Wexford’s Christmas What’s On
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 JIM KEALY BENEFIT NIGHT
A benefit concert take place in the Riverside Park Hotel on Wednesday, November 27. It’s being organised in support of radio broadcaster Jim Kealy who is in need of a new prosthetic leg. Now aged 62, Mr Kealy had his left leg amputated from below the hip when he was 15 years of age as a result of a congenital deformity from birth. Tickets for the concert, which gets under way at 8 p.m., are priced €25.
CARNEW MUSICAL SOCIETY
All this week, Carnew Musical Society will showcase ‘Oklahoma!’ at 8 p.m. nightly at St Brigid’s Hall, Carnew. Call 087 6985275 between 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. or 1.30 p.m. 4 p.m. to book your seats.
WEXFORD ON ICE
Opening on November 21, Wexford on Ice will continue right up until January 5 on the Quay. The authentic ice rink is one of the biggest in the country and skaters can enjoy a festive hot chocolate, coffee or snack from the adjoining Coffee Dock.
Stability aids are available for firsttime skaters and a dedicated kiddie rink and kiddie skates are on offer for the little ones.
Visit wexfordwinterland.com for further details.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH
The launch of the book ‘Taking Flight’, an anthology of different forms of writing from Gorey Writers Group, will take place on Thursday, November 28, at 7 p.m. in Gorey Library. This is the second anthology of poetry, short stories and memoirs written by the multi-talented Gorey Writers Group, with contributions by over 25 writers. This book will be launched by Jackie Hayden, marketing manager of Sony Music and member of Hot Press crew, who wrote a Phil Lynott biography called ‘My Boy’.
CARNEW MUSICAL SOCIETY
All this week, Carnew Musical Society will showcase ‘Oklahoma!’ at 8 p.m. nightly at St Brigid’s Hall, Carnew. Call 087 6985275 between 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. or 1.30 p.m. 4 p.m. to book your seats.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 CARNEW MUSICAL SOCIETY
All this week, Carnew Musical Society will showcase ‘Oklahoma!’ at 8 p.m. nightly at St Brigid’s Hall, Carnew. Call 087 6985275 between 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. or 1.30 p.m. 4 p.m. to book your seats.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Ennisorthy and Monart Union of parishes will be holding a Christmas Bazaar in the Church Institute, Church Street, Enniscorthy from 11 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.
It will be the ideal opportunity to pick up a little Christmas gift in the run up to the festive season or just relax with a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.
CARNEW MUSICAL SOCIETY
All this week, Carnew Musical Society will showcase ‘Oklahoma!’ at 8 p.m. nightly at St Brigid’s Hall, Carnew. Call 087 6985275 between 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. or 1.30 p.m. 4 p.m. to book your seats.
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS
Running until December 23, the Christmas Express with Ellie the Elf will ensure your little ones have a truly festive experience. Starting at the Bullring, and touring the sights of Wexford, the Christmas Express will feature special songs and stories as your journey unfolds.
From November 30 to December 15 the Christmas Express runs at the following times:
Fridays from 3 – 7 p.m. Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sundays from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. From December 16 – 23, it runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
Visit wexfordwinterland.com for further details.
SAOIRSE ON STAGE
The annual production of Saoirse on Stage takes place in Gorey Little Theatre on Saturday, November 30, from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Created by the Saoirse Training Centre as part of St Aidan’s services, all money raised from ticket sales will go back into the development of the programme.
Tickets are €7 and are available from St Aidan’s Services and the Saoirse Training centre. The popular variety concert will get everyone in the mood for Christmas.
FAITH OF FIRE CONFERENCE
A Faith of Fire Conference will take place in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy on Saturday, November 30, from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The Conference will be opened by Bishop Denis Brennan and the main speakers will be Fainche Ryan, director of the Loyola Institute, Trinity College, Dublin and Fr Martin Pender, Ballymitty. Both speakers will deliver talks and lead a lively discussion on what it means to live our Christian faith today.
The conference is open to everyone in the community and to book a place contact Fr Billy on 087 1225407 on or before November 28.
GREEN ROAD
Irish folk/ballad band Green Road will play a concert in Campile Hall on Saturday, November 30, at 8 p.m.
Expect a night of your favourite Irish songs and lots of singing along. PJ Sinnott is Green Road’s lead vocalist, singing folk songs made popular by The Dubliners, Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Delores Keane and Jimmy McCarthy and classics from the ballad tradition such as ‘Go Lassie Go’, ‘The Galway Shawl’ and ‘Sam Hall’ and ‘The Rare Auld Mountain Dew’. PJ also plays 5-string banjo. Ned Wall plays uilleann pipes and low whistles. Alan O’Dwyer plays mandolin, banjo, harmonica and whistles. Fergal O’Hanlon plays guitar and adds backing vocals. Frank Torpey plays bodhrán, drums and (keyboard) bass.
Tickets will be available on the door.
ABBA FOREVER NIGHT
‘ABBA Forever’ The Christmas Show, which has toured Ireland for the past 11 years, comes to St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross for the very first time, on Saturday, November 30.
Tickets are now on sale at the box office 051 421255 or online at stmichaelsnewross.com.
EXHIBITION
An exhibition of paintings and crafts hosted by Oldcourt Painting Group will take place in the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 CHRISTMAS FAIR
A Christmas Fair will take place in Davidstown Community Centre on Sunday, December 1, from midday to 4 p.m. The event will include lots of craft stalls featuring handmade gifts and artisan products.
SANTA CRUISE IN NEW ROSS
The Rosbercon Santa cruise starts at 3 p.m. with Santa and Rossy the Elf being brought up the river from the Marina to New Ross Boat club by New Ross Search and Rescue. There will be music and dancing, free face painting and glitter tattoos and an opportunity for all to see Santa who will have some chocolate for all the children. Then the Disney characters and Christmas tractors and Santa will lead the parade up the hill to a free disco in the Parish Pump pub.
EXHIBITION
An exhibition of paintings and crafts hosted by Oldcourt Painting Group will take place in the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Everyone is invited to Gorey Methodist Church on Sunday, December 1, at 7.30 p.m. for a great night of music and carols. Music will be provided by soprano Maria Hughes, and baritone Tim Shaffrey will be accompanied by David Howes on piano.
SANTA AT WELLS
Santa’s arrival to Wells House at 2pm and entry to the grounds is free all of December 2019. Booking can be made on Eventbrite, and for more information contact Wells House directly by email info@wellshouse.ie or
call 0539186737. Victorian Christmas continues throughout the month.
BALLYMURN CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
The Christmas Craft Fair and open day will take place in Ballymurn NS. This year, we are also designating this day as a school open day, where any prospective parents of new pupils are welcome to come and have a look around our school to see the fantastic facilities we have to offer.
CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING IN CROSSABEG
The Christmas session of storytelling at Kyle Forge, Crossabeg will take place at 8 p.m. With a roaring fire to keep you warm, the patrons will entertain you with witty anecdotes, songs, recitations and music. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, mince pies and lots of goodies will be there to tempt you, along with a cup of tea, during the break. There is no admission and a great night’s entertainment is guaranteed.
GREAT CHOCAKE BAKE OFF IN DUNBRODY HOUSE
The Great Chocake Bake Off takes place at the Dunbrody Christmas Market. It costs €10 to enter your chocolate cake. Text 085 8227590 to get full entry details.
Prizes for best taste, best looking and people’s choice – judging led by Kevin Dundon. Hosted by St Kearns
Rowing Club/Saltmills St Kearns Community Group.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE
A Christmas Bake Sale and coffee morning in aid of Wexford Women’s Refuge and the Simon Community takes place at New Ross Adult Education Centre from 10.45 a.m. till noon for two great charities. A raffle will also be held.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
CHARITY DARTS
Friends of Local People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) invites you to the Amber Springs Hotel on Friday, December 6, at 8.30 p.m. to see the champion darts player Rob Cross in action. Tickets are €10 and it promises to be a night of thrilling entertainment. Contact William or Claire for more information on 085 8304993 or 086 3495240.
ART EXHIBITION
Gorey Art Circle’s winter exhibition will take place in the Market House, Main Street, Gorey from Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
NIGHT LIGHT ROAD RUN
Oylegate Vintage Club will be holding a ‘night light’ road run on
December 7, to raise money for Pieta House. The event will begin in the village at 6 p.m. and will travel to Enniscorthy where the vehicles will stop on the promenade. All money raised from the event will go towards the charity.
CHRISTMAS SALE
The Annual Christmas sale held in aid of Balloughton Church funds will take place on Saturday, December 7, at 2 p.m. in Balloughton Hall. It will feature all the usual stalls such as raffle, cakes, bric-a-brac, books, plants etc. and a delicious afternoon tea will also be available. Your support would be very much valued and appreciated.
CHRISTMAS COFFEE DAY IN CROSSABEG
The annual fundraising coffee morning organised by Annis Kehoe is being held in Kyle Forge, Crossabeg. From the time you step into the Forge, there will be a roaring fire and you will be warmly greeted with a cup of tea or coffee and lovely cakes and buns.
This year, Annis has again decided that all money raised will go towards the local Crossabeg-Ballymurn community centre development project at Garrywilliam. During the event, there will be lots of tarts, buns, mince pies, Christmas cakes and puddings, jams and vegetables on sale, just in time for Christmas. A raffle will also take place, with lots of lovely prizes to be won. For further enquiries, you can contact Annis at 087 2426146.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
GROUP94 CHRISTMAS FAIR
Group94 is holding a Christmas Craft Fair to help raise funds for the Enniscorthy group of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. The event, which will include a monster raffle, will take place in Bree Community Centre throughout the day from 10 a.m.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Wexford Arts Centre presents its Annual Christmas craft fair, in association with the Wexford Craft Trail, from December 8 – 23. The Quay Note Choir will be on hand add to the festive atmosphere as crafts from across the county will be on display in the pillar room. There will be a tempting array of beautifully made pieces on display for you to select that heirloom gift for family or friends.
The Craft Fair is open Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. – 5p.m; Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m; and on Sunday, December 16 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SCREEN/CURRACLOE CHRISTMAS PARTY
The annual Christmas party for the senior citizens of the Screen/ Curracloe area takes place in Hotel Curracloe. You are invited to attend at 2.30 p.m. for dinner which will be served up at 3 p.m. Following the dinner, all guests will be entertained by music and song. The organising committee look forward to seeing everyone there.
KILLANNE TRACTOR RUN
The Killanne Tractor Run starts at 1 p.m. with raffle and prizes afterwards in Killanne Hall. The annual celebration of turning on the Christmas lights will take place on Killanne cross at 5 p.m. This is always a great event, with rumours of a special guest appearance on the night.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT IN PIERCESTOWN
The Valda Chamber Choir and Piercestown Church Children’s Choir present a beautiful evening of Christmas carols and songs in Piercestown Church. This is a fundraiser for the Saint Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal.
The Valda choir celebrated its 21st anniversary this year. They have performed in concerts all over Europe so you can look forward to a very special evening.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
HISTORICAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
North Wexford Historical Society will hold its annual Christmas party night on Friday, December 13 at 19.30 p.m. in the Coach House function room upstairs in Gorey, with music provided by John Flood. Society treasurer Noeleen Brown will collect the required fee of €26 per person next Thursday, November 21, in the Methodist Hall after the lecture on General Bulfin.
SOCIAL DANCING
Social dancing in Kilanerin Parish Hall will take place on Friday, December 13, at 9 p.m. and Limelite are back by popular demand. All money raised on the night will go towards Gorey Musical Society.
CHRISTMAS IN KILRANE/ ROSSLARE HARBOUR
The Big Switch On and Village Christmas takes place in the Memorial Park in Rosslare Harbour, starting at 6.30 p.m. The Christmas Lights will be switched on simultaneously in Kilrane and Rosslare Harbour and Santa will arrive with his elves to the Secret Garden, which will be magically lit and beautifully decorated. Olaf will be there to keep an eye on things too.
Carols will be sung around the Christmas tree in the park, a Ceremony of Remembrance with the local Lifeboat crew, free mulled wine and a few surprises. Hot chocolate and cookies, tea or coffee and home baking will be on sale as a fundraiser for KRH Tops Community Group in Hotel Rosslare. There will also be a huge festive raffle, with family games and music. Santa tickets are €3 per child. This is a lovely opportunity to welcome Christmas to the villages with your family, friends and neighbours.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
CHRISTMAS TRACTOR SPECTACULAR
The Whitechurch vintage Christmas tractor run starts in Irishtown at 5 p.m. and travels down the town and across the bridge to Rosbercon and then back to the quayside.
CHRISTMAS BAKERY FAIR
A Christmas Bakery Fair takes place between 9 a.m. to midday in the Day Care Centre, Ramsgrange. Buy your Christmas cakes, puddings and mince pies. Last date for orders is December 13 – phone 051 389509.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
FESTIVE ROAD LIGHT RUN
The run will travel through the villages of Dunmain, Ballycullane, Saltmills, Fethard-on-Sea, Templetown, Ramsgrange, Duncannon and finish in Arthurstown with food served compliments of the Kings Bay Inn. (Parking will be available). Registration is at 4 p.m. costing €20 per vehicle.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the new stand recently built at Campile AFC. The organisers are looking forward to seeing all types and sizes of vehicles in this great festive event. Enquiries to 087 2028450.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26
GALBALLY ST STEPHEN’S DAY FUN RUN/WALK.
The time to dust down the runners is approaching in time for Galbally’s ‘overindulgence’ festive run, walk, trot or pram push. Galbally Sports and Leisure Club will host a 5k fun run/ walk on St Stephen’s Day, December 26. The event will begin at midday, with registration taking place from 11.30 a.m. onwards.
Entry fee is €5 for adults, €10 for a family. Refreshments will be served in the hall afterwards. Everyone is invited to come along and get involved in what promises to be a fun community event.