The annual Monart Union of Parishes Parish Féte Day takes place tomorrow, Saturday, June 7th at Enniscorthy Showgrounds with free admission for a day filled with fun events to suit all ages.
REVEREND CANON NICOLA HALFORD is inviting everybody to Saturday’s Monart Union of Parishes Parish Féte Day at Enniscorthy Showgrounds.
This event is a fundraiser for the Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes which comprises of Clone, Clonmore (Bree), Monart, St. Mary’s, Enniscorthy and Templescobin.
“It is the only major fundraising initiative this year and it’s hoped there will be a large crowd in attendance, “ said Reverend Canon Nicola Halford, Rector, who added; “It is important to note that the family fun day is not confined to the Church of Ireland and we are encouraging people of all denominations to attend what promises to be a great family day out.”
The big highlight on the day is the Dog Show, taking place from 2pm to 5pm, and there are a number of additional categories such as “dog with the waggliest tail” and the “dog the that judges would most like to take home.”
Plenty of other activities too, like face painting, lucky dips, afternoon tea, a number of stalls, including BBQ burgers, toys and games. Great way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon!
There is free admission on the day with a generous number of free parking slots available.
EAMONN WALL reading from his latest book of poetry My Aunts at Twilight Poker at last night’s launch. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Eamonn Wall’s Enniscorthy launch
CelebratedEnniscorthy-born poet Eamonn Wall who nowadays lives in St Louis, Missouri, United States, proudly celebrated at The Bailey, Enniscorthy, last night (Thursday), in the company of family and friends at the launch of his latest book of poetry entitled My Aunts at Twilight Poetry.
Award-winning actor and friend Andy Doyle introduced the work as “place, identity and belonging”, complemented the poet and described him as “Enniscorthy’s brightest emigrant star.”
Eamonn Wall said it was his eighth publication with Salmon Poetry and told the fine attendance that “it is a great privilege to come here to launch this book.” He was loudly applauded throughout the night as he read many poems from the work which is described as “a family history with many poems set in Enniscorthy.”
Eamonn was also celebrating his 70th birthday in The Bailey on Barrack Street, located one minute’s shuffle from the house where he grew up, recently demolished and incorporated into the so-called old Murphy-Flood’s territory now under conversion to a car park!
Friends and invited guests turned out in force for the pleasant launch ceremony of his latest poetry publication and there was a touch of nostalgia as Eamonn read a large selection of Enniscorthy poems he has written over the past four decades.
The award-winning and greatly published Enniscorthy poet has lived in St Louis since 2000, however, he has rarely missed an opportunity to visit his native town at least once every year, and sometimes more than once, to meet up with friends and stay in touch with his family members.
Eamonn has recently retired from his position as Smurfit-Stone Corporation Professor of Irish Studies, as well as a Professor of English Studies, at the University of Missouri-St Louis.
Eamonn celebrated a fulfilling poetic life in his hometown of Enniscorthy with lifelong friends and family, creating lasting memories for this talented writer and poet renowned for his poems, essays and reviews.
My Aunts at Twilight Poker by Eamonn Wall, published by Salmon Poetry, 84 pages, not illustrated, €10, ISBN 978-1-915022-37-0 was on sale at tonight’s launch but is also available at Easons, Enniscorthy, who also may stock other titles by Eamonn Wall.
Juggler Brendan Fahy, with Hannah Murphy and Emma Still pictured at Maudlintown Park, Wexford, for the programme launch of Cruinniú na nÓg. Pic; Dylan Vaughan.
By Dan Walsh at the launch on Vinegar Hill
Cruinniú na nÓg, the official day dedicated to creativity for young people, takes place this Saturday, June 7th, featuring more than 50 free events for children and young people taking place across Wexford’s five libraries and the county’s renowned cultural venues, including the National Opera House and the Wexford Arts Centre, will host a variety of events from animation and coding workshops to creative writing sessions, mural painting, and much more.
This year’s Cruinniú na nÓg Wexford will culminate in a special evening time event taking place in Enniscorthy. The Night Belongs to Youth will pay homage to the historical Vinegar Hill, with a carnival-style procession making its way to the summit featuring drumming, ceremonial dance, and song.
Organised by Creative Places Enniscorthy, members of the public can join the parade by gathering at Father Cullen Terrace at 7pm, on Saturday, June 7th.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s celebrations, Elizabeth Howard, the creative communities Engagement officer, invited the young people of Wexford to come and be inspired: “This June 7th hundreds of children from across the county will have the opportunity to interact with artists, performers and expert facilitators for this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg”, explains Ms. Howard, who added; “It’s a fantastic free day for young people to try something new, show off their skills, or discover a hidden talent”.
Amongst the programme highlights specially curated workshops will take place across Wexford’s five libraries. Wexford Town Library, will have demonstrations in weaving, fine art print making and storytelling for those with additional needs. At Gorey Library young people can try their hand at oil painting, bookbinding or coding. Upcycling advocate Lynn Haughton will lead a workshop in Enniscorthy Library, where there will also be opportunities to try acting lessons with Wexford Youth Theatre (WACT). At Bunclody Library there will be storytelling through LEGO as well as singing workshops and New Ross Library will have “print making with natural materials.
Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18.
Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people.
The inaugural Cruinniú na nÓg took place on June 23rd 2018 and for the past number of years, including under exceptional circumstances in 2020, young people and families have come together to enjoy, a wide range of creative activities including workshops and tutorials to recitals and readings in every city, town and village across the country. Delivered in partnership with the 31 Local Authorities and supported by RTÉ, you are invited to participate in a programme of fun, free, creative activities; from graffiti art workshops to stop-motion animation, to coding and architecture workshops.
Cruinniú na nÓg Wexford will take place on Saturday, June 7th for full details of the events taking place near you visit: https://cruinniu.gov.ie/
An initiative by Creative Ireland, Co-ordinated by Wexford County Council.
The scene at Fairgreen Shopping Centre. Photo courtesy of Emergency Times
By Dan Walsh
A man died, and a girl was injured following a shooting incident in a supermarket in Carlow town this evening.
At 6.15pm, a man reportedly fired several shots at the Tesco supermarket located at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre.
When the shots were fired, shoppers and staff sought shelter. According to reports, the individual then exited the building and sustained fatal injuries during the incident, with indications that his gunshot wounds were self-inflicted.
Gardaí have said a white Irish adult male is deceased at the scene.
A girl was also injured and it remains unclear if she sustained gunshot or other injuries as people fled from the scene. The girl has been taken to St Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny, for treatment.
Security personnel and shoppers called emergency services as the incident occurred.
In panicked scenes, gardaí and emergency services rushed to the scene as members of the public spilled out from the centre.
The public were warned by Gardai and the Armed Response Unit to stay away from the scene with them bringing the situation under control at 7.30pm.
The shopping centre was evacuated and gardaí sealed off the scene overnight. They are currently carrying out a wider security check of the area.
Gardaí have urged people not to share recorded footage of the incident on social media but to provide it to the Gardaí at Carlow Garda Station.
County Wexford Chamber of Commerce awards in White’s hotel. From left; Conor Robinson Chamber president, Caoimhe Connick from Johnstown Castle winner of Excellence in Culture, Heritage & Tourism, Sarah Fitzpatrick Ireland’s Ancient East sponsor, Jess Sinnott from Johnstown Castle, Orla Delaney from Failte Ireland and Paula Roche Chamber CEO. (Pic; Patrick Browne)
The County Wexford Business Awards gala ceremony, held at Whites of Wexford Hotel in Wexford town, was a spectacular event celebrating the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. With nearly 450 guests in attendance, the sold-out black-tie affair was hosted by renowned MC and comedian Colm O’Regan, ensuring an evening filled with entertainment and recognition for the county’s finest businesses.
MGM Partnership was named County Wexford Overall Business of the Year, to great acclaim, following their win as the County Wexford Professional Services Provider of the Year. New Ross Credit Union was named as the recipient of the County Wexford Trailblazer of the Year.
“The County Wexford Business Awards celebrate the excellence and hard work from our business community across all sectors in the county,” said Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber. As ever, the awards proved popular, with approximately 200 applications and 94 businesses in the running for awards across 18 categories on the night.
“As one of the most prestigious events in the regional business calendar, the Awards offer a powerful platform to honour achievement and celebrate the finalists for their outstanding contributions to County Wexford’s economic success.”
Special thanks was also extended to the sponsors, judging panel, lead sponsor BD, lead partner Wexford County Council, media sponsor Wexford People, and Stafford’s Irish Spirits who sponsored the pre-dinner drinks reception.
On the evening, Conor Robinson, President of County Wexford Chamber, congratulated the finalists for their innovation, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
County Wexford Chamber, which connects, supports, and represents 350 member businesses employing 22,000 people across the county, continues to foster a robust and dynamic business environment. The success of this year’s awards underscores the Chamber’s pivotal role in promoting and supporting the business community in County Wexford.
County Wexford Solopreneur of the Year
Sponsor: Kersia Winner: Regina O’Connor Skin Clinic Runner-Up: Lord Leroy’s Lodge
Gardaí in the Wexford / Wicklow Division have commenced an investigation following the discovery of two people hiding in a truck at Rosslare Europort.
Gardaí, along with Customs and Revenue, located the two males during an immigration check shortly after 8am this morning (Friday)
They are currently being assessed by medical personnel.
A male, aged in his 20s, the driver of the truck, was arrested by Gardaí for an alleged offence under Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act 2021.
He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in the Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division.
Gardaí attached to Wexford Garda Station, supported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, are investigating all of the circumstances of this incident.
Anyone with any information in relation to this discovery is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 66 11 or any Garda Station.
Mike Morrissey, Wexford Low Energy Homes, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, Mayor Borough District of Wexford, Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council at the housing launch at Enniscorthy last Friday.
By Dan Walsh
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, was in Enniscorthy recently to perform the official launch of two new phases of affordable homes for sale to first time buyers in Wexford and Enniscorthy.
The new homes which are part of the hugely popular ‘Ard Uisce’ and ‘Old Forge Road’ developments, provide new homes for sale via the local authority affordable purchase scheme.
The new A Rated homes, a range of 3 and 4- bedroom units, will see up to 24 affordable purchase properties made available for sale to eligible private purchasers at a price below the market price of the properties with funding secured under the Governments Affordable Housing Fund Programme.
Prices net of the Affordable Dwelling Contribution start from €250,000 for three-bed semi-detached houses and €270,00 for four-bed semi-detached houses, with buyers able to get support through the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme.
Speaking at the launch event Minister Browne stated; “The local authority affordable purchase scheme is further evidence of the government’s commitment to helping people into home ownership and into security of tenure.
Increased supply of new homes and the Affordable Housing Fund Programme, together with Government and local authority supports, will help those aspiring to own their own home realise this goal. Owning your first home is a hugely significant step, and I would urge first time buyers in Wexford to apply for this scheme.
“This Government wants to support first-time buyers and other eligible homebuyers in purchasing new homes, and the key to this is supply. The Programme for Government aims to ramp up supply of new homes and deliver another 300,000 new homes between 2025 and 2030 – on top of over 133,000 new homes delivered between 2020 and 2024.
“My department is examining actions to help boost delivery in the immediate term, pending completion of a new national housing plan, and what we are seeing at ‘Ard Uisce’ and ‘Old Forge Road’ is proof of that,” stated Minister Browne, who was accompanied by the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen, the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Aidan Browne, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, senior housing officials from Wexford County Council and representatives of the Wexford Low Energy Homes Team at the programme launch.
Applications for the 24 units, will only be accepted online via individual scheme application portals which are scheduled to launch in June. All applications will be initially prioritised in order of date and time received.
In advance of the portal launches, Wexford County Council are hosting a series of in-person/online events to assist applicants through the application process including,
For programme information or to talk to a member of the Affordable Homes Wexford Team, please contact affordablehousing@wexfordcoco.ie
The Board and Management of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy today announced that over €80,000 has been awarded by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD, and Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Jerry Buttimer, TD, through the DAF Growing Social Enterprise Fund 2024/2025.
This award will fund a new lift in the 1798 Centre, replacing one that has been breaking down regularly and for which parts are no longer available. The manager of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Mico Hassett, was invited to make a short speech at the announcement, explaining the importance of the award to the Centre.
Board member Anne Butler, Minister Dara Calleary and Mico Hassett, Manager, pictured at the announcement in Tallaght.
“We deeply feel that history should be accessible by all and we are actively upgrading our exhibition to improve legibility, increase font sizes, and modernise our technology to be more accessible. “Every young person, every older person, every group, should be able to have the same experience when visiting us. Museums, heritage sites and cultural attractions should be as fully accessible as possible.
“We are very grateful for the support of the DAF Growing Social Enterprise Scheme in helping us strive for this and for committing to accessibility and inclusivity,” said Ms. Hassett, who added; “We thank everyone involved in making this funding possible, especially Minister Calleary and Minister Buttimer. We look forward to improving our visitor experience with this important piece of equipment.”
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre is open to visitors 7 days a week from 9.30am-5pm Monday through Friday and 12pm-5pm on weekends and Bank Holidays for self-guided tours of the award-winning exhibition. Pre-booked, group guided tours of the 1798 Centre, Enniscorthy Castle and Vinegar Hill Battlefield can also be arranged.
Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan had one victory and two second-place finishers at Bettyville Park, Wexford, this evening (Wednesday). Four of the eight races were won by favourites.
JORDAN GAINFORD was amongst the winners at Wexford races.
Nolan’s success came with Hatfield Hammer (4/1) ridden by Caim jockey Jordan Gainford in the second division of the handicap hurdle.
Farfromnowhere (Sean O’Keeffe) lost out to Sunchart (7/4 fav) ridden by Adam Ryan for Andrew Slattery in the rated hurdle and Thedeviluno (Jack Hendrick) was beaten by Strong Link (5/2), bred by William Codd, Mayglass, and ridden by John Gleeson depriving Nolan of an even better evening at his local track.
Jockey Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard rode Lieutenant Mayne (7/4 fav) to victory in the hurdle for Meath trainer John McConnell, but the Wexford connection is that the gelding was bred by Daryl Deacon, Belmont House, Clonroche.
Conor O’Dwyer trains at Friarstown, Co. Kildare, but he was born in Wexford town and delighted to saddle Arnacoeur (7/1) who gained a handicap hurdle victory ridden by his son, Charlie Dwyer, who was claiming five pounds.
Gordon Elliott has a strong strike-rate at Wexford and his good fortune continued with Beacon Edge (1/3 fav.) in the claiming hurdle. Amateur rider Josh Halford was in the saddle.
Breeder, owner and trainer Patrick Cronin made the journey from Doneraile, the village where steeplechasing began in Cork centuries ago, and enjoyed success with Onebrightbluerose (9/4 fav.) ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe.
Peter Fahey from Monastervin saddled Avalo (7/2) who gained a six lengths victory in the maiden hurdle under three-pound claiming jockey Jake Coen.
The Tote aggregate was €101,252.76 (8 races) copard with €91,616.76 (7 races) last year.
Next fixture at Bettyville Park is scheduled for Friday, July 4th which is labelled Cairde Loch Garman Race Day.
ENNISCORTHY CASTLE is one of the venues for the Regenerative Farming Seminar this weekend. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Moyne Veterinary Hospital at Enniscorthy will host a three-day seminar on Regenerative Farming this weekend with events at the Riverside Park Hotel and at Enniscorthy Castle on Sunday. This will include a very impressive lineup of speakers from various parts of the industry and country. This is a forum of farmers talking to farmers on how we can produce great quality food, with higher nutrient value and enhance the land. The studies on the nutrient value of the food produced on these types of farms is very encouraging. Kicking off in the Riverside Park Hotel on Friday, May 30th, will be Mike Walsh – a college lecturer in SETU (South East Technological University) within the Masters of Science in Agriculture programme – the framework of which is Biological and Organic. David Wallis is a former Teagasc advisor, farmer and coordinator of the DANU project. This is an EU funded 5-year study of 12 commercial farmers who began practicing regenerative or biological farming. Tommy Tierney is a tillage farmer from Kildare and has stopped ploughing 9 years ago. He uses a ‘no till’ sower, and it has helped him reduce his costs by half – while still getting four tonnes per acre yield as before. Bronagh O’Kane is a young beef and sheep farmer from the North of Ireland, who will give her account of the journey so far, 5 years down the regenerative road. At last year’s seminar, father and son dairy farmers Fraser and Jonathan Rothwell, came to listen, were inspired by the speakers, and have taken up the baton in turn – they will tell their story one year into the journey. On Saturday, May 31st at Enniscorthy Castle, author and lecturer Dr Verner Wheelock will be speaking on the detrimental effects of poor food quality and how we can change it. Well known vet Tommy Heffernan will speak on the microbiome – from soil health to animal and human health. Yvanna Greene will talk on bees and biodiversity. Sunday, June 1st will feature Alan Poole – dairy farmer ambassador of Farming With Nature – on making a difference through enhancing biodiversity. Silja Harms – herbalist – will do a workshop on how to make your own herbal salves and give a talk on common “herbal hero’s” that are all around us. The concluding speaker will be Mary Reynolds – Chelsea Flower Gold medallist, best-selling author and tireless environmentalist – on how to be “guardians not gardeners”. There is something for everyone over the three days along with lots of fun activities for the kids with fairy tales, baby-bop, and rock ‘n’ roll dancing. The events can be booked on Eventbrite – “Ground Rules” for Friday 30th, and “Conversations in the Castle” for Saturday and Sunday.
WexfordLocal.com 