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Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford's Fringe Fleadh initiative tuning up for opening sessions in New Ross
The Fringe Fleadh, which is an initiative by Wexford County Council, is promised to be a vibrant series across the county, with the New Ross town centre set to come alive to the sound of traditional Irish music from the much-loved Danecastle. 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
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Wexford councillors question ‘national and international' criteria for nominees of awards ceremony
This followed a lengthy discussion during the meeting regarding the criteria which was met in order for the shortlist for the Civic Nominations Awards. Some of the Councillors were unhappy with the shortlist and questioned what criteria had to be met to be nominated. Cllr Joe Sullivan began by asking if this awards ceremony was a reserve function or an executive function and was told by District Manager Philip Knight that it is a reserve function. As a result, he asked, 'if it's a reserve function then who makes the decision about who's on the list and who's not?' The list was compiled from nominations each councillor selected, however, some of the people put forward were excluded from the list as they did not meet the criteria of being 'national or international standard'. "We are a local council, please don't lose sight of that. If we're not going to acknowledge the achievements of the local people in this area, we're going on to the national stage and how many genuine cases have we there of headline national news,' said Cllr Sullivan. He went on to state that the list should have been put in front of Councillors and each candidate should be discussed. 'There are a few people that I think should be added to it and I want to name them because they are people who have made a significant contribution here,' said Cllr Sullivan. Cathaoirleach Oliver Walsh requested that Cllr Sullivan did not name these people, in fear that some people or groups would be excluded or offended. Similarly, Executive Engineer Liz Hore added that the ceremony is centred around honouring local people who have made 'significant achievements'. 'Lets not lose sight of what this is all about, it's about goodwill from all of us,' said Ms Hore. Additionally, Cllr Darragh McDonald came at this issue from a different angle and addressed the fact that the list was 'sport heavy' because of the national and international criteria. "If we limit it to national, we limit it to sport in a lot of ways. People in this town deserve recognition for their contribution to Gorey as well, so I think we need to address that in the new criteria,' said Cllr McDonald. He also requested a list of the previous nominees, which he could refer to when making his nominations. Cllr Mary Farrell agreed with both Cllr Sullivan and Cllr McDonald that the focus of the ceremony should be 'to recognise local achievements' and that 'there are people who have made huge contributions to our communities, where we live and work' and they may not have connections to sport. She also felt it wasn't necessary to nominate sporting clubs. ADVERTISEMENT To sum up the main purpose of the awards, Ms Hore said, 'it's a good thing to do, it's about inclusion. I take your point, we need a bit more diversity in terms of the categories and sports. So, lets let the members look at the broader sense of it'. After the meeting, the members revised the nominations by looking at the candidates which had already been shortlisted.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Wexford motorists can expect ‘delays and disruption' as investigative works are carried out on New Ross bridge
Motorists in New Ross can expect significant delays and disruptions when using O'Hanrahan Bridge next month as investigative works are carried out in advance of a larger project next year. Beginning in late June, there will be diversions in place on the bridge for four weeks while Wexford County Council (WCC) engineers begin preparing for rehabilitative works which will lead to a three-metre walkway being installed. 'This is good news but it'll cause great disruption,' said director of services for the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) Eamonn Hore. 'Investigations will be carried out for the extension works which will see a three metre walkway installed on the Dunbrody side of the bridge, there will be significant traffic delays and disruptions." Explaining that the works had been timed to coincide with the end of the Leaving Cert so that no students will be impaired by the delays, Mr Hore said the full works on the bridge would start in 2026 and, once complete, would see the new walkway aligned with the greenway and active travel scheme in New Ross.
Otago Daily Times
05-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
The kind of alchemy a Patearoa writer happily endorses
Years ago, when family trees were all the rage, genealogists would painstakingly produce family trees which resembled an impenetrable forest of little use to those outside the family. Of late, though, family histories have told the personal stories of the family members and the general reader is presented with gems of local history. The latest to come my way is The Hore Alchemists -Turning Cornish Tin to Maniototo Gold . When you live for a few years in a place like Maniototo you soon get to know of the long-standing families, like those who have been here since the 1863 gold rush or who took up farming in the 1890s. Among the families who formed the backbone of the region are the Hore immigrants, who left the tin mines of Cornwall to seek the gold of Central Otago. Their descendants have made their mark in farming, sport and a dozen community activities. Their stories, now an interweaving of several generations, come together as a regional history rather than simply a narrow family memoir. Felicity Brown, now of Sydney, is a Hore descendant and her husband Shaun, one-time boss at TNVZ and then of Australia's Special Broadcasting Service, has brought a lifetime of journalism skills to turning the family tree into a rattling good yarn which tells us more about a pioneering family than the "obituary of a great man" style of writing common in the old days. The author has walked over the ground in Cornwall, fossicked in local archives and pulled together an explanation for the exodus of one family group from the tin mines. Though drawn to Maniototo by the gold at Hamiltons, a field dominated by Cornish miners, the Hore family were soon involved in business and farming, prospering many years after the gold had been worked out. Their experiences, shared by many other pioneer families, included financial crises, early deaths, illness both physical and mental, and ultimately success in fields far removed from digging for riches. Perhaps best of all for the history buff is that "family" histories are using the resources once the preserve of mainstream historians but now widely available through digitised archival material. More photographs are being used, which gives us much more than wedding pictures and portraits of Granddad. Exploring the content of old photos has become a bit of a hobby for me so let's take one from The Hore Alchemists which appears because it shows the Waipiata store established by family patriarch Silas Hore. A poignant picture, as Silas' house and store were demolished years ago and the site is now a playground. The photo was taken in 1905 and, while the store is the reason it's there, the picture is a window on one year at Waipiata and I'll digress from the family story for a moment to ponder the scene. There's a telephone pole at the left and close examination shows a wire leading from it to a flag-topped pole then across the dusty main street to a small wooden building, the post office. The coming of the telephone to Waipiata is in that picture. As the Otago Central Railway crept inland a telegraph line accompanied it and both reached Waipiata in 1898. The locals gazed at this new wonder and felt it should not be restricted to railways. A petition gathered 26 signatures asking for the phone line to be extended into the township. The petitioners wanted the phone no more than 100 yards from the station, perhaps in the nearest store. The curiously titled Superintendent of Electric Lines offered to install the line if £8 ($2000 today) was paid at once. He pointed out that revenue from the line would be £18 a year but construction costs would have been £20, leaving a deficit of £2. In spite of this, the line went ahead and the telephone was available from the post office from January 6, 1900, with Annie Jones running the service. The photo also shows the Waipiata Hotel under licensee Hugh Cleland, who had taken over in 1905, and the hall owned by the hotel built by Patrick McAtamney, founder of another Maniototo dynasty. The remnants of bills on the wall are a reminder that touring shows used the hall, while the cow on the roadside illustrates the rural ambience which Waipiata still enjoys and flags on poles at either end of Main Street suggest that in 1905 Waipiata had something to celebrate. Perhaps yet another win by the Original All Blacks. On Sunday afternoon at the Waipiata pub the township and the wider Hore domain covering most of Maniototo will celebrate the launching of their new history. I've been invited to say a few words but don't worry if you can't get to the pub because you've already read most of them. • Jim Sullivan is a Patearoa writer.
The Guardian
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Sheep, cattle and sequins: the enigmatic New Zealand farmer behind a famed 1970s fashion collection
In the 1970s, farmer and war veteran Eden Hore raised the eyebrows of his neighbours when he began collecting what he described as 'high and exotic fashion'. Shimmering sequins, delicate tulle and frothy chiffon were not what one expected to find on a sheep and cattle farm. 'I've always been a bit different. A bachelor with all these dresses,' said the late Hore, who ran a sheep and cattle farm in Central Otago in New Zealand's South Island before his death in 1997. It was a time when not even museums or art galleries in New Zealand were building these kinds of collections. And yet, in 1975 a converted tractor shed on the rolling tussocked hills of Central Otago's remote Māniatoto region became a makeshift fashion museum housing what is now recognised as one of the most significant collections of its kind in Australasia. A new book and exhibition celebrate Hore's life and fashion collection, and also provides a snapshot of New Zealand in the 1970s and 80s. Hore's niece Jo Dowling, who helped out on the farm during the school holidays in the 1990s, says he was a pioneer in many ways. 'He was the first to do a lot of things in farming, like top dressing with a plane, catching wild deer for his farm, running his farm tours and then his garment collection,' Dowling says. 'He was his own unique person and some of his family couldn't believe he was collecting gowns. It's not the thing a man usually does.' An enigmatic man of contradictions, equally comfortable wearing the customary farming attire of homespun woollen jerseys, moleskins and gumboots, Hore also loved to rock a bold leopard print shirt or batik fabrics down at the local pub. In 1963 he was invited by his friend, the country singer John Grenell, to accompany him for moral support to the Miss New Zealand Pageant where the shy Grenell was to perform. Hore found himself backstage assisting with the show and was bewitched by the frocks and razzle. Dress historian and honorary curator for the dress collection at Tūhura Otago Museum, Jane Malthus, is the co-author of Central Otago Couture: The Eden Hore Collection, which tells Hore's remarkable story. Malthus, who has worked with the collection since the 1980s, remembers Hore as a quiet man who was driven by his own vision. 'He didn't care what other people thought of him. He was willing to stand out in the crowd,' she says. Claire Regnault, the senior curator at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and co-author of the book, agrees. 'He was confident enough to step outside the box and be himself in an era when that wasn't really done.' Hore's stock agent, Ren Lothian once said, 'This frock thing … wasn't the normal for a cocky in those days, not in the Mānaiatoto.' Born in Naseby in Central Otago in 1919, Hore left school at 13 and worked mustering on farms until he was called up in the second world war. In 1947, he bought Glenshee – an 8,100-hectare farm and its 4,000 sheep and homestead 8km from Naseby. Describing himself as an introvert, the chain-smoking Hore was known for his hard drinking, which probably stemmed from postwar trauma and the tragic death of his 13-year-old adopted daughter. He was also a hard worker, once boasting that he drove a tractor for 22 hours. An innovative farmer and stockman, Hore was the first to bring cattle in the 1970s to the mostly sheep country. Malthus says Hore's interest in textiles and fashion stemmed from his desire to know more about what could become of farm products such as wool, cattle skin and sheepskin. A mid-1970s sheep leather pantsuit in pine green is a striking example of farm materials going on to have an inventive life. When Hore died aged 78, he left his vast couture collection to his nephew. In 2013, the Central Otago District Council bought the collection of 226 garments plus accessories such as hats, shoes and costume jewellery for $40,000. Regnault says Hore was attracted to sheers, sequins and Lurex, so the collection is distinctive of his own taste. But what unifies the garments is an emphasis on striking fabrics, textures, bold colours and exquisite detailing. 'They're very characterful clothes. As soon as you see them you can imagine a story, a fantasy around them,' she says. Hore had a keen eye for a good frock and a desire to inject a splash of exuberant colour in an otherwise austere, vast dry landscape. 'When you think of drab New Zealand at that time, he was creating this strange little oasis in the middle of nowhere. A magical world you stepped into,' says Regnault. With his philanthropic community-focused spirit, Hore was a pioneer of rural tourism. When a railway line created a bypass, making the area a forgotten backwater, Eden wanted to attract tourism to the region. He also hosted garden parties and fashion shows to fundraise for the charity Plunket, churches and community groups. And he had other collections he would showcase, of taxidermised animals, imported exotic animals and collectible ceramic Jim Beam decanters. 'He really was a man before his time. He was very much, 'You do you, and I'll do me,'' says Regnault. 'Eden was trying to create something magical in this country at the bottom of the world.' Central Otago Couture: The Eden Hore Collection by Jane Malthus and Claire Regnault, photographs by Derek Henderson (Te Papa Press) Eden in Dunedin an exhibition showcasing highlights from the Eden Hore collection opens at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum 2 April
