25 minute read
Leisure & Lifestyle
Enniscorthy gets Christmased
It was beginning to look a lot like ………… well, old times on Saturday evening 18th December at The Presentation Centre as the lovely and festive-looking Aileen Donohoe and friends invited the audience to join them in singing the old favourites that take us all back down that Christmas memory lane.
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Every year around this time I yearn for that Ho, Ho, Ho, feeling of my youth, and search around frantically until I find something that might just make me feel Christmased.
This year I was thrilled to see that The Presentation Centre, right here in Enniscorthy, was presenting a Christmas By Candlelight event featuring one of my favourite performers, Aileen Donohoe, accompanied by Michelle Mason on Cello, Katherine Atkinson on Violin, Louise Malone on Clarinet and Flute, Robert Scott, Musical Director, on piano, and joined on stage by her husband Peter McCamley, and Mick Dàrcy and James O`Sullivan of Corner Boy.
And I was not disappointed. For a mere €10 I was whisked away to Christmases past, with beautiful renditions of Silent Night, Adeste Fideles, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and many more golden Christmas treasures, by the talented lady in red, peppered with magical versions of the famous Clement Clarke Moore poem, T’was the Night Before Christmas, and the lesser known but equally entertaining A.A. Milne’s, King John`s Christmas, both delivered enchantingly by Peter McCamley.
Mick and James from Corner Boy were a delightful addition to the occasion, and we were treated to some new material they have been working on in these enduring Covid times.
Of course, no Irish Christmas evening would be complete without the Christmas Anthem – Fairytale of New York, this strange musical enigma with its depressing lyrics and jaundiced festive
Aileen Donohoe performing ‘Baby it’s cold outside’ with husband Peter McCamley. outlook that has the amazing ability to lift Irish people everywhere – that must surely say something about us!
All I can say is that we gave it a right old blast to close a most enjoyable evening at The Presentation Centre that left me feeling totally Christmased.
Christmas By Candlelight was part of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, and Media’s Local Live Performance programme, one to be most certainly applauded.
– Maria Nolan
Aileen Donohoe
James and Mick from Corner Boy.
Dancing with Declan
Keep up to date with the local dancing scene on:
https://www.facebook.com/ DancingwithDec https://www.facebook.com/
socialdancingdateswexford n Goodbye to Jarlath
After many years based in Enniscorthy Library, Executive Librarian Jarlath Glynn left on December 13th having been reassigned to Wexford town. Jarlath says: “I have very much enjoyed my time here in Enniscorthy. I would like to thank you for all your help over the years in supporting what we do here in Enniscorthy library and indeed of myself.” Jarlath will greatly be missed by fellow staff members as well as Enniscorthy’s many library users. n Learn to write creatively!
Elevate your creative writing in January with inspiring writing workshops by the best-selling author Sheila Forsey. At The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, starting January 14th. See https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873 623075 n
Wexford Arts Centre events
For details and updates on all concerts, drama, exhibitions, films etc happening in Wexford Arts Centre, check out: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com /shows
Fishy tales
The Songs and Tall Tales of Jerry Fish due to take place in Enniscorthy’s Presentation Centre later this month is being rescheduled. Keep an eye on https://www.presentationcentre.ie for updates. n
Aoife’s big reward in Lidl trolley dash
Above: Enniscorthy Lidl store manager, Fran Butler, setting Aoife Freeman, Cherryorchard, off on her recent Christmas trolley dash. Below: Aoife with a very full load which she won in the Lidl trolley dash. Pics: Ibar Carty.
SlaNey adSlaNey leiSure & lifeStyle THE PRESENTATION CENTRE, ENNISCORTHY TEL: 053 9233000 WWW.PRESENTATIONCENTRE.IE
For full details and booking on all events in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, see https://www.wexfordartscentre.ie/events/
Enniscorthy winner of Junk Kouture 2021
The Overall Winner of the eleventh national Junk Kouture competition 2021 was announced in December 2021 as Alicia Rostermundt, an exchange student representing Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, for her amazing design, Iconoclastic Fantastic, which was also the winner of the Southeast Region category. Alicia’s design, which defeated 39 other national finalists, was inspired by both Jean Paul Gaultier and Janelle Monáe and in particular Janelle Monáe's signature black and white tuxedo style and her commitment to gender neutrality and non-conformity on and off stage. The gender neutral, recycled outfit is made from an old tent base, seatbelts from scrapyards, old furniture webbing, charity shop trouser suit, old sun hat, tape, half a jewellery box and reflective tape. The Junk Kouture judging panel featured Roz Purcell, Louis Walsh, Michelle Visage, and Stephen McLaughlin; plus technical judges Dr Tracy Fahy of the Department of Fine Fine Art and Education in Limerick School of Art and Design and Jane Leavy, programme director of fashion design at Griffith College. Speaking about the winning design, Junk Kouture judge Roz Purcell said: “There were over 100 seatbelts gathered from a scrapyard and you would not even notice. When she walked in, it looked like it had come off the runway. Only when you came up close you realised this couture gown was made out of junk. It was absolutely fantastic, extremely well-executed and she did it all by herself. I would wear it!” Judge Louis Walsh said, “Junk Kouture gets better and better each year and we are going to have some amazing designers out of this!”
If any teacher of young creatives aged 13-18 reading this piece is feeling inspired, you have from January 20 to February 3 to submit completed designs via the Junk Kouture mobile app for the 2022 competition which will culminate in the first-ever World Final! n
Top of page and left: Alicia Rostermundt, Junk Kouture national winner 2021. Right: Competition judge Roz Purcell.
SlaNey adSlaNey SNaPS CHRISTMAS IN MURRINTOWN
Above left: Daniela Hernandez in Murrintown Community Centre awaiting Sant Above: A happy group at the Murrintown event in aid of the Lochlann Doyle Fun
Cathriona and Olive Gregg. Santa and Mrs Cla in front, and his fa
Santa and Mrs Claus at the turning on of Murrintown Community Centre and Village Christmas Lights on 11th December organised by Cllr Lisa McDonald in aid of the Lochlann Doyle Fund. Santa had a surprise for all the children who attended.
Catherine McMoughle, Eamonn Hore and Noreen Cummins at the turning on of Murrintown Community Centre and Village Christmas Lights on 11th December.
A rare interview with Santa by Peter McCamley. Excite
Murrintown Community Centre Fair on 11th December. Riene Gorman (second from the left) shows off her quilts from RNR Quilts to customers Cian and Patrica Dunne.
Santa and Mrs Claus getting ready to take off at the Murrintown event on 11th December organised by Cllr Lisa McDonald in aid of the Lochlann Doyle Fund.
Some excited teenagers awaiting Santa at Murrintown on 11th December.
Above left: Enjoying their mulled wine in Murrintown on 11th December were Jilly Healy and Fiona Kearns. Above centre: Joe and Ellie Casey. Above right: In Murrintown Hall the beautiful sound of the harp was supplied by the talented Una Walsh, star of the Late Late Toy Show.
aus with the Doyle family including Lochlann Doyle vourite Councillor, Lisa McDonald, second from left. Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves turning on the Christmas lights with Councillor Lisa McDonald on the right.
All the fun of the fair: Young Megan and Phoebe Price.
ement in the faces of the young attendees. Above: Some of Santa’s followers in Murrintown. Right: Waiting for Santa were Sandra Jones and Emily Connell.
A blast from the past – former government Minister Hugh Byrne with his new wife Vanessa Byrne. All ready with their Christmas outfits were Olivia McCamley and Carol Dunne. Chris and Anthony Keenan at Murrintown Community Centre.
A huge range of services av
At the time of writing, all library branches in County Wexford are fully open to the public for browsing, study, computers, printing and Wi-Fi. Advance bookings are not required to visit the library, but it is recommended that PCs and study spaces should be reserved in advance. To book time on a PC in Enniscorthy Library please phone: 053 9236055. When you arrive at the library for your study space booking please follow these steps: • Go to the confirmation email you received when you booked. • Make your way to the seat number you were allocated. • Before you begin, check in (follow the link in your email and enter your given code). • Before you leave, check out. Please note: Your booking will be reallo-
Download the library app in advance of your visit. This app allows borrowers to easily manage their loans and reserves and even allows for “no touch” self-issuing of books which is perfect in this Covid environment. For more information on what the app can do for you go to https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/wexford-libraries-app
cated if you don’t check in within 15 minutes of your appointment time. Book a study seat here: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/r/new
ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY JUNIOR BOOK CLUB: New members are always welcome - suitable for ages 8-12. For more information ring on 053 9236055.
SERVICES FOR BUSINESSES AND LEARNING & TRAINING: For services aimed at businesses, as well as research, training and learning resources, and job-seeking see https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/more-library-services/work-matters
PRINTING SERVICES: Printing can still be emailed from home and collected during opening hours. Contact the library for details on 053 9236055.
MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE: For further information please phone: Mobile Library North 087 4175810. Mobile Library South 087 4176014.
In order to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit to the library please note the following: • Face coverings must be worn at all times when visiting the library as per public health guidelines. • You should not visit the library if you, or a household member, has symptoms of COVID-19.
vailable at your local library
Enniscorthy Library: Working for the community. Email: enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie Phone: 053 9236055
Opening Hours: Monday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm) Tuesday 10.30am - 5.30pm Wednesday 10.30am - 5.30pm Thursday 10.30am - 8.30pm Friday 10.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 10.30am - 5.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm)
Not a library member? Great news, you can join the library online now! Sign up here: https://www.librariesireland.ie/join-your-library
Healthy Ireland is the national strategy to improve health and wellbeing, placing a focus on prevention, individual awareness and keeping people healthy for longer. Download health-related magazines from: PressReader, a website and app that connects you with the world’s best newspapers and magazines for free, or from the new magazine app Libby available immediately with your library card! Healthy Ireland At Your Library – Wexford Public Library Services broadcast a series of talks on health topics. The talks are available to watch on the Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube channel.
EDUROAM:
Wexford Libraries have introduced eduroam Wi-Fi hotspot to support students. Eduroam stands for education roaming. It provides secure and easy-to-use Wi-Fi access in thousands of locations across more than 100 countries. Students whose college/university participates in eduroam can simply open their laptop or mobile device within an eduroam hotspot to have immediate internet connectivity. Your library is open 24/7: • • • • Use to access free eBooks and Borrowbox Download free music with Freegal Browse digital magazines with Libby Access digital comics & graphic novels using Libby
Comics • • Read newspapers for free with Pressreader You can also learn a new language with Transparent Language Online or take an online course with Universal
Class.
To access, all you need is your library card number and PIN, and an email address.
The BorrowBox app makes it easy to browse, borrow and read or listen to your library's eBooks and eAudiobooks anywhere, everywhere. Simply login with your member details to access the library's collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. https://wexford.borrowbox.com
Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel...
Make sure to check out Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube channel. Catch up with parenting and other events you may have missed or would like to watch again and handy guides and tutorials for accessing Wexford Public Libraries' e-services.
Wexford County Council Public Library Service works in partnership with CYPSC (Children &Young People’s Services Committee) each year to deliver Parenting Today, an annual programme of free talks for parents and carers throughout Wexford County. You can catch up on these talks through Wexford Public Libraries' YouTube Channel. n
https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/whats-on-in-my-library
Dirt Birds at the Riverside Enniscorthy trails funding
Critically-acclaimed comedy duo Sinead Culbert and Sue Collins AKA Dirtbirds bring their brand new show #NoFilters to the Riverside Park Hotel on the 3rd February 2022. In a world where women are expected to have the patience of Mother Teresa, the arse of Jennifer Lopez, the social media profile of Kim Kardashian, and the BMI of Elle McPherson, the pressure is relentless. So if you need answers to questions like: How do I have confidence when I feel lower than a snake’s arse? Funding allocation of €200,000 has been secured from the Department of Rural and Community Development for the resurfacing of entire 3km riverside trail by the Slaney in Enniscorthy, and also to resurface a track around the Urrin River up to St. John’s Bridge – a 600m loop. It is expected that the offer agreement will issue in early 2022. A planning application will be prepared in early 2022 and it hoped that construction will start before the end of 2022 with the path in place by June, 2023. n
How do I learn to love my muffin top? When the kids wreck my head how do I stop myself from selling them on Done Deal? …then this is a perfect show for you. “Their comedy is based on observing normal-life situations and turning them into very intelligent quips, sketches and stories.” The Independent
ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY
Lymington Road - Phone: 053 9236055 enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthylibrary
“Sinead and Sue identify a gap in comedy that women can relate to, they are passionate mothers themselves and have firsthand experience of life’s challenges.” The Times. Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/dirtbirds-riverside-parkhotel-co-wexford/venueartist/197946/5320105 n
One day Workshop: Introduction to Digital Photography
Will take place in the gorgeous and very photogenic Johnstown Castle & Gardens on Saturday, January 29th, 2022. Price is €95, including park entry, lunch and tutorials. To book please do so via website: www.paulamalonecarty.com
Happy New Year in Monageer
New Year’s Eve in the Monageer Tavern, Monageer, Enniscorthy.
Top left: Danny O’Connell, Wolfgang Mansel, Angela Griffith, Jo Caufield and Gordon Griffith. Top right: Anne and Tom Murphy. Above left: Music was supplied by Tom Sawyer. Above centre: Borrina Higgins, Mary Canavan (proprietor) and Purdy McCourt. Above right: Emily and Paddy Heffernan. Opposite: Anne & Andy Thomas, Sharon Murphy. Below left: Garry and Geraldine Duffy. Below centre: Seamus Canavan (proprietor Monageer Tavern) with his grandson Alfie Dunne. Below right: Anne Marsh and John Carroll.
New Year’s Eve in T Morris, Monck Street, were Annmarie Bennett, Leane Whelan and Declan Buggy.
Cocktails in the Crown Bar, Monck Street: Lewis Kinlan, Samantha Lawlor and Josh Scallon.
New Year in Wexfor
New Year’s Eve in T Morris, Monck Street, were Anne O’Connor and Philip McGrath. New Year’s Eve in T Morris, Monck Street, were Phelan Roche, Ciara Durman, Brian Clifford and James O’Brien.
r’s Eve in the Crown Bar, treet were k and owne. In Maggie May’s: Dylan Doyle and Aylin Mayicli.
rd Town
New Year’s Eve in Maggie May’s, Monck Street, were Melanie Corrigan, Mai Turner and Sophie Corrigan.
New Year’s Eve in the Maggie May’s. Back row L-R: Erin Byrne and Oliver Higg. Front row: Jessica Tennant, Chloe Roche, Katie O’Neill and Aley Higginbotham.
In the Crown Bar: Paddy, Ger and Mary Connors. In Maggie May’s: Aneta and Tara March.
Movie Review with Kyle Walsh
Ok, so I have come to this film rather late as I think it was released on Netflix a year ago, but I had a look at it the other night and I was not disappointed. This film is an all-out action flick starring Chris Hemsworth as a mercenary with a horrible past, who agrees to an assignment to rescue a drug dealer’s son who has been kidnapped for ransom by another drug dealer in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The story is tame enough, nothing too complicated and for an actionpacked movie that is all it needs to be because, let’s face it, we as an audience don’t come to these movies for great storylines... as the action is the story we are looking for... and trust me in this film action is what we get plenty of. Hemsworth I felt was really good in this movie, he did most of his own stunts and his hand-to-hand combat scenes are very impressive indeed... when it comes to some of the quieter parts of the movie he gives a very solid performance in the emotions he’s going through. He plays the part of the action hero really well and you believe him. This is a debut film for director Sam Hargrave who would be more known for his stunt work in some of the Marvel films. Also the Russo brothers produced this film – better known as the directors of Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier/ Civil War.
Hargrave does very well here on his debut, he knows his way around action scenes that’s for sure. There’s a truly great 13-minute, single-shot set-piece that brings you from an extraordinary car chase to a foot chase to an apartment showdown – it has to be seen. The end scene on the bridge is epic too with great action, I was literally stuck to the screen to see what was going to happen next. The sound design is glorious with bullets going off all over the place, helicopters going over your head as your home surround is pumping. The music score is fantastic too, especially on the bridge at the end, it made the film even more intense. The usage of a green colour palette makes the film more real, you can almost smell the streets of India, you can almost taste it, there’s a claustrophobic feel to it. Overall, this is an action film I would highly recommend particularly if you’re looking for a film to suspend your mind from reality for a couple of hours – this is the one to do it. It takes you on a ride from the beginning and doesn’t let you fall off. Give it a shot lads, you won’t be disappointed. I give this film 9/10 with a warning that it’s not for the faint hearted!!! n
Kyle Walsh
Above left: Santa posing with Lily and Tom Donohoe. Above centre: Santa with George Roberts and Kate O’Leary. Above right: Lilly Anne Mitre, Sadhbh Lonergan, Maura White with Santa. Christmas in Galbally
Above left: Michelle, Evie, Caoimhe and Cormac Doyle. Above: Waiting to meet Santa were Saoirse and Killian Harte and Ava Laffan. Right: Hannah, Ali, Zara and Isabelle Crean. Santa turned on the Christmas Lights in Galbally Community Centre, 1st Dec 2021.
Left: Killian Harte with Santa. Right: Lilie Anne Mitre, Sadhbh Lonergan, Nuala White and Martina O’Connor. Below left: George and Sylvia Roberts, and Kate and Brigid O’Leary. Below centre: Even Santa needs to learn CPR using a defibrillator, with Vickie Dunne, training instructor. Below right: Children meeting Santa.
Left: Alfie on his visit to Wheelock’s Christmas Tree Farm, Moneyhore, Enniscorthy, on 25th November 2021. Anthony, Patrick, Saoirse, Issac Wheelock, Alfie, Ellie and Max at Wheelock’s Christmas Tree Farm, Moneyhore, Enniscorthy, on 25th November 2021.
Killegney Early Years
Visit to Wheelock’s Christmas Tree Far
Orlagh Doyle with Isaac and Mary Wheelock, proprietors of Wheelock’s Christmas Tree Farm. Saoirse, John, Alfie, Ellie and Mary Wheelock.
Above: A group from Killegney Early Years on their school visit to Wheelock’s Christmas Tree Farm, Moneyhore, Enniscorthy, 25th November 2021. Above right: Soairse, Ellie, Alfie, John and Max.
rm, Enniscorthy
A group from Killegney Early Years on their school visit to Wheelock’s Christmas Tree Farm, Moneyhore, Enniscorthy, 25th November 2021, with Orlagh Doyle, proprietor (centre, seated).
ney Early Years school visit to Wheelocks tmas Tree Farm, Moneyhore, Enniscorthy, Ellie, Sarah, Leah, John and Orlagh.
Wexford Has Talent is back!
Wexford Has Talent. Pictured are Ella Grant, Katie O’Connor and Anna Jeffares from the Sullivan Academy of Irish Dance. Pics above and below: Patrick Browne.
The much-missed Wexford Has Talent Competition is back for 2022. www.wexfordhastalent.com
Originally scheduled for January 2022, the organisers of Wexford Has Talent have announced rescheduled dates for March 2022 with auditions set to take place on Sunday, March 13th, at Clayton Whites Hotel. Competitors are invited to pre-book a free audition place online at
Wexford Has Talent is kindly sponsored by The Wexford People newspaper Group and has taken place in Wexford town annually since 2015 except for 2021 when Covid restrictions prevented the show from going ahead. Organisers of the 2022 event have reviewed the dates for 2022 and have moved the competition until later in Spring due to current government guidelines for the events and entertainment sector.
From the audition process, a shortlist of between 24 and 30 acts will go forward to take part in the live audience semi-finals on April 15th and 16th and the semi-final winners will go on to perform at the Wexford Has Talent Grand Final on Sunday, May 1st 2022. The event has grown to become recognised as ‘the' talent competition in the county launching and awarding talents like the band Fit for Kings, gymnast Tara Doyle Robinson, musical ensemble Seventh Fret, singer/songwriters Rachel Grace and Luke Spellacy Shaw and dancer Alex Saunders who have all gone on to perform across the country, release albums and films and who have appeared on stage at some of the biggest music festivals in Ireland.
Registration for the 2022 Wexford Has Talent auditions is now open. For further details and to pre-book audition appointments in advance see www.wexfordhastalent.com or join the event on www.Facebook.com/WexfordHasTalent and Instagram @WexfordHasTalent n
Jimi’s new album
Gorey’s Jimi Cullen is delighted to have recently released his new album 'Folk Manifesto Pt.2' on BandCamp and YouTube. The album is a collection of acoustic songs written and recorded over the last six months that focuses on many of the social issues and events that have been centre stage during that time both here in Ireland and around the globe. The album is free to anyone who would like a copy. Here's the link to stream or download it: https://jimicullenmusic.bandcamp.com/album/2 021-folk-manifesto-pt-2-lp Jimi’s website is https://www.jimicullen.ie where you’ll find links to all his wonderful songs. n
Jimi Cullen –Gorey-based folk singer, musician, songwriter, producer and activist.
Enniscorthy’s favourite musical duo –Kermie (Kerry and Jamie) are back on the road! Jamie Murphy tells us, “Lads... we'd love to play anywhere at this stage... We are back at it. Give us a bell and let us bring some much needed joy to you!!! We do dos and functions, weddings and wakes....” Contact the duo through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamieandkerry
Kerry and Jamie –back on the road.
