This year’s festival takes place over the May bank holiday weekend. See lots of coverage inside this issue.
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Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival. Pic: Enjoy Enniscorthy.
Welcome to the May issue of the Slaney News.
This summer is shaping up to be a busy one as Enniscorthy once again proves its reputation as a festival town.
The Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival is back with a bang this coming weekend, May 2nd to 5th, 2025, celebrating ten incredible years of bringing the best food, rock ‘n’ roll music, crafts, and fun and entertainment of all kinds to the heart of Co. Wexford!
This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages, with the music element running from Friday to Monday, and the food element taking place on the Saturday and Sunday. This milestone year will showcase everything that makes Enniscorthy and Irish culture so special. Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a live music fan, or simply looking for an exciting way to spend a long weekend, the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival 2025 has something for everyone.
And don’t forget, the colourful Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival will take place on the streets of the town this coming June Bank Holiday weekend, May 31st and June 1st.
This will be followed by the Enniscorthy Irish Folk and Ballad Festival from July 4th-6th, based around Treacys Hotel and the White House Pub.
And The Village at Wheelocks will be holding its annual Wexford Strawberry Weekend of food, fun, and entertainment, on the 5th and 6th July.
We include as always a huge number of photos taken around Enniscorthy, and beyond. If you would like to purchase any of our photos please get in touch by email at slaneynews@gmail.com
If you have any news or photos you’d like us to share in the Slaney News, please email them to slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as much as possible. Also, please let us know what you think about our online format. Tel: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has 13,500 Followers. And, of course, if you like our format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you – Frank Corcoran
page 4
Leisure & Lifestyle page 62
Arts page 86
Food & Drink page 90
Business & Finance page 98
Pets page 102
Motoring page 104 Sport page 106 History & Heritage page 110
SLANEY NEWS
Environment page 118 Our top-quality Astro pitch is available for rent, whether you need the full pitch or just a third. Ideal for matches, training sessions, or events!
Changing rooms & toilets
Ample free car parking
Spectator-friendly with views from the Astro Café Book your spot today and experience the best in the game!
Barbara-Anne Murphy COUNCILLOR
Enniscorthy Technology
KILCANNON GARDEN CENTRE AND RESTAURANT
Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 92 35514. Find us on www.reachability.ie and www.facebook.com/KilcannonGC
As the days grow longer and warmer, now is the perfect time to refresh your garden! Visit Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant in Enniscorthy for expert advice and everything you need to help your garden thrive this season. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to assist you in selecting the best seasonal plants, garden care essentials, and beautiful indoor greenery to brighten up your space.
While you're here, why not treat yourself? Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal and our famous home-made scones!
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 5.30pm, Sunday: 12 noon – 5.30pm (Garden Centre ONLY) Come visit us today or pop in for a coffee, we’d love to see you!
Stay connected! Follow Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant on social media for gardening tips, special offers, and the latest updates.
Kilcannon Garden Centre - Your Ultimate Garden Destination Racing Every Monday and Thursday night –first race 8pm. UPCOMING BENEFIT NIGHTS: Thurs 1st May: Kilmyshall Community Hall. Monday 5th May: Ferns United Soccer Club. CAFE, BAR, SHOP, HOT FOOD
087 4893859. Follow us
Tim and Fiona Phelan invite you to visit their stylish cafe at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy. The Ballymaloe-trained couple are making full use of a new, top-of-the-range kitchen to offer exceptional food produced in-house as well as supporting local artisan suppliers. The cafe serves mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menus Mon-Fri 9am to 4.30pm, with daily specials, and brunch on Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Closed on Sundays. Takeaway and Outside Catering also available.
Open every Saturday 10am to 3pm. Closed Bank Holiday Monday (5th May). Wishing the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival every success.
All are invited to Open Day at Enniscorthy’s newly extended St Senan’s School
An invitation from Ms Fiona Wickham, Principal, St Senan’s Primary School, Enniscorthy:
“There is a strong sense of community in St. Senan's PS even though we've been a little cut off from visitors over the last couple of years. That has all changed now with the opening of our new facilities and we are delighted to open our doors once more and give you a glimpse at what goes on inside our school!
“Our prefabs have been replaced with a state-of-the-art facility for all the children of our community to enjoy. We have gained 4 additional mainstream classrooms, a new PE Hall, a 4-room Special Education Needs Base for our Autism Support Classrooms, a new library and a gorgeous new reception area that includes our Home/School Room. We are also privileged to have a new yard for playing outside and our pitch has been levelled and reseeded.
Come and view our beautiful school! Sunday 11th May 2025 2pm-3.30pm
All welcome to visit and tour our fabulous school!
Ms Fiona Wickham, Principal, St Senan’s Primary School, Enniscorthy.
“Our existing school has received a facelift in the form of new heating, new lighting and new paint! Our old PE Hall has also been revamped, and we are extremely lucky to have so many spaces available to us to support our children on their learning journey. The old and new parts of our school are joined together and you can move seamlessly from one to the other.
“We are excited about the start of a new chapter here in St. Senan's. We have already welcomed our Grandparents for Grandparents' Day; we look forward to welcoming the community in during our Open Day and who knows what else we might manage before the year is out?! Watch this space!
“To see more of the day-to-day action in St. Senan's PS, follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We love sharing our stories with our community!” ■
Attention food and beverage businesses!
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are now available to help grow your business and reach new markets.
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Don't miss this opportunity to grow and sustain your business, create new jobs, and boost the local economy.
To learn more about eligibility and the application process, visit: www.wld.ie/leader E:
Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival
Celebrates 10 years in Enniscorthy
The hugely popular Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival returns this May Bank Holiday Weekend to Enniscorthy, celebrating a major milestone – its 10th Anniversary! The Festival runs from 2nd to 4th May with Rock ‘n’ Roll music events continuing into Monday 5th May (see pages 14-15).
The 2025 Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival promises to be the biggest and best yet, with around 50,000 visitors expected to descend on the town over the weekend – delivering a major boost to the local economy and shining a spotlight on Enniscorthy.
Since its early days with just six food traders, the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival has grown into one of Ireland’s top food and family events. This year, the festival proudly showcases Ireland’s vibrant food
culture, welcoming 80 Food & Craft Vendors, and as always, focusing on Wexford’s outstanding produce. Visitors can sample and meet local favourites like Zaeire Artisan Chocolate, Earth Food, Mór Taste, Killowen Farm, Isle of Crackers, Naturally Cordial, and many more.
There is a Food Marquee in the grounds of Enniscorthy Castle with live chef demonstrations from 12pm on Saturday and Sunday that you won't want to miss!
The Food Marquee will be packed with
excitement, featuring: Kevin Dundon – Ireland’s beloved celebrity chef.
Edward Hayden – TV chef and cookery school owner.
Paul Hynes – award-winning local talent, showcasing Wexford’s finest seafood.
Warren Gillen – award-winning local chef, showcasing the best of Wexford flavours.
All About Nectar – a live, family-friendly observation hive and talk about the incredible world of bees and honey production.
Festival Highlights Include: Spectacular Fireworks Display Friday 2nd May, 9:15pm, at The Promenade to officially open the festival. The ever-popular Funfair and Big Wheel will be on The Promenade throughout the weekend.
From celebrity chefs to buzzing bee demos, the Marquee is set to be a hive of activity!
Family Fun for Everyone:
The Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival is jampacked with children’s entertainment and family activities, including:
★ Street Entertainment.
★ Kids Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Classes.
★ Art and Craft Workshops.
★ Lego Making & Pokémon Trading in Easons Bookshop.
★ Plus, the ever-popular Funfair and Big Wheel on The Promenade throughout the weekend.
Many activities are free of charge, with some ticketed events available to pre-book at www.rockinfoodfestival.ie
Festival Highlights Include:
★ Spectacular Fireworks Display, Friday 2nd May, 9.15pm, at The Promenade to officially open the festival.
★ Top-class live Rock ‘n’ Roll music across the weekend in The Market Square from the best of Irish & International bands (see pages 14-15).
★ A Food Market bursting with artisan delights, craft drinks, and sweet treats.
Festival Organiser Amanda Whitmore says: "Celebrating ten years of the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival is a true milestone. It’s a celebration of Wexford’s amazing food scene, our incredible local producers, and the wonderful atmosphere that Enniscorthy creates each year. Whether you’re coming for the food, the music, or the family fun,
there’s something for everyone!"
Festival Chairman Eric Barron adds: "We’re so proud of what the festival has become — starting from just six traders to one of Ireland’s most loved festivals. It’s a weekend that showcases the very best of Enniscorthy and Wexford, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to celebrate our 10th year with us."
With an unbeatable atmosphere, top-class food, fantastic live music, kids’ activities, and endless family entertainment, the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival’s 10th Anniversary is a weekend not to be missed!
Come for the food, stay for the fun — see you in Enniscorthy this May Bank Holiday Weekend! ■
Music lineup for the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival
There’s an amazing lineup of music happening this weekend, 2nd-5th May, for the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival. Most of the gigs are free but there is a charge for the three main events happening on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. See accompanying graphics on this page for details. And see the graphic on the next page for the full music lineup which is correct at the time of publication. ■
Greyhound racing every Monday and Thursday in Enniscorthy
Greyhound Racing in Enniscorthy is now on every Monday and Thursday.
Enjoy the fun and the craic at Enniscorthy Track.
Group rates available.
Cafe, bar, shop, hot food available, outdoor and indoor seating.
Contact the office for more details: 053 923 3172 / Tel: 087 4893859.
Follow on social media for updates. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthygreyhound.track
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Cultural companions
If you are interested in arts and culture but don’t feel like attending events alone, CULTURAL COMPANIONS could be an option for you.
This is a network of adults of all ages interested in arts and culture who attend together as a group. The network is facilitated by Wexford County Council who work with volunteers to draw up a calendar of events to choose from.
Contact: culturalcompanions@wexfordcoco.ie and sign up and become a member for free.
For more information, and to check out upcoming events, visit the website: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/arts-and-culture/currentprogrammes-plans-and-events/wexford-cultural-companions ■
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What might be!
OUR REGULAR READERS WILL KNOW THAT THE ENNISCORTHY TOWN CENTRE FIRST PLAN DIVIDED DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS INTO THREE GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS – THE MARKET SQUARE, THE CASTLE QUARTER, AND TEMPLESHANNON. PLANS FOR THE FIRST TWO PARTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN PUBLISHED AND DEBATED. THE PLANS FOR TEMPLESHANNON WERE REVEALED AT THE APRIL MEETING OF ENNISCORTHY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT.
The new Wexford County Council plan for Templeshannon, which is the third and final part of the overall Town Centre First Plan, was revealed last month and is based very much around the Waterfront Pool & Leisure Centre site and doesn't extend much beyond that.
In summary the Plan proposes:
1. 70 car-parking spaces on the swimming pool site, plus 2 bus-parking spaces, and a set-down area. This is a reduction from the existing 110 car-parking spaces on site.
2. A link corridor between Enniscorthy Bridge and the train station.
3. A new skatepark and play area.
4. A riverside pocket park.
5. A new ramped link to Enniscorthy Bridge.
6. Improved access to the river for e.g. kayaking.
7. A walkway along by the river at the swimming pool.
8. Upgraded entrance to the whole site from Templeshannon.
The plan published last month is a draft and will be subject to changes.
All work will be dependent on Wexford County Council being successful in its application for government (URDF) funding.
The project as outlined above is expected to cost in the region of €5-6m. ■
What might have been!
At the April meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Wexford County Council’s proposal for a multi-millioneuro development on the swimming pool site was put forward for discussion (see previous page).
But a further multi-million-euro development proposed by a private developer close by didn't make it as far as an official planning application. We are reliably informed that the developer was advised by Wexford County Council, at a pre-planning meeting, that due to the presence of listed buildings on the site, a planning application along the lines shown in the photo opposite and in an accompanying video which can be viewed on the Slaney News Facebook page, would be doomed to failure.
The developer now has a site with crumbling buildings that he can't do much with. And it looks like local residents will be left looking at largely derelict buildings for the foreseeable future.
THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A HUGE DEVELOPMENT FOR TEMPLESHANNON AND ENNISCORTHY.
For the people of Enniscorthy it's also a lost opportunity for 46 badly needed apartments and a new commercial premises, and a lost opportunity to have the dangerously narrow footpath between Toss Kavanagh's pub and the swimming pool entrance widened by 1.6m by the developer to make it safe for all users.
We posted an illustrative video, produced by the award-winning Fergus Flanagan Architects, on the ‘Slaney News’ Facebook page on 16th April 2025. Check it out:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18 tLA8QdnV/ ■
HOW RELEVANT IS THE 1916 STORY IN TODAY’S WORLD?
Without fail every Easter Monday a small committee, under the umbrella of the local authority, organise an event to mark the occasion of the Enniscorthy Easter rising of 1916. The morning starts off with a dedicated 1916-themed mass at 10 o’clock. This is followed by a parade into the market square led by the Ballindaggin pipe band. The F.C.A. along with the U.N. vets follow in full uniform and flags. There are the re-enactors and pikemen to boot. With speeches and wreathlaying along with the reading of the Proclamation, it makes a fitting tribute to our men and women of 1916.
In attendance every year are people that had relations that took part in the rising. Every family has its own story. My family story is well documented with a 78-page witness statement by my grandfather, Captain Tom Doyle, in the military archives. A detailed first-hand account from when he joined the Irish volunteers through the rising and all the way to the vote on the treaty. This can be found if you simply google: Tom Doyle Weafer Street 1916.
This year we had visitors from Great Southern University in Savannah, Georgia. They were here to study nationalism and its impact in 1798 and 1916. This stirred up questions which I feel are relevant to today. The Students visited the 1798 centre and saw how all the rebellions and movements in that period
TOWN TALK
WITH KEITH DOYLE
were all connected. Throughout this period of history the root cause of much of the revolts in Europe and beyond was the seeking of liberty, equality and a clear lust for self-determination. Ireland was no exception. Our connection with France in this goal is dotted throughout our history. Ireland also has a large footprint in global history fighting in wars for nations and peoples for the very same reason. This ethos is engrained in our DNA. The Irish fought in conflicts ranging from Spain to Mexico. We had Irish
fighting on both sides of the American civil war. The famous battle of Gettysburg had Irish fighting on the frontlines against each other. Both sides could hear the Irish accents and language during the intense battle. They even paused in the heat of the battle to applaud each other’s bravery.
So why is this relevant to today’s world? Why is it so important that we learn from History? Ukraine. The ghosts of European history are coming back to visit us all. It is no accident that countries that suffered most in their own history identified with Ukraine the most and went that extra mile. Ireland and Poland are two, but it is all throughout the continent. People don’t forget. Ukraine has not forgotten their terrible history with Russia. Russia took grain out of Ukraine during a famine. Sound familiar? I did get a respectful but quiet response when I pointed out that the American administration does not understand this bond. I got an even more muted vibe when I expressed my fear that if Trump was not careful as to how he deals with this conflict he won’t be preventing world war 3 but sleepwalking everyone into it. I can understand how an American University would be coy of such talk in this political climate. I, however, have the luxury as I don’t have any desire to travel to America while Trump and his henchmen exercise mob rule. ■
Above: Captain Tom Doyle, 1st battalion Irish Volunteers 1916. Right: British soldiers entering Enniscorthy 1916.
Mental health matters
by
Séamus
McCormack, I’m Listening Counselling Services
What is your mental health and why should you mind it? This is a com mon question and one that maybe all of us are afraid or even reluctant to ask ourselves. Your mental health is just as important to you as your physical health and it’s our thoughts, experiences, emotions, opinions and our mind telling us what we should do and how we should feel.
Our thoughts affect us in how we go about our daily tasks and how we live our lives. A number of mental health issues like stress, anxiety, anger, mood swings, negative attitudes, over pleasing and all of these interact with our ability to perform each day. Getting up for work or school can be very challenging especially if we feel anxious or stressed about facing our peers. Work may have become uncomfortable for us because of a bad manager who is constantly berating staff or work colleagues may feel that we are not up to the task or don’t fit in with the rest of the people in the job. Coming from outside the area can be difficult as sometimes we don’t know the expectations or the ”norm” and can find it difficult to fit in.
Because of this a person can withdraw from social interactions and mixing with other people can become a real fear and a challenge. Even perceived basic tasks like going on the tea break or lunch, an individual can find stressful or even intimidating because of the fear of not fitting in with our colleagues.
A pupil could be struggling with school because they are being singled out for being “different” and not conforming to the same dress sense or cultural attitude or opinion of the majority so therefore are constantly looking for excuses to not attend school. The pupil may find various subjects difficult and because others in the class are achieving high grades this can impact on the feelings and emotions of the pupil who doesn’t achieve those high results. This suffering can make the individual withdraw from friendships or social interactions with others and they may start to lose interest in hobbies or pastimes that they once enjoyed. Keep an eye out for someone that you know and if you notice them withdrawing from activities or regular social outings, consider reaching out to them. Just by saying a kind or supportive word or sending someone a positive message could make all the difference in that person’s life. ■
Enniscorthy Credit Union
Enniscorthy Credit Union officially cut the ribbon on its newly renovated Banking Hall on 23rd April 2025 with tea/coffee and treats, face-painting and balloons, and goody bags for the junior members!
It fell to Madeleine Doran, the long-serving, dedicated, hard-working staff member to do the honours and cut the ribbon on the impressive new Banking Hall. Madeleine has 46 years loyal and meticulous service to Enniscorthy Credit Union having commenced employment in 1978 and has witnessed many transformations in that time. Madeleine continues to be a friendly and always smiling face in ECU, providing a personal service to more than 30,000 members within the community. ■
Top: Enniscorthy Credit Union staff member Madeleine Doran cuts the ribbon. Above: Padraig Hall (Chairperson, Enniscorthy Credit Union), Tony Ennis (former Manager, Enniscorthy Credit Union,) Madeleine Doran (Enniscorthy Credit Union), Liz Cullen (Manager, Enniscorthy Credit Union). Below left: Ed Doran and Alan Doyle. Below centre: Madeleine Doran is interviewed by Enjoy Enniscorthy. Below right: Hilary Pepper in charge of the refreshments.
opens its new banking hall
Top left: Staff members Sinead Browne, Alice Culleton, Liz Cullen, Mary Moulds, Orla Doyle, and retired staff member Bernie Morrissey. Top right: Siofra Kenny gets her face painted by Tina Doyle of Odd Socks. Above left: Áine Doyle, Sinead Browne, Orla Doyle. Above right: The impressive new Banking Hall. Below left: Emmet, Ciara and baby Oran Kenny. Below right: Trish Doyle, John Higgins, Geraldine Broaders and Jenny Hyland.
Spring Cleaning Enniscorthy
The Slaney News was delighted to catch up recently with the wonderful volunteers in Enniscorthy Tidy Towns as they completed their annual Spring Clean on Easter Monday, 21st April 2025. 20 volunteers participated in cleaning the approach roads to town. 20 bags of rubbish were collected and 215 items recycled – last year saw over 500 items recycled so that's a big reduction mainly thanks to the Re-turn scheme.
On behalf of the residents of Enniscorthy, we thank this amazing group for their huge commitment to the town and we wish them the best of luck in retaining the Gold Medal status in this year's national Tidy Towns competition. ■
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers who participated in the Spring Clean event, 21st April 2025. Below left: Enniscorthy Tidy Towns stalwarts Margaret Murphy and Gia O’Grady.
Below right:
Enniscorthy Tidy Towms committee members Jonathon Hughes, Billy Murphy, Áine Doyle, and Phil Millar.
Above
through the rubbish
Above: Phil Millar and Pauline
Left: Young volunteers from Coláiste Bríde.
Below left: Enjoying a well deserved cuppa.
Below: Committee members discussing their next action.
left: Sorting
collected were Claudia Blaess, Billy Murphy and Dearbhla Ní Laighin.
Courtney.
World IBD Day, 19th May 2025
Dear Editor
Would you know what to say if a family member or friend was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
To mark World IBD Day on Monday May 19, Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland has published a new conversation guide, Gut to Know, on talking to people with IBD about IBD.
IBD arises due to inflammation of the gut and is estimated to affect 50,000 people across the country. The most common types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Unfortunately, the lived reality for many people with IBD is that they often feel judged because their symptoms aren’t always visible.
As someone who lives with Crohn’s disease, I know only too well how worried family, friends and colleagues have been at times about wanting to say the right thing.
This new guide aims to take the guesswork out of talking about IBD. It offers a really useful starting point for people on what it is and how to support the person with the condition in their lives in a way which is considerate and thoughtful.
The subject will form part of a major webinar, “IBD 101”, taking place on Monday May 19 from 6.30-8.30pm. The webinar will also provide an overview of IBD, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and the supports available.
Among those contributing to the discussion will be Armagh footballer, Niall Grimley, and Gogglebox Ireland star, Sarah Reilly, who will share their lived experiences of life with IBD. Registration is free and can be made at www.crohnscolitis.ie
Yours sincerely
Amy
Kelly Chief Operating Officer
Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland, Carmichael Centre North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7 ■
Amy Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland.
Public consultation for Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme
Notice from Wexford Co. Council:
Hope Cancer Support Centre dreams big!
The Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy has issued the letter below outlining its vision to move to a new facility on a greenfield site in the Enniscorthy area.
Enniscorthy snippets...
VINEGAR HILL
New seating has been installed. Design and content work on new Heritage Interpretive panels is under way. Parking and access improvements to Vinegar Hill are being investigated by Wexford Co. Council (WCC). €44,000 in grant funding is being sought by Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) for signage and lane surface improvement works. The Enniscortrhy East Community Development Association believes it has identified a site that could be used to allow access to the Hill for busses etc, and could potentially house a new welcome centre/coffee shop/toilets, etc and have been in touch with EMD officials about it.
ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY WELLBEING & ACTIVITY GARDEN
Work commenced on site on 16th September 2024 and have made substantial progress. Installation of the granite seating and timber cladding to the amphitheatre area is now well advanced with paving works ongoing. The new main access point is now fully paved. The project is on track for an estimated completion date in June this year.
ENNISCORTHY
TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION PROJECT
The Part 8 process for the Market Square project was concluded on 9th September 2024, with the Council approving the scheme with amendments to address matters raised during the public consultation process.
Design work on the Enniscorthy Castle Quarter project is ongoing including a permanent exhibition area to allow the display of artefacts donated by local families to the old museum at the Castle. The purchase of the old Castle Ballroom is now complete. WCC is collaborating with the Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage around the Ministerial Consent process (as the Castle site is a national monument).
Regarding the Templeshannon element of the TCFP, Wexford Co. Council has prepared a concept mainly for the swimming pool site and presented it at the April Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) meeting. See page 18 for more details.
ENNISCORTHY CCTV
A total of 22 CCTV cameras will be installed at different locations within Enniscorthy Town which have been agreed with An Garda Siochana. Work is expected to start shortly. The Bunclody CCTV Scheme is still awaiting Section 38 Approval from the Gardaí.
ENNISCORTHY SPORTS HUB
A works contractor for the second phase (sports equipment storage area, changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a small office) of the Sports Hub has been appointed. Construction is expected to start shortly and take 9-12 months to complete.
ENNISCORTHY NORTH BUSINESS DISTRICT (Old Dublin Road)
Some works have been carried out in recent years on the Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road) where over 2,000 people currently work. An application for further funding was submitted to the National Transport Authority for the active travel elements of the masterplan for the area but no funding was forthcoming for 2023 or 2024. A further application for funding will be made in 2025.
MURPHY FLOODS SITE
A tender was issued on the 7th February for the design & build of a new Car Park facility with public realm elements and associated site works with a closing date of 14th March 2025. No tender applications were received by the closing date so WCC has now entered direct negotiations with potential contractors. Until a contractor is appointed no completion date can be estimated for this project.
Estate Agents have been appointed to carry out a valuation and market assessment of this site. Their report will help determine the long-term use of the site.
ENNISCORTHY FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME
The Dept of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) issued their decision to reject the scheme on the 4th March 2022. Details are available on www.gov.ie The Scheme will instead proceed on a phased basis.
Phase 1 – Bridgeworks. This phase of the project will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. Public consultation is scheduled to take place in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Tuesday 13th May from 2pm to 9pm.
See more details on page 26. The estimated timeline to planning submission is Q1 2026.
Phase 2 – Flood Relief Works. This phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for Enniscorthy town. There is no timescale available yet for this phase. An engineering consultant will be appointed in the third quarter of 2025 to help advance Phase 2.
The Scheme has a total approved budget of €51 million approx. On completion, the scheme is expected to protect 326 properties – 159 homes and 167 businesses.
BUNCLODY PARK
A Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement, plans and particulars were submitted to An Bord Pleanala under Section 177AE. The Board was satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the European Site (the Slaney River Valley Special area of Conservation) in view of the Site’s conservation objectives. The application was approved with conditions. WCC Property Section is in discussion with local landowners.
RAFTER STREET PEDESTRIANISATION
New recessed bollard mounts and bollards have been installed. This will allow EMD to strictly enforce the pedestrianisation of Rafter Street. New signage has been erected stating current byelaw times. Pedestrianisation will be enforced between the hours of 10.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, as per Byelaws. Correspondence has also been issued to waste contractors. The possibility of extending the pedestrianisation hours to cover Saturdays and Sundays is being looked at.
ALL-WEATHER
ASTRO PITCH, ROSS ROAD
The official opening took place on Monday 24rd February. The facility features modern amenities, including floodlights for evening play, dugouts and toilet facilities. A new online booking system will go live shortly.
Wexford County Council signed a Management and Operations Contract, on a two-year pilot basis, with the newly formed community group – Wexford Football Alliance, which includes members of the Wexford Football League, Wexford Schoolboys League, Wexford Women’s League including Schoolgirls, and Wexford FC.
To contact the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com
ENNISCORTHY TRAILS
Works are ongoing on design and planning to extend the trail network to link to the Ringwood and Borodale trails.
PUBLIC PAYPHONE UPGRADE
A new upgraded payphone and a public information interactive touch screen has been installed on Rafter Street. Broadband/Wi-Fi will be installed. The digital screen can be used to promote upcoming events in Enniscorthy Municipal District and across the county.
ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK PHASE 2
The Technical Consultancy Services Contract has been awarded to Tobins for Stage (i) to (v) design services. Design of the next phase of road and services has commenced.
ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK – IDA ADVANCE FACTORY
Henry J Lyons has been appointed to lead the design team to prepare a planning application for a proposed advance factory building in Enniscorthy Technology Park. n
A seven-day town service for Enniscorthy is one step closer
TFI Local Link Wexford is working with the National Transport Authority to try and introduce a town bus service in Enniscorthy. To progress the implementation of such a designated town bus service, TFI Local Link Wexford has to prove there is a demand for such a service and they were successful recently in getting a good response (over 1,200) to a questionnaire it produced to provide information on the public transport requirements of Enniscorthy's residents.
TFI Local Link Wexford is a member of the Enniscorthy Interagency Group which works with a wide range of stakeholders in the town to improve the lives of those living in the town, and also work with the Conundrum Project, a research team based at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with their partner TASC. Conundrum launched a strategy based on the outcome of workshops, focus groups, and interviews with local communities and other stakeholders in Enniscorthy since November 2023. The strategy recorded the challenges and opportunities related to mobility experienced by different stakeholders in Enniscorthy. It presented multiple solutions and recommended actions for achieving sustainable mobility futures in Enniscorthy. One of those recommendations was a designated town bus service. Following the recent questionnaire such a service is now one step closer but there is still a lot of work to be done by TFI Local Link Wexford before a formal decision will be made at national level on granting this service. n
Clinical trials
With over 24,000 people newly diagnosed with invasive cancer each year, this letter we received in the Slaney News relates to a campaign urging those who are undergoing treatment to “just ask” their medical teams about the clinical trials available to them. A free webinar is taking place on International Clinical Trials Day, May 20, which some of our readers may be interested in.
Dear Editor,
With International Clinical Trials Day taking place on Tuesday May 20, Cancer Trials Ireland is mounting its “Just Ask” campaign urging people with cancer currently undergoing treatment to talk to their doctors about the clinical trial options available to them.
Just a few decades ago, 25 per cent of people were alive five years after a cancer diagnosis—now it’s over 50 per cent. But we can do better and we want to get that figure up to 75 per cent in the next ten years.
One of the ways that we can do this is to find the next generation of treatments that will improve outcomes for people with cancer through clinical trials. In this regard, Cancer Trials Ireland currently has over 110 trials open and recruiting new patients.
There are many good reasons to take part in a trial, from helping others get better treatment for their health issues in the future, to potentially getting access to a new treatment now before it becomes widely available.
It’s worth remembering that the intention with a prospective trial is that the treatment received by patients should be at least as good as the standard of care and, hopefully, better.
A patient will also receive even more care than might otherwise have been the case, as they will be closely monitored by their study doctor and the nurse support team.
Cancer Trials Ireland is hosting a free information webinar on May 20 from 2.30-3.30pm offering an overview of trials here, how they work and how to access them.
The session will feature the perspectives of both cancer researchers and patients, and will be hosted by broadcaster and former GP, Ciara Kelly.
I do hope that readers can join us—to register, visit www.cancertrials.ie/JustAsk
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Gerry Hanna (pictured)
Vice Clinical Lead
Cancer Trials Ireland
121 St Stephen's Green
Dublin 2 n
Public consultation for new community garden in Bunclody
Following on from discussions between Wexford County Council and the local Community Development Group, a plan for Páirc na nGabhar Community Garden, Hospital Hill, Bunclody (formerly the Goats Field) was prepared by Catherine Fitzpatrick, Executive Technician, Enniscorthy MD.
The plan, which includes a garden, playground, walking track, and picnic area, was on view to the public on 16th April in St. Aidan’s Hall, Bunclody, 3-7pm, allowing residents a chance to make suggestions and offer ideas to the consultation team.
The plan has received pre planning approval and will now proceed to the Part 8 Planning process.
The project will be progressed when funding becomes available. n
Wexford County Council CEO Eddie Taaffe with Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy at the Pairc na nGabhar Community Garden public exhibition and consultation in St Aidan’s Hall, Bunclody, on 16th April 2025.
Ballaghkeene National School’s new outside classroom opens
Ballaghkeene National School Principal Darren Nolan addresses the large gathering.
PICTURE
On 4th April 2025, Ballaghkeene N.S.’s new outside classroom was officially opened, with a large attendance of schoolchildren and parents gathering for the special occasion.
HSE’S FREE ‘LIVING WELL’ PROGRAMME
Living Well is a free, group programme for adults living with any long-term or chronic condition. It takes place over six weekly workshops (6 x 2.5 hours) – either online or in-person. It is delivered by trained leaders, most of whom are also living with a long-term health condition. Attendees will develop self-management skills and confidence to live well with their health conditions. One will also meet other people who live with long-term health conditions and learn from each other’s experiences.
Long-term health conditions include (but are not limited to) COPD, asthma, diabetes, stroke, heart conditions, multiple sclerosis (MS), arthritis, cancer, Crohn’s disease, chronic pain and depression.
Living Well is an SMRC Evidence-Based Self-Management Programme originally developed at Stanford University.
Venue: Astro Active Centre, Enniscorthy.
Monday 12th May 2025 to Monday 23rd June 2025. 10.30am – 1pm, 2pm – 4.30pm.
To book your place contact Matthew Power, HSE Living Well Programme Coordinator: LivingwellSE@hse.ie OR phone: 056 7784945 or 056 7784944 n
Kilcannon’s sensory friendly morning
Kilcannon Garden Centre and Restaurant always strives to create an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. That’s why it is offering a dedicated Sensory-Friendly Morning every Tuesday from 9-10am.
This is a calm and quiet time for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities to enjoy the wonderful garden centre and restaurant in a relaxed environment. n
Best of luck to Karina and Ann-Marie
BEST OF LUCK TO TWO YOUNG ENNISCORTHY WOMEN WITH THEIR NEW CHIROPODY SERVICE CALLED ‘THE FOOT PRACTITIONER’. THE DYNAMIC DUO WILL BE DOING HOUSE CALLS SO CLIENTS CAN REMAIN IN THE COMFORT OF THEIR OWN HOME...
The highly professionally qualified Karina and Ann-Marie do house calls, nursinghome call-outs and call-outs to residential facilities.
SERVICES:
Ingrown Nails Corns & Callus Verrucas
Thickened & Fungal Nails
Diabetic Foot
Nail Cutting Neurovascular Assessment GP Referrals.
For further information, call 087 0014709 or email: thefootpractitioner.enniscorthy@gmail.com or make contact through their Facebook page. n
Congrats to Dylan Shopfront grants
Enniscorthy Municipal District Shopfront Painting & Flower Grant Scheme 2025: Applications are invited from commercial properties in the following locations: Enniscorthy, Ballindaggin, Bree, Bunclody, Davidstown, Ferns and Kiltealy.
Grants available for 2025: Shopfront Painting €300. Flower Grant Scheme €150. Awning €500.
Application forms available from the Enniscorthy Municipal District office. Completed application forms must be submitted to: Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, by 5pm on Friday 20th May.
Any queries, telephone Enniscorthy Municipal District 053 919 6830. Email: emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie n
We Can Quit!
We Can Quit is a free, stop-smoking programme, offering group support, one-to-one support and free stop-smoking medication (NRT).
The venue will be in the Enniscorthy area and will commence in the next few weeks and will run for 8 weeks. The exact start date and venue to be confirmed very soon.
Some details are given below and full details will be up shortly on the Slaney News Facebook page. n
Congratulations to local youth Dylan Larkin who became the first person with a disability to take part in a week-long work experience with the Gardaí!
Dylan recently spent a week with Gardaí John and Kevin, alongside a fantastic group of Transition Year students who were incredibly inclusive, supportive, and welcoming.
Here’s a glimpse into Dylan’s incredible week:
Day 1 – Visited Wexford Garda Station, explored the cells, and did baton training.
Day 2 – Travelled to Garda College, Templemore, sat in on lectures, and watched the recruits’ passing-out parade.
Day 3 – Experienced the Criminal Courts of Justice, sat in on cases, and toured the prisoner-holding cells.
Day 4 – Visited Westmanstown, Dublin, to see the Garda horses, dogs, and even the helicopter!
Day 5 – Learned how to test for fingerprints and received a certificate for completing his week of work experience.
Dylan set an amazing example, and all his friends and staff at Reach Ability are incredibly proud of him for embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination!
Dylan is very thankful to Gardaí John and Kevin from Enniscorthy Garda Station for making this experience possible, saying, “Thank you to Kevin and John for giving me this opportunity. I loved every minute of it and will never forget it!"
Dylan is also thankful to the Transition Year students for being such a fantastic group and for playing ‘Hillbilly Rock’ for him on the road trips! n
Robbie is ‘Educator of the Year’
Co. Wexford Project Worker takes home ‘Educator of the Year Award’ at Kinia's Creative TechFest, as 600 young innovators showcase their skills during Creative Technology Week.
Ballymurn’s Robbie Sludds, Project Worker with the FDYS (Ferns Diocesan Youth Service) Traveller Inclusion Project in County Wexford, has been named Educator of the Year at Kinia's Creative TechFest, during the recent Creative Technology Week 2025. The award recognises his outstanding commitment to empowering young people from the Traveller community through inclusive and culturally responsive education initiatives.
The event, which took place last month, was part of Kinia's annual showcase of young digital innovators, celebrating their groundbreaking projects in Creative Technology, Smart Energy, Green Tech, Mobile Filmmaking, Podcasting and Robotics.
The award was presented to Robbie during Creative Technology Week celebrations, which saw over 600 young innovators from across Ireland display their projects as part of two days of events in the Explorium, Sandyford. Young people attending engaged in hands-on workshops such as Machine Learning and AI, and competitions such as the new Kinia Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP), where young minds competed in racing hydrogen-powered vehicles. This year Kinia is launching a Hydrogen skills programme which gives young people the opportunity to gain hands-on learning about the potential of hydrogen-powered technology, and Kinia are pioneering hydrogen energy education in Ireland.
Robbie, speaking about his group of young people, said, “It’s a great opportunity for the traveller community to see something different in their communities, and these boys are really driven, especially after today, they see what’s going on, and what it can actually bring to their lives and the community. Mick got nominated for his project today too.”
Speaking about Kinia, Robbie said, “It’s amazing, I think every school and every youth outreach project should have someone mandatory to actually teach Kinia training to their young people. The world is changing and we need to keep our young people up to date.”
Kinia, an education-focused, non-profit and social enterprise, is dedicated to reducing educational inequality by building digital skills and access to technology career pathways for young people across Ireland. Throughout 2024, Kinia supported 2,725 educators through training, support sessions and events and helped to lift barriers to learning for 21,600 young people across 436 organisations.
Creative Technology Week celebrates Kinia’s mission to deliver learning opportunities that unlock skills, talent and creativity –empowering young people to create and shape a more equal and sustainable future confidently.
Robbie Sludds, Project Worker with the FDYS (Ferns Diocesan Youth Service) Traveller Inclusion Project in County Wexford, has been named Educator of the Year at Kinia's Creative Technology Week. The award recognises his outstanding commitment to empowering young people from the Traveller community through inclusive and culturally responsive education initiatives. Pic: Andres Poveda.
Teachers, youth and community workers attended the flagship events alongside young people aged 12–18, and the Award Ceremony saw schools and youth groups scoop awards for their incredible creativity in engineering, digital and technology projects, such as Robbie Sludds, who was named Educator of the Year.
It’s not only about the award winners, all young people who submit projects as part of Creative Technology Week are recognised through Kinia Credentials for the activation of new skills learned such as collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. It gives young people the opportunity to build their personal portfolio of skills and competencies, whilst creating a CV for their future.
Speaking about the event, Marianne Checkley, CEO of Kinia, said: “We believe in the potential of every young person. As technology continues to develop rapidly, some young people and communities risk being left behind. Creative Technology Week highlights the work Kinia is doing to break down barriers and ensure that every young person has the chance to explore, create and shape their future.”
For more information about Kinia, their impact and how you can get involved, visit www.kinia.ie n
Local groups getting creative
Kinia is an education-focused, non-profit charity and social enterprise, aimed at ensuring future-focused skills and learning opportunities are available for all children and young people. Kinia’s Creative Technology Week took place from 7th–12th April 2025 at a new venue called Explorium – Ireland’s National Sports and Science Centre, Sandyford, Dublin 18. This nationally recognised initiative, set up by Kinia, celebrates young people (over the age of 12) across the country and showcases their achievements in Creative Technology.
Kinia believes that being digitally creative develops key skills and competencies that build opportunity and learning pathways, so that all young people can confidently create their future.
Among the participants this year were the FDYS Traveller Inclusion Project, FDYS Templeshannon Youth Club, and FDYS Enniscorthy Roma project.
Congrats to Robbie Sludds of the FDYS Traveller Inclusion Project for winning ‘Educator of the Year’ at the event. n
The FDYS Templeshannon Youth Club attended the Kinia event for the first time this year. Their project was ‘battle buddys’ – finding a more fun way to use the bots.
The FDYS Enniscorthy Roma project has been involved for the last three years with the Kinia Creative Technology Week. They really enjoyed the event this year for which they created a Super Mario booth
The FDYS Traveller Inclusion Project has been working with Kinia for three years now. Their project this time centred on solar energy and recycled waste.
Enniscorthy’s Easter commemorations
The 109th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in Enniscorthy was remembered in the annual commemorative event organised by Enniscorthy Municipal District on Easter Monday 2025. Ceremonies commenced with a celebration of Mass in St. Aidan’s Cathedral at 10am followed by a procession to the Market Square where the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr. Aidan Browne laid a wreath. A second wreath was laid at the Seamus Rafter monument at Abbey Square. n
Top right: Anthony Nolan plays The Last Post. Right: Ballindaggin Pipe Band leads the parade. Below: Martin Whelan (organiser), Senator Cathal Byrne, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District), Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr Pat Kehoe.
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE
OUT AND ABOUT WITH PAT O’CONNOR
087-2870006
Above L-R: Laying a wreath at the Seamus Rafter monument, Martin Whelan (organiser), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Bridget O’Brien, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District).
Bottom left: Judy Heffernan reads the Proclamation.
A monthly update from GreenTech HQ
Enniscorthy Theatre Company on tenterhooks
Having swept all before it on this year’s drama circuit, Enniscorthy Theatre Company’s production of The Seafarer has just competed at the national All-Ireland Confined Drama Final in Claremorris, Co. Mayo, and the group
is now on tenterhooks awaiting the results night on Sunday 4th May.
Directed by the talented Linda Hynes (who also did the costumes), the production was blessed with a great crew of Paul O’Reilly, Naoise O’Connor, Nikki
Cogley, Leo Walsh, Michaela White, Maeve Ennis, Pat Murphy, Niamh Crowhurst, and Derek O’Toole, and boasted an exceptional cast: Pat Sinnott, Murt Murphy, Fergal Kelly, Michael McKenny, and Fintan Kelly. n
An amazing volunteer group
THE 'SLANEY NEWS' WAS DELIGHTED TO ATTEND THE RECENT SUSTAINABLE ENNISCORTHY AGM. WHAT AN AMAZING VOLUNTEER GROUP IT IS, WORKING ON A HUGE RANGE OF ISSUES...
Air quality, water quality, climate change, biodiversity, circular economy, sustainable transport, water conservation, traffic monitoring, decarbonisation, environmental justice, energy upgrades, food waste, and organising great events such as the costume swaps, repair cafes, climate cafes, energy upgrade information events, photo competitions, etc, and helping out with the annual Slaney River Kayak Cleanup.
Best of luck to Selin Kim who has taken over the role of PRO for the group following in the footsteps of Dearbhla Ní Laighin who did a great job over recent years in that role.
If you can help this welcoming group in any way, no matter how small, please make contact through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SustainableEnniscorthy n
Above L-R: Fintan Kelly, Michael McKenny, Pat Sinnott, Fergal Kelly, and Murt Murphy.
L-R: Frank Corcoran (Slaney News), with Sustainable Enniscorthy committee members Selin Kim, Jonathon Hughes, Irene Cadogan, Fiona McCoole.
Protest resumes in Wexford town
It is with a heavy heart that the Amnesty International Wexford Group has resumed its weekly protest as Israeli bombs are once again raining down on Palestinian families. The group is urging the people of Wexford to join them, and to insist the Irish government fulfil their commitment to enacting the Occupied Territories Bill. n
Former TD Paul Kehoe was honoured with a presenatation last month in Enniscorthy by the Officers of Enniscorthy District Fine Gael.
Wexford welcomes the return of the Fleadh
Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will return to Wexford town this August 3rd to 10th.
The Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee was delighted to recently officially launch the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. The occasion was marked by an evening filled with Irish traditional music in the National Opera House on Saturday 12th April.
The evening kicked off with a performance by Ceoltóirí na Sláine, the teenage traditional Irish Music Orchestra set up as a legacy to the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann’s sojourn in Wexford.
A highlight of the night was the debut performance of the Paddy Berry Suite, composed in honour of the President of Craobh Loch Garman (Wexford Town Comhaltas) - the man who brought the All-Ireland Fleadh to Wexford. Paddy has been the driving force behind the bid for the 2024 and 2025 Fleadhanna and has devoted his life to promoting traditional Irish music, poetry and culture.
The second performance of the night was from up-and-coming traditional Irish fusion band Tulua. Steadily making their mark in traditional music circles, the band performed a selection of their energetic, warm and deep music, to the delight of the audience. Their debut album, No Coming, No Going was launched in 2023 and since then they continue to thrive, playing across Ireland and internationally.
Following on from the buzz and the glorious sunshine of the Fleadh in 2024, the people of Wexford along with longstanding Fleadh followers are all looking forward to the 2025 event schedule.
Chairman of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe said, “Wexford is honoured and excited to host the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. 2024 was a great success thanks to the work of the many teams involved behind the scenes and for those who at-
tended from far and wide. I would like to thank all the agencies who helped to bring the Fleadh together last year and who have reconvened to make 2025 an even bigger and better event. We have been back working on this since the end of last year and I am confident we can exceed expectations for this summer.”
The Fleadh ticket portal is now live at www.fleadhcheoil.ie with concerts including Frankie Gavin and De Dannan, the National Folk Orchestra, Garadice, Shaskeen and Perfect Friction going on sale along with a number of others. More events will be added over the coming weeks n
A regular series by the team at Enniscorthy East Community Development
Follow on Facebook: ‘Enniscorthy East Community Development’
Working on an exciting new project for The Shannon...
Members of the Enniscorthy East Community Development Association (EECDA) are working on a new, exciting project for The Shannon area of Enniscorthy.
On 30th April, 2025, EECDA met with representatives from various local organisations including Enniscorthy Municipal District, Wexford Co. Council, Enniscorthy Community Alliance, Wexford Local Development, and GreenTech HQ. Planning is well underway for a major new initiative and full details will be carried soon in the Slaney News.
Keep up to date on the EECDA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity
If you are interested in making Templeshannon a better place to live for all its residents, please feel free to get involved. The Enniscorthy East Community Development Association meets once a month in the Templeshannon Community Centre. Tel: 087-2930510 for more information.
Other relevant Facebook pages for Eastside news: Enniscorthy Eastside Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/320813591438762
Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TempleshannonCommunityandChildcareCentre n
Just some of the many activities at Templeshannon Community Centre... 10.30am
7PM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT
Sustainable Enniscorthy
If you would like to get involved in Sustainable Enniscorthy or be kept informed of our initiatives, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
This month Sustainable Enniscorthy welcomes guest contributor Kate Doyle of The Nappy Market writing about cloth nappies and Nappy Library Ireland.
Imagine if I told you there was a way you could save €4,000 for a family holiday with 3 kids… that got your attention right?
Well the topic of today’s column is all about how families of young kids can save both money and reduce waste.
A family will spend on average €600 per child a year in single-use nappies and wipes. So over 2.5 years that can add up to €1,500 or more. Maybe with savvy shopping, buying in bulk, and using vouchers and discounts, you might be able to reduce it, but overall it's still a big outlay. For a family with three kids it will add up to a staggering €4,500!
Every day in Ireland 1.1 million nappies are changed, these go into landfill and will take up to 500 years to breakdown, while many are illegally dumped. One child generates approximately 55kg in plastic nappy waste a month, so that’s a whole lot of bin charges too.
Modern cloth nappies are an environmentally friendly, zero waste option with significant cost saving appeal. Washable nappies can be used, washed, and reused across multiple children, so the cloth nappies you buy for your first child
sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com www.sustainableenniscorthy.com Contact us to get involved!
can be reused on baby number two or three without any extra monetary outlay. And the best part, they generate zero waste. It’s a win for the planet and your pocket!
Cloth nappies are easy to use, easy to wash with modern washing machines and washing powder, they are not much different to a regular load of baby clothes. Just like you scrape your plate before you put it in the dishwasher, poop is removed to the toilet before you put your nappy into the washing machine. Then the washing machine does all the work.
You can often find cloth nappies for free or for a small fee on zero-waste baby and parenting groups. You can also rent a set of nappies from the Cloth Nappy Library Ireland or join one of their free online monthly zoom cloth nappy workshops (www.clothnappylibrary.ie). Investing in your own set of cloth nappies can cost anywhere from €300-€500 – but you then can reuse on any further babies without any extra cost. When you are finished with your cloth nappies you can pass them on for free or a small fee and recoup some money or good will!
Sustainable Enniscorthy will host its 5th Repair Cafe on Saturday 10 May from 2pm at Templeshannon Community Centre.
Book your place as a repair volunteer or as someone with an item to repair at https://www.sustainableenniscorthy.com/repair-cafe-booking.html
If you plan to bring items for repair, please register to let the organisers know what you want repaired as it helps with planning. Thank you!
If you have repair skills that you would be happy to share with others, please contact Sustainable Enniscorthy via the link above also.
If you’d like to be kept informed about future Repair Cafes join the free online group at https://www.changex.org/ie/repaircafe/enniscorthy-co-wexford-1 n
Shopfront Grants now available
Enniscorthy Municipal District invites applications from Commercial Properties in the following Towns/Villages: Ballindaggin, Bree, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Ferns and Kiltealy under the following grant schemes:
Shopfront Painting Grant Scheme –Max Grant €300*
Shopfront Awning Grant Scheme –Max Grant €500
Shopfront Flowers Grant Scheme –Max Grant €150
*Applications will also be considered for painting of residential premises above shops in Enniscorthy, Bunclody and Ferns. Application forms are available online www.wexfordcoco.ie OR from the Enniscorthy Municipal District office.
Completed Application Forms must be submitted to:
Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford OR Email: emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie
Please reference which grant is being applied for in the subject line of your email and a separate email per application.
Closing date for receipt of completed Application Forms is 5pm, Friday, 20th May, 2025.
To coincide with National Bike Week which takes place from 10th to 18th May 2025, the Official Launch of Enniscorthy’s Tour de France Cycle City Label and the launch of the town’s Disability Bikes Project, will take place over the next couple of weeks.
The Slaney News will carry a full report and photos in our June issue. n
Bringing home the Gold Medal
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers were thrilled to collect their first ever GOLD medal last month at the SuperValu Tidy Towns Ireland regional awards which took place in Tipperary. Billy Murphy, Gia O’Grady, and Margaret Murphy represented the group on the night (see photo).
The group also received the County Commended award for the people and businesses that help make Enniscorthy a better place.
The 2025 competition is now open and the group is working hard on its application for the 12th May deadline.
Following its Gold Medal success in 2024, Enniscorthy Municipal District proposes to install new signage on two main approach roads to the town in the coming days. See example of the signage above. This will publicly acknowledge the award and it is hoped will promote community pride, while also enhancing the positive image of Enniscorthy for visitors and residents alike. n
Swimming for Palestine
Enniscorthy’s Chloe Ní Ruairc (pictured below) was among 50 people who took part last month in a challenge to swim in every Irish coastal county over a two-day period as a fundraiser for Palestine.
The activists have to date raised nearly €60,000 for ACLAÍ Palestine and the Lajee Center in the Palestinian West Bank. The donation link is open until the 13th of May at: https://www.idonate.ie/event/Snamh25
Chloe was among 50 people from the Irish-language community all over the country who gathered before dawn on 12th April in Balbriggan to begin the swimming challenge organised by Conradh na Gaeilge to raise money for ACLAÍ Palestine, a core project of the Lajee Center in Aida refugee camp, in the Palestinian West Bank. Over a two-day period the group travelled around the country swimming in the sea in all 17 coastal counties of Ireland.
Saturday’s journey saw the group swimming in Balbriggan, Laytown, Blackrock, Warrenpoint, Port Rush, Portstewart, Bundoran, Tullaghan, Mullaghmore, and Killala. Day two took in Salthill, Ballyvaughan, Ballybunnion, Youghal, Ceann Heilbhic, Courtown, and finished in Bray.
Local communities the length of the country were invited to show support and solidarity at each of the stops.
Prior to the commencement of the challenge, Chloe said:
“I am honoured to be part of the amazing group of people undertaking the challenge this weekend. I would love to see the people of Wexford out to support us at Courtown South Beach on Sunday the 13th of April at 19.50pm. Ní neart go cur le chéile!”
Speaking about the event, Aodhán Ó Deá, Director of Development with Conradh na Gaeilge said:
“Several motions were passed at the Conradh na Gaeilge Ard-Fheis this year and last in relation to Palestinian solidarity, such as calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire and implementing a BDS policy within the organisation. We wanted to pro-actively support the Palestinian community, and we have a natural connection with ACLAÍ Palestine and the Lajee Center: various people from the Irish-language community have spent time volunteering at the Center in recent years, and in December 2024 a branch of Conradh na
Gaeilge was registered at the Lajee Center - the first branch ever in Palestine.”
Róisín Ní Chinnéide, Advocacy Manager with Conradh na Gaeilge and former volunteer in the Lajee Center said:
“It’s more important than ever for us to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are suffering under ongoing genocide, apartheid and colonisation. Words can’t describe the daily challenges faced by the community in the Aida Camp, and the Lajee Center serves as an anchor for their incredible resilience. Every cent raised... will go straight to a community centre that is run by and for refugees, to continue to provide essential services for their community.”
About Lajee Center and ACLAÍ Palestine:
The Lajee Center is a community-based grassroots creative cultural center that provides support and refuge for the people of the Aida camp, and from the camps and surrounding areas in the Palestinian West Bank. The Lajee Center is run by and for refugees. The aim of the centre is to provide cultural, educational, social and developmental opportunities for the community – and the rights of Palestinians are at the heart of the centre's work. Among the services and programmes provided by the Lajee Center are: community healthcare, music classes, dabke classes, political education, a nursery, a library service, summer camps, a community garden and much more. In 2020, ACLAÍ Palestine opened as a central unit in the Lajee Center. ACLAÍ provides essential space and services to the community: exercise classes for men and women, boxing classes, yoga classes, and specific services for people with disabilities and health problems.
For all information about Snámh don Phalaistín and donation link: https://www.idonate.ie/event/Snamh25 n
Chloe Ní Ruairc, swimming for Palestine.
Courtown south beach where local Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign members and the general public came out to support the swimmers’ moonlight swim – magical!
Pic: Bayview Media
Oulart storytelling house
At Bygone Days Storytelling House in Oulart, a great welcome awaits all, with good music, songs, stories and plenty of craic, tea and refreshments served. Eircode: Y25 YP70.
For details of upcoming events keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/bygonedayshouseofstories n
Enniscorthy Toastmasters
The group meeets fortnightly on Tuesdays, September to June, in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, at 8pm. All welcome! https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy-Toastmasters129333810455771 for updates. n
ENNISCORTHY TIDY TOWNS NEEDS YOU!
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers meet on Sunday mornings to collect litter and tidy up around the town. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed! So if you are sick of seeing rubbish on your road, street, estate or elsewhere in the community, please contact: 053 923 6518 or email enniscorthytt@gmail.com
Keep up to date on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown
Let's all help to make Enniscorthy cleaner and greener! n
The 10th of May will mark the 10th time the people of Enniscorthy will walk from Darkness into Light in aid of the Pieta centre in Wexford where free, in-person counselling services are provided. This is where the money raised is spent, so you can help keep these services available free of charge to anyone who needs it.
Darkness Into Light 2025, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, will take place at 4:15am on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This inspiring event symbolises hope, as communities come together to support mental health and prevent suicide.
There are many ways to get involved. Join an official Darkness Into Light walk, such as in Enniscorthy, or create your own DIL fundraiser – whether it’s a bake sale, a car wash, a sponsored silence, a run, or a swim. Rally your family, friends, and colleagues in your local area to make a difference.
Together, we can turn Darkness Into Light for those who need it most.
Register at https://www.darknessintolight.ie/ OR donate: https://www.darknessintolight.ie/fundraisers/dilenniscorthycommittee/wexford n
A SPOT HERE CAN BE YOURS FROM €20
ENNISCORTHY FÁILTE
CONTACT DETAILS:
https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthyfailte
Email: enniscorthyfailte@gmail.com
Discover how Copywriting by Changing Lanes can help bring more traffic to your website and connect you with more customers for your products and services.
Professional copywriting and editorial services based in Co. Wexford. Phone: 087-7946277. Email: caroline@changinglanes.ie
Dressmaking, alterations, fabrics, zips, haberdashery, Communion dresses – readymade and bespoke. Castle House, Castle Hill Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Y21 P5C7
Tel: 085 858 1526
Find us on Facebook and Instagram
and Repaired Contact John 086-3298522
Telephone Frank at 087-2403310 for more details.
Please note the following:
To log a report regarding any dumping, street litter, road oil spills and potholes, ring Wexford Council on (053) 919 6000 or email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
You can also ask to register for group or individual cleanups of your environment.
Website to report illegal dumping: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/waste-andrecycling/report-illegal-dumping
Mind y Mind your Mind: our
Contact: Séamus McCormack, Psychotherapist BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy
Looking for a fun and engaging outdoor activity in Enniscorthy? St. Patrick's Pitch & Putt Club welcomes players of all ages and skill levels to enjoy its beautifully maintained 18-hole course. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for a leisurely game with family and friends, the Enniscorthy course offers the perfect setting.
Open to the Public: It offers green fees to non-members, so everyone can experience the joy of pitch and putt.
Membership Opportunities: Interested in becoming a member? The club has affordable annual fees:
Adults: €120
U-18: €40
Active retirement: €75
To apply, contact Ruairi Fortune at 087 1669374, or message the club’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091058558807
Join the club’s vibrant community and enjoy regular competitions, social events, and the craic. St. Patrick's Pitch & Putt Club – discover the charm of pitch and putt in the heart of Enniscorthy. n
St. Patrick’s Pitch & Putt Club, Enniscorthy, is open for the season, with affordable green fees, membership options, and a great atmosphere for players of all levels.
InTuition Open Evening 2025
InTuition Vocational Training warmly invites you to visit its centre, meet the team, and see the facilities in person.
The organisation says, “Our staff are passionate about supporting learners with additional needs, and we are proud to offer a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. Whether you are a parent, a support worker, or someone interested in our training programme, this is a great chance to find out more about what we do.”
You will have the opportunity to:
n Chat with the tutors and support staff.
n Explore the training rooms, work experience areas and social spaces.
n Learn about the modules InTuition delivers and how it supports each learner’s journey.
Whether you have questions or are simply curious, InTuition would love to show you around and share the work they do every day.
InTuition Vocational Training, Old Dublin Rd, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 F5D7. https://www.facebook.com/InTuitionVT n
Planning enforcement intensifies
Wexford County Council has just released a useful Planning Enforcement Infographic (see one part of it below). This Infographic explains how the planning enforcement process works and when enforcement action is undertaken. It highlights the extent of activity the Planning Enforcement team in Wexford County Council undertook in 2024 and over a 5year period from 2020 to 2024.
The Planning Enforcement team in Wexford County Council carried out 339 inspections in 2024 and received and replied to 2,152 queries in the same period. A total of 437 warning letters were issued in 2024, up 18% on 2023 and 238 Enforcement Notices were issued to alleged offenders, also up 19% on 2023.
Cllr Pip Breen commented “Planning Enforcement ensures that good decisions taken at the planning application stage, are carried out according to the permission granted and that fairness applies to ensure proper development is carried out, which happens in the majority of cases.”
The Planning Authority stated that where individuals or businesses flout the law by ignoring, or not complying with the planning legislation, Wexford County Council will take planning enforcement action.
The new enforcement report demonstrates the activity of the planning enforcement team since 2020 and progress last year, highlighting the successful outcomes throughout the process. The Planning section makes every effort to resolve planning enforcement cases before they get to court.
Warning letters issued by the council increased from 247 letters in 2020 to 437 in 2024. A warning letter is the first step in the enforcement process. A warning letter will issue to the registered owner, developer, or occupier of the land in response to a complaint of possible non-compliance with a planning permission or unauthorised development. The warning letter gives the alleged offender an opportunity to respond to the allegations within 4 weeks.
Enforcement Notices have increased from just 33 in 2020 to 238 in 2024. An Enforcement Notice is an instruction to carry out works to rectify unauthorised development or non-compliance with planning conditions. A clear instruction and timeline are provided in an Enforcement Notice to an alleged offender.
Legal proceedings have remained consistent over the 5-year period from 2020 to 2024 with between 13 and 22 cases proceeding to legal action each year during this time.
Commenting on the figures recently released by the Council, Tom Banville, Senior Executive Officer, Planning Enforcement said, “The Planning Enforcement figures released today... demonstrate the enforcement action in order to ensure proper adherence to planning legislation to provide quality neighbourhoods, housing and community and economic infrastructure. The infographic provides a valuable education piece by informing the public how planning enforcement works, explains terms such as warning letter and enforcement notice and
L-R: Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council; Liz Hore, Director of Service, Wexford County Council; Cllr John Fleming, Chair of the Planning and Building Control SPC; Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; Tom Banville, Senior Executive Officer, Planning Department.
highlights the work of the enforcement team in this area. Good planning decisions are key to ensuring the proper sustainable development of our towns and villages.”
Further information on Planning Enforcement and how to make a complaint can be found on the Wexford County Council website at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning/planning-enforcement n
WHAT IS PLANNING ENFORCEMENT?
Planning Enforcement is a crucial aspect of the Planning system in Ireland. Planning Enforcement is the process of investigating possible breaches of Planning or cases where works may have been carried out without the benefit of Planning Permission.
Planning Enforcement derive their powers from the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended). This act established the framework for Planning in Ireland, while also granting Local Authorities the power to investigate potential breaches of planning and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.
OUR ROLE IN PLANNING ENFORCEMENT
Good planning decisions are key to our quality of life. Planning enforcement ensures that good decisions, taken at the planning application stage, are carried out in the finished building or development. Wexford County Council investigate cases where individuals may have flouted the law by ignoring, or not complying with the planning process or carrying out unauthorised development.
SUMMARY 2024 Further
On site inspections were carried out in 2024 emails were received and dealt with during 2024
2,152
Halting site in Bunclody is now renamed ‘Mountain View’
Mountain View, Ryland Upper, Bunclody, 16th April 2025
The Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, officially renamed the halting site at Ryland Upper, Bunclody, as Mountain View (Radharc an tSléibhe) on 16th April 2025. The ceremony was attended by the site’s residents, public representatives, staff from Wexford Local Development, and officials of Wexford County Council including Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe.
The naming ceremony was the result of great work done by a committee involving members of the resident travelling community, public representatives, and officials of Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Development (WLD).
The residents, including some families who have lived there for several generations, chose the appropriate name ‘Mountain View’ themselves.
Speakers at the ceremony included a resident, Alice Connors, who thanked everybody connected with the occasion and said that it meant a lot to the families living there.
WLD was singled out for praise by another resident, Josephine Connors.
Larry Connors entertained the attendees by singing two Wexford songs before all partook of welcome refreshments kindly provided by WLD. n
The colourful Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival will take place on the streets of Enniscorthy this coming June Bank Holiday weekend, May 31st and June 1st.
This annual festival is a celebration of music, dance, creativity, and nature, with some interesting talks and workshops on sustainability and biodiversity.
If you are a interested in having a craft or food stall/truck this year get in touch with the organisers now, they would love to hear from you! Email: lynn@theupcyclemovement.com
See festival details below (which may be subject to slight changes) and keep up to date with all the festival news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthy.streetrhythms n
Enniscorthy Municipal District
Applications are now invited from Commercial Properties in the following Towns/Villages:
Ballindaggin, Bree, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Ferns and Kiltealy under the following grant schemes:
Shopfront Painting Grant Scheme - Max Grant €300*
Shopfront Awning Grant Scheme - Max Grant €500
Shopfront Flowers Grant Scheme – Max Grant 150
*Applications will also be considered for painting of residential premises above shops in Enniscorthy, Bunclody and Ferns.
Application forms are available online www.wexfordcoco.ie OR from the Enniscorthy Municipal District office.
Completed Application Forms must be submitted to: Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford OR
Email: emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie Please reference which grant is being applied for in the subject line of your email and a separate email per application.
Closing date for receipt of completed Application Forms is: 5pm, Friday, 20th May, 2025.
Claire Lawless, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District.
Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme
Background
Tuesday 13th May 2025
Wexford County Council with the support of the Office of Public Works (OPW) is undertaking the development of a Flood Relief Scheme for Enniscorthy. The Scheme is to be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 of the scheme will involve the removal of the
053 919 6000
www.wexfordcoco.ie
customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
Seamus Rafter Bridge, which poses a significant obstruction to river flow through the town centre during flood events, and the construction of a new road bridge and new pedestrian bridge to replace the Seamus Rafter Bridge. Phase 2 of the scheme will involve the construction of the remaining flood relief works required for the town.
Public Consultation Day
Wexford County Council is holding a Public Consultation Day to gather feedback and opinions in relation to the options being considered and the emerging preferred option for Phase 1. We invite all residents, businesses, stakeholders and interested parties to attend and have your say to inform the identification and selection of the preferred option to be taken forward to planning.
We value all feedback and appreciate any time spent communicating your views. A questionnaire will be available for you to express your views. Members of the project team will be present to provide information and to answer your questions.
The Public Consultation Day will be held in the Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club, The Promenade, Enniscorthy, Y21 T2F4, on Tuesday 13th May 2025 between 2:00pm and 9:00pm.
If you are unable to join us on the day, a copy of the questionnaire and supporting documentation will be available on online on the project website www.enniscorthyfrs.ie
Completed questionnaires and feedback can be sent to us via email to EnniscorthyFRS-Phase1@rod.ie or by post marked as ‘Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme, Phase 1 Submission’ addressed to Roughan & O’Donovan, Arena House, Arena Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland. We ask that completed questionnaires and feedback is submitted to us during the consultation period, between Tuesday 13th May 2025 and Tuesday 10th June 2025.
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following post: Part-time Cleaners
Wexford County Council are forming panels for persons to fill future vacancies both temporary and permanent, for the cleaning of our public offices, libraries and other buildings throughout the County.
Selection will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted.
Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for this post are available from:
Customer Service (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford.
Phone 053 919 6000 or visit our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Closing date for receipt of completed application form for this post is:
5.00pm on Thursday 8th May, 2025.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Fáiltíonn Comhairle Contae Loch Garman roimh iarratasóirí don phost seo a leanas:
Glantóirí Páirtaimseartha
Tá painéil á chruthú ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman le daoine chun folúntais a thiocfaidh chun cinn amach anseo, idir fholúntais shealadacha agus fholúntais bhuana, chun oifigí poiblí na Comhairle, leabharlanna agus foirgnimh eile ar fud an Chontae a ghlanadh. Is trí agallamh a dhéanamh a dhéanfar rogha do na poist go léir agus d’fhéadfaí iarratasóirí a chur ar ghearrliosta bunaithe ar na hiarratais a chuirfear ar aghaidh.
Tá fáil ar sonraí faoi cháilíochtaí, ar fhoirmeacha iarratais agus ar shonraí breise don phost seo ó:
Seirbhísí do Chustaiméirí (Bloc F), Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, An Charraig Leathan, Loch Garman. Glaoigh ar 053 919 6000 nó tabhair cuairt ar an láithreán gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie
An dáta deiridh a nglacfar le foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe don phost seo ná:
5.00pm Déardaoin, an 8 Bealtaine 2024. Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following post:
Executive Architect
Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled. Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Please note all applications for the above posts must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie
Printed hard copies will NOT be accepted for the above post. Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for the above post is:
5.00pm on Thursday, 8th May, 2025.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Fáiltíonn Comhairle Contae Loch Garman roimh iarratasóirí don phost seo a leanas:
Ailtire Feidhmiúcháin
Is trí agallamh a dhéanamh a dhéanfar rogha do na poist go léir agus d’fhéadfaí iarratasóirí a chur ar ghearrliosta bunaithe ar na
hiarratais a chuirfear ar aghaidh. D’fhéadfaí painéil a bhunú óna bhféadfaí folúntais a líonadh amach anseo.
Tá fáil ar cháilíochtaí, foirmeacha iarratais agus sonraí breise do na poist go léir ár an láithreán gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie
Tabhair ar aird nach mór gach iarratas ar na poist thuasluaite a Chlóscríomh agus a chur ar aghaidh ar Ríomhphost amháin chuig recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie
NÍ GHLACFAR le cóipeanna crua priontáilte don phost thuasluaite.
An dáta deiridh a ghlacfar le foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe don phost thuasluaite ná:
5.00pm Déardaoin, an 8 Bealtaine 2024. Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.
Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme:
Position Location
Environmental Operative – 1 position Enniscorthy
Duties to include:
• Environmental Worker - General maintenance, cleaning, planting and weeding etc.
To apply for any of these positions and for further information please contact - Bernie Lennon, CE Scheme Supervisor, Wexford County Council on (087) 6575743 during office hours 9am – 5pm or Tracey Begley, CE Scheme Supervisor WCC on (087) 0029702 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email cesnorthwexford@wexfordcoco.ie
The closing date for applications is Friday May 2nd 2025 at 4.30pm. Please note that persons applying for these positions must satisfy the Department of Social Protection criteria to participate in the Community Employment Scheme.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993
Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Wednesday 7 May 2025 from 08:00 to 18:00 facilitate repairs on a watermain at John Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Road Closure: L-4508-1 Craywell / Cherries Road, New Ross from Mannion’s Roundabout (Mountelliott) to John Street.
Alternative Route: Via the R700 to Mannion’s Roundabout to Kent’s Roundabout to the R723 to New Ross.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.
Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil sé beartaithe ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman an bóthar a liostaítear anseo thíos a dhúnadh do thrácht feithiclí ón gCéadaoin, an 7 Bealtaine ón 08:00 go 18:00 chun deisiúcháin ar phríomhphíobáin uisce ar Shráid Eoin, Ros Mhic Thriúin, Co. Loch Garman a éascú.
Dúnadh Bóthair: L-4508-1 Creachmhaoil / Bóthar na gCrann Silíní, Ros Mhic Thriúin ó Thimpeallán Uí Mhainnín (An Mainséar) go Sráid Eoin.
Bealach Malartach: Ar an R700 go Timpeallán Uí Mhainnín go Timpeallán Chrois an Cheantaigh go dtí an R723 go Ros Mhic Thriúin.
Beidh comharthaíocht ar bhealaí malartacha. Déanfar rochtain áitiúil a éascú.
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)
Notice of Proposed Development by a Local Authority LAC2502
Location: Marshmeadows, New Ross, Co.
Wexford (Marshmeadows T.D., New Ross Rural E.D.)
Pursuant to Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and in accordance with Part 8, Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council proposes to carry out the development, the nature and extent of which is set out hereunder:
• Development of a Motorhome Park at Marshmeadows, New Ross, Co. Wexford, to enhance the town as a destination for visitors, in line with proposals contained in the New Ross Town Centre First Plan.
Based on a preliminary examination of the nature, size and location of the development, there is no likelihood of significant effects on the environment and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is not required.
Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection, or purchase at a reasonable fee not exceeding the
www.deadsureapp.com
reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours from Wednesday 30 April 2025 to Wednesday 28 May 2025, at the following locations and may be viewed online at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning:
• Wexford County Council, Planning Department, Carricklawn, Wexford.
• New Ross Municipal District, The Tholsel, Quay Street, New Ross, Co Wexford.
Submissions or observations with respect to the above proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing on or before Wednesday 11 June 2025 to:
Wexford County Council, Planning Department, (Reference LAC2502), Carricklawn, Wexford.
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)
Notice of Proposed Development by a Local Authority LAC2503
Pursuant to Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and in accordance with Part 8, Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council proposes to carry out the development, the nature and extent of which is set out hereunder:
• Upgrade of road intersection between Newtown Road and L3503-5 (Hospital Junction). Proposal includes upgrade of lighting, change of lane layout and provision for cycle and pedestrian facilities.
Based on a preliminary examination of the nature, size and location of the development, there is no likelihood of significant effects on the environment and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is not required.
Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.
Comhairle Contae Loch Garman
Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93
Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection, or purchase at a reasonable fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours from Wednesday 30 April 2025 to Wednesday 28 May 2025, at the following locations and may be viewed online at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning:
• Wexford County Council, Planning Department, Carricklawn, Wexford.
• Wexford Municipal District, The Bull Ring, Wexford.
Submissions or observations with respect to the above proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing on or before Wednesday 11 June 2025 to:
Wexford County Council, Planning Department, (Reference LAC2503), Carricklawn, Wexford.
A FFORD A BLE
HOMESWEXFORD
Tenders
The following tender competitions are currently active. If you wish to obtain further information and make a submission for any of the tenders please visit www.etenders.gov.ie
5385824 12/HS/2025 Cluain Fada, New Ross, Co. Wexford - Design and Build of 22 No. Category 1 MMC Dwellings. 30/05/2025
In this call, home builders and housing developers are being asked to consider offering properties with planning permission to Wexford County Council under an advance purchase turnkey arrangement.
The Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides for Local Authorities to acquire, build or cause to be built, affordable dwellings that can be subsequently sold to eligible applicants (assessed by Wexford County Council) through direct sales agreements between purchasers and developers.
Application forms/Programme information can be requested by emailing - affordablehousing@wexfordcoco.ie or downloaded from www.wexfordcoco.ie/housing/affordable-housing
All submissions made under this Expression of Interest will be assessed and approved by the Housing Agency and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Please note that Wexford County Council are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014
The Faythe, Wexford 11am Sunday 4th May Comhairle Contae Loch Garman
Táirgí míostraithe SAOR IN AISCE ar fáil ar fud Contae Loch Garman
Sna háiteanna seo a leanas; Na Leabharlanna Poiblí
Ionaid Acmhainní Teaghlaigh Halla an Chontae Chomhairle Contae Loch Garman
Tríd eagraíochtaí a thacaíonn le Pobail an Lucht
Siúil agus na Romach
Tá táirgí míostraithe in aisce ar fáil, dóibh siúd atá siad uathu, tá siad ar fáil i raon suíomhanna ar fud Chontae Loch Garman.
Is féidir bileoigín eolais a fháil i do leabharlann nó ionad acmhainní teaghlaigh áitiúil chun liosta iomlán de na láithreacha a fháil.
May Day Ceremony
To commemorate May Day and the 1911 Wexford Lock Out Her Worship the Mayor, Cllr. Catherine Walsh will lay a wreath at
The Lock Out Gate
Top left: Mother and daughter Margaret Cooper and Gail Kavanagh. Left: Rachel and Kerri Jordan. Below centre: Philip Hughes and Ann Dillon. Bottom left: Helen Doyle, Annis Kehoe and Adrian Doyle.
Hannah and Tiernan Lambert.
Grandparents’ Day, St Senan’s Primary School, Enniscorthy 9th April 2024
Top left: Pupils Harry Monaghan and Alex O’Sullivan with L-R: Anne Monaghan, Orla O’Sullivan, Bridie O’Sullivan. Above: Sofia Poberezhets, Monica Moorehouse, Mary Dobbs, Sandra Corrigan, Catherine Levingstone. Left: Mary O’Brien, Conor McKeown, Linda Hogan, Helena Crowley (Home School Liaison Officer). Below left: School Principal Ms Fiona Wickham with some of the 6th Class helpers. Below centre: Ms Anita Mooney, teacher, one of the main organisers of the event, and Mr Seamus Kavanagh, Deputy Principal. Below right: Elizabeth and Hughie Connors. Bottom left: Helena Crowley (Home School Liaison Officer), Richard Sinnott, Frances Murphy, Mary Lunn. Bottom right: Pupils Leon and Luke with family members.
Enniscorthy Retirement Association Coffee morning in Bunclody
The Enniscorthy Retirement Association holds monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at 2.30pm in the Riverside Park Hotel, The Promenade, Enniscorthy, with the exception of January and August.
There are regular outings, as well as various activities every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
For further details about Enniscorthy Retirement Association go along to any monthly meeting or see ‘Enniscorthy Retirement Association’ on Facebook or email: enniscorthtyretirementassociation@outlook.com
Check out the new website which is now live at www.enniscorthyretirement.net n
Above: Bunclody Day Care Centre Coffee Morning and Cake Sale, 17th April, 2025. L-R: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Geraldine and Niall O Muiri. Below: Marie and Mary Levingston with Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.
Coming soon to Vinegar Hill
Last summer, ‘The Night Belongs to YOUth’ (TNBY) brought colour, music, and performance to Enniscorthy for a magical midsummer celebration. From the vibrant procession to the hilltop spectacle, young people made the night their own.
And this year? It’s back, bigger and bolder. Workshops kick off this month, leading up to an unforgettable Cruinniú na nÓg event on Saturday the 7th of June.
Creative Places Enniscorthy invites all young creatives (12 years+) to get involved.
Join a series of workshops on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 May in the Templeshannon Community Centre from 2pm till 4pm. And on Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 May in The Presentation Arts Centre from 2pm till 4pm. Everyone is welcome and all workshops are FREE!
To book your spot, DM @creativeplacesenniscorthy or text/call Deryn on 087 957 9884.
Expect creativity, celebration, and the magic of TNBY bringing this community celebration to life on Vinegar Hill under the summer sky.
Want to know more about Creative Places Enniscorthy? Visit creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie n
Last year’s ‘The Night Belongs to YOUth’ event on Vinegar Hill.
A rare opportunity to hear Anthony Kearns perform in his home town
All are invited to a celebration of music with Anthony Kearns and friends in the beautiful surrounds of St Mary's Church, Enniscorthy, on Friday 9th May. This is a fundraiser for Enniscorthy's major annual festival – Enniscorthy Rockin' Food and Fruit Festival. Your attendance will help ensure the future of this amazing festival.
Special guest performers at the concert include: Mezzo-Soprano - Lorna Mahon, Violinist - Lynda O'Connor, Pianist - David Wray, Uillean Piper - Mark Redmond
Needles & Nod –Adult Knitting Group
This group meets in Enniscorthy Library on the last Saturday of every month at 10.45am.
It provides a platform for individuals of all ages, from beginners to experienced crafters, who are looking for a social and creative outlet.
It will help local crafters to make meaningful connections with like-minded people, share their passion for knitting and/or crochet, exchange techniques, and create handcrafted items. Booking essential: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4345257 n
Enniscorthy based choir - The Silvertones
This event promises to be a magical experience filled with beautiful music and wonderful company.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy an evening of musical delight. Grab your tickets now and get ready for a night to remember!
Tickets available from Eventbrite, Mahady Breen, Easons Bookshop or https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-musical-evening-with-anthony-kearns-and-friends-tickets-1316444955299 n
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
MAGAZINE DREAMS
Movie Reviews by Kyle Walsh
This powerful film, Magazine Dreams, is about one man’s obsession leading him into a pit of darkness. Jonathan Majors (as Killian Maddox) gives an extraordinary performance worthy of a Oscar. It’s a frightening portrayal and one that lives on in your memory for days after watching it.
This film is not an easy watch, it can be uncomfortable viewing for some but it’s as real as it gets with someone suffering with mental illness. We have seen this type of film before, two that stand out would be Taxi Driver and The Joker. It’s Travis Brikle pumping weights. So it’s not an original idea but it’s really well executed here. The transformation Jonathan Majors went through was exceptional and is showcased on screen for all to see. Not many actors can play a role and dedicate themselves to this extreme. Left in a lesser talent’s hands this film would fail.
Killian is an amateur bodybuilder with dreams, he wants his name to be remembered by all. He wants to be the Olympian Bodybuilder Champion. So, he pushes his body to awful extremes. He lifts weights and eats and lifts and injects and lifts and competes and lifts and punishes himself in order to be ultimately rewarded. He’s on a downhill spiral. He is out of total control. He is his own worst enemy. Along the way of dreaming to be the champion he leaves a devastating path of destruction behind. He’s like a tornado destroying everything in its path.
I was looking forward to seeing where Majors’ career would go because he was really good in Creed 3 and he also was in Marvel’s Ant Man 3.
Magazine Dreams was up for release two years ago but never made it to the big screen due to Majors hitting on his girlfriend. The case went to court and Majors was dropped from any further film projects. So this film lingered between studios until an up-and-coming studio picked it up lately. It was released in cinemas in America but only made €600,000 at the box office. It’s a real shame because this film is the best film I have seen so far this year with the best performance of the year too. Hollywood has been putting out a lot of crap lately so for this one to miss out is a real shame. I was lucky enough to see a screening of it. If you ever get a chance to watch it, please do. You will not be disappointed.
This is a story of a black man in America where society is not too kind to him. Where his dreams are too far to reach. Where he struggles with serious mental issues. He attends counselling, lives at home taking care of his ailing grandfather. He works in a dead-end job. His dreams set him out on a course of anger, intensity, rage, self-destruction, threat, violence, and my God how great it was to watch this man’s portrayal of a broken man in a broken society. A world we all live in from time to time.
This is a haunting movie that will stay with you for a long time after the credits roll. Magazine Dreams is a dream of a film.
5/5 from me. n
Wexford's LGBQTIA+ Pride celebration returns on 31st May
Bringing together Co. Wexfords’ LGBTQIA+ community and allies, Pride in The Park returns to Min Ryan Park on Saturday, 31st May 2025.
Now in its fifth year, Wexford’s Pride in the Park returns to Min Ryan Park on Saturday, 31st May 2025, from 12pm to 6pm. Organised by Wexford Pride, the event is a vibrant annual celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, bringing together the community and its allies in a celebration of inclusion, allyship, and empowerment.
The free, family-friendly event will showcase a diverse lineup of LGBTQIA+ musicians and acts with performances from both emerging and established local talent.
In addition to music, attendees can explore an array of community vendors, food trucks, and community organisations.
There will be something for everyone — whether you're there to support a cause, enjoy the atmosphere, or connect with others!
To round off the day’s celebrations the Wexford Pride in The Park After-Party will be hosted by Wexford Arts Centre, with festivities led by Poppy DeScrace and The Disgraceful Cabaret. Tickets are available through wexfordartscentre.ie.
Pride in the Park is more than a celebration — it’s a moment to connect, reflect, and honour the strength of a community united in pride. n
Enniscorthy Cambodian community celebrate New Year
On Saturday 26th April I was invited to speak at the Cambodian New Year celebrations at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, by National President of the Cambodian Community in Ireland and Ms Planet Ireland 2025 –Selin Kim.
The Cambodian New Year is based on the Buddhist Calendar and is celebrated with music, dance, games and food – delicious food I might add all lovingly prepared by the women present.
The event organised by Selin, who looked amazing in a stunning Cambodian traditional costume, began with a rendition of the Cambodian National Anthem followed by an explanation of their national flag – with bands of blue and red – blue for liberty and brotherhood, red for bravery and the famous Ankor Wat Temple at the centre representing religion.
Selin Kim spoke eloquently of the beauty and culture of Cambodia following with a most elegant and graceful dance performance ringing in the New Year of hope and promise.
Children in the audience, who Selin pointed out are both Irish and Cambodian, took the stage to delight spectators with a happy little marching routine.
When invited to speak I talked of our Irish culture and heritage here in Enniscorthy and wore green for the occasion as colour
Words & pics by Maria Nolan
is very important in Cambodia and represents a great many things – they even have different colours to be worn on different days of the week for luck and prosperity among other things.
I welcomed the community to Enniscorthy saying how delighted we were to have them participate in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade – a tradition we very much hope to continue and I took the opportunity to ask them to be part of this year’s Art & Culture Festival happening on the weekend of Culture Night, 19th September, saying how imperative it is for all of us to explore and appreciate the cultures of all peoples now living together in Enniscorthy.
I took the opportunity to wish Selin Kim the very best of luck at the Ms World Planet in Cambodia in November and said we would be giving her every support as our Irish representative.
The formalities concluded with a traditional Cambodian dance performed in traditional Khmer costumes and then it was fun and games for the rest of the afternoon as guests were invited to participate and partake of some of the mouthwatering Cambodian food on display.
Thank you to Selin Kim and the Cambodian Community for the kind invitation and I very much look forward to working with them to make Enniscorthy a better place for all of us. n
Y21 Studios & Creative Grounds Coffee Dock are hosting an Outdoor Vintage Mini Market this May Bank Holiday Weekend during the Rockin' Food Festival in Enniscorthy. The market will run on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th May at Y21 Studios, located at the IFA Centre – just a short stroll from the heart of the town. n
What’s On Wexford
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WexfordEvents for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n
LOCAL
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000. Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529.
Easter Jazz at Frank’s Place, Wexford
THE WAIT WILL BE WORTH IT!
A gorgeous night of Jazz classics and original material in the wonderful company of Sharon Clancy on vocals, Tony Rex on piano, Adrian Jackson on double bass, and Tom Bates on drums, originally scheduled for Franks Place 1860, North Main Street, Wexford, for 18th of April, had to be postponed. But the good news is that a new date has been set – 30th May, and the wait will be worth it for this highly recommended event.
Tickets available through Wexford Arts Centre: www.wexfordartscentre.ie but our advice is to hurry as these gigs always sell out in advance. n
Onwards and upwards for Keara
KEARA HOWARD, WELL KNOWN IN ENNISCORTHY FOR HER 'SCISSOR SISTERZ' HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON, HAS ANOTHER STRING TO HER BOW...
The entrepreneurial Keara Howard launched a new business two-and-a-half years ago called “The Hair Doctor” shower filter. It’s a filter that fits to the shower to remove the hard water minerals that affect hair. Keara says, "We have experienced massive growth and have expanded into wholesale accounts where now we are stocked in 70+ salons and pharmacies."
Keara's hard work over the last couple of years paid off in style on 6th April as she won the national Histyle “Salon Supplies of the Year” award for 2025. Keara says, "This is unbelievable for my small businesss with the award being presented to me by well known TV presenter Lisa Cannon."
It's onwards and upwards for Keara and "The Hair Doctor". n
Wexford Garden Club coffee morning
Wexford Garden Club Coffee Morning and products sale in Clonroche Community Centre, 24th April 2025, L-R: Marie Predergast and Margaret Broaders.
Public screening of ‘Scalded’
After months in the making, Scalded – a new film by Crannog Media, will be shown for the first time on Thursday, May 8th, at 7pm, in the Templeshannon Community Centre, Enniscorthy. All are invited to attend.
The filmmakers have set out to show what ‘SCALDER’ means to the people of Enniscorthy and what we think about Enniscorthy.
This project is proudly supported by Creative Places Enniscorthy, Arts Councii of Ireland, Wexford Co. Council, and Wexford Arts Centre. n
Silvertones’ Bealtaine concert
The annual Silvertones Bealtaine Concert will be held this year in St. Aidan's Cathedral on Thursday 29th May. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to this year's chosen charity The Hope Cancer Support Centre.
The guest artist will be the amazing, internationally renowned soprano Emer Barry who now lives near Enniscorthy when she is not performing all over the world. Emer performed to great acclaim in St Mary's Church last Christmas.
Tickets are €15 each and are available from any member of Silvertones as well as at the door on the night.
Keep an eye on the Slaney News Facebook page for more updates.
Follow Emer Barry on her website: https://www.emerbarry.com and her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/emerbarrysoprano n
Recoil return with explosive new EP
Recoil return with their explosive new EP In Mind, bringing their signature sound to The Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy on May 10th.
Joined by genre-blending support acts Low Ground and The Hex, this night promises to be unmissable!
May 10th, doors 6pm, tickets €10 available at: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/sh ows/873654877
And another event at The Presentation Arts Centre definitely worth catching is Enniscorthy Theatre Company’s youth production of The Cripple of Inishmaan, running from 1st-3rd May 2025.
Enjoy a night of sharp wit, heartbreak, and unexpected hope in this poignant play from one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary playwrights.
Tickets: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873654958 n
New members welcome at two singing groups
Creative Places Enniscorthy is delighted to be working with the local community as part of this project and wants to thank Linda and Seamus for their dedication and organising All are welcome to participate – no auditions. Enjoy singing 10.30am
Creative Places Enniscorthy is thrilled to be supporting Enniscorthy’s new men’s choir which meets up at 7pm every Monday night at Templeshannon Community Centre.
your favourite songs while making new friends. Please contact 087 2930510 for more details.
For more information on Creative Places Enniscorthy please visit the website creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie
In addition, the Templars Singing Group meets up every Thursday morning at 10.30am at Templeshannon Community Centre. For more information, phone 053 9237511. n
An ‘Irish Affair’
ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR A ONCE-OFF PERFORMANCE IN THE NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE, WEXFORD, SUCH HAS BEEN THE DEMAND FOR TICKETS FOR THE NEW 'IRISH AFFAIR' MUSICAL, WHICH IS SET IN CO. WEXFORD, THAT THE DRESS REHEARSAL HAS NOW BEEN OPENED TO THE PUBLIC WITH TICKETS COSTING A VERY REASONABLE €20.
'Irish Affair':
By Stuart Brayson
Directed by Deirdre
Masterson
Musical arrangements by David Wray
Produced in conjunction with The Irish College of Music and the National Opera House.
PUBLIC DRESS REHEARSAL
Thursday, 26 June 2025, 7.30pm. Tickets €20.
With less than two months to go until Irish Affair takes to the stage of the O’Reilly Theatre, the one-night-only performance is sold-out. With demand so high, the producers have decided to open the dress rehearsal to the public on Thursday, 26 June, at 7.30pm.
The National Opera House and The Irish College of Music Theatre proudly collaborated in presenting the premiere of Irish Affair in a series of workshops in June 2024 to an enthusiastic response from the audience. Director and producer Deirdre Masterson and composer and lyricist Stuart Brayson were encouraged to develop the piece further as a result. They were further encouraged by lyricist Sir Tim Rice and global music executive Chris Wright CBE, who later offered to come on board as Executive Producers.
Now with additional music, double the cast, and the addition of dancers and musicians, this new version of Irish Affair will be introduced by the legendary lyricist and Executive Producer of Irish Affair, Sir Tim Rice, who has a plethora of global credits to his name including The Lion King, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Set in the rural village of Fethard-on-Sea, Co. Wexford, in the 1950s, Irish Affair - A Love Story for all Time, is based on the true story of married couple Sean and Sheila Cloney née Kelly, one Catholic and one Protestant, and the inspirational journey of how their love drove them to overcome the religious and political obstacles which divided the nation and became an international incident.
Irish Affair is penned by West End composer Stuart Brayson, (From Here to Eternity), produced and directed by Wexford soprano Deirdre Masterson (The Irish College of Music Theatre) with musical arrangements/direction by David Wray (Michael Collins and Angela’s Ashes), with support by the National Opera House. One of the songs from the score, ‘She Is My Everything’, was recently broadcast for the very first time on ‘Elaine Paige on Sunday’ on BBC Radio 2 to an incredible response from both host and listeners.
Irish Affair is a mesmerising piece of drama, based on true events. The narration is further enhanced with a luscious
score, infectious toe-tapping melodies, unforgettable hauntingly beautiful airs and a sprinkle of traditional Irish influences, evoking both tears of sorrow and laughter throughout. An inspiring, uplifting musical suitable for all the family.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.nationaloperahouse.ie or by ringing the National Opera House box-office on 053 912 2144. Box Office phone lines are open from 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. n
L-R: Composer Stuart Brayson, Sir Tim Rice, and director Deirdre Masterson. Pic: Mark A. Ivory.
Fionn Gardner, Karla Tracey, Lyla and Allie Keane in 'Irish Affair'. Pic: Mark A. Ivory.
‘Paddy’s Band’ in aid of Pieta
The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 19th-23rd May
Buddy Enniscorthy was formed in 2017 to bring to the stage The Buddy Holly Story. All proceeds from the ticket sales went directly to Pieta House. And the show was repeated in 2018 and was another huge success.
Following on from this, Enniscorthy woman Adrienne Murphy and her colleagues decided to stage an original production Rock‘n’Roll to the Rescue (by Adrienne Murphy) in aid of Pieta House again. This was staged in 2022 and again in 2023 from which was raised €11,000 and €7,000 respectively. To date the total raised for Pieta is an incredible €43,000.
This year the team are back again staging an original production (by Adrienne Murphy) called Paddy’s Band – When rock’n’roll came to rural Ireland. The cast are all from Co. Wexford with Cameron Cloke playing lead, Dick Butler, Kara Kinsella, and Rachel Green, to name but a few. The team are also very fortunate to have Luc Power and Conor Kenny record a special song just for Paddy’s Band assisted by Deirdre on accordion, James on flute and Michael on bodhran.
About Paddy’s Band: The setting is rural Ireland in the late 1950s. Paddy (a farmer’s son) has decided to put together a rock’n’roll band made up of a motley crew of local boyos much to the dismay of his mother and amusement of his father. The son of the local gentry, Fredrick, has been foisted on the band by circumstances beyond their control. Maura (Paddy’s manmad sister) sets her sights on Fredrick much to his horror. When the local parish priest Fr. Magillacuddy hears about this rock’n’roll band his wrath knows no bounds as he descends on the farm to confront Paddy about leading the young people of the village astray, with hilarious results. Throw in a vicious ceili band, a smarmy talent-show host, and a very opinionated tailor, and it’s total mayhem.
Featuring music from Dion and the Belmonts, Eddie Cochran, The Drifters, and Wanda Jackson, to mention just a few, this
Rock’n’Roll is coming to rural Ireland... and it’s total mayhem! Expect music, laughter, and community coming together for a great cause. Paddy’s Band is a hilarious, high-energy musical set in 1950s Ireland, complete with a motley crew of musicians, a matchmaking sister, a furious parish priest, and hits from rock’n’roll legends all performed LIVE on stage at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, May 19th–23rd. All proceeds go to Pieta – Ending Suicide, Beginning Hope show will again have its audiences dancing in the aisles. So bring your dancing shoes folks, this show is going to be some craic and is guaranteed to blow the roof off The Presentation Centre every night between 19th-23rd May. n
‘Paddy’s Band’ writer / director / producer Adrienne Murphy.
Daffodil Day, Kilmyshall
28th March 2025
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
Top left: Martin Cullen at the Daffodil Day event in Kilmyshall Community Centre. Top right: Bridie Ryan and Marie Breen. Left: Catherine Jackman and Anne Tyndall. Right: Eve Ryan. Below left: Mary Fitzpatrick and Mary McKeown. Below right: Cllr BarbaraAnne Murphy and Pauline McGannon.
The colourful umbrellas on Slaney St, Enniscorthy. Pic: Maria Nolan.
Acko’s single
Honda 50 enthusiasts fundraise for St. Patrick’s School
The Southeast Honda 50 Club – Ireland is organising an event on June 15th 2025 to raise funds for St Patrick's Special School in Enniscorthy.
This is the first time the club has organised such an event in Co. Wexford and it hopes to make it an annual event going forward.
It has a very nice route planned in Co. Wexford which all participants will enjoy. It will start and finish at Mary Jo’s pub, Barntown, check-in at 10am, run starts at 11.30am, and covers 140km.
Refreshments will be served. Cost is €20 per bike.
Please share this information with all Honda 50 bike enthusiasts. n
Delightful Dollys Dinner Dance
The Delightful Dollys women's group held their 13th anniversery Dinner Dance in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Friday 25th April 2025.
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER
PAT O’CONNOR
087-2870006
Top right: Tracey Cowman, Pauline O’Gorman and Jean Hendrick. Above left: Eileen Owens-Coughlan, Sally Murphy, Celine Fortune and Marion Broaders. Above right: Edel Kenny and Winnie O’Connor. Below left: Catherine Sommers and Helen Wildes. Below centre: Catherine Rossiter and Marion Morrissey. Below right: Patricia Wheeler and Liz O’Brien. Bottom left: Bridget Major, Caroline Stamp and Tracey Cowman. Bottom right: Patricia Quigley, Elaine Murray and Mary Murphy.
Double cause for celebration
Last month the legend that is Aidan Doyle celebrated his 65th birthday with his colleagues in Smyth’s Homevalue in Rafter Street, Enniscorthy, and also celebrated his retirement after 46 years in the shop.
Betty Kavanagh, proprietor, speaking on behalf of all the team at Smyth’s, congratulated Aidan on his milestone birthday, and said in relation to his retirement: “So our great friend and colleague has decided to retire after an amazing 46 years at Smyth’s Homevalue. We are so very sad to see
him go. We all think the world of Aidan and we know our customers do too!
“Aidan gave huge commitment and unwavering customer service for every single day of those 46 years and for this we are so very grateful and thankful. On behalf of Dermot, Jack, myself and all the team here at Smyth’s we take this opportunity to wish both Aidan and Anne many years of health and happiness together. Take good care Aidan and enjoy every one of those hard earned days in your retirement. You deserve them all.” n
Free film screening focuses on Celtic Sea
An award-winning film which explores the marine life and communities along Ireland’s Celtic Sea is set for a free public screening in Kilmore Quay on 16th May. Fair Seas: The Celtic Sea is the latest production from Fair Seas, a coalition of Ireland’s leading environmental, non-governmental organisations, and Swimming Head Productions.
Having premiered at Green Shoots Film Festival in Tramore in October, Fair Seas: The Celtic Sea has already been awarded an Exceptional Merit award at the Documentaries without Borders International Film Festival. Now it will have its first free public screening at the Stella Maris Centre in the picturesque setting of Kilmore Quay at 7pm on Friday May 16th.
This film explores the stunning Irish coastline through the eyes of those who know it best. Voices from coastal communities explore their close connection to the sea, sharing their stories and their hopes and fears about how new marine protections could change the Celtic Sea, yet offer new hope for a brighter future. n
OPEN CALL 2025 –Creative places Enniscorthy projects
Creative Places Enniscorthy is delighted to share news of Open Call 2025. This call follows the first Open Call invitation to the community in Enniscorthy in 2024. There are some exciting new projects celebrating local culture and creativity and development of projects already started in 2024. The recent CPE Open Call sees a total of 9 projects awarded to local artists and community groups. These initiatives will bring together artists, community groups and residents to explore and express the unique culture, heritage and creativity of Enniscorthy.
DETAILS OF AWARDS
Project awards – 9 projects awarded grants:
Outrage
Entertainment - Emerging Sounds
A monthly music event designed to support young and emerging musicians in Enniscorthy by providing a welcoming, low-pressure performance space. Events will take place at The Presentation Arts Centre, the Enniscorthy Athenaeum, and FDYS Music Box and other venues that foster a welcoming space for both performers and audiences. By keeping performances informal and open to all skill levels, it aims to develop a vibrant and inclusive music community.
Mayumi Nakabayashi – Threshold Spaces – Enniscorthy Environmental Art Project
Inspired by a Japanese tradition, this project explores boundaries and thresholds through the creation of ‘threshold stones’ with communities and incorporating them into co-creative land art. A development project from the work Mayumi has started with several communities in Enniscorthy, she will build with these communities and continue her rich work with them through her invitation to them to be collaborators with her in the work.
Amy Redmond – People of Scorthy – Audio visual portraits
Amy will record sound stories and work with a local Ukrainian film director / photographer Jana Gontar to develop unique audio-visual portraits of 12 “People of Scorthy” old and new.
Mary Doyle / Anne Manning – We’re Allowed in There
This project will create a Clay and Land project. A body of work created by different community groups (Intergenerational) based around the history of and contemporary thought of the Turret Rocks site. This project has been inspired by two individual R&D projects – Am I Allowed in Here? –Mary Doyle, and Clay work – Anne Manning, through CPE Open Call 2024. The two artists have come together working across different community groups that they established relationships with last year.
Doulab Circus – Circus Unites
This youth-led contemporary circus project is a development project from Open Call 2024. Doulab continue to bring together young members of the diverse communities that make up Enniscorthy, who may not otherwise connect.
Lucia Kickham – Creative Mother – Where is my voice now?
This series of workshops for mothers will reignite creativity and provide tools to support maternal wellbeing through movement, voice, writing, and visual art, led by Enniscorthy’s own local artist / dancer Lucia Kickham.
Justin Codd – Our Town Observations and Voices of Enniscorthy
This project is an exploration of Enniscorthy, combining photography and oral history to create a lasting record of the town’s people, culture, and transformation over time. It aims to document and celebrate the individuals who shape the community, capturing their personal stories, experiences, and reflections.
Enniscorthy Community Allotments with artist Ilaria Berardi – The Oak Tree Project
This project will engage with the community, by creating a mural inspired by Irish biodiversity, a sustainable suncatcher and a willow dome in the Enniscorthy Community Allotments.
Imogen Stafford / Aoife Banville – Bradán
This is a public art / sculptural project. Three large salmon sculptural pieces composed of mesh and light will be placed / suspended across the old bridge. They will be lightweight and ethereal and subtle in movement. The pieces will be made in collaboration with Enniscorthy community through a series of workshops.
Deryn O Callaghan, Creative Places Enniscorthy Co-ordinator, says: “We had an extensive and far reaching response to our second Open Call – as part of Creative Places Enniscorthy project. The Open Call 2025 panel had an incredibly difficult task to choose the projects for this year. We are delighted to support several of the Research and Development projects initiated last year. The work that the communities and artists started can move forward and develop into inclusive and enriching projects for the town. The 9 projects awarded are diverse and community centred. I’m looking forward to continuing work with some of the artists and communities who have already engaged with CPE and starting anew to work alongside and with the freshly awarded projects.“
For more information about Creative Places Enniscorthy: Contact Deryn O Callaghan
W: www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie
E: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie M: 087 9578984 n
Arts & crafts at Enniscorthy Library
Bealtaine T-shirt Upcycling - Workshop Friday, 9th, 16th and 23rd May at 11am-12.30pm
Join Textile Waste Artist Lynn Haughton for a fun series of workshops where you will explore different methods of upcycling t-shirts!
T-shirts will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own old t-shirts to use if you like.
Booking is essential. Please register for your place below:
May 9th: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4374224
May 16th: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4374225
May 23rd: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4374226 n
Driftwood Picture Craft with Zdenka Friday, 30th May at 12pm-1pm
Join a relaxing and creative art session with Zdenka. She'll guide you in making beautiful, one-of-a-kind driftwood art pieces.
Whether you're an experienced crafter or just looking for a mindful, hands-on escape, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to craft something truly unique.
Booking essential. For more information and to book your place: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4374258 n
Texaco Art
A 15-year-old pupil at Gorey Community School, Amelia Dziedzic, has won a Special Merit Award for her artwork entitled ‘Dziadek’ (pictured) at this year’s 71st Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Adjudicator and Irish visual artist, curator and educator Pauline O'Connell said the work ‘displayed high levels of skill and creativity.’ n
For a complete listing of upcoming music, drama, comedy, film, art, etc, see: https://www.courthousearts.ie/whats-on n
D a n c i n g o n T h e P r o m
Walk With Me with Lucia Kickham, Dance Artist
Last month, Luail, which exists to embody, embed and empower dance across the island of Ireland, gathered along the banks of the Slaney River for Walk With Me, an evocative and immersive performance created by Enniscorthy woman Lucia Kickham as part of the all-island To This I Belong.
Rooted in the landscape of Enniscorthy, the piece brought together a community cast and audiences to mark the Spring Equinox – a quiet celebration of light, movement, and connection.
Lucia thanks everyone who came along, the artists and community members who took part in the performance, and Enniscorthy Tidy Towns who very kindly did a sweep of the location on the morning of the event.
Lucia says, “The weather held out really well. There were two good-sized audiences. The local particpants were fantastic in performance and really enjoyed themselves. Definitely a success!”
Cast & Team
Choreography: Lucia Kickham.
Performance: Lucia Kickham, Grace Cuny, Marion Cronin, and community cast.
Musician: Darragh John Browne.
Photography: Claudio Nego. n
Above: Choreographer and director, Lucia Kickham.
All pics: Claudio Nego of Kamera8 Wexford.
Culture Night 2025 Open Call For Events
Calling all artists, creatives, cultural centres, heritage and community groups in County Wexford! The Culture Night 2025 Open Call is now live, and they want YOU to be part of this year’s celebration!
The County Wexford Arts Department of Wexford County Council are inviting expressions of interest to be part of the Culture Night celebrations taking place on Friday 19th September 2025 across the County. Whether you're an artist, performer, community group, cultural organisation or venue, this is your chance to showcase your work, engage with new audiences, and celebrate the vibrant cultural life in Co. Wexford.
Important Dates:
- Deadline to apply: June 3rd, 2025.
- Culture Night 2025: Friday, September 19th.
Thinking of hosting an open studio, a storytelling session, a live performance, historical walking tour, collaborative workshop, or something completely unexpected – submit your proposal and help make this year's Culture Night the best yet!
Culture Night is a free, nationwide celebration of culture, creativity, and the arts, brought about by the The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and local authorities in partnership cultural organisations throughout the island of Ireland. n
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.
The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000
The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529
Wexford’s library services
Wexford Public Libraries Social Media: Wexford Public Libraries on Facebook.
Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries.
Wexford Public Libraries on Twitter @wexlibraries.
YouTube: "Wexford Public Libraries" n
At Enniscorthy Library
Slaney Writers
The group meets in Enniscorthy Library on the second Thursday of every month at 6.30pm. Next meeting is on Thursday, 8th May at 6.30pm. New members are always welcome.
Enniscorthy
Library Adult Book Club
This club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 6.30pm and is free to join. Book clubs are a great way to meet others and discuss books. Next meeting is on Thursday, 15th May between 7pm-8pm. New members are always welcome. If you would like more information, contact the library on 053 9236055. n
Creative Places Enniscorthy
Deryn O Callaghan is the Project Co-ordinator. For any queries, suggestions or ideas, tel: 087 9578984. Email: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie https://www.facebook.com/CreativePlacesEnniscorthy n
NEW PARTY VENUE UNVEILED AT THE BAILEY BAR & EATERY!
Hot on the heels of winning a prestigious national award for Best Food Pub, The Bailey Bar & Eatery is thrilled to announce the grand unveiling of the newly revamped Granary Bar — a stylish, modern transformation that blends fresh design with the warmth and character The Bailey is known for.
The extensive refurbishment has breathed new life into The Venue now renamed as the Granary Bar, which is a nod to the history of the old Maltings building. The Granary has created an inviting space where old-world charm meets contemporary elegance. Guests will be welcomed into a completely reimagined setting, with clean lines, natural textures, and a thoughtfully curated ambiance designed to elevate every dining and social experience.
“Our vision was to honour the heritage of our building while embracing a modern aesthetic that feels fresh, welcoming, and distinctly vibrant,” said Ned Hogan, general manager of The Bailey Bar & Eatery. “We’re proud to offer this beautifully updated space where locals and visitors alike can gather, celebrate, and savour our award winning food and drink in relaxed and welcoming surroundings.”
Highlights of the refurbishment include:
A sleek new bar area, blending natural woods, brushed metals, and rich textiles
Fresh, contemporary lighting that creates a warm, intimate atmosphere
Enhanced seating with plush comfort and stylish accents
Updated interiors that marry rustic Irish charm with modern sophistication
State of the art sound system allowing guests personalise their music to suit their taste
The Granary Bar’s updated look complements The Bailey’s award-winning food offering, with a focus on quality, local produce and innovative, hearty dishes that continue to delight diners from near and far.
The space is available to book for private parties and social gatherings with a choice of menu options to suit all occasions. Renowned for adding that extra sparkle & wow to each event, Jackie and the events team are looking forward to showing off this great new venue whatever your celebration.
The Bailey Bar & Eatery, Enniscorthy, Wexford, Y21
ooted in exford
April was all about kickstarting the growing season with crops like pumpkins, spring onions, and cucumbers— perfect choices for early gardeners looking to get their hands in the soil. From giving pumpkins a head start in pots to sowing spring onion seeds in generous clusters, the focus was on simple, satisfying crops that offer great returns.
Now that we’ve made it to May, the soil has warmed up nicely and we can look ahead to planting another round of rewarding vegetables. This month, let’s turn our attention to carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage—three coolseason favourites that will keep your garden productive and your kitchen wellstocked.
Carrots are one of those crops that reward patience and good soil preparation. Early May is a brilliant time to sow them directly outdoors, especially now that the risk of hard frost is behind us. For best results, choose a light, sandy soil that’s free from stones and clumps—this pre-
Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with
him.
The Slaney News is delighted to have Enniscorthy man, Mark Cooke, on board as a columnist. Mark has a huge passion for growing fruit and veg which he shares on his Instagram platform @rootedinwexford which has over 7,500 followers. Mark describes himself very much as a ‘hobby gardener’ who is not academically trained in horticulture. He started planting with very little knowledge a few years ago and that knowledge has now ‘mushroomed’! Mark loves sharing his passion for growing with our readers.
vents the roots from splitting or growing in odd shapes. Rather than obsessing over straight lines, you can scatter the seeds lightly across a prepared bed, covering them with a fine layer of soil and keeping the area moist with regular, gentle watering. It may take a week or two before you see any green shoots, but once they appear, be sure to thin them out to give each carrot the space it needs. Varieties like ‘Nantes’ or ‘Early Scarlet Horn’ are ideal for beginners and will be ready to pull up in about two to three months, offering a sweet, crunchy addition to salads or roasts.
Brussels sprouts, often a divisive vegetable on the dinner table, deserve more love in the garden. While they take a bit longer to mature than most vegetables, they’re easy to start indoors this time of year. Sow the seeds in seedling trays or pots filled with compost and keep them in a warm, bright spot until they germinate, which usually takes a week or so. Once the seedlings develop their second set of leaves—the true
leaves—they’re ready to be gradually introduced to the outdoors before being transplanted into the garden. Brussels sprouts need space to thrive, so plant them about two feet apart in rich, welldraining soil in full sun. They’ll benefit from steady watering and a bit of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. By autumn, you’ll be harvesting dense, nutty sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards, a real treat roasted or panfried with a bit of garlic.
Cabbage is a dependable staple that grows well in Irish gardens, especially when sown in late spring. You can sow it straight into the soil or start it in trays—either way, cabbage prefers fertile ground, so dig in some compost before planting. The seeds only need to be planted a quarter of an inch deep and should be watered in gently. Once the seedlings are up, thin them out or transplant them with about a foot and a half between each plant to give the heads room to form. Keep the soil consistently moist and top-dress with compost or a mild feed every few weeks to encourage
steady growth. Cabbage benefits from some mulch too, but make sure not to pile it right up against the stems to avoid rot. In around twelve weeks, you’ll be able to cut firm, leafy heads perfect for slaws, stews, and fermented treats like sauerkraut.
Whether you’re sowing directly into beds or nurturing young plants in trays, May is a key month for establishing crops that will feed you well into summer and autumn. It’s the perfect time to get outside, tend your soil, and plan ahead for hearty harvests. If you’d like to know more about how these veggies are getting on in my own patch, follow along on Instagram @rootedinwexford for more tips, updates, and a bit of green-thumbed encouragement. n
Meraki – the heart and soul of Greece
What a waste!
New research from Too Good To Go has uncovered some startling statistics around food waste during the Easter seasonal holiday. Nearly 900,000 Easter Eggs are binned every year in Ireland equating to €9m annually, with over 1 in 4 adults (25%) admitting they don’t finish the chocolate they receive.
And it’s not just the Easter eggs going to waste. Food waste also occurs with the traditional Easter Sunday roast – a staggering 85% of Irish adults say they’re left with leftover meat after their Easter Sunday dinner. Also wasted annually are over 740,000 hot-cross buns, 720,000 chocolate bunnies, and 660,000 roast potatoes.
So, what are the reasons behind the Easter food waste? Nearly 50% of Irish people say they overestimated portion sizes, having expired or spoiled food (35.4%), and having a lack of storage or freezer space (21.2%).
Among those who discard food during their Easter events, the emotional impacts are notable with a large amount of people feeling guilty (43%), as well as people who feel motivated to reduce food waste in the future (40%), people feeling conscious of the financial impact (33%), feeling frustrated (32%), and people who are conscious of the sustainability impact (25%).
Machalea O’Leary, Sales Manager at Too Good To Go, says: “Easter is a time for enjoying seasonal favourites, but it also leads to a spike in food waste. With a few simple changes – like better storage or using up leftovers – we can all help reduce waste. A little extra thought goes a long way in making sure the food we love doesn’t end up in the bin.”
For more information visit https://toogoodtogo.ie n
THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE ENNISCORTHY
CULINARY SCENE….
Meraki Cafe Lounge is now open on Irish Street, Enniscorthy, in the Creative Grounds premises.
Run by experienced Chef Akis Zannakis and his family, this new eatery brings the heart and soul of Greece to Enniscorthy.
Customers can expect a modern twist on traditional Greek flavours, with every dish made fresh in-house. From classic Greek salad and vine leaves to spicy cheddar cheese dip, tzatziki... it’s all Mediterranean-inspired. Open seven days a week, with late evening openings on weekends.
Akis says, "Everything comes from our heart, it’s all about keeping it authentic."
Best of luck to Akis and family with their new venture, a great addition to the town.
Follow on Facebook: “Meraki Cafe Lounge”. n
The annual weekend of food, fun, and entertainment at The Village at Wheelocks returns on weekend of 5th and 6th July 2025. If you are a vendor who would like to be involved, contact wexfordstrawberryweekend@gmail.com n
Street Feast celebrates 15 years
Ireland’s favourite community celebration, Street Feast, is back for its 15th year, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Taking place on Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th, 2025, Street Feast invites neighbours across the country to come together for a shared meal, a chat, and a chance to turn strangers into friends.
In a world where we are more connected than ever, many of us still don’t know the people living next door. That’s why Street Feast is on a mission to change that. By
creating moments that bring communities together, Street Feast promotes social inclusion, integration, and a sense of belonging in neighbourhoods old and new. In fact, 96% of participants in 2024 say their sense of belonging has increased since their Street Feast.
Street Feast launched in 2010 and has grown steadily, with nearly 75,500 taking part last year. Whether it’s a simple cuppa in the garden, a picnic in the park, or a big street party, hosting a Street Feast is an easy and meaningful way to build a
stronger, more connected community. Register now to host your Street Feast and receive your free party pack at StreetFeast.ie complete with bunting, stickers, invites, posters and DIY guide. Recruit some friendly neighbours to help plan the big day. Choose a location that's easy to access, agree a date and time. Invite your neighbourhood to your Street Feast. Sort the practical stuff like food, drinks, tables, chairs, gazebo, music and games. Enjoy the day and have fun getting to know your neighbours. n
Kilcannon’s focus on vegetable
growing
Lots on at the Enniscorthy
We are grateful as always to Gillian O’Neill, Secretary at Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA), for keeping us updated with all the news and photos from the multi-awardwinning facility in Enniscorthy...
It was an honour and privilege to be visited by 31 councils, climate action officers, biodiversity officers, and district managers at the start of April as part of their National Climate Action Conference field trip. We were one of 16 applicants to receive Climate Action funding from 52 submissions. To be selected as one of three field trips was amazing and a huge achievement for Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy Community Allotments.
Some of us in the allotments took part in the Enniscorthy Climate Champions competition and only went and won 1st place in the Community and Voluntary category. As a team we saved 198.25
kgCO2e. This saving is equivalent to traveling 458km by car. Together all the groups saved a whopping 10,669.24kgCO2e. This saving is equivalent to using 27,192kWh of energy. It was a great exercise organised by Wexford County Council outlining all the small things everyone can do to reduce their carbon footprint. We all learned a lot from it.
The Little Buds were busy last month sowing pumpkin and sunflower seeds and planting flowers in the tyres they
Now we are in May, the risk of frost has finally passed and many seeds can be sown directly outdoors, earlier sowings can be planted out after being hardened off (acclimatised to outdoors weather).
Beetroot, sweetcorn, cucumbers, sprouting broccoli, carrots and runner beans are all good vegetables to plant in May. Protect carrots from carrot fly with netting.
Weed between vegetables every week to keep on top of the weeds, make life easy and prevent them from developing seeds.
Earth up around potatoes once they reach a height of about 10cm.
Keep an eye out for slugs attacking seedlings. Coffee grounds or organic slug pellets are a good deterrent.
Check seedlings planted indoors to make sure they are not getting too big for their pots and transplant if necessary. n
painted for their caterpillar last year. They also had a lovely Easter Egg hunt, it was a very enjoyable afternoon. It was great to see all the Little Buds back enjoying the allotments.
Our mindfulness course with the fabulous Hilary Connor has now started in the allotments on Thursday evenings. Everyone is really enjoying the course so far.
Sue Kent, County Wexford PPN, organised a lovely field trip for community growers to Delta Sensory Gardens in Carlow. It was such a lovely day, we all really enjoyed it.
It was fantastic to have journalist Mairead Lavery from Irish Country magazine visit the allotments the end of last month. Mairead is going to do a feature on the allotments in the next edition of the magazine. She got to speak to a lot of our members who braved the terrible weather to come up and support us on the day. It was another great day for us all. Keep an eye out for the next edition of Irish Country magazine.
Our event organisers here in the allotments are busy bees at the moment organising a Madhatters Tea Party, we are all really looking forward to it. n
ECA
Gardening
Tips...
Community Allotments
WEXFORD FOOD PRODUCERS NETWORK SUPPORTING THE ROCKIN’ FOOD & FRUIT FESTIVAL
The Wexford Food Producers Network is delighted to be a 'Supporting Sponsor' of this weekend’s Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival which runs in Enniscorthy from Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th May 2025, with rock ‘n’ roll music events continuing into Monday 5th May. The 2025 ‘Rockin Food & Fruit Festival’ promises to be the biggest and best yet, with over 50,000 visitors expected to descend on Enniscorthy this May Bank Holiday weekend. Celebrating its tenth edition this year, the 2025 Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival has an exciting lineup of events to include celebrity chefs, rock ‘n’ roll, food stalls, fireworks, and a huge ferris wheel.
A Food Marquee will be located in the grounds of Enniscorthy Castle and will have live chef demonstrations from 12pm on Saturday and Sunday featuring names like Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden, and Wexford’s Paul Hynes and Warren Gillen. This year, the festival will welcome eighty food and craft vendors with a special focus on Wexford’s finest food produce with many of the members of The Wexford Food Producers Network participating such as Naturally Cordial, Isle of Crackers, Mor Taste, La Kav Wines, Killowen Farm, Wexbury Irish Spirits, Earth Food, All About Nectar and Killiane Castle Honey, Zaeire Artisan Chocolate and Elderberry Farm Produce.
The Wexford Food Producers Network CLG is a member representative and member-led body with a core remit, which is to represent the business interests of Wexford’s food production sector. The Wexford Food Producers Network has approximately fifty registered members consisting of Wexford-based sole traders, micro enterprises, SMEs, and large food and beverage production companies. The Wexford Food Producers Network is a not-forprofit organisation that is recognised and supported by Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Enterprise Office.
Speaking on the announcement of the ‘Supporting Sponsorship’, Michael Murphy, Honorary President of The Wexford Food Pro-
ducers Network, said: ‘The Wexford Food Producers Network is delighted to support the 2025 Rockin Food & Fruit Festival and on behalf of our organisation we would like to congratulate the Festival Chairperson, Festival Committee and sponsors for their dedication and commitment to showcasing Wexford food producers each year. We wish you all every success with the tenth edition of the festival this year.’
Speaking on the sponsorship announcement, Festival Chairperson Eric Barron said: “We are delighted to welcome The Wexford Food Producers Network as a ‘Supporting Sponsor’ of the festival this year and we look forward to enjoying the wide variety of locally produced Wexford foods that will be showcased by their membership across the town of Enniscorthy as part of the festival.’
The festival will officially open with a fireworks display on Friday 2nd May 2025 at 9.15pm on The Promenade and there will be live rock ‘n’ roll music across the weekend in The Market Square and other venues from the best of Irish and International bands. Many activities are free of charge, with some ticketed events available to pre-book at www.rockinfoodfestival.ie
The 2025 Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival is supported by Fáilte Ireland and Ireland’s Ancient East, Wexford Co. Council, Enniscorthy Credit Union, Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club, Donohoe Skoda, and The Wexford Food Producers Network. n
Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD at last year's festival with Wexford Food Producers Network’s Trudie Power, CEO of Trudies Kitchen.
Something tasty is coming to town
Street Food Fridays at Y21 Studios kicks off on Friday 16th May from 610pm, and you're all invited!
Every Friday evening this summer (weather permitting!), the creative team at Y21 Studios, Millpark Road, Enniscorthy, will be turning up the flavour with locally based food vendors bringing dishes from all over the world right to our doorstep. From sizzling street eats to sweet treats, there’ll be something new to try each week.
There’ll be live music setting the vibe, a fully licensed bar, and great selection of non-alcoholic options to keep the good times flowing.
Whether you’re popping down after work, meeting friends, or just fancy something different for dinner, go along and hang out, grab a bite, and soak up the atmosphere.
No tickets, no fuss – just great food, great tunes, and great people.
Y21 Studios (IFA), Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, Y21N9F5. n
A festival for foodies
The hugely popular Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival returns this May Bank Holiday Weekend to Enniscorthy, celebrating a major milestone – its 10th anniversary! The Festival runs from 2nd to 4th May with rock ‘n’ roll music events continuing into Monday 5th May.
There will be a Food Marquee in the grounds of Enniscorthy Castle with live chef demonstrations from 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday that you won't want to miss!
The Food Marquee will be packed with excitement, featuring: Kevin Dundon – Ireland’s beloved celebrity chef. Edward Hayden – TV chef and cookery school owner. Paul Hynes – award-winning local talent, showcasing Wexford’s finest seafood. Warren Gillen – award-winning local chef, showcasing the best of Wexford flavours. All About Nectar – a live, family-friendly observation hive and talk about the incredible world of bees and honey production.
From celebrity chefs to buzzing bee demos, the Marquee is set to be a hive of activity! See full details on pages 12-15. n
Congratulations to Brennan’s of Enniscorthy on winning a silver medal at the recent London Beer Awards. n
GreenTech HQ launches BASSE
The B.A.S.S.E. advanced business support programme was launched on 11th April 2025 at GreenTech HQ in Enniscorthy’s new Technology Park. B.A.S.S.E. (Business Advantage & Sustainability South East) is an accelerator programme to drive transformational growth across the region. It is designed to help selected SMEs double their revenue, build resilience, integrate E.S.G., and drive the growth of their ambitious plans.
Enterprise Ireland is investing €1 million to support this new business accelerator programme, providing ambitious SMEs with the tools, mentorship and strategic frameworks required to scale successfully and sustainably.
To date 11 companies have been accepted on to the programme: Bodibro, Brand Builders, Carragh Landscapes, Conran Interiors, Holos, NEG8 Carbon, Platinum Homecare, Store-All Logistics, Twelve, Walsh Bakehouse, and Zanna Cookhouse.
It is expected that 300 new jobs can be delivered in the south east over the next five years as part of the programme which will see 26 small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region benefit from the programme.
B.A.S.S.E. is the first initiative of its kind in Ireland. It is funded through Enterprise Ireland’s Smart Regions Stream 3 – a key national strategy for driving innovation and economic resilience through regional enterprise development.
Participants will benefit from exclusive access to high-profile mentors and EY Entrepreneur of the Year alumni including Jamie Heaslip, Norman Crowley, Anne Herathy, David Walsh, John Purdy, Annmarie Hennessy, Pádraig Ó Céidigh, and Michael Kearney. These experts offer real-world experience and insights that go beyond theory, empowering businesses to achieve meaningful and measurable growth.
The B.A.S.S.E. programme was launched by GreenTech HQ CEO and founder Ed Murphy, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage of Ireland James Browne TD, and Kevin Sherry, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland.
Following the launch there was an engaging panel discussion with the theme "Accelerating Regional Resilience: Innovation, Investment and Sustainability for SME Growth." n
The B.A.S.S.E. advanced business support programme was launched on 11th April 2025 at GreenTech HQ in Enniscorthy.
Above left: Ed Murphy (GreenTech HQ CEO and founder), James Browne TD (Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage), Kevin Sherry (Interim Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland). Above right: GreenTech HQ staff and event attendees.
Local Enterprise Office, Wexford Co. Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93.
Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie. Tel: 053 9196020.
https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/ n
Market Explorer Grant
Are you ready to take your new product or service to new markets? Then get ready for take off with the new Market Explorer Grant. Providing a grant of up to €10,000 for market research, in-market consultancy and industry events, this can help bring your business to new heights! For more information contact one of the Local Enterprise Office Wexford team today: Annette Rowsome or Jill Kelleher, or visit LEO’s website for more information: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/ n
Worried about new tariffs?
Here’s How LEO Wexford Can Help Your Business
Uncertain about how new tariffs will impact your small business? Your Local Enterprise Office Wexford is here to support you with expert advice and tailored programmes to help you navigate these challenges. ✅ Get Exporting – Learn how to successfully export your goods and services. ✅ Market Explorer Grant – Funding to help you explore and expand into new markets.
Export Business Advisor – Get one-on-one guidance from an expert in international trade.
Local Enterprise Office Wexford is there to help your business thrive. Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie. Tel: 053 9196020. n
40 home care jobs for Wexford as leading provider Dovida announces expansion plans
Ireland’s leading home care provider, Dovida, announced on 29th April 2025 its plans to hire up to 40 caregivers across Wexford. The organisation, which has been providing care to ageing adults in Ireland since 2005, recently rebranded from Home Instead and now intends to increase capacity in the sector and expand its service offerings in the county.
The roles will be a combination of fulland part-time positions, offering competitive rates of pay, flexible schedules, and comprehensive, sector-leading training through the Home Care Professionals Academy.
Speaking at the launch of Dovida's local office in Wexford, Martin Murphy, General Manager of Dovida Wexford, said, “We are delighted to be joined by our Caregiver of the Year, Sally Holden, to celebrate this wonderful occasion. We are excited about welcoming more caregivers like Sally to our team. They will help us meet the growing need for home care services in Wexford and make it possible for more people to receive the support they need to live comfortably and independently at home.
“Caregivers joining our team can expect comprehensive training, a dedicated local team and supportive environment, as well as opportunities to grow professionally and develop a rewarding career in home care,” he added.
Expanding services
Dovida currently provides personcentred home care services to 8,000 people across Ireland. Historically, the majority of the organisation’s client base consisted of people in the over-65 age group. However, Dovida now cares for clients of all ages, with 10 per cent under 65, while children under 18 make up one per cent of people cared for.
Dovida’s services have adapted to the varied needs of its clients, and the company now provides services to support people living with an acquired brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Motor Neurone Disease, as well as helping children and young adults with additional needs.
Roots in the community
“We believe in quality home care that empowers people to live with dignity, independence, and comfort in familiar surroundings,” Martin Murphy continued.
“That means keeping them in their own home, connected to their family, friends and communities for as long as possible. Social interaction and companionship are crucial for maintaining good mental health and supporting those experiencing cognitive decline, particularly older people.
“As an organisation with deep roots in
the community, we understand the value of connection and it's fantastic to be in a position to grow our team so we can support more and more people throughout Wexford,” Martin concluded.
A rewarding career
Dovida caregivers provide essential support to ageing adults and people living with disabilities in their own homes. The organisation’s person-centred approach means that its caregivers build meaningful connections with their clients and empower them to live fuller, more independent lives.
Dovida welcomes applications from people from all walks of life and “is committed to supporting them every step of the way”. People interested in pursuing a career in caregiving can visit https://dovida.ie/career/become-acaregiver/ n
L-R : Dovida Wexford General Manager, Martin Murphy, Wexford Caregiver of the Year, Sally Holden, Cllr. Catherine Walsh, Deputy George Lawlor TD, Cllr. Jim Codd, and Dovida client, Sharon Colgan celebrate the launch of Dovida’s Wexford office and the announcement of plans to hire up to 40 caregivers across Wexford. Pic: Jim Campbell.
County Wexford Chamber news...
With top businesses across County Wexford battling it out in this year’s County Wexford Business Awards, it's time to book your tickets for the Gala Night on May 23rd.
The winners will be announced at the black-tie gala awards ceremony in Whites of Wexford Hotel, with over 450 guests expected to attend the stylish awards ceremony dinner. The event will be hosted by author, broadcaster, comedian and MC Colm O’Regan, with music by Divine Invention.
Tickets are already selling fast: to book your table and to avoid disappointment, please contact anne@countywexfordchamber.ie or telephone 053 91 22226.
And don’t forget to save the date for the County Wexford Chamber Annual Golf Classic in New Ross on September 5th! n
Co. Council Dog Shelter / Kennels
Pets First operates a dog kennels in Tomanoole, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, on behalf of Wexford County Council. For dogs being reclaimed, the owner must pay the fine for the dog being loose and any other pound costs. The contact number is 053 93 88339.
The dog warden is John Colfer who may be contacted at 087 6293043. The Dog Warden can seize dogs not under control in a public place and have them impounded. There is a fee of €50 for the surrender of unwanted dogs to the dog warden.
Control of Dogs:
All owners must ensure their dogs are: Licensed and under control when in public (on a lead). Have an identity tag with contact details for their owner on their collar. Certain dogs must be muzzled and on a strong chain when in public. Clean up after the dog if it fouls in a public place and dispose of the deposit in a bin.
Fines of €100 for minor breaches of the Act apply but fines of up to €2,500 may apply if the on-the-spot fine is not paid or for more serious breaches of the Control of Dogs Act. Remember, dogs can be a killers around sheep so keep them under control. n
Dog Rehoming
Wexford County Council and Pets First's new, dedicated website makes the process of re-homing dogs much simpler. Visit: https://wexfordrehoming.ie/ and see for yourself. n
South East Animal Rescue
South East Animal Rescue rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals in the South East of Ireland. Their fundraising shop at 27 Court St, Enniscorthy, always has lots of bargains available.
Email: southeastanimalrescue@gmail.com
Keep up to date on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064583773930 n
May is for me probably the most magical month of the year. Every tree has come into leaf, that fresh, lime-green, vibrant colour is on every country road you take. Mother Nature shares her abundance freely and wears her beauty lightly as she parades down each road and avenue. The warm, sunfilled days give us all a huge lift too and helps make any load we may be carrying feel lighter.
The other side of May is that it's the lead up to our regenerative farming seminar on the 30th May here in Enniscorthy, as part of the Street Rhythms Festival in the town over that weekend, with talks focusing on biodiversity, soil and gut health, our food and is it medicine or poison. We will have speakers on bees, herbs, grow your own and an interesting talk on foraging. We hope to be able to build bug hotels, work with Nature alongside the usual fairytales, dancing, parade and stalls. The weekend promises to have something for everyone.
For the seminar, the Moyne Veterinary Hospital is presenting for the third year at the Riverside Park Hotel – 'Ground Rules Regenerative Agriculture'. It’s a day of exciting speakers who are at the cutting edge of working with farmers and the land enhancing the soil, building its organic matter, restoring the balance of its innate microflora, working in synergy with Nature. After being at several of these seminars both in Ireland and UK, the overriding sense I have is the enthusiasm these men and women have about their work, their farms and ultimately their lives. They speak with honesty at their failures, their challenges and their successes. What seems to be a challenge becomes an opportunity. They wear their heart on their
with
Joe Kavanagh
of
the Moyne Veterinary Hospital
sleeve and like pretty much every farmer I know they work hard. They are grafters and willing to roll up their sleeves. What sets them apart is that they are working with and FOR Nature, instead of harvesting all we can and fighting her with herbicides, fungicides, pesticides.
One speaker I listened to on a podcast made the pertinent point that after World War II ended the war on Nature began. The chemicals (urea) used in making explosives now were sold as fertiliser. Similarly the chemical warfare began. By 1970 in America it was estimated 6% of the annual crops were lost to pest damage even with these chemicals. By the late 90's the use of these chemical pesticides had increased by 7x and the annual loss from pest damage had risen to 16%!!! Clearly something is very wrong in this approach of conventional farming.
This new brand of farming isn't really new at all. It's what our forefathers did for centuries and yes we are finding our way back to the wisdom of the elders.
Whether you are involved in farming or interested in Nature you are welcome to come along . The old adage 'you are what you eat’ is relevant to all of us. These regenerating farmers are producing a food that is nutrient rich, pure and simple working with and for Nature.
Mother Nature gives back 100 fold. She's very forgiving and it’s an exciting movement to be a part of. Join the revolution.
It’s on eventbrite: 'Ground Rules', 30th May, and over the June Bank holiday weekend here in Enniscorthy. n
If you have a topic you’d like Joe Kavanagh to address please email Slaney News at: slaneynews@gmail.com
OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK):
9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm
Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment):
Skoda has expanded its range of cars and SUVs in Ireland with the arrival of the new Elroq. This new compact electric SUV slots into the range below the popular Enyaq and so offers a more affordable entry into Skoda's electric SUV range.
There are three battery options available with range varying from 373 kilometres up to 576 kilometres (WLTP). Pricing starts from €36,545 on the road.
The new Elroq looks good and gets the new face of the Skoda brand. At the front, there's a black panel that houses the camera and radar for the car instead of a traditional grille. The brand name is also spelt out across the front. There are still enough lines and angles so it's easily recognisable as a Skoda with a smart, compact presence that won't offend anyone.
All versions have LED headlights and rear lights, and come on 20-inch alloy wheels. There are also chrome roof rails and chrome around the window line. There's a good selection of colours including Timiano Green, Race Blue, Velvet Red and Moon White. Sportline versions are also available.
Inside the Elroq has a pleasant cabin that once again gets some inspiration from the Enyaq. It's good quality with plenty of interesting trims available and soft touch materials. There is
similar digital tech onboard to other Skodas including a slim digital driver display and a 13-inch touchscreen with voice control, navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Other standard features include heated front seats, heated leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, wireless charging pad, dual zone climate control and a parking camera.
The Elroq shares the same wheelbase as the larger Enyaq, which means it excels in interior space for passengers. There's plenty of legroom in the back and handy features like Isofix points and an armrest. The 470-litre boot is also a generous size for a compact SUV like this, with handy underfloor storage for the charging cables.
The range kicks off from €36,545 on the road for the Elroq 50 with up to 373 kilometres of range from a 55kWh battery. Then there's the Elroq 60, which looks like the sweet spot. It
retails from €38,416 with up to 472 kilometres possible from a 63kWh battery. For buyers seeking more range perhaps for motorway driving or road trips at weekends, there's the Elroq 85. It's priced from €42,315 and uses an 82kWh battery with range up to 576 kilometres.
The Elroq is smooth and easy to drive with plenty of power. It's agile through bends, with good comfort and refinement levels for an electric compact SUV like this. Drive modes are included as standard, which can alter the drive somewhat. A B-mode is included to increase the amount of regenerative braking but a heat pump to heat the cabin more efficiently in cold weather is an option.
When it comes to charging, up to 11kW AC charging is possible. Fast charging rates vary by battery size: up to 145kW for the Elroq 50, 165kW for the Elroq 60 and 135kW for the Elroq 85 for a 10-80% charge between 2428 minutes depending on version.
Altogether the new Elroq is a great addition to the Skoda range and still manages to offer good value in the market. It's spacious, nice to drive, and comes well-equipped. There's a good range of battery options, but the Elroq 60 looks like the real sweet spot of the range. n
L&M
CARS, VANS, 4X4, TRUCKS, TRACTORS, MARINE, QUADS, LAWNMOWERS AND GENERATORS. WE REPAIR ALL UNITS. ALL APPLICATIONS CATERED FOR. Island Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053)
Interior
Are you up for a challenge?
It is that time of year again when cyclists gear up to take on a 100km cycle in memory of Slaney Clycling Club member, tour captain and good friend to all, Mylie Kavanagh. Departing from the picturesque village of Kiltealy, participants will be able to take in the scenic views during the Mount Leinster Challenge with its impressive 1,200m accent.
The event, which takes place on Sunday, May 11th, will be fully marshalled and have an entry fee of €40. There will be a goodie bag for all those who take part with food stops on the route and refreshments at the finish at Kiltealy Hall.
The organisers look forward to seeing you all there at 8am for registration. The event itself will start at 9.30am.
Please see accompanying graphic for registration details, and keep up to date on: https://www.facebook.com/SCC.IRL n
Big changes
There are massive plans for Fr. Murphy Park in Enniscorthy for the coming weeks and months with development work starting around now. Shamrocks GAA Club extends a huge thanks to the local community, especially the lotto syndicate members, for making these developments possible. n
Enjoy a night at the dogs
Racing is back two nights a week, Mondays and Thursdays, at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track – a great way to spend an evening with friends or family.
First race starts at 8pm. Admission is €10 per adult (incl. race card), €8 for OAP/student (incl. race card). Under 14s go free. Bar and cafe facilities on site, plus Chester’s chip van. Tote and bookmaker betting facilities on site.
https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthygreyhound.track n
Local club get sponsored kit
The Shamrocks GAA Club was incredibly proud and humbled last month to receive outstanding support from Fresh Today School Lunches. The company presented the club with new kit with leading Wexford hurler Conor McDonald and Kevin Kennedy on hand in Fr. Murphy Park to do the honours.
The club says, “Thanks to Fresh Today's incredible generosity, our U10s all the way up to our men's teams will be kitted out in brand-new jerseys, as well as all our underage LGFA teams up to U16s!
“To have a local business invest in our teams at every level is truly special. This sponsorship means so much – not just in helping us look the part on the pitch, but in showing what community spirit and support really mean.
“We are beyond grateful to Fresh Today for backing our club and helping us continue to grow. Here’s to many great games ahead in the Fresh Today colours!” n
Congrats...
Sports Active
Sports Active Wexford is all about creating a healthier, safer, more active and inclusive society in Co. Wexford. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SportsActive n
Pickle Ball now available in Enniscorthy
Curious about the fastest-growing sport in Ireland? Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport in which two players (singles) or four players (doubles) use a smooth-faced paddle to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inchhigh (0.86 m) net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction.
Enniscorthy Astro Centre is the perfect place to experience the fun and energy of Pickleball. Astro Active Centre, Bellefield, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 923 6678. Email: astroactive@reachability.ie n
Congrats to Ian Sinnott and Raphael Abidoye of Enniscorthy’s Shamrock Rovers AFC who were part of the Wexford team which won the national Oscar Traynor cup last month.
Enniscorthy Rugby Club gets promoted
Robert ‘Tex’ Byrne Memorial Cup
The annual Robert ‘Tex’ Byrne Memorial Cup is taking place this Sunday, 4th May, in McCauley Park, Bellefield. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event. Donations or tickets for the draw can be purchased on the day or in advance by Revolut at: 087 205 5905, 3 strips for €10, 8 strips for €20. All proceeds go to local charities. n
A rising star
All at Moyne Rangers congratulate star striker Ade Adedeji on making the SFAI Ireland Under 14 squad for the Associations Cup tournament to be held this summer in Northern Ireland.
This is a great achievement for a player who has been a prolific goalscorer for the club since he started in the game.
Hopefully this is the beginning of great things for Ade who will represent Wexford in the Kennedy Cup in June. Well done Ade. n
Aoife is nominated
Former Enniscorthy Rugby player Aoife Wafer enjoyed an impressive Guinness Women’s Six Nations consistently showing why she is regarded as one of the best players in the game. She finished as the joint-second highest tryscorer with four tries, the joint-most by any forward. She made 70 carries (ranked first) for a staggering 424.7 metres – a tally that surpasses many back-three players in the Championship, and beat 17 defenders, which was the second highest of any forward in the Championship. It’s no wonder she has been shortlisted for the Player of the Championship award. n
GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO TRAIN WITH FESTY THIS SUMMER IN ENNISCORTHY!
Festy Ebosele Camp 2025. Train with Festy & qualified coaches. 23-27 June 2025, 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Limited spots available.
Build skills, make friends, and have fun!
There's an exciting football camp coming up this June in Enniscorthy where aspiring young footballers will have the chance to be coached by professional footballer, Irish international, and Enniscorthy native Festy Ebosele, and qualified coaches. This is a fantastic opportunity to improve your skills and learn from the best! However, please note that spots will be limited.
For more information, please contact the organisers and hosts: Festy, Dapo Abidoye, or Raphael Abidoye.
A Facebook and Instagram booking link will be available soon. The camp is proudly sponsored by createdineire (Mick Abidoye from Enniscorthy). n
From the ‘Freeman's Journal’
Tonight a public meeting was held in the Athenaeum, Enniscorthy, to consider the best means of developing the industrial resources of Enniscorthy and district. There was a very large attendance. The chair was occupied by the Right Hon the Earl of Mayo.
The following gentlemen were on the platform - Rev Mr. Chambers Rector, Clonhaston; Messrs. B.J. O'Flaherty, solicitor, Enniscorthy; Capt. L A Bryan, Bormount; Thos J Kelly, Medical Officer of Health, Enniscorthy; H. P. Roche, J. P. Roche; T Hayes. P L G, do; G V Fleming, do; F W Davis, do; P Byrne, C E, T C, do; G Owens, do; Mr Dickenson, Bank of Ireland, do; S M'Guire, editor of Free Press, Wexford; Rev H C Lyster, B A; J Cullin, etc.
Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from Baroness Grey, Judge Kane. Mr Thomas J Healy, M P; Mr J E Redmond, M P; Sir T Esmond, and others.
Dr Thomas Kelly, Enniscorthy, who was loudly applauded, said the object of their meeting was to discuss the ways and means whereby the industrial and commercial prospects of the town and district might be advanced. Their natural resources in North Wexford, in the shape of water power above the average, and proximity to the Welsh coal fields, made their position still more valuable. The local manufacturers had in a large measure availed themselves of these advantages, and their continued success in face of enormous and ever-increasing competition was a favourable omen for the future local development. Sir Robert Kane, in his great work on "The Industrial Resources of Ireland," strongly advocated the utilisation of internal waterways and their latent water was substitute for their dearth of coal. They were favoured in waterways. If they were solely dependent on the railway which comes into the town they would be objects of sympathy indeed. He imagined that this precious railway company charged as much for bringing goods to Dublin, seventy-seven miles, as the great transatlantic ships charge for bringing the same amount of goods from Liverpool to New York, a distance of three thousand odd miles, or forty times as far.
This excerpt from the Freeman’s Journal of Thursday, December 2nd 1897, came to us via Nick Mernagh...
THE
INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES OF ENNISCORTHY –IMPORTANT MEETING.
The development of their river traffic was therefore a matter of importance. Enniscorthy was the great centre of the malting industry in days gone by, and it occurred to him that it would be possible to still further develop this industry. It appeared that there were about 80,000 barrels of barley bought in Enniscorthy during the season 1896-1897. Of this only 40,000 barrels, or half, was malted in the town. The rest was exported in the raw state. Now the cost of converting a barrel of barley into one of malt was about 2 shillings, of which 1 shilling is spent on labour, so that by exporting these 40,000 barrels in the raw state there were 40,000 shillings, or £2,000, lost to the labourers of the town alone. There was a new malt industry which was a great source of wealth and employment, namely, the manufacture of malt extract as a food. England, America, and Germany turns out this product in large quantities, and the price obtained would
well repay its manufacture in this town. Many samples of malt extract at present on the market were of very inferior quality and largely adulterated. He would therefore suggest that inquiry should be made into the possibility of introducing the manufacture of malt extract into their town.
That was a great wool county. Last year there were something over 100,000lbs of wool bought in Enniscorthy. Of this about 75,000lbs were stored. The remainder, some 25,000lbs was manufactured into flannels, blankets, tweeds, and frieze at the three local mills, Carleysbridge, Synnott's, and Broe's. If every man, woman, and child, in the town of Enniscorthy could be induced to wear even one home-made garment every year the output from the local mills would increase in a wonderful way (applause). The enormous amount of cheap ready-mades in the shops led one to pause and ask why should they be beholden to Manchester shoddys when they had materials for the best clothes in the world in their own district.
In former days their town was celebrated for its tanneries, there being no less than six of them in the town at one time. Raw hides were more plenty than of old; but it appears that the introduction of the new chemical process of tanning has driven the old process from the field, and their people, unwilling to spend capital on the new process, gave up the industry altogether. The abundance of the raw material and the waterway facilities of transit and cheap sea freights ought to encourage some enterprising capitalist to consider the question of reviving the industry (applause). Referring to the tanning industry, the Freeman's Journal of 13th November 1897, pointed out that the departure of the trade from our shores was largely due to the improper manner in which the hides were flayed. A correspondent estimated that thirty per cent of the Irish hides are damaged in the process of flaying. Why should not the butchers' associations, as the Freeman says, take the necessary steps to put an end to this state of affairs? (Applause.) The introduction of any of the industries would, of course, develop subsidiary trades, such as carpentry, joinery, basket,
Nick Mernagh
sack, and box making; for it there were articles manufactured in a town they must of necessity make boxes or other envelopes to hold them. This showed how one industry helped another. Then they had at hand building material in abundance. The stone was blue porphyry, close and hard; the brick clay was of good quality and easy of access; then, clean good sand was plentiful. He concluded by calling attention to the fact that nearly all the general stores of the Army and Navy serving in Ireland, and also for the Irish public services, were imported. All such stores should, as far as possible, be of Irish growth and manufacture. This absolute right and the absence of this expenditure was one of the causes of poverty in the country.
M.J. Fleming, solicitor, said the present boom in industrial affairs in Ireland suggested that this was an opportune moment for considering how the welfare and prosperity of Enniscorthy might be promoted. Any commercial trader would tell them that the credit of the town was second to none, that as a body they were financially sound. But like other communities young in industrial enterprise, they were too timorous about new ventures. At Arklow there had been a cordite factory started with the greatest success, and nothing but as injudicious strike for an increase of wages which could not be justified, threatened to drive Arklow back to its fishy tradition. They had not hitherto bothered outsiders about the natural advantages of Enniscorthy where a Kynoch factory would be gladly welcomed. The town was in the centre of a good wool and grain-growing district, while facilities for transport by rail and river were unrivalled. What was wanted to advertise the town was & little blowing of their own horn in view of the celebration of 1798, when Enniscorthy would be the Mecca of thousands of their countrymen at home and abroad.
Side by side with such a movement for the development of local industries there must also be a movement for the instruction of their people in practical manual and technical subjects. The reason they in Ireland were so far behind was because practical education was not popular with them. The Intermediate system should be utilised as an aid to the industrial and commercial side of our national life. Many people had thought
that the introduction of technical subjects would destroy the literary character of the schools; but Mr Diggle had said that the one teaching was not antagonistic to the other. All teachers agreed that the intellectual brightness of pupils had been increased by technical education. In conclusion, he urged the Enniscorthy people to be up and doing, to close their ranks, and let their watchword be "Advance."
The Chairman who was received with applause, said he was exceedingly honoured by being afforded the opportunity of being in Enniscorthy. The fact that they had been able to build that fine hall (The Athenaeum) gave him an assurance of the fact that they were just the people who were capable of appreciating the very able statements from Dr Kelly and Mr Fleming to which they had had the pleasure of listening. It was urged that the Government should introduce technical schools in Enniscorthy. He could not but impress upon them that if they wanted the Government to help them they must help themselves.
He very much regretted that on the previous day a good deal of cold water was thrown on the very proposition’s urged by this meeting. A very large deputation had attended at Dublin Castle to urge the Chief Secretary to use his influence with the Government to introduce a bill to provide an Agriculture and Industries Department in Ireland. The answer which the representative deputation received was in effect that in consequence of a Local Government Bill having been promised the Board of Agriculture was for the present thrown over the side of the ship. The Chief Secretary seemed to think that because they were to have between £650,000 and £700,000 to enable
them to work local government the same as in England they were not to have an Agriculture and Industries Department. He believed there was money for both those schemes. The Chief Secretary gave the deputation a soft answer and nothing more, and that answer was very unsatisfactory (applause). Capt. Loftus Bryan moved a resolution to the effect that the Government be earnestly requested to supply the town and district with a school for practical manual and technical instruction and which would include agriculture, and 'that a deputation wait on the proper authorities to urge this claim.
Mr O'Flaherty seconded the resolution. The noble Chairman put the resolution to the meeting and it was carried by acclamation.
Mr C Grey moved a resolution to the effect that her Majesty's Government should take into consideration the report of the Financial Relations Commission on the subject of the over-taxation of Ireland. Dr Thomas Roberts seconded the resolution. The Chairman, in putting the resolution to the meeting said that Mr Edward Carson, QC, the member for Trinity College, had written to him regretting his inability to be present, and saying that the failure of the Government to appoint a second Commission, as undertaken, left the question of the financial relations between England and Ireland in a most unfortunate and critical position, and it would be the duty of all Irish members of Parliament to press for a satisfactory solution. The resolution was carried.
Further resolutions in furtherance of the objects of the meeting having been carried, the meeting terminated. n
The Archaeology of Bunclody Town with Barry Lacey
Thursday 22nd May at 7:00pm, Bunclody Library.
Join local historian Barry Lacey for a fascinating talk on the archaeology of Bunclody Town throughout the ages.
To book your place, click here: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4368582
Gathering at the Mise Éire Monument in Oulart village to commemorate the local volunteers who participated in the 1916 Rising.
Oulart remembers 1916 volunteers
20th April 2025
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
Barry Leacy, guest speaker
Cllr Mary Farrell singing the national anthem.
Above: James Adams singing at the event.
Right: Sean Dempsey reading the names of volunteers.
Above: Gathering at the Oulart monument. Below left: Reading the Proclamation was Peter O’Brien. Below right: Attendees including Minister James Browne TD.
Gathering at the Mise Éire monument in Oulart village to commemorate the local volunteers who participated in the 1916 Rising. Right: Chis Furlong, Chairman, organising committee.
The month of May and the coming of Summer
The Month of May and the Coming of Summer, with Michael Fortune, Thursday 15th May at 7:00pm Bunclody Library
A talk by artist and folklorist Michael Fortune about the traditions and customs surrounding the month of May and the coming of summer in Ireland. The talk will focus on the pisheogs and beliefs surrounding the month from witches stealing your profit to shape-shifting hares while the talk will look at the May Bush tradition in Ireland and its connections across Europe.
In 2024 Michael and his wife, Aileen Lambert, produced the publication The May Bush in County Wexford, and over the past 20 years have re-established and grown awareness around the May Bush tradition in their native Co. Wexford.
To book a place, click here: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4341315 n
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy
Opening hours are Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 5.00pm, and weekends from 12.00pm to 5.00pm, with last admission each day at 4.15pm. Visit and enjoy the delicious offerings from the on-site Cafe 98 before venturing through the award-winning exhibition. For more information visit: www.1798centre.ie https://www.facebook.com/1798centre n
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy is always worth a visit so be sure to drop in soon.
Easter – a time of commemoration
Words and pics by Maria Nolan
Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society had a busy time of it over the Easter period with members joining the Monageer Pikemen on Easter Sunday for a commemoration on the Falls Road, Belfast, then at Market Square, Enniscorthy, on Easter Monday as part of Enniscorthy’s unique Easter remembrance, and on to County Meath a week later to be part of the commemoration of the arrest of the Blacksmith Paud O’Donoghue at Swans, Curragh, Co. Meath.
The invitation to parade on the Falls Road was extended by the National Graves Association to the Wexford Pikemen, who spent the weekend in Belfast enjoying the hospitality of the Graves Association and Chairman Joe Austin who treated them to the very best being delighted to have them in the Easter Parade.
Indeed, it was a privilege for the Pikemen who received a warm reception from the hundreds of people lining the Falls Road all the way to Milltown Cemetery where orations were made, and wreaths were laid.
Afterwards a presentation was made to Joe Austin by the Monageer Group to mark the occasion.
Back on home turf on Easter Monday, we were part of the annual tribute to our Enniscorthy dead beginning with Mass celebrated by Fr. James Cullen at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, followed by parade to Market Square where the address was made by Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Aidan Browne, who reminded all of the unique position of Enniscorthy during the Easter Rising, being the last post to surrender.
The Proclamation was read as Gaeilge agus Bearla by Judy Heffernan followed by the Last Post by bugler Anthony Nolan and the National Anthem played by the Ballindaggin Pipe Band.
Wreaths were laid at the 1798 Monument, Market Square, by Chairman Aidan Browne and at the Seamus Rafter Monument, Abbey Square, by Minister James Browne.
Easter Monday is one of our very special days here in Enniscorthy along with 21st June, The Battle of Vinegar Hill, and it behoves us to mark these events unique to our town with pride and dignity.
On Sunday 27th April members of the Enniscorthy reenactment group joined re-enactors from Lord Edwards Own and Ashbourne to commemorate the arrest of the Blacksmith Paud O`Donoghue at his Forge at Swans, Curragh, County Meath in 1798.
Paud, who was to be executed for his part in supplying weaponry to the rebels, made his escape and went on to fight for the cause at Tara Hill.
The commemoration was narrated by historian and founder of the Ashbourne Group Tola Collier with owner of the Swans Bar, Paddy, reading the Ballad of Paud O`Donoghue as re-enactors performed the pageant to the delight of the large crowd of spectators watching.
Paddy and Tola hope to make it an annual event on the site of the forge where it all happened 227 years
The Kilrane Boys
On the 13th April 1844 twelve young men from the small village of Kilrane, near Rosslare, left parents, family and friends standing dismal and desolate on the Wexford Quay as they set sail first for Liverpool and then for South America, settling in Argentina.
On Friday 25th April 2025 a stone memorial and name plaque by sculptor Niall Deacon was unveiled in Kilrane in their memory.
Due to inclement weather conditions, proceedings took place in Kilrane National School where MC Carmel Lonergan introduced guest speakers – the renowned Paddy Berry who recited the ballad The Kilrane Boys, historian Michael Fortune who gave the large audience of descendants of the twelve a brief background to the history sighting cruel landlords and British tyranny as the main reasons for their departure from their native land.
Words and pics by Maria Nolan
Councillors Ger Carty and Jim Codd were lavish in their praise of the organising committee and local Tidy Towns and the excellent work of stonemason Niall Deacon.
John Redmond from Argentina spoke of the Murphy family he knows there, direct descendants of John James Murphy, saying that there is a town called Murphy in Argentina and Buenos Aires boasts a Kavanagh skyscraper.
The Argentine Embassy was represented by the Consul General who paid tributes to the 12 and their contribution to their new homeland.
The most famous of the 12 – John James Murphy arrived in Buenos Aires in 1844 with the princely sum of a single pound in his pocket and when he died in 1909 he was one of the wealthiest ranchers in the Argentine owning in the region of 47,000 acres of land – not bad for a chap from a little place like Kilrane, now is it.
Minister James Browne and Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy also attended the poignant ceremony.
Boolavogue was played on the tin whistle by Brendan Wickham and everyone was invited for refreshments and the sharing of stories of these brave and adventurous young men who all did well for themselves bringing respect and honour to their homeland of Kilrane. n
Funding for Co. Wexford monuments
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, announced last month the 122 projects nationally that will be awarded €7.5 million in funding under the 2025 Community Monuments Fund. These grants help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future.
The Community Monuments Fund supports a range of initiatives to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites. This investment safeguards monuments for the benefit of communities and the public. It does so by enabling conservation works and repairs as well as building resilience through protecting monuments from the effects of extreme weather and climate change. The scheme also encourages public access and improvements to the presentation of local monuments.
Co. Wexford Funding:
Ballycogly Castle €100,000
Killag Church €130,000
St Nicolas' Church, Clonmines €130,000
Ballyvaldon church and graveyard
€20,602.50
Carnagh Church and Graveyard €20,356.50
Lady's Island Castle €29,908.25
Minister Browne said: The importance of our archaeological heritage cannot be overstated and this fund has a very real and profound impact on the custodians and communities in our cities, villages, towns and countryside.
“I sincerely thank the owners of archaeological monuments for their dedication to the preservation of our wonderful heritage. This investment will ensure that our built heritage can continue to be enjoyed by local and visiting communities, as well as acting to create work and preserve important traditional skills in towns and villages right across Ireland.” n
Minister James Browne TD
River Slaney Kayak & Cleanup
The River Slaney Kayak & Cleanup 2025 event took place on Saturday 12th April organised by Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, GoPaddle.ie and Sustainable Enniscorthy, and with help from Slaney Search & Rescue and Edermine Ferry Rowing Club.
The organisers provided kayaks and paddles, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, and a fully qualified Canoeing Ireland Kayak Instructor. And the Local Authority Waters Programme kindly funded the event.
The idea was to explore our wonderful River Slaney and remove as much litter as possible during the process. And what a success it was, with 62 bags of rubbish removed by the 40 volunteers on the day.
Check out the great video of the day made by Know How Media Agency: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1804 541596758141
To make contact with Enniscorthy Tidy Towns: enniscorthytt@gmail.com n
Water conservation tips...
Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes.
Don’t let the tap run: Brushing your teeth with the tap running can use up to a staggering 6 litres per minute. Brushing your teeth with the tap off will use a more modest 1 litre of water.
Shower vs. Bath: The average bath uses 80 litres of water compared to an average shower using 49 litres in seven minutes. Switch your bath to a shower for a massive water saving.
Less time: With the average shower using 7 litres of water per minute by turning your five minute shower into four minutes, you could save up to 7 litres of water per day!
Fully loaded: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machines are fully loaded. A modern washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water per cycle while a dishwasher uses 20 litres. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water but you will also reduce your energy bills.
Don’t flush it all away: A third of all water used in the home is flushed down the toilet. Some larger cisterns can continue to work effectively with a smaller flush. Place a displacement device into the cistern (out of the way of moving parts) to save water.
WATER CONSERVATION TIPS FOR BUSINESS:
Conduct a water audit to see where savings can be made. Appoint water stewards who will champion water conservation. Invest in water efficient devices and appliances such as dual flush toilets, mixer taps and low flow showers. Raise awareness amongst customers and employees with water conservation notices and signage.
Checking for leaks
It is important to check for and repair leaks on your premises, particularly if they are unoccupied for any prolonged period of time. Business owners should regularly inspect properties for leaks.
Water Stewardship for business
Uisce Éireann has a first-of-its-kind dedicated water stewardship programme where it works with businesses to help them understand and reduce their water use. Find out more at water.ie/businessconserve with advice for a range of industries including hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture and small businesses
Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator to help people find out how much water they’re saving and what they can do to save even more. Check it out at water.ie/calculator n
Do your town a favour
Do you have a few hours to spare a month? Find yourself bored mid week evenings or at the weekend? Want to make your town a better place? Please contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown Email: enniscorthytt@gmail.com n
Please note...
To log a report regarding any dumping, street litter, road oil spills and potholes, ring Wexford Council on (053) 919 6000 or email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
You will receive a log number to refer to if you need to call again.
You can also ask to register for group or individual cleanups of your environment.
Wexford Co. Council’s Climate Action Team recently hosted a ‘Climate Champions Competition’ in the Enniscorthy region. Enniscorthy was chosen due to its Decarbonising Zone status in Wexford County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, which means that Enniscorthy tends to be used as a test bed for any new climate initiatives.
Community/voluntary groups, workplaces, and schools were invited to form teams and try as many climate actions as possible between March 31st and April 11th, saving CO2. Each team logged its actions on the Ducky website daily using their mobile phones. The team that saved the most CO2 won the competition. Well done to Enniscorthy Community Allotments on their success in the competition. n
Energy supports & resources
There are a number of government supports and resources available to help businesses mitigate the impact of energy price rises and become more energy efficient. Check out the website: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-forsmes/energy-supports/ n
No
With the support of the Environment Department of Wexford County Council, Mutt Mitt bag dispensers and bins (see photo) have been installed in Ferns village and also at several locations around Enniscorthy. These dispensers contain easy to use biodegradable bags to dispose of your dog’s poo. So no excuses! Bag it and bin it!! n
Please keep in mind Wexford County Council's Community Grant & Funding webpage when looking to source details of community grant and funding schemes that may be relevant to climate action measures.
This webpage is a valuable source of information detailing what schemes are currently available, terms and conditions etc., and very importantly.....deadlines!
To access the webpage, please click here: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community-grants-and-funding n
Greenlink launch in Enniscorthy
A significant event took place in Enniscorthy on 16th April 2025 with the official launch of the Greenlink Interconnector, a major new electricity interconnector between Ireland and Wales. With the capacity to power up to 380,000 homes, it is a critical piece of infrastructure that supports the integration of renewable energy, provides grid flexibility and enhances energy support. n
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien speaking at the launch event in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on 16th April 2025.
Wexford County Council has erected over 30 'No Mow' signs in Enniscorthy to protect over 6,000 bulbs emerging thanks to the effort of Enniscorthy Community Alliance and local schools and community groups.
Dandelions in particular are a favourite snack for our native bumblebees. n
Sustainability to the fore at Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant
Local school celebrates National Tree Week
Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, presented a tree last month to members of the green school committee at Court National School, Ballyedmond, to celebrate National Tree Week. National Tree Week is an annual event organised by the Tree Council of Ireland in partnership with Coillte. It is the largest tree celebration in the country, providing a unique opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the beauty and importance of Ireland's trees.
This year’s theme ‘Planting Trees, Growing Together’ highlights the deep connection between trees, people, and the environment, emphasising how tree planting fosters stronger communities, promotes sustainability, and prepares us for a changing climate. An Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen stated that ‘this year’s theme encourages all ages to plant trees and learn more about the importance of trees and forests. By working collectively to plant and care for trees we create a healthier environment that ensures our forests and green spaces continue to thrive for future generations’.
This year’s theme highlights the importance of planting more trees as a crucial component of addressing biodiversity challenges and fighting climate change.
To celebrate National Tree Week, Wexford County Council in conjunction with the Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte distributed 1,000 native saplings to primary schools across County Wexford. Wexford County Council also promotes and supports local communities with the ‘Trees for Wexford Scheme’ which saw 9,745 trees, and saplings distributed to voluntary community groups and schools in February 2025. n
Let’s keep our county clean
report illegal dumping
Wexford County Council has three methods to log complaints:
1. Call: 053 919 6000
2. Email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
3. Website to report illegal dumping: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/waste-and-recycling/reportillegal-dumping n
Sustainable Enniscorthy AGM
At IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, 3 April 2025
At last month’s AGM of Sustainable Enniscorthy, Chairperson Irene Cadogan started off by thanking the committee for all their work during the year. “I recognise that everyone is very busy and many are also involved in other committees as well so their time and commitment is very much appreciated.
“I would also like to congratulate two of our committee members on the safe arrival of their baby, our youngest committee member!
“It was another busy year thanks to our hard-working committee and our supporters, our ongoing collaboration with Enniscorthy Tidy Towns and Enniscorthy Community Alliance has been very productive and hopefully beneficial to all groups.”
Irene summarised the year under various headings...
Grants received:
Change X – Top-up to the group’s Green Plan project. Wexford Co. Co. Amenity & Arts.
Community Foundation Ireland – Energy videos.
Community Foundation Ireland – Final payment for circular economy action plan.
Change X – We Count – Final payment received. Trees for Wexford. LAWPRO.
Projects / Events completed since last AGM in April 2024:
Slaney News monthly articles.
We Count – monitor still counting – data shared with Town Air Project, Conundrum and Wexford County Council.
Spring Clean Event.
Community Climate Heroes (with Global Action Plan).
Slaney Kayak Clean Up.
Energy Master Plan Launch.
Circular Economy Action Plan.
Water Saving with Water Butts – with Tidy Towns.
Halloween Costume Swap.
Repair Café.
Urban Treasures Photo Competition.
Energy Workshop.
Air Quality Talk – Town Air.
Natural Attenuation Talk, Farmer Conference and Climate Café during Street Rhythms Festival.
Forthcoming Projects and Events:
Climate Cafe – during Street Rhythms Festival 31 May/1 June.
Energy Champions training and videos (in collaboration with Wexford Co. Co. and Enniscorthy Community Alliance).
Slaney News contributions.
Repair Cafe (Saturday 10th May in Templeshannon Community Centre and in Q4).
Stop Food Waste webinar (date TBC).
Climate Heroes – ongoing at time of AGM.
Conundrum Project – Next steps.
Working with:
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns.
Enniscorthy Community Alliance.
Creative Places.
GreenTech HQ.
Enniscorthy Interagency Group.
Wexford Co. Co. Climate Action Team.
Conundrum Project – follow up to Tasc Project.
Wexford Local Development.
Enniscorthy Chamber.
Community Allotments.
Global Action Plan.
Yvonne Byrne, Consultant.
Correspondence:
Dean – Conundrum Project.
TFI Survey.
UCC Survey.
Awards:
Sustainable Enniscorthy was delighted to be the winner of the Wexford County Council Environment Award for 2024 for “Best community project that tackles and reduces the impact of climate change” for its repair café initiative.
Thanks:
Sustainable Enniscorthy says a special thanks to its repair cafe volunteers without whom it couldn’t run these events.
Reports:
Sustainable Enniscorthy will publish its Circular Economy Action Plan and Sustainable Energy Community Master Plan on its website in the coming weeks.
New volunteers welcome:
The group welcomes new volunteers who are happy to support projects/events. n
Enniscorthy’s air quality survey
Enniscorthy residents are being invited to take part in new research project on air quality.
A new air quality project called TownAir has been taking place in Enniscorthy over the last few months. Researchers from University College Cork and University of Galway have been working with Wexford County Council to install a network of sensors around the town to monitor and understand patterns in air pollution.
Enniscorthy residents are now invited to take part in the project by completing a survey on home heating at this link: https://ucc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2 nRUugtJife7vxQ
Or by scanning the QR code below.
The survey only takes about five minutes to complete and the results will help the researchers to understand air pollution in Enniscorthy and support actions to achieve cleaner air for everyone.
Thank you for your support. n
Biodiversity – have your say!
Wexford County Council is preparing a new Local Biodiversity Action Plan, supported by the Heritage Council. This is a requirement of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, launched in 2024, which requires that each Local Authority must have a Biodiversity Action Plan in place by the end of 2026.
The aim of this plan will be to provide a structured approach to biodiversity conservation at county level.
A Pre-Draft Discussion Paper and Survey has been developed providing a background to the development of the plan. It is intended to help start discussion on biodiversity issues and priorities.
This is your chance to have your say!
For the Wexford County Local Biodiversity Action Plan to be successful it is important that Wexford Co. Council hears your views on how we should conserve biodiversity at a local level across the county.
To find out more, please see: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/news/local-biodiversity-action-plan-2025-2030-%E2%80%93-pre-draft-consultation
To go directly to the Survey, please see: https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/en/content/local-biodiversity-action-plansurvey n
