So congratulations to Liam Griffin and the Griffin Group for having the vision and ambition to transform the local area into an internationally recognised destination for Spa holidays, while also providing the local area with jobs.

While on the topic of Wexford, I’m reading Brooklyn by Enniscorthy man, Colm Tóibín, at the moment and really enjoying it. It’s a book with close links to Enniscorthy town itself. Although it is a sad story of emigration it has some great scenes of self-conscious humour that seem to release the slow build up of tension throughout.  The main character, Eilis Lacey is refreshingly strong minded without the usual sentimental stuff that often goes with stories of emigration. The novel focuses on her interactions with people rather than dwelling upon the obvious contrast between the Brooklyn skyline and the banks of the Slaney. I recommend the book strongly.

Brooklyn has been shortlisted for a Costa Book Award in the Costa Novel Award section, while fellow Enniscorthy man Peter Murphy debut novel John the Revelator has been shortlisted for the best Costa First Novel Award section. I like the sound of John Revelator so will definitely be reading it soon. Best of luck to both of them.

Taking advantage of my excursion back home, I visited the Ros Tapestry held in the Ros Expo on the Quay, New Ross. The Tapestry is an amazing accomplishment which was started way back in 1998 by Ann Bernstorff and over 100 dedicated embroiderer volunteers from the wider New Ross community.

The tapestry has been a huge artistic undertaking, detailing fifteen richly embroidered panels, although the project is still three panels short of completion. The beauty of community spirit in this project is highlighted by the fact the three remaining unfinished panels are being completed in volunteer homes in New Ross, Bunclody and Thomastown, Co Kilkenny. The painstaking and time-consuming needlework is entirely carried out by volunteers who come together in these homes.

The Ros Tapestries illustrate the events of the Anglo-Norman arrival to the South East of Ireland, specifically the founding of the town of New Ross, Co. Wexford by William Marshall and Isabel de Clare. The content for the tapestry panels was exhaustively researched and designed by Ann Bernstorff (The Countess Bernstorff), ranging from the value of cattle under Brehon laws to the Italian bankers who operated in Ros. Her designs are painted to scale for the embroiders to reference while they undertake the painstaking task of replicating the designs on the 6×4 foot panels. The sowing of each panel has been overseen by Alexis Bernstorff who has trained extensively in the area of embroidery and restoration. Her eye for detail ensures the correct colours for the era and that the characters & locations are in keeping with historical context.

The Irish Arts Review described the undertaking as an epic embroidered narrative of the Norman invasion of Ireland. Epic it certainly is, the detail of the panels can only be truly appreciated in person, photos simply cannot capture the layers, depth and colour of the embroidery. Unfortunately our very knowledgeable guide Peter told us that photography is not permitted of the completed panels but I managed to take a few shots of a panel currently in progress below. To view the fifteen panels online visit the Ros Tapestry here.

The painting by Ann Bernstorff for the embroiders to reference

The incomplete embroidery of the painting above

The work station of an incomplete embroidery panel

It reminded me of a time when I was younger, Dad and his friend Paddy Doyle brought me to Philip Heenan’s Ringroe Stud, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary to see the famous show jumping stallion Clover Hill. I had never met anyone quite like Philip Heenan before or afterward. When I first met him he was sitting in the stable with two Robins sitting on his shoulder, it was quite extraordinary to see wild birds to flock over to land on his hand or shoulder. You could sense that he was a gentle soul and the wildlife responded to his calm ways. Paddy had told me previously that if Philip didn’t like the look of the mare or owner he wouldn’t allow the mare to be covered by his stallion which I still find a fascinating quirk. Click on the photo of Philip Heenan with Clover Hill here.

Unfortunately I didn’t have a camera way back when in 1996 but luckily I had one to take a few photographs of the Robin that paid a visit today.

A close up of the Robin's feathers

Various photos of the Robin as he flew from room to room inspecting the house!