Gardaí in Wexford are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian at Castlebridge shortly before midnight on Saturday.
The collision occurred at approximately 11.51pm on the R741, near Keating Insulation outside Castlebridge village.
The pedestrian, in his 20’s was taken to Wexford General Hospital for treatment. It is understood that his injuries are “non-life threatening.”
Gardaí are asking anyone who travelled on the R741 between Castlebridge and Wexford Town from 11.30pm to midnight, and who may have witnessed the collision or seen the pedestrian beforehand, to come forward.
Road users who were travelling in the area at the time and who may have camera footage, including dash cam recordings, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on (053) 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The annual Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Open Day and fundraiser takes place on Sunday, August 2nd from noon until 5pm at the marina in Kilmore Quay.
The lifeboat will be on display with stalls, games, entertainment and refreshments available at the marina promising lots of family fun throughout the afternoon.
CYCLONE (real name Lystus Ebosele) from Enniscorthy starred in the BBC programme ‘Gladiators‘. (Pic; BBC/Radio Times).
By Dan Walsh
Enniscorthy native Lystus Ebosele, 24, joined the popular BBC television programme Gladiators as Cyclone in January 2025 but will not return for the 2026 series.
The Sun reports exclusively that she will not appear in the upcoming fourth series, while she maintains that she quit before BBC bosses could axe her.
“I have not been axed, I have left on my own accord,” she said, and added; “I’m so sorry to all the families that have come to filming expecting me to be there and have found out about my absence on arrival to the arena with no explanation.
“It’s not fair to the fans of the show, how things have transpired. It was the correct decision and one I don’t regret at all, she concluded.
Cyclone, whose real name is Lystus Ebosele, is a 5ft 10in Irish powerlifter born in Enniscorthy to Nigerian parents. She won the junior 84kg+ world title in 2023.
Lystus, the sister of Republic of Ireland footballer Festy Ebosele, quickly won over audiences and became an international television celebrity. Festy began his career with Moyne Rangers in their native Enniscorthy.
Last year she posted: “Secret’s finally out, I am so excited to finally be able to share this with you all, I’m joining Gladiators as Cyclone!”
Pictured at Bree Macra na Feirme’s recent annual general meeting were (Back Row: Eddie Casey, Anthony Doyle, Keran Banville, David Finn, Gary Murphy, Barry Murphy. (Front Row); Grace Kehoe, Sinead Kinsella, Katie Sutton, Eimear Jackman, Sarah Byrne, Mary Byrne, Brónagh Murphy.
By Dan Walsh
The annual general meeting of Bree Macra Na Feirme held in Bree Community Centre featured opening addresses from Chairperson Eddie Casey and Secretary Mary Byrne reflected on the club’s many high points throughout their 65th year.
They thanked the outgoing committee for their dedication throughout the year, and expressed sincere gratitude to former members Willie Wickham, Kate English, Brendan Byrne, and Sinéad Kinsella (née Doyle), who worked with current club members in organising the 65th Anniversary Dinner Dance in September.
The event saw 150 past, present, and future members of Bree Macra, as well as well-wishers from further afield, gather to celebrate 65 years of the club’s success. Bree Mara stalwart PJ Darcy was honoured with a presentation by the 60th Anniversary Committee of Niall Doyle, James Byrne, Sinead Doyle (née Kinsella), Áine Doyle, Cáit Doyle, and Johanna Wickham, in recognition of his decades of service.
The annual general meeting also saw James Byrne and PJ Darcy thanked for their continued dedication to coaching the club’s Public Speakers and Debaters. Both highly decorated alumni in their own right, they have been essential to the club’s continued success in competitions, most recently in bringing home All-Ireland Titles in Novice Debating, with a team of Sarah Byrne, Eddie Casey, and Mark Waters, and Team Public Speaking, with a team of Mary Byrne, Sarah Byrne, and Eddie Casey.
The club also took home the All-Ireland title in Mastermind (Sarah Byrne), third place in Question Time (Sarah Byrne, Mary Byrne, Eddie Casey, and Sinead Kinsella), and joint third place in Creative Writing (Sinead Kinsella). They were well represented in a number of other national competitions, including in the Mr. Personality Festival by Kieran Banville.
Bree Macra has also participated in a growing number of community events and charitable causes, such as the Adamstown Agricultural Show, the Shoebox Appeal and Relay for Life. The club has grown exponentially over the last number of years, with a current active membership of almost thirty.
The 2026 AGM reflected this growth, with a total of ten officers elected, including three newly formed positions. The new committee consists of Chairperson Eddie Casey, Secretary Mary Byrne, Treasurer Katie Sutton, PRO Brónagh Murphy, Print PRO Sarah Byrne, Competitions Officer Anthony Doyle, Development Officer Eimear Jackman, Agricultural Affairs Officer David Finn, Rural Youth Officer Gary Murphy, and Ordinary Committee Member Kieran Banville.
The club already has a variety of exciting activities planned, with Beach Rounders taking place on Curracloe Beach at 8pm on the first, second and fourth Friday of the month. Newcomers are always welcome and can contact club Chairperson Eddie Casey on 087 1007373.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
At the July monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy with Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Kehoe in the chair it was announced that “the Enniscorthy CCTV System is now officially live and operational.”
The new system, comprising of 22 cameras located at key points throughout the town, has been developed in close partnership with An Garda Síochána, following full approval from the Garda Commissioner and completion of all statutory data protection requirements.
The CCTV network will support Gardaí in deterring anti-social behaviour, assisting investigations, and enhancing the overall sense of safety for residents, businesses, and visitors.
So while it may appear that Gardaí are scarce on the ground everybody may rest assured that they have a full view on the big screen in comfortable surroundings!
The proposed Bunclody CCTV scheme still has some way to go, but progress is being made.
ESB has connected power to four buildings and plans to install poles at the remaining four locations within the next two weeks.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Gerard Nash, to minister simultaneously as Bishop of Ferns and as Bishop of Ossory. (Pic; Catholic Communications Office Archive)
By Dan Walsh
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Gerard Nash, (67), to minister simultaneously as Bishop of Ferns and as Bishop of Ossory.
On 25 January 2026 Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory.
An Apostolic Administrator is appointed to temporarily govern a diocese when warranted by special circumstances. An Apostolic Administrator governs in the name of the Holy Father.
The two dioceses concerned are now united in persona episcopi, and will be pastorally administered by one bishop, Bishop Nash.
In a statement, Bishop Nash said; I am deeply honoured to have been asked by Pope Leo to become Bishop of Ossory in addition to my existing pastoral role in the Diocese of Ferns.
“From the earliest days of my appointment as Apostolic Administrator we began a consultation to explore the possibilities for what brings most hope for the future of the church, in both Dioceses. “This appointment today is simply the continuation of a journey as the two Dioceses will work together to create a community where our relationship with God will deepen and provide fertile soil for the preaching of the Gospel. This is an opportunity for us to do great things together. “The challenge of being one Bishop for two Dioceses is a mirror of the experience of many priests in modern Ireland as they take on responsibility for more than one parish. The re-imagining of roles and the re- organisation of familiar tasks is true whether it is for a parish or a Diocese and the ultimate test for all change within the Church is whether it builds up the Kingdom of God.
“In both Ferns and Ossory, there is a history of developing and training lay people over many years, but it has achieved new focus and energy with the recruitment and training of Lay Pastoral Workers in both Dioceses. It was a great benefit for us here in Ossory that we have already begun the process of discernment and recruitment for those who will begin their studies in Maynooth in September.
“One of the possible collaborations between both Dioceses will be around vocations to priesthood and religious life. Both Dioceses are working hard at this very important task and already some very good prospects for the Diocesan priesthood are emerging.
In conclusion, Bishop Nash said; “I am deeply grateful to the people in the parishes of the Diocese of Ossory for their welcome over the past few months but in particular I want to thank the priests and the Diocesan Staff for their collaboration and their welcome at a personal level. I also thank the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Montemayor who has been generous with his time and his wisdom in my discussions with him.”
The Diocese of Ossory has a Catholic population of 83,595. The diocese comprises 42 parishes, 35 priests in active ministry, and covers the areas of most of County Kilkenny, six parishes in County Laois, and one parish in County Offaly.
On June 11th 2021, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Nash as Bishop of Ferns.
Pictured at the launch of Gorey Market House Festival 2026 at the Civic Offices, Gorey, were (left to right); Kevin Byrne, Festival Committee, Michael Gleeson, Chairman Festival Committee, Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, who launched the 2026 Gorey Market House Festival programme and Anita McLoughlin, Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Manager. (Pic; Gorey Market House Festival Committee)
By Dan Walsh
The Gorey Market House Festival 2026 returns on the August Bank Holiday Weekend this yearrunning from Friday to Sunday.
Last night witnessed the officially festival launch at the Civic Offices, Gorey, bringing together sponsors, performers, community groups and local businesses beginning the countdown to an anticipated festival to remember.
Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, said; “The Gorey Market House Festival has become one of the highlights of our summer calendar, bringing people together to celebrate everything that is wonderful about Gorey and North Wexford. This free, inclusive festival showcases our community, our local businesses and our talented performers while creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.”
The headline acts for this year’s festival have been announced including Ed Sheeran Tribute, EZ/DC (Ireland’s premier AC/DC tribute) and The Committed (UK’s number 1 Commitments tribute), on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
The festival promises to be action packed for the whole family with fringe events happening throughout the weekend including the ever- popular Play Day, which will take place in Gorey Town Park on Saturday from 12pm to 5pm. The Play Day will feature fun for the whole family with puppet shows, magicians and face painting.
A crowded Gorey Main Street early on Saturday evening for the Gorey Market House Festival. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
On Sunday there will be a street market, interactive fun and hands-on workshops designed to inspire creativity and learning for both children and adults. And a terrific night of good music on the big stage.
Details of fringe events and the music line-up are available via the Festival Website and social media accounts.
The inaugural Féile “Scoil Samhradh an Dr. Seán Ó Nualláin” or The Dr. Sean Ó Nualláin Summer School takes place this weekend – Friday and Saturday July 31st and August 1st at the Talbot Hotel, Wexford and the Wexford Arts Centre.
To be held in memory of Dr. Seán Ó Nualláin, the festival brings together music, science, history, culture and the Irish language for a unique international weekend of events.
This is a bilingual event, with a focus on the Irish Language.
Inspired by Dr. Ó Nualláin’s vision, the festival continues his ambition to establish an annual conference and festival in Wexford where artists, scientists, scholars and communities could come together, with the Irish language at the heart of an international exchange of ideas.
The festival provides a platform for creativity, collaboration and intellectual curiosity, celebrating both local heritage and global perspectives.
The festival opens on Friday evening at the Talbot Hotel with an official launch and reception, followed by a keynote lecture from Emeritus Professor Ruairí Brugha, entitled Celtic Spirituality – Cosán Nua.
Saturday features an outstanding programme of speakers including Emeritus Professor Des O’Neill, Brian Ó Cléirigh, Dr. Ronan Ó Flaithbheartaigh, Dr. Éamon Ó Ciosáin, Tom Conway, and American author Cynthia Sue Larson. Their talks explore subjects ranging from Irish history and medieval literature to medicine, Celtic languages, physics and the relationship between the Irish language, culture and contemporary thought.
The festival concludes with a special concert at Wexford Arts Centre, featuring Melanie O’Reilly’s Gaelic Jazz Group with special guests including Breton musician Brewen Favrau and London-Irish fiddler James Patrick Gavin also featuring Scott Flanigan, Dave Mooney, Alice Wickham and James McIntyre.
The performance celebrates Irish-language poetry, original composition and the enduring musical connections between Ireland and Brittany.
The Dr. Seán Ó Nualláin Festival and Summer School welcomes everyone—Irish speakers, learners, lovers of music, science, history and culture, and anyone with an interest in new ideas and international collaboration.
This is a bilingual event with a focus on the Irish Language.
Uisce Éireann is carrying out leakage reduction works in Springmount, Gorey, to provide a more reliable water supply and reduce high levels of leakage.
The section of works will take place on the Ballyminaun Road between Springmount Garden Centre on the R741 to Ballyminaun Hill on the L1028.
The works involve the replacement of over 1.5 km of old and damaged water mains with new modern pipes.
The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply.
The programme to replace the water mains in Springmount will commence in late July. These works are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.
The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Shareridge Ltd. and are expected to be completed by the end of September.
Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat rescued five people this afternoon after their 9-metre motorboat suffered engine failure near the Saltee Islands.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 1.54 pm and promptly made its way to the scene north of the Great Saltee.
Visibility was good with a light westerly breeze, Force 2 to 3. Sea conditions at the time were described as slight.
Arriving at the location at 2.18 pm, the lifeboat crew checked that everyone on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation.
Taking into consideration the position of the drifting 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 2.50 pm without further incident.
Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Aidan Bates said; “We were very pleased that there was a successful outcome to today’s call out. Being able to respond so quickly is due to the equipment and training our volunteer crew receive.
“As a charity, the RNLI depends entirely on public generosity, which is why we’re hoping there will be a big turnout for our annual Lifeboat Day this Bank Holiday Sunday, August 2nd here in Kilmore Quay,” concluded Coxwain Bates.
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