slaney news Issue 198 - November 2026
serving rd Co. wexfo st la e th r fo s r a 16 ye
Jonathon Hughes, Elita Korsiete, and Phil Millar, representing Enniscorthy Tidy Towns at last month’s national awards ceremony where Enniscorthy won a Gold Medal for the third year in a row, as well as two special awards: ‘South East Regional Large Town All Ireland Pollinator Award’ and a ‘Highly Commended EPA Circular Economy Award’. See more on page 42.
Frizelle McCarthy Solicitors Annette McCarthy B.C.L. ____________________________________________________ Suzanne Carthy B.A. L.L.B. Jillian O’Shea L.L.B.
Reliable advice on all aspects of the law since 1929 Solicitors & Commissioners for Oaths Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, Y21 W5T1
Tel: 053 92 33547 Email: info@fmclaw.ie
Your Local Community Pharmacy DUFFRY HILL, ENNISCORTHY, TEL: (053) 9234660
slaney ad
Page 2 - 4th November 2026
slaney ads
Contents... News
page 3
Leisure & Lifestyle
page 48
Arts
page 79
Food & Drink
page 84
Business & Finance
page 91
Pets
page 98
Motoring
page 100
Sport
page 102
History & Heritage
page 103
Environment
page 105
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 4th November 2026 - Page 3
slaney slaneynews ad
comment Welcome to our November 2026 issue. We know Christmas is just around the corner when we hear that the switch-on of the Enniscorthy Christmas Lights will take place on Saturday 21st November starting at 4.00pm. Further details to follow on our Facebook page. We hear that ticket sales are brisk for Santa’s Enchanted Christmas at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. This spectacular annual event will run from Saturday 21st November to Wednesday 23rd December which means that the 1798 Centre exhibition is now closed for the rest of 2026 to allow for preparations, but thankfully the very popular Cafe 98 at the Centre will remain open. Enniscorthy Castle also remains open, seven days a week, so be sure to drop in for a visit soon. The Bunclody Christmas Lights Switch-on will take place on Saturday 28th November with music and entertainment from 5pm. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Congratulations to the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers on winning Gold for the third year in a row, as well as picking up two Special Awards in this year’s national Tidy Towns competition. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Looking for a lovely evening’s entertainment this month? We suggest the Voices in Harmony Men’s Choir concert on Friday 27th November at 8pm in The Presentation Arts Centre. And the huge added bonus is the participation of the superb Selskar String Quartet. Tickets are just €10 (tel: 053 923 7511 or 087 293 0510) and all proceeds go to the Templeshannon Community Services Programme. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In this issue, we include as always a huge number of photos taken around Enniscorthy, and beyond. If you would like to purchase any of these please get in touch by email: slaneynews@gmail.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– If you have any news or photos you’d like us to share in the Slaney News, please email them to slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as much as possible. Also, please let us know what you think about our online format. Tel: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has over 16,000 Followers. And, of course, if you like our format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you. – Frank Corcoran
Page 4 - 4th November 2026
To advertise in the Slaney News please contact: 087-2403310 SLANEY NEWS, CLONHASTON, ENNISCORTHY Tel: 087-2403310 Email: slaneynews@gmail.com www.slaneynews.com Facebook: Slaney News Online: www.issuu.com/slaneynews/docs PUBLISHED in Enniscorthy by Corcoran Print & Design Disclaimer: Slaney News reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication. Slaney News does not attempt to investigate or verify claims made in advertisements appearing in our publication. The appearance of an advertisement in this publication in no way implies endorsement or approval by us of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. Slaney News disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection with advertising appearing in this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that all articles published in Slaney News are true and accurate but if any errors do occur please let us know and we will gladly rectify them in our next issue. Where details of future events are given in this publication, we recommend that you check these details directly with the organisers as event details may be subject to change. Slaney News strongly recommends seeking independent professional advice before acting on any financial, medical or other information contained in this publication.
SLANEY NEWS
slaney ads
4th November 2026 - Page 5
slaney slaneyads ad
When it comes to your finances, independent advice makes all the difference At Ashmore Financial Services, we believe financial planning is important for everyone – everyone who wants clarity, confidence, and control over their future. We, as an Independent Financial Broker, work for you, not for a single bank or provider ensuring unbiased guidance, personalised solutions, and access to a wide range of options to suit your needs. Whether you’re protecting your family with life cover, planning for retirement, arranging/reviewing your mortgage, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, having the right advice can save you money – and give you peace of mind. Your future deserves more than guesswork. It deserves professional, personal advice from someone who puts your interests first. Contact us today to start your Mortgage journey. n
Page 6 - 4th November 2026
Above: Kent Ashmore flanked by Niamh O’Brien, and Martin Redmond.
slaney ads
Barbara-Anne Murphy COUNCILLOR
Tim and Fiona Phelan invite you to visit their stylish cafe at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy. The Ballymaloe-trained couple are making full use of a new, top-of-the-range kitchen to offer exceptional food produced in-house as well as supporting local artisan suppliers. The cafe serves mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menus Mon-Fri 9am to 4.30pm, with daily specials, and brunch on Saturdays 10am to 3pm.
Clinic: Monday, November 16th, 7.30pm-8pm, Redmond's, Main Street, Bunclody. Enniscorthy Technology Park
Also Takeaway and Outside Catering. https://www.facebook.com/Cafe98Enniscorthy https://www.instagram.com/cafe98enniscorthy
Telephone: 085 1993775
Mobile: 087-6736966 Email: bamurphy@wexfordmcc.ie This is a political advert paid for from my Local Representational Allowance. Visit transparency.fiannafail.ie for details.
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 n Court defence n First-time buyer Residential property n Commercial property Personal injuries n Employment law n Wills We provide a personal service with ongoing direct feedback from the solicitor to the client regarding each case.
This is a political advertisement on behalf of Minister James Browne TD. Visit transparency.fiannafail.ie for details.
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
4th November 2026 - Page 7
slaney slaneyads ad
CHOOSE YOUR PLAYER FROM OUR
271 OPEL SQUAD
€1500 | 0 TRADE UP BONUS*
% HP APR*
|5
YEAR WARRANTY
Finance Example: Opel Frontera Electric SC 113hp. Retail Price† €25,356. Customer deposit / Trade In €9,996.25. Finance Amount €15,359.75. 48 monthly payments of €320. Total Cost of Credit €0. Fixed APR 0%* (Annual Percentage Rate) as at 08/10/2026. †Includes delivery & related charges and VRT rebate and inclusive of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grants. 0% APR cannot be combined with €1500 Trade Up Bonus. Trade Up Bonus available across petrol, diesel, petrol hybrid models. 5 year unlimited mileage warranty available across the passenger car range. Models shown for illustrative purposes only. *Lending criteria terms and conditions apply (Over 18s only). APR is inclusive of a documentation fee of €63.49 and purchase fee of € 12.70. To qualify for this Finance Offer a minimum deposit of 30% is required. Rate quoted is correct as at 08/10/2026 and is subject to change. 0% APR Finance offer available on all new Opel Frontera Electric passenger cars ordered from 08/10/2026 and registered until 31/01/2027 at participating Opel dealers. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c, trading as AIB Finance & Leasing, provides Asset Finance by way of Hire Purchase. Ownership remains with Allied Irish Bank until the final payment is made. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. trading as AIB Finance & Leasing is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
& [[~ F= ELgL[_Ȱ & [[~ F=Ȱ x }&L[ ʚ 0DZǯ ǵǭǮǮDZǰǰ ʚ & [[~ F=ELgL[_ȯ LE
Enjoy the Fun & the Craic at Enniscorthy Track
Group rates available
RACING ON MONDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHTS: RACING IN NOVEMBER: Every Monday First Race 8pm (gates open 7pm), Every Thursday – Note New Start Time – First Race 6.56pm (gates open 6pm). RACING IN DECEMBER: Thursdays 3rd, 10th, 17th First Race 6.56pm (gates open 6pm). Monday 28th First Race 5pm.
Bar and cafe facilities on site. Tote and bookmaker betting. Chester chip van for hot food.
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SEATING Tel: 087 4893859. Follow us on social media for updates ➤ Page 8 - 4th November 2026
slaney ads
Blackstairs Glamping Complimentary bottle of wine with every 2-night stay in October, November, and December 2026. To avail of this offer, simply add Red/White to the special requests section when booking on: https://blackstairsglamping.ie/rooms/pods/
Tel: 053 9233593 www.vtnenniscorthy.ie Email: windmillautos@gmail.com
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 Donanore, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 X6V6 Open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.45pm
Call today 053 9233593
Nestled at the foot of the breathtaking Blackstairs Mountains, these 32 sq.m. pods sleep six people and are fully equipped with all the luxuries you’d expect from a hotel and more! Fully insulated and heated, full kitchen, dining area, and bathroom with shower. Every pod has a bunk bed in a separate room, a double bed, and double sofa bed. All bed linen and towels are provided. Each pod comes with a private hot tub, Wifi, smart TV, private patio area, outdoor furniture, and a communal BBQ area and EV charger. T: 087 448 6103, Mon to Fri, 9am–5pm. E: blackstairsglamping@gmail.com
4th November 2026 - Page 9
slaney ad
Open Night on Tuesday 17th November at 6.30pm. All parents welcome.
Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh All parents are welcome to our Open Night on Tuesday 17th November at 6.30pm. We are also having an official opening of our new Sensory Room at 5.30pm the same evening.
Page 10 - 4th November 2026
slaney ads
ra; Naíon Irish ge ua Lang ool h Presc la “Cúp l”! i Foca
ECCE SCHEME
n: Withi oil c Gaels r thaidh, ó Inis C oold, g Drum or thy. c Ennis
087 0951019 ECCE &ó NCS Scheme
Great services and great offers at Hilltop Dry Cleaners Services: • General Drycleaning • Special Care Drycleaning • Wet Cleaning • Laundry • Ironing • Duvets • Curtains • Wedding Suedes &Dresses Leathers
A warm welcome awaits you from Stephen O’Connor.
Hilltop Dry Cleaners, Duffry Hill, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 9233893. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Closed lunchtime 1.30-2.00pm. Check out: www.drycleanit.ie and bridalgowncleaning.ie
10% OAP discount on all services 4th November 2026 - Page 11
slaney ads
Page 12 - 4th November 2026
slaney ads
This size ad can be yours for just €50+vat. LEADER Funding for Tourism Businesses A total of €470,000 is available to support new and existing rural tourism projects that give visitors a reason to come to Wexford, or to stay longer. Funding of up to €150,000 per project is available to successful applicants.
Telephone Frank at 087-2403310 for more details.
Capital construction projects must be ready to start on site, or at an advanced stage of preparation. Interested applicants should complete and return an Expression of Interest form by Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Further information & EOI form available from: https://wld.ie/programmes/leader-funding-for-enterprises/
4th November 2026 - Page 13
slaney slaney advertorial ad
Santa’s Enchanted Christmas returns to Enniscorthy for 2026 Tickets now on sale for this festive family experience at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre
Santa’s Enchanted Christmas is returning to Enniscorthy’s National 1798 Rebellion Centre on selected dates from 28 November to 23 December 2026, with tickets now on sale. Families are invited to visit Santa HQ for a festive experience featuring a visit to Santa, gifts for children, and opportunities to capture a family Christmas photograph. The Centre will transform into a winter wonderland, bringing Christmas magic to Enniscorthy as Santa and Mrs Claus prepare for the festive season. Visitors can explore the enchanting setting and enjoy seasonal treats at Café 98 during their visit.
Page 14 - 4th November 2026
The main experience lasts approximately 30–45 minutes, with each child and infant receiving a gift from Santa. Families are welcome to take photographs with an elf in Santa’s grotto on hand to help with the family photo. Shorter sensory and infant visits, lasting approximately 15–20 minutes, offer an alternative to the main tour. The festivities also feature ‘Santa Paws’ for visitors interested in including their furry friends in the festive celebrations. Free parking is available on site and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre is wheelchair accessible and has a lift. Visi-
tors can also make a day of their trip by exploring Enniscorthy’s shops, cafés and attractions, including Enniscorthy Castle, which has a discounted rate if you are visiting Santa. Tickets for the main experience cost €26 for children aged 3–15, €17 for infants aged 0–2, and €17 for adults. Children and infants receive a Santa gift; adult tickets do not include a gift. All tickets must be purchased in advance, with no walk-in admission. Available dates, times and booking options can be found at www.santasenchantedchristmas.ie n
slaney ad
4th November 2026 - Page 15
slaney advertorial
Enniscorthy’s dream team Iryina and Elina outside their premises on Castle Hill, Enniscorthy.
Iryina Vinogradova and Elina Ostele. A long-established dressmaking and alterations business at Castle Hill, Enniscorthy, was operated initially by Elina Ostele, and later by Iryina Vinogradova, but now the dynamic duo have joined forces and are bringing their considerable talents to bear on ‘Iryn Vi Sewing and Design Studio’ – their one-stop shop for all your alterations and dress design / dressmaking needs. As a gifted designer, Iryina has showcased her own readyto-wear capsule collections at leading venues all over Europe including London Fashion Week. Elina is well known for designing and making elegant bespoke outfits for every special occasion – weddings, debs, evening wear, racedays, etc. Iryina and Elina look forward to welcoming you to their Enniscorthy premises, or indeed their other shop which is situated at St. Michael’s Road, Gorey. n
Iryn Vi Sewing and Design Sewing: Custom-designed wedding, evening, debs, and special occasion dresses. Professional alteration service. Castle Hill, Enniscorthy. Tel: 085 8161165. Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm. Saturday 10am-2pm Sunday-Monday: Closed. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6157 8704144047 https://www.instagram.com/irynvidesignstudio/ https://www.instagram.com/elina_ostele?vrfl=M WRzM2NhOXJneGV0aQ== A NEW SERVICE: Drop-off and pick-up point for Dee’s Drycleaners.
Page 16 - 4th November 2026
slaney advertorial
For that special occasion...
4th November 2026 - Page 17
slaney advertorial
25 years of Musical Madness
Enniscorthy man Eamonn Doyle recently took the opportunity to look back and trace his and the town’s musical journey, producing the above interesting graphics to illustrate many of the milestones along the way.
Page 18 - 4th November 2026
Eamonn says, “I realised that, incredibly, next year marks 25 years from the tragic events that led me into running gigs. I still think about Billy Dwyer all the time and I dedicate everything I have done on this journey to his memory.
“These events and adventures were created out of LOVE and a desire to share happy days with our community. “I have put the major twists and turns, and ups and downs, into a timeline and I think some of the things achieved (with
slaney advertorial
EAMONN DOYLE LOOKS BACK ON ALMOST 25 YEARS PROMOTING MUSIC IN ENNISCORTHY
the support of so many great people) provide a fitting legacy for my friend.” How many of the timelined events do you remember or perhaps were involved in?
the major contributors but I’m sure I’m forgetting someone and every one of you is important to me. I ask forgiveness if I haven’t credited you as necessary...”
“I have spent time trying to remember all
Eamonn says there will be more content
coming detailing musicians, venues etc, so keep an eye out for all that. And the good news is that Eamonn is planning some big stuff next year to celebrate 25 years, so watch this space! n
4th November 2026 - Page 19
slaney ad
Comhairle Contae
Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93
Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com
Page 20 - 4th November 2026
053 919 6000 www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality
Planning app. lists available at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning
slaney news
Temporary flood measures underway Interim flood relief measures currently being implemented in Enniscorthy will help reduce the extent of any future flooding Enniscorthy might experience, but can’t fully eliminate the risk. Wexford County Council's CEO Eddie Taaffe says €2.6 million received from the OPW is being spent on interim flood defence works which include a raised wall at Abbey Quay, a new wall at the Abbey Square car park, a flood wall at the Island Road car park, temporary bunds around the swimming pool, acquisition of temporary aqua dams which which can help protect the Promenade and Shannon Quay. While they will be of significant help, Mr Taaffe cautions, "I have to be realistic, these interim works won't give the full level of protection and they won't be able to give the level of protection for the very significant flood that we saw in February.” He continues, "When we have the aqua dams in place, we will be running a major emergency exercise in Enniscorthy to ac-
Wexford County Council's CEO Eddie Taaffe.
tually show the people what these temporary protection measures will look like." These interim measures will be in place while the full Flood Relief Scheme progresses slowly through its various stages: Phase 1 – Bridgeworks. This phase of the project will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. Public consultation on the preferred option for
Phase 1 took place late last year. An application for planning approval for Phase 1 is to be submitted in Q1 2027. That planning application will take a year to secure a decision, and, if approved, the work itself will take several years. Phase 2 – Flood Relief Works. If planning permission is eventually granted, this phase of the scheme (including the implementation of the main flood relief measures for the town) will then take several years to complete. n
Welcome news... Congrats Paddy Blueway at Bunclody: A joint application by Wexford County Council and Carlow County Council has been submitted for Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funding to undertake a feasibility study for a Blueway along the River Slaney between Tullow and Bunclody. The study will assess potential routes, access points and infrastructure requirements, informing future funding applications and project development. The project reflects both Councils’ commitment to enhancing recreation, tourism, and sustainable use of the river corridor. Water Refill Stations: Three new Water Refill Stations will be installed at the following locations in Enniscorthy. 1. The Enniscorthy Library entrance. 2. The Promenade Walk. 3. Templeshannon at the entrance to the Waterfront Pool and Leisure Centre. These refill stations will provide free access to drinking water, helping to reduce single-use plastic waste and support a more sustainable environment for residents and visitors alike. Thanks to the Climate Action Team in Wexford Co. Council for funding these water stations. n
Congrats to Enniscorthy’s Paddy Redmond – winner of the recent Safety/Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year, being presented with his award by Vicky Barron, Mayor of Wexford.
4th November 2026 - Page 21
slaney slaney advertorial ad
GLAMPING IN THE BLACKSTAIRS and get a FREE bottle of wine! Blackstairs Glamping is a newly opened facility nestled at the foot of the breathtaking Blackstairs Mountains. The 32 sq.m. pods sleep six people and are fully equipped with all the luxuries you’d expect from a hotel and more! Each is fully insulated and heated, with full kitchen, dining area, and bathroom with shower. Every pod has a bunk bed in a separate room, a double bed, and double sofa bed. All bed linen and towels are provided. Each pod comes with a private hot tub, Wifi, smart TV, private patio area, outdoor furniture, and a communal BBQ area and EV charger. Whether you want to unwind in the hot tub, wake up to birdsong, or stargaze in silence, this is an idyllic space to rest, recharge, and return to what matters. Email: blackstairsglamping@gmail.com Tel: 087 448 6103, Mon to Fri, 9am–5pm. n
Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine with every two-night stay this October, November and December. To avail of this offer, simply add ‘red’ or ‘white’ to the special requests section when booking on: https://blackstairsglamping.ie/rooms/pods/
Page 22 - 4th November 2026
slaney news
STRONG HOUSING PERFORMANCE Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has highlighted Wexford housing completion figures showing a record number of over 870 homes built in the first nine months of this year – a 20% increase compared to Q1-Q3 of 2025 when 729 homes were completed.
I am taking nothing for granted, but as a key indicator of where we are at, it demonstrates that our policies are translating into real progress on the ground, delivering more homes and putting keys in people's hands.
More homes have now been completed in Wexford in the first nine months of the year than in any equivalent period since the CSO series first began.
“Momentum is strong, but we cannot ease off. As Minister, I will continue to take every action necessary to increase housing supply in Wexford and build on this progress well into next year and beyond.”
In Q3 alone, 314 new homes have been completed, an increase of 12.9% compared with the same period in 2025, when 278 homes were completed.
In Wexford in the first nine months of the year, there were 503 scheme dwelling completions, 208 single dwelling completions, and 85 apartments completed.
With housing completions traditionally strongest in the closing months of the year, this record level of delivery in the first nine months provides a solid basis for a strong year of housing delivery in 2026.
Minister Browne has welcomed strong house completion figures for Co. Wexford.
Minister Browne said: “It is once again greatly encouraging to see record numbers of homes being completed in Wexford as we approach the end of the year. While this progress is encouraging,
Nationally, between January and September of this year, 26,833 new homes have been completed, marking an increase of 10.6% compared with the same period in 2025, when 24,256 homes were completed. n
munities, undermines town and village centres, and removes muchneeded homes from use, and it is something this Government will not tolerate.
through the scheme. That represents families, homebuyers and renters who now have access to homes that may otherwise have remained vacant, while also helping to revitalise communities.”
“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is delivering real results right across Wexford, with more than 250 homes now brought back into use
Nationally, the scheme has now helped bring 7,162 vacant and derelict properties back into use, backed by over €396 million in grant funding. n
Tackling dereliction Latest figures reveal over 250 vacant and derelict Co. Wexford properties were brought back into use through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Gran. In total, the scheme has now helped bring 257 vacant and derelict Wexford properties back into use, backed by over €14.4 million in grant funding. Demand also remains strong in Wexford with 700 applications received and 551 approvals granted since the launch of the scheme in 2022. In the third quarter of this year, the scheme maintained its strong performance supporting the refurbishment of 26 vacant and derelict homes between July and September with 44 grant approvals during the same period. Commenting on these latest figures, Minister James Browne TD said: "Dereliction is a scourge that blights com-
4th November 2026 - Page 23
slaney slaneynews ad
Captain Wafer Hall officially Spring Valley, Templeshannon, reopens Enniscorthy, 12th October 2026
L-R: Eddie Taaffe (CEO, Wexford Co. Council), Brian Kehoe (CEO, Wexford Local Development), Claire Lawless (Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Niamh Hogan (Enniscorthy Community Alliance), Irene Cadogan (Enniscorthy Community Alliance), Carolyne Godkin (Wexford Co. Council), Minister James Browne TD, Paddy Wildes (Captain Wafer Hall committee), Lisa McDonald (Cathaoirleach, Wexford Co. Council), Cllr Pat Kehoe (Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District), Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Trish Byrne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Aidan Browne.
The historic Captain Wafer Hall at Spring Valley, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, officially re-opened as a vibrant Community and Eco Hub on 12th October 2026. Enniscorthy Community Alliance (ECA) hosted the official reopening with Minister James Browne TD in attendance to deliver the main address and perform the official ministerial launch on behalf of fellow Minister Dara Calleary and his Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
The historic hall, originally built by local volunteers in the 1950s, served as the heart of Templeshannon for decades before standing vacant for over two years and remaining inactive as a community space for more than 15 years. Its revitalisation was made possible through €98,000 in funding from the Community Recognition Fund 2024, awarded by the Dept of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Known locally as ‘The Hut’, the renewed facility will operate as a versatile community venue supporting local group rentals, training, circular economy workshops, household energy advice, and community integration.
ting Enniscorthy’s ongoing regeneration efforts. Dr. Irene Cadogan, Director of Enniscorthy Community Alliance, then presented an overview of the restoration project, outlining the strategic vision for the hall as an inclusive space for education, sustainability, and social connection.
Pic: Enjoy Enniscorthy
The official launch proceedings commenced with a welcome address from Cllr. Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council. Cllr. Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, offered remarks highlighting the local significance of returning the landmark to active community use.
Since soft-launching in recent months, Captain Wafer Hall has already hosted yoga classes, sewing workshops, sustainability events, choir practices, and local group meetings. Future plans for the hall include replacing the roof and installing solar panels to advance local decarbonisation and energy independence.
L-R: Enniscorthy Community Alliance staff members Greta Roberts-Tyrell and Rosie Murphy with ECA directors Irene Cadogan and Niamh Hogan.
Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, detailed the vital role of the local authority in suppor-
www.enniscorthycommunityalliance.org Email: office@enniscorthycommunityalliance.org n
Page 24 - 4th November 2026
“While the major work is complete, keeping the lights and heating on remains a challenge – especially now. We are committed to keeping rental costs as low as possible so that the hall remains accessible to everyone in our community, so please keep us in mind if you ever have a few spare euro to contribute,” said Dr. Cadogan. https://gofund.me/e825ca707
slaney news
Above and below: Attendees at the official reopening. Left: Minister James Browne TD with Enniscorthy Community Alliance board members Seamus Whitney, Niamh Hogan, Brian Kehoe, and Irene Cadogan.
4th November 2026 - Page 25
slaney slaneynews ad
NEARLY A YEAR ON – AND ARE WE ANY FURTHER FORWARD? Nearly a year ago, local man Patrick Higgins began campaigning about the need for defibrillators/AEDs to be easily found on Google Maps and for the different AED databases and organisations across the country to be better joined up. Unfortunately, Patrick has seen very little movement on this campaign since then. Patrick says, “There are thousands of defibrillators around Ireland, many bought and maintained by local communities, sports clubs, businesses, schools, and voluntary groups. The National Ambulance Service also maintains a register of publicly accessible AEDs and can direct emergency callers to a nearby device. “However, from a member of the public's point of view, the question is simple. If someone collapses from a cardiac arrest, can I quickly find the nearest available defibrillator? “Every minute matters. “This isn't about who owns the database, who gets the credit, or which organisation's system is used. It's about joining up the information so that com-
munities, emergency services, and the public can find these life-saving devices when they are needed.” Patrick says, “I'd love to hear from AED groups, Community First Responders, CFR organisations, local community
groups, and anyone involved in AED registration or mapping who would be interested in sitting down together and seeing if we can work towards a more joined-up approach.” For more information, click this link n
DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS Founded in the 1990s, Amnesty International Wexford Group is one of eight Amnesty groups around Ireland contributing to that organisation’s tireless work in defending human rights all over the world. This friendly and energetic group of local people holds monthly meetings at 6.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month in the lobby/coffee dock in Whites of Wexford hotel. They raise local awareness about human rights, organise events and stalls and film nights, fundraise, and campaign by letter-writing and lobbying. Due to the ongoing violence towards the Palestinian people, the daily killings, the restrictions on aid leading to hunger, the destruction of UNRWA buildings, and the blatant disregard for ceasefires by the Israeli government, the group has resumed its presence on the first Thursday of each month in Redmond Square between 6.30pm and 7pm. The next gathering will be on Thursday 5th November. The group invites all to attend, “It
Page 26 - 4th November 2026
Amnesty International Wexford Group’s recent ‘Picnic Against Apartheid’
would be great if you could join us to express solidarity with the Palestinian people who are suffering so much.” Amnesty International's founder Peter Benenson once said, "Only when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will our work be done." Amnesty International Wexford Group is always keen to have new people join the group so please message them through their Facebook or Instagram pages. n
slaney news
Enniscorthy strikes gold 3 years in a row
Phil, Elita, and Jonathon representing Enniscorthy at the national Tidy Towns Awards last month. Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group is delighted with winning gold for the third year in a row, in this year’s national Tidy Towns Awards saying, “A big massive thank you to all our volunteers and everyone supporting us. It’s making a difference.” The group is also very proud of its two special awards: • Large town pollinators regional • EPA highly commended award Big congratulations also to all the other tidy towns groups in the county as the county brought home 6 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal in total. Make sure to read page 42 for more details. n
Congratulations to the New Ross Tidy Towns Committee and all those involved in achieving a prestigious Gold Medal in the 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns National Competition. The award marks a remarkable milestone for New Ross, which has progressed from having no medal ranking just four years ago to now securing Gold status on the national stage. It is a significant recognition of the dedication, commitment, and community spirit that has driven ongoing efforts to enhance the town and make it an attractive place to live, work, and visit. The achievement reflects the combined efforts of the New Ross Tidy Towns Committee, volunteers, local residents, community groups, schools, businesses, and the staff of the New Ross Municipal District, all of whom have worked tirelessly to improve and maintain the town’s public spaces, streetscapes, biodiversity initiatives, and overall presentation. n
4th November 2026 - Page 27
slaney slaneynews ad slaney news
Enniscorthy’s additional Gardaí The 207 probationer Gardaí attested last month is the largest single cohort to pass out from Templemore since 2019. With these new members, An Garda Síochána now stands at 14,825 sworn Gardaí, the highest number in the history of the force. Seventy-six are going to the Eastern Region, which includes the Wexford/Wicklow Division, with two assigned to Enniscorthy Garda station. Budget 2027 provides funding to support the recruitment of up to 1,000 new Gardaí next year. Senator Cathal Byrne has welcomed the allocation of two newly attested Gardaí
Senator Cathal Byrne
to Enniscorthy Garda Station. “I welcome the two new Gardaí assigned to Enniscorthy Garda Station and wish them the
very best in their new careers. I will continue to push for more Gardaí for the town and the wider area,” Senator Byrne said. n
Pettitt’s revamp – final touches Pettitt’s Enniscorthy’s revamp is almost complete, and doesn’t it look well with new homes for fruit & veg, Pettitt’s Kitchen and Pettitt’s Cook at Home, along with a new bakery. Make sure to pop in and check out the new-look store for yourself. n
Page 28 - 4th November 2026
slaney news
THE END OF AN ERA Last month saw the retirement of Mr Leigh Rogers as Principal of St Patrick's School in Enniscorthy having served in that important role for the last twelve years, and taking the school from its less than ideal premises on Bohreen Hill to a fabulous state-of-the-art building at Drumgoold, Enniscorthy. Prior to his tenure at St Patrick's, New Ross resident Leigh served in Jonah Special School, Slieverue, and at Donard, Poulpeasty. Leigh in his retirement speech spoke lovingly of St Patrick's School which, he said, "restores my faith in humanity" in these troubling times all over the world. Fr Tom Dalton provided a Retirement Blessing, and new Principal Sarah Doyle provided a humorous look back over Leigh's twelve years at the helm. Members of the school's Board of Management (Julie Breen, Chairperson Judy Heffernan, and Elaine Tonks) were on hand to present Leigh with a wonderful piece of art to remember the school by. To finish off the happy and emotional occasion, Leigh planted a tree in the school grounds in the company of new Principal Sarah, school caretaker Mick Sinnott, and Leigh's wife Linda and son Aidan. We wish Leigh and his family many years of happy and healthy retirement. n Top: Leigh Rogers speaking on the occasion of his retirement. Right: New Principal Sarah Doyle at the tree planting with Leigh Rogers. Below: Staff members with Leigh.
Above: Board of Management members Julie Breen, Chairperson Judy Heffernan, and Elaine Tonks were on hand to present Leigh with a wonderful piece of art . Below: Leigh with his son Aidan and his wife Linda.
Leigh with school caretaker Mick Sinnott.
4th November 2026 - Page 29
slaneynews ad slaney
Slices of Life
An occasional column in which our special correspondent Atticus catches people doing good things and not so good things!
History and Heritage from Mid-Wexford A horse-drawn coach, seen with its ghostly driver ceaselessly flailing the horses with his whip, drove at speed through Tomfarney at midnight towards Raheennahoon Hill [The name Raheennahoon may come from the Irish Gaelic Ráithín na hUamh or rath or ringfort of the cave]. The late Toddy Dillon saw ‘the bough’ (in other parts of the county she was known as ‘the banshee’) combing her hair on a stone stile beside Lar Nolan’s lane at Old Galbally one night. The sight of ‘the bough’ or ‘the banshee’ combing her hair meant that someone in the locality was going to die soon. If you had a toothache, you could get it cured by going to ‘the blessed well’ (also known as ‘holy well’ beside the standing stones of ‘the Giant’s Grave’ at Barmoney and the site of what may have been the Catholic church of Kilcowenbeg). Those were just three of many stories about the twilight times of the 1950s and 1960s in mid County Wexford remembered by members of the Ballyhogue Galbally Active Retired Association (ARA) when they met at the Galbally Sports and Leisure Club. Most of the members are in their 70s. John Carr, Peace Commissioner, of Crossabeg/Castlebridge/Wales/Ballyhogue connection is secretary of the ARA group who meet at the Galbally club every Tuesday morning except Tuesdays after Bank Holidays.
ARA members at Galbally Sports and Leisure Club, L-R: Ann Fenlon, Mary Brennan, Mary Kennedy, Katav’zyna Glebocke, Catherine Redmond, Maura English, Mary Power, Margaret O’Leary and John Carr PC.
separately considering the history and heritage of an area encompassing Bree, Ballyhogue, Galbally, Glynn, Killurin, and across the Slaney to Crossabeg and Castlebridge. Their reasoning is that the rich lore and facts about this particular history-saturated rural area of the county have been neglected in documentation and in photographs. Their purpose is to gather the facts, mixed with fantasies and mythology, to create a small booklet or series of booklets, videos, and audios of stories of the history and heritage of the region for the present and the next generations.
It’s the memories that matter in customer relations. People carry them long after they have left. A radio and television journalist and Old Att went to the Ashdown Park Hotel on the Dublin side of Gorey for a chat. We found two comfortable chairs with a table
Their plans deserve serious attention. If we don’t record and preserve those memories, whether they be fact or fiction or fantasy, they’ll be lost forever, depriving the present and the next generations of values, their culture, their history, and the real meaning of their lives.
They include retired nurses, teachers, farmers, office workers, academics – one a native of Poland and another of Switzerland – who gather to do arts and crafts, chat about the economy and important community and domestic matters, have tea or do whatever takes their fancy.
Customer Relations at the Ashdown Park
Their focus is mainly on arts and crafts, crochet, sewing, and knitting but they are
Tony O'Reilly, then CEO and chairman of the H.J. Heinz Company, explained brand
Page 30 - 4th November 2026
loyalty. True loyalty is someone wanting to buy Heinz baked beans and finding it out of stock in a shop, rather than simply switching to a competitor's brand on the shelf, will walk out empty-handed to find it in another shop a mile away.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
L-R: Sophie and Anita at the Ashdown Park Hotel.
slaney news between them near the splendid tea/coffee dock and minded that spot for the two hours of our conversation on serious matters affecting the poorer people of Ireland.
Stone Seats for Crossabeg Celebs
Even those nearby could not hear what we were saying, which is a bonus when you are talking about Ministers and affairs of State.
Two names synonymous with the fame of their parish are now etched at last on stone seats on the roadside beside Foley’s public house in Crossabeg village.
We approached the bright and appealing coffee dock in the corner and the warm smile and welcome of greeting from Anita and Sophie told us we were in the right place. They cared about their customers and it was evident with their ready greetings and attentive smiles. “Good morning, lovely day, what may I get you, we have some lovely cakes!” They delivered the tea (the right tea) and cappuccino as swift as homing pigeons and replenished them immediately when we needed them. They ‘looked after’ us.
One is that of the late Jim (“The Lamb”) Doyle of Garrywilliam, who was a ‘quiet unassuming wise man’ highly regarded for observations on people and changes in the locality and for his ready use of quips and witticisms to describe them.
They didn’t realise they were attending to the needs of a famished celeb, but they maintained their pleasantness as though it was just part of their lives.
skills as an author, she is accomplished at that too. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Old friends: Mairéad O’Gorman, author, and Mary D’Arcy, National President ICA
Late Late Show and in the world-famous series Hands by David Shaw-Smith for her embroidery, and as an author of her children’s book, Mr and Mrs Blue Tit, on the RTÉ Nationwide programme. She has now completed the manuscript for an illustrated book containing her masterclasses on embroidery and is awaiting publication in the near future.
As Tony O’Reilly might have encouraged, we’ll walk the extra mile to get to the Ashdown Park for their attention and care for customers no matter who they are.
In their meeting they chatted about people they knew and events they attended and another common interest – good books and the meanings of words.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Mairéad had come across a sesquipedalian word that she saw on ‘The Chase’ on television. Quick as a flash, Mary found the meaning on her smartphone. It was ‘librocubicularist’, which means ‘one who reads books in bed’. Mairéad has now discovered that in addition to her many other
ICA President Mary Meets Old Friend Mairéad A common interest brought Mary D’Arcy, the national President of the ICA and Mairéad O’Gorman, author and master of a traditional Irish craft, together at the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy. Both are keenly interested in the art and science of creating beautiful Irish embroidery.
The seat beside his commemorates Bob Lambert, the Sinn Fein Anti-Treaty TD for Wexford who was more widely known as the commanding officer of the Old IRA Kyle Flying Squad which among several ambushes derailed the Rosslare to Dublin train at Killurin during the Irish Civil War in July 1922. He was TD for Wexford from 1923 to 1927. Commemorated also on the seat is his wife Ellen née Walsh of Kereight, Ballyhogue. Colm Lambert, grandson of Bob, and Ned Doyle, older brother of Jim, together built the stone seats made of local bits and pieces of granite and other stone which they ‘picked up here and there’ in Crossabeg over a number of years. They had noted that despite the contribution of so many Crossabeg people to the county and the freedom of the country, there was little to commemorate that contribution, to inform visitors or to hand on
They have known each other for a lifetime from the times of Mairéad’s masterclasses in which she taught hundreds of ICA members how to use needles and thread and pieces of fabric to create pieces of art that now colourfully adorn many kitchens and bedrooms in homes throughout Ireland. Mary from Rathpierce, Gorey, and Mairéad from Caroreigh, Taghmon, together talked the technical language of the craft such as ‘sprigging’ and ‘cutwork’ and ‘redwork’ as if they were discussing the parts of a rocket about to be launched from NASA for Mars. Mairéad has been featured on the RTÉ
Members of the Lambert family of County Wexford commemorating their grandfather Bob Lambert, the commanding officer of the anti-Treaty Old IRA Kyle Flying Column in the Irish Civil War of 1922- 1923. L-R: Dr Bobby Lambert, Enda Lambert, Peter Daly, Finbarr Lambert, Máire Lambert, Rob (also known as Bob) Lambert, Colm Lambert, Robert Lambert, Dympna Farrell (née Lambert), Brenda Fox (née) Lambert, and Freda Murray, née Daly.
4th November 2026 - Page 31
slaney slaneynews ad
Above left: Colm Lambert and Ned Doyle in Lusaka, Zambia. Above right: Side by side. Stone seats commemorating Jim (The Lamb) Doyle and Bob Lambert TD.
knowledge of their history to the next generations. Members of the world-wide Lambert clan joined members of the Doyle family for an unveiling of the seats. Among them were Ned Doyle, Caroline Doyle and Bridget Doyle, and another grandson of the late Bob, Dr Bobby Lambert, an engineer who for many years led agri-rural development projects in Africa for the government there and for the third-world agency Concern Worldwide. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The Young Farmers who Know their Ag Wexford got the soubriquet “The Model County” because of its reputation across Europe for its progressive farming methods and exports back in the 1800s. It may be because in Bannow, County Wexford, in 1821, the Revd William Hickey (alias Martin Doyle) on a small farm given by the Boyse family there, formed Ireland’s first agricultural school. But the farmers of back then were not even half as educated or trained as the young farmers of today. Today’s young farmers are wicked smart.
Teagasc and Trinity and NESC reports show that young farmers of today who have a second or third level education and training can make double or treble the average income of those who do not. To succeed or even survive, today’s young farmer, all rolled into one multi-skilled human, must become an analytical thinker and planner, economist, accountant, political activist, lawyer, veterinary expert, environmentalist, soil scientist, weather expert, social worker, and a filler of many forms. That’s apart from knowing how to drive a huge costly tractor and become a mechanic when it breaks down. Most of today’s young farmers who are graduates of agricultural colleges and Macra education programmes are so smart and level-headed that they could run the country if they were let. See if you can answer six of the hundreds of questions posed to competitors in the
Macra Know Your Ag competition. Answers below upside down. 1. Who is the IFA deputy president? 2. What county has most hectares of tillage crops? 3. Which sector of farming has been opened to applicants for the Organic Scheme in 2026? 4. What is the cut proposed for the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) from 2028 to 2035 by the EU’s Budget Commissioner, Piotr Serafin A. 20%, B. 25%, C. 30% or D. 35%? 5. What was the average price for a Friesian bull calf under six weeks in 2025, according to the Irish Farmer’s Journal analysis? 6. At what age will a ewe have a full set of teeth? Easy? And less so if you have to answer hundreds of similar questions in an hour! n
L-R: Gary Murphy, Kieran Banville, Barry Murphy, and David Finn.
Four Bree Macra members have won this year’s County Macra Know your Ag competition. They are Gary Murphy, Kieran Banville, Barry Murphy, and David Finn. They probably know one hundred times what their great grandparents knew and they’re ten thousand times better for it.
Page 32 - 4th November 2026
Answers: 1. Alice Doyle, 2. Wexford, 3. Tillage, 4. 20 per cent, 5. €209, 6. Four years.
Few farmers even in the 1950s had an education beyond national school. At best 10 per cent had a second-level education. Their inability to adopt technical innovations was because they had been to national school only.
slaney news
Annual Youth Conference of Wexford Comhairle na nÓg The Annual Youth Conference of Wexford Comhairle na nÓg was held on October 22nd in the Council Chamber of County Hall. More than 100 young people from secondary schools and youth organisations across County Wexford attended. This collaborative event was organised by the FDYS and Wexford County Council to celebrate young peoples’ voices in County Wexford. The Annual Youth Conference is a chance for young people to be heard. Delegates discussed a wide range of issues affecting young people and the impact on their lives, while identifying ways in which Comhairle na nÓg can address these issues. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Councillor Lisa McDonald opened the event. “Young voices are essential in shaping the policies of local government. As Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council I am delighted to support this continued partnership with Comhairle na nÓg which has gone from strength to strength. We encourage young people’s views and take them on board when developing policies for the betterment of the lives of all the citizens of County Wexford.” New members were elected to the current committee and together they will
represent young people in County Wexford for 2026 – 2027. The group will examine the issues identified at the Conference and see what measures could be put in place to ensure decision makers create opportunities for young people to have their say in the type of society they want to live in. Avril O’Sullivan, Comhairle na nÓg CoOrdinator, said, “Comhairle na nÓg provides young people with local and national opportunities to have their ideas included in the design and delivery of policies, strategies, and services. Young people volunteer their time, effort, and skills to make meaningful change. Wexford Comhairle na nÓg is currently working on the issue of youth health and are making efforts to achieve positive change in this complex area. Through their participation in Comhairle the young people form new friendships, enhance their teamwork, communication, public speaking, and research skills, and of course have fun.” Director of Services for Wexford County
Council Carolyne Godkin said, “Comhairle na nÓg (CNN) is the recognised structure for participation by children and young people in local decision making across all 31 local authorities of the country. It’s vital that young people know that their opinions, views, and ideas are being taken seriously in the decisions impacting them every day. Comhairle na nÓg gives them real input into policies on critical issues like community safety, climate change, diversity, and inclusion. This year members of CNN collaborated with the Wexford Mental Health Services Working Group to develop the Adolescent Mental Health Survey which was launched on the 10th of September. The results of the survey will be used to inform the CNN as well as contributing to policy and service development through the regional health forum structure. I would like to thank the young people who take the time to become involved in Comhairle to represent the views of their peers; our facilitation partner, FDYS; Youth Work Ireland; the Children and Young Peoples Services Committee; Wexford Waterford Education & Training Board and other agencies who help to provide a cohesive approach to youth participation in the county and to progressing topics of importance to young people.” n
Arts & Amenities Grants and Residential Grants Enniscorthy Municipal District is delighted to continue supporting local communities through its Amenity & Arts Grant Scheme and the Residents Association Grant Scheme, providing vital funding for projects that enhance our towns, villages and neighbourhoods. AMENITY & ARTS GRANT SCHEME • 118 applications were received in 2026. • Over €55,000 has been awarded to date to more than 100 community
and voluntary groups, sports teams, and drama groups. RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION GRANT SCHEME • 18 applications were approved in 2026. • A total of €10,800 has been awarded to date. These schemes play a hugely important role in supporting community organisations, voluntary groups, and residents who work tirelessly to improve their local areas. Funding assists with projects that enhance public spaces, promote arts and
culture, encourage community participation, and help create cleaner, safer and more vibrant neighbourhoods for everyone to enjoy. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by applicants each year demonstrates the strength of community spirit across the Enniscorthy area. Thank you to all the groups and residents who applied, and for the invaluable work you do in your communities. These schemes will be advertised again early in 2027. n
4th November 2026 - Page 33
slaney slaneynews ad
€1.6m for mental health welcomed Wexford Mental Health Working Group has welcomed the announcement on 8th October 2026 of €1.6 million in government funding for services in the county.
experiencing distress. The Solace Café in Wexford will provide a welcoming, community-based, and non-clinical environment where people experiencing mental health distress can access support.
Chairperson of the working group, Councillor AoifeRose O'Brien, says this investment is a testament to the work they have undertaken to date. She adds, "This funding will deliver three important new services, a €1 million Crisis Resolution Team, a Solace Café, and a specialist mental health nursing team at Wexford General Hospital. This is a significant investment in the mental health and wellbeing of people across our county and, importantly, it will provide additional support for people when they need it most.”
Specialist Crisis Nursing Teams provide dedicated, out-of-hours mental health support in Emergency Departments for people presenting in crisis.
Crisis Resolution Teams provide specialist, out-of-hours support for people experiencing a mental health crisis, offering rapid assessment and intensive intervention in the community and providing an alternative to the Emergency Department. The new Crisis Resolution Team in
Co. Wexford will provide rapid assessment and intensive short-term support to people experiencing an acute mental health crisis, including support in the community and, where appropriate, in people's own homes. This has the potential to provide an important alternative to hospital admission in some circumstances. Solace Cafés are free, out-of-hours, nonclinical mental health crisis supports, providing a safe and welcoming alternative to an Emergency Department for adults
Cllr O’Brien says, “Mental health is not a 9-to-5 issue, and this café will provide support particularly during evenings and weekends. Having an accessible alternative to attending an emergency department can make a real difference to someone experiencing a crisis. While we welcome this news, we must remember that this is not the finish line for what our county needs. We need our dedicated crisis unit to be delivered, to care for all ages and not just over 18s. We need further investment into staffing, ensuring there are no vacant posts and ultimately, no person in crisis unable to receive lifesaving treatment." n
A NEW RECOVERY MEETING IN ENNISCORTHY Recovery Self Help Method Ireland is delighted to announce a brand-new, free weekly meeting in Enniscorthy. Meetings take place every Monday at 7.30pm in the Legion of Mary Hall, Convent Road, Enniscorthy, Y21 KN81 (opposite Pettitt’s SuperValu). Meetings offer support for people experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, anger, insomnia, and nervousness. Free • Confidential • Adults 18+ welcome. No referral necessary. More Information: Charles Kelly Group Area Leader Recovery Ireland Bridge House Cherry Orchard Hospital Dublin 10 Tel: (086) 8279374 Email: charlesrecoveryireland.ie@gmail.com www.RecoveryIreland.ie n
Page 34 - 4th November 2026
slaney news
Mass in Ballindaggin for North World Mental Health Week Wexford healthcare progress Sinn Fein TD Fionntan Ó Súilleabháin has welcomed long-awaited healthcare breakthroughs for North Wexford including a series of crucial healthcare infrastructure updates confirmed at last month’s Health Service Executive (HSE) meeting.
The annual Mental Health Commemoration and Awareness Mass took place in St. Colman’s Church, Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, on Saturday evening, 10th October 2026, as part of World Mental Health Week.
Organised by Patrick Hipwell and community members to raise awareness, remember loved ones lost, and end the stigma surrounding mental health, the occasion also encouraged all present to be more supportive of those facing difficulties. n
The Deputy says the Gorey Primary Care Centre is moving ahead and has welcomed this. The location will be revealed around the beginning of this month after a long 16 years of campaigning. Once operational, the facility will house crucial local specialist services, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Children’s Disability Network (CDNT). The deputy also welcomed progress on a permanent local ambulance base which has taken a significant step forward with the formal planning application submitted on 23rd September. Following a projected four-month turnaround, the project will advance to Stage 2c planning and design. Construction crews are expected to be onsite by the first quarter of 2028. n
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
Above: L-R: Cameron Shannon, Cllr Ray Shannon, Paddy Hipwell (organiser), Verona Murphy TD (Ceann Comhairle) and Liz and Rachel Doyle. Below: L-R: George Lawlor TD, Paddy Hipwell (organiser), Verona Murphy TD (Ceann Comhairle), Cllr Pat Kehoe (Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District), and Brian Brennan TD.
Sinn Fein TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin
4th November 2026 - Page 35
slaney slaneynews ad
Wexford General Hospital Annual Service of Remembrance
All are invited to a Community Safety Expo in Enniscorthy
Wexford General Hospital is holding its annual Service of Remembrance at Clonard Church, Wexford, on Thursday 12th November 2026 at 7.30pm. All who have experienced a bereavement are welcome and this event is open to people of all faiths and of none. Tea and coffee will be served afterwards. The purpose of the service is to provide an opportunity for bereaved families and hospital staff to come together to remember loved ones who died at Wexford General Hospital or loved ones who died elsewhere but who had a significant connection with the hospital. Feedback from families, staff, and the public has been very positive and it appears that this upcoming event has really struck a chord with all involved. Wexford General Hospital is one of over 40 hospitals taking part in the Hospice Friendly Hospitals (HFH) Programme, an initiative of the Irish Hospice Foundation since 2007, whose main aim is to improve the culture of care delivered at end of life in Ireland, so that patients, families and staff all benefit. Wexford General Hospital would also like to inform people about the Bereavement Support Line which is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, on 1800 80 70 77. This is a national Freephone service that has been set up by the Irish Hospice Foundation, in partnership with the HSE, to provide connection, comfort and support for those grieving in these exceptional times. For more information visit www.hospicefoundation.ie. A Standing Committee for End of Life Care was set up in Wexford General Hospital in 2007 to look at ways to improve the way care is delivered at end of life on a hospital-wide basis – this work is ongoing. In addition to organising the Service of Remembrance annually, the work has included initiatives such as the sending of sympathy cards, refurbishments to the mortuary and relatives’ rooms, sourcing written bereavement information for relatives, developing education programmes for staff, and working towards compliance with the Quality Standards for End-of-life Care in Hospitals (HFH, 2012). n
Page 36 - 4th November 2026
Wexford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) would like to invite you to a major event taking place on 25th November 2026 at the Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy. A Community Safety Expo will run from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, and within that schedule WLCSP will host a Partnership Public Meeting and launch its 3-Year Plan (from 2:30pm – 4:00pm) with guests from the National Office for Community Safety/ Dept. of Justice, An Garda Síochána and Wexford County Council. n
slaney news
Snippets... VINEGAR HILL New pathways and seating have been provided over recent months, along with new panels detailing the experience of the battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798 in both Irish and English. Parking and access improvements to Vinegar Hill are being investigated by Wexford Co. Council (WCC). The Enniscorthy East Community Development Association believes it has identified a site that could be used to allow access to the Hill for buses etc, and could potentially house a new welcome centre/coffee shop/toilets, etc and have contacted EMD officials about it. ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY WELLBEING & ACTIVITY GARDEN This new green space, including an amphitheatre, is a vibrant community hub that is safe, accessible and welcoming to all. Some months ago, a new walking route around St. John’s Community Hospital campus was officially opened. MARKET SQUARE AND CASTLE QUARTER PROJECTS The Part 8 process for the Market Square project concluded on 9th September 2024, with the Council approving the scheme with amendments to address matters raised during the public consultation process. The design of the scheme has been amended to reflect the outcome of the Part 8 process. The Part 8 process for the Enniscorthy Castle Quarter project was successfully concluded on 13th April 2026.The Castle nightclub has been acquired, and a CPO process to acquire other adjacent lands is also in progress. Consultants for detailed design, procurement, and works supervision have been appointed with work to begin immediately. The Market Square and Town Centre Regeneration Project, along with the enabling and demolition works for the Castle Quarter project, have been provisionally granted €9m under Call 1 of the Town and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. The main work on the Castle Quarter project will involve a future major funding submission to the Town and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund to allow that work to proceed.
ENNISCORTHY FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME The Scheme is now proceeding on a phased basis. Phase 1 – Bridgeworks. This phase of the project will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. Public consultation on the preferred option for Phase 1 took place late last year. An application for planning approval for Phase 1 is to be submitted in Q1 2027. Refinement of the design of the proposed pedestrian bridge is being carried out to enhance the structure visually. Traffic modelling is being carried for the revised road layouts and traffic management following the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and the provision of the new Road Bridge. The design team had preapplication meeting with MARA to discuss Marine Area Consent (MAC). MARA indicated that the application for a MAC can run concurrently with the planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP). A request for a Pre Application Consultation has been submitted to ACP. Phase 2 – Flood Relief Works. This phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for the town. The next steps are: Assess alternative design options in detail and shortlist these for consultation. Identify the preferred scheme to be brought forward for planning. Decide the appropriate planning route. Prepare planning documents and submit for planning approval. Ecology surveys are being kept up to date, such as wintering bird surveys. The Scheme has a total approved budget of €51m approx. On completion, it is expected to protect 326 properties – 159 homes and 167 businesses. BUNCLODY PARK A 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 at the end of February. WCC Property Section has signed contracts with the landowner to acquire lands for this project. Wexford County Council has appointed MGM Quantity Surveyors to prepare an Order of Magnitude cost estimate, to prepare for application for funds under the next Town and Villages funding call.
Wexford Co. Council expects physical work on the ground in the Market Square to commence in about nine months time.The old Castle nighclub is expected to be demolished in Q2 next year to allow archaeology and further design work to proceed.
Funding for this project will be sought under the current open Town and Villages Renewal call. The application deadline is January 22nd 2027. A design team will also be appointed around that time.The proposed project will include the construction of new accessible public toilet and a Changing Places facility.
TEMPLESHANNON REGENERATION PROJECT:
PAIRC NA GABHAR BUNCLODY
Consultants for preliminary design, planning, detailed design, procurement, and works supervision have been appointed – the same consultants as for the Market Square scheme above. A successful application was submitted on 1st May 2026 for the project as part of the Category 1A Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund call with funding of €150,000 being secured to cover project development and design team fees. The consultants are being pressed to have plans ready for the January meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, with a view to going for planning permission by the end of Q1 2027.
Part 8 Planning Permission was granted on 13th April 2026. The project will progress when funding is sourced.
CCTV A total of 22 CCTV cameras have been installed at different locations within Enniscorthy Town. The system is now live. Bunclody CCTV: Expected to commence operation is late November 2026.
RAFTER STREET PEDESTRIANISATION EMD is strictly enforcing the pedestrianisation. Signage has been erected stating current byelaw times – between 10.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. The possibility of extending the pedestrianisation hours to cover Saturdays and Sundays will be looked at. LIBRARIES Under WCC’s three-year capital programme (2026-2028), €4.5m will go towards a new library in Enniscorthy, and €3.1m for Bunclody Library. ALL-WEATHER ASTRO PITCH, ROSS ROAD
These schemes will provide a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour, improve public safety, assist emergency services when investigating an incident, and assist the Local Authority in the management of public areas.
The Part 8 planning process for the proposed changing room facilities at the Astro pitch has been completed and formally approved. Funding will now be sought to progress the project. To contact the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com, tel: 087 4132843.
ENNISCORTHY SPORTS HUB
ENNISCORTHY TRAILS
The second phase (sports equipment storage area, open space area, changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a small office) is expected to be open later this month. A hammer-and-discus-throwing cage has been installed. The enhanced infrastructure will support the hosting of regional athletics competitions and games in Enniscorthy.
Works are ongoing on design and planning to extend the existing town trails network to link to the Ringwood and Borodale trails.
ENNISCORTHY NORTH BUSINESS DISTRICT (Old Dublin Road) Some works have been carried out in recent years on the Enniscorthy North Business District where over 2,000 people currently work. Some funding has been received lately which will allow some additional work to be done on the active travel elements of the masterplan for the area. MURPHY FLOODS SITE
COLUMBARIUM WALL Work on the new Columbarium Wall in Enniscorthy Lawn Cemetery has concluded. There are 16 niches in the wall. Price per niche to be determined. BALLYHOGUE COMMUNITY HUB The project has an expected completion date of June 2027. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
This new carpark adds 37 carparking spaces for the town. The site is valued at €280,000. Wexford Co. Council is committed to the long-term development of the site on a commercial basis; and so it will be placed on the open market at some stage in the future.
€200,000 has been secured for pedestrian crossings and traffic calming outside Enniscorthy Community College on the Milehouse Road. Work is ongoing on a pedestrian crossing at Spring Valley. A pedestrian crossing on Lymington Road to facilitate residents of Pearse Road to access the town centre has been planned and funding is being sought.
TURRET ROCKS
ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK ACCESS ROAD PHASE 2
A Part 8 Planning Application is being prepared for the overall plan. The Playground project is at design stage and will be funded by Wexford Co. Council itself. Design and costings have been received for the Skatepark for which an application is being prepared for a Sports Capital grant this year.
The Technical Consultancy Services Contract has been awarded for Stage (i) to (v) design services. Site investigations are complete, and design work is ongoing. The tender for construction works was published March 2026. Appointment of main works contractor is anticipated in Q2 of 2027, subject to approval to proceed with project. n
4th November 2026 - Page 37
slaney slaneynews ad
At the Offical Opening of Courtnacuddy Mens Shed on 31st October 2026 were L-R: John Cooney, Bertie Hickey, Cllr Bridin Murphy, George Howlin, Dorothy Hickey, John Redmond, Helen and Charlotte Devereux, Paddy Buckley, Pat Doyle and Caroline Redmond, supervisor.
Enniscorthy Fire Service presenting a cheque for €2,748, which they raised through a recent bucket collection, to the Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh Sensory Room fund. L-R: Jenny Carlisle, Carl Day, Eira Ní Dheá, Aoife Ní Dheá, Tadhg D'Arcy, Rachel D'Arcy, Colin Cahill, and Jennifer Warren. The Parents' Association of Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh says a massive thank you to the local fire service team and acknowledges everyone's kindness in supporting this great community effort.
Page 38 - 4th November 2026
slaney advertorial
A monthly update from GreenTechHQ
Tech Founder Meetup Date: Friday 6th November Time: 12:30pm to 2:30pm Location: GreenTechHQ Enniscorthy Our Tech Founders Meetup brings together founders from across the South East to meet new people, share ideas, talk about what they are building and learn from others on a similar journey. For this meetup, we are changing things up a little. We are asking each founder attending to come prepared with a 3minute pitch and a 2-minute ask. 3-Minute Pitch Tell the room about your business, product, or idea. What are you building, who is it for, and where are you at right now? 2-Minute Ask Tell the room what you could use some help with. That could be:
• • • • • • •
An introduction to a potential customer or partner Advice on a challenge you’re facing Feedback on your product or idea A useful contact or connection Funding or investment advice Marketing or technical expertise Another founder’s perspective on a problem.
This isn’t a formal pitching competition, and there is no need for a polished presentation or pitch deck. It’s about getting to know what everyone is working on and seeing how the people in the room can help each other. At the Tech Founders Meetup, there is plenty of experience, knowledge, and connections to tap into. 3 minutes to tell us what you’re building. 2 minutes to tell us what you need help with. Come along, meet other tech founders, make new connections, and leave with some useful advice, introductions or ideas. Tea, coffee, and sandwiches for all. n
Fundamentals of AI & ChatGPT Ready to build your confidence with AI and ChatGPT? Following our recent workshop with John Curry, AI Strategist at GreenTechHQ, we are bringing two more FREE Fundamentals of AI & ChatGPT workshops to County Carlow, in partnership with Skillnet Innovation Exchange and County Carlow Chamber. Same workshop, with two dates to choose from. Dates: Choose either Monday 9th or 16th November. Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm Venue: Carlow Chamber, Unit 15, Enterprise House, O'Brien Rd, Rathnapish, Carlow, R93 A37R. n Book for 9th November: https://www.greentechhq.com/event-details/carlow-fundamentals-of-ai-chatgpt-9th-november/form Book for 16th November: https://www.greentechhq.com/event-details/carlow-fundamentals-of-ai-chatgpt-16th-november-2/form To learn more about GreenTechHQ and have a peek inside its Enniscorthy Technology Park HQ, check out this video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2207861766630120 GreenTechHQ, Enniscorthy Technology Park, Y21 A9K8, (086) 1914804, info@greentechhq.com, https://greentechhq.com
4th November 2026 - Page 39
slaney slaneynews ad
A regular feature by the team at Enniscorthy East Community Development Follow on Facebook: ‘Enniscorthy East Community Development’
CAPTAIN WAFER HALL: The Captain Wafer Hall was officially reopened in Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, following a major refurbishment funded through the Community Recognition Fund 2024 through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. The project received approximately €98,000 in funding and has brought the building back into community use after being inactive for more than 15 years. See photos on page 24. The official reopening took place on 12 October 2026, with Minister James Browne TD performing the reopening on behalf of Minister Dara Calleary. The event was attended by Senator Cathal Byrne and representatives from Wexford County Council, including Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe, Director of Service Carolyne Godkin, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr. Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr. Pat Kehoe, Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Trish Byrne, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr. Aidan Browne and members of the Enniscorthy Community Alliance. The hall will now operate as a Community and Eco Hub, providing space for: • Community groups • Training courses • Sustainability and circular economy workshops • Household energy advice • Exercise classes • Sewing workshops • Choir practices • Local meetings and events, etc. The refurbished facility is available for community bookings through the Enniscorthy Community Alliance. Congrats to Enniscorthy Community Alliance for bringing this ambitious project to fruition.
PROJECT DRUMGOOLD The project to improve the Drumgoold/Tigíns area is almost com-
Page 40 - 4th November 2026
pleted. The following improvements have been made to the park area. • A dedicated bin storage area to improve waste management and the visual appearance of the area. • A new bench for residents and visitors. • An information sign highlighting the history and heritage of the Tigíns area. • Decorative flowerpots and planting to improve the area. The Drumgoold project will be completed with the installation of a gravel surface and planting works. n
slaney news VINEGAR HILL: Enniscorthy Municipal District staff are currently progressing a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and improving public understanding of the site's historical significance. Also, a water refill station may be on the cards for the Hill but this might prove challenging due to the area's historical significance as a battlefield site and associated heritage/archaeological considerations.
Voices in Harmony Choir. Rehearsals at the Captain RELAX AND CHAT Wafer Hall, Spring Valley, Enniscorthy, The Hillside Cailiní women's group meets up every Monday morning at Templeshannon Community Centre. Contact Kathleen on 086 3649319 for more information. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS Work on a pedestrian crossing at Spring Valley on the east side of Enniscorthy is advanced. Other crossings may be in the pipeline also. Keep an eye on the Slaney News Facebook page for updates. TEMPLESHANNON REGENERATION
WOMEN’S CHOIR A new women’s choir is now rehearsing every Friday night at the newly reopened Captain Wafer Hall. Pop in at 7pm, no auditions, just enjoyment! n
€150,000 in government funding has been granted for project development and design team fees for the Templeshannon Regeneration project. The District Councillors want plans for this project to be sufficiently advanced to be presented at their January 2027 meeting, and for the project to go for planning permission by the end of March 2027.
Enniscorthy East Community Development Association Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity
MEN’S CHOIR
Templeshannon Childcare Centre: https://www.facebook.com/templeshannonchildcarecentre
‘Voices in Harmony’ Choir rehearsals at the Captain Wafer Hall, Spring Valley, Enniscorthy, every Monday at 7pm. And their annual charity concert is taking pace on 27th November in The Presentation Arts Centre. More information from Seamus Whitney on 087 2930510.
FOR MORE NEWS ON WHAT’S HAPPENING EASTSIDE:
Eastside Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/320813591438762
Templeshannon Community Centre: https://www.facebook.com/TempleshannonCommunityCentre Enniscorthy Community Alliance Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthycommunityalliance n
4th November 2026 - Page 41
slaney slaneynews ad
Sustainable
Enniscorthy
A monthly column
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
This month the Sustainable Enniscorthy team looks Contact us to get involved! at another successful year for Enniscorthy in the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition Tree, Meraki Café & Restaurant, Impresso Café, O’Briens Café, It was three in a row delight for Enniscorthy recently at the SuperValu National Tidy Towns awards held at Croke Park on 23/10/2026. Sustainable Enniscorthy and Tidy Towns volunteers worked very closely on several joint projects in 2026 so it was great to see these dedicated groups of volunteers take home gold for the third time. It was particularly pleasing to see regional recognition for Enniscorthy with a south east regional large town ‘All Ireland Pollinator Award’ and a highly commended ‘EPA Circular Economy Award’. Sustainable Enniscorthy and Tidy Towns volunteers worked hard in 2026 to achieve these notable highlights. The special awards were particularly pleasing for both sets of volunteers as many of the tree planting, balsam bashing, repair café, and reusable/circular projects are impleSome of the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns mented in close collab- volunteers at a recent gathering in the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. oration between both groups. It was also great to see Enniscorthy and Selin Kim (Sustainable Enniscorthy committee member and Tidy Towns volunteer) feature on a recent episode of Nationwide. The efforts of local volunteers in managing invasive species and Selin’s exploits on the world stage received national attention (catch up on the RTÉ player here: https://www.rte.ie/player/series/nationwide/SI000000117 2?epguid=IH10016303-26-0120) Sustainability initiatives From a sustainability perspective, the repair café, swap shop, and biodiversity events which Sustainable Enniscorthy organised were key factors in Enniscorthy receiving a highly commended award under the EPA Circular Economy Special Award. The overall winner of this award was Monaghan Tidy Towns. The new Shareclub Enniscorthy reusable coffee cup initiative was also included and now it is over to the people of Enniscorthy to get behind this scheme. A special word of thanks to the eight local cafés/coffee shops which are participating in the initiative – Café 98, Cooney’s Café, The Cotton
Page 42 - 4th November 2026
The Pantry, and Little Spoon. Community and stakeholder collaboration A strong driver of Enniscorthy’s recent success and recognition is the close collaboration between community groups, schools, businesses, residents associations, public bodies, agencies, and Wexford County Council. By working together these achievements have boosted our town’s profile whilst also making our town a cleaner and greener place to visit, live, and work in. Special mention must also go to Enniscorthy Community Alliance – the group has implemented a series of positive improvements to the East side of Enniscorthy in particular. This community collaboration on nature/biodiversity, litter, and sustainability, has seen Enniscorthy’s marks jump by an impressive 17 points in 2026 to 403 (compared to 386 in 2025). A real community effort and something we can all be proud of. One can find the results booklet here: https://tidytowns.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/SuperValuTidyTowns-Results-Booklet-2026.pdf). Well done to Ballinahown, Westmeath, the overall winner of the competition for 2026 with 413 points (Enniscorthy was just 10 points behind the overall winners!). The most sustainable town in the south east? Enniscorthy has made massive strides to improve our town, environment, and economy in recent years. These are key pillars of sustainability. There is real momentum in the town with several sustainability initiatives projected, planned, and underway. These have the potential to unlock tourism, recreation, and wider societal and environmental benefits. We need to get behind these projects for the good of all people who call Enniscorthy home and those who visit our historic town. More help is always welcome. If you are passionate about our town, its environment, and sustainability, please reach out to Sustainable Enniscorthy or Enniscorthy Tidy Towns! n
slaney ads
AN AD SPOT HERE FOR €20 +VAT PER ISSUE. CALL 087-2403310.
Traffic-stopping content...for your business!
Memorial Cards
★ SEO-optimised website content ★ Unique product descriptions ★ Expert article writing ★ Top quality blog content for your business
available at
C&R PRINT Templeshannon Quay, Enniscorthy
Call us on 053 9235295
Ads on this page cost just €20+vat. Tel: Frank at 087-2403310.
Discover how Copywriting by Changing Lanes can help bring more traffic to your website and connect you with more customers for your products and services. Professional copywriting and editorial services based in Co. Wexford. Phone: 087-7946277. Email: caroline@changinglanes.ie
ra; Naíon Irish age Langu ool h c s Pre a l p “Cú il”! Foca
ECCE SCHEME
: Within oil c ls e Ga idh, ór tha Inis C oold, g Drum or thy. c Ennis
087 0951019
ECCE & NCS Scheme
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 _____________________________________________________
And many more items at wholesale prices
✔ Focus on Quality… ✔ Focus on Service… ✔ Focus on Value…
4th November 2026 - Page 43
slaney slaneynews ad
Local childminders make an invaluable contribution Local communities across Ireland came together during National Childminding Week, held from 19th to 23rd October, to celebrate the invaluable contribution that childminders make to children, families, and communities. Childminders offer a safe, nurturing home-from-home environment in the childminders’ own home where the children in their care learn through play, build confidence, develop independence, and form meaningful relationships. One local childminder helping to make a difference is Michelle Deacon, who operates Michelle’s Childminding in Ferns. Michelle’s journey into childminding began when she cared for a neighbour's child who was the same age as her son. What started as a helping hand grew through word-of-mouth recommendations into the successful childminding service she runs today. Michelle feels that there is something incredibly special about sharing a child's world and earning their trust. She enjoys watching their confidence and personalities develop, as they learn and grow. Michelle acknowledges that she is never there to replace a parent, but she becomes a safe, familiar person for the children in her care, another person in their corner, supporting them, and nurturing their development. Michelle wanted to develop a childminding service where children feel safe enough to be themselves, to learn and explore in a secure environment where they are loved and valued. Michelle encourages curiosity, independence, kindness, and a sense of belonging through playbased learning experiences, and there is always time for cuddles, laughter, and reassurance when it is needed. Michelle believes that childhood should be filled with discovery, adventure, exploration, and opportunities to get MESSY! She values child-led play and creating meaningful learning experiences which encourage children’s confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. A key part of Michelle’s approach is getting to know each child as an individual. By taking time to build strong connections
Page 44 - 4th November 2026
five schedule and neither does parenting!” Childminders can often adapt to individual family routines, working hours, and changing circumstances. The personal relationships allow us to work closely with parents, and where possible, tailor our care around their child’s and family needs. According to Michelle, what sets childminding apart is its personal approach. “It’s about creating a setting that fits around the child. And I think that is something really special!” Advice for Families
Michelle Deacon, owner of Michelle's Childminding in Boolavogue, Co. Wexford.
and earn their trust, she helps them feel secure and supported. One of her proudest moments is watching children make the transition to school, knowing she has played a small part in helping them become confident, capable young people. Michelle feels that National Childminding Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a profession she is passionate about. Childminders support children’s learning and development in so many ways, and they help to lay the foundations for the people children become. Michelle’s greatest pride will always be in the children and although she is only part of their childhood for a few short years, she hopes that the love, security, and confidence they experience in her care stays with them. What makes Childminding special? Michelle believes one of the greatest strengths of childminding is the close relationships that can develop in a smaller, home-based setting. I think “the beauty of childminding lies in the relationships and the sense of belonging it offers. You really get to know each child as an individual. Their personalities, their interests, their little worries, what makes them laugh, and what helps them feel safe. Children thrive when they feel truly known, understood and valued.” She also highlights the flexibility that childminding can offer families: "Life doesn’t always fit neatly into a nine-to-
For parents considering a childminder, Michelle encourages them to trust their instincts and look for someone whose values align with their own. “You're not just looking for someone to mind your child. You are looking for someone you can trust with the most precious part of your world. And that is a responsibility I never underestimate! Look for someone who genuinely loves what they do, who takes the time to understand your child and who will celebrate their little achievements and love them for exactly who they are.” For Michelle, the greatest compliment isn't necessarily a lovely review or a recommendation, although she is incredibly grateful for both. "It's seeing a child walk happily through my door, knowing they feel safe, secure, and excited to be there, and seeing their parents leave feeling completely at ease. Because at the end of the day, parents shouldn't have to spend their working day worrying about whether their child is happy. They deserve to know they are." To mark Childminding Week, Wexford County Childcare Committee (WxCCC) hosted a coffee morning in their offices for childminders and had information stands in two local libraries. These events provided opportunities for childminders to connect with one another, share experiences, learn about available supports from WxCCC and celebrate the positive impact they have on the lives of the families they support. For more information contact the Childminding Development Officer on 087 176 9418 or joanne@wexfordchildcare.ie n
slaney news
Jess lands national award Jess Sinnott, Acting General Manager at Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens in County Wexford, has been named the inaugural winner of the ‘Business Plus Tourism 40 Under 40 Award’, recognising the emerging talent shaping the future of Ireland’s tourism industry.
be the inaugural recipient of ITIC’s 40 Under 40 award. Being nominated was a wonderful surprise in itself, but then to win the award was incredibly special. I’m very proud to be the first recipient and very grateful to everyone at the Irish Heritage Trust and Johnstown Castle who have supported and encouraged me along the way.”
The Tourism 40 Under 40 initiative celebrates 40 outstanding young professionals making a significant contribution to tourism across Ireland. The award is organised and independently selected by Business Plus and was presented at a special finale at the Convention Centre Dublin, in partnership with the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC). Jess’s achievement marks a significant milestone in a career built on dedication, ambition and a passion for heritage tourism. Having joined Johnstown Castle in 2019 as a café assistant, she has progressed through the organisation to become Acting General Manager, reflecting the opportunities available to develop a rewarding career within Ireland’s heritage and visitor attractions sector. Her nomination for the award recognised her work in developing the estate’s volunteer programme, enhancing the visitor experience, and encouraging
JOHNSTOWN CASTLE’S JESS SINNOTT WINS INAUGURAL TOURISM 40 UNDER 40 AWARD. Pic: Richie Stokes.
Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust, said, “This award is a national recognition of Jess’s professional journey and the role of emerging leaders in strengthening Ireland’s tourism and heritage sector. Her progression from café assistant to Acting General Manager also highlights the value of investing in people, creating opportunities for career development, and nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals.”
more young people to consider careers in heritage tourism. Her contribution has helped support Johnstown Castle’s continued development as a leading visitor attraction in the south east, bringing its historic estate, museum and gardens to life for visitors.
Since 2019 Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens is cared for and managed by the independent non-profit Irish Heritage Trust, and offers visitors the opportunity to explore its historic castle, museum, ornamental gardens, and extensive parkland in County Wexford.
Commenting on the award win, Jess says, “I am delighted and honoured to
For more information and to plan a visit, see www.johnstowncastle.ie n
Open day at Enniscorthy firestation
Left: Watching local firefighters rise up on their aerial device at Enniscorthy Fire Station open day on 17th October 2026. Above: Inside the fire engine were Patrick Boggan, Julia Doyle, Firefighter Cal Day, and Eire Day. Right: Old friends – firefighter David Dempsey and Billy Dobbs, retired firefighter, with his grandson William Drew and Bridget Dodds.
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
4th November 2026 - Page 45
slaney slaneynews ad
NEWS FROM TWO LOCAL BUSINESSES
Page 46 - 4th November 2026
slaney slaney news ad
GOREY FOSTER-GIRL AUTHOR A BIG HIT AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE Gorey resident Sadie Harpur, a former foster-girl and foster-parent, made a big impression at the recent Irish Aftercare Network Conference (IAN) in Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Harpur’s presentation of her life coping with the failings in the foster-care system as a child had some members of the audience in tears and won her two standing ovations. She also won praise from the almost 200 delegates for her interview with former RTE newsreader Eileen Dunne. The agenda for the conference included pre-recorded addresses by An Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister Norma Foley. The keynote address was delivered by the Ombudsman for Children, Niall Muldoon, and the theme of the event was “Responding to Change” in the aftercare system. Expanding on issues covered in her acclaimed book The Hidden World of A Foster-Girl, written with long-term Wexford resident Jackie Hayden, Harpur said, “It’s my strong belief based on personal experience and backed by the testimony of others that foster care in Ireland needs to be more childcentred. In my days as a foster-girl the system seemed to be driven by what suited those who ran it rather than tailoring it to the needs of the children. In my 18 years as a foster-girl, no sooner would I establish a working relationship with a social worker when he or she would be replaced and I would have to start from scratch with a new person. It was totally unsettling for me as it was for my twin sister Kizzy and others.”
Sadie Harpur (left) with former RTE Newsreader Eileen Dunne. Pic: Tony Keane of IAN.
Yvonne Casey, National Director of the Breaking Through organisation and a member of IAN, gathered the following quotes from delegates: "I enjoyed Sadie's session. Great speaker and lovely insight." "I really felt Sadie Harper was so moving and informative and I learnt so much."
Following the positive reception of her book, Sadie was drafted onto the board of the Irish Foster Care Association in 2024.
"It was inspiring to hear a foster child's story and to see the woman she has become."
Edel Weldon, an advocate member of EPIC (Empowering People in Care), was full of praise for Sadie, saying, “Well done, Sadie, and thank you for inspiring us all.”
Since speaking at the Athlone IAN conference, Sadie has received requests from as far away as Cork for her to address people in the fostercare network around the country. n
QuakeShake in Enniscorthy The third annual QuakeShake public meeting in Enniscorthy will take place in the Riverside Park Hotel on Tuesday, 10 November, from 7pm - 8pm, with tea/coffee beforehand at 6.30pm. Members of the community will have the opportunity to learn about and participate in QuakeShake – a unique earthquake citizen science project operated by the Dublin Institute for Advance Studies (DIAS) and Geological Survey Ireland. During this event you will be introduced to the fascinating world of seismology and how you can become a QuakeShake citizen seismologist. QuakeShake is the outreach programme of the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN). Since 2023, this citizen-science project has contributed vital earthquake data to enhance the INSN. QuakeShake operates compact Raspberry Shake seismometers in homes, schools, and geoparks
around Ireland, capturing both local and global earthquakes. The South East is Ireland's second most seismically active region after County Donegal so the goal is to expand the QuakeShake network in the South East to record more local earthquakes. Raspberry Shake seismometers will be raffled to participants interested in hosting them. Registration: This event is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Please register to reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/annual-quakeshake-meetinghow-to-monitor-earthquakes-from-your-home-tickets2003199154596 Email: info@quakeshake.ie Web: www.quakeshake.ie www.insn.ie www.dias.ie www.gsi.ie n
4th November 2026 - Page 47
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
World cinema on our own doorstep
The Picture House’s Stephen Eustace presents the annual Dan O'Herlihy Fellowship award to art director Brendan Rankin from Bunclody.
The Picture House (Wexford Film Society) have announced their lineup of art house and international film coming soon to Wexford Arts Centre at the launch of their 2026/27 winter programme. The season itself started on November 3rd with 'The President's Cake' from Iraq and continues weekly up until March, with films from all over the world due to be screened. Highlights include the Norwegian Oscar winner 'Sentimental Value', 'Primavera' from Italian director Damiano Michieletto, who started his career as a director with Wexford Festival Opera, and the Irish produced film, 'Everyone Digs Bill Evans'. 'All That's Left of You' from Palestinian American filmmaker Cherien Dabis is the second film of the season, on November 10th. This is an epic multigenerational drama that spans over seven decades of Palestinian history from 1948 to the 2020s. There's also 'My Father's Shadow' from Nigeria, 'The Blue Trail' from Brazil, and Paolo Sorrentino's 'La Grazia'.
Bunclody art director Brendan Rankin was presented with the film club's annual Dan O'Herlihy Fellowship award for his outstanding work on many film and television productions such as 'The Count of Monte Cristo', 'The Tudors', 'Game of Thrones', and the recent No.1 US Box Office hit 'Other Mommy', which stars Oscar winner Jessica Chastain.
Coming in December, there's 'No Other Choice' from South Korean master director Park Chan-wook and, at the launch, a video message was played from the film's co-writer Lee Kyoungmi, all the way from South Korea, whose mother-in-law lives in Co. Wexford.
Brendan started out doing set designs for Enniscorthy Theatre Group. "I was lucky that my move into film at the time coincided with the tax breaks in Ireland for film production introduced by Micheal D. Higgins, which brought the likes of Braveheart and The Count of Monte Cristo.”
Page 48 - 4th November 2026
Speaking about his experience on 'Game of Thrones' he said, "we had no idea how big it would become, as it didn't really take off until season two, but then it was huge and went on for a few more years." Also at the launch, there was a screening of New Ross writer/director Shane O'Connor's short film The Things We Do, which stars Moe Dunford, Toni O'Rourke, and Eileen Walsh. Shane's film was supported by Screen Wexford. Follow The Picture House at https://www.facebook.com/Wexford FilmSociety n
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Togetherness in Enniscorthy The Enniscorthy Indian Association (EIA), in collaboration with the United Associations of County Wexford, held a successful EIA Indo-Irish Cultural Evening on 24 October 2026 at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. This special occasion was marked by the presence of the Honourable Ambassador of India to Ireland, Mr Manish Gupta, and his wife. EIA was also deeply honoured to welcome distinguished guests – Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, Pat Kehoe, Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Vicky Barron, Mayor of Wexford, and other distinguished representatives of local and national government, as well as community leaders. The evening featured a vibrant celebration
of Indian and Irish heritage, showcasing Irish traditional performances and Indian classical arts, alongside music, dance, and other cultural presentations. It provided a wonderful opportunity to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and celebrate the friendship, cultural diversity, mutual respect, and shared values that connect our communities. A spokesperson for EIA said,”As an association committed to promoting cultural understanding and community integration, we believe that Enniscorthy’s strength lies in its welcoming spirit and the unity of its people. Through this event, we hope to highlight the positive contribution of multicultural communities to our town and celebrate the spirit of togetherness that makes Enniscorthy so special.” n
Above: Honourable Ambassador of India to Ireland, Mr Manish Gupta, invited to Enniscorthy by the Enniscorthy Indian Association and its President Abin Varghese K, and its Patron Dr George Leslie.
4th November 2026 - Page 49
SING OUT LOUD!
Sing Out Loud provides an opportunity for Primary School children in Co. Wexford to sing in the internationally renowned Wexford Opera House and experience the exhilaration of performing live there. Sing Out Loud (SOL) is a free programme which creates a safe and inclusive space for children to learn different genres of music and performance, gain confidence, experience teamwork, create lifelong memories, and ultimately have the time of their lives! The programme begins in the classroom with the children’s teachers, assisted by the rehearsal material provided by SOL, and culminates every year with a run of concerts in November at the National Opera House, Wexford, 13 nights in total, with different schools featured every night. For each concert there will be up to 250 children singing on stage, alongside local and national guest artists, in front of a live audience and with a professional live backing band. The children are the true superstars of the show. Their performance day is organised to ensure that they get the most from this event from the time they arrive, right until they are safely back in the hands of loved ones at the end of the night. It is a magical environment which sees children grow in confidence and self-belief.
Page 50 - 4th November 2026
The audiences at the concerts consist of parents and relations of the performeimng children but also many with no connection to the shows but who enjoy a great night of high-quality, fast-paced, energetic, vibrant, and engaging entertianment. The SOL journey began over ten years ago when well-known south-east singers Tony Carty, Maggs Jacob, and Eric Hayes started discussing how best to give children the opportunity to fall in love with music, and experience theatre
– everything from the front of house to backstage, and the freedom to be superstars! For Tony, Maggs, and Eric, now joined by Amy Penston, the gift of promoting music and theatre to the younger generation is a joy and an honour, and a privilege they never take for granted. To experience a magical Sing Out Loud performance, book online now at the National Opera House website. The shows runs from 9th - 19th of November 2026 with matinees on 14th and 15th. n
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
4th November 2026 - Page 51
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
Above left: Deirdre Higgins (Offaly), soprano, who was accompanied by Cuan Durkin (Sligo), baritone, and pianist, Ellen Jansson (Cork) at the Talbot Hotel. Above right: Eva Maria Kavanagh (Carlow), soprano, Timothy Mays (Dublin), baritone; Yuchen Pan (China), tenor, and pianist, Ellen Jansson (Cork) at the National Opera House foyer.
There is nothing like October You can see the opening night on RTÉ national television, hear snatches by Marty Whelan on Lyric FM, and official interviews on South East Radio. You can read about it in Slaney News, the Wexford People, and in the national and international press. You may get clips on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms and websites. However, all that you read and hear through media is fleeting if you have not been there in person and inhaled deeply the aroma and the atmosphere and mingled with abandon in the throngs of singers and musicians and artists and visitors at the autumnal Wexford Festival Opera. The experience can become forever unforgettable if you take days to visit and linger there. But you must become immersed. Some take the same three
weeks of October every year for its therapy. Every year for the past 75 years, since Sir Compton McKenzie, a music magazine editor from Scotland visited the town and urged Dr Tom Walsh, of nearby George Street, two fellow doctors and a singing postman to form a festival of opera in 1951, the town lifts from sleepiness to put on exceptional show and style. Ireland’s late poet laureate Anthony Cronin of Enniscorthy said that Wexford people are slow to rouse, but when they’re roused, they’re fearsome. They’re fearsome in Wexford town for about two months preceding and during the special three weeks of every October. In the 1970s, at the end of August, you would know that October was coming when the sleepy streets were roused to
the barp of a lone trumpet, the banging of a few drums, a singer trying to knock the lights out of a chandelier, the tinkle, tinkle of a piano being caressed by a few professional musicians from anywhere for practice. Now, modern acoustics in the 30-millioneuro opera house means there is little external noise and the musicians and singers in the cello-shaped auditorium in High Street are watched by some young aspirants from The Factory. The Factory is a school for about twenty young opera singers and musicians of the future. Then there are The Volunteers. This is the group of 350 or so people ranging from doctors, teachers, bankers, civil servants, and shop people to labourers who help to shift chairs and tables and the massive lighting and acoustic equipment coming in on big trucks. Then they ‘man’ the bar and guide patrons to their seats.
Above left: Brendan Geoghegan, native of Wexford town, his wife Miranda from Scotland, and their sons, Finlay, Oisín, and Eoin, came from France for the festival. Above right: Jackie Hayden, journalist, editor, and author, Fiona Wynne of Galway city, and Richard Barlow, Curracloe, were at the Opera Pop Ups in the Talbot Hotel.
Page 52 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Above left: Tom O’Neill from Tullow, who featured in the movie ‘London’s Burning’, in centre with his wife Cheryl, and on left, their neighbour Phil Walsh of Ferns working with their art exhibition in Whites Hotel. Above right: Packed Talbot Hotel foyer for the Opera Pop Ups.
in Wexford town All builds into a massive crescendo on opening night. The patrons – men in black dress-suits and black dickie-bows and the women in colourful finery, arrive with their priceless tickets. They assemble upstairs in the National Opera House La Vista cafe gasping at the sight of the fireworks from across the Quay. Then it’s performance after performance on the stage in the auditorium below for three weeks. This year’s began with The Gambler by Sergei Prokofiev. It’s more than two hours of performance about the human characteristic of desire. Alexei, a young tutor, spirals into gambling debt while being obsessed with his employer’s stepdaughter, Polina. A highlight of the series of operas this year was Iris by Mascagni. A young girl is lured from her home in Japan to a city’s pleasure quarters. It’s heavenly with a
heavenly ending with ‘Hymn to the Sun’. Meanwhile, the hinterland of Wexford town was filled with art exhibitions, the Guinness singing pubs competition, and tours out to far flung places including Clonmines, Tomhaggard, Castlebridge, and Crossabeg. Paul Walsh guided Vikings and Normans and English. Maura Bell interviewed Helen O’Connell, Karina Daly talked about 75 years of the Festival, and Billy Roche had them entranced in his talk in the Library about Tumbling Down and Handfuls of Stars. God, this was a feast for the senses. Some events were free, but for some the tickets were too much. That’s why hundreds of people appreciated the free Pop-Up Operas when stars from the real operas went to venues around town to uplift the minds of avid listeners through music and song for an hour of abridged pieces from the operas.
The Wexford Festival Opera was formed with a few volunteers in the then Wexford Gramophone Society. Today, Paul Cleary, chairman, Susan Nance, the new director, Geraldine and company in the Box office, and some of the best opera executives in the world team up with the volunteers from everywhere to run this gigantic multi-million-euro event which is now one of the top opera festivals in one of the top national opera houses in the world today. May it live for another 75 years. It’s dependent on box office sales and donations. We should appreciate more fully its loyal staff members, its many sponsors, patrons from across the world, and the volunteers who make it all happen every October. – M.F.
Far left: Pauline Quigley, PQ Glass Design, Caim, with her creations including St Brigid and Countess Markievicz, at the art exhibition in White’s Hotel. Left: Wexford Festival Opera sign in High Street. Above: John Rossiter, Gusserane, with his distinctive wooden clocks that become mementoes for visitors.
4th November 2026 - Page 53
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
A Christmas Carol with a difference! Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas story will be performed as a radio play featuring live sound effects by a Foley Artist, at Wexford Arts Centre on Friday, 11 December 2026 at 7.30pm, and Saturday, 12 December 2026 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. For tickets: www.wexfordartscentre.ie This Christmas, surround yourself in the magical and eerie atmosphere of a very special new telling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Adapted as a radio play by actor/director Peter McCamley, this deliciously haunting tale uniquely features live sound effects seamlessly executed by Foley Artist, Terry Byrne, giving audiences the enthralling experience of listening to the ‘wireless’ while simultaneously watching the actors bring this Christmas classic to life. Starring acclaimed Wexford playwright, actor, and author Billy Roche as Ebenezer Scrooge, this new adaptation brings Dickens’ extraordinary world to life as both a live theatrical performance and a radio drama created right before the audiences’ eyes. Five actors, music, and live sound effects transform the stage into the streets, homes, and shadows of Victorian London. Audiences will not only hear Scrooge’s famous journey through Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, they will also see the sounds effects being made, the characters transform into being, and the machinery of a radio drama brought vividly to life. Alongside Billy Roche, the company features Peter McCamley, Aileen Donohoe, Elizabeth Rose-Browne, Lauren Corish-Wallace, and foley artist Terry Byrne. Between them, the ensemble creates Dickens’ entire world of ghosts, families, revellers, children, and, of course, Christmas Spirits. Produced by Ad Personam Cultural Events in collaboration with Wexford Arts Centre and South East Radio, the live performances will also form part of a special recording for broadcast on South East Radio at a later date, connecting the audience in the theatre with listeners across the Southeast. Funny, atmospheric, ghostly, and ultimately full of hope, this is Dickens’ Christmas classic rediscovered through the magic of live performance and the imagination of radio. Something for all ages. n
Page 54 - 4th November 2026
A solo exhibition by Thomas Brezing, curated by Cherry Smyth. Wexford Arts Centre 10th October – 16th December 2026. See more on page 80.
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Diwali Indian Festival of Light WORDS & PICS BY MARIA NOLAN
Anyone for cake?
I was delighted to be invited recently to Diwali Indian Festival of Light celebrations in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, organised by the well known and liked Dr. Leslie George and the Enniscorthy Indian Association. Indian Ambassador Manish Gupta and his lovely wife Nimeesha were guests of honour along with Dáil Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Pat Kehoe, George Lawlor TD, Chair of Wexford County Council Lisa McDonald, Mayor of Wexford Vicky Barron, and Councillor John O’Rourke. The evening was a wonderful celebration of the shared history, culture, and sense of community between our two countries and several speakers referred to the many historic connections and similarities we both experienced under British rule. All speakers expressed an ardent desire and hope that we will continue working together to make our community, our town, and our country better. There was a strong message of encouragement from Dr. George and the Indian Ambassador for our peoples to come together to share our rich traditions and strengthen and enhance the wonderful bonds that already exist between us to the benefit of all. All local speakers expressed their profound thanks to the Indian community in Ireland for the
wonderful contribution they are making to the Irish economy in the IT sector and their doctors, nurses, and carers who are having a major influence on our healthcare system, and complimented Dr. George and the Enniscorthy Indian Association for organising events to bring our communities ever closer through shared cultural and social occasions. The level of entertainment and performances witnessed at the event were second to none, both communities excelling themselves in song, dance, music, costume, and story, with George Lawlor TD bringing the house down with a moving rendition of Boolavogue as he said himself ‘in the shadow of Vinegar Hill’. Ambassador Gupta was called upon to launch the new Enniscorthy Indian Association website and was presented with one of our special Enniscorthy umbrellas by Cathaoirleach Pat Kehoe. The programme was extensive and exciting exploring the shared values that unite us, kindness, compassion, friendship, and the spirit of community, with each respecting the diversity of the other making it a very special occasion. The evening culminated with a beautiful and colourful fashion show. Well done to our Indian Community, Dr. Leslie George, and all the wonderful performers – may the connections between our communities continue to develop, thrive, and prosper. n
4th November 2026 - Page 55
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
Frederick Douglass Civil
For full details on this year’s Frederick Douglass Civil Rights Festival in Wexford, 6-21st November: https://douglassinwexford.com/ https://www.facebook.com/FrederickDouglassCRFWexford Page 56 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Rights Festival, Wexford Fringe Events 2026:
4th November 2026 - Page 57
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
Booking: https://enniscorthycastle.retailint-tickets.com/Event/STONESESS Page 58 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
A night at the Opera
Best wishes to Edie Local pride will take centre stage this month as Edie Kinsella (27) from Killeens prepares to fly the flag for County Wexford at the glittering Miss Ireland 2026 Grand Final, taking place on Saturday, 21 November, at The Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.
Books editor, Helen Ashdown of Clonleigh, on right, and her daughter Victoria, home from London for the opera ‘Iris’ in the National Opera House.
Margaret’s ‘Blood Cure’ Journalist and author Margaret Hawkins of Broadway will submit to being interviewed by another journalist and author, namely Jackie Hayden, at Wexford Library on this Thursday 5th November at 7pm. It’s about Margaret’s new book Blood Cure which is all about relationships and the power of a rural landscape. “It’s an uplifting agri-mystery, and not a gory story,” said Margaret. “Some people have the gift of the blood cure to stop haemorrhage,” she said. – M.F.
Edie is a fun-loving Animal Care Assistant and Dog Groomer who is passionate about animal welfare and making a positive difference. "I'm proud to support causes close to my heart through fundraising and charity events for Seal Rescue Ireland and the Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (WSPCA). Animal welfare has always been something I care deeply about, and one of my biggest ambitions is to return to studying veterinary medicine so I can further my knowledge and turn that passion into a career helping animals," she says. Edie is competing for one of Ireland’s most prestigious titles, with the chance to wear the coveted Miss Ireland crown and represent her country on the world stage in a competition that celebrates confidence, ambition, individuality and achievement. Since its beginnings in 1947, Miss Ireland has helped launch the careers of some of the country's most recognisable personalities and inspiring women, including former Miss World Rosanna Davison and former Miss Irelands Pamela Flood, Holly Carpenter, Rebecca Maguire, Lauren McDonagh, Aoife O'Sullivan, Amanda Brunker, Pamela Uba, Aoife Walsh, Michelle Rocca, and Olivia Tracy, among many others. Philanthropy remains at the heart of the Miss Ireland ethos. In recent years, the organisation has raised more than €400,000 for charitable causes including LauraLynn, Temple Street Children's Hospital, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Pieta, The CARI Foundation, The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and in 2026 Ronald McDonald House is the chosen charity partner. The winner of Miss Ireland 2026 will receive an exciting range of prizes, including an agency contract, alongside the extraordinary opportunity to represent Ireland at the Miss World Festival in Tanzania in 2027, an international event televised in more than 100 countries worldwide. For further information, visit www.miss-ireland.ie n
4th November 2026 - Page 59
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
Storms, Sunshine and Surprises with Joanna Donnelly Friday, 13th November, 11am-12pm. Join Enniscorthy Library and Joanna Donnelly for a Science Week 2026 weather talk. From the science of meteorology to amusing anecdotes from her time at RTÉ and Met Éireann. Joanna comes with 30 years of experience, making talking about the weather as amusing as it is educational. Weather and talking about the science behind it is Joanna's passion and Enniscorthy Library is excited to explore this topic with Joanna and you. So why not go along for an hour on Friday morning, 13th November, to discuss Ireland's favourite topic. Booking essential: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4621144 n
Alan’s major award Congrats to South East Radio’s Alan Corcoran on winning the best Current Affairs programme on local/regional radio at the recent IMRO Radio Awards 2026. A clearly delighted Alan said, “Thank you for the many kind messages which are very much appreciated... Once again thanks to Producer Lucinda, MD Will, GM Marion, our News and MM team, and work colleagues, and above all to our listeners, advertisers, contributors, sponsors, and a special mention for the show’s main sponsor Joyce’s Expert Wexford. n
Page 60 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
‘Flashback’ in Wexford Flashback photo exhibition at South Main Street Wexford. Left: Pauline Toner, Denise Murphy O’Connor, and Triona Power. Below: Patsy Power and Margaret Coomb.
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
Above: Denise O’Connor-Murphy, Patti Hall, Anne Hogan, Linda Byrne and Aileen Ironside. Right: Paul Ironside and Patsy Power. Below left: Fred Codd, Nancy Codd, Anne Connelly and Noel Ferguson. Below right: Peter Nolan and Mrs P. Hanlon.
4th November 2026 - Page 61
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
The Wexford Salon Words & pics by Maria Nolan The Wexford Salon – a collective art exhibition at the Oscar Wilde Suite at Whites Hotel, curated by the legendary Maura Bell, was a must see at the recent Opera Festival. Featuring artists Annette Byrne, Derek Fenech, Jackie Mitchell, Helen O’Connell, and Josephine Whitmore, the suite oozed with talent, colour, creativity, and collaboration. This artistic initiative was all about conversation and demonstration as each artist got an opportunity to speak about their work and their creative journey and demonstrate aspects of their art. On the day I visited I was very lucky to enjoy a live painting demonstration by artist Jackie Mitchell whose work I am particularly partial to because of its movement, colour, and association with the Wexford maritime tradition. Jackie’s late father was from Enniscorthy and involved with Irish Shipping and Jackie spent her early days pretty much on water embedding in her the love she bears for it to this day. She paints water as a vibrant, moving, living thing and she said that one of the greatest compliments she received over the festival exhibition was from a woman who claimed she was feeling seasick just looking at Jackie’s work. I particularly like her painting of wooden boats that I feel are a little piece of our history that may well be gone in fifty or a hundred years’ time, so important to have this wonderful vis-
Artist Jackie Mitchell at work.
ual record of them in Jackie’s work. One of her techniques that I found amazing was that after painting a picture she takes a scissors to it and proceeds to cut it into box size pieces, each box then itself becoming a standalone piece of work – interesting – yes. Jackie was the overall winner of the Enniscorthy Arts & Culture Festival Windows Art Trail in September and members of the committee were delighted to show our support of her talent at this beautiful and engaging exhibition. n
Maura Bell with artist Jackie Mitchell.
L-R: Maria Nolan, artist Jackie Mitchell, artist Marja van Kampen, Anne Gilpin.
Page 62 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Wexford Science Fest
Wexford Science Festival, WexSci, is back with an extended programme of free and ticketed events from November 7 to 15 for everyone from primary school pupils to adult and community group audiences right across the county. This year’s Science Week theme explores ‘Water: From Molecule to Ocean’. Pictured at the launch in Seal Rescue Ireland in Wexford were L-R: Penelope Kipps, Digital Engagement Executive at Calmast, Kathy Baker, Fundraising and Community Manager Seal Rescue Ireland, and Eoin Gill, Director Calmast SETU’s STEM engagement centre. Pic: Mary Browne.
Enniscorthy Panto to stage Jack and the Beanstalk The Enniscorthy Panto group’s 2026 production of Jack and the Beanstalk will be staged in Astro Active Centre, Bellefield, on Wednesday 2nd, Thursday 3rd, and Saturday 5th December 2026 at 7.30pm, with matinees on Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th at 3pm. The group promises an unforgettable production full of music, comedy, and panto magic, and plenty of audience participation. The production follows the story of Dame Dolly Dumpling and her chaotic family as they struggle to make ends meet in the colourful world of Pantoland. But when Jack trades the beloved family cow, Milky White, for a handful of mysterious magic beans, it sets the whole adventure in motion. n
4th November 2026 - Page 63
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
Acko’s new album available from 12th November
Page 64 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Caim Halloween Disco
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
CAIM HALLOWEEN DISCO IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, 26TH OCTOBER 2026. Above left: Tommy Hendricks and Billy Conroy. Above centre: Harley Bolger and Robyn Conroy. Above right: Faye Boland.
Bree Halloween Disco
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
BREE HALLOWEEN DISCO IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, 23RD OCTOBER 2026. Above left: Moving statues Lucy, Dara, and Emma. Above right: Enjoying the Halloween disco in Bree.
Enniscorthy Library Adult Book Club Enniscorthy Library, Thursday, 19th November, at 7pm. Love reading? Looking to meet new people and enjoy great conversation? The Enniscorthy Library Book Club welcomes readers of all interests to come together, share opinions and discover new books. If you would like more information or to join, contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055. All are welcome. n
4th November 2026 - Page 65
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
Film fundraiser for Enniscorthy Scouts
RIVERSIDE PARK HOTEL, ENNISCORTHY, ENTERTAINMENT: Wexford Camogie Fundraising Concert with Stacey Breen & Friends: Thursday 12th November. Faulty Towers Comedy Dining Experience: Tuesday, 1st December. Bingo Loco: Friday, 18th December. The Amigos: Sunday, 27th December. Dan McCabe: Friday 1st January. Tickets available from hotel reception. n
What’s on in Wexford
Classes at The Presentation Centre Check out the great classes taking place throughout the year at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy https://www.presentationcentre.ie/classes.html
Local Arts Centres https://www.facebook.com/groups/WexfordEvents for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n
Page 66 - 4th November 2026
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000. Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529.
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Enniscorthy’s own rap star Young Enniscorthy man Sean Roche, better known on the national and international rap scene as Lil Skag, has carved quite a niche for himself in the music industry where he is lauded for his distinct style of ‘soft drill’ and contemporary trap that blends bold, tongue-in-cheek irreverence, provocative cultural references, with traditional Irish wit and unique storytelling that feels uniquely and authentically Wexfordian. Now based in London, Lik Skag is a ‘must-see’ live act performing all across that city but still finding time to return home to perform at sold-out headline shows at iconic Dublin venues such as Whelans, and all over Ireland including festivals like Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, All Together Now, AVA (Belfast), and Another Love Story. Lil Skag’s rap journey began in earnest during three years living in Berlin where he refined his sound before breaking into the Irish music scene in April 2023 with his official debut single, ‘Cunning Linguist’. The track quickly gained widespread momentum across the country after District Magazine posted a viral clip of prominent Irish rapper Kojaque reacting to it. He followed up his initial success by dropping his debut EP, 'Y21', referencing Enniscorthy’s unique eircode, in February 2024. He later expanded his discography with projects like the album 'Type Shite' in 2025 and his 2026 releases including "SKAGABOO" and the official music video for ‘Conas Atá Tú?’ In July this year, Lil Skag and Curtisy made headlines when they unexpectedly joined pop star Natasha Bedingfield on stage at the Kaleidoscope Festival for a live rap mashup of ‘Pocketful of Sunshine’ which went viral. And for his ever-growing legion of fans, they can now feel closer to this rising rap star, recenty named on the prestigious Hot Press ‘Hot
for 2026’ list, with one of his just-launched high-quality t-shirts (in football-jersey-type material) which can now be purchased direct through https://www.instagram.com/lil.skag/ n
Enniscorthy Adult Writing Group Enniscorthy Library, Thursday, 12th November at 6.30pm-8pm. The group meets in Enniscorthy library on the second Thursday of every month at 6.30pm. New members are always welcome, if you are interested in going along please contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055.
4th November 2026 - Page 67
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
An epic musical hits the stage
The official launch of Oyster Lane Theatre Company’s much anticipated musical ‘The Prince of Egypt’, at Sinnott’s Bar and Lounge, Wexford, on 19th October 2026.
Oyster Lane Theatre Group to bring epic musical ‘The Prince of Egypt’ to the National Opera House Wexford’s Oyster Lane Theatre Group is set to bring one of the most spectacular musicals of recent years to the stage of Wexford’s National Opera House this November, with their highly anticipated production of The Prince of Egypt running from 22nd–26th November 2026. Based on the acclaimed animated film, The Prince of Egypt tells the timeless story of Moses and his journey from prince of Egypt to leader of the Israelites. Featuring a powerful score by Stephen Schwartz, the musical includes songs such as When You Believe, Deliver Us, Through Heaven’s Eyes and All I Ever Wanted.
The production promises to be an ambitious theatrical experience, bringing together a large cast, chorus and creative team to tell this epic story of family, faith, freedom, and identity. Leading the cast as Moses is Daniel Furlong, with Thomas Furlong as Ramses. Holly Rossiter takes on the role of Tzipporah, while Anthony Jones plays Pharaoh Seti. The principal cast also features Abigail Way as Queen Tuya, Michael O’Gorman as Hotep, Lisa Monahan as Nefertari, Heather Hadrill as Miriam, Brandon Cogley as Aaron, Tony Carty as Jethro, and Niamh Cullen as Yocheved.
The production is directed by Imelda McDonagh, with musical direction by Patrick Clancy and choreography by Jonny Smith. For Oyster Lane Theatre Group, The Prince of Egypt represents another major undertaking following the company’s recent productions at the National Opera House. The group is known for bringing large-scale musical theatre productions to Wexford audiences, with its productions regularly involving performers, musicians, creatives, and theatre-makers from across the county and beyond. With its sweeping score, dramatic storytelling, and opportunities for large-scale ensemble performance, The Prince of Egypt will see Oyster Lane Theatre Group take on one of musical theatre’s most visually and musically demanding productions. Oyster Lane Theatre Group presents The Prince of Egypt National Opera House, Wexford 22nd–26th November 2026 at 7.30pm Tickets on sale now: https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/wh ats-on/oyster-lane-theatre-grouppresents n
Page 68 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Proudly present
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Film
22nd - 26th of November 2026 National Opera House Tickets on sale Now | www.nationaloperahouse.com | Nightly 7:30 p.m Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI
Book by: Philip LaZabnik Premiere production at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley and Original West End production directed by Scott Schwartz Originally produced by DreamWorks Theatricals, Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw with John Gore, Tom Smedes and Peter Stern, Ramin Sabi, The Araca Group, James L. Nederlander and Michael Park
4th November 2026 - Page 69
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
‘Buddy’ team raises €13,000 for Hope Centre
Adrienne Murphy and the creative team behind the incredibly successful ‘Buddy’ musicals broke new ground this September by writing and staging an original comedy – The Wake – in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, in aid of the Hope Cancer Support Centre. Last month a cheque for an incredible €13,000 wes presented by Adrienne and her colleagues to the Hope Centre where, no doubt, it will be put to excellent use. Keep up to date at: https://www.facebook.com/BuddyEnniscorthy n
Enniscorthy Theatre Company announces... Enniscorthy Theatre Company is delighted to announce the cast for its full-length circuit 2027 entry, On Raftery’s Hill by Marina Carr – “a gripping extraordinary evening of theatre” according to The Irish Times. In a community where everyone knows everyone's business, the Raftery family struggle to keep their family bond. Where love and affectionate words seem scarce, and bitterness and rumours fill the countryside, this comical play pushes the three-generation family to its limits. The Sunday Independent says: “The play is relentless: the flesh crawls, the hairs rise on the back of the neck, the throat closes in panic. And through the seismic horror comes the explosive artistry of the born playwright… this is a play that howls to be seen; its courage is matched only by its dramatic power.” The talented cast is as follows: Shalome: Siobhan Kehoe Red: Fergal Kelly Dinah: Kate Breen Ded: Ronan Berry Sorrel: Maeve Ennis Dara Mood: Brendan Carthy Isaac: Pat Murphy Director: Fintan Kelly n
Page 70 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Club of the Year!
Blackstairs Macra with Macra President Josephine O’Neill.
Blackstairs Macra Brings Home 'Best Emerging Club of the Year' and 'Leinster Best New Member' from the Macra Rally 2026. On Sunday, 25th of October, Blackstairs Macra, which was set up on September 2025, attended the Macra Rally in Adare, Co. Limerick, winning 'Best Emerging Club of the Year' and Chairperson Gavin Breen winning 'Leinster Best New Member'. Gavin says: “It is great to see all the members we have accumulated over the year and the success Blackstairs Macra had over the weekend, and I thank all club members for helping us get to this point. I am delighted with the amount of support that we had from across the county at the Macra Rally with nearly 50 members from Wexford Macra clubs, including 20 members from Blackstairs Macra, in Limerick to support us. Blackstairs Macra has made great progress over the last year, and we plan on doing more in the new year as we are planning on getting bigger as a club. Overall, to top off the whole weekend, it was an absolute privilege to win best new member along with best emerging club.”
PRO Shauna Doyle says, “We had a great time in Adare over the weekend, it was great to meet people from other Macra clubs across Ireland, and hopefully this is only the start for Blackstairs Macra.”
Over the past year, Blackstairs Macra has been taking part in a range of competitions at both county and national level, with Ciaran Doyle winning runner-up at the National Under-23 Stock Judging Competition earlier this year. Blackstairs Macra meets up every Monday in Jordan’s, Ballindaggin, at 8:30pm for their Monday Funday doing a range of activities from games nights, Mario Kart, cards, and much more. At present for their Monday Funday they are doing a Pool Tournament. Blackstairs Macra welcomes all people into the club from the ages of 17-35. People are welcome to go along to Blackstairs Macra Monday Fundays and club meetings if they wish to join. The next Blackstairs Macra club meeting is on Monday, 16th of November.
Blackstairs Macra Chairperson Gavin Breen, with Josephine O’Neill, receiving his Leinster Best New Member Award.
Blackstairs Macra would also like to congratulate everyone in Bree Macra for being nominated for Club of the Year at the Macra Rally. n
4th November 2026 - Page 71
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
‘Nationwide’ and ‘Evolve’ celebrate Selin Kim success Words & pics by Maria Nolan Having done herself and Enniscorthy proud on RTE’s Nationwide programme recently, Selin Kim was celebrated along with eleven other participants at the launch of the 2026 Evolve magazine at the Dublin Celebration of Diwali, the Indian Festival of Light. The 2026 edition of Evolve features Her Crown Her Story and Selin is one of twelve women who are making a name for themselves on international stages all around the globe.
Enniscorthy’s Selin Kim and Maria Nolan with other attendees at the the launch of the 2026 ‘Evolve’ magazine at the recent Dublin celebration of Diwali – the Indian Festival of Light.
‘Twelve Women, One Story,’ across backgrounds spanning India, Ireland, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ghana, Romania, and beyond, and all now living in and calling Ireland home. These wonderful women from the world of pageantry are using their moments on stage to speak about identity, and resilience, and belonging, and involvement in the new Irish communities that they now find themselves in. The editor and founder of Evolve, Rohit Srivastava, thanked the Indian Ambassador His Excellency Manish Gupta for launching the 2026 publication and all of the participants for sharing their individual stories. Selin Kim continuously honours her home here in Enniscorthy by taking it with her to all events and achievements, mentioning her involvement with Enniscorthy Arts & Culture Festival and Sustainable Enniscorthy, both on the Nationwide programme and as part of her interview in Evolve magazine, making us extremely proud and appreciative of all her wonderful endeavours and successes. Well done Selin and thank you for including members of Enniscorthy Arts & Culture at the Evolve event as we look forward to being part of your very promising future. Watch this space as Selin may have something more to announce in the not too distant future! n
Above left: Selin Kim with the editor and founder of ‘Evolve’ Rohit Srivastava. Above centre: Selin with some of her fellow pageantry participants. Above right: Selin with Maria Nolan and Indian Ambassador to Ireland His Excellency Manish Gupta.
Page 72 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Wexford Light Opera to stage ‘Evita’ Fresh from the incredibly successful four-night run of their ‘Hits from the Musicals’ show, Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) is now turning its attention to its upcoming 2027 production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s celebrated musical ‘Evita’. This global phenomenon, featuring iconic songs such as ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ and ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’, tells the compelling story of Eva Perón’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of Argentina’s most influential figures. The choice of ‘Evita’ marks an ambitious and thrilling direction for WLOS, offering opportunities for powerful performances, striking staging, and rich musical storytelling. Audiences can expect a production of exceptional scale and emotional depth. Further details about ‘Evita’ will be announced soon. Pic above by Darragh Carroll taken at last year’s WLOS ‘Hits from the Musicals’. n
Halloween at Winston & Willows
PAT’S PICTURE PARADE OUT AND ABOUT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER PAT O’CONNOR 087-2870006
Left: Halloween Party in Winston & Willows Early Years, Oulart, on 21st October 2026. Above: Esme Rose Kenny Mooney.
4th November 2026 - Page 73
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
Page 74 - 4th November 2026
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
4th November 2026 - Page 75
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
Wexford Opera Festival dazzles for 75th Anniversary Words & pics by Maria Nolan What a joy and a pleasure the 75th anniversary of the Wexford Opera Festival has been, and how blessed we are that the dream continues to enchant 75 years later.
versary programme – The First Festival certainly won the hearts of the Wexford public, written by our very own Colm Toibin, this is a treasure, a feel good romantic comedy that changes Wexford forever.
In truth the world renowned Festival has something for everyone and something to suit all pockets from a plethora of free fringe events including a huge variety of art exhibitions, pop-up events in Green Acres, Westgate, The Book Centre, the Talbot Hotel, Whites Hotel, Frank’s Place, Eclectic Avenue, Red Books and the windows of the Main Street, where famous opera singers from around the globe could be experienced and enjoyed at little or no cost, to the wonderful Antique Fair at the Talbot Hotel, numerous exciting recitals all over the town and the magic of the Spiegeltent, to the fabulous National Opera House showcasing mainstage, pocket, factory, and community productions.
Set in October 1951 when Dr. Tom Walsh and others made the momentous decision to have an Opera Festival in Wexford, this amazing piece of work is a celebration of love and music and a wonderful tribute to those who dreamed the dream when dreams were few and far between in Wexford and then had the courage to turn it into the reality that the town celebrates today.
Iris by Pietro Mascagni, L’equivoco stravagante by Rossini and The Gambler by Sergei Prokofiev were the three main productions of the 2026 Festival, along with Pocket Operas, The Rose of Castile by Michael William Balfe, and Much Ado About Nothing by Chales Villiers Stanford, and also the world premieres of The First Festival, a libretto by Colm Toibin with music by Alberto Caruso, and Still Life by Ailis Riain. Commissioned for the 75th Festival anni-
Page 76 - 4th November 2026
The opening scene takes place in the Motor Taxation Office in Wexford County Hall, where four work colleagues are suffering from Mondayitis. Each has recently been dumped by love partners and are bemoaning their loveless lot and their boring jobs and the lack of excitement in Wexford. Then word arrives that an Opera Festival is coming to the town and whilst they don’t really know or appreciate how this will liven up their lives they somehow know it will and are more than amenable to embrace all that it might bring. Four heartbroken opera singers arrive to Wexford at the same time to perform in the new Festival hoping that this little Irish town will somehow improve their love lives if only for the duration of the Festival.
Lo and behold these eight desperate wouldbe lovers meet each other at the opening reception and experience instant attraction. Now the problem is where to go for a lotta, lotta love and a little bit of privacy in 1950s Wexford. Bringing their new found loves back to their conservative Catholic homes is not an option for the natives, neither is it a choice for the visitors to bring the Wexfordians back to their very well policed Catholic B&Bs. So where to go for a night of passion? There is mention of dark corners and dingy alleyways but they don’t appeal to any of our eager paramours. Of course... each of the work colleagues think simultaneously... the Motor Taxation Office... where love stories begin. This hilarious libretto is filled with Wexford nuances with amusing references to hurling matches, pubs, 800 years of suppression, and Cromwell’s massacre of Wexford town. It bulges with Colm Toibin’s genius and magical music moments and was received fabulously with standing ovations for all performances. It was the perfect accolade for the 75th anniversary and well done to everyone involved. Take a bow Wexford, and Enniscorthy’s maestro Colm Toibin. n
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Top: Colm Toibin (centre) joins the cast on stage. Above: Mary O’Shea, Yvonne Kavanagh, Barbara Tobin (Colm's sister) and Maria Nolan. Right: Maria Nolan with Colm Toibin. Below left: Cathy Keane, Maree Lyng, Maria Nolan, Maura Bell. Below right: Mary O’Shea, Geraldine Morrissey, and Maria Nolan.
4th November 2026 - Page 77
Slaney leiSure Slaney& ad lifeStyle
Remembering TJ with songs and stories Words & pics by Maria Nolan A staggering €6,634.60 was raised recently for Pieta at a coffee gathering of neighbours, family, and friends at Castlepark, Bunclody, in memory of the late TJ Kelly. Many memories were shared and stories told in the autumn sunshine over countless cuppas as Mary C Crosbie sang some of TJ’s favourite tunes in the background. Minister James Browne TD spoke of the devastation of suicide and encouraged people to talk, talk, talk. George Graham gave an emotional address as he shared his own struggle with mental health and wellbeing and his message was the same – reach out – look for help, find people to listen. The family of TJ would like to express their most sincere thanks to all for their generosity and kindness, all who helped setting up tables and pouring teas, all who donated cakes, buns, biscuits, prizes, etc., and all who supported on the day. n
Foraging Talk Enniscorthy Library would like to invite you to a Foraging talk with Gráinne Kenneally Quirke from Elderberry Farm on Wednesday, 4th November, at 11.00am. Gráinne will discuss the immense health benefits, both physical and mental, of foraging and producing your own food from ingredients that are growing wild within a stone’s throw of your own front door. Booking essential: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4616005 n
Page 78 - 4th November 2026
Slaney artS
On Home Ground by Eoin O'Connor
Local artist Eoin O'Connor will present On Home Ground, an exhibition of original paintings capturing the woodland, fields and rural buildings of south Wicklow, at The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, on Sunday 8 November, 3-5pm. The exhibition is open to all, and the artist will be there to meet visitors. The exhibition will then run to 18 December 2026.
There's a particular kind of beauty in the place you call home. On Home Ground is Eoin's tribute to this corner of Wicklow, painted from the woods, fields and lanes he knows best. Tomnafinnoge Woods sits at the heart of the collection. Its old oaks, soft light and quiet paths run through the work, and the
paintings follow them out into the Wicklow countryside: stone walls, hedgerows and the cottages that dot the landscape. Whether you're a longtime admirer or seeing Eoin's work for the first time, On Home Ground is an invitation to slow down and see the landscape the way he does. n
The Fringe Collection: See page 81. 4th November 2026 - Page 79
Slaney SlaneyartS ad
Forthcoming exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre ‘All the People We Will Never Meet ’ – A solo exhibition by Thomas Brezing
Wexford Arts Centre lower and upper galleries 10th October – 16th December 2026 Curated by Cherry Smyth
Wexford Arts Centre is pleased to present All the People We Will Never Meet – a solo exhibition by Thomas Brezing, curated by Cherry Smyth.
can look as haunted as Adam and Eve by Masaccio, or conjure the aghast grandeur of Goya. They are living, breathing creatures, our pets and monsters.
This exhibition grew out of a 15-year correspondence between Thomas Brezing and Cherry Smyth, founded in their common addiction to painting and poetry. Brezing introduces a potent and tender series of ‘Head Paintings’, 2020- 2026, beside earlier large paintings, 2008-2020, which establish his themes of transcendence and obliteration. In the large canvases, representational motifs, such as birds and trees, vie for attention amid a frenzy of expressive abstraction. The colourful profusion of almost fantastical urban architecture, featuring ziggurats, subways, and bridges, threatens to overcome faint human figures. Through tactile layers and spots of bright impasto, these exuberant works celebrate wild, joyful sentience.
Biographies:
Brezing’s new ‘Head Paintings’ are also marked by an anarchic vibrancy of colour. They stretch the confines of figurative portraiture, spinning the image out in expressionistic brushstrokes before arriving at a slower, more gestural abstraction. Together, they seem to approximate our days and nights of frantic scrolling, measuring faces, comparing, seeking mirrors, until the frenzy folds into a blur of non-recognition. Some heads, wracked by side-swipes of paint, suggest the terror of war and mutilation. Yet resilience is firmly wrought by traces of survival where Brezing locates the strength of our common humanity. The lively exchange between Brezing’s imagined characters draws on emotional states that pass from resolution to disintegration and back again. Some appear like some Old Testament Book of Faces: the prophets and wandering pilgrims of our screens, desperate for followers. Others seem quasi-paramilitary or simply goofy or cartoonish. Are these edgy critiques of toxic masculinity, or pulpy portraits of mental torment? They
Page 80 - 4th November 2026
Thomas Brezing is a multidisciplinary artist and poet, born in Germany and based in North County Dublin since moving to Ireland in the early 1990s. He has exhibited nationally and internationally for over three decades. His international museum exhibitions include a two-person show at Lapua Art Museum, Finland, in 2016 and a solo exhibition in Turin in 2025. His awards include several Arts Council awards and the Fingal Ardgillan Castle Studio Award. His poetry collections include Anvil Dust and Scaffold, published in 2025. He won the Strokestown International Poetry Competition in 2024. Cherry Smyth is an Irish writer living in London. Her fifth poetry collection, One Mountain: Sold (Arlen House Press, 2025), examines the devastating effects of a proposed gold mine in Co. Tyrone, alongside new poems that explore how we relate to each other, the environment and ethics. One Mountain: Sold, the performance, is touring with Irish vocalist Lauren Kinsella and musician Dan Nicholls. Famished (Pindrop Press, 2019), a book-length poem, explores the Irish Famine and the role of imperialism in causing the largest refugee crisis of the 19th century. Exhibition Talk & Poetry Reading: Thomas Brezing and Cherry Smyth will give a joint reading from their published poetry and be in conversation during the exhibition run. ………………………………………………………………………… For further information contact Catherine Bowe – Curator, Wexford Arts Centre, Cornmarket, Wexford on (053) 91 23764 or catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie. Wexford Arts Centre (www.wexfordartscentre.ie) is supported by the Arts Council and Wexford County Council. n
Slaney artS
The Fringe Collection
Below: The exhibitors. Below right: Lisa Byrne, Visual Arts Manager at The Presentation Arts Centre, speaking at the launch event.
– alternative art exhibition The Fringe Collection's latest exhibition at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, is running until 12th November. The Fringe Collection is an inclusive art collective which celebrates bold, unconventional, and alternative mediums spanning the realms of photography, painting, illustration, and digital artwork. Keen to put the spotlight on underrepresented and neurodivergent voices, The Fringe Collection aim to create a welcoming space for raw creativity, experimentation, and authentic storytelling beyond mainstream expectations. This exhibition features artwork by Deborah Doyle, Ciaran Foley, Changeling Craftworks, Stephen Lindsay, Clódagh Dempsey, Matthew O'Neill, Emma Daly
and Larry Dunne, and is open to visit until November 13th. To keep up to date with all happenings in The Presentation Arts Centre: www.presentationcentre.ie https://www.facebook.com/PresArtsCe ntre n
4th November 2026 - Page 81
SlaneyartS ad SlaneySlaney leiSure & lifeStyle
Calling all local artists and community groups The 'Connections' series organised by Creative Places Enniscorthy is inviting artists and community to take part in a series of conversations. Whatever topics and issues you would like to discuss or bring to the open, you are invited to go along and share or simply listen. The meet-ups will be in different venues around Enniscorthy, including the newly reopened Captain Wafer Hall, the Enniscorthy Community Allotments, and The Presentation Arts Centre. Creative Places Enniscorthy would really like to hear from you, so please drop in to any of the upcoming meetups. The series will run monthly, on the first Friday of every month. The first conversation took place on Friday 2 October 10am-12pm at the Captain Wafer Hall in Templeshannon. The next meeting will take place on Friday 6th November also at the Captain Wafer Hall. Keep up to date: Email: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie https://www.facebook.com/Creative PlacesEnniscorthy n Keep up with all the happenings at Art Bank, Main Street, Bunclody: https://www.facebook.com/ARTBANKB unclody A not-for-profit inclusive gallery which also hosts events and workshops in the heart of Bunclody n
Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely
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
Page 82 - 4th November 2026
For a complete listing of upcoming music, drama, comedy, film, art, etc, see: https://www.courthousearts.ie/whats-on n
Slaney artS
Current exhibition at Wexford Co. Council ‘Chorus’ – A solo exhibition by Richard Malone Curated by Karla Sanchez Zepeda and Catherine Bowe. Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93. 12th October – 20th November, 2026. Opening Event: Saturday 10th October at 2pm. The Arts Office of Wexford County Council, in partnership
Richard Malone, b.1990 (they/them, he/him) is an Irish artist
with Wexford Arts Centre, is pleased to present Chorus – a
from Wexford. In 2026, he was awarded the Derek Hill Founda-
solo exhibition by Richard Malone.
tion Painting Fellowship at the British School at Rome and the
Wexford artist Richard Malone has steadily developed a strong and solid career since graduating from London’s Central Saint Martins in 2014. His work, spanning different media – from sculptures, performance, and textiles to drawings and installations – can be found in the collections of important institutions
Gilbert Bayes Award from the Royal Society of Sculptors. In 2025, Malone was selected for the John Moores Painting Prize and was a finalist for the Mark Tanner Sculpture Prize, and undertook a residency at the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation in Connecticut. Their work was also included in exhibitions at
around the world.
MoMA New York and MoMU Antwerp.
Malone has developed an artistic vocabulary of his own rooted
Their recent practice has encompassed a major institutional ex-
in his upbringing within the Irish working class. Malone’s inspi-
hibition at The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon, in 2024, alongside a
rational sources are varied, from the sewing skills and artistic
three-part commission for The Metropolitan Museum of Art,
sensibilities of his grandmother, his father’s discipline and work
New York. Previous commissions include the Central Hall com-
ethic in construction, and the revelry attitude of Wexford teen-
mission for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and a live
agers, to the work of renowned modern and contemporary
performance commissioned by the Hayward Gallery for Dear
artists such as Eileen Gray (in 2021 Malone curated the touring
Earth: Art and Hope in the Time of Crisis. In 2022, Malone won
exhibition “Making and Momentum: In Conversation with Ei-
the Golden Fleece Award for Visual Art and has received Arts
leen Gray"); Giacometti (in 2022 he undertook a 2-month resi-
Council of Ireland Visual Arts Bursary and Project Awards.
dency to respond to an exhibition of the Swiss artist at IMMA,
Recent solo institutional exhibitions include A Record of Tender-
Dublin); Anni Albers, and Sheila Hicks (he was a recipient of a
ness at The Dock, Figures at Ormston House, Limerick, and
Josef & Anni Albers Foundation residency).
knot, bind, Gesture, bend at the National Gallery of Ireland,
Malone’s attention to detail, his regard and respect for his
Dublin. Malone’s work is held in major collections including
roots and sense of identity, his deep sensibility, and his in-
MoMA, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the V&A, the Na-
credible work ethic make for an artist who is not afraid to go
tional Gallery of Victoria, and the Arts Council of Ireland. From
deep into research and experiment. His work is at once deli-
2026, Malone will have a permanent exhibition space at V&A
cate and sturdy, flexible, dynamic, sensual, and ludic.
East, London.
Chorus is an exhibition where Malone is reflecting upon his
Malone’s writing has appeared in publications including Lun-
own creative process. He is an artist who values skill and craft;
cheon, British Vogue and Erotic Review.
all his pieces are meticulously made by hand and carry within them questions and ideas about Irishness, identity, queerness, place, and cultural history. Artist Biography:
For further information on the exhibition please contact Una Cahill, The Arts Office, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93, on (053) 9196369 or email una.cahill@wexfordcoco.ie n
4th November 2026 - Page 83
Slaney aD
Page 84 - 4th November 2026
Slaney fooD & Drink
Enniscorthy’s new flour mill On 9th October 2026 at Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, Slaney Flour, a joint venture between Hemelter Ireland and Ballycarney Grain Ltd, work commenced on a 300-tonne-a-day flour mill which will bring flour production closer to Ireland’s bakers and food producers. At present, Ireland imports around 260,000 tonnes of flour a year, mainly from the UK, Germany, and France. Producing more of it at home strengthens the whole bakery supply chain, with less dependence on imports and lower exposure to weather events and geopolitical risk. Hemelter Ireland is part of the familyowned Hemelter Mühle group, which has been milling flour in Germany since 1892. It has supplied flour to Irish bakeries for more than 20 years, currently around 40,000 tonnes a year, and operates five milling locations across Germany and Poland. Ballycarney Grain is run by brothers Andrew and Raymond Kavanagh from their family tillage farm in Ballycarney. It sources, dries, and stores grain from around 150 farmers across the SouthEast and provides an agronomy service from seed to harvest. Speaking at the launch event, Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said: “I am de-
lighted to join the team at Slaney Flour today and their colleagues for the start of this very exciting venture, a milestone project for our indigenous food sector. Ireland’s bakery sector is a vital part of our economy, and increasing flour milling capacity within Ireland will further strengthen supply chains and resilience, while improving competitiveness.” Minister James Browne TD said, “This investment represents a significant vote of confidence in Ballycarney and the wider Wexford region, and the operation of a state-of-the-art flour mill will have a significant impact on the local economy. Wexford has a proud agricultural heritage, and this investment further reinforces the county's role as an important centre for food production, processing and innovation. This project is a real example of what is possible through collaboration, as we see two companies – an indigenous food producer working with international milling expertise and public sector partners demonstrating how local ambition, private investment, and government support can work together to deliver transformative regional projects. Congratulations to all involved, and we look forward to seeing this project develop.” Mark Christal, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Today's sod-turning marks the beginning of a significant investment in Ireland's food infrastructure,
Minister James Browne TD and Cllr BarbaraAnne Murphy at the ‘turning the sod’ ceremony at Slaney Flour, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy.
helping to safeguard Ireland’s food security. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting indigenous Irish exporters to start, grow and scale, and the Irish bakery sector generates an annual turnover of approximately €1.1 billion. We are proud to support this project, developing a state-of-the-art flour milling facility, which will have a great impact in the south-east and the wider indigenous food sector.” n
4th November 2026 - Page 85
Slaney Slaney fooD aD & Drink
Lots on at the Allotments Noemi Louro, Community Events Coordinator at Enniscorthy Community Allotments, keeps us posted with developments at the Allotments... We went to Limerick. That sentence alone would have seemed unlikely a few years ago. But on 8 October, Enniscorthy Community Allotments walked into the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2026 at the Strand Hotel as one of 40 shortlisted projects, chosen from an initial 160 nominations nationwide. Our sixth national finals. We did not win. Kilkenny County Council Parks won the Age Friendly Environment Award, and they deserved it. But we were there, with our video footage and our story, and that's not a small thing. That is everything we set out to be. October also marked National Community Gardens and Allotments Week, a
Page 86 - 4th November 2026
moment to remember that what we are doing here in Enniscorthy is part of something much larger. Community growing has deep roots in this country, and it is finding its footing again. The apple trees gave generously this month, and there were plenty of cooking apples to share around the plots. And there was also a new workshop to add to the season: a Chicken Wire Sculpture workshop with artist Imogen Stafford. The kind of thing that makes you wish you had more hands. Then, on Sunday the 25th, Halloween came to Gort Na Gréine, and the sun came with it. Pumpkins were decorated, faces were painted, @fish_voice_ (Ukrainian Kids' Choir) filled the allotment with song, and a scavenger hunt through the big plot sent everyone home with a prize, pumpkin seeds, and recipes to try in the kitchen. A beautiful after-
noon, and a lovely way to close out the month. The plots are quieter now, but the place never really stops. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or enniscorthyallotments@gmail.com n
Slaney fooD & Drink
A Taste of Norman Wexford
See story on page 104. 4th November 2026 - Page 87
Slaney Slaney fooD aD & Drink
Wonderful Wexford Winners
Wexford food producers had plenty to celebrate in Dingle last month, with members of the Wexford Food Producers Network enjoying huge success at the 2026 Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. The awards were presented in Dingle on Friday, 2 October, bringing together some of Ireland’s finest food and drink producers. It was a particularly successful weekend for the Wexford contingent, with producers from across the county receiving recognition for the quality, innovation and craftsmanship behind their products. The weekend was especially sweet for Zaeire Artisan Chocolate, whose Hazelnut Praline won Gold as well as the pres-
tigious ‘Best in County’ award, supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford. Wexford Food Producers Network members represented at the finals included Atlantis Seafood, ABP Irish Country Meats, Elderberry Farm, Killiane Castle Honey, Killowen Farm, MÓR Taste, O'Neills Dry Cure Bacon, Saltrock Dairy, Stable Diet, Trudie's Kitchen, Wexford Home Preserves, Zaeire Artisan Chocolate and Zanna Cookhouse. The finalists showcased the diversity of Wexford's food sector, with products ranging from seafood, lamb, and honey to yoghurt, preserves, bacon, chocolate, and prepared foods.
Paul Kehoe, Chairperson of the Wexford Food Producers Network, said: “We are delighted to see our Wexford producers recognised at Blas na hÉireann. It was a fantastic weekend for the Network and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the quality, passion, and hard work behind the food being produced here in Co. Wexford. Congratulations to all involved on a tremendous achievement.” Blas na hÉireann is the largest food awards programme on the island of Ireland, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards recognising excellence across a wide range of food and drink categories. The Wexford Food Producers Network's participation in Blas na hÉireann 2026 was supported by Wexford County Council. n
Above left: Fallon Moore (Blas na hÉireann), Leigh Kelly of Zaeire Chocolates (Best in County Award), Annette Dupuy (Wexford Local Enterprise Office). Above right: Leigh Kelly, Zaeire Artisan Chocolate, being presented with a Gold award.
Page 88 - 4th November 2026
Slaney fooD & Drink
at Blas na hÉireann 2026
Above left: Killiane Castle Honey winning Bronze at the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2026 for their Killiane Castle Soft Set Honey. Above right: Killowen Farm winning Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2026 for their Cherry Pepper Cream Cheese, Natural Cream Cheese and Apple & Cinnamon Overnight Oats.
Above left: ABP Slaney winning Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2026. Above right: O'Neills Dry Cured Bacon winning Gold at the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2026 for their Dry Cured Back Rashers.
Above left: Wexford Home Preserves winning Bronze at the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2026 for their Simply Better Caramelised Red Onion Relish for Dunnes Stores. Above right: Zanna Cookhouse winning Bronze and Gold awards at the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2026. Above left: Trudies Catering Kitchen winning Bronze at the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2026 for their Gluten Free Chicken Salad Sandwich. Above right: Elderberry Farm Produce winning Silver at the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2026 for their Aggie's Raspberry Jam!
4th November 2026 - Page 89
Slaney Slaney fooD aD & Drink
ooted in
exford
Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him. By November, the garden has usually started to look a little different. The colourful summer displays have faded, the evenings are closing in and, here in Ireland, getting outside often means trying to dodge another shower of rain. It can be tempting to put the gardening gloves away until spring, but there are still plenty of things happening in the garden. Some vegetables are only getting better with the colder weather, and a few small jobs now can make a real difference next year. Brussels sprouts are a good example. If you have grown them this year, you should hopefully be starting to enjoy the rewards. They are one of those vegetables that seem to take forever to grow, but they are worth the wait. Keep an eye on the plants during windy weather, particularly if they are tall. A stake and a loose tie will help stop them rocking in the ground and damaging their roots. Don’t be in a rush to pick every sprout either. A touch of frost can improve their flavour, so you can harvest them gradually as you need them. If you fancy getting another crop started, November is also a chance to sow broad
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. beans. Autumn-sown varieties can establish over winter and give you an earlier harvest next year. They need a reasonably sheltered spot and, more importantly, soil that drains well. Our Irish winters can be very wet, and seeds sitting in cold, waterlogged ground are unlikely to thank you for your efforts. If your garden is particularly exposed or the ground is too wet, there is no harm in waiting until spring. One thing I have learned from gardening is not to underestimate the weather. A mild spell can quickly turn into a sharp frost, while a windy night can undo a surprising amount of work. Keep an eye on any crops still growing outdoors. Fleece can offer some protection from frost, and netting is useful for keeping hungry birds away from brassicas. Just remember to check that everything is properly secured before the next spell of bad weather or storm arrives.
Page 90 - 4th November 2026
There may also be an opportunity to save some seeds from plants that have done particularly well this year. If you have flowers or vegetables that you would like to grow again, collect the seeds once they are fully mature and dry. Store them in labelled paper envelopes somewhere cool and dry. It is a simple way to make the most of what you have grown, and it can save a few euro when you start buying seeds again in the new year. For anyone growing in pots or containers, November is a good time to check how they are coping with all the rain. Containers can quickly become waterlogged, particularly if drainage holes are blocked or pots are sitting directly on the ground. Raising them slightly on pot feet or bricks will help excess water escape. It is also worth moving more vulnerable pots somewhere sheltered before winter really sets in. I always think November is a good month to be honest
about how the growing year went. Which crops were worth the effort? What struggled? Did you grow far too many courgettes again, or perhaps discover a new variety that you will definitely be growing next year? I find it useful to make a few notes now, because by the time spring arrives, it is easy to forget what worked and what didn’t. There is no need to spend every dry day tackling a major job. Sometimes the best thing you can do is have a wander around the garden, see what is still growing and deal with anything that needs attention. And if the weather keeps you indoors, there is nothing wrong with getting the seed catalogues out and planning next year’s garden. Of course, planning is the easy part. Sticking to the plan and not trying to grow absolutely everything is another matter entirely! n
Slaney buSineSS & finance
County Wexford Chamber news... What does it take to build a successful business, lead high-performing teams, and create the foundations for sustainable growth? County Wexford Chamber's Leadership Summit 2026 will bring together business owners, CEOs, and senior leaders from across the South East for a day of insights, discussion, and networking at the Ferrycarrig Hotel on November 12th. This year's Summit will explore leadership through four key themes: ✔ Lead Yourself – Developing the mindset, resilience, and decision-making skills of effective leaders. ✔ Lead Your People – Building strong teams, culture, and employee engagement. ✔ Lead Your Business – Navigating growth, change, and the challenges of scaling successfully. ✔ Lead Wexford – Shaping the future of County Wexford as a place to start, grow, and scale a business. Through keynote speakers, panel discussions, real business experiences, and networking opportunities, the Summit will provide practical insights and fresh perspectives for leaders at every stage of their journey. Book here: https://cwc.glueup.com/event/countywexford-chamber-leadership-summit2026-185920/ n
The ideal Christmas gift! The County Wexford Chamber Shop Local Gift Card. Get yours here: https://townandcitygiftcards.ie/product/county-wexford-shop-local-gift-card/ n
Beechdale Garden Centre – one of over 200 businesses countywide which welcomes the Wexford Chamber Shop Local Gift Card.
4th November 2026 - Page 91
Slaney buSineSS Slaney aD & finance
Supports available from LEO Wexford 3. Training and Capability Development
Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in Ireland provide a comprehensive suite of financial, advisory, and training supports for micro-enterprises (typically 10 or fewer employees) and entrepreneurs. They act as a "first-stop shop" for both new business ideas and existing businesses looking to grow.
•
Start Your Own Business Course: Training for people developing a new business idea.
•
Management Development Programmes: Specialised training to enhance leadership and business skills.
•
Workshops/Webinars: Covering topics such as marketing, social media, finance, HR, and sustainability.
4. Productivity and Specialised Supports •
Lean for Business: Aims to improve competitiveness and productivity by reducing waste.
1. Financial Supports (Grants & Funding) •
Priming Grant: A start-up grant for micro-enterprises within the first 18 months of operation.
•
Green for Business: Helps small businesses prepare for a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.
•
Business Expansion Grant: Funding for existing businesses (trading over 18 months) to develop or expand.
•
•
Feasibility/Innovation Grant: Assists with researching market demand, sustainable business models, or developing a prototype.
Digital for Business (or Digital Start): Helps businesses adopt digital tools to enhance processes and customer experience.
•
Food Supports: Specialised support, including the Food Academy programme, for food and drink businesses.
•
Trading Online Voucher Scheme: A voucher (up to 50% or €2,500) to help small businesses develop their e-commerce capabilities.
5. Networking and Other Initiatives •
Local Enterprise Week: Annual series of events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
•
Energy Efficiency Grant: Supports for businesses to reduce energy consumption and lower costs.
•
National Women’s Enterprise Day: Promoting female entrepreneurship.
•
Microfinance Ireland Loans: Low-interest business loans available through LEOs.
•
Student Enterprise Programme: Encouraging entrepreneurship in primary and secondary schools.
•
National Enterprise Awards: Celebrating the success of LEO-supported businesses
2. Mentoring and Advice •
•
One-to-One Mentoring: Free sessions with experienced business practitioners to provide strategic, independent advice. Business Advice Clinics: Initial meetings to guide new entrepreneurs on business planning and LEO services.
Page 92 - 4th November 2026
LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE Wexford Co. Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93. Tel: 053 9196020 info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie https://www.localenterprise.ie/wexford/ n
Slaney buSineSS & finance
Enniscorthy businesses supporting County Wexford Chamber Enniscorthy’s Taoglas is now an official Corporate Partner of County Wexford Chamber. Founded in 2004, Taoglas has grown into a global technology company specialising in antennas, advanced radio frequency components, and design services for connected and wireless products. Today, the company’s technology supports applications across sectors including transportation, connected health, smart cities, industrial automation and aerospace. With its Advanced Components headquarters in Enniscorthy, Taoglas is a strong example of specialist expertise and innovation developed in Co. Wexford with a reach into global markets.
Official Corporate Partner of County Wexford Chamber. Above: Taoglas. Below: AirconMech.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– County Wexford Chamber is delighted to welcome AirconMech as its newest Corporate Partner. Established in Enniscorthy in 1996, AirconMech has grown from a local mechanical contracting business into a leading engineering company delivering complex projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe. With a team of approximately 200 professionals, AirconMech specialises in mechanical engineering, HVAC systems, BIM design, offsite prefabrication, and turnkey project delivery across sectors including life sciences, healthcare, data centres, commercial developments and food production. A fantastic example of a Wexford business growing its reach well beyond the county, AirconMech continues to invest in innovation, sustainability, and the development of skilled talent. Its commitment to excellence was recognised at the 2024 County Wexford Business Awards, where it won both Large Business of the Year and Best Training Initiative within an Organisation. Check out: https://airconmech.com/ n
Left: County Wexford Chamber recently hosted a series of Budget 2027 Briefings across the county, providing businesses with expert analysis of the key Budget measures and their implications for the year ahead. Delivered in partnership with PwC Ireland, Azets Ireland, KDA and MK Brazil, the briefings took place in Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey and New Ross.
4th November 2026 - Page 93
Slaney buSineSS Slaney aD & finance
Local Enterprise Office Wexford –
Local Enterprise Office Wexford celebrated the 20th Anniversary of National Women's Enterprise Day at Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey, on 15th October 2026. The event brought together women in business for a morning of inspiration, practical learning, and networking. The keynote address was given by financial wellbeing expert Kel Galavan (Mrs Smart Money), Aisling Hurley held an interactive workshop called ‘Future-Proof Your Business’, and the event’s MC was Shonagh Lyons. n Above L-R: Liz Hore (Wexford County Council), Eddie Taaffe (CEO, Wexford County Council), Kel Galavan (speaker), Lisa McDonald (Cathaoirleach, Wexford Co. Council), Shonagh Lyons (MC), Angela Lawless (Local Enterptise Office Wexford), Aisling Hurley. Below left: L-R: Natasha Hughes and Amanda Stewart. Below centre L-R: Aisling O'Connor, Deirdre O'Flynn, and Joanne O'Grady. Below right, L-R: Shonagh Lyons (MC) with some of the attendees. Pics: Nichola Browne-Sinnott.
Page 94 - 4th November 2026
Slaney buSineSS & finance
‘National Women’s Enterprise Day’
Top left L-R: Annie Doyle, Elinor Dowling, Eveline Van Manen and Mari Gregan. Top right L-R: Fionnuala Power, Margaret Goldsmith, Nuala Furlong and Sabrina Power. Above left, L-R: Susan Madden and Fiona Byrne. Above centre: Some of the attendees. Above right, L-R: Gina Arcari and Marion Galvin. Below left, L-R: Eddie Taaffe and Liz Hore of Wexford County Council. Below centre, L-R: Charley Swords, Melissa Carroll and Carmel Mulligan. Below right, L-R: Bridget Atkinson, Keara Howard and Tanya Doran. Bottom left, L-R: Aisling Hurley and Patricia Fielding. Bottom centre, L-R: Colette Mulready, Jo Flood and Barbara O'Connell. Bottom right, L-R: Amanda Stewart and Annette Rowsome.
All pics: Nichola Browne-Sinnott.
4th November 2026 - Page 95
Slaney buSineSS Slaney aD & finance
Enniscorthy District Shopfront Paint and Flower Grant Scheme 2026 Before
After
Enniscorthy Municipal District received a fantastic response to the 2026 Shopfront Paint and Flower Grant Schemes, with 20 applications approved.
ance and attractiveness of our towns making them more vibrant places to live, work, visit, and invest in. The total funding awarded for 2026 was € 4,695.71.
The scheme has made a significant contribution to enhancing the visual appear-
If you are a business owner, be sure to watch out for the next round of grants,
Before
After
After
Before
Page 96 - 4th November 2026
which will be advertised during the first quarter of 2027. If you would like to be added to the business mailing list for any updates, please make sure to contact: emdreception@wexford.ie n
Slaney buSineSS & finance
Wexford: Invest. Scale. Thrive. On 2nd October 2026 at Croke Park, Dublin, Wexford County Council officially launched Invest Wexford – a refreshed investment promotion brand and website designed to attract new investment, support business growth, and showcase Co. Wexford as a premier destination to “Invest. Scale. Thrive.” Invest Wexford has been developed to raise the profile of County Wexford nationally and internationally, showcasing the county's economic strengths, highly skilled workforce, quality of life, connectivity and significant opportunities for investment and enterprise development in the Model County. Established by Wexford County Council, the initiative reflects the Council's commitment to investment attraction and enterprise development as key drivers of the county's future economic growth. Cllr Lisa McDonald, An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, said: "County Wexford has a strong and diverse economy, a highly skilled workforce and a growing reputation as an outstanding coastal location in which to live and work. It is a place where businesses are supported and can succeed across the county. “Invest Wexford gives us a stronger platform to communicate these strengths and to connect with businesses, investors, and talent seeking opportunities to grow. Our ambition is to build on the opportunities that already exist across the county while creating new initiatives for investment, innovation, and employment." Mark Redmond, a County Wexford Ambassador and recently appointed Director General Designate of the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), said: "Wexford is a thriving business county with so much to offer both relocating busi-
nesses and existing companies looking to expand and grow. From a talented workforce and exceptional educational opportunities to an enviable quality of life and strong national and international connectivity, County Wexford provides an ideal environment for businesses to start, innovate and succeed. “I commend Wexford County Council on their strategic partnership with the GAA in promoting the sense of place, identity, and opportunity through Invest Wexford. The initiative presents a comprehensive overview of Wexford’s strengths, positioning the county as a place where businesses and people can thrive, while connecting them to strong networks and opportunities they need to achieve success." The launch forms part of Wexford GAA's Game Changers initiative, reflecting the increasingly important role that sport, business and community leadership play in shaping and promoting the future of the county. John Kenny, Chairperson of Wexford GAA, said: "Wexford has an incredible amount to offer, from our people and sporting communities to our businesses and entrepreneurs. We are delighted to partner with Wexford County Council in supporting this initiative focused on attracting investment, strengthening our communities and creating employment opportunities." The new Invest Wexford brand and website will serve as a central platform for businesses, investors, and prospective employees seeking to discover the many opportunities available across County Wexford. Invest Wexford is a compelling showcase centred on investment, growth, and quality of life which strengthens Wexford’s reputation as one of Ireland's most attractive locations for business and talent. For more information, visit www.investwexford.ie n
L-R: Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council; Liz Hore, Director of Services at Wexford County Council; Mark Redmond, Director General Designate at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA); Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council; John Hegarty, Manager of Wexford Senior Football team.
4th November 2026 - Page 97
Slaney SlaneyPeTS aD
New animal welfare strategy Dogs Trust has welcomed the publication of the Government's new Animal Welfare Strategy 2026–2030, but has highlighted the need for the existing draft Dog Breeding Establishments legislation to be strengthened in line with the recommendations made by a range of animal welfare groups. Dogs Trust believes the Strategy marks a milestone moment for animal welfare in Ireland, particularly through its commitments to reform dog breeding legislation. But these commitments must now be backed by action to deliver higher standards of dog welfare and stronger enforcement. The charity recently raised concerns before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food that the draft Dog Breeding Establishments (Amendment) Bill does not go far enough to protect every dog and puppy in commercial breeding establishments. A key concern is the proposed requirement for one full-time equivalent employee, working 39 hours per week, for every 20 adult female dogs. Those dogs could have litters bringing the total to 140 dogs and puppies, before stud dogs or retired breeding dogs are counted, without any increase in the staffing requirement. Dogs Trust is calling for the legislation to adopt a welfare-outcome approach, under which every licensed Dog Breeding Establishment would be required to develop and implement a comprehensive welfare management plan covering the physical, behavioural and psychological needs of every dog and puppy in its care, including appropriate exercise, socialisation, enrichment, veterinary treatment and individual attention. Establishments would then be inspected and assessed against their ability to deliver these standards in practice. n
R K
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
Page 98 - 4th November 2026
Slaney PeTS
MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9233187, 9236674. F: (053) 9236674. E: moynevet@gmail.com
FOR NOVEMBER NOVEMBER DIARY FOR It’s November and the clocks have gone back. The long evenings and nights close in and traditionally it’s a time of reflection and slowing down. I've just returned from a veterinary conference in Mexico that focused mainly on homeopathy but on complementary medicines too. It was really great to talk to vets from different parts of the world and get their views on treating cases they see each day in clinics. There was an enthusiasm and a real sense that animals respond to this type of veterinary work extremely well. Some vets spoke about individual cases that conventionally were considered almost impossible that responded brilliantly to homeopathy. That is the thing about homeopathy... if you can find the right remedy the results can be spectacular. The trick and the difficulty is finding that exact match for that particular animal. It is sometimes a journey in that it isn't just one remedy but working down through layers until you can get the result you're looking for. For me, when I started using complementary medicine it opened up a whole new world in how we approach and treat an animal. I felt so frustrated with conventional medicine that there were so many conditions that we either didn't know what was happening or else there wasn't anything we could do about it.
with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital
When I began Energy Medicine or Integrative Medicine, as I like to call it now, we found the mix of both conventional and complementary medicines melded very well and our results improved. There are always new things to learn, new approaches to treating these difficult and complex cases, and this is the beauty of these therapies... they keep evolving as we do. As a veterinary profession it’s mandatory to keep doing continual education as there are new medicines and approaches in each branch of medicine. That is the challenge and the great thing about veterinary science... there are so many wonderful practitioners out there doing great work and to meet some of these who are top of their field is a real privilege. Most of these are really down-toearth humble people which makes it all the more special. They inspire people to keep pushing forward, helping our clients and animals with new ways and approaches for the benefit of all. The winter has arrived and the long nights give us time to reflect and digest the wisdom and wonders of what can be achieved when we open our minds and our hearts. n
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
4th November 2026 - Page 99
Slaney Slaney moToring aD
CAROLINE GETS MOTORING Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at
www.changinglanes.ie
TOYOTA bZ TOURING REVIEW Toyota has expanded its electric
Priced from €48,445, the bZ Tour-
The Touring is taller and longer
vehicle line-up in Ireland with the
ing is available here in a single,
than the standard bZ, with chunky
arrival of the new bZ Touring, a
well-equipped Sport trim level. It
roof rails, redesigned bumpers, pro-
more rugged and practical estate
stands out with more rugged sty-
tective skid plates and lots of
version of the standard bZ hatch-
ling, extra boot space and a slightly
plastic cladding around the wheel
back.
larger battery.
arches. Black-finished 18-inch alloy
TOYOTA BZ TOURING
Page 100 - 4th November 2026
Slaney moToring wheels complete the tougher look. Inside, the Touring shares its cabin with the rest of the bZ range. Build quality is good, with everything feeling solidly put together, although the abundance of grey plastic leaves the interior looking rather drab. Given the roughly €6,000 premium over the standard model, it would be nice if it felt a bit more special inside. Equipment levels are generous, however. Standard features include a full digital driver display, touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, electric adjustment for the driver's seat and wireless smartphone charging. A comprehensive range of driver assistance systems is also included. Space is the Touring's biggest selling point. The boot offers an impressive 669 litres of capacity, with a taller and wider opening than the standard bZ. That makes it more practical than many SUVs when it comes to carrying luggage, sports equipment or the weekly family shop. It's even better than Toyota's own RAV4 plug-in hybrid in terms of boot capacity. Practical touches include a threepin power socket, hooks, tie-down points and levers for folding down
Interior
the rear seats. Passenger space in the back is generous too, although taller adults may find the seat base offers less thigh support than they would like. in Ireland the focus is primarily on the front wheel drive version, though all wheel drive is available in some other countries. The bZ Touring is powered by an electric motor delivering 224hp to the front wheels. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds, giving it more than enough performance for everyday driving. A 74.4kWh battery provides a claimed range of up to 591 kilometres on the WLTP test cycle, compared with 567 kilometres for the standard bZ. The Touring also benefits from the technical improvements introduced to the wider bZ range earlier in 2026, bringing better efficiency and faster charging.
On the road, the Toyota feels well suited to Irish roads. The ride is comfortable and refined, while the steering is nicely weighted and the car provides plenty of grip. It may not be the most exciting electric car to drive, but it is composed, predictable and easy to live with.
Although the Irish market focus is on the front wheel drive version, a snow mode is included for more challenging winter conditions. Paddles behind the steering wheel allow the driver to adjust regenerative braking, although Toyota has not included a full one-pedal driving mode. Charging is equally straightforward. The bZ Touring supports AC charging at up to 11kW and DC rapid charging at up to 150kW. Using a suitable rapid charger, a 10-80% charge takes around 28 minutes when the battery preconditioning feature is used. Overall, the Toyota bZ Touring is the most spacious and practical electric model Toyota has offered to date. Well suited to Irish roads, it offers a competent and comfortable drive that makes it very easy to live with. It's only let down by an interior that lacks flair and the price premium over the standard bZ, which may already suit your needs. 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. 4th November 2026 - Page 101
Slaney Slaney SPorT aD
TEXACO – Supporting Sport APPLICATIONS FOR TEXACO ‘SUPPORT FOR SPORT’ FUNDING INVITE Sports clubs in Co. Wexford are invited to apply for the sixth Texaco Support for Sport initiative in which €5,000 amounts will be distributed to successful applicants in each of the 26 counties. It is open to all sports clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender including clubs that may have been unsuccessful in their application previously. Cubs wishing to apply should first register their interest on www.TexacoSupportforSport.com, followed, before closing date of 21st January 2027, by a completed application that should include details of their sporting activity, the importance of the club in their local community, the purpose for which the funding is sought, and the use to which the funds will be put. A sole qualifying requirement is that clubs must be properly constituted and hold a valid Games and Sports Exemption Number that features on the list published by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on 2nd July 2026. n
Pickle Ball for all at Astro Active
On the horizon... Enniscorthy Municipal District has several major sports projects in its sights, and is seeking government grants in order to make them happen. Applications are currently being prepared under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme for the following projects: •
Development of a Skatepark at Turret Rocks
•
Waterfront Swimming Pool Enhancement Project
•
Construction of Changing Rooms for the Astro Pitch
•
Resurfacing of the Athletics Track at Enniscorthy Sports Hub.
These projects aim to improve sports and recreational infrastructure and support increased participation in sporting activities throughout the district. n
Page 102 - 4th November 2026
Slaney hiSTory & heriTage
The 2027 Community Monuments Fund supporting the protection and conservation of national monuments The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has launched the 2027 Community Monuments Fund (CMF). The fund aims to help owners and custodians to conserve, maintain, protect, and promote local archaeological monuments and historic sites. Since 2021, more than €40 million has been invested in over 840 projects countrywide. Over €2m has been awarded to 36 CMF projects in Co. Wexford since it began in 2020. Announcing the opening of the 2027 funding stream, Minister Browne said: “The Community Monuments Fund plays an essential role in helping owners and custodians protect and preserve our precious archaeological heritage in cities, towns, villages, and the wider countryside. “There have been 36 CMF projects in Wexford in recent years and I have seen for myself the positive impact this funding has on the local communities. Not only does it restore these amazing structures and make them more resilient for the future, it brings people together to celebrate their local heritage, all while supporting the wider heritage sector and helping to keep traditional skills alive. “The CMF is a positive piece of teamwork between my Department, its National Monuments Service, and the local authority heritage teams. I’d like to encourage owners and custodians of properties in Wexford to come forward to avail of the 2027 fund and engage with local authority Heritage Officer.”
Conservation in Bree
The Community Monuments Fund supports conservation, maintenance, protection, and the promotion of local monuments and historic sites. For 2027, the scheme has four streams to support these aims: Stream 1 offers grants up to €130,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments. Stream 2 offers grants of up to €30,000 for development of conservation management plans/reports that are aimed at identifying measures for conservation of archaeological monuments and improving public access. Stream 3 offers grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual or online) at archaeological monuments. Stream 4 will offer grants of up to €10,000 to monitor previous conservation works funded by CMF to ensure the continued resilience of the monuments.
Conservation works are ongoing at Ballybrennan Church, Bree, helping to safeguard this important historic site for future generations and strengthen its resilience to climate change.
This scheme is administered by the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Local Authorities.
Dedicated to St. Cuan, the church has a rich history dating back to the medieval period and was once associated with the Knights Hospitallers whose origins lay in the Holy Land.
Interested parties should contact the relevant Local Authority to enquire about applications. The closing date for applications for the 2027 round of grants is 5 February 2027. n
These works are being managed by Wexford Co. Council’s Heritage Section with support from the Community Monuments Fund. n
4th November 2026 - Page 103
Slaney hiSTory Slaney aD & heriTage
A tasty Norman evening Words & pics by Maria Nolan Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society was delighted to be present recently at Browne’s of Gorey for A Taste of Norman Wexford. When they came in 1169, the Normans brought a lot of things to Wexford but little did we think that we would still be enjoying a lot of the food they introduced to us to this day. This event A Taste of Norman Wexford is yet another innovation in the series of events being rolled out around the county by Wexford Normandy Cultural Association in advance of 2027 – The Year of the Normans. The purpose of these events is to better acquaint the man in the street with his Norman ancestors because let’s face it most of us in Wexford are of Norman ancestry, like it or not. And certainly there was nothing not to like about the event at Browne’s, the wonderful ambience and delicious food helped to make it a special occasion, not to mention the tipple of Meade upon arrival and the Signature Cocktail – Marshal’s Choice – in deference to the ‘greatest knight who ever lived’, William Marshal who married Isobel the daughter of Strongbow and Aoife McMurrough and together they built New Ross and Clonmines and contributed greatly to the economic and cultural growth of Wexford. And the cocktail didn’t disappoint – made with whiskey, cider, and elderberry
Page 104 - 4th November 2026
– a most delectable blend of Irish and Norman and doing both cultures proud.
Saltrock Dairy, Myles Doyle, and Redmond Farmhouse Grocer.
Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society were on hand in full medieval garb to greet the guests with Leo Coy and Catherine McPartlin and enquire about their genealogy – Irish or Norman, or both, as Maura Bell offered them a cup of Meade.
Feasting on sourdough and pottage, delicious bacon and herb pies, a variety of wholesome cheeses and wheaten crackers, and succulent tartlets with apple and poached pears it was indeed interesting that almost one thousand years later we are still enjoying the same food as our ancestors – Irish and Norman – bread, cheese, fruit, and herbs being very much part of the 12th century diet.
Catherine McPartlin welcomed everyone before handing over to Grainne Kinneally, Elderberry Farm Produce, to outline the origins of the scrumptious repast, all from local producers and suppliers including Elderberry Farm Produce, La Kav Wines, Brew Brothers Brewery, Ballydane Farm,
Watch this space for details of more of these events over the coming months in the lead-up to the landing of the Normans on 1st May. n
Slaney environmenT
These six ‘R’s can save our planet ➤ Refuse single use plastics (bags, cups, etc) Rethink your choices Reuse as much as possible Repair before you replace Recycle all packaging and plastic bottles Rot all your organic stuff and put it back into the soil n
Kieran Harahill
Biodiversity action plan A Community Biodiversity Action Plan in relation to the Slaney River Walk in Enniscorthy was officially launched on 27th November 2025 at an event in the Riverside Park Hotel. The Plan has been produced for Enniscorthy Tidy Towns by the ecological consultant Faith Wilson. Read the full Plan here: https://actionforbiodiversity.ie/app/uploads/2026/03/Enniscorthy-Slaney-River-Walk-Biodiversity-Action-Plan-2025.pdf n
Can you help? Do you have a few hours to spare a month? Find yourself bored mid-week evenings or at the weekend? Want to make your town a better place? Please contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown Email: enniscorthytt@gmail.com n
Wexford County Council is reminding the public that the fixed payment litter fine has increased from €150 to €250 from 1st September 2026. The Council encourages everyone to dispose of litter responsibly and to help keep Wexford’s streets, beaches, towns, and public spaces clean. n
4th November 2026 - Page 105
Slaney Slaney environmenT aD
Enniscorthy’s Energy Expo is hailed a huge success Almost 200 people attended the Wexford Energy Expo at the Astro Active Centre in Enniscorthy on Thursday, 22 October, where experts shared practical advice on home energy upgrades, electric vehicles, business efficiency and air quality. The event was officially opened by Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council and Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District. Hosted by Wexford County Council’s Climate Action Team and supported by the Enniscorthy Municipal District, the free event brought together energy specialists, industry professionals and organisations, including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), South East Energy Agency (SEEA), the High Performance Building Alliance, and Wexford Local Enterprise Office, along with a multitude of businesses from across Enniscorthy and Wexford and the Southeast, all from the home energy, EV and business sectors. The Expo, held in Enniscorthy for the first time, featured expert panel discussions, presentations and information stands, with every session attracting a full audience and strong engagement from attendees keen to learn how to reduce energy costs and make more sustainable choices. Climate Action Coordinator with Wexford County Council, Clare Kelly, said the turnout demonstrated the strong public interest in energy efficiency and practical climate action. “We are delighted with the success of the Wexford Energy Expo. To welcome almost 200 people and have
Pictured at the Wexford Energy Expo in Enniscorthy are L-R: Sandra Martin, Climate Action Team, Wexford County Council; Clare Kelly, Climate Action Coordinator, Wexford County Council; Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council; Councillor Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District; and Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager.
great interest in our panel discussions was fantastic. It demonstrates the level of interest across County Wexford in reducing energy costs, improving efficiency, and making positive changes for the environment,” she said. “Our aim was to make expert advice accessible, practical, and relevant to everyday life. Whether people wanted to learn about home insulation, electric vehicles, energy grants, or improving efficiency in their business, there was a wealth of information available. The level of engagement throughout the day was particularly encouraging.”
Following the success of the Enniscorthy event, Wexford County Council plans to host another Wexford Energy Expo in spring 2027, bringing the event to a different location in the county. Ms Kelly said the Council hoped to build on the response and give more communities access to expert advice on energy efficiency and sustainability. The Wexford Energy Expo forms part of Wexford County Council’s ongoing commitment to climate action and supporting households, businesses, and communities in making informed, practical changes towards a more sustainable future. n
Pictured at the Wexford Energy Expo in Enniscorthy are L-R: Amanda Stewart, HPBA; Carmel Moran, Wexford LEO; Sandra Martin, Wexford Co. Council; Clare Kelly, Wexford Co. Council; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy; Cllr Aidan Browne; Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council; Cian Smith, South East Energy Agency; Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District; Claire Lawless, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District; Paddy Comyn, DoneDealCars; Cllr John O’Rourke; Cllr Patricia Byrne; Dr Yvonne Byrne, SEAI.
Page 106 - 4th November 2026
Slaney environmenT
Top left: Joleen Murphy (Enniscorthy Credit Union). Top centre: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Sandra Martin (Climate Action Team, Wexford County Council). Top right: Kevin Dunphy (WWETB/NZEB). Above left: Yvonne Byrne and Ohyedikachi Onwusor (SEAI). Above centre: Wexford Co. Council Climate Action team members Geraldine Cullen, Clare Kelly and Sandra Martin. Above right: Cathal Spratt (HeatDoc). Left: Myles from FC Insulation. Right: Ann-Marie Hennessy (Pinergy). Below left: Bart Glinski (BMW). Below centre: Chris McGrath (Keating Insulation). Below right: Shane Dixon (BYD).
4th November 2026 - Page 107
Slaney Slaney environmenT aD
CoTidy Towns Enniscorthy National Gold Medal winners three years in a row and two Special Awards this year L-R: Jonathon, Elita, and Phil representing Enniscorthy at the national Tidy Towns Awards last month.
See story on page 42.
Great news about recycling in Ferns! ♻ � A brand-new, bulk-feed Re-turn machine is now up and running at Centra Ferns. So no more feeding bottles and cans in one by one – you can now just pour them straight in. Faster, easier, and a great step forward. Why it matters: 💚 Every bottle and can returned is one less littering our roadsides, hedgerows, and green areas. 💚 It keeps valuable materials in use and out of landfill. 💚 It keeps Ferns cleaner and greener for everyone. 💚 Small actions make a big difference. Well done to Centra Ferns for making recycling easier for the local community. n
Page 108 - 4th November 2026