Tirlán Co‐operative Society Limited (“Tirlán Co‐op”) has confirmed that John G. Murphy has announced his intention to retire from the Board of the Co‐operative.
Craanford, Co. Wexford native John has made a significant contribution to Tirlán over many years, serving on the Co-op Board since 2010 and as Chairperson from October 2020 to May 2026. He has also served as a Director on the Glanbia plc Board since June 2010.
During his tenure, he provided strong leadership through a period of substantial transformation for the organisation, including the successful completion of the Co‐op’s strategic evolution and the return to full ownership by farmer members.
Chairperson Gerard O’Brien said: “On behalf of Tirlán Co-op, I would like to thank the outgoing Board Member John G. Murphy for his leadership and dedication to his role especially as Chairperson for the five and a half years. He presided over a period of transformational change for the organisation, culminating in farmers returning to full ownership of the Irish business and very significant value distribution to our Co-op’s Members. He can be extremely proud of his contribution as a Board Member and as a Chairperson of the Tirlán Board.”
A process will now commence in line with Tirlán Co-op Rules and election procedures to appoint a Board Director to represent the North Wexford/East Wicklow region.
Tirlán Co‐op will keep Members informed of developments as this process progresses.
The annual Longest Day Commemoration on Vinegar Hill takes place at 6pm on Sunday, June 21st. All are welcome to attend. (File Pic WexfordLocal.com),
By Dan Walsh
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy has announced an exciting programme of events to mark theanniversary of the 1798 Rebellion and the Longest Day Weekend – Saturday and Sunday, June 20th and 21st.
Assembling historians, local experts and musicians the weekend programme offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stories, people and places that shaped one of the most significant periods in Irish history.
The commemorations begin on Saturday, June 20th, with the annual Summer School. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy a series of talks examining key aspects of the Rebellion, including Wolfe Tone’s political journey, the role of women in 1798, and the revolutionary ideas that connected Ireland with wider international movements.
The Summer School programme includes presentations by Dr Howard Keeley, Jacqui Hynes and Mary Brickley, followed by a guided walking tour of Enniscorthy led by County Wexford Historian-in-Residence, Paul Byrne. The day concludes with an evening of music and poetry presented by Naill Wall, celebrating the enduring legacy of 1798 through song and verse.
On Sunday, June 21st. -the Longest Day – guide Fintan Kelly will lead an Interactive Historical Guided Walking Tour through Enniscorthy, offering the opportunity to experience the town’s rich revolutionary heritage through engaging storytelling and song.
The weekend concludes with the annual Longest Day Commemoration on Vinegar Hill, one of Ireland’s most iconic battle sites. The commemoration is open to the public and starts at 6pm and provides an opportunity for reflection and remembrance of the events of 1798.
This is held in conjunction with Enniscorthy Municipal District. Speaking about the programme, Manager of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Maura Bell said: “The anniversary of 1798 provides an important opportunity to reflect on the people and events that shaped our history. Through talks, tours, music and commemoration, we hope to engage visitors in exploring the legacy of 1798 and its continuing relevance today.”
Individual Summer School events are priced at €10 per person, with an all-day ticket available for €20.
The Interactive Historical Guided Walking Tour on Sunday is priced at €20 per person.
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre invites members of the public, history enthusiasts, families and visitors to join them on this special weekend of learning, remembrance and community.
Local Fine Gael Cllr Robbie Staples has backed Tánaiste Simon Harris’s call for stronger action on derelict properties, stating that “tackling dereliction is essential if Ireland is to address its housing shortage.”
Speaking with WexfordLocal.com, Cllr Staples said; “I fully agree with the Tánaiste. We have derelict and vacant buildings right across our area that could be homes, and the powers to act already exist, grants, the derelict sites levy, and CPOs.
“The frustration is that these tools aren’t being used consistently enough. Where the levy is properly applied to owners and developers, it works.
“I know Wexford County Council has been very active in trying to deal with this issue and I commend the officials involved for their valuable work and the progress they have made, but the fact is that for whatever reason, progress has been painfully slow and there are still far too many empty and derelict properties in Wexford which we need to bring back to life to provide much needed homes for our people.
“Every derelict building brought back into use is a home for a family and a boost for our town centres. I want to see the Council use every power available to it, and I’ll be pushing for that,” concluded Cllr Staples.
ANNA KINSELLA writer of The Windswept Shore; A History of the Courtown District.
The death has occurred of Anna Kinsella, formerly of Courtown Harbour, who was a respected local historian and best known as the author of The Windswept Shore; A History of the Courtown District first published in 1982.
In the introduction to her published work, Anna wrote; “This book was commenced as a personal response to the rapidly changing lifestyle in Courtown and in our time. I have tried to set down the story of the district from what I have been able to collect from old records, traditions and interviews with the older inhabitants of the district, some of whom regrettably have now passed away.”
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred ofAnna Kinsella (née Murphy) (Glenageary, Co. Dublin; Courtown Harbour, Co. Wexford; 13th June, 2026; passed away peacefully in the presence of her family and in the loving care of the staff of St. Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire.
Dearly beloved wife of the late Lewis; loving and most dearly loved mother of Pat, Denise, Louis and Tim. Loving and much-loved Grandmother of Jack, Matthew, Hannah, Bronagh, Conor, Louis, the late Daniel, and Alexander. Very sadly mourned by her children, her son-in-law Peter (Collins), daughter-in-law Jane (Dempsey), grandchildren and partners, her nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Reposal for visiting at Stafford’s Funeral Home, 71 Upper George’s Street, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin (A96 CT95) from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 18th June. Celebration of Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Summerhill, Glasthule (A96 W6D6), at 10 am on Friday 19th June, followed by burial at Ardamine Cemetery (via Riverchapel, Courtown), arriving at approximately 1.15 pm.
CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE pictured with the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Plan at the Consultation Evening in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, recently is calling “on the Minister of Education to look at reintroducing in all schools the teaching of our national anthem As Gaeilge, so that our tradition and heritage continues into the future.” (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
Cllr John O’Rourke speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre, wants to hear “our own anthem in our own language.
Cllr O’Rourke submitted a motion to the meeting and introducing it before Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and fellow members, he said simply, “the motion speaks for itself.”
The motion read; “To call on the Minister of Education to look at reintroducing in all schools the teaching of our national anthem As Gaeilge, so that our tradition andheritage continues into the future.”
Watching international games, the commemoration of 1916 and other events Cllr O’Rourke felt that we are losing some of our heritage and he would like to have it brought back.
Emphasising that the national anthem Amhránna bFiann is a century old this year Cllr O’Rourke’s motion was seconded by Cllr Aidan Browne. There were no dissenting voices in the chamber.
JAMES BROWNE TD , Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, today announced funding for key infrastructure projects under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) Call 1.
Five major infrastructure projects across Wexford are to receive funding under the HIIF. The purpose of the HIIF is to support direct investment in infrastructure required to unlock the development of housing in towns and cities nationwide.
Wexford County Council welcomes confirmation of the funding for projects under the HIIF, a significant investment that will help unlock the delivery of new housing and support sustainable development across the county.
The breakdown of the funding that will be used to deliver critical infrastructure works are as follows:
Turret Rocks, Enniscorthy – link road from Esmonde Road to Spring Valley Junction, including junction and drainage works. Indicative costs band <€10 million.
Milehouse to Moyne, Enniscorthy – link road from Milehouse to Quarry Park and upgrade of pedestrian linkage in Greenville and Cherryorchard/Caim. Indicative costs band > €20 million.
Ballynagee, Wexford Town – Link Road from Ballynagee/Scholars Way roundabout and extending north to Starvehall, Whiterock Hill. Indicative cost band <€10 million.
St. Waleran’s Strategic Transport Link, Gorey – Link Road through St. Waleran’s to include a combined rail and road overbridge and new junction. Indicative costs band €10-20 million.
Ballytegan, Gorey – Footpath works at Arklow Road Junction to St. Walerans and St. Walerans to The Rock GAA entrance. Indicative cost band <€10 million.
These essential enabling works are expected to directly fast-track the development of approximately 5,300 new homes and support the continued growth of the areas. These works are also expected to indirectly facilitate the development of a further 5,900 units approximately supporting over 11,000 homes.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL EDDIE TAAFFE.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said; “This funding represents a major investment in the future of our county. By delivering the infrastructure needed to support new housing developments, Wexford County Council can help meet growing demand for homes while creating vibrant and sustainable communities for current and future residents”.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Joe Sullivan added; “The Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund plays a vital role in addressing infrastructure constraints that can delay housing delivery. This investment will enable the Council to progress key infrastructure projects that will unlock housing opportunities and support sustainable development”.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council. (Pic; WexfordLocalcom)
The projects align with Wexford County Council’s strategic objectives to increase housing supply, promote sustainable growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents. The infrastructure works will also provide wider benefits for the local community, including increased connectivity, enhanced public services and increased capacity to support future development.
Wexford County Council will now progress the detailed delivery phases of the projects through its new Housing Infrastructure Working Group which is a cross departmental team to accelerate delivery.
Wexford County Council acknowledges the support of Minister James Browne the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Housing Activation Office in securing this investment.
Kilmore Quay RNLI launched Monday afternoon to assist the crew of an 8-metre motorboat with engine failure adrift in fog near the Saltee Islands.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat RNLB Killarney by the Irish Coast Guard at 2.43 pm and under Coxswain Aidan Bates and with five crew members on board promptly launched and made its way to the scene.
Visibility was poor with dense fog covering the area. Sea conditions at the time were described as slight.
Arriving at the location at 3.06 pm, the lifeboat crew checked that everyone on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation.
Taking into consideration the fog and position of the boat, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the disabled craft back to shore.
The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving at 3.56 pm.
The demolished St. Waleran’s site at Gorey has received infrastructure funding for future development. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Infrastructure funding for St Waleran’s and Ballytegan Road announced today (Tuesday) will transform North Gorey and open up the entire area to exciting developments; that’s according to Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford, Brian Brennan.
Welcoming the announcement of funding under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF), Deputy Brennan said; “This is massive news for Gorey as funding has been granted for the delivery of the 1.4km link road through St. Waleran’s Demesne which will include a combined rail and road overbridge and a new junction; this road will be the catalyst to opening up the site and allowing for progress of the long awaited St Waleran’s Demesne Masterplan.
The scheme will connect the adjacent neighbourhoods of Creagh, Ballytegan, Clonattin and will directly unlock lands for 820 residential units and indirectly unlocks a further 1,428 residential units.
The funding also gives the green light for progress on the Sports & Community Hub, which will include outdoor fields for cricket and hockey, an athletics track, and looped walking paths in Phase 1 and will further deliver an indoor community sports building equipped for basketball and cycling in Phase 2.
In a further news, funding has also been announced for the delivery of a footpath from the Arklow Road Junction to St. Walerans (Northern Boundary) and St Walerans (Northern Boundary) to The Rock GAA Club entrance.
DEPUTY BRIAN BRENNAN TD. “I am absolutely delighted to see funding for this infrastructure being delivered”. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Deputy Brennan continued; “I am absolutely delighted to see funding for this infrastructure being delivered. The footpath with be transformative for the entire community providing accessible and safe access all the way from Gorey Town out to the Rock.
“It will open up land for 600 residential units and indirectly unlocks potential for a further 1,750 residential units as Gorey continues to grow and thrive.
“I have been in regular contact with the communities seeking these infrastructural developments and have raised them both with senior officials in Wexford County Council and advocated for this funding with my colleagues in Government and I am delighted today to see this step forward.
“The St Waleran’s Project has been a long time in the pipeline; it was a plan that my predecessor in Gorey, Michael D’Arcy called for over many years so today is an extremely important step in making this vision become a reality.
“Gorey is one of the fastest growing towns in the country; it is important that we invest in the appropriate infrastructure to match that growth to ensure that the town continues to thrive,” concluded Deputy Brennan.
CLLR DONAL KENNY, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District with community leaders and volunteers at the Ashtown Park Hotel, Gorey. Also in the photo are Cllrs Nicky Boland, Darragh McDonald and Craig Doyle, Elizabeth Hore, Director of Services and Anita mcLoughlin, District Manager.
By Dan Walsh
More than 200 community leaders, volunteers, and local elected members recently gathered at the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey to celebrate the presentation of more than €123,000 in district funding.
The ceremony highlighted the vital role that local groups play in keeping the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District vibrant, inclusive, and connected.
Ms. Anita McLoughlin, District Manager, welcomed the attendance and said it was great to see such a tremendous turnout on such a beautifully sunny evening.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Kenny stated that it was a real honour to recognise and thank them for the tireless work they carry out across communities, both big and small, throughout the entire district.
“The dedication of local volunteers ensures the district continues to thrive, with each group contributing unique efforts to make their neighbourhoods more welcoming, inclusive, attractive, and tightly connected,” concluded Cllr Kenny.
A major highlight of the evening was the formal announcement of the Amenity & Arts Small Scale Funding Grants 2026.
The elected members of the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District allocated €100,000 across 142 local groups. These grants offer vital support to voluntary committees to help them deliver public facing projects that enhance and maintain local public amenities, promote meaningful social inclusion across all age groups, support day to day voluntary and community initiatives and boost cultural, heritage, and artistic developments.
The ceremony also highlighted the widespread impact of the Residents’ Association Grant Scheme for 2026.
This year, the scheme received 35 individual applications, resulting in an additional €23,000 being allocated by the district members. These localised projects are carried out directly within various housing estates, focusing heavily on enhancing the visual appearance, green spaces, and shared infrastructure of local areas.
Wexford RNLI in action beneath Wexford Bridge. (Pic; RNLI/Nathan Williams)
By Dan Walsh
Wexford RNLI launched on Saturday afternoon following reports of a capsized boat with a person in the water on the Ferrybank side of the River Slaney at Wexford Harbour.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 3.54pm and made their way to the scene at Ferrybank.
On arrival, the lifeboat crew observed that the boat had been safely towed to the slipway by another small boat operating in the area.
The casualty was also ashore, and the lifeboat crew went to speak to them to ensure they were ok. Although shaken by the incident, the person was uninjured and did not require any further assistance and thanked the volunteer crew for their response.
The lifeboat returned to station and was recovered at 4.25pm.
Speaking following the call out, Wexford RNLI Helm Damien Foley said; “While incidents on the water can happen unexpectedly, this call out highlights the importance of being prepared. We would like to commend the casualty who was wearing a lifejacket and the crew of the other vessels in the area who recognised the Pan-Pan call and responded appropriately, this shows that important water safety messages are being heard and acted upon.
‘We would encourage anyone planning a trip on the water to always wear a suitable lifejacket, carry a means of calling for help and ensure someone ashore knows their plans before setting out.
“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” concluded Mr. Foley.
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