford Science Festival
Pictured during a recent Science Week event is Caroline Ainslie as ‘Bubblz’. Pic: Patrick Browne.
South East Technological University (SETU) unveils a programme of interactive, educational and fun events for people of all ages from pre-school to age 105. Events are set to take place from November 13th to 19th as part of National Science Week.
The SETU Science Week events are coordinated by Calmast, the STEM Engagement centre at South East Technological University funded by Science Foundation Ireland and EPA, Wexford Council with support from Waters and Danone in Wexford. More than 100 free events will take place including activities for schools, afternoon shows for families and evening events for the general public with over 10,000 expected to participate across the region. In Wexford the Wexford Science Festival Family Fun day events will be on offer from 11- 5 on Saturday, November 19th at Wexford Town Library, Gorey Library, New Ross Library, Enniscorthy, and Bunclody. At Wexford Library Super Science will be on offer with Mark the Science Guy from RTE’s hit show ‘Let’s Find Out’. He will host a fun-filled, energetic display of his favourite science experiments for the whole family to join in. There’ll be whizzes, pops, booms and plenty of laughter in this hilarious show featuring rockets, cannons and gravity defying stunts and much more to keep the kids entertained and inspired, with lots of ideas for home science activities.
At Gorey Library Ken Farkuhar is calling on young festivalgoers to ‘Roll up’ and enjoy some entertaining circus science experiments. The ‘Juggling Scientist’ Dr Ken explores the scientific principles behind skilful circus tricks and dangerous stunts. You will be holding onto your seats as he eats fire, cracks whips and juggles 5 beanbags - all in the name of science as audiences learn about gravity and friction.
At New Ross Library ‘Nutty Scientists’ will explore the science of space and at Enniscorthy Library Junior Einsteins will be able to join in some science experiments.
At WWETB, festivalgoers are invited to explore the FABLAB (Fabrication Laboratory) a fabrication workshop which gives people the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality. At the Wexford Science Café, there will be a public discussion on the science, technology and politics of developing renewable energy resources in the county. This discussion will cover a wide range of issues arising in relation to the current and future wind power and solar power projects offshore and on land in Wexford. These include issues of climate science, power-grid and turbine technologies, investment, planning, and community disruption and benefits.
Event partners for the Wexford Science Festival include the EPA, Wexford Co. Council Library service, Local STEM companies Danone and Waters, the National Opera House, and Wexford Local Development. The core theme for Science Week 2022 is “Infinite Possibilities”. From the infinite variety of our amazing planet and the adaptability of nature to our ability to face the unexpected, the possibilities are endless. We have many choices to make and more challenges to face, and we are all part of the conversation about the role that science can play. For Science Week 2022, people are asked to explore the infinite possibilities of science.
Full details of the Wexford Science Festival and booking can be found at www.wexsci.ie
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle Sensory toys and assistive resources at local library
SENSORY FRIENDLY QUIET HOUR NOW AT ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY:
Every Saturday between 4-5pm at Enniscorthy Library is a quiet hour. Library users can visit and relax in the calm, friendly environment of the library. Also available to help make the sensory experience better: Dark Den - children can benefit from the quiet time they spend inside. A sensory box containing calming toys to use during your visit. Ear defenders for children with sound sensitivities. Ask any staff member for these during your visit. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SENSORY TOYS AND ASSISTIVE RESOURCES (STAR) COLLECTION:
You will need A STAR card to borrow items from the sensory collection, get one for free from any mobile or library branch in Wexford. All you need is photo ID and proof of address. The Sensory Toys and Assistive Resources (STAR) collection holds over 100 items and was developed to support children and young people with additional needs. Items such as toys, special aids and literacy apps can be borrowed from all libraries in Co. Wexford. Items have been chosen to aid skills such as fine motor skills or sensory processing development. This collection was carefully developed in collaboration with therapists and can be accessed free of charge in all library branches throughout Wexford county. T&Cs apply. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
C-PEN READER PEN:
Reader Pens can be borrowed, by any library user, for a three-week loan period. Reader Pens read words and full lines of text aloud to help with independent reading. People with dyslexia, difficulty with reading or pronunciation, for people learning languages or people with vision problems all will find the pens helpful. The pen reads text aloud with a natural speaking voice, they have built-in dictionaries, giving the option to access definitions of the words as they read them. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
For more information on any of the above, phone Enniscorthy Library 053 9236055 or email: enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie n
Enniscorthy Library Opening Hours Monday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm) Tuesday 10.30am - 5.30pm, Wednesday 10.30am - 5.30pm, Thursday 10.30am - 8.30pm Friday 10.30am - 5.30pm, Saturday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm) Closed Saturday & Monday of bank holiday weekends.
FOR BOOKING ON ALL EVENTS: WWW.WEXFORDARTSCENTRE.IE/EVENTS/ TEL: 053 9233000
Slaney adSlaney leiSure & lifeStyle Scary times in Gorey
Kids Halloween Party, 31st October 2022, at Gorey Shopping Centre
Top left: Rosie Askins and Lily Loughnan. Top right: Makeup artist Aisling Williams and Leacy O’Brien. Above left: Mabel Sharman and Tracey Wallace. Above: Ríona and Roísín Collins-Bolger. Above right: Roisín Williams and Cassie O’Brien. Right: Sean Flanigan. Below left: 3 witches – Carragh, Mia and Ella Funge. Below Centre: Befler, Cassie, Trish and MJ Robertson. Below right: Ava and Jade O’Connor.
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Halloween
Kia Ora Mini Farm, Gorey
Top left: Jamie and Andrew Murphy and Sean Prendergast. Above left: Emilia Treacy is not worried by the spooky things around her. Above: He’s been waiting too long! Above right: Elizabeth Cash. Left: Mary Cash in her Wonder Woman outfit. Below: Caoimhe Naughton was the anchor woman in the family’s day out at Kia Ora. Right: Mary Ellen and husband William. Bottom left: The last unicorn! Aine O’Kene. Bottom centre: Riley McInerney. Bottom right: Dying to use the John!
ARE YOU DANCING?
Welcome to the October issue of the Slaney News where I'll be filling you in on all the goings on in the music and dance scene here in the Southeast.
On Sept 9th, we headed to Terrence Dunnes Vintage Day in Mullinacuff, somewhere in the hills between Tinahely and Shillelagh. The forecast wasn't good but Terrence said we'd soldier on regardless as there was no guarantee it would be any better the next week. And true to form, the rain didn't disappoint us and we got wet to the maker's name. But we had a great time and fair dues to Terrence and his team they raised a heap of money for Hospice Homecare.
Unfortunately, the weather came earlier the following week and scuppered Tommy Tutty's Vintage Day in Ballyfad. It was to be our last day out in 2022 so it was a pity it had to be cancelled, and with other vintage days planned for the next couple of weeks, Tommy decided it was best not to clash with them and hopefully we'll make up for it next year. It's the time of year when a lot of the music artists hold weekends abroad and offer a chance to the many dancers who avail of these sell-out gigs to escape the Irish weather. I know some of our own lads went to Patrick Feeny's Portugal trip and more went to Nathan Carter’s 'Carter on the Costa' while others opted for the 'Hooley In The Sun' with Declan Nerney. These trips seem to be ten-a-penny now but if it's something you might fancy, early booking is essential to secure a place. On Friday 28th we headed to 'The Courtyard' in Ferns to Stacey Breen's 21st (yes that's all she is!) where Take 5 played a fabulous selection of old and new songs that kept the floor full all night (well worth a call if you're looking for a band for any occasion). Make no mistake about it, the Irish country scene is exceptionally hard for a female singer to break into, but with a lot of hard work, great song choices, and an ever-impressive confident stage presence, Stacey is carving a notch out for herself under the very watchful eye of her dad, Aidan. The Bailey on Sat 8th was full to capacity as expected for Alan Power & The Aftershocks. The night kicked off with The Bellefords and D.J. Lewis Boogie. Keep an eye out on the Southeast R'n'R social media to see what they have in the pipeline. We can't let this article go without mentioning the Spiegeltent. If you haven't been, you need to, at least once. It's a spectacular wooden venue built over 100 years ago with stained glass windows, cut glass mirrors, and private booths all around its circular structure. The atmosphere is electric once you enter and there is every type of show to suit all tastes. We are heading in this Thursday 3rd November to see The Bay City Rollers. A blast from the past for anyone my vintage. Photos to follow in our next issue of the Slaney News. Here are some new releases to listen out for.
It's great to be able to buy all these on iTunes now as not too long ago it was nearly impossible to find new Irish artists there. Stacey Breen - "Love Bug". Perfect for a lively Foxtrot, Slosh or Electric Slide. Stacey has given this George Jones hit from way back in 1965 a new lease of life. It's catchy, foot-tapping good, and in keeping with Stacey's lively choice of music on the dance circuit.
Nathan Carter - "The Morning After". A great Quickstep or Jive this original song by Nathan is lamenting the 'one for the road' the previous night. Accompanied by a great video with Queen of Country Philomena Begley I'm sure we'll be hearing plenty of this in the dance halls.
The Tumbling Paddies - "Night On The Town". And upping it another notch this original song by the lads from Fermanagh is perfect for a quickstep and a Jive. No time for the fancy stuff! I
with Declan Flanagan
just don't think there's a song that Garath Maguire's unique voice couldn't make special. There's a very noticeable shift of young people from the dancehalls to these new trad-style bands in jam-packed smaller venues, so when they throw up something to suit the Jivers it's bound to keep them the hottest property on the Irish market for some time to come. Gerry Guthrie - "The Doghouse". I had a job tracking down the original artist but it was a 1990 song by John Conlee (also responsible for Jimmy Buckley's "Rose Coloured Glasses"). I love everything about this song – the lyrics, the music, and the way Gerry (& Wayne Thorose) has put it together and the way he sings it. It's made for Jiving and I can't wait to play it to the lads in the dance classes. Stuart Moyles - "Still The One". Written by Johanna & John Hall and recorded by Orleans in 1976, this nice catchy song by Stuart comes under the Slosh radar, so a lively Foxtrot or a 'Western Barndance' or better again a 'Sweet Delight' two-step would do nicely sir. Keep an eye out on 'The Social Dancing Around The Southeast' FB page for all the dances and events happening near you and support them whenever you can. So, that's all my ramblings for this month folks. I can hear the fireworks and trick & treaters as I write this article, so by the time I'm back with you next time I'll be scrambling around my attic looking for my Christmas decorations. It's great to be back to normal. Until next month, stay safe and enjoy your dances.
– Declan Flanagan
Above: The Bay City Rollers destined for The Spiegeltent. Below: Doonie's Geese reflecting on a wet day in Mullinacuff.
Wallis in Wexford
Wallis Bird at Crown Live, Monck Street, Wexford, November 12th, 8pm, doors open 7.30pm. Tickets €25. Book here: https://lantern.ie/event/wallis-bird-3/ Wallis Bird is returning to Wexford this November!
Born in Galbally, Enniscorthy, but now residing in Germany, Wallis Bird has been enrapturing audiences for over a decade. She has won multiple international awards including two Irish Meteor Awards, and has also received a nomination for the Irish Choice Music Prize. Her irrepressible energy on stage is one of her trademarks; even the Irish Times once noted it could ‘kickstart an entire economy’. In May this year, Wallis released her seventh studio album Hands, her most personal and experimental to date, which turns the spotlight onto herself, raising issues that are sometimes hard to confront. Among these are issues of trust, alcohol abuse, stagnation, self-censorship and self-improvement. Each song on the album is delivered by a voice uncommonly blessed with joy, ingenuity and empathy. Wallis is unique in that she strums an upside-down, right-handed guitar. “As a child I fell under a lawnmower and cut all my fingers off,” she says. “Four were reconnected. One was lost. This led me to relearn how to hold things, and, when the time came, to play the guitar differently.” Having spent much of her life trying to exist despite its restrictions, she’s reached a point where she recognises that it’s always been vital to her lived reality. n
Would your young teenager like to join a book club?
Enniscorthy Library is recruiting 12-15 year olds to start a brand new book club in Enniscorthy Library where participants will read excellent, age-appropriate books. It is hoped to gather a group together to meet and chat about the books, discuss their thoughts and share book recommendations.
If you would like more information or your child would like to join, please contact the library on 053 9236055. n
Check out https://mailchi.mp/b8835026ca33/whatshappenin-wexford?e=bffb7d288b for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n
THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN
Movie Review with Kyle Walsh
I got a chance to see this film in the cinema earlier this week – Banshees of Inisherin. Directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell and Barry Keoghan. This film is a wonderful tale about friendship between two men, on a beautiful Irish island, set in 1923 through the horrific civil war. Straight off the bat, the acting throughout this Irish film is brilliant and the chemistry between the two lead actors is extraordinary and is there for everyone to see. This is not the first time Gleeson and Farrell worked together, they also starred in a film called In Bruge which is a very good film too, in case you haven’t seen it yet. The Banshees of Inisherin tale is about Padraic (Farrell) who lives a simple life as a milk farmer, and lives with his sister in a cottage. He calls to his best friend’s house every day at 2pm to go to the pub for a chat and a few pints. But those days are ending as his best friend Colm (Gleeson) doesn’t want to be his friend anymore. He just wants to be left alone by Padraic. Padraic can’t understand why Colm doesn’t want his friendship anymore. Padraic thinks of himself to be a very simple, nice man. Therefore there should be no problem between them. Colm tries to explain his reasons but it falls on Padraic’s deaf ears. Colm just wants to be left alone to compose music on his fiddle. Colm gets so frustrated with Padraic that he threatens to start cutting off his own fingers if Padraic keeps pestering him. For a fiddler to cut off his fingers would be like someone cutting of their nose to spite their face. So when Colm starts taking off his fingers you wonder where this film is going to go. And all the time the civil war in the background is ever so much coming closer and closer to our characters on screen.
The banter between the two leads is brilliant throughout. But surprisingly, Barry Keoghan almost takes the film away from the two leads with a magnificent performance himself.
This is a brilliant watch folks. It’s a film that is completely different than the usual nonsense that is hitting cinemas far too frequently these days. So it was a delightful surprise and one I highly recommend.
BunclodyKilmyshall Drama Group’s Irish premiere
The countdown is on for Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group’s production of the Irish premiere of "Third Finger, Left Hand" with Director Tommy Murphy hard at work with the two talented actresses –Sinead O’Gorman and Margaret Farrell pictured below. n
Enniscorthy’s new acting course
Recently qualified speech and drama teacher, Fintan Kelly, is delighted to announce the first acting course he will be facilitating. It will be limited to six people and is aimed at adults and teens.
This creative acting for theatre course will be run over ten weeks on The Presentation Centre stage. Starting on November 7th, for 5 weeks, Fintan will be facilitating classes of character-creating exercises and will explore the teachings of Stanislavski, Chekhov and Meisner in the process, while using improv to create scenes and situations to develop these brand new characters that each individual will create themselves.
Award-winning writer Paul O’Reilly from Enniscorthy will be in the room during the five weeks and Paul will take these characters that each individual has created and write a play that contains each of these characters over the Christmas period. The group will then rehearse this play when they return after Christmas on January 9th, which will be directed by Fintan for the last 5 weeks, and then put on at the end of the course. This course is open to all levels of acting from beginners to seasoned theatre actors. Fintan says, “This course will satisfy creative curiosities and leave you with a character that you have created yourself in an original piece of writing. Call me on 087 6756993 for more details.” n
Santa’s Enchanted Christmas
at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre Book online now
Rathnure Panto is back with a bang!
‘Sleeping Beauty(ish)’ will run for eight glorious nights in Rathnure Hall on 19th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th and 30th December and 1st and 2nd January. This panto always sells out so book now before it’s too late. Box Office open now on: 087 698 8004 and 087 679 0354.
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