Enniscorthy Credit Union manager Liz Cullen with management and staff celebrating the win (Liz is at the front in pink holding the award).
By Dan Walsh
Enniscorthy Credit Union has been named “Credit Union of the Year” at the prestigious South East Radio Customer Service Awards 2026 held recently in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy.
Businesses and organisations from across the County Wexford gathered to celebrate outstanding dedication in service to customers in a wide range of industries.
The Credit Union of the Year award is a tremendous honour and recognises the commitment of Enniscorthy Credit Union’s staff and volunteers to delivering exemplary service to its members and the wider community.
For generations, Enniscorthy Credit Union has placed members at the heart of everything they do.
Speaking about the achievement, Manager of Enniscorthy Credit Union, Liz Cullen, told WexfordLocal.com; “We are incredibly proud to receive the Credit Union of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors, who consistently go above and beyond to support our members. To be recognised among so many outstanding businesses and organisations, and our neighbouring Credit Union’s in the county, is a significant achievement for all who work here.
“Most importantly, we would like to thank our members for their continued trust and loyalty. Their support drives us every day to continue evolving our services to suit their needs and help them meet their financial goals,” concluded Ms. Cullen.
Celebrating the Battle of Vinegar Hill on Sunday evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh on Vinegar Hill
The Longest Day, Father’s Day and 228th anniversary of the Battle of Vinegar Hill were celebrated in ceremonial style on Vinegar Hill, overlooking Enniscorthy town, on Sunday evening.
The principal speaker was historian Jacqui Hynes, joint editor of Wexford Rebels of 1798 (with Ronan O’Flaherty) who said; “Archaeological research reveals this site to be potential mass graves on this battlefield, silent testimony to the scale, the tragedy and the number of families torn apart, marked and unmarked graves, either on this hill and the roads from here contains the remains of many who died violently, including non-combatants reminding us that the cost of the rebellion was borne by entire households not just the men who fought.
“We can only surmise that for many survivors that stood on this hill 128 years ago today the impact was lifelong. Some returned home to shattered communities, others lived with the grief of lost family members.
“These men were not faceless. They were fathers, sons and neighbours whose families carried their loss for generations. As we celebrate the fathers in our life today (Father’s Day) let us remember all the men, women and children who stood on Vinegar Hill their hearts filled with courage and fear.
“May we honour them by cherishing the peace they never knew and by remembering this battlefield site with the respect and the dignity it deserves,” concluded Ms. Hynes.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Chair of the 1798 and Enniscorthy Castle Board said; “we are here on the 228th anniversary of the battle of Vinegar Hill to remember all those who died here in 1798.”
Very Rev. James Cullen, St. Aidan’s Parish and the Reverend Canon Nicola Halford, Rector Enniscorthy Monart Union of Parishes shared in ecumenical prayers.
Wreaths were laid at the ’98 memorial by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Ms. Emily Murphy.
Maura Bell, Manager of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre acted as master of ceremonies. She welcomed Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Aidan Browne, Trish Byrne, John O’Rourke and Pat Kehoe. There was an apology read from Senator Cathal Byrne who could not attend.
There was a welcome for participants including ’98 Le Cheile, Ballindaggin Pipe Band, Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.
The event commenced with a march by the members of St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, up Vinegar Hill Lane and concluded with Amhrán Na bFhiann played by the band.
Enniscorthy Farmers Market at Abbey Square takes place every Saturday from 9am-2pm. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council monthly meeting
Enniscorthy Farmers Market is happy with its Abbey Square location, especially with the parking on Abbey Quay, and while it might be under review it is going nowhere at present.
That was the view of Enniscorthy District Manager, Claire Lawless, following a suggestion from Cllr John O’Rourke that the market be moved to a town centre location. The matter was raised at the June meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District.
Cllr O’Rourke suggested that the Farmers Market be moved from its present location at Abbey Square to the old Dunnes Car Park. He also felt that allotments produce be incorporated into the Farmers Market. “It would help rejuvenate the town centre,” said Cllr O’Rourke.
This is not the first time that efforts were made to move the Farmers Market into the town centre, however, the Abbey Square site has been a permanent fixture for many years, and stall holders find it satisfactory to trade in this popular open-air environment beside the River Slaney.
Enniscorthy Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
This market features a wide selection of fresh produce, artisan foods, and handmade goods, all sourced from local farmers and makers.
Whether you’re looking for seasonal vegetables, locally reared meats, homemade treats, unique crafts, or fresh fish from Kilmore Quay, there’s something for everyone.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and DEPUTY VERONA MURPHY, Ceann Comhairle Dáil Éireann were in Duncannon for the Blue Flag Raising Ceremony held there last Friday.
By Dan Walsh
A new generation of Duncannon residents have grown up since 2007 with the absence of a Blue Flag, however, the tide has turned in 2026 and the community was excited by the Duncannon Blue Flag Raising Ceremony that took place on Friday.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “It gives me great pleasure to be here today nestled under Duncannon Fort on the Ring of the Hook to help raise the Blue Flag at this magnificent beach after nearly two decades.
“The people of Duncannon have shown great determination and tenacity with the assistance of Wexford County Council to regain the Blue Flag.
“The achievement of Blue Flag status for Duncannon Beach coincides with the re-opening of Duncannon Fort and it is hoped that this will help bring further visitors to the area in the next few years.
“I am delighted to be present to witness the raising of the Blue Flag above Duncannon Beach once more. It is great that Duncannon takes its place with Ballinesker, Carne, Curracloe, Morriscastle and Rosslare Strand amongst the best beaches in the country,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.
Cllr John Dwyer, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District said; “It was an absolute pleasure to be invited to speak at the raising of the Blue Flag for Duncannon beach today. All across the New Ross District, I have been quietly fighting the corner of our rural communities, and I will continue to raise issues that are brought to me.”
Ceann Comhairle and local Oireachtas member Verona Murphy said it was “a great day for the community of Duncannon raising its regained Blue Flag and a packed Community Centre celebrated the occasion and the rain didn’t dampen spirits.
“A massive achievement after nearly 20 years, they never gave up and helped by 37 farmers achieved their aim. Well done,” added Deputy Murphy.
A number of local groups were acknowledged for their contribution to regaining the Blue Flag including Duncannon Tidy Towns, Duncannon Village Renewal, Hook Tourism, local businesses, local community volunteers, Uisce Éireann, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Wexford County Council staff.
The attendance included Cllrs Marty Murphy, John Fleming and Michael Sheehan, Alan Fitzhenry, New Ross District Manager, Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive Wexford County Council, and other invited guests.
Eoin Kinsella from Wexford County Council Environmental Section acted as master of ceremonies.
BISHOP GER NASH and SR ANN-MARIE QUINN planting a commemorative tree in the grounds of St. Aidan’s Cathedral marking 200 years of the Presentation Sisters Order first arrival at Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy
Bishop Ger Nash led the events at Enniscorthy this afternoon celebratingThe Presentation Sisters Order – 250 years since the foundation in Cork, 200 years since arrival in Enniscorthy and 25 years since the Order closed its Enniscorthy Convent.
Bishop Nash welcomed everyone to “the sacred space where Sisters were laid to rest after their ministry to the people of the town and district” at the Nuns Graveyard in the Orchard Peace Park where the first Patron was held in 2008.
There are 60 nuns buried in the former convent walled garden, five nuns are buried in the Presentation Sisters Plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery and others who ministered in Enniscorthy are buried elsewhere including the Presentation Convent in Wexford town.
The Blessing of Graves was performed by Bishop Nash, Rev. Billy Caulfield recited the Rosary, Readings were done by Deacon Dermot Davis, Maria Duggan and Miriam Doyle, while Adrian Doyle, organist at St. Aidan’s Cathedral was soloist for the ceremonial occasion attended by retired Sisters and a large congregation of local supporters.
Bishop Ger Nash speaking at the Blessing of Graves ceremony at the Presentation Sisters’ graveyard in Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Bishop Nash and members of the Sisters, including locals Sr. Ann-Marie Quinn and Sr. Imelda Wickham, planted a tree in the grounds of St. Aidan’s Cathedral to commemorate the historic occasion before bringing the ceremonies to a conclusion with Mass in St. Aidan’s Cathedral celebrated by Fr. James Cullen and Fr. Billy Caulfield with the assistance of Deacon Dermot Davis.
The proceedings had begun with refreshments and a meeting and greeting session in the Presentation Centre.
Enniscorthy Municipal District Council was represented by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach, and Cllr Pat Kehoe.
Chapel and residence of the Presentation Order on Nunnery Road. This image is reproduced from the publication; “Enniscorthy 1846-1946) Souvenir of the Consecration and Centenary of Saint Aidan’s Cathedral” Published June 1946. (Pic; Crane & Co.)
HISTORY; In 1826, at the request of Bishop James Keating, Mother de Sales Devereux and Sr. Mary Joseph Rossiter arrived from the Presentation Convent in Wexford to establish a convent in Enniscorthy.
Bishop Keating allowed them to reside in his residence on Weafer Street, it was then known as New Street and the building was on the junction with Lymington Road and Pig Market Hill, nowadays, beside the HOPE Centre building!
On July 18th 1826, the Bishop, in the tiny chapel of this temporary convent, celebrated the first Mass and Mother de Sales Devereux was appointed Superioress. They remained there for 14 years.
On April 16th, 1839, the foundation stone for the new convent on Convent (Nunnery) Road was laid and the Sisters moved in on July 1st, 1840. A Gothic style chapel was added in 1859.
In 1960, St. Joseph’s Presentation Convent School was opened and the school catered for 720 students.
In 1994 with the amalgamation of Presentation Primary School and CBS Primary School, St. Aidan’s Parish School was established with Peter Creedon as Principal.
The convent closed for the last time on July 29th, 2001, and the remaining nuns moved to other Presentation Convents. There were ten nuns living in the convent at the time of its closure.
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.
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