Deputy Brian Brennan and the Kenny family celebrate success at the All-Ireland Business Summit held in Croke Park, being named AIBF All-Ireland Enterprise of the Year 2025.
Speaking after the Summit in Croke Park, Fine Gael TD for Wicklow-Wexford, Deputy Brian Brennan had high praise for K&K Windows and the Kenny Family; “I have known Sorcha and Tomas for many years, and this award is so well deserved. This business is a great success story – family owned, locally grown, community based.
An excellent employer operating out of their state-of-the-art premises in Craanford.
“Employing over 50 people in North Wexford, this company has gone from strength to strength over its 25 years in business and I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” concluded Deputy Brennan.
Slaney Plaza in Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, is for sale with an asking price of €400,000.
The former three-screen cinema was named after the local river and was originally opened in 1998 by Graham Spurling.
The venue closed on March 6, 2011.
Wexford estate agents Sherry FitzGerald O’Leary Kinsella describe the cinema located just a few minutes from Enniscorthy town centre as an “investment opportunity” with “oodles of possibilities”.
The property includes a large lobby on entrance with a box office and shop, three large cinema screens bathrooms (including a disabled WC).
My personal memory of the Slaney Plaza was attending the premiére of ‘Saving Private Ryan‘ which was filmed by Steven Spielberg with Curracloe used to dramatise Omaha Beach.
The talented Rhythm Riot band brought colour and joyful sound to Vinegar Hill this evening. (Pic;WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Vinegar Hill
At dusk, a procession featuring art, music, and performance brightened up Vinegar Hill, driven by the creativity of Wexford’s youth. Dozens of dancers and performers contributed to the carnival atmosphere witnessed this evening.
The second annual The Night Belongs to Youth event was part of this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg, the National Day of Creativity for young people. It was considered a significant event in Wexford.
The event commemorated the historical site and celebrated midsummer, commencing at Father Cullen’s Terrace and concluding at the summit of the renowned hill with a formal procession.
In contrast to over two centuries ago, this time Vinegar Hill experienced no rebellious events; instead, it hosted an immersive spectacle featuring drumming, ceremonial dance, and song.
The event, which was organised by Creative Places Enniscorthy, offered young people the opportunity to collaborate with professional artists, prop makers, and musicians. It was colourful, entertaining and worthwhile and paid tribute to the talent and promise from our precious younger generation.
Deryn O’Callaghan, Director of Creative Places Enniscorthy, told WexfordLocal.com; “The entire event was led by the youth of Wexford. We are very mindful of the history of the area and the significance of the hill to the town, and we wanted to reflect that.”
The Night Belongs to Youth is a Creative Places Enniscorthy (CPE) project, funded by CPE and the Arts Council of Ireland, part of Cruinniú na nÓg, with additional funding from Wexford County Council through the Creative Ireland Programme.
The Things Around Us’ is an innovative community collection project exploring the objects in the hands of ordinary people that reveal the social history of Kilanerin and district running for four weeks, and it kicks off this Sunday, June 8th 12-3pm.
The project has been devised by artist/folklorist Michael Fortune in conjunction with David Williams and Conor Murphy from Kilanerin Tidy Towns, and during the month of June they will be hosting a series of pop-up road-show styled sessions in Kilanerin Community Centre and inviting people to bring their object along to tell Michael and the team all about it.
The project will be centred around people and the objects they hold and cherish within their homes, their farms, their yards and their lives and invite them to bring forward objects to share their stories and spark memories and conversations across the ages.
These may range from old black diamonds; used from funeral customs, old farming implements or to more recent objects such as an old Bosco mug or to the first mobile phone ever owned.
Every single aspect of Irish social history will be explored through the fascinating objects brought to the roadshows and we hope to widen conversations around our lives and our history.
As the village has become home to many new residents recently, efforts will be focused on engaging new residents to support and strengthen the sense of community in the area.
So if you have an old letter, an old tool or anything with a story, come along to Kilanerin and share it take photos and record its history. An exhibition of the findings will be presented as part of the Kilanerin Heritage Weekend in early September.
The dates are: Sunday, June 8th (12pm – 3pm). Thursday, June 12th (6.30pm to 9.30pm). Sunday, June 15th (12pm – 3pm) and Sunday, June 22nd June (12pm – 3pm).
The project is kindly supported by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council via their ‘Creative Communities Scheme’. For further information please contact Michael on 087 6470247 or David on 087 4197140.
Wexford County Council has been awarded €70,000 toward a walkway link from Hospital Hill to Church Road, Bunclody under the Community Recognition Fund.
CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy stated that “it is a long-held ambition of mine and the people of Bunclody to see both sides of Bunclody town linked without having to access the N80.
“The funding is very welcome as it will help to get this project underway. The walkway / cycleway will connect two sides of Bunclody town,” she added.
Saving the trip to walk Hospital Hill, Irish Street, Main Street (the N80 extremely busy national secondary road) Church Road to access the Health Centre the GAA and Soccer Club grounds as well as linking the communities.
A short cut will be safer than using main roads for walking / cycling and will also have health benefits encouraging people to walk rather than get into the car to get to and from their chosen destination!
Bunclody is a beautiful town situated on the slopes of the Backstairs mountains – but Bunclody is a hilly town – this Walkway will be of great benefit to people.
This project is part of the plans drawn up by Pairc Na nGabhar Community Garden Committee in conjunction with Wexford County Council.
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
WexfordLocal.com 