By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
Enniscorthy will host the 11th annual Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival over the May Bank Holiday, officially launched by Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD at Enniscorthy Castle on Tuesday evening.
This marked Minister Browne’s fifth time officiating the opening ceremony, during which he expressed his pleasure at inaugurating “this outstanding local festival.”
He pointed out that under the Chairmanship of Ger Mackey, a former Town Manager in Enniscorthy, the food element of the festival enjoys a phenomenal reputation and the Rock n’ Roll element of this festival, under the Chairmanship of Eamonn Doyle, ensures our streets reverberate like no other during the May Bank holiday weekend and bring in crowds and colour and something for everyone to enjoy.”
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, praised the festival organisers and sponsors for attracting many visitors to Enniscorthy to enjoy food and music.
Chair of the Festival Committee Ger Mackey paid tribute to Minister Browne for his contribution to the festival and welcomed special guests including Senator Cathal Byrne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllrs Aidan Browne, Pat Kehoe, Trish Byrne and Jackser Owens, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager Claire Lawless, Chief Executive Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe, a number of sponsors including Keith Groake and M.J. Furlong from AIB, Ger Reynolds on behalf of sponsors BD Enniscorthy (formerly Clearstream), Kevin Lawlor, Enniscorthy Credit Union and representatives of An Garda Siochana.
Richie Cotter, member of the South East Rock n’ Roll Club said the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival was on the doorstep and the Rock n’Roll community led by Eamonn Doyle and Willy O’Rourke have organised 45 ‘live’ gigs during the festival from Friday, May 1st into Bank Holiday Monday, May 4th and he wants everyone to join in and enjoy themselves. “Sing, dance and make people happy is the plan for this weekend,” concluded Mr. Cotter.
Jimmy Gahan served as master of ceremonies. Appreciation went to Maura Bell and the Enniscorthy Castle staff for their facilities. The Baily Bar supplied food, and delicious Wexford strawberries came from The Village at Wheelocks.
A full programme of events is available in brochure form locally or on www.rockinfoodfestival.ie
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