Drama Festival time in Carnew

Members of the South Wicklow Drama Festival Committee 2023. Back L-R: Mandie O’Keefe, Jacqui, Mulholland, Kieran Tyrrell, Raymond Brennan, Tommy Kavanagh, Dougie Doyle, Lorna Doran McEvoy. Front L-R: Mary Doyle, Debbie Furlong, Eamonn Doran, Kevin McEvoy, Mary Doran. 

By Dan Walsh

The 16th South Wicklow Drama Festival takes place in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, from next Saturday (March 18th) for nine nights until Sunday, March 26th once again there is a wonderful and varied line up of plays lined up with many of the local groups taking part along with Drama Groups from counties Tipperary and Armagh.

The festival was launched in Jim Byrne’s Lounge by Rory Kinsella, Chairman of Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama in the presence of members from Kilmuckridge, Kilrush and Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Groups and Wayside Players all of whom will be participating in the South Wicklow Drama Festival. Also present were some patrons, sponsors and the Festival Committee. Chairman, Eamonn Doran announced the varied and interesting line up of plays for the Festival.  

This year’s adjudicator is Anna Walker, a member of ADA since 2008, and has relished the opportunity to adjudicate at numerous festivals throughout of Ireland.

Line up of Plays Nightly at 8pm except final night – 7.30pm start.

Saturday 18th March; Lislea Dramatic Players, “See How They Run” by Philip King. Sponsor: Jim Byrne’s Bar & Lounge, Carnew. 

Sunday 19th March: Wayside Players “The Field” by John B Keane, Sponsor: Boggan Motors, Gorey.

Monday 20th March Enniscorthy Drama Group “Farsiders” by Fintan Kelly. Sponsor: Quinn Property Ltd, Gorey & Carnew.

Tuesday 21st March Kilmuckridge Drama Group “Sive” by John B Keane. Sponsor: McCrea’sBar & Lounge, Carnew.

Wednesday 22nd March Bridge Drama “Big Big Sky” by Tom Wells. Sponsor: Osborne’s Centra, Carnew

Thursday 23rd March Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group “The Night Alive” by Conor McPherson. Sponsor:Kenny’s Corner House,Carnew.

Friday 24th March Kilrush Drama Group “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Martin McDonagh. Sponsor: Candy’s Costcutter,Carnew.

Saturday 25th March Thurles Drama Group “The Seafarer” by Conor McPherson. Sponsor: K&K Windows, Craanford.

Sunday 26th March Wexford Drama Group “The Father” by Florian Zeller. Sponsor; South East Security & Safety Ltd.

Patron Tickets for the Festival are available from any of the Festival Committee, from Mark Kennedy in Hall’s Shop, Main Street, Carnew; Carnew Training & Consultancy Centre and from Candy’s, Carnew. Purchasing a patron ticket enables you to see all nine of the following plays for just €45.

NB. A preview of the South Wicklow Drama Festival can be heard on Mid Week Voices with Dan Walsh on South East Radio on Wednesday at 8pm.

Sarah does Bree Macra proud

Pictured are Sarah Byrne with coaches Peter and James Byrne.

Members of Bree Macra Na Feirme are proud of the impressive performance of Sarah Byrne and would like to congratulate Sarah who was runner-up in the Impromptu Public Speaking All-Ireland Final in Ennis last Saturday night.

Sarah spoke on the topics of Friendship, Cyclists, and Space Travel. Huge congratulations also to Josephine O’Neil of Callan Macra, who took home first place. Thank you to Clare Macra for hosting the event.

Barry O’Neill tops at Lingstown

Veteran Vital Island won for the fifth time over the Lingstown banks today. He is seen here with the winning connections including Alex O’Keeffe (groom), Tiernan Power Roche (rider) and Richard O’Keeffe (handler). Vital Island will attempt to win the Ladies Cup at Punchestown for the second time next month.

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown, Tomhaggard

Champion rider Barry O’Neill was in brilliant form at Lingstown this afternoon where he rode a treble to further stretch his lead in the national point-to-point riders’ championship. Donnchadh Doyle saddled two winners at Lingstown and another at Belclare, Co. Galway, to record a treble on the day.

Barry O’Neill was aboard newcomer Mayor’s Walk for Colin Bowe in the maiden race for four-year-old mares who beat the Rob James handled Jasette D’Irelande (Brian Dunleavy up) in a tight finish – three quarters of a length the verdict.

BARRY O’NEILL.. three winners at Lingstown today.

O’Neill was back in the winners’ again following the maiden race for five-year-old mares and an easy 22 lengths victory on Banprionsa for Bunclody handler Richard Black.

O’Neill’s treble was completed on Lady In The Park for Dublin handler Tom Dreaper in the maiden race for five-year-old and upwards sponsored by the INHSC and confined to handlers with ten wins or less.

Handler Donnchadh Doyle and his rider James Walsh shared a double success at the lakeside track in south Wexford. First up was Jalon D’Oudairies by five lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings followed by a one length victory on Incognito Fatal in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings.

Doyle made it an across the card treble when newcomer Romeo Coolio ran out the five lengths winner of the maiden race for four-year-olds at Belclare, Co. Galway. The Monbeg handler is now on the 17-winner mark for the season – three behind the leader and reigning champion Colin Bowe who has reached the 20 winner mark.

Vital Island is on his way to the Ladies Cup in Punchestown in April after winning the Open Lightweight Race ‘over the banks’ for the fifth time today. “All roads lead to Punchestown now,” said winning handler, Richard O’Keeffe, Newtown, Taghmon, who added: “He loves it around here (Lingstown).” Vital Island was ridden by local rider Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard. Five lengths the verdict.

Owner/handler and rider combined, Harley Dunne on his return from injury enjoyed a six lengths victory when left in front at the penultimate obstacle in the maiden race for four-year-olds at Knockanohill, Co. Cork, today (Sunday).

Some results from yesterday (Saturday). Bertie Finn from Oulart enjoyed his first success of the season and his seventh career winner as the rider aboard Colin Bowe’s Tara Cove, and a two lengths victory in the Winner of One race at Kirkistown, East Down. “Going to a Winner of Two next,” said handler Bowe afterwards.

The famous Tetratema Perpetual Cup hunter’s chase was run at Gowran Park yesterday and victory for Ferns Lock, by three and a half lengths, and another success for Barry O’Neill and handler David Christie.

140 artists in Enniscorthy Exhibition

TOM MOONEY speaking at the official opening of the 7th annual Open Call Exhibition in the Presentation Art Centre, Enniscorthy tonight.

By Dan Walsh at Presentation Art Centre, Enniscorthy

Artwork by 140 artists from all across Ireland were welcomed at tonight’s (Saturday) reception for the 7th annual Open Call Exhibition taking place in the Presentation Art Centre, Convent Road, Enniscorthy,

Visual Art Manager Lisa Byrne welcomed tonight’s guests and told WexfordLocal.com that “this annual exhibition is open for any artist to take part in.”

“It doesn’t matter what your technique is, or how much of a professional or beginner you are, we invite everybody to showcase their creativity in our Enniscorthy gallery space,” said Ms. Byrne, who added; “Our aim is to support emerging artists from all backgrounds, which is why we have no selection process with this exhibition. All work that is submitted is displayed, and always will be.”  

Art critic and former editor of the Wexford Echo Group of Newspapers, Tom Mooney, was on hand to evaluate the work and expose seven examples, which in his expert opinion, were of outstanding creativity and “caught his eye” as noteworthy exhibits.

Mr. Mooney’s ‘magnificent seven’ were the work of Margaret Murphy, Geraldine Walsh, Aron Burke, Larry Dunne, The Stamp 3 Collective, John Kehoe and Zdenka Veselaq Makisimova. All works in the exhibition were commended.

The attendance included Elizabeth Whyte, CEO, Wexford Arts Centre.

The Open Call Exhibition continues in the Presentation Arts Centre until May 1st. Well worth a visit!

Fleadh 2024 is coming to Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann 2024, organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, will be held in Wexford town from August 4th to 11th following an official announcement by the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Ard Comhairle in Dublin today. The other applicant for the Fleadh was Belfast.

Wexford has a long history in Comhaltas and has made a significant contribution to the promotion of Ireland’s cultural traditions. Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann was previously held in Enniscorthy in 2000, 1999 and 1967.

Chairperson of Craobh Loch Garman Comhaltas Barbara Walsh said; “We are thrilled, honoured and humbled by the successful vote we have received from the Ard Comhairle of Comhaltas, both for our town and in the members of our voluntary bid committee who have put in a huge amount of work to help us achieve this result”.

CEO of Wexford County Council Tom Enright said that hosting the event will mean €50m for the local economy on an annual basis.

The Fleadh is one of the largest cultural festivals in the world, it attracts up to 500,000 and 15,000 performers, including about 25% from overseas, and generates over €60 million for the host region.

Designs from Wexford at Dublin City Junk Kouture

During the showcase, 80 creations crafted by young designers aged 13 -18 years from across the North, South, East, South-East and West of Ireland were chosen to represent their region at the Dublin City Final taking place this May.

Taking to one of Ireland’s most prestigious stages, Wexford’s five finalist team will face stiff competition from over 70 other entries from across the country in this year’s Dublin City Final. in a bid to secure a space at the inaugural World Final of Junk Kouture where Irish finalists will compete with their fellow creative peers from Paris, Milan, NYC, London and Abu Dhabi.

Wexford heading to the Dublin City Final are:

Conker Couture by Katie Murphy, Zuzanna Czerpak and Iraia Álvarez de Eul from Coláiste Bríde Enniscorthy created from curtain, 305 halved conkers, wool, gems and basket twine. 

Carnaval Beleza by Leah Reck, Amy Fortune and Caoimhe O’Leary from Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, created from cotton string, scraps of blind, costume jewellery and beads, fencing wire and feather boas. 

Slaibh na Stocai by Ellie Lawless and Kiera Milling from Colaiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge, created from socks, braising wire, bed sheet, jewellery, buttons and wool.

Glamping by Úna Fae Flavin and Boglarka Ruzsali from Creagh College, Gorey, created from ground sheet, a tent, poncho, bailing twine and a coat.

Victorian_junkkoture by Holly Royal, Caoimhe Creavin and Layla Breen from Enniscorthy Community College created from newspaper, cardboard, bottle caps and bed sheet. 

Recently, we saw the next generation of Irish up-and-coming eco-conscious creators, innovators, and fashion designers at the 2023 Regional Finals of Junk Kouture, the world’s largest sustainable fashion competition for youth.

1,200 haute-couture designs made from 100% recycled materials by post-primary students entered the 13th year of the creative programme in Ireland. From this, 300 designs were shortlisted and aired on Junk Kouture’s YouTube and TikTok channel for the 2023 Regional Finals.

Junk Kouture is Powered by RTE. Eurospar and DHL are the official partners.

Stay up to speed with all things Junk Kouture 2023 on http://www.junkkouture.com and on Instagram and TikTok @junkkouture.

Weather warning for South East

By Dan Walsh

Anyone travelling in the North Wexford areas into counties Carlow and Wicklow today are warned to take serious notice of weather conditions in the area and only travel if the journey is essential or use an alternative safer route.

The Nine Stones at Mount Leinster (Pic; Carlow County Fire & Rescue Service)

Carlow County Fire & Rescue Service told WexfordLocal.com that the road to the Nine Stones car park on Mount Leinster is impassable from both the Borris and Myshall sides.

This is due to the current weather conditions as a STATUS YELLOW WARNING is in place for the entire country.

A STATUS YELLOW WARNING has been issued for most of the South East including counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Tipperary as well as counties Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Offaly and Wicklow.

Potential for 2,000 jobs at Trinity Wharf

By Dan Walsh

Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, was in Wexford town last Thursday for the official ‘turning of the sod’ on Phase 1 of the  iconic waterfront development at Trinity Wharf.

Wexford County Council estimate that Trinity Wharf has the potential to provide over 2,000 jobs over the next five to ten years.

Minister Darragh O’Brien stated that it was fitting that the newly established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) will be located on the waterfront here at Trinity Wharf, providing the first anchor tenant. The agency will be responsible for licensing for marine activities, offshore renewable energy, which will play a key part of the climate action programme to reduce our carbon emissions by 2030 at national level. With the potential to create up to 200 jobs, it will be on a par with the Environmental Protection Agency already established at Johnstown Castle.

Chief Executive Officer at Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, said; “The Trinity Wharf development will provide an ideal property solution for the world’s leading companies to invest and grow. The ambitious economic project will deliver a public private partnership of €110 million investment in the flagship project and I want to commend Minister Darragh O’Brien who allocated over €20 million under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund towards the project.”

Mr Enright continued; “The investment in the Trinity Wharf development will complement the provision of the new purpose-built university campus in Wexford by South East Technology University (SETU).
Cllr. George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach stated; ‘It is wonderful to turn the sod on the first of many major works contracts that will see the transformation of the old factory site into a new modern, state of the art urban quarter on Wexford Town’s waterfront”. He added that ‘The provision of world class commercial property solutions for multi-national companies will enhance Wexford’s reputation as a destination for companies in the life sciences, technology and financial services area’.

Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Maura Bell, stated that; “In a post Brexit economy Wexford is an ideal location as a European hub for multi-national companies seeking a location that will attract talent with a great life style. Today we create a future for our young people by investing in the new urban quarter that will see the delivery of a major capital project in the beautiful setting of Wexford Harbour.”

Mr. Enright congratulated Glas Civil Engineering Ltd on being awarded the €2.5 million works contract. He commented that Glas Civil Engineering is a firm with a strong track record of delivering projects in Wexford including the South East Greenway, and “we are delighted to have them onboard.”  
Phase 1 of the Trinity Wharf project is due to consist of:

  • A new access road linking Trinity Street to the new railway level crossing at Trinity Wharf,
  • Signalised junction at the Trinity Street junction
  • New bus stops on Trinity Street
  • Watermain upgrade from Parnell Street to Trinity Wharf
  • Installation of deep services crossings under the railway line.   
    These works are expected to complete in Autumn 2023, with the next works contract to commence in 2024.

Another All-Ireland Final for Bree Macra

Bree Macra would like to congratulate Sarah Byrne, who competed in the semi-final of the Impromptu Public Speaking in Cork last night, and succeeded in qualifying for the All-Ireland Final.

She spoke on the topics of Freedom of Speech, The Energy Crisis, and Cats Vs. Dogs. Sarah recently captained the Novice Debating team, who were runners-up in the All-Ireland Final in January.

The Impromptu Public Speaking All-Ireland Final will take place on March 11th at 7.30pm in Cloughleigh Community Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare. V95K31X. Best of luck Sarah!

Tricolour raised over Vinegar Hill

Raising the Tricolour on Vinegar Hill today marking an historic event from 175 years ago (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Vinegar Hill

The Tricolour was ceremoniously unfurled and raised on Vinegar Hill today marking the 175th anniversary of the historic occasion when the Tricolour was first flown publicly on March 7th, 1848.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Aidan Browne said he was delighted that Wexford County Council was marking this important occasion. “This is a significant event worthy of us coming together to remember the meaning of the Tricolour and its relevance to our own lives in 2023,” he stated.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council CLLR AIDAN BROWNE delivering the keynote address on Vinegar Hill today.

Brian Ó Cléirigh, in his role of Chairman of the Robert Emmet Association, outlined a brief history of the Tricolour and how the colours originated in the Netherlands and France and came to Ireland and Enniscorthy.

An t-Úas Ó Cléirigh presented copies of Emmet’s Proclamation of 1803 to An Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne, the leader of the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, Ray Murphy, and Sean Óg O’Dubhghaill, who he described affectionately as “an old personal friend.”

District Manager Claire Lawless welcomed everybody to the ceremony and acted as master of ceremonies.

Cllrs Jackser Owens, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan were amongst the attendance, Supt. Denis Whelan represented An Garda Siochána, Mico Hassett and Keith Doyle and staff of Enniscorthy Castle and members of the Board of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.

The Tricolour was raised by Sergeant Tommy Comerford and Lieutenant Billy Molloy from the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny.

Trumpeter Anthony Nolan played the Reveille and Amhrán na bhFiann to conclude the pleasant and reverent ceremony on Vinegar Hill.

A reception was held afterwards in Enniscorthy Castle.