It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Woodville House and Gardens gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in New Ross, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well-”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very ”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of”
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting McCloud Nature Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Vida or visit Indiana War Memorial Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in New Ross, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in New Ross, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in New Ross, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The New Ross and District Pipe Band has just returned from what they perceived as “a very successful and enjoyable” weekend visit to Cherbourg in France.The delegation from Wexford to Cherbourg consisted of the New Ross and District Pipe Band as well as the Faythe Harriers hurling team from Wexford town and the Naomh Éanna GAA club from Gorey. Also on the visit were the Kilmacud Crokes Ladies Football team from Dublin (who also happen to proudly wear the purple and gold). The Kilmacud Crokes team played the French N...
The New Ross and District Pipe Band has just returned from what they perceived as “a very successful and enjoyable” weekend visit to Cherbourg in France.
The delegation from Wexford to Cherbourg consisted of the New Ross and District Pipe Band as well as the Faythe Harriers hurling team from Wexford town and the Naomh Éanna GAA club from Gorey. Also on the visit were the Kilmacud Crokes Ladies Football team from Dublin (who also happen to proudly wear the purple and gold). The Kilmacud Crokes team played the French National Ladies Gaelic Football team while the two Wexford hurling clubs played each other.
"It was an historic occasion in Cherbourg and it’s just the beginning of a very exciting twinning project between Normandy and the town of New Ross,” said Brian Mac Mahon, a founder and musical director of the pipe band.
The band’s involvement in the GAA tournament included parading the ladies and men’s teams prior to their matches. The band then played both the Irish national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann and the French national anthem, Marseillaise. “Playing the French anthem was a first for the New Ross and District Pipe Band and possibly too for France but it received a rapturous applause from a very appreciative French public in the stands,” said Mr Mac Mahon.
"We had only organised the arrangement for the music the week before the trip upon confirmation we’d be playing it, and so having the band organised for the tune and then learning it to such a standard was an achievement.
“As with all traditional musicians, bagpipers and pipe band drummers do not use music stands to read the music from so everything played has to be committed to memory,” he explained.
As well as the GAA tournament, the band is believed to have had a very enjoyable Friday night playing at a French Handball Tournament (a team sport) with an audience of approximately 500 people. The spirits remained high on Saturday morning as the band were playing at the wonderful Cherbourg food-market area where, according to Mr Mac Mahon, they received “a very warm reception.”
On their Sunday morning, the band played for the Cherbourg Urban Trail event which is very similar to the Park Run events in Ireland except that the trail is around the City of Cherbourg. The band was positioned in the beautiful old Norman Abbaye du Voeu, which shares many architectural similarities with St. Mary’s Abbey in New Ross and they entertained the walkers and runners as they stopped for refreshments at the half way point of the 5km urban trail.
The band returned home on the Sunday night ferry into Dublin port and are now continuing their rehearsals for their forthcoming 50th Anniversary concert in St. Michael’s Theatre on Saturday, March 29. “It’s hoped that this anniversary occasion will be a very special concert on home ground,” concluded Mr Mac Mahon.
Tickets for the anniversary concert are limited, but can still be purchased through the theatre by contacting 051 421255.
On March 24th 2025, an application was submitted on behalf of Kennedy Boutique Hotel, located on 19 The Quay, New Ross, County Wexford to turn their accommodation into an IPAS centre.The company directors of the Kennedy Boutique Hotel are New Ross locals, William O’Leary and Tina Jordan, while Architect John Kennedy submitted the application on behalf of the company directors.The application has been submitted under the Exempted Development Act. This means that the property would not need planning permission for the propo...
On March 24th 2025, an application was submitted on behalf of Kennedy Boutique Hotel, located on 19 The Quay, New Ross, County Wexford to turn their accommodation into an IPAS centre.
The company directors of the Kennedy Boutique Hotel are New Ross locals, William O’Leary and Tina Jordan, while Architect John Kennedy submitted the application on behalf of the company directors.
The application has been submitted under the Exempted Development Act. This means that the property would not need planning permission for the proposed change.
The original property was constructed in 2006 for use as a hotel. They now propose to turn the hotel into “provision accommodation to International Protection applicants,” as per the application available on the Wexford County Council planning website.
One concerned New Ross local, who contacted their page, noted that “this development has raised important questions about how it may impact the town’s resources and services, and as a community, we must stay vigilant.”
This member noted multiple areas that cause for concern. They include “Impact on local services…healthcare…education…public services…and sewage and infrastructure.”
“The town’s doctors and dentists are already working hard to serve the current population. An increase in residents could result in longer wait times and greater strain on the healthcare system.”
“With more families or individuals seeking accommodation, local schools might face overcrowding and resource limitations,” it reads.
In contrast, another user welcomed the idea and stated that it would unlikely have any impact on local services:
“I very much doubt that sixteen people, possible thirty two, if it’s two people to a room, will have an impact on essential local services, considering the same number, possibly more Ukrainian people, were using the same local services, it’s simply one group of people being replaced by another group,” she said.
It is believed that protests are currently being planned outside of the business premises this Saturday April 5th at 12 noon, led by a recently-formed group called ‘New Ross says No to IPAS’.
This is one of many applications that Wexford County Council has received in recent times. Another two applications were submitted for the small village of Killinick, another for Gorey town, while other applications were submitted for Enniscorthy, all of which have been met with strong local criticism.
For more information and to look at the documents, the application number on the Wexford County Council’s Planning section of their website is: EXD01167
Launching into a new year of drama adventures, and following on from the box office hit production of Moll by John B. Keane, directed by Kate O’Keeffe, the New Ross Drama Workshop will be taking its upcoming production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, A View from the Bridge, to the stage at St. Michael’s Theatre.Under the direction of Margaret Rossiter, audiences can expect a powerful and thought-provoking production, which is also well-peppered with drama and tension.Set in 1950s Brooklyn, A View from the Bri...
Launching into a new year of drama adventures, and following on from the box office hit production of Moll by John B. Keane, directed by Kate O’Keeffe, the New Ross Drama Workshop will be taking its upcoming production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, A View from the Bridge, to the stage at St. Michael’s Theatre.
Under the direction of Margaret Rossiter, audiences can expect a powerful and thought-provoking production, which is also well-peppered with drama and tension.
Set in 1950s Brooklyn, A View from the Bridge explores themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal within a close-knit Italian-American community. The play follows Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman whose protective love for his niece spirals into jealousy and obsession, leading to devastating consequences. Miller makes A View from the Bridge a modern tragedy to show audiences that the problems of ordinary people are timeless and repeated throughout history. His main protagonist is an ordinary working man, generally good and kind, but with a fatal weakness.
Margaret Rossiter, who is known for bringing both comedy and drama productions to the stage of St. Michael’s Theatre, brings a fresh and intense vision to this American masterpiece. The New Ross Drama Workshop has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality theatre, and this production promises to be no exception.
Boasting a cast of some well-known faces and some new members, the production is bound to be a hit. Jamie Lyster, playing the lead role of Eddie Carbone, is making his first appearance with the New Ross Drama Workshop, with Nancy Rochford Flynn and Tara Furness playing his on-stage wife and niece, respectively.
The character of Alfieri in the play, portrayed by Stephen Rossiter, is akin to the Greek chorus and acts as a narrator to the audience, and the moral commentator of the piece. Visiting Italians, Marco and Rodolfo, are played by Pat Murphy and David Walsh and their arrival brings great challenge to the Carbone household. Peter O’Connor, John Caulfield, Kevin Murphy, Nicky Flynn, Kitty Warren and Milo Walsh, will play the other characters of the piece, with many others making brief on-stage appearances in the crowd scenes.
Speaking about the upcoming show, director Margaret Rossiter said: “Arthur Miller’s work is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. A View from the Bridge is a powerful story of human nature and the struggles that arise from passion and pride. As a cast and crew, we are really enjoying piecing this play together and mining into the text.”
“We are excited to bring this play to life for the New Ross audience, and look forward as always to their fulsome support,” added the group’s chairperson, Kate O’Keeffe.
In addition to the talented cast, the back stage, front of house and technical support members of the New Ross Drama Workshop will continue to bring a professional theatre experience to New Ross with the upcoming show set to be performed across three nights on Wednesday, April 30, Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2.
The tickets, at €15 each, for A View from the Bridge are now available through the St. Michael’s Theatre box office (051-421255) and online through the theatre website.
The Golden Grill, after 35 successful business years, closed its doors to customers for the last time on Tuesday, April 1 as Ger and Brigid Martin bid farewell to their customers in the Irishtown.The couple said they’ve been inundated with well wishes as word of the closure spread among their customers and they’re grateful for all the cards, flowers and support they have received over the past few days.Having stuck it out through trying times such as the recession and the Covid-19 pandemic, Ger said “we got th...
The Golden Grill, after 35 successful business years, closed its doors to customers for the last time on Tuesday, April 1 as Ger and Brigid Martin bid farewell to their customers in the Irishtown.
The couple said they’ve been inundated with well wishes as word of the closure spread among their customers and they’re grateful for all the cards, flowers and support they have received over the past few days.
Having stuck it out through trying times such as the recession and the Covid-19 pandemic, Ger said “we got through them because of our loyal customers and hard-working staff.”
The Rosslare native said he moved to New Ross when his father retired as a Garda Sergeant in Rosslare and bought a pub on the Quay. However, while Ger was in school, he began working in The Penguin, and ended up putting 11 years in behind the counter as Tony Coppola showed him “the ropes.”
Ger and Brigid then took a year-long trip to Australia, and following the cafe they owned briefly on South Street, the couple then took up the opportunity to rent the Golden Grill premises from the late Josephine (Josie) Kehoe, and after a few years the couple bought the take-away. Ger distinctly remembers Josie wishing him well when he first bought the chipper and giving him a present of eight chickens.
Reflecting on the 35 years in business, Ger said there was one quirky moment that always stood out, which was one night when he was just about to close up, a local had come up the road by himself. Ger thought to himself, “this fella is going to want to come in here now and order something as I’m closing the door.”
“With that, he continued, “the man ran over to me and asked, ‘well Ger, have you any chips left?’ ‘I do’, said I.” Ger laughed and recalled the man’s response: “That’s what you get for making too many,” as he swiftly ran past him like a breeze.
“We couldn’t have asked for better customers, suppliers and staff, past and present, who graced our doors, and Brigid and I are very grateful to have had so many wonderful years here,” said Ger.
“Even our two daughters have made a massive contribution and they were straight into work behind the counters when they arrived home from college every Friday without fail. Laura is studying engineering and Jemma is studying primary teaching,” said Ger, with Brigid adding, “We would also like to thank Ciara and all the staff who have stuck with us through thick and thin, and a special thanks to Liz for all her help.”
“We’ll be putting the feet up, eventually,” Ger said, explaining that himself and Brigid have taken on a house renovation and that will be there primary focus.
He said he’d like The Golden Grill to continue as a local chipper and that many people have already travelled from far and near to express an interest in reopening in the same capacity.
This year’s New Ross Drama Festival attracted numerous full audiences to St Michael’s Theatre across eight stunning performances made up of drama groups from across the south of the country.Groups from Cork, Tipperary and six local Wexford groups performed over a schedule of a week-and-a-half, which came to a close on Friday, March 21. The festival served up live drama on stage with Kilmuckridge DG performing Juno and the Paycock, by Sean O' Casey; Wayside Players performed Amongst Men by Eoin Rua Flynn; Cork group Kilmeen...
This year’s New Ross Drama Festival attracted numerous full audiences to St Michael’s Theatre across eight stunning performances made up of drama groups from across the south of the country.
Groups from Cork, Tipperary and six local Wexford groups performed over a schedule of a week-and-a-half, which came to a close on Friday, March 21. The festival served up live drama on stage with Kilmuckridge DG performing Juno and the Paycock, by Sean O' Casey; Wayside Players performed Amongst Men by Eoin Rua Flynn; Cork group Kilmeen DG performed The Wasp, by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, and finishing the first week, Enniscorthy TC performed Conor Mcphersons' The Seafarer.
Week two was kicked off by Bunclody/Kilmyshall DG performing The Beacon by Nancy Harris; Ballycogley Players performed the hilarious, Lend Me a Tenor, by Ken Ludwig. Tipperary group, Thurles DG returned to New Ross with their production of Rathmines Road, by Deirdre Kinahan, and Bridge Drama closed the festival on the final night with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime, by Simon Stephens.
After a breath-taking performance by Bridge Drama on the final night of the festival, the committee and the adjudicator, Gene Rooney, took to the stage to present the awards, but before the announcement, the Limerick-native adjudicator, Ms Rooney, sang the praises of New Ross town, complimenting what it has to offer and the kindness of the people working and living in the area.
Ms Rooney thanked the audience in St Michael’s Theatre for the “incredible support throughout”. She said: “As an actor myself, it's amazing to see such a full house every night for such a consecutive amount of time.”
"It’s been such a pleasure spending time here in New Ross, and I’m ashamed to say I had never visited before, but I think I've absolutely indulged myself in everything New Ross has to offer. I've been swimming in the sea, I have walked the Greenway, I've run the Greenway, and if you are willing to, I will be an ambassador for New Ross tours,” Ms Rooney said gratefully.
She went on to thank the staff and volunteers of the theatre, who she said were all a “joy to work with from start to finish.”
Ms Rooney said that “the arts is so badly funded that to have a house like this, in a town like this, is just such a privilege, and it doesn't work without the people whose passion makes it work.”
Concluding her sentiments before the prize announcements, Ms Rooney said, “What an amazing eight shows.”
"I had the most wonderful time here at the theatre every night; and we’re living in a very strange world where you're looking for the things that make life worth living all the time, and the people that I've met in the audience, and especially the people who are putting up sets, and here every morning at 10 a.m. and then until after midnight, taking down those sets, it's like something out of a David Attenborough show.
“It's like ants and bees with how everything moves and there are so many people involved. And yes, we are seeing the wonderful performances on stage, but behind all those performances, it's like a little city of each group. And again, when you see such community spirit and such passion and such joy and such good will, and they are the things that we need to remember in this crazy, crazy world of ours, that there are good people doing good things, to give the rest of us joy.”
Commenting on the contribution of the festival adjudicator, Gene Rooney, to this year’s event, festival director Paul Crowdle said: “We've all learned a lot over the course of the two weeks from you, Gene, and I'd like to thank you for that.” “Some of the feedback around the festival has been based on your positive contribution, with some saying you’re ‘like a breath of fresh air’ and others say you’re ‘a ray of sunshine,” said Mr Crowdle, adding that Ms Rooney might like to be invited back to New Ross sometime in the future. In addressing those in attendance, Mr Crowdle said that the most important factor in the festival’s success is “you, the audience, and the patrons.” “I just can’t thank you enough for all the support and the patronage here over the two weeks, and I’m hoping that you enjoy what you saw here, just so much as we all did. Mr Crowdle also thanked the sponsors who “continue to come up with the goods in these testing times”, along with the committee members of the New Ross Drama Festival, Bríd Richardson, Liz Furness, Suzanne, Ann Hensman, Laura Crowdle and Eamon O'Connor. He said the committee fully dedicated themselves to the preparations since last October. “Our motto is, ‘we aim to please’ and we were overwhelmed with the responses we’ve had with artists and reactions,” Mr Crowdle continued. “As I say at home, every year, after every festival, ‘this has been the best festival we have ever had. But, I do sincerely think that this year is the best one yet,” he concluded.
The winners of this year’s New Ross Drama Festival were:
Most efficient stage crew – Ballycogley Players, Lend Me a Tenor
Mary Henley Memorial award for Best Costume – Ballycogley Players, Lend Me a Tenor
In the Wexford category the winners included:
Seamus Furlong Memorial award for Best Producer – Susan Somers, Bridge Drama, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime
Tony Stacey award for Best Newcomer – Sinead Rafter (Siobhan), Bridge Drama, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime
Best Overall Set – John Whelan, Ballycogley Players, Lend me a Tenor
Best Overall Performance – Cillian Tobin, Bridge Drama, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime
Moment of the Festival – Train station ensemble, Bridge Drama, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime
Confined Section:
Best Set – Anthony O’Connor, Kevin O’Leary and Angela Devereaux
Best Supporting Actress – Kate Devereaux
Best Supporting Actor – Fergal Kelly
Best Producer – Anthony O’Connor
Best Actress – Margot Whelan
Best Actor – Pat Sinnott
Best Play Runner Up – The Sea Farer
Open Section:
Best Set – John Whelan
Best Supporting Actress – Mairéad Ryan
Best Supporting Actor – Ken Murphy
Best Actress – Catherine Stafford
Best Actor – Cillian Tobin
Best Producer – Susan Somers
Best Play Third Place – Thurles Drama Group, Rathmines Road
Best Play Runner Up – Bridge Drama, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime
Best Play – Lend me a Tenor, Ballycogley Players
Audience Choice – Lend me a Tenor, Ballycogley Players
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