SN 01-05-26

slaney news Issue 192 - May 2026

serving rd Co. wexfo st la e th r fo s r a 16 ye

Ready to rock ‘n’ roll at the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival this May bank holiday weekend.

Frizelle McCarthy Solicitors Annette McCarthy B.C.L. ____________________________________________________ Suzanne Carthy B.A. L.L.B. Jillian O’Shea L.L.B.

Reliable advice on all aspects of the law since 1929 Solicitors & Commissioners for Oaths Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, Y21 W5T1

Tel: 053 92 33547  Email: info@fmclaw.ie

Your Local Community Pharmacy DUFFRY HILL, ENNISCORTHY, TEL: (053) 9234660

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Contents of this issue of Slaney News...

News page 3 Leisure & Lifestyle page 59 Arts page 90 Food & Drink page 94 Business & Finance page 101 Pets page 108 Motoring page 110 Sport page 112 History & Heritage page 113 Environment page 122

DON'T FORGET! With all that’s happening during the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival this May bank holiday weekend, one event which might slip under the radar is the always excellent Enniscorthy Camera Club's annual exhibition in the Athenaeum, Castle St, Enniscorthy, Friday 1st May 1pm to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm.

Free admission. Highly recommended.

PAT MURPHY OIL LTD. A family-owned Wexford company providing you with a reliable and quality service since 1988 Ask about our Easy Pay Budget Plan All Major Credit & Laser Cards Accepted Delivering Kerosene, Diesel, Gas Oil, Agri Diesel to homes, farms and businesses all around Co. Wexford.

TEL: 053-9255219 - RATHNURE - ENNISCORTHY 1st May 2026 - Page 3

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comment Welcome to our May 2026 issue.

All roads lead to Enniscorthy this May bank holiday weekend as the town hosts its annual Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival. We have extensive information about the festival in this issue, including the full programme of events. One of the festival highlights is the spectacular Fireworks display on Friday 1st May, at 10pm approx, on The Promenade, kindly sponsored by the Riverside Park Hotel. A great way to get into the festival spirit.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– An event definitely worth participating in is the annual Enniscorthy Darkness Into Light 2026 which will take place on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. Participants will depart McCauley Park (Rapparees/Starlights GAA Bellefield) at 4.15am. This inspiring event symbolises hope, as communities come together to help prevent suicide. All are welcome. Please check out: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088855197125 Darkness Into Light will also take place in Bunclody. Keep up to date with that event: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567973352561 Several other D.I.L. events will take place that morning in other parts of the county.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Don’t forget to catch up with all the snippets from around the county with ‘Atticus’ – our new, popular ‘Slices of Life’ columnist. See pages 22-25.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We include, as always, a huge number of photos taken around Enniscorthy, and beyond. If you would like to purchase any of these please get in touch by email: 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 nearly 16,000 Followers. And, of course, if you like our format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you.

– Frank Corcoran

ROCHES CAMPSITE AND CAMPERVAN PARKING Clonmines, Wellingtonbridge, Wexford, Y35 R9P9. Tel: 087 271 8803.

Email: info@rochescampsite.ie www.rochescampsite.ie

To advertise in the Slaney News please contact: 087-2403310 SLANEY NEWS, CLONHASTON, ENNISCORTHY Tel: 087-2403310 Email: slaneynews@gmail.com www.slaneynews.com Facebook: Slaney News Online: www.issuu.com/slaneynews/docs PUBLISHED in Enniscorthy by Corcoran Print & Design Disclaimer: Slaney News reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication.

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

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

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

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

SLANEY NEWS

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Page 4 - 1st May 2026

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Now is the perfect time to get your window boxes, hanging baskets, and planters ready for the months ahead . We have some fabulous colour in the garden at the moment, see our beautiful blue orchid!

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Make sure to call into the restaurant and try our new toasted BLT bagel… plus, iced coffee is officially back Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9am–5:30pm Restaurant CLOSED SUNDAYS @KilcannonGC

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Enjoy Enniscorthy Castle during this festival weekend Make sure to visit Enniscorthy Castle during the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival this May Bank Holiday weekend.

Join the drop-in Shield Painting workshop on the 2nd and 3rd of May. Choose from an array of stencil designs and colours and let your children's imagination run wild as they paint on their very own Norman shield, to keep and bring home.

Running from 11am till 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, this workshop is not to be missed. It’s a drop-in event, so no pre-booking required. €12 per child.

And don’t forget the amazing Press Photographers Ireland photo exhibition at the Castle. Highly recommended. n

When it comes to your finances, independent advice makes all the difference At Ashmore Financial Services, we believe financial planning is important for everyone – everyone who wants clarity, confidence, and control over their future. We, as an Independent Financial Broker, work for you, not for a single bank or provider ensuring unbiased guidance, personalised solutions, and access to a wide range of options to suit your needs.

Whether you’re protecting your family with life cover, planning for retirement, arranging/reviewing your mortgage, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, having the right advice can save you money – and give you peace of mind.

Your future deserves more than guesswork.

It deserves professional, personal advice from someone who puts your interests first.

Contact us today to start your Mortgage journey. n

Page 6 - 1st May 2026

Above: Kent Ashmore flanked by Niamh O’Brien, and Martin Redmond.

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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.

Also Takeaway and Outside Catering.

Barbara-Anne Murphy COUNCILLOR

ENJOY THE ROCKIN’ FOOD & FRUIT FESTIVAL Clinic: Monday 18th May 7.30pm-8pm, Redmond's, Main Street, Bunclody

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Mobile: 087-6736966 Email: bamurphy@wexfordmcc.ie This is a political advert paid for from my Local Representational Allowance.

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Appointments can easily be made to suit your schedule by phone, email or by dropping into one of our offices Enniscorthy: Irish Street, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 9235699 Ferns: Law Chambers, Aldercourt, Ferns. Tel: 053 9366688.

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1st May 2026 - Page 7

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Tel: 053 9233593 www.vtnenniscorthy.ie Email: windmillautos@gmail.com

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Group rates available

Enjoy the Fun & First race 8pm. Gates open 7pm. Bar and cafe facilities on site. the Craic at Tote and bookmaker betting. Chester chip van for hot food.

Enniscorthy Benefit night: 4th May for Ferns United soccer club.

Track Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium summer family fun evening: 1st June.

Racing Every Monday and Thursday night.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SEATING Tel: 087 4893859. Follow us on social media for updates ➤ 1st May 2026 - Page 11

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Enniscorthy is Rockin’!

Words by Maria Nolan – Pics by Slaney News On 28th April at Enniscorthy Castle, surrounded by journalists, photographers, foodies, and rock ‘n’ roll revellers, Minister James Browne TD officially launched the 11th Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival along with the Press Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Master of Ceremonies at the prestigious event was the eloquent Jimmy Gahan who introduced the speakers including Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy who applauded the work of all involved and encouraged people to visit Enniscorthy not just over the weekend but at other times as well declaring it a most picturesque and historic town.

Former Town Manager and now Chairman of the Festival Committee Ger Mackey thanked the many sponsors especially the main sponsor Wexford Co. Council and welcomed Enniscorthy District Manager Claire Lawless and County Manager Eddie Taffee declaring their support invaluable and paramount to the success of the festival.

The effervescent Richie Cotter of the South East Rock ‘n’ Roll Club brought light-hearted laughter to the occasion saying, ‘Singing and dancing make people happy’ and called on all to come to Enniscorthy over the weekend for one of the most enjoyable and colourful events on the town’s calendar.

MC Jimmy Gahan welcomed Senator Cathal Byrne and District Councillors Pat

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Standing room only at the launch on 28th April of the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival.

Kehoe, Aidan Browne, Patricia Byrne, and Jackser Owens, and also three-time winner of the Press Photographer of the Year Award James Crombie, and all this year’s sponsors – Wexford Co. Council, Riverside Park Hotel, BD, Enniscorthy Credit Union, Donohoe Skoda, Dawsons, Fitzgerald & Keane, Enniscorthy Showgrounds, Reynaers Aluminium, Moyne Veterinary Clinic, Alcast, L&M Motors, AIB Bank, John A Sinnott & Co Solicitors, Protool ACBrooklyn, and The Bailey who were also responsible for the nothing short of Master Chef quality food on display.

precious, and relevant to all of us, and he encouraged all to make the time to visit the exhibition and be blown away by the talent and creativity of the many wondrous photographs.

He told the large Castle audience that the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival brings €3m to the Enniscorthy economy with over 50,000 visitors expected over the Bank Holiday weekend, and is a major opportunity for the local food community to showcase all that is excellent about our local produce.

Minister Browne said it was a great honour for Enniscorthy to have the AIB Press Photographer of the Year exhibition in the Castle for the duration of the festival weekend and beyond.

He complimented the rock ‘n’ roll dancers saying that they brought a very special and unique element to the festival with their colour, their style, their moves, their energy, and their fitness, ‘putting the rest of us mere mortals to shame’.

He was lavish in his praise of all the photographers saying that the work they do recording moments in time is important,

James finished by thanking the Gardaí and the Council outdoor staff and wished all a very happy, safe, and rockin’ weekend. n

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Enniscorthy’s ready to Rock’n’Roll The Enniscorthy Rock ‘n’ Roll Town Weekender will again be running in conjunction with the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival this May bank holiday weekend, with a brilliant mix of local, national, and international acts, and DJs, across 50 gigs, 90% of which are free! Keep up to date on https://www.facebook.com/RocknRollTownEnniscorthy

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 Just some of the Festival gigs 

1st May 2026 - Page 17

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Enniscorthy to get new fire station

from a myriad of hazards. This investment ensures they have the modern tools, facilities and systems required to meet that responsibility. The new programme responds directly to the evolving nature of fire service response and the need to protect critical national infrastructure."

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has just announced €3 million in funding for a planned new fire station in Enniscorthy, as part of the State’s largest ever investment in fire and emergency services.

With an additional €2.4m approx in funding approval to support the procurement of a new water tanker, Class B fire appliance, high volume pump capacity, and additional fire service equipment, that brings the total amount allocated to Wexford fire services under the new funding programme to €5.4 million.

The funding is part of a landmark €328.5 million National Fire Services Capital Programme (2026–2030), developed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), which sets out a comprehensive plan to modernise Ireland’s fire service fleet, infrastructure, training capability, and communications systems to meet the evolving risks facing communities nationwide.

It builds on the €4.2m provided to Wexford fire services under the 2021-2025 funding plan which delivered a new fire station at New Ross and significant refurbishment to Gorey Fire Station.

The capital programme is designed to ensure Ireland’s fire services can respond effectively to:

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD

Minister Browne said: “The government is committed to safeguarding communities.

It is not enough for us to say how grateful we are to our fire service personnel for the dedication they exhibit in their work and their commitment to the safety of their community. It is important to show that gratitude on days like today, by providing our firefighters with the modern facilities, appliances, and equipment to ensure they are equipped for the extraordinary work they do, responding to a variety of emergencies.”

Minister Browne emphasised: "Fire services are typically the last line of defence in protecting lives, homes and businesses

•

Increasing severe weather events,

•

Wildland fires,

•

Industrial hazards,

•

Urban growth and complex infrastructure, and

•

National‑level emergencies requiring a coordinated response.

Senator Cathal Byrne says, “I know from speaking with firefighters that the station in Enniscorthy has needed upgrading for some time, so this is going to make a real difference, better facilities for our firefighters and a better service for the communities they protect. Our fire services do incredible work and they deserve the best equipment and facilities to do their jobs safely. I am delighted that the Government have chosen to make the largest ever investment in fire and emergency services in the history of the State and I'm also delighted to see Enniscorthy and County Wexford benefiting from it.” n

Special education news...

Wicklow-Wexford TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has been in touch about some progress being made on Special Education in the Wicklow-Wexford constituency – but lots more to do!

Special Classes have been announced for September including for Scoil Mhuire na nAird, Shillelagh; Boolavogue NS; Gorey Educate Together Secondary School; and FCJ Secondary School, Bunclody.

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin says the provision of Special Education for all children who need it has been a key priority for Sinn Féin which had a Bill about it in Leinster House last month, and indeed his own background is in Special Education.

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The full list of the nine new classes for the upcoming year in his constituency: St Joseph's Templerainey, Arklow Coolfancy NS St John's Senior NS, Arklow Scoil Mhuire na nAird, Shillelagh Kilmuckridge National School Tombrack National School FCJ Secondary School, Bunclody Boolavogue NS Gorey Educate Together Secondary School.

“My party and I will continue to force the government to start delivering for Special Education and make them honour the Proclamation pledge to ‘Cherish all the children of the nation equally.’” n

Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD

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ENNISCORTHY'S COUNCILLORS ARE PLACATED! At the March 2026 monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, the atmosphere was tense and the mood was one of anger. The reason was the perceived lack of urgency to have the Templeshannon regeneration project, officially called the 'Templeshannon Hub and Link Regeneration' project included in the upcoming application for government funding under the new 'Town and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund' (TCRIF).

A Special Meeting was called for 16th April to allow Wexford Co. Council (WCC) update the Enniscorthy Councillors on the Templeshannon plan and the other two parts of the Town Centre First Plan – Market Square and Castle Quarter.

What was expected to be another tense meeting, turned out to be quite an amicable one as WCC staff shared a summary document showing that Templeshannon / Eastside is not being ignored and that there's lots going to happen in the very near future, subject of course to government funding.

Templeshannon / Eastside: 1. Funding is being sought now by WCC to develop detailed plans and obtain planning permission for the Templeshannon Hub and Link Regeneration project. WCC expects to apply for planning permission in quarter 4 this year, and apply for funding in the next TCRIF round which is also likely to be in quarter 4 of 2026. Councillors were informed that the original plan which essentially just covered the swimming pool site is now being extended somewhat to take in some of the adjoining streetscape.

2. Plans for the Turret Rocks site are being progressed. Fifty houses are planned for the site along with an amphitheatre, tea rooms, playground, skate park, and community centre.

WCC has applied for funding to develop a new roadway through the site as a first step with this major project. Plans are being prepared for the playground which will be funded

by WCC itself and will not be dependent on government funding. Plans for the skatepark are being prepared with a view to applying for a government Sports Capital Grant later this year.

Plans are bring prepared for a new Community Centre with a view to applying for funding under next year's national Community Centre funding programme. The Turret Rocks project, including the 50 houses, is expected to cost in excess of €25m and can only proceed with central government funding.

3. Active Travel improvements and Vinegar Hill upgrades are on WCC's agenda.

4. The Flood Relief Scheme, when eventually undertaken, will include benefits for Templeshannon.

Several Councillors advised WCC NOT to look at the possibility of one-way traffic through the Templeshannon area given how unpopular that suggestion was when mooted several years ago.

WCC officials were successful in convincing Enniscorthy's Councillors that Templeshannon / Eastside is very much on their radar and that the residents there can look forward to a huge amount of positive developments there over the years ahead. n

1st May 2026 - Page 19

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Easter Commemorations in Enniscorthy 6th April 2026 See additional coverage on pages 116-119 COMMEMORATING THE 110th ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1916 RISING IN ENNISCORTHY. Easter Monday, 6th April, was the 110th Anniversary of the Easter Rising. To mark the occasion, members of the Athenaeum Committee in conjunction with the 1916 Commemoration Committee and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council put together a programme of events at St Aidan’s Cathedral, the Market Square, and Athenaeum.

The newly formed Slaneyside Players and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society (EHRS) donned period costumes for the occasion.

1916, the leaders of the Easter Rising in Enniscorthy, took control of several important buildings in the town namely, the castle, the courthouse, the railway station, and the Athenaeum which they made their headquarters. On that same day, the Irish tricolour was raised by members of Cumann na mBan over the Athenaeum. The three young women were Una Bolger, Gretta Comerford, and Marian Stokes.

‘Una Bolger, an Oylegate native who later married 1916 leader Robert Brennan, holds a singular place in our history as one of only two women who were ever granted membership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

Proceedings began with Mass at St. Aidan’s Cathedral at 10am, then a procession to Market Square for the laying of a wreath at the Croppy Boy Monument, the playing of the Last Post, an address by Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, the Proclamation read by Judy Heffernan, and the playing of the National Anthem.

‘A week later Enniscorthy was the last town to surrender in all of Ireland on Monday, May 1st.’

Cllr Murphy’s address recalled some of the events in Enniscorthy in 1916: ‘On Thursday of Easter Week, April 27th

•

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A guard of honour for Padraig Pearse

by EHRS.

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Extract of Pearse’s speech from 1st March 1916 by Billy Phayers.

•

Rendition of The Foggy Dew by Niamh Crowhurst.

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Refreshments provided by Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

This poignant programme of events helped all who attended to remember our dead and those who made us who we are today here in Enniscorthy. n

Attendees moved to the Athenaeum for the rest of the commemorative programme which included: •

Laying of wreath at the Athenaeum.

•

A brief outline of Easter Week in Enniscorthy by historian Barry Lacey.

A reading of a poem penned by Jer Ennis for the occasion and read by Graham Cadogan.

Above: Maura Bell and Niall Wall.

Below left: Billy Phayers, Jer Ennis, Niamh Crowhurst, Noreen Kehoe.

Below right: Cllr Pat Kehoe, Maria Nolan, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Tom Boland.

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Above: Lining up outside The Athenaeum. Left: Billy Phayers, Barry Lacey, Graham Cadogan, Niamh Crowhurst. Below left: Keith Doyle with Professor Amy Potter (Geogia Southern University).

Below centre: Anne-Marie Kehoe, John Murphy and Mairead Ennis.

Below right: Irene Cadogan, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.

Bottom left: Larry Shannon, Bernard Byrne, Stephen Byrne.

Bottom right: Georgia Southern students and staff with Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.

1st May 2026 - Page 21

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Slices of Life

An occasional column in which our special correspondent Atticus catches people doing good things and not so good things!

Crowning the Customer The customer is a pawn to be exploited in places but in many parts of Wexford, the customer is always king. Atticus is always on the look out for businesses that treat the customer like royalty. It’s good for staff, it’s good for customers, and it pays rich returns for the local economy.

Feargal Quinn, the mighty supermarket magnate, called it the ‘boomerang principle’ meaning that customers will come back to you if they are satisfied after having had a great experience. He wrote the bestseller Crowning the Customer which everybody in business should read. (You can order it in the bookshops in Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Wexford town).

Atticus has applied Fergal Quinn’s boomerang test all over the county. He brought a wealthy businessman, potential investor in the area from the USA to Wexford town during the Celtic Tiger years. A young shop assistant greeted the businessman with a grunt and an entitlement “It’s a privilege for you to be talking to me” attitude. Atticus avoids

Annette and Gloria in Clonard Drycleaners.

that place ever since and the American has gone home to the USA with an unforgettable memory of it. It was probably a factor in his decision not to do business in Wexford.

In recent weeks, Atticus tested Wexford town and was pleased to experience the service in Clonard Drycleaners in Clonard and in Joyces, the electrical superstore also in Wexford town. He got the royal treatment from Annette and Gloria in Clonard Drycleaners and from Caroline Ford, who runs the repairs service with her husband Chris in Joyces.

In both cases, he found the customer care, the willingness to help, the efficiency, speed of response, and attention to service was superb. He’ll be back.

Often.

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Tour-a-Loo

Caroline Ford in Chris Ford’s repair service in Joyces.

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Mary the barber in Chapz told Atticus that she had done a world tour which took her to various places in Asia. Of course, Atticus who found it awesome to get from Wexford to Enniscorthy in his youth, asked her about the costs, the flights, places of interest she had visited, how people lived there, the streets, the architecture, the culture, the politics, the people and of course ‘the facilities’ be-

cause he has a special interest in such things.

One of the most interesting experiences that Mary had was her visit to the public loo or public toilet or ‘restroom’ in Japan. As you approach the door, a voice in English welcomes you, calming classical music fills the chamber, an aromatic mist descends around you and the lid and the seat on the loo lift up automatically in readiness for you. All hi-tech and so clean that germs avoid the place.

When you sit, adjust the seat's heat level and everything else using voice control.

After you're done, whisper a command and a flusher and a drier whisper to life.

No tissue. That a hand emerges from the wall with a fistful is only a myth.

Coincidentally, Dylan and Amy went on their honeymoon to Japan. Their experience account concurs with Mary’s. They found that the only problem was that people formed lengthy snake-like queues and waited cross-legged to get in.

Whatever about the wait, why can’t we have similar loos in New Ross, Gorey, Wexford, and Enniscorthy. Thousands of visitors would come just for the experience. If we did it better, they might even come from Japan to experience it. Im-

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Above left: Wexford public toilet and, above right, Tokyo public toilet. agine the money the county would make.

It reminds Atticus of the Councillors of Wexford who went on a tour of Europe without their chairman. They learned so much on the tour that when they came back to Wexford, they proposed at a Council meeting that a urinal should be built on the Quay in Wexford town. The very worldly-wise chairman suggested that while they were at it, they should build an arse-nal on the Quay too. He knew that if you are going to spend a penny you might as well spend a pound on a good long-term investment.

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Whatever Way You Take It Some years ago, the late Nicky Furlong, author, intellectual, and wit, told Atticus how he used to go for a ramble alongside the railway track, near his then home at Drinagh where the proposed

Greenway from Wexford to Rosslare Strand is expected to run sometime. On one morning, he saw something red daubed on the side of a galvanised ‘railwayman’s hut’. A railwayman’s hut was for workers on the tracks. They could store tools there and it would also be equipped with two chairs, a kettle, and cups for a tea-break.

seemed suddenly from nowhere. Their contents, about 60 or so, herded hurriedly into the old schoolroom and sat into their seats as if choreographed.

Janet Devereux, the Bean an Ti, consulted her list, introduced the 14 or so musicians arranged against the wall with accordions, guitars, drums, organ, and a flute.

He inspected the red lettering painted on the side of the hut. It said profoundly, “Wexford is the Taghmon of Europe.”

It all started as if right on cue. An evening of the most amazing talent, several All-Ireland winning musicians and celebs from here and afar, at least two from the USA, some from Dublin, some of different religions and persuasions. Here they were all the one, intent on delivering the best possible performance. A vibrant cultural tour-de-force.

Now was that, he asked himself, a double entendre of praise for Taghmon?

Or was it an undercut of a begrudger or a sleeveen, hitting out at the good and decent people of Wexford town?

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A Cultural Evening of Stories, Music and Wit in Tacumshane The roadside posters on the N25 billed it as a Story Night. Big cars and little cars swooped on the old schoolhouse beside Meyler’s pub and the old windmill at the slim, well-kept village of Tacumshane just before eight in the evening. The drinkers in Meyler’s Millhouse Bar and Restaurant talked about going.

Here were Dave Stewart, the one-time ticket master on the Rosslare to Dublin train, singer with the big booming voice, Jim Cullen, singer, and James Cooney on guitar, Seamus O’Keeffe from Mulrankin telling risky one-liners, Noeleen 

The evening was balmy and sun blessed. You could see a hint of Rostoonstown beach and the sea on the horizon.

Lady’s Island Lake was off to the left.

Nicky Furlong.

The big cars and the little cars filled the car park and the road outside coming it

Chris Hannon, Mary Rowe, and Jim Cullen.

1st May 2026 - Page 23

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Noeleen O'Neill, Janet Devereux, and David Freeman

O’Neill, who was lead singer in the Athy band Stardust, Margaret Hawkins, author, journalist with Country Living magazine and the Irish Farmers’ Journal, Dave and Val Freeman (parents of the famous Dr Ruth Freeman, director of Science Research Ireland, from the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk), Susan Ellis, Gordon and Liz Jones of Sigginstown Castle, and other important people. By the way, Noeleen O’Neill is featured on a video produced by the multi-awardwinning filmmaker Michael Benson and broadcast on YouTube via the Documenting Rosslare Harbour website.

One of the highlights of the evening was a presentation in prose, poetry, and music titled the Lake with No Voice. Six poets, among them Margaret Hawkins, do a walk around Lady’s Island and express their feelings about the Lake in poetry. They made their 20-minute presentation with pauses for the haunting sounds produced by Rory Kavanagh on the low flute, reminding us of how solemnly vital are our lakes, water, and the environment.

The Story Night or evening went on for

about three hours of tall tales, small tales, true stories, sincere and honestly heartfelt experiences, and singers and music.

Janet Devereux told how her husband Tom had an idea and she said why not.

That started the story night ten years ago and since then it’s been running on the first Friday of every month. They do not charge admission, but they run a raffle to pay for coal and tea and biscuits for patrons. They have house rules which Janet applies firmly.

Their committee comprises Janet Devereux, John and Bernadette Byrne, and Liam and Lena Wright. Kitty Griffin and Jackie Eydt run the raffle.

Later this year, they plan to have a tenth anniversary celebration. Tacumshane is steeped in talent and the Story Night there in the old schoolhouse is a monthly living personification of that.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Guilty Dilemma – “Did 93 in an 80 zone” Old Att brought the notice with the dis-

The old schoolhouse in Tacumshane.

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Susan Ellis, Liz Jones, Catherine Friend, and Rory Kavanagh.

tinctive Garda crest to the Post Office in Wexford. As he pushed it under the window there, he told the postmistress sheepishly, ”I got caught.” As though she had a premonition, she shouted, eyes lighting up before she read it, “Glenmore!” Atticus replied respectfully, “Yes. Glenmore.” She shouted through the window: “Glenmore – I’ve never had so many in all my life!”

“Insert the card and put in your pin!” she said helpfully. “It’ll be 160!” Old Att, shocked, took a deep breath as the little hand machine sucked out most of his pension for the week. She stamped the form, issued a receipt and sent it on its way. In a low voice, as if consoling him, she whispered through the window to Att: “It’s all for the Taxman – they need the money you know!”

And as if to deliberately inflict more pain, a Garda told him. “You’ll get three penalty points on your driving licence. It’ll be there for three years.

And if you get twelve penalty points, you’ll be banned from driving. Sorry we can’t square that for you anymore.”

The world-famous Windmill.

slaney news witnessing the transgressors, if it saves lives and injury to people, it will be worth it.

Footnote 1: A source said that Damien Tiernan on WLR radio found that the Glenmore camera installed by Kilkenny Council for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), catches 200 people per day and gathers possibly €12 million a year.

Beat that!

Meyler’s Millhouse Bar & Restaurant.

According to Att’s old friends, Glenmore, a part of County Kilkenny which juts onto the N25 from Wexford to Waterford city, is a ”honey trap”. Never mind the Guards with their speed guns or the White Van, the Static or Fixed highly calibrated camera there has caught hundreds of ‘speedsters’ from County Wexford. The camera transmits a perfect photograph of your car registration plate to the Garda IT system.

Furthermore, as part of Kilkenny, all the penalty point monies go to Kilkenny County Council.

One driver going from Wexford to Waterford University Hospital got caught going and got caught again coming home.

Painful though the extraction from his pension, Atticus is all for penalties for breaking the speed limit. It’s a limit, not a target. It saves lives. Speed is a factor in 30 per cent of all fatal road collisions according to the Road Safety Authority

At 60, think 50.

(RSA). He watches out for speed signs always. He sometimes gets distracted.

But this time! It was for 93 kph in an 80 kph limit. He saw the 100 in the near distance and pressed the accelerator. It was 7km too early!

His old Garda friend told him, ”You were probably putting the boot to the floor while you were emerging from the 80-kph zone into the 100 kph. Even if you emerge a millimeter before the 100, it’ll catch you. No discretion anymore.”

Footnote 2: Another source, a legal eagle, told Atticus that the Courts expunged penalty charge notices when people complained to the Gardaí about Glenmore. Check the Citizen’s Information website and the Road Safety Authority at www.rsa.ie. You just might be an exceptional case.

Footnote 3: Uplift, a new organisation, invites people to join its campaign seeking Kilkenny County Council to review the speed limit transition distance at Glenmore to change it from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. One petitioner says the signage there is nothing short of entrapment. n

Like so many others who must go from Wexford to Waterford and back, Atticus swore to himself, “Never again! He’ll become a ‘dawdler’. From now on, see 60, brake down to 50, see 80, down to 70, see 100, down to 90. Until well past the speed sign.”

The drivers behind can honk and flash all they like. As they speed smugly by, the static fixed camera or the white van or a Garda at Glenmore will be waiting for them. Apart from the gratification of

At 50, think 40.

At 80, think 70.

1st May 2026 - Page 25

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Some award winners with local public representatives.

Celebrating local achievements at Civic Awards Night The Riverside Park Hotel played host to a packed audience on 16th April as the Enniscorthy Municipal District of Wexford County Council held its annual Civic Awards Night, honouring individuals and community groups whose achievements have brought distinction to the district.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy addressed attendees, noting that Civic Awards are reserved for “significant and momentous achievements at national or international level”. She congratulated all recipients, adding that each had “made your county proud”.

District Manager Claire Lawless opened the ceremony, welcoming Minister James Browne, Deputy Johnny Mythen, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and elected members Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr. Trish Byrne, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Jackser Owens, and award recipients and their families. She highlighted the importance of recognising “outstanding achievements that enrich the life of the district”.

Master of Ceremonies Liam Sharkey guided the evening as honorees were called forward to receive their awards.

Individual Honorees received a Certificate of Recognition.

Among those recognised were: •

Emily Nolan and Jake Nolan, both multiple medal winners at the World Karate Championships and Spark International.

Award winners: Wexford Film Workshop representatives with Minister James Browne TD. Right: Jenna Fourie and Catherine Dempsey of Templeshannon Childcare Centre.

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•

Tom Byrne, Over-65 Handball Champion representing Kilmyshall Handball Club.

•

Tommy Armstrong, winner of the Over-60s B World Championship.

•

Sean Nolan, double World Handball Over-40s champion with additional international podium finishes.

•

Louise Dobbs, All-Ireland Senior Irish Dancing Champion 2025.

•

Mia Larkin Walsh and Anne Marie O’Mahony, acknowledged for their work at the Global Innovation in Sustainability Summit.

•

Dean Molloy, recipient of the Fergal Quinn Award for Education.

Honorees who received Civic Awards, a framed bronze plaque of the Enniscorthy town crest, were also celebrated, including:

L-R: Lisa Moore and Barbara Nolan (Enniscorthy Municipal District), Claire Lawless (District Manager), Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr Trish Byrne, Cllr Aidan Browne.

•

Wexford Film Workshop, winners of 17 international film festival awards.

•

Reach Ability, marking its 50th anniversary.

•

Templeshannon Childcare Centre, celebrating 50 years of service.

•

FDYS, commemorating 60 years supporting young people and communities.

•

Sean Óg Doyle, honoured for 30 years of service to Enniscorthy Tidy Towns and a lifetime of civic contribution.

Closing the event, Liam Sharkey congratulated all recipients and thanked the community for its continued support and the staff of Enniscorthy Municipal District for organising the fantastic event.

•

Davidstown Courtnacuddy GAA, 2025 Leinster Junior Club Hurling Champions.

Awardees and elected members then gathered for official photographs to conclude the evening. n

Award recipient Sean Óg Doyle, seated in centre, surrounded by family and local public representatives Johnny Mythen TD and Cllr Trish Byrne. Right: MC Liam Sharkey.

1st May 2026 - Page 27

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Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Kayak of the Slaney

HAVING FUN WHILE MAKING A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR TOWN: The Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Kayak Cleanup of the River Slaney took place on 19th April. The ‘fruits’ of their labour included: 63 bags of rubbish, 1 wheelie bin, 3 chairs, 1 pallet, 1 baby chair, 1 baby cot, 1 bicycle, 1 motorcycle helmet, 1 barrel, 20

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buckets, 9 oil/liquid drums, 1 toy tractor, 3 tyres, several soccer balls, 1 small scooter, 1 broken guitar, and lots of everything else!

It was all good 'clean' fun with welcome refreshments served after the event.

Thank you to all who participated in this selfless endeavour. n

slaney news

k Cleanup

What a day and what a haul!!

Thanks to GoPaddle.ie, Edermine Ferry Rowing Club, Slaney Search & Rescue, the Local Authority Waters Programme, and all the wonderful volunteers who particpated and helped on the day.

Some photos courtesy of Fionn Ennis. n

1st May 2026 - Page 29

slaney slaneynews ad L-R: Landowner Phonsey Keogh, Peter O’Connor (Wexford Walking Trails), Tom Bermingham (Wexford Local Development), Georgina Gaul (Wexford Local Development), Dervla Tierney (Wexford Local Development), Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Aidan Browne, Claire Lawless (Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager), Brian Kehoe (Wexford Local Development).

Hugely improved access to Ringwood Trail Wexford Local Development was delighted to collaborate with the Enniscorthy Community Alliance on a successful application to the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht for grant aid through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). The grant, approved in August 2025, provided funding to resurface Ringwood Lane at St John’s, outside Enniscorthy, significantly improving access to the popular Ringwood Forest Trail.

The project was administered by Georgina Gaul, Rural Recreation Officer at Wexford Local Development, and supported by Wexford County Council’s Enniscorthy Municipal District which provided €4,500 towards the cost, demonstrating a strong partnership approach and a real team effort at local level.

The works carried out at Ringwood Lane form part of a series of planned steps aimed at linking key pieces of outdoor recreational infrastructure, offering users greater opportunity, improved connectivity, and enhanced access across the wider area.

Outdoor recreation plays a vital role in supporting health and wellbeing, and projects such as this improve accessibility for everyone to enjoy time outdoors in a beautiful, unspoilt natural environment. By connecting with nature, we all become custodians of our natural surroundings — spending time outdoors truly is a win for all.

Crucially, the Ringwood project would not have been possible without the ongoing support of local landowners, Mary Keogh and Phonsey Keogh of St John’s, who kindly gave permission for their lane to be used as access to the trail. The Slaney News was delighted to visit sprightly 95-year-old Mary in her nearby bungalow and wander through her garden admiring the bluebells for which Ringwood is well known. Mary is a trained chef and confectioner and bungalow was one of the first B&B’s in Co. Wexford, and once featured in the Bridgestone Guide top 100 places to stay in Ireland. n

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L-R: Landowner Mary Keogh with Wexford Local Development’s Georgina Gaul.

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Above: Wexford Local Development representatives L-R: Cllr Aidan Browne, Tom Bermingham, Georgina Gaul, Dervla Tierney, Brian Kehoe. Right: Some of the bluebells in Mary Keogh’s garden which are synonymous with Ringwood. Below left: L-R: Peter O’Connor (Wexford Walking Trails), landowner Phonsey Keogh, Georgina Gaul (Wexford Local Development). Below right: Enniscorthy Municipal District represented by Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr John O’Rourke, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless. Bottom: The full group at the entrance to the trail.

1st May 2026 - Page 31

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Symbolising hope, helping suicide prevention Enniscorthy Darkness Into Light 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 9th, 2026.

Participants will leave McCauley Park (Rapparees/Starlights GAA Bellefield) at 4.15am.

This inspiring event symbolises hope, as communities come together to help prevent suicide.

All welcome. Check out: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088855197125 Darkness Into Light will also take place in Bunclody. Keep up to date with that event: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567973352561 Several other DIL events will take place that morning in other parts of the county. n

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers doing a recent Spring Clean of the town Page 32 - 1st May 2026

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Stalled repair work on Esmonde Road due to be carried out now The wretched state of the road surface on the Esmonde Road in Enniscorthy was brought up at the March meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) with Cllr Jackser Owens saying that one pothole in particular was at least a metre wide.

Agreeing with Cllr Owens, the EMD Roads Engineer stated that ‘it’s not fair’ what residents have to put up with. He said that he has tried to have repair work done there but the crews were intimidated by one or more individuals and didn’t feel safe. He said also that cones and other items had gone ‘missing’ there.

The engineer reassured that meeting that he would be doing ‘some work in the background’ to try to ensure the repair work could be done in safety. The April meeting of EMD was told that work was due to be carried out around the end of that month.

We’ll carry any updates on our Slaney News Facebook page. n

Enniscorthy flood relief update While Enniscorthy’s long-promised Flood Relief Scheme is still in the planning phase, a number of practical, interim measure have been promised by Wexford Co. Council, these measures were outlined at a Special Meeting of Wexford Co. Council on 9th February 2026, where Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe outlined the extent of the recent flooding stating that at its peak 300,000 litres of river water was passing through Enniscorthy every second!

Mr Taaffe at that meeting was confident that the government, through the OPW, would provide the necessary funding for the following Interim Measures, which may not fully stop any future flooding episodes but should at least help reduce the impact: •

• • • • • •

A sandbag wall behind properties on the Island Road which will remain in place for the indefinite future (this has been done).

An aquadam will be employed on Shannon Quay.

An earth bank will be constructed to protect the Waterfront Pool & Leisure Centre.

The wall on Abbey Quay, which dips at its centre, will be raised by 300mm.

Demountable barriers will be installed at the two pedestrian access points on Abbey Quay.

Sump and pump systems will be purchased and installed on Shannon Quay and Abbey Quay.

An aquadam will be utilised on The Prom.

•

Council engineers will work with affected homeowners around individual house barriers.

*

Electronic warning signs are being considered for the Quays which will show the status of the river and display any warnings.

In addition to Enniscorthy, there will be interim measures also for Wexford town, Bunclody (where 14 houses and four businesses were flooded) and Bridgetown.

On 30th April, just before we went to press, it was announced that approval has been received for €2.6m for Wexford County Council to proceed with their interim flood protection measures.

Preparatory work for these measures, such as gathering information, has started and the measures themselves are due to begin this summer and be completed by year end.

Regarding the Flood Relief project itself, design on the two bridges (new pedestrian bridge to replace the Seamus Rafter bridge, and the new vehicle bridge just south of the Seamus Rafter bridge) is continuing to advance. This is Phase 1. Sean Meyler of Wexford Co. Council’s Special Projects Office has said that all options will be looked at for Phase 2 which could include higher glass walls than the 1.6m originally planned, dredging, and holding back water levels further up the Slaney valley. Or a combination of these and other measures. Nothing is being ruled out.

The procurement of consultants for Phase 2 is underway. n

1st May 2026 - Page 33

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Left: Reach Ability CEO Trevor Jacob with Jacqui Murphy (Day and Residential Services Manager).

Above: Tom Coleman with Fran O’Hagan and Bridget Kearns. Right: Maureen O’Dwyer (former CEO) with Trevor Jacob. Below: Back row L-R: Des Wheelock, Margaret Mahon, Bridget Kearns, Fran O’Hagan, Jacqui Murphy, Trevor Jabob, Elma White, Tom Coleman.

Front L-R: David Wrafter, Annette Fenlon, Maureen O’Dwyer, Larry Parle, Jan Mahon.

Recognising 50 years of service Reach Ability was honoured to attend the recent Civic Awards evening held in the beautiful setting of the Riverside Park Hotel on 16th April 2026 – an event that celebrated the dedication, commitment, and contributions of individuals and organisations within the community.

Reach Ability was proudly presented with a Civic Award in recognition of 50 years of service to the community. This milestone represents five decades of supporting individuals, empowering communities, and fostering inclusion. Values that remain at the heart of everything Reach Ability does.

The event was opened by Enniscorthy District Manager Claire Lawless and the Reach Ability award was presented by the

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Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, whose kind words highlighted the impact and legacy of Reach Ability across the region.

Her recognition of Reach Ability’s journey and achievements made the moment all the more meaningful.

staff. Trevor Jacob and David Wrafter had the honour of accepting the award on behalf of the organisation. Their presence reflected the collective efforts of all the staff, service users, families, volunteers, and supporters who have played a vital role in shaping Reach Ability over the past 50 years.

Distinguished guests at the event included Minister James Browne TD, Johnny Mythen TD, Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, as well as Cllrs Aidan Browne, Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke, and Trish Byrne.

This recognition is not just a celebration of Reach Ability’s history, but also an encouragement as it looks to the future committed to continuing its work, supporting those it serves, and building a more inclusive community for all.

Representing Reach Ability on the night were CEO Trevor Jacob, Chairman David Wrafter, Jacqui Murphy (Day and Residential Services Manager), Jan Mahon, Maureen O’Dwyer (former CEO), and

Reach Ability is very grateful to Enniscorthy Municipal District Council for this honour, and to everyone who has been part of the journey, and extends a huge ‘thank you’ to all its staff. It now looks forward to the next chapter. n

slaney news

A monthly update from GreenTechHQ Selling @ Scale for Ambitious SMEs You've proven you can win customers.

Now it's time to build a sales engine that can match your ambition.

Many SMEs find that deals are hardwon, forecasts remain uncertain, and growth feels harder than it should. The difference often comes down to moving from founder-led or ad-hoc sales to a value driven, scalable, repeatable sales process.

The 'Business of Wexford Food' is a series of events co-presented by GreenTechHQ and Wexford Food Producers Network, in association with Wexford County Council and Local Enterprise Office Wexford.

The 'Business of Wexford Food' series covers a broad range of topics designed to support, educate, and inspire Wexford's Food, Drink, Primary Production, and AgriFood sectors. This series is also suitable for new and emerging Artisan Food Producers, Food Business owners, including Restaurants, Cafes, Food Retail, and Chefs.

Join us for the launch of the UCC Diploma in Speciality & Artisan Food Enterprises.

Agenda: 6.00pm Arrival and Registration 6.30pm Start – Welcome Greeting

by GreenTechHQ.

Panel:

Michael Murphy, Executive Business Coach & Agri Food Consultant.

Ciaran McGann, Head of Manufacturing, Food & Fisheries Sector, AIB. Tracie Daly, Food Business Coach, Innovator & Award Winning Entrepreneur.

Launch of UCC Diploma in Speciality & Artisan Food Enterprises.

8.00pm 'Meet and Mingle in the Food Studio'. Come and meet your colleagues in Wexford Food!

Refreshments by Trudies Kitchen.

Attendance is free. Limited availablility so we advise to book early to avoid disappointment.

Please register your free space here: https://www.greentechhq.com/eventdetails/business-of-wexford-food/form

This interactive workshop will give you the frameworks and practical tools to start building the systems and structure that drive scalable, repeatable growth.

Scalable Sales Growth Workshop: Duration: 4.5 hours. Format: Interactive workshop with practical exercises and peer discussion.

Who should attend: Designed for ambitious Founders, Owner-Managers, and Sales Leads in B2B SMEs who are ready to transition from ad-hoc selling to a structured sales engine. Whether you are assessing your current setup, building from scratch, hiring, outsourcing, or optimising a small team, this session is for those willing to back their growth ambition with the right strategy and infrastructure.

You'll leave with: A complete roadmap to make "Selling @ Scale" possible, including practical tools, clear frameworks, and an immediate action plan to build or optimise your sales system. https://www.greentechhq.com/eventdetails/selling-scale-for-ambitious-smes

GreenTechHQ, Enniscorthy Technology Park, Y21 A9K8, (086) 1914804, info@greentechhq.com, https://greentechhq.com

1st May 2026 - Page 35

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The car park.

Wexford General Hospital news...

The first part of the new multistorey car park at Wexford General Hospital (WGH) is now open for use by staff, visitors, and service users. When fully operational over the next few weeks, the 11,624 square metre multistorey car park will provide for 356 cars over seven split levels and four stories.

The multistorey car park will replace the main car park on the Newtown Road side of the hospital. Parking charges will be the same as the current rate on site at WGH. The main hospital car park will be reducing in size and capacity in preparation for the new road layout and the commencement of the Somerton Wing build.

Arrangements remain in place on site at WGH for those with disabilities and to facilitate temporary set-down.

A tender process for the construction of the Somerton Wing (the footprint of which will cover the existing main car

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parking area of WGH) is nearing completion. An Autumn 2026 start date, followed by a 28-month construction programme is anticipated regarding this development. The Somerton Wing will consist of six storeys and its accommodation will comprise inpatient wards with 97 single occupancy en-suite bedrooms. This will offer many advantages in relation to patient care, comfort, dignity and infection control.

The planned Somerton Wing.

Accommodation in the new 9,300m2 Somerton Wing will be arranged around two landscaped courtyards.

Ancillary accommodation at each ward will include staff base, utilities, meeting room, stores and visitor rooms.

New staff-changing facilities, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy rooms will also be provided at lower ground floor level. n

slaney news

A bird’s eye view!

Great aerial shots by Fionn Ennis at the recent Enniscorthy Tidy Towns kayak cleanup of the Slaney at Edermine, Enniscorthy.

Supporting Bygone Days Joan Kavanagh and friends are supporting Bygone Days story house in Oulart by holding a Tractor and Car Run on Sunday 31st May starting at 12 noon from the Ballagh Community Centre car park. Registration will be at 11am and the organisers are looking for as many as possible to go along with their tractors or cars.

Bygone Days story house in Oulart.

Also later that day at 4pm there will be a sponsored 5km walk/run leaving from the Ballagh Community Centre. This is a family fun event, with sponsorship cards available from Bygone Days at 087 2114157 or from Joan herself.

Your support for these two events would be much appreciated. n

1st May 2026 - Page 37

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Shopfront grants available GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR ENNISCORTHY DISTRICT SHOPFRONTS...

Enniscorthy Municipal District is continuing to enhance and improve the image of Enniscorthy by once again launching its Shopfront, Painting, and Awning Grant Scheme for 2026.

The scheme will assist Business Owners / Operators to carry out works which will improve the exterior appearance of their business premises.

Applications are invited from commercial properties in the following locations: Ballindaggin, Bree, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Ferns, and Kiltealy.

Shopfront Painting Grant Scheme Max Grant €300.* Shopfront Awning Grant Scheme Max Grant €500.

Full details and application forms are available at the link below OR from the Enniscorthy Municipal District office.

*Applications will also be considered for painting of residential premises above shops in Enniscorthy, Bunclody and Ferns.

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/news/20 26/04/21/enniscorthy-municipal-district-shopfront-improvement-grants2026

Completed Application Forms must be submitted by Friday 15th May 2026 to: Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

OR By email: emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie n

Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme Enniscorthy Municipal District continues to progress the Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme, which supports enhanced landscaping and maintenance of key roundabouts through partnership with local businesses and organisations. The scheme provides both a public realm benefit and a promotional opportunity for participating sponsors.

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Following the recent call for expressions of interest, prospective sponsors are being contacted, and sponsorship contracts are currently being prepared to be issued to successful applicants. All contracts are expected to be signed in the coming weeks, allowing works to commence later this year. n

slaney news

Hard to believe!

L-R: Councillors Lisa McDonald, Vicky Barron, Aoife Rose O’Brien, Barbara-Anne Murphy (Chairperson of Wexford Women Together), Bridin Murphy, Patricia Byrne, Catherine Walsh, and Mary Farrell.

Wexford County Council has 34 Councillors, so you might reasonably expect half of them (17) to be women but actually, since 1925, there have only been 17 women Councillors in total in those 101 years!!!

'Wexford Women Together' and 'See Her Elected' are all about increasing participation and diversity in local government.

On Friday 24th April, 'Wexford Women Together' hosted an event facilitated by 'See Her Elected' to promote participation and diversity in local government.

male colleagues. Gender parity is what we seek, representative of the society that elects us. International research shows that having more women leaders involved in the decision-making process, makes for more equal, inclusive, fair, and caring societies as they bring to the fore issues and challenges previously perceived as nonpriorities such as childcare, community facilities, community development, and gender-based violence.”

Dr. Michelle Maher from See Her Elected praised Wexford Women Together for organising such a relevant and timely event.

“Although the next local elections aren’t until 2029, by encouraging women to think from now on about being in local government gives them time to start planning and learn how to run.”

She added that, “It’s important that we all know how our councils work and the different ways we can all get involved in decision-making – from responding to calls for submissions, to the opportunities for community and voluntary groups to contribute to council policy through Wexford’s Public Participation Network.” n

The event was held in the Council Chamber of Wexford County Council and offered women information on how to get involved in local politics and explain what the working life of an elected representative involves.

Wexford Women Together are very aware that only 26% of current councillors in Ireland are women and there is a major difficulty with an under representation of women in local politics in rural Ireland. For example, there are only eight women out of 34 councillors on Wexford County Council which is 23.5%.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chairperson of the Wexford Women Together group, explains that, “As female elected members, we are not seeking to outnumber our

1st May 2026 - Page 39

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Enniscorthy snippets...

VINEGAR HILL New seating has been installed as have new panels detailing the experience of the battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798 in both Irish and English. Parking and access improvements to Vinegar Hill are being investigated by Wexford Co. Council (WCC). €40,000 in government grant funding has been awarded to Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) for signage and laneway improvements.

The Enniscorthy East Community Development Association believes it has identified a site that could be used to allow access to the Hill for buses etc, and could potentially house a new welcome centre/ coffee shop/toilets, etc and have contacted EMD officials about it.

ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY WELLBEING & ACTIVITY GARDEN This new green space is a vibrant community hub that is safe, accessible and welcoming to all. Some months ago, a new walking route around St. John’s Community Hospital campus was officially opened.

ENNISCORTHY TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION PROJECTS Market Square Project: The Part 8 process for the Market Square project was concluded on 9th Sept. 2024, with the Council approving the scheme with amendments to address matters raised during the public consultation process.

Everything is in order for upcoming grant funding call.

Castle Quarter Project: A ‘Part 8’ planning process for the Castle Quarter project was launched on 11th February 2026. An application for Ministerial Consents for the project, given its proximity to a National Monument, has been successfully obtained. The Castle nightclub has been acquired and discussions are ongoing with other landowners to acquire further lands required for the project. Consultants for detailed design, procurement and works supervision will be procured in tandem with consultants for the Templeshannon scheme. Consultants will be procured using a two-stage process. Stage 1, invitation to pre-qualify, was due to be advertised in April 2026.

Templeshannon Regeneration Project: ODKM Architects have been appointed to undertake concept masterplanning design services for the Templeshannon Regeneration Project. Consultants for preliminary design, planning, detailed design, procurement and works supervision will be procured in tandem with consultants for the Market Square scheme. A consultant framework agreement is to be established on foot of this contract award for use in future Public Realm projects. Consultants will be procured using a two-stage process. Stage 1, invitation to pre-qualify, will be advertised in April 2026 The three projects above will be put forward for grant funding under the current Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund Round 1 call.

ENNISCORTHY CCTV A total of 22 CCTV cameras are being installed at different locations within Enniscorthy Town. The ESB still have two new connections to finalise. Al Read Electrical and Educom are waiting for the ESB to complete their works so that they both can go back on site to finish out. The formal approval for use of the Garda Mast is still awaited.

Bunclody CCTV Project: The CCTV civil works have been completed with all four CCTV poles installed. Al Read Electrical is due on site around now to commence the electrical works. Once completed, the ESB will be on site to set up the new connections.

ENNISCORTHY SPORTS HUB A contractor, Kevin Thorpe Ltd, is now working on the second phase (sports equipment storage area, open space area, changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a small office) of the Sports Hub. The project should be complete by this coming September. The second phase has been made possible through investment of €450,000 by The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Wexford Co. Council providing funding of €150,000.

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 on the preferred option for Phase 1 took place late last year. An application for planning approval for Phase 1 is to be submitted in Q3 2026. Refinement of the design of the proposed pedestrian bridge is being carried out to enhance the structure visually. Traffic modelling is being carried for the revised road layouts and traffic management following the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and the provision of the new Road Bridge.

Phase 2 – Flood Relief Works. This phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for the town. The next steps are: Assess alternative design options in detail and shortlist these for consultation. Identify the preferred scheme to be brought forward for planning. Decide the appropriate planning route. Prepare planning documents and submit for planning approval. The advertisement for procurement of consultants for Phase 2 went live on Etenders at the end of February. The closing date for receipt of suitability assessment submissions was the 17th of April 2026. Preparations are ongoing for submission of the MAC (Maratime Area Consent) application to MARA for the new road bridge, scheduled for Q2 2026.

The Scheme has a total approved budget of €51m approx. On completion, it is expected to protect 326 properties – 159 homes and 167 businesses.

BUNCLODY PARK A Bord Pleanála application was approved with conditions at the end of February. WCC Property Section has signed contracts with the landowner to acquire lands for this project.

PAIRC NA GABHAR BUNCLODY Part 8 Planning Permission was granted on 13th April 2026. The project will progress when funding is sourced.

RAFTER STREET PEDESTRIANISATION EMD is now strictly enforcing the pedestrianisation. New signage has been erected stating current byelaw times – between 10.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. The possibility of extending the pedestrianisation hours to cover Saturdays and Sundays will be looked at.

LIBRARIES Under WCC’s three-year capital programme (2026-2028), €4.5m will go towards a new library in Enniscorthy, and €3.1m for Bunclody Library.

ALL-WEATHER ASTRO PITCH, ROSS ROAD A Part 8 pre-planning application for changing rooms for the Astro Pitch has been submitted to Planning. Documents are being prepared to submit application for a Sports Capital Grant. To contact the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com, tel: 087 4132843.

ENNISCORTHY TRAILS Works are ongoing on design and planning to extend the existing town trails network to link to the Ringwood and Borodale trails.

COLUMBARIUM WALL Work on the new Columbarium Wall in Enniscorthy Lawn Cemetery is due to commence within a matter of weeks.

RINGWOOD Full resurfacing of the entrance lane to Ringwood has been completed.

BALLYHOGUE COMMUNITY HUB The project has an expected completion date of June 2027.

ENNISCORTHY NORTH BUSINESS DISTRICT (Old Dublin Road) Some works have been carried out in recent years on the Enniscorthy North Business District where over 2,000 people currently work. Further funding is required for the active travel elements of the masterplan for the area.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS €200,000 has been secured for pedestrian crossings and traffic calming outside the Enniscorthy Community College on the Milehouse Road. This also includes funding for traffic calming from Forgelands into Bellefield Road past Lidl and Aldi.

MURPHY FLOODS SITE This newly opened carpark adds 37 carparking spaces for the town. The site is valued at €280,000. Wexford Co. Council is committed to the long-term development of the site on a commercial basis; and so it will be placed on the open market at some stage in the future.

BLACKSTAIRS Wexford Co. Council has been awarded almost €50,000 to fund a feasibility study for a walking and cycling trail connecting Bunclody, Kiltealy, Killanne, Templeduigan and Ballywilliam.

TURRET ROCKS A Part 8 Planning Application is being prepared for the overall plan. The Playground project is at design stage and will be funded by Wexford Co. Council itself. Design and costings have been received for the Skatepark for which an application is being prepared for a Sports Capital grant this year.

ENNISCORTHY FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME The Scheme is now proceeding on a phased basis.

Page 40 - 1st May 2026

ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK PHASE 2 Tobin Consulting Engineers were appointed to provide technical consultancy services for this project to service upper sites at ETP. Site investigations are complete, and design work is near completion. The works tender has been advertised, with tenders due in late last month.

ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK – IDA ADVANCE FACTORY A planning application for a proposed advance factory building in Enniscorthy Technology Park has been approved. n

slaney news

Permission sought for 97 houses Permission is being sought by Nigel Clarke Developments to construct a 97-unit housing scheme near Vinegar Hill.

The development at Clonhaston would consist of the following: A) 5 no. 4-bedroom detached three-storey dwelling units, B) 14 no. 4-bedroom semi detached two-storey dwelling units, C) 26 no. 3-bedroom semi detached two-storey dwelling units, D) 43 no. 3-bedroom terraced two-storey dwelling units, E) 9 no. 2-bedroom terraced two-storey dwelling units

And all ancillary works and services consisting of the following: F) Public open spaces with hard and soft landscaping including the preservation of all relevant archaeological findings on site, G) Electrical vehicle charging points, H) Inter-site boundary fencings, treatments and wall construction, I) General boundary treatments, J) Connection to all existing public services and utilities, K) Surface water drainage and attenuation systems including natural systems and L) All ancillary works. n

Gaslighting vulnerable families?

Wicklow-Wexford TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin is encouraging local families refused service by CAHMS Wexford to appeal that decision.

use of waiting lists is masking the exclusion.

“I have been contacted regularly by local parents whose families are suffering greatly due to the lack of state care provided to them. These families have had one thing in common – a child diagnosed with ADHD. They consistently report that Wexford CAHMS refuse referrals for children diagnosed with ADHD but according to the HSE they should not be refused.”

“Some parents have attended A&E on a regular basis with suicidal teenagers, others have faced months of school refusal... The bottom line is that this level of exclusion is not acceptable and CAHMS are the body wholly responsible.

They have given me a commitment that young people with ADHD can receive service in Co. Wexford and I will hold them to this commitment for the local families who ask for my support.”

“While the response I received states that names are ‘put on a waiting list,’ parents report that referrals for ADHD are screened out at triage and never reach a waiting list at all. The

“If any family in North Wexford has been affected by a CAHMS refusal they can contact me on fionntan.osuilleabhain@oireachtas.ie for appeals support.” n

1st May 2026 - Page 41

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Community safety – public meetings Wexford Local Community Safety Partnership is organising six public meetings throughout the county on community safety issues. The meetings in Bunclody and Gorey have already taken place, with four more (New Ross, Enniscorthy, Wexford town, and Rosslare) to take place in May. This is to assist in the development of priorities for the county’s three-year Local Community Safety Plan.

Please go along to the meetings in your area and have your say on road safety, improved services, safe spaces, community initiatives, anti-social behaviour and drugs, etc.

Spaces are limited so please register your attendance at the booking link below: https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/en/content/community-safety-meeting-booking-form n

Community Safety Fund 2026 The Community Safety Fund 2026 is now open. It is being managed by the National Office for Community Safety, Dept of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

Grants range between €20,000 – €150,000.

Applications are invited from community safety initiatives as well as groups co-funded with local authorities, NGOs, and community organisations working on issues relevant to community safety and youth justice.

Applications may be submitted by individual organisations, or by a consortium involving two or more organisations where the lead partner is a community organisation, not-for-profit, social enterprise or similar with a remit relevant to community safety and/or youth justice.

Page 42 - 1st May 2026

Applications with innovative approaches will be afforded particular consideration.

Completed application forms must be returned by 5pm on 18 May 2026 to CommunitySafetyFund@justice.ie More information on Community Safety can be found at: www.gov.ie/communitysafety.

Supporting documentation, including the Application Form and Guidance Document, are available at link below.

Information on the previous allocation from last year’s Fund, by successful project and county, may also be found at the link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justicehome-affairs-and-migration/collections/communitysafety-fund/ n

slaney news

60 years of community service On 16th April 2026, FDYS (Ferns Diocesan Youth Service) was granted a Civic Award by Enniscorthy Municipal District for its 60 years of outstanding work – playing a vital role in supporting young people and communities, evolving in response to changing social needs while remaining rooted in its core values of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity.

From its early beginnings, FDYS focused on providing safe spaces for young people to connect, learn, and grow. Over time, its services expanded to include targeted youth work, education support, family services, and community development initiatives.

FDYS has consistently demonstrated innovation, developing programmes that address issues such as youth unemployment, mental health, early school leaving, and social disadvantage.

Through strong partnerships with schools, families, and local organisations, it has created pathways for young people to achieve their potential and actively participate in society.

Above: The FDYS Enniscorthy Youth and Community Team.

Below: FDYS representatives at the Civic Awards night in Enniscorthy.

A key achievement has been its commitment to reaching the most marginalised, ensuring that no young person is left behind. Its work has empowered thousands to build confidence, develop skills, and pursue education, training, and employment opportunities.

As FDYS marks six decades of impact, it stands as a trusted and respected organisation, continuing to adapt and lead in youth services while shaping brighter futures for generations to come.

For more, see https://fdys.ie/enniscorthy/ n

1st May 2026 - Page 43

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A regular feature by the team at Enniscorthy East Community Development Follow on Facebook: ‘Enniscorthy East Community Development’

Wexford Local Development (WLD) hosted an interesting PhotoVoice evening in Templeshannon Community Centre, Enniscorthy, on 25th March.

PhotoVoice is a participatory method that uses people’s own photography and group discussion to explore people’s lived experiences.

Participants are encouraged to take photos in the Templeshannon area and share them to show what matters to them, highlight everyday realities that may not emerge otherwise, and reflect collectively with others in a supportive environment.

This event is intended to help build a more equitable, inclusive, and connected Templeshannon.

The photos and information gathered will be used to highlight local strengths, gaps, and challenges, and support advocacy for the development of community services.

The Slaney News attended the first session on 25th March, and the excitement was palpable among the enthusiastic attendees.

It is hoped that the photos collected will be used also to produce a book – something similar was done in Bunclody recently. The photos themselves can’t include people’s faces or anything else that could identify individuals.

The event was organised by ever-busy Julie Grant of WLD and was expertly facilitated by Dublin sociologist Maria Quinlan.

Julie Grant of WLD and sociologist Maria Quinlan.

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We look forward to seeing the fruits of this innovative project. n

Keep up to date with what’s happening Eastside: Enniscorthy East Community Development Association Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity Eastside Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/320813591438762 Templeshannon Childcare Centre: https://www.facebook.com/templeshannonchildcarecentre Templeshannon Community Centre: ]https://www.facebook.com/TempleshannonCommunityCentre Enniscorthy Community Alliance Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthycommunityalliance n

slaney news

Some of the many activities at Templeshannon Community Centre

1st May 2026 - Page 45

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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.

A monthly column

sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com www.sustainableenniscorthy.com

This month Sustainable Enniscorthy welcomes guest contributor Kerem Asfuroglu, lighting designer, on the topic of Light Pollution.

Socioeconomic

Light pollution costs Ireland an estimated €500,000 each year in wasted energy, whilst also harming human health, wildlife, and the environment. Globally, lighting accounts for nearly 20% of electricity consumption and around 6% of carbon dioxide emissions. In Ireland, about 30% of this power usage is wasted due to inefficient lighting which ends up illuminating the night sky.

Ecological

Contact us to get involved!

Physiological

The impacts of artificial light at night can be summarised in four main aspects: Socioeconomic: Inefficient lighting wastes money, energy, and generates unnecessary carbon emissions. It also degrades the quality of life by reducing visibility, creating glare, and making outdoor spaces feel harsh and unwelcoming at night.

Ecological: Artificial light at night disrupts

Cultural

melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. This disruption can negatively affect sleep quality, overall health, and long-term well-being.

Cultural: Light pollution obscures our view of the night sky, depriving us of access to the stars – one of humanity's oldest and most universal connections to the natural world. It also normalises excessive and poorly designed lighting, leading us to accept degraded night-time environments as the standard rather than the exception.

There are simple ways to eliminate light pollution: use warm colour temperature, shine it downwards, dim it or switch it off when you don't need it. It's about having the right light, at the right time, in the right place.

Light pollution is the brightening of the night sky caused by excessive or poorly designed artificial lighting. It disrupts the natural biological clocks of humans, animals, and plants, and it severely limits our ability to observe stars, planets, and other celestial objects. In short, light pollution is artificial light that is excessive, intrusive, harmful, and ultimately wasteful.

the natural circadian rhythms of plants and animals. It interferes with essential behaviours such as foraging, reproduction, migration, and pollination, contributing to the decline of many species and the imbalance of ecosystems.

Physiological: Exposure to artificial blue light at night suppresses the production of

Light pollution is the easiest form of pollution to tackle. You remove it and it's simply gone. Responsible lighting immediately restores the view of the natural night sky, reduces energy waste and protects the environment.

The night sky is our oldest heritage which inspired art, science, philosophy, literature and religion. It takes starlight hundreds to millions of years to reach us. It would be such a shame to lose it at the last millisecond of its journey.

– Kerem Asfuroglu, Founder of Dark Source, an environmentally sustainable lighting design practice based in Gorey.

Useful Links: https://www.dark-source.com/ https://www.darksky.ie/ https://www.darksky.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSI-EnvironmentallyFriendly-Lighting-Guide-4.pdf

St Patrick’s Church Lighting Project, Co. Mayo. Before and after comparison.

Page 46 - 1st May 2026

https://youtu.be/ubmRutaF1hM n

slaney news

Housing Agency conference

Letter to the editor As someone who navigates the ups and downs of life with inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, I can tell you that it is not something that you can do on your own.

It impacts home life, work life, social life, and every other aspect of daily life.

Perhaps more commonly known as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, there are approximately 50,000 people like me living with the condition across Ireland.

The impact of IBD radiates outward, easily touching ten or more people through shared daily life – parents, siblings, partners, friends, and colleagues.

Minister of State Kieran O’Donnell addressed 500 delegates at The Housing Agency’s Housing Practitioners’ Conference 2026 which was held in Wexford from April 23-24th. Minister O’Donnell is working at the intersection of older people and housing and following his address took part in a panel session that discussed specialist housing and housing for older people.

L-R: Eddie Taaffe, CEO, Wexford County Council, Carol Tancock, Housing Agency Chairperson, Minister Kieran O’Donnell, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services for Housing, Wexford County Council, Martin Whelan, Housing Agency CEO. Photo: Damien Eagers.

The Housing Agency held its annual Housing Practitioners’ Conference at Whites of Wexford last month, April 23rd and 24th.

Some 500 housing practitioners from around the country travelled to Wexford for the two-day conference which was opened by Minister for Housing James Browne TD and was MC’d by former RTÉ broadcaster Bryan Dobson. Minister of State Kieran O’Donnell addressed delegates on the second day.

The theme of the conference was ‘Working Together to Deliver Ireland’s Housing Ambition’ and delegates were drawn from local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and state bodies. n

That’s why I’m hoping that this World IBD Day on May 19 will be the start of something very special.

It Takes a Village is a new campaign being initiated by Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland that aims to show how communities all over Ireland can show their support for people with IBD. We have published a new hands-on guide with information on IBD, busting myths, and offering lots of tips and advice on how to be a great ally.

We will have a free webinar on the day which promises to be essential viewing for all those who would like to be there for the person with IBD in their lives.

We are also urging businesses to pledge their support for our community and adopt the Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland "No Wait" card, in allowing discreet no-questionsasked bathroom access.

To access the new guide, register for the free webinar, and for businesses to pledge their backing, visit www.crohnscolitis.ie/ItTakesAVillage Whether it’s offering a shoulder to lean on, help with the shopping, or being flexible with working arrangements, each of us taking just one practical step would make the world of difference to people with IBD. Your sincerely

L-R: Bryan Dobson, former RTÉ broadcaster, Martin Whelan, Housing Agency CEO, Carol Tancock, Housing Agency Chairperson, James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Photo: Damien Eagers.

Victoria Spillane Chief Operating Officer Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland Carmichael Centre North Brunswick Street Dublin 7 n

1st May 2026 - Page 47

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

And many more items at wholesale prices

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Page 48 - 1st May 2026

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Useful training for social enterprises Join Wexford Local Development’s upcoming training designed especially for members of the County Wexford Social Enterprise Network.

Learn how to access and make the most of CSO and Pobal statistics to strengthen your work and decision-making.

Date: Friday, 8th May 2026 Time: 9:30am – 1:00pm Venue: 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy Discover how to: • Access key data sources • Analyse trends over time • Compare your area locally and nationally • Clearly demonstrate your organisation’s needs Booking is essential – contact Helena Dempsey on 087 1737502 or email hldempsey@wld.ie Don’t miss this opportunity to build your data skills and enhance your impact! n

Amnesty Wexford – defending human rights Founded in the 1990s, Amnesty International Wexford Group is one of eight Amnesty groups around Ireland contributing to that organisation’s tireless work in defending human rights all over the world.

This friendly and energetic group of local people holds monthly meetings at 6.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month in the lobby/coffee dock in Whites of Wexford hotel. They raise local awareness about human rights, organise events and stalls and film nights, fundraise, and campaign by letter-writing and lobbying.

ceasefires by the Israeli government, the group has resumed its presence on the first Thursday of each month in Redmond Square between 6.30pm and 7pm. The next gathering will be on Thursday 7th May. The group invites all to attend, “It would be great if you could join us to express solidarity with the Palestinian people who are suffering so much.”

They held their annual Picnic Against Apartheid in Redmond Park on 13th July. And a very successful Art Exhibition and Sale fundraiser in recent months.

Amnesty International's founder Peter Benenson once said, "Only when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will our work be done."

Due to the ongoing violence towards the Palestinian people, the daily killings, the restrictions on aid leading to hunger, the destruction of UNRWA buildings, and the blatant disregard for

Amnesty International Wexford Group is always keen to have new people join the group so please message them through their Facebook or Instagram pages. n

1st May 2026 - Page 49

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Farming finance, simplified Enniscorthy Credit Union and Altura Credit Union came together to mark National Cultivate Week (20th to 26th April 2026) with a focused initiative aimed at supporting the financial needs of local farmers. While operating independently, both organisations share a commitment to strengthening local communities and used the week to highlight ‘Cultivate’, a farmer-friendly lending option designed specifically for the realities of modern farming.

Cultivate is an initiative of a group of credit unions around the Republic of Ireland, offering short to medium-term farm loans designed around the way farmers actually work and borrow. Collaborative Finance CLG is the organisation behind the Cultivate brand.

Agriculture holds a vital role in the County of Wexford, with farm families navigating ongoing challenges including rising costs and the need for continued investment in land, livestock, and infrastructure. Cultivate was developed to respond directly to these pressures, offering a more flexible and understanding approach to farm finance. It is tailored to align with seasonal income patterns, making it easier for farmers to manage repayments in a way that suits their cash flow.

Cultivate is designed to be straightforward, accessible, and responsive, helping farmers take advantage of opportunities such as farm improvements, expansion plans, or unexpected costs without unnecessary complexity. The emphasis is on practical support, clear terms and a lending process that recognises the unique nature of agricultural work.

Therese Conway, CEO of Collaborative Finance, said: "National Cultivate Week is about recognising the work Irish farmers put

in, day in, day out, and showing that credit unions are with them every step of the way.

"Our unsecured lending limit has increased to €100,000, giving farmers even greater access to the finance they need, when they need it. More and more farmers are choosing their local credit union for farm finance, and that's something we are enormously proud of. We look forward to welcoming farmers to events in credit unions nationwide during National Cultivate Week."

Commenting on their Cultivate loan offering, Liz Cullen, Manager of Enniscorthy Credit Union, says: “We are excited to be able to offer this growing Agri product that provides medium term finance to our farming members. Cultivate enables us to help our farming members and future proof their business by providing quick and easy access to finance. We are open 6 days a week and available during working hours over the phone. No appointment needed.

Make sure to drop in for a chat or give us a call to see how Cultivate can work for you and your farming needs.”

What Cultivate offers farmers?

The Cultivate loan is built around a farmer-friendly approach: quick approvals, a personal service from people who understand farming, flexible repayments that work around farm income, and no hidden fees.

For a full list of participating credit unions, visit www.cultivatecu.ie For further information, contact Enniscorthy Credit Union on 053 92 33835 or email loans@enniscorthycu.ie Call 1800 839 999 or visit www.cultivate-cu.ie Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. n

Enniscorthy Credit Union Cultivate: L-R: Mary Moulds - Head of Operations, Joleen Murphy - Marketing Officer, Orla Doyle Head of Lending, Jackie Whelan Fagan - IFA South Leinster Senior Regional Executive, Tanya Gregory - Loans Underwriter.

Page 50 - 1st May 2026

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24th April 2026

Piercestown Confirmation Above: Aoibhinn Doyle, Ciara Kehoe, Eve Shinkwin, Emily Cooper, Willow Berry, Robyn Price, Aoibhinn Field, Katie Stamp, and Chloe Cooper. Right: Aoife, Ryan and Ruby Anne Sheils.

Below: Jim, Katie, Amanda, and Joey Whitmore. Below right: Ciara Kehoe.

PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006

1st May 2026 - Page 51

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Dollies dinner dance

PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006

Enniscorthy Delightful Dollies Women’s Club 14th Anniversary Dinner Dance in the Riverside Park Hotel, 18th April 2026.

Top left: Eileen Owens and Phyllis Healy.

Top right: Liz O Brien, Kathleen Cahill, and Margaret Brady.

Above left: Caroline Stamp and Jean Hendrick.

Above right: Phil O’Neill and Chris Fox. Left: Mary Leacy, Mary Vardy, Jo McMahon.

Below right: Sally Murphy and Celine Fortune.

Page 52 - 1st May 2026

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme Position

Location

Environmental Worker – 2 positions

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 ceswexfordnorth@wexfordcoco.ie The closing date for Enniscorthy applications is Thursday 14 May, 2026 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.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Tá folúntais ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman sna háiteanna seo a leanas faoin Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail Post

Láthair

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 2 poist

Inis Córthaidh

Dualgais: •

Obair chothabhála ginearálta, glantachán, plandú agus lustan a bhaint srl.

Chun iarratas a chur isteach ar na poist seo agus le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais, déan teagmháil le - Bernie Lennon, Maoirseoir Scéime SF, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ar (087) 6575743 le linn uaireanta oifige 9rn – 5in nó Tracey Begley, Maoirseoir Scéime SF, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ar (087) 0029702 le linn uaireanta oifige 9rn – 5in nó seol ríomhphost chuig ceswexfordnorth@wexfordcoco.ie Spriocdháta deireadh na hiarratais na Déardaoin 14.

Bealtaine 2026 ag 4.30in.

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Tabhair faoi deara, le do thoil, go gcaithfidh daoine atá i mbun iarratais a dhéanamh ar na poist seo critéir na Roinne Coimirce Sóisialaí a chomhlíonadh chun páirt a ghlacadh sa Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail.

Is fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

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Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Tuesday 26 May to Thursday 29 May 2026 to facilitate Upgrade of Foul Line at Carley’s Bridge, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure:

L-2028-1 at Carley’s Bridge, Enniscorthy from its junction with the Ross Road Roundabout (L-2028-2) to its junction with the R-744-32 at Tomduff.

Alternative Route:

Via Marconi Park (L-6528-1) to Cherryorchard (L-2030-8) to Jamestown Via (L-6165-1) and R-744-32.

Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 5 May 2026 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

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Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Friday 17 April to Sunday 31 May 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at Shelmaliere Commons, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure:

L70422-1 from its junction with the L3026-3 to its junction with the L7042-2

Alternative Route:

from the L 3026-3 to the L3027-2 to the L3018-2 to the L3018-1 to the N25 to the L7042-1 to the L-7042-2

Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be. facilitated.

Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality

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

1st May 2026 - Page 53

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Wednesday 27 May until Friday 3 July 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at Harveystown, Co. Wexford.

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from 23 March to 24 April 2026 to facilitate Installation of a new Rising Main at Grahormack, Tagoat, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure:

Alternative Route:

L7037-2 at Harveystown from its junction with the L7037-3 to its junction with the L70371-1 via L7038 to the L7041to the R733

Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 5 May 2026 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

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Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Wednesday 27 May until Friday 31 July 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at The Dirr, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure 1:

L7041-3 from its junction with the L70411-1 to its junction with the R733

Dates:

Wednesday 27 May until Friday 26 June 2026

Road Closure 2:

L-70411-1 from its junction with the L-70411-2 to its junction with the L-7041-3

Dates:

Wednesday 27 May until Friday 31 July 2026

Alternative Route: From the R733 to the L70411 Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 5 May 2026 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

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Page 54 - 1st May 2026

Road Closure:

L-30609-1, Grahormack, Tagoat, Co. Wexford.

Local access will be facilitated.

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Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts Beach Warden/Supervisor (Duncannon) Beach Warden (Curracloe Area) 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 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 forms for the above posts is: 5.00pm on Thursday 7th May 2026.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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Fáiltíonn Comhairle Contae Loch Garman roimh iarratasóirí do na poist seo a leanas: Maor/Maoirseoir Trá (Dún Canann) Maor Trá (Ceantar Churrach Cló) 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 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 téigh chuig an láithreán gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie

Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality

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

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

An dáta deiridh a nglacfar le foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe do na poist thuasluaite ná: 5.00pm Déardaoin, an 7 Bealtaine 2026.

Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

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

ID

Reference

7850303 1/RD/2026

7912047 4/SP/2026

7929202 1/IT/2026

Name of Tender

Closing Date

N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Scheme – Additional Topographical Survey

05/05/2026

Multi Party Framework for the 18/05/2026 Provision of Multi-Disciplinary Design Team (Civil Engineering Led) Services for Public Realm Projects Provision of Digital Orthophotography for the county of Wexford on behalf of Wexford County Council

08/05/2026

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Compulsory Acquisition of Land/Buildings Notice of the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order under section 76 of and the Third Schedule to the Housing Act 1966 as extended by section 10 of the Local Government (no 2) Act, 1960 (substituted by section 86 of the Housing Act, 1966) and amended and extended by the Planning and Developments Acts 2000-2017, the Local Government Acts 2000-2003 including sections 11 and 184 of the Local Government Act 2001 and part xiv of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2017 including section 213 (2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and all other acts thereby enabling to be published in accordance with article 4(a) of the Third Schedule to the Housing Act 1966 (as amended)

Wexford County Council (hereinafter referred to as “the local authority”) in exercise of the powers conferred upon them by section 76 of and the Third Schedule to the Housing Act,1966, as extended by section 10 of the Local Government (No 2) Act, 1960 as substituted by section 86 of the Housing Act, 1966 and as amended by the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2017, have made an order entitled as above which is about to be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission”) for confirmation.

If confirmed, the order will authorise the local authority to acquire compulsorily the land/buildings described in the Schedule hereto for the purposes of the performance of the local authority’s functions and to facilitate the development of The Castle Heritage Quarter package of The Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan (2023).

Owners, lessees and occupiers of the lands/buildings described in the Schedule hereto will receive individual written notices.

Any objection to the compulsory acquisition of land/buildings described in the Schedule hereto must state in writing the grounds of objection and be sent addressed to An Coimisiún Pleanála (The Commission), 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, so as to reach the said Commission before 5.30pm on 1st of June 2026.

The Commission cannot confirm a) a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of the lands/buildings if an objection is made in respect of the acquisition by an owner, lessee or occupier of the land/buildings, and not withdrawn, b) an order which authorises the extinguishment of a public right of way if there is an objection to the extinguishment, which is not withdrawn, until it has considered the objection(s).

An Coimisiún Pleanála may at its absolute discretion, hold an oral hearing into the matter. In this regard, Section 218 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended provides that;

Compulsory Purchase Order No. 01 of 2026 In The County of Wexford.

where as a result of the transfer of functions under Section 214, 215, 215A, 215B or 215C of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, the Board would otherwise be required to hold a local inquiry, public local inquiry or oral hearing, that requirement shall not apply to the Board but the Board may, at its absolute discretion, hold an Oral Hearing in relation to the matter, the subject of the function transferred.

Land/Buildings at 6/7 Castle Street, Enniscorthy Urban, Co. Wexford.

A copy of the Order and of the deposited map may be seen at all reasonable hours at:

Entitled Wexford County Council

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality

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

1st May 2026 - Page 55

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

•

Wexford County Council, Property Management Unit, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford Town and at Enniscorthy Municipal District Offices, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

SCHEDULE: LAND/Buildings PROPOSED TO BE COMPULSORILY ACQUIRED

Land/Buildings other than land consisting of a house or houses unfit for human habitation and not capable of being rendered fit for human habitation at reasonable expense.

Wexford County Council, Planning Department, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford.

The latest date for the inspection of the above maps is 4.00pm on Friday 5th of June 2026.

Roads:

Ard Uisce (Units 425-428 & 448-473 inclusive), Whiterock Hill, Wexford.

Objections to or representations regarding the above proposals may be made in writing to: The County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford.

The latest date for the receipt of written objections/representations is 4.00pm on Monday 22nd of June 2026.

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Planting Grant 2026 Important notice for all voluntary community groups, tidy towns, resident associations, and schools interested in planting projects for public areas.

Applications for Planting Grants are now invited from Voluntary Community Groups, Tidy Towns, Resident Associations and schools for Planting Projects in public areas.

An application form can now be submitted by logging onto www.wexfordcoco.ie/plantinggrant Closing date for receipt of applications 4pm, Friday 29th of May 2026.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Environment Section at (053) 9196684.

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Shopfront Grant Scheme 2026 Elizabeth Hore Director of Services ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Enniscorthy Municipal District will continue to enhance and improve the image of Enniscorthy by once again launching Shopfront, Painting and Awning Grant Scheme for 2026.

Declaration of Roads to be Public Roads under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 and Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Wexford County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to consider the making of a declaration that the roads listed hereunder be public roads in accordance with Section 11 of the Roads Act, 1993.

Maps showing the roads proposed to be taken in charge may be inspected during office hours, 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm from Wednesday 6th of May 2026 at

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Page 56 - 1st May 2026

Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality

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

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

This type of scheme can bring many social and environmental benefits to towns and villages.

• Take note that after the expiration of 28 days from the service of this notice, Wexford County Council is satisfied that you do not intend to occupy No 8157, at No 7 Irishtown Heights, New Ross, Co Wexford as your normal place of residence.

The scheme will assist Business Owners / Operators to carry out works which will improve the exterior appearance of their business premises.

Applications are invited from Commercial Properties in the following locations: Ballindaggin, Bree, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Ferns and Kiltealy.

(i) You have not indicated that you intend to reside in the dwelling, and

*Applications will also be considered for painting of residential premises above shops in Enniscorthy, Bunclody and Ferns.

(ii) Wexford County Council is satisfied that the dwelling known as No 8157 at No 7 Irishtown Heights, New Ross, Co Wexford, is unoccupied, and that you do not intend to occupy the dwelling as your normal place of residence,

Enniscorthy Municipal District will manage the Flower Planting Schemes for 2026 in high visibility public realm areas across the districts three main towns, Enniscorthy, Bunclody and Ferns

Wexford County Council shall serve further notice on you bringing your Tenancy to an immediate end and resume possession of No 8157 at No 7 Irishtown Heights, New Ross, Co Wexford

Full details and application forms are available on our website www.wexfordcoco.ie OR from the Enniscorthy Municipal District office.

Signed:

Martina Donoghue Administrative Officer, Wexford County Council.

Dated:

27th of April 2026.

Completed Application Forms must be submitted by Friday 15th May 2026 to: Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford OR by email emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie

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Shopfront Painting Grant Scheme - Max Grant €300* Shopfront Awning Grant Scheme - Max Grant €500

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Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2014, Section 15 (1) To:

The tenant of the dwelling, Property No 8157 at No 7 Irishtown Heights, New Ross, Co Wexford.

WHEREAS

You hold, from the County Council of the County of Wexford, Housing Authority pursuant to the Housing Act 1966 (hereinafter called the Authority), the dwelling No 8157 at No 7 Irishtown Heights New Ross, Co Wexford, a dwelling provided under the said Act as tenant from week to week and

WHEREAS: -

• Wexford County Council has reason to believe that No 8157, at No 7 Irishtown Height, New Ross Co Wexford is unoccupied and that the household does not intend to occupy the dwelling as its normal place of residence.

• Wexford County Council do hereby require that you confirm within 28 days of the service of this notice that it is your intention to occupy the dwelling known as No 8157, at No 7 Irishtown Heights, New Ross, Co Wexford as your normal place of residence and

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality

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

1st May 2026 - Page 57

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Comhairle Contae

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Page 58 - 1st May 2026

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

Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality

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

slaney leisure & lifestyle

PROJECT HAIL MARY Movie Reviews by Kyle Walsh 

Project Hail Mary was my first most anticipated movie of 2026. It is based on the novel Project Hail Mary written by the great Andy Weir. The book is phenomenal and it was said throughout the years that this book would never be filmed.

Wrong!!! Here it is in our cinemas for all to see. I had been hearing some great things about it so my excitement was at a high waiting in anticipation for its release here in Ireland. Off I went to Wexford Omniplex Cinema to see it on its first weekend. As I sat there with my popcorn and the trailers ended, I was completely focused on what was to come. Was I let down or was my excitement justified. Let’s see!!!

This film needs to be seen on the biggest Imaxx screen possible as there is plenty to look at here. Its vision of space is effectively vast and frighteningly lonely, an endless ocean of blue with the Hail Mary floating precariously within it until Grace realises that he is not alone. He has company in that ocean of blue stalking him. It is a strange construction unlike anything he has ever seen.

Project Hail Mary is directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Starring Ryan Gosling. Gosling is playing a character called Ryland Grace, he is an over-qualified middle-school science teacher. One day he wakes up in a spaceship called Hail Mary in the middle of space. His memory is gone, he has no idea who he is or how he got there. He is the only survivor as the rest of his crew are dead.

As the movie progresses, Grace slowly starts to gain his memory back and he realises he was recruited into this thing and then forced into this mission to save the planet as the sun is dying and will die in the next thirty years of earth time. There is a mysterious infestation sapping the sun’s energy to the point where earth’s population is facing extinction. Grace’s job is to find a sample of the infestation elsewhere in space, analyse it, and come up with an antidote. Be the hero and save the planet! Unfortunately for Grace he has a one-way ticket. Lacking fuel for a return trip home to earth, he is destined to die in space.

Can these total opposites save their planets? Can the impossible become the possible?

On that construction is Rocky. An engineer from another planet who happens to be on the same mission as Grace to save his planet too. Despite their language barrier, the two eventually become friends inspiring the movie to turn into the kind of unlikely buddy movie.

This is a good solid movie with a really strong central performance from Gosling. He holds the movie together and he deserves credit for that. The film is funny, exciting, heartfelt. It’s about friendship, it’s about the common man stepping up to do the best for others other than himself.

I do feel it could have been tightened a bit, as the film is too long at two-and-a-half hours runtime. It could have been shortened to two hours. The ending could have been better. But overall a good solid movie. It did not fill my full expectations. It was not the classic I thought it was going to be but I’m glad I saw it on the Maxx screen and I enjoyed it. It gets a 7/10 from me. It has done great at the box office and rumour has it that they are looking into making part two. Typical Hollywood – can’t leave anything alone. I won’t be too excited for that one!!! n

1st May 2026 - Page 59

HOPE & DREAM 10 Enniscorthy 12th April 2026 Pics by David Butler Photography

What an amazing morning it was on 12th April 2026 in Enniscorthy as nearly 1,200 people came together on the Prom, under a sky as blue as the sea of t-shirts, for the 15th Hope & Dream 10 for which an incredible 1,640 people registered to take part in the 10km, 10 mile and virtual events.

It was an occasion of unity, compassion, and unwavering support for those impacted by cancer, and as a community we continue to stand together, lift each other up, and turn hope into action. n

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT ‘David Butler Photography’ ON FACEBOOK FOR THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE ALWAYS OF THE HOPE & DREAM 10.

Page 60 - 1st May 2026

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

1st May 2026 - Page 61

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Selin’s homecoming Pics by Maria Nolan A homecoming event took place on Friday 10th April for Selin Kim, who has been residing in Enniscorthy since 2022, following her successful participation in the Miss Planet International event in Cambodia.

One of the homecoming event organisers, a delighted Maria Nolan, said: "Selin did us proud winning the Miss Planet Humanity Award and coming 6th overall in the competition."

Selin's costume was designed and made by Irish designer Claire Garvey who was present at the homecoming event which was very kindly sponsored by Ed Murphy and GreenTechHQ at their stateof-the-art premises in Enniscorthy's new Technology Park.

RTE's 'Nationwide' programme was there to capture the event which included guest speakers: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District), Ian Mernagh (CEO of GreenTechHQ), Claire Garvey (dress designer), Maeve Cornish (See Beyond Borders), Irene Cadogan (Sustainable Enniscorthy), and Selin herself who said how deeply privileged she was to have represented Ireland on a global stage. n Selin Kim from Enniscorthy represented Ireland in the Miss Planet International competition in Cambodia, winning the Miss Planet Humanity award for Ireland and placing 6th in the overall competition. Above right: Selin with dress designer Claire Garvey.

Below left: Ian Mernagh (CEO of GreenTechHQ). Below right: Anne Gilpin, Selin Kim, Irene Cadogan (Sustainable Enniscorthy), Maria Nolan. Bottom left: Posing for ‘Nationwide’. Bottom centre: Selin with her partner Wes. Bottom right: Selin with Maria Nolan.

Page 62 - 1st May 2026

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

Above left: Selin with dress designer Claire Garvey. Above right: Filming by ‘Nationwide’. Left: Selin with her partner Wes and her children. Below left: Filming by ‘Nationwide’. Below right: Maria Nolan with Sharon Clancy of ‘Wexford Matters’.

1st May 2026 - Page 63

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Festival of Ferns is approaching...

LAURA NEEDS YOUR VOTE! Enniscorthy’s Laura Mullett, nationally renowned fashion stylist, is strongly in the running for a major award: “Favourite Irish Stylist” at the VIP Style Awards.

The vote is open to the public so your support could make a huge difference. Please vote for Enniscorthy's Laura here: https://styleawards.vipmagazine.ie/vip-voting/ n

Tying the knot!

Senator Cathal Byrne and his wife Sarah say ‘a big thank you to everyone for your well wishes on our recent wedding. It is genuinely really appreciated.’ n

Page 64 - 1st May 2026

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

Enniscorthy Credit Union continues sponsorship of Hope & Dream 10 Enniscorthy Credit Union presented a cheque last month to two members of the Hope Cancer Support Centre continuing its sponsorship of the annual “Hope and Dream 10” fundraising event for the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy.

Andrea Hamilton and Denise McDonald from the team at the Hope Cancer Support Centre warmly welcomed the donation among staff and volunteers in the Abbey Square office of Enniscorthy Credit Union. The cheque presentation took place with the staff, highlighting the collective effort of the staff in the lead up to the event, each wearing this year’s iconic Hope & Dream t-shirts.

Every year for the last 15 years, the streets of Enniscorthy have been a sea of colour on a Sunday in April to raise essential funds for the centre which provides a wide range of vital services to those diagnosed and impacted with cancer. Proudly sponsored by Enniscorthy Credit Union and a number of local businesses, the Hope and Dream 10 always brings the local community together in a powerful show of support for those affected by cancer. The yearly 10k walk or run continues to grow in strength, attracting runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters from across the county and beyond all united in Hope.

Marketing Officer of Enniscorthy Credit Union Joleen Murphy says: "We were honoured to welcome Andrea and Denise to our premises to present this year’s cheque. This is a calendar highlight for us as staff members and is an honour to part of.

The opportunity to help raise awareness by wearing the tshirts is a simple but really engaging way for us to show support for the Hope Cancer Support Centre, our members and the local community and beyond. Enniscorthy Credit Union is a long standing sponsor of the event and our board, volunteers, management, and staff are all honoured to continue to help this vital local service." n

Denise McDonald and Andrea Hamilton from the Hope Cancer Support Centre accepting a €10,000 donation from Enniscorthy Credit Union for last month’s Hope & Dream 10.

1st May 2026 - Page 65

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THE BEST MUSICAL PERFORMA EVER IN ENNISCORTHY! Pics by Peter Gaynor

The Slaney News was privileged to attend Enniscorthy Musi-

Above: The full cast of’ Chess’.

cal Society's production of Chess last month and we were

Below: A powerhouse performanace by Erin Hogan

completely blown away! In all our years attending musicals

Right clockwise: 1. The impressive leads Michaela White and Colin Doran.

2. Shane Kelly as Freddie Thumper getting some well earned attention.

3. The cast performing the iconic ‘Anthem’ at the end of the musical.

4. Anthony Jones and some of the ensemble doing a showstopper number.

5. Some of the impressive ensemble.

6. A top notch performance by the wonderful Thérèse Canavan Bolger.

of all kinds in the town we have never before been in such awe. And the lengthy standing ovations at the end of the show proved we were not alone in our appreciation.

The whole production was outstanding and the performances of all the leads and chorus were incredible. We don't normally like to single out individuals but it would be remiss of us if we didn't mention Michaela White in the lead female role of Florence – she was simply magnificent. Since we first noticed her on stage with Rathnure Panto many years ago, her voice has developed to an extraordinary degree. Having recently played the lead role, to rave reviews, in the New Ross production of Sister Act, Michaela has now established herself as one of the leading ladies of musical theatre in the South East.

And we would be shocked if she is not in the running this year for a prestigious AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) award.

Pics: Peter Gaynor Photography. n

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Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

NCE

1st May 2026 - Page 67

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Silvertones Annual Concert 28th May at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy.

I am honoured to have been asked to act as Master of Ceremonies for the upcoming Silvertones Annual Concert at St. Aidan’s Cathedral on Thursday 28th May as part of the wonderful Bealtaine Festival 2026.

Silvertones is a senior choir based in Enniscorthy with weekly rehearsals every Friday at Bellefield GAA Complex.

Founded in 2009 by the late Liam and Sheelagh O’Leary, the choir has gone from strength to strength, with forty-seven members from all over Co. Wexford, Rosslare to Gorey, and all points in between, many of whom have been in the choir since its formation 17 years ago. And I am happy to say that I was in some way instrumental in its inception. As Pavillion Manager of Bellefield at the time I was approached by the late Liam and Sheelagh seeking a venue to come together and practice in and we at Bellefield were only too happy to oblige, and happy to say that 17 years later the arrangement has endured and is stronger than ever, and a lasting legacy to the O’Learys.

Whether you are a baritone, tenor, alto, or soprano, the only requirement to join the choir, apart from being able to sing, is that you are at least 55 years young and ‘young at heart’.

The choir’s Choral Director is Eithne Corrigan whose talent, dedication, patience, and good humour is key to the success and popularity of this musical ensemble. Their repertoire is a combination of secular and sacred music. They perform every December during a Christmas Mass in St. Aidan’s Cathedral and are proud to participate in the Bealtaine Festival with their annual concert which celebrates ‘Creativity As We Age’.

The Bealtaine Festival takes place in May every year all over Ireland showcasing the talent and creativity of thousands of firsttime and professional older artists and performers.

The Choir has performed as guests at various other concerts in Co. Wexford and further afield, and has donated large sums of money over the years to local charities and this year they are delighted to support their chosen charity – the very worthwhile Hope Cancer Support Centre, here in Enniscorthy.

Tickets for their upcoming concert are €15 and can be had from

Page 68 - 1st May 2026

members of the choir or at the door on the night. Guest artists are Eamon Mulhall, tenor, and Clare Kavanagh, soprano.

The choir would love to sing to a full Cathedral and they encourage as many people as possible to join them on the 28th May to show their support for the fight against cancer.

New members are always welcome so anyone who is interested in joining the choir next September should contact Rosemary Walshe at 087-9281371 for further details.

– MARIA NOLAN

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

A musical tour-de-force The Slaney News was honoured to attend the opening night of Wexford Light Opera Society’s (WLOS) production of the iconic musical Jesus Christ Superstar in the National Opera House, Wexford, on 27th April. And what a musical tour-de-force it was, culminating in a fully deserved and lengthy standing ovation.

Featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyrics of Tim Rice, the show has been a global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades – a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events, seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot played wonderfully in the WLOS production by Thomas Furlong.

The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. The musical contains such well-known numbers as Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, and Gethsemane. The latter is, in this reviewer’s opinion, one of the greatest songs ever written and so technically difficult to sing that very few can successMary Magdalene – Niamh Cullen

Seamus McManus, Annas – Eric Hayes, High Priests – Keith Flanagan, Michael O’Gorman, Alan Hearne, and Soul Girls – Holly Rossiter, Catherine Devereux, Amy Lindsay. And of course WLOS’s unrivalled chorus, dancers, and 15piece orchestra were a joy.

Deserving of huge plaudits also are Christine Scarry (director), David Hayes (musical director), Eithne Corrigan (chorus mistress), and Thérése O’Sullivan (choreographer).

Aidan Byrne (Jesus), comes face to face with Thomas Furlong (Judas).

fully pull it off, but WLOS’s Aidan Byrne, with his mix of high-intensity belting and sustained falsetto, coupled with his impressive breath control, performs it perfectly, conveying Jesus’ intense emotional agony and spiritual struggle.

While the two performers mentioned above are key to the show’s success, the full cast were superb including Mary Magdalene – Niamh Cullen, Pontius Pilate – Tony Carty, King Herod – Stephen Byrne, Peter – Jonathan Kelly, Simon – Joshua Higginbotham, Caiaphas – Pontius Pilate – Tony Carty

The incredible tech team made the whole production look and sound amazing. Colin Murphy – Stage Manager, Emma Kehoe – Assistant Stage Manager, Anne Reck – Wardrobe Mistress, John O’Donoghue – Set Design, Jason Fallon – Sound Engineer, and Colm Eaton – Lighting Design.

There might still be a couple of tickets left for this Friday and Saturday night but you better hurry!

The National Opera House Box Office opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:30-17:00. Tel: 053 9122144. Or buy tickets online at: www.nationaloperahouse.ie n King Herod – Stephen Byrne

Simon – Joshua Higginbotham

The High Priests: Alan Hearne, Eric Hayes, Seamus McManus, Keith Flanagan, Michael O’Gorman.

Pics by Paula Malone Carty

The Soul Girls: Amy Lindsay, Catherine Devereux, Holy Rossiter.

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Moments from the Musicals Wexford’s Oyster Lane Theatre Group is proud to announce Moments from the Musicals, a vibrant celebration of musical theatre coming to the stage of the National Opera House for three unforgettable nights.

Running from Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th May 2026, this concert-style production brings together some of the most loved and instantly recognisable songs ever written for stage and screen.

Audiences can look forward to a dynamic programme featuring music from beloved favourites such as Sister Act, The Greatest Showman, and Mamma Mia!, alongside a selection of timeless classics that appeal to all ages.

Performed by a talented cast of local performers, Moments from the Musicals shines a spotlight on great music delivered with energy, warmth, and a genuine love for musical theatre.

The show promises uplifting ensemble numbers, powerful ballads, and plenty of toe-tapping moments that will have audiences smiling from start to finish.

The production is led by Choreographer Jonny Smith and Musical Director Yvette White, whose combined experience and attention to detail will ensure a polished and engaging performance.

Guiding audiences through the evening will be the ever-popular MC, Tony Carty, whose charm, humour, and theatrical flair will bring an extra spark to the event and keep the show flowing effortlessly.

Whether you’re a lifelong musical theatre enthusiast or simply looking for a fantastic night out in a stunning venue, Moments from the Musicals promises an entertaining and feel-good evening at the theatre.

Tickets are €20 and are available now via www.nationaloperahouse.ie, so book now to avoid disappointment! n Right: Oyster Lane’s 2025 production of The Wizard of Oz. Pic by Paula Malone Carty.

Oyster Lane is an amateur musical theatre group based in Wexford town. Formed in 1994 and with 30 productions behind them, the ethos is one of mixing youth with experience to create memorable shows. The group takes great pride in having introduced hundreds of performers to the world of musical theatre.

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Wexford – Pride Inside Wexford’s largest and only LGBTQIA+ pride celebration returns to Wexford Arts Centre on Saturday, the 30th of May 2026.

striving for inclusivity and silliness. Expect Pride themed & Cosplay acts from Kings, Queens, and Things. More details to be announced soon!

Now in its sixth year, Pride Inside is returning to the Wexford Arts Centre from 12pm - 6pm. Organised by Wexford Pride, the event is an annual vibrant celebration that brings together the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies in a celebration of community, solidarity, and queer joy!

Pride Inside is more than a celebration, it’s a moment to connect, reflect, and honour the legacy of our community’s struggle for social equality.

The free, family-friendly, neuroinclusive event will showcase a diverse lineup of LGBTQIA+ musicians and acts with performances from both emerging and established local talent including: 12 Gauge Outrage, Bloco Garman, Ovalords, Mz red deer, Andrei Boyd, Lili Dobbs, Johnny O’Brien, and the Wexford Pride singing group with further acts to be announced.

Wexford Pride has continued to join our community and allies in speaking out against intolerance, amid growing transphobia and homophobia seen globally.

Instead, working to reflect an Ireland that embraces diversity and defends every

person’s right to live a free and authentic life regardless of their race, gender, or background.

“This event is a coming together of community and our allies, celebrating those of us who pursue being our authentic queer selves and standing in solidarity with those who are not able to do so safely. With growing social injustice that can be seen globally, it feels important that we emphasise that all LGBTQIA+ people share a place in our communities” – Molly Miller (they/them, Public Relations Officer). n

In addition to music, on the day attendees can explore an array of community vendors, community organisations fighting to make the world a better place for all, and see performances throughout the day. There will be something for everyone – whether you’re there to support a cause, enjoy the atmosphere, or connect with others.

Over the past six years, LGBTQIA+ spaces in Wexford have continued to grow through the voluntary efforts of both the community and its allies – carving out welcoming, affirming spaces that support LGBTQIA+ people at every stage of their journey. These spaces are vital, especially in rural areas, where access to support and visibility is often limited.

“Pride here has grown because our community has grown across identities, ages, races, abilities, and backgrounds.This celebration makes space for every part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum to be seen, honoured, and connected” – Rían Browne (he/him, Committee Member).

To finish the day’s celebrations, the Wexford Pride Inside After-Party will be hosted by Wexford Arts Centre, with festivities led by Poppy DeScrace and The Disgraceful Cabaret. Disgraceful Cabaret is a Queer & Neurodivergent run show

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ENNISCORTHY'S NEWEST MURAL Templeshannon Community Centre

The main people behind the project L-R: John Jude Murphy (Enniscorthy Community Alliance), Sarah Kelly (worker with young people in the area including Templeshannon Youth Club), Seamus Whitney (Templeshannon Community Centre and Enniscorthy East Community Development), Dave Duffy (artist), and young Cora Kelly in front.

The Slaney News was delighted to pay a number of visits last month to the new mural at Enniscorthy’s Templeshannon Community Centre as it progressed to completion.

We were joined by the key people behind the project: Sarah Kelly, an amazing worker with young people in the area including Templeshannon Youth Club; John Murphy of Enniscorthy Community Alliance (ECA) and 'The Shannon Way' project who is behind many of the positive developments happening in the Templeshannon area; Seamus Whitney of Templeshannon Community Centre and Enniscorthy East Community Development, and a lot more besides; and of course the talented artist Dave Duffy (Dave Duffy Arts).

The mural project was funded by the ECA Plants & Places Project which champions public realm and safe places for young people, and perfectly complements the other improvements in the area being brought about by ECA. The cooperation and support of Templeshannon Community Centre was crucial in getting this project done.

Dave Duffy, who is local to Enniscorthy, has been doing murals for the last ten years or so, starting with a school in the south of the county and recently completing a major project at Buffers Alley GAA Club, and now has a huge one in progress at Dunmore Adventure Centre in Co. Waterford. Check out Dave's brilliant drawings and other artwork at ‘Dave Duffy Arts’ on Facebook.

The Templeshannon mural design and content was based on input from, and workshops with, the young people in Templeshannon Youth Club.

L-R: John Jude Murphy, Sarah Kelly, Dave Duffy (artist), Seamus Whitney.

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There are plans to install benches, a sensory area, plants etc to make the area at the mural attractive and user-friendly for locals and young people in particular. We look forward to seeing these developments over the coming months. n

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Above left: Dave Duffy (artist). Above right: John Jude Murphy, Sarah Kelly, Dave Duffy (artist), Seamus Whitney. Below left: Cora Kelly.

Above: Sarah Kelly acknowledges the input of the young people of Templeshannon.

Below: Sarah with artist Dave Duffy.

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Calling all female voices A new Female Choir is starting in Enniscorthy and you could be part of it!

Creative Places Enniscorthy invites women of all ages and abilities to come together and raise their voices in a brand new community choir. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just love to sing in the shower, this is a welcoming space to connect, express yourself, and be part of something special.

Join the first gathering and help shape a vibrant, supportive musical community for women right here in Enniscorthy.

Date: Thursday 21 May. Time: 7:00–8:30pm.

Location: Templeshannon Community Centre.

For more info: 087 9578984.

Supported by Creative Places Enniscorthy, Wexford Arts Centre, The Arts Council, and Wexford Co. Council. n

Hope & Dream 10 volunteers

Hope & Dream 10 volunteers at The Presentation Centre on 12th April taking in the last registrations before the event the following day.

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Your chance to get involved in ‘Culture Night 2026’ The ‘Creative Places Enniscorthy’ organisation is inviting local groups, artists, and individuals to come together for an open chat about Culture Night 2026.

Date: Thursday 14 May. Time: 11:00am.

Location: Templeshannon Community Centre.

Light refreshments will be served.

Have an idea for an event? A performance? A happening? Or just curious about getting involved? This is your chance to connect, share, and be inspired as planning begins for a vibrant celebration of culture in our town.

All are welcome, so go along, share your ideas, and help bring Culture Night 2026 to life in Enniscorthy.

Meet Tamara Gangnus, Culture Night Co-ordinator, at the event and find out how you can be part of it.

For more info: 087 9578984.

Email: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie https://www.facebook.com/CreativePlacesEnniscorthy n

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Festival of Choirs raises the nave of St. Aidans Words & pics by Maria Nolan The Festival of Choirs, now in its second year, was another huge success recently, raising much needed funds for our Special Olympians helping them to compete at the highest levels not just here in Ireland but worldwide.

The brainchild of Dr. Jeffrey Cox, the Festival of Choirs is a magical event bringing people together to celebrate the power of music and its wonderful connectivity with community, for there is nothing better than singing together to make people feel as one.

This year’s Festival of Choirs in St Aidan’s Cathedral in Enniscorthy featured six different choirs introduced most eloquently

by MC for the occasion the articulate and enthusiastic Michael Dunbar.

First up St. Aidan’s Cathedral Choir with over thirty members, and directed by Or-

ganist Adrian Doyle, and which featured recently on Nationwide’s programme on the Enniscorthy Christmas Carol, began with Laudaute Omnes Gentes, followed

by Mozart’s Ave Verum, the beautiful Panis Angelicus, finishing with Dominican Magnificent.

St. Mary’s Choir Bunclody with Organist and Choirmaster Dr. Jeffrey Cox and Asst. Conductor Nick Day is made up of singers from all over the county and draws on the Anglican choral tradition for its inspiration performing Magnificat, Evening Service in B Minor, Almighty God, which Hast Me Brought, The Long Day Closes, The Call and O Thou, the Central Orb. St. Senan’s Choir Enniscorthy, formed in 1996, has over thirty members and with musical director Linda O’Rourke brought us something completely different with its

focus on a more Irish traditional flavour delivering Holy Is His Name, Love is the Boat for the Journey and The Weaver, the beat of the Bodhran bringing something special to their performance.

Rowe Street Choir sing regularly at the Sunday Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rowe Street, Wexford, and have toured Europe and performed in major cathedrals there.

Under Choirmaster Donagh Wylde they gave sublime renditions of Alleluia, Drop.

Drop, Slow Tears and Benedictus.

St. Mary’s Choir Enniscorthy added something unique with its focus on a cappella music including chants, rounds, and anthems and under the direction of Anne Pell delivered unusual pieces (well unusual to me), Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, Fruits of the Selfless Heart, Dona Nobis Pacem, Adoramus Te and the very beautiful There’s a Wildness in God’s Mercy.

Last, but by no means least, it was the turn of the Enniscorthy Gospel Choir, under animated and spirited director Anita Mahon, who brought the sound of song to the very spire with pieces – People Get Ready, Because He Lives, All Day All Night and especially when joined by our Special Olympians in a poignant and most joyous performance of This Little Light of Mine as a grande finale.

A most uplifting way to spend a Sunday afternoon in April and well done to all involved for bringing this glorious event to Enniscorthy Cathedral. n

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Super charity variety show in ÉANNA DOYLE, A YOUNG CLONROCHE MEDICAL STUDENT, IS FUNDRAISING FOR HIS WORK WITH PANAMA'S FLOATING DOCTORS WHO BRING MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND VETERINARY MOBILE CLINICS TO REMOTE AREAS OF PANAMA. An all-star lineup assembled for a variety concert in Clonroche on 18th April with headliners Kiss My Grass and George Lawlor TD for a great night of music, comedy, and craic. See photos on this page and next courtesy of Marie Asple. n

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While it’s too late to buy tickets for the event, one can still donate at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/varietyconcert-in-aid-of-floating-doctors-panama-tickets-19829977285 87 n ÉANNA DOYLE

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Clonroche

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enniscorthy 'Thru’ the Lens

The Year: 2000

The ‘Stealers’ Basketball Club reunion in the year 2000 at Treacys Hotel, Enniscorthy.

Who do you recognise?

Some photos in this series may include people who have since passed to their eternal reward. We hope these photos will help bring back fond memories to their family members and friends.

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Classes at the Presentation Arts Centre Check out the great classes taking place at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: https://www.presentationcentre.ie/classes.html

7-9PM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT

A new Enniscorthy men’s choir meets up at 7pm every Monday night at Templeshannon Community Centre.

What’s on in Wexford

Called Voices of Harmony, the new group is currently looking for new members. Now is a great time to commence a new pastime. If you like to sing why not go along to and join in any Monday.

NO AUDITIONS REQUIRED, JUST SHOW UP AND SING ALONG WITH THE GROUP. New members are always welcome!

For more info Call Seamus on 087 2930510.

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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/WexfordEvents for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n

LOCAL ARTS CENTRES Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000.

Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529.

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10.30am

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RIVERSIDE PARK HOTEL, ENNISCORTHY, ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP Bottomless Afternoon Party: Saturday, 9th May. Bingo Loco: Friday, 15th May. Philomena Begley and Ray Lynam: Tuesday, 26th May.

Over 30's Club: Sunday, 31st May. The Tumbling Paddies: Friday, 26th June.

A Grease Brunch Experience: Saturday, 11th July.

Michael English: Thursday, 3rd September.

Bingo Loco: Friday, 11th September.

Gearoid McCarthy: Saturday, 3rd October.

Tickets available from hotel reception.

Overnight packages online at: www.riversideparkhotel.com/in-house-events/ n

% / # 01 0 12

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The power and the passion The powerful and passionate voice of one of Ireland's greatest ever tenors rang out over the town of Enniscorthy on 2nd April as Anthony Kearns entertained an appreciative audience with a free concert at the amazing new amphitheatre in the Creative Activity Garden on the grounds of St John's Hospital.

Anthony has just finished singing to soldout audiences all over North America on tour with ‘The Irish Tenors’ group.

Musical support on the day was by The Hobnobs – a trio of local talented singers/guitarists who are also retired mental health nurses.

Featuring an amphitheatre area, the Creative Activity Garden is a multi-functional space for gatherings and health and wellbeing activities in the heart of the HSE healthcare campus. The open air concert hosted there was attended by residents and service users of the campus, by staff and visitors, by local resi-

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dents and community Gardaí in Enniscorthy.

The organisers were delighted to welcome Niamh Bolger, Age Friendly Coordinator, and Caroline Horan, Access Officer with Wexford County Council.

Refreshments were kindly provided by the catering team from St. John’s Community Hospital and by local restaurant Btwenty7.

The Activity Garden project was supported as a placement incentive by Wexford County Council’s Culture and Creativity team and Age Friendly programme, in partnership with the HSE, Creative Ireland, the Irish Architectural Foundation, and the Enniscorthy Men’s Shed. Opened in September of last year, the development was also made possible thanks to funding from the government’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The HSE is keen to make maximum use

of this amazing facility in Enniscorthy so keep an eye on the Slaney News facebook page for info on upcoming events.

Photos:

Tenor Anthony Kearns singing for residents and service users, staff and visitors at the Activity Garden, St. John’s Community Hospital – and afterwards meeting with members of the St. John’s Community Hospital Healthy Campus and Creative Garden committee. n

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New music from Enniscorthy’s Paul O’Reilly

Enniscorthy’s Paul O’Reilly has just released two collections of songs, 12 tracks in all, including five previously limited or unreleased compositions, now available on Spotify and other platforms. All content was recorded by Paul himself and expertly mixed by Brendan Carthy at the Orchard Recording Studio in Enniscorthy.

Paul is well known as a theatre writer/director and also as a fantastic musician. But he is also a collector of old Irish tunes and almost forgotten songs, often marrying up old poems with suitable airs.

Expect to hear some magical pieces on these two beautiful recordings. n

Enniscorthy Theatre Company – a wellspring of theatrical talent Two nights of stellar youth and emerging drama took place recently at The Presentation Arts Centre thanks to Enniscorthy Theatre Company.

On Thursday April 23rd and Friday April 24th three original stories got their performance debuts. The Banks by Fintan Kelly, Little Dolls by Nancy Harris, and Some Snakes In This Town by Tony Bolger.

O'Connor, Mary Kelly, Kyle Murphy, Paul Armstrong, Saoirse O’Reilly, Madison O'Brien, Ryan McClean Devereux, Caoimhe Murphy, Anna Boyce, Eanna O'Reilly, Jennifer Kelly, and Brendan Carthy.

The plays were directed by Anna Boyce, Leona Eustace Breen, and Fintan Kelly.

The night also featured two monologues written by Anna Boyce.

Enniscorthy Theatre Company is currently performing ‘A Love Like That’, by Billy Roche, from 30th April to 2nd May in The Presentation Arts Centre.

On stage were talented performers Emma Moulds, Aoibhin Holly Gallagher, Lily

The future of drama in Enniscorthy is certainly in safe hands. n

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Brand New Wexford Society Presents ‘Annie the Musical’

With an all-female production team, this show features a triple-cast children’s ensemble, so each night is a new experience. The production team includes Naoise Fortune as director and musical director, Hannah Roche as co-director, and Keira Phillips as choreographer.

Presents

The Musical

28th-30th May 2026

Camaross Hall 7:30pm Nightly Book By: Thomas Meehan Lyrics By: Martin Charnin Music By: Charles Strouse Tickets €12/€15 at gr8events.ie

St Abban’s Musical and Dramatic Society is proud to present their first ever production, Annie the Musical, running from the 28th to the 30th of May in Camaross Hall.

Set at Christmas 1933, this well known show follows Little Orphan Annie when she is chosen to spend the holidays with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. It features both powerful ballads and showstopping chorus numbers. The cast includes Sadie Kickham, Maryellen Murphy, and Eve Galway as the titular Annie. Richard Mullen plays the rich Oliver Warbucks, supported brilliantly by Kasey O’Connor as his assistant Grace, while the evil orphan mistress Miss Hannigan is played by Brídín Nolan. As actor Kasey O’Connor puts it, “It’s a show for everyone. Whether you like musicals or not, everyone’s heard of Annie. It’s going to be brilliant!”

Founded in late 2025 by Nicola Roche, Naoise Fortune, Carrie Morris, Lauren Watson Miller, and Hannah Roche, SAMS’s aim is to produce high level amateur theatre that focuses on being ‘by the community for the community.’ They welcome people from all walks of life, all genders, sexualities, races, and people who are neurodivergent. They believe that, ‘The stage is an art of being beautifully different in a world that seeks conformity.’ It also hopes to provide opportunities for aspiring actors and theatre makers that haven’t been given a shot yet.

For more information, contact: Naoise Fortune (PRO), stabbansms@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6158229 0486879 n

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Now running: ‘A Love Like That’ Enniscorthy Theatre Company members and supporters.

A Love Like That is now running at The Presentation Arts Centre in Ennniscorthy, as a talented cast of Enniscorthy Theatre Company actors bring Billy Roche’s sharp, darkly comic, and deeply human story to life on stage, directed by Jim Ivers.

All proceeds from the performance of A Love Like That on Saturday May 2nd will be donated to Friends of Local People with MS Wexford.

Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy April 30th | May 1st | May 2nd Doors 7:30pm nightly Tickets €15 / €7 Book at www.presentationcentre.ie n

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WEXFORD STUDENT WINS TOP PRIZE IN TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION

Above left: Emily’s prizewinning work of art. Above right: Proud winner Emily Gregan (age 6) from Tara Hill National School, Gorey, pictured with her prizewinning work entitled ‘Tina Cat and the Bouncing Balls’ and with her mum, Louise, and dad, Shane.

A Co. Wexford student has won a top prize in this year’s 72nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

In the ‘6 years and under’ age category – the youngest age group in the competition – Emily Gregan (6) from Tara Hill National School in Gorey has won second prize for her work entitled ‘Tina Cat and the Bouncing Balls’.

Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely

Describing Emily’s artwork, Final Adjudicator – Irish visual artist, curator, and educator – Pauline O'Connell, says it “depicts a lively and charming image of a marmalade cat surrounded by an array of colourful bouncing balls, capturing both movement and playfulness with warmth and clarity”.

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first competition held in 1955. This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Wexford and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended. n

For a complete listing of upcoming music, drama, comedy, film, art, etc, see: https://www.courthousearts.ie/whats-on n

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Visibility Labs A wonderful opportunity exists to attend a 4-part Visibility Labs in Enniscorthy designed to help artists grow their audience, sharpen their message, and confidently promote their work.

Across four sessions, you’ll build a marketing plan, learn how to pitch yourself, explore practical tools, and get hands-on with Canva and social media, leaving with a clear action plan for your practice.

Facilitated by Aisling Roche (@aislinnroche), Larry Dunne (@quaretaken) and Taryn de Vere (@taryndevere).

Fridays in May: • May 8th | 10am–1pm • May 15th | 10am–1pm • May 22nd | 10am–12pm • May 29th | 10am–12pm Venue: The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

These sessions are free and open to all artists. But places are limited, so booking is essential!

Luke Cosgrave performing in Enniscorthy Luke Cosgrave (pictured above) is a contemporary fiddler/violinist and singer/songwriter from Wexford.

Luke is a consummate professional musician, having performed solos for former Irish President Mary Robinson and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. He also had the privilege to perform with the late Sinead O’Connor. Having done his time as a session musician supporting and performing with everyone from Florence and the Machine, The Waterboys, The Magic Numbers, Don Baker, The 4 of Us, Onóir to John Spillane. He has also performed with Lisa Lambe and Sean Keane while with George Murphy and band.

Luke has received international airplay as well as airplay on RTÉ radio and television, the BBC and has been featured multiple times on TG4. In his early career Luke was a member of The Cork Symphony Orchestra, The Dublin Youth Orchestra, and co-led the Wexford Sinfonia Orchestra.

The Luke Cosgrave Trio will be live in Enniscorthy’s Presentation Arts Centre on Saturday May 9th. €22.50 + booking fees at www.presentationcentre.ie Tel: 053 9233000 n

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creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie/category/connections Organised by Artists of the Creative Places Enniscorthy Ground Group. n

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9th Annual Open Call Exhibition After a short break and much anticipation, the renowned annual open call exhibition has returned to The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy. Now in its 9th year, this yearly celebration of creativity in Co. Wexford features artists of all ages, backgrounds, levels of experience, and disciplines, taking part in this cultural staple of the visual arts community in the south east.

Following the Official Launch Party which took place on Saturday April 25th, the exhibition is now open to the public free of charge. n

Wonder Walls Wonder Walls 2026, for Cruinniú na nÓg, invites young people aged 12–18 to take part in a bold, hands-on street art experience as part of a nationwide celebration of creativity. Across two artist-led workshops in May, participants will collaborate to design and create a large-scale mural, building real spray-paint skills, and working as a creative team. This year, each location will also contribute to a special national artwork piece, connecting young people across Ireland in one shared creative moment on Cruinniú na nÓg.

The same group will take part in the two workshops, so participants must be available for all workshop dates. If you don’t secure a spot, don’t worry – join the drop-in sessions on June 7th.

Brought to you by the team behind Waterford Walls – The Walls Project and funded by CreativeIrl Sat 9th May & Sat 23rd May in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, 11am2pm each day. Free, but booking is essential: www.presentationcentre.ie Cruinniú na nÓg Drop In Sessions: Saturday 6th June from 12pm-4pm. n

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Slaney fooD & Drink

ooted in

exford

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.

May is where the garden either starts to come together or shows you where you’ve fallen behind. April gets things moving, but this is when you really see the difference between what’s been done and what hasn’t. Growth picks up quickly now, and if you’re a bit behind, it’s not the end of the world. I’m still catching up myself. The only difference is that things move faster now, so you get away with it.

A lot of what should be underway is starting to show itself. Seedlings that looked slow a few weeks ago are beginning to find their pace, and anything recently sown won’t hang around for long before pushing through. If April didn’t go to plan, now is the time to stop overthinking it and just get things in the ground.

Courgettes are one of the easiest ways to get going.

They grow quickly, they don’t ask for much, and once they start producing, they don’t really stop. If you want something that gives you a bit of confidence, they’re hard to beat. Herbs are worth focusing on as well. A few pots on a kitchen counter will get more use than a full bed outside if you’re being honest, and they’re easy to keep going. At the same time, having some growing outside gives you a bit more flexibility and saves you relying on shop bought stuff.

Under cover, things step up properly this month. Anything that has been sitting in pots should be going into its final place. Tomatoes will start to take off once they’re planted properly, and cucumbers won’t be far behind. Strawberries are better off with a bit of

protection too, if only to keep them out of reach of birds. Every year I try one or two melon plants in the greenhouse, and every year they remind me I might be wasting my time. Still, it’s hard not to give them another go.

Outside, it’s a different story. Growth is stronger, but so is everything else that wants a share of it. If I don’t cover crops properly, they’re gone. Simple as that. Rabbits will take advantage of any gap you leave, and they don’t hang around. It’s one of those jobs that’s easy to ignore when everything looks fine, but you notice it quickly when you don’t do it.

Spacing is the thing I have to keep reminding myself about. It’s very easy to get carried away and plant too much into a small space. I do it nearly every year. At the start, everything looks

neat and manageable, and you convince yourself it will work. A few weeks later, everything is fighting for space, airflow drops, and crops don’t develop the way they should. Overcrowding doesn’t give you more, it gives you less. Leaving space feels wrong now, but it’s the right call.

If you’re not sure where to start, pick one crop and get it in the ground this week. That’s enough. Once you start, the rest tends to follow.

May has a bit of momentum to it. You’re past the slow start, but you’re not dealing with the full weight of summer yet either. It’s a good window to get things right. What you do this month shows up later, so it’s worth doing it properly now. n

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Lots on at the Allotments 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 this multi-award-winning facility in Enniscorthy...

The little buds had a lovely Easter bonanza party last month. They sowed some sunflower and pumpkin seeds and then took part in an Easter egg hunt, they all had a great time. The pumpkins are always a big hit with the kids. They all just love sowing them, watching them grow for harvesting in late September/October for their Halloween party. The little buds also loved having their faces painted.

There was tea and coffee for the adults and some delicious baked treats for everyone. It was another fabulous afternoon in the allotments.

The Little Buds also kicked off their growing season last month, it was a beautiful Saturday morning for their first planting activity. They all had great fun planting cabbage and lettuce and making a scare-

crow for the annual scarecrow competition here in the allotments. They all did a great job and it looks absolutely amazing.

Well done to them all.

Some of our other members are also busy getting their creative juices flowing for the scarcecrow competition and we can’t wait to see all their fantastic creations.

Everyone is thoroughly enjoying the

thereputic horticulture workshops here in the allotments with the absolutely fabulous Coralie Ryan from Irresistible Outdoors. So far the participants have done some mindful meditations, prepared seed bombs, sowed herbs and flowers and learned all about 1ft gardening. Thanks to Wexford County Council and Slaintecare Healthy Communities for supporting this project. n

Photos: The Little Buds Easter event, making a scarecrow, and planting activity. Top of page photo: 1ft gardening with Coralie Ryan.

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Slaney fooD & Drink ENNISCORTHY COMMUNITY ALLOTMENTS MAY GARDENING TIPS:

By May, soil has warmed enough for reliable germination.

ECA May Gardening Tips...

Good bets now: • • • • • •

Carrots, beetroot, spring onions Lettuce and mixed salad leaves (every 2–3 weeks) Spinach and chard Radishes (great quick crop) Peas (early May) French & runner beans (once soil warms)

These crops germinate quickly in May. Tip: Do succession sowing – small amounts every couple of weeks – to avoid everything maturing at once.

If you started plants indoors in March/April, May is your main “move outside” month.

• • • •

Onions, lettuce, brassicas (cabbage, kale) Herbs Strawberries Early potatoes (if not already in)

Tender crops (wait until mid–late May):

Key Jobs for May:

• •

Harden off seedlings, gradually expose indoor plants to outdoor conditions over 1–2 weeks before planting out.

Courgettes, squash, sweetcorn Tomatoes (especially in exposed sites)

Frost risk can linger into early May – don’t rush it.

May is also a good month to plant: • • •

Strawberries (beds or containers) Raspberries / blueberries (acid soil for blueberries) Herbs like basil, parsley, coriander

These establish well now and give summer returns.

Stay on top of weeds, weed “little and often” – especially after rain when roots come out easily.

Water regularly as May can be surprisingly dry.

Start light feeding especially leafy crop.

Keep an eye out for pests, slugs, white butterfly, and aphids. enniscorthyallotments@gmail.com n

The Bailey steps up to the plate!

The talented team at The Bailey Bar & Eatery, under the watchful eye of Ned Hogan, Manager (pictured left), certainly stepped up to the plate with their wonderful spread of food on 28th April in Enniscorthy Castle for the official launch of the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival.

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Street Feast 2026 Wexford County Council is encouraging communities across the county to bring your neighbours together and host a party during this year's Street Feast – a nationwide weekend of street parties and community lunches, happening on 23th and the 24th May 2026.

Register now and receive your free party pack: https://streetfeast.ie/ or scan the QR code on the graphic opposite.

For more information, visit Wexford Library on Saturday 9th May from 1:30–3:30pm to connect, listen, share and learn more about Street Feast.

Lets make Wexford's communities stronger, friendlier, and more connected this May! n

WEXFORD FOOD PRODUCERS AT THE 2026 ROCKIN’ FOOD & FRUIT FESTIVAL The wonderful Wexford Food Producers Network is delighted to support the 2026 Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival which runs in Enniscorthy this May bank holiday weekend.

Look out for and support the Wexford Food Producers members at the festival: Isle of Crackers - Earth Food - All About Nectar & Killiane Castle Honey - La Kav Wines & Fada Wexford Wine - Elderberry Farm Produce - Daeng’s Healthy Foods - Bosca Capaill Pizzeria. n

Dill & Pickle Planning an event?

Cafe catering Dill & Pickle can handle the food for your next event.

Its outside catering menu is now available. Bring the taste you love straight to your event.

Call on 053 923 3069 or email dillandpickle@reachability.ie to book.

For full menu click this link: https://reachability.i e/dill-pickle/ n

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Summer hours at the Village at Wheelocks

Slaney fooD & Drink

Bakery boost When Cooney's Bakery closed recently on Church Street it was a huge blow to the town to see our only local bakery gone. But, as one door closes another opens, and thanks to the vivacious Elsa Kehoe a great replacement – Kehoe’s Bakery opened last month in that very same premises.

When we called in on the day it opened, Elsa was delighted with how that morning had gone with most produce sold out!

Elsa told us that she is originally from Templeshambo, near Enniscorthy, and now lives in Wellingtonbridge, and operates a busy shop called 'Elsa Bakes' on Thomas Street in Wexford town specialising in handcrafted and bespoke cakes ideal for any special occasion or celebration.

Baking is very much in Elsa's blood, her grandmother and mother having instilled the love of baking in her. And her own career to date has been in traditional baking environments. All Elsa's own produce is baked from scratch in the Enniscorthy premises, with an emphasis on using local suppliers which Elsa feels very strongly about supporting.

The shop stocks Elsa's own brown and other breads, and a huge range of beautiful baking. And the good news for lovers of Cooney's bread, Elsa is stocking some of their range which continues to be produced e.g. sourdough, spelt, large pans, etc. The shop also serves delicious coffee to take away.

In addition to Elsa and her husband William, the friendly and knowledgeable staff include Elsa's mother-in-law, Anna, who works in the on-site kitchen, plus the front of house team of bakers and decorators – Aisling Irwin and Tilly Raleigh Abbott, and barista Molly Gallagher.

We wish them all the very best in this exciting new venture. n Top right: Elsa Kehoe, proprietor.

Bottom right: L-R Molly, Tilly, Elsa and Aisling.

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New agreement to support Wexford A new three-year Heads of Agreement to support the future growth and development of Wexford’s food and drink sectors was signed on 24th April 2026

by Wexford Co. Council and the Wexford Food Producers Network at County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford.

The new Heads of Agreement is a threeyear agreement spanning the period 2026-2028, which is to support the implementation of a new Strategy – ‘Scaling Wexford Food and Drink – Driving Operational Growth and Brand Recognition 2026–2028’ launched by the Wexford Food Producers Network.

The new Strategy will focus on key drivers to ensure growth and development of this sector for the county. Sharing expertise and experience with all sizes of Wexford producers has been identified as a necessary mechanism to assist producers to become more profitable and sustainable. Driving awareness of, preference for, and sales of Wexford food and drink products in target priority markets of Co. Wexford, Dublin, and nationwide is also another key priority.

A focus in the strategy is contributing to Wexford’s economic well being particu-

larly in terms of Wexford’s tourism and hospitality sectors in key areas such as experience and identity. These will be achieved through engagement with Fáilte Ireland and Visit Wexford through the new DEDP Plan for Co. Wexford.

Attracting future generations to establish food production businesses in Co. Wexford and the positioning of Co. Wexford as an attractive option for prospective employees are also key features of the new strategy.

Wexford Food Producers Network’s Paul Kehoe says: ‘This new Heads of Agreement will provide vital funding to deliver a series of initiatives to contribute to the growth and development as outlined in our new Strategy – ‘Scaling Wexford Food and Drink – Driving Operational Growth and Brand Recognition 20262028’... These companies play a significant role in our local and national economy, directly supporting employment, predominantly in Wexford’s rural and coastal communities.

‘We would like to recognise and thank Wexford Co. Council, its elected members, and its management led by Chief Executive Officer, Eddie Taaffe, Di-

rector of Services Elizabeth Hore, and Head of Enterprise & Economic Development Breege Cosgrave, for their vision, commitment, and support of Wexford food and drink producers. We would also like to thank our Honorary President Michael Murphy who chaired the Strategic Advisory and member-led committee to produce the key outcomes that now form the basis of this new strategy for our organisation.’

Speaking on behalf of Wexford Co. Council, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan says: ‘This new Heads of Agreement is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting Wexford’s food and drinks producers, who form many of our local businesses... They are every business size from micro enterprises to SMEs and largescale producers, they are rooted in our communities, they are living examples of how Wexford food is making a mark, not only in Ireland, but increasingly beyond.

‘Our county has long been known as “the Model County” for its farming heritage, “the Soft Fruit County” for its berries, and for its rich food traditions. The fact that we grow more strawberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants than any other county in Ireland is testimony to the land, the climate, and the

Front row: 24th April 2026 at County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford, An Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, and Paul Kehoe, Chairperson, The Wexford Food Producers Network, signing the new three-year Heads of Agreement by Wexford County Council and the Wexford Food Producers Network, to support the future growth and development of Wexford’s food and drink sectors.

Back row L-R: Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Officer, Wexford County Council, Trudie Power, CEO Trudies Kitchen, David Fallon, Non Executive Director, The Wexford Food Producers Network, Elizabeth Hore, Director of Services, Wexford County Council, Anne Deacon, Non Executive Director, The Wexford Food Producers Network. Pic: Mary Browne.

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food & drink Showcase your business people who work it. It means value – economic value, export value, value added.

‘Last year, our county’s producers brought home 31 national awards at the 2025 Blás na hÉireann Irish Food Awards which was a truly remarkable achievement. The continued success of our Wexford producers can be seen in their consistent creativity, quality, persistence, entrepreneurship, and of a shared belief in the value of Wexford food. Our dedicated Wexford food & drink producers have not just met high standards but set them. Because the story of Wexford food is not just about production – it’s about people, place, supplychains, sustainability, innovation, export, but also about taste and sense of place.

‘We would like to recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment that the Wexford Food Producers Network have undertaken in the delivery of their new Strategy, and we wish them continued success as they move forward to its delivery and implementation.’

at the National Ploughing Championships Are you a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford client with a great product or service? If so, this could be your chance to put your business in front of 250,000+ visitors at one of Ireland’s biggest events!

LEO Wexford is inviting Expressions of Interest to represent them at the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships, 15–17 September 2026, in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. ✅ Subsidised 2m x 2m stand (€800). ✅ PR & social media exposure. ✅ Digital marketing training & advice.

✅ A chance to network, build credibility and grow your brand.

Who can apply?

• • •

LEO clients trading 12 months or more.

Innovative businesses or those making their own products.

Food businesses welcome (sampling / home use sales only, per NPA rules).

Submit your Expression of Interest now: https://submit.link/4SX Successful applicants will be announced mid May 2026. n

The Wexford Food Producers Network provides a centralised member led and member representative organisation with a core remit to promote and support the business of Wexford food. The organisation has approximately fifty members who are Wexford based micro enterprises, SMEs and large companies. Their continued aim is to support Wexford food and drink producers, to build a sustainable food industry and to contribute significantly to the Irish economy on a local, regional and national level.

The Network is recognised and supported by Wexford Co. Council, Wexford Local Enterprise Office, and Wexford Local Development. n

Grant funding open for manufacturing & internationally traded services The Local Enterprise Office Wexford is pleased to announce that grant funding is now open for eligible clients in the manufacturing sector or those operating in internationally traded services, where displacement in County Wexford is not an issue.

than 50 people, and operates within the commercial sphere with clear growth potential, you may qualify for this funding opportunity. https://www.localenterprise.ie/wexford/financialsupports/eligibility-criteria/ n

This support is designed to help businesses start, grow, and scale, with a focus on enterprises that demonstrate strong potential for commercial viability, job creation, and expansion into domestic or export markets. Priority is given to projects that can develop into long-term export-focused businesses.

If your business is based in County Wexford, employs fewer

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MINISTER HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF WEXFORD’S FOOD & DRINK PRODUCERS Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has welcomed the 2026 Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival as an important opportunity to support Wexford food & drinks producers, who are a key driver for the local economy.

The Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival is a major annual celebration that combines a massive artisan food market with live rock 'n' roll music and familyfriendly activities, typically attracting over 50,000 visitors to the streets of the town.

A full programme of events is scheduled to take place over the May bank holiday weekend, with a robust line-up which has something to suit all tastes and ages.

The Wexford Food Producers Network is a ‘Supporting Partner’ of the festival and its members will be showcasing the very best of Wexford produced artisan food and drinks. A host of Wexford producers will participate including Earth Food, All About Nectar & Killiane Castle Honey, Daeng’s Delicious Foods, Isle of Crackers, Elderberry Farm Produce, Bosca Capaill Pizzeria, and LaKav Wines, producers of the award-winning Fáda Wexford Wine.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival, Minister Browne highlighted the importance of Wexford’s Food & Drinks sector to the local economy: "The agri-food sector is one of Ireland’s most important indigenous manufacturing sectors, employing approximately 165,000 people, contributing €18.3 billion to the national economy. County Wexford is a major agricultural hub, contributing significantly to national production, particularly in tillage and soft fruits, producing the majority of Ireland's strawberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants.

County Wexford is a major supplier of potatoes, lamb, and organic chicken.

“Wexford’s food & drinks sector directly supports local employment, predominantly in County Wexford’s rural and coastal communities who continue to maintain and preserve the long standing agricultural and food producing traditions of the Model County. Wexford is a key contributor to food production in the

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Back row L-R: Jimmy Gahan (Festival Committee), Anne Deacon (Wexford Food Producers Network), Eamonn Crean (GreenHill Fruit Farm and Wexford Food Producers Network).

Front row L-R: Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, Stacey Williams (Wexford Food Producers Network), Ger Mackey (Festival Committee).

South-East region, which produces approximately 20% of Ireland’s crops and 19% of its milk, with Wexford standing out for the production of soft fruits and vegetable farming.”

Minister Browne acknowledged Wexford County Council and Local Enterprise Office Wexford for their role in supporting the growth and development of Wexford’s food & drinks sectors.

A wonderful display of canapés was presented by The Bailey Bar & Eatery at the Festival launch. The Bailey is a family friendly bistro in the heart of Enniscorthy and recipients of the national “Best Food Pub” award for their diverse menus reflecting the use of local Wexford producers.

Tirlán produced Wexford Cheddar was showcased at the launch with displays of red and white Wexford Cheddar, accompanied by handmade artisan crackers by Wexford-based, award-winning Isle of

Crackers Artisan Bakery. Guests also enjoyed Wexford Strawberries from The Village at Wheelocks and Greenhill Fruit Farm.

The Wexford Food Producers Network provides a centralised member-led and member-representative organisation with a core remit to promote and support the business of Wexford food. The organisation has approximately fifty members who are Wexford-based micro enterprises, SMEs and large companies. Their continued aim is to support Wexford food & drinks sector producers, to build a sustainable food and drinks industry, and to contribute to the Irish economy on a local, regional, and national level.

The Wexford Food Producers Network is recognised and supported by Wexford County Council, Wexford Local Enterprise Office and Wexford Local Development.

For further information please visit www.wexfordfoodfamily.com n

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“We’ve developed Leading from the Ground Up in collaboration with County Wexford Chamber Skillnet and Sustainable HRM Skillnet in direct response to what we’re hearing from industry – there’s a clear need for leadership capability that is grounded, practical, and relevant to the realities of construction today. This programme is about building confidence and competence at every level, enabling people to lead with clarity and impact on site and beyond.”

The launch event is open to industry professionals, stakeholders, and local partners, offering an opportunity to meet with Mags Boland, Skillnet representatives, and HPBA to learn more about the programme, its structure, and its intended impact on the sector.

Above: Mags Boland, Bofin Consultancy.

Below: Mandi Stewart, CEO, High Performance Building Alliance.

New Leadership Programme “Leading from the Ground Up” Launches in Wexford to Support Construction Sector Transformation A new leadership development programme tailored specifically for the construction sector, Leading from the Ground Up, will be officially launched at Café Konnect, Wexford Town, at 10.30am on Thursday, 7 May 2026.

mindset, and tools needed to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving environment.

If you are interested in advancing leadership capability within construction, you are invited to go along for a breakfast roll and cup of tea!

For more information about the programme or to register your interest, please contact: Mandi Stewart 087 1232211 Amanda.stewart@hpba.ie www.hpba.ie n

Delivered by Mags Boland of Bofin Consultancy, the programme focuses on practical, real-world leadership challenges, empowering participants to

Developed in direct response to industry demand, the programme addresses the growing need for strong, sustainable leadership across all aspects of the construction sector. As the industry navigates increasing complexity – from sustainability targets and regulatory change to workforce development – Leading from the Ground Up is designed to equip professionals with the skills,

drive performance, foster collaboration, and deliver high-quality outcomes across projects and organisations. It is particularly relevant for emerging leaders, site managers, supervisors, and professionals stepping into leadership roles.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Mandi Stewart, CEO of the High Performance Building Alliance (HPBA), said:

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L-R: Liz Hore, Director of Services, Wexford County Council; Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council; Kate Doyle, Founder, Ecokinly; Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Wexford Co. Council.

BEST OF LUCK TO KATE DOYLE A sustainable start-up business from Enniscorthy is set to compete with the country’s best small businesses, having been announced as Wexford’s finalist for the National Enterprise Awards 2026, taking place in June.

EcoKinly (www.ecokinly.com) an awardwinning business that designs and markets a range of reusable nappies, period products and accessories, will represent the county at the prestigious national competition. The business operates through e-commerce, serving both domestic and international customers, and is currently expanding through retail partnerships across Ireland.

EcoKinly was founded by parent-of-two Kate Doyle, who was shocked by the scale of waste generated by disposable nappies — with over one million singleuse nappies sent to landfill or incineration in Ireland every day — as well as the financial burden they place on new parents. Kate quickly realised that reusable products offered a more sustainable solution and set about creating alternatives that are practical, accessible, and designed for real everyday life.

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Since establishing the business in 2025, Kate has already achieved significant progress with the EcoKinly brand, including a product with a patent pending. The business has gained strong market traction and widespread recognition for its unique and innovative proposition. Earlier this year, EcoKinly was crowned Sustainability Champion at The Business of Craft Awards at Showcase.

The National Enterprise Awards are hosted annually by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network, in association with Enterprise Ireland, and celebrate the achievements of small businesses.

Finalists will take part in a rigorous judging process during which they will present their growth strategies and participate in a detailed question-andanswer session with an expert panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders. The competition will culminate on 18 June at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House, where the title of Ireland’s Enterprise of the Year will be awarded.

All 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be represented at the finals, with finalist

companies competing for a total prize fund of €75,000.

Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, said: “Wexford’s strong track record at the National Enterprise Awards is a testament to the county’s vibrant and dynamic small business community. In the past, businesses such as Sully and Juno and Professional Hair Labs have secured wins at the National Enterprise Awards.”

Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development at Wexford Co. Council, added: “The National Enterprise Awards offer an exceptional platform for ambitious businesses to achieve national recognition. EcoKinly is an impressive early-stage business with an innovative, sustainable product and a clear business plan, and I expect Kate to be a very competitive candidate in this year’s awards.”

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93 Contact: 053 9196020 Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie https://www.facebook.com/LocalEnterpris eOfficeWexford n

Slaney buSineSS & finance

ENNISCORTHY-BASED PINERGY’S AMBITIOUS SOLAR GROWTH TARGET

Pinergy has appointed Philip Connor as Head of Commercial Development.

Pinergy, the Enniscorthy-based energy transition company, has just announced a strategic acceleration of its Enniscorthy commercial solar division, targeting the installation of over 40MWp of commercial solar projects across Ireland within the next three years. To spearhead this ambitious growth and solidify its position, Pinergy has appointed Philip Connor as Head of Commercial Development.

sion’s commercial strategy and performance, with direct responsibility for driving revenue growth and strengthening Pinergy’s market footprint in Ireland’s rapidly evolving energy landscape. He will play a central role in advancing Pinergy’s commercial solar proposition, ensuring measurable value for clients by aligning commercial commitments with robust delivery capabilities.

This move underscores Pinergy’s deep commitment to empowering Irish businesses to significantly reduce energy costs, enhance sustainability, and unlock new revenue streams through advanced solar and battery storage solutions. In an era marked by heightened geopolitical instability and volatile energy markets, ensuring reliable, cost-effective, and secure power is more critical than ever for businesses. As Ireland’s only fully integrated energy supplier offering green energy supply, export payments, energy insights, and solar installations within a single organisation, Pinergy is well positioned to deliver comprehensive, long-term energy asset management, moving beyond transactional installations.

Over the past decade, Pinergy’s Commercial Solar PV division has successfully installed more than 60MWp of solar and 1MWh of commercial battery technology for clients across Ireland.

Philip Connor will lead the solar divi-

Pinergy currently delivers a full range of commercial solar solutions, including rooftop and ground-mounted projects.

Operating from its base in Enniscorthy, the company’s commercial solar team provides design, installation, and service support for projects nationwide. Pinergy also offers competitive feed-in tariffs and export payments, enabling clients to generate additional revenue from excess solar power exported to the grid.

Recent high-profile commercial solar projects delivered by Pinergy include Monart Hotel & Spa, Keoghs Crisps, and several motor retail partnerships across

the country, most recently Fitzpatrick Motors in Kildare.

This strategic focus follows a review completed last year, which saw Pinergy stepping back from the residential solar market to direct further investment and resources into its commercial solar operations. This decision reinforces its position as Ireland’s only fully integrated energy supplier for businesses.

Daire Keating, Chief Commercial Officer at Pinergy, said: “The past year has been transformative for Pinergy as we have become part of Sojitz Corporation. As a publicly listed group with operations across multiple countries and regions, Sojitz has helped unlock new opportunities for us as we continue to grow our business lines.

“We are setting our sights on leading Ireland’s commercial solar and battery sector, shaping the future of how businesses generate, store, and use energy.

Philip’s outstanding experience and strategic vision will be pivotal as we accelerate our growth, deepen our capabilities, and redefine what best-in-class energy solutions look like. Together, we are building a platform that empowers Irish businesses not just to participate in the energy transition, but to lead it.” n

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Supports available from LEO, Wexford

The Market Explorer Grant is open to small enterprises (with between 1 and 50 paid employees) that meet the following criteria: Operate as manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services businesses and are solvent as demonstrated in the financial statements supplied and have current tax clearance from Revenue.

Are not currently clients of Enterprise Ireland or IDA. Operate commercially and are established and trading for at least 12 months, registered, and carrying on activity within the area of the Local Enterprise Office.

Have demonstrated intention to internationalise i.e. have completed Export

Accelerator or similar LEO Exporter Programme or have developed an internationalisation plan or have initial small-scale exports that can be increased.

The amount of the grant is to a maximum of €10,000 or 50% of eligible costs.

Support for the Market Explorer for Business grant applies when eligible companies seek to explore either a new geographic market for an existing product/service or an existing geographic market for a new product/service.

The grant will support first-time and small-scale exporters to undertake essential market research and to support the development of viable and sustainable market entry strategies in new geo-

graphic markets for businesses. The financial assistance proposed will provide support towards costs incurred in researching new market opportunities for products and services.

The eligible activities supported under the Market Explorer grant can be supported under the following cost categories: Market Research In Market Consultancy Trade Fair Attendance Trade Fair Exhibition Overseas Travel Subsistence Please contact Local Enterprise Office Wexford for further information. n

Green for Business support Whether it’s cutting costs, improving efficiency, or enhancing your reputation, going green can give your business a competitive edge — while also benefiting the environment.

cannabis-based products which are not authorised as medicines).

What’s in it for your business?

The enterprise must operate in the commercial sphere.

• Lower operating costs • Better use of energy, water, and materials • Reduced carbon footprint • Enhanced brand image and customer appeal • Greater resilience to climate change.

Eligibility:

The Green for Business support is a free consultancy programme designed to help small businesses become more sustainable. Through up to two days of expert consultancy, businesses can work with a specialist Green Consultant who will identify practical, impactful changes tailored to your business.

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The Green for Business support is open to all enterprises with 1-50 employees except those involved in activities that the Local Enterprise Offices consider as ineligible for example primary agricultural businesses – farms or as involving an unacceptable reputational risk: gambling including ‘gaming’ (as defined in the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956), adult entertainment, tobacco products, and

The enterprise must be established, registered, and operate within the geographic location of the Local Enterprise Office.

Turnover is in excess of €30,000 annually.

The business is trading in excess of 6 months.

Companies forming part of a holding group, franchise, linked companies etc. are only permitted to make one application. Multiple applications will not be considered.

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93 info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie Contact: 053 9196020 Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie n

Slaney buSineSS & finance

Reward with purpose. Shop local.

Looking for a meaningful way to say thank you to your team or clients? The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card is the perfect choice.

Under Revenue’s Small Benefit Exemption Scheme, employers can reward employees with up to €1,500 per year, tax-free, using non-cash benefits like the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card.

No PAYE, PRSI or USC applies. You can reward the €1,500 in any value combination. The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card – which can be spent in 200 participating outlets – is a simple, meaningful way to say thank you that benefits your employees and County Wexford.

Say ‘Thank You’ to your staff today. Check out: https://corporate.townandcitygiftcards.ie/county-wexford-shop-local-gift-card/ It’s flexible, easy to use across Co. Wexford, ideal for staff rewards, incentives and corporate gifting. This card keeps it local – and keeps it thoughtful.

So celebrate the people who make your business great while supporting the businesses that make Co. Wexford thrive. n

For all County Wexford Chamber news: www.countywexfordchamber.ie and https://www.facebook.com/CountyWexfordChamber n

Simplify Your Business Journey with the National Enterprise Hub (NEH)!

Finding the right support to start or grow your business shouldn't be complicated. The National Enterprise Hub offers a streamlined solution, consolidating over 250 essential resources – from grants and funding to training and expert guidance – on to one intuitive website. Whatever your business stage, NEH provides the resources you need to thrive. Discover more at www.neh.gov.ie or contact NEH for tailored assistance and further details. Your business growth starts here!

Proudly supported by the Government of Ireland. n

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Pics: Canines at the Hope & Dream 10 Pics: David Butler Photography

DON'T RISK IT!

EVERY DOG MUST HAVE A DOG LICENCE An Post have now taken over the National Dog Licence Database

ANNUAL SINGLE DOG LICENCE IS €20 LIFETIME LICENCE IS €140 BOTH LICENCES CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT WWW.LICENCES.IE OR AT ANY POST OFFICE GENERAL DOG LICENCES CAN STILL BE PURCHASED THROUGH WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL RECEIPTS OFFICE, CARRICKLAWN, WEXFORD T: 053 919 6000

MAXIMUM FINE €2,500

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Dog waste – did you know?

Did you know, bagged dog waste can go in any public litter bin?

The wonderful Tidy Towns volunteers around the county are still finding bagged dog poo discarded in landscaped areas, in planters, left on top of walls, or just dropped on the footpaths.

These groups are exasperated by this ongoing problem, saying, “There’s just no excuse!” because you don’t need to find a dedicated dog-waste bin, bagged dog waste can go in any public litter bin!

Leaving dog mess behind isn’t an option, so if the nearest dog bin is full or too far away, just use a general litter bin, or bring it home and dispose of it in your own household waste bin. n

Slaney PeTS

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

T: (053) 9233187, 9236674.

F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR MAY

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

As the season of summer arrives, the world

The summer season invites us to be creative.

feels full of life and colour. Summer is a sea-

And is a reminder that what ripens should not

son of energy and activity. Things are grow-

be rushed.

ing, moving, thriving.

Growth cannot be hurried.

What was quietly planted in earlier seasons begins to show itself now.

The season invites us to notice beauty and abundance in what surrounds us – the richness

Flowers bloom in their own time.

Fruit ripens when it is ready.

Nature does not force its seasons, and it asks us not to force ourselves either. In a world that

of colour, the hum of insects, the warmth of the

often asks us to do more, make more, move

sunshine on our skin, the simple pleasure of

faster, summer offers another lesson: to trust

being outdoors and connected to the living

the pace of things.

world.

May we tune in to the magic of the summer

Summer teaches us that fullness is not about ex-

season.

cess, but about appreciation. That there is al-

May we slow down and trust in timing.

ways beauty and magic happening everywhere,

May we enjoy and appreciate the abundance of

all the time, though we may not always see it or

summer and the wonders of nature.

appreciate it until it blossoms. The burst of life

And may we find joy in the process, for it is in

and colour all around us in summer reminds us

the nurturing, in the ripening, in that time that

of the importance of the care and time of each

can't be rushed – that things flourish – and so

season before.

do we. 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): Daily 9.30–10.30am, 2.30–3.30pm, 5.00–6.00pm.

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

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Full blood analysis (haematology, biochemistry) Gas anaesthetic – Digital X-rays – Ultrasound – Bioenergy Dermatological testing – Kinesiology – Prescription diets Herbal remedies – Homeopathy – Allergy testing

1st May 2026 - Page 109

Slaney Slaney moToring aD

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year.

Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at

www.changinglanes.ie

TOYOTA AYGO X HYBRID Toyota is having a good year, keeping its place as the bestselling car brand in the country in 2026.

The Aygo X is its smallest car currently on sale, slotting into the range below the popular Yaris Hybrid. It offers buyers an affordable small car option with some SUV-style (hence the 'X' in the name, pronounced

TOYOTA AYGO X HYBRID

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'Cross'). For 2026, it also gets Toyota's very own hybrid technology for the first time that does wonders for power and efficiency.

The Aygo X Hybrid is a better car than the previous 1.0-litre petrol, but the price has gone up. The Pulse starts from €24,520, the Design from €26,870 and the GR Sport from

€30,870. There are many cheap electric cars now on sale so it's a tough market for the Aygo X. Styling has been refreshed with a bolder front design and new headlights. The crossover-inspired design gets flared black wheel arches to add toughness and mini-SUV appeal to what is essentially a city car for

Slaney moToring nipping around in traffic.

power, refinement and of course fuel efficiency. The petro Aygo X felt underpowered when faced with a hill but no such problems for the Aygo X Hybrid. It has 116hp and feels much stronger and quieter than the outgoing model.

Measuring less than four metres in length, it's ideal for town and city, while the high driving position gives a great view out.

There are three trim levels for Ireland: Pulse, Design and GR Sport.

17-inch alloy wheels come as standard though LED headlamps only come on Design and above.

Interior

A range of bright colours is available including Tokyo Gold and a bi-colour roof that extends dramatically into the rear wings on Design and GR Sport versions.

camera and automatic air conditioning. Design versions add power folding side mirrors, wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting and push button start.

GR Sport versions get motorsportinspired design features like unique badging, 18-inch alloy wheels, meshed upper front grille and a striking black bonnet.

GR Sport versions get dual zone climate control, heated front seats, upgraded seat upholstery,

The Aygo X is equally fun inside.

Quality remains strong and a reminder of larger models like the Yaris Cross and Corolla. The size of the touchscreen has been upgraded with a 9-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto as standard. GR Sport versions upgrade that to 10.5-inch. The synthetic leather finished steering wheel feels great quality and adds to the feel of being in a bigger car.

Standard features include a parking

There are also loads of advanced driver assistance features like lane departure assist, road sign assist and adaptive cruise control.

The Aygo X has a 231-litre boot, which is on the small side though not uncommon in the city car class. It's a four-seater but there's very little space for anyone other than small children, which does limit its appeal.

The Aygo X Hybrid replaces the petrol engine from earlier versions. It shares the same 1.5-litre petrol hybrid as the Yaris and Yaris Cross. It's a massive improvement in terms of

It's also incredibly efficient with fuel consumption as low as 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres, which is possible to achieve in real world driving.

Otherwise, the Aygo X Hybrid is great to drive. The suspension, brakes and steering have all been updated for a more engaging and responsive drive. Comfort and refinement levels are great for a small car. It doesn't get too noisy on the motorway, though it can get bumpy on rural roads. It's fun to drive in the way small cars usually are.

The 2026 Toyota Aygo X Hybrid is a big improvement for Toyota’s smallest car. However, it’s not without compromises. Rear space is tight, the boot is small and the price increase doesn't make it look as much value as before.

Still, if you’re not ready to go electric and want a reliable, efficient and characterful small car, the Aygo X Hybrid is the best of the rest. n

L&M STARTER & ALTERNATOR REPAIR SERVICE CARS, VANS, 4X4, TRUCKS, TRACTORS, MARINE, QUADS, LAWNMOWERS AND GENERATORS. WE REPAIR ALL UNITS. ALL APPLICATIONS CATERED FOR.

Island Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9235933.

1st May 2026 - Page 111

Slaney Slaney SPorT aD

ENNISCORTHY CLUB WINS 18 MEDALS AT EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Congratulations to Slaney Kenpo Karate on their recent successes in the European Karate Championships in Portugal last month.

A small, dedicated team travelled there and won a remarkable 18 medals in total, of which 8 were gold.

Their instructors say they couldn't be prouder as the team gave 100% and proved hard work does indeed pay off. They added, "Thanks a lot too to all the parents and supporters without whose constant help none of this would be possible."

Check out: https://www.facebook.com/slaneykenpokarate.enniscorthy n

Give rowing a try!

Are you curious about rowing? Looking for a new way to stay active, meet new people, and try something a bit different?

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club is a multiaward-winning club based at Edermine Bridge (Y21 R6D6) just outside Enniscorthy.

New members are always welcome at this friendly club.

Have any questions? Contact the club chairperson, Tina Kavanagh, on 087 630 1350.

Read more at: https://www.facebook.com/rowingedermine n

Enniscorthy Greyhound Racing

Congrats

Racing in Enniscorthy is on two nights a week – Monday and Thursday. First race starts at 8pm.

A great night out for all the family.

CONGRATS TO ENNISCORTHY RUGBY PLAYER KATIE WHELAN WHO MADE HER FULL IRELAND DEBUT LAST MONTH AGAINST ENGLAND. n

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Slaney hiSTory & heriTage

Wexford Normandy Cultural Association presents...

The next talk in the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association series, entitled 'New Ross: The Norman Town', will be held in the Dunbrody Visitor Centre, New Ross, on Tuesday, May 12th at 7.30pm.

This is the fifth in the series of talks to raise awareness of 2027 European Year of the Normans. The opening address will be given

by Eamonn Hore, Director of Service, Wexford County Council, followed by local historian and guide Myles Courtney who will look at the background to the establishment of the Norman town and port of New Ross, the 'wheres and whys' of its location, the personalities involved, the significance of Marshal's new bridge and church, and the international connection with Europe as a gateway to the commercial highway of the Bannow Corridor.

The talk will also deal with the disputes and the walling of the town, leading to new identities, and the medieval legacies on the streetscape that we walk today.

To register on Eventbrite, follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1910006303269 n

Ferns Castle: Back open from April 30th this year.

1st May 2026 - Page 113

Slaney hiSTory Slaney aD & heriTage

The Bantry Commons Case Words & pics by Maria Nolan

Above L-R: John Cooney with John Garahy, Chair of Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society. Top right: Mary Kate and Paula Ni Murchu with John Cooney. Right: Tony Dempsey (centre) with the Codd brothers.

Below L-R: Martin Codd, Tony Aspel, Seana Redmond and Cllr John Fleming.

On Wednesday evening, 15th April 2026, the function room at the Riverside Park Hotel was packed to capacity for the presentation of a wonderful historical documentary hosted by the Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society.

The Bantry Commons Case made and produced by Blackstairs Media – John Cooney, Tony Aspel, and Nuala Donlon, is an intriguing piece of local history expertly presented in this detailed documentary that tells the tale of the tenants on the Wexford side of the Blackstairs Mountains who took on the local, prominent landlord Thomas Kavanagh of Borris House eventually winning their case against him after a lengthy legal battle from 1815 to 1840 in an era when that seldom if ever occurred.

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The Bantry Commons, an area on the border of Carlow and Wexford, was used by tenant farmers on both sides of

the mountains for grazing from time immemorial until in 1815 landlord Thomas Kavanagh purchased the land from the

Slaney hiSTory & heriTage

Your chance to be published!

Seán Óg Doyle and Jimmy Holohan at the Bantry Commons event.

Crown prohibiting tenants from grazing their cattle and sheep there.

Led by local priest Fr. Furlong, the Wexford tenants challenged the landlord accusing him of a ‘land grab’ finally winning the case on the grounds that the land couldn’t be sold by the Crown as the Crown didn’t own it.

The land in question being owned by Lord Anglesey and the court ruling against Thomas Kavanagh and granting commonage rights to the tenants of the area, declaring Bantry Commons free to those who had been using it from time immemorial.

This was a most significant development in tenant land rights in pre Famine Ireland.

An excellent and enlightening production considering the fact that John Cooney told the Riverside audience that it had been made with no budget apart from the goodwill of all involved, including local actors and musicians Seana Redmond, Mary Kate and Paula Ni Murchu, Martin Codd, and Joe White.

Well done Blackstairs Media and Uí Cinnsealaigh Historical Society for organising the event and congratulations to everyone who had a part to play in this intriguing documentary showcasing a largely hidden piece of our local history. n

The local Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society is inviting authors to submit papers on ‘The Normans in County Wexford, 1169-2026’ for a special edition of 'The Past', its historical journal, to celebrate 2027 as 'The Year of The Normans'.

See graphic above for details. All submissions welcome, and all topics appreciated, including, but not limited to, built history, social and cultural, folklore, and the legacy of the Normans. n

1st May 2026 - Page 115

Slaney hiSTory Slaney aD & heriTage

Easter commemorations in Enniscorthy Speech by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District, at Market Square, 6th April 2026: Go mbeannaí Dia dhaoibh.

Minister, Deputy, fellow Councillors, distinguished guests.

It is an honour to speak with you this morning to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Easter Rising – an event of significant importance, not only here in Enniscorthy, but throughout the Island of Ireland and for Irish men and women throughout the world.

On the Thursday of Easter week, April 27th 1916, the leaders of Easter Rising in Enniscorthy took control of several important buildings in the town, namely The Castle, The Courthouse, the Railway Station and the Athenaeum which they made their headquarters.

That same day, the Irish Tricolour was raised by members of Cumman na mBan over the Athenaeum. The three young women were Úna Bolger, Gretta Commerford and Marion Stokes. Úna Bolger, an Oylgate native who later married 1916 leader Robert Brennan, holds a singular place in our history as one of only two women ever granted membership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

A week later, Enniscorthy was the last town to surrender in all of Ireland, on Monday, May 1st.

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These men and women of 1916 were prepared to lay down their lives so that future generations could be free. They fought for the "strong, the brave, the weak, and the misunderstood," driven by a vision of "fair play for all".

It should not be forgotten that Ireland is the only Western European country to have endured such a protracted, and systemic period of colonial rule, marked by the denial of land rights and the tragedy of the Famine, that gives us a unique perspective.

Even today, 180 years after the Famine decimated our people, our population has yet to recover to its pre-1840s levels.

This lived experience is why we cannot remain silent today. When we look at the conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, and elsewhere – we do not just see headlines; we see a reflection of our own past. We empathise with the displaced and the oppressed because we have walked that path. It is this history that gives Ireland its distinct voice in international relations – a voice that is heard and respected because it is rooted in the struggle for self-determination.

That struggle connects us across the Atlantic.

We are joined today by students and professors from Georgia Southern University. Your presence reminds us of the Wexford families who fled the Famine for Savannah, Georgia. In the cemeteries of Savannah, names such as Doyle, Kehoe, Kelly, Murphy, O’Leary stand as a testament to that bridge between our two

homes. I want to thank my friend Dr. Howard Keeley for his dedication to strengthening the Wexford-Savannah connection.

Ireland’s opinions are taken seriously internationally. We are a stronger people for our defence of those countries that have been invaded and peoples who are being at best displaced or seriously injured and at worst orphaned or killed.

Ireland’s unique perspective has been shaped by our history. The lived experiences of our predecessors have shaped and moulded us as a people. It also gave us unique insight into the modern world and is displayed in how we approach international relations.

I want to thank the Ballindaggin Pipe Band, the Enniscorthy Re-enactors, Nocha hOcht Le Chéile, the GSU Students, the 1916 Commemoration Committee, and the staff of Wexford County Council for making today possible. I also want to thank each one of you who come to this commemoration each year.

As we stand here 110 years later, let us honour the generation of 1916 not just with our words, but with our actions. Let us continue to be a voice for the oppressed and a beacon for the freedom they so bravely won. May the resilience of our ancestors guide us as we forge an Ireland – and a world – of true equality.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

Go raibh maith agaibh. n

Slaney hiSTory & heriTage

1st May 2026 - Page 117

Slaney hiSTory Slaney aD & heriTage

Easter commemorations in Enniscorthy (continued)

Above left: Johnny Mythen TD, Cllr John O’Rourke, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Pat Kehoe, John Browne, Cllr Aidan Browne, with Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy in front at the podium. Above centre: The Proclamation is read by Judy Heffernan. Above right: Anthony Nolan plays the Last Post.

Below left: Martin Whelan (organiser), Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Aidan Browne.

Below right: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, lays a wreath at the Croppy Boy Monument, Market Square.

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Slaney hiSTory & heriTage

Above: Enniscorthy Councillors and re-enactors.

Far left: Graham Cadogan.

Left: Billy Phayers.

Right: Niamh Crowhurst.

Far right: Barry Lacey.

Below left: Ger Ennis addresses the audience.

Below centre: The large attendance. Below right: Cllr Pat Kehoe with Maria Nolan. Bottom: Martina Leacy dancers.

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Slaney hiSTory Slaney aD & heriTage

Protecting Wexford’s monuments Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, announced last month the awarding of €482,664 to eight Wexford projects under the 2026 Community Monuments Fund. These grants will help custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future and improve access for people to our shared history.

With an overall increase in grant funding available through the Community Monuments Scheme this year, Minister Browne commented on its local impact: “I am delighted that we can announce a significant number of awards for Wexford under the increased 2026 Community Monuments Fund. I want to see this investment ensuring that heritage projects across this county will progress. I see the protection of our archaeological heritage as a community asset.

Senator Cathal Byrne has welcomed the Community Monuments funding announced by government last month which will see investment of €100,000 in Taghmon Castle.

“Under Stream 1 of the fund, which is aimed at funding essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments, Taghmon will receive €100,000 which is very welcome and testament to the dedication and diligent work of the Taghmon Heritage Group. I commend their interest and enthusiasm to date and wish them well as they continue the important work of safeguarding a unique local monument”.

“Castles in Ballycogley and Taghmon, as well as churches in Ballyvaldon, Mayglass, Ballybrennan are all awarded for their projects to progress.”

Minister Browne commended the network of heritage professionals who work alongside his Department, whose stewardship make this scheme so successful each year, saying: “I want to acknowledge the work of the National Monuments Service of my Department for their diligence, dedication and hard work in managing the fund. I would also like to recognise Wexford County Council and their heritage professionals for their immense work in administering these awards and for their crucial role in heritage protection and promotion.

“The Community Monuments Fund will support many jobs across the heritage sector, from traditional skills such as stonemasons to archaeologists and conservation architects. And I would also like to acknowledge the private owners as custodians of much of our archaeological heritage and I am delighted that they are able to avail of this funding and I look forward to following the progress of these important projects over the coming months and years ahead.”

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Taghmon Castle: Minister James Browne (centre), with Minister Dara Calleary (second from right) visiting Taghmon recently with (L-R) Justin Kelly, John Waters, Cllr Ger Carthy, Paul Codd and a representative from the Department of Heritage.

Projects in Wexford awarded funding this year include:

• St Mary’s Church - €29,520

Stream 1: Grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments. Exceptional projects may be awarded up to €130,000.

Stream 3: Grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/online) at archaeological monuments.

• Ballycogly Castle - €116,127

• Lady's Island Castle - €29,908.25

• Ballyvaldon Church - €130,000

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.

• Taghmon Castle - €100,000 Stream 2: Grants of up to €30,000 for development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports that are aimed at identifying measures for conservation of archaeological monuments and improving public access.

• Mayglass Church - €20,479.50

• St Patrick’s Church - €26,629.50

• Ballybrennan Church - €30,000

The scheme also helps facilitate public access and improvements to the presentation of local monuments. n

Slaney hiSTory & heriTage

Enniscorthy’s heritage boost Minister James Browne TD has announced €287,864 for Enniscorthy as part of the Historic Towns Initiative – one of 18 towns to share €2m funding.

The ‘Historic Towns Initiative’ is a joint initiative between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council. The funding will help tackle vacancy, provide jobs through heritage-led regeneration, and will support traditional building skills.

The Enniscorthy funding will: •

Enable essential conservation works to Enniscorthy Castle.

•

Upgrade works to Enniscorthy Atheneum.

•

Support of a heritage-led rejuvenation in the adjoining streets in Enniscorthy’s Architectural Conservation Area. This work is with a view to preserving and bringing vacant and underused heritage buildings back into use for retail and residential purposes.

Minister Browne said: “The funding awarded is important in making sure our town is a growing and accessible place to live and work, and will protect our older buildings.

“The Historic Towns Initiative works because it provides practical financial support to keep historic buildings in use, ensuring that they retain their position at the heart of community life.

The Heritage Council previously funded a heritage-led regeneration plan for Enniscorthy in 2023 and funded streetscape works to historic properties on Slaney Street in 2021.

The Historic Towns Initiative, which has been running since 2018, seeks proposals that encourage the specific re-use of historic buildings. n

Funding for historic structures Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, announced on 9th April €4.42m in funding for 40 projects for the repair and protection of landmark buildings under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2026.

Minister James Browne at Rathangan Church which is receiving €90,000 funding to cover roof works, and repair stone masonry, lead flashings, plus new rainwater goods and internal repair.

Co. Wexford will receive funding of €270,000 for three projects which will be administered by Wexford County Council: €90,000 awarded for works at Saunderscourt Gate Lodges, West Gate Lodge, Galbally East, Crossabeg. These include conservation and restoration works of west gate lodge as part of ongoing programme of work to restore the 18th century Palladian entrance ensemble. €90,000 awarded for works at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Laurence O’Toole, Rathangan, Duncormick. The funding will cover roof works and associated repair works to stone masonry and lead flashings, plus new rainwater goods and internal repair. €90,000 for repairs to St. Michael’s Theatre, South Street, New Ross. These include roof works, works to existing rainwater goods and all associated works.

Minister Browne said: “The award of funding under the Historic Structures Fund is a demonstration of our commitment to preserving and enhancing Ireland’s architectural legacy.

“Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, this Government is continuing its commitment to safeguard our built heritage, keeping many buildings in use and helping to bring many others back into use.

“The funding also supports the survival of the skills and expertise needed to maintain our built heritage and this will also have an economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople across the country.”

Minister O’Sullivan said: “Communities across the country know the value of our built heritage, and many of them dedicate their time, passion and expertise to ensuring their protection. This grant can make the difference between a cherished

heritage building falling into disrepair or being restored and valued as part of a thriving streetscape. I know this funding will have a huge impact around the country and I look forward to seeing the results for myself over the coming months and years.”

Alongside other heritage funding streams such as the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the recently re-opened Conservation Advice Grant Scheme, the Historic Structures Fund aims to conserve, protect, and promote the use of historic buildings across our cities, towns, villages, and countryside.

This scheme operates on a match-funding basis with owners and custodians of historic buildings obliged to contribute towards the final cost of works. n

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Slaney Slaney environmenT aD

New EV fast charger for Bunclody Bunclody AFC has taken another significant step in its ambitious development plans with the announcement of a new 50kW DC electric vehicle charger to be installed at the club’s grounds, following successful funding under the Shared Island Sports Club EV Initiative.

The project will be delivered in partnership with E-Power, marking a major milestone not just for the club, but for the wider Bunclody community and surrounding region.

Chairman Jamie Farrell spoke proudly about the announcement: “We are no longer just a football club. We are building a community hub here in Bunclody.

With Dom Ryan Fitness, Alison’s School of Dance, and our upcoming membersonly gym, we are creating a space that people of all ages can use and benefit from every single day.”

Work on the project is progressing, with ESB connection agreements in place and coordination ongoing between E-Power and the network provider. The club expects to provide further updates as installation timelines are confirmed.

Bunclody AFC also acknowledged the support of E-Power beyond the infrastructure project, thanking the company for sponsoring jerseys for both the Under-10 girls and boys teams — a gesture that reflects a shared commitment to grassroots sport and community development.

As clubs across the country look for sustainable ways to grow, Bunclody AFC is setting a powerful example — proving that with the right approach, local fundraising can deliver real, lasting impact. 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.

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Slaney environmenT

These six ‘R’s can save our planet!

Refuse single use plastics (bags, cups, etc) Rethink your choices Reuse as much as possible Repair before you replace Recycle all packaging and plastic bottles Rot all your organic stuff and put it back into the soil n

Kieran Harahill

Can you help?

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

Report illegal dumping Wexford County Council has three methods to log illegal dumping complaints: 1. Call: 053 919 6000 2. Email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie 3. Website to report illegal dumping: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/waste-and-recycling/report-illegal-dumping n

Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA) has been approved for a Local Waste Prevention Grant, which it will use to restore unwanted tools for reuse by its members.

So have a look around your house/shed for tools that ECA can restore, and please leave them at the ECA shed reception. n

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers are doing a lot of work at present on their anti-dog-fouling campaign including the use of stencils and spray paint to spray “Bag It, Bin It” messages on footpaths which are prone to dog fouling. Dog poo contains harmful bacteria, is unsightly, gets on shoes, buggies, wheelchairs etc and, of course, is a big problem for visually impaired people. The Tidy Towns group is pleading with dog owners to practise responsible dog ownership, pick up after your dog and bin that poo. n

1st May 2026 - Page 123

Slaney Slaney environmenT aD

Dog poo is still a major problem 95% Think Dog Fouling is an Issue in Ireland.

83% Have Come into Unwanted Contact with Dog Poo in Last 12 Months.

71% Encounter Dog Faeces Daily in Public Places.

The Irish Blue Cross is urging pet owners to pick up and dispose of their dogs’ poo after their recent survey revealed 83% of respondents have come into unwanted contact with dog faeces in the last 12 months.

The veterinary charity surveyed 769 people and found 95% think dog fouling is an issue in their local area, 63% believe the problem has worsened in the last year, and 7 in 10 people are encountering dog poo daily, in public places. too, as it gives you a chance to notice any changes and catch early signs of illness, potentially lowering veterinary costs.

Dog faeces can carry harmful pathogens such as E coli, Roundworm, Hookworm, and Giardia which can adversely affect people and pets, and Parvovirus which can be fatal to dogs. If left on the ground, other dogs can sniff or ingest contaminated areas and become infected.

“We also recommend that pets are regularly wormed as dogs can infect themselves by sniffing or stepping in contaminated faeces and later licking their paws.”

Dr Laura Mock, Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross, explained: “Some parasites in dog waste can infect humans, especially children and can affect their eyes and organs. Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can also be present, especially in dogs who are fed raw meat diets, so picking up dog waste immediately, reduces the chance of accidental contact or contamination.

Almost half of the survey respondents are dog owners, who are just as upset about the issue as non-dog owners, especially as it is giving dogs such a bad name and running the risk of them being banned in places. So, all dog owners – please think of people pushing buggies, wheelchairs, bicycles, children playing and the health of other dogs before you leave dog poo in public places.

“Picking up your dog’s poo has benefits for you and your dog

To read the full survey results see www.BlueCross.ie n

Fancy a bit of balsam bashing?

You can help Enniscorthy Tidy Towns tackle the destructive Himalayan Balsam invasive species by joining the ‘Balsam Bashing’ events for Biodiversity Week 2026.

Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and pants. No booking required, equipment will be provided. These events are open to the public, and free to attend.

When & Where: Friday 15 May 2-4pm, meet at the playground on the Promenade near the Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy.

And / or: Saturday 16 May 10am-12 noon, meet at Island Road car park, Enniscorthy.

Hosted by Enniscorthy Tidy Towns in conjunction with Enniscorthy Community Alliance.

These two events will be taking place as part of National Biodiversity Week, May 15th – 24th. n

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Slaney environmenT

DUNCANNON FORT REOPENS! Duncannon Fort marked a major milestone last month as Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and The Gaeltacht, officially reopened the historic site following the completion of extensive refurbishment works.

The Minister joined local elected representatives to celebrate the reopening of the historic coastal fortress, which has undergone a significant transformation supported by €500,000 in funding from the national Town and Village Renewal Scheme, along with a further €250,000 investment from Wexford County Council.

Minister Calleary remarked, “I am delighted to be in a position to mark the renewal of Duncannon Fort, a remarkable national monument in this historic site on the Hook Peninsula. Steeped in centuries of history, this fort has long stood watch over the estuary. It is very encouraging to see the refurbishment

and restoration of these three buildings, now brought back into meaningful use for the community and for tourism, in a way that ensures accessibility for all. This project will bring lasting benefits to the region, supporting increased footfall and economic activity, while reaffirming the cultural importance of Duncannon Fort as a living link with our history."

The reopening also marks the completion of the first phase in a broader vision for the future of Duncannon Fort.

Officials confirmed that work will continue to seek funding to further develop the site as a key heritage and community asset, based on the Strategic Masterplan for Duncannon Fort.

District Manager of New Ross Municipal District Alan Fitzhenry extended Wexford County Council’s appreciation to all those who contributed to the project’s success. Special mention was made of the local community, whose

patience during the works was acknowledged, along with the contractors, staff, and crew whose dedication and skill delivered the high-quality restoration now on view.

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe said, “We are delighted to see these works reach completion to such a high standard. This is just the beginning for Duncannon Fort.

With the first phase now complete, our focus is on building momentum to fully restore and reimagine this historic site for the future.”

Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Cllr John Dwyer commented, “Duncannon Fort is not just a monument of stone and mortar, it is a living testament of our local heritage. This reopening gives the fort a new lease of life, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it become a popular place for locals and tourists, adding real value to the community.” n

1st May 2026 - Page 125

Slaney Slaney environmenT aD Tuesday, 21st April, was World Earth Day at Enniscorthy Library where everyone was invited to ‘Adopt a Plant’ And around 200 people did so!

Whether they were seasoned plant lovers or just getting started, they were all offered the perfect chance to grow something beautiful and green.

They got to pick out their very own little plant, indoor or outdoor type, and Enniscorthy Library gave them an adoption certificate to show they were now brand new plant parents!

Let’s all follow the good example of Enniscorthy Library and be part of making the earth a greener place! n

World Earth Day at Enniscorthy Library

Big increase in new home starts A record number of new homes were completed in Wexford in the first three months of the year according to the latest data published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Wexford latest data shows 80% increase in new home starts.

Between January and March, there were 291 new dwelling completions in Wexford – a rise of 80% on the same three months of 2025 and the highest number of Q1 completions in Wexford since the series began in 2011.

Completions usually grow throughout the year with Q1 usually only accounting for between a sixth and a fifth of annual completions. This indicates strong growth for the whole of 2026.

Nationally, between January and March, there were 7,856 new dwelling comple-

tions, a rise of 32.9% on the same three months of 2025 and the highest number of Q1 completions since the series began in 2011.

Welcoming the latest figures, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD emphasised:

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.

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“Today’s CSO data, showing record new housing delivery in the first quarter both in Wexford as well as nationally, confirming that the pace of homebuilding continues to move in the right direction. This record level of completions in the first quarter of this year, combined with more than 8,400 new homes starting construction nationally during the same period, demonstrates real and sustained progress.

“This momentum is reinforced by other encouraging signs across the sector, including strong First-Time Buyer mortgage drawdowns, record levels of social housing delivery, and robust planning permission activity and commencements.

“While the data and numbers are encouraging, the human impact is even more significant. Each of these new homes makes a meaningful and lasting difference in people’s lives, giving individuals and families a secure place to live and the stability to plan for the future.

“This Government is focused on maintaining this progress, making whatever changes are necessary and pushing forward to ensure continued growth in housing supply for all those who need it.” n