Latest news with #WexfordCreditUnion
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford Credit Union revealed as Fleadh's main sponsor – ‘It's a celebration of who we are as a community'
The official launch was celebrated at their town centre offices on Wednesday. Preparations for one of the largest week-long cultural festivals anywhere in the world is ramping up. Speaking about the sponsorship, Wexford Credit Union's CEO Martin Donovan said, 'Sponsoring the Fleadh is more than a partnership, it's a celebration of who we are as a community. 'We're honoured to support an event that showcases the richness of Irish music, language and culture while bringing people together from across the country and beyond.' To mark the launch, credit union colleagues were joined by members of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Deputy Mayor of Wexford Raymond Shannon and Wexford County Council CEO Eddie Taaffe, who met with talented musicians from Craobh Loch Garman CCÉ. Celebrating the launch, Wexford Credit Union unveiled a new line of Fleadh merchandise, designed with a Wexford twist and inspired by local humour. During the week, visitors to the credit union offices will experience live music sessions, in-branch giveaways and keep an eye out for behind-the-scenes social media content. Expressing their pride, Wexford Credit Union say, 'Join the session. Join the community. And join the craic – with Wexford Credit Union.'
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wexford's iconic Fleadh Harp to make permanent return ahead of the 2025 Festival
Just one of the highlights last year, was the installation of the iconic Fleadh Cheoil Harp, a majestic oak structure combining craftsmanship excellence and engineering innovation and not only will the monument return, but on a permanent basis. Wexford TD George Lawlor was so taken by the craftsmanship, that discussions were commenced about giving it a permanent place on Wexford's quayfront. In October, Deputy Lawlor said, ''We are going to work on a permanent installation of the harp. Discussions are ongoing and we've already met with Buí Bolg on it.' Last week, Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee members including Deputy Lawlor and Wexford County Council CEO Eddie Taaffe visited the workshop of Bui Bolg, Wexford's own expert prop makers who made last year's harp with the support of Wexford Credit Union, to get a sneak peak. Work began in January 2025 for Bui Bolg's dedicated team led by Artistic Director Colm Lowney. The structure has been expertly carved, from oak sourced from McMahon's in Waterford with the help of local master carpenter Jim Grant. After processing the oak, the painstaking work of shaping and finishing the harp commenced. The harp which features a robust steel structure will be anchored into a solid concrete base and will receive multiple coatings of yacht varnish and epoxy resin, to ensure it can withstand the year-round elements of Wexford's weather. Bui Bolg's Sales Director Mark Carey said: 'This has been one of the most interesting, stressful, and exciting projects we've undertaken. 'We've had fantastic support from Wexford County Council, and it's been a fantastic team effort with about 10 people directly involved. We're so proud to contribute something that will stand as a lasting symbol of Wexford's creativity and community spirit.' The oak harp will be officially unveiled as part of the celebrations for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 and is expected to draw locals and visitors alike to admire this new addition to the Wexford waterfront.
Irish Independent
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See pictures from Wexford's Ability's Got Talent show
And, after much deliberation from a judging panel featuring Deputy George Lawlor, boxer Dean Walsh, musician Andrew Berry, former FIFA referee Michelle O'Neill, and broadcaster Sharon Colgan, there was one unanimous winner. Karina Browne, who performed the Wexford anthem Dancing at the Crossroads, was honoured with the Ability's Got Talent trophy and a €250 cheque courtesy of Wexford Credit Union. 'She brought her entire personality to her performance, she's a huge fan of the Wexford hurling team and had practised the song so much.' said Caroline. 'She was one of those we would have picked out from the start. But there were a lot of contenders, it was a very close run thing. From the heats to the final we could see how much they'd grown, how far they'd come, I'm just so happy for them, to see how far they've come. 'We were all blown away by the night and by the performances, it met all our expectations and more. What we were all saying was that the room was so full of love and joy.' Initially organised to spread awareness of the AD-Caller campaign which seeks to support those with disabilities when calling local businesses, the contest 'took on a life of its own' and is now set to become an annual event. 'We're coming back in November for the second run, we couldn't but do it again. There's something special about it, it gives everyone such confidence,' said Caroline who wished to thank both the Wexford Arts Centre and White's Hotel for their generosity in providing their premises for the event. And she said Ability's Got Talent was characterised by its community involvement. 'This wasn't about me, this was about me calling on others to help. It was a community project, I really want to stress that, everyone came together to support us. All the performers really felt that support, some of them have told me they're already practising for November.'
