Chainsaw carvers and activities attract thousands to Wexford Woodland Show – ‘Raise the noise and let the wood fly!’

James Browne TD opened the wet and wild first day of events. Then, Barry Delany, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine welcomed everyone followed by woodland talks presented by Donal Magner; Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry and Robert Windle, Forest Service.

Aodan Kealey, Murray Timber Group and Gerry O'Neill, JFK Memorial Park & Arboretum later braved the weather to lead timber production and arboretum walks.

Indoors, woodland information stands included Glennon Brothers, None So Hardy Forestry Ltd., Irish Wood Producers, the Social Economic Environmental Forestry Association, and Irish Forest Owners. There was also a huge range of amazing local crafters, filling over two marquees.

Meanwhile, the Celtic Chainsaw Carvers including international master carvers, made huge progress on each of their fabulous creations in blustery conditions. Andrew Wayland and Dunbrody Archers facilitated lots of visitors in trying their hand at archery.

Despite the weather, McHale Plant Sales Limited, Komatsu Forestry Ireland, Ponsse Ireland, JohnDeere Forestry Ireland and Ferrybridge Hire had lots of interest in their machinery. The Hooftop Bar and Cafe and the visiting food vendors, Little Robin Coffee & Bakes, Badass Catering and Elm Tree Farm kept rumbling tums at bay and fed everyone throughout the day.

The second day opened to much brighter scenes and music and the gentle hum of chainsaws filled the air. Tom Kent, Forestry Course Leader in SETU Waterford kicked-off the woodland talks, followed by Stephen Sheridan, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine; Michael Somers, Teagasc and Gary Mentanko, JFK Arboretum.

The talks were very aptly followed by John McLoughlin, who on behalf of the Society of Irish Foresters, presented local man and former Director, Chris Kelly, with honorary membership, and local forester Claire Howlin presented his wife, Eva, with flowers.

Tom Kent later led a guided walk of the Arboretum and research plots, while Dunbordy Archers continued their archery sessions, Patricia Power had a constant queue for face painting, Michael Somers led a drama masterclass and Paul Bolger, Animator, Writer (All Dogs Go To Heaven, Land Before Time, Hound, The Children of Lir) demonstrated his skills on demand by Ballykelly and New Ross scouts.

The show's headlining event: the Celtic Chainsaw Carvers, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Wexford County Council, Irish Wood Producers and the Brandon House Hotel completed their magnificent pieces on the second day of the show, which will be installed on the New Ross – Waterford Greenway.

The Celtic Chainsaw carvers also ran a number of speed carving sessions, producing beautiful pieces in only 30 minutes, which were auctioned to the audience in aid of the Lifeboats.