Enniscorthy has officially launched the 5th annual Rockin Food Festival with a reception held in Enniscorthy Castle this evening where Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, declared that “Enniscorthy with its charming streetscape and heritage buildings is ideally placed to become the food tourism destination for the east coast of Ireland.”

She continued; “The Festival has become more ambitious with the Ferris Wheel standing proud over the town with over 80 food stands throughout the streets over the weekend, including a showcase of many of our local food producers. 

“Following the opening of the new bypass the town of Enniscorthy has direct connectivity to the major urban centre of Dublin providing an economic corridor for future opportunities and investment in economic development and tourism. The festival itself surpassed our expectations last year providing €3 .8 million to the local economy.

“I am delighted this year to see a new initiative with our environment section and sponsor Creane and Creane of the rock in green initiative providing effective waste management and recycling opportunities as part of the greening of the festival.

“A huge success following its inaugural launch last year was the Enniscorthy Arts Trail (EAT) which is supported by Enniscorthy Municipal District and the Arts office under the management of Nadia Corridan and her team of Lisa Byrne and Larry Dunne. The EAT trail will see pop up artists transforming vacant and existing shop units and cultural buildings in the town into galleries and performance spaces with the aim of making art accessible to all.

“Enniscorthy Municipal District continues its association as a key funder of this important festival and I know the committee was delighted to win best festival in 2018. My thanks to the festival organisers especially Festival Director Jean O’Connell and her team, Anthony O’Toole and the Wilds who hosted tonight’s wonderful array of food and the castle team. In particular my thanks to our own staff particularly those who work behind the scenes, Fran Breen and his crew and Mary Clince. Everyone enjoy what promises to be a fantastic Bank holiday weekend with something for everyone.”

Amongst the attendance at this evening’s pleasant function were Deputy James Browne, Liz Hore, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Jackser Owens, Cathal Byrne and Aidan Browne, Maree Lyng, President of Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, Aileen Dowling from Fáilte Ireland, Rev. Nicola Halford, Rector of the Enniscorthy Union of Parishes, Chairman of the Rockin Food Festival. Eric Barron, members of the festival committee and invited guests.