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Issue 93 - Wednesday - 3rd January 2018

Your local FREE community newspaper

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The beginning of a new year is a good time to look ahead and gazing into the crystal ball we see plenty of positive developments ahead for Enniscorthy…  A new Technology Park beside the St Senan’s Hospital site is expected to commence construction over the coming months and should result in the creation of hundreds of new jobs.  A Centre of Excellence for Education in High Performance Buildings is expected to be open on the above park by end of 2018.  The Enniscorthy By Pass is expected to be completed by the end of this year.  Preliminary work on the Flood Defence Scheme is progressing with main construction work due to commence early 2019 and last for three years. The plans will go on public display again in Spring 2018.  A €10m town-centre urban development project based around the Enniscorthy Castle/Athenaeum area is likely to commence construction in 2019/2020.

 St Senan’s Hospital has

been purchased by a local consortium with a view to constructing luxury apartments there while maintaining the important features of the magnificent, original building.  Major redevelopment of Templeshannon is planned for the period following the completion of the Flood Defence Scheme.  Between existing planning applications and others in the pipeline, there could be up to 1,000 new houses constucted in the town over the next few years.  Orchard Park – the new urban park currently being constructed between Irish Street and The Presentation Centre will be finished by this March.  Vinegar Hill will be a top priority over the next few years following recent major achaeological research there. We expect to see significant investment there over the next few years. Plus there are lots of other smaller projects in the pipeline which we will highlight over the coming months. n

✚ Kavanagh’s Pharmacy Duffry hill, enniscorthy. tel: 053-9234660.

Have a Healthy and Happy New Year

from Everyone at Kavanagh's Pharmacy

Slaneynews: Next issue will be out on Weds 7th Feb 2018

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Slaney News

3 January 2018

THE SLANEY NEWS IS NOW AVAILABLE IN 230 OUTLETS!

comment I hope all our readers had a very happy Christmas and I wish you all good health and happiness in 2018. January is a time to look back at the year just gone and to look forward to the new one just beginning. Thankfully there are signs that local people are taking action on a number of fronts to bring about positive changes in our community. We have four major festivals in the town every year making us one of Ireland’s premier festival towns. The Enniscorthy Business Association and Enniscorthy Chamber are very active on the business front. We have wonderful facilities in the town including the Enniscorthy Sports Hub; the Country Walk by the Slaney; the renovated Athenaeum; the beautiful Presentation Centre; the revamped Greyhound Track; two 4-star hotels; top class sports facilities for virtually every sport you can think of, etc. And lots more positive developments coming down the tracks – see our front page. We should all make it our New Year’s resolution to take a more postive view of our town and enjoy all it has to offer in 2018 and beyond. – Frank Corcoran

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

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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 Vapor Nation George’s Hair Salon Impresso Cafe IWA Charity Shop Bart’s 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 Flowercraft South East Animal Rescue Maura Flannery’s Shop Mary Elizabeths My Café Coffee Shop Abbey Centre Bizzy Fingers California Sun Tan Orchard Fruit & Veg Shop Mrs Quinn’s Charity Shop Chernobyl Charity Shop Annette’s Flowers Sandro’s Wickham Bros The Athenaeum Arzaq / Fastech –––––––––––––––––––– Alba Restaurant Shang Hai

Golden City Galo Chargrill Riverside Park Hotel Via Veneto The Bailey TOP shop/filling station Greenville Stores ABC Takeaway Robbies Pub Enniscorthy Kebabish Holohan’s Pub Mizzoni’s Popovici’s Toss Kavanagh’s FFC Carry Out Templeshannon –––––––––––––––––––– Kavanagh’s Pharmacy Dawson’s Bar Uptown Kuts Enniscorthy Cabs Hilltop Dry Cleaners Stitch Dat Aideen Vonno Sonas Pet Corner Presentation Centre SuperValu Pettitts Gonzaga House –––––––––––––––––––– Quik Pick, Ross Road Grants Pharmacy Saucy Butcher Per Depot Bellefield GAA complex Mace/Maxol Bellefield CWCWE Enterprise Centre Enniscorthy Voc. College Co. Wexford Education Centre –––––––––––––––––––– C&R Print Bus Stop Shop Smiles Dental The Barber Shop Enniscorthy Chamber Screaming Canvas Slaneyside Carpets Treacys Hotel Waterfront Merrythought House

Disclaimer:

ONLY 230 MORE DELIVERIES TO DO !

–––––––––––––––––––– Main Post Office IFA Centre Bank of Ireland Wexford Local Development Enniscorthy Credit Union Enniscorthy Castle Tadhg Darcy Blinds Cottage to Castle Curtains Ashmore Mortgage & Financial Services Frizelle O’Leary Solicitors Property Team M.A. O'Leary Burger Macs Hope Shop –––––––––––––––––––– Sherry FitzGerald O'Leary Monica’s Hair Salon Phoenix Estates Crystal Script Kennys for Bikes O’Learys Newsagents –––––––––––––––––––– Library St John’s Hospital 1798 Centre Mackin Travel

Claudia Blaess Counselling & Psychotherapy

Professional Counsellor and Psychotherapist offering counselling services in Enniscorthy ________________________________________ Evening, Tuesday and Saturday sessions available at reasonable rates ________________________________________ Providing person-centred therapy as well as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). ________________________________________ Please contact me at 086-0752561 or cblaess@gmx.net if you would like further information or to arrange an appointment. ________________________________________

www.enniscorthycounselling.eu Facebook: “Enniscorthy Counselling” ________________________________________

GX3 Scissors Sisters Put A Bow On It Finishing Touches Yellow Rose Post Office at Cathedral Town Council Offices River Restaurant Community Info. Service Delaneys Newsagents Toffee & Thyme O’Brien’s, Court Street Serenity Place Court Street Dental Clinic Court Street Medical Centre Turkuts Citizens Advice Centre Byrnes Bookshop –––––––––––––––––––– Evolv James Browne TD Office Paul’s Shoe Repair Finnegan’s Findz –––––––––––––––––––– Studio 5 Bega Barber Storm Hair Design Beautique Paul Kehoe TD Office Mick’s Barber Shop Paula Treacy Auctioneer Enniscorthy Bike Centre –––––––––––––––––––– Gala Express, Old Dublin Rd Moyne Veterinary Clinic Pump Palace Gym Kilcannon Garden Centre Superdine Body Blox Life Fitness League Barber Jamie Murphy Car Valeting Tile Store n More Baked Potato Old Dublin Road Coal Yard ATB Tyres Before & After Furniture Enniscorthy Auto Centre –––––––––––––––––––– Enniscorthy Golf Club ADAMSTOWN:

– Tony Robbins sT sEnan’s parish Bingo Regular Sunday night Bingo takes p l a c e i n Te m p l e s h a n n o n Community Centre, starts at 8pm. i r i s h c o n v E r s aT i o n nighTs Enniscorthy man, Pat Leacy, is running Irish conversation nights every second Wednesday in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 8-9pm. This is an informal gathering where everyone has the opportunity to chat using whatever Irish they have and whatever standard it is at. The next night is 10th January. All are welcome. Phone Pat on 087-1377068 for more details and information.

Cullen’s Gala. BALLAGHKEEN: Donohoes Foodstore BALLYCARNEY: Jenny’s Diner BALLYEDMOND/WELLS: Downes Gala BALLYMURN: Peter Doyle’s Costcutter Ballymurn Credit Union. BLACKWATER: Londis Post Office BOOLAVOGUE: Post Office Fr Murphy Centre. BUNCLODY: Adult Learning Centre SuperValu Pet Corner Anatolia Turkish Barber Betsy’s Hair Parlour Bearbóir Barber Mango Tree Millrace Hotel Tourism Office Rivers Edge Library Campus-Gala Sugar & Spice Daybreak, Ryland Road Eurospar Half Way House Credit Union Urban Barber Chevue Studio Dols Beauty Clinic DNG O'Connor & O'Connor Hers N Sirs ArtBank Hair Junction CAMOLIN: C&K Takeaway Christy Byrne’s, Butcher Post Office. CLONROCHE: Kavanagh’s Gala Greene’s Shop Post Office Larkin’s Shop. House of Hair

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Enniscorthy snippets… ThE aThEnaEum For all that’s happening see Facebook: “Enniscorthy Athenaeum Museum and Historic Theatre“. EnniscorThy flood dEfEncE updaTE The Environmental Impact Statement and Outline Design have been completed. The scheme was exhibited to the public in 2009 and 2012 and is expected to go on public display again early in 2018. Advance works are currently underway and the main

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 Ferns Computer Services Saints Salon Daybreak Davitts Music Shop KILMUCKRIDGE: Centra Kates Coffee Shop & Deli Sean Ógs Hotel. Boggan’s KILTEALY/BALLINDAGGIN: Kiltealy Post Office. MONAGEER Monageer Tavern / Shop. OULART: Corrigan’s Londis Post Office. OYLEGATE: Garrys Service Station. RATHNURE: Codd’s Shop 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, Newtown Road.

Court Street dental Centre

"By changing nothing, nothing changes."

CURRACLOE

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.

TK Cabs 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 Alcast Motor Factors

construction work will commence early in 2019 lasting 3 years. B E n E aT h m y a n g E l s wings On 8th of January 2018 Beneath My Angels Wings – a local group which supports families who have lost children, are handing over memory boxes to the staff of the maternity unit in Wexford General Hospital. This project has been ongoing in 2017 and would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of people who knitted the

Slaneynews: Local Publisher Local Printer Local News

Dr. Roland Woods

memorial clothes for the boxes. Special thanks to Hogan Print, Enniscorthy, for design and construction of the boxes. The group hopes the memory box campaign will be an annual event and support to families who have lost children. The organisation exists to support all families and can be contacted through its Chairman, Cllr John O'Rourke, on 086-8420609. al-anon Worried about someone’s drinking? Call the Al Anon confidential helpline 01 8732699, www.al-anon-ireland.org. Local meetings held in St John’s Day Care Centre, Mondays, 8.30pm. n

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Slaney News

3 January 2018

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Tech Tip

Stopping the new Mafia’S digital footprint froM Spreading

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Cybercriminals are the New Mafia of today’s world. This new generation of hackers are like traditional Mafia organisations, not just in their professional co-ordination, but their ability to intimidate and paralyse victims.

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Right now, the New Mafia is winning. We found that ransomware attacks have grown by almost 2,000 percent from September 2015 to September 2017. And cyberattacks on businesses have increased 23 percent in 2017. What these attacks show is that we as an ecosystem—vendors, governments, companies—aren’t learning from our mistakes. Instead of coming together to defeat a common enemy, the focus remains on shaming victims. Whether they be individuals or companies, we’re all quick to point the finger. But that narrative must change. Those affected by cybercrime are often embarrassed and they don’t speak out, which can have dangerous consequences as organisations delay or cover up breach incidents without a plan to prevent them from happening again. We need to educate the public to recognise the signs of an attack which can minimise damage, while educating victims instead of shaming them.

by DaviD pohluDek Ferns compuTer services

This new mentality is important as we face the future of cybercrime. I read articles every week about the billions of devices that will be connected in the future. While the overarching goal is to make our lives easier, it also presents a threat. The New Mafia is well prepared to exploit the increase in connected devices from cars to pacemakers. We are still making our way through the Wild West of the Internet of Things with early security solutions and a lack of legislation. For now, we need to keep our digital streets clean with a collaborative model between the public and private sector, a general awareness about the dangers of cybercrime, and the use of proactive defences. Shifting from victim shaming those who have been attacked to engaging with them will remove the crime bosses from our highways of digital opportunity in 2018. Ferns Computer Services has been in business in Ferns since May 2007. Established by David Pohludek, it has a huge clientele base all over Co. Wexford and beyond.

Chamber supporting the Hope Cancer Support Centre

L-R: Enda Kavanagh (Enniscorthy & District Chamber), Joan Morrin (Hope Cancer Support Centre), Maree Lyng (Enniscorthy & District Chamber), Rosaleen Casey (Pettitt’s), Denise McDonald (Hope Cancer Support Centre) at a cheque presentation for €805 to the Hope Cancer Support Centre – the proceeds from the recent Happy Pear event raffle organised by Enniscorthy & District Chamber.

MAIN STREET, FERNS, CO. WEXFORD. Tel: (053) 9367339 Mobile: 087 0577981 Email: info@fernscomp.ie

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CALL OUT SERVICE, HOME AND OFFICE VISITS OPEN MON–FRI 10AM TO 6PM, SAT 10AM to 2PM

Bega’s charity day

Bega Barber would like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who supported his recent charity day by donating and volunteering. €530 was raised for children with type 1 diabetes in Wexford General Hospital. Bega’s next charity day will be in February.

Wexford agrees 2018 Budget wexford county council on 28th november approved its revenue Budget for 2018, with an overall budget total of €107m – up €6m from 2017. The Budget sees increased funding for a number of key activities including Housing and Homelessness, Road Maintenance, Economic and Community Development projects, Library and Arts services. The increased spending is to be funded primarily from increased grants/subsidies, increased Local Property Tax, and a 3% increase in Commercial Rates. The 2018 Budget sees the completion of the Rates Harmonisation Process, which was introduced following the abolition of Town Councils in

2014. The Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) in the towns of New Ross and Enniscorthy has been raised to match the rate applying in the remainder of the county, creating a single Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) across the entire county. A Special Rates Incentive Scheme has been introduced in both former town rating areas, to acknowledge and assist ratepayers in these areas with the impact of the harmonisation movement. The Council also reduced the rates relief available in respect of vacant commercial properties from the current rate of 100% to 90%. In presenting the 2018 Draft Budget, which he described as ambitious and developmentfocused, Chief Executive Tom

Enright outlined the Council’s plans to grow the county’s economy and create additional job opportunities over the next 5 years. Mr. Enright emphasised the ring-fencing of €2.2m, financed by increases in Local Property Tax and Rates, for the delivery of economic, social and community development within the county and pointed to further opportunities for Wexford as major infrastructure projects, including the New Ross and Enniscorthy bypasses, natural gas network and fibre broadband improvements come on stream. During the four-hour debate, Head of Finance Ms. Annette O’Neill together with senior officials of the Council responded to queries from the Members on a range of issues, including

Desktop and Laptop Sales and Repairs Upgrades, Diagnostic and Maintenance ● Smart, iPhones and iPads Repairs ● Office Network Support and Design ● Printers and Consumables for Sale Internet Café ● Photocopying/Scanning/Emailing/ Faxing/Binding/Laminating ● Typing Service Banner Printing ● A range of Stationery available ●

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Early Payment Discount for Commercial Rates, funding of county roads and public lighting, housing maintenance, funding of local festivals and community facilities, unfinished housing estates, litter management, library & arts services, and emergency services. The 2018 Budget also provides for increased funding in the amount of €30,000 for each of the county’s four Municipal Districts as a response to increased demands for support from the respective communities of these areas. The Members were advised that some additional income was anticipated as the pace and extent of planning activity in County Wexford continues to improve. n

OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT WEXFORD PRIEST’S EDUCATION AND HEALTH WORK IN KENYA fr leo staples from co. wexford is a missionary priest, now in his nineties, who has worked tirelessly for the people of Kenya where he has been based for over 65 years. His ongoing development work is in Kitale, Kenya, and the people of Co. Wexford have helped to fund this work over the past ten years. The school there now has six classrooms, dormitories, kitchen facilities, sports and an assembly hall. It caters for 78 children with various disabilities along with over 100 other local children. St Aidan's Cathedral Parish is hosting a coffee morning on January 5th from 11am to 1pm. Proceeds from this will help towards the building of two additional classrooms in Kitale. Without this school most of these children would not receive any education or the medical help they need. All are welcome to attend the fundraising coffee morning or alternatively one can contribute online to the Bob Leo Child Home Kenya Bank Account, Bank of Ireland, Rosslare H a r b o u r, C o . We x f o r d . B I C : B O F I I E 2 D . I B A N : IE92BOFI90674243078692. All support would be most welcome.

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3 January 2018

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ENNISCORTHY TIDY TOWNS NEWS… Enniscorthy Tidy Town Award Winners 2017, with local elected representatives and Enniscorthy Tidy Town activists.

at a special event held on 20th november 2017, Enniscorthy Tidy Town association presented its annual awards to local businesses and residents who contributed most to Enniscorthy’s tidy town efforts. In 2017 Enniscorthy achieved six more marks in the national competition than in 2016 and the aim now is to move from a bronze to a silver medal award in 2018. With a little help from everyone in the town this can be done particularly as Enniscorthy already scores higher than the likes of

Westport in several categories in the national competition. local winners for 2017: PUBLIC BUILDINGS: Castle Museum and The Athenaeum – Joint Winners. SHOP FRONTS: Sam McCauley's Pharmacy, Court Street. BUSINESS PREMISES: Sami's Hair Parlour, Slaney St. MOST IMPROVED PREMISES: Riverside Park Hotel, The Promenade. NEW DEVELOPMENT: M & M Meats, 12 Rafter St. HOUSING ESTATES:

Milehouse Residents' Association. COMMUNITY AREA: Barleyfield Residents' Association. LANDSCAPE AWARD: Slaney View Park. ENDEAVOUR AWARD: Stamp's Public House, 20 Market Square. ROSE GARDEN: Neil Carty, 16 Drumgoold Villas. LARGE GARDENS: 1st Agnes Allen, Westcliffe House. Highly Commended:

Taoufik, second from left, proprietor of Sami’s Hair Parlour, Slaney Street, Enniscorthy, a winner in the annual Tidy Town awards, pictured with colleagues and friends.

Judy Moorehouse, 14 Moran Park. MEDIUM GARDENS: 1st John Somers, 4 Killagoley Terrace. Highly Commended: Mary Priestly, 5 Killagoley Terrace. SMALL GARDENS: 1st Mary Moorehouse, 33 Slaney View Park. Highly Commended: Paddy Wildes, 39 Slaney View Park. PREVIOUS GARDEN WINNER: Bernie Colgan, 29 Cherryorchard. CONTAINER GARDEN: 1st Anne Breen, 48 St. Aidan's Villas. Highly Commended: Marie Carroll, 24 Slaney View Park. HANGING BASKETS / WINDOW BOxES: 1st Rosie O'Sullivan, 2 St. Aidan's Villas. Highly Commended: Jane Coughlan, 5 St. John Street. COMMERCIAL PREMISES HANGING BASKETS / WINDOW BOxES: Niall Holohan's Pub, Slaney Place, and Reid's Off Licence, 11 Main Street are Joint Winners. n

Local youth clubs to benefit from funding The AGM of Enniscorthy Credit Union was held on Wednesday 20th December. A Dividend of 0.75% and Loan Interest Rebate of 17.5% were approved by the members on the night. The Christmas Hamper was won by Jim O'Donoghue. €100 each won by Darragh Price, Noel Byrne, Pat Mulvey, Rachel Doyle and Mary Shanahan. €50 each won by Betty Tyrrell, Frank O'Connor, Shay Guinan, Pat Crowe and Pat Byrne. €25 each won by Mairead O'Shea, Kitty Kenny, Aidan O'Leary, Becky Walsh and John Higgins. Well done to all winners.

fine gael minister for we x f o r d , p a u l K e h o e , announced just before christmas that over €186,000 in funding has been granted to over 40 wexford clubs under the local youth club Equipment scheme. The Scheme was developed to support the work of volunteers, to enhance the experience of members, and to provide vital equipment to local youth clubs and groups. Minister Kehoe said: “The grants will assist clubs in the purchase of camping, gam-

ing, sports and audio visual equipment. Other clubs, for example, have used the grant to purchase musical equipment which would otherwise be unavailable to them. “The diverse range of the grants awarded is reflective of the clubs which applied and the young people who partake in their activities. “I want to give a big thank you to everyone involved with these very important projects locally. The volunteering you do is of enormous benefit to the entire community,” Minister Kehoe said. n

Above: Billy Murphy of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns (centre) with Julie and Karl from Stamp’s Pub – award winners. Below: Paddy Wildes and his two sisters Jane Coughlan and Rosie O’Sullivan – all three were award winners.

THE BLIGHT OF DERELICTION Since the collapse of the Celtic Tiger, now of receding memory, some of its consequences are still with us, namely derelict sites. Dereliction has been commented upon by various Tidy Town Adjudicators in their annual reports on Enniscorthy over the years. There is no need for me to spell out their locations as most people living in the town know their whereabouts. No doubt the local authority has most of them listed on their Derelict Site Register. An annual levy amounting to 3 per cent of the site’s market value can be imposed. Most local authorities are reluctant to use the powers available under the 1980 Derelict Sites Act. I believe the council must become more proactive in using the powers presented to it by the Act and apply pressure to have the sites cleaned up or restored to everyday use now that the economy is improving. As Irish towns go Enniscorthy is an attractive town and the

recent switching on of the Christmas lights show it off to good effect at night-time. The photographs in some of our locally produced 2018 calendars are a joy to behold and display some of Enniscorthy’s hidden gems. It is a shame that we allow isolated pockets of dereliction to detract from the appearance of our historic town. We all have a role to play in ensuring that our town remains the picturesque and welcoming town that it has always been and we must encourage our council and councillors to do their part in persuading property owners to deal with the dereliction in their possession. If we could solve the difficulties we have with litter, tidiness and dereliction we would be up there with the towns of Westport and Kenmare in the Tidy Town stakes and Enniscorthy would become a Mecca for visitors. Seán Doyle, Secretary/ Treasurer of Enniscorthy Tidy Town Association

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The 2018 Hope & Dream event is launched The 2018 version of the hope and dream 10 was launched at a very enjoyable event kindly hosted by Enniscorthy credit union in their premises on 7th december 2017. The run/walk will take place on sunday 8th april 2018. The website for the 2018 event is now LIVE! And the advice from the organisers is to “Get your entries in early.” You can now enter online at www.hopeanddream10.com and entry forms will also be printed in the local People and Guardian newspapers. This year’s four leaders, David Doyle, Bernadette Kehoe, Marie Bohan and Stephen Byrne were all in attendance and are really looking forward to the

challenge ahead. The seven-year-old Hope & Dream project is just €171,086 a w a y f ro m re a c h i n g t h e €1,000,000 mark – what an incredible achievement it would be to hit that target this year. The beneficiaries in 2018 will be the Hope Cancer Support Centre, Co. Wexford Hospice Homecare Service and the MRI Now project for Wexford General Hospital. The 2018 event t-shirts will be in the county’s purple and gold colours as modelled on the launch night by the 2018 official race starter Darragh Jordan. What a spectacle it will be to see to see the display of purple and gold on the starting line on April 8th. Loch Garman Abu. n

Organisers and supporters of the 2018 Hope & Dream 10 at the official launch before Christmas in Enniscorthy Credit Union with the young official race starter Darragh Jordan.

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Gala Christmas Raffle

Harry Byrne drawing the winners in the Enniscorthy Business Association (EBA) Gala Christmas Raffle

There were thousands of entries in the FREE raffle organised by the Enniscorthy business Association in the run-up to Christmas. Young Harry Byrne was on hand on 22nd December to draw the winners who between them received almost €2,000 in vouchers. The EBA would like to thank all the customers of the almost 40 businesses who participated in what has become an annual highlight of December shopping in Enniscorthy. 2018 Winners: 1st Cathleen Murphy €500 voucher 2nd Alice McErleen €300 voucher 3rd Sinead Hanrahan €200 voucher 4th Mary O Leary €100 voucher 5th Sinead Crotty €100 voucher 6th C. O’Leary €100 voucher 7th Aoife Banville €100 voucher 8th Andrew French €100 voucher 9th Martin McKeon €50 voucher 10th Lisa O’Connell €50 voucher 11th Anne Gilswain €50voucher 12th Eileen Murphy €50 voucher 13th Rachel Martin €50 voucher 14th Josie Murphy €50 voucher

Ferns Parish Committee held their Christmas party in the Courtyard, Ferns. Back row L-R: Christopher Power, Liam Dynan, Noel Kinsella and Sean Davitt. Front L-R: Mary Sinnott, Fr. Richard Redmond, Tommy Davitt Chair, and Kay Mythen.

Caredoc service criticised by Local Councillor cllr John o’rourke has been in touch with the Slaney News to express his frustration over the caredoc system between 29th december and 1st of January. cllr o’rourke said, “access to caredoc in Enniscorthy by phone was non-existent” during that period either by local phone

Cllr John O’Rourke

number or the number usually given for the service. “Myself on 31st of December spent a period of 10 minutes in a queue on 12 different occasions on this day and once again on New Year’s Day. This is totally unacceptable as people rely on the service as their own GPs are on holidays” and he was also critical that no definitive message or plan was given on the automated answering service in the event of an emergency. “As a public rep for the people of Enniscorthy town and district I received many calls and texts of annoyance about the unprofessional nature of Caredoc at this time of the year.” n

The risn.ie website is now up and running. RISN stands for Residential Institutional Survivors Network. The website and consultation talks will enable survivors share information and experiences and assist survivors in obtaining appropriate services through survivor-led initiatives. RISN is about a discussion amongst survivors, led by survivors for survivors. Check out the website risn.ie for the group’s mission statement and other information.

Anyone looking for breastfeeding support?

Friends of Breastfeeding has in place a ‘Breastfeeding Buddy System’ based in Dublin, Cork City and County, the Midlands counties and Co. Wexford. Funded by the HSE, volunteer mums with experience of breastfeeding “buddy up” with new/expectant mums, helping them navigate their way until breastfeeding is established. They are there to talk to mum about what to expect, accompany her to support groups and provide support for those first vital 3 months in establishing breastfeeding or simply take phones calls or answer emails. So, if you are new to breastfeeding, or planning to, and would like to establish a support system, register for a buddy at: http://www.friendsofbreastfeeding.ie/…/breastfeeding-buddy…/ n

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Slaney News

Enniscorthy Greeting Cards for all year round many of Enniscorthy’s finest photographers have very kindly allowed their photos of Enniscorthy to be used to produce greeting cards suitable for use all year round. all profit goes to the Enniscorthy & district Tourism committee which is a voluntary group dedicated to maximising the tourism potential of this region. These beautiful Greeting Cards come in packs of 10 (including envelopes) and sell for €5. They can be purchased in the Enniscorthy Chamber Office on Templeshannon Quay or from Enniscorthy Castle. The tourism committee

gratefully acknowledges the selfless generosity of the local photographers who donated their photos free of charge, namely Ken hayes, marie hayes, dee o’leary, david Butler, anne dobbs, marie Kinsella, susan danielson, ciaran doyle and sandra Kelly. All the photos used were submitted to the ongoing bimonthly photo competition run by the tourism committee. All can participate by uploading images to the “Enniscorthy Tourism” Facebook page. Each bi-monthly competition carries a great prize kindly sponsored by local businesses. n

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ADDITIONAL FUNDINg FOR SENIORS ALERT SCHEME

New book on Wexford Palatine Settlement

Additional funding is now available for the Seniors Alert Scheme following an upsurge in applications for the free personalised alarms for people in Wexford over 65, local TD and Minister Paul Kehoe has said. The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Minister Kehoe said “We need to make sure that as many of our older people avail of this scheme as possible, which is why I am encouraging everyone reading this to get the word out. “All you have to do is make contact with your local Seniors Alert group. There are 19 groups around the county and you can find out about your local group by logging on to www.pobal.ie or phoning 01 5117222. “This measure exists with the support of local voluntary groups and if users feel in danger or require immediate assistance they can activate the device which will alert designated members of their community who can then assist them. “There is free personal monitoring of the alarm for the first 12 months after which the person pays a small fee. This measure contributes greatly to the safety and wellbeing of senior citizens in their homes.”

‘The German Palatine Settlement in County Wexford and Beyond in 1709’ by Bernard Browne A new book telling the story of the extraordinary German Palatine Settlement in Co. Wexford in the early 18th century has just been published. The book by well-known historian and author Bernard Browne uncovers the story of the German Settlement in Co. Wexford in 1709 and the contribution of these remarkable people to the development of Co. Wexford. The Palatines, who were fleeing war and famine in southwest Germany, were initially settled on the Ram Estate in Gorey and Old Ross, Co. Wexford and later spread throughout the country. The author scrutinises social attitudes to these settlers and reassesses their unique contribution to the social and cultural life of the county. The story of these hardworking people is one of struggle, challenge and success as they carved out new lives for their families despite an unwelcoming environment. Today names like Poole, Hartrick, Hornick, Rhynhart, Rapple, Switzer, Jekyll, Hess, Gunnip, and Wyse are all familiar, respected and well-known names throughout Co. Wexford.

“Scratching their backsides”! wexford Td mick wallace has launched a scathing attack on the department of Transport, Tourism and sport, accusing them of scratching their backsides over the inaction to implement the recommendations of the 2013 indecon strategic review of rosslare harbour or sort out issues with ownership at the port. Wallace challenged Minister Shane Ross in the Dáil on Wednesday, November 22, saying that, “It has been over four years since the Indecon review into Rosslare Harbour was presented to the Minister's Department, but it has only recently become available for public viewing through an FOI, although it is mostly redacted. “Nothing has changed during those four years in terms of how Rosslare Europort operates nor how the Department has approached its ownership and management. The key recommendation of the Indecon report was option five, which concerns the potential to develop a long-term concession agreement for the port. A steering committee was set up but four years later nothing has happened. Minister Ross pointed out that the most recent audited financial results from Iarnród

3 January 2018

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Éireann for 2016 showed that the Rosslare Europort division made a surplus after tax of almost €2.5 million, however Wallace shot back stating that this surplus came about “in spite of the Government, not because of it”. The Wexford deputy says he is also concerned that the department has spent close to €120,000 on a report that they have proceeded to ignore. “When I attempt to FOI the Department on the Indecon report I am quoted extortionate amounts to access the information. When I do manage to get a FOI request through, most of the information I get back is redacted because of the “ongoing deliberative process”. What “ongoing deliberative process”? There’s nothing going on. Nothing has happened in the four years since the Indecon report was released and nothing has happened for decades prior to that. “Whenever I ask a question about Rosslare Europort the Department of Transport trots out the same old lines about the complex legal structure of the port and the difficulty in doing anything there because of the complicated legislative basis of the port. The High Level Review of the State Commercial

Mick Wallace TD

Ports 2003, the Joint Committee on Transport’s Report on the Ports Sector 2010, the National Ports Policy 2013 all outline the same thing regarding the complex ownership. Yet here we are in 2017 and would you believe it there is still an “ongoing consideration of issues” by the Department of Transport. “It’s like living in an episode of “Yes Minister” where the civil servants talk about actively monitoring “this” and talk about actively considering “that”, but in reality the only thing they're actively doing is actively scratching their backsides. They’re actively doing nothing in relation to sorting out the ownership issue of Rosslare Europort and they’re actively doing nothing to prepare our closest port to

mainland Europe for the inevitable fallout of Brexit. More vessels arrive in Rosslare annually than any other port in the country bar Dublin and that’s prior to Brexit. Yet the department doesn’t seem to have any idea on how to proceed to develop it or stop it from falling into disrepair. “The single biggest change that has taken place in Rosslare Europort over the past 20 years was the ludicrous decision to relocate the railway platform away from the terminal in 2008. The platform which was beside the terminal is now a bewildering ten-minute walk (if you’re not elderly, infirm or carrying luggage). There is not a port or airport in the State that is served by a rail link and the one that was, Rosslare, is halfway towards being disconnected. What is the thinking behind that… “I’m sick of telling Government Ministers that County Wexford is a very deprived county. The recovery h a s n ’ t re a c h e d h e re . A n enhanced, re-developed Rosslare Europort could provide an economic boost for the region as well as being strategically important for the country in terms of Brexit. It might be time for the Minister and his Department to start considering that.” n

The Palatines were noted for their innovation in farming and industry. In business dealings, integrity and honesty were their hallmark. They worked primarily as farmers and quickly joined the merchant class, and were also involved in shipping. A number had excellent reputation as whitesmiths. The Palatines developed many familiar farming practices throughout the county and helped Co. Wexford achieve the name the Model County with their industry and innovation. The quality, full-colour, hardback book is available in most bookshops and the Irish National Heritage Park. n

Slaney newS

Datapac helps cancer centre raise €156,000 in november, the solas cancer support centre in waterford announced that this year’s ‘run and walk for life’ raised €156,000 and the centre was keen to acknowledge the financial support it has received from Enniscorthy-based datapac which is ireland’s leading icT solutions and services provider. Established in 1982, it has been at the forefront of technology innovation in ireland for the past three decades. The funds generated from the run and walk will be reinvested into the Centre’s services, both in Waterford and in Dungarvan. Dr Brian Creedon, Chair of the Solas Cancer Support Centre, spoke of his appreciation to all those involved: “To be able to raise €156,000 at the 2017 ‘Run and Walk for

Life’ is just astonishing. We have such a huge debt of gratitude to pay to the runners, walkers and fundraisers. Our services are free of charge and available to people affected by cancer, their families and carers. All of our funds come from the generosity of our fundraisers and supporters.” Tracy McDaid, Chair of the voluntary organising Committee, explains that the event would not be a success without the huge help received: “The ‘Run and Walk for Life’ could not happen without the support of our sponsors and donors. We would like to particularly thank Beat 102-103 and Datapac, and all the other contributors, and I hope that we will see you again in 2018. Once again, on behalf of the organising committee, thank you to everyone involved.” n

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13 7

CHRISTMAS – A TIME FOR GIVING

On the Friday before Christmas, Scoil Naomh Maodhog, Ferns, hosted a school Christmas concert and a visit from Santa. Above: 6th classes pulled together for St Vincent de Paul and raised over €1,450 between a fun jog and a school raffle. Our photo shows the children handing over the cheque to Santa for the St Vincent de Paul. Right: Santa senior and Junior. Below: Photo Competition organised by Ferns Heritage Project Group and sponsored by Seamus Redmond, Ferns Renobuild. LR: Catherine McPartlin, Chair, Ferns Heritage, Seamus Redmond, Ferns Renobuild, Stephanie Deegan, Winner and Deirdre Codd, Ferns Heritage.

VTOS Bunclody fundraise for Wexford Women’s Refuge On the 6th and 13th of December the students and staff of VTOS Bunclody took to the streets of the town, along with six penguins, to raise funds for the Wexford Women’s Refuge by way of a bucket collection. The four-foot penguins, which were made of papiermache and other recycled materials, were constructed as part of the students’ team-working module. Many thanks to the Art Bank, Bunclody, for their support and guidance. The students knew they wanted to support a locally based charity and after listening to an interview on the Ray D’arcy Show on RTE Radio One on the subject of Domestic Abuse it was agreed that the Wexford Women’s Refuge was a worthy cause. Over the course of the two days, €1,408 was raised. The staff and students would

Enniscorthy CBS helping local SVP Enniscorthy CBS had a ‘Giving Tree’ in the staffroom for a few weeks before Christmas. The idea was that one took a tag from the tree and bought a gift for someone. Each tag had an age and gender on it, for example ‘Boy aged 10 to 13’. The school did it last year and had such a great response that it repeated the experience again this year and extended it to some of the first year religion classes. In the words of one teacher, “The boys were amazing. Lovely gifts of teddy bears and selection boxes!” The school also did a ‘Trolley Dash’ where the junior classes

were encouraged to bring in some food for hampers. This drew another great response and the LCA students galloped around the classes filling a large shopping trolley to the brim! Orla Harrington from the local St Vincent de Paul visited the school on 6th December to collect all the goodies. Ms Tracey Murray, teacher, said, “I think it's so important for the boys to appreciate where their gifts are going and I love the idea that all gifts will go local. It really encourages a feelgood factor around the school both inside and outside the staff room.” n

like to extend their gratitude to the people of Bunclody and those who passed through for their overwhelming generosity. The penguins fared well in the wet and cold conditions and are now tucked up in the warm and cosy environment of Bunclody Library, thanks to Yvonne Smyth.

Pics: Some of the Students of VTOS Bunclody who took part in the fundraiser for the Wexford Women's Refuge.

Some Enniscorthy CBS students with the huge range of goods collected by the school’s students for the local St Vincent de Paul who were represented at the handover on 6th December by Orla Harrington and John Joe Fitzgerald.

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

3 January 2018

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Christmased!

Co. Wexford Darts members. Pic: Maria Nolan.

County Darts Christmas Party County Wexford Darts held their annual Christmas Party at Bellefield GAA Complex on Sunday 17th December with all who attended enjoying some competitive darts,

along with delicious fingerfood and some lively music. Chairman Noel Redmond thanked everyone for coming and for the great darts played over the past 12

months. He invited all to enjoy the evening and wished them a very Happy Christmas and a happy and successful 2018 before making a presentation to Tom Kent for a 9-darter at

the Wexford County Rankings. Wexford Darts play at the GAA Complex every Sunday afternoon and are very much part of the Bellefield scene. – Maria Nolan

Each year at this exact time I get the distinct urge to be Christmased – you know what I mean, that unique festive feeling that leaves you glowing with the warmth of that true spirit of Christmas. Money can’t buy it and Carlsberg don’t do it, but I have to say the annual Christmas Carol Service at St. Aidan’s Cathedral never fails me and this year was no exception. The evocative poem by Maire Mhac an tSaoi – Oiche Nollag or Christmas Eve was eloquently recited by Maria Clifford and Mick Dee and Maire O`Tiarnaigh gave a most thoughtful Reflection on what Christmas is or should be all about. A new group called Cairde, only formed in September, added an ancient, primeval element to the concert with beautifully rhythmic renditions of

‘Cairde’ singing at St. Aidan’s Cathedral. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Finding the right balance! Weighing-In is a fast -paced comedy play about life, love and dieting – and how we all need to adjust the scales to find the right balance. And it will be performed in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, on Friday 19th January 2018. Tickets €14/

€16. Phone 053-9233000 or visit www.presentationcentre.ie This topical play dealing with the modern obsession of dieting has won some rave reviews: ‘Pacey, tender and packed with laughs, Weighing-In is a calorie-

15th/16th century carols like The Boar`s Head Carol, Gaudete and the Coventry Carol. It was their first public performance but it certainly won`t be their last if the response from the Cathedral audience is anything to go by. But the piece de resistance was the Grand Finale with the choirs coming together to compliment the superb vocals of Clare Kavanagh who raised the roof of St. Aidan’s with the fabulously mystic O Holy Night and concluding with the jubilant Joy to the World. Once again well done to St. Aidan’s and organisers John B u r k e O ’ L e a r y, C o l m O`Tiarnaigh, Donagh Wylde and Adrian Doyle on a most excellent evening of Christmas Carols and a spiritually uplifting event making me feel totally Christmased! – Maria Nolan

free treat’ – Eithne Shortall, Sunday Times. ‘No flab on this weighty drama’ – Chris Wasser, The Herald. ‘Infectiously enjoyable’ – Michael Moffatt, Irish Mail on Sunday. ‘An entertaining piece that will leave a smile on your face’ – The Red Curtain Review. n

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Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

www.slaneynews.com Enniscorthy Gospel Choir under Chairperson Aine Doyle and Musical Director Joanne McCabe provided wonderful entertainment on 1st December at The Presentation Centre at their Christmas Concert. With oodles of energy and passion expertly guided by the vivacious Joanne they gave rousing performances of some classic Gospel numbers like Oh Happy Day, Higher &

A Soulful Presentation Higher, Down By The River, I Will Follow Him, Joyful, Joyful, Something Inside So Strong, and Walk In Jerusalem. The young and talented Conor Kenny treated the Presentation audience to old favourites like Boolavogue and Danny Boy on the tin whistle

and trad trio Frances McCabe, Anne Dempsey and Martin Ryan performed a couple of beautiful pieces including Nedin, Dragonfly, Sweet Sixteen and Lighthouse Light, with guitar, tin whistle and mouth organ as well as vocals. But the stars of the show

were most certainly the children of the St. Aidan’s Choir, under Musical Director Kerri Clifford, who stole the hearts of all in attendance with strong, gutsy and extremely well delivered performances of The Greatest, Halleluia and Nearly Christmas. There was a final treat as

Wexford Has Talent – win €2,000! The 2018 Wexford Has Talent Competition auditions are set to take place on Sunday, January 14th, at Clayton Whites Hotel from 12 noon to 6 pm.

Over 70 acts have pre-registered for a free audition place over the weekend, however, organisers say that there are still some spaces for those wishing to arrive and register freely

over the weekend between noon and 6pm on Sunday. A panel at least three judges from a total of 15 judges will help performers through the audition stages, the competition is open to all ages and all manner of talents. It is free to enter the competition process and the winner will walk away with a €2,000 prize fund and two additional prizes of €500 are added to the prize pot for two runners-up. The judges and MCs include well-known personalities from around the county along with Councillor George Lawlor as the guest MC. Organisers say there is still time to book an audition appointment in advance at www.wexfordhastalent.com or turn up on the day to queue for an audition time. From this audition process,

‘Mary's Land’

Pictured at the launch of the 2018 Wexford Has Talent competition are Shona Kavanagh, Ava McGarry, Caithlin Stamp and Corey Lacey all members of Hysteria crew from Next Level Dance School. The competition will host a free audition day on Sunday, January 14th at Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford town from 12 noon to 6 pm. Audition appointments can be booked in advance via www.wexfordhastalent.com or competitors can also turn up on the day to queue for an audition time. Pic: Mary Browne.

‘Mary’s Land’ – a religious documentary/drama with a difference, will be shown from 5th to 11th January, 2 showings daily, in the new Arc cinema in Wexford town. www.maryslandmovie.org To book: http://wexford. arccinema.ie

a shortlist of between 24 and 30 acts will go forward to take part in the live audience semifinals at Clayton Whites of Wexford. Two semi-finals will take place; these will be on Saturday, January 20th and Saturday, January 27th, 2018 and the Grand Final will take place on Saturday, February 24th 2018. All shows will take place at Clayton Whites Hotel. Tickets to the fourth annual Wexford Has Talent Semi-Finals and Grand Final are now on sale at Clayton Whites Hotel at €10 for each Semi-Final of Wexford Has Talent and €15 for the Grand Final. All live shows commence at 8pm sharp. For further details and Wexford Has Talent news see www.wexfordhastalent.com or join the event on Facebook.com/WexfordHasTale nt and Twitter - @WexHasTalent

Joanne McCabe joined the Gospel Choir on stage to finish the night with a most spectacular rendition of the seasonal and poignant O Holy Night. A festive evening of variety, talent and soul. – Maria Nolan Below: The Gospel Choir with Musical Director Joanne McCabe. Right: Conor Kenny on tin whistle. Pics: Maria Nolan.

Tinahely Variety Group presents

'The Buddhist of Castleknock' An explosive, Irish family Christmas is the backdrop for Tinahely Variety Group's production of Jim O'Hanlon's 'The Buddhist of Castleknock' which will be performed in Tinahely Community Hall from Wednesday, January 17th to Saturday, January 20th with performances nightly at 8.00pm. Laugh and cry as one family’s traditional, Irish Christmas dinner in Castleknock goes awry with all kinds of comic and dramatic twists and turns. Booking for each night is essential. Admission is €10, and bookings can be made by calling 087-3582284 from Monday, 8th January. Booking hours are from 11am to 12.30pm, 2pm to 4pm only. Go along for a great night’s entertainment and banish the January blues!

Brian Kennedy Announces Concert at Hook Lighthouse

On Friday evening, February 2nd, 2018 multi-platinum selling singer and songwriter Brian Kennedy will host a unique concert in the ancient Hook Lighthouse tower. For further details and tickets see www.hookheritage.ie or call 051 397055. Brian has toured with On Friday evening, the legendary Van February 2nd, 2018, Morrison and shared multi-platinum-sellthe global stage with ing singer and songsome of the all-time writer Brian Kennedy greats including will host a unique Stevie Wonder, Joni concert in the Mitchell, Bob Dylan, ancient lighthouse Ray Charles and tower. The chartmany more and has topping Belfast born toured the world singer with the voice performing his chartof an angel is known topping songs. for his ballads and He recently released has also represented the triple ‘Live at Ireland in the Vicar Street, Dublin’ Eurovision Song conCD & bonus DVD test. His career has before heading all the spanned three way to China for a 10 decades with two date tour with Secret multi-platinum-sellGarden where they ing albums and had a huge hit with awards for best male Brian singing ‘You artist and best album. Raise Me Up’. For further details and tickets see www.hookheritage.ie or call 051 397055. Tickets: €30.

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

3 January 2018

ENNISCORTHY DRAMA GROUP EXCITING NEWS... EDG will be going on the full length circuit in 2018 with Martin McDonagh's The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Tom Reddy will direct the play and it will star Fintan Kelly as Pato, Brendan Robinson as Ray, Michele Whelan as Mag and Annmarie Whelan as Maureen. So make sure to keep an eye on the Enniscorthy Drama Group Facebook page.

cAllING All buSkerS ANd fAce-PAINTerS Enniscorthy Farmers Market is looking for buskers and facepainters for its market in Abbey Square every Saturday 9am to 2pm. Singers are more than welcome throughout the day – a great opportunity to test your vocal skills. For more information just ring or text 087-3632098.

The Healthy Ireland at Your Library Service taking place across the library network nationwide, was launched at Enniscorthy Library in December with an Evening of Mindfulness presented by Mary Rice. The Initiative announced in October by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Health Simon Harris T.D. is a national framework for action to improve the health and wellbeing of Ireland over the coming generation and is being rolled out through our excellent and accessible public library service. T h e P ro g r a m m e w i l l enhance current health information in public libraries by providing new book stock, e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines on health and wellbeing, a wider selection of health information for all users, and a service delivered by trained library staff for this programme. Talks, discussions and workshops will be offered in library services with a focus on physical health, mental health and health literacy. Libraries provide resources and service to a wide range of users from children and young people to adults and older people and to a diverse group of com-

L-R: Librarian Jarlath Glynn, Mary Rice and David Hassachler. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Mindfulness at Enniscorthy Library munities, they also provide support to unemployed people, people with disabilities and many minority groups and as such are the perfect conduit for this admirable scheme. Mindfulness with Mary Rice was the first in the series at Enniscorthy Library and was a wonderfully relaxing introduction to self-awareness and living in the moment

delivered by this lovely, soft spoken, warm and welcoming woman, with all those in attendance feeling the immediate benefits of the hourlong session. Librarian Jarlath Glynn said that that he had many Healthy Ireland evenings planned for Enniscorthy Library for 2018 so watch this space for details. – Maria Nolan

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Wedding Fair at Riverside Park Hotel in February The Riverside Park Hotel Wedding Fair & Showcase will take place on Sunday 25th February 1-5pm. On that day you will be able to view the newly renovated Ballroom in all its splendour and meet the hotel’s award-winning Wedding Coordinator who will be delighted to show you around.

The Enniscorthy Business Association Halloween Scarecrow Competition was won by Reid’s Off-Licence. Voting took place via the ‘Enjoy Enniscorthy’ Facebook page. One lucky voter (Gail Blackburn pictured above with EBA Chairman, Damian Byrne) won a great prize of dinner for 4 plus a bottle of wine in Treacy’s Hotel, kindly sponsored by Treacy’s.

You will also be able to taste some of the delights the head chef will provide on the day and interact with over 25 local wedding exhibitors who will be showcasing their services in the Seamus Rafter Suite. A Fashion Show will take place at 3.30pm with many new-look wedding dresses on show.

The Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club looks forward to your company at its Wedding Showcase on 25th February. For further information please contact the Conference and Banqueting Manager, Liz Fagan. Email: liz@riversideparkhotel.com or tel: (053) 9237800. n

In Enniscorthy Castle before Christmas, Rathnure Pantomime Society was delighted to hand over €2,523 to The Hope Centre and Wexford Hospice Homecare – the proceeds from its most recent Summer Musical. The Society always supports selected charities from the proceeds of all its shows.

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

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Your “cut out and keep”

JAN ENTERTAINMENT All venues are in Enniscorthy unless otherwise stated.

THe drummer ANd THe keePer 11 Jan, film THE DRUMMER & THE KEEPER tells the story of the unlikely friendship formed between two young men; Gabriel, a reckless young drummer with bipolar disorder, who revels in rejecting society’s rules and Christopher, a 17 year old with Asperger’s Syndrome, who yearns to fit in. This heartwarming story shows the strength of the human bond in the face of adversity. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– roNAN furloNG Album lAuNcH "red SuN rISING" 13 Jan, music Ronan Furlong is returning to launch his new album "Red Sun Rising" and will donate all funds raised to Wexford Hospice. Ronan's previous album received worldwide airplay and his song Hoplite Armour went to no. 1 on the Irish itunes chart. Red Sun Rising has received fantastic reviews and the single, Angel Symphony, has featured heavily on UK national radio. Expect an eclectic mix of complex guitar styles, strong melodies and highly original lyrics. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– THe SoNGS ANd STorIeS of THe dublINerS 20 Jan, music Presented by THE LIBERTIES, who replicate the original line-up of RONNIE DREW, LUKE KELLY, BARNEY McKENNA, CIARAN BURKE and JOHN SHEEHAN with the same instrumentation, songs, and voices, and bring to the stage a show of uncanny similarity to the original Dubliners. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– rAdIANT ArcAdIA 26 Jan, music An international all female band based in Denmark. The colours of the diversity, individualism yet togetherness is what makes their album so delightful to listen to. Delve into the traditions of Danish folk, Jewish music, Arabic waves, Sufi Qwaali rendition of the famous 'Allah Hoo', a Bulgarian chant and much more to stir the spirit towards friendship and togetherness for world music lovers. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– cArole NelSoN TrIo 27 Jan, music Carole Nelson is one of Ireland’s most regarded jazz pianists and composers. Her trio’s debut CD, One Day in Winter, was inspired by the South County Carlow landscape where she lives. It traces the arc of one winter’s day from before dawn to moonrise over the Blackstairs Mountains. Supported by Cormac O’Brien on bass and Dominic Mullan on drums, Carole’s music is a journey through a human landscape as much as a physical one. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Plus art exhibitions, workshops, classes, and childen’s activities – see www.wexfordartscentre.ie for details.

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Tel: (053) 9123764 www.wexfordartscentre.ie

Thur 4 Fri 5 Fri 5 5-11

Sat 6 Mon 8 Thur 11 Fri 12 Fri 12 Sat 13 Fri 19 Fri 19 Sat 20

Experienced Creative Professional Enniscorthy – T: 087-9523253 E: info@orchardrecording.ie Facebook.com/theorchardrecordingstudio W: www.orchardrecording.ie

The Big Party Rockabilly Band will be playing in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, on Thursday 4th January 2018 in aid of the Wexford General MRI Scanner fundraising appeal. They’ll also be playing all over the South East in 2018 so keep an eye out for them at a venue near you soon! And check them out on Facebook: “The Big Party Rockabilly Band”.

and his energetic trio of fellow musicians – Tony Ryan,

Fri 26 Fri 26

Get the most from your project!

Big Rockabilly Party for MRI Scanner This January we might all need to shed some of that accumulated Christmas cheer which has the naughty habit of settling in all the wrong places – sure just ask the Big Fat Man with the long white beard how hard it is to resist all that wonderful festive fare. Well Stephen Murphy and his newly formed Big Party Rockabilly Band have just the thing to kick-start the New Year with some good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll party music that will have you swinging and twisting and rocking away those unwanted inches and all in a really good cause. Trust me you won’t have a livelier night or a better form of exercise as you rock to the beat of Stephen Murphy

Mon 22 25-27

Jonathan O’Hanlon and the explosive Joseph Rossiter on

drums, at the IFA Centre on Thursday 4th January 2018, all in aid of the MRI Scanner for Wexford General Hospital. Visually impressive, and with their double-bass low volume swinging sound, this group will have you rockin’ your socks off. Stephen has just released a new album titled C`mon Everybody with all the old favourites like That’ll be the D a y, C ’ m o n E v e r y b o d y, Runaround Sue, Dream Lover, Rock Around the Clock, Hey Good Lookin, Summer Time Blues and many more, which will be on sale at the event. Admission is €10 – with proceeds going to the Wexford General MRI Scanner fundraising appeal. – Maria Nolan

Sat 27 Feb 2

The Big ParTy rockaBilly Band. IFA Centre in aid of the MRI Scanner for Wexford General Hospital. TradiTional irish Music. Stamps. 9.30pm. neil delaMere: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Pensioner, Wexford Comedy Club, Clayton Whites Hotel, Abbey St, Wexford. Tickets €12. www.lantern.ie ‘Mary’s land’ – a religious documentary/drama with a difference, 2 showings daily, in the new Arc cinema in Wexford town. www.maryslandmovie.org To book: http://wexford.arccinema.ie Brendan grace. Riverside Park Hotel. enniscorThy ToasTMasTers. Riverside Park Hotel. 8-10pm. The druMMer and The keePer. Film. Wexford Arts Centre. The druMMer and The keePer. Movie. Presentation Centre, 8pm. TradiTional irish Music. Stamps. 9.30pm. ronan Furlong alBuM launch. "Red Sun Rising". Wexford Arts Centre. Weighing-in. A fast-paced comedy play about life, love and dieting – and how we all need to adjust the scales to find the right balance. Presentation Centre. TradiTional irish Music. Stamps. 9.30pm. The songs and sTories oF The duBliners. Presented by THE LIBERTIES, who replicate the original line-up of RONNIE DREW, LUKE KELLY, BARNEY McKENNA, CIARAN BURKE and JOHN SHEEHAN. Wexford Arts Centre. enniscorThy ToasTMasTers. Riverside Park Hotel. 8-10pm. BeauTy and The BeasT. Panto presented by Ferns Dramatic Society, in Ferns Community Centre. For bookings call Pat O’Leary on 053 9366354 after 6pm. TradiTional irish Music. Stamps. 9.30pm. radianT arcadia. Music.An international all female band based in Denmark. Delve into the traditions of Danish folk, Jewish music, Arabic waves, Sufi Qwaali rendition of the famous 'Allah Hoo', a Bulgarian chant and much more. Wexford Arts Centre. carole nelson Trio. Music. Carole Nelson is one of Ireland’s most regarded jazz pianists and composers. Wexford Arts Centre. Brian kennedy in concerT. Hook Lighthouse. For further details and tickets see www.hookheritage.ie or call 051 397055. Tickets: €30.

sT Michael's TheaTre, neW ross: www.stmichaelsnewross.com naTional oPera house: www.nationaloperahouse.ie social dancing: Check out “Social Dancing in and around Wexford” on Facebook or text your name to 087 2723375 to receive the dates.

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

FOR LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS…  Check the listing above  Check out our pages 14-19 See Joseph Doyle’s column page 32  Check www.wexlive.com for updated listings.  Facebook:“Slaney News” and “Enjoy Enniscorthy”

TO ADVERTISE ON OUR ENTERTAINMENT PAGES CALL 087-2403310

Enniscorthy CBS Readathon Enniscorthy CBS students held a readathon and raised a huge sum – €672.50 for people suffering from MS.

Some of the CBS Readathon students: Back row L-R: Sean Egan, Cormac O’Sullivan, David Browne. Front L-R: Daniel McCauley, Noel Redmond, Sean Kavanagh, Luke Delaney.

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

3 January 2018

Christmas in Enniscorthy The O’Connor sisters – Mary Doyle, Treasa Moran, Kitty O’Reilly at the Enniscorthy Historical Society Christmas Lunch.

Pic: Dee O’Leary

Enniscorthy Historical Society Christmas Lunch in the Riverside Park Hotel Mary McKey and Fr. James Hammell at the Enniscorthy Historical Society Christmas Lunch.

Some of the colourful characters who inhabited Enniscorthy Castle during December 2017 with local public representatives and Council staff. Pic: Dee O’Leary.

CHRISTMAS PARTy NIGHT IN THE MONAGEER TAVERN. Above Left: Wexford County Council Golden Circle Party – Jim Crean, Joe Hayes, Andy Fenlon and John Birney. Above Right: The locals – Stacia Fortune, Marie Stokes and Sinead O’Brien. Below: A group of friends, back row L-R: Steph Jordon, Tony Thomas, Jim Good, Jessie McGrath, Will Rossiter, Tommy Mc Gannon, Mary Walsh, Denise Hewitt. Front row L-R: Maryann Hempenstall, Liz Keating, Josephine Sinnott, Paula Watt, Jenny Ryan and Mag Kearns.

Brid Kennery, Louise Murphy, Kathleen Doyle at the Enniscorthy Historical Society Christmas Lunch.

Carol Leacy and Margaret Fitzpatrick at the Enniscorthy Historical Society Christmas Lunch.

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Enniscorthy Delightful Dollies Christmas Party in the Courtyard, Ferns

Slaney Entertainment & Leisure

Merry Christmas to Loo (you) by St. Mary’s National School. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Right: Josie Rowesome, Rachel Spencer, Evelyn Devett and Bernie O’Neill. Below Left: Jenny O’Connor, Kitty and Mary O’Brien and Kathleen Hennessy. Below Right: Breda Donnelly, Roz Macken and Debbie Hendrick. Bottom Left: Annie Dobbs O’Brien, Maeve Doyle and Margaret Walker. Bottom Right: Ita Kinnard, Sally Murphy and Ceceline Fortune.

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas tree How lovely are thy branches

Enniscorthy Choral Society’s busy season

Following a major singing engagement in Co. Donegal, Enniscorthy Choral Society returned home for a huge number of impressive performances in Enniscorthy and Wexford Town over the Christmas period.

And lovely they certainly were at St. Mary’s Church annual Christmas Tree Festival which was held in December and was officially launched with Rev. Nicola Halford and Enniscorthy Choral Society. A most fabulous Festival and a joy to behold with St. Mary’s bedecked in all kinds and designs of Christmas tree representing many of the community groups in the town along with many of the businesses.

Imagination and creativity were to the fore at this visually beautiful event which was so worth a visit. My own particular favourites were the Umbrella Christmas Tree of Music donated by Ennniscorthy Gospel Choir and the Upside Down Christmas Tree from St. Mary’s because Jesus Christ turned the world upside down and the one made with toilet rolls from St. Mary’s National School - Merry Christmas to Loo (You)! This Festival is definitely a keeper adding that special element each Christmas to the town. – Maria Nolan

Some of the participants in the 10th Michael Foley Pudding Run, Bellefield, 26th December. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Slaney News

3 January 2018

Over €800,000 LEADER funding awarded Fourteen community groups from across the county have been successful in their application to fund the development of local facilities. The recipients stretch from New Ross to Gorey, with a variety of projects being awarded LEADER grant aid, through Wexford Local Development working in partnership with Wexford County Council. Funding has been provided for the purchase of equipment, to build extensions, to undertake remedial works and in two cases, to support the construction of completely new facilities. Clonroche Community Centre has been awarded €44,900 to replace the roof on this well-utilised facility. “This funding means we can finally replace the old asbestos roof and so our community centre, which is very important to the village, will be

here long into the future. There is a lot involved in the LEADER application but we had great help along the way from WLD; it’s really been worth the effort,” said Martin Ryan, Secretary, Clonroche Community Centre Committee. Funding forms part of the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme which is administered by Wexford Local Development (WLD) in partnership with Wexford County Council. Brian Kehoe, Chief Executive, WLD, confirmed that, “This funding will greatly help communities in Wexford improve important facilities. As with past LEADER Programmes, the WLD team has found working with so many self-motivated, hardworking organisations inspirational. We are delighted to have played a part in their journey and wish them every

Clonroche Community Centre has been awarded €44,900 to replace the roof.

• • • • • •

success in completing their projects”. The LEADER Programme is overseen by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC); Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Chairperson, congratulated all the recipients on their award, “The committee was

delighted to approve such worthy projects which will truly make an impact within their local communities. Well done to all involved”. The full list of recipients and associated awards are as follows: • High Meadows Community Hub, Clonard,

Wexford - €150,000. • St Joseph's Community Centre Company Ltd, Wexford - €44,800. • St Mary's Maudlintown, Wexford - €6,200. • Cois Barry Community House, Rosslare Strand €18,000. • R o s s l a re C o m m u n i t y

• •

•

Development Association, Rosslare Strand - €42,900. Yola Hedge School, Tagoat - €26,000. Our Lady’s Island C o m m u n i t y C e n t re €150,000. New Ross Men’s Shed, New Ross Town - €60,900. Tintern Community Sports Complex, Ballycullane, New Ross - €39,900. Ballaghkeen Community P ro j e ct , Th e B a l l a g h , Enniscorthy - €16,200. Clonroche Community Centre, Clonroche Village - €44,900. Oylegate Community Centre, Oylegate Village €17,000. Te m p l e s h a n n o n Community & Childcare Centre, Enniscorthy €35,500. Tara Rock Community Field Trust, Ballytegan, Gorey - €150,000. n

VTOS - further education for all Enniscorthy VTOS (Vocational Tr a i n i n g O p p o r t u n i t i e s Scheme) based in the wonderful and historic Gonzaga House, Upper Wafer Street, which is now home to the Enniscorthy Further Education and Training Centre, celebrated College Awareness Week 2017 with pop-up Lectures by Wexford Campus IT Carlow on Thursday 23rd November 2017 as part of an open week which ran from 20-24th November. College Awareness Week aims to inspire and inform all

students about the importance of having a lifelong learning plan. It advocates for students to have the choice to pursue the course best suited to their interests, abilities and dreams, whether that is a PLC qualification, Further Education such as VTOS, an apprenticeship or a university degree. For further information visit www.collegeaware.ie Eithne Agar VTOS Coo rd i n a t o r s a i d , “ We a re delighted to be part of a nationwide campaign to promote the importance of post-sec-

ondary and Further Education. There are lots of options out there and College Awareness Week encourages people of all ages to consider further education as part of their future.” For details of courses and programmes in the Enniscorthy Further Education and Training Centre please visit the Centre in ‘Gonzaga House’, 23 Wafer Street (beside the Hope Centre), Monday to Friday during term time or contact Eithne Agar, VTOS Co-ordinator, tel: 0539237224. n

Above: Staff of the Enniscorthy VTOS Programme Paul Murphy, Terry Ryan and Co-ordinator Eithne Agar with Ailish O’Brien, lecturer, from Carlow IT Wexford Campus and Dr Veronica Kelly. Below: Captive audience at the College Awareness ‘pop up lecture’ in the Enniscorthy Further Education and Training Centre. Pics: James Quirke.

L-R: Senator Mark Daly, retired Senator Jim Walsh, Cllr Pip Breen, James Browne TD and Cllr Michael Sheehan attending the Fianna Fáil CDC meeting in the Riverside Hotel on the 4th of December. Senator Daly attended the meeting to discuss developments in Brexit, Rosslare Europort and his proposed legislation to protect the National Anthem.

“Take the first step in 2018 to a bright new future waiting for you in Further Education – over the Wilds Restaurant in Wafer Street opportunity awaits!”

B usiness Business Training Courses Tr Training Courses Workshops Workshops & Clinics Clinics Spring 2018 S pring 2 018 Book Book Online Online www.localenterprise.ie/wexford www.localenterprise.ie/wexford P ROGRAMMES F OR S TART U PS PROGRAMMES FOR START UPS 2 4 JJan an B usiness IIdea dea C linic 24 Business Clinic 3 0 JJan 30 Start Your Own Business Wexford an S tart Y our O wn B usiness - W exford 6 F Feb Your Own Business Enniscorthy eb Start Start Y our O wn B usiness - E nniscorthy 14 Feb Your Own 14 F eb Start Start Y our O wn Business Business - Gorey Gorey 21 Feb Own Start Your Your O wn Business Business - New New Ross Ross 2 1 F eb Start PROGRAMMES COURSE S S FOR FOR SMALL PROGRAMMES & COURSES SMALL BUSINESS BUSINESS Small Business 8 Feb Feb Basic Basic Bookkeeping mall B usiness Bookke k eping for for a S 9 Feb Feb Train Train The The Trainer Trainer Course Course - QQI QQI Level Level 6 COURSES COURSES FOR FOR SMALL SMALL BUSINESS BUSINESS - FOOD FOOD SECTOR SECTOR 21 Feb 21 F eb Kick-Start Kick-Start Your Your Food Food Business Business CLINICS SMALL BUSINESS CLINICS FOR FOR S M LL B MA USINESS Feb Business Clinic 7 F eb TTwitter witter ffor or B usiness C linic - JJoin oin tthe he C Conversation onversation 1 4 F eb P ublic Relations linic - PR 14 Feb Public Relations C Clinic PR Techniques Techniques ffor or B Business usiness usiness C 2 1 F eb F aceboo 21 Feb Facebook o k ffor or B Business Clinic linic - TTalk alk tto o yyour our ccustomers ustomers 28 Feb or B Business Clinic linic - Manage Manage YYour our P Professional rofessional IIdentity dentity 2 8 F eb LLinkedIn inkedIn ffor usiness C 7 M Mar ar P Pricing ricing ffor or P Profit rofit C Clinic mart Pricing Pricing linic - SSmart 2 22 2 M Mar a S ar Sales ales C Clinic linic - CClosing losing tthe he S Sale! ale! EDIA W SOCIAL M SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOPS ORKSHOPS P F FOR OR SMALL SMALL BUSINESS BUSINESS 13 F eb LinkedIn LinkedIn for 13 Feb for Business Business 2 9 M ay LLinkedIn inkedIn ffor 29 May Business or B usines e s 18 Apr Apr IInstagram nstagram for 18 Business for B usiness 20 Feb Feb Facebook Facebook ffor or B usiness - B 20 Business Beginners eginners 13 Mar Mar Facebook Facebook ffor or B usiness - Beginners 13 Business Beginners 26 Mar Mar Facebook Facebook ffor Beginners 26 Business or B usiness - Beginners 23 Mar Mar Facebook Facebook ffor or B usiness - Advanced Advanced 23 Business 9 A pr F acebook for for Business Business - Advanced Advanced Apr Facebook 2 3 A pr F acebook for for Business Busines e s - Advanced Advanced 23 Apr Facebook 8 Mar Mar Twitter Twitter for for Business Business Beginners Beginners 21 Mar Mar Twitter Twitter ffor or B usiness B eginner 21 Business Beginners es 16 Apr Apr Twitter Twitter ffor eginners or B usiness B 16 Business Beginners Apr Twitter Twitter ffor or B usiness A dvanced 6 Apr Business Advanced 26 Apr Apr Twitter Twitter ffor or B usiness A dvanced 26 Business Advanced 14 May May Twitter Twitter ffor or B usiness A dvanced 14 Business Advanced

WORKSHOPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS W ORKSHOPS F OR S MALL B USINESS 15 Feb Online Voucher €2,500 1 5 F eb TTrading rading O nline V oucher € 2,500 2,500 17 May Online Voucher €2,500 rad ading O nline V 1 7 M ay TTrading oucher € Feb 8 F eb Time Time Management Management ervice ustomer S 14 Feb Customer Service or Exceptional Exceptional C 1 4 F eb Strategy Strategy ffor for B usiness 21 Feb Business Introduction ffor or Powerpoint Powerpoint for 21 F eb Introduction for Business Business 7 M ar Introduction Mar Introduction to to Lean Lean for earch E ngine O ptimisation 14 Mar Search Engine Optimisation 14 M ar IIntroduction ntroduction tto oS mail M arketing Apr Email Marketing 5 A pr IIntroduction ntroduction to to E eginners 28 Mar Beginners 2 8 M ar Excel Excel ffor or Business Business - B ntermediate 11 Apr 11 A pr Excel Excel ffor or Business Business - IIntermediate WordPress Website Website 24 Apr 24 A pr Working Working With With a WordPress kills 17 Apr Office Management Skills 1 7 A pr O ffice M anagement S usiness Mar VAT For Start-Up Business 6 M ar TTax ax & V AT F or S tart-Up B USINESS - TTOURISM OURISM S ECTOR WORKSHOPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS SECTOR W ORK R SHOPS F OR S MALL B pportunities 12 Apr Story Maximising opportunities 1 2 A pr S tory TTelling elling - M aximising o nder tthe he IIAE AE b rand Business under brand ffor or yyour our B usiness u edia M arketing ffor or Tourism Tourism 14 Effective Social Media Marketing 14 Mar Mar E ffective S ocial M OR S MALL B USINESS TENDERING FOR SMALL BUSINESS TENDERING WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS F endering Mar Tendering 8 M ar IIntroduction ntroduction tto o Te ith IIntertrade ntertrade IIreland reland 16 Workshop With 16 May May Go Go 2 TTender ender W orkshop - W

F urther information information Further & booking: booking: Local Local Enterprise Enterprise Office Office Wexford Council Wex ford County Count y C ouncil Carricklawn, Carricklawn, Wexford Wex ford Y35 Y35 WY93 W Y 93 Tel: 053 Tel: 0 53 919 919 6020 602 0 iinfo@leo.wexfordcoco.ie nfo@leo.wex fordcoco.ie www.localenterprise.ie/wexford w w w.localenterprise.ie/wex ford

Slaney Food & Drink

3 January 2018

Still time to ‘Get Ireland Growing’!

In en

Pictured at the Lidl Christmas Trolley Dash for Barretstown in Lidl, Gorey, is Nuala Cooke, Riverchapel, Gorey, who managed to grab €380 worth of goodies dashing around the store in just two minutes, with Lukas Marmulewski (Lidl, Gorey, Deputy Store Manager), Chloe Cooke (granddaughter of winner) and Leva Lauzemis (Store Assistant).

Christmas parties at the Riverside

Tesco New Ross staff Christmas party in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. Above Left: Laura Drahan, Dayna St Ledger and Deirdre Kelly. Above Right: Lorraine Walsh, Barry O’Connor and Kathleen Carroll.

The deadline for applications for the €75,000 ‘Get Ireland Growing’ Fund is looming… GIY and Energia are calling on people across to the country to get growing their own food in 2018 and are offering all budding growers the opportunity to apply for funding from the ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing' €75,000 funding pool. Grants from the Energia Get Ireland Growing Fund will be split across three categories ‘Sow', ‘Grow' and ‘Harvest' with awards ranging from €500 to €2,000 plus one very special group will receive a massive €5,000 grant for their project. Together GIY and Energia will support at least 85 community food growing groups in 2018 and enable food growing by community and voluntary organisations all across Ireland including Northern Ireland. The application period is open until 19th January, 2018. Head of Community Development at GIY, Karen O’Donohoe, says that to date the ‘Get Ireland Growing' initiative has supported almost 500 community food growing projects, positively impacting over

1 2 0 , 0 0 0 p e o p l e . “ We a re delighted to say that so far €340,000 has been awarded to groups over the last five years and this was distributed to projects right across the country. There are just a few weeks left to apply for 2018 funding, so we are urging all groups and organisations to get their applications into us via giy.ie.” The funding pool is open to any community group, school, NGO or Not for Profit, community garden or allotment group, GIY group, hospital, crèche, direct provision centre, men's shed or any group. The projects should all have an element of outreach, promotion and inclusivity and should have some plan to encourage more people to grow their own food. The deadline for applications is January 19th, 2018 and applications can be made online via GIY.ie. GIY also provides supports and opportunities for knowledge exchange between the projects, helping the best ideas to be shared. All the projects remain part of the GIY network in the long term, giving them access to other GIY resources and additional groups

and projects, creating a longterm legacy. Fantastic initiatives right a c ro s s t h e c o u n t r y h a v e received support from past funds including a grow garden for the Irish Wheelchair Association Centre, the provision of tools and seeds for the Horticulture course at the Ballymun Adult Read and Write Scheme, project funding for an inner city urban food growing project in Cork city with Mad About Cork, a food growing project for Galway Simon's Residential Service ‘Tuí Bhrian' in Galway City, a food growing initiative in a young persons’ probation centre in Cork; a vegetable garden for asylum seekers in Clonakilty, Co Cork, a horticultural project for unemployed men in Waterford that supplies salads to restaurants and a community garden to reduce isolation on Inishbofin island to name but a few. The successful applicants will be celebrated at a gala event at the home of GIY, GROW HQ in Waterford, in March 2018. For further details and to submit an application for ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing' 2018 see GIY.ie n

This space can be yours for €95+VAT Tel: 087-2403310

Pictured is Karen O’Donohoe (GIY Community Manager), Amy O’Shaughnessy (Energia Sponsorship Manager) and Saoirse Harvey, age 4, and Nathan Cullen-Delsol, age 3, at the launch of the ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing' fund. GIY and Energia have teamed up to offer €75,000 to community groups who have until 19th January to apply for a share of the fund, aimed at enabling community food growing projects. Applications via: www.giy.ie

ENNISCORTHY FOOD mARkETS: FARmERS’ mARkET: Saturday mornings, Abbey Square. ENNISCORTHY COUNTRY mARkET: Friday mornings in the IFA Centre, Millpark Road.

To advertise on our Food Page contact: 087-2403310

New restaurant for town? Planning Permission is being sought for change of use of an existing public house on the Island Road to a restaurant and takeaway. The planning application was made on 20th of November 2017 in the name of Liu Yang Gaan and Wang Xiu Xue. n

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WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL Dáil, European and Local Elections

DRAFt pollinG ScHeme 2018 In accordance with

ELECTORAL ACTS 1992 – 2016 and the

ELECTORAL (POLLING SCHEMES) REGULATIONS 2005 Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has prepared a Draft Polling Scheme dividing the County into Polling Districts and appointing a Polling Place for each Polling District. The scheme is available for inspection at the following places (during office hours): Wexford:

County Hall; Borough District of Wexford, Spawell Road; Garda Station; Library; Wexford Post Office.

New Ross:

New Ross Municipal District, The Tholsel; Garda Station; Library; Post Office.

Enniscorthy: Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square; County Council Offices, Old Dublin Road; Garda Station; Library; Post Office. Gorey:

Gorey Municipal District, The Avenue; Garda Station; Post Office; Library.

A copy of the scheme may be purchased from any of the County Council Offices at a cost of €5.00. The Council will consider representations in relation to the Draft Scheme made to it by 5.00pm on 31st January, 2018. Representations shall be made in writing to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BÍ ULLAMH DON GHEIMHREADH BE WINTER-READY

www.winterready.ie

@emergencyIE

Oifig um Pleanáil Éigeandála, An Roinn Cosanta. Glao Áitiúil 1890 251890 / 076 1001608 Office of Emergency Planning, Department of Defence. LoCall 1890 251890 / 076 1001608

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL community employment ScHeme Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme Job Description Environmental Workers Environmental Workers Admin Support Worker Environmental Worker

Location Gorey area – 2 positions New Ross area – 4 positions New Ross – 1 position Wexford area – 1 position

Please note that persons applying for these positions must satisfy the Department of Social Protection criteria to participate in the Community Employment Scheme. To apply for positions and for further information please contact the following; Helena Kehoe, Roads Department, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford Phone 0539196330 Email Helena.kehoe@wexfordcoco.ie Jimmy Wickham, Roads Department, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford Phone 0539196307 Email james.wickham@wexfordcoco.ie The closing date for applications is 4.00pm Friday January 19th 2018 Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities employer. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

cHRiStmAS tRee SHReDDinG Wexford County Council will again be arranging for the FREE shredding of Christmas trees at the below locations throughout the County. If bringing a Christmas tree for shredding to Wexford County Council’s 4 household recycling centres, there is no entry charge. €2 entry charge applies for all other waste accepted at Wexford County Council’s 4 household recycling centres. Locations

Christmas Trees can only be left on the dates below

Wexford County Council’s 4 Household Recycling Centres Enniscorthy Household Recycling Centre, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy Gorey Household Recycling Centre, Gorey Business Park, Ramstown, Gorey New Ross Household Recycling Centre, Hewittsland, New Ross Holmestown Household Recycling Centre, Barntown, Wexford

Wednesday 3rd January to Saturday 13th January 2018 Opening Times: Open Tues – Fri 8.15am – 12 noon 1pm – 4pm Open Saturday 8.15am – 12 noon 1pm – 3pm Closed for lunch 12 noon – 1pm Closed Mondays and Sundays

Redmond Park, Wexford

Wednesday 3rd January to Saturday 13th January 2018 Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 9am – 5pm

Rosslare Harbour / Kilrane Sports & Social Centre, Ballyknocknen, St. Brendan’s Estate, Rosslare Harbour

Wednesday 3rd January to Saturday 13th January 2018 Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 9am – 5pm

Bunclody AFC Sliabh Ros, Bunclody

Wednesday 3rd January to Saturday 13th January 2018 Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 9am – 6pm

Make a note of your nearest location and please remember that you may bring your tree and leave it on the specified dates. For further information please contact the Environment Section, Wexford County Council on 053 9196313. RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS EMPTIES!! Put beverage cartons into your green bin, as well as cardboard, paper, food and drink cans. Bring glass and cans to your local recycling centre. If a bring bank is full, don’t leave materials on the ground, use your nearest alternative site or come back another day.

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

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

Slaney Business & Finance

3 January 2018

www.slaneynews.com

WEXFORD’S BEST YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Wexford’s best young entrepreneurs were announced on Friday 24 November at the County Final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition. Run by the Local Enterprise Offices, IBYE is supported by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland. Now in its 4th year, t hi s y e a r ’s co m pe t i t i o n attracted almost 1,500 applications nationwide. Tom Banville, Head of E n t e r p r i s e i n We x f o rd explained: “The search to find Wexford’s (and Ireland’s) best young entrepreneur started back in August and we were delighted with the calibre of entries. After a very successful Enterprise Day, Bootcamp and County Final, I’m pleased to confirm that the future of enterprise and job creation in County Wexford is bright.” There was joy for Richard Malone, aged 27, Fashion Designer, located in Wexford as he was named winner of

the Best Established Business award. Richard was joined by Caroline Martin, aged 26 of We d d i n g C re a t i o n s i n Tomhaggard, who took the runner up title in this category. The Best Start Up category was a particularly hard-fought contest. Brian Kenny, aged 21 of MyShowAdvisor in Enniscorthy was named winner while Robert Tierney, aged 29 of Boom Media in Gorey was named runner-up. Many innovative new business concepts emerged in the Best Business Idea category. The winner was Robert Byrne, aged 20 of ConnectJobs.com in Enniscorthy while Sandra Martin, aged 34 of Bosca Spraoi in Wexford scooped the runner up title. Brian Kenny of MyShowAdvisor was named the Overall Winner of IBYE for County Wexford. The adjudicators in this year’s competition were Don Arthur, Business Mentor with Micro-Finace Ireland, Helena

ATTENTION !

Businesses that wish to have their details uploaded or updated on the

Enniscorthy Tourism website please contact: admin@enniscorthychamber.ie or call 053 9232006. Also if you are organising any interesting events please pass the details on and Enniscorthy Tourism will help promote them for you! The Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Awards for Wexford were held in November last at Wexford County Council HQ. Above left: Head of Enterprise at Wexford County Council, Tom Banville, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Best Established Business award winner Richard Malone, Fashion Designer, Minister of Defence Paul Kehoe TD, Wexford County Council CEO Tom Enright. Right: Best Start Up Business award winner Brian Kenny, of MyShowAdvisor in Enniscorthy. Well done to all who took part and congratulations to the winners and runners up. Best of luck going forward to the regional finals! Pic: Wexford Local Authorities Photographic Society.

Dempsey of Wexford Local Development and John O’Connor of Enniscorthy Enterprise Centre and The Hatch Lab. The awards ceremony was attended by other special guests including Minister Paul Kehoe. IBYE Co-ordinator for

C ou n t y We x f o rd, Bre e g e Cosgrave, concluded, “Each of the winners and runners-up will share in an investment fund of up to €50,000 from the Local Enterprise Office to help grow and develop their business. The 3 category winners go forward to the Regional Finals in January.

The team in Wexford County Council’s Local Enterprise Office will be providing intensive supports between now and then to prepare them for the regionals and hopefully Wexford will have a representative at the IBYE National Finals in March.” n

ENNISCORTHY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION All buSinESSES ARE WElcomE To join! Contact: e.b.a.enniscorthy@gmail.com or contact: Slaney News, 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com

Ferns company’s major achievement Staff at Irish Sea Contractors, a Ferns-based Global Services company, are celebrating after achieving certification to three key international business standards. The company received three certificates at a special presentation ceremony at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) offices in Dublin in December; one for Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001), another for

Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) and a final one for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSAS 18001). Founded in 2010, Irish Sea Contractors employs 25 people at its factory in Ferns and provides underwater engineering services to the oil and gas, offshore renewables, subsea cable, shipping and marine civil engineering industries.

ENNISCORTHY CHAMBER EVENT: Thursday 18th January 2018. Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm. Location: Enniscorthy & District Chamber offices. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR) is new legislation that provides a single, data privacy law for the European Union. The EU GDPR aims to prevent the loss of personal data by improving data security for all individuals living in EU member states. Irish organisations have until May 2018 to comply with the new law, or potentially face fines of up to 4% of annual turnover or €20 million. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the most important change in data privacy regulation in 20 years – Enniscorthy Chamber wants to make sure you're prepared. This oneday introductory course, delivered by a data protection specialist, provides an introduction into the compliance of the new EU Data Protection regulations. Cost: €125 per person, if you are a member of Wexford, Enniscorthy, New Ross or Gorey Chamber a 10% discount applies. Instructors: DCM Training. For Bookings: Please contact Aoife on 0519122226 or aoifeconnick@wexfordchamber.ie. CPD Hours: Belinda in DCM Training can issue certificates which attendees can use to claim CPD hours. Who should attend this course? The course is suitable for all those who need a basic understanding of data protection obligations and the need to achieve compliance. All employees who are in regular contact with client or employee personal information will find it of Interest and benefit, including: Customer support and call centre staff; Human resources staff; Legal secretaries; Health sector administration staff; Financial services sales and administrators; Accounts personnel; Line managers in admin., sales, marketing and HR staff; Database administrators and document management staff. Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce. Portsmouth House, Templeshannon. Tel: 053-9232006. mon to Fri 9.00am – 5.30pm. admin@enniscorthychamber.ie www.enniscorthychamber.ie

“We are delighted with these awards and appreciative of all the hard work and dedication of our employees that was absolutely essential in achieving accreditation to these international standards,” said David Kinsella, Managing Director of Irish Sea Contractors. L-R: NSAI Chief Executive Geraldine Larkin, Joe Walsh – QHSE Manager, David Kinsella – Managing Director Irish Sea Contractors and Minister Pat Breen TD.

Pic: Conor McCabe

IDA Board visit boosts Co. Wexford The Council Chamber at Wexford County Council Headquarters provided the venue recently when senior members of the Executive and the Board of the IDA travelled outside Dublin for meetings of the Board in County Hall, Carricklawn Wexford, in what is seen as a boost to the county’s economic outlook. The meetings continued

for most of the day and included a detailed presentation from Wexford County Council Chief Executive Tom Enright, and Director of Economic Development and Planning Services, Tony Larkin, who outlined to the Board the Council’s ambitious economic development strategy to increase the availability of new commercial office and industrial space and to grow job

opportunities throughout County Wexford. IDA Chairman Mr Frank Ryan thanked Wexford County Council for its courtesy in making the Council Chamber available to the Board. The Chairman complimented Mr. Enright and his team on the level of ambition and planning demonstrated within the Council’s Economic Development Strategy and

pledged the full support of the Board of the IDA is helping the Council to deliver the Strategy. This is the first time a board meeting of the IDA has taken place in County Wexford and is seen as a welcome endorsement of the Council’s highly ambitious range of economic development initiatives and associated capital investment programme. n

Members of the Executive and Board of the IDA, accompanied by senior Staff of Wexford County Council.

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Food for thought Enniscorthy Chamber continued their very popular series of innovative networking sessions at the festive kilcannon Restaurant with a Christmas Networking Lunch delivered by NLP Coach Enda kavanagh titled The 6 Step method to Setting Your Goals. The delicious Christmas lunch was introduced by Chamber President Maree Lyng and complimented with a positive and interesting look at how to set ourselves on a path of Achievement in 2018 using the 6 step method. Enda Kavanagh, originally from Dublin now living in Castlebridge, is an invigorating lady with a great sense of humour and an easy manner and with the help of willing volunteer Richie Cotter

showed the attendance how to begin making pro-active changes that can lead, she said, to explosive results. Enda combines 25 years of business management, training and facilitation experience in various roles of strategic planning, financial management, sales and marketing focused on improving team and bottom-line performance in all organisations. Enda’s extensive experience in a wide range of public and private business settings means she brings objectivity and impartiality to the sessions and empowers people to achieve results that they might previously have believed to be impossible or intangible. As she says people believe that they can and cant do things and these beliefs

have to be unlearned to allow people move forward and achieve their goals. Enda’s coaching techniques connect you in an authentic way with empathy and emotional intelligence. You achieve success through greater awareness, insights, strong focus and meaningful purpose she explained. The coaching process builds confidence, courage, creativity and helps you to achieve your personal, professional and business goals. Most definitely food for thought and perfect timing as we reflect on what we achieved or didn’t in 2017 and what we hope to achieve in 2018. Well done Enniscorthy Chamber for coming up with another winner. – Maria Nolan

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ENNISCORTHY OFFICE: Irish Street, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 9235699 FERNS OFFICE: Law Chambers, Aldercourt, Ferns. Tel: 053 9366688. E: julie@JulieBreenSolicitor.ie www.JulieBreenSolicitor.ie

Appointments can easily be made to suit your schedule by phone, email or by dropping into our office in either Enniscorthy or Ferns.

Wishing You a Peaceful, Healthy and Happy 2018. John O`Leary, Maria Nolan, Ibar Murphy, Enda Kavanagh, Maree Lyng, Ben Bernie and Richie Cotter at the Christmas Networking Lunch in Kilcannon Garden Centre.

Enniscorthy Town Team Talk Enniscorthy Town Team – a new initiative under Enniscorthy Chamber held their monthly meeting on Wednesday 6th December last discussing items like public seating areas on Slaney Street and Castle Hill and CCTV for the town with Enniscorthy municipal District Council acting as Data Controller. Town Manager Liz Hore

reported that the Council have re c e n t l y p u rc h a s e d n e w machinery for street cleaning and have also applied to Curio for an Education Programme for the Enniscorthy Schools. No less than 9 new businesses have set up or are about to set up in Enniscorthy the meeting heard and the team have been very active identifying vacant units with the purpose of putting together

an Information Brochure for auctioneers and other stakeholders showing available premises in the town. The team have also been active putting out lots of positive information on E n n i s c o r t h y To u r i s m , Enniscorthy Chamber and Enjoy Enniscorthy websites – so do check these out for all the upbeat town news. – Maria Nolan

Wonderful winning window The Enniscorthy Business Association (EBA) is delighted to announce that the winner of this year’s Christmas Window Competition is ‘Cottage to Castle Curtains’ having received approx 200 votes from members of the public via the Enjoy Enniscorthy Facebook page. EBA thanks monart Destination Spa for generously sponsoring the first prize.

D OYLE F IELDING CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & REGISTERED AUDITORS

Eugene Doyle FCA, QFA.

P.J. Fielding ACA, FIATI.

To coincide with our 30 Year Anniversary and our new partnership, we are delighted to announce the change of our firm’s name to Doyle Fielding Chartered Accountants.

Abbey Square, Enniscorthy.

® AccounTAncy – companies, sole traders, partnerships, etc. ® AuDiT ® TAxATion – income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, etc. ® PAyroll & bookkEEPing SErvicE ® bAnk rEviEWS & loAn APPlicATionS ® liFE & PEnSionS ADvicE ® comPAny incorPorATion & SEcrETAriAl SErvicES

contact Eugene or P.J. today. Wishing everYone A verY hAppY neW YeAr Well done to Rachel, Tadhg and the team at ‘Cottage to Castle Curtains’ on winning the EBA Christmas Window competition.

Doyle Fielding, Abbey Square, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053-9235287 / 9234644 Fax: 053-9233065 Email: info@etdoyle.ie Web: www.doyleaccountants.ie

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3 January 2018

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Slaney News

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SPORTS GRANTS COUNTYWIDE

VET DIARY FOR JAN

with the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

minister Paul kehoe welcomed funding to the tune of €1,888,031 for 64 sporting groups across Co. Wexford, which was announced in November 2017. Announcing the funding, Minister Kehoe stated: “I am delighted to see such a huge volume of funding being granted to Wexford Sports Clubs, which will be invested in facilities and

Equipment and will ensure that communities will have the opportunity to enhance their offering to young and old alike.” “I have worked closely with many of these groups to assist them in securing this much needed funding and am delighted to see so many of them in Wexford with successful applications. “Many of the groups

receiving funding under this scheme have a shared usage in their community, so the money will not just enhance their own club, but a much more widespread cohort of groups. “It represents an excellent value for money investment. It is crucial we invest in sport and the health of our population, particularly with obesity on the rise.” n

This month, Joe Kavanagh shares some thoughts for the new year.

“Happy New Year to all our Readers and Clients” With the New Year comes all those New Year's Resolutions and Great Intentions!!! Give it a week or two and we're back to our Same old Same old. ... but not this year I hear you Say!!! Rather than loads of unattainable Aims, doing one or two simple ones might just be achievable. Getting out and doing some exercise is an easy one. The evenings will have that Stretch in them by the first few weeks in January. It gives us all a lift and that sense of liberation starts to dust off. Our Pets are the ideal excuse to get out there. Their Enthusiasm for getting us up and out there is infectious and you always feel better for being out in Nature. If You Haven't a Dog but were toying with the idea of getting one there is no better time than now to do it. Unfortunately, after Christmas, the Dog shelters numbers swell to overflowing and they have some magnificent dogs just waiting for a Kind Hand and Good Home. They are often the best Characters, become loyal and very appreciative of getting a second chance. They Repay you on the double. It's a win-win situation. They are usually great companions and the dog shelters are excellent at helping you pick a dog that suits your own circumstances. If you've lots of space... e.g. live on a farm or have a few acres then a big dog might be suitable. Smaller dogs tend to work better in towns or confined areas. Either way the old adage, ''You don't find the dog the dog finds you'', often works. So maybe pay a visit to the local dog shelter and we'll be happy to check them over for you or advise you on the do's and don'ts. It's the New year, a New beginning and Sharing the love is what it's all about. All the very best in 2018 to all our clients and Readers from all at the Moyne Veterinary Hospital. n

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

ADDITIONAL SPORTS FUNDING ANNOUNCED 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.

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

On 21st December 2017, €234,500 further funding for Wexford sports facilities was announced in addition to the €1.9m detailed above. This brings Wexford’s total under the 2017 programme to over €2.12 million. Minister Paul Kehoe says that this further funding allocation of €234,500 will greatly benefit sports clubs across the county over the coming year and will be greatly welcomed by local athletes and communities. The additional funding is for: ● Wexford County Council €92,500 for Enniscorthy

Sports Hub phase 2. The Football Association of Ireland €56,000 for Ferrycarrig Park renovations. ● Wexford County Council €86,000 for Pearse Park Resurfacing Project. These awards are testament to the hard work and dedication the teams who put together such compelling applications under this funding scheme. Minister Kehoe says, “In my home town of Enniscorthy, the funding will go towards enhancing the current top class athletics hub to put it ●

into a position to host Regional Championship events. “The hub is already an incredible amenity for the entire community and further development will enhance its appeal and what it can offer to clubs and individuals in the community. "I am delighted to see this much needed funding going to the places it will really make a big difference, our local sports clubs. “Investing in sport is good for the health of the nation, both literally and economically,” said the Wexford Minister. n

Slaney History

3 January 2018

www.slaneynews.com

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

Ibar carty has opened up his vast photo archives to the Slaney News. In this 79th of a series, Ibar shares two photos taken in 1952 and 1972. If you can identify any of the people featured in these photos, the slaney news and Ibar would be delighted to hear from you at slaneynews@gmail.com. thank you. above: Annas Heffernan & the Ludlows at Enniscorthy Dog Track 1972. Pic © Ibar Carty. Left: Procession Day 1952, Market Square, Enniscorthy. Pic © Ibar Carty.

Ibar Carty can provide high quality prints of all photos in this series. Simply ring Ibar on 087-6729969 or email:ibar_carty@yahoo.ie or call into his premises on Castle Street (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.

A local contributor looks at life today in Enniscorthy and beyond 2018 ElEction ? Just before Christmas it appeared that the nation was on the brink of a general election. Most people won’t even remember what the issue was and quite frankly it doesn’t matter now. The issue for 2018 is as to whether or not the present government will survive to deliver its three budgets, with Fianna Fail effectively sidelining itself for that period, or will something happen to trigger an election. In the opinion of this writer, seeing that we overcame the Frances Fitzgerald crisis (yes that’s what it was about), it is highly unlikely that we will see an election any time soon. Fianna Fail, the leadership at least, have by their actions made it clear that they have no desire whatever to go to the polls. Within that party there may be many foot soldiers who are livid with Micheál Martin for effectively rolling over every time Fine Gael requires it, but they have no say. The set up in all political parties nowadays is such that all decisions are taken by a small group of people at national level and ordinary members have damn all influence. The cardcarrying members are required to knock on doors, put up posters and take up collections and

that’s it. After that sit down and be quiet. However, back to the matter at hand. Within Dáil Éireann, maybe with the exception of Sinn Féin, no one wants an election. The two main parties are happy enough to ride it out for another while and the Labour Party, all seven of them, know that an election would be a further disaster for them. As they currently stand only Brendan Howlin and Sean Sherlock of Cork would be confident of retaining their seats with a possibility of Alan Kelly, who in fairness is dogged in his pursuit of alleged wrongdoing within the Gardai, also getting in. This would reduce them to three seats as the chances of Brendan Ryan, Joan Burton, Willie Penrose and Jan O’Sullivan being re-elected are almost nil. Most of them will probably not even stand. On top of that Labour have no new candidates coming forward as their councillors around the country were decimated in the last local election. Furthermore, they have little chance of those who lost their seats last time out being returned. Therefore, they will not do anything to precipitate an election, even if they could. They are not near ready for such a contest.

View from the Hill The various Independents, not in government, will also sit tight. Many of them are actually shaky enough when it comes to electoral support. It is almost impossible nowadays for any Independent to fight a national election. Finance, election workers, media coverage and the ability to compete with party machines in every way mitigates against them regardless of how good a representative they may be. I would include the Green Party in this because political life has always been a struggle for them and they would have no desire to run the risk of losing the two seats they hold.

The biggest danger to the government, as I see it, actually comes from within. The so-called Independent Alliance, Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, John Halligan, Boxer Moran and Sean Canney are a strange bunch. They have nothing whatever in common other than to hold the government in place. There is no political ideology or policy which binds them together and a couple of potential loose cannons within their ranks. Waterford’s John Halligan is liable to do or say anything, whether it’s government policy or not, remember the trip to North Korea, need I say more. On balance one would have to assume

that self-preservation, nice salaries, taxpayer sponsored car, pension building up and the bit of oul prestige of being a minister of state for something will keep these boys in. Having said that I would have to be fair to Finian McGrath who seems to be doing his best in the disability area. This is despite the fact that he has changed his personal views on a number of issues, or maybe just bit the bullet, but credit where it’s due. So, after all that, you will gather that the conclusion of this scribe is that we will see no 2018 election or indeed a 2019 election. As things stand now it looks as if the government will go on to 2020. Unless, oh yeah, I’m covering myself here, Leo misreads and believes these Opinion Polls which show Fine Gael surging ahead. But I don’t think those around him are that foolish. Or Are They? Enniscorthy rEtailErs I hope that the retailers of Enniscorthy and indeed the entire county had a good Christmas. The weather was reasonably favourable to shoppers getting out and about which should have helped. Also, their windows and other displays were very attractive and of course you can’t beat

the personal touch. Anything purchased which wasn’t suitable can, provided it hasn’t been worn or damaged, be exchanged without all the hassle of online posting back or travelling to Waterford or Dublin to be messed about by someone who doesn’t know you or care about you because they will never see you again. Also in fairness to our local shops a lot of them were very quickly off the mark with their Sales immediately after Christmas. These Sales are good value as you are getting genuine stock reduced and not second-class items imported in for so-called bargains which is what happens in many big, so-called bargain outlets. Therefore, the message is keep shopping at home where possible because your cash keeps jobs at home and the local economy turning. Most importantly you will also, in the main, get much better value from a local trader who wants to ensure that you keep coming back. Finally… Happy New Year to all readers of Slaney News and particularly readers of this column. n We are often asked: Who is the “View from the Hill” columnist? All we can say is that the author’s surname is NOT Doyle!

Slaney Around the Region

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BUNCLODY… inDoor MarKEt Bunclody’s indoor market with over a dozen local food producers, artisans and craftspeople comes together every Saturday to offer their wares at St. Aidan's Hall in Irish Street from 11am to 2pm. Part of the appeal for those attending is the availability of tea and coffee in a fireside setting allowing locals and visitors alike to meet up, relax and and have a chat. BuncloDy liBrary For a full listing of events 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/D epartments/Library/WhatsOn/ art BanK BuncloDy Follow ARTBANK on Facebook. Whist Monday nights in Day Care Centre. BinGo Every Weds night in River’s Edge at 9.00pm. €200 donated each month to a local charity. st VincEnt DE Paul Local Confidential helpline 087-

3696883. Newspaper recycling is beside SuperValu in aid of S.V.P. BuncloDy ParEnt anD toDDlEr GrouP Every Wednesday 10-12pm in St. Aidan's Hall, Irish Street, admission €3. A place to meet other parents in a relaxed atmosphere. BuncloDy Day carE St. Mary's Centre, Ryland Road. Go along and brighten up your Monday mornings. Entrance Fee: €4 which includes Tea/Coffee & Light Lunch. This Club will suit the 60+ age group. Transport not provided. nEW VEnturE Siobhan Kehoe’s Bunclody Health and Wellness Centre is now open on the first floor of the old AIB bank building on Main Street, Bunclody. The entrance to the Centre is through the archway at the side of the building. Siobhan has a number of rooms available to rent to professional therapists – phone 053 9270725. BuncloDy aWarD There were celebrations all round in Bunclody following the news that Bunclody Town Team won a Merit Award for it’s Art Bank and Summer Festival in the 2017 Bank of Ireland

Enterprise Town Awards, which were announced in Tullamore on Wednesday 15th November. Bunclody was one of 76 towns taking part in this year’s competition and this award recognised the work of Bunclody Town Team with Art B a n k a n d t h e S t re a m s o f Bunclody Festival and the overall efforts of Bunclody Town Team to develop and enhance the arts and culture offering in the town. The judges visited the town one very exciting afternoon in October where they were met by a very enthusiastic group of people in Art Bank. Presentations on what Bunclody has to offer were delivered by Councilllor Barbara-Anne Murphy (Chairperson of Bunclody Town Team), Joe O’Reilly (Supervalu), Fiona Cousins (Our Back Yard), Rory Fanning (Slaney Foods), Jon King and John Renwick (Art Bank), and Teresa Harte and Lucy Fortune (Bunclody Tidy Towns). Bunclody Town Team was represented at the awards ceremony by Councillors BarbaraAnne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan, and also by Una Murphy, Teresa Harte, Lucy Fortune and Ann Marie Laffan, together with Tony O’Leary from Bank of Ireland. n

please attend important public meeting in kiltealy The ongoing issue of car crashes at Doran’s Crossroads (the Big Bridge near Kiltealy) will be highlighted at a public meeting in Kiltealy Hall at 8pm on 9th January. Local politicians will be in attendance. Now is your chance to have your say. All welcome.

NEW ROSS

"Charity of the Week" cheque presentation for €1,000 in Lidl, Marsh Meadows, the Quay, New Ross, to the New Houghton Hospital, New Ross. L-R: tara Purcell, Lidl New Ross, antionette Carberry, activities Co-ordinator Houghton Hospital, brid Lawlor, Patricia Power and Lar Nurray, Houghton Hospital, and Jackie Roche, Manager, Lidl New Ross.

MONAGEER… 21st birthday of Kaela Kearns, Monageer, in the Monageer tavern. Right: Godparents Martin Kearns, Kaela and Ann Marie O’Brien. Below: Kaela Kearns, her mam Catherine O’Brien Clarke and brother Mark Kearns. Below right: Kaela Kearns and Aisling O’Brien.

YouTube Gardener Launches Book in Bunclody there was a great turnout on 2nd December at the artBanK, Bunclody, for the launch of rachel Darlington's book, Journal of an Irish Garden. Gerry Daly performed the honours, answering gardening questions and providing some anecdotes on Rachel's time writ-

ing for the Irish Garden magazine over the course of the last ten years. This exciting Irish gardening book is now available in the Book Centres in Wexford, Kilkenny and Waterford, and at the ARTBANK and Steemer's, Bunclody. It can also be bought

online from www.lulu.com. Contact Rachel to book her gardening talk or to visit her Wexford garden, Douentza, at rachel.darlington65@gmail.com. Also, check out Rachel's very popular YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/Gardeningat Douentza

ROSSLARE rosslare tidy towns group in co Wexford took home an irish Water Value award at the superValu tidy towns awards for the south East region, which took place in nenagh, co tipperary recently. Irish Water is proud to partner with Tidy Towns and sponsor the Value Water Awards which are aimed at inspiring water conservation at a local level. The Value Water award is about raising awareness of the importance of mindful water consumption within communities and is about reconnecting communities with water, creating a greater understanding of where water comes from and where wastewater goes to. The Rosslare entry was acknowledged for its use of rainwater harvesting to conserve water within the local community and to maintain the local flora. It was also noted

Ray flynn (centre) of Rosslare tidy town accepting the value Water award from Joe Kennedy, Irish Water and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring tD. Pic: Sean Curtin True Media.

that the community was very aware of how much water they use and had many good ideas on how to preserve it. Commenting on the Value Water Awards, Aisling Buckley o f I r i s h Wa t e r s a i d : “Congratulations to the Rosslare Tidy Towns group on winning the Irish Water

Value Awards for the South East region. Irish Water is very proud to sponsor the Value Water Awards again this year which we hope will lead the way in inspiring water conservation at a local level. The work carried out in this community to win the award is truly inspirational.” n

Slaney Motoring

3 January 2018

www.slaneynews.com

Caroline gets motoring review by Caroline Kidd

peugeoT 5008

Peugeot 5008

the Peugeot 5008 has always been a very popular seven seater in ireland for its spacious cabin and flexible seating. Bearing in mind changing consumer preferences and increased demand for suVs, Peugeot has revolutionised their MPV lineup in the last year or so and the Peugeot 5008 has evolved from MPV to suV. We first saw this transformation in the Peugeot 3008, which is now a very on trend five seat SUV and has won over 34 awards since launch including Irish Car of the Year 2018. The Peugeot 5008 sits above the 3008 with similar SUV styling, more space

and an extra two seats, but retaining a wonderful carlike character behind the wheel. The interior of the new Peugeot 5008 is also unrecognisable from the previous generation. Peugeot has been pioneering something called the ‘iCockpit’ since the launch of the 208 supermini in 2012. In the Peugeot 5008 (and 3008) it’s the best yet, with a digital instrument panel sitting above a compact steering wheel and a centre console that appears to wrap around the driver. An 8” touchscreen sits on top of the dash and there are a number of stylish piano key buttons below that allow you

to access key functions quickly. The Peugeot 5008 range starts from €29,345. Granted my test car was a pricier GT Line model (from €36,575) with some very plush cabin materials, but there is no getting away from the fact that there is real innovation and ambition to be found in the cabin. Storage around the car is very generous and the footwells in the back are very large. There are three individual seats in row 2 with ISOFIX and the seats can move forward and back individually of each other to make more space for those in row 3. There are two individual seats in row

3 and though accommodation is less generous, it comes with the territory in a seven seat SUV. When not in use, the two seats can be folded neatly into the floor or removed completely revealing a very large boot. My test car was powered by the 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel with 120hp, which proved to be very economical while offering adequate performance. For more punch there is also the 2.0litre diesel with 150hp, while a 1.2-litre petrol with 130hp may suit many drivers too. The 5008 sits a bit higher off the ground than your average hatchback but behind the wheel it’s very car-like and easy to manoeu-

auto rEpair Enniscorthy

nct preparation – repairs – timing belts clutches – general servicing – etc No job too big or too small ncrs, old dublin road, enniscorthy (opposite cooney Furlong / gala) tel: 086-8299431 – 053 9233033 – email: ncrallying@yahoo.ie

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Every month Bunclody native caroline Kidd brings you the best from the world of motoring, including car reviews, news and more. caroline is a member of the irish Motoring Writers’ association (iMWa) and a jury member for irish car of the year. you can follow her blog changing lanes at www.changinglanes.ie. vre. The steering is light for around town and parking, while out of town it holds the road very well too. The 5008 is comfortable and refined, and while to call it nifty might be a stretch too far, it’s surprisingly nice to drive. My test car had a 6speed manual but because the 1.6-litre is not a huge diesel there were quite a few gear changes required to keep it in its sweet spot so an automatic would add even more ease of use in daily life. There is a choice of five trim levels for 5008 in Ireland – Access, Active, Allure, GT Line and GT. Standard equipment includes the digital instrument panel, 8” touchscreen, multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth, cruise control with speed limiter, speed limit information with intelligent speed adaptation, driver attention alert and lane departure warning, 17” steel wheels, four electric windows, electric and heated door mirrors with LED side indicators, and air-conditioning. My GT Line car had updated styling and equipment included 18” alloys, full LED headlamps, LED

fog lamps with cornering function, panoramic opening sunroof with electric blind and blue ambient lighting, keyless entry and push button start, Park Assist with front and rear camera and 360 deg ree vision ( Vi s i o p a r k 3 ) a n d a Smartphone charging plate. The Peugeot 5008 will grab attention from traditional MPVs like the Renault Grand Scenic and Ford SMAX because it is very stylish. But beyond style, the new Peugeot 5008 is a practical, spacious family car that will surely be embraced by Irish families as well as the previous generation. MoDEl tEstED: Peugeot 5008 GT Line 1.6 BlueHDi Price: €38,275 (Range starts at €29,345) Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel Power: 120hp Torque: 300Nm 0-100km/h: 11.4 seconds Top speed: 188km/h Claimed Economy: 4.2l/100km CO2 emissions: 108g/km Motor tax: €190 per year n

ART BUTLER & SONS CRASH REPAIRS kiltrea, enniscorthy

tel: 053 9233665 New state-of-the-art premises. Recovery service with replacement cars. All insurance work catered for. we also help fill in insurance claim forms and we wait for insurance cheques once approved. Customers’ vehicles are fully insured while on our premises.

Art Butler & Sons are THE crash repair specialists contact us for a quotation. phone/Fax: 053 9233665.

€10,000 loan paid back weekly over 5 years

Abbey Square, Enniscorthy Tel: 053 9233835 w: www.enniscorthycu.ie Facebook: /enniscorthycu

€45.48 p.w.

Total amount repaid €11,822.22 Rate 6.9% (APR 7.1%)

Regulated by Central Bank of Ireland

6.9%

Loans subject to approval. Terms & Conditions apply.

Slaney Motoring

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This space can be yours for €95+VAT For more

enniscorthy star wins his 10th new car! Victory for Enniscorthy’s international showjumping star, 22-year-old Bertram allen, partnering the 11year-old gelding Gin chin van het lindenhof, in the recent stockholm Grand Prix saw him win his seventh new car at the swedish venue in the last three years, and the 10th new car of his career to date. n

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ŠKODA Ireland has announced that despite the Irish new car market decreasing by 10% compared to 2016, ŠKODA has increased new car turnover by 1% to €146 million in 2017 and increased turnover from parts and accessories by 8% to €9.6million.

Myles Stamp, owner of Stamp transport, is confident that the new Michelin X Multi D fitments will set a new record mileage for the fleet.

MeRCeDeS-BeNZ – New DealeRShip iN wexfoRD Wexford is one that sees another of Ireland’s foremost motor retailers being welcomed into the MercedesBenz network - a move that their distributor in Ireland believes will significantly boost the brand’s market share in the south east. Commenting, Ciaran Allen,

RECORD YEAR FOR ŠKODA IRELAND wITH INCREASES IN TURNOVER AND FINANCE APPLICATIONS

087-2403310

Mercedes-Benz has expanded its sales organisation with the opening of a new dealership – Boland’s of Wexford, situated on the approach to Wexford from Gorey. The appointment of Boland’s and their development of an exclusive new Mercedes-Benz dealership in

sales manager for MercedesBenz passenger cars in Ireland said: ‘with Mercedes-Benz’s sights now fixed on expansion in all market segments, our drive to strengthen our representation and create a solid foundation for our future growth is fully reflected in the calibre of this appointment’. n

enniscorthy haulier reaps benefit from Michelin Tyres

Diarmaid boland of boland’s of Wexford pictured with the new S-Class, flagship model of the Mercedes-benz range.

Wexford haulier stamp transport could soon be achieving more than 500,000km from its drive tyres, after moving to Michelin’s latest generation 315/70 r22.5 X Multi D drive axle tyres. The French tyre manufacturer says the new tyres increase mileage potential by as much as 20 per cent versus the previous X MultiWay 3D

XDE fitments, which routinely covered 430,000km for the Enniscorthy-based haulier before being replaced. Commenting, Myles Stamp, Owner of Stamp Transport, said: “We’re used to achieving exceptional mileage from our Michelin tyres, and the potential to increase that by up to a further 20 per cent could have a very positive effect on our

operating costs. we are confident these tyres will set a new record mileage for our fleet.” Stamp Transport, which operates a fleet of 40 trucks and 50 trailers, has been in operation since 1992 and provides fresh food, pharmaceutical and general haulage solutions for national domestic and international customers. n

Slaney News

dIary dates

Enniscorthy EyE a column by Joseph doyle

ferns panto: Beauty conGratulatIons and the Beast  We l l d o n e t o t h e Enniscorthy Rugby Club’s First XV on their recent win in the South East League Final against Kilkenny in Kilkenny on a scoreline of 20-10. Nice to see the first available piece of silverware for the new season com-

ing home to the Ross Road! Well done to all involved.  Well done also to the Starlights on beating Castletown in the County U-21 B Football Final on the Saturday before Christmas. – Joseph doyle

cystIc fIBrosIs news ●

●

ferns Dramatic Society presents beauty and the beast in ferns Community Centre on 25th, 26th and 27th January 2018. for bookings call Pat o’Leary on 053 9366354 after 6pm

ennIscorthy drama Enniscorthy Drama Group will b e p re s e n t i n g M a r t i n McDonagh’s funny and touching Beauty Queen of Leenane in February in Enniscorthy before going on the drama circuit.

3 January 2018

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The excellent cast is Michele Whelan, Annmarie Whelan, Brendan Robinson and Fintan Kelly. It will be directed by Tom Reddy. – Joseph doyle

Joseph Doyle’s debut play, ‘Return to Slaney Valley’, will have its premiere on 20th April next year in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, with all proceeds in aid of Cystic Fibrosis. Anyone interested in particpating either on stage or behind the scenes should contact Joseph at doyleduffry@gmail.com. In particular Joseph is looking for a keyboardist and drummer to volunteer their services for this charity event. Joseph is planning a meeting soon in Doyle’s Bar to progress this ambitious project so get in touch with Joseph now if interested. One for the diary: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week starts on 13th April next year.

fIlm nIGht an interesting event coming up in the Presentation centre soon… It’s a film with strong Co. Wexford connections and will be shown on Friday 12th January 2018 at 8pm. It’s called The Drummer & The Keeper and it tells the story of the unlikely friendship formed between two young men;

Gabriel, a reckless young drummer with bipolar disorder, who revels in rejecting society’s rules and Christopher, a 17 year old with Asperger’s Syndrome, who yearns to fit in. This heartwarming story shows the strength of the human bond in the face of adversity. – Joseph doyle

rEGular EVEnts: traditional irish Music night every Friday at Stamps. treacy’s hotel – Live music every Fri (Davitts), Sat and Sun nights in main bar. sunday night sessions at Benedicts, plus disco. Benedicts Disco – Friday, Saturday, Sunday. DBar – Saturday night DJ – 70s & 80s night. toss Kavanaghs: Live music every weekend. alba restaurant: Background live music – see “Alba Restaurant” on Facebook. Popovici’s: Live music or DJs at weekends. rock ‘n’ roll Jive classes every Weds at The Bailey. Beginners at 7.30pm, Advanced 8.45pm. Freestyle after with DJ Lew Boogie from 10pm. €5. the Presentation centre – See their website. irish conversation Evenings – Enjoy learning and practising your spoken Irish every second Wednesday night in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 8-9pm. Next night is 10th January. Phone Pat on 087-1377068 for more details. st senan's Parish – Bingo in Templeshannon Community Centre every Sunday night at 8pm. Enniscorthy Greyhound track. No racing in January.

looKinG ahEaD:

 See main entertainment listing page 17.  Thur 4 Jan, The Big Party Rockabilly Band. IFA Centre in aid of the MRI Scanner for Wexford General Hospital.  Brendan Grace, Riverside Park Hotel, 6th January.  Jan 9-13 Wexford Panto Society presents Cinderella, Dun Mhuire Theatre, Wexford. Tickets from €10. Tel 053 9123061.  Jan 12 at 8pm, The Drummer and the Keeper (movie), Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.  Jan 19, Weighing-In – a fast-paced comedy play about life, love and dieting – and how we all need to adjust the scales to find the right balance. Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.  Ferns Dramatic Society presents Beauty and the Beast in Ferns Community Centre on 25th, 26th and 27th January 2018. For bookings call Pat O’Leary on 053 9366354 after 6pm.  Feb 2, Brian Kennedy in Concert. Hook Lighthouse. For further details and tickets see www.hookheritage.ie or call 051 397055. Tickets: €30.  A celebration of the Life and Music of Jim Reeves starring Al Grant with special guest Isla Grant. Riverside Park Hotel 12th February.  Johnny McEvoy, Riverside Park Hotel, 22nd February.  Mike Denver, Riverside Park Hotel, 22nd March  New Ross Musical Society’s show in March 2018 will be Top Hat. – Joseph doyle

sad passInG of oGIe nolan

enniscorthy Rugby Club’s first Xv – South east League winners.

aidan (ogie) Nolan R.I.P. Pic: Jim o’Connor

eNNISCoRtHy CaMeRa CLub: the Club recently celebrated 40 years at an event in the bailey. above left: Liz Mitchell, Paddy Murphy, Patrica Hyland. above right: John Wilkinson, Christy Doyle, Jacqueline McCann (Chairperson enniscorthy Camera Club). Paddy and Christy were awarded honorary life membership of enniscorthy Camera Club for their contribution to the club over the 40 years and were part of the founding committee. John Wilkinson (President eCC) and founding Member was also awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Irish Photography foundation for his contribution at many different levels over the years. Pics: David Butler.

Just before christmas the death occurred of aidan (ogie) nolan of 3 Wa f e r s t r e e t , Enniscorthy, aged 95. ogie was a celebrated saddler and harness maker and was a wellknown and loved character in town. he was the beloved brother of Patsy and theresa. His funeral Mass took place in St. Aidan’s Cathedral on 22nd December with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery. May he Rest in Peace. – Joseph doyle

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

Slaney Sport

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Celebrating 100 years

Pic: Maria Nolan

enniscorthy Municipal District Chairman Keith Doyle makes a presentation to Starlights Captain tom Wall.

Padge Walsh makes a presentation to President elect John Horan at Starlights 100th celebrations.

fr. odhran furlong with members of the Rapparees/Starlights Club at Mass for deceased members over past 100 years. Pic: Maria Nolan.

the very inclement weather conditions failed to dampen the spirit of the starlights as the 100th anniversary celebrations proceeded in December through hail, rain and even a little snow. The conditions were perfect on Saturday for the Underage games between the Starlights and Ballyhogue as over 160 children participated displaying excellent footballing skills at under 8 and under 10 indicative of the standard of coaching and the trojan work being done in both clubs. All games were keenly contested and competitive in the true tradition of these old rivals and the level of skill among the Under 10s was outstanding with several players showing on both sides that have no doubt even at this early stage been sprinkled with stardust. Captain of the Starlights Senior Football Champions Tom Wall was on hand to present all who participated with a special Starlights 100 medal after which everyone adjourned to the Bellefield Complex where the Big Fat Man with the long white beard made a guest appearance with a little gift for all the children. Saturday evening Mass at St. Aidan’s Cathedral was offered for the deceased members of the Starlights over the past 100 years with celebrant Fr. Odhran Furlong

inviting junior members of the Starlights Club to bring gifts to the altar representing the club and what it stands for - a Star, the emblem of the Starlights representing light, hope and continuity, a flag representing commitment, belonging and family, a jersey representing pride, passion and participation, a football representing skill, discipline and dedication, a photo of the 1929 three-in-a-row team representing those who have gone before and the County Juvenile and Senior Cups representing achievement, success and celebration. On Sunday the weather was a little less conducive to football but that didn`t prevent the Starlights and Ballyhogue taking to the field with, shall we say, some surprises including Paudge Courtney, Padraig Doyle, Damien Mahon, Maurice Donohoe, Willie Hudson, among others with former Intercounty Referee Dickie Murphy taking command in the middle. The arrival of the GAA President Elect John Horan was heralded by Piper Liam Doyle as he was called on to raise the commemorative flag and unveil the commemorative plaque. President Horan said that it was no hardship to come to Wexford even on a bad day as his mother was from Curracloe and he had many happy memories of childhood holidays here. His sister

L-R: tony Dempsey, Chairman Derek Kent, fr. odhran furlong, Minister Paul Kehoe, President elect John Horan, Chairman Keith Doyle, James browne tD, Mary foley and Chairman John browne. Pic: Maria Nolan.

Ballymurn 5k Fun Run/Walk

Calling all GAA enthusiasts!

Sunday 28th January 2018 at 12.00pm in Ballymurn. This is the fourth consecutive year hosting this event, all proceeds raised from the run/walk will be split equally between Temple Street Hospital and Ballymurn National School. All money raised will go directly to both causes as all our costs will be catered for by our sponsors.

the new gaa season ticket is a must have for you!

The Entry Fee is up to you, there will be a donation box at registration. Registration in Ballymurn Hall from 10.30am. Run/Walk at 12.00pm. Refreshments afterwards in the hall. Spot prizes on the day. This event has gone from strength to strength with over 450 participants last year raising over €5,000 between two great causes. The organisers thank everybody who helps make this happen, and look forward to seeing a huge turnout gain on 28th January.

This is a very attractive ticket to anyone who attends both local and intercountry games on a regular basis and is looking for value for money! The ticket is €200 and includes the following: Admission to all Wexford organised Adult GAA games in both codes right up to and including Co. Finals, Admission to all Allianz League matches in your selected code – including play-offs, Semi-Finals and Finals. Wexford’s opening Championship game, Access to Stand Tickets, subject to ground capacity. Access to an All-Ireland Final ticket if your county is participating, and AIB GAA Club Championship Finals on March 17th. For every ticket sold, €146 goes directly back to Wexford GAA for youth development. The GAA National Season Ticket is available to purchase online: https://www.seasontickets.ie/new. For this ticket you choose whether you wish to purchase a hurling or football ticket.

now lives at Kilmore and both his parents are buried there - so strong Wexford connections for the next head of the GAA. He went on to say that he was sure that the founding members of the Starlights club would be very happy to see the work obviously being done by the present Committee - the Starlights he said were in safe hands. Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Keith Doyle made a presentation to John Browne Club Chairman and Starlights Captain Tom Wall to recognise the 100th anniversary of the Starlights and acknowledge what the club is doing and has done for the town and many generations of young Enniscorthians. John Browne thanked the organising Committee of Michael Doyle, Maria Nolan, Jason Sheridan, Ed Doran and Hugo Kelly for all their hard work before calling on Padge Walsh to make a presentation on behalf of the club to President Horan and asking Fr. Odhran Furlong to finish the formal proceedings with thanks for the past 100 years and hope for the next 100. The President very kindly stayed around and joined in the celebrations chatting and having his photo taken with those in attendance. A most marvellous weekend of celebration and joy. – maria nolan

President elect John Horan and Maria Nolan.

Slaney Arts & Heritage

For the second year running i was privileged to secure a prime spot on the prestigious red carpet, among the national paparazzi, for the Bord Gais Energy irish Book awards 2017 at the Dublin clayton hotel to photograph the elite of irish writing and capture all the glitz, glam and sparkle of the 12th annual Gala Event. Vying with RTE cameramen and photographers from all over the country for the best possible position I was once again blown away by the sophisticated and elaborate occasion managed expertly and efficiently by Unique Media. My interest in the occasion was twofold, as Secretary of the Wexford Literary Festival I was primarily there to see how the county’s nominees – Carmel Harrington, John Banville, Eoin Colfer, Cat Hogan and Helena Mulkerns would perform in their respective categories and as a dedicated follower of fashion and all things stylish I was there to snap all the beauty and the magic of the Red Carpet.

Literati Sparkle at 2017 Book Awards The Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards was founded to promote and celebrate Irish writing and each year the enchanting event brings together a community passionate not just about books but also passionate about looks, if the Red Carpet Parade is anything to go by. Now, Black Tie can mean just about anything these days from smart casual to old style Hollywood and everything in between, and with everyone determined to make some kind of fashion statement it is a photographer`s and a fashionista`s paradise and I was in Heaven. Many celebrities brought their own individual flair to the occasion like Cecelia Ahern in a multicoloured retro style that only the elfin like author could carry with aplomb, accompanied this year by her dad Bertie who looked rather dashing, refusing to be drawn into commenting on the Tánaiste debacle

Pic: Maria Nolan

Ryan tubridy and David Walliams

County Wexford's public libraries are to receive an investment of over €200,000 to further improve their services. The extra funding is coming from Department of Rural and Community Development with a matchfunding component of €67,000 coming from Wexford County Council. The funding will be used to improve the self-service facilities in the libraries; to provide additional literacy aids for children; and to provide even more business and employment-orientated resources to the public under the 'Work Matters' programme.

3 January 2018

despite being hard pressed by the onsite media. The diminutive Maia Dunphy was the essence of elegance with shades of Audrey Hepburn in a black satin bodice and full skirt, whilst crime author Alex Barclay and model and TV personality Vogue Williams looked positively regal in floor-length, body-hugging gowns in white and red respectively. And speaking of TV personalities, RTE Washington correspondent Catriona Perry exuded old worlde charm in a berry and black full length number whilst food author and model Roz Purcell sported a cut away jumpsuit beautifully complimenting both her figure and her colouring. Some of my particular favourites were an interesting and pretty combination of pink and black worn well by the lovely Sinead Moriarty, the feather-effect skirt on Vanessa

Pic: Maria Nolan

O`Loughlin aka Sam Blake and the delicious red that looked so vibrant and festive on historical fiction novelist Hazel Gaynor. And their male counterparts were equally stunning in suits, tuxes and dickie bows. Authors and TV personalities David Walliams and Ryan Tubridy stole the Red Carpet show when they both went down on their knees for one little lady who desperately wanted their autographs. Sports personalities, the Gooch, aka Colm Cooper, Shay Given and Philly McMahon also togged out exceptionally well for the classy occasion. Wexford did us proud in the fashion stakes with John Banville and Eoin Colfer both looking debonair and suave, Helena Mulkerns looked graceful in black, while Carmel Harrington and Cat Hogan were stunningly festive in shades of forest green.

Pic: Maria Nolan

Roz Purcell and vogue Williams

Catriona Perry and Rachel allen

Sheila’s debut novel success in a week when Wexford writers were very much to the fore with five in all nominated for the 2017 Bord Gais Energy irish Book awards, yet another new writer made her first appearance at Enniscorthy library reading from her debut novel mending lace. Sheila Forsey always knew she wanted to write and indeed for years wrote secretly in notebooks and diaries – ideas for stories, segments of stories and character profiles as she became

wife, mother and entrepreneur running her own Beauty Business very successfully in Kilkenny, even claiming Best New Entrepreneur of the Year title from Kilkenny County Council. But eventually with the help of the Wexford Literary Festival, its wonderful Chairperson Carmel Harrington and hard working Literary Agent Tracy Brennan, Sheila is at last living her dream, and she has never been happier.

Mending Lace is set in Wexford and reflects a lot of Sheila`s experiences in business during both the Boom and the Bust and is warmly and sympathetically written and beautifully descriptive and is doing tremendously well on the Irish Times Best Seller List. Yet another new Wexford author making a name for herself and her county on the national and international literary scene. – maria nolan

author Sheila forsey with fellow Wexford Literary festival members Caroline busher, Richie Cotter, Maria Nolan and Jarlath Glynn at enniscorthy Library.

From the Red Carpet the elegantly clad entourage made its way into the beautifully decorated diningroom where all enjoyed a scrumptious repas prior to winners being announced. Bernard Mac Laverty’s novel Midwinter Break won the coveted Novel of the Year Award, the Best Irish Published Book of the Year went to the extremely popular Atlas of the Irish Revolution which has already sold 22,000 copies since September despite being 1,000 pages long and costing €59. David Walliams was this year ’s recipient of the International Recognition Award, a special award made to international authors who have contributed to the health and wealth of the Irish book trade,and poet Eavan Boland was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. But my focus and reason for attending was of course our

Pic: Maria Nolan

Wexford contingent, who despite not coming away with the accolades on the night did so well with no less than five nominations for the county proving that literature is alive and well and thriving in Wexford, just as we want it to be. Bord Gais Chairman Larry Mac Hale congratulated all of the winning authors saying that the list of winners would make anyone proud to be associated with an industry that produces so many great Irish writers and he encouraged people to support them by giving the gift of a book this year for Christmas. With more than 50,000 people casting votes for their favourite authors the Bord Gais Book Awards is most certainly the pinnacle of the Irish literary calendar and the event of the year for Ireland’s literati, readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians who come together to acknowledge and acclaim all that is good and positive about Irish writing. – maria nolan

Pic: Maria Nolan

Roddy Doyle

Carmel Harrington

Enniscorthy Library What's on at a glance… 4th January: Coding Workshop For Parents. Facilitated by Frank Turner and Niamh Bierney from TEKcentral. 6th January: Storytime for kids. 11th January: Antiques Collecting For Beginners. For beginners who wish to start their own collection of prized antiques they should first learn about the many different facets of antique collecting. It is important to know what to look for. Join Robert Rackard in Enniscorthy library to learn more. Those attending can bring along small items on the night such as watches, clocks, silverware, books etc and Robert will give advice on your prized possessions. 13th January: Storytime For Kids. 18th January: Talk on St. Aidan's Cathedral by Aidan Ryan. 20th January: Storytime For Kids. 25th January: Minding Your Mental Health- A talk by Niall O’Muiri. 27th January: Storytime For Kids.

Nicholas Harpur Exhibition hErE is a new photography exhibition by nicholas harpur at the Presentation centre, Enniscorthy. it runs from 24 november 2017 to 19 January 2018. Through his documentation of people, places, and moments, a world of personalities, routines, and habits are revealed. Touching on prospects and questioning the choices people make, in particular, their reasons to stay ‘HERE’. His work invites us into the lives and experiences of others through a careful approach, and although he is very much a part of the situations depicted, Nicholas creates a sense of voyeurism through his documentary style photography. See: nicholasharpur.com

Upcoming Exhibition Eilish Mccann, somewhere to live, the Presentation centre 26th January 2018 - 9th March 2018 An exhibition of paintings and print work by Eilish McCann. Eilish's work examines the concept of movement in a personal and political sense from the search for a physical and psychic ‘home’ to migration and exploration. n

Slaney Arts & Wexford Scene

www.slaneynews.com

Pic: Patrick Hogan.

Members of Wexford Ladies and Male voice Choirs in St Iberius Church during December. Pic: Patrick Hogan.

the Marie Kruttle trio in Wexford arts Centre.

Around Wexford Town with Patrick Hogan JMa in Wexford arts Centre, December 2017. Pic: Patrick Hogan.

above: the Remedy Club in the Sky & the Ground. below: Celine Rossitor, Joe Ryan, vivienne brady, anne Marie Kirwan at a quiz in the Sky & the Ground. Pics: Patrick Hogan.

Wexford General Hospital staff childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party in the Riverbank House Hotel.

above: Carly, Mason, Caroline and Skye Morris. below: first Christmas for 5 month old elva Murphy, back L-R: parents Shirley Hennessey and eoin Murphy, in front grandparents Liz and Peter Murphy.

"the Saucy butcher", Clonard Road, at their Christmas party night in the talbot Hotel, Wexford.

former Mayors of Wexford Christmas get-together in the talbot Hotel, Wexford. above left: Mayor Jim Moore, tony Larkin (Wexford County Council) and tony Dempsey. above right: George Lawlor, ted Howlin, Peter Roche, John Roche and brendan Howlin.

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3 January 2018

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