WHAT’S ON AROUND THE COUNTY THIS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 CLONARD GUIDES CAROL SERVICE
The Clonard unit will hold its annual carol service and raffle in aid of the Wexford Oncology Unit at 7 p.m. in Clonard Church.
THE BIG CHRISTMAS SING
Join a fun community choir under the baton of singing teacher Elizabeth Drwal, open to all from beginners to accomplished singers. 2 p.m.
THE PICTURE HOUSE
The Picture House film season continues at Wexford Arts Centre with ‘Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool’ starring Annette Bening and Jamie Bell directed by Paul McGuigan. 8 p.m.
CLONEGAL CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE.
The pupils of St Brigid’s NS will be performing in a carol service in St Brigid’s Church at 7 p.m. It is always a very meaningful and enjoyable way for pupils to prepare for Christmas. There will be a donation bucket at the door of the church and the proceeds will go towards some playground markings on the schoolyard. Some of the donations will go towards a local charity.
BALLYDUFF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The annual Christmas party and switch on of our Christmas lights is planned from 6.30 and switching on the lights at 7 p.m. Santa has confirmed he’ll be able to fit us into his busy schedule. We hope everyone can join us to enjoy local music, post your Santa letters, and for some fun, laughter and refreshments in the run-up to Christmas.
KILSCORAN COFFEE MORNING
There will be a coffee morning, cake sale and raffle etc. in Cushen’s, Tagoat, at 11 a.m. in aid of Kilscoran Union of churches.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 A JINGLE BELL JOURNEY
A brand new interactive Christmas advenutre for kids, ‘A Jingle Bell Journey’, takes place in the National Opera House at 10 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. Suitable for kids aged three up to eight, there will be loads of Christmas magic. Tickets from 053 9122144.
MINI MAESTROS
Opportunity for parents to join their child in the discovery of music and singing. Children enjoy their first orchestral experience, learning to play with trained professional musicians, Aileen Donohoe and Peter McCamley. Wexford Arts Centre, 10.30 to 11.30 a.m.
CHRISTMAS PANTO IN RATHNURE
Rathnure Pantomime Society presents their 24th Christmas Panto, Broomstick: Tinkerbell’s Christmas Adventure in Rathnure hall at 7.45 p.m. Early evening performances on the Sunday shows. Call 087 0687801 or 087 6954112.
FUNKY KIDS CONCERT IN KILTEALY
Pupils of Kiltealy NS take to the stage in Kiltealy Community Hall on Wednesday, December 12, at 7 p.m. and again Thursday evening at 7 p.m. for this year’s Funky Kilds Concert which promises to be an entertaining event. The children have been practising for the past couple of months and are ready to deliver a great show. Tickets are available from the school or at the door on the nights.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 RED GUITAR TOUR
Billy Roche brings his eternal Red Guitar Tour to Upstairs@Macken’s. He will, as usual, be joined by Mike Odlum (bass/piano/harmonium) and Pete McCamley (drums/percussion/glockenspiel/flute/harmonica etc) They will be playing songs mainly from their recent album Dead Man’s Shoes, along with a few new compositions. Dead Man’s Shoes has made it into the Hot Press Top 20 Folk Albums Of the Year, all of which makes this a not-tobe-missed event. Doors open 8.30 p.m. Tickets are €15 and are available from Macken’s.
CHRISTMAS PANTO IN RATHNURE
Rathnure Pantomime Society presents its 24th Christmas Panto, Broomstick: Tinkerbell’s Christmas Adventure, in Rathnure Hall at 7.45 p.m. Early evening performances on the Sunday shows. Call 087 0687801 or 087 6954112 for more.
ADVENT REFLECTION
New Ross Parish is holding an advent reflection evening in the Legion of Mary Pastoral Centre, Robert Street, New Ross, beginning at 7.30 p.m. for one hour.
RIPCORD 64
Wexford rock band Ripcord 64 will be showcasing tracks from their upcoming album at a not-to-bemissed gig in Sky and the Ground, Wexford, on Thursday, December 13. Although the band has been relatively quiet of late this month marks the 10th anniversary of what is one of the finest ever rock bands to emerge from the Model County. The three-piece band is composed of some of the county’s formost musicians including: Ollie Dempsey (guitar/vocals); Bryan Barnes (drums) and Stevie Tierney (bass). The gig in Sky and the Ground is being organised to mark the band’s 10th anniversary and in addition to showcasing new material the band will also play material from their debut album, ‘Interloper’, which was released to much critical acclaim in 2014. The members have been busy writing and recording new material of late and the forthcoming gig promises to be an upbeat night of rock. The fun begins at 10 p.m. and admission to gig will be free-of-charge.
A JINGLE BELL JOURNEY
A brand new interactive Christmas advenutre for kids, ‘A Jingle Bell Journey’ takes place in the National Opera House at 10 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. Suitable for kids aged three up to eight, there will be loads of Christmas magic. Tickets from 053 9122144.
WEXFORD ICA MEETING
The guild’s Christmas party takes place in Coolcotts Community Centre, beginning at the earlier time of
7 p.m. to facilitate the demonstrator showcasing a Christmas wreath. The competition on the night is for any type of Christmas designed cups, plates, saucers, etc. Peopel are asked to bring their selected food for the night too. Santa hats, smiles and laughter is the order for the night.
ARD AOIBHINN CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING.
Ard Aoibhinn will hold a fundraising coffee morning in Clonard Community Centre from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a raffle, Christmas crafts and cards, a cake sale, and more. Admission is €5 which includes tea or coffee and scones.
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Ladies are invited for coffee, chat and an opportunity to make their own Christmas crafts from 10.30 a.m., till 12.30 p.m., at Gorey Christian Assembly, Ramsgate Village, Gorey. Free of charge, but reserve by calling 086 1280148.
BOOK LAUNCH
‘Where the Boro Waters Flow’ by Damian Cullen will be launched in the Cloch Bán, Clonroche at 8.30 p.m. This book is combination of history and poetry largely relating to the Boro River.
The poems are mostly written in the 1930s and 40s by poets who lived near the Boro and preserve history and folklore in their verses. Historic ruins of mills and mansions, ancient churches, bridges and river crossings are all included along with some interesting stories about some of Boro’s noted people. Light refreshments served.
BALLINDAGGIN STORY HOUSE
Ballindaggin Christmas Story House takes place on Thursday night, December 13, at 8 p.m. in Ballindaggin Hall. Great music, song and story, join in and do your party piece or relax and enjoy. A very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year and sincere thanks to one and all for your loyal support during 2017.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 FOIL, ARMS AND HOG
Foil Arms and Hog are back with the Irish premiere of their new show ‘Craicling’ at the National Opera House. Best known for their YouTube videos, they are very proud of their live shows and have sold out Wexford every year since 2014. Tickets from the Opera House box office at 053 9122144.
A JINGLE BELL JOURNEY
A brand new interactive Christmas advenutre for kids, ‘A Jingle Bell Journey’, takes place in the National Opera House at 10 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Suitable for kids aged three up to eight, there will be loads of Christmas magic. Tickets from 053 9122144.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT BARNTOWN CHURCH.
Wexford Male Voice Choir, with special guests Wexford Ladies Choir, will perform a selection of Christmas Carols at St Alphonsus Church, Barntown, at 5 p.m. Tickets are €5.
CÁCA NOLLAG CABARET
Gather for a festive cabaret at Wexford Arts Centre, featuring hosts Helena Mulkerns and Josh Johnston, who will welcome guests including musician Leslie Dowdall, author Mary O’Donnell, and Wexford’s own Gordon Patrick Barry. Tickets are €8 and are available online or from 053 9123764.
CHRISTMAS PANTO IN RATHNURE
Rathnure Pantomime Society presents their 24th Christmas Panto, Broomstick: Tinkerbell’s Christmas Adventure in Rathnure hall at 7.45 p.m. Early evening performances on the Sunday shows. Call 087 0687801 or 087 6954112.
GLENBRIEN CHILDREN’S CONCERT
The annual children’s concert will take place in the old School Centre, Glenbrien at 7.30 p.m. Any child who would like to take part in the concert please call Charlene at 087 9668411 and we can arrange it.
MURRINTOWN TABLE QUIZ
There will be a table quiz in Jordans pub in aid of the senior citizens’ Christmas party.
NEWBAWN CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The annual Christmas Concert takes place in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Newbawn, with doors open from 7 p.m. Artists from near and far will perform and it should be a good night of entertainment. Door prizes include €150 worth of coal and there will also be spot prizes and raffle prizes. Proceeds will go towards the funding of the senior citizens party.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 FRANKIE’S GUYS CONCERT
St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, hosts a celebration of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons presented by Wayne Whelan Productions. 8 p.m.
A JINGLE BELL JOURNEY
A brand new interactive Christmas advenutre for kids, ‘A Jingle Bell Journey’, takes place in the National Opera House at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Suitable for kids aged three up to eight, there will be loads of Christmas magic. Tickets from 053 9122144.
FESTIVE CRAFT FAIR
A paintings and craft fair takes place at the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. with works by the Oldcourt Painting Group on display.
LITTLE HOURS
Little Hours is the musical moniker for Killybegs multi-instrumentalist and songwriter John Doherty. The young troubadour from Donegal crafts subtle and sublime pop moments blending acoustic guitar, piano and his unique commanding voice. The support act on the night is Wexford’s Niall Cash. The concert is in Wexford Arts Centre at 8.30 p.m. Tickets from 053 9123764.
SWAN LAKE AT NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE.
Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts presents the classic ballet ‘Swan Lake’. Featuring the majority of the school’s students, the show promises to be a truly magical experience. Tickets are selling fast, with just a handful left from the National Opera House box office at 053 9122144.
MUSIC RECITAL
A music recital with Greg Semla’s Quaver Piano School will take place in Gorey Library at 2.30 p.m. Enjoy a recital of seasonal and other music with students from Quaver Piano School.
BIG CHRISTMAS SING PROJECT
The community choir will present a pop-up concert in the Creative Hub at 3 p.m.
IAN DOYLE AKA THE MAN WHOM
The Crown Live will be the venue for the launch of local musician Ian Doyle’s second album ‘The Dancer from the Dance’. He will be joined on the night by a full band. Entry is €15.
CELTIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT
A Celtic Christmas Concert will take place at Christ Church in Gorey at 8 p.m. Suantrai is a newly formed female vocal ensemble founded by Arklow native and music teacher at Gorey Community School Sara Clancy. The night promises a selection of haunting medieval, celtic and modern Christmas songs as well as the favourites.
THE SATURDAY ART CLUB
Students have the opportunity to explore and experiment with a range of mediums and contemporary processes such as printmaking, sculpture, construction and installation with Laura Ni Fhlaibhin and Mary-Claire Kehoe. Wexford Arts Centre, 10.45 a.m.
VINTAGE CLUB PARTY IN ROSBERCON.
The Tullogher-Rosbercon Vintage Club will hold its Christmas party night in the Parish Pump. Dinner will be served at 8 p.m. followed
by dancing to Moonlight Shadow. Tickets costing €15 each are available from any committee member or by contacting 087 6869137.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 A JINGLE BELL JOURNEY IN NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE
A brand new interactive Christmas advenutre for kids, ‘A Jingle Bell Journey’, takes place in the National Opera House at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Suitable for kids aged three up to eight, there will be loads of Christmas magic. Tickets from 053 9122144.
ROWE STREET CHURCH CHRISTMAS GALA CONCERT.
The ever popular Christmas Concert takes place in Rowe Street Church at 7 p.m. and is sure to get the audience well and truly into the festive spirit.
BAMBINELLI SUNDAY IN GLYNN AND BARNTOWN
Families are invited to the 10 a.m. school Christmas Mass in Glynn Church or the 11.15 a.m. Mass in Barntown Church, and to a Christmas gathering afterwards. The gathering in Glynn takes place in the parish hall after the 10 a.m. Mass; the gathering in Barntown takes place in the school hall after the 11.15 a.m. Mass. Small cribs will be given to each child at these Masses.
SOUNDING SEAMS
The Crannog at the Irish National Heritage Park is the venue for a unique Christmas event at 4 p.m. The event is a sonic and sculptural exploration of metal by Laura Hyland and Guy Urbin with a concert by Clang Sayne followed by a forgery demonstration by Guy. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served. For more information, contact 053 9120733.
FESTIVE CRAFT FAIR
A paintings and craft fair takes place at the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. with works by the Oldcourt Painting Group on display.
FRANKIE’S GUYS CONCERT
St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, hosts a celebration of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons presented by Wayne Whelan Productions takes place at 8 p.m.
SANTA COMING TO TOWN
Santa Claus is paying a visit to the Three Bullet Gate area of New Ross at 6 p.m. to join with children in spreading some Christmas magic. Everyone is welcome to come along.
CHRISTMAS PANTO IN RATHNURE
Rathnure Pantomime Society presents its 24th Christmas Panto, Broomstick: Tinkerbell’s Christmas Adventure, in Rathnure hall at 7.45 p.m. Early evening performances on the Sunday shows. Call 087 0687801 or 087 6954112.
GLENBRIEN SENIOR PARISHIONERS PARTY.
The Glenbrien senior parishioners’ party will take place in the old school centre at 2 p.m. All seniors in the community are welcome to attend. If you have not received an invitation pleas contact any of the committee or call 086 3131711 and we will arrange to get an invite to you. If you need to be collected and dropped home from the party please call and we can arrange transport for you.
OULART MONSTER BINGO
There will be a Monster Bingo game in the community centre in Oulart at 8 p.m. with over €1,000 in prizes on offer. As it’s near Christmas, there will also be ‘sit-beside’ prizes and spot prizes on offer to add to the excitement.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT IN CASTLEBRIDGE.
A very special Carol concert takes place at 6.30 p.m. in Castlebridge church. An array of local community groups will be performing well known Christmas songs, including Castlebridge Gospel Choir, ICA Guild, Bridge Singers, Bridginis and Castlebridge national school children. There will be music, storytelling and also maybe a special appearance by Santa himself. A raffle will be held also. Admission is €10 per family. All proceeds will go to the church roof fund.
CASTLEDOCKRELL CAROL SERVICE
A Christmas Carol Service will be held in the Church of All Saints, Castledockrell at 7 p.m. This is a whole parish event for Marshalstown and Castledockrell with both Church Choirs and the Children’s Choirs from both National Schools in the parish involved. The evening will include readings and singing as we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.
KILANERIN CHRISTMAS FAIR
Soak up the magic of the festive season and enjoy a great afternoon at Kilanerin Community Centre from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. There will be a wide range of Christmas themed stalls from local food producers, Craft Stalls and Local Services. With mince pies, mulled wine and a special visit from Santa it’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. All Vendor Stalls cost €15 which supports our local Playground Fund. Everyone is welcome. If you would like to reserve a stall, please contact Karen at 087 1401981 or Aileen at 087 9764332 or Áine at 086 8078404.
KILANERIN COFFEE MORNING
There will be a Christmas coffee morning, cake sale, Christmas flower arrangements by Margaret Woodbyrne and raffle in Shamrock Hall Kilanerin from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All support of home baking, raffle prizes and help on the day would be very welcome. Home baking and donations can be left into the hall on Sunday morning from 10 a.m. Proceeds in aid of church fund.
TACUMSHANE CHRISTMAS GET-TOGETHER
Tacumshane Christmas coffee morning takes place at 10.45 a.m. in the Old School. Pop in for a chat, tea and mince pies.
OUR LADY’S ISLAND SENIORS PARTY.
The Our Lady’s Island-Tacumshane Seniors Christmas party will take place in the Ferrycarrig Hotel. If there are any senior citizens from Our Lady’s Island-Tacumshane parish who would like to join on the night please contact Rosie at 087 9355340 or Tina 087 9400678 before December 10.
TARA HILL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING.
Tara Hill Community Alert and Development Association will have carol singing in St Kevin’s Church at 5 p.m., and will be followed by the arrival of Santa to switch on the lights on the outdoor Christmas tree at the church. Santa will be giving out some treats to the children on the night. All welcome to attend.
TARA HILL CHRISTMAS DISCO
Tara Hill school will host a family Christmas disco in the Orphan Girl from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A monster Christmas draw will take place at the disco. Fantastic prizes to be won. Tickets available from school. All proceeds to tarahill school, and our ladys hospital for sick children crumlin.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 M6 IN SINNOTTS’ BAR
Exciting new Wexford six-piece band M6 are playing Sinnott’s Bar, Bishopswater. 9.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. Admission free.
CHRISTMAS PANTO IN RATHNURE
Rathnure Pantomime Society presents its 24th Christmas panto, Broomstick: Tinkerbell’s Christmas Adventure, in Rathnure hall at 7.45 p.m. Early evening performances on the Sunday shows. Call 087 0687801 or 087 6954112.
CAMPILE CHRISTMAS BINGO IN CAMPILE HALL
There will be a Special Christmas Double Bingo Night in Campile Hall, starting at 8 p.m. Prize money for nine of the 11 games will be doubled on the night which is over €2,100 in total for the normal admission price of Double book €10 Single book €7 and small book €3 all support would be very much appreciated.