Slaney News, Issue 157, June 2023.

As Reggio Emilia inspired settings, we believe that all children are capable, competent, and creative. This combined with Carraig Briste

Killegney's love of the Outdoors provides a glorious recipe for childhood.

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 June issue of the Slaney News.

The inaugural Enniscorthy 1798 Summer School took place over the weekend of 26-28th May and was a huge success. And the good news is that there are several more major 1798-related events to come on Friday 9th, Sunday 18th and Wednesday 21st June. See pages 22-23 inside.

This upcoming June bank holiday weekend sees not one, but three festivals happening locally – the Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Fes tival, the Roots Rhythms Festival and the Festival of Ferns. See full details on pages 18-19, 66-67, 70-71, 76-77 inside this issue, and make sure to go along and enjoy.

Just a reminder to our readers that pop-up stations operated by the Enniscorthy gardaí are held at various locations around the district to provide a better service to local communities. So if you have any concerns about crime in your area or perhaps you want to get a passport application signed, then make a note of the following.

1st Wednesday of every month:

12:00 to 13:00 at Enniscorthy Mart on Old Dublin Road.

3rd Thursday of each month:

Bree 16:00-17:00. Clohamon 14:30-15:30. Kiltealy 11:30-12:30. Ballymurn 10:00-11:00.

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

Crimewatch

On 15th May 2023, Superintendent Denis Whelan and Sergeant Colum Matthews attended a special meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District.

Sergeant Matthews reported that theft from shops in Enniscorthy was up 24% in the last year, domestic violence continues to be a big issue locally, and dealing with incidents involving people with mental health issues continues to eat up valuable resources as there is nowhere locally to get assistance so these people have to be brought to Waterford which involves substantial Garda manpower and other resources. On the positive side, public order offences have dropped 57% in the last year – a huge improvement.

The new CCTV sytem for Enniscorthy, which we’ve reported on in recent issues, will involve 22 cameras at 19 locations when operational and will be huge boost to local gardaí in their efforts to combat crime.

The pop-up stations operated by gardaí at various locations around the district provide a great service to local communities but could be utilised even more, the gardaí say, as they can help in so many ways e.g. to get passport applications signed.

1st Wednesday of every month: 12:00 to 13:00 at Enniscorthy Mart on Old Dublin Road.

3rd Thursday of each month:

Bree – 16:00-17:00 Clohamon – 14:30-15:30

Kiltealy – 11:30-12:30 Ballymurn – 10:00-11:00 n

Throwing light on Cathedral closure

Pic: Ken Hayes

It is planned to close St Aidan’s Cathedral in Enniscorthy from 6th to 17th June for essential work on the lighting (these dates may be subject to change).

During this time, Mass will be at the usual times in St Mary’s Church, Church Steet, Enniscorthy.

St Aidan’s parish thanks Rev Nicola Halford and the Church of Ireland community for their kindness in allowing the use of St Mary’s during the closure of St Aidan’s.

St Aidan’s apologises for the inconvenience this closure will cause and thanks its parishioners for their patience and cooperation.

Congrats to Keith Doyle

Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has congratulated his former colleague Keith Doyle, from his time as a member of Wexford County Council, on Keith's recent achievement having gone back to college and obtained a diploma in journalism.

Keith, from Enniscorthy, recently received his Diploma in Journalism with Online Public Relations from the Fitzwilliam Institute of Dublin and London. The course and the exams were through the Fitzwilliam Institute and are accredited by The Institute of Commercial Management. Keith secured a remarkable 95% average result across his six diploma exams. The yearlong course was undertaken after Keith got a taste for journalism from writing his monthly opinion column for the Slaney News for the past few years.

Senator Byrne said, "It's great that my former colleague has gone back to college and has up-skilled in an area that Keith is passionate about. Once again giving more back to the community."

Speaking on his achievement, Keith said, "I'm looking forward to going back now and working towards a Higher Diploma and doing a bit of freelance work with different media outlets. It was always something I have had a passion for from my years in the Council and I have a vast knowledge of the process that goes on after spending 25 years in local politics."

The Slaney News is delighted to have had the benefit of Keith's wisdom and experience in recent years and hope he will continue to write for us on local, national and international affairs for many more years to come.

Keith continues to be active in the retail trade, as he has been for over 30 years, and he continues to be involved with local history events and organisations, and has also been known to do a bit of umpiring for well known inter county hurling referee James Owens! Keith certainly likes to keep busy! n

Keith Doyle, third from left, was instrumental is getting the Enniscorthy Technology Park off the ground.

ANOTHER MAJOR HEALTH FACILITY ON THE WAY FOR ENNISCORTHY

Enhanced Community Care is a big focus for the HSE aiming to provide a greater range of services closer to people’s homes, and additional services for older people, and people living with long-term health conditions.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says: “The national Enhanced Community Care programme is, at its core, a reform programme representing an investment of €240m to develop and enhance care in the community. It has been developed under the Sláintecare Programme to ensure all HSE primary and community care services work together effectively,” he added.

Minister James Browne TD confirmed a couple of weeks ago that progress is being made in relation to the construction of a new Enniscorthy Enhanced Community Care Centre.

Planning permission has been lodged for the development of a three-storey Enhanced Community Care Centre including HSE consulting and meeting rooms as well as associated waiting areas and staff facilities. It will be sited adjacent to the new Primary Care Centre (see photo above) at Quarrypark, Enniscorthy, and will be similar in size.

Minister Browne says, “These facilities will include the development of a diagnostic suite to improve direct GP access in County Wexford. The Enhanced Community Care Centre will have a full range of measures to make the building fully access-

ible for wheelchair users and people with disabilities. The measures include a graded drop-off and collection point, 8 disability parking bays, appropriate-sized lifts from the ground floor up, corridors and doorways appropriately sized for wheelchairs/large buggies etc., toilet changing facility with a hoist, and another hoist for use in the HSE treatment area of the building. It will also be accessible with cycle parking facilities."

He added that the new centre will host services that will be delivered at a county level. Sláintecare-funded projects which are being mainstreamed through Enhanced Community Care are Chronic Disease Management projects, covering COPD, Diabetes, Heart Failure and ICPOP project (the Integrated Care Programme – ICPOP – in Ireland aims to implement integrated services and pathways for Older People). It is also intended to put diagnostic equipment in there.

These are new services to help keep people out of hospital, many of which are currently provided in a hospital setting.

“The new Enhanced Community Care Centre in Enniscorthy will transform healthcare in the area and wider county. We will have a state-of-the-art medical facility right in the centre of the county. With the addition of diagnostic services, the numbers of people from Wexford having to travel far to hospital appointments will be reduced," Minister Browne said. n

CCTV update

In mid-May Wexford Co. Council and Wexford Gardaí made presentations to the national Garda CCTV Committee in relation to the CCTV schemes for Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford town (including the extension of cameras to Min Ryan Park and Redmond Park).

The committee recommended approval of all three schemes and their recommendation will be forwarded to the Garda Commissioner for his sign-off before the systems can proceed to installation and operation.

In the words of the Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor (pictured), “We are coming to an end in this long protracted process.” n

The new Enniscorthy Enhanced Community Care Centre will be sited adjacent to the Primary Care Centre (pictured above ) at Quarrypark, Enniscorthy, and will be similar in size.

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Major changes on the way for the Templeshannon area

The Templeshannon area, or Enniscorthy East as it is now known, seems to be set for major changes across the Social and Community fronts. For so long now, people living in the Eastern half of Enniscorthy have suffered from a distinct lack of investment in the infrastructure and social fabric of their area.

This situation has been highlighted over the last 12 months, as the Templeshannon area has become the central location for a very significant number of refugees and other displaced people. These people have been made very welcome by residents in the area, but inevitably the growing numbers have put pressure on already scant resources.

It appears there has been little or no consultation with the local community regarding current and future developments in the area.

Without a voice, the needs of the community in Enniscorthy East have been largely ignored, but all this looks set to change with the establishment of a new Enniscorthy East Community Development Group. Part of the Templeshannon Community and Childcare Centre, this small but determined group is seeking, it says, “to stop the rot and ensure that the people in the Templeshannon area finally gain parity with the more favoured west side of the town.”

With major changes facing Enniscorthy on a number of fronts, the Enniscorthy East Community Development Group has already commenced a consultation process with the local authorities. Some of the changes coming down the line include a new Town Development Plan and some very significant initiatives centring around climate change and de-carbonisation.

Tourism is another area that the authorities are seeking to grow and develop. Enniscorthy East has tremendous potential for the tourist industry. The view has long been held that facilities at the

famed Vinegar Hill and the St. Senan’s monastic sites have been woefully under developed. With proper planning there is a huge opportunity to develop strong tourism infrastructure within Enniscorthy East, and attract visitors into the once thriving Lower Templeshannon area. The Enniscorthy East Community Development Group needs your help!

If you are reading this and would like to have your say, then the group wants to hear from you. Go along to the Public

Meeting (see accompanying notice for details) and the group guarantees that your views will be listened to and taken on board.

The goal is to build a Sustainable Future for all in Enniscorthy’s Historic East. To make the area a great place to live and raise a family, the group needs your help and input. The organisers look forward to meeting with you at the Templeshannon Community Centre on Thursday June 15th at 8pm. n

Darkness Into Light 2023 – a hug

The Darkness Into Light walk commenced at Bellefield GAA complex at 4.15am on 6th May 2023, with well over 1,000 attendees. The committee would like to thank all those who took part, those who volunteered and the businesses who generously donated.

The walk was opened by Anne Martina Kehoe who thanked everyone for attending and gave instructions on the walk and to be mindful of residents.

Ruairí Ryan then read a message from Pieta House:

“You are very welcome to Darkness Into Light 2023 in Enniscorthy.

Firstly, I want to say thank you to our Darkness into Light committees and volunteers, and to our sponsor Electric Ireland, and of course to all of you here this morning.

By joining us this morning for the most important sunrise of the year, you are sending a powerful message of hope. You are also letting anyone in your community that may be struggling know that they are not alone – there is hope, and there is a light after the dark. And of course, you are raising essential funds to support Pieta’s lifesaving suicide-prevention services.

Last year, because of the kindness of supporters like you, we were able to provide 50,000 hours of intervention and bereavement counselling and we received over 100,000 calls and texts to our 24/7 Helpline. We also supported more than

600 people and families devastated by the loss of a loved one to suicide.

You make all of this possible.

Today, as a united people on this walk, here, across Ireland and the world: You are putting your arms around all of us that have lost a loved one to suicide, you are giving us a time to remember, a time to heal, a time to hope.

You are helping all of us who are struggling, not to lose heart, to hold on and to find a way out of the dark.

You are shining a light on the shadow of stigma – you are making it easier for all of us to speak up, to talk about how we

are feeling, to ask for help.

Whether you are taking part with family, friends, colleagues or have arrived here this morning by yourself, know that you are not alone. The entire Darkness Into Light community here and all over the world walks with you.

You are the light that will ignite hope in so many hearts.

You are bringing the power of hope into many many lives.

You are a light against the dark.”

Ruairí was followed by fellow committee member Áine Doyle who read the Darkness Into Light Manifesto:

The Enniscorthy Darkness Into Light Committee consisting of Corina O'Brien, Anne Martina Kehoe, Olive Jordan, Áine Doyle, Kerry O’Shea and Ruairí Ryan.

ge success

We wake up, in the darkness in our thousands around the world

We rise up, to challenge stigma to banish self-harm to fight suicide

We keep in our hearts, those feeling trapped in the darkest night those haunted by sadness those with an empty chair

We are armed with the courage, to listen to talk to care

We walk shoulder to shoulder, until we drive out guilt and shame until we stop the breaking of human spirit and we start connecting in conversation

We walk together, to meet the silence with our voices towards the promise of every new dawn embracing a world filled with light

We walk on, with unshaken purpose with undivided strength fuelled by compassion With every step, we commit to acceptance we commit to hope we commit to life.

Following the Manifesto, the walk was started by the Slaney Search and Rescue vehicle. Walkers then made their way along the route. Light refreshments were served afterwards. n

The Enniscorthy Darkness Into Light walk commenced at Bellefield GAA complex at 4.15am on 6th May 2023, and Maria Nolan was there to capture some of the participants.

Enniscorthy Council staff on the move

Enniscorthy has said ‘goodbye’ to Fran Breen who has just retired as Town Foreman. Among his many duties, Fran was responsible for keeping the town looking well including its green areas, shrubs, flowers, etc, and keeping its litter under control.

Fran was Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) foreman for 36 years and his dedication to the town and his role in it was acknowledged by the large gathering for his farewell which took place in The Bailey, Enniscorthy, on 18th May.

While Fran has ‘left the building’ completely, Bernie Quigley has just received a promotion to the position of Senior Staff Officer in Procurement and will be moving from Enniscorthy to County Hall in Wexford town starting on 6th June.

Bernie has worked in EMD from 20092023 and within that time acted as District Manager for 14 months.

Local Councillors were effusive in their praise for Bernie with Chairman Aidan

Browne saying, “Enniscorthy’s loss is Wexford County Council’s gain.” Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan described Bernie as “brilliant at her work”, while Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy said she was “a

pleasure to work with”. Cllr Cathal Byrne congratulated her on her promotion and thanked her for all her help over the years particularly when he served as Cathaoirleach of EMD. n

Bernie Quigley

Fran Breen

3 FESTIVALS THIS JUNE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND IN ENNISCORTHY & FERNS

❶ Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival is back, bigger and better than ever

The Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival will take place in the centre of town over the June Bank Holiday weekend (3rd and 4th June). There will be a whole new sustainability section to the festival so keep an eye out on the Facebook page ‘Enniscorthy Street Rhythms’ for more details on this exciting new development and all the other events taking place.

Once again, this year’s festival will feature local craft makers throughout the weekend. The market stalls will have a focus on environmentally-friendly crafts, upcyclers, nature and natural products.

Some street closures will be in place to facilitate this family-friendly festival celebrating music, dance, creativity and nature. See lots more information on pages 70-71. n

Roots Rhythms Festival

For full details on the Roots Rhythms Festival, check out: https://www.facebook.com/RootsRhythmsFest

And see pages 66-67 in this issue. n

s Trad Session TJ Murphy’s Tom Moorehouse (DJ) Antique Rock The Baptist (Solo) (Acoustic Americana)

Rackards

Treacy

3rd June 2 PM TJ’s Roots Garden –Country Jamboree

A 2-day festival on Sunday and Monday of the bank holiday weekend – June 4th and 5th – a special two days of entertainment and fun.

Concert – Opening festival event:

A concert in St. Edan’s Cathedral on Sunday, June 4th, starting at 7.30pm, featuring The Allabair Trio and the local ‘Chord On Blues’ choir. The concert is the final part of an original song cycle, phase one of which was performed last year to a packed attendance in the Cathedral. Don’t miss this world premiere performance of the final 3-phased suite. Tickets are €12 and are available from Eventbrite.

Peer Pleasure (Blues/Country)

7PM Market Square Fergus Fay (RnR DJ)

8PM The Moonrockers (50’s RnR/Rockabilly)

8PM The Bailey (Listening Club)

Dermot Byrne & Niall Toner (Godfathers of Irish Roots) (Blues & Bluegrass)

9PM Dawson s Matt & Bull (Folk/Rock)

9.30PM Donohoe’s Holy Show (Folk Rock)

FREE 3PM

The White House Band On the Run (Roots Rock) Stamps Eoin Harris (Blues Rock)

TJ Murphy s Tom Moorehouse (DJ)

Antique Acko (Roots Rock)

Doreen s Michael Reid (Acoustic Americana)

Hole In the Wall Kermie (Roots Rock)

On Sunday also there’ll be music in local pubs starting at 3pm until late, as well as busking on the streets. Music in local pubs schedule here: https://fernsvillage.ie/ferns-festival-2023/ Community Parade – Monday 5th June

10.00 PM +

Rackard’s Kiss My Grass (Bluegrass/Country)

Holohan’s JMA (Roots Rock)

Riverside Park Hotel Carra & Gerry (Folk Rock)

Treacy’s Hotel New Dimension (Folk/Rock)

SUNDAY 4th June

Raglan Rodeo (Country Rock)

3PM Rock The Baptist (Roots Rock)

2PM TJ Murphy’s Roots Garden –Rock Therapy RnR DJ Support Throughout

4PM Alan Power & The Aftershocks (50’s RnR/Rockabilly)

7PM Dawson s Niall Toner & Johnny Gleeson(Bluegrass/Country) Riverside Park Hotel Des Browne (Country Rock)

Holohan s Trader Sam Duo (50s Country)

ALL FREE

9 PM The Bailey (South East RnR Club Promo) The Bopalulaz & Club DJ’s (1950’s RnR/Rockabilly) €12

9.30PM Riverside Park Hotel Acoustic Heart (Roots Rock)

Donohoe’s Alvin (Americana/Folk)

The White House Dave Clarke (Soul/Rock) Stamps Billy Edwards (RnR/Country)

TJ Murphy s Stephen Miller (Acoustic Americana)

Antique Eoin Harris (Blues Rock)

Doreen’s Nic Furlong (Folk Rock)

On Monday, June 5th, a parade from the Cathedral to Ferns Castle with giant puppets, medieval costumes and music will ensure that this will be a truly entertaining family event. The parade will be a mix of visual spectacle, local groups and reenactors. Look out for a giant sea monster whose head will have a moving mouth and a large body carried by a chain of performers accompanied by dancers animating fins and waves, bringing the sea monster to life. Other giant puppets will also feature in the parade, and it’s said that St. David from Wales might even attend! The Horsemen of Eire will accompany the parade on horseback. Leading the parade will be Bloco Garman, a local Celtic drumming band. The loud upbeat music will amplify the medieval atmosphere. The event will culminate in a reenactment on horseback, and entertainment on an outdoor stage on the Castle green.

10.00 PM+

Hole In the Wall Raglan Rodeo (Duo) (Country Rock)

Rackard’s Rock The Baptist (Band) (Americana/RnR)

Holohan s The BC Blues Band (Blues)

Treacy’s Hotel The Heartbeats (Roots RnR)

OVER 30 FREE GIGS IN THREE DAYS -

BLUEGRASS/COUNTRY/ROCKnROLL/FOLK

The parade and outdoor event on the Castle green is being organised by Lantern Events.

For updates check in here: https://fernsvillage.ie/ferns-festival2023/ and keep an eye on the festival social media.

See also page 73 and 76-77 in this issue. n

Gorey expansion for Smyth’s

Dermot and Betty Kavanagh, the couple behind Smyth’s Homevalue superstore in Enniscorthy, have just embarked on a new venture with their son Jack Kavanagh, with the opening of a new, specialist paint store, Smyth’s Decor, in the Gorey town centre.

Jack was to the forefront in getting the store up and running and will be the main presence in the store for the immediate future.

The hugely impressive building is now home to all the top, fabulous brands such as Fleetwood Paints, Colourtrend Paints, Dulux including the new Dulux Heritage range, The Little Greene Paint Company, Farrow & Ball, Two Fussy Blokes and so much more.

The store is a dedicated, specialist paint store where customers can expect the same quality service, knowledge and advice they are accustomed to in the Enniscorthy store.

The Slaney News wishes Dermot, Betty and Jack the very best of luck with their exciting new venture. n

Right: Check out the new store at 4B The Avenue, Gorey.

Toilet facilities back on the agenda

For a long time, the lack of toilet facilities on Vinegar Hill was a constant item on the agenda of Enniscorthy Municipal District. Now that a facility is in place there, the issue is back on the EMD agenda in relation to other parts of the town.

Gort na Greine, off the Ross Road, Enniscorthy, is where the Enniscorthy Community Allotments, the Enniscorthy Sports Hub and the Learn to Cycle Park are all situated. Cllr John O’Rourke is keen to have better toilet facilities there to serve the users of those three facilities. At present there are toilets at the Sports Hub but they can’t be accessed if the hub is closed.

According to EMD Manager Claire Lawless, the new sports hub pavilion building, when it gets built, will include toilet facilities open to everyone. It is likely that these will be available to all, even when the rest of the sports hub is closed.

Meanwhile, Cllr Jackser Owens is seeking toilets for the Country Walk / Prom Playground area of Enniscorthy, but this looks unlikely to happen in the near future.

No doubt, toilets will continue to be on the EMD agenda for some time to come. n

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

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 threestorey 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 temporarily closed. 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

Education & exploration at the En

The hugely successful inaugural 1798 Summer School, organised by the team at the 1798 National Rebellion Centre, took place in Enniscorthy over the weekend of 26-28th May. Dr Kevin Whelan opened the proceedings which continued over the following days with many other insightful talks and immersive tours exploring historical locations such as Enniscorthy town itself, Enniscorthy Castle, Vinegar Hill, Oulart Hill, etc – a brilliant programme of events combining both education and exploration.

And all is not over yet! On June 9th at 7pm in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, His Excellency the French Ambassador to Ireland Vincent Guerénd, along with Professor Liam Chambers and historian Brian O’Cléirigh, will discuss ‘The Ideals of Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité – how the French Revolution influenced the Irish Rebellion’ with music on the night by the Allabair Trio.

On June 18th, 10am-11am, one of the most significant battles of 1798 will remembered at Enniscorthy Bridge. The battlefield will be filled with Pikemen and Redcoats who will commemorate the scenes of 225 years ago with a public re-enactment of the Battle for Enniscorthy Bridge

Later that day, 12 noon - 4pm, an immersive Rebellion Day experience will be on offer so visitors can view and join in with a rebel camp showcase featuring blacksmith demonstrations, cookery demonstrations, a battle preparation camp and more, all happening on the grounds of the 1798 National Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy.

On June 21st at 6pm, events will culminate with The Longest Day – a public commemoration of the 1798 Battle of Vinegar Hill taking place on the hill itself.

For more details see www.1798centre.ie and www.visitwexford.ie/rebellion n

Our thanks to the team at ‘Enjoy Enniscorthy’ for the photos reproduced on these pages. We will carry a more detailed report in our July issue.

nniscorthy 1798 Summer School

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION, ST AIDAN PRIMARY SCHOOL, ENNISCORTHY

St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, 7th May 2023

Above left: Richard Kinsella O’Connor receives Holy Communion from Fr. Tom Dalton, in the presence of family members.

Above: John Carroll, Mary Carroll, Darren Morrissey, Holly Morrissey, Alice O’Connor, John and Edel Morrissey.

Left: Patrick, Bradley, Rosaleen and Claire Breen.

Below left: Lily Ann, Alan, Liam and Audrey Carty.

Below: Craig, Annibelle, Sarah and Noah Sutton.

Below right: Nicky, Leona, Michaela and Hollie Laffin-Power.

Left: Grandparents Marie and Jim Roche with Jacob Roche in the middle.

Right: Denis and Denisa Fromusa. Below: Drew, Faye, Tracey McDonald. Below right: Richard Kinsella O’Connor with his mum Rachel O’Connor.

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

Above: St Aidan’s Communion Class, 7th May 2023, in St Aidan’s Cathedral with Fr Tom Dalton, Frank Murphy, Principal, and teachers: Róisín Murphy, Tara Reddy, and Carmel Yates.

Sustainable Enniscorthy

This month we look at sustainability and parenting and explore some options that can reduce our environmental impact without compromising on the development of our children. As every parent knows, during the baby phase nappies fill our general waste bin and so reusable nappy options are worth exploring to reduce this source of waste. You can borrow a kit of reusable nappies from the Wexford Town or Enniscorthy Cloth Nappy Library (clothnappylibrary.ie) for a trial and see if they suit your situation. Single-use wipes are another big source of waste, with about 68 billion individual wet wipes being consumed in the EU-28 in 2017. Many of these single-use wipes contain plastics and are notoriously difficult to break down, clogging sewage systems and polluting marine environments. Why not consider reusable options like repurposing cotton towels/facecloths to use instead – they are soft, clean really well and can be popped into the wash or a wet bag when out and about. If you prefer you can purchase reusable cloths and kits from Cheeky Wipes or check out local online business The Nappy Market (thenappymarket.ie).

Toys can be a source of waste. Research (https://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc e/article/abs/pii/S0163638317301613

?via%3Dihub) published in the Infant Behaviour and Development journal found that fewer toys at a time supports quality playtime for children allowing them to build concentration and focus and play more creatively. We can reduce wasted toys by first asking, “Does my child need this toy?” or “Do I already have something that would serve the same purpose?” When toys are needed, why not give a used toy a new home? There are multiple websites to check out for preloved toys and books, along with

many other items for babies and children (for example www.adverts.ie, Facebook Market, and local parents’ support groups). If buying a new toy, try to avoid plastic where possible. Jiminy Eco Toys (jiminy.ie) is one example of an Irish website offering sustainable options. Renting toys is also becoming increasingly popular, for example DluluKaloo Wooden Toys (dlulukaloo.ie) and wooden toy rentals. It is also possible to rent other baby products too, for example you can hire baby slings/carriers from the National Sling Library (https://www.babywearingireland.ie). Check out Circular Living Website (circularliving.ie) for a whole list of sustainable Irish websites.

Your local library is another fantastic way to share resources. Not only are they a free option for exploring all the latest

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books for all ages, they also have story sacks (books with associated puppets) available to use in house too – a great way to see what interests your little reader. All libraries in Co. Wexford have fantastic Sensory Toys and Assistive Resources (STAR) (https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/sites/default/files/content/Sens ory-Toys-Catalogue-FINAL-compressed-Dec21.pdf) for children and young people with additional needs too. As well as lots of activities and groups to bring parents and children in the local community together. Making more sustainable choices can be as simple as getting and passing on preloved clothes and toys. When we share and borrow, we don’t need to buy as much. This not only reduces waste but it also saves money and strengthens community connections. n

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

The local Sustainable Enniscorthy group looks at sustainability and parenting.

ARE THERE ANY WINNERS FROM INCREASING TENSIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE WESTERN WORLD?

WHILE WAR RAGES IN EUROPE, ONE QUESTIONS OPENING UP A POLITICAL FRONT IN ASIA

A year ago on this column, I wrote about the start of the Russian-Ukraine war. I remarked that China was a bigger threat to the western way of life than Russia. A lot has happened in that year to warrant a revisit to this subject. There have been very significant shifts in political positions and posturing causing this to be a regular headline in international affairs. So let us recap some of the actions that have brought a cool relationship to a decisively hot one. We will try and tease out the reasons why this is happening now and what direction this may be heading.

China has been accused of harvesting information from the social media platform TikTok. Many governments and organisations have directed their employees to delete the app from their work phones due to security concerns. China has also been accused of releasing spy balloons over America and Canada. They also have been accused of setting up drop-in information centres for Chinese nationals in other countries for the purpose of intelligence gathering. Another charge levelled at China is that they have stolen intellectual properties of many cherished western companies including chip technology. The west has been at pains to point out that Xi and Putin have met several times in the last few years to strengthen ties and

TOWN TALK

multiple delegations visited Taiwan pledging their support in their plight to have independence from China. The first delegation had the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and American Senators. Liz Truss travelled after she left no.10. The latest delegation was from the European Parliament. China responded with war games within the seas surrounding Taiwan. We now have calls to stop chips being sold to China. Calls for a cold war arrangement imposed on the country and a weaning off trade with China.

WITH KEITH DOYLE

signed a memorandum of unqualified cooperation last year. China has not condemned Russia for invading a neighbour and two senior officials have claimed that Ukraine originated in Russia. This is a lightly veiled reference to their claim on Taiwan.

So, in retaliation, Western governments embark on a series of actions which China can call provocative. Within 12 months,

My issue with all this is that the allegations have been around for years. The suggestions of action are at least two decades too late. Why now? I understand why China makes moves to reposition itself on the world stage during a crisis. I believe the Chinese are a pragmatic people and they will not make any move that does not benefit the Chinese Communist Party. They take the Russian oil at a discount but are reluctant to cause a trade war with the West which will hurt both parties. China would have the preference to take over the world by economics. The Bigger question is why the West would provoke one when so dependent on Chinese goods and services and finance. Not to mention massive debts owed to them that could be called in. The biggest question is what credible general opens up a second front while struggling with the first. n

Furlong family sponsors bursary in memory of the late Philip Reck

St Mary's CBS Enniscorthy and the Furlong family of the well known local agri business, Cooney Furlong, announce a new bursary worth €50,000 over a ten-year period, to be awarded to the school’s agricultural science students to help finance their third level education. Back row L-R: Ger Coleman (acting deputy principal), Walter Furlong (bursary sponsor), Tracey Murray (teacher), Wally Furlong (bursary sponsor), Laura Swanton (agricultural science teacher), Ann Marie Breen (acting deputy principal). Front row L-R: Niamh Potter (agricultural science teacher), Anne Reck (Philip's mother), Martina McGrath (Philip's partner), Brendan O'Sullivan (principal), Josie Foley (bursary committee member), Ann Cleere (home school liaison officer).

The Furlong family of the well known local agri business, Cooney Furlong, is sponsoring a new bursary in memory of the late Philip Reck of Courtnacuddy, who died tragically on 15th March, 2021. Philip was a past pupil of St Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, a dedicated family man, and a highly respected employee of Cooney Furlong.

Speaking at the launch on 10th May 2023 of the new bursary, School Principal Brendan O’Sullivan said the school is proud and grateful to announce the new €5,000 per annum bursary and mentorship programme which will run every year for the next ten years. A different student will be the bursary recipient annually and those students will, according to Mr O’Sullivan, “share Philip’s passion for agricultural

science... We are delighted to be a part of his legacy.“

Philip Reck was a great advocate for the merits of education particularly for those in the agricultural sector. He strongly believed in the idea of ‘farmers educating farmers’. He himself completed his secondary education at Enniscorthy CBS before attending Waterford Institute of Technology from 1997-1999 where he graduated with a certificate in Agricultural Science.

Philip then left for Wales where he received a BSc Hons degree in Agriculture and Business Studies from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. During this time, he also qualified as an IASIS Certified Agronomist.

In 2002, Philip began his career at Walter Furlong Grain Ltd culminating in two high-

level appointments – Production Manager at The Cooney Furlong Grain Company, and also Farm Manager at Walter Furlong Grain Ltd. His expertise was widely acknowledged and praised, and he was considered very much a pioneer in the areas of conservation agriculture, soil health, and regenerative farming in Ireland.

The attendance at the bursary launch included Walter and Wally Furlong of the Furlong family, Anne Reck (Philip's mother) and Martina McGrath (Philip's partner), along with acting deputy principals Ann Marie Breen and Ger Coleman, and teachers Tracey Murray, Laura Swanton, Niamh Potter and Ann Cleere, as well as well known ex-teacher at the school Josie Foley who is a member of the school bursary committee. n

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

POPULIST AND NUTS

That is precisely what Fianna Fáil colleagues of Fine Gael ministers are calling Fine Gael kite-flying in relation to the budget which is not due until October. Fine Gael ministers are going around promising tax relief for families, increases for pensioners and all sorts of goodies. One would be forgiven in thinking that they were in opposition rather than in government with one of their members as Taoiseach (I think they fiddle around with that office so much most people don’t know who currently holds it!) If Sinn Féin were being as irresponsible as this, Varadkar and his crowd would be condemning them from a moral height of fiscal rectitude and accusing them of all sorts.

Fine Gael are of course doing this to force the hand of Michael McGrath, Minister for Finance, who happens to be Fianna Fáil and will then say later when the promises don’t materialise that we should blame Fianna Fáil. It wasn’t us you see. It was big, bad Fianna Fáil.

The truth is that Fine Gael ran rings around Fianna Fáil when they were negotiating the deal for the formation of this government. They knew that Micheál Martin would agree to practically anything to get the office of Taoiseach. So they landed him with the first stint to allow Varadkar get the glory of any potential recovery in the second half of the term and to go into the election with all the trappings of Taoiseach. Fianna Fáil walked right into it.

If they are to recover their standing with the electorate, or indeed their own diehard supporters, Fianna Fáil members need to shake off the smothering grip that Martin has on the party with his “Don’t rock the boat lads” attitude to Fine Gael which is devouring him and his party. Local Fianna Fáil councillors and backbench TDs need to speak out and put their socalled partners back into their box before it’s too late.

View from the Centre

ing over the horizon. This column, like many others, will of course be appraising the record of our sitting members and giving opinions which may or may not influence the outcome. Most people tend to vote at local level based on their personal experience or indeed knowing a candidate or even knowing a member of a candidate’s family.

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

LOCAL ELECTIONS JUNE 2024

The next local elections, which will coincide with the Europeans, are scheduled for June 7th 2024. Between now and then I assume that many people will be looking at the performance of the various councillors in their own electoral district and keeping an eye out for new talent emerg-

For this scribe, just looking at the Enniscorthy District, I would have to say at this point the councillor who appears to have been most active over the past four years is Independent Jackser Owens. He is strong on the flood relief issue, on housing, and on the neglect, as he and many others see it, of the eastern side of Enniscorthy. He is forthcoming in his views, without being offensive to officials, and leaves no one in doubt as to where he stands on any issue.

However, a week is a long time in politics, as Harold Wilson famously said all those years ago, and we will observe all our councillors over the next year and see how they go.

CHARGING A GARDA

“Micheál Martin would agree to practically anything to get the office of Taoiseach.”

The decision to charge a garda with a driving offence as a result of an incident while he performed his duty, in very trying circumstances, has appalled most people. This nonsense that gardaí are like everybody else when it comes to the law rings hollow in situations like this. The fact is that gardaí are not anybody else. They are tasked with protecting the community and must act at all times in a manner which achieves this. The ridiculous suggestion that garda cars should obey the law, including driving laws, while in pursuit of criminals is absolutely mind boggling. So, guys rob a bank or, worse still, beat up a pensioner in their home and the gardaí in pursuit must say, “Oh let’s not break the speed limit lads, watch that red light.” Give us a break from this WOKE society which is being imposed on every facet of our lives. 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

SCOIL NAOMH MAODHOG FERNS COMMUNION 20th MAY 2023

First Holy Communion, Naomh Maodhog school, Ferns, 20

Above left: Jake Kehoe, Michelle Davitt, Tommy O’Brien, Ella Rose and James Keho

Above: Rudy O’Gorman about to receive First Holy Communion from Fr. Paddy Cu

Above right: Fr. Paddy Cushen PP about to give Lari-Rea Jennings her First Holy Co

Far left: Sophie, Katie, Elaine and Mathew Hallissey.

Left: Ben Murphy.

Below left: Fergus, Liam, Daniel, Adelle and Aoife Fortune.

Below right: Ashton, Jessica, Aaron, Owen and Amia Ronan.

0th May 2023. oe. shen, with her sponsors. ommunion.

Above: Michael, Andrew, Conor and Summer Dwyer and Claire O’Gorman.

Above right: Daniel, Baby Rosie, Isabelle and Jessica Fortune.

Above far right: Emilia, Mavta, Jakub and Mqcick Blazewicz.

Right: Des Kirwan, Ben Nolan, Liz Kirwan, Dylan Nolan and Elisabeth Kirwan.

Below right: Car-mad Aaron Ronan got the surprise of his life when a friend pulled into the churchyard with a Ferrari.

Far right: Lisa and Lari-Rae Jennings. Four photos on left, L-R:

1. Raymond, Teegan Murphy and Martina Murphy.

2. Noel, Ruby, Nathan and Darragh O’Gorman.

3. Daniel, Ruby, Lee and Gillian Rellis.

4. Ellen, Paul and James Martin.

First Holy Communion, Naomh Maodhog school, Ferns, 20th May 2023, with Fr. Paddy Cushen PP, John Halford (Principal), teachers and school class.

Avail now of Covid ‘Spring Boosters’

The HSE is reminding everyone aged 70 or older and those aged 12 years or older with a weak immune system and who have not received their COVID19 Spring booster vaccine to get it as soon as possible.

Vaccines are available at the HSE’s five Vaccination Centres across the South East, including Enniscorthy: The Disability Block, Grounds of St. John's Community Hospital, Enniscorthy,Y21 H4CF (see https://www2.hse.ie/services/covid-19-vaccination-centres/?county=Wexford for opening times).

A number of GP Practices and Pharmacies across Co. Wexford continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Pharmacy information is available at https://www2.hse.ie/services/pharmacies-covid-19/

Vaccinations are continuing to be delivered by the HSE to those who are homebound and residents of long-stay residential care centres.

To get an appointment for your COVID-19 vaccine at a HSE vaccination centre you can book via https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19vaccine/get-the-vaccine/booking/, call HSE Live on (1800) 700 700 or present at walk in-facilities detailed on the HSE web site at https://www2.hse.ie/services/covid-19-vaccination-centres/ n

ENNISCORTHY TIDY TOWNS

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

Wexford groups benefit from Dormant Accounts Funding

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has confirmed that Bridgetown College School Completion Programme (SCP) and Ferns Diocesan Youth Service will both benefit from Dormant Accounts Funding to assist with their therapeutic services for children.

Minister Browne outlined how “Bridgetown SCP will benefit from €8,000 while FDYS will receive a grant worth €20,000. The funding aims to increase counselling and psychotherapy and other therapy types (play, drama, art and creative therapy, bereavement support) to children and young people who are socially/economically disadvantaged and who without support cannot access these services.

“Both Bridgetown SCP and FDYS do terrific work on the ground in County Wexford. Today’s funding announcement will ensure that they can increase accessibility for important therapeutic services for children”, Minister Browne concluded. n

The Slaney News extends our best wishes to Mr Brendan O’Sullivan who has recently been appointed Principal at St Mary’s CBS School on a permanent basis. Originally from Co. Cork, Mr O’Sullivan joined the school staff in 1994 and spent 20 years in the classroom as a teacher before being appointed Deputy Principal in 2014 and serving in that role until now.

Wexford Co. Council’s payment portal

Wexford County Council online payment portal allows customers for Commercial Rates, Housing Rents, Mortgages, Fire Charges, Marina Fees and Planning Development Levies to view and pay their account online. Visit: https://wexfordcoco.myselfserv.ie/ n

Sustainable Enniscorthy to host a Repair Café in town on 17th June

Supported by:

Saturday 17th June –Enniscorthy’s First Repair Café!

Visit The Presentation Centre on Saturday 17th June from 10.30am until 1.30pm for Enniscorthy’s first Repair Café!

This is a free gathering to bring people in the community together to share skills and repair items such as clothes, furniture, crockery and electrical appliances. The range of repairs on offer depends on the ‘fixers’ that volunteer to join, so

Former Cllr Anna Fenlon is laid to rest

Anna Fenlon, a positive role model for women in politics, served with distinction as a Borough Councillor in Wexford for 20 years and represented her district on Wexford County Council for 15 years. She was laid to rest on Monday 29th May at St. Ibar’s Cemetery, Crosstown, following her funeral Mass at the Church of the Assumption, Bride Street. May she rest in peace.

please get in contact if you have skills that you would like to share with the wider community. Walk-ins are welcome on the day, however to avoid disappointment Sustainable Enniscorthy encourages people to get in contact with them prior to the event to tell about the items you would like to get repaired. The Repair Café is hosted by Sustainable Enniscorthy and supported by Change X and Accenture.

Contact Feidhlim O’Shea – 087 1534987 or Fiona McCoole –086 1924719 to learn more! n

New HSE funding for Co. Wexford

Welcoming the funding, he said; “Obviously the restoration of Wexford Emergency Department is a key priority in this plan, however, there are further developments that will serve to improve the Health Service in Wexford including: The provision of an Ambulance Station at Gorey District Hospital; design, construction and equipping of a new MRI facility in Wexford General Hospital; and equipping of a new build extension to Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre.

“This investment will provide increased capacity in the health system and will support the delivery of Sláintecare,” he said.

Deputy Paul Kehoe has confirmed funding of €2.4m for projects across Co. Wexford under the new HSE Capital Plan.

ST AIDA FIRST H

Above left: Fr. Tom Dalton gives Milie Cash his First Holy Communion with his sponsors. Above right: Fr. Tom Dalton gives First Holy Communion to Oscar Fernan and his sponsors. Below left: Stephanie, Baby Frankie, Oscar Fernan and Stephen Casey. Below centre: Sophie, Jane, Alanna, Maria and Jack Jordon. Below right: Viviana Tavroginska and Nocola Czevpak.

Above left: St. Aidan's Prima 2023 in St. Aidan’s Cathedra Murphy (Principal), teach and helpers with the Comm First Holy Communio

Right: Beata, M

Far right: Liz Ber

AN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, ENNISCORTHY HOLY COMMUNION 30th APRIL 2023

ary School, Enniscorthy, Communion class of al, on 30th April, with Fr. Tom Dalton, Frank hers Elaine Behan and Lorraine Kinsella, munion class. Above: Fr. Tom Dalton gives on to Maria Jifhin with her sponsors. Moniusz and Julia Klusiewicz. rry, Milie Cash and Paddy Berry.

Above left: Shane Denton, Shane and Elaine Power. Above right: Oscar Fernan and his extended family.

Below left: Adea and Leila Ymeraj. Below centre: Jewel, Maria and Jifhin Varghese. Below right: Tercioi Hetmanska, Kasia, Ethan and Terena Hermanska Kelly and Czentain Henmanska.

ST AIDA FIRST H

Above left: Emma Kehoe and family with her two grandparents on her Communion day. Above right: Fr Tom Dalton gives First Holy Communion to Mia Farrell, with Richard Farrell and Donna Cullen. Below left: Fr. Tom Dalton gives First Holy Communion to Ashley Muchenje with her sponsors. Below right: Abbey, Antionette, Amilia, Warren and John Carroll.

Above left: St. Aidan's Primar class of 2023 in St. Aidan’s Ca Murphy (Principal), and teache

Above: Ashley Mu

Above right: Fr. Tom Dalton Ella Sheridan with her sponso

AN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, ENNISCORTHY HOLY COMMUNION 30th APRIL 2023

ry School, Enniscorthy, Communion athedral with Fr. Tom Dalton, Frank ers Shane Franklin and Karann Tyrell. uchenje and Mia Farrell. n gives First Holy Communion to ors. Above far right: Amber Cahill.

Above left: Dylan, Oscar Redmond, Elinwina and Kayleigh Doyle. Above centre: Ella Sheridan.

Above right: Richard and Mia Farrell, and Donna Cullen. Below left: Anthony, Tony, Gertie, Mick, Sarah O’Leary and Eugene Carley. Below right: Fr. Tom Dalton gives First Holy Communion to Emma Kehoe with her family.

John has his finger on the pulse

John Roche, Enniscorthy resident, former Mayor of Wexford and former Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, may be retired from political life but he is still very much a political anorak – astutely following everything that’s happening around the county, and country, in the political, social and economic fields

His huge bank of experience and knowledge is being put to good use in his new talk show, Today’s World, broadcast on Wexford Music Radio, live from the Coast Hotel, Rosslare, every Tuesday 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

The show can be accessed here: http://c2.radioboss.fm:8291/stream And one can listen live on: http://wmrradioonline.com n

Co. Wexford student is highly commended

It was a day of celebration at the Royal College of Physicians recently as secondary school students, their families, teachers and guidance counsellors gathered from across the country to attend the awards ceremony for the AIB Career Skills Competition by CareersPortal.

It was a hotly contested competition this year, with approximately 1,000 student entries, an increase of almost a third on 2022. Guest of honour Minister for Education Norma Foley TD congratulated the winning students on their impressive achievements and their winning entries.

The competition, which was open to all senior cycle students who have undertaken a work experience placement, was developed 13 years ago by Ireland’s award-winning and leading career gui dance website CareersPortal. The competition aims to encourage students to focus on the impor tance of career skills and understand the role skills can play in their future career and educational prospects. There are six categories in the competi tion and students can enter either in English or Irish through a written submission or Vlog entry. The competition is sponsored by AIB. n

Pat Doran’s latest book ‘The Bantry Murder’ is in stock at Delaney’s Newsagent, Enniscorthy. Check it out!

Conor Whelan from Ramsgrange Community School, Wexford, who was Highly Commended at the AIB Career Skills Competition by CareersPortal.

Picture Brian McEvoy

SETU launches its strategic plan

South East Technological University (SETU) has launched its first strategic plan, setting out the university’s five-year aim to become a leading global technological university driving the south east as a learning and innovation region. The plan, titled “Connecting for Impact”, sets out SETU’s ambitions over the coming years to establish itself as the anchor institution for the ongoing development of the south east.

In so doing, SETU aims to have long-term transformative impact on the south east region. This will be achieved by creating new educational opportunities for people in the region, contributing to developing the skills and capacity of the regional labour force, and driving regional innovation, which in turn will create high quality jobs and will help improve the quality of life for everyone.

The university’s priorities include access to higher education, supporting the student experience, developing a range of new courses, and significantly increasing the volume and impact of the university’s research. Expanding and improving physical and digital infrastructure across the university’s campuses are also key priorities. This includes, amongst other investments, the development of a new campus in Wexford, a UniversityEnterprise Quarter at the former Waterford Crystal Site on the Cork Road in Waterford and new buildings for the Carlow campus.

Speaking in advance of the launch, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, said: “We’re delighted to launch this strategic plan, the first plan for our new university. People who read it will have no doubt about our ambitions for the university and the south east region. We see ourselves as an anchor institution, an important change agent that will be central to addressing regional challenges – especially those relating to the green and digital transitions. The full implementation of this plan will see us expand our campuses and facilities, develop new courses in areas of regional needs, deepen our international partnerships and greatly enhance what we are doing in research and innovation – all in support of the development of the south east.”

In relation to the plan for Wexford, Prof. Campbell said, “The plan outlines our commitment to the development of a new campus in Wexford. We look forward to working with Wexford County Council and other partners, towards the delivery of this exciting new development over the next five years. We are excited about the period ahead and this plan sets us up very well with a roadmap to deliver for the people of the region.”

Chair of the Governing Body and Chancellor of SETU, Professor Patrick Prendergast, expressed his thanks to Prof. Campbell and her team for delivering an ambitious plan. He added: “The Governing Body of the university wholeheartedly endorses this strategy as the best way to achieve the ambitions of SETU and deliver on what are rightly the high expectations of the region. These are exciting times for the south east region and SETU’s Governing Body looks forward to supporting and overseeing the implementation of the plan in the coming years.”

Prof. Campbell said, “The plan outlines our commitment to the development of a new campus in Wexford. We look forward to working with Wexford County Council and other partners, towards the delivery of this exciting new development over the next five years. We are excited about the period ahead and this plan sets us up very well with a roadmap to deliver for the people of the region.”

Dr Richard Hayes, Vice President for Strategy at SETU, also thanked those who contributed to the development of the plan. He said, “This plan is the culmination of six months of consultation and discussion both within the university, and between the university and external partners, including the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), the IDA, IBEC, the Southern Regional Assembly, regional local authorities, and many others. We thank our staff, our students, and all our stakeholders for joining in the collective effort to produce this ambitious plan. We look forward now to moving to implementation with the goal of transforming our university and our region in the time ahead.”

The plan was recently launched in four centres across the south east region, with key partners of the university hosting the launch events. The Wexford launch took place in the Wexford Arts Centre on Monday, 22 May.

The Strategic Plan is available on the university’s website. n

President of SETU, Prof. Veronica Campbell (right) is pictured with Richard Hayes, Vice President for Strategy at SETU (left), at the launch of the university’s new strategic plan for 2023 to 2028, entitled ‘Connecting for Impact’.

CASTLEBRIDGE FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 13th MAY 2023

Above left: Conor, Barry, Leah and Finnula Murphy. Above centre: Brian, Lara, Ally and Kate Fenlon. Above right: Dez Dasilva, who made his First Holy Communion, pictured with his family outside the Church.

Far left: Jacob, TJ, Maisie and Ciara Bohanna. Above left: PJ Murphy, Mark, Oscar, Brandon, Nyola Hilli Above right: Sean, Barry, Ciara, Kathy, Ann Marie and Sarah Hearne.

Above L-R: 1. Baunie Kehoe. 2. Mick and Amelia Duggan and Elaine Gainfort. 3. Emily, Colin, Conor Redmond and Amy Malone. 4. Reese and Bernie and Harry Griffin and PJ Chadwick.

Above left: Bill, Michaela and Marie Goucher. Above centre: Saoirse, Claire, Ellie and Rob Ryan.

Above right: Communion boy Tom Nicol and his family.

Above L-R: 1. Paula, Baunie and Barry Kehoe. 2. Bobby, Charlie, Jesse, Sasha and Susanne Sludds. 3. Mario, Kayla Kruipicka and Cathy Healy.

NEW GOREY TRAIN SERVICE

Iarnród Éireann has introduced a new later evening weekday (Monday to Friday) return service between Dublin Connolly and Gorey which commenced on 22nd May. The new service follows on from commitments given from a timetable public consultation in September and October 2022 in which over 1,500 people participated.

The new service operates as follows:

20:05hrs Dublin Connolly to Gorey (arrive Gorey 21:59hrs) 22:25hrs Gorey to Dublin Connolly (arrive Connolly 00:08hrs).

The new service brings the service frequency to six trains each

way daily. It also provides an additional service for customers travelling to/from Tara St, Pearse, Dun Laoghaire, Bray and Greystones Stations.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said, “We are delighted to introduce this new service... Enhancing services across our network to meet customer demand is a key priority for us, and we look forward to enhancing services on other routes in the future, as new driver training and new fleet allows.”

Full timetable details are available at www.irishrail.ie and from the Iarnród Éireann app. n

THE 'MAIDEN VOYAGE'

Gorey Senator Malcolm Byrne was on the first run on the 22nd May of the new 20.05 service from Dublin Connolly to Gorey. It ran on time and arrived into Gorey just before 10pm.

Malcolm was joined for part of the trip by Steven Matthews, Green TD for Wicklow, who got off at Bray, and by Wicklowbased Fianna Fáil Seanad colleague, Senator Pat Casey, who got off at Wicklow. Local student, Sean Thim O’Leary, also joined them for the journey to Gorey.

Malcolm told us, "While there were not many travellers on the maiden voyage, this will build over time as more people be-

come aware of the service. I would also hope that more comfortable carriages will be used as the train used some of the older, short-commute carriages which are not ideal for longer journeys.

"If we are to enhance the number of rail services to and from County Wexford, it is important that more people use the train. It is a much more relaxing way to travel and allows you to get work done or to relax unlike travelling by car. I would certainly encourage people to think about using the train. It is generally cheaper than travelling by car to Dublin when one takes fuel and parking costs into account. It is hoped that if there is sufficient demand for the late service that it will be extended to Enniscorthy and further down the county but, for this to happen, it means more people need to use the train.” n

L-R: Senators Pat Casey and Malcolm Byrne about to board the new train service.

A fond farewell to Bernie

Have your say on the Eastside

Best of luck to Bernie Morrissey who has recently retired from Enniscorthy Credit Union. Manager Liz Cullen made a presentation to Bernie on behalf of the staff (see below) and Kevin Lawlor made a presentation on behalf of the Board of Directors (see above). The Slaney News has had many happy dealings with Bernie over the years and we wish her a long and happy retirement. n

Enniscorthy East Community Development

The Enniscorthy East Community Development group will be holding a public ‘Town Hall’ meeting to formally launch the group into the wider community.

The group will present details of confirmed projects for the Eastside recently announced by Enniscorthy Municipal District / Wexford Co. Council and will also present its ideas for future development projects.

The group will then open the meeting out for everyone in attendance to have their say in what they would like to see developed to help the eastside of Enniscorthy.

After the meeting, the group will compile all ideas and present a proposal document to the Council who, we understand, have promised to help secure funding where it’s available. n

GAELSCOIL INIS CÓRT COMMUNION IN ST SENAN’S 6th

Rachel, Lee and John Gordon.

Above: Brendan, Hannah, Sarah and Lucy Dunne. Below: Jimmy FoleyWilkinson and Lorcan Ruttle.

Left: Conor, Dwaine, Ru

Below left: Layla, Robe

Below: Tina, Dan, A

L-R: Hannah Dunne, Ruby O’Shea, Keele Fortune, Brooke Howard and Julie Quirke.

To buy copies of phot slaneynews@gmail.c

THAIDH CHURCH AY

uby, Ann and Aidan O’Shea.

Scott and Kaya Brady. Anthony and MJ Russell.

Communion boys outside St Senan’s Church.

Scott Brady and his gran Helen Brady.

Above: Stephanie and Darren Keating, Brook, Glen, Andrea Howard and Aisling O’Toole.

Above right: Mia Lily, Aisish, Lorcan and Trevor Ruttle.

Below: Daniel Russell, Mary Delaney and Lucy Dunne. Below right: Ellis, Belinda, Jimmy and James Foley-Wilkinson.

On yer bike!

The mobility platform Bolt, in partnership with Wexford County Council, launched its shared electric bike service in Wexford town on 17th May, 2023, coinciding with national Bike Week which took place May 13th-21st. The introduction of this new service is largely due to the work of Cllr Leonard Kelly and the Active Travel team in Wexford Co. Council.

Bolt is the European super-app that has 100 million customers in 50 countries and over 500 cities across Europe and Africa. It seeks to accelerate the transition from owned cars to shared mobility, offering better alternatives for every use case, including ride-hailing, shared cars and scooters, and food and grocery delivery. It’s mission is to help make cities for people, not cars.

Bolt has no unlock fee, and customers pay only for the minutes they’ve used, at €0.18 per minute.

Parking is controlled via geofencing and is located at over 40 clearly-marked, convenient locations across Wexford town, including ALDI stores, Wexford General Hospital and Wexford Park GAA stadium. Additional locations can be introduced, subject to popularity, feedback from the council and local users, or nominations from local businesses. Operations will be overseen by a local bike shop which en-

sures local knowledge and expertise. The inclusion of the pick-up and drop-off locations within the app will ensure that users can see where bikes are located and where they can safely and responsibly finish their journey. Other local community groups and businesses such as WWETB, YouthTrain and Waters Technologies Ireland Ltd. have supported the roll-out of this scheme and provided space to ensure their users and visitors can choose this sustainable option.

Bolt has taken several steps to ensure riders and pedestrians stay safe. For those not yet familiar with bicycles with pedal assisted motors, there is ‘Beginner Mode’. This limits the top speed of the bicycle to 15 km/h. Once ‘Beginner Mode’ is turned off, the bicycles have a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

50 bikes will be initially deployed. The size of the fleet will fluctuate depending on demand to ensure that the roll-out happens in a gradual and sustainable way across Wexford.

Bolt already operates a successful sharedbike service in Sligo and Kilkenny. Since launching in the summer of 2022, over 170,000km have been travelled on Bolt’s electric bikes in Ireland. A survey amongst users revealed the service has saved 24,000 km of car trips in Ireland to date,

equating to approximately 2,500kg of CO2.

Wexford County Council Cycling & Walking Officer Claire Goodwin commented, “Wexford County Council is delighted to offer local residents and visitors a sustainable transport option in the town. We see a real enthusiasm for making the change away from private car use if there is a convenient alternative. With the introduction of Bolt’s eBikes on a pilot basis into our town, we hope many people will change how they travel where possible.”

For more information, visit: www.bolt.eu and download the Bolt App.

L-R: Cllr Garry Laffan, Nicola Collins (Community Development Officer, Sports Active, Wexford Co. Council), Claire Goodwin (Walking & Cycling Officer, Active Travel, Wexford Co. Council), Cllr Leonard Kelly, Cllr Maura Bell (Mayor of Wexford), Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach, Wexford Co. Council), Cllr Pip Breen.

One of 40 clearlymarked Bolt locations around Wexford town.

Phil Skelton’s view:

Local man Phil Skleton, well known nationally as an advocate for cyclists, and the leading light in WexBug (Wexford Bicycle User Group), has welcomed the arrival of the Bolt e-bikes on the streets of Wexford town. “It’s great to see Bolt’s e-bike share scheme in Wexford town following successful rollouts in places such as Kilkenny and Sligo. These will not only offer great alternatives for last-mile journeys in town but will provide extra options for the 29% of Wexford’s age friendly cohort and indeed the 23% of Wexford town’s households who don’t have access to a private car.

“I think the only potential barrier to their success might be the relatively poor offering of dedicated, segregated cycling infrastructure in Wexford as things stand. That is hopefully about to change gradually with the appointment of the Active Travel team at Wexford Co. Council.

“The e-bikes themselves will also provide easy opportunities to individuals who may not have sat on an e-bike before and with bike-to-work schemes etc, might consider cutting down on the expense of their second car and purchasing an electric bike of their own.

“I was asked recently why these couldn’t be rolled out in Enniscorthy. Why not indeed. Castlebar has a similar population and they have a similar scheme.”

The Slaney News understands that Wexford Co. Council will consider rolling out the scheme to other Co. Wexford towns once it assesses how the scheme is working in Wexford town. n

Other cycling news...

On 18th May 2023, Minister Jack Chambers launched the Irish segment of the EuroVelo 1 Cycling Route at Our Lady’s Island, Co. Wexford.

The Route is 2,350 km and passes through eleven counties – Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. This EuroVelo 1 Cycling Route showcases the very best of our coastline and represents a valuable tourism product in attracting both overseas and domestic visitors. Overall, EuroVelo 1, also known as the Atlantic Coast Route, is 11,150km long and runs through Norway, UK, Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal. EuroVelo is the European cycle route network – comprising of 17 long-distance cycle routes passing through and connecting 42 countries. The network is coordinated by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) in cooperation with the individual countries through which the route passes. n

Left: Cllr George Lawlor (Cathaoirleach, Wexford Co. Council). Right: Cllr Maura Bell (Mayor of Wexford). Far right: Michael Drea (County Secretary, Wexford Co. Council).

Cllr Leonard Kelly and Cllr Lisa McDonald giving it a go.

County Manager Tom Enright with Cllr Kelly.

ST AIDAN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, ENNISCORTHY, FIRST HOLY COMMUNION, 14TH MAY 2023. This row L-R:

1. Thomas, Alex and Amy O’Farrell.

2. Alanna, Aydan, Vanda Rodriguos and Rerco Brandco.

3. Harry Manning and Ben Rowe.

4. Nijil, Jiss, David, Lisa and Joanna James.

5. Paul and Zach Morrissey, Sarah Louise Dreelan and Jayden Morrissey.

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

ST AIDA FIRST H

Above left: St. A Enniscorthy, A Above: Ann extended fami

Above right: Co his First Holy Fr Tom Dalt

Above far rig Far left: Eam Koutney an Left: Getting Fr Tom Dalto

Right: Gett Communion f Johanna Jam Far right: Alex Holy Communio

AN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, ENNISCORTHY HOLY COMMUNION 14th MAY 2023

Aidan's Primary School, Aisling Hogan’s Class. na Fanning with her ily at the Communion.

orey Manning receiving y Communion from ton with his family.

ght: Mary Connors. monn, Corey, Laura, nd Evan Manning. g communion from on is Zach Morrissey. ting her First Holy from Fr Tom Dalton is mes with her family. x O’Farrell receiving on from Fr Tom Dalton.

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

Top left: Ian, Callian and Ciara Mooney. Top centre: Adrienne, Alex and Aisling Frayne. Top right: Paddy, Marie, Molly, Ian and Kate Mernagh. Above left: Joe, Charlie and Sarah Lawlor. Above right: The Confirmation Class of 2023.

Above left: Noel, Kayle, Diane and Daniel Furlong.

Above right: Billy and Patti Roche, Kate Roche, Tess Fox, Andrea, Coraha and Brendan Roche, and Cathy Fox.

Left: Corah Roche and Cathy Fox.

Right: Teegan and Gillian O’Brien. Far right: Grace, Donal, Eve, Claire and Ruth Howlin.

Enniscorthy’s Lettie is honoured at national final

An Enniscorthy student was honoured by Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD at an exhibition day for the MyEU50 Third Level competition finalists which took place recently in University College Cork.

Lettie Hessett from Enniscorthy was a finalist, alongside her co-contributor Gregor McCullagh Travers, of the Third Level competition for their entry titled ‘Ireland in the EU: a fifty year journey in Human Rights and the Rule of Law’.

Over 5,000 pupils and students participated in a nationwide competition to mark 50 years of Ireland’s EU membership.

The Tánaiste said: “The MyEU50 youth competition gave students an opportunity to think about what being an EU citizen means to them. The creativity, experience, and opinions expressed by the students showed their appreciation of Ireland’s 50-year-old membership of the EU.

“The knowledge, self-assurance, and capacity of today's young people to in-

fluence change may surpass those of any preceding generation. Young people can make contributions to the dialogues taking place right now that

School developments

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has confirmed that a number of County Wexford schools recently received news related to extension projects for their schools.

“Among the schools receiving positive news, Scoil Mhuire Coolcots has been approved for a modular build of one special classroom, four mainstream classrooms and four support teaching rooms for special education teachers. The approval from the Department of Education will result in Scoil Mhuire catering for all pupils enrolled in the school for the 2023/2024 school year.

“Meanwhile Kilrane N.S. received initial project approval for a modular extension to cater for a special education needs unit classroom reconfiguration. Elsewhere Castletown N.S. has been approved to proceed to tender for a modular extension reconfiguring two mainstream classrooms. Nearby, Coolgreany N.S. has been approved to go to tender for a modular extension reconfiguring a special educational needs unit.

“I’m delighted that these schools have benefited from such positive news in recent days. I commend the schools’ principals and boards of management for their hard work in preparing these grant applications. I will continue to work with my government colleagues to ensure that County Wexford schools benefit from construction projects to facilitate their continued expansion thanks to rising roll numbers”, Minister Browne concluded. n

will shape their future. Let us continue to work and push for progress and make the next 50 years as successful as the last.” n

Wexford Town “FET College of the Future”

Wexford Councillor and member of the board of WWETB Leonard Kelly is impressed by the Further Education & Training College of the Future being constructed in Wexford town. He says he is “genuinely massively impressed with what I’ve seen, what is involved, and what is coming in terms of education and training in Wexford Town.” Construction work should be finished on site very shortly.

This will be the first new Further Education & Training College of the Future to open in the county. It will have five new state-of-the-art apprenticeship workshops and offer VTOS, community education and PLC courses on site. At capacity, it could have over 300 learners walking through its doors daily. n

Lettie Hessett (centre) from Enniscorthy being presented with her MyEU50 Certificate by Ryan Levis and Gabrielle Leleu from European Movement Ireland at the competition exhibition day in University College Cork.

ST AIDA FIRST H

Abov

Above: Communion

Above right:

Above far Far left: Fr Justyn

Left: Fr To Roise

Right: William, L Far right: Fr To Holy C

Above left: Pat, Molly and Therese Bolger. Above centre: Stephen and Molly Leacy and Sarah Byrne.

To

Tracy Farman, Lay Darla B

AN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, ENNISCORTHY HOLY COMMUNION 30th APRIL

2023

ve left: Trish Whelan’s Class.

Fr Tom Dalton giving First Holy to Molly Bolger with her sponsors.

Fr Tom Dalton gives Communion to Kyle Kelly.

right: Tia Butler, Micky, Fiona and Harry Doyle.

Tom Dalton giving Communion to ne Murphy with her sponsors.

Tom Dalton giving communion to een Byrne with her sponsors.

Liam, Roiseen, Helen and Saoirse Byrne.

Tom Dalton gives Oisín Quinn his First Communion with his sponsors.

Above left: Tamara Kelly, Linda Kearns, Kyle Kelly and Nicola McGrath. Above centre: Caoimhe, Michaela, Kayleigh and Lee Flynn. Above right: Darren and Oisín Quinn and Bertha Kelly.

of photos on this page, tel: 087-2403310 mail slaneynews@gmail.com

yla, James and Byrne.

Wexford’s new Rape Crisis centre officially opens

The new Wexford Rape Crisis centre, situated at the entrance to St Mary’s GAA clubhouse, officially opened on 19th May 2023 although it has been actually operating there since January 2021. The task of cutting the ribbon at the belated celebration fell to Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor.

Wexford Rape Crisis offers one-to-one counselling to anyone impacted by Domestic, Sexual or Gender-based violence (DSGBV). Presenting issues can include rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, historical child-sexual abuse, domestic violence (physical or psychological including coercive control), on-line grooming, stalking, sexting, psychological aggression, etc.

Counselling Services are available for adults and young people (aged 12 years and upwards). Parental Support is also on offer to parents for young people who have been impacted by DSGBV. In addition, the centre offers support counselling to a partner, family member or friend who is supporting the person who has been abused. n

Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor with Mairead Sinnott and Clare Williams of Wexford Rape Crisis.

Above left: Nicole Kotrice ,Luke, Lucy and Toni Harris Kotras. Above centre: Patryga, Oliwea and Justyma Spolnik. Above right: Robert, Susanna, Robbie, Jack and Cormac Bolger.

Left: James Carley and his family.

Above: Sharon Moran, Caoimhe, Victor and Eugene Murphy.

Above right: Nevin Stokes, Dylan and Jill Wright. Right: Sophie Murphy and Holly Quirke.

Left: Orla Kavanagh, Leanne Carley, Rhys and Jacinta Carley. Above: Katelyn Byrne, Olive Byrne, Muiranna McCabe and Sophie Delaney. Right: Liam and Lilly Maguire (grandparents) with Adam McGuire.

L-R: Emma, Adam and Alan McGuire. Elvay and Moya Kelly. Sara and Maya Welna. Abnieszka, Sara, Maya and Lukasz Welna.

National community Engagement Week 2023

Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne TD visited Enniscorthy Mart on 23rd May, as part of National Community Engagement Week 2023 – a weeklong series of events taking place in communities all across Ireland, giving people a chance to get to know their local Gardaí and other representatives in their areas.

Minister Browne attended the event in Enniscorthy Mart that morning, alongside members of An Garda Síochána, including Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman and local Gardaí from Enniscorthy Garda Station. Garda members organised a stand with flyers and brochures and were on hand to meet with local farmers at the Mart in order to promote awareness of crime prevention tips and to listen to the concerns of local people in Enniscorthy.

Minister Browne was delighted to meet with Gardaí and farmers at the Mart and was particularly keen to hear the concerns that local people in Enniscorthy have around community safety and crime prevention.

Following the event, Minister Browne said, “The importance of National Community Engagement Week is underlined by events like today’s awareness session in Enniscorthy Mart. It gives people from in and around the town the opportunity to meet with their local Gardaí and discuss the issues that matter most to them. It is also of great help to An Garda Síochána as

it will help inform the already fantastic work they do in Enniscorthy and around the county.

"We have met with a range of locals here today, but predominantly farmers who can have concerns around rural safety issues such as burglary and theft of machinery and property. The guidance that Gardaí have given today around effective preventative action that farmers and people living in rural communities can take to ensure the security of their property should help people to feel safer and more secure in their homes, farms and businesses.”

National Community Engagement Week is organised by the National Rural Safety Forum, which is a national collaborative partnership between State agencies and other organisations with a common vision of ensuring people and communities in rural Ireland feel safe and are safe in their homes, places of work, and their local environments.

Each day of National Community Engagement Week 2023 was themed, covering different angles of rural living including:

 Community Safety

 Road & Pedestrian Safety

 Burglary & Theft, Heritage Crime

 Personal Safety & Wellbeing

 Farmer & Rural Safety n

Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne TD visited Enniscorthy Mart on 23rd May, as part of National Community Engagement Week 2023.

Above left: Frank Devoy (CEO Enniscorthy Mart), Minister James Browne TD, and Asst Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman addressing the farming community. Above centre: Garda Christian Dorneanu, Frank Corcoran (Slaney News) and Conor O’Riordan (Dept of Justice). Above right: Minister James Browne TD, Asst Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman.

Above left: Jer O’Mahony (Chairman Wexford IFA), Liam O’Byrne (IFA Mart Chairman), Frank Devoy (CEO Enniscorthy Mart), Minister James Browne TD, Tom Doyle (Wexford IFA Environment Chairman) and Inspector Sean Clince. Above right: Minister James Browne TD, Asst Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman, Jer O’Mahony (Chairman Wexford IFA), Liam O’Byrne (IFA Mart Chairman), and Frank Devoy (CEO Enniscorthy Mart).

Liam O’Byrne (IFA Mart Chairman), Minister James Browne TD, Tom Doyle (Wexford IFA Environment Chairman). Above centre: Asst Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman, Frank Corcoran (Slaney News). Above right: Minister James Browne TD with Lar Lambert. Below left: Sandwiched in the middle – photographer John Walsh with Asst Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman and Inspector Syl Hipwell. Below right: Joe Kavanagh, Barty Warren and Garda Damien Boland.

Substantial Community Recognition Fund will boost community facilities

WELCOME NEWS FOR ENNISCORTHY AND CO. WEXFORD AS A WHOLE... OVER €200,000 TO BE INVESTED IN COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN ENNISCORTHY/BUNCLODY AND OVER €1.5m IN THE COUNTY IN TOTAL.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments, Geodesic Dome for Training Centre at Enniscorthy Community Allotments, €20,000.

Templeshannon Community and Childcare Ltd, heating upgrade to existing building, €38,308.

Enniscorthy District, purchase of 2 special needs bicycles for Enniscorthy, €12,000.

St. Aidan's Hall, Bunclody, improvements to the Community Centre – St. Aidan's Hall, Bunclody, €30,000.

Wexford Co Council, amenity project (primarily a playground) at Bellefield, Enniscorthy, €110,000.

Gorey/Kilmuckridge Municipal District, upgrade to heating system at Kilmuckridge Community Centre, €25,000.

Riverchapel Community Freecycle Committee, equipment for the "freecycle’ centre at Riverchapel Community Complex, €5,000.

Riverchapel Community Complex Development Group, extension to the community indoor facility at the Riverchapel Community Complex, €120,000.

Ballycanew Ballyoughter Community Development Association, training facility at Ballycanew, €20,000.

Gorey Family Resource Centre, development of counselling rooms at new Family Resource Centre building in Gorey, €63,278.

Gorey/Kilmuckridge Municipal District, playground and public amenity phase 1, €75,000.

Templeudigan Parish, refurbishment of play equipment at playground, €4,000.

St. Abban's National School, community garden (serving Ballinaboola/Carrigbyrne), development of sensory garden to serve the school and the local community, €20,000.

New Ross Municipal District, sensory garden at Pearse Park, The Quay, New Ross, €30,000.

Fethard Community Development Association, community garden at designated site adjacent to national school, €30,000.

St James GAA Club, serving Fethard-on-sea, refurbishment of walking track, €20,000.

36th Ramsgrange Scouts, serving Fethard-on-sea, scout yard upgrade, €5,000.

Fethard Community Development Association, improvements to the Community Centre – St. Mary's Hall, €122,703.

Duncannon AFC, serving Fethard-on-Sea, redevelopment of club grounds, €40,000.

Rosslare District, public realm improvements including bus shelter/public lighting/safe crossing at Killinick, €85,000.

Write By The Sea, audio-visual equipment at Stella Maris Centre, €4,000.

Rosslare Harbour Development Board CLG, new structure at back of proposed Community Resource Centre at Rosslare Harbour, €200,129.

Cois Barry Community House, updating of toilets at Cois Barry Community House, €10,000.

Wexford Co Council, redevelopment of the playground at Kilmore Quay, €145,000.

Wexford Co Council, new MUGA at Ferndale Park adjacent to new proposed boxing club, €100,000.

Wexford Co Council, trail improvement works at The Rocks in Maudlintown, €94,858.

Wexford Access 2000, energy improvements to building, €5,000.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Paul Kehoe said:

“I am delighted to see this huge investment for projects all over Wexford.

“Communities the length and breadth of the county have really responded to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, opening their homes and facilities to people very much in need. I want to thank you for your generosity and kindness. You epitomise the very best of the wonderful community spirit we have across Ireland.

“This funding will help these communities who have responded to develop projects ranging from largescale multi-purpose sports facilities, transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters, walks, playgrounds and equipment for sports clubs.

“I am delighted that as a nation we have responded to people in their time of need and that, as a government, we have recognised that this has put additional pressure on the facilities in some areas so this Fund is to provide additional infrastructure that will benefit all members of our communities, young and old.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have on the ground in communities all across Wexford.”

Minister James Browne said:

"The Community Recognition Fund is a major initiative designed to specifically support communities across the country that are hosting people from Ukraine and other countries. Among the projects that will be supported under the fund include: the refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities; the upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens; the purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations; the enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends; transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters. The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community." n

Draft Wexford County Council (Enniscorthy Municipal District)

Traffic and Car Parking Bye Laws 2023

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council and the Members of Enniscorthy Municipal District, in exercise of the powers vested in them by Section 101 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 as amended by Section 6 of the Road Traffic Act, 1968 and Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994 and, as a Municipal District function as outlined in Schedule 3 Part 1 of the Local Government Reform Act, 2014, intend to make Traffic and Car Parking Bye Laws for Enniscorthy Municipal District, entitled the “Wexford County Council (Enniscorthy Municipal District) Traffic and Car Parking Bye Laws, 2023”.

The Draft Parking Bye Laws may be inspected from Wednesday 31st May 2023 to Friday 30th June 2023, by appointment only, at

 Enniscorthy Municipal District Offices, Market Square, Enniscorthy.

 Enniscorthy Library, Lymington Road, Enniscorthy.  or via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/

Representations on the Draft Bye-Laws may be made, in writing, to the District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy or by email to enniscorthy@wexfordcoco.ie not later than 5.00pm on Friday 14th July 2023.

A copy of these Bye Laws may be purchased from Enniscorthy Municipal District on request upon payment of a fee of €10 or alternatively can be viewed on the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/

Expression of Interest

Gorey Arts & Crafts Hub and Tourist Information Centre, Market House. Closing Date: 9th June, 2023

Wexford County Council is seeking expressions of interest from local artists and crafts collectives (henceforth “the collective”) to operate an Arts and Craft hub to retail their work and provide tourist information. A detailed Expression of Interest document which sets out the terms and selection criteria can be obtained from the Council website www.wexfordcoco.ie or from the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Offices, Civic Square, The Avenue, Gorey, Co. Wexford.

Léiriú Suime. Mol Ealaíona & Ceardaíochta Ghuaire agus Ionad Eolais do Thurasóirí, Teach an Mhargaidh.

Dáta Deiridh: 9 Meitheamh, 2023

Tá Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ag lorg léirithe spéise ó ealaíontóirí áitiúla agus ó chomhghrúpaí ceardaíochta (as seo amach “an comhchoiteann”) chun mol Ealaíon agus Ceardaíochta a oibriú chun a gcuid oibre a mhiondíol agus chun eolas turasóireachta a sholáthar.

Is féidir doiciméad mionsonraithe Léirithe Suime a leagann amach na téarmaí agus na critéir roghnúcháin a fháil ó shuíomh Gréasáin na Comhairle www.wexfordcoco.ie nó ó Oifigí Ceantar Bardasach Ghuaire Chill Mhucrait, An Chearnóg Chathartha, An Ascaill, Guaire, Co. Loch Garman.

Tenders

The following tender competitions are currently active. If you wish to obtain further information, and make a submission for any of the tenders, please visit www.etenders.gov.ie

240869 33/WAT/2023 Retender: The Bing Community Group Wastewater Scheme Geotechnical Investigation Contract

02/06/2023

15/06/2023

County Wexford Culture Night Friday Sept 22nd 2023 Open Call –Expressions of Interest Closing Date 14 June 2023

Wexford County Council are pleased to confirm that Culture Night/ Oíche Chultúir will take place on Friday September 22nd, 2023 from 4pm till late and are looking for expressions of interest to participate. Culture Night (https://culturenight.ie) is an annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts. On Culture Night doors will open later and special and unique events will be specifically programmed at participating locations and, thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and Local Authorities across the island of Ireland, all activities will be available to the public free of charge. The County Wexford Arts Department are now looking to hear from artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations, collectives and members from the wider community to get involved in Culture Night this September. Application forms can be downloaded from the Wexford County Council website, www.wexfordcoco.ie/arts- andculture

The closing date for receipt of submissions of interest is Wednesday June 14th 2023 and any questions should be emailed to wexfordculturenight@gmail.com

We are particularly interested in projects that reflect the cultural richness of Wexford and the diversity of all communities living in the county, initiatives that specifically engage with Co. Wexford's natural, built and cultural heritage and projects that assist in the development of a vibrant night-time economy.

Culture Night is brought to you by the Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaion, in partnership with local authorities and cultural organisations throughout the island of Ireland.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Sunday 9 July 2023 from 09.00am to 11.00 am, to facilitate installation of overhead power lines over the M11 between junction 24 at Frankfort and junction 25 at Ballydawmore.

Road Closure: M11 between junction 24 at Frankfort and junction 25 at Ballydawmore.

Alternative Routes:

South bound: From junction 24 at Frankfort to Clogh Roundabout to Camolin to Ferns to Scarawalsh Roundabout to M11 at Ballydawmore via the R772 and the N30.

North bound: From junction 25 at Ballydawmore to Scarawalsh Roundabout to Ferns to Camolin to Clogh Roundabout to M11 at Frankfort via the N30 and the R772.

Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated. Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 13 June, 2023 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Friday 2 June 2023 to Friday 30 June 2023, to facilitate installation of underground ducts, joint bays and cabling activities for the new cable route as part of the Greenlink Interconnector Project from Greatisland to Baginbun Beach.

Road Closure: R733-12/13/14, from its junction with the L8077 at Kilmannock to its junction with the L4034 at Grange.

Alternative Route: From Kilmannock to Horeswood to Campile to Grange via the R733, L4035 and the L4034. Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic, from Friday 26th May to Friday 30th June 2023 to facilitate the upgrading of Watermains at Ballaghablake and Glenbough, Curracloe.

Road Closure: L3001-1, from its junction with the R742-7 at Curracloe to its junction with the L7006-1 at Ballyhowbeg.

Alternative Route: From Ballyhowbeg to Ballyhow Little to Galbally to Curracloe via L7006/7 and R742.

Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.

Alt 75 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993 Dúnadh Sealadach na mBóithre

Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil cinneadh déanta ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman dúnadh an bhóthair atá liostaithe thíos a leathnú go dtí trácht feithiclí, ó Dé hAoine 26 Bealtaine go dtí Dé hAoine 30 Meitheamh 2023 chun uasghrádú na bPríomhphíopaí Uisce ag Bealach an Bhlácaigh agus an Ghleann Bothach, Currach Cló a éascú.

Dúnadh Bóthair: L3001-1, óna acomhal leis an R742-7 ag Currach Cló go dtí a hacomhal leis an L7006-1 ag Baile Eochú Beag

Bealach Eile: Ó Bhaile Eochú Beag go Béal Átha Bhuí Beag go An Gallbhaile go Currach Cló via L7006/7 agus R742. Cuirfear comharthaí ar bhealaí eile. Éascófar rochtain áitiúil.

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

Job Description Location

Library Support Worker – 1 position Library HQ / Archives, Carricklawn

Environmental Worker – 1 position Enniscorthy

Environmental Worker – 2 positions

Class B Drivers Licence required Ferns

Duties to include:

 Library Support Worker – Support Work for Library/Archive Staff –Computer Skills Required.

 Environmental Worker – General maintenance, cleaning, planting and weeding etc.

To apply for these positions and for further information please contact – Bernie Lennon, CE Scheme Supervisor, Wexford County Council on 087 6575743 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email: bernie.lennon@wexfordcoco.ie

The closing date for the Library Support Worker application is Friday June 9th at 4pm.

The closing date for the Environmental Worker application is Friday June 16th at 4pm.

Tá folúntais ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman sna réimsí seo a leanas dár Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail:

Job Description Location

Oibrí Tacaíochta Leabharlainne –1 phost Ceanncheathrú/Cartlann na Leabharlainne, Carraig Leathan

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 1 phost Inis Córthaidh

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 2 phost – Ceadúnas

Tiomána Aicme B riachtanach Fearna

Áirítear ar na dualgais:

• Oibrí Tacaíochta Leabharlainne – Obair Tacaíochta d'Fhoireann na Leabharlainne/Cartlainne – Scileanna Ríomhaireachta de dhíth.

• Oibrí Comhshaoil – Cothabháil ghinearálta, glanadh, plandáil agus fiailí etc.

Chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar na poist seo agus chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil déan teagmháil le do thoil le – Bernie Lennon, Maoirseoir Scéime CE, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ar 087 6575743 le linn uaireanta oifige 9rn – 5in nó ríomhphost: bernie.lennon@wexfordcoco.ie

Is é an dáta deiridh le haghaidh iarratas Oibrí Tacaíochta Leabharlainne ná Dé hAoine 9 Meitheamh ag 4in.

Is é an dáta deiridh le haghaidh iarratas Oibrí Comhshaoil ná Dé hAoine 16 Meitheamh ag 4in.

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.

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 has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme:

Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following post: Staff Officer

Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for this post are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie

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

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

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for the above post is: 5.00pm on Thursday 15th June, 2023.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Duties to include:

• 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 0869478001 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email sean.oneill@wexfordcoco.ie

The closing date for All Applications is 4.00pm Friday 2nd June 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.

Roots Rhythms Festival is

WEEKEND IN ENNISCORTHY

ROOTS

WEEKEND

10.00 PM +

The White House Jimmy Reed (Roots Rock)

Stamp’s Trad Session

TJ Murphy’s Tom Moorehouse (DJ)

Antique Rock The Baptist (Solo) (Acoustic Americana)

Doreen’s Raglan Rodeo (Solo) (Country Rock)

Hole In the Wall Billy Edwards (RnR/Country)

Rackards JMA (Folk/Rock)

Riverside Park Hotel Aden (Acoustic Americana)

Treacy’s Hotel Inside Out (50s RnR/Rock)

SATURDAY 3rd June

2 PM TJ’s Roots Garden –Country Jamboree

Trader Sam & Slicks (1950s Country)

4PM Kiss My Grass (Bluegrass/Country)

7PM Market Square Fergus Fay (RnR DJ)

8PM The Moonrockers (50’s RnR/Rockabilly)

8PM The Bailey (Listening Club)

For updates, check out Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RootsRhythmsFest n

FREE

ALL

Dermot Byrne & Niall Toner (Godfathers of Irish Roots) (Blues & Bluegrass)

9PM Dawson’s Matt & Bull (Folk/Rock)

Peer Pleasure (Blues/Country) ALL

9.30PM Donohoe’s Holy Show (Folk Rock)

The White House Band On the Run (Roots Rock) Stamps

Eoin Harris (Blues Rock)

TJ Murphy’s Tom Moorehouse (DJ)

Antique Acko (Roots Rock)

Doreen s Michael Reid (Acoustic Americana)

Hole In the Wall Kermie (Roots Rock)

FREE

At the festival launch party held on the 27th May in TJ

10.00 PM +

Rackard’s Kiss My Grass (Bluegrass/Country)

Holohan’s JMA (Roots Rock)

Riverside Park Hotel Carra & Gerry (Folk Rock)

Treacy’s Hotel New Dimension (Folk/Rock) SUNDAY 4th June

Raglan Rodeo (Country Rock)

3PM Rock The Baptist (Roots Rock)

4PM Alan Power & The Aftershocks (50’s RnR/Rockabilly)

2PM TJ Murphy’s Roots Garden –Rock Therapy RnR DJ Support Throughout

Dawson’s Niall Toner & Johnny Gleeson(Bluegrass/Country)

Riverside Park Hotel Des Browne (Country Rock)

7PM

Holohan’s Trader Sam Duo (50s Country)

ALL FREE

9 PM The Bailey (South East RnR Club Promo) The Bopalulaz & Club DJ’s (1950’s RnR/Rockabilly) €12

9.30PM Riverside Park Hotel Acoustic Heart (Roots Rock)

Donohoe’s Alvin (Americana/Folk)

The White House Dave Clarke (Soul/Rock) Stamps

Billy Edwards (RnR/Country)

TJ Murphy’s Stephen Miller (Acoustic Americana)

Eoin Harris (Blues Rock)

Antique

Doreen’s Nic Furlong (Folk Rock)

Hole In the Wall Raglan Rodeo (Duo) (Country Rock)

10.00 PM+

Rackard’s Rock The Baptist (Band) (Americana/RnR)

Holohan’s The BC Blues Band (Blues)

9PM

Holohan’s Peer Pleasure

in Enniscorthy

Festival launch party held on the 27th May in TJ Murphys. Above left, L-R: Three stalwarts of the Enniscorthy music scene Richie Cotter, Liam and Eamonn Ellis. Above right, L-R: Oliver Doyle, Robert Lazor, Anna Doyle, Eamonn Doyle, Martin McBride.

Murphys. Above left, L-R: Ita Lavery, Aoife Redmond, Karen Redmond, Zoe Beasley. Above centre, L-R: David Ricot, Lisa O’Shea, Lynn Haughton, Ryan Martin, Joe Kavanagh, Sue Kavanagh. Above right, L-R: DJ Vince, Trish Breen, Ron Paul.

Leisure time at Reynaers

On Friday 12th May, Reynaers Aluminium, based a held a Friends & Family Day including a BBQ and c staff showed their friends, families and neighbours around the facility which has been the subject of a renovation and extension programme. n

Above: Enjoying the party atmosphere were John and Brian Keane and Blathnaid Watters.

Left: Young golfers need a hand –Margaret O’Reilly shows Conor Murphy how to play.

Left: Enjoying the hospitality laid on by Reynaers were Gertrude and Julia Sweetman, Betty Kehoe and Mary Ogilvie.

Right: Cheers! Eamon Kehoe and Keith Ogilvie.

Above Righ

Daniel and Julia Duraes sampling the beer.

Sampling the BBQ were Kayle Foley and Lyanne Murphy.

Sean Cullen was on the ball.

at the Still near Enniscorthy, children’s entertainment, and s from the local community a multi-million euro, year-long,

Enjoying the fun day were Nicola

: Westgate Design catering staff looking after the guests at the BBQ. t: Jack Davis, Nigel Roche and Ger Noonan enjoying the occasion.

Above left: Young Sadbh O’Sullivan displays her putting technique. Above right: Cadhla Cullen displays her skills with a bigger ball.

James Kirwan and Irene Meade enjoying the hospitality.

and Lena Czerpak.

Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festiva

The festival opens with the wonderful Baby Bop disco, fun and games on Saturday 3rd at 11.30am in the Market Square. Bring the family along to meet your favourite characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Paw Patrol pups, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, the Minions and more.

For updates, keep an eye on:

https://wexfordstrawberryweekend.ie

The Wexford Strawberry Weekend food and drink festival will take place on the 1st and 2nd of July at The Village at Wheelocks situated at Finchogue, Enniscorthy, and is a unique opportunity for producers, vendors, and customers to come together on a working farm to celebrate the excellent produce that the South-East region has to offer. It will feature lots of artisan traders selling food, drink, arts, crafts etc, live music on dedicated stages, cookery demonstrations, kids' entertainment, family picnic area, and lots of other activities. For updates, keep an eye on: https://wexfordstrawberryweekend.ie n

COLÁISTE BRÍDE STUDENT

FEATURES ON NEW IRISH STAMP!

Alicia Röstermundt, while a student at Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, in 2021, was the national winner of Junk Kouture 2021 with her design, 'Iconoclastic Fantastic'. This design has now been chosen as part of An Post's new Junk Kouture stamp issue. These stamps are available now in local Post Offices and nationwide.

The stamps showcase to the Irish public Junk Kouture’s valuable learnings for students around the importance of sustainable living. n

JUNE BANK HOLIDAY 2023

Sunday 4th

Concert in St. Edan’s Cathedral & Fringe Music Trail

Music from local musicians including ACKO, Ambassadors Stories and many more in the local pubs of Ferns, followed by The Allabair Trio Concert in the cathedral

Monday 5th

Parade at 12pm from St. Edan’s Cathedral & Family Fun in Ferns Castle

A festive parade making its way to Ferns Castle for an afternoon of Free entertainment for all Cathedral concert tickets €12 from fernsvillage.ie Further information from ancientconnections.org

Enniscorthy Drama Group Annual General Meeting

Enniscorthy Drama Group held its annual general meeting on Tues day May 16th at the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy.

In his address, Chairman Liam Doyle was lavish in his praise for what was a great year of drama in Enniscorthy and beyond as the group once again toured the Circuit with Fintan Kelly’s popular and well received play Farsiders.

Liam had a special word of thanks and congratulations for Paul O’Reilly, Fintan Kelly, Pat Murphy and Joan O’Rourke for their roles in writing, directing, and co-directing, respectively.

Liam praised and thanked all committee members, actors, backstage, front of house and everyone involved over the past twelve months saying it had been a challenging time as people

only gradually returned to social events following the Pandemic, but EDG can be proud that they hit the ground running and had a most successful year as acclaimed by treasurer Pat Murphy who highlighted a growth of over €10,000 in his treasurer’s report.

Liam also pointed out that the group were very happy to be able to contribute €1,800 to the Cystic Fibrosis charity in memory of group member Joe Doyle.

The newly elected officers of EDG for 2023 are: Chairman Liam Doyle, Vice Chair Maria Nolan, Secretary Laura Franklin, Asst. Secretary Brendan Robinson, Treasurer Tom Boland, PRO Karen Franklin, Child Protection Officer Joan O’Rourke.

– Maria Nolan

At the Enniscorthy Drama Group AGM, L-R back row: Tom Boland, Maria Nolan, Brendan Robinson. Front row L-R: Karen Franklin, Pat Murphy, Liam Doyle, Laura Franklin, Joan O’Rourke.

Above: Fintan Kelly.

Below: Paul O’Reilly.

AIR

Movie Review with Kyle Walsh 

I went to see this new movie AIR based on a true story of the Nike Air Jordan brand. This movie is a sports drama, expertly crafted by Ben Affleck. Affleck has proven to be a top class filmmaker with films such as Argo and The Town. One would question how could you make a film this interesting, this intense, this exciting, about the creation of the greatest athletic sneakers of all time, well folks let me tell ye Affleck exceeds all expectations here and delivers one of the best movies of the year so far.

It’s a very simple plot really. We have the key players here, Ben Affleck is Phil Knight the owner of Nike brand, that is struggling and is in fierce competition with Adidas and Converse. With Nike at the bottom of the list. Affleck’s best mate and collaborator for years, Matt Damon, plays Sonny Vaccaro. His job is to find a superstar and bring him to Nike and use his name and reputation to launch a new brand of Nike sneakers and save the company.

Against all odds, Sonny wants to sign Michael Jordan and make him a superstar and make millions of dollars. How do they do that? What will be the consequences if the company fails to get his signature? We don’t get to see Jordan’s face throughout the movie, we only see the back of him but we do get to see real footage of him doing what he does best on the court. His story is seen through the eyes of his mam, played here brilliantly by the great Viola Davis. Special shoutout to Jason Bateman, he too is great in this movie. All the performances are great throughout. It’s incredibly directed by Affleck. He’s done an unbelievable job capturing the time period. It’s set in 1984. The song choices, the style, the pop culture, everything is incredible throughout.

The screenplay for me is the best of the year so far. Matt Damon is great and shows why he is one of the best leading men in the industry today. This is an amazingly impressive piece of art that sports fans and basketball players alike will share in conversation amongst each other for a very long time. This film is a real crowd pleaser and is so worth checking out. Incredible.

Festival of Ferns June Bank Holiday Weekend

If you’re looking for fantastic family entertainment with a cultural flavour this June bank holiday weekend, Ferns is where it’s at!

Kicking off on Sunday 4th of June, a very special concert will take place in the spectacular setting of St. Edan’s Cathedral at 7.30pm. The Allabair Trio features Melanie O'Reilly on vocals,

David Creevy on guitar and Brewen Favreau on Uillean Pipes/Low Whistle. This concert is the final part of the original song cycle composed by Melanie which comprises new songs inspired by the connection between St. Aidan and St. David. Guest Choir, The Chord on Blues led by Mary Moulds, will also perform on the night.

Also on bank holiday Sunday, the local pubs of Ferns will be hopping with music and other local performers. From 3pm in the afternoon to late into the evening, Dunbars, Doyles Bar, The Thatch and The Courtyard will host the best of local music to celebrate the ancient links between Ferns and North Pembrokeshire in Wales.

The celebrations continue into bank holiday Monday with the Festival of Ferns parade including a sea monster, a giant beehive, The Horsemen of Éire and an array of local performers taking to the streets. The parade kicks off at 12pm and will tell the story of the legend of St. Aidan and St. David, forming a visual spectacle representing the journeys that took place between Ireland and Wales.

The Sea Monster will represent the crossing by St. Aidan to Wales. A giant beehive and a swarm of bees will represent St. Aidan departing Wales with David's blessings and the founding of the monastery in Ferns by St. Aidan. The Horsemen of Éire will accompany the parade on horseback and dressed in medieval costumes, setting the tone for the festivities to follow in the castle. Leading the parade will be the Bloco Garman drummers, certain to amplify the medieval atmosphere.

The Festival of Ferns Parade will lead spectators to Ferns Castle for a magnificent, medieval jousting display from the Horsemen of Éire. The Castle ‘jousting grounds’ will also play host to an afternoon of lots of family-fun entertainment.

Festival of Ferns is part of the Ancient Connections programme which was formed to celebrate the ancient links between communities in North Pembrokeshire and Wexford. From the Stone Age through to Medieval pilgrimage, many ancient stories reveal strong links between these two Celtic lands. One such story is the long-term friendship between St. David, patron saint of Wales

Singer Melanie O’Reilly with Dave Creevy on guitar and Brewen Favreau on low whistle and uilleann pipes, otherwise known as The Allabair Trio, pictued with the Chord on Blues choir at a concert last year in the beautiful setting of St. Edan's Cathedral, Ferns.

and his pupil and protégé St Aidan who is closely associated with Ferns in Wexford. Festival of Ferns is sure to be a fun, family weekend that will rediscover this shared heritage.

Tickets for the concert in St. Edan’s Cathedral are €12 and are available from fernsvillage.ie. All other events are free. Visit fernsvillage.ie or ancientconnections.org for more information. n

Don't miss this unique event of the two-day Festival of Ferns 2023. On Sunday, June 4th, The Allabair Trio with local choir Chord on Blues, will perform in St. Edan's Cathedral, Ferns. A very special evening in a beautiful setting. Tickets €12 can be booked on www.fernsvillage.ie

Pic: Michael Duggan Photography.

ENNISCORTHY RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

The next monthly meeting of the Enniscorthy Retirement Association will take place on 6th June at the Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Centre at 2.30pm. There will be a speaker and arrangements will be confirmed for outings in June.

Amongst other activities in May, the Association had a guided tour of Mount Congreve House and Gardens in Waterford (see photo) including a two-course lunch in the Stables Restaurant. A wonderful time was had by all.

The ENNISCORTHY RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION always welcomes new members. 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

The Kilkennys to play at Bellefield! Enniscorthy Musical Society AGM

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 per the graphic below.

Keep an eye on the ‘Enniscorthy Musical Society’ Facebook page for an imminent announcement about its next show and as new Chairperson Tina Doyle says, “We cannot wait to get started on the preparations!” n

The Kilkennys will be playing at Bellefield GAA complex, Enniscorthy, on Saturday 3rd June 2023, at 9pm with support by 1-4 To No Score at 7pm. This is a fundraiser for the local club and tickets cost €15 plus booking fee.

A traditional Irish folk and ballad band, The Kilkennys are noted for their dynamic arrangements, energetic performances and charismatic rapport with audiences across the globe. Picking up the mantle left by acts such as The Dubliners and The Clancy Brothers, the four-piece group continues to conquer tour circuits in Europe and the U.S. In the recent past The Kilkennys have shared the stage with renowned Irish artists such as Shane McGowan, Sharon Shannon and Finbar Furey. All are asked to come out and support this great fundraising night out. There will also be fantastic Spot Prizes and a DJ on the night.

Please note that a non-refundable booking fee is included in all online bookings. Tickets are non-refundable. Get your tickets now at www.gr8events.ie n

Never knew Henry VIII had a passion for hurling!

Despite the dreadful loss to Westmeath on 21st May, I was delighted to run into acclaimed actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, probably best known for his role as Henry VIII in the very popular TV series The Tudors.

I asked Jonathan, who was most willing to have his photograph taken with pundits at Chadwicks Wexford Park, if he enjoyed the game, thinking that he just happened to be in town and decided to see some hurling, so was surprised at his reply, ‘Of course not, the home county lost.’ Wasn’t aware that Wexford could count Henry VIII amongst its supporters, but I guess you could say we kinda lost our head on the day, so maybe it was appropriate!

Anyway, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who has also starred in Michael Collins, Titus, Bend It Like Beckham, Alexander, Mission Impossible, Elvis Presley, and plays the real life historical figure Bishop Heahmund in The Vikings, was born in Dublin, moved to Cork and is now apparently residing in Wexford.

With an estimated net worth of approximately €8 million, Jonathan Rhys Meyers is one of our most affluent and sought after Irish actors and is certainly welcome to Wexford and I would like to take this opportunity to wish him, his spouse Mara Lane and their son Wolf Rhys Meyers every joy, happiness, and success here.

– Maria Nolan

Maria Nolan with Jonathan Rhys Meyers at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

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

L-R: John Roche and John Carr (committee members Wexford Older Peoples Council) and Kevin Molloy (Chairman, Wexford Older Peoples Council).

Tony Dempsey and Theresa Dempsey, Hon. Sec. Rosslare Active Retirement Group.

Above L-R: Kevin Molloy (Chairman, Wexford Older Peoples Council), John Roche (Committee), Leo Browne and Nóirín Cummins (Rosslare Municipal District Manager). Below, back row L-R: Miriam Hillis (Wexford Co. Council), Lee Flynn (Wexford Fire Service), John Roche and Tony Dempsey (Committee members Wexford Older Peoples Council), Yvonne Smith (Wexford Library). Front row L-R: Mary B. O’Leary (Wexford Local Link), John Carr (Committee member Wexford Older Peoples Council), Kevin Molloy (Chairman) and Nóirín Cummins (Rosslare Municipal District Manager).

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!

Parish Fete & Family Fun

Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes will once again be hosting their hugely popular Parish Fete and Family Fun Day in The Showgrounds, Enniscorthy, on Saturday, June 10th, from 2pm to 5pm.

A particular feature of the day is the pet dog show and after last year's success the organisers are adding a number of additional categories to the competition including the ‘dog with the waggliest tail’ and the ‘dog the judges would most like to bring home’. Pre-registration will take place between 2pm

Above left: Jimmy Gahan (Enniscorthy Chamber), Colin Levingstone, Vera Armstrong, Caroline Steacy, Andrew Owen, Rev. Nicola Halford, Claudia Kidd. Above right: David O’Connor with Cooper.

L-R: Jennifer Syme, Vera Armstrong, Robbie Syme, Claudia Kidd, Andrew Owen, Rev. Nicola Halford, Rosemary Walshe, Colin Levingstone, Caroline Steacy, Anne O’Connor, David O’Connor.

Day for all

and 3pm on the day, followed by the judging and the ‘parade of champions’ later in the afternoon.

The Parish Fete and Family Fun Day is not just about dogs, however, it is about families coming together to enjoy each other’s company and to sample the fabulous fare on offer. A wide variety of stalls selling everything from home produce, toys and books to bric-a-brac, ladies clothing and flowers will feature on the day and for those not interested in searching out a bargain, there will be an array of mouthwatering food available with delicious afternoon teas and BBQ burgers among the culinary delights on offer.

Children attending will also find plenty to occupy their time with a creative and imaginative programme of games, competitions, face painting, colouring stations and various challenges for the not so young while also featuring a secure and safe play area for toddlers to enjoy all the fete has to offer.

The Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes consists of Clone, Clonmore, Monart, St. Mary’s and Templescobin and proceeds from the Fete and Family Fun Day will go towards the upkeep of the various parish churches. The cost of maintaining so many churches is hugely expensive and Rev. Canon Nicola Halford, who is Rector of the Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes, is hoping the planned fete on Saturday, June 10th, will raise sufficient funds to allow her continue to meet the day-to-day expenses involved in meeting the spiritual needs of her church community.

The Fete and Family Fun Day is open to all denominations with Rev. Halford looking forward to meeting and greeting everyone who can make it.

A raffle is also being held to assist in raising funds – see all the great prizes listed in the accompanying graphic. Tickets will be on sale in St Mary’s Church grounds, Enniscorthy, on Saturday 3rd June. Your support would be most welcome. 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

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

FOR THESE AND MORE EVENTS CHECK OUT: WWW.WEXFORDARTSCENTRE.IE CONTACT THE BOX OFFICE ON 053-9123764

“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

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.

Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival

The Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival will take place over the June Bank Holiday weekend (3rd and 4th June). There will be a whole new sustainability section to the festival so keep an eye out on Facebook (‘Enniscorthy Street Rhythms’) for more details on this exciting new development and all the other events taking place during the festival. n

Tony McCann and Trish Dagg

Slimmers in Enniscorthy can choose from a huge range of classes provided by Tony McCann and Trish Roche. See page 97.

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

All-Ireland glory!

Wexford Drama Group’s production of The Father, by Florian Zeller, was successfully staged at the All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone on 3rd May and the lead performer in the play, Enniscorthy’s Andy Doyle, took home the national award as best actor.

In addition, Wexford Drama Group secured the coveted Abbey Theatre Award which includes a run on the Peacock stage at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. It will run from the 1st to the 3rd of June and such has been the demand for tickets that an extra matinee performance has been added for Saturday 3rd June.

Congrats to Andy and all the team for bringing All-Ireland glory back to Wexford and Enniscorthy and best wishes with the run at The Abbey! n

Andy Doyle (left) with his wife Norma and director Paul Walsh at the awards night in Athlone.

An Enniscorthy spy ring – sure why not? by

Maria Nolan

If it can happen, then it can happen in Enniscorthy, that’s what you gotta believe if you want to read the debut novel of local author Damien Murphy.

Irish Spy Agency (ISA) Chronicles – Book 1: Diving In follows the exploits of Enniscorthy secret agents Peter Black, Molly Roche, Denny Roche, Jaden Murphy, Mike O’Leary and Rachel Browne, friends and neighbours living at Sean Browne Close, Enniscorthy. Believe it or not.

Damien’s novel has a Harry Potter flavour, with each of his secret agents possessing special powers – Peter has super strength, Molly can fly, Denny can manipulate fire, Jaden manipulates earth, Mike manipulates air, while Rachel has the power to manipulate water, all the elements covered in this most intriguing and enjoyable read.

I caught up with Damien at his book launch at The Presentation Arts Centre, where he told me that, like many of today’s new authors, the Covid pandemic gave him both the incentive and the time to write, and he informs me that this is the first in a series of a possible six novels that he has begun planning already.

I was fascinated by his cover depicting the iconic windmill on Vinegar Hill and Damien laughed saying, ‘Sure what better place for spies to meet, where you have sight of anyone approaching.’ They knew that back in 1798 too but could have done with a couple of Damien’s characters with special powers, perhaps they could have changed history.

Well done Damien, what an intriguing and innovative idea, hearty congratulations on your first book and I look forward to seeing you fulfil your dream.

Irish Spy Agency (ISA) Chronicles – Diving In is available at Easons in Enniscorthy and is geared towards teenager and young adult readers. For more information: email murphydamien94@gmail.com n

Above left: Author Damien with sister Mary Murphy and Margo Hogan. Above right: Damien with fellow author Maria Nolan.

Author Damien Murphy with Cllr John O’Rourke. All pics by Maria Nolan.

Top award for Wexford Arts Centre

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

Pic: Terence White.

Co. Wexford Chamber Annual Awards 2023

Wexford Arts Centre wins the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award.

L-R: Brendan Crowley (Co. Wexford Chamber), Darragh Clifford (Group Editor Wexford People Newspaper), Elizabeth Whyte (Wexford Arts Centre), Rosemary Hartigan (Wexford Arts Centre), Emma Dunphy (Co. Wexford Chamber). Pic: Mary Browne.

SIP AND PAINT!

Enjoy a Friday night out with a difference at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, in the company of Dawn from Craft Central. Following step-by-step instruction, participants will paint on canvas to create their own piece of art to bring home. No experience is necessary and all materials are included in the price. This is a fun art activity, perfect for groups or single participants: "Fun Art not Fine Art".

BYOB & nibbles! Friday 30th June, 7pm, €30.

Feel free to call Dawn with any questions on 085 2091833. n

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000

The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529

Submissions are now being accepted for the next issue of The Wexford Bohemian – New Writers Special. The publishers welcome poetry, short stories, essays, reviews, photography, artwork, dialogues, on any topic but pieces based or set in Wexford are especially welcome.

A new writer is anyone who feels that they are new to writing, or have not been published widely. There is no submission fee. Submissions are only accepted via email. They can be sent to wexfordbohemian@gmail.com in a Word .doc file (specific submissions that must retain a particular form, such as poetry, can also be sent as a .pdf).

Copyright remains with the author.

Prose submissions must not exceed 2,000 words. Poetry submissions must not exceed 40 lines. Please include a fifty-word bio in the body of your email.

Final decision on publications rests with Red Books Press.

Submissions open until 28th of June, 2023.

https://www.facebook.com/wexfordbohemian 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 Co. Council’s art collection

and Michael Bolger. See more on next page.

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

Piercestown School Annual Art Exhibition official opening on 11th May: The Bolger Family – Cerys, Sinead, Megan whose art is on exhibition, Ella, Lily May

The official opening of the Piercestown School Annual Art Exhibition on Thursday 11th May 2023.

Piercestown: where all the children in the school have their art included

Above: Assembling in the school hall prior to the opening.

L-R: Colum Kavanagh (comic writer and BLAST facilitator), Laura Walsh (Principal), Helen Gaynor (local artist), Teresa Corrigan.

Young artist Katie Stamp with her dad Declan and sister Chloe.

Showing off her artwork is Savannah Simpson, Junior Infants, with parents Des Carroll and Regina Simpson.

Grace Murphy proudly showing off her art to her sister Cara.

Myah Healy, 2nd Class student, proud of her art on display at Piercestown School annual art exhibition.

Student Jack Sunter, 5th class, shows off his work at the exhibition.

Proud as punch was Leeh Healy, 5th class.

Assembling before the opening of the Piercestown School Annual Art Exhibition.

Denise McAuliffe's solo exhibition continues at The Presentation Centre

Denise McAuliffe's solo exhibition of artwork at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, continues until 10th June 2023.

Denise utilises a lyrical autonomous painting style, influenced by the phenomenology of perception. The work draws on a multiplicity of artistic traditions - from old masters portraits, abstract expressionism, to installation. Using traditional materials, Denise creates abstract and figurative formations, experiencing the intimacy of memory through the subconscious. Denise has adopted a unique style, a formulate practice of turning found objects and enhancing their beauty by strategically applying them to the canvas.

Denise graduated from NCAD with an MFA in Fine Art Painting. They then went on to study figure and portrait painting at The Royal Academy of Art in Florence. They also have an honour's degree in Visual Art under their belt from WIT, along with a studio bursary from Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford City.

Denise says, "When I paint, I am engaging in an ongoing dialogue, and submerge into an abyss which pole-vaults me sometimes unexpectedly into an act of brutality, but, I welcome the surprise that develops in my hand. Trusting in simple existence, the intensity that assures consistency leads me along a path without compromise. I am self consciously aware of my own being, existence vibrates." n

Attention: Annual Open Call Artists – your work is now available for collection!

Please be mindful of the 60 Day Uncollected Artwork Policy, where artwork not collected before Friday July 14th may be disposed of. The Presentation Arts Centre will be contacting each artist individually during this period with reminders.

The Presentation Arts Centre, Convent Road, Enniscorthy, Y21 X889. Tel: 053 9233000.

Opening Hours

Monday - Thursday 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm. Friday 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 4pm. Saturday 10am - 2pm. Closed on Sundays.

Tried-Tested-Tasted by Caitriona

Caitriona Barron from Drinagh, Wexford, grew up on her dad’s farm with plentiful homegrown veg and their own meat so “we really knew the value of good food. My mother started a seafood business after meeting my stepfather fisherman, my brother now runs the seafood business so I’m well used to fresh food.”

“I worked with the family business before leaving to be a stay-at-home mother but soon got bored (lol!) and started taking pics of my food, sharing my recipes on social media. When people started showing interest, I realised this could be a job so I bought myself a camera and threw myself in the deep of it. I love it and I get to work with amazing companies. Seeing my pictures in magazines, in shops, and occasionally on TV is pretty amazing.

“I’m a mother of two boys and, yes, juggling it all can be very tough. But I keep it going as it’s my passion now and it’s very rewarding.”

https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted and Caitriona_barron on insta n

GREEK STYLE SKILLET BAKED CHICKEN AND RICE

INGREDIENTS:

* 5 portions skin-on chicken drumsticks, thighs or breast, you can mix like I did

* 1 lemon, juiced and zested

* 2 tbsp oregano

* 1 tsp of fresh thyme leaves

* 1 tsp salt

* 1 tsp garlic powder

* ½ tsp pepper

* 3 tbsp olive oil

* 1 cup long grain rice

* 2½ cups chicken stock

* 1 small onion

* Slices of lemon garnish

* Fresh parsley for garnish

* Green or black olives

INSTRUCTIONS:

Marinade chicken in lemon juice zest, garlic powder, half of the oregano, 1 tbs of the olive oil, salt. Mix and leave for at least 3 hours.

Preheat oven 1800C.

Heat half the oil in the pan and fry chicken until browned, set aside.

Add remaining oil and sauté onions. Add rice and remaining ingredients, give it a good stir and pop the chicken back into the pan.

Cover and bake 35 mins.

Lid off, bake for 10 mins.

Garnish with lemon, olives and parsley.

How simple is this and so tasty! n

Caitriona Barron

Pic: Caitriona Barron. https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted

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 6,500 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.

the end. But let me tell you, there's one thing I was spot-on about – the weeds! They just keep popping up, and I can't seem to keep up with them!

JUNE...

It's already June, and time's flying like crazy! Last month, I was talking about all that rain we usually get in May, and while that was true at the beginning, we got some amazing sunny weather towards

I had planned to sow Brussels, but I never got around to it. So now, I have to swing by Wilton Gardens and grab some ready-to-go plants. Trust me, they've got some great stuff! If you sowed some Brussels make sure, if you haven't already, that you cover them this month because this is when you'll start to get the butterflies. In particular the cabbage white butterfly. It will feast on any of your brassicas so be warned as you'll be left with nothing but stems if you don't cover them up. Not a pretty sight!

I did manage to sow my carrots and parsnips at the end of May but, at present, there are no visible signs of growth, but I remain optimistic that they will thrive in due course. I grow a variety of carrot called Nantes 2. They usually germinate with no issues and they grow really well. I sow my seeds in a double height raised bed so it gives them lots of space to grow. We'll see how the parsnips go; they can be hit and miss.

For all you green thumbs out there itching to sow something else from seed, this month's the time to go for it. Get those broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seeds in the soil, 'cause these plants will

be the stars of your winter dinner table. The month of June is for me probably the best month for strawberries. They start to arrive for me by the first or second week. I usually get bowls and bowls of them and we generally eat them on a daily basis and they've a really sweet taste to them.

Another thing that I will be harvesting will be my garlic. I grew three varieties. The most interesting one is the elephant garlic and last year they were bigger than my hands so I'm looking forward to seeing how they do this year.

Remember as always, if you would like to see more about what I am growing, or ask me questions, then make sure to pop over to @rootedinwexford on Instagram and give me a follow. n

Normandy food festival set for New Ross

A friendly invasion of the foodie kind has been announced by the Normandy Tourist Board as this June Bank Holiday Weekend a ‘Normandy Food Tour’ will be arriving on the shores of Ireland and stopping off to create a French Food Festival in three locations with Norman heritage.

The Normandy Food Tour will bring the very best of Normandy’s foods, drinks and music to St. Patrick’s Park in Dublin on Saturday, June 3rd, from noon to 7 pm; to the historic Cathedral Square in Waterford on Sunday, June 4th, from noon to 7 pm; and to the Quayside of New Ross town on bank holiday Monday, June 5th, from 11am to 6pm.

Normandy food trucks will arrive en masse to serve up tasty sweet and savoury dishes with tastings on offer all day long. Chez l’Couz marries the finest Normandy beef with creamy camembert and Neufchâtel cheese served up in a soft bun. Grignot’Malin will be serving up traditional French crêpes filled with cheese and more. And who can resist dessert, especially when it’s Caravanille preparing delicious fresh brioches topped with Normandy delicacies.

A Normandy Sweet Treats Tasting will also be on offer with

Cara-Meuh, La Maison Du Biscuit cakes, Jeannette Madeleines, Caramel De Pommes Dieppois apple spread and more. If cheese is your preferred option then the best of the world is in store for you, with a cheese tasting ticking off the classics like Camembert, Neufchatel and Isigny Mimolette, crowned the best cheese in the world this year! Visitors will also have the opportunity to bring some home, thanks to cheese vendor La Dégusterie.

Traditional brews will also be on offer and visitors can enjoy a cider-tasting experience with Cidrerie de la Brique where visitors can journey from the traditional methods through to styles defining the future. Or why not get into the Bank Holiday spirit and chance a Calvados tasting Chateau du Breuil and Busnel apple brandies. La Mont Vinette, a bar in a vintage caravan will also be offering samples of their unique and authentic Normandy cocktails.

A demo stage will see a schedule of fabulous Normandy chefs cook up traditional and innovative cuisine including ‘Escalope à la Normande’, Teurgoule rice pudding along with the universally loved brioche. Totally free-to-attend Masterclasses will be held throughout the day with sampling some of Normandy’s best exports available plus a family-friendly crepe demonstration activity will be showcased each afternoon.

To top the celebrations off, visitors will be entertained by the French musicians ‘For the Hackers’, who will be performing for the very first time in Ireland! Hailing from Dieppe, Normandy, these indie-rockers have been active for about a decade now, and have numerous hits to their name. Their blend of pop, rock and electro with French lyrics is guaranteed to impress. Their live shows are powerful, and engaging, and their chemistry as a band is very visible. A truly unmissable act, especially as ‘For the Hackers’ will be playing on top of their solar-powered bus!

The Normandy Food Tour is a free-to-attend, family-friendly event with live music, free cookery demos, tasting opportunities and more. See https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/normandyfood-tour/ for more details. n

Normandy to invade New Ross with a Food & Music Tour this June Bank Holiday Weekend, June 5th, New Ross Quayside from 11 am to 6 pm.

New traders wanted at Enniscorthy Farmers Market

The colourful Enniscorthy Farmers Market which trades in the Abbey Square, Enniscorthy, every Saturday until 2pm, is on the hunt for new traders to join the market, particularly someone who can offer hot food.

The market has been trading for over 16 years and has built up a very loyal and regular customer base.

If this is of interest to you or if you know anyone who might be interested, please get in touch with the market.

You can send an email to justask@wexfordfarmersmarkets.com or call organiser Pat Roche on 087-7948830 n

Major awards for local hospitality businesses

Centre:

At the Irish Restaurant Awards held in mid-May, two Co. Wexford establishments emerged as Best in Leinster winners: Best Casual Dining in Leinster, sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace, was won by One Hundred Degrees, Gorey. And Leinster Pub of the Year, sponsored by Peroni Nastro Azzurro, was won by T Morris Bar, Wexford town. n

T Morris. Pic: Paul Sherwood.

One Hundred Degrees. Pic: Paul Sherwood.

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

Co. Wexford Chamber Awards

Congratulations to Wexford town’s La Côte restaurant / Cheeky Cod on winning the Hospitality Provider of the Year Award at the recent Co. Wexford Chamber Awards night. Our photo shows the team at La Côte pictured with Co. Wexford Chamber’s Emma Dunphy and Brendan Crowley. n

Outdoor dining

Outdoor dining structures in Enniscorthy: Draft licences have been drawn up for those successfully retaining their structures, which will cost €125 per set of table and four chairs. Licences will be issued once payment is received. Businesses that are non-compliant with the conditions will risk losing their licence. n

Nutrition event at Gorey Library

Gorey Library is delighted to welcome performance nutritionist to World, European and Irish Champions, Declan Gilmore, who will present his unique evidence-based talk, focusing on the four pillars of nutrition, exercise, water and sleep, on Thursday, June 8, 2023, 7-8pm. Booking is essential, contact the library on 053-9483820. n

New greenhouse now installed

The Enniscorthy Community Allotments is delighted to have its KSB Greenhouse Prima 4 now installed on site. The group wishes to thank Wexford LCDC Community Development for funding this project, and it looks forward to using this space as a demonstration area and for growing workshops throughout the year. Water butts have also been installed so that the members there can harvest rainwater for use throughout the site. n

The serve of the season

Summer is here and what better way to enjoy it than by sipping a delicious, Enniscorthy-produced Jackford Irish Strawberry Gin –the serve of the season!

Pic: Mary Browne

Killowen Farm needs to invest in a bigger display cabinet!

Returning for the first time since pre-Covid, the high profile business lunch at the K Club, Co. Kildare, to reveal this year’s winners of the Good Food Ireland awards was attended by Guest of Honour Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, along with 300 guests including the CEO of ITIC Eoghan O’Meara Walsh; Darina and Rachel Allen; President of IFA Tim Cullinan, and Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation who delivered the afternoon’s key note speech.

Killowen Farm, based in Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy, was announced as the winner of the Dairy Producer of the Year, and Pauline and Nicholas Dunne were on hand to receive the prestigious awards. Shortly afterwards, Killowen was named Overall Business of the Year at the Co. Wexford Chamber Awards (see pages 112-113). A bigger display cabinet is definitely needed in Courtnacuddy to hold these and all the other awards received over recent years. n

Local business is growing with Aldi

A total of 24 Irish suppliers have been selected as finalists for the Grow with Aldi competition, run in partnership with Bord Bia and Invest NI.

The chosen products are now on sale at 157 Aldi stores nationwide for a two-week period from 25 May. Now in its sixth year, Grow with Aldi offers practical mentorship and retail support to these suppliers. Today, the scheme has invested more than €8m in 230 producers.

Aldi assessed and selected applicants "based on their passion, the quality of their produce and their entrepreneurial spirit."

Huge congratulations to Co. Wexford’s Mór Taste, based at Killinick, who are included in the Grow With Aldi Programme 2023. You can find their low sugar cherry, blueberry and mango jam products in Aldi Stores Nationwide until this 8th June.

Find out more: https://mortaste.ie/ n

Felix Oster of Mór Taste, delighted to be included this year in the Grow with Aldi programme.

Pauline and Nicholas Dunne, Killowen Farm, with the award for 'Dairy Producer of the Year’ at the 2023 Good Food Ireland Awards held recently in the K Club, Co. Kildare.

Photo by Kevin McFeely FLY media.

GreenTech HQ

part of the community

The Slaney News has reported in recent issues about the first tenant – Pinergy SolarElectric – to move into the first office block at Enniscorthy’s new Technology Park, and we are delighted now to have met the second tenant to move in – GreenTech HQ.

Set up by serial entrepreneur Ed Murphy who is originally from the Wellingtonbridge area, it is Ireland’s first sustainable innovation hub providing a whole range of supports, mentoring, training, sourcing investment etc for start-up and early stage businesses operating in the green technology area.

Ed and his management team, including CEO Rita Martin and Marketing Manager Liz McGonigle, are keen to forge close links with the local community and so held on the 25th May the first of what will be many community events at their impressive premises – a visit by the residents of Enniscorthy’s Castle Gardens Nursing Home with entertainment provided by the legendary Niall Toner, who has been based in the Bunclody area for many years.

The Slaney News looks forward to a longer visit to GreenTech HQ in the near future to learn more about this exciting new venture for them and for the town of Enniscorthy. n

Ed Murphy (centre) of GreenTech HQ recently gave a talk at Enniscorthy Chamber. He is pictured with MJ Furlong (AIB) on left and Jimmy Gahan (Enniscorthy Chamber) on right.

GreenTech HQ

CEO Rita Martin at their new premises in the Enniscorthy Technology Park.

The legendary Niall Toner entertaining the residents of Castle Gardens Nursing Home on their visit to GreenTech HQ in Enniscorthy Technology Park.

Riverside is an ‘Excellent Employer 2023’

Congratulations to the Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club, on being awarded ‘Excellent Employer 2023’ at the inaugural Fáilte Ireland Employer Excellence Awards.

When an existing or potential employee sees the Employer Excellence symbol, they know that the business is recognised for its quality people practices and for being a brilliant place to work. n

Wexford students win Special Merit national award

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

‘Excellent Employer’ Colm Neville (left) pictured at Fáilte Ireland’s New Smart Operations Programme recently announced for hoteliers at the Cashel Palace Hotel, Co. Tipperary, with Jenny De Saulles, Fáilte Ireland, and Donnacha Hurley, Absolute Hotel, Limerick. Pic: Patrick Browne.

Congratulations to Ramsgrange Community School students Alison and Amy Duffin, who won a Special Merit award for their business ‘Positive Pots’ at the Student Enterprise Programme Awards held in early May and well done also to the personnel in the Local Enterprise Office Wexford who have a great track record in picking and supporting successful Co. Wexford projects in this prestigious national competition.

New signage erected at the Enniscorthy North Business District.

Apply now for Shopfront Painting & Flower Grant Scheme 2023

The Enniscorthy Municipal District Shopfront Painting & Flower Basket Grant Scheme 2023 is open for applications.

The scheme will assist business owners/operators to carry out works which will improve the external appearance of their premises. Applications are invited from commercial properties in the following locations: Ballindaggin, Bree, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Ferns and Kiltealy.

Full details are available on Wexford Co. Council's website and application forms are available from the Enniscorthy Municipal District office in Market Square. Completed Application Forms must be submitted to:

Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy.

The Slaney News understands that this scheme is not open to anyone who is participating in the current Streetscape Enhancement Scheme 2022 and that priority will be given to those who did not benefit from the Shopfront Painting & Flower Basket Grant Scheme last year (but these people can still get the flower basket grant element).

Any queries please telephone Enniscorthy Municipal District 053 92 33540. Email: emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is: 5pm, Friday, 16th June, 2023. n

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/ business/business-supports-and-grants/enniscorthy-municipal-district-sh opfront-improvement-grants

Throwing open its doors!

There was great excitement on 11th May at the Still near Enniscorthy, as a multi-million euro, year-long, renovation and extension of the Reynaers aluminium facility was officially unveiled.

The Belgian Ambassador to Ireland Karen Van Vlierberge, together with the Reynaers family and the CEO of Reynaers Group Bert Geerinckx, officiated at the celebrations to mark the renovation of the offices, upgraded production facility and the extension of its warehouse. Also in attendance were staff and invited guests including customers, architects and members of the local community.

Reynaers is a leading specialist in the development and marketing of innovative, sustainable aluminium solutions for windows, doors and façades. Since its foundation in 1965 in Belgium, it has grown from a small, local business into a European leading player. In 2021, the Rey-

naers Group achieved a turnover of €638 million, thanks to the continuous efforts of its 2,600 passionate employees across 40 countries.

Reynaers’ high quality product range, including doors, windows, sliding and folding doors, facades, conservatories and skylights, solar shading and cladding, meets the most stringent demands in terms of comfort, energy, security, architectural design, and energy-efficiency.

Consisting of 3,500 sq.m of a mix of new and refurbished facilities that meet the highest standards in building regulations, the refurbished premises at the Still are now bright, modern, and open-plan in nature with Reynaers’ own industry-leading products showcased throughout the buildings, while the production facility has been completely re-organised, new automated machinery installed and facilities upgraded for all workers to enjoy.

Commenting on this milestone, Reynaers

Ireland MD Pat Bevan remarked, “Reynaers has had a presence in Enniscorthy since the early 1980s and this project is all about securing it into the future. Working with local architect Neville Conroy, we have preserved and enhanced the landmark stone building, a former Jameson distillery, and it now provides world class facilities for our employees and partners. We are also well positioned to meet Reynaers Group sustainability targets through initiatives such as sensor-operated LED lighting throughout the building and energy efficiency upgrades to our machinery.”

Reynaers is one of the largest employers in the Enniscorthy area, so it’s great to see it throwing open its doors to allow in the local community to see up close what it does and how it contributes so hugely to the local economy.

https://www.reynaers.ie n

The large gathering at the Reynaers Aluminium facility at the Still, Enniscorthy, on 11th May for the official cutting of the ribbon by Belgium Ambassador to Ireland Karen Van Vlierberge for the renovated and extended Reynaers aluminium facility.

Belgium Ambassador to Ireland

Karen Van Vlierberge cuts the ribbon assisted by Reynaers Ireland MD Pat Bevan.

Left: Nigel Roche gives the benefit of his 27 years experience with Reynaers in Enniscorthy to the attendees on 11th May 2023. Nigel is the component surervisor for the Enniscorthy plant which produces 600 components used in buildings worldwide.

Right: The Reynaers business history is wall mounted in the impressive offices.

Above left: Reynaers Group Director Jan Reynaers, CEO of Reynaers Group Bert Geerinckx, Reynaers Ireland MD Pat Bevan, Belgium Ambassador to Ireland Karen Van Vlierberge.

Above right: Staff members Margaret O’Reilly and Isaac Wheelock with Jimmy Gahan (Enniscorthy Chamber) and Dr Mairead Kelly.

Left: Reynaers Ireland MD Pat Bevan.

Right: Attendees enjoying the Friends & Family Day at Reynaers on Friday 12th May – an informal affair where staff could show their own friends, family and neighbours from the local community around the facility and enjoy a BBQ and children’s entertainment. See more photos on pages 68-69.

The impressive Reynaers Aluminium facility at the Still, Enniscorthy,

Freshtoday launches sensory pods for schools

Enniscorthy company Freshtoday, which employs just over 150 people in the town, is the number one school meals provider in Ireland. This rapidly expanding and innovative company has now added another string to its bow with the launch of its new Sensory Pod. The official launch event took place on 28th April in St Coen's National School, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, offering a wide range of benefits for students and teachers within that school.

The Sensory Pod is designed to stimulate the senses and provides a peaceful and calming environment for students. The pod is equipped with a range of features, including sound therapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy, that work together to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Initially, the Sensory Pod was being geared at students with special learning needs, however the company has found in the course of working with the Sensory Pod that there is a huge cohort of students who can benefit from its use.

The Pod allows children with neurological difficulties, such as children with autism, to enter a calm environment through the stimulation of their different senses such as sound, touch, etc. There is a full bluetooth-activated screen that gives the teacher/SNA the capacity to turn sounds/activities on and off.

Freshtoday plans to roll out these new Sensory Pods, which are valued at €10,000 each, to as many schools as possible.

We wish the company well with this exciting new venture. n

Minister for Fu Simon HarrisT attendees

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD prepares to cut the ribbon.

The Freshtoday Sensory Pod.

The Freshtoday Sensory Pod is designed to stimulate the senses and provide a peaceful and calming environment for students. It was officially launched on 28th April 2023 at St Coen's National School, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, by local TD and Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris.

urther and Higher Education TD addresses the the launch.

CO. WEXFORD CHAMBER AWA

County Wexford Business of the Year Award

(1-20 Employees) WINNER: Coatek.

County Wexford Business of the Year Award

(20-50 Employees) WINNER: The Apex.

County Wexford Business of the Year Award

(50+ Employees) WINNER: Kent Stainless.

County Wexford Employee of the Year Award

WINNER: Monica Byrne – Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

County Wexford Excellence in International Trade

Award WINNER: Kersia-Group Medentech.

County Wexford Excellence in Retail Award

WINNER: School Books Ireland/The Treasury.

County Wexford Excellence in Sustainability Award

WINNER: Slaney Farms Produce Ltd.

County Wexford Family Business of the Year Award

WINNER: Trudies Kitchen Ltd.

County Wexford Food and Beverage Producer of the Year

Award WINNER: Killowen Farm.

County Wexford Hospitality Provider of the Year

Award WINNER: La Côte Restaurant/The Cheeky Cod.

County Wexford Online Business & Digital Market-

ing Award WINNER: Eoin O’Connor.

County Wexford Operational Excellence Award

WINNER: McGrath Quantity Surveyors.

County Wexford Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award WINNER: Wexford Arts Centre.

County Wexford Service Provider of the Year

Award WINNER: Secret Valley Wildlife Park.

County Wexford Start-Up Business of the Year

Award WINNER: Machinelab Ltd.

County Wexford Tourism Provider of the Year

Award WINNER: Talbot Hotel Wexford.

County Wexford Training Provider of the Year

Award WINNER: Gainfort Academy.

County Wexford Ambassador of the Year

Award

WINNER: Paddy Berry.

County Wexford Lifetime Achievement Award

WINNER: The Nolan Group.

County Wexford Overall Business of the Year

WINNER: Killowen Farm. n

County Wexford Overall Business

County Wexford Operational Excellence Award: McGrath Quantity Surveyors.

County Wexford Excellence in Susta

County Wexford Business of the Year Award (20-50 Employees): The Apex.

County Wexford Food and Beverag

WARDS 2023 ALL PICS: MARY BROWNE

s of the Year: Killowen Farm, Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy.

County Wexford Ambassador of the Year Award: Paddy Berry.

inability Award: Slaney Farms Produce Ltd.

County Wexford Business of the Year Award (1-20 Employees): Coatek.

ge Producer of the Year Award: Killowen Farm.

County Wexford Business of the Year Award (50+ Employees): Kent Stainless.

South East Animal Rescue

South East Animal Rescue is increasing the opening hours for its charity shop at 27 Court Street, Enniscorthy. It is looking for volunteers who would be available for 3-4 hours a day, mainly afternoons between 2pm and 5pm weekdays and between 10am and 2pm on Saturdays. If you would be able to assist please call Peter on 089 4069956. n

WE LOOK FORWARD TO PAMPERING YOUR PET

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

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR JUNE

On the 2nd of June we are hosting a whole group of speakers on the very topical subject of Regenerative farming. So what does this term mean?

Regenerative agriculture is viewed as a positive adaptable approach to allow the development of a sustainable food system. If done on a large scale it has the potential to help solve the climate and biodiversity crises while supporting sustainable livelihoods... This was what google threw up for me when I went looking for a definition!!!

In essence, if you can help restore Nature by feeding the soil as apposed to feeding the plant, by replenishing the topsoil with the right conditions of microflora, minerals, pH and humates, then the soil is able to do the rest. If we got out of the way, Nature is perfectly capable of doing this Herself! They say that if we were to leave all our farmland untilled for 200 years it would have returned to a fully mature oak forest... A complete ecosystem without our intervention.

WE want to have food so this isn't considered as an option, so if we can mimic Nature and use methods more akin to the natural rhythms of the Earth then we are moving towards a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

The one common denominator of this type of farmer is Enthusiasm! They love what they do and are eager to make a difference. It is rewarding and enjoyable to see these people reinvent themselves, their farms and their

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

own patch of the Earth. It’s said that farming is the most important profession... because if you've no food then nothing else matters!

These farmers who have taken the first step are invigorating, brave and fascinating characters. We are going to have the privilege to host several of these in the Riverside Park Hotel this coming Friday, as part of the Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival, alongside soil scientists, agronomists and college lecturers to give a complete overview of what is possible and how any farmer can follow the lead of these men and women at the forefront of this positive movement for change.

As a veterinary surgeon I'm excited to see this change. As a consumer I see this as the best news, and as a person who loves Nature it is manna from Heaven that this movement is gathering pace and momentum that is going to be the change that is needed for the land, its animals and us as end consumers. Its a win win.

Getting behind this, supporting farmers making this change is good for us all.

If you can't make it on Friday, there will be talks over the festival weekend in Enniscorthy on Saturday and Sunday. See https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthy.streetrhythms/ We at Moyne Vets are passionate about what we do and are happy to host these passionate people on a journey to a better way of living. 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

The Peugeot 408 arrived in Ireland earlier in 2023 and is a new model for the French car brand. Styled as a fastback, the new 408 expands Peugeot’s range of compact cars and SUVs that already includes the 308 hatchback, 308 SW and 3008 SUV.

Priced from €39,995, the new 408 is available with petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. A fully electric version will join the range at a later date.

The Peugeot 408 is something completely different for the compact segment. Even within Peugeot’s own range, this car stands out as something very unique and exclusive.

While it’s built on the same platform as

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING PEUGEOT 408

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

the 308, Peugeot has been very adventurous with the styling. At the front, the 408 bears its family resemblance to the 308 but the grille design is a little wider and more flamboyant in its design. The 408 also sits a little bit higher off the ground than your average hatchback, giving it a natural presence.

At the back, the 408’s roof slopes down like a coupé, proving to be a refreshing alternative to the boxy SUV shape that is so popular right now. The whole look is finished off by a large grey plastic rear bumper, which gives the 408 a sporty and aggressive stance.

There are a range of nice metallic colours available, some of the best being Obsession Blue and Elixir Red. The Allure

model (from €39,995) has 17-inch alloy wheels, while Allure Pack (from €41,995) adds 19-inch.

The top of the range GT trim is reserved for the 225hp plug-in hybrid models (priced from €53,345). On the outside it can be distinguished by 19-inch ‘Graphite’ alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, and the Peugeot shield logo on the front doors.

The 408 features a new generation Peugeot cabin, and shares much of its design, switchgear and in-car technology with the new 308 that launched in Ireland in 2022.

That’s not a bad start at all, and the 408 has a suitably stylish and upmarket cabin.

PEUGEOT 408

You sit higher behind the wheel than in a 308 so many will enjoy this slightly more elevated driving position and view of the road ahead.

The 408 cabin feels very driver-focused. Peugeot’s trademark sporty compact steering features as does a slick digital instrument cluster for the driver. There’s also a large, glossy 10-inch touchscreen as standard with ‘i-Toggle’ customisable shortcut buttons to popular functions positioned on a panel below.

The quality of the interior is excellent and the 408 feels like nothing other than a plush and comfortable car. There are elegant trim details in the doors and dashboard, and top of the range GT models get beautiful Alcantara seats.

The 408 sits on a longer wheelbase than the the 308 so it offers impressive amounts of legroom in the back. It feels like a much more open and spacious family car. The hatchback style boot opens to reveal 471 litres in plug-in hybrids and 536 litres in the petrol 408.

The Peugeot 408 GT is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol electric plug-in hybrid powertrain with a range-topping 225hp. The delivery of power is effortlessly smooth, while the 408 covers the tarmac with plenty of enthusiasm. It feels agile and dynamic to drive with lots of grip and responsive steering. It’s also comfortable for cruising or taking on the worst of the Irish tarmac. It’s very quiet on the road, helped by standard fit acoustic windscreen.

Being a plug-in hybrid, it is always at its best when the onboard battery is kept charged as much as possible. There is the

potential to drive this car using battery power only for up to about 60 kilometres. There’s a 3.7kW on-board charger with the option of a 7.4kW version for faster AC charging. With the standard charger it will take about 3.5 hours to charge to full from a wallbox or 5.5 hours from a three-pin plug.

Other engine options include a 1.2-litre petrol with 130hp and the same plug-in hybrid engine with 180hp. All versions come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The Peugeot 408 is a very accomplished car, offering an innovative design for the compact segment and managing to pull off a big-car feel beyond this class of vehicle.

Model tested:

Peugeot 408 GT Hybrid 2

Price: From €53,345

Engine: 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid Power: 225hp

Torque: 360Nm

Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.8 seconds

Motor Tax: €140 per year n

Interior

Motor Industry encourages women to get involved and help make a difference

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently hosted its 8th annual Women@SIMI event in conjunction with its sponsor Bank of Ireland in the Conrad Hotel, Dublin 2.

The event was attended by over 170 professional women from a variety of different sectors within the Motor Industry in Ireland. Delivering an impressive panel of guest speakers, Mary Kennedy, Master of Ceremonies, welcomed Louise Grubb, CEO of Trivium Vet, a serial life science entrepreneur with a track record in founding successful businesses, along with Norah Casey, award-winning TV and broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and human rights campaigner.

Antonia Hendron, President of SIMI,

addressing attendees, said, “It’s wonderful to see so many successful women here from different sectors of our Industry. Our Industry is an area where female employees have been historically under-represented, and I am pleased to say this is changing. The SIMI’s management board has changed in composition with a representation of six female leaders now sitting at the boardroom table and I am honoured to stand before you today as your President.”

Ms. Hendron remarked that events like Women@SIMI are important to create a space where professional women can have the opportunity to network and learn from each other as well as hearing from other successful people of different backgrounds and industries.

Reflecting on her own experience, Antonia commented, “By being forced out of my comfort zone, it has led me to meet and make some incredible connections and friends from across the Motor Industry.” She also encouraged attendees to make a difference and help shape the industry’s direction by getting involved with the Society.

Guest Speaker Louise Grubb remarked on the importance of innovation, thinking outside of the box to create new opportunities, encouraging your team to express themselves, while been prepared to pivot when the road ahead changes, but above all don’t be afraid to take that opportunity to start in the first place.

Guest Speaker Norah Casey said, ”It's not what I did in my life that changed me, it’s what life did to me. Negativity can propel you, but look inside yourself and you will find the resilience to move forward. Don’t be afraid to create something new and different. There is a women’s agenda around cars that needs to be articulated, there needs to be a strategy about it, because it is incredibly important to us. There is no public transport that replaces the safety that cars give to women.” n

L to R: Louise Grubb, CEO Trivium Vet, Mary Kennedy Master of Ceremonies, Norah Casey, broadcaster, entrepreneur and human rights campaigner.

SIMI President Antonia Hendron.

Great weather and great golf

The annual Rapparees/Starlights Golf Classic took place at Enniscorthy Golf Club on 27th May 2023 with 43 teams participating in the well organised and well supported event. Photos below by Maria Nolan of some of those enjoying the occasion.

Planning permission sought for major football project on eastside of town

The Wexford Football League is seeking Planning Permission from Wexford County Council for the construction at Kilagoley, Enniscorthy, of three grass playing pitches and one all-weather 'astroturf' playing pitch with associated flood lighting, and to include all associated and ancillary site works such as perimeter fencing, walking track with associated lighting, car parking with lighting, ball stop netting, dugouts and surface water drainage and discharge, vehicular and pedestrian access, and to include for provision for foul sewer and utility connections to future changing room building (subject of separate future planning application).

Enniscorthy Greyhound Track

Racing every Monday and Thursday in June at 8pm. Extra race meeting Sunday 11th June at 7pm featuring Time Nutrition Unraced Stake and usual family fun evening. n

Astro Turf

The eagerly awaited new Astro Pitch project at Ross Road, Enniscorthy, is making progress.

The planning process for the new pitch has been completed. A sod-turning event is expected early this month (June). Work is likely to commence soon and the project is expected to be completed later this year. 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

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

members always welcome

Bon voyage to Charlie

Enniscorthy Greyhound Track has said "bon voyage" to its turnstiles operator Charlie O’Brien.

Charlie has been part of the furniture on the turnstiles for many a long year. His dependability and dedication to making sure everyone who enters through the turnstiles contributed to the track, will be missed. He is wished all the best from all at the Showgrounds and in the Wexford Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association, and all involved in greyhounds.

Our photo shows Bridget Whelan and Myles Roban making a presentation to Charlie to mark his retirement. n

Enniscorthy Rugby Club seeks coaches and volunteers

The club is always looking for new people to get involved. If you’ve an interest in managing, coaching or working behind the scenes, please get in touch. You can contact John or Michael at the numbers below. n

Tag rugby returns

County Wexford’s best and most social tag nights return, starting on June 23rd.

The mixed tag league returns this summer, an opportunity to keep fit, meet new people and have some craic. Theme nights, live music and BBQs! No tag experience is necessary, all teams and individuals welcome. n

Co. Juvenile Softball Championships

ACME Blinds County Juvenile Softball Handball Championships 2023, Ballymitty, Wexford, 21st May

Above left: Boys under 14, Barry Foley, Taghmon HC beat Jack Breen, Taghmon HC, pictured with Suzanne Fitzharris, Acme Blinds, sponsor. Above right: Boo Murphy (left), Castlebridge, beat Amber Cronin Kenny (right), Coolgreaney HC, with Suzanne Fitzharris, Acme Blinds, sponsor.

Above left: Boys under 11, James O’Brien, Castlebridge, beat Aidan Cronin Kenny, Coolgreaney HC. Above right: Girls under 13, Angel Cronin Kenny, Coolgreaney HC, Isla Mai Redmond, Templeudigan HC and in the middle Suzanne Fitzharris, Acme Blinds, sponsors. Below left: Elsa O’Neill, Templeudigan, winner Girls under 12 with Megan Murphy, Taghmon, runner-up. Below right: Girls under 10, Abby Howlin, St Josephs, Wexford, winner, Suzanne Fitzharris, ACME Blinds, sponsor, Alan O’Neill, referee, and Oonagh O’Shea, Templeudigan HC.

World champion set for visit to Enniscorthy

Current world champion and world no.1 ranked darts player

Michael “Bully Boy” Smith will be in T.J. Murphys for a once in a lifetime darting exhibition on Friday 23rd June, 2023, starting at 8pm. Contact the venue for more details or check out their social media channels n

A great send-off lined up for Liam

The Slaney Sharks swimming club based at the Waterfront Pool in Enniscorthy, is planning on celebrating the upcoming retirement of Liam Murphy as swimmming coach. Details below. n

Enniscorthy Sports Hub

O’Leary Sludds Architects were appointed in Feb 2021 for the detailed design, procurement of works contractor and construction management of the proposed new Sports Hub building consisting of a sports equipment storage area, changing rooms, toilets, showers and a small office.

A competition to award a works contract was advertised in May 2022. The lowest price tender opened for the project exceeded the available budget and, therefore, it has been decided not to progress with awarding a works contract. A redesign process for the project is now underway, and it is expected to retender soon.

Enniscorthy Municipal District is working on an online booking system for the existing facility. The new system will be in place in the coming weeks.

An assessment has been carried out on the track surface and Enniscorthy Municipal District is awaiting report on same.

An inspection is due to be carried out soon at the hub with a view to purchasing additional equipment for field events to improve the facilities there.

Interim repairs have been carried out in the toilets at the Sports Hub. The new sports hub pavilion, when developed, will include better toilet facilities. n

Dobbs scores 4

Congrats to Enniscorthy sharpshooter James Dobbs who scored an incredible four goals in Wexford FC’s League of Ireland game away to Kerry FC on 26th May, and in the process became the second highest scorer in the club's history.

Rapps and Cloughbawn hurl for Noah by Maria Nolan

Seven-year-old Noah Lambert was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year and is receiving state-of-theart radium treatment in Essen in Germany, as he begins his long road to recovery.

Old friends and rivals, Rapparees and Cloughbawn GAA clubs, came together on Saturday 20th May to help defray some of the costs for his parents Vinny from Clonroche and Jackie from Enniscorthy.

The large crowd at Castleboro were happy to donate to the worthy cause to see the clubs take each other on for the much-coveted trophy, the Seamus Walsh Memorial Cup.

Presented by Rapparees clubman John Browne, a great friend of the late Seamus Walsh, to the victorious Cloughbawn captain, John wished Noah a speedy recovery and paid tribute to the great GAA stalwart saying, ‘Seamus would have been delighted with the result here this evening, with the home side and his home club taking the honours and keeping the cup in Cloughbawn for another year.’

Councillor John Fleming thanked everyone for coming and the Rapparees for providing the opposition saying, ‘Seamus first love was Cloughbawn, but

the Rapps were a close second, and he liked nothing better than heading into Bellefield for a game and a pint or two after the match.’

John went on to welcome Vinny Lambert, Noah’s dad, who had participated in the game, and members of the family. ‘The whole club and beyond are rooting for Noah and we want you to tell him

that there’s a Cloughbawn jersey waiting for him when he’s back to full health’, and Paul Carton invited all to the clubhouse for refreshments.

A most worthwhile event and one that raised over €2,000 towards Noah’s expenses. Might we take this opportunity here at the Slaney News to wish him health and happiness. n

L-R: John Fleming, Paidi Cullen, Vinny Lambert, Paul Carton. Pic: Maria Nolan.

L-R: Captain Paidi Cullen, John Browne, and Noah’s father Vinny Lambert. Pics: Maria Nolan.

Bree Billiards and Snooker Club concludes its season

The club recently concluded the season with an interesting "6 Red" Snooker Tournament. 23 members signed up to this new concept, which was put forward by Secretary John Wilson. The format involved drawing four groups of players to initially compete on a round-robin basis, with normal handicaps halved. The winner of each match was awarded 1 point. The winner and runner-up from each group then progressed to the quarter-final stage. Seven Junior players were grouped together in order to ensure that two made the next stage, improving their competitive streak along the way. This was dubbed "The Young Lions" group, in a nod to Paddy Long, who successfully coached and captained younger players and league teams to victory over the years. He liked to use this term.

Play commenced in mid-April. Jimmy O'Brien won group 1, with Shane Bradley going through as runner-up. Group 2 saw John Wilson emerge as winner, and Pat Bolger runner-up. Group 3 Junior winner was Colm O'Brien and runner-up Gary Martin. Winner of Group 4 was Bill Cahill and runner-up John Bolger.

The quarter-final stage commenced on a "best of 3 frames" basis, and Gary Martin went through in his match with Jimmy O'Brien, while Colm O'Brien won his pairing with Shane Bradley. John Wilson beat John Bolger, and Pat Bolger went through in his match with Bill Cahill.

The first semi-final was played on May 11th, and saw Pat Bolger progress to the final, defeating John Wilson 3-0 in a best of 5 format.

On May 12th, in the second semi-final, Gary Martin beat Colm O'Brien 3-2 in a tight match. Gary took the last two frames to secure victory.

The Final was fixed for May 16th, played out on a best of 7 format. On the night, Gary Martin proved to be the stronger player, taking a 3-0 lead over Pat Bolger. The fourth frame went to a black ball decider, and what might have been a turning point for Pat was not to be. Gary held his nerve, and after a couple of attempts each, potted the black to win his first tournament on a convincing 4-0 scoreline.

Highest break was awarded to David Minogue (23) and Colm O'Brien was presented with "The Young Lion" 2023 trophy, having emerged as winner of the Junior group.

Next on the agenda for the club is the AGM, with a date yet to be finalised.

– Pat Bolger, PRO.

Enniscorthy’s Paul Conroy is having a remarkable golfing season in the U.S. Read all about it here:

https://irishgolfer.ie/uncategorized/2023/05/24/paul-conroy-riding-crest-of-a-wave-ahead-of-national-championships?fbclid=IwAR2yohX81ow18kfx6MqtkNtTypYgbj3FR0bJ 5kVQLdM1YA99jiJlbfHUL3g

Paul enjoying a sensational season stateside

Above: John Bolger, Chairman, with Gary Martin, winner, and below with Pat Bolger, runner-up.

Major 1798 events set for Enniscorthy Ferns – a stronghold of heritage

Planning a day out with a difference? Why not visit the numerous heritage sites in historic Ferns.

Ferns is different in that it is the only major area of historical significance in Ireland which has evidence of four distinct periods in Irish history. Archaeological digs have revealed habitation from the Bronze, Iron, early Christian and Norman eras.

Uniquely, Ferns’ Iron-Age excavation produced the first evidence of the use of iron nails. Amber beads also discovered link Ferns to the Bronze Age (during this period, Amber trade routes were established) while the many ecclesiastical sites extend from early Christian, through Norman and the Middle Ages. This distinguishes Ferns from other significant heritage sights such as Cashel, Glendalough or Clonmacnoise which provide evidence of just the Christian period. Here’s a pointer towards some of the unique heritage sites on offer:

 Ferns Castle

 St. Edan’s Cathedral (pictured below)

 Cathedral graveyard including grave of Diarmuid McMurrough

 Grave of Rebel Commander Father John Murphy

 Ferns High Crosses

 St. Mogue’s Cottage

 St. Mogue’s Well

 St. Peter’s Church

 St. Mary’s Augustinian Abbey

 Ruins of Chapter House

 Monument to Fr. John Murphy. https://fernsvillage.ie/ferns-villageheritage-trail/ n

FRIDAY 9TH JUNE 2023: The Ideals of Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité – see next page.

SUNDAY 18TH JUNE 2023:

There will be a Re-enactment of the Battle for Enniscorthy Bridge from 10-11am at William Barker Bridge in Enniscorthy. Also on Sunday 18th June, make sure to enjoy Rebellion Day at The National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy. An immersive experience will be on offer to visitors with a rebel camp showcase featuring blacksmith demonstrations, cookery demonstrations, a battle preparation camp etc for visitors to view and join in.

WEDNESDAY 21ST JUNE 2023:

The annual Longest Day Commemoration will take place as usual on Vinegar Hill at 6pm. All are welcome to attend. n

HERITAGE UPDATES...

Consultants are expected to be in place around now to commence work on a new €40,000 Heritage Plan for Enniscorthy. The project went to e-tender in April 2023, and the tenders were assessed on 12th May.

New information panels are being prepared for Vinegar Hill by the Heritage Office in Wexford Co. Council. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy at the Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting in May stressed the importance of them being in place for 21st June when the annual Longest Day Commemoration will take place there at 6pm. n

The Ideals of Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité

The Ideals of Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité is an event hosted by The National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy and taking place in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on Friday, 9th June, at 7.00pm, as the town remembers the 225th anniversary of 1798.

Enniscorthy is honoured to host a visit from Ambassador of France to Ireland, H.E. Vincent Guerénd, for this event in which he will be in conversation with historians Liam Chambers of University of Limerick and Brian O’Cléirigh of Oulart on 'The Ideals of Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité - How The French Revolution Impacted Irish Rebellion'.

Music will be provided before the conversation by the Irish and French musicians of The Allabair Trio.

This event is kindly hosted in conjunction with the Wexford Normandy Cul-

tural Association and Melanie O'Reilly.

Funding is provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.

Admission is free but tickets must be booked in advance at:

wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/tic ketbooth/shows/87363615 n

Ambassador of France to Ireland, H.E. Vincent Guerénd.

Melanie O'Reilly

Brian O’Cléirigh

Remembering the Redmond brothers

enactmnent society along with historian Barry Lacey, commemorated the shooting of three civilians on 26th May 1798. The Redmond brothers were shot, under the orders of Captain Carr, by Yeomen many of whom they had gone to school with. Two brothers died on the day and the surviving brother went on to fight in the ensuing battles of the Rebellion being wounded yet again at Hacketstown and surviving his injuries to live into old age.

‘Rebellion 225’ events planned across the county

Rebellion 225, a month-long commemoration in Co. Wexford, organised by Wexford Co. Council in tandem with the National 1798 Rebellion Centre and local communities to mark the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion, sees a wideranging, countywide programme that includes an event to mark the famous incidents that took place at Three Bullet Gate during The Battle of New Ross in June of that year.

The Three Bullet Gate commemoration takes place on June 11th from 1.30pm and marks a key part of the Battle of New Ross, one of the bloodiest days of the Rebellion. Following the shooting dead by Crown forces of Matthew Furlong who bore a flag of truce, his comrades, led by the famous John Kelly of Killane, rose up and attacked the town of New Ross through Three Bullet Gate. Such is its significance, the gate is even mentioned in the Irish National Anthem Amhrán na bhFiann, as the Bearna Bhaoil (gap of danger).

June also sees a range of other commemorative events across the county, including at Kilmore Quay, with a talk entitled ‘3 Landlords, 3 Castles, 3 Leaders’, taking place at the Kilmore Quay and Stella Maris Centre at 10am on June 2nd.

Commenting on the countywide commemorations, Mico Hassett, Manager of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Enniscorthy Castle, said there are many key events to remember: “We really want locals and visitors to Wexford to understand the significance of 1798 and to feel immersed in the whole experience of Rebellion 225, through our talks, workshops and reenactments. There is much to remember and honour across Wexford from 1798 and we look forward to engaging with attendees about these hugely significant events in Irish history.”

Funding support was received from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to help organise all the events taking place across the county.

To check out the Rebellion 225 events still to come, see www.visitwexford.ie/rebellion

Laying of wreath at the Lockout Memorial at The Faythe, Wexford

Above: Public representatives, Wexford Co. Council officials, organisers and other attendees at the laying of a wreath at the Lockout Memorial at The Faythe in Wexford on 1st May 2023.

Left: Cllr Davy Hynes addresses the crowd.

Right: Helen Corish Wilde and Mayor Maura Bell.

Below left: Anthony Bailey, Wexford Borough District Manager.

Below right: Some of the attendees at the laying of the wreath at the Lockout Monument in The Faythe, Wexford, on May bank holiday Monday.

Setting a ‘clean and green’ exa

Coláiste Bríde

A few years ago, Coláiste Bríde Transition Year students in Enniscorthy, instead of doing work experience (due to Covid restrictions), started doing litter picking every Wednesday and they have kept up the great work ever since. And the girls are now teaming up with Enniscorthy Tidy Towns to conduct joint operations. n

Above right: Inka Schmieding of Coláiste Bríde in 2021 doing a cleanup in Blackwater.

Above far right: Alicia Röstermundt litter picking in 2020.

Right: The ‘fruits’ of their labour. Far right: Zoe Schwartz in 2022.

Enniscorthy CBS

Great to see students from St Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, out and about doing litter picking recently.

ample in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy Community College

On 2nd May 2023, four members of the Enniscorthy Community College Green Schools committee attended a "Neat Streets" award ceremony in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin. Neat Streets is a programme developed by An Taisce to prevent litter and waste in schools and the local community.

The Enniscorthy Community College Green Schools committee has been working throughout the year tackling waste and litter through activities like the "Go Green for St. Patrick" week, guest speakers from Repak, clothes pod collection, litter picking and more. At the Dublin event, the four representatives gave a presentation outlining all the activities they have done this year and received an award for all their hard work. The Green Schools committee aims to continue in the next academic year and achieve the first green flag.

Pictured are Hannah McInerney, Abbie Dobbs, Jack Redmond and Keanan Treacy, accompanied by Green Schools Coordinators Ms. Aine Sheeran and Ms. Sarah Walsh. Well done to all! n

Go Paddle

Susan and the wonderful team and learners at Gopaddle.ie are always pulling rubbish out of the Slaney. Our photos show a recent haul. Well done. n

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns’ young volunteers

It’s great to see the next generation of Tidy Towns volunteers making their mark in such a positive way on the streets of Enniscorthy – see photo above of some of these young litter heroes.

Junior tidy town members are always welcome!

Contact the group:

Tel: 053 923 6518

enniscorthytt@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy TidyTown n

The benefits of buying refurbished

Irish consumers can save up to 91% CO2, 97% water and 80% electronic waste when buying refurbished electronic devices...

 Refurbed has partnered with the prestigious Fraunhofer Institute to publish a study on the product footprint of electronic devices.

 When buying a refurbished Apple iPhone 11, the buyer's carbon footprint is 15.7kg of CO2 compared to a new device which is responsible for 72 kg of CO2.

 An iPhone 11 requires 12,075 litres of water to produce compared to a refurbishment of one which requires 1,695 litres.

As the climate crisis worsens, it is clear there is too much CO2 and electronic waste being produced, while it is also evident that many parts of the world are experiencing drought. This year, Ireland’s Overshoot Day took place on April 21st, meaning all natural resources allocated for this year have already been used up. Going forward, as a society, Ireland will consume resources for the rest of the year at the expense of future generations. In order to preserve resources, alternative business models and extended life spans of products need to be prioritised. The Refurbed company, together with Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH, has investigated the amount of CO2 emissions, water and electronic waste that can be saved when buying a refurbished electronic device instead of a new one.

In the study of the product footprint of electronic devices, the total environmental impact of selected products in their first and second use phases (new purchase and refurbishment) has been

calculated. This was discerned by using new comparative data collected worldwide surrounding the Apple iPhone 11, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, the Apple iPad Pro 4 2020, the Apple MacBook Air 2017 13.3“ and the Lenovo Thinkpad T460 i5.

The findings revealed that for new electronic devices, 80% of the CO2 lifetime emissions occur in the production phase. In the case of a brand-new Apple iPhone 11, it was found that 56.9 kg of CO2 is produced. By contrast, when refurbishing the same model, it emits just 2.8 kg per device. When looking at the total product footprint of a new Apple iPhone 11 taking into account production, material extraction, transport and consumer use, among other things, it produces a total of 72 kg of CO2. A refurbished Apple iPhone 11, on the other hand, produces just 15.7 kg of CO2. Consumers who buy a refurbished Apple iPhone 11 instead of a new Apple iPhone 11 can therefore save 78% of CO2. CO2 savings are notably large, varying across the different product categories; ranging from 69%, for the refurbishment of a Lenovo Thinkpad T460 i5, to 83%, for the Apple MacBook Air 2017. The difference is substantial.

Additionally, the production of a new smartphone requires on average up to 13,000 litres (ls) of water. In the case of an Apple iPhone 11, the production requires 12,075 ls. The refurbishment of the same product requires only 1,695 ls. Consumers can therefore save 86% water should they decide to buy a refurbished Apple iPhone 11 instead of a new Apple iPhone 11. When looking at an Apple MacBook Air 2017 13.3“, almost 57,000 ls of water is used compared to 5,385 ls for its refurbished counterpart. This corresponds to a considerable water saving of 91%.

According to Global E-waste Monitor 2020, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in European households. This is a result of the high consumption of electronic devices, short product life

cycles, and few repair options. Furthermore, Final Report ProSUM states that in Europe alone, 10 million tonnes of ewaste is generated per year, only 40% of which is collected for recycling. The figures of Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH show the enormous environmental savings potential that is possible through refurbishment. For example, consumers can save up to 60% on e-waste by buying a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S20 instead of a new one. The savings potential for the Apple MacBook Air 2017 is even bigger, at 80%.

"These results are particularly important as we have taken a fully comprehensive look at all impact areas," says study author Paul Rudorf from Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH. "This does not take out a partial section, but quantifiably calculates the real impact a product has on our planet."

Peter Windischhofer, co-founder of refurbed, also notes the valuable insights in the report: "We are positive that through the collection of comparable data and the transparent communication of the positive effects of refurbishment to consumers, we can help make the consumption of electronic products more sustainable. In Ireland, we now have a refurbished device in one in 30 households across the country. This is a positive development that supports the responsible use of resources."

Further information: www.refurbed.ie/ n

Refurbed is the leading online marketplace for refurbished products in Ireland. Founded in 2017 by Peter Windischhofer (pictured above), Kilian Kaminski and Jürgen Riedl in Vienna, Refurbed now employs more than 290 people. The platform offers fully refurbished electronic devices up to 40% cheaper than new, with at least twelve months warranty.

13 pesticide exceedances in Clonroche drinking water supplies in 2022

13 exceedances for pesticides were detected in the public drinking water supplies in Clonroche in 2022. These exceedances were detected as part of Uisce Éireann’s public water supply monitoring programme. The public are being urged to continue to consider the environment and alternatives to pesticides when gardening, farming and maintaining sports grounds.

The Clonroche water supply abstracts raw water from boreholes in the Clonroche area which are vulnerable to runoff from land.

Uisce Éireann is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products to continue to consider the vulnerability of their local drinking water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of these supplies to local homes and businesses in the community.

Uisce Éireann and the NPDWAG (National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group) say pesticides must only be used where strictly necessary and only after the possibility of using other control methods has been carefully considered. Minimising pesticide use not only helps to protect water quality but also has multiple wider environmental benefits.

Where pesticide use is considered necessary, the NPDWAG continues to work with local communities to ensure that best practice measures are always followed. Farmers and other landholders dealing with the challenge of rushes should note the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) guidance on the sustainable management of rushes. This approach is based on the concepts of containment or suppression and aims to minimise the use of pesticides. More information on this can be obtained from your local farm advisor or on www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/waterprotection

Patrick Duggan, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “In Co Wexford the exceedances of the drinking water regulations for Bentazone were noted in the Clonroche public water supplies following routine sampling. While our consultation with the HSE has concluded that the levels we are detecting do not represent a threat to public health, they are still however undesirable in drinking water and it

is therefore imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when using herbicides or pesticides and seek out alternatives.”

If pesticides have to be used, the basic steps to reduce risks to drinking water sources and the aquatic environment are:

 Choose the right pesticide product (products containing MCPA are NOT approved for use in weed-wipers and are not permitted to be used from the end of September until the beginning of March).

 Read and follow the product label.

 Do not use pesticides if rain is forecast in the next 48 hours.

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

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

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

 Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly.

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

Further guidance:

A video on the best practice use and application of products containing MCPA can be viewed on Uisce Éireann’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/xQqtZ7jifUs

Information leaflets on pesticide use are also available to download from the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/farming-for-water-quality-assap/improvingmy-water-quality/protecting-drinking-water-from-pesticides/ A guide providing 10 easy steps towards responsible pesticide use in public and amenity and garden areas is available at www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/media/pesticides/content/sud/Resp onsiblePesticideUsePublicAmenityGardenAreas200217.pdf n

MONART SOLAR FARM TO POWER ENTIRE GRIFFIN HOTEL GROUP

The Griffin Hotel Group, which includes Monart Destination Spa, Hotel Kilkenny and Ferrycarrig Hotel in Wexford, is set to be powered by a brand-new, 10-acre Monart Solar Farm. Phase one of the solar farm has been completed and is now operational on the grounds of the adjacent multiaward-winning Monart Destination Spa near Enniscorthy.

Since 2014 the Griffin Hotel Group has been rolling out a longterm strategic sustainability plan under the direction of Kieran McCrea from Clevernet and Energy Consultant Specialist Ken Mc Elhinney who is now the group’s director of sustainability. Phase one of the solar farm is now completed at a cost of €750,000 which will offset the entire energy demand of Monart Destination Spa at peak.

In addition, the company has invested substantial capital in deploying building controls for heating and cooling with an aggressive efficiency replacement plan for plants, pumps, and lighting. Bio-mass boilers have also been installed along with combined heat and power (CHP) units and support for EV charging has been put in place. Real-time monitoring of energy is also in place in order to continuously measure and improve the sustainability and efficiency of providing services to hotel guests.

Michael Griffin highlights; “We have been working on the solar project since 2021, and it is fantastic that phase one is now up and running. I am delighted that our team worked with local expertise in bringing this energy generation project to life; Pinergy SolarElectric and Robert Hassey Electrical are all based within 15 minutes of our Solar Farm location at Monart.”

Ken Mc Elhinney highlights that “energy is a significant part of

our sustainability plan; but at the Griffin Hotel Group, we are also focused on water usage, waste, packaging and transport initiatives. We aim for real improvements across all these headings over the next 10 years. We are determined to drive further sustainable results.”

Liam-Anthony Griffin, director of the Griffin Group, highlights that, “We fundamentally believe that given the need for commercial organisations to take their climate change responsibilities seriously; dedicating a section of our land to Solar PV energy generation is both strategically important and urgent not only for our own sustainability goals but also for the wider community as we all try to mitigate against the effects of climate change for future generations.”

For further details on the Griffin Hotel Group's sustainability actions see https://monart.ie/griffin-group-sustainability/ n

Pictured at the new Monart Solar Farm (L-R) are Robert Hassey, Hassey Electrical & Co. Ltd. Enniscorthy; Griffin Group Director of Sustainability and Energy Consultant Specialist Ken Mc Elhinney; Director of the Griffin Group Liam-Anthony Griffin; CEO of the Griffin Group Michael Griffin; Robert Goss, Pinergy Solar Electric and Kieran McCrea, Clevernet. Photos: David Murphy.

Saturday 17th June –Enniscorthy’s First Repair Café!

Visit The Presentation Centre on Saturday 17th June from 10.30am until 1.30pm for Enniscorthy’s first Repair Café!

This is a free gathering to bring people in the community together to share skills and repair items such as clothes, furniture, crockery and electrical appliances. The range of repairs on offer depends on the ‘fixers’ that volunteer to join, so

please get in contact if you have skills that you would like to share with the wider community. Walk-ins are welcome on the day, however to avoid disappointment Sustainable Enniscorthy encourages people to get in contact with them prior to the event to tell about the items you would like to get repaired.

The Repair Café is hosted by Sustainable Enniscorthy and supported by Change X and Accenture.

Contact Feidhlim O’Shea – 087 1534987 or Fiona McCoole –086 1924719 to learn more! n

A load of rubbish!

The Best Film and Best Poster will now go forward to represent Wexford at the National Awards in Co. Meath. Fifty-two schools and over seventy entries are competing for the National Awards.

The festival has proven so successful that plans are already underway for the ‘Rubbish Film Festival’ to become an annual event that will help to raise awareness about environmental issues among young people and inspire them to take action to protect the planet.

Cliona Connolly, Environment Awareness Officer, said, ‘The Rubbish Film Festival is a fantastic initiative that demonstrates the creativity and enthusiasm of young people in Wexford, and we congratulate all those involved in making it such a success’.

Wexford County Council recently hosted a successful "Rubbish Film Festival" for Transition Year Students on a pilot basis with entries from five participating schools across the county, and it was a resounding success.

The festival, which challenged students to create a one-minute short film on an environmental theme such as climate action, reducing waste, and sustainability, was facilitated by Createschool and supported by the Environment Section of Wexford County Council.

Councillor Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District,

presented trophies to two of the three winning schools. Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge, won the Best Film Award for their film entitled ‘You Can’t Run' and Gorey Community School won Best Poster Award for ‘Fast Fashion’.

Councillor Maura Bell, Mayor of Wexford Borough District, presented the award for Best Runner-up Film to Selskar College, Wexford, for their film ‘How Would You Like It’ (see photo). Councillor Bell congratulated all the students involved and stated that ‘it was inspiring to see students deliver their message and raise awareness of environment issues amongst their peers'.

For more information see www.RubbishFilmFestival.com n

Slaney Farms environmental award

Twin changes on the way

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD announced in May this year that he was seeking the approval of the Oireachtas to amend Planning and Development Regulations to continue the waiving of licence fees for outdoor dining for restaurants, cafés, hotels and pubs across Ireland. The Minister is also seeking approval for planning exemptions to allow retailers to deliver on the government’s new ‘Deposit and Return’ scheme for bottles.

The waiving of the street furniture licence fee for tables and chairs outside a hotel, restaurant, public house or other establishment where food is sold for consumption on the premises, was first introduced in 2021 with the fee of €125 per table reduced to €0 per table.

This extension into 2023 will assist the hospitality sector this year by reducing the cost for maintaining outdoor dining in public spaces. Similar to previous years, there will also be no fee for awnings, canopies and heaters etc. used in conjunction with the tables and chairs.

With regards to the government’s new ‘Deposit and Return’ scheme for bottles, the Programme for Government and Ireland’s national waste policy (Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy) set out the government’s commitment to introduce a Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans and last November a new scheme was launched with a planned go-live date for consumers in February 2024.

The scheme encourages people to recycle drink containers and works by charging anyone who buys a drink a small deposit for the plastic bottle or can that it comes in. Customers get this money back when they return the container to a retailer or other collection point to be recycled.

To assist retail outlets to be modified to cater for ‘reverse vending machines’ (RVMs) and to facilitate the smooth rollout of the required infrastructure for the Deposit Return Scheme, Minister O’Brien has sought amendments to the existing Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to provide an exemption for the installation, alteration, repair or replace-

ment of RVMs and to insert a new definition of “reverse vending machine” into the principal regulations.

Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan TD said: “We all have our part to play in tackling climate change and improving our environment. Recycling is one of those activities where everyone has a chance to play a role and I’m looking forward to the start of the new Deposit and Return Scheme introduced by my colleague, the Minister of State for the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth TD. Reverse vending machines will make it easier for all to take part and today’s amendments to planning regulations will smooth their roll-out.”

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Kieran O’Donnell TD added: “Small businesses are the backbone of local economies and I’m delighted that we are extending this important support for hospitality businesses. I hope that even more businesses can avail of the opportunity to offer outdoor dining – benefitting their operations in the forthcoming summer season and enlivening our towns and cities.” n

At the recent County Wexford Chamber Awards, Slaney Farms Produce, located just outside Enniscorthy, won first place for Excellence in Sustainability. John Stafford (second from right) is presented with the award. Adding to their sustainability credentials, the related business, Stafford Spirits Ltd, has just received its verified membership of the Bord Bia Origin Green national food and drink sustainability programme.

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

CO. WEXFORD WELL REPRESENTED AT THE NATIONAL BLUE FLAG AND GREEN COASTS AWARDS 2023

An Taisce has announced the recipients of the International Blue Flag and the National Green Coast Awards for 2023 – a total of 159 awards, an increase of two awards compared to 2022.

Blue Flags are awarded on the basis of: Compliance with Blue Flag criteria relating to water quality, facilities for visitors, beach management, environmental education and the provision of information.

The aim of the Green Coast Award is to recognise beaches of high environmental quality. To achieve the award, beaches must have excellent water quality and have effective and appropriate management to ensure the protection of the natural environment. It places a strong emphasis on community involvement and encourages Local Authorities to work together with local communities in the management of sites.

NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY WEEK 2023

Blue Flag Beaches:

Ballinesker

Ballymoney North Beach

Carne

Curracloe

Morriscastle

Rosslare Strand

Blue Flag Marinas:

Kilmore Quay Marina

New Ross Marina.

Green Coast Awards:

Baginbun Beach

Ballyhealy

Booley Bay

Cahore Point Beach

Cullenstown Strand

Culleton's Gap

Grange

Old Bawn Beach

St. Helen's Bay

Rosslare Harbour Beach n

Funding in place for Enniscorthy Trails

Rory O’Mahony from the Environment Section of Wexford Co. Council attended the May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District and updated the members on the Enniscorthy Trails as follows:

€50,000 initial funding is available to design and plan various trails in Enncorthy, and to get them to a ‘shovelready’ stage.

€200,000 is available for expansion of the Country Walk (the existing 3km linear walk which runs beyond The Prom down by the banks of the Slaney towards Edermine). This new funding may be used to cover the cost of a 600m trail which will bypass the Urrin footbridge thereby making the Country Walk more accessible, and also cover the cost of ‘spurs’ to link with Borodale and with the Ringwood.

€30,000 is available for the Slaney Banks trail which runs at the back of the Island Road.

This year is expected to be taken up with design work, planning, negotiations with landowners etc, and it is expected that physical work on the trails will commence next year. n

On 11th May, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr George Lawlor officially launched National Biodiversity Week in the county, which ran from 19th to the 28th May.

To promote the launch, a native Irish Rowan tree was planted in the grounds of Kennedy Park National School in Wexford. Among the attendance on the day were Cllr Maura Bell, Mayor of Wexford, the children of Kennedy Park NS Green School Committee and Deputy Principal Sylvia Wickham. See photo. n

Wexford County Council to host free Climate Action Event

Location: Wexford County Council, The Street, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford.

Date: Thursday, June 1.

Time: All Day Event – Registration required – see details in the article below.

Wexford County Council (WCC) is delighted to invite the people of Wexford to come along to county hall and participate in its Climate Action Event. The purpose of the event is to meet experts from business, government bodies and voluntary groups as they share their knowledge on Climate action, while also getting all attendees’ input on the County’s Local Authority Climate Action plan (LACAP).

Under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Amendment Act, 2021, Wexford County Council has to produce their LACAP, outlining adaptation and mitigation measures to be adopted in the county over five years (2024-2029). All these measures will aid Ireland in meeting its climate target of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and the longerterm goal of a climate-neutral Wexford by no later than 2050.

While WCC requires stakeholder engagement to take place as part of the process, in drafting the climate action plan, it thought it would be good to start the conversation with some useful information on how the citizens of Wexford can help meet its targets.

Speakers at the event will include representatives and experts from many organisations including: SEAI, Enniscorthy Allotments, Solar Farms, 100 million Trees Project, ENViTE Edible Towns Network, Wexford County Council, Teagasc, Wexford Bus, Local Link, Active Travel, South East Energy Agency, Enniscorthy Sustainable Energy Communities and the Local Enterprise Office. They will be split in to four panels under the umbrellas of Agriculture, Biodiversity and Food, Travel and Energy. Each panel will be followed by refreshments and the opportunity for conversation with the speakers and the attendees. For a full programme and list of speakers and their biographies, please visit https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/environment/climate-changeand-energy-management/wexford-county-council-climate-action-event

Councillor Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach of the Environment and Climate Action SPC, said: “This Climate Action Event in County Hall is a great opportunity for Community Groups and Tidy Towns groups in Wexford, to find out more information on local climate actions that they can implement along with learning about future funding for Community Climate Action.”

Tom Enright, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, commented: “The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Amendment Act 2021 requires Wexford County Council to produce a Climate Action Plan and we are seeking the views of Wexford people on what actions they believe should be included in the plan. This event aims to advance the climate action conversation in Wexford and also provide information for community groups, businesses and farmers on climate actions that can be implemented, so that we can all together contribute to

reducing our Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) by the required 51% by 2030.”

This is a free event but you are asked to register your intention to attend online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wexford-climate-action-event-tickets-634039347757

Or email climateaction@wexfordcoco.ie

Attendees are welcome to all the events or just the one(s) they are especially interested in.

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL CLIMATE ACTION EVENT TIMETABLE

There will be four panels each featuring experts in the areas of agriculture, biodiversity and food, travel and energy. The speakers will help all to better understand the coming adaptations for climate change, and what all of us can do to help the county meet its climate targets. And each panel will be followed by refreshments and discussion.

11.00am – 12.15pm: Agriculture Panel

Brian Caslin from Teagasc.

Robert Steacy on Solar Farms from a farmer’s perspective. Eoin Kinsella, County Wexford Agricultural Scientist.

12.15pm – 1.00pm: Coffee & Conversations post presentations on Agriculture.

2.00pm – 3.00pm: Biodiversity and Food

Michael Devereux from Enniscorthy Community Allotments. Richard Mulcahy on his 100 million trees project.

Susanna D’Ascenzi from the Wexford Environmental Network and ENViTE Edible Towns Network.

3.00pm – 4.00pm: Coffee & Conversations post presentations on Biodiversity and Food.

4.00pm – 5.00pm: Transport

Alan O' Shea and Tom Byrne from County Wexford’s Active Travel Team.

Claire O'Rourke, Sustainability Manager of Wexford Bus. Mary O’Leary, General Manager of Local Link.

5.00pm – 6.00pm: Coffee & Conversations post presentations on Transport.

6.00pm – 7.15pm: Energy

Adeline Carpenter from SEAI.

Colm O’Mahony and Michael Kinsella from the South-East Energy Agency.

Irene (Morris) Cadogan & Fiona O’Loughlin from Enniscorthy Sustainable Energy Communities.

Jill Kelleher from Wexford’s Local Enterprise Office.

7.15pm – 8.00pm: Coffee & Conversations post presentations on Energy.

REGISTRATION

To register, please sign up to this FREE event via the Eventbrite link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wexford-climate-action-eventtickets-634039347757

Or email climateaction@wexfordcoco.ie

Or call 053 9196000. n

The second year of the National Food Waste Recycling Week awareness campaign will run from the 5th until the 11th June 2023 and is being supported by Wexford County Council. This campaign, managed by MyWaste.ie, will provide practical advice, with easy-to-follow hints and tips to encourage everyone to recycle more of their food waste.

This year, the aim is to ensure that people understand that food waste needs to be fully separated from all packaging such as plastic or other containers to prevent contamination at the compost and anaerobic digestion facilities leading to higher quality recycling.

Wexford County Council will be hosting a number of events where attendees will receive a food waste caddy, each with a starter pack of caddy liners as well as free compost for their gardens (pending availability) together with an information leaflet on how to recycle food waste at home. The dates and venues are as follows:

Wednesday 7th June at Gorey Household Recycling Centre at 10 am – 12 noon and 1 pm – 3 pm (site closes 12 – 1 pm).

Thursday 8th June at Enniscorthy Household Recycling Centre at 10 am – 12 noon and 1 pm – 3 pm (site closes 12 – 1 pm).

Friday 9th June at Holmestown Household Recycling Centre at 10 am – 12 noon and 1 pm – 3 pm (site closes 12 – 1 pm).

Friday 10th June at New Ross Household Recycling Centre at 10 am – 12 noon and 1 pm – 3 pm (site closes 12 – 1 pm).

In Ireland, we waste about 800,000 tonnes of food each year, according to current best estimates. Growing, processing and transporting food uses a huge amount of resources, such as land, water, energy and fertiliser. If food is wasted, these resources are wasted too. The EPA estimates that food waste

costs the average Irish household about €60 per month or €700 per year. That’s an annual national cost of €1.29 billion.

The overall aim of the campaign is to generate awareness of the role of food waste recycling in diverting this valuable resource from landfill and allowing it to be transformed into renewable energy and fertilisers for horticulture and agriculture use in Ireland. This will have a lasting impact as it will create green jobs here now and into the future. The campaign is being managed by Ireland’s three regional waste management planning offices and funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Properly recycled food waste can be used to produce energy through anaerobic digestion and to produce clean, organic fertiliser.

From January 1st, 2024, under new national legislation to be introduced later this year, all waste management companies will be obliged to provide food waste recycling bins for compostable material which will radically improve Ireland’s management of food waste.

For more information on the National Food Waste Recycling Week 2023 and to check local events, see www.mywaste.ie/national-food-waste-recycling-week/ n

Separating food waste is a positive climate action that we can all take

Wexford County Council supports National Food Waste Recycling Week 2023