Simon Bourke News Today

From the Queen of Irish Country Music to fairy hunts to the best tribute acts in the country, there is something to suit all tastes in Co Wexford across the June bank holiday weekend.

From the Queen of Irish Country Music to fairy hunts to the best tribute acts in the country, there is something to suit all tastes in Co Wexford across the June bank holiday weekend.

RehabCare Wexford Resource Centre has been nominated for a prestigious Irish Healthcare Centre Award for its work in addressing the unique needs of the ageing population. The nomination recognises the outstanding contribution of Aois Ór, the holistic healthcare initiative for older adults which was established over eight years ago.

As one of Wexford’s most renowned environmental groups it was natural that Clean Coasts Ireland would choose to join the people of Tomhaggard as part of its annual roadshow series. Having received national acclaim for their work in preserving the local area, the Tomhaggard group hosted a special community event at White Hole Beach where the day began with a talk from a retired conservation ranger from Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.

Wexford students have taken All-Ireland honours at the Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland Feis 2024. The students, from Shine Bright Theatre in Wexford town, headed to The Talbot Hotel in Stillorgan, Dublin for an event which is now in its 38th year. Children aged 5-18 took part in the competition in a range of events including poetry, public speaking, sight reading, solo drama, mime, duologues, and television presenting.

A charity boxing event organised by a young Enniscorthy entrepreneur has raised €3000 for a mental healthy charity. Mick Abidoye, who runs the social media Created in Éire, set up the event to raise funds for Shannon’s Hopeline, a charity which aims to prevent suicide and reduce stigma by providing resources and support to those in need.

"Deplorable” road conditions in the rural parts of the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) are forcing residents to fork out “ever mounting” costs to repair damaged vehicles. Since announcing her candidacy for this summer’s local elections Majella Wall has been busy on the canvassing trail and says those living in rural areas have huge concerns regarding the local road networks.

Almost €1m in funding has been allocated to “transformative” projects in Rathgarogue, Carrig-on-Bannow, and Cushinstown which will result in “significant benefits” for the three communities. In Rathgarogue, €500,000 will support the development of a destination park, enabling organic food production in allotments and greenhouses to be sold in artisan markets on site.

The grandparents and extended family of 13-year-old Rian Jack Nolan are being consoled following his passing on April 9. Rian, who was born with a number of medical complications, passed away at his home in Surbiton, Surrey in the UK with parents Micheál and Jennifer and siblings Lauren and Kian by his side.

In a bygone era, when Ireland’s sensibilities hadn’t quite caught up with the rest of the western world, people like Tina D Parton were called ‘female impersonators’. It helped to avoid confusion, to spell out the type of entertainment on offer for an audience who needed to gain assent from the church before entering.