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Elsa Kehoe’s hands are full as she opened her new bakery in Enniscorthy on 2nd April 2026.

Frizelle McCarthy Solicitors

Annette McCarthy B.C.L.

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Happy Easter to all our readers.

We are delighted to report that the Members of Enniscorthy Municipal District will host an event on Thursday 16th April in the Riverside Park Hotel to honour a number of individuals. And, in addition, several welldeserving organisations will receive Civic Awards including Slaney Search & Rescue (their 30th anniversary), Reach Ability (fiftieth anniversary), FDYS (sixtieth anniversary), Templeshannon Childcare Centre, and DavidstownCourtnacuddy GAA. Well done to all the upcoming recipients.

In our 16 years attending and reporting on Enniscorthy Town Council and Enniscorthy Municipal District meetings, we cannot recall a meeting as heated as the most recent one on 24th March, with Cllr Jackser Owens at one stage threatening to walk out of the meeting, and the Director of Services for Wexford County Council (WCC) asking that same Councillor for an apology for being shouted at!!! And the subject of the heated discussion – the absence of a full Templeshannon Regeneration Project from Wexford County Council’s upcoming funding application to the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund (formerly the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund – URDF). You can read all about it on page 27.

Don’t forget to catch up with all the snippets from around the county with ‘Atticus’ – our new, popular ‘Slices of Life’ columnist. See pages 18-21.

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

If you have any news or photos you’d like us to share in the Slaney News, please email them to slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as much as possible. Also, please let us know what you think about our online format. Tel: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has nearly 16,000 Followers. And, of course, if you like our format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you – Frank Corcoran

SLANEY NEWS

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Our potting service is getting back into full swing too, so feel free to drop in your pots and we’ll have them looking absolutely fab in no time!

KILCANNON GARDEN CENTRE & RESTAURANT

And don’t forget, we also offer catering for all your special occasions and events, just get in touch at Kilcannon@Reachability.ie or call us on 053 924 2645.

Enniscorthy Castle on Easter Sunday

Enniscorthy Castle is the place to be this Easter Sunday, 5th April, at 2pm for a fascinating presentation exploring Enniscorthy’s role in one of the most pivotal moments in Irish history. This 1916 Easter Rising in Enniscorthy event will provide a revealing insight into the events of the Rising locally, highlighting the leadership and bravery of those involved in Enniscorthy’s role in the Rising.

The talk will also reflect on the aftermath of 1916 and Enniscorthy’s unique place in history as the last area to surrender.

With 2026 marking the 110th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, this presentation offers a chance to learn more about Enniscorthy’s significant contribution to this seminal event in Irish history.

Spaces are limited so booking is advised. Click here: https://enniscorthycastle.retailint-tickets.com/Home

An event not to be missed! n

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

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

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

Also Takeaway and Outside Catering. https://www.facebook.com/Cafe98Enniscorthy https://www.instagram.com/cafe98enniscorthy

Telephone: 085 1993775

CAFE 98 WILL BE OPEN AND SERVING BRUNCH FROM 10AM-3PM ON SATURDAY 4TH APRIL. CLOSED ON EASTER SUNDAY AND MONDAY. BACK OPEN ON TUESDAY 7TH APRIL.

Barbara-Anne Murphy COUNCILLOR

Happy Easter to everyone Clinic: Monday April 20th

7.30pm-8pm, Redmond's, Main Street, Bunclody

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Gearing up to be best ever!

Finishing touches being put to the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival programme

Weather permitting, the 2026 Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival in Enniscorthy (May Bank Holiday weekend) is gearing up to be the best ever. A full programme of events is planned with the organising committee currently putting the finishing touches to the programme which has something to suit all tastes from the very young to the young at heart.

PRESS PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION:

A feature of this year’s festival is the first ever visit to Enniscorthy of the AIB sponsored Press Photographer of the Year award winners which will be housed in Enniscorthy Castle from April 28th to May 9th, and open to the public from Friday, May 1st. Now in its 48th year, the AIB Press Photographer of the Year Award celebrates the very best of Irish press photography. The exhibition features all the winning and shortlisted images covering Irish life, at home and abroad, during 2025 and highlights the dedication and skill of Ireland’s top press photographers including the overall winner, Mark Condren of Mediahuis, Ireland, publishers of the Independent Group of Newspapers.

The exhibition, which features over 100 prints from all walks of life, from news

and sport action to arts and entertainment, will be free to view during the Rockin’ Food Festival with the images reflecting on the stories and experiences that shaped life in Ireland in 2025. The exhibition will be opened by Housing Minister James Browne TD on Tuesday, April 28th, during which Minister Browne will also officially open this year’s Rockin’ Food Festival which will get under way three days later.

A record number of stall holders have applied to participate in this year’s event and a series of new innovations have also been added to the festival programme which is expected to attract huge numbers of visitors to Enniscorthy over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The festival is now in its 11th year and has seen a phenomenal growth in annual attendance figures during that period. It is estimated the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival is worth over €3 million to the local economy annually.

The food element of the festival has been greatly buoyed this year by the number of new corporate sponsors who have come on board to help support the event. Their financial contribution(s) is vital in securing the long term viability of the festival with staging costs increasing substantially year-on-year. Wexford County Council still remains the festival’s biggest sponsor and the logistical support provided by the Council is a major factor in the success of the event.

Once again a major safety plan will be in place for the annual fireworks display which heralds the opening of the festival weekend. It will take place on the Bare Meadows, south of the Riverside Park Hotel, and will commence at 10pm approximately on Friday night, May 1st. The spectacular display can best be viewed from The Promenade, on Mill Park Road, and from the N11 south of the Rafter Bridge. Safety precautions will be in place and all spectators are advised to obey both the Gardaí on duty and Council-appointed stewards. n

Festival Highlight:

Spectacular Fireworks Display, Friday 1st May, 10pm approx, at The Promenade, to officially open the festival.

BD

Enniscorthy – major sponsor of Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival

The Food element of Enniscorthy’s Rockin’ Food Festival received a major boost this week with the announcement that BD Enniscorthy is to become a major sponsor of the 2026 event. Since its establishment in 1996 and its acquisition by BD in 2017, the company has been evolving and growing to the point where it is now the town’s biggest employer with a workforce exceeding 480 employees.

BD has a proud record of involvement in the local community, assisting many local and national charities such as Special Olympics Ireland, Slaney Search and Rescue, St. Senan’s Primary School, Templeshannon, and the Wexford Children’s Diabetic Unit. The company’s generous sponsorship contribution to this year’s Rockin Food & Fruit Festival is yet another example of BD’s commitment to the social fabric of Enniscorthy.

The funding provided by BD and announced by Ger Reynolds, Director of Operations at BD, will provide the organising committee with the impetus to press ahead with major festival expansion plans for the festival in 2027 and beyond. Mr. Reynolds said that being a very large company in the local community, BD was delighted to support the festival which is worth an estimated €3 million to the local economy.

Festival Chairman Ger Mackey thanked BD for their sponsorship and said he looked forward to a very successful partnership with the company going forward. The festival, he added, was growing in strength year-on-year and, with the involvement of companies like BD, he was satisfied the 2026 event and future festivals would firmly establish Enniscorthy as the leading food festival in Ireland.

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LOCAL HEROES!

Enjoy fun and craic every Mon

and Thurs

Racing Every Monday and Thursday night.

First race 8pm. Gates open 7pm. Bar and cafe facilities on site.

Tote and bookmaker betting. Chester chip van for hot food.

Benefit nights on 9th and 30th April – see details above.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SEATING

Tel: 087 4893859. Follow us on social media for updates ➤ Enjoy

Enniscorthy’s commemorations

COMMEMORATING THE 110th ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1916 RISING IN ENNISCORTHY.

Easter Monday, 6th April, is the 110th Anniversary of the Easter Rising, and Easter week here in Enniscorthy, so members of the Athenaeum Committee in conjunction with the 1916 Commemoration Committee and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council have put together a programme of events happening at St Aidan’s Cathedral, the Market Square, and Athenaeum.

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

Proceedings will begin with Mass at St. Aidan’s Cathedral at 10am, then a procession to Market Square for the laying of a wreath at the Croppy Boy Monument, the playing of the Last Post, an address by Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, the Proclamation to be read by Judy Freeman, and the playing of the National Anthem before moving on to the Athenaeum at 11am approx for:

• Laying of wreath at the Athenaeum by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.

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

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

• A guard of honour for Padraig Pearse by EHRS.

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

• Rendition of The Foggy Dew by Niamh Crowhurst.

• Refreshments provided by Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Enniscorthy remembers two very special days every year – the Battle of Vinegar Hill on 21st June, and Easter Monday – they are moments in history unique to our town so all are encouraged to come out on 6th April for the 110th Commemorations and to remember our dead and those who made us who we are today here in Enniscorthy. n

Festival lineup

The Enniscorthy Rock ‘n’ Roll Town Weekender will again be running in conjunction with the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival this May bank holiday weekend.

The Weekender will be doing something unusual this year by having a completely Irish night in the IFA Centre on the Saturday night. The Bopalulaz and The Moonrockers will be performing on an incredible double bill which will also offer the opportunity to enjoy a reunion of the original Irish Runaway Boys in a possibly once-in-a-lifetime gig. Not to be missed if you’re a fan of homegrown bands.

Other Highlights to look out for:

The red hot London-based combo The Midnight Crawlers playing the free gig trail as a special treat for the general public, look for them on the Market Square and in a pub near you.

Also making his Market Square debut this year is Frank Harvey from Spain with a full trio bringing his unique mix of Johnny Cash and twangy rockabilly.

For Rockin’ Blues and RnB fans, Craig Shaw of The Excellos fame will be doing a one-off gig in Holohan’s on the Sunday evening backed by the Scalder City Slicks.

Fresh new talent will be performing in the emerging bands slot on the Market Square, more details to follow.

Plus the usual mix of great local, national, and international acts, and DJs, across 50 gigs, 90% of which are free! n

Norah’s retirement party

Meánscoil Gharman Retirement Party for Principal Norah Harpur in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on 27th March 2026. The staff celebrate, L-R: Danelle Dempsey, Daire Swords, Ita Cowman, Tony Murphy, Linda Farrell, Eoin O Haodha, Norah Harpur, Nick Roche, Sorcha Ni Bhroin, Orla Mahon, Gillian Harpur, and Ciaran Mac Reamonn.

Owners of apartments and homes in multi-unit developments are invited to attend a networking and information session hosted by The Housing Agency. The number of apartments and multi-unit developments (MUDs) in Ireland continues to grow. It is estimated that there may be as many as 10,000 owners’ management companies (OMCs) operating nationally. OMCs look after shared services and facilities supporting the majority of the 280,000 or so apartments and flats in the country. OMCs also support houses and duplexes in managed estates.

With four or five directors serving on each OMC board of directors, there are at least 40,000 to 50,000 directors of OMCs, most of them volunteers, working in support of their estates and communities around the country.

Owners of apartments and homes in MUDs in the South East are invited to attend a networking and information session that aims to help them take a full and active role in their OMC.

Hosted by The Housing Agency, the event takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesday April 22nd in Whites of Wexford and is open to members and directors of OMCs, and anyone else involved with apartments or MUDs. The meeting will look at stake-

holders’ roles and responsibilities and supports available to them.

OMCs are responsible for looking after the shared spaces, facilities and services in a housing development, such as an apartment block.

David Rouse, MUDs Adviser with The Housing Agency, explains: “The OMC is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the common areas of the estate, for example lifts, corridors, hallways, stairs, gardens and car parks.

“Services for which it is responsible include building insurance, security, cleaning and waste management.”

The OMC is collectively owned and managed by all homeowners in the development. When someone purchases a property in a MUD, they automatically become a member of the OMC. These members then elect the directors of the OMC.

OMCs can face a range of issues, including making sure all owners pay their annual service charge on time and in full, establishing a building investment fund to replace parts of the building such as lifts and roofs, engaging with licensed property management agents to look after the day-to-day running of the estates, and dealing with construction defects.

“The directors of an OMC, though usually volunteers, bear the ultimate responsibility for the running of the company, to ensure that it is managed in an open and transparent manner, and operates in the interests of all its members,” says Mr Rouse. “Their role, therefore, can impact on the value of properties as well as the quality of residents’ living environment.”

“Teamwork, communication, governance and finance skills can help people to act effectively as directors of an OMC. The session in Wexford will give OMC directors the opportunity to meet other people in the same role, and to share experiences.”

While in most cases OMC directors are supported by a licensed professional property management agent, directors must still be familiar with the laws and regulations around running an OMC.

Attendance at the information session is free, however registration is required. More information can be found at www.housingagency.ie/news-events/wexford-networking-and-outreach-session-people-involved -apartments-muds-and-omcs or by emailing MUD@housingagency.ie

Further regional outreach meetings for MUDs and OMCs will take place in September and October. Details will be on www.housingagency.ie/news-and-events n

Slices of Life

“A Loo, a Loo, all I own for a Loo”

The movie Hamnet, starring Ireland’s Oscar-winning Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal is based on the life of the playwright Willam Shakespeare and his wife Anne (Agnes) Hathaway. Atticus once visited their homeplace in Stratfordupon-Avon, but had no need at the time to go to the loo there.

When watching Hamnet in the Arc in Wexford town, he recalled those times and his reading of Shakespeare’s play, Richard III, and the cry, “A horse, a horse, my Kingdom for a horse.”

Since then, when Atticus hears the clarion call of nature, he cries out to himself: “A Loo, a Loo, all I own for a Loo!”

When going on a journey, he plots in advance where the loos are. Every time he visits a public loo or one in a hotel or restaurant or pub or motorway services, he notes the décor, the dimensions of the loo, and if it is well equipped.

He notes in particular if it is gleamingly clean. He detests dirt and germs. He favours it all the more if it has an ambience of rest, has a fragrant hygienic aroma, and is armed with at least two-ply tissue. And certainly not ‘the snowflakes’ that melted in his hand in the public loo in Dingle, Co. Kerry.

He was pleased when he recently visited the loos in the new Newtown Park Hotel, Whites Hotel, the Talbot Hotel, the Whitford Hotel, and the loo in Tesco.

The loo in Tesco was less than its usual high standard when he visited a year ago due to an invasion of thugs who ripped out the toilet roll holders, left the rolls stacked on the floor, tore off the hooks for holding your coat or scarf, and drew lewd images on the doors and walls, leaving the ordinarily clean-as-a-whistle loo like a bog. But it is now pleasant and functional again with both cubicles available and a plentiful supply of strong soft tissue.

He attributes this achievement to management and especially to the ever-vigilant, resilient cleaners there. Having been a cleaner himself, scrubbing floors and toilets on his hands and knees in a hotel, Atticus has a particular admiration for cleaners and how, without complaint, they clean and make pleasant the visits of hundreds of customers, some of whom are the personification of ignorance and bad manners.

Atticus shouts: “Cleaners should be paid above the odds and given a bonus for keeping us all fresh and clean.”

About the Quakers of Co. Wexford

They came from England to Ireland in the 1650s. Their founder George Fox

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

was a Christian who famously tried to convert Cromwell away from war. Their ethos and values are simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, stewardship, and entrepreneurship. They are committed to non-violent resistance and peacebuilding.

They were harassed, banned, and tortured by those in authority and by society in England. Yet they endured to the present day.

They are officially known as The Religious Society of Friends. They are members of the Irish Council of Churches. The nickname “Quakers” came from a court case in which a judge mocked them saying they would “quake (or tremble) at the word of God”.

Paddy Kinsella, the well-known Wexford businessman, former vice-president of the IFA, and cyclist, has researched their background in Wexford, Waterford, Kildare, Laois, England and in the USA. He recently visited the homeland of William Penn, a Quaker, founder of Pennsylvania, who was a visitor to Ireland in the 1600s.

Quaker names include Allen, Bell, Bewley, Cuppage, Goodbody, Holme, Randall, and Shackleton.

An attendance of more than 120 members of the Wexford Historical So-

ciety at Whites Hotel was captivated by Paddy Kinsella and his findings during his ninety-minute lecture titled, “The Quakers, their origins, their settlements, and their impact on religious practice in Co Wexford.”

With Eagles in the Frontline of Democracy

Atticus has always held the belief that there’s nothing to be gained from scratching around with the chickens when you can fly with the eagles. So, he joined about fifty national journalists from the frontline of democracy in the sumptuous surroundings of the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin. The décor and the furniture there is much like that in the luxurious chambers in Wexford County Council in Carricklawn.

He was in the company of David Barniville, the President of the High Court, Susan McKay, the Press Ombudsman, John Maher, the libel law barrister, Gerry Curran, President of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Seamus Dooley, General Secretary of the NUJ, Ger Cunningham, Chairman of the Dublin Freelance Branch of the NUJ, Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent, RTÉ News, and Stephen Bourke of Courts News Ireland.

The occasion was the Freelance Forum of the Dublin Freelance NUJ branch. It was sponsored by Coimisiún na Meán. It was about court reporting, quasi-judicial bodies, defamation law, the courts and democracy, and vicarious trauma from work as journalists.

Atticus was traumatised at the end of the rapid-fire day of several masterclasses. In future, journalists, photo-journalists, public relations journalists, press

officers, books editors, and all members of the Press and Media must ponder every word and every nuance extremely carefully before committing it to the keyboard for public consumption.

Old journalists know that Roger Casement was hung on the interpretation of the placement of a comma, but such is law and litigation today that the new wave of media people might just be hung on the weight of their innermost feelings and thoughts. Example: “Why did you feel you had to write that sentence in that way?” “What was running through your mind?” The advice from Paul Reynolds, crime correspondent, RTÉ News, was wait and think before you send.

Atticus agrees.

Note Well: By the way, so that you’ll know who you’re talking to, Atticus spent an evening in Dublin in the 90s in the charming company of another Wex-

ford eagle. She was the late Jean Kennedy Smith, then USA ambassador to Ireland.

NUJ Connections in the Court

As usual in unfamiliar surroundings, Atticus asks around if anybody is from Wexford. It gives him that warm feeling of protection if he meets someone from his native county. Amongst all the journalists at the NUJ Dublin Freelance Forum in the Central Criminal Courts, he detected not one. However, there was one who was the daughter of one. Sophie Finn’s father Austin from Murrintown fell in love with a Kilkenny woman and went to live there. Atticus was immediately consoled. Furthermore, Sophie was a journalist with Country Living, part of the Irish Farmers’ Journal of which old Att has fond memories.

Sophie could not recall if she is related to the late Tom Finn of Barmoney who shook hands with another Wexford man, JFK the late President of the USA, when he came to Wexford in 1963. Neighbours queued up to shake the hand of Tom, the man who shook the hand of JFK.

Coincidentally, there was a famous photographer in the Irish Press named Austin Finn. He was a fellow traveller of Att’s old friend Liam Mulcahy, of Castlebridge connection, erstwhile chief news photographer of the Irish Independent and Evening Herald. Liam’s editor, Ray Doyle of Wexford town, then chief news editor of the Irish Independent, recalled the Austin of Dublin and the Austin of Wexford.

There’s a Wexford connection everywhere if you care to look for it. Wexford connections in journalism include a news

editor in the Irish Times in Dublin from Our Lady’s Island, the news editor of the Financial Times in London is from Oylegate, a media adviser to major corporates and local authorities in Ireland is from Wexford town, and the person responsible for Ireland in Nielsen’s of London, the ISBN people who monitor every book and publication in the world, is from Barntown.

What a Good Philosophy Could Do for You

An ex-priest advised Atticus long ago that a good philosophy will take you through life. Move over Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Kant, Merton and Jung – there are many philosophers in Co. Wexford. One pragmatic philosopher who has prominence these days in the business world grew up in Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Blaise Brosnan was one of the protégés of the dangerously talented Prof. Seamus Sheehy of UCD. They were ‘the magnificent seven’– bright young men cherry-picked by the learned professor to study advanced economic science. Among them were Tom Arnold, Finbar Ó Neill, the late Con Lucey, and Tom Berkery.

The farmers of county Wexford knew what they were doing when they persuaded Blaise to become chief executive of County Wexford Farmers’ Co-op (WFC) with HQ at Enniscorthy. Combining his philosophy with pragmatism, he directed the growth of this co-op from a one-million-pound business to many multiples of that by the time he left twenty years later.

On leaving, he formed the Management Resource Institute, mentoring entrepreneurs to succeed. They included corporates and small and owner/manager businesses here in Ireland and overseas including the UK, USA, and Russia.

Following a recent mentorship, Carlow and Wicklow entrepreneurs posted some of his profound statements appropriate to our dizzying and unpredictable times: “Get comfortable doing the uncomfortable things”, “Be clear what you want to achieve”, “Have three or four critical measurements”, “How much does it cost to open your doors each morning?” “Success for you is when you are moving towards your own dream rather than trying to live someone else’s dream.”

Being inherently and congenitally lazy, Atticus likes best of all his advice: “Become ambitiously lazy.” Another useful one is: ”If overwhelmed with a problem, nibble at it.” That one helped Atticus a lot.

On his MRI website, Blaise asks profound questions: “What is stopping you from getting what you want from life?” “What really makes the difference?” “What really motivates you?”

Three books by Blaise Brosnan worth studying are announced on the mriwex.ie website. They are: Jack – Business Lessons from Life, I Dare You – Win the Debate in Your Own Head and You are the Limiting Factor.

Don’t know what a philosophy is? Google it or Go to Copilot or Chat GPT and key in, “What can a good philosophy do for me?”

Atticus wishes that every young person would internalise a good philosophy and then apply it.

A Deam Team to End All Wars

Atticus is a member of a small group of intellectuals from South Wexford who gather every week in a private snug to consider national and world affairs, political and economic issues, and in particular humanitarian issues.

Apart from the UK, they discuss the Middle East, the USA, China, India, Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Africa, and other beleaguered parts of the world. They discuss strategies and tactics and they attempt to find solutions.

One solution they have figured is to find an Irish dream team that would mediate independently between countries to bring an end to conflict and human misery. Apart from some diplomats, bishops, and missionary priests, who has the exceptional expertise and experience and would be acceptable to all sides in trouble spots? After all is said and done, Ireland and US and UK experts mediated the successful Good Friday Agreement of 1998.

The Irish are popular and get into places that few others get. For example, Taoiseach Micheál Martin got into talk peace with President Trump in the White House for St Patrick’s Day.

The intellectuals in South Wexford proposed that the perfect dream team would comprise Bertie Ahern, Bill Clinton, Gerry Adams, Verona Murphy, Mick Wallace, and Clare Daly.

They consider that as regular visitors to the Middle East, former TDs and MEPs Mick Wallace (Wexford) and Clare Daly (North Dublin) know more about the region than all of the diplomats and politicians put together and that they would be accepted as mediators there.

Of course, the most eminent mediator of all is Wexford’s Verona Murphy TD, who is Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann.

The Potholes are Back

Drivers of cars and delivery vans have been bravely battling potholes and craters in a busy Wexford industrial estate which comprises home and electrical retailers and builders’ providers. Filling them in with tarmac or concrete seems not to work as they appear again every few months following repair.

Atticus tried to find solutions and on YouTube found Patch Pal, a South African invention. Drop a number of blobs of Patch Pal on the potholes and drive over them. That should do it for the short term.

During the peak years of the potholes about 15 years ago, Atticus contacted Wexford County Council and found himself talking to a senior engineer who helpfully told him that there are seven roads in County Wexford that rather than filling them in every time it rains, he would if he had the budget rip them up and lay them down again.

If Patch Pal or its equivalent doesn’t work maybe there’s only one solution.

The TAG Volunteers

Atticus is filled with admiration for the army of people in County Wexford who volunteer for their community. The government and the country and county would be paralysed if they stopped their noble work.

One of the great voluntary community organisations is TAG or Taghmon Action Group which was established in 2002. Taghmon is teeming with volunteers. They see a problem or an opportunity and they come together, tackle it there and then and deal with it. There are clusters of like-minded people in Adamstown, Bree, Bunclody, Camross, Crossabeg, Enniscorthy, Ferns, New Ross, and Gorey.

Their success often depends on the commitment of a few people who have exceptional managerial and leadership ability.

One such is Dubháin Kavanagh, native of Clongeen, who lives in Camross with her husband John and family. Their son Blake is an accomplished horse rider and winner of many trophies.

Dubháin is community enterprise supervisor at TAG, and has been at the heart of all that has happened there for the past 20 years.

Her work encompasses community employment activities, childcare, daycare, the TAG shop, environmental work, and administration. She is also a master fundraiser.

One outcome of the work of the wonderful TAG team there was the granting of €113,000 from the Community Centre Investment Fund for upgrading of the TAG buildings and the installation of a lift.

Other outcomes of their work is a community car, €38,000 for a cycle trail from Taghmon to Carrigfoyle, and a Street-fest.

TAG is a model for achievement.

Atticus wonders how in the midst of all her work, Dubháin Kavanagh managed to study and complete a first-class honours SETU degree in Applied Social Studies. She must be very bright and possessed of great stamina, commitment and focus.

Vera Boggan née Cullimore R.I.P.

“An elegant lady, a woman of substance, a caring daughter, a loyal sister, a devoted wife, a warm loving mother, a gracious, glamorous grandmother, the best auntie, a sincere and special friend, a pillar of strength, and a lover of life. Thanks Mam.”

Part of the eulogy by her daughter Clare Kielty at St Brigid’s Church, Rosslare Strand, at the funeral mass of her late mother Vera, who died aged 88.

Anna’s Musical Creation Connects Wexford with W.B. Yeats

Anna Skrine of Butlerstown Castle created a sensation when she put the poems of Ireland’s greatest poet W.B. Yeats to music and performed them at St Iberius Church, Wexford, two years ago. Now, following her success there, she is to do it again. She will perform them with Gordon and Liz Jones of Sigginstown Castle at Coollattin House, Shillelagh, on Saturday 16th May at 4.00pm.

In between the songs, actress Denise Leahy will relate Yeats’ life story as his great muse, Maud Gonne. Denise also sings one of the songs.

The title of the event is “The Life and Loves of W.B. Yeats in story and song with original compilations by Anna Skrine.”

The connection of Anna’s late mother Helen Skrine with W.B. Yeats may seem remote. Helen was a supporter of the antinuclear rally at Carnsore from 1978 to 1980. The president of the rally was Nobel Peace Prize recipient, the late Seán McBride, a barrister, Ireland’s Minister for External Affairs from 1948 to 1951. He was also a co-founder of Amnesty International.

W.B. Yeats was famously madly in love with Seán MacBride’s mother Maud Gonne and is said to have written his love poems to her. Seán was the son of Major John MacBride, executed in 1916. Maud Gonne was a member of the republican movement in Ireland before and during the 1916 Rising.

Music runs in the Skrine family. Anna’s mother, who lived in Malaysia, home also to Anna before her return to England and Ireland, worked with the BBC music department in London.

Anna worked at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, for some years and has been involved with music, and singing in particular, all her life.

Music, poetry, and Irish history will coincidentally rhyme again at Coollattin House in May when Anna performs the poems of W.B. Yeats once more. n

Dublin is drier, but Co. Wex dry and sunnier

Evelyn Cusack, Séamus Walsh and Gerard Fleming explain the

County Wexford is blessed with the weather. The experts have said so. The audience at the Wexford Science Café, in Wexford Town Library, double the usual attendance, heard three experts, two of them familiar faces from RTÉ television and radio, tell them why.

“It’s mainly because most of the rainfall comes from the West and it rains out over land when it’s coming in. And Wexford is sheltered by the Comeragh Mountains and the Blackstairs,” said Séamus Walsh, the head of climatology at Met Éireann.

“Dublin actually is probably the driest part of Ireland, but also here in the south-east, there's very little rain.

“That’s what happens generally. Except for this year. Most of the rain fell on the eastern side of the Blackstairs and the Wicklow mountains. All of it has to go somewhere, so it hits the ground, the ground gets saturated and the water moves into the river, causing a lot of flooding.”

Simple as that.

“Looking over the average,” he said, “Wexford is very dry, but circumstances conspire to lead to seasons or events where the weather more or less gets stuck in a rut.

“If you look at the south coast and up

weather

along the east coast, Wexford is by far the sunniest.”

The familiar faces from daily television in every household in Ireland, Evelyn Cusack and Gerard Fleming, both now retired from Met Éireann and the weather reports on RTÉ, nodded in agreement with him.

The very attentive audience knew that too - the ‘Sunny South East’ mantra being embedded in their minds.

Gerard Fleming introduced his colleagues to the audience, giving a historic background to the weather dating back to the Annals of the Four Masters, the 1798 Rebellion and the 1916 Rising.

Seamus said: “Yes it’s true in the general sense that the southeast is dry and It’s also definitely true that it’s very sunny.”

That was the goodish news.

He explained the lengths to which the Met Eireann experts go to predict the weather which is of course a vital service that determines the behaviour and the circumstances of everybody, doctors, nurses, carers, teachers, Gardaí, farmers, fisherfolk, gardeners, business people, professionals, truck drivers, cleaners, shop assistants, waitrons, high flyers and low flyers and so on. It also determines the mood of people.

How do they predict it? Evelyn Cusack, from a farm in the midlands and Gerard Fleming of Wexford were together in UCD under the tutelage of Dr Ann Breslin, for physics and afterwards under many different other professors and disciplines before they joined the Met. (Dr Ann, coauthor of the world bestseller, Does God Play Dice, is an in-law of the late Nicky Furlong and his wife Mairead, also deceased)

Séamus Walsh explained. “We have weather satellites looking down taking photographs of the Earth, and three

weather radars and 400 climate stations in Ireland. All over the planet, they have weather balloons, buoys in the ocean and buoys that explode and send messages via satellite. They get information from aircraft which take temperature readings.

Evelyn Cusack could not understand how people putting “the Child of Prague with its broken head under a bush” worked to predict the weather. “And if the head isn’t broken, they break off the head”.

She said the Saint Swithin’s day forecast of rain for 40 days if it rains on 15th July and if it’s fair, it’ll be fair for 40 days, has more merit. “It may have something to do with the jet stream or the polar front and the Atlantic west.”

Another thinking is said Evelyn: “If there’s a lot of berries in the autumn, that’s a sign of a bad winter or if a fox barks at night, next day will be fine. If the swallows were

They Say it Might Rain

Evelyn Cusack and Séamus Walsh have together written an entertainingly accessible and beautifully designed 360-page book titled They Say it Might Rain and sub-titled The Highs and Lows of Ireland’s Weather and Climate. It is published by Gill. The description of climate change makes understanding easy. The final chapter in the book ends with a thought-provoking line: “The planet itself will survive- but maybe not as we know it. The question is: Will we be part of it?”

xford is

high yesterday, we’ll be fine for three days. However, she said “if the swallows fly low, they’re probably after their dinner and the insects are in hiding.”

Talking technical, she explained that there are two types of clouds; the cumulus which is the Latin for heat and the stratum which is the Latin for layer. Our weather takes part in a small area of the atmosphere- between ground level and the distance from Wexford to Curracloe – about 10 kilometres. Above that you are dead. If the Earth was an apple, the atmosphere would be no thicker than its skin.

She said: “There’s a difference between rain and a shower. Rain is where cold air meets moisture and polar air. If it’s a lovely and sunny day and suddenly it teems from the heavens and then it clears again –that’s a shower!”

So, how do we forecast the weather?

Evelyn went off into descriptions of charts and isobars and balloons and molecules and mathematical representations of the atmosphere and extrapolating cubes and applying the laws of physics. All gobbledygook to regular people, but fascinating to the many scientists in the Wexford Science Café audience.

Both nearly fell off the stage with Seamus holding a globe and Evelyn holding a torch to track what happens to the weather with a tiny tilt of the earth.

One tip Evelyn gave was if you’re going abroad use the YR.NO app on your smart-

phone. It does whole global modelling. If you’re going to France, use MétéoFrance, because the local area forecast office will use the model suited to their own area. The Met Éireann app has a distinctive blue and white logo.

Seamus gave some bad news. He said that as the temperature of the world increases, the atmosphere can actually contain 7% (seven per cent) more water by evaporation for every 1 (one) degree that the earth’s temperature rises. It just means there’s more moisture available in the atmosphere to rain. It looks like in the future, winters will be wetter and summers will be drier with more droughts.

This presents challenges in flooding and managing water resources in terms of agriculture.

“There are all kinds of challenges presented by climate change. Because there’s more moisture in the atmosphere, we could even get a heavier snowfall as some things are almost counterintuitive.”

Back in the 1970s, a two-day forecast was a huge project. We could never have imagined that we’d have in our hands, a 10day hour by hour forecast.

So, what can we do about the weather?

A chart that Seamus and Evelyn generated shows a shocking increase in Ireland’s long term Temperature Record from 1900 to 2005, showing how the climate has warmed particularly in the last decades of the 20th century and the first two decades of the 21st century. Ireland is now 1.5 degrees warmer than it was a century ago.

By the end of the century, the sea level will rise by about a half metre to one

Radars, Satellites and Climate stations

There are 400 climate stations in Ireland many of them automated but some heroically manually operated by diligent people in hail, rain and snow recording temperatures and conditions.

There are three weather radars with a sensitivity that can pick up raindrops. And another six are on the way to include covering the south east.

A network of 30 weather satellites looks down on Earth and takes images of our weather and climate.

It’s a long way from the 1850s when Eunice Foote of the USA and the physicist John Tyndall of Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow discovered that the greenhouse effect was heating up our atmosphere.

metre. Add in storm surge and waves and more severe storms.

Seamus said that we can obviously go for renewable energy with wind farms and solar farms and find a way that animals and solar can live together. We can insulate our homes and do things in an efficient and green manner as possible.

However, he said, ‘there is a very hard lobby at the moment turning the world away from green energy and going back to fossil fuels which is a huge, huge mistake. It’s all kinds of untruth. It’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not real anymore. We are hopeful that the green revolution will continue.”

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns AGM

The Presentation Centre, 10th March 2026

Words & pics by Maria Nolan

The Annual General Meeting of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns was held at the Presentation Arts Centre on Tuesday 10th March with Chairman Jonathon Hughes outlining the year’s success in his opening address.

‘2025’, he said, ‘was another hugely successful year for ETT retaining our gold medal in the National Tidy Towns Competition and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our committee members, partnering groups, businesses, volunteers, and members of the public who helped us achieve this amazing feat.’

Jonathan went on to thank Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Wexford County Council (WCC), Frank Corcoran and the Slaney News for the marvellous publicity, Enniscorthy Community Alliance, Sustainable Enniscorthy, and Enniscorthy Allotments who work tirelessly to improve the town, and commiserated with the flood victims and praised Slaney Search & Rescue for all they did in the town’s time of crisis.

‘Going forward’, Jonathan said, ‘our big focus this year will be implementing our Enniscorthy brand and identity on the Approach Road Project, implementing the actions of our community biodiversity plan, and I am calling on all residents, businesses, schools, WCC, and community groups to look after your own patch to ensure that we retain our gold medal. Any action no matter how small will positively transform and improve our environment, streetscapes, and public places. As Chairperson I am fully committed to making Enniscorthy a cleaner and greener place for all residents, businesses and visitors to our town.’

Áine Doyle, Secretary, and Seán Óg Doyle, Treasurer, made detailed reports to the committee on all activity – physical and financial, in 2025.

After the election of officers for 2026 a very special presentation was made to a very special man who was stepping out of the role of Treasurer at 94 years old, but was quick to point out that he would

Tidy Towns AGM at The Presentation Arts Centre on 10th March 2026 as he stepped away from the role of Treasurer after

Chairman Jonathon Hughes presented Seán with framed letters of appreciation from District Manager Claire Lawless and Minister Dara Calleary for his years of dedicated and excellent service to his town and community with Enniscorthy Tidy Towns.

continue as Asst. Treasurer to the newly appointed Treasurer Áine Doyle.

Chairman Jonathon Hughes presented Seán Óg Doyle with framed letters of appreciation from District Manager Claire Lawless and Minister Dara Calleary for his many, many years of dedicated and excellent service to his town and community in his role with Enniscorthy Tidy Towns.

There could be no one more deserving than Seán Óg Doyle who has contributed in so many ways over so many years to the betterment of his beloved Enniscorthy.

The newly elected Officers for 2026 are as follows:

Chair – Jonathon Hughes

Vice-Chair – Billy Murphy

Secretary – Áine Doyle

Treasurer – Áine Doyle

Asst. Treasurer – Seán Óg Doyle

PRO – Jonathon Hughes

Biodiversity Officer – Dearbhla Ni Laighin School Liaison Officer – Marie Hughes n

Chairpersons address to the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns AGM, 10th

March 2026:

Good evening, my name is Jonathon Hughes – Chairperson of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, welcome and thank you for attending our AGM for 2026. 2025 was another hugely successful year for ETT retaining our gold medal in the National Tidy Towns Competition. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our committee members, partnering groups, businesses, volunteers, and members of the public who helped us achieve this amazing feat. In particular I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our long serving volunteers and committee members without whom this would not have been possible.

Central to this success is community involvement and collaboration. As Chairperson I would like to especially thank Enniscorthy Municipal District/Wexford County Council, elected representatives, our CE Scheme members, local schools, voluntary groups, and the business community who help us make our town a cleaner and greener place to visit, live, and work in. The publicity we receive from the Slaney News continues to be a real motivation – thank you to Frank Corcoran. I also wanted to thank Enniscorthy Guardian and Rachel Cahill for highlighting the issues facing our town and the work of our group. Our social media presence continues to be a powerful tool for us to communicate with followers. Enniscorthy Community Alliance, Sustainable Enniscorthy, and the Allotments, continue to work tirelessly to improve our town and I wanted to thank all these groups we work closely with. A special word of thanks to all businesses who generously supported us in the last 12 months –this is appreciated.

Our small but dedicated group needs constant reinforcement, with over 23 active members in our WhatsApp group and 10 committee members we always welcome new members. We must not rest on our laurels and I would encourage all members of the public, businesses, and other groups – particularly younger people, to get involved.

There were some notable achievements and highlights in 2025 but this year I want to look forward to our actions and plans for the year ahead. The flooding caused by Storm Chandra has knocked back some plans – but as a town and community we will prevail. Our commiserations to homes and businesses affected. Our next joint river clean-up with Slaney Search and Rescue, Edermine Rowing Club, and GoPaddle, will need as many volunteers as possible.

Our big focus area for the year ahead is implementing our Enniscorthy brand and identity approach road project using the results of the public survey as our guiding principles. With 130 responses the results were crystal clear – we are an historic / heritage town with festivals, our river and market town roots also coming through in the survey.

Another key focus this year will be implementing the actions of

our community biodiversity action plan. Nature and biodiversity continue to suffer the effects of our harmful actions – as a community I encourage all residents, businesses, contractors, and the local authority to help, not hinder, our natural world including the iconic river Slaney.

Litter and illegal dumping have seen a worrying increase over the winter months. We have drafted and circulated to other TT groups a joint letter with three actions for WCC to prioritise including CCTV and blackspots, increased litter warden patrols, and increased dog fouling enforcement. So far we have received support from two TT groups in the district. Registrations for Spring Clean are open – our big clean of approach roads will take place Easter Monday 6th April 2026 – we need all the help we can get.

The DRS has seen a massive improvement in our environment. Up next is single-use coffee cups. We need to see a latte levy implemented to change habits – ETT is working on a pilot reusable coffee cup project and we need the support of coffee shops and cafes in the town and we are grateful to those that have already reached out. Disposable vapes must also be banned and we need to follow the example of other countries by banning their sale.

2026 is shaping up to be an extremely busy year which, as Chairperson, I am really looking forward to. It is an honour and privilege to represent this amazing group. Contrary to what some residents post online, Enniscorthy is an amazing town, with so much history, nature, biodiversity, and cultural heritage right on our doorstep. There are exciting plans and proposal afoot to unlock the full potential of our town – the Market Square, Castle Quarter, and Templeshannon rejuvenation projects – when these are implemented our town will improve.

In 2026 – I am calling on all residents, businesses, schools, WCC, and community groups to look after your own patch to ensure we maintain our gold medal. Any actions, no matter how small, will positively transform and improve our environment, streetscapes, and public places. As Chairperson I am fully committed to making Enniscorthy a cleaner and greener place for all residents, businesses, and visitors to our town. n

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns

volunteer Gia O’Grady enlists the help of the man himself –St Patrick!

Enniscorthy’s new landmark

The Slaney News was delighted to attend the official launch of the 'Slaney Sculpture' last month on Enniscorthy Prom.

The brainchild of the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group and supported by Enniscorthy Munici pal District, it has been brought vividly to life by the multi-talented Paul Kirwan (Wex ford Woodcarving) – tree sculptor and renowned musician (especially for his Bob Dylan tribute show), who used an existing chestnut tree stump as the basis for his masterpiece which contains representations of local fauna – a grey heron, red squirrel, cormorant, kingfisher, salmon, otter, swan, pearl mussel, trout, and eel.

The launch was attended by volunteers and supporters of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, whose Chairman Jonathon Hughes spoke at the event which was also attended by students of Coláiste Bríde Secondary School along with their Guidance Counsellor Elaine McGinnity, and Cllr John O'Rourke.

This new feature is a wonderful addition to the town, so congrats to Enniscorthy Tidy Towns and Paul Kirwan for having the foresight and the expertise to deliver this new landmark for the town. n

HAVE FUN WHILE MAKING A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR TOWN:

The next Enniscorthy Tidy Towns Kayak Clean-up of the River Slaney is now available to book online. The event takes place on 19th April at 10am, the booking fee is €10.

For anyone who hasn't done it before, please note you will be in and out of your kayak, and getting muddy and wet. So a certain level of kayak or water fitness is necessary. But it's all good 'clean' fun! Refreshments will be served after the event.

Sign up here for this year's event on 19th April: https://widget.eola.co/1363/f0e0e8af-7ab7-4360-a9ca-2ae136fdbb63

Check out the video from last year's river clean-up here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBHkzU_9trg n

ENNISCORTHY DISTRICT COUNCILLORS EXPERIENCE FRUSTRATION AND ANGER

In my 16 years attending and reporting on Enniscorthy Town Council and Enniscorthy Municipal District meetings, I cannot recall a meeting as heated as the one I attended on 24th March, with Cllr Jackser Owens at one stage threatening to walk out of the meeting, and the Director of Services for Wexford County Council (WCC) asking that same Councillor for an apology for being shouted at!

And the subject of the heated discussion – the absence of a full Templeshannon Regeneration Project from the Wexford County Council’s upcoming funding application to the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund (formerly the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund – URDF).

A bit of background:

The Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan was published in 2023 and outlined three major areas for regeneration – Market Square, Castle Heritage Quarter, and Templeshannon. Since then a plan for the Market Square has received planning permission and is ‘shovel ready’. A plan for the Castle Quarter is proceeding through the speedy ‘Part 8’ planning process and is expected to be approved shortly. Any plan for Templeshannon, however, is lagging a long way behind the other two.

A conceptual (outline) plan for Templeshannon was published in April 2015 based almost entirely within the existing site of the Waterfront Pool and Leisure Centre. The concept aims to improve links from Templeshannon to the other side of town and proposes:

1. 70 car-parking spaces on the swimming pool site, plus 2 bus-parking spaces, and a set-down area. This is a reduction from the existing 110 car-parking spaces on site.

2. A link corridor between Enniscorthy Bridge and the train station.

3. A new skatepark and play area.

4. A riverside pocket park.

5. A new ramped link to Enniscorthy Bridge.

6. Improved access to the river for e.g. kayaking.

7. A walkway along by the river at the swimming pool.

8. Upgraded entrance to the whole site from Templeshannon.

This plan is just a concept, any future detailed plan will require permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála and that is expected to be a slow process compared to the ‘Part 8’ route, and sucesss isn’t guaranteed. The official position, as of now, in relation to Templeshannon isn’t particularly easy to follow. As per WCC’s Special Projects Office in their own words:

“Procurement documents are being prepared in to order to establish a multi supplier framework for consultancy services within Special Projects. The framework is to use the Enniscorthy Town Centre projects (Templeshannon and Market Square) as the initial contract award in the establishment of the framework. The design team for Templeshannon will be required to develop the conceptual plan presented to EMD members in April 2025. Consultants for preliminary design, planning, detailed design, procurement and works supervision will be procured in tandem with consultants for the Market Square scheme. Consultants will be procured using a two-stage process. Stage 1, invitation to pre-qualify, will be advertised in March 2026.”

Based on what is being said above, it is clear that an agreed detailed plan for Templeshannon is a long way off! So WCC is proposing to apply under Category 1A of the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund which “will support plans and early design work to build a pipeline of future regeneration projects”, with funding available up to €150,000. So Templeshannon is being seen by WCC as a future project and not as an immediate one.

Barbara-Anne Murphy and her fellow Councillors were unanimous in their criticism of Templeshannon being left out of the upcoming main funding application. WCC replied that the Market Square and Castle projects are more or less shovel-ready and therefore WCC should concentrate on those as they have a good chance of funding of around €9 million under Category 1B which “will support the delivery and construction of ready-to-progress capital regeneration projects”.

The Councillors pointed out that Templeshannon has been on the agenda for many years – as far back as January 2018 EMD adopted the Templeshannon Regeneration Strategy – a 15-20 years Masterplan produced by Wexford Co. Council. So the Councillors believe there is no excuse for there being no detailed plan ready for funding.

After much heated debate, WCC officials agreed to take the EMD criticisms on board, see what could be done, and report back to an EMD meeting in April before the funding application deadline of 1st May 2026.

Footnote: To add insult to injury for the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, the Bunclody Park project is not being put forward by WCC for RRDF funding (Rural Regeneration and Development Fund) with WCC opting instead to run with a Castlebridge project. Leading to a clearly exasperated Cathaoirleach wondering in frustration, “Why do we bother?” – Editor

Save the date!

Darkness Into Light 2026 will take place at on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. Participants will leave McCauley Park (Rapparees/Starlights GAA Bellefield) at 4.15am.

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

Full details in next month’s Slaney News and regular updates on our Facebook page. And check out: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088855197125

Enniscorthy on parade – see

pages 58-61

The 2026 Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day Parade was a great success with 34 groups and 800 people taking part in the parade. The Grand Marshall on the day was the Slaney Search and Rescue organisation.

The town is grateful to David Martin, Event Co-ordinator, and all committee members who give up their spare time for the benefit of the town.

The St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, in association with Cottage Autism Network, introduced a Sensory Inclusion Street on Templeshannon Quay between the old and the new bridges to allow people of different abilities to access the

parade in an environment which is safe and sensitive to their needs.

The staff of Enniscorthy Municipal District and Wexford County Council who assisted with the event, deserve great credit, as do the winning entries on the day:

Dan Nolan Plant Hire – Best Overall Commercial Entry.

Martina Leacy All Abilities Dance Academy – Best Community Entry.

General Office and School Supplies – Best Dressed Business Window Display. n

Intimidation stalls repair work on Esmonde Road

The state of the Esmonde Road in Enniscorthy was brought up at the March meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) with Cllr Jackser Owens saying that one pothole in particular was at least a metre wide.

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

The engineer reassured the meeting that he would be doing ‘some work in the background’ to try to ensure the repair work could be done in safety.

One Councillor suggested that if necessary the army should be brought in to ensure repair crews can work safely there. n

Enniscorthy flood relief update

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

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

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

An aquadam will be employed on Shannon Quay.

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

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

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

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

An aquadam will be utilised on The Prom. Council engineers will work with affected homeowners around

individual house barriers.

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

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

Preparatory work for the interim measures, such as gathering information, has started and the measures themselves are due to begin this summer.

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

The advertisement for procurement of consultants for Phase 2 went live on Etenders at the end of February. Submissions were due in by the end of March. This is a two-stage process. All submissions received will be assessed for suitability. Those that pass the suitability assessment will then be invited to submit detailed tenders. n

Enniscorthy Digital Retail Village pilot scheme formally launched

The Enniscorthy Digital Retail Village Pilot Scheme was formally launched on Friday 26th March at Enniscorthy Castle, marking a significant milestone in the town’s digital transformation and illustrating Wexford Co. Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local enterprise.

The event was attended by the Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan; Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy; Cllr Trish Byrne; Cllr Pat Kehoe; Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise & Economic Development, Wexford Co. Council; Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager; the Tap Retail team, participating retailers, and invited guests.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, expressed his delight at the introduction of the new digital initiative. He acknowledged the vital role played by the Local Enterprise Office Wexford, noting its commitment to strengthening local enterprise and driving digital innovation. He extended particular thanks to Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Wexford Co. Council.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy highlighted the importance of the initiative in ensuring small businesses remain competitive: “The Enniscorthy Digital Retail Village is a major step forward in supporting small businesses and keeping our town’s retail sector strong. By making it easier than ever to shop local, we are ensuring that Enniscorthy’s independent retailers continue to be at the heart of our community.”

She emphasised that every purchase made through the platform directly benefits local businesses, helping to sustain jobs and strengthen the local economy.

To date the Enniscorthy Digital Retail Village has over 2,000 customer sign-ups. Strong early traction has been achieved across social media channels with 280,307 total views, 106,699 unique users reached, and 7,685 website visits generated.

This reflects growing awareness of both the platform and participating local businesses. A coordinated local marketing effort is underway to continue to build awareness across the town.

A testimonial video from Akis, owner of Meraki Greek Café, was shown. Akis is one of the strongest early performers and he shared the positive impact the initiative has had on his own business.

Matt Ronan, owner of Evolv Health Store, who is also a participating retailer, welcomed the initiative and spoke about the potential that this has for Enniscorthy.

In closing the event, Claire Lawless, District Manager, thanked all participating retailers for their enthusiasm and commitment to the initiative.

Check out: https://tap-retail.com/multi-point/groups/enniscorthy/3/all/stores https://www.facebook.com/tapretail/videos/932219292734468/ https://www.facebook.com/tapretail

See more on pages 108-109. n

Smyth’s Homevalue on the world stage

Enniscorthy family‑run store shortlisted for Global Retail Award in Chicago

Smyth’s Homevalue, the family run home and hardware store at the heart of Enniscorthy for over 40 years, was recognised on the world stage after being named Ireland’s representative at the prestigious Global Innovation Awards which took place in Chicago last month.

The Global Innovation Awards programme, organised by the International Homewares Association, recognises outstanding home and housewares retailers from more than 30 countries worldwide. Smyth’s Homevalue was selected by Hardware & Homestyle as Ireland’s representative, with judges praising the store as “a perfect example of what a destination homewares store can be – a cornerstone of the community it serves and so much more.”

The awards form part of the Inspired Home Show, one of the world’s largest home and housewares trade events, held annually in Chicago. Representatives of Smyth’s Homevalue were honoured as part of the event in the Windy City on Tuesday March 10th.

Owned by Dermot Kavanagh, who runs the business alongside his wife Betty, son Jack, and their hardworking local team, Smyth’s Homevalue has built a strong reputation for its broad home and DIY offering expert advice and customer service. The store has continued to evolve in recent years while remaining firmly rooted in the community values that have defined the family business for generations.

The international nomination caps off a standout twelve months for the Enniscorthy business. Late last year, Smyth’s Homevalue was named Best Paint Store in Leinster and Overall Best Paint Store in Ireland at United Hardware’s 2025 United in Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding standards in retail, customer service and store presentation.

Last autumn, the store also strengthened its offering further with the launch of DID Essentials, bringing a dedicated in-store home appliances concept to Enniscorthy and reinforcing Smyth’s Homevalue’s position as a one-stop shop for home, DIY, and everyday household needs.

Dermot Kavanagh, owner of Smyth’s Homevalue, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to see Smyth’s Homevalue recognised on the global stage as Ireland’s representative at the Global Innovation Awards. For a family business that my late father Jack built from 1979, this honour means the world to us. It’s a testament to the loyalty of our customers, the dedication of our incredible team in Enniscorthy and Gorey, and the values of

service, quality, and community that have guided us for generations.

“While we’ve continued to evolve, expanding our homewares departments, strengthening our paint and décor offering, and introducing new initiatives like DID Essentials, we’ve always stayed true to the personal touch that defines us. To be counted among the very best retailers from around the world is both humbling and exciting, and this recognition belongs to our whole community in County Wexford.”

Smyth’s Homevalue has served the Enniscorthy community for more than four decades and continues to employ a local team across its Enniscorthy and Gorey stores, offering expert advice, trusted brands, and a strong focus on customer service. n

St Patrick’s Day winners

Enniscorthy Municipal District St Patrick’s Day winners:

Shop window competition: Above: Sue Molloy accepting the first prize on behalf of General Office & School Supplies from Cllr Barbara-Anne Muphy (Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District) with District staff members Barbara Nolan and Lisa Moore in attendance.

Best community entry in the parade: Below right: Martina Leacy accepting the award on behalf of her All Abilities Dance Academy. Best of luck to all of them in Disneyland Paris later this year!

Best commercial entry in the parade: Below left: Ciara Warren (and baby Freddie) accepting the award on behalf of Dan Nolan Plant Hire. n

ANOTHER FEATHER IN THE CAP OF THE SHANNON WAY

The Shannon Way is a wonderful project to improve the Shannon area of Enniscorthy and in particular the appearance of the road running from Toss Kavanagh's Pub all the way up to Drumgoold, and to improve the quality of life of the people living in that area.

The Shannon Way project is primarily organised and implemented by Enniscorthy Community Alliance (ECA) which operates a number of projects and programmes to support the enhancement of Enniscorthy. The Alliance works in collaboration with local groups so all projects have buy-in from the local community. In the case of The Shannon Way project, ECA is working with Enniscorthy East Community Development, Enniscorthy Municipal District, and Sustainable Enniscorthy among others.

The latest development on The Shannon Way happened last month with the installation at the newly painted Barley Field lane of five large photo panels depicting various aspects of local history. Many thanks to Ibar Carty for kindly providing the amazing images.

The installation was kindly done by Enniscorthy Municipal District staff members Brian, Martin, and Matthew and overseen by John Jude Murphy of ECA (all pictured below).

Unfortunately our accompanying photos do not do justice to the quality of the images on the panels themselves, so all are invited to view the panels in person in their new attractive setting. And we look forward to seeing several other impressive developments on The Shannon Way over the coming months. n

Parking in Bunclody and Ferns

Parking issues in Bunclody were raised at the December 2025 Bunclody Town Team meeting.

The Town Team is carrying out a parking survey to get feedback from businesses and residents in Bunclody.

Enniscorthy Municipal District’s Parking Bye-Laws 2023 for Bunclody state that there is Free 4-Hour Max Stay parking on The Mall and in the Market Square areas. It has been agreed to enforce these parking bye-laws for Bunclody going forward.

A Traffic Warden is currently patrolling the area for illegal parking only i.e. parking on footpaths and double-yellow lines. Signage in regard to 4-hour free parking will be installed in the coming weeks. A meeting regarding Parking Permits is due to take place shortly.

Meanwhile, Cllr John O’Rourke is seeking the introduction of paid parking on Main Street in Ferns to help stop people parking there all day while taking public trans-

Roads Engineer Neil Dempsey has agreed to look into it but warned that it would in-

volve additional manhours to enforce it. He also mentioned that a Park & Ride could provide a long-term solution. n

Funding for home improvements for the elderly and disabled

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has announced over €5.57m funding to improve homes for older people and people with disabilities in Co. Wexford.

Under the scheme, grants of up to €40,000 are available to assist disabled people in carrying out the necessary work to make a home more suitable for their needs. Additionally, grants of up to €10,700 are available to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out on their homes, and grants of up to €8,000 are available for mobility aids.

Announcing the funding for Wexford, Minister Browne said: “Housing Adaptation Grants assist hugely in supporting independent living for people in their own homes. We need to be able to facilitate an early return for people from

hospital stays. I want older people in Wexford, and those with access needs, to be able to live in their own homes. It’s essential. It’s about dignity. I know how important this is for people and their

families, regardless of their age.

“I have witnessed firsthand how these grants have supported so many people across the county to live at home. These grants also support local economies, creating employment opportunities for local contractors."

Commenting on the role of local authorities in the grant, Minister Browne said: "Local authorities play a central role in administering these schemes... I want to compliment local authorities including Wexford County Council for the key role they play in administering the grants, such as assessing applications and arranging home inspections where adaptations are proposed. Through this work, local authorities are empowering older and disabled people in their daily routines enabling them to maintain their independence within their own homes.” n

Local group advocating for community pharmacy

The Phoenix Rising Network is leading a campaign for ‘after hours pharmacy access’ in Enniscorthy.

The Network is all about empowering people with disabilities, their carers, and their families through inclusive programmes, advocacy, and community support.

They believe the local community deserves better as when there is no access to medication, because no pharmacy is available, vulnerable people suffer.

The traditional, informal pharmacy rota that operated in Enniscorthy until fairly recently has ‘collapsed’, they say, and ‘We need a PERMANENT solution.’

So the group is now campaigning for:

• A dedicated after-hours pharmacy at the Quarry Park CareDoc Centre.

• Open Sundays, Bank Holidays and evenings.

• Creating local jobs.

• Serving those most in need.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

SIGN and SHARE the petition: https://c.org/ZHRhM8chBL

Contact your local public representatives, and use the HASHTAG #EnniscorthyNeedsAPharmacy on social media.

The Network says, “Temporary rotas have failed. We need a guaranteed, integrated solution. We call on the Health Service

Executive (HSE) to open a dedicated community pharmacy within the existing Primary Care Centre at Quarry Park, ensure it operates during all CareDoc out-of-hours:

Sundays, Bank Holidays, and evenings, and create a seamless service so patients seen by the GP can get their medication immediately, safely, and with dignity. n

Have you spotted it yet?

As part of The Shannon Way project, Enniscorthy Community Alliance is thrilled to have been able to install a beautiful metal arch at Armstrong’s Range viewing point.

It beautifully frames the view of Enniscorthy down in the valley below. It will be enhanced with climbing plants to add more color throughout the seasons.

It is hoped this feature will become a prominent viewing point, and a great place to take photos of the town. n

Enniscorthy snippets...

VINEGAR HILL

New seating has been installed as have new panels detailing the experience of the battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798 in both Irish and English. Parking and access improvements to Vinegar Hill are being investigated by Wexford Co. Council (WCC). €40,000 in government grant funding has been awarded to Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) for signage and laneway improvements. The Enniscorthy East Community Development Association believes it has identified a site that could be used to allow access to the Hill for buses etc, and could potentially house a new welcome centre/ coffee shop/toilets, etc and have contacted EMD officials about it.

ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY WELLBEING & ACTIVITY GARDEN

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

ENNISCORTHY

TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION PROJECTS

Market Square Project: The Part 8 process for the Market Square project was concluded on 9th Sept. 2024, with the Council approving the scheme with amendments to address matters raised during the public consultation process. Everything is in order for upcoming grant funding call.

Castle Quarter Project: A ‘Part 8’ planning process for the Castle Quarter project was launched on 11th February 2026. An application for Ministerial Consents for the project, given its proximity to a National Monument, has been successfully obtained. The Castle nightclub has been acquired and discussions are ongoing with other landowners to acquire further lands required for the project. Ground Investigation works are currently ongoing to inform archaeological and structural engineering considerations.

Templeshannon Regeneration Project: A design team for Templeshannon will be put in place to develop the conceptual plan presented to EMD members in April 2025.

Officials from the UDRF section of the DHLGH visited Enniscorthy on 17th September 2025 to view the three Enniscorthy Town Centre project sites. These projects can only proceed if WCC is successful in securing government funding. See page 23 for full information on funding.

ENNISCORTHY CCTV

A total of 22 CCTV cameras are being installed at different locations within Enniscorthy Town which have been agreed with An Garda Siochana. There has been a delay with ESB works. There are three new connections to be finalised. Educom are due on site around now to fit the new CCTV infrastructure where ESB works are complete. The formal approval for use of the Garda Mast is still awaited but getting closer. The Enniscorthy CCTV scheme is expected to be complete by mid to late April.

Bunclody CCTV Project: The CCTV civil & electrical works commenced on 23rd February. The CCTV poles are currently being installed. Al Read Electrical are due on site around now to commence the electrical works which will take approx 3–4 days. Once these works are completed, the ESB will be coming on site to set up the new connections.

ENNISCORTHY SPORTS HUB

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

ENNISCORTHY NORTH BUSINESS DISTRICT (Old Dublin Road)

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

MURPHY FLOODS SITE

This newly opened carpark adds 37 carparking spaces for the town. A valuation on the site has recently been received in the order of €280,000. Wexford County Council is committed to the long-term development of the site on a commercial basis; and it will be placed on the open market. It is expected that any development would take several years to come to fruition.

TURRET ROCKS

In previous issues we outlined the draft masterplan for the site. At the March meeting of EMD, Manager Claire Lawless confirmed that a skate park would be included and that she had already got a design and costing for it. This whole project is predicated on being successful in receiving planning permission and government funding.

ENNISCORTHY FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME

The Scheme is now proceeding on a phased basis.

Phase 1 – Bridgeworks. This phase of the project will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. Public consultation on the preferred option for Phase 1 took place late last year. An application for planning approval for Phase 1 is to be submitted in Q3 2026.

Phase 2 – Flood Relief Works. This phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for the town. The next steps are: Assess alternative design options in detail and shortlist these for consultation. Identify the preferred scheme to be brought forward for planning. Decide the appropriate planning route. Prepare planning documents and submit for planning approval.

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

BUNCLODY PARK

A Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement, plans and particulars were submitted to An Bord Pleanála under Section 177AE. The Board was satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the European Site (the Slaney River Valley Special area of Conservation) in view of the Site’s conservation objectives. The application was approved with conditions at the end of February 2025. WCC Property Section has signed contracts with the landowner to acquire lands for this project.

PAIRC NA GABHAR BUNCLODY

A revised plan for Pairc Na Gabhar has been drawn up. The proposed development will now proceed to Part 8 Planning.

RAFTER STREET PEDESTRIANISATION

Recessed bollard mounts and bollards have been installed with a facility for the Emergency Services to have access. EMD is now strictly enforcing the pedestrianisation. New signage has been erected stating current byelaw times – between 10.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. The possibility of extending the pedestrianisation hours to cover Saturdays and Sundays will be looked at.

LIBRARIES

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

ALL-WEATHER ASTRO PITCH, ROSS ROAD

The official opening took place on 24th February 2025. To contact the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com, tel: 087 4132843.

ENNISCORTHY TRAILS

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

COLUMBARIUM WALL

Quotations have been received by EMD for the proposed Columbarium Wall in Enniscorthy Lawn Cemetery, and are being exmained at present.

RINGWOOD

Wexford Local Development was awarded €40,000 in government funding to resurface the entrance lane to Ringwood. The completed works will be formally launched over the coming days.

BALLYHOGUE COMMUNITY HUB

The project has an expected completion date of June 2027.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

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

BLACKSTAIRS

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

ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK PHASE 2

Tobin Consulting Engineers were appointed to provide technical consultancy services for this project to service upper sites at ETP. Site investigations are complete, and design work is near completion. It is anticipated the tender for construction works will be advertised around now.

ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK – IDA ADVANCE FACTORY

A planning application for a proposed advance factory building in Enniscorthy Technology Park has been approved. n

L-R: Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr John O’Rourke, Colm Moriarty (Heritage Officer, Wexford Co. Council), Barbara Nolan (Enniscorthy Municipal District), Cllr Aidan Browne.

New heritage panels for Vinegar Hill

The new Vinegar Hill Heritage panels have been installed. These detail the experience of the battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798 in both Irish and English.

The panels were warmly welcomed at the March meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, but the feedback from Councillors is that more still needs to be done. For example, Cathaoirleach Barbara-

Anne Murphy suggested a stone pillar like on Brandon Hill at Graiguenamanagh which has directional arrows. On Vinegar Hill these arrows could point to Monageer, Oulart Hill, and other important places associated with 1798. Cllr Pat Kehoe suggested something similar but using panels built into the ground with directional arrows. n

JULIE AND DONNA LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU

The wonderful Julie Grant and Donna Spellacy O'Leary from the Enniscorthy SICAP team (Social Inclusion and Com-

munity Activation Programme) in Wexford Local Development look forward to seeing you for a casual chat at one of their upcoming pop-up hub events in Templeshannon Community Centre over the coming weeks:

11.30am to 1pm on 13th April, 27th April, and 5th May.

With a focus on education, employment, equality, wellbeing, community development etc, drop in and find out what SICAP can do for you. n

Amnesty Wexford – defending human rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow on Facebook: ‘Enniscorthy East Community Development’

New Family Resource Centre announced for Templeshannon.

A Family Resource Centre (FRC) is a community-based organisation that supports families, individuals, and communities. These centres provide a range of services such as parenting support, information and advice, community activities, education programmes, and help for people experiencing social or economic difficulties.

Family Resource Centres aim to strengthen families, reduce disadvantage, and promote community wellbeing by offering both universal supports for everyone and targeted help for those who need additional assistance. Serving the whole of Enniscorthy, the new FRC will operate in partnership with community groups and state agencies such as Tusla and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

Having a Family Resource Centre (FRC) based in a community brings a range of social, educational, and support benefits for local residents.

Key benefits

1. Support for families and parents

5. Support for children and young people

Many centres run youth activities, after-school programmes, and developmental supports that benefit children and young people in the community.

6. Empowering local communities

Family Resource Centres encourage community participation, helping residents develop leadership skills and become involved in improving their local area.

Overall, an FRC provides local, accessible support that strengthens families, promotes wellbeing, and helps communities grow stronger together.

Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre Ltd (TCCC Ltd) will be the host organisation for the new FRC. Discussions are underway between TCCC Ltd and Túsla with regard to commencing with the FRC implementation plan.

A Family Resource Centre will mean the recruitment of additional full-time staff in the positions of FRC Manager and Community and Family support workers.

Family Resource Centres provide parenting programmes, family support services, and advice that help families deal with everyday challenges and strengthen relationships.

2. Early help and prevention

By offering accessible local support, FRCs can help identify difficulties early and provide assistance before problems become more serious.

3. Community connection and inclusion

Centres act as welcoming community hubs where people can meet, take part in activities, and reduce social isolation. This helps build stronger community relationships.

4. Access to services and information

FRCs help people access important services such as education programmes, counselling, employment supports, and health information.

Expressions of interest/ CVs for these positions can be emailed to the Chairman of TCCC Ltd at bom@templeshannoncommunity.org

Keep up to date with what’s happening Eastside:

Enniscorthy East Community Development Association Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity

Eastside Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/320813591438762

Templeshannon Childcare Centre: https://www.facebook.com/templeshannonchildcarecentre

Templeshannon Community Centre: ]https://www.facebook.com/TempleshannonCommunityCentre

Enniscorthy Community Alliance Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthycommunityalliance n

Some of the many activities at Templeshannon Community Centre

Sustainable Enniscorthy

month Sustainable Enniscorthy has a guest writer from Kildare Wildlife Rescue.

Located just off the motorway in Kildare town is Kildare Wildlife Rescue, a volunteer-run charity organisation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and return of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife in Kildare and beyond.

KWR centre is conveniently located right next to Village Vets GreyAbbey, a 24/7 veterinary hospital, providing the centre with readily accessible veterinary treatment for its patients. The centre is home to hundreds of animals at any given time and its dedicated volunteers work around the clock to triage, examine, treat, and feed a wide range of Ireland’s native wildlife.

As KWR is the closest wildlife rehabilitation facility to Co. Wexford, the centre often admits wildlife from the area. One of their current Enniscorthy residents is a Leisler’s Bat who was found under a kitchen cupboard, covered in cobwebs.

They can struggle when they wake up from hibernation and he was very lucky that the kind home owner found him and contacted us. The bat is recovering well and the animal care team is doing everything they can to ensure that he can regain his strength and be returned to the wild.

A more commonly seen resident of Enniscorthy, a mute swan, was brought by the Wexford SPCA in October of last year. The swan crash landed on a road and was admitted with abrasions, cuts, and blood on his legs and feet. This is a common occurrence in wet weather conditions as swans can easily mistake a wet road for a river and land hard on their feet as a result. The swan was successfully treated, recovered very well and was released back a month later.

Those are just two of over 5,000 patients that KWR centre admits in a year. The or-

If you would like to get involved in Sustainable Enniscorthy or be kept informed of our initiatives, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com www.sustainableenniscorthy.com

Contact us to get involved!

ganisation prides itself in helping mitigate the pressure that wildlife is under due to a variety of human related threats. The team’s work plays a crucial role in conserving Ireland’s ecosystems and addressing the biodiversity crisis, helping to protect and preserve our natural heritage for future generations.

If you find injured wildlife, you can contact KWR Help Desk by email at info@kwr.ie with a photo or short video of the animal, your name, location, and phone number. Volunteers monitor this email daily from 8am to 10pm and will respond promptly.

KWR is always happy to admit wildlife from Co. Wexford but finding transport can sometimes be a struggle. If you would like to help local wildlife and would be interested in transporting injured or orphaned animals to Kildare, please email volunteer@kwr.ie, the KWR Response Team is always looking to welcome new volunteers who can help rescue and transport wildlife in distress.

We encourage you to follow KWR on social media to get your daily dose of ethical and heartwarming wildlife content. And if you can, please donate or sign up for their Patreon at patreon.com/kwr to receive exclusive monthly newsletter and access to a wide range for online talks about Ireland’s natural heritage. n

“We

are looking for more men!”

Voices of Harmony, the new men’s singing group in Enniscorthy, is currently looking for new members.

Now is a great time to start a new pastime. If you like to sing why not go along and join in every Monday evening. NO AUDITIONS REQUIRED, JUST SHOW UP AND SING ALONG WITH THE GROUP. New members are always welcome! For more information, call Seamus on 087 2930510. n

“A major cause for concern”

Sinn Féin Wicklow-Wexford TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin is greatly concerned over CAHMS operations in Wexford North. Following parliamentary questions submitted by the Deputy, he reports stark findings...

“I am deeply concerned that for eight months now there has been no Occupational Therapist in both North and South Wexford CAHMS teams. This means that since July 2025 no patient under CAHMS care in this locality has had access to this vital service. In other words, it also means that these CAHMS teams are not providing the level of care that they are intended to provide, which is something I am deeply concerned about.

“To add insult to the injury, there is another vacant post for a staff grade Psychologist since January this year. I am extremely concerned that this position may be left vacant for eight months also, or worse, even longer. The children requiring this service simply cannot afford to wait.

“In January the Wexford North CAHMS team had a waiting list of 84 children. That is 84 children who feel they are in crisis, 84 children in a relatively small geographical area who are struggling in their daily lives. 22 of these children have been waiting between 9 and 12 months; that is 365 days of unbearable suffering for some of those children to survive through. I empathise with the children and their families who are struggling through these difficulties without adequate support, it is simply not good enough and this has to change.”

“The main objective of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services is to provide specialist, multidisciplinary assessment and treatment for children and adolescents experi encing moderate-to-severe mental health difficulties. I lack faith in the service if they are not achieving their main objec tive for each of their patients.

I ask that the Minister address this issue immediately. We know that prevention and early intervention are of paramount im portance when ad dressing mental health issues in children and young people, therefore we must have faith that the designated ser vice is providing ad equate care to those in need.” n

Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD

Construction of €7.6m Rosslare Coastal Erosion Scheme is years away

The construction of the €7.6m Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief (CEFRS) Scheme may not start for another two years according to an emailed reply to a question from a Rosslare homeowner to the Minister of State Kevin ’Boxer’ Moran TD.

The reply on 30 March 2026 states:

“Subject to successful planning consent, the construction for the scheme is expected to commence in Q4 2028, with substantial completion in Q3 2030.”

The scheme is going through a fivestage process and is now at the latter stage of Stage 1 which is Scheme Development and Preliminary Design. Stage 2 is Public Exhibition/Confirmation and Planning Approval. Stage 3 is Detailed Design and Stage 4 is Implementation and Construction. Handover (Stage 5) may not take place until Q3 of 2030.

The Minister’s office reply states that Wexford County Council (WCC) is the lead authority or sponsoring agency for the Scheme and the OPW ( Office of Public Works) are the approving authority.

It states that local coastal erosion and flooding are a matter in the first instance for the local authority (WCC) to investigate and address. Local authorities can, where feasible, bring forward advance works or some minor works prior to the

main scheme being completed. These can be funded by the OPW and can mitigate the impact from a flood event.

This process known as the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to local authorities. It has €2 million which can be used to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or

studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within administrative areas.

The reply states that Wexford County Council are currently considering coastal protection/erosion works on Rosslare Strand and that it is open to the Council to apply for the funding.

– M.F.

Condemnation for withdrawal of Bus Éireann services

Wexford Young Fine Gael has condemned the decision to withdraw three Bus Éireann services with one of these being Route 40 from Rosslare that goes through Waterford to Tralee, and calls for Bus Éireann to reverse this decision.

With many Wexford students unable to afford accommodation for college they have been forced to resort to public transport to attend college. Young Fine Gael Leinster Regional Organiser and SETU Waterford student Ian Moran says:

“In my first year of college I had to rely on the bus to get to and from college and I know many others who were doing the same. There are currently two options for students travelling from Wexford which are Bus Éireann and Wexford Bus.

“This puts more pressure on students when you see the price of student accommodation, the rise in fuel prices, and many students struggling to get parking on campus in certain colleges. I along with my Wexford Young Fine Gael colleagues are calling on Bus Éireann to reverse this decision.”

For Wexford Young Fine Gael’s Secretary and Tagoat native Louis Pemble this is an all too familiar tale. Louis notes the decline in quality of infrastructure in Rosslare. Louis joins his colleagues call for the reversal of this decision saying:

“Despite significant development in the Rosslare area in recent years, the wider

regional connections people rely on have been reduced over time. The loss of the Waterford rail service and the curtailment of the Dublin to Rosslare bus route to Wexford town have had a real impact.

“The Programme for Government sets out a clear ambition to strengthen and expand public transport, and that is something we strongly support. What we need now is to see that ambition reflected in improved regional connectivity for communities across the South East.”

Young Fine Gael says it has consistently called for changes in both student accommodation and public transport. In YFG’s 2026 Pre Budget Submission that was presented to then Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, Young Fine Gael called for the maximum age for the adult leap card to be extended from 25 to 30 and called for ringfenced funding for third level institutions to build student accommodation with support from the Land Development Agency.

Young Fine Gael is the politically autonomous yet integral youth wing of the Fine Gael party, maintaining its independence to advance political representation and objectives of the youth of Ireland through the vehicle of Fine Gael.

It is committed to the shared values of the Fine Gael party: equality of opportunity, enterprise and reward, safety and security in our society, while insisting that integrity and ambition are at the core of its actions.

Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow-Wexford, is calling for urgent supports for operators such as Wexford Bus and commercial operators as fuel costs spike. Deputy Ó Súilleabháin has been contacted by a member of the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), who raised concerns about Ireland’s commercial bus and coach sector.

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin says the sector has been “left behind yet again’ as diesel prices have risen, placing enormous strain on operators who play a vital public transport role across regional Ireland.

“Unlike the haulage sector, bus operators cannot reclaim VAT on fuel,” Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said. “This creates a significant and unfair imbalance that is threatening the viability of regional services, school transport routes, and essential commuter connections.”

He urged the Government to act immediately by introducing:

• A meaningful fuel duty rebate for commercial bus operators.

• Temporary excise relief to offset the recent price surge.

• Recognition and correction of the VAT imbalance between hauliers and bus operators.

• A fuel variation mechanism in all State school transport contracts, to ensure operators are not locked into unsustainable costs.

“These operators are providing essential public services – getting workers to their jobs, students to their classes, and keeping rural Ireland connected. They cannot continue absorbing massive fuel increases without government intervention,” he said.

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin confirmed that he has submitted a Parliamentary Question to the Minister demanding immediate action.

“The government cannot continue to ignore the pressures facing the commercial bus sector. Without targeted supports, routes will be cut, services reduced, and communities left isolated.” n

Enniscorthy Toastmasters

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

About the Hope Cancer Support Centre:

Join us on Sunday, April 12th, for the 15th Hope & Dream 10. Last year over €174,000 was raised.

Only one week to go to our 2026 event. The Hope and Dream office is buzzing! Race packs are being packed, sponsorship cards are flying out, and excitement is building! Don’t wait — register now at: https://www.hopeanddream10.com/online-registration/ to grab your 2026 Hope and Dream T-Shirt and Race Pack.

If we do nothing.....nothing will happen!

The Hope Cancer Support Centre provides a range of services to people whose lives have been changed by a cancer diagnosis. The services on offer, which are free to everyone, are provided by a team of professionals and volunteers in an empathetic manner placing the client at the centre of everything we do.

Our mission is to:

Offer practical and emotional support to people with a cancer diagnosis and their supporters and carers, from the time of their diagnosis, through their treatments and afterwards.

To ensure a caring, confidential and professional service is delivered in a safe and peaceful environment.

To strive to improve our performance by driving quality and evidencebased practice in all our support activities.

Our goals are to:

Provide the best possible supports to people with a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones.

Reduce the impact of a cancer diagnosis through the provision of supports that are evidence based and that adhere to best practices. Ensure the equality of access to all people wishing to engage with our services in a timely manner and be supported in the manner that suits them best.

Strive to improve our performance by listening to our client feedback and responding.

Strengthen all we do by working as a team, ensuring the focus is on client needs, while complying with legal and regulatory requirements. More information can be found at: www.hopesupportcentre.ie, or by phoning 053 9238555, or emailing: info@hopesupportcentre.ie n

PhotoVoice Creating Space: Stories of Templeshannon

ing in Templeshannon Community Centre, Enniscorthy, on 25th March.

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

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

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

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

The Slaney News attended the first session on 25th March, and the excitement was palpable among the enthusiastic attendees. A follow-up session is scheduled for early this month.

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

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

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

Expansion of Clár funding

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD has announced an expansion of the CLÁR programme for 2026.

Ferns, Kilrush, and Ballyhogue in the Enniscorthy Municipal District are now included under the Clár programme. Elsewhere in the county, Clonroche, Taghmon, Duncormick, Rosslare Harbour, and Rosslare Strand are among those also being added.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Barbara-Anne Murphy would like to see it extended to even more villages and townlands in the Enniscorthy District.

Expression of Interest will be advertised soon.

Under the initiative, funding will be provided across three measures.

Measure 1:

Development of community facilities and amenities including sports facilities, youth clubs, teenage spaces, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more. There are new items eligible for support this year under Measure 1, including support for traffic safety measures with a particular link to community facilities or events, and for initiatives aimed at reducing light pollution in rural communities.

Measure 2

Support for vehicles for community transport used to transport cancer patients or persons with reduced mobility, for community first responders and for meals on wheels organisations.

Measure 3

Tailored funding for offshore island communities under the specific ‘Our Living Islands’ measure.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister James Browne TD said: “I have been working to secure this major expansion of the Clár programme in the county for a number of years, and this is significant news for all of the communities which can now access the programme. Our community groups benefit hugely from this funding. The money is used for amenities like sports clubs, youth clubs and playgrounds, as well as sensory gardens and walking tracks.

“This money can also be applied for and utilised to transport cancer patients or persons with reduced mobility, for community first responders and for meals on wheels organisations.

“I embedded a commitment in our Programme for Government to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligibility criteria of CLÁR with a view to expanding the programme to rural areas which were previously ineligible, and it’s great now to see that delivered for many of our local areas.”

“Community groups across the county should contact their local authority in respect of applications for community facilities under measure 1. Organisations can apply directly to Minister Calleary’s Department for projects under measure 2 & 3.”

The expansion of Clár funding has also been welcomed by Senator Cathal Byrne who said that the expansion is a great opportunity for Wexford communities that have now been included in the programme which has a budget of €12 million nationwide.

“I will be in contact with local people directly in the communities to offer any help and assistance that I can give to them in drawing down this funding and developing their local areas.” n

A day in the life

A Day in the Life of a Parliamentary Assistant –originally from Enniscorthy, Patrick Higgins now lives near Kilmuckridge.

Politics in Ireland is unique. Many of us will know our politicians personally which is not the norm in other countries. The Parliamentary Assistant’s role in Ireland strengthens that sense of being close to those who make the important decisions up the road in Leinster House, on our behalf, but what is a Parliamentary Assistant?

Working as a politician’s assistant means providing administrative support to an elected representative. The role involves secretarial tasks, research, and all the behind-the-scenes work needed to help the politician represent their constituents. Most politicians have between one and three assistants, and although job titles and locations vary, the core responsibilities remain similar.

A Parliamentary Assistant responds to enquiries from constituents, other politicians, the media, and lobbyists. They perform secretarial duties such as managing the politician’s diary, taking minutes at meetings, filing, responding to correspondence, and dealing with the public. They may also attend public, private, and sporting functions to assist the politician, and sometimes stand in when the politician cannot attend.

The role involves liaising with government, local councillors, party headquarters, other politicians, embassies, commissioners, interest groups, the media, voluntary organisations, and most importantly constituents. Other responsibilities include drafting amendments for reports, preparing briefing material, and supporting the politician in getting issues onto the political agenda through research or engagement with key individuals or groups.

Patrick Higgins is the Parliamentary Assistant to Deputy Malcolm Byrne, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Spokesperson on Climate, Environment and Energy. Deputy Byrne is a TD for Wicklow–Wexford. Patrick did not come from a political

background. His father works in the ESB, and his mother was a stay-at-home parent to twin boys. However, she had been the constituency organiser for Fianna Fáil in County Wexford before her passing. Patrick first became involved in Ógra Fianna Fáil and remains active in the party’s grassroots. “I always remember going to the first meeting, it was in Murphy Floods Hotel, Enniscorthy, and my brother John and I were the youngest people there.”

In a by-election in Wexford after Mick Wallace’s election to the European Parliament, Malcolm Byrne was elected to the Dáil in November 2019. Patrick joined Malcolm’s team shortly afterwards. A new chapter began when he became Parliamentary Assistant just before the February 2020 general election.

With modern technology and social media, the role has become a twentyfour-seven job unlike many office roles with fixed hours. “It wouldn’t be unusual for me to get seventy mobile phone calls in a day. I’d also have messages on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other platforms. It’s grand, but processing it all can be challenging. Everything is so instant now. I am constantly aware that I am also representing Deputy Byrne, and what I say can be construed as what he would say, so communication is very important.”

Patrick often begins his day early at 7:30am, when calls from the public start coming in. Issues range from housing, road works, water supply, and passports to more urgent or sensitive matters. Housing, for example, can be life-changing for individuals and families.

The work varies widely – homelessness, people losing accommodation, water leaks, financial distress, and drug addiction. Many people come seeking guidance. “It’s a terrific job, and I get a buzz out of getting a result. Sometimes you don’t get the result you want, but when you do, it’s hugely satisfying.”

However, there is a difficult side. “It’s lucky I have thick skin and don’t let it affect me, but there are days I go home and talk to my wife about it. I’ve been insulted, shouted at, and even blamed for

things I had nothing to do with. But once you get to the bottom of the issue, it’s just a person with a concern who needs help or advice.”

As Parliamentary Assistant to Malcolm Byrne TD, a number of queries will require a response from the relevant Government Minister. In this context a Parliamentary Question can be put to the Minister. This is an effective way to raise local and national issues with Ministers.

Patrick also meets various groups and delegations on behalf of Deputy Byrne and assists with interactions with the local authority. Media briefings are another key part of the job. The media play an essential role in political life. Ensuring accurate information is shared before it is broadcast is vital. This includes interviews with journalists, radio appearances, and occasional television segments.

Deputy Byrne applies pressure on officials when required and is kept informed of the issues his constituents are experiencing.

“The Parliamentary Assistant allows the TD to focus on both national and local legislation, while the assistant manages constituency issues such as social welfare or housing here in the office.”

Patrick encourages young people interested in politics to get involved locally.

“Get involved in a party, whichever party, and build up knowledge of how the political system works. There are openings in the political system: parliamentary researchers, parliamentary assistants, communications roles within parties. It’s a very interesting field, varied, and no two days are the same.”

“It’s an extremely interesting job, but you need patience and a lot of it. It’s something I enjoy, and I’m lucky to be working with one of the top parliamentarians in the country. I’ve learned a lot from him.” n

Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

CLÁR Funding 2026

Measure 1:

Developing Community Facilities and Amenities

Call for Expressions of Interest now open Closing Date 1st May 2026

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Minister Dara Calleary TD has launched the 2026 CLÁR Funding Programme making available grants from €5,000 to €100,000 for small infrastructural projects in designated areas.

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population and/or socio-economic disadvantage and geographic remoteness. The programme is funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development & the Gaeltacht (DRCDG). Measure 1 –Developing Community Facilities and Amenities is administered by the Local Authority.

Wexford County Council invites Expressions of Interest from schools, community and voluntary groups and local development companies that may have a suitable project for consideration under the Scheme. Projects proposed must be located within one of the following CLÁR areas:

ED ID ED NAME

14067 Ballyhack

14009 Ballyhoge

14073 Clonleigh

14019 Clonroche

14048 Coolgreany

14101 Duncormick

14022 Ferns

14080 Kilmokea

14111 Kilmore

14028 Kilrush

14113 Kilscoran

14081 Newbawn

14118 Rosslare

14119 St. Helen’s

14121 Taghmon

Further information on the programme is available at : https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-communitydevelopment-and-the-gaeltacht/policy-information/clárfunding-for-small-scale-rural-projects

Wexford County Council will assess EOI’s received and select proposals for development into detailed applications to be submitted to the Department (in line with the terms of the scheme, Wexford County Council will select up to 12no. proposals up to €65,000 and up to 2no. further proposals up to €100,000).

Details of the CLÁR Programme and the Expression of Interest (EOI) Form can be downloaded from the following link: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community-and-sports/supports-grants-and-awards/clar-2026

Expressions of Interest Return Information:

Fully completed and signed Expression of Interest (EOI) forms must be submitted on or before 5:00pm Friday 1st May 2026.

By e-mail only: – Titled ‘CLÁR 2026’ to clar@wexfordcoco.ie

All enquiries should be forwarded to clar@wexfordcoco.ie

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

Environmental Worker with Drivers Licene – 1 position

Worker – 1 position

Duties to include:

• Environmental Worker - General maintenance, cleaning, planting and weeding etc. Those applying for the position with licence, must hold a full clean valid driving licence.

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

The closing date for applications is Friday 10th April 2026 at 4.30pm.

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

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Comhairle Contae Loch Garman 053 919 6000 www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93

Tá folúntais ag Comhairle Contae Loch Garman sna réimsí seo a leanas den Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail atá againn

Post Áit

Oibrí Comhshaoil a bhfuil Ceadúnas

Tiomána aige - 1 phost Guaire

Oibrí Comhshaoil – 1 phost Guaire

Áireofar ar na dualgais a bheidh le déanamh:

• Oibrí Comhshaoil - cothabháil ghinearálta, glantachán, plandú agus gortghlanadh etc. Ní mór d’iarratasóirí ar an bpost dá dteastaíonn ceadúnas láncheadúnas tiomána bailí glan a bheith acu.

Chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar aon cheann de na poist seo agus chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil, déan teagmháil le Bernie Lennon, Maoirseoir na Scéime Fostaíochta Pobail, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, ar (087) 6575743 le linn uaireanta oifige ón 9am–5pm nó Tracey Begley, Maoirseoir na Scéime Fostaíochta Pobail, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, ar (087) 0029702 le linn uaireanta oifige nó seol ríomhphost chuig: ceswexfordnorth@wexfordcoco.ie

An dáta deiridh a ghlacfar le hiarratais ná Dé hAoine, an 10 Aibreán 2026 ag 4.30pm.

Tabhair ar aird nach mór don té a dhéanann iarratas ar na poist seo critéir na Roinne Coimirce Sóisialaí a chomhlíonadh d’fhonn páirt a ghlacadh sa Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail. Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Road Works Speed Limit

Order No. 1 of 2026 on the N25 at Grahormack, Kilscoran, Sixacre, Hayesland, Ballybing and Churchtown

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council, in exercise of the powers under Section 10 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004, in the interests of Road Safety and to facilitate the installation of a new waste water pipeline; has made an Order entitled Road Works Speed Limit Order No. 1 of 2026 relating to the N25 in the townlands of Grahormack, Kilscoran, Sixacre, Hayesland, Ballybing and Churchtown to apply a temporary road works speed limit of 60km/h at the location specified hereunder:

• On part of the N25 from a point 185 metres east of its junction with the Rosslare Strand Road (R736) to a point 220 metres north west of its junction with the Lady’s Island Road (L7107-5).

This road works speed limit order will apply from the 27th of April 2026 for the duration of the works, or for a period not exceeding 12 months, whichever is the earlier.

Representations in relation to Road Works Speed Limit Order 01-2026 may be made to: David Codd, Chief Technician, Roads Department, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Dated this 01st April 2026.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from 11:00 on Thursday 30 April to 14:00 Tuesday 5 May 2026 to facilitate the holding of the May Bank Holiday Weekend Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival 2026.

Road Closures No. 1: Main Street, Castle Street, Castle Hill (R702), (between the junction of Duffry Hill and Main Street with Irish Street and roundabout at Abbey Square) and Church Street, Court Street (part offrom Church Street to Friary Hill) and Hospital Lane (closed to eastbound traffic only) and

Weafer Street (R702) (between its junction with Castle Street and Market Square to its junction with Duffry Hill).

Mill Park Road (R744) at the junction of Parnell Road.

R744 Abbey Square.

Date and Time: From 16:00 Friday 1 May to 13:00 Monday 4 May 2026.

Alternative Routes: HCV Traffic (Eastbound)

From Duffry Hill to Convent road R890 to Blackstoops Roundabout to Island road R772.

HCV Traffic (Westbound)

From Seamus Rafter Bridge to Blackstoop Roundabout vis R772 to Convent Road R890 Road to Arnold’s Cross.

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

Local non-HCV traffic (Westbound only) From Seamus Rafter Bridge (R744) to Junction of Boreen Hill (R744) to Convent Road (R890).

Road Closure 2 The Promenade (Closed to Northbound traffic only) – between its junction with Seamus Rafter Bridge and its junction with Quay Street.

Date and Time From 11:00 Thursday 30 April to 14:00 Tuesday 5 May 2026.

Alternative Route: From Promenade to Priory Court to Mill Park Road R744 to Parnell Road R890.

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

Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road(s) should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12:00 noon on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Wednesday 25 March to Friday 1 May 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at Ballindinas, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure: L-7042-2 from its junction with the L-704211 to its junction with the L-70422-1.

Alternative Route: From L-70421-1 to L-3018-1/2 to L3027-2 to L-3026-3 to the L-70422-1.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993

Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Friday 20 March to Friday 1 May 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at Shelmaliar Commons, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure: L-3026-1 from its junction with the L3027-1-1 to its junction with the L-3026-3.

www.wexfordcoco.ie

Alternative Route: From L-3027-1 to L-3026-3.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Friday 10 April to Sunday 31 May 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at Shelmalier Commons, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure: L-70421-1 from its junction with the L7058-1 to its junction with the L7042-1.

Alternative Route: From L-3018-1/2 to the L-3027-2.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Tuesday 31 March to Friday 22 May 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at Bargy Commons, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure: L-30442-1.

Alternative Route: From the L-3044-2 to the L-30441-1 to the L7047-1 to the R-733-40.

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

Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads

Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Monday 13 April to Friday 17 July 2026 to facilitate Installation of a new Rising Main at Kilscoran, Tagoat, Co. Wexford.

Road Closure: L-30601-1, Kilscoran, Tagoat, Co. Wexford.

Local access will be facilitated.

Wexford County Council invites

applicants for the following post Retained Firefighter (New Ross Fire Station)

Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled. Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for this post are available from:

Customer Service (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Phone (053) 919 6000 or visit our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for this post is: 5.00pm on Thursday, 9th April 2026.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Fáiltíonn Comhairle Contae Loch Garman roimh iarratasóirí don phost seo a leanas: Comhraiceoir Dóiteáin ar Áirithíocht

(Stáisiún Dóiteáin Ros Mhic Thriúin)

Is trí agallamh a dhéanamh a dhéanfar rogha do na poist go léir agus d’fhéadfaí iarratasóirí a chur ar ghearrliosta bunaithe ar na hiarratais a chuirfear ar aghaidh. D’fhéadfaí painéil a bhunú óna bhféadfaí folúntais a líonadh amach anseo.

Tá fáil ar sonraí faoi cháilíochtaí, ar fhoirmeacha iarratais agus ar shonraí breise don phost seo ó:

Seirbhísí do Chustaiméirí (Bloc F), Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, an Charraig Leathan, Loch Garman. Glaoigh ar (053) 919 6000 nó téigh chuig an suíomh gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie

An dáta deiridh a nglacfar le foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe don phost seo ná: 5.00pm, Déardaoin, an 9 Aibreán 2026.

Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Wexford

County Council invites applicants for the following posts

Senior Executive Technician

Temporary Senior Executive Scientist / Project Manager (Specific Purpose Contract)

Closing Date 5pm on Thursday 16th April 2026.

Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie

Please note all applications for the above posts must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie

Printed hard copies will NOT be accepted.

Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Fáiltíonn Comhairle Contae

Loch Garman roimh iarratasóirí don phost seo a leanas: Teicneoir Feidhmiúcháin Sinsearach

Eolaí / Bainisteoir Tionscadail Feidhmiúcháin Sinsearach Sealadach (Conradh um Chuspóir Sonrach)

Is é Déardaoin, an 16 Aibreán 2026 ag 5pm an Dáta Deiridh. Is trí agallamh a dhéanamh a dhéanfar rogha do na poist go léir agus d’fhéadfaí iarratasóirí a chur ar ghearrliosta bunaithe ar na hiarratais a chuirfear ar aghaidh. D’fhéadfaí painéil a bhunú óna bhféadfaí folúntais a líonadh amach anseo.

Tá fáil ar cháilíochtaí, foirmeacha iarratais agus sonraí breise do na poist go léir ár an láithreán gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie

Tabhair ar aird nach mór gach iarratas ar na poist thuasluaite a Chlóscríomh agus a chur ar aghaidh ar Ríomhphost amháin chuig recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie

Ní Ghlacfar le cóipeanna crua priontáilte.

Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Representative Vacancies – Wexford PPN

Wexford PPN currently have a number PPN Representative positions available and we are seeking nominations from registered member groups.

Wexford PPN Secretariat Vacancies

Wexford Public Participation Network (PPN) is currently seeking nominations from members to joint the PPN Secretariat – the committee that helps guide and support the ongoing development of the PPN in County Wexford. The Secretariat plays a key role in ensuring that the voices of communities across the county are heard and represented effectively.

We are currently looking for enthusiastic, committed individuals from member organisations across the Community & Voluntary, Social Inclusion, and Environmental Pillars.

Why join the Secretariat?

• Help shape the future of Wexford PPN

• Support stronger community engagement

• Contribute to policy and decision making at local level

• Work collaboratively with other dedicated members

Secretariat Representative Vacancies

1 No. Wexford Municipal District Representative

1 No. Community & Voluntary Representative

1 No. Environmental Representative

Strategic Policy Committees – (SPCs)

Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) are local authority committees whose membership includes elected councillors, representatives of business, farming interests, environmental/conservation groups, trade unions and community and voluntary members. Wexford PPN have been allocated seats on each SPC by Wexford County Council.

It is the task of the Strategic Policy Committee (SPCs), as committees of the Council, to advise and assist the Council in the formulation, development and review of policy. The remit of the SPCs is to deal only with policy matters and as such they are strategic in nature. They have no remit in relation to routine operational matters regarding the delivery of services.

Strategic Policy Committee (SPC)

PPN Representative Vacancies

SPC 1 – Economic Development & Enterprise

1 No. Community & Voluntary Representative

SPC 2 – Transportation & Water Services

1 No. Community & Voluntary Representative

1 No. Social Inclusion Representative

1 No. Environmental Representative

SPC 3 – Housing

1 No. Community & Voluntary Representative

1 No. Environmental Representative

SPC 4 – Community & Rural Affairs

1 No. Environmental Representative

SPC 5 – Climate Change, Environment and Biodiversity

1 No. Social Inclusion Representative

1 No. Environmental Representative

If you are interested in any of the above, need more information, or an application form please contact Wexford PPN. Phone 053 9196708 or email wexfordppn@wexfordcoco.ie

Nominating Organisations must be approved registered members of Wexford Public Participation Network (PPN).

Nominees elected should be aware that they will represent Wexford PPN and not their individual group on the committee. Elected representatives have a responsibility to gather and put forward the views and opinions of Wexford PPN and to feedback clearly to the PPN Secretariat. They will be willing to actively participate in the promotion and reflection on matters relating to the built, cultural, and natural heritage of County Wexford. This may include attending a number of meetings per year as well as attending ad-hoc events, preparing meeting reports and engaging with PPN members to gather their views and opinions.

Folúntais d’Ionadaithe – LRP Loch Garman

Tá líon folúntas ar fáil ag LRP Loch Garman i láthair na huaire d’ionadaithe LRP agus táimid ag lorg ainmniúcháin ó ghrúpaí cláraithe is comhaltaí.

Folúntais

i gCoiste Rúnaíochta LRP Loch Garman

Tá Líonra Rannpháirtíochta Poiblí (LRP) Loch Garman ag lorg ainmniúchán i láthair na huaire ó chomhaltaí chun dul isteach i Rúnaíocht an LRP – arb í an coiste a chuidíonn chun treoir agus tacaíocht a thabhairt i leith fhorbairt leanúnach an LRP i gContae Loch Garman. Imríonn an Rúnaíocht ról ríthábhachtach chun a chinntiú go n-éistear le tuairimí pobal ar fud an chontae agus go ndéantar ionadaíocht orthu go héifeachtach.

I láthair na huaire, táimid ag lorg daoine díograiseacha dúthrachtacha ó eagraíochtaí is comhaltaí ar fud na gColún de Phobal & Obair Dheonach, Ionchuimsiú Sóisialta agus Cúrsaí Comhshaoil.

Cén fáth a ngabhfá isteach sa Rúnaíocht?

• Cuidigh chun todhchaí LRP Loch Garman a mhúnlú

• Tacú le rannpháirtíocht an phobail níos láidre

• Cion a dhéanamh i leith beartais agus cinnteoireachta ar an leibhéal áitiúil

• Obair a dhéanamh i gcomhar le comhaltaí tiomanta eile

Folúntais d’Ionadaithe sa Rúnaíocht

Ionadaí Amháin do Cheantar Bardasach Loch Garman

Ionadaí Pobail & Deonach Amháin

Ionadaí Comhshaoil Amháin

Coistí um Beartais Straitéiseacha – (SPCanna)

Is coistí údaráis áitiúla iad Coistí um Beartais Straitéiseacha a áirítear ar a gcomhaltas comhairleoirí tofa, ionadaithe ar chúrsaí gnó, ar leasanna feirmeoireachta, ar ghrúpaí comhshaoil /

caomhantais, ar cheardchumainn agus ar chomhaltaí pobail agus deonacha. Shann Comhairle Contae Loch Garman suíocháin do LRP Loch Garman ar gach CBS.

Is é cúram an Choiste um Beartais Straitéiseacha (CBSanna), ina gcáil mar choistí na Comhairle, comhairle agus cúnamh a thabhairt don Chomhairle i ndáil le ceapadh, forbairt agus athbhreithniú beartais. Is é sainchúram na CBSanna a bheith ag plé le cúrsaí beartais agus leis sin amháin, agus mar sin, is de chineál straitéiseach iad. Níl aon sainchúram orthu i dtaca le gnáthchúrsaí oibríochtúla maidir le soláthar seirbhísí.

Folúntais d’Ionadaithe LRP ar Choiste um Beartais Straitéiseacha – (CBS)

CBS 1 – Forbairt Eacnamaíochta & Fiontraíocht

Ionadaí Pobail & Deonach Amháin

CBS 2 – Seirbhísí Iomair & Uisce

Ionadaí Pobail & Deonach Amháin

1 Ionadaí Ionchuimsitheachta Sóisialta

Ionadaí Comhshaoil Amháin

CBS 3 – Tithíocht

Ionadaí Pobail & Deonach Amháin

Ionadaí Comhshaoil Amháin

CBS 4 – Gnóthaí Pobail & Tuaithe

Ionadaí Comhshaoil Amháin

CBS 5 – An tAthrú Aeráide, an Comhshaol agus an Bhithéagsúlacht

1 Ionadaí Ionchuimsitheachta Sóisialta

Ionadaí Comhshaoil Amháin

Má tá spéis agat in aon cheann de na poist thuasluaite, má tá tuilleadh eolais ag teastáil uait, nó má tá foirm iarratais uait, déan teagmháil le LRP Loch Garman. Glaoigh ar 053 9196708 nó seol ríomhphost chuig wexfordppn@wexfordcoco.ie Ní mór d’Eagraíochtaí Ainmniúcháin a bheith ina gcomhaltaí cláraithe ceadaithe de Líonra Rannpháirtíochta Poiblí Loch Garman.

Ba cheart fios a bheith ag ainmnithe a thoghfar gur ar LRP Loch Garman a ndéanfaidh siad ionadaíocht ar an gcoiste seachas ar a ngrúpa aonair. Beidh freagracht ar ionadaithe tofa tuairimí agus barúlacha LRP Loch Garman a bhailiú agus a chur chun cinn agus aiseolas a chur in iúl go soiléir do Rúnaíocht an LRP. Beidh siad toilteanach páirt ghníomhach a ghlacadh i gcur chun cinn agus machnamh i dtaca le gnóthaí a bhaineann le hoidhreacht thógtha, chultúir agus nádúrtha Chontae Loch Garman. D’fhéadfadh go mbeadh freastal ar líon áirithe cruinnithe in aghaidh na bliana mar chuid de sin, chomh maith le freastal ar imeachtaí ad-hoc, tuarascálacha cruinnithe a ullmhú agus teagmháil a dhéanamh le comhaltaí an LRP chun tuairimí agus barúlacha a bhailiú.

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

Notice of Proposed Development by a Local Authority LAC2605

Location: Location: Ross Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford (Enniscorthy T.D., Enniscorthy Rural E.D.)

Pursuant to Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and in accordance with Part 8, Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council proposes to carry out the development, the nature and extent of which is set out hereunder:

• Development of changing rooms facility with associated site works at Enniscorthy Astro Pitch

Based on a preliminary examination of the nature, size and location of the development, there is no likelihood of significant effects on the environment, and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is not required.

Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Coimisiun Pleanala for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection or purchase at a reasonable fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours from Wednesday 1 April 2026 to Wednesday 29 April 2026, at the following locations and may be viewed online at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning:

• Wexford County Council, Planning Department, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93

• Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Y21 W2V4

Submissions or observations with respect to the above proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing on or before Wednesday 13 May 2026 to:

Wexford County Council, Planning Department, (Reference LAC2605), Carricklawn, Wexford.

Take a bow Enniscorthy

Take a bow Enniscorthy, you did yourselves and St. Patrick proud turning out in numbers with colour and pride on 17th March for one of our best ever St. Patrick’s Day parades.

With over 34 marching groups and 35 participating vehicles, the 2026 parade was one of the largest in recent times and took almost an hour to proceed through the streets of the town.

We had Gods and Goddesses, Queen Meadhbh, and the main man himself St. Patrick, hurling, football, rugby, and soccer clubs; we had gymnastics, basketball, girl guides, scouts, boxing, and rowing clubs; we had Brazilians, Romanians, Legion of Mary; we had women’s groups – Cailíní and Dollies, dance groups, Colour Party, UN Veterans, pikemen and Allotments, Ballindaggin Pipe Band, and all led by our wonderful Grand Marshals – Slaney Search & Rescue and flood victims.

It was a fitting tribute to Slaney Search & Rescue for the trojan work they did during the recent floods in town giving unselfishly of their time and expertise to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of others and it was only right that they should be recognised by their town for their most civic and generous contribution.

Thank you to our political representatives, our religious leaders, the Gardaí, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and our judges for their presence on the reviewing platform.

A very special thank you to District Manager Claire Lawless and event manager David Martin and all our Council workers for making sure that the day ran smoothly for everyone.

Thank you to Enniscorthy Tidy Towns who had our streets in pristine condition before and after the parade.

Thanks to the effervescent Liam Sharkey for adding his unique flavour to proceedings.

Thank you to all the talented photographers who captured the essence of the parade in amazing memories, but most of all thank you to the people of Enniscorthy for turning out in numbers to support all the participants and to make St. Patrick’s Day Enniscorthy 2026 a most memorable occasion.

Plans are already afoot for St. Patrick’s Day 2027, which we hope will expand and enhance the success of 2026, and with the newly formed Slaneyside Players we endeavour to introduce a colourful, vibrant, Mardi Gras kernel to our Enniscorthy parade – so watch this space.

We are always looking for fresh ideas and new people so if you feel that you have something to add to next year’s parade please do not hesitate to get in touch through our facebook page – Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

– Maria Nolan n

PAT’S PICTURE PARADE

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

PAT’S PICTURE PARADE

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

Major movie figure attends The Picture House in Wexford

The Picture House (Wexford Film Society) was delighted to welcome the eminent American screenwriter, actor, and director Michael Cristofer to their recent screening of his film 'The Great Lillian Hall', starring Jessica Lange in Wexford Arts Centre.

Also an acclaimed playwright, he's a Tony and a Pulitzer Prize winner for his 1975 play ‘The Shadow Box’.

He's written the screenplays for many Hollywood movies, such as 'The Witches of Eastwick', 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' and 'Die Hard with a Vengeance'. He's won a Writers Guild of America award for 'Georgia O'Keeffe’, which starred Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons.

As an actor, he started out acting in TV shows like 'Kojak' and 'Gunsmoke' and has had major roles in recent hit shows like the Golden Globe winning 'Mr. Robot' alongside Rami Malek and the post-apocalyptic set 'Fallout'.

As a director, he's won a Directors Guild of America award for 'Gia', which starred Angelina Jolie. He's also a two-time Primetime Emmy nominee.

After the screening of 'The Great Lillian Hall', which features Lange as legendary Broadway actress struggling with dementia, Cristofer participated in a Q & A with The Picture House chairman Stephen Eustace.

Dividing his time between New York and Wexford, where he bought a house in 2019, he spoke of his fondness of Irish life. "I love going into a pub here and striking up a conversation with somebody or there's live music playing and someone starts signing a song."

He also remarked on the way Irish people appreciate film and support cinemas. "We've lost that a bit in America, but I really see it here how the Irish love film, it's wonderful", he said.

Having worked with many of the greats of Hollywood, like Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and Robert De Niro, he regaled the Picture House audience with many stories of his experiences

working with the stars.

Having worked in the industry since the 1970's, there's no sign of him slowing down with a number of acting jobs on offer and he's hoping to direct another movie with the great Jessica Lange.

"It's about Marlene Dietrich and Burt Bacharach, with Jessica playing Dietrich", he explained. "It's set in the late 50's after

her film career was over and she needed a musical director for shows she was doing in Las Vegas and a young Burt Bacharach was sent to her and they ended up having this wonderful relationship."

Asked when that was likely to happen, the writer/director said, "Well I'm in the process of finding someone to play Bacharach and then of course we'll need to get the money together to do it." n

Street Rhythms Quiz success

Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Festival held their annual Quiz Night last month at Enniscorthy Golf Club.

The winners passed the leaders in the Millionaire round by gambling to get 8 points compared to the leaders 4 and winning by just 1 point. Great excitement and nail-biting to the end.

Winners: Elizabeth & Eoin Healy and Bridin & Nigel Roche.

2nd place: Gary Hunt, Gillian Murphy & Niamh O’Gorman. Both teams are pictured above with Bernie Morrissey of the Festival committee.

The committee thanks all supporters and sponsors of this fundraiser for this year’s festival which will take place on 13/14 June 2026. So note that in your diary! n

Fundraiser for new sensory room

The dynamic parents’ association at Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh, under Chairperson Rachel Darcy, held a successful cake sale and raffle on 27th March raising over €4,000 towards a planned Sensory and Occupational Therapy Room to cater for all the school's students. €18,000 is required for that project.

The Slaney News was delighted to attend the recent funrdraiser, meet some of the welcoming parents, schoolchildren, and new Principal Ben Mac Caoilte, and of course sample some of the fine fare on offer!

If you missed this particular fundraiser, don’t worry! You can always contribute via the Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donations-towards-a-sensory-and-occupational-therapy-room n

Delightful Dollies celebrate International Women’s Day

Above and below: Enniscorthy Delightful Dollies Women’s Group celebrated International Women’s Day at Bellefield GAA Complex on Wednesday, 11th March, which was also the 80th birthday of June Rowson, seen cutting her cake above.

PAT’S PICTURE PARADE

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

Above: Delightful Dollies singing.

Below: Line-dancing and Irish dancing.

PAT’S

PICTURE PARADE

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

“Nothing is so good it lasts eternally…”

Enniscorthy Musical Society (EMS), in association with Enniscorthy Credit Union, is thrilled to bring to the Coláiste Bríde stage, the groundbreaking Chess, The Musical! Written by Tim Rice and ABBA songwriters, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Chess tells a story of love and political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s/ early 1980s, in which superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.

The ancient game of chess becomes a metaphor for romantic rivalries, competitive gamesmanship, super-power politics, and international intrigue. From Bangkok to Budapest, the players, lovers, politicians, and spies manipulate and are manipulated to the pulse of a monumental score that includes ‘One Night in Bangkok’ and ‘Heaven Help My Heart’, ‘I Know Him So Well’, ‘Anthem’, and ‘Pity The Child’.

The cast, ensemble, production team and committee have been working hard at rehearsals to bring this mammoth show to life. The production team of Imelda McDonagh (Director), Kevin Kennedy (Musical Director), and James Dobbs (Choreographer) have been guiding the cast over the last few months ensuring this production is the best it can be. Featuring longstanding EMS members, as well as some new faces, this year’s musical will showcase the very best the town and surrounding areas have to offer. With Colin Doran taking on the role of the Russian, Anatoly Sergievsky, Shane Kelly as the American, Freddie Trumper, and Michaela White as Hungarian-born Florence Vassey, this powerhouse trio will have you on the edge of your seat and move you beyond the chessboard. Anthony Jones brings the manipulative Soviet patriot, Molokov, to life. Andy Fanning is the seemingly trustworthy but cunning and deceitful American, Walter de Courcey. Taking on the role of Svetlana Sergievsky, Anatoly’s estranged wife, is

Thérèse Canavan Bolger. Finally, as the coldly objective, no-nonsense referee and president of the International Chess Federation is Erin Hogan. This incredible ensemble brings another dimension to this story.

The show, rated PG, will run from Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th April, starting at 7.30pm nightly, in Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy. And this year, a new seating plan will transform Coláiste Bríde into a brand new theatre space with TIERED SEATING! Tickets can be purchased through the EMS social media and at https://ie.powertik.com/en/events/chess-themusical/sessions/08-04-2026-19-30-riverside-park-hotel

We are reliably told that this show is unlike anything we’ve seen from EMS before, and is on another level! So you don’t want to miss it. Get your tickets now and join the game of a lifetime. n

The current exhibition, “The Waters of Wexford – Goddesses, Pirates and Shipwrecks” ends later this month. This amazing exhibition brings to light the life blood of our county – the waterways. Explore the folklore and the stories that have shown just how important the river Slaney was in its role as a highway of commerce and transportation. Learn more about the heritage of our riverside town and how it grew from the water, its history passed on through stories and tales of pirates and shipwrecks. Enniscorthy Castle is open 7 days a week and always well worth a visit. www.enniscorthycastle.ie n

Dance weekend in aid of the Irish Cancer Society

A great charity fundraiser is in store for the Irish Cancer Society this April in Kilmuckridge and Ballygarrett. It's a country, folk, and rebel weekend with a jiving competition being held on Easter Sunday night 5th April.

See accompanying poster for artists, venues, times, and all other details. n

Coming soon!

‘Little Dolls’ by Nancy Harris, 23rd and 24th April, The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

Enniscorthy choir festival

In May last year, 100 talented singers from five local choirs filled Saint Mary’s Church, Bunclody, with a varied and uplifting programme of music. The event was the brainchild of that church’s choir conductor Geoffrey Cox. Such was its success that the idea will now be repeated on the afternoon of 19th April in the magnificent setting of St Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, where a wonderful festival atmosphere is guaranteed with Michael Dunbar as MC and admission is free!

The Slaney News caught up with this year’s host choir – Enniscorthy Gospel Choir – on 1st April as they practised for the big day, and spoke with their vivacious Musical Director Anita Mahon, Chairperson Mary Osborne, and choir member Liam Dunbar (all pictured below). Liam is also the Chairman of the local Special Olympics organisation which will be the beneficiary of any welcome donations at the event which is definitely one not to be missed! n

‘Superstar’ is launched!

Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) will be staging the iconic musical Jesus Christ Superstar in the National Opera House, Wexford, from 27th April to 2nd May 2026, featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyrics of Tim Rice.

The show has been a global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades – a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events, seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. The musical contains such well-known numbers as Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Gethsemane.

The exciting WLOS cast is: Jesus – Aidan Byrne, Judas Iscariot – Thomas Furlong, Mary Magdalene – Niamh Cullen, Pontius Pilate – Tony Carty, King Herod – Stephen Byrne, Peter – Jonathan Kelly, Simon –Joshua Higginbotham, Caiaphas – Seamus McManus, Annas – Eric Hayes, High Priests – Keith Flanagan, Michael O’Gorman, Alan Hearne, Soul Girls – Holly Rossiter, Catherine Devereux, Amy Lindsay.

The multi-award-winning production team includes Christine Scarry (director), David Hayes (musical director), Eithe Corrigan (chorus mistress), Thérése O’Sullivan (choreographer), John O’Donoghue (set design).

An exciting launch night was held in La Vista Cafe & Restaurant in the National Opera House, Wexford, on 28th March, where speakers included Colin Murphy, Chairperson, and Christine Scarry, Director. The Society was also thrilled to have the legendary West End Musical Director Laurence O’Connor, a man with strong Wexford roots, officially launch the show.

Needless to say, ticket sales are flying for this eagerly awaited production so our advice is: “Don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Grab your tickets NOW before they’re gone!”

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

Glitzy ‘Superstar’ launch

La Vista, National Opera House, 28th March 2026

St Aidan’s Primary School Confirmation,

Enniscorthy Cathedral

6th March 2026

Above: St

Below left: Celine being confirmed. Below centre: Cecila being confirmed. Below right: Rebecca and Ciaran Tobin, Sean Higgins, Marion and Ciara Tobin.

‘Oklahoma’

Top

St Senan’s Primary School Confirmation in St Senan’s Church

Enniscorthy

6th March 2026

Top left: Mick, Parker, Joey, Marissa and Theo Fields. Top right: Matthew, Emily and Rosie Murphy. Left: Isabel Jolsi and Catherine Jolsi. Right: Robyn Doyle.

Below: Jake Tyler with his parents Aisleigh and Matthew, sister Grace, and extended family.

Children’s bookmark competition

The local Rock'n'Roll community which includes South East Rock'n'Roll Club and the Festival Group, together with Easons bookshop, promoted and organised a very worthwhile and successful Children's Bookmark Competition which culminated in a wonderful prizegiving ceremony in Eason’s Bookshop, Court Street, Enniscorthy, on Friday 20th of March.

Winners from each of the 20 participating primary Wexford schools received their very generous prizes of €10 each in Easons book tokens. All were accompanied by their proud parents, guardians, and teachers. Congratulations to all.

The value of the book tokens handed out totalled a whopping €650.

The prizegiving ceremony was a lively child-centred occasion expertly organised by Sean Timmons (Easons) and Richie Cotter (Rock'n'Roll) with the very generous support and involvement of Damian Byrne (Easons Manager) and his staff.

The book voucher prizes were presented by Maria Nolan, local community activist and author, whose most recent novel, A Remarkable Woman, is a must-read.

Also present on the day were members of the Rock 'n' Roll Club Committee, members and dancers.

Our photos show a selection of the very happy prizewinners, with their generous prizes, and showing off their wonderful bookmark creations.

Many of the bookmarks will be on display in Easons bookshop, Court St, Enniscorthy, during April.

All this outreach work forms part of the Rock'n'Roll Community's build-up to the Rockin' Food & Fruit Festival to take place in Enniscorthy over the May Bank Holiday Weekend (Fri 1st to Monday 4th). n

WINNERS:

St Senan’s, Enniscorthy:

St. Aidan’s, Enniscorthy:

Super charity variety show set for Clonroche

ÉANNA DOYLE, A YOUNG CLONROCHE MEDICAL STUDENT, IS FUNDRAISING FOR HIS WORK WITH PANAMA'S FLOATING DOCTORS WHO BRING MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND VETERINARY MOBILE CLINICS TO REMOTE AREAS OF PANAMA.

An all-star lineup has been assembled for a variety concert in Clonroche on 18th April with headliners Kiss My Grass and George Lawlor TD. A great night of music, comedy, and craic is guaranteed.

Please support if you can by buying tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/variety-concert-in-aid-of-floating-doctors-panama-tickets-1982997728587 n

Ibar’s prints at Bellefield Design

A stunning collection of framed Ibar Carty prints, priced at €30 each, are now available in Bellefield Design, Enniscorthy.

Rooted in the esteemed P.A. Crane collection dating back to the 1880s, this remarkable body of work tells the captivating story of the South-East of Ireland.

Meticulously curated by Ibar Carty, the collection offers a unique window into history, from iconic sporting moments to cherished local family milestones.

https://www.facebook.com/BellefieldDesign

Tel: 053 923 6294 n

Promising gig at the Presentation Arts Centre

Gerry Tully is an Irish folk singer-songwriter whose performances showcase his deep connection to the traditional roots of Irish music and songs.

Known for his emotive voice and unique guitar style, Tully brings a sincerity and warmth to the stage captivating audiences wherever he goes.

Gerry’s performances are intimate and authentic. He has the rare ability to create a cozy, engaging atmosphere coupled with his easy-going and genuine personality he loves to share anecdotes and provide context to his songs, offering a richer experience for the listener.

Gerry Tully is self taught. His music is grounded in the Irish folk tradition, with clear influences from artists like Christy Moore, Luke Kelly, and Paul Brady and some American folk styles. His song choices send out a reflective, contemplative message, focusing on themes of love, loss, and historical context. His voice, rich and soulful, delivers every lyric with heartfelt conviction. His fluid, graceful guitar playing is the perfect balance between accompaniment an emotional expression.

On Saturday 4th April in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, Gerry will be performing his critically acclaimed ‘Christy Moore Songbook’ show. n

Young Rovers on wheels!

enniscorthy

'Thru’ the Lens

Top right: Eugene Doyle and Agatha Lawless.

Above left: Nuala Ronan.

Above centre: Ed Doran and Mick Nolan (RIP).

Above right: Jim O’Sullivan.

Far left: Kathleen Maguire.

Left: Mick Quigley (RIP).

Right: Paddy Nolan.

Below left: Denny O’Connor.

Below centre: Tolly McBride, John Kennedy and Bobby Foley.

Below right: Bernie O’Connor.

Youth Vibes from the 70’s

Bringing Dylan home

Bree man Paul Kirwan brings his acclaimed Bob Dylan tribute show to the Crown Live, Wexford, on Saturday 11th April. Not to be missed! n

LOCAL ARTS CENTRES

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000. Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529.

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

Spring classes at the Presentation Arts Centre

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

7-9PM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT

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

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

NO AUDITIONS REQUIRED, JUST SHOW UP AND SING ALONG WITH THE GROUP.

New members are always welcome!

For more info Call Seamus on 087 2930510.

In addition, the Templars Singing Group meets up every Thursday morning at 10.30am at Templeshannon Community Centre. For more information, phone 053 9237511. n

10.30am

Disability Information & Fun Day

A Disability Information & Fun Day will take place on April 18th in Enniscorthy, organised by Bernadette Kehoe in memory of her sister Sinéad who sadly passed away in 2023. Sinéad, a past student of St. Patrick's Special School and a client of Reach Ability, was a much loved and beautiful person whose 50th birthday would have taken place the day before this event.

Bernadette is also holding this day in order to raise funds for My Canine Companion from whom, Bernadette says, "We were lucky enough to receive our puppy in training from. She has helped our family immensely and in particular three of our kids who are autistic.

"We are hoping the event will be an enjoyable day for all and are also holding a raffle to help raise funds with some fantastic prizes” kindly donated by those mentioned on the poster below.

"If there are any groups, kids entertainers, companies etc that feel they would like a table (free of charge) to help educate the public on anything that is relevant to the event, we would be delighted to have you. We are also welcoming vendors and have some fantastic groups/businesses/charities lined up such as AsIAm, Family Carer's Ireland, Enniscorthy Library, Cottage Autism Network, The Phoenix Rising Network, Phoenix Rising Youth Club, Otavo, all-day performances from Martina Leacy All Abilities Dance Academy, Sully & Juno, Dreambig Foundation SE CLG, Intermediate Medical Solutions Ltd (previously North-

star Ambulance), Arts & Crafts with Eva & Caitriona, Finance First, Pavo Store, Firefighters from Enniscorthy Fire Station, a member of the Gardaí, Autastic, Rare Warriors Wexford, and Reach Ability.

"Our sensory room will of course be free of charge on the day for anyone needing a little bit of down time."

Some IMPORTANT links to note:

To enter the raffle and win one of the kindly donated prizes listed below (tickets cost €5 for one or €10 for three): https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/DisabilityInformationFunDayR

Perhaps you would rather make a donation: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/bernadettekehoe

To purchase tickets for the event (€5 entry or FREE with a Family Carer's Ireland card): https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/disability-information-fun-day-tickets-1953966198499

To book a mini Reflexology treatment and gain FREE entry for you and three others to the Disability Information & Fun Day event: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/mini-reflexology-treatments-at-the-disability-information-fun-day-tickets1983774726609

To book a sensory haircut with a hairdresser who happens to also be a qualified S.N.A., please contact 087 3123414. Those availing of this will have FREE entry to the event for yourself and three others.

"We will have qualified carers & S.N.A.s on hand should anyone require a little assistance while getting a treatment, speaking to one of our vendors, and so forth.

"We will also be holding some competitions for a free reflexology treatment, sensory haircut, etc so keep an eye on our Facebook page.

"Thanks again to everyone for the support," Bernadette says. n

Walk and Talk

Weekly walks have started at FDYS Enniscorthy, every Tuesday, 4.30pm to 5.30pm, for young people aged 13-18, to help them get active, explore the local environment, and have the chats! n

CAMROSS DRAMA GROUP PRESENTS ‘SIVE’

The group are very busy rehearsing Sive, written by J.B. Keane and directed by Michael Stafford. First night performance will be in The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, on Friday and Saturday 17th and 18th April, then Carnew Hall on Sunday 19th April, Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday and Friday 23rd/24th April, St Michael’s Theatre New Ross on Sunday 26th April, and the finale in Camross Hall on Sunday 3rd May. n

RIVERSIDE PARK HOTEL, ENNISCORTHY, ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

Philomena Begley and Ray Lynam: Tuesday, 26th May. Michael English: Thursday, 3rd September. Bingo Loco: Friday, 11th September. Gearoid McCarthy: Saturday, 3rd October.

Tickets available from hotel reception.

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

Yet another accolade for Wexford Film Workshop as The Shadow of Tyranny secures another semi final spot – making it to the semi-final stage in 9 Film Festivals – Dublin, London, Paris, Monte Carlo, Brooklyn, Edinburgh, Austin, Palermo, and Rome!

Based on a book by Maria Nolan, it tells the tragic tale of the massacre of the Redmond brothers at Ballycarney in 1798.

Wexford Film Workshop is delighted to be bringing the history of Enniscorthy to a global audience. n

To apply to host an event in a public space, click here: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/events-management/apply-to-host-an-event-in-a-public-space

A season of outdoor events got under way last month at the Creative Activity Garden, located on the grounds of St. John’s Community Hospital in Enniscorthy, with Comhaltas and ‘The Hobnobs’ providing the entertainment.

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

With Martin Fitzhenry as MC in lovely sunshine, those present enjoyed entertainment from the Enniscorthy branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. ‘The Hobnobs’, a group comprised of local retired mental health nurses, followed in what was a performance marking the anniversary of the late Mickey Connors, who was a resident of the Havenview Residential Care Centre located on campus.

Refreshments were provided by the catering team from St. John’s Community Hospital.

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

ing from the government’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The HSE began the Healthy Campus and Creative Garden project at St. John’s in 2020.

The campus in Munster Hill, Enniscorthy, features a wide range of healthcare facilities and services, including:

Millbrook (disability services day centre).

Tús Nua (mental health rehabilitation residential unit).

Millview (mental health residential care).

Havenview (intellectual disabilities residential care centre).

An Tearman (mental health respite centre).

Adult Disability and Children’s Disability Network Team facilities.

The HSE’s Wexford Vaccination Centre.

The HSE’s Health and Wellbeing service.

The HSE’s Primary Care/Social Inclusion and Substance Misuse Team services.

St. John’s Community Hospital.

The Hubs for the Wexford Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons and the Wexford Memory Assessment and Support Service.

St. John’s Day Centre for Older People.

The Enniscorthy Men’s Shed base is also housed in the old St. John’s building on the campus. n

Wexford’s new Sensory Cubbie Pod

On Monday 2nd March, Wexford County Council launched a new Sensory Cubbie Pod in Wexford Town Library. Supported by Healthy Wexford through the Healthy Ireland fund, this valuable new resource represents a vital step towards greater accessibility and inclusion for library visitors and the wider community.

The Cubbie is a multisensory management pod, designed to support users in regulating their sensory experiences by offering a safe and controlled environment that can be adapted to meet individual sensory needs. Lighting, sound, and visuals can all be changed to align with the preferences of each user and its user-friendly interface makes interaction straightforward and accessible.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council Joe Sullivan said: “Whether someone needs a calm moment or a colourful, stimulating environment, the Cubbie allows each person to shape their experience to their own individual needs. In providing this valuable resource, we are hoping to open the library and the community for those who may previously have faced barriers to access due to their sensory needs.”

The Cubbie can be used by visitors to the library at any time during library opening hours. In addition to supporting visitors within the library, the Cubbie also offers support for those with sensory needs who may face challenges in attending events in the town or interacting with the surrounding community.

Chair of the Wexford Healthy County Committee Cllr. Leonard Kelly emphasised the potential of the new Cubbie to improve access to local events and accessibility within the wider community: “We know that stress and anxiety can limit attendance at events and activities for some families or groups. By providing the Cubbie, based in the library, we would hope to make not only the library but the broader urban area and its events and activities more inclusive and accessible to all. With the knowledge that the Cubbie is available for sensory breaks, should it be needed, this allows families or groups to socially connect in their communities supported by the provision of the space – which can tailor to the sensory needs of individual users.”

Visitors can drop into the library at any time during library opening hours to try out this new resource, with staff available to demonstrate and assist.

For more information, contact Wexford Library through email at wexfordlibrary@wexfordcoco.ie or phone at (053) 919 6760. n

Enniscorthy’s Selin Kim secures international award

Enniscorthy’s Selin Kim is a teacher, a community leader, a student of politics / international relations, President of the Cambodia Community in Ireland, PRO for the Sustainable Enniscorthy group, and now she is Miss Planet Humanity 2026!

Selin says: “This journey to Miss Planet International is not just about a crown – it’s about showing the world that beauty is amplified by intellect, purpose, and compassion. It’s about using a platform to spark change, inspire young minds, and build bridges between communities and cultures.

“Because when you blend tradition with vision, and grace with grit – that’s where transformation begins. Miss planet is a movement that pursues the fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in order to Save our Planet and Save Humanity. Miss Planet International has the mission of creating role models and empowering young women who dream to inspire others and that’s why I am standing here today.”

Selin is proud to call Ireland her home. “With a strong history of empathy, global aid, and standing for human rights, Ireland is known for turning kindness into real change. This award is not just a win, but a reminder that beauty with purpose is the most powerful of all.” n

Celebrating International Women’s Day in The Shannon, Enniscorthy

The Hillside Cailínís, The Templars Choir, and Templeshan non Community Centre hosted a fantastic International Women's Day morning, celebrating women, on 7th March in Templeshannon Community Centre, organised by Wexford Local Development.

It was a morning filled with singing and laughter in the hall. Mary, Helen, and Fiona from the HSE Traveller Health Unit and the Traveller women from Drumgoold came down and were joined by FDYS County Wexford Roma Project, lots of the local community, and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of the Enniscorthy Municipal District. n

Coffee at the Enniscorthy Allotments

A coffee morning was held last month in glorious sunshine at the Enniscorthy Community Allotments with delicious edibles on offer and all proceeds going to Women’s Aid.

What’s not to like – sun, scrumptious cakes, and good company surrounded by plants and flowers on a Saturday morning. Well done Michael Devereux and his crew for providing this marvellous facility on our doorsteps here in Enniscorthy. n

At The Presentation Arts Centre...

Enniscorthy Theatre Company –Original One Act Plays. Two nights of stellar youth and emerging drama await you this April at The Presentation Arts Centre thanks to Enniscorthy Theatre Company (ETC).

On Thursday April 23rd and Friday April 24th three original stories get their performance debut. The Banks by Fintan

Kelly, Little Dolls by Nancy Harris, and Some Snakes In This Town by Tony Bolger.

Featuring monologues by Anna Boyce. Starring: Emma Moulds, Aoibhin, Holly Gallagher, Lily O'Connor, Mary Kelly, Kyle Murphy, Paul Armstrong, Saoirse O’Reilly, Madison O'Brien, Ryan McClean Devereux, Caoimhe Murphy, Anna

The Presentation

Arts

Centre –for a younger audience...

The Presentation Arts Centre is happy to announce a number of puppet shows and fairy door art workshops for children, hosted by talented local theatre artist and youth facilitator Natasha O'Brien.

These events will take place during the Easter Holidays on April 8th and 9th. Limited places are available now from the website www.presentationcentre.ie n

Eanna O'Reilly, Jennifer Kelly, Brendan Carthy.

Directors: Anna Boyce, Leona Eustace Breen, Fintan Kelly.

Tickets are €10/€5 and available now from The Presentation Arts Centre. And from 30th April to 2nd May, ETC will be performing ‘A love Like That’ by Billy Roche. n

A GREAT NEW PARTNERSHIP

Wexford Co. Council, through the Creative Ireland programme, has launched a pilot Creative Residency programme in the Hatch Lab in Gorey. Filmmaker Terence White has been selected as artist in residence for the next 12 months, and will work with businesses in the Hatch Lab, as well as young innovators from the North Wexford area, while developing his own professional arts practice.

The Hatch Lab in Gorey is an Incubator space supporting business concepts, business start-ups, and co-working staff. According to John O’Connor, CEO of the Hatch Lab, “We are very grateful to Wexford Co. Council and the Creative Ireland programme for supporting this residency at the Hatch Lab. It brings creativity into our enterprise environment, offering fresh

perspectives for our resident businesses while also creating new opportunities for young innovators in North Wexford.”

Creative Ireland is a government culture and wellbeing programme, with the ambition to inspire and transform people, places, and communities through creativity. It is committed to the vision that every person in Ireland should have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council Cllr Joe Sullivan says, “Wexford Co. Council through the Creative Ireland programme is happy to support this new residency. It provides us with a novel way to foster creative thinking both in business and in the wider community.”

The programme has commenced its research phase and is using a novel and creative approach to surveying the resident businesses. A classic Post and Telegraphsstyle phone booth, made by Gorey-based artist Ali Kemal Ali, has been installed in the Hatch Lab for participants to record their suggestions for the creative residency.

A special programme aimed at young innovators is also being developed, to help them realise their projects. A series of free creative workshops and events will take place in the Hatch Lab for young people aged 18 to 30 years living in the North Wexford area and aims to contribute to The Hatch Lab’s position of attracting the next wave of young entrepreneurs. Anyone interested in taking part can email hatchlabcreative@gmail.com or ring 053 9480689 to register their interest.

Terence will also be programming Culture Night and Cruinniú na nÓg events in the Hatch Lab during his residency to engage with the wider community.

County Arts Officer Liz Burns commented, “This residency is a pilot for Wexford Co. Council where creativity and arts meet business. It’s a great opportunity for a filmmaker like Terence to access the unique supports offered by the Hatch Lab. At the same time, the Hatch Lab businesses and local community will have access to an artist in residence which we hope will spark more creativity in the workplace as well as new ways of thinking.” n

Living Arts Project

In association with Wexford County Council and the Arts Council

31st March – 30th April 2026

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

The following artists and schools were selected for the 202526 programme: Sonya Weston and Kate Tyrrell with Castlebridge NS (Wexford), Deirdre Meehan-Buttimer and Shannon Jade Wilson with Clonroche NS (Enniscorthy), David Begley and Hanneke van Ryswyk with Curracloe NS (Wexford), and Laura Flood and Mayumi Nakabayashi in Scoil Mhaodhóig (New Ross).

Throughout the residencies, pupils were encouraged to experiment and play and discover their own artistic potential by learning new techniques through sculpture, printmaking, painting, and drawing processes. Diverse themes were explored, including our relationship with the natural world and with each other, as well as mythology, folklore, and the history of Wexford. The activities focused on promoting artistic and interpersonal skills, enabling pupils to recognise the potential

of art to be used as a tool for communication and learning. The residencies have resulted in a playful and experimental exhibition.

A mentorship programme ran alongside each residency, which helped to ensure the effectiveness of the project while also providing a positive critique for the resident artists. In addition, it served to refine methods of engaging with the children throughout each residency. The mentors involved were Michael Fortune, Sheena Furlong, Frank Kane, Jaydon Martin, Laura Ni Fhlaibhin, and Karla Sánchez Zepeda.

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

The Living Arts Project exhibition will run in the lower and upper galleries of Wexford Arts Centre from Tuesday, 31st March, to Saturday, 30th May, 2026. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

If your school is interested in participating in the Living Arts Project 2026-27, please contact Curator Catherine Bowe at 053 9123764 or email catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie or visit www.livingartsproject.ie

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

Deadline for expressions of interest is 4pm on Thursday, 30th April, 2026. n

Enniscorthy Library...

The World of Colm Tóibín: Enniscorthy and Beyond

Thursday, 9th April at 3pm.

Join a special literary event exploring the work of acclaimed Irish author Colm Tóibín, with a focus on his much-loved novel Brooklyn and its deep connections to Enniscorthy.

A guest speaker will guide attendees through the novel’s rich themes of home, identity, and emigration, while also examining how Tóibín’s own experiences and the landscapes of Wexford influence the world he creates.

Booking essential.

Please register for your place below: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4 528218

Enniscorthy Adult Writing Group

Thursday, 9th April, at 6.30pm-8pm.

The group meets in Enniscorthy library on the second Thursday of every month at 6.30pm.

New members are always welcome, if you are interested in going along please contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055.

Enniscorthy Library Adult Book Club

Thursday, 16th April at 7pm.

Love reading? Looking to meet new people and enjoy great conversation?

The Enniscorthy Library Book Club welcomes readers of all interests to come together, share opinions, and discover new books.

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

Wexford Library Service Online Book Club

Wednesday, 29th April at 11am.

Would you like to discuss books from the comfort of your own home?

Then join us on the TEAMS App for the Wexford Libraries' Online Book Club on the last Wednesday of the month at 11am on the TEAMS Platform.

Booking essential. For more information email Jan.Doran@wexfordcoco.ie n

Calling all artists!

The 9th Annual Open Call Exhibition:

After a short break and much anticipation, the renowned annual open call exhibition is returning to The Presentation Arts Centre. Now in its 9th year, this yearly celebration of creativity in Co. Wexford has been growing steadily, with nearly 200 artists from all across Ireland taking part in the last show.

Artists of all ages, backgrounds, levels of experience, and disciplines, are welcome to take part in this cultural staple of the visual arts community in the south east. Please visit the website www.presentationcentre.ie for submission forms, or grab a form from the box office on Convent Road, Enniscorthy.

Dates For Your Calendar:

Artwork Submission Days: Monday April 13th, Tuesday April 14th, Wednesday April 15th, 10am – 8pm daily.

Official Launch Party - All Invited! Saturday April 25th, 2pm – 6pm. n

‘Timing’ is a gem

A short Irish gem that was filmed in just one evening has been chosen for the Lift Off Studios Festival (Pinewood Studios), and some other very prestigious festivals.

The writer and director is Roberto Forte, and he tells us: “Timing was one of those projects where the constraints actually worked in our favour. We had a tiny budget in the grand scheme of things, and what little we had went straight into post to make sure the final polish matched the intensity of the performances. We only had a single evening to capture something that felt honest, but when you are working with people this dedicated, the lack of resources does not even enter the conversation. I wrote this script specifically for Nic Furlong and Owen Ó Bráda. I had been looking to work with both of them for a while, as Owen is a gifted stage actor and Nic is one of the most versatile performers I have seen. I knew I had to get them together in something.”

Roberto continues, “Each of them brought their own twist to the roles, elevating the subject matter and turning a tense, intimate exchange into something far more grounded than I had first imagined. Sometimes when you are shooting, you are never quite sure if you have really caught it, but watching the guys on the night, I had a feeling we were onto something. The look of the film is down to the incredible eye of Michael Benson and the lighting by Serhii Lukianenko, who managed to sculpt an atmosphere that feels heavy and tactile despite the clock ticking.”

The film had its premiere screening in The Wexford Arts Centre thanks to The Picture House film club run by the wonderful Stephen Eustace.

The film is available to view at the following public link:

https://vimeo.com/1061951014/8f086 c92c7?share=copy n

ooted in exford

April feels like a release after the stop-start nature of March. The ground has finally had a chance to dry out after weeks of heavy rain, and that alone changes everything. Jobs that were being put off can now be tackled properly. Beds can be worked again, compost can go on without turning everything into a mess, and planting can finally move forward. The delay was frustrating, but in hindsight it probably saved more problems than it caused.

Not everything went to plan last month. Peas, which I would normally have in early, never made it into the ground because conditions just weren’t right. It’s a good reminder that what you plan on paper and what actually happens in the garden are rarely the same. For once, I held back on sowing everything in sight, and April is a lot easier to handle because of it. There’s space now to actually work rather than trying to juggle too much at once.

Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him.

The Slaney News is delighted to have Enniscorthy man, Mark Cooke, on board as a columnist. Mark has a huge passion for growing fruit and veg which he shares on his Instagram platform @rootedinwexford which has over 7,500 followers. Mark describes himself very much as a ‘hobby gardener’ who is not academically trained in horticulture. He started planting with very little knowledge a few years ago and that knowledge has now ‘mushroomed’! Mark loves sharing his passion for growing with our readers.

April is where things start to open up. Soil temperatures are improving, and there’s more you can confidently sow outdoors. Carrots are a good place to start, especially if you’ve taken the time to get a fine, stone-free bed ready. They’re simple, but they don’t forgive poor soil. Beetroot is another one I rely on. It gets going quickly and doesn’t ask for much once it’s up. Radishes are worth throwing in as well. They’re quick, reliable, and useful for filling gaps while everything else catches up. Alongside those, this is a good time to get onions or spring onions in, and to start sowing lettuce little and often rather than all at once.

If you do nothing else in April, clear one bed, add a layer of compost, and sow something into it. Even a short row is enough to get things moving again.

Under cover, things are moving properly now. Tomato plants that were slow and a bit unimpressive a few weeks ago should be ready to move on to pots. Getting them

into their final spots in the greenhouse is one of the more satisfying jobs towards the end of April. Once they’re in, they tend to settle and push on. It’s worth not overdoing the watering early on. Let the roots work for it a bit. And on brighter days, open things up where you can. A bit of airflow now saves problems later. It’s also worth keeping an eye on the forecast. A late frost can still catch you out, and I’ve been caught before by assuming we were past it and lost a lot of young plants.

The longer evenings are a help, but not in the way I expected. There’s more light, but that doesn’t automatically mean more time. I’ve found myself thinking I’ll get loads done after work, and then doing very little. It’s made me realise I’m better off picking one job and finishing it properly rather than half starting a few things and leaving them behind me.

One mistake that’s easy to make now is planting into soil that looks ready but isn’t

quite there yet. If it’s still cold and heavy underneath, things just sit and sulk. I’ve done it often enough to know it’s not worth rushing.

There’s a real lift in the garden now. You can actually see progress from week to week, which makes a difference. But this is also the point where I usually get carried away and try to do too much too quickly. Most of the problems I end up dealing with later in the year start right about now.

April sits in a nice balance. There’s enough warmth to get moving, but still enough risk to keep you thinking. Seeds are going in, plants are settling, and the garden is starting to take shape. After the kind of March we had, that feels well earned.

Remember to pop into @rootedinwexford over on Instagram to say hello and ask any questions that you might have. n

Lots on at the Allotments

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

It’s hard to believe that our fabulous allotments is now up and running four years on the 11th April. It all started with a vision by our Chairman Michael Devereux –the man behind this magnificent awardwinning facility we now have here in Enniscorthy. Four years ago it started out as an allotment bringing people together connecting through nature in a safe, tranquil, therapeutic environment after what had been a very difficult period for everyone. Dare I mention COVID and lockdowns. Four years later and it has transformed into a fabulous holistic community hub for the whole community to avail of. With a fantastic variety of free courses / workshops on offer and our catch-up Mondays, the allotments has transformed into a learning hub, a beautiful tranquil safe haven for all to enjoy.

We hope to have the return of free Nature Therapy workshops with the Reach funding this summer with the absolutely fabulous tutor Deirdre Cummins. Nature therapy is about using the wisdom and symbolism of nature to help us gain a deeper perspective of our self belief system and self dialogue. We explore through talks, rituals, and mindfulness in nature. It truly is a beautiful workshop that focuses on mindfulness and overall wellbeing in a relaxing, calm environment while connecting with like-minded people. Keep an eye out on our socials and website for further information on further upcoming workshops.

Our Thyme out Fridays finished up last month. The group finished up the final session with biodiversity and planting pond plants. We are delighted to say we now have some tadpoles in the pond, it’s amazing. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed these horticulture workshops, they will be missed. A huge thank you to WWETB and to Community Education Horticulturist Louise Murphy who was just amazing throughout.

Last month we held a coffee morning in aid of Women’s Aid. It was a fabulous morning, the sun was shining and we all

enjoyed some fantastic cakes, tea and coffee. We also had a little plant sale, there was a true sense of community surrounding the morning. A huge shout-out to Petitt’s SuperValu for sponsoring the event with €50 worth of cakes and to all our members who did some baking. Together we raised €302 for this very deserving cause. Thanks so much to everyone that donated and supported our coffee morning in any way.

We took part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade again this year, it was great fun and another very enjoyable afternoon. Well done to everyone involved in putting together such a great afternoon for the whole community to get involved in and enjoy. There was great community spirit and it just keeps getting better and better every year.

Some of our members are now taking part in a free six-week Healthy Food Made Easy course in the FDYS in Ennis-

Thanks so much to the HSE for funding this amazing course for the community. So far our members are really enjoying it, they kicked off by making some hummus and guacamole and are really looking forward to making some delicious scones and soup when they meet again. We are absolutely delighted to finally have our new digital pedestrian gate installed at the bottom of the Polytunnel site which makes access easier to and from the allotments for all our members.

The gazebo over on the Polytunnel site now has a covered roof which can now be used as an outside potting area. It’s proving a great addition so far, we can now enjoy the allotments regardless of the weather.

Our little buds will kick off their season with an Easter Bonanza, which promises to be loads of fun for all.

Email enniscorthyallotments@gmail.com n

ECA April Gardening Tips...

What to sow in April:

Direct sow outdoors once soil isn’t waterlogged:

• Carrots, parsnips, beetroot

• Lettuce, spinach, rocket

• Radishes (quick wins)

• Peas & broad beans

• Onions / spring onions

Tip: Sow little and often (every 2–3 weeks) for a continuous harvest.

Start indoors / under cover:

Use a windowsill, greenhouse, or polytunnel:

• Courgettes, pumpkins, squash

• French/runner beans

• Sweetcorn (late April)

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower)

• Leeks

These need warmth – don’t rush them outside until mid–late May after frost risk.

Planting jobs:

• Plant maincrop potatoes (still fine if not done in March)

• Set out onion sets, shallots, garlic

• Divide herbs or perennials if you have them

Key April realities:

1. Soil condition matters more than date

• Don’t work soil if it’s wet and sticky (you’ll ruin structure)

• Wait for a dry-ish window – crumbly soil is ideal

2. Frost is still a risk

• Keep horticultural fleece or cloches handy

• Especially for early sowings and seedlings

3. Slugs = biggest enemy now

• Young seedlings get wiped out fast

• Use: Beer traps / barriers, night checks, encourage birds

Essential allotment jobs this month:

Soil & beds:

• Remove winter mulch so soil warms up

• Add compost or general fertiliser

• Lightly fork or rake beds

Weeding (critical now):

• Weeds explode in April – deal with them early

• Hoe on dry days = easiest control

Water & ventilation:

• Water seedlings regularly (but don’t drown them)

• Vent greenhouses/polytunnels on warm days

Bonus: flowers & pollinators:

• Good for biodiversity (and pest control):

• Sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos

• Sweet peas n

Our photos this month show the recent coffee morning, the last horticulture session, the new gate, the covered-in gazebo, and a couple of pictures from a nature therapy course.

Best of luck Linda

BEST OF LUCK TO LINDA KELLY AND HER DESSERT DELIGHTS BUSINESS.

Linda will have a container offering tea/coffee, cakes etc at Tirlan in Bunclody... Aiming to be open for Easter... Keep up to date on:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php ?id=61571462506637 n

BEST OF LUCK TO ELSA KEHOE WITH HER NEW BAKERY, ‘KEHOE’S’, NOW OPEN ON CHURCH STREET, ENNISCORTHY, IN THE SHOP PREMISES PREVIOUSLY OCCUPIED BY COONEY'S BAKERY. n

Dill & Pickle Café at Reach Ability on the Bellefield Road, Enniscorthy, now stocks a delicious selection of homemade chutneys, jams, and marmalades from Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant. Perfect for adding something special to your breakfast table, your lunches, or gifting to someone who appreciates locally made produce. n

Dill & Pickle can handle the food for your next event. Its outside catering menu is now available. Bring the taste you love straight to your event. Call on 053 923 3069 or email dillandpickle@reachability.ie to book.

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

Welcome to ‘The Barn’

IT’S GREAT TO SEE 'THE WILDS' PREMISES NOW OPEN AGAIN AS ‘THE BARN CAFE’ UNDER NEW OWNERS.

Best of luck to the joint owners Dominic and Marcin who both have over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and who look forward to sharing their expertise in such an iconic Enniscorthy building, on Wafer Street, which is what drew them to Enniscorthy in the first place.

The cafe is now open 7 days a week, serving an all-day menu, and kids menu, and with a sun-trap outdoor patio area. And they will be opening a dedicated ice-cream parlour there soon!

And don't forget – FREE parking for all customers!!! n

Are you ready to scale your food or drink business?

The Local Enterprise Office Wexford is inviting applications for the 2026 Food Academy Programme. Are you ready to scale your food or drink business and pitch to SuperValu? Why apply?

✔ Training

✔ 1:1 mentoring

✔ Pitch opportunity

✔ Potential 12-week SuperValu trial

✔ Real retail feedback

The application deadline is 10th April 2026.

Workshops will take place: Sept 2026 – Feb 2027.

Apply now and take your product to the next level! https://tinyurl.com/3k84jmp6 n

Happy memories!

‘The Irish mammy salad’ often consisted of leftovers from the Sunday roast, plus it had to have potato salad, coleslaw, cut meats, beetroot, scallions, egg, salad cream on the side, tea and brown soda. A great photo above by Caitriona Barron of ‘Tried-Tested-Tasted’ to bring back happy memories.

https://www.facebook.com/triedtestedtasted

Pettitt’s SuperValu (Enniscorthy) is investing €4 million to completely transform their store. It will be the biggest upgrade since 1978!

Customers can expect a brand new Pettitt’s bakery (7 days a week), new Sleedagh Farm butcher’s counter, expanded deli and hot food offering, brand new fish counter, more sustainable, energy-efficient upgrades, and a fresh new look throughout the aisles.

Pettitt’s would like to thank everyone for their support and patience as the revamp begins.

Keep an eye on Pettitt’s social media for job opportunities, and information on all the changes. n

Enniscorthy’s Holos wins top award

Based in Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, and owned and managed by the effervescent Niamh Hogan, Holos Skincare has just won the Best Beauty Brand award at the Hi Style hair & beauty awards!

A clearly delighted Niamh says, “We're thrilled to receive this award and delighted to be recognised as the Best Beauty Brand.” n

Keara’s ‘Hairdoc’ wins ‘Best Irish Hair Brand’

Congrats to young local woman Keara Howard whose company The Hair Doctor has just won the award for Best Irish Hair Brand 2026.

Keara says, “From starting The Hair Doctor at my kitchen table to standing on stage holding this award – it doesn’t feel real. There’s been ups and downs, but I kept going. Thank you to every single person who supported me with every order, share, and message.” n

Grant funding open for manufacturing & internationally traded services

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

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

than 50 people, and operates within the commercial sphere with clear growth potential, you may qualify for this funding opportunity.

https://www.localenterprise.ie/wexford/financialsupports/eligibility-criteria/ n

Local Enterprise Office Wexford marks International Women’s Day with entrepreneurial showcase

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford hosted its annual International Women’s Day event last month at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, bringing together 146 local entrepreneurs, business owners, and stakeholders for a morning focused on learning, collaboration, and inspiration. The event was supported by the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and the Chief Executive, who attended in recognition of the importance of women in enterprise within the county.

Delivered in partnership with County Wexford Chamber, the event reflected this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasising how shared knowledge and community support contribute to a stronger and more resilient local business environment.

Broadcaster and entrepreneur Anna Daly acted as both MC and keynote speaker, sharing her experience of navigating a competitive media career and building her own business ventures. Her reflections on adaptability and creative thinking provided valuable context for the morning’s discussions.

Attendees also heard a series of short, insight-led presentations from LEO Wexford mentors, delivered in a concise, storytelling style aimed at sparking ideas and prompting reflection. These contributions covered some of the most relevant

topics for small business development today:

Mags Boland Murphy – Strategy

Mary White – Innovation

Michael O’Neill – Artificial Intelligence Cuty Gupta – Digitalisation

Each speaker offered practical considerations for business owners looking to strengthen operations, explore new opportunities or integrate emerging technologies.

The event also featured a dedicated craft showcase, highlighting the work of ten local female makers who displayed and sold their products:

Design Notions – Ann Kelly | info@designnotions.com

Kosy – Simone Wagner | kosymadebysimone@gmail.com

Fire and Stain – Helena Hagan Duffin | info@fireandstain.ie

Julsuluv – Annette Byrne | annette@julsuluv.ie

Pebbles by Verna – Verna Goff | preciouspebblesbyverna@gmail.com

Jackie Mitchell Art – Jackie Mitchell | jackie@jackiemitchell.com

Grainne Moore Pottery – Grainne Moore | grainnemoss1@gmail.com

Timea Jewellery – Agota Gilbride | agota.gilbride@gmail.com

Wild Herb Elixirs – Phil Walsh | phil.walsh7@gmail.com

PQ Glass Design – Pauline Quirke | info@pqglassdesign.ie

Representatives from Wexford County Council noted the ongoing collaboration between LEO Wexford, the County Wexford Chamber, and local support organisations, highlighting how this joined-up approach continues to benefit small businesses across the county.

LEO Wexford also referenced recent performance indicators, which show strong levels of job creation among LEO-supported clients. These results underline the continued contribution of small enterprises to local employment and economic activity.

The morning concluded with recognition of the work carried out by the LEO Wexford team, whose commitment to providing guidance, training and practical supports plays a central role in helping local businesses start, grow, and compete.

International Women’s Day provided an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of women in enterprise throughout County Wexford and to encourage ongoing engagement with the supports available through the Local Enterprise Office.

For more information on the supports available to local businesses, visit www.localenterprise.ie/wexford n

Above L-R: Liz Hore, Director of Services, Wexford County Council, Susan Curran, Flow Strengths Soul, Mícheál O’Neill, Kelso Digital, Mags Boland Murphy, Bofin Consultancy, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, Mary White, Trademark Attorney, Cllr Joe O’Sullivan, Cathaoirleach, Wexford Co. Council, Anna Daly, MC, Breege Cograve, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Wexford Co. Council, Cuty Gupta, Consultant, and Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber.

Above left: Marguerite Murphy, Bank of Ireland, Paula Roche, CEO County Wexford Chamber of Commerce, and Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Wexford County Council.

Above right: Mary Power and Niamh Howlin.

Left: Maura Bell and Yvonne Doyle.

Right: Alison Murphy and Julie Caulfield.

Below left: Louise O'Rourke, Deborah Jordan and Mairead Molumby.

Below right: Marta Lena, Angela Sanina, Alina Dynko and Liona Byrne.

Pics: Mary Browne.

Enniscorthy’s digital

retail village

Words & pics by Maria Nolan

Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy Digital Retail Village was formally launched recently by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Joe Sullivan at a reception in Enniscorthy Castle.

Cllr. Sullivan said that he was delighted to launch the innovative scheme that unites local businesses on a single digital platform, allowing customers to buy from multiple local shops in one single transaction.

Chair of Enniscorthy Municipal District Barbara-Anne Murphy praised the new initiative saying, ‘It is the way forward and the only thing that is going to keep our towns vibrant. If people don’t want to come into town then give them the apps to buy online, they are buying online anyway they may as well do it in their own town.’

The scheme is the brainchild of Ste-

phen Hallahan, CEO of Tap Retail, who began his company from his bedroom during Covid. He told the Castle audience that ‘the vast majority of products that you are looking for online can be sourced in the town. Tap Retail is a unique offering that makes shopping easier for those with mobility issues, or those who can’t get out and about or those who simply don’t want to venture into town on wet, miserable days or who may prefer to stay in the garden or even on the beach on beautiful, hot summer ones.’

Mr. Hallahan thanked Claire Lawless, Manager of Enniscorthy Municipal District, and Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise & Economic Development at Wexford County Council, for all their support and assistance in promoting Tap Retail saying that 14 businesses have already signed up to the scheme

with positive results.

Matt Ronan, owner of Evolv Health Store, is one of those businesses and was happy to report that his experience with Tap Retail was so positive from day one. ‘Enniscorthy’, he said, ‘is leading the way and that’s a headline for Enniscorthy in itself.’

The following businesses are part of the Tap Retail experience – Staffords Butchers, Evolv Health Store, Gillens Café, My Sport, Mahady Breen’s shoe shop, Prep & Go, Reids Off Licence, General Office and School Supplies, Meet Brazil, Easons Toy Department, Londis, Pet Depot, and Meraki Greek Restaurant.

Tap Retail facilitates delivery within a 3km radius – so what are you waiting for! It’s an excellent idea so let’s all get behind it to make it work – and keep shopping in Enniscorthy even if it’s online. n

Supports available from LEO, Wexford

The Market Explorer Grant is open to small enterprises (with between 1 and 50 paid employees) that meet the following criteria:

Operate as manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services businesses and are solvent as demonstrated in the financial statements supplied and have current tax clearance from Revenue.

Are not currently clients of Enterprise Ireland or IDA.

Operate commercially and are established and trading for at least 12 months, registered, and carrying on activity within the area of the Local Enterprise Office.

Have demonstrated intention to internationalise i.e. have completed Export

Accelerator or similar LEO Exporter Programme or have developed an internationalisation plan or have initial small-scale exports that can be increased.

The amount of the grant is to a maximum of €10,000 or 50% of eligible costs.

Support for the Market Explorer for Business grant applies when eligible companies seek to explore either a new geographic market for an existing product/service or an existing geographic market for a new product/service.

The grant will support first-time and small-scale exporters to undertake essential market research and to support the development of viable and sustainable market entry strategies in new geo-

graphic markets for businesses. The financial assistance proposed will provide support towards costs incurred in researching new market opportunities for products and services.

The eligible activities supported under the Market Explorer grant can be supported under the following cost categories:

Market Research

In Market Consultancy

Trade Fair Attendance

Trade Fair Exhibition

Overseas Travel

Subsistence

Please contact Local Enterprise Office Wexford for further information. n

Green for Business support

The Green for Business support is a free consultancy programme designed to help small businesses become more sustainable. Through up to two days of expert consultancy, businesses can work with a specialist Green Consultant who will identify practical, impactful changes tailored to your business.

Whether it’s cutting costs, improving efficiency, or enhancing your reputation, going green can give your business a competitive edge — while also benefiting the environment.

What’s in it for your business?

• Lower operating costs • Better use of energy, water, and materials • Reduced carbon footprint • Enhanced brand image and customer appeal • Greater resilience to climate change.

Eligibility:

The Green for Business support is open to all enterprises with 1-50 employees except those involved in activities that the Local Enterprise Offices consider as ineligible for example primary agricultural businesses – farms or as involving an unacceptable reputational risk: gambling including ‘gaming’ (as defined in the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956), adult entertainment, tobacco products, and

cannabis-based products which are not authorised as medicines).

The enterprise must be established, registered, and operate within the geographic location of the Local Enterprise Office. The enterprise must operate in the commercial sphere.

Turnover is in excess of €30,000 annually. The business is trading in excess of 6 months.

Companies forming part of a holding group, franchise, linked companies etc. are only permitted to make one application. Multiple applications will not be considered.

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE

Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93

info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie

Contact: 053 9196020

Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie n

Reward with purpose. Shop local.

Looking for a meaningful way to say thank you to your team or clients? The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card is the perfect choice.

Under Revenue’s Small Benefit Exemption Scheme, employers can reward employees with up to €1,500 per year, tax-free, using non-cash benefits like the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card.

No PAYE, PRSI or USC applies. You can reward the €1,500 in any value combination. The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card – which can be spent in 200 participating outlets – is a simple, meaningful way to say thank you that benefits your employees and County Wexford.

Say ‘Thank You’ to your staff today. Check out: https://corporate.townandcitygiftcards.ie/county-wexford-shop-local-gift-card/

It’s flexible, easy to use across Co. Wexford, ideal for staff rewards, incentives and corporate gifting. This card keeps it local – and keeps it thoughtful.

So celebrate the people who make your business great while supporting the businesses that make Co. Wexford thrive. n

For all County Wexford Chamber news: www.countywexfordchamber.ie and https://www.facebook.com/CountyWexfordChamber n

Simplify Your Business Journey with the National Enterprise Hub (NEH)!

Finding the right support to start or grow your business shouldn't be complicated. The National Enterprise Hub offers a streamlined solution, consolidating over 250 essential resources – from grants and funding to training and expert guidance –on to one intuitive website. Whatever your business stage, NEH provides the resources you need to thrive. Discover more at www.neh.gov.ie or contact NEH for tailored assistance and further details. Your business growth starts here! Proudly supported by the Government of Ireland. n

Irish Dogs Trust issues Easter warning over chocolate

As Easter approaches, Dogs Trust is reminding dog owners to be aware of the toxic threats posed by a number of festive favourites. Chocolate, hot cross buns, and even spring flowers like daffodils pose a risk to our canine companions and should always be kept well out of reach to avoid accidents.

Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs due to the presence of theobromine, a substance which dogs cannot metabolise effectively. Even small amounts can cause serious illness, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, seizures, and in some severe cases, heart or kidney failure. Dogs Trust is urging owners to contact their vet immediately if they suspect their dog has ingested any amount of chocolate. The charity is also warning dog owners about a number of lesser-known seasonal hazards that can pose serious risks to pets. Popular Easter treats such as hot cross buns contain raisins, which are highly toxic to dogs, even in small quantities.

Spring flowers, including daffodils, can also be dangerous, particularly as the water in which they are kept may contain toxins that can cause illness if consumed.

Niamh Curran-Kelly, Veterinary and Welfare Manager, Dogs Trust Ireland, advises: “The easiest way to keep your dog safe this Easter, is to ensure that chocolate and other treats are kept well away from furry friends. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so storing these items in an airtight container, up high, is the safest option. Now is a great time to remind children that their treats are not to be shared with dogs, no matter how cute their ‘puppy dog eyes’ are!

“While dogs do have to miss out on the enjoyment of an Easter egg, that doesn’t mean that they can’t join in on some of the fun. Why not try making your dog an Easter-themed dog treat, or have a dog-friendly Easter treat hunt, with dogsafe snacks for them to sniff out? For more seasonal tips, dogfriendly recipes, and top tips to keep your dog safe this Easter, go to DogsTrust.ie/Easter. n

MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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

VET DIARY FOR APRIL

About 14 years ago around this time of the year, a neighbour found a little fluffy pup up the fields while he was out running. He brought him over to me to see if I could find him a home and sure enough I did... the pup stayed with us and never left!

We called him Dilly – or his full title was Dr Dillinsky. When kids would come to the house and ask, 'What's the dog’s name?' I'd reply, 'Dr Dillinsky', and well you'd want to see the kids’ eyes light up as they'd say 'Dr, Dr Dillinsky!?' 'How'd he get that name?' they'd ask.

The Doc kind of earned his name over time I suppose. He was a bit of a magician of a dog and did the funniest of things! He climbed trees, crossed the river on an overhanging bough – balancing himself beautifully like a tightrope walker.

Dr Dill was always with you wherever you'd be. You'd only need to look around you and he'd be there. Most likely curled right by your feet under the table or chair! He was the most loyal and gentle soul.

A few weeks ago I arrived home at lunchtime to feed the dogs and the other two dogs were there, but no sign of Dr Dill. That was unusual, but I thought he might be hunting down the field. But when I arrived home later that evening and he still didn't appear I

with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

knew something was seriously wrong. I headed out looking for him, made a few calls, and before we knew it a whole 'posse' was out searching for him. We searched the roads, ditches, the woods, and fields that night, the next day, and the following day with no luck.

On the Friday morning, three days after he went missing, we found him but sadly he didn't make it. It was a really frosty morning and his body had frozen solid behind a low wall, just down from the road. He must have been hit by a car.

For a minute there was relief that we had found him, but then quickly came the reality that he was gone.

We gave him a good send off but for a little fella he certainly has left a big void in our lives.

To all the friends and family who helped out in the search, all the WSPCA team who shared and kept updating the Facebook page with a callout to see if anyone had spotted him, to everyone who reached out – we owe a huge debt of gratitude. It was so heartwarming to see so many people willing to help find the little Doctor who had sprinkled his magic everywhere he went. Thank you one and all for your help and support during those days searching.

And especially thank you for the magic you brought to us Doc. 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

CAROLINE GETS MOTORING

OPEL FRONTERA HYBRID

The Opel Frontera, once the 1990’s classic 4×4, has returned to Ireland this year as a new compact SUV. It rivals cars like the Dacia Duster and closely-related Citroen C3 Aircross, with a focus on offering space, value and practicality.

It's smaller and more affordable than the Opel Grandland but still practical with seating for five and a generously-sized boot. There are frugal electric and hybrid engine options available, with pricing starting from €27,995 for the hybrid rising to €33,095 for the top of the range GS.

The Frontera is not the last word in luxury inside, but feels nicer than a Duster with less hard plastic finishes. The C3 Aircross is arguably more stylish with its fabric finishes, however you may prefer the Opel’s traditional instruments. For example, the digital driver display in front of you, and a simple touch-

screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all but the entry model. Opel has also included proper buttons and switches for things like the climate control so it’s easy to adjust while driving.

Equipment levels are good, though the SC entry model is best avoided. Elegance and GS versions come with a reversing camera, automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging and brilliant ergonomic seats. There’s also a handy heated windscreen for frosty mornings. The only thing missing is height adjustment for the front passenger seat, which would provide extra comfort.

The rear seats can also split fold 60:40 to carry longer items.

Otherwise the Opel Frontera is very practical with loads of legroom and headroom for passengers thanks to its boxy design. Other features include Isofix points on the two outer seats for family buyers, pockets in the backs of the front seats, two USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket.

The boot is a generous 460 litres: same as the Kia EV3 from the class above and bigger than that of the popular Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid.

The Frontera Hybrid tested uses a simple 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, petrol engine with hybrid assistance and a 6-speed automatic. It doesn’t need to be plugged in but can run on its electric motor for up to 50% of the time in town driving for instance, which helps overall fuel economy. It can be a little slow to react at low speeds in town but refinement improves dramatically as you gather speed and get out of town.

Opel quotes fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres for this model and over a week of driving my average was 5.5, which indicates it’s fuel-efficient in realworld driving. Motor tax is €190 per year for this model.I tested the

136hp version and it doesn’t feel slow at all, with the 0100km/h sprint completed in 9 seconds. Acceleration is smooth and easy via the electrified automatic gearbox.

The Frontera drives very well in fairness. Opel is very proud of the way it tunes cars despite sharing platforms and powertrains with many other models from the Stellantis Group. There is a nice firmness to the steering so it avoids the light, floaty feeling on the road that can blight cars like this. There’s plenty of grip too and overall it handles very well for what it is.

It’s comfortable too, offering a cushioned ride over rough surfaces and ramps in town driving. It loses some of its composure at high speeds on the motorway, becoming noisier. An Astra or Grandland would be a better choice if you plan to do a lot of motorway driving.

All in all, the Opel Frontera Hybrid is a brilliant addition to Opel’s range in Ireland and offers buyers a practical and good value option. It’s a cheerful and fun compact SUV, and very fuel-efficient. n

Slaney descent is super spectacle

Sunday, 15 March, saw the third annual running of the Slaney Descent, where paddlers, paired in racing doubles, racing in Marathon (K2) or Touring (T2) kayaks, took on the river Slaney, racing from Bunclody to Enniscorthy (see photos opposite).

With medium river levels, the paddlers raced down the almost 24km course, starting just above the bridge in Bunclody, and heading straight into a frantic start with rapids just below the bridge.

The drama continued 3km in, with the paddlers portaging the certified boat breaker weir at Clohamon where two crews, with their tails caught in the flow, spun, costing themselves crucial placings.

Crews then continued down the course through Clobemon rapids before coming to the next of the major obstacles, Ballycarney bridge, with its challenging wave train under the Fourth Arch. Saviours of the day, Bunclody Paddle Sports Club, were on hand to aid any crews who took a swim here, but the crews, showing their talents, all managed to remain in their boats at Ballycarney.

Surprise! The next major obstacle, located on the river near Sla-

Try something exciting and new for FREE

You are invited to a free introduction session for adults on Saturday 2nd May.

Two sessions will be held at 10am and 12pm. Boats, paddles and gear will all be included.

Spaces are limited so book now with: https://bunclodypaddlesportsclub.ie/events/

During the day you will be able to:

• Try kayaking or canoeing on the water

• Meet our club members and coaches

• Learn about training sessions and upcoming events. n

neyside Kennels, from approach does not seem challenging, only for paddlers to reach the top and find they are in for a nasty ‘surprise’, with a steep drop and challenging wave train to navigate. Some of the unluckier crews here took a swim, making sure Bunclody Paddle Sports Club got their day's work in assisting them!

The last 7km from Scarawalsh sees the river swing to a due south westerly heading, where a tough headwind greeted the crews.

At the pointy end of things, the hotly contested battle between Donnacha Brennan and Senan Forristal from Thomastown Paddlers in Kilkenny and Finn Harris and Peter Egan of Salmon Leap Canoe Club (Leixlip) came down to a decisive ending when Harris and Egan managed to get away from the chase crew of Brennan and Forristal to take the win at the promenade in ‘scorthy in a time of 1h 27mins 42 seconds, a new course record!

In a testament to the standard of racing, the chase crew of Brennan and Forrristal were only 45 seconds behind in 1h 28mins 33 seconds. Last year's runner-ups, David Horkan and David Francis, finished out the podium in 1h 30mins and 40 seconds.

By the end of the race, all 15 crews had managed to make it back to Enniscorthy, tired but happy, after an amazing day on the river! n

Wexford County Council and Sector 3 Consulting are asking for the public’s help in preparing two plans –The Local Sports and Activity Plan, and the County Outdoor Recreation Plan.

They are seeking to collaborate with residents, visitors, and stakeholders throughout the County to inform the content of these plans.

Online surveys have been devised, one for each plan, and surveys specifically for children and young people and stakeholders to ensure the widest possible reach.

A series of public engagement events were held to gather information and proposals for both plans in each of the county’s five municipal districts including Enniscorthy which was held on 25th March 2026 at the Riverside Park Hotel.

The Local Sports and Activity Plan reflects the Council’s commitment under Action 8 of the National Sports Policy to develop a vision and to set objectives for the Council’s approach to

sport, physical activity, planning, recreation, local sports partnerships and the associated governing bodies. This plan will consider all forms of recognised sport and physical activity (recreational and competitive) which may include exercise and fitness, active travel and social activities (e.g. walking, dancing, etc).

The primary aim of the County Outdoor Recreation Plan is to develop and support the Outdoor Recreation sector in Co. Wexford through a collaborative approach with stakeholders and the wider community. Outdoor recre ation includes all forms of outdoor activity and falls broadly into the categories of land (walking, climbing, cycling etc), water (sailing, kayaking, swimming) and air (paragliding). This plan is being developed as a response to Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors: The National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

There are online surveys which can be accessed via the QR codes below or using the following links:

General Public Surveys –please complete both:

Outdoor Recreation Plan: https://forms.office.com/e/vAVZ3KfQGf

Sports & Activities Plan:

https://forms.office.com/e/amFnxpWsMB

In addition, there are also some specific surveys for both Stakeholders and Children & Young People as follows:

Sports & Activities Plan (Stakeholders): https://forms.office.com/e/R5NVL6Z0Fn

Sports Plan / Outdoor Recreation Plan

Children and Young People Survey: https://forms.office.com/e/xDZPjjygPK n

Congrats Enniscorthy Greyhound Racing

Congrats to Enniscorthy Athletic Club's Dannan Long (pictured below) who last month won the national U23 200 metres indoor title in a remarkable time of 21.46 seconds, his second personal best within a matter of weeks. n

Give it a try!

Are you curious about rowing? Looking for a new way to stay active, meet new people, and try something different?

Go along to Edermine Ferry Rowing Club’s Open Day on April 26th from 1-4pm and give rowing a go, no prior experience needed! Aged 10+.

Location: Edermine Bridge, Y21 R6D6. Have any questions? Contact the club chairperson, Tina Kavanagh, on 087 630 1350.

The club says, “We’re looking forward to seeing you there!" n

Racing has resumed in Enniscorthy on two nights a week –Monday and Thursday. First race starts at 8pm. A great night out for all the family.

Norman Territorial Division in Angevin Leinster Words & pics by Maria Nolan

‘Norman Territorial Division in Angevin Leinster’ – sounds like a bit of a mouthful doesn’t it, but all it really means is how the Normans carved up North Wexford and Leinster between them or, if you prefer, the political collusions in the distribution of land grants to the Normans who came into Wexford to assist Diarmuid McMurrough to take back Ferns and the lands of Leinster.

A talk, given by David Mcllreavy, a licensed archaeologist with special interest in the early development of the Anglo lordship of Ireland, and Barry Lacey, a licensed archaeologist working in the commercial sector and author of Beneath the Ground of Kings and Saints, was hosted by Enniscorthy Library and drew a full house, a testament to our profound interest in our Norman forebearers.

Catherine McPartlin, introducing the speakers, explained that the series of Norman lectures is part of the cultural buildup to 2027, The European Year of the Normans, it being the anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror in 1027.

David Mclleavy concentrated mainly on the Prendergast family and their close connections to the Earl of Pembroke better known to you and me as Strongbow.

One of Strongbow’s knights, Maurice de Prendergast, was awarded significant land grants in Wexford from the territory of Kynelaon, or Killanerin as we know it today, right down to

Wexford town, one of the primary considerations of Richard de Clare, Strongbow being that someone such as de Prendergast could attract settlers to his new territories from nearby Wales.

De Clare may even have been confident that the militia organisation that the Flemish Knights, de Prendergast being one of them, had been renowned for in Wales would be replicated in these territories and therefore prevent the need for additional garrisons.

De Prendergast became one of the most prominent Norman families in Wexford with Philip de Prendergast, son of Maurice, responsible for the construction of our fabulous, longstanding Castle here is Enniscorthy, to this very day over 800 years later.

Just as the Norman names have survived in Wexford, many of their strongly built fortifications are dotted around our present-day landscape – evidence of our rich Norman heritage.

Thank you to Enniscorthy Library and Wexford Normandy Cultural Association for this most interesting series giving us an insight into our Norman ancestors.

The next lecture will take place on April 17th at Our Lady’s Island Community Centre at 7.30pm and will be delivered by Derek O’Brien, archaeologist and historian, titled ‘Marking their territory – how Norman identity was set in stone’. n

The social history of The Shannon

It’s great to see well known local folklorist Michael Fortune hard at work in recent weeks recording the oral history of The Shannon area of Enniscorthy. Among the people recorded are Seán Doyle – a man with a wonderful mastery of words and knitting needles! And Terry Canavan who impressed Michael with the depth of his stories. Both are pictured below. Others recorded to date include Tim Corrigan, Pat Hyland, Charlie Kelly, and Anne Hendrick.

Enniscorthy East Community Development and Enniscorthy Community Alliance both played a part in getting this project started.

Michael is delighted to be able to record these chats thanks to the support of Wexford County Council through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme.

See next page for more details. n

The place to be

Head to Enniscorthy Castle this Easter Sunday (5th of April) at 2pm for a fascinat ing presentation exploring Enniscorthy’s role in one of the most pivotal moments in Irish history.

'The 1916 Easter Rising in Enniscorthy' will provide a re vealing insight into the events of the Rising locally, high lighting the leadership and bravery of those involved in Enniscorthy’s role in the Rising. The talk will also reflect on the aftermath of the 1916 and Enniscorthy’s unique place in history as the last area to surrender.

With 2026 marking the 110th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, this presentation offers a chance to learn more about Enniscorthy’s significant contribution to this seminal event in Irish history.

Spaces are limited, please book to avoid disappointment. To book, click the link: https://enniscorthycastle.retailint-tickets.com/Home

Social history of Templeshannon

A new, exciting, and deeply valuable body of work is currently being undertaken by artist and folklorist Michael Fortune in the Templeshannon area of Enniscorthy.

Commissioned by Anne-Marie Laffan from the Community Department of Wexford County Council, via the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme,

the project focuses on recording the ordinary, everyday life stories of people from this part of Enniscorthy. Never before have recordings of this kind been undertaken in the town, and straight away the social histories captured have made a positive impact.

For the past 25 years, Michael has been documenting the voices, memories, and

untold stories of people across Ireland, but he always loves the invitation to record in his native Wexford. The project holds particular meaning for him, as his mother was born in The Shannon in the 1940s, and although she was fostered out due to family circumstances, he is on a personal journey to connect with people through their voices and memories.

Since the middle of February, armed with a camera and a microphone, he has been capturing local stories in intimate and familiar settings: in people’s homes, in their yards, and – when the weather allows – out on the streets and slopes of Vinegar Hill. These spots are the places where people played games, fished, danced, sang songs, gathered sticks for the fire, and kept hens and vegetable gardens behind their terraced houses on the slopes of Vinegar Hill. The Travelling community is also a huge part of the fabric of this part of the town and he has engaged and recorded stories too of life on the road, working for the farmers, and life on the outskirts of a town.

This project is a significant contribution not only to the local area but to the wider country. It steps away from conventional, often retold histories found in books and newspaper archives, instead drawing directly from lived experience –

stories that were often never told or spoken about. These stories belong to the people, and it is Michael’s role to gently uncover and share them.

Through his widely followed platform, folklore.ie, Michael has already shared a selection of these recordings, attracting thousands of views and interactions. People are engaging with these stories everywhere – on their phones, at home, in pubs – and many who have emigrated are reconnecting with the places and memories of their childhood.

The recordings do not shy away from difficult realities, including economic hardship, unemployment, and emigration –experiences that shaped this community over the centuries. Yet above all, what shines through is a strong sense of community, hard graft, belonging, and kinship. The stories are funny, sad, reflective, and deeply human.

Michael is now halfway through the recording process and plans to host a screening event in late May in Templeshannon. This event will officially launch the collection and, more importantly, bring people together in celebration – of who they are, where they come from, and what connects them.

Anne-Marie Laffan tells us that, “This is a truly grassroots project – authentic, heartfelt, and rooted in the lived experiences of a community.”

Please follow folklore.ie on social media for the recordings, and if you know of anyone or any stories from this part of Enniscorthy, please feel free to contact Michael directly on 087 6470247.

Here is the link to the playlist and more will be added in the coming weeks: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrwXMzMCkujWd3UIzfZ8j2ariCZBooEn&si =fRnaw_oy9EjQGPIz n

Slaney aD Slaney hiSTory & heriTage

Ui Cinsealaigh Historical Society’s new publication

The wonderful 38th edition of The Past by the Ui Cinsealaigh Historical Society was launched at Enniscorthy Library by Chairman John Garahy on Thursday 27th February.

The society thanks all the staff and management at each of the shops in supporting this new publication, and all the local authors who contributed to the publication, and C&R Print for ensuring a top quality publication.

Thanks also to the Heritage Section of Wexford County Council, who kindly sponsored the publication through the heritage grant scheme.

The book can be bought at: Caulfield's Newsagents, 68 South St, New Ross; Red Books, Peter's Square, Wexford Town; The Book Centre, Main St, Wexford Town; Easons in Wexford, Enniscorthy and Gorey.

It retails at €20. n

The Normans – marking their territory

The next talk in the Norman series, organised to raise awareness of 2027 European Year of the Normans, will take place in Our Lady's Island Community Centre (Y35 WKC9) on April 17th at 7.30pm.

The talk, entitled “Marking their territory – how Norman identify was 'set in stone’’’, will be given by archaeologist and historian Derek O'Brien. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session. This is a free event, register on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/47NDvqI

Brief description of talk: When the Anglo-Normans arrived in Ireland they introduced new building techniques, both military and ecclesiastical. To assist this, they introduced a new type of building stone, and the masons to carve it. They were simply carrying on a tradition they had brought with them from Normandy and which they had done in England following the events of 1066. Building in stone was a display of strength and of permanence by the Anglo-Normans. They were demonstrating to their new colony in Ireland that they were here to stay. They were marking their territory and displaying their identity. The evidence of which can be seen around Ireland, with some of the best examples in County Wexford. Recordings of previous talks are available on this YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxNaPafjhQtgPEQo9DMIdYIzhthrnA5_ Please note, it may take up to two months for the recordings to be available on this YouTube channel. n

Enniscorthy’s Easter commemorations

Last year’s Easter commemorations in Enniscorthy.

The 110th Anniversary of the Easter Rising in Enniscorthy in 1916 will be remembered at the Annual Commemorative event being organised by Enniscorthy Municipal District for Easter Monday, 6th April, 2026.

Members of the Athenaeum Committee in conjunction with the 1916 Commemoration Committee and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council

have put together a programme of events happening at St Aidan’s Cathedral, Market Square, and Athenaeum.

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

Proceedings will begin with Mass at St. Aidan’s Cathedral at 10am, then a procession to Market Square for the laying

of a wreath at the Croppy Boy Monument, the playing of the Last Post, an address by Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr BarbaraAnne Murphy, the Proclamation to be read by Judy Freeman, and the playing of the National Anthem before moving on to the Athenaeum at 11am approx for:

• Laying of wreath at the Athenaeum by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy

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

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

• A guard of honour for Padraig Pearse by EHRS

• Extract of Pearse’s speech from on 1st March 1916 by Billy Stafford

• Rendition of The Foggy Dew by Niamh Crowhurst

• Refreshments provided by Enniscorthy Municipal District Council

Enniscorthy remembers two very special days every year – the Battle of Vinegar Hill on 21st June, and Easter Monday – they are moments in history unique to our town so all are encouraged to come out on 6th April for the 110th Commemorations and to remember our dead and those who made us who we are today here in Enniscorthy. n

Medieval Ferns

Want to try something new and very different this month? Then try the Medieval Ferns Experience at Ferns Community Centre which tells the fascinating story of Ferns’ medieval history in an interactive and fun way. Using audio-visual sensory and virtual reality, it really gives a great insight into power shifts in the Ancient Capital of Leinster.

Opening hours for November to May are 11am-5pm Wednesday to Saturday with last admission at 4pm. Phone: 089-4946972.

Email: medievalfernsexperience@fernsvillage.ie https://www.facebook.com/MedievalFernsExperience Entry fee is €6. Seniors/Students €5. Children under 12 are free. Guided walking tours of the key historical sites in Ferns village are also available costing €10. n

A reminder to landowners

Wexford County Council wishes to remind landowners and occupiers of land that it is illegal to cut, grub, burn, or destroy vegetation in hedges or ditches between March 1st and August 31st.

The only exception to this is if there are grounds to act for road safety reasons.

Examples of hazards might be dead or dying trees, ditches or hedges interfering with traffic, blocking footpaths, obscuring road signs or obscuring a view of the road ahead. You are required to fell, cut, log, trim or remove such trees, ditches and hedges. Adequate signposting should be provided and the Council and Gardai notified before works commence.

Liability for damage or injury resulting from such hazards will rest with the landowner/occupier. n

Bring your own cup and save!

GET 50C OFF TAKEAWAY COFFEE/TEA AT MERAKI CAFE & LOUNGE AT THE IFA CENTRE, ENNISCORTHY.

‘Bring Your Own Cup’ – a great way to reduce our carbon footprint and keep our town looking stunning. n

This year marks 40 years of National Tree Week, the theme “Growing a Greener Future Together” reflects the collective effort of communities, organisations, and individuals across the country who continue to plant, protect, and cherish Ireland’s trees.

To celebrate the recent National Tree Week, Wexford County Council in conjunction with the Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte distributed 800 native saplings to primary schools across County Wexford. Wexford County Council also promotes and supports local communities with the ‘Trees for Wexford Scheme’ which saw 9,669 trees and saplings distributed to voluntary community groups and schools in February 2026. n

These six ‘R’s can save our planet!

Refuse single use plastics (bags, cups, etc)

Rethink your choices

Reuse as much as possible

Repair before you replace

Recycle all packaging and plastic bottles

Rot all your organic stuff and put it back into the soil n

Can you help?

Do you have a few hours to spare a month? Find yourself bored mid week evenings or at the weekend? Want to make your town a better place? Please contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown Email: enniscorthytt@gmail.com n

Report illegal dumping

Wexford County Council has three methods to log illegal dumping complaints:

1. Call: 053 919 6000

2. Email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie

3. Website to report illegal dumping: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/waste-and-recycling/report-illegal-dumping n

Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA) has been approved for a Local Waste Prevention Grant, which it will use to restore unwanted tools for reuse by its members.

So have a look around your house/shed for tools that ECA can restore, and please leave them at the ECA shed reception. n

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers are doing a lot of work at present on their anti-dog-fouling campaign including the use of stencils and spray paint to spray “Bag It, Bin It” messages on footpaths which are prone to dog fouling. Dog poo contains harmful bacteria, is unsightly, gets on shoes, buggies, wheelchairs etc and, of course, is a big problem for visually impaired people. The Tidy Towns group is pleading with dog owners to practise responsible dog ownership, pick up after your dog and bin that poo. n

National Tree Week in Bunclody

Energy upgrade event in Wexford

Wexford County Council was proud to support the Wexford Town Sustainable Energy Community (Wexford SEC) and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) at the SEAI Home Energy Upgrade event in St. Joseph's Community Centre, Wexford town, on Thursday, 12th March.

This was a regional event with nearly 30 exhibitors providing the opportunity for home owners to meet with local contractors to discuss their home energy upgrade options as well as the SEAI and the SEEA on government grants available.

Earlier in the morning a Business Sustainability Event was held in association with the SEAI and Wexford Local Enterprise Office where local business owners could learn of ways they could reduce their energy costs and access green grants.

A Community Event was also held where the Wexford SEC, Wexford County

Council, and the SEAI provided information on the Energy Champion Programme; the award-winning pilot programme ran in Southend, Wexford, and on how to recruit Energy Champions

within their own communities.

Overall the day was a great success with over 300 attendees; very positive feedback was received from exhibitors and attendees alike. n

Circular community celebrations

“Borrow, Use, Return” – an initiative to support circular community celebrations. This new initiative helps communities celebrate in a more sustainable way.

The Southern Waste Region comprises of ten Local Authority areas of Carlow, Clare, Cork County, Cork City, Limerick City & County, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford City & County and Wexford working together to deliver on targets set out in the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy.

The “Borrow, Use, Return” project is a joint project led by the environmental awareness officers of these ten Local Authorities with financial support received through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Waste Prevention Programme. The initiative provides reusable party packs to community and voluntary groups, helping to reduce single-use and promote circular living.

Each reusable party pack includes cups, plates, cutlery, jugs, and bowls for up to 30 people. Colouring bunting created by Community Reuse Network Ireland (CRNI), using recycled textiles are also included. All items are washable, reus-

the community. They can be used for any type of community gathering, celebration or event. Community groups can also choose to share the party pack for family gathering and events within the community.

Wexford Co. Council has ten party packs for distribution during this pilot phase. If your group is interested in receiving a reusable party pack for your community simply email your expression of interest on or before 17th April 2026 to: environmentawareness@wexfordcoco.ie A form will then be sent to apply for the pack.

Once approved, the pack is provided free of charge and the group commits to sharing it within their community. When a celebration or event is planned, the pack is borrowed from the participating group. After the event, the items are cleaned and returned, ready for the next occasion. This cycle of borrowing, using, and returning keeps the pack in circulation, reduces reliance on single use items and supports a circular community by keeping resources in use for longer. By cutting down on single use items the initiative also helps reduce waste.

The project is open to a wide range of community and voluntary groups, includ-

tary groups, parent associations, active age groups and sports clubs. Participation from primary or secondary schools, colleges and universities, family resource centres or other types of community centres or settings is also welcome.

In addition to providing reusable supplies, the initiative encourages greener party planning with practical tips. Hosts are invited to send digital invitations instead of paper ones, swap traditional party bag gifts for creative group activities and decorate using reusable items. Wrapping gifts in fabric and sharing leftover treats in reusable take-away containers are simple ways to reduce waste and make celebrations more sustainable.

“Reusing items is a positive climate action that we can all do,” said Cliona Connolly environment awareness officer with Wexford Co. Council. “This project will help communities become more circular and sustainable without the cost and environmental impact of single use party ware or products. This initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production and Sustainable Development Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals, by supporting and promoting reuse and reducing waste in the community.” n

World Earth Day

Tuesday, 21st April, is World Earth Day at Enniscorthy Library where you can ‘Adopt a Plant’!

You get to pick out your very own little plant, and Enniscorthy Library will give you an adoption certificate to show everyone that you are a brand new plant parent!

So let’s all be part of making the earth a greener place!

All welcome, and while stocks last. n

Re-turn for a good cause!

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns (ETT) is delighted to team up with Martina Leacy who is organising the 'All Abilities Dance Academy Disney Performance' in September 2026.

Past and present students of St. Patrick's School, Enniscorthy, and other special dancers will be going global with their dance routines and Martina and Co. need help fundraising for their trip.

ETT is delighted to donate cans and bottles to this cause (see photo above). If you our your company group or organisation are interested in donating, contact Tidy Towns or Martina directly. n

Funding for outdoor social and recreational spaces, and water & biodiversity projects

Open to expressions of interest for funding from community groups

€370,000 is available through the LEADER programme for community projects in the following areas:

Development of sustainable outdoor social and recreational facilities which prioritise universal design with access for all.

Capital supports for biodiversity measures and environmental improvements including parks, nature corridors and community gardens.

Sustainable use of water resources including community training and monitoring projects, water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and use of grey water.

Development of climate and biodiversity action plans.

Interested community groups should complete and return an Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 12 noon, Tuesday 21st April. Further information and EOI form available from:

https://wld.ie/leader-community-funding/ n