7 Things to do this week...
1TALK ON PRISONS: A former governor of Mountjoy Prison will give a talk in Enniscorthy library on Thursday, January 17, at 7 p.m. focussing attention on whether or not prisons work. Brian Murphy will talk about the current prison system in Ireland and during his talk he will highlight the challenges facing prisons in general. He will also look at what can be done to improve the rehabilitation of prisoners while they are in prison serving sentences. Mr Murphy spent 40 years in the Irish prison service and from 2009 to 2014 was Director of Operations. Under his direct management there was a dramatic reduction in the prisoner population and in 2014 he was appointed as Governor of Mountjoy. In the four years he held the post he introduced many positive initiatives and improvements that benefited prisoners and staff. Mr Murphy believes the best way to rehabilitate prisoners is to change their mindset and outlook on life. He will share his views and opinions with the audience in Enniscorthy and due to the expected high level of interest in the event booking is essential through 053-9236055.
2NIGHT OF MUSIC: Three of the biggest stars in Irish music will be performing in Wexford Opera House on Friday, January 18, as part of a nationwide tour. Sharon Shannon, Frances Black and Mary Coughlan will perform together for what promises to be a very special night of music and song. The three are no strangers to working together having been part of the Woman’s Heart show that helped make them all household names. For the Wexford concert, which will get underway at 8 p.m., they will perform their own songs and then combine their talents for a grand finale. Tickets for the show, priced €30, are available from the National Opera House box-office on 053-9122144.
3JAZZ CONCERT: Jazz lovers can enjoy the stylistic soundings of Melanie O’Reilly and her Trio when she brings her ‘Jazz on a Winter’s Evening’ show to Greenacres Gallery on Saturday night at 8 p.m. Accompanied by Kevin Lawlor on drums, Patrick Molitor on piano, and Andrew Csibi on double bass, the award-winning vocalist will celebrate female jazz singers. Tickets are €15 and are available on Eventbrite or on the door.
4CHANTICLEER: A very special concert will take place in the National Opera House on Saturday, January 19, when the San Francisco based Grammy award-winning ensemble, Chanticleer, will perform in the venue as part of a worldwide tour to celebrate their
40th anniversary. Praised by critics for ‘crisply etched clarity’ Chanticleer is known around the world as an orchestra composed of human voices. The 12 male members have vocal abilities ranging from soprano to bass and they perform original interpretations of works covering many different genres from Renaissance to jazz. Under musical director William Fred Scott the Wexford performance will likely be a highlight of the year. Tickets are now available from the National Opera House box-office on 053-9122144 and the show will get under way at 7.30 p.m.
5WEDDING SHOWCASE: A wedding showcase in the Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey, will take place on Sunday, January 20, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. All engaged couples are invited to see the magical venue in North Wexford that won Best Hotel Wedding Venue Leinster last year. There will be a dedicated team to listen to all wedding wishes and guide you through the way as you begin the wedding journey. Whether you are looking for an intimate celebration or an exuberant affair, the team will ensure that no stone goes un-turned to bring the perfect day together.
6SPORTS CAREER TALK: A sports career talk will take place in Gorey Library, on Thursday, January 17, at 7 p.m. Join Eoin Morrissey, Games Development Manager from CLG Loch Garman, who will give a detailed and informative talk on careers in the sporting industry. The talk is suitable for those who are currently in secondary school, CAO applicants and job seekers. The talk is free of charge. All are welcome to attend the talk in Gorey Library, but booking is essential. For more information, or to book a place at the talk, call Gorey Library on 053 94 21481.
7ROBIN JAMES HURT: Talented musician Robin James Hurt will perform in the Stand Bar Cahore on Saturday, January 19, at 9 p.m. The guitarist was born in Belfast, raised in Scotland but moved to Wexford two years ago which he now considers his permanent home. Throughout the years, his talents as a guitarist, singer and composer have brought him on a rich and varied musical journey as a solo artist as well as with many other bands and artists such as the late Ronnie Drew from The Dubliners, Sinead O’Connor, Finbar Furey, and many others. Admission to the gig is free and it will be a fine night of songs, ballads, folk music, shanties and singalongs.
Have you an event for our What’s On pages? email the details (with a picture, if possible) to: whatson@peoplenews.ie