Slaney News, Issue 158, July 2023.

The Green, Clonard Village Centre, Wexford, Y35 R288

T: 083 1172909

If you suffer from lack of sleep due to ongoing health issues, such as back or body pain, twisting and turning at night, age related, menopause/perimenopause etc, then choose the custom-designed O’Suan Sleep Support System –a series of carefully selected, high quality materials (cashmere wool, natural latex, coconut fibres and silk) layered according to your partricular body pressure over 2,000 individual pocket springs and encased in an easily removable, washable cover.

To find out more or to book a FREE Consultation and Scan (using cutting edge pressure mapping technology), drop in to the O'Suan Sleep showroom located at The Green, Clonard Village, Wexford Town, Y35 R288. Or contact Ray or Luke on: 083-1172909, email: wexford@osuansleep.com, www.osuansleep.com

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.

Welcome to the July issue of the Slaney News.

Looking back over the last month there’s been so much happening in the Enniscorthy area that we’re struggling to fit it all in this bumper, 150-page issue The inaugural Enniscorthy 1798 Summer School was a huge success, followed by lots more 1798-related events and four festivals – the Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival, the Roots Rhythms Festival, the Festival of Ferns and the latest ad dition, the Wexford Strawberry Festival – all covered in this in credibly busy issue of the Slaney News. And the good news is that there’s loads more to look forward to – the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival in August and the Blackstairs Blues in September.

For those readers who follow our Facebook page, you will know that June/July is usually the time that Enniscorthy is judged in the national Tidy Towns competition and so, of late, we have been highlighting the great work being done by both Wexford Co. Council and Enniscorthy Tidy Towns committee and volunteers. We wish Enniscorthy Tidy Towns all the best in their quest for a Silver medal award this year.

We often get asked is there one handy number for the general public to use in relation to litter, illegal dumping, etc. And we’re glad to say there is – all such matters can be reported to (053) 919 6000 or email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie And you will receive a log number to refer to if you need to call again.

Finally, we include as always a huge number of photos taken around Enniscorthy, and beyond. If you would like to purchase any of our photos please get in touch by email at slaneynews@gmail.com

If you have any news or photos you’d like us to share in the Slaney News, please email them to slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as much as possible. Also, please let us know what you think about our new format. Telephone: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has almost 11,000 Followers. And, of course, if you like our new online format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you

– Frank Corcoran

To advertise in the

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

Disclaimer:

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

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. 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.

Camp 1 10th-14th July

New! Arts & Crafts Camp

Times: 9:30am-1:30pm

Ages: 5-11 years old

Cost: €60

New! Tween Camp Times: 2-5pm

Ages: 9-15 years old

Cost: €40

Book Online: www.astroactive.ie

Phone: 053 9236678

Email: astroactive@reachability.ie

All phone bookings require a non refundable deposit of €20

Multi Sports Camps

Camp 2: 31st July-4th August

Camp 3: 8th-11th August

Camp 4: 14th-17th August

Camp 5: 22nd-25th August

Times: 10am-3pm Daily €70 (5day), €60 (4day), €15 per day

Multi Sports Activities Fun Games

Arts & Crafts

Focus on Enniscorthy’s Eastside

Over recent months it is clear that the east side of Enniscorthy is now receiving more attention from Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

At the same time, the new Enniscorthy East Community Development group has become active in the wider community on that side of town. At a recent public meeting, the group presented details of confirmed projects for the Eastside recently announced by Enniscorthy Municipal District / Wexford Co. Council, and also presented its ideas for future development projects, and welcomed ideas from the floor.

The development of a new playground in Templeshannon is one of the first projects to be confirmed. Outlining the plans, then District Chairman Cllr Aidan Browne commented, “I’m delighted to confirm that Wexford County Council intends to develop an accessible playground with a small car park in Springvalley, Templeshannon. A playground in Templeshannon will serve as an asset for young families in the community. I understand that design plans are being prepared for consideration by Enniscorthy Municipal District members for approval before the planning process gets underway." n

Every Monday and Thursday in July – first race 8pm Benefit nights: Thursday 6th July St Joseph’s GAA Black & White night at the dogs. Thursday 13th July Wexford Ladies Football race night.

EXTRA NIGHT: A family fun evening at the dogs on Sunday 23rd July. And of course August kicks off with our 90th anniversary celebrations on Thursday 3rd August.

Congrats to John and Jackser

On 26th June 2023, Enniscorthy Municipal District elected its two Independent members to the top two roles in the Council – John O'Rourke is the new Cathaoirleach and Jackser Owens the new Leas Cathaoirleach.

Our photos show a happy Cllr O'Rourke being presented with the chains of office by his predecessor Cllr Aidan Browne; being congratulated by Cllr Owens; and being surrounded by his immediate family and friends.

Cllr O'Rourke's fellow Councillors were lavish in their praise for his contribution to Enniscorthy and Co. Wexford with an unbroken record of service as a public representative since 1999. We in the Slaney News wish him well and every success in the year ahead. n

JOHN O’ROURKE IS THE NEW ENNISCORTHY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT CHAIRMAN

Enniscorthy Community College Debs

5th July 2023

Enniscorthy Community College Graduation Ball met up in TJ Murphy’s, Enniscorthy, before going to The Talbot in Carlow.

Above left: Stephen Kavanagh and Sarah Buckley. Above right: Kayla Murphy and Rashid Yasin.

Above left: Megan Finn Lawless and Teigan Wildes. Above centre: Tara Kenny O’Brien, Aoife Murphy and Kayla Kenny Murphy. Above right: Keegan Dempsey and Chloe Lambert Davis. Below left: Ronan Smith and Michaela Ryan. Below centre: Kelsey Martin Dunne. Below centre: James Murray and Michaela O Connor-Moorehouse. Below right: Zoe Kelly.

A great way to enjoy the beach this summer

The Co. Wexford Beach Services are back for 2023 and this year there is the addition of Gorey to Ballymoney. These services will operate every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday from Saturday June 3rd to Sunday September 3rd with an additional two-week daily service from July 31st to August 11th. Fares apply to Ballymoney and Curracloe services and the Morriscastle shuttle is FREE. Here is a link to the timetable: https://locallinkwexford.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2023/05/Wexford-Beaches-Timetable-2023.pdf n

Turning the sod on the new Ross Road astro pitch

sports clubs of Enniscorthy and the surrounding area as the sod was turned on the new Enniscorthy Municipal District full-size, floodlit, all-weather astro pitch on the Ross Road. Work will commence shortly and it is hoped it will be finished and ready to be used this Autumn.

Then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Mu-

viously described the new pitch as “a game changer” for all sports in Enniscorthy town and district. Commenting after the sod-turning, he outlined how “this is such an exciting development for Enniscorthy town and district. Our underage sports clubs across soccer, GAA and rugby do great work all year round. This astroturf will ensure that children can con-

the winter. It’s a real game changer for underage sport in Enniscorthy.

“Many clubs in Enniscorthy town and district will benefit from this facility, including Enniscorthy’s five soccer clubs, as well as clubs based in Caim, Bree, Castledockrell... As Chairperson of the Enniscorthy Municipal District of Wexford County

L-R: Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, David Tobin (MGM Partnership, Project Manager and QS), Carolyne Godkin (Wexford Co. Council), Cllr Cathal Byrne, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Aidan Broiwne, Edel Nolan (Enniscorthy Municipal District), Tom Enright (CEO, Wexford Co. Council).

Minister Ja

L-R: Martin Sweeney (Sweeney Consulting Engineers), Paul O’Brien (Paul O’Brien Associates, designers), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Paul Kehoe TD, then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Aidan Browne, Minister James Browne TD, David Tobin (MGM Partnership, Project Manager and QS), Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Colin Flynn (Sole Sports and Leisure, contractors).

Council, I am absolutely thrilled to know that this project will be delivered in the next few months.”

Speakers at the sod-turning event were Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford Co. Council; then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Aidan Browne; and Minister James Browne who spoke on behalf of the gov-

ernment which has provided substantial funding for the project under the Sports Capital Programme.

Our photos show the speakers, local TDs, Councillors and representatives of the design, project management, and engineering teams, and Sole Sports and Leisure Ltd – the Wexford-based company which will be undertaking the construction work. n

mes Browne TD and Cllr Aidan Browne at the sod-turning event.

Edel Nolan (Enniscorthy Municipal District), Mary T. Kehoe (WCC Sports Active) representing Fran Ronan, Sports Co-ordinator WCC, Cllr Aidan Browne, Carolyne Godkin (Wexford Co. Council), Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan.

MC for the occasion, Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services, Wexford Co. Council).

Eugene bids a fond farewell

A well-known native of Enniscorthy, Eugene Doyle, retired from his Chartered Accountancy practice in Abbey Square at the end of June Eugene grew up on the Island Road, he went to school locally and completed his Leaving Cert at the young age of 16. He then went on to do a Certificate in Business Studies in 1977 in Carlow RTC. Fol lowing this he succeeded in securing his Chartered Accountant train ing contract with Sheil & Kinnear in Enniscorthy. He fully qualified in March 1983 so it is very fitting that he now retires in his 40th year as a Chartered Accountant.

Eugene worked for a short period as an Accountant and Manager in IFAC Enniscorthy from 1984 to 1987 and then set up his own independent accountancy firm Eugene T. Doyle & Co. in October 1987. The firs office was situated on Castle Street, but as the business grew he then moved to 11 Slaney Street in 1992 and expanded again in 1996 to where the office is now in Abbey Square. During his career, he also opened a second office in Gorey, where his very capable business partner Michael Doyle now operates the firm, Doyle Associates.

In 2014, his long-term employee, P.J. Fielding, became partner of the Abbey Square firm, and there evolved the company we know today, Doyle Fielding Chartered Accountants. Eugene retires knowing that Doyle Fielding Chartered Accountants will continue in P.J.’s very experienced hands together with his 13 capable workforce.

Alongside his accountancy practice, Eugene devoted a lot of his time to voluntary charity work, in particular with The Fr. Leo Staples Trust in Kenya, which helped raise funds to build infrastructure including a school, dormitory and other capital projects in the Kitale community.

Eugene’s family, his wife Louise, children Michael, Brian, Katie and Aideen and granddaughter Lorelai were all on hand on Friday the 23rd June along with staff and friends to celebrate his retirement. A great day and night was had by all as he got a great send off. n

L-R: PJ Fielding (Partner, Doyle Fielding Chartered Accountants), Joe Hore, Eugene Doyle.

Above L-R: Katie Doyle, Bernie Whelan (recently retired from Doyle Fielding), Michael Doyle, Margaret Roche.

Below L-R: Eugene’s sister Mary Dunne (right) with her daughter Claire.

Top left: Eugene with good friend Peter Creedon. Top right: Eugene with wife Louise, son Michael and granddaughter Lorelei.

Above left: Tom Doyle, Eugene Doyle and PJ Fielding. Above right: Brian Doyle with Eugene’s niece Claire. Below left: Staff members Marian Carty, Margaret Roche, Lorraine Dempsey and Avril Carr with Eugene and good friend Michael Jordan. Below centre: Eugene with granddaughter Lorelei. Below right: Katie Doyle, Eugene’s friends Margaret and Matt O’Connor, Louise Doyle.

Enniscorthy Forum Ministerial Summit moves the transition to zero emission buildings

 Partnership announced between the UN and Enniscorthy Forum networks

 Ireland encouraged to sign up to the Buildings Breakthrough Target

 Major programme of projects and activities launched to accelerate the transition

 Plans for a new €280m Building Technology Campus in Ukraine presented  Ministers briefed on outcomes

A Wexford-based, non-profit organisation, the Enniscorthy Forum, has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to collaborate on a worldwide mission to improve buildings to reduce carbon emissions while keeping them affordable as well as healthy and comfortable.

The Enniscorthy Forum and its partners will work in collaboration with UNEP to promote and demonstrate the transformative benefits of highperformance buildings and to ensure take-up of best practice methods in planning, design and construction across the world.

The partnership between the Enniscorthy Forum and UNEP was announced at the major Ministerial Summit hosted by the Enniscorthy

Forum, and sponsored by Kingspan, on 27th and 28th June in Enniscorthy.

Participants welcomed with great enthusiasm the announcements regarding the MOU and the accession of key actors to that MOU, the collaboration with key partners on the reconstruction of Ukraine, the call for Ireland to endorse the Buildings Breakthrough Target, and the launch of a major programme of projects and activities under the auspices of the Enniscorthy Forum.

Ministers were briefed on the key outcomes summit.

Mark Radka, Chief of the Energy and Climate Branch of UNEP, said: “We are delighted with our newly formalised relationship with the Enniscorthy Forum and look forward to a strong and endur-

ing partnership that helps raise the performance of buildings and the built environment on a global scale. Experts from Ireland helped initiate the UN’s High Performance Buildings Initiative and this prompted creation of the Enniscorthy Forum. UNEP values and appreciates the Irish Government's support for the Enniscorthy Forum and the activities of its Buildings Action Coalition.”

The Enniscorthy Forum has developed global networks, called the Buildings Action Coalition (BAC), with a membership comprising community-centric organisations, global industry players, and academia.

The Enniscorthy Forum is supported by the Irish Government and its summit last month was attended by senior industry figures, government officials,

Participants at the signing ceremony at Enniscorthy Castle for members of the Buildings Action Coalition to join the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), pictured on the roof of Enniscorthy Castle with members of the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.

community-based organisations, and leading academics from around the world.

The summit heard a presentation by senior French government officials on the Buildings Breakthrough Target – a French and Moroccan-led joint vision and rallying point initiative aimed at ensuring near-zero emission buildings are the new normal by 2030. The initiative is part of UNEP’s work programme.

Participants called on the Irish Government to endorse the Buildings Breakthrough Target, and the initiative has been placed on the government’s agenda for review and consideration.

Yves-Laurent Sapoval, Senior Advisor to the Director for Housing, Urban Development and Landscapes in France, affirmed support for the initiative: “We consider improving the performance of buildings and the built environment to be imperative if we are to achieve the objectives set forth in the Paris Climate Agreement, and we look forward to working with the Enniscorthy Forum to accelerate achievement of tangible progress through the GlobalABC towards the Buildings Breakthrough Target.”

The Enniscorthy Forum, a not-for-profit organisation was set up in 2020 by Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce to support advancement of the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda. Its membership believes that the challenges confronting humanity are deep and intrinsically global, but require action by local forces, so global-local partnerships and collaborations are needed.

In September 2022, the Enniscorthy Forum launched its Buildings Action Coalition to advance high performance buildings. The coalition is a global collaboration with a programme of projects and activities involving a wide range of public and private stakeholders in construction, planning, policy and other built environment sectors to accelerate attainment of the Buildings Breakthrough Target.

Barbara-Anne Murphy, CEO of the Enniscorthy Forum, said: “Since our foundation in 2020, we have received significant support from the Irish government, industry partners and Build-

ings Action Coalition members. Signing an MOU with UNEP brings our work to the next level and increases our reach and influence as well as that of the membership of the Buildings Action Coalition.

“The Buildings Action Coalition supports UNEP’s work. Our activities will include advocating for market transformation to achieve high performance buildings, developing guidelines that will help deliver net zero buildings and working closely with all stakeholders to lead and support this muchneeded transition.

“We already have a significant programme of collaborations including outreach, research, academic studies, construction projects and education and training schemes. We will expand the global membership network of the Buildings Action Coalition to more countries and more stakeholders. We will mobilise resources and disseminate knowledge, experience and best practices to transition towards zero emission buildings and construction.

“As part of this work we have called on the Irish government to sign up to the Buildings Breakthrough Target. This is an important initiative that urges countries to ensure that near-zero emission and resilient buildings are the new normal by 2030. To date 16 countries have signed up to it and we need Ireland to join them.”

As part of the new MOU, UNEP and UNEP’s Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (Global ABC) have now become lead partners of the Enniscorthy Forum and the Buildings Action Coalition is now aligned with the Global ABC.

A formal signing ceremony took place at Enniscorthy Castle on Wednesday 28th June and saw 8 Building Action Coalition members join the MOU with Penn State, and another 5 coalition members signed letters of intent to join the MOU pending completion of due diligence procedures.

Scott Foster, an adviser to the Enniscorthy Forum and former director of the Sustainable Energy Division of the United Nations in Geneva, said: “Improving the performance of buildings and the built environment is the one action that can deliver integrated solutions at scale in a timely fashion to

produce tangible outcomes on economic, social, and environmental resilience, quality of life, and climate, among other desirable outcomes, and in the process advance employment, innovation, and investment.

“This launch is an exciting development for the Enniscorthy Forum and is proof that small local organisations can achieve big things with the right support, the right partners and the right vision. The Buildings Action Coalition has far-reaching ambitions to help transform the built environment worldwide.”

Mike Stenson, Project Director of Kingspan’s Ukraine Building Technology Campus said: “We are delighted to sponsor the summit and support the work of the Enniscorthy Forum on highperformance buildings. Kingspan is a global leader in building innovation. We believe advanced materials, building systems and digital technologies can play an important role in helping to address the global issues of circularity and climate change and we are playing a key part in realising this. As part of our work in this crucial area, we are planning to invest €280m in a new Building Technology Campus in Ukraine. This will be a net zero manufacturing site developing innovative products for sale across Europe and to help in the sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine.”

A delegation from the Summit travelled to Dublin to meet Minister Jack Chambers, Minister for State at the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications. The 12-member delegation briefed Minister Chambers and Department officials on the work of The Enniscorthy Forum, the outcomes of the Summit and agreed a platform for further dialogue and updates between the Enniscorthy Forum and Minister Chamber's Department.

The delegation also met with Minister of State for Justice and Law Reform James Brown TD to discuss activities of coalition members that can be adapted for use in Ireland as part of Youth Diversion and other programmes.

Meetings with Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien and Environment Minister Eamonn Ryan are scheduled to take place in the autumn.

Cont’d overleaf

Enniscorthy Forum attracts w in building and energy

Background: The Enniscorthy Forum and its Buildings Action Coalition (BAC)

The Enniscorthy Forum is a non-profit organisation established in Enniscorthy in 2021 with the support of the Irish Government to accelerate attainment of the United Nations’ development agenda. The Forum’s work on high-performance buildings was initiated following contact between Scott Foster, then director of the Sustainable Energy Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and Enniscorthy-based champions of the Passive House movement. Those discussions led at first to the release of the UN’s framework guidelines for energy efficiency standards in buildings and then to the launch of the UN’s High Performance Buildings Initiative.

The Enniscorthy Forum has now teamed up with UNEP to raise the performance of the built environment globally by activating critical investments that “move the needle” on decarbonisation, resilience, and improved quality of life.

The Enniscorthy Forum hosts the secretariat for the BAC, whose members include:

n Organisations and institutions that operate at community level and that provide implementation-oriented education and assistance to building developers, contractors, architects, and engineers, as well as regulatory and planning officials. They also provide community-centric knowledge development and sharing, connecting with resources and accelerating uptake of high performance buildings.

n A group of thought leaders in the

built environment developing a set of objectives, targets, and recommendations for buildings and the built environment that complement and offer visibility on tangible outcomes for the work of UNEP’s Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) and the newly-articulated Breakthrough Target for Buildings.

n Industry partners providing examples of application of best practices in countries around the world to demonstrate their validity in different climates, stages of development, and regulatory, legislative, and physical infrastructure.

Support for GlobalABC by the BAC is expected to facilitate the transition to zero emission, efficient, and resilient buildings and construction.

Above L-R: Richard C. Yancey (Building Energy Exchange, New York), Michael Bennett (Enniscorthy builder), Siobhan O’Dwyer (Global Head of Marketing and Public Affairs, Kingspan Group), Ed Murphy (GreenTech HQ), David Chikvaidze (United Nations Office Geneva), Barbara-Anne Murphy (CEO Enniscorthy Forum), Scott Foster (Senior Advisor Enniscorthy Forum), Tomás O’Leary (MosArt architects), Robert Cavey (Senior Advisor, Enniscorthy Forum).

world experts

The coalition members who signed onto the MOU include the Building Energy Exchange (New York City, USA), passivhausMaine (Freeport, Maine, USA), Passive House Network (national network headquartered in New York City), Passive House Institute (Darmstadt, Germany), Passive House Canada (Vancouver, Canada), River Clyde Homes (Glasgow, Scotland), and Onion Flats (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Letters of Intent to join the MOU were signed by Passive House for Everyone (Brooklyn, New York), Zero Ambition Partners (Dublin, Ireland), A2M Architecture (Brussels, Belgium), AECB (Lancashire, UK), and Passive House Massachusetts (Boston, Massachusetts).

Improving the performance of the built environment is the most effective way to meet the climate challenge while improving quality of life globally. Delivering on the promise requires collaboration among all stakeholders in the built environment working quickly and at scale around the world. That is the shared vision on which the Enniscorthy Forum’s Buildings Action Coalition and UNEP’s GlobalABC partnership is built.

BUILDINGS ACTION COALITION PROGRAMME OF PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES:

The description of BAC projects and activities is a living document – it will evolve as the work progresses. It provides partners a substantive overview of the programme’s current working agenda and, taken as a whole, indicates the underlying vision that guides BAC efforts. The projects are conceived to support the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, and more immediately, the objectives of the GlobalABC and the Buildings Breakthrough Target set forth by the governments of France and Morocco.

The vision underlying the BAC is far-reaching, to deliver on the goals of development in enduring ways. The vision can be expressed several ways.

First, both quality of life and decarbonisation are critical to assessing building performance. Quality of life improvements within buildings over the past century have been substantial and are a common metric of development. But those improvements have been fueled with carbon-based energy. The task now is to continue the improvements – high performance buildings can deliver dramatically on a range of criteria – while eliminating the carbon dependence.

Second, buildings are a portal to dramatic improvements in the entire built environment and the many services it provides. Whether the focus is information and communications technology (ICT), transportation, water, waste, or other facets of an integrated built environment, today’s technology and know-how make possible vast improvements in the quality of life. The improvements can address issues of poverty, resilience, social justice, and the UN principle of leaving no one behind – as well as carbon emissions.

Above left: Barbara-Anne Murphy (CEO Enniscorthy Forum), Siobhan O’Dwyer (Global Head of Marketing and Public Affairs, Kingspan Group), Ed Murphy (GreenTech HQ). Above right: Scott Foster (advisor to the Enniscorthy Forum) and Michael Bennett (Enniscorthy builder).

Siobhan O’Dwyer (Global Head of Marketing and Public Affairs, Kingspan Group) with Enniscorthy’s Tomás O’Leary (MosArt architects).

Cont’d overleaf 

Third, when the link between high performance buildings and non-carbon-based energy services is explored more fully, a broader possibility emerges. By demonstrating what is possible, advanced buildings can facilitate a shift to not only green energy, but to a green economy – one that is better integrated with the natural environment, with less waste, circular economy, multifaceted returns on investment in sustainable progress, and new economic opportunities.

Done at scale and with an eye to equity through design, such transformation can help create new types of communities, New Buildings & Energy & Communities, in which the backbone of community design links decarbonised energy services, buildings and the built environment, and new economic and social dynamics.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH UNEP

The agreement between the buildings action coalition and UNEP calls for collaboration on the following activities:

• Advocate for market transformation and catalyse real action.

• Develop specific projects and activities, for example, best practices for retrofits, notably for historic buildings; best practices for data centres; and best practices for buildings/grid interface.

• Track progress towards zero emission, efficient, and resilient buildings and construction.

• Develop policy guidance and capacity building for the transition.

• Work with the community of stakeholders and UN bodies to develop objectives, targets, and recommendations to support attainment of the Buildings Breakthrough Target.

• Work with academia worldwide to advance the science of buildings and the built environment and to ensure comprehensive education of the professional communities needed to improve building performance.

• Extend the network of BAC members globally to support countries and construction industry stakeholders to transition towards zero emission, efficient, and resilient buildings and construction.

• Mobilise resources and develop joint projects to support countries and construction industry stakeholders to transition towards zero emission, efficient, and resilient buildings and construction.

• Disseminate knowledge, experience and best practices and work with industry groups to provide demonstrations and proofs of concept.

BUILDINGS BREAKTHROUGH TARGET

“Near zero-emission and resilient buildings are the new normal by 2030.”

Ireland endorsed the previous five targets on power, transport, steel, hydrogen, and agriculture and the buildings target is aligned with Ireland’s own policy framework.

The Paris Agreement commits the world to limit the rise in global temperature to well below 2°C, and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C (compared to pre-industrial levels). To keep 1.5°C target alive, we need to halve global emissions by 2030 and reach global net zero emissions by the middle of the century. Key to achieving this will be the Glasgow Breakthrough

Agenda, launched at COP26 by a coalition of world leaders whose countries collectively represent over 70% of global GDP. The Breakthrough Agenda is an international clean technology plan to keep 1.5°C in reach. It will be taken forward under joint stewardship of Mission Innovation and CEM from COP27 onwards.

The first set of government-led Breakthrough goals launched at COP26 covered five key emitting sectors representing more than 50% of global emissions:

• CLEAN POWER the most affordable and reliable option for all countries to meet their power needs efficiently by 2030.

• Zero emissions ROAD TRANSPORT the new normal – accessible, affordable and sustainable in all regions by 2030.

• Near zero emissions STEEL the preferred choice in global markets, with efficient use and near-zero emission steel production established and growing in every region by 2030.

• Affordable renewable and low carbon HYDROGEN globally available by 2030.

• Climate-resilient, sustainable AGRICULTURE the most attractive and widely adopted option for farmers everywhere by 2030.

At COP27, countries developed a package of 28 priority actions to decarbonise those sectors in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Countries are also working to launch new Breakthroughs in new sectors – such as France and Morocco on buildings and Canada on cement. These are being launched during 2023. n

The Ministerial Summit took place at the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy on June 27th and 28th, 2023. The event also included a signing ceremony at Enniscorthy Castle for members of the Buildings Action Coalition to join the MOU. For a full list of speakers and the full event agenda please visit the Enniscorthy Forum website.

Above: David Chikvaidze (Chef de Cabinet, United Nations Office at Geneva), Barbara-Anne Murphy (CEO Enniscorthy Forum).

New Intreo office officially opens in Enniscorthy

At the end of June 2023, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys TD officially opened the Department of Social Protection’s new Intreo Centre at Bridgepoint, Abbey Square, Enniscorthy. The Intreo Centre provides information and supports across the Department’s various schemes. A total of 18 staff now work there.

The Intreo facility will serve as a ‘onestop-shop’ bringing together employment and support services that were previously being delivered in three different locations namely:

Social Welfare Branch Office, Captain Weafer Hall, Spring Valley.

Social Welfare Inspectors and Community Welfare Service, Portsmouth House. Activation & Community Employment Service, Bridgepoint, Enniscorthy.

The services available from the new office include:

n Jobseeker and other Income Supports.

n Community Welfare Service.

n Employment Services.

n Social Welfare Inspectors.

n Public Service Card Services.

Commenting, Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to officially open my Department’s new Intreo Centre here in Enniscorthy. Previously, the Department’s services were situated in three different locations around the town. This new of-

fice will act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ providing a more comprehensive service to families and citizens living in this growing community.

Minister Heather Humphreys added: “I always say that our motto in Social Protection is a simple one. ‘We are here to help’. And by creating this one stop shop, we will provide an even better service to the entire population of this town.

“This move also reflects my commitment, as Minister for Rural and Community Development, to ensure that our rural towns and villages have proper access to vital State services.

“Finally, I want to pay tribute to Seamus Redmond, the former Branch Office Manager in Enniscorthy, who retired last year after providing 44 years of dedicated service to the role.

“I also want to sincerely thank and pay tribute to the staff in the office for their continued dedication in providing key services to families in Enniscorthy and the surrounding areas.” n

Intreo Enniscorthy staff with Ministers Heather Humphreys and James Browne, and Paul Kehoe TD. Pic: Mary Browne.

Minister Heather Humphreys officially opened the new Intreo Centre in Enniscorthy.

Pic: Mary Browne.

Wexford General Hospital news

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has welcomed the news that planning permission has been lodged for a permanent MRI scanner in Wexford General Hospital. The permanent MRI scanner will be located within a three-storey extension to the existing hospital building.

Confirming the news, Minister Browne said, “I’m delighted to confirm an important milestone related to the delivery of a permanent new MRI scanner in Wexford General Hospital. I want to commend the hard work of Wexford General Hospital manager Linda O’Leary and hospital staff for their work on this project. The people of Wexford generously donated funds towards this permanent unit. Following work from my government colleagues and the HSE, the planning permission has now been lodged with Wexford County Council.

“This is a promising development as it is a crucial next step to the delivery of the permanent MRI scanner. Construction is expected to start by the end of 2023 before it enters use in 2024. The planning permission confirmation serves as another reminder of this government’s commitment to healthcare delivery in Wexford General Hospital as works continue following the major fire that broke out there in March 2023”, Minister Browne concluded.

Following the recent fire, the Emergency Department (ED) in Wexford General Hospital (WGH) remains closed until 25th July. If you have any concerns, ring the helpline on 053 915 3012. Full details on all services now available at WGH and other useful advice is available on:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/3/acutehospitals/hospitals/wexford/ n

Wexford General Hospital Emergency Department set to reopen on July 25th

Fianna Fáil Senator in Wexford, Malcolm Byrne, has welcomed the plan to reopen the Emergency Department (ED) of Wexford General Hospital.

The HSE have confirmed that the ED will reopen on the 25th of July following its closure on March 1st due to a fire that damaged large parts of the hospital.

The local Senator said, “After a horrendous fire and terrible water damage, the team that worked to ensure the Emergency Department reopening deserve so much praise. A fourmonth turnaround is a remarkable achievement, and I would like to congratulate all involved in getting us to this point.

“With the new 96 bed unit a top priority, the future for Wexford General is looking much brighter.”

The latest information regarding services in WGH can be found here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/3/acutehospitals/hospitals/wexford/

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Minister Browne also commends efforts to reopen Wexford General Hospital Emergency Department

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has commended everyone who assisted in getting Wexford General Hospital Emergency Department ready for its reopening. The HSE says that the Emergency Department will reopen on Tuesday 25th July.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Browne paid tribute to the “many hospital staff who have gone above and beyond to get to this point that the Emergency Department will be reopened... It is also positive that hospital manager, Linda O’Leary, and her staff are intent on returning to full bed capacity before the end of August. Together with my Government colleagues, I will continue to work on securing further Government investment in Wexford General Hospital. n

Senator Malcolm Byrne

Minister James Browne TD

John Fleming is new WCC Chairman

The annual meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC) was held in the Council Chamber of County Hall on 26th June where Cllr John Fleming was officially elected as Cathaoirleach taking over the role from the outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr George Lawlor.

The newly-elected Cathaoirleach expressed his pride at taking over the role of Wexford’s first citizen. Cllr. Fleming said he was “humbled and privileged to assume the role of Cathaoirleach” and he acknowledged the contribution of John Browne, Minister James Browne, his family, his fiancée and his loyal supporters for helping him along the way. He was supported

Cllr Ger Carthy has been elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of the Council, replacing Cllr Michael Whelan.

Cllr. Pip Breen has been elected as Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, with Cllr. Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin named as Leas Cathaoirleach.

Above left: New Chairman of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming, with his sons Michael (left) and Jack (right) and fiancée Judy Abramson.

Above right: Cllr. George Lawlor, outgoing Chairman, Cllr John Fleming incoming Chairman, and Cllr Ger Carthy, Vice Chairman.

Below, back row L-R: Wexford Co. Council senior management team members Michael Drea, Sinead Casey, Carolyne Godkin, Diarmuid Houston, Annette O’Neill. Front row: Tom Enright (CEO, Wexford Co. Council), Cathaoirleach John Fleming, Leas Cathaoirleach Ger Carthy, Eamonn Hore (Deputy CEO, Wexford Co. Council).

by his sons Jack and Michael, fiancée Judy and extended family. Minister James Browne, Senator Malcolm Byrne and Superintendent Jim Doyle were also in attendance.

Cllr. John Hegarty has been elected Mayor of Wexford Borough District with Cllr. Leonard Kelly named as Deputy Mayor. n

French ambassador remembers

The French Ambassador to Ireland Vincent Guérend visited Enniscorthy last month as part of the 225th commemoration of the Rebellion of 1798.

Enniscorthy town was delighted to welcome the French Ambassador, His Excellency Vincent Guérend, on a highly anticipated visit to Enniscorthy as part of a series of events around the county to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the Rebellion of 1798.

The Ambassador and Honorary Consul Loic Guyon enjoyed a historic tour of both the 1798 National Rebellion Centre and Enniscorthy Castle before being welcomed by then Cathaoirleach Aidan Browne at a reception in the castle.

Cllr. Barbara Anne-Murphy also spoke about the special friendship between France and Ireland, especially during the 1798 rebellion. Cllr. Barbara-Anne remarked that having the reception in a Norman Castle was almost like coming home and fitting of the occasion.

Ambassador Guérend, on his seventh visit to Co. Wexford, advised of similar events due to take place in Paris later this year to mark ‘The Year of the French’. He also described Ireland as France’s closest neighbour post Brexit and spoke about further building the relationship between the two countries.

In attendance were the Honorary President of the Wex-

Top right: Brendan Crowley (President of County Wexford Chamber), Ambassador Vincent Guérend, Melanie O’Reilly (Wexford Normandy Cultural Association), Eric Barron (Director Enniscorthy Chamber).

Above right: Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society Ray Murphy, Graham Cadogan and Rory Murphy with Ambassador Vincent Guérend. Left: Then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Aidan Browne.

Right: Ambassador Guérend with Cllr BarbaraAnne Murphy, Cllr Aidan Browne and Melanie O’Reilly (Wexford Normandy Cultural Association).

Ambassador Vincent Guérend and his team with members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.

1798 on his visit to Enniscorthy

ford Normandy Cultural Association Maura Bell along with Melanie O’Reilly and the committee of the association who arranged the event. Melanie O’Reilly spoke about the long friendship between France and Ireland and how the relationship can grow in new ways.

Later, the Ambassador was the guest of honour at the Lecture Programme held in the Presentation Arts Centre where the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in conjunction with the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association engaged in a public

discussion titled The ideals of Revolution; Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.

Guests enjoyed music before the discussion by the Irish and French musicians of ‘The Allabair Trio’ – Melanie O’Reilly, David Creevy and Brewen Favrau.

The attendees were delighted to have Ambassador Guérend visit the town and all look forward to return visits to further deepen the longstanding friendship between France and Ireland. n

Above left: Ambassador Vincent Guérend addresses the attendees. Above right: Ambassador Vincent Guérend with members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society. Below: Cllr. John O’Rourke, then Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell, Leo Coy (Wexford Normandy Cultural Association), Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless, French Honorary Consul Loic Guyon.

Civic honours for those excelling in sport, drama and community

Enniscorthy Municipal District hosted a Civic Recognition evening in The Presentation Arts Centre on 14th June 2023 to honour ten groups and individuals in the district for their outstanding contribution to sport, drama, community work and education. See photos on this page.

Those honoured on the night were:

Erin Kiernan

Jason Bolger

Enniscorthy Re-Enactment Historical Society

Dominik Morycki

Katie Whelan

Aoife Wafer

Orla Wafer

Enniscorthy Community Allotments

Alan Franklin

Andy Doyle

Enniscorthy Municipal District hosted a Civic Reception on Thursday 15th June 2023 to honour another 13 sporting groups and individuals in the district for their outstanding contribution to sport. The event was set against the backdrop of the picturesque views of Vinegar Hill and surrounds from the rooftop of Enniscorthy Castle. See photos on pages 28-29.

To buy copies of photos on this page, tel: 087-2403310 or email slaneynews@gmail.com

Over 60 people attended the reception, which honoured Festy Ebosele (Irish soccer international), Tom & Dena Hogan (Hyrox), Brendan O’Rourke and Colin Power (Powerlifting), Callum O’Sullivan (Darts), Ryan Murray (Athletics), Emily Nolan & Jake Nolan (Kenpo Karate), the Senior Women’s Team of Enniscorthy Athletics Club (Athletics), Patrick Kelly (Boxing), Alfie Murphy (Kickboxing) and Ben Doyle, Tyler O’Connor and Adam Maher (Pool). n

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy presents award to actor Andy Doyle.

Cllr Aidan Browne presents the award for Katie Whelan to Aoife Wafer on her behalf.

Cllr Cathal Byrne presenting awards to rugby players Aoife and Orla Wafer.

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society being presented with their award by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan. L-R: Tom Boland, Ray Murphy, Cllr. Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Joe Murphy and Maria Nolan.

Above: Award recipients, Enniscorthy Councillors and Wexford Co. Council staff at the Enniscorthy Municipal District Civic Recognition Awards night, 14th June 2023, in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.

Above and below: Cllr Jackser Owens accepts award on behalf of Alan Franklin and subsequently presents it to him.

Cllr John O’Rourke with education recipient Jason Bolger.

Cllr John O’Rourke with education recipient Erin Kiernan.

Cllr Jackser Owens presents award to rugby player Dominik Morycki.

Cllr Aidan Browne presents award to Michael Devereux of Enniscorthy Community Allotments.

Civic honours for those excellin

Enniscorthy Municipal District hosted a Civic Reception on Thursday 15th June 2023 to honour 13 sporting groups and individuals in contribution to sport. The event was set against the backdrop of the picturesque views of Vinegar Hill and surrounds from the roof See previous two pages for more details.

Top row L-R: 1. Emily and Jake Nolan winners of Gold and Silver Medals in European and W presenting the award to Enniscorthy Athletic Club’s Senior Women’s Team. 3. Chairman of E Senior Women’s Team. Middle row L-R: 1. Callum O’Sullivan, All-Ireland darts champio 3. Colin Power, Irish powerlifting champion, with Cllr Cathal Byrne. 4. Ryan Murray with h Bottom row L-R: 1. Alfie Murphy, world kickboxing champion receiving his award from 4. Alfie Murphy with his mum and d

in sport

Award recipients on the night were: Festy Ebosele (Irish soccer international), Tom & Dena Hogan (Hyrox), Brendan O’Rourke and Colin Power (Powerlifting), Callum O’Sullivan (Darts), Ryan Murray (Athletics), Emily Nolan & Jake Nolan (Kenpo Karate), the Senior Women’s Team of Enniscorthy Athletics Club (Athletics), Patrick Kelly (Boxing), Alfie Murphy (Kickboxing), Ben Doyle, Tyler O’Connor and Adam Maher (Pool).

To buy copies of photos on this page, email slaneynews@gmail.com

World Championships in Kenpo Karate, L-R: Johnny Nolan, Emily Nolan, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Jake Nolan, Sean Nolan. 2. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy

Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Aidan Browne presents an award to recipients for Irish soccer international Festy Ebosele. 4. Enniscorthy Athletic Club’s on, receiving award from Cllr. Kathleen Codd-Nolan. 2. Adam Maher, Ben Doyle, Tyler O’Connor, world U-25 pool champions with Cllr Jackser Owens. his athletics award presented by Cllr. Kathleen Codd-Nolan. 5. Cllr Cathal Byrne presenting award to Brendan O’Rourke, world powerlifting champion. m Cllr John O’Rourke. 2. Patrick Kelly, all-Ireland boxing champion with Cllr John O’Rourke. 3. Jake and Emily Nolan with Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy. dad Rob and Yvonne. 5. Brian Maher who received the award on behalf of Tom and Dena Hogan.

n the district for their outstanding ftop of Enniscorthy Castle.

Sustainable Enniscorthy

The fast fashion industry is among the world’s most polluting industries, contributing substantially to global water waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The clothing choices we make have significant environmental impact. Those choices include how much we buy, what we buy, how much we wear our clothes, how we care for them, and what we do with them when we no longer want them.

Buy Less. A recent EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) report “Textiles: Attitudes & Behaviours National Survey 2021” available at www.epa.ie/publications/circular-economy/resources/EPATextiles-Survey-2021-Part-1-of-5.pdf found that 21% of people buy clothes several times a week, and 28% buy clothes once a week or a few times a month! This excessive consumption is not sustainable, economical or necessary.

Buy Better. Consider the textiles in your clothes. Where possible, choose quality natural materials like cotton, linen, wool, silk, and if available buy organic, fairtrade, recycled, or ethical textiles. Remember ‘fossil fashion’ synthetic fabrics like polyester use petro-chemicals and plastics in their production. Avoid textile blends with synthetic materials as they are more difficult to be recycled.

Buy Sustainably. Sustainable fashion consumption includes clothing rental (perfect for once-off occasion wear), resale, swopping, borrowing, upcycling, and buying vintage or ‘pre-loved’ clothes. Enniscorthy charity shops selling used clothes include Vincents, NCBI, Hope Cancer Support, South East Animal Rescue and Irish Wheelchair Association. Thriftify.ie is an online charity shop selling clothes from charity shops throughout Ireland. Other sustainable options in Enniscorthy include Design

for Life thrift boutique, and Back on the Rack cash for clothes and resale shop. Wear your clothes out. The EPA survey found that 55% of High Frequency Purchasers buy clothes they wear only a few times, and 45% of them buy items they never wear! This wastes money and the resources required to produce clothes. It also creates problems in reusing, reselling or recycling unwanted clothes, with many going to incinerators, landfills or being dumped in poorer countries with lower environmental regulation. See https://www.dailysabah.com/life/fashio n/chiles-atacama-desert-suffocatesunder-fast-fashion-leftovers

Washing our clothes is the second most environmentally damaging effect after their manufacture, but it’s an area over which we have personal control. Wash clothes only when necessary. Try airing clothes to freshen them rather than washing them if they are not actually dirty. Wash full loads at 30 degrees C. Try the laundry egg or use biodegradable washing liquids or powders. Measure your detergent according to the instructions and use only the necess-

Support Sustainable Enniscorthy by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

Website:

www.sustainableenniscorthy.com

Contact us to get involved!

ary dose. Air-dry clothes naturally, avoid tumble driers and dry cleaning where possible.

Repairing clothes is a skill that has fallen out of fashion, but the circular economy has increased interest in clothing repair, alterations and upcycling. If your repair skills only extend to sewing a button back on, doing so is better than dumping that item of clothing. Luckily Enniscorthy has clothing repair and alteration services at MUM on Castle Street and Hilltop Cleaners and other skilled seamstresses in the town.

Conscious clothing consumption means buying less, buying better, buying sustainably, wearing our clothes more, caring for them more sustainably (washing and repairing), and ensuring they are upcycled, reused, or resold when we are finished with them.

Sustainable Enniscorthy would like to organise a clothes swop and/or a sustainable fashion show, but we need fashionistas to help us. Please contact us if you are interested at sustainablenniscorthy@gmail.com or message us via our Facebook page. n

2E'U62U46'K:='B420C68'86<6;/4'01L68'/' Q66[F'0C686'N1DC'O;6P:63B=' -:;BC/86;8'K:='B420C68'E2:;'01L68'/8' E;6P:6304='/8'0C6'42Q'E;6P:63B=' U:;BC/86;'D;2:UH

If you would like to get involved in Sustainable Enniscorthy or be kept informed of our initiatives, please follow on Facebook or email: sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com

In this issue, the local Sustainable Enniscorthy group looks at Sustainable Fashion.

Enniscorthy’s Mamobo ‘gobsmacked’!

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has announced four awardees for its year-long Changing Ireland accelerator programme, which assists social enterprises that support underrepresented communities in Ireland.

Helium Arts, Gorm, HER Sport and Dabbledoo were selected from 70 applications and will benefit from €500,000 worth of funding to scale and grow their enterprises.

Gorm, founded in 2020 by Enniscorthy's Mamobo Ogoro (pictured below on left), is a social enterprise that focuses on unifying across social and cultural differences and advancing belonging for marginalised communities like mi-

grants, LGBTQIA+ and disabled people.

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland chief executive Tim Griffiths stated at the awards: "Over the next 12 months, we will harness the cumulative power of the SEI community to support Shane, Mamobo, Helene and Niamh and Mohammed to significantly grow their impact and create accelerated change."

Google.org will be fully funding the costs of the programme in 2023, part of the company’s European-wide pledge of €20m cash funding to support underserved social innovators across Europe. n

John is new Mayor of Wexford

Above left: Mayor John Hegarty with outgoing Mayor Maura Bell. Above right: The newly elected Mayor of Wexford with his family after his election in Wexford Arts Centre on 26th June 2023, Eli, John, Abigale, Karina, Cassie and Tara.

HAVE WE JUST SEEN THE BIGGEST SWITCHAROO WITH OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES?

A bizarre few months of political theatre unfolded before our eyes when legislation stalled to implement much-needed bodycams to keep first responders safer carrying out their important duties.

A row broke out between the Minister and the Green Party. The technology can show evidence of violent attacks on frontline staff such as police, ambulance crews, fire crews and hospital staff. Attacks and abuse occurs on a daily basis and many organisations have been highlighting this worsening issue for some years now. We also have the advantage of the public having a true and accurate account of any encounter where they may feel that justice may not have been served. The camera doesn’t lie. So why would the minister push to include the extremely controversial face recognition technology? This is a quicksand issue. It can be open to abuse and can lead to unauthorised and covert surveillance of the masses. This can end up a real threat to our civil liberties. The legislation, with this included, was destined for many years in the high courts. It didn’t take long to see it was a kite to distract from the introduction of a more sinister attack on our civil liberties.

When one studies best practice of the use of bodycams in other countries, it follows a few simple protocols. The most important thing to remember is the

TOWN TALK

particular encounters. The subject should be told at the earliest practicable moment that the camera is active. The camera audio and video must remain on till the encounter is complete. The user should identify oneself and give a reference number of the encounter. The subject should be able to obtain a copy of the encounter if needed. This template should allow both parties to experience a more professional encounter and the subject has evidence of the interaction if needed. So why was the three card trick needed in this debate.

WITH KEITH DOYLE

user is a data handler. Bodycam should not be turned on at all times recording everything the camera can see. Bodycams should only be used to record

It would be hard to tell whether there was a political trade-off or a slight of hand or even naivety at play. Before the ink is dry on the legislation, a court decision was announced that is more troubling for rights activists and the general public alike. The courts have instructed all mobile phone data handlers to store all the data from every citizen of the state for one year. This can be accessed by the authorities. This means that the authorities, if they wish, can view your information as to who you are ringing and texting for a whole year and where you were at any given time for a whole year.

A word to the wise, if you choose to go somewhere that you don’t want the authorities to have access to, take your sim out of your phone. Oh how little simple Ireland has changed.

As the country watched the very public debate between government parties over face recognition technology, a bigger threat to our liberty slips through the high courts.

Bodycams can keep first responders safer

New housing welcomed by all

Last month saw the official opening of 17 social houses at Droichead Carley, Carleys Bridge, Enniscorthy, constructed by Byrne & Byrne Building Contractors Ireland for Wexford Co. Council, at a cost of just over €200,000 per unit.

The official opening was performed on 16th June 2023 by Minister James Browne TD and Cllr Aidan Browne, then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District.

Housing is always a major issue in Enniscorthy, and indeed countywide, so the official launch of this new housing scheme was hugely welcomed by all the public represenatives in attendance, as was the fact that they are ‘A’ rated and highly energy efficient.

The launch was attended by the CEO of

Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, and by Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless, Paul Kehoe TD, the then Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co.

Council Cllr George Lawlor, and Enniscorthy Councillors Barbara-Anne Murphy, John O’Rourke, and Jackser Owens. n

A new Local Area Plan for Wexford town

Wexford County Council (WCC) is preparing a new local area plan for Wexford Town and is encouraging everyone to get involved and have their say on how the town should grow and develop over the period of the plan.

The Council commenced the first round of public consultation on the new plan on Thursday, 8th June 2023 with the publication of the Consultation Paper which sets out why a local area plan is being prepared, the process for preparing a local area plan, key strategic issues and questions for the public to consider, and how the public can inform and contribute to the preparation of the plan. The Consultation Paper is available to view on the Council’s website www.wexfordcoco.ie and on the Council’s online consultation portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie and in hard copy format in Wexford Town Library and in the Planning Department, Carricklawn. Hard copies of the Consultation Paper are also available free of charge from the library and the Planning Department.

Then Mayor of the Borough District of Wexford Maura Bell said, “We’d like to encourage as many people as possible to become engaged with and get involved in contributing to the local area

plan. We want to hear people’s views, expectations and hopes about how they feel the town should grow and develop in the coming years. Wexford Town has so much potential, and this new plan offers a significant opportunity to guide the development of the town and to make the town an even better place to live, work and do business in. We know that the residents, community groups and business owners have good insight and knowledge into what works for their communities and town, so we want to harness this knowledge to good effect.”

WCC Director of Services for Planning

Liz Hore said, ‘Wexford Town is well placed as a designated Key Town in the

Southern Region and is located on the Eastern Economic Corridor overlooking Wexford harbour and quayfront. This, combined with the strong foundations for growth which are being laid with the delivery of the new university campus of SETU, complimented by the American University GSU, the new urban quarter development at Trinity Wharf, green infrastructure such as Min Ryan Park in a town proud of its heritage, means that the future is bright for Wexford Town.’ She further stated, ‘The plan must deliver on quality of life and place, on housing and employment while ensuring that we provide a sustainable, healthy, welcoming and climate resilient town for our citizens and visitors.’

Written submissions and observations received by 4:00pm on Tuesday, 8th August 2023 will be taken into consideration by Wexford County Council during the preparation of the Draft Local Area Plan. Further details of how to make a written submission or observation are available in the Consultation Paper, on Wexford County’s County website www.wexfordcoco.ie, online consultation portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or by contacting the Planning Customer Unit at 053 9196101 or email planning@wexfordcoco.ie n

Some of the 17 social houses at Droichead Carley, Carleys Bridge, Enniscorthy, provided by Wexford County Council.

Wexford Co. Council Director of Services for Planning Liz Hore.

Enniscorthy Community College

Great range of courses available at Enniscorthy Community College. Check them out at: https://www.enniscorthyccfe.ie/prospectus/mobile/index.html n

Information sharing

Wexford County Council has developed a free online information sharing portal for not-for-profit community owned facilities to inform the public and promote usage. You can submit facility details at: https://arcg.is/1nnjev n

CONTACT DETAILS: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthyfailte Email: enniscorthyfailte@gmail.com

Enniscorthy Library events

For upcoming Enniscorthy Library events see: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthylibrary n

Oulart storytelling house

At Bygone Days Storytelling House in Oulart, a great welcome awaits all, with good music, songs, stories and plenty of craic, tea and refreshments served. Eircode: Y25 YP70. For details of upcoming events keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/bygonedayshouseofstories n

Supporting families with rare diagnoses

A NEW WEXFORD GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP TO SUPPORT FAMILIES WHO HAVE MEMBERS WITH RARE DISEASE DIAGNOSES.

Their Facebook page is run by three local parents who have children with rare diseases. You can make contact via: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087341630173

Enniscorthy Toastmasters

Keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy-Toastmasters-129333810455771 for news of upcoming meetings at The Bailey, Enniscorthy, the second Tuesday of every month. n

RTE SALARIES

We are all fascinated by the RTE salary saga. The story behind the collapse of its most famous star is by now well rehearsed and needs no repeating. The most shocking thing of all, in my book, is the series of statements from the other “stars” indicating that they are whiter than white and have no side deals going. While that is fair enough in itself, it is the acceptance by these people, like Joe Duffy, Claire Byrne, Brendan O’Connor etc, that their salaries and payments are normal. The reality is that they are grossly overpaid for what they do. The RTE argument that it has to pay these massive amounts for fear of losing the “Talent” doesn’t hold water. The reality is that there is nowhere for them to migrate to unless they leave the country. (Some people might possibly say that would be no harm, but I couldn’t possibly say that.)

Even if they did migrate elsewhere, replacing them would not be that difficult. Since the onset of private commercial radio this country is full of real talent. There are many young presenters around this country who would jump at the opportunity to present a national radio programme. The difficulty is that up to now the RTE barriers have been firmly closed to almost all, other than the current well worn names which we have had before us on screens and microphones for decades.

The time has come for change. New faces and new voices, but most importantly a new set of ethics is needed in that broadcasting empire.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

The school holidays are ahead of us. Hopefully all those young people who will be set free to enjoy themselves will do so safely with consideration for themselves and others. Those of us who are

View from the Centre

STATE OF THE WORLD

The present crisis in Ukraine which is affecting us all looks as if it is going to rumble on for a long time yet. It is shocking that a dictator like Putin can hold the world to ransom with very little consequences. Despite a socalled coup attempt it looks like Putin is here to stay for some time yet. That means trouble for the rest of us. As we enjoy summer we probably push such matters to the back of our minds but as winter returns again we will be more aware of the increase in energy prices for heating, travel to and from work etc. Then it will hit home again.

A local contributor, based in the centre of the county, looks at life today in Co. Wexford and beyond

beyond school age and are driving or cycling around the countryside must be aware that around the next bend in the road a group of children or teenagers may be in high spirits and doing what young people do – enjoying themselves with little regard for a possible danger. So be aware, “There’s Young People About.”

“... a new set of ethics is needed in that broadcasting empire”

Nonetheless, we are massively better off than the unfortunate people of Ukraine who are under attack day in and day out. Thousands of them have had to flee and have found refuge in this country and elsewhere. While they are safe here their hearts must break at the sights on our television screens each night which shows the destruction of their country and, of course more importantly, the deaths of thousands of their fellow Ukrainians. What is happening is unforgiveable and hopefully someday those responsible will face justice before some court.

POWERS OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES

The last few weeks of June have seen the election of new Chairs to all Co. Wexford’s local authorities. It is of course a great honour for any individual to hold such an office. Regrettably though the new Chairs are no more that figureheads nowadays. In days gone past, the Chair of a local authority had power to influence events in the local area as well as the prestige of the Office. Nowadays it’s only prestige. Regardless of that, we wish them well in the year ahead. n

Replacement side gates made to measure. New frames, treated timbers and top quality galvanised fittings.

Shed doors replaced, old ones taken away.

Mike 086 3564242 Email: Mollsie9@gmail.com

ENNISCORTHY CBS REUNION THE CLASS OF ‘68

The Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, 1st June 2023.

Above left: Philip Redmond and Myles Walsh.

Above centre: Michael Freeman and Nicholas Mernagh.

Above right: Oliver Kehoe, Tony Sutton and Tony Dempsey.

Left: Sean Mythen, Martin Ryan and Dr Stephen Bowe.

Right: John Dunne, organiser, and Philip Howlin.

Below left: Philip Howlin, George Long, Martin Ryan and Michael Freeman.

Below right: Tony O’Brien, Michael Horrigan, Seamus Farrell and Noel Farrell.

Above: Enniscorthy CBS Class of ‘68 school reunion in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, 1st June 2023, with John Dunne, organiser, and teacher Tony Dempsey.

Left: Noel Farrell and Dr. Stephen Bowe.

Below left: John McCabe and Michael Freeman.

Below: John Joe Healy and Willie French.

SEE REPORT BY MICHAEL FREEMAN ON NEXT PAGE 

Enniscorthy CBS

Class of ‘68 school

Bottom row L-R:

1. Michael Freeman and John Dunne.

2. George Long and Matt Dunne.

3. Nicholas Mernagh, Willie French and Michael Dillon.

4. Des Sheehan and Michael Dillon.

5. John McCabe, Nicholas Merrigan and Oliver Ryan.

reunion.

Secondary school classmates who attended CBS Enniscorthy in the 1960s say: “Thanks to the Brothers” for their education

By Michael Freeman

Secondary school classmates who attended CBS Enniscorthy in the 1960s said, “Thanks to the Brothers” for their education, when they met at the Riverside Park Hotel last month. Guest speaker Tony Dempsey, a former teacher and pupil there, quoted his friend the horse trainer Jim Bolger, of Oylegate, another graduate of the school, saying: ”The CBS made education available particularly to the working class of rural Wexford and rural Ireland. Rich or poor, they made you welcome.”

Tony himself, who later became a TD, and Mayor of Wexford, was due to do medicine in UCD but was prevailed upon by the then principal Brother Cripps and by Micheál “Boss” Toíbín to stay and become a teacher in Enniscorthy.

He told how during his time on the education committee in Dáil Éireann, he had seen “the want and need of education in Africa and China. The difference was that Ireland had the Christian Brothers.” He told how he himself would not have had an education and a career but for the Brothers.

That was a time that parents, living mostly in poverty in the county, scraped together the money to send selected children to a second-level education. It was only in 1967 that Donogh O’Malley’s free education came in.

The organisers of the re-union included former classmates John Dunne, retired regional manager of the Bank of Ireland, Oliver Kehoe, Bank of Ireland in the UK, Philip Howlin, Nick Mernagh, Willie French and others, aided by Eddie Nangle, a former teacher there and Dr Stephen Bowe.

Oliver Kehoe, delegated by John Dunne of the organisers, spoke in a ten-minute prepared address to the gathering of 23 former classmates, most them who graduated, after five years of study, with the Leaving Certificate in June 1968. He said: “There were 73 of us on that Monday morning of 2nd September 1963 experiencing secondary school for the first time. Of these 24 are deceased that we know of. When we last met five years ago, Tony Britton, another classmate who became a teacher in the CBS, said the Brothers gave many of us a classic education that we would not otherwise have had.

“The Brothers were first class educators. We and the generations before us and after us, owe the Christian Brothers an enduring debt of gratitude.

“I would especially like to remember Brother McDonagh, Quirke, Ronan, Delaney, Boss Tóibín, Patrick “Chick” Walsh and Jim Mooney who dedicated their entire teaching lives at CBS Enniscorthy.

“Being a townie, I walked or cycled to school and went home at lunchtime. However, the country lads had to cycle in from places like, Caim, Killanne, Rathnure, Ferns, Bunclody, Oilgate, Ballymurn, Oulart, Glenbrien, Galbally and Ballyhogue. I often wondered how they managed to cycle to and from school, train and play a match every week.”

He gave a commentary of the socio-economic, religious and cultural changes in the county and Ireland saying, “We were only passively aware of a period of great societal change in that decade. The 21st Ecumenical Council, the Fleadh Cheoil in Enniscorthy, nude swimming in the Slaney and in June 1968, the first Strawberry Fair.

“Sean Lemass’s economic programme was making progress and the curse of emigration was stemmed, GDP was rising and there were jobs for anyone prepared to work. Discussions on our joining the EEC, and Northern Ireland was to have its last peaceful year for a generation.

"The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Dickie Rock, Butch Moore, Brendan Bowyer, Joe Dolan and Mick Delahunty. And we had our own ‘Ed Sheeran’, Sean Mythen, who played the guitar alone in Caim.”

The evening ended with many of the classmates reciting poems that they had learned in the school, talking about classmates who were gone, recalling fun times including mitching from school with girls from the Presentation, the Mercy and Tech on the Prom and on Vinegar Hill, and sharing phone numbers and email addresses to keep in contact. n

Michael Freeman (right) chats to John Joe Healy at the Enniscorthy CBS Class of ‘68 school reunion in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, 1st June 2023.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION TO BERNARDO’S

WELL DONE TO PROPRIETOR ORLAGH DOYLE AND HER TEAMS AT BOTH CARRAIG BRISTE AND KILLEGNEY EARLY YEARS CHILDCARE, COLLECTING NEARLY €1,300 FOR CHARITY, AND PRESENTING THE CHEQUE LAST MONTH TO A THRILLED KAREN MOONEY OF BARNARDO’S. n

Best wishes Trish

It was the end of an era last month in C&R PRINT, Enniscorthy, with the retirement after 35 years of Trish Dagg (right). Trish has seen huge changes in the printing industry over the years particularly with the advent of digital printing and other technologies. Trish will be hugely missed by her work colleagues and C&R Print’s many loyal customers. Best of luck Trish with your retirement and with your other interests over the years ahead. n

ENNISCORTHY TIDY TOWNS NEEDS YOU!

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers meet on Sunday mornings to collect litter and tidy up around the town. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed! So if you are sick of seeing rubbish on your road, street, estate or elsewhere in the community, please contact: 053 923 6518 or email enniscorthytt@gmail.com

Let's all help to make Enniscorthy cleaner and greener! n

Above left, above centre and above right: Presentations to the teachers of Beech, Oak and Forest classes on graduation day, 26th June 2023, at Carraig Briste Early Years, Davidstown.

1. M.C. Orlagh Doyle, proprietor. 2. Relatives enjoying the graduation.

3. Anyone for cake?

4. Forest Class at Carraig Briste graduatio

Above left: Enjoying the graduation. Above centre: Eabha and Cathriona Barron after her graduation savouring strawberries and cream, and cake.

Above right: Holding the proud graduate up high, from left, Pat, Maureen and Laura Gahan, Billy Doyle and graduate Maddison Gahan.

n. 5. Graduate Richie Donnelly eating cake with his family Antionette, Debbie and James Donnelly. 6. Evan Grant happy with his certificate.

Carraig Briste Early Years

Graduation 26th June 2023

Top: Beach and Oak graduation classes.

Left: Happy relatives at the graduation.

Right: Beech, Oak and Forest classes celebrate with balloons.

Far left: Paddy Morris, Essie and Zara Nolan.

Left: Happy parents Stephanie and Craig proud of their son Hugo who graduated.

Right: Zack Barbour with mam and dad Ross and Jane Barbour.

Left: Finn Doran and his family including his new brother who was just one day old!

Right: Mathew, Theresa, Aubree and Alfie Walsh and Elisabeth Byrnes.

Far right: Evan Grant, Andrew Dempsey, Aimee Grant and Lorrie Dempsey.

Broadband now available at 1,200 new properties in rural areas near Enniscorthy

GOOD NEWS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES IN THE ENNISCORTHY AREA...

National Broadband Ireland, the company delivering the new futureproofed, high-speed Fibre-to-theHome network under the National Broadband Plan on behalf of the Government, has said that 1,200 properties in rural areas near Enniscorthy can now order a high-speed fibre broadband connection.

23,000 premises in County Wexford are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, County Wexford will receive €88m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

1,200 homes, businesses and farms in rural areas surrounding Enniscorthy are now able to place an order for a highspeed connection on the National Broadband Ireland network. These are all included as part of the 4,404 Wexford premises in NBI’s Ballycarney’s Deployment Area and build works in this area are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Works have already been completed in other parts of Wexford and there are a total of 6,669 premises that are available to pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county with over 1,545 connections made so far. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We

are delighted to announce that Wexford premises near Enniscorthy can now order high-speed broadband services through the National Broadband Ireland network. This will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides.”

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.

Some 62 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the National Broadband Ireland network and 51 are certi-

fied as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the National Broadband Ireland network, visit NBI.ie/buy.

The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up to date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order.

Keep up to Speed!

NBI is encouraging people to check their eligibility and register for updates at www.nbi.ie to receive regular notifications related to their own premises as work progresses in their area. n

Above left: Elyah, Sylvester, Noah and Samanta Donegan. Above centre: Daniel Marbutas, Tiernan Higginbotham, Justice Lynch and Raymond Roche.

Above right: Jennifer and James Ryan, Mevayeh, Raymond, Cameron Shannon and Dile Mhic Reamoinn.

Left: Sheila, Bobby, Raymond and Jamie Roche. Above: Stephen and Demi Sweeney and Parla Dooley. Right: Gaye Merrigan fourth from left with her family.

Above left: Nicolae Tcaci with her family, Ivan, Nicolae, Nicola, Tatiana and Angelica. Above centre: Patryk Bobrowski second from right and his family.

Above right: David, Elvie, Hanana and Justice Lynch. Below left: Brandon Kuns with his family Milan, Raymund Kuns and Henhetta Bugyi. Below centre: Leah Murphy, Therese Murphy, Noah Murphy Hogan, Margaret and Dylan Donohoe. Below right: Joanne O’Connor, Pippa Furlong, Mark Furlong and Joey Furlong.

Major boost for South East Technological University (SETU)

representatives.

Welcoming the development, Minister James Browne TD expanded further: “A MPharm pharmacy programme and a veterinary programme will be launched in SETU. 40 places will be created on both programmes before the programmes reach 200 enrollments when the decision has been fully implemented. 25 additional places will be created across SETU’s nursing degree programmes. Once these places have been fully rolled out, it will result in an additional 100 nursing students at SETU." This is a major investment, one which demonstrates the government's commitment to investing in higher education in the south east region. I want to commend SETU Board Chairperson Professor Patrick Prendergast and the entire technological university team for their work in assisting with the delivery of these new college places.”

Paul Kehoe TD also commented: “I am delighted that SETU has been successful in its proposal regarding expansion of healthcare places. This is a major day for SETU and the South East and real vote of confidence in their ability to expand educational provision in our region.

President of SETU, Prof. Veronica Campbell.

South East Technological University (SETU), which includes an existing campus in Wexford town and plans for a major new one there in the near future, has just moved closer to offering pharmacy and veterinary medicine courses as it continues to expand and deepen its programme portfolio.

The government has agreed to advance these proposals with investment to be considered in Budget 2024 and the National Development Plan review.

SETU President Prof Veronica Campbell warmly welcomed the news saying that "this is a real vote of confidence in our newly established university and in our ambitions for the future".

“Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy are prestigious courses in high demand and will attract some of the brightest and best students from the south east, from across the country and from around the world.”

The veterinary medicine application builds on SETU’s strengths in science and land sciences together with a 50-year history of collaborative provision with Teagasc, Kildalton Agricultural College. The pharmacy submission is supported by SETU’s extensive record of teaching and research in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical science.

Both applications for the new programmes were supported by numerous industry stakeholders in the region spanning the agri/food, and equine industries, pharma/biopharma industries, veterinary and pharmacy practitioners, farming organisations, consultancy agencies and regional and national

“This project will now proceed to the next phase which is the formulation of a full business case which will then be assessed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

“But this is major progress. We now have concrete places to increase healthcare education. This won’t happen overnight but it is a significant moment to be celebrated.”

“Today is a brilliant day for the people of Wexford and the South East.

“I am delighted to be working closely with my colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, on our plans to develop these expanded places.” n

MORE GOOD NEWS FOR SETU

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform

James Browne confirmed last month that €3,418,469 has been allocated towards the improvement of the South East Technological University (SETU) campus.

Welcoming the funding, Minister Browne said, “This funding of over €3.4 million will be used to improve access for people with disabilities and invest in necessary upgrades to the SETU campus. It’s also positive that SETU can use the funding to make improvements related to energy efficiency, ICT upgrades, health and safety works and minor works and equipment. My government colleagues and I are committed to higher education. Only a few days ago, new course streams for pharmacy and veterinary were created as well as the addition of places across the nursing courses. I will continue to prioritise investment in SETU and the development of plans for its Wexford campus. n

SUPPORTING BARNARDO’S ‘BIG TODDLE’ FUNDRAISER

For Barnardo’s ‘Big Toddle’ fundraiser, children from Killegney Early Years, Clonroche, visited Carraig Briste Early Years, Davidstown, for a morning of fun in aid of Barnardo’s.

The Chiildren from Killegney having a great time.

Above left: Orlagh, Aoife, Tara and Emily go to the woods with pet dog Harvey. Left: Lexi having fun with her mam Róisín. Below L-R: Aaron and Orlagh. Kate and Emily. Ollie puts his Big Toddle hat on. Orlagh and Conor.

Above left: Proprietor Orlagh Doyle and Aoife. Above: Colouring in was Caoimhe. Above right: Orlagh and Eve. Above far right: Paula and Aiyana in the forest.

Left: A cup of tea before the start, Michael O’Connor, Paddy White and Mick Brooks.

Right: Danny Nolan, April O’Brien, Anne O’Brien Nolan, Johanna Rochford and Joe Nolan.

Left: Where would you see a spanner like that says John Kehoe to Leo Tector.

Right: Joe Nolan with his wonderful Massey Ferguson.

GALBALLY TRACTOR RUN

28TH MAY 2023 – IN AID OF PARISH CHURCH

Above left: Paddy Murphy relaxing before the run started in Galbally. Above centre: ‘Look at the tractors’, Patrica and Aoibhe Byrne.

Above right: Sean Darcy had his Fordson Dexta all tuned up. Below left: Aoibhe Byrne is tractor-mad. Below centre: John Cullen on his Massey. Below right: Michael Kearns all set for the tractor run.

New schools for Wexford town

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has confirmed that the Department of Education and Wexford County Council have agreed an exchange of lands.

Approximately 12 acres of a 54 acre landholding at Ballynagee, Wexford town, will be transferred to the Department of Education to allow for the construction of new schools accommodating Wexford Educate Together National School and Selskar College.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Browne commented, “I am delighted to confirm that this exchange of lands has been agreed by the Department of Education and Wexford County Council. As Chairperson of the Wexford Educate Together Board of Management, I have been working closely with school management to advance our school’s development. I want to commend my government colleagues in the Department of Education and Wexford County Council for working together to bring a resolution on the exchange of lands at Ballynagee and Clonard respectively. I will continue to work.... to ensure the speedy delivery of these new schools.”

In further good news, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) is delighted to announce the launch of its new College of Further Education and Training which will open in Clonard, Wexford town, this September.

This will be a state-of-the-art facility for further education and training and will bring together programmes in a new and custom designed 52,000 sq ft facility. WWETB has worked closely with SOLAS and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make it a reality. It is well known that there is a national commitment to ensuring that people have access to high quality further education and training, so that Ireland can begin to address the skills shortages that have been identified. WWETB is playing its part in ensuring that modern courses are available for people to upskill, retrain or even engage with further education for the first time.

Course Types:

• Apprenticeships

• Traineeship courses

• Post Leaving Certificate (PLC)

• Adult Literacy

• VTOS

• Community Education

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

• Back to Education programmes

As Kevin Lewis, Chief Executive of WWETB, outlined: “We are delighted that SOLAS and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science have invested in this important facility for Wexford. Wexford is ideally placed to provide education and training opportunities for young people and people returning to learning. It is of critical importance that people can learn in their own locality. Often, people have commitments that limit their ability to travel elsewhere to do courses, like sport and family commitments and accommodation considerations.

“We need skilled people more than ever and WWETB is playing its part in ensuring that people have the facilities needed to learn these skills. Wexford is a vibrant community, with many industries located here. Our courses are aligned to the needs of industry, not just locally, but nationally too.

“I would urge anyone who thinks they might be interested in learning a new skill to get in touch. There are opportunities for all within the College of Further Education and Training. The first step is to check out what’s on offer. WWETB staff will be more than happy to talk through options and help you to find the right path.”

For contact information go to https://www.wwetb.ie/fet/wexford-college-of-further-education-and-training/ For more information on available courses, go to https://www.wwetb.ie/fet/course-finder/ n

The new College of Further Education and Training which will open in Clonard, Wexford town, this September.

Above left: Twins Tony and Billy Whelan. Above centre: Alan Kane and family. Above right: Lola, Cherelle, Kaiden and Jason Cullen. Left: Bridget, Laura, Dermot and Robert Kavanagh. Right: Enya McGorman and her family.

Above left: Amelya-Leja Riepscaite, Vytaute and Emilya Saykyte, Mindaiual Riepsas and Jurgita Samke. Above centre: Tom Doolan, Sephan, Kyle, Keelan, Tadgh O’Toole, Trish and Sarah Slammon. Above right: Tilly, Nathan, Mia, Elsie and Anne Dunne. Below left: Kayleigh, Joy, Amy and David Coyle. Below centre: Tony, Sean, Billy, Amy and Serena Whelan. Below right: CJ, Colin, Olivia, Lisa and Sophie Garry.

Community Support Funding

The 2022 Community Support Fund was launched in November 2022 with funding of €10 million available. €100,000 of this funding was ring-fenced specifically to support Women’s Sheds. The key theme of the fund is to support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their energy bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. €340,232 has been allocated to 224 local projects in Wexford under this fund.

The Community Support Fund is a once-off fund provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne welcomed the news, “This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs with their energy costs, whether it’s the electricity bill, insurance costs or other overheads. I will continue to work... to support County Wexford’s clubs and organisations focused on many local interests in the community, including family resource support, soccer, GAA, senior citizens, animal rescue, music, local history, and many more local interests."

Also welcoming the funding was Deputy Paul Kehoe who said: “I am delighted to see these grants going to such a broad range of community groups. While these grants are small in nature, they can make a big difference by allowing local community organisations to carry out much needed works in their area.” n

New Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District

Rosslare District Strategic Development Plan outlined at meeting with local community groups

The Rosslare Municipal District Strategic Plan for 2024–2030 was recently outlined to community groups at a well-attended event at Johnstown Castle by the then Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald. The Rosslare Municipal District Strategic Plan is being prepared to establish a vision that will inform the development of the district over the term of the plan. The first phase of the plan is now nearing completion and at the event on 27th June Dr Yvonne Byrne, Rural Consultant, presented the findings of the data gathering and mapping process stages recently completed and that have informed the identification of high-level goals set out in the document presented to the audience. Phase 2 of the programme will see the development of a work plan that proposes to inform the development and delivery projects and initiatives under a number of specific headings, and which will see communities

and the Rosslare MD working together to contribute to the positive development and growth of the villages and settlements in the district.

The consultation process for the Rosslare MD Strategic Plan 2024-2030 remains available to those still wishing to make a submission. You can make a written submission up to Friday 1st September. After that date the plan will be finalised and will progress to the implementation stage.

If you do want to make a submission you can do so in one of the following ways:

 Via Wexford County Council’s Online Consultation Portal

 By email to rosslaremunicipaldistrict@wexfordcoco.ie

 In writing to the District Manager, Rosslare Municipal District, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35WY93. n

Right: Cllr Jim Moore, new Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, after his election to office on 30th June 2023, with his predecessor Cllr Lisa McDonald who is the new Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Below: Gerry Forde (Wexford Co. Council), Tom Enright (CEO, Wexford Co. Council), Enda Waters (Wexford Co. Council), Annette O’Neill (Wexford Co. Council), Lucy Moore, Cllr Jim Moore, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Nóirín Cummins (Rosslare Municipal District Manager), Dean Waters (Rosslare Municipal District) and Laura Gargan (Wexford Co. Council). n

GREEN FLAG P

THE SLANEY NEWS WAS DELIGHTED TO VISIT ST PATRICK'S SCHO MONTH TO HEAR ABOUT THEIR JOURNEY TOWARDS A GREEN F

Last September, under the leadership of staff member Declan Groves, the sch which can be summarised as follows:

1. Green Schools Committee 2. Environmental Review 3. Action Plan 4. Mon riculum Work 6. Informing and Involving 7. Green Code.

Progress to date has included, among other things, green bibs (see photos att school's various bins, 'green' competitions, a school compost bin, establishing community, and planning a large mural for the school consisting of recycled p been the rapid progress that an official application for the Green Flag is expec ber and, all going well, the Green Flag will flying proudly from the school next Panda staff members including the affable Andrew Egan and Declan Kenny we lighted pupils and staff one of their state-of-the-art collection trucks which cos trucks Panda has on the roads around Ireland, including its first electric truck o Also present to lend their support and assistance to the school's Green Flag c Education Officer with Wexford County Council Cliona Connolly and Billy Mur

The Slaney News would like to thank Catherine Cloke for the invite to the scho us on the day, and we wish Declan Groves well in driving the school’s green ag Photos: Pupils at St Patrick’s School posing with the Panda collection truck

PLANS AT ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL

OOL, ENNISCORTHY, LAST LAG FOR THEIR SCHOOL.

hool began the 7-step process nitoring and Evaluation 5. Curtached), signage for the g connections with the wider lastic bottle tops. Such has cted to be made this Novemt May.

ere on hand to show the dest €280,000. This is one of 500 operating in Dublin City. campaign were Environment rphy of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns. ool, Betty Kelly for facilitating genda forward. and Panda staff. n

L-R: Andrew Egan (Panda), Billy Murphy (Enniscorthy Tidy Towns), Cliona Connolly (Environment Education Officer, Wexford County Council), Declan Groves (St Patrick’s School), Declan Kenny (Panda), Betty Kelly (St Patrick’s School).

To buy copies of photos on this page, email: slaneynews@gmail.com

June 2023

Corpus Christi Procession Wexford 11th

Above left: Corpus Christi Procession, with Bishop Ger Nash, from Rowe Street Church to Bride Street Church, Sunday, 11th June 2023.

Above right: Arriving at Bride Street Church.

Above left: The Procession leaving Rowe Street Church. Above right: Millie O’Sullivan. Below left: Communion girls shredding flower petals. Below right: Bishop Ger Nash. Bottom left: Corpus Christi Procession leaving Rowe Street. Bottom right: Waiting to join in at the Friary Church.

Highlighting under-representation of women in local government

Members of the Wexford Women’s Coalition, supported by Wexford Co. Council, are highlighting the gender imbalance in politics in Ireland. Only 26% of councillors in Ireland are women and there is a particular difficulty with an under representation of women in local politics in rural Ireland. For example, there are only six women out of 34 councillors on Wexford Co. Council; 4 out of 32 in Waterford; and only 2 out of 18 in Carlow. In almost one hundred years there have only been 15 women elected to Wexford Co. Council (since 1925).

‘See Her Elected’ is a feminist, community-led, rural initiative to support women to become county councillors and to provide a supportive environment for more women to consider running in the local elections and the Wexford Women’s Coalition collaborated with this group to bring a Sec-

ondary School Roadshow to the county earlier this year.

Communications Manager with ‘See Her Elected’ Mairead O’Shea says: “We want to see more diversity in our rural county council chambers. As it stands, there are very few women councillors and virtually no representation of minority communities. Our aim is to increase the numbers of women in local politics in rural counties where anything from 78% to 95% of the elected local authority councillors are men. We need our chambers to be more reflective of society and we need to see more women in politics in order to have more balanced decision making.

In recent months, ‘See Her Elected’ published A Guide to Running in the 2024 Local Elections which is a user-friendly guide to running for election. This guidebook is available to download free of charge from the website or participants

of online workshops can receive a free hard copy of the publication.

‘See Her Elected’ runs regular online election workshops to support women who may be planning to run for election in 2024 or indeed women who want to become part of a team to help another woman get elected. A new Fast Track to Election series of workshops will begin on the week beginning Monday, September 18th, 2023. ‘See Her Elected’ will also run a SHE Summer School series this July and August with topics and subjects including Resilience and Confidence Building, Organising Your Campaign Finances and Understanding SIPO, Staying Safe Online, Using the Headliner App to promote your radio interviews, basic graphic design with Canva plus lots more.

More information is available from info@seeherelected.ie or by logging onto www.seeherelected.ie n

Wexford Women’s Coalition members draw attention to the stark under-representation of women in local government: Back row L to R: Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cllr Maura Bell (Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition).

Front row L to R: Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cllr Mary Farrell, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.

To buy copies of photos on this page, tel: 087-2403310 or email slaneynews@gmail.com More photos of this great festival in next month’s issue of the Slaney News.

WEXF at the Vi

Above left: Good food, good w and good fun at Wheeloc

Above: Some of the Georgia S University's students visiting Wh strawberry weekend with pro Cyril Wheelock in the midd

Above right: Picking her own berries was Samantha Holbr

Above far right: Chef John Whe on a display of cooking

Far left: Toss and Mary Kavanag Wexford Strawberry Weeke

Left: Martin, Ava and Brenda C strolling around Wheeloc

Below left: Looking forward to demonstrations at Wheelo

Below: Enjoying ice cream at th decker bus on site, Thea Gilbe Nessa Conway.

ORD STRAWBERRY WEEKEND illage at Wheelocks, 1st & 2nd July 2023

Above left:

Above right:

Left: Cllr Jackser Owens among those doing doing the hokey pokey at Wheelocks.

Right: Happy Birthday!

Whatever happened to Enniscorthy’s Tour de France ‘cycle city’ label?

By Phil

Skelton

This month is the 25th Anniversary of Enniscorthy’s hosting of a stage of the Tour de France and Wexford Bicycle User Group’s (WexBUG) PRO, Phil Skelton, wonders just what has happened to Enniscorthy’s successful bid to become a Tour de France cycle city over two years ago?

Background:

As a multi-award-winning cycling advocate and proud member of Slaney Cycling Club, I have long held a firm belief that Enniscorthy just hadn’t tapped into the potential success that hosting a stage of the Tour de France could bring.

The opportunity to put that to right came in 2021, when I spotted (with my limited French) an advert on a French website that I had been viewing.

The huge brand that is the Tour de France was seeking applications from host towns with ambitions to promote and deliver on everyday, leisure and sports cycling and I figured... why not... why shouldn’t Enniscorthy be ambitious and become the only location outside of mainland Europe to hold such a label and to use this to leverage every possible advantage.

Submission deadlines were tight but a host of dedicated people was scrambled to get this done – people woven in to the very fabric of Enniscorthy’s business, education, political and advocacy communities.

People such as Dervla Tierney from Reimagining Enniscorthy, Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, District Manager Ger Mackey, John Ryan R.I.P. (then Principal of Enniscorthy CBS), Colm Neville (Riverside Park Hotel and Chair of Visit Wexford), Jimmy Gahan from Enniscorthy and District Chamber to name but a few. But such was the buy-in and enthusiasm from many walks of Enniscorthy life, in terms of the submission itself and supporting statements, we were quietly confident of success; each knowing that this label could bring something good to the town.

The submission was made and the admirable level of ambition from the Council in the opening statement best summed this up:

‘Wexford County Council (WCC) is excited to apply for a Cycle City label, awarded by the Tour de France, the most prestigious name in world cycling.

‘Our application coincides with WCC beginning a major focus on cycling in Enniscorthy, and we believe that the award of a Cycle City label to Enniscorthy would be a catalyst for further improvements in the local cycling infrastructure.

‘We would use the Cycle City criteria to measure our performance over the coming years, when we would hope to move through the levels of label to eventually achieve a 4-ranking where we would have an exemplary policy to promote cycling.

‘We envisage this being part of a strategy to encourage our townspeople to use bicycles as an alternative to cars for local travel to the workplace and schools, and to develop increased cycling by locals and visitors for leisure and exercise.’

And then we waited; we waited until May, and then to much fanfare, local media outlets announced that Enniscorthy had been successful in its bid to be awarded an Official Tour de France cycle city label.

And then we waited again; we waited to see what would happen next; we waited for the first step where the official branded signage proudly announcing Enniscorthy’s new status

Wexford County Council’s submission for the Tour de France ‘Cycle City’ label.

would be erected… and then we waited some more…

Unfortunately, that seems to be where this story ended and over two years later that wait continues and that is disappointing on so many levels.

This July marks the 25th anniversary of the Enniscorthy to Cork stage of the Tour de France; a day that would see Enniscorthy occupying the spotlight of the sporting world and a day that would live long in the memory of those who were there.

We are left with a wonderful cyclist statue at the Fairgreen and a gate painted in the French tricolor on the R744, but nothing else.

The Tour de France ‘cycle city’ label could have provided a pivotal point in honouring that legacy and then some.

I was on a cycling holiday with some good friends from Slaney Cycling Club last year in a town that was also awarded a Tour de France cycle city label in 2021 but instead of sitting on their hands they proudly displayed their credentials on many roads leading to their town.

Le Bourg d’Oisans is a small town around a quarter the size of Enniscorthy and is nestled in the heart of some excellent cycling in the French Alps and were tapping into not only the lucrative cycle tourist market, but also rolling out cycle tracks for everyday cycling.

I’m sure the local municipal council there followed up on their award and applied for the unique signage and erected them at the time, so why not Enniscorthy?

Why the tardiness in not putting up signage?

Yes, right now, Enniscorthy doesn’t have a single metre of cycle track and perhaps that may have led to some local cold feet or trepidation.

But it’s important to remember that Enniscorthy didn’t win this label because the judging panel had confused the town with Amsterdam… Enniscorthy received this label based on where it was at and its future ambition to build on that!

Just to manage expectations here, Enniscorthy is no Bourg d’Oisans and that is reflected in Enniscorthy’s one star award versus Bourg’s three.

However, Wexford Co. Council’s opening paragraph in the submission pointed out their ambition to move through the ratings and that’s exactly what is needed, but we need to make the first move, a move that should have happened two years ago in my opinion.

For many people, Enniscorthy is struggling to grab a niche in Co. Wexford and many would argue that the town is losing out because of that.

Wexford Town is booming as is Gorey. New Ross has seen many improvements lately and is set for a boost when the south-east greenway finally opens.

Enniscorthy needs a lift.

This may have helped with that (it certainly wouldn’t have hindered it) and why not proudly display such unique credentials on all approaches to the town like what Le Bourg d’Oisans has done and build from there.

Why not catch the attention of the many tourists who arrive in Rosslare with bicycles attached to their cars but seem to be heading away from our county.

Why would you waste that potential opportunity?

With €360m per year in government active travel money up for grabs along with the availability of European structural funds, why not actively scope out local greenway routes particularly along the old Macmine trackbeds and beyond and add them to other cycle tourism offerings to help put Enniscorthy on the cycle destination map?

On a county basis, everything cycling related seems to be concentrated in the south of the county; the EuroVelo, the proposed Wexford to Rosslare greenway, the on-hold Rosslare to Waterford greenway etc.

So where is this ambition for Enniscorthy and beyond?

Does this need a kick-start?

Could engaging in a progressive manner with the potential that a unique Tour de France label be the catalyst to get you there?

What better way to honour the massive amount of work and huge undertaking that bringing the Tour to Enniscorthy must have been 25 years ago…

Let’s get these signs up Enniscorthy... they were hard earned! n

Le Bourg d’Oisans in France proudly displaying its Tour de France ‘Cycle City’ signage.

Phil Skelton, (centre), multi-awardwinning cycling advocate.

Minister Butler launches Information Guide to Ser vices for Older People in Co. Wexford

The project that is the 2023 Wexford Directory of Services for Older People featured at an event last month co-hosted by WEXICOP (Wexford Integrated Care of Older Persons) and St John’s Community Hospital in Enniscorthy.

Co-funded by the HSE/South East Community Healthcare’s Health and Wellbeing service, its WEXICOP (Wexford Integrated Care of Older Persons) and Wexford County Council and developed through Wexford Dementia Alliance, the Directory was officially launched by the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler T.D.

This Directory provides information on many of the essential services and supports available for older adults and their families in Co. Wexford. It includes contact phone numbers for HSE and other public services, community and voluntary organisations and some community-based, older-adult social groups across the county as well as guidance around falls prevention and dementia-specific services.

The need for this Directory was identified in the 2022 Wexford Age Friendly Alliance County Strategy and Action Plan and further supported by the HSE’s Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons strategy.

Emer Finn, Wexford HSE’s Memory Technology and Resource Room Occupational Therapist, chaired the Wexford Dementia Alliance which led out on its development. The Directory is facilitated by HSE Healthy Ireland, Wexford County Council, Wexford Older People’s Council, the HSE’s National Clinical Programme for Older People and a range of other Wexford age-friendly stakeholders. The information contained in this Directory came from various health and social care services, organisations and individuals.

Speaking about the Directory, Derval Howley (Head of Service/Health and Wellbeing, HSE/South East Community Healthcare) said:

“We were delighted to co-fund this initiative with Wexford County Council. It is great to see a health and wellbeing project focused on the elderly and resulting from collaborative and integrated partnership across statutory and voluntary organisations being officially launched by the Minister of State with responsibility for Older People Mary Butler TD. The HSE and all of our partners in Co. Wexford are very pleased to welcome the Minister to Enniscorthy for such an occasion.”

“Titled an Information Guide to Services for Older People in

Ministe

The 2023 Wexford Directory of Services for Older People featured at an event last month co-hosted by WEXICOP (Wexford Integrated Care of Older Persons) and St John’s Community Hospital in Enniscorthy.

Co. Wexford, it is already available on the HSE website (see https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/lho/wexford/olderpeople/wexford-directory-of-services-2023.pdf) and on the Wexford County Council website (see https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/sites/default/files/content/Community/Wexford-Directory-of-Services-2023.pdf). WEXICOP (Wexford Integrated Care of Older Persons), Wexford County Council, An Garda Siochana and Alone commenced distribution of physical copies recently to HSE healthcare sites in Co. Wexford (Hospitals, Community Nursing Units, Primary Care Centre, Health Centres, Day Centres, etc) as well as pharmacies, post offices, credit unions, churches, libraries, the County Council offices, Garda stations, family resource centres and through voluntary organisations such as Alone, Alzheimer’s Society and so on. The feedback has been very good and rewards the efforts put in to its composition.”

Speaking at the launch in Enniscorthy, Tanya Gorey (Operational Lead for the Wexford Integrated Care for Older Persons and the Wexford Memory Assessment and Support Services for HSE/South East Community Healthcare) said: “We are hoping to review the Directory as part of the work of the Wexford Dementia Alliance periodically and work to

update the digital copy on a yearly basis. The opportunities for further collaboration and integration across the county are endless and the development of the Directory has helped us form new partnerships with our community members, care partners and civic supporters. The Directory will benefit so many people in Wexford by raising awareness of health and social supports right across the county.

“We are delighted to work closely with the Wexford Age Friendly Alliance and the Wexford Dementia Alliance to incorporate services and supports for Older People across Wexford. As with each Local Authority area, such alliances involve senior decision-makers from public (HSE, County Council, An Garda Síochána etc.), and voluntary organisations (Alone, Alzheimer’s Society, Family Carers Ireland, Sage etc).”

The Wexford Older People’s Council ensures older people exercise a strong, guiding influence on age-friendly local development. Many thousands of practical steps have been taken at local level under the guidance of these alliances and the Older People’s Council and this Directory of Services for Older People in Co. Wexford is one such positive result of this ongoing collaboration. n

Among the attendees at the launch by Minister Mary Butler TD at St. John’s Community Hospital, Enniscorthy, of the 2023 Wexford Directory of Services for Older People were Cllrs Cathal Byrne, Aidan Browne and George Lawlor.

Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme

Job Description Location

Environmental Worker – 4 positions

Environmental Worker – 4 positions

Environmental Worker – 2 positions

Environmental Worker – 1 position

Environmental Worker – 2 positions

Duties to include:

New Ross

Duncannon

Rosslare

Castlebridge

Holmestown

• Environmental Worker - General maintenance, cleaning, planting and weeding etc.

To apply for any of the above positions and for further information please contact – Sean O’Neill, CE Supervisor, Wexford County Council on 086 9478001 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email sean.oneill@wexfordcoco.ie

The closing date for All Applications is 4.00 pm Friday 28th July 2023.

Please note that persons applying for these positions must satisfy the Department of Social Protection criteria to participate in the Community Employment Scheme.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts: I.S. Analyst I.S. Analyst (Security)

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 all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie

Please note all applications for the above posts must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie

Printed hard copies will be NOT be accepted for the above posts.

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for these posts is:

5.00pm on Thursday 20th July, 2023.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Wexford Local Area Plan Public Consultation Event

A public consultation event in advance of the preparation of the Wexford Town Local Area Plan will be held in Wexford Town Library, Mallin St, Wexford Town,Y35 AY20 on:

• Thursday, 13th July 2023 from 5.00pm to 8.00pm.

This is a drop-in event where the Local Area Plan team will be available to meet with you to discuss your views on Wexford Town and how it should develop.

Please let us know in advance if you have any specific requirements, including travel, to facilitate your attendance at this event. Please contact the Planning Customer Service Unit at 053 9196101 or email planning@wexfordcoco.ie to arrange this with the team.

Get involved and have your say. We look forward to hearing from you.

Tá folúntais ag Comhairle Contae

Loch Garman sna réimsí seo a leanas dár Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail

Post Suíomh

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 4 phost Ros Mhic Thriúin

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 4 phost Dún Canann

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 2 phost Ros Láir

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 1 phost Droichead an Chaisleáin

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 2 phost Baile Hóm Beag

I measc na ndualgais tá:

Oibrí Comhshaoil - Cothabháil ghinearálta, glanadh, plandáil agus baint lustain srl.

Chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar aon cheann de na poist thuas agus le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais déan teagmháil le do thoil le –Sean O’Neill, Maoirseoir CE, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ar 086 9478001 le linn uaireanta oifige 9rn – 5in nó seol ríomhphost chuig sean.oneill@wexfordcoco.ie

Is é an dáta deiridh le haghaidh Gach Iarratas ná 4.00 in Dé hAoine 28 Iúil 2023.

Tabhair faoi deara le do thoil nach mór do dhaoine a dhéanann iarratas ar na poist seo critéir na Roinne Coimirce Sóisialaí a shásamh chun páirt a ghlacadh sa Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail. Is fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Call for Expressions of Interest for the Supply of Social Housing and Development Land

Wexford County Council has an ambitious 5 year capital programme under the Housing For All Action Plan. As part of a range of housing solutions, the housing authority is seeking expressions of interest from private developers, building contractors and land owners.

Wexford County Council is seeking expressions of interest from interested parties who are capable of delivering turnkey units within the County or the provision of development land.

Wexford County Council will consider land or units in areas which have an established need. An explanatory document will outline the areas of need across the County.

In particular, Wexford County Council is seeking:-

• Turnkey developments. Acquisitions are on a turnkey basis; potential payment is a fixed price lump sum, on completion of a development, within an agreed timeframe.

• Mixed development schemes where social residential components could be incorporated.

• Development land, varying from small sites (circa 4-6 units) in rural areas with modest demand to larger sites in urban areas (circa 50-70).

• Delivery of adapted dwellings to meet the requirements of those with specific needs.

All developments and associated works must be fully compliant with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government guidelines and standards.

A preliminary proposal via the official application form will need to be submitted along with required documentation.

Application forms must be received by 5pm on Friday 28th July 2023.

Application forms and accompanying explanatory documents should be requested

- by emailing housingcapital@wexfordcoco.ie or - may be downloaded from www.wexfordcoco.ie

Wexford County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014.

Enniscorthy Street Rhy

3-4 JUNE 2023

Above: Kids enjoying th

Left: Katie Hyland and Jordan enjoying the Liam disco.

Right: Young Avia M enjoying Liam Shar Crazy Frog song

Below left: Puppet S for the kids.

Below right: Darcey Bro Charlie Redmond outs Treasure Island stall festival.

Above: Martina Leacy Dance Academy before taking to the stage.

Below: SpongeBob SquarePants entertaining the crowd at Market Square. Below right: Watching the Puppet Show.

Young Adhran Nolan watching everything going on with Clare Davin Byrne.

Left: Mickey and Minnie with a rather shy Emilia O’Brien who g 3. Jess Hobbs and her dog Blue at th

ythms Festival

he festival. Tommy m Sharkey Murphy rkey’s g. Show owne and side the at the

Above left: Queuing up for the Treasure Island Cave were Rory, Rian and Marie O’Connor.

Above right: Peppa Pig with Derek Furlong and Ada Murphy who had her grandad to mind her.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse made an appearance with Lochlin, Keira and Joshua Murphy.

Happy budding artists painting at the Market Square.

Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Dance Festival –a great family day out.

Above: A Festival in Enniscorthy wouldn’t be the same without strawberries and James Byrne of Wheelocks was on hand to serve Cora and dad Aymeric Vilardo. Left: Watch out for the Minions! Johanna, Alexia and Sofia show off their prizes.

ot to meet them. Above L-R: 1. Claire Mitchell and baby Alex. 2. Face-painting for Eilannah Jordan. e festival. 4. The Corvenieo’s magician called on Sofija to help with his act.

The Roses ret

In blistering June sunshine, the announcement that the 2023 Rose Tour will return to Wexford for the second-year running was made at Wexford County Council offices to the delight of all present.

Cathaoirleach George Lawlor said that once again the Gods had smiled on Wexford with the beautiful weather ‘which we had for last year’s launch and for the 3-day tour of the county and now again here today. The people from Kerry are starting to believe that it’s always like this in Wexford, and sure it is,’ George quipped.

MC Jean O Connell, Director of O Connell Marketing, said, ‘Wexford is the perfect location for the Roses to enjoy an action packed 3 days of adventure and fun this August, and the perfect place to create nostalgic memories that they’ll carry throughout the tour and on to the stage in Tralee.’

Last year’s winner, the Westmeath Rose Rachel Duffy, reiterated what Jean had said, being lavish in her praise of the county and

Anthony O’Gara (CEO Rose of Tralee International Festival), current Rose of Trale Rachel Duffy, Paul Finegan (General Manager of Ashdown Park Hotel), Wexford Ro Bronagh Hogan, Steve Cronly (Rose of Tralee International Festival). Pic: Domnick W

Above: Wexford Rose Bronagh Hogan with Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Above: Wexford Rose Bronagh Hogan with Maria Nolan and current Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy.

Wexford Rose Bronagh Hogan with then Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor and current Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy. Pic: Domnick Walsh.

turn!

the welcome here last year for all 32 Roses, telling the Wexford Rose Bronagh Hogan, ‘You will be bursting with pride for your county and all it has to offer, from mountains to shore and everything in between and the welcome it has for all who visit here. I know’, Rachel continued, ‘that many of last year’s Roses will never forget their three days in Wexford, and the memories and friends they made here will remain with them forever.’

Bronagh Hogan said that she has been in awe of the Rose of Tralee Festival since she was a child and always wanted to be a Rose.

‘It’s a dream come true for me,’ the Clonroche native, now living in Wexford town, said, ‘and an honour and a privilege that I treasure to represent my county, I am so looking forward to the three days here in Wexford and to showcasing all that is good and wonderful about my home county to the other Roses.’

Bronagh also recently represented her county as part of the cast of the All Ireland award-winning play The Father and will no doubt be

a marvellous ambassador as she hosts her 31 sister Roses in many of Wexford’s iconic locations and hidden gems.

The 3-day tour organised by Visit Wexford, supported by Wexford County Council, and hosted by the Ashdown Park Hotel, is jam packed with adventure, activity, and fun, including Beach Yoga, Golf, Sea Cave Kayaking, a visit to the world’s oldest lighthouse on the Hook Peninsula and a visit to each of County Wexford’s towns to meet and greet the locals.

So keep your eyes peeled for them folks, the 32 Roses of the 2023 International Rose of Tralee Festival will soon be in a location near you and let’s make it an experience they will never forget.

Cathaoirleach George Lawlor sent our Wexford Rose Bronagh on her way with a beautiful rendition of... what else... The Rose of Tralee!

The very best of luck Bronagh from all at the Slaney News.

Words and some images by Maria Nolan n

Wexford Co Council Tourism Officer Billy Byrne with Jean O Connell of O Connell Marketing. Pics: Maria Nolan.

Then Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor, Wexford Rose Bronagh Hogan, Paul Finegan, General Manager of Ashdown Park Hotel, current Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy, Anthony O’Gara, CEO Rose of Tralee International Festival. Pic: Domnick Walsh.

Members of Enniscorthy Historical re-enactment soiciety with Wexford Rose Bronagh Hogan and current Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy. Pic: Domnick Walsh.

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society with Wexford Rose Bronagh Hogan.

Festival of Ferns 4-5 June 2023

Left: The Parade on Ban Monday on the streets

Above: Eithne and Joey Ir Castle grounds

Below: St. David or in Welsh in the Parade on Mo

Above left: Making the speeches in Ferns Castle on Monday. Above right: Waiting for the pa start were Mag McElaine and Theresa Bailey. Below left: The Bee Keepers. Below right: The P Bank Holiday Monday through the streets of Ferns.

Above: Kate Whelan and Emma Hall at the Castle grounds.

Below: Waiting to go on stage at Ferns Castle, the Deirdre Furlong School of Irish Dance.

Above: Bloco Garman drummers. Below: Hurlers off the ditch!

nk Holiday of Ferns. reton in the s. h, Dewi Sant, onday.

arade to Parade on

Top centre: ‘The Horsemen of Éire’ jousting. Top right: Rowan and Ursula Mallessen at Ferns Castle. Above: Some of the large crowd at Ferns Castle. Right: Watching the jousting were Cllr Aidan Browne, Maria Nolan and press photographer John Walsh. Below left: Callum, Katelyn and Anthony O’Leary. Below right: The Horsemen of Éire jousting.

Left: Deirdre Furlong School of Dance. Above: Katie Barcoe.

Bee keepers.

Left: The Parade.

Above: Annie, Henry and Luke McCreddin.

Summer Sessions 2023…

Live music in the Library Park, New Ross, each Saturday from 15th July to 26th August 7-8pm. Free concerts funded by Wexford County Council. https://stmichaelsnewross.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows

A room with a view

Lots happening for all the family this summer at Enniscorthy Christian Fellowship

Enniscorthy Christian Fellowship is holding its annual free Children’s Summer Camp in Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, for 5 to 12 year olds from Monday 17th to Friday 21st July from 10.30am to 3pm.

Also its free Youth Summer Camp for 11 to 18-year-olds in the Astro Active Centre, Bellefield, from Tuesday 18th July to Thursday 20th July, 7pm to 9pm.

All are welcome to a free Family Fun Day for all the family on Saturday 22nd July from 2pm-6pm in the Astro Active Centre.

To register go to: https://enniscorthychristianfellowship.ie/summer-events Or contact Andrew or Lorna on 086 1967822 or 085 1367341.

A great place for an outdoor coffee and treat, the terrace at Eco Kind, Duffry Hill, Enniscorthy.

New playground in Oylegate

The official opening of the new children’s playground in Oylegate took place last month. Developed by Wexford County Council, funded by the Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme, and delivered through the Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), it was officially opened by Cllr Donal Kenny, the then Cathaoirleach of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District. The playground caters for children of all abilities and is fully accessible. It also includes a number of accessible and sensory pieces of play equipment including a disability access carousel. Also included is age-friendly seating.

WLOS success at AIMS awards

On what was a bittersweet night for Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) at the annual AIMS Awards held in Killarney on 17th June 2023, the group won the Best Musical Director Award for their much loved and missed Fintan Cleary, who passed away two months ago, sharing the award with his successor David Hayes.

Fintan and David won the Best Musical Director category in the Gilbert Section of the AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) Awards 2023. Although it is a fantastic achievement for David, Eithne Corrigan (Chorus Mistress) and for Wexford Light Opera Society, most of all it is a very fitting tribute to Fintan who was Musical Director for Wexford Light Opera Society since 2005 having taken the reigns from his good friend and colleague at St. Peter’s College, Fr. John O’Brien. Fintan was musical director on every production since then including the most recent production of the acclaimed The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Too ill to attend in person, he got to see every performance in April of the sixnight run of Hunchback back on a live stream from the Opera House to his home in Murrintown.

David Hayes stepped into Fintan’s shoes six weeks prior to

opening night and successfully guided the society along with the other members of the production team.

David took the opportunity to pay a very fitting tribute to Fintan at the awards ceremony in Killarney.

Michael O’Gorman, who played Quasimodo in the recent production, was runner-up in the Best Actor Category at the awards.

The Society will be taking a short break for the summer but will be back with Hits from the Musicals at Clayton Whites Hotel in October as part of the Wexford Festival Opera Fringe events.

The next production by the society will be the fabulous West End and Broadway favourite The Phantom of the Opera which will be staged next year at the National Opera House from 29th April to the 4th May 2024. WLOS is very excited to have secured the rights to this wonderful musical by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. The production is packed with musical favourites such as: The Phantom of the Opera; The Music of the Night and All I Ask of You.

Facebook: “Wexford Light Opera Society” n

Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS), front row above: Fintan Cleary (inset), David Hayes, Michael O’Gorman and WLOS Chairperson Eric Hayes.

The Phantom is coming to Wexford

WEXFORD SPIEGELTENT FESTIVAL WINS BIG AT THE IMRO LIVE MUSIC VENUE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Wexford Spiegeltent Festival was nominated in two categories at the IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards 2023 – ‘Small Festival of the Year’ and ‘Tech Crew of the Year’. As these are national awards, the Spiegeltent team faced stiff competition from other festivals and venues across Ireland but, nevertheless, they took home both awards on the night.

Presented by IMRO, the awards recognise the very highest standards in live music entertainment across Ireland.

The shortlist was compiled by over 19,000 members of IMRO. Nominees were assessed by Ireland’s musicians, songwriters, composers and publishers on a number of criteria including general ambience, staging, sound, lighting, diversity of music, artist relations and promotion.

Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) is thrilled to reveal the exceptional production team assembled for its highly anticipated 2024 production of the timeless masterpiece, Phantom of the Opera. This iconic musical, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and WLOS is dedicated to delivering an unforgettable experience with its talented team.

Prepare to be enchanted and captivated as this talented group of individuals collaborate to create an unforgettable theatrical experience. So, without further ado, here is the production team that will bring Phantom of the Opera to life in the National Opera House in April 2024.

Director: Christine Scarry Music Director: David Hayes

Choreographer: Thérése O’Sullivan Chorus Mistress: Eithne Corrigan

WLOS is thrilled to be welcoming back Christine Scarry, who last worked with WLOS in 2012. Christine will join David Hayes and Eithne Corrigan from the 2023 production team of the highly acclaimed The Hunchback of Notre Dame. WLOS is excited to welcome Thérése O’Sullivan on board as its new choreographer this year and look forward to working with her over the coming months.

This passionate production team is dedicated to delivering a Phantom of the Opera experience that surpasses all expectations, magically transporting audiences into the depths of love, passion, and the haunting allure of the Paris Opera House. With the superb musical and acting talent at its disposal, we have no doubt that this creative production team will produce an extraordinary theatrical event that will captivate audiences.

Stay tuned to ‘Wexford Light Opera Society’ on Facebook for further updates on auditions, ticket sales, and more! And prepare to be spellbound by this timeless tale. n

Eleanor McEvoy, IMRO Chairperson, said of the awards, “Enormous praise is due to each of our award winners tonight. These winners have been recognised for their excellence and for their contribution to live music across Ireland after a very difficult few years. Huge congratulations to you all.”

In 2022, Wexford Spiegeltent Festival celebrated 10 successful years. It is fitting for the Festival to receive this accolade after a decade of bringing renowned national and international acts to Wexford Quay, much to the delight of audiences from Wexford and beyond. It is the second time that the Festival has won the ‘Small Festival of the Year’ award.

Brian Byrne commented “It means a lot to get this recognition from IMRO. We have a great bunch of people who work hard to create a very special Festival every year and these awards acknowledge the contribution made by everyone. Such acknowledgement is very motivating to continue to bring the best shows and performers we can to Wexford and to give our audiences the best experience possible. I was especially pleased that our Tech Crew won, these are the guys who are in the venue long before the show starts, and are still working on the stage long after the shows are over and the audience are gone. They’re rarely noticed but they are absolutely vital to every show that we do and deserve all the recognition.”

The first gigs for the 2023 Festival have already been announced. For updates check out https://lantern.ie/events/list/ n

Fresh Today, located on the Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, is a thriving local business which now caters for approximately one hundred schools in the county and beyond preparing and delivering thousands of healthy school lunches to students every day.

Fresh Today is not only an excellent role model in the Enniscorthy business community but are also a very generous sponsor which is grateful for its success and believes strongly in giving something back to the community.

It was Lynnsie O’Donoghue, Fresh Today Marketing Director, who came up with the fabulous idea for the Female Role Model Competition asking young people to submit the names of those who have been role models in their lives, and from hundreds of entries a most worthy winner was chosen in the form of Claire Buckley who was nominated by her seven-yearold nephew, Paddy, for her dedication to, and constant care of her son Calum who has been battling cancer now for several years.

The incredible prize for the winner included a cut, colour and blow-dry in Karl Martin’s, Wafer Street; a manicure and makeover in the Beauty Booth on Slaney Street; an outfit of choice at Glamour Boutique, Main Street, and an evening meal for two at Chang Thai Restaurant, Treacys Hotel, Templeshannon. Not just a marvellous competition, recognising and rewarding a most worthy winner, but one that also supported local businesses.

I had the pleasure of accompanying winner Claire Buckley from Moran Park on her joyful day of pampering and heard her speak so lovingly of her son Calum and so proudly and appreciatively of her thoughtful nephew Paddy.

Calum, who is now ten years old, was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2016, and in addition to major surgery to have it removed, the then four-year-old underwent extensive chemotherapy treatment.

Claire – a rol

By Maria Nolan

In 2017, following a relapse, he endured both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and in 2019 after a second relapse this brave little boy had to do it all over again.

In January this year, Claire told me Calum had his fourth relapse leaving him with a slight weakness in his left side.

Claire says that the support of the people of Enniscorthy has been such an enormous help to the family and the fundraisers in Calum’s name have assisted significantly with the costs in-

There are some great competitions and there are some great winners, and Enniscorthy business Fresh Today got both right with their recent ‘Female Role Model’ competition and their chosen winner Claire Buckley.

Left: Competition winner Claire Buckley with a bunch of flowers. Below: Thomas Lacey and Mikela O`Connor Brogan looking after Claire’s hair.

le model par excellence

volved in ensuring Calum receives all his treatments and the associated costs of staying in Dublin while he attends Crumlin and St. Luke’s hospitals.

But this day was all about Claire and the lovely, attractive, blonde mother enjoyed it well.

Preened and pampered and looking beautiful first at Karl Martin’s and then the Beauty Booth, Claire chose an elegant outfit from an array of stunning garments selected for her persusal by Miriam and Lyndsey at Glamour Boutique.

Lightweight check pants in shades of pink were the favourite of this stylish lady who knows what she likes, accentuated by a charming white broiderie anglaise blouse, complimented by a delicate, pink, pancho-style loose knit giving the entire ensemble a soft, feminine, flowing look, totally enhancing Claire’s height, shape, and skin tone.

Cerise pink boots added that final touch of panache to the glamorous look and Claire was more than ready to enjoy a sumptuous repas at the Chang Thai Restaurant, Treacy’s Hotel, with her very special escort for the evening, her beautiful son Calum.

Congratulations to Claire and sincere compliments to Fresh Today and Lynnsie for coming up with such a magical day that Claire will remember forever and the very considerate and thoughtful Paddy who made it all possible.

– Words and pics by Maria

Nolan n

Enniscorthy company Fresh Today is the No.1 school meals provider in Ireland, employing just over 150 people in Enniscorthy.

This rapidly expanding and innovative company is always keen to give back to the local community and its latest initiative was to run a competition last month for its Enniscorthy-based schools asking all of the students to write a paragraph about their favourite female role model. Whether it was a mother, sister, teacher, mentor, or any other influential woman in their life, Fresh Today wanted to hear about those remarkable individuals who have made a lasting impact.

What made this competition even more special was the wonderful prize – the winning role model received a full day of pampering in Enniscorthy including a cut, colour and blow-dry in Karl Martin’s, getting their nails and makeup done in the Beauty Booth, finding the new outfit of their dreams in Glamour Boutique, and then going for an evening meal in Chang Thai restaurant in Treacy's Hotel.

Fresh Today thanks all of the incredible businesses that assisted with this fantastic prize.

Below left: Miriam and Lyndsey of Glamour Boutique helped Claire choose an outfit. Below right: The Fresh Today team with Miriam, Claire and Lyndsey.

A GREAT, LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP

ENNISCORTHY RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION is a great, local, community group for those aged 55+, retired and living in the Enniscorthy area, with meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at the Riverside Park Hotel. At their June monthly meeting, they had an informative and entertaining talk given by the wonderful Yvonne Doyle, local audiologist at Doyle Hearing Solutions (see photo).

Recent outings have included a day trip, lunch and guided tour at Mount Congreve Estate, Waterford, and a lovely lunch at Beechdale.

Upcoming trips to Avondale, Glendalough, and Wells House are being planned. New members are always very welcome. For further information, contact Valarie or Annette at enniscorthyretirementassociation@outlook.com or see ‘Enniscorthy Retirement Association’ on Facebook for regular updates. n

Make the most of Co. Wexford this summer

To keep up with all things new and exciting happening around the county, Visit Wexford, with the support of Wexford County Council, has an App to help locals and visitors explore Wexford with ease.

The handy pocket guide to Wexford has everything visitors to the county need for a fun and hassle-free trip to the Sunny South East.

Wexford is a popular holiday destination for many, so Visit Wexford has made it even easier for you to explore the county all year round! Find all there is to see and do, places to stay and eat, funfilled activities, stunning beaches, terrific trails and much, much more across the county with the help of the Visit Wexford app. Discover County Wexford with a click of a button and get exclusive notifications, offers and more, directly through the app. It includes helpful functions, such as:

✦

✦ Directories for accommodation, activities, restaurants, beaches and more across the county.

✦

✦ Listings and contact information for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wexford.

✦ ✦ A handy map of County Wexford with all of the points of interest pinpointed for you.

✦

✦ A selection of the top Travel Tuesday blogs and insider guides from VisitWexford.ie

✦

✦ A weather widget for the weather forecast in the Sunny South East.

✦

✦ A gallery of stunning images from around the county to inspire your trip.

✦

✦ Push notifications about nearby attractions, coupons and more exclusive offers for app users.

The Visit Wexford app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Download the Visit Wexford app now and start planning your adventure in Wexford today! VisitWexford.ie n

Enniscorthy Musical Society announces its show for 2024

After a tough couple of years for Enniscorthy Musical Society during and post Covid, it has now officially picked itself up, dusted itself off, and is ready to face the music and dance!!!

A successful AGM in May has put a new committee in place and the society thanks its outgoing treasurer Theresa Flaherty and committee member Kathy Delaney for all their hard work for the society, and much appreciation to James Dobbs who has stepped down from the office of chairperson after doing such a fantastic job So, with a bit of a reshuffle and a few new additions, the 2023/24 line-up is as shown below.

And EMS has chosen its show for 2024. HAPPY DAYS - A NEW MUSICAL features favourite characters from the hit TV show Happy Days. It’s a fun, lighthearted show that will have you rockin' and rollin' – a rockabilly show for a rockabilly town. Not to be missed! Chairperson Tina Doyle says, “We cannot wait to get started on the preparations!”

EMS will be releasing details about auditions soon, so keep your eyes on the ‘Enniscorthy Musical Society’ Facebook page for updates. n

Are you 15-18 years old and looking for something fun to do with your time over the summer?

Are you a fan of musicals and looking to make some new friends?

Then why not join the Enniscorthy Musical Society (EMS) Youth Council! Their upcoming show promises to be great craic! Have your say, have a blast and meet some new people! What more could you want?

Contact EMS for more information and to get involved. n

Calling all Crafters!

The Enniscorthy Musical Society (EMS) craft fair a few months ago went so well that the group has decided to bring it back!

It will be holding a series of craft fairs over the coming months and wants you to be a part of them!

So if you are a crafter or a small business and would like to sell at one of the upcoming craft fairs, contact 0868399350. EMS is looking forward to hearing from you! n

The 22nd June 2023 was a day to remember at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track as the huge crowd in attendance enjoyed good weather, superb entertainment and supported a great charity all at the same time.

The event was in aid of the Light4Lisa fundraiser for The Irish Cancer Society Relay For Life and featured a novelty race – man v greyhound, with the man in question being none other than the popular Philip ‘Powder’ Freeman running in memory of his late wife, Lisa.

Philip even emerged victorious in the greyhound challenge race. Writing about the race, well known greyhound-racing journalist Ian Fortune commented: “In fairness to Powder, he did resemble Michael Johnson in his prime, only short of wearing the golden spikes, but he covered the ground like a top-class sprinter...”

Philip was supported on the night by his friends and family, including baby Phia, and hid dad Noel, the trainer of Rains

Annamay, the defeated greyhound on the night, owned by Noel and his nephew Ben.

Well done to everyone involved and to all at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track for their part in such a wonderful fundraising effort. The Irish Cancer Society will use the money raised to provide vital support services in the local area for people living with cancer, their families and carers. This much-needed help includes night nurses, driver services, freephone nurseline, counselling sessions, financial support grants, Travel2Care transportation and much more.

And the great news is that €15,000 has been raised so far – an incredible achievment. Please continue to support this great cause at:

relayforlife.ie/fundraisers/light4lisa Finally, a word of thanks to the wonderful Kenny Ruttledge for allowing us to use a selection of his photos from the fundraising night. n

inning fundraiser

Silvertones concert enthralls capacity crowd

SILVERTONES FUNDRAISING CONCERT, ST AIDAN’S CATHEDRAL, 31ST MAY 2023, FOR RELAY FOR LIFE AND WEXFORD HOSPICE HOMECARE

OPPOSITE PAGE. Top photo: Capacity crowd in St Aidan’s Cathedral. Middle photo: Members of the Silvertones with guest singer Celine Byrne, celloist Siobhan Lynch and members of Relay for Life group outside the Cathedral. Bottom photos L-R: Elsie Gray and Eva Gray. Mary O’Connor and Mary Fox. Matt and Una Seaver.

THIS PAGE. Top left: Marion McNulty, Sally Griffith and Carmel Keating. Top centre: Dorothie Richardson and Cecil Hill. Top right: Guest singer Celine Byrne. Above left: Paddy Kinsella, Mary and Bobby O’Dowd. Above centre: Joe and Marion O’Loughlin. Below left: All smiles at the Silvertones concert. Below right: Eithne Corrigan conducts the choir. Bottom left: Celloist Siobhan Lynch. Bottom right: The choir with celloist Siobhan Lynch.

Silvertones concert enthralls capacity crowd (cont’d)

The Silvertones Bealtaine concert on 31st May was a triumph on all fronts.

Enniscorthy Cathedral was full to capacity, guest artist Celine Byrne was spectacular and was given a standing ovation, as was cello soloist Siobhan Lynch. Musical Director Eithne Corrigan did a magnificent job accompanying

Celine and Siobhan and conducting the wonderful choir.

Representatives from both chosen charities – Wexford Relay for Life and Wexford Hospice Homecare – were present and both charities will benefit from this concert and will be presented with cheques in September when the

SILVERTONES FUNDRAISING CONCERT, ST AIDAN’S CATHEDRAL, 31ST MAY 2023, FOR RELAY FOR LIFE AND WEXFORD HOSPICE HOMECARE

Sivertones return after the summer break.

Since the concert at the end of May, members of the Silvertones travelled to Limerick to take part in the Festival of Choirs for “Limerick Sings”. Members enjoyed the experience of getting together and mixing with other choirs. n

Presentation to Sheelagh

A presentation was made by the Silvertones to Sheelagh O’Leary at their last choir rehearsal before the summer break.

Sheelagh and her late husband Liam founded the choir in 2009. It was initially an Enniscorthy choir but such is its popularity that it has extended to being a whole-of-County-Wexford Choir with members from Kilmore to Gorey and all towns and parishes in between.

The photo shows L-R: Silvertones Treasurer Margaret O’Dowd, Secretary Mary Fox, Sheelagh O’Leary and Danny Lunn, Chairman. n

Left: Rita Byrne and Noeleen Darcy. Right: Kitty Roche and Mary Lambert. Below left: Pat and Jackie Collins and Arthur McGreevy. Below centre: Mary Gildea and Breda Rogan. Below right: Alice Rowsome and Patrica Wildes.

Friday the 7th of July – something a bit different, The Bailey Laughs comedy club is hosting a Free pay-what-you-feel comedy show, in the Bailey Bar & Eatery, Enniscorthy.

Show will be starting at 8.30pm, with a heap of comics, no tickets needed, but donations will be accepted on the evening so make sure to bring a few euro and pay what you feel it was worth at the end of the night.

The ‘Bailey Laughs’ monthly comedy club has been a huge success and runs monthly at The Bailey, Barrack Street. To get in touch: baileylaughscomedy@gmail.com For updates: https://www.facebook.com/baileylaughscomedy

EOIN DEVEREUX

CHECK OUT EOIN'S EXCITING NEW VIDEO...

20-year-old Eoin Devereux from Enniscorthy has just released a great music video for his new single, "Lost in My Head".

Eoin says, "This song means a lot to me as it's about the struggle of dealing with overwhelming emotions and feeling lost in the chaos of life. The video captures that feeling of isolation and confusion, but also the hope and strength it takes to keep pushing through. I put a lot of heart and soul into this project, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it."

As a young local musician, Eoin is passionate about contributing to the cultural landscape of our town, and it’s great to see so many young, talented musicians like Eoin plying their trade here in Enniscorthy. Take a look now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v8gsnqqWvf4

And make sure to follow Eoin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eoindevereux_music/

Dancing with Declan

Eoin Devereux

The dates for this year's Blackstairs Blues Festival in Enniscorthy will be September 8th, 9th & 10th. Featuring the return of Austin Walkin' Cane, UK's blues acoustic act of the year Trevor ‘Babajack’ Steger and the refulgent Celtic blues style of Scotsman Gus Munro. It's shaping up nicely here in the sunny south east – home of the Blues. More acts to be announced soon!

Enniscorthy is rockin’

Enniscorthy was rocking on 16th June for the launch in Enniscorthy Castle of the 2023 Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival – a band of Normans joining in the festivities proving that rock ‘n’ roll can wake even those who have been dead since the 12th century!

Launched by then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Aidan Browne, he was lavish in his praise for the wonderful festival that brings so much to the town over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with a family-

friendly theme and something for everyone. ‘This extremely colourful festival showcases our town at its very best, well done to the hard-working festival committee, the rock ‘n’ roll dancers, and all the volunteers who are turning this festival into one of the Go To Events on the Irish Summer calendar.’

Chairman of the Festival committee Eric Barron told the Castle audience that last year the festival brought 50,000 visitors to the town ‘and this year’s event prom-

Launching the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival with Mark Kavanagh of sponsor, Wexbury.

captions

ises to be even bigger and even better for Enniscorthy’, Eric enthused, with special thanks to his fellow committee members and in particular marketing guru for the festival Amanda Whitmore.

Festival sponsor Mark Kavanagh introduced his latest delectable concoction Wexbury Rose, this delicious Vodka Cream Liquor with the tasty tang of Wexford strawberries is mouth-wateringly delicious and was accompanied by a magnificent array of finger food showcased by chef Tim Phelan.

Chairman Eric Barron informed the gathering that the packed Festival programme will be available over the coming weeks and he was delighted to announce that chefs Kevin Dundon and Edward Hayden along with others will be part of this year’s festival weekend, which also includes some of the most outstanding rock ‘n’ roll bands in the country including the very popular Jets performing at the Riverside Park Hotel. And if all that doesn’t set your toes a tappin’ nothing will, it’s gonna be a great weekend folks right here in Enniscorthy.

Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival 2023 coming at ya!

Words & pics by Maria Nolan

Launch of Food & Fru

Above left: Organisers Richie Cotter, Eric Barron, Municipal District Manager Above centre: Some of those looking forwar

Above right: Rock ‘n’ roll danc Far left: Mark Kavanagh, Wexb

Left: Looking cool and enjoying the fruit

Right: Colm Neville (Riverside Park Hotel), Cllr Ba Devitt (Riverside Park Hotel), Amanda Whitmore.

the Rockin’ uit Festival

Amanda Whitmore and Eamonn Doyle with Enniscorthy Claire Lawless, second from left. rd to the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival. cers helping to promote the festival. bury, sponsor, with Cllr Cathal Byrne. at the launch were Katie and Joey Whitmore. rbara-Anne Murphy, Eric Barron, Claire Lawless, Angela The Riverside Park Hotel is one of the festival sponsors.

INDIANA JONES Movie Review with Kyle Walsh 

I finally got to go to Wexford Omniplex Cinema to watch my most anticipated movie of the year Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

The first three Indiana Jones movies would be regarded as one of the best trilogies ever made. I was in awe with each one of these movies. Indiana brought me and every other young lad on his adventures on the big screen growing up and, wow, those first three films were just magical.

Indiana is one of my favourite characters ever in movies and who better to play him to perfection only the legendary Harrison Ford. He has been playing this character for the last 40 years. For me, when Indiana Jones rode off into the sunset on horseback in part 3 they should have left it alone as it was the perfect ending to a great trilogy. But Hollywood is full of greed and decided a few years ago to revisit the legendary Indiana franchise by releasing what can only be called a forgettable addition to the trilogy. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is woefully bad and a film I forgot about as soon as I saw it. As for the ending of that film – scandalous is all I can say. So, to my great surprise, I heard reports of a fifth Indiana film. Before I could get the name out of my mouth, here I found myself sitting in the darkness of the cinema watching this fifth entry.

I had a lot of questions. Ford is 80? Spielberg is not directing? Is this a time travel film? Is this going to be better than it pre-

decessor? So I’m glad to say it’s ok. If you go into it expecting it to be like the original trilogy you will be very disappointed. If you go into it just for an Indiana adventure not expecting much you will find yourselves having some fun. For me it was ok.

Indiana finds himself looking for the Dial of Destiny and he is once again being hounded by the Nazis. The adventure is entertaining with some good action sequences. Also you just can’t beat the great John Williams score throughout, it gives everything that extra bit of a lift. Ford is very good here as the old Indiana and what I liked about it is he didn’t shy away from age. He played it to show his age and that he can’t do what he used to in the other films. For the first hour of this film I was really enjoying it and was loving James Mangold directing but the last hour or so it fell flat for me and had a poor enough third act. I thought the ending was a big letdown for me. Overall, it was ok and if you had nothing to do on a Saturday night and you had the fire lighting and the Chinese takeaway on the way, I would sit back and watch it.

For me I will stick with the trilogy and more than likely not watch 4 or 5 again. I really hope they leave this great character alone now and realise enough is enough. It has bombed at the box office. I’d love if Hollywood just started coming up with original ideas and leave greatness alone. It gets a 5/10 from me. n

Live music at The Presentation Arts Centre

With a stunning voice that has been described as “a beautiful tapestry with many vibrant colours”, Niamh Strong blends elements of blues, soul, and jazz, to enthrall her audiences. Coming to The Presentation Arts Centre, Saturday 8th July, 8.30pm. Tickets €20 (+booking fee). One not to be missed!

Right: A night of music curated by Peer Pleasure to meet all your gig-going desires! With performances from A Lethal Black Ooze, Recoil, Nana Jane and Shane Hurley. n

Niamh Strong 12 Gauge Outrage

EP launch

On 7th July 2023, at The Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy, 12 Gauge Outrage will display their raw power and energy as they launch their "Siren" EP with support bands on the night. The new EP features five tracks that showcase their unique sound and diverse influences.

Formed in 2013, the band has been steadily building a following in the modern metal scene with their new-age thrash-like riffs. Each member is passionate about their craft, and their music is a testament to their love of catchy choruses and heavy riffs. They've been compared to metal legends like Metallica, Diamond Head, Trivium, Machine Head, and Iron Maiden to name but a few. In 2022, the band made it to the semi-finals of the Metal 2 The Masses competition in Northern Ireland, showcasing their talent and dedication.

Joining 12 Gauge Outrage on the night will be three other talented acts: Cork punk rockers R.P.C, Belfast's stoner/doom outfit Gravity Well, and local blackened death metal upstarts Dead Memories.

Tickets €10 (+€1.50 Booking Fee). Doors open at 7:30 pm. n

What a great idea!

Are you over 50 and interested in going to Arts & Cultural events but have no one to go with? If so, check out Wexford Cultural Companions – an Age & Opportunity arts initiative, supported by Wexford County Council and Wexford Age Friendly. n

For more information or to attend the monthly coffee morning, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4sf396ru

Red Books

Co. Wexford’s award-winning independent bookshop – Red Books –has opened a second branch, in Gorey, situated within the Hawthorn & Mayblossom shop at No.2, Rafter Street, and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

The existing shop at Peter’s Square, Wexford town, continues to operate as normal.

The Gorey outlet will most likely foster artistic groups and events similar to the huge, positive effect the Wexford town shop has had on the arts community there since it opened three years ago.

We wish the proprietor Wally O’Neill every success with his two shops going forward. n

ONE FOR YOUR DIARY...

Mark it in your diaries and calendars, the Enniscorthy Rockin' Food & Fruit Festival returns once again this year over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. More details to be announced soon so keep an eye on their Social Media channels for regular updates.

“Wexford Arts Centre, over all the years, has been a beacon of light. In art, film, theatre, dance, music, it has enriched the life and the imagination of Wexford town. It is one of the great achievements in Irish culture life over the past half century.”

– Colm Tóibín

Piercestown Fun Day

Piercestown NS Parents Association Family Fun Day at St Martin’s pitch, 18th June 2023.

Above left: Annie Cincera and Ella Redmond. Above right: Ciara McClean. Below left: Sharon and Rian Bolger. Below right: It’s a building game as Kate Roche and Rianna Gooden get to grips with it.

Vitalina and Veronika.

Above: Sarah Davoren and Donagh McCabe. Below: Emily Cooper and Laura Walsh.

Family time as dad Padraic watches daughter Ada Rossiter play snakes and ladders.

Tug of War, Daniel Walsh, Aidan Mooney and Dylan Walsh were the champions.

Grace Furlong and Serena Sunter.

Enniscorthy Community College’s orchestral concert is a hit

Forget Harry Styles! Well done to all the student musicians who participated in the end of year concert in Enniscorthy Community College (ECC). They played the music of Adele, Beethoven, Johnny Cash, Dvorak, Vivaldi, and Amy Winehouse in the packed JCSP library. Proud parents/guardians watched as the enthusiastic music students performed as instrumental soloists, singers, band members, and orchestral team members, ranging from bashful beginners to the more advanced students. Brídín Kelly (ECC Music Department) conducted the orchestra and provided piano accompaniment for Kamila Sowinska. Ukrainian students performed music and award-winning original poetry. The concert ended with popular polka Mairi’s Wedding; everyone joined in.

The scheme’s professional instrumental music teachers Emer Collins and James Warren who teach violin and piano; cello, double bass, flute, and clarinet respectively, were proud to accompany their students on piano. All the music department was involved including Ms. Anita Cullen on flute. Kamila Sowinska, Violin, Grade 6 (Hons. RIAM), outgoing leader of the orchestra won the Violin award, as chosen by Ms. Collins and is also ECC Leaving Cert student of the year, winner of multiple academic awards. The piano award went to Dragos Cornel Kurcsi, sixth year. The following students received awards from James Warren:

Double bass: Bradley Mashamba. First year, Cello: Lucy O’Brien,

third year, Clarinet: Kayla Murphy, First year Flute: Ruby O’Brien, Second year, Grade 2, Distinction, RIAM.

The concert also featured solo singers, first year orchestral singers and the Johnny Cash 3rd year band. Digital artist Keeley McCarthy from Transition Year was responsible for designing the advertising. A special thanks to the Music department at ECC who constantly ensure that students are given excellent opportunities to pursue their passion and fulfil their musical ability, and to all parents/guardians that made an effort to attend the enjoyable event.

The names of the performers in the accompanying photo:

Front left: Leader Kamila Sowinska, Shannon O’Reilly Murphy, Teacher Emer Collins, Margo Dobel, Stefanny de Souza Belo, Kathleen Giltrap, Elaine Murphy, Lucy O’Brien, Teacher James Warren.

Back row left: Kayla Murphy, Xhaesika Sopiku, Katie Bradley, Fintan McKenna, Hannah McInerney, Ruby O’Brien, Ric Jones, Kendra Martin, Andrew Kehoe, Jack Redmond, Dragos Cornel Kurcsi, Teacher Anita Cullen, Bradley Mashamba, Teacher Brídín Kelly.

Missing from photo:

Sofiia Bezruchenko, Nicole Gailis, Zoe Kelly, and Kelsey Martin Dunne. n

Tackling the mini-marathon

A local group of seven women, five of whom had never done a 10k run before, recently took part in the VHI women’s mini marathon.

Local Slimming World consultant, Trish Dagg, had said at the start of this year that she was going to finally take part in the yearly race in Dublin. It was always a dream to be a participant but weighing over 20 stone, and being so unfit, she knew it was a pipe dream. But now, having lost 105lbs, this year was going to be different. Having mentioned it in her local group at Enniscorthy Rugby Club, some of her members decided to join her.

So, on Sunday 3rd June, they all set off on a minibus from the Abbey Square, and they were winners before they even started! They have a combined weight loss of an amazing 285lbs! That’s over 20 stone!

The difference they’re making to their lives has been phenomenal. Plans are already in place for a bigger bus next year with more members determined to take part.

A Festival of Irish and American, History, Politics and Culture

The annual Kennedy Summer School is set to take place 31st August to 2nd September 2023 and is being billed as 'A Festival of Irish and American, History, Politics and Culture’. There will be over 60 guest speakers participating with Her Excellency, Canadian Ambassador Nancy Smyth, set to open the occasion.

Sports fans will be enthused to learn that football legend Martin O’Neill will also be taking to the stage to discuss his extraordinary life in football and share his views on the future of the beautiful game.

The weekend will be filled with panel discussions, debates and public interviews and addresses. Other highlight events include an expert panel set to discuss ‘Celebrity Politics’ which will be moderated by Sarah Carey joined by Dr Kathryn Cramer Brownell, Terry Prone, Gerard Howlin and Dermot Murnaghan. An expert panel will also discuss the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s membership of the

European Union with moderator Alex White SC, joined by Patrick Honohan, Ray Bassett, Suzanne Lynch, Lucinda Creighton and Dermot Murnaghan.

The Saturday interview will see a husband and wife political duo take to the stage to discuss their opposing political viewpoints. Husband and Democratic political consultant James Carville and Republican political consultant Mary Matalin. The annual JFK Summer School Speakers Lunch guest speaker is EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness.

For further details and tickets for the 2023 events see www.kennedysummerschool.ie or call St. Michael’s Theatre on 051 421255.

The Kennedy Summer School and Festival is run in association with the Office of Public Works, New Ross District Council, Wexford County Council, Boston College, Purdue University and Failte Ireland. n

The Kennedy Summer School Tea Party has become a firm favourite for many and is hosted by Sean Connick, CEO of the John F Kennedy Trust. Sean has the enjoyable task of welcoming and chatting with the popular Eileen Whelan, RTE newscaster. Eileen has attended the Kennedy Summer School throughout the years but this year she will be the main guest at the Tea Party.

Trish Dagg, second from left, with her six colleagues, all winners!

Eileen Whelan

Family Fun Day

Enniscorthy & Monart Union of Parishes Summer Fete & Family Fun Day in the Showgrounds, Enniscorthy, 10th June 2023.

Looking for books, dad Sean and JJ

Top left: Looking for the bargains were Caroline Steacy, Sarah Beale and Florie Masterson.

Top right: Among the pot plants were Vera Armstrong, Claudia Kidd and Bill Rigley.

Above left: Noel Asple, James, Cian and Ben Allen.

Above centre: Susanne Whelan.

Above right: Among the toys were Phoenix, Robin and Lucy Dunne.

Left: Time for a sandwich and a cuppa, Christina Armstrong and Melanie Ruttle.

Right: You read and I’ll play it! Cynthia and

Dwyer.

Chris Yates with customers Debra Warden-Doyle and Nikki Cogley at the raffle stall.

Hannah James and her dog Charlie.

Jayden Carter.

Caim BBQ

Caim annual parish barbecue in the parish grounds, Friday Evening, 23rd June 2023.

Above: Jillian, Donnacha and Jennifer Kerins. Above right: Molly Phylan, Eve Boland and Ava Kehoe. Right: Peter and Jack O’Sullivan, Cara and Anthony Peare.

Above left: Some of the chefs, Colm Gainford, Lucy and Christine O’Gorman and Killian Stafford.

Above: Holly Freeman and Ella Spillane.

Above right: Brian Bayley and June Ruttle.

Left: Daniel and Eileen Ryan. Right: Peter and May Dagg. Below left: On the barbie was Kevin Frayne.

Below centre: Peggy Boland and Josephine Leacy.

Below right: Deirdre Buckley and Ella Peare.

Afternoon Tea Party in Our Lady’s Island

Tea, Cake and Music in Our Lady’s Island Community Centre, 2nd June 2023

Top left: Entertainers Theresa Rea and Marie Mullins. Top centre: Rita and Tommy Murray.

Top right: James Maloney, Eileen Lavery and Reene Keegan. Above left: Richard Davis, Michael and May Grogan and Lillian Davis. Above right: Mary McLoughlin, Pat Russell, Michael McLoughlin and Francisa Russell. Right: Rita and Liam Hayes. Below left: Anne Carthy, Mary Hughes, Susan Kehoe and Mary Hegarty. Below right: Patrica Kehoe, Catherine Connick and Ruth Byrne. Bottom left: Musicians Ken Wallace and Tom Hendricks. Below centre: Peg Ellard, Joan Carroll, Molly Meyler. Below right: Jane Beeby and Roisín Law.

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY

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).

Closed Saturday & Mondays of bank holiday weekends. n

Looking forward to seeing Playboy!

Enniscorthy theatre director, producer, actor Fintan Kelly is absolutely thrilled with the recent auditions and cast chosen for the youth production of The Playboy of the Western World by JM Synge. Fintan says, “The standard was incredible, well done to all.” The cast is as follows:

Christy Mahon: Leo Walsh

Pegeen Mike: Lily Nolan

Widow Quin: Maeve Ennis

Old Mahon: Billy Stafford

Shawn Kehoe: Sam Doran

Michael James: Eanna O’Reilly

Philly Cullen: Naoise O’Connor

Jimmy Farrell: Jennifer Kelly

Village Girls: Grace Boland, Caoimhe Murphy, Jodie Tector, Anna Boyce, Ava Duffy, Niamh Lawlor.

Peasants: Conor Kenny, Luc Power, Caitlín Kenny, Mary Kelly. The show will be on in the Presentation Arts Centre on August 31st, September 1st and 2nd at 8pm. n

Enniscorthy Book Club

Check out the club’s Facebook page for information and details on when the club meets up. https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthybookclub n

Wexford’s art collection

Check out Wexford Co. Council’s impressive art collection on: http://wexfordcountycouncilartcollection.com n

The Language of Men

The Language of Men / El Lenguaje de los Hombres –

Opening Event: Friday 14th July at 6:30pm.

Venue: Pillar Room, Wexford Arts Centre. Tickets – Free of Charge, places may be limited, please book to avoid disappointment.

Wexford Arts Centre proudly presents, The Language of Men / El Lenguaje de los Hombres, an exhibition of work by Pauline Cummins and Francis Mezzetti.

This exhibition will open with a celebration of cultures, music, and dancing on Friday 14th July at 6:30pm. Tickets to this event are free of charge but places may be limited, be sure to book your place at www.wexfordartscentre.ie to avoid disappointment.

Pauline Cummins and Frances Mezzetti are feminist artists who challenge essentialist fixed identities, in their series of performances: ‘Walking in the Way’.

The performances take place in cities where the two female artists take on the mannerism, gestures and physicality of male presence in the public

arena they have selected. The focus of each piece develops from the general to the particular and each one is unique to that city.

An important part of the research process is informed by making connections with key figures in each of the

selected cities. The performances are observational, transient works with a core meaning and resolution.

They have taken place in eight different cities, Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Derry, Istanbul, Madrid, Seville, and Malaga. n

Lots on at Courthouse Arts Centre

There’s always lots happening at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely.

For complete listing of upcoming music, drama, comedy, film, art, etc, see: https://www.courthousearts.ie/whats-on n

YOURLOCAL ARTS CENTRES

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000

The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529

Pic: Terence White.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments

The multi-award-winning Enniscorthy Community Allotments, based at Gort Na Gréine, beside the Enniscorthy Sports Hub, is all about local people growing their own food in an organic and sustainable way.

To find out more: www.enniscorthycommunityallotments.ie Email: enniscorthyallotments@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Enniscorthycommun ityallotments

Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6MKOngR-Qk https://www.facebook.com/enjoyenniscorthy/videos/3312641882280682 n

Civic Recognition Award for Enniscorthy Community Allotments

Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA) was honoured to receive a Civil Recognition award last month from Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD), presented to it by then EMD Chairman Cllr. Aidan Browne (see photo above). This is another award in a long line of awards for this outstanding local community project.

In other ECA news, the group is delighted to have its KSB Greenhouse Prima 4 now installed on site. The group wishes to thank Wexford LCDC (Local Community Development Committee) for funding this project, and it looks forward to using this space as a demonstration area and for growing workshops throughout the year.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments will be starting a new ‘meet the members’ series on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthycommunityallotments

Check it out over the weeks and months ahead.

Water butts have also been installed on site so that the members there can harvest rainwater for use throughout the site.

And if you are planning on visiting the allotments, make ‘SunSmart’ part of your daily routine, especially from April to September, when the intensity of UV rays from the sun is greatest, even when it is cloudy. Make sure to use the free sunscreen dispensers on site. n

Best of luck...

To Btwenty7 with their new cafe restaurant in the old Alba premises at Abbey Quay, Enniscorthy.

Pics: courtesy of Enjoy Enniscorthy

Good news from Enniscorthy Farmers Market which takes place every Saturday morning in Abbey Square, Enniscorthy. A new food stall, Al Wadi Falafel, has joined the market serving up delicious, authentic Palestinian Falafel every Saturday.

Your local

Slimming World Consultants in Enniscorthy

Providing you with a huge choice of sessions throughout the week:

Tuesdays @ 6.30pm

The Salt n Pepper Pot, Community Workshop Call Tony on 087 1785384

Wednesdays @ 8.00am, 9.30am, 11.00am, 5.30pm and 7.00pm

Enniscorthy Rugby Club – Call Trish on 087 3607615

Thursdays @ 9.30am

Enniscorthy Rugby Club – Call Trish on 087 3607615

Saturdays @ 9.00am and 10.30am

The Salt n Pepper Pot, Community Workshop Call Tony on 087 1785384

ooted in exford

Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him.

at Enniscorthy Community Allotments, and has a huge passion for growing fruit and veg which he shares on his Instagram platform @rootedinwexford which has over 7,500 followers. Mark describes himself very much as a ‘hobby gardener’ who is not academically trained in horticulture. He started planting with very little knowledge a few years ago and that knowledge has now ‘mushroomed’! Mark loves sharing his passion for growing with readers of the Slaney News.

Welcome to my July Garden update! In this column, I'll share how June went for me and discuss my plans for July, including upcoming harvests and recommended crops for sowing.

In early June, I sowed broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, ensuring they were wellwatered and covered for successful germination. As I mentioned in last month's article, it's crucial to protect these plants from the cabbage white butterfly. After three weeks, I checked on their progress and was delighted to see they were thriving. However, due to unexpected heavy showers in June, I forgot to cover them one evening. The next morning, I discovered that a rabbit had feasted on

everything, devouring the plants down to the stalks. Gardening truly presents its challenges, but luckily there's still plenty of time in July to direct sow new plants.

July is an exciting month in the garden. The weather is generally pleasant, with bright evenings, and many crops are ready for harvest. Since I was a bit late in sowing some crops, I anticipate seeing the benefits towards the end of the month. Fortunately, my garlic, which I mentioned last month, has been a great success. I've also had a great harvest of onions, which store well, providing a valuable resource throughout the year. Additionally, my tomatoes, from the diverse varieties I planted earlier this year, are progressing nicely. I'll have more updates on them in August. Now, let's discuss what you can sow in July. There are still plenty of options for planting. Here are three easy-to-grow crops that will be ready for harvest by the end of summer. Basil can be sown in a small pot by sprinkling a few seeds on some multi-purpose compost and lightly covering them. With a warm environment (but not too sunny), you'll soon see the sprouts. Once they grow larger, you can transfer them into their own pot. Another excellent choice for this time of year is Pak Choi, which adds a delicious flavour to many dishes and can be ready in as little as five weeks. You can directly sow them into raised beds now and start enjoying them soon. Lastly, radishes are a quick-growing

option, even faster than Pak Choi. With a peppery taste, they make a great addition to salads.

If you'd like to see more of my gardening activities in July or need guidance on sowing new crops, including where to start, feel free to follow me on Instagram @rootedinwexford. n

A tasty event at Saltees Coast

Tony’s Restaurant at the Saltees Coast Hotel, Kilmore Quay, held a Food Tasting Evening on 28th June 2023.

Above L-R: Riccardo Verona, Niosa Kelly, Caitriona Hyland, Helen Turner, Tony Leonard, proprietors Ann and John Roche, and Leanne Furlong.

Right: Maisey Whelan, Sue Cormack and Bernie Dorgan. Below left: Nancy Cullen and Brigid Hamilton about to sample some of tasty dishes.

Below centre: Patrick and Siobhan McDonnell. Below right: Laura Kelly and Sinead O’Neill were among the guests. Bottom left: Zara Ferguson, Lucy Radford and Marion McGee all enjoyed the chowder. Below right: Helen Turner, Tony Leonard and proprietor John Roche welcome the guests to the Saltees Coast Hotel for the Food Tasting Evening. n

Enniscorthy strawberries at the Áras and on RTE

Eamonn and Deirdre Crean of Greenhill Fruit Farm, Davidstown, were invited to the Phoenix Park on 29th June for a garden party with President Higgins and his wife Sabina, and they presented the first couple with some of their famous Wexford strawberries.

The following evening, Eamonn and Deirdre featured on the RTE Nationwide programme talking about strawberry farming in Wexford through the years. To catch this programme: https://www.rte.ie/player/series/nationwide/SI 0000001172?epguid=IH10000974-23-0069 n

Above: Eamonn and Deirdre Crean of Greenhill Fruit Farm, Davidstown, at Áras an Uachtaráin on 29th June 2023. Below left: Michelle Doyle and Eamonn Crean (Greenhill Fruit Farm), Sabina Higgins (Ireland’s First Lady), Sister Mary Clare (Crean family member), Deirdre Crean (Greenhill Fruit Farm). Below right: Michelle Doyle of Greenhill Fruit Farm with Paul Noonan of Bell X1 who performed at the event.

Enniscorthy-based Pinergy launches €30m solar energy fund

Pinergy Launches €30 million Solar Energy Fund from rooftop of its Enniscorthy offices.

Pinergy, the clean energy supply and solutions company with offices in the Enniscorthy Technology Park, has announced the launch of a €30 million fund to accelerate the delivery of solar energy to businesses across the country. Funded solar is a new service for commercial energy users that will enable them to access lower-cost renewable energy as they get ready for the energy transition.

As part of this new service, Pinergy will design, install, and maintain the solar PV installation in their clients’ commercial properties with no capital outlay for the business. The client will agree a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Pinergy to buy electricity generated by the solar panels which will be lower cost than prevailing prices from the grid. When the €30m fund is fully taken up, the renewable energy generated would meet the equivalent needs of 7,000 typical homes, reducing demand on the grid.

The new service enables commercial clients to experience the benefits of a

solar PV installation without the upfront capital cost, whilst ensuring the business can immediately benefit from the generation and use of renewable energy. As a result, clients will see their operating expenses and cashflow improve as they will require less electricity from the grid, thus resulting in reduced energy prices and increased energy security for the next 25 years.

This new funded solar service will enable businesses of all sizes with good roof space to utilise renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprint and move towards a more sustainable business model. The initiative is ideally suited to commercial energy users across a range of sectors including retail, hospitality, leisure, manufacturing, logistics, pharma and industrial sectors who have seen their grid energy costs increase in recent years.

Speaking at the launch of the new €30m solar energy fund for businesses, Pinergy CEO Enda Gunnell said: “Many businesses have been faced with rising operating costs due to volatile energy

markets over the last few years. We recognised that there is need to provide a simple solar solution that maintains security of supply while reducing costs to businesses across the country, while also enabling them to play their part in a sustainable energy future.”

He added: “The Pinergy Solar Fund is our solution to meet the needs of many businesses, who are not ready to make the upfront capital investment that Solar projects traditionally require. We are delighted to be able to bring this new service to the market. Pinergy will fund the initial installation and maintain the solar PV project, while at the same time our clients benefit from certainty and reduced energy prices for the next 25 years.”

Pinergy was recently awarded the ‘Green Energy Company of the Year’ at the 2023 Chambers Ireland Recognition Awards. The category award celebrates the company which has stepped up in innovative ways to play their part in helping to make a positive impact on the environment. n

Enda Gunnell, chief executive at Pinergy, at the company’s offices in Enniscorthy Technology Park at the launch of Pinergy's new €30 million Solar Energy Fund for commercial energy users. The Fund is designed to support and accelerate the delivery of solar energy to businesses across the country with no capital outlay required from the business. Picture by Shane O'Neill, Coalesce.

New Pinergy fund offers solar installations to businesses removing upfront capital costs.

Honour for Enniscorthy entrepreneur

A special award was bestowed last month upon Enniscorthy entrepreneur Dermot O’Shea, CEO of Taoglas, at the annual South East Technological University (SETU) New Frontiers showcase and awards in Waterford.

The award is in recognition of Mr O’Shea’s outstanding achievements in growing Enniscorthy-based Taoglas to a $100+ million business, employing nearly 500 people. He now officially joins the SETU New Frontiers entrepreneurial hall of fame.

Dermot is a past participant of the SEEPP entrepreneur development programme, now known as New Frontiers, who has managed Taoglas through multiple stages of international growth and numerous product introductions. n

Green for Micro

Enniscorthy North Business District (Old

Dublin Road)

The final masterplan was completed in October 2021. A contract for the initial phase 1 works was advertised in January 2022, these works include new footpath, pedestrian crossings, new entry signage and landscaping. This work commenced in the summer of 2022 and has now been substantially completed.

An application for further funding has been prepared and submitted to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the active travel elements of the masterplan. n

Sign up for the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Green For Micro programme – helping your business prepare for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future.

Find Out More: https://bit.ly/3zW6RBn

This FREE initiative is available to companies with up to ten employees, and provides the mentorship and technical support your business needs to go green, covering areas such as resource efficiency, understanding your carbon footprint, reducing costs and implementing an environmental management system. Following your Green for Micro energy audit, you may also be eligible to apply for the new LEO Energy Efficiency Grant, which helps to offset the cost of technologies or equipment to make your business more energy efficient. n

New signage erected at the Enniscorthy North Business District.

SULLY & JUNO TASTE SUCCESS AT NATIONAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS

Sully & Juno, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford, were winners of the South East Regional Award at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The awards, which took place at the Round Room in the Mansion House in Dublin on 1st June 2023, are in their 23rd year and are run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.

Sully & Juno are leaders in the design of affordable, brightly coloured, unisex children and adults clothing suitable for all, but those with sensory needs are front of mind. Their mission is to be a leading competitor in the children and adults market for clothing, inclusive to all, recognised for excellence in quality and innovation. This is realised by offering high quality, unique products that are comfortable to wear, reducing anxiety and inspiring children and adults to stand out from the crowd.

Announcing the award winners at the Mansion House, Minister Coveney said; “The National Enterprise Awards are the highlight of the small business and enterprise calendar. Year on year the diversity of businesses and the standard of companies that are coming through the process is getting stronger. We should not be surprised given the innovation and endurance that businesses have shown in

the past couple years. We have some outstanding winners... and this is very much the start of their journey. We will ensure they continue to get the support they need to grow their businesses as small businesses in Ireland are at the core of every town, village and community and are vital to our economy.”

The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Wexford, said, “The Local Enterprise Office Wexford is absolutely delighted for Sully & Juno on a fantastic achievement. It's always inspiring to see entrepreneurs identify a gap in the market and build a successful business around it. We are so proud to have supported Sully & Juno on their journey and it's wonderful to see their hard work and dedication paying off. Congratulations to Sully & Juno on this fantastic achievement!”

Then Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co.

Council George Lawlor said, “It is great to see Wexford businesses recognised for their amazing offerings... Sully & Juno's success is a testament to their hard work and dedication to providing high-quality offerings to their customers. Their strong business model and commitment to quality have clearly paid off... I'm sure that with their continued efforts, Sully & Juno will continue to thrive in the future. It's inspiring to see such a successful and innovative company in action.”

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 25,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.

Local Enterprise Office, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93. Contact: 053 9196023

www.LocalEnterprise.ie

L-R: John Magee (Head of Enterprise, LEO Mayo), Marie Sinnott (Sully & Juno), Nina Shelton (Co-founder), Gillian Duggan-White (Co-founder), Simon Coveney (Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment), Cllr George Lawlor, Breege Cosgrave (Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Wexford) and Kelly Coppola (PR with Sully & Juno).

Enniscorthy’s Datapac awarded Sophos Partner of the Year 2023

Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, with offices in Enniscorthy, Dublin and Belfast, announced last month that it has been awarded the title of Sophos Partner of the Year for 2023, marking the sixth time that Datapac has been the recipient of the prestigious award.

Sophos is a global leader for next-generation security with over 500,000 customers worldwide. The Partner of the Year was announced at the Sophos Partner Roadshow, held in Mondello Park, Naas, Co. Kildare.

Datapac secured the award in recognition of its continuously strong growth in its cyber security business which further accelerated over the past 12 months. Through its deep and ever-evolving level of technical expertise, mirrored in its advanced platinum-level partner accreditation, Datapac delivers the highest levels of protection to its customers through Sophos’ range of next-generation award-winning cybersecurity solutions. These include firewalls, endpoint and network protection, and full 24/7 managed threat detection and response (MDR) services.

Through adopting a collaborative approach to its customers’ continued success, Datapac helps guide them towards best-in-class security posture through consultative strategic conversations that focus not only on the cybersecurity needs of today but also the future. Datapac has been advocating for cybersecurity awareness, employing multiple channels to reach its growing customer base. This concerted effort aims to educate Irish organisations about the pressing risks of cybercrime and empower them with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their protective measures.

As a global leader in the space, Sophos operates on the cutting-edge of the cybersecurity industry, protecting millions of users and over 500,000 organisations of all sizes in more than 150 countries from today’s most advanced cyber threats. Sophos is a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for both endpoint and network security and has been positioned

as a leader for Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) for 13 consecutive years. Over the past year, Datapac has continued to achieve significant growth for its security services and Sophos solutions amongst both new and existing customers.

Conor O’Leary, Sophos Ireland Channel Executive, said: “Datapac has been an instrumental driver for the Sophos portfolio of security solutions within the Irish market for many years, from being the first Irish company to attain platinumlevel partnership to today becoming the six-time recipient of the Partner of the Year award. Datapac’s team have continuously demonstrated their commitment to the partnership and to Sophos solutions through exceptional credentials, expertise and their deep understanding of the value Sophos brings to their customers’ peace of mind.”

Patrick Kickham, Director, Datapac said: “We are extremely proud to have achieved the Partner of the Year Award for the sixth time, particularly from an organisation like Sophos who are so firmly committed to looking to the future evolution of cybersecurity. This pioneering spirit of innovation matches Datapac’s

ethos, which has seen our organisation remain at the forefront of the information technology industry in Ireland for over forty years. Guided by this driving mantra of continual innovation, with our proactive and agile approach and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies and advanced capabilities into our security solutions, we are committed to empowering Irish businesses in effectively tackling the constantly evolving threat landscape.

“This recognition of Datapac’s achievements demonstrates the power of likeminded companies working in harmony to deliver enduring success. This ultimately ensures a myriad of organisations in Ireland, both large and small, are protected from harm every day by our dedicated teams of experts, enabled and empowered by Sophos’ insatiable appetite for excellence. Our team invests a lot of time researching emerging threats and corresponding solutions, combining Sophos’ world-class technologies with our local knowledge and expertise to ensure Irish organisations are equipped with best-in-class protection to tackle cybercrime.”

For further information, visit www.datapac.com n

L-R: Damien Mallon (Datapac), Patrick Kickham (Director, Datapac), Conor O’Leary (Sophos Ireland Channel Executive) and Christine Fortune (Datapac).

BD to invest €30m in its Ennisc

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, announced last month its plans to invest €30 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Enniscorthy, creating 85 new jobs. And in addition it has opened a new €4m R&D centre in Dublin.

The new 40,000 sq. ft. Enniscorthy expansion will house operations to manufacture a new medical technology from BD’s Peripheral Intervention business unit. The new investment in Enniscorthy follows other recent investments in the facility, including a €1.5 million project, supported by IDA, to install 1,300 solar panels to the facility, along with heat pumps totaling 1 Mega-watt. Together, this investment reduces annual kerosene use on site by 150,000 litres, eliminating 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, which will help BD meet its 2030 environmental sustainability goals.

The announcement was made at a grand opening ceremony for BD’s new €4 million research and development facility in

Blackrock, Dublin. The new 10,600 sq. ft. purpose-built R&D facility in Blackrock will house 35 high-tech workers and complements BD’s R&D facility in Limerick, which employs more than 300 people.

Minister of State for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Neale Richmond TD said: “I am delighted with BD's announcement of a €4 million research and development facility in Blackrock, Dublin, and additional €30 million expansion investment in Enniscorthy, Wexford. The projects will create more than 85 new jobs in Ireland with opportunities for the talented workforce to be part of exciting new medical advancements at BD. It is of course always great to see regional job creation, and the Government are always hugely supportive of such announcements.

Thanks to all the executives at BD for your continued investment and trust in Ireland. I wish all the team the very best with both projects.”

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said:

“BD has had a presence in Ireland for over 50 years, and these significant investments, adding a further 85 jobs and new facilities to its already substantial Irish operations and jobs, underscores the strategic importance of Ireland in BD’s global operations. It is proof of the company’s future commitment to the country and testament to Ireland and indeed our region’s continued attractiveness as a location for investment. I wish to assure BD of IDA Ireland’s continued support.’’

President of BD for Europe, Middle East and Africa Roland Goette said: “BD first established operations in Ireland in 1964, and since then has grown to four locations that employ more than 1,100 people across the country. Ireland has proven to be a smart place to invest in both R&D, as well as manufacturing operations, and our €30 million investment in Enniscorthy and new R&D centre in Blackrock are proof of BD’s long-term commitment to Ireland. We look forward to continuing our long tradition of high-tech medical device innovation and manufacturing here.” n

BD management and politicians at the grand opening ceremony for a new €4m research and development facility in Blackrock, Dublin, and the announcement of a €30m investment in Enniscorthy. On left: Gerard Reynolds, BD Director of Operations in Enniscorthy. Third from right: Minister James Browne TD. Pic: Jason Clarke.

About BD

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care.

The company supports those on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers.

BD and its 77,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics.

BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organisations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care.

For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/ and Twitter @BDandCo n

corthy Plant

Minister James Browne welcomes major expansion worth €30 million for BD Enniscorthy plant.

Welcoming the expansion, Minister Browne commented, “BD’s expansion worth approximately €30 million will lead to an increase of approximately 80 jobs at the medical manufacturing plant, which manufactures life saving equipment. This investment is not only an expansion but it includes a significant upgrade of technology used in the premises, which will future proof the Enniscorthy base. The factory will be expanded by additional 30,000 square feet. BD Enniscorthy's employment will grow to 550 employees, making it the second largest manufacturing employer in County Wexford. I was delighted to recently pay a visit to the Enniscorthy factory where I met with senior management. This is a major vote of confidence in Enniscorthy, one which I’m sure will have major knock-on benefits for Enniscorthy town and district.

Commenting from BD Dublin Headquarters where he was attending the announcement, Minister Browne commended BD "for their decision to expand their Enniscorthy base, which first became operational back in 1996. BD is the biggest employer in Enniscorthy. I want to commend Gerard Reynolds, BD Director of Operations, and all the Enniscorthy staff for their hard work for this significant local employer. I will continue to work with my government colleagues to support business investment in County Wexford,” Minister Browne concluded.

The creation of 85 new jobs in a €30 million expansion programme announced by BD is a vote of confidence in the existing workforce at the company, Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce President, Michael Dempsey has said.

Speaking after the announcement in Dublin last month, Mr. Dempsey (pictured above) said BD was now the second largest manufacturing employer in County Wexford and will have a workforce of 550 when the new jobs come on stream. To facilitate the creation of the new jobs, a new 40,000 sq. ft. expansion is to be built at the Enniscorthy North Business District, where the company is located, and this will allow for the manufacture of a new medical technology from BD’s Peripheral Intervention business unit, Mr. Dempsey said.

President Dempsey added: “This huge investment is not only an expansion in existing facilities at BD but includes a significant upgrade of technology used by the company which will future proof the Enniscorthy base going forward. This announcement is a major vote of confidence in the town and one which will have major knock-on benefits for Enniscorthy and its hinterland.”

The Chamber President paid tribute to Gerard Reynolds, BD Director of Operations in Enniscorthy, and said his dynamic leadership, particularly during the difficult COVID years, was responsible in part for the company’s decision to invest further in their manufacturing facility at Enniscorthy North Business District. He also complimented the existing staff at the plant and said they were now part of exciting new medical advancements at BD.

The Chamber President predicted ‘exciting times’ ahead on the employment front for Enniscorthy, saying that last month’s announcement by BD, coupled with job-creating opportunities at the new Technology Park at Killagoley, all pointed to employment growth across the district which was to be warmly welcomed. n

Michael Dempsey speaking at a recent event in Enniscorthy.

South East Animal Rescue

South East Animal Rescue has revamped its shop at 27 Court Street, Enniscorthy, with lots of bargains now available. The shop is open 10am - 3pm Monday to Friday and 10am - 1pm on Saturday. n

It would be great to see these dog poo bins being used by all dog owners.

On a recent visit to Vinegar Hill were dog lovers L-R: Louise Doyle and Helen Cosgrave .

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9233187, 9236674.

F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR JULY

The nature of a multi-person veterinary practice is that with the best will in the world you will have a turnover of veterinary surgeons. There are many reasons for this which might include that young vets want to go work in many and varied practices to learn different techniques, improve and upskill in certain areas that one vet practice might specialise in more than others.

A few years ago, we were on the lookout for another vet in the practice but were leaning towards a 'small animal' person as this was the vacancy coming up. We were given the number of a guy looking for a job but who was more interested in large animals but decided we'd chat to him anyway. He did such a good interview that our gut feeling said yes, so we decided we would go for it and hired him anyway, even though logically it seemed it wasn't quite the fit we needed. They say always trust your gut feeling and this case proved just that. Ben Hughes came for the interview three years ago this month and even though he's a huge mammoth of a man, he is a gentle giant. He worked with the rough and tumble of farm animals in all weathers then arrived back to the clinic and straight into small animal consultations with the grace and ease of a gymnast. Nothing was too big or small a job and he was interested in every case, often following up a case with phone calls, reading up, researching and staying with the case till he cracked it !

Farmers loved him because he was never in a rush, always got the job done with an air of calm and efficiency. The small animal clients were disarmed by this huge man walking out with their little dog under his arm (who could possibly smother it if he squeezed too tight!) but when Ben would

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

begin to speak his gentle tone brought out his caring nature and he'd win them over immediately. As a colleague working alongside him, Ben was a pleasure. He took such interest in every facet of a case and was always interested in learning new ways of doing things.

The girls in the office loved him because nothing was a problem, everything was doable and when the going got tough, as invariably it does in practice, he would just raise it another gear and get through the workload seamlessly and with no fuss.

Unfortunately, time moves on and circumstances change and for Ben it was an opportunity to move abroad, so it wasn't an option to be able to keep him on, so he finished up last month just a little shy of three years after coming to us first.

As I said in the opening line, you will have a reasonable number of vets come through the practice over the years but Ben stands with the best of them and we are proud to have worked alongside him and to have had him in the Moyne Vet Hospital for these last few years. We wish him well in his new job and in his undoubted bright career ahead.

As one door closes others open, and we are delighted to welcome our latest veterinary recruit, Lynda Masterson, to the practice. Lynda has graduated from UCD Veterinary College and has just started in the last few weeks.

Again, thanks to Ben for all the great work, enthusiasm and good humour he brought to the place. Ben’s true genius is his generosity of spirit, his willingness to help and to go the extra mile for you.

His rescue dog Judy's happy little face is sadly missed around the clinic too! 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

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING HYUNDAI IONIQ 6

The new Hyundai Ioniq 6 has recently arrived in Ireland and is the follow-up to the Ioniq 5, which is already one of Ireland’s bestselling electric cars.

Built upon the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) just like Ioniq 5 before it, the new Ioniq 6 is styled as a sleek and sporty four-door coupé.

Priced from €48,295 at the time of writing, the Ioniq 6 is available with the choice of two batteries, the largest of which can take this car over an incredible 600 kilometres on a single charge.

The Ioniq 6 certainly bucks the trend for

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

crossovers and SUVs with its low and sleek, coupé-like design, which also happens to pay dividends for aerodynamic efficiency. The Ioniq 6 is the most aerodynamic Hyundai with a drag coefficient of 0.21 and is incredibly energy efficient, one of the best in the world at the moment when it comes to production cars. Active air flap, wheel air curtains, integrated rear spoiler, and wheel gap reducers all contribute.

The Ioniq 6 53kWh (from €48,295) has a range of up to 429 kilometres (WLTP), while the Ioniq 6 77.4kWh increases that to as much as 614 kilometres (WLTP) in single motor, rear wheel drive versions,

with consumption as low as 14.3 kWh per 100 kilometres.

It also comes with 800-volt battery technology, double the industry standard of 400-volt. DC fast charging is possible up to 232kW and the battery can be 80 per cent charged in just 18 minutes.

The wheelbase is almost three metres in length giving the Ioniq 6 an incredibly spacious, lounge-like interior. Built on a bespoke electric vehicle platform, the floor of the car is completely flat so there is loads of legroom in the rear – it’s quite limo-like really.

The Ioniq 6 has a saloon-style boot open-

HYUNDAI IONIQ 6

ing that is electrically powered as standard. The aperture is not quite as practical as the hatchback-style Ioniq 5 for example but the volume is good – 401 litres with up to 45 litres under the bonnet.

There’s a little more glam to the interior of the Ioniq 6, which suits the executive feel of this car. The dashboard has a simple, horizontal design with beautiful ambient lighting adding upmarket style to this car, especially at night. The pronounced centre console between driver and passenger adds a sporty, coupé-feel to the cabin and differentiates the car considerably from the more open cabin of the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The doors are slim and minimalist with buttons for the electric windows moved to the centre console. Sustainable materials feature throughout the cabin including floor carpet made from recycled fishing nets.

It feels modern and high-tech inside with a full digital driver display and a large touchscreen as standard with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over the air updates and a wireless smartphone charger.

In Ireland the 53kWh is available in a wellspecced Signature trim only, while the

77.4kWh (from €54,315) gives you the option to upgrade to Elegance (from €62,495) for more equipment or the top of the range Finesse with all wheel drive (from €71,250).

Ioniq 6 also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology to use or charge other electrical equipment. Other high-end features include heated front and rear seats, Bose stereo, synthetic leather upholstery and lots of standard safety equipment.

The single motor, rear wheel drive Ioniq 6 53kWh has 151hp, while the 77.4kWh with the same layout has 229hp. Optional all wheel drive adds a second motor, offering more power (325hp) and torque (605Nm) for the best performance of the range – 0 to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.

But none of the Ioniq 6 cars are slow. The Ioniq 6 feels swift and agile on the road. The low centre of gravity makes it very enjoyable to drive. It can hold its own in the corners, with fluid, natural steering.

Refinement is very good thanks to the aerodynamic shape so it’s quiet even at high speeds on the motorway, slipping through the air effortlessly.

It’s mostly very comfortable too with just a bit of firmness over bumps in the road sur-

face. The Ioniq 6 has a five-link rear suspension system and features an integrated drive axle (IDA), which combines wheel bearings with the driveshaft to transmit power to the wheels, reducing axle weight, improving comfort and enhancing handling stability. There are a few levels of regenerative braking too, which is easy to adjust from paddles on the steering wheel.

The Ioniq 6 is a spectaular car with showstopping looks that are as functional as they are stylish, and some incredible technology underneath for ultra fast charging and lots of electric driving between charges.

It is an ambitious car for Hyundai, competing in a market for more high-end electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. But the Hyundai has a true executive feel, excellent battery technology and rapid charging that means it can absolutely compete.

Model tested:

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Elegance 77kWh

Price: €62,495

Battery: 77.4kWh

Range: 614 km (WLTP)

Power: 229hp

Torque: 350Nm

Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.4 seconds

Motor Tax: €120 per year n

Free vintage vehicle show

A family fun day out is planned at the WWETB Waterford Training Centre this Saturday, July 8th, 10am to 1pm, with a free showcase of Classic Cars, Bikes and Vintage Tractors along with visitors being able to gain an insight into the Classic Car Restoration Course works at the training centre on the day.

The show will be hosted by the course leaders at the Classic Car Restoration Course at the WWETB Waterford Training Centre. The showcase is a celebration of the works completed by the course participants who have taken part in either the Classic Car Restoration day course or the evening course over the last 20 weeks. The Classic Car Restoration Course was launched in 2016 at the Waterford Training Centre part of Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) and it is the only course of its kind in the entire country.

In addition, the team behind the Agricultural Mechanics Apprenticeship at WWETB are joining the event and will be showcasing a display of vintage tractors alongside the classic cars and motorbikes.

In total, there will be approximately 150 to 160 cars, bikes, vans and tractors on the day. In previous shows, some of the highlights have been a pair of Borgwards, a 1932 Ford hot rod, a couple of American Pickups, a 1908 Reo, a 1926 Essex, a 1951 Indian Chief Motorcycle plus a host of Beetles, Anglias, Escorts, BMWs and Toyotas etc. It is never a disappointment as every year there are more unusual and spectacular samples of people's pride and joy. There will be three prizes on the day, and these will be presented to the Best Classic Car, Best Classic Motorcycle and Best Classic Tractor judged by the participants. For those families that have children with them, there will be a professional face painter on site from 10am. Children of all ages or those young at heart can have face painting done by Aine of Fantasy Face Art free of charge.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Classic Car Restoration Showcase at the Waterford Training Centre, Waterford Industrial Park, on the Cork Road, Saturday, July 8th, from

SOMERS COMMERCIALS, CAMOLIN, WELCOMES NEW CITAN VAN

10am. For further details see: www.facebook.com/WaterfordWexford-Training-Services Classic/Vintage

Enthusiasts are also very welcome to bring along their own vehicle and enter it for best of show on the day. n

Priced from €23,245 (ex VAT), it’s 2.9 cubic metres load area can hold two Euro pallets, accessible via twin rear-opening doors with the option of side sliding doors as required.

James Somers (left) and Pat Kenny of Somers Commercials, Camolin, pictured at the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Citan – a 1-tonne class van designed primarily for small business, trades people, local delivery services and repair specialists.

A public showcase of the finest classic and vintage cars, bikes and tractors is set to take place on Saturday, July 8th, at the WWETB Waterford Training Centre located at Waterford Industrial Estate from 10am.

Enniscorthy Athletic Club Awards

Enniscorthy Athletic Club held its awards night at the Enniscorthy track last month. It was a fun-filled night for the athletes with sprints, long jump, shot and turbo javelin on the programme. The weather held and, with a large group in attendance, the night was a great success.

Medals were presented to all athletes as well as a party bag. The annual awards for 2022 were also presented on the night and the award recipients were:

Coaches awards:

Emma Murphy

Daire Ryan

Juvenile athletes of the year:

Laura Crotty

Conor Larkin

Senior athletes of the year:

Saidhbhe Byrne

Dannan Long

Mylie Kavanagh Memorial Cycle

Save the date – Sunday 23rd July – as the Slaney Cycling Club will be hosting the first of what they hope will be many Mylie Kavanagh Memorial Cycles. Sign on is from 8am, briefing at 9.15am and roll out at 9.30am.

There will be two routes, 100km and 50km, both start and finish in Kiltealy. There will be water stops en route and refreshments at the finish. All entrants will receive a goodie bag also!

For more details and to register, use the link below:

https://eventmaster.ie/event/1GR8swD HeM?fbclid=IwAR2nzpLCmj_ZzzpoKm H2_Msrfk3_C3G6joMngO3_TVqN_kNK xg7e6AqOa7Y n

Cross country athlete of year:

Jelena McNamara

Achievement awards:

Saoirse Nolan

Donnacha Maher

Matthew Bowe

Conor Larkin

Masters European achievement:

Emily Waldron

Margaret O’Connor

John O’Connor

Schools international award:

Dannan Long

National league women’s team achievement award:

Emily Waldron

Charlotte Stammers

Elizabeth Gahan

Jelena McNamara

Elaine Oldarian

Maggie O’Connor

Deirdre Bowers Kavanagh n

Dannan Long, Saidhbhe Byrne

Enniscorthy Credit Union punches above its weight

Racing every Monday and Thursday in July at 8pm at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track.

Benefit nights for July 2023:

Thursday 6th July: St Joseph’s GAA Black and White Dog Night.

Thursday 13th July: Wexford Ladies Football night at the dogs. Go along and enjoy the excitement of a night at the dogs and support these two great GAA causes.

Tickets purchased on the gate on the night also go to the fundraisers. n

Sports Active

Sports Active Wexford is all about creating a healthier, safer, more active and inclusive society in Co. Wexford.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SportsActive n

Sacre Coeur boxing club in Enniscorthy would like to say a massive ‘THANK YOU’ to Enniscorthy Credit Union for their very kind donation to the club. It’s a huge boost for the club to help with the promotion of health and fitness among its boxers and to aid them in their training. A spokesperson said, “We as a club appreciate it so much. It’s good to see people giving back to the community and helping the kids. So thank you so much again Enniscorthy Credit Union.”

When it comes to supporting the local community, Enniscorthy Credit Union certainly punches above its weight! n

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club is back rowing and new members are welcome any time. For more info: 087 630 1350.

ederminefacebookpage@hotmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/rowingedermine

Enniscorthy United’s new astroturf

THE SLANEY NEWS WAS DELIGHTED TO ATTEND THE OFFICIAL OPENING ON 24TH JUNE OF THE NEW ENNISCORTHY UNITED ASTROTURF PITCH NAMED AFTER THE LATE LIAM EGAN WHO WAS THE CLUB'S REVERED CAPTAIN. Liam was admired, respected and loved by his teammates and all at the club, and it was fitting that his mam Lillian and sister Saoirse were on hand to cut the ribbon and unveil a plaque in his honour Minister James Browne TD, Johnny Mythen TD, Cllr John O'Rourke and of course Cllr Jackser Owens, who is syn-

onymous with the club, were in attendance as were Aaron Dobbs, leading goalscorer this season in the League of Ireland First Division, who presented medals to the club's young players, and Philip Freeman along with his daughter Phia and sister Lorraine fresh from their hugely successful cancer fundraiser at En-

niscorthy Greyhound Track.

We were delighted also to meet Jackser's youngest grandchild, and Bill Rigley and Shauno O'Shea who were doing an expert job at the BBQ.

Great to see Johnny Mythen TD out and about again after his recent illness. n

Left: Enniscorthy United Chairman Jackser Owens with Minister James Browne TD.

Above: Plaque dedicated to Liam Egan. Right: Liam’s mam Lillian and sister Saoirse unveil the plaque. Below centre: Philip Freeman with daughter Phia and sister Lorraine. Below right: Bill Rigley and Shauno O'Shea doing an expert job at the BBQ. Bottom left: Jackser Owens, Aidan O’Brien, Lillian and Saoirse Egan, Johnny Mythen TD.

Johnny Mythen TD, Aaron Dobbs, Jackser Owens.

Jackser Owens with Minister James Browne TD.

Join Paul McGrath to support Acquired Brain Injury Ireland

Football legend Paul McGrath wants you to join him for the 2023 Paul McGrath Golf Classic in support of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.

Event date: Saturday 26th August.

Registration open now: abiireland.ie/events/paul-mcgrathgolf-classic-2023

The Golf Classic will take place on August 26 at Rathaspeck Manor, Co. Wexford, and by taking part people can meet Paul and make a life-changing difference to thousands impacted by brain injury.

The 2022 Golf Classic was a sell out and a memorable day. This year’s event will be your chance to win great prizes, enjoy a beautiful golf course and meet a sporting hero.

Jackie’s army legend Paul McGrath said: “9,000 people in Ireland acquire a brain injury every year – people whose lives are turned upside down overnight and who need the right support, at the right time, to get things back on track.”

“My Golf Classic is a chance for us all to make a real difference to the future of brain injury survivors and their families. This will be fourth Paul McGrath Golf Classic in support of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. I want 2023 to be the most successful event yet. So, get involved, register to take part, and join me on the course.”

The entry fee is only €90 for a team of three with all funds going towards the work of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. Tee times are limited, so golfers are advised to book early to get a preferred time. People can register now on: https://www.abiireland.ie/events/paul-mcgrath-golf-classic2023

If you can’t be there but would like to sponsor a tee or a hole, please get in contact with Matt Powell, Community Fundraising Coordinator, at mpowell@abiireland.ie or call (086) 410 3681. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people in Ireland are living with a disability as the result of an acquired brain injury. Each euro raised will benefit those impacted, as well as their families and carers.

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland is the country’s leading provider of specialised, community-based brain injury rehabilitation services. The organisation’s mission is to empower and support people with a brain injury to live their fullest and most independent life, with confidence. This is made possible by vital donations, including events like the Paul McGrath Golf Classic. n

Paul McGrath and the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland team at last year’s Paul McGrath Golf Classic.

Gold for Jenna

Summer Camps at the Waterfront, Enniscorthy

Congratulations to Wexford’s Jenna Carty and all the women of the Team Ireland Basketball Team, who won Gold at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin last month.

Glynn 5k

In aid of Glynn National School, 18th June 2023.

Top left: Edel and Jacinta Doyle.

Top centre: Oliver Gargan, Sarah Sweetman, Chloe Curray and Kate Gargan.

Top right: Nathan and Vivienne Moran.

Above left: Kate Reidy and David Larkin.

Above: Anita, Jessie, Morgan and Rebecca Dennehy.

Right: Sorcha Flynn, Mark and Sevige Kelly.

Left: Pippa Goff and Evie Codd.

Below left: Josh and David Monaghan.

Below: Alfie Power, Lydia Roche and Annie Power.

Below right: Edel McDonagh and Hylda Kennedy.

Mayglass Cemetery – laying a wreath at grave of Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey

On 24th June 2023, following the conclusion of 1798 commemorations in Kilmore Quay, the attendees travelled to the cemetery in Mayglass, Ballycogley, where a wreath was laid at the grave of Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey and a poem was read by the Bard of Mayglass, Fintan Murphy.

Above left: Then Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Cllr Lisa McDonald addresses the attendees.

Above right: Fintan Murphy reads a poem he wrote for the occasion. Below: Fintan Murphy, Bernard Browne, Cllr Frank Staples, then Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cllr Jim Moore, Anthony Nolan, District Manager Nóirín Cummins.

French Ambassador at the 1798 Summer School in Enniscorthy

French Ambassador, the very charming Vincent Guerend, paid a visit to Enniscorthy recently to participate in the Summer School Lecture Programme – The Ideals of Rebellion –Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite at The Presentation Arts Centre, joined by panelists Dr. Liam Chambers of Limerick University and Elaine Callinan of Carlow College with Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy facilitating the event.

The excellent speakers brought the Presentation audience from the plains of Kildare and Meath, to the bedrock of rebellion, the Pale, before hitting the heartland of it in Wexford, as they journeyed our path to freedom.

A most informative discussion, with Ambassador Guerend giving us the French perspective throughout.

The visit began earlier with a Reception at Enniscorthy Castle to welcome the Ambassador to the town and a tour of the sturdy Norman edifice given by Eve Furlong.

Ambassador Guerend, who is no stranger to the county having visited on several occasions since assuming his ambassadorship, said how glad he was to be in Wexford at this important time in our shared history and how delighted he is to see the coming together of our two countries who are linked as far back as the Normans. Mr. Guerend, being very proud of his Normandy heritage, is eager to pursue this bond between us particularly in light of the fact that Brexit has made France our nearest EU neighbour.

The town’s first citizen at that time, Cllr Aidan Browne, welcomed Ambassador Guerend, mentioning that Minister James Browne had been instrumental in forging strong and lasting links between Wexford and Normandy, and France in general.

No surprise that the Brownes share that Norman heritage then is it?

Councillor Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chair of the 1798 Committee, spoke of the events of 1798 and the wonderful and

poignant commemorations going on at the present time all over the county and beyond for the 225th Anniversary.

The lovely Melanie O`Reilly of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association acted as MC for the occasion speaking in Irish, English, and French.

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society provided a Guard of Honour for the Ambassador as he entered The Presentation Arts Centre and were delighted with his interest in the weaponry of 1798, musket and pike, and his in depth knowledge of the Irish struggle.

Apologising for keeping us waiting as he took an important phone call in his car, he

was highly amused when it was mentioned to him that it wasn’t the first time that we had waited for the French to arrive in Wexford!

Musical entertainment at the Centre was provided by the Allabair Trio – Melanie O`Reilly on vocals, David Creevy on guitar and Frenchman Brewen Favrau on the uilleann pipes and tin whistle, who delighted all in attendance with hauntingly beautiful pieces from the gifted Irish bard, O’Carolan. The Ambassador said he looked forward to meeting the re-enactors again in Mayo for The Year of the French commemorations there.

– Words and pics by Maria Nolan

Above: A warm Co. Wexford welcome for Ambassador Guerend and his team. Below: The Allabair Trio.

Above: Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society members with Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Ambassador Vincent Guerend.

Right: Ray and Bridget Murphy with Ambassador Guerend.

Below: Arming the French – re-enactors Rory O’Connor and Joe Mernagh with French Ambassador Vincent Guerend.

Below right: Melanie O’Reilly, Elaine Callinan, Dr Liam Chambers, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Ambassador Vincent Guerend.

Pics: Maria Nolan.

French ambassador in Enniscorthy

Top left: The French Ambassador to Ireland His Excellency Vincent Guérend with Melanie O’Reilly and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy in the background. Above left: Cllr Aidan Browne. Above right and below: Attendees at the event.

Above left: French Ambassador Vincent Guérend with Eric Barron (Enniscorthy Chamber) and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy. Left: Ambassador Vincent Guérend and Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, listening to Mary O’Higgins (Enniscorthy Castle).

Above L-R: Cllr John O’Rourke, then Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell, Leo McCoy (Chairman of WNCA – Wexford Normandy Cultural Association), Melanie O’Reilly (Secretary WNCA), Ambassador Vincent Guérend, Cllr. Aidan Browne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless, Julien Bouchez (Embassy of France in Ireland).

The Longest Day

Top left: Emily Murphy lays a wreath.

Left: St Colman’s Pipeband, Ballindaggin.

Right: Richard Lee sang a song written by himself about 1798 watched by MC for the event Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy. Below left: Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.

Below right: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Niall Wall, Cathy Keane and Susan Keeley.

Above: Sean Doyle.

Below: Colm Brennan who sang his own composition about 1798.

Above: Jacqui Hynes.

Below: Rev Nicola Halfor

'The Longest Day' public commemoration of the 1798 Battle of Vinegar Hill took place on 21st June 2023 on the Hill.

Below left: Three generations of Doyles L-R Sean, Ethan and Eamonn. Below right: Two generations of O’Connor – Rory carrying Rian. Right: Cllr Aidan Browne addresses the crowd. Below right: Carmel Smyth lays a wreath. Bottom four photos L-R: 1. Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan with Rev Nicola Halford. 2. Cllr Jackser Owens with great-grandchild Jackson. 3. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy. 4. Marching up the Hill.

d.

Above left: Bernard Browne, Jim Byrne, Mico Hassett, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy. Above centre: Ed Murphy, Maria Nolan, Cllr Aidan Browne. Above right: Cllr Cathal Byrne, Sean Doyle, Jacqui Hynes.

Killanne remembers

Killanne Development Group organised impressive 1798 commemorations which took place on 25th June 2023 with MC Martin Codd, speakers including Sean Doyle, Gloria Binions, Michael Fortune, Rory O’Connor and Barry Lacey, singer Anthony Kearns and a huge attendance including Bishop Emeritus Denis Brennan, a native of the area.

All ages in attendance.

A ringside seat.

Ray Murphy and Liam Kelly.

Tenor Anthony Kearns in full voice.

Sean Doyle addresses the crowd.

Minister James Browne and historian Bernard Browne.

Some of the attendees at the event.

Some of the attendees.

Below

Bottom

Bottom

Above: Some of the pikemen and the crowd. Left: Former GAA great Mickey Foley and Cllr. John Fleming.

Right: The Irish Army with Tricolour.

Below left: Pikemen on the move.

right: Local children Ava Brennan and Jack Fitzgerald laying wreath at the 1798 Rebellion memorial.

left: Local schoolchildren singing ‘Boolavogue’.

right: Pikemen lined up.

Ballymurn remembers

St Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, leading the pikemen and pikewomen in Ballymurn.

Fr Jim Finn and Cllr Willie Kavanagh on the march in Ballymurn.

Peter Bishop on horseback in Ballymurn.

Pikemen and pikewomen marching in Ballymurn.

Concentrating on the march ahead.

Ballymurn Heritage Group’s 225th anniversary commemoration of the 1798 Rebellion took place on Sunday 25th June 2023 at Ballymurn, with music, poetry and song at the memorials around the village, and refreshments afterwards in the local hall.

Above: A great turnout of pikemen and pikewomen in Ballymurn.

Above right: Mog O’Connor plants the Tree of Liberty. Right: Mary Bishop lays a wreath at the John Hay memorial.

Below left: A quiet moment of reflection with Rev Nicola Halford and Fr Jim Finn.

Below right: Margo Breen, Aisling Boylan, Marie Hayes, Martina Boylan.

Bottom left: Folklorist and historian Michael Fortune addresses the crowd.

Bottom right: Jimmy Doyle and friends. Pics: Ken Hayes.

Top left: John Roche, former Chairman of Wexford Co. Council and former Mayor of W ford, made history by attending the John Barry commemoration for 50 consecutive yea L-R: John Roche, his wife Anne Ringwood, District Manager Anthony Bailey and Sinea Casey, Wexford Co. Council. Top centre: Then Mayor Maura Bell laying wreath on beh of the people of Wexford. Above left: Brendan Howlin TD, Guest of Honour Ministe James Browne TD, Ailbhe Dillon, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Nolta (United States Embassy), then Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell, Wexford District Manager Anthony Baile and John Foller on behalf of the ONE Commodore John Barry Branch. Left: Ministe James Browne addresses the attendees. Below left: Members of Wexford Confraterni Band. Below: Brendan Howlin TD laying a wreath at the Maritime Memorial.

John Barr y commeration

Commodore John Barry commemoration, Crescent Quay, Wexford, 25th June 2023

Above right: Ailbhe Dillon lays wreath on behalf of the descendants of the Barry family. Right: Some of the crowd in attendance.

Below left: Councillors and other guests at the commemoration. Below right: Then Mayor Maura Bell addressing the crowd. Bottom left: Minister James Browne TD, then Wexford Mayor Maura Bell, Anne Ringwood and John Roche. Bottom right: Members of Wexford Confraternity Band.

1798 Rebellion commem

On Saturday 24th June 2023 in Kilmore Quay the latest event in a series of events to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the rising of 1798 took place.

The wonderful day began with music by the Danescastle traditional group in the sunshine on the quay with the Saltee Islands as the poignant background. The audience was enthralled by the oration of then Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Lisa McDonald, who outlined how the ideals of the United Irishmen of 1798 are so relevant and meaningful to this day.

There followed the Last Post and Reveille performed to perfection by trumpet soloist Anthony Nolan, the raising of the United Irishmen Flag and the playing and singing of Amhrán na bhFiann.

The then Cathaoirleach also laid a wreath at the memorial stone commemorating the bicentenary of the 1798 rebellion.

The audience on the quay then adjourned to the Stella Maris for refreshments before settling to listen and take part in what turned out to be a magnificent Summer School based on the theme of Three Landlords, Three Castles, Three Leaders which examined the roles played by Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan and Dr. John Colclough in the rising of 1798.

Wonderful talks were given by historians Ray Corish dealing with Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey, Bernard Browne informing the audience of Dr John Colclough and Eamonn Barrett gave a wonderful insight into Cornelius Grogan. These were all landed gentry who gave their lives for their ideals and deserve to be honoured and remembered.

The audience interest in the three brilliant personalities was reflected in the length of the question-and-answer

Wexford: Town of Heritage

Last month saw the official launch in Wexford Book Centre of an important publication that celebrates the historical architecture of Wexford Town. Wexford: A Town of Heritage is researched and written by Pat Dargan, an architect and planner for twenty years, who recently retired as a lecturer at the Dublin Institute of Technology and now lives between County Wicklow and London.

The book presents a rich body of buildings that emerged in Wexford from a sequence of historical stages including the Medieval, Georgian and Victorian periods. This descriptive and highly illustrated publication by Pat Dargan celebrates and explores the historic core of Wexford and the significance of these buildings within the context of the town's heritage and local history.

Pat Dargan has a special interest in the history and development of Irish cities and towns and he has published and lectured extensively in spatial planning and design.

The book is available through all good booksellers, ISBN: 9781913934453. n

session following the presentations. Indeed, the conversations generated continued over the lovely lunch prepared by the staff of the Stella Maris.

Following the conclusion of formalities and refreshments in Kilmore Quay, the attendees travelled to the cemetery in Mayglass where a wreath was laid at the grave of Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey and a poem was read by the Bard of Mayglass, Fintan Murphy.

The Summer School played to a full audience in the wonderfully appointed Stella Maris where MC for the event Cllr Jim Moore acknowledged the participation of his fellow Councillors, Cllr Ger Carthy and Cllr Frank Staples, District Manager Nóirín Cummins, Wexford County Council, the musicians and all who helped to make the event so successful, not least the three excellent speakers. n

morated in Kilmore Quay

Rosslare Municipal District ‘Rebellion 225’ event at Kilmore Quay, 24th June 2023.

Far left: Cllr Lisa McDonald laying a wreath at the 1798 plaque in Kilmore Quay. Left: Bugler Anthony Nolan.

L-R: Cllr Ger Carthy, Cllr Jim Moore, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cllr Frank Staples and Paul Kehoe TD.

Local faces in the crowd.

Members of Kilmore Lifeboat and Irish Coast Guard among the crowd.

Left: Daniel had a great view of the wreathlaying.

Right: Cllr Lisa McDonald was assisted by Nóirin Cummins, Rosslare Municipal District Manager. Below left: Danescastle music group. Below right: Some of the attendees.

Cllr Lisa McDonald, Bernard Browne, Ray Corish and Eamonn Barrett, speakers at the Summer School.

Attendees including Wexford Co. Council officials and public representatives.

Cllr Lisa McDonald raising the United Irishmen Flag at Kilmore Quay.

Johnstown project updates

The historic gardens at the majestic Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens in Co. Wexford have undergone substantial renewal and replanting projects over the last three years, and work continues apace during the summer months on the restoration of the 19th-century glasshouses and the new planting scheme in the walled gardens.

“We are delighted to see visitors discovering and enjoying our re-designed sunken garden, the new planting scheme of the 4acre walled gardens and the restoration of the Richardson glasshouse,” said Matt Wheeler, Curator at Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens. These extensive projects began in 2020 and are being overseen by the Irish Heritage Trust, a non-profit organisation, which cares for and manages the property since 2019. The Trust is continually reinvesting in the historic property including the gardens and lake walks, so they can be enjoyed by locals and visitors throughout the seasons for centuries to come.

The magnificent 50-metre, lean-to glasshouse in the Walled Gardens was in a state of disrepair and conservation work included its unique vent and, in its centre, the 'Temperate House' which opened to the public at the end of June. Visitor access to the remaining areas of the glasshouse will be opened on a phased basis over the coming year when restoration work on the flagstone floor is completed. A second, smaller Richardson glasshouse will undergo conservation in the coming months.

“The Walled Gardens were originally laid out between 18441851 and are being painstakingly redesigned by our talented Garden team led by Ciarán Fitzgerald, and assisted by our wonderful Irish Heritage Trust garden volunteers who have been hugely involved in this ambitious project. Phase one of the three-year projects took place during 2022 including a new pathway system and 2023 is the first season of the new planting scheme on display in the herbaceous border with 3,000 new plants grown on-site using organic, peat-free compost by the garden team,” added Matt Wheeler.

Ciarán Fitzgerald, Irish Heritage Trust Head Gardener at Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens, explains: “The new planting scheme in the Walled Gardens serves both aesthetics and functionality and is aligned with the Irish Heritage Trust’s sustainability and biodiversity objectives. Visitors can look forward to year-round surprises, with winter being unexpectedly decorative including the prominent seedheads of plants such as phlomis and echinops, set against the paler wispier grasses. When the second phase starts in August, visitors to the heritage property can see our works in progress on the herbaceous border.”

The sumptuous Walled Gardens were laid out by renowned 19th-century garden designer Daniel Robertson, who also designed the impressive gardens at the Powerscourt Estate and Wells House. “The layout of the walled garden has changed so much since its construction that the only original feature of the garden are the walls themselves. By embracing the changing nature of the space, we looked to the future when designing the new layout of the walled garden. While leaning heavily on the principles of designers such as Daniel Robertson, we created a highly functional space as well as ornamental borders and edible woodland,” continued Ciaran.

Another highlight for garden lovers visiting Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens is the re-designed sunken garden which took place between 2020-2022. It was originally designed in an ornate baroque style, which included the use of box hedging and ornamental flowers. Over the centuries its purpose changed a number of times to include a tennis court and a grass picnic area.

The new design is a nod to the ornate nature of the original design whilst bringing it up to date in its form and function with the creation of newly shaped lawns and a shallow pond of reflection. For more details on the gardens, events and tours, visit www.johnstowncastle.ie n

Wexford County Council Climate Action Event is well attended

A Climate Action event, held in Wexford County Hall on June 1st, was well attended with close to 150 people engaging with the sessions across the day. Attendees were provided with useful information and possible actions that they could implement, as part of their individual, community, or business contribution towards positive climate action. Experts from business, government bodies and voluntary groups relayed their knowledge on climate action across a variety of topics, including transport, agriculture, and energy. Wexford County Council (WCC) is required to identify and implement a range of actions under a new Climate Action Plan to help meet targets of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and the longer-term goal of climate neutral by no later than 2050.

Speakers at the event included representatives from SEAI, Enniscorthy Allotments, Solar Farms, 100 Million Trees Project, ENViTE Edible Towns Network, Wexford County Council, Teagasc, Wexford Bus, Local Link, Active Travel, Southeast Energy Agency, Enniscorthy Sustainable Energy Communities and the Local Enterprise Office.

Cllr George Lawlor, then Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, remarked following the event that, “County Wexford is not immune to the challenges posed by climate change. As the global climate continues to change, Wexford faces several significant impacts that require immediate attention and proactive measures. Some of the key challenges... include rising sea levels and coastal erosion. The impact of

mitigation measures on our hugely important agri sector must also be assessed. It is important that we all play a key and fair role in our efforts to curb the impact of climate change on our county.”

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services with Wexford County Council, noted, “The Climate Action event is part of a programme of education and awareness the Council is undertaking as part of the development of the new Climate Action Plan. The speakers who attended from a variety of organisations demonstrate the knowledge and expertise that we already possess within our county to make a positive impact in this space.”

Frank Burke, Climate Action Coordinator, thanked all those who contributed to the organising of the event from within Wexford County Council and gave special mention to the twenty speakers, stating, “The presentations were inciteful and inspiring and illustrates what can be done, when you adopt a ‘can do’ attitude!”

Back row: Gerry Forde (WCC Senior Engineer), Dr. Yvonne Byrne (event moderator), Mary Reynolds (We are the Ark), Sheila Lacey (WCC Environment), Cllr Leonard Kelly (Member of the WCC Climate Change, Biodiversity & Environment SPC), Barry Caslin (Teagasc), Frank Burke (WCC Climate Action Coordinator), Caroline Sinnott (WCC Environment), Clare Kelly (Climate Action Officer).

Front row: Clare McCreesh (ENViTE Edible Towns Network), Micheal Devereux (Enniscorthy Allotments), Cllr Mary Farrell (Cathaoirleach of the WCC Climate Change, Biodiversity & Environment SPC), Richard Mulcahy (100 Million Trees Project), Carolyne Godkin (WCC Director of Services).

For those who missed the event, the presentations are now available online on the Wexford County Council website under “Climate change and energy management.” In addition, people are invited to complete an online survey or complete a submission on the Wexford County Council Online Submission portal. The links can also be found on the Council website and available via its Twitter account. n

Gerry Forde (WCC Senior Engineer), Clare Kelly (WCC Climate Action Officer), Dr. Yvonne Byrne (event moderator), Robert Steacy (solar farmer), Cllr Maura Bell (then Mayor of Wexford), Eoin Kinsella (agricultural scientist), Carolyne Godkin (WCC Director of Services), Cllr George Lawlor (then Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council), Hugh Maguire (WCC Environment), Frank Burke (WCC Climate Action Coordinator).

Enniscorthy: cleaner than European norms!

Please note the following:

To log a report regarding any dumping, street litter, road oil spills and potholes, ring Wexford Council on (053) 919 6000 or email:

customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

You will receive a log number to refer to if you need to call again. You can also ask to register for group or individual cleanups of your environment.

The Trojan work of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns and Wexford Co. Council got some well deserved credit last month with the publication of the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) 2023 litter survey which showed that Enniscorthy is “cleaner than European norms”.

Let’s hope this is a good omen and a sign of things to come as the national Tidy Towns judging of Enniscorthy is most likely to have taken place by now, so let’s hope Enniscorthy gets a positive report there also and possibly attain a Silver Medal which would be a step up from the town’s current Bronze Medal position.

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns contact details: Tel: 053 923 6518 enniscorthytt@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown n

Have you spotted the new Tidy Towns signs on the approach roads into Enniscorthy?

The group is targeting litter bugs and dashboard diners through its anti-litter signage campaign with thanks to Cobh Tidy Towns for inspiration and advice, and Donegan Print and Design for the printing.

The new signs were designed by Áine –one of the group volunteers, and the focus is on approach roads and black spots. Let the group know where you would like to see signs put up.

Let's all help make Enniscorthy a cleaner and greener town! n

Open letter to all businesses in Enniscorthy

Financial support to replace lead pipes in homes

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD has announced the launch of a campaign to create awareness of the improved grant available to remove lead pipes from homes.

• €5,000 Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme is no longer means tested.

• Apply through Wexford County Council.

Older housing stock built before the 1980s may contain lead pipes which in turn causes lead – which can be harmful to health – to enter drinking water. The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme provides funding for 100% of the approved cost of works to replace lead pipes, up to €5,000.

The grant is administered by local authorities and is not means-tested. The removal of lead pipes is the most effective way to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and the available grant has the aim of replacing lead pipes with healthier, modern alternatives in the interests of public health.

A Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage advertising campaign (across print, broadcast and digital media) will encourage affected home owners to avail of the scheme.

The Minister said: “Through this campaign we are encouraging people to consider replacing old lead pipes with the support of the funding. We are committed to removing remaining lead piping entirely from our drinking water supply and this campaign seeks to raise awareness of the Government supports

available for householders. The campaign follows from improvements to the grant that we made late last year meaning more households should now be able to avail of this grant.”

How to find out if your home contains lead pipes:

People can find out if their homes contain lead pipes by checking the pipe running from the water main to your kitchen tap and looking for the point where the water supply pipe enters your house. Unpainted lead pipes are dull grey in colour and the joints appear to be ‘swollen’. They are also soft and scraping the surface with a coin will reveal a shiny, silver metal beneath. A registered building professional can also check the type of pipework in your home.

Uisce Eireann Customer Opt-In to replace lead pipes:

The grant to remove lead pipes from the private site of your property complements Uisce Éireann’s Customer Opt-In programme. This scheme replaces lead pipes on the public side of your property free of charge. To qualify you must have replaced your lead private supply pipe.

Lead and public health:

Lead is a metal used for pipework and plumbing in some houses built before the 1980s. It is a proven health risk and no amount in drinking water is safe for public health. The HSE has a useful information page on the health risks of lead.

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/6e885-domestic-lead-remediation-grant-scheme/ n

COUNTY WEXFORD BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO AVAIL OF NEW ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANT

Small businesses in County Wexford are being encouraged to check their eligibility for a new support that could help them reduce their energy output. The Energy Efficiency Grant to aid small businesses on their sustainability journey was announced last month by Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The new support, available through Local Enterprise Office Wexford, will enable small businesses to invest in technologies and equipment to make their businesses more energy efficient. The grant will be available to companies who through participation in the Green for Micro, GreenStart or SEAI Energy Audit programmes have identified the technology and equipment needs and benefits.

The grant will cover up to 50% of the costs to a maximum amount of €5,000. The scheme will reduce the impact of small businesses on the environment and may help them to reduce costs over time to enable them to become more competitive.

Minister Coveney said; “The Energy Efficiency Grant is another significant step in helping our small businesses to become more sustainable and to make a significant contribution to reducing their energy output. Everyone must make changes as we aim to become a more sustainable country and small businesses are no different. This grant will make it more feasible for small businesses to engage in this process and hopefully set them on a more sustainable path. The Local Enterprise Office’s Green for Micro programme has enabled many small companies to take those first steps and now with the Energy Efficiency Grant they can continue that journey.”

Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office

Wexford said “The Local Enterprise Offices are continually looking at ways to help their clients increase productivity and competitiveness. The new Energy Efficiency Grant is the natural next step for all those companies that have identified their needs around energy reduction and this will enable them to make

those changes in their business. We are seeing a huge shift in the mindset of small businesses in recent years around sustainability. Sustainability is not just a word anymore but sits at the heart of business objectives and we must continue to help businesses in reaching those objectives.”

Carol Gibbons, Manager of Regions and Local Enterprise, at Enterprise Ireland said; “This new financial support will enable small businesses to take the next step on their sustainability journey. Increasingly, sustainability is seen as a core driver of future growth for small businesses, aligning them to changing consumer demands and ensuring access to business-to-business supply chains. It is important that business supports match this fundamental change and I am confident that the new Energy Efficiency Grant will assist companies across the country on their sustainability journey.”

The Energy Efficiency Grant is another support from the Local Enterprise Offices for small businesses that enables them to increase their competitiveness and productivity. Small businesses are also able to avail of the Lean for Micro, Digital Start and Green for Micro programmes through their LEO that will all help small businesses to become more competitive and increase their productivity. www.localenterprise.ie/energy for more information on the new grant.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 25,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice, and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie

Local Enterprise Office, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93, Tel: 053 9196023. n

Carol Gibbons (Enterprise Ireland), Mike Cantwell (Local Enterprise Offices), Gordon Daly (CCMA Business Committee) and Pauline Mulligan (Dept of Trade, Enterprise and Employment) pictured with Minister Simon Coveney (centre) at the launch of the new Energy Efficiency Grant for small businesses.

Enniscorthy’s first ever Repair Café

Sustainable Enniscorthy hosted its first Repair Café in The Presentation Arts Centre on Saturday 17 June, and were delighted with the attendance and feedback at what was Enniscorthy’s first ever Repair Café.

The Repair Café was designed as a community event to bring local people together to share their repair skills and advice, so that items that were going to be thrown out are kept in use. Visitors to the Repair Café who brought items to be repaired were enthusiastic in their praise of the event. One visitor said, “The Repair Café was great. I enjoyed getting my item repaired and seeing what others were here for.” Another said it was “so good to see items given a second life and great to meet lovely people who care about sustainability”. One local woman who was very happy with a piece of furniture she got repaired by the Enniscorthy Men’s Shed volunteers, described the Repair Café as a “brilliant initiative! I have my ottoman fixed. I was going to throw it out and now I can use it again. Hope you do this again”! Another visitor reported that “everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. Both of my repairs were made to a very high standard. I’m very happy with my visit and would recommend it to anyone”. Some visitors were inspired to sign up for sewing classes being offered by Lynn at The Upcycle Movement. There is nothing like doing it yourself!

Over thirty items were repaired on the day – including unsurprisingly a Child of Prague statue with the head detached. (There used to one of those in every house in Ireland)! The wide variety of items brought for repair included furniture such as lamps/lampshades, coat stand and chairs. Clothing items that needed a mend, patch, hem, zip or button included trousers, jeans, jacket, top, t-shirt, hoodie, headband, and backpacks. Other household goods like kitchen roll holder, remote controls, battery charger, clocks, radio, water carbonator, Christmas ornaments, wooden children’s toys, garden clippers, and a hoover were some of the range of repair items.

The repairers who generously volunteered their time, skills and expertise on the day included people with skills in carpentry, sewing, mechanical, and general household repairs. The event would not have been possible without the support of Enniscorthy Men’s Shed, Geraldine Ruane aka The Seamless Seamstress, Joan Fogarty, Sean Fogarty, Ray McGinty, Paul Clarke, Lynn Haughton from The Upcycle Movement, and Komnen Goranovic. Sustainable Enniscorthy would like to thank them all most sincerely.

Anyone interested in supporting the Repair Café, either by volunteering their repair skills, or by bringing an item for repair in future, are invited to join a free online Enniscorthy Repair Café group on ChangeX at www.changex.org/ie/repaircafe/ennis-

corthy-co-wexford-1. Sustainable Enniscorthy aims to host another Repair Café in the Autumn. Details of future events will be on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/SustainableEnniscorthy and their website www.sustainableenniscorthy.com and in the local press, Slaney News and Enniscorthy Guardian. This event was funded by ChangeX, with support from Accenture, which covered the cost of venue hire, promotion, materials, insurance etc.

Why do we need Repair Cafés?

We live in an increasingly ‘throwaway’ economy, where products are disposed of at the earliest opportunity and replaced with a newer model. This results in a huge amount of wasted materials and energy, as demand for new products constantly grows and old products go to landfill or incineration. Repair Cafés encourage a Circular Economy, instead of a ‘throwaway’ one. By taking the time to do some repairs we can often keep items out of the bin and in use for longer. If we keep choosing the ‘throwaway’ option, we will lose important repairing skills too and so repair cafés offer space to share and learn and keep these skills alive. Importantly, they also give us the opportunity to connect with others in our community, make new friends and spend time with neighbours

What is the Circular Economy?

Often the things we buy follow a linear Take-Make-Dispose pattern where materials are taken from the environment to make a product, which is then disposed of, sometimes after just a few minutes’ use. A circular economy is one which seeks to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible. By keeping materials in circulation for longer we reduce the need to take new materials from the environment. A circular economy can often support jobs in the repair and repurposing sector too.

Local Repair Services

While all the repairers at this Repair Café generously volunteered their time, some do have repair businesses of their own. If you would like to support local repair business, please see the list below. Also check out www.repairmystuff.ie

Kenny Bikes, The Seamless Seamstress, MUM, Smart Repair, Paul’s Shoe Repairs, Ms Phone Care, Enniscorthy Men’s Shed. Sustainable Enniscorthy is a local community group addressing the challenges of climate change, sustainability and enhanced environmental protection in the Enniscorthy area. Find out more at their Facebook page www.facebook.com/SustainableEnniscorthy and their website www.sustainableenniscorthy.com. If you are interested in getting involved, contact sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com n

No excuses!

With the generous support of the Environment Department of Wexford County Council, two Mutt Mitts bag dispensers and bins (see photo) have been installed in Ferns village and also at several locations around Enniscorthy. These dispensers contain easy to use biodegradable bags to dispose of your dog’s poo. So no excuses! Bag it and bin it!! n

These six ‘R’s can save our planet!

Refuse single use plastics (bags, cups, etc)

Rethink your choices

Reuse as much as possible

Repair before you replace

Recycle all packaging and plastic bottles

Rot all your organic stuff and put it back into the soil n

Did you know?

Did you know that people use a plastic bottle for an average of 11 minutes? Meanwhile it takes up to 450 years to decompose!

Reusable bottles are becoming more and more popular and thankfully there are now a number of locations on the streets of Enniscorthy where you can fill them with water for free. So if you want to do one thing today for nature, avoid using disposable plastic bottles. n

Green loans from Enniscorthy Credit Union

Need to retrofit your cold, 1970s house? Enniscorthy Credit Union’s Green Loan is designed to help you do just that – with one of its lowest rates for a loan 5.25% (5.4% APR) you can save money, save energy and save the environment with Enniscorthy Credit Union! Talk to them today at 053 9233835 or email: loans@enniscorthycu.ie n

Energy supports & resources

There are a number of government supports and resources available to help businesses mitigate the impact of energy price rises and become more energy efficient. Check out the website: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-forsmes/energy-supports/

School teachers...

Calling primary and post-primary school teachers! SEAI Schools Workshops have now re-opened for bookings!

Take part in one of the free student workshops and explore the topic of energy and sustainability in a fun and engaging way. Primary and post-primary options available – online, face to face and outdoors.

Visit the website and complete the booking form to register your interest: https://www.seai.ie/communityenergy/schools/workshops-for-schools/student-workshops/ n

Boost for Blackwater

Last month, Blackwater, Co. Wexford, was named as the best kept village in Ireland at the 'Ireland's Best Kept Town' all-island competition. The village learned of its success at an awards ceremony in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin, beating off stiff completion from around the 32 counties.

Minister James Browne was among those congratulating Blackwater on its success, saying, “I’m delighted for everyone in Blackwater village for their success in the competition. The village is very much committed to sustainability, biodiversity, and litter control. I know all too well about the commitment and hard work of the many tidy towns volunteers

in Blackwater who do their very best in helping their village look beautiful. This major national award is a massive achievement for Blackwater village. Well done to all involved and I wish all County Wexford’s communities every success in the forthcoming Supervalu Tidy Towns competition adjudication, which will take place in the coming weeks."n

Funding for Wexford’s walking trails

At the end of June 2023, Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne confirmed that €92,160 will be invested across 13 County Wexford Coillte walking trails.

Among the investments, €28,800 will be dedicated to constructing a new trail, which will create a new loop on the upper side of Oaklands woodlands near New Ross. Camolin Woods Millennium Forest walking trail will be extended thanks to funding worth €11,520. Pennylands/Forth Mountain’s existing car park will be extended using funding to the value of €6,912.

Ten Coillte walking trails will benefit from grants designed to assist with general maintenance, re-surfacing, and repairs.

Confirming the announcement, Minister Browne commented, “County Wexford is well known for its fantastic natural amenities. It’s evident when we see that Tintern Abbey was the fourth busiest Coillte site visited by the public according to 2022 national statistics, with 164,198 visits recorded during the year. The three major extensions will be helpful for the many visitors to Oaklands, New Ross, Camolin, and Forth Mountain while useful grants will help maintain the trails in Ballyfad, Bree Hill, Carrickbyrne, Coolmelagh, Courtown, Dunanore, Oulart Hill, Park Wood, Raheenleagh, and Tintern. There are massive benefits in terms of our physical and mental wellbeing from spending some

time in nature. My Government colleagues and I are glad to confirm this investment and I will continue to work with my Government colleagues to secure funding investment in our county’s amenities.

Oaklands: Construct new trail on upper side to create new loop, €28,800.

Pennylands / Forth Mtn: Extend existing car park, €6,912.

Camolin Woods: Continue to build new walking trail through Millennium Forest €11,520.

Ballyfad: Repair paths, cut hedges, €5,760.

Bree Hill: Resurface the trails, €6,912.

Carrickbyrne: Verge trimming on all trails in the forest, €2,304.

Coolmelagh: Hedge-cutting; trail maintenance, €1,152.

Courtown: Resurface walking trails and cut walkways, €3,456.

Dunanore: Fence around the monument, €5,760.

Oulart Hill: Resurface walking trails, €5,760.

Park Wood: Resurface all of the trail with dust and roll in, €4,608.

Raheenleagh: Resurface car park, €3,456.

Tintern: Upgrade walking trails, supply directional signage for walkways, provide stone for trail maintenance where machine cannot travel, €5,760. n