WexfordLocal.com

Education Minister visits Carnew today

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton will visit Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew today (Friday), where she will meet students, staff and members of the wider school community and tour the school’s facilities.

During her visit, the Minister will acknowledge the school’s strong community ethos, its commitment to educational excellence, and the central role it plays in the lives of young people and families across the region.

Coláiste Bhríde serves students from 15 rural feeder schools and has become a cornerstone of community life in south Wicklow and north Wexford.

Speaking in advance of the visit, Minister Naughton said: “I am delighted to visit Coláiste Bhríde and to see first-hand the outstanding work being carried out by the entire school community.

“Coláiste Bhríde is a school with a proud tradition of serving its local community. It provides students with a supportive and nurturing environment where they are encouraged to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally.

**HILDEGARDE NAUGHTON TD Minister for Education and Youth visits Colaiste Bhríde, Carnew, today, (Friday).**

“The success of the school is built on the dedication and commitment of many people, including the staff, students, parents, Board of Management, Kildare and Wicklow ETB, the excellent student council, and the wider community.

“What is particularly striking about Coláiste Bhríde is the deep connection between the school and the wider community. The school’s facilities are used by local groups, clubs and organisations throughout the week, making it a true community hub.

“This highlights something very important about the role of schools in rural Ireland. Schools are not only centres of education, but they are also places where communities can come together, where lifelong friendships are formed and where a strong sense of belonging is being fostered.

“The rich history of Coláiste Bhríde is reflected in the development of its campus over many decades. From its original buildings dating back to 1936 to subsequent extensions and additional accommodation, the school has continually evolved to meet the needs of its growing student population.”

Enniscorthy Blackstairs Blues weekend

**Holohans where many Blackstairs Bues acts are taking place this weekend.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

The 33^rd Blackstairs Blues Festival brings a musical atmosphere to Enniscorthy this weekend kicking off at 6.30pm on Friday with Garry Cogdell (USA) and Dermot Byrne playing at Stamps in Market Square.

Free sessions will then take place in Dawsons, Rackards, Treacy’s Hotel, Holohans, The Antique Tavern, Riverside Park Hotel, the IFA Centre and The Bailey, with fringe events at Enniscorthy Library and the Athenaeum Hall. The weekend concludes on Monday at 8.30pm with a Survivors Gig by Austin Walkin Cane and the BC Blues Band in Holohans.

According to a spokesperson; “the festival will feature a massive variety of styles, from intimate acoustic sessions and traditional Chicago blues to high-energy blues-rock performances hosted across local pubs, hotel stages, and community venues.”

First established in 1995, the event holds a legendary place on the Irish music calendar as Ireland’s longest continuously running blues festival. What started as a modest gathering in Bobbie Rackard’s pub on Rafter Street has grown into a landmark regional event, taking over the entire town every September.

The festival is backed by the Enniscorthy Municipal District providing €2,500 thanks to the Arts Office Small Arts festival Fund and Fáilte Ireland Festival Scheme.

The full programme of events is available at all venues and other outlets in Enniscorthy and on the Blues Ireland website.

Clonroche water restrictions remain

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE; Essential night time water restrictions will be in place once again tonight (Thursday) for customers in Clonroche and surrounding areas.

The restrictions will be in place from 11pm tonight until 7am tomorrow to resolve ongoing technical issues and to allow the local reservoir levels recharge.

Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked impacted customers for their understanding while this further essential nighttime restriction is in place and appealed to them to be mindful of their water use.

It is recommended that you allow 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time for your supply to fully return.

Uisce Éireann is introducing essential overnight water restrictions for customers in Clonroche.

The restrictions will be in place until 8am tomorrow morning (Thursday) to resolve ongoing technical issues and to allow the local reservoir levels recharge.

An alternative water supply will be available at Slí an Uisce and Canon Murphy Park in Clonroche from 1pm until 10.30pm tomorrow (Thursday).

Uisce Éireann makes every effort to ensure that the alternative drinking water supply provided, including the tanker / bowser, and dispensing tap, are adequately disinfected. However, as it is not practical to provide sterilised containers for the public to transport drinking water from the tanker to their homes, we cannot guarantee that any containers used by the public do not negatively impact or contaminate the drinking water. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, it is recommended that any members of the public who obtain water from a tanker or bowser boil the water before use.

Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked impacted customers for their understanding while this essential night time restriction is in place and appealed to them to be mindful of their water use.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused by night time restrictions such as this, but we want to assure affected customers that this measure is absolutely essential in order to preserve a full daytime supply for homes and businesses,” said Mr. Lyng.

Material World Exhibition at County Hall

By Dan Walsh

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Lisa McDonald officially launched ‘Material World’ an exhibition exploring fashion, textile waste, and climate action and open to the public at County Hall, Wexford.

Cllr Lisa McDonald stated; “I am delighted to launch the exhibition ‘Material World’ which explores our relationship with clothing, consumption and the impact of a fast fashion system and textile waste on our natural world.

The exhibition encourages us all to rethink textiles, reduce waste and make sustainable choices that benefit our communities and our planet. Each of us has the power to make a positive change in creating a more sustainable future,” concluded Cllr McDonald.

Developed by Lynn Haughton of The Upcycle Movement in partnership with Wexford County Council and Waterford City and County Council, Material World is a unique interactive exhibition exploring fast fashion, textile waste, and climate action.

Throughout its Wexford tour, Material World will welcome local school groups for facilitated sessions, alongside special community evenings where visitors can experience the exhibition, take part in hands-on activities and conversations, and discover creative, practical ways to rethink, repair, and reimagine textiles.

Cliona Connolly, Wexford County Council added; “The exhibition is open to everyone to visit during the participating venues’ normal opening hours, giving members of the public the opportunity to explore Material World in their own time. Material World encourages people to think differently about how clothing is produced, consumed, and discarded.”

The Material World exhibition runs at County Hall, Wexford until Friday, September 11^th and from Monday to Thursday, inclusive, September 14^th-17^th. It will visit Gorey Library from Tuesday to Saturday, October 6^th-10^th.

An evening talk / session will take place on Thursday, September 10^th in County Hall Wexford at 6pm and in Gorey Library on Tuesday, October 6^th at 6pm. The evening session / talks will be facilitated by Lynn Haughton of the Upcycle Movement.

Opera train returns after almost 20 years

By Dan Walsh

The Wexford Festival Opera Train is returning after almost 20 years for the festival’s 75th anniversary, in association with Railtours Ireland, for one special journey on Thursday, October 22^nd.

For generations of Festival-goers, the journey to Wexford was part of the magic. The legendary Opera Train brought audiences from Dublin dressed to the nines, with dinner served en route to Wexford and supper on the return journey after the performance. Now you too can enjoy this magical experience.

Festival patrons will once again be able to travel from Dublin to Wexford on the Opera Train, enjoying dinner on board before an evening at the opera and returning to Dublin after the final curtain.

The black-tie experience begins at Dublin’s Connolly Station with a champagne toast. Once aboard, guests will enjoy a four-course dinner as the train travels south along Ireland’s spectacular east coast towards Wexford for a performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s The Gambler.

The Opera Train Experience programme includes;

Welcome: Champagne reception on the platform at Dublin’s Connolly Station.
15:30: Depart Connolly Station on the Emerald Pullman Heritage train.
Dining onboard: Four-course dinner with wine
18:00: Arrival at Wexford O’Hanrahan Station with private coach transfer to the National Opera House
19:30: Opera performance: Sergei Prokofiev’s The Gambler
22:30: Performance ends. Coach transfer to Wexford train station
23:00: Opera Train departs Wexford
Supper onboard: Soup and sandwiches
01:10: Arrival at Dublin’s Connolly Station
Onboard bar: Full cash bar available throughout the journey

Tickets: €479 per person [includes return train, champagne reception, dinner, wine, opera ticket and supper]. A limited number of places are available. Early booking is advised.

For any queries relating to any aspect of the Opera Train, please contact operatrain@wexfordopera.com.

John championed music, culture and tourism

By Dan Walsh

Tributes have been paid to John Murphy of Colfer’s Pub, Carrig-on-Bannow, an internationally renowned musician and lifelong champion of culture and tradition, who has sadly passed away.

John was best known to many as the organiser of the annual Phil Murphy Weekend, launched in July 1992, which brought leading traditional musicians to Carrig-on-Bannow each July.

John and Pip (his brother) were recently honoured by the Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre.

Cllr Jim Codd admired John for many traits. “What he did for music, culture and tourism could not be quantified. His name was known wherever the harmonica was played and he was on first name terms with international stars. It has been a pleasure to know The Great John Murphy. I am sure he will be playing ‘The Trip To Cullenstown‘ with his father tonight,” added Cllr Codd.

Danescastle Music Group paying tribute on social media stated; John will be greatly missed by all of our musicians. He was instrumental in bringing world class musicians to Carrig and encouraged them to give workshops to our group. We were always welcome to play music in Colfer’s Pub. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Locally, John has been described as “An amazing musician and a much-loved character in the community, John will be remembered for his warmth, friendship, generosity and love of good music and company, bringing great joy to many over the years.”

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of John Murphy, Ballygow, Bannow and Colfers, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford. John passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the care of The Oak Ward, Waterford University Hospital.

Beloved husband of Teresa (Tesie) and brother of Nick, Pat and Pip. John will be so sadly missed by his wife, brothers, sisters-in-law. brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, his loyal friend “Hammy”, extended family, neighbours and many friends.

May He Rest in Peace

Reposing in The Tin Sandwich Bar, Colfers, Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford (Y35VY10) from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday, September 8th. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 2pm in The Church of Mary Immaculate and St. Joseph, Carrig on Bannow followed by burial in St. Mary’s cemetery Kilmore.

Water services returning to Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are continuing works to restore full water supply to homes and businesses in Wexford town following a major burst water main over the weekend, which impacted treated water levels in a local reservoir.

While water is now returning, reservoir levels remain low and full supply is not expected to return until later this evening.

Customers in Newtown, Commons, Barntown, Wexford Town, Colestown, Mountain Bar and surrounding areas may continue to experience interruptions to their water supply.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng said: “We understand the inconvenience that an ongoing unplanned interruption to water supply can have for customers. Our crews are working to restore normal water supply as quickly and safely as possible.

“We thank customers for their patience and understanding while these works are completed and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available,” added Mr. Lyng.

Enniscorthy hosts annual IUNVA ceremony

**Raising the tricolour at the annual IUNVA commemoration at the UN Peace Memorial in Enniscorthy.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) held its annual commemoration at the UN Peace Memorial in Enniscorthy’s Orchard Peace Park on Sunday.

Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, said he was honoured to attend the ceremony for the first time and pay tribute to those who dedicated their lives to peacekeeping.

“It is important to remember and thank them for their service to our country, and to come together today in remembrance,” Cllr Kehoe added.

Cllrs Aidan Browne and John O’Rourke also attended, while apologies were noted from Senator Cathal Byrne and Cllr Trish Byrne.

Archdeacon Mark Hayden, Chaplain to Post 3 IUNVA read a prayer.

Supt. David O’Sullivan and Inspector Colm Matthews from Enniscorthy district represented An Garda Siochana,

Joe Larkin, Mick Keegan and Supt. O’Sullivan laid wreaths. Jim Gilbert (Congo and Cyprus) and Frank Shelly (Lebanon and other places) read a roll of honour.

The tricolour was raised by Frank Shelly. Anthony Nolan played the Last Post and Amhrán na bhFiann on the trumpet to bring the dignified ceremony to a close.

Present were members of ONÉ (National Organisation of Ex-Service Personnel), members of IUNVA and families of deceased members.

Eddie Doyle acted as master of ceremonies and the commemoration was held in pleasant weather. The first event in the Orchard Peace Garden was held in 2013 with interruption during the Covid 19 years.

Sunday water outage in Wexford town

**The Wexford Harp** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

A major burst on the town’s water main yesterday evening has disrupted supplies across Wexford town this morning.

The burst reduced overnight reservoir levels, so homes and businesses in Wexford town and nearby areas may experience outages or low water pressure throughout Sunday.

To help support customers while repairs continue, alternative water supplies have been available at Clonard Church, St. Joseph’s Community Centre and other local estates in the area.

Customers are reminded to bring their own containers when collecting water from tankers and to boil the water before consumption.

Providing an update to WexfordLocal.com this morning; Padraig Lyng, of Uisce Éireann, said: “We understand how disruptive outages are on this community. Our crews have been working to resolve the issue and restore water to the community as quickly as possible.

“We hope to have a normal supply restored later this evening, although it may take longer for water to return to all areas including those on elevated ground. We really appreciate the patience and understanding shown by customers while these repairs are being carried out.”

Diocese mourns Fr. Oliver Sweeney

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Very Rev. Oliver Sweeney, former parish priest of Templetown/Poulfur. He was aged 76.

Born in 1950 at Wilkinstown, Glynn, he attended Glynn National School, St. Peter’s College Secondary and St. Peter’s Seminary, Wexford. He was ordained at Glynn Parish Church on December 8^th, 1975.

Fr. Sweeney served as a curate at Bride Street, Wexford, Chaplain at Wexford General Hospital, curate at Raheen and Poulpeasty.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Fr. Oliver (Ollie) Sweeney, The Willows, Wellingtonbridge, Co. Wexford. Former parish priest Templetown / Poufur. Beloved son of the late John and Mary and brother of Margaret, Bernie, Florence, Josie, Jimmy, Ger, Dolores and Monica.

Sadly missed by his sisters, brothers, nieces Olivia, Paula and grandniece Shannon and all his nieces and nephews, his many friends, former parishioners, Bishop Ger and Clergy of the Diocese.

May He Rest in Peace

Funeral Mass tomorrow, Sunday, September 6^th at 2.30pm in St. Laurence’s Church, Glynn, followed by burial in Whitechurch cemetery.