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Leisure & Lifestyle
JMA at play
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Wexford band JMA brought their acclaimed Rock Legends Show featuring the songs of Bob Dylan and Neil Young to Enniscorthy’s Presentation Arts Centre on 10th June where the enthusiastic audience included (below left) Richie Cotter, Eamon Ellis and Trader Sam who performed his own gig in The Bailey the following night.
Boost for nighttime economy Free summer fun for children
€2.6 million has been allocated by the government to support entertainment at off-peak times to increase footfall in our cities and towns later in the evening and night-time as well as providing artists with paying gigs and customers with a more alternative, diverse and inclusive night-time offering. Pubs, nightclubs, cafés and other suitable licensed and unlicensed premises may apply. Funding will be available to trial a series of cultural activities (minimum number of 4 events), with a maximum grant of €10,000 available per application. Events such as music, including electronic music, comedy, dance, literature, poetry, theatrical productions, plays, craft and art/photographic exhibitions will be funded. The new Night-Time Economy Support Scheme (NTESS) opened for applications on 21 June 2022 and it will remain open until 1pm on Friday 22 July 2022 or until the fund is exhausted, whichever occurs first. This initiative is in support of two recommendations in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce. Applications will be invited under 2 separate strands: Strand A: Licensed premises – pubs, restaurants and wine bars, nightclubs and other suitable licensed premises that operate in the Evening and Night-Time Economy, who want to trial a series of events/cultural activities (minimum of 4 events) during off peak times from Monday to Thursday (excluding weekends) from 6pm onwards. Strand B: Unlicensed premises – cafés, including cafés that may have their premises in a retail outlet, dry bars, local galleries and other suitable non-licensed premises, who want to trial a series of events/cultural activities (minimum of 4 events) in the later evening or night-time hours from 6pm, with a commitment to open until at least 9pm in the evening, from Monday to Sunday. The entertainment/cultural events must be of a participative or performance nature and can include but not limited to the following: live music, including electronic music, performance comedy nights dance either performed or a participative event literature or poetry nights theatrical productions or plays craft events art/photographic exhibitions The Night-Time Economy Support Scheme has been developed in consultation with representatives from the night-time economy sector. For more information: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/452a3-the-night-time-economy-support-scheme-2022-ntess-2022-your-questions-answered/ Enniscorthy Christian Fellowship are holding their annual free Children’s Summer Camp in Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, for 5 to 12 year olds from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd July from 10.30am to 3pm.
Also their free Youth Summer Camp for 11 to 18 year olds in the Astro Active Centre, Bellefield, from Tuesday 19th July to Thursday 21st July from 7pm to 9pm. All are welcome to a free Family Fun Day for all the family on Saturday 23rd July from 2pm-6pm in the Astro Active Centre. For more information or to register contact Andrew or Lorna on 086 1967822 or 085 1367341. n
Enniscorthy’s new drama on stage this August
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THIS TALE SET IN EARLY 1980s ENNISCORTHY!!!
Enniscorthy Drama Group presents ‘Farsiders’ – a new play written and directed by Fintan Kelly. Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th August at 8pm. Tickets €15. Book online: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873628076 n
Above left: Cllr George Lawlor, the new Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, lends his support to Wexford’s bid to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. Above right: Wexford Mayor Garry Laffan and senior officials of Wexford County Council lend their support also.
The National Opera House was the venue last month to launch Wexford’s bid to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 – a collaboration between Wexford Comhaltas and Wexford County Council. The Fleadh is now the biggest event of its kind in the world with in excess of 500,000 visitors and competitors attending the nine-day event in August each year. It is estimated to generate upwards of €60 million for the local economy. n
Ballindaggin field evening
Ballindaggin Development Group Annual Field Evening in aid of Ballindaggin National School on 17th June 2022.
Top left: Enjoying his strawberries and cream is Derek Warren with Syl and Trish Hipwell. Top right: Leanne Wilson and Cait Nolan. Above left: Sinead Ronan, Joan and Shauna Nolan. Above centre: Lar and Joyce Breen. Left: Charlene Nolan and Ellie Hughes playing Skittles. Right: Chloe Fagan. Below left: Natali and John Joe Jordan. Below right: Gemma Roche and Emma Walsh.
The ‘Battle of Enniscorthy’
The Battle of Enniscorthy, a four day battle of the Civil War, raged on the streets of the town from 1st – 4th July 1922 leaving several wounded and two men dead. It had never before been commemorated in the town until 2nd July 2022 when one hundred years exactly to the day, the Wexford Literary Festival rectified that with a commemoration and reenactment by Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society and Lord Edwards Own. Approximately three hundred people attended the event on the streets at Enniscorthy Castle.
Above left: Maria Nolan (event organiser), with Rev Nicola Halford. Above right: Fionn and Colleen Howe and Liz Fenlon. Left: Billy Heffernan staying on the right side of the law. Below: Breaking into the old post office. Bottom left: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Minister James Browne and Sean Haughey TD. Bottom right: Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District) with Maria Nolan (event organiser).
Elvis is in the building!
The local team that brought us the incredibly successful ‘Buddy –the Buddy Holly Story’ in 2018 will be back with a brand new show this August featuring Elvis and The Big Bopper in ‘Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue’. It tells the story of a young Elvis and JP Richardson. Trapped in small town America can they
use their Rock 'n' Roll to save themselves? With a host of lovable and crazy characters and music that will have you hopping off the walls, don't miss out on Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue. Featuring songs like, Stuck on You, Hound Dog, Reet Petite, Chapel of Love and many, many more. Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue will be performed in aid of Pieta House so your support would be most welcome. 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
Wexford Arts Centre
For details and updates on all happening in Wexford Arts Centre: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/shows n Enniscorthy Women Walking Together
A new ‘Enniscorthy Women Walking Together’ meet-up group has been set up so that no woman who likes to walk has to walk alone, and to help all women to be healthier, happier and fitter. All women are very welcome to join in. Walking alone is not usually much fun so it helps to be among friends who are encouraging and supportive. Walking times, days and duration will be decided by the walkers in the group. A Facebook page (‘Enniscorthy Women Walking Together’) has been created to help bring women of all ages together to enjoy walking in the company of other like-minded women. n Enniscorthy’s new summer festival
Looking ahead.... Enniscorthy will host a new and exciting summer festival based on a number of existing festivals amalgamating to form one super festival offering top class food, music, and children’s entertainment. This new festival is called the Rockin’ Fruit & Food Festival and will take place from Friday 29th July to Monday 1st August. More details on pages 24-25. n Holohan’s Trad & Ballads
A great trad and ballad session takes place in Holohan’s Pub, Enniscorthy, every Wednesday night for the summer months starting around 9pm. 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 Library
There’s lots happening in Enniscorthy Library for the month of July. Please book your place by contacting the library on 053 9236055.
Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time every Tuesday at 10:30am. Movie night for children 6pm, Thursday 14th July, suitable 5 10 years, parents/guardian must stay for the duration. Summer Stars Saturday Story Time 11:30am, Saturday 16th July, suitable for 6 - 9 years. Summer Stars Ocean Story Time & Crafts 10:30am, Thursday 21st July, suitable for 4 - 8 years. Coding summer camp suitable for 7 – 12 years. 4 weekly sessions starting 21st July at 2pm, children must be available for all 4 sessions. Local author Maria Nolan will talk about and read from her latest book “The Shadow of Freedom” 7pm, Thursday 21st July. Beachcombing our beautiful Wexford beaches. An event suitable for all the family, 11am, Saturday 23rd July. Out at the Movies, cinema evening for grown-ups, 6pm, Thursday 28th July. 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
Jive Inferno with Lekan in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, Thursdays from 8pm. Weekly modern jive class. No need to come with a partner and only pay as you go! Beginners welcome every week. Admission is €10.
Make the most of all Co. Wexford has to offer with the Visit Wexford App
To keep up with all things new and exciting happening around the county, Visit Wexford, with the support of Wexford County Council, has an App to help locals and visitors explore Wexford with ease.
The handy pocket guide to Wexford has everything visitors to the county need for a fun and hassle-free trip to the Sunny South East. Wexford is a popular holiday destination for many, so Visit Wexford has made it even easier for you to explore the county all year round! Find all there is to see and do, places to stay and eat, fun-filled activities, stunning beaches, terrific trails and much, much more across the county with the help of the Visit Wexford app. Discover County Wexford with a click of a button and get exclusive notifications, offers and more, directly through the app. It includes helpful functions, such as: ✦ ✦ Directories for accommodation, activities, restaurants, beaches and more across the county. ✦ ✦ Listings and contact information for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wexford. ✦ ✦ A handy map of County Wexford with all of the points of interest pinpointed for you. ✦ ✦ A selection of the top Travel Tuesday blogs and insider guides from VisitWexford.ie ✦ ✦ A weather widget for the weather forecast in the Sunny South East. ✦ ✦ A gallery of stunning images from around the county to inspire your trip. ✦ ✦ Push notifications about nearby attractions, coupons and more exclusive offers for app users. The Visit Wexford app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Download the Visit Wexford app now and start planning your adventure in Wexford today! VisitWexford.ie n
Caim Parish Annual BBQ on 17th June 2022.
Left: Nicloa, Evan and Alan Dagg. Above: Ella Spillane and Nora Boland. Right: Katie Hutchinson and Peggie Kenny.
Above left: Sophia Doyle, Elicia Barnes and Sonia Zielinslea. Above right: Adhran, James and Flynn Morrissey. Below left: Chef Kevin Frayne in action. Below right: Chef Lucy O’Gorman with her assistant Jack Sinnott.
Caim Parish BBQ - a big success
SlaNey leiSure & lifeStyle Fabulous fun in Ferns
A great fun day took place at Ferns GAA club on 26th June with a magician, face painters, live music, fire-eater and much more, run by Lantern and funded through Wexford County Council and The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media through the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme (LLPPS) 2022. The occasion was also the last that Cllr Cathal Byrne appeared at as Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District. n
Above left: Bernie Quigley (Acting District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Cllr John O’Rourke. Above right: Cllr Cathal Byrne, then Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District, with Bernie Quigley (Acting District Manager).
Above left: Magician Kristian Grey entertains the crowd. Above right: Facepainter Ellie hard at work doing a Spiderman face. Below left: The Arklow/Gorey/Wexford band Stratus L-R: Darragh Byrne (vocals), Seán Croker (guitar), Diarmuid Ó Conchúir (bass) and Fionn Murphy (drums). Below right: Tianna Moore (Lantern), Fitzy and Lee (musicians) and Zoe Howlin (Lantern).
ARE YOU DANCING?
Welcome back to the July issue of the Slaney News where we keep you updated on all the latest in the dancing scene around the southeast.
So I went along to the Country Fest in the Rathwood Big Top run by Des Willoughby on June 11th. It was a great success all round considering up to 1,000 people turned up, so a lot of organising had to go into getting everyone in, seated and fed and watered. Des had made a new dance floor which got plenty of use and I spoke with him afterwards and besides a little tweaking here and there he was very happy with how it all went and has lots more events lined up for the summer including Nathan Carter on August 13th. Des' fortnightly Sunday dances in the Ashdown Park Hotel are flying it and I heard great reports about Tony, Theresa & The Stars followed by Limelite last week. Derek Ryan and his brother Adrian are there Sunday 10th of July. I spoke last month about how midweek dancing had fallen victim to the pandemic and the latest news is a bit mixed I'm afraid to say. I said you'd have to travel to Dublin or Carlow to dance on a Thursday night but, in the meantime, Murphy's Hotel in Tinahely reopened its dance on Thursdays. I spoke with them this week and they are not really getting enough to keep it going so if you're free that night pop in and give them your support. It's a great little friendly venue. The Wicklow Man (Dave Bury) is there this week. Closer to home, Harney's of Ballyedmond are starting a new Wednesday night dance on July 6th with Dermot & Fergal McConnell. They are still on every Saturday night and you'll have to check with their Sunday dances as the ones that clash with the Ashdown Park Hotel don't normally go ahead. Some new releases out: Stuart Moyles - "Still The One" is a great medium-tempo song that would suit the Slosh. Johnny Brady - "Independent Trucker". Up-tempo song from Johnny suitable for Quickstep or Jive. Eamon Jackson - "Same Oul Love". Great new Jive song from Eamon. The Gorey Show was a great success in its new venue and we are looking forward to the Kilag Show, Thursday, July 14th. We have our dance floor in Raheen Vintage Day Laois Sunday, July 10th, and Stradbally Steam Rally on July 31st. It was a great shock to everyone involved in the dancing scene nationwide to hear that Michael English was stepping back from most of his gigs from September to April. In his statement he cited the rising number of covid cases and the time needed to complete two new albums as the reason for his decision. Now, if you don't know who Michael English is, let me tell you he is the perfect gentleman in the music industry. A concert pianist, a prolific songwriter and composer and an artist who can draw a very large sitting audience and dancers as well. And that's why some of the big dancing venue organisers that I spoke to were sorry to hear the news. Some bands attract a dancing crowd, others a listening crowd. Some are popular in some parts of the country and not as much in other parts. But Michael English is popular everwhere, with everyone. There simply isn't anything not to like about him. He's still fulfilling his Scottish, Spanish and Portugese shows along with the Cork Opera House and Gertrude Byrne's cruise to Alaska. (I wouldn't mind going on that!!) A Castledermot man who moved to Laois and then settled into his new abode in Naas in 2019. Like a lot of us, Michael got to step off the express train during the pandemic and got to take stock. From 6 to 7 late nights and early mornings to
Rathwood Big Top ready for the big dance. =
with Declan Flanagan
pottering around in the garden of his new house must have given him, and most of us, a new perspective on how life existed off the merry-go-round. He is very close to all his family and after losing his mam recently along with a desire to get some albums under way, especially a gospel one, I suppose his decision to take a sabbatical is not so surprising after all. So that's all from me for this month folks. We have a very packed calendar for next month so don't forget to drop by here at the Slaney News to find out what's happening and where, and do if you can at all, support the smaller dances and parish dances. A small few extra can mean the difference between staying going or having to close.
Thank you, Declan Flanagan.
Donie Anderson's Geese gracing the dance floor at the Gorey Show. Michael English has decided to take a sabbatical.
Wexford
Wexford County Council is honoured that C August. Our photos were take
Below left: Wexford Rose Joy Quigl
Below right: Visit Wexford’s Dami Wexford Rose Joy Quigley, Dire
to host 33 Roses on tour
County Wexford has been selected to host the Roses from the 2022 Rose of Tralee International Festival on an incredible Wexford Rose Tour this en at the launch of this Wexford Rose Tour at the offices of Wexford County Council on Tuesday 31st May 2022. See report page 73.
Photographer: Domnick Walsh Photography.
Top Left: Wexford Rose Joy Quigley and then Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Barbara-Anne Murphy. re: Representatives from Wexford County Council, Visit Wexford, Rose of Tralee International Festival and O’Connell Marketing. Top right: Rose of Tralee escort Laurence Whelan and Wexford Rose Joy Quigley. ley with Rose of Tralee International Festival Operations Director Steve Cronly and then Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Barbara-Anne Murphy. Below centre: Wexford hurler Damien Reck, Wexford Rose Joy Quigley and Wexford camogie player Sarah O’Connor. ian Lynch, then Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Barbara-Anne Murphy, Rose of Tralee International Festival Operations Director Steve Cronly, ector of Services, Economic Development, Planning & Property Management at Wexford County Council Elizabeth Hore, and General Manager of the Ashdown Park Hotel Paul Finegan.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000 The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: (0402) 38529 Ballyhogue GAA Club is delighted to announce the return of the Bree Barndance on Saturday 9th July in Byrne's Grainstore, Bree. Live music by the Kilkenny's with a DJ to follow! Bar on the night as well as food stalls! STRICTLY OVER 18s ONLY!
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ballyhogue-gaa-presents-bree-barndance-tickets-338858413637 n
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. You can catch up on these talks on Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel. n
ELVIS
Movie Review with Kyle Walsh
As I sat in the darkness of my second home, the cinema, beside the biggest Elvis fan I know, my Dad, we both felt excited but yet somewhat concerned about this film about the king of rock ‘n’ roll. For me personally, I was really hoping for something good as I grew up in a household full of Elvis music, I can only imagine what my Dad’s expectation was. I wanted my Dad to come out of the cinema smiling. We were excited to see how they were going to portray the King’s life story on the silver screen this time, but we had our concerns because of the casting of Austin Butler as Elvis because, let’s face it lads, there’s only one Elvis – he was so unique in every way. I had serious doubts about him bringing the king back to life. Then the director Baz Luhman was making the film and I wouldn’t be the biggest fan of his movies. Then the great Tom Hanks was on board starring as Col. Tom Parker which got me excited because he’s a brilliant actor. Then I started to hear rumours that we are going to be blown away by Austin’s take on Elvis. Then we had reports of a 12-minute standing ovation at the end of the film at the Cannes Film Festival. So as the date of its release in cinemas drew closer, I must admit my excitement started to get the better of me. I was starting to hear some positive reviews. Lads, I am so happy to say that I came out of the cinema the other night with my Dad and the both of us couldn’t believe what we had watched. This film is an absolute masterpiece and I mean that. It’s a wonderful film. For me, that’s it now, they should never try to make another Elvis film again because you will never top this. It’s truly great and my favourite film of the year so far. I go as far as saying that Austin will win best actor oscar for the portrayal of Elvis. Tom Hanks will be at least nominated if not win the oscar for best supporting actor. I think Baz can win best director and the film will win best film. I’d be willing to put a few quid on that. That’s how good this film is and I feel everybody should watch it. Austin embodied Elvis’ soul for this performance. His dance movements, his mannerisms, you’d swear you were watching the real deal. The costume designer got all his shirts, his suits, absolutely everything was so authentic looking. It was like going back in time. What craftsmanship went into getting the costumes all so real. The set designs were practically spot on. The Vegas stage, how do they do it so well? Hanks was great in it too. I loved the way the narrator of the film came from Parker’s side of the story. What a gangster he was and it’s terrible that he got involved with Elvis. He destroyed him. I feel Elvis could have achieved so much more if he had never set his eyes on Parker. This film shows you how Elvis was so influenced by black music. Nobody could believe he was white. A white man with a black voice. Overall this film had absolutely everything in it, the music, style, story, acting, directing, editing, everything was top drawer. It grasps you from the first second and holds onto you to the end. It’s such a heartbreaking story to see a man who had everything but yet was so lonely, so fragile, so insecure, and ended with nothing in his personal life. It’s one of life’s most tragic stories. This is a 10/10 film lads with exceptional performances. The king once said, ‘Nobody will ever remember me.’ You were wrong Elvis, we all know you, and you have had an impact on all our lives. I know you have on mine. The world was blessed to have had such a great artist and now, all these years later, there is a new generation going to the cinema to see this film and they will know more about him. His name will forever live on. Not many of us can say that. Please go see it when you can, you won’t be disappointed. The king lives on. n
Eoin’s new music video is out now
Enniscorthy’s Eoin Devereux has a new song out called 'Stay In Bed' which he wrote when he was going through a hard time and was at a low point. Eoin tells us, "I wanted the song to have a positive message and remind myself there is a brand new day, every day. This is the second song I have released this year, the other being 'Set My Eyes On You'. I would really love for more people to see my work and perhaps relate to it, that's why it is so important for me to share my music." The video for the new song is out now. Check it out on the YouTube link below or use the QR code in the accompanying image. https://youtu.be/pNzGpg OVuTU
https://eoindevereux.vibe .to/music n
Enjoying the Marty Party
Popular sports commentator Marty Morrissey was at the National Opera House in Wexford last month for the Marty Party, a novelty evening of talent and entertaining acts with local and national artists.
Enjoying the occasion were L-R: Maria Nolan, Jacqui Murphy, Marty Morrissey, Terri Foley and Dickie Murphy. n
Enniscorthy & Monart Union of Parishes Summer Fete and Family Fun Day, Enniscorthy Showgrounds, 18th June 2022. Left: Marie and Karrie Warren. Above: Nadia Mirska, Keeva Quirke and Poppy Shore.
Left: Brendan and daughter Grace Robinson. Right: Julia Klusiewez and Emily Mortou. Below left: Bobbi Cahill and her dog Reggie. Below centre: Henry and Robin Dunne and dog Lauce. Below right: Lola Doyle and Tony Bolger and dog Poca.
Marty’s party at Opera House
Popular sports commentator Marty Morrissey was at the National Opera House recently for the Marty Party, a novelty evening of talent and entertaining acts with local and national artists.
Some of the local artists included the incomparable George Lawlor, who gave an emotive rendition of Cuchulainn’s Son, the gifted beauties The Ivy Sisters, the brilliant dancers from the Sullivan Academy of Irish Dancing, able musicians Tulua, and beautiful harpist Una Walsh of The Late Late Show fame, along of course with our own Tom Dempsey who entertained the audience with exaggerated accounts of his hurling prowess in the 1996 All Ireland Final and did his best to get Marty into a Wexford jersey prior to the clash between Wexford and his native county Clare. National stars and former Eurovision winners Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan took us all back to the day with the Rock & Roll Kids and the Celtic Brothers (formerly the Willoughbys) from Wicklow and Celtic Woman Lisa Lambe delighted with old favourites and new releases. Marty definitely brings a party everywhere he goes. There was certainly glitz, glam, and fake tan in this first of five toedippers from around the country showcasing live music and dance with special guest appearances. Wexford, being the first venue, RTE were on the ground assessing the reaction of the audience and no doubt the possibility of how the show might transfer to the big screen. Marty is an extremely likeable and relaxed host, and the show provides a wonderful format for counties to showcase the amazing talent in their midst. As a member of the audience on the night I would say it’s a winner – Party On!
– Maria Nolan
Above: The Celtic Brothers. Below: The Ivy Sisters.
Below left: Marty with Tom Dempsey. Below centre: Marty with Paul Kehoe TD. Below right: Cllr George Lawlor performing on stage and on the big screen.
Gracing the silver screen
On 24th June, Wexford Film Workshop presented the world premiere of its film, The Three Graces, featuring an allstar local cast including Florence and Elaine Jordan, Jennafer Boyd, Dick Donaghue Karen Franklin, Jer Ennis and Caroline O’Connell.
Wexford Film Workshop presented ‘The Three Graces’ in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on 24th June 2022, in aid of Slaney Search & Rescue. Above: Lauren and Elaine Jordan. Below left: Mary Mernagh and Betsy Kehoe. Below right: Marja van Kampen, Laura and Karen Franklin. The film was written and directed by local filmmaker, Dick Donaghue, and produced by Jer Ennis. Jer’s short film titled Oh! Brother was shown on the night also. All proceeds from the premiere go to Slaney Search & Rescue. n
HOLD THAT LINE
Hold That Line, the new single from Enniscorthy’s Cursed Murphy Versus the Resistance, was released on 24th June on Bandcamp, Spotify, iTunes and all digital platforms. It is taken from the forthcoming album Republic of the Weird which will be released this autumn and will be the band’s second album, their first having been released to critical acclaim in 2020.
Hold That Line is written and co-produced by Cursed Murphy, Dan Comerford and Johnny Fox, engineered and mixed by Johnny Fox and mastered by Fergal Davis.
The cover shot is by Wexford photographer Kenny Ruttledge, with cover design by Rebecca and Olivia Gangnus.
Check it out now on: https://cursedmurphyversustheresistance.bandcamp.com/track/hold-that-line
Castledockrell Field Day
Castledockrell National School & St Aidan’s Day Care Centre in association with Marshalstown/Castledockrell Vintage Club hosted a Field Day at Castledockrell school on 22nd May 2022.
Above left: Getting strawberries and cream was Mary Ellen Doran. Above centre: Sophie Brennan. Above right: Nadia Jordan. Left: Cathal Mernagh showing his pulling power. Right: Declan Raleigh, Roiseen Doyle and Megan Fitzpatrick. Below left: Chloe Hogan and Shannon Murphy. Below centre: Callum and Adam Kenny, Caoimhe and Lisa Doyle. Below right: Maurice and Rian Purcell.
Wexford to host 33 Roses
Wexford County Council is honoured to announce that County Wexford has been selected to host the Roses from the 2022 Rose of Tralee International Festival on the incredible Wexford Rose Tour this August. For the first time ever, County Wexford will host this tour organised by Visit Wexford, supported by Wexford County Council and kindly hosted by the Ashdown Park Hotel and the local tourism industry. The Wexford Rose Tour will showcase all that County Wexford has to offer; from old stone castles to fun sandcastles, to catching waves and catching up with friends, and where 33 new Roses meet for the first time and enjoy adventures together, creating memories that last a lifetime. The Wexford Rose Tour will take place across three days in August where Roses from across Ireland, the USA, Canada, Britain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East will be treated to a jam-packed itinerary. The tour includes stops at some of Wexford's most recognisable landmarks as well as some of our best-kept secrets and is welcomed by our very own Wexford Rose Joy Quigley, who hails from the medieval village of Ferns. The tour will commence on Thursday 11th August with the Roses checking in at the 4-star Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey, the official accommodation partner for the tour. They will then be welcomed at a Wexford County Council reception with Johnstown Castle providing the beautiful backdrop for the occasion. Paul Finegan, General Manager of Ashdown Park Hotel, said: “As the official hospitality partners for the Wexford Rose Tour, we are honoured to host this year's Roses who will travel from all over Ireland and across the world to stay with us in the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey. Wexford is a key hotspot for Irish staycations with its beaches, visitor attractions, and local food and drink producers. We are experiencing more demand for experiential breaks and we are excited that the Roses will stay and experience this with us.” During their time in sunny Wexford, the Roses will be whisked to a wide variety of locations right across the county such as meeting the resident seals at Seal Rescue Ireland in Courtown, catching some waves at Curracloe – Ireland's favourite beach and taking in the breathtaking views from the world’s oldest lighthouse along the Hook Peninsula. They will be treated to plenty of delicious meals including locally produced food and drink along the way and, of course, sampling Wexford’s famous fresh strawberries. Steve Cronly, The Rose of Tralee International Festival Operations Director, said: “The Roses are looking forward to sampling the magnificent hospitality that awaits us in Wexford. Over two glorious days in August, the Roses from all over the world will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of key Wexford flagship locations. We thank Wexford County Council, Visit Wexford, the Ashdown Park Hotel and the many wonderful tourist attractions in Wexford for inviting the Roses to enjoy your county. We are grateful to the people of Wexford who have opened their county to welcome the Roses.” The launch took place at the Wexford County Council offices on Tuesday 31st May where the excitement to officially announce the Wexford Rose Tour was evident. The attendees captured Instagram-worthy moments, enjoyed treats from local food producers provided by Taste Wexford and had the opportunity to meet and congratulate our newly crowned 2022 Wexford Rose Joy Quigley. Elizabeth Hore, Director of Services & Economic Development at Wexford County Council, said: “County Wexford has enjoyed incredible success in tourism with the highest hotel occupancy in Ireland over the last two summers. We would like to build on this, especially with our international audience, and this Wexford County Council brand partnership with the Rose of Tralee International Festival offers a unique opportunity to showcase County Wexford in a fun and interactive way by creating the Wexford Rose Tour. I am delighted to say that the Roses’ itinerary will be available as a downloadable guide on VisitWexford.ie so that people can follow in the footsteps – both heels and flats – of the 2022 Roses.” The Rose of Tralee International Festival will run from Friday 19th to Tuesday 23rd August when the 2022 Rose of Tralee will be crowned at Munster Technological University live on RTÉ One. The Visit Wexford Rose Tour 2022 schedule, including photo and autograph opportunities for the public, will be released over the coming weeks. For more, follow @VisitWexford on social media and go to VisitWexford.ie n
At the launch of the Wexford Rose Tour at the offices of Wexford County Council on 31st May 2022 were Tralee International Festival Operations Director Steve Cronly and then Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Barbara-Anne Murphy. Pic: Domnick Walsh Photography. See more photos on pages 64-65.
