WexfordLocal.com

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.

€9m Gorey Market House project gets under way

Pictured at the sod-turning ceremony for the Gorey Market House Regeneration Project were (left to right); Cllr Nicky Boland, Anita McLoughlin, District Manager, Liz Hore, Director of Services, Cllr Craig Doyle, Catherine Cullimore Southern Region Assembly, Cllr Pip Breen, Malcolm Byrne TD, Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Cllr Donal Kenny, Brian Brennan TD, Cllr Joe Sullivan and Cllr Darragh McDonald.

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

Housing, Local Government and Heritage Minister James Browne TD visited Gorey today to turn the sod and officially launch the €9 million Gorey Market House Regeneration Project. He described the occasion as “a red-letter day for Gorey.”

Minister Browne said; “Preserving our heritage is so crucial and we are so lucky here in Wexford we have an extraordinary amount of heritage.”

Minister Browne praised those who acquired an extraordinary amount of funding and said; “It is great to have a champion in Cllr Pip Breen who has been fighting for this funding year after year.” He also credited Director of Services Liz Hore and Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe for their unrelenting support.

In conclusion, Minister Browne said;” It is for the people of Gorey. It is their heritage. It is their Market House and it will be there for their children and their grandchildren. I am honoured to be in Gorey today to turn the first sod and launch this wonderful project.”

Cllr Pip Breen, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and the Wexford County Council delegate on the Southern Regional Assembly explained the funding

The Southern Regional Assembly, as Managing Authority for the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, worked closely with Wexford County Council to deliver this ambitious regeneration. The project has secured €7 million in THRIVE funding, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, with a further €2 million ring-fenced by Wexford County Council.

Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council both addressed the occasion. Minister Browne repeated sentiments of Cllr Farrell and Cllr McDonald who both “mentioned that preserving that heritage for future generations is so important and in a way that is accessible.”

Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council thanked the councillors and officials for persevering with the project and securing the funding and complimented them on great project for Gorey preserving heritage long into the future.

Anita McLoughlin, District Manager, acted as master of ceremonies.

The attendance included Deputies Brian Brennan and Malcolm Byrne, Cllrs Donal Kenny, Craig Doyle, Joe Sullivan, Darragh McDonald and Nicky Boland, Liz Hore, Director of Services.

Nevin Construction has commenced work on site, and the expected opening date is March 31^st, 2028!

Designed in line with the New European Bauhaus principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and beauty, the regenerated Market House will provide flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for exhibitions, performances, workshops, markets, community events, and cultural activities while carefully preserving the building’s rich architectural and historical heritage and ensuring this important heritage building continues to serve Gorey for generations to come.

**The scaffolding is going up and the Gorey Market House Regeneration Project has commenced.** (File; *WexfordLocal.com*)

HISTORY; Dating back to the foundations of Gorey in 1619, the Market House is the oldest building in the town and one of the oldest surviving market houses in Ireland. Over more than four centuries, it has served the community in multiple roles: as the original Tholsel or market house (from 1709), a prison during the 1798 Rebellion, a courthouse prior to 1837, a school, and most recently the Gorey Town Commissioners and Town Council until 2012 when the local authority headquarters moved to Gorey Civic Centre.

Team Ireland dominate in Gorey finish

**Crossing the line at stage two of Rás na mBan on The Avenue, Gorey, today.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at The Avenue, Gorey

Team Ireland dominated the second stage of Rás na mBan into Gorey this afternoon, with Aoife O’Brien crossing the line first with teammates Emma Jeffers and Emer Heverin following close behind in second and third.

22-year-old O’Brien’s victory also moves her to the top of the overall standings, having finished second on yesterday’s opening stage behind Team Denmark’s Alma Rasmussen, who lost several minutes after an eventful day in the magenta jersey.

Riders rolled out from Gorey this morning for an undulating 97-kilometre route featuring two categorised climbs before returning to The Avenue in Gorey town centre for the finish.

**AOIFE O’BRIEN from TEAM IRELAND** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

The Sliabh Buí climb provided a challenge along the way while magenta jersey Alma Rasmussen (Denmark) was one of several riders caught up in a crash.

Speaking after the stage, the Mullingar rider O’Brien praised the efforts of her teammates as they worked to set up the sprint finish on the return to Gorey.

“It was such a hard race,” she said. “All the girls worked so hard during the stage, so to pull off a win and also get the magenta jersey is really nice. We got one, two, three in the end, so it was a really nice day.

Aoife O’Brien now leads the overall standings ahead of Emma Jeffers at 10 seconds and Emer Heverin at 12 seconds, with French rider Océane Goergen (Vendée Féminine RVC) the nearest challenger to the Irish trio in fourth at 16 seconds.

There was one local rider in the race, Joanne Ní Mhathuna, a member of Gorey Cycling Club but riding for Tan Racing in this year’s event.

Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council Cllr Mary Farrell told WexfordLocal.com: “It is a great honour for Gorey to play host to this prestigious international women’s cycling event. Having both the start and finish stage in Gorey gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase our town and the very best of Wexford hospitality. I commend the Rás na mBan organisers and Wexford County Council for working together to bring world-class women’s sport to our roads, inspiring the next generation of female athletes.”

Cllr Farrell was involved in the prize-giving afterwards as was Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Cllr Darragh McDonald, Gorey Kilmuckridge District Council.

Perfect weather helped create a lively sporting atmosphere at the finish on The Avenue, where pupils from Bunscoil Loreto in Gorey cheered enthusiastically as the riders crossed the line.

Cllr Sheehan joins Independent Ireland

**CLLR MICHAEL SHEEHAN joins Independent Ireland Party.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

A former Fianna Fáil Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council has joined the Independent Ireland Party, increasing the fledgling party’s nationwide local government representation to 26 councillors.

Michael Sheehan served as a Fianna Fáil Councillor for New Ross from 1999 to 2024, before leaving the party prior to the 2024 General Election.

The New Ross man is to be appointed as Independent Ireland’s spokesperson on Finance and Enterprise.

Cllr Sheehan was one of four candidates for Fianna Fáil in Wexford in the 2020 General Election when he accrued 5.8% of first preferences, 4,366 votes.

In the most recent General Election, he received 1,623 first-preference votes, or 3.1% of the total, as an Independent candidate.

He criticised Fianna Fáil for fielding retired international soccer referee Michelle O’Neill alongside Housing Minister James Browne. Mr Browne was elected, while Ms O’Neill received 296 votes.

“My decision has not been taken lightly, but I believe now is the right time to join Independent Ireland. People are increasingly frustrated with politics and want representatives who will listen and, importantly, deliver,” said Cllr Sheehan.

Fianna Fáil has struggled in Wexford. A few months ago outgoing Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Joe Sullivan from Gorey Kilmuckridge District resigned from the party.