Slaney News, Issue 122, June 2020 by Frank Corcoran

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Issue 122 - Wednesday - 8 June 2020

Adamstown, Askamore, Ballaghkeen, Ballindaggin, Ballycarney, Ballyduff, Ballyedmond, Ballyhoge, Ballymurn, Blackwater, Boolavogue, Bree, Bunclody, Camolin, Castledockrell, Clohamon, Clonroche, Courtnacuddy, Curracloe, Enniscorthy, Ferns, Galbally, Glenbrien, Killanne, Kilmuckridge, Kilmyshall, Kiltealy, Marshalstown, Monageer, Monamolin, Oylegate, Oulart, Poulpeasty, Raheenduff, Rathnure, Screen, The Harrow.

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Many shops in Enniscorthy and surrounding villages are opening today for the first time in almost three months. They all need the support of the wider community, now more than ever, if they are to recover and continue to offer their services to us all. On pages 6 and 16-17 we include coverage of a lot of the businesses reopening today and in the near future. There was much talk and indeed some controversy over the possible pedestrianisation of Enniscorthy town centre to facilitate social distancing, queuing etc, which was first mooted

at the Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting of 18th May. Following discussions with the business community and feedback from the general public, it has been decided to proceed with pedestrianisation but only from Thursdays to Sundays from 7pm onwards, most likely starting at the end of June. The easing of restrictions, from today, on family and social gatherings, will be welcomed by many, but there is still a long way to go to reach normality, so it behoves us all to continue to do everything possible to prevent a new surge of Covid19 infections. n

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Slaneynews: July issue will be out on Monday 6th July 2020

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comment The Slaney News is delighted to be back printing physical issues. We were restricted to producing online-only versions of our April and May issues. In case you didn’t see those two issues, they can be read online at www.issuu.com/slaneynews/docs. Indeed, most of our back issues can also be read there. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In comparison with other counties, Wexford, at the time of writing, is doing well with 214 confirmed Covid-19 cases which is one of the lowest per capita in the country, and with no new cases for over two weeks before one case was confirmed on 6th June. But there is no room for complacency. The second stage of lockdown easing is happening today (8th June) but the government’s phased plan to ease restrictions indicates that we still have a long way to go to reach ‘normality’ and that’s assuming no slip-ups. So let’s all keep washing our hands, cover our mouths if coughing or sneezing, avoid touching our faces, keep surfaces clean, and stay at least 2m away from other people. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The disappointing delay in commencing construction of the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme is a huge source of frustration for the town. See page 8 for more news on this story. However, on a more positive note, the Enniscorthy Tourism Project, which is a major proposed development based around Enniscorthy Castle and the Castle Hill area, has reached the feasibility stage. Alan Sherwood & Associates have been appointed to prepare the feasibility study and an application to Fáilte Ireland for capital investment funding. This €5m project, if successfully completed, is expected to attract 100,000 visitors per annum to the town which would be a huge boost for local tourism and employment. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– As the Slaney News approaches our 10-years-in-business anniverary later this year, we invite our readers to contact us with ideas on what changes and improvements you would like to see in our paper. You can email us on slaneynews@gmail.com or text us on 087-2403310. And of course you can always contact us through our popular ‘Slaney News’ Facebook page. Stay safe and take care. – Frank Corcoran

SLANEY NEWS, CLONHASTON, ENNISCORTHY 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).

Slaney News – coverage area ASKAMORE

BUNCLODY BALLYDUFF

CLOHAMON

CAMOLIN KILMYSHALL

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 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 Sandro’s Wickham Bros Monica’s Hair Salon Storm Hair Design Burke-O’Leary –––––––––––––––––––––

Best of luck to new coffee shop

Alba Restaurant Holohan’s Pub Shang Hai Golden City The Bailey Dunnes Lotus House T. Doyle’s Pub Enniscorthy Kebabish Mizzoni’s TJ Murphy’s FFC Carry Out Templeshannon The Local Bar Dawson’s Bar Bellefield GAA complex –––––––––––––––––––– Kavanagh’s Pharmacy Uptown Kuts Enniscorthy Cabs Hilltop Dry Cleaners Aideen Vonno Beauty Booth Pet Corner Presentation Centre Greenville Stores SuperValu Pettitts Gonzaga House –––––––––––––––––––– Quik Pick, Ross Road Grants Pharmacy Saucy Butcher Pet Depot 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 Treacys Hotel Waterfront Merrythought House TK Cabs Toss Kavanagh’s O’Callaghan’s Centra T’shannon Community Centre

KILTEALY

THE HARROW

Best of luck to Conor Swaine and the team at Enniscorthy’s newest outlet for speciality coffee, homemade food and bakery. ‘Btwenty7’is located at the Bus Stop Shop on Templeshannon Quay. Tel: 087 663 0687

Check out our Facebook Page: ‘Gus Byrne Electrical’ for great daily offers.

MONAGEER KILLANNE

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ENNISCORTHY

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POULPEASTY CLONROCHE

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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 R&T Beauty –––––––––––––––––––– Sami’s Sherry FitzGerald O'Leary Monica’s Hair Salon Phoenix Estates Crystal Script Kennys for Bikes O’Learys Newsagents –––––––––––––––––––– Library Riverside Park Hotel Rejuvenate Treatment Rooms St John’s Hospital 1798 Centre –––––––––––––––––––– Mackin Travel GX3 Scissors Sisters

We are open for business as usual but with restrictions in place in accordance with HSE guidelines.

FERNS

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ONLY 230 MORE DELIVERIES TO DO !

Put A Bow On It Finishing Touches Yellow Rose Sofia’s Galo Chargrill Town Council Offices River Restaurant ABC Takeaway Community Info. Service O’Leary Travel Eir –––––––––––––––––––– Delaneys Newsagents Toffee & Thyme O’Brien’s, Court Street Cut & Shave Serenity Place Court Street Dental Clinic Court Street Medical Centre Citizens Advice Centre Easons Grants Pharmacy Darcy Blinds & Interiors –––––––––––––––––––– Evolv James Browne TD Office Paul’s Shoe Repair Finnegan’s Findz The Athenaeum –––––––––––––––––––– Studio 5 Bega Barber Cafe Harmonia Beautique Paul Kehoe TD Office Via Veneto Mick’s Barber Shop Paula Treacy Auctioneer Gus Byrne’s Sewing Studio MUM –––––––––––––––––––– TOP shop/filling station Centra-Drive Quarrypark Cooney Furlong, Old Dublin Rd Moyne Veterinary Clinic Pump Palace Gym Kilcannon Garden Centre Superdine Lifestyle Fitness Rebecca’s Enniscorthy Car Wash Tile Store n More

Power Plant Hire Baked Potato Old Dublin Road Coal Yard ATB Tyres Before & After Furniture NCRS Enniscorthy Golf Club –––––––––––––––––––– ADAMSTOWN: Cullen’s Gala. BALLAGHKEEN: Sawdust Inn BALLYCARNEY: Jenny’s Diner BALLYEDMOND/WELLS: Downes Gala BALLYMURN: Peter Doyle’s Costcutter Ballymurn Credit Union. BLACKWATER: Londis Post Office Blackwater Lodge Hotel 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

GUS BYRNE ELECTRICAL

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George Kehoe & Co Chapel Lane Service Station D&G Hair Studio Castle Gardens Dept of Agricuture Offices Topaz Service Station Baker Tilly Hughes Blake Alcast Motor Factors Wheelocks

GUS BYRNE ELECTRICAL Wafer Street - Enniscorthy - (053) 923 3387 E: gusbyrneelectrical@gmail.com

Crucial service still running Meals-on-Wheels in Enniscorthy operates three routes a week, delivering 60 meals a day, 6 days a week, 52 weeks of the year. If you are interested in volunteering for one week in the year, an hour a day, please email Pat at pat.oshea@enniscorthycommunity.ie

BALLYMURN SCREEN

GALBALLY

OYLEGATE BALLYHOGE

CURRACLOE

ADAMSTOWN

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.

ENNISCORTHY SNIPPETS… ENNISCORTHY SNIPPETS… 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 See “Enniscorthy Athenaeum Museum and Historic Theatre“ on Facebook. sT sEnan’s parish bingO Bingo Nights are cancelled until further notice.

chrisTian MEDia TrusT Check out www.christianmeddiatrust.ie for details of programmes and broadcast times on South East Radio. 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. Civil DEfEncE nEEDs yOu! Check out www.civildefence.ie. EnniscOrThy flOOD DEfEncE The main construction work is not expected to start until next year and will take three years to complete. See www.enniscorthyfds.ie i r i s h c O n v E r s aT i O n EvEnings A chance to chat in Irish. The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.

Slaney News: Local Writers Local Publisher Local News

Cancelled until further notice. More information: 087-1377068. EMD EMbracEs TElEcOnfErEncing The monthly meetings of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council on 27th April and 18th May took place by teleconferencing. The Slaney News, instead of physically attending each meeting as we would normally do, was able to listen in remotely. It’s great to see our local authority embracing modern technology. n

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Slaney News

View from the Hill

A local contributor looks at life today in Enniscorthy and beyond

8 June 2020 TIME TO OPEN BUSINESS At the time of writing, with the downward trajectory of the Coronavirus continuing, the time has come for people to get back to business. The government thinks so too with the announcement of a partial reopening of business from Monday June 8th. Both Enniscorthy and Co. Wexford in general have been the epitome of good practice in relation to following government guidelines over the course of the pandemic. Apart from a few breaches by irresponsible individuals it has to be said that the compliance has been way and above what could have been predicted. However, as even the most ardent proponents of lockdown accept, that until we see a vaccine made available we must live with the virus, a decision has to now be made that the time has come to start doing just that. We cannot keep the country locked down forever for the simple reason that we want to prevent a spike of the disease when full business resumes. If you fol-

The deserted car park at Curracloe beach, but the coming months should be good for home tourism.

low that logic we may as well stay closed up until a vaccine is discovered. And that may be never. So therefore let’s move on and get the other businesses up and running over the next week or two. GOVERNMENT FORMATION The attempts to form a government have become a joke at this point. The Greens are playing hard to get and the Fianna Fail leadership are prepared to enter any kind of government while a huge proportion of their mem-

bership totally oppose having anything to do with Fine Gael. The party gaining most from this situation is Fine Gael. That party is in power with the pension rights etc of its members being enhanced over every month that they serve, getting massive publicity because of the pandemic and riding high in the polls. To them it actually doesn’t matter a lot when or if a government is formed. They have the benefits anyway. It does matter a lot to the country. The present situation

cannot be allowed continue. The fact that half the country is still closed down, and that Dr Tony Holohan is almost running the whole show, lets all politicians off the hook for the moment. This won’t last. Fianna Fail and the Greens have no guarantee that their membership will accept any coalition deal. If one or both leaderships find themselves rejected by their own membership we are back to square one. Then the choice is either another general election or bring Sinn Fein into the picture. That is if they want

to be in the frame with one of the other bigger parties. In the meantime, we all have to wait and see what, if anything, happens. Not good for the country. HOME TOURISM No doubt, once the country opens up, the coming months will be great for home tourism. If the weather remains good and people begin to relax Co. Wexford should see its fair share of visitors. This is to be welcomed as every euro spent in the county will assist in sustaining employment and keep money circulating. Hopefully the fear of Covid-19 being carried into the area by visitors will not in any way diminish the welcome that Wexford usually gives to outsiders. One thing is certain and that is we need their money. So let’s hope that the second half of 2020 will be better than the first one. Any observations or comments on this column feel free to email: viewcolumn@gmail.com

Covid-19 lockdown easing in Enniscorthy Today, 8th June, the second phase of lockdown easing in ireland takes place. ➤ The travel limit, initially supposed to be 20km, extended to anywhere within a person's county (or within 20km). ➤ All retailers allowed to open, subject to physical distancing measures and staggered opening hours. ➤ Groups of up to six people allowed to meet together, indoors or outdoors, as long as they keep at least two metres apart. ➤ Groups of up to 15 will be able to meet for outdoor sporting activities. ➤ "Cocooners" (the over-70s or medically vulnerable) can welcome a small number of visitors into their home, with distancing. ➤ Shops will also have dedicated hours for "cocooners" to visit. ➤ Children's playgrounds and summer camps permitted. Shopping centres will be allowed to open a week later, on 15 June, as long as shoppers are not allowed to congregate in com-

mon areas like benches, food courts and fountains. Phase three will begin on 29 June, when hotels, restaurants and B&Bs will be able to reopen. However, as a country, we can only move from one phase to the next if the virus stays under control between each phase. so today, 8th June, is an important milestone on the road to normality here in Enniscorthy with most shops reopening. The planning for the reopening of Enniscorthy for business began on Wednesday, May 1 8 t h , w h e n G e r M a c k e y, Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) Manager, and representatives of the town’s business community met for informal discussions. A steering committee was established to bring forward suggestions as to how best Enniscorthy might manage the reopening process and what needed to be put in place to maximise the town’s full potential after the lockdown is lifted. The general consensus of

opinion was that Enniscorthy needed a makeover in terms of street cleaning, shop painting etc, and EMD Manager, Ger Mackey, has already moved to address these issues. A contractor has been appointed to deep-clean all town centre streets though work has yet to start on this project. He is also negotiating with County Hall for the introduction of a grant-aided painting scheme for town businesses and progress is being made in bringing this to fruition. Coupled with the painting scheme, shop owners are being urged to erect hanging baskets on the façade of their buildings and the possibility of a grant for this purpose is being looked at. Consultations have taken place with business owners on the possibility of street trading and several sites have been identified where this might be possible. The response to date has been positive and it’s now very likely some restaurant owners and publicans will avail of the opportunity to provide services outside their premises. A pedestrianisation plan has been put in place to allow this happen with

certain streets of the town to be pedestrianised from 7pm in the evenings from Thursday through to Sunday, starting most likely on the last weekend in June. EMD will help with the provision of street furniture and street decorations and already lights are being erected in the areas where street trading is possible to create a trading and tourist atmosphere. The town’s public realm areas are being given a facelift and all roundabouts in and around the town are being replanted. Flowerbeds in public areas and in housing estates are also being tended to and hanging baskets are to be provided in many public areas. Outdoor entertainment is being looked at and publicans, who are planning to avail of outdoor trading to comply with social distancing regulations, are being encouraged to provide entertainment also. Ger Mackey and Enniscorthy Chamber’s Jimmy Gahan are meeting with representatives of Diageo and Heineken this week to lobby for promotional material for publicans operating

outside their normal places of business and plans are being advanced for the erection of at least two small stages outside licensed premises in the Slaney Street and Templeshannon areas which can and will be used for social distancing or for live music shows. Ger and Jimmy are also talking with the Gardaí in Enniscorthy to ensure all plans and ideas meet with their approval. The Chamber of Commerce has printed 200 copies of the Government’s ‘Return to Work Safely’ Protocol and Jimmy is delivering a copy to each business premises in the town. The ‘Enjoy Enniscorthy’ social media platform, run voluntarily by Frank Corcoran of the Slaney News on behalf of the Enniscorthy Business Association, is making great use of Facebook to highlight all that is positive in local retailing and services and to highlight each local business as it reopens. That Facebook page now has over 4,000 Followers. Kasia O’Leary has volunteered to spread the ‘Enjoy Enniscorthy’ message to Instagram and has made a huge

success of it in a very short period of time. Rory O’Connor is using Facebook to post information from EMD and the Chamber. A local radio campaign and special features in T h e P e o p l e G ro u p o f Newspapers are also being considered while many shop owners are having reopening sales to attract customers back into town. Almost all shop owners reopening this week have been visited and advised of what help is available both from EMD and the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has arranged a mentoring session for this Thursday, June 11th, where businesspeople can go to the Chamber and have an individual 45-minute private meeting with a team of experts headed by Mr. Ed Murphy, financial advisor, from Wexford County Council’s Invest Wexford arm. The Chamber is also working closely with Church and civic leaders in Enniscorthy to assist where possible with any hardship cases associated with Covid 19 lockdown. n

Cllr Jackser Owens at the Market Square in Enniscorthy. A pedestrianisation plan is being put in place for the Market Square area from 7pm in the evenings from Thursday through to Sunday, starting at the end of June.

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COVID-19 PANDEMIC

SUPPORT & INFORMATION A chairde, In line with current restrictions, my Enniscorthy constituency office and advice clinics around the county will remain closed until we can re-open them safely. However, I am always available to help you in any way I can, and can be contacted via any of the details below. Myself and my colleagues in Co. Wexford Sinn Féin will continue to be on hand to support you and your families and to provide assistance and information in these uncertain times. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help. Keep well. Keep safe.

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Slaney News

8 June 2020

Young local man assisting Lots on offer at local libraries frontliners fight the virus Cedric Aucher and his father, Christophe, at work making protective faceshields for frontline staff.

cedric aucher at My Diy is a young Enniscorthy man who has, over recent months, addressed the shortage of ppE for frontline staff and volunteers around co. Wexford, by 3D printing ppE at home. Cedric put his 3D printer to good use producing hundreds of protective faceshields over recent months for local frontline organisations such as nursing homes, doctors’ surgeries, hospitals etc as well as the O rd e r o f M a l t a I re l a n d Ambulance Corps Wexford Unit and Enniscorthy Red Cross. Cedric has been assisted by his father, Christophe, his mother, Andrea, and his sisters Anna and Emilie (a student nurse affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and a huge inspiration to Cedric).

Cedric also produced ‘Ear Savers’ to keep the elastic from face-masks away from the wearer’s ears to prevent friction burns. These were also donated to Frontline workers. All this tremendous work was financed through fundraising on https://www.gofundme. com/f/covid19-3d-printedppe which raised over €4,000. Cedric told the Slaney News that he would like to “thank local companies, my school CBS Enniscorthy, and Bikers Coming Through for their help and donations also... I want to emphasise how much I've been helped by the community and it is very much what we achieved as a collective group and not just myself and family. I would be nowhere without the support I have received....”

Cedric has a small amount of faceshields and ear-saver clips left over which he will gladly supply to local charities and small businesses free of charge. He can be contacted through Messenger or email: mydiy.ca@gmail.com. Cedric has now turned his considerable creative talents to supplying acrylic (perspex) screens and associated holders/dividers on a commercial basis. Within the next few days he will be in a position to visit premises and set up acrylic screens and dividers to e.g. separate workers in a shared office situation making each worker much safer in the new Covid-19 environment which workers face. For more information see: ‘My DIY’ on Facebook. n

Flood Defence delay The Enniscorthy flood Defence scheme is a long time in the pipeline and it looks like being even longer now! We understand that government sign-off might not be until some time next year, so the main construction work will not commence until then. The scheme was first exhibited to the public in 2009 and was put on public display again in 2012, 2018 and 2019. Preparatory work has been ongoing – project consultants appointed, Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) prepared and updated, geotechnical investigation works completed, archaeological investigations commenced and are ongoing, detailed design of the flood defences, pumping stations, new pedestrian bridge and road junctions is progressing, detailed design of the new road bridge, approach roads and the traffic management plan for the scheme have been completed, tender documents for the construction works

are currently being prepared, tender process for the shortlisting of contractors for the construction of the new road bridge is ongoing. The scheme documents required for ministerial consent were submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in March 2020 by Wexford County Council so the matter is now largely out of their hands. Public representatives including James Browne TD and Cllr Jackser Owens have James Browne TD is “deeply frustrated” by the delay to the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme..

been vocal in recent weeks about the slow rate of progress. Cllr Owens has expressed his “disgust” at the likely delay which he says “is not good enough”, and James Browne tells us he is “deeply frustrated”. In response to deputy Browne’s recent parliamentary question, Minister Kevin Boxer Moran said the Minister is legally obliged “...to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Scheme. This will involve, inter alia, a formal review of

Did you know that your local library is a great resource during this difficult pandemic? The eLibrary is always open allowing you to escape into a book, keep up-to-date with the news or learn a new skill. Co. Wexford’s librarians are sharing virtual workshops, storytimes and rhymetimes to keep children entertained. If you’re not already a member of your local library, joining couldn’t be easier. Simply fill out the online form https://lgma.iii.com/selfreg. You'll get a temporary library number and set up a library PIN. Straight away you can access eBooks, eAudiobooks, online magazines, newspapers and more for free, see the full r a n g e o f e R e s o u rc e s a t https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/lib raries/ebooks-and-eresources.

All libraries have been closed due to Coronavirus but under Plase 2 Plus can start reopening today, 8th June, with a limited service. Contact Enniscorthy Library by emailing enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie or call on 053-9236055 before physically visiting the library. Do you know someone who is elderly or vulnerable and who is cocooning at home? They can now request a delivery of library books, audiobooks and DVDs from Wexford Libraries who will deliver directly to their door. How does it work? • A person who is cocooning p h o n e s t h e We x f o rd Community Call helpline on 053 919 6000 - Dial 1. • Library staff will contact the person who is cocooning and organise suitable library

Enniscorthy Librarian Jarlath Glynn. Pic: Maria Nolan.

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material to be delivered directly to them. All items are on long loan, there are no overdue fines or fees and access to the service is always FREE. n

Covid-19 doesn’t deter disgraceful dumping A recent photo of a field opposite Centra on the Milehouse Road. Pic: James Quirke.

the submitted Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) by the Minister. The review may require further consultation with the Office of Public Works, to clarify and/or amend aspects of the EIAR.” Given that the present government is now only a caretaker one, it’s unlikley that any great urgency will be applied to the Enniscorthy project. So the process will most likely drag on into 2021. At a recent Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) meeting, Cllr Cathal Byrne noted the town now has three TDs and he would like to see them exerting maximum pressure. Cllr John O’Rourke agreed noting that the county still has two Junior Ministers and again they should be exerting huge pressure. EMD councillors agreed at their May meeting to write to the Minister responsible, Kevin Boxer Moran, to try and speed up the timeline for work to commence, and if no satisfactory response is received, to seek a face-toface meeting with him. n

Tomorrow is Just a Dream Away By Ron Smith (8th May 2020) I dream of a bright tomorrow; A time when all will smile again. Casting shadows far behind us And forget the clouds and rain. An unseen foe is upon us, It’s intent on producing harm. But we’ll fight through his ghastly endeavours And find a semblance of calm. No target is obvious before him, We determine that no selection is made. He raises a mournful displeasure And without distinction individuals living can fade. An innocent sneeze or a splutter A cough or a rub of the eye. The intent to walk with your loved one, Can result in a scene where you die. Disregard advice which you’ve been given, Ignore suggestions which others have made. There’s no one to say you’ve spread the virus But you might be a carrier and all you’ve done is played.

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Slaney News

TOWN TALK

WITH

KEITH DOYLE

OUR LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN PERMANENT RESIDENCE As we observe our state react daily to a crisis, one wonders how the cogs and the wheels are still on the chariot, nationally. Under normal circumstances, we would have the outgoing government flying like a bird with one broken wing. Clearly with no mandate and legally unable to legislate new bills. One would think that it would be stumbling from one blunder to another with the echoes of shouts from the opposition. What we do have is a cohesive flexible plan which

Keeping our AEDs in good working order During this covid-19 period, Enniscorthy red cross unit is still looking after the lifesaving aEDs around the Enniscorthy area ensuring all items in the kits are in date, the batteries are charged and the defibrillators themselves are in working order for when/if they are needed. in an emergency, access can be gained by phoning 999/112.

seems to be working. The opposition are either in discussions for government or licking their wounds. So what is really going on? We have a pretty good form of democracy in this country but what stands to us, in times like this, is that we have a civil service which stands the test of time. Despite many senior heads retiring at the same time, it has kept its shape. History has shown in dire times that the permanent governance has steered the ship from the rocks on many occasions. I

am not trying to take from the fine job Leo and co are doing. They are excelling and are getting us through this phase of a new reality. One wonders if the mood music surrounding all this wasn’t as calm, how it would look. I feel there are more hands on the wheel than we actually see on our tv screens. This brings me to ponder our local governance during this crisis. In the early days, the lockdown was strictly adhered to. No entering of houses. Many worked from

home, 40 devoted their time to the response service that has been a great success. Recently, the road staff has started to repair roads again and the outside staff have done a great job on grass cutting and clean-ups. The councillors have conversed electronically but very little in statutory meetings. There is activity at committee level in all departments. But like the national scene, there are things that legally can not take place without those statutory meetings. For example, district budgetary

plans have to be finalised, the roads that are to be resurfaced need to be picked, what local improvement lanes are to be done, amenity grants funding, monies given to local groups and clubs. All are very important and are solely the function of the councillors and need to be voted on in a forum. Putting that aside you would not think that there was much disruption. Like a good umpire after a big game, if you are not noticed at all you did your job. Stay safe. n

Enniscorthy projects updates Wexford County Council CEO, Tom Enright, in his May report to council members, provided the following updates:

Water is a worry irish Water has just confirmed that a Water conservation O r d e r, m o r e c o m m o n l y known as a hosepipe ban, has been put in place from Tuesday 9 June until Tuesday 21 July following increased demand on water and continuing dry weather conditions. Increased domestic demand and an increase in commercial demand as businesses are reopening is being exacerbated by the widespread emergence of drought conditions.

8 June 2020

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Met Eireann has confirmed that May 2020 was the driest since 1850. Their data shows that temperatures were above average in nearly all areas and rainfall totals in every county were below average for the season, with the Greater Dublin Area, Westmeath, Sligo and Tipperary experiencing their driest spring on record. The weather forecast is for a continuation of drier than normal conditions which will further exacerbate the situation. n

Margot Banville Hogan (right) with Dorothy Kinsella, St John’s.

Templeshannon Regeneration: “The preliminary designs, environmental studies and planning documents for the proposed pedestrian bridge have been delayed by the Covid-19 emergency restrictions. A completed preliminary design and bridge options report is now expected in late May/June. A revised plan for progressing the planning application is being prepared and an application for URDF [Urban Regeneration and Development Fund] funding for the project will be submitted under the 2nd call for projects issued by the Dept of Housing, Planning and Local Government.” Enniscorthy Technology Park, Killagoley: “Works are now substantially complete on Phase 1 of the Technology Park. Snagging works remain to be competed.”

MARGOT’S WELCOME DONATION TO ST JOHN’S Margot banville hogan, well known community Employment supervisor, st John's community hospital, Ennis-

Meals on Wheels keeps on rolling

corthy, enjoyed great success with her recent online appeal which resulted in a presentation to Dorothy Kinsella, clinical nurse Manager, st John's community hospital, of a number of tablets and phones for residents to stay in touch with family and friends. Margot wishes to sincerely thank John Power, Galbally Computer Repairs, for his kind gesture of cleaning down all the devices for GDPR purposes and for sourcing same and combining parts to get devices working. She would also like to thank Gerry Page,

Chairperson Galbally Sports & Leisure Club, for his assistance. Thanks also to David Pohludek, Ferns Computer Services, for all his help and to Bank of New York Wexford for their kind donation of two mini iPads. Margot hopes through her appeal to also help Selskar House and Abbeygale House Wexford. Anyone who has any old tablets, laptops, phones that could be donated to the cause or can help out in any other w a y, p l e a s e e m a i l : m a rgothogan1@hotmail.com n

A great place to relax or exercise Enniscorthy Meals on Wheels L-R: Mary Redmond, Pat O'Shea, Tina Foley, Emma Greene and Ann Wall.

The Orchard peace park in Enniscorthy is open to the public this summer from 8am to 8pm and is an ideal location for relaxation during the summer heat or for exercise during the

current covid-19 crisis. The park was officially opened one year ago and its gently sloping site creates a beautiful urban park linking The presentation centre with irish street. n

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Enniscorthy’s walk of shame!

Funding for seaside resorts five seaside resorts in Wexford are to receive a €420,000 funding boost. The funding will be used to provide upgrades and repairs and to improve access to some of the county’s most popular resorts. The funding is particularly welcome given the impact of Covid-19 on coastal resorts. At Kilmore Quay, €150,000 will be spent on dredging the harbour, while the plan will also see repairs to the west harbour wall, an upgrade to the marina and an upgrade of power points.

8 June 2020

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Meanwhile at Courtown Harbour, money has been set aside to install barriers on the slipway. Over at Slade Harbour, over €71,000 will be spent on essential structural repairs to the harbour walls and slipway, as well as other health and safety works. Finally, €22,500 has been set aside for the upgrade of the New Ross Marina, while €11,250 will be spent on improving Fethard Harbour. The funding was confirmed to local Minister Paul Kehoe TD who said, ‘Without

doubt, the funding will make our seaside resorts safer and more attractive to visitors. ‘Our rural coastal communities are the heart blood of County Wexford and this funding will come as a welcome boost to the villages and communities alike.’ Minister Kehoe concluded, ‘When the country re-opens fully following Covid-19, we need to ensure that our coastal resorts can get back on their feet. I will continue to work hard with my Government colleagues to ensure this happens.’ n

in May, while confined to exercising within a 2km radius of her house, local woman cathy Keane couldn’t believe the amount of dog dirt she encountered on her regular walk. so being a well-known photographer, cathy, who is also heavily involved in tourism around co. Wexford as the operator of heritage Tours Wexford, decided to photograph the trail of dirt on one of her walks and managed to capture 43 separate photos (see opposite). Cathy says, ‘As a dog owner I just cannot fathom how people can watch their dogs do their business and then simply walk on. And I am further absolutely dumbfounded as to how people can pick up the poop into a little plastic bag and then go and throw that bag to the side of the path or into a hedge. It defies logic.’ Cathy continues, ‘In the current pandemic there are a lot more people with a lot more time on their hands and out walking a lot more. Have we lost all respect for our fellow human beings? Can you imagine buggy wheels or a child’s bike covered in dog excrement being wheeled into a family home? If dog poop were landmines I’d be a gonner a few steps from my house.’

At the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) meeting on 17th February, dog-fouling was brought up by Cllr Aidan Browne who is always very vocal on this issue. He was strongly supported by Cllr Jackser Owens who described the town as being ‘plastered’ with dog dirt and people having to ‘hopscotch’ around it on their walks. He asked for more bins to be installed around town which Town Manager Ger Mackey said could be done but asked would they be used? He undertook to talk to the dog warden about the matter but ultimately he felt it’s a behaviour issue and people need to respect their own town more. At the April EMD meeting, Mr Mackey was more exercised on the issue refering to it as a ‘public health menace’ and stating that the dog warden would be enforcing the laws. In addition he said that the cleaning schedule around town has been stepped up, and more dog-bins will be installed. It has now been decided that anti-dog-fouling kits will be distributed throughout the community to help people to get rid of such matter in a responsible manner. In the meantime, Cathy is pleading with all dog owners to do the responsible thing and “PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG, BIN IT, OR BRING IT HOME.” n

Green Flag for local school

Open for business in Enniscorthy St. Senan's Primary school, Enniscorthy, has been awarded another green flag!! This one is for "Global Citizenship – Marine Environment". Ms Parle and Ms Hore would like to say a big thank you to all the boys and girls for their hard work and well done to the students on the Green Schools Committee.

Big investment in Coláiste Bríde

One of the welcome signs of life returning to something approaching ‘normality’ in Enniscorthy was the reopening on 23rd May of Enniscorthy’s Farmers’ Market (pictured above) with twelve stallholders in attendance and a steady stream of customers all day.

significant accommodation works have been approved for coláiste bríde in Enniscorthy, as well as good counsel college in new ross and Kilnamanagh community national school near Oulart. investment has been approved by the Department of Education under the additional accommodation scheme 2020. In Coláiste Bríde, work will include the construction of six general classrooms, five of which are pre-fab replacements. The

school will also see the building of two science laboratories and shared preparation areas, a computer laboratory, a technological room, a home economics room, a special education classroom and a toilet for assisted users. In Kilnamanagh Community National School near Oulart, a new mainstream classroom, special education teachers’ room and universal toilet have been approved for construction. At Good Counsel, New Ross, there are seven new general class-

rooms approved, five of which are replacements of pre-fabs. Two new science labs and a multimedia room are also part of the plans. Welcoming the news, local Minister Paul Kehoe TD said: “The recent period has been a stressful time for all of the students, parents and teachers who work or go to these schools. The staff are second to none and I know this highly significant announcement will be music to their ears.” n

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DC Fabrication – satisfying the growing demand for hands-free hand sanitiser dispensers DC Fabrication Ltd is a stainless steel fabrication, maintenance and engineering company based in Ballina, Blackwater, Co. Wexford. It was founded by Dermot Cullen over twenty years ago after serving his time in that trade. Dermot is joined in the business by his wife, who looks after the administration side of the business, and by ten dedicated staff members. The company is involved in General Fabrication, Stainless Trolleys, Mobile Access Steps, Clean Room Protection, Clean Room Furniture, Lifting Aids, Process Pipework, Ingredients Trolleys, Packaging Line Fitouts, Stainless Workbenches, Conveyors, etc for clients in the pharmaceutical, food, water, petroleum, and other industries. All work is completed to the highest standard in the company’s custom-built stainless steel fabrication and finishing workshops. 3D modelling provides the customer with a clear understanding of the project from start to finish.

Dermot Cullen, founder of DC Fabrication Ltd.

Recently the company identified a demand for a handsfree sanitiser dispenser and has satisfied that demand with a new foot-pedal sanitiser which means there is no need to touch the dispenser with one’s hands. It can be used in indoor or outdoor settings, and is portable. It can also be wall mounted or floor mounted. Another advantage is that it is suitable for use with all sizes of sanitiser bottles.

The product is currently installed in Wexford County Hall and a growing number of other locations throughout Co. Wexford and Leinster, and Dermot tells us that a contact in the North is achieving sales from that region also. Delivery takes a maximum of a week from the time of placing an order, and can be even quicker if the company has some in stock. DC Fabrication has now developed a smaller version of the product which will be very suitable for schools and creches and which even toddlers will be able to use. Dermot tells us that he has noticed a lowering of confidence nationally in the engineering sector due to Covid-19 but his company’s new range of sanitisers has ensured that confidence and sales remain high in his own firm. DC Fabrication is a client of the Wexford Local Enterprise Office (LEO) receiving welcome funding and mentoring from that source, and is also a client of Wexford Local Development

Local Enterprise Office Wexford County Council Carricklawn Wexford Tel: 053 919 6020 info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie www.LocalEnterprise.ie/ Wexford/

(WLD) where Enterprise Officer Helena Dempsey has helped the firm secure a substantial grant under the LEADER programme to purchase a top of the range CNC laser-cutting machine which the company has been able to use to service other steel fabrication businesses in the South East region. Dermot tells us that the journey, over the last 20 years and more, has been “exciting” and he continues to be as enthusiastic as ever in his development of new products to facilitate the company’s customers to “do things in a better way”.

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DC Fabrication’s ultimate contactless hand sanitiser dispenser as installed in Wexford County Council’s headquarters at Carricklawn, Wexford.

For details of the full range of Covid-19 related financial supports, training, courses, etc available from the Wexford Local Enterprise Office, please check out the website: www.LocalEnterprise. ie/Wexford/ and click on “Covid-19 Business Supports” at the top of the homepage, or contact the office on 053 919 6020 or email info@leo. wexfordcoco.ie

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8 June 2020

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WCC secures increased overdraft of €30m

Slimming down in lockdown Tony McCann

Members from the local slimming World groups in Enniscorthy have been slimming down in the lockdown by staying at home and attending the new virtual groups from the comfort of their own homes. In the first few weeks, members of the groups have received awards for their weight loss and for activity. Here is what some members have said about the new virtual service from their local Slimming World group led by Tony McCann.

“In these crazy times our SW virtual group keeps us feeling somewhat normal about our weight loss journey. I look forward to Saturday mornings and seeing everyone, we are a great support to each other especially Tony who is there whenever we need him.” – Liz (Saturday morning group). “It helps to keep me accountable and motivated through these strange times and it’s great to see other people’s faces.” – Rachael (Tuesday evening group). “Slimming World virtual group has really helped me and made me more determined to lose weight. If I didn’t do the virtual group the weight would have gone up rather than down. Everyone is so encouraging and very supportive.” – Gemma (Saturday morning group). “The virtual groups are my saviour! Without them I wouldn’t be able to stay on track, it’s great seeing everyone and we all keep each other motivated.” – Shauna (Saturday morning group). For more information on the new Slimming World virtual groups one can contact Tony McCann directly on 087-1785384. n

Open to the public: Kilcannon Garden Centre staff on Monday 18th May, Eoin Leacy (left) and Manager Ben Bernie (right).

a cheque for €4,367 is on its way to ispcc childline all thanks to donations received for the Moyne rangers runaton held on sunday the 3rd of May. Over 60 runners took part covering over 350 km in total. Chief organiser, Cllr Aidan Browne, said, ‘I’m absolutely delighted to be able to send the

ISPCC this money. Thank you one and all for contributing to this great charity, thanks to all our participating runners and all who kept us updated on the day.” With Cllr Aidan Browne are future Moyne stars – daughter Darcey and her teammate and best friend Mila Doran. Both girls’ grandfathers, Haney Browne and Brian Davis (RIP) are founding members of the club.

Enniscorthy Credit Union – Free Money! Any member hoping to go to College for the first time in 2020 can enter the Enniscorthy Credit Union FREE Scholarship Draw. For details check out: https://www.enniscorthycu.ie/ €9,000 will be given away to student members so call in today and get an application form, or download one from the website and apply now!

Johnny Mythen TD leading by example by handing back recent pay rise

Painting the town red? Enniscorthy Municipal District council and its Manager, ger Mackey, have been encouraging local sports clubs and other organisations to get involved in painting the public realm (street furniture, signage, fences, etc) as a good will gesture. The Slaney News is delighted to see the Moyne Rangers soccer club leading the way and while we’re sure

they would like to paint the whole town red, we are glad to report that they have been adhering to the recommended colour schemes! Among those Moyne Rangers volunteers working hard for the betterment of the town, and displaying their painting prowess, are Aidan B ro w n e S n r, C l l r. A i d a n Browne, Kristan McDonald and club stalwart John Miller. n

Moyne Rangers Runaton raises €4,367

in light of the covid-19 crisis and the immediate and potential cash flow difficulties that may be facing Wexford county council (Wcc), it has secured an extended overdraft of €30m. This extension will need to be formally approved by Wcc members and so council management will be bringing this increased borrowing requirement to the next formal meeting of the council to complete the process. n

Volunteering spirit alive and well in Co. Wexford Some 218 people from Co. Wexford pledged their time and support to responding to the Covid-19 crisis through a special Government volunteer scheme. That’s according to Minister Paul Kehoe TD who commended the level of volunteerism in the county. The 218 individuals registered to volunteer through the I-VOL app since a call went out in March. Minister Kehoe said: “Volunteers in Wexford have been directly linked by the local Volunteer Centres to local organisations responding to COVID-19, conducting a wide range of very important work – from delivering food and medicines to older people who are self-isolating, to volunteering in COVID test centres.”

Co. Wexford’s new round-the-clock ambulance cover county Wexford’s new round-the-clock ambulance cover is scheduled to commence today (8th June 2020). Local TD James Browne welcomed the news saying, “This is brilliant news for County Wexford. This change will also see the provision of extra day-service ambulances during busy periods. Our ambulance personnel provide an invaluable service to our county. Their timely assistance will be needed to continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve been raising this issue long before I was a TD and I am very pleased that it is now finally coming to pass.” n

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Enniscorthy VTOS supporting Antonio

The students of Enniscorthy VTOS held a fundraiser earlier in the year for Antonio’s ‘gofundme’ appeal, and a cheque for €640 was handed over as the final instalment for Antonio’s new mobility scooter. Well done to everyone involved in the VTOS fundraiser especially Raz Sheridan Hand and Bernie O’Neill. Our photo shows James Quirke (left), representing Enniscorthy VTOS, handing over the cheque to Antonio.

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Long-serving Billy retires from WLD

Billy (centre) with President Michael D. Higgins (left).

May 8th 2020 marked a huge miles t o n e f o r We x f o r d L o c a l Development as Enniscorthy’s Billy Murphy – colleague, friend, mentor and longest-serving employee of WLD, worked his last day preretirement. Billy had been with WLD since 1993, firstly in the pilot partnership company that was South West Wexford Partnership, which evolved into County Wexford Partnership in 1995 and then into Wexford Local Development in 2009. Many things have changed in Ireland over 25 years but Billy's wisdom and values remain constant.

To say that his colleagues in the Community Development Team and the wider company will miss him is an understatement but many of them will still be involved with Billy via Enniscorthy Tidy Towns and other community groups in Enniscorthy in which Billy is still actively involved. A remote party via Zoom for colleagues and friends was held on 8th May and a GoFundMe page was set up for Enniscorthy Tidy Towns and Enniscorthy Sustainable Town in lieu of the usual office whip-around. Readers can contribute in honour of Billy at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ billyssustainable-retirement-fundraiser n

Antonio with his mother Tammy.

Above left and right: Billy in familiar pose over the years in the office and in ‘the field’. Above centre: Billy (left of front row) at the presentation to Enniscorthjy Tidy Towns Committee of the The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland award in 2018.

SignaCare Bunclody – staying prepared as visiting restrictions will ease SignaCare is a new, familyowned, luxury, 62-bed nursing home situated in the former Millrace Hotel premises in the heart of Bunclody. We recently caught up with owner MargaretAnne Walsh to see how the Bunclody nursing home is faring as visiting restrictions are planned to ease soon. “SignaCare Bunclody has moved through the Covid Pandemic with expert care, compassion and knowledge sharing with our team, residents and families. We are currently fully prepared to ease our visiting restrictions for 15th of June in a planned, appointment basis to continue to protect our residents. Signacare is working to ensure this will be done under the guidance of national public health advice. “Our residents have had care and compassion as they were supported through the cocooning phase, with our additional focus on social care, one-to-ones with staff, walks, and wonderful goodies baked fresh each day. “It’s wonderful to see the residents doing so well, their individual needs focused on each day, we have a wonderful team in Signacare Bunclody,

we are very proud of their hard work and commitment during these unprecedented times. “Our daily exercise programme has been a huge success and we have seen residents improve and maintain their health. We have a wellness plan for all residents to minimise going forward the effects of cocooning.” Noting that social separation from families has been probably the most difficult t h i n g f o r t h e re s i d e n t s ,

Margaret-Anne says, “Residents and families have been so patient, and supportive during these times, we communicate with them regularly and I have been available 24 hours a day to support residents and families, as has Denise Steed-O’Doherty, our Director of Nursing. “During the pandemic our dedication to our residents, families and staff has been to the forefront. We have had education and training of staff from the onset, and ongoing

through this crisis for our country and the wider world. “We have substantial stocks of protective wear and our homely environment has a number of areas our residents can visit and social distance, hand-wash and maintain good respiratory hygiene. “We will move through the next phases carefully and on full alert.” Contact SignaCare Bunclody by email: info@signacare.ie, or tel: 053 93 76222. n

The SignaCare Chefs – home baking is their hallmark each day. There’s always something special in the oven for the residents, and the daily exercise plans help to work off the calories!

Individual exercise programmes have been a huge success in SignaCare Bunclody.

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

Slaney News

8 June 2020

www.slaneynews.com

Enniscorthy - Open for As the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus becomes less and less with each passing day, we say thank God here in Enniscorthy for all the mercies bestowed on us during Covid-19. With few of our citizens stricken by the horrific illness and all our nursing homes disease free, we can count ourselves among the fortunate and can now focus all our energies and talents on getting our town mobilised and back on its feet. It will take a long time and Enniscorthy has received a massive blow to business with many of our festivals gone and tourism at its lowest ebb, it is going to take leadership, forward thinking and a hell of amount of hard work, ingenuity and character to rejuvenate, nay let me say to reinvent ourselves. But we can do it, and do it we will. Our Retailers and Restauranteurs are busy preparing themselves and their premises for scheduled re-opening dates of 8th and 29th June. I spoke with some of them recently about their hopes and aspirations as they get back to the new normal and my apologies to those I didn’t get to speak to but it is impossible to get round to everyone.

Above: Trish Rackard (centre) and the team at Yellow Rose. Below: Sofia Ova of Sofia’s Choice.

IN THIS ISSUE, LOTS OF BUSINESSES IN ENNISCORTHY ARE ADVERTISING THE FACT THAT THEY’RE ALREADY OPEN OR ABOUT TO OPEN. IN ADDITION THE SLANEY NEWS CAN CONFIRM THE FOLLOWING: _________________________

PAUL'S Shoe Repair, Locksmith, Church Street. Reopening today, Monday 8th of June. Trading times initially will be from 9am to 4pm and Paul is always contactable by mobile on 086-2903631. _________________________

PUT A BOW ON IT Main Street. Reopening

today, Monday 8th of June. Social distancing and safety measures in place. Open 10am to 5pm. Find Put a Bow On It on Facebook and Instagram. Or contact Aoife on 0871712555. Free delivery available in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas. Postage also available. _________________________

MY SPORT Castle Hill. Reopening today, Monday 8th of June. Please note that social distancing measures will be in place and there will be a limited number of people allowed in the shop at any given time. Opening hours are 9:30am -

John Morrissey of River Restaurant, Market Square, is happy that he has a large enough premises to accommodate social distancing and can’t wait to welcome all his valued customers back. The affable restaurant owner is complying with all Covid rules and restrictions saying, ‘I am happy to take whatever measures necessary to open our doors again to the public whilst keeping all our customers safe and well.’

is prepared to take whatever measures necessary to facilitate trade in a secure and safe environment for both staff and clients. Pauline feels that more should be done to draw people into the town particularly in the evenings, ‘Our streetscapes need to be made more attractive for people to eat and drink outdoors.’ Mary Hudson of Glamour has taken the time to revamp her premises on Main Street and is looking forward to ‘welcoming back our valued customers and friends. After 21 years in business this May it’s been very challenging stepping away from my familiar world of retail, and I’m so excited about getting back to the new normal on 8th June from 10am to 5pm.’

Aoife Foran of

Put A Bow On It Trish Rackard of Yellow Rose boutique has put the finishing touches to her store to be fully Covid compliant on June 8th. ’I am very much looking forward to greeting all my customers again as myself and the girls have missed them sorely. We will be opening with a 20% discount on all stock in store prior to lockdown. Opening hours will be a little different for the first few weeks 10.30am to 5pm.’

John is working closely with Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Enniscorthy Chamber to ensure that all government guidelines are in situ at River Restaurant for the reopening of Enniscorthy.

Trish is very conscious of the fact that many may still be nervous about coming out to shop and to facilitate those who would like to shop outside normal business hours she can be contacted at 086-3146413.

Pauline Maguire has already transformed her Toffee & Thyme premises into a deli-style takeaway and has begun serving customers at her Rafter Street restaurant. Pauline is delighted with the response from the public and she too

Sofia Ova of Sofia’s Choice is looking forward to the sheer joy of seeing all her customers and friends again on 8th June and has been busy implementing the changes to keep everyone safe. ‘But we don’t want the joy of shopping to be wiped

6:00pm with out of hours appointments available for the elderly and vulnerable to shop safely. Please call 053 92 39090 or contact the shop on Facebook or Instagram @MySportEnniscorthy to place orders! _________________________

STOC. Rafter Street. Reopening today, Monday 8th of June. Hours of trading 9.30am-6pm Mon- Sat. Its website is open 24 hours at www.stoc.ie. Happy to take phone orders on 053 9234538 or 086 8167539. Stoc. is doing a personal local delivery service as well as using An Post for website orders.

_________________________

ENNISCORTHY FARMERS MARKET Opened on 23rd May. Serving you every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. _________________________

'YELLOW ROSE' 9 Main Street. Reopening today, Monday 8th of June. The boutique will be open 10.30am to 5pm with social distancing and safety measures in place. Follow on the Yellow Rose Boutique Facebook page or you can contact 053 92 34754 or ring Trish on 086 3146413. If you or someone you know would like to come into the shop outside the normal business hours on a oneto-one basis you can just message Trish on Facebook or give her a ring on 086 3146413 and she will be happy to facilitate you. 20% discount on all stock in store before lockdown. _________________________

MAHADY BREEN Market Square. Reopening today, Monday 8th of June. Open 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday. The shop has ordered Back to School and is hopeful of getting a good supply. Staff will be sanitising fitting gauges and wearing masks during fitting of children's products. The shop will also be limiting the number of people in the premises to adhere to social distancing. _________________________

SOFIA'S CHOICE

County Wexford Farmers Market open in Enniscorthy: Mary Cadogan at the Greenfields stand with Tracey Kennedy.

Main Street. Reopening today, 8th of June. Daily from 10am-5pm, whilst respecting the social distancing guidelines.

John O’Leary, looking forward to reopening My Sport today, 8th June. You can reach Sofia on her mobile 087-7980721, by email sophiachoice@gmail.com, or on Facebook (Sofia’s Choice) or Instagram (sofias.choice) for deliveries or collection. _________________________

TOFFEE & THYME Reopened on 25th May at 8am for takeaway only, at the moment. New salad bar and all their delicious fresh brown bread, scones, cakes and pastries, and of course their own 'Strawnoffee' (is that even a word ?!!) _________________________

OTTIVA BOUTIQUE Wafer Street. Reopening today, 8th of June. Vivien and Anna look forward to welcoming you. They will be observing HSE guidelines to keep us all safe. Open 10am 5.30pm Mon to Fri with late appointments available. _________________________

REJUVENATE Reopening on 23rd July. Treat yourself in July to a well deserved beauty treatment at

Rejuvenate Treatment Rooms based at the Riverside Park Hotel. The Facebook page is Rejuvenate Treatment Rooms and Instagram is @rejuvenatebeautygirls. Therese and the team look forward to welcoming you from the 23rd July! _________________________

TURKUTS Rafter Street. Reopening on 20th July. Turkuts are itching to get you all back in the chair for a "clip and a bitta banter". July 20th is green light day and they will be adhering to all HSE guidelines and their own best practice also. Follow Turkuts on Facebook and Instagram @turkutsbarbers2008 where they will be posting updates. Alternatively buzz 0852083634. _________________________

EVOLV HEALTHSTORE Castle Hill. Has been open throughout the lockdown. Open Monday to Saturday. 9.30am-1pm. Closed for lunch 1-1.45pm. Open again 1.455pm. You can go in store or

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Business out,’ the animated Sofia says, ‘On the contrary, it is our mission to make the customer feel welcome and pampered and give them the shopping experience they deserve. An appointment system will be put in place for those wishing for privacy and to ease any concerns you, the customer, may have.’ To make an appointment simply phone 087-7980721 prior to opening and after closing time each day. New opening hours are 10am to 5pm daily and a 30% off promotion will be on all marked items. This is Enniscorthy’s time to shine, we can wait forlorn and glum on the sidelines or we can take the field and run with the ball, the choice is ours. We should look on Covid as an opportunity to reinvent the town, let’s not wait to see what others are doing but rather think outside the box and come up with novel notions that just might put us in Enniscorthy ahead of the posse.

Above and below: John Morrissey and his extensive River Restaurant premises.

Eating out was never more popular, so why not install canopied seated and heated areas outside all our pubs and cafes, inviting people to come out on to the streets and mingle again whilst observing social distancing regulations. We have a multitude of very talented buskers in Enniscorthy, we could have one per street entertaining all eating areas outside cafes. Many of us have done it in Spain, folks, sitting on the street eating tapas and drinking jugs of sangria.

Wheelocks: Open in Finchogue and on the roadsides.

We could invite out talented artists, of which we have many, to come out and paint on our streets – Art in the Open adding interest and colour and perhaps they could even paint some attractive scenes on our derelict town buildings, and what’s to stop us have poetry evenings on our streets, the possibilities are endless. And yes of course those cheerful, colourful umbrellas that we have come to associate with an Enniscorthy summer should go up in town immediately. Enniscorthy can be a trailblazer in the aftermath of Covid-19 – isn’t that something to think about. – Maria Nolan phone in your order on 0539236009 for collection or for delivery by Fastway couriers at only €5! Evolv says, "We have been lucky to stay open all along providing the community with all their essential supplements to keep healthy and will continue to do so." _________________________

PETITE CHÉRIE 21 Rafter Street. Reopening today, Monday 8th of June. Opening hours will be 10am6pm, Mon to Sat. Observing HSE guidelines to keep all customers and staff safe. The shop can be contacted via its Facebook page or on 0872469052. _________________________

ATINA TAKEAWAY Templeshannon. Reopened on 28th May for all your favourite food. Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holidays 5pm to 11pm. Delivery Service: 5.30pm to 10.30pm. Last orders for delivery 10.30pm. Tel: 087-7775625. See Atina

Takeaway Facebook page for regular updates. _________________________

COURT STREET DENTAL Court Street. Reopened on 18th May. Now’s the time to make that appointment with Drs Roland Woods or Frank Rowe. Tel: 053 9237404. www.courtstreetdentalcentre.com Open: Mon-Thurs 8.30am– 5pm, Fri 7.30am–1.30pm _________________________

FINISHING TOUCHES Main Street. Reopening on 20th July. You'll have to wait just a little bit longer (20th July) to get your finishing touches. In the meantime you can keep in touch on Facebook 'Finishing Touches Beauty' and on Instagram at 'ftbeautygirls'. _________________________

O'BRIENS Court Street. Always open. The Enniscorthy branch of O'Briens sandwich cafe has stayed open throughout these difficult times. At present the

The new, impressive deli counter at Toffee & Thyme. cafe can provide its full menu as a takeaway, or sit down at the socially distant tables which are all outside. The opening times are currently 8.00am until 3.00pm each day Monday until Saturday. _________________________

GUS BYRNE ELECTRICAL Wafer Street. Now Open. Open for business as usual but with restrictions in place in accordance with HSE guidelines. Check out the Facebook Page: ‘Gus Byrne Electrical’ for great daily offers. Tel: (053) 923 3387, gusbyrneelectrical@gmail.com _________________________

STUDIO 5 Wafer Street. Reopening on 20th July. Noreen and all the staff at Studio 5 are looking forward to seeing all their clients on the 20th of July. _________________________

MODERN FASHIONS 3 Castle Street. Reopening today, Monday 8th of June. Ladies and Menswear Store delivering style, quality and exceptional service. Looking forward to welcoming their customers back from today. Tel: 053 9235492. Email: modernfashionsenniscorthy@gmail.com _________________________

GENERAL OFFICE AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES

The Beautique team is looking forward to welcoming all its wonderful clients back on the 20th of July.

Wafer Street. Open since 18th May. School Book Ordering Service now available and all your office and stationery supplies. Open Monday-Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm. Check out the Facebook page: ‘General Office & School Supplies’.

Matt Mernagh painting his premises on Slaney Street.

Tel: (053) 924 3910, E: generaloffice19@gmail.com _________________________

RIVER RESTAURANT Market Square. Opening soon. John Morrissey of River Restaurant is happy that he has a large enough premises to accommodate social distancing and can’t wait to welcome all his valued customers back. _________________________

Sewing Studio MUM 54 Wafer Street. Reopening today, Monday 8th of June. The shop will be limiting the numbers of people in the premises to adhere to social distancing. Elina and the team look forward to seeing you all again. _________________________

Mary Hudson looking forward to reopening Glamour boutique today, 8th June.

EASON Court Street. Now Open. Open for business Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm. Damian Byrne and the team look forward to seeing you all soon. _________________________

BEAUTIQUE Wafer Street. Reopening on 20th July. Beautique is looking forward to getting back to doing your nails and brows again. They will be following all recommendations from the government to keep you all safe. You can make an appointment on Facebook, Instagram, Google or the Fresha app. _________________________

WHILE LOTS OF SHOPS WILL BE REOPENING TODAY, ONE MAJOR RETAILER IS CLOSING TEMPORARILY... Lidl closed its Enniscorthy store at 6pm yesterday (Sunday 7th June) with the intention of re-opening late November 2020. The purpose of this temporary closure is to knock and rebuild the store to better serve its customers in the Enniscorthy area. The new state-of-the-art 1,420sq.m. store will be bigger and brighter, and equipped with an ISO 50001 certified Energy Management System. This includes the installation of solar panels, sensor controlled exterior sun blinds, heat recovery and energy efficient LED lighting to ensure minimal impact on the environment. The build will create approximately 200 jobs during the contruction period. Lidl looks forward to re-opening later this year and providing its customers with an enhanced shopping experience.

ENNISCORTHY CASTLE Reopening on 20th July. _________________________

THE NATIONAL 1798 REBELLION CENTRE

Reopening on 20th July. n

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT ADVERTISING IN THE ‘SLANEY NEWS’ CALL 087-2403310

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

8 June 2020

Cursed Murphy’s new single release Climb, the new (and fourth) single from Cursed Murphy Versus the Resistance, fronted by Enniscorthy writer and performer, Peter Murphy, has been released on all digital platforms. The track was recorded, engineered, mixed and co-produced by Johnny Fox. The music video was filmed recently on phones in self isolation, and was directed and edited by Dan Comerford. It features Cursed Murphy, Dan Comerford, Rebecca Gangnus, Tamara Gangnus, Jasmin Gangnus, Kevin Dillon, and special guest Marc Hillis, and can be viewed on the Cursed Murphy Facebook page and is definitely worth checking out, as is the cover art – an original piece by band member Tamara Gangnus. n

Following the disappointment of having to postpone until next year their production of the musical Titanic, WLOS is now planning its annual sell-out run of Hits from the Musicals, which will be held in Clayton Whites Hotel during the Wexford Opera Festival Season. The dates are Monday 26th October until Thursday 29th October 2020 at 8pm each

Enniscorthy singer-songwriter Wallis Bird’s ‘Tuath’ tour is back on! Wallis says: “I’m very happy to announce the rescheduled Ireland dates at the end of September. For those who have already got their tickets, they are still valid. This is a lovely beacon of light for me to look forward to – I’ll be so glad to see you! Until then I’ll be with you online and in spirit – stay safe and mind your lovely mind.” Fri 25th Sep - Coughlan's Live Fest, Cork City.

night. Tickets are not available at this time but will go on sale at a later date through the National Opera House. WLOS would like to thank each and every one who has been in touch, by phone, or sent messages of support in the wake of the Titanic postponement. It is very much appreciated by everyone involved in Wexford Light Opera Society. n

TO ADVERTISE ON THE SLANEY NEWS ENTERTAINMENT PAGES PLEASE CALL 087-2403310

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY EVENTS

ALL DANCE DATES CANCELLED! UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS… Check with local venues about any upcoming events as many events planned for the coming weeks will be cancelled or postponed.

For information on all upcoming Enniscorthy Library events see “Enniscorthy Library” on Facebook or contact the library on 053-9236055. And check it out: Wexford Public Libraries is now on YouTube!

Mike Denver Concert Postponement Mike Denver’s May concert in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, is now postponed until the 21st October 2020. If this date does not suit, you can get a full refund for your ticket when the hotel reopens. All tickets are valid for the new date.

Sat 26th Sep - The Inkwell, Tracton, Cork. Sun 27th Sep - DeBarras, Clonakilty. Wed 30th Sep - Kenny's, Lahinch, Clare. Thurs 1st Oct - Abbey Tavern, Howth. Fri 2nd Oct - The Stables, Mullingar. Sat 3rd Oct - Lost Lane, Dublin. Sun 4th Oct - Sea Church, Ballycotton, Cork. Tickets: https://wallisbird.app. love-your-artist.com/en/ tickets n

Increasing access to library services There has been an explosion of reading in recent times with more than 5,000 people now using Wexford County Council libraries’ e-book service. With Phase 2 (8th June) upon us of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, the good news for library lovers is that all five Wexford libraries are planning to increase their services to the public. While the full extent of library facilities will not be available for some time yet, the public can look forward to enjoying the following services 1. “Contact and Collect” - by appointment only. Choose your genre/subject area and the library staff will pick out up to 6 books/DVDs/CDs for you. You will then be given an appointment to collect these items from your local library. Contact in any of the following ways... Online: Fill out the simple online form: www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries. Email: libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie. Phone: 0539196000 – Dial 3 (9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday, operational from phase 2). 2. B o o k R e t u r n s - n o appointment needed.

Drop your items in the returns bin just outside the collection area and go. Please check with your local library for returns hours. If you also wish to borrow books, please contact the library first and it will arrange an appointment for you. 3. Book Delivery Service. Elderly, vulnerable or cocooning citizens can request books and the library will deliver these directly to your door. Phone: 053-9196000 9.305.30 Monday to Friday. More than 2,000 items have now been delivered via the Book Call Service. 4. You can continue to use your library online! Don’t forget, you can access the library services online, 24/7. These online services will continue to be available as the country move through the re-opening phases. You can: · join the library online; · download eBooks and eAudiobooks; · read magazines and newspapers · take eLearning or language courses; · watch or listen to storytimes; or, · take part in other activities like online bookclubs. n

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Summer festivals fall victim to Covid-19 Yo u n g B a l l y m u r n m a n , Jonathan Hayes, was prominent in a recent project putting the vocals and guitar on a charity single released on 23rd April which raised over €3,000 for local frontline workers including the Order of Malta. He worked digitally with musicians from all over Ireland, many who haven’t met each other yet due to travel restrictions! The group calls itself The Antibodies. The single contains two songs – a cover version of the great Neil Young song, Rocking in the Free World. And in these challenging times... we must try to keep on rockin’! The seco n d s o n g i s L a b i S i ff re ’ s Something Inside So Strong. In this song of hope, he talks about the strength inside an oppressed people to rise up in defiance. And in these challenging times, we too may feel oppressed by an invisible oppressor. But we will rise up. We have hope... We will defeat it.

The single was produced, mixed and mastered by Roger McGuire. You can still help fund much needed PPE equipment for frontline staff by paying €5 or more for this excellent pro-

duction. Listen and buy on: https://theantibodies2020.bandcamp.com See Facebook for more information: https://www.facebook.com/ TheAntibodies2020/ n Jonathan Hayes

TO ADVERTISE ON OUR ENTERTAINMENT PAGES PLEASE CALL 087-2403310

My Pearshaped Life

Carmel Harrington

Co. Wexford author Carmel Harrington’s eight novel (My Pear-Shaped Life, €14.99, Paperback) is a joyful, uplifting book to remind us how strong we are, no matter how pear-shaped life gets! Praise for My Pear-Shaped Life has been fulsome: Original, funny, moving and brutally honest…perfect for fans of Ruth Jones (Sunday Times bestseller, Debbie Johnson). So many women will find this book speaks to them. It makes you laugh and cry but it is truly inspiring (Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde). Sweet, sad, insightful and joyful – this book pressed all the emotion buttons and I’m so glad it did (Sunday Times bestseller Milly Johnson). Uplifting and powerful… I LOVED it (Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Kelly). Warm, moving and lifeaffirming… Greta is a gorgeous character that you will fall in love with (Irish Times bestseller Sinead Moriarty). My motto for 2020 is to be more Greta (Woman’s Way). Carmel says: “When we

chose this book title, we could never have predicted how apt it would be! Publishing a book while our country is in lockdown, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic no less, is surreal! It’s been crushing to cancel all planned book events and to see bookshops all closed. But my publisher and I have been working hard to reach readers virtually in a creative way. “I’m also happy to share that I’ve recently signed a new two-book contract with my publisher Harper Collins. “One advantage for authors is that we are all experts at working from home! So as I self-isolate and home-school the children, trying to keep sane and safe, I’m working away on my ninth novel.” Carmel is encouraging readers to shop local where possible! Most local bookshops are accepting orders online or on the phone, then posting books to readers while their shop doors are closed, so you can get your hands on My Pear-Shaped Life very easily, and enjoy. n

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t w o o f Enniscorthy’s summer festivals have fallen victim to Covid-19. There was no Strawberry Fair / Street Ryhthms / Strawberry Roots festival held this year and there will be no Rockin’ Food Festival either with the organisers issuing the following statement: “We regret to inform you that sadly, due to the COVID19 pandemic and recent Government restrictions on events this summer, the Enniscorthy Rockin' Food Festival has been cancelled. “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, however, the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, vendors, artists and extended communities to which they belong, takes total precedence at this time. “Of course, we look forward to welcoming you back so we make #RockinFood 2021 an incredible celebration of Food, Rock n Roll and Family Fun. “#StayHome, #StaySafe, Stay Rockin 'n Stay Enjoying great #localfood “Love from the Rockin’ Food Festival Team.” Enniscorthy’s Wexford Literary Festival is still standing albeit in an online way only. See page 23 for details. Bunclody Country Fest scheduled for the beginning of July has been postponed.

BARRY IS FUNDRAISING

The Enniscorthy Irish Folk and Ballad Festival is scheduled for 27-30th August and as of now it still stands. In time the organisers will make a final decision, but for now it’s still on, with a fantastic lineup. See ‘Irish Folk and Ballad Festival’ on Facebook for updates.

The Blackstairs Blues Fest scheduled for September has been cancelled, but may be held later. See page 22. Wexford Spiegeltent Festival is still running for its 15 dates, Oct 9 - Oct 26, with another spectacular lineup of comedy, music, burlesque and more. n

JAMIE ON THE MOVIES... A great new vlog (video blog) by Enniscorthy movie buff, Jamie Murphy, is now available on his own YouTube chan-

nel ‘One Take Thoughts’. Check it out for his ‘Top 5 Stephen King Adaptations’, ‘Top 5 Horror Films’ and more.

Gorey teen sensation 14-year-old Gorey singer and musician Patricia Lalor has racked up over 100,000 listeners on Spotify and over 120,000 subscribers on Youtube with her captivating versions of some well known songs. Patricia, a student at Meanscoil Gharman in Enniscorthy, has been releasing cover versions on Youtube

since she was 11 years of age and her cover of Hozier’s Cherry Wine caught the attention of the man himself who praised it saying, “Hands down, one of the best covers I’ve seen.” P a t r i c i a h a s re c e n t l y released her second EP entitled Sleep Talk featuring four tracks of dreamy lo-fi pop. Definitely one to watch for the future. n

Barry Cunnea is no stranger to fundraising for good causes, and now he is raising money to support Frontline Staff working in Wexford General Hospital, to thank them for all the hard work they are doing for all of us under tough circumstances. Barry will be singing songs and putting them up on Facebook. HIS GOFUNDME PAGE is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ cjm5h-frontline-staff

Check with local venues and organisers about cancellations or postponements

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

8 June 2020

Coláiste Bríde dominates Junk Kouture National Final line-up

HANGING BY A THREAD Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy Team: Gabriela Dyrcz, Lucy Egan, Christine Keely Teacher: Frances Kervick

THE DARK HORSE Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy Team: Erin Cahill, Amelia Morycka Teacher: Frances Kervick

This Iris Van Harpen inspired design used over 10,000 metres of unwanted thread donated by local sewing groups, several grannies and teachers in school. 200 metres of wire collected from family members and some old coat hangers were shaped around hand-made, customised wooden templates to create varying sizes of triangles. Countless hours were spent individually wrapping blue and green threads around the 265 wire triangles to create a delicate ombré starting at the top of the headpiece and continuing to the end point of the skirt.

This 3D creation was inspired by designer Hu Sheguang. Discarded fencing wire, found on a friend’s farm, was manipulated to form the eye-catching arm-piece. Garden wire donated from family and friends was stripped of its green coating and twisted to add texture then criss-crossed through the fencing wire. Wooden edging from leftover kitchen worktops was used to create panels on an old painted top and skirt. Twisted wire was then woven across those panels. 3 colours of wooden edging and twisted garden wire was used to create a Mohawk-style headpiece which completes this warrior style outfit.

This page: 6 creations from Coláiste Bríde have qualified for the National Final. Opposite page: 6 creations from other Co. Wexford Schools are in the final also.

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy. Team: Aoife Moorehouse, Nadine Kehoe, Lexi Carty Teacher: Frances Kervick

SOLE MATES Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy. Team: Louise Kelly, Katelyn O'Dwyer, Shauna Buckley Teacher: Frances Kervick

“Butterflies are associated with hope, resurrection and remembrance and this fitted our idea to design a dress using respiratory tubes. The butterfly wings for the top and bottom of the dress were hand crafted from chicken wire we had. We cut, rolled and sewed corrugated respiratory tubing from a pharmaceutical company to slot into each individual section of the wire. Earrings, shoes and the head piece were made from respiratory tubing also. Finally, we painted the dress orange and black as many of the well known butterflies are orange and black such as the Painted Lady and Viceroy butterflies.”

“Over 300 feather-like shapes were cut from orthotic insole offcuts and hand sewn onto an old dress to create this eye-catching unique design. Old carpet inserts from a local carpet shop were cut into circles, sprayed silver, and sewn onto the dress using fishing tackle. We used old fencing wire to shape the skirt and attached more carpet roll circles to that. The headpiece is made from thin leftover insole scraps which were made into teardrop shapes. We finished the dress by placing lots of flowers inside some circles which we also made from offcuts and spray painted gold.”

VIRIDIAN QUEEN Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy Team: Cerys Greig, Molly Bolger, Ella Croke Teacher: Frances Kervick Inspired by Elizabethan fashion, ‘Viridian Queen’ is a modern take on the glamorous attire worn by royals of the court. Using a detailed macramé stich woven with pearls, and taking an endless amount of hours to construct, the dress and cape use over 1000m of jut twine, as well as garden fleece, both sourced from gardeners and garden centres, EPE foam collected from furniture stores, broken jewellery, an old corset and worn boots. With a skirt and sleeves designed from scratch, together the materials create an elaborate design reminiscent of monarchs of the past.

COAL KOHL Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy Team: Kerry Burt, Hannah Atkinson, Sadhbh Tierney Teacher: Kyra Bramble “We were inspired by the designs of Rinaldy Yunardi. We created a wire frame and covered it by sewing trampoline material onto it. We cut out and blanket stitched triangles from an exercise ball by hand to construct the pants. We drilled bolts through the soles of old shoes to create our unique footwear. We embroidered pockets on the trousers with trampoline netting and red wool. The black and red flame theme of our outfit raises awareness of the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, which has a severely negative effect on the environment.”

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

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WHAT IS JUNK KOUTURE? Junk Kouture is a fashion competition using recycled materials, which challenges young people to design, create and model high end couture from everyday junk! It takes in elements of fashion, design, engineering and environmental sustainability and transforms them into a creative contest like no other! 2020 is the tenth year of this colourful competition with the final planned for the 3Arena, Dublin, this Autumn (exact date to be confirmed due to Covid-19 restrictions). Eighty teams will be taking part including six from Coláiste Bríde Enniscorthy, one from the CBS Enniscorthy, one from FCJ Bunclody, 1 from Kilmuckridge, 1 from Gorey and 2 from Wexford Town.

In January I attended the Coláiste Bríde Fashion event which takes pride of place on the school calendar each year and was blown away by the creativity, ingenuity, style, flair, imagination and magic on display. 11 7 Tr a n s i t i o n Ye a r Students, teachers, parents and guardians have been working on these creations since September 2019 and it was a huge blow to all when the final stages of the competition had to be rescheduled. The creations, I have to say are awesome – using everything from nuts and bolts, old shoes, old sweeping brush, curtains, black bags, shuttle cocks, plastic cups, bedsheets, chicken and binding wire, old blinds, old hurl butts, feathers,

straw, piano keys, curtain rings, garden fleece, coat hangers, spools of thread, cable ties, broken mirrors, bandanas, broken CDs, sawdust, control panels from mobile phones and ipads, horse hair, respiratory tubes, old hurling grips, cigar cases, beads, keyrings, cattle tags, bamboo sticks, hairnets to mention but a fraction. The breathtaking designs are eye-catching, stylish, creative, imaginative, innovative and inspiring and the dance routines on the night were vibrant, energetic, meticulously choreographed and fastidiously executed. Every person who takes part in this competition is a winner; it encourages sustainability, recycling, environmental awareness, talent, confidence, imagination and ability, and one of the essen-

tial components of the competition is teamwork – the challenging skill of working with others as part of a team, an excellent life lesson for each of these students going forward. Junk Kouture teaches our young people to think outside the box, something that we will all need to do to get our country up and running again in the aftermath of Coronavirus. The final stages have been rescheduled for the Autumn and I very much hope that we will have all come through Covid-19 unscathed at that time and the competition will go ahead and I would like to wish each and every person involved the very best of luck because they certainly deserve it. – Maria Nolan

SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND Coláiste An Átha, Kilmuckridge Team: Sophie Whelan, Kerry Ann Murphy, Maria Whelan. Teacher: Amanda Connoly

COGNITIVE CONFLICT St Peter’s College, Wexford Team: Cade Gardener, Daniel Brennan Abban Moran Teacher: Jeanette Seery

“Our dress is made of crochet wool sewn into individual circles. This technique allowed us to make an extravagant and funky design. We used bright wool to create a vibrant coloured dress. We got all of our wool from other people’s homes as we wanted to use only recycled wool to create our unique styled dress. We got inspiration to do the dress from our art teacher who we had seen crocheting in school. We then came up with the idea to make our dress using many different crochet techniques.”

“Our outfit was inspired by two real world designers, Rick Owens and Virgil Abloh. We also took inspiration from Moon Knight and the Mandalorian, comic book characters. Each part of the outfit was specifically related to one of our inspirations. We used a contrast of light and hard materials to create a clash of hard and soft, light and heavy, and how contrast is needed. This also served as our theme, as contrast is everywhere, especially in mental health, again Moon Knight served as inspiration for this. All this is what served as the design for our outfit.”

FURY RUNWAY St Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy Team: Alan White, Michael Bodnaruk Nicholas Howe Teacher: Rhian Foley “The idea for our outfit was to create a post-apocalyptic warrior and survivor’s outfit. This was something that we wanted to do to highlight the fact that our world is in trouble because of global warming due to the amount of waste that we are throwing away every day. Our outfit is entirely made of scrap and found material such as various types of metals, nuts and bolts. The ‘junk’ that we found in different scrapyards could easily be recycled but we found it just lying there. We feel that the rusted and aged look represents what parts of our dying planet are beginning to look like.”

I CAN DO IT Presentation Secondary School, Wexford Team: Molly Calder, Lily Stoutt, Lucy Walsh Teacher: Lydia Murphy A jumpsuit with flare bottoms, halter neck and open back, made out of the tabs off recycled cans. This is a sustainable outfit as glue has only been used in the headpiece. The entire jumpsuit has been sewn together using pieces of ribbon and thread. The purpose of the jumpsuit is to squash female stereotypes in the clothing industry. Any girl can do what she wants when she sets her mind to it.

An Tarbh Órga FCJ Secondary School, Bunclody Team: Michelle Kearns, Leah Kidd, Orlagh Kehoe Teacher: Suzanne Murray “Our farming theme was sparked during recent protests between farmers and factories. Our design was costumed to follow this theme hence the pants and boots. Throughout our design we incorporated many aspects of farming with use of silage wrap, maze, horns and many other items that one would find on the farm. As you can see from our design there are many cartridges used, this is to indicate that beef farming in Ireland is being taken over by the big SHOTS!!!”

KABLOOM Gorey Community School, Gorey. Team: Melissa Popovici, Holly Meehan, Siofra Byrne. Teacher: Gráinne Codd “Our dress called “Kabloom” is based on flowers/plant life in nature. Our bodice uses quills while the skirt features origami flowers. Both quills and flowers are paper-based derived from nature. The impact of the colours chosen reflect what flowers do in our world – brighten it!”

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

8 June 2020

SMOKIE FOR SPIEGELTENT FESTIVAL It looks like Wexford’s famous Spiegeltent Festival will return this October after Ireland hopefully emerges from the final phase of restrictions in August. Chief organiser, Brian Byrne of Lantern Presents, has ordered a bigger tent this year, the Spiegeltent Fortuna, which will help allow all seated gigs operate within the social distancing guidelines and recommendations The Festival, which runs from October 9-26th 2020, is proud to announce the return of 80s legends Smokie to the 2020 lineup of comedy, music, burlesque and more. Smokie will be playing on Friday October 16th and this is bound to be another fast sell-out show, after three previous sell-out performances in 2017, 2018 and 2019! TICKETS ON SALE NOW from www.wexfordspiegeltent.com n

A fond farewell Showband legend and Waterford native Brendan Bowyer passed away on 28th May aged 81 at his home in Las Vegas surrounded by his family – his wife of 53 years, Stella, his three children, Brendan Jr., Aisling, Clodagh, and his two grandchildren, Liam and Nora Stella. Bowyer first came to prominence in 1959 as a member of The Royal Showband and he and the band are probably best known for their international hit The Hucklebuck released in 1964. The song was so popular in Ireland during the 1960s, it became something of an alternative national anthem and was a guaranteed floorfiller at nights out across Ireland. In 1961, The Royal Showband won 'Top Modern Dance Band' in Britain and were supported on tour by The Beatles. Bowyer famously advised the four young hopefuls 'to stick with it and you will make it'. In 1971 Bowyer left The Royal Showband and formed the Big Eight Showband. The band spent the summers playing the ballroom circuit in Ireland and spent the rest of the year in Las Vegas where audiences on occasion included Elvis Presley and Tom Jones.

Wi t h i n a s h o r t t i m e , Brendan and the band made the decision to relocate to Vegas permanently. He had been based in Las Vegas since then, though he enjoyed frequent trips back home to tour Irish venues including Oylegate where he was friends for many years with Ray Quigley. Ray promoted Brendan’s shows in Wexford town, Adamstown, Oylegate etc where Brendan often performed for free for good causes. Brendan also performed in 2010 at a senior citizens party in the old hall in Oylegate and also attended and performed

TO ADVERTISE ON THE SLANEY NEWS ENTERTAINMENT PAGES PLEASE CALL 087-2403310 Great friends: Brendan Bowyer and Oylegate’s Ray Quigley.

(when aged 77) at Ray’s daughter’s wedding. Brendan’s last shows in Ireland were in 2014 including one in the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis. n

Performances in Oylegate. Above: Brendan in 2014 when he shared the stage with Co. Wexford’s Kinsella sisters – Stephanie (left) Clodagh (right). Below: In 2012 with Lorna Mahon Wall, Clodagh Kinsella, Ray Quigley, Mary Crosbie.

Blackstairs Blues news.. Enniscorthy’s Blackstairs Blues Festival (http://blackstairsblues.ie) is Ireland’s longest consecutively running blues festival and was scheduled to take place from 11th to 13th September attracting the cream of local and international blues bands and solo artists performing the broadest spectrum of Blues from the Delta to Chicago. But, unfortuantely, this September’s festival has now been postponed. A spokesperson for the festival says, ‘The Blackstairs Blues committee held off on making a definitive decision until the government road map for reopening Ireland was released. However, with the guidelines around social distancing, limited public gatherings and the planned time for bars/pubs to reopen, it will not be feasible to run the Blackstairs Blues Festival this September. While this has

been a hard decision to take, we will endeavour to have performances on Facebook over the Blues weekend. ‘Should the opportunity arise whereby we can run the Blackstairs Blues Festival on a later date, we will definitely plan to do so. For now stay safe and we will link in again soon.’ The ever-inventive team behind the Blackstairs Blues has turned to Facebook to keep the Blues alive and to keep people entertained. B ro a d c a s t i n g l i v e f ro m Enniscorthy, the organisers are running regular blues music sessions on their Facebook page for followers to tune in, bringing blues music (from the likes of Daniel de Vita, Colm Skwirbat, Austin Walkin’ Cane etc) to homes across Wexford and further afield. Check it out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ BlackstairsBluesFestival n

Wells House to reopen today The woodland walks around Wells House and Gardens, south of Gorey, are to come alive again to the sound of children and their parents today, Monday 8th June, when Government regulations allow Sabina and Uli to open their famous house up again following the Covid-19 lockdown which began in March. Wells has become one of the most visited attractions in the south-east of Ireland and has an excellence award from Trip Advisor. Wells was also rated as Ireland’s Best Family Day Out on one of Ireland’s national radio stations. It is a promoted visit on the Ireland’s Ancient East programme and on County Wexford’s Visit Wexford tourism programme.

It is a fascinating 17th century tudor gothic country manor house with beautiful gardens, fairy woodland walks, an animal farm, a café, a children's playground, craft courtyard, clay target shooting, falconry and accommodation. Wells House and Gardens attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually from all over Ireland and abroad. Sabina said: “We are so looking forward to welcoming new and, of course, our regular visitors back following the weeks of lockdown as a result of Covid-19 We are following all Government guidelines to ensure the safety of our visitors so that they can enjoy the walks in the

woods, the fresh air and the m a n y f e a t u re s o f We l l s House.” The display of larger than life woodcarvings – Mr Hobbit, Peacock and other surprises, carved from fallen trees in the woods by Paul from Timberland Thread, Bree, will be a major attraction to visitors as the famous Wells House and Gardens opens up to visitors from today. n Wood carvings at Wells House: Owner Sabine Rosler and Paul from Timberland Thread, Bree.

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Wexford Literary Festival beats Covid-19!

Billy Keane

Carmel Harrington

Colum McCann

Clara Rose Thornton

Elizabeth McGeown

Fintan Murphy

Wexford Literary Festival 3rd-5th July, 2020

James Leader

Dr Conchubhar Ó Crualaoich

Wexford Literary Festival Committee are delighted to announce that our annual Festival will continue as planned from 3rd- 5th July despite the Coronavirus. We say with pride that we are one of, if not the only, summer festival to take place in Co. Wexford this year, albeit online with local, national and international participation which is a tremendous credit to our Committee – Chairman Richie Cotter, Secretary Maria Nolan, Tre a s u re r A n n i e G i l p i n , Programme Management Elizabeth Whyte & Annie Gilpin, PR/Social Media Roisin Williams & Maria Nolan, Carol Long, Wally O’Neill, Jarlath Glynn, Edel Kelly, Cathy Keane.

Short Play and Peter Murphy Spoken Word. And might we say that we were delighted with the response once again to our various competitions with numbers actually up on previous years. It augurs well for the significance of the Festival now in its 7th year. We are thankful for the support from Arts Council Ireland festival funding and the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and for support on box office and Zoom links from Wexford Arts Centre. For further information on booking visit www.wexfordliteraryfestival.com. ––––––––––––––––––––––––– The following is our Festival Programme:

Paula Campbell

Rather than buckle under Covid19 restrictions, WLF embraced the opportunity to explore new horizons which stretch as far as US, Palestine and Jerusulem via Zoom, continuing with our annual Awards – Colm Tóibín International Short Story, Anthony Cronin International Poetry, Billy Roche International

Sheila Forsey

Louis de Paor

Michael Fortune

FRIDAY 3RD JULY 2pm-4pm: Nick Roche Comic book workshop with tweens. €5. Exciting opportunity for kids to learn comic book drawing technique from acclaimed artist for Marvel Comics.

7pm-8pm: Opening Ceremony with Special Guest – Journalist Billy Keane. Awards ceremony with Reading of winning Short Stories, Poems and Plays. 8.15pm-9.15pm: Conversation & Cocktails – Maria Nolan with authors Carmel Harrington and Sheila Forsey. –––––––––––––––––––––––––– SATURDAY 4TH JULY 10am-1pm: Meet the Publisher – Paula Campbell of Poolbeg Publishing will meet with potential authors to discuss manuscripts. 11am-1pm: What’s in a name? – Fintan Murphy will host a panel discussion on Place names with Michael Fortune, Dr. Conchubhar O’Crualaoich, Nicky Rossiter. Via zoom, booking required via WAC €5.

Thornton (US) in conversation with Róisín Williams. Via Zoom, booking required via WAC €5. 4.30pm-6.30pm: Cursed Murphy Spoken Word Award and performance event featuring – Elizabeth McGeown, John Cummins, Cormac Lally, Stephen James Smith and Clara Rose Thornton. Via Zoom, booking required via WAC €5. 8.30pm: Wexford Literary Festival Cáca Milis Cabaret with host Helena Mulkerns and special guests Wexford’s own Colm Tóibín and Eoin Colfer along with many more. Via Zoom, booking via WAC €5. –––––––––––––––––––––––––– SUNDAY 5TH JULY 11am-1pm: Poetry workshop with Louis De Paor. Booking via WAC €5. Limited to 10.

t i o n w i t h P e t e r M u r p h y. International award-winning Irish author based in New York talks about his new bestselling novel Apeirogon and includes participation of Bassam Aramin (Palestine) and Rami Elhanan (Israel) who feature in the story of two fathers joined in an unexpected friendship through grief for the loss of their young daughters due to conflict between two nations. Booking via WAC €5. 5.30pm: Closing Ceremony with Sir Writesalot. Free live goodbye via Zoom. –––––––––––––––––––––––––– Exhibition alongside festival: Nick Roche prints exhibited in Wexford Arts Centre/D’Lush Café. Virtual tour of Nicola Anthony’s Murmuration inspired by words by Louis de Paor in The Presentation Centre.

2pm-3pm: Paula Campbell to host Crime Writers Panel with Guests Jane Ryan and Andrea Mara. Via Zoom, booking required via WAC €5.

2pm-3.30pm: Poetry readings event with local, national and international poets, including Louis De Paor, Eamonn Wall and others. Free via Zoom.

3 . 1 5 p m - 4 p m : H a p p y Independence Day - Clara Rose

4pm-5.30pm: Keynote event: Colum McCann in conversa-

Please join us on Zoom from 3rd – 5th July and help us keep all things literary alive and well in Wexford during Covid-19. For further updates: www. wexfordliteraryfestival.com – Maria Nolan

Nick Roche

Nick Rossiter

Eamonn Wall

Slaney News

8 June 2020

Wexford Greenways making progress Rosslare Europort to Waterford City Greenway: Draft feasibility, route options and environmental screening documents have been completed. Public information events were held in We l l i n g t o n b r i d g e a n d Rosslare Strand in May 2019. The draft EIAR and NATURA Impact reports are being reviewed by Wexford Co. Council and the CPO drawings and schedules are being prepared. An application for development consent and CPO has been delayed by the Covid 19 emergency and is now planned for submis-

sion to An Bord Pleanála in the coming weeks. New Ross to Waterford Greenway / South East Greenway: Section 85 and funding agreements have been signed by Wexford County Council, Kilkenny County Council and Waterford City & County Council to enable Wexford County Council to act as the lead authority for this project. Detailed design is currently underway and it is planned to tender for a Works contractor over the coming weeks. Site investigation, veg-

etation clearance works and the topographical surveys have been completed. Tenders for the rail and sleeper lifting contract have been assessed and the lowest tenderer is being recommended. Grant aid funding of €8.0m for the project was awarded from the Department of Transport Tourism & Sport in June 2019. C u r r a c l o e t o We x f o r d Greenway: Permission for the development was refused by An Bord Pleanála Board in 2018 citing, in particular, concerns in relation to the potential

impact of the development on the Raven Point Nature Reserve Special Area of Conservation and Wexford Harbour and Slobs Special Protection Area. A decision on proceeding with a further application is being considered. We x f o r d t o R o s s l a r e Greenway: Tenders have been invited for a feasibility study, route selection, preliminary design and environmental assessments. It is planned to make an appointment later this month. n

Arden House - open at last! Arden House, Whitemill Industrial Estate, Wexford.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, Brendan Brophy from Ballymurn has taken to writing. He is a frontline worker and has been self-isolating when he’s not at work, in case he carries the virus home. So it’s been a strange time for his family, not being able to see him properly while he isolates. In his spare time, in mid-May, Brendan wrote a short story relevant to where people find themselves right now – finding new hobbies to keep occupied during lockdown, and the greater meaning of them.

THE JIGSAW OF LIFE The box is open and the bag of pieces appears. Now life’s task of sorting out the outside edge pieces begins. Now with all the edge pieces aside, I start to find the 4 corner pieces, so I can start my baby steps in life. Bit by bit I start to build the outline of my life’s jigsaw in this world. Each piece of my outside pieces must sit alongside its next door piece. One intertwining with each other to build the outline of my life. This ends my growing up of a young boy and leads me to adulthood which are all the inside pieces. The next phase is building the inside pieces which will become the picture of the person I will become. Each inside piece will have to share with 4 other pieces, so blending in to fit together to add to some part of my life jigsaw. Sometimes one piece meets up with the wrong piece, which seems to fit, but is not the right piece. Some time later I find this out and change pieces, like in life I will meet people that will come and go during my lifetime. As this life’s jigsaw is shared with friends and family, I soon understand that like the piece of the jigsaw, I must give a hand and take a hand to the people that are around me. I must be a team player to build this picture that will be my life’s work of art. Over the period of my life I will find that life will throw up challenges that can be over come, because every piece of my life jigsaw has its own special place in my life picture. There will be periods of this life jigsaw, that will fit together quickly and make that piece of the picture of life easy. Other times I will struggle to find the right piece for days, but knowing that the day will come that the right piece will be found. For some of us, the building of this life jigsaw will be short and for others it will be long.

As of 5th May 2020, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Co. Wexford has a new, fit-for-purpose home – Arden House in Wexford Town. Campaigners like

Raymond Shannon and the Wexford Mental Health Warriors have campaigned vigorously over many years for such an outcome. Local TD and Fianna Fáil Mental Health spokesman James Browne expressed his

gratitude, “I want to say a huge congratulations to all the parents and the Mental Health Warriors who have fought so hard and for so long for this. You are a credit to your children, your families and your community.”

Maintaining social distance at Kilcannon Garden Centre

However, Raymond adds a word of caution, “A building can’t treat children alone, that’s why the fight goes on to have it fully staffed and to stop our children being sent to adult psychiatric inpatient units.” n

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We all share one common goal with this life’s jigsaw, that is to find the last piece of the jigsaw. Finding that piece will mean that I have completed my life’s journey on earth. When I will place that piece in its rightful place to complete the picture of my life I will hope that I have created a picture of a person, that loved and shared with others all that was good. On that final day I will leave this world a better place to have lived in. Some people’s jigsaw will only be 100 pieces or 500 and up to 1500 pieces. No matter the size of the jigsaw, it will be the complete picture of our life’s jigsaw. If it is only 500 pieces, it may be we were cut down by illness at a young age. Our jigsaw may be 1000 pieces, which may see us married with family, and for others the jigsaw will be 1500 pieces and sharing the joy of grandchildren. Like jigsaws they are all memories of our life. Memories of the past which is history. Memories of the future, that will become a mystery to us. But the jigsaw of today is a gift, that is why we call it the PRESENT of LIFE. – Brendan Brophy, 18.05.2020

Ann Wall and Ben Bernie.

IT Carlow Wexford Campus can answer your questions Want to know more about studying at the Wexford Campus of IT Carlow and the range of course choices on offer on the CAO? Whether you are a prospective student, a parent/ guardian, a guidance counsellor or interested in returning to education as a mature student, the Education Liaison Officer Sandra will answer your questions. Email your questions to sandra.walsh@itcarlow.ie Please note the CAO Change of Mind facility will close on the 1st July at 17:15. n

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Two clerical milestones The ‘single-use challenge’

The Bishop of Ferns, Dr Denis Brennan.

Bishop Denis Brennan celebrated 50 years as a priest of the Diocese of Ferns on Pentecost Sunday, 31st May 2020. To mark the occasion, Bishop Brennan celebrated Mass on South East Radio from Rathnure Church on that Sunday morning. Rathnure was also where Bishop Brennan celebrated his very first Mass all those years ago. Pope Francis wrote to Bishop Brennan for the occasion and the letter of congratulations and apostolic blessing was read at the conclusion of the Mass by the local Parish Priest, and Vicar for Clergy, Fr. Brian Broaders.

On 28th May, St Aidan’s parish administrator Fr Odhran Furlong celebrated his Silver Jubilee Mass in St Aidan’s Cathedral with his parents Tom and Angela, brother Tom Jnr, sister-inlaw Louise and nephews, James and Dara. The mass was broadcast via the St Aidan's Cathedral webcam and was viewable online. Fr Odhran became a priest on 28th May 1995 – 25 years of service to God and his people. For the past five years, the parish of St Aidan’s has been blessed with his presence and a c c o rd i n g t o t h e p a r i s h newsletter it has benefited “from the gifts that Odhran has been given from God. He has shared those gifts with us generously and faithfully in that time. On this milestone in his life and priesthood, we ask the Lord to bless him and his vocation and pray that the seeds of good he has sown in those years may bear fruit for an eternal harvest. We thank him for his commitment, his ministry and for his leadership of our parish. “Congratulations Fr Odhran on your silver jubilee from all of us in St Aidan’s. May you look back on the last 25 with gratitude and look forward to the next 25 with hope. Ad moltos annos!” The Bishop of Ferns, Dr Denis Brennan DD, has

Simon Ruddy

Fr Odhran Furlong 25 years ago!

announced the following clerical changes to be effective on the weekend of 8th/9th August 2020. Fr. Richard Redmond CC Ferns to be PP Ramsgrange. Fr. Ricky O’Connor CC New Ross to be CC Ferns. F r. C h r i s H a y d e n C C Coolfancy to sabbatical leave. F r. R i c h a rd L a w l e s s P P Craanford to one year’s leave. F r. B r i a n W h e l a n A D M Ramsgrange to ADM Craanford. The Bishop also announced: Fr. Pat Mernagh (Chaplain to Irish Armed Forces) to be PP Kilmore, effective 5th/6th December 2020. n

WEXFORD households will generate a combined 9,100 tonnes of single-use plastic packaging waste in 2020. To put this in perspective, if this 9,100 tonnes of single-use plastic packaging waste were in the form of just empty 2ltr single-use plastic drinks bottles it would be equivalent in weight to 165,000,000 (165 million) bottles. Annually, each household in County Wexford generates on average 171kgs of single-use plastic packaging waste – equivalent in weight to 3,000 empty 2ltr single-use plastic drinks bottles for example. 'The Single-Use Challenge is about tackling this environmental scourge that is scarring the beaches, rivers, streets and amenity areas across County Wexford, by harnessing the power of community spirit to collectively reduce the volumes of single-use plastic waste generated across the county,' according to CUSP (Cease

Using Single-use Plastic) founder Simon Ruddy. 'We have developed the free CUSP app, with all weights and conversions to kilograms pre-loaded, for 22 of the more common items of single-use plastic packaging found in Irish homes. Participants simply tap in their current number of units day 1; then, after 30 days and following CUSP 'Hints & Tips for Reducing', participants tap in their new reduced volumes to see their reductions.' The 'Single-Use Challenge' is looking to each family in County Wexford to reduce their household single-use plastic packaging waste by just 1kg monthly. 'Not a big ask when you consider the average household single-use plastic waste pile in Wexford is 171kgs annually (14kgs monthly),' Simon went on to say. Why 1kg monthly? Simon explained, '1kg monthly

isn't just a random target. Both the EU and the UN have set as a key sustainability goal the elimination of all non-essential single-use plastic packaging by 2030, which accounts for approximately 70% of current global consumption. ‘Applying this metric to County Wexford, each household in the county would need to reduce from the current average of 171kgs annually, to 51kgs annually by 2030. This equates to reducing by 12kgs annually, or just 1kg monthly! ‘Achieve this and Wexford, with its magnificent beaches and tourist trails, will no longer have an issue with unsightly single-use plastic packaging.’ The CUSP app is available to download free for both iOS and android devices – search 'CUSP: Single-Use Plastic Calc'. The 'Single-Use Challenge' is a fun, free and purposeful activity for all Wexford families during these challenging times. n

Concern – hospital waiting lists LOCAL AG Gorey-based Senator Malcolm Byrne has expressed concern that hospital waiting lists both nationally and in Co. Wexford have been growing significantly during the Covid-19 lockdown period. He pointed out that nationally, the numbers waiting for inpatient appointments grew from 66,700 at the end of February to 86,300 at the end of April. In Wexford General

Wheelocks open for business The Farm Shop at the Village at Wheelocks, F i n c h o g u e , E n n i s c o r t h y, r e opened at the end of April with strawberries for sale in addition to farm produce, home baking, etc. Takeaway coffee/tea/ smoothies etc also available. Mary Miller and grandaughter Jennifer Miller on a recent visit to Wheelock’s.

Hospital, Malcolm drew attention to the fact that the list has more than doubled from 249 people in February to 546 in April. Figures for May are expected shortly. “The focus in the health service was rightly on getting ready for an expected surge of Covid-19 cases but as we have managed to flatten the curve, the problem of postponed elective surgery and

other treatment has come to the fore. These are people waiting for treatment for serious illnesses and diseases as well as operations on hips, knees, cataracts. The delays for surgery or treatment are causing serious discomfort for people. “There are beds and medical personnel available. We need to prioritise action for these patients.” n

SHOWS CANCELLED The 2020 agricultural show season has lost its top local events. All five will now wait until 2021. Cancelled in date order: Gorey Agricultural Show (June 20th), Carnew Show (June 27th), Adamstown Show (July 4th), Bannow & Rathangan Show (July 9th), Tinahely Show (August 3rd). n

Restart Grant Scheme open now Wexford County Council received more than 700 applications in the first week of the Restart Grant Scheme from businesses throughout County Wexford, with an average grant application value of approximately €4000. The Scheme, which is operated by each local authority, offers grant aid to small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. It is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing

50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover up to 30th June 2020. Any business that has commercially rateable premises can apply and the grant payable is equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000. It can be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, e.g. utilities, insurance, refurbishment or f o r m e a s u re s t o e n s u re employee and customer safety.

The business must commit to remain open - or to reopen if it was closed - and must also declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS). Applications can be made online at www.wexfordcoco.ie and closing date for receipt of applications is 31 August 2020. Further information can be obtained from the Council’s Economic Development Business Support Unit by emailing restartgrant@wexfordcoco.ie n

Slaney Food & Drink

8 June 2020

The Wonderful Wexford Strawberry ‘Taste Wexford’ 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 contributes a regular column to the Slaney News.

Wexford strawberries are perfectly in season and, as I am sure you all know, the best strawberries in the world! They taste like summer and are synonymous with our county, but are strawberries healthy? The short answer is yes! Strawberries contain: ● More vitamin C per 100g than oranges. ● Fibre, so that a strawberry snack can keep you full and keep your digestive system moving. ● Antioxidants, which may help to reduce age-related cognitive decline and have a host of other benefits.

● Anthocyanins, which give the bright red colour and may protect us from some inflammatory diseases. ● A good amount of vitamin K, folate and potassium, all of which are important for our health. ● Strawberries are also low in calories, so make a tasty and nutritious addition to meals and snacks. Strawberries are delicious and perfect to eat as they are. But why not mix it up and make the most of our short strawberry season with these ideas: ● Make a smoothie with strawberries and bananas for breakfast or a snack.

Wheelock’s Strawberry stand at the Enniscorthy Farmers Market.

Freeze the mixture in an icelolly mould for an easy ice-pop! ● Put together a simple salad with your favourite leaves, chopped strawberries, crumbled goats’ cheese, and dress it with balsamic vinegar. ● Try fruit salad for dessert – chop up strawberries, apples, oranges and anything else hanging around the fruit bowl. Dress with orange juice and serve with yogurt or a drop of cream. ● Jazz up your toast by topping it with cream cheese, chopped strawberries and a drizzle of honey.

● Make an Eton Mess with strawberries, whipped cream and crushed meringue. ● Top your cereal, porridge or yogurt with strawberries. As you can see, strawberries are a great source of nutrients and can be added to our diet in a variety of tasty ways. H e r e ’ s t o We x f o r d ’ s favourite fruit! If you would like to read more, go to www.littleonutrition.com, and search for Little O Nutrition on social media. For appointments, contact Oonagh directly at littleonutrition@gmail.com n

A new way to shop for produce by local farmers and artisan producers....

Reopening of County Wexford Farmers Market in Enniscorthy on 23rd May 2020, dad Tim Nicholson with children Freya and Tadhg Nicholson.

Local restaurants now doing takeaway With sit-down restaurants not due to reopen until 29th June, several of Enniscorthy’s finest eateries have recently reopened doing a takeaway service instead. Alba: Based on Abbey Quay in Enniscorthy, Alba is now open at weeekends, for takeaways only, 6-9pm. Orders can be booked leaving a message on the answering machine, or over the phone, which will be answered from 5pm onwards. Tel: 053-9239651 or email info@albarestau-

rant.ie. Web: www.albarestaurant.ie/menus or check menu on Facebook. Casa d’Galo: The wellknown restaurant on Main Street is open for takeaways o n We d n e s d a y s a n d Thursdays 5pm to 9pm, Fridays 5pm to 9.30pm, Saturdays 4.30pm to 9.30pm and Sundays 12.30pm to 3pm and 4.30pm to 9pm. Tel: 0539238077. The popular Italian restaurant, Via Veneto, is open at weekends from 5.30pm to

tasty hampers

9.00pm. See ‘Via Veneto Italian Restaurant’ on Facebook for menu. Alamo: The Alamo at the Riverside Park Hotel is open for takeaways Thursday Saturday from 5pm and Sunday from 3pm. Sunday Roast available from 12:30pm - 3pm. Phonelines open from 2pm Thursday - Saturday and 10am Sunday. Tel: 053-9261037. Keep an eye on the ‘Slaney News’ Facebook page for updates on restaurants in Enniscorthy as they reopen over the coming weeks.

STEP ONE: BUY ONLINE Go online at www.neighbourfood.ie and click on the Enniscorthy Market option. Choose from a wide range of local produce including fruit & veg, breads, pastries, cheeses, meats, beers and many more. When you're happy with the items in your basket, complete your purchase online. STEP TWO: COLLECT YOUR ORDER Each week you collect your order at a local venue. In Enniscorthy this is at Brownswood (see details below). When Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, during your collection you will be able to meet the local farmers and food producers as well as your fellow shoppers! There will also be tasting nights at collections, where producers will give away free tasters; not to be missed! THE PRODUCTS All of the products listed in a

For more information or to buy a hamper: www.tastewexford.ie

Aldi boost for local producers Two of Co. Wexford’s most innovative food and drink producers have won new contracts to supply Aldi’s 142 stores through its Grow with Aldi supplier development programme. Their exciting products are now on sale nationwide as part of an Aldi Specialbuys event, which kicked off on 31st May for two weeks only. Aldi is investing €500,000 in the Grow with

Aldi programme this year, and to date has invested over €2.5million with small and medium Irish suppliers since it began in 2018. Jimmy’s Kitchen (Wexford Town) will be supplying two varieties of potato cakes, and Naturally Cordial (Enniscorthy) will be supplying two cordial flavours – Blackcurrant, and Lemon and Lime Leaf. n

NeighbourFood market are grown or produced by local farmers or artisan producers. The sale of any large-scale commercially grown vegetables, non-organic imported fruit or vegetables, genetically modified products, intensively reared meat, imported fish or battery eggs are not permitted to be sold at a NeighbourFood market. Imported organic fruit and vegetables may not be sold when the same organic produce is in season in your area. Artisan foods from abroad, which are not freely available in your area, may be sold as these products are sourced from small importers with sustainable business practices.

is available for older and vulnerable people if required. Given the Coronavirus pandemic all shopping is contactless. Producers drop off their orders one at a time and all orders will be delivered directly into the boot of your car. Alicia has lots of local producers on board such as Gorse Farm, Regans Organic Farm who are now supplying a full range of organic fruit and veg in addition to their existing range of Organic Chicken, Pork and Duck, Staffords Butchers, O'Neills Dry Cure Bacon, Bramble Cottage Kitchen, Macamore Buffalo, Carlow Farmhouse Cheeses, Fairfield Farm, Wild About, Ballyminane Mills, Slaney Farms, Wheelock Fruits, Bean & Goose, Naturally Cordial, etc as well as a couple of wine suppliers. More producers are being added all the time. See full list on website below.

ENNISCORTHY LOCATION The NeighbourFood market in Enniscorthy is hosted by Alicia Harpur who brings together the best of local Wexford produce making it available for you via the weekly online market. The weekly collection is hosted at Castle Lane, Brownswood, Enniscorthy, Y21 HK49, on Thursdays from 5.30pm to 8pm. Free delivery

LOG ONTO WEBSITE NOW AND START SHOPPING! https://www.neighbourfood.ie/markets n

Slaney Ad

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts: Marine Officer/Relief Pilot. Chief Technician. Temporary Senior Resident Engineer. Temporary Resident Engineer. Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled. Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie Please note all applications for the above posts must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie

Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020

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

Expressions of Interest Invited

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for all posts is: 5.00 pm on Thursday 25th June, 2020.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 has recently been launched with grants available for the renewal and redevelopment of rural towns and villages all across Ireland with a particular focus on projects delivering an economic dividend and enabling towns and villages to respond to COVID-19 challenges. The Scheme is specifically targeted at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000. Up to 90% of the total cost of a project will be provided for any individual project. Grants will range from €20,000 to a maximum of €100,000 per project while up to €200,000 can be considered for a limited number of projects which can demonstrate exceptionally strong benefit to a town and/or its outlying areas.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. ___________________________________________________________________

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads Wexford County Council has decided to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic to facilitate the upgrade of ESB power lines at Castlemoyle and Cherries Road in New Ross.

Wexford County Council invites Expressions of Interest from town/village groups who may have a suitable project for consideration under the Scheme.

Road Closure 1:

All expressions of interest received will be assessed, following which a maximum of 6 proposals will be selected for development into detailed applications and submitted to the Department of Rural and Community Development for consideration under the Scheme.

Date and Time: Alternative Routes:

An outline of the 2020 Scheme, the Expression of Interest Application Form and “A Framework for Town Centre Renewal” can be downloaded from the following link: www.wexfordcoco.ie/community/supports-grants-and-awards/town-and-villagerenewal-scheme Interested town/village groups should complete the Expression of Interest form and return by post or email to: EOI Town and Village Renewal 2020, Wexford County Council, Community Development Section, Carricklawn, Wexford. Y35 WY93.

Road Closure 2: Date and Time: Alternative Route:

Email: community@wexfordcoco.ie Closing date for receipt of applications: 5pm on Tuesday 7th July, 2020 ____________________________________________________________________

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

Tender Reference

Closing Date

Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme – River Slaney Road Bridge and Approaches.

8/SP/2020

09/06/2020 @ 17.00

Supply of 6 no. new 7.5 Tonne Crewcab Pickups.

22/MYard/2020

10/07/2020 @ 16.00

If you would like training in how to tender please contact Angie Malone on 053 919 6022 or angie.malone@leo.wexfordcoco.ie

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Cherries Road (L4508-1) from its junction with the Mountelliott Roundabout to its junction with College Road/John Street. From Monday 22 June 2020 to Friday 17 July 2020. Traffic (Southbound) From Mountelliott Roundabout to the Irishtown Traffic Lights to Haughton Place to Mary Street to North Street to John Street via R700, L4502, L4501and the L4508. Traffic (Northbound) From John Street to North Street to Mary Street to Haughton Place to the Irish Town Traffic Lights to Mountelliott Roundabout via L4508, L4501, L4502 and the R700. Mountgarrett Road (L8039-1) from its junction with the R700 at Castlemoyle to its junction with College Road. From Thursday 25 June 2020 to Tuesday 30 June 2020 from 6am to 6pm Monday to Friday only. Traffic (Southbound) From the junction of the Mountgarrett Road with the R700 at Castlemoyle to the Irishtown Traffic Lights to The Monument to Mountgarrett Lane to Mountgarrett Road via R700, L4502, and the L8505. Traffic (Northbound) From the junction of Mountgarrett Road with College Road to Mountgarrett Lane to The Irishtown Traffic Lights to the Junction of the Mountgarrett Road with the R700 at Castlemoyle via L8505, L4502, and the R700.

Alternative routes will be signposted. No Vehicular Access will be facilitated. ___________________________________________________________________

Public Notice – Swimmers Beware! Swimming in unsupervised areas can be extremely hazardous. Potential Hazards include • • • • • •

Underwater obstructions Moving boats Deep and shallow water Slippery and uneven surfaces Tides and strong currents Water quality unsuitable for bathing

Parents – know where your children are at all times and please ensure that if they go swimming, they are aware of these dangers.

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

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

Slaney Business & Finance

POST-CRISIS HELP AT HAND A team of business strategists, technologists and design thinkers at Waterford Institute of Technology’s RIKON research centre, is offering their services to businesses across Co. Wexford impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Research centre RIKON is an approved supplier for the Enterprise Ireland/IDA and Local Enterprise Office (LEO) funded Business Continuity Supports for Enterprises as a direct response to Covid-19. However, it is also offering its services to help businesses navigate the many different support schemes available to them.

RIKON’s Pat Lynch and Dave Mitchell.

‘Gold Status’ for Datapac At the end of May, Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, announced that it has achieved Gold ProPartner status in the Veeam ProPartner Program. Datapac becomes one of a few select partners in Ireland to achieve the Gold Partner Status from Veeam Software, the global leader in Backup solutions that deliver Cloud Data Management. Datapac achieved the Gold Status based on its experience and expertise in delivering Veeam-powered Cloud Data Management services to guarantee data availability and data protection for Irish businesses. In addition to providing customers with robust business continuity, Veeam Cloud Connect makes it easy for customers to extend their backup infrastructure to the cloud. Veeam Software is a global leader in backup solutions and Cloud Data Management with more than 375,000 customers worldwide. Datapac’s stepup from Silver to Gold Partner follows an increase in market demand for cloud backup and disaster recovery services, as more businesses seek a trusted

Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac.

continuity platform that can keep their entire IT environment protected. Through this partnership, Datapac can enable businesses to scale their data management and backup requirements easily and affordably in line with exactly what they need. Karen O’Connor, general manager, Datapac, said: “At Datapac, we aim to provide our customers with the most advanced data protection services. That means building

strong partnerships with the world’s leading technology vendors and we’re delighted to consolidate our relationship with Veeam Software by achieving Gold ProPartner Status. “Now more than ever, customers expect more from their IT environments, including fast response times, continuous uptime and zero data loss. With continued investment in our partnerships, we are well equipped to manage our customers’ IT infrastructures reliably and effectively, regardless of where their data resides”. Alex Walsh, Manager of Channels, UK and Ireland, Veeam, said: “As a Gold ProPartner, Datapac has demonstrated proficient knowledge of Veeam products, and we are confident in its ability to recommend and deliver the full suite of Veeam solutions. Datapac has a deep knowledge of the local market and are committed to providing Irish organisations with the most cutting-edge technology. We’re delighted to be able to work with Datapac so more customers can enjoy simple, flexible and reliable solutions from Veeam.” n

Reviving Co. Wexford’s businesses

Fiona Lewis, CEO of County Wexford Chamber

The Government’s Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme must remain in place for a full 12 months along with commercial rates being reduced or suspended in 2020 in order for businesses in County Wexford to prosper again. Wexford also wants to ensure “1st Mover” advantage in domestic tourism with the county heavily promoting itself as the No. 1 destination in the country through a “Wexford is Open” campaign. And the County Wexford Chamber is seeking government supports to promote more remote working arguing that Wexford’s close proximity to Dublin could bring benefits from a society and traffic viewpoint if this is carried through. These are amongst key findings in a major report entitled “Reviving Wexford” produced by the recently formed County We x f o rd C h a m b e r o f

8 June 2020

www.slaneynews.com

Commerce and recently presented to Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, and to various other stakeholders also. Over 200 Wexford businesses responded to a survey carried out by the Chamber and in which they said that the biggest impact on business as a result of the Covid-19 crisis was financial (98%) and jobs (54%). The greatest challenges over the next 12 months were identified as cashflow (73%) and consumer demand (55%). In the survey, business owners and managers were asked to detail the assistance they believed would be required in order for Wexford to emerge from the crisis with confidence. The findings harvested through this process will act as the “Reviving Wexford Action Plan” which will be used to lobby Government and State agencies for support. The initiative, one of the first in the country by a local business body and supported by Wexford County Council, is aimed at rejuvenating the local Wexford economy in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and setting out a roadmap to recovery for the county. The report states: “The Reviving Wexford initiative is a clarion call for rejuvenation amongst the business owners and managers of County

Wexford. Its chief goal is to guarantee that Wexford is in prime position for the post pandemic phase, to seek effective supports and to reactivate commercial activity and life into the Model County again.” Amongst the main calls made by Wexford business are: ➤ Covid-19 Wage Subsidy to last for 12 months ➤ Commercial Rates to be reduced or suspended in 2020 ➤ VAT reduction to 9% in the hospitality sector ➤ Lower bank interest rates and a “holiday” on repayments ➤ Reductions in insurance premiums ➤ Targeted grants rather than loans ➤ Supports for remote working ➤ Grants for introducing Covid-19 protocols ➤ Government to pay all redundancy costs incurred as a result of Covid-19. The “Reviving Wexford” report set out sector-specific actions for: Hospitality, Tourism, Retail, Services, Construction, Manufacturing, Transport & Motor Trade, Agriculture, Healthcare. Businesspeople also highlighted important infrastructural projects needed in County Wexford, including investment in stable and faster broadband, upgrading of Rosslare

The Wexford Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is a great source of information and help for local businesses. Visit www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Response

ENNISCORTHY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ALL BUSINESSES WELCOME TO JOIN! Contact: e.b.a.enniscorthy@gmail.com or Slaney News 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com

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

To advertise on the Slaney News Business Pages call 087-2403310

Local business – national TV coverage Europort and acceleration of Greenways. Mr Sean Reidy, President, County Wexford Chamber, said: “This report is a great deal more than a mere petition; rather it is a roadmap to steer our way out of these uncharted waters. Necessary and defined financial and other supports are set out including outstanding new ideas and initiatives which can help Co. Wexford emerge into a post coronavirus phase energised and ready to act.” Ms Fiona Lewis, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, stated: “This is our response to Covid-19, to support our members, to be their voice, to lobby on their behalf, to prioritise their needs and to ensure they are included in any and all discussion around resuming normal business activity in Co. Wexford.” Full “Reviving Wexford” report here: https://www.countywexfordchamber.ie/wp- content/uploads/2020/05/Revivin g-Wexford-Report-10.pdf n

John and Orla Stafford

The story of an Enniscorthy award-winning gin was told on RTE's Grow Cook Eat show on 22nd April. Reporter Karen O'Donohoe visited the Stafford family’s Slaney Farms Produce facility at Tomnalosset – home of Jackford Irish Gin – and

heard the story of the diversification from potato farmers to distilled spirit producers where misshapen potatoes that are deemed as waste by supermarkets are now being used to make creamy and smooth Jackford Irish Gin! A great local success story. n

Slaney Services

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VET DIARY FOR JUNE

with the Moyne Veterinary Hospital Joe Kavanagh writes about having to say ‘goodbye’ to Lady. !

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I had written previously about my own dog, Lady, a greyhound bitch that had strayed into me about nine years ago. It was one of those Heaven sent moments. She became the guardian of the house, the ever present presence and the enthusiastic greeting party when you arrived home be it day or night.

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She developed a growth on her leg about two years ago and after lots of various treatments including surgery, changing to a raw food diet, the day eventually came recently when it was time to say goodbye.

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It was a very tough decision and although I knew it was inevitable the challenge is to know when is the right time to do this. You hope against hope that you'll come down some morning and she'll have passed over in her sleep, that you wouldn't have to make that decision to put her to sleep. Alas, that didn't happen, and although she was getting weaker she still came for her morning walks, grubbed up and was fighting tooth and nail as they say to keep going. I felt it was incumbent on me to keep going too as to respect her wishes so to speak. People who don't have dogs don't get it... how much they become part and parcel of the family and what a gap they leave behind when they go.

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It's the decision I see owners face time and again with their elderly dogs, trying to do the right thing by them, not let them suffer but give them a say as it were in the process. I believe, borne out from experience, that dogs and cats too have a real understanding of when it’s their time, and too... when it’s not their time. I euthanased animals that I felt were not ready to go and this is the hardest part of the job... when you’re instructed to put the animal down but the animal isn't ready. Call it a sixth sense, a gut feeling or intuition, but ye get a sense of it. For owners it can be such a fraught time for them, it’s difficult to make that call. They want to do the right thing by their pal but not let them suffer either. For different vets they'll have varying views on this decision, and I'm not saying this is the way, but I definitely like to take the animal's innate wisdom into consideration in such a momentous decision. This was the real challenge for me with Lady, respecting her will to live and not allowing her suffer unduly either. The day came when we both knew and although it was still a tough thing to do I knew it was the right thing. She had given every ounce and it was her time. We planted a tree in her memory in the garden and a new life unfolds. It certainly brings up your frailties and sense of inadequacies... that ye possibly could have done more, but as one vet said to me, 'They, like us, all have to die'... we just don't ever want to think about that time. I learned lots from Lady and I like to think it was a real synergistic relationship... she educated me and I fed her! We can learn something from everyone but these humble, graceful, sentient souls come here to teach us... maybe just like the whole Covid lockdown experience... are we living to work or working to live? Thanks for all the great support and patience over the last two months of the lockdown. We've continued on the practice, with the prevention measures in place, as best we can, and appreciate all the understanding for delays and difficulties it has brought. Hopefully, it also brings better life balance and a new way of viewing our world and animals. 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

Our Services include:

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OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK): 9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment): Daily 9.30–10.30am, 2.30–3.30pm, 5.00–6.00pm. 24-hour, on-call, Emergency Service: (053)9233187.

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8 June 2020

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And many more items at wholesale prices

✔ Focus on Quality… ✔ Focus on Service… ✔ Focus on Value…

Our July issue will be out on Monday 6th July 2020

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Slaney History

www.slaneynews.com

8 June 2020

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

Wexford – All-Ireland Champions 1996 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

Ibar Carty has opened up his vast photo archives to the Slaney News. In this 103rd of a series, Ibar shares a flavour of Wexford’s 1996 All-Ireland hurling victory. If you can supply the names of any of the people featured in the 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.

Searching for the remains of Red Hugh Recently, I received a piece of interesting correspondence from a Spanish friend, Jesus Guerra Martinez, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Enniscorthy in 2018 when he spent eight months here working on the new town bypass. Jesus is a photographer by profession and is currently the official photographer on the archaeological dig at the Chapel of Wonders in the Spanish city of Valladolid where it is expected to find the remains of our very own Red Hugh O’Donnell, who died there in September 1602. Red Hugh was born in 1572 and was one of the last great Irish Chieftains. He fought the Nine Years War with his fatherin-law Hugh O’Neill to drive the English out of Ireland, however they were defeated at the Battle of Kinsale after which Red Hugh fled to Spain and died en route to Valladolid, the then capital of Spain, awaiting a response from the Spanish King Philip 111 to a request asking him to send another

army to Ireland to fight against the English. King Philip never provided the help Red Hugh sought for Ireland but he did give the young 29-year-old Chieftain a royal funeral, ’His body was conveyed to the King’s Palace at Valladolid in a four-wheeled hearse surrounded by countless numbers of the King’s State Officers, Council and Guards with luminous torches and bright flambeaux of beautiful wax-light burning on each side of him.’Afterwards, he was interred in the Monastery of St. Francis in the Chapel of Wonders which archaeologists are certain they have now located and where they expect to find the remains of one of the last great Irish Chieftains. My thanks to Jesus for connecting us here in Enniscorthy with this exciting archaeological find and for the wonderful photographs he took of the Rapparees/Starlights in action while he was here. – Maria Nolan

Red Hugh O’Donnell.

Above and below: Archaeological dig in Valladolid for the remains of Red Hugh O’Donnell.

Slaney Around the Region

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BUNCLODY… ARTBAnK ARTBANK Bunclody is a notfor-profit organisation housing an inclusive gallery, events, and workshops on Main Street, Bunclody. It relies on volunteers, commissions from workshops and sales, and the generosity of donations. ARTBANK was founded by John Renwick – its resident artist a n d M a i r e a d B u t l e r, Administrator. ARTBANK has had to close its doors to comply with government safety guidelines. But it still has to cover its rent and other overheads without any income from workshops, or studio activities. So ARTBANK is asking for your support now so it will still be there to continue its activities into the future once it is completely safe to do so. Please donate if you can at this difficult time using the GoFundMe page link: www.gofundme. com/f/artbank-bunclody. Over €2,5000 has been raised so far which

the organisers are delighted with. 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/De partments/Library/WhatsOn/ 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. SIGnACARE nuRSInG hoME SignaCare Bunclody is a new, state-of-the-art, 62-bedded nursing home, in the heart of Bunclody. Visit SignaCare in Bunclody, email: info@signacare.ie, tel: 053 93 76222. ASSISTAnCE FRoM GAA While keeping in line with the restrictions in place regarding Covid-19, Half-Way-House/

GOREY…

Bunclody GAA, Ladies Football and Bunclody Camogie Clubs are doing whatever they can to help those in the community who need assistance. Please contact James Doyle 087-9594639, Mark Sheehan 087-1507808 or James Crean 087-7760992 for help with the collection of food, medication or any other necessities and they will try to organise it for you. Follow on Facebook & Twitter @officialhwhbun for club news and updates. LoCAL BuSInESS WEBSITE www.bunclodybusiness.com – a new online hub promoting business in the Bunclody area. And a great way also to keep up to date with what’s happening in the town. On the site you can get a FREE listing to promote your business. TouRISM BunCLody Make sure to visit the Tourism Bunclody Facebook page to view the spectacular images which are posted daily of Bunclody and the surrounding area. n

PLC CoLLEGE A PLC college assisted by t h e Wa t e r f o r d We x f o r d Education & Training Board (WWETB) will commence in Gorey this September with an increased availability of further education courses at Fetac level 5 and 6. The QQI level 6 in Business has an option of entry to the degree programme in IT Carlow, after completion. The Accounting Technician course will focus on key areas like Business Management, Financial Accounting, Taxation, Law & Ethics. Youthwork and Community Development is designed for those willing to pursue a career in the youth and community sector. Concentrating on topics such as substance misuse, youth unemployment, homelessness and the impact of social media.

Sustainable Energy and Construction Technology – giving students access to new technology, such as thermographic imaging, insulation

systems and NZeb (near zero energy building). For more information Tel: 087-3538457 or goreyplc@wwetb.ie n

Above: Reopening day of Redmond Electronics, Gorey, on 18th May L-R: Michael Redmond with customer Senator Malcolm Byrne. Below: Customers queue up for service at the reopening of Liam Brennan Hardware, Gorey, 18th May.

SignaCare Nursing Home Bunclody

BALLYMONEY... FERNS... BALLyMonEy'S CIARA STEPS uP To ThE PLATE Ballymoney girl Ciara Tomkins was one of a number of people who took part in the "100,000 steps in less than 24hrs" challenge recently (equalling 73km... but within the 2km limit in her local area). Ciara, who is a Learning Support teacher in Riverchapel National School as well as a member of Gorey's Naomh Éanna GAA Club and Gorey Rugby Club, commenced her strenuous challenge at 4am and didn't finish until 9pm. She later went for a welldeserved and refreshing swim and stated that "it was the toughest thing I've ever done both physically and emotionally". Ciara would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and donations. Her great achievement was for such a good cause, with proceeds of more than €12,000 going to the COVID Unit in Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital. n

hISToRIC FERnS Make sure to check out ‘Historic Ferns’ on Facebook for great aerial shots of the village and its heritage sites such as St. Mary’s Abbey, St. Edan’s Cathedral including the ruins of a Chapter House located to the east of the cathedral, St. Mogue’s cottage and Ferns Castle. ‘Historic Ferns’ thanks Thomas Roche for sharing his wonderful collection of images. PEnny BAnK Ferns Penny Bank reopened on Friday June 5th at the usual time. ThE MuSIC oF FERnS ‘The music of Ferns’ Facebook group page is thriving with many talented local musicians and singers performing live or pre-recorded on it. Please feel free to post and share your videos, live performances, tutorials, photos, stories of Ferns’ unique musical heritage etc – it’s a platform for all so contact the page now and enjoy. n

ROSSLARE... oFFShoRE WInd SuPPLy BASE To BE ESTABLIShEd Rosslare Europort has welcomed the announcement by Dutch company XELLZ that it is to establish an offshore wind supply base adjacent to Rosslare Europort. XELLZ has secured approximately 200,000sqm of land adjacent to Rosslare Europort which will be divided into zones and the entire area will be known as Rosslare Europort Business Park (EBP). Through its offshore services subsidiary 24shore and XELLZ Ireland,

the Dutch company will establish an offshore wind supply base there to serve and support future offshore wind farms, bringing new energy to the region. This will see Rosslare Europort become a hub for the delivery of turbines and other components for wind farm developments in the Irish and Celtic Sea, and will boost the port and the economy through the increased shipping resulting, and employment generated. The Europort Business Park will become a hive of activity

where businesses directly re l a t e d t o t h e u p c o m i n g Offshore Wind Farms (OWF's) can establish themselves. For the future, there is also space available for small to medium enterprises (SME's) interested in providing maintenance, operational, and repair services to this emerging renewable energy market. The Port of Rosslare will be ready to serve the Irish and the Celtic Sea as well as reaching the UK east coast and continental Europe where many OWF's are planned. n

Slaney Motoring

8 June 2020

www.slaneynews.com

Caroline gets motoring

Mazda MX- 5

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).

Limited edition 30th Anniversary model

REVIEW BY CAROLINE KIDD For over three decades, the Mazda MX-5 has defined the concept of a fun, two-seat roadster. It is the world’s bestselling roadster and has remained relevant despite motor industry trends like SuV, hybrid and electric that have meant sayonara to some models. Now to celebrate 30 years of the iconic Japanese sports car, Mazda has produced a limited edition 30th Anniversary model. Only 3000 will be made and distributed worldwide. The car in the photo is #16 of that limited production run and one of just ten special edition models that came to Ireland! While the MX-5 range kicks off at €31,695 in Ireland, the 30th Anniversary edition is priced from €40,995 making it a true halo model of the range. Showstopper looks come as standard, emphasised in this

spec by exclusive Racing Orange paint. Under the bonnet, there is a four cylinder, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine putting out 184 hp. This is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. Bilstein dampers, a strut-brace and limited slip differential mean best possible performance from the tiny twoseat roadster. The cabin of the MX-5 could be described as snug and sporty, but truth be told you’ve got to enjoy tight spaces. It’s tiny inside. Mazda has laced the MX-5’s black interior with orange trim to match the exterior paint work, while Recaro seats add to the sporty atmosphere. The MX-5 comes with the latest infotainment features, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless integration with smartphones. The best button in the MX5 is the one to start the engine,

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because that’s when the fun really begins! The beauty of the MX-5 is that it has a simple and lightweight build that translates to a lively, mechanical feel on the road. There really is not much between you and the road beneath, which heightens the excitement of driving this car! A perfectly balanced chassis and lightning quick steering response make it really thrilling to drive when the roads get twisty. There’s also loads of engine noise in the cabin. The MX-5 2.0-litre will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and because the driver sits so close to the ground, it feels like you’re flying! Over a week of driving like this, my fuel consumption was 6.1 litres per 100 km, which is not so bad at all. ‘Comfort’ doesn’t really come into it. The 30th Anniversary edition has one

of the stiffest suspension set-ups in the entire MX-5 range. That means the ride can really be teeth jangling on very rough and uneven road surfaces. I think I was still smiling though. That’s the MX-5 for you. It’s small, a bit uncomfortable at times…but super fun to drive! Model tested: Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary 2.0 Skyactiv-G Price: €40,995 Engine: 2.0-litre petrol Power: 184 hp Torque: 205 Nm 0-100km/h: 6.5 seconds Top speed: 219 km/h Economy: 6.9/100km CO2 emissions: 161 g/km Motor tax: €570 per year n

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New SIMI President Gillian Fanning, Marketing director of automotive distributor Serfac Limited, dublin, was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s AGM held last month. She is the first female President of SIMI in the Society’s 98-year history. Speaking at the virtual event, Ms Fanning remarked: “The past decade has been difficult for the Irish Motor Industry. Recovery from the 2008 financial crisis has not been in line with economic outlook and while we had reason to be optimistic at the start of 2020, COVID-19 has since had a devastating impact on our industry. “Although thankfully some of us are back at work since 18th May, with those members ensuring that they meet COVID-19 protocol guidelines for the protection of employees and customers, we need all elements of the industry operational again, particularly NCT testing. To this end, SIMI is pressing for the early reopening of NCT Centres even at a reduced capacity to allow for health and safety protocol and is also making the case

Gillian Fanning, SIMI President.

for the CVRT system to be fully operational as soon as possible. “The fact that servicing and particularly sales have been allowed to reopen with the critical July registration period approaching is welcomed and will help to generate revenue that will contribute to protecting the 45,000 employed throughout the country,” she said. “However, the continuation of Government supports is vital for business and the industry will need additional measures going forward, including the extension of the temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme and the cancellation of commercial business rates until such a time as business activity returns to sufficient levels.” n

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Slaney News

www.slaneynews.com This month I am very happy to feature yet another very successful writer in our midst, Wexford author ShEILA FoRSEy who has just published her third book with Poolbeg Press – The Secret of Eveline House. I have known Sheila for several years having worked with her on the Wexford Literary Festival Committee for two years, she is kind, supportive, talented and above all a lady and I am thrilled with the recognition and acclaim her work is currently receiving. Sheila Forsey is an Irish Times bestselling author and an All-Ireland best actress. Her childhood was steeped in listening to stories. They were told not from a book but from memory and in her writing Sheila weaves a story in much the same vein as they were told for years round Irish firesides. I have a passion for her genre, historical fiction, and for the descriptive voice she gives to Ireland’s windswept coastline, rugged mountains, valleys and ever- changing skyscape. Published by Poolbeg Press, her latest novel is The Secret of Eveline House (April, 2020) and it follows her first work of historical fiction, Kilbride House (2019). Her first novel, Mending Lace (2017), was published by Endeavour Publishing London. In 2019 she was awarded a literary bursary from Wexford Arts Centre and Artslink. Graduating with an honours certificate in Creative Writing from Maynooth University (2012), she then spent a further year as part of The Two Roads Creative Writing Course. Here she explored different types of creative writing and wrote several mini plays. She completed a short course with Fishamble theatre company in October of 2019. Sheila hails from the well known Devereux family of Blackwater and has acted in many theatre performances and is the recipient of an All-Ireland best actress award from the Drama League of Ireland. She was part of the core acting group for Watergate Theatre Company during her years living in Kilkenny City. She has facilitated creative writing classes in Wexford Arts

SLANEYSIDE SUCCESS STORIES A series by Maria Nolan

Centre and The Presentation Centre and in many festivals throughout the country. She is the tutor for creative writing for Adult Education in Gorey Community College. Recently, I caught up with Sheila to talk all things life and literature Tell me a little about your current position and what you do. I am a full-time writer. I write mostly historical fiction and I am published by Poolbeg Press. I also teach creative writing at Gorey Adult Education.

The Slaney News is running a series featuring Slaneyside natives and those who live and work here. Each month, Maria Nolan will be talking to a person who is excelling in their chosen field be it Sport, Literature, Business, Entertainment, the Arts, Fashion, Beauty and who is either Slaney born and bred or has a connection to here. The focus of this new endeavour is to shine a light on those from our town who are doing well in their respective careers and life paths, emphasising their influences and motivations with a view to inspiring and encouraging other Enniscorthians to emulate their success.

has it been a difficult or enjoyable journey? It has been both a difficult and fascinating journey. I wanted to try to get a traditional publishing deal and this can be very challenging. But self-publishing was not something I wanted to do. I think I wanted the validation that my writing was good enough for a publishing house to get behind it. Thankfully I managed to do this. But writing has certainly changed how I view the world. I have always been inspired by the landscape and by nature but since writing this sense of the world around me is much more heightened. Writing is a solitary experience and I have come to cherish that time. However, once

What do you dislike most about yourself. I am very disorganised at times. It can be very frustrating. I tend to worry a lot too. I wish I was more carefree. What do you dislike about others. Rudeness, arrogance, people who believe they are more important than others.

What path led you to your current position. I have always had a desire to live a more creative life. I have a great love of words in all their forms; books, poetry and plays. But it was not until I had three children and felt at a crossroads in my work life that I decided to try turning my hand to writing full time. Who and what motivated and influenced you along the way? I studied creative writing through Maynooth in their Kilkenny Campus. One of the tutors, author Suzanne Power, had a huge influence on me. I suppose she helped me to believe that I could write, and this had a powerful effect on me. It was as if I was given the green light.

What are you most proud of. I think I am just proud to have got this far in life, scars and all. I have many things to be grateful for and I am hopefully a little wiser.

If you could live in another time, when would it be. Sounds perhaps very like a cliché but it would have to be 1920 in a big grand house. Think Downton Abbey. Hopefully I would be one of the ladies upstairs and not the scullery maid though. how would you like to be remembered. ... as someone who was kind. I think it is underrated at times. If the world was a bit kinder and people were kinder surely it would have to be a better place.

Wexford author Sheila Forsey (left) with Maria Nolan. a book is published it is up to the writer as well as the publishing house to try to get the word out through all the different forms of media. I find social media extremely difficult. But it is something I am getting used to. As a child what did you want to be when you grew up. I wanted a career in the arts, but for some reason did not really know how to go about it. I always wanted to write but perhaps thought that you needed to come from a very bookish family to do this. But it seemed something that other people did, in other worlds. It seemed very much a farfetched dream. Who were your childhood heroes.

I adored all the old film stars. Maryilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh, Maureen O’Hara, Mickey Rooney, Rock Hudson. The glamour of the golden era of Hollywood enchanted me. how would you describe yourself. I am very sensitive to everything and that can be difficult at times. But it helps as a writer as I tend to try to harness it into my writing. I have a huge sense of the past and this again is reflected in my writing. how do you motivate and influence people. I think I have certainly learned from experience that it is essential to follow the path that you yearn for not the one that you feel is set out for you.

Co. Wexford sports clubs supporting Wexford’s frontliners

Railing outside Wexford General Hospital, 19th May, 2020.

What’s the one thing about you few people know. I once worked as a receptionist for an insurance company and Daniel O’Donnell rang up about his insurance policy. He rang three times and I hung up on him. I thought it was a friend of mine pulling a prank on me as it was my first day. But it was Daniel. He was one of their best customers. It was quite embarrassing and took quite a bit of grovelling to my new boss to try to explain. But Daniel was very understanding about it. If you could change one thing in your past what would it be. I would have followed a career in the arts from the moment that I knew I wanted to and not allowed fear to rule me.

What do you think is the best thing about Enniscorthy/ Wexford/Ireland. Enniscorthy is such a fascinating town with so much history. The Castle is simply sublime. The beaches in Wexford are heavenly and so diverse. Ireland’s landscape is still very untouched in places and hauntingly beautiful. What do you think is the worst thing about Enniscorthy/ Wexford/Ireland. I have a great respect for the older generation. So much of what they knew and found familiar is changing. They have so much wisdom and culture to offer but I think at times what they have to offer is very much undervalued. What do you like most about your job/career. I love creating stories and dipping into the past and then watching where it can take me. What was the best day of your life. Gosh there are many days, but probably just a simple day that I know everyone that I care about is doing good. If you could be or do anything else what would it be. Write a play and have it performed in the Gate Theatre in Dublin to huge critical acclaim of course. A charming lady whom I have no doubt would have graced the halls of Downton or indeed any great house in any century but we are lucky to have her in this one. I have just finished reading The Secret of Eveline House and found it a most enjoyable and intriguing read and if you don’t believe me take a look at this month’s book section to see my review. And if you would like to hear more from Sheila and more about The Secret of Eveline House tune into the Wexford Literary Festival Zoom Opening Night on Friday 3rd July when I will be talking to two Wexford authors and former members of the Wexford Literary Committee – Sheila Forsey and Carmel Harrington about their work. For further details see our website www.wexfordliteraryfestival.com – Maria Nolan

Slaney News

EnnISCoRThy EyE

DiAry DATES

a column by Joseph Doyle

coNgrATuLATioNS... Congratulations and best of luck to Enniscorthy’s newest coffee shop, Btwenty7, located at the Bus Stop Shop on Templeshannon Quay. Great coffee there from Conor Swaine. Wickham Bros on Market Square have launched their offlicence. The opening was marked by a live performance

‘The Danish Lad’ (Christian Verin)

by Mick Comerford at the premises. The off-licence will be open 7 days a week from early until 10pm. Best of luck to Mark and the team at Wickham’s. The Slaney News would like to wish the best of luck to some other new businesses in the town. o’Leary’s newsagent in Slaney Place, run by the local Byrne family, has been taken over by new owners from Wexford town. Best wishes to ‘The danish Lad’ (Christian Verin) with his new garage/tyre business on the Old Dublin Road. He’s doing a great opening offer – set of 4 typical tyres (size 205/55 x 16) only €199 while stocks last! Congrats to Tomas Mossy Mahon who turned 40 recently and also his mother Kathleen who celebrated her birthday recently, and his neice Cassy who was 21 recently. – Joseph Doyle

Tv NEwS... Everyone’s favourite TV shows are returning to our screens. RTE have anounced that they will show Love Hate again from the very start and they plan to show all five series. The show was a huge hit the first time around so it’s the second coming of Nidge! This series is better than Normal People, and there’s no need to tell you it’s about gangland crime. So every Friday night Nidge and co will be back on our screens. RTE is also pleased to announce the debut of everyone’s favourite TV hit comedy, Derry Girls. It will make

HockEy LADiES ArE cHAMpioNS The long wait is over for the Enniscorthy ladies hockey team. The club is pleased and proud to announce that L1 have been crowned division 6 champions for the 2019-20 season. Meanwhile, M1 finished third in Division 4. M2 finished the season in sixth place in Division 6. And it was also a successful season for L2, who claimed third spot in Division 11. Well done to all. – Joseph Doyle

8 June 2020

www.slaneynews.com

Nidge.

its Republic of Ireland debut run on RTE every Sunday night. I love this programme and can’t wait for it to start again. It won’t be long until season 3 will be here – some time next year. This show will have you hooked by the first episode – it’s hilarious and Erin will get a whole new fan base on RTE. So thanks be to God there’s two good programmes on RTE instead of Normal People. – Joseph Doyle

TowN NEwS...

resume our l il w e w ll e w g in o All g ly issue. ore Ju r u o in s te a D ry m Dia to be a much -19 it’s likely id rry. e normally ca But due to Cov g than what w tin lis d te ric rest

c.F. NEwS & FuNDrAiSErS There will be no more Cystic Fibrosis fundraisers until further notice. please check www.cfireland.ie for updates. The World Health Organisation has changed its advice on face masks, saying they should be worn in places where the virus is widespread and physical distancing is difficult.

Today (8th June) the country enters the next phase of this pandemic, we can go further than 5km. More shops in our town are reopening today and cafes will be allowed to reopen from the 29th of June. But some people are still not abiding by the two-metre rule. I’m referring to groups of teenagers congregating in packs down The Prom for a swim and who are clearly not sticking to the two-metre rule. These teenagers don’t listen, but they will be the first to complain if a second wave of Covid-19 hits us. Meanwhile pubs, clubs and gyms must wait longer to reopen. It will be very difficult to police the two-metre rule in a pub. I’d say the only chance a pub has of reopening is if the two-metre rule is reduced to one metre or 1.5m. If not, I can’t see some pubs reopening. And now with the more widespead requirement for facemasks, many people are wondering will we ever get back to normal at all? In Enniscorthy, it’s looking like a compromise has been agreed surrounding the issue of pedestrianisation of the town centre (Rafter Street, Wafer Street, Market Square, Slaney Street). Pedestrianisation will

only happen from 7pm in the evenings from Thursday through to Sunday, most likely starting the last weekend in June. On another matter, I do see a need for toilets to be built in the Orchard Peace Park as there is no public toilet in the vicinity and The Presentation Centre is closed. I can’t see why toilets were not put into the plans for the park in the first place. Also another place there should be toilets is Vinegar Hill even if they have to close them at night time. The day of doing your ‘wee wee’ in the ditch is long gone! Finally, I hear that the Enniscorthy Flood defence Scheme might not be signed off by the Minister until next year! Local Councillor Jackser Owens is rightly disgusted by this delay. According to Jackser the scheme was signed off at the Enniscorthy end by him several years ago when he was Chairperson of the local Council but since then progress has been painfully slow. At a recent meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council it was decided to write to the Minister responsible and if a satisfactory response is not received then a delegation should travel to Dublin to engage him directly about it. – Joseph Doyle

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 Wednesday before our publication date which is usually the first Monday of every month.

AwArDS For Evc STuDENTS... Two Enniscorthy Vocational College Transition year students, Lily Byrne and daniel Power, have been awarded a highly Commended certificate for their entry for the Safer Internet day Ambassador Leadership Award. Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU-wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. The Transition Year students ran their campaign over the week 10th to 14th of February, under the leadership of Daniel and Lily. Their events included: Interactive 1st year classes on internet safety; External speakers to parents, teachers and students; Promotion of key online

tips and messages via intercom; Messages, videos and posters throughout the school. They will be receiving their awards at an awards ceremony in Facebook HQ at a later date. Also, the future of journalism in Wexford is in strong hands after not one, but two, of our secondary schools were honoured in the Best Newspaper category at the recent annual NewsBrands Press Pass Competition. Enniscorthy Vocational College's publication, The Mill Post, was named second best in the country, while the Presentation School in Wexford town were placed third for their newsletter. – Joseph Doyle

rEpriEvE For ENNiScorTHy grEyHouND TrAck? A recent report from the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) suggests that two of the tracks deemed surplus to requirements by the Indecon Report published in december 2019 into the future of Irish greyhound racing, may have a reprieve. Under the original IGB sponsored plan, it was suggested that both Enniscorthy and Youghal had no viable futures. Two of the other tracks mentioned, Longford and Lifford, have already closed. It

now appears though that the IGB is keeping its options open as regards Enniscorthy and Youghal by providing an opportunity to Enniscorthy and Youghal for a fixed period of time to address challenges/issues identified and for key performance measures to be set. Contact has been made with Enniscorthy and Youghal tracks and the matter will be further considered by the Irish Greyhound Board at its July 2020 meeting. – Joseph Doyle

THE pATrioTS’ FLAg... I understand that Abbey Square’s Patriots’ Flag tricolour is in storage and that the pulley for hoisting the flag is broken and that’s why the tricolour is not flying there

at present. But I’m glad to say the tricolour is flying at the Orchard Peace Park and over the Athenaeum, and also flying at St. Aidan’s Cathedral. – Joseph Doyle

Just a reminder folks to shop local and keep money circulating in our town. keep safe and keep washing your hands!

Slaney Sport

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Enniscorthy Rugby Club news... The Rugby Club golf classic has been postponed and rebooked for Friday 2nd July 2021, in Enniscorthy Golf Club. THE 2019-2020 CLUB AWARD WINNERS ARE: Energia AIL Division 2C Rising Star Award – Nick Doyle. J1 Player of the Year – Michael Farrell. Squad Player of the Year – Brian Bolger. Young Player of the Year – Ben Kidd. ERFC Player of the Year – Timmy Morrissey. Enniscorthy’s first season in the Senior League unfortunately ended rather abruptly due to the Covid-19 pandemic while the club was still in strong contention to claim the league title.

Enniscorthy Golf Club open again and with great offers for new members! The last ladies competition before the course closed in March was a Yellow Rose Boutique sponsored 18 hole stableford. The club thanks Trish Rackard for her boutique’s wonderful sponsorship. 44 ladies took part including Marie Dunphy who posted an amazing score of 51 pts.

1st Marie Dunphy (18) 51pts. 2nd Avril Murphy (34) 43pts. 3rd Jacinta Kelly (40) 41pts. 4th Rosaleen Doyle (31) 36 pts. 8 hole comp: Deirdre Bowler 19pts. There are great new membership deals on offer. See page 5 for details and call the club office on 053 9233191. n

Above: Recent prizewinner Marie Dunphy. Right: A happy Rory McCauley at Enniscorthy Golf Club on 18th May – the day it was reopened to members.

Gorey’s astroturf plan

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin with Tommy Levingston, Chairman of Gorey Rangers AFC, at the proposed site in Gorey.

young people in the Gorey area may see the construction of an Astroturf pitch and clubhouse, if the project is approved by Wexford Co. Council. A planning application is being lodged for the new facility to be built by Trinity homes, close to the four schools off the Carnew Road. The plans are for an astroturf pitch that will be over 90 metres long and close to 60 metres wide, with the flexibility to be divided into three

smaller pitches for five-a-side use. Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabhain, who used his municipal discretionary funding to facilitate a footpath at the Gorey Rangers pitch at Ramstown, said that 'if given the go-ahead it could be great news for children in the Gorey area once issues around future management, community use and ownership are ironed out. It will be crucial that school pupils in the adjacent schools have full access.’ n

Nolan looking forward to return of racing Irish racing resumes at naas today (Monday, June 8) for the first time since March 24, followed by Leopardstown, navan and Gowran Park before the Classic Guineas weekend at the Curragh. The jumpers start at Limerick on June 22, with other meetings fixed for Roscommon, Tipperary and Kilbeggan before the end of June. Wexford may have to wait until near the end of July or even early August for the resumption of racing at Bettyville. Paul Nolan, the popular trainer based at his Toberona Stables, Davidstown, is looking forward to getting back into action, though he has limited enough firepower for the summer months. He has four ready to run on the flat and a team of 16 summer jumpers. He currently houses 80 horses and has plenty to look forward to in the autumn. Nolan’s stable has been having a revival in fortunes in the past couple of seasons and he had a tremendous run from Christmas right up to the lockdown. He took the most valuable race of the year at Bettyville on St. Patrick’s Day, Fine Theatre dominating the €40,000 Arctic Tack Veterans race under Taghmon claimer, Sean O’Keeffe. This meeting provided a foretaste of what is to come as it was run behind closed doors with only a minimum of personnel present. Just a few days earlier Nolan and his team had gone to the Cheltenham Festival with high hopes and a €50,000 stable-staff bonus riding on Bryan Cooper and Latest Exhibition in the Grade 1Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle on the final day. Latest Exhibition won the Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy and Partners novice hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown on Feb.1 by two lengths under Cooper – Nolan’s first Grade 1 success for six years – and this earned them a shot at the big bonus if they could double up in any race at Cheltenham.

Trainer Paul Nolan at his Toberona Stables, Davidstown.

And what a go they gave it, just being pipped by a neck in a frantic three-way dash up the hill! Victory went to Monkfish (5/1) for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins as they burst through the other two to get up by an agonising neck from Latest Exhibition, which was just a nose in front of the heavily backed Fury Road (5/1) and Davy Russell in third. Paul said he thought they were going to do it until the final few yards and coming through the middle had given the winner that vital bit of extra momentum. He was very disappointed for the staff back home in the yard to miss out on the big bonus by such a small margin. And this was a real Wexford effort as the sevenyear-old son of Oscar was bred by racing stalwart, Jim Mernagh, at his Coolamurray Stud, not far from Nolan’s yard. There were some big offers for the horse after he beat Andy Dufresne in a Grade 2 at Navan but Mernagh and a group of long-term Nolan supporters like John Brennan, Colm Browne and Jim Coffey came together to form the Toberona Partnership and ensure that the horse stayed put and turns out in the purple and gold silks. Discorama was placed at

the Festival for the third year in a row, and the year was nicely rounded out at Wexford a few days later. It is very much a Nolan family enterprise at Toberona, with Paul’s brother, James, assisting in the training, and wife Catherine and son Barry are also involved, along with his sisters Imelda and Mairead and his dad Jimmy is always there to offer sage advice. Paul began his National Hunt training career in 1996 and his first winner was Nibalda at Leopardstown, on March 8, 1998. Since then his stables have produced numerous high profile winners, including two at the Cheltenham Festival. Dabiroun was their first in the Fred Winter in 2005, also giving Nina Carberry her first festival success, and ‘Noble Prince’ in the 2011 Jewson Novice Chase. Three Grade 1 Guinness Galway Hurdles in a six-year spell was a wonderful achievement, with Say Again in 2002, Cloone River in 2004 and Cuan na Grai in 2006. Accordion Etoile was a prolific winner during that golden period, taking the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham, 3 Betdaq Hurdles, Grade 1 Novice Chase, Punchestown 2006 and the Independent Novice Chase at Cheltenham 2005. His first top-flight winner was the John Cullen-ridden Say Again in the Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival in 2004. Paul won Durkan Brothers Grade 1 chase in 2009 and the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown in 2010 with Joncol; Shinrock Paddy took the Grade 1 Barry and Sandra Kelly Hurdle at Navan in 2009. There was a lean spell for a few years after that with Nolan being hit by the economic crash, in common with trainers everywhere, and the

Mark Walsh-ridden Defy Logic took the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown in December, 2013, to show signs of a comeback. Nolan has been doing well in the past couple of years and in the season ended prematurely on March 24 he was 9th in the trainers’ table with 13 horses providing him with 15 winners and over €400,000 in prizemoney, He will hope to keep things ticking over at the unusual behind-closed doors meetings in the next couple of months and hopefully things will return to normal when serious action resumes in October. ––––––––––––––––––––––––– No doubt Aidan O’Brien and Jim Bolger had their eyes set on more lofty targets with the British 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas and the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Newmarket on June 6 and 7, where O’Brien won the 1,000 Guineas with Love. The Epsom Derby and Oaks are fixed for July 4. Royal Ascot will go ahead behind closed doors for five days from June 16, including 20 Group 1 and Listed races. Here at home the 2000 and 1000 Guineas will take place at the Curragh in the first week of action, on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June. The Irish Derby retains its traditional date on Saturday, 27 June, as does the Irish Oaks on S a t u rd a y, 1 8 J u l y. I r i s h Champions Weekend will take place on 12 and 13 September. There will be very rigid restrictions surrounding all the upcoming meetings. Only the key personnel needed to run the fixture will be permitted; all in attendance will be subject to health surveying in advance and thermal temperature screening on entry; face coverings will be mandatory for most attendees, and social distancing will also be strictly enforced by a dedicated Covid-19 protocol officer at each fixture. n

Slaney Arts & Heritage

8 June 2020

Love & Loss Maria Nolan with a copy of the new ‘Love & Loss’ book to which she contributed her short story ‘Fairy Godmothers’.

It is every writer’s dream to see their work in print so I was thrilled to receive this beautiful publication Love & Loss in my postbox recently. Some time ago I entered one of my short stories, Fairy Godmothers, in an International Short Story Competition run by Ti m e l e s s Wi s d o m B o o k Collections. The anthology Love & Loss by Exisle Publishing is available in eight different countries and the criteria for final selection was that the stories chosen should ‘reflect a diversity of writing, blend of humour and pathos and balance moments of drama with those

of quiet contemplation’. So, to say that I am greatly pleased that mine was one of 25 stories selected for the publication from thousands of entries received from all around the world, from Ireland to South Africa, is an understatement. These 25 true stories of loss and love from around the world are inspiring and heartbreaking reminders of what is most important, life, love, memory and beauty revealing the depths of the entire human experience. ‘Love & Loss’ is available on Amazon.UK – Maria Nolan

FDYS Poetry F e r n s d i o c e s c a n yo u t h Service (FdyS) recently ran a very successful poetry competition and it would like to thank everyone who took the time and tapped into their imagination to pen an entry for the competition. All are deserving of the highest praise and commendation. FdyS encourages everyone to, “Please keep trying to express yourself through the written word – not just during this great lockdown – but all the time, as much as you can.”

FDYS will be running more competitions and there will be many more opportunities to be involved. So keep a keen eye on the webpage www.fdys.ie and the Facebook page ‘FDYS County Wexford’. For the recent poetry competition, young people were asked to write about their hopes for the future. U12 Category: 1st prize Abigail H e g a r t y, a g e 1 0 . 1 2 - 1 8 Category: 1st prize Jessica Doyle Taylor, age 17. Well done to both Abigail and Jessica and to all who entered. n

Picking a play

with Maria Nolan

THE SECRET OF EVELINE HOUSE This month I am delighted to review The Secret of Eveline House by my good friend and very talented Wexford writer Sheila Forsey. I have just finished reading it and I have to say found it difficult to put down. It is a remarkable story of an Ireland in the stranglehold of the Catholic Church and all the torment and horror it inflicted on its people. Sheila has done a wonderful job bringing this era with all its fear, conflict and terribleness to life. I am a fan of historical fiction and this publication gives the reader an insight into Ireland of the 1950s and a people subdued, oppressed and religious to the point of fanaticism. The Wards, Violet and Henry, return to Ireland with their young daughter Sylvia to begin a new life in the village of Draheen, Co. Wicklow, having attained success and considerable wealth in England, Henry as a recognised Goldsmith and Violet as a staged Playwright. Henry, handsome and capable, with great plans to put Draheen on the map, Violet, beautiful, talented and accomplished and the much loved and angelic Sylvia move into the charming Eveline House for what should be a glorious future together and instead their lives are crushed and destroyed by bigotry and intolerance. Small town I950s Ireland is not quite ready for the likes of Violet Ward, who has just had her play, written about a woman in a relationship with a priest, performed on the London stage.

Two stalwarts of Enniscorthy Drama Group, L-R: Joe Doyle and Chairman Liam Doyle. The group will be meeting this week to pick an upcoming play to perform. Keep an eye on our Facebook page ‘Slaney News’ for updates.

The Presentation Centre news...

The pious women of Draheen are having none of ‘that filth’ in their town and rather than leave it to God to judge and administer punishment they decided to take it upon themselves to launch a campaign to get the young family to leave Draheen forever, unleashing all their pent-up anger, hatred, jealousy, prejudice and violence all in the name of religion. The Secret of Eveline House in not just a fantastic window on our Irish past it is also a captivating thriller that keeps the reader intrigued and turning pages from beginning to end. Sheila Forsey has a real feel for places and their past and her descriptive passages of the house and its contents are testament to that, she breathes life into Eveline House and at the same time adeptly creates a murder, mystery and suspense drama rivalling any Agatha Christie and I would strongly recommend this book as a most excellent riveting read. – Maria Nolan

Larry dunne of The P r e s e n t a t i o n C e n t r e , Enniscorthy, has started a group (Keep Sketch Wexford!) which is a virtual sketching group exploring and drawing different places around Co. Wexford once a week from the comfort of one’s own home. So far it's going well but he would love to see even more sketchers join in every Sunday. All you need is some paper, art materials and a device to use Google Maps. You can join every Sunday as the group visits and sketches a new location on Google Maps Street View! Larry asks each participant to send in a photo of their sketch when finished so he can add it to the virtual gallery and sing your praises on social media!!! Email a photo of your drawing with a few details to larry@presentationcentre.ie See ‘Keep Sketch Wexford!’ on Facebook. n

View exhibition online SAFE-hoLd, an exhibition by Christine Mackey, is one outcome of a public art commission under Wexford County Council’s Per Cent for Art – M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy PPP Scheme (2019), whereby a number of sites with pollinator-friendly plants were sown in Gorey. Mackey worked with local communities to actively engage in solutions for habitat loss and transform underutilised sites into aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable safe-holds that serve as pollinating pastures for our bees to inhabit and for native wild-flowers to take hold. In response to the planting of the sites, Mackey developed a body of work drawing from a range of archival, research and material sources. To view this work: www.wexfordartscentre.ie/safe-hold-viewing-room n

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRE WHEN IT REOPENS Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000.

LOCAL LIBRARY NEWS For updates check out: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/events for what’s coming up in your local library. Also, check your local library on Facebook.

Slaney Around the Region

www.slaneynews.com

Gorey Farmers Market – open for business

Darkness Into Light sunrise on Wexford Marina. Pic: Declan Roche.

County Wexford Farmers Market in Gorey opened on 23rd May after the lockdown.

L-R: Noeleen Kavanagh with customer Sharon Bates.

Wexford Town – easing of lockdown

Happy customers Richard and Violet Nolan at James Fortune’s stand.

Right: Eamonn O’Connor and his grandchildren on Wexford Quay. Below: The queue outside Woodie’s, Wexford Retail Park, Clonard, on Monday 18th May as it reopened.

Lorraine Redmond delighted to see the market open.

‘Write By The Sea’ €1,000 in Cash Prizes is on offer this year for the Kilmore Quay Write By The Sea 2020 Festival Writing Competition. While there is some doubt over the festival going ahead on the last weekend of September this year as planned, the organisers are definitely still continuing with the writing competition hoping that it may give both established and emerging writers a focus and something to aim for in these difficult days. In keeping with Kilmore Quay’s maritime location and traditions, the theme for Write By The Sea 2020 is “Waves”, and all entries must relate to any interpretation of that theme. The competition is open for submissions now, with three competition categories: 1. Fiction Short Story. 2. Memoir – a factual account of a memorable moment. 3. Poetry. An independent panel will select one winner in each category, two who will receive a cash prize of €250 each, and a third, who will be deemed the overall winner, will receive €500. All three winners will be presented with a specially- commissioned, hand-crafted Write By The Sea 2020 Writing Competition Trophy, and the three winning pieces will be published on the Write By The Sea website. Each of the three winners will also receive a festival weekend pass (worth €110), granting free entry to almost all workshops, talks, interviews and other Write By The Sea events. They will be invited to read their winning entry at the Gala WBTS Festival Opening Reception which is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 25, 2020. Prizes will be awarded during the event. The competition is open for submissions now. Get your entries in before the closing date which is Friday, July 10, 2020. For further festival details see www.writebythesea.ie, or email: festival@writebythesea.ie n

Helen Lyndon Home Baking: John and Elaine Lyndon look after Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin. Wexford Golf Club reopening 18th May. L-R: Kenny Walsh, Captain Jim Keane and Paddy Cleary.

Local Laura Bates enjoying the sun at Kilmore Quay on 31st May.

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