Following in the footsteps of leading Irish artists who took part during their early lives – renowned figures such as Graham Knuttel, Robert Ballagh, Dorothy Cross and Bernadette Madden – young artists who submitted entries to this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition, including a number from Co. Wexford, are currently having their works evaluated as the judging process gets underway.
Pictured is adjudicator, Seán Kissane, holding two of the entries received from Co. Wexford this year – a work entitled ‘Let’s face it’ (left) by a pupil from Bunclody Vocational College, and another entitled ‘Outside Dancing’, by a pupil from St. Anne’s National School, Rathangan.
Winners in the seven age categories, including one exclusively for artworks by young artists with special needs, will be announced in late May.
Currently in its 68th year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition is the longest-running art sponsorship in Ireland. First held in 1955, it is hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand.
The cast of Kilmuckridge Drama Group in this scene from The Playboy of the Western World in Carnew recently.
By Dan Walsh
The stage is set for the 63rd Kilmuckridge Drama Festival which opens on Friday night in the KMH (Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall) and runs for seven nights. The adjudicator is Pauline Byrne and curtains up each night at 8pm.
THE LINE UP IS AS FOLLOWS; Friday, April 1st – OPEN SECTION- Ballycogley Players Drama Group presents The Beacon by Nancy Harris.
Saturday, April 2nd – CONFINED SECTION – Kilmuckridge Drama Group presents The Playboy of the Westren World by John Millingon Synge. Note; It looks like this play will be in the All-Ireland finals later in the month, so take note!
Sunday, April 3rd – CONFINED SECTION – Skibbereen Theatre Society presents Brighton by Jim Nolan.
Tuesday, April 5th – OPEN SECTION – Brideview Drama Group presents The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh.
Thursday, April 7th – OPEN SECTION – Kilrush Drama Group presents Class by Iseult Golden and David Horan.
Friday, April 8th – CONFINED SECTION – Camross Drama Group presents The Kings of the Kilburn High Road by Jimmy Murphy.
Saturday, April 9th – OPEN SECTION – Kilmeen Drama Group presents Conversations of a Homecoming by Tom Murphy.
Tickets available at the door. Season Tickets €50, Adults €12, Children €5. Visit the website kilmuckridgedramafestival.com for a synopsis of the plays.
The Reverends Ian Cruikshank and Nicola Halford were installed as Chancellor and Treasurer, respectively, at a ceremony in St. Edan’s Cathedral, Ferns, last Sunday.
CANON NICOLA HALFORD
Dean Paul Mooney installed both Canons to fill these dignities in the Cathedral Chapter in Ferns in the presence of Bishop Michael Burrows, diocesan clergy and laity. Unfortunately, Canon Ian Cruikshank was unable to attend the service and so he was installed by proxy with the Reverend Margaret Sykes standing in for him on the occasion.
Bishop Michael Burrows spoke a few words about the appropriateness of gathering in the Ferns diocese “Mother Church” on Mothering Sunday and paid tribute to the two new Canons who were installed. Canon Nicola Halford said she was honoured to have been asked to join the chapter in Ferns and looks forward to a close relationship with St. Edan’s Cathedral and the other members of the chapter. The Ferns diocesan choir was gathered by the Reverend Leslie Crampton and provided wonderful singing on the evening.
Chief Executive Officer Tom Enright gave an update on refugees arriving at Rosslare Harbour and he gave the figure at 1,171 with more expected on two sailings into the port later in the week. “One-third of those arriving are under 18 years old,” he told Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council.
Mr Enright said Rosslare could be accepting up to 200 per sailing at the volunteer centre with support from the State agencies. He added that the OPW has started temporary accommodation (large marquee) for all parts of the country.
TOM ENRIGHT, CEO Wexford County Council
He spoke about a Community Response Programme and the need for holiday homes and vacant hotel places. “We are facing a challenge from Easter and accommodation is critical,” he added.
He said the real work will be in education, transport and language supports as they settle into the county. “This crisis is not going to be sorted quickly,” concluded Mr Enright who promised to continue to brief the members on the situation.
Cllr Ger Carty outlined the logistics of the humanitarian efforts and he thanked Rosslare Harbour Friends of Ukraine (RHFU) for their volunteerism and any assistance is welcome. “They have already spent €14,000 over 14 days,” he concluded. There was also support for RHFU volunteers from Cllr George Lawlor and other members.
On March 9thWexfordLocal.com were informed by Irish Water that heavy rainfall led to the deterioration in water quality at the water treatment plant in Ballindaggin and a Boil Water Notice was issued with immediate effect to protect the health of 193 consumers. No more was heard!
At Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council Cllr Cathal Byrne asked for “an update on the Ballindaggin Boil Water Notice issued 18 days ago” and was told by Director of Services, Eamonn Hore, that “the Boil Water Notice for Ballindaggin expired six days ago (March 22nd).”
Pictured in the Wexford County Council Chamber last Monday were (left to right); Tom Enright, CEO Wexford County Council, Eoin Larkin, Cllr Barbara-Ann Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Tony Larkin and his wife, Adrienne.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Council Chamber
Today (Tuesday) was the final working day in the office at Carriglawn Headquarters for popular Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services, Economic and Development and Planning at Wexford County Council, Tony Larkin, who has taken well-earned retirement after 42 years of public service.
In-house tributes were due to be paid today, but yesterday the announcement was officially announced at the March meeting of Wexford County Council and glowing tributes were paid by members in attendance.
The Enniscorthy native spent all his working life with Wexford County Council, with the exception of a short 18 months stint with Bray Urban District Council many years ago. It is estimated he attended over 400 County Council meetings.
CEO Tom Enright acknowledged Mr Larkin for his immense contribution to many projects including Min Ryan Park, Wexford, the Hatch Lab in Gorey, Enniscorthy Technology Park and Trinity Wharf. “Thanks for the friendship over the past eight years (Mr Enright’s time with Wexford County Council) and I will miss your vast knowledge,” added Mr Enright.
Cllr Ger Carty recalled his late father (Cllr Leo Carty) working with Mr Larkin and he complimented him on his great achievements and outstanding contribution to public service.
Cllr Oliver Walsh asked that he be associated with the tributes from the Chamber. “I have known Tony for a long number of years – I’m 21 years here myself – he is a pure gentleman and a hard worker and I want to thank him for all he has done,” he concluded.
Cllr Davy Hynes recalled working with Mr Larkin when he was Manager at Wexford District and he joined in wishing him and his family well in retirement.
On Behalf of the Labour Party, Cllr George Lawlor said “42 years public service is nothing to be sneezed at”, and he wished him well.
Cllr Pip Breen said Mr Larkin “will be missed, he always wore the Wexford jersey. He had the best interest of all at heart always.”
There were also tributes from Cllrs Jackser Owens, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, and Jim Codd.
Colleague and Director of Services Eamonn Hore described Mr Larkin as “a friend and advisor” and he admired his “vast experience and in-depth knowledge.” He added that the people of Co. Wexford are all better for his years of public service and he offered best wishes in his retirement and thanks for his outstanding contribution.
Tony Larkin said he appreciated the kind words, but, refused to solely accept all the kindness; “no individual does projects, we are a team,” he stated. He recalled his good relationship with the members over the 42 years and he enjoyed the work. He concluded that “it doesn’t seem like 42 years and I enjoyed working on the high profile jobs having grown up in a housing estate in Enniscorthy.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy added to all the good wishes and tributes and concluded by stating “Tony, we are all going to miss you.”
Mr Larkin’s wife Adrienne and son Eoin were present in the Chamber to hear the tributes on his retirement day and a small reception followed.
Revenue officers seized over 2,800 litres of various types of alcohol at Rosslare Europort over the weekend.
The smuggled alcohol, which included Wine, Limoncello and Sambuca, has a combined retail value of approximately €24,300, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €15,600.
The alcohol was discovered following the search of two vehicles and an unaccompanied trailer that had disembarked ferries from Cherbourg, France last Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
Investigations into these seizures are ongoing.
These operations are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
Gardaí in Enniscorthy are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 17 years old Gessica Batulescu, who is missing from the Enniscorthy area since Friday.
Gessica is described as 5ft 5ins in height, of slim build with long black hair. When last seen she was wearing a blue jacket, black jeans and black Nike runners.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 9233534.
The big talking point at today’s Bree Hunt point-to-point at Monksgrange was the weather – warm and sunny at 17 degrees mid-afternoon – and it was the local team of champions Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe who enjoyed a double success that made the headlines on the track.
The Kiltealy duo scored with Regarde by 12 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings that got the ball rolling. “He was unlucky the last day at Ballycahane when beaten into second place. He is improving with every run. We’ll see about the future. He may go to the sales or a Winner of One, we’ll see,” said Colin Bowe afterwards.
Dime Store Cowgirl added to the O’Neill-Bowe success story in the 14-runner maiden race for mares aged five years old or over and winning by a length and a half from Some Woman (Donnchadh Doyle/Rob James) who was runner-up in her third race in succession. Colin Bowe said; Dime Store Cowgirl will be given a break now. Her future is on the track.”
Harley Dunne, who trains at Clonroche, was owner, handler and rider of pillar to post winner of the maiden race for four-year-olds, Mel Monroe, who still had a 10 lengths advantage at the finish. After the race Dunne headed for Cork races where he finished runner-up, beaten three lengths, on Blizzard of Oz in the bumper.
Another local rider and handler, Rob James, brought Classic Anthem home alone and the only finisher in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Owner/breeder Laurence O’Brien, Oylegate, receives the Cooney Furlong Trophy from Marguerite Furlong following Joe’s Turn success in the Winner of Two race at Monksgrange today. Also in the photo is winning rider Barry Stone.
The Winner of Two Race for novice riders and the coveted Cooney Furlong Trophy was won by Joe’s Turn, owned and bred by Laurence O’Brien, Tincoon, Oylegate, who recalled his victory in Cork back in January. Won by two lengths today with Cleariestown rider Barry Stone in the saddle and is trained at Ballybawn, Screen, by Richie Rath.
The maiden race for six-year-old plus geldings was the only prize to stray outside Co. Wexford when handler and rider, ex-jockey Sonny Carey saddled his first point-to-point winner with Niall Bashford in the saddle, both from Naas, and winning with four lengths to spare.
There was a large attendance and spotted amongst the crowds were Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell. A second 2022 fixture is planned for Monksgrange on Sunday, April 24th.
There was also point-to-point racing at Loughrea, Co. Galway, today (Sunday) where Duncormick rider Sean Staples brought his seasonal total to four and career total to 12 with a double for Wexford stables.
Staples was aboard newcomer Grey Opportunity for Andrew and Paul Pierce, Blackhall, Killurin,in the mares’ maiden race for five year olds plus and they got the nod in a short-head finish.
Half an hour later and Staples recorded a double in another tight finish, only half-a-length in it this time on board The Forge Hill for Sean Doyle in the Mares Open Race. The trip west was certainly worthwhile.
Eamonn Doran, Chairman of the Festival Committee and Mick Byrne (centre) who opened the 2022 15th South Wicklow Drama Festival at the official opening in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, last Sunday night. (Pic; Amateur Drama Council of Ireland).
By Dan Walsh
The 15th South Wicklow Drama Festival ended on Saturday night after seven successful nights in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, and the big winners are Bunclody-Kilmyshall in the Open Section and Kilmuckridge in the Confined category.
Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group presented The Good Father by Christina O’Reilly on Wednesday night and Kilmuckridge’s performance of The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge entertained last Tuesday night’s audience.
Results; OPEN SECTION 1st – Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group The Good Father. 2nd – Kilrush Drama Group Class 3rd – Prosperous Dramatic Society God of Carnage
CONFINED SECTION 1st – Kilmuckridge Drama Group The Playboy of the Western World 2nd – Camross Drama Group The Kings of the Kilburn Highroad
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