GARRY LOMBARD and his son, GARRETT LOMBARD, at the rehearsals of Tuesdays with Morrie in Gorey Little Theatre. Booking details below.
By Dan Walsh in Gorey
Gorey Little Theatre has a successful reputation for presenting summer theatre and the July eight-night production of Tuesday’s with Morrie, directed by Michael Byrne, an award-winning producer with Kilrush Drama Group, and it promises to make the box office busy with an unprecedented demand for seats in the audience.
Apart from being a brilliant play, it has only two characters and they are real-life father and son, Garry Lombard, a life-long performer with Gorey Little Theatre, and Garrett Lombard, who is a professional actor with Druid Theatre Company.
“It’s great to come back and bring the play to Gorey and special to be on stage with Dad,” Garrett told WexfordLocal.com as he looks forward to curtains up next week.
Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir by American author Mitch Albom about a series of visits Albom made to his former sociology scientist Morrie Schwartz, as Schwartz gradually dies.
Garry told WexfordLocal.com what people have been saying about the play: “It’s about a man dying, who wants to see that! But its about communication, its about love, and in the end of the play it is about the triumph of the spirit. So, it’s a happy play, you might not think that; it’s not morbid or drab, it’s a hopeful play,”
The rehearsals have been intense, but the play is coming together nicely, and the Lombard legends are eager and ready to entertain audiences with the utmost professionalism and it has all the hallmarks of an outstanding production.
AUDIO ADDITION ; Garrett and Garry Lombard talks to Dan Walsh about the summer play at Gorey Little Theatre.
Tuesdays with Morrie goes on stage at Gorey Little Theatre from Wednesday to Saturday, July 20th-23rd; and again from Wednesday to Saturday, July 27th-30th. Curtain up at 8.15pm. Admission €15. Bookings @gr8events.ie. info@goreythreatre.ie or tel. 053 9421474.
Irish Water is reminding the public in Wexford to be mindful of their water usage in the coming weeks as some supplies are experiencing increased demand in the spell of warm weather.
Since March, Irish Water has been carefully monitoring all raw water sources in county Wexford, that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed our water treatment plants.
Speaking about the developing situation, Irish Water’s Ronan Walsh told WexfordLocal.com; “We are appealing to the public in Wexford to be mindful of how they use their water at home, as we have had a very dry period recently and the temperature is set to soar this weekend. As the busy summer holiday period kicks in, many people will be outdoors a lot more, watering the garden or washing cars. We are just asking people to be sensible about how they use their water so that we have enough for everyone to use during the daytime and that the businesses of Wexford can function to their optimal.”
Main areas of concern around the county currently would be;
• South Regional Water Supply Zone – Ballyhack, Arthurstown, Duncannon, Fethard-on-Sea.
• Fardystown Water Supply Zone – Rosslare, Carne, St.Helen’s, Kilmore, Bridgetown, Piercestown, Murrintown.
• Wexford Town, Barntown and Taghmon.
• Sow Regional Water Supply Zone – Ballymurn, Castlebridge, Crosstown, Ardcavan, Curracloe, Blackwater.
“Water is such a precious natural resource, and we are working hard along with our colleagues in Wexford County Council to ensure the people in Wexford have a safe and reliable water supply,” concluded Mr Walsh.
Irish Water has recently replaced filter media to the value €200,000 and plans are in place for a larger upgrade at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment plant (€10m) to bring a safer and more reliable supply to homes and businesses in Enniscorthy. Similarly, an upgrade (€5m) is planned for the Newtown Water Treatment Plant in Wexford town and in Gorey where the Creagh Water Treatment Plant has already received an investment of €200,00 with a bigger upgrade due in 2023. The new Gorey Regional Water Supply scheme including the new treatment plant at Ballyminaun, with an investment of €17m is due for completion this year. This will bring a more robust and safer water supply to the people of Wexford.
The Irish Water customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website.
The beautiful grounds of Johnstown Castle will host the biggest outdoor jazz festival in the South East this weekend.
By Dan Walsh
The biggest outdoor jazz festival in the South East will take place in the beautiful grounds of Johnstown Castle, near Wexford town, across three days this weekend, from Friday to Sunday, July 15th to 17th, inclusive.
Over 16 bands and 30 musicians from throughout the country are participating in the first outdoor musical festival to be hosted by Johnstown Castle.
Jazz at Johnstown begins on Friday evening and concludes on Sunday afternoon. The programme is as follows;
Promoted by Jazz at Johnstown, some of the biggest names in Irish jazz will bring star-studded bands to the Wexford venue.
A series of outdoor stages – the Castle Stage, the Sunken Garden, the Visitors Centre, the Courtyard – will host two full days of jazz on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the festival is free for members and just €9 a day for non-members or €24 per day for a family of two adults and two children.
For full details contact the Johnstown Castle website…
As the July daily temperatures embrace the popular sunny south-east reputation, a pleasant beachside ceremony at Rosslare Strand on Tuesday morning marked the launch of the new Wheelchair Mat.
Cllr Lisa McDonald, Chair of Wexford Local Community Development Committee and the Rosslare Municipal District said “it was great to see the launch this morning of the new Wheelchair Mat.
Cllr McDonald told WexfordLocal.com; “Dr. Vivian Rath (from Morriscastle) came to me with this idea last year and I am delighted today to see it come to fruition so members of the disabled community will have further access to the beach!”
This mat is the second of its kind in the country and the first in Wexford. While it is a pilot project it is hoped that we will see similar mats around the county in time.
CLLR LISA McDONALD (wearing the chain of office in the middle of the picture) and local supporters at the launch of the Wheelchair Mat at Rosslare Strand on Tuesday morning.
IRISH STREET – Vacant site could be a game changer for Enniscorthy town centre development plan.
By Dan Walsh at July meeting of Wexford County Council
Wexford County Council has announced its proposal to develop a ‘brownfield site’ in the centre of Enniscorthy, on a vacant site formerly the location of Murphy-Flood’s Hotel, and empty buildings bounding Irish Street and Barrack Street.It is recommended that the development proceed subject to an archaeological survey of the site and the provision of a record survey of the existing buildings in the area.
The development comprises the demolition of the empty buildings and the construction of a new multi-storey structure of mixed development incorporating basement parking, (for 27 cars, four of which would be accessible for people with disabilities accessed from Barrack Street) two floors of commercial/office/community use space at ground and first floor levels and three upper floors containing 18 apartments and shared commercial space at Irish Street and Barrack Street.
But there are still challenges to be overcome. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are recommending that an archaeological impact assessment be carried out by relevant expertise, as the Department notes that; “A number of buildings located within the development site are identified and listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.”
Three submissions from the public have been received during public consultation and are contained in the Chief Executive’s Report which was presented to members at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at County Hall, Wexford.
One concerned town resident claimed that “a seven-storey building is not in keeping with the streetscape and Enniscorthy is a historical rural town, and the building would dwarf all of the existing preserved shopfronts. It was also noted that “making the area from Market Square to Irish Street pedestrian would only add to traffic congestion following on from existing pedestrianisation.”
Another resident claims “that the scale of the building proposed does not suit the streetscape of the conservation area, is not proportionate to the historic area of the town and will impact negatively on the streetscape of Irish Street.”
Another observation states that “the opportunity to widen the entrance to Irish Street would be lost. The proposed social housing should be made available for older people,” and it concludes: “The height of the proposed development in relation to the adjoining buildings and surrounding streetscape lacks integrated urban development and planning, and will have a major impact on views of Vinegar Hill.”
The proposed development for Irish Street and Barrack Street could transform Enniscorthy town centre (Image – Wexford County Council).
The report was welcomed by the Enniscorthy members with support from Cllrs John O’Rourke and Jackser Owens, while Cllr Cathal Byrne supported the proposed developments, he had questions regards the traffic flow and whether two-way traffic could be accommodated in the area?
Acting Chief Executive Eamonn Hore, in the report, points out the following; “There is no pedestrianisation proposed with this development at this time and there are no plans to pedestrianise Irish Street or Barrack Street. However, if the town centre is to be successful as a pleasant place to live and do business, the dominance of the car in the town needs to be rebalanced. The widening of Irish Street or Barrack Street is not recommended as the existing street widths are adequate for traffic, however, the new buildings set back will improve pedestrian safety.”
The proposed development is considered to comply with the Enniscorthy Town and Environs Plan, 2008-2014 (extended) and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It is, therefore, recommended that the development proceed subject to an archaeological survey of the site and the provision of a record survey of the existing buildings in the area.
Roadusers are asked to be extra careful on the M11 near the turn off for Enniscorthy and Blackwater following a crash on the southbound lane around 6.30pm this evening.
A number of vehicles are involved including a car pulling a caravan. It is not known if there are any injuries.
One lane remains open. Emergency vehicles and recovery services are at the scene.
A paraglider injured near the Nine Stones car park on Mount Leinster on Saturday evening was transferred to hospital by the Air Corps 112 helicopter.
The South East Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) were called to the scene to assist Gardai and ambulance crews attend an injured paraglider with a suspected back injury after falling near the Nine Stones car park on Mount Leinster Carlow-Wexford border.
The casualty was transferred to the National Ambulance Service and then to a waiting Air Corps helicopter.
In a statement SEMRA concluded; “We wish the casualty well and hopefully he can make a full recovery. Another example of multi-agency working.”
Popular cook and television presenter, Donal Skehan has once again joined with banana importers Fyffes, this time in search of Ireland’s most imaginative meal-makers, their quest being to find the most delicious dish, savoury or sweet, in which a banana is the key ingredient.
By Dan Walsh
In a competition open to all the family, home cooks throughout Wexford and beyond are being invited to join a search to find Ireland’s most imaginative meal-makers.
Leading the search is well-known television cook, Donal Skehan, supported by banana importers Fyffes, whose previous collaborations led to the discovery of Ireland’s most creative banana bread bakers and banana dessert makers.
In the competition two years ago Niamh Goodison, a 20-years old third level student from Wexford Town, won the ‘best vegan recipe’ award for her banana bread creation.
This year, Skehan has broadened his search to include any dish on the menu from first to final course, his invitation being to create the most delicious dish, savoury or sweet, in which a banana is the key ingredient.
Winning creations, to be judged by Skehan, will see rewards presented to the overall winner and best in category entries – including junior entrants, best breakfast, savoury, dessert, no bake and vegan. Entries close August 4th. Details on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FyffesIreland) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/fyffesireland/).
Rebecca Doyle, Fethard RNLI’s Volunteer Water Safety Officer, commenced her new role by organising a Swim Safely Clinic given by the RNLI Water Safety Team which was attended by local swim group, Hooked on Swimming and the local Triathlon Club.
Killian O Kelly, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, joined Rebecca and volunteer Water Safety Officers Declan Roche and Debbie Newport from Kilmore Quay RNLI to offer valuable advice and discuss water safety tips relating to open water swimming.
Speaking at the event, Killian offered the following main points to the swimmers, “Be prepared. Check the weather and tides, choose your spot, go with a buddy or group and have the right equipment with you. Make sure you acclimatise to avoid cold water shock. Be seen by wearing a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float. Rotate members of the group on shore to act as a shore safety person.”
Killian went on to advise about ‘the importance always having a means to call 999 or 112 for help, in the form of a dry pouch to hold your mobile phone or a pea less whistle if you have someone listening out on shore.’
Rebecca Doyle, Fethard RNLI’s Volunteer Water Safety Officer, commenced her new role by organising a Swim Safely Clinic given by the RNLI Water Safety Team .(Pic; RNLI/Liam Ryan Photography)
As the event was attended by two local swimming groups, the Water Safety Team also discussed the huge benefits of the clubs having their own incident action plan, in case a member gets into trouble in the water.
The information offered on the evening was well received by all who attended, and they all received RNLI waterproof mobile phone holders. Speaking after the event, Rebecca Doyle said: “It was fantastic to see all the swimmers on Baginbun listening attentively to the Water Safety Team and taking on board our advice. We spoke about the benefits of having a whistle tied to your tow float while out swimming and I am delighted to say there were quite a few ordered online in the days following our clinic.”
This event marked the first of many that Rebecca will hold in her new role as Fethard RNLI’s Water Safety Officer.
WexfordLocal.com 