WIDESPREAD CLOSURES
AN increasing number of events are being postponed or cancelled as a result of the ongoing threat posed by the coronavirus, COVID-19.
The Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society planned to hold its Annual General Meeting this coming Wednesday, March 18.
However, a spokesperson for the society told this newspaper that the event was postponed ‘in accordance with the Government’s recommendation and expert medical advice’.
The Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day parade committee also contacted this newspaper to convey the members’ ‘deep regret and disappointment’ at having to cancel this year’s event.
‘The committee had been contemplating such a decision and the Government’s announcement of March 9, regarding the holding of St Patrick’s Day parades resolved the issue,’ said a spokesperson for the organisation.
‘The safety of the public is paramount and their protection from the spread of coronavirus motivated the decision,’ he added.
‘The members of the committee are sorry if the decision caused inconvenience to groups and individuals who had intended to participate in the parade.’
The spokesperson said all the preparations were almost completed and everyone was looking forward to the event.
Enniscorthy Retirement Group is also suspending all of its meetings and activities until further notice ‘to protect members from the virus’.
The management and staff at the Presentation Centre also issued a statement to the Enniscorthy Guardian with regard to the temporary closure of the facility.
In the statement the staff said: ‘Following the nationwide directive to all schools, colleges and cultural venues, The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, will be closed until March 30, pending further nationwide health and safety directives.’
The statement went on to outline that the health and wellbeing of all staff and visitors to the venue is the number one priority.
‘Our box-office and bookings staff are working diligently to contact all pre-booked ticket holders of postponed events, and organisers of all classes and workshops that will be impacted during this period,’ said the management team, in the statement.
‘We ask for your patience and understanding during this time.’
Anyone with any queries about events cancelled or postponed is asked to email: presentationcentreenniscorthy@gmail.com or contact the venue through its various social media pages.
‘We hope all in Enniscorthy and beyond stay well and ask you to be mindful of the more vulnerable members of our society during these difficult times,’ said staff in their statement.
A number of other community based events around the Enniscorthy town and district areas have also been postponed pending further direction relating to measures implemented to control the spread of the virus.
The Riverside Park Hotel announced yesterday that it’s also closing until March 29, due to the Government announcement about bar closures.
In an online post the hotel said: ‘We hope you all stay safe and look forward to seeing you in the future.’
Public masses in St Aidan’s Catherdral have also been suspended, however, they will be broadcast on the webcam at www.churchservices.tv/enniscorthycathedral.
Baptisms will take place as normal and for funeral masses an appeal is being made that only immediate family members attend.