Wexford's Fringe Fleadh initiative tuning up for opening sessions in New Ross
On Saturday, June 7 at 2.30 pm, the live performance in Brennan's Lane, will create a spirited afternoon of music and community celebration. The special outdoor session is the ideal set up which was much anticipated by the District Manager, Alan Fitzhenry, and Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and Director of Services, Eamonn Hore, as they seen the Brennan's Lane project recently come to fruition. The laneway now boasts a beautiful open space, with a smaller area enclosed with a roof, a mural, benches and greenery which is the newest area in town to host street sessions of live music, trad sessions, and community events, while arts and crafts markets are also in the works.
'Here the New Ross Municipal District, along with the councillors and the staff, we're really excited to see the crowds gather for the Fringe Fleadh in Brennan's Lane," said Mr Fitzhenry, adding that the carefully chosen location 'is a beautiful new public realm space and this event will really showcase the potential of the laneway and all its great uses.'
Seeing the much needed clean-up project of Brennan's Lane fulfilled in time for local musicians to utilise the space throughout the summer goes in hand with the aim of the Fringe Fleadh, which is to showcase local talent and spaces on our doorstep and to embrace the arts in more than just a traditional setting. It was previously reported in the New Ross Standard on April 25, 1991, that 'Brennan's Lane needs a clean-up', however, other reports in the paper in relation to the area dated back to 1898, when a 'Total Abstinence Meeting in New Ross' was held by the Protestant Total Abstinence Society in the hall of the Hill School. The Hill School, which was originally built in 1799, to the rear of Brennan's Lane was known as St. Mary's Terrace, and said to be the birth place of Michael O'Hanrahan, who was a member of the Gaelic League and served in the 1916 Easter Rising.
The pride of both Mr Hore, and Mr Fitzhenry, in the restoration appears timeless, despite the laneway being reopened in April, as they both continue to observe the delight of locals who access the historic area, but in its newly brightened and colourful capacity. At the opening, Mr Hore said the project showcases Wexford County Council's 'dedication to enhancing our communities, fostering pride, and supporting local vitality.'
"The refurbishment of Brennan's Lane has transformed it into a safer, more accessible, and vibrant space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike,' he added.
With the schedule for the Fringe Fleadh quickly taking shape, Mr Fitzhenry said having seen the AIMS Choral Festival utilise the space last week, 'a very large crowd of over 300 people were in the laneway and there was still loads of space, but it was just fantastic to see everyone there enjoying the great weather and we hope that atmosphere continues for the Fringe Fleadh in June.'
Performances will continue to take place each Saturday in June, with Saturday, June 28 expected to filled with an entire day of live entertainment.
The Fringe Fleadh will also take place in other areas across the county, from Seisiún by the Sea in Morriscastle to performances by The Blackwater Céilí Band at St. Martin's Community Centre in Piercestown, and the Enniscorthy Irish Folk and Ballad Festival, the programme is packed with musical highlights. Supported by Comhaltas branches, community groups, and local performers, each event is a celebration of Irish identity, heritage, and community pride delivered in a warm, inclusive, and joyful atmosphere.
Wexford County Council invites locals and visitors alike to be part of this unique summer celebration. Whether you're discovering traditional music for the first time or returning to a beloved tradition, Fringe Fleadh 2025 promises unforgettable moments and the true spirit of the Fleadh.
For full event listings, times, and locations, visit VisitWexford.ie.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
How Bertie Ahern stepped in as U2 demand ushered in law change to allow two Slane gigs after national fury
ALL-POWERFUL U2 convinced the Irish government to change the laws to allow them to play two Slane concerts in a week. Gig organisers believed they could sell out TWENTY times such was the demand to see the rockers in 2001, but planning laws made more than one gig all but impossible. 6 U2 demand convinced the former Taoiseach to change laws to allow another performance in the same week Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 6 The gig at Slane Castle was a major sell-out, with tickets for the second show snapped up in less than two hours Credit: PA:Press Association 6 Lord Henry Mount Charles' son revealed how Bertie stepped in and solved the issue Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin But when the first concert on August 24 sold out in 45 minutes, triggering a national fury, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern decided to make Slane 2 happen. Bertie told the Irish Sun: 'You could see the momentum building around it. I mean the law was the law, and you couldn't have the concert, and that was it. 'I think it was the late PJ Mara, a personal friend of (U2 manager) Paul McGuinness, who said, 'Listen, this would be a pity to see this go'. 'But it did require us to change the system. So I think that's how it came around to my desk, and we acted on it. I think it took a bit of maneuvering just to get it right.' Alex Conyngham, whose dad Lord Henry Mount Charles hosted the gig, told us: 'Bertie stepped in to help get it done. So that was a good Irish solution to a problem.' Ticketing chief Tommy Higgins told the final episode of the Fields Of Dreams podcast that demand for the gigs was unprecedented. He said: 'I remember the tickets going on sale on a Saturday morning out of HMV and around the country. 'But you knew at the at the start I probably could have sold 600,000 tickets that day the demand that was there. And you would have sold Slane out with the people coming from America alone.' From the outset in 1981, the gigs at Slane Castle, in Co Meath, were always one-day affairs. In 1984 they were almost finished for good when thousands rioted in the streets before the Bob Dylan concerts. Dave Browne from iconic Irish band Picturehouse talks about Sunburst's success Promoters and Lord Henry fought to secure its future, and in 1986 Mountcharles wrote to locals promising Slane would be one gig a year. In 2000, despite local opposition, Meath County Council granted permission for one gig a year in 2000, 2001 and 2002, strictly on a Saturday in either May, June, July or August. FAST-TRACKED LEGISLATION After U2 sold out rapidly in March 2001, the clamour grew for a second gig, which would have to take place in September. New legislation was fast-tracked in April 2001 removing the need for planning permission or any right to appeal by An Bord Pleanala. Bertie said: 'Having looked at the legal complexities at the time with the Attorney General and the departments, the only way around was for me to front up a change to the procedures, and of course, like everything in life, there were those who were for it and against it. 'Not that they were against U2. But they saw this as a precedent that could be used, and they said it was jumping the planning laws.' SOLD-OUT SHOW Tickets for Slane 2 on September 1 sold out in 94 minutes, and Ahern was a guest of the band. It was the same day Ireland beat the Netherlands 1-0, which put them on the road to World Cup 2002. Alex said: 'We showed the game during the gig because obviously it would have been unpatriotic not to. 'So anyway it went up on the big screen and I was chatting to the guys who were running the bars, and they were a bit concerned because the beer sales were down because they're watching the match. 'And then, of course, Ireland scored and 80,000 pints went up in the air and the beer sales just went through the roof.' As for the gigs themselves, 160,000 people were there to witness two events for the ages. 'SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE' Slane boss Alex said: 'I get goosebumps thinking about the amazing moments, when you're in the middle of the song and the band just suddenly become overwhelmed by how with them the crowd is, and they actually go quiet and the crowd do the singing and they just take that in. 'And if you're part of that and you're singing your lungs out at the Castle and you're seeing a sea of people in unison enjoying that moment, it is a spiritual experience. 'You only get a few of those really magic moments in a gig. But when they happen they're pretty mind-blowing.' The final episode of the series also hears from musicians on the drugs, booze and rock 'n' roll circuit of the Seventies onwards. It also recalls the special place Lillie's Bordello held in the hearts of local and overseas acts. The Dublin venue hosted stars including Bruce Sprinsgteen, Mick Jagger and actress Julia Roberts over the years, while a table was permanently reserved just for Bono in case he was in town. The VIP bar saw first Paul Harrington and then Dave Browne from Picturehouse on piano, charged with entertaining the entertainers. Some nights were weirder than others. 'BIZARRE' MOMENT Harrington remembered: 'Prince was in there for a little time. Nobody else allowed in. And I think it was a girlfriend. And a minder. And there was me. 'I had two of my brothers in beside me at the piano and a friend of ours, who was over from Canada. So I just said to whoever it was, 'Look, they're here, they're guests of mine'.' But the Purple Rain singer wanted them to leave. Eurovision winner Harrington added: 'I said, 'Well then, we'll all go together, and let Prince sit on his own'. Anyway, we all stayed. 'It was bizarre. He was looking for a banana split. So they had to send out for this to get made up. Show business! 'About three hours later, I'm still playing, trying to entertain him, sweating bullets, saying, 'What am I going to sing next?' 'But he was very appreciative. That was the type of place it was.' TV STARS AT VENUE Some of the ex-RTE TV football panel were also regulars. He said: 'People like Johnny Giles and Liam Brady and all doing party pieces, it was just pretty wonderful. 'Giles would be up singing Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Liam Brady's party piece was Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town.' As for Eamon Dunphy? Harrington explained: 'He's a good guy and he would sing, but he would take over a bit. My job was to intervene if somebody became annoying to everyone else. 'I remember funny moments like Dunphy swanning in and Karen Millen, the fashion designer, was sitting with gorgeous champagne, and he grabbed the bottle out of the bucket, and then there was water and ice splashing everywhere. He was doing that as a prank and a gag. And he bought a new one.' Episode ten of Fields Of Dreams is available now. 6 Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern fast-tracked new legislation for Slane show Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription 6 U2 frontman Bono in action Credit: Reuters
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Ireland's Fittest Family returns with some brand new coaches
RTÉ has announced its upcoming slate of video content, taking viewers from Autumn 2025 to Spring 2026 across RTÉ One, RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. In the Lifestyle sphere, audiences will welcome the return of Ireland's Fittest Family - a long-running series that sees families from around the country compete in an incredible obstacle course of physical and mental challenges. Hosted once again by Laura Fox, the Sunday evening favourite is bringing some brand-new coaches and a revamped format. The newcomers are: Ellen Keane, Paralympic swimming champion and inspirational trailblazer; Michael Darragh MacAuley, former Dublin GAA star and winner of eight All-Ireland Medals; and Andrew Trimble, Irish rugby legend with 70 caps to his name. They'll be taking on the original coaching legends, returning for series 13: Anna Geary, Donncha O'Callaghan and reigning Fittest Family Champ Davy Fitzgerald, in a fierce contest to mentor the nation's fittest families. This year's competition also features epic new locations across the country. With Ireland targeting 300,000 new homes by 2030, housing continues to be a huge area of interest to the Irish public. This year, RTÉ will delve into various aspects of housing, whether it be interiors and celebrity spaces to searching for hidden gems, and tackling budgets. Who's Building Ireland? goes behind the scenes of the nation's construction boom to meet the real people making it happen. From crane operators and family-run trades to migrant workers and apprentices, the documentary reveals the human stories driving one of the country's most critical industries. DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland takes on challenges in Mooncoin, Kilkenny, Clarecastle, Clare, Tallaght, Dublin and Wicklow Town. Fronted by Baz Ashmawy, volunteer builders, labourers, trades, suppliers, friends and neighbours come together - giving their time, labour and materials free gratis - to help families in real need. In Home Rescue: The Big Fix, designer Dee Coleman, builder Pete Finn, and declutter expert Aidan Gately are on hand to help people declutter and improve their homes on a tight budget. The team are joined by fitters, painters, chippies and clutter busters as they fight to complete each makeover in just a few days. In Room to Improve, Dermot Bannon battles rising building costs and tight budgets as he undertakes four exciting new builds around Ireland under the ever-watchful eye of quantity surveyor Claire Irwin. From a semi-d to a bungalow to a terraced home – each episode will be packed with big dreams and even bigger design challenges. Elsewhere, Dermot will step into the homes of well-known celebrities in Dermot Bannon's Celebrity Super Spaces. Exploring personal stories behind the renovations, restorations and extensions, viewers will peek inside the colourful interiors of Joanne McNally's apartment in London, and Clodagh McKenna's stunning countryside home in Hampshire. Cheap Irish Homes with Maggie Molloy and new building expert, Tadhg Casey, travel the highways and byways of Ireland, helping people find their ideal property. In Heat My Home, building engineer Kieran McCarthy travels around Ireland, checking out homes that are attempting to secure energy upgrades by taking on retrofit challenges. With prices only going up and the planet under pressure, more people are trying to save money and energy in their own homes by taking on the retrofit challenge. From heat pumps to HVAC, Kieran will break down the technical jargon and make sense of all the retrofit lingo so it's easy to follow. The Great House Revival also returns in 2026, breathing new life into our built heritage. Build Your Own Home returns to chart the mammoth challenges faced by families as they set out to build and renovate their own homes under the watchful eye of master builder Harrison Gardner. He supports the families, shares his expertise, and teaches homeowners to build or renovate their own dream home on a budget. Elsewhere on the schedule, Maitre D' Mateo Sania will return to the First Dates restaurant along with Alice and Pete, and barman Neil. Here, singletons will have the chance to find romance, whether they're young, old, shrinking violets or strutting peacocks. Today will return in the afternoons live from RTÉ Cork for its 14th season, while Donal Skehan immerses himself in the culture, traditions and beliefs of Ireland's minority faiths in Donal's Festival Kitchen. Another returning favourite includes Keys to my Life, a series that follows eight of Ireland's 'national treasures', as they revisit the homes and places that have shaped their lives. Series five includes Jim Sheridan, Dónal Óg Cusack, Sandy Kelly and Tony Holohan.
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
RTÉ puts Irish drama at the heart of new schedule
RTÉ has announced its 2025-26 schedule, with a record year of drama, new documentaries, returning favourites and major live sport set to air from this autumn through to spring. The new slate includes three brand new Irish dramas, a revamped Ireland's Fittest Family, coverage of the Women's Rugby World Cup and the Presidential Election, and the return of audience favourites such as The Late Late Toy Show, Room to Improve, The 2 Johnnies' Late Night Lock-In and The Tommy Tiernan Show. The broadcaster said the line-up reflects a changing Ireland while celebrating the creativity and storytelling that connect Irish audiences at home and abroad. Irish drama at the centre RTÉ is promising its strongest ever slate of homegrown drama, much of it developed with the independent production sector. New titles include The Walsh Sisters, adapted from Marian Keyes' novels Rachel's Holiday and Anybody Out There, starring Danielle Galligan, Louisa Harland, Aidan Quinn and Carrie Crowley. Other new series are John Butler's These Sacred Vows, a comedy drama set around a wedding in Tenerife, and Tall Tales & Murder, created by Stuart Carolan and Chris Addison, based on Caimh McDonnell's Dublin Trilogy books. Returning series include The Dry, Obituary, Hidden Assets and SisterS, while long-running soap Fair City will feature a high-profile wedding storyline. RTÉ said a record 142 hours of original Irish drama will be delivered in the coming year. Entertainment and culture Entertainment highlights include the launch of The Traitors Ireland, hosted by Siobhán McSweeney and filmed at Slane Castle, beginning 31 August on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. A companion discussion show, The Traitors Ireland Uncloaked hosted by Kevin McGahern will follow each episode. Ireland's Fittest Family returns with new coaches Ellen Keane, Michael Darragh MacAuley and Andrew Trimble, alongside veterans Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary and Donncha O'Callaghan. Patrick Kielty will host his second season of The Late Late Show from 12 September. RTÉ will also mark ten years of The Late Late Country Music Special, while the annual Toy Show remains a centrepiece following record international streaming numbers last year. Other returning titles include The 2 Johnnies' Late Night Lock-In, The Tommy Tiernan Show and First Dates Ireland. Dermot Bannon fronts Celebrity Super Spaces, while Imelda May presents Amhráin na nGael, exploring Gaeltacht songs and traditions. Documentaries and factual RTÉ Investigates will continue its series of in-depth public service investigations, following recent reports on nursing homes, religious orders' assets and the black-market sale of weight-loss drugs. New documentaries include The Ryanair Story, charting the airline's 40-year history, and The Swindlers, a true-crime series on con-artists and fraud. The Shift: Cork University Hospital goes behind the scenes at CUH, while Caesar's Palace looks at the experience of African-Irish communities through hair culture. Biographical films will include Tony Cascarino: Extra Time, Daniel O'Connell: The Emancipator and Dev's Rise and Rule, marking the 50th anniversary of Éamon de Valera's death. Other single films cover subjects from Rory McIlroy's Masters victory to Niall Breslin's All That Remains on the lives once hidden in St Loman's psychiatric hospital. Cultural programming includes Culture Night 2025 broadcast live from Galway, and Oliver Callan hosting The Irish Book of the Year. Home and Living RTÉ's new season has plenty for fans of home, design and transformation. Who's Building Ireland? will take a fresh look at the challenges and creativity shaping the country's housing. Baz Ashmawy is back with DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland, continuing to rally volunteers and communities to deliver life-changing renovations. There's also a new chapter for Home Rescue: The Big Fix, tackling cluttered and chaotic spaces, while Room to Improve returns with Dermot Bannon guiding families through big design decisions. Property lovers can tune in to Cheap Irish Homes for more tips on finding hidden gems around the country. Sport Free-to-air sport continues across RTÉ television, radio and online. Coverage includes the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, beginning 22 August, Ireland's autumn rugby internationals against Japan, Australia and South Africa, and UEFA Champions League matches. RTÉ will also show the Republic of Ireland men's World Cup qualifying campaign, the Women's Nations League promotion play-off against Belgium, and FAI Cup fixtures. The Irish racing calendar will feature the Irish Champions Festival in September, winter racing through November and December, and the Dublin Racing Festival in February. Golf coverage includes the Irish Open at the K Club in early September. Other events include the World Athletics Championships from Tokyo, year-round GAA coverage and a two-part documentary on the Camogie Championship. News and current affairs With a presidential election due this autumn, RTÉ News and Current Affairs will provide coverage across all platforms, including debates, interviews and reporting nationwide. Katie Hannon will front a new series with the candidates. Prime Time will examine national issues including anti-social behaviour and digital surveillance, while Nationwide continues to profile Irish communities. Crimecall returns with appeals for public assistance on investigations, and Scannal looks back on controversies from past decades. Children's programmes RTÉ Kids will add several new series alongside returning titles. Showkids, a new comedy-drama featuring Ardal O'Hanlon and Philippa Dunne, begins in September. A week of short dramas, RTÉ Kids Drama Week, will explore themes of friendship, identity and self-discovery. New factual programmes include United FC, a docuseries about young footballers, and New Wave, following Ireland's top junior surfers. Returning favourites include Dizzy Deliveries, The Unreal, Adam Loves Adventure and Puffin Rock, which also has a new feature film later this year. Commitment to Irish content Steve Carson, RTÉ's Director of Video, said the new line-up combined "the very best Irish creative talent both on screen and behind the scenes" with a mix of drama, entertainment, sport and factual programming. "We're incredibly grateful to all of our partners in the independent sector and the teams in RTÉ who continue in their mission to deliver quality Irish content for Irish audiences," he said. The new schedule runs from late August 2025 into spring 2026, coinciding with preparations for RTÉ's centenary in 2026. Further announcements on programming are expected later in the year.
