Slaney News, Issue 134, July 2021

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Slaney News Issue 134 - July 2021

Barbara-Anne Murphy is new Chairperson of Wexford County Council  Cathal Byrne is new Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District 

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On 28th June 2021, Cllr Cathal Byrne (above right) was elected Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District, with Cllr Aidan Browne (above left) elected to the position of Vice-Chairperson. The chains of office were handed over by outgoing Chairperson, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy. We wish Cllrs Byrne and Browne the very best of luck in their new roles in the year ahead.

On 28th June 2021, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was elected Chairperson of Wexford County Council, in the presence of family members. Back Row L-R: Frank Murphy, Bobby Redmond, Neal Redmond, Cathal Redmond and Rory Murphy. Front Row: Aoibhe Redmond, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Mairin Kehoe.

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Contents of this issue of Slaney  News... News Food & Drink Business & Finance Pets Motoring Leisure Sport Arts History & Heritage Environment News

page 4 page 38 page 50 page 60 page 62 page 66 page 80 page 84 page 92 page 93 page 97

We would be delighted to receive stories and photos from our readers around the county. If you have anything you’d like us to share, please email slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as many photos and stories as possible.

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To advertise in the Slaney News please contact: 087-2403310

Welcome to the July issue of the new-look, online-only Slaney News. It’s great to see Co. Wexford’s towns and villages getting busier as the summer progresses. We are all getting used to the outdoor dining facilities adding a welcome ‘buzz’ to the summer atmosphere. Many pubs and restaurants, however, are devastated that they can’t yet reopen indoors and we cover that subject in several articles in this issue. Meanwhile, on the vaccination roll-out front, the new Kilanerin Vaccination Centre is catering for up 8,000 vaccinations per week, and the closure of the Riverside Park Hotel vaccination centre in Enniscorthy at the end of July and its replacement by one in the large hall at the Community Workshop on Bellefield Road is expected to result in increased vaccination capacity. We are assured there will be no disruption to existing or future appointments, merely a change of location. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– June was an important month on the local government calendar here in Co. Wexford with the election of a new Chairperson for each of the five local authority districts in the county. We wish them all well – Cllr Cathal Byrne (Enniscorthy Municipal District), Cllr Garry Laffan (Mayor, Wexford Borough District), Cllr Pip Breen (Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District), Cllr Pat Barden (New Ross Municipal District) and Cllr Jim Moore (Rosslare Municipal District). And in particlar we wish Bunclody’s Cllr Barabra-Anne Murphy the very best of luck taking over as Chairperson of Wexford County Council, becoming only the third woman to hold that high office in over 120 years. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We would be delighted as always to receive stories and photos from our readers from all around Co. Wexford. If you have anything you’d like us to share 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 new format. Tel: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page: “Slaney News”. And, of course, if you like the new format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you. – Frank Corcoran

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SLANEY NEWS, CLONHASTON, ENNISCORTHY Tel: 087-2403310 Email: slaneynews@gmail.com www.slaneynews.com Facebook: Slaney News Online: www.issuu.com/slaneynews/docs PUBLISHED in Enniscorthy by Corcoran Print & Design Disclaimer: Slaney News reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication. Slaney News does not attempt to investigate or verify claims made in advertisements appearing in our publication. The appearance of an advertisement in this publication in no way implies endorsement or approval by us of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. Slaney News disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection with advertising appearing in this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that all articles published in Slaney News are true and accurate but if any errors do occur please let us know and we will gladly rectify them in our next issue. Where details of future events are given in this publication, we recommend that you check these details directly with the organisers as event details may be subject to change. Slaney News strongly recommends seeking independent professional advice before acting on any financial, medical or other information contained in this publication.

SLANEY NEWS

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My team and I are ready to help you. We are open in line with public health guidance. The of昀ce is open on weekdays 9:30am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. As always, you can phone me on 053 9235046 and my email is jamesbrownetd@oir.ie

Lower Church Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Tel: 053 923 5046 Email: jamesbrownetd@oir.ie


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Mythen’s youth mental health bill Sinn Féin TD for Wexford Deputy Johnny Mythen welcomed the passing at first stage of legislation that would recognise the capacity to consent to mental health treatment for 16- and 17-year-olds. The Mental Health (Capacity to Consent) Bill 2021, if passed, would allow 16- and 17-year-olds the right to consent to their mental health treatment. This is the first piece of legislation introduced by Deputy Mythen in Dáil Éireann. Speaking on the legislation, Deputy Mythen said, “In Ireland, young people aged 16 and 17 are assumed to have the capacity to consent to physical or dental health treatment, but not mental health treatment. This Bill, which I introduced in the Dáil with my colleague Deputy Mark Ward, aims to correct this. The Expert Group on the Review of the Mental Health Act in 2015, and the National Youth Mental Health Task Force in 2017, and over 50 other organisations, have called for this legislative change. “This change would be in line with the principle in article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child that a child has a right to be heard, and the evolving capacities of the child should be respected.

The sad passing of Tom Moorehouse

Johnny Mythen TD (left) and party colleague Mark Ward, with their youth mental health bill.

“This legislation would also protect young LGBTQ+ people in this age bracket from so called conversion ‘therapy’, and afford them the right to refuse it. “I understand there may be some difficulties around 16- and 17year-olds if they are suffering with their mental health and might not have the capacity to consent. It is important to be clear that this bill does not take away any protections from vulnerable young people. As we know, capacity legislation has protections for vulnerable adults. These protections would also apply for 16- and 17-year-olds. “This bill is about recognising the agency and rights of young people, and destigmatising mental health treatment.” n The death occurred of Tom Moorehouse of Moran Park, Enniscorthy, on 7th June 2021, with a private family funeral held on Friday 11th June. Tom was the beloved husband of Teresa, loving father of Mary, Tina and Fran, and brother of Joan, Margaret, Mary, Seamus, Willie and Fintan and the late Joe, John, Paddy and Philip. He is sadly missed by his loving family, grandchildren Blake, Cerys, Corey, Jamie, Jesse, Tom, Ryan, Casey and Riely, son-in-law Martin, extended family, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Tom was a former Enniscorthy Town Councillor for twenty years before retiring in 2014 and was well known for all his charitable work in the community. His former Fine Gael colleague, Paul Kehoe TD, spoke of his sadness at the passing of Tom Moorehouse: “Former Town Councillor Tom was a great supporter, mentor and friend to me since I started out in politics here in Enniscorthy 20 years ago. Tom was a great Councillor who represented the people of Enniscorthy with the kindness many will have witnessed in person. He loved Enniscorthy and its people and everything he did was to help others. Many will recall his friendly face around St Aidan’s School and know of his loyal involvement in many groups and charities. His goodness was far reaching and behind all his actions was his very strong faith and devotion. At the end of the day, Tom was a family man and Teresa, Fran, Mary, Tina and all Tom’s extended family are in my thoughts at this sad time.”

Tom Moorehouse R.I.P.

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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. n


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Cllr.

Cathal Byrne

SPEND YOUR CENTS IN THE COMMUNITY

Working for Enniscorthy Town and District

My monthly advice clinics are currently cancelled. If I can help you or your family please get in touch.

Shop Enniscorthy

Support Local ONLINE AND ON THE STREET

(085) 146 1164 cathal.byrne@wexfordmcc.ie @CathalEByrne

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Senator Malcolm Byrne These are difficult times for everybody but let’s keep looking out for each other and try staying positive. We will come through this. If I can help in any way, please let me know.

malcolm.byrne@oireachtas.ie

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The new 50,000 square feet Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre currently being constructed at Quarrypark, Enniscorthy.

Healthy progress at Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre

UK-based Primary Health Properties (PHP) is investing €12.6 million in a new primary care facility consisting of 50,000 sq ft and 150 free-parking spaces at Quarrypark, Enniscorthy. Services on offer will include medical, paediatric, disability, physio, dental, pharmacy, community nursing, adult mental health, Tusla, etc. All these services are expected to be in place for the completion of the building which is anticipated in the first quarter of 2022. The new facility will offer state-of-the-art medical and related services for local people and will be a huge addition to medical care in Co. Wexford.

We are delighted to announce our office can once again welcome constituents for face to face advice & support. By appointment only and Covid-19 public health advice compliance.

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A pitch perfect partnership Hockey Ireland and Enniscorthy Hockey Club announce plans to develop a Regional Centre for Excellence for Hockey in the Southeast

L-R: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, President Enniscorthy & District Chamber, goalkeeper Norah McGinty, Jim Hendrick, Chairperson County Showgrounds, player Rachel Gainford, Irene Doyle, Chairperson Enniscorthy Hockey Club and Suzanne O’Leary, EHC Pitch working group. Pic: Ben Dolan.

Huge excitement has been generated by the announcement by Enniscorthy Hockey Club of their plans to establish a regional hockey pitch in Enniscorthy town. A formal twenty-five-year lease contract has been agreed with Enniscorthy Greyhound Track and County Showground owners. Enniscorthy Hockey Club is now embarking on a fundraising drive to raise the necessary thirty per cent of any future grant monies assigned from a joint application in conjunction with Hockey Ireland to the Sports Capital & Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Funding scheme. There are currently three hockey clubs in County Wexford but none has a home pitch. All currently play in Enniscorthy at

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the Astro Active Centre but access time is limited at this multipurpose, shared pitch facility. Unlike other field sports, hockey cannot be played on grass so an urgent need exists to secure independent tenure of facilities and to copper fasten access to competitive hockey locally. There are plans to investigate the development of the pitch on the grounds to an international standard thus attracting national teams to play in Co. Wexford in the coming years. Chairperson of Enniscorthy Hockey Club, Irene Doyle, commented, “Enniscorthy has a long association with hockey and the club’s many achievements include winning the Irish Junior Cup. The club is successful and progressive, entering

teams of all ages in the Leinster leagues. It is unique in the county because it is the only club which offers hockey for all ages and genders... The hockey club has developed close working links with the town’s DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) schools and in conjunction with Hockey Ireland would plan to make this facility available for schools hockey during school hours. The hockey club is an asset of the town and draws visitors each weekend, it contributes to its social and economic standing along with the wellbeing of players. Our new facilities, when realised, will raise the profile of Enniscorthy as an attractive location to live in or visit. Without a playable pitch, the future of hockey in Enniscorthy is


SlaNey NewS threatened so this agreement is the start to achieving a huge endeavour. It is an exciting undertaking and will aid kids to access another sport locally while enhancing their health and opportunities in life.” Suzanne O’Leary of the club pitch working group said, “The sport of hockey currently ranks fourth in terms of world sport viewing stats and second in terms of European sport participation. The Irish women’s hockey team is currently ranked

Lisa Jacob

8th in the world. It is managed by an Enniscorthy local and former international player Lisa Jacob. The team are currently preparing for this year’s Olympics. Hockey is a fast-growing and high-profile sport which is going from strength to strength in Ireland. Many clubs, including Enniscorthy Hockey Club, have a wait list for new members because we do not have enough access to a pitch or club facilities. The development of a regional centre would enable all clubs to increase participation in sport and further develop hockey in the town and county.”

track centre on the Showgrounds is a perfect solution. With the support of the Enniscorthy greyhound community, our Chamber, County Council and local public representatives, we will all be enabled to assist Enniscorthy Hockey Club to bring this project to fruition.” See here for report by Conor Kane, RTE’s South East Correspondent. http://www.enniscorthyhc.com enniscorthyhockeypro@gmail.com n

Jim Hendrick, Chairperson of the County Showgrounds, stated, “We recognise the instability of the current situation and the threat the lack of tenure on a pitch poses for the hockey club in Enniscorthy and other teams in Co. Wexford. We are very happy to work together and offer space for use.” Paddy Kavanagh of Enniscorthy Greyhound Track added, “The plans to develop a regional facility in Enniscorthy, currently the heart of hockey in the County, are most welcome. What was required to bring this development to town is a suitable site and the greyhound

Paddy Kavanagh, Chairman, Board of Directors, Enniscorthy Greyhound Track.

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Jack and Harry on the national airwaves

Two Halves – a soccer radio show and podcast on RTÉjr Radio for Euro 2020 is presented by brothers Jack (13) and Harry Tomkins (10) from Enniscorthy. The five-part series commenced on 18 June targeting younger fans of the beautiful game. And who better to present it than two brothers who are passionate about the game, both playing for Shamrock Rovers AFC in Enniscorthy, Jack at U-14 and Harry at U-11. We are reliably told that Jack is a tricky left-winger while Harry has an engine like a Ferrari as a holding midfielder. They are also both life-long Tottenham Hotspur fans – possibly influenced by their dad Shea. They've traveled numerous times to see Spurs in action and have even been over to the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium since it opened. During the series, Jack and Harry get to chat to some sporting legends like Johnny Giles and are able to express their own views on how Euro 2020 is going each week. Ireland might not have qualified for Euro 2020 but Jack and Harry are certainly doing Enniscorthy proud during the championships. n

Tree presentation to Courtnacuddy N.S. Carraig Briste and Killegney Early Years children present Courtnacuddy National School with a tree "From Us To You". L-R: Courtnacuddy NS teacher Anne Whelan and School Principal Colm Gallagher with Carraig Briste and Killegney’s Orlagh Doyle and Charlotte Johnson, both kneeling.

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Council funding for ‘outdoor’ summer Deputy Paul Kehoe (pictured) has welcomed government funding of €673,000 for eleven measures across Co. Wexford to enhance outdoor urban spaces and street furniture. The measures are being introduced as quickly as possible to support the gradual re-opening of society in a safe manner and include projects such as kerb widening to facilitate outdoor dining, new on-street furniture, improved cycling facilities, and traffic management changes that prioritise pedestrians and cyclists. “These measures, combined with other government initiatives for outdoor dining and outdoor recreation infrastructure, will support local authorities in re-creating open spaces and facilities which will take into account public health guidelines while allowing local communities to thrive once again.” In Enniscorthy, the funding is being used to provide four parklets* by cordoning off car parking spaces on the main street, providing partitions on Market Square to allow tables, chairs, planters etc to be placed there. Welcoming the funding Deputy Kehoe said, “From a Covid-19 perspective, this funding will help to facilitate the outdoor summer that we need to have, but more than that, it will help to bring the heart back into our towns all across County Wexford.” n

One of our regular readers has shared a game with us – for the times we live in...

THE LOCKDOWN LUNACY GAME  The pubs are shut, gatherings are banned, we have to avoid our friends, but we’re all in this together! If you and your family are looking for something to while away the hours then here’s a game which like Lockdown itself might never actually end! - All you need are a marker for each player and one dice. - Players take turns to roll the dice and move their markers. - Each square has a ‘forwards’ and ‘backwards’ arrow, though the 'fitness' square has both. When a player lands on a square they wait until their next turn to roll the dice and move their marker in the appropriate direction. - If one player lands on a square occupied by another player, then both must return to the ‘Start’ square. - The game is won by the player who lands exactly on the ‘Finish’ square.

* A parklet is a raised seating area level with the adjoining footpath that allows kerbside car-parking spaces be used as community spaces.

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Templeshannon Quay gets a welcome makeover

Templeshannon Quay in Enniscorthy got a welcome makeover in recent weeks which has tidied up some of the derelict buildings there. Well done to all involved in the project including Enniscorthy Municipal District, Enniscorthy & District Chamber and C&R Print. n

Acknowledgement “The family of Nick Cosgrave wish to thank the community for the kindness and support provided at the time of, and in the months since Nick’s death. It gives us comfort and consolation to know he was held in such high regard. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on the occasion of Nick’s 72nd birthday on Sunday 11th July, at 12 noon, in Monageer Church. Due to restrictions on numbers in attendance, the Mass will be broadcast live on https://youtu.be/PanoyUKo49U” n

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THE MORE THEY CHANGE THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME! JIM BOLGER made some comments recently which have ruffled some feathers in the horse industry. I spent a brief time working in his stable when it was in Clonsilla in Dublin. Willie Mullins was the foreman back then. Many who passed through his hands became successful in racing. I took a different path in life but I did take away with me from that time values and ethics from the way the yard conducted its business. Jim Bolger is well respected, honest and straight talking. A giant in that industry. Bolger is a brand name and an Icon. He loves his game and would always like it to excel. So when Jim Bolger says something the right people should stand up and listen and listen good. I fear, however, that this may not happen. This is a very brave move on Jim’s part and reminds me of Al Pacino in the movie Serpico. Jim will be left swinging in the wind by most of his racing peers. He will be treated like Paul Kimmage when he tried to clean up cycling. They will say it is all right as it is. Don’t rock the boat, and it’s not good for the sport. The biggest culprits will be Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board. They will put the burden onto Jim to prove it and only then will they act. Both have shown to be hiding their collective heads in the sand for the last 40 years that I know of, and I dare say for much more. It is absurd to suggest that this industry is squeaky clean. Every few years someone shines a light into the dark corners and a token low-level player is thrown to the wolves. The 80s and 90s had a pretty bad

TOWN TALK

WITH KEITH DOYLE reputation and many key players embraced the culture and the same players are still there today many in very high profile roles. Where were their voices then, and are still silent now. Do not take my word for it. Cast your minds back to a BBC Panorama exposé in England in the nineties. It showed connections with criminal gangs and jockeys at the time to influence races for betting purposes. A few jockeys were suspended, one of whom, Dermot Browne, admitted to his involvement and has stated that he is the keeper of the secrets of other very high profile people involved. Years later there were police raids on jockeys’ houses... this is all documented and in the public domain. Some may argue that it does not happen in Ireland

– the home of the late Barney Curley R.I.P. and many wannabees in this country. In the main, a coup generally would have the horse under performing for a period to get the weight down and betting price up. In some cases the favourite would under perform in the very same race and nobody would bat an eyelid. In the sport here, many of the main players are intermarried so omerta would be a factor. The stakes are very high here. The horseracing industry in this country is so important to our economy. It employs so many people, it generates spin-off jobs and wealth for many communities, with tax incentives and tax breaks. It is a theme that Bórd Fáilte uses to promote this country. This country is known for its high quality studs and horses. In fact Wexford has become the place to go to find quality racehorses for sale with key yards based here. I know this. Jim Bolger knows this. He also knows the industry is suffering by a thousand cuts. I do not know if the horseracing authorities have the interest or the stomach for the allegations levied so publicly by one of their own in the sport. They have been shown in the past to take the easy and popular options on high profile cases, even after their findings were proved suspect afterwards. I do not know what the Government will find, if anything, with their questions. What I do know is a lot of people wished that Jim Bolger had not done that interview. It is a poisoned cup for anyone to sip from. Only the brave like Jim would dare. I also know it is reasonable to suggest that the tons of drugs imported into Ireland don’t all end up in chickens. The smoking gun perhaps. n

Civic Reception for Jim Bolger (centre) in 2019.

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Local politicians point t Congrats to main organiser Vanessa Davey on the success of her countywide fundraiser (Midsummer Monday Marathon for IMNDA) for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Almost €32,500 was raised by the various participants including many of Co. Wexford’s well known politicians. From the beginning of April until June 21st, which is Motor Neurone Disease Global Awareness Day, the participants walked, ran and cycled to collect donations. The proceeds were passed over to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association at a poignant event at Hook Head on 21st June. Well done to all who took part in raising awareness of this terminal condition and to everyone who donated to this successful fundraiser. See more on page 27.

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the way Above left: The Brownes (Cllr Aidan and Minister James) on board for the Motor Neurone Disease fundraiser with organiser Vanessa Davey. Above right: Paul Kehoe TD supporting the Motor Neurone team. He is seen here at the Wexford Primary Care Centre with fundraiser Vanessa Davey. Below left: Vanessa Davey with Cllr Willie Kavanagh who joined the Motor Neurone team pictured outside his local pub The Slaney Inn in Oylegate. Below centre: Brendan Howlin TD joined the Motor Neurone fundraising effort, pictured at the St Mary’s of Maudlintown GAA pitch with Vanessa Davey. Below right: Cllr Lisa McDonald joined the Motor Neurone team also. Lisa did four 10k walks. She is seen here with her mam Margie McDonald and her husband Richard Simpson at Pennylands, Forth Mountain, on the first of her walks. n

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EMMA BYRNE Enniscorthy

Two young Wexford women to teach Irish in U.S. universities

Fulbright Ireland-USA is awarding two Wexford natives Fulbright Awards this year which will see both of them go to the USA next year to teach Irish in U.S. universities. Muireann and Emma went to school together in Meánscoil Gharman. EMMA BYRNE - Enniscorthy: Host institution: Catholic University of America - Washington, DC | CUA. Emma Byrne is a final year student of a BA in Applied Languages (with Irish, French and Spanish) at the University of Limerick. She spent time teaching English in Spain, and subsequently studied at Université Rennes 2 in France for the duration of a semester, where she studied Breton as part of her programme. In 2020, Emma re-founded the UL Cumann Gaelach, and was elected President of the society for the academic year 2020/21. Emma is a keen Irish musician, playing the tin whistle and traditional flute. She was awarded a Diploma from the London College of Music in 2015. MUIREANN NIC CORCRÁIN - Gorey: Host institution: University of Connecticut. Muireann Nic Corcráin achieved her Bachelors (hons) in TSM Modern Irish

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and History in 2020 from Trinity College Dublin from which she progressed on to a Masters in Speech and Language Processing in the School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication Sciences (SLSCS) in Trinity College Dublin. Her masters research project focuses on augmentative communication devices development for the Irish language. She is a former Oifigeach na Gaeilge of Trinity College Students' Union, winning the Éacht ar Son na Gaeilge Award at the Student Achievement Awards 2020 for her campaign to have the síneadh fada included on student ID cards in TCD. She is also a former Youth Representative on the National GAA Youth Committee and is current PRO of Enniscorthy Hockey Club. Muireann has an interest in second language acquisition and language accessibility for those with disabilities and she is a keen sportsperson. The Fulbright Programme in Ireland was established in 1946. It annually awards grants for Irish citizens to study, research, or teach in the U.S. and for Americans to do the same here. Since it reached Ireland in 1957, over 2,500 postgraduate students, scholars, professionals, and teachers across all disciplines have participated in the programme between the two countries. The Commission is supported by the U.S.

MUIREANN NIC CORCRÁIN Gorey

Department of State and the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and many Irish and U.S. higher education institutions and organisations. It is also a registered charity. Looking to the future, Irish awardees will shine a light on urgent international research issues from advances in cancer research, to cyber security and human rights. They will also represent, share and promote Irish culture, particularly through the Irish language teaching programme. Award recipients are due to travel from September 2021, with a majority going from January 2022. The Fulbright programme has served to strengthen international relations throughout turbulent times for over seventy years. Founded in 1946, it has enabled academic and cultural exchanges between more than 2,500 Irish and American citizens since 1957. With an emphasis on cultural immersion and building long-term academic and professional connections, the Fulbright programme selects excellent candidates from all over Ireland to work with top U.S. Institutions across all disciplines ranging from science, technology and business, to the arts and culture. n


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Now open at weekends!

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre is now open on weekends and bank holidays! For the summer season, you can now visit the award-winning exhibition between 12.00pm and 5.00pm every weekend and bank holiday with last admission each day at 4.15pm.

Also on offer there is delicious HB icecream as well as tea/coffee and cold drinks, all of which can be enjoyed at the picnic tables on site. For more information about opening times etc visit www.1798centre.ie So drop in now and enjoy all the centre has to offer! n

Slaney Street news... In March 2021, the Heritage Council awarded €174,000 to the Enniscorthy Town Steering Group for the regeneration of Slaney Street. The group had made an application for the funding under the Historic Towns Initiative.

The preparation of contract documents for window and door replacement is at the final stage and this work is expected to commence in early August. The completion date is set for October 2021 in order to fully avail of the grant funding.

The project proposals involve external works on up to 22 individual properties, to include painting, repair of sash windows, replacement of PVC windows with timber sash windows, etc. The works will also include upgrading the public realm such as public lighting, pavement repairs and drainage improvements.

Property owners have been consulted and will be required to make a financial contribution in the region of 25% to 30% towards the cost of the capital works on their premises. Due to these works the usual colourful umbrella canopy over Slaney Street will not be in place this summer. n

Enniscorthy Credit Union Draw One can apply now for the Enniscorthy Credit Union Scholarship draw with thousands of euro to be won! To enter you need to be a member of Enniscorthy Credit Union and be in any year in college or doing a PLC. Application forms are available to download or you can collect them in any Enniscorthy Credit Union office: Enniscorthy, Ballymurn, Murrintown or Taghmon. All applications must be returned fully completed by 4.00pm on the closing date of October 30th 2021. Terms and Conditions Apply. See: https://www.enniscorthycu.ie/schol arship-draw/

Sports Hub update... Design work on Phase 2 (new building to contain changing rooms, toilets, office, etc) of the Enniscorthy Sports Hub is

progressing with building work on site now expected to commence before the end of 2021. n

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NEW BISHOP OF FERNS His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Father Ger Nash, a priest of the Diocese of Killaloe, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Ferns. The news of this Episcopal appointment was made public on Friday 11th June 2021. Following this announcement, Mass was celebrated at 12pm in the Cathedral of Saint Aidan, Enniscorthy, with public health restrictions in place in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Teresa and Margaret. His sister Bernie died in 2008. He went to the local primary school in Drumcharley and then to secondary school in Tulla. After the Leaving Certificate he studied business and then worked in manufacturing industry for a number of years. After choosing to study for the Diocese of Killaloe in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he was ordained on 15 June 1991 in Drumcharley Church, Tulla, by Bishop Michael Harty.

Bishop Ger Nash was born on 27 February 1959 at Glandree in the parish of Tulla, Co. Clare. His parents Tommy and Mary are deceased and he has two sisters,

After ordination, he was appointed as chaplain/teacher in Roscrea Vocational School and as priest responsible for Roscrea Youth Centre. In 1996 he was ap-

pointed as General Manager of Clarecare, which provides a range of social services to the people of County Clare. From 1996 he was also assistant priest in Corofin. In 2003, he was appointed as resident priest in Corofin and part of the first grouping of parishes in the Diocese of Killaloe. The newly created area was called Imeall Boirne. In 2007 he moved to Crusheen, also within the Imeall Boirne Pastoral Area. Father Nash was appointed Diocesan Secretary in 2010, while continuing to minister in Imeall Boirne. In 2016 he was appointed Director of Pastoral Development for the Diocese of Killaloe. n

Extract from Address by Bishop-elect Ger Nash on his appointment as Bishop of Ferns Dia is Muire dhibh go léir. Good morning and thank you for being here. I welcome, in particular, the people and priests of Ferns who are tuning in via webcam. As we gather here in this beautiful cathedral, it is with a great sense of unworthiness that I accept the gracious invitation of Pope Francis to the ministry of Bishop here in the historic Diocese of Ferns. We are living in strange times as we continue to cope with COVID-19. I would like to begin by offering my sympathies to the relatives of those who have died recently, including those who suffered with the COVID-19 coronavirus and in particular, the families of Ferns diocese who have lost loved ones. Leaba i measc na naomh dóibh siúd atá imithe uainn. Also, I would like to acknowledge the heroism of all the healthcare and frontline workers who continue to be involved in responding to the pandemic. I am privileged to be chosen by Pope Francis to lead this historic Diocese and I feel very humbled. I would like to thank His Excellency, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, for his presence here this morning, leading us in the celebration of the Eucharist, as well as his kind support and detailed preparations for this announcement. My links to Ferns Diocese is principally through the Ferns students who were classmates in Maynooth. Father John Carroll, Diocesan Secretary, has been a source of both welcome and help over the past week and whose deep knowledge of the Diocese I know I will draw on frequently during the coming years. I also

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mention today with great affection, the late Fintan Morris who was a great friend in Maynooth and afterwards and who would no doubt have a raised eyebrow at me standing here. Mentioning those classmates who have died, I remember my great friend John Cummins who died so tragically a few years ago and John Byrne, Joe McKeever and Paddy Mullaney all of whom are now with the Lord. My faith story began in the parish of Tulla in East Clare. I am the eldest of a family of four, three girls and myself who were blessed to have Tommy and Mary Nash as their parents. Both of them passed away in the early years of this century as did my sister Bernie. My other sisters, Teresa and Margaret and my brother-in-law Jim are here in the Cathedral today. I also acknowledge my aunt Rita, who was a significant figure in all our lives and who has also gone to God. I went to both Primary and Secondary school in Tulla and after studying business for a few years and a number of years working in industry, I went to Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth to study for the priesthood for the Killaloe Diocese. My vocation story began with my involvement in two organisations, Muintearas Íosa, a youth movement begun in the 1970s by an tAth. Michéal Liostún in Limerick, founded on the three principles of Fáilte, Foghlaim agus Guí. Welcome, Learning and Prayer. The other formative organisation was the Young Christian Students/Workers – YCS and YCW. This European movement founded by Joseph Cardijn, a Belgian priest

who later became a Cardinal, developed a methodology for young people to integrate their faith and with the reality of their lives either as students or workers. The method Cardijn developed – See, Judge, Act – is the exact outline used by Pope Francis in his latest book Let Us Dream. I was ordained on 15 June 1991 and my first appointment was as chaplain and teacher in Roscrea Vocational School. In 1996, Bishop Willie Walsh asked me to take on the role of General Manager in Clarecare, the Social Services Organisation for the County of Clare. I went to live in Corofin, Co Clare, and worked as an assistant priest. In 2003 when I left Clarecare, I remained in Corofin and began to work with three other priests to set up the first example of Team Ministry in the Diocese. The Pastoral Area, which still exists is called Imeall Boirne (The Edge of the Burren). In 2010 I moved to Crusheen, also within the Imeall Boirne Pastoral Area and took on the role of part-time Diocesan Secretary. In 2016, I was asked by the Diocese to take on the role of Director of Pastoral Development. As part of the Pastoral Development Team I was privileged to work with Maureen Kelly as Pastoral Worker, supported by Jean Gaynor our secretary. I am particularly proud of our project of the last three years where we recruited and are continuing to train 25 candidates as Catechists and Pastoral Workers. Maranna Quinlivan is the third invaluable member of the Formation Team for the New Ministries and I want to acknowledge all who partici-


SlaNey NewS pated in this training even when Covid made it difficult to meet other than online. The academic element of the training was facilitated by the Theology Department of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, under the direct guidance of Father Eamonn Fitzgibbon who has been a wonderful colleague in our project. I also want to acknowledge the great work done in Youth Ministry in the Diocese by the Youth Forum, volunteers in a number of different projects and especially through the work of Joanne O’Brien, Director of Youth Ministry. At this point I would like to thank Bishop Denis Brennan for the welcome extended to me from the moment he heard of my appointment. Thank you Bishop Denis – and I also want to offer thanks on your behalf for his leadership and care of the Diocese over the past 15 years. I wish you good health and time to enjoy your retirement. Thank you for your welcome as well as your offer of practical support and your prayers. Thanks also to John Carroll and Frs Odhrán Furlong and Jim Doyle here in the Cathedral Parish for their coordination of the preparations for today. Thanks also to the Vicars of the Diocese, Joe McGrath, Denis Browne, Aodhan Marken and Brian Broaders and also to Trish Murphy in the Diocesan Office. My hope and prayer is that we can work together here in Ferns with the Spirit of God sustaining us to nurture the faith and to ensure that our Church is a place of welcome and hospitality for all. In accord with Pope Francis’ model in Let Us Dream, I would wish to lead this Diocese in Seeing, Reflecting and Acting so that we become a refuge of healing and encouragement with space for all who are searching for meaning, especially as we emerge tentatively from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop Denis Brennan has warmly welcomed the appointment of Fr Ger Nash of the Diocese of Killaloe as his successor as Bishop of Ferns, saying: “I know that the people of Ferns, priests, religious, and lay faithful will welcome him too, and make him feel at home in their midst. “I heartily congratulate him on his appointment and trust that he will be happy in his new surroundings in the south-east. “I wish to assure him that I will be available to assist him in any way I can as he gets to know the diocese and its people as Bishop in the weeks and months ahead. “Bishop-Elect Nash begins his ministry in Ferns at a time which poses many choices and challenges for the Church but at a time which is also blessed by possibility. “His ministry as a priest in the Diocese of Killaloe, especially his work in the area of pastoral development and renewal will have prepared him for the task ahead. “I wish him every blessing and happiness in his new role as Bishop of Ferns.”

Above: Fr Ger Nash has been appointed by Pope Francis as the new Bishop of Ferns. Below: Bishop-Elect Nash greets mass-goers in Enniscorthy. Pics by John McElroy.

Pope Francis continues to call the Church to work in a synodal manner. In the last few weeks the Holy Father has postponed the Synod of Bishops which was due to be held next year in Rome, so that their deliberations will be informed by discussions at parish, diocesan, national and wider levels. In parallel with this, the Bishops of Ireland have announced their intention to begin a synodal process involving the whole country over the coming years. I have a sense that we are at a turning point in our Church story in Ireland, and it is exciting to be asked to take a leadership role at such a time. I look forward, with the help of God, to walking with the people and parish communities throughout the diocese of Ferns as we respond to that call to synodality. Thank you for listening and please remember me in your prayers. n

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Gorey Town Park ENJOYING GOREY TOWN PARK PLAYGROUND ON 4TH JUNE. Top left: Aoibhlin Cullen. Top centre: Kyle Kinsella. Top right: Jack Kinsella. Right: Having a picnic were Liezel Van Rooyen, Nicolene and Zander Oosthuizen. Below left: Camille and Evan McGowan. Below right: Elise Goo.

GOREY TOWN PARK: The main works contract commenced on site in May 2019 but were impacted by Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021. Works recommenced on 26th April 2021 with an August completion date now expected. According to Wexford County Council, tenders have been assessed for the playground and adult gym equipment with contract award imminent. Installation will commence on site following completion of the main works contract. Gorey’s councillors are not happy with the way this project has progressed. In particular Cllr Joe Sullivan has been critical of the slow pace and the cost of the project which he puts at around €3m and which he considers poor value for money. He is pushing for Wexford County Council to carry out a value-for-money report on the project. n

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Malcolm runs the length of the county for charity

Senator Malcolm Byrne taking a well-earned break in Enniscorthy as he ran from Castletown in the north to Hook Head in the south, to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Gorey Senator Malcolm Byrne ran the length of Co. Wexford last month, from Castletown in the north to Hook Head in the south, to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Participants in the Midsummer Monday Marathon for IMNDA were encouraged to walk/run/cycle as much as possible between April and 21st June for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Malcolm certainly rose to the challenge running the entire length of the county in various stages. The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is the only organisation of its kind in the country providing specialised services to families affected by this terminal condition. The Association cannot slow the progression of MND or change the outcome but it can alleviate the feelings of isolation and frustration by offering consistent support to approximately 400 families across Ireland who otherwise would have nowhere else to turn. Everybody with MND has different needs at different stages of their journey and the Association is there to help and guide them every step of the way. The services provided by the IMNDA are immediate and free of charge for everyone registered with the Association. Key services include: •

• •

Access to 4 outreach nurses directly employed by the IMNDA and funded entirely by donations. Access to a home care grant. Access to specialised equipment on loan (e.g. wheelchairs, hoists, communication aids etc). Access to funding towards counselling sessions for the person with MND and family members.

More than 86% of its income comes from fundraising and donations so the support of the general public is absolutely vital. n

From the beginning of April until June 21st which is Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Day, participants walked, ran and cycled to raise money for the Midsummer Monday Marathon for IMNDA (Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association). L-R: Organisers Vanessa Davey and Rory Cassidy presenting €32,405 to Katie Kinsella of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

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Speed is the difference between life and death! The Irish Heart Foundation is highlighting the fact that ‘Speed is the difference between life and death' in responding to cardiac arrest. The quick action of teammates and officials saved the life of Danish footballer Christian Eriksen last month. Eriksen collapsed during the first half of Denmark’s opening Euro 2020 match against Finland before being treated on the pitch and hospitalised. “We know that without CPR or a defibrillator, your chances of survival decrease by 10% every minute, so because of the quick actions of everyone around him, Christian Eriksen survived,” said Wexford woman Brigid Sinnott, who lives between Ferns and Enniscorthy, and is Resuscitation Manager at the Irish Heart Foundation. “He was fortunate that it happened in such a public place with people on hand to immediately begin CPR. “We know that 70% of cardiac arrests happen in the home, so it is vital that people understand what to do in that situation. Speed is of the essence – speed in recognising cardiac arrest, calling the emergency services, performing compressions and in using the AED (automated external defibrillator). It is the difference between life and death. “In Christian Eriksen’s case, it was recognised early that he was having a cardiac arrest, he was helped immediately and they had a defibrillator on his chest very quickly. And the fact that it was his teammates who were first to perform CPR on him before the medics got there, shows that anyone can do it." A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart beats fast and wildly or stops beating altogether. This can happen due to an abrupt disturbance in the heart’s internal electrical system that normally regulates the heartbeat. The heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other vital organs and without treatment, the outcome is usually fatal. “If the electrics in your heart go wrong you need a defibrillator to reset them, while CPR compressions act as a pump for the heart,” said Ms Sinnott, “We need to get more defibrillators on chests and we would ask everyone to check where their nearest one is and whether it is accessible all the time.

Speed is a vital factor in responding to sudden cardiac arrest, says Wexford woman Brigid Sinnott, the Irish Heart Foundation’s Resuscitation Manager.

“We have some easy to follow instructional videos on our website www.irishheart.ie and we encourage everyone to watch them, even if you have been trained in CPR in the past. “The first step in CPR is to call 112 or 999 and the second is to push hard and fast on the centre of the chest. “It is really important for people to realise that they don’t have to be a trained doctor or medical professional to perform CPR – anybody can do it and you cannot do any harm.” As a leading training provider, the Irish Heart Foundation has courses across all the links in the chain of survival. To find out more, go to www.irishheart.ie n

Pulse Point App will save lives – download it now! PulsePoint is a new App available to the general public to assist them access an AED (defibrillator) in the Enniscorthy area, but it is now being widened to cover all of Co. Wexford. The App allows the user to instantly see where the closest defibrillator is in an emergency. Sports clubs, parish halls, schools, businesses etc countywide should get in touch now and register their AED. The ‘Add AED’ feature on the App can be used to to submit AEDs to the App. The App is on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/DefibApp-Apple and Android: https://tinyurl.com/AndroidDefibApp See ‘Enniscorthy Defibrillator Initiative’ on Facebook. n

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Rosaleen retires from Pettitt’s

Above: Staff members at Pettitt’s SuperValu Enniscorthy making a presentation to retiring manager Rosaleen Casey after 15 years in the role. Pettitt’s say: “We wish Rosaleen all the best in the future and can only thank her for her years of excellent service to us and our customers.” Below: The new Pettitt's SuperValu Bray store which opened in June. Rosaleen Casey began working with Pettitt's in 1981 while still a student in secondary school. Forty years later, in June 2021, that link with Pettitt’s came to an end when she retired as Enniscorthy store manager having occupied that role for the last 15 years. Staff members and management were on hand to celebrate with her and to wish her well for the future. They presented her with a memory book so she can remember and treasure the good times and the great people she worked with there in what was a close-knit working community. A special cake was made to mark the occasion. Cormac Pettitt wished Rosaleen the very best of luck for the future and thanked her for her many years of dedicated service to the business and to the store’s customers. Since departing, Rosaleen has visited the store as a customer saying it felt a little bit strange entering the store in that role, rather than as the manager, but that she has enjoyed the new experience. The management reins have now been handed over to Fionn O'Rourke and all in the Slaney News wish him well in his new position. n

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Major nursing home for Rosslare The former Great Southern Hotel site in Rosslare Harbour. Domal Developments Ltd, the owner of the former Great Southern Hotel site in Rosslare, has received planning permission from Wexford County Council for change of use of the former hotel to a nursing home. Full planning permission was granted in June with the new nursing home and independent living units expected to create over one hundred new local jobs on its completion. The 90-bedroom nursing home will include dayrooms, offices, meeting rooms, mortuary, laundry, kitchen, dining room, staff rooms, various bathrooms, treatment room, and ancillary accommodation, 24 one-bedroom assisted-living apartments and one studio apartment, 2nd floor extension to existing north and west

wings, single-storey extensions at south and east of existing building, two-storey extensions at south and west of existing building, three-storey extensions to south and west of existing building, alterations to all elevations, external steps and ramps, front boundary wall with railing and gates at St. Martin’s Road, walled service area, new boundary fencing with gate to northern boundary, ancillary site works and car-parking for 77 cars. Construction could begin as early as this month. Local Councillor and former Chairman of Wexford Co. Council, Ger Carthy, has spoken in favour of this development. “The opportunity for local, much-needed jobs and further economic development and activity in this area, is a big positive,” he says. n

Artist’s impression of the new front entrance for the proposed Rosslare nursing home.

Lots more investment on the way in Rosslare On 21st June, local Councillor and then Chairman of Wexford County Council, Ger Carthy, announced that Wexford County Council has purchased three acres of prime development land in Rosslare Harbour which incorporates a site for a much needed and long awaited purpose-built community facility, playground, car parking and associated works which will be achieved through the cooperation of Wexford County Council, the Rosslare Harbour Kilrane Village Development Team and local community groups. Cllr Carthy believes this progressive pro-

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ject will serve as a catalyst for vast improvements for the community of Rosslare Harbour and Kilrane in the years ahead. The lands adjacent to this site are currently the subject of advanced negotiations, coordinated by Wexford County Council, with a view to the delivery of a healthcare facility involving potentially a €1.5m investment. Cllr Carthy is delighted to have played a role in these developments and also thanks the economic development team of Wexford County Council for their work to date.

These exciting developments come against the backdrop of last month’s announcement relating to the granting of full planning permission on the nearby former Great Southern Hotel site, where a 90 bed nursing home and 25 independent living units are to be constructed. Cllr Carthy believes these projects deliver hugely on the mandate given to him through successive local elections in this area. “We look forward to the future together embracing these positive developments that will serve our community for generations to come,” he concluded. n


SlaNey NewS PLAYING WITH OUR MINDS As I write this column I reckon that I can be forgiven for thinking that with regard to covid both NPHET and our politicians are playing with our minds. On Thursday 17th June the CMO Tony Holohan said that we had effectively beaten the virus. On Sunday 20th June Leo Varadakar said on RTE’s The Week in Politics that the pandemic is over. By Monday 21st June, obviously responding to Varadkar’s message, the CMO put out a statement saying that the Delta Variant was a matter of serious concern. The CMO didn’t refer to either his own previous statement or Varadkar’s but it was very clear that he was reacting to the “We’re nearly there” message. By Wednesday 23rd June, Varadkar was back on track now saying that the Delta Variant may cause a delay in the reopening of indoor dining etc. from the 5th July. For Holohan and NPHET this must have felt mission accomplished. We have the nation holding its breath once again. The shocking thing about all of this is the affect that it is having on those people who are still waiting to get their businesses open again and also those currently on the PUP waiting to get back to work. It is quite clear that there is not one iota of business sense with either NPHET or more importantly the government. The question must be asked, “Have they any idea of the effect that this carry-on is having on people’s mental health and their financial wellbeing?“ I’ll answer that, “They haven’t, but more importantly they don’t seem to care.” They appear all over the media, enjoying the fact that thousands of people are clinging to their every word but at the end of an interview we know no more than at the beginning. No matter what they say it always ends up with the caveat, “depending on public health advice”. We all know by now that public health advice from NPHET in this country is a complete outlier with regard to indoor activity, attendance at public events, travel, attendance at places of worship and anything else you can think of including antigen testing. There is a feeling out there amongst the public that our politicians, national and local,

View from the Centre

A local contributor, based in the centre of the county, looks at life today in Co. Wexford and beyond are not too pushed about the final restrictions being lifted. They have had a ball since this thing started in March 2020. They have received full salaries and expenses for all of this period without having to travel to either the Oireachtas or council meetings in person. Oireachtas members have closed down constituency offices and haven’t held clinics for the past 15 months. The pandemic has been a bit of a bonus in that regard and in fairness what politician is in a hurry to go back to that. The bottom line is that our minds are being played with and this is to the detriment of many. We need certainty but regrettably it appears that such a wish is

Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan

many months away.

CONDITION OF OUR ROADS To drive on our roads we need an NCT for the vehicle we own unless it is new. The vehicle has to be fit for purpose and if it’s not we face penalties. Our hospitals, nursing homes etc. are overseen by HIQA and our restaurants, food outlets etc. are subject to oversight by the HSE. Yet our councils are not subject to any oversight with regard to their responsibilities regarding the upkeep of our county roads. A good local councillor can have an effect in ensuring that a particular area is looked after but this is hit and miss and doesn’t guarantee any definite outcome. So do we need an oversight authority to ensure that councils do their statutory duty in relation to our roads?

DOWNSIZING One of the proposals being put forward in relation to alleviating the housing crisis is that older people who have reared their families might consider leaving fairly large houses and move into a more compact dwelling. This might suit some people admirably. However, others may be reluctant to leave a home which holds so many memories of rearing a family etc. and this is understandable. It was alarming therefore to hear during a radio discussion a suggestion from a contributor that one of the ways to solve this issue was to increase significantly the property tax on these larger houses. In that scenario older people on fixed pensions would find it uneconomical to remain there and would downsize. Is that what we have become?

TOM MOOREHOUSE Finally a word about the late Tom Moorhouse. Tom was a traditional local councillor who represented the people of Enniscorthy for many years. The demise of the Town Council ended Tom’s career and Enniscorthy was a poorer place as a result. Many kind and well deserved words have been spoken about Tom since he passed away and this column can only endorse everything that has been said. We extend our sympathies to his family, friends and former colleagues. n

1st July 2021 - Page 31


SlaNey SlaNeyNewS ad Wexford People Helping People (WPHP) is a non-profit charity organisation which was founded by Clair Malone in 2015. Constantly growing, it now not only provides outreach services for rough sleepers, support with food, heating and clothes, but also organises a regular soup kitchen in Wexford town every Thursday and Saturday 68pm. This is a joint endeavour between Wexford Homeless Housing Action Group and Wexford People Helping People. CBS Primary School has very kindly offered the use of their yard for same, free of charge, which is a massive help. Food is provided by local businesses or organised by the committee and any help towards this is greatly appreciated. WPHP is currently running a ‘Sponsor a Meal’ initiative to help fund the increasing demand. It is €4 per week and donaBelow: Getting ready for the soup kitchen at CBS Primary School, Wexford, a joint endeavour between Wexford Homeless Housing Action Group and Wexford People Helping People.

tions can be made through PayPal, which can be found on

Bottom: Wexford People Helping People Junior Committee.

for a chat, or contact the group to arrange meal delivery.

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the Facebook page ‘Wexford People Helping People’. At the soup kitchen, anyone can either drop in to get a free meal or


SlaNey NewS In addition, WPHP is looking to provide a Mental Health PopUp Café, organised by hard-working member Raymond Shannon. This will run every Monday night at Peter’s Square from 10pm to 2am from 28th June in Wexford Town. The finalised location can be found on the Facebook page (https://m.facebook.com/helpmethroughthenight/). Anyone who is looking for a chat, struggling with life or finding it difficult to get through the night, is welcome to pop in – you are important and people care about you. WPHP also has a Junior Committee established, with Ciara O’Farrell leading same. Ciara started with WPHP through her transition year and has been a tremendous help ever since. Just one of the initiatives that the Junior Committee took on is the Online Charity Shop where some of the donated goods received are sold to raise much needed funds. There are a few other fundraising projects running at the moment also, including Drive In Bingo! This is organised with Wexford FC in Ferrycarrig Park every Sunday at 8pm. Books are €10 with a chance to win some great prizes. And on Saturday 3rd July you will see the group rattling its buckets in Wexford town between 9am and 6pm for its Bucket Collection. You can also support WPHP by donating food at the group’s food drives. The food is used for WPHP food hampers or at the soup kitchen. And of course any monetary donations are greatly appreciated also. WPHP is very grateful for all the support it receives from businesses, and says a massive thank you to the community also, “It never ceases to amaze us how generous this community is.” You can contact Wexford People Helping People for further information on Facebook: ‘Wexford People Helping People’ or by email: wexpeoplehelpingpeople@gmail.com Wexford People Helping People: https://www.facebook.com/wexfordpeoplehelpingpeople Online Charity Shop: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1168853796960211 Junior Committee: https://www.facebook.com/wexfordpeoplehelpingpeople juniorcommittee Mental Health Pop-Up Cafe: https://m.facebook.com/helpmethroughthenight/ n Wexford People Helping People volunteers Raymond Shannon and Lorraine Foley.

PETER’S SQUARE WEXFORD

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Historical Re-enactment Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society were delighted to be able to answer the call to arms once again as Covid vaccine roll-out and an easing of restrictions allowed the group to participate in outdoor commemorations like the Sinnotts Cross Ambush Commemoration on Sunday 20th July at Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny, where on 18th June 1921 during the War of Independence, men of the 9th Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade, took up arms and ambushed a Black and Tan patrol, stationed at Fiddow and travelling to Clogga. And it was indeed with wholehearted delight and joy that the group once again participated in the annual commemoration of the Battle of Vinegar Hill, on the longest day, 21st June 1798. Organised by Moira O’Gorman, Derek Meyler and the staff of the 1798 Centre, the dignified event included prayers for all the dead on the Hill that day from Fr. Jim Doyle, St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Rev. Nicola Halford, St. Mary’s and Rev. David Conkey, Presbyterian Church, Enniscorthy. Two very beautiful poems about Vinegar Hill, eloquently penned by Eamonn and Kay Doyle, were eloquently read by Eamonn’s father Sean Doyle. The event was expertly MC’d by Derek Meyler of the 1798 Centre who gave a concise, knowledgeable synopsis of the day and its impact on Irish history before calling on Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Barbara-Anne Murphy who spoke of the challenges of today’s people emerging from the shadows of pandemic. The solemn occasion came to conclusion with a rousing rendition of The Croppy Boy sung by Tim Corrigan and Amhrán na bhFiann played by piper Liam Doyle and as we marched back down the lane with the fields of barley swaying on both sides of us one couldn’t help but think of the horrors suffered and inflicted on that fateful day here in Enniscorthy and remember the last lines of Seamus Heaney’s beautifully poignant poem Requiem for the Croppies: Until… on Vinegar Hill…the final conclave. Terraced thousands died, shaking scythes at cannon. The hillside blushed, soaked in our broken wave. They buried us without shroud or coffin And in August…. the barley grew up out of our grave. – Maria Nolan

Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society at the Sinnotts Cross Ambush commemoration in Co. Kilkenny on 20th June 2021.

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SlaNey NewS Minister James Browne TD (centre) at the Battle of Vinegar Hill commemoration in Enniscorthy on 21st June 2021.

All pics courtesy of Maria Nolan

Current and future generations of Enniscorthy re-enactors on Vinegar Hill on 21st June 2021.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, now Chairperson of Wexford County Council, with Enniscorthy re-enactors at the Battle of Vinegar Hill commemoration on 21st June 2021.

Right: New Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Cathal Byrne, with Maria Nolan.

Enniscorthy re-enactors with Sean Doyle (centre) who read two poems at the commemoration, with Slaney News editor Frank Corcoran photobombing in the background!

New Chairperson of Wexford County Council Barbara-Anne Murphy and Emily Murphy laid wreaths at the Vinegar Hill monument.

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SlaNey SlaNeyNewS ad Holly and her mum

Tommy and his family

Carraig Briste Early Years Graduation Templescoby, Enniscorthy, 25th June 2021. Alice and her mum

Carraig Briste Early Years graduates on 25th June with their teachers and Orlagh Doyle, proprietor, back left.

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Carraig Briste Early Years proprietor Orlagh Doyle looking forward to sharing some cake with the graduates.


SlaNey NewS Carraig Briste Early Years graduates on 24th June with their teachers.

Carraig Briste Early Years Graduation Templescoby, Enniscorthy, 24th June 2021. Paddy with his parents.

Up, up and away. Releasing balloons to celebrate the occasion.

Above: Conor and Kaydee with their aunt. Below: Frankie with his parents.

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National Brown Bread Baking Competition is back for 2021! Aldi will once again sponsor The National Brown Bread Baking Competition 2021, in association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA). There will be a grand prize of €15,000 for the overall winner who will be announced on 17th of September. Do you know someone that has perfected their brown bread baking skills over the past year? Have you made a brilliant brown bread whilst stuck at home over the past few months? If the answer is yes, then this is the competition for you! The competition will be open to all members of the public (over 18); all entrants will be asked to drop off their freshly baked bread at one of the chosen Aldi stores on the prescribed date. The Co. Wexford location is Aldi, Marshmeadows, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 NP48, on Wednesday 18th August 09:00-11:00. All successful entrants will be contacted on 20th of August, to attend the finals,

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due to take place on the 10th of September in Howth Castle Cookery School, with the winner then announced on the 17th September. Group Buying Director, John Curtin said, "At Aldi, we are a proud supporter of Irish suppliers and producers, so we are delighted to sponsor The National Brown Bread Baking Competition again this year and to be able to host the competition during these challenging times. Last year’s winning product ‘Marie’s Brown Bread’ has been a great success, and we want to ensure that Ireland’s best bakers have the opportunity to take part in this fantastic competition again this year. We look forward to sampling Ireland’s best brown bread in the coming weeks and announcing the winner on September 17th in Howth Castle Cookery School.” NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said, “The NPA are delighted that the hugely popular National Brown Bread Baking Competition is returning this year. Every year the interest grows and the standard is escalating with hundreds of entries from all around the

Above: National Ploughing Association (NPA) Managing Director Anna May McHugh promoting the National Brown Bread Baking competition.

country. Despite having to cancel this year’s Trade Exhibition due to Covid, the National Ploughing Competitions will take place from Sept 15th to 17th and plans are in place to build a programme of activities around #Ploughing2021 including digital activations for all to get involved with and the highly anticipated National Brown Bread Baking winner will be announced on the final day.” Hilda Roche, President of the ICA said, “The members of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association are very much looking forward to participating in this year’s National Brown Bread Baking Competition. I wish everyone the very best of luck.” If you think you have the recipe for success, log onto www.aldi.ie/brownbread-competition or www.ica.ie for information on how to enter, full terms and conditions and competition rules. The winner’s brown bread will be stocked in all Aldi Stores in Ireland for twelve months and they will receive a grand prize of €15,000. n


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Leading the way to weight loss

Enniscorthy Slimming World Consultant Tony McCann certainly knows from experience how Slimming World can help you succeed on on a weight-loss journey. Tony himself has lost five stone (32 kilos) and now he can help you achieve your own weight-loss goals while still enjoying lots of tasty food like in the recipe below. Call Tony now on 087-1785384. Click here to check out Tony’s Facebook page n

Prawn, tomato and chilli pasta

Group is now open every Tuesday evening and every Saturday morning

Call Tony to book: 087-1785384 New members always welcome. See our Facebook page here

Serves 4. Ready in 20 minutes. What you need:  400g dried fusilli pasta  low-calorie cooking spray  400g cherry tomatoes  400g cooked peeled king prawns  4 large garlic cloves, crushed  1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped  200g rocket  zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon  fresh basil, leaves roughly torn, to serve What you do: 1. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the pack instructions. Reserve 250ml of the cooking water, then drain. 2. Meanwhile, spray a large, non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a mediumhigh heat. Add the tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until beginning to soften. Add the prawns, garlic and chilli with a splash of water. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the prawns are piping hot. 3. Add the pasta and rocket to the tomatoes and prawns, with half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook for a further 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, or

until the rocket is wilted and the sauce is light and glossy, adding more cooking water if needed. Season to taste with the lemon juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper. 4. Divide the pasta between 4 bowls. Top with the basil and lemon zest to serve. n

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OUTDOOR DINI THE ENNISCORTH

Enjoying a well deserved treat at the Holy Grail, Enniscorthy, was Izzy Laws.

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ING IN HY AREA

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OUTDOOR DINING RESUMED IN THE ENNISCORTHY AREA ON 5TH JUNE. Above left: The Village at Wheelocks. Far left: At Casa d’Galo were Sheena O’Connell and Johnny Cullen. Bottom left: Also at Casa d’Galo were Gretta and Eugene Carley. Bottom centre: At The Pantry, Rafter Street, were Jamie Willians, Baby Karliah, Stuart, Jason and Jake Willians. Bottom right: At the Monageer Tavern were Liam O’Rourke, James Kirwan, Joe Ivory, Tony Murphy and Seamus Sweeney. Below pics: Some more customers enjoying the good food at the Monageer Tavern. Above: At the Holy Grail, Market Square, were Pippa Laws and Damullee Ryan.

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Anger among restauranteurs

Adrian Cummins of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.

Customers enjoying outdoor dining on 7th June 2021 at Casa d’Galo, Enniscorthy.

2nd June. We are calling on the Government to reopen Indoor Hospitality with immediate effect in line with our colleagues in Northern Ireland and across Europe.”

The reaction of the restaurant sector to the recent announcement that the reopening of indoor dining is being delayed can be summed up in three statements emanating from that sector:

“The reopening of International Travel means that you can dine in a restaurant in Portugal or have a pint in Spain unprohibited from the 19 July. Ireland has been observing the Delta variant activity in other EU countries but once again there is a plan to restrict rather than track and trace to prevent its spread as the WHO recommends.” n

Restaurant sector astounded and angered by a further delay of possible two weeks to reopening indoors. Allowing vaccinated customers only to dine indoors is flawed, unworkable, discriminatory and currently illegal. The summer is now lost for thousands of businesses across the state. The Restaurants Association of Ireland is astounded at the Government’s decision to further delay the reopening of indoor dining by two weeks for restaurants, cafes and gastropubs, while hotels and B&Bs have been open for almost a month. The Association believes the proposal to develop a system that would permit only those who are fully vaccinated against Covid19 to eat and drink inside bars and restaurants is discriminatory and unworkable. Ireland is not currently technologically ready to operate the EU approved Green Travel Certificate and yet there is a proposal to operate services based on vaccines at a national level. CEO Adrian Cummins says: “Restaurant, Pub and Café Owners will now be placed in the unenviable, complex and difficult position of allowing vaccinated customers enter indoors and restricting non vaccinated customers to outdoor dining. Such a practice of refusing access to goods and services in currently illegal under equality acts. The hospitality sector contains a diverse range of workers by age with front of house mostly the unvaccinated age groups, who will now be asked to refuse access to their peers? This makes no sense and will restrict indoor dining to those in the 40–60 age groups who are fully vaccinated whilst the hotel across the street has families and guests dining indoors since

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This size ad can be yours for just €50+vat. Telephone Frank at 087-2403310 for more details.


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St Patrick’s School and their incredible edibles

The Senior Elm class at St Patrick’s School in Enniscorthy received some great news last month – they were awarded the level of ‘GOLD INCREDIBLE EDIBLES SCHOOL’ for their project achieving accreditation as a Healthy Eating School. The judges noted that their food journey and work were inspiring. They thanked the students for actively partaking in the project, and successfully encouraging wellbeing within the classroom, learning where food comes from and how to support Irish, as well as learning how to grow, cook and eat your own food! A certificate and rosette will be sent to the school shortly to acknowledge this new status. Congratulations and well done to Judith, Shane, Finn, Brendan, Cameron, Tom and Holly on all their hard work. n

An (outside) room with a view! The beautiful new terrace at Eco-Kind, Duffry Hill, Enniscorthy, with a commanding view of the town and Vinegar Hill.

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Enjoying Wexford town outdoor dining and drinking

Above left: At the opening of Outdoor Dining on 7th June at the Riverbank House Hotel, Ferrybank, Wexford, were Susan and Shannon Byrne. Above right: Also at the Riverbank House Hotel on 7th June were Ciara, Leigh and Colin Denton. Below left: At the Whitford House Hotel, Wexford, on 7th June were Clio, Pamela, Phoebe, Shane, and Isabel Canning. Below right: Also at Whitford House Hotel, Wexford, were Brian, Jack and Geraldine Nolan from Gorey.

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Enjoying refreshments in Kilmuckridge/Wells

7th June 2021... Above left: At Kate’s Coffee Shop and Deli, Kilmuckridge, were Erin Walsh and Dave Cashwell. Above right: At the opening of Outdoor Dining at Brambles Cafe in Wells House and Gardens were Luciano, Maria, Juan and Jason Collins. Left: At Kate’s Coffee Shop and Deli, Kilmuckridge, were Ciara, Ciaran, Emily, Sean and Fergal Murray and their dog Minie. Below left: At the opening of Outdoor Dining at Wells House and Gardens were Arek, Ella, Hugh and Monika O’Donnell. Below right: Also at the opening of Outdoor Dining in Wells House and Gardens were Aoife, Bernadette, Cillian, Chris and Conor Melbourne.

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Enjoying outdoor dining at Wheelocks and The Slaney Inn

7th June 2021... Above left: At the opening of Outdoor Dining at Wheelocks, Enniscorthy, were Sophie, Emily and Abbey Mangan. Above right: At The Village at Wheelocks were Shane, Sharon and Liam Mangan. Left: Also at the opening of Outdoor Dining at Wheelocks were Jake Murphy and Eleanor Bolger. Below left: At the opening of Outdoor Dining at The Slaney Inn, Oylegate, were Catherine Kinsella, Danielle Maher, Jimmy Kinsella, Michael Kinsella and Clive Ronan. Below right: Also at the opening of Outdoor Dining at The Slaney Inn, Oylegate, were May Kehoe, Paul Kilpatrick and Katherine Kavanagh.

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Facilitating outdoor hospitality in Wexford town Following on from enquiries in relation to the changes that have happened in Wexford Town to facilitate the Outdoor Summer (supporting the hospitality sector), Cllr Leonard Kelly requested the District Manager, Angela Laffan, to provide full details. This is the update she provided to all members of the Council last month. REOPENING WEXFORD – ARRANGEMENTS FOR OUTDOOR DINING – SUMMER 2021 As Wexford Town reopens for business after a period of lengthy closure, the following areas were identified as requiring a road closure and/or special arrangements in order to licence the hospitality sector to provide outdoor dining in a safe and welcoming environment in accordance with Covid Government guidelines. In addition to the issue of a Section 254 Licence for outdoor tables and chairs, the following arrangements have been put in place and will continue over the Summer months until further notice:

Monday to Saturday. •

Bollard installed at junction with John’s Gate Street / Cornmarket at 11.00 a.m. daily and lifted at 6.00 p.m.

Road open to traffic on Sunday.

LOWER ROWE STREET: •

Road closure in place from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. each day, Monday to Sunday.

Bollard installed at junction with Mallin Street / High Street at 11.00 a.m. daily Monday to Saturday.

Bollard at The Bullring/North Main Street also installed at 11.00 a.m. Monday to Saturday.

Bollards removed at 6.00 p.m. daily Monday to Friday.

Bollards remain in the locked position from 11.00 a.m. on Saturday until 8.15 a.m. on Monday morning.

HENRIETTA STREET: • •

Road closure in place from 11.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. each day Monday to Sunday. Access for deliveries etc. up to 11.00 a.m. each morning Monday to Saturday.

SOUTH MAIN STREET: •

No road closure required.

On-street parking removed on South Main Street (from junction with Cinema Lane to junction with Oyster Lane)

CHARLOTTE STREET:

and on sections along South Main Street (from junction

Road closure in place from 11.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. each day.

with Lower Bride Street to junction with Lower King Street).

Bollard installed at junction of Lower George Street / Selskar Street at 11.00 a.m. daily, Monday to Saturday.

Bollard removed at 8.15 a.m. daily, Monday to Saturday, to facilitate refuse collection/deliveries.

Bollard remains in the locked position from 11.00 a.m. on Saturday until 8.15 a.m. on Monday morning.

Vehicular traffic will still have access to drive through this area to access other car parking facilities but will not be permitted to park on street.

Three new loading bays have been installed outside R. Doyle Butchers, Wexford Auto Factors and the Emerald Gardens to facilitate deliveries into the area.

Disabled Bays: Access to the underused Disabled Bays on Charlotte Street will not be available after 11.00 a.m. each day. The Post Office is encouraging less mobile customers to do their business before 11.00 a.m. if at all possible. Note however, during the trial pedestrianisation of Monck Street in the past 12/18 months (which by default restricted access to Charlotte Street during business hours), additional disabled parking bays were installed at the request of the Members on Common Quay Street, Lower George Street, Selskar Street and other areas to compensate. These additional bays have remained in place so it is considered that there are adequate disabled parking bays close to this section of North Main Street.

CORNMARKET:

MALLIN STREET:

with all other businesses to whom a Section 254 Licence has

• Road closure in place from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. each day,

been issued to facilitate outdoor dining. n

A Section 254 Licence has been granted to the Thomas Moore Tavern to facilitate outdoor dining adjacent to their premises at Cornmarket.

Because of ground level conditions, certain civil works are under way to facilitate the installation of a temporary decking structure to accommodate outdoor furniture and associated infrastructure.”

The situation in each of the above areas will be monitered and kept under review over the Summer months together

1st July 2021 - Page 47


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Comhairle Contae

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

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

Wexford County Council – Expression of Interest

Open Call to Event Management/ Professional Production Companies be part of a panel for the delivery of services in relation to Local Live Performance Programming Scheme – Summer 2021 Supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Following the announcement by Minister Catherine Martin of a fund for Local Live Performance support, Wexford County Council is seeking expressions of interest from professional event management/professional production companies to become part of a panel for the delivery of services in relation to live outdoor performances to take place throughout Wexford County, in the five municipal district areas, between July 1st and Sept 30th 2021. The aim of this scheme is to facilitate programming of outdoor live performances, animating town centres for local communities during summer 2021, should public health considerations permit. Performances can be recorded or streamed if health restrictions prevent live events or as local authorities deem appropriate. The funding can be used to support employment and wellbeing in the commercial arts and culture sectors through the provision of live performances by engaging the services of professional artists, musicians, crew and other staff members involved in live performances for the period from 1st July to 30 September 2021. As part of this scheme Wexford County council is creating a panel of event management/professional production companies to work with the 5 municipal districts (Wexford MD, Enniscorthy MD, New Ross MD, Gorey MD and Rosslare MD) to deliver events in each district in summer 2021. For more information and how to apply visit https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/arts-and-culture/grants-supports-and-opportunities/open-call-to-event-management-professional

Public Notice

Swimming in Wexford County Council Piers and Harbours Wexford County Council wishes to advise that swimming in or near piers and harbours can be hazardous. Potential hazards include but are not limited to:  Underwater obstructions  Moving boats  Propellers and backwash from vessels  Marine wildlife, seals etc  Deep and shallow water  Slippery and uneven surfaces  Tides and strong currents  Water quality unsuitable for bathing Parents should ensure that children and minors are aware of these dangers.

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Comhairle Contae

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

Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

N11 / N25 Oilgate to Rosslare OPTION C CHOSEN AS PREFERRED OPTION FOR THE N11/N25 OILGATE TO ROSSLARE HARBOUR PROJECT Wexford County Council has confirmed the preferred scheme option for the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour project following public consultation and a detailed appraisal of scheme options and alternatives. The N11 and N25 are vital strategic transport corridors providing national and regional connectivity with Rosslare Europort, a critical gateway with continental Europe and Britain. Rosslare Europort is Ireland’s second largest port for unitised freight and passenger numbers and provides the shortest sea crossing between Ireland & mainland Europe. The impacts of Brexit have significantly intensified Rosslare Europort’s strategic importance as a gateway for Irish trade and tourism. Even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, weekly continental ferry services at the Port have increased to 34 per week. Freight volumes with continental Europe increased by approximately 460% in the first half of 2021, and overall freight volumes, including Britain, have increased by 60%. The N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour project aims to secure the future resilience of this critical international land-sea corridor by delivering a safe, sustainable, high-quality and cost effective transport connection with Rosslare Europort. Background The section of N11 & N25 from north of Oilgate to Rosslare Europort is the only section of the corridor connecting Belfast, Dublin & Rosslare Europort not to have been completed to a high-quality international standard. The impetus for completing this final leg of the land connection with Rosslare Europort is further emphasised by the disruptions and challenges caused by Brexit. The existing N11 & N25 corridors within the study area have significant infrastructural, operational and safety deficiencies. Sections of the existing corridor are already operating beyond capacity and this, combined with a high proportion of freight vehicles, is resulting in poor levels of service. Forecasted increases in travel demand in future years, including increased freight traffic to and from Rosslare Europort, will exacerbate this capacity deficit. Selection Process The project has undertaken a detailed, multi-criteria appraisal of feasible scheme options and alternatives and has considered feedback received during the public consultation event in July and August 2020. A broad range of multimodal transport solutions have been considered, including rail and bus alternatives, management options, and road options. Following preliminary assessment, shortlisting and further detailed appraisal, Road Option C has been confirmed as the solution that can best deliver the specified project objectives and address the future transport needs of the region. Option C is cost-effective and will be further developed to minimise disruption to local communities and the environment. The contribution that enhanced public transport services and active travel facilities can make to developing the most sustainable integrated transport solution will also continue to be examined. Option C encompasses significant sections of the existing road, and these sections will be improved and repurposed to deliver a resilient transport corridor that meets the future needs of the region. The Route The Option C corridor is shown in orange on the above map. The corridor begins at the southern end of the M11 motorway south of Enniscorthy and bypasses Oilgate village to the east. To the south of Oilgate, the corridor re-joins the existing N11 corridor, and generally follows the line of the existing road to south of Kyle Cross junction. Between Kyle Cross and Kitestown Cross, the corridor passes to the west of the existing N11 before crossing the River Slaney to the west of Ferrycarrig Bridge, where a new bridge will be constructed. To the south of the River Slaney, the corridor crosses the Dublin to Rosslare rail line before following the line of the current N25 Wexford Bypass. To the south of Wexford town the corridor passes east of the existing N25 and Killinick village before passing to the north of the villages of Tagoat and Kilrane. The corridor then terminates at Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Harbour village. Further Information Wexford County Council is now holding a public information event to inform the public of the selected scheme option to be brought forward for further development and assessment. Further information on the option selection process, and the project in general can be found on the project website www.oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie

Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com

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

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

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Three Wexford business people elected to ISME Council Ross McCarthy, Keystone Procurement Board Member & ex. Chair (pictured below) Ross McCarthy is Managing Director of Keystone Procurement, a commercial strategy and procurement advisory company based in Wexford but with a national and international focus. The business is built around procurement and commercial services related to sourcing and procurement. Prior to setting up Keystone Procurement in 2014, Ross worked in management consultancy with leading firms Accenture and PwC and in telecoms with British Telecom before this. Ross is among the most prolific writers on procurement matters in Ireland and the company website holds the most

comprehensive, free to access procurement related resources in Ireland. He has a strong interest in business policy. This interest is informed by and influenced by the regular work he undertakes with SMEs in Ireland and internationally. Ross holds a Masters in International Relations from DCU, a BA in European Business from DCU, the Diplôme en Études Supérieures Européennes de Management from l’École Supérieures de Commerce Reims in France and a Diploma in Procurement and Supply from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). He is a member of CIPS and has fluent French.

Tanya Thompson, Sluamor (pictured above) Tanya is a driven business leader with a wide range of corporate technology and business management experience at senior levels in Ireland and Jamaica, where she lived prior to moving to Dublin. Tanya’s hallmark throughout her career has been producing excellent, creative solutions, and driving plans forward to successful implementation. Tanya is the CTO of Sluamor.com, which is a two-sided online platform that SMEs can use to easily find and engage with suppliers, and identify sales leads where they’re likely to win new B2B contracts. She’s also a founder of Nohuts.com, a property based start-up, and currently an Adjunct Lecturer in TU Dublin supporting students within the School of Computer Science. Although Tanya is Dublin-based, she has strong connections to Galway, the home of her Irish in-laws, who’ve given her a great appreciation of Gaelic football, hurling and camogie.

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her great management team, has enabled successful change to be implemented on a continuous basis.

Ann O’Brien, Kent Stainless Ann O’Brien has been Managing Director of Kent Stainless since 2010. She is a recognised business leader with over 25 years’ experience and is the first woman to lead this 30-year-old engineering company.

Continuous improvement has been at the core of Ann’s strategy, modernising the company in terms of an ERP System, Capital Investment in Plant and Equipment, and Internationalisation of the business. The company has expanded considerably under her management and is currently undergoing a major growth period.

Ann began her role in Kent Stainless in finance and then in HR. In her role as Human Resources Director, she implemented necessary changes for rapid expansion and contraction at various times due to the changing economic climate and other business variables. She has overseen the growth of Kent Stainless staff from 70 to over 140 employees and two acquisitions (one of which involved a factory move from Dublin to Wexford). The company has been successful in achieving many of its objectives, based on the development of knowledge and experience. Ann’s ability to adapt to change, along with

The Irish SME Association (ISME) has elected Margaret O’Rourke Doherty as the new Chair of the National Council for the 2021-2023 term. Margaret is the CEO of the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC) and is the 17th Chair of ISME and the second female Chair. The new Council is the first with a female majority since ISME’s foundation in 1993 and is comprised of 56% female and 44% male members.

Kent Stainless has been at the heart of some truly exceptional projects across multiple industries and geographies. Combining innovative design solutions with world class manufacturing facilities, it delivers projects that meet unique requirements and enhance industry reputation. Kent Stainless – a partner you can rely on! n

ISME’s newly elected Chair, Margaret O’Rourke Doherty, meets with An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar after her appointment on May 25th. Margaret O’Rourke Doherty said: “I am delighted and proud to be elected as ISME Chair for the 2021-2023 term, having served as Vice-Chair for the past two years... Female entrepreneurs and business owners are not often given due credit for the high number of businesses they run in the SME sector. Our new

Council also reflects sectoral diversity, including service businesses, manufacturing, food, retail and technology.” With over 10,500 members nationwide, ISME’s new Council members are elected owner/managers of SMEs from all over Ireland and from a variety of sectors. 46% of members are based in Dublin, with 19% in the Midlands, 11% in both the North East and South East, 7% in both the North West and South West and 4% in the South of Ireland. n

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Over 30% of remote workers inte The Ireland South East Development Office (ISEDO) is a bottom-up, local authority initiative which works with leaders of the major regional industries as well as the Chief Executives of the councils of the 5 counties in the South East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford) and other public and private stakeholders. Its priority is to make the South East the first choice for business, careers, inward investment and tourists. SOUTH EAST REMOTE WORKING STUDY - MAY 2021 A South East study of 904 remote workers carried out by the South East Local Authorities and their Local Enterprise Offices, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Ireland South East Development Office shows that 30% of people who are currently remote working are interested in developing their own business. Enterprise Ireland Regional Director in the South and South East, Martin Corkery said: “A strong start-up economy is absolutely vital to the future of Ireland’s regions and we look forward to working with the Local Enterprise Offices to sup-

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port these individuals in realising their business vision”. Corkery continued to say, “The South East has become a prime nurturing environment for start-up activity with many examples of indigenous entrepreneurs inspiring others from across the country that they too can start and scale successfully in the South East.” The Study reveals almost 3 in 4 remote workers surveyed in the South East are saving at least an hour a day, and 24% are saving at least 3 hours a day, by remote working which provides a greater work / life balance and means that commuting is much decreased which helps to support the environment. Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council on behalf of the South East Local Authorities stated, “The South East provides many unique options for remote workers depending on their needs and tops the poll when it comes to offering work / life balance. The South East region offers lower housing and childcare costs, rural/coastal lifestyles with great transport infrastructure. She further commented, ‘Most businesses, individuals and households have been affected significantly by a change

of working conditions since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. As we look with hope towards the re-opening of our country and economy this study has given clear insights into the opportunity for remote workers in the South East through the development of a hub network supported by Enterprise Ireland, the South East Local Enterprise Office network and the South East Development Office. It also demonstrated the opportunity to provide start-up supports and training to these individuals that will foster a thriving start-up culture in the region.’ The key findings of the survey include: The South East has an opportunity to be a hub for new, innovative, start-up supports for the new remote worker community as over 30% of respondents are interested in starting or developing their own business. The South East has an opportunity to work with the current hubs in the various strategic locations and develop new solutions for remote working and enterprise development. The development of hybrid working


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erested in starting own business models will accelerate the achievement of the green agenda for the South East with the potential for significantly less people commuting than in the pre-Covid era.

Alan Quirke – looking to make the South East the first choice for business, careers, inward investment and tourists... Alan Quirke, an Enniscorthy native, is the Director of the Ireland South East Development Office, which has its headquarters in Waterford city.

Alan Quirke, Director, Ireland South East Development Office commented: “The South East region has numerous advantages to offer when it comes to remote working and this study provides a solid foundation to guide future policy development and implementation to the benefit of all remote workers in the South East.

Alan previously worked as an attache for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in Brussels and prior to that worked as an Economics Manager for the Financial and Evaluation Unit in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

“This includes, for example, the benefit remote working provides for the green economy through the reduction of commuting time which can also attract more remote workers by providing an improved work / life balance which in turn would bring a renewed vitality to the region. “Remote working offers employers a wider choice in facilitating the right person to work for their organisation from a location of their choice. This trend presents an opportunity for the South East’s towns and villages to market themselves as an attractive place to live.” n

Alan was raised in Enniscorthy and is a former pupil of St Mary's CBS in the town.

Alan Quirke

With a Master's degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Law from Trinity College, Alan is a highly respected economist who has extensive work experience particularly in the public sector.

The South East Remote Working Study Report can be found here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Carlow/News/South-East-Remote-Working-Study-Report.pdf

Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid On the 18th May, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD, extended eligibility for the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) to include businesses operating from a non-rateable premises. SMEs who can now avail of support include: •

Businesses operating from a non-rateable premises such as a home office or hot-desk now eligible for help with fixed costs. Self-employed working from home, wedding planners, on-course bookmakers, travel counsellors and photographers among those expected to benefit.

The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is for businesses that are down 75% or more of turnover and are not eligible for CRSS or other sector specific grants. The extension of eligibility for the SBASC to businesses operating from non-rateable premises will assist in defraying ongoing fixed costs. Such costs can include utilities, maintenance of equipment and mobile business, security, IT systems fees, storage, legal and accountancy and costs

required to provide a safe working environment. Businesses will be asked to declare that they intend to resume trading in full once government Covid-19 restrictions are eased. Those who applied under Phase 1 are still eligible to apply for a second payment of €4,000 if they continue to meet the criteria. Closing date for Phase 2 applications is 21st July, 2021. n

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Planning granted for Bunclody tourism accommodation A new tourism accommodation building to attract and support visitors to Bunclody and its golf course, has been granted planning permission. The broad range of leisure activities available around Bunclody, combined with its history, places this project in a prime position to attract weekend stays and also tap into the international tourism market. The proposed design has been very much influenced by the existing natural woodland and is in a unique position just two minutes walk from Bunclody town centre. In the interest of protecting where possible the scenic and natural environment, the design proposal had to consider indepth the position, massing, footprint and overall architectural appearance of the building. With a large floor space, the challenge is to integrate the building to create lightness and verticality much like the surrounding woodland. This is being done by keeping the footprint small and using

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the existing levels on the site to its advantage. The building is intentionally designed to rise out of the ground resting on a lower platform and allowing the landscape to run right up to it.

this light canopy concept and designed

According to its designers, Stephen Carr Architects, Wexford town, “The roof overhang adds delicacy much like a tree branch or crown. We have taken

ber poles wrap underneath the light

large overhangs around the entire building mimicking the shaded canopy of a tree. To form a light building edge, a perimeter of tree trunks or solid timstructure of the roof. Every second tree trunk leans out giving another element of delicacy to this building.” n


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Passing on the baton Barbara-Anne Murphy is the new President of Enniscorthy & District Chamber having been a most effective Vice-President since her appointment to that role

in 2020. She brings to her new role of President a wealth of experience from years of involvement in community and political affairs.

L-R: Former President of Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce Maree Lyng with new President Barbara-Anne Murphy.

Barbara-Anne was the Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District up to 28th June and on that same date became Chairperson of Wexford County Council, following in the footsteps of her late father, Cllr Rory Murphy, who served as Chairman of the County Council in the past. Taking over as President of Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce from Maree Lyng – the President for the past three years, will be a real challenge for Barbara-Anne as Maree brought a new dimension to the role with her enthusiastic commitment to the workings of the Chamber. Maree involved herself in every aspect of the Chamber’s activities and unsparingly gave of her time and talents in promoting both the Chamber and Enniscorthy as a town and it may well be that only with the passing of time will her contribution be fully recognised and appreciated. Speaking on behalf of the Chamber membership, Jimmy Gahan, Chamber Development Officer, thanked Maree for her leadership and untiring work and wished Barbara-Anne well in her new role. n

Remote Working Hubs to boost jobs in Co. Wexford MHO Space is launching a major remote-working centre in the M11 Business Park, Gorey, in partnership with Wexford Co. Council. The State-of-the-art office space will provide high-quality viable alternative to city commuting or working from home. The hub will provide modern, state-of-the-art working facilities for up to 200 people. This initiative in Gorey is expected to be the first of up to four similar remote-working centres across Co. Wexford which MHO Space hopes to open in Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford Town. With the Covid pandemic forcing tens of thousands of workers to switch from their former offices in Ireland’s cities and larger towns, the consequent explosion in working from home has accelerated the business case for remote-working hubs, which provide high-speed and secure broadband and all the other facilities of modern offices. This has two outstanding benefits: giving thousands of workers, who have been working from their homes, a locally-based full-office alternative, and avoiding a return to long-distance commuting when the lockdown eventually ends, and their former office re-opens.

Councillor Joe Sullivan, Chairman of the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, warmly welcomed the proposal by MHO Space to bring significant jobs to Gorey and to build on the success of the Council’s Hatch Lab Innovation Centre which had 30 small companies operating there prior to the pandemic. Councillor Sullivan also paid tribute to the investment by local developers Tom and Paddy Redmond in the M11 Business Park. Chief Executive of Wexford Co. Council, Mr. Tom Enright, said that the Council was seeing a lot of interest in remote working in Wexford by Dublin-based companies as people start to return to the office place and new hybrid models of work arrangements are being considered. He stressed that Wexford can offer a real alternative with affordable high-quality office accommodation, affordable housing and an unrivalled quality of life, all within a short distance of Dublin. The CEO of the Cork-based MHO Space, Dave Burke, said that the company’s offering fully aligns with the ambition of Wexford Co. Council, and other local authorities, to reinvigorate towns and villages across rural Ireland. n

MHO Space not only develops the physical facility, but also manages all marketing and fulfilment operations to attract companies and individual workers to base themselves in these hubs.

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Scurri secures €9m in funding Scurri, the Wexford cloud-based software provider connecting and optimising the eCommerce ordering, shipping, and delivery process, has announced a €9 million investment to accelerate growth in the U.K. market. Scurri currently derives over 70% of its revenue from the UK, and will power over 100 million parcel deliveries this year by enabling merchants to present the most efficient delivery option via more than 700 carrier services. Scurri’s platform also allows retailers to create accurate labels, track shipments from dispatch to delivery and provide analytics. Scurri helps businesses ship their products anywhere in the world through its network of carrier integrations. Customers include eBay, Everything5pounds, Vision Direct, Gousto and many others. The company currently employs 45 people, and now plans to triple its workforce to over 120 employees in the next two years.

Speaking about the latest funding round, CEO and Founder of Scurri, Rory O’Connor stated: “Since our inception in 2010, and especially over the past 5 years, we have grown into a trusted delivery management platform with a growing list of blue-chip and fast-growth companies

CEO and Founder of Scurri, Rory O’Connor.

with operations across the globe. The pandemic and the resulting acceleration of eCommerce adoption as well as trading and logistic complexities arising from Brexit have essentially resulted in significantly increased demand for reliable delivery management software and solutions. For Scurri this effectively represents a number of years’ advancement of the UK market in terms of online penetration and hence our need to now advance our growth and investment plans.” “We are also extremely proud and thankful to our amazing team here at Scurri who, despite the upheaval of both the pandemic’s disruption as well as increased trading and logistics complexities fuelled by Brexit, rose to this double challenge and helped the company capitalise on the growth opportunities. We pride ourselves on our status of one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland and we are delighted with the opportunity to now grow that team further as we bring forward our growth plans.” n

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Major plans for the Old Have your say now!

Wexford County Council is developing a masterplan that will support the redevelopment of the streetscape within the Old Dublin Road district (Enniscorthy North Business District) to improve its functionality and provide a consistent presentation that will be attractive to businesses and customers. The masterplan will:  Examine opportunities for improving active travel (walking, cycling, public transport) within the Old Dublin Road zone and developing a connection to the town area;

PROJECT OVERVIEW: The business district can be broadly sub-divided into 2 zones based on intensity of use: Zone A – Developed Business District Area Zone B – Underdeveloped Business District Area

Zone A - Developed Business District Area The plan will make proposals for:  Improving and enhancing the existing street and road infrastructure serving the zone;

 Identify options for landscaping and signage;

 Formation of an active travel loop around Zone A;

 Develop short, medium and long term options for the expansion and improvement of the road fabric within the business district.

 New signage strategy to support the business district including Welcome signage on the approaches;

The plan will cover the zoned lands extending from Blackstoops roundabout to Scarawalsh roundabout.

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 Landscaping and soft boundary treatment along the Old Dublin Road with trees and low hedging;  Provision of Meeting/Rest areas at key locations.


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d Dublin Road district – Zone B - Underdeveloped Business District Area The plan will make proposals for:  New infrastructure and services (footpaths, cycleways, public lighting) within this zone.  Expansion of an active travel route around Zone A into Zone B.  A continuation of the landscaping and signage strategy within Zone B as outlined for Zone A.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Wexford County Council would like to hear from you about its proposals for the Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road) and invites you to make comments and give your feedback on its development of this master plan. You may view masterplan information and design drawings in hard copy format within the restaurant area at Kilcannon Garden Centre, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, and at Enniscorthy Chamber offices on Templeshannon Quay. Or online at https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ Comments and submissions should be made via the public consultation portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/, no later than 5pm on Friday 5th July OR in writing, marked ‘Enniscorthy North Business District Masterplan’ to: Special Projects Office, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93. All comments received will be recorded and considered during the ongoing design process.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Wexford County Council will develop and finalise the master plan taking into account the comments and submissions received as part of this process. The master plan will be presented to Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. Wexford County Council will develop short, medium and longer term programmes of works to support the implementation of the master plan and to support funding applications for the works.

ANTICIPATED PROGRAMME: Public information Period: 15th June to 5th July 2021. Finalise the masterplan and present to Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting on 19th of July. n

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SlaNey SlaNeyPetS ad

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9233187, 9236674. F: (053) 9236674. E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR JULY with the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

This month Joe Kavanagh sings the praises of Ireland’s wildlife sanctuaries/rescues. A few weeks ago I missed a call from a man I know. When I called him back he had rung because he'd found an injured buzzard in the field opposite his house. He drove to Kildare to a wildlife sanctuary with the bird to give him a fighting chance of surviving. It was late evening and he was just after dropping the bird off to the sanctuary, no fuss just happy to help. Then today my one-year-old dog, full of zip, bounding with energy, caught a pigeon and was doing a number on the poor little fella until I managed to get him away from her. The pigeon was pretty shocked, obviously very scared and it took a while to get him to settle. After examining him for broken bones, puncture wounds etc he seemed to be just very sore on his right leg, nothing broken, and a lot of his tail and wing feathers damaged or gone in the fracas. So I treated him for shock and pain, found a safe place for him to rest and subsequently made a few calls to find out who might be best placed to help with his rehabilitation. I was put in touch with the Wildlife Hospital in Meath. I left a message and promptly received a call back from a lovely lady who set in train the transport of the pigeon up to the hospital. Seemingly they have a group of volunteers who will link up depending on where the wild animal is located and get the injured or orphaned wild animal up to them ASAP.

It’s done on a voluntary basis and I was just amazed at the lengths people will go to help these vulnerable and injured wild animals. I see it all the time when people bring their own pets into us at our hospital but it is very heart warming to hear about volunteers jumping into their cars to assist these wild birds/animals for no benefit to them other than the satisfaction of helping another in need. It certainly is lovely to see the innate good will that is out there in the community. There are unsung heroes in every walk of life, from people who feed the poor, look out for their neighbours, tireless workers in GAA clubs, boxing clubs, you name it, those quiet-going people who just get the work done, no fuss and no accolades. These are the backbone of our community and its done because they're interested. Their heart is in it as they say and no money can buy that. When someone does it out of the generosity of their heart it means so much more. These people at these wildlife sanctuaries/rescues are right up there with the best of them. Their website is www.wildlifehospital.ie and you can make a donation or join on as a volunteer possibly. I'm not sure if my little pigeon will make it but he has a great chance with a service like this. n

If you have a topic you’d like Joe Kavanagh to address please email Slaney News at: slaneynews@gmail.com OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK): 9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment): Daily 9.30–10.30am, 2.30–3.30pm, 5.00–6.00pm. 24-hour, on-call, Emergency Service: (053) 9233187.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Full blood analysis (haematology, biochemistry) Gas anaesthetic – Digital X-rays – Ultrasound – Bioenergy Dermatological testing – Kinesiology – Prescription diets Herbal remedies – Homeopathy – Allergy testing

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SlaNey PetS

Above: Cody Copperthwaite takes his dog Penny for a walk. Above right: Bernie Maxwell and her dog Daisy. Below left: Louise Boylan and her dog Daisy. Below right: Flora and Sabina Whelan with their dogs Coco and Channelle.

CANINES IN COURTOWN

Courtown Harbour: Charlotte Hutton taking her ‘pretend’ dog for a walk in the ‘rain’.

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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

SEAT Tarraco The SEAT Tarraco got its big Irish market launch back in 2019. Awards quickly followed for SEAT’s flagship SUV. The Tarraco was not just big in size, it also went large on design and quality! Now it’s time to revisit the SEAT Tarraco, this time in sporty FR trim with a 2.0-litre diesel under the bonnet. The Tarraco is available in 5 or 7 seat models, with 7 seat versions starting from €41,295. In Ireland buyers can choose from

diesel with 150 hp – or 200 hp and four wheel drive. The Tarraco is a good-looking large family SUV, and it gets even better in FR trim. There have been a range of exterior enhancements, including special grille with FR logo, wider, black wheel arch mouldings, black roof rails and window frames, and side mirrors finished in Cosmo Grey. At the back the new Tarraco FR gets a new spoiler, an exclusive rear diffusor and the rear logo in a handwritten style. 20” alloy wheels complete the look!

three well equipped trim levels: SE, Xcellence and FR. The FR models start from €47,365, building on the Tarraco’s considerable specification with even more features and a sporty

The SEAT Tarraco feels immediately sporty inside too with some very impressive sports seats. The Tarraco has a lovely cabin and it’s standing the

test of time very well. The fit and finish is excellent, allowing the Tarraco FR to command its considerable list price without buyers feeling short changed. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and modern, while an updated infotainment system with 9.2” screen in the centre of the dash looks glossy and offers good functionality and connectivity. There’s also a new touch module for the climate control functions with illuminated touch sliders for fan and temperature control. It’s pretty simple to use once you get the hang of it. The FR model lives up to its sporty billing with a leather sports steering wheel with FR logo, leather gear se-

makeover inside and out. Power comes from a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol with 150 hp or a 2.0-litre

SEAT Tarraco

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SlaNey motoriNg lector and aluminium pedals at your feet.

equipped, which is reassuring. But this Tarraco FR surely has presence that brings SEAT’s flagship on another gear.

Other standard equipment features include keyless start and entry, power folding mirrors, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rear view camera, drive profile selection, front heated seats, park assist, and parking sensors.

It is largely a cosmetic update inside and out, but equipment levels are high so you will want for nothing inside the cabin!

It is a big car but easy to manage and control whether on the road or in the car park. There’s little to complain about in terms of space. This is a large, versatile family car whatever way you look at it! Space is more limited in the third row, but it goes with the territory. It’s handy to have these extra two seats available. Boot space is limited when they are in place. But when they are folded into the floor, the Tarraco offers a cavernous boot with great width and height. On the road the Tarraco FR proves to

Interior

be comfortable and refined, with the DSG automatic gearbox offering an even more relaxed drive. The 2.0-litre diesel is a powerful companion with plenty of torque. It’s also extremely economical considering the size of the vehicle. Motor tax for this model is €270 per year. The SEAT Tarraco FR is an exciting addition to the Tarraco range, bringing more individuality to the car once again. All models come well-

The Tarraco makes a great family car regardless, with a huge cabin and plenty of comfort and refinement on the road. Model tested: SEAT Tarraco 2.0 TDI 150hp DSG FR Price: €47,365 Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel Power: 150 hp Torque: 360 Nm Top speed: 196 km/h Fuel Consumption: 5.6-6.0 l/100 km Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.1 seconds CO2 emissions: 148-157 g/km Motor Tax: €270 per year n

AUTO TINTING TEL: 053 9430013 Arklow Road, Gorey

Lifetime Warranty Professional Accredited Installers Complete Range of Tints incl. NCT www.coatek.ie info@coatek.ie www.coatek.ie info@coatek.ie

AUTO REPAIR ENNISCORTHY

NCT Preparation – Repairs – Timing Belts Clutches – General Servicing – Etc No job too big or too small NCRS, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy (opposite Cooney Furlong / Gala) Tel: 086-8299431 – 053 9233033 – Email: ncrallying@yahoo.ie

L&M STARTER & ALTERNATOR REPAIR SERVICE CARS, VANS, 4X4, TRUCKS, TRACTORS, MARINE, QUADS, LAWNMOWERS AND GENERATORS. WE REPAIR ALL UNITS. ALL APPLICATIONS CATERED FOR.

Island Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9235933. 1st July 2021 - Page 63


SlaNey SlaNey motoriNg ad

The much-anticipated, all-new Opel Mokka arrives in Ireland The much-anticipated, all-new Opel Mokka has arrived on Opel Dealer forecourts around Ireland. Hot on the heels of the spacious new Crossland, the new Mokka is the second new model from the Opel stable in 2021, a year that promises to reshape the German brand. Eye-catching and boldly styled, it features Opel’s exciting new Vizor front face and attractive, new interior Pure Panel cockpit. Available in petrol, diesel and all-electric, it retails in Ireland from €23,295 plus delivery related charges, for the SC 1.2 petrol 100bhp model. James Brooks, Managing Director at Leeson Motors, Opel Importer in Ireland, said: “The arrival of the new Opel Mokka, together with the Crossland, heralds the beginning of an exciting new era for the Opel brand. Sporting a daring, stand-out exterior, a breath-taking interior and boasting a high level of standard comfort and safety features, the new Opel Mokka is fun, efficient, robust and innovative. With dealers reporting strong customer enquiries already, our new Mokka is destined to change the perception of our brand and to be a true success with many existing Mokka customers and conquest buyers alike.” With short overhangs and a wide stance, at 4.15m long, the new Mokka is perfectly proportioned exuding a bold, robust presence. Complementing the handsome Opel Vizor front face, a redesigned Opel Blitz lightning bolt and a centrally aligned model name sit proudly at the rear. Inside, the new Opel Pure Panel integrates two widescreen displays of up to 10 and 12 inches in size and focuses on the essentials. The central display is tilted to the driver and provides the latest technologies. In contrast to other cockpits, intuitive buttons still control the most important functions, such as aircon and radio volume, avoiding dis-

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tractive navigation through touchscreen sub-menus. The engineering team in Rüsselsheim worked particularly hard to reduce weight, saving up to 120kg vs the previous generation, whilst also enhancing body stiffness. As such, the new Mokka consumes substantially less, while being much more responsive, agile and fun to drive. Available in SC, SRI and Elite trims, standard equipment on the entry level SC trim includes enhanced traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, collision

avoidance sensor with brake assist, pedestrian detection alert, electronic cruise control with speed limiter, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, air conditioning, 7” colour touchscreen, 7” colour driver instrument cluster, DAB radio and 16” alloy wheels. The SRI trim, retailing from €24,795 plus delivery gains heated driver and front passenger seats, electronic climate control, rain sensing front windscreen wipers, electro-chrome rear view mirror, auto lights, front centre armrest, sports alloy pedals, SRI red interior


SlaNey motoriNg trim, leather- effect seat trim, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 2 additional USB ports in the rear, black painted roof, tinted rear window privacy glass, 17” alloy wheels and LED front fog lamps. The Elite trim, retailing from €27,795 plus delivery adds driver seat massage function, leather upholstery, 10” colour touchscreen with navigation, enhanced 12” multi-colour driver instrument cluster and 17” bi-colour black alloy wheels. Available across all three trims, the lively, yet economical petrol and diesel engines offer power outputs ranging from 100hp to 130hp. The fun starts with the entry-level 1.2 petrol 100bhp turbo 6-speed manual (5.7l/100km, 125g/km CO2). Higher performance is supplied by a 1.2 130bhp turbo available with manual or automatic transmission. Despite the strong power output, fuel consumption from this allaluminium engine remains excellent from both the 6- speed manual or smooth 8-speed automatic transmission with Quickshift technology (5.66.0l/100km, 125-135 g/km CO2). The two petrol engines are joined by a lively

1.5-litre diesel 110bhp 6-speed manual, (4.5l/100km, 114g/km CO2). Available in SRI and Elite trims, the powerful, almost silent electric drive of the Mokka-e produces 100kW (136hp) and 260Nm maximum toque from a standing start. In the WLTP cycle, the 50kWh battery enables a range of up to 324 kilometres before recharging is required; the electronically limited top speed is 150 kph to preserve energy.

Drivers can choose between three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport. A 100 kW DC fast-charger replenishes 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes. Opel offers an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the battery. The all-new Opel Mokka is now on sale in Opel Dealerships nationwide. Discover it virtually now at http://www.opel.ie n

THE NEW

OPEL MOKKA LESS NORMAL. MORE MOKKA MOKKA

Are you ready for Opel’s next, bold step forward? It’s a combination of pure design, a stunning interior and the latest high-tech powertrains, so expect the unexpected. The new Mokka is here and it’s rewriting the rules to take driving to a whole new level. It’s time to drive your way, with Mokka.

FERRYBANK MOTORS. TEL: 053 9122544. WEB: WWW.FERRYBANKMOTORS.COM. 1st July 2021 - Page 65


SlaNey SlaNey leiSUre ad

Trying out our tracks & trails The very popular TV series Tracks and Trails was back on our screens for a ninth series earlier this summer. Series nine consisted of five episodes, and Wexford County Council in partnership with Visit Wexford helped develop two of the programmes.

Po� l Ó Conghaile

The Wexford episodes were broadcast on RTE1 on 18th June and 25th June.

In the second Wexford episode, Pól enjoyed Ireland’s sunny southeast, breathing in the sea air along the coastal trails and walks of Co. Wexford.

Both episodes were presented by the award-winning travel writer Pól Ó Conghaile who is the travel editor for INM’s Independent.ie and Weekend Magazine. Pól also writes and shoots for the National Geographic Traveller. The latest series showcased beautiful new or extended routes for everyone who wants to get outside, and the presenter also met some wonderful guests along the way. There was an emphasis in this series on the health and well-being

Ferrycarrig and included a trip to the Irish National Heritage Park before Pól made his way to Forth Mountain and the historic Three Rocks Trail. On the last stages of the walk he follows the gentle uphill slope towards Skeater Rock to finish his walk on a high point of Forth Mountain with views across Wexford.

benefits associated with getting outside, and spending time in nature. The first Wexford episode started in

Pól started his walk at Rosslare Harbour and made his way to the beautiful Kirwan’s ‘Secret Garden’. He then descended onto the beach shortly after Rosslare Harbour and continued on the beach before he turned inland at Ballytrent for a stretch of quiet roads. Pól finished his walk at Lady’s Island in the sunshine, of course! n

Footgolfers welcome at Wells Ballyedmond, Gorey: Wells House and Gardens’ latest attraction is FootGolf. Koby Healy enjoying the new facility.

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Anything Koby can do, mum Sinead Healy can do also!


SlaNey leiSUre

Live performance payout The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD announced on 15th June the recipients of €25 million in funding to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters to plan live performances across the country over the summer months, with a total of 237 organisations benefitting from the scheme. This scheme is part of a €50 million suite of measures to support the live entertainment sector and follows exceptional demand and very successful outcomes of the €5 million pilot Live Performance Support Scheme. Developed in consultation with the sector, the main objective of this scheme is to provide significant employment and wellbeing opportunities across the live entertainment sector and will support the continued generation of high quality artistic output for the general public. The scheme aims to support live performances particularly where capacity for live attendance is restricted due to Covid19, and where funding will make live performances viable or alternatively make them available online if audiences cannot attend due to restrictions. There was a high level of interest in this scheme, with over 400 imaginative and diverse applications submitted for consideration, once again reflecting the resilient, talented and innovative nature of this sector. Recipients of this funding range from small to large venues, producers and promoters, supporting live events in every county, including festivals, concerts, theatre productions, comedy and outdoor events. The funding will facilitate the delivery of the full exciting programme of activities over the coming summer and autumn period. Minister Martin said: “I am very pleased to announce this funding, which will encompass and support a wide range of performances over the coming summer months. I know this funding will assist in the employment of performers, artists, technicians, creative and performance support staff across the sector, bringing much-needed employment to many who have

not had work for many, many months. I look forward to the high quality artistic output, as demonstrated in the pilot, which has been so important and enjoyed by so many. “I have recently provided a further €5m under the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme for local authorities to engage local performers and crew to stage live performances in their areas, creating further employment opportunities over the coming months.” The successful Co. Wexford recipients under the Live Performance Support Scheme 2021 are: Breen's Bar Holohans Pub Crown Live Bui Bolg Productions Lantern Events

Gorey Enniscorthy Wexford Wexford Wexford

€10,000 €23,272 €55,008 €62,520 €182,021 n

Hoolie’s 3-hour lockdown lock-in Congrats to all involved in Hoolie's Lockdown Lock-In 65 Roses Special on 5th June in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and in memory of the late Joe Doyle, our colleague here in the Slaney News. Thanks to the public’s generosity a massive €1,278 was raised by Holohan’s pub for this great cause. Niall Holohan expressed his delight with the event: “We're over the moon with how much everyone has donated and how many people tuned in to watch the show on the night. We also have to give a massive thank you to all the musicians (over 67 in total!) who took part and sent in their music. Without them, we wouldn't have a show at all.” For anyone who missed the three-hour show or would like to watch it again, it can be viewed on: https://www.facebook.com/

HolohansPub/videos/1006398593097568 Well done to Holohan’s on keeping live music going via Facebook performances during the pandemic and on their successful application for funding uner the Live Performance Support Scheme (see above). n

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Seeking sunshine in Courtown COURTOWN HARBOUR 31ST MAY 2021. Above: Enjoying the summer sun at Courtown Harbour were Grace and Taigh Mulrany, Chris Derwin Shopkeeper and Rionn Mulrany. Right: Deborah Hodan and Kelly Stower having a snack. Below: Sun seekers Niamh and Ciara Fleming. Below right: Enjoying the Courtown sun were Kody and Cadan Murphy.

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SlaNey leiSUre Breath of an Angel

Plush Blush

Tuko Amhain

Apparel Voile Á

A lot of junk at Coláiste Bríde! The regional final of this year’s Junk Kouture competition took place on 21st June. This annual fashion competition for secondary schools nationwide lets students create and model high-end couture from everyday junk. On 27th June the national finalists were chosen by judges Louis Walsh, Michelle Visage and Roz Purcell from the various regional finals. Five designs from Co. Wexford will feature in this year’s national final, with two entries selected from Coláiste Bríde in Enniscorthy, and one each from Gorey Community School, Creagh College Gorey and Presentation Secondary School, Wexford town. Best of luck to all! Frayed at the Ends

Cycle of Life

Eleven entries from Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, qualified for the South East Regional Final:

Breath of an Angel Designed by Niamh Mongan, Niamh Larkin & Faith Masterson ‘Breath of an Angel’ is an extravagant design signifying peace & tranquillity. Leftover material from a business that makes small outfits for babies who have passed away, together with beads formed from inhalers which have been crushed to recycle them have gone into creating this stunning dress. The beads, hand threaded & individually sewn onto Metallica Grove

an old bedsheet for the top. Satin material was bubbled using old pillow stuffing to create a striking textured effect & hand sewn onto the skirt. Hundreds of triangles were cut, rolled, sprayed & hardened to shape the eye catching back, neck & headpiece. The design team threaded thousands of crushed inhalers pieces onto reams of thread & cut old bedsheets to fashion their top. They cut, shaped and sewed material & tulle from old wedding dresses, they stripped down, teased apart & twisted electrical wires & used old pillow stuffing to create the textured bubbling effect on the outer skirt. Bamboo sticks & a pair of donated shoes were also upcycled.

Latest Exhibition

Madame Denim

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These two Coláiste Bríde entries have qualifed for the national final of Junk Kouture 2021

Bean Laochra Gael

Iconoclastic Fantastic

Bean Laochra Gael Designed by Niamh O Leary,

Iconoclastic Fantastic

Hannah Doyle & Muireann Murphy

Designed & modelled by Alicia Rostermundt

When the designers saw that a local GAA club was discarding a set of skorts, they knew it was a great opportunity to use them to shine a light on women in sport and the fight for equality, particularly in the GAA and create an eyecatching statement piece with them. In line with this idea the team decided upon the name ‘Bean Laochra Gael’ meaning female warrior of the Gaels. They used the outer layer of triangles to signify the barriers, obstacles and the sexism and misogyny in sport, while the inner layer of circles portray female camaraderie and their fight to break down barriers. Pleated skorts were ironed and cut into strips before being braided and sewn into circles. These were spray painted and sewn onto the top and legs. Machine wrap was cut into various lengths and sewn together to form pyramids & sewn onto the trousers. Old freezer baskets were cut up & sewn into the trousers to give shape.

Iconoclastic Fantastic is inspired by both Jean Paul Gaultier & Janelle Monáe. From using men's skirts to conical bras, Gaultier’s reputation as a dazzling non-conformist designer was sealed. Janelle Monáe's signature black & white tuxedo style and her commitment to gender neutrality & non-conformity on & off stage is admirable.

Plush Blush Designed by Aoife Tirbhowan & Anna Finan Plush Blush is inspired by all things connected to love. The colour blush pink is the universal colour of love – love of oneself and love of others. Pink represents friendship, affection and approachability. The team found these qualities im-

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The coat is created from an old tent base, hundreds of seatbelts from scrapyards & old furniture webbing. These are intricately woven, hand sewn together & worn over a charity shop trouser suit, trimmed with metres & metres of frayed & plaited seatbelts. An old sun hat, tape, half a jewellery box & reflective tape, painted in monochrome colours make up the eye-catching headpiece.

portant because they had to come together despite the difficulties of staying apart and working remotely that Covid-19 caused. Using inspiration from a local milliner and a dress one of the team had bought for a disco – but never got to wear due to Covid-19 – they designed this stylish, serene, creation celebrating how important friendship and love is, now more than ever!

The dress was made entirely from old, vertical blinds that were being thrown out by the manufacturer. The team manipulated the blinds by bending, twisting, folding, quilling and sewing them into several different designs to create texture and detail in the design and went through seven spools of thread sewing it all together!


SlaNey leiSUre Tuko Amhain Designed by Michelle Waruinge & Megan Ring This dress wanted to draw attention to the importance of diversity in our country and the importance of friendship across the many cultures who now call Ireland home. Tuko Amhain means ‘We Are One’. The dress combines traditional African materials, with an Indian-style Sari top, and an Asian-inspired headpiece African material was cut into stripes, woven and sewn to create the skirt & the headpiece base. Old curtains were sewn into long tubes to create a sari style bodice. The outfit was finished with a modern take on the traditional conical shape hat often seen worn in the Paddy fields of Asia. With a nod to the iconic Coco Chanel tradition of using gold chains, the outfit used chains to add a bit of bling to the skirt & headpiece.

Apparel Voile Á Designed by Mia Cussen, Sophia Grant & Roise Murphy A piece of couture designed by Giorgio Armani was the inspiration behind the creation of Apparel Voile-Á. Using voile, netting, old curtains and old bed sheets, the design team cut, dyed, hardened and sewed each cone to form the base of this dress. The top was created from an old body suit covered with a layer of voile, pleated and sewn at the bust. The design team then knitted a selection of different length strips using wool donated for a local old people’s home to layer over the voile on the top and around the neck. This added texture and colour to the design.

Frayed at the Ends Designed by Abi Somers & Ava Whelan The design Frayed at the Ends is a sleek strapless bodycon dress with a fishtail bottom created from old discarded rope from local harbours & faulty rope and twine from clothes lines that a local busi-

ness couldn’t sell. While making the dress the design team cut unwanted old-fashioned curtains, pillowcases & bed sheets that families were throwing out into strips and wrapped these around 75m of rope to create the elegant, colourful fishtail style dress & headpiece.

proach is needed. The horse feed bags and an old pool float were cut into strips 1cm wide and painstakingly woven to form large panels. Each panel was shaped into triangle pieces for the skirt and top. The cape contains over 522 handsewn paper ruffles that have been attached to an old goal net.

Cycle of Life

Metallica Groove

Designed by Bronagh Kenny, Sarah Walsh & Megan O’Sullivan

Designed by Leah Wrigley, Nancy Ennis, Amy Devereaux

The Cycle of Life was inspired by those living in Direct Provision in Ireland & to highlight the journeys they have undertaken in the hope of a better life. Bicycles & prams were used to illustrate that 30% of those in Direct Provision in Ireland are children. The bike tubes were hand cut into thousands of 5mm strips, made into hundreds of tassels or crafted into squares using macrame square knot. Each square took one hour to make & then were hand sewn together to create the skirt. Bike spokes were twisted & shaped into a stunning headpiece. Pram material was cut & handstitched onto a vest top for the bodice. None of the items used in making the dress are biodegradable so would have gone to landfill if they had not been used by the design team in the construction of this elegant dress.

A 70’s disco look is what was captured in the design “Metallica Groove”. The flared pants were made from old curtains cut and meticulously sewn into an overlapping pattern to create texture and effect. Different types of fabric manipulation such as smocking and gathering were used on the top and sleeves to get the textured design. Nuts and bolts were securely attached to metal mesh to create the headpiece.

Latest Exhibition Designed by Sadhbh Ryan & Leah Nolan Latest Exhibition is mainly made of single-use horse feed bags from a local stable that have been repurposed by the team to create an elegant and sophisticated outfit that could be seen at the races. The striking top, skirt, spiral papier-mâché headpiece and cape combination is a modern take on the Racing Day outfit. The aim of this outfit is to show how the horse racing industry needs to rapidly adapt to become more environmentally friendly by moving from these single use paper bags to reusable bags. While individual stables often reuse these bags a more sustainable ap-

Madame Denim Designed By Laura Da Silveira, Dara O’Leary, Leah Canavan & Caitlin Furlong This dress is inspired by 19th century fashion and in particular Charles F Worth, who was considered the father of Haute Couture. The use of denim as their main fabric was influenced by the campaign known as “Denim Day” in honour of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This day began as a protest and has since evolved into a global campaign where all are encouraged to wear denim for a day to support survivors and to spread awareness of the issue of sexual violence. The team has integrated vintage fashion staples with a prominent social justice issue. The dress features detailed honeycomb smocking on pieces of denim jeans and coils of denim were created from the seams of the jeans & buckle loops. An old corset was used as the base for the top, chiffon sheets were used to create the tier over the skirt along with old bed sheets, an umbrella, garden wire, ribbons, cotton scarfs & old shoes. n

Best of luck to the other Co. Wexford schools in the national final Presentation Secondary School, Wexford.

Creagh College Gorey

Gorey Community School

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Jimi’s new Folk Manifesto! Jimi Cullen is a Gorey-based folk singer, musician, songwriter, producer and activist, well known locally and nationally.

http://jimicullenmusic.bandcamp.com/album/2021-folkmanifesto-lp A limited number of physical copies of the new album may also be available.

His music has has been described as “a unique, refreshing and uplifting sound which blends elements as varied as folk, rock, punk, country, blues, reggae and spoken word.” To encompass all this, Jimi has coined the term ‘Renegade Folk’, which he feels perfectly describes his musical style, firebrand attitude and thought-provoking lyrics.

The album is a collection of acoustic songs written and recorded over the last year that focus on many of the social issues and events that have been centre-stage during that time both here in Ireland and around the globe.

To sample Jimi’s Renegade Folk, readers can now download Jimi’s fifth album entitled Folk Manifesto. It is available for Free on Bandcamp. Here's the link to stream or download it:

https://www.facebook.com/jimicullenmusic https://twitter.com/jimicullenmusic https://www.instagram.com/jimicullenmusic/ https://www.youtube.com/user/jimicullen https://jimicullenmusic.bandcamp.com

Enjoy the Fun & the Craic at Enniscorthy Track Every Mon and Thurs – first race 8pm – doors open 7pm Refreshments available on ground level BOOKING IS NOW REQUIRED DUE TO COVID POLICIES. Book by Phone at (053) 923 3172 or by Email: enniscorthy.track@gmail.com

Follow us on Social Media:

At the Hungry Bear cafe on Gorey’s main street were Oisin and Cathal Whelan.

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The Rosslare Podcast https://therosslarepodcast.podbean.com With its finger on the pulse of Wexford, listen to locals express their views, enjoy interviews with some of Wexford’s most influential people, hear discussions on Politics, Economics, Social Affairs, Art, Culture, Sport, the Environment and much more. Delight in special global features, documentaries, and short stories also. This podcast is run by Michael Freeman and Jim Corcoran. Just a couple of recent interesting episodes... Jun 11th, 2021 LIAM GRIFFIN – THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGEND. Phil Murphy, former Sports Editor for the 'People Newspaper Group', editor of the popular 'Ireland's Own Anthology', horse racing pundit, and newspaper columnist, interviews his good friend, and sporting legend, Liam Griffin. In this (the first of three interviews) they discuss Liam's early years, his life in Rosslare, and how his parents helped mould him into the successful business man, family man and the sporting hero, he has become. Jun 13th, 2021 MEPs MICK WALLACE AND CLARE DALY DISCUSS IRELAND, EUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST. Clare and Mick talk about, among other things, the Irish parliament’s recent actions on Palestine, water charges back home, U.S. fears of the financial powerhouse China has become, Ireland’s strange position as both historical underdog and member of the EU imperial core, and whether politics has the potential to be brought closer to the people. n Mick Wallace MEP

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Wexford Finalists for Mis

Co. Wexford will be well Miss Ireland on Septembe for the coveted M Miss Wexford is Mindulee Seneviratne, aged 19, from Wexford Town. Mindulee is currently in her first year of college studying Biological and Biomedical Sciences in Maynooth University. Her dream job is to become a dermatologist and hopefully one day create her own line of skin care. Miss Wexford Town is Sarah Wiers who is 21 years old. She is an international showjumper competing at Grand Prix level against major showjumpers such as Cian O’Connor and Greg Broderick. She created her own business ‘Sarah Wiers Shojumping’ when she was 16 years old and has been riding horses since she was 5. She is also a model in addition to being a Singer Songwriter and Musician who plays seven instruments and sings. In recent years the Miss Ireland Franchise has raised over €250,000 for various charities including Laura Lynn, Temple Street, Alzheimer’s Ireland, Pieta House, The Cari Foundation and this year is proud to partner with Variety Ireland, an Irish charity helping sick, disadvantaged and children with special needs since 1951. The 18th Century Killua Castle in County Westmeath is the stunning venue for Miss Ireland

Current Miss World Toni-Ann Singh is expec Miss Irelan

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ss Ireland 2021

represented this year at er 5th with two contenders iss Ireland crown... 2021. The privately owned castle dates back to 1740 and has been lovingly restored to its former glory. This year the final of Miss Ireland will be a spectacular outdoor show against the magical backdrop of this dreamy castle on September 5th 2021 with a dramatic light display and an eclectic mix of music and entertainment as the 30 finalists descend a magnificent outdoor stone staircase to the castle gardens. The live event in September will also be live streamed and all preparations are and will continue to be fully compliant with Government Covid19 health and safety guidelines for entertainment production. The winner of Miss Ireland 2021 will receive a lucrative agency contract and a host of prizes including jewelry, gowns, a professional photo shoot, beauty and hair products and then go on to represent her country and take part in the 70th Miss World festival which will take place in the stunning Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico in December this year. Full details on Miss Ireland 2021 are available on the new Miss Ireland App now available from Apple App Store or Google Play or from www.missireland.ie or follow @missirelandorg on social media. n

cted to jet in from Jamaica for the final of d 2021.

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Enjoying Min Ryan Park

Having a relaxing chat in Min Ryan Park, Wexford, were Trish O’Leary, Kathleen Ennis and Marie Doyle. Left: Ella Lane. Right: Chloe Gurrin. Below left: Having fun in Min Ryan Park was Chloe Cullen. Below right: If my sister can do it so can I, Sophie Cullen.

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The ‘Quay’ to relaxing Above: Enjoying the sun on Wexford’s Quayside on 1st June were Mary Murphy, Megan Fitzpatrick, Alley Ryan and Stacey Davis. Inset pic above: ‘Thank God for my umbrella’ as young Jason Warren keeps himself shaded. Right: Conor and Leah Murphy. Below: Sun snacking on Wexford’s quayside were Alan Saunders and Amy McBride. Below right: Coffee time for Helen Kehoe and Julie Kearney.

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A Glorious O

A fashion se

The elegant Elina Spera, proprietor of MUM sewing studio, Enniscorthy.

Below: Green dress created by Elina and worn by Keira Warren – best dressed lady winner at the Red Mills raceday in Gowran 2020.

MUM

MUM is a kaleidoscope of colo

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Obsession

eries by Maria Nolan

A commendable process, there’s no doubt, but now many of us are looking at much loved items and treasured pieces and wondering how we can recycle them for ourselves to enjoy that little bit longer. Long gone are the days of the Celtic Tiger when we discarded items rather than replace a button or a zip, now we are looking more discerningly at our purchases, considering value for money, longevity and impact on the environment. As one popular boutique owner in town always advises when buying an item. ‘Unless you have three pieces in your wardrobe to go with it, it is not a good purchase.’

M sewing studio, Wafer St, Enniscorthy

our

Maria Nolan

This month my fashion feature is all about repair, revamp, and recycle. As we emerge from the shadows of lockdown our values have changed considerably and that is reflected everywhere, especially in what we wear and our attitude to clothes, to thrift and to the environment. During the Pandemic we all took the time and the space to clear out overflowing drawers, closets, and wardrobes, as we filled bag after black bag, to be delivered to our many charity outlets here in Enniscorthy when the Covid restrictions were lifted.

Recently, I paid a visit to a very enterprising young woman, here in Enniscorthy, who is doing amazing business at the present time repairing and revamping our clothes. Elina Spera of MUM tells me that she has never been as busy. A native of Latvia, Elina has been with us here in Enniscorthy for the past eleven years, and for the last three of those years she has been providing an essential service to the town’s fashionistas, widening, shortening, taking in and letting out their latest purchases or best loved pieces.

At her beautifully colourful premises MUM, on Wafer Street, where she employs two members of staff, one from Latvia and the other from Ukraine, Elina operates an excellent service in the repair and revamping of our clothes as we age, get larger, smaller, or as styles change. Elina also designs and creates clothes for any, and all occasions, having studied sewing, design, and interior design in her home country. MUM is a kaleidoscope of colour as a rainbow of threads adorn the walls, along with elastics, beading and interfacing of every hue known to man. Elina says that she is as busy now as she was before lockdown, if not busier since she re-opened on 24th May. Working in the industry prior to arriving in Enniscorthy, I asked her if there were any noticeable differences between the body shapes in the two countries. She replied that they were pretty much the same except that Latvians are taller, she has a lot more taking up to do in Ireland. Elina sources a lot of her fabric in Europe and has recently diversified into fabrics for dressmaking, pants, children’s wear, shirts, etc. So think before you pop that once loved piece into a black bag for someone else to enjoy and ask yourself is there something that the enterprising and creative Elina and her staff at MUM could do to re-style, modernise or re-invent that cherished item. MUM Sewing Studio, 54 Wafer Street, Enniscorthy, Y21 K0F2 Tel: 085 8581526 Click here to find MUM on Facebook Centre: Pink dress created by Elina for a Pink Tie ball.

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Enniscorthy Ladies Golf Ladies Singles Stableford Competition Sponsors: Lady Officers Competition Date: 1st June 2021 69 played H/C Score 1st Mary Murphy 24 36pts (B.9) 2nd Breda O'Leary 31 36 pts 3rd Margaret Mooney10 34 pts (B.6) 9 Hole Qualifier 1st Ailish Doyle 19 pts 2nd Colette Dobbs 18 pts –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ladies Singles Stableford Competition Sponsors: Grant's Pharmacy Competition Date: 8th June 2021 Number Played: 67 H/C Score 1st Laura Dempsey 8 41pts 2nd Patricia Cullen 28 40pts 3rd Kay Ryan 26 39pts 4th Ciara Sharkey 3 37pts 9 Holes Qualifier 1st Deirdre Bowler 21pts 2nd Hillary Kehoe 17pts –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ladies Singles Maximum Score Competition Sponsors: Logo Centre, Liam Spratt Competition Date: 15th June 2021 Number Played: 68 H/C Score 1st Jacinta Kenny 20 66 nett 2nd Cora Mernagh 17 69 nett 3rd Catherine Lawless 16 72 nett 9 Holes Qualifier 1st Laura Dempsey 18 pts (Last 6) 2nd Elaine Sheridan 18 pts –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ladies Open Seniors Singles Stableford Sponsors: J'Adore Shoe Boutique Competition Date: 17th June 2021 Number Played: 82 H/C Score 1st Deirdre Kavanagh 22 40pts 2nd Breda Morrison 25 39pts (B.9) 3rd Maeve McCauley 15 39pts Visitor's Prize: Alma Roche (Rosslare) 35 33pts 9 Holes Qualifier 1st Margaret O'Connor 20pts –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Australian Spoons Sponsors: Wheelock Fruits Competition Date: 22nd June 2021 Number Played: 68 Score 1st Lora Bolger/Mary Bolger 46pts 2nd Margaret Stafford/Frances Byrne 42pts Gross: Marie Dunphy/ Margaret Frayne 25 Gross Pts 9 Holes Qualifier 1st Anne Delaney 20pts 2nd Colette Dobbs 19pts n

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Enjoying the good weather and the good golf at Enniscorthy Golf Club on 17th June were M. O'Dwyer, H. D'Eathe, and F. Kidd.

Two Co. Wexford men heading to the Olympics Foster Horan from Gorey has qualified for the upcoming Olympics as part of the Irish Rugby Sevens team. The team qualified recently after a surprise win over France. Bertram Allen from Enniscorthy is delighted to have been picked on the Irish showjumping Olympic team saying, “I am very grateful to be nominated to represent Team Ireland at the upcoming

Bertram Allen in action.

Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer... To compete for my country on the Olympic stage is a tremendous honour for me! I am also incredibly proud of my Irish-bred partner Pacino Amiro, who has kept on getting better and better this season to reach the highest level despite his young age! I am also very grateful to Pacino's owner Aiden McGrory. Together, we will put in our best effort!” n


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The cheque presentation to Kilmore United FC members, Ann Whelan (Trustee), Conor Roche (Men’s Team), Brian Furlong (Acting Chairman) and Millie Bates (U-15 girls team), was made at a private event held at the Texaco Service Station at Rosslare Harbour. Also in attendance was Texaco dealer, Eamon Lawlor (third right) with Valero Area Sales Manager, Niall O’Rourke (second right).

KILMORE UNITED FC RECEIVES TEXACO FUNDING OF €5,000

suddenly in 2017 at the very young age of 16 years, and to allocate funds to attract more young women and girls to participate in sport.

Kilmore United FC, Wexford County winners in the recent Texaco Support for Sport initiative, has been presented with a cheque for €5,000 to be used to carry out further development of its Abbie Troy Park grounds. One of almost 400 clubs countrywide to make application under the scheme, Kilmore United has a 190-strong membership and fields two men's teams, six under-18 teams and one women’s team. In their winning submission, the club revealed plans to complete the development of its Abbie Troy Park grounds, named in memory of a young female member who passed away

The presentation was made to the Club by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand. Under its Texaco Support for Sport initiative, launched last September, a fund of €130,000 was set aside for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis. Overseeing the adjudication process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, former Irish rugby international and broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan. Entries to the Texaco Support for Sport 2021 initiative will open this Autumn. n

Enniscorthy Hockey news... Enniscorthy Hockey Club held their AGM on Friday the 4th of June via Zoom. With great numbers in attendance, the club reflected on the short and disrupted season, influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, focusing on the positive aspects of the past number of months and looking forward to next season. Club development was a strong feature of the agenda, with those in attendance vot-

ing in favour of changing the club structure to become a Company by Limited Guarantee (CLG), which is a historic decision as the club moves forward with initiatives to develop and grow into the future. Congratulations to Graham Hill, who was awarded the Club Person of the Year Award 2020/21. Congratulations also to the newly awarded Honorary Members: Lisa Jacob, Fiona Kidd, Carmel Maguire, Gayle Porter.

Congratulations to all those elected onto the Executive Committee: Chairperson: Irene Doyle Treasurer: Paul Doran PRO: Muireann Nic Corcráin Assistant PRO: David Mulligan Health & Safety/Covid Officer: Suzanne O'Leary Pitch Secretary: Alison Gillot Club Gear Officer: Andrew Rothwell Development Officer: Kieran Costello Fundraising Officer: Laura Redmond Children's Officer: Eleanor Bolger n

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FACES & ENNISC

Above: Caoilin Kavanagh and Cameron Butler at Abbey Square. Left: Bringing their dog for a walk – Ellie and Phoebie Coman in Abbey Square. Bottom left: Out and about were Grece and Kapa Mahon shopping on Rafter Street. Below: Sarah and Cora Kelly shopping on Wafer Street, Enniscorthy.

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PLACES – CORTHY

Left: At the Saturday Farmers Market in Abbey Square with their dad, L-R: Fiona, Anthony and Sarah Ryan. Above: Enjoying their pancakes were Elle Walsh, Isabelle Noble, Lauren Walsh and Rebecca Noble. Below: Callie Collins and Grace Whitney having a coffee in My Cafe on Rafter Street. Right: Thumbs up from James Heffernan in Abbey Square. Bottom right: Brothers Ollie and Harry Mythen on the green in Abbey Square.

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The Literary Capital of the South East The Wexford Literary Festival, founded in 2013 as the Focal Festival, is now in its 8th year and aims to attract national and international poets, playwrights, writers and readers and lovers of literature to gather and enjoy its eclectic programme of readings, workshops and awards, as well as unique fringe events including exhibitions, music and drama performances set around the picturesque historic town of Enniscorthy. The Wexford Literary Festival seeks to shine a light on, and increase awareness of, our many successful and well-known Wexford Literary talents naming Awards in their honour. The Colm Toibín Short Story Award The Anthony Cronin Poetry Award The Billy Roche Short Play Award The Eoin Colfer Children`s Short Story Award The Peter Murphy Spoken Word Award The Denis Collins Visual Story Award The Eileen Gray Window Display Award. We are delighted to announce that we received submissions right across the globe, from all parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, New York, California, Florida, Philadelphia, Denmark, Germany, France, and Canada. This year we added yet another Award and another genre to our amazing list of competitions, with famous Wexford children’s author Eoin Colfer agreeing to his name on an Award for our new category Children’s Short Story Award. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Eoin and tell him that we were delighted with both the response and the standard of the submissions. The Festival continues to grow and prosper with each passing year, and we are extremely proud to say that we took on the Covid challenge last year and going digital managed not only to

Playwright Billy Roche with Wexford Literary Festival’s Maria Nolan.

attract a greater global audience but produced the only festival in County Wexford during the pandemic. Our vision is to be recognised as a leading International Literary Festival delivering a unique bespoke programme in the inspiring environment of Enniscorthy and Wexford, and it gives us great pleasure to announce that this year we have gone a step further down that global literary path and established literary links with our close connections in both Newfoundland and Savannah, and we are delighted to have author and poet Andrea Callanan from St. John’s, Newfoundland, on this year’s Festival programme, very much in keeping with our mission is to deliver an International Literary Festival with emphasis on promoting and awarding new and existing writing across many genres. The Festival Committee is dedicated to the promotion of reading and writing through our extensive programmes with special emphasis on social inclusion and contribute to cultural tourism in Enniscorthy and Wexford through our promotion of Wexford as the Literary Capital of South East Ireland. Pre-Covid: Launch of Wexford Literary Festival in 2019.

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SlaNey artS This year, once again because of the uncertainty of the Covid situation, we took the decision a couple of months ago to go digital and we are happy to say that we will have people from all over the world joining us over our three-day Festival. This year’s Festival programme, because of the very difficult time being had particularly by those in the literary arts world, will endeavour to focus on all the wonderful literary talent in our midst right here in Wexford and will include authors, poets, playwrights - Carmel Harrington, Sheila Forsey, Hannah McNiven, Caroline Busher, Peter Murphy, Derek Meyler, Anne McLoughlin, Maybelle Wallis, Felicity Hayes McCoy, Jack Byrne, Maria Nolan, Madeline Breen, Paul Gaul and Billy Roche, A.M. Cousins, Margaret Galvin, Mary O`Brien, Grace O`Reilly, Caroline Stevens-Taylor, Ellen Lordan-Lohier, Sinead O`Reilly, Allannah Hammel, Zeff Ryder, Dean Ray Bolger, Daithi Kavanagh, Mattie White, Aoife Rose O’Brien, Chris Black, Ri-

chard Williams, Elizabeth McGeown, Imelda Carroll, Shane Gibbons and Thomas Maher, with others confirming as we go to print. Our particular thanks to Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Town Manager Ger Mackey, Wexford County Council, Tourism Officer Billy Byrne, Wexford Libraries, Imelda Carroll and Jarlath Glynn, and to all the amazing artists in our Festival 2021 line-up. Please support us supporting them. Running over the weekend of 2nd – 4th July, the Wexford Literary Festival 2021 truly has something for everyone, so please watch our website www.wexfordliteraryfestival.com and our Facebook Page for details of what’s on and when. – Maria Nolan, Wexford Literary Festival Secretary.

Ochre at the Arts Centre Ochre – Ciara Roche & Emma Roche 14th June – 7th August 2021 at Wexford Arts Centre, Cornmarket, Wexford Gallery hours: Monday–Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm. Wexford Arts Centre is pleased to present Ochre, an exhibition of new paintings by artists Ciara Roche and Emma Roche. The exhibition is running in the lower and upper galleries to Saturday 7 August 2021. It is supported by Creative Ireland. Ochre, an anagram of the artists’ surname, presents work by two artists who share a sense of heritage and place – both live in different parts of rural County Wexford – but their works look nothing alike. Ciara Roche’s small-scale studies of recreation and retail sites are curiously devoid of people. It is apparent that it is the artist’s intention for the painted space to exist for the viewer to inhabit. The works are made quickly in an attempt to capture the experience of visiting these spaces and yet, the attention to detail and treatment of light and colour has the effect of creating a world that is vividly alive. Painted surfaces of shopping centre interiors and display stands glisten with all that is

seductive and at the same time, unsettling about consumerism. Emma Roche’s works shift between the figurative and abstract combining knitting or tapestry methodologies and painting to create layered and textured works. The artist explores ideas related to day-jobs, waged and unwaged work, pregnancy and motherhood. Enquiries into labour and employment, and our attitude toward them are present in the knitted paintings and rugs which are made with long lines of dried paint and used like wool or thread. Ideas concerning how we structure and organise time is highlighted through these painted forms as the labour involved in their production is apparent. While the works of these two artists may not look anything alike on the surface, on deeper inspection it is clear that they share the same motivation to paint as they try to understand their place in the world. Traditional female elements appear in both artists’ work; the presence of crafts and the body in Emma’s paintings and the seductive leisure interiors and elongated mannequins that Ciara presents question femininity and assigned roles, and often subvert these through absence and abstraction. The work also curiously reflects on how these female artists are shaped by their location – culturally and socially. https://www.wexfordartscentre.ie/ochre-ciara-emma-roche/

Left: Ciara Roche, Mannequin Pose 2, 2021, oil on paper, 15 x 21cm. Right: Emma Roche, Unqualified, 2020, acrylic on rug canvas, 26 x 37cm.

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Wexford playwrights’ progress

with Maria Nolan

The Wexford Playwright Studio was launched in March 2019 to support new writing for theatre by Wexford playwrights. Following an open call, 35 applications were received and 8 were selected to take part: Joe Brennan, Imelda Carroll, Sheila Forsey, Jack Matthews, Dominic Palmer, Megan O’Malley, Hannah McNiven and Eoghan Rua Finn.

Book Review: The Year of Lost and Found This month I am delighted to review yet another book in the very popular Finfarran series by my good friend Felicity Hayes McCoy, and as always with this series once I begin to read it’s like revisiting old friends, and it’s business as usual in the little town of Lissbeg on the west coast of Ireland. We find our favourite librarian Hannah Casey gathering material to put together an exhibition on Ireland’s struggle for freedom in the War of Independence which is of course very current at the minute with the centenary of the ending of the war coming up this July. When Hannah comes across her Great Aunt’s diary, her own family secrets of love, dishonour and revenge are uncovered. The question for Hannah is will she risk personal and professional fallout by keeping the secrets to herself or will she honour the exhibition’s spirit of shared storytelling.

The playwrights have been receiving mentoring supports, through a combination of online and face to face workshops, from established playwrights Billy Roche, Deirdre Kinahan and dramaturg Thomas Conway to each develop a script. Work-in-progress stage readings have been directed by Ben Barnes behind closed doors (due to Covid) and expertly filmed by Ted Moran with a company of twelve actors over two weeks in March 2021. The cast includes: Jamie Beamish, Sharon Clancy, Ingrid Craigie, Naoise Dunbar, Heather Hadrill, Mark Lambert, Elishka Lane Barnes, Ronan Leahy, Gary Lydon, Cian Malin, Katie McCann and Tiernan Messitt Greene.

Felicity Hayes-McCoy

All eight filmed work-in-progress staged readings can be viewed online via the Wexford Arts Centre website: www.wexfordartscentre.ie n

Meanwhile, newly-wed Aideen has just had a baby with husband Conor and for the very first time in her life it now becomes important to her to find the father that she has never known, but will she be happy with what she finds. Secrets, dilemmas and decisions make The Year of Lost and Found an intriguing read and a real page-turner as author Felicity Hayes-McCoy cleverly demonstrates that history is never just about the past, as old wounds are opened, old memories raked through and old ghosts disturbed. Felicity has long had an interest in memory and indeed in how we remember things, and is also very closely connected with Ireland’s struggle for freedom as her own Great Aunt Marion Stokes was one of three women who hoisted the Tricolour over the Athenaeum in Enniscorthy during Easter Week 1916 and she brings all of her own personal and nonfictional experience and research together in this wonderfully written book of family sagas and hidden truths. Very topical and perfectly timed, another very good and enjoyable read from the pen of Felicity Hayes-McCoy.

– Maria Nolan

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Artist in residence Wexford Arts Centre is delighted to announce Heather Hadrill as the Artist in Residence for 2021 with focus on community engagement from its first open call initiative supported by Arts Council Ireland. Heather is an experienced theatre practitioner from Wexford with many credits as theatre director, actor, speech and drama teacher, facilitator, and proHeather Hadrill ducer. n


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Enniscorthy Library likes... Welcome to our new ‘Librarian Likes’ series where the knowledgeable staff at Enniscorthy Library share some of their recent reads and favourite titles. This month, Jarlath has picked On Our Own Ground – County Wexford Parish by Parish by Edward Culleton and Celestine Murphy.

In two remarkable volumes, completing a trilogy on County Wexford, the authors have introduced a novel method of bringing the past to life using the parish and townland as the basis for the project. The townland is the smallest territorial and administrative unit in Ireland. It is, also, the place that people know best, where every field, stream, hill and valley is part of their consciousness, thus providing the most intimate connection between the landscape and its inhabitants.

For over 5,000 years County Wexford has provided a rich environment for its inhabitants. The generations of men and women who forged a living from this landscape left their mark in the form of Stone Age portal tombs, Bronze Age standing stones, Iron Age forts, Early Medieval church and monastic sites, ringforts, Anglo-Norman defended farmsteads, castles and tower houses, and later churches, mills, kilns, bridges and other traces of the past. Places of natural interest are also included. Each of the thirty-seven parishes is given a separate chapter containing an overall introduction outlining some of the most interesting features. This is followed by a clear description of every archaeological and environmental site, large and small, still visible in each townland. These are placed in their archaeological and historical contexts. The text of these hard-covered books is beautifully illustrated with photographs

and drawings. For those wishing for further details, references are given at the end of each chapter. A section explaining the technical terms in simple language is also included. Obviously, the authors hope that providing the information in this manner will create a greater awareness of our rich heritage to which the people are both heirs and guardians. The volumes will be extremely useful, too, for primary school teachers in assigning projects to their pupils. The Wexford County Library Service has published these unique volumes. Their uptake will, no doubt, be keenly watched by other counties with a view to their emulation. Volume 1 and 2 by Edward Culleton. Volume 3 by Edward Culleton and Celestine Murphy. All published by Wexford County Library Services. n

ENNISCORTHY LIBRARY

Jarlath Glynn, Librarian

Lymington Road - Phone: 053 9236055 enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthylibrary 1st July 2021 - Page 87


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Wexford’’ The ‘Wexford Blue Whale: Chanies Across the Sea’ project is an art project which connects shipwrecks, a blue whale and a 77-year-old woman’s extraordinary collection of pieces of pottery collected over the years on the beach in Rosslare. A large whale mosaic created by artist Helen McLean, in association with Wexford Arts Centre, supported by Wexford County Council, recalls the 25m blue whale which beached in Wexford in 1891 and whose skeleton now hangs at the entrance hall of the Natural History Museum in London. It is as much of a community project as it is an artistic one. The story of the whale and that of Ann Borg, who collected the shards of pottery over the past seven decades, has sparked the attention of people on both sides of the Atlantic, including that of the Natural History Museum in London. RTÉ recently interviewed Helen, Ann and Elizabeth Whyte of Wexford Arts Centre about this fascinating project. See: https://rb.gy/uwnnsg The Whale Mosaic was installed last month on Wexford’s Quay at the Wexford Bridge side. It was officially unveiled as part of the Arts Council’s ‘Brightening Air/Coiscéim Coiligh’ festival. And supported by Wexford County Council.

Nina’s marvellous New Ross mural The fifth and final piece of the Wexford County Council/The Walls Project series in New Ross is now complete with a stunning mural on the gable wall at Breen's Hardware. This amazing piece was undertaken by the talented Dutch muralist Nina Valkhoff who has completed works all over the world and has now left an indelible mark on New Ross. Nina was blown away by the personalities and people of the town and by their generosity towards her. See https://www.facebook.com/VisitNewRoss/videos/768116400567382 to learn more about this stunning mural. This p𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 was 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙒𝙚𝙭𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝘾𝙤. 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙡.

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Nina Valkhoff

The mosaic whale recalls the 25-metre blue whale named “Hope” beached in Wexford in 1891 and subsequently sold to the Natural History Museum in London where it now hangs in the entrance hall. The materials used in the making of the mosaics are shards of Staffordshire pottery, ’chanies’, from Stoke that have, for more than a century, washed ashore on Rosslare harbour from shipwrecks, including a ship bound for Savannah, Georgia, USA, in 1857. The mosaic represents hope in our ability to stay connected and sustain community collaboration on a local and international level. Helen McLean specialises in creating original, site-specific art in mosaic, stained glass and paint, commissioned by a wide range of individuals and organisations in the USA, Ireland, and UK. Previous artworks range in size from 1 square foot to over 2,000 square feet. Working closely with the client, Helen designs artworks in harmony with the architecture, environment and those who interact with the space.


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’s Blue Whale installation

The unveiling of the Wexford Blue Whale on Wexford Quays by the Mayor of Wexford Leonard Kelly on 11th June 2021. Above: Cllr Leonard Kelly (Mayor of Wexford), Ann Borg who collected the pottery for the mosaic, Eva Carley, Helen McLean (artist) and Elizabeth Whyte (CEO, Wexford Arts Centre). Left: Johnny Mythen TD and Cllr Davy Hynes. Right: Elizabeth Whyte, CEO of Wexford Arts Centre. Below: Mayor Leonard Kelly with the Rosslare Harbour Group.

After completing a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Helen continued her studies with a post graduate qualification from St Martin’s College and a stained glass apprenticeship in Siena, Italy. Now based in Wexford, she has travelled and exhibited extensively. She recently completed mosaics included in the exterior building of the new Wexford County Council HQ. If you’d like to know more about Helen’s artwork, visit https://www.helenmcleanart.com/ or follow her Facebook and Instagram. n

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‘Nationwide’ visits Enniscorthy exhibition More exciting news from The Presentation Centre, at the heart of Enniscorthy, as RTE’s Nationwide team paid them a visit recently to film its current, stunning exhibition, Chrysalis and interview artist Eva O’Donovan and the Centre’s Visual Arts Manager Lisa Byrne, along with having a chat to some of the portrait sitters and film them with their individual portraits. The episode of Nationwide is scheduled to feature in the autumn and will no doubt contribute to giving artist Eva and The Presentation Centre a higher profile on the national visual art scene. Meanwhile, we, here in Enniscorthy, can call into the Centre on Nunnery Road and enjoy this amazing exhibition free of charge. How good is that – well done to all at the Centre and to Eva O’Donovan for creating something aesthetically beautiful and without doubt, thought provoking. Words and pics below by Maria Nolan

Wexford Festival Opera with live audiences! The 2021 WFO 13-day programme, celebrating Wexford’s 70th anniversary, looks forward to welcoming live audiences back into the National Opera House, to experience in person the magic that is Wexford Festival Opera. All events will be delivered safely, within government guidelines. Live audience numbers for festival performances will be at a reduced capacity, but this is not expected to dampen the excitement of this 70th Anniversary festival programme. There will be three evening operas, performed in the O’Reilly Theatre to a limited audience – a fully-staged production of Edmea (Alfredo Catalani), a semi-staged production of Le Songe d’une nuit d’été (Ambroise Thomas), and a concert performance of Ein Wintermärchen (Karl Goldmark). n

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRE Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000. Page 90 - 1st July 2021


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Staff at The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, with Kevin and Lily, of Wexford Sk8tr Kids. All are are eagerly awaiting the painting of The Presentation Centre building due to take place this summer in conjunction with SUBSET, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Enniscorthy Walls Project. Wexford Sk8tr Kids have come on board to assist with the design. Wexford Sk8tr Kids is a group for all ages and abilities who want to skateboard and have fun. Their mission is to lead young people on a positive path through skateboarding and skate culture. See ‘Wexford Sk8tr Kids’ on Facebook. Words and pic by Maria Nolan.

Summer Sessions – Young Voices

Wexford Arts Centre are seeking submissions from young singer/songwriters to be included in a new series of Summer Sessions – Young Voices to be held weekly on Thursdays from 22nd July until Thursday 12th August 7pm-8.30pm. These weekly sessions will be hosted by singer/songwriter Rachel Grace and each weekly event will feature new voices performing their original work selected from submissions. Each Young Voice will have opportunity to perform two songs acoustically. The events will be open to a limited audience and recorded. To be considered, singer/songwriters must be aged between 13-18, please email link to audio/video of file of maximum two original songs to elizabeth@wexfordartscentre.ie by Thursday 1st July at 5pm. Please note availability to perform on any of the Thursday dates between 22nd July to 12th August. n

Small Arts Festivals Small Arts Festivals 2021 is a grant scheme which promotes and supports a diverse range of small arts festivals and experimental events throughout Co. Wexford. Twenty-four applications were received by Wexford County Council in total for 2021 and eleven festival/events shared €23,200 ranging between €1,000 – €3,000 each. The successful groups were: Three Billboards outside Gorey, Fuddle Fest (Fuddletown, Kilinick), New Ross Piano Festival, Sean Nós Singing i nGuaire, On Board The Gorey Caravan Féile, Spring Moves Dance Festival, Theatre Al Fresco- with St. Michael’s Theatre, The First Fathom (Kilmore Quay, Little Beach, the Burrow and surroundings), The Gap Arts Festival 2021 (Ballythomas, north Wexford), The Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre ‘One Festival, Two Countries’ New Ross, The Wexford May Bush Festival 2021, One Voice Festival – Tales from the Quay (Wexford Arts Centre). n

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SlaNey hiStory SlaNey ad & heritage

Enniscorthy Kilkenny

group supports commemoration

Pic: Maria Nolan

Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society at the Sinnotts Cross Ambush Commemoration on Sunday 20th July at Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny.

Funding for historic sites in Co. Wexford Minister James Browne TD confirmed last month that funding has been secured to protect three Minister James Browne TD historic sites in County Wexford under the Communities Monument Fund 2021. The investment will be as follows: Mountgarret Castle Fethard Castle Carrick Ringfort

€70,000 €70,000 €22,780

The funding will be used to safeguard these unique sites. n

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Historian in Residence Interviews for a ‘Historian in Residence’ for a nine-month period were held on Friday, May 7th. The role of this residency is to support the Wexford County Council Decade of Centenaries programme. Examples of work under the scope of the project include research, outreach, communication, liaison with community groups and publications. Commemorative initiatives through the Municipal Districts are underway for commemorative projects in each of the five Municipal Districts. Projects underway include commemorative gardens, locally led seminars and events. n

Enniscorthy Library - Lymington Road - Enniscorthy Phone: 053 9236055 enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthylibrary


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Oilgate to Rosslare route chosen On 17th June 2021, Wexford County Council announced that Option C has been confirmed as the scheme option that can best deliver the objectives of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour scheme. This critically important infrastructural project aims to significantly improve road safety, expand capacity, and shorten journeys for both private and commercial traffic in the Wexford region, particularly in light of the increased importance of Rosslare Europort postBrexit. The public can view the route and related documentation via a specially designed virtual display room at www.oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie Six options for new road corridors were examined with some of these utilising parts of the existing N11/N25 road corridor. 97 different possible combinations were identified by combining different parts of the seven corridor options where they overlap (existing road corridor plus six new option corridors). All 97 option combinations were assessed under the pre-determined selection criteria to identify the preferred road-based scheme option. Scheme Option C is approximately 31km in length and utilises a mix of both the existing road corridor, which will be upgraded, and new corridor that will bypass significant constraints and deficiencies on sections of the existing corridor. Scheme Option C is unchanged since the public consultation in July and August 2020. Over 28,000 residents in the municipal districts of Enniscorthy, Gorey/Kilmuckridge, Wexford and Rosslare are being issued with information on the route and anticipated next steps. Then Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Councillor Ger Carthy, said, “County Wexford and Rosslare Europort in particular are strategically located gateways between the island of Ireland and mainland Europe. This brings both opportunities and challenges, and high-quality connectivity is essential to the county’s economic competitiveness, its ability to attract inward investment and its attractiveness as a tourism destination. I welcome the announcement of this major milestone in the project’s progress, and trust that the project will continue to actively engage with local communities, local land and property owners and other project stakeholders as the scheme further develops towards the planning processes.” Wexford County Council’s Chief Executive Tom Enright welcomed the announcement stating, “The development of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour project is a key strategic objective of the County Development Plan and a key enabler for the further economic development of the county. The project will significantly enhance regional and international connectivity, thereby helping to both solve the some of the challenges caused by Brexit and to capitalise on opportunities to attract further investment to the region.” Wexford County Council’s Director of Service Eamonn Hore said, “The impacts of Brexit have significantly intensified Rosslare Europort’s strategic importance as a gateway for Irish trade and tourism. Even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, weekly continental ferry services at the Port have increased to 34 per week. Freight volumes with continental Europe increased by approximately 460% in the first half of 2021, and

overall freight volumes, including Britain, have increased by 60%. The N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour project aims to secure the future resilience of this critical international land-sea corridor by delivering a safe, sustainable, high-quality and cost effective transport connection with Rosslare Europort.” Currently, the preferred scheme option is presented as a 300m-wide corridor. This does not represent the actual width of the road scheme once the design has been developed, or the extent of lands that are needed. The next phase of the project will involve a more detailed analysis of this 300m corridor to develop a specific road alignment to minimise or mitigate impacts on properties and the environment. Information in relation to ongoing progress, current news items, and project reports will continue to be published on the project website as the scheme develops. Public information events will also continue to be arranged at key milestones in the project’s development. Should there be any comments or observations on the selected scheme option that may inform the further development of the scheme, they can be submitted via the contact points provided below by Friday 16th July. The project team will endeavour to respond to any queries as soon as possible. Freepost: Licence WX 7400, N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour Scheme, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Business Reply, Wexford, Y35 WY93. Email: nrlo@wexfordcoco.ie Phone: 053 92 32358 Website: www.oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie/contact-us

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Top international award for New Ross bridge

Pic: David Butler The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge has been named as the 2021 winner of the IABSE Outstanding Structure Award (OStrA). The award was established in 1998 and is the highest distinction awarded for ‘remarkable, innovative, creative, or otherwise stimulating structures’. The Awards are restricted each year to a maximum of one building and one bridge. The Building category was won by Beijing Daxing International Airport Terminal, China, and the Bridge award by the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, New Ross.

Wexford Consumers Wexford recycle 1,879 tonnes of electrical waste in 2020 A surge in lockdown spring cleaning saw 1,879 tonnes of electrical waste collected in Wexford by the country’s largest recycling scheme in 2020, despite Covid and travel restrictions. 12.5kg of e-waste was recycled per person in the county last year – exceeding both the 2019 collection rate of 11.2kg, and the 2020 national average of 10.9kg. However, WEEE Ireland has warned that the rise in reusing and repairing of electrical goods must be counted towards Ireland’s recycling targets if we are serious about developing a circular economy. WEEE Ireland was one of the best performing recycling schemes in Europe in 2020, with 38,724 tonnes of waste electrical items collected in total – including 120,000 fridges and 200,000 TVs and monitors recovered. The equivalent of over 46 million used AA portable batteries were also prevented from ending up in landfill, its annual report revealed.

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WEEE Ireland accounts for over twothirds of all national waste electrical and electronics collection activity on behalf of 1,189 producer members. The scheme achieved the biggest monthly takeback volume in its 16-year history in July when the first lockdown was lifted with a record 3,763 tonnes of electrical waste collected for recycling countrywide. “In Wexford, and across Ireland, we are consuming more electrical goods than ever – with the annual tonnage on the market rising from 15kg a head in 2016 to 21kg a head last year,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan. In 2020, the equivalent of 225,182 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling. That is the equivalent of the annual carbon consumption of 4,504 hectares of trees. https://www.weeeireland.ie/weee-annual-environmental-report-2020/

WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.


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Decarbonisation Zone Under Action 165 of the Climate Action Plan 2019, each Local Authority is required to identify a Decarbonisation Zone (DZ). A Decarbonising Zone is an area in which a range of climate mitigation measures can co-exist to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs.The DZ will at a minimum

‘World Fades Away’ Check out Jimi Cullen’s new song for our planet Earth. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O Oe99SpVBPk Lyrics: Have you noticed lately Tell me, have you seen This beautiful planet that we live on Being brought down to her knees There's oil washing up on her shores All the bees are dying While the governments and big business They just keep on lying As they cut down all our trees Pollute the lands to prosper Sitting up there in their Ivory towers While Mother nature suffers But soon will come a day When this world fades away See I've been noticing a lot of things That are really making me worry Like smoke spewing out of factories Big machines and lorries Changing weather, animal extinctions Oceans full of plastic Nuclear waste and toxic air Now is the time to panic Because there's droughts, fires and flooding all across the earth Signs of the danger Signs of the consequence Of playing God with nature

reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 7% per annum from 2021 to 2030 (a 51% reduction over the decade) and will become a demonstrator area, either urban or rural, for other areas in the county. Wexford County Council identified Enniscorthy as a candidate Decarbonising Zone and notified the Department by the closing date of 30th April, 2021. n

Dog fouling awareness Wexford County Council is continuing with its dog fouling awareness campaign which was launched by Cllr. Ger Carthy, Cathaoirleach, on 31st March. The campaign promotes a simple message: “Bag it & Bin it” and will run for the remainder of 2021. It firmly emphasises that dog fouling is your responsibility as

a dog owner. The campaign addresses a range of issues surrounding dog fouling, from its effect on the public who use our streets, parks and beaches, to attitudes to cleaning up as dog owners, from health issues to civic pride. The campaign is reaching across social media, local newspapers, radio, community groups and schools. n

Urrin Bridge improvements Work was carried out by Enniscorthy Municipal District on the Urrin Bridge in the town during June to make it safer including the application of non-slip material (see accompanying photo). In the long

run it’s quite likely that the whole bridge will be replaced by a more user-friendly version as part of the proposed Enniscorthy Trails project to include a looped walk taking in Borodale. n

And soon will come a day When this world fades away So what will happen on that day When the planet does run dry It could be our children’s children We are sentencing to die Unless we change our ways now Unless we say no more And start to love this planet For she's the mother of us all Or soon will come that day When this world fades away For more on Jimi see page 72.

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Free Biodiversity Awareness Training for Community Groups Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC ) is tasked with developing, co-ordinating and implementing a coherent and integrated approach to local and community development. Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is delighted to offer a free course in biodiversity awareness for community groups. The course will be facilitated by ecologists Fionnuala O’Neill of BEC Consultants and Deborah D’Arcy. Participants will learn how to identify, protect and enhance local biodiversity.

The training course will run in September and October 2021. Information on course content and delivery dates can be found in the course info booklet at https://www.wld.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2021/06/BiodiversityTraining-Info-booklet-2021.pdf Field trips to some of County Wexford’s key sites for Biodiversity are included. Each group will receive expert guidance on preparing a Biodiversity Protection Plan for their local area. Community groups can nominate up to three members to participate in the training.

To register your community group’s interest please complete the registration form here. This community training course is being funded by the LEADER Programme 2014-2020. n

Public urged to conserve water during staycation season to avoid water shortages

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Killegney Early Years Graduation 23rd June 2021 Left: Dylan and his parents. Above: Leon and his parents. Above right: Caoimhe and her parents. Below: Barry, Paige, Beth and Caoimhe enjoying their graduation cake.

Killegney Early Years graduation class, 23rd June 2021, with teachers, and proprietor Orlagh Doyle.

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Cuan Aingeal vigil provides solace A candlelight vigil was held at the Cuan Aingeal Garden of Remembrance, Ferrybank, Wexford, on 13th June to commemorate the third anniversary of its opening. Lord Mayor at the time, Leonard Kelly, attended and spoke at the poignant event.

Wexford Mayor at the time, Leonard Kelly, addresses the attend Cuan Aingeal Remembrance Gard Ferrybank, Wexford, on 13th June.

Leonard Kelly with organisers Bernadette O’Leary and Lorraine Smyth.

Publicising the event beforehand, organiser Bernadette O’Leary said, “We're having the candlelit vigil for all the young people and children who have passed away tragically. And in addition a lot of us haven't seen one another since the pandemic began, so hopefully we will be able to meet up again.” “So many people in Wexford have lost a child or young person, and after the year we've all had it'll be good to get together and remember all our loved ones who went too soon,” Bernadette said. Bernadette has also revealed that there are plans to add a further tribute alongside the existing monument. “We're hoping to eventually have a garden of remembrance sign, a memorial sign to honour those who we've lost,” she said. Bernadette is also hopeful the Cuan Aingeal support group meetings will resume in September but said in the interim the vigil has provided solace for all of its members. n

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Left: Garry Breslin, Bernadette O’Leary (o Remembrance Garden vigil on 13th June.

Below left: Some of the attendees at the v

Below right: Musician Stephen Murphy ad


dees at the Candlelight Vigil at the den,

rganiser) and Jonathen Breslin at the Cuan Aingeal

vigil.

dds his voice to the remembrance day vigil.

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Standing up for local fishers Sinn Féin TD for Wexford Johnny Mythen (pictured) has raised key issues facing the fishing community with the government. Deputy Mythen said: “In the Dáil I took the opportunity to raise some of the many issues facing our fishing and coastal communities in Co. Wexford with the government. “One of the main issues I raised was about the recent EU Commission’s decision that fishers must weigh their catch at the pier. We must be under no illusion that this is going to cripple many of those in the fishing industry in Co. Wexford. “It is entirely impractical to ask them to invest in the infrastructure to weigh at the pier. It is also very costly in terms of manpower, time, and energy, and may have unintended consequences for food safety and quality. “This ruling comes after there was already deep outrage in the fishing and coastal communities at the outcome of the Brexit EU/UK Trade Agreement, that took even more fish quota away from our Irish fishers. But that outrage has deepened as the fears around sustainability worsen, and the lack of consultation continues. “When I talk to fishers and other small coastal businesses in my own area of Wexford, they feel completely unheard and disregarded. “Talk of a decommissioning scheme is not the answer either. Irish fishers such as those in Wexford are proud and family tradition is a big part of the industry. Measures must be put in place to ensure that Irish fishing can be sustained and allowed to grow again. “One industry that I’m very worried about the sustainability and viability of is the scallop fishers in Co. Wexford, which affects the livelihood of around 120 families. The UK authorities confirmed on 1st April that import requirements for direct landings of LBMs, including scallops, are also being delayed until 1 October 2021. The government must intervene with priority to address this, and the fishers involved need to be kept consulted on and up to date on all work that is ongoing on their behalf. “I also raised the issue of offshore wind energy generation, and the potential impact on our fishing and coastal communities in terms of extra journey time, disturbance of routes and associated costs. “I absolutely believe in a movement to renewable energy, but I also believe in the principle of a Just Transition. I would have concerns around the management of the impact of this essential infrastructure on small businesses who make their living from our waters, like fishers and small charter boat industry. They must be included in all conversations, and any potential harms mitigated in our moves to a greener world. “We want and need sustainable fishing communities and the way to achieve this is a consistent and meaningful engagement with fishing and coastal communities,” deputy Mythen concluded. n

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An amble around Gorey

Gorey top left: Tommy Kinsella and Jim Clinch relaxing. Top right: Getting the Loch Garman Arms ready for opening was Tommy Donohoe painter and decorator putting on the final touches. Above left: Enjoying a coffee were Joe Heavin, Kerry O’Connor and Ceceline Smyth. Above right: At the Hungry Bear cafe were Elliott and Christian Polley. Below left: Watching the world go by were Mick Redmond and Murrough McGivern on Gorey’s main street. Below right: Enjoying a cuppa after the shopping at the Book Cafe were Karen Dwyer and Rita Doran.

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WexBUG delivers for Rosslare Direct Provision Centre

BIKE STANDS Wexford County Council is progressing work to install approximately 50 bike stands at 13 beach/ coast locations around the Wexford coast.

Not for the first time, WexBUG (Wexford Bicycle Users Group) has made a generous donation of bicycles to the Rosslare Direct Provision Centre. Pictured on 10th June 2021 with the most recent delivery are WexBUG members L-R: Phil Skelton (WexBUG Chairperson), Kevin Cronin (committee member), Ciarán FitzGerald (WexBUG Vice-Chairperson), Ruth O’Connor (Secretary).

Cycling & Walking Officer to be appointed Wexford Co. Council is keen to promote a multi-disciplinary team approach to the development and delivery of projects under the Active Travel programme. As part of this programme Wexford Co. Council is employing a Cycling & Walking Officer who will be responsible for communication and promotion of cycling and walking programmes throughout the county.

generate new funding streams for both new and existing initiatives.

development of dedicated cycle and walking paths.

Act as an ambassador for Wexford County Council cycling and walking programmes and represent the organisation on appropriate occasions.

Build cycle and walking tourism links to develop Wexford as an attraction for new and existing visitors.

The duties will include: Work with the Senior Engineer in Roads Department, the Road Safety Officer and the Sports Officer of Wexford County Council to develop and agree annual programme of cycling and walking promotion and safety within the County.

Develop contacts with individuals, schools, businesses and other interest groups in the promotion of Wexford County Council’s Cycling Programme and National Cycling Programmes, including Cycling Week, Bike to Work Scheme and any other similar initiatives.

Carry out regular audits of cycling and walking facilities to feed into annual programme of works for upgrade, repair, enhancement and new works.

Work with the NTA in identifying and delivering on high quality cycling and walking infrastructure in the County.

Ongoing liaison with schools, and other interest groups in programme introduction and development.

Work with all other sections of Wexford County Council to co-ordinate and promote cycling and walking throughout the County.

Liaise with event organisers at festivals and events to promote and increase awareness of the various cycling and walking programmes.

Liaise with Special Projects Section of Wexford County Council on all Greenway developments. Develop links from Greenways to Urban areas to encourage greater usage.

Identify new opportunities for the local expansion of Wexford County Council cycling and walking initiatives and help identify and

Manage and coordinate on and off-road cycle training activities, preferred cycling routes, signage and promotion.

Explore opportunities for promotion of cycling and walking within the county including

Develop cycling and walking through a multi-stranded approach encompassing safety, legislation, enforcement, training, infrastructure and promotion.

Develop cycling and walking plans for the main urban centres. Develop cycling and walking strategy on a countywide basis.

Develop a safe route to schools programme to include improved cycling and walking infrastructure. Any other duties that might be assigned from time to time. n

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Murrintown is a ‘sound town’ Murrintown was the Cadbury and Today FM ‘Sound Town’ winner for the month of May following a huge effort from the committee in the community centre to work really hard to fundraise and develop the local area.

 Hosted an online Christmas event.

Murrintown is a small village located 8km outside Wexford Town. In the village there is a pub, post office, takeaway, school, church, community creche and a community centre. The community centre is the hub of the village. Throughout 2020 and 2021 the committee in the community centre have continued to work hard to fundraise and develop, including:

 Opened its doors to the local creche so they could operate their afterschool in a socially distanced manner.

 Opened community playground and playing field which is free for local clubs and schools to use.  Secured funding to develop a community garden and walking track.  Completed two big fundraising events.

 Lit up the village for the first time in Christmas 2020.  Created plans to develop the community centre to include a digital hub and coffee hut.

All this work has been completed by volunteers in the community who never ask for anything for their time. Commenting on the announcement of Murrintown winning the Sound Town award, Today FM’s Alison Curtis said: “When you look at 2020 and how it kept us all apart, it is communities like Murrintown that are reinforcing Ireland’s positive and unwavering reaction to this pandemic. We are a nation that tends to look after

each other and that is truly evident in the way Murrintown have come together to support the town via volunteering. Their actions will inspire others to do the same and we are so thrilled to present Murrintown with the May 2021 Sound Town award.” Each monthly winning town will be shortlisted for a chance to win €10,000, when the overall 2021 Sound Town winner is announced at the end of the year. For further details on Today FM and Cadbury Ireland’s Sound Town initiative and how you can enter your town, tune into Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis, every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 11am, or go to www.todayfm.com. And while on the subject of Murrintown, best wishes to Sue Corish with her new takeaway coffee unit there. n

Pics: John McElroy

L-R: Bishop Denis Brennan, Bishop-Elect Ger Nash and Archbishop Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland.

Message for the new Bishop of Ferns

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has congratulated Bishop-elect Ger Nash on his appointment to the Diocese of Ferns. Archbishop Eamon said, “I want to offer my prayerful congratulations and good wishes to Father Ger Nash, whom Pope Francis has appointed as the new Bishop of Ferns. I am sure that Bishop-elect Nash’s gifts and experience in pastoral planning, Catholic education and youth ministry, as well as his insights into diocesan planning and administration, will greatly serve his new ministry and enhance our discussions at the table of the Irish

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Bishop’s Conference. As President of the Conference I look forward to welcoming Bishop-elect Nash together with my brother bishops, especially at this time of renewal for the Church in Ireland as we prepare to embark on a Synodal journey over the next five years. “This is also a very special day for the Diocese of Ferns. I wish to thank and pay tribute to Bishop Denis Brennan on his well-deserved retirement. Since 2006, Bishop Denis has made a generous contribution to the work of the Bishops’ Conference. Always guided by values of the Gospel, Bishop Denis’ sharp insights and wisdom have benefited greatly the work of our Conference. As

a relative newcomer to the Bishops’ Conference, I was particularly impressed by his contributions during our last ad limina visit when we travelled as bishops to Rome to meet with Pope Francis. He has generously helped to develop our thinking and practice in the critical areas of communications, child safeguarding, priesthood and vocations, emigrants, migrants and prisoners overseas. He persevered in promoting the establishment of a National Vocations Outreach for the Church in Ireland. I pray God’s blessings on Bishop Denis and wish him good health as bishop emeritus.” See more on this story on page 24.


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Wreath Laying at The Paupers Graveyard

Annual Wreath Laying at The Paupers Graveyard in Coolcots, Wexford, 18th June, L-R: Angela Laffan, Wexford Borough District Manager, then Mayor of Wexford Cllr. Leonard Kelly and Helen Corish Wilde, Wexford Memorial Trust. Enjoying the good weather at Enniscorthy Golf Club on 17th June were: B. Coffey, C. Mernagh, C. Ceaser.

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The new Mayor of Wexford Cllr. Garry Laffan is the new Mayor of Wexford. Pictured with the members of Wexford Borough Council in back row L-R: Cllr. Davy Hynes, Cllr. George Lawlor, Cllr. Maura Bell, Kevin Sheil (Town Sergeant), Cllr. Leonard Kelly, Cllr. Tom Forde and Cllr John Hegarty. Front row L-R: Tony Larkin (Wexford County Council), Mayor Garry Laffan, Angela Laffan (Wexford Borough District Manager).

The new Mayor of Wexford, 28th June 2021, Cllr Garry Laffan with his family L-R: Catherine, Aidan, Maria and mum Marie.

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Happy birthday Natasha

Natasha Fortune celebrated her 40th birthday in Enniscorthy on 26th June. Pictured L-R: Teresa, Anthony, Natasha and Bernie Fortune.

Katie Codd serving food at The Tin Roof, Clohass, Enniscorthy (on the road to the Clonroche). Pic: Shop Enniscorthy.

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Cllr Pat Barden – new Chair of New Ross Municipal District.

Cllr Pip Breen – new Chair of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District.

Take these chains!

Cllr Jim Moore (right) takes over as Chair of Rosslare Municipal District from Cllr Frank Staples (left).

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Above: Cllr Anthony Connick was elected the new Vice-Chairman of Wexford County Council on 28th June. He is pictured with his family in the Wexford County Council Chambers. Below: New Chairperson of Wexford County Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy receives the chain of office from outgoing Chairman Cllr Ger Carthy.

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