7 Things to t do this wweek...
1 ISLA GRANT: Renowned singer/songwriter Isla Grant will make a welcome return to Enniscorthy this coming Thursday, February 7, when she performs in the Riverside Park Hotel. The concert is being staged as part of her current Yellow Rose tour. The singer has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and has completed numerous successful world tours in recent years and she is always very well received in Co Wexford. This week’s show will feature all her hit songs and a few more recently recorded numbers as well. One of the things that make Isla Grant shows very special and memorable is how she interacts with her audience and tells the story that is associated with many of the songs in her vast repertoire. Her shows also benefit from the fact she is backed by a band composed of some of the most formidable musicians on the contemporary international country scene. There are few performers who enjoy the type of reputation she does with regard to her international music profile. Tickets for the show are now on sale from the Riverside Park Hotel on 053-9237800.
2 OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: The first heat of the 30th Opportunity Knocks gets under way on Friday, February 8, at 7.45 p.m. in Shamrock Hall, Kilanerin. The second heat of the variety competition will take place on Friday, February 15, while the final is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 22. Doors will open at 7 p.m. nightly, with the first act taking to the stage at 7.45 p.m. Entry is €5 for an adult and €3 for children. Tickets will only be available on the door, so get down early to avoid disappointment. The popular show is a fundraiser for the upkeep and running of Kilanerin Parish Hall. Enjoy a night of song, dance, music, comedy and acting.
3 IMELDA KEHOE AND GUESTS: Having enjoyed wonderful success with her 2018 release ‘How to be Human’, Imelda Kehoe returns to the Wexford Arts Centre stage with some of Wexford’s finest musicians for a special performance. Featuring both music from her debut and new material, a great night is guaranteed. Support on the night will be provided by Odi. Tickets are selling fast from www. wexfordartscentre.ie.
4 ROY ORBISON REBORN: While the man himself may have graced the stage of the Dun Mhuire in the past, a Wexford audience will have the opportunity to embrace the magic of Roy Orbison as outstanding impersonator Dean Bourne brings his show ‘The Spirit of Roy Orbison’ to The National Opera House on Friday night at 8 p.m. Featuring hits such as ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘Only the Lonely’, it looks set to be a great night.
5 THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW: Having enjoyed several successful performances in the venue in the past, The Johnny Cash Roadshow returns to The National Opera House this Saturday night, presenting one of the most faithful recreations of a show from the man in black as you’ll see. The only show to be officially endorsed by the Cash family, it will feature all his greatest hits, along with the addition of a brass section and emotive on-screen visuals. Tickets are available from www.nationaloperahouse.ie or by calling the box office.
6 ENNISCORTHY 10k: The countdown is well and truly on for the annual Enniscorthy 10k run which takes place on Sunday, February 10. The event, staged by Slaney Olympic, is sponsored by Creane and Creane and will see a range of prizes up for grabs including €250 for first man and woman back, €250 course record bonuses and prizes for first under-20, over 40, 50, 60, and 70. There will also be a €200 prize for the first men’s and women’s teams-of-four with €100 for the second placed finishers. Race registration is at the Shamrock’s GAA Club in Clonhaston from 9.30 a.m. The cost of entry will be €15.
7 CYCLING SPORTIVE: New Ross based Barrow Wheelers Cycling Club is holding its annual 100km Sportive on Sunday, February 10, starting from Good Counsel College in New Ross at 9.30 a.m. This is the first sportive of the year locally which caters for cyclists of all abilities. The scenic route travels through New Ross and on towards Waterford, Mullinavat, Stoneyford, Bennettsbridge, Thomastown, Inistioge and then back on to New Ross. The cycle is suitable for people in the middle of their winter training or for someone looking to kick-start their fitness. You can sign up on the morning from 8.30 a.m. for €20 for Cycling Ireland members and an extra €5 to purchase a one day licence.