SN 03-04-25

Slaney News Issue 179 - April 2025

ServiNg Co. wexford for the laSt 14 yearS

Enniscorthy resident Selin Kim, who is the President of the Cambodian Community in Ireland as well as being Miss Planet Ireland 2025, pictured at the Martina Furlong, Marja van Kampen and Olivia O'Keeffe art exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle.

Pic: Maria Nolan.

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

Haven

The Bailey Bar & Eatery

Kavanagh’s Pharmacy

NATIONAL WINNER BEST FOOD PUB 2024

PASSPORT PHOTO SERVICE IN STORE

Happy Easter!!

Treat yourself & the Kids over the Easter Holidays Barrack Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

+353 92 30353 info@thebailey.ie

DUFFRY HILL, ENNISCORTHY. T: (053) 9234660.

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Contents of this issue of Slaney News...

News page 4 Leisure & Lifestyle page 52 Arts page 85 Food & Drink page 90 Business & Finance page 97 Pets page 103 Motoring page 106 Sport page 108 History & Heritage page 111 Environment page 114 We would be delighted to receive stories and photos from our readers around the county.

If you have anything you’d like us to share, please email slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as many photos and stories as possible.

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 3rd April 2025 - Page 3

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comment Welcome to the April issue of the Slaney News.

Some dates to note in your diary: This year’s Hope Cancer Support Centre Hope & Dream 10 will take place on 6th April. Register: https://www.hopeanddream10.com/online-registration/ The annual Easter Monday commemorations in Enniscorthy will commence with celebration of Mass in the Cathedral at 10am followed by a procession to Market Square for a wreath-laying ceremony. Full details will be published shortly on the Slaney News Facebook page.

Enniscorthy’s main summer festival, the Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival will take place from 2nd-4th May. Full details on pages 10-11.

And the colourful Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival will take place on the streets of the town this coming June Bank Holiday weekend, May 31st and June 1st.

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:

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

In our dealings with the staff of Enniscorthy Municipal District over the years we always found Edel Nolan to be incredibly helpful and constructive. So we are sorry to hear she is leaving her Enniscorthy position but delighted about her promotion which will see Edel working in the Housing Dept of Wexford Co. Council. We wish Edel every success in her new role and future career.

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.

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We include as always a huge number of photos taken around Enniscorthy, and beyond. If you would like to purchase any of our photos please get in touch by email at slaneynews@gmail.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

If you have any news or photos you’d like us to share in the Slaney News, please email them to slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as much as possible. Also, please let us know what you think about our online format. Tel: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has over 13,000 Followers.

And, of course, if you like our format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership.

Thank you.

– Frank Corcoran

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

We call to you !

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Tel: 087 2994988

Ken’s Computer Clinic Sales and Repair: Computers, Laptops, Printers, Monitors.

Networking and Accessories.

See website for special offers: www.kenscomputers.ie Email: ken@kenscomputerclinic.com

Page 4 - 3rd April 2025

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Barbara-Anne Murphy COUNCILLOR Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter Enniscorthy Technology Park

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

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

Looking forward to a great Easter and the weather is looking good. ☀ Horse and pony trekking ☀ Coffee dock and chipper open.

Any cyclists passing our way call in for a cup of coffee.

Loads of things to do in the area: Kayaking in Fethard-on-Sea, relaxing walks in Tintern Abbey, great food in our local pubs.

To book, call or whatsapp Margaret on 087 271 8803.

For rent, choose between: ☀ Self-catering cottages ☀ Pod ☀ Caravan – sleeps 2 adults and 2 children.

Mobile: 087-6736966 Email: bamurphy@wexfordmcc.ie

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage TD for Wexford

An established firm of solicitors, Julie and Kate Breen provide a full range of legal services at a competitive cost.

Family law ■ Court defence ■ First-time buyer Residential property ■ Commercial property Personal injuries ■ Employment law ■ Wills We provide a personal service with ongoing direct feedback from the solicitor to the client regarding each case.

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.

E: info@JulieBreenSolicitor.ie www.JulieBreenSolicitor.ie

3rd April 2025 - Page 5

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KILCANNON GARDEN CENTRE A N D R E S TA U R A N T Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 92 35514.

Find us on www.reachability.ie and www.facebook.com/KilcannonGC Kilcannon Garden Centre - Your Ultimate Garden Destination

As the days grow longer and warmer, now is the perfect time to refresh your garden! Visit Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant in Enniscorthy for expert advice and everything you need to help your garden thrive this season.

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to assist you in selecting the best seasonal plants, garden care essentials, and beautiful indoor greenery to brighten up your space.

While you're here, why not treat yourself? Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal and our famous home-made scones!

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 5.30pm, Sunday: 12 noon – 5.30pm (Garden Centre ONLY) Come visit us today or pop in for a coffee, we’d love to see you!

Stay connected! Follow Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant on social media for gardening tips, special offers, and the latest updates.

Enjoy the Fun & the Craic at Enniscorthy Track

Racing Every Monday and Thursday night – first race 8pm. UPCOMING BENEFIT NIGHTS:

Group rates available

Thurs 10th April: Wexford CBS Zambia Immersion Project Thurs 17th April: Horeswood GAA 17th April Thurs 24th April: Davidstown Courtnacuddy GAA

CAFE, BAR, SHOP, HOT FOOD AVAILABLE, OUTDOOR SEATING Tel: 087 4893859. Follow us on social media for updates ➤ Page 6 - 3rd April 2025

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Tim and Fiona Phelan invite you to visit their stylish cafe at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy.

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

The Ballymaloe-trained couple are making full use of a new, top-of-the-range kitchen to offer exceptional food produced in-house as well as supporting local artisan suppliers.

The cafe serves mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menus Mon-Fri 9am to 4.30pm, with daily specials, and brunch on Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Closed on Sundays.

Takeaway and Outside Catering also available.

TESTING OF ALL COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Vans & Jeeps

Trucks & Trailers

Buses & Ambulances

Motor caravans

Mixed fleets & other vehicle types

Tractors

TACHOGRAPH & PLATING STATION

......................................................................

ENNISCORTHY WINDSCREEN CENTRE DIRECT BILLING TO MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES

https://www.facebook.com/Cafe98Enniscorthy https://www.instagram.com/cafe98enniscorthy

Telephone: 085 1993775 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Open every Saturday 10am to 3pm, including Easter Saturday (19th April).

Also open Good Friday (18th April).

Closed Easter Monday (21st April).

Donanore, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 X6V6 Open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.45pm

Call today 053 9233593

3rd April 2025 - Page 7

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Attention tourism businesses!

Are you ready to grow your niche tourism business and contribute to Wexford’s economy? ★ LEADER grants of up to €150,000 are now available to help expand, innovate, and enhance your business. ★ Capital and Marketing supports for start-up and established businesses. ★ Priority given to projects that promote sustainable tourism, adopt eco-friendly practices, and attract new visitors to the county.

Apply now: Contact the LEADER Enterprise Team in WLD, visit www.wld.ie/leader

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business, attract more visitors, and boost the local economy.

 Tom Bermingham. T: 085 8239314.

E: tbermingham@wld.ie Paul Sinnott. Tel: 087 9465063.  E: psinnott@wld.ie

3rd April 2025 - Page 9

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Rockin’ Food Festival 2025 – Celebrating 10 Years of Food, Fun, and Family Entertainment!

Enniscorthy’s Rockin’ Food Festival is back, and this year it’s celebrating ten incredible years of bringing the best food, music, and entertainment to the heart of Co. Wexford! Taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday, May 2nd, to Sunday, May 4th, 2025, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.

From delicious food demonstrations to live music, craft vendors, and family friendly fun, this milestone year will showcase everything that makes Wexford and Irish culture so special. Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a live music fan, or simply looking for an exciting way to spend the long weekend, the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival 2025 has something for everyone.

A Spectacular Lineup Awaits Organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the tenth-anniversary edition of the Rockin’ Food Festival is the best one yet.

Visitors can expect a jam-packed schedule of food tastings, artisan markets, live cooking demos, street entertainment, and more.

Some of the festival highlights include: 1. Food Lover’s Paradise Food is at the heart of the Rockin’ Food Festival, and this year’s event will shine a spotlight on the best of Wexford and Ireland’s culinary scene. Attendees can enjoy: •

Live Cooking Demonstrations featuring top chefs, showcasing everything from traditional Irish dishes to modern cuisine.

•

Artisan Food & Craft Stalls offering a wide selection of locally sourced treats, including cheeses, baked goods, street food, and gourmet delights.

•

Tasting Sessions & Workshops where food lovers can sample new flavours, learn about food sustainability, and even try their hand at cooking.

Fri 2nd May - Sunday 4th, 2025 Artisan Food & Craft Fair Live Chef Demonstrations Funfair, Kids Activities, Family Fun Live Outdoor Music Funded through Failte Ireland in partnership with Wexford County Council - Festival Grant Scheme 2024

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With Irish food culture booming, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible local producers, chefs, and culinary talent that make our region stand out.

2. Family Friendly Fun & Entertainment The Rockin’ Food Festival has always been a family favourite, and 2025 will be no different. The event will feature: •

Exciting Kids’ Activities with interactive zones, face painting, arts and crafts, and fun arts & crafts and cookery workshops.

•

Live Performances & Street Entertainment

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•

featuring magicians, acrobats, and theatrical acts to keep the whole family entertained.

The Return of the Funfair! Back by popular demand, the festival funfair will once again take over The Promenade, with rides, games, and the iconic Big Wheel offering stunning views of Enniscorthy.

With plenty of free and affordable activities, parents can relax and enjoy the festivities while the kids have the time of their lives.

3. Live Music & Street Performances No festival would be complete without music, and Rockin’ Food Festival 2025 attracts the best of Irish & International Rock ‘n’ Roll bands, ready to get the crowds on their feet, rockin’ their socks off. Throughout the weekend, expect: •

Live Rock ‘n’ Roll bands.

•

Jive Competitions & Dance Classes.

•

Rock ‘n’ Roll Gig Trail with music continuing into the evening in select venues.

4. Supporting Local Businesses & Community Involvement The Rockin’ Food Festival isn’t just about great food and entertainment – it’s also about supporting local businesses and boosting the local economy. The festival is estimated to generate over €2 million for the local economy annually. Beyond its economic impact, it fosters a strong sense of community spirit and solidifies Enniscorthy’s reputation as one of Ireland’s premier food festival destinations.

Organisers are encouraging local restaurants, cafés, and shops to make the most of the increased footfall by running May Bank Holiday sales, special festival menus, decorated shopfronts, and exclusive offers to attract festival-goers.

“We want local businesses to truly benefit from the festival weekend,” says Festival Organiser Amanda Whitmore. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for retailers, food vendors, and service providers to engage with visi-

tors and increase sales.”

Businesses can contact info@amandawhitmore.ie to discuss sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, or how to get involved in the festival programme.

5. A Call for Volunteers – Be Part of the Festival Team!

A festival of this size wouldn’t be possible without the help of passionate and dedicated volunteers. Organisers are currently looking for enthusiastic individuals to assist with customer service roles over the weekend.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to: •

Gain experience in event management and customer service.

•

Meet new people and be part of an exciting local event.

•

Contribute to the community and make a difference.

If you have a few hours to spare and would love to play a role in making Rockin’ Food Festival 2025 a success, please reach out to info@amandawhitmore.ie to sign up.

6. Full Event Schedule Announcement – Comng Soon!

While excitement is already building, the full schedule of events will be officially announced over the coming days. Visitors can expect further details on: •

Special guest chefs and live demonstrations.

•

Family activities and entertainment schedules.

•

Finalised list of vendors and market stalls.

•

Bookings for Fringe Events & Family Entertainment will be open.

Stay tuned for updates by visiting www.rockinfoodfestival.ie or following on social media.

entertainment, and community spirit, the Rockin’ Food Festival has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s must-visit events each year. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025 makes this year’s festival even more special, promising bigger events, more activities, and unforgettable moments for everyone who attends.

Eric Barron, Festival Chairperson, reflected on the event’s journey, stating, “It’s been incredible to see the Rockin’ Food Festival grow over the past ten years into what it is today – a firm fixture in the National Food Festival calendar. This festival has been fantastic for Enniscorthy, bringing visitors from near and far, and I’d like to thank the dedicated committee members who have been instrumental in its success and growth over the years.”

So, mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and get ready for a weekend of delicious food, thrilling entertainment, and festival fun in the heart of Enniscorthy!

For more information, sponsorship enquiries, vendor applications, or volunteering opportunities, visit: Website: www.rockinfoodfestival.ie Email: info@amandawhitmore.ie

Why You Can’t Miss Rockin’ Food Festival 2025 With its vibrant mix of food, music, family

Follow on social media for updates!

Let’s make Rockin’ Food Festival 2025 the best one yet! ■

3rd April 2025 - Page 11

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Coming back to community use

Enniscorthy Community Alliance has recently taken out a lease on the Captain Wafer Hall in Enniscorthy to bring it back into community use.

over 70 years ago when a group of locals had a vision of a place

Enniscorthy Community Alliance is a relatively new group in town comprising people with a proven interest in sustainability and community development.

According to Paddy Wildes, Chairperson of Captain Wafer Hall

The refurbishment of the Captain Wafer Hall will lead to it becoming ‘The Hut – Community Hub’ with the goal of empowering the Enniscorthy community to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. It will offer a unique blend of services and resources, focused on promoting circular economy principles, fostering energy independence, and building a stronger, more resilient and collaborative community for a greener future, as well as providing the town with another much needed community space.

been used as community space for over 15 years. The ECA (En-

History:

The hall is being cleared and prepared for refurbishment, and

Captain Wafer Hall was named after Captain Thomas Wafer, a local leader of the 1916 Irish Rebellion. It is located at the base of the 1798 Vinegar Hill battle site. The hall came into being

Enniscorthy Community Alliance is currently in the process of

where people could gather – a community hub. It held social events and was the meeting place for various clubs and groups. committee, the locals referred to it as “The Hut”.

The building has been empty for over two years and has not niscorthy Community Alliance) wishes to carry on the legacy of the hall by reimagining the space to meet the needs of a modern-day community and by naming it “The Hut” after those dedicated people who originally saw the need for this space for the people of Enniscorthy. There is still a need today, with very little available community gathering spaces in the town.

Next Steps:

sourcing funding to carry out the necessary works to ensure the space is suitable for community use. ■

Flood defence update...

In the Seanad last month, local Fine Gael Senator Cathal Byrne raised the delays to the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme directly with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran, the new Minister for the Office of Public Works who has responsibility for flood relief schemes.

liver the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme. He accepted Senator Byrne's invitation to visit Enniscorthy to see the area for himself and to meet with the local Councillors for the Enniscorthy District in the coming months. "I look forward to welcoming him to the town,” said Senator Byrne.

Senator Byrne said, “Residents and businesses in Enniscorthy are waiting over ten years now for construction to start on the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme since €51 million was made available by the then Government.

“This project is a priority for me and I will continue to do all I can to deliver this scheme for the town to ensure that there is adequate protections in place against flood waters,” concluded Senator Byrne.

“Every time there is heavy rain, residents along the Island Road, The Quays, Templeshannon, and the Promenade are living in fear of their homes being flooded.”

A public consulation will take place this May in Enniscorthy in relation to Phase 1 of the project – the removal of the Seamus Rafter bridge and the construction of a new bridge slightly further down river. Full details haven’t been released yet so keep an eye on the Slaney News Facebook page for updates. ■

In his response, the Minister confirmed his commitment to de-

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3rd April 2025 - Page 13

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WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Recently I had the misfortune to have operations on both my hands. This is a story in itself. The name of the disease is called Dupuytren’s Contracture disease. This is a genetic disorder which pulls either the ring or little finger in towards the palm of your hand. This is not to be confused with Carpet Tunnel disorder and is a different operation.

Here is where it gets interesting. It is also known as the Viking Disease because that is where the disease originated.

I always knew that I had Viking blood.

The name Doyle means ‘the dark stranger’. The reason for this name was to be able to distinguish between the dark-haired Vikings from Denmark and the blonde-haired Vikings from other Nordic countries. With the current debate on immigration, I pose the question – who were the very first peoples to colonise the country now known to us as Ireland. This brought me down a rabbit hole as some people describe themselves as Celts, Viking, Norman, Gaul, and even Anglo Saxon. Don’t forget the unique story of the Yeomen from south Wexford. In unpacking this subject, you will be extremely surprised with the answer.

The Celts would have to be the favourite contenders surely? There are a few versions of Celts in the history of ancient Europe. They originally hailed from Austria-Germany and the Czech regions of eastern Europe and indeed some came from central Asia. They swept over the continent of what is now known as Europe on an 800-year trek. Some versions went south over the Alps into Italy and some went all the way to Ireland. This took place in 800BC, the Bronze Age. The Druids were the spiritual arm of the Celts. They were the high priests. It was alleged that they were the go-between of this world and the next. This struck fear into the Romans hence they could not conquer Ireland. The demise of the druids came with St Patrick and Christianity.

The Gauls were another tribe of the Celts that settled here. They were refu-

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TOWN TALK

Normans over to help with his wars with other high kings of Ireland. The Norman leader Strongbow married Diarmait’s daughter Aoife in 1171 and when the king died Strongbow became king of Leinster. By the 13th century the Normans had established themselves in the landscape with Norman Castles dotted around the country. Separately, the Knights Templers arrived in 1172 and for the next 200 years established themselves all over the country including Kiegogan in Co. Wexford until the widespread European arrests in 1301.

gees from the Roman Empire expansion in Europe. They generally came from central France but they did spread all the way to Greece and beyond. They were significant in the shaping of the provinces in Ireland and the Gaelic language. They appeared in the 5th century BC. They sometimes get confused with the Normans but they have their own distinctive stamp on our culture. By the way, the Romans were cousins in the vast Celt family.

The Anglo Saxon history in this country is well documented. The forced change in the people’s religion, language, and culture is devastating. They set out to anglicise and rule the country. This lasted for over 200 years. It started in earnest with Henry VIII and continued to the present day. This is not a historical piece and just a general snapshot of the outside influences bestowed upon this land of ours. All of them and more helped to mould and shape this country into what we know it to be today. We are not one tribe of people. We never were. Ask any inter-county hurler or footballer about fighting for the tribe.

We have so many different influences embedded and mixed into our DNA shaping our character. The country is changing and evolving all of the time.

The Vikings have a popular place in our story. They have been made sexy by Hollywood movies. They made many raids into Ireland plundering and pillaging our valuables. They originally raided and went home with the spoils. Eventually they settled in the land in 795 AD and made an alliance with the Gauls in their battle with the tribes. They ruled mainly in the ports of Dublin, Waterford, and Wexford in the 10th century. They built Waterford and had their main fort at Christ Church in Dublin. They replaced barter with the first Irish coin called the Hiberno-Norse coin.

So getting back to the substantive question of who were the first settlers on this land. This is the land which was once known by the Greek scholars and Romans as Hibernia. This later was adapted to Eire. One has to go back to the Mesolithic period all the way back to 7900 BC to the first hunter-gatherers after the ice age. Population figures not exceeding 10,000 people in the whole country. DNA evidence points directly to the peoples known as IBERIAN. As time went by they were forced by invaders to live in the west of Ireland to the poorer quality soils.

The Normans had an influence on the landscape as well. In the 12th century the high king of Leinster Diarmait MacMurrough from Wexford invited the

So this summer when you are on holidays sitting in the shade having a cool drink in Spain or Portugal one can genuinely feel quite at home. ■

WITH KEITH DOYLE

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Greyhound racing every Monday and Thursday in Enniscorthy Greyhound Racing in Enniscorthy resumed after the winter break on the 3rd March 2025 and the first Thursday night back was on 20th March.

Racing is now on every Monday and Thursday.

Enjoy a great night at the dogs in 2025. Group rates available.

Contact the office for more details: 053 923 3172.

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthygreyhound.track

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053 92 43390 mar n@ashmorefs.ie www.ashmorefs.ie 1st Floor, 10 Templeshannon Quay, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Y21 A8X5

WARNING: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP PAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOANS SECURED ON IT. Ashmore Mortgage & Financial Services Ltd trading as Ashmore Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

South East Radio has new owner Midlands 103 has announced an agreement to acquire South East Radio, one of Ireland’s most decorated and successful broadcasting services. The proposed transaction is subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Midlands 103 is part of the Tindle Group, which also operates local media outlets in the UK and Channel Islands. The station is locally managed and has a weekly audience of 106,000 adults across counties Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath.

Midlands 103 Managing Director Will Faulkner emphasised the strong local roots of both stations.

“We have long admired South East Radio and are committed to preserving the local ethos that has made it a trusted voice in County Wexford for over 35 years.”

South East Radio’s Managing Director Eamonn Buttle described the announcement as the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the company.

“On behalf of my brother Norman and myself, I would like to express what an honour it has been to serve the media industry for over four decades. We have always sought to uphold the privilege of being the voice of County Wexford, and I

am proud that the station’s programming and ethos have remained true to this mission for over 35 years. I wish the Tindle Group continued success and know that South East Radio is in safe hands with Midlands 103, as we share the same belief in supporting and promoting local issues. My deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, loyal listeners, and the business community for their tremendous support over the years. On a personal note, I would like to thank my wife Mary and daughters Yvonne and Louise for their unconditional support 7 days a week over the many years.” ■

3rd April 2025 - Page 15

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St Aidan’s School Confirmation St Aidan’s Cathedral, 7th March 2025 Mr Andrew Foley’s class with Fr Tom Dalton and Frank Murphy, Principal.

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

Miss Doireann Morrissey’s class with Fr Tom Dalton and Frank Murphy, Principal.

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Above left: Fr Tom Dalton with Jim Canavan and sponsors.

Above right: Fr Tom Dalton with John and sponsors.

Left: Fr Tom Dalton with Angela McCarthy, and Kathleen and Rachel McCarthy, sponsors.

Right: Fr Tom Dalton with Leah and her sponsors.

Below L-R: Mason Murphy.

Kristof and Jacob Lanechi.

Joe Anthone.

Kimberly Blake.

Bottom left: Penny and Niamh Creane.

Bottom centre: Fr Tom Dalton with Taylor Buckley and sponsors.

Bottom right: Chi Chi Chiaka and Jason Cogley.

3rd April 2025 - Page 17

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St Aidan’s School Confirmation St Aidan’s Cathedral, 7th March 2025

Teachers Aisling Hogan and Joy Varley with Confirmation class and Fr Tom Dalton and Frank Murphy, Principal.

Teachers Tara Reddy and Sarah Carley with Confirmation class, and Fr Tom Dalton and Frank Murphy, Principal.

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

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Top left: Fr.Tom Dalton with Leo and sponsors. Top centre: Keely Dwyer, Nicole Dempsey, Kaylem and Ryan Dwyer.

Top right: Fr. Tom Dalton with Ellie O’Rourke. and sponsors. Above left: Fr.Tom Dalton with Sophie Leacy and sponsors.

Above centre: Ellen, Darren, Michael and Nicola Shiggins. Above right: Fr. Tom Dalton with Ria Quilty and sponsors.

Below left: Fr.Tom Dalton with Ava and sponsors. Below right: Fr. Tom Dalton with Angela and sponsors.

Bottom left: Fr. Tom Dalton with Brigid and sponsors. Bottom centre: The O’Connor family.

Bottom right: Fr. Tom Dalton with Catherine and sponsors.

3rd April 2025 - Page 19

SlaNey SlaNeyNewS ad Senator Cathal Byrne has welcomed the introduction by TFI Local Link Wexford of an additional evening return service on Route 384 between Wexford and Enniscorthy and also between Wexford and Wilton. These services will run Thursday to Saturday as well as Sundays of Bank Holiday weekends.

Speaking following the announcement, Senator Byrne welcomed the enhancement of services. “I am delighted with the announcement by TFI Local Link Wexford today, confirming the enhancement of Route 384 with additional evening services. I know the people living along the route in Tomnalosset, Wilton, Bree, Ballyhogue, Killurin, and Glynn will be very pleased to now have this extra service available. For some time now I have been calling for these additional routes and I am delighted that they will now give greater options and accessibility to the local residents and visitors to the areas being serviced. I commend Mary B O’Leary and Local Link Wexford for their commitment to providing such an important service to the people of rural Wexford.”

The additional service on Route 384 commenced on 27th March 2025. The timetable can be viewed here: https://locallinkwexford.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/384-Wexfordto-Enniscorthy-NEW-27.03.2025.pdf

Senator Cathal Byrne.

Page 20 - 3rd April 2025

Working towards a seven-day town service for Enniscorthy TFI Local Link Wexford is working with the National Transport Authority to try and introduce a town bus service in Enniscorthy. To progress the implementation of such a designated town bus service, TFI Local Link Wexford has to prove there is a demand for such a service by getting a large response to a questionnaire it has prepared to provide information on the public transport requirements of Enniscorthy's residents. The questionnaire has been running for several weeks but the response has been disappointing to date. The survey has now been extended to 18th April and a lot more responses are needed if Enniscorthy is to be successful in securing a town bus service. To complete the questionnaire, please use the accompanying QR Code or if that is not a suitable option for you, please ring 053 901 1828 and the Local Link staff will help you do the survey over the phone.

TFI Local Link Wexford is a member of the Enniscorthy Interagency Group which works with a wide range of stakeholders in the town to improve the lives of those living in the town, and also work with the Conundrum Project, a research team based at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with their partner TASC. Conundrum launched a strategy based on the outcome of workshops, focus groups, and interviews with local communities and other stakeholders in Enniscorthy since November 2023. The strategy recorded the challenges and opportunities related to mobility experienced by different stakeholders in Enniscorthy. It presented multiple solutions and recommended actions for achieving sustainable mobility futures in Enniscorthy. One of those recommendations was a designated town bus service. ■

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A Cambodian President at Enniscorthy Castle Words & pics by Maria Nolan From a chance meeting on, of all places, Facebook, I was fortunate to make a connection with the lovely Selin Kim, national President of the Cambodian Community here in Ireland and also Miss Planet Ireland 2025.

Selin resides with her family here in Enniscorthy and was thrilled when I asked her recently to be part of the Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Selin tells me that the Cambodian community had never been asked before to participate and were so happy to do so making them feel part of the Enniscorthy community.

nect with the Enniscorthy community as part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations’.

On our Castle visit we took the opportunity to converse with artists Martina Furlong and Marja van Kampen who are currently exhibiting in the magnificent space.

Selin was captivated by the Castle’s Norman heritage, the Eileen Gray room, and the Roche family rooms, but the highlight was a visit to the parapet roof where, despite the inclement weather conditions, Selin had an excellent view of the town and in particular Vinegar Hill.

So, with the permission of the very helpful and informative staff, I invited Selin to join me on a visit to Enniscorthy Castle.

In November Selin will represent Ireland at the Miss Planet 2025 Pageant in Cambodia and we would like to take this opportunity to wish this lovely, interesting, and engaging woman well, and we hope that she will take a little bit of Enniscorthy with her and be an ambassador for the town and county as the competition resonates around the world.

‘As an advocate of heritage and global unity,’ Selin said she was delighted with her visit to the Castle and ‘thrilled to con-

Go raibh an tá leat Selin – may luck be with you – from all in Enniscorthy. ■

Selin has a profound interest in all things sustainable and environmental and is also very anxious to learn all about our Irish history and culture.

Above and below: Selin Kim in Enniscorthy Castle.

Right: Selin meets artists Marja van Kampen and Martina Furlong.

3rd April 2025 - Page 21

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Enniscorthy snippets...

VINEGAR HILL New seating has been installed. Design and content work on new Heritage Interpretive panels is under way following the recent appointment of a new Heritage Officer for Co. Wexford. Parking and access improvements to Vinegar Hill are being investigated by Wexford Co. Council (WCC). €44,000 in grant funding is being sought by Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) for signage and lane surface improvement works.

ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY WELLBEING & ACTIVITY GARDEN Works are progressing well on the garden. The design elements currently under construction include: Formal & informal garden spaces including opportunities for biodiversity. Various seating options at key points throughout the site. Activity spaces to include raised planters, water feature, play area. New outdoor amphitheatre space. The contractor is due back on the site around now and this project is on schedule to be completed in June this year.

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

Design work on the Enniscorthy Castle Quarter project is ongoing including a permanent exhibition area to allow the display of artefacts donated by local families to the old museum at the Castle. The purchase of the old Castle Ballroom is now complete. WCC is collaborating with the Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage around the Ministerial Consent process (as the Castle site is a national monument).

Regarding the Templeshannon element of the TCFP, ODKM Architects are preparing a concept for the Templeshannon area for presentation at the April Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) meeting.

ENNISCORTHY CCTV A total of 22 CCTV cameras will be installed at different locations within Enniscorthy Town which have been agreed with An Garda Siochana. A site visit was carried out by civil works installer last month and work is expected to start shortly. The Bunclody CCTV Scheme is still awaiting Section 38 Approval from the Gardaí.

ENNISCORTHY SPORTS HUB A works contractor for the second phase (sports equipment storage area, changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a small office) of the Sports Hub has been appointed. Construction is expected to start shortly and take 9-12 months to complete.

ENNISCORTHY NORTH BUSINESS DISTRICT (Old Dublin Road)

Phase 1 – Bridgeworks. This phase of the project will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. Public consultation is scheduled to take place in May this year and will be advertised in advance. The estimated timeline to planning submission is Q1 2026.

Phase 2 – Flood Relief Works. This phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for Enniscorthy town.

BUNCLODY PARK A Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement, plans and particulars were submitted to An Bord Pleanála under Section 177AE. The Board was satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the European Site (the Slaney River Valley Special area of Conservation) in view of the Site’s conservation objectives. The application was approved with conditions. WCC Property Section is in discussion with local landowners.

RAFTER STREET PEDESTRIANISATION New recessed bollard mounts and bollards have been delivered to EMD and these will be installed shortly. This will allow EMD to strictly enforce the pedestrianisation of Rafter Street from 7th April 2025. New signage will also be erected stating current byelaw times. Notification is being issued to business owners on Rafter Street. Pedestrianisation will be enforced between the hours of 10.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, as per Byelaws. Correspondence has also been issued to waste contractors.

The possibility of extending the pedestrianisation hours to cover Saturdays and Sundays is being looked at.

ALL-WEATHER ASTRO PITCH, ROSS ROAD The official opening took place on Monday 24rd February. The facility features modern amenities, including floodlights for evening play, dugouts and toilet facilities. A new online booking system will go live in the coming weeks.

Wexford County Council signed a Management and Operations Contract, on a two- year pilot basis, with the newly formed community group, Wexford Football Alliance, which includes members of the Wexford Football League, Wexford Schoolboys League, Wexford Women’s League including Schoolgirls, and Wexford FC. To contact the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com.

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

Some works have been carried out in recent years on the Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road) where over 2,000 people currently work. An application for further funding was submitted to the National Transport Authority for the active travel elements of the masterplan for the area but no funding was forthcoming for 2023 or 2024. A further application for funding will be made in 2025.

PUBLIC PAYPHONE UPGRADE

MURPHY FLOODS SITE

ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK PHASE 2

A tender was issued on the 7th February for the design & build of a new Car Park facility with public realm elements and associated site works with a closing date of 14th March 2025. No tender applications were received by the closing date so WCC has now entered direct negotiations with potential contractors. Until a contractor is appointed no completion date can be estimated for this project.

The Technical Consultancy Services Contract has been awarded to Tobins for Stage (i) to (v) design services. Design of the next phase of road and services has commenced.

Estate Agents have been appointed to carry out a valuation and market assessment of this site with an expected lead time of approximately one month for the delivery of same. Their report will help determine the long-term use of the site.

ENNISCORTHY FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME The Dept of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) issued their decision to reject the scheme on the 4th March 2022. Details are available on www.gov.ie The Scheme will instead proceed on a phased basis.

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A new upgraded payphone and a public information interactive touch screen has been installed on Rafter Street. Broadband/Wi-Fi will be installed. The digital screen can be used to promote upcoming events in Enniscorthy Municipal District and across the county.

ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK – IDA ADVANCE FACTORY Tenders have been received for an architect-led design team to prepare a planning application for a proposed advance factory building in Enniscorthy Technology Park. Tender assessment is complete and Henry J Lyons has been appointed.

DEPOT FOR THE TOWN CREW Work has almost finished on the refurbishment of part of a building at the back of the library to form a permanent welfare facility for Enniscorthy’s town crew. The work includes new flooring and wall partition, toilet, shower, and drying room along with kitchenette to facilitate welfare of EMD town crews. ■

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ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED IN WEXFORD FOR FLEADH CHEOIL NA hÉIREANN 2025

As the countdown begins to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, Co. Wexford once again prepares to open its doors and give a warm welcome to thousands of visitors.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and language events, is returning to Wexford Town from the 3rd to 10th August 2025. With over 650,000 people expected to attend the week-long event, the Fleadh Executive Committee is once again calling on the people of Wexford to open their doors and extend a warm welcome to visitors and performers by renting any vacant rooms or houses they may have available.

A spokesperson says, “We opened our homes to visitors attending the Fleadh in 2024, proudly displaying our renowned Wexford hospitality to the world. This wonderful hospitality not only provided a much-needed service to visitors but bestowed on them a warm welcome to the county, inspiring and encouraging them to return.”

trend is expected to continue in 2025, with events scheduled from Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 10th.

As Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann return to the sunny southeast, the Fleadh Executive Committee are reaching out to Wexford homeowners who can offer a variety of accommodations to rent, including a spare room or a holiday home not in use. Those interested in providing property or rooms to visitors can register their accommodation at fleadhcheoil.ie.

“After the 2024 Fleadh, it was noted that the highest demand for accommodation was for the second weekend.

Please consider this when deciding whether to offer your accommodation.

Additionally, many of our visitors will be seeking 2, 3 or 4 night stays, so keep this in mind when registering your property.”

The highest demand for accommodation during the Fleadh in 2024 was primarily for the second weekend when the competitions occurred, and this

Eddie Taaffe, Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee, and Maura Bell, Chairperson of the Fleadh Accommodation Committee.

Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Accommodation Committee Maura Bell says:

Cathaoirleach of the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe, says: “We are excited to announce the return

of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Wexford this summer. Following on from the success of the Fleadh 2024 which would not have happened without the assistance and cooperation of the locals, we are once again asking people to assist in providing accommodation. If you have a space available for rent, we kindly ask you to register it on our website. Help us display our renowned Wexford hospitality by opening your doors and providing a warm welcome to the Fleadh festival attendees!”

For more information and to register your accommodation for the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, visit fleadhcheoil.ie Any queries on accommodation can be directed to accommodation@fleadhcheoil.ie ■

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Save the date!

Ignite possibilities The Phoenix Rising Network youth clubs are about to open their doors with an open registration, for ages 4-12, for parents and volunteers at 3.15pm on Saturday, April 5th, at FDYS Enniscorthy on the Island Road, Y21 X984.

The youth clubs are open to children with additional needs and their siblings. Please go along for a chat. The organisers look forward to seeing you there! ■

Cosmic Rebels Con

Enniscorthy’s Rockin' Food & Fruit Festivall will take place this coming May Bank Holiday Weekend 2025.

The largest food festival in the South East of Ireland will be enjoying its 10th anniversary, so let’s celebrate a decade of rockin’ good times! Mark your diaries, mark those calendars, and get ready to rock your socks off with incredible live rock ‘n’ roll, delicious food, and festival fun like never before.

Applications are open for new food vendors! Previous vendors, keep an eye on your inbox – the organisers will be reaching out directly to you.

Keep an eye on the Slaney News Facebook page for updates. ■

Wanted!

Used batteries

St Patrick's Special School is collecting used batteries as part of the WEEE Ireland Schools Collection competition.

Please drop your used batteries into the school any time up to April 28th which is the very last day they can be accepted.

So please keep them coming! ■

Page 24 - 3rd April 2025

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Unacceptable waiting lists for for CAMHS – Ó Súilleabháin Sinn Féin TD for South Wicklow / North Wexford Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has criticised CAHMS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) for the unacceptable waiting lists for County Wicklow and County Wexford.

Coláiste Bríde

students are ‘money smart’ Representatives from Enniscorthy’s Coláiste Bríde second year Business class attended Ireland’s launch event last month for Global Money Week, hosted by the CCPC. The students were invited up on the stage to talk about creating their app “Money Smart Services”. And to add to their excitement, their app won “Best Financial Management Tool”.

Well done girls, all your hard work has paid off. ■

Responding to Deputy Ó Súilleabháin’s parliamentary question to confirm the number of children desperately awaiting vital services, the HSE’s response has caused deep frustration and disappointment.

“There are currently 1,400 children in Wexford and Wicklow waiting to be seen by CAHMS. As a parent, and a primary teacher for 34 years, it is extremely disappointing to see this.

“CAHMS provide specialist mental health services to those aged up to 18 years, who have reached the threshold for a diagnosis of moderate to severe mental health disorder; why are our children experiencing mental health difficulties not being prioritised for critical care?”

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin expressed his frustration. “It frustrates me beyond measure to see that some of these children are waiting up to 52 weeks for an appointment.

Not only for the children – for their families too. Parents have come to me desperate for help and support, reaching breaking point. No parent should face this level of stress and mismanagement to care for their child; no child should be made to feel forgotten.

“We need immediate reform, and I am hopeful that the HSE’s regional plans will tackle this unacceptable waiting list for those affected. We need to provide sustainable solutions so that no child or parent must suffer because of CAHMS staffing issues or inadequacies.

“The allocation for CAHMS in this region for 2025 is €3 million; it’s time for action and care for our children.” ■

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Enniscorthy out in numbers

Three winners of €250 each.

Above: Best Community Entry – Enniscorthy Indian Community.

Above right: Best Commercial Entry – Slaney Farms.

Right: Best Window Display – Revive & Thrive.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 will be remembered for being one of the biggest and most colourful to date.

The ‘Love Your Tribe’ concept captured the imagination of all as communities, clubs, organisations, and ethnic groups turned out en masse with their respective colours and banners to do justice to themselves and the all-inclusive, all-embracing, theme.

The organising committee was delighted with the participation of all, especially our Indian, Brazilian, and Cambodian communities who added so much to the vibrancy, diversity, and eclectic vibe of the parade.

Grand Marshal Sinead Wall stole the show waving like the Queen from the back of her chauffeur-driven soft-top Saab bringing a wonderful sense of inclusivity, togetherness, and joy to all spectators as she passed.

Lovely also to have the Ballindaggin Pipe Band banging out the marching tunes as the Monageer/Boolavogue pikemen, women, and children showcased our proud Enniscorthy heritage on our national Feast Day. It was a first for Enniscorthy Community Allotments to be part of the Parade and they certainly added a great ‘buzz’ to the razzmatazz.

Our Indian drummers and Brazilian dancers brought that magical carnival atmosphere to our Enniscorthy streets giving our parade that Mardi Gras festival ambience, and the Cambodian community dressed in traditional Khymer costumes led by Miss Planet Ireland 2025 and President of the national Cambodian Community in Ireland Selin Kim were delighted to be asked to participate having never participated in anything like this in Ireland before.

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President Kim, who resides in Enniscorthy, told the parade committee it was a proud day for her and her community to be included and to be made feel part of something so truly Irish.

The committee would like to extend its thanks to all the wonderful sporting bodies who joined us showing that Enniscorthy is an amazing place to live with so many activities and sports on our doorstep along with Enniscorthy Youth Theatre, Scouts, Guides, Delightful Dollies, and the talented Irish dancers from Celtic Roots and the Wexford Academy of Irish Dance, and all our floats and vehicles, taking an hour and a half to pass through the parade route, quite an extensive and impressive display for a small town.

A most sincere thank you to District Manager Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and all our very hard working and diligent stewards co-ordinated effectively by Event Manager David O’Sullivan.

Thank you to our own Parade Committee for their trojan work and attention to detail over the past couple of months, to Creative Places and Deryn O Callaghan for the beautiful interactive art workshop, MC extraordinaire Liam Sharkey, and John Reilly, judges Michael and Annette Dunbar, all our dignitaries, Slaney News and the Guardian for their coverage, but most of all to you, the Enniscorthy public, for turning out in such numbers to show your support and your pride in the town, the parade and St. Patrick.

– Maria Nolan PRO

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on St. Patrick’s Day Sinead Wall and her colleagues at Beech Haven Day Service created an outfit called ‘Bags of Style’ to win the top sustainable fashion prize at this year’s Trash Panache competition. The outfit consisted of used teabags, recycled jewellery, and upcycled boots. Sinead modelled her outfit at the National Opera House and was the outright winner (see photo on left).

Fresh from that victory, the well known and loved Enniscorthian was chosen as the Grand Marshal for this year’s Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day Parade, leading the parade in style in a chauffeur-driven, soft-top convertible (see photo below).

While Sinead Wall was leading the Enniscorthy parade, her brother, Eamonn Wall, was the Grand Marshal for the St. Louis St Patrick’s Day Parade in the U.S. – the oldest and the youngest doing the Wall family of Enniscorthy proud.

Eamonn has lived in St. Louis since 2000. He is employed as the Smurfit-Stone Corporation Professor of Irish Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis where he is also a Professor of English. He has received degrees from University College Dublin; the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and a Ph.D in English from the City University of New York-Graduate Center.

At UMSL, Eamonn curates the monthly Irish Lectures, Readings and Concerts Series for UMSL Global, is the director of UMSL’s annual summer study abroad programme at the University of Galway, and teaches classes that focus on Irish writing and culture.

Eamonn Wall is the author of eleven books including My Aunts at Twilight Poker (2023), From Oven Lane to Sun Prairie: In Search of Irish America (2019); Writing the Irish West: Ecologies and Traditions (2011). He has published essays, articles, and reviews in many publications including The Irish Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Reading Ireland, New Hibernia Review, Prairie Schooner, and other publications.

Eamonn has received many honours for his writing and community service including the Durkan Prize from the American Conference for Irish Studies for excellence in scholarship; the Irish Echo Award for distinguished service to Irish Arts and Culture in North America; and an award for distinguished community service to St. Louis and Missouri from the Mayor of St. Louis. He is past-president of the American Conference for Irish Studies, the first Irish-born academic elected to this position. ■

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St Patrick’s parade makes Enniscorthy come alive More photos on pages 52-55.

Right: Edermine Ferry Rowing Club.

Below: Emily Millea and Chloe McClelland.

Below right: Hillside Cailíní.

Bottom left and bottom right: Enniscorthy Community Allotments.

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

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Three winners of €250 each: Best Community Entry – Enniscorthy Indian Community.

Best Commercial Entry – Slaney Farms.

Best Window Display – Revive & Thrive.

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Top left and top right: Enniscorthy India Association (EIA). Above left: South East Rock ‘n’ Roll Club. Above right: Enniscorthy India Association (EIA). Below left: Enniscorthy India Association (EIA). Below right: Davidstown-Courtnacuddy Bord na nÓg.

Bottom left: Enniscorthy Ladybirds, Brownies & Guides. Bottom right: Irish dancers.

3rd April 2025 - Page 29

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Page 30 - 3rd April 2025

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Enniscorthy Theatre Company chases All-Ireland Final glory

Above L-R: Fintan Kelly, Michael McKenny, Pat Sinnott, Fergal Kelly, and Murt Murphy.

Enniscorthy Theatre Company’s production of The Seafarer swept all before it in its first five competitions on the drama circuit securing first place in Kilmuckridge, West Clare, South Leinster, and West Waterford, and second place in Kildare.

The reward for this spectacular run of success is a coveted spot in the national All-Ireland Confined Drama Final to be held in Claremorris, Co. Mayo, between 25th April and 3rd May 2025, with the awards night on Sunday 4th May. The Seafarer is Conor McPherson's haunting and darkly comedic masterpiece, a gripping tale of redemption, fate, and one unforgettable Christmas Eve card game where the stakes couldn’t be higher!

Directed by the talented Linda Hynes (who also did the costumes), and with stage managment by Naoise O’Connor, this critically acclaimed production boasts an exceptional cast: Pat Sinnott as Sharky Harkin, Murt Murphy as Richard Harkin, Fergal Kelly as Ivan Curry, Michael McKenny as Nicky Giblin, and Fintan Kelly as Mr. Lockhart.

Enniscorthy Theatre Company will be holding two performances locally before setting off for Claremorris and hopefully All-Ireland glory, so don’t miss your last opportunity to enjoy this richly atmospheric tale of camaraderie, resilience, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.

Dates: April 22nd & 23rd, at The Presenation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy. Book now on: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873652288 ■

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Save the date!

The colourful Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival will take place on the streets of Enniscorthy this coming June Bank Holiday weekend, May 31st and June 1st.

This annual festival is a celebration of music, dance, creativity, and nature, with some interesting talks and workshops on sustainability and biodiversity.

If you are a interested in having a craft or food stall this year get in touch with the organisers now, they would love to hear from you! Email: lynn@theupcyclemovement.com Keep up to date with festival news at: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthy.streetrhythms ■

Protest resumes in Wexford town

It is with a heavy heart that the Amnesty International Wexford Group has resumed its weekly protest as Israeli bombs are once again raining down on Palestinian families. The group is urging the people of Wexford to join them, and to insist the Irish government fulfil their commitment of enacting the Occupied Territories Bill. ■

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The 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is calling for volunteers The 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is scheduled to take place from the 3rd to 10th August 2025 in Wexford town, featuring its world-acclaimed programme of traditional Irish language and musical events. Before the official launch of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee is calling on the people of Wexford to volunteer.

t.

As the Fleadh heads to the sunny southeast, over 600,000 visitors are expected to visit Wexford this August to celebrate Irish culture. With such an unprecedented number of attendees visiting the county, there is a real need for volunteers who can help during the Fleadh week, with many opportunities to lend a hand.

Volunteers will be asked to fill several roles, including:  Street Ambassadors  Competitions Stewards  Concert Stewards  Cultural Events Stewards  Fleadh Green Team  Volunteer Photographers  And other support roles for the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee.

Cathaoirleach of the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee and Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Wexford once again this summer.

Comhaltas Ceóltoirí Éireann and Wexford County Council continue to share a mutual vision for the joy that is traditional Irish music and culture and we are working together to make the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann even more memorable than last year. In addition to the visible, structural supports being put in place, the people are a key part

Two of last year’s Fleadh volunteers in Wexford. of the process. Volunteers are the heart of the Fleadh and will be instrumental in welcoming the world to Wexford.

We are recruiting volunteers from all

landmark event for County Wexford.”

The Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee welcomes everyone to sign up

over our great county, and further

as volunteers for the Fleadh Cheoil na

afield, to lend a hand. By volunteering,

hÉireann 2025! Get in on the action and

people can make lasting connections

join the team! For more information

with fellow volunteers, performers, and

and to sign up as a volunteer for the

traditional Irish music lovers from across

Wexford Fleadh Cheoil 2025, visit

the globe while being a key part of this

www.fleadhcheoil.ie ■

3rd April 2025 - Page 33

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

Overall

In April 2023 a new Enniscorthy East Community Development Association (EECDA) was formed to represent the Eastern side of Enniscorthy including the greater Templeshannon area.

EECDA is working for major improvements across social, community and economic fronts on the Eastside of Enniscorthy.

The area has been badly neglected in the past with no meaningful investment in infrastructure / services in over 35 years.

The most recent Social Deprivation figures show an area in decline with increasing levels of ‘Very Disadvantaged’ and ‘Extremely Disadvantaged’ areas.

The Enniscorthy East Community Development Association (EECDA) is committed to ensuring that Templeshannon receives the same level of investment and development as the rest of Enniscorthy. To that end our group has produced a plan to ensure this area has the opportunity to become a vibrant and thriving part of Enniscorthy once again.

Over recent weeks we have presented this plan to a wide range of interested parties including Minister James Browne TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, toplevel Wexford Co. Council officials, Gardaí, representatives of Wexford Local Development, FDYS, Chamber of Commerce, etc.

Now is the time for action. EECDA is calling on the above individuals and organsiations, and the wider community, to support our vision and work together to secure the future of Templeshannon.

Keep an eye on: Enniscorthy East Community Development Association: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity Enniscorthy Eastside Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/320813591438762 https://www.facebook.com/TempleshannonCommunityandChildcareCentre ■

Enniscorthy - balanced development ???

‘Sod-turning’ and ‘ribbon-cutting’ for public realm and public services in Enniscorthy in the last 15 years – a comparison between Eastside and Westside:

WESTSIDE 1. Rafter Street pedestrianisation.

2. Country Walk at end of The Prom.

3. Orchard Peace Park.

4. Bellefield community playground, parking, improved access to Bellefield GAA. 5. St John’s Community Wellbeing & Activity Garden – construction in progress.

6. Two extensions to existing Prom Walk (at Davis Mills and Island Road).

7. Astro Pitch, Ross Road.

8. Enniscorthy Community Allotments.

9. Enniscorthy Learn to Cycle Track.

10. Enniscorthy Sports Hub. 11. Playful Spaces project (musical instruments installed at Orchard Peace Park).

12. Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre. ■

Page 34 - 3rd April 2025

EASTSIDE NOTHING!!!!!

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Just some of the many activities at Templeshannon Community Centre...

10.30am

Last . ■

7PM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT

3rd April 2025 - Page 35

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Sustainable

Enniscorthy

A monthly column

This month Sustainable Enniscorthy highlights National Spring Clean month – April 2025

If you would like to get involved in Sustainable Enniscorthy or be kept informed of our initiatives, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram. sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com www.sustainableenniscorthy.com Contact us to get involved!

The longer days, warmer weather, and hint of spring in the air can only mean one thing – Spring Clean month is just around the corner! Have you registered for your An Taisce National Spring Clean kit yet?

National Spring Clean month is hosted by An Tasice each year. As part of the movement, people and communities can register for a cleanup kit (bags, gloves and hi-vis) to be sent out in the post to carry out a cleanup of your estate, road, street or area. The campaign has been running for over 25 years and aims to promote environmental awareness and community engagement. You can register for your spring clean kit here – Register Now - National Spring Clean (contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns if you need litter pickers!)

This year, Sustainable Enniscorthy will again join forces with Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, Enniscorthy Community Alliance, other community groups and local schools to tackle litter head on.

Kayak Cleanup event: The highlight of Spring Clean month is going to be the kayak cleanup event on the Slaney which will take place on Saturday 12th April at 10am at Edermine. Sustainable Enniscorthy hosted the first event a number of years ago and it is great to see this

go from strength to strength. GoPaddle.ie will again host the event this year in collaboration with Tidy Towns and Sustainable Enniscorthy – you can book your place for the event here – Book - Enniscorthy Tidy Towns - River Cleanup | eola. These events are supported by grant funding from the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO). We hope to have some cool drone footage of this years’ event!

Small actions can make a big difference: There are approximately 70,000 homes in County Wexford based on the latest census (CSO 2023). If just 1% of these houses registered for Spring Clean and cleaned a 1km stretch of their area this could equal 700km covered! Imagine the difference this would make to our wonderful county!

Enniscorthy Town Spring Clean – Easter Monday: If you have a few hours to spare over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, a big Spring Clean of Enniscorthy Town will take place on Easter Monday 21st April at 10am at the Farmer’s Market Carpark – Prom. This is a great way to make a difference to our town and meet people that are committed to making Enniscorthy a better place. Last year’s event was a big success and the photo on the opposite page proves it!

Two young volunteers at the GoPaddle.ie event last April.

Pic: Courtesy of Know How Media.

Page 36 - 3rd April 2025

Sustainable Enniscorthy has lots of events planned for the coming months, our AGM will take place on 3rd April at 7pm at the IFA Centre (all new members welcome!). Our next Repair Café will be 10th May at Templeshannon Community Centre – keep an eye on our social media pages for details! ■

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National Spring Clean month

The Spring Clean event in Enniscorthy in April 2024. Read about Spring Clean events for 2025 on opposite page.

Hope & Dream 10 6th April 2025

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

Follow Sustainable Enniscorthy on Facebook and Instagram and visit sustainableenniscorthy.com ■

As

Don't forget to register for the Hope Cancer Support Centre CLG Hope & Dream 10 which will take place this year on 6th April.

Register here: https://www.hopeanddream10.co m/online-registration/ Keep up to date on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063782370714 ■

Keep up to date on Facebook by clicking on this link: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommu nity If you are interested in making Templeshannon a better place to live for all its residents, feel free to come along and get involved. Tel: 087-2930510.

We meet once per month in the Templeshannon Community Centre. ■

3rd April 2025 - Page 37

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Enniscorthy’s Holos sweeps the boards at beauty awards

Niamh Hogan of the multi-award-winning Holos, based in Templeshannon, Enniscorthy.

Holos took home an amazing nine awards from the recent Universal Beauty Awards 2025!

The award-winning products were: 🌸 Best Probiotic Skincare Product – Super Natural Activity Pre + Probiotic Spritz – Gold. 🌸 Best Cream Cleanser – Super Natural Activity AHA Deep Cleansing Cream/Masque – Gold. 🌸 Best Beauty Drops – ABC Active A Oil Serum – Silver. 🌸 Best Anti-Ageing Facial Oil – Love Your Skin AntiAgeing Facial Oil – Bronze. 🌸 Best Serum for Clear Skin – ABC Active C Creamy Gel Serum – Bronze. 🌸 Best Repairing Cream – Super Natural Activity Triple Lipid Replenish Cream – Bronze. 🌸 Skin Calming Serum – ABC Active B Gel Serum – Highly Commended. 🌸 Best Product for Fine Lines – This is More Facial & Eye Serum – Highly Commended. 🌸 Best Organic Facial Oil – This is More Multi-Use Plant Oil – Highly Commended.

Holos – award-winning skincare that supports jobs in Enniscorthy!

Holos has also taken home six awards at the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2025.

Winners: Best Multi-Tasking Moisturiser – This is More Get Better Butter.

Best Multipurpose Beauty Product – This is More Multi-Use Plant Oil. Best Micellar Pre-Cleanse – Super Natural Activity Botanical Micellar Pre-Cleanse.

Editor’s Choice: Super Natural Activity Triple Lipid Replenish Cream.

ABC Active C Creamy Gel Serum.

Love Your Skin Anti-Ageing Facial Oil. Holos is delighted to see its products being recognised with all these amazing awards, and says a huge thanks to all its customers particularly the local community in Enniscorthy for all the support!

Holos Skincare, The Shannon, Enniscorthy. Tel: 085 256 1748. advice@holosskincare.com www.holos.ie ■

Page 38 - 3rd April 2025

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Mary celebrates 60th birthday Below: Delightful Dolly Mary Murphy celebrates her 60th birthday in Bellefield GAA Complex, Enniscorthy, on 26th March 2025 with friend Philomena Murphy.

Above: Mary Murphy with Philomena Murphy and Winnie O’Connor of the Delightful Dollies committee.

Below: Mary Murphy urrounded by well-wishers at her 60th birthday party on 26th March.

Co. Wexford’s 2025 road funding Local Fianna Fáil Minister James Browne has welcomed the allocation of over €12.5m for Wexford roads.

The allocation comes as part of a package of €633 million for national roads, announced at the end of last month by the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien.

This funding is an increase of €92 million compared to 2024, whilst funding for roads under the current National Development Plan is expected to continue to increase for the remainder of the decade.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Browne said: “I am delighted to see over €12.5m worth of funding allocated for

Minister James Browne TD.

roads across Wexford announced today by my party colleague.

“Road safety is of paramount importance. This significant funding will enable

greater connectivity, upgrading and maintaining of our national roads, and will allow new road projects to begin.”

Minister Browne has highlighted that increased funding under the current National Development Plan shows that funding new roads and projects is a priority for Fianna Fáil.

“I welcome the fact that under the current National Development Plan, Fianna Fáil intends to continue to fund new and existing road projects throughout the length and breadth of the country,” he said. “I’d like to thank my party colleague and Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien for delivering this funding, and I look forward to engaging with him further.” ■

3rd April 2025 - Page 39

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Enniscorthy Toastmasters Oulart storytelling house

The group meeets fortnightly on Tuesdays, September to June, in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, at 8pm. All welcome! https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy-Toastmasters129333810455771 for updates. ■

At Bygone Days Storytelling House in Oulart, a great welcome awaits all, with good music, songs, stories and plenty of craic, tea and refreshments served. Eircode: Y25 YP70.

For details of upcoming events keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/bygonedayshouseofstories ■

ENNISCORTHY TIDY TOWNS NEEDS YOU! Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers meet on Sunday mornings to collect litter and tidy up around the town.

Volunteers are always needed and welcomed!

So if you are sick of seeing rubbish on your road, street, estate or elsewhere in the community, please contact: 053 923 6518 or email enniscorthytt@gmail.com Keep up to date on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown Let's all help to make Enniscorthy cleaner and greener! ■

Report Illegal Dumping: 053 919 6000 Email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie Website: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/waste-andrecycling/report-illegal-dumping Page 40 - 3rd April 2025

SUSTAINABLE ENNISCORTHY REPAIR CAFE Booking link, when available, will be posted on the Slaney News Facebook page.

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HSE magazine praises ‘The Breakfast Club’ in St John’s, Enniscorthy

Photo from ‘Health Matters’ magazine.

A club set up last year in St John’s Community Hospital in Enniscorthy is praised in the Spring issue of the HSE staff magazine, Health Matters, published by Ashville Media.

Patients in the rehab unit at St John’s are urged every morning to get up, get dressed, join other patients in what is called The Breakfast Club and get breakfast.

According to Health Matters, the Breakfast Club is led by physiotherapy assistants, Maura Nolan and Caroline MurphyZannaki, and physiotherapist Cathal Clince, whose view is to have patients available earlier in the morning to attend physiotherapy and increase therapy time.

The club has now become an integral part of the rehabilitative process in St John’s. Instead of receiving breakfast in bed or at their bedside, patients are encouraged and where necessary assisted to attend The Breakfast Club set up in the patient dining room.

Feedback from patients has been positive. They expressed that they enjoyed the extra social interaction, liked being able to do extra walking and felt more confident about going home.

Staff expressed that they were pleasantly surprised with the benefits including increased mobility practice, eating of a larger quantity and variety of food, and increased opportunities for all members of the multidisciplinary team to observe patients performing functional tasks and support compensatory strategies where necessary.

The project, which resulted in a 16% increase in rehab gym treatment time for patients without incurring additional costs, was shortlisted for the 2024 Health Service Excellence Awards for Innovation in Service delivery.

– M.F.

‘‘,, Holos awards day

The internationally renowned and multi-award-winning Holos Skincare brand, based in Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, had the pleasure of hosting a special awards ceremony on 27th March 2025 to honour the partners who stock its products and help bring the Holos Skincare brand to life. Among the various winners were (left) Rejuvenate Treatment Rooms in the Riverside Park Hotel and its sister beauty salon Finishing Touches, Main Street, Enniscorthy, and (above) Grants Pharmacy, Enniscorthy. ■

3rd April 2025 - Page 41

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Telephone Frank at 087-2403310 for more details.

Page 42 - 3rd April 2025

Sustainable Enniscorthy AGM Thursday, 3 April, 7.30pm IFA Centre, Enniscorthy.

All welcome

FOOD

FOCUS

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

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Memorial Cards available at

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Call us on 053 9235295

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Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford 087 0951019 ECCE Có & NCS Scheme

089 - 4365066 imlisteningwx@gmail.com

Please note the following: To log a report regarding any dumping, street litter, road oil spills and potholes, ring Wexford Council on

(053) 919 6000 or email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie You can also ask to register for group or individual cleanups of your environment.

Website to report illegal dumping: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/waste-andrecycling/report-illegal-dumping 3rd April 2025 - Page 43

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Beautiful Wexford in ‘Rambles in Éireann’

by Wm Bulfin

William Bulfin

“Beautiful Wexford is not merely beautiful here and there, but beautiful from end to end” – William Bulfin

The journalist William Bulfin rambled all over Buenos Aires, Argentina, and then his native Ireland several times in the 1890s and early 1900s. That was more than 125 years ago.

from Munster and the wooded hills of southern Wicklow divide it from the rest of Leinster… the River Slaney runs down the middle of it through wide and fertile valleys… the land rolls and dips on a generous, graceful scale… the climate is rather milder than in many parts of Ireland.“ He had studied Wexford’s culture, society and economy, and its land, its people and its history. He calls out “names of the Gall (the foreigner) among the occupiers of Hy Kinsellagh (an old name for Wexford and the south east): Walsh, De Renzy, De Pren-

His rambling in Ireland, riding a bicycle built at Pierce’s Foundry in Wexford town, began in his native Derrinlough in Co. Offaly. He would get off his bicycle stopping here and there to make his astute observations of provinces, counties, towns, and villages and the many characters he met on his seven-month trip.

Later in the book, he writes, “Wexford is beautiful, and not merely beautiful here and there, but beautiful from end to end… a chain of blue peaks wall it off

Page 44 - 3rd April 2025

As you will gather from his writings, he was a nationalist and a republican and he disliked the British nobility and politicians and the armed Crown forces of that time.

“I have a bad memory for the titles Clan London, but I think the foreign noble who owns Enniscorthy is called Lord Portsmouth. If that is not his title, I give it up.

He owns Vinegar Hill also, and I was informed that he had refused permission to the people of Enniscorthy to erect a monument thereon to the memory of the men of ’98.”

Describing emigration then, he said, “There is a scarcity of farm labourers in Wexford. The labouring people go in considerable numbers to Wales to the mines.

Many girls go to England to look for employment. Others go to the United States.

William Bulfin brought this mix to his writing about County Wexford which occupies a greater than average number of references in the book, compared to those from any other county apart from Dublin.

He must have liked Wexford. He begins Chapter 1 with: “I was hungry for a feast of the summer glory and I was filled with a desire to dim the workshop lustre of my brand-new Wexford wheel.”

able, cheerful, thriving town and sits cosily astride of the Slaney under the sheltering hills. Some of the streets are very steep and there are some quaint old houses.

There is a castle in the centre of the town, which is modernised and inhabited by a gentleman who rents it from the lord of the soil.”

Leaving Enniscorthy, he “cycled to Wexford town along the Slaney side and it proved to be a most delightful journey.

The road is wide and smooth all the way and runs through beautiful scenery.”

According to T.K. Moloney in the preface to this beautiful, newly updated 2025 edition of Bulfin’s world famous book, Rambles in Eirinn, his charm and humour is mixed with a biting criticism.

His colourful descriptions of Enniscorthy town, Vinegar Hill, Ferrycarrig, Wexford town, and references to villages and townlands and the Slaney Valley are given across two chapters of twenty-two chapters in this splendid 330-page book.

William Bulfin’s Pierce bicycle.

dergast, Butler, Talbot, Power, Rossiter, Masterson, Morgan, Meyler, Furlong, Wadding, White, Comerford, Devereux, Sutton, Stafford, Laffan, Wyse, Redmond etc., mixed up with the Milesian clan names of O’Murphy, O’Doyle, O’Garvey, O’Cosgrave, O’Dugan and MacKeogh.”

He says: “Some came with Strongbow, some from Flanders, some with Cromwell, but Wexford assimilated most of them and made them fiercely Irish.”

He was glad he said “to visit Enniscorthy for many reasons and sorry to leave it so soon”. He said: “It is a pleasant, hospit-

On reaching Wexford town, he said he liked the Main Street best. “It is not by any means the handsomest street in Wexford, nor the widest, nor the straightest, nor the brightest.”

“The Twin churches, the Franciscans monastery, Doyle’s machine factory of turnip crushers, threshing machines, horse rakes and ploughs, Wexford Engineering Company, and Pierces works where nobody was in at dinner time and the hands were absent.”

He “wanted to show Pierces, a Pierce bicycle that had been through many rough adventures at home and abroad and was still in perfect order.”

SlaNey NewS William Bulfin conveys the culture and heritage of agricultural and rural Ireland of the 1890s and early 1900s so richly and colourfully well, from Raharney to Rosenallis, from Wexford to Derry, from Cork to Belfast, but it seems he didn’t get to Kerry. Want to know the future, look into history. We often forget what we have and the great legacy that we got from past generations. We must not squander it. Every home should have a copy of this book and every parent and every child who reads it carefully will be better for it.

This book cries out for a modern companion – a 21st century version, written by a team of special journalists of today who have a depth of knowledge like Bulfin’s

and the skills to convey it. They are few. A rich philanthropist might sponsor Deaglán de Bréadún, of Oylegate, Valerie Cox of Arklow who has interviewed every significant character in rural Ireland, Declan Lyons of Arthurstown who wrote the book on Bulfin’s friend, the RTÉ legend Donncha Ó Dulaing, Anne Doyle, the astute former RTE newsreader, and native of Ferns, who walks and takes the bus everywhere, and Liam Collins of the Sunday Independent who, like Bulfin, cycles everywhere. To snap the significant features, add the knowledgeable Liam Mulcahy, former photographic manager of the Irish Independent, who knows every blade of grass in Ireland. Pay them well, give them seven months to research and write

what they observe and the result will become a national treasure.

Before he came back home to Ireland from Argentina in his forties, William Bulfin was a sheep herder. He changed career to become a journalist and later assistant editor of the Southern Cross newspaper and a contributor to New York newspapers.

His work following his ‘holiday of six or seven months’ in Ireland was published eventually as the book Rambles in Eirinn in 1907.

Now, Merrion Press have given the book an attractive hardback cover, new formatting and typography, and have made it a most valuable and wonderfully engaging reading experience.

– M.F.

Fleet Street veteran and singer, King Patrick Skillen celebrates 90 with family and Rosslare friends Popular singer, raconteur, wit, and gentleman, Patrick Skillen, who traces his ancestry back to the first High King of Ireland, Máel Sechnaill I, has celebrated his 90th birthday among his friends at the new La Vista Café and Restaurant at Rosslare Golf Club. When meeting him, local people bow their heads or curtsy, nod in his direction and greet him as ‘Your Majesty’.

Separately from his friends, his family members and the little loves of his life, his grandchildren Conor Pat and Elizabeth Bridie from England, have visited to celebrate with him.

Patrick Skillen gets a hug for his 90th birthday at the La Vista Café and Restaurant from Marion Breen, formerly of European Parliament, Brussels, who has Boolavogue ancestry.

Patrick, born in 1935, is a native of Cabra, Dublin. He worked on production of the Irish Times in Dublin, before he left for Fleet Street in central London where he spent the rest of his work life on the production of the world’s biggest newspapers, the Sunday Times, the Mirror and the Guardian.

He and his late wife Sheila, a native of Caherciveen, Co. Kerry, came to live in Rosslare in 1997.

He is well known for holding politicians and Government Ministers to account, writing to them mainly on environmental matters. He and his partner Marie, a native of Offaly, live in Rosslare Strand.

Seated in front centre, Patrick Skillen, 90, hosting his friends at Rosslare Golf Club’s new La Vista Café and Restaurant and sporting his 1935 baseball cap, a birthday gift from his partner Marie’s daughter in Canada. At back, Jim Fortune, former NCO, Irish Air Corp, Pierce Brannigan, native of Kilkenny city, Paul Boggan, Boggans Londis convenience store, former captain of Rosslare Golf Club, and seated: Maurice Burchell, native of Celbridge and Sydney, Australia, Patrick Skillen, and Noel Doyle, statistician and musician, native of Dublin who is formerly of the European Commission in Brussels.

Patrick became renowned for his singing around County Wexford as a member of the ‘Sea Shanty’ singers, who regaled visiting politicians and celebrities including Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland.

– M.F.

3rd April 2025 - Page 45

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Wexford community centres to receive over €900,000

Over €900,000 in government funding was announced last month for 14 community centres across Co. Wexford under the Community Centre Investment Fund.

Welcoming the news, Minister James Browne TD said, "I was delighted to receive confirmation from Minister Calleary that the successful community centre projects announced today will receive capital grants of up to €100,000 under category 2 of the fund. Community Centres are the lifeblood of our communities. They play host to some of our most important occasions, in good times and in bad. Again in recent weeks we have seen the importance of these centres for their local communities as many of them became emergency hubs in the aftermath of storm Éowyn. Today's funding will empower these communities to continue to provide that much needed communal space.”

Among the successful applicants were the Astro Active Centre in Enniscorthy which is to receive €100,000 "to fund items including internal painting, upgrade of flooring, replacing indoor windows, kitchen equipment, and installation of solar panels", and community centres in Ferns (€55,000), Blackwater (€80,512), Kilmuckridge (€37,386), and Oylegate (€49,424). ■

Katie wins Maynooth scholarship CONGRATS TO RECENT COLÁISTE BRÍDE ENNISCORTHY GRADUATE KATIE DOYLE WHO HAS BEEN AWARDED A MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP...

The significant Leaving Certificate achievements of five former County Wexford school students have been acknowledged and celebrated by Maynooth University (MU).

President of Maynooth University, Professor Eeva Leinonen, presented each scholar with a bespoke piece of crystal, in recognition of their achievement, during the awards ceremony recently held on the campus. School representatives were presented with a plaque. Family members and guests were treated to an

evening of music and refreshments.

Maynooth University Open Days take place on Saturday April 12th and June 28th 2025. Free buses are running to the Open Day on Saturday April 12th.

More information is available at www.mu.ie/opendays. ■

The now first-year MU students are among over 70 Maynooth University Entrance Scholars, each having achieved 575 points or more in their Leaving Certificate examination.

Former Coláiste Bríde Enniscorthy student Katie Doyle (Bachelor of Education - Froebel Primary Teaching) joined Gorey Community School alumnus Will Cooper (Bachelor of Music) and former Loreto Secondary School, Wexford, students Molly Holden (BA Bachelor of Arts), Ruth O’Leary (Bachelor of Education - Froebel Primary Teaching) and Nadia Soltys (BA Bachelor of Arts).

The €1,000 Entrance Scholarship is awarded to incoming first year students, via the CAO, who have obtained 575 points or more in their Leaving Cert. ■

Page 46 - 3rd April 2025

Former Coláiste Bríde Enniscorthy student Katie Doyle receives her award from President of Maynooth University, Professor Eeva Leinonen.

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Gaza fundraiser hits €5,740 A fundraising music and raffle event for well restoration in Gaza was held in Hammel’s of Bree on 29th March 2025.

According to event organiser Kirsty Davin, the fundraiser generated “a phenomenal response, in total we raised €5,740 which will go directly on the ground in Northern Gaza to friends who are working on well restoration.” ■

3rd April 2025 - Page 47

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Wexford PPN have the following vacancies on Wexford County Council’s Strategic Policy Committees SPC 1: Economic Development & Enterprise PPN Representative Positions 1 No. Community/Voluntary Representative 1 No. Social Inclusion Representative.

SPC 2: Transportation & Water Services PPN Representative Positions 1 No. Community/Voluntary Representative 1 No. Environmental Representative 1 No. Social Inclusion Representative.

SPC 3: Housing PPN Representative Positions 1 No. Community/Voluntary Representative 1 No. Environmental Representative 1 No. Social Inclusion Representative.

SPC 4: Community & Rural Affairs PPN Representative Positions 1 No. Environmental Representative.

SPC 5: Climate Change, Environment and Biodiversity PPN Representative Positions 1 No. Community/Voluntary Representative 1 No. Environmental Representative 1 No. Social Inclusion Representative.

SPC 6: Planning & Building Control PPN Representative Positions 1 No. Environmental Representative 1 No. Social Inclusion Representative.

FURTHER VACANCIES IN THE ORGANISATION INCLUDE: WEXFORD SECRETARIAT COMMITTEE 1 No. Community & Voluntary Representative 1 No. Social Inclusion Representatives.

LOCAL SPORTS PLAN STEERING GROUP WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 1 No. Representative.

Wexford County Council is establishing a Steering Group for a Local Sports Plan for County Wexford as mandated in the National Sports Policy. The (LSP) Local Sports Plan will be a high-level countywide framework which establishes the priorities for County Wexford which in turn promotes greater levels of participation in sports and physical activity.

Wexford PPN have been invited to nominate a representative to the Steering Group. Ideally the PPN nominee should be a member of, and actively involved in, a registered PPN Sports Group or Club in County Wexford.

Application forms available for all the above vacancies via email from ppn@wexfordppn.ie. Completed applications should be submitted on or before 5pm, Friday the 4th April 2025.

Email applications to ppn@wexfordppn.ie.

Postal applications to Wexford PPN, Wexford County Council Offices, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93.

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Page 48 - 3rd April 2025

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

Location

Environmental Operative – 1 position

Enniscorthy

Duties to include: • Environmental Worker - General maintenance, cleaning, planting and weeding etc.

To apply for any of these positions and for further information please contact - Bernie Lennon, CE Scheme Supervisor, Wexford County Council on (087) 6575743 during office hours 9am – 5pm or Tracey Begley, CE Scheme Supervisor WCC on (087) 0029702 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email cesnorthwexford@wexfordcoco.ie.

The closing date for applications is Friday April 4th 2025 at 4.30pm.

Please note that persons applying for these positions must satisfy the Department of Social Protection criteria to participate in the Community Employment Scheme.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from 08.30 to 18.00 on Saturday 12 April and Sunday 13 April 2025, to facilitate holding Wexford Motor Club’s Motorsport Hillclimb event at Newbawn.

Road Closures:

R735-9, R735-8, and the L8061-1 from the junction of the R735 with the L4025 at Scullaboge to Newbawn and to the Newbawn Community Sports Ground in Newbawn/Brownstown.

Alternative Route: From the Newbawn Community Sports Ground to Raheevarren to Scullaboge to Barrys Cross to Stoneerath Cross to Foulksmills to Newbawn to Ballinaboola to Raheevarren via the L8061, N25, L4025, L3030, L3034, R736 and the N25.

Alternative routes will be signposted.

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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 close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Monday 14 April 2025 from 07:30 to 17:30 to facilitate work on ESB overhead lines and poles at Ballytarsna, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure:

L-20261-1 at Ballytarsna, Co. Wexford.

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 Alternative Route:

Northbound: From Ballytarsna L-20261-2 to Ballybregagh L-6010-1 to Moneyboe L-2026-2.

Southbound: From Moneyboe L-2026-2 to Toberlomina L-2027-1 to Ballytarsna L-20261-3.

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road(s) should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 15 April 2025 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

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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 roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from 11:00 on Thursday 1 May 2025 to 14:00 Tuesday 6 May 2025 to facilitate the holding of the May Bank Holiday Weekend Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival 2025.

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Sunday 13 April 2025 to facilitate the holding of the Pettitt’s Wexford Half Marathon.

Road Closure 1:

L3505-2 – The Faythe (Billy Kelly Pub side of the road ONLY), from the northwest boundary wall of the Faythe Guest House to the start of the fork in the road opposite Mulligan’s Funeral Home.

Times:

From 09.00 to 14.30 on Sunday 13 April 2025.

(Road Closure 1).

Alternative Route:

From Faythe Lane to Kevin Barry Street to Parnell Street to Trinity Street to William Street to The Faythe to Faythe Lane.

Road Closure 2:

L3507-1 & 2 (Coolballow Road) from its Junction with the Rosslare Road (R730) to the Rathaspeck Roundabout.

Times:

From 10.00 to 13.30 on Sunday 13 April 2025.

(Road Closure 2).

Alternative Route:

From the Rathaspeck Roundabout to Piercestown to Levitstown to the Rosslare Road via the L3042, L3043, N25 and the R730.

ROAD CLOSURES NO. 1: Main Street, Castle Street, Castle Hill (R702), (between the junction of Duffry Street and Main Street with Irish Street and roundabout at Abbey Square) and Church Street, Court Street (part of – from Church Street to Friary Hill) and Hospital Hill (closed to eastbound traffic only) and Wafer Street (R702) (between its junction with Castle Street and Market Square to its junction with Duffry Hill).

Date and Time: From 16:00 Friday 2 May to 13:00 Monday 5 May 2025.

Alternative Routes: HCV Traffic (Eastbound): From Duffry Hill to Parnell Road to Arnold’s Cross to Mill Park Road to Abbey Square Roundabout via R890 and R744.

HCV Traffic (Westbound): From Abbey Square Roundabout to Mill Park Road to Arnold’s Cross to Parnell Road to Duffry Hill via R744 and R890.

Local non-HCV traffic (Eastbound only): From the junction of Duffry Street and Main Street to Irish Street to Island Road (R772) to Old Bridge The Shannon Quay to Seamus Rafter Bridge to Abbey Square Roundabout.

Local non-HCV traffic (Westbound only): From Abbey Square Roundabout (R744) to Junction of Mill Park Road (R744) to Friary Hill to Court Street to Hospital Hill to Parnell Road (R890).

ROAD CLOSURE NO. 2: The Promenade (Closed to Northbound traffic only) – between its junction with Seamus Rafter Bridge and its junction with Quay Street.

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

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Alt 75 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993 Dúnadh Sealadach Bóithre Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil sé beartaithe ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman an bóthar a liostaítear anseo thíos a dhúnadh do thrácht feithiclí ar Dé Luain 14ú Aibreán idir 07:30 agus 17:30 chun obair a éascú ar línte lasnairde agus cuaillí BSL ag Baile Tarsna, Co. Loch Garman.

Dúnadh Bóthair:

L-2026-1 an Baile Tarsna, Co. Loch Garman.

Bealach Malartach:

Date and Time: From 11:00 Thursday 1 May to 14:00 Tuesday 6 May 2025.

Ó Thuaidh: Ó Baile Tarsna, L-20261-2, go dtí an Bhuaile Bhréagach, L6010-1, go dtí Moing na Bó L-2026-2.

Alternative Route: From Quay Street or Salt House Lane to Mill Park Road to R744 Roundabout at Abbey Square to Abbey Quay.

Ó Dheas: Ó Moing na Bó, L-2026-2, go dtí Tobar Luimnigh, L-2027-1, go dtí Baile Tarsna L-20261-3.

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

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Beidh comharthaíocht ar bhealaí malartacha. Déanfar rochtain áitiúil a éascú.

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

3rd April 2025 - Page 49

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Alt 75 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993 Dúnadh Sealadach Bóithre Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil sé beartaithe ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman an bóthar a liostaítear anseo thíos a dhúnadh do thrácht feithiclí idir Dé Sathairn 12 Aibreán ó 08:30 agus 18:00 Dé Domhnaigh 13 Aibreán, chun rás cnoc an Bábhún Nua ó Chlub Mótair Loch Garman a éascú.

Dúnadh Bóthair:

R 735-9, R735-8, agus an L8061-1 ó acomhal an R735 leis an L4025 ag Scolbóg go dtí an Bábhún Nua agus go dtí Fearas Spóirt Pobail an Bhábhúin Nua sa Bhábhún Nua/Baile an Bhrúnaigh.

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, 17th April, 2025.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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Bealach Malartach: Ó Fearas Spóirt Pobail an Bhábhúin Nua go dtí Rath Uí Bhearáin, go dtí Scolbóg, go dtí Crois Bharraigh, go dtí Crois Rath na gCloch, go dtí Muileann Fúca, go dtí an Bábhán Nua, go dtí Baile na Buaile, go dtí Rath Uí Bhearáin tríd an L8061, an N25, an L4025, an L3030, an L3034, an R736 agus an N25.

Beidh comharthaíocht ar bhealaí malartacha.

Wexford County Council Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2025

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Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following post: Integration Support Worker (Grade VI) Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted.

Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie Please note all applications for the above post must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie Printed hard copies will be NOT be accepted for the above post.

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for this post is:

Call for Expressions of Interest now open Closing date 30th April 2025 The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Minister Dara Calleary TD has launched the Town & Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) 2025 making available grants from €50,000 to €500,000.

The 2025 TVRS Scheme is designed to support the revitalisation and resilience of rural Ireland through an ongoing focus on town centre regeneration and enhancing economic and social vibrancy in line with the Town Centre First policy.

The measures that will be supported by Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2025 include projects that: • • •

5.00pm on Thursday 17th April, 2025.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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• •

Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts:

•

Beach Warden/Supervisor (Duncannon) Beach Warden (Curracloe Area) Beach Warden/Supervisor (Morriscastle) Beach Warden/Supervisor (Rosslare/Carne)

• •

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

Page 50 - 3rd April 2025

drive town centre regeneration support town/village centre plaza development develop green spaces / recreational amenities in town or village centres enhance streetscapes support town or village centre markets, e.g. farmer’s markets or artisan markets support the provision of infrastructure (e.g. public realm works, service provisions, canopies etc.) to facilitate town or village centre markets (e.g. farmers markets, open-air markets, local trader markets, artisan markets or similar); upgrade / refurbish community centres bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use as multi-purpose community spaces.

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 ad

Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Call for Expressions of Interest for the Supply of Social Housing and Development Land Wexford County Council has an ambitious 5 year capital programme under the Housing For All Action Plan. As part of a range of housing solutions, the housing authority is seeking expressions of interest from private developers, building contractors and landowners.

Wexford County Council is seeking expressions of interest from interested parties who are capable of delivering turnkey units within the County or the provision of development land.

Wexford County Council will consider land or units in areas which have an established need.

An explanatory document will outline the areas of need across the County.

In particular, Wexford County Council is seeking: •

Turnkey developments. Acquisitions are on a turnkey basis; potential payment is a fixed price lump sum, on completion of a development, within an agreed timeframe.

•

Mixed development schemes where social residential components could be incorporated.

•

Development land, varying from small sites (circa 4-6 units) in rural areas with modest demand to larger sites in urban areas (circa 50-70).

•

Delivery of adapted dwellings to meet the requirements of those with specific needs.

All developments and associated works must be fully compliant with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government guidelines and standards.

A preliminary proposal via the official application form will need to be submitted along with required documentation.

Application forms must be received by 5pm on Thursday 8th May 2025.

Application forms and accompanying explanatory documents should be requested by emailing

housingcapital@wexfordcoco.ie or may be downloaded from www.wexfordcoco.ie/housing/supply-of-turnkey-units-and-development-land Wexford County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014.

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

3rd April 2025 - Page 51

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St Patrick’s Day in Enniscorthy

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

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Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

3rd April 2025 - Page 53

Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle

St Patrick’s Day in Enniscorthy 17th March 2025

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

Page 54 - 3rd April 2025

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

Top left: Hollie Broaders, Zara and AJ Broaders-Kelly and Ella Broaders. Top centre: Bishop Ger Nash and organising committee member Maria Nolan. Top right: Family group enjoying the parade. Above left: Family group at the parade.

Above centre: Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless with David O’Sullivan, event manager.

Below left: Vintage tractors in the parade. Below centre: Enniscorthy Theatre Company.

Below right: Amy Morris and Chloe and Sean Doran. Bottom left: Fire service vehicles.

Bottom centre: Ken’s Computer Clinic. Bottom right: Dan Nolan Plant Hire.

3rd April 2025 - Page 55

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Coming soon to Vinegar Hill Last summer, The Night Belongs to YOUth (TNBY) brought colour, music, and performance to Enniscorthy for a magical midsummer celebration. From the vibrant procession to the hilltop spectacle, young people made the night their own.

And this year? It’s back, bigger and bolder.

Workshops kick off this month, leading up to an unforgettable Cruinniú na nÓg event on Saturday the 7th of June.

Expect creativity, celebration, and the magic of TNBY under the summer sky!

Want to know more about Creative Places Enniscorthy? Visit creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie n

Above and below: Last year’s The Night Belongs to YOUth event on Vinegar Hill.

Page 56 - 3rd April 2025

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

Two contrasting music festivals in Wexford town this April...

Punk is very much alive! Never mind anyone claiming its demise over the last 50 years... From a small scene in New York and London, formed by a few creative malcontents in the 1970s, it became a global phenomenon and has forever permeated every facet of culture to-date.

A one-day celebration will take place in Wexford Arts Centre on Saturday 26th April 2025, bringing together Punks of all ages, subculture aficionados, and everyone else who wants to know what all the fuss was/is about.

On show will be astounding Punk art from local and international artists, an album design competition, as well as vintage artefacts. This is complemented with oral history and topical talks and ends with a Punk music festival that features 7 acts, with 3 young bands hitting the stage for the first time!

This promises to be an amazing and unique concentration of all things Punk, an event that looks back fondly and plots a path to the future. Miss it and you’ll be none the wiser, come on the day and you’ll be... well, PUNK! 26TH APRIL 2025 – PUNK AT WEXFORD ARTS CENTRE: FREE EVENTS: 12:00 - 23:00: ART EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS. 13:00 - 15:00: TALKS. 15:15 - 15:30: OPENING. 15:30 - 15:40: ALBUM SLEEVE COMPETITION. 15:40 - 16:30: INTERVIEWS WITH ARTISTS. PUNK FESTIVAL (COVER CHARGE): 17:00 - 23:00: 7 Bands live – Book tickets here: https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/sho ws/873653061 n –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The inaugural Pecker Dunne Music Festival will take place in St Peter’s Square, Wexford town, on Saturday 5th April 2025. This is a free, family friendly, open-air event to honour the life and legacy of the legendary singer and banjo player Pecker Dunne who passed away 12 years ago.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Tom Forde is one of the main organisers along with Wally O’Neill of Red Books fame, and Pecker’s own son Stephen, a gifted musician in his own right. Performers on the day will include people who knew Pecker, travelled with him, and played together.

The bandstand in St. Peter’s Square will be filled with music on the day and in addition there will be talks in nearby Red Books.

See ‘Pecker Dunne Festival Wexford’ on Facebook for more details. n

3rd April 2025 - Page 57

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A Taste of Things to Come Words & pics by Maria Nolan Creative Grounds, Alfie O’Sullivan and Kristyna Simko pulled out all the stops recently to bring A Taste Of Greece to their Irish Street café in Enniscorthy.

Street premises leaving the innovative duo Alfie and Kristyna free to concentrate their efforts on their new cultural focus – Y21 Studios at the IFA Centre on Mill Park Road.

Very possibly the best yet in their ‘Taste Of’ series, with a packed house of over fifty people enjoying the eclectic experience with the holiday atmosphere.

And if A Taste of Greece is anything to go by, I for one can’t wait to savour more of what Akis might have to offer and I wish him every success in his new venture as I plan to become one of his regular customers.

Amid mouthwatering, authentic Greek dishes and energetic Mamma Mia karaoke, Alfie took the opportunity to introduce talented Chef Akis Zannakis as the new manager of the Creative Grounds café.

From Friday 4th April the Irish Street café will be under the expert guidance of Akis and his new team.

‘The café will retain the same cosy, boho vibe that people love,’ Alfie O’Sullivan told me, ‘and will be open seven days a week serving a selection of fresh, delicious food choices, including a fantastic range of gluten-free and vegetarian options’.

Akis is set to take over the welcoming, bohemian-style café bringing his own brand of culture and cuisine to the Irish

Page 58 - 3rd April 2025

Meanwhile, I look forward with gusto to all that Alfie and Kristyna have planned for Y21 Studios as they strive to develop a thriving, accessible, and family friendly creative hub for the town with art classes, workshops, and a welcoming space for creativity and wellness. ‘We are excited with the prospect of building something lasting and special for the Enniscorthy community,’ an animated Alfie told me recently.

What a pair – there is no stopping these two cultural dynamos as they endeavour to light up the Enniscorthy skyline with creativity and magnetism, making Enniscorthy the arts and culture centre of the county and giving it that cosmopolitan ambience adding to the Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Indian, and Greek cuisine now readily available in our cafes and restaurants. n

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

Enniscorthy Retirement Association

Jekyll & Hyde comes to Gorey

The Enniscorthy Retirement Association holds monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at 2.30pm in the Riverside Park Hotel, The Promenade, Enniscorthy, with the exception of January and August.

There are regular outings, as well as various activities every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

For further details about Enniscorthy Retirement Association go along to any monthly meeting or see ‘Enniscorthy Retirement Association’ on Facebook or email: enniscorthtyretirementassociation@outlook.com Check out the new website which is now live at www.enniscorthyretirement.net n

ONE FOR THE DIARY... More details soon

Info: 053 92 37798. Email: sales2@treacyshotel.com www.facebook.com/irishfolkandballadfestival/ 3rd April 2025 - Page 59

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St Patrick’s Day in Wexford town Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

17th March 2025

PICS BY LUKE RYAN

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

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Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

Pic: Luke Ryan

3rd April 2025 - Page 61

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Motorcycle & Car Run

Coldplay by Candlelight What’s On Wexford Coldplay by Candelight, Saturday 12th April 2025, at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy.

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

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000.

Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529.

Page 62 - 3rd April 2025

Coldplay by Candlelight showcases the mesmerising talent of Frank McNamara on piano alongside the Bridgerton String Quartet. Set against the warm, enchanting glow of a thousand candles, this extraordinary performance promises to bring Coldplay’s most beloved hits to life in stunning new arrangements.

With the piano playing a vital role in Coldplay’s signature sound, especially in their early albums, this concert beautifully blends piano and string quartet for a truly immersive experience.

Whether you’re a devoted Coldplay fan, a live music enthusiast, or simply looking for an evening of elegance and enchantment, this exclusive event is one you won’t want to miss.

Tickets €30, available from hotel reception. n

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

Easter Jazz at Frank’s Place, Wexford The wonderful Sharon Clancy and her trio will be back in Frank’s Place, Wexford, on 18th April 2025 for the latest in their regular appearances there.

The Slaney News and jazz lovers generally are looking forward to this gorgeous and intimate jazz gig featuring Sharon’s great new original songs such as her just-released single ‘Maybe’, brilliantly recorded

by Brendan Carthy at his Orchard Recording Studio in Enniscorthy, as well as many well known jazz classics.

Tickets available from www.wexfordartscentre.ie but our advice is to hurry as these gigs always sell out in advance. n

Coal Bunker cheque for charity The Coal Bunker Bar presented a cheque for €1,300, the proceeds of their recent Tractor Run, to the Blood Bikes charity, on 16th March 2025.

Front row: Niall Butler, Liam McHugh, Rickie Breslin, Michael Doyle, Dave Firman on tractor, Larry Coleman (The Coal Bunker) presenting cheque to Ronnie Evans, Conor Regan, Nicky Sinnott, Barry Sinnott and Frank Lacey. n

3rd April 2025 - Page 63

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A great new initiative on Enniscorthy’s east side Calling all young people in the Templeshannon area of Enniscorthy. If you would like to unwind after a long day, have a cuppa, meet some new people, and bring your friends along, then give the new Teen Cafe in Templeshannon Community Centre a try. It runs every Monday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

Whether it’s a quiet time in the day for you, or some board games, or support from youth workers, art or listening to music, FDYS will be there waiting with the kettle on and a warm, welcoming space to chill out in, have fun and be yourself. FDYS says, “Make the space your own every Monday and we can hear what you would love to see happen in your space to motivate, support, encourage you, and cheer you on as you try to navigate your way through school, friendships, relationships, family life etc in a judgement-free and uplifting space!” n

Calling all second level students Enniscorthy Tidy towns is pleased to announce details of its popular secondary schools photo competition 2025 and is calling on Enniscorthy’s students to get involved.

You could win €50 and have one of your photos adorn the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Ireland application submission for 2025.

Entrants should submit one photo linked to one of the 8 tidy towns categories below, along with three or four lines about your photo and why it should win, to enniscorthytt@gmail.com.

Categories: 1. Community 2. Streetscapes and Public Places 3 Green spaces and Landscaping 4. Nature and Biodiversity 5. Sustainability 6. Tidiness and Litter control 7. Residential Streets and housing 8. Approach roads and lanes For more information on the categories: https://www.tidytowns.ie/competition/handbook/

Page 64 - 3rd April 2025

E. Sheridan, CBS Enniscorthy, the winning photo in 2024.

Terms and conditions: Competition is open to Enniscorthy Secondary schools only.

Email one photo by 30/04/2025 to: enniscorthytt@gmail.com Include 3-4 lines on category selected, photo details and why it should win.

In the email subject please write 'Photo Competition 2025 + your name'.

If you are submitting photos of people you must confirm you have their GDPR permission or their parent / guardian if under 16.

Winner will be announced in May 2025 with a €50 voucher from a local store up for grabs.

Local stores are invited to get in touch with the group if they would like to sponsor this prize. n

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

Update...

To update customers and supporters regarding the two Enniscorthy ventures – Projekt Three (Creative Grounds) on Irish Street and Y21 Studios and Coffee Dock in the IFA Centre, Millpark Road, proprietor Alfie O’Sullivan recently issued the following information...

Silvertones’ Bealtaine concert

“From this Friday [4th April], our Irish Street Café will be under the expert guidance of Chef Akis Zannakis and a fantastic new team! You can expect the same cosy, boho vibe you love, but now with an even better selection of fresh, delicious food choices, including a fantastic range of glutenfree and vegetarian options.

We’re also delighted to share that the café will be open 7 days a week, so you can drop in anytime for great food and good company.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Akis and the team – we can’t wait for you to experience what’s in store!

Meanwhile, Kristyna, Conor and I will be focusing on Y21 Studios and the Coffee Dock, developing it into a thriving, accessible and family friendly, creative hub. With arts classes, workshops, and a welcoming space for creativity and wellness, we’re excited to build something special for the community.”

– Alfie, Kristyna & the team

The annual Silvertones Bealtaine Concert will be held this year in St. Aidan's Cathedral on Thursday 29th May and as usual the proceeds from the concert will be donated to a worthy local charity.

The guest artist will be the amazing, internationally renowned soprano Emer Barry who now lives near Enniscorthy when she is not performing all over the world.

We will have full details in next month’s issue of Slaney News and also updates on our Facebook page.

Follow Emer Barry on her website: https://www.emerbarry.com and her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/emerbarrysoprano n

3rd April 2025 - Page 65

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Young Frankenstein to be unleashed on stage in Wexford The riotous musical Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Brooks, is filled with unforgettable songs such as The Transylvania Mania, He Vas My Boyfriend, and the show-stopping Puttin' on the Ritz. Wexford Light Opera Society’s (WLOS) upcoming production promises a visually stunning set, lively choreography, and the kind of slapstick humour that will leave audiences rolling with laughter from start to finish.

The production team is the same as last year’s multi-awardwinning production of The Phantom of the Opera. Director – Christine Scarry, Musical Director – David Hayes, Chorus Mistress – Eithne Corrigan, Choreographer – Therese O’Sullivan.

The show runs from Monday 28th April to 3rd May 2025, and tickets are on sale now at www.nationaloperahouse.ie or tel: 053 9122144.

The cast for the upcoming production is as follows: Dr. Frankenstein – Colin Flynn, Frau Blucher – Antonia Close Igor – David Doyle, Inspector Hans Kemp – Brian Kelly Inga – Kacey Mooney, Harold the Hermit – Pat Lawlor Elizabeth Benning – Sophie Blaney-Parslow, Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein – Keith Flanagan, The Monster – Stephen Byrne Ziggy – Dylan Walsh WLOS’s production of Young Frankenstein was officially launched at a glittering event on 29th March in Wexford Opera House by Her Worship the Mayor of Wexford Cllr Catherine Biddy Walsh who is a longtime member of WLOS. Chairperson Colin Murphy kicked off the launch proceedings by welcoming everyone and thanking the various people without whom it would not be possible to stage any show.

A presentation was made to longtime member of the Society – Deputy George Lawlor TD to mark his recent election to the 34th Dáil Éireann.

WLOS thanks the following for their support: Darragh Clifford, Group Editor, Padraig Byrne and Simon Bourke – Wexford People newspapers.

Alan Corcoran, Lucinda Kelly and Siobhan Finnigan Murphy – Southeast Radio.

Page 66 - 3rd April 2025

Leah & Sean Dempsey – Wexford Free Press.

Frank Corcoran – Slaney News.

Liam Murphy – Munster Express.

This Wexford Light Opera Society production is presented in association with Mercedes-Benz Wexford.

The Platinum Plus Nightly Sponsors are Perennial Freight and Whites of Wexford. The Platinum Nightly Sponsors are Greenacres and Frank’s Place. The Gold Nightly Sponsors are Caulfield Financial, Crown Quarter, Newtown Park Hotel Wexford, and Professional Hair Labs. The Programme Sponsors are Barlo Nissan Kilkenny, Gainfort Hair & Beauty, La Vista Cafe & Restaurant, No. 58, MJ O’Connor LLP, Solicitors, Simon Lambert, and John A. Sinnott & Co, Solicitors.

Wexford Light Opera Society would also like to thank all their other sponsors and donors, programme advertisers and those who helped in any way with getting this production to the stage. n

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Above and below: Attendees at the official launch of Wexford Light Opera Society’s upcoming production of ‘Young Frankenstein’ which took place in La Vista Cafe & Restaurant, National Opera House, Wexford, on 29th March 2025. All pics courtesy of Wexford Free Press / Sean Dempsey.

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New members welcome at two singing groups 7PM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT 10.30am

Creative Places Enniscorthy is thrilled to be supporting Enniscorthy’s new men’s choir which meets up at 7pm every Monday night at Templeshannon Community Centre.

Creative Places Enniscorthy is delighted to be working with the local community as part of this project and wants to thank Linda and Seamus for their dedication and organising.

All are welcome to participate – no auditions. Enjoy singing

your favourite songs while making new friends. Please contact 087 2930510 for more details.

For more information on Creative Places Enniscorthy please visit the website creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie In addition, the Templars Singing Group meets up every Thursday morning at 10.30am at Templeshannon Community Centre. For more information, phone 053 9237511. n

COLOUR RUN 2025

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The West End comes to Wexford West End composer Stuart Brayson is bringing a new and bigger version of his musical ‘Irish Affair – A Love Story For All Time’ to the O’Reilly stage at the National Opera House, Wexford, this June, and the production will be introduced by the legendary lyricist and Executive Producer of the show Sir Tim Rice.

This highly anticipated, new, semi-staged production, has been significantly developed since the workshop version of Irish Affair premiered last June in the intimate performance space of the Jerome Hynes Theatre at the National Opera House.

Many of the main cast from the workshop version including Fionn Gardner, Karla Tracey, and Michael O’Gorman will be back in the roles of Sean, Sheila and Paddy. The full cast announcement will be made later this month.

With additional music, double the cast, and the addition of dancers and musicians, this new version of Irish Affair will be introduced by the legendary lyricist and Executive Producer of Irish Affair, Sir Tim Rice, who has a plethora of global credits to his name including The Lion King, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Set in the rural village of Fethard-on-Sea, Co. Wexford, in the 1950s, Irish Affair - A Love Story for all Time, is based on the true story of married couple Sean and Sheila Cloney née Kelly, one Catholic and one Protestant, and the inspirational journey of how their love drove them to overcome the religious and political obstacles which divided the nation and became an international incident.

Irish Affair is penned by West End composer Stuart Brayson, (From Here to Eternity), produced and directed by Wexford soprano Deirdre Masterson (The Irish College of Music Theatre) with musical arrangements/direction by David Wray (Michael Collins and Angela’s Ashes), with support by the National Opera House.

One of the songs from the score, ‘She Is My Everything’, was recently broadcast for the very first time on ‘Elaine Paige on Sunday’ on BBC Radio 2 to an incredible response from both host and listeners.

Some of the cast and production team behind the workshop version of ‘Irish Affair’ which premiered last June at the National Opera House, Wexford.

Having worked on this musical for several years prior to its inaugural public viewing last year, acclaimed composer Stuart Brayson said, “I’m thrilled that Irish Affair will return this June to the prestigious National Opera House in Wexford. It’s such a wonderful and inspiring true story. I’m very proud of the score. I do think it’s one of my best. This new production of Irish Affair will simply capture your heart. It really is a love story for all time.”

The National Opera House and The Irish College of Music Theatre proudly collaborated in presenting the premiere of Irish Affair in a series of workshops in June 2024 to an enthusiastic response from the audience. Director and producer Deirdre Masterson and composer and lyricist Stuart Brayson were encouraged to develop the piece further as a result. They were further encouraged by lyricist Sir Tim Rice and global music executive Chris Wright CBE, who later offered to come on board as Executive Producers.

Commenting on her experience as director and producer of Irish Affair, Deirdre Masterson said, “It has been such a joy to work alongside the Composer Stuart Brayson, and MD/Musical Arranger David Wray, with the fabulous cast and crew in collaboration with The National Opera House. I am excited for audiences to see the developments we have made to the

show since last June."

Deirdre added, “Being a proud Wexford woman, I feel privileged to act as director and producer for this very special musical project Irish Affair. The creatives and I feel very strongly that the sentiment, tone and the ethos of the piece is organically home grown first, before giving it an opportunity to take flight into the other corners of the world.”

Irish Affair is a mesmerising piece of drama, based on true events. The narration is further enhanced with a luscious score, infectious toe-tapping melodies, unforgettable, hauntingly beautiful airs and a sprinkle of traditional Irish influences, evoking both tears of sorrow and laughter throughout. An inspiring, uplifting musical suitable for all the family.

Date: Friday, 27 June 2025, 7.30pm.

Tickets €25 - €40 + Facility Fee from: www.nationaloperahouse.ie or by ringing the National Opera House box-office on 053 912 2144. Phone lines are open from 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Book, Music & Lyrics: Stuart Brayson.

Director/Producer: Deirdre Masterson.

Musical Director, Musical Arrangements & Orchestrations: David Wray.

Executive Producers: Sir Tim Rice, Chris Wright CBE and The National Opera House. n

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Left: Coffee morning & cake sale organiser Lorna Lawlor with ‘Paddy’s Band’ musical writer / director / producer Adrienne Murphy.

Above: Joan Fogarty and Margaret Walker.

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

Right: Liz Franklin.

Bottom left: Amy O’Connor and Bernie Delaney.

Bottom right: Catherine Hennessy, Liz O’Brien, Monica Moorhouse, Eileen Boland.

Coffee morning fundraiser for ‘Paddy’s Band’ in aid of Pieta The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, 21st March 2025

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Top left: Mary Murphy, Frank Corcoran (Slaney News).

Top right: Mary Murphy and Gus Nangle.

Above left: Joan Fogarty and Marie Quirke.

Above right: Margaret Walker and Caroline Steacy.

Below left: Adrienne Murphy and Marie Quirke.

Below right: Media men – Pat O’Connor and Frank Corcoran.

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A feast of film Words and pics by Maria Nolan On Friday, 14th March, Wexford Film Workshop invited people to join them at The Presentation Arts Centre for the screening of their award-winning film Forbidden Bonds along with two new releases – Oh Brother written by Jer Ennis and Fairy Godmother written by Maria Nolan.

Director and filmmaker Dick Donaghue introduced the Presentation audience to Forbidden Bonds set in Enniscorthy Castle circa 1240 where the Norman Gerald de Prendergast and his wife Matilda are having problems with their sixteen-year-old daughter Maud who has fallen in love with Cathal, one of the native Irish.

Filmmaker Dick Donaghue

Forbidden Bonds explores the 12th century saga of love and loss, duty to family, and loyalty to the Norman house of Prendergast and its legacy far outweighing the rigours of young love.

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Dick proudly told the Enniscorthy audience that Forbidden Bonds has to date won five awards – reaching semi-finalist in New York International Women’s Film Festival, Berlin Shorts Award, Hollywood International Golden Age Festival, Hollywood Best Indie Film Award, and Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills, and up-and-coming talented young actress Katie Cloke received Best Young Actress Award for her excellent portrayal of the young and tragic Maud de Prendergast.

With a superb cast of local talent, and exquisitely made and designed costumes by local costume designer Barbar Gutherie, and set in the magnificent grounds of Enniscorthy Castle, this film has the wow factor and delighted the homegrown audience.

The second of the treble bill screened was Oh Brother, a comedy by local poet, actor, script-writer and producer Jer Ennis, telling the story of two lazy farmers on a dilapidated farm somewhere in Wexford and the extent they will go to, to avoid progress and their domineering sister.

With excellent one-liners expertly delivered by the talented cast – Pat Murphy, John Kirwan, Jennifer Boyd,

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Elaine Jordan and Pat Nolan – this one brought smiles and giggles to the appreciative audience on the night.

Finally, the premiere of Fairy Godmother written by Maria Nolan and set in Enniscorthy – a London sophisticate visiting her Irish cousins is callously confronted by the smalltown morals of 1966 rural Ireland.

A well-directed and aesthetic short film from director Dick Donaghue, beautifully executed by actors Jer Ennis, Joan O`Ruairc, Mary Kelly, Barbara Gutherie, Kate Breen, Maeve Ennis, Tom Boland, and Ian Kidd, this visually appealing and artistic offering was a big hit with the locals at the event.

Fairy Godmother will shortly be entered on the international film circuit showcasing Enniscorthy and our plethora of local talent around the globe.

And Wexford Film Workshop already has several other stories in the pipeline to be screened – bringing film to Enniscorthy and Enniscorthy to film.

– Maria Nolan

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Enniscorthy’s Boro Bridge Club raises over €3,000 for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

Participants at Boro Bridge Club charity event at Enniscorthy Rugby Club on 10th March 2025.

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Participants at Boro Bridge Club charity event at Enniscorthy Rugby Club on 10th March 2025.

Members of the Boro Bridge Club in Enniscorthy had an important duty to perform before they settled down to play their cards recently.

Support for the association was boosted by the fact that stalwart bridge player Dill White has been diagnosed as having motor neurone disease.

They welcomed Rita Doyle from the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association to their weekly session in Loreto Village.

This certainly does not stop her participating as usual, playing bridge several times a week.

She was delighted to learn that the club raised more than €3,000 for the IMNDA at their charity night on March 10.

The big cheque was handed over to Rita and her daughter Caroline by Boro Bridge Club president David Medcalf.

The sum generated by the event in Enniscorthy rugby clubhouse exceeded all expectations.

The special guest pointed out that patients with motor neurone disease are given no government support to deal with the condition.

The money poured in as the hosts were joined by bridge players, not only from Enniscorthy, but also from Ferns and Bunclody as well as a few friends from further afield.

She thanked the card sharps and assured them that the €3,075 will be well spent. n

Members of Boro Bridge Club with club president David Medcalf handing over the proceeds of the Boro's recent charity night to Rita Doyle of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and her daughter Caroline.

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School variety show sparkles Enniscorthy Community College (ECC) Transition Year (TY) students took to the stage in the Riverside Park Hotel on 6th March for what is now an annual event, the ECC TY Variety Show. Over 300 people packed the Hilton Edwards Suite to see an outstanding array of talent on show, with every element of the arts catered for.

Of the 24 students who were involved in the production and performance of the event, some were used to treading the boards, but for many, this was their first time ever performing in front of such a crowd. The theme of the show was ‘School’, with the audience treated to a brilliant opening number from High School Musical, ‘We’re All in This Together.’

This was followed by a brilliant comedy sketch based around a dysfunctional classroom, and an excellent nostalgic scene, looking at how much the education system has changed, through the

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eyes of a grandmother letting her grandchildren know how lucky they are in school today. Also in the mix was a Matilda Medley, and a mime act called The Babysitter, where things do not go according to plan. Interspersed through the TY performances was former TY student Katie Cloke who sang two of her favourite songs in between all of the madness.

The second-half opener was also dominated by returning members of TY, a collection of 5th year students with their take on ‘School of Rock’. This was followed by a number of the staff of ECC doing their take on the Macarena and a surprise dance to the 90’s classic ‘Saturday Night’.

One of the highlights of the night was the Junk Kouture section, with the students showcasing their clever fashion designs, made from everyday items. Months of work went into the dresses under the watchful eye of Ms Natalie Doyle.

The show concluded with a showstopping rendition of ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from the musical Hairspray.

Speeches on the night came from TY coordinator Mr Luke Maher, who spoke about his pride in the TY students and the hard work and effort that went into the production. The Principal of ECC Dr Iain Wickham also congratulated the students. He also thanked the production team of Mr Luke Maher, Ms Jessica Doyle, Ms Anna Nolan, Ms Natalie Doyle, Ms Anita Cullen and Mr Liam Sharkey for their commitment to working with the students. There was also thanks to the Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy PLC from the Further Education sector of the College for their help, along with all of the staff and the Parents’ Association who helped and supported on the night.

Special thanks was also given to Mr Wickham and Deputy Principal Ms Tina Merriman for all of their support and guidance since the incarnation of the show. n

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Award-winning Enniscorthy Musical Society proudly presents ‘Joseph’ ‘Sha la la, Joseph, you’re doing fine.

You and your dreamcoat, ahead of your time’’ Enniscorthy Musical Society (EMS) is thrilled to return to the Coláiste Bríde stage with its production of one of the most enduring shows of all time – ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’! And what a journey it’s been for the group. After an incredible year in 2024 with the hit that was ‘Happy Days - A New Musical’, which earned them not one, but two national Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards, EMS is delighted to bring this fabulous, fun, energetic, colourful, and family friendly show back to Enniscorthy.

This musical is a biblical reimagining of the story of Joseph, his father Jacob, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours.

The cast, ensemble, production team, and committee have been working hard at rehearsals and have been enjoying preparations for the show thus far. They are all thoroughly excited to showcase their work to the public in just a matter of weeks. The production team of Imelda McDonagh (Director), Kevin Kennedy (Musical Director), James Dobbs (Choreographer) and Michaela White (Children’s Chorus Mistress) have been guiding the cast over the last few months and working to ensure this production is the best it can be.

Featuring longstanding EMS members, as well as many new faces, this year’s musical will showcase the very best the town and surrounding areas have to offer. With Richard O’Toole as Joseph, and Michaela White, Maria Forrest, and Caoimhe Boyle taking on the role of the Narrators, this show is bound to have you dreaming all the way home. Longstanding member, and the man who played the role of Potiphar in EMS's 2005 production of ‘Joseph’, Lorcan Dunne, returns in the role of Jacob.

Powerful Pharaoh and brilliant Potiphar are being brought to life by Anthony Jones. The infamous brothers, who are

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so envious of their father’s favourite son, are played by Evan Ryan, Paul Kehoe, John Donohoe, Frank Kehoe, Chris Larkin, Shane Kirwan, Richard Mullen, Evan Roche, Seán Timmons, Brian Cooney and Niall Martin. And while no show would be complete without its talented principals, the chorus and children’s chorus are the soul of this show and have given everything they have to make it one you will love. So don’t miss out; come and see these stars shine brightly!

The show will run from Tuesday 22nd April to Saturday 26th April, starting at 7.30pm nightly, with a matinee at 3pm on Saturday 26th, in Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy. Tickets can be purchased through the EMS social media and at www.gr8events.ie/josephems This family friendly musical is sure to lift your spirits and have you singing and dancing in your seats. It might even make a dreamer out of you too! After all, ‘any dream will do’. n

Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle

WOLFMAN

Movie Reviews by Kyle Walsh 

Blake’s (Christopher Abbott) marriage is on the rocks with journalist wife Charlotte (Julia Garner). He is also a very protective father to their young daughter Ginger. He gets word that after so many years of being missing, his father has been declared to be deceased. So Blake takes the opportunity to invite his wife and kid to go on a road trip to his dad’s old house in the woods of Oregon. They reckon it could be good to get a break from the city life and to rekindle things between them. So off they go on their adventure. Before you can say Wolfman they are attacked by some kind of monster. But they get to Blake’s dad’s house which obviously is now abandoned. It’s only the three of them within the walls surrounded by woods and being stalked by the monster prowling outside on the perimeter of the house. But unfortunately for Charlotte and Ginger they also have to worry about the monster inside the house as Blake has been wounded and is now turning into the monster Wolfman. What will happen now? A father that always protected his little daughter is now set to eat her... or is he?

You see, this film to me was just plain stupid. As a child, Blake hears strange noises and knows his dad is looking for some kind of creature. His dad goes missing for so many years and then is announced dead. The old house in the woods has been abandoned for so long.

Blake’s marriage is collapsing and instead of bringing the wife on a romantic trip away he decides to bring her to a place he knows is not right. Not to mention how protective he is of his kid and also brings her to a dangerous environment. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I was really disappointed with this film as it is directed by Leigh

Whannell who gave us the brilliant Invisible Man back in 2020. I was expecting so much more and in the end got nothing. This film also comes from the Blumhouse Productions team. With the amount of talent on show here I think this film is a major disappointment and the box office thought the same. This film was announced back in 2014. It was to be part of the Dark Cinematic Universe centred around the Universal monsters. It was a great idea and one I was excited about. Then came the terrible Tom Cruise vehicle The Mummy. It was so bad. It failed miserably and Universal decided to do some standalone films based on these monsters and scrapped the Dark Cinematic Universe. Which was a real shame. So with the success of the Invisible Man, Whannell was given the green light to go and direct Wolfman, which Ryan Gosling was really interested in doing but dropped out at the last minute.

Unfortunately, the magic was not on show here as it was for the Invisible Man. Whannell made a bad one here, for me anyways. My girlfriend actually had a good time with it. At the end of the day, films are subjective.

For me, this film had no bite and was very dull. I didn’t like the effects. I thought the effects in American Werewolf in London were much better all those years ago. I thought the script was really poor and the acting was only ok. Julia Garner is a good actress but I thought she was completely wasted in this role. This film should have been intense and nailbiting stuff but it failed on so many levels. It could have been a really good, solid, horror movie but that would be too much to ask for in this current wave of films. I have never seen cinema to be so bad. Garbage after garbage being released. Sad really. Honestly, I have seen scarier Scooby Doo cartoons than this crap. All I can do is hope that as the year goes on the films will start to get better.

This film gets a 2/10 from me. n

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Buddy Enniscorthy was formed in 2017 to bring to the stage The Buddy Holly Story. All proceeds from the ticket sales went directly to Pieta House. And the show was repeated in 2018 and was another huge success.

Following on from this, Enniscorthy woman Adrienne Murphy and her colleagues decided to stage an original production Rock‘n’Roll to the Rescue (by Adrienne Murphy) in aid of Pieta House again. This was staged in 2022 and again in 2023 from which was raised €11,000 and €7,000 respectively. To date the total raised for Pieta is an incredible €43,000.

This year the team are back again staging an original production (by Adrienne Murphy) called Paddy’s Band – When rock’n’roll came to rural Ireland. The cast are all from Co. Wexford with Cameron Cloke playing lead, Dick Butler, Kara Kinsella, and Rachel Green, to name but a few. The team are also very fortunate to have Luc Power and Conor Kenny record a special song just for Paddy’s Band assisted by Deirdre on accordion, James on flute and Michael on bodhran.

About Paddy’s Band: The setting is rural Ireland in the late 1950s. Paddy (a farmer’s son) has decided to put together a rock’n’roll band made up of a motley crew of local boyos much to the dismay of his mother and amusement of his father. The son of the local gentry, Fredrick, has been foisted on the band by circumstances beyond their control. Maura (Paddy’s manmad sister) sets her sights on Fredrick much to his horror. When the local parish priest Fr. Magillacuddy hears about this rock’n’roll band his wrath knows no bounds as he descends on the farm to confront Paddy about leading the young people of the village astray, with hilarious results. Throw in a vicious ceili band, a smarmy talent-show host, and a very opinionated tailor, and it’s total mayhem.

Featuring music from Dion and the Belmonts, Eddie Cochran, The Drifters, and Wanda Jackson, to mention just a few, this show will again have its audiences dancing in the aisles. So bring your dancing shoes folks, this show is going to be some craic and is guaranteed to blow the roof off The Presentation Centre every night between 19th-23rd May. n

Above left: Luc Power.

Above centre: Michael on bodhran.

Above right: Conor Kenny.

Left: Putting it all together is Brendan Carthy at Orchard Recording Studio, Enniscorthy.

All pics: Damien Smullen.

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L-R: Deirdre on accordion, show producer Adrienne Murphy, Kevin Murphy and James on flute.

Pic: Damien Smullen.

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Coláiste Bríde victory at Junk Kouture World Final 2024

Huge Congratulations to Stephanie O’Connor and Sienna Howe whose creation ‘Natural Allure’ scooped the coveted Innovation Award last month at the Junk Kouture World Final 2024, beating off stiff competition from 60 other teams from around the world.

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Scullion, L-R: Philip King, Sonny Condell, Robbie Overson, are back on the road, meeting old friends and new, bringing new music and favourites from their back catalogue to venues all over the country.

Scullion Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Friday 11th April 8pm €26/€24 No introduction is needed to these veterans of the Irish music scene. Formed in the mid-1970s, Scullion are revered and feted as one of Ireland’s most innovative, original and brilliant live bands. Their most recent record 'Time Has Made a Change in Me' (released in 2022) emphasises the band's musical curiosity, and like all of their records, it breaks new ground. James Joyce and Sufjan Stevens are woven into the DNA of this record with the inspirational music of Sonny Condell beating at the heart of it. This is an uplifting and inspirational collection of songs for the head and heart. n

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Slaney artS

Texaco Art competition Left: Olivia O'Keeffe, Maria Nolan, Martina Furlong and Marja van Kampen at the art exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle which will run to 25th April 2025.

Young artists who submitted entries to this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition are currently having their works evaluated as the judging process is underway.

Pictured above is preliminary adjudicator, Tara Butler-Frey, admiring two of the entries received from Wexford this year – a work entitled ‘Sunflower Queen Paradise’ (left) by a pupil from Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Bunclody, and another entitled ‘My Dogs’, by a pupil from Scoil Mhuire, Ballyhogue, Enniscorthy.

Winners in six age categories plus one category reserved exclusively for young artists with additional needs, will be announced in mid-April.

Now celebrating its 71st year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition is the longest-running art sponsorship in Ireland. First held in 1955, it is hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand. n

Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely

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

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Creative Writing Masterclass with author Caroline Busher Thursday, 10th April, 6.30pm.

Whether you are already writing a novel or want to know where to begin. Irish Times Best Selling author Caroline Busher, will give you her top tips for success.

The workshop will consider the importance of setting, characterisation, plot, dialogue and how to build tension in writing.

Booking essential. Register for your place here: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.co m/event/4365793 n

Portugal and Enniscorthy – art link Enniscorthy artist Larry Dunne is participating in the artist residency programme in Lisbon, forging a link between Portugal and Enniscorthy.

About The Programme: Breaking The Patterns is a three-month artist residency and work placement programme for emerging visual artists in Lisbon, Portugal. It is facilitated by the arts departments of Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Carlow local authorities, and led by Carlow County Council Arts Service under the Invitation to Collaborate Arts Council of Ireland scheme. This is in

partnership with Capacity Ireland as part of a Creative Europe Project.

Breaking the Patterns is part of a twoyear initiative which commenced in early 2024. It fosters and cultivates creativity through international European art residencies, exhibitions, dedicated artistic mentorship, professional development and work experience in one of Lisbon's many dedicated arts spaces.

The programme is designed to target, support and engage with emerging Irish visual artists who may not have the means to develop their artistic practice due to financial or social barriers.

About The Artist: Larry Dunne is an emerging illustrator from Enniscorthy. An NCAD and IADT graduate, his offbeat illustrative work is intricately detailed, surreal, and often finished in vibrant colours. His work focuses on imaginative subversions of architecture, religious iconography, mythology, flora/fauna and psychology.

An illustration made by Larry Dunne during the residency.

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He is most well known for his collaborations with Wexford Pride, Outrage Music Festival, Enniscorthy Arts Trail, Enniscorthy Theatre Company, and particularly for his 2019 solo exhibition Quare Taken – curated by Wexford's renowned freelance curator Lisa Byrne – where he put a spotlight on the unchallenged homophobia and bigotry prevalent in Enniscorthy in the 90s and 00s.

Larry Dunne at the Ponte 25 De Abril in Lisbon.

About The Exhibition: The Breaking The Patterns exhibition launch will take place in NowHere, a contemporary art gallery in central Lisbon, on Saturday April 5th 2025 at 6pm.

It will showcase the artwork of 12 residency artists – 6 from Ireland, and 6 based in Portugal. The exhibiting artists are Ally Nolan, Caoilfhionn Hanton, Giovanni Blandino, Guilhermo Hitos, Larry Dunne, Mafalda Riobom, Mariana Lourenço, Marie Jiménez, Roibí O Rua, Rory Foster, Sara E. Tralha and Sarah Joan Kelly. This exhibition will run until May 3rd 2025 and is free to visit.

Information about the next residency opportunity in Europe for Irish artists to participate in will be available soon from Capacity Ireland's website here: https://www.capacityireland.ie, or get in touch with your local arts office for more information. n

Slaney artS

Artist Mirona Mara has been working with Roma kids across five schools in Enniscorthy: St. Aidan’s, St Senan’s, Coláiste Bríde, CBS, and Enniscorthy Community College. An exhibition of their work will launch on 9th of April from 10am at Y21 Studios in the IFA Centre, Millpark Road, Enniscorthy. All are welcome to attend. n

The Slaney Writers group meets in Enniscorthy Library on the second Thursday of every month at 6.30pm. Next meeting is on 10th April.

New members are always welcome. If you are interested please contact Enniscorthy Library on 053 9236055.

Wexford’s library services: Wexford Public Libraries Social Media: Wexford Public Libraries on Facebook.

Wexford Public Libraries on Instagram @wexfordlibraries.

Wexford Public Libraries on Twitter @wexlibraries.

YouTube: "Wexford Public Libraries" n

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764.

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000 The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529

The Enniscorthy Library Adult Book Club This club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7pm and is free to join.

Book clubs are a great way to meet others and discuss books.

If you would like more information or to join, contact Enniscorthy Library on 053 9236055. All are welcome. n

Creative Places Enniscorthy Deryn O Callaghan is the Project Co-ordinator. For any queries, suggestions or ideas, tel: 087 9578984.

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

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New ‘sonic garden’ for St. Patrick’s Special School Sonic Garden Sonic Garden is a unique new sound sculpture for St Patricks Special School in Enniscorthy Co Wexford.

Created by visual artist Cathal Mc Carthy it is a sensory sound garden for students with special needs that can be used for musical education and creation.

Composed of a series of large scale colourful chimes, a seven note bell tree and a sixteen note hand tuned xylophone the installation will function as an outdoor classroom full of sensory sounds and colour that will assist with sensory learning.

A new ‘Sonic Garden’ was unveiled on 14th March 2025 in St. Patrick’s Special School in Enniscorthy. The sonic installation was commissioned by the school, created by visual artist Cathal Mc Carthy, and funded by the Dept of Education.

Above: Deputy Principal Ann Marie Furlong, Principal Lee Rogers.

Below: Visual artist Cathal Mc Carthy, Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District), Senator Cathal Byrne, Cheryl Poole, parent rep on the school board of management. n

The large scale playable sound installation has been designed for ease of use and accessibility for students of all ages to enjoy music creation.

The largest sound installation of its kind in Ireland it will provide a recreational and educational function for the students to enjoy creating their own music and sonic orchestra. Funded by the percent for art scheme it will provide an educational and artistic music installation for the St Patricks new school that caters for one hundred and forty students with special needs.

St. Patrick’s School staff and pupils with public representatives and artists involved in the project.

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Wexford Arts Centre in association with the Arts Department of Wexford County Council, is delighted to present the Living Arts Project exhibition. The exhibition runs from Tuesday, 11th March to Tuesday, 29th April, 2025.

In 2013, the Living Arts Project was established as an artist-in-residency scheme in primary schools, supporting the existing partnership between the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre. The aim of the project is to provide children with an understanding and appreciation of contemporary visual art. The Living Arts Project exhibition represents a selection of work produced by the participating primary schools and offers pupils a chance to see their work presented in a professional gallery.

The following artists and schools were selected for the 2024-25 programme: Deirdre Meehan-Buttimer and Ilaria Berardi

with St Garvan’s National School, Kate Murphy and Shannon Jade Wilson with New Ross Educate Together, Brid Colloton and Laura Flood with Gorey Central School, Deirdre Travers and Sonya Weston with Barntown National School, and Sonya Weston and Kate Tyrell with Wexford CBS. The residencies focused on the children’s local environments and explored many themes, including history, home, the environment, and sustainability. The activities focused on promoting artistic and interpersonal skills, enabling pupils to recognise the potential of art to be used as a tool for communication and learning.

The Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre would like to take this opportunity to thank all schools, artists, and mentors involved in the project, and the local community for their support and interest in the project to date.

For further information, please click this link: https://www.wexfordartscentre.ie/livingarts-project2025/?mc_cid=8a9ffdb2df&mc_eid=698f 8dcc41 The Living Arts Project exhibition will run in the lower and upper galleries of Wexford Arts Centre from Tuesday 11 March to Tuesday 29 April 2025. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am-5pm, and Saturday from 10am-4pm.

If your school is interested in participating in the Living Arts Project 2025-26 please contact Curator Catherine Bowe on +353 (0)53 9123764 or email catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie or visit www.livingartsproject.ie.

The Living Art Project is funded by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council, The Arts Council and participating schools.

The project is programmed by Wexford Arts Centre. n

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BAILEY BAR & EATERY NOW SERVING SIGNATURE BAILEY BREW! For years, The award winning Bailey Bar and Eatery has been a cornerstone of the Enniscorthy food and drink scene, offering patrons a welcoming atmosphere, five star service, and a menu that celebrates both comfort and creativity. Housed within The Maltings, a building deep-rooted in the town’s legacy and history, the decision to start serving its own labelled “Bailey Brew” is not just exciting—it’s a perfect next step.

In the late 18th century, Enniscorthy was a thriving hub for malting and brewing. Hailed as "the granary of the kingdom for oats and barley," at one time, there were 29 malthouses and multiple breweries operating within the town. The Maltings itself, was established as a dedicated malting house in 1895 by P.J. Roche.

Over the years, The Bailey Bar & Eatery has cultivated a loyal customer base who appreciate its unique character. The addition of their Bailey Brew adds another layer to its identity—one that is unmistakably “Bailey.” With each sip, patrons will experience flavors that align with the bar’s overall ethos, ensuring a truly immersive and memorable experience. There’s something really special about enjoying a pint in a location with centuries of malting and brewing history Offering an own-brand brew gives patrons something unique that they can’t get anywhere else. It becomes a talking point and a reason for visitors to return.

For a venue that has always prided itself on offering top-tier food and drink options to its customers, this move reflects The Bailey’s commitment to excellence and reinforces its reputation as a place where quality, community, and craft come together.

For the team at The Bailey, offering their own labelled Bailey Brew is not merely following a trend but rather reconnecting with the very essence of the Bailey’s identity. Each carefully crafted and poured pint brings with it a taste of history, a toast to tradition, and a celebration of the future.

So whether you celebrating an occasion, soaking up the long summer evenings or just relaxing over a pint and a chat, make sure to try out our great Bailey Brew.

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Bailey Bar & Eatery, Enniscorthy, Wexford, Y21 N524 www.thebailey.ie 053 92 30353

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.

April is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the garden. With longer days and milder temperatures, there’s no better opportunity to start planting crops that will reward you later in the year. If you’re looking for some easy yet rewarding vegetables to grow, pumpkins, spring onions, and cucumbers are excellent choices. Whether you’re new to gardening or well experienced, these crops are sure to bring plenty of fresh flavours to your kitchen.

Pumpkins are a fantastic crop to grow, not just for their autumn harvest but also because they’re surprisingly simple to cultivate. If you want to get a head start, sowing seeds indoors in pots in mid-spring is a great idea. By late May or early June, when the weather has warmed up, these seedlings can be transplanted outside into a sunny spot with plenty of space to spread out.

Pumpkins are thirsty plants, so regular watering is essential, especially in hot weather. By

September or October, you’ll have homegrown pumpkins ready for soups, pies, or even carving for Halloween. A good way to tell when they’re ready is to check if the skin has hardened and the vines have started to wither.

Spring onions are one of the easiest crops to grow, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. They can be sown directly into the ground from late spring onwards in a sunny, well-drained spot. Instead of planting them in neat rows, try scattering the seeds in small clusters – this allows them to grow in bunches, making harvesting easier. Birds can sometimes pull up young shoots, so covering them with fleece or netting for the first few weeks will protect them. Spring onions don’t need much attention apart from keeping the soil moist, and in about 8-12 weeks, they’ll be ready to harvest. The great thing about spring onions is that you can snip off what you need and leave the rest to continue growing. They’re perfect for

adding a fresh crunch to salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries.

Cucumbers are another fantastic crop to grow, bringing a refreshing crunch to summer meals. While they thrive in a greenhouse, there are plenty of outdoor varieties available.

Just be sure to check the seed packet to ensure you’re choosing one suited to growing outside. Late spring to early summer is the best time to get them planted. Pick a warm, sunny spot with well-draining soil and space them about a foot apart to give them room to spread. Cucumbers need consistent watering, especially in dry weather, to keep their growth steady and their fruit juicy.

Supporting cucumber plants as they grow is key to keeping them healthy and preventing rot. Trellises, netting, or simple stakes work well to keep the vines off the ground. Depending on the variety, cucumbers can be ready to harvest within 50-70 days. This year, I’m trying a snack-size variety, which is perfect for lunchboxes and

quick snacks. The key to the best flavour is to pick them while they’re still young and tender. If they’re left too long, they can become bitter and tough, so it’s best to check on them regularly once they start producing.

Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening.

Whether you’re looking forward to a bumper crop of pumpkins in autumn, crisp spring onions for summer salads, or fresh cucumbers straight from the vine, taking the time to plant now will pay off later.

If you’d like more gardening tips and inspiration, follow me on Instagram @rootedinwexford. I hope that you have a season full of healthy, homegrown produce! n

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Get sowing with LEAF!

The Literacy and Food Education (LEAF) Programme is a partnership between Grow It Yourself (GIY), Wexford Libraries, and Libraries Ireland.

To take part you are invited to register with the Leaf Programme (https://libraryleaf.ie/#leaf-registration-form) and call to your local library at Wexford, New Ross, Gorey, Enniscorthy or Bunclody to collect your free seed packet of peas, beans and spinach.

This campaign supports you to grow your own food, and gives you resources and online supports to do so. This is an example of another timely initiative from your local library.

We encourage as many people as possible to register to take part, to pick up your packet of seeds, sow them and watch nature happen.

LEAF, a pilot programme with GIY Waterford, is funded under the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP Strand 2) and supported by Libraries Ireland and the Government of Ireland. n

Wasted food costs households €700 p.a.

Food waste is a global problem that has environmental, social and economic consequences.

More than one quarter of the food produced globally is wasted. It is a significant contributor to climate change, as food loss and waste contribute to 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions. Growing, processing and transporting food all use significant amounts of resources such as land, water and energy.

The Irish Government has committed to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, which is in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Check out: https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring—assessment/circular-economy/food-waste/ n

The annual weekend of food, fun, and entertainment at The Village at Wheelocks returns on weekend of 5th and 6th July 2025. If you are a vendor who would like to be involved, contact wexfordstrawberryweekend@gmail.com n

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Senator Cathal Byrne acknowledges the crucial work of Good Food Ireland Senator Cathal Byrne has acknowledged the important work of Good Food Ireland, led by Wexford woman Margaret Jeffares, particularly in promoting Wexford-based food producers.

Senator Byrne was speaking at the launch of the Good Food Ireland Experience with Minister for Agriculture and Food Martin Hayden TD, where the pair had discussions with Ms Jeffares regarding her organisation’s ongoing positioning of Irish food and drink as a key economic driver for tourism across Ireland.

Lauding the event which showcased Irish food and experiences, Senator Byrne said he was “delighted to be here and lend my support to such a worthy initiative. Good Food Ireland is the brainchild of a Wexford woman and not unlike our many food producers in the county, Margaret and Good Food Ireland have led the way in promoting quality standards, innovation and sustainability in the food industry. Her initiative and leadership in the sector has contributed greatly to the success of so many Irish and Wexford food brands.”

Minister Martin Heydon was also very complimentary of Good Food Ireland and the work being undertaken and how their discussions at the event are very much in sync with the Department’s Food Vision 2030. “The strategy’s vision is for Ireland to be A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems, encompassing environmental, economic and social sustainability.” n

Kilcannon’s focus on vegetable growing

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Lots on at the Enniscorthy way to stay connected and meet lovely new people. If you would be interested in joining us contact Michael on 087 2927138. Everyone is welcome.

We are grateful as always to Gillian O’Neill, Secretary at Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA), for keeping us updated with all the news and photos from the multi-awardwinning facility in Enniscorthy...

We are delighted to have our off-grid solar system installed now. We got this installed with the last of the funding we received from the Climate Action grant last year. It is yet another fabulous addition to our wonderful allotments.

Last month we gave out potato seeds and onion sets and got some cow manure delivered for all the members.

It is great to see everyone back up in the allotments enjoying the beautiful holistic space we have. It is lovely to meet such amazing people and stop for a chat in between gardening. Our little allotment community is back in full swing.

We should have our Mosaic floor down in the Dome by the end of the month, check out the photos it looks amazing.

We are also really looking forward to starting back with our Little Buds activities this month. n

It was great to take part in the St Patrick’s Day parade this year. It was fantastic to have some of our members marching with us flying their flags, some members even dressed up as bumblebees and scarecrows. It was a lovely afternoon for the whole community to get involved in and enjoy.

The course participants taking part in the WWETB Level 4 Horticulture course did an amazing job planting at the fence outside the allotments. It really looks great, well done to them all.

Our catch-up Monday mornings are really taking off. We meet every second Monday in the allotments for a cup of tea/coffee and a chat. It is really a great

Plant out chitted second early potatoes at the start of the month and maincrop potatoes in the middle of the month.

April is a good month to sow courgettes, squashes, pumpkins, and leeks undercover, and you can sow root crops, salads and brassicas, leeks, onion and shallot sets, pea and beans directly outdoors.

Crops sown undercover may be ready for planting out. Be sure they are large enough and harden off before planting out.

Make sure to keep on top of the weeds at this time of the year or they can get out of control very quickly. Now would be a good time to top up with some bark mulch to suppress the weeds. n

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ECA Gardening Tips...

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Community Allotments

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Tried-Tested-Tasted by Caitriona Caitriona Barron from Drinagh, Wexford, grew up on her dad’s farm with plentiful homegrown veg and their own meat so “we really knew the value of good food. My mother started a seafood business after meeting my stepfather fisherman, my brother now runs the seafood business so I’m well used to fresh food.”

“I worked with the family business before leaving to be a stay-at-home mother but soon got bored (lol!) and started taking pics of my food, sharing my recipes on social media. When people started showing interest, I realised this could be a job so I bought myself a camera and threw myself in the deep of it. I love it and I get to work with amazing companies.

Seeing my pictures in magazines, in shops, and occasionally on TV is pretty amazing.

“I’m a mother of two boys and, yes, juggling it all can be very tough. But I keep it going as it’s my passion now and it’s very rewarding.” https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted and Caitriona_barron on insta n

Caitriona Barron

COLCANNON ON ITS OWN OR A SIDE

https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted Irish Colcannon – Serves 4: 450g floury potatoes cut into chunks  55g butter, extra butter for serving  150ml single cream  6 cabbage leaves shredded  6 spring onions chopped  Salt and white pepper  Parsley and more spring onions for garnish.

Method: Cook potatoes in salted water until tender. Mash with butter, set aside. Add cabbage to a pan with just enough water to cover, cook for 2 mins until soft, drain thoroughly. Heat spring onions and cream, add cabbage to potatoes, mix, then add your hot cream onion mix, season to taste. Serve and enjoy. n

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Food Academy 2025 – apply now Are you an early to mid-stage food or drink producer looking to take your business to the next level?

The Food Academy Programme, run by the Local Enterprise Offices and SuperValu, offers expert training, mentorship, and a unique opportunity to trial your product in SuperValu stores – just like All Real Natural Protein Bar, who successfully took part in the programme and grew their retail presence.

What You’ll Gain:  Expert-led workshops on branding, marketing, food safety and more.

 One-to-one mentoring from industry professionals.  A chance to pitch to SuperValu and trial your product in stores.  Potential to grow into national retail.

Key Dates:  Applications close: April 4th, 2025.  Interviews: June 2025.  Workshops: Sept 2025 – Feb 2026.

Don’t miss this opportunity to scale your food business! Apply now or contact your Local Enterprise Office for more details. https://tinyurl.com/yeaexbaj n

Market Explorer Grant

Are you ready to take your new product or service to new markets? Then get ready for take off with the new Market Explorer Grant. Providing a grant of up to €10,000 for market research, in-market consultancy and industry events, this can help bring your business to new heights! For more information contact one of the Local Enterprise Office Wexford team today: Annette Rowsome or Jill Kelleher, or visit LEO’s website for more information: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/ n

Enniscorthy architects supporting Simon

NMB Architects in Enniscorthy are delighted to be once again supporting the RIAI SIMON OPEN DOOR, now in its 21st year. The RIAI Simon Open Door initiative is a collaboration between the Simon Communities of Ireland (SCI) and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

you are thinking about renovating, extending or building.

This is a unique opportunity to find out from a Registered Architect how you could realise the potential of your home if

Please register at the following page: https://lnkd.in/errWHHk8 n

In return for a donation of €125, homeowners receive an hourlong consultation with an RIAI Registered Architect to discuss building, renovating or retrofitting their home. Every cent raised goes directly to the Simon Communities of Ireland.

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Local Enterprise Week in Wexford

Left: Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise at Wexford Co. Council, launching Local Enterprise Week in Wexford.

Above: Grow Digital Workshop at The Hatch Lab in Gorey.

Micheal O'Neill from Kelso Digital Ltd. Pics: Mary Browne.

Organised by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford, the Local Enterprise Week in Co. Wexford ran from 3rd to 7th March 2025 with an incredible lineup of events designed to inspire, empower, and accelerate businesses to grow as well as an opportunity to gain expert insights, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and access practical supports that can make a real impact.

in 2025 and beyond – a fantastic showcase of what’s possible when ambition meets support.

LEO’s always-popular International Women’s Day event marked the final celebration of what was a jam-packed Local Enterprise Week.

LEO Wexford is there to support businesses at every stage – so don’t miss out on the resources available to help you grow.

Reach out today:

The programme included dynamic workshops, top industry speakers, hands-on mentoring, and game-changing networking opportunities – all tailored to help local businesses thrive

Local Enterprise Office, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93. Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie.

Tel: 053 9196020. https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/ n

If you haven’t already connected with the Local Enterprise Office, make sure to add it to your to-do list! Whether you’re a business owner looking for funding, mentorship, or expert advice, or an employee eager to upskill through highly subsidised training programmes, there’s something for everyone.

Local Enterprise Week: Grow Digital Workshop at The Hatch Lab in Gorey on 3rd March 2025. Pic: Mary Browne.

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Slaney BUSIneSS & fInanCe Right: Local Enterprise Week. Grow Digital Workshop at The Hatch Lab in Gorey. L-R: Sally Sharp from Sharp & Sassy and Elizabeth Cummins from Ballyhack Smokehouse.

Below: LEO’s always-popular International Women’s Day event marked the final celebration of what was a jam-packed Local Enterprise Week.

Bottom left: Local Enterprise Week. Grow Digital Workshop at The Hatch Lab in Gorey. L-R: Patricia Fielding from WPF Procurement Dynamics from Enniscorthy, Tracey McDonald and Gary Earle from Kevin Coleman Construction Ltd, Enniscorthy.

Bottom right: Local Enterprise Week. Grow Digital Workshop at The Hatch Lab in Gorey. L-R: Micheal O'Neill from Kelso Digital Ltd and Deirdre O'Flynn, County Wexford Chamber of Commerce.

All pics: Mary Browne.

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Co. Wexford Enterprise Awards Talbot Hotel, 4th March 2025

Above: Felix Oster from Mór Taste, Killinick, overall winner in Co. Wexford Enterprise Awards 2025.

Left: Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise & Economic Development, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford, with County Finalist Annelise Duffy from Fashion Connect.

Right: Breege Cosgrave, LEO Wexford, and County Finalist Julie Caulfield from Julie Caulfield Ltd. All pics: Mary Browne.

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Above left: Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise & Economic Development, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford, with County Finalist Yola Artisan Bakery. Above right: Breege Cosgrave, LEO Wexford, with runner-up Darragh O'Ciarba from Groopeze, and Cllr Ger Carthy, Leas Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Council. Below left: Breege Cosgrave, LEO Wexford, with James Cousins from Wave Dynamics, runner-up, and Ger Carthy Leas Cathaoirleach Wexford Co. Council. Below right: Breege Cosgrave, LEO Wexford, with County Finalist Dermot from DC Fabrication Ltd. Bottom left: Breege Cosgrave, LEO Wexford, with County Finalist Garry Bradley from Crossphilip Engineering Ltd. Bottom right: Breege Cosgrave, LEO Wexford, with Felix Oster from Mór Taste, overall winner, and Cllr Ger Carthy, Leas Cathaoirleach, Wexford Co. Council. All pics: Mary Browne.

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Fast-growing Howden acquires Enniscorthy financial services business Howden Ireland has announced that it has agreed terms to acquire Roban Insurances Ltd trading as Roban Financial in Enniscorthy. Operating since 1984, Roban Financial with Myles Roban, Managing Director, at the helm, specialises in financial planning and wealth management services.

Howden is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing Insurance intermediaries and is gaining pace in the Advisory sector. Since its inception in 2019, today it has over 500 employees in 27 local offices across Ireland firmly establishing their plans to have a Howden office in every main town in Ireland.

Subject to regulatory approval, acquiring Roban Financial gives Howden’s already significant client base in the SouthEast access to Financial Advisory and Insurance Services. n

L-R: Dermot Gaskin, managing director, Howden Ireland, and Myles Roban, managing director, Roban Financial.

Challenges of hybrid working On 27th March 2025 Ireland marked the five-year anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown and the widespread shift to remote working.

Research from Enniscorthy-based Datapac, trusted IT partner for leading Irish organisations, highlights ongoing challenges associated with hybrid work. The research indicates that Irish organisations, having rapidly adopted remote solutions in response to the pandemic, are now increasingly focused on implementing more robust, permanent technologies to support hybrid work long-term.

The independent survey, commissioned by Datapac and conducted by Censuswide among 200 IT decision-makers in Ireland, reveals that 96% of organisations are now operating hybrid working models—a permanent legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic. Five years on from the initial shift, organisations continue to face significant challenges, with work-life balance (39%), trainKevin Hall, Senior Systems Engineer, Datapac.

ing and development (36%), cybersecurity (34%), and communication and collaboration (31%) identified as key ongoing issues.

89% of IT decision-makers say they invested in software-as-a-service (SaaS) communication and collaboration tools in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this trend has endured, with 57% of businesses reporting increased investment in these tools since the pandemic, and 31% maintaining their investment levels.

Meanwhile, two-thirds (67%) of Irish businesses say they are using Microsoft 365 to support collaboration and productivity.

The survey also emphasises the importance of having the right digital tools and technologies in place to ensure success in the modern workplace. Some 46% of IT decision-makers would rate their IT infrastructure's ability to support hybrid work as only “somewhat” or “not too” capable.

Kevin Hall, Senior Systems Engineer, Datapac, said: “Five years on from Ireland’s widespread move to remote working, our research shows that many organisations are still facing substantial challenges in fully embedding hybrid working into their long-term strategies. Initially, organisations rapidly invested in digital tools like Microsoft 365 to maintain operations—but now is a critical time to reassess these investments to ensure they deliver lasting value.

“Organisations must evaluate if their current technology genuinely supports their goals, particularly when issues around worklife balance and cybersecurity remain widespread. Rather than simply renewing licenses, businesses need to ensure they're fully leveraging existing investments for maximum efficiency, security, and employee satisfaction. Given how crucial technology now is in the post-pandemic era, partnering with the right IT provider, who can optimise these investments strategically, is essential to remain competitive.” n

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‘NO DOGS ALLOWED’ CAMPAIGN

L-R: Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council; Mary Murray, sheep farmer; John Kelly, Wexford IFA Vice Chairman; Cllr Donal Kenny; Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen; Pat Murray, sheep farmer; Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin TD; Catherine Murray, sheep farmer; Jackie Whelan Fagan, IFA South Leinster Regional Executive; Cabrini Desmond, dog warden, Wexford County Council.

Wexford IFA in collaboration with Wexford County Council have launched their ‘No Dogs Allowed’ Campaign 2025. They are calling on dog owners to act responsibly with their pets. Unsecured dogs are a danger to livestock during the current lambing season.

Owners should ensure that family pets are secured while out for a walk and at nighttime, to avoid this very serious threat to farmers.

IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle says, “The devastation caused must be brought home to those who think their dog would not be part of an attack on livestock. Dog owners cannot absolve themselves of the wreckage left behind when sheep are attacked.”

Speaking at Knocknagapple, Gorey, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe said, “Every year, farmers are put to unnecessary expense and hardship, in the aftermath of dog attacks on their livestock. The very simple solution is for dog owners to act responsibly, and ensure their pets are securely housed at night or under control while out for a walk in areas where livestock are present.

Even a well-behaved family pet can turn.

By law, dogs are expected to be under control while in a public place.”

Wexford IFA Chairman Tom Doyle says the new government must recognise the deepening issue of dog attacks on live-

stock. He said IFA first launched the ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign in 2021 and despite continuous appeals for action, not enough has been done to address the issue. “The lack of robust enforcement of the legal obligations on dog owners has allowed horrendous attacks to persist and increase across the country. It is unacceptable,” he said.

“We are demanding stronger regulations and stricter enforcement for those who disregard the safety and wellbeing of our livestock”.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, commented, “I would like to remind dog owners that they are required by law to have their dogs microchipped and licensed. Wexford County Council is increasing our number of dog wardens this year, a move that is partially funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

This will allow us to monitor for dogs that are not microchipped or registered.

Owners can be fined and brought to court... where fines of up to €2,500 may be imposed.”

IFA Sheep Chair Adrian Gallagher said “The critical issue in the first instance is to have all dogs in the country microchipped, registered to the owner, and licensed in order to establish a national database for all dogs and the person responsible for the dog. Implementing stronger legislation and sanctions reflec-

tive of the damage and trauma these dogs cause on farms has been key to our campaign and would be a significant step in delivering for farmers.”

The following measures are considered necessary to tackle the issue: 1. A single National Database for all dogs correlating licensing and microchipping and identifying the person responsible for the dog, but at a minimum alignment of the existing licensing and microchipping records to one central access point.

2. Full enforcement of microchipping and licensing obligations of dog owners for all dogs.

3. Stronger powers of enforcement for dog wardens and Gardaí and clarity on these powers.

4. Increased on-the-spot fines for failing to comply with the microchipping and licensing requirements.

5. Increased sanctions and on-the-spot fines for failing to have the dog under control.

6. Significant on-the-spot fines for dogs found worrying livestock.

7. Legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped and licensed and identified on the NVPS (National Veterinary Prescribing System) prior to any veterinary treatment or prescribing of medicines by veterinary practitioners.

8. Authority to apply the legislative obligations to dogs in border regions owned by persons not resident in the State. n

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Top puppy names Research by Petmania reveals the nation’s most beloved puppy names. Topping the list is Luna, with Teddy following closely in second place, and Riley, Milo, and Bailey rounding out the top five. But the trends don’t stop there! The research also shows a popular love for Irish-inspired names like Bród, Tillí Grá, and Rua. The survey also revealed a growing influence of mythical creatures, with names like Loki, Apollo, and Odin gaining popularity among Irish puppies. Alongside these, food and drink-inspired names like Nacho, Mojito, and Toffee were also trending, as well as places like Rio, Cairo, and Paris.

Human names are also making their way into the doggie world, with Larry, Declan, and Noel making the list. Plus, there’s no shortage of celebrity and movie/cartoon character-inspired names, with fan favourites like Elvis, Ringo, Bowie, Buffy, Kylo Ren, Leia, Yoda, Bambi, Nemo, and Pluto. n

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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There’s no place in Enniscorthy safe from dog poo – even the Prom, one of the most popular walks in all of Co. Wexford.

On one recent day the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers encountered over 20 instances of dog poo on this one stretch alone. Even the painting of specific notices on the path doesn’t seem to deter the culprits.

South East Animal Rescue South East Animal Rescue rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals in the South East of Ireland. Their fundraising shop at 27 Court St, Enniscorthy, always has lots of bargains available.

Email: southeastanimalrescue@gmail.com Keep up to date on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064583773930 n

Slaney peTS

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.

T: (053) 9233187, 9236674.

F: (053) 9236674.

E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR APRIL It’s April, the days are long and bright, the clocks have just gone gone forward an hour so the stretch in the evening seems massive. The lambs are out in the fields jumping and playing and would put ye in good humour just watching their frolics and banter. They remind me of teenage chaps who just got their school holidays enjoying their new-found freedom.

Lambs thrive when the weather is dry. It can be cold but as long as it’s not wet they'll flourish. With modern farm practices, there aren't as many small fields with plenty of shelter from ditches, trees, gorse and shrubs. Ditches provide a vital role in so many ways from the obvious shelter for stock and wildlife to water retention, wild herbs and medicinal plants.

The animals if they can access these ditches know what plants to pick and amazingly sick animals go for these plants time and again when given the opportunity.

Modern farming tends to grow a 'momoculture' rye grass where as Nature provides many, many species of plants. This diversity of plants creates a huge diversity of microbes in the stomach of these cows and sheep and it is now emerging that the benefits of eating this type of meat far outweighs the modern practice of feedlot feeding. The Regenerative farmers mimic Nature by planting multi species swards, building huge resilience in the animal, and the meat from these animals has been shown to have the omega profile of wild Atlantic salmon.

When we work in tandem with Nature she rewards us time and again. The animals on these regenerative farms tend to be healthier, happier and this is reflected in their produce. Regenerative farmers focus on the soil. By helping to replenish and restore the vitality of the soil, a healthier plant grows. It’s higher in nutrients, trace elements and this in turn nurtures the animals grazing it. Less harsh chemicals is good for the soil, the animals, and ultimately the consumer.

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

We as consumers have come to believe that if it looks fresh it must be healthy. It may be fresh but that head of lettuce or vegetable could well have been sprayed every week of its life, making it look presentable but not necessarily healthy. The new studies are focusing on the real nutrient value of our food as opposed to the 'Looks good ' one. They have found a direct correlation – vegetables that taste good invariably have a higher nutritional value. In organic farming this is well known. When we become more discerning about what we eat, where it comes from, and supporting these brave band of farmers who are working the land for the benefit of all, then it becomes a winwin for us all.

As is the nature of our business, young vets spend a few years with us and then move on again. We had the privilege to have David Madden, a young vet who graduated in Warsaw, and took up his first job with us. David hit the ground running and won us all over with his happy-go-lucky, can-do attitude. We are sorry to see him heading on but David is heading home to his native county Laois and will be an asset to any practice he joins.

As one door closes another door opens and Sadhbh Kirwan has just joined us. Sadhbh, a local girl from Bree, qualified in Budapest and has worked in a progressive practice in Louth for the last four years gaining a vast amount of experience that she brings with her. We are delighted to welcome her on board.

Also, another addition to the team is a new veterinary nurse, Lilly Rafter, who has joined us in the last few weeks and brings our nursing staff up to four in the practice now.

The team is growing, the practice is developing all the time, and is an exciting time to see people looking after their two- and four-legged companions in such a compassionate way. They reward us in their own way every day.

Enjoy the Spring days and the magic of Nature coming to life in the fields, the hedgerows and all around us. 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

3rd April 2025 - Page 105

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

NISSAN QASHQAI NISSAN QASHQAI

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Slaney mOTORIng The Nissan Qashqai is one of Ireland's favourite family cars and has been a great success for the brand.

Now in its third generation, Nissan has treated its bestseller to an update to keep it looking fresh.

as a divider. A powered tailgate is also available.

It goes on sale in Ireland priced from €39,900 for Interior a petrol mild hybrid with a choice of manual gearbox or a CVT automatic. There's also touchscreen and digital instrument the more expensive Qashqai E-Power panel with wired Android Auto/wirefrom €45,000. It's more powerful but less Apple CarPlay. There's also now also better on fuel and with lower carGoogle apps built in like Google bon emissions.

Maps and Google Assistant, surprisStyling for the 2025 model has been updated, particularly at the front.

There's a wider and more spectacular grille than before with new split LED lighting. The updates do lift this car and make it look even more stylish. At the back, the lights now have clear cases and some of the higher trim levels get scrolling indicators. There are also new colours and new alloy wheel designs.

Inside it's business as usual but that's no bad thing. The Qashqai's interior stands out for its intuitive layout and also the quality. Nissan has updated some of the higher trim levels with plusher materials like upgraded seat upholsteries and Alcantara trim. Standard equipment has also improved across the range. For example all versions now come with the 12.3-inch

ingly useful.

The top of the range SVE really impresses with gorgeous quilted leather upholstery, heated front seats with power adjustment and massage, heated steering wheel and a Bose stereo. All but the entry model come with a glass roof.

There's plenty of space in the back for adults or children, though the middle seat is a bit tighter on legroom. The Qashqai's rear doors open to almost 90 degrees, which makes getting in or out, or fixing child seats, so much easier.

There's a 504-litre boot, which is good but not class-leading. It does have clever features like a two-position boot floor that can be turned over for a waterproof surface or used

The engine line-up stays the same for 2025. The range kicks off with the 1.3-litre mild hybrid petrol.

There’s also Nissan’s innovative E-Power, which uses hybrid technology to lower carbon emissions and boost efficiency. The 1.5-litre petrol engine acts as a generator to charge a small capacity battery and electric motor, the latter which always drives the front wheels.

This means it's super smooth to drive and incredibly quiet, with just some engine noise occasionally as the engine charges the battery. With 190hp, the E-Power is also very responsive to drive. It's not the most exciting SUV to drive, but it’s quietly competent and comfortable. Fuel consumption fell under 6 litres during my test so it's reasonably efficient too.

The range topping e-Power SVE we tested is available from €54,400. It's a lovely car but there's better value to be had elsewhere in the range, with most buyers opting for the SV Premium trim level. This car is a brilliant all-rounder and offers good practicality, performance and efficiency, particularly the E-Power. It's now even more stylish and well-equipped so it's definitely worth a look if you’re in the market for a new family crossover. 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.

3rd April 2025 - Page 107

Slaney Slaney SpORT aD

Are you up for a challenge?

It is that time of year again when cyclists gear up to take on a 100km cycle in memory of Slaney Clycling Club member, tour captain and good friend to all, Mylie Kavanagh.

Departing from the picturesque village of Kiltealy, participants will be able to take in the scenic views during the Mount Leinster Challenge with its impressive 1,200m accent.

The event, which takes place on Sunday, May 11th, will be fully marshalled and have an entry fee of €40. There will be a goodie bag for all those who take part with food stops on the route and refreshments at the finish at Kiltealy Hall.

The organisers look forward to seeing you all there at 8am for registration. The event itself will start at 9.30am.

Please see accompanying graphic for registration details, and keep up to date on: https://www.facebook.com/SCC.IRL n

Big changes There are massive plans for Fr. Murphy Park in Enniscorthy for the coming weeks and months with development work starting around this Easter. Shamrocks GAA Club extends a huge thanks to the local community, especially the lotto syndicate members, for making these developments possible. n

Charlie’s contract

Congratulations to Rathnure’s Charlie Tector who has just signed his first senior contract with Leinster Rugby. n

Page 108 - 3rd April 2025

Slaney SpORT

Enjoy a night at the dogs Racing is back two nights a week, Mondays and Thursdays, at Enniscorthy Greyhound Track – a great way to spend an evening with friends or family.

Aoife wins ‘Player of the Round’ Despite being on the losing side, former Enniscorthy Rugby Club player Aoife Wafer was named Player of the Round for the opening weekend of the Guinness Women's Six Nations after a two-try performance against France. n

First race starts at 8pm. Admission is €10 per adult (incl. race card), €8 for OAP/student (incl. race card). Under 14s go free.

Bar and cafe facilities on site, plus Chester’s chip van. Tote and bookmaker betting facilities on site. https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthygreyhound.track n

Congrats Oisin Sports Active Sports Active Wexford is all about creating a healthier, safer, more active and inclusive society in Co. Wexford. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SportsActive n

Pickle Ball now available in Enniscorthy Curious about the fastest-growing sport in Ireland? Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport in which two players (singles) or four players (doubles) use a smooth-faced paddle to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inchhigh (0.86 m) net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction.

Enniscorthy Astro Centre is the perfect place to experience the fun and energy of Pickleball.

Oisin Goff, centre, after winning his 4th Irish National Championship title last month. Great to see hard work paying off.

Astro Active Centre, Bellefield, Enniscorthy.

Tel: 053 923 6678. Email: astroactive@reachability.ie n

3rd April 2025 - Page 109

Slaney Slaney SpORT aD

Bree Billiards & Snooker Club news...

THE "PADDY LONG SNOOKER" CUP/PLATE COMPETITION. Cup: 22 players entered the competition.

After some closely contested matches, Pat Bolger (+2) and Craig Kenny (-1) met in the final on March 20th. Craig took the 1st frame on the pink, Pat won the next two convincingly, then Craig came right back to take the 4th frame. In a good tactical battle, poised at 2/2, with Pat needing one snooker, Craig held his nerve to pot the blue, pink and black in one visit, and claimed victory by a margin of 3/2. Beaten semi-finalists were Padraig Doyle (+23) and Shane Bradley (+5).

Plate: All players who lost their 1st Cup match were entered into the Plate competition, which concluded on March 26th. Bill Cahill (+16) and Mark Jowett (+11) contested the final, and took it right to the deciding frame. Mark won the first two frames on the black and pink respectively, but Bill came right back into the match. He won the 3rd frame on the pink, and the 4th on the blue.

So, at 2/2, it was all down to the 5th and deciding frame. With a margin of 14, and 18 left on the table, it was anyone's game. Bill potted a difficult blue along the baulk cushion, and claimed the match in the same visit by following up

Cup competition: L-R: Pat Bolger (Runner-up), John Bolger (Chairman), Craig Kenny (Winner).

with the pink, winning by a margin of 3/2. Beaten semi-finalists were Joe Leacy (+21) and John Wilson (-6).

Highest break over the two competitions went to Shane Bradley, who compiled a 27 in an early round.

The final tournament of the season will get underway shortly, with entries currently being taken for the "John Bolger Billiards" Cup/Plate competition.

Membership this season stands at 35.

In other exciting news, planning permission has been granted for the clubroom extension. This will be a huge step forward for the Club, with the introduction of a second table, in addition to a new canteen area and toilet facilities.

Chairman John Bolger is working hard behind the scenes, managing the project with the support of the hall committee.

Next phase includes structural engineering design works, project costing and preparation of grant application to secure the funding required.

Plate competition: L-R: Bill Cahill (Winner), Pat Bolger (P.R.O.), Mark Jowett (Runner-up)

Page 110 - 3rd April 2025

– Pat Bolger, PRO.

Slaney hISTORy & heRITage

Funding for historic structures Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has announced that €230,000 will be awarded to two projects in Co. Wexford to help repair and protect landmark buildings as part of this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF).

The two projects awarded funding are: €100,620 for Rathaspeck Church, Churchtown, Rathaspeck, for repairs to roof, rainwater goods and windows at this disused rural church, with links to nearby Johnstown Castle. Works will facilitate plans to reuse the building for community and cultural use. €130,000 for Ballast House, Crescent Quay, Co. Wexford, for repairs to roof, rainwater goods and render at this prominent town-centre building. Owned by the local authority, works will facilitate reuse plans to bring the property back into use as office space.

Alongside other heritage funding streams such as the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the recently reopened Conservation Advice Grant Scheme, the HSF aims to conserve, protect, and promote the use of historic buildings across our cities, towns, villages, and countryside.

The funding recipients will benefit from the preservation of their historic structures, ensuring their long-term sustainability and usability. From providing safe and restored residential homes to supporting vital services like supported accommodation, these projects will have a lasting impact on their communities.

Operated on a match-funding basis, the

Minister James Browne TD

Rathaspeck Church HSF promotes the investment of private capital into the preservation and rejuvenation of our architectural heritage. In addition to the €3.5m of HSF funding recently committed, it is estimated that grantees will invest a further €7.6m on these projects, which will support the work of traditional craftspeople while bringing many of our landmark buildings back to their former glory.

Announcing the list of successful projects, Minister James Browne TD, said: “I am delighted to welcome this funding to protect landmark buildings in Wexford, which will enhance the character and amenity of the communities concerned. The works funded will secure the

integrity of these sites for the enjoyment of future generations, and enhance the sustainability of local economies with great benefits for employment, tourism, and the environment.”

“The success of the Historic Structures Fund is a result of the close working relationship between my Department and the Local Authorities, particularly the Architectural Conservation Officers, Heritage Officers and planning and administrative staff at local level who make these schemes possible and help ensure that these structures are maintained and restored for the benefit of their communities and for future generations. I look forward to seeing these projects progress.” n

Enniscorthy Snippets... ❶ The final shopfront, as part of the Slaney Street Historical Town Initiative, at No. 29 (Crystal Script), has been completed . The delay was due to the necessity for a considerable amount of structural support work to support the existing façade, before the shopfront could be installed.

❷ Consultants John Creed and Associates and a contractor have been engaged to look at, and design, repair options for the replacement of the roof truss timbers on the south gable of the 1798 centre. This external wooden truss has been subjected to wet rot over the years and needs to be replaced.

❸ An informative panel has been erected at the Brooklyn Bench located on

the Slaney Nature Trail, Island Road, Enniscorthy. See accompanying photo. n

3rd April 2025 - Page 111

Slaney hISTORy Slaney aD & heRITage

Ferns – making its mark Look out for the way-marking studs on the Ferns Heritage Trail. The markers are set into the pavements along Upper and Lower Main St – they guide you to 18 different sites of interest along the trail. The Heritage Trail is part of the Wexford Walking Trails (WWT) network – a countywide network of walking trails, ranging from hillside, woodland, coastal, historic, and more.

The Trail starts at the old graveyard adjacent to St. Edan's Cathedral – there are 8 different sites in the old graveyard, finishing at St. Mogue’s Cottage, where you'll come out on the pavement and see marker No. 9, leading you to St. Peter's Church.

A WWT trailhead sign to the right of the entrance into the old graveyard has a map of the overall trail – this needs to be updated as there are 2 new sites added – the Bee Skeps (now at No. 2) and the Medieval Ferns Experience (now No. 11).

This map will be updated in due course.

Thanks to Shay O’Neill of SONC for putting in the markers – the job was time consuming and he showed great professionalism and patience.

If you would like to take a self-guided walk on the Heritage Trail and would like a brief description of each site, please go

to https://fernsvillage.ie/ferns-villageheritage-trail/. If you would like a guided walking tour of key medieval sites, please make contact through tel: 089 494 6972.

medievalfernsexperience@fernsvillage.ie fernsvillage.ie/medieval-ferns-experience https://www.facebook.com/MedievalFern sExperience n

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy is open for 2025!

Opening hours are Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 5.00pm, and weekends from 12.00pm to 5.00pm, with last admission each day at 4.15pm.

Visit and enjoy the delicious offerings from the on-site Cafe 98 before venturing through the award-winning exhibition.

For more information visit: www.1798centre.ie https://www.facebook.com/1798centre

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy is always worth a visit so be sure to drop in soon.

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Slaney hISTORy & heRITage

Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society – bringing history to life

The Enniscorthy-based Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society is always active in bringing local history alive.

In February, Brian O'Cleirigh delivered a wonderful lecture on the De Lacy brothers in the fantastic setting of The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.

At the end of March the Society hosted a lecture titled ‘The Gregory Clause’.

On 8th April it is organising a tour of Wexford Courthouse incorporating the Tate School, and on 28th April it will host a lecture titled ‘Rural Electrification, The Role of Women.’ n

In February, Brian O'Cleirigh delivered a wonderful lecture on the De Lacy brothers in the fantastic setting of The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.

3rd April 2025 - Page 113

Slaney Slaney enVIROnmenT aD

Enniscorthy’s air quality survey Enniscorthy residents are being invited to take part in new research project on air quality.

A new air quality project called TownAir has been taking place in Enniscorthy over the last few months. Researchers from University College Cork and University of Galway have been working with Wexford County Council to install a network of sensors around the town to monitor and understand patterns in air pollution.

Enniscorthy residents are now invited to take part in the project by completing a survey on home heating at this link: https://ucc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2 nRUugtJife7vxQ

The survey only takes about five minutes to complete and the results will help the researchers to understand air pollution in Enniscorthy and support actions to achieve cleaner air for everyone.

Or by scanning the QR code below.

Thank you for your support. n

Home energy upgrade loans Avant Money, in partnership with An Post Money, are the latest participants in the government-backed Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme.

From 13th February, 2025, homeowners can apply for the scheme’s low-cost retrofit loans through Avant Money, via the An Post website, with interest rates starting at 3.69%. This collaboration leverages An Post's extensive and trusted relationship with the people of Ireland, and Avant’s expertise in consumer finance, to provide homeowners across the country with convenient access to retrofit loans.

The €500 million Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme launched in April of last year is the first of its kind in Ireland and for the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group. The scheme was designed with the needs of homeowners in mind, ensuring that access is simple and speedy with an emphasis on reducing the workload for homeowners.

The scheme is delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the EIB Group. It provides unsecured loans (no requirement for

Page 114 - 3rd April 2025

the loan to be secured against the property being upgraded) ranging from €5,000 to €75,000, with repayment terms of up to 10 years. These loans help homeowners to carry out energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, such as insulation and heat pumps, that are also grant-aided by the SEAI. Once approved, the loans can be drawn before works begin.

This gives certainty to homeowners that they have the funds for the planned energy upgrades as well as any up-front costs or ‘milestone’ payments. This is often identified by homeowners as a key barrier to upgrading their homes.

In addition to Avant Money, the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is also available from PTSB, AIB and Bank of Ireland.

It is expected that a number of credit unions from the Irish League of Credit Unions will join the scheme soon, further enhancing access to more affordable retrofit loans in local communities.

Further details on the eligibility criteria and other operational aspects of the scheme are available on both the SBCI and SEAI websites. n

Slaney enVIROnmenT

‘Returning to Nature’ Project On Tuesday, 18th February 2025, The Wexford Parish

ishes invited to partake in biodiversity schemes on church

Care for the Earth group and Wexford County Council

grounds in 2025. Support given will include expert advice

Environmental Department staff Cliona Connolly and

from a biodiversity specialist and funding to get projects off

Claire Goodwin met with Bishop Ger Nash and the Di-

the ground. The aim is to allow room for nature to flourish

ocesan priests. The purpose of the meeting was to dis-

and to manage sites to support wildlife.

cuss a ‘Returning to Nature’ project for Wexford

Some examples of projects for biodiversity might be:

parishes.

Published to worldwide acclaim, Pope Francis’ Encyclical,

- Reducing mowing frequency to allow flowers to bloom and provide food for our endangered pollinators.

Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home) issued in 2015

- Planting of heritage fruit trees.

was a compelling call to all people of good will to care for

- Hedgerow maintenance or planting.

the environment of which they are a part. In response, the

- Erecting barn owl or swift boxes for endangered birds.

Irish Bishops’ Conference in 2023 agreed that parishes

- Providing nesting habitat for solitary bees.

would return 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030. They

Several parishes have already expressed an interest in taking

stated, “Parishes are asked to expand their circles of solidar-

part. The project will continue in 2026 and beyond subject to

ity, to protect and care for biodiversity and creation on 30%

demand.

of their grounds, and to care for this as a haven for pollinators and biodiversity, that can be enjoyed by the whole community.”

This project is open to groups of all faiths. To find out more or to apply to be involved please see the Wexford County Council website https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/environment-

Wexford County Council is coming together with the Par-

and-climate-change/biodiversity-community-and-

ishes of Wexford and the Wexford Parish Care for the Earth

schools/biodiversity/returning-to or contact

group to commence a pilot project in Wexford with six par-

biodiversity@wexfordcoco.ie n

Pictured at Ballyvaloo Retreat L-R: Fr. Billy Swan, Parish Administrator; Cliona Connolly, Environmental Awareness Officer, Wexford County Council; Noel Culleton, Chairman, Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group; Mary Ellen Hawkey, Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group; Bishop Ger Nash, Diocese of Ferns; Claire Goodwin, Biodiversity Officer; Helen Corish, Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group. Front: Gerry Forde, Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group.

3rd April 2025 - Page 115

Slaney Slaney enVIROnmenT aD

Great to see!

Great to see recently the third-year CSPE class from Coláiste Bríde doing some spring cleaning and litter picking in the Templeshannon area of Enniscorthy.

Let’s keep our county clean Great to see that Wexford Co. Council had four successful cases heard in Wexford District Court on 27th January 2025. This resulted in a total of €1,675 in fines and €1,475 in costs awarded.

Wexford Co. Council has three methods to log complaints: 1. Call: 053 919 6000 2. Email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie 3. Website to report illegal dumping: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/waste-andrecycling/report-illegal-dumping n

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Slaney enVIROnmenT

Do your town a favour Do you have a few hours to spare a month? Find yourself bored mid week evenings or at the weekend? Want to make your town a better place? Please contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown Email: enniscorthytt@gmail.com n

Please note...

To log a report regarding any dumping, street litter, road oil spills and potholes, ring Wexford Council on

(053) 919 6000 or email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie You will receive a log number to refer to if you need to call again.

You can also ask to register for group or individual cleanups of your environment.

Did you know?

Did you know that people use a plastic bottle for an average of 11 minutes? Meanwhile it takes up to 450 years to decompose!

Thankfully reusable bottles are becoming more and more popular and there are now a number of locations on the streets of Enniscorthy where you can fill them with water for free.

No more excuses!

With the support of the Environment Department of Wexford County Council, Mutt Mitt bag dispensers and bins (see photo) have been installed in Ferns village and also at several locations around Enniscorthy. These dispensers contain easy to use biodegradable bags to dispose of your dog’s poo. So no excuses!

Bag it and bin it!! n

The Slaney News was delighted to see Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, who always brings her Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy own reusable water bottle with doing her bit for the environment. her to all meetings, recommend at the January monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District that plastic bottles of water be no longer provided at such meetings and action has now been taken with a new style of water bottle being used which is 88% plant based, eco-friendly and fully recycable. n

Calling all community group, voluntary group and club treasurers

Energy supports & resources

Please keep in mind Wexford County Council's Community Grant & Funding webpage when looking to source details of community grant and funding schemes that may be relevant to climate action measures.

There are a number of government supports and resources available to help businesses mitigate the impact of energy price rises and become more energy efficient.

Check out the website: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-forsmes/energy-supports/ n

This webpage is a valuable source of information detailing what schemes are currently available, terms and conditions etc., and very importantly.....deadlines!

To access the webpage, please click here: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community-grants-and-funding n

3rd April 2025 - Page 117

Slaney Slaney enVIROnmenT aD

River Slaney Kayak & Cleanup The River Slaney Kayak & Cleanup 2025 takes place on Saturday 12th April at 10am. Places are limited and based on previous years these places will fill up fast. This annual An Taisce National Spring Clean event is organised by Enniscorthy Tidy Towns with GoPaddle.ie and Sustainable Enniscorthy.

The idea is to explore our wonderful River Slaney and remove as much litter as possible during the process.

The booking link is: https://widget.eola.co/1363/f0e0e8af-7ab74360-a9ca-2ae136fdbb63/sustain able-enniscorthy-river-cleanup The organisers would love to see some teenagers (16+) on the water this year. There is a small €10 booking fee. All participants should be water confident. Light refreshments will be served at approx 2pm at Edermine.

The organisers will provide:     

Double Kayak and Paddle.

Wetsuit.

Buoyancy Aid. Helmet.

Fully qualified Canoeing Ireland Kayak Instructor.

What to bring:  Something to wear under the wetsuit, ie swimming togs or shorts and t-shirt.  Towel.  Old runners that will get wet.  Any relevant medication, eg inhalers etc.  Gardening gloves if you have them.

The organisers are teaming up with Slaney Search & Rescue and Edermine Ferry, and with KnowHow Media Agency on board also there should be some cool aerial footage to share after the event!

Thanks are due to the Local Authority Waters Programme for the grant funding to support this event.

If you have any questions contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns at enniscorthytt@gmail.com or gopaddle.ie@gmail.com n

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Slaney enVIROnmenT

L-R: Clare Kelly (Wexford County Council (WCC) Climate Action Team), Joe Fallon (WCC Energy Officer), Frank Corcoran (Slaney News), Cllr Aidan Browne (Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District), Frank Burke (WCC Climate Action Coordinator), Geraldine Cullen (WCC Climate Action Team).

Wexford County Council’s Climate Action Team is hosting a ‘Climate Champions Competition’ in the Enniscorthy region. Enniscorthy was chosen due to its Decarbonising Zone status in Wexford County Council’s Climate Action Plan 20242029, which ultimately means that Enniscorthy will be used as a test bed for any new Climate initiatives.

Community/voluntary groups, workplaces, and schools were invited to form teams and then try out as many climate actions as possible between March 31st and April 11th, saving CO2. Each team logs its actions on the

Ducky website daily for two weeks using their mobile phones. During the challenge, participants can view the leaderboard board and keep a watchful eye on the opposing teams – the team that saves the most CO2 over the two weeks wins the competition and a prize.

It is hoped that the competitors are: n Having fun while learning more about climate action. n Getting insights on their personal climate impact.

The initiative was launched on 26th February 2025 by Frank Corcoran from

Slaney News, in the company of Councillor Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, and the Climate Action Team of Wexford Co. Council.

The Council’s Climate Action Team hopes the competition will raise awareness amongst the community on how personal emissions can be reduced through simple positive, behaviour changes. And that small but meaningful lifestyle changes can add up to a lot.

We look forward to reporting in next month’s issue on how the competition went and who the winners are. n

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National Tree Week is the designated week for tree protection awareness in Ireland, organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte. In 2025, it was held from Sunday 9th March to Sunday 16th March. National Tree Week is celebrated to encourage the public to plant, look after, and increase knowledge around trees.

Enniscorthy Youthreach students spent

an enjoyable hour in the spring sunshine last month planting tree saplings to celebrate National Tree Week. The planting took place on the hill over the Captain Wafer Hall in Spring Valley. These activities in support of the environment tie in with the environmental workshops delivered at Enniscorthy Youthreach by ECO-UNESCO in partnership with Enniscorthy Community Alliance, Plants and Places Project. n

Sustainable Enniscorthy AGM Thursday, 3 April, 7.30pm IFA Centre, Enniscorthy.

All welcome

Sustainability to the fore at Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant

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St Mary’s CBS brings horticulture and art to the main street At the end of March, St Mary's CBS Enniscorthy students revisited the bulbs that they had planted in November 2024 and discovered that spring has indeed sprung.

Well done boys for the floral display and for the artwork of your handpainted signs. These will help to brighten up our days in Enniscorthy and make us all proud.

Enniscorthy Community Alliance appreciates the efforts of all those secondary school students who took part in its 2024 Spring Bulb Campaign. n

Grass cutting in public areas The Enniscorthy Municipal District grass-cutting contract has commenced for this year.

Roark Horticultural services will be carrying out the grass cutting and parks and maintenance contract.

The combined area of grass cutting is approximately 40 acres and covers the public areas inside the Enniscorthy Town boundary. n

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Minister Moran’s focus on coastal erosion, bridges and parking in Rosslare Strand Rosslare’s stony beach.

Minister Kevin ’Boxer’ Moran TD offers a glimmer of hope to resolving the several years of grievances of residents of Rosslare Strand about two of the seven bridges crossing the Rosslare to Dublin train track, parking congestion problems in the centre of the village, and coastal erosion along the beach.

mentally and economically acceptable for the community of Rosslare. A project steering group has been established between the Minister’s OPW (Office of Public Works) and the consultant to progress the scheme. The consultant can be contacted at email: RosslareCEFRS@nodwyer.com.

A resident, fed up of rumours, misinformation, and uncertainty about promises and delays took to her laptop and wrote a polite email to the Minister in February. The Minister’s private secretary Martina Kiernan replied a few weeks later with news that the bridge at Rosslare Strand Railway Station, and the bridge at Mauritius, are to be upgraded.

The scheme is currently at Stage 1 of a five-stage process of 1.

Scheme development and Preliminary Design, 2. Planning, 3. Detailed design, 4. Construction, and 5. Handover.

Although the issues are outside the remit of the Minister’s OPW role, Minister Moran raised them with Wexford County Council.

The letter said that Wexford Council is liaising with CIE regarding the upgrading of the bridges.

Both bridges have concerned pedestrians and car owners alike for many years, with at least two experts saying that the bridges ‘are potentially lethal’ for walkers and for motorists.

On the issue of parking congestion in Rosslare Strand where local services staff often cannot get parking, the letter states that the Council are reviewing a Traffic Management Plan, and envisage having a temporary measure in place for the summer months ‘in 2025’.

On coastal erosion, the letter states that the Council has appointed the consultant Nicholas O’Dwyer, to develop, design, and construct a scheme that is technically, socially, environRosslare’s village centre surface.

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Members of the public will have the opportunity to attend a Public Consultation Day or PCD about it in ‘the second quarter’ which is sometime in April, May or June of this year.

The scale of erosion at Rosslare Strand has shocked residents and visitors with many expressing concerns that previous ministers’ commitments and promises of at least €7.5 million to solve or contain the problem had not materialised. Meanwhile, the area of the beach, the Cromwell’s Murder Hole entrance, is littered with large stones, making walking difficult for many visitors.

The resident who wrote to the Minister said that her request to the Minister was done, not for thanks or fame, but in the public interest.

Failure by several politicians and officials to sort the issues have led many residents to greet the most recent news with ‘not in my lifetime’ or ‘it will never happen’. However, this time may be different as it offers a glimmer of hope. As if prompted by the Minister’s letter, workers swarmed all over Rosslare Strand in recent weeks to do surface upgrades on the roads through the village.

– M.F. Bridge may be upgraded.

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Enniscorthy Library events Local Biodiversity Action Plan – Pre-Draft Consultation, Tuesday, 8th April, at 11am-1pm.

Wexford County Council (WCC) is preparing a Local Biodiversity Action Plan for the County. The aim will be to provide a structured approach to biodiversity conservation at county level.

It is important to WCC that it hears your views on what is important in terms of Wexford’s biodiversity, the issues it faces and potential solutions.

To find out more why not drop in to Enniscorthy Library and have a chat with WCC Biodiversity Officer, Claire Goodwin, on Friday, April 11th, 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Earth Day – Adopt a Plant Day, Enniscorthy Library, Tuesday, 22nd April.

Calling all plant enthusiasts! Pop into Enniscorthy Library and adopt a plant!

You get to pick out your very own little plant, and you’ll get an adoption certificate as well to show everyone that you're a brand new plant parent.

Be part of making earth greener place! All welcome. n

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