Slaney News Issue 115, November 2019. by Frank Corcoran

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Issue 115 - Wednesday - 30 October 2019

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Newly appointed Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager, Ger Mackey, is aiming to develop Enniscorthy as a ‘Smart Town’ – a town that embraces modern technology, accessibility and sustainability. The recently completed motorway serving Enniscorthy, the new Technology Park on the outskirts of town, the flood defence scheme on which work is due to commence early next year, the recognition of Enniscorthy as a world leader in nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building) technology, the Fab Lab (technical prototyping platform) in the Enniscorthy Enterprise & Technology Centre on the Milehouse Road, the recent arrival of new financial services businesses etc, have been mentioned by Mr Mackey as building blocks on the journey towards ‘Smart Town’ status. Mr Mackey has spoken about a ‘ S m a r t To w n ’ s t r a t e g y a t Enniscorthy Municipal District meetings and at the recent AGM of Enniscorthy & District Chamber, mentioning that a ‘Smart Town’ does things well not only regarding

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THE SLANEY NEWS IS NOW AVAILABLE IN 230 OUTLETS!

As we go to press, the known candidates for the upcoming bye-election in Co. Wexford, which will take place on 29th November, are Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil, Verona Murphy, Fine Gael, Johnny Mythen, Sinn Féin, George Lawlor, Labour, Jim Codd of Aontu and Karin Dubsky of the Green Party. Some of the minor parties and Independents might also participate. Our “View from the Hill” columnist has taken an experienced look at the candidates and says, “It will be an interesting month ahead for political anoraks” before making a bold prediction as to the outcome. See page 6. While some people might think it’s a little early to be talking about Christmas, it is actually just over three weeks to the official switch-on of Enniscorthy’s Christmas Lights and the arrival of Santa in town. Work is underway Above: Local politicians Keith Doyle and at Kilcannon set- Willie Kavanagh help Santa arrive in style in ting up the Enniscorthy last year. Christmas village there and a lot of dates at Santa’s Enchanted Castle in Enniscorthy town centre are already booked up! See pages 20- Santa’s 23 for more details. Enchanted Castle – Frank Corcoran

10,000 copies per issue of which 5,000 are distributed door-to-door in Enniscorthy town and 700 in Bunclody. The balance is distributed to over 230 drop-off points: ENNISCORTHY: Doyles Bar, The Duffry Gala Duffry Hope Centre The Wilds Copper Pan The Holy Grail Stamps Cotton Tree Cafe Crew Cuts Cut & Shave Burke O’Leary Turkuts The Antique Tavern George’s Hair Salon Impresso Cafe IWA Charity Shop Millstream Fish Shop Butcher’s Cottage / Bakery Bridget’s Hair Salon Hair Salon Inspiration Rackards Little Spoon Coffee Shop Danny’s Barber Shop Karl Martin Cutting Edge Curls South East Animal Rescue Maura Flannery’s Shop My Café Coffee Shop Abbey Centre Bizzy Fingers City Fashions AJ Pets California Sun Tan Orchard Fruit & Veg Shop NCBI Mrs Quinn’s Charity Shop Annette’s Flowers Sandro’s Wickham Bros The Athenaeum Storm Hair Design

––––––––––––––––––––– Alba Restaurant Holohan’s Pub Shang Hai Golden City Galo Chargrill Via Veneto The Bailey Dunnes TOP shop/filling station Lotus House Greenville Stores ABC Takeaway T. Doyle’s Pub Enniscorthy Kebabish Mizzoni’s Popovici’s Toss Kavanagh’s FFC Carry Out Templeshannon The Local Bar –––––––––––––––––––– Kavanagh’s Pharmacy Dawson’s Bar Uptown Kuts Enniscorthy Cabs Hilltop Dry Cleaners Aideen Vonno Beauty Booth Pet Corner Presentation Centre SuperValu Pettitts Gonzaga House –––––––––––––––––––– Quik Pick, Ross Road Grants Pharmacy Saucy Butcher Pet Depot Bellefield GAA complex CWCWE Enterprise Centre Enniscorthy Voc. College Co. Wexford Education Centre Centra-Drive Milehouse Road –––––––––––––––––––– C&R Print Bus Stop Shop Smiles Dental The Barber Shop Enniscorthy Chamber Screaming Canvas Slaneyside Carpets

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ONLY 230 MORE DELIVERIES TO DO ! Wheelocks

Main Post Office IFA Centre Bank of Ireland AIB Wexford Local Development Enniscorthy Credit Union Enniscorthy Castle Ashmore Financial Services Frizelle O’Leary Solicitors Property Team M.A. O'Leary Burger Macs Hope Shop Touched By Suicide R&T Beauty –––––––––––––––––––– Sami’s Sherry FitzGerald O'Leary Monica’s Hair Salon Phoenix Estates Crystal Script Kennys for Bikes O’Learys Newsagents –––––––––––––––––––– Library

Old Dublin Road Coal Yard ATB Tyres Before & After Furniture NCRS –––––––––––––––––––– Enniscorthy Golf Club –––––––––––––––––––– ADAMSTOWN: Cullen’s Gala. BALLAGHKEEN: Donohoes Foodstore Sawdust Inn BALLYCARNEY: Jenny’s Diner BALLYEDMOND/WELLS: Downes Gala BALLYMURN: Peter Doyle’s Costcutter Ballymurn Credit Union. BLACKWATER: Londis Post Office BOOLAVOGUE: Post Office Fr Murphy Centre. BUNCLODY: Adult Learning Centre SuperValu Anatolia Turkish Barber Betsy’s Hair Parlour Bearbóir Barber Mango Tree Tourism Office Rivers Edge Library Campus-Gala Sugar & Spice Daybreak, Ryland Road Eurospar Half Way House Credit Union Chevue Studio Dols Beauty Clinic DNG O'Connor & O'Connor Hers N Sirs ArtBank Hair Junction SignaCare Nursing Home CAMOLIN: C&K Takeaway Christy Byrne’s, Butcher Post Office.

CASTLEBRIDGE: Flanagan’s CLONROCHE: Kavanagh’s Gala Post Office House of Hair COURTNACUDDY: Kelly’s Shop. CURRACLOE: Cloney’s Shop Post Office. FERNS: Buí The Unique Escape Mace Applegreen Ferns Barber Bolgers Hardware Courtyard Eclipz Blush Ferns Community Centre Ferns Castle Saints Salon Daybreak Davitts Music Shop KILMUCKRIDGE: Centra Kates Coffee Shop & Deli Sean Ógs Hotel. KILTEALY/BALLINDAGGIN: Bowe’s Shop. MONAGEER Monageer Tavern / Shop. OULART: Corrigan’s Londis Post Office. OYLEGATE: Garrys Service Station. RATHNURE: Pat Murphy Oil Conran Interiors WEXFORD: Maldron Hotel O’Briens, Redmond Sq O’Briens, Main St Nosh & Dosh, Redmond Sq Yard Restaurant Wexford Arts Centre Wexford General Hospital Wexford Service Station

ENNISCORTHY NNISCORTHY & MONART ONART UNION NION

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

SLANEY NEWS, CLONHASTON, ENNISCORTHY

In The Church Institute, Church Street, Enniscorthy On Saturday 30th November 2019 11am-2.30pm

Tel: 087-2403310 slaneynews@gmail.com www.slaneynews.com Facebook: “Slaney News” Online: www.issuu.com/slaneynews/docs PUBLISHED in Enniscorthy by Corcoran Print & Design PRINTED in Cork City by Webprint and READ in Enniscorthy, Bunclody and the surrounding areas by up to 20,000 people (based on estimated average readership of two people per copy).

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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 newspaper 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 newspaper, 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.

Keep up to dAte For positive, good news stories about Enniscorthy and Co. Wexford read Maria Nolan’s blog a t o u t a n d a b o u t w i t h m a r ianolan.wordpress.com the AthenAeum What’s on? See “Enniscorthy Athenaeum Museum and Historic Theatre“ on Facebook. st senAn’s pArish binGo Bingo Nights are back! Sunday nights (except bank holiday weekends) at 8pm in Templeshannon Community Centre. €1,100 Prize Fund. For more information contact: (053) 9261729 or 086-7913919.

ENNISCORTHY SNIPPETS…

Civil defence needs you! Check out www.civildefence.ie.

christiAn mediA trust Check out www.christianmeddiatrust.ie for details of programmes and broadcast times on South East Radio.

ing? Call the Al Anon confidential helpline 01 8732699, www.alanon-ireland.org. Local meetings held in St John’s Day Care Centre, Mondays, 8.30pm.

enniscorthy flood defence The main construction work is expected to start early 2020 lasting three years. See www.enniscorthyfds.ie

GroW Grow Mental Health Help & Discussion Group. Mondays at 2.00pm in The Presentation Centre. This meeting is free to attend. Contact Ellen at 086-8066959 or southeastregion@grow.ie.

illeGAl dumpinG To report illegal dumping: Wexford County Council (WCC) Customer Service on 053-9196000 or email customerservice@coco.ie. If you see dumping, take a photo and if possible send it to WCC to help them assess how big or small the incident is and what level of response is needed.

i r i s h c o n v e r s At i o n eveninGs A chance to chat in Irish whatever level you’re at. Next get-together is in The Presentation Centre, E n n i s c o r t h y, o n We d s 6 t h November at 8pm and every two weeks after that. All are welcome. Fáilte roimh gach duine. More information: 087-1377068. n

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With Wexford, With You

VOTE NO.1 JOHNNY

MYTHEN

Co. Wexford Bye-Election 29th November 2019

Ag seasamh le chéile

Slaney News

View from the Hill

A local contributor looks at life today in Enniscorthy and beyond BYE-ELECTION The big story this month has to be the bye-election to fill the vacancy caused by the ele-

30 October 2019 vation of Mick Wallace to Europe. As we go to press the known candidates are Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil, Verona Murphy, Fine Gael, Johnny Mythen, Sinn Fein, George Lawlor, Labour, Jim Codd of Aontu and Karin Dubsky of the Green Party. People before Profit and some other minor parties or Independents could yet show their faces here in an effort, albeit an expensive one, to test the water in advance of the forthcoming general election. The first thing that strikes the casual observer is that with the exception of Malcolm Byrne all the candidates reside south of a line from Curracloe to Rathnure. How this will reflect in the election remains to be seen. Malcolm could be happy that he has no other candidate on his doorstep and can argue, truthfully, that he is the only individual standing who has an intimate and everyday connection with that part of the county. As a county councillor representing the Gorey District he will be fully on top of most of the issues north of the Curracloe/ Rathnure line. All the other candidates

are bunched south of that line which may act for or against them. Obviously, there are only a limited number of first preference votes available and when you divide them by a greater number the possibilities are that the guy without the opposition is going to be well ahead on the first count. That’s where Malcolm’s advantage may end, unless he exceeds the quota on the first count. And this is unlikely as the successful candidate in a bye-election will have to achieve 50% of the valid votes cast plus 1. That’s a tall order. The struggle will then begin with the advantage possibly shifting to the other big political beast candidate in the form of Verona Murphy of Fine Gael. If Michael D’Arcy in Gorey and Paul Kehoe in Enniscorthy get their machines out to genuinely work for Verona she should be there or thereabouts after the first count. In the last general election Fianna Fáil only achieved 2,400 votes more than Fine Gael. So, it’s all to play for between these two provided that Fine Gael put the personal political interests of their present TDs aside and

“The most likely victor of an extremely close contest is Verona Murphy”

pull out all the stops. It’s difficult to see as to how this will happen as it is only natural that the last thing D’Arcy or Kehoe want going into the next general election is a third Fine Gael TD messing up the pitch and taking vital No.1 votes away from them. In the last general election Fine Gael achieved two seats with only 23.3% of the first preference vote. Divide that by three and you can see why the sitting TDs may not want a further outgoing TD on the ticket come the general election. Things will really get interesting when the minor candi-

dates and eventually the notso-minor candidates of Sinn Fein and Labour are eliminated as, barring a miracle, they will be. The question is, will their preferences go local, south of Curracloe/Rathnure? In my view they will, on the grounds that most people will understand that, with the exception of Brendan Howlin, that electing Malcolm will put all TDs in the north of the county. Therefore, advantage Verona. If the turnout is approximately 65% the valid poll will be around 72,000. Therefore 36,000 plus first preferences are required to cross the line. Fianna Fail would have to obtain 17,000 more first preference votes than they achieved in 2016 to reach this and Fine Gael nearly 20,000 extra. This is not going to happen. Preferences will be crucial in deciding the outcome of this contest. The Wallace vote of 7,900 will be influential in the outcome and that while a large proportion of them are undoubtedly of the Fianna Fáil genre, it must be remembered that the majority of them come from

south of the county also. On top of all that there is the Lisa McDonald factor. Normally we would expect to see the Fianna Fáil general election candidates out knocking doors for their bye-election colleague, but things are a little fraught at the moment. Lisa says, and I quote her directly, “Dublin selected him so Dublin can elect him.” Ouch. Hard to get around that one. Over in the west of the constituency Co. Council Chairman and Fianna Fáil general election candidate Michael Sheehan will no doubt do his bit for Malcolm but at the end of the day Gorey is a long way from the Hook and people may prefer someone more local. Looking at it in a cool, clinical fashion, with the caveat that Fine Gael must pull out all the stops and not mount a halfhearted campaign, the most likely victor of an extremely c l o s e c o n t e s t i s Ve r o n a Murphy. It will be an interesting month ahead for political anoraks. Any observations or comments on this column feel free to email: viewcolumn@gmail.com

Full steam ahead for Co. Wexford

New Wexford tourism plan and new Wexford website launched October has been a busy month in the economic life of Co. Wexford. The County Wexford Tourism Strategy 2019-2023 was launched in the impressive new visitor centre at Johnstown Castle. It is designed to develop and grow tourism in the county over the coming years. A new, all-inclusive, online guide has just been launched showcasing the unique offering that our county has to offer and is divided into LIVE, VISIT and INVEST, and gives a full run-down of the county for those curious about all things Wexford. Check out: www.wexford.ie

ABOVE: At the launch of Wexford.ie in Wexford Spiegeltent on 22nd October were L-R: Tony Larkin (Wexford Co. Council), Liz Hore (Wexford Co. Council), Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cllr Michael Sheehan (Chairman Wexford Co. Council) and Michael Londra (Ambassador for Co. Wexford). BELOW LEFT: Launch of County Wexford Tourism Strategy in Johnstown Castle on 14th October, L-R: Sean Connick (CEO JFK Trust), Brian Kehoe (Wexford Local Development), Cllr. Pat Barden and Cllr. Lisa McDonald. BELOW: Launch of County Wexford Tourism Strategy L-R: Brendan Howlin TD, Cllr. Michael Sheehan (Chairman Wexford Co. Council) who launched the Strategy, and Paul Kehoe TD.

Recent Coffee Morning for the Hope Cancer Support Centre held in Grants Pharmacy, Rafter Street, Enniscorthy, L-R: Michael Jordan (Hope Centre), Linda Tobin (Grants Pharmacy).

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre The award-winning centre is open Monday to Friday 9.30am until 5pm with last admission at 4.15pm. Always worth a visit to learn about this historic time, in an interactive display.

QUIZ ALERT! hillbrook lawn tennis club will be holding a table Quiz in the ifA centre, millpark road, enniscorthy, on friday 15th november at 7.30pm. team of four €40. Great spot prizes up for grabs! All welcome. n

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Slaney News

30 October 2019

Positive Tidy Towns report for Enniscorthy by Sean Doyle Sean Doyle, Secretary/ Treasurer of Enniscorthy Tidy Town Association, has some observations and statistics on the recent Enniscorthy Tidy Town report for 2019. –––––––––––––––––––––––––– This was the most positive Adjudicator ’s Report on Enniscorthy that I have read for many years. We won a Bronze Medal for the fifth year. We increased our marks by 10, but there is a sting in the tail – total marks were increased by

20 to 470 marks since last year which meant that our percentage of total marks was down slightly on last year (2019 - 67.87%: 2018 - 68.66%). Killarney topped our category (Category F population 10,000 to 15,000) with 342 marks as against our marks of 319. We are 23 marks behind them, although we received more marks than Killarney under three headings. Our weakest categories are Sustainability– Doing More

Enniscorthy school students at recent workshop to find local solutions on climate change and sustainability.

with Less and our second lowest is Tidiness and Litter Control. Killarney received 13 more marks than Enniscorthy under the heading Tidiness and Litter Control, so we have some catching up to do. The Adjudicator had a total of 82 comments in the Enniscorthy Report of which 10 were somewhat critical. The main criticisms were:● Steps up to the Plaza in the Market Square have become slightly tarnished ● The large mobile-phone mast on the skyline at Abbey Square. ● A visually intrusive wirescape along streets located in Templeshannon. ● Number of areas where the use of satellite dishes detracts from the streetscape. ● The perimeter walls enclosing the green space at Bellefield Road are not inviting to the public. He proposed the removal of these walls. ● A large ESB substation

ANNUAL TIDY TOWN COMPETITION 2019 – STATISTICS Enniscorthy was inspected on 16th July 2019 and received 319 marks in Category F (towns with population 10,001-15,000). Killarney finished first in Category F. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MAX MARKS KILLARNEY CATEGORY MARKS AWARDED % PLACING MARKS Community Involvement & Planning 60 53 88% 1 50 Streetscape and Public Places 60 47 78% 2 43 Green Spaces and Landscaping 60 46 77% 3 48 Nature and Biodiversity in Your Locality 50 36 72% 4 41 Sustainability - Doing More with Less 50 16 32% 8 24 Tidiness & Litter Control 90 49 54% 7 62 Residential Streets & Housing Areas 50 36 72% 4 34 Approach Roads, Streets & Lanes 50 36 72% 4 40 TOTAL MARKS 470 319 67.87% 342 (72.76%) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ENNISCORTHY: Highest Category was ‘Community - Your Planning & Invovement’. Lowest Category was ‘Sustainability - Doing More with Less’. Second Lowest Category was ‘Tidiness and Litter Control’. A Gain of 10 Marks on 2018. Competition's Overall Marks Increased by 20 Marks. Overall Winner in Category F (Enniscorthy Category) was Killarney with 342 Marks. Enniscorthy 23 Marks Behind Killarney. Enniscorthy 27 Marks behind Overall Winner Glaslough (Population 500). Enniscorthy received a Bronze Medal for the 5th time. Enniscorthy’s percentage of total marks down on last year – 2018: 68.66%, 2019: 67.87%. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

located in this area is visually intrusive and a planting scheme would help in screening it. ● The floral displays on the roundabouts might be changed to a more sustainable perennial-type, pollinator-friendly planting mix. ● He suggested that the Tidy Town Committee should advocate for the removal of the overhead power line in the vicinity of Enniscorthy Castle. A lot done – more to do is I believe a fair summation of the 2019 Report and it is also my opinion if there is an all-out onslaught on tidiness, which I’m sure includes dereliction and its offensive appearance, we can dramatically increase our marks. I did notice during the RTÉ Nationwide programme on the evening of the announcement of the Tidy Town results, as the presenter visited some of the places that featured as winners, I witnessed some of

Enniscorthy Tidy Town volunteer litter-pickers. If any reader would like to help out check out ‘Enniscorthy Tidy Towns’ on Facebook, or call (053) 923 6518.

the volunteers using spades and brushes to clean the kerbs of weeds and grass. Litter picking is essential but we shouldn’t forget the weeds and tufts of grass growing at the kerbsides. I have seen a few healthy ragworts recently in some strategic locations – Teagasc recommends pulling the weed by hand. I conclude by thanking Mr. Fran Breen and Council staff, t h e Ti d y To w n S o c i a l

Employment Scheme workers, our volunteers who go out week after week to pick litter, and concerned members of the public who contribute to the general tidiness of the town by maintaining and looking after their own areas and some of the them were specifically mentioned by the adjudicator in his report. Seán Doyle, Secretary/ Treasurer of Enniscorthy Tidy Town Association n

Striving for sustainability As the statistics table on the left shows, "sustainability" was enniscorthy’s weakest area in the recent national tidy towns competition, scoring just 16 out of 50 marks (32%) in that category so a lot of work needs to be done to rectify that. A new group in town has set about that work with a recent sustainability workshop for school students followed up by a Sustainability for Business event held in the local Enniscorthy & District Chamber offices.

Pic: Wexford County Council Photographers.

Another success in fight against illegal dumping Wexford co. council had another good day in court last month. the person who dumped the trailer load of rubbish at the ross road bottle bank, enniscorthy (pictured above), was handed down a €2,000 fine and ordered

to pay costs of €500 for the clean-up and prosecution. Litter blackspots in Co. Wexford are constantly monitored so dumpers beware – you will be caught, prosecuted and have to pay very substantial fines. n

Local green initiatives to help tackle the plastics problem

Did you know?

STATISTICS COMPILED BY SEÁN DOYLE.

LEFT: Well done to Pettitt’s SuperValu who now have 100% Compostable, Reusable Shopping Bags in-store helping to remove 2.5 million plastic bags from circulation. You can pick up yours today for 89c! ______________________________

RIGHT: Carrickmacross became the first Irish town to install machines which issue 10c vouchers on returning recyclable plastic bottles. Gorey Councillor Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin is delighted that his motion calling on Wexford County Council to look at piloting these Reverse Vending Machines received unanimous backing at the Council’s October monthly meeting. Plastic bottles make up one-third of Co. Wexford’s litter. n

To find out more about the Enniscorthy Sustainable Town group, visit their website: www.enniscorthysdg.weebly.com

Cigarette butts are made of plastic and do not bio-degrade but break down into microplastics. They contain over 4,000 toxic chemicals which can seep into the ocean if the butts are left in the environment. Just a single butt can contaminate over 7 litres of water. So, smokers, please be responsible and discard of your cigarette butts in a proper manner.

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Slaney News

TOWN TALK

WITH

KEITH DOYLE

30 October 2019

www.slaneynews.com

A WINTER OF DISCONTENT IN ENNISCORTHY! Once again the nights are closing in and getting colder. One can see the fires burning again in the fireplaces of Enniscorthy and one can see again why Enniscorthy has been compared with Bangladesh for poor air quality. There are a few reasons for this and a few remedies too. Enniscorthy is a lowlying town in the Slaney Valley, surrounded by mountains, which doesn't help with dispersal of smoke. We also have a dependency on smoky coal, and in some cases we burn our domestic rubbish.

How do I know this? Data doesn't lie! After many years of campaigning the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has conducted tests on the air quality in Enniscorthy and the results show very poor quality of air at night including plastic in our air which we breathe in. We don't need air filter equipment to see this, but without it we could not bring solutions to the next level. There are many more towns like ours countrywide with the same problem but they have not been tested to date so there are no data

results to compare. So where do we go from here? First, we must get our government to ban smoky coal. PERIOD. Speaking to experts in this field, I find that the Department wants this to be an All-Ireland ban – North and South, but without the northern assembly sitting this won’t happen. Wexford County Council did put down a motion to ban smoky coal countywide but countrywide would be more effective. We must also clamp down on people not disposing of rubbish properly. New

laws now empower councils to do so. We must bring our data to the Department of Housing to demand that Enniscorthy be made a pilot town for a scheme for all council houses to be retrofitted to nZEB (nearly zero energy building) standards of efficiency to help eliminate the problem of smog. The recent Budget was a wasted opportunity in this area to help climate change. Unfortunately, this will not be the last smoggy WINTER OF DISCONTENT in Enniscorthy. n

negotiating team. Johnny Mythen was proposed by former Enniscorthy town councillor Noirin Sheridan, and seconded by former New Ross County Councillor Oisín O’Connell. He was the only nominee from cumann around the county, and received a unanimous show of hands. In accepting the candidacy, he said: “We are different from other parties. We do as we say. We work against corruption. We stand for unity, equality, and the common good. We stand proudly shoulder to shoulder

with young and old to build a better country: where citizens’ needs and prosperity are at the heart of decision-making. If elected by the good people of County Wexford, I will represent my county with pride and carry out my civic duties to fulfil the wishes and needs of all the people to the best of my ability.” Speaking after the formal process was concluded, Mythen focused on some specific policy focus points he will advance if a TD for Wexford; including housing, youth mental health services, employment, the cut in road budgets, fly-tipping, and infrastructure such as an “imaginative” development of Rosslare Port. He also pledged to use his campaign to highlight what he called the scandal of “insurance companies scamming the public.” Regarding housing, Mythen pledged to focus on “workable solutions here and now”, and said he would hold the IDA’s “feet to the fire” if it did not

deliver enough jobs for Co. Wexford. He said that in addition to “stringent” by-laws on fly-tipping, he would also argue for greater state-supported options to “re-use, reduce and recycle” waste. He pointed to the success of Sinn Féin in altering the entire perception of insurance companies “dual rate” and “loyalty penalties”, as well as what he claimed was the industry’s mass exaggeration of fraud for its own benefit. He said he also valued promotion of local culture and heritage, and was proud to both serve as a Director of the 1798 Rebellion Centre, and as a memb e r o f t h e We x f o rd 1 9 1 6 Commemoration Committee “which put Enniscorthy - and the county - on the map nationally, for its role as the last to surrender in the Rising”. Well-known in sporting circles, Mythen has played with several local clubs in GAA, soccer and rugby, as well as coaching youth teams. n

ENNISCORTHY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

would like to invite you to their

Candle of Hope Service

G CL

At the courtyard in ferns, on 23rd october, sinn féin unanimously selected enniscorthy man Johnny mythen to be its candidate in the upcoming bye-election in co. Wexford. the meeting was well attended including Wicklow td John brady, and several past and present local councillors, who all spoke in support of Johnny mythen including current cllrs fionntán Ó suilleabhán and tom forde, and former cllrs Anthony Kelly, marie doyle, and mick roche. Johnny Mythen shocked the political establishment in the 2016 General Election when he came within 31 votes of defeating Paul Kehoe – the sitting Fine Gael party whip and local government minister. Previously, Johnny was also the last Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Town Council, and was elected to Wexford County Council in 2014. He is a former ESB worker and member of the UNITE trade union national

Johnny Mythen selected for Dáil run

ncer Support C a C en pe tre Ho

in conjunction with South East Radio on Friday 1st November 2019 in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy at 8.00pm We would like to invite all those who have been touched by cancer, other illness or loss to join us at this special Ecumenical Service . If you are unable to join us in the Cathedral you can still partake by lighting your own candle and listening to South East Radio who will broadcast the service live on air. Candles for the service are €3 each and are available at the Cathedral on the night, or can be purchased in advance from: Hope Cancer Support Centre, 22 Upper Weafer Street, Enniscorthy Hope Charity Shop, Millpark Road, Enniscorthy

Hope Cancer Support Centre CLG, 22 Upper Weafer Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Tel: 053 9238555 Email: denise@hopesupportcentre.ie www.hopesupportcentre.ie CHY No: 15556 RCN No: 20054007

Welcome Emma The new AIB branch manager in Enniscorthy is Emma Fox who has moved from the branch in Greystones to replace Maree Lyng who has moved as manager to the Wexford town branch where she is also hub manager for Co. Wexford.

The Enniscorthy Christmas Lights Switch-on will take place at Santa’s Enchanted Castle on Saturday, 23rd November, at 6pm with Santa & Mrs Claus. See page 21 for full details.

Emma has over 20 years experience with AIB. She is a Qualified Financial Advisor and also has a Professional Bankers designation, a Diploma in SMe Credit, a B.A. in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. Emma also Emma Fox BA, LIB, Professional Banker, QFA has extensive experience in all areas of retail banking and customer relationship management, including SME and agri financing, mortgages, wealth and deposit management, life and general insurance, personal lending and online banking services. Emma and her team in AIB Enniscorthy offer access to a wide range of specialist advisors who would be delighted to provide you with the guidance and support you require to achieve your financial goals. n

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The “Galo chargrill” would like to thank all its customers for their support and loyalty over the last 20 successful years.

FROM THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER, THE RESTAURANT WILL BE OPEN UNDER NEW FAMILY MANAGEMENT AS “CASA D’GALO”. Casa d’galo will feature many of your Galo chargrill favourites as well as lots of new and exciting dishes for you to enjoy. Casa d’galo, 19 Main Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Tel/Fax: 053 9238077

Website and Facebook page – coming soon!

Cllr. Lisa McDonald General Election Candidate WEEKLY ADVICE CLINICS: 7 LOWER ROWE STREET, WEXFORD. MONDAY 5.30PM - 6.30PM. Monthly Advice Clinics: First Monday of every month (excluding bank holidays) at Rosslare Harbour, Wellingtonbridge and Ballinaboola.

If I can be of any assistance to you, feel free to contact me. No appointment needed.

Tel: 087 9184034 / 053 9144266 Email: lisa.mcdonald@wexfordmcc.ie

Slaney News

30 October 2019

www.slaneynews.com

AGM OLDER PEOPLES COUNCIL GALA CONCERT FOR JIM KEALY the Annual General meeting of the co. Wexford older peoples council was held on friday, october 18th, in the riverside park hotel, enniscorthy. The Council is a policy formulating group elected by and representing all people within the county who have reached the age of 55 years of age and over. It has been in existence since early 2018 and has representatives from all districts of the county as members. It is administered from the Community Section of Wexford Co. Council and the Age Friendly Co-ordinator for County Wexford, Ms. AnnMarie Laffan, is the overall

provider of the secretariat for the Older Peoples Council. The A.G.M. was officially opened by the Chairman of We x f o r d C o . C o u n c i l Councillor Michael Sheehan. Councillor Sheehan paid tribute to the members of the O.P.C. for their work to date and committed the Co. Council to supporting the work undertaken on behalf of older people. The Chairman of the Older Peoples Council, Kevin Molloy of Gorey, in his address referred to the main areas of interest for the Council which include Access to Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social Participation,

Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment, Communication and Information, Community Support and Health Services and Safety and Security which are the main areas of concern for older people. The meeting, which was well attended, was also addressed by John Roche, Betty Breen, Laura Rowe, Sean Kinsella, Madeline Quirke, Marie Redmond and Mary Doyle all members of the C o u n t y We x f o r d O l d e r Peoples Council. Other speakers included Garda representatives Inspector Graham Rowley and Sergeant Brendan Moore. n Jim Kealy with wife Marian and children Daniel 13 and Sarah 9. Pic: Cathy Keane

The County Wexford Older Peoples Council AGM in the Riverside Park Hotel on 18th October. ABOVE L-R: Kevin Molloy (Chairman Co. Wexford Older Peoples Council), Sergeant Brendan Moore, Garda David Fitzgerald, Ann Marie Laffan (Wexford Co. Council), Cllr Michael Sheehan (Chairman Wexford Co. Council), John Roche (Co. Wexford OPC Committee member). LEFT L-R: Eileen Beatty, Rosslare, Maureen O’ Dwyer and Mary Doran, Enniscorthy, and Bride Whelan, Adamstown. BELOW L-R: Lee Finn (Enniscorthy Fire Brigade), John Roche (Co. Wexford OPC Committee member), David Dempsey (Enniscorthy Fire Brigade) and Kevin Molloy (Chairman, Co. Wexford OPC Committee).

Credit Unions win national special rates on offer at award again! great Enniscorthy Credit Union at irish credit unions have won the national cX Award for best customer experience for a record-breaking five years in a row. it’s the first time in the world this has been achieved! so well done to all credit unions, and in particular our local credit unions in enniscorthy and bunclody, for always putting their members first. Don’t forget, there are

present – 6.9% for a Car Loan and 6% for a Student Loan. Credit unions are ethical, not-for-profit lenders who strive to provide access to affordable credit for everyone in their communities. In next month’s issue we’ll have details of the winners in the popular Enniscorthy Credit Union art competition a n d t h e B re n d a O ’ N e i l l Scholarship Draw. n

Liam Waters, Manager, Enniscorthy Credit Union

A campaign to raise €20,000 in aid of the Jim Kealy prosthesis fund has been launched in enniscorthy. mr. Kealy, the well known south east radio personality, has suffered from a congenital deformity since birth which necessitated the amputation of his left leg from below the hip when he was just 15 years of age. Now aged 62, Mr. Kealy is philosophical about his condition and grateful for the support he is receiving from friends and colleagues as efforts to raise the €20,000 required for a new prosthesis gathers momentum. Already entertainment figures and personalities from the world of broadcasting, moved by Jim’s plight, have pledged support to the campaign which also has the support and backing of work colleagues in South East Radio. Jim is a long-standing member of the station’s news team and stand-in presenter of the hugely popular ‘Morning Mix’ programme. Details of the fundraising campaign were announced at a recent event in The White House, Templeshannon, at which it was disclosed that a galaxy of showbiz personalities are giving their services free of charge at a fundraising concert in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Wednesday night, November 27th. Organised by Tony Kehoe of South East Radio’s ‘Country n’ Irish Show’ fame, the concert will feature Theresa and The Stars, Declan Nerney, Gerry Gutherie, Pat McKenna, The Model Banner and Olivia Douglas among others and is being billed as ‘A Night to Remember’ by the organisers. Independent member of Wexford County Council, Councillor Mary Farrell, a longtime advocate for people with disabilities, launched the fundraising appeal, saying she was moved to join the cam-

paign by Jim’s courageous acceptance of his disability. Having worked with people with various forms of disabilities for 17 years, Mary said she fully understood the challenges experienced by people who lose a limb and in the case of Jim Kealy, she added, he met those challenges head on. The Independent Councillor from Kilmuckridge praised Jim’s ability to lead a normal life despite his disability and to engage fully with his wife, Marian, and children Daniel (13) and Sarah (9) in doing the simple things in life which most people take for granted. Jim’s total acceptance of his handicap and his refusal to allow it to dominate his life is a shining example to others in a similar situation, said Councillor Farrell, before going on to say she hoped the community in general would respond to the fundraising appeal as positively as Jim has responded to the challenges of everyday living. Jim, a native of Arklow, County Wicklow, has been a member of the staff of South East Radio since 2004 and is one of the best known voices on the airwaves daily. He is attached to the news department but regularly deputises for Alan Corcoran on the ‘Morning Mix’ programme when Alan

is on leave or indisposed. His incisive and indepth interviewing skills have won him a large fan base among radio listeners and it is hoped these listeners will be among the many supporting this fundraising drive. Jim’s new prosthesis for which he receives no financial h e l p f ro m t h e H S E o r Government Agencies is costing in the region of €20,000 and it is the earnest hope of the fundraising committee that the required sum to purchase the artificial limb will be collected within the shortest possible length of time. The concert on Wednesday, November 27th, is the first in a series of planned fundraising ventures and tickets for the event at €25 each are now on sale from South East Radio, The Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy and District Chamber of Commerce office, and from the reception desk in St. Senan’s Primary School, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy. People unable to make the concert but who might wish to donate to the fund can do so by visiting the Jim Kealy Facebook Fundraiser Page to contribute or lodge directly to the Jim Kealy Prosthesis Fund at the AIB Bank, Enniscorthy, BIC: AIBKIE2D. IBAN: IE75AIBK93341444868185. n

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Slaney News

30 October 2019

www.slaneynews.com

Wishing Eithne a happy retirement the students and staff of enniscorthy vtos recently said a fond farewell to eithne Agar who has recently retired, and was a shining light in the area of Adult education in enniscorthy for over 20 years. Eithne started teaching English in secondary schools, but when the call went out for someone to bring secondchance education to adults in the town, Eithne took on the challenge and the Bellefield complex became a centre of learning. Eithne was also involved in community-based learning programmes which ran in the Presentation Convent, under Mother de Lourdes, which helped early school leavers to upskill. It was here that she had a taste of an alternative to mainstream provision of education and she loved it, getting to know and help the different communities of Enniscorthy town. It was to Enniscorthy that she dedicated the rest of her career. Over the years numerous adults from all over County Wexford, walked through the

doors of the VTOS Centre and with Eithne’s help and encouragement took their first steps on the learning journey, with many going on to find employment, or further education or even just to make lifelong friends. A previous student told us: “Eithne was like a second mammy to many of the students, she was very understanding and helpful to people if they were struggling or needing help or support.” The VTOS Centre recently moved to Gonzaga House on Wafer St, but the ideals remained the same under Eithne’s guidance. ‘The Ethos of VTOS’ was always to help people to discover their skills, to give them confidence and to ignite a flame that burns a lifetime, when it comes to learning. Eithne will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of working with her and the many she helped along the way, but her legacy will live on at Enniscorthy VTOS, in the Adult Education Centre in Gonzaga House, Wafer Street. n

Dermot ordained a Deacon october 5th was a special day i n s t . A i d a n ’s p a r i s h , enniscorthy, as local man dermot davis was ordained to the permanent diaconate by bishop denis brennan. dermot is the first permanent deacon in the diocese of ferns. Dermot will continue to work as a solicitor in his own Enniscorthy-based practice while ministering as a Deacon – a role that only excludes saying Mass, hearing Confessions and Anointing the Sick. Dermot recently completed four years of study and one year of discernment in preparation for his new role.

Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Ferns – Dermot Davis

At the ordination ceremony were Dermot’s 91-year-old mother, Pauline, his wife Patricia, and grown-up children Susan, John and Andrew. n

Rejuvenate Open Day at Riverside Park Hotel

Enniscorthy granny lies behind UK kids’ character success! ENNISCORTHY VOCATIONAL COLLEGE ORCHESTRA and Cavan Sinfonia Youth Orchestra 30th November The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy. Adults €10. Children €5. Malcolm J. Hogan

malcolm J hogan is a children’s author from england but with a name like hogan there’s an irish connection somewhere – and that’s in enniscorthy! Malcolm’s granny, Nora Hogan, was born in 1928 in Enniscorthy. Her parents ran and lived overhead the main post office in town which is still the main post office today. When Nora’s father died, her mother took over the running of the post office. Nora Hogan was one of nine children – the boys Tom, Denny and John, and the girls Mary-Kate, Biddy, Peggy, Esther, Eileen and Nora. Two of the Hogan boys, Tom and Denny, married sis-

Granny Norbag

ters from across town – Maureen and Sadie. Malcolm still have relatives in Enniscorthy and he visits here regularly. On the last occasion in 2017 he stayed with Martha and Larry Doyle who live at The Still. Granny Nora had a huge impact on Malcolm’s life. He says: “Nora was not only my Gran but she was my saviour. My mother took ill when I was 3 and died when I was 7 and she took me in and raised me, living in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in her council house. She had brought up 8 of her own too beforehand. She possessed what I call the Wexford spirit.

Nora Hogan

That strength of coping when things are tough and just getting through.” “I was lucky to be given a guided tour of the Post Office with my son Dylan when I visited in 2017. I felt so close to her there.” That closeness has led to Malcolm creating a successful kids’ character called Granny Norbag based on his real life granny, Nora, which has resulted in a series of books, music and an upcoming theatre/tv show. Check out Granny Norbag on www.grannynorbag.co.uk and catch her great new Halloween song on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OjJH4r1tBfo n

FUNDRAISER Wexford native Jennifer Cox is shaving her head for her friend, Kate, who was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer at the young age of 27. It is a form of liver cancer called Fibrolamellar that is so rare it affects less than 1 in 5,000,000 worldwide. Kate underwent major surgery in February removing the majority of her liver. She now needs access to a licensed treatment called Atezolizumab. Jennifer wants to do whatever she can to help her raise funds for this worthy cause. Here is a link to the campaign: https://www.gofundme. com/f/headshaveforkate

Therese and her team at Rejuvenate Treatment Rooms at the Riverside Park Hotel would love to see you at their Open Day on Friday 1st November 10am until 8pm. They are doing a range of treatments for just €15, but these are booking up fast! Contact the Rejuvenate Treatment Rooms’ Facebook page or call 053-9230250 to let them know if you’re going along. Spot prizes, a raffle and a glass of wine on the night!

Gerard Murphy Memorial Run 2019. Brid Murphy presents a cheque for €5,500 to Pat Casey representing Slaney Search and Rescue.

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

www.slaneynews.com

7 15

Spooky Splendour at the Castle ‘Champers’ all round at EDG Quiz Enniscorthy Castle was a sight to behold for the launch of the Enniscorthy Drama Group (EDG) Halloween production Blood of Nosferatu currently running nightly at The Presentation Centre until 2nd November. The iconic Norman stronghold lent itself beautifully to the eerie Transylvanian transformation effected by EDG committee and Jean O Connell and her team at O Connell Marketing. With fang-tastic props and scrumptious, mouthwatering food by Taste Wexford and EDG committee caterer Edel Kelly, and a punch that was simply to die for, the large crowd of thespians, well wishers and local dignitaries drifted effortlessly into the Halloween spirit. Among those attending the launch were Minister Paul Kehoe TD, James Browne TD, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy

Municipal District Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr BarbaraAnne Murphy, new District Manager Ger Mackey, John Carley Director of Services, Fr. Billy Swan, Tourism Officer Billy Byrne, Chamber Development Officer Jimmy Gahan, Frank Corcoran of Slaney News, Tom Reddy Director and the entire cast and crew and many more. Blood of Nosferatu – a slightly more gruesome version of the oft told Brahms Stoker classic Dracula was launched by Chair of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Kathleen Codd-Nolan who informed the gathering that she had discovered that the esteemed author Mr. Stoker had once lived in Bunclody – now there's a line of enquiry worth pursuing in the interest of tourism – and to Kathleen's delight she also discovered that the play’s Director Tom Reddy is a relation of hers.

Blood of Nosferatu is a fringe event of Enniscorthy's first ever Halloween Festival and MC Maria Nolan called on organiser Jean O Connell to launch the festival saying that Jean is already involved with the very successful Rockin’ Food Festival and Santa’s Enchanted Castle so, 'I have no doubt that Jean and her team will make the same success of Halloween and EDG is delighted to be part of it.’ EDG Chairman Liam Doyle extended thanks to all the Committee, especially Maria Nolan PRO, for organising the Launch, Director Tom Reddy and the wonderful cast of Blood of Nosferatu and the courteous and accommodating staff of Enniscorthy Castle. Everyone is entitled to a good scare at Halloween so book your tickets now (if there are any left!) and get yours at Blood of Nosferatu. n

L-R: Cathy Keane, Liz Murphy Mitchell, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan (Chairperson, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Maria Nolan (PRO, Enniscorthy Drama Group), Ann Murphy.

L-R: Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan (Chairperson, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Jean O Connell (O Connell Marketing), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Liam Doyle (Chairperson, Enniscorthy Drama Group). Pics above and below: Maria Nolan.

L-R: James Browne TD, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan (Chairperson, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Minister Paul Kehoe TD, Ger Mackey (Chairperson, Enniscorthy Municipal District).

It was ‘champers’ all round for the winners of the recent annual Enniscorthy Drama Group fundraising table quiz – Claire Shelley, Killian Doyle, Eimear Kelly and Darragh Doyle, having answered the puzzlers posed by quizmaster extraordinaire Fintan Kelly ably assisted by diligent scorekeeper Joe Carley and the dynamic trio of Ann Doyle, Mairead Ennis and Liz Murphy Mitchell expertly patrolling the floor and gathering the answer sheets. Chairman Liam Doyle thanked everyone once again for their tremendous support – he had particular words of praise for EDG actor Fintan Kelly who can be seen on Monday nights on RTE in the new crime drama Darklands and is continuing his very successful nationwide run with Howie The Rookie.

The table titled ‘No Hands’ was the winner of the recent Enniscorthy Drama Group fundraising Table Quiz held in the IFA Centre. L-R: Claire Shelley, Killian Doyle, Eimear Kelly and Darragh Doyle. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Liam went on to say that it was indeed gratifying to see someone who began his acting career with EDG a few short years ago rising to such heights. Before concluding what was a most enjoyable evening,

Liam reminded all of EDG’s upcoming production Blood of Nosferatu currently on stage nightly at The Presentation Centre from 29th October to 2nd November. – Maria Nolan, PRO, Enniscorthy Drama Group.

Viking Fire Festival – a blazing success The wet weather on Saturday 28th September didn't dampen the spirits of the festival organisers and festivalgoers for the first annual Viking Fire Festival in Wexford. Crowds of over 3,000 visited the festivities and authentic Viking Village on Wexford’s Quayside on Saturday afternoon as they enjoyed coin striking, spinning, weaving, leatherworking, metalwork and woodwork, storytelling and even some slave trading. The Viking Village was fully populated with re-enactors who all had varying village life roles as if it were 900AD. At 7.15pm over 100 Vikings

took to the streets of Wexford as they paraded from Selskar Square onto Abbey Street, South Main Street and onto the Quayside led by the Bloco Garman Drummers. Organiser of the event Maura Bell, Manager at the Irish National Heritage Park, says it was a sight to behold, “100 Vikings in full costume carrying fire torches could be seen marching on Wexford town, a scene which offered real authenticity with an incredible atmosphere.” As the parade arrived onto the Quayside, the skilled fire performers from Inferno performed a daring fire show as they cast fire into the air, jug-

gled, danced and even showed off some fire-breathing. Throughout the day, Raven Dale Band and the Bloco Garman Drummers provided street entertainment and a Food and Craft beer market served up lots of Viking-themed dishes. Families took to exploring the streets of Wexford on a Viking Treasure Hunt discovering the ancient heritage of Viking Wexford. The winners won a Viking Stayover at the Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford. The winners of the re t a i l Wi n d o w D re s s i n g Competition was B Corcoran’s M e n s w e a r, M a i n S t re e t , Wexford. 32 schools entered the successful children’s colouring competition. At Wexford Library the Gallivanting storyteller Lorraine told children’s stories and Derek O’Brien hosted a talk on ‘Daily life in Viking Wexford’ sharing details of the Vikings in Ireland through their clothes and weapons. A gallery of images from the festival weekend can be viewed on www.facebook.com/irishnationalheritagepark n

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

30 October 2019

www.slaneynews.com

ARE YOU

DANCING?

with Declan Flanagan

DEclaN FlaNaGaN is the South East’s leading dance teacher specialising in Irish country Jiving & Ballroom, 1950s Rock ‘n’ Roll, line Dancing, etc. He is also well known as a music broadcaster on Elite country Radio He contributes a regular music and dance column to the Slaney News. Welcome to the November issue of the Slaney News where you will get all the bits and bobs on the social dance scene in the southeast. First things first and I'm delighted to hear the National Ploughing Championships are returning to Fenagh, Co. Carlow, next year so great news for all us Eastenders! I don't get the lineup until closer to the time, but going on the past you can expect to see more and more great bands and dancing at this event in the future. And staying right beside Fenagh, it looks like the Ballykealey House Hotel (which is now what it is called!) is having not one, but two Christmas parties, first with Robert Mizzell and then Gerry Guthrie. A sign of things to come? We can only wait in anticipation. And as you will see in the parish dance list, Carraig-onBannow have their dance back on in the local hall. T-Bone Country got them back up and running and Art Supple is to appear there in the near future. Now on Sunday October 20th, just gone by, we had our last outdoor day in Tommy Tutty's of Ballyfad. And, if you're not sure where that is, you go through Gorey, turn up by Thos. Byrne's

Above: Combat sticky floors with a sock from The Dance Sock Company that you can slip on and off your shoes. Below: Enjoying the dancing at Tommy Tutty’s!

of Inch, turn again in Coolgreany and there you are. I didn't realise there were such spectacular views in Co. Wexford (me living at sea level!). You could see clearly from the Sugar Loaf to Rosslare. It was a vintage-come-threshing day and thanks be to God it was a fine day. Tommy has a very interesting collection of just about anything and everything to do with the past and he has also set up a storytelling house where people meet up and sing and recite and tell stories with a few lies thrown in for good measure (Tommy being the main culprit). All are welcome by the way. We have a full calendar of vintage days to attend already for 2020. Country music and dancing are now part and parcel of the vintage and agricultural days so keep an eye out here in the Slaney News from April to see where we are heading. On the subject of "sticky" dance floors, most regular dance venues will do everything in their power to keep the floors right for dancing. Not an easy job and hard to please everyone. There are ballroom crystals or powder that is added, if needs be, but the least bit too much and you end up with a skating rink. Ger Nolan who runs the Marshalstown dance is the best I've ever seen at it, sprinkling a little bit here and there, getting it just right. Where at other venues you'd think they were feeding the hens the way they throw it around, you'd be hanging on to your dance partner for dear life to stop you ending up on your backside! I was told years ago that soap flakes were used in the old dance halls. You'd have a job finding them now! Some people use talcum powder, but it gets

on your clothes and makes the floor worse in the long run. Salt is another thing pegged on the floor to livin it up, but take my advice and avoid using this as it draws moisture into the floor for weeks after and you'll get no good of it no matter what you use. Parties and weddings in venues that don't have regular dances are notorious for bad floors. You'd be hard set to get a leg out of the bed after a night’s dancing on them. There is a perfect solution however to the sticky floor problem, and that is a specially Large crowd joining in the fun at Tommy Tutty’s!

designed sock that you can slip on and off your shoes wherever necessary. They are made by The Dance Sock Company and you can get them on the internet, or I always have a stock in the back of the van. They come in all sorts of colours and you can even get a special bag to put them in. We have tried and tested them and I see they are very popular with people who like to wear runners dancing. They even fit my big clod-hoppers! PARISH DANCES: Friday 1st, Camross CC & Askamore Hall;

The elegant Ballykealey House Hotel

Friday 8th, IFA, Enniscorthy & Gusserane Hall; Sunday 10th, Oylegate CC & Rathanna Hall; Friday 15th, Marshalstown CC & Carrig-on-Bannow CC; Saturday 16th, Drumphea Hall; Friday 29th, Kiltealy CC. BIG BANDS: Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, 1st-3rd November, Country Music Weekend: 1st Gerry Guthrie / Patrick Feeney; 2nd Dominic & Barry Kirwan / Robert Mizzell; 3rd Declan Aungier (1-3). Ardattin Inn, Tullow:

2nd Joe Davitt & His Band. Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, Paddy O'Brien Weekend 8th10th November: 8th Paddy O'Brien / Jimmy Buckley; 9th The Indians / John Glenn & The Mainliners; 10th Shawn Cuddy / Michael English; Saturday Afternoon – Tony, Theresa & The Stars; Sunday Afternoon – Thomas Maguire & Fhiona Ennis. The Rhu Glenn Hotel, Slieverue: 2nd Declan Nerney; 9th Joe Davitt & His Band; 16th Gerry Guthrie; 23rd Dominic & Barry Kirwan. I haven't any new releases for you this month and I suspect

the singers and songwriters are holding back to catch the Christmas market next month. Who'd blame them? So there you are now, another day, another dollar. I'll be heading into Whites to see Paddy O'Brien and the gang and probably pop down to Richie Halpin in The Rhu Glenn somewhere along the line. Try to go and see as many as the live bands as you can and drag along a friend, it won't be long 'til they get the bug too! See you all again next month folks, in the December issue of the Slaney News. n

Opening of 68th Wexford Festival Opera, 22nd October, L-R: Yvonne Lawlor, Mayor George Lawlor, Mary Kelly (Chairperson of Wexford Festival Opera), RTE’s Marty Whelan and his wife Maria.

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

www.slaneynews.com

Be prepared to be scared!

Be prepared to be scared this Halloween in Enniscorthy as two novel events take place in town. First up is Enniscorthy Drama Group (EDG) which is currently performing Blood of Nosferatu at The Presentation Centre nightly at 8pm until 2nd November, and on 2nd November also is a different type of scary event taking place in The Athenaeum – a ‘Paranormal Lockdown’ from 8.30pm to 2am. The EDG offering is a daring and scaring drama by playwright Darryl Pickett of a 1922 German film adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This is a daring new slant on the Stoker tale of the most famous vampire of all – Darryl Pickett’s Dracula drips with wit, social conscience and brooding paranoia. No romantic swooning here, this is a horrific account

of a corrupting force more terrifying than death. Requiring a cast of 16 and a modular unit set, this is an ambitious but very rewarding play. Book your tickets now for the remaining performances at The Presentation Centre and don’t miss this most unusual production directed by Tom Reddy with acclaimed actor Ronan P Byrne as Dracula and a large local cast. This will have you on the edge of your seats or clinging to the person next to you in terror! The ‘Paranormal Lockdown’ at The Athenaeum is hosted by SPI (Slaney Paranormal Investigators) and is a fundraising event for The Athenaeum itself. Tickets are €30 including refreshments and are available at the venue or from any SPI member. Places are limited so book now if you dare! Tel: 053-9235353 or 0858502339. n

Fintan brings it home!

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY EVENTS For information on all Enniscorthy Library events in November, see “Enniscorthy Library” on Facebook or contact Library 053-9236055.

Celebrating Glamour Proprietor supreme Mary Hudson and Glamour Boutique celebrated 20 years in business at 26 Main Street, Enniscorthy, at the Bree Community Playground fundraising Fashion Show at the Riverside Park Hotel recently. Glamour was joined on the catwalk by Ottiva Boutique, Wafer Street, with both fashion houses showing stunning styles in the latest trends and rich autumnal hues, all available right here in Enniscorthy. Congratulations to Mary Hudson for providing Enniscorthy women with ‘style with a smile’ over the past 20 years through both boom and recession.

Mary is one of the town’s fashion icons and is always at the ready to offer advice, suggestions, ideas and compliments without pressure to purchase. And Glamour has almost become one of Enniscorthy`s iconic buildings, being a pleasure to visit and be on the receiving end of Mary’s smile and warm welcome and whether you intend to purchase or not you are always invited to browse at your leisure. We l l d o n e M a r y a n d Glamour and wishing you many, many more years successfully styling and glamourising the women of Enniscorthy. – Maria Nolan

This 15th and 16th November, Stagemad Theatre Company is bringing Howie The Rookie to The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy. Starring Enniscorthy’s own Fintan Kelly, this production has been touring nationwide for

the last few months. Bringing it to his home town is a dream come true for Fintan. So go along and support one of the finest actors around. Tickets on sale now. Early booking advised at www.presentationcentre.ie n

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BLOOD OF NOSFERATU. OCT 29 – NOV 2 AT 8PM. TICKETS €15. See details elsewhere on this page.

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HOWIE THE ROOKIE. 15 NOV 2019, 16 NOV 2019. Drama presented by Stagemad Theatre Company. See details elsewhere on this page.

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SANTA'S SOOTY CHRISTMAS. 30 NOV 2019, 4PM. Family Fun in this Christmas Panto presented by Centre Stage Theatre Company!

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ENNISCORTHY VOCATIONAL COLLEGE ORCHESTRA and CAVAN SINFONIA YOUTH ORCHESTRA. 30 NOV 2019, 8PM. TICKETS €10/5.

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Plus art exhibitions, workshops, classes, childen’s activities etc. See www.presentationcentre.ie for details. Tel: (053) 9233000. Always lots happening at The Presentation Centre.

Mary Hudson (left) of Glamour, with her models at the Bree Community Playground fundraising Fashion Show at Riverside Park Hotel. Pics: Maria Nolan.

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

30 October 2019

Your “cut out and keep”

OCT/NOV ENTERTAINMENT All venues are in Enniscorthy unless otherwise stated.

Wexford Folk Orchestra The Wexford Folk Orchestra is currently in preparation for its annual Festival Concert of Irish, Scottish and Folk Music, Singing and Recitations. This year's concert will also feature guest singer Stephen Murphy who has entertained so many over the years. The concert takes place at the Riverbank House Hotel, Ferrybank, Wexford, on Thursday, 31st October. Doors open at 7.30pm for 8.00pm, and the concert will conclude at 10.30pm sharp. Tickets

€12 available at the door. Patrons are advised to come early in order to avoid disappointment. The Wexford Folk Orchestra consists of approximately 25 musicians and singers, ranging in age f ro m m i d 3 0 ' s t o l a t e 8 0 ' s . Instruments include Fiddle, Banjo, Bass Guitar, Accordion, Whistle, Flute, Piccolo, Spoons, Percussion and Keyboard. New members are always welcome. Contact the orchestra through its Facebook page ‘Wexford Folk Orchestra’. n

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– "THY WILL BE DONE" by Michael Carey presented by Bridge Drama Group. 29 Oct – 2 Nov. SOLD OUT! –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SAXOLOGY LUNCHTIME CONCERT. 1 Nov, 1.00pm Saxology present an enjoyable lunchtime concert of music from classical to contemporary and everything in-between. This wexford based saxophone quartet is sure to please all tastes. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SECRET SINGERS CONCERT. 8 Nov. "Secret Singers" performing a range of songs from different genres including folk music, country and pop. Plus special guest artists to be announced. The performers come from all ages and levels some who haven't sung in public before or haven't sung since childhood but always wished they could... Their secret is finally out and this is their dream come true. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ELMORE. 16 Nov. Elmore is an Irish born singer-songwriter based in Co. Wexford and is one of the most recognised rising stars in Ireland today. Finding inspiration in the works of Ben Howard, Ed Sheeran, Dermot Kennedy and The Lumineers, Elmore began writing and composing music in his late teens but it wasn't until he decided to travel around Europe busking at 18, that he honed his performing style and found his love of the Indie/Folk genre. Elmore has played to audiences in the 3 Arena and has headlined the Cre Festival alongside The Stunning and The Riptide Movement. He has also played at Vantastival and supported acts including Hudson Taylor, Michael Bolton, The Riptide Movement, Sample Answer, Jake Carter and Hermitage Green. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– THE REMEDY CLUB. 22 Nov. The Remedy Club are a husband and wife Americana/Roots duo comprising Kj McEvoy & Aileen Mythen. They have been described as ‘a classic, rich and wholly authentic countryroots sound with vocals to die for’ with ‘delicious harmonies and nimble guitar playing’ (Hot Press). They released their album 'Lovers, Legends & Lost Causes' in 2017 to critical acclaim in Ireland, the UK and further afield and are just back from Nashville, having worked on on their next album with 5 time Grammy award winning producer Ray Kennedy. Live, The Remedy Club are an exciting, captivating proposition with their performances veering from intimate and soulful to full on hoedown mode! –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BABY'S 1st XMAS. 23 Nov, 10am, 11am and 12 noon. BABY’S 1st XMAS has been especially designed for babies under 1 year old! See www.wexfordartscentre.ie for full details. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DAVID O'DOHERTY – ULTRASOUND. 23 Nov. The hairy Enya is delighted to return to the Wexford Arts Centre with a brand new show made up of talking and songs played on the plastic keyboard he got for his Confirmation. Once again, he will try to fix everything that is wrong in the world. SPOILER ALERT: once again he will fail. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– THE TRIAL OF THOMAS D'ARCY McGEE BEFORE THE COURT OF HISTORY. 28 Nov. In Anthony Russell’s historical and political fantasy Wexford’s Thomas D’Arcy McGee (18251868), Irish rebel and Canadian patriot, is called from the grave to answer the charge that he committed treason against the people of Ireland by accepting high office in a colonial parliament and calling for the execution of captured Fenian soldiers who invaded Canada. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Plus art exhibitions, workshops, classes, childen’s activities, etc. See www.wexfordartscentre.ie for details. Tel: 053-9123764.

DAVID KITT IN TINAHELY

Sunday Nights (except bank holidays)

Community Centre Templeshannon Enniscorthy at 8.00pm

€1,100 Prize Fund

Accompanied by Margie Jean Lewis on violin, David Kitt will be performing in the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, on Saturday 9th November at 8.30pm, tickets: €22/€20. David Kitt is an Irish musician/producer who crosses multiple genres. He has released six studio albums to date, from his quietly magnetic 2001 debut Small Moments, through the expansive ambient textures and looping pop mantras of The Big Romance, through Square One, covers album The Black & Red Notebook, Not Fade Away, The Nightsaver (2009) and his most recent release Yous (2018). David will be playing a mix of tracks from these albums and some brand new material. This concert will be one of the few chances to catch him live in Ireland this year. n

St. Senan’s Parish Fundraiser For more information contact: (053) 9261729 or 086-7913919

David Kitt

WEXFORD FRINGE FEST. Wexford Town. www.wexfordfringe.ie. WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA. www.wexfordopera.com. ENNISCORTHY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL. HITS FROM THE MUSICALS.Presented by Wexford Light Opera Society. Whites Hotel, Wexford Town. Oct 29-Nov 2 BLOOD OF NOSFERATU. The Presentation Centre. 8pm. Oct 31 Bandstand presents RED SUN ALERT + support Ten Ounce Mouse, Scattered Ashes, Forlorn, in The Athenaeum. Doors 6:30pm. Tickets €10 (at the door). Prizes for best costume/fancy dress. Oct 31 WEXFORD FOLK ORCHESTRA. Riverbank House Hotel, Wexford. Fri 1 SAXOLOGY LUNCHTIME CONCERT. 1.00pm. Wexford Arts Centre. Fri 8 SECRET SINGERS CONCERT. Wexford Arts Centre. Sat 9 DAVID KITT. Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely. Sun 10 DANNY & THE SCALDER CITY SLICKS. 3-7pm. The Bailey Cafe Bar. 15-16 HOWIE THE ROOKIE. Drama. The Presentation Centre. Sat 16 ELMORE. Wexford Arts Centre. Fri 22 THE REMEDY CLUB. Wexford Arts Centre. Sat 23 BABY'S 1st XMAS. 10am, 11am and 12 noon. Wexford Arts Centre. Sat 23 DAVID O'DOHERTY – ULTRASOUND. Wexford Arts Centre. Thur 28 THE TRIAL OF THOMAS D'ARCY MCGEE BEFORE THE COURT OF HISTORY. Wexford Arts Centre. Sat 30 SANTA'S SOOTY CHRISTMAS. Christmas Panto. The Presentation Centre. 4pm. Sat 30 ENNISCORTHY VOCATIONAL COLLEGE ORCHESTRA and CAVAN SINFONIA YOUTH ORCHESTRA. The Presentation Centre. 8pm. BINGO: Sunday Nights (except bank holidays) in Community Centre, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, at 8.00pm. HOLOHAN’S PUB: See “Niall Holohan” on Facebook for upcoming gigs. THE LOCAL BAR: Live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. T. DOYLE’S PUB: Live music every Friday night. GREYHOUND RACING: Every Mon and Thurs. First Race 8pm. ST MICHAEL'S THEATRE, NEW ROSS: www.stmichaelsnewross.com NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE: www.nationaloperahouse.ie SOCIAL DANCING: Check out “Social Dancing in and around Wexford” on Facebook or text your name to 087 2723375 to receive the dates. Oct 18-Nov 3 Oct 22–Nov 3 Oct 25-31 Oct 28-31

It would be prudent to check all events locally with organisers and/or venues. Thanks to Joseph Doyle for his help with our comprehensive events guide. Please email your event details to slaneynews@gmail.com.

FOR LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS…  Check the listing above  Check out our pages 15-23 See Joseph Doyle’s column page 36  Check www.wexlive.com for updated listings.  Facebook:“Slaney News” and “Enjoy Enniscorthy”

Johnny McEvoy in New Ross An Evening with Johnny McEvoy in Concert will take place in St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, on Friday 8th November at 8pm. Johnny McEvoy has always been highly acclaimed for his live shows and his recent nationwide concert tour has received a huge response from his legion of fans. So a full house is expected in New Ross and the advice is to book tickets early while they’re still available. n

QUIZ ALERT! Hillbrook Lawn Tennis Club will be holding a Table Quiz in the IFA Centre, Millpark Road, Enniscorthy, on Friday 15th November at 7.30pm. Team of four €40. Great spot prizes up for grabs! All welcome. n

New live music venue and sports bar in Enniscorthy A new Sports Bar and Live Music Venue, TJ Murphy’s, opened on October 12th in Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, in the premises previously operating at Popovici’s and which for many years prior to that was fondly known as The Tavern. It is located across the

street from Treacys Hotel and is a welcome addition to the nightlife of the area. N i c k y M u r p h y, To m Wheelock and Johnny O’Connor are the men behind the new establishment which recently hosted some events during the inaugural Slaney Valley Bluegrass Festival. n

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Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

Getting into the Halloween mood

Enniscorthy Castle was a sight to behold for the launch of the Enniscorthy Drama Group (EDG) Halloween production of ‘Blood of Nosferatu’ currently running nightly at The Presentation Centre until 2nd November. Above left: Karen Franklin with Aisling Williams. Above right: Laura Mitchell, Liz Murphy Mitchell and Ann Murphy. Pics: Maria Nolan.

Remembering the late Denis Collins

TO ADVERTISE IN THE ‘SLANEY NEWS’ CALL 087-2403310 FOR DETAILS At the book launch in Wexford on 4th October of poems by the late Denis Collins titled ‘Gone for Coffee’ were Philip Cullen (filmmaker), Cllr Lisa McDonald (Vice-Chairperson Wexford County Council), Olivia O’Leary (poet, broadcaster, journalist) who launched the book, Pat Collins (brother of Denis), Kevin Lewis (artist).

Wexford Male Voice Choir in full flow Wexford Male Voice Choir launched their latest CD in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford, on 7th October. Right: At the CD launch were Pauline Byrne, Rene and Thomas Cleary and Cllr Lisa McDonald. Below: Some members of the choir in full voice.

The Local Bar Castle Hill, Enniscorthy

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

30 October 2019

CHRISTMAS IN Santa at Kilcannon ENNISCORTHY

SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE – ONLY A FEW DATES LEFT!

It may only be the end of October but Santa’s Enchanted Castle is already taking Enniscorthy by storm as the incredible sell-out Santa experience has only a few dates still available to book. 70% of bookings will be checking into the Riverside Park Hotel and Treacys Hotel – both offering fantastic Santa Sleepover Packages and over 500 room nights have been booked already. Enniscorthy will welcome up to 6,000 tourists into the town across November and December. This is fantastic news for local restaurants, bars, cafes and retailers who are preparing for a busy festive season both in Enniscorthy and across Co. Wexford. Families can look forward to the magical, interactive experience as they visit the newly-decorated Santa’s Enchanted Castle. Adventure through the Castle in the company of Santa’s Elves, a host of Disney characters and other special friends. Enjoy each of the breathtaking, themed rooms such as Toy Story, The Greatest Showman, The 100 Acre Wood where you can seek out Winnie

the Pooh and his friends. Visit the infamous Frozen Castle and gather snowflakes to weaken the Wicked Snow Queen. Be enthralled with the Lion King UV display while being entertained by the hilarious Timone and Pumba. Mrs Claus has an extra yummy surprise awaiting everyone in her Traditional Shop before your private family visit with Santa Claus. In Santa’s room, children (and parents) will look forward to chatting to the main man and his elves, as well as making sure that they’ve made the nice list, posing for a family photo with the Magic Mirror and receiving a special gift to take home. Book Online Now! To avoid missing out on this truly magical experience book your tickets today at: www.santasenchantedcastle.ie. Running from the 23rd November to 23rd December inclusive, but only a few of those dates are still available: Nov 23rd, 24th & 30th, Dec 1st and Christmas Week (18th - 23rd Dec). Sensitive Santa Tours Santa’s Enchanted Castle is also running Sensitive Santa tours on two exclusive dates, December 5th and 17th. But the 17th is sold

out so only the Dec 5th is still available.These tours are carefully designed for children with sensory, physical and other developmental needs with a maximum of six children per group. Gentle characters, a trained SNA and a private visit with Santa Claus, allows the children to enjoy the same magical Santa’s Enchanted Castle experience while their needs are supported, allowing them to grow in confidence throughout the tour. Price List: Off-peak Dates: Children (all ages) €15. Peak Dates: Children (all ages) €20. Big People: €10 including a delicious festive snack. A truly magical experience awaits you at Santa’s Enchanted Castle. CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS If you’re looking for a Christmas Party Night with a difference then look no further than a Party Night at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track – running on three Fridays in December – 6th, 13th and 20th. Contact the track on 053 9233172 for full details. Another night with a difference would be the spectacular Celtic Roots show in the National Opera House on 15th December. Or for a more traditional night of fine food and wine book your party night in

Friday 6th, Friday 13th and Friday 20th December 2019

Children with Santa and helpers at Santa’s Winter Wonderland in Kilcannon, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053-9235514 or book online at www.kilcannon.ie Enniscorthy’s award-winning Alba Restaurant. If you fancy doing something very traditional at Christmas then take in a panto. And you don’t have to travel very far! The brilliant Rathnure Panto is running on a huge number of dates between 8th and 27th December. Not to be missed! CHRISTMAS MARKETS As always there will be lots of

Christmas markets and fairs around Enniscorthy this December. One of the best is the market at Enniscorthy Vocational College with stalls available now for €20. Get in touch soon at christmasmarket@enniscorthyvc.ie before they sell out! CHRISTMAS SHOPPING If you’re looking for something special for the man (or men!) in your

life then look no further than Bega Barber in Enniscorthy. A Bega voucher makes an ideal gift and Bega will even add in a FREE €15 haircut with every €50 Voucher! If you’re shopping for foodstuffs over the coming weeks try dropping into SuperDine Food Factory on the Old Dublin Road, next door to the Baked Potato, for an amazing range of food at incredible prices. Stock up for Christmas and save, save, save! n

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

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LIVE BROADCAST BY SOUTH EAST RADIO

FREE MINI CANDY CANES OR BUBBLE WANDS FOR CHILDREN WHO ARRIVE EARLY

Saturday, 23rd November, 6.00pm at Santa’s Enchanted Castle Come and join in the fun with the Crazy Elves, Disney Characters and Santa & Mrs Claus.

More info: www.santasenchantedcastle.ie/enniscorthy-switch-on

SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE BOOK ONLINE NOW!

Enniscorthy

www.santasenchantedcastle.ie With regards to Santa’s Enchanted Castle, please could you amend to say the following : Santa’s Enchanted Castle - So many dates booked out. Some spaces still available on Dec 1st, 3rd, 9th, 14th and Christmas Week (18th-23rd Dec). Sensory Santa Tours - Nov 30th, Dec 7th and 19th, Limited Availability.

The Most Magical Christmas Experience From €15 per child

SO MANY DATES BOOKED OUT! Some spaces still available on Nov 23rd, 24th & 30th, Dec 1st and Christmas Week (18th - 23rd Dec) Sensitive Santa Tours – Only Dec 5th left

LET’S ALL FEEL THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

30 October 2019

GRILL - PASTA - SEAFOOD www.albarestaurant.ie Taking bookings now for Christmas parties and New Year's Eve Background Live Music available on Fridays Alba Italian Restaurant, Abbey Square, Enniscorthy T: 053 92 39 651 www.albarestaurant.ie Opening Hours: 5pm to late, Tuesday – Sunday BEGA BARBER: 64 Wafer St Enniscorthy Tel: 087 060 9400 wwww.begabarber.ie

OPENING HOURS: Mon/Tues/Weds/Thurs/Sat: 8.30am–6.00pm. Friday: 8.30am–7.00pm. Sunday: 10.30am–3.30pm

SERVICES: Hair Cut Cut-throat Shave Beard Trim Threading Braiding Facial Highlights

With Bega Barber you’re always handsome

6 Fully Baked Vol-au-Vent Cases €2.99 6 Cooked Turkey & Ham Stuffed portions €17.99 Large selection of Cakes and individual Desserts PARTY DEAL 1

1kg Chicken Goujons 55 Cocktail Sausages 1 Bag Chips 2.5kg all for only

€11.99

PARTY DEAL 2

50 Chicken Nuggests 55 Cocktail Sausages 1 Bag Chips 2.5kg all for only

€10.99

PARTY DEAL 3

2kg Chicken Goujons 110 Cocktail Sausages 2.5kg Wedges all for only

€23.99

Also selection of Finger Food and lots of Seasonal Favourites at Unbeatable Prices. SuperDine, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy (beside the Baked Potato restaurant with lots of FREE Parking)

Extended December Opening Hours: Phone Jim on 087-2576052

Bega Gift Voucher A Bega Gift Voucher makes the ideal Christmas Gift so treat the man (or men!) in your life to some luxury this Christmas and get a FREE €15 haircut with every €50 Voucher!

For bookings: www.begabarber.ie

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

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A GREAT CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT

Christmas comes but once a year and with Christmas comes the Rathnure Panto! Toybox: The Panto! is this year’s brand new Original Panto from the hardest working community group in the country – Rathnure Pantomime Society! Along with preparations for Santa’s Enchanted Castle, and scaring half of Enniscorthy during Halloween, they are also getting ready to entertain the South East this December. This year’s pantomime story all begins in a Toyshop

which is on the verge of closing, as nowadays all children want are electronic devices. However, one girl, Joanne, whose grandparents own the Toyshop, still believes in the toys and her own imagination. And so begins a story where anything can happen, from Bo Peep and her sheep, the Wizard of Oz, a very different Red Riding Hood, Action Man, The Hulk, and even Ana and Elsa, joining forces

to take on the evil Snow Queen. All the magic kicks off on 8th December (6.30pm), then continues 11th, 12th, 13th (7.45pm), 15th (6pm), 16th, 18th (7.45pm), and then three shows after Christmas, 27th (7.45pm), 28th and 29th (6pm). To book, call 087-0680564 or 087-6954112, or book through Messenger on the Rathnure Panto Facebook Page! n

Slaney News

30 October 2019

C&R PRINT CELEBRATE

Established in 1979 with a staff of two, C&R PRINT is a family-run print and signage business, where people, relationships and family values are extremely important. The business operates from a m o d e r n p re m i s e s a t Te m p l e s h a n n o n Q u a y, Enniscorthy, with state of the art design, print and finishing equipment, and has become synonymous with quality and service, delivering on time, every time.

The Lost Town of Carrick

YEARS IN BUSINESS

C&R PRINT currently has a staff of 18 committed to working together for each and every customer many of whom have been loyal to C&R since the early 1980’s. C&R is well known for supporting deserving causes such as St Patrick’s Special School, Dogs for the Disabled and Autistic Units in local schools. So whatever your requirement – Graphic Design, Marketing Solutions, Traditional Printing, Digital Printing,

Some of the team at C&R PRINT

Signage etc and whatever the size of your job – from a simple business card to a full-colour corporate brochure, you can be sure that C&R PRINT can satisfy all your requirements. Tel: (053) 92 35295. Email: info@crprint.ie. www.crprint.ie. Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9.00am – 5.30pm. Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm. Closed for lunch 1.00pm – 2.00pm n

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society members with Co. Wexford Tourism Officer Billy Byrne (fourth from left) and Director of Archaeology Denis Shine (fifth from left). Pic: Maria Nolan.

Exciting times ahead at Carrick and the National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig, as excavations led by Director of Irish Archaeology Field School Denis Shine and his team reveal secrets of the long-lost Norman town built in the year 1169 by one of the first Norman knights to land at Bannow Bay – Robert Fitzstephen, thus making Carrig the absolute oldest Anglo Norman fortification in the country. And yes that is certainly something to shout about according to Heritage Park Manager Maura Bell as she introduced guests to the

Norman 850 two-day conference at the site and the launch of Carrick, County Wexford, a detailed written account of the ground breaking project to date. ‘We are so proud to have our very own book here at the Heritage Centre’, Maura said, calling on fellow Park Manager Chris Hayes to launch the publication compiled by Denis Shine, Michael Potterton, Catherine McLoughlin and Stephen Mandal. Chris thanked all the contributors to the work saying that, ‘It has indeed been a labour of love for all of them and we are deeply grateful to

them for telling the story of this long hidden Wexford gem.’ Chris told the assembled guests that there was also a relaunch of Billy Colfer’s most excellent history of the Normans in Wexford – Arrogant Trespass, and paid tribute to Wexford County Council for their generous support. Enniscorthy Historical Reenactment Society were delighted to be invited by Maura Bell to add colour and pageantry to the occasion in full Norman regalia. What interesting times for Wexford as our Norman heritage continues to unfold. – Maria Nolan

On offer from L.E.O.

Enniscorthy’s Delightful Dollies held a Garden Party on 10th August in the home of Philomena Murphy, Clonroche, in aid of the Hope Cancer Support Centre, the proceeds of which (€305.90) was presented in Bellefield GAA complex on 9th October. Front row L-R: Mary Sinnott, Nora Tyrell, Winnie Connolly (Chairperson Delightful Dollies), Philomena Murphy (in whose garden the event was held), Pat Mulvey, Paddy Redmond (Hope Centre), Winnie O’Connor (Delightful Dollies Committee) and members of the Dollies in the back row. Philomena Murphy would like to thank the Dollies committee for all their help, all the ladies who brought food and drink to the garden party, Peter Hughes who supplied the hay bales to sit on, and all the ladies who attended the event.

New jeep for Wexford Civil Defence Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe TD was at Wexford Co. Council headquarters on 11th October where he presented the keys of a brand new jeep to Wexford Civil Defence. The €34,000 4-wheel drive Ford Ranger Crew-Cab was specifically selected for its capacity to deal with the often chal-

lenging conditions faced by Civil Defence crews as they assist in the response to national emergencies and severe weather events. The jeep is part of a major upgrade of the national Civil Defence fleet with funding from the Government’s Dormant Accounts fund. n

The Local Enterprise Office at Wexford County Council is always actively promoting enterprise in Co. Wexford. Check out their website: www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford or email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie or tel: 053 919 6020 for full details on all their courses, clinics, workshops etc. Minister Paul Kehoe presents jeep keys to Peter O’Connor, Wexford Civil Defence Officer. L to R: Liam Healy, Liam Buckley, Noel Stacey, Peter O’Connor, Wexford Civil Defence, Minister Paul Kehoe TD, Ciaran Fitzpatrick, Wexford Civil Defence, Tom Enright, CEO and John Carley, Director of Services, Wexford County Council.

Slaney News

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Do we really need 166 TDs? Do we need 166 TDs dipping into our pockets? At first glance this might seem like someone having a laugh. Then again, just think about it for a minute or two. Recently the TDs awarded themselves yet another rise in salary. I for one don’t find that funny especially when at the same time they awarded pensioners an increase of €5 and continue to underpay the Army and the medics especially the nurses. So let’s have a look at who we elect to run our “nice little country” to quote Mr. de Valera. Fianna Fáil – the largest party in the state: founded by a Machiavellian duplicitous coward. It’s a well known fact that he lost his nerve in Boland’s Mill during the 1916 Rising. One bridge up the canal from the mill, thirteen men were battling it out against a regiment of the British Sherwood Foresters. Dev was seen lying in the foetal position on the floor scared out of his wits and refusing to go and help his comrades. Then, during the War of Independence, he spent most of the entire time ensconced in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. When he finally arrived home he insisted on a conventional attack on the British (the burning of the Customs House) that cost more loss of volunteers than any other operation in the entire conflict. To cap all this he met with Lloyd George the British Prime Minister weeks before sending the delegation (which included Michael Collins) to London to negotiate the Treaty. I am convinced that he came to an arrangement with Mister George (knowing that a Republic would not be granted) to expose Collins whom the British didn’t know by sight. He also would have known that the plenipotentiaries would be put under such pressure that they would be forced to

Another interesting and thought-provoking article by Glenbrien man, Eamonn Sheridan, who is definitely getting things off his chest! sign the proposed treaty. He then rejected it despite it being ratified by the Dáil albeit by only seven votes and despite it being approved and accepted by the people in a democratic vote. What followed was a Civil War instigated by him. Let us not forget that he excused himself from the action by saying, “I am not a soldier” or words to that effect. The

Do we really need 166 TDs in result... ‘Brother against brother and father against son’. And perhaps worst of all, the death of Michael Collins. Let’s now look at the other large party... Fine Gael. Set up by those who followed Collins, it included a General Eoin O’Duffy who was a Fascist and set up an organisation known as “The Blueshirts” and modelled on the National Socialist Party in Germany headed up by none other than Adolf Hitler and the Fascist Party in Italy headed by Benito Mussolini. It is a matter of history that a large number of their members sailed from Dun Laoghaire under the swastika flag and blessed by the Archbishop to assist General Franco in Spain to put down the Socialists who opposed him. That leaves the Labour Party, and what can be said

Fighting Blindness According to the most recent statistics available, there are approximately 7,125 people in Co. Wexford who are living with vision impairment or blindness. The national conference of the Fighting Blindness organisation takes place in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin, on Saturday, November 16th. It is a rare opportunity to quiz leading vision experts about eye conditions and for attendees to gain support from others in a similar sit-

about them? Well, they were set up to follow in the footsteps of James Connolly one of the executed heroes of 1916. To quote Connolly... ”The cause of Ireland is the cause of Labour and the cause of Labour is the cause of Ireland.” High ideals indeed. But when I asked a party representative some years ago if Connolly’s principles and ideals still applied I was

uation to themselves. The conference will be opened by Fighting Blindness ambassador and leading international actress, Victoria Smurfit. It will feature sessions on more than 20 rare conditions including retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and many more. P e o p l e i n t e re s t e d i n attending can register at retina.ie n

Leinster House?

told no. The republican ideal has long been written out of their manifesto. Some years back I remember two members of the ITGWU (now SIPTU) were elected to the Dáil and tried their level best to hold onto their union salaries as well as the Dáil salary. In my humble opinion the Party lost its way a long time ago. So much so that their present leader acknowledged that and apologised for it in the hope of garnering more votes at the next election. So who can we as a people trust? Is it the deputy who got us planning permission or our medical card? Do you know that whatever a TD might say, he has no influence in these matters regardless of what they might claim. Let me give you an example of what I’m saying. Some years ago I applied for planning to build an exten-

sion to my home. I submitted drawings from an architect and planning was granted. A few days later I received a letter in the post from a Councillor congratulating me and stating that he was delighted to have been of help. I wrote back asking him who the h... he was and would he care to call to my home and show his face. Needless to say I never laid eyes on him. If you are entitled to planning permission or a medical card you will get it anyway. So... may I suggest a new solution... let us dispense with the parties and institute a system introduced in Greece in ancient times. Let us choose a committee of the best in their field to oversee the running of the country. Let’s face it, the everyday running of the country is down to the Civil Servants anyway. Give them five years to prove themselves. After that time a jury of citizens to be selected randomly by computer to adjudicate on the performance of the deputies. Oh, and let’s include the Civil Servants also. If they are found to have done a good job offer them another five years of service. And if they are found to have performed poorly then execute them!!! That way we could be certain the next incumbents would be sure to be honest. How much money would be saved? You do the maths. No more cock-ups with motorways, hospitals and outrageous fees for consultants. No more ‘Golden Circle’. No more politically appointed judges or army chiefs. No more junkets for politicians. No more unreceipted expenses. No more bankers and developers getting away with destroying the economy. No more corruption in the Gardaí. No more election of tax frauds. Maybe the new solution is not such a wild idea after all!!! – Eamonn Sheridan n

Investment in water A number of Wexford towns and villages are to benefit from a €54 million investment in water infrastructure. According to Minister Paul K e h o e T D , g ro u p w a t e r schemes and other projects in the county have been designated for funding between 2019 and 2021. Group Water schemes to benefit include: Knockmarshall, Mullawn, Kilanerin, Bormount, Blackstairs. And the Bing Group sewerage scheme is also designated for funding. Minister Kehoe has also

confirmed that Battlestown and Ballinahask, Kilmuckridge, are to receive funding as community projects. “Quality of water is a huge issue not only in Wexford but across the country... I’m delighted to see these schemes prioritised and I will continue to advocate for Wexford communities in this regard.” The announcement follows a review the Minister Eoghan Murphy put in place to examine the wider investment needs relating to rural water services. n

New South-East Greenway

With planning permission and funding firmly in place, it’s full steam ahead for the construction of the South East Greenway, a state-ofthe-art 24km cycling and walking route linking New Ross, County Wexford, with Ferrybank, County Waterford, through South Kilkenny. Wexford County Council has announced that clearing of vegetation and commencement of a site investigation contract along the route will commence within weeks. This will be followed by completion of the tender process, with the main construction works to begin in Summer 2020. The South East Greenway is a joint initiative of Wexford County Council, Kilkenny County Council and Waterford City & County Council, supported by the local Partnership organisations. The three Councils have together committed funding of €5m towards the overall project costs of €13m, with a recently announced €8m grant from the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport providing the balance. The Greenway is to be constructed along the former railway line between

Mountelliott and Waterford, crossing the River Barrow via the renowned Red Bridge and passing through the scenic countryside of South Kilkenny, before reaching Abbeylands and Ferrybank, County Waterford. From there it will l i n k t o t h e Wa t e r f o r d Greenway via the proposed North Quays and Bilberry Greenway Projects, creating a 72km Greenway of regional significance spanning from New Ross to Dungarvan. The disused railway line has remained in the ownership of CIE / Irish Rail since the discontinuation of passenger services in 1963 and discontinuation of freight services in 1995 and the company has now commenced negotiations with the local authorities to facilitate the development of the much anticipated Greenway. A proposal to provide a River Taxi service between New Ross and Waterford which would complement the Greenway and provide users with a unique experience for their return journey is also currently under consideration. The South East Greenway is scheduled to open in Autumn 2021. n

The renowned Red Bridge near New Ross will be part of the new greenway.

Slaney Food & Drink

30 October 2019

Staying well this winter Wexford wins big in Blas awards By Oonagh Trehin BSc MSc ANUTR Oonagh Trehin is a registered associate nutritionist (ANutr) from Co. Wexford. She studied nutrition for four years at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, and received a BSc Nutrition in 2016. In November 2017, she graduated from an MSc in Public Health at the University of Sunderland. Her passion for nutrition and science led her to set up Little O Nutrition which offers an evidence-based, judgementfree, friendly service. Oonagh will be contributing a regular column to the Slaney News.

It's that time of year – kids are back in school, the temperatures have cooled and everyone seems to be catching a cold. There are some things we can do to stay well this winter, so I've put together my top tips for not just surviving, but thriving this winter! 1. Good food. With cooler weather and darker evenings, it is normal for us to crave more warming, spiced and comfort foods. There is no problem leaning into that, but there are a few dietary additions that can help us stay in good health. - Plenty of veggies: Have your stews and curries, but make sure to add vegetables. Be sure to include lots of colour, different colours

= different nutrients. Plenty of hot drinks: We tend to drink less water in cooler weather, but have more hot drinks. Avoid over-doing caffeinated drinks and switch between tea, coffee, herbal teas, hot chocolate, and try to drink some water too! - Vitamin D: Take a 10 microgram vitamin D from October to May. Any brand will do, just be sure to take it after food. If you take a multivitamin, check the vitamin D content before adding another supplem e n t ( m a x 2 5 m i c ro grams/day). 2. Exercise. Summer tends to be an active season, but we tend to become more sedentary -

in winter months. While we can't always get outdoors, it is important to keep active. Getting regular exercise can help with sleep, heart health, mental health and lots more! Some ideas: take up a class, try YouTube video workouts, go to your local swimming pool. 3. Sleep. Having a good sleep routine can be life changing! Start with a wind-down routine – limiting screen time an hour before bed can help. Add in meditation or mindfulness if you're into it, or just read. Having the same wake-up and bedtime can also help us to feel less tired and can improve sleep quality. 4. Be prepared. Get the winter coats, jumpers, hats and scarves out and washed, pick up tissues and hand sanitiser, and stick some in your handbag /car/desk, and stock up your medicine cupboard with the basics, like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Ask your pharmacist for advice on over the counter medicines and your eligibility for the flu vaccine. For more health and nutrition information, head to www.littleonutrition.com, or contact Oonagh on littleonutrition@gmail.com n

Taste Wexford Hampers available now Taste Wexford Hampers are available again this year in the lead up to Christmas. There are three new hampers featuring some of the finest Wexford food, drink and craft, making them the perfect gift to treat family, friends or that special someone. They also make for a memorable corporate gift for important colleagues and business relationships. Gintastic Hamper - €150 Clever Bean Hamper - €95 Wexford Honey Hamper - €75 Full details on each hamper’s contents and to place an order: https://bit.ly/2IDX7SJ n

New head chef at The Bailey The new Head Chef in The Bailey, Enniscorthy, is Anthony McBride, a native of Dublin, but who has lived in Wexford for the past 25 years. Starting off in Actons Hotel in Kinsale at the young age of 16, Anthony brings a wealth of experience to The Bailey Cafe Bar. He has worked in Whitford House Hotel, The Talbot Hotel, Riverbank House Hotel and The Gresham, Dublin. Anthony is passionate about delivering a high standard of food and having worked with The Bailey General Manager James Ryan in The Talbot, this dynamic duo is looking forward to bringing the best in local cuisine to Enniscorthy. n

It was celebrations all round for local producer Clodagh Davis at the Blas na h E i r e a n n Aw a r d s 2 0 1 9 which took place in Dingle on 5th October. Clodagh’s Naturally Cordial brand won Gold, Silver and Bronze for three of its cordial flavours. Produced in Enniscorthy by Clodagh Davis, Naturally Cordial won every award in the Non-Alcoholic Drinks Cordial category. Bronze was a w a rd e d f o r N a t u r a l l y Cordial Fragrant Orange, Silver for Naturally Cordial Wexford Blackcurrant & Dunnes Stores Simply Better Wexford Blackcurrant flavour, and Gold for her Dunnes Stores Simply Better Raspberry & Rhubarb Flavour. An impressive 16 food producers from County Wexford had 52 products in the finals, an increase on last year’s 49. Members of the Wexford Food Family were very well represented at these prestigious awards including: Fancy Fungi Gourmet Mushrooms, Irish Country M e a t s , K e l l y ’ s B a k e r y, Killowen Farm, Naturally Cordial, O’Neill’s Dry Cure Bacon, Regan Organic Farm, Scúp Gelato, Tara Hill Honey, Tasty Parlour, Wexford Home Preserves, Wild About, Zaeire Artisan Chocolates and Zanna Cookhouse. Staffords Bakery and Sadies Cordial also made it through to the finals. n

Clodagh Davis (centre) of Naturally Cordial – one of the big winners at the Blas na hEireann Awards 2019.

Blas na hEireann Award Winners 2019. Above: O'Neill’s Dry Cure Bacon Co. Below: Killowen Farm.

WEXFORD RESTAURANT RETAINS MICHELIN GUIDE STATUS

Anthony McBride, new Head Chef in The Bailey, Enniscorthy.

Popular Wexford restaurant, Aldridge Lodge in Duncannon, has retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand status in the new Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2020 just published. Michelin Bib Gourmand awards recognise those establishments offering good food at prices of €40 or less for a three-course meal. Sha-Roe Bistro (Clonegal) also retained its Bib Gourmand status. n

To advertise on the Slaney News Food Page contact: 087-2403310

Three Awards for “Mangans Traditional Fish & Chips” of The Faythe, Wexford, at the Irish Takeaway Awards 2019 in The Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone. Three awards for Best Chips in Leinster, Best Chips in Ireland plus Best Burger in Leinster Awards. Pictured with awards are staff members Marian Cullen, Colette Hogan, Rebecca Navickaite, Ela Kasvasz, Linda Amott.

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

HALLOWEEN FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE In the interest of fire safety at Halloween, Wexford County Fire Service is issuing the following guidelines for all members of the public; Halloween is traditionally a fun time for the family and for everyone to enjoy. Each year warnings are repeatedly issued of the dangers associated with bonfires and illegal fireworks, yet each year people get very badly injured. While it is a time of celebration, it is also a time to practise extreme caution and care for all involved. Bonfires ● Bonfires can be dangerous and unhealthy to people, animals, property and the environment. ● If you notice an unsafe bonfire dial 112 or 999 and call the Fire Brigade immediately. ● Never put any sealed canister/cylinders, petrol or fireworks on a bonfire. ● Never leave a lighting bonfire unattended. Decorations ● Keep decorations far away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. Use LED lights as alternatives to candles when decorating. Candles ● Always use an appropriate candle holder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface. ● Keep flammable items away from candles (e.g. decorations, curtains, shelving etc). ● Ensure pumpkins with candles are stable and nothing combustible is near them. Costumes ● Preferably use only fire retardant materials for costumes and ensure children are accompanied by a parent/guardian for their own safety. Choose costumes that don't require long-trailing fabric. ● Talk to your children and remind them to stay away from open flames. Provide them with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting as part of their costume. Trick or Treat ● Parents/guardians should wear high visibility jackets and be equipped with adequate torches for the duration of the trick or treat event. ● If travelling/ferrying kids by car ensure to obey the rules of the road and in particular ensure no traffic is oncoming while kids are getting in and out of cars and when parking, ensure you have selected a suitable area to do so. Communities All communities and neighbourhoods should be on alert for the dangers that can be associated with Halloween. Remember to watch out for each other and have respect for the safety and well being of all persons in the community. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS Wexford County Council gives notice of its decision to close the roads in Enniscorthy Town listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from 17.00 to 19.00 on Saturday, 23 November 2019 to facilitate the Switching On of the Christmas Lights. Road Closures:

Wafer Street, Market Square, Slaney Street, Rafter Street, Main Street, Church Street, Court Street, Friary Street, Hospital Hill and Castle Street (R702) (between the junction of Duffry Street and Main Street with Irish Street and the junction of Castle Street with Church Street and Castle Hill) and additionally HCV Traffic are excluded from Castle Hill, Duffry Street and Main Street.

Alternative Route:

HCV Traffic (Eastbound) Duffry Hill to Parnell Road to Arnold’s Cross to Mill Park Road to Abbey Square Roundabout via R890 and R772.

Alternative Route:

HCV Traffic (Westbound) Roundabout on Abbey Square to Mill Park Road to Arnold’s Cross to Parnell Road to Duffry Hill via R772 and R890.

Alternative Route:

Local non-HCV traffic (Eastbound only) Junction of Duffry Street and Main Street to Irish Street to Island Road (R772) to Old Bridge, The Shannon Quay to Seamus Rafter Bridge to Abbey Square Roundabout to Castle Hill.

Alternative Route:

SECTION 75 OF ROADS ACT 1993 TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS Wexford County Council gives notice of its intention to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Saturday 23 November 2019 from 17:30 to 21:00, to facilitate the switching on of Gorey Christmas Lights. Road Closure 1 Road:

Main Street (R772) between its junction with The Avenue and its junction with Rafter Street/ Church Street.

Alternative Route:

From North Parade to Pearse Street to Rafter Street via L1011, L5507 and L5510 (Northbound traffic). From St. Michael’s Road to Railway Road to The Avenue via L5500 and R741 (Southbound traffic).

Road Closure 2 Road:

Market Street (L5506) between its junction with Main Street and its junction with Shambles Lane.

Alternative Route:

From Wexford Street to Railway Road to The Avenue via L5503, L5500 and R741.

Alternative routes will be signposted. No Vehicular Access will be facilitated. Any person wishing to object to the closing of these roads should lodge the objection, in writing, to the County Secretary, County Hall, Wexford, before 12.00 noon on Monday, 4 November 2019.

BONFIRES Destroy the Environment. Affect your health through Air Pollution. Can cause permanent injury or worse. Damage property. Cost taxpayers & ratepayers thousands of euro annually. Are illegal under the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended).

Local non-HCV traffic (Westbound only) Roundabout on Abbey Square to Mill Park Road to Arnold’s Cross to Parnell Road to Duffry Hill via R772 and R890.

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

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

Wexford County Council Waste Enforcement Staff are carrying out patrols for illegal waste disposal. Don’t feed illegal bonfires with your waste. Offenders will be prosecuted. Fines up to €3,000. Report dumping on 053 9196000 or by email to customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie Planning app. lists available at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning

Slaney Business & Finance

30 October 2019

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A lot done and more to do A lot done and more to do for Enniscorthy was the clear message emanating from the 2019 Enniscorthy & District Chamber AGM held at Chamber Offices, Portsmouth House, on Tuesday 8th October. The well attended meeting heard upbeat and positive reports from President Maree Lyng and the Chamber ’s Development Officer Jimmy Gahan outlining the significant progress made in the town over the past 12 months with the opening of the Enniscorthy By-Pass, the pending completion of the town’s new €16 million Water Treatment Plant, which will cater for a population growth up to 25,000, and the new Technology Park which will offer endless opportunities in terms of job creation. President Lyng also spoke of the long-awaited Slaney Flood Relief Scheme due to commence in 2020 and paid tribute to the Chamber sub-

committee working diligently to bring this project to fruition. Maree had a particular mention for the late David Hasslacher and praised his Trojan work on the project, which she said when completed ‘will add considerably to the attractiveness of Enniscorthy as a location for industrial development and community living’. Jimmy Gahan spoke of the Council’s Repair and Lease Scheme and the Chamber’s role in promoting the project in both the Enniscorthy and Bunclody areas reporting that a total of 12 property owners have signed up to the initiative in Enniscorthy with a further 8 in Bunclody and work on converting their derelict and unoccupied properties is already underway. Jimmy also reported that the Chamber has been instrumental is assisting individuals wishing to expand their enterprises or establish new ones in the District

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with three new enterprises being located in Enniscorthy – two on the Old Dublin Road and one at Wafer Street, while a fourth has located at an industrial unit in Bunclody. Maree Lyng spoke animatedly about the town’s strides in the area of passive housing complimenting Michael Bennett and his team on developments such as Madeira Oaks putting Enniscorthy and Wexford on the international map resulting in the county being chosen to join with Canadian and American cities to take on the global challenge of cutting carbon emissions, and Enniscorthy chosen as the location for the 50,000 sq. ft. International Centre of Excellence. President Lyng said that the strength of the town was its volunteers and spoke of all the wonderful Enniscorthy festivals – Strawberry Fair / Street Rhythms & Roots, Wexford Literary Festival, Blackstairs

ENNISCORTHY CHAMBER EVENTS: www.enniscorthychamber.ie for upcoming events. Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce. Tel: 053-9232006. Portsmouth House, Templeshannon. Mon to Fri 9.00am – 5.30pm. admin@enniscorthychamber.ie www.enniscorthychamber.ie

Are you self-employed? or working in non-pensionable employment? If so, why not let the taxman help pay for your life cover?

Attendees at the recent AGM of Enniscorthy & District Chamber. Pic: Cathy Keane.

Blues and particularly the Rockin’ Food Festival, and the wonderful people who make them all happen year in year out – many of them she said members of the Chamber and she applauded Jean O Connell and her Enniscorthy Tourism subcommittee for turning Enniscorthy into the Festival Capital of the South East. Maree thanked her Board for their commitment and work throughout the year – Directors Eric Barron and Michael Bennett, Company Secretary Eugene Doyle, Minutes Secretary Maria Nolan, Treasurer Connie Doyle and members Richie Cotter, Jean O Connell, John O’Connor, Myles Roban, Colm Neville, Derek Nally, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Margot Banville Hogan, Development Officer Jimmy Gahan and the Chamber staff Betty Kelly, Lisa Jordan, Rosie Murphy, Angela O’Shea and Michael Breen. She welcomed the new Town Manager Ger Mackey saying that the Chamber looked forward to working closely with him on the many exciting, upcoming projects and plans for Enniscorthy and she paid tribute to outgoing Manager Liz Hore and thanked her for her valuable contribution to the town during her tenure. Maree made a presentation to former President of the Chamber John Burke O`Leary thanking him for his years of service and lamenting the fact that he can no longer serve on the Board following his eleva-

Back L-R: Treasurer Connie Doyle, Minutes Secretary Maria Nolan, Development Officer Jimmy Gahan. Front L-R: Incoming Vice-President Barbara-Anne Murphy, President Maree Lyng. Pic: Cathy Keane.

tion to the Bench of the District Court. Maree paid a special tribute to the late Vice-President Michael O’Leary saying that Michael was ‘an inspiration to all and his loss to the Chamber and the town is incalculable. His contribution to the development of Enniscorthy was matched only by his passionate belief in always doing the right thing in terms of providing a better community environment for the people of the town and district.’ Maree expressed the Chamber’s sympathies to the O’Leary family and to Maria

Nolan and the Doyle family on the recent loss of Padraig Doyle who she said ‘was another great community servant and his passing has deprived Enniscorthy of yet another highly thought of and socially conscious individual’. Accounts were presented to AGM by Eugene Doyle who complimented the Chamber on ‘doing exactly what they said they would do achieving all their projections within their budget’. An endorsement indeed moving forward optimistically into 2020. – Maria Nolan

ENNISCORTHY AND DISTRICT CHAMBER

BLACK TIE BALL

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Previous Chamber President John O’Leary and current President Maree Lyng.

The much heralded Brass and Co. from Kilkenny will provide the music for the first Enniscorthy and District Chamber of Commerce black tie ball in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Tuesday December 10th. Tickets at €75 each will go on sale early next week. Marketed as the social event of the year, the ball will signal the start of the festive season in Enniscorthy with all the glitz and glamour one would associate with an event of this magnitude. A sumptuous meal will be preceded by a champagne reception which is being sponsored by the Riverside Park Hotel. A prominent guest speaker will address the gathering after which the renowned Brass and Co. will provide the music for the dancing. The ball is certain to attract a large representation from the commercial, retail and industrial sectors from across the district with the Chamber of Commerce promoting ticket sales among the corporate sector in particular. However, sales are also being promoted among individual Chamber members and their friends and the hope is that the ball will be over subscribed in advance of the event taking place. More details will be announced shortly including where tickets can be purchased in advance.

Slaney Services

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with the Moyne Veterinary Hospital This month, Joe Kavanagh looks at various changes inside and outside the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

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We are greeted with such an enthusiastic welcome each morning when we arrive downstairs. They are so happy to see us that it's worth climbing out of bed on a cold dark damp morning to see them... well lots of us have no choice, they'd have the place howled down if we didn't get up!

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When we have those dark days when we're not that inclined to face the day, our dogs make us lift ourselves. We say, "I've to walk the dogs", but it's after them bringing us out into nature that helps hit the reset button for us. Nature is Vibrant and Kind, Beautiful and Cruel, all the juxtapositions of life that has a perfect balance in its own right. I watched a documentary on the influence of re-introducing wolves into Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. On the face of it you wouldn't think that adding a few wolves could do much for the eco system but it was phenomanal, within a few years it had an influence on the waterways, streams and the tree growth in the upper reaches of the mountains. The reason being the deer had been over-grazing all these regions but with the wolves’ arrival they stayed in the lower regions and the balance of nature began to re-establish itself. It's Autumn now, nature is shedding its leaves, the harvest is well finished and the farm animals are starting to be housed. As nature drops the leaves it no longer requires, it creates a perfect cover for the seeds to be protected and in time to germinate and grow. Once again starting the cycle of life, renewal and death. These are part of our every day and it's easy to miss all this life around us with our busy lives. Our pets help us slow down that little bit to allow us come up for air, smell the roses and enjoy the magic that enfolds us each day. So give them an extra big hug today to acknowledge all they give us. n

If you have a topic you’d like Joe Kavanagh to address please text SLANEY NEWS at 087-2403310 or email: slaneynews@gmail.com

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30 October 2019

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Our December issue will be out on Weds 27th Nov 2019

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Wednesday 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th November 2019, 9.30am to 1pm. Please Note 13th Nov 2-5.30pm. Venue: Family Resource Centre, 4 Charlotte Road, Gorey. Everyone experiences periods of anxiety at some stage in their lives. We can feel tense, uncertain, fearful or nervous. Anxiety is a word used to describe these moments of discomfort. In this workshop we will look at how anxiety affects people in different ways – both emotionally and physically – and when these periods of unease, fear or worry affect your mental health.

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Thursday 28th November 10am to 12pm. Activation Room, Tara House, Gorey. This workshop provides an overview of the experience of living with psychosis. It also provides participants with the opportunity to learn more about different tools that support recovery. To book your place, please contact us here at the Recovery College South East on 086 1746330 or email recoverycollegesoutheast@gmail.com

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Slaney History

30 October 2019

www.slaneynews.com

If a picture tells a thousand words… Ibar Carty chronicles the 20th century in Enniscorthy & beyond...

Ibar Carty has opened up his vast photo archives to the Slaney News. In this 99th of a series, Ibar shares two photos from 70 years ago. If you can supply the names of any of the people featured in these photos, Ibar and the Slaney News would be delighted to hear from you. For our convenience we would ask you to email the names to: slaneynews@gmail.com. Thank you. Both photos are from Nov 1st 1949 of Fatima play at Presentation Convent, Enniscorthy. Photos by P.A. Crane. Copyright © Ibar Carty.

Ibar Carty can provide high quality prints of all photos in his series to date. Simply ring Ibar on 087-6729969 or email: ibar_carty@yahoo.ie or call into his premises on Castle St (beside Athenaeum) and if you mention the Slaney News he’ll give you 20% OFF the price! DON’T FORGET: IBAR SPECIALISES IN RECOPYING AND RESTORING OLD PHOTOS. CALL IN ANY TIME FOR MORE INFORMATION

Down Memory Lane at Duckett’s Grove, Carlow Once again Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society were delighted to be invited to recreate a day of nostalgia at Duckett’s Grove, Co. Carlow. The romantic ruin poised on t h e Tu l l o w s k y l i n e n e a r Castledermot was the 18th, 19th and 20th century home of the Duckett family and once stood on a 20,000 acre estate. Built as a Georgian Manor, it was redesigned in the 1820`s by Thomas A. Cobden for John Davidson Duckett giving it a Gothic Castle appearance and its surviving towers and turrets

make it one of the most photogenic, historic buildings in the country. It is open daily and admission is free but once each year it is transformed and transported back through the pages of history as visitors are invited to catch a glimpse of that Upstairs/Downstairs experience of the ‘big house’. Rides can be had in horsedrawn carriages, ponies and traps, Wolseley and Rolls Royce cars used by the Duckett family in bye gone times are in situ, along with bread baking, butter churning, wool spin-

ning and basket weaving demonstrations and in the stable yard the Smithies can be seen shoeing horses. The history of the Ducketts is extremely well documented and displayed in a photographic exhibition organised and created by local historian and Event Manager Jimmy O’Toole, who has done Trojan work on the project in conjunction with Carlow Tourism. Jimmy is one of the tour guides at Duckett’s Grove and his love and passion for this wonderful piece of Carlow history is immediately apparent.

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society (EHRS) at Duckett’s Grove, Carlow, October 2019. Maria Nolan (right) with the Ducketts of Duckett’s Grove.

Our tour guide for the ‘great house’ and the fabulous walled gardens was Kevin who gave us an insight into the workings of the house and how it would have looked in its glory days. D u c k e t t ’ s G ro v e h a s spanned the centuries from 1695 when the first Duckett, Thomas Duckett, arrived there, right up to 1933 when an unfortunate fire consumed the exquisite building leaving the ruin as it is today. The last of the Ducketts, Maria Georgina Duckett, died in 1937 and Duckett’s Grove is

EHRS members Tom Boland and Ian Kidd at Duckett’s Grove.

now in the capable hands of Carlow County Council. Enniscorthy Historical Reenactment Society along with members of Kilkenny Re-enactment Group and locals added to the ambience and atmosphere of the occasion as they elegantly sauntered and strolled the grounds in period costume preening and posing for photos. Only a short amble up the ro a d – k e e p i t i n m i n d – Duckett’s Grove is so worth a visit. Words and Pics – Maria Nolan

Members of EHRS Pat and Alan Jones at Duckett’s Grove.

Members of EHRS Joe Mernagh, Ray Murphy and Deirdre Mernagh at Duckett’s Grove.

Slaney Around the Region

www.slaneynews.com

BUNCLODY…

WEXFORD TOWN...

BuNCLODy LIBRARy See Bunclody Library’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/BunclodyLibrary/events where you can sign up for the monthly what’s on e-newsletter. Also see the website: http://www.wexford.ie/wex/Dep artments/Library/WhatsOn/ WHIST Monday night 8:45pm in Day Care Centre. ART BANK BuNCLODy ARTBANK Bunclody is a not for profit organisation and comprises an inclusive gallery, events, and workshops on the main street of Bunclody. Gallery open every Tues to Sat 2pm to 5.30pm. Do drop in! Follow ART BANK on Facebook for all happenings. ST VINCENT DE PAuL Local Confidential helpline 0873696883. SVP request box is now located at back of shop. There is a newspaper recycling bin beside SuperValu in aid of S.V.P. LOCAL MARKETS Local Markets on the Mall and Saint Aidan’s Hall on Saturdays selling beautiful local produce. BuNCLODy ACTIVE RETIRED AGM will be held October 2nd. SIGNACARE NuRSING HOME SignaCare Bunclody is a new, stateof-the-art, 62-bedded nursing home, in the heart of Bunclody. The cen-

Wexford artist Tina Fortune (right) whose art is on display in Whites Hotel lobby for the duration of the Wexford Festival Opera is pictured with L-R: Eduardo and Wyana Firmino, Thiago Melo Vasconcelos and wife Patricia O’ Connor. L-R: Margaret-Anne Walsh (Owner and Head of Operations) and Maria Domsa (Director of Nursing) at SignaCare Bunclody

tre opened on 2nd of September in the former Millrace Hotel premises and is a significant jobs booster for Bunclody with 70 new jobs being created in the new nursing home. SignaCare is a family-owned business which has invested significantly in the Bunclody project. The Owner and Head of Operations of SignaCare, Margaret-Anne Walsh, tells us that, “We have worked hard to recruit an expert team to provide excellence in care for the older persons. We will continue ongoing recruitment over the next couple of months in all areas of healthcare, social care,

SignaCare Bunclody

BREE... Congratulations to the local Tidy Towns who won a Special Endeavour Award in this year’s competition. Bree also achieved an increase of 13 marks, which represented an increase of 2 marks in 5 of the 8 categories and 1 mark in the other 3. This is very positive news for Bree with the adjudicator’s comments acknowledging the hard work of all volunteers. A big Thank You to Martina, Tommy, Bill and all the CEP team for their hard work in keeping Bree beautiful. The full report can be viewed on the website www.bree.ie under groups/community/Bree Tidy Town n

catering, household, etc. We have focused on training and developing our team to meet the highest standards in care. Our Director of Nursing, Maria Domsa, has extensive experience in older persons care and is a great asset to the centre. Our centre’s physiotherapist provides a personalised care plan for each resident, plus we have speech and language, dietitian, wound-care specialists etc all planning care for our residents. “Our facilities are expertly designed to provide a home-like environment, thereby enhancing our residents’ abilities in planning and living their daily lives. We value the uniqueness of each individual and we are guided by our commitment to excellence that ensures every resident will enjoy our passionate and professional care. We facilitate residents’ independence and choice in how they plan their daily lives.” Services on offer from the caring and expertly trained staff include: long-term residential care, convalescence and respite care, specialist dementia care, individualisd health and social care, personalised physiotherapy plans. Fair Deal is also accepted. Visit SignaCare in Bunclody, email: info@signacare.ie, tel: 053 93 76222. n

BARNTOWN... On the weekend of 2nd / 3rd November 2019, parishioners at Barntown, Co. Wexford, are invited to come and have a daffodil bulb blessed at the weekend Masses (7pm Saturday, 9am and 11.15am Sunday). The bulbs – which will be distributed at the Church porch – will be blessed at the weekend Masses - and planted in the grounds of the church in the week following. In proposing the initiative, local curate Fr. John Carroll said that, “as the days darken and it gets colder, it’s important to remember that life contin-

ues and new life emerges.” He went on to say that “for some the bulb may signify a hope or an aspiration, for others the memory of a loved one who has passed. But for all it signifies a God who is with us constantly - in all of the circumstances of our lives - and who offers us light, peace and guidance wherever we find ourselves.” Fr John continued, “In this small act, we will journey together through the mystery of created life this winter and on into spring – remembering the past, cherishing the present and putting our hope and trust in the future.” n

AMBULANCE SERVICE... Fianna Fáil Councillor and General Election candidate for Wexford, Michael Sheehan, has said urgent action must be taken to reduce the length of time people in Co. Wexford are having to wait for an ambulance. Cllr Sheehan was commenting as figures released under Freedom of Information show that 26 people waited more than an hour for an ambulance in the county in the first nine months of 2019. He said, “Ambulances are called in life-threatening emergencies and while I accept they cannot be on stand-by in every single village and street in the county, a wait of over an hour

is completely unacceptable. “Having spoken with members of the National Ambulance Services (NAS), who are doing the best job they can under immense pressure, I know that there are practical steps which can be taken which would prevent situations like this from happening. “There are often long delays in transferring patients to other hospitals in Dublin or Waterford and paramedics can be stuck at hospitals for hours. While not the optimum solution, private operators and trained crew could be used in this regard. “As we are all aware, the population of Wexford rises

sharply in the summer months, there should be additional resources targeted to the county during this period. “Finally, paramedics are highly trained individuals yet for many reasons an element of fear and a “what if” culture prevails. Many fear repercussions if they don’t bring a person to hospital, even if they concluded that the person does not need hospitalisation. “Paramedics need to be supported in their jobs, they need to know they have the confidence of the NAS, the HSE, right up to the Department and the Minister”, he concluded. n

ADAMSTOWN... Jack and Mary Galway have announced their decision to retire and transfer the ownership and operations of their Adamstown-based J&M Oils to Valero Marketing (Ireland) Limited, the company which markets fuels under the Texoil brand in Ireland. Having devoted 34 years of service to the business since its establishment in 1985, their decision was influenced by a wish to see the high level of service to its customers maintained, without interruption and with a long-term prospect of continuity. Before setting up J&M Oils, Jack had built-up some 8 years’ experience in the oil business, working as a Texaco driver from their depot in New Ross. The impetus to ‘go it alone’ came when Texaco gave its drivers the chance to branch out and set up their own businesses – an opportunity seized upon by Jack and Mary. In a further comment, Jack said: “Our decision to pass the reins to Valero is one that will ensure the J&M Oils tradition lives on and that customers can look forward to enjoying the

L-R: Barry Clare (driver), Mary Galway, Frank Staples (Regional Sales Manager, South East, Valero Marketing (Ireland) Limited), Jack Galway, Tom Galway (son) and Pat Hennessy (driver). Pat and Barry will continue to operate deliveries as before.

same high level of service and competitive pricing they had come to expect from J&M Oils.” Henceforth, deliveries will continue to be made by experienced drivers Pat Hennessy (from Tullogher, Co. Kilkenny) and Barry Clare (a native of Wexford town now living in Chapel, Clonroche).

Through the new arrangement, the company pledges to provide what Frank Staples, Commercial Manager South East, of Valero Marketing Ireland Limited, says will be “a continued high level of customer service supported by competitive prices that are amongst the best in the market.” n

Slaney Motoring

Caroline gets motoring BMW 3 SERIES REVIEW BY CAROLINE KIDD

The BMW 3 Series is an icon that doesn’t need much to sell itself. It’s long been hailed as the sportiest compact executive saloon in its class, exalted for its playful rear wheel driving dynamics and high-end build and refinement. Now the BMW 3 Series is in its 7th generation and it’s a gentle evolution of a familiar and popular car. You don’t mess with an icon like the 3 Series. But prospective buyers will need to know what’s new and different. The new 3 Series was five years in development and BMW says that the focus for this new generation has been sportiness, innovation and design. Proportions have been

30 October 2019

www.slaneynews.com

revised, there’s a wider track and a longer wheelbase. These all impact on the visual appeal of the car and a new design language focuses on clean, precise lines. The design is comfortingly familiar yet modernised in line with the latest BMW ‘look’. The 2019 BMW 3 Series is on sale in Ireland priced from €44,115. The new 3 Series is available in three trim levels: SE, Sport and M Sport. Tr i m e l e m e n t s d i ff e r depending on specification and the 3 Series is in its sportiest incarnation in M Sport trim. The car sits 10 mm lower and there are large air intakes at the front as well as a redesigned front bumper, side skirts and rear apron. The

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kidney grille is finished in high gloss black. The stunning new Portimao Blue metallic is also a unique colour option for the M Sport model. Inside the 3 Series gets a smart new interior very fitting of a junior executive car. There is a fine mix of materials and the quality is excellent throughout. The M Sport model adds sports seats to the specification, as well as an ‘M’ leather steering wheel, anthracitecoloured headliner, and full leather interior with heated front seats. Cabin comfort for passengers has been improved with more shoulder room in the front and extra legroom in the back. Getting in and out of the car is easier for the rear

passengers because the door aperture height has been increased. The boot has a capacity of 480 litres, while new partitioning into a primary luggage compartment and separate storage compartments has created an additional 36 litres of space. There’s also a welcome addition of new technology features including a new digital instrument cluster as standard. The M Sport model gets the impressive 10.3-inch central instrument cluster and BMW’s brand new Operating System 7.0 with the Intelligent Personal Assistant. The entry level SE model has 17″ alloys, LED headlights, BMW Light Carpet, interior ambient lighting,

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Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the editor of Changing Lanes (www.changinglanes.ie), one of Ireland’s leading motoring blogs, and a jury member for Irish Car of the year. She also provides freelance writing services to businesses in Wexford under the name of Star Content (www.starcontent.ie). reversing camera, electric folding rear view mirrors, threezone air conditioning and enhanced acoustic glazing. There’s also a leather sport steering wheel and BMW Live Cockpit plus, with 8.8-inch central instrument cluster. Engine options for the new 3 Series include the 318d and 320d (diesels available from €44,115) and the 320i and 330i (petrols available from €44,155). A new 330e plug-in hybrid is also available from €51,475. A six-speed manual gearbox is also available on some models, as is the BMW xDrive all-wheeldrive system. My test car was a classic 320d M Sport, four-cylinder diesel engine with 190hp and an 8 speed automatic gearbox with a list price of €52,410. The 2.0-litre diesel engine has been upgraded and it now includes multi-stage turbocharging to improve efficiency across all engine speeds. On the road, the new 320d is a gem and one of the best diesel saloons on the market. It’s smooth and refined with plenty of power and torque. Acceleration is brisk with the 0 to 100 km/h sprint achieved in just 6.8 seconds with the automatic gearbox. BMW has also made significant improvements to aerodynamics reducing the drag coefficient of the BMW 320d for example from 0.26 to 0.23 with measures such as an almost completely sealed underbody, aerodynamically optimised wheels, the use of Air Curtains at the front and the latest generation of active air flap control, which extends across the BMW kidney grille and lower air intake. Over a week of driving my fuel consumption averaged at 5.7l/100km and motor tax for this model is €200 per year. This all knits very well with the 3 Series’ natural

dynamic appeal. BMW set out to improve the handling of the 3 Series even more in this new generation of the car by increasing the track front and rear and making the whole car stiffer and more rigid while also shedding 55kg of body weight. This translates to a tactile feeling on the road that is unmatched by rivals for driver appeal. The steering is meaty and ultra precise while the whole car stays perfectly balanced and aligned through tight cornering. Despite sporty enhancements for the M Sport model (19” alloys option on test car and sports suspension), by and large the ride is fine, though some way off the slinky ride of an Audi A4. For M Sport models, buyers can specify the Adaptive M suspension that alters damping characteristics between more comfortable and sporty driving modes. The BMW 3 Series is an icon, a hugely desirable car among its legion of fans. It still sets the benchmark for handling in its class, defining what’s possible from the compact executive sports saloon. The interior gets a welcome addition of new technology features that keep it competitive among rivals. The 320d is a fine example of a diesel saloon with class leading refinement and splendid power. Welcome back 3 Series! MODEL TESTED: BMW 320d M Sport Saloon Automatic. Price: €52,410. Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel. Power: 190 hp. Torque: 400 Nm. 0-100km/h: 6.8 seconds. Top speed: 240 km/h. Fuel economy (WLTP): 4.44.7 l/100km. CO2 emissions (WLTP): 112 g/km. Motor tax: €200 per year. n

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Launching ‘wexford.ie’ in style Wexford town exploded with the magic of opera as fluorescent fireworks lit up the Menapia skyline at the launch of the 68th Festival of Opera by RTE celebrity Marty Whelan on the packed quayside on Tuesday 22nd October. The launch of the two-week Festival sees Wexford host not just sublime opera at our state of the art National Opera House, but also a myriad of fabulous fringe events from Antique Fairs, Arts Exhibitions, Musicals, Drama, Food Tours to an eclectic mix of nightly entertainment at the enchanting Spiegeltent. Coupled with the launch of

the Festival was the launch of Wexford.ie – a new portal showcasing the unique offering that our county has for people who live, visit or invest here. The new portal launched at the Spiegeltent by Wexford Ambassador Michael Londra, Liam Griffin and Cathaoirleach Michael Sheehan invites people to see all that is good and unique a b o u t We x f o rd f ro m t h e Blackstairs to the sea. MC Liz Hore said, ‘It is time to shine a light on our people, our place and our passion,’ especially to our Wexford diaspora saying that the Ambassador Programme with 18 high-profile, internationally known

Wexfordians was designed for that purpose and is doing exactly what it set out to do. Michael Londra told the Spiegeltent audience that he is often asked what’s in the water in Wexford, ‘there is an essence of Wexford’, he went on that is different to anywhere else, `If Ireland was America, Wexford would be Fort Lauderdale,’ is the way he explains us to his concert audiences as he encourages them to visit the ‘singing capital of Ireland’. Cathaoirleach Michael Sheehan welcomed all to the launch asking everyone to link up to the new Wexford.ie portal to see how good it is. ‘For

years we haven’t been hungry enough in Wexford,‘ he said, ‘Now we are at a positive crossroads with a lot of things stacking up in our favour and the Council fully behind us. It’s all about connectivity in today’s world and the new Enniscorthy and New Ross extensions will open up fresh and exciting challenges for us.’ Liam Griffin told everyone that, ‘It’s time to put on the purple and gold jersey. It’s all about home, ‘ Liam continued, ‘As my dad used to say – make a difference in your own place, if you don’t you might as well never have been here.’ ‘So the message is loud and

Brian and Deirdre Kehoe with their daughters at the launch of Wexford.ie in the Wexford Spiegeltent. Pic: Maria Nolan.

clear,’ Liz Hore said in wrapping up, ‘We are all Ambassadors so let’s get out there and sell, sell, sell.’ Wexford.ie – do go and take a look now and see for yourself

what a fine place we have the good fortune to reside in, most especially during the charmed two weeks of the Wexford Festival Opera. – Maria Nolan

Pic: Maria Nolan.

Cllr Gary Laffan (left) with his family and John O’Connor and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy at the launch of Wexford.ie in the Wexford Spiegeltent. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Cairdre Loch Garman are to be congratulated on the marvellous spectrum of sport at the Wexford Spiegeltent recently with a spectacular panel cons i s t i n g o f n e w We x f o r d Football Manager and former Kerry footballer Paul Galvin, former international soccer star Kevin Doyle, former international rugby star Nick Popplewell, All-Ireland camogie winner ursula Jacob, current member of the Wexford senior hurling panel Liam Og McGovern and Waterford AllStar John Mullane. S p o r t s p re s e n t e r a n d Tipperary man Damian Lawlor had the unenviable task of keeping a semblance of order and balance on stage at the Spiegeltent among such passionate enthusiasts, avid talkers and tremendous exponents of sport. And he did it admirably.

L-R: Michael Londra (Ambassador for Co. Wexford), Cllr Michael Sheehan (Chairman, Wexford County Council), Liz Hore and Tony Larkin (Wexford County Council).

Maria Nolan sampling the delicious repas at the launch of Wexford.ie

Liam Griffin and Seamus Heffernan at the launch of Wexford.ie. Pic: Maria Nolan.

A spectrum of sport at the Spiegeltent Most professional and extremely well prepared, he asked the questions that sometimes cannot be addressed on the national airways and to their credit the panel’s replies were frank and honest. Paul Galvin was of course asked about his decision to come onboard with Wexford football and replied, ‘Why not – the county has a football history, it’s a good challenge and when I went to the All Ireland hurling semi final between Tipp and Wexford and saw the support and the colour that Wexford fans bring to the game I just wanted to get some of that backing and excitement for the footballers.’ `There are a lot of dual clubs in Wexford and there are many good footballers with the hurl-

ing squad but that’s not where I’m looking,’ he continued, ‘It’s going to be a journey and hopefully a good one for everyone.’ Kevin Doyle spoke frankly about the realities of professional soccer saying that after two years perhaps only 1 player will be chosen out of 50 hopefuls who have travelled to English clubs with such high expectations. He said that Giovanni Trapattoni was his favourite manager because when he told you something to do or how to do it he qualified it with, ‘I know this Kevin, I have won Champions League a s a p l a y e r, I h a v e w o n Champions League as a Manager.’ ‘Sure you can’t really argue with someone who says that,’ said Kevin. Nick Popplewell felt that the

Irish rugby team may have peaked too early and thinks that with such a good team and a good manager we don’t seem to have any Plan B when we lose Sexton. ‘When Sexton plays Ireland plays well’, he said, but thought it possible that we would be coming home after the quarter final. Camogie star Ursula Jacob spoke about the enjoyment of being back with her club and her role as a pundit on RTE saying, ‘It was a great year for me to be involved there with Wexford doing so well.’ And when questioned on Davy Fitz’s further two years with Wexford she said she felt that, ‘Davy is the right fit for Wexford at the moment.’ Liam Og felt that Davy has the ability to get the very best

out of the Wexford players, ‘There’s a very special bond between Davy and the Wexford players and we would have been very disappointed if he had opted to go with Galway – but he played a great game.’ ‘When Davy arrived he had a belief that he could match Brian Cody and that Wexford could beat Kilkenny and that belief just filtered through to the players.’ The Spiegeltent was the perfect setting for John Mullane as he said himself for the Greatest Showman and that he was. He had the large crowd in stitches listening to a variety of colourful stories from his sporting and his pundit days. ‘There’s no way Davy was leaving Wexford,’ he said, ‘He’ll be here for the next 4 years.’

Speaking about the Sweeper system he said, ‘It’s unbelievable to watch, everyone has a licence to go on the attack – it’s like snakes and ladders.’ John applauded Wexford supporters and county management saying that the ‘tribal roar from the Wexford people in the All Ireland semi final was something special and I hope to hear it again in 2020, but Davy has raised the bar and set very high standards. Wexford are up there with the best and take the field now expecting to win which wasn’t always the case in the past.’ ‘Davy has added spice to Wexford, when the ball is thrown in now the mayhem begins and it’s magical to watch.’ Well the event was certainly magical, well done to Cairde Loch Garman for coming up with a winner. – Maria Nolan

David Doc O'Connor, Chairman of Cairde Loch Garman, with Jim Byrne.

L-R: Nick Popplewell, Ursula Jacob, Damian Lawlor, Kevin Doyle, Paul Galvin, John Mullane, Liam Og McGovern at the Cairdre Loch Garman event in the Wexford Spiegeltent recently. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Pic: Maria Nolan.

John Mullane with Maria Nolan.

Slaney News

Diary Dates

ENNISCORTHy EyE a column by Joseph Doyle

best Wishes & coNgrats

tv NeWs.... Sarah Greene and Killian Scott star in ‘Dublin Murders’.

Dublin Murders will leave you guessing – this is a new 8-part series by the people that brought you Love Hate and tells the story of a detective Garda unit investigating the murder of Katie Devlin – a murder linked to another murder in 1985 when three kids went in to the woods but only one came back out. It so happens that the one child who survived is the detective that's hunting the murderer of Katie

Devlin. Killian Scott plays the leading role in this new psychological thriller that will leave you scratching your head as well as confusing you as the story is set in two timelines – 1985 and 2006. Killian Scott is brilliant in his role as is his co-star Sarah Greene. The series also stars Tom Vaughan-Lawlor as a Garda. Dublin Murders continues on RTE on Wednesdays at 9pm. – Joseph Doyle

toucheD by suiciDe The town was saddened to hear the news of the impending closure of Touched By Suicide based on Castle Hill. Touched By Suicide would like to thank its counsellors, those who made donations, those who worked in the shop, those who were on the com-

30 October 2019

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mittee, and those customers who frequented the shop over the last 12 years and who shared a laugh with Kay and the staff over that time. Kay would also like to say a special word of thanks to Cllr John O’Rourke. – Joseph Doyle

☺ What a hectic few weeks it’s been for Enniscorthy Rugby Club now competing in the All Ireland League (AIL). Not only competing but sitting on top of the table of AIL 2C after three matches! The team started off superbly with a good win at home to Midleton on 5th October followed up by a narrow loss, after a great comeback, away to Bruff, and then a courageous last-minute home win against second placed Skerries. Their next game is an away trip to Omagh on 2nd November followed by a home game the following week against Sunday's Well. Best of luck to the team in the months ahead. ☺ Best wishes to David and Dilva who are moving away from the day to day management of the Galo C h a rg r i l l , M a i n S t , Enniscorthy. From the beginning of November it will be under new related management and will be known as Casa d’galo. ☺ Lots of local drama coming up: Blood of Nosferatu, presented by Enniscorthy Drama Group (EDG), is curre n t l y ru n n i n g i n T h e Presentation Centre. A leading member of EDG, Fintan Kelly, will be starring in mid November for two nights in Howie The Rookie in The Presentation Centre. In December the Blackstairs Mountain Theatre group will be presenting A Skull in Connemara also in The Presentation Centre. Fintan Kelly is also appearing in Shroud currently running in Galway – a busy man! So lots to look forward to for drama lovers. ☺ Congrats to Alan O’Brien on the success of his Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser nights for Slaney Search & Rescue. ☺ Congrats to Sinead Byrne and Mark Shanahan on their

Talented Enniscorthy actor, Fintan Kelly, with Joseph Doyle.

☺

☺ ☺

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recent wedding, and to Evan Scully, Cystic Fibrosis Ambassador, who also got married recently. Some businesses have moved premises. MUM sewing studio has moved to a different premises on the same street – Wafer St. NCBI is moving to Castle Street opposite The Athenaeum. Best of luck to both. Best wishes to Wexford’s 8 nominees for this year’s hurling All-Stars: Matthew O'Hanlon, Liam Ryan, Paudie Foley, Diarmuid O'Keeffe, Kevin Foley, Lee Chin, Rory O'Connor, Conor McDonald. Happy upcoming birthday to Delphine Ritchie. Some local authors have been busy – Christine Sinnott from Oylegate, but living in Caim, has published her first novel An Irish Girl. Madeline Breen’s new book The Secret Life of Roses is also available now. Jer Ennis has published a new book of poetry and stories called Within The Self. All three books are available on Amazon and selected other outlets. Best of luck to the team behind Santa’s Enchanted Castle in Enniscorthy. Bookings are very heavy, so book now! Congrats to Joy and the team in Impresso Cafe who raised €1,560 at a recent coffee morning for St Senan’s School. – Joseph Doyle

REGuLAR EVENTS: Treacy’s Hotel – Live music every Fri (Davitts), Sat and Sun nights in main bar. Sunday Night Sessions at Benedicts, plus disco. Benedicts Disco – Friday, Saturday, Sunday. DBar – Saturday night DJ – 70s & 80s night. Holohan’s Pub – Live music every Tues, Weds, Thurs. Toss Kavanaghs: Live music every weekend. T. Doyle’s: Live music every Friday. Alba Restaurant: Live music – see “Alba Restaurant” on Facebook. T.J. Murphy’s: Live music venue. Rock ‘n’ Roll Jive Classes every Weds at The Bailey. Beginners at 7.30pm, Advanced 8.45pm. Freestyle after with DJ Lew Boogie from 10pm. €5. The Presentation Centre – See their website. Enniscorthy Greyhound Track. Racing every Monday and Thursday Night. Doors open 7pm. First race 8pm. Alan O’Brien (The Dance Man) – see his Facebook page for full details of dance classes and his local social dancing events. Doreen’s. Live music every weekend. Bingo: Sunday Nights (except bank holidays) in Community Centre, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, at 8.00pm. The Local Bar: Live Music every Friday, Saturday & Sunday Night.

LOOKING AHEAD: arate Kid.

 See main entertainment listing page 18. It’sle on Youtube stream Enniscorthy Halloween Festival. Oct 25-31. ing. presents Blood of Nosferatu – a two-act play  Enniscorthy Drama Group – Joseph Doyle by Darryl Pickett adapted from Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. 29 Oct - 2 Nov in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.  Bandstand presents Red Sun Alert + support Ten Ounce Mouse, Scattered Ashes, Forlorn, in The Athenaeum. Oct 31. Doors 6:30pm. Tickets €10 (at the door). Prizes for best costume/fancy dress.  Paranormal Lockdown. The Athenaeum. 2nd Nov. See page 17.  Danny & The Scalder City Slicks. Sun 10 Nov. 3-7pm. The Bailey Cafe Bar.  Howie the Rookie. Starring Fintan Kelly. 15-16 Nov. The Presentation Centre.  Late Late Toy Show. 29th November.  Santa's Sooty Christmas. 30 Nov 2019, 4pm. Family Fun in this Christmas Panto in The Presentation Centre.  Enniscorthy Vocational College Orchestra and Cavan Sinfonia Youth Orchestra. The Presentation Centre. 30 Nov. 8pm. Tickets €10/5.  Blackstairs Mountain Theatre will present A Skull in Connemara in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, in December.  Rathnure Panto Society annual panto Dec 2019. Full dates and details on page 23.  Celtic Roots celebrating 21 years. National Opera House. 15th Dec. – Joseph Doyle

tv. NoW & theN.

If you would like Joseph to mention an upcoming event or would like to send in pics of any occasion (weddings, birthdays, etc) for inclusion then email both doyleduffry@gmail.com and slaneynews@ gmail.com. The closing date for receiving material for this column is always the Thursday before our publication date which is usually the first Weds of every month.

claire’s caMogie chaMPs

cystic fibrosis NeWs

 Christmas Jumper Day 4 CF. On Friday 13th December, CF Chairperson of Wexford Branch of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Claire Merrigan (left in above pics) is heavily involved in the Ballygarret underage camogie teams.

Ireland is encouraging as many workplaces as possible nationwide to support Christmas Jumper Day 4 CF. for this and all cf events check out: www.cfireland.ie

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Enniscorthy Rugby Club – acknowledging underage success

Aoife Wafer, Katie Whelan, Temi Adewunmi Lasisi and Charlie Tector were presented with commemorative crystal pieces and club jackets by Enniscorthy RFC President, Niall Wall. Pic: Aidan Wafer.

Enniscorthy Rugby Club was delighted recently to celebrate the achievements of four of its young members who achieved representative honours at Provinciial and International level in 2019. At a function in the clubhouse the quartet of Aoife Wafer, Katie Whelan, Temi Adewunmi Lasisi and Charlie Tector were presented with commemorative crystal pieces and club jackets by the club. Enniscorthy RFC President Niall Wall, who made the presentations on behalf of the Club,

said, “It is a great pleasure for the club to acknowledge the tremendous achievements of these young members representing Leinster and Ireland this year.” He added, “ Aoife, Katie, Temi and Charlie have brought honour and great credit to themselves, their families and their coaches and are an inspiration to the whole club and the community.” Following spectacular performances with Enniscorthy under 16’s both Aoife Wafer and Katie Whelan came to attention of the Leinster management and

were selected for the province’s U-18 side in 2019 and not only have they been featuring regularly but have become key players for the province at this level. Such was their impact Aoife and Katie were also selected for the Ireland U-18 Sevens team and both featured for Ireland in a tournament in France earlier this year. Temi Adewunmi Lasisi has been a star on Enniscorthy teams up through the age grades and quite early he came to the notice of South-east and Leinster management as a prop forward of

strength and technique allied to great pace and athleticism. Last year he was selected for the Leinster Clubs team and ultimately, with his outstanding performances, for the U-18 Combined Clubs and Schools Team, the elite Leinster team at this age group. Charlie Tector played with Enniscorthy RFC up until under13 level until he entered Kilkenny College. Leinster Rugby does not allow players to play with clubs and Leinster Senior Colleges but nevertheless the club has followed his progress with great interest. Charlie has produced performances of the highest standard as an out-half with Kilkenny College, displaying the full range of skills in such a specialised and key position. His natural talent, allied to wonderful athletic ability and strength brought him to attention of the provincial selectors and he featured with Leinster Schools in the Interprovincial Series in 2019, a wonderful achievement indeed. While Aoife and Katie are still lining out this year with Enniscorthy RFC and with Leinster Under 18’s, Temi is now in College in Dublin and is plying his rugby this year with AllIreland League Division 1 side Lansdowne RFC. Charlie Tector has another year in school and will no doubt be starring with Kilkenny College in the Leinster Senior School competitions in 2019-2020. n

Enniscorthy Hockey Club looking strong at underage level The hockey season is now underway and Enniscorthy’s underage sides have enjoyed plenty of enthusiastic hockey already. The club as always is keen to attract new members so for more information see their website: www.enniscorthyhc.com or check out their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.

Local soccer stars on the move 20-year-old defender from Clonroche, Darragh O’Connor, recently completed a move to Leicester City in the English Premiership. Here he takes advice from Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers.

20-year-old defender Darragh O’Connor from Clonroche has completed a move from Wexford FC to Leicester City. The youngster made twenty appearances for Wexford FC

b e f o re g o i n g o n t r i a l a t Leicester during the summer and impressed the management team there. O’Connor has joined The Foxes on a long-term deal. n

Enniscorthy’s Aaron Dobbs has just signed for long-established League of Ireland club Shelbourne FC. Aaron learned his trade initially with the local Moyne Rangers club.

Ladies Golf news... An end of season champagne scramble was held on the 12th of October in Enniscorthy Golf Club. The Claret Cup was presented to the winning team of Marie Duggan, Phil Bolger and Maureen O’Dwyer, who won with a fantastic score of 72 points. Runners-up on the day with 70 points were Eimear McGrath, Joan Furlong and Joan Roche. A

Enniscorthy Hockey Club Under 12 Boys.

Enniscorthy Hockey Club 1st/2nd class group.

delicious lunch was served to all participants who also enjoyed a lunchtime fashion show courtesy of Ottiva, Yellow Rose and J’Adore boutiques, Enniscorthy. On Tuesday 15th of October a 14 hole club competition was held. 1st Marie Dunphy (18) 28 pts b9. 2nd Joan Miller (21) 28pts. 8 Hole competition: 1st Marian Martin 11pts. n

Rianna on top of her game Rianna Jarrett played with North End United in Wexford and Curracloe before joining Wexford Youths in 2011. She represented the Republic of Ireland under-17s before going to the USA and breaking goalscoring records for the University of Tennessee. In 2015 and 2016, however, Rianna suffered two careerthreatening cruciate ligament injuries which stalled her career to a large extent for a couple of years. By 2018, she was back with a bang scoring 27 goals for the Youths and named the WNL player of the season. By 2019, her form had elevated even further and

she’s now back in the Irish international team scoring recently against the Ukraine and being named player of the match. At just 25 years of age Rianna has many more years to contribute to Irish soccer. n

Slaney Arts & Heritage

30 October 2019

Gone for Coffee As a founding member of the Wexford Literary Festival, I was both moved and honoured to be present for the beautiful tribute to a wonderful man, painter, sculptor and poet Denis Collins who passed away suddenly earlier this year. Denis was a supporter and promoter of our Literary Festival from the very beginning back in 2013 acting as Adjudicator of our Anthony Cronin Poetry Award for the past few years. It was my great privilege to join the massive turnout on ‘the street’ as they call the foyer at Wexford Council Offices, Carricklawn, to witness the esteem and respect held for him by his fellow Wexfordians. Introduced by friend and colleague Philip Cullen who hailed Denis as a man of many talents who dearly loved his native Wexford. ‘And Wexford is a better place because of Denis’ who he said ‘was instrumental in promoting and help-

ing many, many Wexford artists, writers and poets to progress and develop their individual talents’. Cllr Lisa McDonald who championed Denis’ posthumous book Gone For Coffee said that she ‘was pushing an open door’ when it came to looking for endorsement for the collaboration of poetry by Denis and illustrations by friend and artist Kevin Lewis. Cllr McDonald went on to describe Denis ‘as a character of Wexford’ saying ‘he has immortalised his beloved Wexford in this book, it is his gift to us now that he has gone for his eternal coffee’. Illustrator Kevin Lewis spoke from the heart of his long-time friend and accomplice, quoting from a Gilbert & Sullivan opera he described him as ‘that very knowing, overflowing, easy going Paladin’. Journalist, broadcaster and poet Olivia O’Leary said she admired Denis’ childlike qualities, ‘He was determined to

with Maria Nolan

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ

stay forever young and flatly refused to become cynical. He didn’t give a tuppenny what anyone thought. He never set out to impress and he loved to see others get on. His whole life is in this book,’ she continued, ‘the sights, sounds, history and smells of his Wexford and I am deeply honoured to launch Gone For Coffee by Denis Collins, beautifully illustrated by Kevin Lewis.’ Olivia read three of her favourite pieces from the book – Bird Song, Aran and Snowfall.

Other readers on the night included Fintan Murphy and Margaret Galvin with musical trio Lonesome Pine playing some of Denis’ favourite pieces and his brother Pat thanking everyone profusely for the warm accolades on behalf of his mother Maeve and the Collins family. Lovely and well deserved acclaim for one of Wexford’s favourite sons who is no doubt wearing red shoes and drinking copious amounts of coffee in Heaven. – Maria Nolan

I finally got round to reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz written by Heather Morris in 2018 and on my `to read list` ever since it made Bestseller. Based on a true story of Slovakian Jew – Ludwig `Lali` Eisenberg, known as the Tattooist of Auschwitz and his epic survival of one of the most inhuman periods of world history – the Holocaust. Lali or Lale, as he is called in the book, survived and found the love of his life in the Camp of Death – Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland, during Hitler’s reign of terror and attempted extermination of the Jewish people. As Tattooist, it was Lale’s job to tattoo a number on the arm of each new arrival at the Death Camp from 1942 to the end of the war and not alone does he manage to outlive and endure the Holocaust, he meets and falls in love with his future wife Gita Furman, or Giselle Fuhrmannova, and somehow even manages to have a relationship, emotional and physical, with her during their three years in the German hell on earth. A remarkable story as told to Heather Morris by Lale himself in his 87th year following his wife’s death. It was only after Gita passed that Lale, who had changed his name to Solokov, felt compelled to tell the world how they had found love in the most unthinkable of places – a Nazi Concentration Camp. Gita and Lale, who had moved to Australia after the war, lived in fear of telling their tale in case Lale might be labelled as a ‘German collaborator’. But as he said himself, if he hadn’t done the tattooing someone else would have, and he didn’t realise when he first was given the job that privileges came with it. Did he feel guilty? Of course he did as all survivors of Auschwitz did when so many around them perished. Some of the facts recorded in book have shown discrepancies with the Auschwitz Memorial records but a lot of this can perhaps be attributed to the fact that Lale was telling his story 70 years on and his memory may have become somewhat blurred and disjointed. Besides, Heather Morris is writing a novel not a biography. She doesn’t set out to tell the story of the Holocaust, she is telling Lale and Gita’s story and it is a great story of love between two ordinary people in extraordinary times. My only reservation, as someone who has passed through the gates of the Concentration Camp and experienced some of the haunting horror of it, is that at times the beauty perhaps of the love story will make you forget the absolute and abject awfulness of Auschwitz. – Maria Nolan

L-R: Philip Cullen, Pat Collins, Olivia O’Leary, Minister Paul Kehoe, Mrs. Maeve Collins, James Browne TD, Triona Collins Irbing, Cllr Lisa McDonald and Kevin Lewis. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Wexford Festival Opera The 68th Wexford Festival Opera is currently taking place in the National Opera House, Wexford, and runs until 3rd November. But planning for next year’s festival is already well advanced with the opera line-up having been announced at a press conference in the Opera House on 24th October. Incoming Artistic Director of Wexford Festival Opera, Rosetta Cucchi unveiled details

of her inaugural programme for 2020. WFO 2020 marks an expansion of the number of events, presenting more than 70 separate performances over 13 continuous days including 3 main stage operas: Ein Wi n t e r m ä rc h e n b y K a r l Goldmark, Le Songe d’une nuit d’été by Ambroise Thomas and Edmea by Alfredo Catalani. Full details on: www.wexfordopera.com n

Wexford Fringe Now in its 67th year, Wexford Fringe is an annual openaccess arts festival which runs in parallel to Wexford Opera

Festival from Friday, 18th O c t o b e r t o S u n d a y, 3 rd November 2019. For details see: www.wexfordfringe.ie n

‘Thinking Outside The Box’, an exhibition of artwork by participants of Enniscorthy's Community Workshop (some of whom are pictured above), had a successful run in The Presentation Centre during October.

Catch Marja and Martina! Artists Marja van Kampen and Martina Furlong are currently exhibiting their colourful paintings and limited edition prints in their Pop-Up Gallery at No.111 North Main Street, Wexford (beside The Vine Restaurant) at the Wexford Fringe Festival. The exhibition runs until November 3rd and is open daily from 11.00-17.00. All are welcome. n

WHERE DO WE BEGIN? AN EXHIBITION OF WORK BY CAROLINE JACOBSZ. RUNS UNTIL 22ND NOV. The Presentation Centre is proud to host a solo exhibition of work by visual artist Caroline Jacobsz. This is Jacobsz's return to The Presentation Centre, after her first solo exhibition of work in 2016, 'Episodic Memory'. Caroline continues to engage with her practice through the medium of textile. For more information: 053 9233000 or lisa@presentationcentre.ie

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O’Connor photographic exhibition “Flashback 17” opens

"Flashback 17" in North Main Street Wexford (opposite the YMCA Hall) opened on 22nd October featuring images from the Denis O’Connor Photographic Archive plus pictures by his son the well-known Wexford photographer Pat O’Connor. Top left: Angela Reville and Louise Evans. Centre: Aileen Ironside, Phil, Amelia and Antoinette Broaders. Right: Nancy and Freddie Codd, Patsy Power and Liam Gaul.

Anne Doyle launches Noel’s new book

L-R: Artist Jeanne Ffrench, Michael D’Arcy TD who offically opened the exhibition, artist Laura Harpur and Angela Reville, at Sheridans, North Main Steet, Wexford.

County Wexford Mental Health art exhibition in Henrietta Street, Wexford, L-R: Artist Sinead O’Brien, Grace and Ciara Cogley.

The launch of Noel Culleton’s new book entitled ‘Classical Connections’ by RTE and Wexford’s Anne Doyle took place in Wexford Town Library on 10th October. L-R: County Librarian Patrica Keenan, Anne Doyle, Noel Culleton, Michael Freeman (Three Sisters Press) and David Mahon (illustrator).

The 68th Wexford Festival Opera Thanksgiving in St. Iberius Church, North Main Street, Wexford. Front row L-R: Cllr Malcolm Byrne, Brendan Howlin TD, Wexford Mayor George Lawlor, The Very Reverend Bishop Michael Burrows, The Rev. Canon Arthur Minion, with representatives of the clergy, Opera Festival and Wexford County Council. At the launch of Noel Culleton’s book, L-R: Tony Heaney, Enniscorthy, Noel Culleton, author, and James Hammond, Enniscorthy.

Bad Intentions WKA/WTKA Full Contact Kickboxing in Clayton Whites Hotel, 5th October. Lisa McDonald Solicitors sponsored the fight. L-R: Darren O’Brien, Declan Kenny, Paddy Wieczorek (runner-up), Judy Fitzgerald, Cllr Lisa McDonald (sponsor), Cialam Dondaly (winner), Darren Sonik and Liam Tate.

At the launch of Noel Culleton’s Book ‘Classical Connections’ in Wexford Town Library on 10th October were Christine Rowe, Noel Culleton, author, son Jonathan and daughter Collette Culleton.

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