Slaney News, Issue 123, July 2020

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THE SLANEY NEWS IS NOW AVAILABLE IN 230 OUTLETS!

The Slaney News wishes the very best of luck to the new Enniscorthy Municipal District Chairperson Barbara-Anne Murphy (Fianna Fáil) and the new Wexford County Council Chairperson Ger Carthy (Independent). We have enjoyed a good relationship with both since we started the Slaney News almost ten years ago. We are confident both will work hard for the good of both Enniscorthy and the county as a whole in their term in office. Barbara-Anne was complimentary of her predecessor, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, and all her good work over the past year particularly during the Covid-19 crisis.

Congratulations also to Independent Councillor Leonard Kelly who is the new Mayor of Wexford; Frank Staples, Fine Gael, who is the new Chairman of Rosslare Municipal District; Michael Whelan, Fianna Fáil – the new Chairman of New Ross District; and Joe Sullivan, Fianna Fáil – the new Chairman of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The much-spoken-about temporary pedestrianisation of Enniscorthy’s town centre in the evenings, from Friday to Sunday, will commence to a very limited degree this coming Friday 10th July at 7pm, but will be ramped up fully from Friday 24th July after the non-food pubs reopen in town. The move has been widely welcomed as a positive development by businesses and the general public.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Huge congratulations to the mainly Enniscorthy-based organisers of the Wexford Literary Festival which went ahead online over the weekend of 3-5 July. It would have been very understandable had they cancelled the festival altogether but their bold decision to proceed, albeit online only, deserves great credit and the success of the festival was just reward for their determination not to be bested

by Covid-19.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Wexford continues to have one of the lowest per capita rates of Covid-19 in the country, but there is no room for complacency. There is a huge responsiblity on all of us to act responsibly in our daily lives – at work, in our social interactions, in our travel plans, to ensure that there is no resurgence. Stay safe and take care.

– Frank Corcoran

10,000 copies per issue of which 5,000 are distributed door-to-door in Enniscorthy town and 700 in Bunclody. The balance is distributed to over 230 drop-off points: ENNISCORTHY: Doyles Bar, The Duffry Gala Duffry Hope Centre The Wilds Copper Pan The Holy Grail Stamps Cotton Tree Cafe Crew Cuts 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 –––––––––––––––––––––

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

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

ONLY 230 MORE DELIVERIES TO DO !

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

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

ASTRO ACTIVE CENTRE Summer Camps 2020

SLANEY NEWS, CLONHASTON, ENNISCORTHY Tel: 087-2403310 slaneynews@gmail.com www.slaneynews.com Facebook: “Slaney News” Online: www.issuu.com/slaneynews/docs

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Crucial service looking for volunteers 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

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

Slaney News does not attempt to investigate or verify claims made in advertisements appearing in our publication. The appearance of an advertisement in this newspaper in no way implies endorsement or approval by us of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. Slaney News disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection with advertising appearing in this publication.

Every effort has been made to ensure that all articles published in Slaney News are true and accurate but if any errors do occur please let us know and we will gladly rectify them in our next issue.

Where details of future events are given in this newspaper, we recommend that you check these details directly with the organisers as event details may be subject to change.

Slaney News strongly recommends seeking independent professional advice before acting on any financial, medical or other information contained in this publication.

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 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 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.

Cancelled until further notice.

More information: 087-1377068.

Slaney News: Local Writers Local Publisher Local News

orchard peace park The Orchard Peace Park is open to the public from 8am to 8pm and is an ideal location for relaxation during the summer heat or for exercise. 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. paY parkING haS reSUMed As of 29th June one must pay for parking on-street and in public car-parks in Enniscorthy. n

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6

Slaney News

View from the Hill

A local contributor looks at life today in Enniscorthy and beyond

6 July 2020 NO MINISTER – WOW! There’s the predictable uproar over the fact that Co. Wexford has been overlooked in the dole out of Ministers and Ministers of State jobs. All and sundry are up in arms at the neglect of the county and indicating that the future will be dark indeed. It is definitely true that having a full minister at the heart of government will help a constituency. It’s not supposed to.

Ministers are obliged to represent the entire country in whatever area they are appointed but we all know that massive benefits are available if one of the chosen fifteen happens to be local. Also, individual politicians take political advantage from the fact that they get such an appointment. Just look at Norma Foley the new Minister for Education. In an interview with The Kerryman newspaper she stated that she will be a Minister for Kerry. Someone should tell her that there is no such thing. If she doesn’t understand her role she shouldn’t stay in it and it’s actually worse if she intends to use such an important ministry in a parishpump fashion so as to prevent the

No Wexford Senior or Junior Minister!

Healy Raes from taking over the entire territory. That’s full Ministers, but what about their juniors – the Ministers of State?

Minister of State jobs can be a terrible hindrance to an up-andcoming T.D. Admittedly there are great perks such as extra salary and expenses to provide a car and driver and so on. But the problem is that, once appointed, the individual in question is effectively muzzled. He or she cannot raise issues in the Dáil and certainly

cannot criticise their own government whereas a good government backbencher can find ways around that by asking deliberately awkward questions in public.

Paul Kehoe was slightly different over the years that he held the position. He was effectively the Minister for Defence and actually sat at the Cabinet table.

Therefore he, at least, was aware of everything which was happening. (By the way the criticism of him asking not to be reconsidered for

such a role is very unfair. He didn’t offer himself to the electorate as anything other than a candidate for election as a T.D.) So the conclusion has to be that realistically, unless a constituency gets a full Minister, the area is as well off with a number of good backbench representatives and forget about the Minister of State positions. On that note, let us wish all our public representatives well for the future as no doubt times will be difficult for all of us.

BACK TO NORMAL As we struggle to get back to normal, many things have changed.

The familiar places which we had got used to over many years are in some cases not recognisable because of the necessary structural alterations which have taken place.

We have to be vigilant in everything we do, even the simple things like opening and shutting doors, making sure to sanitise our hands immediately afterwards, and keeping our distance from our friends and colleagues.

The use of installations such as parking meters has to be carefully considered. The danger of cross contamination as a result of the use of these by so many people must surely exist. ATMs in banks etc are easier to manage because we are assured that they are sanitised on a regular basis. The same couldn’t be the case with installations on the side of the street. So be careful out there and let’s hope that gradually we will get closer to the real thing and that this will all be a distant memory.

Any observations or comments on this column feel free to email: viewcolumn@gmail.com

Enniscorthy emerging from lockdown like all towns emerging from the covid-19 restrictions, enniscorthy faces many issues and problems but there are also some positive developments happening now and likely to happen in the future.

At the time of writing the town is undergoing a “deep clean” organised by the local Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) Council.

There is great work being done on the town’s public realm areas which 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 being provided in many public areas.

Various clubs and organissations in town are helping the local Council paint and clean up street furniture, signage, railings, etc.

The Council has organised two schemes to financially assist local busnesses to paint their shopfronts and to put up hang-

ing baskets/windowboxes.

The Council has also ordered dog-fouling bins to try and address that particular issue.

Hopefully those dog owners who continue to act irresponsibly will face fines for their efforts to deface our town.

The beautiful Orchard Peace Park continues to be a huge asset offering a wonderful place in the centre of town to relax and enjoy nature.

Although there is no national Tidy Towns competition this year, the local Tidy Towns committe and volunteers have been busy. One project undertaken recently was the cutting back of hedges, weeds, etc around the lanes at Vinegar Hill.

The recent resurfacing of the Templeshannon area has been welcomed as a huge boost to that area of town.

So as Enniscorthy emerges from lockdown it is beginning to look its best which should hopefully draw people back into town.

The temporary pedestrian-

isation of the town centre in the evenings, from Friday to Sunday, will commence to a very limited degree this coming Friday 10th July, and will be fully implemented starting Friday 24th July.

Looking down the tracks, the delayed Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme is due to start in 2021.

The new Technology Park beside St Senan’s Hospital offers the prospect of hundreds of highly-skilled jobs. €5m has been earmarked for a major Tourism project capable of attracting 100,000 visitors a year to the town centre. The project has reached the feasibility stage with Alan Sherwood & Associates having been appointed to prepare the feasibility study and an application to Fáilte Ireland for capital investment funding.

Plans are progressing for the Templeshannon Regeneration project. A revised plan for progressing the planning application and an application for Urban Regeneration and Development

Newly-elected Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (second from left) with her Chairperson colleagues L-R: Michael Whelan (New Ross), Leonard Kelly (Wexford), Frank Staples (Rosslare), Joe Sullivan (Gorey).

Fund funding for the project from the Dept of Housing, Planning and Local Government are being prepared.

The next phase of the Enniscorthy Sports Hub (athletics track) which involves the construction of dressing rooms, showers, etc, is in the pipeline.

Enniscorthy Greyhound Track recently got a reprieve which may help secure its future.

On the education front, St Aidan’s, St Senan’s and Enniscorthy CBS have seen huge investment over recent years and Coláiste Bríde some months ago was approved funding for a major expansion. The new multi-million, state-of-the-art St Patrick’s school at Drumgoold is due to open by the end of this year.

Various major housing projects are either underway (e.g.

Cherryorchard/ Milehouse Road) or in the pipeline (e.g.

Clonhaston) which will likely see the population of the town grow substantially over the next few years.

Workers cutting back hedges etc and cleaning up the lanes around Vinegar Hill.

In recent issues we reported on the new ‘Transforming Enniscorthy’ initiative and the new Smart Town team. It is hoped both initiatives will lead to major positive developments in the near future.

So while there is understandably a lot of focus on Enniscorthy’s problems as we

emerge from lockdown, there is still lots to be optimistic about.

The Slaney News wishes Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy well as she takes the helm as Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District and leads the town and district forward over the coming years. n

Enniscorthy Municipal District workers at Pig Market Hill planting flowers at the Tree of Hope (which celebrates 20 years of Enniscorthy’s Hope Centre).

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Special Loan Rate 8% (8.3% APR) available for loans up to €20,000 until 31.12.2020

Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Enniscorthy Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

7

With 45 years of experience as a chef and the passion for genuine Italian cuisine, Paolo Fresilli and his wife Diana welcome you to their famous Italian restaurant, Via Veneto, established in Enniscorthy in 2006, where you can enjoy a piece of Italy, experience the warmth of Italian hospitality and savour authentic Italian cuisine. there are two nightly sittings – the first running from 5.30pm to 8pm and the second sitting at 8.30pm (last orders 9pm).

All safety precautions are being implemented at Via Veneto – social distancing, sanitising etc.

SET MENU OPTIONS: €25 for 2 courses €28 for 3 courses plus nightly specials. full a-la-carte menu.

All night, every night, from 5.30pm (closed Mon & Tues)

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for booking: phone 053-9236929 or book online at www.viaveneto.ie or send an email to info@viaveneto.ie or reservations@viaveneto.ie Follow on twitter. Visit us on Facebook.

Naíonra: Irish language preschool

ECCE (2 years & 8 months) 8.45am – 11.45am

Taobh istigh de / within: Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh

Extra Care (NCS – Cúram bhreise) 11.45am – 1.15pm

Spaces available September 2020 Spásanna ar fáil Méan Fómhair 2020

087 0951019

‘Cúpla Focail’ 087 0951019

8

Slaney News

6 July 2020

Enniscorthy – water issues always to the fore Flood Defence delay...

Flash flooding...

Hosepipe ban...

In last month’s issue we reported that preparatory work on the enniscorthy flood defence Scheme is ongoing but that the main work is not expected to start until some time next year.

The scheme documents required for ministerial consent were submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in March 2020 by Wexford County Council but now a new environmental report is required (due to recent EU regulations) and that is the cause of the new delay.

Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) Council is writing to the Minister responsible to try and apply as much pressure as possible, and will seek a meeting with the new Minister if an unsatisfactory response is received.

A frustrated James Browne TD says: “We are now told that a programme for this flood relief scheme that was to be approved by the Minister last December will take at least another six to twelve months to be signed off on. That is disconcerting when one sees the level and increasing frequency of flooding in Enniscorthy.

Businesses and houses are being damaged and destroyed on a regular basis.”

the recent flash flooding in enniscorthy was raised last month in the dáil by James bowne td. Shortly afterwards, on 26th June, heather humphreys td, Minister for business, enterprise and Innovation, announced a humanitarian Support Scheme for those affected by the recent flooding who are unable to secure flood insurance.

Minister Humphreys said: “I am aware of the significant impact which the flooding has had, particularly in Enniscorthy in Wexford. This funding will go some way towards alleviating the hardship suffered by small businesses, sports clubs, voluntary and community organisations and will assist in getting them back up and running, thereby protecting jobs in affected communities.”

Like previous flooding incidents caused by exceptional weather events, the scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross Society.

The scheme is a humanitarian support contribution towards the costs of returning small businesses, sporting, voluntary and community premises to their pre-flood

despite the relatively wet weather over the last couple of weeks, Irish Water’s Water conservation order, more commonly known as a hosepipe ban, is still in place and will last until tuesday 21 July. the order came into being in June following increased demand on water and dry weather conditions throughout the spring and early summer.

James Browne TD is “deeply frustrated” by the delay to the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme.

In a recent response to Deputy Browne in the Dáil, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD said, “I refer to the points Deputy James Browne raised about the status of the flood defence scheme in Enniscorthy for the River Slaney.

My Department will progress the formal confirmation process, having regard to the regulations for decision-making on schemes such as that which were introduced in 2019... we have a tender process underway for environmental consultants... and I will come back to the Deputy with detail on the timing of the tendering process for environmental consultants.” n

Caroline is changing lanes bunclody native, caroline kidd, is no stranger to readers of the Slaney News. for many years she has contributed a monthly motoring column to our paper, and her expertise as a motoring journalist is recognised n a t i o n a l l y, f o r instance she is a jury member for the Irish car of the Year awards.

Back in 2014, Caroline launched Star Content (a writing, editing and content creation service) and also started a simple automotive blog called Changing Lanes. Both have developed in parallel over the last six years. Now Caroline believes it’s time to take the next step!

This summer, she is integrating all her business interests under the Changing Lanes brand. There will be

two ‘lanes’ to this new business: an online publishing platform ('Changing Lanes') and a copywriting service ('Copywriting by Changing Lanes').

Caroline’s specialist areas are in automotive and retail copywriting. So if you need someone to improve your online presence, make your

business stand out and reach more customers with engaging, informative copy that is perfectly optimised for the web, then look no further than Caroline! She can help you with: ➤ SEO-optimised website copy ➤ Unique product descriptions ➤ Expert editorial and article writing ➤ Top quality blog content ➤ New website launch press releases ➤ Goal-oriented topic research and strategic content consultancy.

To find out more about Caroline’s new copywriting services please visit https://changinglanes.ie/co pywriting/ Caroline is looking forward to developing the new ‘Copywriting by Changing Lanes’ brand and bringing added value to her existing and new clients’ projects over the years ahead. n

condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant. The scheme will not provide a contribution to loss of earnings or loss of business goodwill.

Financial support is targeted at small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs and community and voluntary organisations and will have two stages: The first stage will commence immediately and will provide a contribution of up to €5,000, depending on the scale of damage incurred. It is anticipated that this will meet the needs for the majority of those affected. The intention is to process payments as fast as possible.

In the event that the premises have incurred significant damages above €5,000, the second stage will provide a means to seek further support. However, this will be a lengthier process requiring a detailed assessment by the Irish Red Cross. The total level of support available for both stages combined will be capped at €20,000.

Applications forms for support are available on the Irish Red Cross Society website: www.redcross.ie n

Met Éireann confirmed that May 2020 was the driest in Ireland 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, We s t m e a t h , S l i g o a n d Tipperary experiencing their driest spring on record. n

Water supply... enniscorthy suffered from various water supply problems in June with water being cut off at night in many areas of the town. as recently as 4th July it was cut off again all around town at 10pm that night.

The new Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, believes major work is needed on the Enniscorthy network to replace or repair existing pipes.

Cllr Murphy also says a lot of river Slaney water is being used by our neighbours in Carlow and that they should be using more water from the Barrow.

Tadgh Ó Corcora, Senior Engineer, reported to the June meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) that Wexford Co. Council/Irish Water have prepared plans to reduce

Tadgh Ó Corcora, Senior Engineer, Enniscorthy Municipal District

leakages in the water-main network. And planning permission has been received for a new water supply intake plant for Clonhaston with an allowed water abstraction rate from the Slaney up to 4,500 cubic metres per day. n

No ministries for Wexford the taoiseach has been heavily criticised in the South east for not appointing any senior Minister to this area, and no Junior ministry either for co.

Wexford which had two Junior Ministers during the last administration – paul kehoe and Michael d’arcy.

Fianna Fáil’s James Browne would have been hoping for a call from Michéal Martin having proven himself so effective in his role as Mental Health spokesperson for the party.

What must be even more disapointing for deputy Browne is that Fianna Fáil was handed the Mental Health ministry

Paul Kehoe TD

but granted it to Waterford based TD Mary Butler.

Fine Gael’s Paul Kehoe had let it be known that he didn’t want to be considered for a position as a Junior Minister, so that he could spend more time with his young fam-

ily after nine hectic years in government, and also concentate on his constituency work and delivering for Co. Wexford.

Kehoe had served as Minister of State at the Department of Defence since 2011, when Enda Kenny became Taoiseach. n

A conundrum!

Ian Kidd of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society with an interesting looking weapon which he owns but is not sure what it is called! Somebody has suggested it’s called a ‘knobbercorry’ but Google doesn’t register anything under that term! Can anybody help? If so, please email slaneynews@gmail.com or text 087-2403310.

Also in photo above is Tom Boland.

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www.slaneynews.com

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Cathal Byrne Working for Enniscorthy Town and District

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I am always available to help you in any way I can, and can be contacted using any of the details below.

Call 087-2403310

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.

Johnny Mythen

Office: Slaney Place, Enniscorthy

9

10

Slaney News

TOWN TALK

WITH

KEITH DOYLE

I would think that every Wexford man, woman and child would have an opinion on 1798 and how to present it for future generations. They should have some opinion on the matter whether or not their people were involved.

The symbol of the pike has become a badge of honour for us Yellow Bellies to wear. It signifies the bravery in the persuit of justice running through our veins which still holds true today. It is in our blood to stand up and be counted, to right a wrong. I do see that trait in us every single day. So when I first was asked to comment on the plight of the 1798 Centre it brings with it great personal emotion due to my close contact with the subject.

I must start out by declaring a vested interest due to

Did you know? takeaways have proven very popular during this covid19 pandemic.

Many people find foodordering Apps to be very convenient for ordering. But did you know that some Apps can take up to 20% of the price of each order as their commission so your favourite takeaway is losing a substantial portion of its income.

If that portion could be kept by your favourite takeaway, it could over time offer you,

6 July 2020

www.slaneynews.com

the customer, better prices.

One outlet which is attempting to redirect savings back to its customers is t h e A t i n a Ta k e a w a y i n Templeshannon, Enniscorthy.

It has set up its own website and also an App (for Android) through which you can order directly and the Atina will give you a 10% discount off your first order when you visit atinatakeaway.ie online, (use the promo code: ATINA10 at the checkout).

WHO FEARS TO SPEAK OF ‘98 the following in no particular order. I am a Wexford man who did have people fighting on Vinegar Hill and buried locally after the battle. My father, Andy Doyle, was Chairman of Comoradh ‘98 (the Wexford 1798 commemoration committee) which I became a member of after his passing. My father was the man who purchased the lands for the centre to be built. I was the Chairman of the Council who officiated over the 200-year marking of the event. For 25 years as a Councillor I kept the agenda of maintaining the continuation of the 1798 Centre, suggesting the seminars and the historical dig on the hill, and by proposing and voting for monies

each year to prop up a lossmaking venture totalling hundreds of thousands. I spent €14,000 of my own money on promoting it with the re-enactments on the Hill.

None of the above should give my opinion any more weight than any other, I am simply pointing out that after 25 years of living with the subject i have examined many suggestions with a clear head and it is a case of detaching one’s emotions.

Let’s start with the most frequently asked questions...

The main reason why it is not on the Hill is because the ditches approaching the hill were there in ‘98, they were used as cover during the fighting. There are

mass graves to the side of the entrance path that must not be disturbed. So leaving them there excluded buses using the lane.

The building at the bottom of the lane is owned by a family in England. Twice in my time the Council tried to purchase it but it was not for sale. The reason why my father bought the property the 1798 Centre now stands on is because no other available site could be purchased and prepared in time for the 200-year celebrations in 1998. There is no historical reason for its location, in fact there is a major detachment between the Hill and the centre hence the low visitor numbers. Is the current location helping or enhancing the town and its economy?

Whatever happened to the tourism project presented to the Council which depicted it as a package beside the Castle and the Athenaeum with one ticket for all.

At this point in time we have a wounded, lame duck that can not pay its way and can not earn the respect it deserves.

This will, as it has been, struggle from crisis to crisis. At no point should we accept the closing of the Centre and mothballing most of the exhibits.

What I am certain is the debate should not be purely on saving the Centre. The real debate should be around what can we do to elevate the memory of our people of 1798. This is the story of Wexford that needs to be told with reverence and alive with pride of place, wherever it is. n

Congrats Suzanne Enniscorthy Castle and 1798 Centre have reopened

Congratulations to Suzanne O’Leary of O’Leary Travel, Enniscorthy, who has been elected as a board member of the Irish Travel Agents Association.

following all the controversy over whether it would be sold or not, it’s great to see that the National 1798 rebellion centre reopened to the public on 29th of June 2020 as per the government’s roadmap for ending the lockdown.

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre remembers and honours a highly significant event in Irish history and all are welcome to visit and explore the insightful exhibition.

Visitors are assured that the Centre has implemented

new policies and practices to ensure everyone’s safety is a top priority.

Enniscorthy Castle is delighted to be open also and it too has implemented new structures and policies to keep both staff and visitors safe as they explore Enniscorthy’s amazing Castle.

Remember also that a joint ticket can be purchased giving great value admission to both these iconic centres.

The staff are looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike. n Enniscorthy Castle

Vandals wrecking pedestrian crossings the vandalising of various pedestrian crossing lights around enniscorthy has cost enniscorthy Municipal district (eMd) council around €26,000 over recent years. this was revealed at an eMd meeting on 15th June when cllr John o’rourke brought up the issue of the crossing at the Gaelscoil in drumgoold.

The Council is looking at new means of making the Gaelscoil crossing more vandal-proof. Town Manager Ger Mackey (and the Slaney News) encourages everybody to report any information about wanton vandalism to the Enniscorthy Gardaí (0539242580) or to Enniscorthy Municipal District (053-923 3540). n

Defibrillators

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

There are approximately ten life-saving defibrillators around Enniscorthy town kindly donated by the Ger Devereux Memorial Fund. In an emergency please call Enniscorthy Garda Station for the device’s access code.

If you’re interested in learning how to use these life-saving devices please contact the Enniscorthy Unit, Irish Red Cross, on 087-0626751. The CPR/AED course is 4 hours duration. n

Free parking is over!

For anyone who hasn’t heard it yet – Free parking is over in Enniscorthy! As of 29th June one must pay for parking onstreet and in public car-parks.

Great new facility on the way Shamrocks Gaa club is delighted to announce that it has been given the green light to build a walking track around the bottom field. construction work is likely to commence in the coming weeks.

This development would not be possible without each

and every member of the club Lotto Syndicate. And this is only the beginning, according to the club, as big things are projected for Fr. Murphy Park, with the aim of providing the best facilities possible for the club members.

The club sincerely thanks all its members and supporters without whom no development could take place. n

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11

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★ We are now branding our own clothing – the ESD range which is available to all clubs at very reasonable prices.

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

Contact Stephen now on 087-7044036 or call in to our shop on Duffry Hill facebook: ‘Enniscorthy Sporting Depot’

€30 million to be invested at Rosslare Europort

rosslare europort is to undergo a major transformation as part of its port Masterplan, with port authority Iarnród Éireann set to apply for planning permission this week.

The masterplan, together with initiatives under the strategic plan for the port, will see over €30 million invested by Iarnród Éireann in Rosslare Europort over the next five years. It will help ensure that

Rosslare will be equipped with the capacity, facilities and technology to facilitate major growth for the benefit of the region and the wider national economy.

The development under the masterplan will be completed over a number of phases over a five-year timeframe to enable the port continue to operate all services and activity during construction.

R o s s l a re E u ro p o r t i s

Ireland’s closest port to the UK and mainland Europe and offers numerous daily/weekly direct services to the UK, France and Spain.

As well as the port masterplan, further substantial investment will also take place both at the port and the surrounding area with the following further developments due to be completed during the same timeframe: Construction of the New N25

Rosslare Europort Access Road

by TII and Wexford Co. Council.

Development of the Rosslare Europort Business Park by the Dutch company XELLZ targeting the future offshore wind market. And construction of permanent extensive facilities to meet all customs and Brexit requirements for state agencies making Rosslare the only port outside of Dublin with the required Border Inspection Post.

The combined developments will see the largest ever investment in the port and surrounding area and should position Rosslare Europort to become the leading gateway for the country to the UK and Europe.

G l e n n C a r r, G e n e r a l Manager Rosslare Europort, said, “These are probably the most exciting times that the port has ever seen with transformational developments planned over the next few years.

We will be making significant investment demonstrating our commitment and drive to grow Rosslare Europort and ensuring that we maximise its full potential both for the region and the overall country. the Slaney News has full details on the plans which are too detailed to reproduce here, but if any of our readers gets in touch with us at slaneynews@gmail.com we can send you full details. n

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Slaney News

6 July 2020

www.slaneynews.com

A happy occasion for the Carthys

Loving the Wexford summer!

Colm Neville (left), of the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy and Chair of Visit Wexford, with Ger Carthy, Chairman Wexford County Council.

Colm Neville, Chair of Visit Wexford, says: “Wexford is ready to welcome visitors from across Ireland for their staycation holiday to the Sunny South East. We are so lucky to have such an extensive list of outdoor attractions that are spread right across County Wexford.

With cycling and walking trails, stunning beaches as well as our iconic heritage and garden sites. Our tourism industry appreciates how important the safety of their Guests and Teams alike is and they have been working together with Wexford County Council, Fáilte Ireland and health and safety representatives to make sure County Wexford is adhering to the National Covid-19 Safety Charter.” n Enniscorthy sisters Ellie and Leilah Lopes, aged 6 and 9, pictured having some fun on Curracloe Beach, as Visit Wexford launches a campaign to encourage holidaymakers to fall back in love with the Irish Summer in Wexford.

Cllr Ger Carthy is the newly-elected Chairman of Wexford County Council. He is pictured on 29th June with his mother Anne Carthy, wife Anne Marie, children Michael, Daniel and daughter Erin, and with other members of the Carthy family.

New ‘Images from Wexford’ Facebook group ‘Images from Wexford’ is a new Facebook group set up by photographer Brian McDonald, for people at home and abroad to post and view all genres of images of our own beautiful county – historical,

"Purple and Gold" changinglight.ie

people, sport, landscape, seascape, wildlife, drone, art and astronomy. Anything goes but it must be relevant to the Model County. Within a week 700 had joined the group with many posting stunning images

of the county including this one by Brian himself, entitled "Purple and Gold" taken at Ferybank, Wexford, and achieved using a long exposure. Check out “Images from Wexford” on Facebook.

Slaney Ads

www.slaneynews.com visit Wexford in partnership with Wexford county council and the hospitality and tourism industry across the county have created a summer and autumn campaign, which focuses on creating those nostalgic fun holidays with family, partners and friends.

In line with Fáilte Ireland’s new domestic marketing campaign that was revealed last week – ‘Ireland, make a break for it’, Visit Wexford is encouraging visitors to rediscover what is at our doorstep and have some fun while doing it. #TourismTogether Taking inspiration from Lesley Gore’s worldwide music hit in 1963 ‘Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows’, Visit Wexford has designed a quirky campaign to insert some humour, nostalgia and fun into planning holidays to Wexford during this difficult time.

Visit Wexford is hoping to shine a light on the adventures of the good old times touring Wexford in the sun and even sporadic Irish hot summer rain, and help visitors share and create those favourite Wexford holiday memories with their loved ones.

Across the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East, there are so many safe outdoor adventures to explore, see and do for families, young professionals, and the mature generation. Ireland’s sunniest destination includes over 250km of amazing coastline which harbours some of the most spectacular beaches, adventure trails, lush gardens, heritage sites, great hospitality, and of course, excellent food.

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Visit Wexford encourages holidaymakers to fall back in love with the Irish Summer in Wexford

L-R: Ger Carthy, Chairman, Wexford County Council; Tony Larkin, Director of Services for Economic Development of Wexford County Council and member of the National Tourism Recovery Sub Group; Liz Hore, Head of Enterprise, Wexford County Council; Cllr Michael Whelan, Chair Economic Development and Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee (SPC); Paul Finnegan, Ashdown Park Hotel; Colm Neville, Riverside Park Hotel and Chair of Visit Wexford. Front row, sisters Leilah and Ellie Lopes from Enniscorthy.

From Castletown just north of Gorey right down to Ballyhack outside of Arthurstown, Wexford has an alluring coastline full of sandy beaches, walking and cycling trails, boat trips and kayaking adventures, and scenic picnic spots.

Everyone might know about Wexford’s iconic attractions like Hook Lighthouse, Ireland’s National Heritage Park (Ferrycarrig), Dunbrody Ship ( N e w R o s s ) , We l l s H o u s e (Ballyedmond) and Vinegar Hill.

But Wexford is dotted with some

unfamiliar attractions like The Irish Experience Kayaking (Fethard-On-Sea), Kia Ora Farm (Gorey), Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle, Oulart Hill, Wexford’s Lavender Farm (Inch, Gorey), and Wheelock’s Fruit Farm (Enniscorthy).

Visit Wexford’s website has over 350 accommodations, attractions, and food and nightlife spots listed. The website features different types of accommodation, from guesthouses and hotels to mobile homes, camp sites, and self-catering, along with cafés and

delis, restaurants and pubs as well as all the attractions and activities to experience and enjoy.

It also has a great tool to help people plan and save their holiday itinerary and log in later to view and use while in Wexford.

It also lists some great inside tips and a calendar of upcoming events to help you discover and plan your staycation. See visitwexford.ie for further details.

Throughout the summer and into the autumn, Visit Wexford is releasing a weekly series called #TravelTuesday, which will pro-

vide people interested in holidaying in Wexford, as well as locals, with many useful Inside Tips to adventuring around the county.

Tony Larkin, Director of Services for Economic Development of Wexford County Council (member of the National Tourism Recovery Sub Group) says he “is delighted that Wexford County Council can support the Tourism industry to drive the economic recovery with this extremely important, well timed and creative Visit Wexford marketing campaign”.

Visit Wexford would like to remind all holiday makers to follow the national safety guidelines set by the HSE and that many attractions and hospitality spots will have pre-booking facilities in operation to manage visiting numbers.

All visitors to Co. Wexford are encouraged to share their favourite holiday memories from Co. Wexford, new and old, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram tagging @VisitWexford and using the hashtags #bestforsun #bestforfun n

Restart Grant Closing date for applications 31st August The new €250m Restart Grant provides direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. Follow the link for further information and application form.

ESTART GRANT

WEXFORD

http://www.wexfordcoco.ie/RestartGrant All Queries to: restartgrant@wexfordcoco.ie

Upcoming Webinars throughout the month of July 1 0 th July

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Developing an E-Commerce Website Seminar

2 4 th July

Content Marketing and Management

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RESTART grant now available. €250 million made available to aid small businesses to get up and running again

LEO Financial Supports Grants for new and established businesses

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COVID-19 Business Loans First 6 months are interest & repayment free

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14

Slaney News

6 July 2020

www.slaneynews.com

Enniscorthy property update

Declan O’Leary, Managing Director of Sherry FitzGerald O’Leary Kinsella.

according to declan o’leary, Managing director of leading enniscorthy auctioneers, Sherry fitzGerald o’leary kinsella, based on Slaney Street, ‘In May 2019 there were 22 sales in the enniscorthy area, compared to May this year there were 10 sales. While the figure is less than half, this is still pretty impressive considering there were nearly no viewings taking place.’

With regards to prices of property, the most sought after property is still the 3-bed semi; this has remained relatively steady in the Enniscorthy area with prices still between €150,000 to €165,000 depending on the estate you buy in.

‘We have been lucky enough where we have sale agreed for two 3-bed semis above the €165,000 in May in The Orchard and Madeira Woods. We have also sale agreed a number of

properties that have been on the market for a considerable period which shows that buyers are still there. Most sales in the month of May were in the €100,000 to €150,000 (see accompanying graph) accounting for 50% of all properties sold.

‘Nationally, Daft.ie reported on the 5th June that house prices rose by 3.7% from the previous month April, no doubt due to some reduced prices in the middle of the covid-19 crisis.

‘While nationally there are some reports of prices expected to be reduced, we have not seen that in Enniscorthy where prices have been holding steady, no doubt the reason being that Enniscorthy still offers housing at a very affordable level.’

According to Declan, ‘A feature going forward that sellers will need to be aware of is that purchasers, espe-

cially from the Dublin area, have now realised that they can work from home and will be looking for that all-important broadband speed. We have noticed during the last few weeks that the first question that buyers ask is what is the broadband speed?’

Declan’s experience on the ground is borne out by recent research from Real Estate Alliance (REA). Despite fears of a downturn in the market during the Covid-19 crisis, REA found the price of a threebedroomed semi-detached house in Co. Wexford remained unchanged over the past three months.

REA spokesperson Barry McDonald said: “We are finding that people are looking for three things – more space, gardens and a guarantee of better broadband, where transport was previously the highest priority.” n

Visit Wexford!

Visit Wexford is an online guide showcasing all that our county has to offer. It is divided into LIVE, VISIT and INVEST, and is an ideal resource for those curious about all things Wexford.

Check out: www.wexford.ie

Enniscorthy Credit Union €9,000 giveaway!

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/

St. Senan’s Hospital, Enniscorthy. The History (1860 - 2011).

188 pages of stories and photos, now back in print and available from the author Hugh Kelly. Or contact Courtney Print, Enniscorthy.

€9,000 will be given away to student members so call in today and get an application form, or download one from the Enniscorthy Credit Union website and apply now!

Community Call Centre changes to hours of o p e r a t i o n a t We x f o r d community call helpline...

In recent weeks, there has been a significant decrease in demand for Community Call Helpline services across the country as public health restrictions ease further.

The Wexford Community Helpline 053 919 6000 has experienced a similar reduction in demand, with incoming calls to the Helpline reducing from 252 in week ending 12 April to 52 calls in week ending 7 June, 2020. In addition, calls outside of normal office hours are minimal,

with demand particularly low at weekends.

Call Centre staff have been making calls to hundreds of persons in the community, making sure these vulnerable persons remain well and providing friendship and social contact to those most in need.

Although there has been a gradual reduction in demand, it is recognised that there remains a core clientele – often among the most vulnerable in our communities who continue to be in need of the services provided.

The Wexford Community

Call Helpline therefore continues to operate and will do so for the foreseeable future.

To reflect reduced demand, hours of operation are now 9.00am to 5.00pm - 7 days per week. Persons who seek assistance with delivery of food, fuel or pharmacy items or who seek other COVID-19 related support can call the Helpline during these hours.

In addition, Call Centre staff continue to make outgoing calls on a daily basis to those members of the community who may still need some social interaction and support at this time. n

VTOS Enniscorthy is now taking applications vtoS enniscorthy is taking applications for the following courses which will commence in September: business administration QQI level 5 : This course offers a range of business subjects that include learning how to use relevant and current IT and accounts packages valued by employers.

General learning QQI level 4: This course offers the chance

to upskill and gain recognised qualifications in subjects including IT, Communications and Business English.

Gonzaga House, Upper Wafer Street, Enniscorthy – home of VTOS Enniscorthy.

General learning QQI level 3: This course offers the chance to return to learning and gain confidence in a range of subjects such as Communications, IT, Maths and Career Planning. for more information please contact aislinnbrennan@wwetb.ie

Slaney Search & Rescue is 25 years in existence serving the people of Enniscorthy and Co. Wexford generally. The 25-year milestone was acknowledged by Cllr Jackser Owens at the June meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District.

A recent Slaney Search & Rescue training exercise.

Slaney Search & Rescue

Slaney News

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Local hotels opening up Owners and operators of the Griffin hotel group: Michael and Liam Anthony Griffin.

The Griffin Hotel Group, which includes the four-star properties – Ferrycarrig Hotel nestled on the Slaney estua r y i n We x f o r d , H o t e l Kilkenny located in the medieval city of Kilkenny, as well as the five-star Monart Destination Spa nestled on 120 acres just outside of Enniscorthy town, is reopening its properties in planned stages. The first to re-open were the four-star Ferrycarrig Hotel and Hotel Kilkenny which re-opened to guests on July 3rd. The five-star Monart Destination Spa will

re-open on August 3rd. Each hotel will operate with reduced occupancy to facilitate current social distancing guidelines.

Owners and operators Liam Anthony and Michael Griffin have been working with their senior teams to implement safe Covid operational protocols, adopt new technology and work practices to assist wherever possible in contactless service delivery with appropriate social distancing. The company has also added enhanced disinfection technology to provide

an entirely new level of longterm, anti-microbial protection, which complements its already robust hygiene systems and practices.

Michael Griffin CEO says, “From late March we began starting from a simple firstprinciples approach, a blank slate with just a single question; how can we prevent the unintentional transmission of Covid within our workplace for the health of our team members and customers?

Since then we have researched international best practice for our industry and have been building a model of appropriate and valid measures to meet this challenge. We welcome the recent IHF guidelines for the Irish hospitality sector which will help all within our industry to deliver safe services to guests during the new Covid normal. We now look forward to welcoming guests back to our properties this summer and can assure them that very robust Covid safety protocols will be in place for everyone’s safety.”

See Hotelkilkenny.ie, FerrycarrigHotel.ie and Monart.ie. n

7 15

Playgrounds have never been busier Playgrounds around Co. Wexford have been very busy since mid-June with the happy sound of children playing there again following their enforced confinement earlier this spring and summer.

Enniscorthy's public playgrounds are now all open, but are not supervised by Council staff. It is up to parents to supervise their own children, sanitise whatever playground equipment their children are using, and maintain social distance.

Climbing high – young James Heffernan enjoying the Enniscorthy Municipal District playground at The Promenade.

Enniscorthy Municipal District playground at The Promenade. Above left: Lucy and Hannah Dunne. Above right: A bit of a puzzle as dad Joe Peters watches son Aran do the OXO game.

Grants Pharmacy continues its Musicians and impressive growth in Enniscorthy artists need help

The newly extended Grants Pharmacy premises at the Duffry, Enniscorthy.

Sinn Féin TD Johnny Mythen has said that musicians and artists provided a lifeline during the lockdown, and called on Minister Catherine Martin to provide additional supports to the entertainment industry as some Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Deputy Mythen stated, “I have been contacted by a lot of musicians in my constituency of Co. Wexford who are in fear of losing their profession... We are all aware of the important role all these artists played across the entire country in keeping the spirits of the nation going in our darkest days, providing their trade for free via social media platforms and sometimes as fundraisers during the pandemic. The provision of this entertainment provided some much needed mental health relief to the nation.”

“It's likely that many of these musicians will be the very last to return to work. Realistically they will need a little more help than others as I believe the resumption of playing in hotels, bars and other hospitality environments will not happen until much later on in this year or next year. Many entertainment acts in the wedding industry will also have suffered greatly with the widespread postponement and cancelations in this sector.”

“Similarly, many arts centres, theatres and live venues cannot make money with the

Johnny Mythen TD

current restrictions in place, and so cannot re-open their doors.

This has a fallout effect on musicians, artists, and professionals from the lighting and sound industries such as lighting technicians and sound engineers who would normally be employed for these gigs and shows.”

“I have written to the new Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht Catherine Martin TD on behalf of both Wexford artists and nationwide entertainers to raise these issues and to progress the need for a dynamic plan and special supports to assist and support these musicians and all those involved in the arts and entertainment industries at this time.” n

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Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

6 July 2020

www.slaneynews.com

SPIEGELTENT FESTIVAL October 9-26th 2020

Wexford’s famous Spiegeltent Festival will return this October after Ireland emerges from the Covid-19 restrictions.

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 926th 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! n During the Covid-19 lockdown, Anthony and Patricia Fortune, Enniscorthy, missed out on their birthday parties, and Anthony missed out on his Communion too.

So their mother Teresa held a party at the end of June to compensate and invited some friends to celebrate also. Picture on right shows Anthony, Patricia and Teresa.

Below: Anthony (front, centre) with his friends.

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

Confirmed shows for 2020 include Jack L, Hudson Taylor, Neil Delamere, and Smokie with lots more shows to be announced over the coming weeks.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW from www.wexfordspiegeltent.com n

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

Keeping the music alive!

For the best in local musical talent, check out Hoolies Lockdown Lock-In Episode 5 on July 11th on Facebook at 9.30pm. Holohans plan to put out a new episode every two weeks so keep an eye out! New acts are always welcome, so if you'd like more details on how to get involved, please email: holohanslockdownlockin@gmail.com and check out ‘Holohans Pub’ on Facebook.

WCC happy with 8 Blue Flags

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

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17

A toast to Co. Wexford!

Blackstairs Rebel’s lockdown tunes Visit Wexford in partnership with Wexford County Council and the hospitality and tourism industry across the county have created a summer and autumn campaign which focuses on creating those nostalgic fun holidays with family, partners and friends.

Above: Back L-R Colm Neville, Riverside Park Hotel and Chair of Visit Wexford; Chairman of Wexford County Council Cllr Ger Carthy; Liz Hore, Head of Enterprise Wexford County Council; Cllr Michael Whelan, Chair Economic Development and Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee (SPC); Tony Larkin, Director of Services f\or Economic Development of Wexford Co. Council and member of the National Tourism Recovery Sub Group.

Front L-R Paul Finnegan, Ashdown Park Hotel and Billy Byrne, Tourism Development Officer, Wexford Co. Council.

Left and Right: Sisters Leilah and Ellie Lopes from Enniscorthy enjoying the beach at Curracloe.

A wonderful world at Wells

Blackstairs Rebel is an Irish Ballad, Folk, Trad & Craic group, based in Kiltealy, and consisting of Ollie Jordan lead vocals and bodhran, Kevin Cooney - guitar and backing vocals and Carol Cooney - piano accordion.

The band, managed by Kevin Cooney, is recognised as one of Ireland’s best pub and festival acts with influences such as Flogging Molly, The Wolfe Tones, Derek Warfield, The Pogues, The Dubliners, Dublin City Ramblers, The Fureys, Christy Moore, etc.

Recently, Blackstairs Rebel and five other bands (three f ro m I re l a n d a n d t h re e London based) no longer able to ply their trade due to government lockdowns both sides of the Irish Sea, came together to create a lockdown album like no other. With a mixture of celtic rock, traditional Irish folk and rebel music,

Quintessential Quarantunes is a must-buy album, born out of the frustrations of a global pandemic.

On Friday 10th July, 7pm to 10.30pm, check out ‘Quintessential Quarantunes’ on Facebook for live performances as a follow-up to the release of the CD. Don’t miss this great chance to meet the bands, sing along and join in the craic.

The six bands are The BibleCodeSundays, Blackstairs Rebel, The Reels, Celtic Storm, Catalpa and The Peppered Aces.

The Quintessential Quarantunes CD can be downloaded on https://quintessentialquarantunes.bandcamp.co m. For a hard copy CD visit https://www.thereelsuk.com /QuintessentialQuarantunes For more information, or to book Blackstairs Rebel, please contact Kevin on 0872823131. n

Wells House Woodlands Walk, 8th June 2020. Above left: Lorna, Arlo, Soarse, Audrey and Faeyia Johnstone. Above centre: Oscar Van Embden. Above right: Paul Kirwan, sculptor, at one of the pieces he created.

The woodland walks around Wells House and Gardens, south of Gorey, came to life again on 8th June when government regulations allowed Sabina and Uli to open their famous house up again following the Covid-19 lock-

down 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 site 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 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 many features of Wells 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 this summer. n

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Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

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.

The organisers say, ‘Should the opportunity arise whereby we can run the Blackstairs Blues Festival on a later date, we will definitely plan to do so.’

The ever-inventive team behind the Blackstairs Blues has turned to Facebook to keep the Blues alive and to keep people entertained. 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. Expect performances on Facebook over the Blues weekend in Setember also.

Check it out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ BlackstairsBluesFestival n

Colm Skwirbat – one of many top-class Blues musicians featured on the ‘Blackstairs Blues Festival’ Facebook page.

6 July 2020

Big things expected Red Moon is back!

Jonathan Hayes

Kyro Jones was established in the summer of 2017, and the band has been working tirelessly on the Dublin live circuit ever since refining its songs and perfecting its unique brand of fast, energetic music.

Although Dublin-based, the band features Ballymurn’s Jonathan Hayes on guitar and vocals. Jonathan is the son of award-winning local photographers Ken and Marie Hayes so artistic talent definitely runs in the family. Educated at the local CBS in Enniscorthy, Jonathan went on to study music in Dublin’s BIMM Institute of Music from where he will graduate this coming October with an honours bachelors degree.

Jonathan played a major role in a recent charity music project which raised over €3,000 for local frontline workers in Co. Wexford including the Order of Malta. Followers of Hoolies Lockdown Lock-In (see page 16) have been hugely impressed

by Jonathan’s regular musical contributions where he displays his musical prowess on a number of musical instruments.

Having shook the ground at headline gigs in top venues such as The Workman’s Club and Fibber Magees, the fivepiece Kyro Jones is going from strength to strength in Dublin and further afield.

The boys bring to the stage a whirlwind experience with their raw, untamed melodies, crushing drums, snarling basslines and precise hard-hitting guitar riffs and harmonies.

Jonathan recently produced and recorded some tracks for the band in his flat in Dublin.

The new single ‘What a Shame’ has received national airplay here in Ireland (including 2FM) and as far afield as Australia.

With such a fresh aura and energy, expect to see big things from Jonathan and Kyro Jones in future years.

C h e c k o u t Yo u t u b e : https://www.youtube.com/cha nnel/UCSaTppc0_URoa9Op1de HLhw https://www.youtube.com /user/jayhayes979797 n

Red Moon Creative Arts Theatre are thrilled to facilitate three fun, friendly, creative Summer Camps this July in which children of varying abilities can work together and explore their imaginations by creating their very own epic saga through drama games and exercises, improvisation, role play, artwork, costumemaking and storytelling.

Participants will build their ideas into an exciting endof-camp presentation on the final day at the Stella Maris Centre Kilmore Quay (053 912 9922 from 7th July) – Wexford Arts Centre (053 912 3764 from 14th July) – Presentation Centre Enniscorthy (053 923 3000 from 21st July)!

Throughout lockdown, Red Moon, Wexford’s longest standing Theatre-in-Education Company, have been providing free interactive online drama sessions for their Drama members (Red Moon ‘Zoomers’) who have pro-

duced some outstandingly funny, poignant and original work and continue to amaze the Red Moon Team with their contributions.

Look out for their Youth Theatre Summer Camps as well!

Red Moon is delighted to be back in ‘physical’ action with their Summer Camps and can’t wait to meet this year’s creative participants while conforming strictly to Government and venue guidelines! n

Donna Marie’s new release

Libraries open for browsing

Donna Marie Sludds is about to release her brand-new, selfpenned pop/alternative single Beautiful To Me. Donna Marie is hoping for the same success as her previous selfpenned hits which include: ‘Life is Good’, ‘Right Here, Right Now’, ‘One Bad Girl’, ‘I’m Missin You’, ‘Another Way To Cry’, ‘Little Angel’, ‘Simple Song’, and ‘I Can't See It’.

Donna Marie has been writing, recording and performing live on stages for over 20 years, with big names such as The Stunning, Bagatelle, The Fureys and Davey Arthur, Brian Kennedy, Derek Ryan, The Saw Doctors and many more, as well as many TV/radio appearances over the years.

T h i s ‘ L i v e w i re ’ f ro m Enniscorthy has made the transition from talented band member for many years, to a leading solo artist in her own right.

After fighting a four-year battle with vocal nodules, Donna Marie is now writing and recording some of her best songs to date.

Ahead of the release of Beautiful To Me , Donna Marie has just put out her ‘The Best of

Wexford Public Libraries are now open for browsing by booking an appointment.

Members of the public must make an appointment in advance of their visit.

The numbers of customers in each library will be strictly limited to better facilitate social distancing.

Please contact your local branch or fill in an online form in advance to reserve a timeslot for your visit.

Timeslots of 20 minutes duration are being allocated for browsing and selecting books.

Donna Marie’ album which is a collection of all 12 of her original songs, and three cover songs, which she previously released to iTunes, Spotify and all major download and streaming sites online.

Beautiful To Me will be available to download from iTunes and all major download stores and streaming sites from July

22nd, 2020.

You can follow Donna Marie on social media: FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ donnamariesluddsofficial INSTAGRAM @donnamariemusic YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/ donnasludds n

LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS… Check with local venues about any upcoming cancellations or postponements.

FESTIVAL UPDATES 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.

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

You can book your place by filling in an online form on www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries or by phoning your local branch library. Please note that you must make an appointment for everyone in your party including any children who will accompany you.

Self-service photocopying and printing, and very limited computer access will be available but must be booked in advance. Please contact your local branch directly by phone to book these services.

Study facilities and some other library services like the daily newspapers will not be available.

Please do not enter the library if you or someone in your household has symptoms of Covid-19.

If you have borrowed books from the library and you or a member of your household has developed symptoms of Covid-19, you should not return borrowed items until you/they have completed a 14-day isolation period and are fever-free for at least five days.

Please help ensure that your visit to the library is as safe as possible by: ● Sanitising your hands on entry to the library and

before handling library material. ● Performing respiratory hygiene and good cough etiquette. ● Avoid touching your face.

Book Call Service: Elderly or vulnerable and cocooning citizens can request a bag of books and they will be delivered directly to your door. Phone: 053-9196000, 9.30-5.30 Monday to Friday.

Don’t forget, you can access library services online, and these online services will continue to be available as we move through the re-opening phases. You can: ● join the library online; Free online services during coronavirus; ● 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.

If you can’t access the online resources, email libraryhq@ wexfordcoco.ie for advice.

Follow your local library branch Facebook page.

Follow Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries n

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

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19

Mary singing for Hospice Cameron’s Letter to You! Local Independent County Councillor Mary Farrell, Kilmuckridge, has been involved in music all her life so when a friend asked her to post a song on Facebook during the early days of lockdown little did she think it would reach the level it has.

On the 26th March the first song was posted and since then Mary has posted hundreds of songs and its still rising. Friends, family and people from all over Ireland and the world have requested songs every night ranging from Irish ballads, country, rock, pop, hymns and personal favourites.

The variety has been amazing. From The Killers, Snow Patrol, Mary Black, Kenny Rogers, Bon Jovi, Johnny McEvoy, Dubliners, Wolfe Tonnes, in fact too many to mention! And all done from Mary’s spare room.

Mary says that the outcome of all this is that, ‘People want to engage with others.

When a request is played, friends see your name and tend to send you a message.

Then you respond and a connection has now been made and chats begin.’

It’s all done through a love of music and special memories. In some cases, songs that Mary sang at weddings, funerals or just songs that reignite memories for people.

Four or five songs are posted every evening around 7pm so followers are waiting to see what is the next song and who requested it. Then it

Kilmuckridge County Councillor Mary Farrell

takes off with comments, shares and views.

With the success of her Facebook live performances, Mary set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for a local charity.

Two years ago, Mary was so grateful for the support of Wexford Hospice Homecare Service which enabled Mary and her siblings to care for their mam, Peg Dempsey, for the last two months of her life.

Mary says, “The support and dedication of this team of what we can only describe as ‘Angels of Mercy’ gave us the opportunity to care for mam in her own home, surrounded by her family, the people who loved her, friends and neighbours. Grandchildren and

great-grandchildren were given the time to make memories and show her how much she meant to them. For Johnny, Margaret, Bridget and myself it gave us precious time with her, which we can never repay.

Therefore on behalf of my family this is my small way of saying Thank You.” And it’s been no small contribution as Mary’s fundraising has reached €2,000 approx.

So if you have a song that you’d like to request, just tune in to Mary Farrell’s personal Facebook page and leave a comment or contact her with your request. And then tune in on Facebook around 7pm. And don’t forget to make a donation to Mary’s fundraising page: https://www.gofundme.com/f /cw6sr n

16-year-old Cameron Allan, son of local music star Donna Marie Sludds, has had huge success with his debut single Letter To You. Following his family’s musical tradition, Cameron is embarking on a solo career bringing his original music to the surface, for all to enjoy.

Letter To You was produced, arranged and recorded b y C a m e ro n A l l a n a n d Brendan Carty at wonderful Orchard Recording Studio in Enniscorthy. Cameron played all the musical instruments himself except for the drums which were played

by Brendan – one of the country’s leading drummers.

The song has been described as ‘a new Rock/Pop love song with an upbeat feel and a touch of classic rock blended and recorded to perfection’.

Within a week of its release the single went to No.1 in the Irish iTunes rock charts! – an amazing achievement. Internationally it has got airplay in Nashville and several Eurpopean countries.

Cameron is appreciative of all the support he has got to date: ‘This is a very exciting time for me as it is my debut single. So far you guys have shown me phenomenal support and I truly appreciate it. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.’

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Hallie is in a familiar place Enniscorthy-based singersongwriter Hallie has good reason to be excited at present – her new single has been a huge success racking up over 30,000 views so far. Hallie says she is “over the moon to share the music video for my debut single Familiar Place”.

The song was shot using only an iPhone close to home during lockdown!

The experts at the Orchard Recording Studio in Enniscorthy looked after the song production and the

video and helped ‘get me through the moments of self-

Bree Country Fest Ray Quigley, producer of the Oylegate show, Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was due to go on stage in March in Oylegate Community Centre, is deliberating on a possible future run of the show.

Letter To You is available to download from all major internet platforms including iTunes and Spotify.

Our readers can follow Cameron rise in the music field on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and all social media platforms. n

It is with a heavy heart that the organisers of this year’s Bree Country Fest have made the decision to postpone the event until 4th September 2021, this is due to the current restrictions and guidelines from both the HSE and government. Anyone who has purchased tickets already or has won tickets as part of the festival’s facebook competitions, these tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled date. The line-up of Stuart Moyles, Cliona Hagan (pictured) and Derek Ryan will stay the same. n

consciousness!’, according to Hallie. ‘This is an exciting chapter that's just beginning and I hope you follow my journey! This is a big day for me to finally release my music and it means the world to me... I don’t think I’ll ever get over the shock of how much love and support my music has received! Thank you so much from the bottom of this lil woman’s heart. ’ The song is now available to stream on all the major platforms including Spotify. n

JAMIE ON THE MOVIES...

A great new vlog (video blog) by top Enniscorthy movie buff, Jamie Murphy, is now available on his own YouTube channel ‘One Take Thoughts’.

Check it out for his ‘Top 5 Stephen King Adaptations’, ‘Top 5 Horror Films’, ‘Top 5 Worst Bond Films’, ‘Antrum (deadliest film ever made)’ and lots more to come. n

Check with local venues and organisers about cancellations or postponements

20

Slaney News

6 July 2020

Enniscorthy - Now Open

As reported by Maria nolan in last month’s issue, “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...

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.”

Since Maria’s rallying words, a lot of businesses have reopened, but unfortunately some have closed also. We’ve taken a glance at a few local businesses and services...

THE DEnTIST WILL SEE YOU nOW! Smiles Dental Enniscorthy is back open to look after your smile. With new safety measures in place, you can now visit Ireland’s leading provider of dental care for routine dental treatment.

The practice, located at 16 Templeshannon, has been looking after Enniscorthy smiles for 12 years.

What safety measures are in place? Smiles Dental has introduced a new patient charter which outlines the new measures in place to keep you Covidsafe during your next dental visit.

Some of the new steps include:  Limiting the number of patients in practice at any given time  Rearranging waiting areas to maintain safe social distancing  Conducting a pre-appointment health-related questionnaire  Checking your temperature on arrival  Providing you with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)  Performing more frequent, deeper cleans in the practice.

Practice Manager Anne Marie Mackey said: “We’re delighted to be back caring for the people of Enniscorthy’s smiles. We’ve worked hard to put extra safety measures in place to keep our patients and staff safe. As a result, our practice and staff may look a little more clinical than before, but we're still the same friendly team.”

How can I book an appointment? If your smile is due a check-up, call Smiles Dental Enniscorthy’s friendly reception team on 053 923 6612 or email enniscorthy@smiles.ie to book an appointment. And for further information on Smiles Dental’s new safety measures, visit smiles.ie

V I A V E n E T O I TA L I A n RESTAURAnT

EnnISCORTHY SPORTInG DEPOT

Situated at 58 Wafer Street, E n n i s c o r t h y, Vi a Ve n e t o reopened its doors on Wednesday 1 July, with a warm welcome back, and offering a beautiful yet safe dining experience for everyone.

This new shop on Duffry Hill had just opened when the pandemic struck in March and it had to shut immediately. It’s now open again and Stephen is looking forward to satisfying all your sporting needs. For instance, if you are interested in club gear for your club, school, supporters club etc then contact Stephen through the facebook page "Enniscorthy Sporting Depot" and he'll gladly give you a competitive quote, or call into the shop any time.

To ensure an efficient and safe service, all the provisions regarding safety and hygiene are being complied with – the restaurant is being regularly sanitised and is equipped with all the necessary safety precautions.

The following provisions are in place: The restaurant can only accept reservations via phone: 0539236929 or online at www.viaveneto.ie or send an email to info@viaveneto.ie or reservations@viaveneto.ie.

If the restaurant cannot respond immediately, you will be contacted as soon as possible to confirm the booking.

For safety reasons, Via Veneto is unable to accommodate babies or children under the age of 13. It apologises for this inconvenience, but, due to the current situation, it feels it is the best decision for its customers’ health and safety.

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, Via Veneto is forced to reduce the seating available in the restaurant and to work in two sittings: Sitting 1 is from 5.30pm to 8.00 pm, Sitting 2 is from 8.30pm to 10.00pm.

Customers are kindly asked to please respect their booking time.

BEGA BARBER Bega has reopened his famous barber shop on Wafer Street but there are strict rules in place to ensure customer and staff safety. Please check page 5 of this issue for full details.

BREDA’S Well known Enniscorthy boutique – Breda’s on Market Square reopened for business in early June and they are delighted to be back serving customers – old and new – again.

C O U RT n E Y D E S I G n & PRInT Long-established Enniscorthy printing business, Courtney Design & Print, is delighted to be open again, and as busy as ever. Best of luck to Chris, Michelle and the team there.

SEWInG STUDIO MUM Sewing Studio MUM at 54 Wafer Street reopened on Monday 8th of June. The shop is limiting the numbers of people in the premises to adhere to social distancing. Elina and the team look forward to seeing you all again.

HILLTOP CLEAnERS Hilltop Cleaners, Duffry Hill, is open again to help you catch up on your Spring cleaning. As agents for Marlowes Cleaning in Wexford, Hilltop can take care of all your drycleaning and laundry needs; curtains, duvets, blankets, linens etc.

Hilltop Cleaners also rents out the RugDoctor machine to clean

Happy to be fully open again: David Bolger, O’Brien’s, Court Street Enniscorthy.

your carpets and upholstery.

Call on 053 92 33893.

Pharmacy at the Duffry in their recently extended premises.

AIDEEn VOnnO

ASTRO ACTIVE

Aideen Vonno’s popular hair salon on Duffry Hill has reopened and Aideen and her expert team are busy working their way through all their appointments.

Tel: (053) 923 4268. Facebook: ‘Aideen Vonno Hair’.

Lots happening at the recently reopened Astro Active at Bellefield. The Centre can be contacted on 053 923 6678 or 087 705 0357 for more details, or email: astroactive@cwcwe.ie

GLOW BEAUTY ROOMS Situated in the extensive Grants Pharmacy on Rafter Street, the stylish Glow Beauty Rooms run by the friendly Claire is open for business. Claire says: “I am really looking forward to seeing everyone... I have some Covid-19 measures in place to ensure a safe environment for everyone. These can be found on my Facebook and Instagram pages. You can contact me on 053 92 34405 or text 087 3978144 to make an appointment."

GRAnTS, THE DUFFRY. Best of luck to all at Grant’s

EnnISCORTHY CASTLE & 1798 CEnTRE Following all the controversy over whether it would be sold or not, it’s great to see that The National 1798 Rebellion Centre has reopened to the public.

Enniscorthy Castle is open also.

Both sites have implemented structures and policies to keep both staff and visitors safe as they explore Enniscorthy’s history. A joint ticket can be purchased giving great value admission to both these great centres. And the staff are really looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike. n

Hilltop Cleaners, Duffry Hill, is open again.

The staff of Vincents Charity Shop, Enniscorthy, Amy O’Connor, Orla Harrington Manager and Maureen King-Urbin, shortly after they reopened to customers on the Market Square, Enniscorthy.

Slaney News

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for Business

Carraig Briste has reopened

Dannys Barber Shop. The well known Enniscorthy barber, Danny Byrne, after 40 years plying his trade in Church Street, is “stepping back from barbering for now”.

“Enniscorthy has been good to me and I’m proud to be called a true Scalder,” Danny says.

“But for now, it’s time to reevaluate. Iwant to thank all of my very good clientele who have shown such loyalty over the years... But for now, I bid you all adieu.” The good news is that the shop will continue to operate under new management.

Back having the ‘craic’ at Turkuts on Rafter Street.

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT ADVERTISING IN THE ‘SLANEY NEWS’ CALL 087-2403310 On these pages we mention just some of the many businesses that have reopened in Enniscorthy. Our town’s non-food pubs will be reopening later this month.

However, some businesses have closed or their owners are retiring...

Yellow Rose Boutique has now fully closed. Proprietor Trish Rackard says, “It’s been a hard decision as I’ve loved every minute of my 4+ years in Yellow Rose... I want to first take this opportunity to thank my two work colleagues Gabrielle and Carmel for all they did for me, we’ve had some great times. To all of you who supported me and became not just customers but friends as well, thank you so much. To all my suppliers, I enjoyed dealing with you all. To my close family and friends who I couldn’t do without, thanks a million...”

Beauty By McCauley. To help combat the serious downturn in trading caused by the Covid-19 crisis, all the McCauley beauty salons are closing nationwide. The company says: “Beauty salon gift vouchers will be honoured in all our pharmacies. Any outstanding pre-paid treatment courses will be reimbursed.” If you have any queries, you can contact beauty@smcc.ie. In Enniscorthy, it looks like the closure will mean 5 therapists will be made redundant. A review by the company of some other aspects of the McCauley business model is underway so the possibility of job losses in their photo labs and premium cosmetics cannot be ruled out.

Eric Barron Menswear. Eric Barron is retiring soon and his shop on Main Street is currently holding a Retirement Sale.

Burke-O’Leary. The famous Enniscorthy shop, BurkeO’Leary, on Rafter Street, has closed after serving the people of Enniscorthy and beyond for 150 years approx. The Slaney News wishes Seamus and Helena all the best for the future. The good news is that this prime building is unlikely to be empty for too long. The Co. Wexford Community Workshop (which also has bases at Bellefield and Kilcannon) has applied for planning permission to establish a “day services town centre hub” in the building which is a protected structure.

The Baked Potato. This modern restaurant on the Old Dublin Road is not reopening.

The proprietors, Paula and John Murphy, have a young family and other business interests and so “Sixteen years later and with a young family it is with a very heavy heart we have made the decision not to reopen our doors. We sincerely would like to thank all our wonderful staff our loyal customers and suppliers who have always supported us.”

Patsy O’Connor. We understand that Patsy is retiring from business and his heating and plumbing shop on Irish Street will not be reopening. n

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THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM!!!

The Slaney News visited the impressive and spacious Carraig Briste pre-school in Templescoby, Enniscorthy, before it reopened on 29th June. Between Carraig Briste and a second centre at Killegney, Clonroche, Orlagh and husband James Doyle have over 200 children on their books! A huge amount of work was needed to comply with the new Covid-19 safety guidelines and to have both early years centres ultra clean and sanitised.

Above: Proprietor Orlagh Doyle looking relaxed at Carraig Briste before the reopening. Right: Cillian cleaning the playground. Below: Zoe Sinnott Banville and Orlagh Doyle getting everything ready. Bottom: James and Darragh hard at work at Carraig Briste.

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Slaney News

6 July 2020

Wexford County Council has agreed not to sell the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.

Here we get the views of some interested parties. See also Keith Doyle’s view on page 10.

Who Fears to Speak of ‘98

SEAN DOYLE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NATIONAL 1798 CENTRE. Writing in a personal capacity...

The recent announcement, the second one, by Wexford County Council to sell the building that accommodates what is known as the 1798 Centre at Arnold’s Cross has saddened and disappointed me. The latest news that it is not being sold creates an opportunity to completely overhaul the technology and the story being told and to launch it into an exciting future. It won’t be easy and it will demand sizable funding.

The origin and development, the optimistic hopes, the cruel desolation of the 1798 Rebellion are vividly depicted in an interactive audio-visual journey, both educational and entertaining. When opened it received international plaudits from visiting Historians and Professors of History as one of the best historical presentations of its kind and won awards.

As treasurer of Comoradh ’98 and the Friends of ’98 I received £780,000 (punts) from individuals and companies who contributed £2,000 each. All their names are listed for posterity on a wall in the Centre. The State and Local Government subscribed generously to the project.

Comoradh ’98, with others, organised the many activities during the amazing year of the Bicentenary of the 1798 Rebellion in 1998.

After the initial few years following the opening of the national 1798 interpretive centre the visitor numbers dropped off. I quote from a letter I wrote to the then County Manager, Séamus Dooley, four years after the Centre’s opening – “At a recent meeting of the Directors of the National 1798 Visitor Centre Ltd., I was requested to write to you regarding the present position and prospects for the Centre.

It is the general opinion of the Directors at the meeting that the spirit of the Bicentenary Year of the 1798 Rebellion that permeated the county during the eventful Commemorative year of 1998 has waned. More than four years has elapsed since the events of the Bicentenary and with the present visitor

Wexford County Council is no longer proceeding with the proposed sale of The national 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy knowing that a sale would not get the support of the majority of County Councillors.

The Centre was the flagship project of the bi-centenary commemorations for the rebellion in 1998 and was financed with a combination of EU and local money.

numbers the long term viability of the Centre is in serious question without a detailed review of its future potential to present other interpretations of our Island Story and History.”

There is some debate regarding the Centre and its location. It is my honest opinion, irrespective of its location, interpreting the history of the 1798 Rebellion is not a major attraction for visitors.

As a Wexford man it pains me to say it. Apart from Antrim, Down, Wexford, South Carlow and Wicklow it can be said that the rest of the country wasn’t really involved.

Some ten years ago the technology of the Centre was upgraded and modernised and was accompanied by a new promotional package but it didn’t succeed in attracting extra visitors.

It is time to convene a gathering of historians and experts on trends to attract tourists and seek their expertise to present us with ideas for an interpretive centre to embrace the totality of the history of Enniscorthy and County Wexford and our literary heritage. It could include 1798, 1916, Henry Wallop and the Earl of Portsmouth and their involvement with the town, Anthony Cronin, Colm Tóibín and other writers, Eileen Gray of world renown, the Jameson Whiskey connection with Enniscorthy, Annie Jameson from Enniscorthy, the mother of

It was hoped to attract 100,000 visitors annually and while figures were good for the first few years after 1998, since then numbers have dwindled to the point where, according to Wexford County Council Acting Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin, current receipts barely cover the cost of the Centre’s electricity bill.

The prospective new owner had planned to develop an exhibition centre and cafe, based around the life of Enniscorthy’s world-renowned designer and architect Eileen Gray.

A petition opposing the sale was set up by historian Colum Ó Ruairc and attracted over 6,000 signatures.

Guglielmo Marconi, Augustus Welby Pugin and St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Vinegar Hill, Power’s Whiskey connection with Oylegate and Edermine and many others too numerous to mention in this short article.

Such a project would cost a fair amount of money and with Local Government under severe pressure as a result of Covid-19 it is difficult to see where the funding is to come from in the immediate future.

A 107-page Feasibility Study was published a few years ago titled ‘Interpreting a Battlefield: The 1798 Centre and Vinegar Hill: Feasibility Study of Proposals for Development and Growth.’ It contained many proposals and suggestions which would cost €1,226,568 to implement.

The National Building Agency also came forward some years a g o w i t h p ro p o s a l s f o r Vinegar Hill.

I was very involved with the Centre when it opened, and for the first few years after it opening I assisted Bernard Browne, the then Manager, an excellent one he

was too. I acted in a purely voluntary capacity. I organised the VAT returns to Revenue and I assisted in preparing the figures for the Centre’s accountants.

The people involved with the Centre during its first few years of operation often remarked upon the small number of visitors from Enniscorthy that paid the admission fee and viewed the admirable presentation of their own history.

The interpretation of the history of the 1798 Rebellion was prepared by Louis Cullen, Professor of Modern History at Trinity College. Louis Cullen is a native of New Ross.

It is going to be a difficult task to get a new innovative centre up and going – it will absorb much funding and fresh thinking and the latest in modern technology and then the mission of sustaining it into the future with promotion and advertising, which also can be costly.

The opinions expressed in this short article are my own. n

The proposed sale was strongly opposed by local TDs James Browne and Johnny Mythen and by interested parties all around the country.

Enniscorthy Councillor Cathal Byrne, who was the most vocal critic of the recent proposed sale when it was first mooted at a local Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting, said the decision to sell the Centre “came like a bolt out of the blue”. One of his main concerns was that the plan to sell the Centre didn’t address what exactly would happen to the exhibits. “There were no plans for what would happen to the existing exhibits, many of which had been donated by local Enniscorthy people in the belief that they were to be put on permanent display.”

Cllr Byrne and many of his fellow Councillors On Wexford County Council have welcomed the u-turn on the decision to sell the Centre.

Cllr Byrne has now called on Wexford County Council to put together a comprehensive plan and investment package for the future of the 1798 Centre.

COLUM Ó RUAIRC, TRASNA NA TÍRE Colum Ó Ruairc is part of an online history group called Trasna na Tíre and also runs The 1798 Rebellion Casualty Database.

After the sale was first mooted, Colum got in touch with Wexford Co. Council seeking a discussion about maybe attaching the 1798 Centre to a history trust where it would be secured and new ideas brought to the place.

“I question why the threat still stands for the Centre being possibly moved to a new centre if or when that is constructed. Why can’t we have a separate centre dedicated to Wexford’s most turbulent period – the 1798 Rebellion.

Being moved to a new centre would only demote its importance to the heritage of Wexford.

The common excuse I’ve been hearing since I started the petition is that the 1798 Centre is in a bad location in Enniscorthy and doesn’t attract much footfall. Can I ask, why does Kilmainham Gaol receive so

many tourists considering its in the peripheries of the city centre with bad infrastructure for tourists. Why do people drive all the way to Clare to see the Cliffs of Moher? Because they want to. The centre needs better publicity and re-energising. It needs a new approach to entice tourists. The answer is not selling it nor awaiting a new centre which has no plans of being built.”

Colum’s online petition grabbed a lot of attention nationwide and across the world with its view that Wexford’s heritage is now being considered dispensable by the authorities.

“The centre is perfectly fine as it stands. Maybe some investment and re-energising wouldn’t go astray but it’s not a broken machine that can be tossed about when it doesn’t suit. It was built by donations by the people for a reason.

Leave it exactly where it stands or pass it over to a Heritage Trust.” n

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CLLR CATHAL BYRNE Cllr Cathal Byrne, who was the most vocal critic of the proposed sale when it was first mooted at a local E n n i s c o r t h y M u n i c i p a l District meeting in June, commented to us, “I am relieved that Wexford County Council have withdrawn from negotiations on the proposed sale of the 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy and that the sale will not now proceed.

The proposal to sell the Centre at a recent meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District came as a bolt out of the blue. I spoke strongly against the proposal at the meeting.

The proposal contained no plans for what would happen to the existing exhibits, many of which had been donated by local Enniscorthy people in the belief that they were to be put on permanent display.

The proposal was met with

shock by the entire Enniscorthy community. I have been inundated with constituents dismaying their shock at the proposal and over 6,000 people have signed a petition calling upon Wexford County Council not to proceed with the sale.

The sale of the 1798 Rebellion Centre would have represented a hammer blow to the town at the worst possible time. Each year, thousands of tourists visit

JOHNNY MYTHEN TD Enniscorthy to see Vinegar Hill and go to the 1798 Centre inspired by the ideals of patriots like Father Murphy and Myles Byrne. The knock-on effect on jobs would have been massive.

These tourists are vital to the town of Enniscorthy particularly in light of the difficulties posed by Covid-19.

The importance of the 1798 Centre to the town is a unique draw to Enniscorthy Town and supports cafes, pubs, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs. This has been recognised as such in Wexford County Council’s own submission to the Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy for the Southern Region. It never made sense to try to sell it.

I have now called on Wexford County Council to put together a comprehensive plan and investment package for the future of the 1798 Centre. n

JAMES BROWNE TD Wexford TD James Browne has welcomed Wexford County Council’s decision to scrap the sale of The national 1798 Rebellion Centre.

“I’m glad plans to sell the National 1798 Centre have been scrapped. Enniscorthy and County Wexford’s rich history boasts many ties to the 1798 rebellion. It would have been a shame to see the closure of the Centre.”

Deputy Browne hopes the decision to stop the Centre’s sale will now see the implementation of a plan to refocus efforts on promoting the historical Centre.

“As our National Centre dedicated to preserving and commemorating the history of the 1798 Rebellion, now is the right time to put a plan in place that will reimagine how we promote this important part of our county and country’s history”, Deputy Browne concluded. n

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Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society with Cllr Aidan Browne showing their support for The National 1798 Rebellion Centre.

The national 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy is ‘very important to people in Co. Wexford, it’s part of our DnA’ and must be saved at all cost, acording to local Sinn Féin TD Johnny Mythen.

Deputy Mythen was an Enniscorthy Councillor when a sale of the Centre was last proposed some years ago and he was one of the few Councillors at the time who objected to it, because as far as he was concerned “there was no Plan B”.

Deputy Mythen says, “Sinn Féin strongly opposes any sale of The National 1798 Rebellion Centre, a national treasure which preserves our history.” He continues, “The Rebellion cost Ireland the lives of around 30,000 of its people and saw thousands more emigrate or be transported as a result of it.”

Deputy Mythen points out that it’s not just an Enniscorthy institution but every parish in the county would be affected by any possible sale as every parish has some connection to the 1798 Rebellion and many villlages have memorials to it also.

Johnny Mythen encourages everybody to “visit the centre with your family to boost the visitor numbers, provide much needed revenue, and promote the Centre to your family and friends.”

Johnny Mythen on Vinegar Hill for a recent gathering to remember the 1798 Rebellion.

About half the original cost of the Centre was paid for by donations and voluntary contributions from people all across Wexford. “This

building was enthusiastically financed for a reason by people passionate about the Rebellion. This Centre belongs to the people.” n

MARIA NOLAN, P.R.O. ENNISCORTHY HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENTSOCIETY I remember with excitement and nostalgia the day the 1798 Centre opened in E n n i s c o r t h y, t h e t h e n Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD declaring it officially open on my birthday, 5th June 1998.

It was a day of joy, celebration, jubilation and euphoria for Enniscorthy as finally the Wexford Rebellion was given the national status and recognition it deserved with a magnificent state of the art building and exhibition and a new concept of embracing our chequered history, warts and all.

Enniscorthy was bursting at the seams that day with pleasure and pride.

As I walked through the front entrance I was consumed with happiness to see my own name engraved on the wall as a member of the ‘98 Wexford Senate reconvened 200 years after the inaugural.

The audio-visual presentation brought the visitor on a fascinating journey back in time placing the Wexford Rebellion in an international context at the core of modern democracy.

The Centre was heralded

as one of the finest visitor centres in Europe and for the first couple of years school tours and packed visitor coaches were a daily occurrence at the Arnold’s Cross venue.

So where did it all go wrong?

Location, location, location... It is my belief that the place for a 1798 interpretive centre is Vinegar Hill. The visitor to Enniscorthy, if he or she knows one thing about the town it’s Vinegar Hill, the two are synonymous – Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill.

Our ‘98 interpretive centre should in my opinion have been built into the Hill unobtrusively in much the same way as the Visitor Centre at the Cliffs of Moher.

So if you do not have the advantage of location what must you do then?

You must be continually marketing and providing people with a reason to visit and no exhibition on its own is enough to do that.

You must continually strive to re-invent, creating an experience for the visitor.

This can be as simple as constant Living History events

Photographer Matt Coady presenting Anne Doyle with a photograph of herself that he took at the Opening of The National 1798 Rebellion Centre on 5th June, 1998, with Maria Nolan (right).

on site with staff dressed as Redcoats and Pikemen.

People want an experience, they want to dress up and feel that they are part of the whole thing and they want the photographs to prove that they were. Much like the Titanic Exhibition in Cobh where the visitor becomes an actual passenger on the illfated ship.

To get people to come and to get them to return you must

give them a unique experience, let them dress up, give them pikes, give them a sense of being on the Hill on 21st June 1798 or at the many other battles of the Wexford Rebellion.

We cannot lament and protest against the closure of the Centre if we have no suggestions as to how it could and should remain open.

The Centre is as wonderful a space to showcase as you will get, and I am not opposed

to its sale provided a new and better home has been secured for our wonderful ‘98 exhibition because I also believe Eileen Gray should be remembered appropriately in her hometown.

Outside of Ireland, the most famous and best known Enniscorthy person is... yes you guessed it... Eileen Gray, yet here in Enniscorthy we are not capitalising on that at all.

I would love to see an Eileen Gray Exhibition in town and a Pugin Exhibition and a Jameson/Powers Exhibition and a proper Norman Experience but not at the expense of our magnificent ‘98 Exhibition.

Now more than ever we need as a town to embrace all aspects of our history and find suitable ways of making them all work together to create an entire and unique experience for the visitor to the town.

It’s time for some outsidethe-box thinking so that we won’t be protesting again against the sale of the Centre in the not too distant future.

– Maria Nolan, writing in a personal capacity.

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Slaney News

6 July 2020

Seal Rescue Ireland's Visitor Centre Reopens to the Public On 22nd June, the Seal Rescue Ireland Visitor Centre in Courtown reopened to the public but due to Covid-19 restrictions visits to the centre for the time being are by booking a tour only. The brand new tour called the ‘Seal Feed & Enrichment Experience’ has daily time-slots available: 10:00am – 11:00am, 12:30pm – 1:30pm and 3:00pm – 4:00pm.

Advance booking is necessary for this tour.

This brand new, immersive experience gives the visitor the unique opportunity to see the adorable seal pups up close, get involved in their rehabilitation, and help get them one step closer to being released back into the wild!

The one-hour experience will begin with a behind-thescenes tour of the hospital where the visitor can assist the skilled staff in preparing feeds and other enrichment items to keep the seals happy, healthy and mentally stimulated while in the care of the seal rescue centre.

The visitor will then be led out to our rehabilitation pools for the chance to feed the seals, watch them dive and compete for fish, and develop the skills they’ll need to flourish in the wild!

The duration is one hour and the cost is €20 per person with a maximum group size of 6 people per time-slot.

Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

For bookings, one can email: volunteer@sealrescueireland.org The seal rescue visitor centre in Courtown is run by Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) which is a registered charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned seals from across the coast of Ireland. SRI actively engages the public in marine conservation through education, research and community outreach programmes.

Its Irish base in Courtown consists of six (out of view) intensive care units, twelve kennels with baths and heat mats, four large nursery pools, a seal hospital/ food prep kitchen, a public picnic and garden area, and a visitor centre with an education space and gift shop.

In 2019 the ever-busy SRI rescued 116 seals, held 187 outreach events and received over 40,000 visitors.

Seal Rescue Ireland Courtown, Co. Wexford Y25 TP93 Phone: 053-9424980 RescueHotline: 087-1955393 www.sealrescueireland.org Info@sealrescueireland.org

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.

At the Seal Rescue Ireland centre in Courtown Harbour following its reopening are...

Above L-R: Cllr. Mary Farrell with Melanie Croce, Executive Director, Seal Rescue Ireland.

Right: Some of the staff of the centre – Kim Townsend-Smyth, Sydney Stone, Melanie Croce, (Cllr Mary Farrell), Alexandra Rose, Ciara Mellon-Kane.

Enniscorthy’s Walking App Free Outdoor Tour

Enniscorthy/River Slaney Tour 1. Download the WILDER WANDER App for free from Apple iOS or Google Play Stores 2. Click FIND/CATEGORIES/TOURS 3. Open Enniscorthy 4. Tour starts beyond Riverside Park Hotel 5. More informa�on - wilderwander.com

Supported and Developed by

REPRIEVE FOR ENNISCORTHY GREYHOUND TRACK

Enniscorthy Municipal District, with support from Wexford Walking Trails and Visit Wexford, has organised some great new Phone App walking tours using Goreybased company, Wilder Wander. The App is widely available – search for Wilder Wander and then find the Enniscorthy/River Slaney walking tour option. Guides for walks on Oulart Hill, Ferns, Curracloe, and other locations in Co. Wexford are also available there.

For more information, check out: www.wilderwander.com n

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY For information on all Enniscorthy Library events see “Enniscorthy Library” on Facebook or contact the library on 053-9236055.

Local parishioner Willie Carley gives the ‘thumbs up!’ to altar server and confirmation candidate Rory Goff who checks out ‘the fogger’ which will be used between Masses to sanitise the church at Glynn, Co. Wexford.

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25

Victorian elegance at Bell Heather Interiors Old worlde elegance and charm combine to create a Bohemian style ambience at the newly opened Bell Heather Interiors at Castle Hill, Enniscorthy.

The tasteful and delicate design of this new shop interior is reminiscent of times past, a sanctuary of beautiful items carefully and creatively displayed, clustered and scattered, and is the labour of love of Alish Pender and her husband Martin and their three daughters Aisling, Aoife and Orla.

I asked Alish where the delightful name for their endeavour emerged and she said it was inspired by the native bell heather in Kiltealy

where the Pender family live, so called because when you shake the heather it rings like a bell.

Everything about Bell Heather is that magical, from the exquisite and affordable pieces, Lady Lamps, handcrafted Ceramic Houses, luxurious fabrics, softly woven Cushendale throws, quaint Rathbourne scented candles to fabulous art by an array of talented local artists, all coming together in an atmosphere of warmth and welcome as the melodious strains of Lyric FM waft above enchanting trinkets and keepsakes from a bygone era.

My eye was drawn to several charming pieces but I par-

ticularly liked the dainty Victorian Candle Snuffers and the attractive, embellished Pill or Snuff boxes and the intricately ornate Photo Frames.

This is definitely a place for browsing and admiring and one would hope with its excellent location across from Enniscorthy Castle that it will provide the perfect retreat for visitors to the town seeking the unusual gift to take home with them and for locals looking for something unique and inspiring for their own homes.

Everything about this new Enniscorthy business exudes class and I would like to wish Alish Pender and her family every success. – Maria Nolan

The beautiful shop front created by Liam Doyle of North Two Madness.

Residents keeping it clean and tidy in Kilmuckridge

The Residents of Chapel Wood, Kilmuckridge, doing a major clean-up of their estate on Saturday 20th June.

26

Slaney Food & Drink

6 July 2020

All bodies are beach bodies

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.

now that restrictions have lifted and businesses are reopening, many of us are planning staycations, and hoping the weather will cooperate!

Holidays and warmer weather mean wardrobe changes, and for many this brings concerns about our appearance.

The terms “beach body” and “bikini body” are used regularly in marketing diet and exercise plans. Their use in marketing has been effective because they have pushed the idea that there is an ideal body for the beach or for a bikini.

When we break it down, how crazy is it to market a

diet based on location or an item of clothing? The big concern with diets that use these marketing terms, is that they do not have health in mind. All these beach body diets are based on aesthetics, not health, and when that is the case we have to ask ourselves whether the diet is doing our health a disservice.

I am not saying that it is wrong to want to look good, but you have to consider how much precious life you are missing out on to look a little different or weigh a little less.

So many of us fall into the dieting trap and become so

focused on weight that we put off living. There is never a perfect time to brave the beach or buy that bikini, so you might as well do it now!

At the end of the day, this summer, more than any other, presents us with the opportunity to really get out, explore and have fun in our won-

derful country. Don’t waste that precious opportunity hating your body or trying to change it, embrace it!

If you need support working through diet or body image concerns, contact Oonagh on 083-3260216 or visit www.littleonutrition.com for more info. n

Enniscorthy-based O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon Co has recently launched its new website which now includes an extensive online shop. Online sales for the first quarter of 2020 exceeded that of the entire 2019 period so O’Neills is absolutely delighted.

To say thanks for its customers' support to date, the company has produced a bacon lovers Stay at Home Pack which is full of its award-winning products and really good value too. Enjoy the superb range of products, including delivery

to your door, for just €35. For details of this offer, and lots of other information one can visit the website – https://oneillsbacon.ie/ O’Neills is also over the moon to have recently featured in food writer and chef Catherine Fulvio’s weekly slot i n t h e RT E G u i d e w h e r e Catherine features a shout-out for local food producers and small food companies.

Courtnacuddy-based Killowen Farm has recently been profiled in Catherine's column too. n

A great way to support local food producers A new way to shop for produce from local farmers and artisan producers.... https://www.neighbourfood.ie/markets LOG OnTO THE WEBSITE nOW AnD START SHOPPInG!

‘Taste Wexford’ tasty hampers

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

EnnISCORTHY FARmERS’ mARkET: Saturday mornings, Abbey Square.

EnnISCORTHY COunTRY mARkET: Friday mornings, IFA Centre, Millpark Road.

The Wexford Food Family Official Supporters programme acknowledges those shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels who are actually supporting and serving Wexfordproduced food and drink products.

A l l e x i s t i n g O ff i c i a l Supporters are encouraged to reapply for 2020 and of course new applications are very welcome also.

Application can be done via the new Wexford Food Family website https://wexfordfoodfamily.com/become-anofficial-supporter/ Retailers stocking a minimum of ten Wexford Food Family products, and food service outlets sourcing products from a minimum of six members, are eligible to become an Official Supporter.

To date, there are 36 Official Supporters of the Wexford Food Family which is really encouraging to see that so many local food service outlets and food retailers are getting behind and supporting local produce.

The last few months have obviously brought unprecedented circumstances and

The 2020 Eat Wexford Plaque which you’ll see at premises supporting the Wexford Food Family local producers.

challenges and have had a devastating effect on food production and food service.

So now more than ever local food producers need support from the hospitality industry and from consumers.

How it works: One can apply to be an Official Supporter on the WFF website. Applicants indicate on the website form which producers in the Wexford Food Family they are currently buying product from. WFF then checks with the producers that they are indeed supplying the applicant and then proceeds with the application. The updated list of Supporters can be viewed any time on the website.

For more information email sara@wexfordfoodfamily.com

To advertise in the Slaney News please contact: 087-2403310

Best of luck to Enniscorthy’s new coffee shop 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.

Slaney Ad

www.slaneynews.com

Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 Accelerated Measures in Response to Covid-19 The new Town and Village Renewal Accelerated Measures Scheme 2020 supports immediate interventions that can be delivered in the short term to respond to the challenges of Covid 19 and support the economic recovery of our towns and villages in County Wexford. Applications should demonstrate measures that assist businesses with social distancing requirements and encourage increased footfall to towns and villages as they re-open for business.

The "Accelerated Measure" will include a simplified application and approval process to enable projects which are part of a response to COVID-19 to be approved and delivered quickly. The Measure will provide funding of up to €25,000 per project, increasing to €40,000 for higher impact and innovative projects. Projects under this category must be completed within a 6 month timeframe and have the potential to deliver immediate results with 10% matching funding.

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

Selection of projects under the scheme will be by means of a competitive process.

Applications received will be assessed based on the priorities as contained in the scheme.

An outline of the 2020 Scheme and online Application Form is available from the Economic Development section of the Wexford County Council website at: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/business Interested town/village groups can also complete the Application form and return online or by email to: economic@wexfordcoco.ie Covid 19 Accelerated Measures Town and Village Renewal 2020 Economic Department, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93 Closing date: Round 2 Accelerated Measure is Thursday 16th July 2020.

Grants under the Community Enhancement Programme 2020 Wexford County Council in conjunction with Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development invites applications for funding submissions under the Community Enhancement Programme 2020.

A total fund of approximately €68,000 has been made available by Wexford LCDC to support small-scale capital projects. The maximum grant aid per project is €500.

Match funding is not required. All projects must be delivered in 2020.

Priority will be given to groups who incur capital costs in order to comply with COVID-19 re-opening protocols. See Programme guidelines for further details.

The online application form available at www.wexfordcoco.ie/community/ supports-grants-and-awards/ is the preferred method of submission. Programme guidelines and application forms are also available at this web address or by phoning 053-919 6000 or emailing community@wexfordcoco.ie. Closing date for receipt of applications is by 5pm Monday 31st August, 2020.

___________________________________________________________________

Proposed Addition of the Ballyhogue Famine Wall to the Record of Protected Structures It is proposed to add the Ballyhogue Famine Wall, to the Record of Protected Structures contained in the County Development Plan 2013-2019 in accordance with section 55 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

Wexford County Council considers that the addition is necessary in order to protect this important structure which is considered to be of special architectural, historical, cultural and social interest. This addition was not recommended by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

___________________________________________________________________

Notice Publishing Commencement of Audit – Wexford County Council Notice is hereby given that the audit of the accounts of the above-named local authority for the financial year ended 31 December 2019 will be commenced in the Council Offices, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford, by Ms. Catherine Tuohy, Local Government Auditor, on the 10th day of July 2020. In accordance with article 17 the Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014, objections to any matter or matters contained in the said several accounts will be considered by the Local Government Auditor during the audit.

Written notice of any proposed objection, setting out the relevant particulars and grounds on which it is to be made, should be sent to the above Local Government Auditor at County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford or lgauditor@wexfordcoco.ie within ten days of the commencement of the audit. The annual financial statement will be available during office hours for the inspection of all persons for a period of seven days before the commencement of the audit.

Dated this 3rd day of July 2020.

Tom Enright Chief Executive Wexford County Council County Hall Carricklawn Wexford

Street Lights Broken?

Report on www.deadsureapp.com

27

Further information on the Record of Protected Structures and the policies that apply to such structures or features in the County Development Plan 2013-2019 as well as the particulars of the proposed addition are available for inspection by appointment (Please Telephone 053-919 6101) at: Planning Reception, Planning Department, Wexford County Council at County Hall, Wexford; Monday to Friday, 9.00am-4.00pm from 7th July to 18th August 2020.

And online at https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning/built-heritage Please note that written submissions or observations with respect to the proposed addition can be made and should be received by the Forward Planning Section, County Hall, Wexford on or before 18th August 2020. Any such submissions and any observations received from the Minister will be fully considered by the planning authority prior to making the addition to the Record of Protected Structures. ___________________________________________________________________

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

Demolition of Existing Dwelling and Construction of a New Dwelling House in Ballycullane, Co. Wexford.

23/HS/2020

06/07/2020 @ 16.00

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

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

28

Slaney Business & Finance

6 July 2020

www.slaneynews.com

Businesses can avail now of restart grants of up to €10,000

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

The Government is providing a €250m Restart Grant, which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following Covid-19 closures.

To avail of the Restart Grant, a business must be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and: ● Have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people; ● Have closed and/or suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020; ● Commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed; ● Declare the intention to retaining employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and to reemploy staff on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment where applicable.

The grant can be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, for replen-

ishing stock and for measures needed to ensure employee and customer safety.

This direct grant support is part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, writeoff of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst our SMEs. One can apply online for a Restart Grant through your Local Authority website.

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 application value of €4,000.

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, measures to ensure employee and customer safety, etc.

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

To advertise in the Slaney News call 087-2403310

Financial support for Enniscorthy businesses affected by recent flooding The government has announced details of a number of schemes to provide temporary emergency humanitarian support to people who were affected by the recent severe weather conditions between Monday 15th June and Friday 26th June which resulted in serious flooding.

The Irish Red Cross Society has agreed to administer two schemes including the one for affected businesses.

Temporary Emergency Humanitarian Flood Support for Small Businesses: This scheme provides temporary emergency humanitarian support to small businesses that have been unable to secure flood insurance and were flooded following storms from the 15th of June to the 26th of June 2020. The closing date for receipt of applications is 25th July 2020.

This scheme is a temporary humanitarian support contribution towards the costs of returning business premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures, fittings, and damaged stock. The scheme will not provide a contribution to the loss of earnings or loss of business goodwill.

The scheme is targeted at small businesses (up to 20 employees) and will have two stages: 1. The first stage will commence immediately and will provide a contribution of up to €5,000 depending on the scale of damage incurred.

2. In the event that businesses have incurred significant damages above €5,000, the second stage will provide a means to seek further support.

However, this will be a more lengthy process requiring a more detailed assessment.

Eligibility Criteria for this scheme are detailed below. The total level of support available for both stages combined will be capped at €20,000 per property.

Criteria for Qualifying: (i) Only those small businesses that could not secure flood insurance are eligible. (ii) For the purpose of this scheme, a small business will be defined as one with up to 20 employees. (iii) The business premises must have been flooded between the 15th and 26th June 2020, this fact must be verified by the relevant Local Authority. (iv) Any location flooded during the period in question is

encompassed by the scheme. (v) At the time of the flood, the business must have been trading and in rateable premises (where the premises is not subject to commercial rates, the applicant should supply a tax clearance certificate as supporting documentation, or where this is not available, a recent official document from Revenue showing the tax registration number of the business). (vi) A business operating from a place of residence that suffered damage and was uninsured may be eligible to claim from the scheme provided that specific documentation can be supplied and the Department of Social Protection Scheme has not been used to co-fund. (vii) This scheme is not available to farming businesses. (viii) Landlords must supply a tax clearance certificate, a rental agreement, and in the case of a private rented tenancy confirmation of registration with the RTB at the date the flooding occurred.

Download the Application Form from www.redcross.ie For any queries call 016424600 or email EmergencyFlooding2020@redcross.ie n

Slaney Services

29

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VET DIARY FOR JULY

with the Moyne Veterinary Hospital Joe Kavanagh writes about running the practice during Covid-19. !

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Well it looks like we're coming out the other side of Covid and, from a Wexford point of view, pretty much unscathed, thank God.

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Whereas most businesses shut down for the entire duration of it, vets alongside other medical professionals kept going right through. Springtime is one of the busiest times in a "mixed practice”, i.e. a practice that covers both large and small animals, so it was all hands on deck for those couple of months.

Maybe it was because more people were at home 24/7 that they noticed stuff going on with their pets but we certainly noticed a big increase in the case load. We took the usual precautions, shields, one at a time at the reception desk, and taking the animals in minus the owners was a new departure and one we were not sure how the animals would react to. In actual fact, by in large, the animals were as good as gold in the clinic without their 'parents'!!!

I just want to pay tribute to all the owners who braved the elements and brought their pets out to us, often waiting quite a while as the case load was big, with great understanding and cooperation. It was a strange time but it was really brilliant to see people pulling together and looking out for one another. This was true for clients, clerical, nursing and veterinary staff. It was a difficult time made a whole lot easier by everyone having that understanding.

Chatting to lots of owners, their pets seemed to help get them through the lockdown too. Pets are so intuitive, I sometimes reckon my dog knows what I'm thinking and not just what I'm saying!

People who don't have pets might raise their eyebrows to that statement but most the rest of us know the real truth!!!

So a big ‘thank you’ to all for your custom, kindness and understanding during the lockdown.

Seasonal reminders: Reducing the level of feeding during the warm weather helps reduce skin problems.

Flea and tick treatments prevent infestation and reduce prevalence of allergies too.

Any queries just give us a call or drop into the front desk.

Thanks again from all the staff. 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:

✓ Full blood analysis - haematology - biochemistry ✓ Gas anaesthetic ✓ Digital X-rays ✓ Ultrasound ✓ Dermatological testing ✓ Kinesiology ✓ Bioenergy ✓ Prescription diets ✓ Herbal remedies ✓ Homeopathy ✓ Allergy testing

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

T: (053)9233187, 9236674. F: (053)9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK): 9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment): Daily 9.30–10.30am, 2.30–3.30pm, 5.00–6.00pm.

24-hour, on-call, Emergency Service: (053)9233187.

30

Slaney Ads

6 July 2020

www.slaneynews.com

A BUSINESS CARD SIZE AD OR VISIT OUR DEDICATED WINDOW FASHIONS SHOWROOMS AT: UNIT 1, PARKLODGE, LYMINGTON ROAD, ENNISCORTHY (IN OLD DUNNES STORES CAR PARK)

109 NORTH MAIN STREET, WEXFORD (BESIDE WHITE’S HOTEL)

Blinds and Curtains Blind Cleaning and Repairs – Refinishing FREE FITTING! Covering all Areas of Co. Wexford Three Generations of Window Blinds Makers

MAKE DARCY BLINDS & INTERIORS YOUR “GO TO COMPANY” FOR WINDOW FASHIONS

Tel: 086-4054860 www.darcyblindsinteriors.ie Email: darcyblindsinteriors@gmail.com

ENNISCORTHY ENGINEERING & FABRICATION

HILLTOP DRY CLEANERS Duffry Hill, Enniscorthy, 053-9233893 EXCLUSIVE AGENTS FOR MARLOWE DRY CLEANERS WE HAVE A FULL LAUNDRY SERVICE Easy to use

DOYLE GRASS CUTTING SERVICE

✆ 087 2719714

Servicing Co. Wexford Contract Service Available

Rent the New – EasyDry RugDoctor all-weather clothes line Clean your own…

with a roof!

 Carpets  Upholstery,  Rugs  Car Interiors

No more rain or bird problems. Mobile too!

Tel: 087-1740930

Great Value!

Brogan

This spot can be yours for €25+VAT

BLINDS

All types of window blinds supplied & fitted

Call 087-2403310 ENQUIRIES WELCOME

These roller blinds bring colour into your home without the hassle of painting.

● Gates - Railings ● Welding & Repairs ● ● Mild Steel ● Stainless Fabrication ● ● General Engineering ●

 LONG ESTABLISHED  FREE QUOTATIONS

Enniscorthy Engineering & Fabrication Rockview, Ballyorrill, Enniscorthy Phone Mick McGrath: 087 9392624 Email: mickmcgrathjnr@gmail.com ● New website: www.enniscorthyengineering.ie ● ★ ★ ★ ★

To find out more about how you could benefit from outsourcing writing tasks to a professional writer, contact Caroline on 087-7946277 to discuss your unique requirements. caroline@starcontent.ie www.starcontent.ie

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Article writing Blog writing Document writing Document review and editing Web content Brochure content Letters/emails Invitations Press releases Product/service descriptions Advertorial Bios/About pages Company profiles Company news LinkedIn articles Facebook posts

Roller, Venetian, Vertical and Skylight Blinds supplied and fitted to suit all windows and doors.

Top quality for bottom prices BROGAN BLINDS

Ballindaggin - Enniscorthy - Tel: 087 1279288

FOOD PC & Laptop Repairs/Sales I.T. Help for Home & Business

Website Design We Call to You! TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS See Website for Details (087) 2994988 or www.kenscomputerclinic.com

FOCUS

Clonhaston, Enniscorthy Contact Billy at (087) 2749493 Fresh Chicken  Whole Chickens  Fillets  Kievs Maryland  Mexican Wraps  Turkey Breast _____________________________________________________ PARTY FOOD: Goujons, Wedges, Chips, Cocktail Sausages, Prawns in Filo Pastry, Chicken Drumsticks, Mini Spring Rolls _____________________________________________________ BARBECUE: SteakBurgers, Chicken Kebabs, Sausages _____________________________________________________

And many more items at wholesale prices

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

Our August issue will be out on Monday 3rd August 2020

Slaney Ads

www.slaneynews.com

31

NOTICE HERE FOR JUST €25+VAT Singing Lessons

Memorial Cards

MYLES DOYLE - TEL: 087-0519214

available at

C&R PRINT Templeshannon Quay, Enniscorthy

Internationally Renowned Tenor & Vocal Coach Singing Lessons for All Levels and Ages

Call us on 053 9235295

GUTTERS, FASCIA & SOFFIT Cleaned and Repaired

Contact John 086-3298522

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

T: (053) 9233187, 9236674. F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK): 9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment): Daily 9.30–10.30am, 2.30–3.30pm, 5.00–6.00pm.

24-hour, on-call, Emergency Service: (053) 9233187.

ECCE SCHEME

FOR SALE

ra; Naíon h Iris age Langu ool h Presc a l “Cúp l”! i Foca

for €25+VAT

8’x 5’ TRAILERLOADS OF SEASONED HARDWOOD ONLY €150 – GREAT VALUE! Also bags of hardwood €4.00 each Bags of Kindling €3 – Good bags of Turf €5

Free Delivery. Contact Jim: 087-7552944

This spot can be yours

Call 087-2403310 087 0951019 Within: Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh, Drumgoold, Enniscorthy.

Contact us on 087-2403310 to ensure your ad is included.

32

Slaney History

www.slaneynews.com

6 July 2020

If a picture tells a thousand words…

Ibar Carty chronicles the 20th century in Enniscorthy & beyond

Ibar Carty has opened up his vast photo archives to the Slaney News. In this 104th of a series, Ibar shares a photo from Oulart in 1996 with a whole lot of silverware! And a photo of a successful Enniscorthy CBS football team but what was the year, and what was the competition? If you can help answer those questions, Ibar and the Slaney News would be delighted to hear from you.

For our convenience we would ask you to email: slaneynews@gmail.com.

Thank you.

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

Remembering with Heart and Hand On Sunday 21st June, observing strict Covid-19 regulations, members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society came together at Vinegar Hill to remember and commemorate all those who lost their lives there on that fateful day 222 years ago in the Rebellion of 1798.

On the longest day, 21st June 1798, the Battle of Vinegar Hill raged over the town of Enniscorthy resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 1500 lives – men, women and children as the Crown Forces battered the Hill with heavy artillery crushing the poorly equipped Pikemen.

Led by Chairman Ray Murphy, Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society recalled the day that our town wrote itself onto the pages of the nation’s history books.

Fighting a different kind of battle, Covid 19, EHRS could not allow the day to pass without honouring our heritage and our dead. In keeping with tradition a wreath was laid at the

’98 monument on the hill by EHRS member Joe Mernagh.

Local TD Johnny Mythen was on hand to say a few well-chosen words and the simple, dignified ceremony came to a close with a rendition of the Wexford Anthem – Boolavogue.

We are the product of our history and the sacrifices made by those who went before us and we should never forget the debt we owe them.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanamacha go léir.

– Maria Nolan

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, L-R: Tom Boland, Joe Mernagh and Ray Murphy.

Below: The full group with Johnny Mythen TD (far left). Pics: Maria Nolan.

Slaney Around the Region

www.slaneynews.com

BUNCLODY… 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.

33

GOREY…

Bunclody as one of just five projects countywide to benefit from Town & Village Renewal scheme funding. He spoke about the strong community team in place in Bunclody that could help push Bunclody’s case for funding.

BuiLdinG in BunCLOdy Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy at the Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting on 15th June spoke strongly in favour of more house building in Bunclody. She said the demand is there as is the available land, and services like sewerage, water etc. Acting Director of Services Carolyne Godkin agreed that the Council would look at Bunclody again from a building viewpoint.

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.

PLAyGROund And TEnniS COuRTS These facilities are now open.

But please use your own sanitiser before entering and adhere to social distancing rules.

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/

SHOPFROnT PAinTinG And FLOWERS SCHEmES The Council has organised two schemes to financially assist local businesses to paint their shopfronts and to put up hanging baskets/windowboxes. Each shop could get up to €250. See www.wexfordcoco.ie for details.

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.

BunCLOdy HORTiCuLTuRAL SOCiETy Due to Covid-19 restrictions the Society’s annual show will not be happening this year.

TOWn & ViLLAGE REnEWAL Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) Manager, Ger Mackey, at the EMD meeting of 15th June proposed that the Council push

TOuRiSm BunCLOdy Make sure to visit the Tourism Bunclody Facebook page to view the spectacular images which are posted there daily. n

A PLC college assisted by the Waterford Wexford Education and 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

Having fun at Gorey District Park: “Look mummy how long I can hold on.” Michaela Brack shows how strong she is to mummy Aoife.

SignaCare Nursing Home Bunclody

Wexford County Council and Gorey District Council’s new development at Gorey District Park under construction. It should be finished before the end of this year, following delay caused by Covid-19.

KILMUCKRIDGE...

Residents of Chapel Wood, Kilmuckridge, engage in a recent major tidy-up of their estate.

FERNS...

HiSTORiC FERnS M a k e s u re t o c h e c k o u t ‘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.

FERnS ARCHAEOLOGy nEWS Ferns gets a double mention in the summer issue of 'Archaeology Ireland' magazine. One article discusses the new find of a portion of a high cross near the cathedral while the other talks about the results of the archaeological excavations (towards the back of Centra) last year. The magazine can be got online at archaeologyireland.ie or from any good bookstore. n

GREEN SCHOOLS...

The 2019/2020 academic year marks the 2 3 rd y e a r o f t h e G re e n - S c h o o l s Environmental Education and Awareness Programme in Ireland. 35 schools from all across County Wexford were awarded the Green Flag for their work on the themes of Litter & Waste, Energy, Water, Travel, Biodiversity and Global Citizenship.

Two schools received the Green Flag for the first time, while Scoil Mhuire, Horeswood, scooped the Global Citizenship Energy Primary South School award.

The Wexford Green Schools programme is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Wexford County Council. It is a long-term environmental education and awareness programme where schools contribute to protecting and improving our environment as well as mitigating the effects of climate change in their locality.

Cliona Connolly, Environmental Awareness Officer at Wexford County Council, said: “I am continuously impressed by the dedication and the amazing activities and projects by Green Schools each year and look forward to working with and supporting students and teachers again soon.” n

!"#$%&'#()*+$, Litter & Waste Energy

Water

Travel

Biodiversity

Global Citizenship Litter & Waste

Global Citizenship Energy

Global Citizenship Marine Global Citizenship Energy Primary South School Award

-./++0 Kilanerin National School, Kilanerin, Gorey St. Mary's C.B.S. Enniscorthy Coláiste An Átha, Kilmuckridge St. Fintan’s National School, Mayglass Raheen National School St. Aidan's National School, Clonroche St. Mary's National School, Tagoat Ballyhack National School Ballyoughter National School Boolavogue National School Davidstown Primary School Loreto Secondary School, Wexford Presentation Secondary School, Wexford St. Joseph's National School, Marshaltown Riverchapel National School, Courtown Wexford Educate Together National School Ballyduff National School Good Counsel College, New Ross St. Anne's National School, Rathangan St. Joseph's National School, Donard Courtnacuddy National School Loreto Convent Primary School, Gorey Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown Scoil Realt na Mara, Kilmore Screen National School St. Garvan's National School, Caroreigh St. Peter's College, Wexford Kilrane National School Ballygarrett National School Danescastle National School St. Canice's National School, Rosbercon Scoil Mhuire, Horeswood Kennedy Park National School, Wexford St. Kevin's National School, Tara Hill, Gorey St. Senan's Primary School, Enniscorthy Scoil Mhuire, Horeswood

34

Slaney Motoring

6 July 2020

www.slaneynews.com

Caroline gets motoring

Renault Zoe

Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in ireland.

Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for irish Car of the year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at www.changinglanes.ie.

Renault Zoe interior.

REVIEW BY CAROLINE KIDD The Renault ZOE debuted in Europe back at the 2012 Geneva motor Show, making the ZOE one of the veterans in this modern era of electric mobility. now in 2020, Renault is back with a new generation of the car – the Z.E. 50, a name which reflects the car’s new battery size. in fact, this is a car that has been consistently tweaked and improved over the years since its launch.

In Ireland the Renault is the cheapest way into an electric vehicle with this new ZOE coming in a whisker below the starting price of its closest rivals the Opel Corsa-e and the Peugeot e-208 with a sticker price of €26,990 after Government grants and VRT relief. That’s still considerably more than a 1.0-litre petrol Renault Clio for example, but let’s not forget the incentives,

zero tailpipe emissions and savings you can make on running costs with an electric car.

The new 52 kWh battery replaces the 41 kWh of the previous generation of the car yet doesn’t take up any more space. It offers 25% more range than the Renault ZOE Z.E. 40 and is officially rated at 395 km (WLTP). Over 300 km is definitely feasible from new ZOE, especially if you stick to low speed city driving. What’s more, the higher capacity battery doesn’t drop kilometres from your range rapidly the minute you arrive on the motorway and squeeze the accelerator hard.

New safety technology has been incorporated into the ZOE’s platform along with a new regenerative braking ‘B Mode’ and 100 kW engine.

There is also 50 kW DC fast charging for the first time in the

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form of a new CCS adaptor.

After 30 minutes you could be on your way with an extra 145 km of range.

But don’t overlook the standard 22 kW AC Chameleon charger, which is actually a little bit of genius in its own way. You can use any of the ESB’s more plentiful Type 2 chargers, charge at 22 kW AC, and get a full charge in 2 hours and 40 minutes. A 7 kW wallbox unit at home for example charges the new ZOE in 9 hours and 25 minutes.

A brand-new interior takes many cues from the new Clio, which improves the quality and technology of the vehicle considerably. We also welcome a new electronic “e-shifter” gear lever and automatic parking brake with auto-hold function. The digital display for the driver is new and much more modern than what has

come before. The new ZOE also benefits from Renault’s latest infotainment system that syncs easily to Apple and Android smartphones. There is no height adjustment lever on the driver’s seat but the steering wheel does adjust for reach and rake.

In Ireland the ZOE range consists of three trim lines – Play, Iconic and GT Line. Two motors are available, which give a different power output – the R110 motor (108 hp) and the new R135 motor with greater performance (135 hp).

The entry model into the range with that appealing sticker price (€26,990) has the R110 motor and in built 22 kW Chameleon charger.

Equipment on this vehicle includes an impressive new 10-inch TFT instrument cluster, 7” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,

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LED headlamps, automatic lights and wipers, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, and cruise control. The Iconic model is available from €28,990 with the R110 motor or from €30,990 with the R135 motor and opens up the option of the CCS adaptor. The GT Line is the top of the range model and comes as standard with the R135 motor, available from €31,990.

The ZOE was designed from the start as an all-electric vehicle. Over the years, the brand has improved battery capacity without taking up more space inside the vehicle. In fact for a five door electric supermini, the ZOE does a good job. The boot is deep and has a capacity of 338 litres with a practical hatchback opening style. Up front the ZOE is roomy for two adults with lots of headroom and elbow room. It’s smaller in the back, feeling more suitable for two across the rear bench.

However, Isofix child seat fixtures on outer rear seats and the front passenger seat boost practicality.

The ZOE’s compact dimensions and electric powertrain work well together, particularly in the urban environment. It’s here you really feel the benefit of ZOE’s instant response from the electric motor and cool, linear acceleration. I’ve tested the ZOE a

few times in the last few years, but this model seems to adapt to high speed motorway driving much better than before. This is down to improved refinement in the cabin and the higher-powered motor. You sit quite high in the ZOE, great for visibility but this car is not a sports car. The steering and handling do pass as feeling natural most of the time so there’s still all of the fun of driving a small car.

Like many manufacturers, Renault is moving fast now into electrifying popular models in their range. New hybrid versions of the Clio and Captur are expected this year. For buyers committed to full electric motoring, ZOE remains a charming tried and tested, tweaked and honed formula that balances affordability with practical charging and comfortable range. model tested: Renault ZOE Z.E. 50 R135 GT Line.

Price: €31,990 (range from €26,990).

Engine: 100 kW. Power: 135 hp.

Torque: 245 Nm. 0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds.

Top speed: 140 km/h.

Motor Tax: €120 per year n

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Slaney News

www.slaneynews.com This month i am delighted to feature one of Enniscorthy’s most prominent and well known female entrepreneurs, Cathy Keane, the proud owner of Heritage Tours Wexford.

Heritage Tours provides the visitor with a chance to experience all that Wexford and the Southeast has to offer with excellent tours, delivered by the very knowledgeable Cathy, that include the Hook Highlights Tour, Brooklyn Movie Tour, Enniscorthy Town Tour, Fr. Murphy’s Footsteps, Southeast Gems, Wicklow Day Tour, Kilkenny Day Tour, Waterford Treasures and The Pugin Trail.

This very enterprising Galwegian has taken Wexford and Enniscorthy to her heart since arriving here in 2007. ‘I remember the first day I visited Enniscorthy. I came down from what I later learned to be the Duffry, down Main Street and I was immediately struck by the beauty of the town, the trees on the righthand side, a very imposing church on the left, the sweeping winding streets one after another of matching imposing residential over commercial, with a great big hill off in the distance. And I thought to myself, this looks so different from any other town I have ever visited in Ireland.’

Well, since arriving in town that day in 2007, Cathy herself has certainly made a difference, establishing her own bus company and creating a Town Bus Tour which takes almost 3 hours to complete – now who would have thought there was that much to do in Enniscorthy.

But much more than that, Cathy has created a greater awareness of the town and county and its many and varied attractions for locals and visitors alike and has definitely increased visibility, footfall, and that all important, revenue, within the county.

Recently, I got the chance to find out more about this chatty

SLANEYSIDE SUCCESS STORIES A series by Maria Nolan

entrepreneur and some of the things that motivate her.

Tell me a little about your current position and what you do.

At present I run my own mini bus hire business. I specialise in guided tours of Co. Wexford and the surrounding counties.

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.

What path led you to your current position.

I moved to Enniscorthy when I met my partner Angela Franklin. I spent many years working in the hotel industry.

I love my country and talking about it. When I moved to Enniscorthy twelve years ago armed with a bus-driving licence I was pleasantly surprised to discover a county so rich in stories, scenery and sunshine! I then embarked on a mission to tell the world about Wexford.

Who and what motivated and influenced you along the way.

My parents were my first motivators, not by what they said but by example. You got up, you worked and you earned a living. That instilled in me a strong foundation for my life. The person who had the greatest influence on me was Dr Marie Keane.

A GP in Galway she was kind and considerate to her patients, listened and didn’t judge. She always had a very positive outlook no matter what.

Has it been a difficult or enjoyable journey.

My life’s journey has been a very enjoyable one. I have lived in many countries, met a lot of different people along the way and created many memories.

The memories I made along the way are silent, unspoken, that matter only to me but they have left me feeling content without a longing to be anywhere else now but here in Enniscorthy.

the expectation of a reward or praise.

How do you motivate and influence people.

By example. I believe if you explain to people what your vision is, what is needed to achieve it and people see you are doing your best to achieve it, they in turn will be motivated to follow your lead and participate.

What are you most proud of.

The business I set up since moving to Enniscorthy. The creation of my Enniscorthy Town Bus Tour and running of the first ever scheduled tourist bus in Co. Wexford.

What do you dislike most about yourself.

My insecurity and self-doubt.

What do you dislike about others.

Lots of talk and no action!

If you could live in another time, when would it be.

Back in the 1980s again just to appreciate the music a lot more!

I took it for granted back then.

‘Galway’s loss has certainly been Enniscorthy’s gain’ – Cathy Keane with Co. Wexford Tourism Officer Billy Byrne.

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up.

I wanted to be a long-distance truck driver in America. I used to love America. I loved the idea of travelling across the states in a truck with a bunk in it where I could sleep and live in. I think I might have been influenced by American TV shows like Flipper (full-time sunshine and a pet dolphin), The Brady Bunch (a big house with a housekeeper) and Lassie (a dog who would make sure I would never get lost or die).

What was there not to like about America back then?

How would you like to be remembered.

As someone who contributed to society and the well-being of her community.

Who were your childhood heroes.

I don’t think I had any heroes as such.

What’s the one thing about you few people know.

I appeared on the Ricki Lake TV Show in America.

How would you describe yourself.

I am a good person who would do anyone a good turn which in return would make me feel good for having done it. The satisfaction comes from carrying out the turn and not on

If you could change one thing in your past what would it be.

I would like to have gone to university – Trinity.

What do you think is the best thing about Enniscorthy/ Wexford/Ireland.

35

The best thing about Enniscorthy is its potential along with the amount of sunshine in Wexford and the uniqueness of the people of Ireland.

What do you think is the worst thing about Enniscorthy/ Wexford/Ireland.

The worst thing about Enniscorthy is the way the town has been allowed to decay over the years. Lots of empty false promises about its future along with “plans” that have never materialised. Now Wexford Co. Council want to contribute further to its decline by possibly selling off The National 1798 Centre.

What do you like most about your job/career.

Talking about Ireland. Talking about Wexford. Engaging with visitors and contributing to their enjoyment of their trip to Ireland so they go home with the best memories.

What was the best day of your life?

A long time ago when I lived in London my mother Maura (RIP) visited me. 1990 I think it might have been. We took a day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon and it was probably the first time in my life I was alone for a day with her.

I saw a different, funny side to her that day that has remained with me to this day. Nothing dramatic. Nothing remarkable.

Just a great day that left me with a happy feeling that never left me.

If you could be or do anything else what would it be.

Kinder.

Cathy Keane is a get up and go kinda gal, well informed, creative, passionate, affable, enthused and above all positive and her positivity is infectious. I think we can safely say that Galway’s loss has certainly been Enniscorthy’s gain and long may she remain among us promoting and marketing all that is good about our beautiful town and county. Thank you Cathy.

– Maria Nolan

Have your say on proposed N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Scheme Wexford County Council is seeking the public’s views on the proposed n11/n25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Scheme.

The new scheme aims to develop over 30kms of highquality road from the m11 north of Oilgate to the n25 at Rosslare Harbour, improving network resilience, road safety and access to Rosslare Europort.

The public will have the opportunity to contribute to the scheme development during the consultation process which runs from Monday 6th until Monday 20th July 2020 and offers an opportunity for members of the public to voice

their opinions and to contribute to the overall development of the project.

The Scheme aims to develop over 30km section of high-quality road which will link Rosslare Europort (and the greater south Wexford area) with Dublin via the M11, and Cork & Waterford via the N25.

Following a comprehensive feasibility and constraints study, eight scheme options are being considered. The details of these options, along with other scheme information, is available at www.oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie Information leaflets are currently being distributed to

almost 7,000 homes and other properties within the study area, and the public will have an opportunity to submit their observations before close of business on Monday the 20th July, 2020.

Director of Service at Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, said, “Rosslare Europort has become increasingly busy over the last few years, resulting in increased pressure on the infrastructure serving the Port and communities across south Wexford.

The outcome of Brexit means that Rosslare is of ever-increasing importance as a primary

transport link with the continent, and though this increase in trade and tourism will bring welcome economic benefits to both the South East and Ireland in general, it will also result in increasing pressures on road capacity and safety along the N11 and N25 corridors linking to Rosslare Europort. This scheme aims to address this by upgrading the transport corridor from the current M11 motorway to Rosslare Harbour, resulting in safer, easier access.”

“We want to hear the views of the public with regards to the proposed scheme options. With the current restrictions on large

gatherings in place due to Covid-19, we cannot hold an information session, as we would during normal times.

However, the public will be able to express their views and have direct contact with the project team via phone conversations, as well as on-line and email services,” he concluded.

The project website www.oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie will provide a central point for all the latest project information and feedback.

All queries or comments in relation to the project may be addressed to:

N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93, Phone: 053 9196000, Email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie Website: www.oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie/contact-us All feedback received will be considered by the project team and a post-consultation report will be published on the project website.

This report will summarise the consultation process and the matters raised during the consultation. n

36

Slaney News

EnniSCORTHy EyE

DIAry DATES

a column by Joseph Doyle

coNgrATuLATIoNS...

Congratulations to Aimee Breen on her 21st birthday.

Best wishes to Sandra Earl who takes over from Danny Byrne in Dannys Barber Shop.

Congratulations to BarbaraAnne Murphy on becoming the Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District.

Across the water, well done to Liverpool FC on winning the FA Premiership.

We l l d o n e t o a l l t h e

6 July 2020

www.slaneynews.com

ToWN NEWS...

Enniscorthy Rugby Club award winners for 2019-2020: 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.

And congrats also to all the rugby club Youth award winners.

– Joseph Doyle

resume our l il w e w ll e w g in o All g ust issueor. e g u A r u o in s te a D m Diary 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.

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.

Cllr Jackser Owens

Scripps Garage in ‘Heartbeat’.

Tv NEWS...

The 1960s police drama Heartbeat has viewers hooked again. Since lockdown i have been at home with my parents and we have been watching it.

Heartbeat is set in the 1960s in the fictitious Yorkshire town of Ashfordly and the village of Aidensfield where it focuses on the lives of the local police force and their day to day goings-on.

There is never a dull moment in this drama. The main setting is Aidensfield police station and the local pub which is run by the ex police sergeant and his daughter. It has several big names in it such as Nick Berry (ex Eastenders) and Irish actress

Sorcha Cusack who is his wife and local doctor. It also stars wheeler-dealer comedy actor Bill Mayard as Claude Greengrass.

There have have several changes to the cast, especially the boys in blue, but this programme will have you crying and laughing as some epsiodes are heartaching and some are funny. It also has some great rock and roll music thoughout with the main one being Heartbeat by Buddy Holly.

The TV show lasted for 18 series from 1981 until 2010.

Heartbeat is on every day at 5pm and 8pm on Virgin Media 3 or you can probably get a full box-set from Amazon.

– Joseph Doyle

BuSINESS NEWS...

Best wishes to Bell Heather interiors – a beautiful new shop on Castle Hill. it is run

by Alish Pender and her husband martin and their three daughters Aisling, Aoife and Orla. Well done to Liam doyle of north Two madness on creating such a beautiful exterior to the shop.

Best of luck also to Grants Pharmacy with their recently opened new extension at the duffry.

– Joseph Doyle

Some of the beautiful items on display in Bell Heather Interiors.

Welcome to this month’s column as we are slowly coming back to normality. unfortunately, reality has come into play also with the closure of several businesses due to Covid-19 and also some owners retiring.

We wish them all well.

Some people are also losing their jobs – the Slaney News was sad to hear that McCauleys beauty salons are closing for good with significant job losses. With the closure of the Baked Potato and Yellow Rose boutique there looks like being some more closed-up premises in town at least in the shortterm. However, some other premises are getting a new lease of life with Dannys Barber Shop being taken over by new management and Burke-O’Leary likely to be taken over by Co. Wexford Community Workshop as a town centre hub.

It's going to be tough for the reopening pubs and restaurants with all the new rules, regulations and safety measures coming in to play.

It will undoubtedly be difficult for both staff and customers, and perhaps some pubs may decide not to reopen at all. In any event, we wish them all well.

The upcoming pedestrianisation at the weekends of the town-centre streets is a welcome idea and a good one for the weekend trade in pubs and businesses in Wafer Street, Market Square, Rafter Street, Slaney Street,

Slaney Place and Templeshannon. I hope the Council’s plan successfully facilitates taxi-drivers, disabled people and people with mobility vehicles, the elderly etc.

On the good news front, it’s great to see that the 1798 Centre is not going to be sold and when we caught up with Cllr Jackser Owens he was glad also. But he says to keep the Centre open we need to put a plan into action and get up off our backsides and promote the Centre better to tourists, as well as school and college tour groups. A good restaurant, coffee shop, gift shop etc to cater for school tours with staff dressed in period costumes. Also, a playground and other amenities and entertianment for children.

Jackser would like to see the Council getting RTE involved e.g. for Nationwide to do a feature on the Centre.

He also said a courtesy bus should be purchased to ferry tourists around town with a good tour guide. In addition he would like to see a proper tourist office in town, and more public toilets particularly at Vinegar Hill, Orchard Peace Park and at the 1798 Centre.

Finally, please continue to sanitise your hands and keep safe, and remember to shop local, eat local to keep our town going.

Thanks as always for your support of our paper.

– Joseph Doyle

ENNIScorTHy grEyHouND TrAck Enniscorthy Greyhound Track is back open to the public since 29th June. Racing is on Mondays and Thursdays. First

Race at 8pm with gates open from 7.30pm. Admission €10 and OAPs €8. Kids under 18 – Free admission.

kALLAN HEADS To ENgLAND

Congrats to Enniscorthy Town FC player, Kallan Murphy, who has just signed for Chesterfield FC in Derbyshire, England, and will play for their U-19s next season.

Chesterfield competes in the National League, the fifth tier of the English football league system. Best of luck to Kallan from all in Enniscorthy.

– 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

www.slaneynews.com

Wexford GAA stories wanted!

A major drive is being launched to source and publish for the first time Wexford GAA stories from the grassroots of the association.

The collaboration between the association and publishers, Ballpoint Press Ltd, aims to gather the most comprehensive treasure trove of Gaelic-related stories ever compiled in the 136-year history of the GAA. As well as Wexford and the four corners of Ireland, stories will also be sought from across the globe, in particular from those who have been GAA frontier people in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries.

Potential contributors who feel they have a story but may not feel up to writing it can get in touch with Ballpoint Press and relate their account.

It will then be written and sent back for approval before being submitted for final publishing.

The president of the GAA, John Horan, said he welcomed the exploration through the GAA grassroots to find the diversity of stories that undoubtedly exist there.

Well-known journalist and author, PJ Cunningham, will spearhead the undertaking alongside GAA Communications Director, Alan Milton.

PJ said it had been an ambition of his for many years to bring what he believes is the great legacy of GAA stories together under one project.

“GAA is a way of life for most Irish people at home and abroad. It is packed with diverse stories from on and off the pitch. I grew up listening to them and enjoying their retelling, but the reality is that many of these stories exist only in word of mouth form.

“Basically, we are interested in any story from 1884 onwards to the present day that has a special, novel or unusual twist to it.”

For further information contact pj@gaastories.ie or communications@gaa. Letters can be sent to GAA Grassroots Stories, Ballpoint Press, 4 Wyndham Park, Bray, Co. Wicklow, phone 086-8217631.

37

All hurls blazing at Bellefield Pic: Maria Nolan.

Pic: Maria Nolan.

Above left: Gates of Bellefield open after three months of lockdown. Right: Lenny Connolly sanitises at Sanitation Station with Covid Supervisor John Tobin, as James Peare signs in.

it was all hurls blazing on Thursday 25th June as Bellefield GAA came out of Covid lockdown to welcome back our Senior players for the 2020 season.

Covid 19 measures were strictly adhered to with the Covid Team Supervisor John Tobin collecting all relevant data from players and mentors entering the grounds including confirmation from each that the eLearning Module and the GAA Medical Health Questionnaire had been successfully completed.

Players were asked to sign

in to confirm same before they sanitised at the designated Sanitation Station.

Then came the moment we had all been waiting for and looking forward to when Club Covid Supervisor Pat Tobin, happy that we were compliant with GAA Covid directives and safeguards, turned the key in the lock and threw open the gates of the main pitch for the first time since March.

The beaming smiles of players running onto the carpetlike Bellefield sod was evidence enough, if we needed it,

of how much we have all missed our national games and sport in general over the past few months.

Special thanks to Bellefield groundsmen Jim and Willie Nolan and players Kevin Foley and Lenny Connolly for the excellent work they have done over the past three months to have Bellefield in its present pristine condition for the 2020 Championship.

All teams are now back at training, adult and underage, male and female, with Covid Supervisors assigned to each team ensuring that we are

Covid compliant at all times.

As a word of warning, please note that if evidence of completion of eLearning Module and Health Questionnaire is not produced, access to training will be prohibited.

We are delighted to welcome all back to Bellefield but we must be constantly vigilant that it continues to remain a healthy environment for all and we anticipate your cooperation and understanding of all our endeavours to this end.

– Maria Nolan, Healthy club officer.

Enniscorthy Golf Club Brian Walsh Hurleys & Sports sponsors club gear GREAT OFFERS Enniscorthy Golf Club has great new membership deals on offer now – 18 months membership for the price of

12 months, but these offers end on 31st July. So hurry!

Call 053-9233191 for full details. n

Shamrocks GAA Club Shamrocks GAA Club, Enniscorthy, Cúl Camps: Dates are 27th July to 31st July. The official website (www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie) is open now but spaces are limited.

ONLY online bookings will be taken this year (no walk-ups and no physical booking forms accepted).

Deepest sympathy to the Donohue family on the passing of Jason. Jason, was a former chairman of the Shamrocks GAA who worked tirelessly for the club and will be sadly missed by all members. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam. n

As things get back to basics in Bellefield with the re-opening of our pitch, local company Brian Walsh Hurleys & Sports has come on board with a very generous sponsorship of club training gear for our Senior players for 2020.

Brian, born and bred in the shadow of Bellefield, along with wife Wendy, daughter of the late Paul and Marie Lynch, and daughter Aoife run a thriving business in hurls and exclusive sports gear supplying many of the clubs in the county as well as clubs all over Ireland.

Brian, Wendy and Aoife are ardent Wexford supporters and loyal supporters of

Rapparees/Starlights looking after our players and attending all our games.

Brian learned his trade many years ago at Bellefield under apprenticeship to the late Paul Lynch where he began banding and repairing hurls. His expertise and attention to detail and obvious love of all things GAA quickly brought him to the notice of the County where he became Kitman for the Wexford Senior Hurling team under the then Manager John Meyler.

Brian was the first Kitman in the country to have his own branded kit van which he sourced himself through sponsorship.

Today, his ever expanding

Pic: Maria Nolan.

Brian and Aoife Walsh.

business has outlets in six different venues around the country and Brian Walsh hurls are visible all over Ireland as teams underage and adult take to the field.

Brian is an unassuming gentleman who does a huge amount for the GAA and gaelic players beneath the radar so to speak and never looks for credit or acclaim of any kind.

Speaking of his successful business, Brian says that he is happy that his success gives him the opportunity to give something back to his club for the many years of enjoyment he and his family have had with Rapparees/Starlights, and on behalf of the club I would like to extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to Brian, Wendy and Aoife and wish them many more years of enjoyment and success.

– Maria Nolan Pro

Pic: Maria Nolan.

“Pull like a dog!”

Rowing returns tonight (Monday 6th July) at Edermine Ferry Rowing Club at 7pm for adults only for the first week. Full safety measures will be place.

Kneeling: Kevin Foley and Kevin Ryan. Standing L-R: Johnny Hyland, Brian Walsh, Aoife Walsh, Ben Edwards, Tomas Mahon and Liam Ryan.

38

Slaney Arts & Heritage

6 July 2020

Opera Fest – online only for 2020 Wexford Festival Opera has announced that it has taken the difficult decision to reschedule the previously announced artistic programme to October 2021. This is due to the ongoing worldwide uncertainty regarding the continuing impact of the COVid-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions into the autumn, and in the best interests of the health and welfare of the Festival’s audiences, artists, staff, and volunteers.

However, the spirit which enabled a small provincial town to create a world-renowned opera festival continues to this day, inspiring Wexford, with the support and guidance of its board of directors, to develop a crisis-inspired formula by presenting a reimagined, online Festival.

‘Waiting for Shakespeare …The Festival in the air’ is an online celebration of music which will still encompass many of the artistic ambitions already set out by Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi earlier in the year, principally to nurture the talents of the best young Irish singers through the mentorship of world-renowned artists who share a love of Wexford.

This reimagined Festival aims to bring together audiences and the wider worldwide Wexford community through the power of music.

The Festival will now run for eight consecutive days, from Sunday, 11 October until Sunday, 18 October 2020. During this time, audiences from home and abroad will be invited to experience the magic of Wexford Festival Opera online from the comfort and safety of their own

with Maria Nolan

‘THE SILENT PATIENT’ - A REVIEW: The Silent Patient, debut novel by screenwriter Alex Michaelides is a New York Times and Sunday Times Best Seller and most deservedly so.

In the genre of psychological thriller, this wasn’t a book that I couldn’t put down but it was very much one that I very much looked forward to picking up each time.

Wexford Festival Opera production of Adina in 2019

homes. Further details of where and how to join in will be announced shortly.

Speaking in a joint statement, Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi and Chief Executive David McLoughlin said, “Wexford Festival Opera makes an invaluable cultural and economic contribution to the nation in general and to the community and businesses in Wexford in particular. The repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic are regrettably beyond our control and we fully acknowledge the impact the postponement of this year’s full festival will have on the community which founded the Festival seven decades ago.

“However, the indomitable spirit of Wexford Opera lives on, even in these uncertain and challenging times. We are determined to leave no stone unturned to ensure the Festival remains active, dynamic and

fully prepared to welcome audiences back to Wexford to celebrate the Festival’s 70th anniversary in 2021.

“This year’s Festival aims to build on our pioneering digital initiatives in recent years to present an exciting and varied programme of events, safely and at no charge to our audiences across Ireland and around the world. It also presents the opportunity for the wider public to access and experience the magic of Wexford perhaps for the first time.

Existing ticket holders will be contacted directly regarding ticket refunds and the option to consider converting all or part of their refund into a donation to support Wexford’s artistic mission, in particular its ongoing initiatives to develop the talents and careers of emerging Irish singers and the creation of an online musical celebration this autumn.

The Festival will open with Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle, dedicated to the memory of the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will close with the highly anticipated Lisette Oropesa concert. Other events will include a star-studded Gala concert, featuring some of the opera world’s top performers, most of whom performed in Wexford early in their careers, a special dinner time recital by the celebrated Irish soprano Celine Byrne, as well as a new opera by Artist-in-Residence, composer Andrew Synnott. A community element will remain with a series of pop-up performances which will take place daily in Wexford town in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

Full details of ‘Waiting for Shakespeare... The Festival in the air’, are available through the w e b s i t e : w w w. w e x f o rdopera.com n

The Silent Patient is an extremely clever and well written novel that I would describe more as a study of the criminal mind than a classic psychological thriller. For me it didn’t have the frantic pace and drama of the thriller, it was smart, slowburning and completely and totally hypnotic with a riveting conclusion that is worth the price of the book alone.

Alicia Berenson appears to have the perfect life, she is a successful painter married to and very happy with fashion photographer Gabriel.

They live in a rather grand house with large windows overlooking a park in London. One evening Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot and Alicia shoots him five times in the head and never utters another word.

She offers no explanation in her defence and the mystery captures the imagination of the British public turning her into an even greater celebrity than before and causing a dramatic hike in the price of her art work.

Alicia is sent to a secure forensic unit in north London where criminal Psychologist Theo Faber eventually gets a position and the longawaited opportunity to work with her. He is determined to put an end to the excessive medicating and zombielike state of his silent patient and goes to great ends to break her silence and unravel the mystery.

As Alicia’s story unfolds so does the world of her psychotherapist in yet another layer of mystery so cleverly woven by the author that we the readers become engrossed in Theo’s secrets even as Alicia’s are gradually coming to light.

This wonderful book is an original and it is only when you experience the mind-blowing conclusion that you realise just how complex and fascinating the story really is, trust me this is one that will keep you guessing right to its astonishing end.

Couldn’t recommend this intriguing masterpiece highly enough especially for those who like a well woven tale.

– Maria Nolan

Wexford Literary Festival – the only show in town! in the wake of Lockdown and Covid-19, Wexford Literary Festival is proud to announce that it refused to be thwarted by the dreaded Coronavirus and instead embraced the new opportunity it presented to host the 7th annual Literary Festival online and to a larger international audience including newfoundland, St. Louis, Texas, norway, London, mexico, new york and Philadelphia, Canterbury, Wales, Scotland, yorkshire, France, Canada, Los Angeles, California and of course all over ireland.

Hosted by Elizabeth Whyte and the Wexford Arts Centre, the Festival was officially opened on Friday evening, 3rd July, by journalist and writer Billy Keane, son of the late John B Keane, who said that he was delighted to follow in his father’s footsteps as John B had opened the Enniscorthy Strawberry Fair back in its infancy. Billy spoke of Wexford’s stellar literary tradition putting it on par with Kerry saying, ‘If there is ever to

be a literary All Ireland the final would have to be contested by Wexford and Kerry,’ what a marvellous endorsement of our Festival which has truly gone international. With a preference for face-to-face contact and an opportunity to see Enniscorthy, Billy asked that the Festival committee would keep him in mind again for 2021, and he will be most welcome.

Many goodwill wishes were re c e i v e d f ro m t h e n e w Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Barbara Anne Murphy, County Tourism Officer Billy Byrne, James Browne TD, Paul Kehoe TD, Johhny Mythen TD, Ger Mackey Enniscorthy Town Manager, and Maree Lyng President of Enniscorthy & District Chamber.

MC Maria Nolan thanked sponsors Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Town Manager Ger Mackey, Arts Council Ireland, Arts Department Wexford County Council, Easons and Damian Byrne, Wexford

Participant: Colum McCann

Host: Elizabeth Whyte

Arts Centre, South East TV, and all who had generously contributed donations and bought tickets to support the only summer festival virtually in Wexford this year.

All messages of support are recorded and available for access on our website along with recordings of all our events at www.wexfordliteraryfestival.com.

The Festival’s Chairman, Richie Cotter, thanked all for participating especially all those who submitted short stories, plays and poems and had some

very special words of praise for his extremely hard-working committee who pulled out all the stops in lockdown to make the Festival happen.

Festival Administrator Anne Gilpin proceeded with the presentation of Awards. The Colm Toibin Short Story Award went to author Amanda Huggins of Yorkshire for her story Eating Unobserved, with Eamma Flynn from Kerry in second place with Is it a Bad Time and James Lawless of Kildare coming in 3rd with A Touch of Affection.

The Anthony Cronin Poetry

Award went to Derek Sellen from Canterbury for his poem Layla, in second place Better Lies

by Natalie Anne Holborow from Swansea and in 3rd place Snokflakes by Steve Denehan from Kildare.

Committee member Carol Long introduced the Billy Roche One Act Play Award with first place going to Ciara Cassoni from Dublin for her play The Search, in second place David McCall from Cork with Thick as Thieves and coming in 3rd Michael Yale from the UK for his play Not For You. Local author Peter Murphy announced the joint winners of the Peter Murphy Spoken Word Award – Colin Hasard and Demi Anter from Germany.

With participation over the weekend from authors Colm Toibin, Eoin Colfer, Colum McCann, Carmel Harrington, Sheila Forsey, Andrea Mara, Jane Ryan, Fintan Murphy, Michael Fortune and Dr. Conchubhar O’Crualaoich, and poets and spoken word per-

formers, Louis de Paor, Carla Rose Thornton, John Cummins, Cormac Lally, Stephen James Smith, Elizabeth McGeown, Kate Felix, David Braziel and Michelle Dooley Mahon, this was indeed a sterling Festival described by Chairman Richie Cotter aka Sir Writesalot in his closing address as, ’It was wonderment in Wexford at the 7th Annual International Wexford Literary Festival all through the wizardry of Zoom.’

– Maria Nolan The theatre at The P r e s e n t a t i o n C e n t r e , Enniscorthy, is closed until 20th July for essential theatre upgrades.

For information on bookings and tickets contact emily@presentationcentre.ie For the visual arts and exhibition programme contact lisa@presentationcentre.ie For all things marketing and social media contact larry@presentationcentre.ie

Slaney Wexford Town

www.slaneynews.com

39

Min Ryan Park now open Min (Mary Josephine) Ryan In 2016, the Mulcahy family gave a very generous donation of €200,000 to help with the construction of a park in commemoration of their relative Min Ryan. The park was also part-funded by the Government of Ireland through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

The Ryan sisters were from Tomcoole, near Taghmon in Co. Wexford. Min (Mary Josephine) was born on 29 December 1884, and Mary-Kate was born on 28 February 1895. Both sisters attended Loreto Abbey in Gorey.

Min also attended Loreto Abbey in Dublin, and later the Royal University of Ireland. Mary Kate attended U.C.D. Min was an active member of Cumann na mBan, and became the honorary secretary of its executive committee. She acted as a dispatch rider in Enniscorthy in the days leading up to the Rising in 1916, then went to serve at the G.P.O. and Jacob’s factory in Dublin.

She was engaged to Seán Mac Diarmada who was executed for his role in the Rising.

She then went on to marry General Richard Mulcahy, who would become commander-inchief of the Irish Army.

Mary Kate was also involved in Dublin during the Rising, serving in the G.P.O. She went on to marry Sean T. Ó Ceallaigh, who was a founding member of the Volunteers and later became President of Ireland. n

At Min Ryan Park, Wexford.

Above: Wexford Co. Council officials and contractors.

Left: Nadia Jordan enjoying the monkey puzzle.

Right: Katie and Niamh Gordon.

Construction of Min Ryan Park commenced in September 2018. This new landmark public park, which opened to the public last month, is a high quality and attractive open public space, which is accessible to all. The array of attractive features include a playground, picnic area, dog park, memorial garden, walking track, water features, multi-use events area, play spaces, wildflower meadows and art/sculpture displays.

Wexford Town – getting used to queuing outside

Reopening Day on Wexford’s Main Street on Monday June 8th.

Queue outside Penneys on Sunday 14th June 2020.

40

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