Slaney News, Issue 131, April 2021

Slaney News

ServiNg Co. wexford for the laSt 10 yearS

Issue 131 - April 2021

Easter Monday, 2021, Susan Kearns of Kearns Fruit Farm, Curraghgraigue, Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, with the first Enniscorthy Strawberries of the year.

Kearns Fruit Farm is looking forward to the fruit season ahead, supplying the fresh fruit markets.

ISLAND ROAD, ENNISCORTHY 053-9233601, 086-2457664

KAVANAGH’S GARAGE

Auto Maintenance & Repairs – Diagnostics – Pre-NCT and DOE Tests – Clutches, Brakes, etc – Breakdown Assistance

COURT STREET DENTAL CENTRE ●

● Open for routine treatment Free consults for braces and implants ● Offering treatment for fine lines and wrinkles

Court Street, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 9237404. www.courtstreetdentalcentre.com Open: Mon-Thurs 8.30am–5pm, Fri 7.30am–1.30pm

Haven Kavanagh’s Pharmacy

3 for 2 across the whole range while stocks last

DUFFRY HILL, ENNISCORTHY. T: (053) 9234660.

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Johnny Mythen TD Due to Nationwide Covid 19 Restrictions, we are unable hold face to face advice clinics at this time.

“I would like to assure you that my office and staff are still here to help”.

Notice COVID-19

HERE TO HELP

Contact us by any of the following methods:

087 114 2100 johnny.mythen@oireachtas.ie

During this COVID-19 pandemic, my office is here to help you. I continue to work behind closed doors and you can contact me by phone, email or Facebook.

In line with public health guidelines, my advice clinics and public meetings remain suspended.

Johnny Mythen Johnny Mythen TD Wexford @JohnnyMythenSF johnnymythentd Johnny Mythen TD Constituency Office Slaney Place Enniscorthy Co. Wexford Y21 T8K7

James

Browne TD 053 92 35046

jamesbrownetd@oir.ie

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comment

To advertise in the Slaney News please contact: 087-2403310

Welcome to the April issue of the new-look, online-only Slaney News.

Although Covid-19 has badly affected a lot of businesses here in Co. Wexford, thankfully there are always entrepreneurial people prepared to set up new businesses despite the unfavourable environment created by Covid. In Enniscorthy, the Copper Chimney – a new Thai/Indian takeaway is opening tomorrow (7th April) on Slaney Street. We wish the best of luck to Manu and his team. Manu and his family are originally from India but have resided in Ireland since 2000. Manu has worked in many top hotels and restaurants in India and Ireland and has been head chef in various hotels in Enniscorthy, Wexford and Bunclody, specialising in both Asian and European cuisine.

SLANEY NEWS, CLONHASTON, ENNISCORTHY Tel: 087-2403310 Email: slaneynews@gmail.com www.slaneynews.com Facebook: Slaney News Online: www.issuu.com/slaneynews/docs PUBLISHED in Enniscorthy by Corcoran Print & Design

Best of luck to The Tin Roof takeaway which has just opened at Templescoby, Enniscorthy, on the road to New Ross.

Disclaimer: Slaney News reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication.

A business that has been around a bit longer is Wickham Bros butchers in the heart of Enniscorthy – celebrating 60 years in business this Easter. Well done to Mark and the team there, providing a superb and essential service every day. ➤ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We would be delighted as always to receive stories and photos from our readers from all around Co. Wexford. If you have anything you’d like us to share please email them to slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as much as possible. Also, please let us know what you think about our new format. Tel: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page: “Slaney News”. And, of course, if you like the new format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you.

– Frank Corcoran

Located just behind the new Enniscorthy Lidl

Mums Bums & Tums classes

Every effort has been made to ensure that all articles published in Slaney News are true and accurate but if any errors do occur please let us know and we will gladly rectify them in our next issue.

Where details of future events are given in this publication, we recommend that you check these details directly with the organisers as event details may be subject to change.

Slaney News strongly recommends seeking independent professional advice before acting on any financial, medical or other information contained in this publication.

SLANEY NEWS

DELANEY’S NEWSAGENT – RAFTER STREET is an essential service and remains open with reduced opening hours, to serve the public: Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays 9.30am-2pm Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 5.30pm

Don't be bored during lockdown!

Online Tuesdays @ 9.45am via Zoom €5 pay as you go

Mums Bums & Tums is a reps-based class, focusing on improving Cardio, Resistance and Core Strength. Perfect for all Mothers, 6 weeks postpartum*, or with school-going children or teenagers.

For booking: http://www.kilcannon.ie/ mums-bums-and-tums-fitness-class-enniscorthy/ *12 weeks if c-section, doctor’s clearance Other Online Sessions Available: Teen Fitness  Older Adult Exercises  One-One Sessions Bookings can be made via our website: www.astroactive.ie or email: astroactivetl@cwcwe.ie for further information.

Also check our Facebook page.

Page 4 - 6th April 2021

Slaney News does not attempt to investigate or verify claims made in advertisements appearing in our publication. The appearance of an advertisement in this publication in no way implies endorsement or approval by us of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. Slaney News disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection with advertising appearing in this publication.

We have Books, Magazines, Telly Bingo & Radio Bingo, Yugioh, MTG, etc in stock plus ★ New Pokemon: Just arrived in stock ★ Poppets: Lots of colours and shapes ★ Jigsaws: 1,000 Pieces, from €15

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SignaCare SignaCare’s family-owned luxury 62-bed Nursing Home in the heart of Bunclody.

John Dargan (left) and wife Margaret-Anne Walsh (right) – the founders of SignaCare, with Director of Nursing Denise Steed-O’Doherty.

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6th April 2021 - Page 5

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CO. WEXFORD’S VACCINATION CENTRE IS NOW OPEN IN ENNISCORTHY

Minister James Browne TD pictured at the Riverside Park Hotel today (6th April) as it opened as the new Covid-19 Vaccination Centre for Co. Wexford.

A Covid-19 Mass Vaccination Centre at the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy opened today (6th April).

Welcoming the opening, Local Minister James Browne TD said, “Initially people from cohort 4 and remaining frontline healthcare workers will receive their vaccinations at the centre. Following this, the centre will be used for the wider distribution of vaccines against Covid-19. This is a major step forward for our vaccination programme in Wexford and a sign of the ramp-up in the rollout of the vaccine to wider society.” n

Easter in Enniscorthy

Easter 2021 in Enniscorthy was a low-key affair due to Covid-19 restrictions. On Easter Monday, Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Bunclody’s Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, laid a wreath at the Seamus Rafter monument, The Athenaeum and the 1798 Rebellion monument.

Page 6 - 6th April 2021

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Cllr.

Cathal Byrne Working for Enniscorthy Town and District

My monthly advice clinics are currently cancelled.

If I can help you or your family please get in touch.

(085) 146 1164 cathal.byrne@wexfordmcc.ie @CathalEByrne

Senator Malcolm Byrne These are difficult times for everybody but let’s keep looking out for each other and try staying positive.

We will come through this.

If I can help in any way, please let me know.

malcolm.byrne@oireachtas.ie

Tel: 053 9233593 www.vtnenniscorthy.ie Email: windmillautos@gmail.com

TESTING OF ALL COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Vans & Jeeps

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SignaCare New Ross – Cumas fundraising SignaCare New Ross is a high quality nursing home providing long-term residential care for older persons.

Normally it holds many fundraisers within the home for both national and local charities, but sadly the pandemic has put a stop to that.

However, not all has been lost, as the wonderful residents and staff there came up with the idea of completing 100km of walking over the month of March. The residents reached the target walking in the home’s beautiful

gardens, while the staff rose to the challenge in their free time.

All proceeds are being donated to Cumas New Ross which is an adult service supporting adult presence, participation and contribution in and with the community. The centre provides day services to adults with intellectual disability and autistic spectrum disorders and the services are developed to meet the individual needs of the service user using a person-centred approach.

The SignaCare New Ross residents, under the watchful eye of Sandra Doyle, the activities coordinator, were delighted to have completed the challenge and are happy to be supporting Cumas – such a wonderful local service in New Ross.

The residents would also like to thank all who supported their fundraising.

Check out the ‘SignaCare New Ross’ Facebook page and the gofundme page here. n

Some of the residents of SignaCare New Ross who participated in a major charity fundraiser in March this year.

More celebrating at SignaCare New Ross There was great excitement in SignaCare New Ross recently as popular resident Maureen Butler reached her 100th birthday with the wonderful SignaCare staff making her day a very special one indeed.

Maureen, a very proud Kilkenny woman, even managed to get a congratulatory phonecall from none other than Brian Cody, the legendary Kilkenny hurling manager.

Maureen also received the long-awaited cheque from President Michael D Higgins, a gift given to all in the state who reach the 100 year milestone.

Margaret-Anne Walsh, proprietor of SignaCare, was honoured to present the cheque to Maureen.

Maureen enjoys a very active and busy life within the centre and has wonderful friends among all the staff and fellow residents, and they all look forward to enjoying Maureen’s company for many more birthdays to come.

Maureen Butler with one of her birthday gifts.

Check out the ‘SignaCare New Ross’ Facebook page. n

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Maureen Butler received a cheque from President Michael D Higgins.

Margaret-Anne Walsh, proprietor of SignaCare, was honoured to present the cheque to Maureen.

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EUGENE BRESLIN CAR SALES & REPAIRS ECCE Pre-School and School-Age Care Service St. Francis Hall, Sean Browne Crescent, Enniscorthy.

Opening Hours: 8.00am–6.00pm Monday to Friday.

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We provide Homework Supervision, Fun After-school Activities and Projects and a Healthy Evening Snack each day!

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Breakfast Club and School Drop-off Service (St. Aidan’s Only) each morning from 8.00am (healthy breakfast options included).

Part-time Daycare Options for Pre-school Children from 8.00am–2.00pm.

School-age Care for Primary School Children from 1.40pm–6.00pm.

School Collections from St. Aidan’s Parish School provided at both Junior and Senior collection times at 1.40pm and 2.40pm.

A limited number of Pre-school places available now for September 2021.

Please get in touch soon!

For more information please contact Anita Cleary on 085-2100493 or check out our Facebook page ‘Stepping Stones early years Centre’

6th April 2021 - Page 9

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Enniscorthy’s Centre of Excellence?

An illustration of one of the new buildings planned for Enniscorthy Technology Park. Work is going on behind the scenes to secure a United Nations centre of excellence here for their High-Performance Building Initiative.

The official position as regards the Enniscorthy Technology Park (situated beside the old St Senan’s Hospital) was summarised by Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Ger Mackey at the March meeting of the local Council as follows: “Site accommodation works have been completed on the development of the Enniscorthy Technology Park. It was expected that building works would commence in January 2021, however the Covid-19 restrictions have resulted in the site being closed down until further notice as this work is not regarded as essential.”

But while the site remains inactive for the moment, work is still going on behind the scenes to secure a United Nations presence in the new Park.

Local Minister James Browne TD says progress between a number of stakeholders has been made on provisional negotiations to secure a UN global organising hub for their High-Performance Building Initiative.

A draft memorandum of understanding agreed by Wexford County Council and Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board, who are key partners in the project, has been submitted to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Minister Darragh O’Brien TD which may lead to high level negotiations between the Department and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

Minister Browne explained, “This is an ambitious project for Enniscorthy and County Wexford. I have been engaging with all stakeholders involved to progress the negotiations. We are at an early stage in the negotiations and there are a lot of challenges ahead.

“If this project develops, it will put County Wexford on the global cutting edge in the design and development of high-level energy efficient buildings – something which is recognised the world over as important in achieving climate action ambitions. However, we cannot underestimate

the ambitiousness of trying to get a UN Centre of Excellence established in Enniscorthy.

“The Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has said that an application for national seed funding by Wexford County Council would be considered favourably and would be in line with the department’s policies. This is an application for funding which I support and believe that a formal request from Wexford Co. Council should be made as soon as possible so this project can be advanced.

“Such a global organising hub based in the county would attract much investment and collateral business for the wider economy of Wexford. It would provide employment opportunities in an array of skilled roles in our community.

“I will continue to engage with stakeholders.... to see this ambitious project for Wexford and the country evolve,” concluded Minister Browne. n

An illustration of the planned initial buildings at Enniscorthy Technology Park.

Page 10 - 6th April 2021

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Even though our office doors may be closed, we are still here to offer help and support when you need it –

OPENING IN ENNISCORTHY (SLANEY STREET)

7TH APRIL

Head Chef Manu and his team specialise in creating authentic Indian and Thai dishes for you to enjoy, using only the finest quality spices and freshest of ingredients. Our menu includes many well-known dishes but also some unique new dishes that we know you will enjoy.

Tel: 053-9234370 and follow us on Facebook here.

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KEHOE TD 053 9243558 paul.kehoe@oireachtas.ie

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FACES AND PLACES...

Above left: At the Enniscorthy playground on The Prom on 15th March was Kodie Hutchinson.

Above right: Going for a March walk in Enniscorthy were Bernie Millar and Cathryn Redmond.

On Wexford Quays, 14th March, were below left: Anna and Frank Breslin and below right: Cllr Davy Hynes.

Page 12 - 6th April 2021

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Seeking ‘cycling city’ honour

Members of Slaney Cycling Club.

An application to have Enniscorthy gain the much sought after status of becoming a Tour de France cycling city has been made by Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager, Ger Mackey.

having been a host town for a stage of the Tour de France but I don’t believe that the town has ever really capitalised on that,’ said Phil Skelton.

The idea was first presented to Cllr. BarbaraAnne Murphy by well-known local and national cycling campaigner, Phil Skelton.

Slaney Cycling Club, Wexford Bicycle User Group, Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 campaign and Dervla Tierney, along with support from local businesses and schools, the tight deadline for application was met and the town now awaits what will hopefully be a successful outcome, due to be announced on May 3rd.

With input from the District Manager,

‘Enniscorthy is uniquely placed in Ireland as

There are 4 award categories that could be given to Enniscorthy depending on the outcome of a jury evaluation.

‘Now is a golden opportunity to change that and to tap in to the lucrative cycle tourism market whilst making conditions better and more enticing for locals.’

It would be a wonderful achievement to attain even the entry level one award, which the municipality could then build upon in the future. So it’s fingers crossed now for May 3rd. n

Cycling campaigner Phil Skelton (centre) with Wexford County Council cycling officer Frank Burke (left) and Nicholas Roche, professional cyclist (right).

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The plaque marking the contribution by local man, Eddie Tobin, to the successful hosting of a stage of the famous race in Enniscorthy in 1998.

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ROADS – THE LOAVES & FISHES DEPARTMENT Before the recent arrival of Covid-19, the popular gripe by many was either the weather or the state of the roads, so I was asked to shine a light on the complex subject of roads in the county. I say it’s complex because the roads department has under its remit everything from national roads to lanes, footpaths to lighting, signage to ditch cutting and the task of planning and implementing a winter taskforce during the snow and flooding season. To do the subject justice, I should really look at one section at a time and go into detail but, for now, I’ll give the subject a general overlook, trying not to go down too many rabbit burrows.

I would like to lay out some of the headlines first and get them out of the way.

When we pay our road tax it does not stay in the county for roads, it goes directly to government and is used generally to fund Irish Water. Before the latter was set up, road tax was collected nationally and a fraction of the value was given back to the counties for roads.

It would surprise many to know that Co. Wexford has the third largest road miles to maintain in the country but does not get the funding pro rata on that basis.

Wexford roads were hit more than most during the two long snowy winters we had this decade and we really haven’t recovered.

After the 2008 financial crash, the then and successive governments made cutback choices to recover. One was to stop building houses, which caused the

TOWN TALK

When someone complains about a bad road, it would come under one of a few headings: Roads for a resurface or strengthening, or if it’s a lane it would come under the local improvement scheme.

All the lists have a 5-year rolling programme of works. It is important that your road gets on that priority list or it’s very unlikely it will be considered.

Every year the Councillors are presented with the budget for each list and heated debates ensue as to how to distribute the loaves and the fishes. It even comes down to how many yards can be done within the small budget.

WITH KEITH DOYLE housing crisis we still have today, but one that did not get noticed was a cut in road grants to the counties. Wexford County Council is more than €40m down due to cuts to road funding since then. A staggering figure. Could have done a lotta roads with that! A little three-card trick that governments do close to elections is to hold back a bit of funding until later in the year and release it spinning it as extra funding, watch for that one.

The final headline I will give you is that if one takes into account the works to be done, and all the revenue streams available, the time between a road being resurfaced and its next expected resurface is 45 years. WOW – a lifetime.

What happens to the roads not picked that year? They are subject to the merry-goround of pothole filling. The filling of potholes in the summer may not be so bad if the surface is warm and dry, in fact some of the summer works with tar and chippings can last some time. The nightmare is the filling of potholes in the wet winter months. One cannot use the tar and chippings in this weather and a ready mix is thrown on wet, cold surfaces which comes back out with the next shower of rain. In my duties as a Councillor for 25 years, the most angry meetings I ever attended usually was with people living on a road that had a patchwork road surface from all the potholes – like the surface of Mars!

A creaking system and without real funding unlikely to get any better any time soon I fear. n

Potholes – ‘like the surface of Mars!’

6th April 2021 - Page 15

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Updates on Enniscorthy projects In our February issue we provided a comprehensive summary (11,300 words!) of all the major public and private investments currently taking place in Enniscorthy. See page 12 of our February issue. Here are a few updates since then:

❶ There was no interest shown by

consultants in the Templeshannon Regeneration Project when it was put out to open tender some weeks ago.

Wexford County Council is now engaging directly with suitable consultants with a view to negotiating a tender with them for the overall design of the three-stage plan, after which the Council can proceed with seeking planning permission and property acquisition if required. Meanwhile design work on the pedestrian bridge, which is part of the overall project, is proceeding.

❷ The old Murphy Floods Hotel site

was being used as a “dumping ground”, in the words of Enniscorthy Councillor, Jackser Owens, but has now been surrounded by a wooden hoarding which hopefully will deter illegal activity there.

We reported last month that Wexford County Council, having acquired the adjoining Kickham’s House in 2020, is currently in discussion with the owner of the Murphy Floods site. While no plans have been revealed as yet, and with the Council ‘looking at all options’ according to District Manager Ger Mackey, the two combined sites’ eventual use as office and retail space would seem logical for such a large prime site in the very centre of the town.

Hoarding going up around the old Murphy Floods Hotel site which will help deter illegal dumping there.

Page 16 - 6th April 2021

Every month we update readers on progress with the various major investment projects around the town of Enniscorthy ❸ Design work on Phase 2 – the new

pavilion building – at the Enniscorthy Sports Hub has begun, and construction work is expected to start this September.

❹ The new state-of-the-art St Patrick’s School at Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, is now complete and is expected to open very soon.

❺ A tender has been approved for the new €1m ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Unit for St Aidan’s primary school and the new unit should be ready by this September. ❻ Slaney Street. €233,000 is to be spent painting and upgrading that street’s shopfronts, street lighting, planting, etc. €174,000 will come from central government under the Historic Towns Initiative and €59,000 from Wexford Co. Council. Work will commence over the coming months and will be complete

by November this year. It is hoped by many that the street will become a centre for craft and design outlets, and for artistic endeavour. ❼ Technology Park: Site works are

complete but building work can’t commence under currrent Covid restrictions as the work there is not considered essential. See article on page 10.

❽ Astroturf Pitch, Ross Road. A funding

application has been submittted by Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) under the Sports Capital Programme for an astroturf pitch at Ross Road. The work can only proceed if this application is successful.

❾ Enniscorthy Trails. The extension of the Promenade Walk to include a loop to Borodale and the replacement of existing footbridge over the river Urrin is being examined at present and a funding submission will be made as soon as appropriate.

❿ Old Dublin Road. Wexford County

Council is planning on spending up to €2m on the Old Dublin Road to make it more attractive for businesses to set up there. It’s hoped that work will commnce before the end of this year and will take place in phases over the following couple of years. Works will include new footpaths, road resurfacing, landscaping and better signage.

❶❶ Meanscoil Gharman. A site has been

acquired for a new school building for Meanscoil Gharman in the Moyne area of Enniscorthy and is on the Department of Education’s school building programme. The proposed development has been welcomed by local TDs James Browne and Paul Kehoe but the site is considered unsuitable by school Principal Norah Harpur and the board of management, who would prefer a site on the east side of Enniscorthy, close to the existing Gaelscoil. It remains to be seen how this project will develop.

Keep an eye on the ‘Slaney News’ Facebook page for regular updates. n

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Bullring/Cornmarket Revamp A major revamp of the historic centre of Wexford town is planned under preliminary proposals from Wexford County Council, taking in the area from Abbey Street to Cornmarket, the Bullring and North Main Street as far as the junction with Rowe Street.

Included in the multi-million-euro plan is the glass roofing of the historic Bullring market (at a likely cost of between €300,000 and €400,000), the removal of the roundabout at Cornmarket, the installation of automated bollards on North Main Steet to control access, new outdoor spaces, paving, seating, street lighting, street furniture, public art,

restored historic water fountain, tree planting, etc all with the aim of adding life to the town centre, helping businesses in the area by e.g. expanding outdoors, adding new usable space to the public realm where people can meet and socialise, and generally putting pedestrians as the focus rather than traffic, and all while maintaining the character and heritage of this historic area.

Funding will be sought from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

The proposals have been welcomed by the Borough Councillors with Mayor

Leonard Kelly saying he is “happy to see this highlighted and supported. The recent decision to make permanent the one-way traffic in this area is allowing this planning to take place. I believe that meaningful public consultation (including local businesses) will be key to the success of these exciting plans, which will happen on a phased basis depending on funding allocation.”

Local consultation and consensus will be sought now and detailed designs will then be drawn up and presented to Council members most likely by this autumn. n

Additional parking spaces have been added, including disabled spots, as part of an overall redevelopment of the car park at the Raven, Curracloe, which was completed last month.

The new Wexford Volunteer Centre, Common Quay, Wexford, under the managership of Jane Byrne, hopes to have an online launch and a programme of events in place for National Volunteeer Week which begins on May 17. Later in the year it is hoped to open the doors more generally to the public.

ETED AT L P M O C K R O W R JO A M ACLOE R R U C , K R A P R A C N E V THE RA

Are you a registered organisation that could use some volunteer support?

Wexford Volunteer Centre can support in the recruitment and placement of volunteers for you.

Please register here and get involved https://www.i-vol.ie/register-your-organisation/

6th April 2021 - Page 17

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The Great Dame of Enniscorthy The town of Enniscorthy and beyond was saddened to hear of the passing of one of its great ladies, Mrs. Nancy Wall (nee Murphy Flood), on Sunday 14th March.

And how apt that this mother figure of the town would pass to her eternal reward on Mothering Sunday.

Throughout her ninety-five years Nancy Wall had been a mother not just to her own brood of eight and her many grand-children and great-grandchildren but also to all those who either worked or passed through the doors of the famous Murphy Floods Hotel at the heart of Enniscorthy.

Nancy had a kind face and warm intelligent eyes and time to listen to everyone and the ability to make them feel welcome and special no matter how busy she was. And it can’t have been easy with eight children and a hotel to run, but she managed it all with great warmth and dignity endearing her to not just her own family but to generations of Enniscorthy families.

Nancy Wall and Murphy Floods were Nancy Wall of Barrack Street, Enniscorthy, passed away peacefully at home in her 95th year surrounded by her family.

Nancy was the beloved wife of the late Michael, and dearly loved mother of Eamonn, Annette, David, Eithne, Niall, Mary, Michael and Sinead, and much loved sister of the late Margaret, Teasie, Kathleen, Seamus and Martin.

She is sadly missed by her loving sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Our most sincere sympathies to the extended Wall family.

May she rest in peace.

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and special occasions – Christenings, Holy Communions, Confirmations, 21sts, Engagements and Weddings.

Every Enniscorthy function went through Murphy Floods and Nancy Wall – dinner-dances, awards, medal presentations, retirements, civic receptions, the entire gambit, and if you didn’t attend the Murphy Floods New Year’s Eve Ball, well sure Christmas just wasn’t Christmas.

This amazing woman would have touched the lives of so many people being born into the Murphy Floods family of Market Square, as far back as 1927, and spending her entire life there catering for and pandering to the needs of the people of Enniscorthy and beyond, she was at the beating heart of the town and Mrs Nancy Wall R.I.P. every family in it, and it is safe to say that we will never see her likes icons of Enniscorthy and part of the very again – Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam fabric of the town, part and parcel of all dílis. our youth, at the core of all our notable – Maria Nolan

The famous Murphy Floods Hotel in Enniscorthy

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SlaNey NEWS NewS SLANEY

Issue 2

Ferns

March 2021

FERNS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

Newsletter

Community Projects Update Progress continues on a number of projects and we remain optimistic for delivering a community vision for Ferns. This Newsletter will give an update on projects and activities undertaken by Ferns Community Development Association (FCDA) over the past few years.

Online Family Quiz - Thursday March 18th. at 8pm.

This quiz will be a little different to our last online quiz. This time we are raising the entertainment bar by showcasing local talent, with Stacey Breen, the well known young singer, performing at interval time.

This is our first springtime quiz and our main aim is to provide light relief and entertainment during COVID restrictions and also to raise much needed funds – it is important that participants enjoy the experience while supporting local projects.

available on www.fernsvillage.ie.

Thanks to Paul Doyle, Quiz Master and Lee Bergin, Ferns Communications, who is looking after live streaming. For enquires please email: secretaryfcda@fernsvillage.ie.

Christmas Lights In December 2020 we bought a metal Christmas tree and lights which will sit annually in a prominent

One for everybody in the village!

Keep an eye out for the latest Ferns Village Newsletter, being delivered to houses in Ferns. It contains eight pages of updates on projects undertaken in Ferns over the past few years.

For the quiz, we will follow our previous model which was a great success. This time round, we’re reducing ticket price from €20 to €15 per household - information on registration and payment are

position by the roundabout, a shining light to all around – the tree was made locally by John Byrne and erected by Tom Morrissey which fits with our policy of sourcing goods, skills and labour locally when we can. Thanks to Wexford County Council for the grant which funded the purchase of the tree and lights.

In 2019 we bought new energy efficient string lights for €13,800, replacing the older lights which were costly to run and maintain. Funding for these lights is sourced through our annual Christmas Table Quiz.

Last December, we ran our first online quiz which was a huge success – we raised €3,600 and this went

which generally opens from May to September. The new attraction will be run as a social enterprise by volunteers and with the help of community employment schemes.

We want to showcase local crafts and skills, if you have gifts you would like to sell, we’d love to hear from you (medievalferns@fernsvillage.ie).

The MFE is in place and includes virtual reality, audio visual and other interactive elements to bring life and fun to the story of Ferns and its significant medieval past. To ensure ease of access, a new door will be installed, giving direct access to the ‘MFE’. COVID lockdowns have delayed this step and we plan to complete when restrictions allow.

We are looking forward to opening the ‘Medieval Ferns Experience’ and to welcoming you for an ‘open for locals’ period. Thereafter an entry fee will be charged which will help to defray costs of running it.

Ancient Connections in Ferns

Music Ferns music tradition is legendary and the T&V funding gave us an opportunity to provide alternative amenities for our young people. Funding for purchasing soundproofing for a room in the Community Centre enabled us to develop a space where young people will be encouraged to embrace their musical heritage.

Even though this facility is not yet open due to COVID restrictions, work is continuing by showcasing local musical talent through ‘The Music of Ferns’ Facebook page - a one stop platform for musicians/singers etc. If you know of someone who is interested in music in all its forms – from voice to instruments, please make contact through The Music of Ferns Facebook page.

Medieval themed playground The new playground, sited at the back of Ferns Community Centre is a terrific amenity and a tangible link to our medieval past as the ‘Ancient Capital of Leinster’ - a fun addition for the enjoyment of local children and visiting families.

This is a community amenity – we ask for your help in keeping it user friendly, tidy and report any issues.

We need your support in maintaining the playground and keeping it to a standard we can all be proud of.

Ferns Tourism Plan The drafting of the Plan was undertaken over a ten month period and in consultation with community representatives, businesses and stakeholders, through a range of interviews, workshops, site visits and meetings.

The Plan makes recommendations on the development of tourism over the next 5 years and takes account of other projects currently running in Ferns i.e. Ancient Connections (see pages 4 & 5). A Summary of the Plan can be accessed on our website homepage on www.fernsvillage.ie.

Radio & Video Workshops Workshops under this project were aimed at teenagers from 13 to 17. Three videos and a podcast were produced which are available on the Ferns Village channel on YouTube under the ‘Video & Radio Production Workshop 2019’ playlist.

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Work of FCDA

our community going and keeping vital services open. Thanks also to all healthcare workers and carers for their immense and ongoing contribution to the health of our community.

We would like to thank Wexford Local Development for covering printing costs of this Newsletter and for their continued support.

SERVICES FCDA became a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) in December last year and is run by Directors and a Management Committee – all on a voluntary, unpaid basis. CLG status ensures transparency and governance issues are complied with, particularly in relation to grants and funding. Before and during the pandemic the work of the FCDA has continued, meeting regularly online, generally twice a month, to ensure projects get over the line on time and to a high standard.

Each of the sub-groups (see graphic above) have their own structure, source their own funds and identify actions and projects particular to their aims and objectives. Each sub-group is represented on the FCDA Management Committee. Congratulations to Ferns Tidy Towns group for winning two awards in the Keep Wexford Beautiful Environment Awards last year – another great year and recognition of work done by dedicated volunteers. You can follow their activities on Facebook: @fernstidytowns.

If you are in business and would like to get involved in a Business sub-group, we would like to talk to you.

You can make contact by emailing: secretaryfcda@fernsvillage.ie. It’s great to see new businesses opening up - we wish a warm welcome to Osbornes Supermarket on The Square, Ferns Furniture & Kitchen Re-Spray in Aldercourt and My Retro Kid, an online childrens’ goods shop.

#workingtogether #caringforourcommunity A special thanks to all essential workers who have worked so hard over the past difficult year in keeping

There are a range of services available currently in the Ferns area – if you are interested or know anyone who might be interested, the following is a list of contact points:

Ferns BFriendly A voluntary telephone befriending service in the Ferns area for people experiencing loneliness or isolation.

Ph: 087-1691919.

Ferns & District Meals On Wheels Delivering hot meals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Meals are cooked fresh daily by County Wexford Community Workshop at a cost of €5 per meal and delivered by volunteer drivers.

Ph: 087-4189740

activities, events and public engagements have had to be postponed and re-scheduled into the end of 2021 or early 2022. Needless to say the project team and Wexford County Council have been working away in the back-ground during these difficult times, making preparations to bring you a wide variety of community development projects in the areas of Heritage, Archaeology, Arts, Culture and Enterprise, once restrictions are lifted.

Ancient Connections is a heritage, tourism and arts project from Wexford and Pembrokeshire County Councils, linking County Wexford in Ireland with North Pembrokeshire in Wales, specifically the ancient towns of Ferns and St. Davids. The aim is to support rural communities and the local economy; improving the cultural offering and attracting more over-seas tourists to both regions.

Currently running from April 2019 – November 2022, it will explore the mentoring relationships that link the two regions historically, including St. Aidan and St. David, and to motivate the communities on both sides of the Irish Sea to rediscover their joint heritage, shared stories, knowledge, skills and experience.

The project has already secured funds of over €2 million, from the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Co-operation programme, for a suite of work-packages including Arts, Archaeology, Enterprise and Innovation, Community Projects, Festivals and Destination Marketing. The project will be supporting local government, community groups and inviduals to position community partners in North Wexford and North Pembrokeshire as hubs for shared tourism activity, economic and community development.

Get involved by contacting ancient.connections@wexfordcoco.ie and following us on Facebook @AncientConnect. New project website www.ancientconnections.com coming soon.

The good news is that we have received an 8-month extension, to November 2022, for the project from our funding authority, to mitigate against these frustrating COVID delays. Wexford and Pembrokeshire County Councils have also applied for a further Phase 2 funding into 2023, which will build on the great work that will already have been achieved by our local communities and the Ancient Connections project.

We hope to bring you good news on that progress very soon. Please stay safe and well and keep an eye out for us once we are all free to enjoy our communities again!

For now, here are some of the developments and plans that Ferns and County Wexford can look forward to in the coming months…

Archaeological Field School – following the success of the online accredited course in summer 2020 and the Ferns Community Dig at Clone Church, the Irish Archaeological Field School are conducting two further online events for 2021. A three week ‘Know Your Locality’ course was successfully conducted recently and had 300 people taking part. Scholarships supported by the Ancient Connections project for the IAFS online “Forensic Anthropology – Ferns Focus” course will take place in March. Follow the Irish Archaeological Field School on Facebook @IrishArchaeologyFieldSchool for further details.

ANCIENT CONNECTIONS PROJECT UPDATE MARCH 2021

Town & Village Renewal Scheme (T&V) In 2018 FCDA applied and was successful in getting Town & Village Renewal Scheme funding for specific projects identified locally with advice from experts in the field and agreed by Wexford County Council.

A total of €124,000 was approved and a grant of €99,000 received, with FCDA providing match funding of 10% and voluntary labour worth 10% of the overall project. Our cash match funding was sourced through community contributions and loans.

The overall focus of this scheme was on providing amenities for locals and tourists with the aim of creating sustainable and beneficial resources for all.

Projects delivered under the T&V scheme are outlined on pages 2 & 3.

Upgraded website

The website’s remit is to act as a community resource, support local businesses and promote tourism. We use the FernsVillage brand online to tap into what makes us unique - our people and our heritage. We invite you to look at the website and let us know if you have any suggestions. If you are a business, we are compiling a business listing and ask that you contact secretaryfcda@fernsvillage.ie if you

would like to be included.

Interpretative Exhibition This exciting new visitor attraction, called the ‘Medieval Ferns Experience’ (MFE) is located in Ferns Community Centre and tells the story of Ferns, focusing on our significant medieval story, from the time of St. Aidan, through its dominance as the seat of power for the Kings of Leinster, to the arrival of the Normans. We are proud of our title as the Ancient Capital of Leinster and we have a huge story to tell – this new attraction will help showcase this story.

The MFE will act as a tourism information point - a tourism attraction with year round opening to complement the Ferns Castle and Visitor Centre

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History Hunters - a History Hunters programme

by Abarta Heritage is now due to take the form of an online course in the Spring, which will be accessible for those living in both regions who wish to discover more about their heritage and research resources available. Follow Abarta Heritage on Facebook @AbartaHeritage for upcoming details

Public Art Commission – further public consultation for the proposed piece of public art for Ferns will commence in the second quarter of the year. Stage 1 (Expression of Interest) of the procurement process has been completed, with 5 short-listed artists selected to go through to Stage 2. Their proposals will be available for public consideration and the local community will have the opportunity to discuss and have input on the decision where the art might be sited and what winning proposal should be brought forward for development. All plans are subject to agreement with relevant Authorities and stakeholders.

Ferns Artist in Residence - David Begley has made great progress with the Monk’s Garden at St. Edan’s national school and has begun his artistic response on local hedgerows, through explorations and interviews with local farmers. Follow David’s progress and art on Facebook and at

Community Support Scheme – a number of small community projects are being supported through the project, including the making of medieval costumes; a medieval music composition to be performed in Ferns Cathedral and a rock opera based on the lives of St. Aidan and St. David, being supported by the local Ferns Choir. Further supports will be available, so be sure to subscribe to the Ancient Connections mailing list to receive notifications and news on further opportunities.

Email ancient.connections@wexfordcoco.ie.

Animating Schools – after a very successful cultural exchange visit from our Welsh school-mates, the animation film programme with St. Edan’s and Scoil Naomh Maodhog Ferns has been postponed until Autumn 2022, due to COVID 19.

Tourism Marketing - a marketing consultant has been appointed to deliver the project’s destination marketing programme for Ferns and North Wexford, in a post-COVID environment. This will be in collaboration with local tourism suppliers, stakeholders and the Ferns Community Development Association’s Tourism Development Plan. Further plans and support of Fern’s interpretation and heritage trails will be announced in the coming months.

www.davidbegley.com

Small Art Commissions – 4 artists have been commissioned (two per region), responding to the themes ‘personal or collective pilgrimage or journeying’, ‘Sacred Places’, ‘Celtic Diaspora’, ‘ancestral heritage and a longing for home’. These will include public participation and working within the communities, so please support the Artists where/when you can.They will exhibit their work to the community later on in the project.

Monk’s Garden, St. Edan’s N.S. courtesy of David Begley.

Enterprise Supports - the project team are currently working on developing a programme of training and mentoring supports for the new Medieval Ferns Experience and local tourism entrepreneurs, in association with Wexford LEO. The project’s “Exploring a Shared Past Literature Review” by Abarta Heritage and the feasibility study research for a potential pilgrimage route between Ferns and St. Davids are available now by emailing ancient.connections@wexfordcoco.ie Website - the project’s website www.ancientconnections.com will be launched soon, which will be your one-stop-shop for all news, events, arts, tourism, archaeology and opportunities to get involved with the Ancient Connections project For now, be sure to subscribe to the Ancient Connections online mailing list to receive notifications and news on further courses and opportunities.

Email ancient.connections@wexfordcoco.ie and follow us on Facebook @AncientConnect

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Residents Associations Are you currently in a Residents Association or would you like to start one?

Wexford Local Development supports local community groups to start, plan, link with other groups, run community activities and apply for grants.

If you would like support for your Residents Association please contact: John Kelly (Community Development Worker) on: 087- 7940830 or jkelly@wld.ie

our community to respond to. The Survey will be distributed, subject to COVID-19 restrictions and will also be available online. This survey will help us develop a community vision for Ferns. Keep an eye on our website and social media platforms for updates.

Contact information: Later this year we will hold an AGM, subject to Covid restrictions and we encourage members of the public to attend. Details will be notified on FernsVillage social media and website. Come join the discussion – your input is important. You can keep up to date with our activities by visiting the FernsVillage website.

Email: secretaryfcda@fernsvillage.ie Website: www.fernsvillage.ie

Future Projects In our previous Newsletter (available on www.fernsvillage.ie) we talked about our Vision for Ferns which was informed by a number of consultation processes and documents. We will continue to represent the interests of our community on issues affecting our community.

It must be said that without the hard work of many volunteers we could not have delivered on the many projects and campaigns over the years. The success of volunteerism cannot be underestimated – without it, many of our clubs, groups and associations would not exist or be as successful as they are - it is a testament to the passion, belief and vision of those involved!

We work in collaboration with a variety of groups, clubs and agencies to further the aims of our Association. In the coming months we will distribute a Community Survey which we urge all members of

To help us promote Ferns and support local, we ask that you help us by using the hashtag #FernsVillage online.

We think of those in our community and beyond who are negatively impacted by the current pandemic - whether through loss of loved ones, loss of jobs or the strain of dealing with everyday issues at this extraordinary time.

@FernsVillage @FernsVillage @FernsVillage Ferns Village YouTube channel

#supportlocal #localtalent #shoplocal #workingtogether

A dedicated helpline was established by Wexford County Council to assist at-risk members of the public in accessing nonemergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency.

Ph: 053- 9196000 (9am—5pm)

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Monies raised through this quiz will go towards projects outlined in this Newsletter. FCDA has been successful in accessing national and local grants, however many grants require match funding of between 10% and 25% and this means we need to raise funds to support projects for the benefit of our community. We also have an annual insurance cost for which FCDA paid €2,200 last year.

Due to the national COVID 19 restrictions since March of 2020, much of the planned Ancient Connections programme of customer facing

COVID-19 Community Helpline:

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Where does your money go?

FCDA Projects undertaken over the past few years

www.fernsvillage.ie

For those living outside Ferns, copies are being dropped off at schools in Ballyduff, Ferns and Tombrack for children to bring them home. n

towards payment of the new lights.

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Enniscorthy Credit Union – going green!

Enniscorthy Credit Union is delighted to have been specifically mentioned in an article about Green Loan rates in The Sunday Times on 21 March 2021, in the Money section. The article was written

by Eithne Dunne, and compared the many “green” loans available now.

Enniscorthy Credit Union green loans have been available since early 2020 and a spokesperson told us, “We have seen an increase in interest and uptake. Our fantastic rate can be used for home improvements and/or a hybrid or electric car. Our low rate for our green loan was in response to the publicity that Enniscorthy was getting in 2019, as having one of the worst air qualities in Ireland. Air pollution in Enniscorthy was almost ten times the EU safety levels. In the first two months of 2019, levels in the town were measured at 200 while the EU standard is 25. EPA surveys had shown that in certain Irish towns, like Enniscorthy and Gorey, air quality could be at the same levels as Beijing, Bombay, and third world capital cities. By having low rate Green Loans we offer an affordable way

for our members to make their homes energy efficient.”

A lot of homes in the Enniscorthy region were built before 2006 and the national push is now on to retrofit those homes by 2030. Many are suitable for grants to increase their energy efficiency through the SEAI (check out their website for more information). However the grants do not cover the full amount of the work, that is where Enniscorthy Credit Union can come in, offering a flexible, affordable loan to cover the balance of the cost.

According to The Sunday Times article, “Rates for green home improvements vary from credit union to credit union, but Enniscorthy Credit Union, for example, is offering an APR of 5.4 per cent on its green loans, putting it up there with the most competitive rates on the market.

“Some green lenders offer preferential rates for those buying electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. For example, Enniscorthy Credit Union offers the same rate for electric cars as it does for green home improvements.”

On a green loan for €10,000 over 5 years at 5.4 per cent, the total cost of credit is a market-beating €1,392.

See: https://www.enniscorthycu.ie/ credit-union-news/green-loan-rates/ n

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New ambulance base for Gorey?

Gorey District Hospital

Minister James Browne TD says that the HSE is examining Gorey District Hospital as a site for an upgraded ambulance base. A feasibility study is currently underway to examine its suitability. If it proves to be an unsuitable site, Minister Browne says “the HSE will look at purchasing a site and building a new ambulance base in close proximity to Gorey”. He has promised to “keep the pressure on the HSE and work with local health officials to progress this project”.

Construction of second Cath Lab in Waterford to proceed

Senator Malcolm Byrne welcomed the announcement last month by Junior Health Minister Mary Butler that the construction contract for the second Catheterisation Lab for University Hospital Waterford has now been awarded, a start date has been agreed, and the HSE has confirmed that the contractor will be on site in the first week of May. Senator Byrne stated that this will be of “enormous benefit to patients across the Southeast, including in Co. Wexford. We have been waiting for this for a long time!”

Page 24 - 6th April 2021

SlaNey NewS GETTING THE JAB – WHEN? Most normal, sensible people are eager to get the anti-covid vaccination. The problem is of course very few of us know when this might happen. This is because of the slow roll-out of the vaccination programme which, to put it mildly, is utterly disgraceful. The powers that be, headed by the highly paid HSE Chief Executive Officer, blame supply difficulties of the vaccine product for this tardy response to the virus. Even if we accept that, and it’s difficult to do when we see the progress in the UK and the North, there is no excuse for the messups in relation to GPs being supplied with the vaccine and being left without syringes and so on. Regrettably, it is a farcical situation which will lead to nothing other than a continued lockdown of Irish society, but of course this will not adversely affect any of our public officials or politicians who are ultimately responsible for this. They will continue to draw their handsome salary cheques and tell the rest of us that we are all in this together.

TRANSPARENCY OF VACCINATION PROGRAMME The debacle surrounding the Beacon Private Hospital’s distribution of the anti-covid vaccine raises questions about the transparency of the programme. As I write, an enquiry is under way so obviously in fairness to all it has to be let run its course. The one thing which is apparent is that the private school in question should not have benefited in the way that it did. Furthermore, the well respected journalist Paul Cullen of the Irish Times in an article in his newspaper on Monday 29th March has also raised questions regarding the destination of up to 80,000 of the vaccines. He has made no allegations whatsoever but has requested more transparency regarding this matter. We agree strongly with him on this point.

View from the Centre

A local contributor, based in the centre of the county, looks at life today in Co. Wexford and beyond assume that, as in any job, the applicant would have a look at the terms and conditions before putting their name forward. Having established that this part-time voluntary job might suit them they would then proceed with the application. It appears that some of our present councillors either didn’t familiarise themselves with those conditions or indeed did so and now want to change them. Putting yourself forward for election as a part-time public representative is a totally voluntary act and is unlike a person who

applies for a part-time or permanent job which the applicant needs to survive financially. Therefore, I don’t see how anyone can offer themselves to the public in an absolutely voluntary position and then expect to receive some kind of paid maternity or paternity leave. One of the solutions being offered by the councillors is that when on such leave they should be allowed work remotely and so on. Nothing new there sure aren’t they all doing that currently and still receiving full travel expenses etc.

This issue should be put aside and instead a new review of local government should be held. Town Councils should be reinstated and a proper remuneration package put in place for full-time councillors. More important than any of that are the powers of local government which currently are nonexistent. We have no local government in Ireland. It has been stripped of its powers over the years and is now merely local administration. A lot of the fault rests with councillors who in the past lacked the courage to take unpopular decisions and passed the various problems to national government. When national government takes the decisions then they take the powers.

Surely the councillors looking for this maternity/paternity leave would be better advised to tackle the real problem and do something to return proper local government to the people who they claim to represent. n

COUNCILLORS REQUESTING MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE Maternity/paternity leave for councillors has become the current ‘IN’ issue. Those elected to these positions have, as I understand it, offered themselves to the public in an election for a part-time position to serve as a public representative.

At the time of the election I would

❝ The slow roll out of the vaccination programme... to put it mildly is utterly disgraceful.❞

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AT THE MARCH MEETING OF ENNISCORTHY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT (EMD), THE HOT TOPIC WAS WASTE DISPOSAL It was revealed that an analysis of 10 housing estates/streets in Ennicorthy and 1 in Bunclody, showed that 36% of houses didn't have a recognised waste disposal contractor. A small percentage of that 36% could show alternative legal means of disposal but that still leaves a huge number who couldn't show how they dispose of their rubbish. It's no wonder therefore that, for example, in one week in March, Council staff picked up a half tonne of rubbish (36 bags) off the Enniscorthy to Kiltealy road, and that 60% of the district’s outdoor staff’s time is taken up with dealing with rubbish and dog fouling.

EMD Council is now applying pressure to those houses without a recognised means of disposal, and in one estate compliance went from 80% to 92% as a result. So a very strong focus by Council staff on proper waste disposal compliance in the weeks and months ahead, is expected.

Several Councillors spoke in favour of Wexford County Council supplying the media with regular updates on the names of people who've been successfully prosecuted by them for illegal dumping etc, and the Slaney News would be more than happy to publish those names if supplied to us. n

Enniscorthy District Councillor, Cathal Byrne, has been particularly vocal on the issue of illegal dumping...

He says: “The Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan TD needs to take action immediately to address the uncertainty that surrounds the use of CCTV to deter and prosecute illegal dumping... I am contacted on an almost daily basis by local constituents reporting illegal dumping across our beautiful County Wexford countryside. Many of these areas are repeated litter black-spots which see regular illegal dumping. I have seen mattresses, large suites of furniture, beds as well as multiple bags of rubbish dumped in the past few months.

“Recent decisions of the Data Protection Commissioner have made it harder for Wexford County Council and other Local Authorities to use CCTV to tackle illegal dumping. In Co. Kerry and in Co. Waterford some CCTV used to take on illegal dumping has had to be taken down and shut off due to GDPR issues.

“Last month I brought a motion to Wexford County Council which was passed unanimously by Councillors which called on the Minister for the Enviroment Eamon Ryan T.D. to change the law and amend the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Waste Management Act 1996 to provide a clear statutory framework to allow Local Authorities to use CCTV to deter illegal dumping.

“It’s now time for the Minister to act, the law needs to change. Local communities across Wexford cannot afford to wait while illegal dumping continues on an almost daily basis,” concluded Councillor Byrne. n

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Applying pressure Wexford County Council has been carrying out surveys of estates since mid 2019 with 44 estates and 1,600 houses surveyed to date. 388 letters were issued to residents of which 288 demonstrated they had appropriate waste management in place and to the balance of 100 – fixed penalty notices were issued.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– Cleaning up instances of illegal dumping is both timeconsuming and costly.

Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Ger Mackey says: “This issue is taking up a significant amount of the outdoor staff workload, leaving less time to work on duties that make the town better.” n

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Grab & Go At the March meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, it was agreed that the Riverside Park Hotel be allowed put out some outdoor seating at its new Riverside Coffee Hub on The Prom.

In Wexford town, there were 22 applications from service providers for the recent call for outdoor trading licences with La Côte Restaurant, The Pantry Café and Gelato Icecream being granted licences for Wexford Quay, Ufucoffee a licence for Min Ryan Park, and La Cuisine for Carrigfoyle Trails.

It is expected that licences will issue in the coming days subject to receipt of insurances, tax clearance, appropriate licence fee etc with a view to commencing trading as soon as possible under relevant Covid regulations and guidelines. n WELL DONE AND BEST WISHES TO ALL

Coffee Hub on 15th March Above: Down at the Riverside en, and little Eva Whelan.

Cull were Sarah and Patricia uary, in Courtown Harbour Left: Sunday morning, 21st Febr ne having a relaxing were Peter Jenkins and Joe Kea coffee beside the pier.

14th March, Below right: On Wexford Quays, was Patricia Melo Vasconcelos. uckridge Square were Below left: Enjoying coffee in Kilm llivan on 21st March.

O’Su n Hele Shane Murphy and

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A big boost for Tom

Hunter McIntyre – one of the favourites for the $50,000 event in Dallas

In 2006, at the age of 25, Enniscorthy’s Tom Hogan was a latecomer to the athletics scene but made an immediate impact winning Wexford’s Senior Cross Country and Road Race titles.

Along with defending those honours, he added Leinster titles and several middle distance accomplishments before moving on to tougher challenges, most notably in Mountain Running, representing Ireland for over a decade in European and World Championships. He has broken most of Ireland’s mountain peak records and is current holder of the Irish 50 mile record.

Credible times in two Ironman competitions and winning recognition as an elite marathon runner add to his incredible range of athletic achievements.

It has been 15 years packed with challenge after challenge for a man who, with his wife Dena, does his training at 5.30am before a day’s work in his print business. Evenings and weekends are not for resting with extra training or coaching his kids and the local schoolboys soccer team taking priority.

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Enniscorthy’s Tom Hogan, competing with some of the world’s fittest professionals.

❝ Tom proves he is world class but getting to Dallas may be his biggest challenge ❞ Tom (39) took his physical and mental challenge to another level with his participation in the Hyrox DF Virtual World Championships recently. A crossfit type event with over 300 contestants from 70 countries attracting some of the best crossfit professionals and elite OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) racers from around the world, most notably from USA and Germany.

The event started with a two-mile time trial, with Tom finishing first to top the leaderboard with a time of 9.50 in rain-drenched conditions.

Then it was on to a 15-minute challenge which included a 1,000 metre row, followed by 50 Wall Balls (9kg medicine ball) hitting a target at 10ft. Another 1,000 metre row followed by more Wall Balls, clocking up as many as possible in that time before exhaustion.

Following that it was 30 Hand Release Push-

Joshua Wichtrup – a narrow win over Enniscorthy’s Tom Hogan.

ups, 60 Single Arm Devil Press with two 15kg dumbells and 90 Lunges with two 15kg dumbells. All to be done in the quickest time possible with strict supervision by the judges based in Germany. A hiccup on Tom’s part in failing to state the date and time to the camera cost him a 12 point penalty (such was the judging strictness).

But overall, it proved one of his finest achievements, finishing just 5 points behind Joshua Wichtrup (28), Germany’s national crossfit champion and 18th fittest man in the world at the 2019 Crossfit Games. Hogan took silver, with Gavin Hogarth of Scotland third.

The prize for the top three of Wichtrup, Hogan and Hogarth is a place at the ‘invitation only’ elite professional Hyrox Race in Dallas on 10th April, where they will take on professional, OCR, Crossfit and Hyrox champion Hunter ‘The Sheriff’ McIntyre (32) along with other top ranked athletes.

At the time of going to press (6th April), unfortunately it looks like Hogan will be unable to secure the necessary permit to travel and represent Ireland at this international, elite sporting event. n

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Trinity transformation time €18.4 million funding boost for Trinity Wharf as Wexford urban regeneration project moves towards construction phase.

Wexford County Council has warmly welcomed the recent announcement by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, that the Council’s flagship urban regeneration project at Trinity Wharf Wexford is to receive €18.4 million in funding.

The transformational project is being funded under ‘Call 2’ of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) which has been established to part-fund projects aimed at enhancing urban areas to make them more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest. The URDF aims to facilitate a greater proportion of residential and commercial development, supported by infrastructure, services and amenities, within the existing built-up areas of larger urban settlements.

The URDF projects were chosen after a rigorous assessment process, overseen by a project advisory board consisting of Government departments, State agencies and national and international experts in areas such as building, architecture and planning. In total, the department received 76 project proposals. Each local authority submitted at least one application.

All selected projects support the National Planning Framework’s ‘national strategic outcome’ of compact growth, a particular focus of the second call for URDF proposals.

The 10-acre Trinity Wharf project is central

to Wexford County Council’s ambitious plans to attract foreign direct investment and high-quality employment opportunities to County Wexford. With overall project investment estimated at €120 million, including €26 million of public investment, the huge regeneration project is central to the long-term regeneration and enhancement of Wexford town and environs by creating a new urban quarter for the south of Wexford town with new links to the Crescent and town centre area.

The Council acquired the site in 2016, and prepared a masterplan and preliminary designs for the creation of a high-quality mixed use development of modern office space, hotel accommodation, multi-storey carparking, a landmark cultural and events multi-use building together with dozens of residential units, a new marina and a boardwalk linking Trinity Wharf to Paul Quay and the Crescent.

Speaking at the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Councillor Ger Carthy said: “Today’s announcement means that Wexford County Council’s ambition to develop Trinity Wharf as a multi-use regeneration project of regional scale has now become a reality. I am indebted to Minister O’Brien and his Department for their support and I can assure the Minister that the transformation, regeneration and redevelopment of Trinity Wharf will have a major

positive impact in prosperity and economic activity here in County Wexford and beyond,” said the Cathaoirleach.

Mayor of Wexford Councillor Leonard Kelly also welcomed the announcement.

“Regeneration projects such as Trinity Wharf are all about making these areas more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest,” said the Mayor.

“This multi-use major development project will greatly enhance the quality of life for people who live, work and visit Wexford by taking an under-utilised strategic brownfield site and using it to bring opportunity and new vibrancy to the wider area,” he added.

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Mr. Tom Enright described Trinity Wharf as one of the most exciting and ambitious economic developments projects ever proposed in the county.

“Trinity Wharf is an example of how the local authority has taken a diverse set of needs, including economic, social and recreational and integrated these into a progressive, modern, fit-for-purpose multiuse development project that can transform the economic and social landscape of County Wexford.”

Mr Enright also praised the elected members of the Council who he said had been “unflinching” in their support of the Trinity Wharf project since its inception in 2016. He also thanked the Special Projects team at Wexford County Council. n

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Scoil na nÓg – delighted to be open again Scoil na nÓg – oscailte arís The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme reopened on 8th March 2021 and childcare services reopened for all children on 29th March 2021.

One pre-school delighted to be open again is Scoil na nÓg Naíonra, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, a preschool which incorporates the Irish language throughout the early years environment. Scoil na nÓg is one of the few Irish language preschools in the county, and being situated in the grounds of the Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh primary school it is ideally located for parents and children who want to progress to the Irish language primary school on site.

The school’s dynamic owner is Karen Leacy, who says the preschool is child-centred (páistelárnach) and “tá craic mhaith ann, sin a bhfuil ann” (It's good fun, pure and simple).

Karen is now taking September 2021 registrations, please text/call 087-0951019 for details. Go raibh maith agaibh. n

One of the spacious and well-equipped classrooms in Scoil nÓg, Enniscorthy.

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We would be delighted to receive stories and photos from our readers around the county.

If you have anything you’d like us to share, please email slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as many photos and stories as possible.

We ask that any people who appear in submitted photos are compliant with the Covid-19 restrictions applicable at the time.

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Julie’s fundraisers reach €5,000 Duncannon-based singer, DJ and broadcaster Julie Dwyer has recently raised over €5,000 for two charities.

Firstly, Julie organised a ‘Wexford Performers Unite’ gigathon to raise funds for Wexford People Helping People (WPHP) who are working to take care of those left without accommodation by the recent fire in the Foggy Dew pub and B&B in Wexford town. A number of well known local performers including Roger McGuire, Shane McDonald, Stuart Burns, Billy McCracken, Justin Murphy, Joe Davitt, Paul Mollloy and DJ Dave Goddard, performed over the course of a full day.

A charity auction followed afterwards and between the gigathon and auction Julie raised €3,000 which has been presented to WPHP. Julie was delighted with the response she received, “I couldn’t believe how generours everybody was, especially in this difficult time.”

Shortly after that particular fundraising, Julie was back in action again, with “The 3 Sisters’ Fundraiser for Down Syndrome Ireland” in the company of her two sisters, Kelly Johnston and Sharon McCracken.

Julie explains: “My sisters Sharon and Kelly, and I, took part in a Virtual Purple Run on Sunday 21st March, all in the name of our little sister Maria. Our walk took place over four different areas of beauty close to home

L-R: Sisters, Kelly Johnston, Sharon McCracken, Julie Dwyer and, in front, Maria.

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When Julie Dwyer is not fundraising, you can catch her on the radio: 10am Costa Blanca time, 9am Irish/U.K. time, on 97fm in Benidorm, 104fm on the Orihuela Costa and in Torrevieja, www.freshradiospain.com. Or ask your Smart Speaker to play Fresh Radio Spain.

– Duncannon Beach, Tintern Abbey, the new Arthurstown Walking Trail and Fethard Castle Trail, while remaining socially distanced at all times.” Being a musical family, the sisters had special guest artists performing along the way to keep them entertained as they walked.

Over €2,000 was raised by this particular event meaning Julie has now helped raise over €5,000 in total in the space of just a few short weeks. A truly remarkable achievement.

One can follow Julie Dwyer on Facebook here. n

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Congratulations to Patrick Higgins of Moyne Road, Enniscorthy, and Sharon Dempsey of Newtown, Oulart, Kilmuckridge, on their recent Engagement.

St Aidan’s Parish Office and Shop are currently closed due to Covid restrictions but the phone is attended to Mon–Sat, 10am to 1pm, tel: 053-9235777.

You can leave a message outside the above times.

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne T.D. has welcomed the approval of emergency works funding for Camolin N.S. The Department of Education has approved funding for roof works to the school.

Minister Browne welcomed the news and commended the school’s staff and pupils. “I’m glad to learn that emergency works funding to improve the condition of Camolin N.S.’s roof has been approved. I want to commend the school’s staff and pupils who, along with the pupils’ parents and guardians, have worked diligently in adapting to home-based learning in recent weeks.

I’m glad that these works have been approved to improve the condition of the school’s roof over the coming weeks.”

Barbara Deathe from Beechaven, Blackstoops and The Moyne, Enniscorthy, recently celebrated a big birthday at home with her family. And it was a double cause for celebration as she also received her first Covid-19 vaccine on her special day.

Thanks to all who sent Barbara special wishes.

Funding was announced on 29th March for Piercestown village to allow an upgrade to the footpaths, village improvement and a safety crossing (at point pictured below) for pedestrians which will include flashing beacons.

Cllr Lisa McDonald pictured with Jack Roche, Anne Rochford, Gordan Rochford and Peadar Dempsey of the village committee.

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Water worries in Gorey District

No Staff Reduction Planned at Wexford General Hospital Despite stories circulating to the contrary, Senator Malcolm Byrne says there are no plans by the HSE to reduce the number of staff at Wexford General Hospital. “In fact, it is proposed that numbers will increase over time,” he says.

In 2020, the number of intern places at WGH was increased on a temporary basis as part of a national scheme. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed to Senator Byrne that the temporary increase will be permanent so WGH will maintain the same number of interns.

Intern training is a period of at least twelve months after graduation for a new doctor and when they complete it satisfactorily, they can apply to the Medical Council to its general registration or as a trainee specialist.

Minister Donnelly has also increased the number of specialist training places available and Senator Byrne says, “I have also discussed the need for additional specialist consultants at WGH. The government is investing an additional €4bn in the health service this year and this will include additional staff.”

Senator Byrne continued: “It is important before making a statement on any issue to establish the facts. The HSE were never cutting staff at Wexford General. Any discussions I have had have been about necessary extra staff supports and I’m hopeful we will see this happen in the near future.”

“I also welcome that the temporary increase in the number of intern places will now be made permanent.” n

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Cllr Andrew Bolger met with Irish Water on 22nd March and took the opportunity to raise two issues of concern in the Gorey District.

Firstly, the nine-inch pipe on the Forth Road was put forward for consideration, however both Wexford County Council and Irish Water deemed it a much lower priority than Cllr Bolger had hoped. “It burst 14/15 times last year forcing a number of people in Gorey to go without water while working from home. A number of people had to call out plumbers to fix airlocks... I feel that the people of Gorey will not accept this and I think these views are reasonably held.”

Cllr Bolger also raised the issue of waste water capacity in Camolin village – an issue that has been ongoing for quite some time and, he says, “will continue to be a problem for quite a while yet”.

This too was not considered a priority but according to Cllr Bolger: “If you ask the people in Camolin what is the main issue they will tell you it's the waste water capacity. It is not possible to get planning in the village because of this. The next review of this is in 2024. A lifetime away for the people of Camolin. The national planning laws seem to want people to be living in villages, well Camolin would be a lovely village to live in but there's little hope of building there.” n

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Michael Cloke – a man of many movies Enniscorthy singer and musician Michael Cloke developed his love for acting through making music videos and from there he enrolled with The Gaiety School of Acting in 2016, and spent three years doing acting courses. While he attended the Gaiety, he worked as an extra on the series Vikings, and from there developed his acting skills further and started to work on short films and TV series. Recently, Michael signed to his first Irish Acting Agency (Morgan The Agency).

Movie list to date: Hillwalkers, Victims Of The Vikings, I Am Patrick, Bloodline Detectives, CLANN, Slab, Vikings, The Man Who Invented Christmas, Election 18’.

Michael has also written and produced two movies to date: Slab and Midterm Mistake.

Watch out for Michael who has a role in an upcoming movie called Gods And Fighting Men which will commence shooting in 2022. n

Best of luck to Enniscorthy’s Michael Joseph Cloke, actor, director, singer, musician and writer – a busy man!

His new short edition E-Book is now on sale on Amazon.

‘REIGN OF CELTS: A HISTORICAL STORY OF LOVE AND REVENGE’ Back in the dark ages, circa 800 AD, on the South East coast of Ireland, a young man named Ailchú rises up against evil forces to avenge the death of his loved ones and a meeting with an evil seer sends him on a journey to the dark side where his fate is determined!!!

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GREENFINGERS

12th March 2021: Above – Cyril Wheelock is always hands-on at Wheeelock’s famous fruit farm, Finchogue, Enniscorthy.

Below: A strawberry tunnel at Wheelock’s.

Right: A strawberry bloom at Kearns Fruit Farm, Curraghgraigue, Ballindaggin. n

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Oonagh Trehin is a registered associate nutritionist (ANutr) from Co. Wexford. She studied nutrition for four years at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, and received a BSc Nutrition in 2016. In November 2017, she graduated from an MSc in Public Health at the University of Sunderland. Her passion for nutrition and science led her to set up Little O Nutrition which offers an evidence-based, judgement-free, friendly service.

Oonagh contributes a regular column to the Slaney News.

Fat is an important nutrient

by Oonagh Trehin BSc MSc ANutr Fat has been demonised for years and is often blamed for poor health, but fat is an important nutrient!

Fat is a macronutrient, as are carbohydrates and protein. Macronutrients provide energy in the diet. Because fat provides more energy than other macronutrients, people assume it is bad. Many of us think eating fat will make us fat, but that isn't the case. Fat is filling and tasty, so including fat in our diets is positive.

Some fats are essential, such as Omega 3. Omega-3s are important fats for heart and brain health. ALA (alpha-linoleic acid) is an essential nutrient, meaning the body cannot produce it so we need to get it through food. ALA is found in plant products such as rapeseed, flaxseed,

walnuts and green leafy veggies. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are long chain fatty acids. They are made from ALA in the body. However, making them takes a long time, so it is important to get some through diet. The best source of EPA and DHA is fish, with oily fish containing the highest amounts.

The case for including fat in your diet:  Fat is a great source of energy.  Some fats are essential for good health.

high fat, but it is also a good source of fibre, potassium, vitamin B6 and C. As I always say, no foods or nutrients are inherently good or bad. They are just food and nutrients. They all have a use and a place in our diets. It is all about variety and eating a range of foods that you enjoy.

Need help with your nutrition? Visit: www.littleonutrition.com or contact Oonagh on 083-3260216 or littleonutrition@gmail.com n

 Without fat in your diet you may feel more hungry.

Most foods that contain fat are sources of other nutrients so cutting them out could diminish your nutritional intakes.

For example, avocado is considered

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THE IRISH CHEF FROM ENNISCORTHY

Justin Moorehouse is a chef living in Galway but originally from Enniscorthy.

He started a Youtube channel called ‘The Irish Chef’ during the first lock-

down initially to share some recipes with friends in Boston and New York.

Now it’s turned into over 80 videos and counting of mostly Irish recipes with a

The Village at Wheelocks, Finchogue, Enniscorthy, is open for Takeaway.

To keep up to date with opening hours, menus, etc: Check out Wheelock’s Facebook page here Or phone: 053 92 01900.

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few trending recipes also.

Check out Justin’s Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/TheIrishCh ef/videos n

Via Veneto in Enniscorthy is open for takeaway with an extensive menu and a Special Offer of two starters, two main courses, two desserts and a bottle of house wine for €55. Tel: 053 9236929.

Check out the full menu here.

Congrats to Mark and all the team at Wickham Bros butcher shop in Enniscorthy who celebrated 60 years in business this Easter weekend.

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Grow Your Own! GIY (the Grow It Yourself organisation) aims to help half a million people grow their own food with the ‘Grow it Forward’ campaign in partnership with Healthy Ireland and Libraries Ireland.

Through this initiative, 50,000 free food-growing kits are being given away, with participants asked to use the kits to share the experience with ten people, enabling half a million people across Ireland to enjoy the wide range of benefits that come from growing food at home.

Speaking at the campaign launch, Michael Kelly, Founder of GIY said, “The pandemic has seen a record number of people turn to growing their own food and discovering the joy and pride that brings. The process of seeing a seed turn into a seedling and eventually food you can eat is full of magic and no shortage of optimism. Grow it Forward is all about sharing that feeling as far and wide as possible at a time when we need it most.

That’s why we’re inviting people to get free seeds and do good deeds.”

Budding GIY’ers are invited to claim a pack at giy.ie/growitforward or by contacting their local library (see contact details later), as all 330 branches nationwide are helping to drive the effort. As part of the Government’s Keep Well programme, this campaign is designed to help the nation eat well by inspiring and supporting people to grow some of their own food at home.

Colette Byrne, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council said, “Local authorities and libraries are delighted to partner with GIY on the Grow It Forward programme... When you sign up, you’re not just getting seeds, you’re getting a whole programme of support and the opportunity to share your new knowledge along with seedlings, plants and produce with friends and family. This could be a lovely intergenerational project... Library staff will be available to support and guide you through your growing journey so contact your local library today to sign up and get started.

You don’t have to be a library member but this is a great chance to join because as well as GIY’s adult and children’s books available as e-books, you’ll have access to thousands of gardening and

Each food-growing pack includes seeds for beetroot, carrots, salad leaves, peas and tomatoes; a guide to help grow them and a postcard and gift tags to help share them. Those who sign up will also receive regular e-mails with growing support, video clips and ideas for how to ‘grow it forward’ by passing on seeds, seedlings or produce in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

cookery books and magazines so you can continue to develop your new hobby.”

Calling on people of all ages to join the campaign, GIY’s Karen O’Donohoe added, “Packs will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis and we will then teach people how to grow, whether on a windowsill or a large garden. We will also show a wide range of ways to share seeds, small seedlings, plants in pots or the produce at harvest time, to make sure your Grow it Forward experience is as easy as can be.”

Register for a Grow it Forward pack while supplies last at www.giy.ie/growitforward or contact your local library: Bunclody Library: 053 9375466 or bunclodylib@wexfordcoco.ie Enniscorthy Library: 053 9236055 or enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie Gorey Library: 053 9483820 or goreylib@wexfordcoco.ie New Ross Library: 051 421877 or newrosslib@wexfordcoco.ie Wexford Town Library: 053 9196760 or wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie https://www.facebook.com/Wexfordlib/ The Slaney News looks forward to seeing Co. Wexford growing! n

Helping to launch ‘Grow it Forward’ is 2-year-old Harry Molloy along with his Great Grandfather Fintan Walsh and his Granny Mary Molloy. The initiative from GIY, Healthy Ireland and Libraries Ireland is aiming to get half a million people growing their own food this summer – free ‘Grow it Forward’ seed and information packs are now available at www.giy.ie/growitforward or participants can also contact their local library.

Pic: Patrick Browne

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Outdoor dining scheme an Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD and Fáilte Ireland announced, on 31st March, a new €17million scheme for developing outdoor dining capacity nationwide. The Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme comprises two parts and will be delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities across the country. Part One of the Scheme will provide funding for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own outdoor seating capacity.

Funding allocated under Part Two will enable Local Authorities to develop permanent outdoor public dining spaces in towns and urban centres, similar to those that exist in various European cities. The scheme opens for applications on 12th April.

Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland said: “I want to thank Minister Martin for securing this funding and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) for its support with designing and administering it. Part One of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme relates to Outdoor Seating and Accessories to help tourism and hospitality businesses offset some of the costs incurred in upgrading premises for outdoor dining and seating. Part Two of the Scheme relates to Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Infrastructure which focuses on the development of medium to large scale permanent public dining spaces in towns and centres in preparation for welcoming back visitors when it is safe to do so. Each Local Authority can apply for up to €200,000 under this element of the scheme. We have been working closely with the CCMA on behalf of the Local Authorities to design a scheme that will be efficient and practical. We look forward to seeing the results across the country.”

Moira Murrell, Chair of the CCMA Rural Development, Community, Tourism, Culture and Heritage (RCTCH) Committee stated: “Local Authorities are looking forward to administering this Scheme for individual businesses, as well as delivering year-round all-weather outdoor seating options to boost the appeal and attractiveness of our cities and towns. Following the success of the Street Furniture Grant

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 Minister Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland announce new Outdoor Dining Scheme in partnership with Local Authorities.  Grants available for tourism and hospitality businesses.  Funding for Local Authorities to develop permanent long-term outdoor facilities.

Scheme, implemented by some Local Authorities in 2020, we look forward to creating outdoor dining experiences around the country that not only benefit locals, but are also attractive to domestic and overseas visitors when the sector reopens. Developing outdoor infrastructure is a key element of answering the consumer demand for more flexible dining options.”

Part One of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme covers Outdoor Seating and Accessories: This is open to individual tourism and hospitality businesses including hotels, cafes, restaurants and attractions where food is sold for consumption on the premises. Local Authorities will administer the Scheme through their internal business perspective and processes. All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative and other compliance requirements. The Scheme aims to expand on the work done in 2020 by Local Authorities in supporting businesses and will support individual independent hospitality and tourism businesses

towards the cost of equipment to provide additional outdoor seating and facilitate these businesses to increase their outdoor dining capacity for the summer of 2021.

Applicants can apply for a grant of up to €4,000 (up to 75% of the ex-VAT cost of equipment purchased/installed). Costs for outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands and wooden platforms will be covered under the Scheme. Expenditure must be incurred between 1st April 2020 and 30th September 2021 and the scheme will open for applications on April 12th 2021 through Local Authority websites.

Part Two of the Scheme covers Weatherproofing & Outdoor Dining Infrastructure: This will support Local Authorities to upgrade and enhance streets and public spaces and implement weather-proofing solutions which will facilitate year-round outdoor dining in urban tourism centres.

This element of the Scheme will facilitate medium-large scale, weather-proofed dining areas for a collective of businesses

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nounced Senator Malcolm Byrne: “I’ve been pushing for this on the Oireachtas Committee on Tourism and it is good to have clarity... It will be of significant benefit to businesses in Wexford.”

Paul Kehoe TD: “Developing outdoor dining and socialising spaces will help to improve the vibrancy of our towns across Wexford and bring them more in line with the European model. This is a key commitment in our new policy... The scheme will support jobs and businesses and transform appropriate outdoor spaces across Wexford as welcoming, vibrant places that will help support economic recovery.”

in a single zone/street, similar to those that exist in various European cities. Each Local Authority can apply for up to €200,000 for a maximum of two locations.

Additional funding may be made available subject to the quality and economic value of the proposals. Permanent robust and design appropriate weatherproofing structures, including parasols, electric heaters, wind breakers/screens and associated enabling works to accommodate these interventions on a long-term basis will be included. Roof structures and awnings will be considered subject to planning requirements being adhered to. Key is that these remedial works will increase the outdoor dining capacity within our cities and towns, whilst also ensuring the safety of diners and pedestrians.

While the scheme will be welcomed by many, it remains to be seen how it will work out in practice, particularly in towns like Enniscorthy where many of its restaurants are either situated on the town’s unsuitable hilly streets, or else have no obvious space outside their premises to place tables and chairs. n

Celebrity Chef Donal Skehan supports the ‘Think Before You Pour’ campaign to prevent Fatbergs Clean Coasts and Irish Water are delighted that celebrity chef Donal Skehan is supporting the Think Before You Pour campaign. The campaign discourages the public from pouring Fats, Oils and Grease (FOGs) down the kitchen sink, as 1 in 3 people living in Ireland admit to doing so.

Donal says the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of your FOGs after cooking is to pour them into a reusable container like an empty egg carton or yoghurt pot, and then emptying into a food-waste recycling bin. Donal reminds us how making small changes in our kitchens can prevent big problems in our wastewater systems and environment. FOGs are not suitable for home composting.

Although FOGs might seem like liquid when poured, once they cool along the wastewater pipes they can cause blockages in homes, the public wastewater network and at wastewater treatment plants. These blockages can lead to overflows of sewage that can damage the environment. When FOGs combine with wipes and other sanitary items that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, fatbergs can form. This is seen daily in villages, towns and cities as Irish Water clears thousands of fatbergs from the wastewater network every month.

You can watch a video on Donal's Facebook and Instagram.

To find out more please visit http://thinkbeforeyoupour.org/ n

In search of the not-so-humble spud!

Angela, Sales and Marketing Manager, and Dave, Head Chef, doing a bit of inspecting of potatoes at K&K Produce, Kilmore, for the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy. These potatoes are picked in autumn and stored locally for a whole year, with the potato ‘put to sleep’ and temperature monitored ensuring that the perfect potato is available to the Riverside Park Hotel all year round. So the next time you have chips or mashed potato from the Alamo at Home menu or when the hotel reopens, remember you are supporting local farm producers right here in Wexford.

See: https://www.riversideparkhotel.com/locally-sourced-produce/ n

6th April 2021 - Page 41

SlaNey food & driNk

Tackling Obesity in 2021 with Professor Donal O'Shea Weds 14th April, 7.00pm Join Professor Donal O’Shea, Consultant Endocrinologist, St Columcille’s and St Vincent’s University Hospitals, Professor of Medicine, University College Dublin for this live talk on Tackling Obesity in 2021.

Prof O’Shea established the first hospital-based multidisciplinary treatment unit for the management of adult obesity in the country. He is a member of the Dept of Health policy group on obesity established in 2011, and chaired a group carrying out a health impact assessment on tax on sugary drinks.

He has presented to the EU Ministers for Health and the Director General of the WHO on the importance of prevention of childhood obesity.

This online talk will be delivered live via MS TEAMS on Wednesday 14th April at 7.00pm.

To register email: libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie

Supporting Someone with an Eating Disorder Supporting Someone with an Eating Disorder Online Talk with Harriet Parsons Thursday 8th April, 8.00pm

Harriet Parsons

Join Harriet Parsons, Training and Development Manager with Bodywhys, for the next talk in the Wexford Library Service’s Parenting Today 2021 series. Harriet is a highly regarded and experienced counsellor and has lectured on Psychoanalysis in Dublin Business School, and eating disorders in UCD, as well as frequently giving public talks on how to understand eating disorders.

Eating Disorders are a growing problem encountered by people of all ages and all genders today. They are complicated to understand, and there are many myths that are not helpful. If you are

8th April March2021 2021 Page 42 - 6th

doing the wrong thing. This session will try to address some of these issues and will inform those watching and offer advice about support. Questions that will be addressed include: ➤ What is an eating disorder? ➤ Is it all about food? ➤ How do I know if someone has an eating disorder? ➤ What are some dos and don'ts when trying to have a conversation and support? ➤ Where do I go for help and treatment?

concerned about someone or supporting someone with an eating disorder, you can feel worried about saying or

This talk is scheduled to arrive online on the Wexford Library Facebook page and Wexford Libraries YouTube channel on Thursday April 8th at 8.00pm. n

SlaNey food & driNk

Award-winning Wexford Chef, Tony Carty, now has his own range of artisan breads and dressings on sale at selected outlets in Wexford.

Tony C’s fresh artisan bread from the oven is delivered to the following selected outlets: Kate’s Farm Shop | Flanagans Centra, Castlebridge | Hanrahans, Piercestown Boggans, Wexford | The Green Corner, Church Lane Car Park. Select from: Guinness Bread, Walnut & Cinnamon, Farmhouse Brown, Semi Dried Tomato & Basil.

Keep an eye out for Tony’s famous dressings: WEXFORD RASPBERRY, SMOKEY WHOLEGRAIN MUSTARD & HONEY, BLOOD ORANGE & BALSAMIC. Check out Tony’s Facebook page. Click here. n

Growing your own vegetables with Klaus Laitenberger Join expert vegetable grower Klaus Laitenberger for a talk which will be available online on Friday 23rd April at 7pm on Wexford Libraries YouTube channel.

From the garden, he shares his expertise on: Why grow your own?

Re-connecting with nature through growing.

Typical beginner's mistakes – e.g. sowing too early, planting too closely.

Some gardening myths.

Crash course in composting.

Seed sowing in trays and direct.

Demonstration on bed preparation.

Klaus Laitenberger is the author of three vegetable gardening books. He was the Head Gardener at the Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim and restored the gardens of Lissadell House in Co. Sligo. He is a regular contributor to the Irish Garden magazine. n

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SlaNey food & driNk

Showing his true spirit

Hot School Meals Programme to be extended in Wexford The Hot School Meals Programme will be extended to ten primary schools in Co. Wexford, local Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe has said.

“The Covid-19 pandemic presented everyone with many challenges over the past twelve months, including our schoolchildren here in County Wexford and especially those who would previously have come to school each morning without a breakfast.

“The Hot Meals Programme is a major initiative to encourage school attendance when schools are open, when schools are closed and when classes are held virtually.

“This initiative will directly impact almost 3,000 children in all DEIS schools and consequently facilitate better educational outcomes by the children and help tackle the issue of education disadvantage.”

189 schools have been selected nationwide, ten in Co. Wexford. The hot meals will be available to all pupils enrolled in these schools, which do not have canteen/kitchen facilities for preparation of the hot dinners on site. The hot meal will replace the cold lunch option that had been in place previously. Schools will be expected to provide a menu choice of at least two different meals per day plus a Vegetarian/Vegan and an option that caters for students’ religious and cultural dietary requirements.

Hot School Meals support physical health and psychological wellbeing and the government hopes to extend the programme further to include additional schools in the future. n

Above: The entrepreneurial Mark Kavanagh. Below: Mark started by selling Wexford fruit on the side of the road.

Wexbury Spirits is the brainchild of young Enniscorthy entrepreneur Mark Kavanagh.

As a boy Mark got involved with Wexford’s renowned strawberries and set up his own business selling them on the side of the road, just outside of Enniscorthy on the road to New Ross, and close to his family’s farm.

A number of years ago Mark began to infuse fresh Wexford strawberries with vodka and sugar as an experiment. This ‘experiment’ was incredibly well received by friends and family.

Thus the journey towards making Wexbury Spirits began. You can follow that evolving journey on Mark’s ‘Wexbury Spirits’ Facebook page here. n

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SlaNey SlaNey foodadS & driNk

Leading the way to weight loss

Every Tuesday weigh-in with group run on Wednesday evening.

And every Friday weigh-in with group run on Saturday morning.

Enniscorthy Slimming World Consultant Tony McCann certainly knows from experience how Slimming World can help you succeed on on a weight-loss journey.

Providing you with a service no matter what the covid restrictions are.

Tony himself has lost five stone (32 kilos) and now he can help you achieve your own weight-loss goals while still enjoying lots of tasty food like in the recipe below.

New Members Welcome.

Call Tony now on 087-1785384 – he’s still providing a service while adhering fully to Covid restrictions.

Click here to check out Tony’s Facebook page n

Call Tony on 087 1785384.

See our Facebook page here

five-spice cucumber and chicken stir-fry serves 4

Free s

Give your cucumbers a break from salad duty and try stir-frying them instead! You’ll love them in this sizzling chicken dish.

ready in 30 minutes, plus marinating

1 heaped tsp Chinese five-spice powder* 3 tbsp chicken stock 2 large garlic cloves, crushed 5cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated juice of 2 limes 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

Put the five-spice, stock, garlic, ginger and lime juice in a large bowl and mix well. Add the chicken and stir to coat well, then set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.

Spray a large non-stick wok or frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a high heat. Add the peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until the peppers are beginning to char.

Add the chicken mixture and cucumber and cook for 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and the cucumber is cooked but still has a crunch. Stir in the oyster sauce and coriander and cook for 1 minute.

Serve hot with rice or noodles – or cauliflower rice if you want to keep it suitable for Extra Easy s.

low-calorie cooking spray 4 peppers (2 red and 2 yellow), deseeded and sliced 1 large cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded and sliced on the diagonal

Find this and over 60 other delicious meal ideas in Slimming World’s Free Food A to Z, £4.95/€7.95

4 tbsp oyster sauce ½ small pack fresh coriander, roughly chopped

*Shop-bought spice mixes/ blends are Free as long as they’re only made from herbs and spices and don’t include any Synned ingredients like sugar, flour and oil. Check the label to be sure.

6th April 2021 - Page 45

SlaNey ad

Comhairle Contae

053 919 6000 www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following post Public Convenience Caretaker (Kilmore) 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 this post 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 is: 5.00pm on Thursday 22nd April 2021.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. ____________________________________________________

Historian in Residence Applications are invited for a Historian in Residence to support the Wexford County Council Decade of Centenaries programme.

This is a Contract for Service and there is a grant of €11,000 available, inclusive of all relevant costs associated with the residency. The residency is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Wexford County Council under the Community Strand of the 2021 Decade of Centenaries Programme.

The successful applicant will be required to provide residency services for a minimum of 10 hours per week over a 44-week period commencing in May 2021.

Historian in Residence 2021 Scheme Criteria For further information please visit www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries, contact 053-919 6566 or e-mail: libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie To apply send a current CV and a written submission (less than 1000 words). See also the 2021 scheme criteria for more information.

Please send the application, marked ‘Historian in Residence’ by email to libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Friday 16th April 2021. ____________________________________________________

Grow It Forward Wexford Libraries are delighted to be involved with the Grow It Forward campaign with Grow It Yourself (GIY). As part of the Government’s Keep Well programme, this campaign is designed to help the nation eat well by inspiring and supporting people to grow some of their own food at home while connecting with friends and family to join them.

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

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Contact your local library and we will arrange to get the seed packs to you, the packs include seeds for beetroot, carrots, salad leaves, peas and tomatoes, a guide to help grow them, and a postcard and gift tags to help share them with family and friends.

Contact your nearest library: Bunclody Library bunclodylib@wexfordcoco.ie or phone 053 937 5466.

Enniscorthy Library enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie or phone 053 923 6055.

Gorey Library goreylib@wexfordcoco.ie or phone 053 948 3820.

New Ross Library newrosslib@wexfordcoco.ie or phone 051 421877.

Wexford Town Library wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie or phone 053 919 6760.

Let's get Wexford growing! ____________________________________________________

Health and Wellbeing Tackling Obesity in 2021 with Professor Donal O'Shea Wednesday, 14th April at 7.00pm.

Join Professor Donal O’Shea, Consultant Endocrinologist, St Columcille’s and St Vincent’s University Hospitals, Professor of Medicine, University College Dublin for this live talk with Wexford Libraries on Tackling Obesity on Wednesday, 14th April at 7.00pm.

Prof O’Shea established the first hospital based multidisciplinary treatment unit for the management of adult obesity in the country.

He is a member of the Department of Health policy group on obesity established in 2011, and chaired a group carrying out a health impact assessment on tax on sugary drinks. He has presented to the EU Ministers for Health and the Director General of the WHO on the importance of prevention of childhood obesity.

This online talk will be delivered live via MS TEAMS. Links and booking details will be available from the library website www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries

Outside office hours call: 1890 666 777 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality

Planning app. lists available at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning

SlaNey SlaNeyNewS adS

Have you stepped in it lately?

Cllr Ger Carthy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council.

Pic: Wexford County Council Photographers.

Wexford County Council, together with Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford City & County Councils are launching a new Anti-Dog-Fouling awareness campaign asking dog owners to clean up after their dog. The campaign promotes a simple message… “Bag it & Bin it”.

Councillor Ger Carthy, An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, launched the campaign on 31st March. In attendance on the day was Hugh Maguire, Environment Officer and Cabrini Desmond, Dog Warden, Wexford County Council.

Councillor Carthy stated, “There are some dog owners who do not clean up after their dog and some who clean up but leave the bag on a wall, tree or ground when nobody is watching.

We believe that a relatively small proportion of dog owners behave in this way but it has a big impact on others who use our public spaces; children, walkers, wheelchair users, runners, ball players, etc.

Whether you walk your dog on a street, in a park or on a beach, the message is simple… Bag it & Bin it.”

The campaign will run for the remainder of 2021 and is set to firmly emphasise that dog fouling is your responsibility as a dog owner. The campaign will address a range of issues surrounding dog fouling, from its effect on the public who use our streets, parks and beaches, to attitudes to cleaning up as dog owners, from health issues to civic pride.

The campaign will reach across social media, local newspapers, radio, community groups and schools.

Hugh Maguire, Environment Officer, said, “We regularly receive complaints about dog fouling from around the county, ranging from owners not picking up after their dog, to those who bag it but leave it on a nearby wall or corner when nobody is watching or to those who simply look the other way as their dog fouls on a green area. The message to anyone who walks a dog couldn’t be simpler… “Bag it & Bin it.” If you don’t pass a bin on your walk home, then simply put the bag in your black bin when you reach your home. It may not be the most glamorous part of owning a dog, but it is part and parcel of it all the same. In this campaign we are asking all dog owners to Bag it & Bin it.”

For further information please contact Cliona Connolly on 053 919 6475 or email cliona.connolly@wexfordcoco.ie n

6th April 2021 - Page 47

SlaNey advertorial If your electricity/gas renewal is coming up, why not give Love Energy a try and see how much you can save.

Freephone: 1800 944 399 Mobile: 087 6689443 Email: Info@LoveEnergy.ie Website: www.LoveEnergy.ie

Based in Blackwater, Co. Wexford, Love Energy Ltd is a local company competing successfully in the national energy market.

The founder and managing director is Scott Hayes who worked on behalf of Electric Ireland’s commercial campaign in the south-east, before deciding in late 2018 to go out on his own by starting a new business – Energy Bill Consultancy, advising business owners on their energy usage, meter types, cost analysis, SEAI allowances and procurement.

Over a very short time, Scott realised there were many energy brokers who, he believed, “were not always being truthful to their customers”. So in November 2019, Scott Scott Hayes, Managing Director, Love Energy Ltd. says, “I set up Love Energy Ltd from my home in Blackwater. I wanted to be more transparent than the average energy broker. Sourcing the cheapest electricity and gas prices for our customers.”

Since October 2018, Scott has saved Wexford businesses over €600,000 on their energy bills, and Love Energy currently has 192 commercial clients and has recently begun servicing residential clients too.

Scott says, “We now have a presence in the south-west of the country with two agents working from Cork and we are hoping to have agents in Galway in the coming months.

“We promote the use of renewable energy first and we have a number of deals done with energy providers to offer our customers better prices for GREEN energy.”

Scott summarises the benefits of doing business with Love Energy as follows:  We don’t let our customers go out of contract.  We provide information on grants and allowances that are available.  We provide a free meter-reading service for those who keep getting estimated bills.  We provide a free mini-energy-audit on our client’s business premises.  We advise on correct meter type where necessary.  We advise on MIC (Maximum Import Capacity) levels.  We have an active online presence through LinkedIn and Facebook and of course our website www.loveenergy.ie where new customers can upload a bill for analysis. n

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❝ Based in Co. Wexford, we source the cheapest electricity rates for

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SlaNey buSiNeSS & fiNaNCe

Fresh Supports for Small Businesses Applications are now open for the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC). The Government has allocated €60m for this initiative nationally.

The scheme is available to companies, self-employed, sole traders or partnerships with a minimum turnover of €50,000 not eligible for the CRSS, Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity Scheme or the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media's Live Performance Support.

According to Senator Malcolm Byrne, “A number of County Wexford businesses have been in touch with me in recent months where they didn’t qualify for other supports and this scheme is designed to assist many of them and is very welcome.”

This scheme aims to help businesses with their fixed costs, for example, rent, utility bills, security.

A payment grant of €4,000 is available for the first quarter of this year. A decision on payment for the second quarter of this year will be made in due course.

To qualify for the scheme, enterprises must have:

 250 employees or less;  Turnover of over €50,000; and  The turnover of the business over the claim period is estimated to be no more that 25% of previous levels – see further details below.

Details:  The scheme will be run on a firstcome-first-served basis.  The scheme is available to companies, self-employed, sole traders or partnerships.  Minimum turnover of €50,000.  Not owned and operated by a public body.

which no rates are payable).  The turnover of the business over the claim period is estimated to be no more than 25% of the average weekly turnover of the business in 2019 or the projected average weekly turnover of the business for 1 January to 30 June 2021 for businesses that commenced after 1 November 2019.  The business intends to resume trading in full once Government restrictions are eased. The scheme will aid eligible businesses for the period beginning 1 January to 31 March 2021.

 The business is not eligible for CRSS or Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity Scheme or other sectoral grant scheme.

 Eligible applications will receive an initial payment of €4,000 for Q1 2021.

 They are in receipt of a rates bill from their local authority for business which operates from a building, or similar fixed physical structure on which business rates are payable (mobile premises, or premises which are not permanently fixed in place, do not meet the definition of business premises nor do premises on

The grant will be paid via the Local Authorities, based on an online application. Payments will be dispersed via bank transfer.

Applications are being handled by Wexford County Council and the closing date for receipt of applications is 21 April 2021. n

Scurri – a great place to work Co. Wexford Chamber was delighted to see local business, Scurri, based at Common Quay St, Wexford, and with offices now in London also, named 17th Best Small Workplace in Ireland 2021, and indeed was the only company based in the South East in the Small Business category.

Scurri is a delivery management platform that powers ordering, shipping and delivery for online sellers.

Retailers are facing challenges in logistics more than ever before as Covid-19 has propelled businesses online at an accelerated rate. Uncertainty will be a mainstay for the foreseeable future and, for retailers, this means building resilience into their strategies. Retail tech is playing a pivotal role in helping companies survive current challenges and being prepared for future ones.

Scurri adds value across the eCommerce

carriers UPS, Royal Mail, DHL, DPD. Scurri’s API integrates with eCommerce platforms Shopify, Magento, Brightpearl, Peoplevox and many more.

The eCommerce delivery experience is extremely complicated to set up and manage, with so many different aspects that don’t work together without significant IT development and investment.

Scurri founder and CEO, Rory O’Connor

journey, including tailoring delivery options at checkout, integrating seamlessly with the world’s most familiar carriers and platforms, live tracking of deliveries and comprehensive reporting right through the full process, from order to delivery. Scurri manages millions of parcel deliveries for eCommerce merchants, platforms and 3PL’s. Clients include eBay, Vision Direct, Gousto to name a few, delivery partners include

Scurri has successfully empowered its clients to supply strong customer service and reliability even during crises such as Covid and Brexit.

Covid-19 will continue to shape the retail landscape in a profound way. With eCommerce now accounting for a third of all retail sales, meeting customer demand whilst maintaining the safety of staff and shoppers alike is more essential than ever. Technology companies like Scurri play a central role in business continuity. n

6th April 2021 - Page 49

SlaNey buSiNeSS & fiNaNCe

Christine Fortune, Business Relationship Manager at Datapac, pictured with Michael O’Mahony, Director of Finance at Caulfield McCarthy Group.

Datapac seals digital deal Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, was established in Enniscorthy in 1982 and continues to have a major presence in the town, along with offices in Dublin and Belfast.

In March, it announced that it has helped retail and property group, Caulfield McCarthy, to digitally transform its business, in a deal worth €200,000. Datapac’s solution is enabling Caulfield McCarthy’s 300 employees across its three SuperValu stores located in Waterford, Kilkenny and Bandon, Co. Cork, to securely access business applications and better serve its customers.

The transformation of Caulfield McCarthy’s infrastructure is part of the group’s overall tech-led business strategy.

It’s targeting 25% year-on-year growth in online sales, while also investing in improving in-store technologies, such as self-checkout tills and electronic shelf edge labels. Caulfield McCarthy chose Datapac to ensure that its IT infrastructure and systems were upgraded in line with these customer-facing advances.

The new tech infrastructure is transforming the culture at Caulfield McCarthy, by enabling new ways of

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working for its staff. Collaborative platforms like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint allow cross-functional teams to easily communicate and work together to achieve goals. Employees can access information from anywhere – be it the shop floor, office or remotely. Caulfield McCarthy can manage applications easier, quicker and at a predictable cost, and is now equipped with a platform that can be easily built on to scale into the future.

Datapac moved Caulfield McCarthy’s network from an on-premises server setup to an entirely cloud-based infrastructure – making cloud services like Microsoft Office 365 and Windows Azure available across the organisation. Datapac also upgraded the wi-fi network in the group’s stores to ensure the new cloud infrastructure works reliably across all devices.

In addition, Datapac implemented a new unified communications solution for Caulfield McCarthy, replacing traditional landlines with a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system. Datapac also enhanced the organisation’s security with an upgraded firewall and anti-virus solution, and is responsible for the ongoing proactive management of its IT, which includes managed print, document,

backup and disaster-recovery services.

Christine Fortune, Business Relationship Manager, Datapac, said: “We’re delighted to work with Caulfield McCarthy and to support its growth through a reliable, secure and highperforming IT infrastructure. By embracing the very latest technology across its operations, Caulfield McCarthy is future proofing its business. People right across the organisation are buying into this forward-looking, tech-led culture, which is making a real change to the way they work. Caulfield McCarthy are also well positioned from a security and compliance point of view, and now have a scalable cloud infrastructure that can grow in line with the business’s continued success.”

Datapac’s comprehensive range of technology and service offerings include managed services and ICT support, cloud services, unified communications, managed print and document solutions, network, storage and virtualisation solutions, business continuity and IT security. Its in-depth knowledge and expertise allow it to independently and effectively manage customers’ evolving technology needs. For further information, visit www.datapac.com n

SlaNey buSiNeSS & fiNaNCe

www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/

6th April 2021 - Page 51

SlaNey photography

Focus on photography This month: Dec’s animal array The Slaney News is always in awe of the superb skills of so many photographers in Co. Wexford.

So each month we’ll focus on a different photographer and show you some examples of their work.

First up, this month, we have Dec Roche from Wexford town...

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SlaNey photography With golf courses closed nationwide, Dec Roche has a bit more time time to indulge his other main hobby – photography. Golf’s loss is definitely our gain!

See more of Dec’s wonderful work on his Facebook page, click here and follow him on Twitter @DecRoche12 Aso, check out the ‘Images from Wexford’ group on Facebook for lots of other great shots by Wexford’s talented photographers.

Dec Roche 

6th April 2021 - Page 53

SlaNey petS

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

T: (053) 9233187, 9236674.

F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR APRIL with the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

This month Joe Kavanagh looks at raw food diets for our ‘valued furry friends’ The more I look at different diets for dogs and cats, the more fascinated I become with the complexity of it all.

processes and the gut. The old adage that 'you are what you eat' is as true for the animals as it is for ourselves.

I have spoken before about the whole movement towards raw food diets and seemingly there is up to one-third of the pets in the UK going this direction. It stands to reason that from a physiological perspective it’s what they've been designed to eat for millennia. We've only been cooking their food in the last 50 odd years or so.

Raw is obviously not for everyone, but some animals respond well to it, especially dogs with chronic conditions such as skin problems.

Of the range of pet dry foods that are available on the shelves, I'm moving towards wheat-, corn- and soya-free diets. Most of the cheaper, commercially available diets that contain wheat, soya, corn are genetically modified and this poses a big problem by times for the gut as its often unable to break these products down effectively. The result is it often gets partially digested and slowly ferments in the gut. There are increasing links being found now in human medicine between inflammatory

Just like we get our cars serviced maybe twice a year, getting the oil changed, air and oil filters replaced... doing an organ cleanse is a very good thing to do... giving natural supplements that will help support the liver, kidneys and gut can often make a huge difference to the health and long-term wellbeing of our very valued furry friends.

Lots to ponder when you're making that next purchase of dog and cat food... We can advise you on what might best suit your situation as there are lots of options.

Food for thought!!!

Thanks for all the great support to date too and positive feedback. n

If you have a topic you’d like Joe Kavanagh to address please email Slaney News at: slaneynews@gmail.com OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK): 9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment): Daily 9.30–10.30am, 2.30–3.30pm, 5.00–6.00pm.

24-hour, on-call, Emergency Service: (053) 9233187.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Full blood analysis (haematology, biochemistry) Gas anaesthetic – Digital X-rays – Ultrasound – Bioenergy Dermatological testing – Kinesiology – Prescription diets Herbal remedies – Homeopathy – Allergy testing

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SlaNey petS

CANINE CAPERS

Above left: Walking in Our Lady’s Island were Megan and Amanda Newport.

Above centre: Karla Bourke with her dog Oscar on Carne Beach.

Above right: On a Sunday morning in Courtown Harbour during Lockdown were Silvana Enache and dog Bowe.

Right: Everyone having a treat in Kilmuckridge, James Mowatt, Taylor Walker and dog Brice.

Below left: At the Prom, Enniscorthy, were Trish Breen, Catherine O’Brien and dogs Daisey and Millie.

Below right: Carne Beach walkers Deirdre and Eamonn Farrelly.

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ST PATRICK’S DAY FUN IN CARRAIG BRISTE EARLY YEARS LEARNING CENTRE, ENNISCORTHY

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Goinggreen for St Patrick’s Day

Above: Enniscorthy looking resplendent in green, white and gold. Pic: David Butler.

Left: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chairperson, Enniscorthy Municipal District at Enniscorthy Castle.

Below: Ferrycarrig. Pic: Dec Roche.

Bottom left: The Pikemen. Pic: Dec Roche.

Bottom right: The old County Council offices in Wexford town.

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CAROLINE GETS MOTORING 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

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Launched back in 2016, the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is widely regarded as a leader, the epitome of style, comfort, and technology. With over 14 million E-Class Saloon and Estate models delivered since 1946, the E-Class is the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz and considered by many as the ‘heart of the brand’.

sign of the front grille and headlamps for a more youthful appearance in line with other models in the Mercedes-Benz range. At the back, there’s a new bumper, split tail lamps and a new boot lid. Full LED headlights and taillights are fitted as standard. Subtlety is the name of the game here.

It’s also the bestselling model for MercedesBenz in Ireland. In 2020, the brand launched a refreshed version of this executive classic, while also using the opportunity to launch two ‘EQ Power’ plug-in hybrid models on the Irish market – the E 300 e (petrol electric hybrid) and the E 300 de (diesel electric hybrid).

Inside comes a well-appointed interior that is still a class example of modern contemporary luxury, something Mercedes-Benz does so well these days. Cabin finish is impeccable as you would expect of a highflyer like the E-Class. There are new trims for the interior too and a new steering wheel design. Supportive seats with leather upholstery come as standard, ideal for settling in for a long motorway cruise.

The latest E-Class has had a few styling tweaks but retains its stately presence on the road. The refresh includes a slight rede-

The latest-generation MBUX and ‘Hey Mercedes’ multimedia and voice-activated assistance systems also feature. Displayed

on two large, high-resolution multimedia screens, both come housed beneath a shared glass cover that creates a widescreen cockpit effect. It’s simply stunning.

Mercedes-Benz Ireland expects the focus for the Irish market to be the tried and tested E 200d and 220d diesels, and the new E 300 e/ E 300 de plug-in hybrids. I can attest to the success of the E 220d from previous experience, with diesel still being a reliable choice for power and economy in this class of vehicle.

Yet times are changing with electrification becoming the default way for car manufacturers to bring down emissions and offer customers more flexible, environmentally friendly options.

Powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, combined with a 13.5 kWh battery and electric motor, the new Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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SlaNey motoriNg E 300 e puts out a healthy 320 hp and 700 Nm of torque. CO2 emissions are just 37g/km so this model qualifies for motor tax of just €140.

from €61,830 with a high level of standard equipment. The E 300 de diesel plug-in hybrid range starts from €63,755.

On the road the E-Class shows exactly why it’s still a benchmark in its class with excellent comfort and refinement, making it an absolute pleasure to drive. It soaks up the motorway miles, moving over the tarmac like the big, elegant saloon it is. There’s a pleasantly positive delivery of power by the E 300 e, made all the more special by the knack of the electric motor to give smooth, linear acceleration, while the 9-speed automatic gearbox never misses a beat. It is beguiling how quiet this car is to drive around town.

The E-Class might look the business but it’s not the most dynamically exciting car in its class. Yet rear wheel drive agility still makes it an interesting large saloon to drive.

While diesel has typically been the go-to in the large premium saloon segment, the new Mercedes-Benz E 300 e returns some impressive economy. Over a week of driving, with some motorway runs included, my average fuel consumption was between 6 – 6.4 l/100km.

The beauty of this car is that because it’s a

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a fine car and highly desirable for its comfort, refinement, and high-end cabin experience. The updates for 2021 bring a healthy digital and technology upgrade to the car making for an even more glamourous cabin.

Interior plug-in hybrid you can experiment with charging it and driving it on electric power alone, for example when driving around town or on short commutes. In this scenario, there’s up to 50 km of range available. With an on-board charge port with a capacity of 7.4 kW, the battery can be charged in 1.5 hours using a wallbox or in five hours using a conventional domestic power socket.

Unfortunately boot space suffers in the hybrid to accommodate the battery, down from a very respectable 540 litres - in a diesel E-Class for example - to 370 litres in the E 300 e, with an awkward step in the boot.

Pricing starts from €53,645 for the E 200 d, while the E 300 e plug-in hybrid range starts

The new E 300 e is a wonderful execution of Mercedes-Benz values – electrified. However, the E-Class diesel is also a highly capable vehicle with great returns on economy. So, whether buyers are ready to pay the premium for new plug-in hybrid technology, and start their own journey to electrification, remains a very personal matter. But either way the E-Class is a magnificent car.

Model tested: Mercedes-Benz E 300 e Plug In Hybrid Price: €61,830 Engine: 2.0-litre petrol electric hybrid Power: 320 bhp Torque: 700 Nm 0-100km/h: 5.7 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h CO2 emissions (WLTP): 37 g/km Motor Tax: €140 per year. n

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NISSAN PULSAR  2017  1.5L  71,900 MILES

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TOYOTA AURIS  2015  1.4L  57,167 MILES

MAZDA 3  2017  1.5L  59,000 MILES

MERC A CLASS  2017  1.5L  67,030 MILES

VW PASSAT  2018  1.6L  42,254 MILES

See full range on www.hillautos.ie and www.carsireland.ie. T: 053-9239095.

‘CLICK AND DELIVER’ IN OPERATION, CALL OR TEXT 087-6884286.

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Driving test chaos continues Sinn Féin TD for Wexford, Johnny Mythen, has called for a range of measures to be introduced to deal with the massive driving test and lessons backlog that has built up as a result of the pandemic.

Deputy Mythen said; “A lack of action from Minister Eamon Ryan has made a bad situation worse. Changes must be introduced without delay to alleviate the pressure on the system and ensure people can obtain their driving licence in a reasonable time over the coming months.

“The latest figures we have show 98,414 people are waiting to sit their driving test, while another 79,276 people are waiting to sit the Driver Theory Test when it resumes. At the end of January 2021 there were 917 eligible people awaiting a driving test in Co. Wexford.

“These types of figures could see people waiting up to seven months for a test if they are not addressed urgently. Sinn Féin has brought forward a range of proposals that we believe will help solve this escalating problem. Last October, the RSA sought permission to hire 80 additional testers. Despite this, approval for just 40 has been granted but they are still not in position....

“The RSA needs to examine operating longer opening hours and permitting more tests per day to be carried out when tests re-start, in order to tackle the huge backlog. Regarding the Driver Theory Test waiting list, we believe this exam should now be put online, allowing people to sit it remotely.

“The Driver Theory Test Service is currently providing remote theory tests for bus, truck, CPC and ADI categories. This is a welcome development, but it is essential this is now extended to those learning to drive a car. Even though essential workers are permitted to sit their driving test during Level 5, they are not permitted to take lessons, apart from one pretest lesson.

“We believe this needs to change, as it is preventing essential workers getting their licences and getting to work, due to the fact that you cannot sit a driving test without first completing 12 mandatory EDT lessons.

“Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) should be provided with high-grade PPE to keep them safe at work. We have sought clarification as to where they sit on the vaccination roll-out list....

“ADIs have been treated very poorly by the RSA and the Department during this time, finding themselves locked out of testing centres over the winter months. This meant ADIs had no access to toilet facilities, shelter, warmth or sanitisation facilities while at work.

The Minister must engage with ADIs, testers and their unions to address these concerns,” concluded Deputy Mythen. n

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Garages gearing up to go In a recent national survey conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes, 75% of people surveyed said they would be comfortable visiting car dealerships/garages when travel restrictions allowed. Car dealerships/garages were ranked first out of eight non-essential retailer categories as the most comfortable to visit.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), along with industry leaders, have reemphasised that motor retail is ready to go, when restrictions allow. They say retail in the motor industry is different from other non-essential retail. The large size of dealerships, the low average footfall, the ability to do business on a strict appointment-only basis and the option of displaying cars outside lends itself to social distancing and safe retailing making car sales very low risk.

are safe. The fact that people are now more reliant on private cars from a personal safety perspective, we request from the government that we can open our sales operations from the 5th of April, even if this is on a click and collect basis. The reopening of our sales operations is of critical importance to our industry and its related sectors. We believe that we can make a positive impact on the economy for the rest of 2021.” n

Gillian Fanning, President of SIMI

Car sales have been particularly challenging for the industry over the past number of years with a declining market since 2016.

Gillian Fanning, President of SIMI and Director, Serfac Ltd, says “Our industry, as essential retailers, has been open for servicing throughout most of the lockdown.

We have shown we can operate very safely for service and repair, ensuring the continuation of our supply chain and our vehicles

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This space can be yours for just €25+VAT Tel: 087-2403310 6th April 2021 - Page 61

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Bunclody news Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Bunclody’s Cllr BarbaraAnne Murphy, lays a wreath at the Seamus Rafter monument, Easter Monday, 5th April, 2021.

BUNCLODY LIBRARY A Book Call Service is in operation for elderly or vulnerable citizens. You can request a bag of books and they will be delivered directly to your door

by Bunclody Library. Phone: 0539196566, 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

BUNCLODY DAY CARE SERVICES Due to Covid-19, Bunclody Day Care remains closed and is not open for Monday Club, or Tuesday and Thursday Day Care Services. It will reopen as soon as possible.

MARK IS A WINNER Congrats to FCJ second-year student, Mark Rothwell, on winning the Bunclody Union of Parishes amatweur photography competition. The competition was judged by expert Enniscorthy Guardian photographer, John Walsh, who chose Mark’s entry entitled Under the Blackstairs Mountains as the winner. The competition was organised by the new rector, Rev Trevor Sargent. n

Boost for Bunclody Minister James Browne TD (left) pictured pre-Covid, with Principal James Murphy in Bunclody Vocational College.

Minister James Browne TD has welcomed the announcement in March

by Education Minister Norma Foley TD that Bunclody Vocational College has been approved for new accommodation including:  5 new modular general classrooms  1 SEN classroom  New toilet facilities Join Bunclody’s Caroline Kidd every month for motoring news and reviews in the new-look Slaney News.

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These new modular classrooms and accommodation will help the school population grow while wider expansion

works at the school continue.

Minister Browne commented, “Well done to the Principal, Board of Management, teachers and wider school community for their work on this project, and their dedication to education over the past 12 months.”

The college has been offering quality education to the people of Bunclody and surrounding areas for over 60 years.

Check out its informative website: https://bunclodyvc.ie n

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“The government is behind the curve” Fr John Carroll, the Parish Priest of Glynn/Barntown, commenting last month on the Covid restrictions, said: “Each week we encourage people to keep heart – and indeed ‘be heart to others’ – as we journey through this prolonged period of vaccination.

There’s a very palpable different tone to lockdown as it continues,” he added, “where the restrictions are digging deep into the lives and spirits of our people.”

Encouraging people to maintain safety standards in daily life, Fr Carroll said he looks forward to better days which

hopefully will arrive soon – when worship can return – and where the very obvious logic that underpins calls to raise the acutely painful and unnecessary burden on mourning people of a restriction of 10 at funerals, in buildings that safely can contain many hundreds of people, will be finally accepted.

Fr John Carroll

“I think the debate on funerals is showing that the government is behind the curve,” he concluded.

Fr Carroll’s comments were made prior to the recent announcement that from April 26th, funeral Mass attendance can rise from 10 to 25 people. n

Fancy a dance around the kitchen?

Maura Rossiter and Mary Doyle are pictured with parish Facebook cameraman Paul Brazzill.

Check out a super tune from the nineteen twenties called I've Found A New Baby assembled by phone, so as to comply with Covid restrictions, with Edmund Crean on rhythm guitar, joined

by Thérèse Canavan Bolger on vocals, Angelo Alba Bonfirraro on sax, Pat Murphy on double-bass, and Richard King on lead guitar. Have a look and a listen and maybe even a dance here.

“Wexford Together” on South East Radio One can tune in to South East Radio every Thursday night at 8pm for a series of one-hour shows designed to lift the spirits at what is a very difficult time for many in Co. Wexford.

Described by some as a cross between the Alan Corcoran and Tony Kehoe shows, the “Wexford Together” show is reaching out to engage with and entertain all members of the community, particularly those who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or simply boredom!

In between music, chat, competitions etc., the show will highlight many of the excellent initiatives that have been organised and are taking place across County Wexford to help people stay safe, stay active and stay well at this time, with contributions from many of the organisations engaged in this work at this time.

So if you know of anybody who might enjoy the show and benefit from an hour’s light entertainment, get them to tune in every Thursday night at 8pm for the next couple of months or so and enjoy all that “Wexford Together” has to offer.

Those without easy access to facilities such as smartphones, online entertainment and information can be reached through the show’s format and content, and can enjoy some light entertainment also during these really challenging times.

SE Radio will operate a phone-in service throughout the show where people can phone in and engage, chat, take part in competitions, play a request, and provide ideas and suggestions for inclusion in further shows.

Listeners can also seek assistance from the Community Call helpline during the show, with these calls being immediately

passed to the Wexford Community Call Helpline (053-9196000, 8am-8pm, 7 days) for attention.

So spread the word and tune in Thursday nights and enjoy some entertainment and an hour’s break from everything that’s going on around us. n

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A Glorious

A fashion series

Easter, that wonderful time of the year, time of regrowth, rebirth and renewal, as the world officially emerges from the shadows of winter and prepares itself for the glories of the silly season.

It’s that time of the year when the world of fashion excites, ignites and rekindles as we cast off the layers and shed the sombre shades of cold dark days for the vibrant hues of hazy daylights and sultry evenings.

Easter is that time for casting out, creating space, sweeping clean, dusting off and decluttering. The Spring sunshine encourages us to refresh, revive and revamp our wardrobe taking stock of what we have and what we can do to enhance it.

Coming from a generation where nothing was thrown out, unless it was either broken or worn out, I am not a huge fan of getting rid of things simply because I’ve had them for a long time so I am always careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water.

What do I mean, well take for example this year’s go-to summer item, the evergreen denim style jacket which has been around since God was a boy.

After a stock-take of my own wardrobe, I found I had no less than four of them, all in good nick and still fitting well, so that’s one item I can knock off my 2021 summer shopping list.

By all means get rid of anything that doesn’t fit anymore, anything that you haven’t worn yet even though its been in your wardrobe for the past three years – this is not a love match, trust me, so cast it out, and anything that you are quite certain you will never wear again, but don’t just let things go

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Obsession

by Maria Nolan

Maria Nolan

because they are last season or even the season before, instead look around at the marvellous videos being made by many of our local stores and see how you can breathe new life into the items you already have in your wardrobe.

Add the latest trend in scarves to your collection of jackets, or mix and match items with colours that you have never worn them with before, try that pink jacket with this year’s burnt orange cropped trousers, wear new season sandals and your little denim jacket with that maxi dress or buy some new trainers to wear with those lovely summer skirts.

You can fill the gaps in your wardrobe with some terrific, cheap and cheerful items, and this month I visited Put A Bow On It, here in Enniscorthy, and spoke with its bubbly proprietor Aoife Foran and photographed lovely model Marie Mythen in some of the store’s latest summer arrivals all at very reasonable prices.

With vividly coloured tee shirts coming in at €30, comfortable and stylish joggers at €25 and rainbow skirts at €40 all matched with comfortable, classy footwear at €50 you could give your summer wardrobe an injection of life and style without busting the budget.

You can catch Aoife and Marie strutting their stuff online (see the Put A Bow On It Facebook page), so go on, tune in and add that dash of colour, class and excitement to your summer wardrobe, it won’t break the bank and you certainly won’t regret it.

– Words & Pics by Maria Nolan

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Kevin Lawlor Quartet via Online Live Stream 30th April

Kevin Lawlor Quartet, 30 Apr 2021, from Wexford Arts Centre, Online Live Stream – link will be emailed one hour prior to the show.

Click here for tickets, from €10.

Celebrate the 10th UNESCO International Jazz Day 2021 with Wexford jazz drummer and Director of

Jazz Studies at Co. Wexford School of Music, Kevin Lawlor and his quartet. An extended set of music has been chosen by the bandleader including music by Oscar Pettiford, Thelonious Monk and the great pianist Chick Corea who passed away a few weeks ago. The set will also include new music by the leader for its debut performance.

Check in on International Jazz Day, 30th April, to enjoy a unique performance by Wexford and Dublin jazz musicians to celebrate some new and some classic jazz.

Kevin Lawlor - drums.

Luke Howard - piano.

Alex O'Keeffe - guitar.

Andrew Csibi - double bass. n

Going bananas for exercise!

Irish world boxing champion Kellie Harrington and track and field Olympian, David Gillick, will be coming online to homes and schools over the coming months until the summer holidays begin. Joining the Fyffes Fit Squad team, Kellie and David will broadcast their approach to exercise and fitness in a 12weeks programme to encourage children to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.

Created so parents and teachers can also participate, content will include new workout routines, warm-up exercises and cool-down stretches as well as tips on overall wellbeing and healthy-eating recipes.

Believed by Kellie and David to be “more important now during lockdown than at any time previously”, the 20-minute-long series of videos will see a new production released each Tuesday and Thursday, all free to view on the www.fyffesfitsquad.ie website.

Described as ‘a fun and easy way to keep children fit and active’, live Fit Squad sessions have been attended by over 720 children in Wexford schools since its launch three year ago. n

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Enniscorthy Music News Legendary Enniscorthy guitarist Richard King has just released a great new album of original tunes and songs called Tattooed Across My Heart.

Have a listen to a sample track here Check out his Facebook music page here

Songwriter and performer, Reuben Hester, was raised in Enniscorthy and educated in St Aidan’s Primary School and Enniscorthy Vocational College, before moving to Manchester when he was 17.

His appearance on the BBC’s ‘Little Mix The Search’ has been universally praised. He has been described as ‘funky/electronic orientated, with grooving rhythms and catchy pop hooks’ and as ‘reaching out to his roots which stem far and wide, from reggae to orchestral music’.

He has recently signed a new record deal with Echoism Records, a publishing deal with Berlinbased Motor Entertainment and a distribution deal with The Orchard.

See the official video for his song Sold My Soul here

Back after a lengthy silence, Enniscorthy’s Steven O'Brien has released Stop Laughing At Me as a single and video with Noel Quaid on bass/backing vocals, Brandon Murphy on guitars and Michael O'Connor on drums. Listen and watch here The single is from the new album Turret Rocks recorded at Brendan Carthy’s Orchard Recording Studio in Enniscorthy. The album is available now on all the major platforms.

Check out Steven’s Facebook page here

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Hannah’s national success Hannah Devereux from Tomhaggard, Co. Wexford, has just won the inaugural Junior Musical Theatre Competition at the National Feis Ceoil Competition. Her rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Mr. Snow" from Carousel was deemed by adjudicator, Philip Raymond (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts), as "really excellent" describing Hannah's vocal as "strong... with easeful balanced resonance, easeful range and an easefulness in story telling."

No stranger to the National Opera House stage, Hannah performed the role of Nala in The Lion King while at Kilmore National School (conducted by Liam Bates and winner of Bord Gais Theatre School Theatre Award) and then Bloody Mary in South Pacific in the Loreto/St.Peter's production in 2019, directed by Alan Corcoran and Fintan Cleary (musical director). In the same year, she was a winner of The Mary Walsh Cup at the AIMS Choral Festival in New Ross.

Hannah is a vocal student of Aileen Donohoe who is immensely proud of Hannah's dedication and hard work preparing for the Feis Ceoil, saying, "First place at the National Feis Ceoil Singing Competition, adjudicated by an international judge of this calibre, is a major achievement which will undoubtedly lead to a very promising career in performance. Well done Hannah!"

The multi-talented Hannah is in 5th year at Loreto Secondary School and plays violin with Wexford Sinfonia and Co. Wexford Youth Orchestra. n

Young female filmmaker to the fore Some of Wexford’s talented young female filmmakers and actors enjoyed great success at the recent Fresh Film Festival 2021. During a year when the pandemic has been tough on all young people, it’s great to see so many showing such resilience. Emma O’Leary was Highly Commended for Best Performance, Muirinn Carty Highly Commended for Best Director and Aoife Rees Highly Commended for Comedy and 3rd Place Overall Winner.

Muirinn Carty’s movie Taciturn was written and directed by herself, with her friends terrific as the main cast, mam Paula playing the Mam, sisters Eabha and Caitlin were extras, various aunts, uncles and cousins played parts also, while her brother Rian, a talented musician, composed and played the soundtrack.

See the full movie on Youtube here. n

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Hannah Devereux

NEW MUSIC VENUE FOR WEXFORD TOWN Planning permission has been granted for a new concert venue encompassing the old Wesleyan Chapel on Rowe Street and stretching back into the Byrne’s World of Wonder toy shop on Mallin Street.

The man behind the ambitious project is Brian Byrne of Lantern Presents. The venue will have a capaxcity of 200 fully seated, or 400 standing.

Lantern hopes to host some outdoor gigs later this summer in public areas such as Selskar Square, Min Ryan Park, Redmond Park etc. And with a bit of luck, the new indoor venue could be open and hosting indoor gigs by the end of this year. n

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Live concert at Enniscorthy care facility The Havenview residential unit in Enniscorthy witnessed a wonderful hour of entertainment amid spring sunshine in their garden on 31st March, as the “Mobile Music Machine” classical string ensemble engaged an audience in a special, socially distanced “Covid Care Concert” recital.

The event was sponsored by Creative Ireland (an all-of-government culture and wellbeing programme that inspires and transforms people, places and communities through creativity) and delivered in

a partnership with Wexford County Council, the Wexford Mental Health Association and the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival in conjunction with the HSE/South East Community Healthcare as the care provider.

The “Mobile Music Machine” was established by cello soloist, chamber and orchestral musician Gerald Peregrine and it is also a leading national music education company. Gerald was joined at Havenview on violin by Lynda O’Connor and viola by Beth McNinch – in addition to songs from soprano Kelly-Ann Masterson. Many of their recital pieces

were put in context for the audience of service users and staff, ranging from classical pieces and instrumentals versions of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” to songs covering opera to Judy Garland’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.

Havenview is a 14 en-suite bed, 24-hour, nurse-staffed, residential, purpose-built unit to cater for those with a diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental illness (with some clients also having a physical disability). Havenview opened in 2013 and replaced previous accommodation at St. Christopher’s Ward in the former St. Senan’s Hospital, Enniscorthy. n

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Boom Boom!

Gorey professional heavyweight boxer, Niall Kennedy, faced Ferenc Zsalek in Belgium last month.

Kennedy, whose nicknames include ‘Basil’ and ‘Boom Boom’, stopped his opponent in the third round of the fight, winning by technical knock-out after dominating the fight up to that point.

Kennedy, who is a Garda by profession, had previously lost to Alen Babic last October, but with his victory over Zsalek this means his professional record is now 14 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw.

An impressive record particularly considering he didn’t turn professional until he was 31. n

Festy gets the call-up

Rapparees/Starlights Rapparees/Starlights GAA is glad to report that our weekly Club Lotto is up and running again with the draw held under strict Covid conditions in the clubhouse on Monday nights at 8.30pm and can be viewed on the Club’s Facebook page live.

Tickets can be purchased online on our website or from Club Chairman Michael Doyle at 086-1602317.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all for your continued support, your contribution allows us to promote the games of hurling, football, camogie and ladies football to the youth of Enniscorthy, male and female, and we are most appreciative.

The club was deeply saddened recently to hear of the death of one of the great ladies of Bellefield, Marie Lynch, who passed to her eternal reward on 24th March.

Marie was a stalwart of the Rapparees/ Starlights Club looking after the care and maintenance of jerseys for all its teams for the past forty years. She was also one of the mainstays of our lotto since its inception, going door to door, week in and week out, for over thirty years selling lotto tickets and we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge her marvellous contribution and offer our condolences to the Lynch family.

I think it safe to say we will never see her likes again – Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

On a positive note, we are happy to hear that training for our intercounty teams is due to resume on 19th April and underage club training from 26th of the month. We want to advise members that all in our power will be done to adhere to correct Covid guidelines and we ask all our members to co-operate and comply.

We are all chomping at the bit to be back playing and training, but health and safety remain our number one priority at Rapparees/Starlights.

Congratulations to former Moyne Rangers, Enniscorthy, player Festy Ebosele on being recently called up to Jim Crawford's Ireland U-21 soccer squad. Festy is pictured above, a few years back, at St Mary's CBS Enniscorthy with his jersey from the U-17 European Championships. Also in photo are John Ryan, left, Principal and Brendan O’Sullivan, right, Deputy Principal.

Festy is continuing to make great progress with Derby County in the English Championship.

Best of luck to Wexford FC in the season ahead You can see a full Wexford FC squad breakdown with manager Brian O'Sullivan on the club’s Youtube Channel. And you can watch their matches Live on LOITV.ie , the new home of Wexford FC match streams. Make sure you sign up at LOITV and pick Wexford FC as your favourite team! You can also look forward to your completely free digital match programme, which will be available on the club’s social media platforms on the morning of each matchday. n

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Club membership is now due and can be paid online.

It’s been a long and arduous journey and if we ever needed confirmation of the nation’s love of our national games then Covid-19 provided it, thank you for supporting the club and each other and we look forward to seeing everyone back at Bellefield in the not too distant future.

For further updates keep watching our website and facebook page.

– Maria Nolan PRO

SlaNey Sport

Nolan’s Cheltenham champion Mrs Milner, a six-year-old trained in Enniscorthy by Paul Nolan, landed the stamina-testing three-mile Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle in comfortable fashion at the recent Cheltenham Festival – one of 23 Irish winners out of 28 races during an incredible four days.

“When you’re riding for these men [the Nolans] they don’t really give you instructions – they told me this morning, ‘You’ve ridden enough winners here to know.’ It’s great, they’ve been massive supporters of mine over the last couple of years and without them, I don’t know if I’d be here today to be honest.

Mrs Milner came through the pack to lead before the last fence and despite the proximity of a loose horse, the 12-1 chance stayed on strongly to win by five lengths from The Bosses Oscar, ridden by Jordan Gainford from Caim, just down the road from Nolan’s Toberona stables!

Cooper continued, “She took a bad fall at Leopardstown, but we’ve done plenty of schooling with her. I was a bit long at the second and she put down, so she learnt from her fall, which is very important, and I was happy as there wasn’t much daylight around her, but she was good.”

It was a first festival success for Paul Nolan since Noble Prince in 2011.

Paul Nolan did not travel to Cheltenham this year as he had just one runner and with all the complications and protocols due to Covid-19 he decided to remain at home from where he nervously watched the race on TV and savoured the victory.

Mrs Milner’s jockey Bryan Cooper was quoted as saying, “I had her grand early doors and she was jumping well, but I missed the third last and it just got a bit crowded and I just had to sit and suffer. I knew I had a bit of pace, so if I did get knocked back a pace or two, I would get there easy enough.

Paul couldn’t believe the ease with which his horse won particularly after getting into some bother at a few different stages of the race.

“It was unbelievable the way she ran up the hill... she is such a tough little mare,” he said, adding that she had bounced back quickly from a fall at Leopardstown on her last outing. Paul says, “She’s a tough bit of suff and her heart is in the right place.”

The owners of Mrs Milner are Jim and Susan Coffey, of Manverton Ltd, whose main business is Softco, a Dublin-based software and document management firm who have been very loyal supporters of Nolan’s yard through good times and bad.

The Coffeys were at the yard when Mrs Milner arrived back from Cheltenham to a great reception.

Co. Wexford had several other success stories from Cheltenham this year with jockey Sean Flanagan, New Ross, winning on Jeff Kidder; Jordan Gainford, Caim, posting his first Cheltenham winner on The Shunter and riding two seconds also; and Sean O’Keeffe, Taghmon, winning on Galopin Des Champ.

Check out a great interview with Paul Nolan here. n

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SlaNey hiStory

The Road to Independence A new film on the War of Independence in Wexford

On Friday the 19th of March a new twenty-five minute documentary, The Road to Independence, about the War of Independence in Wexford was launched via Zoom. The event was hosted by two of Co. Wexford's finest exponents and promoters of our history and folklore, archaeologist/historian Barry Lacey and filmmaker/folklorist Michael Fortune, in conjunction with a host of individuals around the county and Wexford County Council Public Library Service.

For the past year and a half Barry Lacey, a native of Ballycarney, has been trawling through the national and local archives, researching the period’s history and archaeology and presenting it via social media. However, in a bid to make more visual these findings, he teamed up with neighbour Michael Fortune, over in Ballindaggin, and since last summer they have been visiting locations and slowly recording nuggets of information with people from all over the county on film.

Scenes from the film were recorded in Gorey, Bunclody, Ferns, Enniscorthy, Ballindaggin, Ballycarney, Clonroche and Kilanne and recall important incidents in the year 1920 including the forma-

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tion of the Flying Columns, attacks on RIC Barracks, intelligence gathering, assassinations, civilian casualties and more.

The twenty-five minute film has been produced as a labour of love in many ways and both men claim that if they didn’t do it, it was never going to be done. The people they met and interviewed shared some of the closest accounts we’ll ever get to this period in our history as they grew up with the stories first hand from grandparents, neighbours and family.

If you are a lover of local history, in particular this turbulent time, this film is for you. It can be viewed on YouTube and Facebook.

Click here to watch the full film on YouTube.

To find out more, please email wexford1920@gmail.com or phone Barry on 087 2783335 or Michael on 087 6470247.

Both Barry and Michael wish to acknowledge that this film was partly supported by Wexford County Council Public Library Service and the Commemorations Unit of Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 initiative. n

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One man’s story of the fight for Irish freedom

James Sheridan.

Eamonn Sheridan of Glenbrien has sent us in this interesting piece of reseach undertaken by his son Philip about his grandfather James Sheridan (Eamonn’s father). Philip, who is a keen student of military and family history, lives with his family in Kilmyshall.

Just over 100 years ago on 11th October 1920 at 3.00am the occupying Crown Forces raided 61 Upper Dominick Street, Dublin (coincidentally the birthplace of Arthur Griffith, the founder of Sinn Féin) to arrest 20-year-old James Sheridan. He was suspected of being a member of the Irish Republican Army and being in possession of a number of guns.

No weapons were found during the search.

The front page of the newspapers reported it that morning, there was a series of raids that night across Dublin (you can read about it in the accompanying extract).

He was arrested under D.R.R. – Defence of the Realm Regulations or Martial Law as we know it today allowing arrests and detention without trial. He was taken to Mountjoy Gaol and imprisoned with other IRA men. Among the IRA men in Mountjoy at the same time was 18-year-old Kevin Barry. Barry had been captured in possession of a gun during an IRA ambush on a British Army lorry that resulted in the death of British soldiers. He was sentenced to death. During that time Michael Collins had attempted to break out Barry and other IRA prisoners from Mountjoy but this failed. On 1st November 1920 he was taken from his cell and hung. This further

inflamed the situation and Michael Collins escalated operations against the British Forces. James Sheridan was instructed by the IRA Commanding Officer in the prison to comply with having his photograph and fingerprints taken which would secure his release to take urgent messages to the IRA Command. He had to prove he did this under orders to convince the IRA that he wasn’t a collaborator. He delivered the messages and returned to his activities with E Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA. As it turns out there were weapons hidden in number 61. James was the Company Dumpkeeper. Weapons were hidden behind the stair risers and buried in the garden. Had these been discovered his fate may well have been that of young Kevin Barry.

James was a steward (usher) at the first Dáil in 1919 and he continued to fight during the War of Independence taking part in ambushes and attacks on Crown Forces and installations including that of collaborators and those seen as aiding the British occupation. After the Treaty of 1922 he remained opposed or Anti-Treaty and then fought against his former brothers in arms in the newly established Free State Army.

During the Civil War, James was again stationed at his Company HQ, 44 Parnell Square, as a machine gunner. They launched several raids from here on Capel Street, O'Connell Street and the surrounding areas to try and relieve the pressure on the IRAoccupied Four Courts but were unsuccessful.

44 Parnell Street is today known as Kevin Barry Memorial Hall and is the current office of Sinn Féin.

James would later be arrested again this time

by Free State Forces. He was taken to Wellington Barracks (later to become Griffith Barracks and latterly Griffith College). He was taken before the Commanding Officer who turned out to be his brother-in-law who on seeing he wasn’t wearing any shoes got him some boots. James asked his brother-in-law to let his wife Catherine know he was alive and well which he did. He was transported by lorry to Kingsbridge Train Station (Heuston) where he would be taken by train to Maryborough Gaol (Portlaoise Prison), one of the Free State guards on the escort was his uncle.

This brief condensed piece of history is that of my grandfather James Christopher Sheridan. It is men like him and countless others we have to thank for fighting for our country's freedom even when that meant fighting your own friends and family to achieve it. I am proud of my heritage and

grateful that events favoured him and the bullets didn’t find him.

This account is full of coincidences and without those my dad, Captain Eamonn Sheridan who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, would not be around and I consequently wouldn’t be here either.

Fate was kind to James and I hope in these strange times we can remember that we can all do our part to help each other without the need to fight family or friends and dodge bullets.

Thank you grandad for being part of something that gave us this great little country. n

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€94,800 for Heritage Projects Deputy Paul Kehoe has welcomed the announcement of €94,800 for 14 projects across Co. Wexford under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021.

In addition to supporting owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard and maintain their properties, this funding will also provide a welcome boost to local construction and heritage trades.

Through grants of up to €15,000, the BHIS assists owners of heritage structures – including those on the local authorities’ Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas – to meet their obligations to care for their properties.

Also included under the BHIS 2021 is a continuation of a micro-grant stream introduced in 2020 to increase the resil-

ience of historic structures to withstand the constant effects of climate change.

This allows local authorities to make smaller awards to owners of historic properties to carry out routine maintenance to offset the impact of climate change on their buildings.

Deputy Kehoe says, “This fund will help to safeguard our rich built heritage, keeping many buildings in use and helping to bring many others back into use. It will also have a knock-on economic benefit by generating jobs, providing further employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople.” n

The exiles of 1798

The burning of Wexford’s ‘big houses’ Join Wexford-based historian, Dan Walsh, for his presentation on the burning of Wexford's 'Big Houses' during the War of Independence and the Civil War, 1921-1923.

The talk is available now on Wexford Pubic Libraries YouTube Channel at this link: https://youtu.be/Xfv0yhBeZHM A new publication has been launched about the exiles of the 1798 Rebellion. Many from Wexford fled Ireland for America and France and the authors have collected and supplied biographies for many of these exiles.

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This talk has been produced for Wexford County Council Public Library Service and the Commemorations Unit of Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 initiative. n

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Preventing Post Office closures Sinn Féin TD for Wexford Deputy Johnny Mythen has called on the government to finally commit funding to secure the future of the post office network.

the future viability of the post office network, including increasing the financial and government services available.

“In addition, An Post’s ‘Green Hub’, a onestop shop for people looking to access energy efficiency grants and funding, has potential for growth in local post offices.

Deputy Mythen said: “Last year the Irish Postmasters’ Union commissioned a report that recommended a Public Service Obligation (PSO) be introduced to secure the future of the network and allow post offices to continue to provide excellent services, which are particularly important in rural Ireland.

“Sinn Féin fully support this call. In fact, we have been advocating for a PSO to secure the future of the network for over a decade now.

“Post offices provide a crucial service, particularly in rural Ireland, and with two major banks now closing hundreds more branches, for example those in Taghmon and Rosslare, people in rural Ireland will become even more reliant

A huge thank you to Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin Wexford People Helping People expresses its huge gratitude to Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin for his “hugely generous donation for our rough sleepers at Wexford People People Helping”. Fionntán donated seven Sleep Pods and ground mats.

“These pods are insulated meaning that it will keep rough sleepers warm and well protected during the cold weather! Thanks so much Fionntán and our volunteer Raymond Shannon for meeting to collect the donation.”

"While additional banking services are on the horizon, on their own they will not be enough.

Wexford TD Johnny Mythen

on their local post office.

“In some villages in Wexford, you would reach a local Post Office before you reach a coffee shop on a walk. The Post Office is the lifeblood of the community.

“The 2016 Kerr Report made a number of important recommendations in relation to

“During a debate on a Sinn Féin motion on post offices in 2018, Fianna Fáil called for a PSO to be introduced.

“This commitment must now be delivered upon, before the post offices’ transformation payments end this June. That cliffedge is fast approaching.” n

Caring for the carers Sinn Féin TD for Wexford Johnny Mythen has called on all TDs in the area to back Sinn Féin’s proposals to stand up for family carers.

the last year as they try to protect high-risk relatives from Covid-19. This has placed huge pressure on families and added to their stress.

Teachta Mythen said: “Sinn Féin have pushed a motion in the Dáil... to ensure that family carers finally get a break and receive the support they need. Carers have been abandoned by this government for too long. It’s time to stand up for them and ensure they get the change they need.

“Sinn Féin’s motion stands up for carers and delivers the change they’re demanding through four key steps.

“There are 500,000 family carers across Ireland who work unpaid hours to care for and support their loved ones. Current financial support is nowhere near enough.

The government has failed to listen to family carers and support them for years.

“In Wexford, there are thousands of carers who provide on average of around 230,000 hours of unpaid care a week. This work is done within the context of low allowances, extortionate waiting lists for home support, with over 50 families currently waiting for respite hours in this county alone.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin

“The Irish Postmasters’ Union say that the day of reckoning has arrived for the Post Office Network, and if funding is not provided before the summer, significant closures will soon follow.

“During the pandemic, families have been left abandoned as important support services for their loved ones have shut.

Many have had to effectively stay inside for

“Firstly, it commits the government to prioritising family carers in the Covid-19 vaccine roll out.

“Secondly, it gives family carers the financial support they need...

“Thirdly, it gives respite for family carers who are exhausted and need a break...

“Finally, it demands an immediate end to compiling and storing medical and educational files on children and their families using information gained by professionals and shared without parents’ consent...

“Carers don’t need any more sympathy or kind words from politicians, they need us to act, stop taking them for granted and ensure they get the support they need. It’s time to stand up for family carers now. The government did not oppose this motion, however we await to see if they will take action on implementation.” n

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Wexford’s water woes

level of these detections are being coordinated by the NPDWAG. This group is chaired by the DAFM. All the key stakeholders are represented in this group and include other Government departments and agencies; local authorities; industry representative bodies; farming organisations; water sector organisations; and amenity sector organisations.

If pesticides have to be used, the basic steps to reduce risks to drinking water sources and the aquatic environment are: Choose the right pesticide product (note that products containing MCPA are NOT approved for use in weed-wipers.)

Read and follow the product label.

The public in Co. Wexford is being urged to consider alternatives to pesticides to protect the River Sow at Edenvale, Coolree Reservoir and the Owenduff River.

Irish Water say that pesticide exceedances for Bentazone, Glyphosphate, 2,4-D, Fluroxypyrn, MCPA, Metaldhyde and Tricloypr have been detected in the public drinking water supply in four water supply areas in Co. Wexford across 2019 and 2020. MCPA is an active substance present in many commonly used herbicide products used to control the growth of thistles, docks and rushes. The exceedance was detected as part of Irish Water’s public water supply monitoring programme. Pat Duggan, Irish Water’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “While our consultation with the HSE has concluded that the levels seen do not represent a threat to public health, it is however undesirable and therefore imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when using herbicides or pesticides and seek out alternatives.”

The Clonroche, Davidstown, South Regional Supply Scheme and Wexford Town water supply were the supply areas that showed exceedances across 2019 and 2020. Irish Water is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products in the River Sow at Edenvale, Coolree Reservoir and the Owenduff River as well as users in the Clonroche and Davidstown catchment to consider the vulnerability of the water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of this supply to the local homes and businesses in the community.

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Irish Water, working in partnership with a range of organisations involved in the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG), is asking the farming community, greens keepers, grounds keepers, and domestic users, to consider in each case whether they need to use pesticides at all. Minimising pesticide use not only helps to protect water quality but also has wider environmental benefits.

For example, leaving areas unsprayed can help native flowering plant species to grow and support a range of insects including bees and other vital pollinators. One third of Ireland’s bee species are threatened with extinction and by helping the bee population survive and thrive we are also helping to protect our precious water sources. For more information on practical ways to help bees and other pollinators, check out the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan at www.pollinators.ie Where pesticide use is considered necessary, the NPDWAG is working with the community to ensure that best practice measures to protect drinking water sources and biodiversity are always followed.

Farmers and other landholders dealing with the challenge of tackling rushes should note that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has developed new guidance on the sustainable management of rushes. The new approach is based on the concepts of containment or suppression and aims to minimise the use of pesticides. More information on this can be obtained from your local farm advisor or on www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/waterprotection The efforts to reduce the incidence and

Determine the right amount to purchase and use.

Don’t use pesticides if rain is forecast in the next 48 hours.

Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby water courses.

Comply with any buffer zone specified on the product label to protect the aquatic environment. Mark out the specified buffer zone from the edge of the river or lake or other water course and drainage ditches.

Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains and rinse empty containers 3 times into the sprayer.

Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly.

Never fill a sprayer directly from a water course or carry out mixing, loading or other handling operations beside a water course.

Further guidance: A video on the best practice use and application of products containing MCPA can be viewed on Irish Water’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/xQqtZ7jifUs Information leaflets on pesticide use are also available to download from the Teagasc website at teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/assap-farming-forwater-quality/improving-my-water-quality/ protecting-drinking-water-from-pesticides/ A guide providing 10 easy steps towards responsible pesticide use in public and amenity and garden areas is available at pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/media/pesticides/co ntent/sud/ResponsiblePesticideUsePublicA menityGardenAreas200217.pdf n

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New wastewater treatment plant The communities of Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack received some long-awaited good news on 15th March as Irish Water along with Wexford County Council announced that the contracts have been signed with the Sisk Group to begin works on the new wastewater treatment plant which will be located in Arthurstown.

The treatment plant will also serve the areas of Ballyhack and Duncannon providing wastewater treatment for the equivalent of almost 1875 people.

Additional site investigation and clearance work will begin shortly with the main works to follow in the coming months, with the project due to be completed in 2023. The treatment plant will support social and economic development in these areas of county Wexford and will also safeguard marine life.

Séamus Glynn is Irish Water's Regional Delivery Lead and he is pleased the contracts are now signed: “We are delighted that the contracts are now signed, and that works can commence

very soon. This is such a beautiful part of the country and to think that the equivalent of 1,500 wheelie bins of raw sewage was flowing into the Barrow, Nore, Suir estuary every day is extremely disappointing. The size and scale of the challenge of raw sewage discharging into our water ways is well documented, however, the good news is that Irish Water has a plan to get to grips with this and with this project, we will eliminate that practice in this area and go a long way to not only supporting social and economic development but to protect our marine life in the years to come too.”

The project will see Irish Water investing €12.8m, resolving an issue that has been problematic for the area for many years.

New Ross District Director for Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore stated that: “The works, when completed will bring great benefits to the villages and surrounding areas in terms of environmental improvements, water quality, development, tourism and investment.”

Chairman of New Ross Municipal District, Councillor Michael Whelan warmly welcomed the news of the contract signing with Sisk Group stating: "I have been looking forward to this day for a long time and, I would like to thank all concerned with its delivery."

Since 2014, Irish Water has built new wastewater infrastructure for 16 towns and villages across the country, ending the discharge of raw sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas; the equivalent of 100,000 people’s worth, every day.

Across the bay in Dunmore East and all along the Waterford coastline, the practice of discharging raw sewage into the waterways has been eliminated since 2017. The investment of €24 million there delivered seven new wastewater treatment plants in towns and villages across Co. Waterford including Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeadan, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow.

Half of the raw sewage entering waterways in Ireland has now been eliminated and there is a plan to remove the remainder in the years to come. n

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Online art exhibitions with Mar ia Nolan

Book Review: The Birds of Bachelor Lane Since reading Hannah McNiven’s debut novel The Loves of Mrs McAllister, I became an immediate fan of the author’s eloquent style of writing, her flowing descriptions and her evolving characters.

I am now delighted to review her second novel The Birds of Bachelor Lane which tells the story of the lives, loves and losses of the Burnley family of Bachelor Lane just outside Enniscorthy in the 1950s.

Siblings, Lilllian and Bertram Burnley live on the lane with their mother Evelyn, a prominent member of the mainly Protestant farming community of the area and the novel revolves around their lives as Lili finds love on the lane with a kind, handsome Scottish farmer, with an intriguing past, Ewan Cameron and the volatile Bertram or Bertie, as he is known, meets a rather timid Wren Stevens, who has come to Enniscorthy to live with her wealthy great-aunt Astrid, when she is forced to leave her home and family because of the deteriorating mental health of her own mother.

The annual Lions Club Art Exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre is now available to view online – what stunning colour and creativity.

Check out all the wonderful art sent in this year at https://lionsclubshow.weebly.com/ For online exhibitions at Enniscorthy’s Presentation Centre see: https://www.presentationcentre.ie/currentexhibitions.html, and make sure to check out the Keep Sketch! virtual sketching group’s work there also. n

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRE WHEN IT REOPENS Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000.

Wren blossoms in Enniscorthy and begins to attend regular socials at the Church Institute where she catches the eye of many young men, but it is Bertram Burnley who makes the greatest impression on her.

This is a novel about love, loss, betrayal, and family secrets and Hannah McNiven’s writing shines through, once again in flowing script, beautifully descriptive passages and well thought out and developed characters.

Hannah tells a very good story cloaked in rich, beautiful language and populated with interesting, rounded characters, the essence of any good novel, and I have no doubt that you will find The Birds of Bachelor Lane a most excellent read.

Enniscorthy is rapidly finding itself in the literary spotlight Hannah with yet another piece of McNiven writing emanating from an Enniscorthy author and set in the town, auguring well for the future of the Wexford Literary Festival and literature tourism, after all if tourists came to the town to see The Athenaeum because of Brooklyn they may well come to see the Church Institute because of The Birds of Bachelor Lane.

Literature in lockdown could well be on its way to providing the tourist with a Literature Town Trail.

– Maria Nolan

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Co. Wexford’s libraries remain closed to the public in line with government guidelines. However there is still access as follows: Online library 24/7 Free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, eLanguage learning, online courses, comics and graphic novels, business and company research and more can be found at www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/ebooks-and-eresources Delivery Book Call Service for elderly or vulnerable citizens.

You can request a bag of books and it will be delivered directly to your door. Phone: 053-9196566 between 9.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday.

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The Shadow of The Hill Hill Maria Nolan

almost slipped back in time and it is a testament to the author that she has indeed succeeded in this.

The novel is inspired by the author’s greatgrandfather’s family – the McDonald family which gives a wonderful authenticity to the words.

Maria Nolan in Eason Enniscorthy with her bestselling debut novel.

Maria Nolan’s debut novel is a deeply moving work of historical fiction. The intricate background of the Boer War, The Wexford Lockout, The Great War and the 1916 Rising serves as a beautifully woven tapestry behind the story of the McDonald Family as they begin to find their way in the world.

It begins in the historical town of Enniscorthy in the late 1800s. The love and passion that the author has for this town is deeply embedded in the book.

Her work is intensely researched which brings a true realism to the novel. As we

follow the lives of the characters it is evident that the town of Enniscorthy, the river and The Hill is entrenched in their hearts no matter where they travel to. But it is the people of the town that gives this novel its soul.

The author, Maria Nolan, is a fantastic supporter of literature in all its forms through her journalism and her work with Wexford Literary Festival and it is wonderful to see that she has penned her own beautiful debut into historical fiction – a haunting tale of a town and its people.

A town that is remarkably close to the author’s heart.

The author’s experience as a writer comes shining through as we become invested in the characters’ lives as we follow their joys, passions, and their heartaches. Her use of language is at times poetic and her passion for detail brings a visceral reality to the novel. Historical fiction should allow us as readers to believe we have

This book is available in bookshops in Wexford and on Amazon in eBook and paperback. I look forward to putting a fivestar review on Amazon. Congratulations Maria on a stunning debut.

– Sheila Forsey, Irish Times bestselling novelist of historical fiction.

‘Wexford Women Writing Undercover Wexford Women Writing Undercover is a new women's writing anthology which launched its first edition in March 2021 to coincide with International Womens Day. Red Books in Wexford is proud to be involved with this incredible collection of writings brought together

by Deirdre McGarry.

One can order a copy at the Red Books website: www.theirishbookshop.com for just €8. They will post nationally and internationally, and offer free delivery in Wexford town.

Huge congratulations to Deirdre, Rachel Druett and Zeff Ryder on production; to the stunning artists featured: Madeleine O'Rourke, ArtSouls, Ilona FreedmanMorris and Trish Cavanagh; to Practical Printers, and to the talented writers published within.

They are: * Rachel Druett * Irene Allen * Meritxell Grau Butinyac * Ravinder Kaur Kullar * Brenda Buntin * AM Cousins * Paula Malone Carty

* Sinead * Elizabeth Stanley * Caroline Stevens-Taylor * Diane Wilbon Parks * Roseanne Fitzgerald * Amy Bobeda * Elva Crowley * Jean Newsum

* Suzan Doran * Anonymous * Emma Hyland * Helena Murray * Trish Cavanagh * Helen Kavanagh * Maggie Jackson * Ita Gratton * Patricia Walsh * Rachel Jordan * Jean Maskell * Anonymous * Gail Sheridan * Rosemary Palmeira * Deirdre McGarry * Nicola O' Hanlon * Aisling Delahunty * Sarah McFadden * Suzi Marsden * Breda Joyce

* Concepta Moran * Catherine Ronan * Norah Hanson * Sue Lozynskyj * Mary McCollum * Rosemary Wordsmith * Susan Morrissey * Anna Stafford * Mary O' Brien * Mary O' Gorman * Margaret Galvin * Keyana * Sylvia Dianne Beverley The book’s introduction is by Wexford's finest, Michelle Dooley Mahon. n

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The Kennedy legacy launch An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD recenntly officially launched a new book ‘From Whence I Came: The Kennedy Legacy, Ireland and America’ which is a brand new collection of 15 essays that draw on some of the best papers delivered at the annual Kennedy Summer School in New Ross since its foundation in 2012. The book’s editors are Dr Brian Murphy, a lecturer at the Technological University Dublin, and Dr Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University.

The occasion of the launch also marked the 40th anniversary of the Friends of Ireland – an organisation in the United States Congress that was founded by Irish-American politician Senator Ted Kennedy.

Speaking prior to the launch, Dr Brian Murphy said, “I am very grateful to the Taoiseach for taking time out of his busy

schedule to launch our book. I see this as a generous endorsement of both the merits of this book and the wider work of the Kennedy Summer School. I also want to express thanks to the Irish Consulate and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston for hosting this event. Ted Kennedy played a massive role in bringing peace to our island and it is fitting that we discuss his great legacy in that regard.”

Dr Donnacha Ó Beacháin said, “Brian and I are very proud of this groundbreaking work which contains specially commissioned pieces from a remarkably diverse range of respected figures.

Collectively, the authors provide fresh and nuanced perspectives, surveying the past, critiquing the present and offering roadmaps to the future. With the presidency of Joe Biden seeing a renewed focus on broader themes within Irish, American and global

politics, From Whence I Came is a fascinating and timely collection that offers a fresh perspective on the Kennedy legacy and the politics of Ireland and the United States.”

Some of the book’s contributors include Cody Kennan – the former Obama speechwriter, Kerry Kennedy – President of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organisation and Tad Devine – a former senior adviser to Bernie Sanders.

The book is published by The Merrion Press, and all of the royalties are being donated to New Ross Community Hospital.

Brian and Donnacha have dedicated the book in memory of the late barrister and political commentator Noel Whelan, who hailed from New Ross and cofounded and ran the Kennedy Summer School. Noel died in 2019 aged 50. n

Pictured are the editors of the new book ‘From Whence I Came: The Kennedy Legacy, Ireland and America’, Donnacha Ó Beacháin (left) and Brian Murphy (right), at the birthplace and childhood home of John F. Kennedy, 83 Beals Street, Brookline, Massachusetts, 20 March 2019. Pic: Donnacha Ó Beacháin’s personal collection.

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Literature ladies in lockdown Wexford writers, it seems, have made the very most of lockdown with established authors like the lovely Carmel Harrington about to release her 9th Novel The Moon Over Kilmore Quay in May and poet and short-story writer Mary Cotter in the throes of preparing her debut novel for publication.

beginning a connection with Tom and the Nationalist which lasted until the financial crash brought everything down.’

Since retiring to Wexford in 2010, Mary has had lots of time to write and in 2015 she published a collection of poems, and began writing short stories, and by October 2016 she was ready to launch her first collection called An Eye on Myself, which I had the privilege and pleasure of launching for her at the lovely Presentation Centre, here in Enniscorthy, ah those were the days!

Recently, I caught up with both ladies, separately of course, to discuss their work.

Carmel’s novel The Moon Over Kilmore Quay is her ninth piece of work in as many years. Since launching her writing career back in 2012 with Beyond Graces Rainbow, which she self-published, Carmel managed to get a book deal with the prestigious publishing house Harper/Collins and has been producing approximately a book a year ever since.

Carmel’s novels are warm, emotive, and thought provoking, scattered with humour, hope, tears and laughter and always immensely enjoyable.

‘I’m a wearer-of-heart-on-my-sleeve type of gal and my books reflect that,’ Carmel says, ‘They will make you laugh and cry just as I do when I am writing them. I hear my characters’ voices throughout the day, whispering their truths, and they always seem to know their own path, which is very often different from the one I set them in the opening chapters,’ she laughs.

And The Moon Over Kilmore Quay is no different as it charts the paths of Bea, growing up among the Irish community in

Brooklyn, New York, and Lucy growing up in the quiet, little Wexford seaside village of Kilmore Quay before heading off in search of her dream in the Big Apple.

Sounds like the book for summer 2021 as Carmel invites us all to curl up with her and enjoy The Moon Over Kilmore Quay.

Mary Cotter, a native of Tipperary, now retired and living with her husband Richie in Ferns, says she has been writing since she was ten years old, ‘mostly poetry, until one day in 2005 I heard Tom Dunphy singing If I Didn’t Have a Dime on the car radio, and the tune simply wouldn’t leave my head. It reminded me of being a teenager and loving all the popular songs of the time and I sat down there and then and wrote an article about the sixties, which I sent to Tom Corr, editor of the Clonmel Nationalist, and a few weeks later it appeared in the paper,

And now during Covid-19, Mary has written her very first novel, titled Spike. Mary puts it like this, ‘I found Spike and he has a lot to say. He is no goody-two-shoes and is going to take on the world. He lives in a small town surrounded by family and friends and he can’t wait to get away.’

It is set in 1969, Spike is eighteen years old, he wants freedom, he wants a life away from what he knows, so with all the enthusiasm of youth he heads off to find his dream, until events at home cause him to return.

In this coming-of-age novel, we walk familiar streets with Spike as he learns invaluable life lessons.

Well literati, it looks as though there will be no shortage of books to enjoy this summer, so apply the sun block, dust off the deck chair, pour out the coffee (or the vino) and prepare to immerse yourself in some very fine Loch Garman lockdown literature.

– Maria Nolan

A call to all creative communities The Arts Department of Wexford County Council (WCC) is pleased to announce the Creative Communities Programme is now open for 2021.

This grant scheme provides 50% matched funding, up to a maximum of €3,000 to enable meaningful collaboration between artists from the WCC artist panel and all groups affiliated to Wexford Public Participation Network (WPPN) as well as communities of interest, that are interested in working on arts projects.

A further strand is available which supports collaboration between two or more artists on the Creative Community Panel with a

community group allowing them to apply for a maximum fund of €5,000 per project.

A note on Covid-19-related Public Health Guidance: In preparing your proposal, you should base it on the best public-health advice and guidance available at the time you are making your application. Given this, you should ensure that what you are proposing is feasible or adaptable should social distancing and/or other public-health measures impact on all or part of the period to which this proposal applies. In the event that your application is successful and you subsequently need to change or

alter some or all of your proposal on the basis of changed public health advice, you should contact the arts office in advance to discuss this.

For further details and to download the artist panel, guidelines and application form, please go to the website https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/arts-andculture/grants-supports-and-opportunities/creative-communities-2021 Deadline for receipt of application is Monday 19th April on or before 4.00pm.

For any queries please contact the Arts Department on 053-9196441 or email arts@wexfordcoco.ie n

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Local artists go incognito It has been revealed that a total of 48 artists from Co. Wexford are among the Who’s Who of Irish and international artists taking part in this year’s Incognito 2021 online art sale in aid of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

The Incognito art collection is now live at www.incognito.ie with the online art sale taking place on April 22 at 10am sharp.

What’s so incredibly fun and exciting about Incognito compared with any other art sale is that the identity of the artists behind the paintings – for sale at €60 each – is kept top secret until the sale has closed.

The Incognito collection is made up of 3,000-plus original postcard-sized artworks in a range of mediums, from oils and pastels, to glass and metalwork, in a sale that is usually a sprint to the checkout. Everything sold out last year in just 15 minutes!

Some of the famous national and international faces taking part this year are U2’s The Edge, rock star Bob Geldof, fashion designer Paul Costelloe, comedians Jason Byrne and Tommy Tiernan, artist Don Conroy and Nobel prize winner Dr William Campbell.

So, whether you’re an art collector or a bargain hunter, there’s something for everyone at Incognito 2021.

In the five years since its inception, Incognito has raised almost €450,000 for Jack & Jill’s home nursing care for children with highly complex medical conditions, including end-of-life care. This equates to more than 28,000 hours of specialist home nursing care provided by Jack & Jill nurses and carers the length and breadth of the country.

For curator Lucinda Hall, Incognito 2021 is an opportunity to bring the talents of Wexford artists to a brand-new audience: “We are so very grateful to each of our

artists from Wexford who have shared their talents with us and given their art for free.

It is a huge tribute to their generosity of time and spirit following what has been an extremely difficult period for the arts world. We hope that by hosting what is Ireland’s largest online public art exhibition, that we can shine a light on the amazing talent of our artists, and introduce a whole new audience to their work.”

Carmel Doyle, CEO of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, says, “Each piece sold translates into almost four hours of specialist home nursing care for local children, turning this beautiful art into a real currency for care.”

How Incognito Works: 1.

Register online in advance of the online sale on Thursday April 22 at www.incognito.ie – with the sale likely to sell out in minutes, it will save precious time in your sprint to the checkout on the day.

2. Browse the collection of 3,000-plus postcard artworks, each numbered without artists’ names identified.

Gorey artist, Shanon O’Bracken, one of more than 1,200 artists taking part in this year’s Incognito online art sale in which the identity of the artists behind 3,000 pieces of original art is kept top secret until the sale closes. The sale, in aid of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and its in-home nursing care for very sick children, goes live on Thursday April 22 at 10am.

Visit www.incognito.ie

3. Note down details of the artworks you wish to purchase for your wish list.

4. Be ready to go online on Thursday April 22 at 10am sharp when the sale goes live and choose your selected artworks.

5.

Once your purchase is successful, let the suspense begin for your chosen piece of art to arrive in the post!

Full details on the purchase process can be found at www.incognito.ie For more information on Incognito 2021, visit www.incognito.ie or follow on Instagram @jackandjillcf, on Twitter @jackandjillcf, and on Facebook @2021Incognito, using the hashtag #Incognito21 Also visit www.jackandjill.ie n

Enniscorthy artist, David Booth, one of the artists taking part.

Some of the postcard-sized artworks in this year’s Incognito online art sale in which the identity of the artists behind the 3,000 pieces of original art is kept top secret until the sale closes. Visit www.incognito.ie

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FACES AND PLACES. . . COURTOWN

At Courtown Harbour on 21st March were clockwise from top left: Sarah Quinn and Meithonys Maher.

Jenifer and Paul Power.

Aoife and Catherine Lawless.

Alex Webster and Laura Byrne.

Ava and Sheila Kelly.

Liam Kavanagh and Jonathon McLoughlin.

Clare and Chloe Swinbourne.

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Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour – Road ahead to be announced in June The N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour road project is a complicated one as six options for new road corridors are being examined and some of these also utilise parts of the existing N11/N25 road corridor. So a total of 97 different possible combinations have been identified by combining different parts of the seven corridor options where they overlap (existing road corridor plus the six new option corridors). All of these 97 option combinations are being assessed under the pre-determined selection criteria to identify the preferred road-based scheme option. All options can be reviewed via the project website at www.oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie A final decision is expected on 18th June.

N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Option Selection

Newsletter - March 2021

In March, Wexford Co. Council produced a useful newsletter, it can be read here A covering letter with the newsletter reads as follows...

Dear local resident, First and foremost, we hope this finds you safe and well in these challenging times.

We are getting in touch to update you on the current status of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour project.

Currently, Wexford County Council is in the process of studying feasible options for the development of the project, taking into account the feedback we received from local residents and community groups during the public consultation phase in July and August last year.

The main objective of this stage is to identify a preferred scheme option that will deliver a safe, sustainable, high-quality and effective solution to meet the future transport needs of County Wexford, the South East region, and the country generally. The selected scheme option will then be developed further and in more depth, before it is submitted for planning approval.

These are times of uncertainty and transformation, and the project must respond to these changes in order to ensure the development of a proposed scheme that meets the future needs of society in a sustainable and effective manner and in line with changing government policy. As a result, the option selection process is taking longer than was initially anticipated.

This newsletter describes some of the complexities and challenges that have extended the option selection process, and presents some of the studies that are being carried out to assess the potential impacts that these changes may have on the project’s development.

The selection of the scheme option to be further developed will set the future course of the project and is a critically important decision to secure planning approval for the delivery of a safe, high-quality and sustainable transport network. It is also an important decision for current and future transport users and for local residents and communities that may be impacted by the decision.

The project is committed to ensuring that a thorough, future-proofed and evidence-based decision-making process is completed in as prompt a manner as possible. This will ensure that the best transport option is identified and that local residents and communities that may be impacted positively or negatively by the decision are informed as soon as possible.

Please be assured that the project will continue to provide the information you need in order to understand the ongoing development of this project. We are also committed to making available the necessary resources within our team to support engagement with local residents and other stakeholders. Information on the project can continue to be accessed on the project website www.oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie.

In the meantime, please stay safe and well during these difficult times.

Yours sincerely, Wexford County Council.

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Cycling & walking funding Deputy Paul Kehoe has welcomed the recent news of €3,603,000 in funding for active cycling and walking infrastructure across Wexford.

Paul Kehoe TD

This funding will go towards a wide range of schemes across the county in the first ever major active travel investment programme for rural Ireland. See table opposite.

Deputy Kehoe said, “Developing high quality walking and cycling facilities will encourage more people to switch to active travel and will contribute to tackling climate change.

Connecting communities and making walking and cycling attractive, safe and accessible to everyone is what this funding will help to accomplish.

“The projects being funded today will make a real difference to rural communities across the country and this is only the beginning.

“I look forward to seeing these projects progress over the coming year and to developing high quality walking and cycling networks over the course of this government.” n

Calling out China’s human rights abuses Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne is urging the Government to support growing international moves to call for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Games to be moved to another country and not to permit Beijing to use these Games as a propaganda tool.

Committee and has written to Minister Martin to ask the government to take a stand on this issue.

Senator Byrne commented, “There is growing international concern about China’s increasing levels of abuse of human rights. The continued abuse of human rights by the Chinese Communist Party – from the genocide of the Uyghur people to oppression in Tibet to the efforts at suppression of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.”

“I wish to make clear that I do not wish to see any Irish athletes disadvantaged and that their participation is a matter for themselves and the Olympic Council. I would hope though that they will be able to compete elsewhere.

Senator Byrne has raised this issue previously at the Oireachtas Sport

Senator Byrne added, “While we should always try to keep politics and sport separate, this is not possible with the Chinese government.

“If the Games do proceed in Beijing, I would request assurances that no government nor diplomatic representative attend on behalf of Ireland.” n

Reducing the voting age?

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Malcolm Byrne said, “What I am proposing is that, for the local and European elections in 2024, that we look at reducing the voting age to 16.

“Young people have illustrated their maturity in recent years on everything from climate change and human rights to community youth facilities. I would like to salute the youth wings of all of our political parties... have made a significant contribution to policies at a national level.

“The reduction in voting age has been in place in a number of other European countries and it has worked quite well.

Austria was the first EU country to do it in 2007 but it is also in place in Argentina, in Brazil, in Scotland, in Wales and in a lot of the German Länder.

“We should encourage youth participation in politics and build a new deal for young people as we come out of Covid,” concluded Senator Byrne. n

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Highlighting higher education

Senator Malcolm Byrne was happy to chair a recent meeting of the Oireachtas members from the South East, who were joined by Minister Simon Harris, the Chairs and Presidents of Waterford and Carlow Institutes of Technology, and Tom Boland, the project manager for the Technological University for the South East (TUSE).

A number of matters were confirmed:  TUSE Application will be lodged on 28th April.  The plan is that the new university will come into being on 1st January, 2022.  There will be a significant Wexford campus.  There will be an additional bigger footprint for the Waterford campus.  About €150m in new capital investment is already committed to the university across the region.

There are nine working groups involving staff across the two institutions preparing for this project. There is no ‘Plan B’ if this is rejected.

Malcolm says: “This is a hugely important project for our region and will result in potentially the fifth largest university in the State, a new institution next year.

This has been one of my top priorities since becoming a member of the Oireachtas and it will be of enormous benefit to the social and economic development of the region when it is realised. Most importantly, it will be of benefit to learners across all our counties.” n

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Senator Malcolm Byrne, the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Further & Higher Education, has pointed to the importance of the planned university campus for Wexford as well as the need for greater supports for disadvantaged students in the county as new figures from the Higher Education Authority show that Wexford students are among those across the country who travel furthest to college, as well as national concerns around high dropout levels by disadvantaged students.

disadvantaged students and we need to improve career guidance at second level as well as providing more second chance education and training opportunities.”

As with most areas across Ireland, the relationship between Leaving Certificate points and affluence is evident. Kilkenny is the least disadvantaged area in the region and Leaving Cert points are highest there on average.

A Seanad motion has also been tabled

by Malcolm, supported by his colleagues on the Seanad Cultural and Educational Panel, that calls on the universities and the medical and legal professions to do more to encourage greater socio-economic diversity in medicine and law.

Carlow and Wexford are the most disadvantaged and have the lowest Leaving Cert points on average in the region. This relationship is most obvious in the areas around Kilkenny City and West Waterford, which are the most affluent areas in the region and where students there score higher mean Leaving Cert points.

Malcolm notes that students with lower Leaving Cert points are also more likely to leave college early. “This is a real concern, especially for the individual student if they cannot complete their course.”

Malcolm pointed out, “Having Wexford as a University Town from next year will be transformational for the county and will make higher educational opportunities more visible locally.” But he added, “We still have a big challenge for

Another area of concern noted by Malcolm: “We need to be alarmed that there are such high drop out rates in STEM courses. Given the dramatic changes in technology that we are experiencing, it does not bode well that we have such high non-completion rates.”

The recently-announced extra funding for the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board was welcomed by Malcolm as was the government’s decision to recruit 120 additional guidance counsellors, “but we need to be more radical in tackling disadvantage in education,” he said.

Malcolm worked with the Higher Education Authority for twelve years prior to his election to the Oireachtas and chairs the South East Oireachtas Group on the Technological University.

He adds, “This century is about the battle for knowledge. I passionately believe we have to prioritise upskilling all Wexford people, or whatever age, if we are going to be able to compete in a rapidly changing digital world.” n “This century is about the battle for knowledge”

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FACES AND PLACES. . .

Cllr. Mary Farrell, fourth from the left front row, with the Kilmuckridge Tidy Town helpers at the Square in Kilmuckridge.

A grand stretch in the evenings! Chrisy Lane of Maudlintown and Cllr George Lawlor taking advantage of one of the new 3-metre-long, ‘Happy to Chat’ benches, this one is on the top of Batt Street, Wexford. These benches offer people an opportunity to engage and chat in a safe, socially distanced manner. Funded by Healthy Ireland and Wexford County Council’s Community Resilience Section.

Playing in Our Lady’s Island playground on 25th March was Ruan Bergin.

Taking a rest at Carne Beach were Theresa Healy, Trish Rolfe and Nicola Jane-Mullen.

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All under the one roof...

Best of luck to "The Tin Roof", a new takeaway now open at Templescoby, Enniscorthy, on the New Ross Road.

Above L-R: Katie Doran, Kate Jackman, Rachel Tobin and Amy O’Hanlon.

Below: Under the glass roof, Margaret Wheelock checking this year’s crop at Wheeelock’s famous fruit farm, Finchogue, Enniscorthy.

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