The evening sun setting on Vinegar Hill following the success of the 2023 Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival weekend.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
The heat is turned off, the food shelves are bare, the giant Ferris Wheel is slowing down and the crowds have all gone home leaving a legacy of great memories from this year’s successful Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival at Enniscorthy.
CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE
The big talking point was the massive crowds in Enniscorthy town centre on Saturday and Sunday, the kind not witnessed since the halcyon days of the famous Strawberry Fayre. And despite a dodgy weather forecast for the weekend, the weather was on best behaviour.
The crowds were everywhere. The stalls were thronged throughout both days, the night-time music venues enjoyed ‘packed houses’ and the amusements and the Ferris Wheel were extremely busy.
Chairman of the Festival Committee Eric Barron told WexfordLocal.com that the organisers were delighted at the success of this year’s event. “We had great crowds on both days, and it was a true family friendly festival,” he added.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, who spoke at the official launch in Enniscorthy Castle on Friday night said it was a big success for the town and he complimented the organisers and sponsors for their great work for the town.
CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council comments on the 2023 Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival.
Cutting the ribbon and declaring Gorey Town and District Park officially open earlier today (Saturday); Pic; Joseph Dixon)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Town and District Park
After many years of planning and controversy and delays mainly due to Covid 19, the magnificent community facilities at Gorey Town and District Park were officially opened today (Saturday) and in pleasant weather conditions large numbers, mostly family groups, were taking full advantage of Gorey’s latest community showpiece.
Minister of State, James Browne T.D. said “It is a huge pleasure to be here in Gorey for the opening of Gorey Town and District Park” and he acknowledged the funding support from Minister Heather Humphreys, who Minister Browne remarked “could not be here today.”
Minister Browne predicted that the park is going to provide an inclusive facility for the people of Gorey town and the wider community, and he claimed, “it is designed to connect people with nature.”
Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmickridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Pip Breen, said he was delighted to be opening the park with Minister Browne, “There is really something for everybody in this park,” he added.
Cllr Breen said the park is a fantastic asset to the people of Gorey and there are many elements to it; from the extended playgrounds to a pitch, the sensory garden, the micro-forest and the enhanced biodiversity pool, the camper van overnight facilities, the walking track and the outdoor gym facilities, the changing facilities and the café.
District Manager Philip Knight, who acted as master of ceremonies, welcomed everybody, and expressed his delight that “we are finally declaring the Park, the Café and the Changing Facilities open” and he commended many who had contributed over time, including former District Managers Amanda Byrne and Michael Drea.
Mr. Knight read a few comments from the public about the park. “I hope that all visitors to Gorey and the people that live here find this park a happy surprise”, he concluded.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, joined in complimenting everybody who have seen the park come to this stage and he outlined other projects that may benefit Gorey going forward, including plans for St. Waleran’s site.
AUDIO ADDITION; Wexford County Council Chief Executive Tom Enright speaking about plans for Gorey at the Town Park opening today
Sinead and Eoin Cullen who served from a coffee van in the park for eight months won the tender to operate the Coffee Pod Café and they were delighted to be part of today’s opening ceremony along with their two equally excited boys, Ciarán and Riann. “We are proud to have the original paintings of local artist Kate Kos on the walls of our café and we would be delighted if you could tell everybody to come and have a look at this beautiful work,” Sinead told WexfordLocal.com
The attendance included Deputy Johnny Mythen, Senator Malcolm Byrne and Cllrs Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Andrew Bolger, Diarmuid Devereux, Joe Sullivan and Donal Kenny. Kevin Molloy represented the Age Friendly community.
Today’s events took place in conjunction with the Market House Festival, which was appropriately a family fun day in the park, and there was a large attendance, and the various facilities were all busy, well used and appreciated, and there are plans to hold more events in Gorey Town and District Park now that it is fully developed and safe for public use.
AILEEN SHERLOCK performing on the stage on Main Street for the Gorey Market House Festival (Pic; Joseph Dixon)
By Dan Walsh
Gorey is in celebration mode this weekend with free nightly music from the big stage on Main Street as part of the annual Gorey Market House Festival.
A large crowd gathered for Friday’s opening night music with Corner Boy followed by Allie Sherlock and both acts went down incredibly well.
Tonight (Saturday) will feature Small Fish, Daft Punk Tribute and Conmor and will get the crowd ready for Springsteen A Tribute, Ireland’s Ultimate Bruce Springsteen Tribute.
And on Sunday there is an eclectic mix of musical talent taking to the stage, including Cludaigh, Neon River, Code of Behaviour, Footsqueaker, Finnian, Thinner Lizzy before Abbaesque.
It’s all happening this Bank Holiday weekend in Gorey… be there!
CORNER BOY playing to a packed crowd at the Gorey Market House Festival (Pic; Joseph Dixon)
Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon opening the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival in Enniscorthy Castle watched by Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Cllrs Jackser Owens, Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cathal Byrne.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon was guest of honour and performed the official opening of the 8th annual Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival at a function held in Enniscorthy Castle last night.
AUDIO ADDITION; Celebrity Chef KEVIN DUNDON speaking at the official opening of the Rockin; Food & Fruit Festival in Enniscorthy Castle.
There was also a warm welcome for the festival and accolades for the organising committee and sponsors from the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke.
Kevin Lawlor from Enniscorthy Credit Union spoke on behalf of the sponsor and wished the festival well.
Master of ceremonies and chairman of the organising committee, Eric Barron, had a long list of ‘thank yous’ to committee members, sponsors and Enniscorthy Castle for hosting the opening function, but there was a special welcome to former District Manager, Ger Mackey, who is recovering from a recent illness.
Energetic members of Southeast Rock ‘n’ Roll Club were jiving and swinging to their heart’s content, while Wexbury added the flavour of local produce to the occasion.
The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputy Johnny Mythen, and Cllrs Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cathal Byrne, Jackser Owens and Aidan Browne.
The festival committee is made up of seven members – Eric Barron, Jimmy Gahan, Richie Cotter, Aisling Cody, Tom Kelly and Maree Lyng.
The festival kicked off in style last night (Friday) with dramatic fireworks display on the Bear Meadows generously sponsored by Riverside Park Hotel and watched by a large crowd sheltering beneath umbrellas as the rain moved in.
The giant Ferris Wheel was taking people high above the town from early in the evenings and family groups were making the best of the amusement rides located in the Abbey Centre.
Abbey Square in festival mood this evening with Vinegar Hill as the prominent landmark overlooking Enniscorthy town.
Today (Saturday0 and tomorrow (Sunday) the streets will be lined with artisan food and a craft market stalls
, the Wexford Food Family Marquee will be located at Enniscorthy Castle with celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden, Paul Hynes and more, and there are also free ‘grow your own’ sessions at Enniscorthy Community Allotments.
And, of course, there are endless music sessions, plenty of activity on the Market Square stage and in the various hostelries throughout the town. And the festivities flow over onto Bank Holiday Monday.
The programme is massive. Best advice is to grab a brochure or log in to #rockinfoodfestival or www.rockinfoodfestival.ie to peruse all the detail and mark up your choice for the best of festival enjoyment in the shadow of Vinegar Hill by the pleasant Slaney.
Gorey’s MAIN STREET will be off bounds to vehicular traffic during the annual Market House Festival.
By Dan Walsh
Gorey’s Main Street and the centre of town will out of bounds for the weekend as a temporary traffic management plan will be implemented by Wexford County Council with roads closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to facilitate the Gorey Market House Festival.
Main Street (R772) between its junction with The Avenue and its junction with McDermott Street/John Street will be closed from 4pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday and 12.01am to midnight on Sunday.
Alternative Routes: North Parade to Pearse Street to Rafter Street via L1011, L5507 and L5510 (Northbound traffic). McDermott Street to Wexford Street to Railway Road to The Avenue via L5503, L5500 and R741 (Southbound traffic).
Main Street (R772) between its junction with McDermott Street / John Street and its junction with Rafter Street / Church Road will close from 12.01 to midnight on Saturday.
Alternative Routes: St John Street to Pearse Street to Rafter Street via L1011, L5507 and L5510 (Northbound traffic). McDermott Street to St Michael’s Place to Church Street Railway Road to The Avenue via L5503, L5500 and R741 (Southbound traffic).
Market Street (L5506) between its junction with Main Street and its junction with Shambles Lane closes from 6pm to midnight on Friday; from 5.30pm to midnight on Saturday and from 12.01am to midnight on Sunday.
Closure of Market Street / Church Lane (L5506) between its junction with Shambles Lane and its junction with Wexford Street happens from 9am to midnight on Sunday. Alternative Routes: Wexford Street to Railway Road to The Avenue via L5503, L5500 and R741.
Having worked out the geographical adjustments, dumped the sat-nav reliability, and found a parking space that may cause annoyance to residents normally enjoying their community space, which they are entitled to, the Gorey Market House Festival promises “the best of the arts, music and family friendly events” in Gorey Town and District Park on Saturday and nightly music from the Main Stage on Main Street.
Philip Knight, Gorey District Manager expressed his personal excitement at the prospect of this year’s Market House Festival. “The Committee has worked incredibly hard to put together a strong music line up that will provide ‘something for everyone’. Last year’s festival was a resounding success, so we had a lot to live up to – I think we have achieved that,” stated Mr. Knight.
It is also announced that The Family Funday on Saturday from 1pm-5pm will coincide with the official launch of Gorey Town and District Park and promises to be a day of delights for all the family.
The play day will feature fun for the whole family with Puppet Shows, Magicians and Face Painting. This year, the ever-popular Fancy Dress Fun Run will take place on Sunday from 11am.
The Annual Busking Competition in association with Making Music will also take place on Saturday with €1,000 worth of vouchers up for grabs for budding musicians.
The weekend will be filled with free music on Main Street. On Friday the town will come alive for the weekend ahead with Cornerboy followed by Allie
Sherlock. On Saturday, Small Fish, Daft Punk Tribute and Conmor will get the crowd ready for Springsteen A Tribute, Ireland’s Ultimate Bruce Springsteen Tribute. And on Sunday there is an eclectic mix of musical talent taking to the stage, including Cludaigh, Neon River, Code of Behaviour, Footsqueaker, Finnian, Thinner Lizzy before Abbaesque.
Some good news for Enniscorthy. Essential work to provide an upgrade to the sewer network in the town will commence next week.
Due to the scale of the project, road closures will be required to complete the works safely and diversion routes will be put in place. A road closure has been granted by Wexford County Council and will extend from Tuesday, August 8th to September 9th.
To minimise disruption for the local community, road closures will be undertaken on a phased basis. A road closure will be in place from next Tuesday on Island Road (between Slaney Street and Enniscorthy Bridge) and is expected to last for approximately three weeks. The next phase of the road closure will be required on Mary Street, details of which are dependent on the progress of works on Island Road and will be communicated well in advance.
Uisce Éireann working in partnership with Wexford County Council, in a statement to WexfordLocal.com said; “The upgrade will greatly improve the water quality in the River Slaney through the decommissioning of an existing outfall pipe, which will benefit homes and businesses in Co Wexford’s second largest town.
The project will ensure compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive involves the construction of over 110 metres of new sewers on Mary Street and at the Promenade Pumping Station. Once completed the improved sewer network will allow for the long-term social and economic development of Enniscorthy.
David Shalloo, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann said: “Today’s announcement signals an important development for homes and businesses in the beautiful town of Enniscorthy, and delivering this project for the community is an immense source of pride for Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council. A sewer network that is fit for purpose is essential in order to support economic and social development in the community.”
“We understand that the works may cause some disruption to commuters and local road users and our crews will make every effort to minimise the disruption and complete the project as quickly as possible. We thank the people of Enniscorthy for their patience as these works progress and know that the long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term inconvenience,” concluded Mr. Shalloo.
The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward & Burke Ltd and the project is expected to be completed by October of this year
Enniscorthy skyline taking on a new appearance ahead of the August Bank Holiday Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
The Enniscorthy skyline is undergoing a transformation this week as skilled ‘skywalkers’ are observed high above the streets, assembling the giant Ferris Wheel beside the Seamus Rafter Bridge at Abbey Square that will be one of the features of the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival taking place over the August Bank Holiday.
The transportable Ferris Wheel is an amusement ride found at quality carnival, fairs and festival events, and while it has been to Enniscorthy before the Covid lockdown, it proves extremely popular. For those without a fear of heights, but curious regards dimension, the wheel measures 60 feet (18.3 metres) in diameter and has 16 seats that can accommodate 48 riders!
The Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival opens with a Friday night Fireworks Display on The Promenade from 9-11pm with the fireworks going up circa-10pm. It will be an occasion of music and fireworks on The Promenade and activities of the funfair for the whole family.
On Saturday and Sunday the streets will be lined with artisan food and a craft market, the Wexford Food Family Marquee will be located at Enniscorthy Castle with celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden, Paul Hynes and more, and there are also free ‘grow your own’ sessions at Enniscorthy Community Allotments.
And, of course, there are endless music sessions, plenty of activity on the Market Square stage and in the various hostelries throughout the town. And the festivities flow over onto Bank Holiday Monday.
The programme is massive. Best advice is to grab a brochure or log in to #rockinfoodfestival or www.rockinfoodfestival.ie to peruse all the detail and mark up your choice for the best of festival enjoyment in the shadow of Vinegar Hill by the pleasant Slaney.
A man in his 30’s was arrested by An Garda Síochána and taken to a Garda Station in Co. Wexford today (Wednesday) following a €9.3 million seizure of cocaine at Rosslare Europort.
Revenue officers seized almost 133 kgs of cocaine with an estimated value of approximately €9.3 million at Rosslare Europort.
The discovery was made when Revenue officers, assisted by Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner, stopped and searched a UK-registered accompanied freight unit that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. The drugs were discovered concealed within the refrigerated trailer.
This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal drugs. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding drug smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on phone number 1800 295 295.
Gardaí in Wexford are appealing for witnesses to a public order incident in Wexford town on Monday evening,
Gardaí received report of an altercation between a number of men in the Belvedere Grove Estate. Gardaí attached to Wexford Town and the Regional Support Unit attended the scene.
A man (30s) was arrested at the scene and has since been charged. He appeared at Waterford District Court on Tuesday morning.
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Investigations are ongoing.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Any individuals who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the Belvedere Grove area of Wexford between 5pm and 6pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wexford Garda station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
